3.17 Bad Place

Shaking his head Alanon watched helplessly as Adam held his son as Heath took his last breath. Eyes brimming with tears Adam held his child in his arms nothing would ever be right again. His child, his son was gone. Adam screamed his pain, his rage into the tiny confines of the house. Eyes burning bright with an anger he never felt before. He turned to Alanon "Alessandro goes down tonight." As he spoke his fangs extended, sharp and pointed. He let his vampire side take control no longer willing to suppress it.

"Adam you need to grieve...." Ambrogio attempted only to take several steps backwards as Adam glared at him.

"What I need is to have my son back....alive and healthy. Failing that I'll take Alessandros' head on a platter. He did this. He will pay."

Ambrogio could feel the familiar tingle as his vampire self took control. The need to follow his master. Would he follow Alessandro, the one who turned him? He looked up and peered into Adam's glowing eyes and the fear that seized his heart released it's grip upon him. Nodding as he said "yes master" he acknowledged Adam as his leader, his master. His  eyes glowed as his fangs extended.

Alanon stepped back leaning into the wall behind him knowing better than to get in the way of vampires out for revenge, following the blood trail. Slowly he moved towards the stairs careful not to attract attention to himself. It was now or never. He had to make the call. Had to alert the others the revolt was about to begin. The warning had to be given so that the members of the rebellion could hide their loved ones. Now was the time to choose sides. To take a stand for one side or the other.

Once the call went out Alanon joined the others downstairs where Adam still hovered over his son's body. He felt a pang of guilt for not being able to do more, to save his life. He should have been able to prevent this. Should have been able to prolong his life until he found a solution. Heath was too young to be gone so soon. Without thinking he approached Adam "I'm so sorry," he put a hand on Adam's shoulder.

The touch. The words filtered through his mind. He wanted to hurt to destroy the speaker of those words. He wanted revenge on everyone involved with his son's demise. Snarling he bared his fangs whirling on Alanon grabbing him by the throat. Squeezing he could hear the pitiful attempts Alanon was making to breathe. He could smell the blood. The fear. Could see the blood flowing through his veins. A wave of desire stronger than anything he had felt before swept through him and he wanted to feed. To fill his mouth on this creatures rich nutritious blood. He opened his mouth to take his first bite. The desire to feel his fangs sink through the thin layer of skin into the vein beneath was strong. Moaning Adam threw Alanon across the room crumpling to his knees crying. "What's happening to me?" he cried out overcome with a voracious need to feed. The hunger was strong and painful. It took all his willpower not to give in to it.

Ambrogio dropped to his knees in concern next to Alanon's crumpled body saying in a low voice "are you alright?" Alanon moaned in response. "I need to check on Adam." Ambrogio moved to stand only to have Alanon grip his arm. Looking down he found Alanon shaking his head vigorously.

"He's in a feeding frenzy. He needs blood," Alanon swallowed "it must be the baby. It must need the nutrients in blood that the plasma fruit can't supply."

"That means the child is a vampire," Ambrogio stated staring across at Adam "that's good isn't it?"

"It would be but Adam never finished the transformation. It's extremely dangerous for anyone other than a vampire to carry a vampire baby to term."

"Adam can't transform now," Ambrogio protested "it would kill him and the child."

"I know," Alanon acknowledged "the stress over losing Heath must have stressed the fetus sending it into a feed frenzy."

"What can we do?" Ambrogio asked never taking his eyes away from Adam's quivering form on the floor.

Alanon shook him regretting what needed to be done "the pregnancy will need to be terminated." His eyes slid in Adam's direction fearing what the combined grief of losing his eldest and youngest in quick succession would do.

Nodding Ambrogio got up "I'll tell him."

"Not yet," Alanon objected "we need him in this state to lead the rebellion. He's powerful like this. The people will follow him like this." Alanon peered into Ambrogio's eyes saw the immediate objection to his words. Squeezing his arm he continued to make his argument "the others will sense what you did. That Adam is their master. Their leader. They will rally around him." Rubbing his neck he continued "he's the only chance we have of getting the people to follow. The only chance we have of overthrowing Alessandro."

Shaking his head Ambrogio knew Alanon was right but he couldn't do this "Adam needs to be told."

"No the less he knows the better," Alanon said firmly "we can't have him in a state of grief. We need his anger fueled by his need for revenge. You can help him though. He needs blood. Your his relative he can drink from you without the danger of finishing the transformation. The fetus will get the nutrients it needs and for a time it will survive."

"I don't like this," Ambrogio protested even though he knew he had no choice but to do as Alanon suggested. He approached Adam as Alanon watched from across the room. Alanon and no idea what Ambrogio said to convince Adam but he winced as Adam bit into Ambrogio's wrist. Moving slowly Alanon went to fetch a packet of blood for Ambrogio to drink knowing he would be weak once Adam finished feeding.

After both Adam and Ambrogio recovered enough Alanon approached them "I'm sorry but we need to go. Everyone is expecting us to lead them to victory."

Nodding Adam stood. Stared across at his son's body. Nodding "let's get this done," he growled walking from the room without looking back.

***

Ten minutes after they left the house two figures dressed in dark clothing approached the house. Moving swiftly in the shadows they neared the house and let themselves in. Gathering around Heath's toy form one of the masked figures hissed "I told you the serum would work."

"If it worked why is he still in toy form?" the other snapped "I don't want a doll for a husband."

"You should feel lucky to have him in whatever form," the other replied.

Rolling her eyes her companion asked "since you know everything, how are we going to get him out of here?"

"You want him...you carry him," the other said moving towards the door.

"Aren't you going to help?" she grunted as she attempted to pick him up "he's your son after all."

"I've given birth to several brats in my time. None more irritating than that one." She coldly turned her back on them and walked out the door leaving the other to either carry Heath alone or give up and leave without what she came for.

Struggling she managed to throw Heath across her shoulders and followed the woman from the house. Reaching the portal to Midnight Hollow the girl dropped Heath to the platform. Discarding her mask Windy activated the portal. She couldn't believe how easy it had been to walk in and take Heath. The plan was working perfectly. While most of the IF's were rallying around Adam as their new leader and helping to remove Alessandro from power they had been able to to slip in without being noticed. No one would realize what happened until they were long gone.

Smiling down at the girl "I told you my plan would work." Frowning at the girl she commanded "now put your little pet in it's cage. It'll be waking up soon and when it does it'll be in it's normal form."

"If the memory blocker worked as well as this did. Why do we need to put him in the basement?" Dana asked discarding her mask.

"Because I said so," Windy explained "I'm not taking any chances. If your worried about  him you can stay down there with him." She moved away laughing into the night. Once Adam figured out what happened he would come to her.  Walk into her trap. Then she'll be able to accomplish her goal. Destroy the one who brought her to life. It didn't matter if he was their new leader or not. She had to do this. By her calculations this should take a year maybe two. Once it was accomplished she had no doubt she would be rendered back into toy form to be sent back out to another child. The cycle would begin again.

Frowning Dana watched Windy walk away. How she hated that woman! Shaking her head she wished she didn't need her to get what she desired. What she desired lay at her feet. He didn't look like much but once he was back in human form she would convince him they were happily married. As long as his memory didn't come back she was sure she could make him happy. Happier then her twin ever could. What did Don have that she didn't?

Tossing Heath onto the bed she debated whether or not to stay down here with him. Shaking her head in disgust at the furnishings of the room she quickly vetoed the idea. She'll come up with something to explain why he was down here and she wasn't. Chuckling to herself she bent down and kissed his forehead murmuring "good night sweetheart. You're mine now and for always." Walking out she locked the door behind her.

***

"Daddy, daddy," Kimberly shouted waking and sitting up in her crib.

Hearing his little girl crying out in the middle of the night Don raced to her. Holding his little girl he let her cry in his arms. Through tears and hiccups she told him what she felt and saw in her dream. 

"My other daddy's gone." Fighting the fear that cut through his heart Don held the child tight "what are you talking about? Heath's with Grandpa in Moonlight Falls."

Shaking her head tears flowing down her cheeks "I felt Grandpa's pain when daddy died. I can't feel daddy anymore. He's gone....gone....gone...."

Hugging her tight Don felt his throat constrict. Heath couldn't be gone. He didn't believe it. He wouldn't believe it. "Kimberly are you sure?" he asked having come to rely upon her feelings and incite into people. "Are you absolutely sure?"

"Yes daddy," she said her voice small and afraid. Kissing Don's cheek she continued "his last thoughts were of us and how he wanted to spend his last moments with us. He loved you. Loved us." She leaned into him mumbling "I want my daddy back."

Don held his little girl until she fell back to sleep. As he watched her eyes droop and close he wondered how much she understood about death. More then he wanted her to know he was sure. He dreaded the call he was going to make but it had to be done. Going into the kitchen he took a deep breath taking his phone he dialed Adam's number. It rang multiple times before he heard someone answer "Adam?" he asked not recognizing the voice on the other end. 

"No Ambrogio," came the reply. with a sinking feeling he asked "can I talk to Adam?" A slight hesitation "I'm sorry now isn't a good time."

"Please," he pleaded "I need to know how Heath is. Kimberly just work up screaming that he was gone..." The long heavy sigh echoed in his ear before Ambrogio responded "we lost him Don. I'm sorry. Look I'll talk to you later. I really have to go now." The click in his ear told Don that the call had been terminated.

Staring at the phone in his hand Don began to shake. Falling to his knees he dropped the phone to cover  his face in his hands sobbing. How could this be happening? It couldn't be happening. He couldn't live without him. He didn't want to live without him "Daddy" a small voice said. Looking up he found Kimberly staring at him. Wrapping his arms around her he held her close. The last remnant of what was left of Heath  that he had left. He had no choice. He couldn't give up. This little girl and the baby he was carrying needed him to be strong.

***

Moaning Heath began to twist and turn upon the hard uncomfortable bed. The pain traveled through his body. What was happening to him? Screaming in agony he clutched the blanket beneath him. He arched his back as the pain increased. A feeling like he was being torn to pieces, cell by cell. Slowly the pain ebbed leaving him exhausted. His body lay limp upon the lumpy bed too weak to move. Closing his eyes he fell into an uneasy sleep.

"Good morning sleepy head," a female voice happily announced waking him from his nightmare. 

Blinking he looked up at a dark haired young woman. She looked somewhat familiar. The light blue eyes ... he shivered unable to identify why he found them unsettling on her.

Putting a hand to his pounding head he moaned "what happened?"

Pointing towards a work station in the lab "you were working late and something exploded. You weren't sure of the side effects of the chemicals so you slept down here," she explained. Stroking his cheek "always looking out for me and making sure I'm alright."

He stared at her with a mixture of disbelief and repulsion. Why should her touch make his skin crawl? Why did he have the feeling she was trying too hard? Pretending to be something she wasn't? Shaking his head he tried to make sense of the conflicting messages he was receiving. It would be so much easier if he knew who he was. "Who are you?" he blurted out unable to contain his confusion any longer.

Her smiled faded "I'm Dana, your wife." Blinking he shook his head...that didn't feel right. It didn't fit the dreams he had. All night during his nightmares a shadowy figure would come to him assuring him he was loved, needed and missed. Someone with dark hair and light blue eyes. He glanced up at her hoping to feel the same calm, love and shelter he had in his dreams from his shadow protector. Dropping his eyes before his disappointment was ascertainable. He didn't feel the same looking into her eyes as he did in his dream. She wasn't the owner of the light blue eyes. How silly was that? Why was he giving so much credence to a dream instead of this young woman claiming to be his wife? Dismissing the dream Heath sniffed the air "is that for me?"

"Of course," she smiled "pancakes and eggs your favorite."

Taking a bite he frowned "they're good thank you," he mumbled trying to cover up his disappointment. The pancakes were good but he doubted they were his favorite. He wished the haze in his mind would lift so he could remember something, anything about his life.

Watching him closely Dana asked "is something wrong?" she asked noticing the slight hesitation, the doubt in his eyes as he began to eat.

"No it's fine," he replied swallowing "why can't I remember anything?" he asked her.

"I'm sure it's temporary," she dismissed his concern. Sitting next to him she leaned over pressing her lips to his.

Heath wanted to duck, to turn away from the unwanted affection but what if she was his wife? He didn't want to hurt her feelings. As he returned her kiss he couldn't help but feel that something was missing. A spark, an attraction, something familiar. When they pulled apart he could see his feelings mirrored in her eyes.

Turning her head Dana stood up gathering the remnants of the breakfast she had gone through the trouble of preparing. "Would you like to come for a walk with me?"

Nodding he accepted the stilted invitation. What was her game? His mind was still hazy, a blank slate with far too may questions and not enough information. An image of a pretty a little girl flittered to mind looking up at him calling him daddy. "Do we have daughter?" he asked.

Forced laughter erupted from Dana as she tried to cover up her shock "not yet but we're trying," she replied before leaving the room. "I'll be back," she said as she left.

Heath followed her to the door only to hear the lock as it latched barring his exit. Frowning he wondered why if he were her husband why did she feel the need to lock him up? Looking around the room he was overcome with a feeling of deja vu. He had been here before he was sure of it. Turning from the door he paced his prison refusing to give in to the urge to scream for someone to let him out. Somewhere in his head were the answers he needed. He had to figure out a way of getting to them. That woman was up to something and the sooner he figured it out the better.

***

"Daddy?" Kimberly gasped staring into space.

"What do you need sweetheart?" Don asked hearing her call out to him.

Shaking her head her eyes fixed on something only she could see "not you daddy my other daddy."

Heart pounding he knelt beside her "what do you mean the other daddy?" His mind jumping to the wrong conclusion that Silver had somehow escaped the time bubble.

Kimberly turned smiling in wonder towards him "I can feel daddy again."

"Heath?" Don breathed out his name as a wave of dizziness and lightheadedness swept through him. Could Heath be alive? How? Where? Looking at his daughter he asked "are you sure?"

Nodding "he's....confused," she told him frowning "he doesn't like where he's at or the lady who has him locked in her basement." Turning to Don "it's a bad place and she's a bad lady."

3.16 Forgiveness and Despair

The following morning Alanon came downstairs. Adam jumped to his feet "well?" he asked anxiety plain in his voice.

Shaking his head Alanon sank into a chair. "I'm sorry I can't do anything for him. I need access to all of my serums and potions."

Stunned Adam paced the room "that's it then. We have to go back to Moonlight Falls."

"No absolutely not," Beverly protested.

Eyeing her coldly Adam snorted choosing to ignore her protests. "We need to back there anyway. It's the only place we can separate Ambrogio from me. We need to stop Alessandro for good. Put him out of power." Turning to Alanon "are there enough people to support us in a revolt against Alessandro?"

Nodding "I think so. More people will join once we start rallying people to stand up and fight. They are tired of Alessandro. They're ready for his heir to take over." Looking at Adam "are you ready?"

"No," he mumbled "but what choice do I have? My son needs help. I'll anything to see he gets the help he needs."

"Adam no," Beverly cried "I won't let you throw your life away like this. Not when we know how to cure your vamperism. You don't have to do this."

"You're the reason why I have to do this," he hissed at her "if it weren't for you Heath wouldn't be in this condition."

"I....I" her voice sounded strangled as she ran from the room.

Turning his back towards Alanon he glared out the window. Arms crossed in front of him breathing deeply "go to her," Ambrogio entreated "she didn't mean to hurt ...."

"But she did" Adam snapped "Heath's my son. Her son. She should have fought harder to resist..."

"It's not that easy," Ambrogio said quietly "You know that struggle. How close you were to giving in. To feeding."

"But I fought it," Adam protested as unwanted memories flashed through his mind. He knew the struggle. The pain. It's what drove him to want to kill himself before he gave in.

"You're stronger then she is," Ambrogio broke into his thoughts "can't you see how much this is hurting her? How much guilt she's struggling with?"

Moaning Adam wanted to block out Ambrogio's words. Pretend that he didn't know. Didn't understand the struggle. The pain she was in. He wanted, no he needed someone to blame. Blame? His thoughts shouted at him that Alessandro was the one to blame and he was taking his anger out on Beverly. His wife. The one person who had stood by him through all this craziness. Convinced him he wasn't the monster he thought he was. That he could be trusted around her and the kids. Why couldn't he extend the same to her? Because she had the crossed line and hurt his son. That was unforgivable wasn't? He continued to glare out the window his inner turmoil continuing to grow.

***

"Dad," Heath murmured in a semi wakeful state.

"Shh," Don soothed sitting on the edge of the bed stroking his cheek "it's ok. You're safe now."

Opening his inhuman eyes Heath stared up at Don a moment before turning his face "go away."

Dropping his hand Don blinked back tears. He couldn't no matter how hard he tried he couldn't convince Heath that he loved him no matter what he looked like. He love him. Heath was his life and it hurt so much to have him reject his affection. "Heath I love you, he cried softly affirming his feeling out loud for himself and for Heath. "Don't push me away. Please let me help you."

"Don I can't. I'm sorry," Heath sighed "I....I'm a doll. What good am I to you in this state?" 

Reaching out Don forced Heath to look at him "I don't care what you look like. I love you. You are you in whatever form your in. Your the father of my children."

"Children?" Heath perked up a little "you....you found...."

Nodding "yeah we found her. Your dad and Ambrogio tricked Silver into bringing us to her. She's about four years old thanks to the time bubble she was trapped in but she's safe now." Taking Heath's hand "do you want to meet her?"

Shaking his head Heath took his hand away "no she doesn't need to see me like this."

Sighing Don got up and walked away head bent hands in pockets. He didn't know what he could do to help Heath. He could see the pain he was in and there was nothing he could do about it.

***

Percy found Beverly crumpled on the ground crying. Sitting next to her he spoke calmly and quietly "give him time."

"Time? Time for what? For him to hate me more than he does already?" She sniffed covering her face with her hands.

"Time to come to his senses. Time to realize how much he loves you."

"He doesn't love me. How could he? I'm a monster." Her sobs increased in intensity "look at what I've done."

Prying her hands away from her face he said firmly "that wasn't your fault."

"It was. It was. I could have fought harder. I should have resisted Alessandro's command." Beverly cried refusing to be comforted.

Percy sighed sitting beside her. He understood the guilt. The self-loathing. He looked up as the front door opened. He smiled. He also knew the Van Winkles were remarkable people, capable of forgiving almost anything. He squeezed Beverly's shoulder before getting up "don't give up hope," he whispered in her ear before leaving.

***

"Daddy, daddy," a little girl's voice penetrated his dreams. Blinking Heath looked into the eyes of his daughter. She had his eyes. A smile formed on his inhuman face before it was replaced with a cold indifferent stare. She reached out a tiny hand to stroke his face repeating "daddy."

Struggling to sit up Heath called out "Don, Don," receiving no response Heath grimaced looking at the little girl "how did you get in here?"

"I walked," her tone implying that was self evident. She stared at him for a moment in silence before stating "you don't want me here. Why?"

"I...um," he stammered "how do you know that?" he asked unable or unwilling to answer her question, he didn't know which.

Shrugging "I can feel it. Same as I can feel your my daddy." She reached her small hand out and took his stuffed one "you love me. I felt your love when I was born. The love that Silver tried to take away from me. I wouldn't let him. I love my daddy's even when I never saw you. I knew you would come. Now that I'm here you don't want me."

The hurt in her voice tore at Heath. He pulled her close to him "I do want you. I do love you. Your my daughter. I'd do anything for you."

"Really?" she asked snuggling into him "even if you remain a doll?"

Struck dumb Heath pondered her question. Would his love change because of the form he was in? No it wouldn't he was still the same person on the inside no matter what he looked like. Everything that Don had been telling him fell into place. No wonder he couldn't push Don away no matter how hard he tried. Squeezing her tight "I'll love you no matter what I look like. It's what I am on the inside that matters."

"It's about time you realized that," Don said from where he stood above them.

***

Taking Percy's spot Adam sat beside Beverly listening to her sobs. Wordlessly he pulled her to him kissing the top of her head. "I'm sorry," he told her squeezing her tight.

"For what?" she asked her voice muffled as she spoke into his shoulder.

Exhaling loudly Adam held her to him "for blaming you. I know you couldn't help what happened. You would change it if you could."

Feeling his arms around her, hearing his voice brought a measure of hope to heart. She felt at peace. "Oh Adam I'm so sorry. I love Heath like he was my own son. I never wanted to hurt him. I don't deserve your forgiveness...."

Kissing her mouth preventing her from continuing Adam pulled away "don't ever talk like that. I know you love Heath. I should never have doubted that. I should never have let my anger at Alessandro cloud my thinking. You made sure you got Heath out of Moonlight Falls..."

"Then why are we going back?" she asked.

"Not we just me and Heath," Adam corrected.

"The hell you are" Beverly sat up "I won't let you go without me."

"Please listen to reason," Adam pleaded "the children need you at home. They need at least one of their parents around to help them grow up."

"I know but I don't want to lose you," she protested "I want everything to be the way it was before we knew about vampires and werewolves..."

"So do I  but we have to deal with the reality we have," He leaned into her "I have to go. I have to see this through. I'm the only one who can. Whether I like it or not I am the heir."

"When do you go?" she asked her eyes filling with tears.

"The sooner the better," Adam told her.

Nodding she ran the tip of her tongue across her lips "Adam I ...I need you."

Taking her hand he led her into the house and into the shower where they could enjoy a moment together without interruptions.

***

Four weeks later Adam found himself with his head in the toilet. He could no longer deny what his body had been telling him. Thanks to the alien alterations he was pregnant. What he had hoped was mere exhaustion from not feeding regularly was undeniable now.

"Have you told her?" Ambrogio asked coming in to check on him.

"No," he groaned as another bout of nausea had him hanging his head into the bowl. Beverly had noticed the bruises and soreness in intimate areas. He had brushed it off best he could with an explanation of how for a short time Ambrogio had ousted him from his body and taken control. He emphasized how it had been necessary to find Kimberly. She had accepted it but he could see the worry in her eyes when she told him that if he ever needed to talk she was there for him. He had thought about mentioning his fear that he may be pregnant but he couldn't. How could he when he wasn't ready to face it himself?

He felt Ambrogio rubbing his back trying to ease his cramped muscles mumbling "I'm sorry. I didn't know it was even a possibility."

Grunting Adam sat up breathing deeply "there was nothing you could do to prevent it. I doubt Silver would have taken No as an answer. You did warn me that you would have to be intimate with him. It was my fault I didn't mention the alterations." Groaning again he stuck his head in the toilet "I just didn't think."

"It's not the end of the world," Ambrogio told him "it is after all your child too."

"What if it has the gene? What if it's genetically prone to be evil?" Adam asked panic rising in his voice.

"It could also be a vampire. If it is then the gene will be dormant." Ambrogio told him.

"That's not very comforting," Adam complained "but it would be the answer to the problem to who will be the heir," Adam muttered wiping his mouth out with water.

Holding his hand out Ambrogio suggested "we should tell the others."

Nodding Adam accepted the hand not looking forward to telling his son that he was pregnant by the man who had taken his daughter. Coming out of the bathroom Heath asked from the couch "are you alright?"

"I'm fine son," Adam mumbled trying not to look at anyone "where's Alanon?"

"In his lab," Heath told him sounding out of breath.

Sitting next to him Adam asked "how are you holding up?"

"I keep hoping that Alanon will find a solution to bring me back to normal but nothing changes."

"Don't give up hope," Adam tried to sound positive despite his own growing doubts.

"I think I've got it," Alanon announced coming into the room. Handing Heath the potion "drink this" he demanded.

Heath drank the bitter concoction while everyone stared at him. Shaking his head as he finished "I don't feel any different," he told them. He could see the disappointment in his father's eyes "I'm sorry," he mumbled.

"It's not your fault,"Adam said longing to see his son in his human form again.

"I just want to home," Heath whined "I want to be with Don and my daughter. It's time I pick up the pieces of what's left of my life."

Looking at Alanon "is there anything else you can do that you haven't already tried?"

"No I'm sorry this was my last idea." He sat down deflated "I thought for sure this would work."

"You tried your best," Ambrogio said going to stand beside him.

"It wasn't good enough though, was it?" Alanon said defeated "I'm sorry Heath but if you don't transform soon you'll die. I'll continue to work on this...find something to prolong it."

"I want to go home," Heath said again "I want to spend whatever time I have left with Don and Kimberly."

"Alright son. I'll take you home," Adam reassured him "for now get some rest." He got up and walked away unable to control his emotions in front of them.

***

"You shouldn't be out here," Alanon said approaching Adam.

"What do you want?" he growled not in the mood to be told what he should or should not be doing.

Putting his hands up Alanon said "I know your upset about Heath but you shouldn't put yourself in jeopardy."

"Jeopardy? Life in one hazard after another. What good am I if I couldn't protect my own son?"

"I'm sorry Adam. Sometimes we have to face things we shouldn't have to. You're the heir it's time you took your rightful place as ruler of Moonlight Falls. The people are willing to support you. Alessandro will go down. We held off long enough in the hopes that Heath would recover. That's not going to happen. I'm sorry. You will need to assign a successor..."

"Or produce an heir," Adam said.

"That's an option. It would be too dangerous for a human female to carry a vampire child." Alanon informed him.

"I wasn't thinking of my wife..."

"Surely you wouldn't with someone else...." Alanon sounded appalled by the idea.

Shaking his head Adam sighed "fourteen years ago I was abducted by aliens. I was modified to have an alien hybrid, my daughter Irissa. When Ambrogio was in control of my body he and Silver were intimate..."

"You're telling me your pregnant?" Alanon said in disbelief.

"Yes I wanted to pretend it wasn't happening. I had a hard time with my first pregnancy. I almost died." Putting a hand on his stomach "I don't know how I feel about this child. It's a part of me but also a part of Silver. How can I lead a revolt in this condition."

"You fake it," Alanon told him "you're not alone in this either. You have me and Ambrogio to help you. When Alessandro is taken down they'll be no more threat. That child will carry the hopes of a new life for Moonlight Falls."

"Only if it's a vampire," Adam smiled sadly "it could be just like a Silver...."

"Don't worry about that.  I can make sure the child develops as a vampire. I can suppress the creator gene."

"You can do that?" Adam asked in wonder. "Alright. We do this."

"Adam, Alanon get in here quick," Ambrogio's high pitched panic stricken voice had them running to the door.

"Heath," Adam cried as he watched his son gasping for air. "Do something," he cried dropping to his knees beside his son.

3.15 Together Again

Opening his eyes Heath looked around the cave. His mind a mess of chaotic memories and emotions. Flashes of the the past bombarded him. Seeing his dad fall from the hospital window. The feeling as he felt his life being drained from him. The lifeless body he resided in. Moaning out loud he saw his mom look over at him. Saw the concern in her eyes before  he shifted his gaze not wanting to see the monster that killed him.

"Heath are you alright?" he heard her ask. Closing his eyes he tried to blot out what he ha become. He was nothing more then a man sized doll. Was he even alive? In a low voice he said "I want to go home. I want my dad."

"I'll get you home sweetheart," Beverly soothed taking him into her arms "I promise I'll find a way to get you back to normal."

He leaned his head on her shoulder listening to her heart beat. "I want my dad," he mumbled again. Even as he said it he wondered if his dad was alive and if he wasn't what was going to become of him? Refusing to even think about his relationship with Don. Heath couldn't see how he could ever be a husband and father in his current condition. It just wasn't possible, was it?

***

Don stared at Adam as he stepped through the time bubble. Fear etched across his face as he held his daughter. "Who are you?" he demanded.

"I know this is confusing. Believe me I understand," Adam said not attempting to approach them. "This was the only way we could think of to get Silver to take us to Kimberly."

"You couldn't just tell me?" Don asked siting down overwhelmed by the events "don't you trust me?"

Sitting across from him Adam nodded "we trusted you. Silver had to be convinced that he was manipulating/controlling Ambrogio. I...."

He stopped speaking Don looked up shocked to find Adm crying. Tears streamed from his eyes reminding him of Heath and how sensitive he was. "Adam are you alright?"

"I don't know," he replied through tears "it's been a rough week. If I had known how difficult being ousted from my body would be I might have tried harder to find another way. It was the only viable option we had. We needed to trick Silver into taking us to Kimberly."

Hearing her name the little girl looked up and smiled "thank you grandpa for saving me. I didn't like that place." Turning to Don "it's ok daddy. Grandpa is good. So is Ambrogio. Silver was bad." 

Turning her gaze to Adam "is Silver gone now? Gone forever?"

"I hope so sweetheart.  I certainly hope so," Adam told her. Standing Adam picked up the little girl "how do you know so much?"

Shrugging "I don't know. I just do." She giggled as she kissed his cheek. For that moment she acted like the little girl she looked like.

***

"Ambrogio," Adam called "should we be concerned?"

Deep in thought Ambrogio turned his question over in his mind. "I don't know. I wish we knew what Silver may or may not have done to her." 

Adam looked towards the sleeping little girl curled up next to Don. "She looks so peaceful.  hate the thought that Silver may have done something to her that we can't detect."

"Adam," Ambrogio started to say then stopped unsure whether to voice his concern. "He may have enhanced her."Enhanced? What do you mean?" Adam asked his dismay growing.

"Modified her in some way. She comes from a family of geniuses doesn't she? Her natural ability to know things....."

"Knowing things she shouldn't like her name," Adam muttered "that's not a normal ability."

"I know" Ambrogio admitted feeling Adam's anxiety rising "it might be the combination of IF and creator genes in her. Silver wanted, manipulated things to get them together. He wanted their particular genes to mix..."

"Why?" came Adam's anguished question "will she become like Silver? Evil? Is that her destiny? What about Don's unborn child?"

"Adam calm down," Ambrogio advised "your jumping to conclusions. We don't know what Silver did. He may not have done anything. He spent most of his time chasing us or getting me to get Don to come to him. It may be a product of having been born in the time bubble."

"Is there anyway of finding out?" Adam asked wishing his dad or even Emit were there to help them. Together he was sure they'd be able to figure out what happened if anything did.

***

Heath huddled in the cave waiting for Beverly to come back. What was taking her so long? Had she been caught? Had Alessandro turned her again? Holding his head he moaned knowing he couldn't ive through that again. A noise from the front l the cave alerted him to the possibility of danger. He crept further into the cave scarcely breathing.

"Heath?" Beverly called out into the darkness of the cave "Heath it's ok you can come out now." She spoke to him like she would a frightened animal. Smiling when he finally emerged. She hid her dismay that he was still in toy form. Was this permanent? If so she had no one to blame but herself. "I figured out where we are," she told him. His doll like eyes followed her every move. "I know how to get out of Moonlight Falls," she watched as her words sank in. He slowly nodded as a single tear dropped "Heath what aren't you telling me?"

Shaking his head he mumbled "dad's dead." He heard her sharp intake of breath "I...I saw him fall from the window. Alessandro's men pushed him. I saw it. He couldn't have survived."

"You're wrong," she told him "I would know if  he were dead. I'd feel it." Gripping his shoulders feeling the pliable stuffing move beneath his grasp she shook him "he's not dead. He can't be."

"Do you think so?" he asked his voice small and afraid.

"I know so," she spoke with conviction. She couldn't afford to believe Adam was dead. Coming to a sudden decision "we leave today. As soon as it's light out."

"Wh...what about werewolves?" Heath stammered.

"Better them then vampires," she told him "we'll have to be careful." Leading him to the far cave wall she urged him to get some sleep. "You need all the energy you can get."

Nodding Heath did as she requested lacking the desire to fight. He wanted to sleep and never wake up  until this nightmare was over.

***

When the sun went down Adam shook Don awake "come on son we need to get going."

"Going where?" he asked shocked by his surroundings and by the little girl clinging to him. Then it all came back to him and moaning he got up and stretched.

"Daddy I'm hungry," she tugged on his pants leg.

"Give daddy a moment and I'll get you something to eat," Don told her watching as she crossed her arms pouting.

"I'm hungry now," she complained loudly.

"I know sweetie but I have to ..." he was interrupted when Adam swooped in and swung Kimberly up into the air. Her squeals of laughter filling the air around them. It gave Don the reprieve he needed to prepare something for them to eat. "Thank you" he mumbled as they prepared to leave.

"No problem. I learned when Heath was little it was better to distract him then to try to reason with him. It didn't always work," he grinned "she's a lot like Heath was at that age."

"What age is that exactly?" Don asked.

"I'd say about four years old," Adam watched the girl run around inspecting them. "Don't worry Don you'll get the hang of parenting. Unfortunately you've been robbed the joy of watching her grow but you do have the rest of her life to catch up."

"Come on daddy let's go," she called running ahead of them.

"She's so full of energy," Don said with dismay.

"Don you're all of twenty years old. You have plenty of energy yourself," Adam shook his head at him "but I guess you do have an excuse. Pregnancy depletes you energy." Something nagged him in the back of his mind and he knew something was quite right. He didn't feel quite right. He should be more energized then he felt. Dismissing it as fatigue from not feeding regularly on plasma fruit.

Stopping where she stood Kimberly looked at Don "daddy you're pregnant?"

"Yes sweetie I am," Don hesitated not entirely comfortable with the look she gave him. 

"Do you love the baby more than me?" she demanded to know.

Don knelt in front of her looking into her blue eyes so much like Heath's saying "no darling I love you both the same."

"Are you sure?" she asked him her expression unreadable.

 "I'm positive," Don assured her despite his growing doubts.

"Okay the baby can stay," she smiled sweetly up at him as she reached for his hand.

Don looked down at her then across at Adam who shook his head. If it weren't for her uncanny ability to sense things Don wouldn't be so worried. Did Silver do something to his little girl? Was something wrong with her? He couldn't stop the questions, the concern he had for his unborn child. What had she meant by the baby can stay? If it weren't for Silver and what he might have done her pronouncement would have been funny. Now it was just ominous. To distract himself Don asked "where are we going?"

"Bridgeport," Adam told him sounding distracted.

"Why not Dragon Valley?" Don asked confused.

"Ambrogio needs to talk to Alanon," Adam explained "we need to figure out how to separate him from me. If there's a way Alanon will know."

***

It was late when the incessant pounding on the door woke the occupants up. Stumbling down the stairs Percy and Alanon stood dumbstruck at the sight of Adam standing in front of them. "Adam is that you?" Percy managed to ask wanting to believe but to emotional to trust what was in front of his eyes.

Sensing Percy's distress Adam pulled him into a hug "yeah it's me. I'm sorry I left the way I did but it was vital I go. You were dying. You couldn't have lasted through the night."

"I'm sorry I let you down," he mumbled. 

Squeezing his shoulder "you didn't let me down. You kept me alive wen I needed to be outside my body. I'll always be grateful to you for that. My regret is the pain it caused you." Percy blushed ducking his head in acknowledgement. Turning to Alanon "do you still have the potion?" Adam asked."

"Yes," he affirmed "but why? If your back inside your body you don't need it."

"It's not for me it's for Ambrogio,"

"Ambrogio? is he in there with you?" Alanon almost choked on his words "why I don't understand. I thought he was working with Silver."

"No I'm sorry we had to lie to you. We didn't want Silver to know what we were planning." Adam went on to tel everyone what he and Ambrogio had come up with to trick Silver into taking them to where he had Kimberly.

"It was a brilliant plan," Alanon said when Adam finished "risky but brilliant." He eyed the girl sitting silently on Don's lap before getting up and going to his alchemy table. Coming back with a mixture he held it out to the girl "will you drink this"

Staring up at him with her blue eyes wide she nodded. Whatever the mixture or taste she drank it without complaint. Handing the vial back to him she sank back onto Don's shoulder falling asleep. Looking down at her Don asked "what did you do to her?"

"Nothing really," Alanon reassured him "a test really. If she had been morally corrupted by Silver she would have refused to drink. Since she drank without complaint or fear I'm fairly sure Silver didn't have time to alter her moral code. She's not evil nor is she likely to become evil."

"That's a relief," Don let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding.

Considering Alanon's little test Adam asked "not that I doubt you but why does she know so much? It's almost like she's clairvoyant or something."

Rubbing his chin Alanon frowned "it could be a side effect of having been in the time bubble. She lived there. Developed there. She's more a product of that universe then ours. I wouldn't be overly concerned. The effects of the bubble universe should diminish overtime as she becomes acclimatized to this universe. Keep on eye on her but I don't think they're should be any lasting effects."

"Alright," Adam agreed reluctantly. Something still didn't feel right. He hoped he was wrong and Alanon was right.

***

"It's just a little bit further," Beverly encouraged Heath to continue.

"What is?" Heath asked unable to lift his head. He was so exhausted. How could a doll be tired? What was wrong with him?"

"The portal to Bridgeport," Beverly told him.

"We can't use the portal. Alessandro must have it guarded" Heath protested.

"I thought of that," Beverly conceded "I spent a lot of time watching it. I haven't seen any activity near it. I think it's ok."

Nodding Heath said "you'll  have to help me."

Nearing the portal Beverly thought they were almost home free until a deep voice startled them "Holt."

Heath yelped in dismay us Beverly lost her grip on him and he fell to the ground. "Oh no," Beverly whispered recognizing the young werewolf that had been one of the guards in the dungeon. His eyes narrowed no doubt recognizing her. Turning to look both ways he waved her forward "Hurry."

Scooping up Heath she dragged him forward. Eyes wide with fear she asked "why are you helping us?"

"Not all of us agree with Alessandro," he told her "Quick before my father comes back." He activated the portal pushing them through. "Son what have you done?" Beverly heard before she reappeared on the outskirts of Bridgeport.

***

Everyone retired to bed except for Adam and Alanon. Hesitantly Alanon approached Adam "can I...talk to Ambrogio?"

After a moment Adam nodded "I'll give him temporary control."

"Thank you," Alanon acknowledged waiting a few minutes for the switch to be made "Ambrogio?"

"I'm here," sounding wary.

"I need...I" Alanon stopped looking away "I still feel the same...I need to know if there's any hope..."

"That I feel the same?" Ambrogio asked "I don't know.  How can I? I don't even have a body?" 

Sighing he got up and paced restlessly around the room "I can't stay in Adam's body forever."

"Would you give me a chance if you were in your own body?" Alanon pressed.

"How can that be? It's gone by now and I won't take over another.. Adam promised me that once we spoke he'd let my essence to. Please let me go," Ambrogio pleaded.

"I can't not when I have what you need," Alanon came up behind him wrapping his arms around him. "Please listen to me. Don't push me away until you've heard what I have to say."

Nodding Ambrogio said "you have my undivided attention."

Taking his hand Alanon led him to the couch. "Your body isn't gone. I preserved it in the hopes that one day you'd return."

"You what?" Ambrogio said looking into his best friends face "but how? I didn't think it'd be possible..."

"Alessandro entrusted your remains to me. No doubt thinking it's be a suitable punishment. I was able to repair the damage Alessandro did. All I lacked was you. With the potion I can reunite you with your body."

Overcome with joy and excitement Ambrogio hugged Alanon tight. Pulling apart he mumbled "I'm so happy I could kiss you."

"Then why don't you?" Alanon said staring steadily into his eyes. Taking the opportunity himself to capture his lip with his own.

After a few minutes Ambrogio pulled away as Adam protested in his head "ok ok that's quite enough. I think my body has seen enough man on man action." Chuckling a little Ambrogio blushed looking into Alanon's eyes. "Yes my answer's yes. I'll give you a chance."

Overcome with need and desire Alanon pulled Ambrogio close capturing his lips in a passionate kiss. Ignoring Adam's complaints Ambrogio let himself return the kiss feeling his reserves and walls melt start to melt. If he had only let himself return Alanon's feelings all those years ago. He could have avoided so much pain.

"But you wouldn't have had your son," Adam broke into his thoughts "I wouldn't exist. Things happen for a reason."

"I know but don't you ever wonder how things would have been like if you made the other choice? Took the road not taken?" Ambrogio asked knowing Adam would need to take control of his body soon.

"All of the time," Adam told him "but then I remember all the things I love about this life. As it is and it gives me a feeling of coming home."

Home Ambrogio thought. is that what he was feeling? Was this feeling of contentment, home? 

Looking into Alanson's eyes he smiled yes definitely home at last.

***

Helping Heath from the portal she half dragged and half carried him a mile or two away from the portal to be on the safe side. Leaving Heath resting Beverly made her way into Bridgeport found a public telephone booth and called Adam. She almost hung up thinking that maybe Heath was right and he was dead. After several rings she heard him pick up "Hello?" she heard.

"Adam," she all but cried his name.

"Beverly I.." his voice became rough and broken "where are you?" he managed to ask.

"Bridgeport," she told him explaining how she had left Heath "he needs help..."

"What's wrong with him?" Adam asked his tone urgent.

"I...I'm sorry," she cried "he's in toy form. It's my fault. I'm so desperately sorry..."

"I'm coming to get you," Adam cut her off "where are you?"

***

After getting the name of the grocery store she was at Adam turned to Alanon. "I need to go."

Shaking his head Alanon grabbed his arm "It could be a trap," he argued.

Shrugging him off "I don't care. She's my wife. I have to go to her."

"Then I'm coming with you," Alanon grabbed the car keys not waiting for an answer.

Pulling  into the parking lot Adam jumped out before Alanon had come to a complete stop. Running up to Beverly he wrapped his arms around her. "Beverly I didn't think I'd ever see you again." He kissed her long and passionately.

Beverly tried to pull away and when she managed it she saw the hurt in his glowing eyes "I'm sorry Adam but I...I did something terrible. You're going to hate me for it." Before she could think twice the horror of what she had done came pouring out from her. She watched the blood drain from his face. Watched the pain etch it's way through the plains of his face.

"You did what?" he cried squeezing her arms fiercely. Seeing her wince in pain he released her.

"Adam I'm sorry. I was under Alessandro's control," she cried "I know it's not an excuse but I didn't know what I was doing."

"Where is my son?" Adam asked focusing on the fact his son was alive. He'd deal with Beverly later. He couldn't deal with both. Grabbing her arm he ran back to the car where Alanon waited. "Where is my son?" he repeated. 

Stuttering Beverly managed to direct them to where Heath was. Crying in the backseat it was every bit as bad as she thought it would be. She knew Adam hated her for what she had done. There was not way to fix it. She watched as Alanon and Adam both ran from the car. She remained behind frozen in fear and dread.

***

Adam stopped at the sight of his son. He wasn't prepared to see him like this. So weak, so frail, a man sized doll. Walking close he dropped to his knees beside him "Heath is that you?"

Blinking his doll eyes he murmured "daddy is that you?"

"Yes baby it's me," he pulled him close picking him up.

"Am I dead?" he asked "I saw them push you from the window."

"No baby you're not dead and neither am I," Adam turned to find Alanon staring at them. "Can you help him?" he asked his question more a plea then a request.

"I don't know. I'll try." Alanon told him "let's get him back to the house."