Date: Wed, 18 Jul 2007 23:03:58 -0700 (PDT) From: Brothers Gaige73 <brothersgaige73@yahoo.com> Subject: Izzy and Ozzy Chronicles - Ch 8 The Izzy and Ozzy Chronicles Life in the Balance Chapter Eight: Rest, Recovery and Breaking Points - Part I By: The Brothers Gaige This is a Universe B storyline that takes place in the year 1997. Where should we put this kid? A man with a very bad attitude said from behind us. Or do we just leave him by the curb with the trash. As he was finishing his last comment Dax quickly turned around and grabbed the man by the neck and slammed him against the wall. I think I'll be taking the trash out! Dax said with a smile as he kept hold of the guy and carted him downstairs by the neck. Starting with you! We decided to stay out of that situation. I pulled the covers back on Izzy's bed while Kyle fluffed his pillow. A few minutes later Dax came back in the bedroom carrying Izzy in his arms, it looked like a sweet touching moment between and grandfather and his grandson, if only the were really related. He placed Izzy in his bed and then tucked him in. our friend look lifeless, the only indication we had of him still living was the faint rising and descending of his chest as he breathed in and out. Guys he's going to be loopy from the medication he has to take for the next few days. He'll also be very unsteady on his feet and with other movements because his brain is still scrambled. He may become very agitated toward you but not at you, he's got to learn to adjust to his new situation. Dax explained to us. He'll want to do everything he was able to do before but that won't be possible for a while. Just give him room to learn to depend on someone other than himself. When should we expect him to try and be up and about? Dad questioned. Sometime around two and a half to three hours at the least. Dax said. Early tomorrow morning at the most. What about his speech? Dad asked. That may also come out jumbled and may frustrate the hell out of him for a while. Dax said. I guess it'd be no different for the rest of us if we couldn't communicate like we're used to doing. Dax, do you time for a cup of coffee? Dad asked. I could spare a few minutes, but only if it's no trouble. Dax said. It'll take a few but we get some coffee going. Kyle said as he stepped out of Izzy's room and headed downstairs. We've also got coffee cake and cheesecake. I said as I followed my brother downstairs. We all decided on cheesecake and cappuccino with double shots of espresso. Dax, what should we fix for Izzy to eat when he wakes up? I asked. Thanks for reminding me. Dax said as he handed me bag from his pocket. The instructions for his medication is on the bag and inside is a list of what he can have for the next week. The cheesecake was so rich and delicious. Dad said. I don't think I could eat another bite. Both Dad and Dax then left. We put the dishes in the dishwasher and went upstairs and into our room. We should do that more often. I said. It really is a great treat. How about we do it again later on tonight. Kyle said with a smirk. Only we'll add some Kahlua to the cappuccino. Maybe we could find a way to make some kind of sauce for the cheesecake. I quickly added. Great idea. He said. Let's log on and fine a recipe or two. We found a few recipes and made three different sauces with them they were all good. We couldn't wait to try them all later tonight. * * * * * At midnight we decided to try all three sauces on the cheesecake they were wonderful but the richness of our midnight snack kinda made us slightly sick. Next time I think we should only do one sauce at a time. I said. I don't feel so well. I know what you mean. Kyle said with slight smirk. But it was so wonderfully delicious and rich. Why don't we go check on Izzy and then go to bed. I said. Maybe we'll feel better in the morning. Great idea. Kyle said as he led the way upstairs. Izzy was still out cold. He hadn't moved from the position Dax left him in earlier. His breathing was very shallow; he was pale and more than likely he was starving. Should we wake him up so he can eat something? I asked. Let's wait until tomorrow morning when he's awake. Kyle said in return. Then we'll feed him and give him a bath. I walked over to Izzy's bed and sat down beside him and put hand under the covers and gently squeezed his hand, hoping that he would somehow wake up and we'd find out this was all just one big collective nightmare that we were sharing. Izzy, I'm sorry for causing all this trouble. I leaned over and whispered into his ear. I'll see you tomorrow when you're awake. Good night. Kyle had walked over beside me and followed suit. Good night, Izzy. He said. I'll see you bright and early tomorrow morning. We both then left Izzy's bedroom and did our final business in the bathroom and crashed out hard in our own bed. * * * * * I glanced over at the clock beside our bed, it was 8:30 in the morning, and I was still half asleep but I had to take a massive leak. As I walked toward the bathroom I noticed someone was in the kitchen cooking breakfast, I could smell bacon and toast, but no eggs. When I got to the bathroom to do my business I had to wait for Kyle to finish his morning dump. Dad's cooking breakfast again. Kyle said with a grin from the thrown as he dropped a huge log and stank up the place. I know it smells a lot better than what you just did. I said with a grin as he wiped up and flushed. I quickly walked over and stood in front of the toilet and relieved myself while my brother washed his hands. I then washed my own hands while Kyle waited for me so we could go downstairs together. As we walked downstairs we heard what sounded like a dish shattering on the kitchen floor. I looked down at Kyle and he looked up at me, then it hit us hard between the eyes, it wasn't dad cooking it was Izzy. We raced downstairs and found our friend sitting on the floor beside the stove; it was a funny but sad situation. What were you thinking? Dad said from the hallway as he stepped into the kitchen. Breakfast making I was for my friends. Izzy said as a look of frustration on his face as his words came out all wrong. Plate on the floor I dropped. He tried to halfway stand up only to fall back flat on the floor, his eyes welled up and he broke down. Reality had hit him hard. Dad picked him up off the floor and placed him in a chair in front of the kitchen table. Izzy, just sit and listen. Dad said as he wiped the tears away from our friends face and lifted his chin. You brain is scrambled pretty well right now and your body can't function like it used too... So we'll be helping you do stuff. I said as I looked at my friend, seeing him in a different light. All you have to do is sit back and let your body heal itself. Ask you everything to help with I can't. He said with his eyes watering again. Right it wouldn't be, live here none of you do. Kyle and I just looked at each other and grinned from ear to ear at each other as we mentally had the same split second thought. We both live here. Kyle and I said simultaneously. Your house this is. Izzy said with a puzzled look on his face. Mine I thought is was. It is your house and always will be. Dad said. Kyle and Ozzy are living here right now because you need help and it's their summer vacation. Vacation they should spend family with me not. Izzy sadly said. Need me in their lives they don't. Hurt they I did. No, you never hurt us and we do need you. Kyle said. It was just a nightmare you were having. A very bad nightmare, but it's over now. Dad quickly added. Wake up when I do from this nightmare. Izzy sadly said with deep concern in his voice. Over will it be all so family like we can again be. Yes, Izzy it'll be all over with soon. Dad said in a reassuring tone with a smile. And even it this little nightmare should never end you'll always be part of our family. Izzy, do you have a good vocal program on your notebook? I asked. The best one of I could program. He said with a curious look on his face. I quickly ran to his bedroom and retrieved his computer and then rushed downstairs. I placed the notebook beside Izzy and plugged it into the wall. Now all you have to do is type what you want to say. I said with a smile. That way it sound right to you, even if we know what you're trying to say to us. He typed at his computer for a few minutes with look of deep concentration on his face, I could tell he was still having trouble because he had to keep deleting words and retyping them in the correct order. This is what I was going to make for breakfast for you guys. I'm sorry I can't make it for you so you'll have to try to make it for yourselves, I'll do soup some kind. A computerized voice said. To make it easier for you guys I'll order three new notebooks after breakfast, one for the kitchen, one for the living room and one for your bedroom. I will need your help networking them. That's way too much money to spend. Dad said. Really not, better after I get. Izzy said. Late presents they will be for Ozzy and Kyle. Your not going to take no for an answer are you, Izzy. Dad said knowing full well what the answer would be. Izzy tried to type but he couldn't keep his hands on the keyboard long enough. Strength not enough in my arms and hands. Izzy said. Too weak I am, but repay you guys I have to for care taking of me. All right, I know when I'm whipped. Dad said. At least when you're whipped, you can still do things for yourself. Izzy's astral body said from beside Izzy's physical body. I have to let everybody else do everything for me. It'll only be for a short time, Izzy. Dad said matter-of-factly. And then everything will be back to normal. Why don't you speak like your physical body when you astral project. Kyle questioned. I'm not the same Izzy as the one sitting at the kitchen table. Ha said. I'm from a few months into the future; I'm here to reassure myself that I will get better. So get better I will. Izzy questioned himself. Will it take how long? Not long if you let them help you. Izzy's astral self warned. But if you try to do everything yourself you'll never recover and end up... A vegetable like. Izzy said sadly. A cold chill went down my spine as well as Kyle's and Dad's as we gave each other knowing glances. A new reality hit us that our friend was on standing ultra thin wire about to snap where he could be mobile or he could be bedridden for the rest of his life depending on his willingness to let us help him out. I have to go now. Izzy's astral body said as he turned to look at Kyle and me. I'll be back later tonight to talk with you two in private. He then disappeared leaving in deep thought about Izzy's future. * * * * * Eat breakfast you guys need to. I said after a minute or two of their salience. So do you. Ozzy added. Upstairs could you help me, Mason? I asked. I'm strong enough not to walk yet. Not a problem. Mason said. But you will eat breakfast with us when I'm finished cooking it. Better yet why don't we eat breakfast with you? Kyle said with a smile. We'll have a picnic in your bedroom. Idea great. I said as Mason picked me up and carried me upstairs to my room and sat me up in my bed. You stay here and we finish breakfast and bring it up in a few. Mason said with a smile. You thank for helping me when you don't have to. I said. You'd do the same for any of us. Mason said with a smile. You've been there for us several times. Kyle said with a grin. Now it's our turn to be there for you. But... I choked out before the tears came and I completely lost it. * * * * * With all three of us pitching in we had breakfast made in no time at all. It was hard us all to carry it upstairs without eating it, but we somehow managed to do just that. Izzy had regained enough strength to pull the blanket off his bed and spread it on the floor. No strength I have left in my arms. Izzy said with a smile as he watched us place the food on the blanket and take our spots and start to dish out the food. Eat first I want you guys to. Only if you let one of us feed you. I said with devilish grin. You I don't trust. He said in return with a slight smirk. Pull something you might. Now would I do something too you my poor dear friend. I said in sweet innocent and somewhat angelic voice with a smile from ear to ear. All the time if get away with it you could. He quickly said as everybody watched both of us with amusement. All the time if I could get away with it! I said like I was surprised or shocked by the statement my best friend had just made. YES! All three of them blurted simultaneously. Fine one of you can feed him. I said sounding like I was annoyed with the situation but quickly returning to my devilish grin. I'll give him a bath and put him to bed. Safe I'm not with you. He said. Do something to me you might that I can't get you for back. That's not my problem. I shot back. It's yours. Naked you'd have to be with me. He sadly said. And family your not so right it wouldn't be. You are family to us. Dad said. Even if family your sons are they need mother and father to be with. Izzy said matter-of-factly. Protection they need from you and Pepper, trouble I am nothing but. We were all speechless for the rest of our meal. Afterward we picked up the dishes and took them to the kitchen and put them in the dishwasher. * * * * * Guys you need to keep a close eye on him. Dad said in very concerned tone. He's severely depressed and if he gets any worse he might try to hurt himself. We can't let that happen. Kyle sadly said. It's my fault he's depressed. I said as I look at the floor. If I hadn't... * * * * * But raped you I did and sorry I am. I said at a near whisper with so much stress and frustration in my voice as I finished scotching down to the bottom of the stairs leaving me sitting on the kitchen floor wishing they'd just get it over and done with quickly. Put me in prison and then about me forget you should forever. All right boys we're going to hash this out here and now. Mason said harshly as he walked over to me a picked me up off the floor and placed me in a kitchen chair. Everyone pick a seat and sit. Okay dad. They both said simultaneously. Let me get something to drink first. Fine, I need coffee anyway. Mason said as he got up and poured himself a fresh cup. All three got their drinks and sat back down at the table. I dreaded this moment but I knew I had to face it head on. Let's start at the beginning. Mason said. Woke up I did with morning hard on. I said. Thinking about my mother realizing not that I was being humped dry. You were awake and creaming the sheets. Ozzy blurted through mortification. NO, you were humping dry my crack. I said with frustration at not being able to speak right. Until poked through you did my hole with your load big inside me. I was asleep when it started. Ozzy said. I didn't really wake up until my wet dream was over with... Only it wasn't a wet dream... Loved it I did! I blurted as deep mortification hit me. Second time better it will be! There will be no second time. Mason said matter-of-factly. Were you a virgin? Kyle questioned. Never had sex or off jacked by anybody else. I answered. Cam close I never did, wanted me nobody ever did, like that anyway until Ozzy I thought did. I'm sorry I did that to you. Ozzy sadly said. But I can't love you like that, only like a friend. Know that I do. I sadly said. That's why at home you should be with your real family not here taking care of me. But you are part of our family. Ozzy said. Part of your very good family I'm not. I sadly said as I my mind flooded with memories from my not to distant past. But at least kept you together I did. It doesn't matter if you're good or bad. Kyle said matter-of-factly. You're still part of our family and that is that. Kyle's right about that Izzy you are a part of our family. Mason said lovingly. You're our best friend and a second brother. Ozzy said with a smile. And my third son. Mason added. But you don't starve them. I said hoping to change the subject. We forgot to feed you. All three said in unison. I want Chinese for lunch. I quickly said with a grin. The number by the phone call and order I will. Your speech is getting better. Ozzy said as he grabbed the phone and dialed the number and held it to my ear. Put it on speaker. I said. Hello, Po's Asian Buffet. A woman said. This is Po how may I help you. Po bad fall I had, my speech is still bad at times. I said. My account please charge this order to. No problem, Honey. Po lovingly said. But I'm not going to deliver it, you'll have to come and get it yourself. Mason will you take me to pick up the food. I said knowing full well he would. Only if we eat at the restaurant. He said. Sure are you that eat with me want to. I said. Embarrass you I might. We'll deal with that when the time comes. Ozzy said. And besides we'll make it a group lunch so more people can be embarrassed. So make it for five people. I said. Po, can you open up the Star Room. Ozzy asked. Crew Nico and a few others will be with us. I can have the Star Room ready in about an hour and a half. She said. But I will cost Izzy an autograph or two. I'll see if Crew Nico will sign some pictures also. Ozzy said as he motion his brother to start making phone calls. See you then. Po said and then hung up. The three of them made a few phone calls each and everyone was on the way to the restaurant to meet us for lunch. * * * * * For someone who took a bad fall. Po said as she opened the car door for me. You look like nothings wrong with you. Have a lot of recovery left I do. I said. But lucky enough I am to heal fast. It's always a good thing for one to heal fast on ones own. Po said she smiled at me. But you're at my restaurant so I'll help you heal by overstuffing you with mounds of good healthy food and then I'll play devil's advocate and shove a nice big bowl of rice pudding down that mouth of yours. Okay, you can overstuff me. I said with a grin. But you'll have to make at least one of the foods with something special. Already taken care of little one. Po's grandmother said in sweet loving voice. And you'll be taking many different dishes home with you. Thank you very much. I said as I stepped toward both women and then hugged them. You are part of our family. Po said as reality hit her that I was just barely able to hold my own weight up. You helped save us from a life of slavery and now we get the honor of saving you from a life of misery. I told you before that I was just doing my job and that you don't owe me anything. I said. * * * * * Yes, yes we know it's your job to save the world. The older woman said. But it's our job to heal the world. Just because you're from Japan don't mean you have to heal the world or be a ninja. Izzy said in a slight joking manner. You leave the healing to us and we'll leave the ninja stuff up to you. Po said as she glared at him. Fine you can heal me if you want. Izzy said. But only if you stop trying to repay me for doing my job. Your speech is much better now than it was when we spoke on the phone. Po said. In less stressful situations my speech will be clearer. I said matter-of-factly. But as soon as I start to get stressed it'll be jumbled. So then we just have to make sure you don't get stressed out. The older woman said. Mason will you help walk inside. Izzy asked my dad. I need somebody to catch me if I fall. Better yet I'll carry you inside and then you can use your strength to feed yourself. Dad said as he picked Izzy up took him inside. Everyone was seated and waiting inside the Star Room for us to arrive. Izzy did quiet well at remembering who everyone was, but not what he or she did in life. His speech was off and on as was his body strength. In the end he did manage to do ten autographed photos and twenty CDs along with the rest of Crew Nico. That was one of the best meals I've ever had. Dad said as Po came into the room carrying a big box of food followed by her grandmother who was carrying smaller box of food. The big box is for everyone. Po said with a smile. The small box is for my hero. Then she leaned over and kissed Izzy on the forehead as someone snapped a picture from behind us. That was a sweet moment in time I'm glad I'll have a picture to remember it by. An old man said. It...would've been...sweeter if in the picture you would have been. Izzy choked out. Come on now you aren't that choked up about seeing me are you. The man questioned. Lucky I am to be here. Izzy said with tear welling up in his eyes. Been dead I have been too many times this year. Well I'm here now and you'll have to put up with me. The man said with a devilish grin. Tonight we're going on a journey. He's in no shape to be going anywhere. Dad said defensively. Especially with someone thats beginning to throw up all kina red flags, what are you some kinda perv... Ninja master. I blurted cutting dad off in mid sentence. You trained Izzy. Officially no. He said. Privately yes, he was my... Still am. Izzy said cutting him off. Finished teaching me you didn't. I believe you learned everything I could ever teach you. The man said with a smile. Not everything. Izzy said with a matter-of-fact look like he was about to open the vault to a big secret of epic proportions. Like what? The man demanded. About your family. Izzy said. And why you needed to be in hiding all these years. My family was murdered many years ago. The man sadly said. Before you were born. Then why standing next to me is your daughter. Izzy said flooring everyone in the room. The room was silent while we stared at Izzy and the man and Po stared at each other along with Po's grandmother. But she can't be my little Po... the man said as the floodgates opened. Are you my... Po tried to question as she choked on her own tears. Chow-Yon Yuan. Po's grandmother muttered as her tears began. Yes, mother Oren. Chow-Yon said as he fell to his knees at the feet of both women. A dead silence fell over the three reunited souls as the gravity of a new reality shattered their old beliefs that each other was long dead and gone. Not even Izzy, Kyle dad or I said a word as we watched a family reunite in a powerfully charged tense moment in time. Izzy slowly stood up and walked over to the trio slightly pushing Po toward her father. They got the message and Chow-Yon stood up and hugged his daughter for the first time in over many years. Izzy then stumbled over to Oren and shoved her into both Po and Chow-Yon as the room he started to weaken. Izzy. I said loudly as his eyes rolled into the back of his head. Before he could hit the floor Chow-Yon grabbed him by the shirt and quickly pulled him into a hug. Easy my son, everything will be all right. He gently said. You have helped us to begin to heal and now we will help to heal you. We gotta get him to the hospital. Dad said as he pulled out his cell phone to dial 911. No, he is in his special place. Chow-Yon said as he placed his hand over my dads to keep him from call 911. Boys grab those tables and move them out of the way while we retrieve a few things. Oren said as her and Po left the room. We did as we were told and move the tables the two women returned with armfuls of stuff and set thing up and directed dad to sit in between to candles while Kyle and I sat inside the circle. I was on Izzy left and Kyle was on his right. They passed cup of what looked like green tea to dad. Take a sip and pass it along. Oren said. Then join hand your with your me and then Po. Take this. Chow-Yon said as he handed us each something that looked like a cinnamon stick with a couple of blades of grass in between the rolled up stick. And be prepared to fight tooth and nail for Izzy and don't ever forget this is his special place so he will have all of the advantages except one. The knowledge that you and your brother know each other better than he ever will. Oren said lovingly. You must use it to your advantage or he will make it your greatest disadvantage. Above all else you must be able to except the fact that you will learn nearly first hand about things Izzy has kept locked away for many different reason, these things will include stuff about yourselves that you aren't ready to learn about or it may not be the right point in time for you to obtain the knowledge you going to encounter on this journey. I looked over at Kyle as he looked me dead in the eyes we both knew we had to do this for our own lives and for Izzy piece of mind. No matter what we are going to do this even if it kills us. Kyle said matter-of-factly in a soft whisper. If Izzy has saved people the way we keep hearing people claim then he is a partially fallen hero and he deserves to be rescued. I said as I felt his soul reach for me. And I'm going to the one to do it. * * * * * A blinding flash of light hit me in the eyes, waking me up from my sleep. Someone is on to you. A voice said as my eyes came into focus. You need to go now. I'll meet you at the club later. I said as I sat up and put my shoes on. Until then stay out of trouble. What trouble can a simple Lieutenant like me get into around here? He said with a grin. Knowing you the way I do, Lieutenant Capco. I said in return as I walked toward the back door. Your already in some kind of trouble and don't even know it yet. Hey, Yami. He said as I turned just in time to see an object flying in my direction. Got you a present. I caught the package two inches before it would have hit me in the nose and then set it on the kitchen counter and opened it. It's a camouflage ninja outfit I got it fairly cheap. He said with a smile as he held up a walking stick and a set of throwing knives. It's these babies that were expensive. Good thing we have an expense account. I said with wink. Are sure you shouldn't have a bigger blade than a knife? Lieutenant Capco questioned. You fairly well at stick fighting aren't you? I asked in return. Only what I learned back home on the streets. He said. See the grooves on both ends of the walking stick. I said as I pointed at one of them. Give it a Twist. He did as I had instructed and found out that a sword can be concealed in many different ways. Holy shit you ninjas are sneaky. He said in surprise. What else have you got hidden? Nothing on me. I said as I pointed in the corner of the living room and then over at the bed I was just laying on. I don't see a single thing but then again I not willing to be so nosy. He said slightly unsure of what I had pointed to in both locations. Maybe you should be a little nosier, soldier. I said. After all I got you some gifts, enjoy. I then did a quick change into my new outfit and then threw a trench coat over it as he checked on his gifts. What am I supposed to do with a cane? He asked. And why a dick? Flip the lower part of the beak down I instructed. You have one shot so use it wisely. I could just kiss you. He said. So what's stopping you? I said in return. You're too young. He said sadly. This may be the only time I ever get to be kissed be a man. I said as I began to stair at the floor knowing that I could be dead on the money. He walked over to me a gently lifted my chin and leaned into me and pressed his lips to mine and kissed as I basked in the deep emotional euphoria of the moment, then he push his hot tongue into mine and swirled it around in my mouth. I quickly did the same for him. After a minute had passed he pulled his tongue out of my mouth and he licked his way to my neck and the started to suck on it. I was so into the wonderful glory of this man that I my penis started to involuntarily bounce inside my clothing. What wrong, Yami? He asked. Did I hurt you? No, I enjoyed it. I said. But something is wrong with my penis; it was bouncing inside my clothes. You had a dry orgasm. He said with a grin. It quiet normal and they'll only get better as time goes on and finally have a wet orgasm. I thought an orgasm only happened when you had sex. I said as I looked in the eyes. It can happen at other times too. He said. We'll discuss this more in detail later. Okay. I said hoping it would happen. But you have to call me by my real name. You got a deal. He said as the front door flew open and a man stepped in firing a gun. A single bullet struck him in the back causing him to fall to the ground as I threw a knife into the air striking the man in the hand. He dropped the gun as I threw a second knife that sliced threw the crotch of his jeans nicking his balls. If he dies you die! I heatedly spat in a growl. The man ran off as I watched Lieutenant Capco gasp for breath only to slightly chock on his own blood. Hang tight, I'm going to take care of you. I said as I rolled him over on his stomach and pulled the last knife from my sheath and dug the bullet out of him. I then cauterized the wound and pulled him over to the bed and then pushed him under it shoving blankets and clothes under it hiding him. I then stood up and spun around and grabbed into the air. * * * * * Let go of me? I choked, as Izzy grip around my neck got tighter. Are you me? He said as he let me go with a surprised look on his face. My name is... I started to say but was cut off as he grabbed Kyle and me by hands and pulled us toward the back door. As we stepped outside into the bright light of a hospital we were once again viewing Izzy's life like we were at the theater. I'm sorry Izzy. A surgeon said looking down at my best friend. Lieutenant Jamison Capco passed on fifteen minutes ago. We did everything we could within reason and nothing... Please let his family know he died in the line of duty with rank of Lieutenant General. Izzy sadly said. He then turned and walked off. We quietly followed him until he spun around and confronted us. Why are you two following me? I don't need two instances of myself stalking me without good reason. He demanded. Why? I look over at Kyle and he looked like he always did, so I assumed that I still looked the same as always. I can hear your thoughts. He said heatedly as he spun both of us around to face a mirror. Kyle's reflection looked like an older version of Izzy and mine looked just like Izzy's the day he moved in next to us. We were speechless. A man said walked through us a stepped up beside Izzy. I just barely erased the identities of your biological brothers. The man said. They'll be safe from harm now. I wish I could believe that. Izzy said in a sad tone. But as long as my grandfather knows that they are out there somewhere he'll stop at nothing to make the child soldiers he wanted from the start and that why I'll eventually have to sacrifice everything just to make sure they lead normal lives. Will you ever tell them if you see them walking on the street one day years from now? The man asked. Only if and when I know for sure they are safe and sound. Izzy said. Maybe I should keep an eye on them for a while longer. They will throw up red flags all over the place. The man stated. Not if I am only a friend and never a brother. Izzy said matter-of-factly in a sad tone. That is something I can never be again. I looked over at Kyle and we both knew we had to find his brothers for him and help protect them. * * * * * Everything went white in a flash and Izzy was lying on the ground in a pool of blood. I will find my sons and you will pay dearly if any harm has come to them. A man said as he kicked Izzy in the ribs. Leave him alone or I'll kill you. I blurted as I jumped in front of Izzy to block the man hurting him any further. The man turned and walked away as we heard footstep getting closer. Call 911 someone has attacked a child. A familiar sounding woman said as she leaned over and checked him for a pulse. Help... Izzy muttered as the woman gasped. Don't worry about Izzy. The woman said. I'll see to it that they take care of you. Ma'am. Kyle said. You have to call the... The woman turned around quickly and we received the shock of our lives. I already know. She said. We're both federal agents. Agent Nico the man that did this to Izzy walked off in that direction. I said as I pointed in the direction. How do you know my name? She questioned. You used to sing with our father. Kyle said. You both look older than your bios state. She said. That's because we are from a different timeline. I said. You are both inside his mind and this is his past. She stated. Yes. I said. We're trying to help him. How did I die? She asked. I can somehow feel his thought and memories. You we're killed in an explosion at the high school. Kyle said. I was hoping she would remain stable now that she has kids... she said in a sad tone. How is your father handling all this? And how long ago was I... Dad is handling things as well as can be expected, mom is barely holding on to sanity. I said. How old is Izzy now? She said. Never mind I can feel all the answers to my questions swimming around in the atmosphere and I've told you both too much, now you're in danger. What do you mean? We said in unison as she shoved us and we landed hard on our buts and everything went black. * * * * * Wake up, Izzy. Kyle said as he shook me awake. I'm not Izzy. I said still half asleep. I'm Ozzy. Your forgettin' I can tell you two apart. Kyle said as he jerked the covers off me exposing my body to the cold morning air. Hurry up and get ready we're going to go see... You boys better get a move on. A man said as he walked through my bedroom door. We leave in twenty minutes. Where are we going? I questioned. Izzy, you know very good and well where we are going. The man said. It's all you've talked about all week. I'm not Izzy. I said loudly. I'm Ozzy. The man walked over to the bed and pulled up onto the floor and yanked my underwear down and spanked me with his bare hand. I can tell you two apart and I don't appreciate you showing your ass like you just did. He said as he glared at me. You will hold yourself in check or I will put you in check. Do you understand me, boy? Yes. I answered back quickly so he wouldn't touch me again. Now put some clothes on and get downstairs and eat breakfast. He ordered. It's getting cold and I didn't waste all that time cooking for it to go to waste. Will Ozzy be normal? Kyle asked the man. If Izzy didn't royally fuck his brother over like he did the other volunteers. The man said, as he looked my way with deep anger in his eyes. If he okay when will we get our... Kyle started to say. If it didn't go right then what happens? I questioned. Then you will have murdered your brother like you did the volunteers. He said heatedly. And you will pay dearly. The last statement sent a chill through me like no other I've ever felt. I quickly dressed and went downstairs and ate breakfast in silence as the man just glared at me the whole time. Hey, why didn't you pick me up? A boys voice slightly demanded in a week tone from the hallway. The man then glared at me and pointed at the floor in front of himself. Now. He demanded as I got up and walked over the spot he was pointing to. Pull 'em down and bend over. I did as he instructed. He then pointed at the boy and then the floor behind me. You will punish Izzy for causing us to be late picking you up. The man said as the boy walked toward us. If he can sit afterwards then that's his problem not yours of mine! Kyle then handed the boy a belt and the boy swung it toward me and I moved just in time for it to miss. The man then jerked me up by the neck and threw me on the kitchen table. Hold his hands and feet so he can't move. The man demanded as both Kyle and the boy did as he asked. He then swung the belt as hard as he could. STOP! The boy said as the belt maid contact. The pain was so overwhelming I couldn't make a sound. What the fuck did you just say to me? The man said as he turned toward the boy. Don't touch him again! The boy calmly said in a cold tone. The man then grabbed the boy and slung him beside me and proceeded to beat both of us with the belt for until he couldn't swing anymore because his arm was aching. The boy just stared at me. Somehow mentally I could feel and hear his thoughts. Don't make him any madder than he already is, I can't protect you all the time. The boy thought. Kyle then came over to us and helped slid us off the table. Boy, who said you could help them. The man said as he backhanded Kyle knocking him to the floor. I'm sorry it won't happen ever again. Kyle said as the tears began to flow from his eyes like a waterfall. I couldn't take any more and gave into the events and the pain and passed out. * * * * * Izzy stay still while I put some cream on you. The boy said as he gently touched my but causing it sting. His touch was soft and gentle and somehow it kept me from feeling the pain no many levels. Where's Kyle. I asked the boy. He in his room and isn't allowed to be with us right now. The boy said with sadness in his voice. You got blistered up pretty bad and got us both into trouble. What do you mean I got blistered up? I questioned. Go look in the mirror at your back. The boy said as I got up off the bed. I stared at my back and but for about two minutes before I fully realized just how bad this man had abused me. Will you put some on me? The boy asked as he turned around. I had three or four blisters on my but and my back was red, but the boy had over a dozen big nasty blisters on his back and but. He was covered from his ankles to his neck in a deep crimson red with splotches of blue and purple starting to come through. Why did he beat you worse than me? I questioned the boy. He always beats me worse because he says I'm trying to a hero or something called a sacrificial lamb. The boy said as he began to cry. If I'm a hero why can I save you two from him? If you lay down on your stomach and put the cream on you. I told the boy. He did as I told him and I gently put the cream on his body. He never once acted like he was in pain over me touching his raw battered body. The tears that were flowing from his eyes were tears of deep gut wrenching pain at not being able to protect Kyle and me. After I finished covering him in cream I climbed into bed next to him face to face. For some strange reason I felt safe staring into his eyes, even if I couldn't make out his face. We both fell asleep soon afterward. * * * * * Izzy, wake up. Kyle whispered as he shook me lightly. I'm up. I whispered. But I'm Ozzy. You need to stop trying to convince me that you're Ozzy. He said as he pulled me out of bed. I can tell you two apart remember. No you can't. I said. Yes I can. He said in return. How? I questioned. Just follow me and we can talk about this outside. He said as I crawled out of bed. We quietly snuck outside and went to a fort next to our house. Come on tell me how you think you can tell us apart. I demanded. Because I think Ozzy is the cute one and you're the plain looking one. He said. If something happened to Ozzy would you still like just as much? I asked. If he still looked the same then yes. Kyle said. But if he looked different then I don't know. What if something happened to mom? I questioned. Who would you want live with if only one of could live with you. He needs me more than you do so I would have to go with him to protect him. Kyle said with sadness in his voice. You're getting lost within. A voice said as everything froze in time. Find your brother. I quickly stood up and went back into the house and as everything started to flow normally again. What were you doing out side, BOY. The man from earlier demanded to know. If it was any of your business I'd let you know. I said as I attempted to walk past him only to grabbed by the neck and held eye to eye with him It is my business and you are going to tell me. He said in a low evil tone. And then your going to bend over and I'm going to punish you real good. Reality check motherfucker I'm the one that's in control not you. I said in a growl and then kicked him in the balls He quickly fell to the ground and grabbed himself while I blindly grabbed something off the shelf next to the door. It was a knife and I unsheathed it and pressed it to his neck. Your going to leave me alone or I'm going to kill you. I said with pleasure as I lightly pulled the blade across his neck leaving a small nick on his Adams apple for good measure. Everything then faded and I was standing beside the car as Izzy stepped out. I'm... I started to say. Ozzy and he's Kyle. He shyly interrupted. You're my neighbors. For as long we live next to each other. I said with a stupid smirk on my face. We'll always be neighbors. Okay. He said with a smirk. Will you help me carry some stuff up to my room? No problem. Kyle and I said in unison. Whatcha got for us to carry. It's only supposed to be twins that finish each other's sentences. He sadly said. I know. I said. Sometimes I feel like I have a twin. Only we aren't twins. Kyle added. You aren't... Izzy started. Nope. Kyle interrupted. Just very close brothers. You always have been. Izzy said as a single tear fell from his left eye. And always will be. I never noticed the tear before and somehow felt that this was one of those things that I was supposed to take note of, so I filed it away for later as I looked over at my brother and motioned him to pay close attention to the events unfolding. But he didn't acknowledge so I knew that he was not my Kyle just a memory within Izzy's mind. Hey boy! You go to my school. A voice said from the street. Yeah. I yelled back realizing that it was my Kyle. What do you need? Missed a few days at school, I need your notes. He said back. Guys I gotta grab my notes real quick, I be back in a few. I said and then turned and walked toward Kyle motioning him toward our house. I can't stay long Izzy is dying fast and you need to hurry. Kyle said as he started to fade from sight. He won't let me help. ENOUGH IZZY! I demanded loudly. SHOW YOURSELF! I was quickly surrounded by twelve boy that all looked somewhere between Izzy and myself at various ages. We are Izzy. They said in unison. Why have you summoned us? My friend is dying and I'm here to help him. I calmly said. Tell how I can keep him alive. You are referring to us as an individual when we are multiple. They said in unison. Different aspects of the same collective mind and body. Just tell me how I can help Izzy live. I calmly demanded. That aspect is not part of our current collective. They said. but we know what happened and we also know he need to hear from your heart and soul that you forgive him for hurting you many years ago. Is there anything else? I asked. He needs to forgive himself for recent events. They answered. How do I help him forgive himself? I asked. That is not up to you to help him with. They said. That responsibility fall on the shoulders your father and one of your brothers. One of...I have another brother? I said in state of shock. Yes. They said. More than one! Where are they! What do they look like! I questioned. Do they know about me? There location is unknown to us and yes they do look like you. They said. I am the one you seek. A voice said as Izzy appeared before me. Tell me why I should die? Because you're my best friend and brother, without you in my life I would feel empty. I said as my eyes began to water. I'd feel the same way. Kyle said from behind. We can't lose you, you're part of our family. It doesn't matter what you did to us in the past. I said calmly but matter-of-factly. We still love you and we need you now more than ever. You have to help us learn how to live without parent and be on our own. Kyle said. That's something you have a great deal of experience with and we don't. You are both fast learners. Izzy said. You already have those skills you just need to use them. Out of the clear blue I was struck with idea from hell, but I'll always say it was from heaven. I quickly leaned over to him. I want to be with me for my most extreme experiences. I whispered. Without you they aren't going to be the same. He then cocked his head and look at me with tears in his eyes. Brothers! I said as I placed my open hand in front of him and Kyle. Brothers! Kyle said as he placed his hand on top of mine. Bro... I started but faded from sight. Everything's getting brighter. Kyle said. The light was almost overwhelmingly incapacitating we looked over at each other and closed our eyes. * * * * * You did it. Dad happily said as everyone else agreed with him. I looked over at Kyle and then down at Izzy both looked very drained mentally and physically. I only hoped that I didn't look quiet as bad as they did. Here drink this. Chow-Yon said as he handed me what appeared to be a steaming hot cup of green tea, but was barely luke-warm and tasted more like cherry cobbler. I was great I was re-energized as soon as I finished off the cup. That was good! I said with a grin. Can I have another cup? You must drink this first. Po said as she handed me a glass of what looked like iced tea, but tasted like apple cobbler and was nearly too hot to drink. Now you need a double shot of this Oren said as she handed me a double shot glass of what looked like water, but tasted like warn peach cobbler and the a single shot glass of what I thought was the same, but tasted like room temperature pecan pie. Mister Rain, it will take some time yet before young master Izzy will regain his strength, when he dose he'll be very hyper and ready to resume normal life. Chow-Yon warned. Make sure you no when to stay out of his way and let him have at it or you may find life hard to live as he will be under the constant stress of knowing someone was deep within his mind. Will he hurt my sons? Dad questioned. Physically no. Oren said. But mentally he will overwhelm and dominate the situation if he feels threatened or confined. We can handle that dad. Kyle said. -----still in Izzy's mind. But O & K don't realize it just yet ---- If you enjoyed the eChapter you just read of The Izzy and Ozzy Chronicles Book One please let us know. By emailing us at our email: brothersgaige73@yahoo.com It lets us know someone out in cyberspace is reading and enjoying our stories and besides it's great to receive feedback and the occasional idea for a brief encounter within a chapter or a complete story arc. Please do not repost this eChapter without our written permission. (c) July 2007 -- The Brothers Gaige. *****READER'S LIST***** Keith P. - San Francisco, California United States