by Lucky Charms

Disclaimers: See Part 1.

Feedback is always welcome: luckycharms@e-scribblers.com.

Copyright © 2004 by Lucky Charms. All Rights Reserved.

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Chapter Eleven

Date: July 24, 3021
Time: 12:05am
Location: New Hope Hospital

Alasen stands thunderstruck in her place beside the door and stares helplessly at Brian, then to Aeryk. Without a word, she bolts out of the room.

"Alasen!" Aeryk calls.

Brian gently takes Aeryk’s hand. "Bring her back here, please. She deserves an explanation."

Aeryk nods slightly and races after Alasen. "Alasen, wait up."

"Please, I don’t want to talk right now." Alasen says shortly.

"I’m sorry Alasen." Aeryk says. "I didn’t know..."

"That I would be here so soon?" She snaps turning on Aeryk. "Is that what you were going to say?"

Aeryk bows his head. "I didn’t mean for that to happen, I’m sorry."

"Sorry isn’t going to erase the past Aeryk."

"Can you at least talk to Brian? He wants to explain things to you."

"What’s there to explain?" She demands. "I think the obvious speaks for itself."

"Please Alasen," Aeryk says lowly. "Just talk to him. He feels bad enough as it is."

"Well he should, for what he did to me." Alasen turns her head and crosses her arms. "There’s no reason why I should talk to him right now."

Aeryk grimaces. "Okay."

Alasen then storms off without looking behind her. Aeryk watches the small, hurt woman disappear into the elevator and heaves out a pained sigh. "I’m sorry Alasen. You are a good person and deserve better than what you got."

Aeryk turns on his heel and slowly makes his way back toward Brian’s room. So this is it huh? He listens to his booted footsteps upon the tiled floor. I’ve finally got the only thing in this world that I have ever wanted. I’ve been hurt in the process, but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right? I think I’m a little stronger, anyway. I’ve dealt with me coming out. I’ve dealt with Brian not wanting me, and I’ve dealt with that whole Jason experience. Aeryk shivers unconsciously. God, I hope I never have to go through that again. I still haven’t told Brian about what Jason did to me before then.

Aeryk stops as he reaches the window of Brian’s room and gazes at the man within. I don’t think I could do that to him right now. I know it’ll kill him. He smiles slightly as he takes in Brian’s image, as if for the first time. He’s so beautiful; I can’t believe I didn’t see it before. He fought for me when I was weak. He has put himself through a lot for me. Aeryk’s smile widens as he hears Brian laugh at a T.V. show he’s watching. I love you so much Brian. I hope I can repay you for what you did for me earlier.

Aeryk turns and walks back into the room. "Hey." He mutters. "Whatcha watching?"

"Oh, just some show I found." Brian sits up in his bed. "Where’s Alasen?"

"She left." Aeryk walks over and sits beside Brian. "Just let her go for a while." He says before Brian could express his displeasure. "She’ll come back I think."

Brian sighs. "I guess you’re right. How would you feel if your boyfriend ended up batting for the other team?"

Aeryk’s eyes narrow dangerously. "I’d slay him on the spot." He teases.

Brian chuckles. "A fair warning." He takes Aeryk’s hand and squeezes. "You know you have nothing to worry about with me."

"I don’t know about that." Aeryk smirks. "Ever since I’ve met you, I’ve been worrying about you."

"Ass." Brian playfully accuses, smiling at Aeryk.

"A bold word for someone in a hospital bed." Aeryk returns a smile before kissing Brian on his forehead. "I should get going now."

"Nah-uh." Brian pouts. "Stay with me tonight."

"I loathe hospitals, Brian." Aeryk says sternly. "I won’t stay in one longer than I have to."

"And I’m not reason enough to stay?"

"Of course not." Aeryk kisses Brian again. "I’ll see you tomorrow, okay? Get some sleep, and eat the food they make for you or I’ll beat your silly ass myself."

"Yes Mom." Brian makes a face at Aeryk.

Aeryk smiles sweetly at Brian before he makes his way out of the room. Brian smiles to himself before shutting off the T.V. and placing the remote control on the small end table. Things feel so right now, I can’t believe I let it go this long. I’m sorry Alasen; I should’ve said something to you before. I didn’t know Aeryk had called you or I would’ve been more careful. I’ll talk to her later and straighten things out.

Brian’s thoughts stray to Aeryk. I’m so happy things are working out for us. It feels like nothing can go wrong now. I have the only person I have ever truly loved in my life again. His bright mood suddenly darkens as thoughts of the evening crosses his mind. I swear I’ll never let anyone hurt him again. Damn Jason for hurting Aeryk. I should’ve killed him when I found out he... Brian shakes his head in hopes of removing the memory. I can tell he wants to tell me. It kills me that he’s suffering right now, even though we both should be happy.

Brian lets out a yawn and rests in his bed and turns off the light. "I’m sorry you’re hurting bud. I promise I’ll do whatever I can to make you happy. Before all this, you were so good to me. I owe you big time." He lets out another yawn, shuts his tired eyes, and falls into a peaceful slumber.

Date: August 13, 3021
Time: 9:30am
Location: F.Y. Police Headquarters

Jackie grimaces as she listens to her radio. "Can you believe it? This man is insane!"

Aaron nods his head. "I ‘ear yah Jackie. It’s like ‘e’s taunting us or something."

Jackie flicks off the radio and turns in her seat. "This is the third murder in only two weeks." She shakes her head.

"I’m sure Brian and Joe are working on it." Aaron leans back in his chair. "Remember, Brian was gone for a while. Poor Joe nearly lost it working on the case ‘imself."

"Do you think we’re gonna try and find the guy again?" Jackie asks.

"I ‘ope so." Aaron replies. "It’s been so dead around ‘ere lately."

"Ow, stop it!" Aeryk cries.

"I can’t help it." Brian chuckles.

Aaron and Jackie exchange amused glances as Aeryk and Brian walk by. "Makes your stomach turn, doesn’t it?" Aaron jokes.

"At least things will be quiet around here without Jason and Brian bickering at each other." Jackie snorts.

Aaron frowns slightly. "I still can’t get over what Jason did to Aeryk. Even with the life ‘e ‘ad before coming ‘ere, there’s no excuse."

Jackie nods her head in agreement. "Did you see the look in Aeryk’s eyes when Jason attacked him?" She shudders. "I was scared for myself!"

Aaron laughs. "I swear Jason nearly pissed his pants. I didn’t know Aeryk did martial arts."

Jackie nods. "He doesn’t use it as much as Brian does."

"Why do you think ‘e didn’t use it when Jason attacked ‘im?"

Jackie shrugs. "Don’t know." Suddenly, her Opti-phone rings. Jackie activates the phone and sees her mother’s face appear. "Morning Mom, what’s up?"

"Good morning hun, are you busy right now?"

The darkness in her mother’s normally bright blue eyes causes Jackie to worry. "No mom, what’s up?" She gives Aaron a quick glance and he nods in understanding.

"I’ll talk to you later." He whispers as he exits the room, shutting the door behind him.

"It’s about your brother, Corey." Jackie’s mother begins sullenly.

"What is it? Did something happen?" Jackie asks, panicked.

"It’s the cancer, it’s back."

Jackie’s heart sinks. "No." She mutters.

"The doctors aren’t too optimistic about his chances this time, seeing as he just went through the treatments a short while ago. His body is too weak."

Jackie rests her head on her free hand. "So what’s going to happen?"

"We don’t know for sure right now. The doctors are doing what they can." Jackie’s mother pauses a moment. "Jackie, they’re saying he doesn’t have much longer to live."

Jackie heaves out a pained sigh. "I’ll try to get down there okay?"

"No Jackie, you can’t afford to..."

"I’m sure the Chief will understand Mom. I’ll call you later."

"Okay Jackie, good bye."

Jackie slowly hangs up the phone and sits in complete silence. "Corey." She whispers. Jackie attempts to rise to her feet but instantly falls back into her chair as tears of fear flood out of her eyes. She rests her head on her arms and weeps for her brother.

"It’s just not fair." She sobs. "Why him?"

"There’ just no pattern." Joe grumbles, frustrated. "How are we supposed to find this guy?"

Brian leans in his chair and thinks for a moment. "Bait."

"Yeah, but with what?"

"The President is holding a screening of a new movie that is coming out sometime this month. I’m sure a lot of celebrities will be there." The making of movies have been scarce since the earthquake for various reasons. Whenever any movie is made, however, it is a big event that is usually held by the current President.

Joe snorts. "And you think that will work as well as last time?"

"Do you have a better idea?" Brian arches a brow.

"Sorry, I’m just a little frustrated with things right now." Joe admits. "I didn’t think this would be so difficult."

Brian smiles. "It’s okay, you’ll get used to it."

"So lets go with that plan then. D’you think the Chief can get us into the White House?"

"The Chief can pretty much do what he wants to." Brian chuckles. "How about you go run the idea by him and let me know what he thinks."

Joe nods and slowly rises from his chair. He stops a moment and glances at Brian. "Say, uh, Brian?"

Brian looks up at Joe. "What’s up?"

"What are you doing for lunch?"

"I’m going out with Aeryk, sorry."

Joe’s heart sinks. "That’s okay, maybe another time?"

Brian smiles. "Sure partner."

Joe manages to smile faintly and exits Brian’s office. Damn, I should’ve known. Why can’t I just give up? I’ve seen how Aeryk and Brian are around each other. There’s no chance for me.

Joe looks up as he sees Jackie exits Derryk’s office, her face stained with tears. "Hey Joe, what’s up?" She asks hoarsely.

"You okay Jackie?"

Jackie nods. "Yeah, I’m fine. I’ll be gone for a few days, sorry that I won’t be here to help you out with your assignment."

"That’s okay Jackie, take care of yourself." He smiles warmly as Jackie walks past him.

Jackie quickly gathers her bag and makes her way out of her office. She rushes down the hallway and is stopped by Aeryk.

"Hey, what’s up?" Aeryk asks.

"Nothing, I need to get going now, sorry."

Aeryk gazes after Jackie as she races toward the elevator. That was strange. I wonder what that was all about?

"What’s up Aeryk?" Aaron says as he walks into his office.

"Say, do you know what’s wrong with Jackie?" Aeryk asks, poking his head into Aaron’s office.

"Couldn’t tell yah." Aaron says placing some folders into his filing cabinet. "She’s been acting like that since ‘er mother called earlier."

Aeryk nods. "I hope she’s alright."

"Nah, she’ll be alright." Aaron says. "The problem now, is finding me a partner." He smirks.

"Good luck with that one buddy." Aeryk grins. "I’d love to meet the person crazy enough to partner with you."

"Lucky you!" Aaron’s grin widens. "I just got a little message from the Chief telling me that you’ll be my partner while Jackie’s gone."

Aeryk rolls his eyes. "My joy knows no bounds."

Aaron laughs and picks up his Opti-phone as it begins to ring. "This is Aaron. Oh ‘ey Jackie... No, it’s no problem... Aeryk’s gonna be my partner... Don’t worry about it... Oh, okay. Well I’ll talk to you later then... alright, ciao." Aaron frowns slightly as he places his Opti-phone back down.

"What’s the matter?"

"Jackie’s brother has cancer." Aaron says solemnly.

Jackie pulls her car to a stop, as the light turns red. Corey, I still can’t believe it. You were so full of life when I saw you last. The therapy didn’t seem to phase you one bit, but now you’re... No, I have to think positive. He’ll be fine I know it.

Jackie continues her way toward her parent’s home not far from headquarters. She pulls her car along side the street and slowly makes her way toward the front door.

"Hey Mom." Jackie mutters as her mother meets her half way.

Jackie’s mother pulls her daughter into a tight embrace. "Your father is inside with Corey."

"He’s not in the hospital?" Jackie asks astounded.

Jackie’s mother shakes her head. "He wanted to stay. We’ve hired a nurse that comes in every so often to check up on him." She moves a stray strand of gray hair from her face. "He’ll be so happy to see you."

Jackie and her brother Corey have been very close most of their lives. At twenty years old, Corey has just been accepted to the recently reconstructed Harvard University, something his entire family, most of all Jackie, is very proud of.

About six months before, Corey had undergone intensive chemotherapy for his cancer. It left him tired and very weak. He has been bed ridden for several weeks and has just been able to play the traditional family baseball game, the first and only one Jackie missed, the weekend before.

"You would have been very proud of your brother. He hit a homerun on his first try." Jackie’s mother attempts to smile.

"I’m sorry I missed it." Jackie replies as they enter the modest one story house. "Where is he?"

"In the living room. Probably watching the game right now." She sighs. "He does love his baseball."

Jackie nods and makes her way into the living room and smiles faintly as she sees her father and brother watching the baseball game.

"Ah, I can’t believe this!" Jackie’s father moans.

Corey laughs. "See, I told you Boston will win."

"Traitor, going off and playing for the enemy when you could use your talents for the home team."

Jackie smirks and walks into the room. "You should’ve brainwashed him when you had the chance Dad."

Corey and their father look up. "Hey Jackie!" Corey says. "How yah doing?"

Jackie smiles down at her younger brother. "I’m fine, and yourself?"

"Not to bad. Come to watch the game with us?" Corey asks, his dark blue eyes shining.

"Sure." Jackie says simply and she sits on a chair next to Corey’s hospital bed. "Who’s winning?"

"Boston, of course." Corey announces proudly. "Dad’s a little angry."

Jackie chuckles. "Always blindly devoted to the Indians, eh Dad?"

Jackie’s father scowls. "My children, ganging up on their poor father." He shakes his head. "What has this world come too I ask."

Jackie’s mother peers her head in. "Quit whining Jerry and come help me with lunch, okay?"

Jerry smirks at Corey and Jackie, and then rises from his chair to go assist his wife. "Anything to get away from my two disappointments."

Jerry and his wife walk the short distance into the kitchen to work on lunch. "I’m a little surprised to see Jackie here." Jerry says. "Did you have any idea she was coming Lynn?"

Lynn nods. "I spoke to her this morning and she said she would come over."

Jerry casts a quick glance into the living room and grimaces. "She’s trying so hard to be strong for Corey." He shakes his head. "I swear, if I didn’t know better, I’d say they were twins or something."

"They do love each other don’t they?" Lynn mutters softly. "I just hope Corey pulls through this."

Jerry places a strong hand on his wife’s shoulder. "He’ll be fine Lynn. He’s a Skiffington." He winks.

Date: August 13, 3021
Time: 12:36pm
Location: F.Y. Police Headquarters

Aeryk lets out a sigh as he flips through another page of the strange book. "And thus the Blue Dragons have retreated, their query lost, and the Sacred Child was able to summon the four Gods..."

The four shadowy images form into the same pictures on the platform. One a turtle, a dragon, a bird, and the last a tiger.

In an instant the beam of light vanishes from the Child’s body and the four shadows begin to glow a brilliant white color. The shadows begin to swirl slowly around the man sitting peacefully in the center of the platform.

"Th-the four Gods!" Jiong Ling gasps.

Kun Biao stands next to Jiong Ling and gapes at the four shining forms above her. "What must we do now?"

"The Child must merge with the Gods." Jiong Ling states.

The man with the black hair turns on Jiong Ling. "What will happen to him then?"

"His soul will crystallize and become material." Jiong Ling begins. "Only then can he become our immortal protector."

Bao Feng steps up. "But if something were to happen to his soul crystal, he will loose his immortality and die."

The four shimmering forms begin to descend upon the Child. "Quickly Shui Niao, place the amulet around his neck!" Jiong Ling cries.

"What is the amulet for?" The black haired man asks.

"It is so we can control the Child." Kun Biao replies.

"Control him?" The man turns and watches Shui Niao place a simple amulet with the yin-yang symbol around the Child’s neck.

"Whoever wears this ring," Jiong Ling shows the black haired man a ring with the ancient kanji for "soul" etched into the large jade stone. "Controls the Child and the fate of our country."

The four Gods descend upon the Child and he begins to radiate the same pure white light, and a large crystal in the shape of a lotus blossom emerges from the Child’s chest.

"Place the Child’s soul within the chest for safe keeping." Jiong Ling orders Bao Feng.

Suddenly an arrow whizzes through the temple door and strikes Shui Niao through the heart.

Brian kneels beside Aeryk and whispers into his ear. "Hey, wake up. No sleeping on the job."

Aeryk opens his eyes and sits back into his chair. "Huh? I must’ve fallen asleep again."

Brian chuckles. "I can tell. That book looks interesting enough." He takes Aeryk’s hand and lifts him onto his feet. "Come on, let’s go eat."

Aeryk nods and walks with Brain out of his office. "So what’s with you falling asleep like that?" Brian asks.

"It’s the strangest thing," Aeryk begins. "Every so often I’ll have strange dreams or something."

"Like the one you told me about before?"

"Kind of, yeah. I don’t know what to make out of them."

"Have you talked to Brent about them?"

Aeryk gives Brian a funny look. "Huh?"

"Brent was into that kinda stuff a while ago, maybe he can help you out or something."

Aeryk shakes his head. "Thanks, but I’ll manage to deal with it on my own. They’re probably just brought on by the book. It happens."

Brian shrugs. "Okay bud, suit yourself." He places an arm around Aeryk’s waist. "Where should we go eat?"

"The usual." Aeryk leans his head on Brian’s shoulders.

Joe watches Aeryk and Brian walk down the hallway and lets out a pained sigh. I guess I should be happy for them. Aeryk has always been so nice to me and helped me out a lot with the assignment when Brian was gone. And Brian, well... Joe shrugs and turns away and rushes toward his office when he hears his Opti-phone begin to ring.

"Hey Danny, what’s up?" Joe says somewhat cheerfully upon seeing his friend.

"You sound happy, what’s the matter?" Danny says.

"Oh, it’s nothing. I’m just a little bummed about something, no biggie."

"Yeah right." Danny smirks, his black eyes piercing into Joe’s mind. "Wanna talk about it?"

What do I have to loose? Danny’s a good friend; I guess I can trust him. "Uh, sure. You hungry?"

"Always." Danny chuckles.

Joe laughs. "How does pizza sound?"

Danny grins widely. "Like the chorus of angels. I’ll see you at Mario’s?"

"I’ll be there." Joe returns the smile before hanging up the Opti-phone.

Danny turns as he hears somebody knock on his door. "Come on in." He says.

Jen enters the room. "Well...?"

"I’ve got it in the bag."

Jen nods in satisfaction. "And you’re sure this will work?"

Danny frowns. "He wouldn’t know what he’s doing. Have some faith in me."

Jen grins slightly and runs her long fingers through Danny’s long black hair. "I trust no one Danny." She says lowly and leaves his room.

Danny reaches into his coat pocket and extracts a small blue pill. "I don’t care what you think Jen, as long as I get what I want."

Date: August 13, 3021
Time: 10:43pm
Location: Skiffington Residence

"So when are you starting school?" Jackie asks Corey as she helps him get comfortable in his bed.

"Late September." Corey says. "I can’t wait."

Jackie smirks. "You say that now. Just wait until you have to start studying for nights on in."

Corey rolls his eyes. "Whatever."

"You sure you want to sleep out here by yourself?" Jackie asks.

"I’ll be fine Jackie." Corey replies.

Jackie nods. "Okay Corey, sweet dreams." Jackie reluctantly leaves her brother and heads toward her room.

As Jackie lies in her old bed the day’s events flooded her mind. The moment just after lunch when Corey had a serious coughing fit, and he ended up coughing up blood. Another time just a few moments before, when he fainted and fell in the shower.

Lynn was beside herself with grief and Jerry tried his best to consol her while battling his own emotions. Jackie was forced to be the stronger one and take charge of the family during her stay.

Jackie called the hospital after the fainting incident and she was assured that their nurse would come in the next morning and perform a thorough check on Corey’s condition.

The doctor said if his condition were serious enough, he would have to be moved to the hospital. Jackie turns onto her side and stares into the darkness. He’s just so weak and helpless. What can I do?

The next morning did not bring good news. The nurse decided that Corey must be moved to the hospital so that he may be monitored more closely.

Jerry brings Jackie aside. "I’ll take Corey to the hospital okay? You find a way to distract your mother for a while."

Jackie nods in understanding. "I’ll take her to the beach or something."

Jerry smiles faintly. "Thank you Jackie. I’ll call you later when Corey is settled in."

"Okay Dad, I’ll talk to Mom." Jackie walks off toward her parent’s room. "Hey Mom, how about you and I go out and do something together for a while. How does the beach sound?"

Lynn gazes at her daughter for a moment, and then smiles faintly in understanding. "Your father’s idea?"

Jackie nods. "Of course."

Lynn lets out a sigh. "Okay, let me get my things and we can make it a girl’s day out."

Jackie helps her mother prop of the umbrella. "You sure about this spot?" Jackie asks. "There’s more open space over there."

Lynn shakes her head. "This is my favorite spot." She replies stubbornly.

"Alright Mom, you’re the boss." Jackie chuckles as she sits on her beach towel and begins to apply the suntan lotion.

"You do have your phone with you in case something happens, right?" Lynn asks, sitting next to her daughter.

"Yes Mom." Jackie replies. "Try to relax a little. Everything’s going to be fine." Jackie rises to her feet. "I think I’ll just take a quick swim."

Jackie strolls down the beach and smiles as a pair of young children dash by her, squealing in delight. I remember when Corey and I used to be like that. Running around without a care in the world.

Jackie reaches the water’s end and places a foot in the deep blue water. "Mm, nice and warm today. Lucky me." She races into the water and dives into it. I hope I remember how to swim. It’s been so long.

Jackie propels herself with her strong legs and savors the feeling of the warm water caress her skin like a lovers touch.

As Jackie soars through the water she begins to think about the dream she had the night before. She slowly rises to the top of the water and allows herself to float atop the water’s surface.

That dream was so strange. What did it mean? The dark forest, the strange sound of a man howling, and the light? What was that light? Who was that shadow I saw.

Suddenly a wave of intensely cold water descends upon Jackie like countless needles. She lets out a roar of outrage and turns to see her supposed friends laughing at her.

"Aaron! I’ll kill you for that!" Jackie snarls.

"Oh come on love, I was only ‘aving a bit of fun." Aaron replies from over the side of a large yacht.

"Where’d you get the boat?" Jackie asks.

Brian appears from around the corner. "Why my mumzy and daddums of course." He snickers.

Jackie grins. "Why am I not surprised?"

Brian laughs. "Actually it’s my parents, they’re letting me borrow it for the day."

"I wanna come on. Help me up." Jackie complains.

Brian nods, smiling. "Aaron, lower that little boat thing and let Jackie get on."

As the boat lowers to the water Jackie calls out to Brian. "My mother is with me, can I bring her on too?"

"Sure." Brian says happily. "But she’s going to have to deal with me and Aeryk all day." A large water balloon exploding on Brian’s head announces Aeryk’s disapproval of the statement.

"Ignore him Jackie." Aeryk calls, smiling over the railing. "I’ll keep him at bay."

Brian lets out a playful snarl and grabs Aeryk and drags him out of Jackie’s view. Aaron shakes his head and whistles at Jackie.

"‘Oller when you get back okay?"

Jackie nods and climbs into the boat. "Sure thing partner."

"Are you sure we’re not intruding?" Lynn asks Brian uncertainly.

"Of course not." Brian says warmly. "This thing is way to big for just the few of us. There are some chairs out back if you want to lay out in the sun. Also, if you want anything the boat is at your disposal."

Lynn thanks Brian and makes her way out of the room below deck. "You’re Mom is pretty nice Jackie."

"Thanks." Jackie replies. "You really didn’t have to do this."

"Nah, don’t worry about it." He leans in close to Jackie. "I hope you don’t mind, but Aeryk told me about your brother. Maybe this might help her out a little, to get her mind off of things, you too."

Jackie smiles faintly. "Yeah, she needs it. Thanks Brian."

Brian grins. "This is my good deed for the day." He salutes Jackie.

Jackie laughs and wraps her arms around Brian’s neck. "You’re awesome Brian."

Aeryk walks in a clears his throat loudly. "Hands off the woman you adulterous man." He jokes.

Jackie decides to continue the game and squeezes Brian tighter. "Didn’t he tell you Aeryk? Brian and I are in love."

Aeryk barks out a laugh. "He says that to all the pretty things out there."

Brian winks at Aeryk. "Only to you Aeryk."

Jackie pretends to dry heave. "You two make me ill. I’m going to find something to keep the vomit down. Aaron! Where are you I need a drink!" She bellows leaving the room.

Aeryk walks up to Brian. "I saw Jackie’s Mom out back. I’m assuming everything’s working out."

Brian nods pulling Aeryk into his arms. "How are you? Enjoying yourself?"

"Of course." Aeryk smiles holding Brian’s bare chest close to him. "Oh, and Joe’s having a fit upstairs."

"Why’s that?"

"You left him all alone up there to work on your assignment." Aeryk says, looking up at Brian.

"Ah come on, it’s Saturday." Brian complains.

Aeryk starts looking around the entire room, then back at Brian. "Nope, I don’t see anyone who cares."

Brian frowns. "Alright, I get your point. I’ll go help Joe." He starts walking with Aeryk up the small steps. "Maybe I can drag the boy out into the sun."

Aeryk and Brian walk hand in hand along the boat in mutual silence. Aeryk wraps his other arm around Brian’s and rests his head on Brian’s broad shoulders.

It feels so good having him close to me like this. Brian says to himself, casting a quick glance at Aeryk. How could my life get any more perfect than it is now?

Aeryk lets out a contented sigh. I can’t believe things are going so well between Brian and I. Well, it’s only been maybe a week, but who cares? There’s nothing I don’t know about Brian. Aeryk’s face darkens. But there’s something he doesn’t know about me.

Joe looks up from his laptop as he notices Aeryk and Brian walk by the windows toward the room. He heaves out a sigh and attempts to smile as they enter the room.

"Hey guys, how’s it going?" Joe asks.

"Sorry I left you up here partner." Brian grins. "It’s Aeryk’s fault."

"Yeah, shut up." Aeryk smirks. "Any word from the Chief yet?"

"Just got an e-mail actually." Joe announces. "We’re in for the premier."

"Excellent!" Brian cries. "Now we can rest up a bit for the thirtieth."

"I think you should get the permits for the weapons and other stuff we’ll need for the thirtieth, Brian, while Joe takes a breather." Aeryk says.

Brian gives Aeryk a betrayed look. "But I wanna..."

Aeryk arches a brow. "Yes?"

"It’s okay Aeryk, I can handle it." Joe mutters.

"Of course you won’t." Aeryk replies. "Brian, it won’t take very long. I’m sure you can handle it."

Aeryk grabs Joe’s arm and drags him outside. "I’ll be watching you." He warns Brian and Joe laughs.

"Thanks for getting me out of that room." Joe says. "I didn’t think I would ever get out today."

Aeryk smiles at Joe. "You need to learn how to handle Brian. He’ll push you around and make you do all the busy work while he gets to play. All you need to do is put your foot down and tell him what to do."

Joe blanches. "I don’t know if I could do that." He admits. "I still don’t know him as well as you do."

"Nah, I did that almost the first week I met him in the Academy. He tried to get me to do his studying for him, a big mistake. I flat out refused and literally sat him at his desk and forced him to read."

Joe laughs. "I’d love to see that."

Aeryk grins. "It’s all in the way you handle men, my friend. Just consider this a fair warning for when you find your special someone." He winks.

Joe’s eyes widen. "Well, uh..."

Brian peers his head around the corner and calls out to Aeryk and Joe. "I need help you guys!"

Aeryk rolls his eyes. "Another thing you’ll learn with Brian is absolute patience."

"Should we help him out?"

"He’s your partner Joe." Aeryk grins. "It’s your call."

Joe shakes his head, smiling widely. "How about we head out back and join the others."

Aeryk laughs heartily. "There yah go!" The two walk off, ignoring Brian’s plea.

"It was great meeting you guys." Lynn says to the group of F.Y. Officers. "Thank you so much for having us."

"I’m sure Brian is more than happy to have you." Aeryk says. "Unfortunately he has a little work to do."

Jackie laughs. "You are so mean to him Aeryk." She quickly gives him a hug. "Keep it up." She winks.

"Take care of yourself Jackie." Aeryk replies. "See you when you get back."

Jackie and Lynn wave as they descend, with Aaron, down onto the water and towards shore.

Aeryk senses a presence behind him and turns to see Brian’s dark face. "Hi Bri, finish working?" Brian lets out a grunt in response and crosses his arms. "Tell me you’re mad at me."

Brian says nothing and storms down the opposite direction.

Aeryk shakes his head. "Sorry guys, I’ll see what his problem is." Aeryk chases after Brian, calling out his name. "Bri, what’s the matter?"

Brian says nothing but turns into a dimly lit room and shuts the door in Aeryk’s face. Aeryk puffs up in outrage. "What in the hell?"

Suddenly a strange voice calls out to Aeryk from behind him and he turns toward the setting sun. "Who’s there?"

When the voice fails to reply, Aeryk shrugs and opens the door. "Brian?" He asks.

Aeryk’s worries vanish when he sees several lit candles and Brian sitting in a large couch with a bottle of wine sitting on the table before him.

"You asshole, I thought you were mad at me." Aeryk frowns.

"Think of this as my way of getting back at you." Brian grins rising to his feet.

"You did get the permits, right?" Aeryk asks as Brian wraps his arms around Aeryk.

"Of course I did." Brian replies. "Jackie and her mother left?" Aeryk nods. "Good, then we have a while until dinner tonight."

Aeryk gasps in shock. "Don’t you dare!"

Brian laughs. "Why not? No one will hear us." He gently runs his hands down Aeryk’s back and lands a kiss just behind his ear. "The curtains are shut, and we could just lock the door."

Aeryk freezes in Brian’s embrace as panic settles in. The memory of his last sexual encounter left him feeling cold and alone. The feeling of Jason’s body so close to his own is still strong in Aeryk’s mind. Too strong for him to bear right now.

Aeryk pulls away from Brian. "Stop, please." He mutters.

"What’s the matter Aeryk?" Brian asks, reaching for Aeryk’s hand.

Aeryk pulls himself away further. "I can’t." He breathes.

"Aeryk..."

Aeryk turns looks up at Brian with fearful blue eyes. "Brian, it’s too soon."

"I know bud." Brian mutters, ashamed. "I should’ve known better what with what happened and all." Brian sucks in a breath. "Oh shit..."

Aeryk gazes up at Brian in shock. "Y-you know?"

Brian bows his head. "I heard you talking to Jackie the other night. I’m sorry I didn’t say anything to you Aeryk, but I knew how much it hurt you and I didn’t want to make things worse for you."

"I’m sorry." Aeryk says. "I’m sorry."

"Aeryk, there’s nothing to..."

"I couldn’t stop him!" Aeryk cries. "I was scared, no, terrified. I tried to get him off of me but he was too strong."

"Aeryk," Brian says painfully. "Please..."

"He told me if that I didn’t so what he said he’d hurt me." Aeryk says shaken, not feeling Brian’s hand on his shoulder. "He said that I was his and that no one could ever have me. He also said that if I did go back to you," He chokes back a sob. "He would make sure you would get ‘soiled goods’."

Brian takes the shaken Aeryk into his arms and tries his best to comfort him. "Shh, it’s okay Aeryk."

"It hurt." Aeryk sobs. "It hurt so much. I couldn’t stop him..." Aeryk claws at Brian’s chest. "I’m so sorry Brian."

"Jason... please stop!"

"Shut up bitch, you’re mine now. You hear me?"

"Brian!"

Jason looms over Aeryk and claps his large hands over Aeryk’s throat. "You say that name one more time and I’ll kill you..."

Aeryk lets out a wail of pain and he falls to his knees. "Stop it! Get off of me!"

Brian kneels beside Aeryk. "Babe, calm down."

Still absorbed by the memory, Aeryk continues to cry out in horror. "Brian!"

Brent, Jeff, Aaron, and Joe burst into the room. "What’s going on in here?" Jeff cries.

Brian takes hold of Aeryk who has gone silent and limp. "I don’t know. Brent, he’s having some sort of delusion."

Brent nods in understanding. "Take him over to the couch and lay him down."

Brian runs his hand through Aeryk’s hair. "It’s okay Aeryk, I’m here." He collects Aeryk in his arms and carries him to the couch and lays him down.

Brent kneels beside Aeryk and checks his forehead. "He’s a little warm, but as soon as he calms down a bit he’ll be fine." He pulls Brian aside. "Can you leave me with him for a moment?"

Brian’s eyes widen. "Why?"

"I need to talk to him alone. If there’s too many people in here..."

Brian nods in understanding. "Okay."

As soon as Brian and the others shuffle out of the room, Brent locks the door and turns on the normal lighting and snuffs out the candles. He walks back to Aeryk and listens to his breathing and nods in satisfaction.

"How are you feeling?" Brent asks, seeing Aeryk open his eyes before walking toward the bar.

"Not so well." Aeryk mutters.

Brent quickly finds a hand towel and wets it with cold water. "You know, you scared Brian pretty good back there." He walks over to Aeryk and rests the towel on his forehead. "The same with everyone else."

Aeryk sighs and turns away from Brent’s gaze. "I’m sorry."

"Want to talk about it?"

"No." Aeryk mutters.

"You know," Brent says sitting on the arm of the couch. "I may be just going on a limb here, but I may know what you’re going through." Aeryk snorts self derisively. "Jason raped you, didn’t he?"

Aeryk’s body runs cold again. "N-no."

Brent smirks slightly. "It’s okay if you don’t want to tell me. My wife went through the same thing before we got married."

Aeryk looks up at Brent, shocked. "Really?"

Brent nods. "I went through the same thing Brian just went through. At times, something would just trigger the memory and she would go under some delusion that it was happening to her again. Though I wish I could say, just talk to Shannon and she’ll be able to help you out, it can’t happen."

Brent looks down at Aeryk solemnly. "All I can say is trust Brian and try to let go of the past. It may be hard, but you’ve got to try. Jason is gone now, and no one else in this world would dare try to hurt you again." He smiles faintly. "I’ve seen how protective Brian is over you."

Aeryk turns his attention to the ceiling. "You’re right Brent. It’s not that I don’t trust Brian. It’s more that I’m ashamed of what happened. I feel like I’ve betrayed Brian somehow."

Brent shakes his head. "Shannon said the same thing to me. And I told her that whatever happened was not her fault and I didn’t feel betrayed. To be honest, the first time was the best I’ve ever had."

Aeryk looks up at Brent. "I’ve never heard you say anything like that before!"

Brent laughs. "Yeah, well..." He sobers slightly. "My philosophy is that if there isn’t love involved, it didn’t happen."

Aeryk smiles faintly and nods. "I see what you mean. Thanks Brent."

Date: August 13, 3021
Time: 8:03pm
Location: New Hope Hospital

"Of course the food here is horrible." Corey grimaces. "What I would give for a burger right now."

Jackie laughs. "As soon as you get out of here, I’ll take you out wherever you want."

"So how was the beach?" Jerry asks.

"Wonderful, we got to be on a yacht for the day."

Jerry casts a glance at his daughter. "Oh really?"

"It was a friend’s yacht Dad." Jackie says. "Don’t get any ideas."

"It has been a while since you’ve been out dating Jackie." Jerry adds. "I’m afraid I won’t have any grandchildren until Corey decides to get his act together."

Jackie gasps in shock. "Dad!"

"Honestly Jerry." Lynn groans.

"I’m only teasing her Lynn." Jerry smirks. "So who is this friend of yours?"

"His name is Brian, and no Dad I’m not interested. Beside he’s taken."

"Really? Lucky lady to have found someone with a yacht."

Jackie and Lynn exchange glances and giggle.

"What’s so funny?" Jerry demands.

"Nothing Dad." Jackie lies. "So how long are the tests supposed to take?" She asks Corey.

"Not very long. They just need to make sure if the Chemo is necessary or not." Corey replies cheerfully.

Jerry lets out a slight yawn. "I think I’m going to head downstairs and get some coffee."

Lynn rises with her husband. "I’ll go with you."

Corey’s parents give their son a warm smile before leaving his room.

"So are you comfortable?" Jackie asks her brother.

"As much as I can be." Corey says. "I don’t like being in hospitals. I can’t watch the baseball games!"

Jackie laughs. "I’ll be sure the record them for you, okay?"

Corey grins widely. "You do realize that you’re my favorite sister, right?"

"Yeah, sure, I’m your only sister dork." Jackie retorts playfully, and rises to her feet as her cell phone begins to ring. "Hello? Oh hey Brian ... yeah, just a second." She looks at Corey. "I’ll be right back."

Corey leans back comfortably in his bed and heaves out a sigh. You never realize how much something means to you until you loose it. Man, I feel so tired all of a sudden. Must be that stuff in the I.V. Corey lets out a yawn and shuts his eyes.

Memories of his childhood begin to flash before Corey’s mind and a slight grin crosses his face.

Oh yeah, that one time some kid was picking on me in school and Jackie nearly decked the kid right in his face.

And there was the time when Jackie almost hit that one girl who turned me down for a date to the prom. Ha, Jackie was always the violent one.

I could tell she loved me very much and would do anything to see me happy, especially since I had the cancer. Even now, I’m sure she’s thinking of ways to help me get through this. I know she is.

Man, I remember that time when Mom and Dad were arguing. She took me into my room and read me a book, played music, or anything to make me happy. She told me that Mom and Dad were just having a problem hearing each other at their old age and they needed to yell. Heh, I can’t believe I actually believed her.

Suddenly a white light appears before Corey and he opens his eyes. "Grandma?"

Jackie hears the horrifying buzzing sound and drops her phone onto the tiled floor with a loud clattering. "Corey..." She breathes.

Jackie tears into Corey’s room, Brian’s voice calls over the phone. "Jackie...?"

"Corey?" Jackie grabs her brother’s limp shoulders. "Can someone get a doctor in here?" Jackie bellows and a passing nurses races into action.

Lynn and Jerry appear from the elevator and instantly get a sense of foreboding. "Oh no." Lynn gasps.

In a moment of weakness, Jerry looses control of his hands and drops his coffee. Lynn falls heavily into her husband’s arms and the two stare blankly into Corey’s room and sees Jackie crying desperately for her brother.

The two parents stumble toward their sons room and Lynn lets out a cry of pain. "COREY!"

Continued in Part 12

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