Later that evening I was helping Nani in the kitchen after dinner. The rest of the family had gone in to watch a movie, with the exception of Chopsuey who was still sitting at the table, looking bored. There had been no family movie nights for a long time now on account of everything that had transpired, so it was nice to finally have one again, although David had seemed very quiet and distracted.
I eyed 621 a few times. He did it back to me. I was still apprehensive of him and while I could tolerate him to an extent for helping me during Demon 626's takeover, I didn't like him. I had doubt we would ever get onto good terms with each other as there was too much hostility between us. As long as he left Lilo alone, then I could put up with the idea he was sticking around.
He did have a right to, as Jumba had created him thus making him ohana. He was my 'cousin'.
Nani handed me a plate and I dried it down. She paused at the sink and when she didn't hand me the next plate to dry I turned and saw her crying.
"Naanee okay?" I asked her quietly.
She looked at me. "...No."
"Naanee...?" I put down the towel I was holding, taking her hand into my paw. She faced me at that. For a moment or so, standing right beside her I realised something was different about her. Her scent had changed again. For a while I'd heard another heartbeat from within Nani's body and now that I didn't I knew what had happened.
"Stitch... I... I need somebody to talk to. I guess you already know."
I had a small inkling of what it might be from seeing how they got into the car like that before and drove off, looking very troubled.
"Ih... I do..." I told her softly, before hugging her legs. "I'm so sorry Naanee... but I will talk if you want. I'm here. Chi-chabada."
She squeezed my paw at that. It was quiet again between us as we cleared up the kitchen.
Chopsuey was watching intently, no expression on his face.
Later that night I sat outside in the tree-house. I didn't know exactly how to feel, but I felt completely awful. Eventually I heard soft footsteps and looked down to see Nani coming towards me, rubbing her arms. She climbed up beside me and I helped her sit down.
"Apart from David, I know you're the first to know without me even telling you. It hasn't hit me yet, but it will soon."
I said nothing, simply climbing into her lap and snuggling up against her the best I could.
"Ih... I can tell. I..." I paused, unsure of whether or not I should say it, but she just looked at me.
"Stitch, I came here to talk. It'll help. Say what you need to."
I sighed. I took her hand and squeezed it. "I don't hear a heartbeat anymore."
She nodded. "They confirmed it today. All I can do now is wait it out."
"Where you go in car?" I confirmed, and she nodded. I hugged her again. "How you feel about it?"
"Well... like I said, it hasn't fully hit me yet. But I guess I'm also a little relieved, as horrible as that sounds. Because I know right now I'm just not in a good position to have a child. I don't feel ready for it. I know I wouldn't cope, even with working now for Mr Kuakini. David didn't get that job. Money-wise we aren't secure enough for another mouth to feed, especially if that other experiment is staying with us now."
My ears fell. "I-I hope what happened did not..." I said gently.
"I don't know Stitch. I was very, very stressed. That was more likely to have caused it. But as of now, I don't feel ready to tell Lilo or the others just yet. If anything I announced way too soon. I was only twelve weeks."
"..."
"But listen to me." She put my head into her hands. "I do NOT want you to blame yourself for this, okay? It wasn't your fault and I was being irrational towards not only you but Lilo as well. I've been to the doctor and now I'm on some medication to help my stress. Right now, I just want to get better. Deal with this and get it over with."
When Nani saw tears in my eyes, she pulled my head to her chest. "It's not your fault... I promise."
"I feel like it is..." I muttered into her between sobs. "Demon 626... Stitch turning into kaphong... and scaring you like I did..."
"No!" she cried out to me, crying again herself. "NO Stitch. It wasn't meant to be, that's all there is to it."
I just hugged her again. "So... what happens to Naanee now?"
"I don't know... I've never dealt with this before, but if it doesn't all pass naturally I'll have to get surgery. I don't know how much that will set us back."
"Jumba," I said instantly, rubbing at my eyes. "Just ask him for money, he won't hesitate."
She looked uncomfortable. I continued.
"He rich, Naanee. Is why he made that machine, for emergencies like this. Chi-chabada... I promise papa will help."
"Okay Stitch..." she said softly. "But... besides me, how are you feeling?"
I paused at that. "Meega? More worried about you."
"I know sweetie, but I made a promise to be there for you now too. Remember?"
I sighed. "I feel hurt," I told her. "Was looking forward to baby."
"I was too," she sighed. "Maybe one day it'll happen, but not now..." She tilted my head towards her again. "Is there anything you want to talk to me about?"
I went quiet at that, thinking. "Did you see me as different when I changed?"
"What do you mean?"
"When I change into kaphong in bathroom. When you come get me," I elaborated. "I know, I scary. But did you still see meega as Stitch?"
"Of course I did," she responded. "What makes you think otherwise?"
I sighed. "Demon 626 is not meega. Is evil 626. Alien demon. Not like me at all, not care about ohana. Only want death and destruction. To cause pain..." I told her. "Stitch told you long time ago in car that I was scared of things, ih? Scared of hurting you. Or Lilo."
She nodded. "Yeah...?"
"Because I know I will. I know now Metamorphosis is gonna activate. Demon 626 still inside of me."
Nani went still at that. "S-Stitch...?"
"I'm sorry..." I sobbed. "I cannot stop it," I lowered my head. "Mitch isa trying to hold off."
"Mitch?" she asked quietly. "Mr Kuakini's son?"
"Ih. I'm him," I told her, and she looked a little startled.
"I-I know Stitch, but what do you mean trying to 'hold off'?"
I sighed again. She squeezed my paw tightly as I opened up to her about what had happened when Jumba had shot me, and how Mitch and I had separated again. About what I'd told Mr Kuakini and him showing me Mitch's grave.
She looked at me in disbelief. I pulled out the photos and showed her those as well, explaining about how I'd felt Lilo and I had always been connected in a way. She was astounded, running her finger along the photo of Lilo standing beside Mitch in the hospital.
"So... that was you? And you actually remember Lilo's wrist being broken, despite not even existing back then?"
"I did exist..." I told her. "I was human."
She went quiet for a few moments. "Well... I know you told me all this before, and Mr Kuakini has confirmed it... but it's still quite a shock. You always acted so differently, Stitch. I could never put my finger on it."
I gave a nod. "Lilo said same thing."
"You don't act like an alien."
"Do you know how alien is supposed to act?" I asked her.
"Do you?"
I paused. "I– I only know how I act."
She nodded. "I do remember him. I saw him a few times at the shop when Lilo was young. I nearly got a job there when you crashed. That day Lilo was going to be taken away by social services... that day was one of the worst days of my life..."
I froze at hearing that.
"At Kuakini's?" I asked.
"Yeah. Fell through on account of the house blowing up. I'd also done voluntary work there when I was younger. My mom used to work there for a bit too so that's how we know him though he was more of an acquaintance."
No words could describe how awful I felt at that moment. "I'm sorry... should never have used gas... we were horrible."
"You used the gas?"
I sighed. It was time I told her the truth on how we destroyed their home, so I did. I needed it of my chest. She was quiet for a while, staring at me as I explained how I'd ripped out the oven and Jumba had nearly killed Lilo twice by shooting at me. How I'd used her like a puppet taunting Jumba that he couldn't hurt me as she was my shield.
Nani was quiet for a long time but then she sighed. "Look. It's in the past, Stitch. You're not like that anymore and neither is Jumba. Let's leave it at that."
I gave a nod. She put her finger underneath my chin and lifted up my head.
"So if you're Mitch then, how exactly is he holding back the back-up?"
"We are one entity," I explained. "Stronger together. Is enough to hold back such a powerful program, but not enough should Demon 626 activate the cell. Mitch me because naga want to die, and Mr Kuakini wanted him back too."
I pulled out the journal and handed it to her. She took it and looked through it, her face scrunching up in disgust at seeing the images just as Lilo had done. Their expressions mirrored each other.
"Jesus..."
I nodded. She flicked through before pausing and showing me the page she was looking at. It was the one where Mitch had mentioned about seeing Lilo again. "You spoke to her?"
"I did, ih," I told her. "Lilo was only one that really spoke to me. Was maybe what helped connection. Why Mitch reborn as me besides Mr Kuakini needing him."
Nani was astounded. She flicked through to the end and her eyes widened. "Well..." she said once done, handing the journal back to me. "That helps explain a LOT about you."
I nodded. "Ih. Being in Mitch's room did help too. Unlock lots of memories."
She stared at me thoughtfully for a moment or so. "I've noticed how close you two are lately, Stitch. You and Lilo."
My eyes widened and my heart started to pound. Oh no...
"I have seen you kiss her too. A few times now."
"..."
CRAP!
"I-I-I—" I stuttered. I couldn't face her. I wasn't ready for Nani to find out now damn it! I had NO idea how she'd react!
"...And how you look at her," she continued. "It's the same way that David looks at me."
I put my head into my hands.
"...So, I've spoken to Jumba."
My eyes widened and I shot upright at that. "G-Gaba eieky?!"
She gave a nod. "He told me everything, Stitch. That you and Lilo love each other and want to be together. And this has been going on for a while now and you were dreading that I'd find out."
Oh god... I felt my face heat up and my internal temperature rise. I was getting a hot flush of embarrassment—I had no idea what to do or say. This was my biggest fear... Nani finding out and separating us...
I stood up shakily and made a beeline for the ladder, but she reached out and stopped me, grabbing my paw. "Wait!"
I was crying at this point. "I'm sorry..." I squeaked. "I-I know... you don't approve... 'cuz Stitch alien..."
She stared at me for a long while and I couldn't read her expression. I was shaking. She eventually gave a sigh and looked away.
"Stitch, I know you didn't take her all the way to the moon for the sake of it. Nor did you take her off on that joyride to Honolulu, and those other places you went for the sake of it either. When you told Jumba flat out that you were going and nothing was stopping you, I could tell instantly you were in love with her just from that level of determination in your voice. That's when I knew."
My throat locked up.
"I also know that you were utterly terrified of me finding out, yes?"
I just stared at her, gripping my fists together so tightly I felt some blood. I squeezed my eyes shut. This was it...
"Stitch... I'm not mad about it."
I cracked open an eye at that. Wait... what?
She wasn't mad?
Nani gave a nod seeing how I reacted. "Mhmm. I know that even if I try to stop you from loving her, Lilo would just defy me. Jumba has told me how she's been around you and I've seen it for myself over the past few years ever since you came into our lives. She's been a different person because of you, Stitch. Much happier. She came out of her shell and the depression she was experiencing after our parents died pretty much vanished. You were what she needed. Even I couldn't get through to her and she was about to give up on everything."
I quivered.
"You also basically kidnapped her to prove a point to me. Don't think I've forgotten about that."
I paused. I sunk down, my ears falling around my face.
"So... so what... w-what does..." I stuttered.
She sighed. "Stitch, you were there for me. When I fell pregnant. And you also went out and worked for my sake. You help so much around the home, and overall you just keep our family strong. Stitched together."
My eyes widened again.
"So... I don't have an issue if you love my little sister. BUT"—she raised a finger at me—"if you want my full acceptance, then you WILL wait until Lilo is older. I know you're mature being what you are now, but you're both still young. And also Stitch, now that I know that you're Mitch and you're Kuakini's son inside, it does make me feel better about it, admittedly." She paused. "I'm not entirely sure what to think of inter-species relationships, and I'm guessing you're very much aware with your super-computer mind that it's taboo here."
I gave a slow nod.
"Overall, as Jumba with you, I just want Lilo to be happy. I want what's best for her. And I know that driving you two apart or not allowing you to be with her will make her unhappy. I'd rather see my sister flourish than be miserable all over again. She's had it rough and deserves something good in her life."
I was quiet.
"Jumba and I had a long talk about it. So yes, we are both on mutual grounds, okay?"
"R-really?!"
She nodded. "I owe you for keeping Lilo going."
I was ecstatic. I jumped into her arms and hugged her tightly. "Dougabba Naanee! Thank you..! Thank you so much!"
"Just promise me you won't ever give up on her, Stitch."
"She is my everything," I admitted to the older sister, holding her hand in my paw. "Means world to Stitch. Saviour. I will always be there for her and never ever give up on her."
Nani's expression softened at hearing that from me.
"Stitch want to make her happiest girl in world. No matter what takes."
"You already have," Nani told me. "She married you."
I blushed a little at that, laughing. "Ih. Lilo also wanted meega to carve our initials into special tree. Your parents did that too."
Nani's eyes widened. "She told you about that tree?"
I nodded. "Ih.. there is one other thing too..."
"What?"
I drew in a slow breath. "Naanee... you know I meet parents, ih?"
"Yes?"
"On way back to Earth I ask them something... if they okay with Stitch loving Lilo."
"You did?" Nani was shocked. "What did they say?"
"They approve. Much like what you say, make her happy. Asked to continue to do so."
She was perplexed. "Well. I guess that settles that then."
I'd never felt so happy before. It was horrible news about Nani's baby, but this was overwhelming me. I could be with Lilo.
I could BE with my angel and not have to live in constant worry.
Nani sensed how happy I was. She put her hand to my head. "Things have been bad for so long, so let's just have some happiness for once, okay?"
"Ih... but.." I paused. "What 'bout you?"
She sighed. "I'll be okay. As I mentioned before it hasn't hit me yet. But when it does as long as I have support I will get through it. Probably lots of sleepless nights ahead."
I gave a nod. My ears flicked up as I heard movement at that moment and looked out across the driveway. It was Chopsuey. Nani went quiet as well, looking out at him. He looked across to us, before turning and darting off into the woods. I gave a sigh.
Nani looked at me again. "I'm gonna sit out here for a bit Stitch. I'll be in later."
I gave a nod. I went to leave but hesitated, looking back at her.
"I'll be fine. Go back to Lilo," she told me. "Thanks for talking with me."
"..."
"Really!"
"Okeytaka..." I said softly. I walked right up to her and she stared at me.
"...?"
I leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. She looked surprised at that but then smiled warmly and pulled me into a hug and kissed me back on the head.
Smiling, I turned to head back inside.
After that heart-to-heart with Nani I sat and watched TV for a bit with my family. The movie had long finished and Lilo had fallen asleep against my father so while she was, I seized the opportunity and went up to the dome to work on a card I wanted to give her on Thursday. I spent a good while on it, decorating it with some of her special stickers and glitter. I couldn't wait for her reaction to it.
That, and her reaction to the fact that Nani approved of us being together. I smiled happily.
I'd just finished up the card when I heard the dome door open and my angel call out to me. Quickly hiding the card underneath my mattress I ran from the dome and went down to see her.
Thursday finally arrived and it was approaching time for me to leave. Nani wanted to take me a bit earlier. Lilo had already packed her duffle for later when we'd come back to pick her up. She was very excited.
"I NEVER get to have sleepovers, Stitch! The last time I invited people over they never showed up."
I gave her a sad smile. Whoever had done that to her I wanted to knock the living daylights out of them. Chopsuey was standing nearby with his arms crossed, watching us.
"Where you off to hatchling?"
"A sleepover with Stitch. At Mr Kuakini's house."
"What is a 'sleepover'?" he asked.
"When you sleep over for the night!" she explained to him happily. "I've never been to Mitch's house before."
I'd told Lilo to keep the fact I was Mitch to herself at Mr Kuakini's house. I loved that it made her so happy, of course, but I also didn't want the others to find out in such a manner if Mr Kuakini wanted to tell them personally about my identity. That, and I figured he'd probably get a bit upset about it too. Unless things played out differently, that was.
Chopsuey eyed me at that. I narrowed my eyes at him and he just smirked.
"Well, at least I won't have to put up with you for a while, 626," he huffed as he poked my stomach. "Should be good."
I growled at him but my ears perked up as I heard a beep from outside—Nani was ready to drop me off.
"Tez'hara maqsxhis debla'shst..." I hissed at him, and he just smirked and tilted his head.
"Me? Hurt her? I would never. What do you take me for, 626?"
Lilo just looked between us sadly. She hated our animosity.
"Gotta go, Leelo," I said hesitantly, eyeing him as I kissed my angel on the cheek. She giggled.
"Bye boochibu!"
She called after me and I almost slammed into the door on the way out.
"So what time does the graduation go to?" Nani asked me in the car as she drove. I could tell she'd been a bit upset before, but still had offered to take me which was good of her. I had a feeling she was going to tell Mr Kuakini about her situation as she worked for him and would need time off.
"Eight."
"Okay."
It was quiet between us for a bit. As she slowed down for a traffic stop, I looked at her.
"Pleechi-ba be careful of 621."
"Huh?" she asked. "Why is that?"
I sighed. "I still do not trust him..."
She gave a nod. "I know. I'm not sure how to feel about him either, but so far he seems to be okay. Jumba doesn't seem as overly concerned as he did before."
I nodded. "Seem to be on better terms."
"I've noticed," she told me. "Maybe they are working on things and maybe it's just best to let them, Stitch. You know that Jumba and I would alert you instantly if something happened with him."
I gave a slow nod. She had started driving again as the stoplight changed.
"Remember Stitch, you were pretty bad when we adopted you. I was nearly about to take you back to the shelter. And not only that, you've done some of the worst things imaginable. I cannot even begin to think what it must be like to live knowing that an entire planet was wiped out due to something I did..."
My ears fell. "..."
"But how you've been about it has been more than enough for us all to see how regretful you are. It destroyed Jumba too. He told me that when I talked to him about you and Lilo. I... I learned a lot of things about him that night, Stitch. And about you."
I looked up at her slowly. "Abata...?"
She nodded. "I won't go into detail about it for the sake of your father but I do think 621 deserves a chance, just like you did."
"Really?"
She nodded. "I've seen him listen to Lilo when she tells him things. Heck, he even asks her questions about stuff too. He's always interested."
She was right. In fact, he'd done so just before.
"So," Nani continued. "Maybe he's interested in learning. Being better and making up for things. Wasn't he the one that saved you as well?"
Saved me? Oh right. When he stopped Demon 626.
"Yeah..."
"Well, according to both you and Jumba all he's dealt with for the majority of his life was neglect. Jumba would put you over him and brag in his face about it—and I know you don't like to hear that, Stitch, but it's true," she told me seeing the look on my face. "And from how resentful he is of you, even trying to hurt you, I know that would have deeply hurt him. So maybe... try thanking him for what he did with that Demon. See what happens."
"Dougabit?"
She nodded. "Yeah. Don't focus so much on him bullying you. Just try it and see what happens."
I was confounded. Maybe she was right.
Chopsuey did seem capable of redemption from what I'd seen. And even though he didn't have Jumba's blood or DNA like I did, he was still created by him, making him a relative to me. I thought about those weird looks I'd seen on his face a few times. And about how he'd managed to break through that holding cell so easily where as before he didn't when he could have.
Not to mention, back when he'd first attacked with the 6-26B's he seemed to just vanish into thin air. I realised then that maybe he was hiding something.
"...Okay."
She gave me a brief smile.
For the rest of the drive I looked out of the window at passing trees and shops. A few times on the way there Nani had to slow down going through more roadworks. Soon enough she pulled into Mr Kuakini's driveway, and got out of the car with me.
I looked up at her as she walked alongside me to the front door and she reached down to stroke my ear. Mr Kuakini had heard us arrive as he was waiting at the door.
"Hello Nani. Hi Mitch."
Nani looked at me at that. "Hello Mr Kuakini," she spoke as he opened up the door for us. "Are the others home?"
"Getting ready," he told her. "Thanks for dropping him around."
She nodded. "Listen. I need to talk to you about something quite personal. Do you have a moment?"
I gripped Nani's hand at that supportively. Mr Kuakini noticed, looking a little worried. "Uh, sure. Everything okay?"
Nani shook her head, looking upset again. He gave a nod. "Very well, come out here to the bench. Mitch, you can head inside."
I watched them both as they walked away from the porch and proceeded into the house. As I walked down the corridor to the main living area I noticed a few things were different. There seemed to be a few more pictures up on the wall now, and Mitch's bedroom door was actually wide open as opposed to shut. I paused and looked in. The window was open and the room smelled nice, as though it had been cleaned of all dust. I could still detect my scent in there.
A fold-up trundle bed was beside Mitch's bed. I figured that would be for Lilo. I wondered if Mr Kuakini would think it was odd I wanted Lilo here. But honestly, knowing that things were going to get bad soon, I needed her by my side more than ever right now.
My hearing did pick up on Nani explaining to Mr Kuakini about her baby. He seemed very understanding and allowed her time off. I also heard them briefly talk about me for a little bit as well, Nani asking him how he felt about me being Mitch. I did recall her saying he'd been an acquaintance to the family for a long time. Perhaps they'd be closer friends after this.
As for me I was still a little mixed on things. Like Mr Kuakini always calling me Mitch. Of course, Mitch liked it, but I was Stitch now. I my 'own' version of Mitch. And I just wanted to be known as Stitch, though I wasn't ever going to tell him to stop because I knew it made him happy.
Eventually Nani came inside with my 'other' father. She looked at me standing there and looking up at a picture on the wall. They both looked at it too.
It was a picture of Mitch and Kalia, sitting in a pretty looking garden. In the background was Honolulu and a lake. I thought the area looked familiar in that photo when suddenly it clicked—it was the same hotel that I'd brought Lilo to in the cruiser. The one I'd scaled up and her shoe had gone air gliding.
I was astounded. Mr Kuakini spoke.
"I found some old pictures in the attic I decided to frame."
"Looks nice," Nani commented, though I could hear an air of sadness to her tone. "Still trying to process that's him though."
"Hah... how you think I feel?" he responded to that. "Anyway..."
Nani looked at him. "I hope the graduation goes well for Kalia."
"Me too. It will be good... finally get to have him back, y'know?"
They both looked at me. I looked up at them. "..."
"Stitch, I'll see you later, okay?" Nani said to me. I smiled. She headed out with Mr Kuakini and I went to sit in the living room to wait. Eventually he came back inside to me and sat down beside me on the couch.
"What do you think?"
"Of pictures?" I asked, and he nodded. "Morcheeba. You... find easier now?" He stared at me at that. I pointed to myself. "That I'm back... not so painful, ih?"
A smile, and then a nod. "Yes. And tonight will really help me let go of the past. Feel more complete, y'know? You're not missing out because pneumonia claimed your life."
I looked down at that. "..."
The door behind us opened and Alanna and Kalia stepped in. Kalia looked nice, I noticed. All done up in make up and her hair was tied up. Alanna was also in a floral dress. Mr Kuakini was just in smart casual. I was wearing the jacket Mr Kuakini had given to me and my bounty outfit from Jumba, which now I rarely went without.
Both Alanna and Kalia stared at me without saying anything.
"Hi?" I said, confused.
"Hello Stitch," I heard Alanna voice slowly before she eyed Mr Kuakini. I wondered what was wrong. He looked at me as well at that.
"He's... he's wearing Mitch's jacket?" Kalia said softly and suddenly it clicked. They hadn't ever seen me in it before.
I'd actually thought nothing of it at the time when I'd decided to wear it. I looked at Mr Kuakini awkwardly. "..."
"John?" Alanna questioned.
He shrugged. "Oh. Um... I thought that... it suited him, is all."
"But that's Mitch's jacket... I thought you put it away." Kalia's voice was a bit dull. I could sense the instant mood change.
"I... I can take off..." I voiced, feeling very uncomfortable. "Soka..."
"No." Mr Kuakini spoke up abruptly. "I'm fine with it. If he wants to wear it, he can."
I just sighed at that. I felt so out of place.
Alanna gave him a look and I saw her and Kalia glimpse at each other. They clearly knew something was up.
"Sorry Stitch. This isn't directed at you," she said to me when she noticed my face. "It's just a little odd to see my late son's jacket on you."
"..."
"We... should get going," Mr Kuakini spoke up, wanting to drop the subject.
"Yes..." Alanna agreed. "You two can head out to the car. Chelsea should be here any minute."
I gave a nod, quietly standing up and heading outside, Kalia right behind me. I felt her eyes boring into my back as we waited by the car. I thought she was going to say something when I heard a beep and my ears perked up. I could see her friend from the café running up the driveway and the car behind her had another family in it that I could only assume was hers.
"Hey!" Kalia cried happily. The girls hugged.
"They'll meet us there," Chelsea said. She looked down at me. "Oh, is this him then?"
"Yeah. This is Stitch."
"Hi boy!" she said to me, bending down and petting me on the head. "Oh my gosh! He's so soft!"
Wonderful. Looks like I was in for another long night of acting like a dog. When Kalia looked at me I just gave her a deadpan expression. She shrugged at me sadly but didn't really seem to think much of it.
Well, at least my secret was being respected. For a moment I felt like I wanted to go home—this didn't feel right to me to be here. I wasn't a part of this family. I was going to a graduation for a sister I personally never had. This was Mitch's family. But then when I felt small wave of sadness wash over me I remembered why I was here—it was FOR Mitch and Mr Kuakini. Not so much Kalia, even though she'd asked me.
I was him. I just had to accept that. And it was because of that as well that I was able to be with Lilo and Nani was okay with us being together.
I hoped there would be no more tension about the jacket, but I had no idea the jacket would be the least of my concerns after what would come tonight.
The drive there was even more awkward for me. I sat in the backseat, Kalia beside me in the middle as she chat to her best friend. They barely paid any attention to me at all.
Occasionally Mr Kuakini would glimpse at me in the rear-view mirror. Alanna still seemed to be a little iffy about the jacket situation and was quiet. I honestly couldn't blame her though. This was down to Mr Kuakini not telling them why I was here, or the reason why he had no issues with me wearing it.
I sighed, thinking about Lilo and for a moment I wished I had my headphones and music with me. At least then I could focus on something else.
The drive was long. Eventually I heard the car pull onto crunching gravel and sat up to look out of the window. We were in a pretty big car park. Mr Kuakini finally found a free space and everybody clambered out of the car. He opened up the door for me, walking towards the back with me as the others went forward to the entrance of the venue to greet other friends. There were a lot of people there.
"I'm sorry Mitch..." my 'father' said down to me. "I didn't expect that to happen. Wasn't even thinking anything of it."
"Neither was I," I admitted. "But I see why they upset about it."
He gave a nod. I looked up at him.
"Maybe you just have to tell them. Truth."
He sighed. "I know. It's just that I'm scared they'll think I'm insane. Or making it up."
"Well, I was scared too. When found journal and you mad at me."
"Mad at you?" he asked. "I wasn't ever mad at you!"
"Ih, you were..." I told him. "When read journal first time. You not know it me."
He sighed. "I'm sorry, Mitch. But you have to think about how hard it was for me."
I nodded.
"Either way, I'm just glad you're here," he said, bending down to pick me up. I looked at him. "I just want to focus on that."
"Ih. But don't let it cause rift..." I told him, looking towards his family. "Stitch... know what that feels like. Not nice to deal with."
He knew what I meant. He went quiet again, carrying me over to where the others had gone. As I looked around, I noticed a few other animals there.
They stared at me when they saw me, as I expected. A blue 'dog' wearing clothes was always an unusual sight. After petting me and asking the family if they'd got me as a new pet, Mr Kuakini finally sensed I'd had enough and put me down. I think he felt much the same but was holding back from saying anything about it. I would have rolled my eyes if I'd had the ability to.
Instead I just kicked at the ground a little as we waited outside to go in. It was another twenty minutes before the ceremony began and everybody started walking in. The ceremony itself was outdoors at the back of the venue in a large decorative area with shades and a long platter table off to the side. I sat down on a chair beside Mr Kuakini. Beside me was another dog. It kept looking up at me and panting and I tried to ignore it.
One by one the school students walked across a stage set up at the front to get their graduation certificates. There was a lot of them. For a moment I forgot about how things were and focused on Kalia when she was finally called. I felt happy for her. I knew this was Mitch inside of me and I could feel his reactions to seeing his sister graduate.
And at that exact moment I could see why it was so important to Mr Kuakini that I was here.
When Jumba had killed me he'd been able to get me back. But when Mitch had died, it was forever. Mr Kuakini would never have him back in the same way Jumba was able to get me back. Humans could not be revived once they died. There was no cloning process to bring them back and death was forever. I was probably the only soul on the planet that had another chance, simply because my father decided to get revenge and the bond between Mr Kuakini and his child was just as strong back then as the current bond I had now with my father.
I shouldn't be here, yet I was.
Nani's child never even had a chance to experience life. I was a child that had experienced it, had it taken away, and then had it given back because the stars aligned in such a way for me. I was incredibly lucky in that sense—not only to come back as something better than a human, but to even have that second chance at all.
I looked down at that. Soon enough, it would all end.
"Damn right it will!"
I jumped. I tired to ignore the demonic voice in my head, clenching my fists.
"You know I'm here 626!" Demon 626 called out to me in a sing-song voice. "You can't ignore me forever!"
I growled. The dog beside me was startled but then growled back at me and Mr Kuakini quickly tried to stop it. People were staring.
Demon 626 laughed at that. "Oh dear, making a scene already ey? What is it 626? Realising what a dog you are, or just can't contain your excitement? Well, here's some good news for you—I'm almost in!"
My blood turned to ice. I felt tears flood my eyes.
"You have twenty four hours."
Twenty four hours...
Twenty... four... hours...
Twenty four hours until I destroyed the planet...
No. It couldn't end like this. It just couldn't!
The world warped around me and I fainted.
"Mitch!"
A distorted voice.
"Mitch, are you okay?!"
Blurred images came into focus around me. The world stopped rushing and I blinked groggily. I sat up, rubbing my head.
Mr Kuakini looked relieved. It took a moment for me to register where I was. I could hear the graduation taking place still over the loud-speaker. Mr Kuakini had brought me down the back of the venue, just behind the audience.
My face was wet. He must have splashed me with water to revive me.
"Are you alright?"
I stared at him. I felt tears flooding my eyes again and I shook my head frantically. "No... no, I.. I—I'm n-n-not!" I could barely get the words out.
He looked at me in disbelief, quickly carrying me outside to the car park where there was nobody around. "What is it?!"
"Twenty four hours..." I told him, clutching onto him and breaking down. "That's all I have left."
"Until what?!"
"Until I destroy the world!"
The colour drained from his face.
"Demon 626..." I gasped, pointing to my head. "Nearly has control of cell. Once that happens, I turn into kaphong again. Like on Turo... just told me then."
He slumped down on to the gravel.
"I'm so soka..." I cried.
"No... no... it's okay," he said airily. "I... I really don't know what to say. This really is going to happen then?"
I nodded.
"Is there anything that can be done?"
I nodded again. "Is one thing. But you won't like it."
"What...?"
"I need to die."
His eyes widened at that. "N-NO! ABSOLUTELY NOT! I ALREADY LOST YOU ONCE!"
"Then... then that's it..." I gasped. I heard Demon 626 laugh inside of me. "End of world in twenty four hours."
Mr Kuakini let me go. He was in shock. I was too.
I didn't know what to say after that. He just stared at the ground before a loud cheer from back in the venue made him look up. I felt awful that he was out here and not in there seeing his daughter graduate.
"I-I..." he started. "Well... let's just make the most of what time is left. That's all we can do..."
It cut through me like a knife to hear that. He picked me up and carried me back inside.
Both Mr Kuakini and I were very quiet for the rest of the ceremony. He really tried to put on a smile for Kalia. I couldn't bring myself to even if I wanted to.
It was hard. Extremely hard. But I had to act like everything was okay. So, I steeled myself. I thought about Lilo and giving her the card.
It was only by some miracle the Metamorphosis System could be stopped. I had very little hope left now but I needed something to hold onto, so I prayed and prayed to whatever Hawaiian God was up there that it would stop. I prayed to Rofplar.
I would give anything to not take Lilo's home from her. Anything at all, even my life.
The graduation ceremony finished and the after party came. The students had organised a small show for family and friends. Everybody was celebrating happiness and new beginnings. New chapters in their lives.
Meanwhile I was sitting here 'celebrating' what would soon be the end of humanity. It didn't make me happy at all.
Mr Kuakini remained by my side for the entire evening. He never spoke to me but just offered support. After a while he stood up, and I saw him pull out a mobile phone. I watched him as he walked away, calling up somebody. I was too out of it and sad to go after him so I just remained as I was, slumped in a chair off to the side.
"Stitch!" I heard a happy cry and looked up. Kalia was in front of me with a bunch of friends and streamers around her neck. "I'm officially free!"
I just looked at them. She looked a little weirded out at my reaction, but then thankfully went away. I didn't have it in me to smile at her. Because I knew she wouldn't have that freedom in another twenty four hours. I'd bring about another apocalypse. She'd probably end up having the same terrible fate Gamada had met from me.
I nearly threw up thinking about it.
Demon 626 laughed again.
Finally it was time to leave. I'd felt a little better after sitting by myself and coping the best I could. I thought constantly about what Lilo's father had said, trailing behind as we walked back to the car.
There is more than one future ahead of you, Stitch.
What did that mean? Was it the future of a post-apocalyptic world? Like what Turo had been? Just a hellish, decrepit landscape of endless destroyed buildings and hopelessness?
No humans?
They were far too weak to survive what my guns could do. They could flatten an entire city in minutes. I was amazed that those aliens on Turo had even survived in the first place.
I was so damn screwed.
Thankfully Chelsea had left with her family and wasn't going with us in the car. I wasn't in the mood for happy girl gossip. That same dog that had been beside me had ended up belonging to her. It had growled at me again when they'd been saying goodbye. I just ignored it.
They'd treated me like a dog pretty much the whole evening, barely paying any attention to me. It had bothered me but right now didn't really care about that enough to mull over it. We climbed back into the car and it was quiet for awhile on the trip back home, until Kalia broke the silence.
"Well... I guess now it's time to start looking at colleges."
Mr Kuakini was quiet but Alanna turned back to smile. "Did you have anything in mind?"
"Not yet. Maybe I'll just make the most of time off for now. Or look for a job."
Alanna nodded. I saw her look at me.
"Everything okay Stitch?" I heard Kalia address me. "Noticed you seemed kinda distant back there."
I closed my eyes. I went to speak but Mr Kuakini finally spoke up.
"Unfortunately he had a bit of bad news..." he said.
"Oh..." Kalia responded to that. "Sorry to hear... is everything okay?"
I just shook my head, looking away from her. She seemed to get the message and stopped asking, going back to talking about college.
For the rest of the trip back I just focused on Lilo as I looked out of the window at my home, wondering if any of the buildings we passed by would still be there by tomorrow evening.
Once back at the Kuakini residence, Mr Kuakini took me inside for a little while. Alanna and Kalia sat down and Kalia was going through her new yearbook.
"Look!" she pointed out and Alanna leaned over to see what it was. "There it is!"
Mr Kuakini looked up from his position but remained where he was. Kalia held up the book so we could see. It was the photo she'd picked out before.
"Turned out well. And you made this too?"
Kalia beamed. "Yeah..."
They went on to talk amongst themselves about things in the yearbook. Eventually Alanna looked at her husband.
"John. I think we need to talk."
Mr Kuakini looked up at that.
"About what?"
"About whatever has been going on with you lately," she said. "I saw how you were at the ceremony tonight. You even missed some of it, when I looked over both you and Stitch had gone."
He looked down at his hands at that. I remained quiet.
"It's been like this for almost a month now. The way you've been acting about Mitch... going into his room, leaving the door open and even cleaning it and now having a guest in there tonight?" She looked at me. "And little Stitch here... coming to the ceremony in Mitch's jacket of all things?"
Kalia spoke up at that too, putting the book aside. "Yeah, dad. Not to mention the amount of times I've heard you call Stitch 'Mitch'. I told you not to do that. I know it's upsetting for you, so why keep doing it?"
"You'd think I'm crazy," was all he said.
They went quiet and looked at each other.
"Listen, John. It's horrible that Mitch died. You know how long it took us to deal with it. And while I'm glad you're able to look back to the past now and face it, this isn't helping. Nothing you say or do will bring him back, and you can't keep doing this to Stitch. It's not fair on him to act as a placeholder for your late son and you're starting to upset me."
He looked shocked at that. "What?!"
"It's obvious that's what you're doing John!" Alanna stood up and cried. "Look at him! The way you dress him, talk about him and praise him! He's like a dog!"
I growled slightly at that. "I'm an alien!"
She looked a little shocked at my reaction to that but didn't say anything more. She just sighed, putting her hand to her head.
"Look, John. If this is some weird thing you are doing to cope, that's fine. Just don't shove it in my face like this. I miss my son too."
"..."
Kalia had gone quiet as well.
Fantastic. More tension. And this time it wasn't even my own family. At that point I just wanted to go home to Lilo and spend what time I had left with her and my own family. I stood up. Mr Kuakini looked at me.
"I think I should go home..."
"No. Please..."
I paused. "..."
Mr Kuakini sighed. We stared at each other.
"Don't go."
"I think it's time you told them." I said flatly to that and he gave a reluctant sigh.
"You know what? It is. But let's just show them."
"Show us what dad?" Kalia questioned. She looked at her mother confused.
"Come on Stitch."
I followed Mr Kuakini down the corridor, the other two following behind us. I didn't know what he was going to do, but when he went into Mitch's room and pointed to the blacklight, I got the idea.
I pulled off my jacket and bounty suit.
"Look," he said to his wife and daughter, switching on the blacklight. They looked confused before both of them stared at me.
"Whoa..." Kalia breathed, while Alanna came forth for a closer look. "That's odd. Are those... are those freckles...?"
"They are," Mr Kuakini confirmed.
"Do aliens even get those? There's thousands of 'em!" Kalia said in disbelief. "Wow..."
"No. But he did."
"Why are you showing us this John?" Alanna asked.
"Look at his forehead."
She frowned at him, before looking at my head. It took her a moment and she reached out, hesitating, before pushing back my fur. Soon enough she realised what she was seeing.
"That's the same birthmark Mitch had...!" she trailed off.
"What?!" Kalia cried out at that, also coming forth to look for herself.
Mr Kuakini switched off the blacklight and I pulled back on my suit. He tapped Mitch's bed and I sat down on it.
"Remember I said you'd think I'm crazy?"
"Yes?" Alanna responded, crossing her arms and staring at me. She looked a bit freaked out. "Well, go on then. You seem to know. Why does Stitch have so many freckles?"
"Because he is Mitch."
I'd never seen a human's face drop so fast. Both Kalia and Alanna's did. They just stared at him before both looking at me.
"Is this some kind of joke?" Alanna asked.
"Joke?! Of course not, I would never do something as hurtful as joke about this! You clearly saw the birthmark! "
Kalia looked at me in sheer disbelief. "Dad. Stitch is an alien. He's Jumba's kid, certainly not my brother. I'm sorry, but I've had enough... I don't need this right now..."
She stood up to leave. I jumped up and stopped her.
"He is telling the truth!"
She stared at me at that. "Excuse me?"
I sighed. "Mitch is... in me. Soul. I'm him."
She went quiet. Alanna was just as shocked. Mr Kuakini nodded at them.
"He is. It took me a while to figure it all out but hear me out, alright?" He paused for a moment, sighing before putting his hand on my head. "It all started back at the shop. He literally mimicked Mitch and I thought he was doing it on purpose at first. He'd come to me and asked to work for Nani to help out his family and over those hours he worked, he would just... do things. Things that Mitch always did."
They'd be about to leave the room, but had stopped to listen. He continued.
"He came to me more and more, confiding in me and then said he'd started having dreams. He knew that chair in the shop had a scratch on it, despite never having seen it before. I'd never told him it was there. And then that night he stayed here with us... remember that? That loud racket?"
Alanna nodded, staring at me.
"He'd discovered a journal under the floor. Simply because a marble rolled over a floorboard and it made a different sound to the others. Mitch had a journal he'd kept from us."
"He did?" Alanna asked quietly. Kalia was looking between us in shock.
Mr Kuakini nodded. I pulled out the journal from my vest and handed it to him. He took it from me, looking down at it before looking at his wife again.
"That day at Nani's wedding, he confirmed it to me. Remember what Mitch used to say? Whenever you'd play our wedding song?"
"..F-floats your boat? Or something?"
He nodded. "Stitch said that to me. Out of absolutely nowhere... and he knew the disease Mitch had as well. He just said that out of nowhere too... and then I realised why. The journal made it clear."
"What?" Alanna asked shakily.
"It was him. He came back to us. Because I prayed every single night for three years that I'd be able to see him again somehow."
"..."
"If you don't believe me, just look in his eyes, Alanna, and then feel free to tell me that's not our son."
She stared at me for a moment before walking forth and bending down to my level. She looked at me.
Inside, Mitch was basically screaming his lungs out at me. There was no physical sensation or sound but I sure as hell felt it. It was hard to describe it. An endless longing and it stirred up a deep emotion in me. I knew it was because pretty soon I'd probably feel the same way—I'd be taken from my family and my own life that I'd come to know and love here beyond my control by Demon 626. I'd be forced to leave Lilo just when I was the happiest I'd ever been.
But right now, at least I could give Mitch that closure. Even if I probably wouldn't get it, he deserved it. I drew in a breath before giving a sigh.
I saw her searching. I recalled a saying I'd learned that the eyes were the 'windows of the soul'. Mitch was definitely in there, looking back at her. I knew what it was like to look out of my own eyes as well. And when she saw him I saw her face falter. I let him speak.
"Hi mom."
She finally broke.
After that Mr Kuakini and I left to go and get Lilo. He'd given his wife the journal and they went into the living area to read it. I wasn't too thrilled about it, but if it would give them the closure and peace it had given Mr Kuakini I could deal with it.
He was quiet as we got into the car.
"So now what... we tell them that the end of the world is tomorrow? Despite they only just found out you're back?"
"I don't know..." I said bluntly.
He sighed. "I called Jumba before. I told him."
I swiftly looked at him at that. "Pa?"
His eyes narrowed slightly. "Yes, your dad."
I ignored that. "What he say?"
"He panicked. He's doing something now to try and prevent it, but doesn't think it will work. He's looking into last resort options."
I looked down.
"What exactly did you to to Turo, Mitch?"
"..."
"Tell me."
I sighed deeply. "Nuked it. Wiped out all buildings, cars. Killed thousands."
I hated talking about it.
Mr Kuakini looked pale. He pulled up in our driveway, getting out of the car with me. "I'll get Lilo. Talk to them for a bit. They don't know, so go and see your father."
I just gave nod, turning and heading to the ship.
Jumba looked terrible. He'd been crying non-stop. Chopsuey was with him and the place was absolutely trashed.
"626!" He cried out when he saw me, running forth and scooping me up into a tight hug before putting me down.
He pointed to his computer, which was showing a diagram of my internals. The cell wasn't red anymore. It was bright yellow. The second final stage before turning green. I'd only ever seen it start up as yellow, which resulted in the orange colour.
"It's too late..." I muttered. "He told me. Tomorrow will activate cell."
"626. My only options are last resort ones now..." my father responded. "I prepared for this for years but is all happening so fast..." I could hear the panic in his tone. "Back-up is data, yes? This is one shot I have at eradicating it but I do not know what damage it may cause to you."
I was perplexed. "W-what?"
Chopsuey came forth, holding a small vial. "Nanites..." Jumba said, taking it and showing it to me. "Tiny robots programmed specifically to destroy back-up. But is major risk as could destroy your internal circuitry in process."
I faltered. "W-what would happen to me?"
"Would paralyse part of your body..." he said softly. "Of course should work I will work on restoring you right away, but damage may be permanent."
I felt my heart drop at hearing that. "Paralysed? Stitch not... able to move?"
"No, son. But cell would not activate."
I burst into tears. "What happens after that Jumba?!" I cried. "What if something else cause cell to activate? Do I have to live this way forever? Can't just use nanites to destroy cell?"
"Would kill you. Tied to heart. Not only that, back-up would remain. You either have option of eradicating Demon and being paralysed, or eradicating yourself."
I fell to my knees. "This is price I pay for you making me..."
He looked away from me, a very pained expression on his face. "Damn it, 626... I know." I saw him cry again before he roared at me. "I KNOW OKAY?! NO NEED TO KEEP REMINDING JUMBA IS UTTER FAILURE OF FATHER!"
I stared at him at that. I was too broken to cry.
Chopsuey reached out and put his paw on his shoulder. Jumba swiftly turned to look at him and pushed him away. "And what are you going to do? Rub in more?!" He roared. "AM NOT IN MOOD FOR IT 621 SO JUST BACK OFF!"
Chopsuey flinched at that. "YOU FOOL!" He yelled right back. "I WAS GOING TO SAY PUT ME INSIDE OF HIM WITH THE NANITES!"
Jumba froze at that. I heard the air leave his lungs and he nearly dropped the vial. "W-What?!"
621 sighed. "Shrink me. I'll go in him. Make sure back-up is eradicated."
"Is...is CRAZY t-talk...!" My father sputtered, before roaring at him again. "HAVE YOU UTTERLY LOST IT CHOPS?!"
Chopsuey just pointed at me. "WHAT OTHER CHOICE DO YOU HAVE LEFT THEN JUMBO BESIDES KILLING HIM? GO ON, TELL ME!"
Jumba went silent at that. "..."
Chopsuey gave an agitated sigh. "Look. I can't STAND you fatso. Or him. I'm trying my best to now... but I don't want him to end the world either because it means I'll have nowhere to go! You know I'd survive it! And you ALSO know how much he means to that hatchling, so I don't want to see her hurt either! At least if I'm controlling where the nanites go I can also stop them from eating through his circuits and he won't end up paralysed!"
My ears perked slightly at hearing that. So Lilo had got through to him. He continued.
"I know what I can do... and I know I'm capable of it! Your large-barge ass always wondered how I could steal your food, ih?"
Jumba just stared at him angrily, sneering at the insult but not saying anything.
"I can turn invisible. That was the special trait you gave me. But because you never BOTHERED to care about me, you never knew what I could do!" He yelled. "SO IF YOU WANT TO SAVE HIM THEN GIVE ME A CHANCE FOR ONCE TO PROVE MYSELF!"
Jumba was quiet. He stared down at the vial. "..."
"Because if I can turn invisible and that stupid back-up tries to fight me, I will have an advantage."
My heart was in my throat at that point. I just stared at 621.
"D...Dougabba..." I uttered. His ears flipped up and he stared at me.
"Gaba eiek?!"
I faced him. "T-THANKS!" I cried. "For everything! Stopping Demon 626 hurting Lilo! Stopping making me rip jaw apart! Listening to Lilo...!"
Chopsuey was shocked.
"For... wanting to save me..." I rasped. "Fight Demon in me..."
"..."
He was quiet at that, but I saw the slight falter in his expression. Jumba looked between us. "621... you truly want to do this? Because you are placing life at risk."
Demon 626 laughed inside of my head at hearing that. "Does he really think turning invisible will help him? Really? He's that dense?"
I scowled. They looked at me. "He knows..." I simply said to Chopsuey and he just raised an eyebrow.
"Bring it on, bastard."
"Oh look a challenge," I heard the demon say. "I'm all for it 626! Get him in here so I can kill this toothpick as well!"
"..."
Chopsuey stared at me. "Well?"
I gave a nod. "Okay... do it..."
He smirked.
Shortly after that, Jumba had me sitting up on the metal table. Chopsuey was beside me, suited up in some special skin-tight armour that would react to his body allowing him to turn it invisible as well. I was still intrigued he could actually do that. It was cool.
For now, all I cared about was how he was willing to put his life on the line to spare mine. I'd always thought he'd hated me, considering how he'd tried to kill me.
I hadn't ever doubted Lilo's remarkable ability to help people. She'd helped me. Made me realise I wasn't a monster. And maybe she'd done the same for him too. Made him realise that Jumba was remorseful for what he'd done, and that I couldn't help how Jumba had prioritised me over him. It wasn't my fault and that hating each other forever wasn't the answer.
Chopsuey was more than capable of change. It was his turn for the spotlight.
"Are you ready, 621?" Jumba said, wearing some of his microscopic goggles that allowed him to see at the nanites scale. He would keep open communication with him while he was inside of me.
"Ih."
Jumba nodded. He shrunk my cousin down to the same size as the nanites with one of his ray guns, before sucking him up into a syringe. He approached me.
"Good luck."
"Later losers." I heard Chopsuey's voice through the intercom.
Jumba rolled his eyes. He held out my arm. "Ready, 626?"
I gave a nod and my father kissed me on the head before he injected Chopsuey and the nanites into me.
"Please Rofplar... keep them both safe..." he muttered.
"Aw, how sweet."
I just closed my eyes. I hated Demon 626 so much. I couldn't wait until he was dead.
My father put his hand on my head.
"Is only chance we have, 626. 621 must succeed and get there before back-up does something. My biggest fear is that cell may still initiate even if 621 is successful because back-up did something to it before could be stopped. If it does... I have one final plan for that..." he swallowed. "Let us hope it does not come to it..."
"Then what is point of this?!" I cried.
"To STOP back-up from making cell initiate! Will be nothing left inside of you TO make it initiate if he is successful! Just pray that he gets there on time!"
I heard laughter again. That worried me. Demon 626 had said he was almost in, which made me think he hadn't done anything yet. I hoped to god he hadn't.
"For now... all we can do is wait. Go back to Lilo, 626. May very well be last time you are seeing her as of now. You won't feel anything if battle ensues as is too small." He handed me his communicator. "I will keep in contact about 621's welfare. It may take him until tomorrow morning to reach back-up considering your internal pathways consist of thousands of access points and I cannot pinpoint precise location," he told me, sighing. "But I will keep trying. I will fight until the end for you, 626. Only hope 621 can find it before I do."
I felt a tear escape.
"I love you, son."
I looked at my father and put a paw to his cheek. "Love you too."
He hugged me tightly before letting me down. Looking back at my father one last time I headed back out to Mr Kuakini and to my angel.