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 Nineteen

Date: October 17, 3021
Time: 2:17pm
Location: F.Y. Police Headquarters

Aeryk leans far back into his chair and stares blankly at his fish as they go about their captive lives, envying them in some way. Earlier that morning Aeryk saw Jackie’s parents walk into Derryk’s office and, moments later, hear an audible cry of anguish.

He fully regrets leaving Jackie’s body behind, as well as not being able to mourn for his fallen friend. Jackie has been the lighthearted, yet strong willed, member of the group. He knew he could always rely on Jackie to make any situation far more bearable than it was.

Aaron didn’t say very much to anyone the entire flight back home. Brian remained secluded from the group while Aeryk did his best to keep Joe’s morale up. Derryk was busy on the phone trying to think of a way to retrieve Jackie’s body when time permitted. Jeff and Brent tried occupying their minds by planning out a course of action for when they arrive in China and figure out a way to prevent the same tragedy from before, never to happen again.

"I wonder if they even realize when one of their own dies." Aeryk mutters to himself as he continues his mindless gaze over the fish tank. "God this sucks."

"I’ll say." Aaron says from Aeryk’s doorway. "Can I come in?"

"Sure." Aeryk replies as Aaron shuts the door and makes himself comfortable. "How are you holding up?"

Aaron shakes his head. "Did you ‘ear Jackie’s mother when Derryk told ‘er? Made me sick to my stomach. Why did she ‘ave to be so bloody reckless? If she just let me stay with ‘er none of this would’ve ‘appened you know?"

"I know Aaron." Aeryk answers softly. "I’m sure we all have been thinking about ‘what ifs’."

"She was my partner Aeryk." Aaron says helplessly. "I should’ve stayed with ‘er! I knew she was in danger yet I was stupid enough to run off in ‘opes of finding some ‘elp. I know she blames me for what ‘appened to ‘er."

"That’s not true." Aeryk says sharply. "She did what she felt was right. There’s no point in dwelling on it now Aaron, sorry. Jackie was all our friend; though I know you two were much closer than the rest of us."

"I feel like such a failure." Aaron mutters. "I failed when I was supposed to do my best. I failed you and I failed Jackie."

Aeryk abruptly stands to his feet. "Stop it Aaron."

"Do you know why I’m really ‘ere Aeryk?" Aaron asks. "I was such a failure back ‘ome that they shipped me off to be someone else’s burden? There was this ‘uge drug bust that was taking place in London. I was the one they sent in, you know ‘ow it goes." Aeryk nods patiently, slowly getting back into his seat. "I, uh, forgot to lower the volume on my ear piece so when they ‘eard my Sergeants voice they knew something was up. Suddenly, all the NARC guys flooded in and there was this ‘uge shoot out. We lost a couple guys that day, all because of me. I was a wreck for months. They couldn’t or rather wouldn’t, put me on the streets. Then one day my chief told me I was being transferred to D.C." he lets out a sigh. "I knew it was because of what I did." Aeryk walks over and sits beside Aaron and looks ready to place a comforting hand on Aaron’ leg, but thinks against it. "It’s alright you know, I don’t bite." Aaron chuckles.

"Sorry, but the reason you got transferred wasn’t be cause of the honest mistake you made Aaron. Derryk was the one who asked for you personally."

Aaron shakes his head. "Somehow I doubt that."

"Seriously." Aeryk says with a faint smile. "Derryk knows all about your past with the England force. He once told me about why everyone was chosen to be part of the Elite Force. Derryk wouldn’t stop talking about all the things you did. How can you let one thing mar all the wonderful things you’ve done in the past?"

Aaron shrugs. "Because it was the biggest bust in the ‘istory of the F.Y. and they trusted me with the most important task."

"I understand Aaron." Aeryk says sympathetically. "But try to remember that you’re not nearly a big a screw-up as Brian is."

Aaron laughs. "That would be a ‘orrible thing wouldn’t it? Thanks for listening to me Aeryk. It’s just real ‘ard for me you know. Working with someone, growing to see them more than just a coworker, then loosing them like that."

Aeryk braves the change to put a comforting hand on Aaron’s leg. "I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. I know that Jackie has no regrets about what she did. I didn’t tell you guys, but she helped me through the trial. Well, not so much helping more than ordering me around with a few insults." Aaron snickers. "But what she didn’t say, didn’t need saying. I felt so much more than you can imagine"

"I wish she were ‘ere now." Aaron says softly.

"Well, as cliché as this saying is," Aeryk begins. "Jackie will always be in your heart if you want her to be."

Aaron nods. "Yeah, I know. So what are we going to do now?"

"We’re heading to China." Aeryk replies. "We’ll leave as soon as we’re ready."

"Anything from those Blue Dragons?"

"Nothing," Aeryk says sullenly. "They’re good I’ll give them that. But that doesn’t mean we can’t be better."

"I’ll ‘ang out in the gym for a while. Just keep me updated."

Aeryk walks Aaron out the door and watches him walk down the hall when Brian walks up beside him and lets out a sigh. "How are you doing?"

"Better." Aeryk replies. "What about you?"

"I don’t know. I feel bad; I don’t think I thought about Jackie the entire flight home. I couldn’t stop thinking about how that will be you soon. I, I still haven’t thought of anything."

"Stop please." Aeryk says painfully. "I don’t want to talk about this."

"Aren’t you the least bit scared about it?" Brian asks as Aeryk walks back into his office. "Don’t you even think about what’s going to happen to us?"

"Of course I do!" Aeryk cries. "I think about it all the time. Don’t you have any idea how much I would love to stop this right now and turn my back on it, but I can’t. I can’t turn my back on what I was placed on this Earth to do."

"What about what I want?" Brian demands. "Don’t I have a say in what happens to you? I’ve finally found the one person I know I will love for the rest of my life and he’s saying he’d rather die for countless people who don’t give a shit about him. I won’t stand for it! I will not sit back and watch you die! I can’t sit back and watch you die Aeryk. I love you."

Aeryk walks into Brian’s arms and holds him closely and whispers, "I know Brian. If I knew of a way to stop all this from happening without anyone getting hurt I would do it without a second thought. But if it means that you will be able to wake up tomorrow and not have to worry about it being your last, I would gladly give my life. I’m doing this for you more than I’m doing it for anyone else."

"But I know, when I’m with you, I won’t have to worry about anything. With you, I know I can do anything. I can’t imagine waking up and not feeling you beside me. There is so much we can do together. There is so much I want to do with you."

"Brian, I..."

"I know you won’t change your mind Aeryk. You’ve always been stubborn. But don’t loose hope okay? I’ll think of something." He looks down and cups Aeryk’s face in his hand. "This is true love, things like this don’t happen everyday."

Aeryk smiles at the familiar quote. "Thank you. I think we should get everybody together and figure out our next move."

"We’re heading to China next, right?" Brian asks.

"Yeah." Aeryk replies. "I have to talk to Derryk about that anyway. The fact that he’s staying behind worries me."

Brian frowns. "I don’t really care either way."

"Stop it." Aeryk says sharply. "It’s in the past okay? I just hope it isn’t anything serious."

Brian walks with Aeryk the way to Derryk’s office and stops him before Aeryk knocks on the door. "I’m not trying to make things difficult for you bud. But Derryk is on my shit list, all right? He had no right doing what he did. Unlike you, I don’t think I can forgive him."

With that Brian walks away and into his office. Aeryk lets out a long sigh before he enters Derryk’s office with a forced smile. "Hey Chief, can I ask you something?"

"Sure thing kid, what’s up?"

"Why aren’t you really going with us to China?"

Derryk places down his pen and looks up at Aeryk patiently. "I told you already I have to stay here and make sure things are running smoothly. I’m way too far behind my work as it is."

"Okay, so how about telling me the truth?" Aeryk arches a brow. "I know you well enough to tell when you’re lying to me."

Derryk turns his head away from Aeryk’s piercing gaze. "I want to make sure, if anything were to happen, that New D.C. is well protected from any danger. I don’t want to have a repeat of the carnage from the earthquake."

"You can do that by going with us." Aeryk says.

"No, I’ll be much more useful here. I don’t want to get in the way again." Derryk says lowly.

"You’re not in the way Derryk."

"Look, kid, just do whatever it is you have to do. I’m staying behind and that’s final." The Chief says sternly. "The jet should be waiting for you at the airport whenever you’re ready to leave. Be sure to come by before you leave, though. I want to give you something."

Aeryk nods and leaves the office a little bothered by Derryk’s words and actions. He decides to leave it be for the moment and walks into Jeff’s office. "Hey, have you found out anything?"

Jeff motions Aeryk over to his monitor and points to a location on a satellite picture of China. "See that red area surrounding that clear spot? That means there is a high concentration of some sort of energy surrounding that area."

"Do you think it’s where the Temple of Seiryuu is?"

"It could be." Jeff comments. "It could be acting like the barrier from the Temple of Genbu."

"Is there anyway to find out so we can be certain?"

"Well, I might be able to listen in on some Chinese government stations. But it would take me a while to translate what they’re saying."

"I’ll handle it." Aeryk states. "If the government still uses Mandarin, it should be easy for me."

"Sure thing." Jeff hands Aeryk a pair of headphones and begins typing furiously on his keyboard. "No one knows this, but I know all the frequencies and codes used by the world’s governments for secret information."

Aeryk smirks as he places the headphones on. "I wouldn’t expect any less from you."

Jeff chuckles as finds the frequency for the Chinese Government. "Alright, let me know if you hear anything."

"How long does this usually take?" Aeryk asks.

"I usually listen in for hours at a time." Jeff shrugs nonchalantly. "Sometimes longer."

"Great." Aeryk grimaces.

Several hours go by and Aeryk has yet to hear anything about any strange occurrences around China. Brian bursts into the room, immediately followed by a furious looks from Jeff, and quietly demands that Jeff release Aeryk.

"We’re working on something important here." Jeff hisses. "Can’t it wait?"

"I just want to go home, that’s all." Brian says sullenly. "It’s well past six you know."

Jeff looks at Brian in amazement. "You’re serious?" He shoves Brian out of the room. "Can’t you be a little more quiet?"

"Why does he have to do that?"

"We’re trying to find the location of the next temple."

"But Aeryk is supposed to make us dinner tonight." Brian whines. "How much longer until you guys,"

"Jeff!" Aeryk’s voice calls from the room. "We found it," he says as Brian and Jeff rush into the room. "There has been unusual volcanic activity surrounding the area; that explains the red energy. Any attempts to get near the activity has resulted in a lot of accidents, but no fatalities." He adds meaningfully. "I’m pretty sure that’s where the temple is."

Brian grabs Aeryk by the arm and tugs him close. "Great, lets go home then."

"Hey," Aeryk snaps. "I’ve got to tell Derryk you know. We’re borrowing his jet after all."

Brian pouts as Aeryk brushes past him and heads towards Derryk’s office. "I just want to get fed, that’s all."

Jeff shakes his head. "Be thankful he didn’t feed you his fist. So what are you guys doing tonight?"

Brian shrugs. "Wednesday night, what is there to do?"

"You’re right." Jeff replies. "I better shut down here and get myself home anyway. You guys have a good night."

"You alright?" Brian asks as Jeff begins shutting down the equipment.

"Yeah," Jeff sighs. "Just tired that’s all. Flying back and forth from the North Pole kinda takes a lot out of you."

"I know what you mean." Brian says wearily as he decides to help Jeff a bit. "Who would’ve thought this could happen to a bunch of regular guys like us, huh?"

Jeff shrugs. "All I know is that I want this over with as soon as possible." He sucks in a breath when he realizes what he just said. "I didn’t mean it like that Brian!"

Brian attempts a reassuring smile. "It’s okay, I understand what you’re saying." He looks blankly at the headset Aeryk was wearing earlier. "At first it was the same thing I was looking for; I just wanted it over with. Then, when Aeryk told us about him dying in the end, I realized how much I wish it wouldn’t end. I just wish I knew why things have gotten so far? I mean if there were Sacred Children before us, why didn’t they do their job?"

Jeff gives Brian an astonished look. "For once, you make a very good point." He quickly searches through the pile of papers when he pulls out a small black book.

"I don’t think this is any time for a booty call Jeff." Brian says seriously.

"Shut up." Jeff retorts. "Aeryk went on about how that book seems to have some sort of history about the previous Sacred Children. Perhaps we can find some sort of clue as to why they haven’t succeeded before."

"That’s all fine and dandy, but how is that book going to teach you ancient Chinese?"

"It’s not!" Jeff says exasperated. "One of my spy friends is working in China right now. Hopefully I can get a hold of her and ask her to translate the book for us."

"Her?" Brian waggles his eyebrows. "Is she cute?"

"Will you stop it?" Jeff cries, blushing faintly.

Brian chuckles. "Well get on it will yah? Give me a call if you get a hold of your friend. I’m going to drag Aeryk home right now."

Jeff smirks. "Alright Brian. Hey," he calls when Brian turns to leave the room. "Everything will be okay, got it? We’re not going to give up so easily."

Brian smiles. "Thanks Jeff."

"That was the President." Derryk says casually.

"Of the United States?" Aeryk gapes.

"Yeah, he and I go way back. So what can I do for you kid? I hope you found out something about the next temple."

"Yeah, Jeff and I listened in on the radio and we heard that there has been strange volcanic eruptions around a mountain range near central China. If I had the satellite picture I would show you, but the volcanic activity runs in a circle around a small area."

"And you think it’s where the temple is?" Derryk asks.

"It seems the most logical. You remember the storm surrounding the Temple of Genbu. Perhaps it’s just another one of those barriers." Aeryk replies.

"Well, it wouldn’t hurt to fly over there and investigate. I’ve arranged a meeting with you at our China branch. They should have a better idea of any strange goings on in the area, if any." Derryk rises from his desk and walks over to a large chest.

"Did you tell them about the Blue Dragons?" Aeryk asks, following Derryk with his gaze.

"I did, and they’re on full alert right now. As are all our other branches around the world." Derryk states. "Though I don’t know how effective they will be. We have a hard enough time dealing with them." He mutters darkly as he pulls out the sword given to him by his ancient counterpart. "I want you to take this with you while you’re gone. It’s of little use to me here where there is no danger."

Aeryk rises to his feet, his eyes wide. "I can’t take that Derryk. I don’t even know how to use a sword anyway!"

"It’ll make me feel better if you do kid." Derryk says softly. "I have all the faith that the guys will protect you and all, but please, do it for me. Think of it as a part of me that will always be with you."

Aeryk grasps the cool metal sheath of Derryk’s sword and admires the simple yet elegant designs on it. "I don’t know what to say."

"Just come back when you’re done kid." Derryk puts a gentle hand on Aeryk’s shoulder. "That’s all I want in return."

Aeryk looks up and sees the pain in Derryk’s eyes and immediately understands the meaning behind Derryk’s words. He still loves me, after all that has happened? He looks away guiltily. "I better get going now. Brian is probably ready to explode right now." He looks up with a slight grin. "I promised him I’d make dinner tonight."

Derryk nods. "Okay kid. I’ll have the jet ready for you by late afternoon tomorrow. Tell the others to get some rest."

"Aren’t you going to be there and see us off?" Aeryk asks as he walks toward the door.

"I don’t think so." Derryk says. "There’s so much I need to do here."

Aeryk gives Derryk a silent nod and walks out of the door and into Brian’s chest. "What are you doing?" he demands.

"I was just going to," Brian begins. "What’s with the sword?"

"Derryk gave it to me. He’s not going with us to China." Aeryk says as he forcibly turns Brian around and shoves him down the hall toward the elevator. "What do you want for dinner?"

"Surprise me." Brian says grinning as he puts his arms around Aeryk as they descend toward the lobby. "So why isn’t the Chief going with us?"

"He said he has a lot of stuff to work on. Personally I think it’s a bunch of crap, but what can you do?" Aeryk sighs. "Did you see Aaron today?"

"For a little bit, yeah. I spotted him a while in the gym; he seemed a bit better than he was when we came back from the Pole." Brian says. "Did you talk to him earlier or something?"

"Yeah, he came into my office earlier." Aeryk falls silent for a moment. "Do you miss her at all? I know it’s kind of a silly question to ask, but I can’t help but think there was something I could’ve done to prevent Jackie from dying." Brian looks down at Aeryk as he looks out the glass siding of the elevator as they slowly make their way downward. "I keep on thinking that everybody’s lives are my responsibility. Like I should have been the one to die back then, not her. All I kept on thinking back there was, what if what if what if..." Aeryk shakes his head. "What if?"

Brian places a gentle hand on Aeryk’s shoulder and squeezes it gently. "There was nothing you could have done back there. Jackie did what she thought was best for the entire group. She sacrificed herself so you would be safe. Jackie believed in you and I think she still does bud. I believe in you."

Aeryk smiles warmly as Brian gently pulls him into an embrace. "Thank you Brian." He whispers.

As the elevator door whooshes open there is a startled gasp and Aeryk and Brian look over to see Joe standing there. "Sorry, I just got a little startled."

"Hey Joe," Aeryk says. "You’re here late tonight."

"Oh um," Joe shrugs. "I don’t really feel like going to my parents’ tonight."

"Why? Is everything alright?" Brian asks.

Joe shrugs again as the other two walk up to him. "I don’t now. I guess I’m still a little freaked about what happened back there."

"Do your parents know?" Aeryk asks, concerned.

Joe grimaces. "I could hear them arguing over the phone when I called earlier. I can’t stand it when they fight you know?"

Brian and Aeryk give themselves guilty looks. Neither of them ever experienced their parents fighting in their lives. "So what are you going to do?" Brian asks. "Just go to your apartment or something?"

"I don’t know. I’ll think of something I guess." Joe says somberly. "I’ll see you guys tomorrow."

Aeryk gives Brian an irritated growl as he shows him with his shoulder. "Say something you idiot." He hisses.

"What?" Brian asks.

"He obviously needs someone to talk to." Aeryk responds. "Invite him over!"

"But I thought we," he falls silent when he sees Aeryk’s eye shift to a light blue. "Alright, alright I’ll go bring him over. Sheesh. Hey Joe, wait up!" Brian runs over to Joe.

"What’s going on with Joe?" Aaron asks as he walks up to Aeryk with a towel around his shoulders.

"Oh, he’s just having a bit of troubles right now. How’re you feeling?"

"Better, thanks. I guess I just needed to get some things off of my chest. What are you and Brian up to tonight?"

"Nothing special. I’m just making us dinner." Aeryk states. "If you’re not doing anything, feel free to join us."

"Join you for what?" Jeff asks.

"Dinner." Aeryk replies. "You and Brent can come over too if you want."

"Who’s cooking?" Brent asks darkly.

"Me." Aeryk chuckles.

"I’m in." Aaron exclaims.

Brian walks over with Joe. "Three for dinner tonight. Hey guys, what’s up?"

"Six for dinner." Aeryk corrects ever so sweetly. "I’ll see you guys in a couple hours?"

"But," Brian complains as he, Joe, and Aeryk walk off. "I thought we were..."

"Oh don’t be silly Bri," Aeryk chuckles as he walks off with Joe. "We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow. Got to make sure everybody’s up to date. Maybe we should look at your scroll a bit Joe."

"He sure got in a good mood all of a sudden." Brian comments watching Aeryk and Joe walk off companionably.

"I think he’s trying to be strong for all of us." Brent says. "He wants everything to be as normal as possible for us, if only for a little while."

"That reminds me," Jeff begins. "Brian you wouldn’t believe the luck I just had. My contact in China e-mailed me just as I sat down at my desk. She said it’s very important that I fly over there as soon as possible."

"Great!" Brian exclaims. "I’ll try to get the book away from Aeryk as long as I can. Do you think she’ll be able to help us at all?"

"Wait," Aaron interjects. "What’s going on?" Brian explains his and Jeff’s plan on finding out why the previous Sacred Children failed to bind the Lan Long away. "So if we find that out, we might figure out what they did wrong and hopefully find a way to save Aeryk from dying."

"That’s a good plan." Brent says thoughtfully. "I was beginning to wonder that myself. It might be worth the effort."

Brian turns when he hears Aeryk bellow out his name. "Okay, duty calls. I’ll try to get the book to you when we get to China. I don’t know how easy it will be since that book is always in his sights."

"I’ll handle it." Brent says simply, his face solid with resolve.

Brian blinks a moment to get the image of Brent’s menacing gaze out of his mind before saying, "Okay. I’ll see you guys later tonight." He grimaces as he turns to walk away.

"Don’t worry buddy," Aaron quips. "We’ll be sure to get out of your way before too long!" Brian displays his middle finger.

Date: October 17, 3021
Time: 8:42 pm
Location: Brian and Aeryk’s Condo

"Looks like my room." Aaron says chuckling. "Amazing Aeryk ‘asn’t killed you yet."

"Don’t worry, I hear his mouth every day." Brian grumbles.

"Just ‘ear?" Aaron laughs. "Okay, okay don’t look at me like that. Where does ‘e keep the book?"

"Damned if I knew." Brian grumbles. "You’d think he’d be less secretive around me. Why don’t you check his old room? He might’ve hid it in there or something."

Aaron nods and makes his way back to Aeryk’s room and is amazed to find it in pristine condition. "Aeryk really needs to come over to my place you know." He calls to Brian.

"Hurry up, they’ll be coming back anytime soon!" Brian shouts back. "You can only keep Aeryk in a liquor store for so long."

Aaron chuckles as he shakes his head. "Okay so where did you ‘ide the little bugger?" Aaron walks around the room, occasionally stopping to check out a picture of Aeryk with his family, Brian, and his friends. "’Ello? I almost forgot about this." He picks up a picture from Aeryk’s desk with Aaron dressed as an old time Flapper-gal and Jackie standing beside him dressed as a Mobster from the nineteen-twenties, a huge cigar is lodged in the corner of her mouth as she grins toothily. "God I am an ugly woman. ‘Ow did Jackie ever get me to dress up like that?"

"Halloween three-thousand twenty," Aeryk says from his leaning position at his door. "You were more drunk than I think I’ve ever seen you."

Aaron nearly looses his grip on the picture and, with shaking hands, replaces the picture and turns to Aeryk. "Uh, sorry about that. Brian made me do it."

"Shut up!" Brian roars from down the hall.

Aeryk rolls his eyes and chuckles. "It’s okay, I don’t mind. You can have the picture if you want, you know."

"Huh? Oh, no worries. I’ve got plenty of pictures of Jax and myself. So did you get the stuff?"

Aeryk scoffs. "No, and bloody Jeff insisted on driving all around town to find a silly liquor store. We ended up with beer after a while." His eyes darken. "I hate beer."

"Well, I’ll be a chum and drink your beers for you. ‘Ow about that?" Aaron says as he follows Aeryk down the hall toward the living room.

Brian motions for Aaron to follow him into the kitchen. "So did you find it?" he whispers conspiringly.

"No." Aaron replies. "Why didn’t you say anything when they got back?"

"I had to take care of personal business." Brian states. "I’d be a little strange if I called out ‘hey Aaron, Aeryk’s back act like nothing’s going on’?"

Aaron snickers. "I guess you’re right. Two right attractive gentlemen like ourselves? Shockingly scandalous." He pauses a moment. "But I did feel something strange in his room; like there was someone or something else in there with me."

"The book?" Brian offers.

"It could be. I’ve never felt it before." Aaron accepts the beer handed to him from Brian and pops it open. "I don’t know, but it felt like I was being watched or something."

Brian suddenly bolts for the living room, followed by a concerned Aaron. "Do you feel that?"

Jeff gives Brian a funny look before it melts into a shocked expression. "Yeah, kind like a tingling at the back of your mind?"

Aeryk looks around at the group. "What are you guys talking about? Are you high or something?" he demands as they instinctively begin forming a protective circle around him. "Brian will you please tell me what’s going on?"

Seconds later, a massive explosion outside shatters the windows and Brian leaps to cover Aeryk’s body with his as shards of glass fly past them. Outside, the sound of a laughing woman is heard.

"Aeryk, stay here." Brian orders as he and the other five race out of the condo and outside.

"Yeah right." Aeryk cries as he heads toward his and Brian’s room where he keeps Derryk’s sword.

"Do you guys see anything?" Brian asks as they reach the outside of the building complex. There is already a small group of curious onlookers.

"No," Joe replies. "No one."

"We should get those people out of here if there’s going to be trouble." Brent says to Jeff.

As Jeff walks off to herd the people back into the safety of their home, Aeryk runs out with the sword brandished and ready to fight. "Well, what’s going on?"

"Didn’t I tell you to stay inside?" Brian snaps.

"Like I’m going to sit around while everybody else is out here,"

"It’s for your own safety!" Brian interrupts, his temper starting to flare. "Or haven’t you forgotten how important you really are?"

"That’s not fair Brian. I have every right to,"

"Whoa, whoa guys settle down." Aaron says. "Lets not make a spectacle of ourselves now, okay? I might’ve been just a random drive by or something, no ‘arm done right? Aeryk, Brian was only looking out for your well-being. Brian," he turns to the other man and whispers. "Aeryk is ‘aving a difficult time with this, as much as you. Let ‘im ‘elp out if ‘e wants to, okay? ‘E’s feeling ‘elpless."

"But he could get himself killed." Brian hisses back.

"But ‘e won’t if we do our job, right?" Aaron states.

"Brian!" Joe hollers.

Reacting to the urgency in Joe’s voice, Brian runs over and collects Aeryk in his arms and moves him to safety moments before a bolt of lightning strikes the ground Aeryk was standing. "Thanks Joe."

"A little early for congratulating each other." Jeff says pointing in the distance.

"Ah crap." Aaron says as Michelle as she saunters up to the group. "Can’t say it’s a pleasure to see you again."

"I’ve come for the Child." Michelle states. "Stand aside and none of you will die tonight."

"What makes you think we’re just going to give him up?" Brian says forming a line in front of Aeryk with the others, his character glowing brightly on his forehead. "Five against one don’t look like good odds to me."

"Enough talking." Aaron calls as he pulls out his fan. "Lets roast this bitch, Rekka Shin’en!"

Michelle chuckles as she waves her hand and massive bolt of lightning descends from behind her and curves to meet with Aaron’s flames, extinguish them, and entrap Aaron in an excruciating bind.

"Shocked are you?" she laughs. "It’s called Haku-jin Rai Hou. We too were given special abilities, care of Lan Long."

Brian charges Michelle, closely followed the other three and are met with the same fate as Aaron. "Aeryk, run for it." Brian says through clenched teeth.

"Take one step, Sacred Child, and you’ll lose another friend." She walks forward and kneels beside the immobile Brian. "Perhaps this one."

"Stop!" Aeryk pleads, his heart torn at the sight of his friends on their hands and knees, in pain. "I’m the one you want, leave them alone."

Michelle sneers at Aeryk as she slowly rises to her full height. "That’s right. Come with me peacefully Child and your friends will live."

As Michelle makes a faint gesture with her hand, Aeryk quickly pulls out Derryk’s sword and raises it above his head with both hands and cries out as the force of the lightning summoned by Michelle pummels into the sword’s blade.

Meanwhile, back at the F.Y. Headquarters, Derryk watches out into the night sky secretly praying for Aeryk’s safety on his journey ahead. Please, whatever Gods may be out there. Watch over Aeryk. Protect him from harm.

"Sneaky little bastard," Michelle snarls. "You think that sword can hold up against my power? Jen didn’t say anything about taking you unharmed. A little scorching won’t hurt. Haku-jin Rai Hou!" Several more bolts of lightning fall from the sky and crash into the sword; the blade glowing brightly as it hums with power. "How is this possible?" Michelle cries in shock.

Aeryk slowly lowers the sword down below his eye level, the light from the sword revealing his furious white eyes. "A warning to you and your friends. We’re coming after you now. I will summon the Four Gods and save this world and make sure you and others like you know nothing more than hellish torment!"

With a swipe of the sword, Aeryk unleashes the pent up energy and sends it colliding into Michelle who howls out in pain. The lightning holding Brian and the others fades away and Brian immediately rushes over to Aeryk and pulls him into a fierce embrace.

"You idiot!" He attempts a furious snarl despite the tears in his eyes. "What the hell did you think you were doing?" Aeryk’s eyes return to their normal color as he smiles and drops the sword before wrapping his arms around Brian.

Aaron calls a warning as Michelle struggles to her feet after being knocked down by the attack. Michelle manages a weak smile in Aeryk’s direction as she performs an astonishing feat and leaps several hundreds of feet away and runs off into the darkness.

"Crap," Aaron curses. "How do they always manage to get away like that?"

"Is everybody alright?" Brent asks.

"Yeah, I’m fine." Joe replies. "It didn’t hurt nearly as much as I thought it would. What happened?"

"It might be because of who we are." Jeff offers. "Maybe being a Guardian doesn’t just mean having special abilities. It could also mean we have higher tolerances to things that would kill a normal person."

"Well I don’t want to find out just how far we can take our bodies." Joe shivers.

"What about that tingling sensation we all ‘ad?" Aaron inquires. "Is that like some sort of alarm or something?"

"Seems the most logical reason." Jeff answers. "I think we all should get some rest and worry about this on our way to China tomorrow."

"You’re not going home alone are you?" Aeryk asks worriedly. He tries to get out of Brian’s lock on him, but fails. "What if they try to attack again?"

Joe looks around with fearful eyes. "He’s right, what if they do come after Aeryk again?"

"I’ll feel more comfortable if everybody stayed here tonight." Aeryk says.

"Aeryk," Aaron begins. "You’re worrying too much. You’ll be fine so long as Brian’s with you, okay?"

"I’m not worried about myself." Aeryk says stubbornly. "I’m worried about you guys. Please?"

"Aeryk?" Brian says softly. "What’s the matter?"

"Nothing." Aeryk whispers back, turning to face Brian. "I’m just scared that something will happen tonight."

Unable to resist the pleading look in Aeryk’s eyes Brian concedes. "Uh, you guys are free to stay here if you want." He says with a hint of apprehension and confusion.

Jeff and Brent exchange bewildered glances as Joe smiles widely with relief and Aaron just shrugs. "Alright, just so everybody knows I’ve been told I snore loudly."

Brent turns an icy glare at Aaron. "You won’t like me in the morning if you keep me up all night."

Aaron blanches. "I’ll, uh, keep that in mind big guy." They all laugh.

Later that night, well after midnight, Brian lies awake in his bed looking at Aeryk slumbering peacefully. He gently shifts closer and lands a soft kiss on Aeryk’s bare shoulder. I know you really care about everybody bud. I’m sorry I was an ass earlier, but you’re mine and you come first. I can feel that I’m close to something here baby. We’ll be together forever, I promise you.

Brian hears a shuffling in the kitchen and decides to investigate. Silently slipping out of the bed, Brian adjusts his tank top and boxers and pads into the kitchen and sees the small silhouette of Joe. "What’s up?"

Joe gives a start. "You scared me Brian." He says in hushed tones. "Couldn’t sleep. Water usually helps me." He shows Brian his cup before taking a drink.

"I know how you feel. I can’t sleep very well either." Brian leans against the opposite counter space and crosses his legs. "I’ve just been thinking too much I think. My body’s not used to it." He chuckles weakly as he runs his hands over his face and yawns.

Joe smiles faintly as he drinks the last of his water in silence and puts his cup down. "Is Aeryk asleep?"

"Like a damn log," Brian says bitterly. "The bastard."

"He needs it." Joe says. "It’s been a stressful time for him; for all of us for that matter."

Brian nods. "Yeah. Well, I better head back to bed. I was just checking on what the noise was. Good night Joe."

As Brian turns to leave Joe calls out his name. "Hey, uh, have you thought of anything about how to save Aeryk?"

"We might have something." Brian says. "But it’s going to have to wait until China."

"Oh." Joe says. "I’ve been looking at my scroll and I still can’t find anything. It’s funny, I’m slowly starting to be able to read the Chinese on the scroll."

Brian smiles. "Right on bud. Maybe you’ll find something before we do. Good night Joe."

"Brian?" Joe says. "Uh, sorry. I wanted to tell you something. Back when Aeryk was in the hospital, I saw his ghost or whatever it was. Anyway, he told me something that I think you should know."

"What is it bud?" Brian asks patiently.

"He told me," Joe pauses a moment. "He told me to take care of you."

Brian smirks. "I wouldn’t be surprised if he told that to everyone else, but thanks Joe. I won’t let anything happen to Aeryk as long as there’s still a breath in my body. He means more to me than I can put words to. The very sight of him makes all the pain go away. His smile can brighten my darkest of days." He gives Joe a meaningful look, the light of the full moon illuminating their faces. "I don’t expect you to understand what I’m saying Joe. But the feeling I have when I’m with him..." Brian smiles wistfully as he looses himself in his thoughts about Aeryk. "Oh, sorry Joe. Good night again."

"I love you." Joe blurts out.

Brian freezes. "Huh?" he asks slowly turning on his bare heel.

"I don’t know when it happened, but I do." Joe says, almost panicked. "Everything you’ve said before; I feel the same way about you. I love you so much it kills me Brian." Joe rushes forward and grabs Brian’s cold hand. "There isn’t anything that I won’t do for you Brian."

Brian begins feeling light headed after he feels a slight prick on his hand. "J-Joe I’m flattered but I’m with Aeryk you know?"

"I love you Brian." Joe puts Brian’s unresisting hand on his face. "Why can’t you love me?"

"But," Brian’s body begins to feel slightly tingly all over. His mind begins going blank. "But I love, I love..."

"Love me Brian." Joe whispers seductively as he draws closer to Brian’s body. "Forget about Aeryk."

Brian leans down kisses Joe passionately as his hands trail down and lift Joe onto the counter. Brian then holds Joe’s head as he uses his free hand to reach inside Joe’s boxers and begins pumping Joe’s already hard cock.

Suddenly, in the back of his mind, Brian hears Aeryk’s voice and he snaps out of the trance he was in and pushes himself away. "What the fuck?" he gasps.

"What?" Joe replies, panting. "What’s the matter? Come back baby." He coos seductively, toying with himself.

The lightheadedness returns to Brian’s mind again and he grimaces. "What’s happening here?"

"It’s love." Joe groans as he pulls down his boxers just enough to reveal his throbbing dick.

Brian succumbs to the strange feeling in his body and throws himself at Joe’s body, exploring it with his tongue and hands. Joe’s moans of pleasure travel through the condo and something awaken Aeryk with a start.

Aeryk slowly slips out of the bed, surprised that Brian isn’t here, and sneaks down the hall and stops just before he enters the kitchen. The sound of Joe’s pleasure-filled voice calling out Brian’s name causes Aeryk to suck in an astonished breath and he begins shaking with rage as his eyes begin turning white.

"Aeryk?" Joe asks sleepily from behind. "What’s all that noise?"

Aeryk whirls around. "Joe? But how...?" it dawns on him. "Shit." Aeryk bursts around the corner just as the other Joe is about to plunge a knife in the unsuspecting Brian’s back.

Aeryk grabs the other Joe’s hand and wrenches him away from Brian and calls out for Joe to watch over Brian as he falls over unconscious. "Who the hell are you?" Aeryk demands the cockily smirking Joe.

"You don’t know?" the fake Joe says sarcastically before his form melts into his true form. "This better?"

"Danny?" Joe gasps as he kneels beside Brian. "How did you...?"

"Get in here?" Danny interrupts. "It’s very easy."

"What did you do to Brian?" Aeryk snarls.

"Just give him a little treat." Danny licks his lips. "He is a great kisser. Got a nice package too."

Aeryk’s eyes begin glowing a furious red color as he swiftly grabs Danny’s neck and lifts him off the ground. "What did you do to my Guardian?" Aeryk’s voice has changed to something otherworldly. It conjures visions of flames and a fury to match the sweltering heat of the earth’s very core.

Danny’s eyes widen on horror as the place where Aeryk’s hand is begins smoldering. "But how?" he gasps for breath. "The spirit of Suzaku? No, get your hands off me! Stop!" he cries as a fire begins eating at his flesh.

"Go back to the hells where you came from!" Aeryk says before all is left of Danny is a heap of ash.

"What in the world ‘appened in ‘ere?" Aaron asks flicking on the lights before rushing over to Aeryk just as he collapses to his knees, shaking in a cold sweat. "Oy, you alright buddy?"

"I’m fine, just a little worn out." Aeryk mutters. "Brian?"

"He’s fine, just sleeping." Joe says reassuringly.

"What was that all about?" Jeff says. "We heard some fighting going on and all we saw was Aeryk burning somebody with his bare hands!"

"It was Danny." Joe says. "Remember the kid from the mountain? He got in here somehow and was posing as me. He, uh, was..."

"It’s okay Joe." Aaron says. "We ‘eard as much. What I would like to is just ‘ow in bloody ‘ell did Aeryk do that?"

"I felt him." Aeryk says softly. "It was Suzaku, the God of the South. He felt my anger and answered it. He possessed my body and killed Danny I guess."

"Well whatever happened," Brent says examining Aeryk out of habit. "You look worn out. You should try to keep your emotions in check if this sort of thing happens again."

"Yeah, you’re right." Aeryk looks back as Brian lets out a snore and they all laugh. "My boyfriend, such a gentlemen." He allows himself to be helped up by Aaron. "I don’t think I have the strength to drag his sorry ass into bed."

"I got it." Aaron grins devilishly as he searches in Aeryk and Brian’s utility drawer and pulls out a flashlight. "My brother did this to me once when I wouldn’t wake up for school." He knees beside Brian and whispers. "Wake up sleeping beauty." He pries open one of Brian’s eye lids and flashes the light on his eye resulting in Brian waking up ready to scream.

"What the hell was that all about?" He demands. Brian looks over and sees Joe next to him and begins panicking. "Get away from me!" he scrambles away.

"Brian it’s okay." Aeryk says soothingly, his face pale with exhaustion. "It wasn’t your fault. One of the Blue Dragons was using some sort of mind control over you."

"But I didn’t mean," Brian looks between Aeryk and Joe. "It was an accident! You know I would never do...!"

"Oh shut up Brian." Aaron rolls his eyes. "Aeryk already told you everything was fine. Quit goin’ on like some bloody idiot and take you better ‘alf to bed."

Aeryk slips into Brian’s arms and smiles. "Lets just go to bed alright?"

"Okay." Brian says bewildered, avoiding any eye contact with Joe.

"Is he going to be like this with me forever now?" Joe grimaces.

"He’ll probably forget by tomorrow." Jeff replies mirthfully. "Lets just get to bed, okay?"

"What about the..." Joe turns to point at Danny’s ashes only to find that they’re not there. "Ashes? Oh crap, they’re gone."

"Well maybe they’ll take the hint and not bother us anymore." Jeff states, yawning. "I’m tired and don’t want to think anymore. We have still have to find a way to get the book away from Aeryk."

"I told you." Brent says. "I’ll handle it."

Date: October 18, 3021
Time: 12:10pm
Location: New D.C. Airport

"Officer Green?"

"Yes?" Aeryk responds to a female steward.

"I was given a message from Mr. Smith. He said that once you’re finished with your mission in China; please proceed to the next location as soon as possible. All other F.Y. offices are expecting your arrival so feel free to stay as long as you need."

"Hm, looks like chief has everything under control." Brian says hotly as he walks past Aeryk into the jet.

Aeryk sends a dirty look in Brian’s direction before turning back to the steward. "Thank you, how much longer until we depart?"

"We’re ready now sir." The steward smiles.

"Great, as soon as my red-headed friend down there stops flirting we can take off."

"So I says to the man ‘what, you got a problem with that?’ and he says ‘yeah, what of it pal?’ so we start pushing each other and..."

"Will you shut up Aaron and get in here?" Aeryk orders. "Now!"

"Yes sir." Aaron says meekly. "He can be such a..."

"I said now!" Aeryk barks.

Aaron shrinks. "Sorry ladies," they giggle. "Duty calls."

The two women wave politely as they plane begins driving off before saying in their native French tongue. "Did you have any idea what he was saying?"

"None, but it’s fun watching those silly English chatter to themselves." They laugh as the walk back into the airport where a group of seven dark figures watch the plane soar into the sky towards China.

"So you’re sure they’re heading to China?" Jen asks Danny.

"I saw it in his mind." Danny replies snappishly. "They’re heading to China."

"Luke, Beau find us a plane to hijack will you?"

Continued in Part 20

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