Title: Pheryll 90 Part 3: The Council's Attempt, 26/? Author: Heather, the Goddess of Evil Date: January 24, 1999 Classification/Rating: JB/JQHR, Alt, Adventure/PG Archivers: Have at it, you've my permission. Disclaimer: I don't own any of the JQ-niverse or any of it's affiliates. I do own Vanessa Elizabeth Monroe (Vannie) and Jonathon Dapp so you have to ask my permission if you want to use them. Pheryll 90 Part 3: The Council's Attempt The helicopters hovered over the entrance to the base. They couldn't be heard, neither could they be seen against the night sky. Infrared showed that the entrance and hence most likely the base was heavily guarded. "They're expecting another attack," Race said. "Then let's give them what they want," Vannie said. She turned to the comm-link on her shoulder, which would transmit to all the troops. "Night vision goggles on, let's move out." She then turned to the pilots. "Once everyone is on the ground, get out of here. Return in one hour. We'll be waiting for you." "Yes, Empress," the pilot said. Then Vannie was leading them to the back of the plane where troops were already zip lining out. Vannie handed Race a line, and then they were over the edge of the helicopter headed toward the chaos of gunfire. By the time they reached the ground however, all firing had stopped and someone was already working on opening the door as Vannie and Race approached it. The soldiers were already split into their two groups and had made an isle for Race and Vannie. "Let's do this," Vannie said as she readied her gun to enter the fortress. JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB "This is where we are making the cure, hopefully, using the notes that we found," Frederick informed Benton as they entered the lab. "How far are we?" Benton asked. "It should be done about the same time the cultures are," Frederick replied. "It isn't anything complicated, fortunately." "And that's what we were looking for all along," Benton mused. "I wonder who the genius was?" Frederick shrugged. "Probably some nameless guy." "Hey you two, they're waiting for us," Julie Morton said from the door. The two men followed the woman down the hall. All of them were dressed appropriately for the occasion. "Let's make a good impression. If Race and Vannie can't get the Pheryll 90 away from the Council, the world is going to need this cure," Benton whispered to his two companions before they entered the banquet hall. "We've already come to a decision," the man at the head table said immediately upon the scientists entrance. Frederick, Julie, and Benton all looked at each other with eyebrows raised. "After seeing the announcement that the Council gave," the same man continued, "we've decided to release the cure to Quest Enterprises for their disposal, if what has been found is actually the cure." Benton felt like jumping for joy. Just by looking at the Morton's, he knew they were just as glad. Benton held himself back for the few minutes that it took to go through the ritual before leaving the presence of the authorities. Once out in the hall however he gave a whoop for joy. "It's a stroke of luck," Julie laughed. "Oh thank whatever deity might exist," Frederick said prayerfully, his hands clasped at the sky. "I say we celebrate," Benton suggested. Julie and Frederick looked at each other and then nodded their agreement. JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB Race looked his team over as they rested to calm their nerves. Even in the small amount og time they had been gone, the Council had been able to beef up the security. Race's mind worked. He needed to find Surd quick. He had only about thirty minutes before the helicopter returned and they were supposed to leave. "Split up and spread out," Race ordered his team. "If you find Surd make sure everyone knows." "How will we know him?" one operative asked. "He's pretty old, gray hair, wrinkled skin, evil, twisted look in his eye," Race answered. The soldier nodded, then Race sent them out. "We'll go with you," two of the troops volunteered. "Fine," Race said. "I'm Dare Devil," the male combatant said. "And I'm Trixie," his female counterpart copied. "Just to make sure you know, I'm Race," Race introduced himself. "Now let's get going." "I say the best place to look would be the labs," Dare Devil suggested. "You did say he was a scientist." "Plenty of other people will have thought of the same thing," Trixie countered. "Let's try the living quarters," Race suggested. "Maybe the "good" doctor is taking a nap." The two soldiers nodded and they were off. Trixie, holding the A.M.M. led the way. "How long till we get there?" Dare Devil asked a little impatiently. Trixie didn't answer, just gave him an annoyed look. "Just hold your horses, you remind of me of Jonny," Race told the guy. "A kid?!" Dare Devil was obviously annoyed by this metaphor. Race stopped and turned on they guy. "Yes a kid, now act like a soldier, not like a whiner." Race didn't wait for a reaction just motioned for Trixie to lead the way. "Guards up ahead," she warned. "How many?" Race asked. "A lot. We've made it to the living quarters," Trixie answered. "Let's bust in and take them out," Dare Devil suggested eagerly. "No, too risky," Race negated. "We need a distraction." "I've got just the thing," Trixie smiled. She pulled some pellets out of a pouch and rolled them in her hand like dice. When she thought the moment was right she rolled them as hard as she could down the hall without being seen. Then they waited. The pellets made it the majority of the way down the hall. Race was waiting for the hiss that meant the pellets were releasing the gas and wondered why they weren't putting on gas masks. Then he heard noises like gunshots. The guards were surprised and started shooting back. But they were shooting the wrong way. Race smiled to himself. Then, readied his weapon along with Trixie and Dare Devil and began shooting at the guards. Caught by surprise and not knowing which way to shoot at, they were easily taken down. "What's all the chaos?" a voice demanded coming out of one of the rooms. "That's Vostok," Race identified. More people emerged and Race named them too. "Zin's daughters Anya and Milana, Lorenzo, Julia," he rattled off. "No Surd?" Dare Devil asked. Race shook his head no. "But we better take out these guys." Anya and Milana both had guns out along with Vostok. Julia returned to her room and came back out with two guns, handing one to Lorenzo. "We're missing, Dapp, Zin, and Surd," Race said wondering where they were. "That's not important at the moment. What is, is that we take out this scum," Trixie said. "Back up, we need back up at the living quarters," Dare Devil said into his comm-link. "Let's not wait," Trixie suggested. Race nodded. "On three." "One," he started. "Two," Dare Devil continued cocking his gun. "THREE!" Trixie yelled. They jumped out of their hiding place, guns blazing catching the small group by surprise. But, soon enough instinct kicked in and they began shooting back and taking cover. Race stopped shooting and ducked back behind the corner. Trixie and Dare Devil soon followed. "Until the reinforcements show up, this is going to end in a draw," Dare Devil said sending a few shots around the corner to keep them on their toes. "Then, we wait," Race said sending a few shots of his own. "And hope they don't also have back up coming. Title: Pheryll 90 Part 3: The Council's Attempt, 27/? Author: Heather, the Goddess of Evil Date: January 25, 1999 Classification/Rating: JB/JQHR, Alt, Adventure/PG Archivers: Have at it, you've my permission. Disclaimer: I don't own any of the JQ-niverse or any of it's affiliates. I do own Vanessa Elizabeth Monroe (Vannie) and Jonathon Dapp so you have to ask my permission if you want to use them. Pheryll 90 Part 3: The Council's Attempt "Brain, you take five men and start purging this place of any and all info it has on Pheryll 90," Vannie commanded. Brain nodded his head and motioned for five men to follow him. Vannie turned to the rest of her team. "We are going to find the actual Pheryll 90 they have, and steal it. Carry it like it was a precious jewel. If you get infected by that stuff, there is no way to heal you," Vannie warned. The team nodded and Vannie led them off. "Which way Gabby?" Vannie asked the woman beside her. "The storage area where Jessie said the Pheryll 90 was being stored is still quite a ways off," Julie answered. "Okay, everyone be on the lookout for guards, it's going to be a while," Vannie called to the rest of the team. JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB "Someone ask for backup?" a voice with a twang asked over the comm-links as shots were heard coming from the other side of the hall. "That would be us, Cowboy," Trixie said into her comm-link with a smile. Her, Dare Devil and Race returned to shooting and soon they were headed toward the council members and tying the, up. Race laughed when he found Julia suffering from a gunshot would to the thigh. He grabbed her hands and began to tie them up. "Check the rooms, destroy any computers and software you find. It you happen upon Surd, let us know," Race ordered rising. He stepped past Julia, who growled and bit at him, just making him laugh at her more. Some of the troops followed him into the room and they began to tear the place up. "No Surd, but we did as you asked when we found a laptop and various disks," the woman Race recognized from before as Stalker reported. Race nodded once then spoke into his comm-link. "Anything?" The responses were all negative. "All troops report in," Race next said. More negative responses, then suddenly, "We have spotted the target." "Where are you?" Race asked immediately. "I'm sending the coordinates to you're A.M.M.'s," the soldier returned. Race turned to the nearest soldier with the indicated device. "Where are they?" "They're near the cafeteria," the man said. "Let's get going," he said to the people in the room with him. "All troops move out," he spoke into his comm-link. JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB Hadji was startled out of his slumber by a ringing. When he was awake enough, he realized that it was the videophone. Hadji hurried to the communications room and ordered Iris, "On screen." He was a more than a little surprised when he saw his mother displayed on the wall of screen. Until, that is, he remembered he had missed his due date to be home. He was supposed to have returned three days ago. "Hadji, I was worried when you did not return," Neela said relief obvious in her voice and on her face. "I am sorry mother," Hadji answered sincerely. "I had some business that needed taking care of." "I hope nothing too serious, my son," Neela asked a bit alarmed. "No mother," Hadji lied with a comforting smile. "Nothing we couldn't handle." "When will you be returning then?" Neela requested. "I am not quite sure, as soon as possible. I will let you know when I have a specific date," Hadji assured. "Don't be too long. You do have some visitors arriving in a week or so," Neela reminded. "Oh, yes," Hadji exclaimed as he remembered the foreign ambassadors that were taking their "yearly" visit. "I will not be that long," he assured. "Hopefully," he added to himself. "I trust you my son. I was just being a mother," Neela smiled. Hadji smiled back. "And I thank you for that mother." "I will let you go then. I have some things to take care of," Neela suggested. "Yes, I will see you in a few days, good-bye mother," Hadji said. "Good-bye my son," Neela repeated. The screens went blank and Hadji let out a sigh of content. Then he laughed softly to himself and left the communications room. JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB Race took another look at the two men occupying the cafeteria. Dapp and Surd were both their. It didn't look like either one was armed, but with men like these, one could never be sure. "What's the plan?" one of the operatives asked. Race didn't answer, just set his face to a thoughtful expression. What he was actually thinking was that he should turn the leadership over to someone else for the rest of the mission. Seeing Dapp made his anger rise knowing what the man had done to his daughter. And looking at Surd was even worse. To see him whole again at Jonny's expense was just too much. "I say we just go in and take them. If it comes to exchanging blows, make sure Surd is taken quickly. I don't want him hurt,' Race finally answered. "What about Dapp?" the same person asked. "I could care less what happens to him. Just leave Surd un-scathed," Race commanded. "Everybody got that?" He looked around. "Good, then let's go." Title: Pheryll 90 Part 3: The Council's Attempt, 28/? Author: Heather, the Goddess of Evil Date: January 25, 1999 Classification/Rating: JB/JQHR, Alt, Adventure/PG Archivers: Have at it, you've my permission. Disclaimer: I don't own any of the JQ-niverse or any of it's affiliates. I do own Vanessa Elizabeth Monroe (Vannie) and Jonathon Dapp so you have to ask my permission if you want to use them. Pheryll 90 Part 3: The Council's Attempt "Zin's in there," Stalker said. Vannie slowly nodded her head. "Is he alone?" "Yes." "Is he armed?" "Not that I could tell." "Good, then let's just get in there, get the Pheryll 90 and get out." Vannie checked her watch quickly. Twenty minutes before the helicopter arrived. She looked up at the door to the storage area and sighed, then led the way. JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB "Don't make a move," Race ordered his gun pointed at the two men who had been chatting quietly. Both turned and looked at him surprised. "YOU!" Surd exclaimed rising. "You got that right," Race replied sarcastically. "Your wife arranged this, didn't she?" Dapp asked trying to act as if he didn't care, but looking very annoyed instead. "Gee, how did you guess?" Race asked sarcastically. He motioned with his head, and soldiers moved past him and tied up both Dapp and Surd. They left Dapp where he was seated and began to carry Surd away. "Hey, where are you taking me?" Surd demanded. "I don't think you want to know," Race answered. "Why not?" Surd requested. "Because I don't' think you'd like the answer," Race said with a smug smile before moving past Surd to lead the way back to the main entrance. JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB "Got it all?" Vannie asked as men and women went by her with canisters. "Who are you?" the Asian man tied up in the corner asked. Vannie looked over her shoulder at him, then went and crouched in front of him. "I'm shocked. Dapp didn't tell you about me?" she asked with mock surprise. Zin narrowed his eyes at her. Vannie extended her hand with a scorning smile. "Vanessa Elizabeth Monroe, or Bannon, whichever you prefer." Zin's eyes widened. "Dapp did warn us about you." "Guess he wasn't' convincing enough," Vannie commented rising and turning away from Zin. She pointed out a few men. "Stay and make a final sweep. Be quick, but thorough, then catch up as quickly as possible." The men nodded and Vannie led the way out of the fortress. "Brain, you done yet?" Vannie asked over her comm-link. "Just about," he answered. "We're almost ready to leave," Vannie informed. "I'll be ready and waiting when the helicopters return, promise," Brain assured. "You better be. Empress out," Vannie ended the conversation. JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB Jessie unscrunched herself from the ball she had squeezed herself into. She stretched her limbs and then looked at the monitor with a groan. She was not happy with herself. "Why can't I remember that sequence," she scolded herself. "Something wrong?" Jonny asked. "I'm almost done," Jessie began, "but I can't think of this last sequence." "Remember what you did the last time this happened?" Jonny reminded. "I took a break and purged Quest World of all files regarding Pheryll 90," Jessie answered. "And taking that break helped you remember right?" Jonny asked. Jessie looked away from the computer screen to Jonny's eyes. "Get some sleep Jess. That's probably what's affecting your memory," Jonny ordered. Jessie sighed. "Maybe you're right." "Wow, did you just admit that?" Jonny teased. Jessie laughed. "Yes, and that might be the only time," Jessie responded. She sighed again and rose. Jonny followed her as she made her way to the house and then to get a drink of water form the kitchen, then finally to the study where she lay down on the couch. "Don't let me sleep too long,' Jessie ordered yawning. "I won't," Jonny vowed with no intentions of keeping his promise. Title: Pheryll 90 Part 3: The Council's Attempt, 29/? Author: Heather, the Goddess of Evil Date: January 25, 1999 Classification/Rating: JB/JQHR, Alt, Adventure/PG Archivers: Have at it, you've my permission. Disclaimer: I don't own any of the JQ-niverse or any of it's affiliates. I do own Vanessa Elizabeth Monroe (Vannie) and Jonathon Dapp so you have to ask my permission if you want to use them. Pheryll 90 Part 3: The Council's Attempt "Radio the UN the coordinates of the Council. Tell them, they won't have Surd, but will have him shortly. Also tell them the Pheryll 90 will be disposed of," Vannie ordered Julie as the helicopters began to fly away from the jungle. "Get us back to Maine," she then ordered the pilot. She looked behind her when she heard a scuffle, then turned and left the cockpit of the chopper. Race and some of her "army" were standing around Surd who was now lying on the floor. "Something wrong?" Vannie inquired. "Surd's just being his usual difficult self," Race responded running a hand through his white hair. "I will not give up my freedom so easily," Surd spat. "You really don't have a choice," Race responded before walking away. JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB After finishing the conversation with his mother Hadji returned to the study where he had previously been meditating only to find it occupied by a slumbering Jessie guarded by Jonny. "How did you get her to take a break?" Hadji asked his brother incredulously. "She can't say no to me, at least not forever," Jonny responded. "How far is she with the program?" Hadji next inquired. "She's almost done. She has just one more sequence to work out," Jonny answered. Both men stared at the red head silently, both admiring her. "I'm going to go prepare something to eat for when she wakes up," Hadji suddenly said turning and leaving. Jonny just nodded the best he could, his eyes never leaving his Jessie. JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB Vannie sighed as she slumped onto a bench in one of the helicopters. She looked up at her husband who was standing over her. "You okay?" he asked, concern evident in his voice. "Fine, just relieved, and a little fatigued," Vannie assured. "Why don't you try and rest then," Race suggested crouching in front of her. "I don't know if I could," Vannie responded truthfully. Race rose to sit by her. He put his arms around her, holding her close. "Everything's going to be all right now," he guaranteed. Vannie let herself rest against her husband and finally felt her tiredness take over her. "Goodnight," she heard Race whisper in her ear before she fell asleep. JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB "How long have I been asleep?" Jessie asked stretching. "Long enough," Jonny responded. Jessie checked her watch and Jonny watched her eyes go wide. "It's been six hours," she exclaimed. "I thought I told you not to let me sleep for too long?" "I didn't," Jonny assured smugly. Jessie scowled at him and rose. "Hadji made something for you to eat. It's cold by now, but you can reheat it and eat before you go back to the lighthouse can't you?" Jonny called after her. Jessie stopped and looked back at Jonny. She sighed and gave in. "Yeah, I guess it wouldn't hurt," she agreed. Smiling, Jonny accompanied Jessie to the kitchen. JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB Vannie picked up the handset for the radio and put it to her mouth. "As soon as Race and I are off, codenames can be dropped and all personnel will return to headquarters where the Pheryll 90 will be disposed off." Vannie repeated the message, then returned the handset to it's cradle and returned to where her husband was waiting for her where she had left him. "Ready to go?" she asked. "As soon as we grab Surd I am," he assured. Just then two guards escorted Surd in and handed him over to Race. "Landing in T minus two minutes," the pilot warned over the intercom. "Let's get our Jonny back," Vannie whispered. Title: Pheryll 90 Part 3: The Council's Attempt, 30/30 Author: Heather, the Goddess of Evil Date: January 25, 1999 Classification/Rating: JB/JQHR, Alt, Adventure/PG Archivers: Have at it, you've my permission. Disclaimer: I don't own any of the JQ-niverse or any of it's affiliates. I do own Vanessa Elizabeth Monroe (Vannie) and Jonathon Dapp so you have to ask my permission if you want to use them. Pheryll 90 Part 3: The Council's Attempt Once again, Jessie's hands flew over the keyboard. A slight smile tugged at the corner of her lips and her eyes sparkled. Jonny watched her work in amazement. "I told you it would do the trick," Jonny bragged. "I already admitted you were right once. Don't expect it to happen again," Jessie responded as her hands finally stopped and she leaned back in her chair. "That's it," she announced. "Are you sure you don't want to go over it again and make sure they are no mistakes?" Hadji suggested. Jessie was about to respond when the door to the lighthouse opened letting in a blast of cold air and a tied and bound Surd. Race and Vannie followed close behind. Surd spotted Jessie immediately. She turned her head away from him and locked eyes with Jonny. She felt Hadji's hand on her shoulder and glanced over her shoulder with a smile for her. "Everything ready?" Race asked as he forced Surd down into one of the VR chairs. Jonny looked at Jessie who nodded at him. He wheeled his chair forward and allowed Vannie to put one of the VR modules on him. Race was having a hard time with Surd, but with a little "persuasion" Race got the doctor to sit still. "Hope you can do this while he's unconscious," Race said apologetically as he moved to stand beside his daughter. Vannie joined them and they watched as Jessie logged both men into the system. Jonny walked around a bit trying out Quest World as if it were brand new to him. "Now I know why Surd wants Quest World all to himself," he breathed. Surd at the moment was lying unconscious on the ground. Jonny watched him as thoughts of the revenge he could have ran through his head. But, he held himself back. The sweetest revenge of all would be coming soon. "Iris, began Resurrection program," Jessie ordered. Jonny felt the familiar tingle as his feet left the ground. The sparkles surrounded him and he could see them swirling around Surd who was also floating off the ground. When the process was over he didn't feel any different. But, he knew all he had to wait for was to be logged out and returned to the real world. "Let's hope this works," Jessie whispered as she began the logging out sequence. She crossed her fingers and watched as Hadji and her parent s approached the VR system. The glowing dome lowered from around Surd and Jonny and immediately Surd began to struggle for breath. Hadji hurried to unlock Jonny from Surd's chair and help him out. Surd was returned to his "prison" against Vannie suggestions to just let him die. "Death is too good for him," Race assured her. She just nodded silently as the breathing apparatus in the chair took over for Surd. JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB Jonny looked around himself his eyes shining. Hadji was right next to him, his eyes also shining and smiling the biggest smile Jonny had ever seen his brother wear. Then he heard it, the softest, "Jonny." He turned to look into Jessie's gorgeous green eyes. Then she fell into his arms, tears running down both of their cheeks. This is the moment, Jonny thought as he stroked and kissed Jessie's hair. This is the moment I've been waiting for. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the feeling of Jessie in his arms. And then, he felt more arms encircling them both. Hadji, and Vannie, and Race were all there, surrounding them in love and family. And all wore tears the same as Jessie and Jonny. It's all so perfect, Jonny thought. JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB "I still don't see why you needed him?" the warden over Brattleford Prison asked confused. Race only shook his head in response. "It doesn't matter now. Just take him away. We don't ever want to see him again." The warden just shrugged his shoulders and boarded the helicopter. Race stood back as the chopper lifted in the air and moved off. "Race, Dr. Quest is on the phone for you," Hadji called from the door of the compound. Race jogged inside and to the study where he picked up the receiver for the phone on Dr. Quest's desk. "Hey, Doc, what's up?" "We found it Race, we found the cure," Benton said excitedly. "That's great," Race congratulated. "How are things on your side?" Benton inquired. "Things couldn't be better. Both Jonny and Jessie are safe, and we relieved the Council of the Pheryll 90. Hopefully, by now, they're all in jail," Race answered. There was silence on the other end, then Benton asked silently, "How do we do it?" "I don't know Doc, I really don't know," was all Race could answer. JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB JQ JB Jessie closed her eyes. She was sitting on the couch in the den with Jonny's arms around her, a fire roaring in the fireplace. There was no talking or quiet chatting. They didn't need any. They had all they needed in each other and the moment. All they wanted was to be left alone for the next ten years. "Hey you two, planning on staying up all night?" No such luck. "Yes mother, we are," Jessie answered opening her eyes. Vannie saw the "get lost and make sure no one else disturbs us" look in her daughter's eyes. She smiled and moved on. Jessie closed her eyes again and felt Jonny press his lips to the top of her head. She turned to look at him and catch his lips with her own. "For a while, I wasn't sure if I would ever be able to do this again," Jonny told her after their kiss ended. "It doesn't matter now," Jessie told him. "We're both here and well." "And that's the best part," Jonny whispered. He kissed her forehead, then rested his chin on the top of her head. "That's the best part," he repeated. The End