4.20 Consequences

"What are you doing here?" Quinn asked as Silver made himself at home inside her safe haven.

"Aren't you happy to see me?" he asked laughing at the dagger filled glare she gave him. "What the matter? Mommy doesn't love me anymore" he gave her a pretend pout.

"I'm not your mother" she scowled at him "now leave."

Crossing his legs he leaned back on the couch. A pleasant smile upon his lips. He gave the appearance of a guest enjoying tea. Only his eyes portrayed his veiled intent. "He's not going home," Silver informed her as if she should know who he was referring too.

"He who?" she asked. She could have read the information from his mind if she was so inclined. It was not a practice she enjoyed doing often or ever especially an evil mind such as his.

"Everett Gray" he said the name enjoying the shock that spread across her face.

"How do you know that?" she asked keeping her voice devoid of emotion.

Shrugging he leaned back smirking "you could say I engineered it that way. Your stuck with an extra Gray in your dimension."

"Why did you do this?" she screamed. All the work she had done to balance out her dimension was falling part. Not only was her dimension teetering out of control now Phoenix's would be too. His face flashed in her mind. His intelligent kind blue eyes. His long soft red hair. 

"It could be be worse," Silver said studying her face "I could have prevented Lincoln from leaving. He after all is the vital Gray for your sister dimension."

"It'll cause an imbalance" she shook her head to stop the flow of words that would betray her upset emotional state. She couldn't give Silver anymore ammunition to use against her. "What do you want?" she demanded.

"I want what's mine" Silver growled "my son. My bonded one. You hid them from me."

"No" she said her voice firm unwavering "I will not risk bringing the council to this dimension by giving them to you."

Silver nodded eyes sparkling "have it your way. I could have been persuaded to let you use them. I had no desire to bring the council here." He shrugged getting up "if I can't have what I want neither can you."

"You'd be willing to destroy two dimensions to get them?" she asked astonishment lacing her words.

"Yes" he said walking menacingly towards her "give me what's mine. I'll let you save this pitiful world."

"If I don't you'll destroy yourself and them" Quinn pointed out "I won't cave to your demands."

"One last chance to change your mind," Silver glared at her in incomprehension at her unreasonableness.

"No" Quinn shook her head "I need Adam and Keenan to do their part to bring balance to the dimension."

"Find another way," Silver hissed.

"There is no other way" she crossed her arms determined.

Taking a step back Silver stared at her "so be it. What happens next is on you."

***

Adam rushed forward to catch the young man before he fell to the floor. "What happened?" he shouted over the noise of the alarms.

Peter stood over the instruments board as alarms and lights flashed. Shaking his head "from what I can ascertain the portal has been sabotaged."

"Serafino" Adam said the name like a curse.

"More than likely" Alanon agreed stooping beside Adam inspecting Everett's injuries. "I don't think he's badly hurt. More stunned than anything."

"Do what you can for him" Adam commanded the mage. He stood up surveying the room. Everyone looked stunned except for the two werewolves who had been assisting Serafino before their arrival. 

"What did he do?" Adam demanded letting his Vampire powers fuel his anger "tell me now or suffer the consequences."

The two men growled in unison remaining silent otherwise their gazes insolent. "Guards" Adam shouted.

"Yes sir" the two guards said coming to his summons.

"Take these men to the dungeon" Adam pointed towards the werewolves. Their eyes flickered with indecision. "On what charges" the oldest of the two asked.

"Treason" Adam hissed.

The younger man stepped forward "I was following orders..."

"Tell me everything you know" Adam commanded "so that I may be lenient with you."

"We'll tell you nothing" the oldest man said grabbing the younger man squeezing the man's arm.

Whirling around on his superior the werewolf growled "I'll tell him everything. I can't bring this shame on my family."

"You should have considered that before agreeing to work with me," the other man said. With a vicious abrupt move the older werewolf rushed at his partner snapping the man's neck with a loud resounding snap.

The two guards fearing for their ruler's life rushed forward. Within minutes the traitorous werewolf was dead upon the floor beside his murdered counterpart.

The others looked around in stunned silence. For some reason an inane thought kept running through Adam's head that caused him to place a hand over his mouth to cover up the giggle that wanted to escape.The inappropriateness of the thought prevented him from giving in to the desire. Alanon looked up with a twinkle in his eyes "clean up on aisle nine."

"Were you reading my mind?" Adam asked giving his good friend a worried look.

"No" Alanon assured him "it was just" he shrugged "a very inappropriate thing to say." 

"Yes it was," Adam said fighting to keep a straight face.

***

Kimberly sat beside the unconscious young man lightly running her fingers through his hair. "Please wake up" she pleaded to whatever powers that could hear her. She leaned forward resting her head on her knees feeling tired but unwilling to leave his side.

She looked up startled at the faint touch of someones hand in her hair "Everett?" she cried looking up to find his soft gray eyes looking at her.

"What?" he licked his lips "what happened?" he asked frowning as he took in his surroundings

"The portal rejected you" Kimberly explained "Grandpa Peter said someone programmed it to reject you so you couldn't return to your dimension."

"How? Why?" he frowned "it worked before to bring me here."

"Evidently that's why the sabotage worked. It allowed you to cross over to get your DNA. Since it acquired your DNA it was able to block you from re-entering and going home." She tried to smile at him "if you want a more detailed description of what happened you'll have to talk to Grandpa."

"What about Lincoln?" he struggled to sit up.

"He's ok" Kimberly said gently pushing him back to the pillow "you need to rest."

Closing his eyes a single tear rolled down his cheek "I've never left him alone before."

"I'm sorry" Kimberly picked up his hand gently kissing it's palm "if there's a way to get you home my Grandpas will find it."

He gave her a twisted smile "I should be thankful. I wanted to stay."

Lifting his hand she pressed it against her cheek "shh that was before you knew the consequences."

"I would have missed you," Everett said eyes shining with wetness "as much or more then I'm missing my brother."

"Oh I'd hope more," she smiled down at him.

"Definitely" he twirled her hair around his fingers pulling her head down to his.

Their mouths hovered close together "we shouldn't be doing this," Kimberly said breathing deeply of his scent committing it to memory.

"I don't care" he told her "I love you."

She moaned helplessly as the pressure on the back of her head increased and their mouths connected in a heated passionate kiss. "I love you too" she said sounding breathless a moment later.

***

Ambrogio starred at the green eyed boy. A man trapped inside the body of a toddler. He couldn't fathom anything so so horrible. He had been a bodiless entity for eons of time. He could remember how he ached to have a body. He could only imagine how Malachi felt. Having to sit back and watch his girlfriend become involved with someone else regardless of the feelings he had for her He had to let her go. There was no way they could be together.

Looking up as Alanon entered the room "can we keep the boy?"

For a moment Alanon looked at him in confusion "what boy?" he asked confirming to Ambrogio his appearance of confusion was accurate.

"Malachi" Ambrogio said letting his longing filter into his voice.

"He has parents" Alanon said dismissing the idea.

"He did have parents," Ambrogio corrected "his parents are expecting a nineteen year old young man to come home. Someone they have already raised to adulthood."

"Yes but..."

"But what?" Ambrogio demanded "are going to explain to them that their son was caught in a time bubble? That their son aged backwards and is now a toddler again. They'd look at us like we were crazy or worse that we had harmed their son in some way."

"I hadn't given it that much thought" Alanon admitted "I just assumed he'd go home. I see now he can't."

"Not really unless we want to assign him to an endless amount of needless tests from over eager scientists trying to figure out what has happened to him." Ambrogio bit his lip "please can we keep him. Raise him like our own?"

"He's not a child" Alanon pointed out "he's a grown man trapped inside a toddler body."

"I know but" he sighed unsure whether he should admit he had been reading his husbands spell books "can't you wipe his memories?"

Slowly Alanon nodded "I could but is that the best thing to do?"

"Is it better to watch him suffer?" Ambrogio asked "he has to endure being treated like a child because of his appearance. He has to act like a toddler otherwise people will become suspicious of him. He has to watch Kimberly falling in love with someone else." Ambrogio looked up sighing "I can't imagine the torment his life has become. Can't we please help him?"

"I'll consider it," Alanon said "if he wants me to I will. I won't unless it's what he wants."

"Thank you" Ambrogio smiled in relief "can I ask him?"

"You're the only on he talks to. So yes ask him. Don't pressure him" Alanon hugged his husband tight realizing for the first time how much Ambrogio must have been longing to have a child.

***

Malachi listened silently absorbing everything Ambrogio had to say. Inwardly he wanted to jump up and down with joy but outwardly he gave the impression of an implementable rock. He was an opportunity to start over. A clean slate with no memories of the past. No dreams about parents he could never see again. No regrets about his decision that let up to his current situation. Mostly no heartbreak. Kimberly wouldn't occupy his thoughts.

"So what do you think?" Ambrogio asked becoming worried. The longer the boy remained silent the more he was sure he wouldn't do it. 

"Yes" Malachi nodded vigorously "yes." He smiled throwing his arms around the man who would become his adoptive parent. Who was giving him this miracle.

"Are you sure?" Ambrogio asked despite his growing excitement "once your memory is wiped we can't get them back again."

"I'm positive," Malachi assured him "the Malachi that existed is dead for all intents and purposes. His memories are only a torment."

"I'll let Alanon know," Ambrogio said a grin spreading across his face like sunshine after the rain.

"Are there any side effects? Any chance that my memories will resurface?" Malachi asked suddenly afraid of this life altering decision.

"Possibly but not likely" Ambrogio told him trying to recall what he had read in Alanon's spell book "you'd have to ask Alanon. He's the mage not me."

Shrugging Malachi jumped to his feet "it doesn't really matter I'm doing this regardless." Turning to the older man "just promise me you'll always be there for me. I need something. Someone to cling to that's mine."

"I promise," Ambrogio whispered. Sometimes he felt he needed the same thing. He had Alanon but he had his magic that Ambrogio struggled to understand. His needs were secondary to the needs of Moonlight Hollow.

***

How long had it been Phoenix wondered since he had last seen Quinn. There were so many things he needed to ask her. All his requests to meet had gone unanswered. Slowly he started to accept that Quinn wasn't coming back. He would have to face the consequences of their actions alone. If he had known becoming pregnant was a possibility he would have been more careful. She had assured him that it was impossible for her to become pregnant. He had not known that he would be the one to get pregnant. How was that even possible?

He ran a hand over his protruding stomach. Soon he would become a father. His baby would never know it's mother. Could that be why she refused to respond to his requests? Did she know this would happen? He could feel his anger rising inside him.

All her talk about helping him maintain balance in his dimension had been a trick to get him to trust her. She had betrayed him. He had noticed when Peter and the others had left. Noticed when Lincoln had come back. Everett was supposed to come back too. He hadn't. Quinn had been the one to explain to him how important the Gray's were within each dimension. Had she taken him because he could help stabilize her dimension or did she take him knowing it would further destabilize his.

He didn't want to believe she would do that to him. The more he looked the more he could see her involvement in the things that were unraveling. His protruding stomach made it impossible for him to appear to anyone he trusted to help him. How would they react to seeing a pregnant man? That just wasn't possible. He couldn't contaminate his dimension with that knowledge.

It was proving difficult to keep the knowledge of time manipulation from becoming a preoccupation of the science community in the end he had to maneuver things to destroy Silver's lab. That creature wouldn't be able to continue his experiments in his dimension anymore.

He still didn't have a time keeper. Whoever the two that Quinn promised him were they hadn't come. At least while Peter was here he had someone knowledgeable in the position now he had no one.

Now Everett was gone and Lincoln was struggling without him. Of course Lincoln was the more important Gray but Everett was his support system. The one Lincoln turned to for strength when he was confused or doubting himself.

Like dominoes in a line one fell after another. When would the last domino drop? He shivered knowing that the council would come. Reset both their dimensions and carry on as if nothing happened.

***

Quinn felt utterly exhausted for a being with almost limitless power. She had been following Silver around trying to figure out what he was up to for months. She couldn't help but appreciate his ingenuity even if it was in direct conflict to her. She could see the beauty of what he was doing even if she didn't agree with him. Overall she had hoped to discover a weakness she could exploit. If she hadn't been so busy following Silver she might have given in t the desire to see Phoenix. Something was wrong. Why else would he be trying to contact her? The most frightening thing was when his requests stopped. Now there had been nothing but silence for several weeks.

She tried to see things from his perspective. She reluctantly concluded that he must think she betrayed him. She took Peter without sending the promised replacement. Then Lincoln returned without Everett. She could have sent him back herself except she wasn't supposed to become directly involved in the dimension. Also she had been swayed by sentiment. Her judgment had been clouded. He and Kimberly reminded her of how it had been with Phoenix. Now it was too late to rectify it. She could detect the fertilized egg within Kimberly. She couldn't separate Everett from his family anymore than she could abandon her dimension. She came to the unwelcome conclusion that it was best to let Phoenix believe she had deceived him.

For the first time in millennia she dropped to her knees and gave way to despair. The tears flowed unchecked as deep wracking sobs squeezed her lungs blocking the air she needed to breathe.

***

"What are you doing here?" a brightly colored man demanded barring the door.

"I have information for your esteemed leader" Silver replied sounding as respectful as his nature allowed.

"I bet you do," the man scowled "you are not welcome here."

Laughing Silver shook his head "I'm not allowed most places but that has never stopped me."

"You have lied to us and about us. Manipulated us in the past" the man said calling for security.

"I only did what was necessary" Silver declared with a thin lipped smile. Leaning forward he stabbed a finger at the man "tell your esteemed leader the dimension watcher has awakened."

"I will relay the information" the man agreed despite the sparkle of interest in his eyes "we'll contact you if the leader wants to see you."

"Oh he will," Silver laughed as the man closed the door in his face.

4.19 Imbalance

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Adam demanded slamming his office door shut. He stared at the men gathered within his private office. His eyes glittered with rage. His voice demanding attention as the assembled vampires and werewolves jumped to attention before him all except one remained sitting. "Someone had better answer me," Adam intoned letting his fury fill the room something he seldom ever did. It was as shocking as his unexpected presence had been.

Keenan stood beside him observing their reactions. The werewolves bristled, lowering their heads in acknowledgement of Adam's rule over them. Most of the vampires did likewise. One remained seated a smirk upon his impassive face. Catching Keenan watching him he rose his eyes glittering in defiance before he lowered his head. He was an ancient vampire dating back to the days before Alessandro. Keenan filed the impression away to bring to his father's awareness at a later time. He eyed the man with watchful distrusting eyes.

The man Keenan identified as a possible threat cleared his throat catching everyone's attention "merely preliminary precautions...."

"For what?" Adam demanded. He slammed his fist onto his desk resulting in a stress fracture to form in the wood. "War is not a precaution. It's a last ditch effort when all else has failed."

The man's eyes narrowed "are you calling me stupid?"

Adam swallowed his first response that yes Seraphino was most definitely stupid. He eyed Seraphino's enraged face concluding this was the ringleader of the group gearing for war. "I'm saying you're being too hasty. War is a costly endeavor.. I won't sacrifice the lives of one person if there's another way to solve the problem."

"You're weak," Seraphino sneered.

Ignoring the insult Adam turned to the others in the room. "Do you think war is the only answer? Humans may appear to weak compared to our strengths and powers but they more than make up for it with ingenuity. Their numbers alone far out do ours. Think about it. For the first time in years we have a line of communication with them. We can end this peacefully."

As the assembled men began to nod in agreement the disgruntled vampire scowled at the assembly. "You're all fools" he gave Keenan a piercing hateful glare before slamming the door shut behind him as he left.

***

The clanging of keys and dungeon doors opening jolted Kimberly and Heath awake. The guard bowed acting nervous less sure of himself "please forgive me for detaining you." The young werewolf cringed "I was following orders."

"Grandpa must be back" Kimberly whispered in Heath's ear. Her eyes became unfocused while she tried to contact Adam. "Nothing," she blinked rubbing her temples "it's like he's not there."

"He could be wearing a blocker of some sort," Heath whispered back "Alanon had made us necklaces that blocked other's from our minds."

"This is stronger than that," Kimberly told him "similar but different."

"Maybe it's stronger because it's meant to block out Silver," Heath suggested keeping his voice down so as avoid drawing attention to their conversation.

They followed the guard to Adam's office where the guard cringed again bowing low almost to the floor. Heath and Kimberly gave him puzzled frowns as they opened the familiar door smiling in relief upon seeing Adam and Keenan waiting for them.

"Dad," Heath cried in relief pulling his father into a hug "I was so worried about you."

Kimberly pulled her younger Uncle into her arms "don't ever do that again" she admonished him.

"I can't" Keenan said pulling away from her "I thought I was helping you. I won't promise not to try and help in the future." Turning to glance at his dad he continued "you can't make me promise that."

Kimberly peered intently into Keenan's eyes. Smiling she said "I guess I can't. What's this?" she asked pulling on the amulet around his neck.

Swatting her hands away Keenan explained "it's to keep Silver from detecting us. Dad has one too."

Fingering the amulet Kimberly said "that's why I couldn't contact you. I knew when they released us that you were back though." She beamed over at Adam happy they were back.

"Released you" Adam grumbled an edge in his voice as he looked to Heath for an explanation.

"Calm down dad" Heath tried to placate him knowing that furious look in his dad's eyes well "the guard isn't to blame. He was following orders to lock us up in the dungeons."

Kimberly shivered rubbing her arms as she felt the cold clammy air from the dungeon envelope her. "They came for me. The werewolves and vampires. I think they wanted to get to dad through me."

"They got what they wanted when I came here demanding to see you," Heath nodded ruefully.

"Do you know what's going on?" Kimberly asked arms still around Keenan.

Rubbing his chin Adam nodded "there's a lot I still need to work through but I think they wanted Heath to go to Midnight Hollow to keep the IF's from revolting."

"Me?" Heath cried shivering "why?"

"You're my son for one. Two you're an IF," Adam explained "it's actually not a half bad idea."

"But I..." Heath exhaled loudly "I don't want to go." The thought of being among a town full of IF's like Windy and Kyle's father made him feel ill.

"Not all IF's are like the one's we've dealt with in the past. They need direction. If I had a co-ruler living among them they'd be less likely to revolt and revert back to their old ways." Turning to his son Adam squeezed his shoulder "I know you don't want to. I'm asking you to consider it. I don't trust anyone else to do it. You're the only one I know who will do as I request."

Swallowing audibly Heath nodded. It was a huge vote of confidence and one he wasn't sure he was capable of handling. "What about Don and the kids?" he asked.

"They could go with you," Adam assured him.

Heath gave him a nod then asked "have they opened the dimension portal?"

"What do you mean?" Adam demanded heading towards the door.

"They closed the dimension when you disappeared" Kimberly explained "Dad and the others haven't been able to come home."

They followed Adam down the corridor to the Dimension room. They were met by Alanon and Lincoln who were arguing with the guards outside the door. Turning Alanon smiled upon catching sight of Adam "I heard you were back." Glaring at the obstinate guards "maybe you could help us gain access to the room. Lincoln needs to return to  his dimension."

"I'm still catching up with everything that's happened" Adam mumbled "I'm gone for a few weeks and the whole place falls apart."

"I did the best I could" Alanon said sounding a little defensive "unfortunately my actions were suspect being so closely related to your family and humans."

"Mmm yes" Adam acknowledged not wanting to get into with Alanon in front of so many onlookers "you and I will need to talk later."

Alanon nodded knowing that any real discussion would occur outside of these walls away from any listening devices. "I look forward to it" he acknowledged the summons with a slight inclination of the head.

"Stand aside" Adam commanded the guards. The guards scowled at each other neither one moving aside to let Adam pass.

"Stand aside" Adam repeated eyes glowing in vampiric fury "who is your ruler?" he demanded showing the guards his fangs.

They hesitated for only a moment before bowing and allowing Adam and the others access to the room beyond. 

Serafino turned as they entered. Glaring menacing at the guards "I told you not to allow anyone in here."

"You are not our ruler" the men said their eyes following Adam confirming where their allegiance lay "it was different when Adam was lost. Now that he has returned you command us no longer."

"Fools" Serafino hissed. Glaring at Adam fangs extended "this interloper is no match for me He is weak. More human than vampire."

Hissing Adam let his fangs extend intimidatingly at Serafino "I am ruler of Moonlight Falls yield to me."

Serafino took an unconscious step back unaccustomed to anyone standing up to him. He let his fangs retract, straightening his sleeves. "This isn't over weakling" he glared at Keenan before leaving in a huff.

Heart racing Adam took several deep breaths before he was able to get his fangs to retract and his eyes to stop glowing in rage. Turning towards the disconcerted guards he commanded "Serafino is not allowed inside the castle."

"But sir he is...."

"He is not allowed inside the castle," Adam hissed "do not make me repeat myself again."

"Yes my lord" they bowed resuming their post while they relayed the information to the other guards.

"Dad" Keenan's hand bounced off his dad's taut muscles along Adam's shoulders.

"Not now son" Adam said still struggling to control is vamperic ire "open the dimension" he commanded.

Lincoln stepped forward as the werewolves stationed in front of the controls moved to allow him access. "It's open" he announced without looking around. A vampire in a rage is an awesome scary sight and not one he wanted to associate with Adam.

***

They received a response almost immediately. "Adam are you there?" they heard Peter's voice asking from the other dimension.

"Dad" Adam stepped forward the last of his fury flowing from him "it's good to hear your voice."

"It'd be even better to see you in person son" Peter said "do we have permission to come over?"

"Yes" Adam nodded towards Lincoln who made the right adjustments.

 A few minutes later four individuals emerged from the portal and stood before them. Heath rushed over to a teen aged version of his husband "Don is that you?"

Patting himself down Don said "it's me or what's left of me. Silver had us trapped where we aged backwards a year for a week."

"Malachi" Kimberly choked rushing towards Everett holding what appeared to be a toddler. Was that his son she wondered refusing to believe that she was looking at her boyfriend.

Everett nodded mumbling "I'm sorry."

Stopping as tremors shook her body Kimberly couldn't believe this was happening. All this time and this is what she got. Turning to Adam she cried "you can fix this can't you?"

"I don't know" he gently took her in his arms while she sobbed on his shoulder. Stroking her hair he said "I'll do what I can" he looked up at Peter who was silently shaking his head "I can't promise anything will change."

She nodded running from the room. She couldn't stay there while her heart was breaking. She couldn't look at the toddler remembering how it used to be. How his arms had made her feel safe, secure and loved. How his kiss had made her weak in the knees when they had last been together. He sacrificed so much.

She fell on the rough sidewalk skinning her knees. She glanced around to see if anyone was watching. She was alone inside and out. All she wanted to do was run. Runaway as far and as fast as she could away from this nightmare.

***

A twig snapped behind her. She jumped to her feet ready to run again. Strong arms pulled her tight before she was able to take a step. Struggling she screamed "let me go." The arms were familiar. They were the same arms that had held her once before. She had been weak wishing they had been Malachi's but they weren't.

The man's arms were insistent in holding her tight. Tiring she rested her head on his strong firm chest. Breathing deeply she listened to her captors strong steady heart beat. Several minutes later she wiped her eyes dry sighing "we should go back."

"Are you ok?" he asked his voice gruff.

"No but I will be eventually" she smiled up at him. His gentle gray eyes made her smile. She could see the handsome young man he was despite the livid scar along one side of his face. As if drawn to it she lifted a hand up gently tracing the scar's outline with her fingers. "She should never have done that" she murmured referring to the woman who had betrayed him and broke his heart.

"No more than you deserved to have your boyfriend turned into a toddler" he said leaning into her touch.

"We're quite the pair" she said "I wish...." She dropped her hand turning away.

Grabbing her hand Everett asked "you wish what?"

"That .... that" she turned away tears in her eyes "you could stay here with me."

Pulling her to him he kissed her forehead "somewhere along the way I fell in love with you."

"What about your brother?" She peered up at him "I can't ask you to stay here."

"You don't have to ask" he told her stroking her face and hair "I want to be here with you. The weeks I spent there all I could think about was you. My heart belongs to you."

***

Quinn watched the young couple regretting what she had to do next. For a moment her mind wandered to Phoenix. He had been so sweet, so tender and caring. She longed to go back to him. Tell him she changed her mind. Tell him that being together was worth the risk of bringing the council to them. Shaking her head she sniffed loudly alerting the young couple of her presence "don't let me disturb you."

Stepping away from each other Everett demanded "who are you?"

"My name is irrelevant" she said watching Everett closely "I'm this dimension's watcher."

Everett's eyes grew wide with recognition "if that's true then this dimension..." he looked over at Kimberly drawing her close.

"That's right," Quinn said "I'm only awakened when things are so bad that the dimension is in danger of being reset." She looked at the young couple moved with pity "I'm sorry but you can't stay. You have to go back."

"No" Kimberly cried hiding her face in Everett's shoulder. 

"Your presence here is upsetting the dimensions balance. You can't stay here" Quinn stared directly into Everett's eyes "you know I'm right. You knew it before you came that you couldn't stay."

Shaking his head Everett struggled to accept what she was saying. "No you're wrong. Lincoln is the one that knows how to operate the dimension portal. He has the knowledge I lack. I'm not needed in my dimension."

"That's true" Quinn acknowledged "but I have not asked for you to be here and your dimension's balance is threatened with your absence."

"Does that  mean the dimension watcher has been awakened there too?" Everett asked concern for his world and brother awakening inside him.

"Yes he has," Quinn nodded "you need to go back." She turned and walked away sure that Everett would return to his dimension. His sense of duty and love for his brother would win out over his hearts desire. As much as this dimension could use him she wasn't willing to upset Phoenix's dimension to let him stay. She was doing everything she could to keep her dimension from falling to save his. Everett had to go home.

Pulling Kimberly close he could feel his heart breaking in two. He didn't want to lose her but he couldn't have her. "I'm sorry" he whispered kissing her forehead.

Nodding Kimberly stepped back shaking "I don't want to lose you. Let me go with you."

"You know that's not possible" Everett said keeping his voice low and gentle "your absence from this dimension would leave a hole as my absence from mine does."

"So this is it" Kimberly hugged herself. Within minutes she had lost two men she loved. She couldn't have Malachi because it would take too long for him to grow up and she couldn't have Everett because he didn't belong here. Her heart was shattering inside her and she knew it would never be whole again. 

Nodding Everett held his hand out to her "I'm sorry. If I could I'd stay with you forever but I can't at the cost of millions of innocent lives. How could I put my needs above so many?"

"I know" she mumbled as tears ran down her cheeks "I just....I want things to be different."

"So do I" Everett gave her a sad smile "if it's any consolation you made me see that I could love again. I never thought it'd be possible after what happened." Unconsciously his hand traced the scar on his face "I thank you for that."

"I hope you find someone in your dimension that makes you happy" she whispered knowing she wished the opposite.

"Liar but thank you for the sentiment" Everett gently squeezed her tight before letting her go "I wish you the same."

"You lie as well as I do" she quipped trying to distance herself from the pain "we better go back."

Sighing he nodded "can I have one last kiss before I go?"

Nodding she tilted her face up to him as he pressed his lips to hers. It was a kiss of longing, of heart break, of new beginnings and a lasting goodbye. 

4.18 Terms and Conditions

Caleb picked his daughter up and cradled her in his arms. Kissing her cheeks as tears cascaded down his face. "Emmaline" he repeated over and over finding it difficult to believe the slight creature in his arms was his vivacious full of life little girl. How long had it been? Four? Five months? It had been long enough for her to have lost several pounds.

He stumbled back Alanon's house. Kicking the door open open. Chase jumped to his feet shocked as his brother-in-law stood swaying in the door frame. "Is that?" he stammered staring at the pink haired young girl in Caleb's arms.

Nodding Caleb stepped over the threshold "I can't wake her up" his voice and eyes pleading for help.

"Bring her in here," Alanon ordered opening a door into his spell room.

Caleb laid her carefully upon the stiff cold bed that Alanon pointed him towards. "what are you going to do?" he asked a note of fear in his voice as he watched Alanon as he began to chant. All this magic and supernatural powers made Caleb shudder, he didn't like it. Turning away from the man he contented himself with washing the smeared dirt from his daughter's face. He could only hope all of this was helping her and if it did it couldn't all be bad.

Chase put a hand on Caleb's shoulder "is she alright?" he asked concerned.

Caleb watched Alanon with worried eyes. Swallowing Caleb murmured "I hope so." He couldn't imagine Quinn bringing Emmaline back from the future only for him to watch her die. That didn't seem to be the way to ensure his agreement to anything.

Alanon looked up magic shimmering in his eyes. He smiled "she'll be fine. She's exhausted. She needs time to adjust to the new time she's in. A good nights rest and she should be good as new."

All the tension melted from Caleb's body leaving him week. Leaning against Chase he could feel the ever ready tears pricking his eyes "she's ok? Really ok?" he repeated shaking his head.

Nodding Alanon confirmed "she is. She needs rest." Glancing towards Chase he said "why don't you two go and get some rest? I'll come get you when she's awake."

Chase nodded putting an arm around Caleb helping him towards the door. "Come on. You could use some rest too" he told his brother-in-law.

Struggling against Chase's helpful hands Caleb tried to turn around "no no I want to stay with her."

"She'll be ok," Chase assured him "Alanon will tell us when she's awake."

Caleb turned giving Emmaline one last longing look before letting Chase help him from the room.

***

"Did you sleep well?" Quinn asked popping into the room where her guests were housed

"Where are we?" Keenan demanded ignoring his father's attempts to silence him.

Smirking at the boy Quinn remarked "I see you have Silver's flair for the dramatics."

Keenan felt anger and bile rising within him "I am nothing like that vile loathsome creature."

"Aren't you?" Quinn asked innocently knowing her words would stoke the boy's boiling rage.

"Son," Adam chided putting a gentle hand on the boy's shoulder "don't rise to her bait."

Keenan glanced up at his dad thankful for the guidance and gentle rebuke. "Sorry dad," he mumbled taking several deep breaths hoping to calm himself.

"Pity Silver isn't as malleable as you are" Quinn said turning her attention to Adam "we need to get you home before Moonlight Falls crumbles further into chaos."

"Chaos?" Adam repeated instantly alarmed "I haven't been gone that long or have I?"

"Several months" Quinn shrugged as if to say the passage of time was insignificant "Silver is much too accomplished at manipulating time than I would wish him to be."

"He's a menace," Adam snapped at her.

"That too," she agreed "unfortunately I'm forbidden to harm him."

"Why?" Keenan demanded "he's a monster that needs to be done away with."

Quinn threw her head back laughing but the sound was anything but happy "I couldn't agree more. Unfortunately he's the reason I'm this dimension's watcher."

"You created him" Adam stated remembering bits and pieces of her conversation with Silver.

"I was instrumental in causing his existence," she admitted "he's my greatest accomplishment and my biggest failure."

"If  you can't stop him what's to prevent him from coming after us again?" Adam asked shivering at the prospect.

"I may not be able to physically touch him but that doesn't mean I can't protect you from him," Quinn replied. She handed each of them an amulet "these will keep you invisible to him."

Taking one Adam hesitated "this doesn't prevent him from taking other members of my family." His mind immediately going to Heath and Don. They had already spent too much time in the clutches of that monster. "This only protects us. It leaves everyone else vulnerable."

"It's an imperfect solution but the only one I have at the moment," Quinn admitted her usual bluff and bluster lacking that added to Adam's belief she was telling them the truth. "Unfortunately you're needed in Moonlight Falls to keep things under control while no one else in your family can."

"So you've already said" Adam acknowledged unwilling to be forced to make a decision under undue pressure. "Why? What's happening there that is so out of bad?"

"To put it bluntly they're preparing to go to war against the humans" she told him "without you or the chosen one they have let their prejudices and suspicions take control"

"Damn," the word exploded from Adam "all the work we did to get humans and supernaturals on speaking terms. Now this. All because we weren't there to prevent it."

"That's precisely why this is happening" Quinn emphasized "no one understands humans the way you do. All they have are their preconceived ideas."

Looking at the amulet in his hand Adam weighed his options. Wear it and become invisible to Silver. Keep the world safe while making the rest of his family targets for a monster. Don't wear it and his family is safe and he is not. While he would normally take that option, could he really afford to do that when his absence as ruler meant letting Moonlight Falls go to war at the cost of thousands if not millions of lives.

"Dad" Keenan's voice broke into his thoughts "wear it dad. We can handle Silver if he comes after our family. I know we can."

Snorting he squeezed his son's shoulder. His son was right Adam knew it. He just didn't like it. Pulling Keenan close he kissed his son's cheek "you're right." He put the amulet around his neck. It felt heavy but it was the cost of being a leader. Sometimes you couldn't afford to sacrifice yourself when millions of lives depended on you. "When can we go back?" Adam asked wondering if he could enlist the help of others to keep tabs on Silver.

"All you had to do was ask" Quinn told him and with a wave of her hand they were gone.

***

Heath headed towards the castle as soon as he received Kimberly's distress call. Bursting into his father's office he demanded "where is she? Where's my daughter?"

The assembled werewolves and vampires lifted their heads and glared at him. One of them said "she's safe."

"I want to see her," Heath demanded determined not to be put off or delayed. 

Nodding towards a guard by the door the werewolf said "take the IF to his daughter"

Shocked Heath held his tongue. He didn't want anything to keep them from letting him see his daughter. His heart lurched as he recognized the route they were taking. It was leading to the dungeons. The last time he was down there he all but died. He hated this dark dismal place.

He entered the dungeon where Kimberly sat curled up on the uncomfortable bench. "Daddy" she cried upon seeing him her eyes red, swollen and puffy.

The guard opened the cell door and stood aside to allow Heath to pass. "Baby" his voice was gruff and gravelly.

Kimberly launched herself from the bench and into her father's arms. "You shouldn't have come," she sobbed into his shoulder clinging to him.

"I'm your dad," he squeezed her tight "I had to come." When she had calmed down some he helped her to the cold hard bench that sent shudders through him. He had spent too many hours sitting on this very same bench inside this prison. Lived too many nightmares "do you know why you're here?" he asked her dragging his mind from the past to the present.

Shaking her head she buried her face into his shoulder "I'm so scared daddy."

Patting her head he stifled the natural inclination to admit that so was he. It wasn't what she needed to hear even if it were true. He was the dad. It was his duty to instill confidence in her. "It'll be ok" he assured her even though the voice in his head was shouting at him that they were in deep trouble.

***

"Wakey wakey" Quinn cooed lightly patting the man's cheeks while he slept. She giggled when he tried to swat her hand away moaning in his sleep. "Time to wake up" she said bending close to speak in his ear.

"What?" he growled opening his eyes jumping when he saw who was bending over him "what are you doing here?" he demanded pulling the blanket up to his chin.

"I've come to get your answer" she said sitting on the edge of the bed looking at him.

"What do you want me to do?" he asked resigned to his fate. He'd do anything to keep his family safe. She obviously knew that as there was little surprise in her face.

Quinn gave him a knowing grin. She knew this would be his response. What other choice did he really have? A small part of her felt sorry for him and the position she had put him in. She knew she was using his familial feelings to her advantage. There was no one else better suited for the task that needed to be done. "You don't have to do anything. You're the rock to your family. That's exactly what you need to be for your children. However one of your grandchildren will be required to travel through time to fix certain things that Emit missed. It will bring balance back to the dimension before it falls apart completely."

"Why my family? My Grandchildren?" Caleb asked "I don't understand why they're so special. Why does it have to be them?"

"You're unique," she smiled somewhat sadly at him "you're from another dimension. Your children carry your DNA. One of them has your uniqueness a little more than the others do." She sighed looking away unable to take him watching her "I know this is difficult..."

"You don't know anything," he grumbled shoving the blankets aside "your asking me to enslave one of my grandkids to do your bidding. I don't like it."

"Its for the greater good," she told him ignoring the angry glare he gave her "ask Emmaline what the future is like. She'll tell you it's not a future anyone should have to live in. If we don't fix things now that's what your descendants have to look forward to. A world of flesh eating monsters and people that have forgotten how to live."

"Is she the one? Is that why you sent her back first?" he asked.

Shaking her head Quinn watched him while he paced around the room. "She's not the one," she said "I had to send her back. Her body was starting to feel the stress of being in the wrong time and 

place." Caleb's head shot up frowning "it's not something you've ever experienced. It's something you inherited from your father. I told you, you were unique." She hesitated a moment from sharing the next bit of information. She knew it would shatter him. He had a special bond with his son. Knowing it was the boy would be especially devastating.

"Andrew" he gasped putting a hand to his chest as if he could still the beating of his heart. "Why him? He's been through too much already."

"He has your uniqueness" she told him "his body isn't weakening from being in the wrong place and time. His fiance is strong but he too is beginning to weaken but I took care of that. Their children should all be capable of accomplishing what I ask. Stronger than both you and your son."

"What makes you believe that?" Caleb asked wishing, hoping for anything to make her change her mind.

"The fetus growing inside your son is still striving despite having traveled to the future...."

"The what?" he growled. Did she just say what he thought she said? Fetus? He was going to be a grandfather? He felt the blood rush from his head "I think I'm going to be sick."

"Do you agree to my terms?" she asked unfazed by his emotional turmoil. She knew she was pressuring him in his moment of weakness but she needed his answer "the fetus is fine but it'd do better growing up here in it's own time. Don't let your fear condemn them to staying in the future where they can't survive. Think about what's best for them now As soon as you agree. The sooner I'll be able to bring them home."

"I need time," he gasped feeling as if his head was about to explode "my wife. I need to talk to Drew."

Nodding Quinn turned to leave "I'll be in touch. Don't wait too long. Things are dangerous where 

they're at and I may not be able to protect them."

***

She walked out of the bedroom door. There was one more person she needed to talk to before she left. 

The blue haired man looked up from the book he was reading shock and apprehension on his face. "Who are you?" he demanded standing letting the book fall to the floor.

"I'm Quinn Silvia" she said "the dimension watcher. Your father must have mentioned me."

Recognition had his brows knitting to together "Emit said the dimension watcher only awakens when the dimension is in danger of being reset."

"That's correct," she told him "I hope to keep that from happening." Her thoughts strayed to Phoenix. His soft red hair as it slid through her fingers. His light blue eyes as they looked into hers. The feel of his strong arms as they held her tight. This was all for him. To keep him safe. She had to keep her dimension from falling and taking his with it.

"Things are worse than Emit let me believe," Chase grumbled.

"Yes they are," she agreed "he didn't fix things that should have been corrected in the past. I have a plan that should balance things in this dimension."

Nodding Chase eyed her a moment "what exactly do you need from me?"

"To watch Emit. Make sure he doesn't try to stop the changes I instigate." She stopped knowing the next part would be difficult but the man must know "you do realize that your daughters don't belong here."

Chase gave her a furious stare as dread filled the hole in his stomach. Not his girls. He couldn't live without them. It would crush Jennifer if anything happened to them. "No" he growled refusal making every muscle in his body stiff.

"They destabilize the dimension. Your from the future their mother is from the present. They neither belong here nor there." Quinn kept her voice firm level without pressure.

"I won't let you wipe them from existence" he told her.

"If that's what I wanted you couldn't stop me," she said "that's not what I want." She let her words sink in before continuing "I gave Emit an alternative but he chose not to listen and sent Peter instead.

Looking up hope springing to his eyes "Peter is very knowledgeable about time travel."

"It won't work," Quinn shook her head "maybe for a short time but it won't last." She shook her head "with your daughters here the imbalance remains. The dimension can't balance itself with them here.  Peter needs to come back and the girls must take his place as time keepers. It's what they were born to do."

"They're too young," Chase protested.

"They still need training" Quinn agreed "I will give you the time to teach them what they need to know. When the time comes they have to go. Once I start making changes I can't have them here destabilizing the present."

"My wife and I we'll still be able to contact them?" Chase asked.

"Yes like Emit is able to contact all the other time keepers across the dimensions," Quinn assured him.

"I'll have to discuss this with my wife," Chase told her. He knew Quinn was right. He had known it since the day he found out Jennifer was pregnant. Meeting the fabled dimension watcher only highlighted how bad things were.

Phoenix went through the motions of checking on his dimension. It wasn't the same knowing he'd never see Quinn again. When she left she took his heart with her. He loved her so much despite knowing he could never be with her the way he longed to be. He should never have volunteered to become the dimension watcher. He could have been at home enjoying life.

Somehow he found himself at the rendezvous place. It was as empty as his heart was hollow. Somehow he had hoped she'd be here waiting for him. Hoped she would have changed her mind. To his chagrin and eternal disappointment she hadn't come. Hadn't changed her mind.

He sank to his knees holding his head in his hands giving in to the weakness he had been feeling. A wave of dizziness washed over him leaving him faint and nauseous. It was unusual for a watcher to become ill and if they did it was usually a punishment for some indiscretion. What was wrong with him he wondered as another wave of sickness overtook him. Unable to control it he found himself expelling his stomach contents all over the floor. Once the sickness passed he curled into a ball on the floor shivering. He had never felt more alone and isolated as he did at this moment in time.