The calm nothingness soon gave way to mild background noise. Real an imagined, memories flooded back to Candi. How long was she out? She barely remembered giving birth in the hospital, but the lack of pain in her abdomen suggested she was no longer pregnant.

A new sensation was forming in her...a strength beyond what was normal for her! Still, her spirit was filled with its usual frailties.

Where was Kimiyato? Her dark influence, constantly hovering over Candi? Gone! She dared not press to invite the cruel being back; but where did she go? More importantly, Candi pondered: where was her daughter?





Candi: (gasping) "What in the???"

As she snapped awake, she felt numerous strange sensations come over her all at once!





There, standing near her bed, was the stranger from before. Who was he? And what did he want from her?

Man: "Relax, Candi. It's me...your brother Tom!"





More of her strength suddenly returned, and she snapped the IV cords off and leaped up to him!

Candi: "Tom!!!! Everyone thought you were..."

Tom: "Hey, hey, easy! You're a lot stronger than I remember you being!"

Candi: "Sorry!"





Tom: "But to answer your question...yes, I'm alive! A lot of folks wish I were dead though, and I ain't just talking the Meethlites!"

Candi: "Where have you been? Erin had to take care of Miri, Marina, and me while you were gone!"





Tom: "You may want to sit down. I don't think the nurse wants you hopping around, even if you are the Gifted One! After all...you just had a baby!"





Candi: "I...never imagined you'd be willing to return for me."

Tom: "I don't have much choice now. Imaki has been keeping an eye on you, every now and then. He knows all about you, Candi! But he won't live much longer, given his heart has grown weak!

He does, however, want you and I to visit his house one least time before he goes. Ploribus is on to Merle Hourvitz! He suspects! I personally know little, but he wanted me to come out of hiding and check things out."





Candi: "Then...is it time for all the Flippos to come out of hiding? Make a stand together?"

Tom: "No. Reily won't endanger his investments. Mike and Jeff won't do anything either. Ploribus is aging, and trying to fight it! His son Lex is growing anxious. Nancy is dead.

My girlfriend...is expecting! Obviously, I've heard about Erin's death. Nobody can find Miriam or Marina. They're smart to stay under the radar!"





Candi: "So...I'm the only one that hasn't completely failed Mom and Dad!"

Tom: "Reily was never a failure. But he wasn't meant for what you are; so in a sense, yes! Me...I'm just a biker with no direction! Face it...you are the last of the Flippo family's battle pride!"

Candi: "What about Angie? Where's my baby?"





Tom: "I...think you'd better hear it from your class friend! I'm sorry! I've done my part!"





Candi: "Please! Don't leave! Not...until Ploribus shows up!"

Tom: "All right then. Imaki is the man sleeping across from you. If you need me for anything, he'll give you my contact information. I…I really hope you do well out there, whatever the heck it is you're supposed to do!"

Candi: "When you do leave...tell your son or daughter that Aunt Candi says hi!"

Tom: "I will! And don't forget to check the bathroom. I have a little gift there, that should cheer you up...a reminder of our mom!

I'll return when we need to go to Imaki's together. Much has been happening in the time you were out! Time is really precious now."





It was never reassuring to her when someone inexplicably took off. Tom's hurry to leave, especially after they hadn't seen each other in years, was particularly odd.

Yet, in front of her stood what she found to be only too obvious - the solution to a lot of her identity problems! It was so simple, and Miriam had it right all along!

Her mom had dyed her hair red frequently. Candi had cut her hair short so that she could wear masks more easily. Denny had given her a new name! Now, the picture was complete…Candi Levens was a whole new being.

She feared the nurse wouldn't appreciate the use of dyes or such so soon after a woman had given birth, so Candi decided she had to hurry.





Candi: "Uh...here goes?"





Meanwhile, Laurie was eager to see Candi, thirsty for knowledge on how her friend could have—yet again—defied death!





Laurie: "Imaki! Get back in bed! You know you're not doing well!"

Imaki: "Ugggh...where's Candice?"





Laurie: "Candi is right…"

A pause came over the forensic intern's face…where was Candi?





Candi: "I'm right here!"





Laurie: "Candi!!!! Are you completely insane, girl? Do you want to die?"

Candi: "It's okay, Laurie...I...I don't understand why, but...I've never felt better!"

Laurie: "But...just a few minutes ago you were…"

Candi: "It doesn't make any sense to me either! I know it'll be hard to explain; but there is something I was hoping you could explain to me!"





Laurie: "Candi...I don't know how you survived! Your family...they..."

Candi: "I know Denny's dead! But...what about Angie?"

Laurie: "Candi…she…"





Imaki: "She's...in paradise! With her grandparents!"

Both women suddenly turned towards the old man who had clearly ignored orders to sleep.

Candi: "Imaki? You're…?"

Imaki: "Yes, Candi! I...am your godfather! I baptized Angie before it was too late! She seemed healthy at birth...but her brainwaves were weak! I sensed she was fighting something very evil...the whole short time she lived!"