Alright, so I lied. There's gonna be one more chapter after this. This one's just kind of a filler - originally I was going to combine this chapter and the next chapter, but I decided not to. (I hope Mia doesn't come across as too annoyed at Tim or anything, her pep talk was kind of hard to write because I didn't want her to be too harsh or anything)
Anyway, thanks to Inspector Brown, The Star Swordsman, RubyVulpix, and Shaded-Sky for reviewing!
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Chapter 9: Home At Last
When the group of friends arrived back in the Metroville harbor, Tony silently tied the boat to the dock and they walked toward their homes together without saying a word. It was a quiet Saturday evening, and fortunately there were very few people roaming the streets, so no one bothered them.
Finally Sam broke the silence. "Um, so what's gonna happen to Tim?"
"I don't care," muttered Tim. "Nothing matters anymore. Brittany is dead."
Mia stepped in front of the sandy-haired boy so that he had to stop walking. "Look, Tim, all of us miss Brittany, okay? I know she was really special to you, but that doesn't mean you can't go on after she's gone. Anyway, for all we know she might be alive, free, and heading home now. In the meantime need to figure out where you're going to stay, because I highly doubt you have money to rent an apartment."
"She's dead - I know it." remarked Tim sadly. His almost black eyes were dull with pain and sorrow.
"You don't," argued Mia.
"I do."
Before the argument got any worse Tony said, "Well, I'll bet my parents will let you stay with me, Tim."
Nodding dully Tim replied, "Thanks."
They fell back into silence as one by one they arrived at their houses. Eventually it was just Tony and Tim. Tony glanced over at his friend, concerned for him. He hoped something would be able to ease Tim's pain soon.
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The Rydingers were ecstatic to have their son back, since they'd had no idea where he was. Once he'd explained the rescue mission, they calmed down a bit and turned their interest to his new friend.
As Tony told his parents Tim's story Mrs. Rydinger grew increasingly sympathetic. "Poor dear, you need a home! Of course you can stay with us, Tim," she said in a very motherly way. "We should get out right away and catch those Elements too, Aaron."
Aaron Rydinger nodded, agreeing with his wife. "Right away. I'll call Mia, Sam, and Violet's parents too - that'll give us a bit of an advantage. And you," he pointed at his son as he spoke, "will stay here with Tim. You two have both had a long day and you need to rest."
"Sure," shrugged Tony. "We're cool with that, right Tim?" His friend nodded slowly.
After calling the other adult supers and arranging to meet at the harbor, Tony's parents changed into their supersuits and left. Tony attempted to interest Tim in a video game or movie, but the dark-eyed boy wasn't interested. He just curled up on the couch and slept, hoping to take his mind off Brittany. It worked... until he began to dream.
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One more chapter to go! (and I'm telling the truth this time) Reviews are nice things.
