CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

Remy, Winston, and Timmy looked stunned at what A.J. was suggesting. Perhaps, he was being a little harsh, but the young genius didn't think so. The simple fact of the matter was A.J. was sick of Timmy being mistreated. No. Not just mistreated. Physically and psychologically harmed and even nearly had his life taken. That was when Remy spoke up,

"I see Turner's mercy hasn't rubbed off on you."

"I have never pretended to be as merciful as Timmy," replied A.J., "but this is not so much about mercy as it is protecting my friend." He paused "Also, there' another issue. You may be trying to change, but I'm still not sure you realize the extent of the damage and grief you caused all of us."

The statement from the "Timmy clone" about trusting Jimmy so much really made Jimmy feel uncomfortable as well as a little bit guilty.

"Timmy," said Jimmy, "thank you so much for trusting me, but after I tell you what I have to tell, you may not trust me, or maybe even like me as much anymore.

Libby looked stunned at what Sheen had said. She had no idea he was so down on him. The young African-American girl approached him and put her hand against on his shoulder. She then, spoke,

"Sheen. Of course we missed you and we missed you because we like you for who you are. We don't expect you to be a Jimmy, a Carl, or a Cindy. That's why I'm so upset at you, because we DO care about you and I thought you really didn't care about us. I mean you didn't even try to contact us, or even try to make it home."

Perry considered the what The High Council had told him after he contacted them. They had actually been expecting this news from him. The secret agent knew the boys, due to their genius, were destined to be important forces for good. However, he had been under the impression that right now, Phineas and Ferb were too young for this. Another thing that concerned him was the town of Dimmsdale. The hometown of Timmy Turner could really live up to it's name. Also, they didn't, at least until recently, didn't do a very good job of protecting their children, unlike Danville in which children were considered extremely precious. Heinz Doofenschmirtz had a rough childhood, but he wasn't even originally from America let alone the Tri-State area.

Perry thought more about this, and then smiled. He was being protective of the boys again like when they were in that 2nd Dimension. He couldn't help it; they were his family. A connection that transcended species as Phineas' brotherly relationship with Ferb transcended blood.

Ever since Phineas had returned to his seat next to Ferb, the red haired boy had been very quiet. Something that was very uncharacteristic for him. Ferb was a little concerned. Phineas, also, kept stealing glances at Isabella. Ferb got the feeling that Phineas needed to talk, and this time, though, it was up to Ferb to get his stepbrother to talk. The British born boy very gently touched Phineas' shoulder. Phineas turned to face Ferb, a little surprised.

"So," said Ferb, "I know there's something on your mind, brother. Would you like to talk about it?"

"A.J.," said Winston, "is this going to be a "bash Remy session", because that's not to do much to help things."

A.J. smiled and then turned to Winston.

"You know, Winston," said the African-American boy, "I'm glad you said that, because it shows that you and Remy are truly friends, and Remy can thank you for that. I know he was good to you when you were being held prisoner by Mary Ann. That told me that Remy was trying to change, but to answer your question no, this isn't a bash Remy session. I just want him to realize why people are having so much trouble trusting him."

"I know why," said Remy very sharply, "because everyone keeps reminding me of what I did to Timmy."

"You see," said A.J., "that's why I'm not sure you do fully understand the ramifications of your attempted murder of my closest friend; my brother really. You keep snapping and getting defensive whenever someone brings it up. That's why you got blasted by Wanda earlier. Like Winston said, it's going to take a while for people to trust you."

A.J. paused and then moved a little closer to Remy.

"The best place to start is when I found Timmy down in that cellar," said the genius of Dimmsdale, and the condition he was in when I found him."

"Jimmy," said the clone, "I could never be mad at you. You're too cool!"

Jimmy felt like he was stabbed by a knife with that comment.

"Well," said Jimmy, "how about you listen to what I have to say and then you...

The lights suddenly went off in the room. Jimmy looked startled.

"What the...?",said Jimmy

That's when the lights came back on and a voice came through in intercom,

"I AM back, I, Technus, Lord of power grids, purveyor of pure electrical power, have returned. I have returned to have a very electrifying celebration honoring my victory over Zeenu's power grid. Let the light show begin."

Phineas smiled; touched by Ferb's concern for him.

"You're right, Ferb," said Phineas, "there is something on my mind, but, and brother, this is unusual for me, I'm at a loss for words."

"Maybe I can help you there," said the normally very quiet boy, "it has something to do with Isabella. You know that she cares for you and you are starting to realize that you care a great deal about her.

"Let me tell you," said A.J., first of all, that even if we're not connected by blood, I consider Timmy Turner family. You hurt him, you hurt me. Maybe I am being harsh to you, but you really need to understand why I have such anger to you still.

Phineas was just about to open up to Ferb when there was an announcement over the train's intercom.

"We are approaching the Dimmsdale station. Passengers bound for Dimmsdale prepare to get off."

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