Sunday, June 28, 2015

3.4 Where Are We?


Heath stumbled as he entered the time bubble. Falling he lost his grip on Don sending both of them sprawling on the ground. Heath tried to stand but a heavy weight pressed against him pinning him to the ground. Struggling he managed to lift his head as someone approached them "whe...where are we?" he croaked. The pressure increased forcing him to drop his head and he lost consciousness.

Blinking Heath woke up in an unfamiliar room in an unfamiliar bed. Laying there adjusting to his surroundings two things became apparent 1) the heavy pressure they first encountered was gone and 2) he wasn't wearing anything beneath the sheets. Where were his clothes? Who had undressed him? and why?


Laying there unmoving he became aware that he wasn't alone. Turning his head he found a pair of light blue eyes staring at him from the other side of the bed. Reaching out he touched his brow confirming that Don still was feverish. "Where are we?" Don asked his voice barely a whisper.

"I don't know," Heath admitted. As he spoke he watched the tears form and slide down Don's cheeks. Pulling him close he found Don too was naked beneath the blankets. Ignoring the strange if not unpleasant sensations of holding his dearest friend next to his flesh. He let Don cry upon his shoulder. There had just been one too many strange things befalling them. Heath felt tears build behind his eyes and fall to mix with Don's. He had no idea where they were. How they got there or whether they would ever go home.

Waking several hours later arms still wrapped around each other. Heath didn't want to move and disturb Don whose head was lying on his shoulder. His gentle breathing tickling his flesh. He really needed to move his arm that was pinned beneath Don as it had gone completely numb. He dreaded the pins and needles it would have once the blood started to circulate again. He looked down as Don began to stir "how do you feel?" he asked.


"I'm fine," came Don's automatic response. Looking up he found Heath looking down at him concern written all over his face. Smiling a little he mumbled "I must be dreaming." He struggled to sit up, as the blankets fell down baring their chests Don frowned "where are my clothes?" Clutching the blanket to his chest, cheeks flaming red as he realized he wasn't wearing anything. He had just been snuggled up close to Heath, his best friend, the man of his dreams. Scooting away gripping the blankets tight, his mind in a panic. What if Heath realized he was gay? What would he do? He jumped when he felt Heath's hand on his bare shoulder.

"Relax Don, it'll be ok," Heath told him feigning a confidence he didn't feel. "There's no need to be embarrassed." Swinging his legs over the side of the bed he stood up. "I'm going to check out our new prison. Want to come with me?" Heath stood there studiously not looking at Don. He preferred not to know whether his best friend was ogling him or not. That thought was more disturbing then his lack of clothing and being imprisoned here. There wasn't much to explore in the room they were in although there seemed to be a room behind the wall the bed was up against. 

Rounding the corner Heath found a door. Opening it a light automatically came on revealing a bathroom. Not a hole to meet their basic needs. A real bathroom with running water, not like the last cell they were in where it looked like they had bathroom facilities but nothing worked. After using the facilities and washing his hands and face he went out to find Don still lying in bed with the covers pulled over his head. "Don?" he asked lightly touching his shoulder "are you alright? Do  you need help?"

"No," came the muffled reply "leave me alone."

"Don we're stuck in this together. Let me help you if I can," Heath insisted tugging on the blankets. "Surely you need to go to the bathroom by now." Giving the blankets a firm tug they came free from Don's weak grip. Gasping in shock Heath exclaimed "no wonder your sick. Your nothing but skin and bones."

Covering his face in his hands Don couldn't face being looked at in pity. Truth was Don hadn't been eating well since Quinten had revealed his feelings for him. He had felt like he had the word gay written across his forehead for everyone to see. He had never been able to eat under stress and with his stomach twisting into knots since Quinten's revelations he had lost a lot of weight. The week? Two weeks? he was locked up in Windy's basement eating the slop they had given him hadn't improved his appetite any. Hauling Don to his feet Heath half carried him to the bathroom. Helped him to the toilet and waited.

"I can't go with you hovering over me," Don said staring death rays at his feet too embarrassed to look any where else.

"Oh ... oh" Heath said moving towards the door "I'm sorry...I'll wait right out the door."


Watching as Heath moved quickly for the door Don bent over resting his head in his hands. He felt like a lovesick fool. He was an idiot to have let himself entertain thoughts that Heath would ever like him for anything more than just friends. Why had he let the hurtful words that Quentin had hurtled at him affect him so much. He hauled himself to his feet and over to the sink. Gazing into the mirror he barely recognized his own reflection. No wonder Heath was treating him like he was made of glass. He looked fragile enough to break. Running water he splashed it over his face. He could still hear Quentin's voice as he said that he was only refusing him because he had feelings for Heath.  I've seen how you look at him when you think no one sees. Why won't you give me a chance? You know Heath isn't interested. He has a girlfriend or haven't you noticed? He had thought Quentin was his friend he had never felt attracted to him. If he was honest with himself the only person he had ever felt attracted to was Heath. How could he face him like this? An over emotional puddle of mush?

A wave of vertigo had him falling to his knees retching. "Don are you alright?" Heath asked rushing to his side. Don tried to wave him away but was too weak from the gut wrenching heaves that produced nothing but stomach bile. He felt like he was trying to heave up his insides. 

Unsure what else to do Heath knelt beside Don rubbing his back. When Don was done heaving Heath picked him up and put him in the shower stall to wash off the bile and two weeks worth of stench. After washing him Heath turned on the cold water hoping to cool his friends body temperature down. He wished they had a bathtub so he could let Don soak instead of pelting him with cold water. Heath was chilled and shivering long before Don showed any signs of discomfort from the cold.

When he shut the water off Heath could see that Don looked better. At least his eyes seemed to be brighter and not so dull from the fever. "How do you feel?" he asked between chattering teeth.

"Better," Don admitted "thank you."

"What are friends for?" Heath asked noticing the instant withdrawal and hurt look that replaced the relief in Don's eyes. What did he say? Taking a towel from the rack he dried  them both off before carrying Don back to the bed. As he was busy covering Don up Heath felt as well as heard his stomach growl. "I wonder if they plan to feed us?" he wondered aloud.


Going over to the door after wrapping a towel around himself Heath paused before opening the door. He could feel Don watching him with worried eyes. At least that was better than the hurt puppy dog look he was getting. "Heath don't go" Don pleaded with him from the bed.

Half turning Heath tried to smile to muster the confidence they both needed "I've got to," he said over his shoulder as he opened the door. Cautiously he looked outside. Glancing in all directions before venturing out. Closing the door behind him. His breath caught in his throat as he stared in wonder around him. He had no idea where they were. There was nothing recognizable about this place. They were inside a humanoid type town. At least the buildings looked like humanoids could live in them. The trees and plants were unearthly. What planet were they on? "We're not in Kansas anymore," he muttered to himself. He wanted to run back inside where he felt somewhat safe. Resisting the urge t hide he knew had to find some food, if not for his sake then for Don's.

Going down the stairs he found another door. Cautiously he opened it moving inside. He entered into a room recognizable as a kitchen. The other room was what could be called the living room. For a prison it was a very nice one. Going back into the kitchen Heath looked in the fridge to see if it was stocked with food they could eat. Smiling as his stomach rumbled again he pulled out the ingredients he needed to make a simple chicken broth. As he prepared the meal Heath couldn't help but wonder the logic behind the master mind who would strip them of their clothing but leave them a fully stocked kitchen. Heath didn't like the prospect of parading around in front of the windows in his birthday suit.

After gobbling his food he made up a bowl to bring up to Don. He hoped this simple broth wouldn't cause Don's stomach much upset when he ate it. Carrying it upstairs he found Don on the floor near the door. Hastily he set the bowl down and went to carry Don to the bed. "You took so long," Don mumbled "I thought ....I'm sorry."

Putting a hand to Don's forehead he could tell his fever had risen again. "After you eat your getting another cold shower," Heath told him.

 
"I'm not hungry," Don mumbled as he listlessly watched Heath retrieve the bowl from the floor. 

"You only think you're not hungry," Heath corrected him "but I happen to make the best chicken broth ever." He brought a spoonful up to Don's mouth "come on take a bite...if you don't you'll hurt my feelings." The hurt puppy dog look crept back into Don's eyes. Heath regretted the look but it had the desired effect of getting Don to open his mouth which allowed Heath to spoon feed him.

Taking it slow Heath managed to get Don to eat half the soup he brought  before Don refused to eat anymore. Carrying him to the shower he held Don on the floor of the shower stall. Heath tried not to shiver but knew he hadn't been successful when Don commented "you're going to make yourself ill if you continue doing this."

"Then you'll have to nurse me back to health," Heath quipped through chattering teeth. 

Relaxing Don leaned back smiling "I do feel better thank you."

"Good we'll do this again in the morning until your fever breaks. It's probably not what a doctor would recommend but I don't know what else to do." Getting out of the shower Heath dried himself and Don using the towels from earlier. Hanging them out to dry he carried Don back to bed. Still shivering Heath crawled in beside him. He felt Don wrap his arms around him sharing his body heat with him. Feeling warm and comfortable they both fell asleep.


Two figures entered into the room and stared down at them. "Our plan is working perfectly," Rendar nodded smiling towards his mate. "Too bad it's the wrong coupling. We will have to work twice as hard to overcome the haflings natural desires and instincts."

"Yes he naturally finds females more desirable. However his emotional attachment to this weakling is strong. I'm sure this will work in our favor as long as they continue isolated from everyone and everything the know. The halfling will give in to the other's desire."

"Ambrogio had no idea we have control of the time bubbles or he would never have put them inside one." Rendar smiled "it proves that he hasn't been in contact with the creator for quite a while or Ambrogio would have known better."

"Soon we will have what we require" Ton'ga said staring down at the two sleeping boys "their offspring will make an excellent creator."

"It could only be better if we had the girl," Rendar stated "without the right gene it will prove more difficult to manipulate into doing what we want it to do."


"As long as they remain here it increases the odds that they will produce at least one offspring with the desired gene." Ton'ga stated "It's possible that both could become pregnant increasing the odds." Looking down at Don she commented "this one is ill. Should we heal it?"

"No," Rendar shook his head "it's helping manipulate the halflings attachment to it. We will let the disease follow it's course unless it weakens to the point of death."

Stirring in his sleep Heath opened his eyes. Looking around he tried to find the source of the noise that had disturbed his sleep. He was positive he had heard people talking. Voices discussing what to do with them. Don stirred next to him distracting him from his thoughts. Turning to him Heath could tell Don's fever was spiking again. Getting up Heath went to the bathroom and got a cold cloth to put on Don's forehead. He hoped it made Don more comfortable. Heath laid back down next to Don trying to recapture the half heard conversation that may or may not have been real.

In the morning Heath repeated the process again with Don. He wished there was something else he could do to make him feel better. Going downstairs to prepare breakfast he tripped over a package left on the deck. Looking around before stooping to pick it up he brought it into the bedroom. "What's that?" Don asked from where he sat propped up in bed.

"I don't know "Heath hesitated wondering if he should mention the voices he was almost certain he had heard last night. Did they leave the box for them? "Do you think we should open it?" he asked.


"Might as well," Don shrugged "we can't be any worse off then we already are."

"You're probably right," Heath picked up the box and shook it "doesn't sound like there's anything in it."

"Just open it Heath," Don demanded cranky from being sick and irritable from feeling helpless and out of control.

Smiling at him Heath did as requested. His smile grew bigger as he found their clothes folded inside the box along with a few extras. Digging into the box Heath put on a pair of shorts "much better," he said. Catching Don staring at him in a mixture of disappointment and worry he asked "what?"

"Nothing," he mumbled.


With a mischievous grin "disappointed I'm covering up my assets?" He smiled as he put the box of clothes down. "Don't worry babe I'll be on display when you need another cold shower." His eyes bulged as he realized what he just said. Flushing bright red he fled from the room and down the stairs.

Don watched him flee unable to go after him. He laid back in the bed with a goofy grin on his face. Could this be real? Did he really say what he thought he did? OMG Heath just called him babe. He couldn't believe it and all it took was being locked up together for days.


Downstairs Heath paced the deck. Back and forth, back and forth. What did he just do? He just called his best friend babe! What did that mean? Did he really have feelings for Don or was it just because of the situation they were in? Running his hands through his hair he almost felt sick. He knew that Don always had occupied a special spot in his heart but he always thought that was because they were best friends. He had been jealous when he found out that Quentin had feelings for Don but he had dismissed it. He had liked girls. Had girlfriends all through high school. But so had Uncle Elliot and he was now with Kyle. So did this make him bi? He didn't know anymore. He was so confused. Was it this place? Being alone with only Don was that making him feel things he wouldn't normally be feeling?

Snapping back to reality when he noticed the sky darkening as evening approached. Heath realized he had been pacing and staring into space for hours. He needed to fix something to each. Check on Don. He didn't have the luxury of falling apart because of a slip of the tongue. Going inside he reheated the left over chicken broth from the night before. As he moved around the kitchen he found a small bottle of liquid with a note that hadn't been there before. 'Your friend is suffering from a rare disease. If not treated properly it will lead to his death. Put two drops of the tincture in his broth three times a day.' Heath wondered if he should trust this mysterious benefactor. What if he did and Don died? A voice in his head asked what if he didn't and he died anyway? Deciding he had nothing to lose he would try it. Don was getting worse and the cold showers were only delaying the inevitable.


Monday, June 22, 2015

3.3 Who is Ambrogio? Part 2

Authors Note: This chapter is mostly in Ambrogio's POV. This entire chapter is played out inside Adam's head including the conversation between Ambrogio and Adam at the end.


To know me, to know who I am  you must see me from the beginning. My parents were Benami and Zara. Benami was the vampire elder and ruler of Moonlight Falls. His downfall, his weakness was falling in love with and marrying a human, my mother Zara. Alessandro, my older brother hated her. Zara wasn't his mother. He resented her because she replaced his mother as cohort. His mother refused to bond with Benami and chose another abandoning her young son. His hatred for his own mother spilled over into hating the human woman Benami loved. That hatred eventually spilled over to me.

I was born fully human but due to the mixed bonding the birth was difficult on my mother. Six months later my mother died. Father offered to turn her but she refused. Instead she begged Benami to promise her to never turn me. Of course he promised, making it a decree that  I was not to be turned on penalty of death. It was a promise that was kept all the days my father was alive.

Alessandro found having a younger brother a source of annoyance and never let me forget how inferior and weak I was compared to him. To protect me from Alessandro father sent me away to learn a trade amongst humans. I had no more knowledge of them then I did of vampires being the first time I was ever among my own kind. It was a bewildering experience at times humans could be as cruel and unfeeling as my brother but eventually I made friends and fell in love.

She was the daughter of my trades master I wrote to my father for permission to marry. With his approval and generous dowry I married the girl I thought I loved. I was young. I was naive. I was eighteen. Two years later I received a letter informing me of my fathers death. He died of a rare disease that seldom effects vampires. I had no doubt my so-called brother Alessandro somehow had him killed.

Upon my brothers request I returned home. During those days supernaturals and humans cohabitated and accepted each other. Things soon changed under the harsh rule of Alessandro. I didn't notice the changes at first. I was grieving for my father like any loving son would. My wife was my support or so I thought.


Alessandro as the new elder outlawed anyone who traveled to or from any human towns and all access was closed between them to everyone but a select few. I begged Alessandro to let me and wife return to our home but was denied. Instead he gave me a small piece of land to build a house and to eek out a living the best way I could. As his brother he said I was duty bound to stay and support his rule. Powerless to do anything else but comply with his demands I moved myself and my wife to the pitiful land he provided us.

Things began to sour between myself and Selene. She did not appreciate the effort I made to make her comfortable. All she did was complain. If the floor was dirt she complained until I made a wooden floor to keep her feet from becoming dirty. Then the modest house I managed to build with the materials I had available wasn't large enough. I made it bigger in an attempt to make her happy. Despite the effort and the back breaking work she was never satisfied. Then one day after a long day spent in the fields she announced she was pregnant. What should have been a joyous occasion was met with dread. I had always wanted children but not now. Not in Moonlight Falls. What future would the child have in a world ruled by Alessandro?

Selene became even more moody and demanding. There was nothing I could do to appease her. Then one day towards daybreak I woke to her screams and knew the birth of our first child was imminent. I rejoiced when I laid my eyes upon my son. Selene refused to look at the child, to hold him or feed him to even name him she was devoid of all normal motherly instincts. I named my son Benjamin. I was both mother and father. Despite my exhaustion I had no other choice but to take the baby with me when I left to work in the fields. Under decree from Alessandro no one was allowed to help me. At times I didn't know who cried more me or my son.

One day I came home to an empty house. I found a note from Selene that read "I do not love you. Never have. Never will. My marriage to you was arranged to bring me here to my love. I had to endure this existence because of that disgusting thing I gave birth to. Do not bother to look for me. I've gone to Alessandro. My one and true love." Scrunching her letter within my fist I screamed. It wasn't long before the marriage proclamation was made that she and Alessandro were to be bonded. I sought out my one and only friend Alanon. I asked how he could marry her as she was married to me. That was when I found out that Alessandro had outlawed all mixed marriages between supernatural and humans and supernaturals could only marry within their own castes.  Any such marriages were a annulled and the mixed children from those unions were kicked out with the offending spouse. Survival was uncertain and many would most likely die from starvation or disease. How did this effect my marriage to Selene? Last I knew she was human...not anymore her transformation was complete. She was a vampire. She had fed.  She was soon to be bonded to Alessandro. They were made for each other.

I went home feeling that Alessandro was systematically destroying my life. First my father. Then my wife. I feared my son would be next. I turned to Alanon for help to smuggle my son out of Moonlight Falls. It filled me with sadness knowing I could not raise my child. Would not see the person he would grow up to be. But my fear that Alessandro would either turn him or kill him spurred me on.



When Benjamin turned five years old Alanon informed me he had figured out how to get him out of Moonlight Falls. I celebrated my son's birthday with a heavy heart knowing this was the last time I would see him, hold him or hear him call me daddy. Although my heart was breaking I had no other choice. It was only a matter of time before Alessandro came for him. I was careful not to ask Alanon where or who he was taking my child to. The less I knew the safer he was. I could not tell Alessandro what I did not know.

Alanon came for my son after midnight. I woke Benjamin up and explained it was time he went away to live with a new family. I felt like I was ripping my heart out of my chest and stomping on it. In the end Alanon picked the screaming child up and left. I fell to the floor weeping. No sooner had Alanon left Alessandro was bursting through my door demanding my child.

Eyes red and swollen I told him that someone had broken in and taken my son. Taking my swollen red eyes as proof of my words Alessandro launched a house to house search for my child. I could only hope Alanon had enough time to escape. Over the next several days Alessandro ransacked Moonlight Falls in search of my child. Despite my heartbreak over losing my child I found comfort in knowing he was safe and that Alessandro would never find him.

I did not know that Alessandro had reached the age where he had to proclaim his chosen heir. His wife, his bonded one had not produced a child. Once a vampire was bonded to another the bond could not be broken until one or the other dies. The chosen heir must be of the same blood as the previous Elder, my father. There was no one else he could bestow that honor on but me. He broke my father's promise. He dragged me before the assembly and performed the transformation ceremony. Despite my protests no one would stand up for me and stop Alessandro. Only one dared to help me and he became my bonded brother, Alanon. He held me as I mourned the loss of my humanity.

I became depressed unable to eat. The thought of drinking blood was revolting. I clung to what little humanity I had left despite Alanon's encouragement for me to feed. I could not bring myself to feed upon another living being. I kept seeing my poor mother's face despite never actually having seen it in my life. I imagined my son being fed upon by some loathsome creature and my throat would close. I could not feed despite the gnawing hunger that was consuming me.


I was obsessed with the changes there were happening to me. At time I felt the power, the surging rage, the near invincibility of being a vampire. Then I would come crashing down cowering in a corner afraid of what I was becoming. The monster I couldn't control. As my bonded brother Alanon did what he could linked to my thoughts he would try to calm me. He was always there. I could hear his voice inside my head until the day I figured out how to tune him out. That was the day I went to watch the sun rise. I wanted to die and there were so few ways for a vampire to kill themselves. Death by glorious sunrise seemed the best option I had.

I hadn't expected the searing pain as my skin burned from my bones. The stench of my own burning flesh seered into my nose. I endured the agony knowing I was killing the beast. The beast I didn't want to be. That was when I met the creator. As I laid their slowly cooking myself to death someone asked "do you really want to die like this?"

I looked up into his light blue eyes and through the pain and tears I nod. I wanted death more than anything. Maybe my mind betrayed me and there was some doubt that the creator picked up on I don't know. The next thing I remember was waking up in a cave feeling cool and calm. "Where?" I croaked out between parched and cracked lips.

"You need to eat," he held his bared wrist out to me. Shaking my head I tried to crawl away despite my weakness. "it's alright," he told me "you will not hurt me." This went on for several weeks while I grew weaker. Vampires have amazing healing abilities but I had come close to death and being in a state of near starvation was more then my body could take. I was slowing dying. I was weak so I fed.

It wasn't what I wanted. The creator lulled me into believing it'd be ok and for a while it was. His name was Silver Warrior Blood he came from a race known as The Creators. The Creators made the Watchers to look after their children. The Watchers were perfect care givers for the active,  developing minds of the young until they became discontent with their role in life. The Watchers wanted more and it all began so innocently. A child grew to love his Watcher and in time they produced a child together. He was completely white like all Creators were supposed to be except for his eyes. His eyes were the lightest shade of blue and his name was Silver. His birth started the war between Creator and Watcher. Silver was taken from his parents and banished in the hopes the child would die. The parents were executed for their crime and the Watchers were sterilized to prevent any future couplings.


Silver survived and became the unknowing symbol for the Watchers representing everything the Creators took from them. He was the first halfling ever produced between Creator and Watcher. In time the Watchers made for themselves a likeness of themselves known as Imaginary Friends they sent to newborns everywhere.  Imaginary Friends were to bond with their child in the hopes the child would so love them they would make them real. Many were convinced they weren't real but for a few they loved their Imaginary Friend so much they figured out how to make them real. Only then did the IF turn against their life giver leaving behind sadness and despair.

I learned these things during the time I spent with Silver inside the cave. I had no idea that the man who saved my life would change my life forever. Silver gave me back the will to live. When I drank from him I felt his power, his magic surged through me. From the moment I took my first drink I was bonded to him whether I wanted to be or not. I grew to love him with an intensity I had not experienced with my wife. Selene was a distant memory. My entire being was wrapped up in Silver. He was my world, my life, my future.

Through Silver I learned about the plasma fruit and used that when I was forced to be among Alessandro and his followers. I hated having Alessandro in my head forcing me to do things I wouldn't normally do. He was a cruel dictator destroying anything and everything that stood in his way. Fairies were all but hunted to extinction the few remaining ones fled to the forest where they live in fear of being discovered. Magic weakened as Alessandro outlawed any but the chosen few from practicing magic. Werewolves thrived as their elder fully supported Alessandro in all ventures. Those that didn't support the elder were banished from the pack where they were left to weaken and die alone.

I as the chosen heir people cowered in fright at my approach. Yet I was not immune to Alessandro's rages. I was still the half brother he hated. When his hatred boiled over and I endured his punishments to the point of death he would have me dumped in my house left to heal or die on my own. At those times Silver would come to me. Nurse me back to life. He was and will ever be the only person I have fed upon.

These times while I was recovering from Alessandro's cruel punishments he never bothered me. Silver and I made the most of the time we had together. Silver wanted to destroy Alessandro but I wouldn't let him. How could I? He was my brother. I could not break my promise I made to my father that I would not harm him. I am positive that Alessandro made the same promise and that alone may have prevented him from killing me. Although that promise was about to be broken too.


I was summoned to the audience chamber to hear the glorious announcement that Alessandro's cohort was finally pregnant. I was now irrelevant as the the chosen heir. Selene was glowing, happy. I felt anger bubbling up inside me remembering the utter joylessness the child she produced with me was greeted with. It made me want to weep for my son because of them I could not keep him. Had to hide him. Pretend he did not exist. How could I rejoice? When this event meant my becoming a vampire, a thing I detested more than anything was for nothing. How long before Alessandro issued my death warrant?

"Not long my brother," was the prompt response to my queries. I forgot for that moment he could read my mind and my thoughts had been uncensored and scattered. I fled from the audience hall to the sounds of laughter both inside and outside my mind. Where could I go that he could not find me? Nowhere was the unwelcome answer. I was as good as dead.

There was no place to hide. No place to run. I went home and found Silver waiting for me. He held me as I cried while he told me not all was lost. I believed him. If I had known what he planned I might have asked him not to. I assumed it was the normal platitudes you say to a condemned man. What shocked me most was his announcement that he was pregnant. I thought he had gone mad, men did not become pregnant. I laughed until I cried. He did not mention it again.

In the morning Alessandro came for me. He dragged me before the assembly where I was strapped down to a slap of stone that was as hard as his heart. I pleaded with him not to do this. That I would abdicate the throne to his heir but he wouldn't listen. As eerie silence fell upon the assembled crowd a loud clear voice pronounced.
What is now cannot be
What will be remains forever
The heir that was will be again
The heir to come will be no more
Ten years time the child will die
the mother sterile for all time 
An heir will come from the one that dies upon this slab
A fierce battle will be fought
The heir not quite human not quite vampire will win the day
The throne he will give to the one who perishes on this day
The current ruler will be banished forever
Futures past two loves unite
Heed these words a promise keep
Alessandro's reign will end when the chosen one appears from the line of Ambrogio 


Silver's voice was the last sound I heard as Alessandro drove the sake through my heart. He killed my body but not my essence. I sought out Silver but could not contact him. It was a lonely existence. I watched as Silver gave birth to my daughter. She had his blue eyes and my dark hair. She was beautiful.

I'm not sure what kept me anchored to Silver after my death. I wasn't a ghost. I wasn't sure what I was. I'm not sure how it happened but I was suddenly inside my daughter's head and it felt like home. That was when I found I could reach out to Silver in my mind. "It's about time you figured it out," Silver told me.

"How was I supposed to know this was even possible?" I retort. All things magical had always unnerved me while I was alive and it seemed even in death.

"It's the curse an promise I put upon you and Alessandro. One day we'll be together again. I have preserved your body for the fulfillment of the promise..."

"What do I do until then?" I complained not ready to accept the idea of floating aimlessly through time alone.


"Guide your descendants until the chosen arrive."

"How will I know who the chosen are?" I ask. Sometimes I hate all the riddles Silver delighted in speaking in. Why couldn't he just say what he means?"

"The chosen one will be the father of a halfling child. The halfling will choose between two sides of the same coin. Twins one good one evil. Beware the Watchers, they will be eagerly awaiting for this time as well and wanting the evil twin to win to produce a child to create a new Creator. One they can control and manipulate into destroying everything upon this planet. 

"I don't understand," I tell him. Silver explained the Watchers are twisted in their thinking and have converted their hatred of the Creators onto humans because of him. Silver had no choice coming here and could not leave. The only choice he had was the one he chose to love. He chose me despite the repeated attempts the Watchers made in sending him one Imaginary Friend after another all to be rejected. He could not choose from such vile creatures. They lived because their humans loved them and them real and they turned that love to hate. Destroying them. For that the Watchers felt that Silver betrayed them. Silver warned me the Watchers would be watching for the arrival of the chosen. They would arrange for the IF to destroy him and take possession of the halfling."

We separated soon after he told me these things. My responsibility was too watch over my son Benjamin and his children and all those that followed until one made the fatal mistake of making their IF real. You Adam are the choose one. I've been with you since Windy broke your heart. I've felt your pain. I understand your fear, your disgust at being a vampire. This will end. You will be triumphant. You can resist feeding. Do not push your family and friends away. They can help you. Give you the strength you need to resist. 


"What happens at the end? When Alessandro is dethroned?" Adam asked "Will I then become ruler of Moonlight Falls?"

"If you choose to become such but you don't have to.  You can denounce it and become human again. Then I will take your place as ruler over Moonlight Falls." Ambrogio explained.

"What if we can't be separated?" 

"I don't know," Ambrogio admitted "I almost forgot. I'm sorry I should have done things differently to protect your son. I didn't think I just knew he'd be safe within the time bubble."

"Well since your  a part of me now we better make the most of it," Adam said "show me what I need to know to release them from this time bubble."


"I will," Ambrogio asserted "then together we'll have to find where the bubble is...."

"What do you mean?" Adam asked his voice full of misgivings.

"Um did I not mention that time bubbles move and fluctuate through time and space?" Ambrogio asked feigning the appearance of innocence.

"No you didn't mention that," Adam felt his anger rising "you still aren't telling me everything."

"Possibly ... maybe..." 


"Ambrogio if you and I are ever seperated you and I are going to have words. Then you'll be eating my fist because I'm tired of being jerked around," Adam asserted.

"You'd beat up an old man?" Ambrogio asked.

"I doubt very much the body Silver has preserved for you is all that old," Adam said reasonably.

"I suspect your right," Ambrogio smiled "I doubt you will hit me though..."

"Don't be too sure about that," Adam said wishing he had something he could hit right now.


"I bear a striking resemblance to your son. I doubt you'd be able to hit me," he repeated in a self satisfied tone.

"Tell me what I need to know then we won't have to find out," Adam insisted.

"Very well," Ambrogio sighed "I felt that Heath needed time to sort his feelings out towards his friend. I thought some alone time would help...."

Laughing Adam nearly choked "your playing match maker? Trust me there's no reason for that. I know my son..."

"Aren't you going to tell me..."


"No I don't think so. You can wait and see like the rest of us. You being here has definite advantages. At least I know you're not off medling in things better left alone. The last thing those boys need is someone forcing them into something they're not ready for yet." Adam asserted himself "now tell me how to find these time bubbles..."


Thursday, June 18, 2015

3.3 Who is Ambrogio? Part 1


Heath woke to the sound of the lock clicking in their cell door. Opening his eyes he could see a beam of light from the corridor beyond filter into the room. Groping for his shoes he left beside the bed the night before they were the best and only weapon he had beyond his bare fists. Heath watched as a figure of a man silhouetted in the light enter into their cell. Recognizing the man Heath almost gasped aloud. "Emit?" he whispered careful to keep his volume low so as not to disturb Don who was sleeping beside him.

"Sorry no," came the reply.

"Ambrogio?" Heath questioned confused recognizing the voice he had heard countless times in his head.

"You're getting warmer," the man said laughing.

"I hate guessing games," Heath growled.


Closing the door behind him the room was once again in complete darkness. "Lovely accommodations you have here," the man said flippantly.

"Who are you?" Heath asked standing up from the bed.

"Who else do you know who has blue hair and a remarkable resemblance to Emit?" came the reply.

"Logan," Heath felt as if had jumped from the frying pan into the fire.

Laughing audibly the man lit a candle "don't worry kid I am also Ambrogio." He set the candle on the edge of the sink. "I promised your dad I would get you to safety."


"I'm not going anywhere with you," Heath said crossing his arms across his chest. "You led my dad into a trap. Helped turn him into vampire. Why would I trust you?"

"No doubt your dad would feel the same way," shrugging "I seem to have that effect on people," 
Logan/Ambrogio said. "Look kid, we don't have time for this. The Watchers are on their way here to get you and Dana..."

"Why? I don't understand," Heath said running his hands through  his hair "I should be at home getting ready for college. Not locked up in some crazy woman's basement," he muttered to himself.

"What can I tell ya kid, life sucks sometimes," Logan/Ambrogio told him "I wasn't kidding about the promise I made your dad. We need to go."

"Where is my dad?" Heath questioned "why didn't he come himself?"


"The Watchers attacked Percy and Shon while they were taking Quentin to Bridgeport. Your dad has the ability to heal them with his untainted blood. Since Adam couldn't be in two places at once we split up." He looked at Heath "I'm taking a huge risk materializing in this form to help you. The Watchers have been searching for Logan ever since William returned the children to Moonlight Falls. They think Logan betrayed them."

"Which you did," Heath said eyeing the man carefully.

"Naturally," Logan/Ambrogio grinned "I can see you have questions. I'll explain all of this to you later once we are away from here."

"Not without Don," Heath turned towards his friend.

"Can he travel?" Logan/Ambrogio asked.


"Not without help," Heath said as he turned to wake his friend. Helping Don to his feet while Logan/Ambrogio stood back and watched lost in his own thoughts. 

Ambrogio wasn't prepared for the uncanny resemblance Don had to the creator. He had to restrain himself from wanting to take the young male into his arms, embracing him. If all the plotting and planning he had done throughout the centuries worked out he would be reunited with the creator soon enough.

"What's happening?" Don asked his voice thick with confusion "who is he?"

"Shh it's someone come to help us," Heath said trying to calm him "we have to be quiet now."

Don took a couple of unsteady steps before falling weakly to the floor "You should go without me. I'll just slow you down."


"I won't leave you," Heath said kneeling beside him. Turning to Logan/Ambrogio "help me."

Shaking his head "we should do as he requested. He'll only slow us down. If The Watchers arrive before we make our escape they will force you to mate with Dana. After they have the infant they will have no need for any of you."

Don turned his light blue eyes towards Heath fear bright within them "you need to go."

Shaking his head "not without you." He grabbed Don and threw him across his shoulders shocked that he didn't weigh as much as he expected. He must have lost a lot of weight in the last couple of weeks imprisoned down here. "You ready?" Heath asked Logan/Ambrogio  who was waiting by the door for them. As he passed the man Heath was unable to read the expression in the mans eyes.

As Ambrogio watched the boy pick up his friend he felt a pang of jealousy cut through him. It was an unexpected and unwarranted response. He tried to shake it off knowing that soon he and the creator would be reunited and these young ones would be allowed to live their lives the way they were meant to. He knew the boy still had not figured out what was happening and the forces involved here. It was absolutely essential he bond with one of the creators descendants and whether he knew it or not he had already made his choice. 


Once they were out of the house Ambrogio led them towards the dense woods surrounding Midnight Hollow. He noticed Heath struggle with the extra weight of his burden. As much as he might want to help Ambrogio needed to keep his hands and mind free. If The Watchers ever found out who he truly was he was a dead man in more ways then one. Ambrogio was their most hated enemy. All the time he masqueraded before them as Logan they had never suspected. He had maintained the facade well. They hadn't known the difference when he had taken Logan's place after the explosion they used to kill Chase's mother went off killing both. It was a convenient opportunity that Ambrogio used to his advantage to work havoc within The Watchers. At times he had been forced to do some despicable things while pretending to be Logan  but in the end it gave him the ability to set certain things in motion.

He felt the first pains once they entered the forest. Shaking his head he tried to clear his mind. The Watchers had finally figured out his true identity and knew how to reach inside to Ambrogio and his vampire blood. He staggered falling to his knees. Heath saw him go down and turned to help. "No you must keep going. The Watchers are close. The cannot have you." Ambrogio pulled himself up seeing the indecision in Heath's eyes. "You and your father are so alike," he whispered to the boy. He made a hand motion the way the creator had taught him long ago and formed a bubble in time pushing Heath and Don inside it as The Watchers came into view. Abandoning the body he was in Ambrogio fled to the only being he knew who could handle his complete essence....

***


Resisting the urge to continue on towards Midnight Hollow Adam wondered how much he knew about Ambrogio the voice within his head. Could he really be trusted? He felt the pain Percy was in and knew he wasn't lying, Adam could feel the outside force that shattered his link to Percy. Turning to follow the path that Percy and Shon had taken earlier Adam knew he had to go back, he would never be able to look at his sister again without feeling guilty if Percy died. He had to trust that Ambrogio would keep his promise. 

Adam traveled fast relying upon his vampire senses in following the trail that his friends had made. Tripping over a root in his path Adam went sprawling. Landing hard he felt his air leave his lungs as he gasped for breath. Shakily he picked himself up jumping as he felt someone touch him. Smiling in relief when he recognized Shon "Ambrogio told me you guys were in trouble," Adam said in way of explanation. "Are you alright?" he asked looking at his friend with concern.

Nodding Shon said "yeah I think so. Just a bad headache from being hit over the head."

Looking around Adam frowned "where's Percy and Quentin?"

Waving his hand "over there." Shon led Adam to another small clearing. "I was afraid that whoever attacked us might come back." He watched as Adam check on them "I don't think they're going to make it."


"If Ambrogio's correct my blood will speed their recovery," Adam told him.

"What do you mean?" Shon asked watching Adam roll up his sleeves.

"Ambrogio informed me that my blood contains healing components since it's untainted by feeding on others." Looking up at Shon "what do we have to lose?"

Shaking Shon raked his hands through his messy dirty hair "nothing I guess." Watching Adam cut into his wrist so that his blood would flow he cringed "did you find the kids?"

"No I'm sorry," Adam looked up "I had to make a choice. If Windy took the kids simply to get me to come then they'll be ok until I get there but you guys might not have survived...."


"What if you're wrong?" Shon asked even though he already knew the answer. If Windy simply wanted to kill them they'd already be dead and nothing they did would change that.

Adam looked up sadly. What could he say? That he trusted the voice inside his head to rescue his son. It was better that Shon believe they were still dealing with the same entities they had been instead of trying to explain who and what The Watchers are. After giving as much of his blood to Percy and Quentin as could. Adam wrapped his wrist up and sat back realizing all they could do now was wait and see if it worked.

Standing Adam swayed as dizziness overtook him. "Are you alright?" Shon asked grabbing him so that he didn't fall.

"I think so," Adam blinked "weak I guess from blood loss." Shaking Shon's arm off Adam sat on the ground shaking. Groaning he looked up at Shon seeing a map of his capillaries and arteries. Squeezing his eyes shut he growled "Shon you should run ....now."

"What? Why?" Shon asked not liking how Adam was staring at him.


"I need to feed," Adam hugged his arms around himself "I gave them too much .... Please go.... I .... don't want to hurt you," Adam begged him.

"No I'll help you through this," Shon refused shaking his head "I know you Adam. You won't hurt me."

"I..I..."Adam whimpered baring his fangs "can't control it."

Running to their packs Shon searched frantically for their supply of plasma juice. Unable to find any he grabbed a plasma fruit. He felt rather then saw Adam lunge at him. Without thinking Shon shoved the fruit into Adam's mouth as he was about to bite. He watched as a look of confusion came into Adam's glowing eyes followed by awareness.

Adam scrambled away from Shon sucking on the plasma fruit. Trembling in shock and disgust with himself he covered his face in his hands crying "Oh god I'm so so sorry," he mumbled.


Shon grabbed a few more plasma fruit before he approached Adam. Eyeing Adam he cautiously he handed one to Adam "eat it," he commanded.

Slowly Adam held his hand out reaching for the fruit. After the third fruit he felt the blood thirst abate. The self-loathing remained. Hanging his head "I don't want to do this anymore...."

"You don't have a choice," Shon told him sitting beside him on the ground.

"I'm a monster...a blood thirsty monster that's dangerous...." he choked on his words crying.

Shon pulled him close "no your my best friend, a loving husband and father." Hugging him tight he continued "you need to stop seeing yourself as a monster."


Straining for emotional control Adam mumbled "I don't know how..."

Shon held him until he cried himself out wishing there was more he could do to help. "Is he alright?" Percy asked sitting up staring at them.

"I hope so," Shon murmured shifting Adam's weight onto the ground to check on Percy. "What about you?"

"Better," Percy said rubbing his neck.

"Good," Shon said checking on Quentin who seemed to be sleeping easier and no longer in pain. 

"Adam came back and gave you both some of his blood. Ambrogio told him it contained healing components that would help you. I guess he was right. You two almost died."


Percy stared over at Adam comprehension dawning on his handsome face "the blood loss must have drove  him into a blood thirst. Did he..."

Nodding "he tried," Shon admitted "I shoved a plasma fruit into his mouth. It brought him out of it but I thinks he's not handling it well."

"No I imagine not," Percy acknowledged sadly "we'll need to watch him closely. He's let depression drive him to try and kill himself before. What this will do to him is anyone's guess."

"All we can do now is hope for the best," Shon sighed hating how useless he was to help. He could only hope what he told Adam would have some benefit.

A few hours later Quentin woke up "What happened?" he asked groggily "where's Heath?" he asked trying to get to his feet.


Putting a restraining hand on his shoulder Percy forced him to sit down "not so fast. We'll explain everything."

"So that's it. Windy and Dana have them..." Quentin looked at the two older men.

"Calm down son," Percy told Quentin as he started to bristle and show his canines. "We didn't say we were giving up. We just need a different plan."

"First I suggest we rest," Shon said motioning towards the lightening sky indicating dawn was approaching. "Adam can't travel in the day light."

"We'll pitch the tent and put Adam inside for the day" Percy suggested "Shouldn't he be waking up it's been several hours since he was weakened from the blood loss"


"Do we have more plasma juice?" Shon asked "I couldn't find any earlier except for a few of the fruit I gave to Adam."

"They should be in Adam's pack," Percy said getting up "He took all of it when we split up." Handing one to Shon he asked "what are you planning on doing with it?"

"I think he's weak," Shon said rubbing his chin. "He may have gone into a coma maybe if we can feed him so he'll wake up."

Shrugging "it's worth a try," Percy agreed "Quentin you can sit with him first. Make sure he drinks all of this. Spoon feed it to him in small doses."

***


"Your friends are worried about you," Ambrogio told Adam rousing him from his stupor.

"I know," came Adam response "I don't have control of my body..." He resumed his struggle to regain consciousness.

Laughing Ambrogio told him "stop before you hurt yourself. You won't wake up until I want you too anyway."

"What?" Adam mumbled "Why are you doing this? Where is my son? What have you done to him?"

"So many questions. Don't you trust me?" Ambrogio laughed "Your son is safe. I put him and Don into a time bubble where they would be safe from The Watchers. It was the best I could manage with the limited time I had. The Watchers were coming."

"I thought The Watchers couldn't hurt you," Adam said confused.

"They can't unless I'm in corporeal form," laughing at Adam's confusion "I do have a body. One I hope to return to one day."

"If you have a body," Adam began "Why do you insist on being inside my head?"

"Because it's familiar," came the cryptic response "also you being a vampire your strong enough to handle my essence not just my voice. When the others hear me I'm still in you. But when I take corporeal form I have to leave you completely."


"I don't ... wait," Adam sighed appalled "that means that body....that person would have to be ...."

"Dead?" Ambrogio acknowledged "yes I've been using the body of Logan..."

"Logan? He's dead?" Adam asked astonished.

"For quite a while actually," Ambrogio confirmed "it came in handy. I was able to work havoc on the inside of The Watchers network. They found out and have been hunting for Logan and tonight they found him. I almost didn't get away."

"You must have known The Watchers would be able to sense Logan's presence," Adam said "why risk it?"

"To save your son," Ambrogio said simply.

"How will I get my son out of the time bubble?" Adam asked.

"I will show you," Ambrogio told him "first I must become a part of you but you must accept the consequences...."


"I want to know how and why all of this is happening.. but I'm not sure if I can handle anymore change," Adam replied.

"It won't be that bad Adam. I already exist in your mind. If you want my knowledge. My memories you'll have to accept that you and I will essentially become one person.."

"What aren't you telling me?" Adam asked 

"What I can't," Ambrogio replied "not because I don't want to but because I don't know. If we do this there are no guarantees that when The Watchers are defeated and the creator is himself again. The future is back on track that we'll ever be separated. This may be permanent."

"Is there any other way for me to get the knowledge I need to release my son from the time bubble?" Adam asked.

"No I'm sorry...."

"Then we do this," Adam accepted "without Heath there is no future...."


Sunday, June 14, 2015

3.2 The Watchers


They dropped Heath on the floor and left without saying a word. Bound hand and foot Heath could only lie on the cold hard floor. He couldn't see where he was but from the silence that greeted his ears he'd bet he was alone. The only wounds were from his useless struggles as he tried to sit up. He quelled the urge to scream. Wherever he was was not where a helpful passerby would be able to hear him.

Tears from pent up anger, helplessness and grief threatened to overwhelm him. Why had they been attacked? Who attacked them? They weren't any kind of being he was aware of and he had done exhaustive research into supernaturals after his dad came back a vampire. They were beautiful with their multi-colored hair and brilliant skin tones. Rainbow people? The thought almost made him smile. It brought to mind a happy carefree pixie type of being that scattered love and happiness everywhere they went. Whoever had attacked them was anything but lovable. Their malice was palpable and what they did to Quentin.... his screams still echoed in Heath's head.

He squinted as a bright light came on above his head. He groaned as a girl walked in smiling down at him "Dana I should have known," Heath mumbled.

"Be a good boy and I'll untie you," Dana cooed in his ear.

"You'll untie him regardless," a stern voice commanded from the doorway.

Heath closed his eyes praying it wasn't who it sounded like. He turned to face the older woman once Dana had untied him. "Windy," he said under his breath.


"Is that anyway to greet your mother?" Windy asked delighting in the look of disgust that flashed across Heath's face. "Now get over here and give your mama a hug."

"Like hell," he growled without moving.

Frowning Windy commented "maybe I should have let the watchers rough you up a bit before bringing you down here."

"They did more than rough up my brother," Heath shouted at her.

"Yeah well," she shrugged "watchers don't like werewolves and one out alone is easy pickings." Giving him a hard stare "he got off easy Alessandro would have had him tortured then executed."


Her offhanded callousness was making Heath's stomach churn. He didn't think he could ever hate someone as much as he hated her. He hated her for everything she had done to him, his father and now his brother. Breathing fast he asked "why am I here?"

"Because I missed my baby," Windy smiled as Heath gagged at the idea "why do you think genius?"

Heath's eyes opened wide as it became clear to him "dad..."

"That's right baby boy," she sneered at him "he'll come and when he does I'll be right here waiting."

Head spinning Heath sat down heavily on the floor. "So I was nothing more than bait to lure my father out into the open."


"Yes that's right," Windy's voice dripped with venom "just like your friend over there was bait to get to you."

Heath looked up and for the first time saw Don in a similar room like his. "Don?" he whispered. Turning to his mother "let him go," he demanded.

"Why should I?"she laughed in his face.

"You have what you want," Heath said "Let him go."

Ignoring him Windy looked at Dana "what do you think? Should we let your brother go?"

Shaking her head Dana gave Windy a wicked grin "I like him where he is."


Heath turned to her gasping. He had known Dana had never liked Don but to be so cruel as to keep him detained in a cage was just evil. Eyes glimmering Dana sidled up to Heath pulling him close kissing him. Running her hands over his chest and back "say you'll marry me and I'll let him go."

"Never," he growled forcing her off him.

"Fine," She shouted "you can watch him starve to death until you change your mind." She turned on her heels and stormed out of Heath's cage. As she went she pounded her fist on the glass partition of Don's cage.

Windy's eyes danced with merriment "a girl after my own heart". Turning to leave she said "just to show you I'm not completely heartless I'll let your friend into your cell. He might enjoy sleeping on a bed for a change."

"Plus it'll have the advantage of keeping Dana off balance," Heath said staring at his mother.


Smiling Windy said "you're not as naive as your father. I'll have to remember that."

"Come on boy change of address," Windy said loudly opening the door. "No monkey business or I'll let Dana starve you to death."

"She will anyway," Don said his tone flat.


"Oh she'll try but with you two together that would mean starving her lover. I don't think she'll do that, do you?"

Weak from lack of good nourishing food Don landed hard on his knees when Windy shoved him through the door. Heath went to him and held him while he sobbed in a mixture of fear and relief.


"I'm sorry," Don muttered.

"For what?" Heath asked dumbfounded "it's not your fault that Dana and Windy are psychos...."

"I should have known...."

"Known what?" Heath asked holding his friend "known that your sister is evil. Give yourself a break it's understandable that you want to believe that she's not as bad as she is."

"I should have," Don insisted pulling away from him "I grew up with her. I knew what she was like. I should have known better."


Shaking his head Heath laughed softly "no Don it's not your fault. If we're comparing whose more at fault based upon our evil relatives then I take the cake. Windy is my mom. I think she's using Dana to get to me to get to my dad. You see I'm no stranger to obsessive females. It must be hereditary."

"You're not responsible for what your mother does," Don said staring at him.

"No more than your responsible for what Dana does," Heath replied back.

Shrugging "I guess," Don said unconvinced. Looking around the room "why does this room have two beds?" 

"I bet one belongs over there," Heath nodded towards the cell Don had occupied. "I bet they removed it to make you even more uncomfortable  then you were." Looking at Don taking in his pale complexion and glassy eyes he asked "you don't look well, are you alright?"


"I'm fine," Don gave him a lopsided grin "just weak from eating the slop they serve around here." He shivered from the cool damp basement air.

Putting a hand to his forehead Heath looked at him in concern "you're feverish."

"I'm fine," Don shook his head coughing weakly.

Putting his arms around him Heath commented "you're shivering."

"It's cold in here," Don complained.


Heath looked at Don with concern. While the air was damp it wasn't near cold enough to induce uncontrollable shivering. "Come on lets get you to bed. I bet after a good night's rest in a comfortable bed you'll feel better in the morning."

"I'm not sick," Don said obstinately while he allowed Heath to tuck him into bed. He closed his eyes still shivering from the cold.

No sooner had Heath put Don to bed then the blind went down and the room plunged into darkness. Taking his shoes off Heath groped his way to the other bed and pushed it up against Don's. Heath tossed his blanket over Don and laid down beside him whispering "goodnight" into the darkness.

***


Percy and Shon struggled to carry the young but heavy werewolf through the woods leading back towards Bridgeport. Stopping to rest Percy muttered "they must have used a portal to travel between towns to have traveled so fast."

"Portals?" Shon asked.

"Yeah something Alessandro set up so that supernaturals could hunt," Looking at Shon "I'm sure you've come across unexplained deaths in your line of work..."

"Yeah I just never believed the tabloids that vampires or werewolves and what have you were actually responsible. But seeing Adam's transformation and getting to know Quentin I can see it's possible." Staring into the forest Shon asked "will Adam become like that...a blood thirsty monster."

"I hope not," Percy said "he's doing everything he can to prevent it but I wonder how long he'll survive on the plasma fruit juice that Beverly came up with."


"What if he succumbs? What happens then?" Shon asked intrigued by the situation as much as he disliked it.

Running is fingers through his hair Percy thought over what he should say "right now Adam is living between two worlds. Not quite human and not quite vampire. Once he feeds there's no going back. I don't know if that means there's a way to reverse the transformation or not. There's two opposing forces Alessandro who performed the ritual that started the transformation. Then there's Ambrogio. I'm not really sure if he exists outside Adam's mind or not." Getting up he moved to check on Quinten "the Van Winkles are special and somehow the conflict between Alessandro and Ambrogio is replaying itself and the future rests upon Adam resisting the urge to feed. I'm not sure how it all goes together but there are forces at play that will determine the very future of all of us."

"That's not very comforting," Shon muttered shivering in the cool night air.

"I probably said too much," Percy said sitting back "I'm sorry."

"We better get going," Shon said moving to lift Quentin to his shoulders.


They walked a couple of miles when the first pains began. Percy rubbed his eyes trying to clear his vision. Shon turned to look at him "are you ok?" Nodding Percy waved him on as his breathing became labored. He was finding walking difficult as the pain increased. Blood dripped on his hand, lifting it up into his field of vision he grew dizzy. Blood poured from his nose. Falling to his knees he screamed as his mind fractured into a million pieces.

Dropping Quentin to the forest floor Shon raced to Percy's side. Turning the younger man over Shon shuddered as he was confronted with a nightmarish sight. Blood oozed from Percy's eyes, nose, ears and mouth. He put a hand out to check for a pulse. Sighing in relief as he found it weak and sporadic. Movement to his left alerted him to danger. Jumping to his feet Shon turned to face whatever was approaching. His vision blurred as he lost consciousness. A multi-colored creature stood over him "is it the one?"

Scanning Shon's bio-metrics the other creature shook her head "it has the watcher gene but it's not the gene we need."

"Then we must test it's progeny. One of them must have the gene we require," the man said.

Standing over Quentin the female growled "it's progeny will be corrupted. Look at it's associates...supernaturals."  She grimaced as if being in the presence of supernaturals left a bad taste in her mouth.


"Ton'ga come away from them," the male commanded "it depends upon which of the genes the progeny has. If it has the aggressive gene it will be manifesting itself in it's hatred of the weaker docile one."

Reluctantly Ton'ga moved away from the supernaturals "these creatures should be obliterated....have the other watchers been successful in hunting down Logan for his treachery?"

Shaking his head Rendar replied "no Logan has proved quite adept at hiding any traces of his where abouts. That's one of the reasons why the elders have decided to resurrect the creator."

Kneeling beside Shon "if this loathsome creature has the gene why not use him?"

Rendar shook his head at her "we need the aggressive gene otherwise when the creator is awakened he will be too soft and we will never be free of these creatures."


"It's not a good  plan relying upon long dormant gene's to bring back a creator who abandoned his creations to live among inferior beings...." Ton'ga persisted.

"Enough," Rendar shouted at his partner "it is not up to you to question the elders decision. Time is running out.  We must find the one with the aggressive gene soon. Emit has regained control of Oasis Landing. Once he has repaired the time portal he will be able to start correcting the changes we have made."

Hanging her head she mumbled "forgive me. You are right as usual." Looking down at Shon "should we take this creature with us?"

"He is of no use to us. He has the docile gene. It makes him weak and unsuitable for our requirements." Smiling at his fellow watcher "we know where two of his progeny are located."

Smiling with eagerness Ton'ga stood "we need to go back to the IF's house where we brought the halfling."


Nodding with enthusiasm "I have a feeling the female has the aggressive gene we are seeking. Then we will use the halfling to mate with it to produce a viable vessel to resurrect the creator."

"Rendar you are a genius," Ton'ga smiled with approval.

***


Adam fell to his knees as the pain knifed through his brain.  Panting for air he crawled to the nearest tree. Leaning heavily upon it he rubbed his temples saying out loud "Percy," he could feel the pain his blood brother was in as it ebbed and flowed through him before the link was lost. Wiping the back of his hand across his mouth he was shocked to fine blood smeared across it.

"You must go to them," Ambrogio told him.

"I can't .... my son needs me," Adam shook his head refusing.

"I'll go to him," Ambrogio assured him.

Laughing Adam asked "how does that help? You only exist in our heads. There's nothing you can do to help."

"You would be surprised what I can do," Ambrogio asserted "trust me Adam. I will protect your son."


"Do you know what happened to Percy and the others?" Adam asked "Is the danger coming after my son?"

"Adam go to Percy. He needs you. He was attacked by the watchers...."

"If the watchers are involved I must get to my son," Adam insisted.

"No Adam you cannot. You will be  powerless to protect him. Watchers are toxic to supernaturals. Being in the presence of a watcher induces debilitating pain and continued exposure induces death. Quentin and Percy need your help .... both are hovering near death. You can heal them with your blood, infuse them with it. It's one of the benefits of having not fed...you have the ability to heal."

Holding onto the tree Adam stood up "why didn't you tell me this before we split up? I could have healed Quentin before."

"The watchers are looking for the descendants of their creator. Shon carries the genetic markings of the creator. If you had remained together the Watchers would have disabled all of you. Now you can save your friends and son." Ambrogio paused before continuing "the one they seek is Shon's daughter...."


Looking up sharply Adam pushed himself away from the tree, staggering slightly. "That's it I'm going to my son. Dana is dangerous."

"She is more so to her brother than to Heath. Don carries the gene as well...."

"No your wrong Don's a good kid..."

"He is like Shon carrying the docile gene. He has the goodness that the creator was known for. That goodness is considered a weakness and is lacking in all the Watchers. It was that lack that drove their creator to prevent them from being able to have children of their own. The Watchers figured out how to create their own likeness when they made the first Imaginary Friend.  It was their way of punishing their creator for forsaking them to be with humans."


"You know this creator don't you?" Adam asked "What does this have to do with us?"

"We don't have time for details now. Suffice it to say that what happened in the past is replaying itself out today and will impact the future. For now it's important that you do not fall into the hands of the Watchers. If they get you they will be able to manipulate Heath into doing something he will regret...."

Torn between going to his friends and going to protect his son Adam felt like he was being torn in two. "Ambrogio if anything happens to my son I'll never forgive you or trust you again." 

"As I would expect." Ambrogio said "Trust me I want Heath safe as much as you do. I promise when he is safe I will tell you everything...."