Chapter 16

As the others ran towards the direction Frank had followed they stopped when they heard the mournful scream.

“Oh no… please no!” Chet cried out, covering his mouth.

Biff ran into the direction causing the others to follow him. It would only take a few more minutes before they would come to the clearing. But it would take them longer to take in the scene that was waiting for them.

Frank was holding onto Joe…holding his brother’s face to his own, rocking him gently back and fourth, sobbing onto him. Biff walked to the altar and looked down at the two of them. His heart broke as he saw Frank crying onto Joe…as if somehow his tears would be enough to bring his baby brother back to him.

Phil came over too. He saw the blood everywhere. He looked down at Joe, and saw the deep cuts on his wrists and ankles. He saw how Joe’s skin looked ashy, almost white… mixed with the color of blue that was now seeping onto this face. He knew Joe was dead. It hadn’t taken very long for him to bleed to death. “We were so close…Good God we were so close…why? Why?”

Tony came over and placed a blanket over most of Joe’s naked body. He was wondering why the vultures and other scavengers had not come out yet. “My God at least there’s a body to bury. Frank’s going to die from this. I know he will. God, why? How could this happen?”

Chet came over and wrapped his arms around Frank, crying with him. Even when he saw all of Joe’s ribs, sticking out from under his skin, he knew Joe had slowly been killed the entire time had been gone. All that time he had been overeating, and his friend was starving. All that time, he had pigged out on pizza, burgers, and everything in his kitchen…gaining five pounds... and Joe had not seen a scrap of food. In his mind he could see Joe begging for something to eat… causing him to cry harder. He was never going to take food for granted again. He closed his eyes as Frank sobbed harder. Biff, Tony, and Phil came over and put there arms around them.

Tony took a brief glance around and noticed that the whole jungle around them had gone quiet. No insects…no birds…nor wind. It was as if the whole world had stopped…pausing to listen to the mournful pleas of a soul crying out. He closed his eyes as tears filled them.

Kamots watched as the group of friends tried to comfort Frank. Frank was still crying, and his mournful pleas were growing louder. Kamots’s heart broke. He knew what it was like to lose a brother. He could still remember how his own brother had given up his life just to protect him. He had vowed never to care for anyone ever again.

“Kamots…” he heard the wind say. He looked up and around, hearing powerful drumbeats.

“Kamots…” the voice said.

He turned around to see a very beautiful lady looking at him. Her long dark hair was draped in flowers. She was clothed in the finest hemp he had ever seen. He couldn’t believe it. His grandmother had told him stories of the spirits of this jungle. He remembered hearing of the beautiful lady whose spirit protected the plants of the area.

“Take them to the old priest. There’s still a chance. Do not let evil take the energy of this place. Go! Take them now!” she pointed at them. A gentle wind came and she dissolved with it.

“Frank… Frank we have to leave and take him back home,” Phil said after leaning back.

“He’s going to wake up. Just give him a few minutes,” came the tearful reply.

Biff sighed, and his heart broke. “Frank….He’s dead…please we have to leave to take him back.”

“No! He’s going to wake up!” Frank screamed at them. He still held Joe’s body to him. “Never mind the blood everywhere. He’s survived worse. He’s going to wake up. He’s my baby brother…He won’t die on me. Just give him time.”

“Frank…he’s gone,” Phil said through his own tears.

“Just go away. LEAVE! I’m going to stay until he wakes up, and he will!” Frank yelled at him. He finally looked up and saw the tear stained faces of his friends. “He’s going to wake up.”

“We have to take him to the old priest,” Kamots said, coming over to them.

“What? What can a priest do?” Biff demanded.

“More than you can imagine,” Kamots replied. He walked over to the group.

“Frank…the old priest can revive him. But we have to take him there now,” Kamots warned.

“Take him where? The only place we can take him is home to be buried,” Chet finally said what no one wanted to admit.

Frank’s crying suddenly stopped. “What can he do?” Frank asked, looking Kamots.

“He can do anything, but please, we have to go now,” Kamots advised.

Frank nodded and began wrapping Joe’s body up. He thought about leaving his head exposed, but knew he had to protect Joe from disease.

“Frank, you can’t be serious,” Tony said, watching Frank pick up his brother’s body.

“I’m going to do anything to wake Joe up. You can stay here, leave, or follow us,” Frank angrily replied.

Without waiting for any of them to reply, Frank began following Kamots, carrying Joe close to him. He heard the footsteps of his friends behind him. He didn’t care whether or not they believed the priest could do anything. He knew Joe was going to wake up.

Slowly they walked to the shrine where the old priest lived. Frank never relented in his grip on his brother. When Biff offered to take Joe for a while, he stubbornly refused. They were grateful that there were small paths in the jungle areas that didn’t require a machete to get through.

“Where is this priest?” Phil asked as they continued walking.

“He lives in a shrine about a mile from where we are now. He’s very old, but trust me he knows what to do,” Kamots assured them.

They continued walking. Even though Joe’s body felt very cold, Frank held him close to him. No one was going to take away his brother. Joe is going to prove you all wrong. Just wait, he’ll wake up. Then I’ll laugh and be able to say that my brother is stronger than all of us. He’s just slow at waking up. You know how he is in the morning... Joe why aren’t you moving? Haven’t you proven your point? When we get back home I’m treating you to a huge dinner... the best one I can find. I’ll get some muscle back on your bones. I never want to see your ribs again,” Frank thought to himself.

They walked until they came to an old shrine. It had strange, almost alien like carvings along the frame of the door. There were no windows, only more of the carvings. The entire building was shaped like a pyramid. Kamots stopped and knelt down. After saying a prayer of respect, he got up and told them that only Frank and Joe could come in, they’d have to wait outside. Kamots pointed to a small hut that would shelter them from the sun.

Frank carried Joe inside. He was awed by all the things he saw. There were more carvings and paintings of the symbols. Ornaments hung from the ceiling, and there was a fire burning in one corner. What looked to be ceremonial objects were in one corner. Along another wall was a long table with jars and bowls filled with various things.

It was then that Frank saw the old priest. He was sitting on a mat in a corner hidden by a shadow. He had a long white beard that matched his hair. His face made him look ancient and his body looked frail. He was wearing an elaborate necklace that had several charms dangling from it. His only clothing was a black skirt-like wrap with the same symbols, this time the symbols were laced with gold, and pair of well-worn sandals was on his feet. When he stood he used a long cane for support. He walked over to him.

(This is the strength child that the spirits have talked about) Frank heard the old man say in the best broken English that he knew.

“I don’t know what you mean by that. Kamots said that you can revive my brother,” Frank said, his voice desperate.

The old man nodded. (I can. But you must be willing to make a sacrifice yourself.)

Kamots knew what the old man was talking about. Having seen the ceremony before he knew he would have to help the old man, being that he was the only one who knew how to help. He walked over to the side and began removing the things they would need for the revival ritual.

“I’ll do anything,” Frank said, still holding tightly to his brother.

(You will have to make a dangerous journey. You are the only one who can bring your brother back. He will only listen to you. You must put your love for your younger brother above your fear over what you will see and hear) the old man told him walking close to him.

“I don’t care what I have to do. Joe means more to me than life itself,” Frank assured the old man.

(Lay him on the mat over in the corner. There is a bowl with water there. Wash him down and make sure to get all the dirt off of him. Then take off your own clothes and wash yourself in the pit. Don’t put any clothing back on you or your brother. They both contain ceremonial water I have prepared. They contain the ingredients that will make you both pure for the ceremony.) the old man told them.

Frank was wondering how the old man knew that they were coming as he carried Joe over to the mat that had symbols in silver. Frank unwrapped Joe from the blanket. He had torn the necklace from his brother when they had stopped to rest. He laid Joe on the mat and began washing his brother with the sponge, making sure to get all the dirt off of him. Then he took some of the water and carefully washed Joe’s hair. His heart was breaking as he was getting the nearly two weeks worth of grime out of what was once a head of gorgeous blond hair. After he had bathed his brother, he put the sponge back next to the bowl. Suddenly, he felt more warmth fill the room. He turned his head and saw that the old priest was putting more wood on the fire. Kamots had drawn a large version of one of the star-like symbols on the floor and had laid a mat, this time with gold symbols on top of it. Turning his attention back to his brother, Frank took off all his clothing and stepped into the pit. He had expected the water to be cold, but it was quite warm, almost like bathwater. He took the sponge that was nearby and began washing himself. Like he had with his brother, Frank took care to wash all the dirt off. He knelt down, held his breath, and dunked his head under the water. He scrubbed all of the grime out of his hair. When he was done he came back up. He emerged from the water and saw that Kamots was polishing a sharp looking knife with an unusual handle. Frank stepped out, and was surprised he wasn’t shivering.

(Take the cloths and dry yourself and your brother off. Then carry your brother and lay him on the mat.) the old priest instructed him.

Frank did as he was instructed. He dried himself off, and then carefully dried Joe off. He didn’t want to take the chance on Joe getting sick. Then he carried Joe to the mat, and laid him down. The old priest was setting up candles all over the room. Frank counted them, there were twenty all together. Then he set up 3 bowls in a triangle shape around the symbols that Kamots had drawn on the floor. The priest set a small fire using flint stones in each one, and soon the sweet smell of incense wafted into the room. Kamots came over and was carrying a large bowl, the knife, a gray cloth, and a small brush. He put the items on a small table.

(You will have to sacrifice a large amount of blood.) the priest said.

Frank nodded and came over the table and knelt down. His knees rested on a clean mat.

(I’m afraid I can’t give you anything for the pain. You need to be clear in order to do what needs to be done) the priest said.

Frank nodded again and held out his arm. He was going to do anything to get Joe back, and didn’t care what he had to give up. Kamots brought the blade down to Frank’s wrist and cut down. Frank cringed slightly as Kamots made three more cuts, and watched as his blood dripped down into the bowl.

Soon the bowl was filled. The priest took the bowl while Kamots wrapped Frank’s wrist in the gray cloth with bronze symbols. He was slightly woozy from the blood loss. He watched as the priest took the brush and was drawing symbols all over Joe with it. Kamots had taken a mat that was identical to the one Joe was on and laid it beside him. The priest had finished, using all the blood that Frank had given.

(Lay down beside him and put your left hand on him) the priest said.

Frank did as he was told, laying down, and putting his hand on his brother’s chest. It scared him to feel how cold Joe’s skin was. Soon the priest grabbed a rattle-like object and began shaking it… singing and chanting. Frank felt as if the whole world has stopped, and the only noise was the old man singing.

Frank suddenly found himself in a world on his own. Bright colors were swirling around him. Then he was in a field full of wild flowers, and green grass. He looked up and sky was bright blue with puffy white clouds. The sun was shining but it wasn’t the sun. The light was very beautiful and didn’t hurt to look into. Looking around, he saw a familiar person down the field. Joe! His heart pounding wildly, Frank ran as fast as he could towards the person he knew had to be his baby brother.

“Joe!” Frank shouted.

Joe turned around.

“Frank?” Joe asked in surprised. “Frank, what are you doing here?”

“I’m here to bring you back,” Frank answered. He threw his arms around his brother and hugged him tightly.

“Back? Back to where?” Joe asked. He couldn’t understand what was wrong.

“To me, Joe. You were murdered, but I came here to bring you back to me,” Frank replied.

“I don’t want to leave, Frank,” Joe said looking down.

“Not leave? Joe, you must be crazy,” Frank answered, looking at his brother.

“I’m at peace here. I’m no longer in pain. Please leave me,” Joe begged, looking at him with tears in his eyes.

“NO! I won’t leave you….” Frank broke down crying. He fell to his knees, sobbing. “I love you, can’t you see that? Please Joe… please come back to me.”

Joe looked down at his big brother. He couldn’t believe that Frank would go through all this trouble just to bring him back. Tears sprang from Joe’s eyes and suddenly the joyous world lost the sense of peace.

“Frank…” Joe said, kneeling down in front of his brother.

Frank looked up, tears streaming down his face. Joe gently brushed them away.

“I can’t believe you’d go through all this trouble for me,” Joe remarked, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“When I held your body, it was like half of me was gone. I can’t live without you baby brother,” Frank replied with every ounce of honesty he had.

Joe hugged his brother, and Frank hugged him back. Then as fast as he had arrived, Frank opened his eyes to find himself back in the ceremonial shrine.

“No” he thought. He had been so close…so close.

He held up his right wrist and saw that the cloth was gone. “No scars,” Frank thought as he looked at his wrist. He had seen specifically where Kamots had cut his wrist for the blood sacrifice. “No scars,” he thought in amazement. It was then that he heard the gentlest of moans. It was the sweetest noise that he had ever heard. He turned to where he had placed Joe. Joe’s body was glowing!

“Joe,” Frank said, reaching for Joe’s face. The glow died away and Joe looked very peaceful.

Joe’s eyes opened slightly and he smiled. “Hi, big brother,” Joe said through his dry lips.

Tears were streaming down Frank’s face. He reached and pulled Joe into his arms.

“Hi, little brother,” Frank whispered. At the moment he was too choked up to say anything else, but he didn’t care. All that mattered was that his baby brother was back. Nothing was going to take Joe away from him, nothing.

Frank noticed that the shrine was back to what it had been before the ceremony. The old man was once again sitting on his mat in the corner. Frank saw his clothes lying next to him in a neatly folded bundle. His sneakers were sitting next to his clothes. Frank gently laid Joe back down. He stood up and put on his own clothes. Lacing up his sneakers he saw Joe still looking very weak. The cuts on Joe’s wrists and ankles had vanished.

“Don’t worry Joe. I’m going to get you out of here as fast as I can. I’m going to take you to the best hotel on the mainland, and get you well enough to go back home. No one is going to hurt you again,” Frank promised him.

Frank was worried that he didn’t have any clothes for his brother. There were some thick blankets near them. Frank grabbed them and carefully wrapped his brother in them. He covered his head just enough to block the sun from his entire face.

“Just wait until the guys see you awake. I told them you’d wake up,” Frank remarked, as he picked up his brother.

As he walked out into the day, he saw that the sun was still high in the sky. Their friends came running over to them.

“My God what happened in there?” Biff demanded.

“You’ve been in there for almost four hours,” Phil added.

“He’s alive,” Frank said.

“What?” Biff asked.

“He’s alive!” Frank repeated, a big smile on his face and happiness shining in his eyes.

Chet pulled back the hood that Frank had made. Joe opened his eyes slightly, and looked at him.

“Chet?” Joe quietly asked.

Chet gasped. “You are alive!”

The others looked and were just as shocked.

“We can’t wait around here too long. He’s weak and needs food and water,” Frank said.

“We don’t have any more food, but I have a few swallows of water left,” Chet replied.

Chet was very thirsty himself, but seeing the state that Joe was in, he felt he couldn’t be greedy. They tilted Joe’s head back and Chet took a little of the water and moistened Joe’s lips with them. Then he gave Joe a couple sips. Joe groaned in pain as his stomach cramped.

“Easy baby brother, take it one sip at a time,” Frank told him.

Chet pulled down the hood, and put his canteen away. “We’ve got to get him to some place safe.”

“Let’s go,” Frank replied.

For nearly three miles they walked. Frank never once let go of Joe. He refused to even take a break knowing that Joe needed to see a doctor right away.

When they arrived at the small village, Kamots was there with a hummer. He stepped out, and smiled lightly.

“This is the village car. They are allowing us to borrow this so we can get your brother to the docks. I already have a boat waiting for you to get you back to the mainland. A car is waiting for you there,” Kamots explained.

They put Joe in the hummer and Frank sat next to him, holding him close. The hummer bumped along the roads. It was a slow drive, but Frank didn’t mind. They were going to be in the hotel soon, and he would get some food in his brother’s system. The others kept quiet, letting Frank enjoy having his brother back. Soon they were at the docks where the boat that had brought them to the island was waiting.

Chapter 17

Just as Kamots had promised, there was a car waiting for them on the mainland. They climbed in, letting Biff take the wheel. He drove back to the place they had stayed in last night.

“Frank, we can help take care of him,” Phil offered as they followed Frank to their rooms.

“I’ll take care of him myself,” Frank replied, declining their offer.

“Frank, I’m going to go order food for everyone. What should I get for Joe?” Chet asked.

“Hot chicken broth, crackers, grapes, and a large glass of cold water,” Frank replied.

Biff opened the doors to the brothers’ room, turning on the light. Phil went in and turned down the covers.

As Chet was walking away, Tony stopped him. “Make sure to get something for Frank. It’s been nearly two days since he’s eaten.”

“I’ll get him a burger platter with the extras,” Chet promised.

He walked down the hall to place the orders with the front desk. Tony came in to help Frank.

“I’m going to clean him up first, he feels a little cold,” Frank replied, carrying Joe into to the bathroom. He was about to turn to turn on the light when the sensors turned it on. He carefully put Joe on the floor.

“Let us help you, Frank,” Phil said again.

“No. He’s been humiliated enough. I have to do this myself,” Frank replied. He checked the tub to make sure it was clean, and put the stopper in the drain.

“Come on guys, let’s go make sure Chet doesn’t eat everything before he gets back,” Tony said.

Tony knew that Frank wanted to care of Joe own his own. He had known the brothers long enough to know that the only one Joe would want taking care of him right now was his big brother. They can help later on, bringing them food, and medicine. Medicine!

“We also have to see about getting a doctor,” Tony added.

“I think the hotel might have a doctor on call, let me go see,” Biff said, and he left the room.

Phil took the hint and walked out with Tony, locking the door behind him.

Frank filled the tub with very warm water. Joe hadn’t had the luxury of a bath in a couple of weeks, and he wanted to make up for it. He carefully unwrapped Joe from the blankets, and slowly lowered him in the water. Joe moaned lightly.

“It’s OK baby brother, I’m just cleaning you up,” Frank assured him.

Taking a deep breath, Frank grabbed a wash cloth, soaked it, and added some soap. He began washing Joe down. He carefully washed each piece, making sure to get the soap off. He went very slowly. Joe had grown very thin and he didn’t want to take the chance on hurting him. Taking the small bottle of shampoo, he used it to wash his brother’s hair, and used the empty ice bucket to rinse the suds out. He spread out some towels on the floor, and gently laid Joe down on them. Turning back to the tub, he let the water drain, noticing that it had taken on an eerie pinkish hue. He dried Joe off and carried him to the bed, covering him up. Just as he was tucking in the blankets, there was a knock at the door.

Frank checked the peep hole and saw that it was Phil and Biff with an older looking man who had a black bag. He opened the door, making sure they were the only ones there.

“Frank, this is Dr. Phillip. He came to examine Joe,” Phil said.

Frank nodded and let them inside. Biff handed him a bundle of clothes including a pair of sneakers.

“I went to the market across the street. Everything he’ll need is here,” Biff replied. Frank gave him a small smile of thanks.

They stayed in the bathroom while Dr. Phillip examined Joe. Biff and Phil tried to talk to Frank but he stared at the floor, refusing to talk. A gentle knock on the door indicated that the doctor was finished.

“He’s very weak and needs food and water. But make sure to start him off on light foods. He’s lost vast amount of weight, and can get sick. I suggest that you keep him in bed, and feed him food and water until he’s strong enough to go home. There take him to the hospital to be examined by his own doctor,” Dr. Phillip advised him. He left Frank with a small bottle of aspirin in case Joe developed a fever.

Frank walked back to his brother who was sleeping peacefully.

“Are you sure we can’t help?” Biff asked again.

“I need to do this myself,” Frank replied.

Biff nodded, understanding Frank without him having to say anything. They left with a promise to come if they were needed. Frank sat on the other bed, silently watching Joe. A soft knock on the door broke his thoughts.

“Frank, it’s me,” Chet said.

Frank opened the door and saw Chet and Tony there with two trays of food. One had the food that Frank had requested for his brother. The other had heavier foods on it.

“I know you’re not hungry, but maybe later you can eat. You’ll need to keep up your strength to take care of Joe,” Chet said.

Frank nodded. He watched as they brought in the trays, placing them on the table, and left without asking any questions. Frank put the tray of food for his brother on the nightstand, next to the bed.

“Joe,” Frank said, shaking his brother’s shoulder lightly.

Joe moaned, “Need sleep.”

“It’s ok, you have to get something into your system,” Frank said.

Frank took the bowl of soup and spoon. He held the bowl near Joe’s nose so that the aroma would entice him.

“Please Joe, you have to eat,” Frank pleaded.

Joe moaned and barely opened his eyes. He looked at his brother, who was holding a bowl of what looked to be broth, and a spoon in his hand. There were tears in his brown eyes.

“Please, just a sip,” Frank begged.

Joe opened his mouth. Frank put the spoon tip into his mouth and carefully gave his brother a small amount of the broth. He was grateful that his friends had finally left them alone. It was breaking his heart to have to feed his brother, but he knew he had to do everything he could to keep him from going back.

“There you go, now try another,” Frank encouraged his brother.

He put another spoonful into his brother’s mouth. Again Joe swallowed the nourishing liquid. Spoonful after spoonful, Frank carefully fed the broth to his brother. He put the empty bowl and spoon on the nightstand.

“You need to drink some water,” Frank advised.

Joe slowly nodded. Frank carefully leaned his brother forward, and helped him drink a small glass of water. Joe leaned back, feeling the warmth of the broth in his stomach. It had been days since he had eaten real food, and was grateful that the broth hadn’t caused him to cramp up. He closed his eyes and was content to listen to his brother moving around him.

Frank carefully cleaned his brother’s face, and pulled the covers to his chin. It was going to take awhile, but Joe was going to get back on his feet. He just had to gain enough strength for the trip home. Frank felt his forehead. Joe was freezing, even though it was quite comfortable in the room. The bath hadn’t done much to warm him up. He pulled the blanket from the other bed and lay down next to Joe, covering them both with it. Joe was still shivering, but gradually Frank could feel the warmth coming back to him.

The weeks of hell he had been through were finally catching up, and Frank felt himself wanting to drift off to sleep. He rebuked himself, knowing he had to stay up to watch over his brother. Joe’s condition was too delicate to ignore. Frank thought that it was a miracle that he was able to nurse his brother back to health. He shuddered to think that if they had not gone to the priest, he and his friends would have been on a flight back home, preparing to bury his brother.

“Joe…Joe!” a gentle voice called to him.

“Who are you?” Joe asked.

A group of beautiful female spirits stood before him. They were dressed in ceremonial clothes. Each of them wore wearing symbols of the lifeforms they protected.

“We are only a small portion of the guardian spirits that are in the valley. Others had to stay to protect while we came to speak to you,” the lady with the butterflies in her hair spoke.

“Why did I go through that?” Joe demanded.

“We are sorry. But you are the only one who is pure enough to stop this evil man from using his powers,” she said.

“What powers does he have besides the ones I saw?” Joe asked.

“He stole from you the power of strength. That’s why your body is so weak. That’s your gift Joe Hardy. You have more strength then anyone could ever imagine. If you want that back you’ll have to fight,” she answered.

“But how? I can barely move,” Joe said.

“We and the other spirits will guide you and give you powers. But you must be willing to fight. You are the only one who can bring him down. Until he is destroyed the spirits of those he murdered will be tormented. Until you fight back, your body will stay in that crippled state,” she replied.

“Then I will help, just show me how,” Joe said.

In a flash Joe saw how to use his new powers. Each one was unique, but slightly weak. Yet by combining them they were strong. He would have energy and strength despite his weakened body. His spirit would be the one thing he would have to work on. He was going to have to find a way to find strength from within.

Soon the lessons faded as quickly as they had begun.

Joe slowly opened his eyes. He found himself staring at the ceiling. Feeling pressure on his left side, he looked over. Frank was laying next him, and arm draped around him. Joe could only smile at what Frank had done for him. He tried to move. As the spirits had promised him, some strength had returned to his limbs, but they were still painful to move. The slight movement caused Frank to stir. He nearly had a heart attack when he saw Joe awake and trying to get out of bed. He was trying to reach for the bundle of clothes that was on the other bed.

“Joe, what are you doing?” he demanded. He jumped out of bed and rushed around to help Joe up. He pulled a blanket up and wrapped Joe with it.

“For one thing I need to use the bathroom and put on some clothes, and two we have to discuss something,” Joe replied, his legs shaky.

“Alright, but next time wake me up. You’re still too weak to move around much,” Frank replied.

He helped Joe to the bathroom, and closed the door for him. He gave a knock and the door open slightly. Frank handed Joe the clothes and the door closed. After waiting for a few minutes, his brother emerged from the bathroom wearing the fresh clothes. Frank helped Joe lay back down.

“Frank, I have to go back there,” Joe said.

“Are you crazy? You were almost killed there. You were killed there. It’s a miracle you’re alive, and I’m taking you straight home!” Frank replied, not wanting to argue.

“I have to fight back, Frank. The spirits told me that I have to fight the demon guy. He’s powers are complete including the power of strength, which he stole from me. If I don’t he’ll keep killing to please his demons,” Joe calmly explained.

Frank was quiet for a moment. Sure he knew Joe had much more strength then anyone he had ever known, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t get sick. “Joe, I know you want to stop that guy. And right now, I could kill him with my bare hands, but right now you’re my only concern.”

“I know, Frank. That’s why I came back. But they brought me here because I’m the only one who could defeat that guy…” Joe paused, “Frank. He’s killed 19 others. Including one that I was forced to watch. I can’t let him kill again.”

Frank was shocked. The villagers had told of the man killing a couple of the missing children, he just didn’t think there were that many out there. “I wonder if some of those kids were runaways or orphans,” Frank said.

Joe shrugged. “It might be why Dad was only able to find 8 missing children reports. Children’s services are so overwhelmed, they can’t keep track of everybody. The others must have been reported by the friends of the missing kids.”

Frank nodded. “Yeah, no wonder Dad didn’t talk much about it.”

“What did happen after I was kidnapped?” Joe asked.

“Everyone was looking for you. All our friends after school would go looking for you. I doubt anyone did any homework. Mom didn’t eat much, and was making so many phonecalls she barely slept. Dad refused to take a break. I saw him nearly faint, but he’s OK. He refused to let me come here at first. But I told him that if this was a lead we had to follow it. Someone had to stay behind that could travel on a moment’s notice if another lead had come up,” Frank explained.

“Frank, I have to go…” Joe tried to explain again.

“NO!” Frank shouted cutting him off. Then he calmed down when he saw the shocked look in his brother’s eyes. “Please, I lost you once. I never want to go through that again. I can’t take it anymore.”

Frank gathered Joe in his arms and gave him a tight hug. Joe hugged back. “Frank, I want to show you something,” Joe said.

Frank pulled back and watched his brother. Joe pulled a flower out of the vase that was next to him. He concentrated on the bloom until Frank felt a chill come out of nowhere. Before his eyes, the bloom had suddenly been frozen solid in a thin layer of ice. Joe gently blew on the flower and it crumbled to dust.

“Joe…” Frank said his voice catching in his throat.

“They’ve given me special powers Frank. They need me to fight the demon man,” Joe calmly replied.

Frank started crying and Joe hugged him. “I’m going to need you by my side, Frank. Although I have these powers, I’m still weak. And they won’t be strong enough to fight the demon man until have all the support I can get from you,” Joe quietly explained, still holding onto his brother.

Frank pulled away and lowered his head. Joe gently wiped the tears from his brother’s face.

“There’s something else Frank,” Joe said, his voice catching. He didn’t like what he had to tell him. “The power of strength that was taken from me is the one that keeps me healthy. If I don’t get it back, my body will stay in this weakened state. Which means I would gradually grow so weak that I would…” Joe couldn’t finish.

“You’ll die if you don’t fight,” Frank finally said.

When Joe nodded, Frank hugged him again. Frank had just gotten his baby brother back, and he wasn’t about to let him go. Yet he couldn’t bare the thought of Joe slowly wasting away. Even if he tended to him night and day, it would still break his heart to see Joe like that. He took a deep breath and made his decision. He was going to have to help his brother fight the demon. And if you baby brother, should die in the fight, then I’ll make sure I go with you.

Chapter 18

“I’ll help you fight, little brother,” Frank promised.

“That’s all I can ask, big brother,” Joe replied.

Joe let him go, and looked over at the table. The food, long cold, was still sitting on the table.

“Frank, didn’t you eat?” Joe asked.

“No, I was too worried,” Frank replied.

“Then go order something hot to eat,” Joe insisted.

“No. I’m going to get you eating again then I’ll eat,” Frank replied. He started rubbing his temple when Joe heard a large growl.

“I know that wasn’t from me. Please big brother, you need to eat too,” Joe begged.

“Tell you what. I’ll order a dinner for me, if you eat the grapes and crackers,” Frank said.

Joe turned his head, and saw the rest of his food on the tray. His stomach was hurting slightly from the broth. “I don’t know, my stomach hurts a little bit,” Joe said.

“That’s because you haven’t eaten in two weeks. Please just a few bites,” Frank begged again.

Joe sighed, “OK. Go order the food. When you eat, I’ll eat.”

Frank called to Biff’s room and ask that him if he would bring him something. Biff agreed and said he’d be over in a few minutes.

“Frank, you could have gone to get it. I’m OK,” Joe tried to assure him.

“No way. You can barely stand up, I’m not leaving you alone for a minute,” Frank promised.

After the food arrived, they both ate quietly. It was breaking Frank’s heart to see Joe eating so slowly, yet as long as he wasn’t throwing up, the food was going to do him good. He ate his burger bite by bite. His stomach growled as he finished it. “Sheesh, when was the last time I ate? Must have been at least two days ago. No wonder I’m so hungry,” Frank thought to himself. Frank finished up his own food, as Joe continued on the grapes.

“Do you mind if I turn on the TV?” Frank asked.

“Go ahead,” Joe replied.

Frank turned on the TV to the news station. While watching the broadcast, Frank kept an eye on his brother. Joe was trying his best to eat all the food that was on his tray. He was going slowly, but soon had eaten all the food. Now, if he could only hold it down. Frank went and got a small trashcan and came back to the bed.

“What are you doing?” Joe asked.

“Just in case you need it,” Frank replied.

“Thanks,” Joe said, giving him a small smile.

Frank sat down on the edge of Joe’s bed. He looked at his brother for a long minute.

“What?” Joe asked.

“How are you going to fight the demon man?” Frank asked.

Joe sighed. “I really don’t know. The spirits showed me how to use the powers I was given, and I have to fight him, but how or where in the valley, I don’t know. I have a feeling the spirits will show me once I go back.”

“Are you sure you want to fight?” Frank asked, hoping Joe would change his mind, but knowing he wouldn’t.

“I’m sure. The guardian spirits chose me to fight the demon and I will,” Joe replied, closing his eyes again.

Frank lay down next to his brother, trying to cherish every moment he had with him. He just got his brother back. Did the guardians honestly expect him to just let his brother go into a fight in his present state? How could they have let so much pain come to his brother in the first place?

“Frank, are you OK?” Joe asked through half closed eyes.

“I can’t believe they let you go through all of that, and then expect me to send you into danger again,” Frank replied.

“I know big brother. They need us now. We were chosen because we’re the only ones,” Joe replied, trying hard to stay awake.

“Why though? Couldn’t they have found someone else?” Frank asked.

“You’re the only one who would have gone through all that trouble… all those lengths just to bring me back. They knew that I would be the only victim to be rescued,” Joe explained.

“You know I did that because I love you,” Frank said, hoping Joe would hear him before he fell asleep.

Joe smiled slightly, “Yeah, I know.”

His breathing evened out and Frank knew he was asleep. He pulled the blanket to Joe’s chin and tucked in around him He laid down next Joe and nearly fell asleep before he crawled under one of the blankets.

To Frank it had seemed like he had just closed his eyes when he felt Joe stirring next to him. He woke up to find Joe trying to get out of bed.

“Joe, what are you doing?” Frank asked as he got out of bed.

“Trying to get to the bathroom,” Joe quietly replied. He tried to slip out of bed but his pain in his muscles sent rivers of pain through him. He groaned and lay back down.

“Here I’ll help you,” Frank offered.

He helped Joe get out of bed and into the bathroom. A few seconds after the door closed Frank heard the shower running. He called for room service and order food for both himself and his brother. He knew he should go over and get their friends to tell them that Joe was awake, but he wanted so much to spend as much time as he could with Joe by himself. He decided to wait until after they had breakfast.

Frank turned on the weather station. The weather was going to be just has it had been for the past week; hot and sunny. He switched the news station, but there wasn’t anything new. He heard the shower water turn off, and a few minutes later Joe emerged in the clothes he had slept in. His hair was still damp. Frank helped him back to the bed.

“I ordered us both some breakfast,” Frank said.

“I don’t know if I can eat. My stomach is a little upset,” Joe replied.

“It’s just some light stuff; Yogurt, fruit, toast, and juice. I ordered a heavier breakfast for myself… I hope you don’t mind,” Frank added.

“Why would I mind?” Joe asked, looking at him.

“I don’t want you to get sick from the smell of food,” Frank replied.

“Frank, it’s ok, you need to eat too,” Joe said.

“Not if you can’t,” Frank said, looking directly at him.

“I won’t be able to for a long while. I don’t want you to starve yourself. One of us has to be strong,” Joe told him.

Frank sighed. “OK, I understand, but as soon as you’re able I’m treating you to the best dinner I can find in Bayport.”

“Really?” Joe asked, smiling slightly.

“Of course… you need to get some muscle back onto those bones, and that means protein,” Frank replied, smiling back.

“Then I want the best steak dinner in town,” Joe replied.

“It’s yours as soon as we get back,” Frank said.

As soon as he said that, there was a knock at the door. Frank checked the keyhole to find room service there with the breakfast he had ordered. As they watched TV, Joe slowly and carefully ate the food that Frank had chosen. Frank still felt guilty, eating a heavier meal then his brother could, but still it was good to see him eating on his own. After he finished the meal he put his tray on the nightstand.

“Are you OK?” Frank asked as he came over to Joe’s side.

“I’m going to take a nap before I leave. I’m going to need all the rest that I can get before I go back,” Joe told him.

“Then I will too. I’ll call the guys and have them rest up too,” Frank replied.

Joe nodded and closed his eyes. Frank called Biff and told him of the plan that had been decided on. Like himself, Biff was determined to get Joe back to the states to a good doctor. He was having a hard time explaining what Joe had told him. Biff still had his doubts, but was willing to go with them back to the island, if anything to offer the brothers support. Frank lay back down next to his brother, covered them both with a blanket, and closed his eyes.

Hours later, Frank awoke to Joe getting up. He helped his brother to the bathroom then called their friends. They all agreed to go back to the island with them and help in anyway they could. Soon Joe emerged from the bathroom in the clothes he had slept in, and the new sneakers that Biff had bought for him. The brothers both put on sunscreen and bug repellent. Frank handed Joe a spare hat and a pair of sunglasses. As they were walking towards the front entrance, they found their friends already waiting for them. Joe was immediately greeted by hugs from all of them.

“Joe, are you sure you want to do this?” Phil asked.

Joe nodded, “I’m sure. It was the reason why I was brought here in the first place. I have to do this or the killings won’t stop.”

Phil nodded, knowing that once Joe made up his mind there was nothing that could be said or done to change it. “They’ll we’re all going with you.”

“Are you sure? I don’t know what could happen. You guys could get hurt or even killed,” Joe told him.

Tony stood up. “We can’t turn around now. Not after what we saw out there.”

“Then we’ll leave now,” Frank replied.

They were all surprised when the saw Kamots coming into the hotel lobby.

“How did you know we were coming back?” Frank asked.

“A wind guardian spoke to me. She said that the other spirits told Joe what his mission was, and would need someone to take him back to the island along with his brother and their friends. She said you would want to leave as early as possible,” Kamots explained.

“So everything is ready?” Joe asked.

Kamots nodded, “Yeah. I have my car out front, the boat waiting for us at the docks, and the villagers are waiting on the island.”

“Joe, are you sure you’re strong enough? You look like you can barely stand up,” Chet asked as they were about to leave.

“Don’t worry, I’m going to be fine,” Joe promised all of them.

It was only Frank that inwardly sighed when Joe said that. His brother was too weak to do any type of fighting, and now he was going to have to battle a demon man that was possessed with mutant power. He could only pray that someone or something out there would give Joe the strength to survive. At that moment he just wanted to hold Joe and take him as fast as he could out of the country and back home, but living with Joe for seventeen years had taught him that his brother was as stubborn as his father, and would never back down from a challenge. Not a challenge that was this important.

They walked out and climbed into Kamot’s car. No one spoke as Kamots carefully drove them to the docks where the boat was waiting. As they rode back to the island the air seemed to be a presence. Joe could feel as though someone or a lot of eyes, were watching him. As they got onto the island, they noticed it was eerily quiet. Kamots told them that the villagers had been warned to stay indoors until the battle was over. They walked until the dense jungle blocked their path.

“OK. This is where you guys have to stay, Frank and I are the only ones who can continue on,” Joe told them.

“What are you talking about? There’s no way you can battle anything in your condition,” Biff said, wanting Joe to forget about it.

Joe shook his head. “It’s why I was brought here. I have to be the one to defeat the demon. If I don’t, he’s going to keep killing at least one person a day.”

“Frank, are you just going to stand by and let him do this?” Phil demanded.

Frank looked directly at all of them. “I’ve seen some things happen here today that I still can’t believe happened. Joe showed me something that proves he’s the one that has to defeat the demon man. I’m going to fight with him.”

Looking at the determination in the brothers’ eyes, their friends decided to back down. Kamots handed them a canteen of water and the machete. Frank began to cut his way through the dense foliage, as his brother followed. Their friends watched as they continued along the way to the altar.

“What do we do until then?” Chet asked.

“We wait,” Kamots replied.

Chapter 19

As Frank and Joe walked through the jungle, they heard the sounds of drums.

Ta-toom…Ta-toom…Ta-toom…

“Those drum beats. I constantly heard them during the sacrifices that the demon made,” Joe remarked.

“Sounds like a heart beating.” Frank replied then stopped in his tracks. “Is it me or did just get cold?”

Joe shivered slightly as the cold hit him as well. “Yeah, it is cold.”

They kept walking when a laser beam shot between the two of them disintegrating the tree behind them. Frank pulled down his brother and landed on top of him. A voice like that of Darth Vader and Warf speaking at the same time, came out from everywhere.

{Do you two really think you can destroy me?}

Frank felt the pendant on his necklace was throbbing. He picked up his brother’s arm and they ran towards the right. More laser beam fire came out of nowhere, disintegrating rocks, trees, and several birds on impact.

{You can’t outrun me)

Joe tripped and his foot became wedged in a mass of tree roots on the surface. Frank tried desperately to free his brother’s foot.

“Get out of here Frank, he’ll kill you!” Joe told him, shoving him back.

“I’m not leaving you here!” Frank yelled.

Another laser beam came towards them. Joe shoved Frank down and caught the beam with the palm of his hand. To Frank’s amazement, the beam was stopped, in fact Joe’s hand was glowing! He absorbed the energy and tossed it back in the direction in which it came. Clenching his fists he brought them down on the roots that were trapping his foot, shattering them into pieces.

“How did you…” Frank started to say, but was stopped when Joe grabbed his arm and pulled him up.

“Let’s go!” Joe shouted as he took off into a run.

Frank ran after him, trying his best to keep up.

{That was really cute. So the spirits have given you some powers. But they’re no match for mine!}

As they ran, more laser beams came at them. One laser grazed Joe, but to Frank’s amazement, there was no blood. A clearing came before them. As they ran along a rock formation in the distance they could see what once had been a human being. Now he was possessed by evil. His eyes were glowing blood red. The ugly cloth was now like a piece of armor. His skin was glistening with the red glow of the souls he took.

{You came here to defeat me? The spirits have led you to your deaths!}

The demon man raised his hands and the rock formation flew into the air. The brothers split up, running in opposite directions. The formation came down on Joe.

Joe created a force field with his telekinetic energy. The rocks scattered around him. At the same time he looked over as Frank was covered in a large mound of the boulders.

“Frank!” Joe shouted.

Suddenly the rock mound exploded outward and Frank stood up. The pendant on the necklace was glowing!

{The Guardian pendent!}

“Run Frank!” Joe shouted.

Joe teleported himself in front of Frank as the demon man shot a fire blast at his brother. The blow slammed into Joe knocking him off his feet. He slammed into Frank causing them both to go flying backwards. Frank landed on the ground with Joe on top of him.

{Die!}

The demon man shot off another fire blast. Joe held out his arms and formed an icy shield, deflecting the blast. The fire hit a rock pile, blowing it to pieces. They both heard the demon man roar.

{You’ll pay for interfering!}

The demon man took to the skies. Bring both his hands down, bluish beams shot out. Both Frank and Joe found themselves flying high into the air! Joe could actually see the tops of the clouds! The demon man laughed loudly as the brothers rose higher. He clapped his hands and the beams disappeared. They began falling fast. Joe held out his arms, going down fast, trying to catch up to his brother.

“Frank!” Joe shouted. His voiced carried off by the winds.

Frank was falling faster and faster! As Joe put on more speed, he noticed that the pendant had started to glow again. Frank was enveloped in a bubble of blue energy. He was starting to slow down! Joe got his legs below him, and held out his hands. He shot out blasts of fire from his hands towards the ground, slowing himself down. Frank landed softly on the ground. The demon man flew at Joe slamming into him full force, slamming him into the ground.

“Joe!” Frank shouted.

Joe kicked off the demon man, sending him flying back, smashing into trees. Frank’s eyes went wide as Joe stood up.

“Joe!” Frank came over to him. There were no marks, cuts, or anything!

“Frank, get down!” Joe shouted, as he shoved his brother to the ground. A beam of energy flew across where Frank had been standing, creating a small crater not to far from them.

{Damn you!}

A wall of fire came towards them. Joe instantly created a dome of thick ice. The fire melted nearly all the way through. Joe immediately shot a blast of energy at the demon man, blowing off his left arm. The demon man screamed in pain and anger. He threw another energy blast which Joe deflected. Even though he was fighting has hard as he could, Joe could feel his weakened body wanting to give out on him. Frank saw Joe’s knees shaking.

“Joe,” Frank said as he tried to get up.

“Stay down,” Joe commanded.

Frank grabbed the necklace and aimed his finger at the demon man. A blast of yellow energy flew from it, knocking the demon man off his feet. Frank grabbed his brother before he could fall to the ground. He could feel Joe shaking under his arms.

“Joe, we have to get out of here,” Frank told him.

“No…we…can’t,” Joe managed to say.

The demon man roared in anger and threw a large energy blast at them. The brothers shot out beams of energy at the same time. Their combined energy beam tore through the blast and slammed into the demon man, blowing a gaping hole straight through him. They watched wide-eyed as energy beams flew out from him. The beams were the sacrificed spirits, finally free of their tormentor. The hole closed and the arm returned. He fell to the ground and began shrinking. He shrunk back into the short, scrawny man he once had been. Six beams of light flew from the jungle. They reformed into silhouettes of human figures wearing ceremonial robes. When the demon man looked up, he tried to crawl away from them.

[It’s time for you to face justice] The spirits said in unison.

Holding out there hands they formed an energy bubble around him. They floated away taking the demon man with them. Joe knees finally gave out as his eyes closed. Frank checked his pulse and breathing. Both were OK. He picked Joe up and hugged him to his chest.

Frank was about to turn to carry his brother out of the jungle when a gentle breeze stopped him. He turned to find a beautiful spirit lady looking at him! She was joined by six more spirits. The lady wore a multicolored dress in tulle and her bodice was covered in flowers. Her long hair had orchids growing down the mane.

“Thank you,” she said. To Frank it was as if the wind was talking through his ears.

“You should be thanking my brother not me,” Frank gently told her.

“We are thanking you both. Although your brother is asleep, he can see and hear us. To him this is like a very real dream. We are here to thank you both for ridding the valley of such a terrible evil. As you leave the island the memories of what had happened here, and what your brother went through since he came will be erased from your memories and that of your friends as well. But we will always remember what you have done. Both of you have shown tremendous courage and strength. You have also shown us that love is one of the most powerful forces there can be. For that your brother will slowly heal over time. He needs you to help him get well. Now you must take your brother back home. We will make sure your journey home is safe and swift.” She told him then smiled. The other lady spirits smiled too. Then with a gust of wind, they faded into the jungle.

Frank blinked, trying to remember if the spirit was real or just something he imagined. He turned and began carrying Joe out of the jungle.

Meanwhile, the brothers’ friends were still waiting where they had been left. Kamots had brought over some water and food. A large crowd started cheering causing Kamots to run and see what the commotion was about.

Frank was carrying his now sleeping brother back to through jungle to where they had left their friends. He had a feeling that Joe had feinted from everything that went on and would be waking up in a few minutes. He just needed a drink of water to bring him around. He held Joe close to him so he could see where he was walking. He didn’t have any trouble carrying him out. It was almost as if the entire jungle was moving aside and the ground was flattening out to allow them to pass. As stepped out of the jungle and into the clearing to where they had left their friends, he was overwhelmed by four sets of arms, all trying to hug him and his sleeping brother at the same time.

“My god, are we all glad to see you both,” Biff said for all of them.

“That goes for us too,” Frank remarked.

“Is he OK?” Chet asked, noticing that Joe was asleep.

“Yeah, he is. He just feinted when it was all over. I guess everything finally caught up with him,” Frank replied.

Kamots came over, carrying a bowl of water. With Frank’s help, they managed to revive Joe. Frank tilted his head and he drank some of the water. His eyes opened up fully.

“Joe? Are you OK?” Frank quietly asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine, just tired,” Joe replied.

“Hey, we were all worried about you. What happened back there?” Biff asked.

Joe sighed and leaned against his brother’s chest. “I don’t know. Everything’s a blur. The more I try to remember the more that fades. I can’t even remember walking in there,” Joe quietly replied.

“Joe, you must remember, you were just there,” Chet said.

“He’s telling the truth. Even I don’t remember what went on,” Frank added.

“You’re kidding me,” Phil said.

“No they’re telling the truth.” Kamots said, “They won’t remember for their own safety. None of you will remember what happened. It’s because the secrets of this place have to stay a secret in order to keep the Valley safe. You’ve seen what happens when the secrets get out.”

“What about the children who disappeared?” Joe asked.

“The villagers are already retrieving the bodies. We called someone in our military who is arranging for the FBI to handle them quietly. Don’t worry the families will be able to properly bury their loved ones,” Kamots assured him.

As they walked towards the village, two ladies dressed in ceremonial clothes directed the brothers to a spot in the center of the village. There were two low sitting chairs near a roaring fire. Frank put Joe in one of the chairs, and sat down next to him. The sun was setting, and the warm fire felt good. Their friends were asked to wait in a hut just outside of the village as the ceremony was being prepared.

After the sun had set, Kamots directed the Hardys’ friends to the village.

“I’ve never seen this much food in my whole life,” Chet remarked, as they came upon the celebration area.

“The harvest has never been this good. Even the elders have never seen this much at one time,” Kamots replied.

There were several men in ceremonial clothing playing on all sorts of exotic musical instruments as well as many percussion ones. The women, dressed in brightly colored ceremonial dress, were dancing and singing.

Joe and Frank, looking tired but happy, were sitting in two large decorated chairs in the center of the ceremony. They each had been given necklaces with small gold pendants. Several of the older ladies, who were not dancing, were carrying around food on large platters for every one. One very pretty young girl, wearing an elaborate dress of deep pink and gold, brought a bowl of steaming hot liquid to Joe. Chet watched that Joe hesitated for a second and then drank the liquid.

“What was that?” Frank asked after the girl had taken the bowl away.

“It was a cross between chicken and lobster soup. I’ve never tasted anything that good,” Joe remarked.

“It’s good that they’re having all this food. You really need to get some protein into your system,” Frank told him.

Joe nodded. “I would love to eat more of the food here, but I still feel a little too sick to eat a lot.”

Frank put a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Just try eating a little of everything. I think they would consider it an insult if you didn’t have at least some of it. I looked around and there are a lot of meats and fish that have been prepared. Try going mostly for those and some of the fruits and veggies.”

Joe nodded and looked at the women as they started dancing in a high spirited style of dancing. Several of the smaller children gathered around the musicians, all of them playing smaller sizes versions of the instruments that the adults had. He laughed as he watched Chet devouring everything that the ladies had brought him. More of the men from the island arrived to join in on the ceremony. Some where acrobats, while others were fire jugglers. The remaining men gathered around and began singing and chanting. Even more food was brought out. The ceremony continued well into the night until Kamots felt it was time to take the brothers and their friends back to the hotel. The brothers were allowed to keep the ceremonial necklaces that had been given to them as gifts of gratitude from the natives.

The hotel was a welcomed sight when they came back. Joe was still very weak, but he was in good spirits. Frank was grateful that the memories of what had gone on during the battle and sacrifices had been erased from his brother’s mind, and would never bother him again. The spirits had also assured him and his friends that the memories would rapidly fade from them as well, to give them all a sense of peace. Frank carried his brother to their room and set him on the bed. He put both of their necklaces in his bag.

“Frank, has anyone called Dad to let him know what’s going on?” Joe asked, as he tried to stay awake.

“No, not yet, I wanted to make sure I would find you before talking to anyone at home. I’ll call him now though,” Frank replied.

Frank dialed home and within seconds, his father had answered the phone. Fenton, a man who was not one to give into his emotions, could hardly contain himself over the phone. He promised to be on the next flight out to Chile to meet up with them at the hotel. He then called room service to have a light dinner sent to their room.

“I hope you don’t mind, but I think we should both eat as much as we both can to start to bulk up again,” Frank said.

Joe nodded, “Yeah I know, though I don’t know how much I’ll be able to eat of it.”

“That’s OK. Just eat as much as you can. It’s more important to get nutrients into your system,” Frank replied.

“Can you turn on the TV? I want to see if we can get any news from around home,” Joe said.

“Sure, I was wondering the same thing myself,” Frank replied.

After flipping around and finding an American news station, Frank answered a knock at the door to find room service. After the service personnel left, Joe tried to get up.

“Hey what are you doing?” Frank quietly rebuked his brother, as he came over to his side.

“I want to eat at the table. If I sit up I may not get so nauseated,” Joe replied.

Frank nodded and helped his brother to the table. They quietly ate while watching the news broadcast. After their dinner of soup and crackers, Joe lay back down on the bed.

“When did Dad say he was coming over?” Joe asked.

“You know, he didn’t. He just said he was getting on the next flight that he could,” Frank replied. “I’ll call back and ask.”

When Frank did manage to get through to the house, he was surprised when Staci told him that his father had left already for the airport. He was going to have to stop in Miami to get a connecting flight to Chile. After hanging up, he called Kamots, who said that his father had already called him. He had volunteered to pick Fenton up from the airport, and bring him to the hotel so Frank wouldn’t have to leave his brother.

“So when is he getting here?” Joe asked.

“He’s already left for the airport. Kamots said he’d pick him up from the airport and bring him here. Judging by the time our flights were, I’d say that he’d be here later this afternoon, probably early evening,” Frank replied.

“I hope I’ll be up, I’m tired already,” Joe replied, trying to stay awake.

“If you want to sleep then sleep. I’ll make sure to wake you up for lunch, then when dad gets here,” Frank promised him.

Joe smiled and closed his eyes. Assured that his brother was asleep, Frank called over Biff.

“Is something wrong?” Biff whispered.

“No, I just want to take a long shower, and I need someone to watch Joe to make sure he’s safe and doesn’t get sick,” Frank explained.

“Sure I can watch him, go take your shower,” Biff said.

“Thanks, I really appreciate it,” Frank said, getting some things together.

“Hey, it’s no problem at all,” Biff replied.

Frank smiled and disappeared into the bathroom, closing the door behind him. After stripping down and turning on the water, he closed his eyes and allowed the warm water to relax his tense muscles.

Biff lay back on the separate bed, watching the TV as quietly as he could. A couple of times Joe stirred, but he remained quiet. Biff still found it hard to believe that Joe was really dead, and the priest had somehow brought him back to life. He repeatedly asked Frank what had happened in the shrine, but Frank kept telling him that as soon as he left the shrine neither he nor his brother had any memory of what had happened inside.

Chapter 20

On board the crowded plane heading towards Miami, Fenton could hardly contain his excitement. He didn’t mind the crowded plane, or the child screaming since they took off. Nothing was going to spoil is mood. He could hardly believe the phone call. The lead in California had not panned out, and he had come home to a distraught wife, who could barely get out of bed. Then the phone call came. At first he thought it was a prank, but when Frank assured him that Joe was alive and on his way to recovery, he could hardly sit down. Then it seemed like another miracle that he was able to get a ticket for a plane that was going to leave in the next two hours. Then he was able to get through security relatively fast to the gate. The weather had been forecasted for rain, but it seemed as soon as Frank called the forecast changed, and the promised rains were going to the north.

He smiled to himself and pulled out his wallet. There in one of the photo holders was the picture his sons had taken of themselves with Santa this past Christmas. He thought then that it was the most precious gift they had ever given him. It was only now that he realized that the most precious gift his sons had given him was the fact that they were his sons. He put back his wallet and settled into his seat. Time was passing by so slowly for some reason. He put on the headphones and tried to enjoy the in-flight movie.

Biff sat up when he heard the shower water stop. A few minutes later, Frank emerged in some fresh clothes and socks. His hair was still damp.

“Feel better?” Biff asked.

“Mentally I already was, now I am physically,” Frank replied, stretching. He groaned slightly as a sore muscle let him know how much he had put his body through.

“Need me to get anything else?” Biff asked.

Frank shook his head. “No, not now. Dad’s on his way, and I think he’ll want us all to leave on the next flight out as soon as he gets here.”

“When will he get here?” Biff asked as he was about to leave the room.

“Early evening is my best guess. When I called back, Staci said that he had already left for the airport,” Frank replied.

Biff nodded and promised to tell the rest of the guys what was going on. Frank closed and locked the door behind him. He checked over Joe to make sure he was resting comfortably. His mind drifted back to the necklace he had taken off. He wondered what had happened to it. Something told him that it was back with Aura in the city. He lay back down on his bed. When he did, he saw the notebook that was sitting on top of his duffel bag. He grabbed a pen and sat down with the notebook at the table.

Day 15 - We found Joe! I won’t say how or why, because something is telling me not to write it down. The memories of what happened here are already starting to fade. I’m wondering why they wouldn’t want us to remember, but I have the feeling that it’s more for our own safety then anything else.

Joe is very weak. He so thin that I can actually see his ribs! I never thought I see that, and I pray that I’ll never see them again. He can barely eat, but so far I’ve been able to make him eat two small bowls of soup. Hopefully they’ll stay down. God, I missed him so much. I’m just so grateful that I have him back now. Now we can go home and Joe can recover from what he went through here. Dad’s on his way, and he’ll be here by the evening. I suspect he’ll want us all to get on the next flight out of Chile that we can all fit on.

This is going to be my last entry in this notebook. I’ll tuck it away somewhere when I get home. Yet, something tells me that when I open this book again later on, I’ll wonder where I wrote the last few entries from. Still it doesn’t matter, I love my baby brother and now I’ve got the chance to show him just how much.

Frank stopped writing and closed the notebook. He smiled and sighed as he knew that really was the last entry he would put into the notebook. Now all they had to do was wait for their father to get there so they could go home. He wanted to get back home as fast as he could. Joe needed to be in his own bed, in his own room.

Frank yawned and felt himself getting a little sleepy as well. He pulled out a small travel alarm clock out and set it for later that evening. He called Biff to let him know that his was going to nap to since they might have a long night ahead of them. Biff promised to keep everyone away so both brothers could finally get some well deserved sleep. Frank pulled the cover off the spare bed and lay down next to Joe. He wanted to make sure that if Joe needed him in the middle of their sleep, he wouldn’t have to get out of bed.

Fenton had hard time containing himself. As soon as his plane landed in Miami, he called Kamots at the museum. He had received the welcomed news that his sons were at the hotel and were resting comfortably. Kamots had promised him that once he arrived he would be waiting for him at the airport with a car. As he sat in his airplane seat for Chile, he could hardly sit still. Yet, the plane moved on, and before he knew it, it was landing. Now so close to his sons, he felt as though he could run to the hotel. Coming out, he was greeted by a blast of hot air. Even though the sun had set, the air was still humid.

“Are you Fenton Hardy?” Kamots asked.

“I am. Do you know my sons?” Fenton asked.

“Yes, they are waiting for you at the hotel, I can take you there now if you want,” Kamots replied.

“As fast as you can,” Fenton told him.

Frank opened his eyes to the persistent ringing of the alarm clock. He reached over and turned it off. His first thought was of his brother. He turned over and saw Joe sleeping peacefully next to him. He held his hand under Joe’s nose and felt the warm air coming from it. He decided to let Joe sleep awhile longer. Getting up he heard a knock at the door. He quietly ran over to answer it before his brother woke up. Biff was in the doorway.

“Frank, you two better get up and get ready. Kamots just called. He’s on his way to pick your father up from the airport,” Biff told him.

“Thanks, we’ll be ready. Just have the hotel lobby call our room before he comes up. I want to make sure Joe is up,” Frank said.

“Will do,” Biff replied as he went to make the call.

Frank walked back to his brother’s bed. Joe looked peaceful as he slept. As much as he hated to, he knew he had to wake his brother up.

“Joe,” Frank whispered as he shook his brother’s shoulder gently. Joe didn’t wake up. “Baby brother you have to wake up.”

“Mmmmm….” Joe moaned as he opened his eyes.

“Dad is on his way here. At least be awake, you can stay in bed if you like,” Frank told him.

“No, I better get up, or dad will freak,” Joe quietly replied, as he slowly sat up.

Frank gave his brother some water from a glass next on the nightstand. As Joe sipped at it, Frank stepped into the bathroom to freshen up.

“How long do you think it will be dad gets here?” Joe asked as he tried to adjust the pillows under him.

Frank came over and helped his brother. “Shouldn’t be too much longer.”

The phone rang causing both of them to jump. Frank answered it.

“Hello?” Frank said. “Dad…yeah were here… Yeah, he’s here too… The doctor already gave him a check up… OK, we’ll be waiting.”

Frank hung up the phone and looked at his brother. “He’s on his way to our room.”

It wasn’t just a few seconds after Frank said those words that there was a knock at the door. Frank hurried over to answer it. When he opened the door, his father was standing in the hallway.

“Frank…” he heard his father whisper before he felt a pair of strong arms nearly crush him in bear hug. He could feel his father’s body trembling slightly.

“Dad, we’re OK. We’re both going to be OK,” Frank tried to assure his father.

Fenton pulled away. “Joe. Where is Joe?”

“Over there on the bed. He’s a little…” Frank started to say as his father gently pushed him aside.

Fenton gasped when he took in the sight of his baby boy. Joe was thin and pale. His cheekbones stood out sharply in his face. Joe’s eyes opened slightly.

“Dad?” Joe whispered when he saw his father standing near him.

“Joe…” his father replied as he gathered his son in his arms.

Joe could feel his father’s tears wet his shoulder.

“I’m OK now dad. I just need some time,” Joe whispered, trying to get his father to calm down.

Frank waited near the door, wanting to give his father some time with Joe, but not wanting to leave his brother. Fenton continued holding onto his son, not wanting to let go. It scared him that he was able to feel Joe’s ribs with his arms. Usually all he could feel was the muscles that son worked on everyday. Fenton finally eased his embrace and let Joe lay back down on the bed.

“How did find him?” Fenton demanded, looking at his older son.

“I had help from a lot of the people here. But even their faces are fading from my memory. I don’t know why, but both of us are forgetting what happened here,” Frank explained.

“It doesn’t matter now. I’ve got plane tickets for all of us. We have to leave here in two hours,” Fenton said.

“We’re going home?” Joe quietly asked.

His father smiled at him. “Yeah, we’re going home.”

The plane ride to Miami was a long one, with Joe sleeping all of it. His father felt it was best to let him sleep. The transfer in Miami was smooth. The airport provided a wheelchair for Joe to use while they moved to different gates. Joe didn’t say much during the plane-ride to Bayport. His friends chatted amongst themselves. Frank listened to the in-flight movie while his father kept a constant watch on his brother.

When the plane finally landed in Bayport, Fenton was forced to wake up his son. Frank helped Joe get out of his seat, and helped him to walk to the entrance. Fenton urged Frank to go on, and make sure Joe sat down in a chair right away while he and the others stayed behind. As Joe got to the ramp with Frank’s help, he saw that a flight attendant had a wheelchair waiting for him.

“Frank, you didn’t have to do this,” Joe told him, as his brother helped him sit down.

“He didn’t have to, it’s our airport policy that if someone is very weak that we provide a wheelchair,” the attendant replied.

“Thanks,” Frank smiled at her.

The attendant smiled back and she walked into the plane to help the rest of the passengers disembark. Frank slowly pushed his brother along the ramp to the gate.

“Are you hungry? We can stop for something to eat on the way home,” Frank suggested.

“No I just want to get home, into a long bath, and then into my own bed,” Joe replied, as he settled back into the chair.

“Whatever you want. And don’t worry about our bags. Dad’s taking care of them,” Frank replied.

Frank pushed Joe’s wheelchair through to the terminal. There they waited for their father and friends to catch up. Frank noticed that Joe did seem a little tired. He was hoping that his mom hadn’t planned any parties so that Joe could go straight home and into bed.

“Joe, don’t forget that the doctor still wants you to be checked out at the hospital,” Frank reminded his brother.

“Don’t remind me. You know how much I hate hospitals,” Joe scowled.

“I know, but just this once I think its best not to argue with him. Johnson Memorial isn’t too far from here. We can see Dr. Wilson if you want,” Frank replied.

Joe sighed. “OK, we’ll go. I suppose it will be good just so mom won’t worry.”

Fenton and the brothers’ friends appeared a few minutes later.

“Dad, the hotel doctor wanted Joe to be checked out at a hospital as soon as we arrived. Johnson Memorial isn’t too far away,” Frank said.

Fenton looked at his watch. It was 9:30 at night. “It’s a little late, but since he’s one of resident chiefs I think he’ll be on duty,” Fenton said.

“We can use the cellphone in the van to call,” Frank replied.

“I better call my parents to let them know I’m OK before they get the National Guard or the Marines over to Chile,” Phil remarked.

They others laughed. “Yeah, I think you all better call your parents, or else they will,” Fenton added.

The group quietly walked through the airport. Not having any luggage to pick up, they walked to the parking lot to pick up the van. Fenton helped his son into the van, and Biff returned the wheel chair to the dropoff point. While they were waiting for him to return Fenton called the hospital. Dr. Wilson wasn’t on his shift, but he said he would come in to give Joe a checkup. After Biff came back it was a quiet ride to the hospital. Nearly everyone feel asleep, as the drive continued on. Fenton felt it was best to leave them in the van sleeping while he and his oldest son took Joe to see the doctor. To his surprise there was an orderly waiting with a wheelchair for him.

“Dr. Wilson ordered the wheelchair. He wants Joe to stay off his feet as much as possible,” the orderly told them.

“I’ll push him,” Frank offered.

The orderly nodded and directed them to the ER where Dr. Wilson was waiting for them. Dr. Wilson was visibly shaken at how thin and pale Joe was.

“My God, what happened?” Dr. Wilson demanded.

“We can’t explain here. Is there someplace private where we can talk?” Frank asked.

Dr. Wilson nodded, “Yeah, my office. But for now I’ll run all the necessary tests and treatments.”

“Can I go with him?” Frank asked.

“I’m afraid not, but you can wait in my office instead of the waiting room,” Dr. Wilson replied.

Dr. Wilson took Joe’s wheelchair and pushed him out of the ER. Frank stood where he was, watching Joe disappear behind the swinging doors.

“He’ll be fine and the tests will probably go a lot faster,” Fenton tried to assured his son.

Frank nodded but it didn’t make him feel any better. He followed his father to Dr. Wilson’s office where they waited for word on Joe’s condition. Fenton called his wife to let her know that they were at the hospital getting Joe checked. He assured that it was just precautionary, and there was no need for her to come to the hospital.

“Dad, I’m sorry I didn’t call you right away. Things were just going so fast, it didn’t come to mind,” Frank said, leaning back in his chair.

“Don’t worry about it son. You found him and brought him back home safe and sound, that’s all that matters,” his father replied, putting a hand on Frank’s shoulder.

“What’s going to happen to that guy that’s behind it all? By the way, what is his name?” Frank asked.

“His name is Lawrence Mitchell. He grew up in a cult, and it appears he learned about the valley through some of the members. Apparently, even the members of the cult thought he was insane and booted him out. After that, the information is sketchy,” Fenton explained.

“Will he fast any justice?” Frank asked, looking directly at his father.

“He’s being tried in military court. Many people including several judges felt that he was too dangerous to have in either federal or state prisons, they also didn’t want him in a state hospital,” Fenton replied.

“I don’t understand. Wouldn’t he end up in military prison?” Frank asked, settling back.

“I want you to promise you won’t tell your brother about this. Let’s just have him think he’s in a military prison somewhere,” Fenton said.

“You don’t mean he’s getting off…” Frank started to say.

“No.” Fenton immediately replied, “He’s being tried in Chilean military court. Apparently they don’t like the idea of someone desecrating such a sacred place. Even their top military officials respect the Valley. Many of their ancestors are believed to have come from the island.”

“So what will happen to him?” Frank asked.

“Either one of the military’s worst prisons or execution. Either way he’s not going to get out of the country. The military wants to make sure that no one learns of the secret of the valley,” Fenton said.

“What about us?” Frank asked.

“Don’t worry. For some reason the military says that the memories of the place and what you saw will fade quite rapidly, and they are more than grateful that you rid the valley of that evil,” Fenton replied.

“Thank goodness,” Frank remarked as he settled back into the chair.

Fenton sighed and leaned back. He couldn’t believe how close he and his family had come to losing Joe. He was going to have to show sons that he loved them, and that he can be a good father.

“How would you boys like a vacation?” Fenton asked.

Frank opened his eyes. “A vacation?”

“A real one. No cases, no phones, just a good quiet vacation of camping, fishing, and hiking,” Fenton said.

Frank smiled. “I think Joe would really like that.”

Fenton smiled back. “Good, I really hope he does.”

They sat in silence for awhile, until Dr. Wilson came into his office carrying a bag. They both stood up.

“He’s going to be OK. There’s no permanent damage,” Dr. Wilson said.

“Thank God. When can we see him?” Fenton asked.

“In a few minutes, I have him on an IV right now,” Dr. Wilson replied.

“What can we do to help him recover?” Frank asked.

“That’s what I came to talk to you about,” Dr. Wilson said, as he sat down at his desk. He put the bag on his desk.

“Whatever medicine he needs or treatment, we’ll get it for him, no matter what the cost,” Fenton assured him.

Dr. Wilson smiled at both of them. “What he’s going to need is a lot of rest, good food, and a calm environment.”

“Really?” Frank asked.

“Really. I want him to eat more than normal, but in smaller portions. In the morning I want him to start out with things like toast, yogurt, fruit, and crackers. For snacks; baby carrots and celery sticks, fruits, plain popcorn, and slices of cheese. For dinners and later on; soup, plain ham sandwiches, garden salads, plain chicken wraps, bread, and spaghetti with sauce. I also want him to drink water with those meals whenever possible or orange juice or cranberry juice,” Dr. Wilson explained.

“You said you want him to eat smaller meals. Can you explain that more?” Fenton asked.

Dr. Wilson nodded. “Don’t force him to eat. His body is slowly readjusting and he may experience a lot of GI problems before his system gets back to normal; nausea, vomiting, dry heaves, heart burn, and other things along that line. His body is doing that because he lost so much weight. Let his body tell him when he’s hungry. Have him have the normal three meals, but have at least one snack between each of them. Also after dinner, have him have one of the chicken wraps or a plain steak one if that’s possible. Keep some crackers and a granola bar on his nightstand along with some more water.”

“It’s hard to believe that he can’t eat that much,” Frank remarked.

“I know, and the throwing up and other stuff will be hard to take. But keep watch of all of that, the less he does throw up, and the more he holds down, the more nutrients will stay in his system,” Dr. Wilson explained.

“What about protein shakes?” Fenton asked.

“No, those are for body builders with already adjusted systems. They’re too strong for his system right now,” Dr. Wilson replied.

“That takes care of food. What about exercise?” Frank asked.

“Well, I just want him walking around right now. Move his limbs if you have to at least three times a day. Use massage and hydrotherapy to get them working. Do you have that dance video game?” Dr. Wilson asked.

“Yeah we do,” Frank replied.

“Have him start out on the easiest ones. If he feels dizzy, tell him to rest, and try again later in the day or the next. Within a month he should be back to normal physically,” Dr. Wilson explained.

“What about school?” Fenton asked.

“Not now. He’s too sick to endure not only the physically aspects, schools are also prime places for illness. I want his immune system to have a chance to build before we allow him back. If there’s any way you can bring work to him and take it back the next day, that would be best,” Dr. Wilson answered.

“I can do that. Do you want us to bring him back for a follow up visit?” Frank asked.

“Yes, in two weeks.” Dr. Wilson said as he handed Frank the bag. “In there is a guideline for watching for infection. There’s a stethoscope, thermometer, sleeping medicine and a small bottle of strong pain killers. I trust you know how to use all of them.” Frank nodded. “I want you to keep track of Joe’s breathing, his temperature, and other vitals. If he seems to be getting sick, bring him in right away.”

“Don’t worry we will,” Fenton promised him.

“Now I also have in that bag a prescription for a nebrulizer and solution. This is a very mild version for when he goes to bed. It will help open up his airways so he can sleep through the night. I also gave you a prescription for a stronger sleep aid incase he has a bad night,” Dr. Wilson added.

Just then there was a knock on Dr. Wilson’s office door. He got up and opened it. It was a nurse, and she was pushing Joe’s wheelchair.

“Hey how are you feeling?” Frank asked, as Joe was pushed into the room.

“Tired, can we go home now?” Joe asked.

“Yes, you can. Remember what we discussed, and get better soon. You can call me at any time,” Dr. Wilson said to him.

Both Fenton and Frank shook hands with the doctor. “Thank you doctor,” Fenton said for all of them.

Dr. Wilson smiled and walked with them to the ER entrance. Frank carefully pushed Joe. “I don’t want you coming back here any more Joseph.”

“Don’t worry.” Frank answered for his brother, “I’m going to make sure of that.”

The drive home was quiet, but everyone was glad that Joe would make a full recovery. Chet promised to bring over some fruits and breads from his family’s farm. Tony promised to bring over some of his uncle’s best chicken soup. Phil agreed to help tutor Joe so he wouldn’t fall behind in any of his classes. Biff also promised to bring over some of his free weights so Joe could start building back his muscle mass. They were all dropped off to the welcomed sights of their parents, each with a bundle of food for the Hardy family. Mrs. Morton promised to have a party for Joe as soon as he was strong enough to enjoy it.

Joe remained quiet as they drove the rest of the way home. He just wanted to enjoy being back in his van, and all the familiar surroundings of home. When they arrived home, they found Laura, Staci, and Vanessa waiting on the porch to greet them. When Frank was able to park, and help his brother out of the van, his mother enveloped them both in a big hug.

“Thank goodness you two are home,” Laura said, trying her best not to cry.

“Yeah, it’s great to be home,” Joe quietly replied.

Everyone helped Joe into the house and onto the couch. Frank couldn’t believe how fast and how clean Staci and Vanessa got the house for their arrival.

“We have a full dinner prepared. None of us knew what Joe would be able to eat, so we have some hot chicken soup ready,” Staci said.

Vanessa had sat down beside Joe, her arm around him. Although she wanted to just give him lots of hugs, the thinness of his body scared her. She was afraid that even hugging him would cause bruises.

“I am a little hungry,” Joe admitted.

“Well, all of you sit at the table. Staci and I will serve it out,” Vanessa told them.

Frank helped his brother to the table. The smells of chicken soup, lasagna, and bread had filled the kitchen. Frank was worried that the smells might get his brother sick. Thankfully the girls had the vents on, preventing them from getting to the dining room. Vanessa filled a bowl with the soup and took it to Joe with the serving of bread they had made. Staci served the rest of the Hardy family slices of the lasagna and some of the bread. After serving up drinks, the girls sat down to eat with the family.

“Thank you, this looks wonderful,” Fenton said.

“And if it’s anything like that omelet you girls made, I think everyone will enjoy this,” Laura remarked.

“Thanks and Joe, don’t worry, I can make plenty of food ahead of time so you can just graze whenever you want to,” Staci offered.

“That’s a good idea. Because chicken and steak wraps are easy to make,” Vanessa said.

“Which is good, because that’s what the doctor wants you to eat. They have to be plain though,” Frank said.

Joe nodded, “He told me everything he told you guys. And I appreciate the help.”

Everyone ate and quietly talked about the meal and upcoming school events. Joe was excited in that next month was the semifinals in the high school football league. While Laura did have some reservations about her baby participating in such a high-contact sport so soon after the ordeal he had been through, she knew that it would give him something to really look forward to and provide incentives for him to work on getting well.

After dinner, the girls stayed to help Laura clean up before going back to their own homes. Frank helped Joe up to his room. They both knew their parents would want some time alone.

Joe showered and cleaned up, then changed into some fresh pajamas that his mother had laid out for him. He snuggled into his bed, grateful to finally be in his own bed after sleeping on the ground for two weeks. Frank sat down next to him on his bed. Despite all the time that his brother had slept on the plane rides, Frank could see the dark circles that surrounded his brother’s eyes. It made the pale and gaunt look that dominated his face look more painful then ever.

“Are you feeling OK?” Frank asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just very tired,” Joe replied. He was having trouble keeping his eyes open.

Frank was about to adjust Joe’s covers when Joe grabbed his arm. “Could you stay the night with me? I really don’t want to be alone tonight.”

Frank smiled. “Sure, let me go get cleaned up.”

Frank showered and cleaned up. After putting on some fresh pajamas and taking the comforter off his bed, he came back to find Joe nearly asleep. Frank lay down next to Joe and adjusted the covers around them. He added the extra comforter to keep them both warm.

“It’s good to have you home, baby bro,” Frank whispered.

“It’s good to be home,” Joe replied, barely awake.

Joe snuggled closer to his brother. Frank wrapped his arms tighter around him.

“The memories of the past couple of weeks are already starting to fade,” Joe whispered.

“They are in me too. Soon we won’t be bothered with them any more,” Frank replied.

“Thank you for coming to get me,” Joe said, before drifting off to sleep.

Frank watched as his brother’s eyes finally closed. “There’s no need to thank me.” Frank whispered back. “I’ll never be able to repay you for what you did for me."

He looked out the window and saw what he thought was the spirit of a woman watching them. As the breeze blew, she faded away. He wondered who she was. She was familiar, but he couldn’t remember what her name was. He looked down at his brother again. Joe wasn’t in the familiar form that he had grown used to, but soon he would be back and healthier than ever.

“Goodnight, baby brother,” Frank whispered. He closed his eyes and all his thoughts drifted to a mountain campsite and nearby lake.

End