"I hate this."

"At least we aren't leads," Alan comforted Tony.

"Yeah. It could've been worse," Orji added. Tony smiled at his teammates. Despite his relationship with a majority of his family, he was feeling pretty good. Though it could have been better too. It had been hard keeping Marc's memory a secret from WOOHP. He had been getting a little antsy it seemed. Not that many of the spies there noticed. It was more of a family thing. And thankfully, Megan was quick to defend, according to Marc. Tony wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not. They weren't on the best terms when her memory was wiped.

But on the plus side, that meant that only Marc would be invited to the Little Mermaid performance without difficulties. Speaking of... His costume was just uncomfortable. He guessed that it must have been planned. No school was perfect. Not even an artsy somewhat government ran facility. Itchy costumes were apparently a problem.

"Two days till stage time."

"Have you told Marc yet?"

"Yeah. Phil sent a letter with a ticket."

"Oh."

"Well that sounds like fun. Doesn't it?"

"Lose the sarcasm guys. I'd rather think about this play than what comes after."

Alan and Orji said nothing. In a matter of two months, the year would be finished. And Tony would need a home. One that wouldn't conflict with WOOHP agents placing him. If they were so ready to remove Tony from the Clark family as to remove their memories, then Tony would have to be targeted next. And they didn't want to try and fool the memory eraser twice. They might not be so lucky.

"Mom, I promise I'll be fine," Marc complained as she gave him another hug.

"Oh I know sweetie. It's just... You're on your own this time. Usually you're with Megan or Lee."

"I'll be fine mom. Really," Marc smiled. It was kind of funny. Though still strained with his family, he felt better and worse about Tony. In a way, everyone was happier. Even Tony. There was no shadow over him. Both a blessing and a curse for both. Lee no longer had a brother beneath him in every way for him to torment, nor be irrationally embarrassed. Megan didn't have anyone to teach social norms or talk with, but she was able to focus more on herself and her studies. Lately she had started her own research without Marc's help. Tony meanwhile was free as a bird.

He had no family to hold him back... But he had no family to pick him up either. And what was worse, he knew it. It was odd to think about really.

With all this he had learned about his brother, he was torn on if he should return. He wanted him too. He really did. But the damage couldn't be undone. Even if Jerry discovered who Cover was. Perhaps that is why he was thinking about turning loose. Leave WOOHP and perhaps one day join another organization.

"Oh, I just wish you weren't going alone," his mom said.

"I could go with him."

Marc's smile fell.

"You don't have to Megan. Really, I'll be fine."

"I know Marc. I just want to."

"Are you sure?" Their dad asked.

"Positive dad. I don't spend a lot of time with Marc outside of missions anyway. It'll be great."

Marc mildly glared at his twin. Of all the days she could want to hang out, she chose when he would be going to see their little brother?

"I only have one ticket," Marc stated smoothly, "I don't think I can get another one."

"That's okay. I can walk around the campus while the play is going on," she smiled innocently.

"Great," Marc stated trying to sound happy. It didn't work to well, but only Lee seemed to notice.

"Great! I'll grab my bag so we can go!"

"You're already packed?"

"A good spy is always prepared."

"Do I want to know?"

"Probably not."

"Alright. Carry on," Phil said walking away from two of his older students wrestling in the mud. Ah kids. Reminded him of the hunt! Oh wait, he was never part of a hunt. Though he did track and capture bad guys. Was that considered a hunt? Ah well, he was calling it a hunt.

As it was right now, he wasn't so much the hunter as the hunted. WOOHP seemed very interested in HOW's work. Not letting any information slip to their agents was easy. Especially since Marc had begun relaying information. Harmless stuff really. Most of it Phil already knew from his Grandmother Sherry and his great uncle Terry. Why they believed he would be like them was beyond him no matter how helpful. Better than being an accountant or a rodeo clown he supposed.

A faint buzz in his pocket interrupted his thoughts. He pulled an old beaten flip phone from his pocket and looked at the caller I.D. Huh. He wasn't expected a call from Marc. Hell, Marc was on his way there. Must be important. Flipping the phone open he placed it to his ear.

"Yellow?"

"Blue."

Phil chuckled to himself.

"Green?"

"No."

"Okay what's going on?" Phil asked a little more serious.

"I'm not... Coming alone... I was wondering if I could get another room."

Someone was with him.

"Of course. I see no reason why not."

"Thanks. My sister and I really appreciate it."

Sister. Damn. This was going to be eight shades of awkward.

"No problem. I'll let Anthony know you'll be on your way. Enjoy your trip," Phil finished hanging up the phone. Great. Now he'd have to beef up security. And rewire any gadgets she had on her. And keep her away from Tony. The less time around Tony, the less clues she had. The less clues she had, the less suspicions she had. The less suspicions she had, the less of a chance she'd tell Jerry. The less of a chance that a government war would break out among the soldiers. Damn. He was getting gray hairs just thinking about it.

Kay, so not dead. So here's an update.