At midday, the rec room was relatively vacant of customers. A man sat at the bar nursing a beer and a bar tender sat on a stool behind the counter watching the football game playing on the large, color TV. Bram promptly made himself at home at the bar, not even caring that the bartender paid him no heed.
Neither Jim nor Alecia were exactly interested in watching the college football game and wandered around the musty, dimly lit premise. They walked into an adjoining room, what appeared to be the dining area from the numerous chairs and tables. At almost exactly the same time they noticed a doorless entrance way leading into the pool hall.
Alecia's face lit up at the sight of the pool tables. "Oh cool. Wanna play pool?"
"Haven't played in a while," Jim admitted, sauntering into the quiet room, examining it with heightened senses.
"That's okay." Alecia couldn't keep the smile from her face.
Racks adorning the walls held pool cues of various sizes and Alecia practically skipped over to them. She grabbed an appropriate sized one for herself and waved it around like a baton.
"I've always wanted to play pool," she informed the detective, as if he hadn't already figured that much out.
Jim picked out a cue for himself and walked up to the closest table and knelt down to grab the balls out of the bottom pocket and place them onto the table. Alecia came up beside him, triangle in hand. He almost laughed at the eager expression on her face.
Alecia Wynters tried to act like a hard ass, and sometimes even succeeded, but she was still a kid. Maybe not by much, but in Jim's opinion, enough that he became acutely aware of their age difference. Fun was something, he had a feeling, she had almost forgotten about. If it hadn't been for Blair, the detective mused, he probably would've ultimately forgotten about it himself.
He taught Alecia how to hold the cue stick properly, why chalking the tip was important, and the objective of the game. For the sake of being fair he kept his senses under control, but soon found out it really wasn't necessary. Alecia was a very quick study. She had given him all of two chances to shoot and after flubbing up the shots she had sunk every one of the striped balls, then the eight.
She bounced on her toes. "I win. Cool."
"Beginner's luck," Jim grumbled, but was in too much of a good mood to sound serious. "I'll play you another round. Let's play four out of five."
"'Kay," Alecia easily agreed.
Another game ensued and idle chit chat occupied spaces in between each shot taken. Somewhere along the line, Jim wasn't sure at what point or what led them to the comment, he found himself asking a question he hadn't intended to ask, but was intensely curious about.
"Whatever happened to the vampire, Stacia?"
Alecia sat the broader end of the cue against the floor and leaned against it as a makeshift crutch. She chewed her upper lip for a second, before simply answering, "She died."
Jim blinked, caught off guard by the answer. "Oh."
As if chagrined by her own terseness, Alecia went on to explain, "It happened as soon as she killed Auturo."
He wasn't sure how personal he was getting, but he decided if she didn't want to answer, she probably wouldn't. "What happened?"
"Adrian was dying. Auturo had tried to cross him over, but Stacia stopped him in time. Unfortunately, Auturo had taken so much blood that the only way Adrian could survive was to be transformed. Either that or someone could give their life essence to him." She sighed sadly, caught up in the memory. "Stacia wasn't happy as a vampire. It was nothing but a curse for her, and she loved Adrian a lot. Stacia's story is a long one and I don't think I really have time to tell it. Maybe some day Adrian will feel comfortable in sharing."
Jim shook his head, smiling a little. "No. That's okay. I was just curious. Stacia had just been mentioned so frequently I kind of wondered what ever became of her."
Alecia twirled the cue in her hand mindlessly, cerulean eyes staring blankly, seeing another time and place. "I think a lot of Stacia is in Adrian. Poor guy. He's been through hell. I love him so much." Her gaze focused on Jim. "Adrian has absolutely no future goals. All he can do is wander through this world, living mechanically, blaming himself for every death caused by nosferatu. And I wonder if this will keep me and Bram from our dreams. Bram could almost be taken seriously with the Ghostbusters remark. I mean, isn't that about what we are? We have no purpose, detective. What kind of a life is this?"
He matched her beseeching look with a reassuring one of his own. "A noble one. You're saving lives, Alecia." He wanted to engulf her in a comforting hug, but had a feeling she'd shrug off the gesture. She didn't appear the type who readily accepted sentiment.
"Mm, well. Guess it's something like the medical field. I mean look at all the similarities. Save lives, high stress, and learn about human anatomy while you're at it. Hey, best to start off small." She smiled teasingly, if a little bit wanly.
Jim took the gesture wholeheartedly. "You're a good woman, Alecia. I would almost suggest a career as a police officer. You'd make it up to the ranks of a detective within no time."
"No thanks." Her eyes glittered. "Too much violence for my taste."
"You get to carry around a gun," he prompted jokingly.
"I'd probably drop it."
"Trust me. These things can be worked around." He hefted his pool cue. "Okay. Who's turn is it?"
Nearly two hours later, Adrian and Blair made their entrance. Both assessed the present pool game with similar amusement.
"So," Adrian said, as he reached the pool table. "Who's winning?"
Alecia, who was setting up her next shot, answered without even looking up. "I am."
She said it so deadpan that Blair couldn't help the abrupt laugh that escaped him. Jim shot him a glare and he immediately quieted, but the grin on his face didn't disappear. "Man, Jim. Not too many people can beat you at anything."
"Beginner's Luck," Jim retorted.
Blair didn't let Jim's tone fool him. He knew the older man was enjoying himself, winning or not. And he had a feeling Jim wasn't using his genetic advantage which gave Alecia a fair chance at winning. Though he wondered if his heightened senses would help him win against Alecia or not. She had admitted she had her own genetic advantages, even if from a more preternatural source.
As if voicing Blair's own thoughts, Alecia spoke up. "No, I think I have an unfair advantage. The odds probably weren't exactly fair."
Jim's eyebrows rose and Blair realized that his detective friend had forgotten about Alecia's own gifts. The grad student fought off a smirk. Great detective skills. He felt like teasing him; however, now was not the time. Before he could say anything, Alecia made her shot and the three men watched as the white ball ricocheted off one side, sailed across the table, and sank two striped balls into the corner pocket.
"I never knew you could play pool." Adrian looked at his girlfriend in surprise.
Alecia gave him her most endearing smile. "Neither did I, until today."
"Oh." He stared at the pool, table noting the lack of striped balls and abundance of solids. Then again: "Oh." He shook his head. "I guess we better drag Bram away from his game. We've got some important stuff to go over before tonight."
"More vampire hunting?" Jim asked, full well knowing the answer.
"Yep. Grab your stakes, boys and girls. We're not screwing around anymore."
Jim could've told Adrian that much.
A strong, crisp breeze caused Blair and Bram to simultaneously snuggle deeper into their thick jackets. The quintet of mismatched heroes sat outside a quaint cafe, enjoying the weather--save for Blair and Bram--and picking at their hot food, except for Jim, who appeared to be eating with a growing appetite. He took another chunk out of his hamburger, nodding his head on occasion, to show that he was paying attention to Adrian and Blair's shared recount. At the present Adrian was relating the events, and sharing his thoughts on what this meant for the fate of Cascade, as well as Jim and Blair's souls.
"Blair has an incredible amount of psychic energy. It almost blows me away. Between the two of us, I think we can easily track down the vampire and her minions."
Jim swallowed the hamburger before speaking. "What about killing them? I've never had any experience with this sort of thing before."
"Leave that up to us," Bram said confidently, if a little smugly.
Jim stared skeptically over the hamburger he held in both hands; instead of voicing his wariness, he took another bite, chewing thoughtfully. "I don't want Blair around these vampires more than necessary."
A blazing silence caused the detective to turn his focus on his partner. If looks could kill. . .
"I don't want your protection on this, Jim. I can take care of myself."
"I know you want a crack at this . . . woman, but she could easily kill you."
Blair didn't respond, instead he studied his barely nibbled sandwich.
The young Italian inclined his head. "And there's something else we need to take care of."
Jim turned his attentions back to Adrian. "What's that?"
"The bond between you and Blair."
"He mentioned it to me." Beside Jim, Blair sighed, a sound only audible to him. "So, how does it work?"
"In order to forge it you must undergo a transformation of sorts. It's not really a ritual, but it only works at night. Why this is, I don't know. I guess because transcendental forces are stronger at night. It's an exchanging of energies, to give each other a part of yourself."
"Is it really necessary?" Jim asked, sounding almost as if he were grumbling. Movement to his right caught his attention, and he realized it was Blair's aggravated squirming. Obviously his remark had not been taken well. "I'm sorry, Blair. I don't mean to sound skeptical, but we've worked well all this time without a formal bond of any sort."
"It's deeper than that," Sandburg explained passionately. "I will have a part of you with me, and vice versa. Doesn't that intrigue you? Aren't you the least bit curious what it would feel like? I told you about slipping into Adrian's mind. If I could just make you understand what that felt like, you would see why this is so important to me. To us, who we are."
Silence lapsed over the table at the entreaty. It was up to Jim to respond, and he was still struggling to come up with words to voice his feelings. He sat his hamburger back on its platter, clasped his hands together, elbows resting on the edge of the table, and rested his chin on his knuckles. He could feel four sets of eyes on him, waiting for a response; one especially beseeched him to understand.
Ellison cursed himself for having let someone take such complete control of him. He didn't want to have a single thing to do with the supernatural, he could barely wrap his brain around the concept of vampires--and having slept with one. But what they were suggesting to him was to make himself a part of this forbidden world. A world he had sworn he would have no part of, despite Blair's rampant fascination with it.
If it had been Brown, Ryf, Taggert, hell, even Simon, he could've said no. Easily would've said no. He would've told them that it wasn't his style, they didn't need something as inane as a bonding ritual. But this was Blair. None of the above, just Blair. The kid brother Steven had never had the chance to truly be. The best friend whose place no one could fill. The other half of his soul that even Carolyn couldn't become.
Suddenly, with startling clarity, Jim realized that he wanted to do this. He wanted to give a part of himself to Blair. Wanted them to become deeper in their connection with each other. No one else. Just Blair.
"Okay. So when do we begin?" A sidelong glance showed him the curving of lips that graced Blair's elated countenance.
Adrian couldn't keep the satisfaction from his voice. "Tonight, if we get the chance. First things first though. We need to track down the vampires."
"Do you suggest we split up again?" Jim feared the answer. He didn't want to be separated from Blair again.
"I don't think so. Maybe numbers would be safer. The game's coming to a head. She may try to physically attack you or Blair."
"She wants us alive though, right?" Blair asked.
Adrian nodded. "That's what I've gathered. She'll just have to be careful. Jim, you're probably the most vulnerable out of all of us."
Not something the Sentinel was used to hearing. Even Blair was amused to hear 'Jim' and 'vulnerable' in the same sentence.
"I'm sure I'll be able to take care of myself," Jim responded icily.
"I didn't mean anything by it," Adrian said, by way of way of apology.
"I know." Jim scooped up the remains of his hamburger. "But I really don't think it's gonna matter what hold she has over me. You know she has something on all of us. Isn't that true?" He popped the last of the sandwich into his mouth. No one answered his question. No one had to.
A light drizzle began after the kids were dropped off at their motel room. Jim had told them he wanted to go back to the station and see if he could figure out who the next victims were to be.
While Jim went through files of the previous victims, Blair perused the department's database. Together they came to the assumption that the next victims would probably be working on this same case. Or had been before the Feds took over.
"She's building her way up. Strangers, fellow cops, then friends," Blair mused aloud. He dragged the mouse around, clicked another link. "Could it be Simon or the other guys?"
Jim set the manila folder he'd been sifting through on his desk. "They seem to be the most likely choices." He leaned his forehead against the heel of his hand. "Simon knows something really strange is happening now. If he can convince anyone we know well to stay indoors, that could only make it easier on us."
Blair stopped playing with the mouse and swiveled to face his friend. "What happens if you come face to face with her?"
"What do you mean 'what happens'?" Jim inquired, genuinely puzzled. "We let the three ninjas do their work."
"Don't you think you might go ballistic again? She has a hold on you, Jim, that's really dangerous."
"I know that, Chief," Jim responded, somewhat irritably. "I'm not staying off the sidelines if that's what you're expecting me to do. Where you go, I go, buddy."
Blair was touched by the certitude. "I understand that. I'm just worried. This may be one of the few times I can play Blessed Protector to you. I know what her weaknesses are. You don't."
"And you think you can kill her?"
"I won't lie to you." Blair's hands fluttered around anxiously. "I want to kill her. I just. . . what I experienced in her body was so horrible, there aren't words enough to describe it. But I've never killed, and I hope I never have to. However, if push comes to shove . . ." He purposely let the words hang in the air, heavy with the conviction they carried.
Jim could feel it and understood it. As long as they had known each other, Blair had had an innocence about him. The violence and apathy that had been unleashed upon him previously had never quite taken that from him.
Here it was, though, from the mouth of his Guide. The ultimate sin. Murder. That Blair Sandburg could even be capable of such a heinous act stunned Jim. He knew the logic behind it, couldn't argue with it; it was just that Blair stood for peace. Nonviolent measures. However, for the sake of protection, Jim hoped that his partner would take any steps necessary to stay alive.
Just don't do it for revenge, Chief, he pleaded, wanting to give voice to the thought. It never came forth and he allowed himself the misgiving. Whatever Blair did, it would be in everyone's best interest. Jim had faith in that.
Before separating, the quintet had come to a consensus that they would all meet at the loft around seven P.M. Jim and Blair had made it back just in time and only about five minutes after they arrived there was a knock at the door. Blair answered it and let the trio in.
Jim came out of the bathroom. "I guess we'll be taking separate vehicles."
"Why don't we just take my car?" Bram suggested.
"Because I like to drive."
"Ah well, you're not driving my car."
"Believe me," Blair interjected. "It's better off that way."
Jim shot his shorter companion a glare which only earned him an amiable smile.
"What?" Blair asked innocently.
"You know what." But Jim did not clarify for their audience of three. No reason for them to know about Jim's luck with vehicles. He jumped to a different topic. "Does anybody know exactly where we're going to go?"
Adrian, Alecia, and Bram exchanged indecisive looks among themselves, then turned their eyes upon Jim, answering simultaneously, "No."
Somehow he had expected this. Another thing he was starting to learn about this particular group was that they usually improvised. Very little of anything they did appeared to be planned.
"That's great," he said, trying to keep the sarcasm out of his voice. He didn't think he was succeeding. "Is there any way we can figure it out? I couldn't find a particular pattern in location, so I have no idea where to begin."
"Blair and I could try," Adrian suggested. "It will probably be the only way to track the vampires down."
"How long will it take?" Jim asked. He didn't want to sound impatient, but he couldn't give a lot of credit to these "powers" of Adrian's. Even if Blair thought he possessed them now as well.
"Depends," Adrian responded equably.
"On what?" Jim stared hard at the young man he was interrogating.
"Well, whether or not we can find her, and if we can find her, how pliable her mind is. If she's asleep it'll be relatively easy, but if she's already awakened then it could be dangerous."
Jim continued to stare. Blair tensed. He knew what that particular look meant and it wasn't anything good. Alecia and Bram backed up imperceptibly, bracing themselves for the detective's likely outburst.
What came was a deceptively calm, low-pitched timbre. "Dangerous?"
To his credit, Adrian didn't flinch or seem nervous in the least bit. "Yes. Dangerous."
Jim repeated the word as if Adrian was using his second-language of Italian on him. "Dangerous."
"That's what I said. Is there a problem with it?" Adrian was challenging Jim now.
Blair gritted his teeth. Very few people dared to challenge Ellison. Him being one and Simon the other. He couldn't think of anyone else at the moment.
"You are not intentionally putting my partner in a dangerous situation."
"I don't think there's any way around it, sir." Deep and light blue clashed in a battle of wills.
Blair grimaced. This was ridiculous. He cleared his throat. "Jim, Adrian, this isn't necessary. I'm going to help in any way I can, Jim. If that means putting my life on the line, so be it."
"No. If it means putting your life on the line, that means find another way," Jim argued vehemently.
"You're being stubborn," Blair retorted. "Can the big brother act for just a little bit, okay? This is my decision, there's nothing you can say or do about it. I want to stop these creatures and face it, you need me."
Jim clenched his jaws tightly. Blair almost thought he would be able to hear enamel grinding any minute now.
Sandburg pitched his voice low. "You're not going to be able to do this without my help. Not this time around."
Jim's stony expression hardened even further. "So you've said." His breath came out in a forceful huff. "Do what you have to. I won't interfere."
Blair nodded solemnly. "Thank you."
Jim reached out a hand, grasping the shorter man's shoulder. "Be careful, Sandburg."
"I will. Don't worry about me, Jim." The large hand slipped from his shoulder. "Come on, Aje. Let's get started."
Bram and Alecia sat perched on the smaller of the two sofas, intently watching the two men sitting lotus-style on the wooden floor. At the kitchen table, Jim kept an eye on the proceedings, fighting off anticipation and anxiety.
Adrian and Blair sat like that for the past fifteen minutes and with each passing second, Jim became more and more unsettled. His mind played, like a broken record, a litany of They'll be okay. They'll be all right. They'll be okay. They'll be all right . . .
And so forth and so on.
Still, neither longhaired figure moved, nor did they show any signs that they would be coming out of their self-induced trance any time soon. Not for the first time since this ruckus had started, Jim felt a twinge of jealousy. What was happening now before him, was probably the main reason that he wanted to go through this "bonding ritual" as Adrian has called it. There was a distinct bond between Adrian and Blair and it bit at Jim that he could not share in it. When they had split up last night, that had been a trial in itself, but that Blair and Adrian had a reason to be with each other, that a special connection was built between them, really bothered him. He didn't like the weakness he felt or having to keep his distance from Blair in times of jeopardy and sincerely wanted to right this. Jim was happy that they were not parting tonight. If someone suggested that they do a repeat of last night he would've argued. He had to have his partner beside him.
He wondered if that were a peril in itself, but wasn't sure he cared. He needed his Guide.
"Adrian?" Blair swirled around wildly, disoriented and ill at ease. "Where are you?"
"Right here."
Up, close to the rafters, a shimmering form wavered. It didn't look exactly like Adrian, it was much too ethereal; but though it lacked a face or definite form it carried that unique signature Blair had experienced while slipping through his mind. "This is amazing."
From where he floated in his incorporeal shape he could see Jim and the two other kids. Jim looked decidedly worried and Blair decided it'd be best if they didn't mess around. No reason to keep the big guy waiting.
A mirage-like appendage motioned for Blair to follow. Together they drifted past the ceiling and out into Cascade's dusk. Without flesh neither could feel the cool breeze as they flew over the city, nor the dropping temperature as the sun settled down over the horizon, but they could see the sinking rays and knew their time was limited. Without warning a pain as fierce as a sharp nail being hammered into his skull jerked Blair to a halt. Adrian felt it as well, but having had experience with this, had anticipated the agony.
"That must be her," Blair moaned, cradling his throbbing head in his hands.
"It is. She's very close. Let's descend."
The familiarity of the area didn't surprise Blair. Though he did think it was rather a coincidence. What were the odds that Adrian and his friends were staying in Little Cuba along with the vampires? As they neared the suburb the pounding in his head grew as did a deep, steady thump thump thump. It almost sounded like a dance beat. Night life began to come out of its shell as dusk settled and neon lights flashed around the city, trees blew in a steady breeze, and cars began to crowd the streets. Close, very close to where they hovered over the streets, people dressed in slick attire crowded outside of a dark, brick building, trying to get into the establishment. Blair could practically feel the thumping vibrations of the bass emanating from the building. Near the top of the building a brilliant red flashed in neon, reading 'El Maldito'.
Their wraith-like forms allowed them to mesh with the wall, passing through the solid structure, and into the cacophony inside. The music pulsated wildly, the bass seeming to cause the entire building to vibrate. On the crowded floor, bodies gyrated to the techno beat, writhing in pleasure, caught up in the moment. Strobe lights flashed across the mass, for an instant transforming them into a single entity, rippling under its multicolored flare.
"Blair."
Startled out of his attentions, he jerked to regard Adrian. "What's up?"
"Look." Adrian pointed and Blair's eyes widened.
Many of the people on the floor were adorned in black, and some had pale faces. As the strobe swooped over one particular person, fangs were illuminated. To take his surprise to another level he realized they weren't the "real thing." Vampire cultists he assumed.
"I think this is the perfect place for our vampire friends. It's almost completely dark outside. We have to hurry. She's close. I know it."
The throbbing in his head multiplied with the thudding bass. She was here somewhere. But where? The blaring music was affecting his concentration; he wasn't sure he'd be able to find her through the commotion. "I can't even think, Aje."
"Just follow my lead. I think she's upstairs somewhere. They usually have rooms in places like this." Blair trailed behind Adrian's shimmering body, still amazed by the beauty of the ethereal configuration. He wondered if this was what the human soul looked like. They ascended a staircase, leaving behind the frenzied atmosphere below and entering a relatively quiet dimness.
Couples, threesomes, orgies writhed on the floor, on worn sofas and chairs, scattered in separate rooms, caught in the throes of their ecstasy. The little demon in his skull was pounding the sharp nail deeper. It felt as if the bone was cracking from the pressure. They passed through a door otherwise locked and found themselves in a pitch-black room. Three beings slept, their bodies tangled on the single bed, limbs splayed out in unconscious abandon. Adrian's ethereal body glowed brilliantly, seeming to illuminate the room in the awe-inducing light. It shimmered feverishly then faded into nothing. Blair realized in shock that he had disappeared. Frenetically he thought over the many different options that were laid out before him, but nothing struck him as desirable.
Where the hell did you go?!
"Right here," a whisper answered. "I know her name and that of her 'partners'."
It struck him like a bolt of lightning. Adrian was inside the vampire's head. So that's what it looked like.
"What are their names?"
Adrian's 'body' sparkled before him, taking its insubstantial state. Glowing orbs blinked at him and pulsing dark blue light regarded him with concern. "Their names are Skiere and Kalup. Our woman's name is Celestra. They're from Italy as well."
"How old are they?"
"Skiere and Kalup, not very. Kalup a century at the most, Skiere slightly older. Maybe two hundred years."
"And Celestra?"
Adrian sighed, the wavering mirage of his being shifting in what could be perceived as a shrug. "Old. Much older than I've ever dealt with. She's very strong, Blair."
"How old?" Blair demanded again.
"At least three millennium."
Blair inhaled sharply. "Oh shit."
"Tell me about it." One of the vampires stretched. "They're waking up," Adrian noted. "We
better get back."
As soon as Blair's eyes opened, Jim was out of his chair.
"Wow. What a rush." Blair's voice came out in a harsh rasp.
"Are you okay?" Jim asked, concerned. He rubbed a hand over his friend's heaving shoulders as Blair tried to take in oxygen.
"I'll be fine."
Adrian's eyes shot open. Alecia and Bram immediately kneeled beside him. "We don't have much time. They're starting to awaken."
He struggled to his feet with the aid of his two friends. "We have to hurry. I'll tell you everything on the way down."
Downtown Little Cuba was a wellspring of life at night. Impatient, Jim had parked the pickup before they reached the entrance end of El Maldito. Bram's Escort pulled in behind the truck beside the sidewalk.
At Blair's evident puzzlement, Jim declared that they would walk. Fighting demons couldn't be near as bad as fighting traffic. They got out of the vehicle, the trio mirroring the motion. The young adults joined Blair and Jim.
"How are we going to do this?" Bram asked, all seriousness in a situation he knew not to joke about. "Just walk into the entrance? I think Jim's gonna look kinda suspicious going into a place like this." He looked warily at the detective as if expecting an outburst for his observation, but was instead met with a careful nod.
"I will. I think we should see if we can get into the back and go up to the rooms that way. I'm sure they keep them separate from the activity below."
This proposition was met with agreement and the quintet headed for the alley that lay all of twenty feet down from them. From where they walked, the rumbling music inside could be heard, even if somewhat indistinctly. Blair trailed behind, his thoughts keeping him at an unsteady pace. He couldn't help but think something was very wrong about this. The effect the music inside would have on Jim's senses didn't bother him. After two and a half years they had accomplished enough that he felt confident Jim could handle
this specific environment. It was something else tugging at the inner recesses of his mind. Jim was still in danger. He clenched his fingers deep into his palm. Think.
"Something's not right here," Jim announced before they could look into the alley. He trotted ahead and halted abruptly. He cursed softly. "Damn."
The trio jogged forward to see what Ellison had seen. Alecia's exclamation came as a gasp. "Shit."
Celestra and her companions had already fed. Jim rushed into the alley and knelt beside the curled body. He rolled it over to get a look at the face. What he saw shocked him. "Sebring." Alecia and Bram did the same for the other two bodies and Jim stood up to get a look at them. "They're Feds too."
Blair entered the alley in time to witness this. He jerked to a halt beside the emaciated form of what once was Sebring, horror suddenly hitting him like a shock wave. "The jasmine," he murmured. Then in a shout. "Jim, get out of here! One of these bodies is the trigger!"
Jim started and stumbled backwards. Blair turned to flee, but never got one step ahead. At the head of the alley, three sinister beings stood guard, sure to keep their prey right where they wanted them. An erotically gorgeous woman swayed towards the small group like a cobra waving its deadly spell.
The chime of her hypnotic voice carried on whispers of breeze, weaving the spell over her long awaited prize. "Jim. You're mine now. Listen to my voice."
Behind Blair, Adrian's visage flared bright scarlet. Without a thought of consequences, he flung himself at the vampire. Without batting an eyelash she swung one arm, knocking the young man forcefully against the brick wall. Alecia and Bram watched in alarm as their companion slumped to the ground, unconscious. Blair froze, now realizing just how powerful their adversary was.
Alecia and Bram exchanged conspiratorial sidelong glances and launched themselves at the vampires. Skiere and Kalup stepped forward, protecting their mistress. Blair staggered back, attempting to escape the melee. His mind had gone blank. He whirled around to face Jim, hoping his friend was not far gone.
Beside the muscular detective was the vampire, as slender as he was broad, yet equal in height. She slipped an arm around one muscular shoulder, rubbing it sensuously. Blair shook his head, despair bowling him over. Could it possibly get any worse?
She leaned towards Jim, until her lips touched his ear. She spoke in a stage whisper so her next victim would know exactly what she intended. "Draw your gun on this gorgeous young man. You‘re going to lead him to my lair." She laughed. "So it's not exactly medieval. What can I say? I'm a 90's kind of woman." She slipped her arm from her slave's neck.
"Jim, no!" Blair pleaded, knowing it was useless. "Don't listen to her!"
Behind him he could hear the grunts and cries of battle, before him his best friend approached him and shiny metal glistened in his hand. Jim's service revolver.
"Come with us, please," Celestra said, as if he had a choice in the matter.
Jim grabbed his shirt sleeve and jerked him ahead. The gun dug hard into his back, a sensation he was unfortunately familiar with. It pressed harder as his mind raced over possible avenues of escape. They entered the back door, the only sources of illumination various neon signs. The uncontrolled strains of pounding dark chords swelled through the corridor, growing weaker as the she-demon led them upstairs towards her temporary domicile. Leading them closer to the fate that awaited them. A fate worse than death.
Blair's heart leaped to his throat. The fate of the undead.
"Man, I really would like to see twenty-one, you know?" Bram ducked the slashing claws.
"I mean, I could actually buy alcohol legally. What a concept."
The vampire snarled at him. "Like it's ever stopped you before, I bet."
Bram blinked at the off-the-cuff remark and leapt back from another powerful swing. "Damn. That was uncalled for. Ever consider Prozac?"
"You ever consider shutting up?" the pale-skinned demon shot back. Movements lightning fast, the creature whirled around his adversary. The whirlwind effect was disorienting and had proven capable of incapacitating many victims. Bram fancied himself a pro in the vampire-fighting arena though. He had a way to foil this technique. He stuck his foot out and the vampire tripped over it, sending him skidding across the filthy pavement.
"And me without my stake," Bram muttered. "How fitting."
Deeper down the alley, nearly ensconced in shadow, Bram could hear the grunts of a seriously pissed Alecia kicking ass. The vampires' big mistake had been hurting her boyfriend. What they hadn't realized was that Alecia's motto was 'Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.' She lived it to her fullest. Bram started to smirk, but froze when he remembered Adrian sliding down the brick wall. He ran over to the inert form, pressing two fingers against the neck to check for a pulse. A relieved sigh escaped at the faint throb.
Unexpected, strong hands gripped him by the shoulders and flung him through the air. His back hit the opposite wall with jarring impact. As he slid to the ground, his feet barely supporting his own weight, he wondered if Blair and Jim were faring any better.
A single light bulb weakly illuminated the small room that vibrated slightly with the bass beats that carried from below. Lying on the hard twin-sized bed was a bound young man for whom Celestra had extremely high hopes. His ruggedly handsome counterpart, the sentinel, would be the ultimate victory. Ellison stood in a tight corner of the room, the farthest from the door, at her command. Her lips curled thinly in a sickening parody of a smile. Never in history had a sentinel and guide been crossed over. The possibilities. . . . The prone figure on the bed twisted, sharp gasps accompanied his desperate attempts at escape. She sat on the edge of the bed beside him, preening at the outright terror on his face.
"You know what I intend to do with you and your friend, don't you?" she murmured. She traced a sharp, lacquered nail against his cheek and was met with a violent flinch. "I won't hurt you," she cooed. "You're far too important to kill."
The attractive prisoner swallowed down his fear, forcing rasping questions from deep in his throat.
"Why the cat and mouse game? Why not just come out and get us? Didn't you know where to come for us?"
Celestra pulled back slightly, amused by such curiosity in the face of danger. She'd never met one like this before. "No, dear. I didn't know where to find you and Ellison. I admit I've been quite obsessed with him since our first . . . ahh, encounter I guess you would call it." She grinned lasciviously. "I was hoping he and I could made a repeat of that performance. Perhaps next go 'round you'd like to join in?"
"There won't be a 'next go 'round', " Blair informed her heatedly.
"No?" Her eyebrows rose at the veiled threat. "And who's gonna stop me? Your little vampire-killing friends?" Her hands came up to her cheeks, eyes going wide in mock horror. "Oh no. The Buffy wannabe's are gonna come after me." The hands dropped from her face as she laughed deeply. "I got news for you, sweetheart. Adrian is out for the count and Skiere and Kalup will be having seconds tonight with the other two brats." She shook her head disdainfully. "They're not going to help you, Blair." She gestured to the seemingly catatonic sentinel in the corner. "Jim can't help you. He can't even help himself. Face it, babe. Your luck's just run out."
Her careless words provoked another fit of tugging at the nylon cords incapacitating him. As soon as they had entered the room, she had tossed the ropes at Ellison and commanded him to tightly bind Blair. Jim had done a good job, too. There was absolutely no give. His body went limp, resigned to the fact he couldn't get free. His tone parroted his body language. "Now what? Are you going to suck my blood and cross me over? Why bother gloating? Just do it."
She rose from the bed, her grace a physical beauty that did not conceal the wretched ugliness beneath. "Impatient, are we? Step forward, James." The sentinel did as bid.
Blair's heart dropped like a lead anchor at this blunt display of control. Her hold over him was so total. His eyes squeezed shut, and he prayed, pleaded, cried in every language he knew for Jim to fight the control. Nothing happened, as he knew nothing would.
"Open your eyes, Blair. I am doing this for your edification."
Reluctantly, Blair opened his eyes. Something akin to a smile graced her bloodthirsty expression. "He's so strong. Handsome. Looks like the fairy-tale 'knight in shining armor,' doesn't he?" She licked her lips and leaned against Jim, mouth nearing the vulnerable skin of his neck, angling for the jugular.
She can't do this, Blair thought in horror. This has got to be some kind of nightmare. "Stop!"
Slowly, as if the movement were calculated, she turned her neck to scrutinize her other captive, thoroughly annoyed. "What? Did you want to take pictures?"
Blair sucked in a small breath. "No. Take me first."
"Oh my. So noble. You don't see devotion like that anymore. Sorry, honey. James will be the first to see the light." She chuckled. "Or as the case may be, never see the light again."
Blair's urge to hyperventilate was pushed down with extreme control. This same control was then brought to focus in the center of his mind and he knew what he had to do. Stop her at all costs. The vision of Celestra descending on Jim, fangs bared, blacked out as he shuttered his eyes, envisioning the removal of his soul from his body. Nervousness and anxiety would only impede his efforts and he allowed himself to let go, to grasp the power Adrian had shown him. A power he had unknowingly possessed.
Thought vanished and he grasped at the image of his inner self being released. Dizziness clutched at him, whirling him around in its tenacious fingers until he thought he could no longer hold on. Then he was floating and he opened his eyes to see Celestra drawing blood from his friend's body. Alarm gripped him and without a second thought he dived into her, unprepared for what would happen, but not really caring as long as he saved Jim.
Pain, bitterness stung him. Claws of hatred and contempt slashed at him. A blurred vision of a young woman being hit by a man, perhaps her erstwhile husband? Her pleas trailed behind, tearing at Blair's heart. Had she been beaten? Was that the act that had transformed her into the present day beast?
Before he could try to formulate an answer he found himself in familiar terrain. He gasped aloud as he recognized his surroundings. A Peruvian jungle. He looked around in awe, a chill creeping upon him as he noticed the lack of light. The glowing full moon was the only source of luminescence.
Unnatural mist rose from the cool, damp ground. Spidery wisps curled around a robed figure, emerging from some unknown confinement. A sharp laugh pierced the air, and Blair froze as the creature glided towards him on currents of air, its coarse fabric dragging across the soil. Sagging sleeves rose and narrow fingers peeked out, snagging the edge of the hood and sliding it back to reveal an angular face of glacial beauty.
"Oh," she purred, both pleased and amused by this unexpected turn of events, "you're brave. Foolish child. Do you honestly think you can defeat me?"
"I have no choice. I will at least die trying."
Lips coated blood red stretched into a razor thin smile. "I hope it doesn't go that far. But if you push me, child, then I will kill you."
Blair stood firm, his fear vanished, replaced by stubborn determination. "Jim is my Sentinel. It's my duty to protect him."
She broke out into an unabashed fit of laughter. She swiped nonexistent tears away from her eyes. "I really like you. You're so much fun. Please don't fight me, Blair. You're much more useful to me alive. Or, undead, I should say." The last provoked a dry grin.
"I won't allow you to cross me over." Blair stepped back from her gradual advancement. "And I know Jim would rather die. Those two men in your service were unwilling too, I bet."
Celestra cocked an eyebrow. "Skiere and Kalup? I don't know about that. They kicked and screamed at first, but once they got used to immortality they learned to enjoy it." Her lips pursed as she paused. "As I have. As Jim will, and yourself."
Blair shook his head, tendrils of hair brushing across his face in the soft breeze. He pushed them aside with a slightly trembling hand. "No."
"The killing can even become enjoyable. Perhaps even a game to some. I like to kill. Be it man or woman." By now she had Blair nearly trapped in front of a tree. "But I like killing men in particular. The rapists, the wife-beaters, the cheaters . . . they're my favorites. Deep down, all men are like that."
His voice came out in a desperate whisper. "That's not true, Celestra."
"YES, IT IS!"
The roar shook him to the ground, leaves falling upon him from the vibrating intensity of her rage. Once again she regained her focused calm.
"Men deserve to be toyed with. They like it when I play upon their lusts and desires." The robe scratched across the ground as she neared and he quickly scrambled to his feet, trying to keep his distance. "I enjoy toying with men." She licked her lips. "I liked toying with Ellison." Fangs glistened in the glowing moonlight. "I enjoy toying with you, Blair."
Blair's heart threatened to give out. Swallowing, he forced himself to display his inner resolve. "I know your games. I know how to defeat you."
"Mortals and undead alike have attempted to kill me. I am--a--god."
Sudden fury blazed beneath Blair's cool blue irises. "No. You're dead." A soul shaking cry erupted from the very core of his being, giving him the strength to launch himself at the monster, barely registering the outright shock on her face.
Together they toppled to the ground, both grappling for control. Claws dragged down the side of his face, loosing a flow of blood. He gasped at the fresh pain and scuttled back on the palms of his hands and toes of his feet, her grip falling from him. Blair blanched at the howl she released and barely had time to regroup when she pounced again. He only had time for one swift lash of his leg, connecting solidly with her jaw, sending her skidding back. Desperation brought him to his knees, short bursts of oxygen painfully filling abused lungs.
Eyes unlike any he'd ever seen, flaming an inhuman red, turned on him, and a deep, gravelly voice replaced the light, feminine timber.
"Want to play games, little boy?" The demon bared her teeth, fangs jutting out menacingly. She threw her head back. "Ellison!"
Ellison? Blair's brow wrinkled as he found his way to his feet. The vampire rose above the ground, robes flapping haphazardly in what may have been gale-force winds if Blair had been able to feel anything. He couldn't rip his gaze from this phenomenon, but was forced to when he was grasped by the shoulders without warning. Powerful hands dug into his arms, turning him violently to come face to face with his Blessed Protector.
"I should've killed you when I had the chance."
Or not.
The vampire leapt at Bram before he was even able to acknowledge the threat. Sharp claws dug into the side of his neck, puncturing skin and breaking a cry from him.
"Let's see how tough you are now," Skiere hissed, stale breath rancid against the young mortal's cheek.
Bram gritted his teeth, ignoring the stream of blood pumping down the side of his neck. Panic struck him when he realized that he was bleeding dangerously fast.
Skiere's hands ran up from Bram's neck to cup his face. "Your blood smells strong."
The beast opened its maw, ready to drain his victim, never loosing his hold on the young man. One moment the vampire was drinking in the rich scent of the mortal's life force, the next, a powerful punch to the stomach wrenched him free and Skiere was immediately met with a barrage of punches and kicks.
Bram swooped down on the creature and in one swift movement grasped the head between his hands, gave it a swift jerk, snapped the vampire's neck. It sagged in his grip and, disgusted, he let it drop to the sticky ground. A swell of dizziness crashed over him and he felt himself wobbling. Before he could fall to the ground, slim yet strong hands grasped him around the waist, keeping him upright.
"Bram, you're bleeding," Alecia noted in alarm.
"It's just a scratch," he murmured. "I'm all right."
"No you're not," she objected, steering him to the wall. "Sit down. I'm going to check on Aje."
"Jim . . . Blair," he muttered, waving her off. "They need our help." With that he surged up, intent on helping their new companions, then promptly keeled over as consciousness left him.
Acting on pure instinct, Blair slammed his foot down, aiming directly for the instep. Jim swore loudly, instantly losing his bruising hold.
Oh man, I can't hurt him. This is Jim. The dismaying thought only appeared for two seconds, but it was two seconds enough that Blair came to an immediate decision. He had to run.
His feet carried him through the jungle with the agility and speed of a wolf. Panting grunts and the sounds of crunching vegetation followed close behind. He had to get away, hide somewhere until he could figure out what to do next.
Celestra's voice seemed to whisper in his ear, as if she were keeping pace with him. "Where are you running to, Blair?" The questions and tone were innocently childlike. "Don't you want to play with me and James?" And dropped into the previous monstrous cadence and pitch. "We want to play with you."
It was like some deranged nightmare psychopathic tendencies. If only it was a dream. But it was too real and the tree root that snared his foot, toppling him forward, was proof of that. He could feel the blood smearing his face with its damp stickiness, the throbbing in his ankle from the abrupt fall, and the dull ache in his ribs. The stranger that had been chasing him caught up and the body of James Ellison broke out into triumphant laughter as he(it) jerked him up by the back of his flannel.
"Thought you could escape, Sandburg?" the demon possessing Jim taunted. A fist flew at him and Blair didn't have enough time to duck. It caught him square in the face, felling him to the hard ground. "I'll teach you to run from me."
Another solid punch caught him hard across the cheekbone. Pain flared, threatening to blind him in its scorching ferocity. Jim held him down with another stunning blow and in that moment Blair felt a certainty that he was not going to live.
"Jim," he cried weakly, with no strength to truly speak aloud. "Please."
Somewhere behind the monster the real Ellison seized control. "Blair?" Familiar eyes raked over his friend's bloody, trembling body.
Blair stretched a hand to his partner. "Please. Fight her. I know you can."
Jim reached a hand out, fingertips only centimeters from Blair's. They wavered so close, yet as if a chasm separated them. "Blair . . . I'm trying," he choked out, face scrunched up in remorse.
"Ellison!" The voice commanded a response and the possession in Jim answered mechanically, burying the humanity that had shown so briefly.
Jim's hand dropped and, from where he lay on the ground, Blair could only gape and fight off the tears of frustration that threatened.
A broken whisper escaped him. "Jim. No."
Some part of Jim was still there, Blair could see it, and he answered as the demon controlled his every movement. "Yes. I won't hurt you if you submit willingly. Just say the word."
The young Shaman managed a small shake of his head.
"Blair." Though the face read like granite, the word spoke all the emotion that was not displayed on Ellison's face.
Blair blinked and a saline drop worked its way down his cheek. He ignored the damp track it made down his cheek, his gaze riveted on the vulnerability behind Ellison's stoicism. "You're in there, Jim. Fight her. You're stronger than her."
Jim's face clenched tightly, body shaking with tremors. His hand snaked out to viciously grasp Blair's. "Shut up . . .shut up. Submit."
"No . . ." The word nearly caught in his throat as a curl brushed against his cheek to catch against still damp tears and blood.
"He's your enemy," Celestra said from where she hovered. "Bring him to me."
"Fight her, Jim." Blair held Jim's wavering gaze with a resolute challenge.
"I will hurt you, Sandburg." The words were less certain than they had been the day at the creek, though, when Blair had almost been sure that Jim was going to choke him to death.
The young Guide could see this too. "No, you won't. Fight her," he whispered harshly. The large hand surrounding his squeezed tightly and Blair withheld a gasp of pain.
Jim jerked Blair up and his shorter friend was brought abruptly to his feet with a startled hiss. "I hate you and I don't know why." The cool blue irises scanned the young face before him intently, as if to find the answer to his dilemma.
"She's pitting us against each other. It's the only way she can defeat us. She knew that before we did."
The hand that had been clenching his so tightly seconds before clutched desperately for his shoulder, seeking reassurance. Blair raised a hand to enfold Jim's in his own, offering comfort and the certitude that they were partners no matter what should happen.
"Liar!" The shriek came from above and both men turned in time to see the demon diving through the air to knock them apart.
Blair felt himself land with a thump on the ground, bruised ribs protesting the extra abuse. He winced, raising a scraped hand to inspect his injuries. A desperate cry broke him from his self-discernment. His heart felt as if it had just taken residence in his throat. Jim. Single-handed he pushed himself to a sitting position and saw, fifteen feet away, Celestra clawing at the man she had mentally enslaved. The Sentinel was attempting to fight her off, but her supernatural strength was far greater than even his own.
Oh man. Jim. Panic clamored for his attention and it took every fiber of his will to ignore its unwanted presence. How could he possibly hope to defeat her?
The conversation he'd had earlier on in the day with Adrian came to mind in fragmented fogginess.
"It's always night here."
"Does it have to be always?"
"Sometimes it's evening. . . . But never daylight. I think the vampires have seen to that."
"Then I'll see that it's changed."
Sunlight could be used as a weapon. But how was he going to bring sunlight to this land of shadows?
"You are under my command!" the she-demon screamed, nails tearing at Jim's torso, ripping his flesh until the blood ran freely. "How dare you go against me!"
Jim slumped to the ground, his strength draining with the excessive flow of blood. Trembling with fatigue, pain,and fear for his friend, he sat trembling on the moist ground, willing power into himself, knowing he was his Sentinel's only chance for survival. And perhaps the whole city's. The vampire folded over, mouth opening to lap at the blood streaming from the now limp body.
Night to day . . . a nagging voice demanded to know how he was supposed to accomplish a feat like that if even Adrian, someone with far more experience, could not. Dimly, he registered Celestra sucking like a leech at Jim and knew he had no choice but to do this. He had to protect his Sentinel at all costs.
Determination radiated over him in soothing waves; he embraced the sensation like a security blanket, willing it to seep into his every pore. The warmth tapped into his mind and he opened himself up to it, envisioning the blazing, white-hot inferno.
So comforting. The light. . . against darkness . . . heat . . . against the chill . . . life . . . against death. The transcendental plane was obliterated from his mind as he wrapped himself up in the heated core within, enjoying its power and comfort. It gave him a surge of raw energy he had never experienced, as if life were being poured directly into him. The inferno of light was his world.
He would've happily stayed basking in that sensation of contentment if he had not been harshly jolted from it. An inhuman shriek brought him back to himself, his eyes snapping open as he immediately went back on the defense. There was nothing to prepare him for the sight that awaited him and he promptly leaned over to vomit the entire contents of his stomach to the ground. One of his hands clutched at the soil, nausea threatening to take reign again and still her screams filled the air.
Again he looked up, against his better judgment, to see the vampire writhing in midair, body twirling in an insane ballet, claws ripping out shreds of hair as if they were merely taped to her head. The once pale, shimmering skin had burned to a bright red and before him it grew darker in the brightness of the sun that rose steadily to its zenith. Without warning the vampire burst into flames and the screams grew louder, wailing, crying for mercy, shouting curses, damning all mortals to Hell, pleading for forgiveness, gargled in lungs that couldn't stand the daylight and were now collapsing inside her. The body dropped to the ground as the demon continued to writhe and a bruised and battered Blair crawled towards her, sadness consuming him. Celestra's face turned in his direction and he froze under her penetrating stare. She spoke no more, her lips blackened, steam rising from her entire face, but the hate needed no vocalization. The flames devoured every inch of her body and gradually came to her face and consumed that as well.
Blair stared in horror at the sight, trying to understand what had just occurred, what he had just done--then he was no longer sprawled on the floor of the Peruvian jungle, but instead lying bound on a small bed in a night club.
He blinked rapidly, breath coming in ragged spurts, trying to calm himself. His eyes drifted down to the foot of the bed and he saw Jim sprawled halfway on the bed, unconscious. Dusting the detective's body was a fine layer of ash and Blair had to will himself not to puke again. Now was really not the time.
"Jim?" His voice came out weak and he tried again. "Jim." No reaction came from his partner. In desperation he shouted, "Jim! Wake up!"
There was not even a stir and fear gripped the grad student as the implications sank in. Had he been too late to save Jim? Had she taken too much blood? Had she crossed him over? The last scared him the most. If Jim opened his eyes and demanded sustenance . . . Just a small drink, Blair.
He needed Adrian now and the only thing that he could remember was the sight of Adrian being tossed like a rag doll and limply sliding down the brick wall.
With a torn piece of cloth from Bram's shirt, and hoping that it wasn't one he had become attached to, Alecia wrapped Bram's neck tight enough to keep the bleeding down to a bare minimum, but giving him enough room to breathe.
"Okay," Alecia muttered under her breath, eyes shifting between the slumped figures of Adrian and Bram, "I have two unconscious men down here, two men who are with Elvira's evil twin up there. Things are really not going so great." She pressed her lips tightly together, mulling over her options. The disheartening fact was, there were very few options open. "Damn, it'd be great to have those wonderful gifts of Aje's right about now." She knelt beside her boyfriend. "Come on, babe, rise and shine." When greeted with no response, she devised a more suitable action.
She slapped him. Hard.
Adrian groaned, a hand instinctively reaching up to meet his reddened cheek.
" 'Bout time. We don't have time to screw around. Get up."
"Maybe we should see someone about your abusive tendencies," Adrian groaned as Alecia helped him to his feet.
"That would take all the fun out of the relationship," Alecia shot back, quickly focusing her attention on Bram. "Shit, I hope he's okay."
"Where are Blair and Jim?" Adrian asked, still cupping his cheek in his palm.
"Elvira's twin took them." Fear gripped her and she turned back to her boyfriend. "Someone has to help them, but Bram's bleeding badly. We don't have time for this!"
Adrian rested a hand on her arm. "Calm down. You stay here with Bram and I'll go upstairs and look for the others. Try to wake him up. Okay?"
She nodded, uncertainty tainting the movement.
"Be on your guard." His hand slipped from her arm as he headed for the back entrance.
"You too." Alecia watched him disappear into the building then knelt beside Bram again and began patting his cheek gently, belying her earlier harsh actions.
"Blair!" Adrian stood in the doorway, staring slack-jawed at the unsettling tableau before him.
The grad student's head jerked in his direction. "Help me get these ropes off. We have to help Jim."
Adrian was instantly by his side, working at the ropes around Blair's wrist with his pocketknife. "What happened?"
"Celestra was trying to cross Jim over. I burned her to death."
Adrian's gaze flicked over to Jim's ash-covered body. "How did you burn her?"
Blair grimaced as his hands were set free and Adrian went to work on his ankles. "Sunlight. I made the sun rise."
Adrian stopped sawing to look directly at Blair. "How'd you do that?"
Blair shrugged. "I'm not sure. I just--I just willed it and it happened." He raised a hand to rest on his forehead. "It took a lot out of me. I can barely see straight."
The ropes around his ankles were cut through and after putting away his knife, Adrian knelt beside Jim. Blair painfully crawled towards them on top of the bed. Adrian's deep blue gaze settled on Blair. "You've been injured. Your face is bruised."
"Jim punched me," Blair admitted softly. "He fought her though and she didn't like it too much. Can we help him?"
Adrian sighed. "To be honest, I don't know. Help me lay him on the bed."
Between the two of them they managed to get Jim laid out full-length on the small bed in over minute. Blair's injuries and exhaustion were a hindrance and after they were finished he collapsed beside Jim, both of their bodies taking up the entire space.
Adrian walked around to the right side of the bed, closest to Jim and placed two fingers on the hollow in between neck and jaw. "His pulse is weak and slow. We'd never make it to a hospital in time."
Blair placed a hand on Jim's chest, over the heart, feeling the fading beat. "He can't die. There has to be something."
The Italian shook his head, worry etched into his visage, then the motion gradually slowed, then stopped altogether as another expression took over. Hope. "Wait a minute. The bonding."
With his other hand, Blair pushed himself up slightly. "How would that work?"
"It's a transference of energies. You're giving a part of yourself to him. The only thing is, with the state he's in and as weak as you are, it could do damage to you."
Blair shook his head resolutely. "That doesn't matter. I would give my life to him if necessary."
Adrian's lips were set in a straight line. "Okay. Grasp both of his hands in yours."
He did so, fighting off the dizziness that threatened as he moved into a more comfortable position.
"Now close your eyes and take a deep breath."
Blair obeyed, thinking in the back of his mind that those were almost the exact same words he would tell Jim when he was trying to get the detective to control his senses.
"Let everything go and feel the energy running through your veins. Let it run from your body to his."
The instructions seemed to echo from a distance as he induced the state of acute awareness. Then suddenly, in startling clarity, Blair was aware of Jim's heart beat, the blood rushing in his veins, each ragged breath he inhaled, the murkiness of his mind. Jim became amazingly clear, stronger than even the presence of Adrian had been when slipping through the young Italian's mind. There was no journey involved here for he was already in Jim, a part of him. They melded into each other; Blair fell headlong into the sensation, enjoying the protection it offered and the contentment it invoked. Flashes of memories filled his vision, surprising him when he realized that he was witnessing Jim's past, not his own. With each picture came an abrupt surge of emotion: surprise, anger, fear . . . love. A scene appeared where Jim had taught him how to flyfish; then another where they were sitting amiably on the sofa, watching TV; the next they were together, sipping at their beers, joking over some incident from Major Crimes; and then Jim giving him an amiable, one-armed hug.
The pictures faded into nothing and from the fog-like darkness, Jim emerged, his face a display of concern and confusion. "Blair? What's going on? I've never felt anything like this."
Blair smiled. "It's the bond, man. This is what we've been talking about. Isn't it incredible?"
Jim walked towards him until they were only inches apart; he reached out with a hand, resting it on Blair's shoulder. "I felt like I was a part of you."
The sincerity in Jim's voice touched him. "You are. I thought it was over," Blair said, voice filled with the residual effects of doubt. "I thought she was going to win; that I wouldn't be able to stop her."
"You did though," Jim replied in assurance. "You saved my life."
"You're my Sentinel," Blair said, waving it off. "And my friend."
Jim nodded, chiseled features softened by a small, yet warm smile. "Thank you."
"I guess we should get back before Adrian starts to worry."
"Get back?" Jim's brow wrinkled.
"Just close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, then let yourself go. It takes almost no effort."
Blair followed his own instructions and felt like he was flying backwards; when he stopped he was back in his own body, feeling strangely different. Fuller somehow, almost like a new person. He blinked a few times, trying to clear his vision, and heard a moan to his right. Jim. He tried to move so he could help Jim, but found his body to be extremely sluggish and sore.
"You've been drained of energy," came Adrian's voice as he felt fingers checking his pulse. "Rest for a little bit. You'll feel better."
"Jim?" he asked, surprising himself by the weakness of his voice.
"I'm awake, Chief," was the groggy reply. "What a ride."
"Tell me about it," Blair mumbled in reply, closing his eyes as the room began to spin. He thought he heard Adrian say something, but he didn't bother to ask him to repeat it. Now that his Sentinel was safe he only wanted to sleep.
Not a single one of the five could recall exactly how they ended up back at the loft. No one remembered how it came to be that when they awoke in the morning they found Alecia in Blair's bedroom, Bram and Adrian upstairs, and Jim and Blair on the couches. What they did remember was why each and every one of them was in pain, covered in bruises and cuts, and considerably fatigued. Bram and Jim appeared abnormally pale and it was deduced that it was because of losing so much blood the night before.
Around ten A.M., Jim and Blair decided to make breakfast for their guests. Alecia had just awakened and went straight to the bathroom to freshen up. Adrian came down the stairs as soon as she came out. His hair stuck out in all directions and shadows under his eyes marred an otherwise clear complexion.
"Bram's still not feeling well. That vampire really did a number on him."
Blair turned around from the stove to address Adrian. "Shouldn't we take him to a hospital?"
Adrian shook his head. "He heals quickly. One of the perks we seemed to acquire, but he did lose a lot of blood last night. He'll feel better tonight."
Blair turned back to the bacon, flipping each piece over with a fork and without looking up again asked, "I don't understand. Why couldn't you do something similar to what I did for Jim?"
"Doesn't work that way. I'd go into detail right now, but to be honest with you, I really don't feel like it."
"Don't blame you," Jim said, from where he stood next to the coffee maker. "Go ahead and sit down. We'll take care of everything over here."
"Thanks." Adrian nodded. He joined Alecia, who was already leaning back against the cushion.
Blair cast a glance in their direction and was touched by the sight. After everything they'd been through, they could still find comfort in each other. Their love was evident in the way they held each other, leaning into each other for support. He smiled to himself and turned back to the frying bacon.
"How're you feeling, Chief?"
"Bruised and battered." Blair sighed. "That's to be expected though."
"The bonding last night . . ." Jim faltered and Blair knew that the Sentinel was looking at him. "It saved my life."
Blair's movements paused as he contemplated his answer. He set the fork down beside the stove and turned to face Jim. "Yeah. I think it did."
"So, uh, what does that mean?" He stumbled over words. "Between us I mean."
"I'm not sure." Blair's attention shifted back to the crackling bacon and satisfied it was done, he turned the heat off. "Do you feel okay?"
"Yeah." A beat, then: "Thanks, buddy."
Blair nodded, his eyes still on the bacon. "Any time."
"Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yeah. Why?"
"You're quieter than normal."
"I went through a lot last night, Jim. I think I'm entitled to a brief period of quiet."
Behind him he could hear Jim fiddling with the now full coffeepot. He bit his bottom lip, wanting to release his anxieties. Not with company around though. This was a private matter that needed to be acknowledged when they were alone.
A couple hours later, after breakfast and the promise they would return in the evening, the trio left. Jim had already made a phone call to Simon, stating that he would be coming in late and would explain later. When he mentioned the vampire case, Simon accepted Jim's explanation with no further argument. After all had settled down, Jim and Blair sat in the living room, Blair on one couch, Jim on the other.
The trouble with verbal communication is that it can be so inadequate at times. In his years as a student and teaching assistant, Blair had come to learn this. Still, there were times when words were necessary; this was one of those times. By the look in Jim's eyes, he saw that his loftmate understood this and perhaps even knew what Blair needed to verbalize. He offered no help, giving the moment to Blair. Despite the bonding, a great force had damaged the delicate fabric of their friendship and though it had sealed over quickly, the scars still lay beneath the surface.
Blair had lost some of the precious trust he had held in Ellison for close to three years. Trust could be earned back and addressing the topic would only aid the process. Swallowing, Blair leaned over, elbows on his knees, hands moving as he carefully chose his words.
"I know Celestra had a hold over you and I know you said those moments are a blank; but something in the way you said it sat ill with me. Every time you attacked me, were you actually aware of your surroundings?"
Silent, Jim pushed his body into the cushions, staring blankly. It was not a sign of one registering nothing, but one deep in thought. He couldn't lie to the pleading face, though it would've been easier. Instead he was forced to admit the grim truth.
"I was aware. I knew everything I was doing." He turned his head, making eye contact with the grad student. "I didn't want to. I fought her, but . . ." He looked away. "But I'm not that strong. My hands around your throat, choking you, was one of the most terrifying experiences I've ever gone through. I couldn't beat her. She controlled me and you were hurt because of that."
Blair's voice was low when he responded. "You did beat her. When you attacked me in the other world she commanded you to; but you fought her and won. You knew exactly what she was doing, how she was trying to control you, and you wouldn't let her."
"I'm sorry, Chief." Jim hung his head, wiping a hand down his face. "I can't even promise it'll never happen again. You know that even if she's dead, there's no guaranteeing that something like this couldn't happen again."
Blair studied his fidgeting hands with growing interest. "I know."
"You don't feel entirely safe with me," Jim noted.
Blair pressed his lips together and briefly shut his eyes tight. "Maybe the bonding changed all that."
"Changed all what?" Jim shifted his attention back to his curly-haired friend.
One hand motioned between them. Blair met Jim's gaze. "What happens between us. Maybe it protects us from stuff like what Celestra threw on us." He shrugged. "I don't know. It's all pretty new to me."
"Did you ask Adrian about it?"
Blair looked down again, clasping his hands together. "No. The way he talked, it would develop a link between us. I thought it may help control your senses better."
"Or cause more problems," Jim observed wryly.
Blair shrugged half-heartedly. "Or that. Either way, we're in this together and, I don't know about you, but . . . I feel . . . closer to you now."
Jim nodded. "I know what you mean."
This surprised Blair. "You do?"
"I went through the same thing, remember? I know you're the reason I'm alive right now, or at least, still human."
For a few seconds Blair smiled, but it quickly dissolved into a frown. "But we still don't know if anything like that will ever happen again."
Jim's gaze shifted to the balcony window; his face was marred by a frown similar to Blair's. "No, we don't; but we'll get through this. We always do. The question is--" he turned his line of sight on Blair--"Do you feel safe around me?"
Blair met the questioning look, feeling on odd icy-hot sensation in the pit of his belly. Staring into those strong, ocean blue orbs, he found the answer easily, surprising himself with its sincerity. "Yes. I trust you with my life, Jim."
Jim called Simon later on in the evening, before the kids were scheduled to drop by, and was vaguely amused, if not at all surprised, to learn the Feds had left town with the recovery of their three dead officers. Simon joked that this would be another case added to the "X-Files", but was plaintively serious when he asked if Jim had learned anything about the killers. Jim assured him that the problem had been eradicated, but there was no way he could put it in paperwork. Simon decided that once it was realized the killer was no longer around, the case would eventually be put on the back shelf. He gave Jim a short leave of absence in hopes that by the time his best team returned to work the entire "vampire" frenzy would have died.
Jim related the entire conversation to Blair almost as soon as they hung up and as he reached the conclusion, he was interrupted by a brief series of raps at the door. Blair jumped off the couch and answered it, greeting the trio as they walked in.
"Hey guys," Alecia said, digging her hands into her jean pockets. "We're heading out tonight, looks like."
Jim's eyebrows raised. "So soon?"
"Well," Bram replied, "We decided that the excitement in this city is too much for us to take. We're going back to Ohio where it's quieter."
"Right about now," Alecia added, "being bored sounds like a novel idea."
"We can be boring!" Blair exclaimed.
Adrian spoke next. "As great as it sounds, we do have a long distance to travel. Besides, with all the traveling we do, one of us is going to be fired one of these days."
"That's rough."
Jim stood up. "If you three ever end up in this part of the country again, call us. And if you ever need help with your other job we'd be more than happy to help."
"Thanks, man," Bram said, for once actually looking sheepish. "We really appreciate that."
"Do you have to leave right now?" Blair asked.
"Yeah," Alecia answered. "If home wasn't so far away it'd be different. Hey, maybe next time we'll be able to afford plane tickets."
With that, she approached Blair and enfolded him in a tight hug, then walked up to Jim. He smiled at her.
"Remember what I said about becoming a cop."
She nodded, grinning widely, and reached up as he bent down to exchange a hug. Adrian exchanged firm handshakes with both men and brief nods. He reached into his pocket as he walked past Blair again and handed him a slip of paper.
Adrian gave him a knowing look. "If you ever need to, call me."
Blair accepted the slip of paper, scanned the number written on it and slipped it in his pocket. Bram approached him and they exchanged quick handshakes.
Bram then walked up to Ellison and all eyes fell on them. "I hate to think this, but I'm actually going to miss you."
Jim chuckled. "Did it shock you to find I'm actually a nice guy?"
"Nah. You just remind me of the cop that arrested me."
Jim's glower was turned into surprise when the air was knocked out of him by a strong bear hug around his middle. Bram buried his face into his chest, eliciting laughs from their audience. The laughs turned into a silent amazement when Jim's arms wrapped around the kid.
"I'll miss you too. It was entertaining having you around." The words were off-handed, but the sincerity of the tone belied them.
Bram released his grip and raked his hands across his eyes as if he'd been crying. Then he burst out in a mock-sob. "Oh man! This is the saddest day of my life!" He burrowed his face into his palms. "I-can't-take it!"
Wide-eyed and appearing somewhat embarrassed by their friend's dramatic behavior, Adrian and Alecia grasped Bram's shoulders and steered him in the direction of the door.
"Oh, sorry 'bout this," Alecia apologized, chagrined. "We're still debating whether or not to take him out into public anymore. Hey, we'll call sometime. Bye."
Adrian turned for a quick wave. Before they could push Bram all the way out the door, he gave Jim and Blair a wink. "They love me. You know they do."
Then he was shoved out the doorway and with another apologetic smile, Adrian shut the door. Jim shook his head and Blair was laughing quietly.
"You know," Blair said, strolling towards Jim, "those kids are a lot like us in some ways."
Jim snorted. "I hope you don't mean Bram Lyte and I are anything alike."
"Sure you are, man! Think about it. You like to pull practical jokes and act completely ridiculous when the mood suits you."
"I'm nothing like that!" Jim protested.
"Maybe we'll see them again. Then we can really compare."
"That's not funny, Sandburg," Jim growled, threateningly.
"It's hilarious," Blair laughed and the next thing he knew a pillow caught him square in the face. He was ready to protest until he saw Jim's mischievous grin. They were back on familiar ground and he wasn't about to complain.
Finito. Okay, now that it's over, pleasepleaseplease email me and tell me what you think. I want to know if you guys like the whole vampire thing or my original characters. Shycat_98@yahoo.com