Sixteen

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Several minutes past with the others just staring at him. Even Riker had gotten up to see what all the commotion was about, and now looked ready to faint again. Dreemo, Drake, and Camo were the most awestruck. Here stood a vital family member whom they had all thought to be dead for nearly twenty-seven years. Here stood the fallen brother of the Three.

Greeney900 was standing before them.

They all deducted that it was utterly impossible. They must have been gravely mistaken—seeing the face they had all wished had been under Gostt's mask, even though they knew Greeney was dead without a doubt.

But no, this was the one and only Greeney900, twin brother of Drake, oldest brother of Camo, father of Dreemo, son of Matre, champion of Antarctica and the penguin race as a whole—the great, prestigious, envied soldier who was betrayed and shot by Yalashton the day his son was born.

Camo shook his head violently in denial. "No. No, you...you are not real!"

"I can't take the secrecy anymore," Greeney stated in his uncharacteristically raspy voice. "Yes, Camo, it is me. You know exactly who I am."

Drake could barely speak, his shock choking him. It all made sense now, that Greeney had been waiting for their arrival in Ghost Mountain, how he offered his services to the task force, how he somehow was a match for Drake in hand-to-hand combat, how he had learned of Camo's whereabouts and suggested to recruit "Sidewinder," and how he knew so much about Camo, Omniscion, and him.

Drake's mind returned to the day Yalashton had betrayed them, when that mysterious figure dragged him to safety and left Dreemo with him, with the note telling him to care for his nephew. He now realized Greeney had saved him. He had left his son in Drake's care. Drake realized he had remembered all along that he had seen Greeney's face when he was rescued by him, but he had brushed it off as his mind playing tricks.

He remembered he had been moaning in pain as Greeney dragged him out of the boat. "Greeney...Camo...wait...." he had muttered senselessly.

"It's alright, Drake," Greeney had replied as he struggled to carry Dreemo and drag Drake at the same time. "Camo didn't make it...but you'll be alright."

"Huh?" Drake looked around in confusion. "Where am I?"

"It's an island. The men are still following us. I need to get you to cover before they catch up."

"What's going on?" Drake asked drowsily. "Who are you?"

Greeney had halted in that moment and looked his brother in the eyes. "Stay with me, brother. Tell me what your name is."

Drake only stared tiredly at him.

A worried, agitated look grew on Greeney's face. "C'mon, Drake. Tell me what my name is."

Drake looked at him blankly. "I don't know you."

Greeney's eye twitched. His mind began to race for alternative options. He slapped his brother, trying to see if it would bring back his memory somehow. "Come on, Drake!" he yelled in frustration. "I can't lose you too! I can't lose everyone today!" He started to break into tears. "You and Dreemo are the only family I have left! Come back to me, brother!"

Drake continued to stare blankly.

Greeney stopped for a moment to suppress his emotions, to bring back his logical mind so he could reconsider what he was going to do. He then understood what needed to be done.

Greeney dragged Drake into a nearby forest, laid him down, and treated his wounds. After determining Drake's mental condition wasn't getting any better, he hastily scribbled a note telling him who Dreemo was and that it was his job to care for him.

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