Green with Jealousy
Part 6
By crystalquirt

Sibey yaoi – action, adventure, boyxboy romance, mild language
Ideas for this fic contributed by:~loveless kittykat~Pandalover~Lycan-wolf96~forever tiki [Sadie] from DA

Kong Li uses a spell that causes earthquakes and even lava to spew forth in Chinatown. But that isn't his plan this time. He uses the spell to lure out and weaken the fighting trio. Sid's innocent friend, Will from his history class is recruited by Kong Li to pursue his son to drive a wedge between Sid and Tobey and to help convince Tobey to join him once and for all.

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[TD]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

Sue angrily stomped up stairs she was so involved in her own thoughts about all that was happening that when she turned the corner to go in the bathroom, she banged her casted elbow on the door jam. "Ow! Why am I so stupid?" her hand went to her traumatized limb and she leaned on the side of the door that she just ran into.

"Sue?" Barney appeared next to her wearing only his pajama bottoms, "What's wrong?"

"Oh - I am such a klutz! I hit my cast on the wall!"

"Do you need me to get Nana?"

"No I'm okay," Sue took a deep breath and stood up straight. "Thanks for checking on me."

"I heard you cry out, I was afraid you fell or something."

"Sorry if I woke you up Barn."

"Its okay, I wasn't asleep anyway. I'm just glad you aren't hurt; at least not hurt any worse that you already are." Barney stepped in front of her and put his hands on either side of her waist and leaned against the wall. He bravely put his face close to hers and closed his eyes, hoping for a kiss. Sue smiled weakly at him and gave him a quick kiss.

"I'm sorry Barney, I guess I just don't feel much like company right now."

"Oh sorry Sue, you aren't mad at me are you?"

"No Barney, I'm not mad at you."

"Then at Sid and Tobey, right?"

"How did you know?" she said sarcastically.

"I heard you yelling at them, its why I wasn't asleep when I heard you just now. I didn't understand it all, but you were a little brutal weren't you?"

"You heard everything?"

"Not everything and I didn't understand all of what I did hear, but it sounded like you were pretty hard on them. What did they do?"

"Its not so much what they did, but what they didn't do. One of their friends from school is in trouble and Sid was too blind to realize he needed his help instead of his anger and now I am afraid they will fall into the same trouble he did."

"I don't know what kind of trouble you are talking about, but maybe you should tell them you are worried instead of yelling at them? Aren't you doing the same thing to them? Maybe Sid and Tobey need your help instead of your anger."

"So you think I am wrong to want them to pay more attention?"

"Not at all, I notice things. They have been goofing off. I just know for me too, I am more likely to listen if someone offers advice kindly instead of yelling at me."

"Thanks Barney. I just feel so angry. You don't know everything that's going on."

"Right, I don't know much about what's going on with them, but I am sure your anger comes from fear, you are afraid for them."

"You're sounding more and more like Nana."

"Like I said, I listen. If not for Nana's teachings about a new way to look at things, my dad would have driven me completely nuts by now."

Sue grinned at Barney and hugged him. His eyes got wide when she began to kiss a line of light kisses up his neck and he totally got into it when she went for his lips. Right in the middle of their kiss, Sue suddenly realized she had to pee even more than before she ran into the wall and excused herself. Smiling with great satisfaction, Barney went back to his room.

Back in the dining room, Sue found the boys talking to Nana and it seemed like they were very involved in something heavy so rather than interrupt, she went to the kitchen and turned the burner on under the teapot to make some tea.

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[TD]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

Tobey sat quietly, staring into space while Nana prepared. Sid held his hand. "This is too weird, Tobey's never this quiet."

"Lets see if I can return him to his normal talkative self."

Sid smiled nervously as Nana made him let go of Tobey's hand. "Do you want me to go?"

"No, just be very quiet, no matter what happens."

Nana spoke softly, "Tobey, touch your nose with your left index finger."

Tobey did as instructed without changing the expression on his face. Nana touched his wrist, his cheek, his shoulder, she touched his shoulder again and pressed harder. Tobey winced, and tried to move back in the seat. "Tobey, tell me did that hurt?"

"A little."

It was the first time Tobey responded at all except to follow her instructions, hopeful, Nana told him to touch his nose again, and unfortunately he did. So then she gave him another sip of the experimental antidote and instructed, "Touch Sid,"

Tobey touched Sid's forearm. "Darn – why is he still under? . . . Drink." Nana held up one of the cups again and he obediently took a drink from it.

Nana went through a few suggestions again with the same result; unquestioningly following orders. Only Tobey seemed to be getting more restless. When Nana was trying to find a trigger, he began mumbling, "Stop . . . don't touch me," and clenching his jaw like he was feeling threatened. He tried to move away in the seat, but he didn't try to get up.

"Sid, I don't know – this doesn't seem to be working. There has to be something that will bring him out of it."

"When he was hurt or very frightened he seemed to come out of it – he doesn't have to be hurt does he?"

"No, when he seemed to come out of it those times, it was only temporarily because Kong Li hasn't finished brainwashing him completely yet. I don't know how I am going to get Will to snap out of it yet. He seems completely under Kong Li's control."

"Well if pain is required I am sure Sue wouldn't mind hurting him for us . . . or me either." Sid was becoming frustrated too.

Nana had Tobey drink from the last cup and started to instruct him again with simple commands, just to see if he was still under, she tried touching him again to see if she could wake him up after the last potion she had him drink.

Tobey suddenly screamed "Don't touch me! This isn't right – where am I?" His eyes huge, he looked around like he was planning a fast escape. Nana patted the back of his hand that was closest to her on the table.

"Tobey calm down, breathe deeply."

"No - don't touch me anymore! I can't stand it! This is wrong - this is wrong."

"Tobey, everything is fine. You trust me don't you? I would never do anything to hurt you."

"Who are you?" Tobey glared at Nana and then looked angrily at Sid. He seemed to recognize him. "And you are Sid!" Tobey pointed, "My daddy told me you were trying to kill our family – and would kill me if you got a chance!"

Sid pleaded with him, "Tobey No, he is lying to you!"

Tobey elbowed Sid in the chest and punched his face before Nana could stop him. Trapped in the booth, and not wanting to hit Tobey, Sid covered his head to try and protect himself. Nana tried to catch Tobey's hands across the table, but Tobey moved his hands in a circular block move and got away from Nana. He jumped up and lowered into a fighting stance. "Stay back!"

"Tobey please. . . we aren't trying to hurt you - let us help you!" Nana begged and then glanced at Sid. "Are you okay?"

Sid was leaning against the wall in the back of the booth holding his arms crossed over his chest with a pained look on his face. Tobey screamed. "You lie, I don't need any help!"

When Nana looked at Sid, Tobey took his chance and ran, but not out the front doors. He ran toward the garden and met Sue in the hall carrying her hot tea with her one free hand.

Nana started after Tobey, "Don't worry Sid - I will bring him back. Drink the rest of your mint tea in case I need you."

Sue screamed in surprise when she saw Tobey running full speed at her. She instinctively put up the only arm she could to try and protect herself as he ran into her. Not meaning to, her scalding hot tea splashed all over Tobey's chest and he screamed as he fell into her. Sue fell back and unable to recover, he landed on her and her cast.

"Ow! Tobey you jerk! Get off!"

"Ow -But - Sue – they're after me!"

As Nana came down the hallway, she heard Tobey say Sue's name. Tobey seemed to recognized her! Nana hoped he was at least starting to regain his own mental control. He jumped to his feet and turned to face Nana just long enough for her to see that his chest was bright red from the tea burn, but at least most of the blood had been washed away.

"Tobey, stop now, please," Nana held out her hand to him.

"No! You want to kill me!" Tobey ran out the garden gate with Nana running right behind him. Sid got out of the booth slowly, holding his ribs.

As her brother got closer to her, Sue saw blood running from the corner of Sid's mouth. He leaned on the wall and offered her a hand up. She didn't take his hand, deciding she would rather stay on the floor she carefully pulled her casted arm up across her stomach. "Sue, come on - did he hurt you?"

"No, I'll just stay here. I'm not hurt any more than I already was, but it looks like he hurt you - what's going on Sid?"

Sid felt his bruised cheek and jaw, and tasted the blood on his lips. "Tobey went into a trance, he is still under – he got scared and started fighting when Nana tried to bring him out of it."

When he finished speaking, Sid held his throbbing jaw realizing now it even hurt to talk. Still throbbing from the punch, he wiped the blood away with the back of his hand and wondered if a couple of his ribs were broken now too.

"Tobey sure has a strong punch for a skinny shrimp. I have to go see if Nana caught him, are you okay Sue?"

"No – nothing about this is okay!"

"Well shit Sue – I don't know how to fix it and I don't have time to argue with you if you won't give me a straight answer. If you have any suggestions – oh never mind – you don't want to 'mother' us anymore – isn't that just another way of saying you don't want to help us?"

"Sid . . . that isn't what I meant." Sue called after him, but he was already out the back door still holding his ribs and limping on his slightly numb leg.

He found Nana in the garden with Tobey pinned on his back. Her foot on the very frightened boy hold to him down. He struggled weakly and made whining noises through his clenched teeth. Nana saw Sid coming. "Glad you are here Sid, are you and Sue okay?"

"I think I'm just really sore - I think Sue is okay too, but she is still angry and didn't give me a straight answer." Sid sadly looked at Tobey trying to twist Nana's leg to get her foot off of his chest.

"I will talk to Sue as soon as we figure out what to do about this." Nana pointed at Tobey.

"Let-me-go-let-me-go-let-me-go!" Tobey repeated over and over into the grass. Sid bent down and held Tobey's arms as Nana took her foot off of him. They stood him up together, but Sid hugged him tightly.

"Let me go! I don't belong here – Father! Father! Help me!"

Tobey tried to fight Sid and Nana together, but Sid's back pain was relieved by Nana's potion enough that Tobey couldn't get out of his hug this time. Nana caught his hands as he tried to hit her. Sid spoke softly to him some more, being careful to not blow in his ear this time.

"Tobey please calm down and listen to me; you know us . . . we are your family!"

With Sid holding Tobey from behind, Tobey looked over his shoulder trying to see his face. "Sid?"

"Tobey, do you know me?"

"Of course he knows you . . . you reject. He knows you as the ones who are trying to kill him and stop his own loving father."

Sid sighed loudly, "Not you again, Kong loser! When will you just give it up?"

Now that Tobey told Sid about Kong Li's hair, he noticed even in the moonlight when the breeze blew through his greasy hair, that Kong Li did appear to have white roots on one side of his head. The sight made Sid shudder.

Kong Li stayed on top of the garden wall just sizing up the situation. Tobey looked up at his 'father' and started fighting to get away with renewed vigor. Tobey managed quite by chance to hit Sid in his sore ribs with his elbow and twist right out of Sid and Nana's hold on him.

Sid fell to his knees holding his side for a second. Tobey ran to the wall and tried to jump up to stand by Kong Li, but Nana was fast. She caught his leg and pulled him back down.

"Gei Kow No."

Kong Li created a flame over his palm and blew across it, sending a line of fire after Nana. She grabbed Tobey and knocked him down. Sid was up again and already had the hose. He opened the sprayer on Mr. Wu's garden hose and blasted him. Kong Li roared angrily and jumped down off the wall at Sid.

Sid jumped back and blocked Kong Li's first punch . . . but not the second. He palmed Sid in his chest and he fell onto his already fragile back.

Nana heard Sid scream and hurried, picking up Tobey by his shoulders. With almost super human strength, Nana picked Tobey up by the back of his shirt and belt and put him in Mr. Wu's little garden house. "I'm very sorry Tobey."

It was more the size of an upright trunk with a little moon shape cut out of the door like an outhouse. Once she had Tobey inside, Nana slammed the wooden door and stuck the bolt back through the clasp.

Tobey screamed and rattled the door so hard she thought it might come off it's hinges as she ran to help Sid. A loud crash followed as Tobey knocked over all of the garden tools when he stepped on a rake leaning against the wall with shovels and other sharp implements. He fell sitting against the back wall and the tools fell in front of him.

Kong Li had Sid down on his back, his staff pressed across his throat and Sid too weak from his injuries to throw him off. He was barely able to hold Kong Li off enough that he could still breathe.

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[TD]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

Upstairs, Barney heard another bunch of ruckus and ran down to see what all the noise was and stop it before his dad woke up. The first thing he saw was Sue lying on her back in the hallway, her casted arm rested across her stomach and her other arm covering her eyes.

"Sue! You did fall this time! I knew I should have come down with you – or come down for you to get your tea!"

"I'm okay Barney." Sue's voice cracked like she might have been crying and Barney didn't believe her.

"Where is everyone else? Did they just run off and leave you alone?"

"You know that problem I told you about? It came up again and Sid, Tobey and Nana are trying to take care of it. I told them I was okay and to go on. I thought I could be up and have more tea before you found me. Sorry."

"Why are you sorry? And you don't look alright, you are laying on the floor!"

"I know."

"You've been crying too – I can tell. Are you feeling pain?"

Barney gently held her wrist and moved her arm from covering her eyes. He found them red and swollen. She blinked and tears ran down her temples into her hair.

"Sue! Where do you hurt? I will get help!"

No Barney, really, I'm okay physically."

"Not believing you Sue, if you aren't hurt, whats wrong."

"Sid and Tobey are in trouble and Sid thinks I refused to help."

"Well you kinda did didn't you?"

"I didn't mean I wouldn't help them, I just get tired of taking care of them – being responsible for everything. And with this stupid cast on, I can't get up and prove Sid wrong." Sue tried to cover her eyes again, but Barney sat down next to her, gently lifted her by her shoulder and one uninjured hand and hugged her. Sue put her face into his neck and cried until she heard her brother's scream.

"Oh no – something tells me things are not going well outside."

"What could be happening? Want me to go check?"

"No Barney, Nana's out there, I am sure she can handle things."

Sue thought it important to keep Barney with her. Whatever was going on in the garden, no one would have time to explain things to Barney if he went to investigate. "Would you help me up?"

"Sure and then I will make you some more tea." Instead of helping her up, Barney effortlessly picked her up across his arms and valantly carried her to a booth to wait for her tea. He softly kissed her cheek and left to go make her tea. As soon as he went into the kitchen Sue ran for the back door leading to the garden.

Sue couldn't see Tobey anywhere, but her brother was on the ground moaning and Nana was fighting Kong Li alone! She badly wanted to go to Sid, but since he wasn't going anywhere and Nana was in immediate danger, she chose to go to Nana and help her with Kong Li. Sid happened to open his eyes a little and saw Sue running across the garden. He whispered, "No Sue, stay back." very quietly wishing she could somehow hear him, but Kong Li wouldn't.

Kong Li stood up smugly after kicking Nana hard enough that she went down and stayed that way for a moment. The evil man didn't even see Sue coming. She jumped up and planted both feet into Kong Li's back. He flew over Nana, over a stone bench and into the flower bed.

It gave Nana time to get up again and she stood with Sue, both stood facing him as he got up. "An old woman and a girl with a broken arm." What chance do you think you have against me?"

"No chance, just plenty of skill Kong Li." Nana replied and then whispered to Sue, "Ready?"

Sue grinned and nodded. They both yelled "Kai Shray La!" and powerful streams of water shot from both of Nana's hands and Sue's uninjured hand. The powerful streams of water hit Kong Li in the chest and propelled him over the garden wall.

Nana immediately dropped to her knees and poured a magic herbal liquid infusion into the dirt. She chanted creating a barrier to keep Kong Li out in case he hadn't given up yet.

Sue ran to Sid and as soon as she got close to him Sid asked urgently, "Where is Tobey? Kong Li didn't take him did he?"

Sue looked around quickly, still no Tobey so she yelled, "What happened to Tobey?"

Nana never stopped chanting her barrier but pointed at the shed. "Tobey's in the shed, I'll go let him out."

"No wait Sue, if he is still in that trance he could hurt you."

Sid refused Sue's help to get up just as she had done to him a few minutes before. He rolled over on his stomach and used the bench to get up. Sue started to go ahead of him and he threatened her, "Stay out of the way Sue, you said you weren't helping us anymore anyway."

"You jerk – you are beyond help!"

Nana stopped chanting just long enough to yell at them. "Sue! Sid! Stop bickering – Tobey needs you!"

Sid took the bolt from the hasp and opened the door. Tobey was under all the tool handles that had fallen toward him leaning against the wall with his chin on his chest. Sid dropped to one knee and reached among the handles to touch him. "Tobey?"

when he didn't answer, Sid started handing tools out to Sue who with only one hand could only push them out of the way before they fell over. Once he had the tools out of the way Sid gritted his teeth and picked Tobey up under his arms. He hugged him to his chest and backed out dragging Tobey's feet.

"Oh no – Sid, is he hurt?"

"I don't know what's wrong . . . Nana!" Sid groaned from the pain he felt when he leaned down to pick Tobey's feet up. Luckily Tobey was very light and Sid was able to carry him to the bench closest to Nana.

"Sue – check the alley – see if Kong Li is still out there." the soft chanting resumed.

Sue ran to the gate and looked out. Not seeing anyone she reported back that he was probably gone.

"I'll take a chance and let the barrier down. Sue – keep watch. He could use his portal spell and appear any second even though it seems like he is gone now. I must remember to teach you three this barrier spell." Nana stopped chanting and the breeze began blowing gently through the garden again. Sue did as she was told and kept watch over the alley and in the air over the garden.

Nana kneeled down beside Tobey. Sid sat next to him trying to wake him up. "Easy Sid."

"But what's wrong with him?"

"I hated to have to do it to him, but he may have just become so frightened in the small shed, that he passed out." Nana stood up again and got her bag. When she returned she pulled out a dried flower from a small box. Sid smelled it as soon as she took the lid off. "Ew! That is one strong stench for a little flower."

"It should do it, if he just fainted from fear. Be ready, he might still be in a fighting mood."

Sid held both of Tobey's hands and leaned over him, ready to lay on him to hold him down if he had to. Nana held the little flower briefly under Tobey's nose and even before he opened his eyes he turned his head and struggled. "Tobey please . . . " Sid was afraid he was trying to fight again, but really, Tobey was just trying to get away from the smell.

"Yuck Sid! When was the last time you bathed?"

"Oh Tobey, you're alright? Are you, you again?" without giving Tobey a chance to answer Sid picked him up by his shoulders and hugged him. Sue saw Tobey wake up from where she was and got tears in her eyes she was so happy to see him. The relief overwhelmed her.

"Sid – ease up a little buddy, I can't breathe."

Even though after all he had been through, Tobey really did smell almost as bad as the flower Nana woke him up with. To Sid he smelled wonderfully alive and just like Tobey should smell. Sid pulled away from his boyfriend just enough to find his lips for a passionate kiss. Nana smiled at them. At least they weren't fighting. She got up and went to Sue.

Sue saw Nana walking over to her and noticed Nana was holding her side. "Sue, I don't think we need to keep watch anymore, but we do need to leave. We are too vulnerable here. With you and Sid hurt and Tobey compromised we must find someplace safer where Kong Li won't be able to find us so I can care for you.

"Nana you're hurt too – what happened?"

"It's just a burn. Please Sue, you will find a large satchel under the workbench in the storeroom. Load it up with all the herbs I have shown you from my hiding places. We must get out of here before Kong Li returns."

"We're running? But Nana, do you think he would attack us here again so soon? We've never run away before!"

"He has attacked here before when he thought you three couldn't stop him. He tried to trick you with 'Herb' and he tried to trap you that time to keep you away. Now he knows you and Sid are hurt and he also realizes I'm sure that Tobey is still at least partially under his control. It will be too easy for him to attack us and take him back. I'm sure when we fought just now, he noticed I was not fighting at my best either."

"But Nana." Sue stopped herself from speaking, she knew not to argue. Nana never seemed this worried before. Nana continued as they walked to the back door.

"So Sue, you grab my herbs and I will grab a few of our things from our rooms, warm clothes, toothbrushes. I will tell Barney that we might be gone for a few days for you to have therapy or something for your arm. I will tell Sid and Tobey what's going on and help them out to get a cab. Try not to worry, alright?"

Sue's tears of relief from seeing Tobey was okay, turned back into tears of sadness and fear. She sniffled and wiped tears from her eyes. "But what about the cookbook?"

"Kong Li knows I would have it well hidden. Its not in the scholar stone anymore and I left it open for him to see right away that the cookbook isn't there in case he looks. Right now, his plans involve Tobey even more than the cookbook. We must protect him."

"Yes Nana."

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[TD]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

In the cab, Sid sat in the middle of the back seat with Sue and Tobey on either side. He held them both around their shoulders. Nana sat in the front showing the driver where to take them.

"Sid, I'm scared." Tobey admitted first. Sid gave him and Sue a tighter squeeze to his sides.

"I am too, and Sue, I'm so sorry I treated you badly."

"Its okay bro, I deserved what you said. I didn't mean I didn't want to help you anymore. Please forgive me."

"It's okay."

Tobey was shivering and Sid felt him. All their warm clothes were in the trunk and no body wanted to stop just to get a jacket out. Sid sat up straight and took off his black shirt to give to him. He still had his gray shirt on and Sue had a sweat top on that she had cut the arm out of to fit over the cast. Sid's shirt hung like a feed sack on Tobey's small frame and Sue giggled at him. "You could get at least two more people your size in there Tobey."

"Not true Sue. Sid isn't that much bigger than me – or stronger." They laughed as Tobey pulled the sleeves up so his hands would show. Sid added, "Keep dreamin' Tobey."

Tobey crossed his arms in front of his body and put his hands into opposite sleeves to warm up his hands. Sue looked out front and saw where they were. "Nana where are we going? Are we going outside Chinatown?"

"You three are. Kong Li cannot get to you or even find you if you aren't in Chinatown anymore."

"What do you mean us three? You said you were coming with us - you have to take care of us."

"You three will be fine. I will get you a place to sleep and pick up some more magic ingredients to reenforce the barrier. I have to protect Chinatown from Kong Li. There is no one else."

Sid interrupted, "Nana, Tobey needs you!"

"I made extra mint elixir for you to keep you going as long as possible so you can care for Tobey and Sue. It should last until I can come back for you. You know what triggers the hypnotic state now right? Just see that it doesn't happen again."

"What are you talking about? What 'hypnotic state'?"

"I'll explain later Tobey." The cab bottomed out and they had to hold on even though they were seatbelted in. Sue gasped loudly when she startled and they all looked ahead.

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[TD]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

The bump was just the cab bouncing over a rough driveway in the parking garage next to a motel. The cab driver stopped next to the elevator and the three kids got their stuff out of the trunk while Nana paid and tipped him for the quick ride. They went in to the lobby, checked in and went up to their room without saying much to each other.

Once in the dark, dingy room Tobey tried to talk Nana out of leaving, at least alone again. "Please Nana, you can't go back alone. Take me with you – I am the strongest and the bravest."

"I know you are Tobey." She smiled at Sid and Sue, "I will stay for a little while and get you three comfortable and provided for, but right now Tobey, you will be more help to me here, watch over Sid and Sue for me . . . okay?"

Nana smiled at Sid and Sue. They knew really she meant for them to watch over Tobey. "They will need your help. Make sure Sid drinks a little of this each hour." She handed Tobey a canteen full of the mint elixir. "And be sure Sue gets some rest. I will go make sure everything is quiet in Chinatown and come back to care for all of you."

"Alright Nana, but if everything is not okay, promise you will call for me to come help you."

"Don't worry Tobey." Nana got on her phone and walked away from the three. Sid lie back on the bed really wishing his back would stop hurting. Sue took the plastic 'make up room' sign off the doorknob and tried to scratch inside her cast with it. Tobey sat on the bed next to Sid. "Still hurts a lot, huh?"

"Yeah Tobey, another spasm."

"Here, drink some." Tobey held out the canteen and waited for Sid to sit up a little to do as he instructed. When Sid was finished, he lie back again. Tobey leaned down and untied Sid's boots before he pulled them off for him. Then he even guided Sid's legs up on the bed with his knees in the air so his back could be flat.

On the other side of the bed Sue pulled a pillow down and put it under Sid's head. Sue lie back from that side of the bed and Tobey put a pillow under her head and cast from the other bed in the room. "Thanks Tob." she said softly.

Tobey lie down on Sid's other side lying the same direction Sue was. He looked over Sid's legs at her. She already had her eyes closed. He rolled over on his side and held Sid's hand when he groaned and held his breath. Another spasm had tightened his back muscles and yanked on his spine.

While Nana was on the phone she watched her three kids taking care of each other and got a tear in her eye. She almost forgot who she had called when they answered the phone.

Soon she hung up the phone and put her bag over her shoulder. "There are a few groceries being delivered this evening with things you will need tonight for diner and for breakfast tomorrow morning. I plugged in the little refrigerator so it will be cold by the time the order gets here and if you didn't notice this room even has an old microwave on the counter in the restroom area that probably works. A pizza and bottle of soda should be here in a few hours for lunch. Don't worry kids, I will be back soon."

Nana touched Sue's cheek on her way out. Sue opened her eyes and smiled nervously at her. No one could think of anything else to say. After Nana left, they heard the door lock and then silence. Tobey sat up after only a minute. "Nana said she would be back soon, but it sounds like she ordered enough food for us for days."

"No Tobey, with you eating too, it will last a day at the most, but you're right . . . I don't think Nana will be coming back soon at all."

Tobey turned around and sat cross-legged on the bed. "Alright Sid, what did Nana mean hypnotic state?"

"Tobey . . ." Sid responded staring at the ceiling. Sue rolled to her side to listen too. "it seems you are still being influenced by Kong Li's spells or something. I accidentally blew in your ear when I was trying to comfort you and you went blank, blindly following Nana's orders, just like what happened when we rescued you from Kong Li."

"That can't be, I snapped out of it – I feel like myself."

"Do you remember attacking us in the dining room and knocking Sue down? Do you remember how your chest got burned or when Nana locked you in the tool shed when Kong Li attacked us?"

"No, but . . . when did all that happen?" Tobey's hand went to the stinging skin across his chest.

"Yeah Tobey – just before we left to come here." Sue interrupted. Sid turned his head and glared at her in case she would say something nasty to him again. "Nana decided to bring us away after that. She was afraid with me and Sid hurt she wouldn't be able to protect you from Kong Li alone and he would take you back."

"No way! I won't let Kong Li trick me again."

"Not willingly, you weren't even aware of it."

Tobey noticed the large bruise on Sid's jaw and his cut lip. "Sid – did I do that to you?"

"No, Kong Li did. Lets just try to get some rest until the pizza gets here."

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[TD]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

Sue got up only long enough to lay on the other double bed so the boys could spread out if they wanted to. They didn't. Tobey turned around and lie on his side next to Sid with his arm across Sid's chest.

"Hey you two, no hanky panky over there."

"Don't worry Sue, We don't panky and we left our hankies at Wu's."

Tobey giggled at his own cleverness. Sid assured Sue, "I hurt too bad for any of the panky hanky stuff you mentioned."

sue turned out the lights and the blinds at the one dirty window kept out the light as though it was nighttime again. Some hours after they all three fell into restless slumber, Sid rolled over and put his arm around Tobey, who moved his arm only long enough for Sid to get comfortable. Once Sid was still again Tobey purred and reached over him to rub his back. He nuzzled in Tobey's hair, but his nose was met with stink. Sid opened his eyes and saw nothing in the darkness except Tobey's white forelock glowing dimly right before his face.

Tobey moved closer, their noses only an inch apart. Sid dismissed the smell as something in the motel room and pulled Tobey closer for a kiss. Tobey eagerly kissed Sid passionately until Sid couldn't stand the smell anymore and pulled away. "Tobey, why do you stink? You smell like old man."

A deep voice answered from so close to him he could feel the smelly breath against the skin on his neck. "Well thanks Sid, but I am not that old – wanna kiss me again?" Sid opened his eyes and found the face pressed to his, had a white forelock over one eye, but the face was Kong Li's!

"Aaaaah! No-KONG LI-Get away!" Sid violently pushed the sleeping body that had been next to him away and Tobey woke with a yelp.

Kong Li's evil grin faded and then the face changed. The face became Tobey's face and Sid actually felt his jaw throb with pain when Tobey pulled back his fist and hit him. Tobey laughed, "I am my father, Sid – beware!"

The real Tobey rolled back over and looked at Sid. Sid started screaming and backed off the bed away from him. His butt hit the carpet first and his head hit the nightstand. The shock to his spine started another painful spasm and made him cry out and fight weakly. Tobey quickly turned on the light; crawled over to Sid's side and looked down at him. Sid was on the floor, kicking and punching the nightstand.

"Sid? . . . Sid! You're having a nightmare!" Tobey caught Sid's hands to keep him from hitting the nightstand again. His knuckles were already bloody. Tobey pushed his hands down and slid off the bed to lay on him to hold the strong boy down. "Sid! Wake up!"

Sid put his head back and screamed through his teeth before he woke up and still, he looked around like he was confused. He tried weakly to push Tobey away. "No-Kong Li! Ow! My back!" Sid screamed and Tobey quickly covered his mouth to not attract attention. Sid screamed into Tobey's hand and pushed on the carpet with his free hand trying desperately to get away. Tobey tried to reason with him.

"There is no Kong Li here – we are in the motel room – Kong Li can't even come here – we are outside Chinatown!" Sid finally relaxed enough to put his head back on the floor. He was breathing hard like he had just run five miles.

"Oh Tobey," he panted, "It was terrible!" Sid reached up and pulled Tobey down to his chest to hug him. Sue crawled, bouncing on one arm across the boys bed and looked down at them.

"Boy Sid, what were you dreaming about?" Since Sid was holding him, Tobey resigned to hug him back and not try to get away.

"Nothin'- I don't remember."

"You don't remember? You were screaming like Kong Li had you down beating on you and you almost pushed me out of bed."

"It was worse than that."

"How could it be worse than Kong Li beating you up? Please tell me Sid. Remember my dream about green kryptonite fortune cookies? It turned out to come true – sort of."

"Well I guess its not anything we don't already know about." Tobey raised up a little looking puzzled. Sid continued, "You know how you pointed out that Kong Li has a white patch in his hair like yours?"

"Of course Sid."

"I noticed it too when he attacked us in the garden. That's all the dream was about."

"Sid come on, that doesn't sound so bad. Hair is not enough to terrorize you like that, what happened?"

"In my dream I was kissing you."

"That doesn't sound scary either, sounds like fun."

"No – you smelled like old man and when I pulled away and looked at you, I saw your white hair, but your face was Kong Li's. He asked if I wanted to kiss him again, and . . . and . . . that was all."

"Ew, kissing Kong Li. That would make anyone wake up screaming." Tobey helped Sid back up on the bed and Sue went to the bathroom.

They couldn't go back to sleep, and soon they all got up. It was nearly time for lunch and expected their pizza to arrive any minute. Sue came back and sat cross-legged with the boys on the bed they had napped on. Tobey was giving Sid the canteen to drink some more of his treatment for his back.

"Yeah guys, I decided; After we eat and Nana's potion makes my back feel a little better I will go after Nana."

"No way Sid, I told her I would go. I am the least injured – you and Sue look like you were caught in a stampede."

"What?"

"A stampede, you know – lots and lots of cows – running over you."

"What ever - Tobey you can't go – until Nana finds the antidote for you it will be too easy for Will or Kong Li to get you under their power again and Sue, with your arm in a cast you would be too slow and become a target too. Besides Tobey needs someone to look after him. I will make sure Nana is okay and call you."

All their plans were interrupted when a knock came at the door. Tobey stood up and quietly said. "Must be the pizza, I'll get it." Really upset by what he was being told, Tobey wiped a tear from his cheek on his way. "I don't need anyone to look after me." he mumbled. Before he opened the door Tobey fished in his pocket to find a tip to give the delivery person.

The pizza person turned out to be a boy who had blond hair sticking out from under a 'Pizza Temple' hat. He stood back from the door with his head down taking the pizza box out of the insulated bag and Tobey had to step out into the hall to stand close enough to exchange the tip money for the pizza. Once the exchange was complete Tobey mumbled, "Thanks dude." and sadly turned to go back in the room.

"Thanks Tobey, but that's not all." Tobey stopped and looked puzzled. The boy knew his name! Before he could turn around again, the pizza boy dropped the insulated bag and grabbed Tobey from behind. He quickly blew in Tobey's ear and the pizza fell to the floor.

Sid and Sue sat up, hearing strange noises and scuffling. "Tobey? What's going on?" Sue rolled over the bed and got up on the side closest to the door. Sid followed her and they saw out in the hall, Tobey stood facing them with a blank look and a boy wearing a pizza hat hugging him from behind. He had his hand under Tobey's shirt drawing circles with his fingers on his chest and stomach. Sid frowned and growled. The stranger looked up at the siblings when they opened the door.

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[TD]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]
Tobey continued . . .