5. TFOC One (I'll Bridge That Cross When I Come To It)

Safe in the light that surrounds me

Free of the fear and the pain

My subconscious mind starts spinning through time

To rejoin the past once again

Nothing seems real; I'm starting to feel

Lost in the haze of a dream

And as I draw near, the scene becomes clear

Like watching my life on a screen

Hello, Angelica

So glad to see you my friend.

-- "Scene One: Regression" (with one change)

Dream Theater "Scenes from a Memory"

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Tuesday, July 16th, 2019, 6:18 PM.

TFOC - 5 Hours, 42 Minutes

Kim's eyes were still wide as her gaze shifted back and forth between Misty and the case before her. "M-Me?" she stammered. "You want me to initiate the Cross?"

"Kim," Misty smiled, "You know as well as any of us what a Cross is like. When first coming into the Flesher environment, you know the darkness…the uncertainty…and there's no one there to help other than the recipient, who is at that moment going through their own reaction to the event. Who better to soften those blows for someone emerging through the Conduit than someone who has been through it herself? Who better to be the first person Kimi sees when she comes through…than family?"

"But…but I'm a Celler myself…what about effects? What if I get pulled into the Conduit pathway when it opens?" Kim motioned a hand over her shoulder. "Shouldn't it be someone like William? He's initiated a Cross before--"

Misty stopped Kim with a hand on hers. "There's absolutely nothing to worry about," she said. "Thanks to the frequency of the crystal, the Conduit can only flow in one direction at any one time, for Cellers. Even if you walked toward the opening of the Conduit during a Celler-to-Flesher environment Cross, you couldn't enter it if you wanted to."

"What about the radiation? I mean, what if that has some effect on--"

"The radiation that comes through the Conduit only initializes and enhances third-dimension properties," Misty continued. "And it only applies that when the Celler is actually in the Conduit stream. From the outside? You're as safe as a Flesher recipient would be." Misty then patted Kim's hand softly in reassurance. "Everything's been checked out, Kim...even long before this came about…even when Angelica was still here. One of the things she said about the Fall of Cynicism was that the best thing that could happen…would be to have the Cross done by a Celler existent in the Flesher environment. Since then, a lot of research has been done by our teams into the Cross and how it might affect existent Cellers here…and they came to the conclusions that I just told you. Angelica would never have exposed any of her Celler friends to the least danger in bringing her dream to life…and neither will I."

Kim folded the pants over one arm and slowly turned her head, sliding a lock of hair from her forehead as she looked back at William, and he instantly read the shards of trepidation and silent supplication in her eyes. His response was a gentle hand on her upper back, a soothing smile - and a single slight nod of support.

Misty spoke in a soft voice as Kim turned back to her. "You won't be doing this for the Fleshers who will be there," she said. "They're there to learn more about Cellers, and view the Cross. And won't be doing this for me. The only people you're doing this for…are Kimi…you…William…Cellers--" a slightly longer pause and a gentle squeeze of Kim's hand "--and Angelica and the Dream."

Kim held her gaze on Misty for a few seconds. "So…I'd basically be doing this for everyone I ever cared about."

"I couldn't have put it better," said Misty.

A slow smile spread across Kim's face as she placed a hand on the open case. "Then I'm doing it for everyone I couldn't think of letting down…and that does include you."

Misty echoed the smile. She slowly closed the case and placed her own hand over Kim's. "Angelica always said you were such a jewel," she said. "Angelica was never wrong." The two women punctuated the moment with a quick chuckle of relief and a warm hug.

Misty looked past Kim's shoulder to flip a finger toward the remainder of William's sandwich. "Ham and Swiss on rye?" she asked as she and Kim parted.

"Close," replied William. "Pumpernickel."

Misty adopted her best "Puppy Dog Eyes" in a pleading expression. "…Might there be enough to make another? It's been Celler food all day for me."

William smiled, placing his sandwich onto a coaster on the coffee table, and began to rise from the couch. "Mayonnaise and mustard?" he offered.

"Definitely!" Misty perked.

"Done and done," said William.

He was stopped by a hand on his arm. "Make it two?" asked Kim. "I think my appetite might be coming back…and, I think I might need the extra energy for tonight."

"There's a good thing," said Misty. She then slipped the case for the crystal back into her satchel and flipped a finger toward the cordless phone sitting on the coffee table in front of the couch. "Another good thing would be letting me borrow your phone for a moment."

"Only if you promise not to call in any more ads to national newspapers," Kim scolded with a smirk as she reached for the phone, handing it to the brunette.

Misty burst into giggles. "Did you see 'em? That was the best way I could think of to get the word out for people to come view the Cross."

"I talked to Mark a while ago when I was looking for you," Kim said. "Judging by how wound-up he was, I'd say the ads worked. There must be hundreds and hundreds of people at the airport by now."

"That's just who I was going to call," said Misty, "to tell him you're going to initiate the Cross." She then dialed a number and brought the phone to her ear.

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6:36 PM.

TFOC - 5 Hours, 24 Minutes

Eastgate International Airport

:TFOC-MB, CE-Trans: came through the walkie-talkie.

Mark grabbed it from the clip on his belt and pressed the transmit button. "TFOC-MB, go CE."

:Bus Group Two is arriving for their second lap. Circling around to approach from the north:

Mark took a quick look at the road the buses were using to enter and exit the airport. He then looked at his watch. "We need a faster turnaround time, Craig. This isn't going to work unless we can get the buses moving faster. Have Hansen coordinate with the tower to see if there's another route into the staging area, preferably from the north. Have departing buses continue to use the south route…both lanes. And relay to staff at the venue to try to streamline unloading time."

:Roger that. I'm on it. CE out:

Mark had just placed his walkie-talkie back on its clip when the cell in his shirt pocket rang, which he retrieved and opened. "Broderson."

"Hi there, Tall, Dark and Blonde," came through the phone.

"Hey Misty," said Mark, taking a quick look at his watch. "I take it you're back in town…someone has been looking for you."

"Yes…and not any more," Misty said, "I'm at Kim's house, and that's why I'm calling. Kim has said she's willing to be the Recipient of Honor tonight."

"Good deal…I'm trying to speed things along here, so that everyone can be in place in time. We barely have 20 percent transported right now."

"Yeah…I have a feeling that everyone who made the trip would at least want to be there," said Misty. "Speaking of which…about how many is 'everyone' at this stage?"

Mark couldn't help but let out a chuckle through his exhale. "I was just thinking of bringing that up...remember before we left City Hall on Monday? Remember what you mentioned to me about a 'milestone' of sorts, if we reached it?"

"…Yeah?" Misty said, a note of trepidation creeping into her voice. "One-to-One?"

"Yeah," said Mark, "well…we've more or less reached that point in the last half-hour or so…and there are still people coming in…we're going to be screening and loading well past the cutoff time of 2000."

Misty let out a gasp as she heard this, her eyes and smile wide as she quickly patted Kim's knee. "You're-kidding! One-to-One? Really? That was actually just wishful thinking on my part! That's fantastic!"

"Yeah…it's a good thing I factored in your 'wishful thinking' when putting security and staff together, or we'd have had a real problem."

"Problem? With you around?" Misty smirked. "No such thing. Okay, I'll let you get back to your job, and I'll be calling down there before 11 for a ride out to you."

"Sounds good," said Mark. "We're hoping to have everything taken care of by then."

"Thanks for everything, Mark."

"See you later tonight," said Mark, adding quickly, "Oh, and listen. Tell Kim…that I'm sorry."

Misty raised an eyebrow. "…Sorry…for what?"

"Conversation we had earlier…I got kind of snippy when she started asking questions. I think she might have an idea about the Conduit venue though, based on what she's been hearing through the news and friends."

"Well…I'm not really sure that's an issue at this late point," Misty said, "but I'll pass the apology along. And thanks for the other info. See you tonight." She pressed the "talk" button on the phone and placed it on the coffee table.

While Misty had been on the phone, Kim had slid the box from her lap into her own and laid the white pants into it. "…Apology?" she asked.

"Mark said he got a little heated with you on the phone earlier," said Misty. "He wanted me to tell you he was sorry for that."

Kim became a bit sheepish. "Well," she said, "I did press kind of hard about where the Cross is going to be, and in the state I was in…I was kind of harsh myself."

Misty placed the lid back on the box and offered a hand on Kim's shoulder. "I think he understands that," she said.

William came from the kitchen with two paper plates, each containing a napkin and a sandwich similar to the one he had prepared for himself. Kim placed the large flat box on the table as William gave her a plate, which she passed to Misty, then gave her the other plate. "Drinks?" William asked.

"I made a pitcher of iced tea this morning," said Kim. "That sounds good."

Misty nodded. "It does sound good," she said, "with a touch of sugar."

"Two iced teas, coming up," said William as he returned to the kitchen.

Kim turned back to Misty. "What was that one thing you were talking about on the phone? 'One-to-One'?"

Misty looked evasive for a moment. "Oh," she said, "nothing for you to worry about. It's something I worked out with Mark about how many people might be at the Cross tonight."

"So," Kim asked, puzzled, "it's…a lot of people?"

"Like I said, it's nothing to worry about. Besides, even if one person who is not an intended Flesher recipient gets to view this Cross, it will be one more step toward the Dream."

"But when I talked to Mark earlier, he sounded awful busy. I think there will be more than one person there."

"Well, you're right there," Misty said as she lifted her sandwich from the plate on her lap, "but the exact number of people shouldn't even be important to you right now." With this, she raised the sandwich to her mouth and took a bite. Her expression immediately melted into one of culinary satisfaction, a long "mmmmm" escaping from her closed mouth as she chewed. "What's important right now is this! Wow!"

William caught the last of Misty's statement as he emerged from the kitchen with two glasses of tea, stepping to the opposite side of the coffee table to place one glass before each of the women. Kim looked first at Misty, then back to William with a smirk. "Even after just a couple of days in the Celler environment, the taste of Flesher food has an impact."

William answered with a smile. "Maybe this is a veiled request to come for your spaghetti some night," he said.

"I'm there!" chimed Misty, which brought laughter from Kim and William.

After their meal, Kim and William escorted Misty on a tour through their home, including Kim's office and the workout area in the basement. They concluded the tour in Kimi's bedroom.

7:48 PM.

TFOC - 4 Hours, 12 Minutes

Misty reached for the framed picture on Kimi's desk and studied it for a moment, noting the shirt Kimi was wearing in the picture. "'My Mom Gave Me My Green Belt'?" she chuckled.

"She's always cherished that shirt," Kim replied. "She has it stored in a box with a lot of other stuff she's collected throughout her karate training."

"She's barely 15," said Misty, still looking at the image of the young Kimi, "and I'm told she's just a couple of steps away from a black belt? She must have started out at a really young age."

"Not quite seven years old," Kim said. "I heard a scream in the basement one afternoon. I came down and she was just standing in the middle of the exercise room with her hands in fists…just standing there, screaming. I asked her if she was hurt or something. She was imitating me yelling when I do my 'Karates'. I got a hunch, and started teaching her the basics. She just took off from there…got her first three belts in the first year of her training…and she was learning at the teen level before she was even ten."

"And you taught her everything?"

"Just about, other than her work with some weapons. I'm a fourth-degree black belt, and a licensed instructor…but Ki is my only student."

"I would say that I feel sorry for whoever might tick either of you two off," said Misty, "…but I know who your last opponent was…and I just can't feel sorry there."

Kim looked slightly downward and to the side as Misty's statement sent shreds of her ordeal flashing through her mind.

Misty spotted a small clock on Kimi's desk. She turned to Kim. "Hey you," she said, putting a hand on Kim's shoulder, "let's go see how that outfit looks on you. We'll have some time to make minor adjustments if we have to."

Kim perked a bit out of her undesirable remembrance. "Sure," she said, extending a hand in the direction of the hallway.

The two entered the hallway with William following, closing the door as he exited the room. Misty went into the living room, retrieving the flat clothing box. "There's also a couple of minor things to let you know about for the Cross tonight," she said as she rejoined Kim in the hallway.

Kim's brow furrowed slightly. "Things?" she asked with a note of puzzled concern in her voice. "I've…been through a Cross or two, you know…"

"Not from the other side," Misty smirked. "It's going to be as much of an experience for you as it is for Flesher recipients. I just want to make sure you're as prepared as you can be…especially since you'll have an audience."

"You never did say how big that audience is," Kim said.

"No…but I did say not to worry about that," Misty replied. "The main thing on your mind will be focusing on the Cross to bring Kimi back here." She then hefted the clothing box. "Let's see how this fits."

William started for the kitchen. "I'll do up the dishes from the day while you're doing that," he said. "Let me know if you need anything."

The three then went to their respective destinations in the house.

As William ran the water to fill the sink, he began to think about the evening's coming event, and how it would close what certainly had to be labeled as the most tumultuous chapter in the life of Kim - or for that matter, the life of any other Celler that either had or would venture into the Flesher environment. He also thought about how that closing would also be thought of as an opening of acceptance, integration and communication between the two worlds. It will most certainly open a new dialogue between the two, he thought. The natural state of human nature is to fear that which they do not know or understand…but Cellers have been more or less with us for almost a century now. It's just that we never thought about the concept that they could actually be among us. That they could actually exist outside of the TV, just as any other actor on it, much less engage in the very same events and activities that we always have.

William slid a scrubber across a plate, slowly moving it through the warm water. I can't imagine this being anything but good for Kim, he thought. Now that it's been offered to her, I don't think she would be comfortable with anything less than a direct hand in welcoming Ki home. And not to mention having a direct hand in bringing a dream wished for not only by her dear friend Angelica, but most Cellers. What a fitting gift to open, after such a nightmarish experience.

His thoughts were interrupted by a soft voice behind him.

8:38 PM.

TFOC - 3 Hours, 22 Minutes

"William…?"

William turned at his name. He had always thought that Kim looked her most beautiful in white, even from the night they first professed their hearts to each other many years ago - but the sight which met his eyes this night only further strengthened his long-held opinion that the woman who had become his other half was indeed an angel.

Kim almost seemed to glow as she stood in the doorway to the kitchen - not only from the brilliant white of the outfit that Misty brought, but also from the radiance of the smile now on her face. Her hair was brushed to a satin sheen, accentuating the creamy smoothness of her face with an auburn frame. She had applied a light rouge to her cheeks and a subtle emerald shade of shadow to her eyelids, to compliment the richness of the emerald in her eyes. Her neck was adorned with the necklace from the first anniversary of their meeting, the cap from her crystal a stunning warm sapphire against her skin. A pair of silver low-rise open-toed shoes on her feet completed the outfit.

The diamond in Kim's engagement ring and the diamond stud earrings she wore seemed to feed from the incandescent luster of the fabric of her outfit, sparkling as she slowly raised her arms in a presentation gesture, the sleeves draping as they flared toward her wrists. "Looks good?" she offered.

The astonishment and wonderment William felt at the sight extended into his voice. "Good? You look like…the Angel of Eastgate," he said.

"Radiantly fabulous," added Misty. "The jewelry really sets it off. Kim tells me you had the cap from her crystal made into a pendant as a present for the anniversary of the night you met."

Kim reached to her neck to softly cradle the cap. "And it's more precious jewelry than any diamond," she smiled.

"There's a lot having to do with diamonds in your family," said Misty. "Kimi even uses it to describe something good."

"Yeah," Kim grinned further. "That and 'all about'. It's a very strong part of her everyday speech." She then chuckled. "You could say 'it's all about Ki-speak'."

"And that makes her a shining diamond in her own right," added William.

Misty motioned for William to move toward her. She placed an arm around the shoulders of both he and Kim. "A diamond forged of very special stock," she smiled. "And a diamond like no other…before or since." Misty then led them to the couch, seating Kim to the left of her husband and then sitting to the left of her. "William," she asked, "how much do you remember of Kim's Cross?"

It never took much prodding to bring the memory of the ritual from that dark December night flooding back to William. "I remember going through the things Angelica had written down," he started. "I put the mirror up as she had instructed…then I made sure there was no light in the room. I had to put the comforter from the bed over the window so no light could get in. Then I lit the candle, and opened the box, and put the crystal in front of the mirror, making sure I could see its reflection in the mirror."

Misty turned slightly to Kim. "That's important," she said. "Make sure you can see the crystal reflected in the mirror before you start the incantation." Kim nodded in response.

"I remember the crystal beginning to glow as I started reading the incantation."

"That was the incantation activating the crystal's frequency," Misty said. "It begins to open the Resonance Pathway…that's when things really start to happen."

"Boy, did they," said William. "I remember the rumbling--"

"You've felt that before," said Misty to Kim, "when Kimi activated the portal."

"Yeah…even though I was outside the building," Kim replied, remembering how the sensation coursed through her and the surrounding area.

"The opening of the Resonance Conduit is very powerful," Misty said, "and the Anamnesis Event in Cairo was even more powerful. Mark said he even felt the rumbling from two blocks away."

"By that point," said William, "the wind had started…the crystal was lit up like the Sun, and even the mirror became very bright. It lit up everything in the room…and it looked like it had turned into some form of liquid…like it was absorbing its own reflection."

"That's when the Resonance Pathway opens. The reflective substance in the mirror is the final addition to the process. You remember the wind really picking up at that point--"

"Yes."

"That's solar winds," Misty said. "And you remember the yellowish flecks in the mirror--"

"Yep."

Misty turned back to Kim. "You remember that. That's the point at which the Celler begins to transport from the Celler environment…remember the flecks…and the chill?"

Kim seemed to shudder in response of the cold memory, and moved slightly closer to William. "Yeah."

"The thing I most remember," William continued, "was as I was speaking the last line of the incantation. It was almost like the calm before a tornado. The mirror and the crystal went almost completely dark, and the wind stopped…until I finished the line."

"That's when you want to really brace yourself," Misty said to Kim. "That last-second lull before the transportation through the Conduit Pathway. That's when Kimi will enter the Conduit from her end."

"Does there really have to be any pause before the last word of the last line?" Kim asked. "What happens if I don't pause?"

"Nothing different, really," said Misty. "The crystal and mirror will go black as you're speaking the last line…it's sort of…clearing out the Conduit Pathway of energy before that last word. If you don't pause, the lull will just be…shorter."

William leaned forward a bit. "You know…that's something I've always wondered about…but I've never asked. But now that you're here…why did everything go black like that?"

"When you read the incantation," Misty explained, "everything that goes on up until that point is the Resonance Conduit opening. That little lull is the separation between the energy of the Conduit Pathway itself, and the energy burst that transports the Celler to this environment. That's why it's so much more forceful than the energy ahead of it…the second energy burst is carrying the mass of the Celler…or, in this case, Kimi, with third-dimension properties. The inertia of the added mass is what packs the punch--" she turned to Kim again "--and when you speak that last line, be prepared for the lull…and just…lean in when you say the last of the line. That's the full force of the Resonance Conduit."

"Aaall gooo towaarrrd the liiighht," William chanted with a smirk.

Misty broke into a quick chuckle. "Close…but the wrong way. 'The light' will be going toward you. And speaking of 'bracing,' you might want to be getting ready to give Kimi a little support after she emerges on this side."

"…Support?" asked Kim with a quizzical expression.

"This will be Kimi's first Cross from Celler to Flesher environments. She won't be used to the sudden return of mass," said Misty. "She won't have her 'sea legs' yet. She'll be a little shaky for a while." She then reached for her glass, taking a long drink of her tea, and turned in William's direction. "Anything you want to add, or anything I might have left out?"

William sat for a short moment. "Only thing I can think of is remembering to speak the incantation in a clear, forceful voice," he said.

"Good catch!" Misty perked. "Yep Kim, it's the syllables in the incantation that activate the crystal's frequency…so be sure to read the incantation in a clear voice when you speak it." She took Kim's hand into her own. "Even though it's more preparation than any Flesher recipient-to-be would get, I've gone as far as I can in readying you for tonight. Now…do you have any questions about any of this?"

Kim reached to the table for the remote, turning on the TV. "Only two questions really come to mind," she said. She raised a finger to point at the TV as another of her show's episodes came on:

:Ron…maybe this is the year you should follow that dream and take on the pie-eating contest:

:No way, KP…no fair food. Whoa:

"How much of this sudden, uhh, 're-interest' in my show is your doing?" Kim asked.

:Maybe you should hold off on the really intense rides…:

:Kim…I can handle it:

:I'm trying to be sensitive to Felix's condition…:

:What? Does he have a weak stomach, too:

:The chair:

:What of it? It probably gives him a motion sickness edge:

"Only partly my doing," Misty smiled. "It's part of the 'volume exposure' thing. I wanted to do everything I could to reach as wide an audience as possible."

"Only partly your doing? So there are other people involved?"

"Even after all this time since the show ended, you still have many friends at Disney…you know that. When I talked to them, they already knew what was going on, and they just jumped at the chance to help. They're just as anxious to see the Fall of Cynicism as anyone, and would do anything to help bring it to life. There are enough episodes of your show that they could show them for two days straight without a single repeat. They're going to play until midnight tonight, so as many people as possible could be…re-exposed to you."

"That leads into my second question," said Kim. "About how many is 'as many as possible'?"

A slight smirk crossed Misty's face. "Well, it stands to reason that 'as many as possible' should be the entire Flesher environment…but of course, there's no way there could be that many there tonight…"

Kim's brow lowered in response. "You've been dancing around this every time I've asked you…why? Just how many people are going to be there?"

"I'm not going to give you any kind of figure," Misty said, "because I don't want you to get distracted. But I will tell you this…and it's the last time I'm going to answer any questions about it--" her gaze now focused into Kim's eyes "--it's more than you're imagining…I know that because it's even more than I imagined. Anyway, doesn't matter. There are going to be TV crews there, filming as much of the Cross as they can."

"Television?" Kim blurted. "It's going to be on TV, too?" She caught herself. "They…do know what a Cross can do to cameras, right?"

"The hospital where we had Kimi taped the birth," William added. "Their cameras were fried when the Conduit energy opened up from Kim."

"They've been briefed…and they'll have second crews standing by to catch the rest after the Cross," said Misty. "Matter of fact, they're going to show it live on the Disney Channel, starting at about a quarter to midnight, if you want to record it."

William rose from the couch, moving to retrieve a blank video disc from the cabinet the recorder sat on, and slid it into a slot on the front of the device. "I'll set in some extra time," he said as he began pressing buttons on the keypad, "to catch what goes on after Kimi arrives."

A rather blank expression drifted over Kim's face. "Thousands of people are going to see this," she said softly.

Misty began to smile. "Now you're getting it," she said.

"But that still doesn't tell me how many people will be there in person," said Kim.

Misty's smile shifted into a slightly curt smirk. "Nowww you're getting it," she repeated.

Kim's face fell a bit. "I…think I'm almost sorry I ever asked about how many people are going to be there," she said with a dim tone to her voice. "It's like you're tormenting me about not knowing."

"Well," said Misty, "you'll have to trust me when I say that's not my intent…but even if it were, I think the torment of not knowing would be less than the torment of knowing it might be a bigger number than you're ready for, and having that distract you from focusing on doing the Cross."

"Umm, speaking of doing the Cross," Kim asked, "what time will we leave for there?"

"I need to call Mark a bit before 11," said Misty. "He'll send a vehicle to take us to the airport. We'll be taking a helicopter from there to where the Cross is to take place."

A tap on the shoulder and the name "Marcy" mouthed by William caused Kim first to turn to him, then quickly back to Misty. "I…kind of promised a friend that we'd be picking her up to take her to see the Cross…remember Marcy?"

"Marcy!" Misty perked. "Yes…she's neat. Of course we'll pick her up. Anyone with her?"

"I imagine the rest of her family will want to go," Kim said. "Her husband, and two children."

"I'll tell Mark…he'll send a big enough vehicle to accommodate us all…maybe even two vehicles." Misty then took Kim's hand. "We've got about an hour-and-a-half before we have to go…is there anything more I can say to help you get ready?"

Kim felt the warmth of William's hand softly closing around her other hand. She moved to sit straighter on the couch. "I think you've helped me quite a bit, with everything you've told me," she said, her gaze moving toward the TV screen. "I think the best thing now…is just to relax for a while…and prepare myself…inside."

Misty nodded slightly with a smile as the three settled a bit more onto the couch.

:I'm a cheerleader waiting by the phone for a guy with a mullet to call…something's wrong with this picture:

10:23 PM.

TFOC - 1 Hour, 37 Minutes

After a commercial, the screen opened to an older gentleman:

:Hi. I'm Roy Disney Jr. On behalf of the entire Disney Corporation, I'd like to say that we have all enjoyed the presentation of the 'Welcome Back Kim Possible' Marathon over the last two days, and we hope you have, too. For our final offering of the Marathon, we present a viewing of the Kim Possible Movie, 'So the Drama'…and stay tuned after the movie for a special event, the likes of which you have never seen before…an actual live peek at how Kim and all our other Celler friends come to us.:

Misty turned to Kim as the screen switched to the opening scenes of the movie. "That's my cue," she said. "Borrow your phone again?" Kim reached for the phone and handed it to Misty, who dialed a number and brought the phone to her ear. "Hi, this is me," she chimed. "We're ready to go here…about a half-hour? Okay…you coming with? I understand. Oh hey, Kim wants to pick up Marcy and family on the way, maybe you'll want to send a second vehicle? Okay…good deal. We'll see you soon." She pushed the "talk" button on the phone and turned to Kim. "Mark says he'll be sending two Hummers here in about a half-hour…we'll swing by and pick up Marcy, then meet him at the airport for a helicopter ride."

Kim now reached for the phone. "I'll tell Marcy to be ready," she said, dialing the number. "Marcy…hi. There will be somebody there in about a half-hour to pick you up…is everybody else coming with? No, that's fine. First to the airport, then a helicopter to where the Cross is going to be. No, I still don't know yet…but that's okay…I guess. Oh, by the way, the Cross is going to be televised on Disney, if you want to record it. It starts shortly before Midnight. Okay…see you soon. 'Bye." She pressed the "talk" button on the phone and placed it on the table.

Misty had reached into her satchel while Kim was on the phone, and turned to her. "Here," she said, "take this." She presented her open hand containing an orange-colored tablet to Kim.

Kim picked up the tablet between thumb and forefinger, giving it a quick lookover. "What's this?"

"Dramamine," said Misty. "It's for motion sickness, in case you might get urpy from the helicopter ride." Kim studied the tablet for another second, concerned about swallowing it, it being just smaller than a quarter. She made a motion toward her glass of iced tea on the coffee table, but was stopped by Misty shaking her head slightly. "Go ahead, it's chewable," she said.

Kim slowly moved the tablet to her tongue and slipped it into her mouth, her expression perking just a bit. "Orangy," she said. She finished the tablet, swallowing it, then turned first to William then Misty with a slightly wan smile. "Guess it's all over but the waiting," she said.

Misty placed a hand on Kim's. "Don't worry," she said. "You're going to do just fine…and just think…you're only about an hour-and-a-half from welcoming Kimi back. That should be enough to stop you from worrying about anything else."

Kim gave Misty another smile and a slow nod, then turned back to the TV. Then why doesn't it feel that way? she thought.

:Umm…that move? Won the Cheer Regionals:

:Oooo…better get some ice on that, Champ:

10:56 PM.

TFOC - 1 Hour, 4 Minutes

As the movie progressed, Kim remained largely silent, still mulling the approaching event in her mind. She had tried to occupy herself with an internal running commentary to events in the movie.

:…Ron:

:Umm, actually, Dr. P, I've got the, umm…hmmm…uhh, 'belly flips…:

Welcome to the club, Kim thought.

:Got my endoscope in the car:

got a Crossoscope in there, too?

:--Uuahh:

:I'm kidding! Why don't you stay:

:Well…:

:Later Ron:

:Jinx:

:Again? Man:

:COOTIE ALERT:

Ulcer Alert!

:He's always been prone to drama--:

The word "drama" was punctuated by the sounding of the doorbell, which caused Kim to jump a bit. Misty rose from the couch. "That's our ride," she said, motioning to the door. "Someone will have to give one of the drivers directions to Marcy's house."

Kim and William turned to one another, Kim giving a slight quick nod. "I can ride with one of them," said William, moving toward the front entry hall. "That'll be quicker and easier than trying to give a list of directions to someone who doesn't know the city."

"Good idea," said Misty. "It's better than having a strange man show up at Marcy's door." She then reached again for the phone, simultaneously turning to Kim, who was now standing. "How many children did you say Marcy had?"

"Two," Kim replied.

Misty nodded while dialing. "Hey there…we have a total of seven people we're bringing…enough room in the chopper? Cool. They're here. See you soon." Misty placed the phone back on the coffee table - turned to William, who was opening the door to a Sergeant - then back to Kim. "Shall we?"

Kim's expression held a mix of the trepidation at the request she was about to fulfill, which was slowly succumbing to an increasing trust in the Cross Agent's decision. A small smile crossed her face. "Let's go," she said.

Misty took her satchel from the coffee table, and the two women went to the front foyer. Kim set the lock on the inside door and closed it, then walked out into the sultry July evening heat to join William and Misty, who were with the Sergeant who had rang the doorbell. They were all standing next to two royal-blue Hummers that had pulled up. Another man was seated in the vehicle the Sergeant had exited from, and two more remained in the other Hummer. The Sergeant greeted Kim as she walked up. "Good evening," he said. "Captain Broderson has sent us to escort you to the airport."

A Sergeant from the rear vehicle had gotten out and opened a rear door. "I'll ride with you," Misty said to Kim. "William will direct the other car to pick up Marcy and family, and they'll meet us at the airport."

William had walked over to Kim, giving her a kiss and a quick hug. "See you in a bit," he said. He then turned to go back to the other Hummer, entering the door the Sergeant had held open.

The Sergeant closest to them now opened a door on the front vehicle, motioning the two women inside. Misty entered first, sliding across the seat, followed by Kim. He then closed the door and opened the front passenger-side door, sliding in as the driver started the engine. He picked up a microphone from the dash as the two Hummers began to back down the driveway. "TFOC-MB, Trans One."

A spark came through the radio's speaker, then a familiar deep voice backed by the noise of several engines. :Go, T-One:

"We're mobile at 2302, Sir. Ms. Hodge and Ms. Visione' are aboard. Mr. Hodge has gone with Trans Two to pick up other guests."

:Roger that. The VH just touched down and will be ready at your arrival. See you in about 15:

"Roger the VH. ETA 15. Trans One out." The Sergeant replaced the mic on a hook on the dash as both Hummers reached the end of the street, theirs turning left toward the highway as the one in front turned to the right.

Misty turned from the window to Kim. "Is Marcy looking forward to tonight?" she asked.

"Pretty excited about it, actually," replied Kim. "We told her about the Cross shortly after William and I were married. She's always held a fascination and interest about it…but she never thought she'd actually get to see one."

"Maybe I could talk her into lending you some of that enthusiasm," Misty smirked. "You should really be happier about this."

Marcy won't be the one standing before all those people, Kim thought. "Just…getting over the rest of the butterflies," she said softly. "I'm working on it."

----------

11:11 PM.

TFOC - 49 Minutes

4876 Hansen Avenue

Marcy's son, Trujillo, had been watching at the front bay window when the Hummer pulled into the Delgados' driveway. He immediately jumped to his feet, turning and calling, "Mama! Papa! ¡Ellos están aquí! ¡Señora Kim y Señor William están aquí!"

Marcy and her husband Lupe came from the kitchen and their daughter Valencia came from upstairs as the young man hurried to meet them in the middle of the living room. "Eet ees time to go to Kimi's Cross!" he said excitedly.

Valencia shot an exasperated glance at Trujillo as she reached the bottom of the stairs, and rolled her eyes, moving a hand to sweep her long black hair behind her left ear. "And to think I tell people you're my older brother," she said with a low disgust to her tone.

"Valencia," Marcy scolded softly, "Trujillo is excited about Kimi coming back…and excited about seeing the Cross."

"I know, Mom," Valencia replied, still with a bit of drippiness to her voice, "I am, too…but at least I'm not drooling my 'excitement' all over the carpet. Isn't he supposed to be, like, an adult now?"

Lupe joined his wife. "Si, Vale," he said, "Trujillo, he ees an adult, just as you will be soon. But the cartoons, they have always brought out the child in him." He then leaned slightly toward his daughter, speaking a bit softer. "--but eet ees the adult Trujillo who lets you borrow the music deescs you dance to any time you ask." He then punctuated this with the sly knowing smile of a parent. "I theenk the soon-to-be adult Valencia would forgive the child in Trujillo."

With the last of his statement, Lupe immediately dissolved Valencia's slight adolescent condescension. A smile slowly crossed her face as the doorbell rang. She looked first to her mother, then to her brother as Lupe moved to answer the door. "C'mon, Tru," she smirked, trying on the 'soon-to-be-adult' label her father had just applied. "Tonight, we'll both be children."

A smile spread over Trujillo's face as Lupe opened the door. "Señor William, eet ees good to see you."

"Hi there, Lupe," said William. "Is everyone ready?"

"Si, Señor William, we are ready," Lupe said, turning back to the living room and extending his arm with a smile. "¿Familia?"

The men exited the Hummer and had opened all four doors as William, Marcy and family left the house and approached the vehicle. One of them stood by the front passenger door. "Mr. Hodge, you should ride up front. The back will easily hold four people, but five will be a little close." With that, he slid into the front, moving to the middle of the seat.

"Where's Kim?" asked Marcy.

"She's in another vehicle with Misty," said William. "We'll all meet at the airport."

The other Sergeant had rounded the vehicle and showed Trujillo and Valencia into the back seat, closed the door and returned to the right side, escorting Marcy and Lupe in. He then crossed again and slid into the driver's seat, starting the Hummer. The Sergeant to the right reached for the mic on the dash clip and keyed it as the vehicle started down the street. "TFOC-MB, Trans Two."

:MB, go T-Two: came from the speaker.

"We have five aboard and are en route to your location," the Sergeant said as the driver stopped at an intersection.

:Copy that. Good deal: There was a short flit of static - then :Trans Two, Trans One. Pardon the interruption, TFOC-MB, but be advised that we are now entering the airport grounds. T-Two might want to step it up a bit:

"Roger the hurry-up," the Sergeant said. "We're going Code 3. ETA now seven minutes. Trans Two out." He placed the mic on the clip while turning to the driver. "You heard the man, Derrick," he said. "Hit it."

The driver flipped two switches on the left side of the dash, and a Visibar atop the truck burst into a bright display of flashing blue and white halogen lenses. A siren's shrill electronic scream joined the visual din, and the passengers were pressed against the backs of their seats as the Hummer burst from the intersection and raced into the night.

----------

11:21 PM.

TFOC - 39 Minutes

Eastgate Airport

Runway 2-5 Southwest

The Hummer met a long line of buses filing past as it moved along the two-lane road toward the runway. Kim's eyes were locked on each bus as they passed them, each window filled with faces curious about the flashing lights of the Hummer. "Every--" she stammered slowly "--every one of the buses are full…"

"Looks like this is the last of them, too," the Sergeant in the right front seat said, pointing down the line of buses to an opening. "The helicopter should be just to the left of that."

"L-last of them?" said Kim. "Y-you mean there were more? She twisted her head, scanning the line of buses. "There must be 20 buses in this line…that has to be at least a thousand people." She turned back to the Sergeant. "How many more are there?"

The Sergeant made note of the concern on Kim's face as he turned his head back to her, and a hint of sympathy crept into his response. "I've been told not to divulge that information," he said.

The Hummer now cleared the line of buses, revealing a small collection of headlights adorning the edge of the runway to the left, and the oscillating light atop a VH-60 transport helicopter sitting about 25 feet beyond the vehicles.

Kim now turned to her right. "You've asked me to trust you through all this, Misty." Her brow now slowly lowered. "Now you have to trust me when I say that ten people won't get me to budge an inch out of this car until you tell me how many people there are where the Cross is supposed to happen."

"Kim…" Misty sighed, "I've already told you that I don't want you to be distracted from concentrating on the Cross."

"I'll be more distracted if I don't have any way or time to prepare for a large audience," Kim shot back, "and now I'm all but out of time. I already know this is going to be shown on TV…so I already know that a lot of people are going to see it. I don't have to worry about that, because all those people won't be there. I want to be able to be ready for the people who are going to be there. That will be one less thing that might distract me."

The Hummer slowed to turn onto a short access road to the runway. Misty now steeled her gaze into Kim's eyes as she herself steeled inside. "Okay Kim," she said, her voice lowered into a tone of seriousness, slightly resigned to and angered at the woman before her for playing a mental trump card at this late stage. "You want to prepare for this…well, here it is. Remember the milestone I talked on the phone with Mark about? 'One-to-One'? That number stands for one Flesher for each Celler existent in the Flesher environment." As Misty expected, Kim's jaw dropped at the revelation. "That's right, Kim…there are currently more than 78,000 Cellers existent in the Flesher environment…and right now, there are about that many Fleshers waiting in person to view this Cross." Now Misty's own brow lowered, and her voice wavered slightly as she tried to mask her emotion. "Now you know what you've been trying to ask me all day, and what I've been trying to cushion you from so it wouldn't throw you off…happy?"

"S--" Kim tried to stammer out "--S-seventy-eight-th-thousand--?"

"You forced me to tell you," said Misty with a stern tone. "Don't you dare fold now, just because you know." She grasped Kim's hand, giving it a small single shake of emphasis. "Don't back away from your daughter's return. Don't back down from a chance at Angelica's Dream." Misty's grasp on Kim's hand remained, but the touch which had started as a plea of emphasis from Misty was now joined with an inner attempt at trying to feed and bolster the Celler's resolve.

The silent struggle of wills and emotion in the stare between the two women was short, perhaps less than ten seconds as the Hummer pulled to a stop next to the other vehicles, the helicopter's rotors now beginning to come to life. Kim was the one to break that stare. Her gaze flitted downward for a second - then back into the eyes of the Cross Agent. "…I won't," she said softly.

Misty's grip on Kim's hand changed, becoming more warm than forceful. Her expression softened a bit and her eyes began to mist slightly. "Thank you," she said.

"Thank you for telling me," Kim returned, "and…for trusting me enough to tell me."

One of the Sergeants motioned out the windshield, and both men exited the Hummer, each moving to and opening a rear door. Kim and Misty got out of the vehicle just as Mark walked up. "Good evening!" he beamed - then was caught short as Kim closed the door, revealing her outfit. "Kim…you look stunning."

Kim couldn't help but to blush and utter a slightly shy "Thank you."

"Hi!" perked Misty, walking around the back of the Hummer and moving to give the large Captain a hug, then looking out over the now-empty runway. "Looks like you got everyone out in good time."

"Yeah," said Mark, "and that might not have happened if we didn't make the adjustments we did at the last minute. Everything was running so smoothly after about 1900 that we decided to move the cutoff point to 2200. That allowed this last group you see just leaving to be able to go to the Cross." He then leaned toward Misty. "We're well past 'One-to-One'--"

"So it's close to 80,000 now?" Kim cut in.

Mark shot a quick look first to Kim, then back to Misty. "She knows?"

"She pried it out of me in the car on the way over," Marcy smirked and shrugged her shoulders slightly. "But she says she's okay with it."

Mark turned to Kim, who gave him a slow nod. "I'll deal," she said. She then gave a quick look around. "The other car isn't here yet? William went with them. They're picking up Marcy and her fam--"

She was interrupted by Mark raising his arm to point toward the airport tower, one wall of which was now being bathed in the frantic flash of approaching Visibar lights. "Not far behind you," he said. Kim turned to look as the second Hummer appeared from between two buildings and moved onto the road to the runway, its lights dancing and jumping through the line of departing buses as it passed them.

"Let's get to the chopper," said Mark, tapping a button on his watch to light up its face. "They'll be right behind us…and we're running close on time."

The field came alive with the Visibar's lights as the vehicle emerged from behind the buses and turned onto the short access road. Those lights went out as the Hummer pulled alongside the first. Mark reached the short rise of stairs at the side of the helicopter and guided the others into the cabin as the engines began to change in tune, the rotors beginning to pick up their pace. Kim was guided by an officer inside the craft to a seat in the second row, and Misty sat to her left, placing her satchel on her lap. Craig was already aboard, seated in the front. The officer then turned toward the door and exchanged a quick salute with Mark as he boarded and a Sergeant took his place at the foot of the stairs. "Flight plan's been cleared, Sir," he said. "We can be airborne as soon as everyone is aboard."

Mark took the seat to the left of Craig and glanced at his watch again. "Sounds good," he said. "We don't have much time to lose."

Misty and Kim's faces both lit up as Marcy appeared through the doorway, exchanging animated greetings. Marcy stopped short as Kim rose and reached for a hug. "Mi Dios, Kim," she said as she took in the outfit. "You just look radiant!"

"Just the right outfit to be the Recipient of Honor," said Misty.

Marcy's eyes shot wide at this. "Oh--you're doing the Cross, Kim? I thought it would be…I mean, with the Cross and Cellers and all--"

"That's what I was thinking…at first," said Kim, "but Misty says it's safe for me to do it."

"A night full of firsts," Misty added.

Marcy was followed by her husband, Lupe, and then Valencia and Trujillo, who each expressed their pleasure at seeing Kim, then surprise at learning of her role in the evening's event. Marcy took a seat directly behind Kim, with Lupe behind her. Valencia sat next to her father, and Trujillo took a seat in the rear row.

William then came through the doorway. He could swear he felt a slight hint of rising anxiousness, almost a masked, lurking desperation in the hug Kim gave him as he reached her. "I'm glad you're here," she said.

William softly caressed his wife's back as they embraced. "Well…it's not as if you didn't know I was coming."

Kim looked into his eyes as they parted, holding his hands. "I know," she sighed, "but…well…you know."

"I know," William smiled, and moved into the seat beside Marcy as Kim sat.

Marcy reached forward, touching Kim's shoulder. "Excited?"

Kim looked back slowly. "I'm quite a few things right now," she said, "…but I don't know how anyone couldn't be excited if they were in the position I'm in." Her mouth now formed a weak smile as her brow now furrowed slightly. "I…guess I know now what a Flesher recipient might feel like, just before initiating a Cross."

"Only you know a lot more than they would," William added. "A lot more than I did at this point, anyway."

"Buckle up, everyone," Mark said. "We're taking off." He then reached for a microphone attached to a console at the right of his seat and keyed it as the snick of several seat belts came from the seats behind him. "Venue Security, TFOC-MB."

The speaker sparked to life. :Venue Security, go MB:

"The last bus group is en route," said Mark as the pitch of the helicopter's engines began to pick up, along with the increasing sound of the rotor slicing through the night air. "They'll be at your location any minute, and so will we. Alert the pad crew that TFOC-Helo One is agile, mobile, and headed for the turnstile at 2328…ETA six minutes."

:Roger that, MB, pad crew ready:

Mark replaced the mic on the clip. "Let's go," he said forward to the pilot.

The butterflies in Kim's stomach began to rise as did the helicopter, giving everyone a slight tug as the craft rose from the runway, angling to the left and picking up forward speed as it passed over the last couple of buses on the exit route below. "Sure were a lot of buses," Valencia said. "If they're all full of people, that's going to be a big crowd at the Cross."

This was punctuated by a quick "Pffft" from Kim. "That's not even a tiny bit of the people."

"There's a lot more?" asked Marcy.

Kim turned back to Marcy. "Ever see a major football game on TV?" Marcy nodded for a second - then her eyes became as wide as saucers and her breath caught. "There's more than that," Kim finished, her gaze flashing over to William as he reacted in a similar fashion, and the rest of the Delgados echoed the astonishment.

"…Kim," Marcy stammered, "that--that could be upwards of 50,000 people…!"

"Try 80,000," replied Kim.

"Actually--" said Craig, reading from a folder "--the final count, including that last bus group is…81,722." A collective gasp swept through the other passengers at this. "Uhh, with the people in the chopper, that makes it 81,729…not counting Misty and Kim."

"I knew the ads would bring in a lot of people," Marcy said incredulously, "but…eighty-one thousand?"

"Even more than I thought would come," said Misty. "I think the marathon and the ads on the Disney Channel really helped. And, there was word-of-mouth, too. How many Cellers did you say were among the people, Mark?"

"I didn't get an exact count," Mark said, "but it's in the hundreds."

"And they'll be at the front of the crowd, like we talked about on Monday, should any have come?"

"Just as we talked about," said Mark.

Marcy still held a note of amazement to her voice. "Eighty-one thousand people…and you transported them all by bus to where the Cross will be?"

"Yep," Mark beamed, "and I don't think it could have gone more smoothly than it did. The crowd was orderly, and everyone got along…kind of amazing, given that many people in one place. It's as if the entire stadium at that football game Kim mentioned were all cheering for the same team."

"Good analogy," Misty chimed, "but it's not so amazing, being that everyone is here for the same thing."

Craig had leafed through the folder he was holding. He began reading from a paper, and the others took in the figures with rapt attention and astonishment. "Buses from the 111th, and other places in a 500-mile radius…300 buses in all. It took just under seven hours for the transport. 15 groups of 20 buses, each bus holding an average of 75 people…an average of 1500 people per bus group. The 300 buses made three round trips to the venue, with half of that picking up the remainder, part of which is what you guys saw on the way in. An average of 14 minutes to travel the eight miles to the venue--"

"--Which went very smoothly, by the way," Mark cut in, "thanks to cooperation from the mayor and local police…they really sped up the process of isolating the route, and restricting it to bus traffic only."

At the last of Mark's statement, Kim and Marcy's heads immediately shot to look at each other. "Blocked routes--" Marcy stammered.

Kim's eyes widened and her head whipped around to Mark. "It is at the Mall!" she blurted. "The Mall wasn't closed because of a chemical spill at all!"

"Wouldn't it have made more sense to have the Cross at the airport?" Marcy asked Mark. "I mean, you had all the people there already…"

"Two reasons," said Mark. "One, we were using up enough real estate at the airport as it was…setting aside another place big enough for the Cross would have effectively shut down the airport for the day, if not two or more days…that would have been impossible. It was far easier to isolate the Eastgate Mall. And Two, it might have been close to impossible to keep people separated between the arrival area and the Cross area. It would have been a nightmare for security, trying to keep screened people apart from pre-screened people." Mark's eyes then widened for a second. "Oh, that reminds me, Marcy," he said, "before we get out of the chopper, I'll have to ask that you and your family turn over any and all sources of light…cameras or cell phones, lighters, matches…other sources of ignition."

Marcy reached into her shirt pocket for her cell phone, passing it forward to Misty, who gave it to Mark.

"I don't have any of those things," said Valencia as she handed Lupe's cell to Marcy, "but why do we have to do this?"

"During the Cross, any light whatsoever from anything other than the Cross itself, would nullify it," Misty said, turning to get Lupe's cell from Marcy and handing it to Mark. "That's part of what took so much time with the people getting to the airport. Every one of them had to be screened."

"And during that screening," Mark added, "everyone was asked the same question…'Do you believe?' All of them answered in the affirmative…and most of them added, 'It's the reason I'm here'. Kim…I'm saying this for your benefit. There are a hell of a lot of people there tonight…but I want you to know that, from what I've seen, they're all on your side…they're all behind you and they believe."

Misty had a warm expression on her face as she turned to Kim. "I don't know how you could ask for more backing than that."

The radio on the pilot's console came to life. :TFOC-Helo One, this is Eastgate Mall South helo pad. We have you on visual, coming in from the north-northwest:

The pilot keyed the mic. "Roger that, helo pad…approaching Eastgate Mall, bearing one-five-zero at 1500 feet, and we have your beacon in sight. ETA 30 seconds:

Valencia suddenly blurted, her hand pressed against the window to her left. "Oh my GOD, look at THAT!"

Trujillo craned from his seat on the left to lean to the window. Marcy and Kim's heads shot to the windows next to them, and Kim's next breath came in a halting, drawn-out gasp.

Before and beneath them was the sprawling four-story nest of buildings of the Eastgate Mall - and while closed, was awash with lights from the various storefronts and logos on the walls. Spotlights from several steel framework towers around the parking lot were sweeping in continuous wide arcs, illuminating the rest of the area with their beams.

What the beams gave light to was what captured Kim's breath--

The entire northern half of the Eastgate Mall's 27-acre parking lot was now gone - obscured by a seemingly endless mass of humanity.

"Mi Dios…mira todo esas personas…" Lupe drew out.

"Yeah…what he said," Marcy stammered.

Misty placed a hand on Kim's forearm, leaning near her shoulder. "And just like Mark said…every one of those people is on your side."

Mark took a look at his watch, then turned to Craig. "That last bus group will have less than 20 minutes to unload and get in place…get on the horn to Venue Security when we touch down to unload them as quickly as possible. I don't know how we could have cut this much closer."

The helicopter now banked a bit to the left as it passed over the Mall, then back to the right in a long arc, swinging a full 270 degrees and flaring to approach the large red "X" of the helo pad from the west.

Kim turned from the window to Misty with a slightly uneasy smile. "I'm glad you thought to bring that Dramamine," she said.

"I tried to think of everything," Misty replied, reaching forward to pat the large Captain's shoulder. "And with help, I think we have aaall the bases covered."

Kim started to respond to this, but was jolted from the thought by the contact of the tires of the VH-60 against the concrete of the helo pad, the suspension tightening under the weight.

11:35 PM

TFOC - 25 Minutes

Kim's next jolt came from Mark's voice. "Skip the wind down, Jerry. We don't have the time." The pilot began working a control on the dash, and the entire helicopter shuddered from the braking of the large rotor blades grinding to a halt. Mark then stood and looked at his watch, then to the passengers as Craig was undoing his seat belt and Misty reached into her satchel, removing the small case from it and placing the satchel on her seat as she stood. "Okay, this has to happen quickly. Kim and William, you go with Misty. Marcy and family will go with the pad attendants, who will take you down to in front of the stage."

The next few seconds seemed like a seamless, well-rehearsed ritual. Two Sergeants approached the helicopter from outside as a third unlocked the hatch from the inside and pulled a lever to lower the short stairway. Craig stood and pulled a walkie-talkie from his belt, moving through the doorway as Mark stood to the side. He smiled as Misty approached the doorway, her hand clutched around the small leather-bound case. "I just love it when a plan comes together," he smiled.

Misty stopped for a second, patting Mark's upper arm. "It's a good thing you don't get tired of being right," she quipped, causing Mark to burst into laughter.

William held out a hand, which was joined by his wife's as they moved toward the door behind Misty. Marcy and the others undid their belts and stood, Valencia reaching in a stretch.

Kim followed Misty down the small stairway into the heat of the July evening, sweeping her hair from her forehead. William's hand was still in hers as he came down the stairs after her. They both cocked their head at a peculiar low ambient noise.

Misty motioned across the roof of the Mall, in the direction of the sound. "Those are your fans," she grinned. She then wet the tip of her finger and raised it into the air. "No wind," she said, looking upward into the crystal clear moonless night sky. "A perfect night for a Cross."

Marcy was next out of the helicopter. She walked over to Kim and William, placing an arm around each of them. "I…don't think I really have to tell either of you how excited I am about this night," she started. "But this night really shouldn't surprise me, after all these years. For as long as I've known you, Kim…from the very first day I met you at your wedding, and ever since then…you've brought surprises into my life…surprises that no one else could. You didn't hesitate to open up your world to me, even when you hardly knew me…and now…you're opening a bit of your world to everyone else. You're willing to do this not only to bring Kimi back…but to bring your friend's dream to the world." She then looked deep into Kim's eyes. "I don't think I'll ever be able to put into words how much you mean to me…to all of us." With that, she reached to gather Kim into a warm embrace. "Celler or Flesher, you're one of the most amazing people I've ever met."

Kim returned the hug from her friend. "I don't think I'd be exactly who I am after all these years," she said, "if it wasn't for you and people like you." They parted with a tap on the shoulder from William. Kim gave Marcy a long, meaningful look as two attendants approached. "See you on the other side," she smiled.

"I know everyone else is here to see the Cross," Marcy returned, "…but I'll be happiest to see the three of you together again."

"Ms. Delgado?" a Sergeant said, motioning in the direction of a door leading from the helo pad. "We…should be getting you and your family in place."

Marcy turned to share another quick hug with Kim, then walked to join Lupe, Valencia and Trujillo, who were moving with the Sergeant toward the door. Trujillo turned back and shoved his fist into the air. "¡Viva el Kim Posible!"

Valencia rolled her eyes at this and turned to Marcy. "Careful, Mom," she said. "Don't slip on the drool."

Misty, Kim and William traded strange looks and chuckles at hearing Valencia's remark. "Shouldn't we be following them?" Kim asked.

"Nope," said Misty, pointing in the direction of a second set of doors. "We'll be going down through the Mall. The Cross will take place at the North entrance."

"Outside the open-air atrium at the food court?"

"That's the place," Misty said, motioning again toward the doors. The three of them started in that direction, followed by Mark, and Craig, who was now carrying a small case given to him by one of the staff at the pad.

"The landing at the north entrance is about four feet above the parking lot," Mark said.

"Yep…and the lot slopes up away from the Mall," added Misty. "There won't be any bad places to view the Cross. It's like a perfect outdoor auditorium…complete with a stage."

"We got a…tip yesterday that the Cross will involve 'the largest mirrors in Eastgate'," said William. "When did you have those brought in?"

Misty turned to William with a knowing grin. "Oh, they were already there," she said.

Kim's jaw dropped and her eyes shot wide at Misty's statement. William thought for a second. "I don't know of any furniture stores in the Mall," he said, "much less any place in here that would have large mirrors--"

"Doesn't need to be," Kim interrupted. "The food court has a four-story open atrium to the rest of the Mall." William turned to his wife as she finished. "The windows on the outside of the atrium are all darkened mirrored glass."

"Two panes, sandwiching a reflective silver element," said Mark.

"Four stories tall and 150 feet wide," Misty smiled. "Largest mirrors in Eastgate."

The group reached the double doors, Mark and Craig opening them for the rest. They entered a reception room with an elevator at the far end of a long counter. Craig and Mark then entered the room. Craig stepped to the counter and placed the small case he had onto it, opening it. He brought out two small clips, handing one to Mark. Craig then motioned Kim to him. As she walked up, he placed the clip on the edge of the collar of her blouse, just above her collarbone. "It's a microphone," he said, making sure it was fastened securely.

"It's so everyone will be able to hear you when you read the incantation," Misty said as Mark attached the other clip to the collar of her shirt. "It'll also be picked up by the television crews on their feed."

"How come you have one, too?" asked Kim.

"I'm going out a few minutes before you do the Cross," Misty said as Craig handed her another small clip, which she attached to the shell of her ear. "I'm going to talk to the crowd…kind of prepare them for what they'll be about to experience, and how they need to act for the Cross to take place."

"We'll stay up here while she does that," said Craig. "Mark will escort her down to the first floor and out the North entrance. We'll be able to hear her through the overhead speakers in this room."

"How will I know when to come out?" Kim asked.

"Misty will signal me during her speech," said Mark. "I'll radio Craig up here to bring you and William down." Kim nodded in response. "The mirrors that have been picked out for the actual Cross are about 25 feet to the left of the entrance, as you walk out," Mark added. "There are marks set up on the floor of the landing next to the window where you'll place the crystal…then to where you'll walk back from the window, about 20 feet, to say the incantation."

"This is going to be sooo cool!" Misty burst, clapping her hands together. "Imagine, 81,000 people…and no one making a single sound…then…every light will be shut off for the Cross. The only light from that point until after Kimi is back, will be from the crystal and the window itself."

"Traffic is being closed down in the city as we speak," said Mark, as Misty smiled at him. "Even airspace around the city is closed off. Our helicopter was the last air traffic allowed before the Cross for a 100-mile radius…for those few minutes, Eastgate is going to be the most restricted city in the country, security-wise."

"Aaall the bases covered," Misty grinned.

Mark glanced at his watch and turned to Misty. "And if you want to take your base on time, we'd better be getting down there," he said, motioning to the elevator, then turning his head back to Craig. "Keep a channel open," he said. "You'll be getting a call in a few minutes."

"Got it," Craig replied, checking a switch on his walkie-talkie.

Mark then turned to Kim for a moment with a warm expression. "I'd wish you good luck," he said, "but I know you won't be needing it. You've got too many people wishing you well enough. What you're about to do tonight will not only be bringing a friend's dream to life…you'll be closing the door on what I can safely say could be called one of the darkest, scariest chapters in any family's book…and tonight, you'll be taking the last step in bringing your family back together. You don't need luck to do that, Kim. You already have everything you need for it to happen--" Mark then motioned his hand first to William, then to Misty "--you have love…love of family, love from family, and from others who believe in you…and that's stronger than any luck in the world."

Kim's eyes glassed over slightly as she gained a new respect for the large man before her. She had no action but to slowly close her arms around him. "Thank you, Mark," she said, "but…a night like tonight wouldn't even have been possible for any of us without someone like you…and the steps you were willing to take."

"And someone like your daughter," Mark said, looking into Kim's eyes for a short moment. "I'm really looking forward to seeing Ki again."

Kim said nothing to this, but smiled and nodded at Mark, silently echoing his last statement. They parted as Misty approached Kim with the small leather-bound case. "Bring just the crystal and the scroll with you to the landing," she said. "You won't need the case. I'll announce you when it's time. Just walk onto the landing, and to your left. You'll see your marks for the crystal and where to stand for the incantation…and remember to recite the incantation in a clear voice." She then handed Kim the case, and the two women paused for a second as they both held it, Misty's eyes meeting hers. "I'm so proud of you, Kim," she said, "and, I'm sure Angelica is, too." The two then closed for a quick embrace, then Misty backed away a step. "See you in a few," she said, turning for the elevator as Mark held it open, "I'll be getting everyone else ready."

11:47 PM.

TFOC - 13 Minutes

Craig sat on a tall chair next to the counter as the doors of the elevator closed. "We have a few minutes," he said, motioning to a small orange cloth couch against the wall. "You can sit if you want to."

Kim and William moved together to sit on the small couch, holding hands. "Nervous?" William asked softly. "I can feel your pulse."

Kim's eyes fluttered for a quick second as her gaze met her husband's. "It's a mix," she replied. "I'm nervous about doing the Cross…nervous about all the people…but at the same time, I'm excited about how they'll react…and really excited about seeing Ki again."

William's hand closed a little more warmly around that of his wife. "I'll second that emotion," he said, leaning for a light kiss.

"Honey?" asked Kim.

"Hm?"

"I was thinking…remember as the attendants were taking Marcy and everyone down to the stage…remember when Trujillo shouted out, and what Valencia said?"

"Something about drool," William said. "I think she might have thought her brother was showing a little bit of immaturity."

"Well," Kim pshawed, "She is barely fifteen, and he's going on 27, but…not what I was getting at."

"Oh."

"What I was thinking…do you think Ki would treat a brother or sister like that…if she had one?"

William gave it a second's thought. "No…I don't think so. Ki has always had a high moral fiber--" he punctuated this with a soft caress of Kim's shoulder "--which she got mostly from her mother. Ki might get in the playful jab now and then…but I don't think she'd be…disrespectful of a sibling…especially since they would be cut from pretty much the same cloth she was."

Kim settled slowly against William's chest at this, her face spreading into a warming smile. "That's kind of what I was thinking too, Mr. Hodge."

William placed the tip of a finger to Kim's chin, tipping her face upward. "Has Ki ever said anything about wanting a little brother or sister?"

Kim scrunched her mouth for a second. "No," she said softly, settling back into her husband's arms. "I think Ki understands the unique nature of her origin…and that it could probably never happen again. Valencia's comment just made me wonder for a sec…that's all."

Even though every other indicator of the moment warned him against it, William's sense of humor drew the slightest hint of a devilish smirk onto his face. "So…are you saying you've thought about a little brother or sister for Ki?"

"You know I just love children," Kim said. "And you know I've thought about it. We both have. But we both also know that it was by some miracle that Ki came into our lives."

William allowed a beat or two of silence before "There's always adoption…"

Kim looked up again. "Wiilliaammm," she drew out pleadingly. "So not the time…"

"It could be good," William teased, playing his fingers through the hair spilling down Kim's back. "Just think…the first Flesher child adopted by a Flesher-Celler couple…the first Flesher to have a sibling with a Celler bloodline…the firs--"

William was stopped by Kim's finger on his lips. "Isn't tonight enough 'firsts' to last us quite a while?" she said, her brow lowered in exasperation. "We've talked about this before…if you want to talk about it some more--" she accentuated the last with a caress along her husband's jawline and a soft smile "--can we make it another time…please?"

William smiled wide. "I was only teasing a little," he said. "I know how you love children…I thought this would ease your tension just a bit."

Kim pouted slightly. "You're using your experience of already having initiated a Cross. You've been through this before."

"Yes…and you see how I came out."

Kim's expression changed to one of mock horror. "Y--you mean…I'm going to lose my backgammon skills like you did?"

William countered with his own look of spoofed shock. "And here I thought you were actually nervous about tonight," he said, needling his wife in the ribs, which sent her into a fit of giggles.

Kim's laughter was broken by a muffled "pop" from a speaker in the ceiling between the couch and the counter, causing all three to look up to it. Craig motioned a finger in the direction of the speaker. "They just activated the sound system," he said. "We'll probably hear Misty in a few seconds."

Though her eyes didn't leave the speaker, Kim's hand found William's, and clutched it as the next sound they heard from the device in the ceiling was not immediately Misty - but more like the pressing, continual, ambient sound heard at the beginning of a concert or football game--

--a football game in which the entire stadium was rooting for the same team.

William felt Kim's grip tighten as that sound suddenly swelled in intensity.

----------

The area of the Eastgate Mall that was set up as a stage for the Fall of Cynicism, while open and massive, held the atmosphere of a weekend get-together at a neighborhood back yard, with the elevated concrete landing outside the Food Court serving as the perfect back porch. A porch where the neighborhood anecdotist might sit and relate a tale of wonder and adventure for the children of the families that had gathered for an evening of warmth and camaraderie. The windows that formed the north wall of the Food Court rose dark and monolithic from the landing, canted outward at a 10-degree slant, and framed by the stone structure of the Mall's outer architecture. They remained dark save for the frequent sweep of spotlight beams which exposed the glint of the silver within the expansive panes as they passed.

A wide stairway from the parking lot leading up the four feet to the raised landing was blocked by a series of public works barricades, chained to the iron banister. A line of longer barricades stood about 20 feet back from the black-iron frame railing atop the landing, bolted to the concrete of the parking lot, setting up a "buffer zone" of sorts. Even though the demeanor of the crowd was amiable and friendly, security measures were not omitted. A large contingent of soldiers occupied the buffer zone, stationed at intervals along the barricades, armed with a full compliment of non-lethal "crowd control" devices - bean-bag shotguns, tranquilizer dart pistols, tasers, and hand-thrown cartridges filled with a fast-acting tranquilizer gas.

Even with the pleasant atmosphere, the planners of this "neighborhood get-together" could not assume the volume of their guests could be easily controlled, should panic occur, without at least some controlled force, given the unprecedented nature of the upcoming event on this evening.

An evening of warmth and camaraderie for a neighborhood of nearly 82,000.

11:49 PM.

TFOC - 11 Minutes

Eastgate Mall - North Landing, Outside of the Food Court

"Hi!"

Misty's plan to brace herself for the size of the crowd was to just barge through the double glass doors leading to the landing and blurt out an enthusiastic greeting, holding her arms high as a spotlight trained on her. What she got back was "Hi!" - just as enthusiastic - but compounded on a ratio of 82,726:1, mixed with and bolstered by loud cheers.

Misty's reaction, after a split second of surprise, was a quick burst of laughter through a "Wow!" and an ear-to-ear grin. She threw up her hands to the crowd. "Welcome to Eastgate, Pennsylvania!" she shouted, met again with a wholesome cheer. Misty then put her hands forward to quiet the vast assemblage, then lowered them, clasping her hands in front of her. "I want to thank every one of you people who came out here tonight…and all the people watching in their homes on TV. I'd like to start by introducing myself. My name is Misty…Misty Visione--"

She was interrupted by a sudden eruption of cheers from the front of the crowd slightly to her right. She turned to the sound as that portion of the crowd broke into a chant, "Mis-ty! Mis-ty! Mis-ty!" Her reaction was to bring up her clasped hands in their direction, then place one hand over her mouth and fling it out as she blew them a kiss.

Misty then swept a hand back to the rest of the crowd. "Sure are a lot of you here tonight. Are you all in town for the same convention?" she smirked, answered again by a swell of cheers and laughter she swore she could feel in her chest.

Misty put up a hand again. "I know why you're all here," she said in a calm, almost impish tone. "You're here because every one of you shares a common interest…and even though the motives which drove that interest to guide each of you here on this night differ a bit here and there, you still hold a common interest. You're all here because of--" she held up a single finger to emphasize the last word "--Cellers." The crowd responded by again erupting into a hearty roar.

"Every one of you wishes to know more about Cellers," Misty continued after the crowd quieted. "Most of you here tonight were part of the people who had either already met a Celler…or know someone who has. There are others of you who, before coming to Eastgate in response to the ads placed in papers across the country yesterday or to the ads played on the Disney Channel starting at Midnight on Sunday, had heard about Cellers, but had never met one. But I'm pretty sure that, after spending the day as part of one of the largest temporary camps in the country…nearly all of you have now met a Celler." As she said this, Misty swept her hand in the direction of the portion of the crowd that had been chanting her name a moment before--

A group of nearly 400 Cellers who had made the pilgrimage with their Flesher recipients.

A television camera that had been set up to the right of the double doors now panned over the throng of Cellers at the front of the crowd, as a spotlight mounted at the roof above the landing shone down on them. The rest of the crowd reacted by erupting into cheers.

Misty continued after the cheer. "It doesn't matter if you're six, 16, or 60…the common interest that binds you all together sprang from a single thought each one of you has had at one point or another in your life. It could have been some Saturday morning, while watching Jonny Quest or Danny Phantom…it could have been some afternoon after school, watching Scooby-Doo and the gang searching out the ghost in the abandoned carnival. At one point while watching these characters run around on your TV, a single thought hit each and every one of you--" Misty paused for a few seconds, giving time for the recollection to sweep through her audience "--'what if cartoon characters were real'?"

Misty then began to walk slowly across the landing, addressing a wider portion of the crowd, spotlights and cameras following her. "You thought, 'what if I really could meet Jonny Quest, or Judy Jetson, or Kim Possible? What would a cartoon character be like if he or she were sitting right here in front of me'?" She waved her hand in the air in front of her face, as if she were clearing away smoke or fog. "Then your mind stepped in and told you, 'Naaahh, that's just silly. Cartoon characters are just drawn with ink and paint…they're not real.' Your mind told you that…because that's what your mind had been told…for years and years and years."

Misty then walked back toward the center of the landing. "A hundred years ago," she said, "there was no TV…but some people still had that same kind of thought…the 'what if?' thought. It didn't have to do with a television--" she then looked upward, raising her hand, pointing into the clear night sky "--it had to do with…the moon. People would look up at that moon and think, 'What if I could walk on the moon? What would it be like'?" Misty waved her hand again. "Then their mind stepped in and told them, 'Naaahh, that's just silly. The moon is waaay out there in space. Space travel isn't real.' Their mind told them that…because that's what their mind had been told…for years and years and years."

As she talked, Misty had slowly worked her way to the edge of the landing. She placed her hands on the iron railing, almost as if it were a symbolic gesture to be closer to the mass of people she was addressing. "For a portion of those people a hundred years ago, their thoughts about going to the moon…their wishes for space travel became so strong…so intense…their thoughts turned into a belief. A belief that went against what their minds had been told for years…that man could go to the moon. And what happened because of their belief? About 50 years ago…man went to the moon, and walked on it…because they believed. And now? There is a permanent laboratory on the moon!" Another cheer from the crowd.

"And for a portion of you people here tonight," Misty continued, "your thoughts about meeting cartoon characters, which are actually known by the term 'Cellers'…your wishes about Cellers actually being 'real' became so strong…so intense…your thoughts turned into a belief." With this, several of the crowd members began to make noise in agreement, and it grew as Misty went on. "A belief that went against what your minds had been told for years…that you actually could meet a Celler face-to-face…talk with them…hug them…spend time with them." Misty's voice rose with the growing noise of the crowd. "And what happened because of your belief? A little over 30 years ago…a Celler came to one of us…we're known by the term 'Fleshers'…a little over 30 years ago, a Celler actually came to a Flesher face-to-face, and talked with them, and spent time with them--" Misty then threw her arms toward the crowd "--because that Flesher believed! They believed that Cellers were actually real…not just drawings and ink and paint, like they had been told for years, but people, just like them. And now?" Misty finished, sweeping her arms out wide to the crowd and throwing her head back. "Now, Cellers are here!"

The crowd broke into a thundering cheer at this. Misty curled away from the railing, moving back to the center of the landing. The camera on the landing panned to once again sweep over the throng of Cellers at the front of the crowd as the cheering continued.

Misty turned to the crowd and put up a hand to quiet them again. "Over the last 30 years, these Fleshers who believed that Cellers actually existed, were rewarded for the depth of their belief with a wonderful gift…and that gift was presented to them through a process we call 'the Cross.' The Cross is the vehicle by which a Celler is transported from their environment…into this one." Misty now slowly swept her hand in a wide arc. "There are a lot of people here tonight who have experienced a Cross which brought a Celler into their lives…and to this day…every single one of those people have said…that the Cross was the most intense…the most exciting…the most wonderful event in their life."

Misty then began to walk toward the railing again. "Over the last 30 years, there have been relatively few Fleshers who believed in the existence of Cellers enough to be rewarded with the gift of a Cross. And each of those Fleshers believed that this gift was so wondrous, so astonishing…that it should be shared, with their family…with their friends. They shared their new Celler friend with those closest to them."

A few people in the crowd began to squeal in anticipatory delight as they realized where Misty's words were heading. Misty paused and leaned forward, her hands on the railing, a smile growing on her face. "…and that's why you were all invited here tonight," she said as the squeals began to spread among the crowd. "Tonight, there are many, many more people who now believe in this gift…and so, tonight, those of us who have always believed will share this gift…with the world. Tonight, because you now believe…everyone here…you will all experience the gift." Misty stood straight, throwing her hands in the air. "Tonight, you will all experience A CROSS!"

As the roar of the crowd pealed through the air, Misty turned her head over her shoulder to the right and nodded once as she brought a hand to her face and caught a tear of joy from her cheek.

Mark, who had been standing next to the double doors, returned that smile as he turned to walk back through the doors, reaching to his belt for his walkie-talkie and holding it to his face, pressing the transmit button.

----------

11:55 PM.

Helo Pad Reception Room

TFOC - 5 Minutes

During the time that Misty had been speaking to the crowd, the three in the reception room had been silently listening, taking in the strength of the Cross Agent's presentation. Kim and William remained on the couch in each other's arms as Misty's voice and that of the crowd had flowed from the small speakers in the ceiling. William was alternating between drifting his fingertips along Kim's temple and softly stroking her back. Kim had taken her husband's other hand into hers, both resting on the case which held the crystal and scroll. She was slowly tracing a fingertip of her other hand over his skin, almost as if studying the sensation. Her gaze occasionally drifted to the clock on the wall as Misty continued talking to the audience.

William felt his wife jump slightly as the walkie-talkie on the counter next to Craig sparked to life with Mark's deep voice. :Craig…time to come on down:

There were two pairs of eyes on Craig as he reached for the device. "We're on the way," he said.

:Roger that…I'm just inside the doors. See you in a couple: The walkie-talkie then went silent.

Craig placed the device on his belt and stood from the chair. "We're ready, Kim," he said, smiling.

William had already stood, and was offering a hand downward toward Kim.

Kim looked up to her husband. At that moment, his breath caught.

The trepidation and apprehension of the last two days had been drained from Kim's face and replaced with the expression that comes with confidence of purpose, encouraged through the words of Misty's speech on the landing.

Kim reached for William's hand and stood. As she reached her feet, she looked into his eyes - and his heart nearly skipped a beat. Even though he had never seen it, and had only had it explained to him once, years ago, William instantly recognized the gleam which now shimmered in Kim's eyes--

The gleam of Angelica's Dream shone in Kim's eyes. The shimmer that was chosen to spark The Fall of Cynicism.

A warm smile spread over Kim's face as her hand closed around William's, and her other hand clutched the small leather-bound case close to her chest. "Yes…we are ready," she said.

The noise of the crowd's cheers was still coming from the ceiling speaker as Craig held the elevator doors open. "I have a question," William said as he followed Kim into the car. "The Cross needs complete silence to work. How are you going to keep 82,000 people from making a single sound while Kim is reading the incantation? I mean, someone could sneeze, or cough…"

Kim gave William's hand a gentle squeeze as the doors slid across the opening and they felt the gentle tug of the elevator's descent. "Faith, mostly," she smiled.

"That, and noise-canceling technology," said Craig. "Mark had a series of noise suppressors put around the perimeter of the landing. There are a lot of loudspeakers in the parking lot tonight, installed on the light towers so everyone could be able to hear. Misty brought up the possibility of echo or feedback from those speakers disrupting the flow of the incantation. The suppressors are designed to cancel out the echo, so they'll certainly cancel out something like a sneeze or cough."

The elevator stopped, and the doors slid open to reveal a short hallway leading to the first floor of the Mall. Across the huge expanse lined with storefronts and various displays was the large open atrium and the Food Court, and beyond that, the massive array of dark tinted windows, now seeming to be back-lit by the spotlights trained on the landing. Even though the feed from Misty's microphone was being carried through the address system inside the Mall, her voice came through even clearer from the loudspeakers outside as the three began their trek through the empty main floor.

----------

11:56 PM.

TFOC - 4 Minutes

The crowd trailed off to a steady buzz of excitement as Misty held her hands aloft. "Now…what I'm going to tell you next is the most important thing I'm going to tell you tonight. Those people here who have experienced a Cross before know what I'm about to tell you." She backed a few steps away from the railing. "A Cross is a very, very intense event, containing extremely strong forces which are necessary to bring it about. You are about to experience wind just short of hurricane force…and light as intense as the Sun itself." The buzz increased as Misty continued. "But because you all believe that Cellers exist…these forces will not harm you. You will be shielded from harm by the force of your belief alone."

"For a Cross to work at all, it has to happen at Midnight on the first night of the new moon. That's tonight. But for a Cross to work, two other things also have to happen…complete darkness…and complete silence." The buzz began to rise again, and Misty's voice rose with it. "These two things have to happen, or the Cross won't. That's why I'm going to tell you exactly what you're about to experience in a few minutes. No screams…no yelling…no noise."

Misty began to walk to her left. "In a few minutes, someone will come out and place a small crystal at the base of this window," she said, pointing to a small "X" of red tape on the concrete about two feet from the bottom of the 15-foot square pane of dark glass. "That crystal is part of what will activate the Cross." Misty then swept her arm upward in an arc in front of the glass. "These windows contain the same reflective substance that you'd find in mirrors," she said. "The people who have experienced a Cross know that a mirror is another of the requirements for a Cross to happen."

Misty then walked directly back toward the railing, near another "X" of red tape. "An incantation also has to be read to activate the Cross. That will be done from here. Before the Cross can start, every light will be turned off. You're going to be plunged into complete darkness. When that happens, don't-freak! When the lights go out, that's when there also has to be complete silence. It won't be dark for long, so please stay calm and stay quiet."

Misty began to make her way back to her right, in the direction of the double doors - and nearly 82,000 pairs of eyes followed her with rapt attention as she continued. "As the incantation is read, the crystal will begin to glow…this in turn will cause the silver in the window to glow, and both will become very, very bright…as bright as the Sun. By that point, the wind will be--"

She stopped as the tone of the crowd began to transmit shards of concern. "Okay, Listen!" she suddenly shouted, halting the crowd, "I would like all the Fleshers here tonight who have already experienced a Cross to raise your hands!" Throughout the audience, hands shot up, several near the barricades in front. Perfect, Misty thought. She quickly moved back to the railing, pointing a couple out. "You, Ma'am…with the white blouse…you experienced a Cross? The light and the wind? And were you harmed at all from it?"

The woman Misty singled out shouted back. "No, not at all."

Misty shot her arm across the crowd. "All of you! The Fleshers who have experienced a Cross! Were you hurt at all?"

She was answered with a wave of "No" swarming from various points in the audience.

"Look around you," Misty said. "Look how many people there are who have already experienced a Cross. None of them were harmed in the least…because they believed. Just as no one else who is here tonight will be harmed…because you believe!"

----------

As another swell of cheers ran through the crowd, Kim turned to William as they crossed the central lobby of the Mall, passing the now-unattended Information Desk. "I never would have thought of doing that to prove that Fleshers don't get hurt from the force of a Cross," she said. "It…it almost sounded like something…that Angelica would have said."

----------

Misty remained at the railing for a moment, both hands clasped on it, a smile creeping back onto her face. "As I was saying…as the incantation is read, the crystal and the window will begin to glow, and become very bright…and the wind will begin to increase. At that point, you will also notice a rumbling in the air, kind of like thunder--" Misty suddenly thrust a finger into the air "--and still not a single sound from any of you at that point! The slightest! noise will nullify a Cross."

Misty then looked out over the crowd, as if trying to take the entire multitude with but one glance. "When the last line of the incantation is read, the crystal…the window…everything will go black for a second. That's not the end of the Cross, so don't-freak! When that happens…just…hold on. That's when the full power of the Cross will be unleashed…and…hang onto your hats…'cause then, someone is gonna walk out of the window, from the Celler environment, into this one….and that's what you're all here to see tonight!"

Misty gave a few seconds for the crowd to once again calm. "This entire process will take less than a minute," she said. "Now…time is running down…I've explained what you're about to experience…and what you'll have to do in order for the experience to happen." She then brought her hand across the crowd. "Let me hear you say that you trust me!" The crowd responded with a robust cheer.

"Let me hear that I can trust you!" Again, another hearty cheer.

Misty put her hand to her ear, leaning on the railing. "Let me hear you not make a sound!"

In about four seconds' time, 82,000 people went from joyous cheers - to the silence of a morgue.

Misty held her position for a few seconds, hand still cocked to her ear - then a grin slid onto her face. "Ohh, maann," she drew out, "you guys are so ready. Let's have a Cross here!" The crowd affirmed Misty's approval, bursting back into cheering.

A small click came through Misty's earpiece, then Mark's voice -- :120 seconds, Misty…Kim is here and ready:

Misty's smile widened as she turned from the railing and began to walk in the direction of the double doors.

----------

Two minutes to Midnight, Kim thought. Two minutes until Ki comes back. She turned to William, holding up the leather-bound case. "Hold this for me?" she asked. William took the case and held it with both hands underneath while Kim raised the lid. She removed the scroll and began to unroll it. "I need to look at the first couple of lines," she said. "I won't have a candle to light my way when I place the crystal." She turned to Mark. "That reminds me…after I place the crystal and the lights go out…how am I going to find the mark where I'm supposed to stand to say the incantation?"

"The tape for the marks is phosphorescent," Mark said. "It glows in the dark…just bright enough to see in complete darkness, but not bright enough to interfere with the Cross."

All the bases covered, Kim thought as she smiled at the tall Captain. She turned back to the scroll and read for a second. Her eyes first widened in recognition - then melted into warmth. I don't need to memorize the first two lines, she thought. I already know them by heart. Good writing, Misty.

Kim rerolled the scroll, then reached for the small vial-shaped crystal, removing it from the case, which William then closed. Mark caught his first glimpse of the silver and azure-blue crystal. "Those," he said slowly, "…those are the same colors in Kimi's eyes…"

"Fitting," Kim smiled. She then turned back to William, meeting his eyes with hers as she took in a long breath and let it out slowly through her smile. "Here we go," she said. "Wish me luck."

William gave his wife a warm smile. "You don't need it," he said. "Like Mark said earlier…you have love to see you through…and that's stronger than any luck." He brought up a hand to smooth a finger over her hair along her forehead. "Besides, he added with a smile, "if I got through a Cross so many years ago, it'll be a piece of cake for you."

Kim blinked slowly twice - then reached to gather her husband into her arms, her hands clutching the crystal and the scroll as they slid over his shoulders. "I just love you to bits, Mr. Hodge."

The doors the four were standing near became brighter and began to dance from Misty's shadow cast upon them as she moved toward the doors.

----------

Misty stopped about five feet from the doors and turned back to the crowd. "How many of you got to watch some of the Kim Possible marathon on Disney Channel before you left to come out here?" Her question was answered by a swell of cheers from the crowd. Misty grinned. "You like the show?" The cheers became louder in response. "I'm glad," she said, moving closer to the doors, "because that's who's here tonight to do the Cross."

The loudest and most instant response came from the Cellers at the front of the crowd, as they realized the precedent of Misty's last statement.

----------

Kim turned toward the doors and gave her outfit a quick look-over - then folded her hands in front of her, one over the other as Mark reached for his walkie-talkie and toggled a small switch on the top. "Cut Misty's mic as Kim comes through the doors…then bring up Kim's as they separate."

:Roger that: came the reply.

Mark then slipped the walkie-talkie back onto his belt and looked at Kim with a confident smile, nodding once.

----------

11:59 PM.

TFOC - 1 Minute

Misty reached for the long tubular aluminum handle on the left door. "Ladies and Gentlemen…Cellers and Cellettes…I want to introduce a Celler who has lived in the Flesher environment for sixteen years…and tonight, the first Celler ever to perform a Cross…Ms. KIM POSSIBLE!" With this, she pulled at the handle and stepped back, sweeping outward with her other arm. At the same time, Mark pressed a hand against the other door, opening it.

As both doors swung open wide, the first sensation that hit Kim was the intense beam of the spotlights.

That effect of that sensation immediately vanished as Kim took a step through the doorway and wide-eyed into the screaming cheers of 82,000 of her fans, both new and old. The natural urge to squint from the brightness of the spotlight was overruled by the impact of the massive audience.

Kim was so momentarily overwhelmed, she barely felt the embrace of her Cross Agent friend, and her voice in her ear. "Hi there!" Misty said above the roaring crowd. She then pulled back a bit and gathered Kim's attention, searching her eyes for a second. "You okay?"

"Yeah, just…" Kim started hesitatingly.

"Showtime, Kiddo," Misty said. "The whole thing is yours now. These people are aaall yours…they know what you're going to do, and they know what they have to do to help." Misty then motioned to her right, toward the window some 25 feet away. "All you have to do is go to the railing, say Hi for a second, then walk over to where the marks are. I'll be standing right here, and I'll signal you just before the lights go out. Just place the crystal, then walk back to your other mark and read the incantation…that's all you have to do." She then gave Kim a slight single shake. "Remember to read the incantation in a clear voice…and when you hit the lull…just put one foot behind you…and lean into it." Misty then looked more closely into Kim's eyes, blinking away a tear. "Go bring your daughter back home, Kim…that's all that's important now."

Kim was suddenly focused by the depth of Misty's expression and her last words. She clutched the crystal a bit tighter as the confidence returned to her face. "Yeah," she said slowly. "That's all that's important now. Thanks, Misty…thanks so much…for everything you've done for us."

"I wouldn't think of doing any less," Misty smiled. She then motioned her head slightly toward the crowd. "Go say hi…they're all with you now." Misty then took a side-step to her left, placing one hand at Kim's back, her other raised outward. As Kim stepped forward, Misty joined the crowd in applauding.

Step after slow, apprehensive step, Kim continued to approach the railing, holding up her left hand containing the scroll, to try to shield her eyes somewhat from the harsh spotlight. In addition to the diamonds she was wearing, slender threads of silver woven into the hems and edges of her outfit also glinted in the bright wash of light. As she neared the front of the landing, parts of the crowd became clearer to her vision - beginning with the Celler contingent just behind the barricades at the front of the crowd. When she stopped at the iron railing, those Cellers were the most prominent part of the cheering, jumping and waving as they broke into a feverish chant of "K-P! K-P! K-P!"

Look-at-all-the-Cellers here tonight, Kim thought. They probably know even less about the Cross than I do. They didn't have any idea what being near a Cross might do to them…but they came anyway. They came…to support me.

"H-Hi," Kim said rather sheepishly, her eyes jumping for a second both from hearing the split-second delay from the loudspeakers at the back of the crowd, and the force of the crowd's returned greeting that seemed to her like a gentle shove to her chest. "Thank you all for coming tonight. I'm--"

A sharp cry leapt from the crowd: "You rock, Kim!" This was closely followed by an enthusiastic "Yeah!" from several places, and another cheer.

Kim eked out a bashful "Thanks" through a grin and continued, stammering slightly and motioning in the direction of the windows, "--I'm going to do this…Cross thingy in a second. For most of you, this will be the first one you've ever seen…and to tell you the truth, it'll be the first one I've ever seen, too…from this side, anyway. Misty tells me you're all ready to help this happen…and you know what you have to do." She motioned toward the window again. "I'm…going over here now…I…think you're going to be amazed." She finished with a slight shamefaced grin. "I know I'm going to be."

With that, Kim turned to her left, locating the "X" marks on the concrete some 25 feet away. As she began to move in that direction, the throng of Cellers once again started their chant - this time, joined by some of the crowd around them, and quickly spreading until the voice of the entire mass was locked into the thunderous rhythm - "K-P! K-P! K-P! K-P!" mixed with whistles and screams of backing and approval.

They're--they're-all chanting it now, Kim thought as she moved across the landing. Showtime, Kiddo. Remember what Misty said…'there's absolutely nothing to worry about.' 'Angelica always said you were such a jewel.' 'Angelica was never wrong'-- oh, God, I wish she were here right now. Focus, Kim, focus…you've got a Cross to do. Remember. 'Just place the crystal then walk back to your other mark and read the incantation…that's all you have to do.' 'Make sure you can see the crystal reflected in the mirror before you start the incantation.' 'Be sure to read the incantation in a clear voice when you speak it.' 'When you hit the lull…just put one foot behind you…and lean into it.'

Kim was within about six feet of the "X" at the base of the window when a thought stopped her - Misty's last statement to her:

'…bring your daughter back home, Kim…that's all that's important now.'

Yeah, Kim thought. Bring home my daughter…and bring The Dream. That's all that's important right now.

She took the last three steps to the base of the window - then turned back in the direction of the double doors and to Misty, who was still standing before them, now joined by William, Mark and Craig.

Misty turned quickly to Mark, who had his walkie-talkie at the ready, and pressed the transmit button. "Eastgate Power and Light, this is Captain Broderson. We are at TFOC-One. Ace the grids…repeat, ace the grids. Radio silence until further notice." As he was doing this, Misty turned to the crowd, who was still cheering and chanting, and spread her arms in a downward motion.

Just as they had when asked a few moments earlier, the din of 82,000 people within seconds became the stillness of a tomb.

Misty turned back in Kim's direction with a wide smile and nodded once.

Mark replaced the walkie-talkie back onto his belt - then felt the light caress of Misty's hand enclosing around his.

Just as Kim turned back to the window, the window - the crowd - the landing - and the Mall itself - disappeared.

The scene suddenly became as black as sackcloth as the entire city of Eastgate, Pennsylvania was plunged into complete darkness.

Kim blinked for a second and looked downward as she caught sight of the slight red phosphorescent glow of the "X" next to the window. My daughter and The Dream, she thought as she bent, extending her right arm to gently set the crystal upright in the center of the "X."

----------

11:59 PM.

Downtown Celtaja

Outside Cross Agent Central Office

"Say it again. C'mon…one more time…pleeaassse?"

"…oooo-kayy…but this is all about the last time…'I am the dark, screaming, sweat-soaked nightmare from which you will neither wake nor escape'."

"Oooohhh…that gives me the creepies every time I hear it! Drakken must have just freaked!"

A light-skinned black woman sitting to the left of Kimi leaned to the round table in the direction of the blonde-haired young man who had made the request. "Roonnn," sighed Monique, "listen to the girl. If you bug her to say that again, she might use some of that Karate she knows on you."

"Ki? Hit me? Won't happen," Ron pshawed, waving his hand. "We're tight. We share a common bond. We've both done battle with Shego." He then pointed to the red-haired woman seated to his right. "Besides," he smirked smugly, "Ki wouldn't hit one of her own mother's friends!"

Monique brought the palm of her hand to her forehead in a slap, shaking her head slowly. "Only Kimi's fight with Shego wasn't part of a show script--" she then motioned to the owner of the auburn cascade across the table "--and for the millionth time, Ron…this is Kim Possible…not Kim Possible-Hodge. You know…different iterations?"

Ron now leaned to Monique, around Kimi's back, trying to stifle a chuckle. "I know that…but hey, if it saves me from a beating, it's all good." As Ron straightened, he caught sight of Kim also shaking her head, her smirk holding back a giggle. He then turned to Kimi. "Even if you did smack me, it'd be worth it…kinda. It's been so cool having you here with us…even if your visit was by accident."

Kimi cocked her head slightly to the young blonde man. "It's all about no worries," she said. "I wouldn't hit you--" she paused a beat, then swung her right arm, slapping the back of her hand lightly against his left shoulder "--hm-mm-much," she giggled, joined by the other women at the table.

"There's one thing I'll agree with," said Monique, turning back to Kimi while still chuckling slightly. "It's been great to meet Kim's daughter."

Tara, who was sitting to the right of Kim, nodded in agreement. "No one has ever come to our environment from the outside…other than Cellers and Cross Agents, of course. No one's been able to. It's almost like you've been here on a little vacation…like exploring another country."

"It's been just diamond being in the Celler enviro," Kimi beamed, "and while I'm really excited about going back home and being with Mom and Dad and everyone…I know it'll be all about miss this place, and everyone here."

"Well," offered Monique, "now that you know that going through the Resonance stream can't harm you…maybe you can come back for another visit someday soon."

"Yeah, I'd like that a lot," Kimi said. Her expression then became slightly muddled. "I wish Mom could come along too, though…I'm sure she's all about miss Cellerland sometimes." She then motioned her head and smiled at the Kim at their table. "I think it'd be all about freak to watch two copies of Mom-- err, Kim-- uhh…them, talking in the same room."

Tara brought up her forearm, leaning her head onto her hand and looking to the table with a slight wistful expression. "That's a quirk of Celler physics," she said. "No two iterations of any Celler can interact or even communicate with each other in the same environment. If your mom were to come here," she motioned to the Kim at the table, "she and this Kim would…just become a single iteration. And if they were to meet in the Flesher environment…neither iteration would even see or hear the other."

Kimi's brow lowered for a moment. "I think that's about the only lead thing I know about Cellers."

"Saves on what could be a lot of confusion, though," Tara quipped.

"Yeah," Kimi said. "I guess I'm just all about think too much on the concept of two Kim Possibles--" she stopped to wave her hand across the air at a small thin yellow shape that flitted near the wide brim of her purple sunflower hat. "I don't think I've ever seen a moth that…yellow before."

Everyone's head at the table shot instantly to look at the small object as another appeared from behind Kimi's head. Tara gave a short gasp as Monique turned to Kimi. "Those aren't moths, girl." She then turned quickly to Ron, throwing a finger back toward the building behind her. "Go get Kathy! Tell her Kimi's flecking!"

Ron leaped to his feet, turning to run back toward the building. "Kathy!" he shouted. "Kathy! Come quick! Ki's flecking over here!"

Kimi gave Monique a rather perplexed expression. "Flecking…?"

Tara had risen from her seat and walked around the table, slipping Kimi into a hug. "It means someone has just placed your crystal," she said.

"Your Cross is about to start," added Monique with a broad smile and a slight tear at the corner of one eye. "You're going home."

Tara pointed to the building as Ron and a woman with a thick head of salt-and-pepper colored hair emerged, walking quickly in their direction.

----------

--Eastgate, 12:00 AM.

TFOC One

Kim almost thought of the softly glowing "X" on the landing about 20 feet from the window as a sort of beacon in the pitch-black she was now walking through, made all the more eerie and surreal by the utter silence from the 82,000 soon-to-be witnesses nearby. Even though she kept her pace, she tried to step more softly, as she could swear the silver leather-soled shoes were almost making too much noise against the concrete of the landing.

As she took her final step onto the "X," Kim caught the open end of the scroll between her left thumb and forefinger and began to unroll it, feeling the parchment slide against the extended fingers of her right hand.

'Make sure you can see the crystal reflected in the mirror before you start the incantation.'

She turned until she saw the faint "X" next to the window and squinted for a second to make out the barely-illuminated shape of the crystal against the phosphorescent tape, and an even fainter duplicate image on the glass of the window.

Kim slowly raised the open scroll in front of her. This is it, Kim, she thought. There are no people. No cameras. Just me…the crystal…the mirror…the scroll…and soon, my daughter…and the Dream.

Though not loud, the sudden presence of Kim's voice through the speakers seemed to splinter the pregnant silence of the moment--

"'Until the Circle fills, and Wisdom lies ahead;

The Faithful live awake - the rest remain misled'."

A glimmer of contentment flashed onto Kim's face as the writing on the scroll appeared to her, backlit by the crystal beginning to glow, its reflection in the glass bathing that area of the landing in a low luminance.

----------

--Celtaja

As the pair approached the table, Ron reached to pull open the flap on a pocket of his pants and looked down. "Rufus, front and center," he said. "Time to Cross, buddy." The call was met as the pink hairless rodent leapt from the pocket onto the table, turning and swinging out his arms in a "ta-da" motion.

The woman who had accompanied Ron from the building moved to the table and reached into a pocket of her dark full-length skirt, pulling out two small containers, one marked "K," the other, "R," and setting them on the table. She looked to Kimi, who was now surrounded by a few more of the bright yellow flecks. "Hi," she said, smiling. "Looks like our guest has her traveling companions."

"Hi Kathy," Kimi returned, waving slowly at another of the flittering shapes. "Yeah…I thought they were, like, all about moths until Monique told me what they were."

"They signal the beginning of the transformation from the Celler to the Flesher environment," said Kathy, "same as a Celler would see, just as a Cross is about to start. They begin the moment the recipient of a Cross places the crystal they received in front of a mirror. You'll see them until just before you emerge through the mirror into the Flesher environment." She then picked up the container with the "R" label. As she did so, Monique, Tara and Kim rose from the table and moved back to the right about ten feet, with Ron moving to join them. Kimi looked around, slightly puzzled as the table cleared. Kathy placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled. "They're just standing back a bit while I apply the fragrances to you and Rufus," she said. "Getting some on them when they're not scheduled for a Cross could cause some bad effects, if they were to remain in the immediate area." She then gave the container a little shake and turned to the table. "Okay, Ruf," she grinned, "you know the drill." As if rehearsed, Rufus stood up straight and closed his eyes.

"Umm, should I get up, too?" asked Kimi.

"You don't need to," said Kathy. "Since both you and Rufus are traveling on the same Cross, there won't be any interference. Your fragrances are compounded to interact with the same crystal." She turned back to the table and held up the container, spraying a fine mist around the rodent, who uttered a small "Mmmm" at the sensation.

Kathy then set the container on the table and picked up the one marked "K." She shook it, then gave a short spritz near Kimi, presenting the mist. "Too strong?"

The warm aroma of strawberry caressed Kimi's nose. "Noo," she purred. "Nice. And you said it's all about stay with me forever?"

"Yep," replied Kathy. "It bonds with the pores of your skin. The fragrance will lessen a little as time goes on…you might have noticed that with your mother's fragrance over the years." Kimi nodded. "Okay…close your eyes," Kathy said, shaking the container again. "This will feel a bit cool for a few seconds, until it's absorbed."

Kimi sat up straight and closed her eyes as Kathy extended her arm and sprayed the fragrance. She felt the cooling sensation like that of a foggy spring morning against her face and arms as the mist flowed over her.

As the warmth of the evening returned to Kimi, it was joined by the warmth of Tara folding her arms around her in a hug. "Mmm, I like that fragrance," she said. "I've picked it before."

As Tara parted from the hug, she was replaced by Monique giving her own embrace. "It's been super having you here, Kimi," she said.

Kimi turned back to Monique as they parted. "It's been all about diamond being here," she smiled.

Monique then moved to the other side of the table to join Tara and Ron, who had moved there, about ten feet from the table. Kathy moved to join them. "You're all set to go, you two," she said. "I'm going to talk you into the Conduit as it picks you up, to ease you into the trip." Kathy then smiled as the flecks around Kimi began to increase. "Ready?"

Kimi nodded. Rufus ran across the table to Kimi and jumped into the front pocket of her white overalls, causing Kimi to giggle a bit. He poked his head out of the pocket with a wide grin and thrust his paw forward. "Go!"

Kathy clasped her hands at her waist and leaned forward slightly, still with a warm smile as she spoke softly. "Okay, Kimi…begin to relax. Take a deep breath, and let it out slowly. Concentrate on your breathing. With each breath, you'll become more relaxed…"

----------

--Eastgate

Kim could now read the scroll clearly as the glow from the crystal increased. She raised her eyes for a second, looking to the window as the reflection of the crystal became brighter and brighter in the darkened glass. She lowered her gaze back to the scroll and read aloud--

"The Fall of Cynicism - a long-held dream;

Universal Belief and Acceptance, an eye's elusive gleam."

As she spoke the line, the tint in the large window came alive, beginning to move and swirl across the glass in flowing patterns as the 15-foot square pane started to cast the light of its own glow across the landing.

A breeze now teased at the hair flowing over Kim's shoulders and began to rustle the flares of fabric of her outfit.

----------

--Celtaja

The anticipation Kimi had been feeling about her journey was now mixed with the slight drowsiness of relaxation brought by Kathy's soothing voice. "Imagine a brilliant white light above you…focus in on this light as it begins to flow around and through you. Allow yourself to drift off as you fall deeper and deeper into a more relaxed state of mind…"

As she followed the Cross Agent's words, Kimi caught sight of a series of white streaks seeming to fall from the sky, and beginning to haze over her vision as they passed before her.

----------

--Eastgate

The mesmeric quality of the incantation spoken by Kim coupled with the visual display unfolding before her on the landing almost served as a sort of sensory hypnosis to the crowd, held spellbound and completely noiseless as the wind flowed outward over them, increasing steadily as Kim continued the incantation--

"An unintended traveler, in the pursuit to make right;

The Swan brings the Torch of Proof from Resonance light."

The brightness of the crystal now easily rivaled the earlier intensity of the spotlights, with streaks of that light now bursting from it onto the large window, seeming to be drawn toward the glass, which was now itself glowing brighter, casting its own light over the entire scene. The window then began to take on the texture of a large pool of silver water, the tint of the window melting apart, seeming to be taken by the swirling current toward the center of that pool.

Kim's ears began to tingle and she raised her voice a bit as a low, almost subconscious ambient rumbling growled through her chest--

"With Ki's return, the eye's gleam surges;

Sparkling as the Light of Revelation emerges;"

----------

--Celtaja

Monique wiped another tear before it could slide down to her smile, and even Ron began to feel his eyes mist over as Kathy continued. "Now, Kimi…as I count back from Ten to One, you will feel more peaceful and calm. You'll feel a floating or lifting sensation as you begin to enter the Resonance Conduit."

Kimi squinted a bit as she tried to keep sight of her new Celler friends through the increasing cascade of white streaks. "Don't cry, Monique," she said. "It's all about good thing that I'm going back home."

"Ten…" Kathy began in a slow cadence.

Monique tried to chuckle for a second as she felt Tara slide her hand across her shoulders, offering support. "I'm happy. I'm a little sad that you're going, but…I'm glad you're going back to your mom."

"Nine…"

"I'm glad I got to come here to Cellerland, too," said Kimi. "You guys are all diamond. Even shinier than these streak thingies."

"Eight…"

Tara now placed her other arm around Ron, who was standing to her right. "We love you, Ki," he said, now catching his own tear. "You meteor rock--ooo…more fleckage."

"Seven…"

"It's all about love you guys, too," Kimi said. Her gaze then caught a few more of the yellow flits around her. "They're…they're like, the most beautiful moths that could ever be."

"Six…" Kathy continued. "You will enter a cold place, but nothing will harm you…"

"Come back soon, if you can," said Tara. "You're welcome back here anytime."

"Five…"

"It's all about a date," Kimi smiled.

"Four…"

"Give your mom a big hug from all of us!" Ron burst.

"Three…"

The three then raised their hands, waving and giving their sendoffs. "Bye Kimi!" "Love you!"

"Two…"

The world that had been a sudden temporary home to Kimi over the past three days began to evanesce and fade before her sight as the white streaks seemed to thicken and connect, and now being accompanied with streaks of a rich obsidian. While she hadn't moved, Kimi felt the sensation of the chair against her legs seem to disappear and her legs extending below her, as if she were moving to stand. The air began to tease at the floppy brim of her hat and the sleeves of her yellow t-shirt as the table dropped from the contact of her arms.

It's all about Thomas Wolfe was wrong, Kimi thought as the dark streaks picked up speed, now zooming past, seeming to fight to overwhelm the whiteness of her new surroundings. I can go home again. I'm going home.

----------

--Eastgate

Through the now-searing intensity of the light from the crystal and the window, Kim caught sight of a series of yellowish flecks breaking out near the center of the formerly dark glass. The wind reached a new level, whipping Kim's hair and clothes as her voice increased in volume and force, almost shouting--

"The Dream takes wing from the Circle's fill;

The warmth of Love springs from the Mirror's chill;"

The edges of the scroll now appeared to start to fade against the severe intensity of the window's light, and even Kim's light complexion seemed to begin to mix with the fierce visual onslaught.

82,000 pairs of eyes and ears were locked on Kim and the level of the forces she was calling forth from the north windows of the Eastgate Mall.

Even in the midst of the tempest - 82,000 mouths remained mute.

"Belief over the Threshold - Acceptance on the Verge;"

My Ki and the Dream, Kim thought as she reached the final line of the incantation. Both come tonight. Come home, Ki.

-'and when you speak that last line, be prepared for the lull…and just…lean in when you say the last of the line.'-

Kim swore she could feel the strength of her heart pouring into the force of her voice as she spoke the final line--

"As the lives of Cellers and Fleshers--"

The scene melted into a return to the quiet ebony of darkness as the crystal and the window became nearly black, save for the yellow flecks. The rumbling and the wind retreated with the light as Kim folded her arms into an "X" at her chest, her hands fisted at her collarbones. She moved one foot behind her, leaned forward a bit to brace herself - then threw her head back, flinging her arms out wide--

"--now CONVERGE!"

The entire area was suddenly engulfed in a brilliance brighter than the noonday sun on a searing summer day. The light and wind broke loose from the window with the fury of an exploding star, seeming to be redoubled by the size of the pane. The white of Kim's outfit almost seemed dingy compared to the violent burst of blinding pure energy. Her clothes and hair were helplessly thrashed and whipped about before the wrenching assault of the wind.

One of the men stationed at the barricades reacted from the explosion, holding his hand to his helmet and turning from the light. "My-God!" he screamed. His scream was swamped by the noise of the crowd's recoil, their reaction to the frenzy of force a mix of wonderment, awe, surprise and fear.

Even in the heightened maelstrom of light, Kim brought her head forward to look into the window. Her hair was blown straight back, lashing in the intense wind, now at near-gale force. Kim watched with amazement as the cluster of flecks splayed across the glass to cast the dotted outline of a human form. The light within that outline then shifted into tinted sections of purple, yellow and a slightly lessened white, hazed where they met. The flecks appeared to brighten as they lengthened, melting together to make the line of the form within the new colors solid.

-'…you might want to be getting ready to give Kimi a little support after she emerges on this side.'-

Kim fought to take a step forward, still leaning against the wind. She brought her arms in, slowly lowering them, still clutching onto the now-crumpled scroll as the outline took a slow, wary step out of the window. Kim advanced another step, easier as the light started to recede back into the window and the wind began to subside.

Kim now moved more steadily in the direction of the window as the scene returned to its pre-Cross dour blackness, guiding herself by the light of the remaining flecks in the outline of the window peeking from behind the silhouette now standing before it.

The returned tranquility of the absence of light was further accentuated by the eerily sudden and now seemingly pregnant silence of the crowd.

Wednesday, July 17th, 12:02 AM.

Mark reached to his belt for his walkie-talkie, but was stopped by Misty's hand. "Wait," she said softly. "Give it just a few seconds."

As Kim reached it, there were short, slightly rapid breath sounds emanating from the newly-present figure, as if it had had the wind knocked out of it. Kim stood for a short second, still reeling a bit herself from the fury she had just experienced, and the stark grip of the present darkness. She raised a hand until her fingers made light contact against the dark, cool shape. "…Ki?" she whispered. The quiet besought plea was carried through the speaker system, as her microphone was still open.

Misty patted Mark's forearm. "Okay."

Mark brought up the device, pressing the transmit button. "EP&L, this is Captain Broderson. Reestablish the grid, we need power here."

The shape replied, moving slightly at Kim's voice, cold to the touch as it brought up a hand to meet hers. "Mom…?" also carried through the loudspeakers, timid and slightly weak.

At that moment, the scene was again awash in lights as power returned. Kim's eyes were suddenly filled with a cherished and very welcome treasure--

Kimi Angelina Hodge, returned to the Flesher environment, safe and sound.

-All your eyes have ever seen-

-All you've ever heard-

Kim's eyes now melted into pools of warmth, and she had little restraint as tears of joy began to flow down her cheeks. "H-hi, Ba-Aaby," she drew out, her voice breaking.

-Is etched upon my memory-

-It's spoken through my words-

The feed from the microphone was a bit muffled as the two collapsed against each other in a clutching embrace. "Hi M-Mom," Kimi stuttered as they hugged. "I'm home…"

-All that I take with me-

-Is all you've left behind-

"You are…y-ES-you are," Kim chuckled through her jubilant tears as she held her daughter.

-We're sharing one eternity-

-Living in two minds-

Misty had her own tears, turning to Mark as William moved past her toward his newly-rejoined family. She placed a finger against her mouth in a "shh" motion.

Mark brought up his walkie-talkie again. Cut Kim's mic," he said.

-Linked by an endless thread-

-Impossible to break-

Kimi stumbled slightly against her mother's embrace as her knees buckled a bit. "Ooo…all about wobble," she said. "I feel like I weigh a ton."

Kim chuckled again. "That'll go away…you wobble a-all you want to, Baby," she said through a sob, holding tighter. "I've got--"

This was the last of their conversation over the microphone before the speakers went silent.

It was also the last of the crowd's relative silence as the fascination and awe of the wonder they had just experienced suddenly poured through the roar of their cheers. Whistles, whoops and hollers pierced the aural thunder.

The thought which rose through the cheers and held onto Kim as she continued to hold her returned daughter: It's true. My Ki can do anything.

A shout to the left of mother and daughter caused them to turn. "…Not a closed celebration, I hope."

"Dad!"

Kimi nearly leaped into William's arms, bringing Kim with her. "Welcome home, Ki," he said warmly over the crowd as Kimi burrowed her head closer against his chest. He then had to hold a bit tighter as Kimi once again dipped, one knee buckling slightly. "Whoa," he said as Kim moved to Kimi's other side and placed an arm around her back. "Not quite up to speed yet?"

"I was just saying that to Mom," said Kimi, "it's all about like Planet Triple Gravity."

Misty now approached the trio. "That will last a few hours," she said. "You're getting used to the return of your Flesher mass." She then put a hand at Kim's back, motioning the three in the direction of the double doors. "Let's get you inside."

As the group started for the doors, Misty turned to the crowd and was met with another cheer as she held her arms out wide. She then walked back to the window, studying the molten edge of the outline Kimi had emerged through for a few seconds before shifting her attention to the ground.

12:04 AM.

William moved to open one of the double doors, holding it while Kim and Kimi stepped through, still with their arms around each other's back. As the door closed, they were met by Mark and Craig, who had stepped just inside. Kimi's eyes shot wide for a second at the sight of the tall Captain - then narrowed as tears spilled toward her wide grin. "C-AP'n-Mmarrk," she burst, weeping in joy and release as she reached out her arms and locked him in an emotional embrace.

Mark's grin was warm with relief and just as wide as he brought his arms around the teen. "Welcome home, Hero," he said, twisting slightly from side to side.

Kim and William had moved together, now arm in arm, smiling at the reunion before them. "It would have been all about no more home if not for you, Cap'n Mark," Kimi said, sniffling. "And I couldn't have done any of the stuff I did if you didn't put it together and teach me. It's all about you're the hero."

Mark gently pulled Kimi back to arm's length to catch her eyes. "Nope," he smiled. "You already had the motive and the talent for the mission…all I did was give you the tools you needed to get it done. You risked your life to save another. If that doesn't make you the hero, I don't know what--"

Mark was cut off as a pink shape burst from Kimi's front pocket, turning quickly and pointing upward at her, nodding and blurting a tiny, "Mmm-hm…Hero!"

"I think we have a consensus," William smirked, causing Kim and Mark to burst into a quick chuckle.

"Rufus!" Kim perked. "In all the excitement, I almost forgot that you came too." The pink rodent responded with a quick skip atop Kimi's shoulder and bowing slightly, bringing his front paws out in a flourish.

Kimi wiped at an eye, composing herself. "He was all about pretty quiet," she said, "and maybe Planet Wobble, like me." She then held out a hand. "Everybody, this is Rufus…" she moved her hand to Kim. "It's all about you already know Mom--"

Rufus held up a paw as Kim extended her hand, the two touching in a "high five."

Kimi moved her hand slightly to the left "--this is my Dad, William--"

Rufus perked in a wide grin and an exuberant "Hi!"

Kimi then turned to her left "--and this is the diamond Cap'n Mark."

Upon seeing the large man, dressed in "Air Force Blues," Rufus jumped a bit, his eyes wide black saucers. He then stood stiff upright on Kimi's shoulder and brought his right paw to his head in a snappy salute.

Mark tried to stifle his laughter long enough to return the salute. "Welcome to Eastgate, Rufus," he chuckled.

Everyone turned in the direction of the door as the still-constant noise from the crowd swelled. The door opened to a widely-smiling Misty as she entered the atrium. "They're still loving it," she burst. She then moved to the Hodges, putting arms around Kim and Kimi. "WOW!" she burst. "You did it! It went just perfect! I guarantee, anyone who just saw that totally believes!" Misty then turned to the teen. "Welcome home, Sweetie. Feeling any better?" she asked.

"Still a little wobble," Kimi said, "but getting better…and warmer."

Kim shuddered slightly. "Even almost sixteen years later, I still remember that chill…and the weakness." She then reached to place her arm around William's. "After the Cross, Himself was so shocked, he just…passed out. That's when I realized how woozy I actually was…I went to sleep right there on the bed. Himself and I didn't really officially meet until the next morning."

"Yeah," Misty grinned. "The addition of Flesher mass can make one a little weak for a while…and a trip through the Resonance Conduit is always a bit chilly."

"It would have been neat to have a video camera for the trip," said Kimi. "At one part, it almost looked like I was in outer space. All about stars, and the streak thingies."

"Well, for a bit, you were in space…shielded by the Conduit, of course…and while a camera would be cool, it wouldn't have lasted long in there. Every camera that was running out there tonight when the Cross cut loose was fried…that's why they were told to have second crews standing by."

"They caught the whole thing on camera?"

"All but the part between a few seconds after Kim completed the incantation and just before the lights came back on." Misty then gave Kimi a bit of a smirk. "Actually, the thing about the cameras wasn't known until you were born. The tape of your birth told us a bit more about how the Cross interacts with the Flesher environment."

Craig motioned to Mark. "The Delgados should be on their way back up to the helo pad by now," he said.

"Right," said Mark. "We should be getting back up there." He then placed a hand on Kimi's shoulder. "I'm betting that someone is anxious to get home."

"Helo pad?" Kimi asked. "There's a helo pad at the Mall? I didn't know that."

"Yep," Mark said. "It's on the other side, on the roof."

Kimi cast a slightly wary look across the expanse of the Food Court and the wide hallway of the Mall beyond. "All the way on the other side? Okay…but it's all about I might need a small break on the way."

Misty now looked across the Mall. "That…is a long way to walk, for someone who is still a bit weak from her Cross…"

Mark smiled and moved to Kimi. "Not a problem…she has a lift." With this, he bent to place one arm behind the teen's knees. Kimi grinned and swept her arm around Mark's shoulder as he lifted her from the floor.

As the group started in the direction of the central lobby, Mark sniffed at the air. "Did…did you get a fragrance, Ki?"

"All about strawberry," Kimi beamed in reply.

"The same electrostatic coating every Celler gets just before a Cross," Misty said, also taking in the pleasing scent. "We figured it might help with her transformation. Kimi got strawberry, and Rufus chose a mild cheddar."

Rufus affirmed to this by popping his head out of the front pocket of Kimi's overalls. "Cheese!" he perked with a wide grin.

This caused William to think for a second. "Hmm," he mused, "those fragrances, mixed with Kim's vanilla, could present the house with the pleasing aroma of…strawberry cheesecake!" The entire group broke into laughter at this. Kim was also giggling as she took a light swat at her husband's chest. "Hey, think of what we'll save on room deodorizers," added William, bringing a second wave of laughter.

"Ugh, Dad," Kimi groaned, "it's so all not about talk food right now…I can taste cheesecake just from you mentioning it."

Misty turned to Kim with a smirk, "Fighting bad guys, crossing through environments, and now feeling a Celler's love for Flesher food…now I know why they call her 'Ki Possible'."

Kim's smile was ear-to-ear as she reached up to pat Kimi's shoulder. "I call her our diamond daughter."

Misty couldn't help but chuckle. "Like I said…there's a lot having to do with diamonds in your family."

12:07 AM.

Misty was the first through the doors to the helo pad, holding one open. Craig was next, holding the other for the rest of the group. Marcy and family approached quickly from the other doorway to meet them. "Misty, that was…spectacular!" Marcy exclaimed. "It was the most fantastic, amazing thing I've ever seen--!"

Marcy was cut short and her gaze shot instantly to Kim emerging through the doorway, leading her husband. "--I was wrong," Marcy said as she caught sight of her Celler friend, her expression melting into one of thankfulness and relief as she reached for her. "Dé gracias a Dios," she said as she embraced Kim.

Mark now came through the doorway, Kimi still carried in his arms. "Aunt Marcy!" she blurted

Marcy suddenly turned with a gasp, seeing the teen. "Ki--" she said in a blurted whisper, suddenly shifting to Mark. "Is she alright? Is-- is she hurt?"

Mark moved to slowly return Kimi's feet to the ground. "Not hurt," he said, "…just needs a bit of a rest."

Kimi straightened her floppy hat - then turned to Marcy and presented herself, her hands clasped at her waist. "I already feel a little bit better than I did when I first came through the Cross, Aunt Marcy," she said. "It's all about getting used to weighing 112 pounds again."

Marcy reached to gather Kimi into a warm hug. "I can't tell you how happy I am to see you safe and sound," she said, her voice breaking slightly. "And how amazed I am at you, after hearing everything you've done in the past month."

"Awww," Kimi purred as she returned the hug. "It's all about no big, Aunt Marcy."

Misty turned to Kim, smirking again. "Ki Possible," she quipped. Her eyes then suddenly widened. "Ooooh, I almost forgot," she said, reaching into her pocket. "I think we'd like our newest traveler to have permanent residency status." With this, she brought her hand from her pocket, opening it to Kim--

The bottom half of the crystal. Both Kim and William perked at the sight.

"Breaking the crystal," Kim drew out.

"Self-Sustaining Termination," Misty smiled. "Since Kimi was sprayed with the electrostatic coating, this part of the Cross also applies to her."

"That'll make my Cross all about permanent, so I can't be sent back?" asked Kimi.

Misty teased, "I also brought the other half, if you want to test that."

Kimi's eyes were shocked wide. "Nooooo, all about break it, please!" She then grinned slightly. "I told Ron and Monique that I wanted to visit again…but it's all about not this soon."

"I wouldn't even have known about breaking the crystal if it wasn't for the report that Wade sent back then," said William.

Misty again motioned her hand to Kim, a hint of askance in her expression.

Kim looked down at her feet, bringing one up slightly. "I'm not sure these shoes are sturdy enough," she said. She then motioned to her husband. "Maybe William can--"

Misty reiterated her gesture. "The crystal is kind of fragile to begin with," she said. "It doesn't take much to break it--" she then glanced to William for a second "--and the breaking actually has to be done by the Cross recipient themselves."

A smile slowly spread over Kim's face as she took the crystal and moved to place it on the ground, on its side. She turned to William as she straightened. "I still remember what you said to me when you broke my crystal after our wedding."

William adopted the same smile, remembering the event that day sixteen years ago as he brought his arm out. Kim placed a hand on his forearm for balance as she brought her right foot to hover over the crystal. They both looked at Kimi and spoke the line together:

"Welcome back to Forever, Ki."

Kim brought her heel down on the crystal, uttering a quick tiny "Oh," making note at how fragile it actually was as she felt it shatter under her foot.

"I'm all about staying," Kimi perked. "Shiznekkin'!"

"Oh yeah," Kim smirked. "As if we were thinking about sending you ba--"

Her sentence was stopped, and everyone turned to a light growing over the roof from the other side of the Mall, seeming to cast a halo around the building. With the glow, the same ambient noise they heard when they first emerged from the helicopter began to grow.

Misty smiled at the rest of the group. "That's the Resonance Pathway closing," Misty said, tipping a finger in the direction of the glow. "The mirror Kimi came through is sealing itself again."

The walkie-talkie on Mark's belt sparked to life. :Captain, Venue Security:

Mark brought the device to his mouth. "Go, Security."

The voice through the speaker was a bit raised, trying to speak above the noise of the crowd. :Captain, this is Sergeant Black. I'm at the landing…and there are quite a few people who have questions and concerns about the events tonight, including this latest thing. The window is…filling back in. We need a knowledge base or something down here, Sir:

Misty was grinning widely to Mark by this time. "Someone call my name?" she cooed sweetly.

Mark keyed his mic. "Your knowledge base is en route," he said. "Misty is coming back down to do Q&A."

:Roger that: came from the speaker.

Mark replaced the walkie-talkie on his belt clip and turned to Craig. "Go ahead down with her…I'll circle back with the chopper after you two."

Misty placed a hand on Mark's forearm. "Nah," she said. "I'll ride back in one of the buses. We have a much bigger fan club now, and…something tells me there will be questions all the way back to the airport. I'll catch up with you there." She then turned and walked toward William while reaching into her pocket. "Something tells me you'll be wanting to contact the jeweler who made Kim's necklace," she smiled, opening her hand to him. In her palm was the cap to Kimi's crystal.

"My own necklace?" Kimi perked. "Ultra Sugoi!"

Kim replied with an exasperated smirk, lightly fondling the blue crystal-cap hanging around her neck. "Yeah…no more begging to wear this one."

"Moommm," Kimi drew out, "I never did get to wear your necklace…but when I get mine, it can be all about mix 'n match!"

Kim shot her daughter another smirk. "Orr, it could be all about not," she said. "Cellers regard the crystal as being almost sacred, given what it can do." She then caressed the cap around her neck again. "So having part of your crystal turned into a present holds a great deal of value. Maybe you'll understand that once you have yours."

Now it was Kimi's turn to smirk, coupled with the trademark wrinkling of her nose. "…But you know I'm not reeaally a Celler, riiight?"

Kim wrapped an arm over Kimi's shoulders. "Close enough," she grinned, "Mix 'n Match Girl."

Heads turned collectively to the helicopter as Mark twirled an arm in the air in its direction. The large engine of the VH-60 responded, starting with a low growl and both the rotor at the tail and the larger one atop the craft began to slowly wake into motion. He then turned to Craig. "Let's start staging the buses," he said, "and alert Hansen and staff at the airport that we're going to start bringing people back soon." He then turned to the group as Craig slipped his walkie-talkie from his belt and moved toward the building. "Let's get on back to the airport before that happens," he said.

Misty turned to Kim and Kimi. "I don't know about you two," she said, "but I'm marking this as the most exciting evening of my life." She then brought Kimi to arms' length, placing her hands on the teen's shoulders. "I wish you had met Angelica," she said, smiling warmly. "You and your mother have brought her fondest dream to life with what you've done tonight. You've made history…I'm sure of it." She then turned to Kim, bringing her into a hug. "Thank you, Kim," she said as they embraced. "Thank you," she repeated, "…Angelica thanks you."

"Angelica would thank you as well," Kim replied onto Misty's shoulder. "The talk you had with the crowd tonight…the way you prepared them…it was just wonderful. Angelica would be proud of you." The two women then held a bit tighter as they silently realized their parts in the presentation of Angelica's Dream.

Misty then turned and hugged Mark. "And thank you for putting this together so flawlessly." She then brought her hands out, letting them slap down to her hips as she moved in the direction of the double doors. "Time to play press secretary," she said, wiping a tear from her smile. "Kim, I'll be talking to you on Thursday…I imagine a couple of doctors will want to see Kimi in the next week or so." She then waved to the Delgados. "Thank you all for coming…you've witnessed history tonight…I'm sure of it."

The group said their goodbyes and waved almost in unison as Craig and the Cross Agent walked to and disappeared through the double doors. "All aboard," smiled Mark, waving his arm in the direction of the warming helicopter. "Let's beat the rush to the airport."

As they began the walk to the helicopter stairs, Kim placed her arm around her daughter. "That's two Cross Agents I've met," Kimi said. "Misty and Kathy…if Angelica was anything like they are, she must have been all about really special, too."

"Even more special," Kim returned. "Angelica was the head Cross Agent…she worked the closest with Cellers before the Crosses even started, and after. We were close friends…and Angelica had friends like Misty, who were always willing to do anything they could for her." Kim patted Kimi's shoulder as they reached the stairs to the helicopter cabin. "Now that you mention it, I really wish you could have had a chance to meet Angelica. Special people like you and her just don't come along often enough."

Kimi took a second as their feet touched simultaneously to the first step of the short stairway to look into her mother's eyes. "You have to include you in that too, Mom," she said. "You're all about diamond special."

It was a Kim adorned with a teary-eyed smile that accompanied her daughter the rest of the way into the cabin of the helicopter.

12:14 AM.

:TFOC-Helo One, Eastgate International Tower…you have clearance for a direct flight path to Runway 2-5 Southwest:

"Roger the flight path," said the pilot into the mic. "And Willow Grove has advised us to confirm with you that airspace for general commercial traffic will be returned at approximately 0100."

:Roger: replied the tower :We've been in contact with Willow Grove, and airspace will be cleared, with an arrival from Newark International scheduled for 1:03:

"Acknowledged," the pilot replied. "The helo will be clear of the area by then."

Mark reached forward and keyed his mic. "Tower, this is Captain Mark Broderson…on behalf of the 111th Air Guard, thank you to your entire facility for a seamless performance and accommodation, especially with the size of this event. We couldn't have done it as smoothly without the work of you and your staff. I'll be putting in a commendation to the mayor describing your level of commitment and cooperation."

:Thank you, Captain…glad we could be of help. We even witnessed the event from here. It had the entire sky lit up like daylight. It looked like a sunrise:

"Far as I'm concerned, it was the Sun," Mark said. He then gave a motion to the pilot. "Tower, Helo One is airborne and en route. ETA, seven minutes."

As the craft lifted from the pad, Lupe noticed a slightly pained expression on his daughter's face. "Vale?" he asked, leaning forward to catch her eye. "¿Qué está equivocado? Es-something ees wrong, young one?"

Valencia turned slightly to her father, letting out a small sigh. "No…not really," she said. "It's just that I wish Misty was here now. I have a question about tonight, and I didn't remember it until just now." She looked past Lupe to the window as the roofline of the Mall slid from her sight. "The light when the Cross opened up…it was the brightest light I've ever seen in my life. Even brighter than the Sun…but…I barely even had to squint to look at it…"

"I thought I was going to have to look away, when I first saw it," said Marcy. "I looked down for a second--" she stopped to pull a pinch of the fabric of her shirt from her arm "--this is a black top…but in the light of the Cross, it looked almost solid white. I didn't have to squint either."

"I've been told the light from the height of the Cross actually is from the Sun," said Kim, turning back to grin first to Marcy and then Valencia. "It's sunlight undiluted by the Earth's atmosphere. It's actually enhanced and strengthened because of radiation in the Resonance stream--" she put up a hand to diffuse before the obvious question could be asked "--and no, the radiation isn't harmful to Fleshers at all--" she shot a quick smirk to William "--not even to backgammon skills. The radiation is what makes everything seem to go all white." Her grin now mixed a bit with a knowing smirk. "And as far as squinting…well…after spending so many years with a Celler directly in your life, I…think you believe."

"So…belief in Cellers is kind of like a…filter…when viewing a Cross," Marcy said.

"Exactly!" Kim perked. "Neat way of putting it."

Valencia leaned to the window as the helicopter slowly circled to the north, rising over the main Mall complex. "Thanks, Kim," she said. "I'm glad I didn't have to wait to talk to Misty. It looks like she might be busy for quite a while with questions."

The others moved to windows at Valencia's statement, looking as the seemingly impossible sea of people passed below them. Kimi stared out the window, her eyes wide. "Ho-ly…shizzz-nek," she slurred. "H--how many people saw this tonight?"

"Roughly equal to about a quarter of the population of Eastgate," William said. "A little over 80,000 people."

Kim met her daughter with a warm smile as she slowly pulled back from the window. "And that doesn't count the people who saw it around the world on TV," she said. She then placed an arm over Kimi's shoulders. "Ki…with your Cross, you did something for the Celler environment that will probably never be outdone. You've brought a dream to life for nearly all Cellers…and many Fleshers, too. You brought Angelica's dream to reality." With this, she slowly leaned over and placed her arms around the teen. "I don't know how to tell you how much tonight means to Cellers everywhere, in both environments…and how much more you mean to all of us."

Mark turned, leaning over the back of his seat in a grinning smirk. "And to think you only started out on a mission to rescue your mother!" A wave of sudden chuckles swept the cabin for a moment. Mark's tone then became a bit more serious. "Ki…I think you've had what can be called an amazing introduction to the term 'Above and Beyond the Call of Duty'…because that's sure what you've accomplished." Marcy's eyes began to mist slightly as the large Captain continued, bringing his hand up in a salute to the teen. "I can't say it enough," he said, "…well done, Steel Swan…well done indeed."

Kimi's face melted into a bit of a bashful smile. Kim again moved to embrace her, and William reached forward to pat her shoulder and lightly stir her purple hat as the rest of the cabin engaged in several seconds of applause.

The radio console sparked to life. :TFOC Helo-One, TFOC-RH…a note to the Captain that his better half has just arrived, and will be on the tarmac to greet the landing party:

The pilot picked up the mic, turning back and smiling to Mark, who returned a similar smile and a nod in response. "Copy that, RH," he said. "More good news for the Captain…ETA now six minutes."

Kim turned back to Marcy. "Melfina…the close friend I told you about. You'll just love her."

"I know I do," Mark quipped, bringing the entire cabin into laughter.

As the helicopter sliced through the night, Kimi took those few moments to reflect quietly on her recent life. A little over a month before this night, she was what she considered to be the "basic average girl," with no lofty expectations, despite her unique appearance, lineage or talents. In the 30-odd days that had transpired since that time, she had been exposed to an unconscionable level of horror and upheaval which threatened to destroy everything she had come to know as her life. It was the repulsion of that horror, strengthened by her love of life and family, and honed and focused by a single man, that fueled her drive to rescue her life and family from the dark evil that invaded and promised nothing less than theft and obliteration of the richest elements of her life. It was this drive which cast Kimi onto the warpath of a one-woman rampage against that dark evil to snatch her family from its grasp, risk be damned. Kimi had waged her battle against the dark equipped only with love of family as a shield and torch - and Acepromazine and Kempo as weapons. It was this armament alone which insulated her from and enabled her to triumph over the darkness.

It was also that shield of love which emboldened Kimi to face the further unknown of the portal she initiated to deal justice to her mother's Celler captors, without the first thought of the possibility of harm to herself from the activation of that portal.

Kimi also spent the rest of the short trip pushing to the back of her mind the fact that, for various reasons, she had been given the moniker of "hero" a total of three times within the last week. It wasn't heroism that Kimi felt from herself, even after her adventure--

What Kimi felt at this time was the calming, soothing warmth of the return to familiar surroundings, and the approaching embrace of the official closure to darkness in her life and the lives of her family and others close to her.

----------

12:23 AM.

Eastgate International Airport

The gentle "thump" of the tires of the VH-60 touching to the tarmac of the closed-off runway seemed to bring a small wave of relief through the occupants of the cabin as they prepared to disembark. Kimi unhooked her seat belt and rose a bit slowly to her feet, placing her hand against the back of the seat ahead of her to steady herself. Kim rose and placed an arm around the teen's waist. "You okay?" she asked.

"…Yeah," replied Kimi. "This happened a little the last time I was in a helicopter. The landing isn't like in a plane…it's all about, like, just fall away." She brought her other hand to lightly rub against her forehead. "I guess the wooze from the Cross thingy just added to it."

Kim gave her daughter a small reassuring squeeze. "Trust me, that'll wear off," she said. "You've already said you're feeling better than just after the Cross." Kimi nodded a bit in response. "By tomorrow, you should be pretty much back to normal."

As they reached the doorway of the cabin, Kimi canted her head a bit to her mother. "I wish I could keep the part from being in the Celler enviro about jump so high, though," she said.

Kim slipped into a smirk, rubbing her hand against Kimi's shoulder to snuggle her. "Yeah…well, just don't think about picking up any buildings here."

"Yeah," said Kimi, adding her own smirk as they started down the stairway. "Not tonight, anyway."

William was next out of the cabin, just behind the two women. "I think it's safe to say that the trip hasn't affected your high aim," he said, grinning and smoothing a hand over Kimi's upper back.

A few feet after stepping off the stairway, Kimi raised her head slightly and sniffed a bit - then exhaled slowly, her expression sliding into a smile. "All about home," she said through her breath.

Kimi's statement of return registered immediately with Kim and William. They echoed the sentiment in their minds and further reinforced it with a gentle squeeze and an arm around her shoulders as two Hummers moved onto the tarmac and approached the group.

Mark was assisting Marcy and Valencia out of the helicopter as the vehicles rolled to a stop some 15 feet away. He held Valencia's hand as she descended the last of the stairs - nodded to Lupe and Trujillo with a smile and a subtle wink as they began to exit the craft - then immediately turned, walking in the direction of the Hummers as the doors opened. Four Sergeants climbed out - and one rather diminutive and attractive woman, dressed in jeans and a white tunic-style shirt, with a woven belt of a light fabric loosely tied at her waist.

She moved to meet the large Captain halfway, stopping for a small kiss, then continued rather quickly to Kim and Kimi, her warm brown Celler eyes perking wide. "Kim! Kimi!" Melfina burst. She then turned back to Mark, who had joined them. "I am so glad and elated that both of them are home and safe!" She then giggled, "I do not know whom to hug first."

Kim burst into a chuckle along with Mark as Melfina turned back to Kimi, smiling wide and gathering the teen into an embrace. "You are one of the most unbelievable people I have ever met," she said. "With the events of the last few days, you have accomplished things that no pure Flesher could even conceive of doing." She then turned slightly to Kim, extending an arm to bring her into the hug. "And you have done something that the Celler community shall exalt from this night forward." Melfina turned toward the rest of the group, slipping an arm over the two women. "One must realize themselves truly blessed to be able to count special people such as these among their friends."

Kim grinned widely, her gaze shifting over the group. "I know the feeling quite well," she beamed. She then motioned out her hand. "In fact, let me exhibit that. Marcy, this is the good Celler friend I had told you about. Marcy Alvarez-Delgado, I'd like you to meet Melfina--" she paused for a short second, canting her head slightly to Mark "--Broderson?"

Mark smiled and gave a quick nod in confirmation as Marcy and Melfina extended their hands to shake. "How do you do, Marcy," Melfina grinned. "It is a pleasure to meet the closest friend of Kim and her family…I have heard much of the extent of your loyalty and support."

"Trust me, Melfina, the pleasure is all mine," Marcy returned, taking the Celler's hand into both of hers. "I have heard nothing but good things about you…especially the support you gave to Kimi just before her mission." Marcy then brought out her other arm to motion her family to join her. "This is my husband, Lupe," she said, "and this is our daughter, Valencia…and our son, Trujillo."

Melfina grinned wide as she met Valencia's hand. "A strong name indeed," she smiled. "It is of Latin origin, meaning 'bravery'."

Valencia stood for a quick second, disarmed by the fact - then slipped back into her teenage bravado façade. "I have to be brave," she said with a smirk and a wink. "Look who I have for a brother."

Melfina couldn't help but to let slip a quick titter at this. She then placed an arm over Trujillo's shoulders. "Sibling rivalry…another of the nuances not enjoyed in the Celler environment."

Marcy slipped an arm around Valencia as Mark moved to Kimi, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Time to go," he said. "We have to get clear of this area before they start letting in the passenger jets again…and I'm betting someone is getting anxious to officially be home." He then turned to one of the Sergeants. "I'll take the Hodges home," he said.

"Yes Sir," the Sergeant replied, exchanging a quick salute with Mark. Mark walked to the farther Hummer, opening the passenger-side doors. He then motioned for Craig's attention. "Back in a few," he said. Craig nodded in return.

Kim turned to Marcy. "I guess we're headed for home," she said, then turning to the rest of the Delgado family. "Thanks, all of you for coming tonight." She then turned back to Marcy. "I'm glad you could finally see a Cross."

Marcy took her good friend into her arms. "Kim…ever since the first day I met you, at the wedding, I've…realized that I should come to expect seeing some amazing and wonderful things," she said. "The Cross was…it was beyond anything I could even hope to describe. But even if there hadn't been such an event tonight…there were other things I was just as excited to see…like the three of you home and together again."

"I think that sentiment is shared with anyone who was aware of what had befallen this family, and of the measures that had to be employed to right it," Melfina said. Marcy, Mark and others nodded their agreement. "I am thrilled and relieved to see the family as one again, after the nightmares they had experienced separately," she added. She then turned to Kim, with a wink and a warm smile. "Tonight shall mark the end of nightmares…and the beginning of a Dream."

"I only wish you could have been here to see the Cross," said Kim. "It's one thing to go through the Resonance Conduit…but to experience a Cross from this side…to see it as a Flesher recipient would…"

"A scheduling delay in the Scramship flight prevented me from arriving earlier," Melfina explained, "but I was able to view the Cross as it was carried on television via a satellite feed aboard the flight. Just the sight alone was incredible. I can only imagine the intensity of the forces unleashed at that moment."

"Just seeing a Cross doesn't do the forces justice," Kim said. "It was…it was violent…but I didn't feel threatened in the least. The wind when the Conduit opened should have blown me off the landing like a piece of paper. But I just…leaned into it, like Misty told me to do…and I just stayed there."

"The crowd had the real reaction," said Mark. I looked out just as the Cross let loose…you could see the whole crowd move back a little bit…like waves, or the ripples when you throw a stone into a lake."

A Sergeant standing next to the other Hummer opened the doors on the passenger side. "Ms. Delgado?" he offered.

Marcy turned to Kim, hugging her again. "Thanks again for tonight. It was just spectacular."

"It rocked harder than any concert I've ever been to," Valencia perked.

"It was a real experience for me too," Kim said. "Not only from the Cross itself, but all the people who were there."

"There was mention during the broadcast of the size of the crowd," said Melfina, raising an eyebrow. "Upwards of 80,000 people?"

"Every one of 'em," William quipped.

"It must have really served to enhance the experience," Melfina said.

Kim's face slid into an expression of reflection. "The most amazing part was how those 80,000 people were able to keep from making a sound as I read the incantation."

"I'll attribute that to Misty," Marcy said. "She really gave quite the pep talk before you came out." She then turned in Kimi's direction and wrapped her arms around the teen, stroking the back of her neck as they embraced. "And thank you, Ki."

Kimi had a slightly confused expression as she returned the hug. "…Thanks…for what, Aunt Marcy?"

Marcy pulled Kimi back to arm's length. "For being a hero," she started. "For being the brave, amazing, wonderful person that you are…for just being you." With this, she brought Kimi into her arms again.

Kimi let out a soft giggle of relief as they hugged. "It's all about I'm just me, Aunt Marcy," she said.

Now Marcy burst out with a titter of relief. "I couldn't think of you being any other way." She then turned her head back to Kim with a smirk as she started toward the Hummer. "You know, it could be a couple of hours before any of the people from work who came out for this will be getting home. If anyone is really late or calls in sick tomorrow, can I blame that on you?"

Kim quickly turned to William. "Remind me to forward all calls to Misty tomorrow!"

The entire group burst into laughter at this. Marcy waved as she stepped inside one of the vehicles. "I'll call you tomorrow. I'll bet you'll sleep good tonight."

"I'm counting on it, in fact," Kim called back as the respective assemblages moved to the large trucks, readying for the trip home. Mark climbed behind the wheel of their Hummer, with Melfina sliding into the seat beside him. A Sergeant held the door as Kim, Kimi and William entered the back seat. Kim reached forward as Mark started the engine. "Melfina," she smiled, "I'd like you to meet my wonderful husband, William."

William reached forward to meet hands as the brunette Celler turned back to him, smiling. "How do you do," Melfina said, "and welcome back."

"Hi there," William returned. "Kim has told me about her good Celler friend and mentor of cooking Flesher food," which brought a titter from Kim. "And from what else I've heard," William continued, "it might be proper to wish you welcome back, too."

Melfina's hand shifted to Mark's shoulder. "Indeed!" she perked. "Even just the short time back has been more than hoped for, especially after hearing of the heroic endeavor of Kimi." She then thought for a second. "Although it should not surprise me, given that she is both blessed with Celler traits and is the extension of the Possible bloodline. It should have been second nature to believe that she also…could do anything."

Kim reached forward to tap the back of Melfina's seat. "Oh, stop," she quipped, "…you're giving swelled heads back here."

Kimi gave her mother a rather sharp tap to her shoulder. "All not about swelled head," she muttered. "I just did what I knew I had to do to save Mom. It's not like I jumped out of a plane or fought a shark or anything…"

Kim turned, placing a hand on Kimi's shoulder. "Ki…" she said, "the truth is…neither did I."

"Kimi," explained Melfina, "the actions and stunts Kim performed on the show were…just that…stunts. They were rehearsed and choreographed, and enhanced with camera angles and overlays, just the same as they are on nearly any other television program. The actions you undertook on your mission were in real-time…they were real. You were exposed to real danger." Kim nodded in agreement to this.

"Of course," Mark perked, "I can certainly put something together, if either of you would like to actually try jumping out of a plane--"

The quick and crisp "No" that burst from Kim and Kimi sent Mark into a fit of laughter, joined by William and giggles from Melfina.

The minutes on the highway from the airport gave Kim a short time to ponder the impact of the events that had transpired on this night and their possible effects on the future. In what now seemed to her a relatively and almost unjustifiably short few minutes on the landing, she had taken a monumental, perhaps the ultimate step toward realization of her late Cross Agent friend's dream. It also came to Kim that, whether or not Kimi's Cross would indeed mark the long sought-after Fall of Cynicism, her part in the creation of the event felt to her a crowning tribute and a memorial to Angelica. A fitting gesture not only to her - but to all Cellers and to the world as a whole.

Kim also saw this first publicly-viewed Cross as becoming yet another connection between herself and her extraordinary and incomparable daughter. While natural that a child would be curious or investigative about their parents' origin, Kimi took that discovery experience to unparalleled heights by actually becoming a part of the Celler environment and its inhabitants for a short time, and even expressing a desire to revisit. Even though being pulled into the portal was an unforeseen and unintended side effect of an effort to rescue her mother from the evil that had come for her destruction, it was clear that Kimi counted the adventure as a positive experience, even welcomed and enjoyable.

As the Hummer turned into the driveway of their home, Kim came to strengthen the realization that just as the character on her show, Kimi Angelina Hodge could do anything - including taking the bond between a mother and daughter to a new and unequalled dimension and depth.

----------

1:08 AM.

5118 Mason ParkView Drive

William looked at the house with a welcoming expression as the Hummer pulled to a stop. "Even though I've only been away a couple of hours," he said, "it's still a sight for sore eyes to see the house again."

"Me too," Kimi chimed as she leaned from the center of the seat to look, her head resting on his shoulder. "It's all about like the end to one long nightmare."

Melfina gave a slight tug on the inside handle to open her door. "As I said to your mother," she said, "tonight marks the end of nightmares."

William exited the back door, turning and extending a hand for his daughter. "The bad guys are in jail, the good guys are home, and everyone is happy. I can't think of a better ending to that nightmare."

Mark had gotten out and walked around the front of the vehicle. "Misty said that they were going to add encryption codes to Crosses from now on, to be built into the crystal and encoded into the electrostatic fragrances. They don't want anything like that to ever have a chance of happening again…especially after tonight." He placed one hand on the top of the open door frame and brought the other to take Melfina's hand as she moved from the seat to stand. "She said that things are really going to get busy, now that so many more people know about Cellers and the Cross."

Melfina kept her hand wrapped in Mark's, taking a slight step to the side as he shut the door. "It is a shame that such measures have to be implemented to ensure the integrity of Crosses," she said, "but with heightened exposure comes heightened risk. I think that, even if a Cross had not been…hacked…prior to tonight, some sort of security procedure would have had to be introduced to prevent possible corruption of the Resonance Conduit in the face of higher traffic."

Mark pulled his cell from his shirt pocket as it buzzed. "Broderson…oh hey." He lifted his eyes to the others, pointing to the phone and mouthing the word "Misty". "All done with the Q&A?…oh yeah? Are you going to stick around for that, or going back to the hotel? Okay…get with Craig, he'll take care of it." He then listened for a moment as Melfina's hand again found his. "Really? How did that go?" Mark chuckled. "After tonight, you should be used to bright lights and cameras. Hm? Yeah? When? 11…out there? Okay…I'll put a wake-up call in to the desk for about 9. We'll meet you in the lobby for breakfast, then head out there. Okay…get some sleep…see you in the morning." He slipped the cell back into his pocket and turned to the others with a grin. "Seems our celebrity isn't quite done yet," he said. "Misty just got back in to the airport with the first bus group. She said that during the Q&A session, a crew from Disney asked her for a short interview on the spot…it was carried live. She also said that a couple of the news channels approached her before she got on the bus…seems they want to set up a news conference out at the airport tomorrow morning. She asked that I be there. She'd like to have Melfina come with, too…for a 'Celler presence'."

"There's room on the disk we set up to record the Cross," said William. "I'll put it on there."

Mark turned to William with a slightly puzzled look. "You…do remember that power was cut to the entire city during the Cross…"

"We have a generator and battery backup unit in the basement," Kimi beamed. "It's all about keeps the house powered during blackouts."

"It's mainly for the computers," William added, "but it's actually powerful enough to keep the entire house going for over a week."

"I'll call Marcy early tomorrow and tell her that we can make a copy of it for anyone at work who wants it," said Kim.

Mark brought up his wrist and tapped the button to light the face of his watch. "If we're going to be up by 9," he said, shifting his eyes to his wife, "we should be thinking about a little sleep."

Melfina turned to the Hodges. "Once again, I wish to extend my pleasure in seeing this family whole and safe." She then reached to take Kim into a hug. "Now that you and I are again present in both environments, I look forward to much conversation and correspondence."

"You better believe it," Kim smiled, embracing her close Celler friend. "It's good to know you're here…and, after what had happened to you a few years ago, it's even more wonderful to see you back."

Melfina slid back from Kim's arms to gather Kimi into hers, hugging warmly. "Again, I must credit that to this one. Her devotion, her bravery…her efforts not only rescued you…but as a result of her talk with Mark about her dream with Angelica, she rescued me as well." She pulled back a bit, searching the eyes of the teen, her own eyes filled with grateful warmth and garnished with a wide smile. "The light of the Swan's ki was focused with an intensity that not only chased evil from its shadow, but then obliterated that shadow completely."

Mark was next in line, hugging Kim. "Seems to me the bravery thing runs in the family," he said. "You put aside your fears about doing the Cross, and doing it in front of so many people. You made sure you were the first thing your daughter saw when coming back into this environment…and you breathed life into a dream wished for by so many. I'm not sure the phrase 'above and beyond the call of duty' goes far enough in describing what took place tonight."

Mark then turned to face Kimi. "Ki--" he started - then paused for a moment, swallowing back the small lump in his throat as he glanced down. Kimi had, in the last few moments, removed her shoes and socks, and was slowly curling her toes against the soft grass of the front lawn - a sign he took as part of the teen's process of welcoming the return to her home and her life. "Ki," Mark began again, "there is a medal which is awarded to members of the military…who perform acts of bravery without the first thought about their own lives…who put the lives of others far above their own in the line of duty. Like I said, it's for members of the military--" he brought a hand to Kimi's shoulder, giving a warm, gentle squeeze "--but if it were in any way within my power, both of you would be wearing one…tonight."

Kimi's eyes locked on those of the large Captain, and they stared at each other for a few seconds - then she burst forth into Mark's arms, her hands slapping against the back of his shirt as she closed her grasp around him. Her sunflower hat slipped from her now-bald pate as she pressed her head against his chest. "It's all about look around, Cap'n Mark," she said. "Mom and Dad…you and Melfina…everyone is back where they belong." She pulled back a bit, her hands still along the sides of Mark's chest. "It's all about I already have all the diamond medals I could ask for." Kimi then lunged back against Mark's chest and her expression melted a bit as she began to weep quietly, her hands curling, clutching against his shirt. "You- you better email me now and then, Cap'n Mark," she said through a sob. "It's all about I don't wanna lose touch."

Mark again brought an arm around Kimi, his other hand softly smoothing over the back of Kimi's scalp. "Count on that," he smiled. "I wouldn't want to lose touch with you and your family." He then pulled back a bit, looking into Kimi's slightly teary eyes. "You almost sound like you think this is the last time we'll see each other."

"…It's not?" Kimi asked.

Mark grinned widely. "Nope," he said. "We have the news conference in the morning…and we'll be here through the rest of the week to make sure everyone who came gets back home from there, and close up operations at the airport. I'll email you my cell number sometime tomorrow…I'll always be no more than a phone call away."

"Not to mention the correspondence between your mother and myself," Melfina added. "And I have your email address as well. My first message shall be a request for Kim's address."

Rufus suddenly emerged from Kimi's front pocket with a wide grin. Email - me too!" he burst.

"Looks like we'll be adding another email box," William said, bringing the entire group into laughter.

Mark glanced again at his watch, then turned to Melfina. "I want to stop by the airport to touch base with Misty and Craig, then let's head for the hotel." He then turned back to the Hodges. "Again, welcome home," he smiled. "I'll get in touch one way or another tomorrow." He motioned his hand in the direction of the house, his other reaching to shake warmly with William's. "Sleep good tonight," he said. "If anyone deserves it, it's you three--" he took a quick glance at the Celler rodent protruding from Kimi's pocket "--err, you four."

"Yes," Melfina added, "have a pleasant rest tonight."

"I might be up for a little while longer," Kimi said, reaching to retrieve her hat and shoes from the lawn, slipping her hat back to her head. "It's all about unwind for a bit before bed." She turned to Kim. "Can I have a cup of tea? Real Flesher tea?"

Kim immediately perked into a warm smile. "Orange and black Pekoe, coming right up," she said, slipping an arm around her daughter. "You just name it…I'll make you anything you want tonight."

Kimi thought for a second. "Actually," she said, "I had something at Monique's before we went down to Kathy's office. I…think I'll be all about fine with just some tea."

Mark opened the passenger door of the Hummer, holding it for Melfina. "Talk to you all tomorrow," he said.

Kim, William and Kimi answered with waves and a nearly-simultaneous "Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Hodge family," Melfina said as she moved to the vehicle, ducking slightly under Mark's arm, "and pleasant dreams to you all." She stopped just before sliding into the seat. "Although I do not think I shall dream tonight," she said, caressing a hand along Mark's forearm and resting her chin on it, "for as of this night…all my dreams have been answered." She accentuated the last with a wide smile, her eyes shifting up to meet those of her husband.

It was this image of reunion which the Hodges added to their mental photo album as they turned to enter the front door of their house.

1:22 AM.

William turned the single key in the lock and opened the door, allowing Kimi to enter first. She took a few slow, cautious steps into the living room, as if entering for the first time and not wanting to miss the smallest detail. Rufus again emerged from her front pocket, his head slowly turning back and forth, taking in his new Flesher surroundings.

Kimi then stopped as she reached the middle of the couch, turning to face her parents, her face slowly shifting from cautious encounter to warm acceptance. She slowly brought up her arms, motioning in their direction and her smile widened, almost as if forming to catch a tear of joy that had escaped her eye. "Yep," she said, her voice beginning to break, "Its all about Wolfe was wrong…'cause I came home aga-ainn-nn--"

The rest of her words were buried as both Kim and William moved to embrace her, and the three held each other tightly in the center of their living room - a silent, tearful, shared celebration.

They parted, Kim and William each with an arm around Kimi's waist. "Are you sure you don't want something to eat?" Kim asked. "Maybe a salad, or I can fix you an omelet? We even have some leftover stuff from Lupe's from Sunday night…"

Kimi moved back a step and slowly sank to sit on the couch, shaking her head slightly. "I'm still kind of full from some stuff we had at Monique's," she said. "I think the tea will be all about enough for now." As she spoke, her hand ran softly over the fabric of the couch, as if tactilely reacquainting herself with it. "I want to relax for a few minutes, then it's all about show Rufus the house." Kim and William smiled at their daughter and made their way into the kitchen. Kimi hooked a finger on the top of the pocket on the front of her overalls, looking down into it. "Rufus?"

The pink rodent popped up with a wide toothbare grin. "Hi!" he perked.

Kimi let out a small giggle. "Hi yourself," she said. "Come on out…this is where we all live." She then patted one of the cushions. "Check this couch," she said. "All about soft and comfy…even the arms." She reached a hand to gather Rufus out of her pocket and placed him on the right arm of the couch, then turned to recline onto the cushions in demonstration, resting her head against the soft padding. Rufus sat at the crown of the arm, wiggling slightly, as if testing his new Flesher companion's claims about the furniture. "You don't even need a pillow to lay here," Kimi said, bringing her arm to lay across her waist. "It's all about watch some TV…frost it with a little radio…or catch a little nappage in the afternoon after lunch…"

In the kitchen, Kim brought the teapot from a cupboard, removing the lid and setting it in the sink under the faucet, turning a knob to start water flowing into the pot. "Did you see the look on Ki's face when she got in the house?" she said softly, turning her head to look over her shoulder to William, who was standing off to her right. "It was like she had been gone for an entire year, instead of one month."

"I don't know if I had the same expression when I first came back," said William, "but I can sure relate." He moved close behind his wife, sliding his arms around her waist and snuggling. "There were times during the last month when I didn't know if I would ever see this house--" he slowly lowered his head to lightly nuzzle his chin into the hair near the nape of her neck "--or you, again."

Kim slowly turned in William's embrace, sliding her hands along the sides of his face to interlace her fingers at the back of his neck, her eyes training on his. She moved to touch her lips to his in a light, slow kiss, remaining an inch from his face as they parted. "That's aalll over now, Mr. Hodge," she purred. "We're all back home…you…me…Ki…and Rufus."

"That was something I wanted to ask about, Mrs. Hodge," said William. "Rufus…care and feeding of, to be more specific…"

Kim's face spread into a smile. "You're really going to like him," she said. "He's actually helpful around the house…and he loves to read. We might have to keep some extra magazines out. He can spend just hours with a good book." She then perked, bringing up a finger. "Aannnd, he's able to actually use the toilet…no messy litter box to worry about." Kim then raised an eyebrow in thought. "Not sure how he is with Flesher food, though…he actually hasn't done all that many Crosses."

"I imagine that someone in the Celler environment already briefed Ki on this," William said. He turned toward the living room. "Ki…your mother and I were wondering about--"

When he reached the doorway to the living room, William stopped in mid-sentence. He turned slightly back toward the kitchen, directing a soft "come hither" motion to Kim. She padded across the kitchen, peering just around William's shoulder.

Kimi hadn't moved from her original position when she first laid upon the couch, other than to slide her hat forward a bit, the brim now partially obscuring her face as she slept. Rufus adopted much the same attitude, curling up on the well-cushioned arm of the couch.

William smiled at this tender sight of his daughter, safe and once again part of their family. "I think we'll have to make tea and Rufus talk part of the breakfast menu," he whispered.

to be continued…