Author's Note: This really is a mix of new and old, I kept the most campy scene from the original and just built up around it.

Paul only made it a short way into the dense bush surrounding the property before collapsing in a heap. Gasping, he rolled over onto his back. Everything had been ruined; his employer had failed him, Stacy couldn't help him and Schemer had blundered his way through the rest of his plans. It was over. The sounds of a helicopter filled his ears. He paused and listened, it didn't appear to be getting closer to him. Perhaps he could still flee. Surely they'd be more distracted by the twisted hunk of burning metal that he had escaped from. But it was no use, he was too injured from his fight with that idiot Schemer, and there was no chance of him outrunning anyone in this state.

At the very least, there was no way Schemer had survived yet again, nobody was that evasive.

Suddenly the air was filled with a loud buzzing and it increased in volume until he clapped his hands over his ears. Was it the helicopter? No, it was far too close and he couldn't see anything overhead. Without warning a dozen people materialized with a cacophony of chimes. They all wore dark suits and raised firearms at him. He was surrounded, this was the end of this journey. He sighed angrily and raised his hands, still laying down. One walked forward to handcuff him, yanking him to his feet. He realized that the handcuffs were glowing gold; so these were the special forces that he was warned about.

"Well now, you managed to elude us for a little bit but it caught up with you in the end," the arresting officer said simply.

Paul said nothing.

"Paul Miller, you're under arrest for murder and attempted murder. We know who you are, and we know your history. Furthermore, we will find out who you have been working for. The business you have dabbled in goes far beyond a normal investigation."

Paul rolled his eyes. "I don't suppose I have the right to remain silent?" he sneered, not caring what he said. Everything he had worked for, gone. It was over… at least for now. Now he had the knowledge that there was something more out there for him. He had no loyalty to the man he was previously working for, so if he gave him up perhaps he had a chance. Maybe he could get a plea deal and then he could properly investigate the magic that he came so tantalizingly close to using.

"Stay silent, sing like a canary, I don't care," the arresting officer said simply, before looking up and watching the helicopter that Paul had heard earlier flying away. His radio buzzed

"You there boss?" the voice asked through the device.

"What's the word?"

"We've got the two of them; alive but weak and injured. We're rushing them back for emergency care."

"Keep me posted," he responded before turning back to Paul, smirking at what was surely an incredulous look on his face. "You hear that? Looks like your plans failed all along. The people on the train were all saved too. You're going away for a long, long time Mr. Miller."

Paul's usually handsome face twisted in a terrible fury and he attempted to wrench himself free of the officer's grasp. Just as he was about to let out a terrible curse word, the officer magically transported them both away.

Schemee nervously paced the grounds. After the spell was broken the people that Paul, or whoever, was controlling just seemed to stop. They immediately stopped their attempt to break into the station and they seemed confused and disoriented, as if they had just woken up from sleepwalking. He gave himself enough time to determine that they truly weren't under anyone's control before he exited the station. It was deadly quiet and he nervously swallowed, but then all of the sudden a flurry of life erupted around him. Police were suddenly pouring into the parking lot, and he saw Mason get out of the lead squad car. Agents that he hadn't seen arrive were all of the sudden detaining and questioning the people who had been under control. Schemee met Mason's eyes who only shrugged in disbelief. Whoever they were, they were clearly in charge now.

Mason jogged over to Schemee and gripped his shoulders. "You did it!" he exclaimed, relieved, "Where are the others?"

Schemee sagged, feeling grateful to see a friendly face but still deeply unsure. "Billy… he was trapped on a train with the townspeople. There were more people under possession too. I don't know what happened to them…" he trailed off, feeling like a child.

Mason clapped him on the shoulder, nodding understandingly, but didn't get a chance to answer when a train whistle sounded. Schemee almost fell to his knees in relief as he recognized the cars and engine slowly reversing into the station. It wasn't long until the mysterious agents suddenly were upon the train. They helped people disembark but also took extensive notes.

Schemee could tell it was killing Mason to not take charge. But when Dan and his family were helped off his shoulders visibly sagged with relief and he dashed over with Schemee on his heels. His friends were safe, Billy had done it!

Billy emerged moments later and Schemee ran to him, throwing his arms around him. Billy reciprocated. "Glad you made it," he said with relief.

Billy smiled, looking a little pale and shaken but otherwise in one piece. "Likewise, have you heard anything yet?"

Schemee shook his head, looking at Mason but Mason was now talking to an agent. Dan came over and jumped on him playfully. "I don't know what's going on, but I do know you're somehow at the center of it all," he said, shaking his head.

Schemee was still looking intently at Mason. Was everyone else okay? His uncle? Stacy? He wondered if anyone had heard from them yet.

"Schemee?" Dan questioned as Kara and Becky walked over to join them, breaking him out of his thoughts.

"Have you heard anything? Did you hear anything about Stacy while you were being placed on the train?" Schemee questioned.

Dan frowned. "Schemee what do you mean? Wasn't she with you?"

Schemee shook his head, looking at Billy. "It's a long story."

"Don't worry, everything will be okay. For everybody, Stacy included," Becky said in a comforting tone.

His heart gave a leap when the conversation ended and Mason began to walk briskly over. However, as Schemee caught his eye he noted the relieved smile on his face.

A grin slowly spread across Schemee's features. "Don't worry guys, it looks like my uncle came through for her."

They all did a double take, looking incredulous, but Mason cut in before they could question it. "Alright, Schemee, Billy, come with me. We've got to go meet up with the other heroes of the day."

Schemer opened his eyes, blinking in the bright light that was filling his vision. Where was he? Last he remembered was escaping the burning building after defeating Paul, and now he appeared to be standing in a field of light. Without warning a rolodex of memories swarmed his vision. He was kissing Stacy after confessing his feelings for her, lavishing in the warmth of relief and joy it brought him. Then their break-up, and the way he felt the light leave his heart. The devastation in Schemee's face when Schemer left him at Allcott's house. The docks and the cold dread that gripped his heart. Meeting Mr. Conductor and feeling a glimmer of hope return again. The elation at seeing Billy again. Rescuing Schemee. Rescuing Stacy. Or was it her rescuing him? He couldn't remember.

Schemer suddenly felt dizzy from the whirlwind of emotions he had just experienced. He fell to his knees, clasping his arms tightly around his torso. He was so tired, he just wanted to sleep, he just wanted to wake up, he just wanted to experience normal once more. He thought about how nice it would be to just forget everything that had happened, and mournfully wished he could instead wake up the morning of the Christmas party and counsel his past self to just stay home. Or better yet, go back further and just warn everyone about Paul and the destruction he had wrought.

He willed himself to open his eyes. Slowly, the brightness dimmed and the scenery came into focus. There was no discernable landscape, just glimpses that suggested he was outside. But the harder he tried to focus on anything solid, the more it dissolved from view. A stand of trees in his peripheral vision evaporated the second he turned to look at it. He was also aware that he was kneeling on a solid surface but tendrils of a silvery fog danced around his legs. For a minute he was worried it was smoke and he was still trapped in the burning shed, however this substance seemed harmless as it gently brushed past his body. It almost felt like he was standing on a cloud, and he extended one shaking hand to try and feel the substance only to realize it didn't register to his sense of touch. It felt like nothing. With a sinking feeling, he wondered if something terrible had befell him after all. Perhaps you could only escape death in short order so many times before it found you.

He thought he heard gentle whispering and suddenly got to his feet again. "Hello!" he called, hearing a distinct echo in his voice, "Please, is anyone there?"

He spoke to the abyss but the abyss did not speak back. "If you don't mind I have places to be and I don't feel like waiting around here!" he grumbled impatiently.

"Hold your horses, it's not like you have anywhere to be in a hurry," a familiar female voice called back.

He frowned as he tried to place the voice. It had been years since he'd heard it, but… No, it couldn't be.

"... Julia?" he questioned, feeling foolish but also like stranger things had happened.

She materialized into a corporeal form before him, and gave him a warm smile. The familiar dark curly hair and dark brown eyes were easily recognizable. She looked as young as the day she died. No, slightly younger, and more cheerful for that matter. She looked at peace.

"Hello little brother," she greeted him warmly.

His eyes lit up and he eagerly wrapped his arms around her neck in a fierce hug. She hugged him back with an equally strong grip.

"You've done so well," she said proudly, her eyes squeezed shut, "I'm so proud of you."

They released and he looked at her with tear-filled eyes. "I've missed you."

"I've missed you too," she reciprocated, holding one hand to his cheek, "Looks like you've outgrown me, you look so mature. Sorry I wasn't able to see you grow up in person. And my baby boy as well."

He looked at her solemnly. "If we're here together, I suppose this means that I'm," he paused with a regretful look, "dead?"

She smiled again. "It might have, if you weren't so damn lucky."

He gave her a puzzled expression. "But how can I be speaking to you in person if I'm not dead? You're as real and solid as I am."

"Horace, this is all in your mind. You are still physically in the hospital and time has no measure here. As for where this is exactly, this is some sort of limbo. I'm here to check up on you, because I'm always looking out for you. Your mind was calling to me, and I answered. It's hard to explain, but basically you're having an out of body experience of sorts."

"I can't say I understand, but this is amazing. Can I do this at will?"

She smiled. "I'm always here to guide you, if needed, but you wouldn't remember the specifics."

"So I'm not dead, yet here I am talking to you. I think I'd remember such a thing," he said, frowning.

"Hmm, well I don't make the rules, but I suppose deep down you could find the answers to your problems," she said, shrugging, "So what sort of crossroads do you feel yourself at?"

He thought about this, and wondered why indeed. Getting back to Shining Time had been the drive he needed to get him out of a low place. But now everyone was safe and he was back for good, so why did he feel so conflicted?

"I don't know how to put it, but I feel tired I suppose? Like mentally, physically, all of it. I'm exhausted. It's been a long road and that thing, well, magic I guess, whatever it was that I 'channelled' to defeat Paul really took it out of me. I didn't think I'd come back from that one," he admitted, shoving his hands in his pockets.

"Well, I think you needed some much deserved rest, your body is in desperate need of a break," she explained patiently, reaching for his hand.

"But honestly the only thing that brought me back was the knowledge that I couldn't leave Schemee alone. Not again, not after I let him down. I am so sorry, I truly failed him," he admitted, looking away in shame.

She reached out to cup his cheek and turned him to face her again. "We are human and we fail. But through the failure you still chose to come back and find your way again. You chose to save him and everyone else."

He frowned as he considered this, still feeling unsure.

"How are you feeling after everything? The ordeal you've continued to go through is more than most people go through in a lifetime."

He shrugged. "I… will get through it. I have to, because there's no other way."

"Then you have already chosen success. Now, what else is bothering you?"

He sighed. What was bothering him would probably take a considerable amount of work to get through. His mind immediately went to her, destroying the barricades he had put around her to shield his heart from further pain. Stacy.

"What if it's too late? What if I failed someone in the past and we never worked past it. I have hurt people that I love for selfish reasons and I don't think they would be interested in repairing things now."

"We're not talking about Schemee anymore are we?" It was a question but she looked at him knowingly.

He shook his head.

"We can't know the hearts of others, but you know your own heart. What is it telling you? Is it time to fight or time to let go?"

He thought back to the way he made him feel. Not just how he physically felt when they were together, but how she always made him feel like a better person than he actually saw himself. How he wanted to be better for her. How even if she didn't want anything to do with him, romantically or otherwise, he would still feel like a better person for having known her.

"It's time to fight, if she is willing." There was real conviction in his words.

Julia smiled up at him. "Then go to her. You need to go back and make the most of your time."

"Time to leave already? Are you saying that you're sick of me already?" he asked jokingly.

She rolled her eyes playfully. "I'm happy we were able to talk. We didn't part on the best of terms, and it's a regret I've carried on with me." She pulled him into another hug. "I can't thank you enough, you've been so good for my boy."

"I'm happy we could talk too. It's something I've regretted for a very long time," he confessed in turn, "And no problem, there's nothing I wouldn't do for him."

"I know. And as good as you've been for him, I feel like he's been just as good for you. I've never seen a more entertaining and happy duo. And Stacy seems like a perfect fit for you…" She said with a wicked grin, one that matched his usual one to an art.

He blushed. "Yeah I guess we'll see how things go."

"Then if there's nothing further I must regretfully inform you that it's time to part ways until we meet again," she said, wearing a sad smile.

"Yeah, until we meet again," he responded hopefully, "So I won't remember this?"

"Not consciously. But somehow I think you'll know about what we talked about. And no offense, but I hope that I don't see you outside of your unconscious mind for a long time."

They gave each other identical smirks.

"Love you Julia."

"Love you too little brother."

Gasping for air, he sat straight up. He distinctly felt like he was forgetting something, as if he had experienced a vivid dream that was rapidly fading. Maybe something about fog? He couldn't remember. What he did know was that his body felt very sore and there were several tubes poking him. There was a breathing tube connected to his nose, and an IV injected into his arm. The smell of antibiotics and harsh cleaners met his nose, and he realized that he was in a hospital. Letting himself fall back down onto the pillow, he gave a sad sigh, feeling alone and sorry for himself in the empty room.

Closing his eyes, the memories of the past two weeks weighed heavily on his mind. It was hard to believe that he was back in Shining Time again, safe and sound. Was everyone okay? Would he be okay? It was a crazy and wild ride, that was for sure. And he hoped it was over. The sound of a door opening came from around the curtain that surrounded his bed, his ears perked up hopefully as footsteps led around the side of the bed.

"You really need to stop getting into so much trouble," said the man who came through the curtains.

Schemer groaned in frustration, "You again?"

Jasper rolled his eyes. "Yes, me again. They considered me next of kin whether you like it or not."

Schemer gave an annoyed huff. "Fine. Could you at least help me by getting me up to speed? And maybe figuring out when I'm going to get out of here? There's a lot of people I need to talk to."

"Well, you've just been here for a day, and they'll want to make sure you're stable before you're released. Pretty much everyone knows you're alive. Your nephew is beside himself waiting to speak to you. There's also a large law enforcement presence, and they've been speaking to everyone. They're beyond what I would guess would normally be seen in most cases. I thought they were the feds at first, but they seem to be something more than them even. I'm not surprised, given what I've seen in the last few days it makes sense there would be some special operation overseeing it all. They also seem to be controlling the narrative and are keeping the magic thing hush-hush. They've been talking to all of us, and explaining what the story is going to be. I'm sure they will want to talk to you very soon," he explained.

Schemer took this all in, feeling contemplative. "What about Stacy? Is she okay?" he asked worriedly. He really wanted to see her, their last meeting was under anything but normal circumstances, however he was stuck in this room.

"She's going to be fine, and has already been released. I think she's already given her side and been spoken to so I'm sure she's got the full story by now."

Schemer frowned, wondering when he might speak to her. "And Schemee? I know he's safe but I imagine there's a story I'm missing."

"Yes, he's a rather brazen risk taker isn't he? I'm sure he won't give you the full story himself, but he did rather effectively stop a bomb threat and took part in rescuing many innocent people."

Schemer let his head fall back to the pillow and groaned again. "Oh no, and where is he?" Schemer asked worriedly.

"He's outside, eagerly waiting to see you. I'll go get him, you weren't allowed visitors other than me before you were awake but I don't want to impose any longer." Jasper got up and went to the door.

Schemer wanted to say something but the words died on his tongue as Schemee burst into the room while Jasper let himself out quietly.

"You said you'd be careful!" Schemee said accusingly, confidently striding to the side of the bed, "Scooch over," he demanded.

Schemer made a show of rolling his eyes but made some space while Schemee flopped down beside him.

"I don't know why you're coming in here and harassing me! From what I've heard through the grapevine, not only were you involved in this, you were behind everything. Rallying everyone, standing up to dangerous criminals, all in defending my good name and honour. You are by far the most stubborn, impulsive, and reckless person I personally know," Schemer snapped playfully back.

Schemee looked contemplative before shrugging. "Yes, that's all true. I mean, I had help but I will take credit where credit is due."

Schemer shook his head. "Well then, let me try guilt instead because while you are all of those things you are also brave, loyal and big hearted. It hurts my head and makes my heart nearly burst with worry all at once," he added. Schemee made a point of looking away.

He continued, "So while I confess that you scare the heck out of me and worry me to the point of losing my precious hair, I can say that I have never been prouder of you than I am right now. Do you have anything to say for yourself?" Schemer asked with mock seriousness.

The monologue made a small smile appear on Schemee's face. "It's hard to even understand the last few weeks," he said quietly.

Schemer softened and wrapped one arm around Schemee's shoulders, pulling him in closer amongst the tubes and wires. "I know," he agreed, "But it is a new beginning. And we will get through it together. It's been a wild ride."

Schemee shook his head with disbelief. "Absolutely crazy," he agreed.

Stacy was released from the hospital as soon as she was conscious and checked over. She felt physically fine, but more than anything just wanted to lock herself in her house and not leave for at least a week. Unfortunately there was lots of debriefing and discussions to contend with. First of all it was with her family, and her dad was especially concerned for her. She cried into his shoulder as she embraced him, remembering how close she came to losing him. Next it was the officials, the ones who identified themselves as a special government agency dealing with magic. She did tell them the full story, and spared no detail. It's not that she trusted them, but she did need to talk to someone about the circumstances surrounding Paul and the station. What at least put her at ease was the fact that they knew about the station and magic and Mr. Conductor before she even mentioned anything, and they expressed their condolences to her for the old Mr. Conductor because they knew he was a good friend of hers. They didn't mention the new one, the one who had lent his powers to her. This saddened her, she had barely known him but he too had sacrificed himself seemingly for their sake.

Next was Billy, who she could enjoy the silence with and knew she didn't have to speak if she wasn't feeling up to it. She knew there was still a lot to say to him, and a lot to apologize for, but she was forever grateful for his steadfast presence and amenable nature. She asked if he could walk her out of the hospital and drive her home. He agreed, and she was appreciative when he didn't ask if she wanted to see Schemer. They drove in silence and when they pulled into her driveway she pulled him into a hug and didn't let go for what felt like minutes.

"Thank you," she whispered as tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Of course, any time. Do you need anything? I can stay inside with you if you'd like, but if you'd prefer the space that's no problem either."

"I'd love your company, I've missed you. I'm sorry for everything, and that I haven't been myself or transparent lately," she said sincerely.

"It's okay, I understand it all now. I assume I have my job back though?" he asked wryly.

She sadly laughed. "Oh goodness, of course! Gosh of all the horrible things I did, trying to play on Paul's level was by far the worst…" she trailed off.

"Hey, it's okay. Let's go inside where it's warmer, and we don't need to talk about him if you're not feeling up to it," he suggested kindly.

When she got inside she realized how foreign her house felt to her. The last few weeks had been so full of scheming and stress that it felt like all she knew anymore. Collapsing on her couch she thought of Schemer. The feelings were complex to say the least. She had found him and lost him so many times it seemed that now that she had found him again it just felt like a loss was waiting around the corner. She wanted to see him but she wasn't ready for what came with that, there would be talks and conversations she didn't feel ready to have yet.

As she and Billy engaged in conversation she learned what she had missed after becoming separated from everyone, and her mouth fell open in horror when Billy told her about the dark magic he experienced.

"Billy, I am so incredibly sorry," she said in a hushed, strained voice, "Are you okay?"

He shrugged. "I mean, right now? Not really, but I don't think any of us are okay right now. We will be, and we will get there, but we will need that time. It was one of the worst experiences of my life and I'm grateful to put it behind me," he explained, shuddering.

She could empathize. Although her experience with magic had been more positive she could understand first hand how powerful it actually was, and how that power came close to influencing her too. And, not to mention, how close it came to destroying Schemer. She understood that he would be fine and make a full recovery, Schemee had quietly filled her in at the hospital. But for Billy to have come that close to dark magic and persevere instead of falling to it, it really made her feel ashamed for how close she had come to losing herself in the light magic.

"Thank you for telling me, I'm always here if you need to talk more," she offered gently.

He smiled and nodded. "I appreciate it. You're one of my best friends Stacy, and I'm so grateful you made it. All of us really got lucky."

She smiled but felt cold to her core. Their conversation wrapped up shortly afterwards and bid each other goodbye. As she watched him leave she felt immense guilt. They had gotten lucky. Everything that came after the memorial had been a direct response to her plan. The fact that they had gotten away was nothing short of luck because she had very nearly gotten them all in much worse trouble. Billy's experience with dark magic, the bombs, the trains, Schemee getting kidnapped and almost hand delivered to that man she battled with… That was all her fault.

She shivered and sunk down to the floor, arms tucking her knees in tightly as she considered the ramifications of it all.

When Schemer was discharged he quietly returned home with Schemee. He worried about what he was supposed to tell everyone now that the threat was gone and he was openly living again, and he wondered if his return would become a spectacle. But to his surprise and gratitude there were no press or crowds when he left the hospital. It was like he had merely been in for a routine procedure. Curiously, Schemee had informed him about the scope of the investigations and news coverage during his disappearance and that it hadn't been insignificant. It was all puzzling and briefly distracted him from thinking about Stacy. She occupied his mind most of the time, he constantly poured over their reunion and what he would say to her.

He was given a day to recover at home before he too was interviewed. It was an unnerving conversation and, as Jasper said, they really did maintain control over the story. But he told them everything as best he could remember.

"We appreciate you talking to us Mr. Schemer, we really do. Your actions were nothing short of heroic and helped us in pinpointing a dangerous breach of dark magic. But do you know any reason why you or your nephew might have been targeted?"

He shook his head, he had thought about this but nothing came to mind. Someone seemed to want Schemee for something, and Schemer was singled out by Paul's benefit. "I don't know, I can't think of anything."

The agent nodded and closed his book. "Well if you think of anything please get in touch." He passed a card over to Schemer. "Is there anything else?"

Schemer paused. "What am I supposed to do now? Does everyone think I'm dead? Will this cause problems for me in the future?" he blurted out, suddenly overcome with the idea of just going back to real life.

The agent smiled, somewhat mysteriously. "Any associated records for you have been corrected and no traces of your disappearance and/or death remain in any official capacity. Also the media has been led off the case, and any acquaintances in town have been told that you were missing but recovered. Any one at risk of saying more than they should have been warned. But I daresay this will fade from public memory, its capacity is only so limited. We have cleaned up bigger messes before, I do believe you will be fine but if you have any problems, again please get in contact and we will help."

"So this won't be on the news?" Schemer asked, slightly confused.

The agent shook his head. "At risk of sounding morbid, a missing person rarely captures the media's attention for long, and we can certainly clean up loose ends. You're free to live your life again Mr. Schemer."