A/N: Thanks again to kuroTenshiYuki and Orkidee, and Sashie for the nice reviews on DA! And thank you again, The Leander, for reviewing chapter 9, and 10, as well as BabyAngel22! :D And of course, thank you, NetusVersatus for the very thoughtful reviews! X3 I'm so happy you're enjoying this fic!

Haha, and thank you DanMat6288 for reviewing XD I never thought you were reading this too! (you've been so quiet XD) And if you see this, Thank you, Sanity-Challenged, for liking what you've read so far! XD

Oh, and I am sorry for making you almost cry with the ending of the last chapter, Orkidee XD

(Sigh) Sorry this took a while… I've been pretty busy and exhausted, juggling a bunch of things at once. I'm not halting this fic, not by a long shot. Though, updates probably won't be as frequent as I want them to, just because of school in general. I may make updates once every two weeks if I have to. (it'll make it easier for me) :( Plus it can give others to catch up if they're lagging in some of the earlier chapters!

Anyhow… this is the chapter I've been waiting to write for awhile now. It's kind of a plot twister. I'm not gonna say anything ahead of time, except that this chapter could be hitting the surface of a rated 'M' fic. Nothing graphic happens between anyone, but this chapter will touch a couple of topics that may make some readers uncomfortable… what the heck am I saying? If you're reading this, then I'm sure you won't be bothered. XD The intro is broken up throughout this chapter, because I didn't want it to get too long in the beginning, and stuff like that! :O

One more warning: Pokey's personality… umm… it's different from maybe other people's perspectives… maybe not? Oh well…

Oh, and Sashie, in case if you're wondering, this chapter was planned ever since I started this fic. XD

Okay… without further ado, hope you enjoy this chapter!

XxxxxxxXxxxxxxxXxxxxxxxX

It was silent in the hospital room. Maybe the guy next door was asleep. I finally said it, I thought. Ness knows my almighty secret… I sat down in the chair besides him, still hiding my pitiful face from him. Maybe now, he'd fear me. I started to panic in my mind. What if it wasn't worth telling him after all? He's not saying anything… Though after what seemed like moments… centuries, Ness made a sound.

"She... she's… dead?" Ness managed to whisper. I was unresponsive vocally, but the silence, I was sure, convinced him all the while. My eyes were smothered in my glasses and clenched palms; I tried concealing my face from the world… Still… I couldn't speak. I didn't understand… Venus told me that I would feel better… yet here I was, feeling more alone than ever.

"Jeff…" Ness spoke again. I let off a strangled sigh.

"How could I have any idea? I was only four years old when it happened. I can't say that I remember everything vividly… it happened so fast…"

Going back to the night when he spoke to my mother so seriously… he foresaw horrible things happening… just not as soon as we thought.

"So… it really will happen…" My mother spoke without question, it always confused me why. Father sighed. There was a huge moment of silence. I don't remember completely falling asleep that night. Just what was happening?

"Whatever you do… keep Jeff in your sight as much as possible."

About six months later… It was late afternoon. It would have been one of my best childhood days if it wasn't for that night. But earlier, mom and I spent the majority of the day together; she took me to the park that afternoon. The sun was beautiful that day.

After I played on everything else, such as the swings and the jungle gym, I was crafting something in the sand box. I guess it looked like a fire rocket of some sort. I wasn't even sure what I was doing, but at the time it made perfect sense. I didn't miss how surprised my mom was; her beautiful golden locks blew in the breeze, and framed her freckled face.

"Jeff, how long did it take you to make this?" My mom asked as she put her book down. By the time, there were a couple of kids gapping at my sand creation.

"I dunno…" I replied innocently. It made me slightly nervous, as she walked around and observed, humming to herself.

"Have you been snooping around in daddy's books again?" She asked. The truth was yes, but I covered the truth slightly.

"By accident," I replied. "I don't understand mom, why isn't daddy ever with us?" My mother took the question into personal matters, I was sure. Mom smiled down to me.

"He's just always busy with his work. Though if he could actually see this, I'm sure he'd be very impressed," She smiled. I could feel my grin steadily forming across my face. I could always impress Mom, but to be able to impress my dad... I had to finish it and show him somehow. It was starting to get late. My mom checked her watch.

"Well, we should head back home now Jeff. How about I make you some macaroni and cheese?" She smiled. I loved mac and cheese, but I still frowned. Mom frowned herself.

"What's wrong?" She asked. I pondered about.

"I wanna show Daddy the sandbox..." I said. My mother speculated at first, but then she seemed to form an idea.

"We can show him after dinner, how does that sound?" She promised thumbing my nose. My mouth curved up. Mom always knew how to make me smile... I took her hand without a second thought.

---

"I'm busy right now. I can see it tomorrow, can't I?" My father asked down in the basement, working on a so called invention. Mother gave him a skeptical, but ticked off look.

"Well why not tonight before it gets too dark? It won't take long. Besides, Jeff wants to show you something," She said. My father finally paused, and glanced at me.

"Does he really?" He said flashing me a faint smile. However, Mom became a little hostile.

"Yes he does, and he will. Tonight," She stated. Father sighed and returned to his work. My mother growled in frustration, taking my hand, and dragging me upstairs.

"I'll be upstairs in a few," He said. Mom shook her head.

"More like five hours. Old geezer as always," Mom muttered. But I looked back at my dad. He looked at me. He had a sympathetic glint in his eyes. I could have sworn he said these words, but for future sakes, I pushed it to the edge of my mind.

"I'm so sorry..."

---

At the dinner table, I had just finished my meal while mom was half way though hers. I was eager, fidgeting nervously, still waiting for him. I thought to myself, I would finally impress him again... After ten more minutes, he still didn't show up. My mom sighed.

"Stay right here Jeff, I need to talk to your father," she said before descending down in the basement. So I sat there... waiting like I always did.

I hated waiting...

I heard them quarrel downstairs again. It was never over the top, but I rather got annoyed with it all. I hated it when my parents fought. Absolutely hated it... I started to cover my ears when my mother started to sound more irate.

At this rate, I thought, we'll never get to the park before it was too dark...

"We can't go out, not now, we have no idea what will happen! Let's just wait until the morning!" My father said.

"Tomorrow to you is five years! Our boy has been waiting to spend some time with you for almost a half a year now! We don't even know enough, yet you're always down here working on your inventions as if it's going to happen tomorrow!" My mom quarreled back. I walked towards the basement door, and looked downstairs in the lit room. I couldn't see them, but I heard them crystal clear.

"If you want proof, then go find him!" He said. The conversation was starting to touch a subject I still didn't understand, even to this day. Who was father talking about? Surely it wasn't me. My mom was silent for a moment.

"He disappeared! How can we even contact him?!" She asked. My father sighed.

"Out of all the people, I'm sure you could," He replied almost haughtily.

I had it. I was going to go to the park by myself. My evenings were like this a lot anyways. I never really understood why. But I'll make him see... I'll make them come find me in the park... I left a note on the table...

"Please come find me in the park once you two stop fighting," I wrote.

I was so young and naive then... why did I go all by myself?

I unlocked the door from the inside to find that the sun was just starting to disappear. My sense of direction was sharp, especially for my age. Sometimes, I could even help mom find her way around. The park was only past a couple blocks, I thought. They'd come and find me as soon as they saw I was gone...

... right?

The park was completely empty that evening. My eyes lit up once I spotted the sand box, the sand rocket, untouched. I made my way over, fixing it up for presentation. I wrote with my fingers in the sand: "To Dad and Mom, From Jeff." It was then I listened as the breeze blew my ears. I looked around me... worried.

I was all by myself...

No, mom and dad are home, which was close by...

I was alone...

They're fighting... but they're close by...

Lonely... quiet...

Mom... Dad... they'll come soon...

Silence...

They'll notice I'm gone, won't they? Mom will... she'll come...

It was dark... I started to shiver.

Dad, you love me... right?

There were shadows and sounds...

Dad...

I wasn't alone...

I turned around. My eyes went wide.

It was tall, and stood completely still like a statue. I didn't understand, it wasn't there standing before... was it? I was still. I wasn't shocked, or anything, just puzzled. It looked chromatic; robotic in a sense. Its body looked smooth and metallic, and it stood like a human. It had no fingers, no toes, and it seemed to have buttons on the side of its chest. It almost looked like an astronaut...

Why was there a really tall astronaut in the park?

I wasn't sure how long we stood there, just staring at each other. I nearly jumped when it started to make a low humming sound. It got louder... My being was in shock, especially when it twitched... In an unsettle movement, it lifted its arm, in a gesture to point at me. The humming became loud and noticeable, and a beam of some sort formed on its extended arm. I wasn't sure, but I could have sworn I heard footsteps behind us. The tip of its arm started glowing at a rapid pace. Why couldn't I move? I started to shiver. The humming sound started to crescendo. I was so scared...

Mom... Dad... where are you? Who is this strange man? The beam glowed white, my eyes were temporarily blind.

"JEFF!!!" I heard my mother scream before I was lost in the white void of nothingness...

---

On and off... I was only half conscious as I heard people, all around me, and my dad screaming his lungs out in the background. I tried opening my eyes, but the voice told me that everything would be alright... that I would be okay...

Who was that strange man? What about mom? Where was she? What about Dad...? When I cast my tired, droopy eyes towards my father's voice, I saw him in a state of rage.

He was thrashing his feet all over my creation in the sandbox...

XxxxXxxxxXxxxxXxxxX

The Universe Will Die Without You

Chapter 11 Pokey Minch

XxxxxxXxxxxxXxxxxxxXxxxxX

I shuttered from the reality of it all. I finally broke down… Tears streamed down my face right in front of Ness. I was uncontrollable.

"Jeff..." Ness managed to say, just barely.

"And that damn bastard still won't talk to me... after all these years..." I sobbed. Ness was silent. I refused to see thought, so I was unaware of what his expression was like, or what he was doing.

"Jeff...I..." He uttered. I continued.

"I know it was my fault. I could never forgive myself... Sometimes I wish I could torture myself for what happened back then... I'm pretty sure he wouldn't mind..." I continued.

"Jeff..."

"And you know what? That's perfectly fucking fine, he doesn't need me; I don't need him. We're the perfect example of-"

My eyes widened when I felt Ness grab my arm to pull me down into an embrace. I froze in time as his arms wrapped around my shoulders, weakly, but as firm as he could manage. He seemed to wobble at first, but it didn't stop him. It was silent from then on; I didn't pull away for some reason. Instead, my trembling hands made their way around his waist. I let off a strangled sigh, resting my chin on his shoulder, and closing my eyes. It reminded me of the night I left, when Tony tackled me and hugged me in the locker room. Though unlike Tony, Ness didn't cling... he didn't make me feel so confined in the embrace. Was this how Paula hugged Ness when he was sad? The last time I was actually hugged like this... no, I was never held like this... ever, I thought. My tears still streamed down my cheeks. Sooner than I thought... sooner than I may have actually wanted, Ness pulled away with a shiver. When I saw his face again, he looked worry some to say the least. But there was something else. Fear? Maybe... but why?

"I'm sorry..." I said without realizing. Ness finally looked at me. The once smiling eyes were gone; misplaced by something that didn't belong. I was used to this look, but still... they didn't belong on his face for some reason.

"What?" Ness asked. I hung my head low.

"...It's my fault you're in this condition... and here I am, crying like the baby I am about my stupid past. You didn't need to hear it..."

"Jeff..." Ness said again, dumbstruck. I sighed. There was the awkward silence again.

"...Even if I didn't want or need to hear it... you needed to say it, right?" Ness finally said. I widened my eyes again, looking back up at him. His smile was faint, but visible. It was at this moment, that we were interrupted. The irony of it all.

"Oh... I didn't think that his visitor was still here. I'm so sorry, but we need to tend to Ness right now. You can come back in a half an hour for a little bit if you'd like," The nurse spoke. I hardened my eyes to the floor. He still wasn't able to tell me anything about that damn Pokey Minch... I thought. I nodded, and walked out of the room without a second thought; I didn't look back to Ness.

For some reason, I felt ashamed to.

---

"I'm sorry Mr. Andonuts, but your wife has been declared dead tonight at 11:37pm." The nurse sadly spoke to father in the hospital. I couldn't believe my ears... I didn't. I still told myself that she'd walk out of there alive, and ready to accept me into her arms. I was so confused... who was that strange man, how did we get here, and why was my mother...

Rather than sitting in a waiting chair, I was curled up on the floor against the wall, lying on my side. I watched feet travel on the ground in an odd angle. Moments later, a pair of shoes stopped in front of my sight. I traveled my eyes up passed my lenses; my father's silhouetted face was blurry.

He said nothing to me that night.

---

I tried sitting in the lobby for a while. But the more I did and the more I was aware of the many others that waited, I felt insecure, and became impatient. It didn't take long before I walked out of the waiting room. I figured I needed some fresh air... a walk to clear my mind up a bit. It was partly cloudy, partly sunny today when I stepped out of the hospital and into the Fourside city. The soft cool breeze felt nice past my tear soaked skin. I closed my eyes for the slightest bit, to take it all in. Boy, did my head ache, I thought.

Maybe I needed a break, I thought. Though I didn't really see how any of this was a break in the first place. I was away from my school, wasn't I? Not that I liked it or anything. Just where exactly were we in Fourside? Where's the hostel? Where was the department store? Where was the Monotoli building?

...Where was Paula now? Time could have been ticking fast. What if she really wasn't okay...? She told me herself that she was with her telepathic skills. She wouldn't lie to us, would she? Either way, we needed to find her as soon as possible...

I passed by a school with a playground. There were younger kids playing, laughing and having a good time. I couldn't believe I scanned everyone... maybe someone put her in a school where she didn't belong, I thought. But among the kids, Paula was nowhere to be found. Perhaps she was the smarter one between the three of us, socially at least. I kept strolling down a couple of blocks. I lost track of time the more my mind swam into my thoughts. I didn't want to tell him... I didn't want to tell anyone what had happened to me back then.

Ultimately, what made me open up to him like that? Was it karma? No... I didn't believe in such a stupid philosophy. Was it...

It wasn't fear, was it? I know I wanted to know more about Pokey Minch, but... To tell him about a past of mine that I didn't even tell my own Best Friend back in boarding school? Then again... he told me personal things it seemed, from fearing me. I didn't understand the logic. The alien, Paula's kidnapping, Pokey Minch, Monotoli...

That strange being from my angsty past. What was happening to us? To our world? Why was I so damn involved in all of this? My thoughts weren't making any sense now.

I halted around the corner when I ran into a flower shop. Beautiful bouquets displayed outside in many colors. I don't know why I had paused to such simple things such as flowers. I didn't walk away though. There was a man sitting in a worn down chair by the bouquets, and a sign that read, "Five daisies: $1.00." Didn't I have one dollar left in my pocket somewhere? I reached in my back pocket. All scrunched up, and wrinkled, yes, I still did. I wasn't really sure what motivated me to buy them in the first place...

"May I buy some flowers?" I asked, not realizing until I spoke how weak my voice really sounded. The poor old man looked up at me with droopy eyes. He looked like a bum, but he still smiled at me.

"You look like you've seen your fare share kid," He said to me. I must have looked slightly bewildered by his suggestion. I sighed.

"May I?" I asked again. The man nodded. "Go on ahead, of course," He smiled. I handed him my last dollar as I picked out as many different colors as I could. One yellow, orange, white, purple... my eyes spotted a daisy with dark blue petals. It was obvious that these flowers were artificially colored, but even so. Wasn't dark blue Ness's favorite color? I claimed my fifth flower, and was about to be on my way.

"Are these flowers for someone special to you?" He asked with a friendly smile. I paused to think. I wasn't really sure... I knew I considered Ness as a friend, at least.

"You could say that... he's a friend of mine," I told him slightly smiling. He nodded.

"Sometimes... the smallest friendly gestures mean the world." I processed his phrase in my head. "He'll remember his greatest friends for the rest of his life. And so will you." I was dumbstruck by his words. He looked like trailer trash, but he spoke like a poet.

"Have a wonderful day," He told me. I slowly nodded.

"Thank you," I told him before I was off. I checked my watch. It was well over 30 minutes now, I had to get back as soon as I could. I could finally ask him... maybe he'll tell me now. Though I paced fast, I kept looking down at the flowers in my hand.

I hoped he'd like them...

---

"Yes, Ness is free for visitors now. But I believe someone else is also visiting Ness right now if my memory is correct," She told me. My eyes were wide. Who else would be visiting Ness in the hospital?! I thought. It wasn't Paula, was it? I paced to his room as fast as I could without running completely. I slammed my fist against the elevator button. I got in once the elevator opened, but on the way up, the elevator paused to a floor before the one I needed. I growled in frustration as a large man entered the elevator, making the box shake slightly. I felt squished against my corner of the box. He glared down at me. I returned the gesture with a nervous smile. When I finally got on the floor I wanted, I practically jumped out of the elevator, and stumbled. I paced again, this time, picking up to a jog until I made it to Ness's room. I opened the door.

"I don't know what you're talking about..." I heard Ness stutter.

"Ness, Ness, Ness... you sound so nervous and guilty. I'm pretty damn sure we both know what I'm talking about..."

It was him. Without a second thought, I invaded Ness's half of the room. My eyes widened at the sight before me.

There, sitting in the chair, hunched over Ness's bed was Pokey, in his same red and black stripped suit. He was in a pose where he looked like he was about to cup Ness's chin in a creepy, and taunting fashion. Ness had slid as far as he could to the other side of his hospital bed, cornered and helpless. On the table next to his bed was a giant bouquet of flowers, more beautiful colorful, and richer than mine. I was shocked when Ness's nervous doe like eyes met mine. I frowned.

"Get away from him..." I spoke as calmly as I could manage. Pokey wasn't looking at me, and his eyes were hidden from me thanks to his hair. He started to chuckle to himself; taking his hands away from Ness to stand up slowly. Pokey turned to me as he stood up; I could see his light blue eyes, still hidden beneath locks of blond hair, but I could still see them. They looked leering as he flashed me a toothy grin.

"Why hello there Jeff... I've been dying to meet you." He spoke nicely. I wasn't buying it.

"What are you doing here?" I spoke calmly again casting Ness another glance. Pokey shrugged.

"Is it wrong of me to visit my best childhood friend in the hospital?" He asked. I frowned.

"Well... I'm pretty sure neither of us notified you that Ness was in critical condition. Nonetheless, I didn't tell you my name. Did Ness tell you?" I asked semi glaring at Ness, who cast his eyes from mine immediately. Pokey let off a light laugh.

"Nah, he doesn't need to tell me such things. I can find out many things on my own time," He said.

"Alright then. Why don't you find out what the weather is like outside, and get out, if you don't mind," I asked. Pokey's eyes lit up.

"I can't chat with you two for a little bit? There's so much I'd love to discuss," He said smiling. I snorted.

"Maybe later. But right now, I'm going to ask you to leave please. I need to talk to Ness in private now," I finally said. He looked mad for a split second, but his smile covered it up again. There was intensity in the air between us. For a moment... we observed each other. I was surprised when he actually surrendered.

"Well... alright then. I'd love to talk to you sometime. Ness, I hope you have a speedy recovery," He said walking past me, putting slightly more pressure on one of his legs as he walked. Did he hurt one of his legs at one point? I didn't miss his dark glare on the back of my neck. When I was sure that he was gone, I sighed. Ness looked flustered.

"Did he do anything to you?" I asked frowning. Ness shook his head no.

"Nah... he just came by to give me flowers... that's all," Ness replied. I frowned.

"Bullshit Ness. If Pokey is stalking you, has a connection with Monotoli and if he really did kidnapped Paula in the past, then I'm pretty damn sure that there's more than him giving you a bouquet of flowers," I told him immediately. Ness flinched from my sudden spurt of anger. However, he didn't say anything. So be it. I sighed.

"Look. I told you my share, and in return, you promised to tell me more about him." I said sitting in the chair besides him. Ness looked slightly annoyed.

"... Why do you want to know so much about him?" Ness asked flustering with the question. Why didn't he want to talk was my real question. It had to be said. So I finally did.

"Ness... you may not like this... but I've been thinking about what's been going on. Why this city is acting strange, Monotoli's disappearance... Paula's disappearance. It has to be obvious, Pokey-"

"Of course Pokey has to do with all of this!" Ness finally said irately. My eyes widened. I looked up at Ness who was shaking violently.

"It's just..." Ness became silent. My eyes hardened.

"It's just what?" I asked. Ness ran his fingers though his hair. This was becoming ridiculous, I thought. Ness let off a strangled sigh.

"Jeff... he had us under his strings all this time. He still does. But I..." He started saying. "I can't face him... not right now. Not while I'm like this..." Ness started to almost seemingly panic, as he clasped his hands over his forehead, gritting his teeth. I had no idea what to say. Should I or should I not pester him about Pokey anymore? His eyes were covered, but he sounded as if he may have been crying... I frowned sympathetically. He wasn't going to break down like I did, was he?

For crying out loud...

"Ness..." I managed to say. Ness shook his head. I glanced at the beautiful bouquet next to his bed. I sighed when I pulled out my measly five. Without saying anything, I placed the five daisies on his lap. Ness fell silent again, gaping at the flowers I had just handed him.

"... Flowers...? Ness asked dumbstruck. He brought his hands away from his face to observe them with his hands. I knew I blushed slightly when he took the daisy with dark navy pedals. They way he took his time looking at the individual pedal had been both annoying, and thought provoking to me. It was as if he was trying to figure something out.

"Where... why...?" He seemed speechless still. There might have been a new emotion inside of him, wrestling with the one he felt towards Pokey. I didn't know why, but I seemed to eagerly await his response even more.

"... You didn't have to..." He managed to say, when he looked at me. I cast my eyes away from his.

"It's nothing, really." I said. Ness didn't seem to be buying it.

"That's so unusual of you... Did you even have enough money? You... you didn't pick these out of someone's garden, did you?" He asked. I frowned, flushing slightly.

"Of course not! I just used my last dollar to go get a few at the flower shop a few blocks from here. I thought, you were hurt, so I thought it would be the proper thing to do! Paula does nice things for us, so why not me? Or you, or... I got you flowers, alright?! I feel guilty as it is for your condition, it's the least I can do!" I rambled, crossing my arms stubbornly and casting my eyes away from his afterward. Ness seemed unresponsive at first, but he kept looking at me, I was sure. Ness finally responded with a chuckle. I snorted.

"What's so funny?" I asked stubbornly. The more I acted so, the more he started to laugh.

"Hey... I can always return them if you don't like them!" I said. However, he still laughed. It wasn't even taunting... it was happy. He gathered the daisies together, and brought them to his nose. My features softened when he spoke.

"You really didn't have to, you know..." He said. I frowned. He seemed happy when he said it, but something about the tone of his voice... I sighed.

"Like I said, it was no big deal, alright?" I told him. Ness rested himself back onto the pillows.

"Ness... you still need to tell me..." I said. Ness still wouldn't speak, as he turned his face towards the window. It was starting to approach late afternoon. It was at this precise moment that the nurse had to walk in.

"Jeff? I'm so sorry, but Ness needs to rest right now while we take care of a couple more things. You can talk with him again in a few hours," She told me. A few hours?

God damn it...

Ness turned his head towards us as I let off a hefty, aggravated sigh.

"Are you sure you can't give us at least ten more minutes?" I asked. However, the nurse shook her head.

"It's really important that he gets the treatment the way we offer it. I'm sorry, but you'll have to come back in a few." She said. I frowned, standing up.

"See you later, Ness," I grumbled at him as I walked out of the room.

Yet again, I didn't look back at him.

---

The giant black box decorated with flowers that they referred to as my mother was being lowered into a deep, dark and frightening hole. I was just wondering when I would see mothers bright and shining face again. I didn't want a black box for a mother; it made no sense to me. I wanted the real thing. How could she love me, cradle me, and take care of me while she was confined in such a frightening box? Why hadn't she woken up? Why wasn't I trapped inside of that box along with her?

Why was I alive? Why was I the one to live?!

I remember having to leave early because dad had a certain important meeting that he had to go to at all costs. I wasn't even able to offer mother my rose...

I wasn't even able to show them both my completed creation in the sandbox...

Father and I never returned home.

---

Yet again, sitting in the waiting room was pure torture for me. Thoughts of the incident swam though my head like a million flies gathering around a light in the dark. I had to find out just exactly what was going on, what was happening... Ness didn't want to tell me. Why exactly? I know it was personal, but after I told him what happened with me?

"I don't know what you're talking about..."

"Ness, Ness, Ness... you sound so nervous and guilty. I'm pretty damn sure we both know what I'm talking about..."

Just what were they talking about? I ran my fingers though my hair.

"Jeff... he had us under his strings all this time. He still does. But I..."He started saying. "I can't face him... not now. Not while I'm like this..."

If Pokey really did have us under his fingertips all this time... I thought. Then he obviously knows what's going on... I was going to find out, whether Ness or the Nurse objected. I got up, and left the hospital.

I needed to find out right then and there.

---

It took a good half an hour, but I finally found it. This time, I took a good look at the magnificent building; the Monotoli Tower. The sun was just starting to approach its setting point; the afternoon rays reflected off of the building beautifully. Because of this, I couldn't glance up, and see who was watching out. It was very ironic to me. When I was about to cross the street, I was stopped by a hand. I spun around in defense, only to find the same man from yesterday. What did Ness say his name was... Everdred? He looked perplexed, probably because Ness and Paula were not with me.

"Hey, aren't you that Jeff kid that hung with Ness and Paula yesterday?" He asked. He lifted his black glasses over his head.

"Well... yeah, why?" I asked. Everdred shrugged.

"Just wondering. Did you guy's split up or something?" I couldn't tell him what was actually going on, I just couldn't.

"Yeah, you could say that," I replied. Everdred looked like he wasn't buying it, but he did. Maybe he knew something was up because of the vibe I gave him, but he probably chose to ignore it.

"Well alright. But by tomorrow morning, I want to see all three of you when we meet up at Jackie's Cafe." he replied as he walked off. I frowned.

"Hey, wait," I told him. Everdred stopped, but he didn't turn around.

"Yeah?"

"... Something strange is going on," I told him. He stood there for a moment.

"Those words don't sum it up well, kid. But yes, something strange is happening. I'll be expecting you three there tomorrow morning," He said before he walked away from me. I deepened my frown. At least there were others that noticed. As soon as I couldn't see him anymore, I crossed the street, and entered the glowing tower.

---

"You want to talk to Pokey Minch you say?" The lady at the counter asked.

"Yes, I really do; it's very urgent," I told her. She raised her eyebrow. She was probably confused as to why a nerdy kid like me would be asking such a request.

"Well... you can, but you'll have to wait until he has the time," She replied. "I'm sorry, but you'll have to wait until then," She replied pointing to the chairs in the lobby. I growled inwardly.

"Thank you," I told her anyways, though I didn't mean any of it. As I sat in the waiting chair, I sat; moments and moments passed by. I was pretty sure a good half hour flew by until a strange man sat across from me, holding a deck of cards. What was strange about him was that he wore no shirt.

"Can you believe I lost a solitaire tournament just now? I lost my shirt..." He lightly ranted. I shrugged.

"No, I don't believe you. How can you be in a solitaire tournament when it's a one player game?" I replied. I must have let off a cold vibe. I didn't mean to, but the guy still rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

"Well you see, I..." We were interrupted.

"Hey, you were with Ness and that girl in the department store yesterday!" I heard Picky say. My head snapped to him. He still looked like his emo self; he had a handful of random goods, including a shirt. He pointed at me, almost in a surprised fashion. My eyes widened. I stood up and pointed back.

"And you're that kid! What the hell were you doing there, following us like that anyways?!" I snapped back.

"And you're the kid that cheated me out in that game!! I want my shirt back!" The shirtless man pointed at Picky. Picky and I flashed the man an embarrassingly confused look. Picky grinned.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Picky replied chuckling. The man growled in frustration.

"Yes you do! You're the kid from that solitaire tournament!!" He started to raise his voice. Picky snickered.

"I thought solitaire was a single player game," Picky asked. The man roared irately.

"That's it! Give me back my shirt!!" He roared as he stepped over. Both of us braced ourselves until a pair of guards ran to him, and grabbed him; tight enough to where he could only flail in attempt to break free.

"That little punk there stole my shirt!" The men ignored his hollers as best as they could, though he started to attract attention. Picky and I watched the man get hauled off.

"Alright Picky, why did you cheat at a card game?" I asked crossing my arms. Picky smirked.

"He's the one that fell for it. Besides, he's the one that offered it in the bet." I frowned as Picky stuffed his so called 'prizes' in his pockets, tossing the shirt over his shoulder.

"So what brings you here?" He smirked. I didn't like the look he gave me.

"I need to talk to your older brother," I replied. I didn't miss how for a moment, his eyes hardened. He concealed it by keeping his smug appearance a glow.

"Huh, why do you want to talk to Porky Pig?" He replied. Porky Pig? Was that a nickname or something?

"Or Pokey... which is what Ness calls him. I don't care about his name, I just need to talk to him," I replied. Picky raised an eyebrow. We stood there for a moment.

"I can take you to him if you'd like," He said. I was grateful for a moment, until he continued.

"... If you give me a dollar that is," He finished. I cringed inwardly. I just had to spend my last buck on those flowers, now didn't I?

"I don't have a dollar," I growled. Picky frowned.

"Well then, you're cheap. I thought you'd be loaded, especially since I saw you in that shop," He said. "Or was that Ness's money?" He asked. I rolled my eyes.

"Never mind, I'll just wait," I said. Picky frowned.

"What else do ya have on you?" Picky asked. I speculated, immediately reaching into all my pockets to empty out the contents; all except for my new knife. I happened to be carrying a tissue, a rubber band, matches and the pack of bubble gum from Winters.

"Is there gum still in there?" He asked pointing to the bubble yum.

"I think so," I replied. Picky's mouth curved up.

"Alright, it's a deal." He said, snatching the pack out of my hand, and walking away. I was about to say something, but I followed instead. He immediately took a piece, and started chewing it while he pressed the elevator button.

"I don't understand; why are you here if you live with your mom back in your hometown?" I asked as the elevator opened. Picky shrugged. We walked inside as he gestured the lady to take us to the 47th floor.

"Many reasons. I just wanted to visit my other half of my family, see how things are doing here," He said. The way he said it made me come to a realization.

"Wait a minute... are you saying that you're..." I spoke until Picky finished the sentence for me.

"Divorced? Yeah, they did so a month ago, your point?" He said, almost stubbornly. I frowned.

"I... didn't realize, that's all," I said. Picky said nothing. We waited, as I turned around to see the sun lit sky. We happened to be in one of the elevators with a clear plain view of Fourside. I could see the desert hills in the distance.

"...There was a meteorite crash in Onett around the same time," Picky said out of the blue. I cast my eyes towards him. He moved his eyes out into the shining distance.

"... Let's just say that things haven't been the same since then," He said. I frowned at his suggestion, gazing out in the scenery again. He was right.

"Are you working for your brother?" I finally asked. Picky was silent at first.

"I could never help him out. Not when it's like this," He finally said. So be it. We were silent the rest of the way up. Moments later, we finally made it. The doors opened up.

"Just take the doors to the left," He said. "You shouldn't have trouble reaching him now," He said before I left the elevator. I nodded.

"Thanks, Picky," I told him, smiling slightly. Picky smirked; his form was silhouetted in the sun.

"You shouldn't thank me, ever," He told me. I wasn't sure what he meant, but I nodded, and was off. I went through the doors.

All I could say was that the hallway was completely empty. It was strange... the last time we were here; this place was packed with body guards.

"I'd love to talk to you sometime," He spoke in my memories. Was Pokey expecting my arrival? My entire being flinched when I heard an enraged yelling behind one of the doors.

"WHERE THE FUCK HAVE YOU BEEN?!" An older man yelled.

"I've been right here, dear father, why?" I heard one's familiar voice reply.

"You better have a good damn explanation for this, you swine of a son; WHY THE FUCK ARE THERE HOSPITAL EXPENSES IN MY BILL?!" I heard Pokey laugh. It wasn't friendly though, it was cold.

"Well, because I had to get my knee checked on again, considering you broke one of them all those years ago," He replied coldly. Was that really the truth? He wasn't...

"I'm sorry son, explain one more time? I'm pretty fucking sure that a knee checkup doesn't cost around 300 bucks," He replied. Pokey started to laugh.

"Money... that's all you care about, isn't it? Dad... get the fuck out of my office," Pokey replied. I heard his father roar in anger, as I heard something heavy slam. I heard him stomping towards the door.

"Just wait till I tell Monotoli about this!!" He yelled. I inwardly panicked, as I dashed behind a nearby wall outside of the hallway. In moments, the man slammed the doors open angrily, and stormed towards the elevators, grumbling to himself. The father happened to be heavier than Pokey; in fact, Pokey seemed like a stick compared to his father. I assumed, since the back of his stubby neck was, that his face was red. I snuck back into the hallway, making sure he didn't notice my presence. I let off a hefty sigh. My heart started to pound...

Was I ready to confront him...? Ness wasn't... I gulped as I stood before that door.

"Well... here we go..." I muttered to myself, as I turned the door nob.

The orange sun rays of the setting sun. That's what I first saw, when I opened that door. It made everything in the room seemingly glow. My heart started to pound rapidly as I took a few more steps inside. The windows in the room were huge, and there were no blinds to block the sun set. When my eyes finally trailed away from the windows, that's when I saw him.

Instead of sitting in his luxurious chair, he sat behind his desk, leaning back into his chair in a sloppy fashion. His hair covered his face. He glowed in the sunlight, which contrasted with the black computer chair he sat in. When I was sure that he knew I was in the room, his mouth formed a huge, toothy grin.

"I had a feeling you'd come," He spoke with his regular soft voice. I was silent as I stood in front of the big window; the light cast my long shadow on the rugged floor. He started to snicker.

"It's an honor to meet you, Jeff Andonuts," he said. My eyes slightly widened. He even knew my last name?

"First off, why do you know my name? You didn't fully answer that when we were back in the hospital," I said. Pokey chuckled again.

"Really Jeff you naive fool, I'm pretty sure everyone knows your last name," He replied. I assumed he was referring to my father.

"What do you know about him? My so called father..." I asked warily. There he went with his snicker. He stood up, his head hung low.

"You two had disappeared from the public for so long, it's kind of hard to not wonder where such a famous scientist has gone to. It was only a few years ago that your father was discovered again, working up in Winters, secretly that is. However, you're still invisible to the public, did you know that?" He asked. Why did he know so much about us... I didn't even know my father was still up in Winters, even a few months ago... I froze when he asked his next question.

"So... what did it feel like to see the one you loved the most die right before your very eyes?" He asked tilting his twisted head to the side.

No...

No, he couldn't have anything to do with it... no... My entire being was in shock. It was silent between us as he sneered at me, in the sun.

"What... do you know?" I asked, breath becoming heavy. Pokey let off a content sigh.

"What I don't know is the real question. There are many things I know, many more than you, or your brilliant father could ever know in your entire lives. Maybe I could never build my own rocket ship, but I know something that humanity has yet to discover." He said, as he started to slowly walk around the room. "But I'm sure you're grasping a little bit of that knowledge yourself, aren't you?" He asked. "Besides, for a smart young man like you, it should be easy," He said.

"The end of the world?" I asked. Pokey chuckled.

"See? You have a sharp eye; have you put it to any good use yet?" He said. This conversation was both what I had wanted, and not wanted to discuss. He was leading this into very dark, and bizarre territories. I felt as if I didn't belong.

"Let me guess... by any good chance, are you affiliated with the strange condition of this city? You seemed to know very damn well where we go in this city, considering you visited Ness in the hospital," I questioned. Pokey 'hmmed.'

"That could be partially legit, though to be brutally honest, I'm only a small segment of the mural," He replied.

"And the Mani Mani statue... does that ring any bells? I'm pretty sure it does, Paula told me what happened back in Happy Happy Village... what you caused that place to go under," I spoke daringly. Pokey kept humming to himself.

"I see you've done your homework," He said, flashing me his light blue eyes for the first time. I frowned.

"Where is she? I know your hiding her somewhere. She's in this building at this very moment, isn't she?" I cut to the chase. Pokey started to laugh harder now. Bingo.

"Even if I did or didn't know where she was, it wouldn't matter. I wasn't the one that planned it," He replied looking out of another window.

"Let me guess... your boss, Monotoli, am I right? You seem to know things more than everyone else, you mentioned yourself. According to the public, he's gone missing. Where's he hiding?" I asked. Pokey snorted, but was unresponsive at first.

"I may know, but I don't have to tell you," he replied. I growled.

"Just remember this: We will get her back, safe and sound. We'll make sure of it; I'll make sure that you or that so called boss of yours don't lay another finger on her," I stated. Pokey looked back at me and smiled.

"We'll see about that, now won't we?" Pokey asked.

"Yes, we will. And you won't like the results either." We both silently looked each other in the eye. His mouth curved up.

"You have a determined look in your eyes. That's the strongest determination I've seen in a very long time. Just don't get too carried away," He said. I blew hot air out of my nostrils. He turned his face to the windows again.

"You may think that you can make a huge difference, but you and I... we're only human. Humanity has a limit. I'm not sure about you, but I've definitely crossed that limit," He told me. I was confused with where he was taking this.

"What are you talking about?" I asked. He chuckled again.

"You think like a true scientist should Jeff, always asking the questions. Have you gotten all of your answers?" He said. I raised my eyebrow wearily.

"No... not all of them..." I said. "But I'll get as many as I can, especially from you," I spoke. There was a pause. Pokey snorted; like a pig.

"You're disgusting," he said. I furrowed my eyebrows.

"Not as disgusting as you are... spying on our every move like an owl locking onto its prey," I said. I could see another smile spread across his face. He knew he was disgusting as well.

"How so?" He asked.

"You were using your younger brother Picky yesterday... to make sure that we were there at the department store," I stated coldly. Finally, Pokey frowned.

"Why are you here?" He asked. "Do you honestly think you can play the hero, and rescue your so called friend 'Paula'?" He asked me.

"Maybe not without Ness... I mostly came here to find out more about you... why you're bothering us... the city... and where you stand in all this," I said. Pokey faced me, and snorted again.

"Do you even know where you, yourself stand in this? You didn't come here to find more about me," He stated.

"Well I sure as hell didn't come here to find out more about myself," I replied. "And yes, believe it or not, I came here for you. Who are you... maybe what are you, and what is your purpose?" I asked coldly. His grin spread wider.

"Wrong! You never came here to know more about me, you don't give a rat's ass about me, so until you realize why you're talking to me, this conversation will get us nowhere," He stated. I gritted my teeth.

"I already told you my purpose of being here! You're just dragging out the conversation into bizzare territories," I growled. He seemed to observe me closely. It sent shivers down my spine, how his shady blue eyes glinted in the sun set.

"Wrong. You didn't come here to find out more about me... you came, because you want to know more about Ness," He finally said. My eyes widened. He leered at me, as if he had proven a point. He shattered my determination. I stood there silently... what was I to say now? It was possible... I did want to know more about him... just not like this. I pictured Ness smiling, and laughing when I gave him the daisies earlier that afternoon. I remembered when I first broke down in front of him, and he embraced me with comfort. Pokey turned away to walk towards the window. When he finally spoke... I became stock still.

"So... Jeff... isn't he gorgeous?" My breath caught.

"What... who are you talking about?" I asked in a softer tone of voice.

"Why... Ness of course."

"I don't understand what you're talking about..."

"Oh... I'm pretty sure you know exactly what I'm talking about."

"No... I really don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't lie to me. You've thought about it as well."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Yes, you do."

"No, I don't."

"We're both disgusting, aren't we?"

"What did you do to him?"

"He has no idea... how fucking beautiful, and perfect he really is."

"...What did you do to him?"

"I was his best friend for many years... I've memorized every inch of him that I could. You could compare me with a scientist in that sense... always searching for the answers you can grasp..."

"What did you do to him?!" I growled in hostility. There he went again with that wide grin of his. Such a swine...

"Well... not enough to steal his virginity, but definitely enough to take part of his innocence as my own," He replied. I gawked at him in horror. No...

So this was the truth... I felt both petrified and pissed.

"Ness... he was... your friend..." I stuttered; shivered. He cocked his head towards me.

"He was your friend god damn it! YOUR BEST FRIEND! How could you do such a thing?!" I yelled at him. He still had that smug look about him.

"You sound like you're about to cry. Ness never cried back then..."

"Until you did what you did! My fucking god, Pokey, you scarred him! He doesn't even know his full potential, he was afraid of me... AFRAID when we met for the first god damn time!" I roared. Pokey chuckled. No wonder Ness was scared of him...

"Humans are disgusting, aren't they?" He said.

"Ness is a human being, just like you and me, and I don't hear you saying ANYTHING about how disgusting he is!"

"Well... because he's more than just human. He isn't like you and I. Jeff, I thought you had a keen eye, didn't you notice what Ness and Paula can do?" He asked. I paused.

"Are... are you talking about their super human abilities... their PSI powers?" Pokey nodded.

"I'm not saying that humans can't learn this so called PSI... in fact, there's someone in a faraway country, Dalaam, that's studying it as we speak. I'm pretty sure he has to keep using it constantly... he wouldn't be able to harness it naturally like Ness and Paula can. But maybe you'll meet him someday, and ask him what it's like. I know I'd like to know," Pokey spoke. I was silent.

"You're probably wondering why you're involved in all this... you have to be. Out of all the people in the world, why did Paula choose to contact you for help? She could have contacted your brilliant father... she couldn't have chosen to contact the wise old man down the street... a local fire fighting hero... the one in Dalaam studying their abilities... yet she still chose to contact you... out of all the people in the entire world... the entire universe that is..."

"WHERE IS SHE, POKEY MINCH?!" I yelled at him. He continued to ramble.

"So I had to do some research... on the infamous Jeffery Andonuts..."

"WHERE IS THAT BASTARD HIDING HER?!"

"It was then I learned about your tragic past... how your disappearance is linked to your mother's death..."

"MONOTOLI! WHERE IS HE?!"

"Your father abandoned you at such a young age... he must have hated looking at the disgusting filth you really are... a human... what your human errors have caused..."

"YOU DID THIS!" Pokey chuckled.

"You know what's ironic? I received a letter the other day..."

"YOU CAUSED ALL THIS MAYHEM!!"

"But it was a shame... the letter wasn't addressed to me..."

"YOU'RE THE REASON WHY NESS FEELS SO LOST!"

"Ahh... it was such a touching letter too. It was written to someone they missed, and obviously cared deeply about..."

"WHERE IS PAULA POLESTAR?!"

"Hmmm... the line that stood out to me the most... 'Sometimes I pretend you're right next to me to say that everything will be alright, so I can get back up on my feet again. It's so different without you... sometimes it's frightening'... Hmm... if I could only remember the name the writer referred to..."

"GOD DAMN IT POKEY MINCH, ANSWER ME!"

"Ahh yes! Now I remember... his name was Tony."

My eyes widened in pure horror as he sneered at me. My arms shook as my bottom lip trembled.

The letter never reached him... it went straight to Pokey Minch...

Oh fuck... no...

"If... you lay... one finger on him... I swear... I'll..." I managed to barely whisper. Pokey leered.

"You'll do what? Kill me? Like you did to your mother?" He asked. I gritted my teeth, as I was sure tears were streaming down my eyes.

"I never killed anyone... I may blame myself for my mother's death, but I would NEVER have gotten the thought to kill my mother... especially in the fashion that you're thinking of..." I told him for the final time. Pokey narrowed his eyes.

"I bet you're not afraid to kill me, now are you?" He said. I paused.

"It proves you're human..."

"Stay away from Ness... from Paula... from Tony..." Pokey snorted in response.

"It's getting late. I think you should be heading back to Ness before something happens..." My jaw dropped.

"I won't let you hurt Ness... I won't let you hurt him, and I definitely won't let you kill him," I told him as I inched my way towards the door. Pokey flashed me a perplexed look.

"Kill? Why would I ever want to kill a beautiful creature such as Ness?" He asked. I was silent. He chuckled.

"You know what would happen if such a tragedy would come true? The universe would die without him..." I took the last phrase in mind, as I was about to leave. However, he had one more thing to say apparently.

"However... you're just like the rest of us... Keep getting yourself involved in this... I will kill you..." He threatened me. I looked back at him, his smile twisted inhumanly. I paused before I was off.

I don't think I ever ran faster in my entire life...

---

I slept in the closet that night. I was alone, curled up on the floor. The night light was my only comfort, yet it still made the environment tragic, and insane. The shadows in my closet danced around me; taunted me... teased me...

She's never coming back... she's gone because of you... you're the reason for her loss...

I squeezed my eyes shut, and I brought my knee's to my chin as I heard tables, and objects being thrown violently all across the house. Tears streamed down my eyes.

I'm sorry Daddy... I failed you again...

When I woke up that morning, and entered my bedroom, my bed was thrown to the other side of the room; my crayons and legos were everywhere I stepped. I walked down the stairs. The house was completely empty to my knowledge. When I walked down to his basement...

He even tore up his personal lab... On the floor, next to the invention he had just started was a picture...

Mother, Father, and I at the sunlit beach...

A happy family...

---

I noticed the uproar of cars all the sudden around the hospital. For some strange and frightening reason, the place seemed like an attraction. I dashed inside, and raced to the elevators. When I made it to the right floor, when I made it to Ness's room, I froze.

The room was trashed. The curtain that separated the two hospital beds was torn apart. The window was wide open.

Ness was nowhere in sight...