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Authors Note: Ok, I'm going to go with the fact that on 'The Goliath Chronicles' the 
clones died. But, I'm not going to go with the idea that the clones already know (or 
knew) how to speak 'perfect' English. Besides, they sound cuter when they have no
grammar skills whatsoever. : ) 

						November 13, 2067

"Okey, bring them in here..... Be careful!"
	The worker slowed the fork-lift down and carefully set a large crate next to
the five others next to the hospital emergency entrance. "Sorry, Mr. Johnson."
	Ryan Johnson stepped towards the crates. "That's good, "He started. "Go get
your other workers and open these crates."
"Yes, sir."
	As the worker jumped out of the fork-lift and was walking outside, Gunner 
walked in. "Hey, Dad. What're these?"
"You'll see in a second, son."
	The driver returned with other workers and they started opening the crates 
with crowbars. As soon as they were all open, Ryan paid the men then dismissed them.
	Gunner peered inside. "Gargoyles? They look like the New York Clan!"
"Close, Gunner. These are their clones. They died because of a defect in the DNA
replication chain Anton Sevarius used seventy-one years ago."
"You're going to bring them back?"
"Yes."
	Gunner looked at the stone clones again, then asked, "No offense, Dad, but
how?"
"My wish spell."
	Gunner looked at his father. "Dad, you can't use that on just anybody. You 
know your own rule, they have to be worthy of the wish."
	Ryan tossed Gunner an old newspaper. He opened it, and flipped through the
pages until he found a circled article. "'Gargoyles help save homeless from a fire in the 
local homeless shelter.' "
"I'd say that would qualify them."
"Dad, it could have been Goliath's clan."
"Look at the picture."
	He shrugged, then looked at the color picture. "Okey, you got me Dad."
"First, we're going to need help. I'm sure they'll need medical attention."

-----------------------------------------------
							November 14, 2067

	A small group of people had gathered to help in any way they could. Soon,
Ryan stood on top of one of the open crates. "Attention, please! Let me warn you.
These gargoyles have been stone for seventy-one years, so they'll be confused and
scared. When they wake up, don't crowd around them, and speak softly to them. I'll
explain to each of them later on what happened."
	Everyone nodded. Ryan started to go to each one of the clones and cast his 
wish spell. 
	Gunner caught Malibu as he broke out of his stone skin and collapsed. "It's 
okey, Malibu. We're going to help you."
	Gunner looked up and shouted, "Jessie!!!"
	A young wolf mutate with an excited smile on her face turned her head and said, 
"Yeah, Dad?"
"C'mere."
	Jessie jogged over to Gunner and took over supporting Malibu. "Malibu, this 
is my daughter Jessie. She'll take you to a place you can rest."
	She smiled at Malibu, then said, "C'mon. Take it easy."

	Jessie helped Malibu into a hospital room and into the bed. He groaned then
looked up at her. "Hey, how're you?" Jessie smiled.
	He just blinked and looked at her. She shrugged and took off Malibu's ankle
plates and the plate on his left arm. Malibu scowled at her and she said defensively, 
"For you to be more comfortable."
"Malibu want back, "he grumbled. 
	Jessie looked at him, then said, "No, you need some rest."
	Malibu jumped foreword and grabbed Jessie's shirt collar. She let out a 
startled scream, and he pulled her towards him. "Malibu- want- back..." he growled.
"Fine, take 'em!!" Jessie squeaked, and threw them at him.
	In return, he let her go with a push, making her fall back with a muffled thud.
"Jess? You okey?" Gunner asked as he stepped into the room.
"Not really, "she growled as Gunner helped her off the floor. "He's got a real attitude..."
	She glared at the gargoyle sitting on the bed, replacing the 'armor' she took off.
"Well, you would have one too if you had been asleep for seventy-one years, and had 
just waken up, "Gunner smiled. "Give him time, sweetie. He'll calm down."
	Jessie frowned, and brushed her overalls off. Gunner put his hand on her 
shoulder and guided her out the door. As they were walking down the hall, a roaring was
heard and a person flew out the door, slamming into the wall. "Hollywood want eat!!!!" 
roared the gargoyle from inside the room. 
"You alright, Jason??" Gunner asked as he ran to help the tiger up.
"Yeah, I'm alright, "Jason said as he rubbed his head. "I think...."
"Jess, you go on ahead and find your mother."
"Sure, Dad."
	Jessie turned around and started walking in the other direction. "Oh, yeah. 
Sure, give him time, "Jessie mumbled to herself. "Yeah, I'm sure that green, Tarzan- 
talking, jerk'll calm down."
	She walked into another hospital room to find Andrea tending to Delilah. "Hey,
Mom. Need any help?"
	Andrea looked up and smiled. "No, but you're welcome to stay and talk to 
Delilah, here."
	Jessie sat down in the chair and turned on the TV. "So how'd it go with 
Malibu?" Andrea asked.
"Not very good, "Jessie grumbled. "He's already threatened me...."
"Well, what did you do?" 
"I took off his ankle and left arm plates."
	Delilah looked up and said, "Malibu doesn't like when people take his things."
"I found that out the hard way, "Jessie said as she flipped through the channels.

	Gunner walked back to where the empty crates were, and saw that his father 
was standing in front of one, looking like he was deep in thought. "Dad?"
	Ryan looked at Gunner, then back at the crate. "Dad, what's wrong?" Gunner
asked as he looked in the crate.
"This is Thailog..... "Ryan said, gesturing towards the statue. "He's another clone."
"Yeah, so?"
"He's the one who attacked Goliath's clan, " Ryan sighed. "I'm having second thoughts
about bringing him back...."
"Then don't."
"It's not as simple as that. He helped Goliath's clan defeat another clone of Anton 
Sevarius'. That entitles him to the wish..." He paused and sighed again. "I don't
know..."
	Gunner shrugged then said, "It's up to you."
	He patted his father's shoulder, then walked out the door.

	Jessie, Delilah, and Andrea all sat, staring at the TV screen. There was a 
knock at the door and Gunner walked into the room. "Hey, ready to go?"
"Yeah, "Jessie said as she stood up and tossed the remote to Delilah.
"You're going to bed when we get home, you're going to have to get up at around seven 
tonight ," Gunner said.
"Huh? Why??" Jessie asked.
"Because you're going to need to come here early and take care of Malibu."
"You mean I gotta take care of that jerk everyDAY?????" Jessie shouted.
"Jessie!" Andrea scolded.
	Gunner frowned and said firmly, "Jessica, it's not Malibu's fault. You just need 
to put up with it for a while."
"Well, what about school???? It's close to the end of the semester!!" Jessie tried.
"We already talked to your teachers. They're giving us your assignments and tests."
	Jessie crossed her arms and growled. "Now let's go. "Gunner said. "We'll see
you tomorrow, Delilah."
	She waved as the family walked out of the room.

--------------------------------------------
							November 15, 2067

	Jessie grumbled as she walked down the hall towards Malibu's room. When 
she got to his door, she took a deep breath, gathering all the patience she had. She 
opened the door and walked in. "Hey, Malibu, "Jessie said, trying to sound pleased to
see him.
"Hello, Jessie, "Malibu smiled. "How you?"
"I'm great, "She lied. "Lean forward, please."
	Malibu obeyed, and Jessie took his pillow to fluff it. "Um, Jessie?" 
"Hmm?" Jessie looked up at him.
	Malibu's ears lowered and he said sadly, "Malibu sorry for being mean 
yesterday.... Malibu should have not yell at you..."
	Jessie blinked and looked at him. This couldn't be the same gargoyle she took
care of the night before... "Uh, it's okey." She said as she replaced the pillow behind 
his back.
	Malibu leaned back and said in a low, almost frightened voice, "Malibu need 
drink of water."
	Jessie nodded, then walked over to the sink and got him a glass of water. As 
she handed it to him, he smiled and said, "Thank you."
	She smiled back and asked, "Would you like to watch TV?"
	Drinking water, he nodded, looking like a scared little five year old. She took the 
remote and turned on the TV, flipping to Cartoon Network. Jessie chuckled and said, 
"You'll like this show. It's called George of the Jungle."
	Malibu watched it for a couple minutes then laughed, "He talk like Malibu!"
	Jessie laughed, then looked at him. She thought a couple minutes, then asked, 
"Hey, how would you like me to teach you how to talk?"
"Malibu know how to talk....."
"How to talk properly, uh, like me."
	His face brightened and he answered, "Okey!! Malibu like that very much!"
"Okey, then, "Jessie smiled. "I'll see if I can take you out to teach you sometime."
"Malibu can't wait!!"
	He's so childish, he's cute.... Jessie thought, then shook her head 
mentally, clearing the thought. 
"Can Malibu ask you question?"
"Sure."
"Why Malibu not turn stone yesterday?"

	Ryan spent the entire night trying to figure out why none of the clones turned
to stone the day before. Finally, he concluded (or more so guessed) that it was the way
he worded the spell.

-------------------------------------------------
							November 20, 2067

	Jessie finally managed to talk her Dad into letting her take Malibu out, the next 
week. Sporting a backpack full of books, she walked into Malibu's room and 
asked, "You ready to go?"
	Malibu finished putting on one of Gunner's sweatshirts on and said, "Uh-huh."
"Okey, then, "Jessie smiled. "Let's go!"

	She took him to the park, and she found a bench where they wouldn't be 
bothered. Malibu sat down as she unloaded all of the books. He glanced at the books 
and said, "Malibu read all that?!?"
"No, well, maybe. You've got to learn how to read first, though, "Jessie laughed. "Ok,
let's start with the basics......"
	She opened an old book, then sat down. She smiled, then said, "This used to be 
one of my favorite books when I was little."
	Malibu scooted closer to Jessie so he could see better. Jessie glanced at him 
through the corner of her eye as he looked in awe at the pages of the book. He 
is kinda cute, in his own little way...... She thought. 
	She caught herself before she went on. She cleared her throat, then pointed to a 
word; so starting the first lesson.


---------------------------------------------------
							February 7, 2068

" 'He started for the steps. They were damp and slippery with mold, and he went down
carefully. Partway down the stairs, he heard a sniffing and the sound of claws scratching
on concrete. He took out his dart pistol, and proceeded cau-.. caut- eous-' "
"Cautiously, "Jessie corrected.
"Cautiously, "Malibu repeated. He looked over the word again then set Jurassic 
Park down on the hospital room table.
	Jessie smiled and patted his hand. "You're doing terrific. In fact, I've never seen
anyone who learned as much as you have in two months."
"So I doing pretty good?" Malibu smiled.
"So I'm. And yes, you are."
	He grinned and looked at his fully-stocked bookshelf. He had read almost every
single book; and there were over twenty on the shelf. "Reading's pretty fun, I can't wait
to finish this book, "Malibu said, picking the book back up. "So I can start on that one."
	Jessie followed his gaze to a copy of The Mists of Avalon laying on top 
of the TV set. She had given it to him as a Christmas present. "Woah, "she chuckled. 
"Aren't we being a little ambitious? However," she smiled. "I'm sure you'll be ready to
start that one soon." 
	Malibu looked at his watch (she had taught him to tell time, along with his 
reading) and said, "Hey, Jonny Quest should be coming on soon!" 
	He grabbed the remote and turned to the channel just in time for the theme. 
Jessie shifted her position to be more comfortable, and looked at the TV screen. She 
grinned as she thought of all the changes the show had gone through. The original series
had aired about 100 years ago, brought back seventy-two years ago, then finally 
brought back again about one year ago; simply named 'Quest'. Her grin grew 
when she thought how her father reacted to her attachment to the show. Malibu, 
however, backed her up whenever Gunner brought it up. Malibu always 
backed her up.....
	Jessie's face took a confused, sad look as she thought further. Her feelings had 
gone from total despising, to a feeling she couldn't describe with anything but the word 
'love'. She took a deep breath to prepare herself, gathered up as much courage as she 
could, then asked, "Hey, Malibu.."
	He turned and looked at her. "Would you like to, uh, come to the Valentine's 
Day dance at my school next week? Um, with me?"
"Sure, "Malibu smiled. "I'd like that very much."
"Great!" Jessie exhaled, which hid her sigh of relief. "I can't wait!"
	He smiled at her, then turned back to the TV screen. Jessie, without him 
noticing, scooted her chair a little closer to him grinning.

----------------------------------------------------
							February 14, 2068

	Jessie ran through the door after she had gotten dropped off by the school bus.
"Hi, Mom and Dad!!!" She shouted, then ran up the stairs, skipping two at a time.
	Gunner looked up from his newspaper and to the excited teenager disappearing
at the top of the stairs. "What was that all about??"
	Andrea chuckled. "The Valentines Day dance is today."
"Yeah, so?"
	Andrea gave him this look that said 'Well, what do you think??', and the 
message suddenly clicked into his head. "Ohhhh........."
	Andrea stood up then walked up the stairs. She reached Jessie's door, then 
politely knocked. Jessie's muffled voice came through the wooden door, giving her 
permission to enter. She opened the door and walked in to find a room that looked like 
a hurricane went through. "Jess, I thought you cleaned your room yesterday....."
"I did," Jessie answered in an annoyed tone. 
	Andrea cocked an eyebrow and nodded. "Uh-huh."
	She finally managed to find her daughter rummaging through her closet. "Mom,
where'd my light blue nice shirt go????"
	Andrea casually reached in and pulled out the shirt that was right in front of 
Jessie's face. Jessie looked up and said with a sheepish smile, "Uh, thanks..."
"No problem, "Andrea smiled. 
	Jessie stood up with a pair of nice slacks, and with a questioning look from her
mother, said, "You're not expecting me to wear a dress, now are you?"
"Well..... considering it's a dance, and you have a date this time... it would be 
appropriate..."
	Jessie thought about it then shook her head, "You win. But I get to pick
it."
	Andrea smiled then said, "Deal. Now come on. I'm sure I'll have something
you'll like."

	Gunner had gone to the hospital to pick Malibu up. He knocked on the 
gargoyle's door and walked in. "Hey, bud, ya ready?"
	Malibu looked in the mirror as he adjusted his jacket collar. "Yeah." He paused 
and looked at Gunner, smiling. "Thanks for lending me this tux."
"Hey, no problem, "Gunner chuckled. "You can have it. Not much use anymore, ever
since I've lost my wings. Patches on the back of the jacket wouldn't look very stunning,
anyway."
	They both laughed. "Hey, better get going, "Gunner pointed out, looking at his
watch. He looked up grinning. "We don't want to keep your date waiting, now do we?"
	Malibu smiled, chuckling. "Nope. Never."

	Jessie and Andrea heard the door closing from upstairs. "We're back!!" Gunner
shouted from downstairs.
	Andrea looked at Jessie and smiled. "Well, are you ready?"
"As I'll ever be... "Jessie breathed. "Man, I'm so nervous..."
	Andrea laughed. "It's only natural, sweetheart." She smiled, recalling past 
experiences. "You're so lucky. I didn't start dating your father until after high school. We 
missed all the great chances that you're getting right now."
	Jessie smiled. "Well, "Andrea continued. "Let's go."

	Malibu was talking and laughing with Gunner when they heard footsteps on the
stairs. Malibu turned, laughing, then suddenly stopped when he saw Jessie. His jaw 
dropped and a stunned look took his face. 
	Jessie was dressed in a not-too-long, not-too-short, short-sleeved hunter-green
dress. Her shining hair was pulled back in a tight pony-tail, and she smiled radiantly. 
"Hi, Malibu."
	A goofy grin spread across his face. "Hi....."
	Jessie walked the rest of the way down the stairs, and up to him. They stood 
there, breathlessly staring at each other. Gunner grinned at the couple and then whispered
to his wife, "I guess one of us should push them out the door before the dance is over...."
	Andrea playfully elbowed him in the side, then gave him the car keys. He walked
past Malibu and Jessie, clearing his throat. "Well, are you guys just going to stand there 
drooling, or are we going to go?"
	Their smiles faded into embarrassed expressions, and Jessie gave her mother a
good night hug. "See you, Mom."
"Bye, Jess. Have fun!" Andrea smiled.

	Gunner pulled in front of the Rochester High Gym. "Here you go, guys." Gunner
said. "See ya later!"
	Jessie and Malibu got out of the car, and walked through the doors of the gym.
"Wow....." Malibu gasped as he saw all the milling teenagers and the occasional teacher
chaperone. 
	Jessie smiled and tugged at his arm. "C'mon. I want you to meet everyone. "
	She somehow managed to find her way to the bleachers at the far end of the gym
where her friends were sitting. "Hey, guys!" Jessie said cheerfully. "I want you all to meet 
Malibu."
	Malibu smiled and nodded a hello. Jessie pointed to each of her friends and 
introduced them. "That's Samantha; or Sammy; Warren, Miranda, Justin, David, and 
Amber. All, this is Malibu."
	Sammy, a black panther mutate, stood up and extended her hand. "Hi! It's great
to finally meet you." She grinned. "Jessie just can't seem to say enough about you."
	Malibu shook her hand and glanced over at Jessie, who was busy glaring at 
Sammy. David, a lion mutate or gargoyle (he couldn't tell which) with golden wings, 
stepped forward and bowed slightly at the waist.
"It is a pleasure to meet you."
	Malibu blinked and bowed also. "Uh, my pleasure..."
"Hi, "Justin, a lion mutate, waved.
	Miranda, another lion mutate, shook his hand also, "Nice to meet you."
	Warren and Amber, the only gargoyles in the bunch, waved also. Malibu waved 
back, then said, "It's great to meet all of you." He turned to Jessie and said, "I'm going to 
get something to drink; would you like something?"
"Sure, a Sprite would be good. Thank you, "she said.
	Malibu smiled, patted her shoulder lightly, then walked towards the refreshment 
table. Sammy walked up to Jessie, grinning. "Hey, Earth to Jess....."
	Jessie blinked a couple times then looked at Sammy, "Oh, what? Did you say 
something?"
	Sammy, her grin growing, laughed. "If I did, it wouldn't have done any good, 
apparently..."
"I'm sorry. I'm kinda, uh, distracted...." 
"I'll say. He is pretty nice."
"Yeah, he's great. I really like him."
"Obviously, "Sammy grinned. 
	Malibu returned, holding two cans of Sprite. "Here you go. "He said as he 
handed her one of the cans.
	A scheming grin spread across Sammy's face. "Just a sec. I'll be right back."
	Jessie nodded and watched her leave. "What's she up to?" Miranda asked.
"I don't know, "Jessie said, watching Sammy disappear into the crowd, heading 
towards the DJ. 
	Suddenly the music stopped, and the DJ's voice filled the gym by the intercom
system. "Ok, guys and gals; we've got a request and dedication."
	A light suddenly clicked on in Jessie's head and she covered her face with her 
hands as Malibu turned towards the sound. "Oh, God, Sammy... Don't do this to me...."
she mumbled.
"The song is the old classic, 'Everything I Do'; requested by a special someone, to 
Malibu."
	Jessie whimpered, and looked back up. Malibu stood there for a sec when he 
heard his name, then shrugged and smiled at Jessie. Jessie forced a smile, then glared at
Sammy when she returned. 
	As the piano music filled the building, Malibu turned back to Jessie, and held 
out his hand. "Dance?"
	Jessie hesitated a second, then put her hand in his. He smiled and led her out to 
where everyone else was dancing. He tenderly put his hands on her waist and she placed
her hands around his neck; then they started to sway slowly to the beat of the music. 
Jessie looked up at Malibu just as Bryan Adam's soothing singing voice filled the gym.

	Look into my eyes- You will see,
	What you mean to me...
	
	Malibu's smile seemed to change into something more caring as the verse ended.
Jessie smiled back, thinking about the song's meaning; or, more importantly, why 
Sammy had chosen this in particular.

	 Search your heart- Search your soul
	And when you find me there you'll search no more....

	Jessie could've sworn she saw Malibu nod, as if agreeing to the music. She
agreed with it 100%.

	Don't tell me it's not worth trying for
	You can't tell me it's not worth dyin' for
	You know it's true
	Everything I do- I do it for you....

	Malibu slid his arms onto her back and hugged her tightly against himself. To 
Jessie's surprise, he began to sing softly along with the music.

	Look into my heart- you will find
	There's nothing there to hide....
	
	Jessie looked up at Malibu, unable to hide her true feelings in her eyes. Malibu 
smiled lovingly at her, and continued singing; this time a little stronger and just a touch 
louder.

	Take me as I am- take my life
	I would give it all, I would sacrifice
	Don't tell me it's not worth fightin' for
	I can't help it there's nothin' I want more
	Ya know it's true
	Everything I do- I do it for you....

	He leaned down a bit and touched the end of his beak to the end of her nose. 
She smiled and nuzzled it slightly, then set her chin on his shoulder, smiling. 
	Malibu smiled also, then slowly rubbed his hands up and down her back as they
continued dancing; and he continued singing.

	There's no love- like your love
	And no other- could give more love
	There's no where- unless you're there
	All the time- all the way.....

	Jessie hugged him, as both singer's voices drifted away, and the piano, drums,
and electric guitar continued. Jessie looked in front of her, and saw Sammy and Warren
dancing. Sammy looked at her, grinned, and gave her a thumbs- up. 
	The words started again, and so did Malibu.

	Don't tell me it's not worth fightin' for
	I can't help it, there's nothing I want more
	I would fight for you- I'd lie for you
	Walk the wire for you- Ya I'd die for you.....

	Malibu looked deep into Jessie's eyes and continued softly singing.

	Ya know it's true
	Everything I do- I do it for you......

	Jessie gazed back as the song faded into nothing. She wished the song hadn't 
ended so soon.
	Malibu smiled, took her hand, then led her back to the bleachers. She sat down,
and he said, "I'll be right back."
"Okey."
	Sammy sat down next to her, talking to Warren. "Hey, Sammy?"
"Yeah, Jess?" Sammy turned to Jessie.
"Thanks."
	Sammy smiled. "No problem."

	About a half an hour later, Jessie and Malibu walked outside hand-in-hand to get 
some fresh air. 
	The night was filled with stars, and the moon cast a mystical glow over 
everything. A cool breeze blew steadily, playing with the couple's hair. They found a 
bench under a small grove of trees next to the gym building, and sat down. "What a great 
night, "Jessie sighed happily. "I don't think I've ever had such a great time."
	Malibu smiled, "Me neither."
	A gust of wind blew past them, and Jessie shivered. "Man, I should have brought 
a jacket...."
	Malibu slipped an arm around her shoulder and moved closer to her. "Better?"
"Yeah, a little."
	He squeezed her shoulder and wrapped one of his wings tightly around her. Jessie
finally stopped shivering, and snuggled closer to his warmth. "How about now?" Malibu
grinned.
"Much better, "Jessie laughed.
	For a while they just sat there, snuggled against each other, watching the seldom 
teenage couple walk by, arm-in-arm, or hand-in-hand. The wind gusts increased in 
intensity, and one knocked some of Jessie's hair into her face. "Maybe we should be 
getting in now, "She suggested, then tried blowing the hair away, being unsuccessful.
"Yeah, "Malibu smiled.
	Jessie was about to get up, when Malibu stopped her. He slowly brushed the 
stray hair from face, gently placed his hand under her chin, and kissed her. When he 
pulled back, Jessie held the most surprised expression on her face he'd ever seen. "Ready
to go in now?"
	Jessie, who still held the same expression, could only nod.  Malibu stood up, took
both her hands, and helped her up. She finally managed to smile at him as they walked 
back into the gym. Sammy, the first to see them coming, grinned when she saw Jessie's 
expression, and said, "I know that expression....."
	An evil grin spread across Warren's face as he said, "Yeah, I know."
	Sammy glared at him, and smacked him hard on the arm. Warren only laughed.
Jessie and Malibu walked back up to the group, both smiling. "So,  Jess, "Sammy said. 
"Where did you two go?"
"Over to that grove of trees by the gym, "Jessie answered coolly, knowing Sammy was 
trying to bug her.
"And what did you do?"
	Jessie grinned at her. "Why do you want to know?"
	Sammy looked startled and everyone laughed. "Hey, Jess, you're Dad's here...."
Amber pointed out.
	She looked towards the front doors and saw her father standing there, talking to 
one of her former teachers. "Well, I guess we'll see you guys later," Jessie said. "Bye!"
"Bye Jess! Bye Malibu!" Everyone said. 
"Bye! It was great to meet all of you!" Malibu said as he took Jessie's hand.
	They started towards the front doors, meeting up with Gunner. "Hey, guys! Have 
a good time?" Gunner asked.
	Jessie and Malibu looked at each other, smiling. "The best." Jessie replied.

------------------------------------------------
							February 16, 2068

	Jessie and Malibu, his arm around her shoulders, sat in the living room watching
TV. She yawned, and leaned her head against his shoulder. Malibu nuzzled the top of her
head. "Tired?"
	Jessie rubbed her eyes and responded, "Yeah. I didn't get enough sleep last 
night."
	Malibu chuckled and squeezed her shoulder, hugging her. "Well, make sure you 
get some sleep tonight, okey?"
	She smiled and snuggled closer to him. "'Kay."

	Andrea looked at them from the dining room, and smiled. "I've never seen Jess so
happy."
	Gunner nodded, not looking up from his newspaper. He sipped his coffee, then 
glanced up at them. "They do make a cute couple."
"Yeah, "Andrea agreed. 
	Jessie stood up from the couch and walked over to her parents, "Hey, can we go 
up to the hospital and visit the other clones?"
"Sure, Jess, "Gunner stood up, about ready to get his car keys.
"That's okey, Dad, "Jessie said, holding up her own set. "I'll drive."
"Oh, okey, be careful."
"I will."
	With that, Jessie and Malibu walked out the door.

"Hey, Burbank! How're those English lessons coming?" Malibu asked, shaking the 
bearded gargoyle's hand.
"Very good, "he said. "How have you been?"
	Malibu smiled and nodded towards Jessie. "I've never been happier."
"It's great to see all of you again!" Malibu said, putting one hand on Burbank's shoulder, 
and the other on Hollywood's. 
"It's good to see you again, too, "Brentwood said. "We haven't seen you since we woke 
up."
"Yeah, I've been kinda busy lately, "He smiled, looking at Jessie. He looked around the 
room, and slightly hesitating, asked, "Where's Thailog?"
	Hollywood looked at him and said, "No one told you?" 
"No......."
"Thailog died when he was awakened....."
	The shock was clear on Malibu and Jessie's face. Jessie stepped forward and 
asked, "How come?"
"Mr. Johnson says it was because he really didn't deserve the wish, so when he was 
woken up, he died."
"I'm sorry, "Jessie said.
"I'm not, " Burbank frowned. "All the horrible things he made us do.... He deserved it."
	All the other clones nodded their heads in agreement, with the exception of 
Malibu, who didn't know what to think. "Well, I don't know all he made you do, but in 
my opinion, everyone should have a chance to live," Jessie said.
"Believe me, Jess. It's better he isn't alive, "Malibu mumbled. "But I think he shouldn't have 
died; Mr. Johnson should have left him alone."
	The other clones thought about that, then nodded. 

	After spending three hours visiting, Jessie and Malibu finally returned to the house. 
"So, how're they?" Gunner asked as Jessie hung up her keys. 
"They're doing great, "Jessie responded. "Why didn't you tell us Thailog died?"
	Gunner's smile quickly faded, and after a while, he said quietly, "I didn't think 
you'd want to know... "
	Jessie shook her head and muttered, "It's okey. I was just a bit shocked."
	She joined Malibu back on the couch, and the TV glowed to life. Gunner looked 
at them, then walked upstairs, and into his room. He sat on his bed, thought a while, then 
picked up the phone and dialed his parent's number. "Hello?" The voice on the other line
asked.
"Dad? Hey, I've got a question about Thailog..."
"Yeah, son?"
"When did he die?"
	There was a pause, then he spoke up, "He didn't die. I never woke him up."
"But, you told the clones, who told Jessie that-"
"I never woke him up, "his father interrupted. "It was just a story. I didn't know how the
clones would feel if I never tried to wake Thailog up, so I told them that he died when I
tried to wake him up."
"Oh.... Jess and Malibu seemed a little upset, could I tell them?"
"I suppose.... But make sure they don't tell the other clones; I don't want a fight."
"Sure, Dad. Thanks."
"No problem."
"Bye." Gunner hung up the phone, took a deep breath, then walked out of his room and 
downstairs to tell the news.

------------------------------------------------
							March 6, 2068

	Jessie and friends sat in the school cafeteria, chatting, laughing, and trying to eat.
She took a bite of a French fry, and made a disgusted face as she tossed it back on her
tray. "Ugh, don't they cook these things??"
"No, " Miranda said as she inspected another fry. "But they do recycle them I 
bet."
	Everyone laughed, and nodded in agreement. "Wouldn't surprise me, "Sammy 
laughed.
"That's exactly why I get a salad, "David said, looking at everyone's trays. 
"Well, excuse us, David, "Jessie paused, then grinned. "If your salads are so good, why's
part of your salad walking away?"
	David quickly scooted back from the table and looked at his tray. "Hey... "David
mumbled as he examined the salad.
	The laughing began again, as David scowled and scooted back to the table. 
"Very funny...."
	Jessie's grin grew, "Thanks, I thought so, too."
	By that comment, everyone, with the exception of David, was cracking up. Jessie 
was laughing when she looked over towards the cafeteria doors, and abruptly stopped.
"What's the matter, Jess?" Warren asked, looking in the general direction she was.
"Something's wrong...." She simply said, standing up and walking towards the doors.
	They followed her path, and saw her father standing at the doors, a worried look
on his face. They watched as Gunner spoke to her, a firm, yet even scared look overcame
his face as he spoke. They embraced in a tight hug for a while, Gunner slowly stroking 
his daughter's hair. He looked back down at her, said something, and she nodded. Jessie
turned and jogged back into the cafeteria, and up to the table. "I gotta go...." she 
mumbled, picking up her backpack and wiping the tears flowing down her cheeks.
"Jess, what's wrong?" Miranda asked in a worried tone.
	Jessie sniffed and said, "Malibu's really sick...."
	Without another word, she ran back to her waiting father, and they both walked
swiftly towards and out the front doors of the school.


	They arrived at the hospital about ten minutes later, Jessie jumping out of the car 
almost before it even stopped. She ran through the doors, and up to the front desk. "Room
216, Jess, "the nurse said as Jessie jogged past.
"Thanks, Carol!!" Jessie shouted. 

	When Jessie reached Room 216, she quickly opened the door to find Malibu 
laying in the bed, clutching his sides, and moaning in agony. Andrea, who was in the 
room trying to help the doctors, walked up to Jessie and put her hands on her daughter's 
shoulders. "What's wrong with him?" Jessie asked, her voice trembling.
	Malibu cried out in pain, and Andrea quickly pushed Jessie out the door. After 
closing it, she answered, "We don't know, but all the clones are suffering from it. We 
thought that you'd might be able to get some answers from Malibu better...."
	Jessie nodded, and walked back into the room just as Gunner walked up. "Do we
know anything, yet?" he asked.
	Andrea sighed. "No. And I'm beginning to think the worst..."

	Jessie walked up to the bed, trying her best to smile. "Hey..."
"Hi." Malibu replied through clenched teeth, tears of pain starting to roll down his 
cheeks. 
	Jessie, after hesitating, reached out and combed back some of the sweat-soaked 
hair that was hanging into his eyes and matted against his forehead with her fingers. 
"What's the matter?"
	Malibu inhaled deeply as the pain killers the doctors gave him finally started to
work. "I wish I could tell you.... I just hurt all over... My stomach cramps up, I get really
intense back pain, my head feels like it's about to explode; I could go on."
	Jessie took his hand in both of hers and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "I'm sure my
Grandpa will help you."
	Suddenly a frightened look came across Malibu's face, "I think I might know 
what's wrong....."
"What?"
"The others and I felt exactly like this before-" he trailed off.
"Before what?"
	He looked at her, tears once again welling up his eyes. "Before we started to get 
weaker, and d-" He swallowed hard. "We were like this a couple days before we died..."
	The shock was clear on Jessie's face. "Are you sure?" She forced herself to say.
"I'm not positive, "Malibu paused as another wave of pain came and went. "But it's awful
close... The pain, I mean."
	The tears began to stream down Jessie's face again, and she buried her face into
Malibu's chest. He ran his talons through her hair, tears starting to trickle down his face 
also. "Don't cry, Jess. I want you to know something."
	She looked up at him, the tears still flowing. Malibu forced a smile and gently 
wiped the tears from her cheeks with his hand. "Jessie, if this is what's happening 
to me, I want you to know that being with you for these four months have been the 
greatest time of my life." He hugged her tightly, rocking her slowly back and forth. "I 
love you, Jess; and I always will." 
	Jessie started to cry, and she buried her face back into his chest. "I love you, 
too..." she managed to say in between her sobs.
	He continued to rock her back and forth, running his hand through her hair. He 
set his chin delicately on top of her head, hugging her tightly. He closed his eyes as 
another tear slid down his cheek, and soaked into her hair.

	Meanwhile, Gunner and Andrea watched through the narrow window in the 
door. Andrea turned to Gunner with tears in her eyes. "Paul, if Malibu dies....." She 
looked at Jessie through the window, then back at him. "I don't like what I'm seeing...."
	Gunner looked through the window at his daughter, and nodded, sighing. "We can
only do what we can. Jessie's already attached to him. We just have to tackle one 
problem at a time...."

------------------------------------------------------
							March 10, 2068

	Malibu's condition took an obvious effect on Jessie's attitude towards school and 
her other favorite activities. Her grades dropped, she simply stopped doing her work. Her
teachers sent her to the school's counselor, but that didn't help any, either. Jessie just 
didn't care anymore. 
	And when she was at the hospital visiting Malibu, they found that she'd only sleep
at that time. Many times she was found leaning against him, fast asleep, with a 
death grip around his waist or shoulders. And he'd be always tenderly rubbing her back or 
slowly running his talons through her hair. And many more times Jessie was found 
crying, even in her sleep. She had to be drug out of his room, literally. Gunner even had 
to carry her out once. 

"Jessie, you can't just give up at school!" Gunner said, keeping his voice as calm as he 
could manage.
	He was holding her latest progress report, which had three 'D's' and an 'F'. Jessie
sat slumped in the couch, arms crossed and a scowl across her face. Gunner sighed. 
"Look, Jess. I know you care deeply for Malibu, but you can't let your grades go down
just because he's sick!"
"He's dying Dad!!! I'll never get to see him again!!" Jessie screamed as she 
jumped up from the couch. "You don't know what this could possibly feel like!!!"
	With that she ran up the stairs and slammed her door shut. Gunner sighed and 
rested his elbows on his knees, and rubbed his eyes. He felt someone's hand on his 
shoulder, and without even looking up, said, "This isn't working, Andi."
"I'll talk to her."
"Good luck."

	Jessie, laying on her bed, fighting back more tears, heard a soft knocking at her 
door. "What?" She shouted, her voice cracking.
	Andrea opened her door slowly. "May I come in?"
"Whatever."
	Andrea stepped in and closed the door softly. "Mom, I know what you're here to 
talk about and I don't want to hear it. I'm tired of getting this from Dad."
"I'm not going to talk about school. But I want to tell you something."
	Jessie exhaled loudly, not bothering to hide her annoyance. Andrea reached up to 
her ear, then said, "We've never told you this, Jessica, but I'm actually 80 percent deaf."
	Jessie looked at her in disbelief. Andrea took out her earpiece and showed it to
Jessie. "Why didn't you tell me?" she asked, staring down at the piece.
	Andrea put her fingers under Jessie's chin and pushed up to make her look up at 
her. She motioned towards her ears, and Jessie repeated, "Why didn't you tell me?"
	Andrea shrugged, then placed the piece back in, reactivating it. "I didn't want you 
to treat me any different. I wanted you to feel like I was a regular, ordinary Mom."
"Were you born deaf?"
"No, it was from a boating accident. On your father's and my honeymoon, we went out on 
a small yacht for the weekend off the coast of Maine. A storm blew up, and I was thrown 
from the boat. Your father got me back in, but I was unconscious from hitting my head 
on the railing when I fell. He got me back to shore and to a hospital.  I was in a coma for 
two weeks."
"Two weeks?" Jessie whispered. "I bet Dad was going crazy...."
	Andrea nodded, looking at the floor. "Your grandpa told me that he acted the 
same way as you were just a minute ago with him." She looked back up at her daughter. 
"Saying much of the same things you were."
	Jessie looked at the floor, a guilty expression covering her face. Andrea smiled 
and put her hand on Jessie's shoulder. "Go down and apologize. Then we'll tell you 
something about your father you don't yet know about."

	Jessie and Andrea went downstairs, and after Jessie apologized, they told their 
daughter the entire story about the plane crash.

----------------------------------------------------------------
								March 13, 2068

	Jessie's grades finally started to slowly climb up to 'C's', and her attitude was a lot
better, her friends even called her parents to thank them for getting her on the right track,
and more importantly, they added, in a good mood. 

"So, Jess, " Sammy asked as she was standing by Jessie's locker, waiting for her to finish 
putting her things in. "What're you going to do for your seventeenth birthday tomorrow?"
"I'm probably going to go to the hospital after school to be with Malibu, and have the 
party the next day, but I'm not sure."
"Sounds good, "Sammy said as Jessie slammed her locker shut. "Make sure you tell him I 
said hi."
"No problem. See ya!" Jessie said as she jogged outside to catch her bus.
"Bye, Jess!"


"Hey, Malibu!" Jessie smiled as she walked into his room. "How're you today?"
	Malibu just looked at her, and she knew something had gone wrong while she was 
gone. She looked at him and saw an IV unit connected to his arm. In the pouch where the
usual fluid was, a strange light blue liquid was in it's place. "What's that?" She asked 
quietly as she sat down on his bed next to him.
"Medicine. We've been getting dehydrated for some reason, so the doctors hooked us all 
up with this stuff."
"So you're getting sicker."
"Yeah."
	Jessie lightly caressed his cheek with the back of her hand, then asked, "You're 
not as sick as you first started are you?"
"No, but we're getting awfully close, "Malibu paused and reached out, softly touching 
Jessie's lips. He sighed. "The doctors are beginning to think we're never going to 
recover."
	She took his hands in hers and smiled, "Don't give up hope. I won't."
"You've always been there for me..." He smiled, squeezing her hands.
	She leaned forward and nuzzled his nose. "I always will. You know that."
	Malibu smiled lovingly at her, then kissed her. He wrapped his arms around her 
shoulders, holding her close. "I love you."
	She snuggled close to him, being careful not to hit the IV needle in his arm. "I 
love you, too."
	Malibu smiled, and hugged her tightly. She smiled back and closed her eyes. The 
grip around her shoulders suddenly loosened, and for a second Jessie thought he was 
moving, but he wasn't; which was the problem. "Malibu?"
	She moved to see him better, which made him fall backwards onto the bed. 
"Malibu?!?" Jessie shouted as she shook him slightly by the shoulders. 
	No response. He was breathing, she noticed, but he seemed to have passed out. 
Jessie jumped up and hit the alarm button, and soon doctors and nurses came running in 
from every which direction. "He just fell limp..." Jessie tried to explain as the doctors 
tried everything to get him back to consciousness.
"He's in a coma, "One of the doctors sighed. "Jessie, you better get back home. We'll call
you the moment he wakes up...."
	Jessie nodded, tears once again starting to fill up her eyes. She left with a heavy 
heart, and a worried mind.

---------------------------------------------------
							March 14, 2068

	Jessie snapped out of yet another one of her body's attempt to fall asleep. She had
stayed awake the entire night, waiting for a phone call from the hospital. Now, while she
was in class, she was finally starting to get tired. She grumbled as the teacher announced 
a quiz was going to be coming up shortly. 
	Just as she was about to fall asleep, yet again, the bell rang, making her jump. 
She stood up, grabbed her back pack, and started towards the cafeteria. She stood in the
line, got her food, then sat down at a table to wait for everyone else. 
	Soon, Jessie's friends were sitting around her, trying to keep her awake. Suddenly,
a voice came over the intercom. "Jessica Johnson to the Main Office."
	Several snickers came from surrounding people, and with a few glares, Jessie 
stood up and got her backpack. "We'll catch up to ya, "Miranda said, gathering up her 
things. 
	Jessie nodded and started out the door. When she reached the office, she shifted 
her backpack to another shoulder so she could open the door easier. "Hey, "A familiar
voice said.
	She looked up to see who it was, and immediately dropped her backpack to the 
floor. Jessie ran up and jumped into Malibu's arms. "You're awake... "She whispered, 
half-crying. "You're awake...."
	Malibu hugged her tightly, then led her to a bench, neither of them letting go of 
the other's hands. "I wanted to come here myself and surprise you." He smiled, hugging 
her again. "I'm out of the hospital, now."
"So you're going to be okey?" Jessie asked, returning the hug even tighter.
"Yep, me and all of the others, "Malibu smiled. He took one of her hands and kissed it. "I 
never gave up hope."
"I knew you wouldn't...." Jessie smiled. "This is the best birthday gift I could ever
get....."
	Malibu kissed the top of her head and whispered, "Happy birthday."
	They both hugged each other once again, tighter than ever before. Finally, Jessie 
could believe; everything was finally going to be okey.

	From the office, Gunner watched them, smiling. One of the teachers in the office
saw Jessie and Malibu, and was about to go outside to 'discipline' them, but Gunner 
stepped in between the door and the teacher. "Give them a minute. Believe me. They 
deserve it after all they've gone through."

------------------------------------------------------
							March 15, 2068

	Jessie and Malibu never let each other out of their sight for the rest of that day, 
and, after a while begging to her Dad, she spent the night at the hospital (her father gave 
a nurse strict instructions to check in the room every hour to make sure Jessie remained 
in her sleeping bag; however, when the nurse found Jessie snuggled up to Malibu in his 
bed, in her sleeping bag, she let them be. When asked, the nurse simply smiled 
and said, "She was in her sleeping bag the entire night."). 

	Nothing really eventful happened at Jessie's party; just the usual cake, presents, 
and a couple movies. Throughout the party, people were starting to wonder if Jessie and 
Malibu were ever going to let go of each other's hand. 

	That night, when everyone had left, Jessie and Malibu sat on the balcony, 
cuddling each other and staring up at the stars. She snuggled closer to him as a cool 
breeze swept past them. Malibu squeezed her shoulder tightly, then asked, "Jessie, what
would you have done if I had died?"
	Jessie was surprised about the question, but she chose to answer it anyway. "I
don't know. To tell you the truth, I prefer not to think about it."
"I'm sorry, I was just curious..."
"It's okey, I'm sure I would be wondering the same thing if I were you, "Jessie yawned.
	Malibu put his hand on her cheek and gently pushed her head down until it was 
resting his shoulder. She sighed happily and closed her eyes. He kissed the top of her 
head, then rested his chin softly on her head, also closing his eyes. "I'm just glad you're 
still here; with me, "Jessie whispered softly.
	He smiled and replied, "Not at glad as me... I didn't want to leave you."
	Malibu opened his eyes slightly, seeing Jessie smile, then slipping off into a 
dream-filled sleep. "Sleep tight, "he whispered, hugging her tightly. "My love."

---------------------------------------------------
							June 16, 2070

"Jessie! Quit moving!" Andrea said, looking up at her daughter.
	Jessie looked down from the chair she was standing on to her Mom. "Sorry. I'm 
nervous about graduating tomorrow, believe it or not...What if I trip? Or drop my 
diploma? Or faint? Or-"
	Andrea chuckled. "You'll be fine. You'll be too proud to be thinking about those 
things."
	Andrea stood up and looked Jessie over. She smiled. "I'm so proud of you, Jess."
Jessie jumped down from the chair, making sure not to rip her graduation gown. She 
walked over to a mirror to see how the gown looked. "Do they always look this dopey?"
Jessie asked, raising an eyebrow.
	Andrea laughed. "Well, it's that dopey gown that signifies how mature and how 
ready to take on anything you are."
	Jessie took off the gown, folded it up neatly, then carefully set it on the table. 
"Yeah, I guess so. But now I've got college to worry about, and, "She paused and looked
at the cap and gown. "How little time I'll have to spend with Malibu...."
	Andrea put a knowing hand on her daughter's shoulder. "You'll have time." She 
grinned. "And you know Malibu; he'll make the time."
	Jessie laughed. "Yeah, I guess I should know that; being with him for over two 
years....."
	Her mother smiled. "Hard to believe. It's also amazing that I've never seen you 
two fight once. Well, besides the snow, pillow, and water fights you two occasionally 
start."
	They both laughed, then Jessie said, "We've had some misunderstandings,
but nothing that lasted over five minutes. And our love for each other has been the same
since we got together, if it hasn't grown even more."
"I know, "Andrea smiled. "I can see it in both of your eyes when you look at each other."
	Jessie laughed softly and looked at the floor, slightly embarrassed. There was a
soft knock at the door, and Malibu peeked his head in. "Hey, Andrea, "he waved. "Ready
to go, Jess?"
"Yeah, "Jessie smiled. "Bye, Mom."
"Bye Jess. Have fun."
	Malibu opened the door the rest of the way for Jessie, then when she got by him, 
she slipped an arm around his waist, and he his free arm tightly around her shoulders. He
looked up at Andrea, smiled and winked before closing the door.
	Andrea chuckled, then looked back at her daughter's cap and gown.

	They both went to Lake Ontario to celebrate Jessie's graduation, Malibu driving.
It was around 2:00 PM when they got there, they parked the car, Malibu grabbed the 
cooler out of the trunk, and Jessie made sure she had her father's boat keys. They walked to 
the dock, and found Gunner's boat, The Phoenix (named after the Phoenix Gate). 
After loading up, they cast the boat off. Jessie walked to a chest, opened it, and pulled out 
two life jackets. "Here, "she said as she tossed Malibu one.
"Thanks, "Malibu said as he caught it.
	They both put on the jackets, then Malibu started the engine. "Now. Let's see if I
can remember all your Dad taught me.. "He laughed.
	He backed the boat out with little trouble, and soon they were speeding across the
lake. Malibu looked down from the top of the boat, where the secondary navigational 
controls were, to the bow of the ship. There Jessie stood, leaning against the railing, the 
wind whipping through her hair, staring out at the open lake. Smiling, he turned on the 
auto pilot, then jumped down to the main level of the boat, and walked up to meet Jessie.
Malibu wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and kissed her neck. She looked 
up at him and smiled lovingly. "I'm glad we could spend some time alone before I 
graduate, "Jessie said, looking back out at the water. "Especially since I'm going to be 
very busy with college."
	Her shoulders slumped a bit, and Malibu gave her a tight hug. "Hey, everything is
going to be fine. We'll find a way to be with each other, no matter how long it takes. We 
might not be able to see each other everyday anymore, but taking trips and visiting each 
other on weekends would work out."
	Jessie turned to Malibu. "Yeah, but I'll have exams to study for, assignments.."
	She stopped when he gently put a talon on her lips. "We'll find a way." He 
repeated sternly. "College is nothing but a big high school away from home."
	Jessie gave him a small smile, and his smile grew. "That's the smile I love to see."
"You always win, "Jessie chuckled. 
	He grinned at her, then said, "Not always. Many times you've won. I'm simply 
paying you back."
	They both laughed, then Malibu kissed her and said, "I'll be back. I'm gonna stop 
the boat so we can eat lunch. You drop anchor, 'kay?"
"'Kay."
	Jessie walked to the anchor switch, while Malibu climbed the ladder to the 
controls. The engine stopped, and Malibu shouted, "Drop anchor!"
	Jessie flipped the switch, and a splash was heard as the anchor dropped into the 
lake's murky water. She walked down the stairs to the lower deck, where Malibu was 
preparing their lunch. "Need any help?" She asked, watching him. 
"Uh, you can get the drinks. Please."
	She walked over to the refrigerator, opened the door, and grabbed a couple cans
of Sprite. Jessie set them on the table by each of their plates, then walked back up to 
Malibu. "So, what're we having?" She asked as she looked over his shoulder.
	He handed her an open soup can. "Canned ravioli. Mmm, mmm, good. "He 
laughed. 
	She laughed, then threw the can in the trash can. "Canned ravioli. How romantic,"
she said sarcastically, laughing.
	Malibu turned to her, a huge grin on his face. He wrapped his arms tightly around
her waist and kissed her. "Who says the food needs to be romantic, too?" He grinned.
	Jessie looked at him and started laughing. He looked confused. "What?"
	Giggling hysterically, she ran her hand along his cheek, and showed him her hand,
saying, "You've got sauce on you. Must've splashed."
	He looked at her hand and rubbed his cheek, just in case there was more sauce. 
"Now I feel really smooth..." He laughed.
	She laughed and returned his kiss. "Awww." She touched the end of her nose to the 
end of his beak and smiled. "I love you anyway."
	He smiled lovingly and kissed her nose. "I love you, too."

	After they ate, they went out and jumped in the lake for a swim. After a couple 
hours of splashing, dunking, and the occasional wrapping the tail around Jessie's ankle 
and scaring her half to death routine on Malibu's part, they got back on the boat to eat 
dinner (candle-lit, of course).

	Malibu and Jessie sat on the ship's deck, a blanket tightly wrapped around the two
of them, watching the sun slowly sink closer to the horizon, with Everything I Do  
softly playing in the background. Jessie sighed happily and leaned her head against 
Malibu's shoulder. He, in turn, leaned his head lightly against the top of her head, after 
nuzzling her cheek. 
	Malibu watched the sunset for a little longer, then reached into his shirt's chest 
pocket. He clutched the object he held tightly, then glanced at Jessie. Taking a deep breath,
he unwrapped himself from the blanket, put his half around Jessie, and stood. She looked
up at him with a confused look, and asked, "Is something wrong?"
"No, "Malibu smiled as he watched the lake reflect the setting sun. "Everything is perfect."
	He turned to Jessie, and smiling, bent down and took her hands, getting her to 
stand up with him. He nuzzled her nose. "Remember when we first met?"
	She smiled. "How could I forget? You threatened me because I took off some of
your armor."
	He chuckled. "That day changed my entire life. You've always been kind to me, 
and definitely patient. I've loved you ever since I got to know you. I love you for your 
courage, kindness, your great personality..... I've never met anyone as kind and caring as
you... I love you, Jess. So, please, "He knelt down, and brought both of her hands 
together and squeezed them tightly between his. "Marry me."
	Jessie was shocked. "Malibu... I.. I don't know what to say... What about 
college? I mean, I love you, and I want to...." She stammered, not knowing what 
to say.
"I've talked to your parents, Jessie. They called your college and managed to talk them 
into letting you live out of the dorms."
"But I'm only eighteen... the law says-"
"Jessie. I love you. Please; we'll work these things out, just say yes...," Malibu looked 
at her with pleading eyes, and Jessie could plainly see what she had to say.
	She dropped down to her knees and wrapped her arms tightly around his 
shoulders. "You know I will...." She whispered into his ear. "I love you."
	Malibu took the engagement ring from his shirt's pocket and slipped it on 
Jessie's finger. She looked at it, tears of joy filling up her eyes. They both stood up, 
hugging each other tightly, Malibu running his talons through her hair. "Nothing will 
stop us now..., " Malibu whispered. "Nothing."

-----------------------------------------------------
							June 17, 2070

	Malibu and Jessie returned to her house early in the morning to find Gunner 
and Andrea waiting to hear the news they already knew was coming.  They were 
definitely excited about the news, none-the-less. 
	After they talked for a while, they sent Jessie to her room to take a nap before
the graduation ceremonies, but she quickly refused. Malibu backed her up, secretly 
winking to her parents to let them know that everything was under control. Malibu
turned to Jessie and asked if she wanted to watch a movie, which she agreed. No 
sooner had the movie started when she leaned against his shoulder and fell into a 
deep sleep. Malibu carried her up the stairs and into her room, laid her on the bed, 
kissed her forehead, and quietly slipped out, closing her door softly behind him.

"Well, look who's finally up!" Gunner grinned as he watched Jessie trudge down the stairs,
running her fingers through her messed up hair.
	She just gave him a look, and he chuckled. She cleared her throat and looked 
around. "Where's Malibu?"
"He went out with your Mom to get something."
	Gunner swung his legs off the couch to allow his daughter to sit down. She flopped 
down next to him, and leaned against his shoulder, yawning. "Told you, you needed a nap."
Gunner grinned.
"Oh, shut up, "Jessie grumbled; but Gunner could tell she was grinning also. "How long have
I been sleeping?"
	He looked at his watch, "About twelve hours; your ceremony starts in about two."
	She rubbed her eyes, "Dang."
"Dang's right, "Gunner laughed. 
	Both father's and daughter's ears pricked up when the sound of a car door being 
closed shot through the air. "I'm gonna go up and get a shower, "Jessie said as she got up.
"Yep, you definatly need one."
"DAD!!" 
	Gunner laughed as she smacked him hard on the arm. The door opened as soon as
Jessie reached the top of the stairs. Andrea and Malibu both appeared, each holding some
grocery bags. "Need any help?" Gunner asked, standing up. 
"Nope, got them all, "Andrea said, walking into the kitchen, Malibu following.
	Gunner closed the front door, then followed them into the kitchen. Malibu set his 
bags on the counter, then asked, "Where's Jess?"
	Gunner chuckled, "Don't you two ever get sick of each other?"
"No, sir, "Malibu grinned. "That's why I asked her to marry me."
"She upstairs taking a shower."
	Malibu looked in a bag, then reached in and pulled out a small bouquet of five red 
roses. "Good, "He smiled as he looked at them. 
	Andrea looked at Gunner and mock pouted. "How come you don't get me any 
roses?"
"Because I'm not as romantic as he is." 
	All three of them laughed, Malibu slightly blushing. 

	Soon, Jessie was sitting on her bed, staring out her window, and brushing her damp
hair. There was a soft knock at her door, and without turning around, she called, "Yeah?"
	The door opened, and she looked over to find Malibu standing there, now wearing 
a nice white shirt, black pants, and a tie, smiling. "Hey, ready to graduate?"
"Yeah, I guess...." Jessie said, turning back to the window, and continued to brush her hair. 
	Suddenly she was staring at roses. "Well, maybe these will help that 'I guess' 
disappear," he smiled as she looked at him.
"Malibu, they're beautiful... Thank you, "she said as she took the flowers and smelled them.
	He smiled and sat down next to her, wrapping his arm tightly around her shoulders.
"Nervous?"
"I'm a little scared, to tell you the truth. All my friends are going to different colleges, I'll be all 
alone there."
"You won't be alone. I'll always be there for you," Malibu smiled, nuzzling her cheek. "You
know that."
	She smiled and looked down at her engagement ring. "I know. You always have...."
"And I always will be." 
	Jessie looked up at him and smiled. "Now come on, " Malibu grinned. "We've got a 
graduation to go to."
"Yeah."


	The graduation ceremony was to take place in a huge auditorium, and crowds had 
already begun to fill up the seats. Jessie managed to find her friends backstage, and told them 
the news. They were all extremely happy for her, and they all laughed when they told her it 
was of no surprise to them. "We knew he was going to ask sooner or later, "Miranda grinned.
	Jessie laughed, "I'm glad he did."
"We are, too, "Sammy said. "Although I lost the bet.."
"Bet?"
"Yeah, "Miranda grinned. "Sammy and I bet when he was going to pop the question, and I 
won!" She turned to Sammy. "So fork over the cash!"
	Everyone laughed, all except Sammy, who was paying up Miranda. 

	Finally, it was about ready for the graduation ceremonies to begin. They went through 
the speeches, and one-by-one, every person walked up and got their diploma. 
	After the last person walked off the stage, the band started playing the Alma Mater.
The principal stepped up to the podium and shouted, "Let's hear it for the class of 2070!!"
	The band roared up the school song and everyone stood up, tossing their caps in the 
air, shouting, hugging, and even a little crying. All the graduates joined the band with their 
voices, singing the fight song. 
	Jessie met up with her parents and Malibu; who each gave her a huge hug. "We are 
all proud you, Jess. Very proud, "Gunner smiled as he hugged her. 
"Gather up all your friends; I want a picture of you all, "Andrea said.
	Jessie nodded and sped off. Soon, she brought all of her friends to where her parents 
were waiting, and they all went outside for the picture. Finally, after everyone figured out 
where they wanted to stand, Andrea said, "Okey, everyone ready?"
	Several 'yeah's' and 'yes's' came from the group. 


	Years later, that picture still proudly stands on the fireplace mantle; right next to Malibu and Jessie's wedding picture.