Sunday, May 31, 2015

Generation 2, Chapter 40 - Monte Vista



Percy watched Beverly while she worked unaware of his presence. Clearing his throat he asked "what are you doing?"

Jumping a little at the sound of his voice she turned "I'm working on an alternative substance to blood so that Adam won't be tempted to feed."

"Is that even possible?" Percy wondered aloud.

"Through the conversations Ambrogio has had with Heath it's possible. There's been vegetarian vampires in the past."She shrugged "I hope it's possible but I'm missing one key ingredient..."

"What ingredient?" Percy asked hoping he'd be of use in acquiring it.


"From what I understand I need the fruit from the plasma plant. It's what ancient vampires used to sustain themselves when they were being hunted and couldn't feed openly," Beverly explained "if we could find this plant we could grow it and Adam wouldn't have to feed."

"That sounds like the best option we have," Percy said excitement building in his voice. "Tell me where to find it and I'll go get it."

"It's in Monte Vista," Beverly said turning towards him "it's difficult to find. I should go with."

Shaking his head Percy said "no absolutely not. Adam would kill me if something happened to you. Besides your needed here...."

Staring at Percy for a moment Beverly said "I'm going," refusing to be swayed from her objective. 


"It's too dangerous," Percy was at a loss as to how to convince her. She was as stubborn as she was beautiful. "If Ambrogio knows about the plasma plant then so does Alessandro. He's sure to have people in place in case we go there."

Wiping away tears Beverly nodded agreement "we need someone Alessandro would never suspect. Someone he wouldn't dream would ever help us."

"The only person I know who fits that description is my mom," Heath said from the doorway as both adults jumped. "I don't want her anywhere near my father. She's done enough damage. I won't give her another chance to hurt him. Find another way."

"What if she's changed?" Beverly asked hoping Heath could be persuaded to change his mind.

"No," Heath said "the last time I saw her she was being sent to jail for breaking the restraining order. All she's done is try to hurt me and my dad. She almost had him killed. Why the hell do you think we live in Dragon Valley? The dragons won't let her in town. She won't help and I don't want her help." Crossing his arms Heath demanded "find another way."


"I don't understand why you won't even consider it..." Beverly started only to be squashed by Heath's angry glare.

"No your the one who doesn't understand," He yelled "no one understands except Kyle. He's like me. We both have a parent whose sole goal in life is to destroy the other, their best friend and life giver. My mom is an Imaginary Friend like Kyle's father. You remember I told you I was half IF when you first came here. Windy won't help. She can't it's biologically impossible for her."

"I'm sorry," Beverly said quietly I was grasping at straws. We need to obtain that plasma plant." 

"I'll get it," Heath told her "he's my dad."

"No absolutely not," Beverly said repeating the same words Percy used on her. "Your father wouldn't want you putting your life in danger to save him."


"I'm not asking. I'm telling," Heath was adamant standing with his arms crossed. "Even if you forbid me I'm still going."

"I'll go with him," Kyle spoke from behind them. He was carrying his and Elliot's baby girl "we're probably the only ones who can." Turning to Heath he said "you'll need to show me how turn into toy form so that we can move fast and avoid detection."


"Uncle Elliot won't like this," Heath said looking past Kyle into the hallway where he could see Elliot staring at them.

Handing Gwen to Heath, Kyle went to soothe the feelings of his partner.

***


"Tell me I didn't hear you correctly?" Elliot pleaded "tell me your not going to leave me and our daughter." He stopped unable to talk over the lump in his throat.

Blinking back tears Kyle gathered Elliot into his arms. "I wouldn't go if there was another way. Asking Windy would be like asking my dad for help. They'd both turn on us with a blink of an eye. I'm sorry babe but you know better than all of us the struggle Adam is having. You know it won't be long before he can't control the hunger. He'll feed and there won't be anyway of going back after that."


"I know," Elliot pulled back to look deep into Kyle's blue eyes "I wish there was another way."

"Me too," Kyle said as he kissed Elliot for what might be the last time "take care of our baby."


Nodding Elliot looked up, his green eyes brimming with tears "promise me you'll come back. That we'll get married and ..."

Elliot's voice was cut off by Kyle kissing him again "I wish I could promise all those things. You and I both know this trip will be dangerous."


"I know...I just need something to hang on to while you're gone. Something to plan...to look forward too..." Elliot leaned his head onto Kyle's chest listening to his heart beat.

Squeezing him tight Kyle held him like he'd never let him go "I promise. If it'll help you get through the days until we meet again I promise." He ran his fingers through Elliot's blond hair "I love you El."

***


Beverly was sitting next to Adam watching him sleep How much longer would they need to keep him under this spell? Would it have any adverse effects? She took his hand and held it against her cheek crying softly. She hoped they were doing the right thing. If anything happened to Heath, Adam would never forgive her.

A hand landed on her shoulder jolting her from her thoughts. Smiling she looked up into Elliot's green eyes "have they left?" she asked returning her gaze back to Adam's still form.

"Yeah they left," his voice cracked. He reached over and took her hand sharing their combined worry. "They'll be back," he said sounding as unconvinced as she felt.

***


Several hours later Heath, Chase and Kyle made their way from the airport to the hotel in Monte Vista. Kyle couldn't help but wonder whatever happened to his one time idol Gino Ferrari who was supposed to be from here. Kyle knew he could never be as ruthless and heartless as Gino had been and he hoped one day to show that not celebrities were like that. He still had his goal of being a five star chef but he first had to help Elliot and his family through this mess. He couldn't help but feel it was his fault; after all if it weren't for his father being the royal jerk that he is then Chase wouldn't have had the opportunity to set his trap. Which was another troubling point for Kyle, he wondered if Chase had really changed or if they were walking into a trap.


Heath was asleep on his shoulder and Kyle wondered if they would have been better off leaving the boy at home. He understood Heath's desire to help but how much could a thirteen year old really be? Looking down at the sleeping boy, Kyle knew he didn't have the heart to tell the kid no. He understood the need to prove oneself. He personally would do anything he could to help his mother free herself from the clutches of his father. When he was Heath's age he simply wasn't brave enough and now that he was older he was too full of self-doubt to think he could do anything. Now that he was a father himself he wondered if he was capable of protecting his own child. If something happened to him Kyle knew Elliot would be able to protect their child. Out of the pair of them Kyle felt he was the most disposable.

Heath stirred and Kyle looked down into his startled blue eyes. "You shouldn't think things like that," the boy told him "Elliot doesn't think your disposable."


"What are you doing in my head?" Kyle asked flustered at the boy's unblinking gaze.

Shrugging Heath yawned "I didn't mean too. It happens sometimes...I'm still learning how to control it. Sorry." Heath looked intently at Kyle and asked "why do you feel your any more disposable then the rest of us?"

Kyle looked away staring out the window lost in thought. How could he say that all his life he was told he was nothing. Good for only one thing taking over the resort and carry on the family name.

***

 
The following morning they set out to find the illusive plasma plant located in the hills of Monte Vista. Hiking through the mountainous region they tried to keep a look out for Alessandro's henchmen. However a combination of heat, fatigue and exhaustion dulled their senses and by late afternoon they stood huddled together surrounded by werewolves. "What do we do now?" Chase asked for what seemed like the hundredth time sense they were captured.

"How should I know?" Kyle retorted "I'm not the guy with all the advanced future knowledge."

"Well obviously I was more interested in the past then the future...." Chase growled back mentally kicking himself for his ignorance and oversight. He never looked into the future, he believed everything Logan had told him. Hanging his head he couldn't believe he had been that gullible. 


Heath rolled his eyes as the two bickered back and forth. "Give it a rest won't ya?" he said glaring at his companions. "Why am I the only one acting like an adult here?" Heath kept a wary eye on the werewolves. (Son that one, the young one over there we might be able to connect to him) Heath followed the teen wolf with his eyes until the wolf looked at him making eye contact, allowing Heath to hear his thoughts....

"I hate recruiting missions" the teen mumbled "besides this feels different. Why did we capture these halflings? It's not like they can be turned to werewolves..."

Focusing on the teenager Heath thought "can you help us?"

The teenager looked up startled then glanced around the pack to see if anyone noticed his reaction "I can't my father will kill me..."

"Please I know you don't really want to do this. My father needs the plasma fruit....he's depending upon me to bring it back." Heath could feel the teens resolve faltering.

"I can't I'm sorry. Alessandro ordered us to capture anyone coming to harvest the plasma plant and to turn them. We didn't expect you to be halflings....now you'll be sent to Midnight Hollow to be rendered into dolls and sent out as imaginary friends."


Heath let out an involuntary gasp "you can't do that." 

"Alessandro can and does anything he wants. Everyone lives in fear of him and they do nothing to stop him. There was a glimmer of hope when his wife became ill and his son died from an ancient illness only vampires are susceptible to. But now that he has named a new heir, one of his bloodline all hope is lost," the young werewolf explained.

"My father is the new prince, the one Alessandro bestowed the title of heir too." Heath told the boy "He's trying to keep from feeding and finishing his transformation. He is trying to fight Alessandro but first he needs the plasma fruit."

"I'm sorry the wolf elder had all the plants destroyed. I could ask m...." The boy cowered as one of the senior wolves growled at him "I have to leave now....I'm sorry."

"No please...." Heath pleaded "we need you're help."

***


Away from the camp Quentin faced his father "we can't let the elder take the halflings to Midnight Hollow. They have done nothing wrong to deserve rendering to dolls."

"They defied the wishes of Alessandro that's all it takes. If they would give up the location of the heir they would be set free..."

"That's a lie and you know it," Quentin snapped at his father "besides the boy is the heir's son...." He pressed his lips together realizing he was saying too much.

"What do you know my son?" his father asked.

"The young one connected to my thoughts. He is the son of the heir. If we allow the elder to render the heir's son, what will happen to us when he becomes ruler? Destroy us or worse?" Quentin hoped his father would see reason.


Putting a hand to his chin his father mumbled "that does alter things...."

"The boy mentioned they need the plasma fruit to help his father to fight the blood thirst. Do we have any of it's fruit?" Quentin asked shaking as his father's eyes glowed with disapproval. Hanging his head "forgive me father."

Waving a hand in dismissal he said "We will need to act fast my son. If we do this we will be banned from the pack for life for disobeying the elder."

"I know father....what other choice do we have?" he asked more scared than he had ever been in his short life.

Going to their supplies his father removed a package handing it to Quentin. "This is all I was able to salvage before the plants were destroyed. Hopefully this will be enough to help."  

They spent the next couple of hours discussing how they would free the captives. When it had grown late Quentin's father hugged his son "be careful my son and if we should be split up remember our rendezvous point.


Quentin nodded as he turned away. Waiting undercover  he waited for the explosions to begin before moving to untie the captives. Approaching them he held a finger up this mouth "don't talk. Just follow," he whispered as he cut through the ropes. He led them to the opposite end of the camp away from the explosions. He hesitated looking behind him hoping to see his father. His heart leaped as he saw him running towards them when he went down. Screaming Quentin ran to his father "dad...dad" he cried "please get up."

Painfully his father opened his eyes saying "go my son and never look back."

Crying Quentin sniffed "I can't...not without you father....I can't leave you."

"You're not leaving me....I'm leaving you." his father struggled to breathe "I love you....." he sank to the ground breathing his last.


Quentin threw himself over his father's body crying "father don't leave me...."

Pulling on the boy Chase and Kyle hauled him to his feet and dragged him to the foliage. Heath grabbed the boys pack and followed reaching out to the boy through his mind "I'm sorry."

"He was all I had. Now I have no one." Quentin cried struggling with his loss.

"I'm sorry," Heath repeated unsure what else to say. How could he thank the boy for rescuing them when it was at such great cost? He knew his bond with his father was close and that the sacrifice was unimaginable. Heath wondered if it was one he'd be able to make and hoped he'd never have to find out.


Slowing Chase and Kyle stopped dropping to the ground exhausted "we need to rest."

Shaking his head Quentin urged "we need to continue the portal is not far from here."

"What portal?" Chase asked.

"The portal Alessandro set up in every town to make it easier for supernaturals to travel undetected. We need to hurry before Alessandro closes it."

"Is it a direct route to Dragon Valley?" Kyle asked.

Shaking his head Quentin confessed "no it's not. The dragons closed their portal to supernaturals. They had a falling out with Alessandro and have forbidden access to their town."


"That makes sense," Chase muttered "and explains why they are protecting Adam."

"Probably," the boy began to shake from a combination of fatigue and grief "I hope he can stop Alessandro. I have sacrificed all I have to help him."

"What about your mother?" Kyle asked concern for this boy overwhelming his fatigue.

"Alessandro had her executed when I was child. Now that my....my father is .....I have no one...." he fell to his knees sobbing.

Heath reached out and touched the boys shoulder "you have us. My dad will protect you."


Quentin looked at the younger boy through tears in his eyes "how you don't...."

Smiling Heath said "he told me to tell you. Our house is your house. You are welcome for as long as you wish."

"You're in contact with Adam?" Chase asked astounded.

Nodding Heath said "it's the only way he'd agree to my coming. I just kept it a secret. His mind reading abilities are expanding. I'm sorry," he turned to Kyle "but your thoughts were practically shouting at us earlier. Once we get home dad will disconnect our link and I won't be able to hear your thoughts."


"You won't tell Elliot, will you?" Kyle asked.

"No but you should," Heath told him "dad thinks so too." Heath smiled looking around them "we better get going." He turned and looked behind them "I wish I had been able to obtain what we came for..."

"Who said you didn't?" Quentin asked as he pulled out a plasma fruit from the pack his father gave him. "My dad kept some despite being ordered to destroy them."

***


Two weeks later everyone was gathered around Adam's bed watching him drink the plasma substitute. Frowning Adam took a sip then a larger swallow. Gagging he made a face of disgust "this stuff is terrible."

"Don't complain," Beverly chided "this stuff may keep you from needing to feed."

Grimacing Adam continued to drink the foul concoction. After finishing it Adam smiled "that was the worst thing I've ever had the misfortune of eating." Looking at the eager hopeful expressions he said "but I no longer feel like I want to jump on you and drain you dry. Thank you," he said solemnly to the assembled people. Turning to the young werewolf he said "I want to thank you especially for not only saving me but my son. I'm sorry about the loss of your father, he was a brave man who loved you very much." Quentin bowed his head as Adam continued to talk "you're welcome to stay here with us become part of the family. You'll have to forgive us our ignorance of supernaturals as we were unaware of your existence until about a year ago."

"Thank you sir," Quentin mumbled taken aback by the sincerity he heard in Adam's voice. He wasn't used to it; especially not from a vampire. He had been told stories of how vampires had been nice once upon a time but that all changed centuries ago under Alessandro's rule. He had a feeling once Adam became ruler things would change.


"Now if you'll excuse us," Beverly said pointing towards the door "I have a few things to discuss with my fiance."

Adam looked at her then at the retreating backs of his friends and family. "Don't go," he entreated them "I have a feeling I'm going to need someone to protect me."

"Sorry dad," Heath smiled at him "but for all your fangs and vampire mind reading skills, mom is still scarier than you."

"I know son...that's why I need protecting," Adam said half joking.

When everyone had left Beverly turned to Adam hands on hips "why didn't you come home? I've been worried sick over you."


"I'm sorry," Adam said looking away from her piercing green eyes.

"Is that all you have to say?" she shouted "If Heath hadn't followed you that night you would have died."

"I know," Adam said avoiding eye contact. 

Growing frustration prompted Beverly to ask "do you love me?"

"God yes," Adam lifted his head up "that was never an issue....I...I didn't want to hurt you."

"You love me but you don't trust me. Is that it?" Beverly asked pacing the floor.


"No it's not that. I didn't trust myself. It was never about you. I wanted you and the kids to be safe," Adam slowly stood from the bed.

"So you thought dying would protect us?" Adam nodded looking to the floor. "Why Adam? Why couldn't you come to me?"

"I was afraid," He shouted back "I felt so alone. I didn't understand what was happening to me. How to control it. The only person I trusted to know what to do is gone." He looked up as he added "forgive me please. I was lost and afraid. I thought I had to give up my family to protect them. That wasn't  a choice I made lightly but it was one I thought I had to make. I didn't think you could love a monster..."

"Oh Adam is that what you think you've become?" she asked stepping close to him. He nodded as she took his hand "I don't see a monster. I see someone who lost themselves." Touching his chest "inside here your still the man I love. Nothing else matters. We can and will face this together."


Adam sighed as he felt Beverly's arm embrace him as she lifted her face up to him. "Beverly I've missed you and longed for you. I thought..." he gulped in air afraid he would burst into tears. 

"Shh you're here now. We're together," she lifted her hands to stroke his face she stared into his glowing eyes "I love you."

"I love you more" Adam pulled her close as he claimed her lips with his. Savoring her taste, her smell, the feel of her in his arms. He moaned in anticipation as Beverly pushed him to the bed and she began to remove her clothes.

Monday, May 25, 2015

Generation 2, Chapter 39 - Homecoming



"Where is he?" Beverly shouted at her father.

"Honey calm down," William pleaded with her.

"No I won't calm down. He's my fiance," she cried "his children need him....I need him." She wrapped her arms around herself crying.

"Bev I know but..." he tried to soothe her only to be rebuffed as she stepped away from his embrace.

Wiping tears from her eyes "tell me where he is," she demanded.

"Honey he...he's changed," William stuttered.

"Changed how?" she inquired "he hasn't met someone else has he?"

"No no nothing like that," William sought to reassure her wondering how he could explain how he had changed without telling her Adam was a vampire. Adam had been adamant in not wanting her to know. William thought it was a bad idea. He knew his daughter wasn't the type to stop until she found out the truth.


"Something happened to him while he was away didn't it," her eyes widened "is he hurt?" Grabbing her father's arm she demanded "tell me I have to know. I have a right to know. His children need their father."

"I know and I wish I could tell you," William saw her begin to shake as her facade began to unravel. 
Wrapping his arm around her he said "give him time. He needs to adjust to the changes..."

"So something did happen," she cried on his shoulder "I don't care what happened. I love him and I want him to come home." Looking into her father's eyes "tell him I need him. Tell him if he doesn't come home soon I'll come and find him. There's nothing we can't face together."

"I'll tell him," William hesitated "don't expect ..." sighing he turned "just don't expect him to come home anytime soon."

"He will. I know he will. He loves us," she said as her brilliant green eyes swam with tears.

"I wish it were that easy," William muttered "his love for you is what's keeping him away."

***


Once her father left Beverly sank to her knees. What did he mean? Why would Adam's love for her and the kids keep him away? What happened to him? Why wouldn't her father tell her? 

"Mom what's wrong? What happened? Did something happen to dad?" Heath's concerned voice cut into her thoughts.

"I don't know. I simply don't know," Beverly said allowing him to help her up from the floor.

"Next time grandpa comes," Heath said "I'm going to follow  him. I'm going to find my dad. It's time he comes home."

Smiling at the young boy Beverly sadly acknowledged Adam had missed a milestone in his son's life. Heath just turned thirteen and Jonah was already a year old. She could hardly believe Adam had been gone for over a year now and his absence was still a physical ache to her. At least she knew he was still alive unlike Jean who had no idea what happened to Peter other than he's trapped in the future with no way of coming home. "That's a good idea except I'm going to do it," she smile at him as he opened his mouth to protest.


"Mom I'm sure you can but I can move faster than you and I'd be less likely to be seen," he opened his mouth to continue.

"Ok you win," Beverly said "just be careful."

"My dad won't hurt me" Heath said his confidence in his dad undiminished.

"I know" Beverly agreed "that's not what I meant. There's a reason why your father's not here. If he felt it was safe he'd be home."

"I'll find him" Heath said hugging her before going to his room.

Beverly watched him leave wishing she was as confident as he was. Her father's words chilled her. Something happened, something that fundamentally changed Adam and it scared her.

***


Later that night Adam watched as the last of the lights went out in his house. He knew where everyone was. He longed to go home to hold his fiance in his arms. To hug his children. Instead he lurked in the dark behind a tree hidden from sight watching over them as they slept. He hated what he had become a creature of the night. His thirst was building and at times he felt only Ambrogio kept him from feeding.

"Why don't you go to them?" Ambrogio asked "if she loves you she'll accept you and what you've become."

Shaking his head Adam closed his eyes in a vain attempt to block Ambrogio's thoughts from his mind. "I might hurt her or the kids. I can't take the chance."

"You've become much stronger than you were," Ambrogio encouraged "you've lived with the others without feeding..."

"No," he shouted into the night air "it's still too hard to resist. Too many close calls. I can't take the risk not where my family is involved."

"Then why come here?" Ambrogio asked "Why torture yourself?"


Shaking his head Adam leaned against the tree "I long to be with them the loneliness is worse then the hunger." Shrugging Adam continued "I'm as good as dead so I do what ghosts do when they can't move on. Haunt their loved ones."

"It won't always be this way," Ambrogio insisted.

"How can it be any different? Forsake what little humanity I have left? Feed and join Alessandro?" falling to his knees Adam cried out into the night shattering the silence. "I hate this half life caught between  not quite human and not quite monster. What am I? Why am I fighting it?"

"I know it's difficult Adam but it is necessary. This is all happening for a reason," Ambrogio told him "you must remain strong. You must fight the hunger. You can do it....trust me."

"Tell me why? Why is it necessary?" Adam growled "no one tells me anything. Percy knows but avoids my questions. You know and hint at answers but refuse to tell me. All I feel is a growing discontent with this life ..."

***


Inside the house Beverly stirred restlessly in her sleep. "Adam she called leaping from the bed. "I could have sworn I heard his voice." She frowned pulling up the covers around her shoulders. Straining her ears to listen she heard the wordless cry that brought tears to her eyes. She raced to the window peering outside "Adam" she whispered his name "I know your out there. Suffering ... come home baby. Whatever it is I'll help you."

She saw motion at the far edge of the yard "what is that?" she wondered. Opening the window she shouted "Adam is that you?" Startled a figure looked up it's eyes glowing in the moonlight then it turned and ran. An animal maybe? It moved too fast for a person. "Oh Adam where are you?"

***


Shock propelled Adam into running faster then he had ever ran before. Why had he screamed out? He should have known Beverly would hear him. The sound of her voice sent a thrill to his heart. How he wanted to run to her, caress her skin, kiss her lips, make love to her. Instead he was running away. He stumbled to his knees weeping.

"Adam?" Elliot said reaching out to him "you need to come home," Elliot entreated him "the sun is going to be up soon."

"I don't care," Adam cried "I can't do this anymore ...I don't want to do this anymore." Mentally he shut Elliot's voice from his mind as he lay down on the grass waiting for the sun to rise. Briefly he heard Percy and Ambrogio protesting in the background until they too faded away. This was it. The end. His choice. Biting his tongue he grunted in pain as the sun's rays touched his skin.

***


Heath heard Beverly call out to his dad as he lounge on the patio by the pool. Jumping the wall in his toy form he was able to keep pace with Adam who was running faster than he should have been able to. As the sun rose he watched his dad lay down where it seemed the sun's rays were cooking him. Cautiously Heath approached the spot where is dad lay motionless on the ground. "Dad?" he queried. Touching his hand Heath jerked his hand back "ouch" he cried sucking on his fingers where they had touched Adam's skin.

"You need to get your father out of the sun," a voice commanded in his head.

"Whose there?" Heath asked looking around.

Laughter resounded through his mind "I'm inside your head. Like I was inside your dad's head. He quit listening though." Ambrogio's voice turned serious "you need to get him out of the sun before he burns up."

"I can't...I'm not strong enough," Heath struggled to drag Adam under a shade tree. Wiping sweat from his forehead Heath took his phone out "mom I found dad ...he needs help...I don't know...he's burning up...hurry."


Heath watched Adam's skin blister while he waited for his mom to arrive. He took his shirt off to try and shield him from the son "It's not working," he cried out in frustration.

"Calm down," Ambrogio commanded "you've slowed the process down."

"Who are you?" Heath asked biting his lip.

"I'm Ambrogio an ancestor of yours."

"What? I don't understand. Why are you in my head? What's wrong with my dad? Did you do this to him? Are you the reason why he's stayed away so long?" Heath asked one question after another. All he got in return was static. Ambrogio wasn't answering. Standing up Heath waved Beverly over when he heard a car door shut.


Dropping to her knees beside Adam she reached out and touched his blistered face. Hissing as his skin burned her fingertips. "What's wrong with him?" Heath asked anxiously beside her.

"I don't know" she shook her head "some kind of allergic reaction to the sun. We've go to get him inside." Handing Heath the keys she instructed "inside the trunk there's a sleeping bag. We can use that to protect him from the sun when we move him."

Coming back Heath dropped the sleeping bag beside Adam handing Beverly  a couple of bottles of water. "I thought may be we could use these to cool him off."

Smiling up at him Beverly nodded "I forgot those were in the trunk too. Good thinking." Pouring the water over Adam's body they watched the steam rise as it hit his skin. "Maybe we should take him to the hospital," Beverly mumbled.

"Don't let her," Ambrogio instructed Heath "they can't do anything for him."


"Mom I don't think that's a good idea," Heath said reaching for her hand "we don't know what happened." to him while he was gone. You did say Grandpa said he was changed. What if he changed biologically? Do we want him to become some lab experiment?"

Staring at Heath for a moment Beverly nodded "you're right. Let's get him home first."

Between the two of them they struggled to lift and carry him to the car. Chewing on her lip Beverly thought for a minute before dialing her phone. "Meet me at the house" she demanded "Yes we found him and he's burning up...No I won't bring him there...he's coming home." Disconnecting she felt like tossing her phone out the window. "He's been staying at your Uncles house. All this time and he was so close."

"Mom please don't be angry at him" Heath implored her "he has to have a good reason."

Looking sideways at Heath she took a deep breath "I know, I know I'll try. First we get him better," glancing over her shoulder at Adam's still form "then I want answers."


True to his word William and Chase were waiting for them at the house. They carried Adam up to the bedroom where Beverly applied cool compresses to his burned and blistered skin. When she was satisfied he was as comfortable ah she could make him she turned to her father. "Tell me what's happening to him." She glared at him "I want the truth this time."

It was Chase who spoke first explaining his role and what led up to them arriving in Moonlight Falls.

"He's a what? A vampire...." she glared at them.

Turning away muttering "I'm sorry he didn't want you know."

"Dad is what he's saying true?" she demanded turning her green eyes towards him hoping he would tell her this was all an elaborate joke.

"I'm afraid so honey," William kneeled beside her "he's in between two states of being, not quite human and not quite vampire. He's been resisting taking the final step .. but it's been difficult..."


"What final step?" she demanded anger in her voice.

"Feeding," Chase said looking up at her.

"Feeding? You mean blood?" She asked as they nodded she looked at Adam's still form on the bed. Understanding finally dawned on her "the son it was killing him wasn't?"

"Yes," William and Chase mumbled together.

Dragging her eyes from Adam to her father "why was he out in the sunlight? Surely he knew..."

"He did baby he..."William hesitated knowing the truth was going to hurt. "He wanted to die. I'm sorry sweetheart..." He took her in his arms "he was tired of fighting the hunger. Tired of not being able to come home. He wanted so badly to come home but was afraid of hurting you. Losing control. He'd rather be dead then hurt any of you."

"He should have told me," Beverly cried "he didn't have to go through this alone. I know he'd never hurt us," she went to sit beside Adam.

***


A week later Heath was sitting beside his dad watching him toss uneasily on the bed. Looking up as Beverly walked into the room "is he ever going to wake up?"

Giving him a hug Beverly said "he'll wake up when he's ready."

Covering his eyes Heath sat down in the chair he had pulled along side the bed.

"He needs nourishment." Ambrogio said in his head "he'll heal faster if he feeds."

"No," Heath screamed at him "my dad fought too hard to keep from feeding I won't be the one to turn him into a full vampire."


"It was only a suggestion." Ambrogio said quietly "He is struggling and his will to live is low. He needs help."

"Can't you help him?" Heath asked.

"I cannot ... before he passed out Adam blocked my link to him. He blocked his link to his brother and to Percy. None of us can reach him until he opens up the link between us. You might be able to link to him though."

"How?" Heath jumped at the chance to help his dad. "I'll do anything short of giving him blood to feed."

"You're his son. You're already partially linked. Close your eyes. Concentrate on your dad. Listen to his heart. Once your hearts beat as one link to his thoughts. Take them into your mind ... make them your own..."


"Dad? Where are you?" Heath called out into the dark silent mind that he knew was his dad's inner turmoil. It felt like death.

"Go away son," Adam told him "It's better this way. I don't want to hurt you..."

"You won't," Heath told him confidently "you won't because you love me."

"You don't know how strong the hunger has become. The need to feed is so strong. Even now I can smell you. Hear your heart pumping...just leave me. I don't want to exist like this."

"You don't have a choice," Heath told him "you told me once everything happens for a reason. If you give up now how will you ever find out the reason?"


"I...I...don't want to know the reason. I'm tired of fighting," Adam cried in despair.

"Dad come with me. Together we can get through this. Beverly needs you. The kids need you. I need you. The entire family needs you.  Now more than ever since grandpa can't come home. Now is not the time to throw a pity party. Not when so many people need you."

"I..." a soft chuckle sounded in Heath's mind "there's no way to argue with you is there? Alright you win but promise me if I ever tell you to lock me up just do it, no questions asked."

"I promise but we won't need to. You love us," Heath repeated.

"I may not be in control of myself when it happens," Adam told him "there's a powerful Vampire who has been trying to gain control of my mind. I don't know how long I can fight him and the desire to feed. If he gains control he will force me to feed and I won't be able to stop him. So promise me."


"I promise," Heath told him hoping that day would never come. He noticed the colors in his dad's mind were brightening as he started to come out of his trance. 

When he disconnected from the link with his dad Ambrogio was saying " you did very well for one so young."

"Who is Alessandro? Why does he want my dad to feed?" Heath asked.

"It's a long story and one I can't divulge at the moment," Ambrogio told him "not that I don't want to but I can't. I will tell you though that in time Adam will need to face Alessandro in a fight of good and evil. If he wins he will be given a choice to become the vampire ruler or he can decline and become human again. The choice to become human is forfeit the minute he feeds."


Saturday, May 23, 2015

Generation 2, Chapter 38 - Escape


William helped Kyle up the dark slippery stairwell leading up from the dungeon. "Don't worry son, Adam has him. He'll be ok," William tried to sound positive despite the nagging worry that the boy had lost too much blood.

Panting Kyle struggled to keep up with the older man. "I know you're just telling me what I want to hear. I know it's bad."

Grabbing Kyle's arm as he slipped on the step William nodded "you're right but now is not the the time to worry about it." Looking up William noticed the blue haired boy stop at the top of the stairs.

Chase peered cautiously around the corner. Ducking back he motioned for Percy to join him "do you think you can do that freezing thing again?"

Shaking his head "I don't know...I don't think so....one person yes but not a whole roomful of people," Percy said.


Adam set Elliot down beside Kyle who was resting on the steps. Kyle looked up at Adam his eyes pleading what he couldn't ask. Shaking his head Adam squeezed Kyle's shoulder before joining the others. "What's wrong?" he asked.

"There's at least twenty people milling around out there," Chase explained.

Adam looked towards Percy. "Don't ask I can't freeze an entire room," Percy said with a note of defeat in his tone.

"Can we somehow amplify your magic?" Adam asked trying to come up with options.

Puzzled Percy shook his head "I don't know....maybe."


"The answer is yes," a voice said from behind them.

"Master Allanon what are you doing here?" Percy asked straightening a little in the face of the wizard.

"Relax," Allanon waved a dismissive hand towards the young man "I'm making sure our fearless leader doesn't awaken before you escape." He looked at their skeptical frowns "you didn't think that Percy was that powerful yet did you? I've only had time to teach him a few rudimentary spells. Nothing near powerful enough to render a vampire powerless."

Percy looked down and away uncomfortable with the way Allanon was staring at him. "I'm sorry master I ..."

"Don't be, in time your powers will increase. First you must escape," Allanon stepped forward.

Adam stood in front of him barring his way "how do we know we can trust you?"


"Ah foolishness is tied up in the young," Allanon said as he snapped his fingers forcing Adam to his knees "we don't have time to waste on unnecessary explanations. Those will come once we're safely away from here." Stepping around Adam he looked over Chase's shoulder. Frowning at the activity and the number of people inside the next room. Some of those people were his friends, how would they react if they knew he was working for the resistance? Motioning for Percy to stand beside him he commanded "repeat after me ..." Percy did as he was told repeating the chant, waving his wand.

Adam watched from his position on the floor unable to move from whatever spell Allanon had put on him. He could feel the air become charged with electricity as they chanted. His mind wandered and he felt the familiar pain of someone invading his thoughts. He briefly wondered how or if he should try to block them.



"You couldn't if you tried," Ambrogio laughed at him "don't worry young one. Allanon is a trusted ally. Like Percy is your blood bondsmen Allanon is mine. Allanon will see you all leave Moonlight Falls."

"What about my brother?" Adam asked looking towards Kyle who was still trying to awaken Elliot.

"Don't worry about him," Ambrogio said dismissing Elliot without further thought.

Not to be deterred Adam asked "will he become a vampire? Is there anything I can do to  help him?"

"There's nothing that can be done," Ambrogio told him "Alessandro was feeding so there's a good chance he did not receive much if any of the turning agent in his bloodstream. If Alessandro was feeding with the intent to turn him when he was done then that changes everything. I simply don't know what his intent was. Alessandro is a powerful vampire able to block other vampires from his mind. If Elliot starts to exhibit vampire characteristics keep him from feeding and finishing the process. Once you feed there's no going back."

"Will you help him?" Adam asked

"I'm sorry I cannot. My link is to you. We share the same blood. He does not." Ambrogio hesitated before adding "you would need to finish the link you started with him. You can control his blood thirst by taking it upon yourself...be warned if you do this you will increase your own hunger. I may not be able to help you control it." 



"What do I need to do?" Adam asked accepting his fate and willing to forfeit his hold on humanity if it meant freeing his brother.

Sighing Ambrogio instructed "reach out to him with your mind. Hear his heart beat. Hear his thoughts. Concentrate until his thoughts become yours and your hearts beat as one."

Adam closed his eyes concentrating on the slow almost imperceptible beat of Elliot's heart. Adam shied away from his entering into Elliot's thoughts. When  he did he was buffeted with the raw undiluted horror of being fed upon. The feeling of being drained of life. Adam forced himself to confront those thoughts concentrating until they became his own. Gasping in pain and panic when the connection was made. Everyone jumped turning toward Adam, Percy faltered in his chant moving to help him.

Allanon grabbed him shaking his head "you need to concentrate on freezing the room..."

Looking towards Adam "he needs me...I feel his turmoil. He's calling out to me. He needs help."

Grabbing the boys shoulders Allanon spoke firmly "If you want to survive you need to do as I say. Ambrogio will help your blood bondsmen."

Nodding Percy turned back towards the roomful of people concentrating on them. Gritting his teeth as he felt the fear knife through him.



Pushing beyond the fear Adam called "Elliot you're not alone. I'm here. Ellie you don't have to go through this alone. Come to me and I'll help you."

"Adam you shouldn't be here," Elliot cried in a small scared voice. The voice Adam remembered he used after he had been kidnapped by Vallari.

"Ellie I know you're scared but you don't have to be. I'm here to help you. Let me help you." Adam pleaded with him. He could feel how close Elliot was to death "don't give up Elliot. Think about Kyle. What will he do without you?"

"Kyle?" a spark of interest falling to despair "take care of him for me. He's not strong like you."

"You can take care of him Ellie. Don't give up." Adam begged as he felt Elliot slip further away.

"Elliot," he screamed "I told you not to give up. I can help you. I'll help you and Kyle. We'll face this together."

"What if I become a vampire?" Elliot asked "I can feel it inside me now...changing me. I'm not strong enough to fight it. I won't be able to withstand the need to feed. I don't want to hurt anyone. I'd rather die now then let that happen."



"I'll help you. We're linked. I'll give you the strength you need to keep from feeding." Adam pleaded.

"What about you? Won't that increase your need to feed? I can't let you sacrifice yourself for me. I'm sorry it's better if die now"

"No please Elliot don't do this. I can't let you. Don't let Alessandro win. If you go I'll give up too. Give me a reason to fight what I'm becoming." Adam yelled in desperation "please Elliot help me."

"How? How can I help you?" Elliot asked "I can't. I'm not strong enough to keep you from feeding..."

"No but you can give me a reason to fight it. You can encourage me not to give up. Tell me all the reasons I have not to give in to feed," Adam said "please won't you do that for me?"

"I'll do anything for you, Elliot said wearily.

"Good I need all the help I can get," Adam reached out and mentally hugged his brother.


Both boys let out a collective sigh as Adam collapsed on the step. Chase went to check on him 
"Adam...Adam?" he called.  Checking for a pulse, he found one slow but steady. Looking up into William's concerned face he asked "How's Elliot?"

William turned towards Kyle whose eyes had been riveted on Elliot since Alessandro began to feed upon him "Kyle how's Elliot?"

Shaking his head Kyle said "the same. No response what so ever." He's voice cracked as he fought to keep his emotions in check.

With a shout of triumph Percy turned to the others "the room is frozen. We've got to move." He went to pick up Adam only to have Chase wave him away.

"You need to keep your hands free in case you need to use your wand," Chase hold him "I'll carry him."


Nodding Percy accepted his help. Kyle struggled to pick up Elliot until William stopped him "I've got him."

"But...but," Kyle blinked back tears overcome with emotion. He moved out of the way accepting  his role as the one needing protection instead of the one doing the protecting. Being pregnant should be a joyous occasion instead all it was was a nuisance when he couldn't even carry his boyfriend to safety.

They ran as fast as they could hampered with two unconscious individuals. Breathing hard Chase gasped "where are we going?"

Percy looked towards Allanon for an answer. "My home. It is protected from all intrusions of a vampiric nature."

"Sound ok to you?" Percy asked


"I'm too tired to care," Chase muttered wishing the millionth time that he hadn't fallen for Logan's lies. All of this was his fault. Their lives were all in danger because of what he did. How could he ever make amends for this? Could they stop what Logan started? Would he ever have a chance to know his father? Emit? Was he really his father? The days he spent in the dungeon with Adam had convinced him that the Van Winkles weren't his enemies. With shock he realized he would put his life on the line for any one of these individuals. He would prove to them, his father and himself that he wasn't the same evil misguided person he was. Would they give him the chance to prove he had changed?

They spent several weeks hiding in Allanon's house while Alessandro searched everywhere for them. During that time Allanon kept Adam under a spell to keep him asleep so that Alessandro could not link to him. Elliot woke up weak from blood loss to answer their questions as to what happened when Adam linked to him. Refusing to look at Kyle, Elliot focused on the table top and drew patterns with his fingers as he talked. He didn't want to see the fear, shock and hurt in his partner's eyes as he described how close he had come to dying that day. If it weren't for the link Adam forged between them and giving him the strength he needed he would have given up. 


Afterwards as they lay in each other's arms Kyle whispered "I'm sorry."

Looking at him in concern "why? You did nothing to be sorry for."

Shrugging Kyle squeezed Elliot tight "I wasn't able to protect you from Alessandro's attack. I was afraid. If I had been braver I might have been able to prevent Alessandro from feeding on you. Because of me you might be turning into a vampire." His voice cracked as he finished speaking, his breathing rough and jagged.

"Don't talk like that," Elliot turned to him wiping the tears away. "It's not your fault. You couldn't have prevented what happened. I should have listened to you and not annoyed Alessandro." Putting a hand on Kyle's stomach "I'm glad you didn't try to stand up to him. You or the baby could have been hurt. I don't know what I would have done if that had happened."


Kyle put a hand over Elliot's as it rested on his stomach "I'm so useless," he muttered. "Everyone treats me like I'm made of glass. The only one who doesn't is William and he's even given me advice on what to expect. I never realized how many men had been impregnated by the aliens but I'm glad I know two of them since I can't go for medical advice." He reached up to run his fingers through Elliot's hair. "I'm so worried El. What will we do if we're still here, hiding when the baby's due? Or in a couple of months when I get huge and can't move and we need to run. It's already hard enough now but it'll only get worse...."

"I don't know baby but we'll figure it out," Elliot smiled at him "I wonder who the baby will look like. Whether it's a boy or a girl. What do you want?"

"I just hope it's healthy," Kyle absently rubbed his stomach "I hope all this stress isn't effecting the baby somehow. I wish I knew it was developing ok ....I wish...."

"You wish what?" Elliot asked concern thick in his voice.

"I wish I could see a doctor and make sure the baby's alright," Kyle said as tears slid down his cheeks. Pulling him close Elliot held him until they both fell asleep.


The next morning Allanon announced "it' time you leave Moonlight Falls. I can no longer safely hide you here."

"Where can we go?" Chase asked "I can't go to Midnight Hollow..." looking over at Kyle he continued "it might be a good place for you and Elliot..."

Shaking his head Allanon broke into the conversation "I wouldn't advise that. Midnight Hollow is annexed with Moonlight Falls and under the ruler-ship of Alessandro. I'm afraid it wouldn't be safe."


Kyle stared at his hand resting in his lap mumbling "I was hoping to be able to see a doctor. Someone who could tell me what's happening and what to expect."

Taking his hand Elliot said "we'll figure it out don't worry," he tried to reassure him. Looking up he said "would Dragon Valley be a good place to go?"

Thinking it over Allanon nodded "the dragons could be persuaded to cloak you from Alessandro's view." Allanon smiled "you have family there don't you?"

"Yes but it won't be the same without my dad," Elliot sighed "he's trapped in the future with Emit."


"You still have your mother and brother," Allanon pointed out "Adam will protect you and he knows what to expect with pregnancy."

"He's still unconscious, how much help can he be?" Kyle protested.

"Once your in Dragon Valley he will wake up." Allanon stated "I could not risk Alessandro linking to him while you were here."

"But won't he link to Adam once he's awake?" William asked from where he leaned against the wall. He had stayed, refusing to go home until he knew the boys were safe. He was the only one of the group that Alessandro wasn't hunting, he could go home at any time. He felt duty bound to see the boys safely home.

"Possibly but the dragons should shield him; especially if he has some in the house with him."


"He does," Elliot confirmed "at least three."

"A red one I hope," Allanon stated.

"No I don't think so," Elliot shoot his head.

"He should get one. It might prove an invaluable weapon against Alessandro. They will attack on command." Looking around the room Allanon continued "you leave at dawn I suggest you use today to rest." 


As they all got up Allanon pulled Percy aside whispering in his ear. Elliot watched concerned as Percy shook his head followed by a reluctant nod. He couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. He only hope Percy wasn't involved.