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 Three

Date: June 23, 3021
Time: 1:00pm
Location: Johnson Estate

Aeryk remains standing in the rain, his head lowered in shame and defeat. The first, and only man Aeryk has ever admitted to loving could not return his affections. Aeryk was only successful in shattering their friendship and hurting them both.

Aeryk wanted to know why. "Why Brian?" Aeryk sobs. "Please, tell me why."

"Aeryk," Brian sighs. "It’s simple, I’m just not like that. I’m sorry."

"But upstairs..." Aeryk begins.

"It was a mistake. I shouldn’t have let it happen. Maybe I was so caught up in worrying about how you were feeling that I just let it happen." Brian says. "Aeryk, I love you as a friend but nothing beyond that, okay?"

Aeryk feels the sharp pain inside his heart again, the pain of rejection and loss. Despite the cold rain, Aeryk’s body is burning. Aeryk’s vision hazes in and out, and he begins to sway unsteadily on his feet.

"Hey, you alright?" Brian asks.

"Brian..." Aeryk whispers just before he passes out and collapses to the muddy ground.

Barbara, seeing Aeryk collapse from behind the window, calls out to her husband George to call an ambulance.

"Aeryk!" Brian rushes over to Aeryk and collects him in his lap. What’s happening to me? What’s happening to Aeryk? What’s going on here? Why is my heart pounding like this? Brian gnashes his teeth in frustration. Where are all these emotions coming from? Why am I feeling this way?

"Brian!" Barbara calls from the door. "Bring him inside, hurry."

Brian effortlessly picks up the limp form of Aeryk and carries him into the house.

"Bring him upstairs and into your room." Barbara orders, following closely behind Brian as they enter the room of the fated kiss. "Put him on the bed."

"Mom, I got it." Brian says irritably as he lowers Aeryk onto his bed.

"Brian, what happened out there?" Barbara asks lowly.

The past moments resonate in Brian’s mind. The sudden pull at his heart toward Aeryk, and the sweetness of Aeryk’s kiss. Then there was the fear and anger, and the words ‘I love you Brian.’

Brian heaves out a sigh. I’m sorry Aeryk, but it’s just not me. I hope you’ll understand. "We just had a little argument about something stupid." Brian lies.

Barbara nods slightly. "The ambulance should be on its way." She says tenderly as he turns to leave Brian alone. "I do hope everything’s alright between you two. I’d hate to see such a great friendship vanish between you and him." She leaves the door open slightly and walks slowly down the stairs.

"Hi Mrs. Johnson." A petite blonde woman with light blue eyes says.

"Oh, hello Alasen." Barbara says, and then notices Alasen carrying a pitcher of water, a cup, and some small towels. "What’s all this for?"

"Oh, it’s for, um..." She pauses.

"Aeryk?" Barbara says.

"Yeah, Aeryk. I’m kinda starting to take nursing school, and I thought I’d help a little until the ambulance got here."

Barbara smiles. "Thank you Alasen, he’s upstairs in the first room on your left. Brian’s in there too."

Alasen smiles slightly and makes her way up into Brian’s room. She knocks on the door slightly and walks in. "How’s he doing?"

"I don’t know. He’s breathing alright, but his forehead is hotter than hell." Brian says, genuinely worried.

"Well, the ambulance is on its way I’m sure." Alasen says with a smile as she places her burden on the floor beside the slumbering Aeryk. "My name’s Alasen by the way. I’m the Dubois’ niece." She grimaces.

Brian chuckles. "It’s nice to meet you Alasen." He watches as Alasen places the cool towel over Aeryk’s forehead. "So what do you do for a living?"

Alasen grins. "I’m just a student right now. I’m learning to become a nurse. My aunt and uncle pay for it, since both my parents died in the quake."

Brian grimaces. "I’m sorry to hear that."

"It’s okay." Alasen says cheerfully. "I’ve moved on, and my aunt and uncle are really good to me."

"I keep on forgetting how lucky I am that no one in my family died." He turns to Aeryk. "Aeryk lost his entire family in the quake."

Alasen gazes at Aeryk, stricken. "Oh my God, the poor guy."

There is a sudden commotion coming from the down stairs and George calls up to Brian. "Brian, the ambulance is here now. Why don’t you bring Aeryk down stairs."

Brian quickly collects Aeryk and brings him down the stairs just as the paramedics enter the house, soaking wet from the rain.

"Okay, just put him on the stretcher and we’ll handle it from here." A tall, gangly paramedic says.

"Is it alright if I go with you?" Brian asks quietly as he follows the paramedics outside.

"Are you family?" He asks.

"No, he has no family. I’m just a friend."

The paramedic looks at his partner, and then turns back to Brian. "Alright, you can come with us."

"Brian," Barbara says. "We’ll meet you at the hospital soon, okay?"

Brian waves as he climbs into the ambulance, shutting the double doors behind him and it speeds off, the lights flashing and siren blaring.

Date: June 23, 3021
Time: 4:00pm
Location: New Hope Hospital

Brian sits next to the sleeping Aeryk with his head resting on his fist. He looks up as the doctor walks in, holding a clear clipboard with several pieces of paper clasped on it.

"How is he doctor?" Brian asks, rising from his seat and looks expectantly at the woman across from him.

"He’ll be just fine." She says looking briefly at the papers. "Has he been under a great deal of stress lately?" She inquires.

Brian nods. "Yes, it’s the anniversary of the earthquake." He says. "His entire family was killed in it."

To doctor grimaces. "Horrible." She mutters. "By the way, my name’s Doctor Whalen." She holds out her hand.

Brian firmly grasps Dr. Whalen’s slim hand and shakes it. "Brian Johnson." He responds. "So what’s going to happen?"

"Well, he has a high fever." She says sighing and looking at the papers again. "I’m assuming because of the stress. He’s also suffering from a high amount of anxiety, I assume, because of the stress." She puts the clipboard down on a small table beside Aeryk’s bed. "We’ll need to keep him here over night to check on his fever. I’m sure he’ll be out by later tomorrow afternoon. You’re free to stay if you wish."

Brian smiles faintly. "Thank you doctor."

Dr. Whalen smiles. "If you need anything, just let the nurses know." She turns and leaves the room.

Brian resumes his place beside Aeryk and lets out a sigh. "Damn Aeryk, I’m sorry bud. I guess we both kinda fucked up huh?" He looks at the sleeping Aeryk, almost expecting an answer. "Some friend I am. I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did. Hell, you’re my best friend, and still the Aeryk I love." He absentmindedly clasps Aeryk’s hand, cringing slightly as he felt the IV. "Nothing’s changed between us buddy. I promise."

He jumps slightly as his cell phone rings. He pulls it out of his leather jacket and places it to his ear, his free hand still in Aeryk’s. "Hello?"

"Oy, the ‘ell are you?" Aaron demands.

Brian smirks. "I’m, uh, in the hospital."

"The ‘ospital?" Aaron replies. "What’re you doin’ there?"

"Aeryk’s not feeling all that well right now."

"Is ‘e alright?" Aaron asks, concerned.

"Yeah, he’ll be alright. They’re gonna keep him over night."

"Gah, ‘ow ‘orrible is that?"

"It’s gonna be alright Aaron. Hey, can you let Chief know what’s going on? I don’t have his number on me. Also, just in case, let him know we’re at the New Hope Hospital."

"Righty-oh." There’s a pause. "So, you still comin’ the party tomorrow?"

"I don’t know, I might." Brian says, looking at Aeryk again.

"Well, if Aeryk’s well enough tell ‘im to come anyway. I’m sure the Chief will be beside ‘imself with worry over Aeryk. You know ‘ow ‘e is."

Brian smiles. "Yeah, I know."

"Well mate, I guess we might be seein’ yah tomorrow. Ciao."

"Bye." Brian hangs up his phone and places it back in his pocket.

"I almost forgot about Derryk." He mutters. "I guess, since he’s the one that took you in, he’s going to be the most," He pauses a moment as a new thought crosses him. "Well, not the most worried about you. You are my partner after all."

He lets his hand fall out of Aeryk’s as he hears the door to the room swing open.

"How’s he doing?" Barbara asks as she, George, and Alasen walk into the room.

"He’ll be alright." Brian says walking over to his mother and gives her a tight hug.

Barbara pulls back and looks at her son. "Is everything alright Brian?"

"Yeah," Brian lies, again to his mother. "I just need some coffee I think. Anyone want to join me?"

George and Barbara decline, but Alasen agrees and the two walk out. "I think I saw a cafeteria downstairs on the way in." Brain says as he and Alasen reach an elevator.

"So what brings you here?" Brian asks as they enter the elevator, and he presses the button for the lobby.

"I drove your parents here. Their car was stuck in between everybody else’s, and mine was the only accessible one."

"Thank you for bringing them." Brian says lowly.

Alasen pauses a moment. "So, uh, what do you do?" She asks.

"I’m a F.Y. Officer."

"Really?" Alasen smiles. "That’s neat. Do you guys really get to travel all over the world and do secret government work?"

Brian laughs. "Well, something like that I guess. We’re kinda like a combination of the old F.B.I. and C.I.A." He states. "We go out and take care of the criminals that the local police can’t handle. We also get some neat toys to play with too." He grins.

"It must be tough working in a place like that, though. Flying everywhere and not knowing if you’re gonna come back." Alasen says.

Brian shrugs. "I guess you can say the same for most jobs. But it gets a little tough sometimes." He smiles down at Alasen. "The job is a lot easier with Aeryk as my partner though."

"He must be really important to you if you’re reacting like you are now."

"What do you mean?" Brian asks perplexed.

"I can see it in your eyes. You’re really worried about him, but not just like a partner to partner. It’s something else, something deeper."

What does she mean by that? "Well, he’s also my best friend, and he’s like a brother to me yah know?"

Alasen looks at Brian briefly. No, it’s something else. She thinks to herself.

The elevator stops and whooshes open in time to see Aaron and Jackie barrel through the doors, yelling at the top of their lungs.

"F.Y. Police, here, coming through!" Jackie bellows. "Oh ‘shoosh’ yourself lady," She yells at a nurse. "Got some important business to handle here."

"Ah, Brian!" Aaron yells. "Good to see yah buddy, where’s Aeryk?" He asks strutting up to him.

"He’s upstairs in his room." Brian frowns. "Why are you guys here, and why are you so noisy?"

"It’s obvious why we’re here Brian." Jackie snorts. "We’re here to see Aeryk. Now, where is he?" She asks.

"He’s upstairs in room 0226." He grabs at Aaron and Jackie’s shoulders as they walk by. "If either of you two wake him, so help me I’ll kill you both." He snarls. "He’s very sick right now, and needs his rest. Got it?"

Jackie and Aaron exchange glances. "Alright buddy." Jackie says. "We gotcha. We’ll be quiet."

Aaron and Jackie enter the elevator. "Geez, did you see that?" Aaron asks as the door was shutting.

"Yeah I did you idiot, I was just right there!" Jackie yells.

"Oh yeah!" Aaron guffaws as the door shuts completely.

Brian frowns and shakes his head. "Sometimes, I just wish I could..."

Alasen laughs. "I’m sure they’ll be quiet upstairs Brian. Let’s go get some coffee, okay?"

The two walk down the hallway and into the small cafeteria and order some coffee.

"So how much longer do you have in school?" Brian asks.

"I’ve just started, so a few years or so, depending on how I do in my studies. How long have you been in the F.Y.?"

"Only about two years now." He shrugs. "I started when I was twenty one, but we’ve been getting a younger crown in recently. The newest one to come on is only sixteen."

Alasen’s eyes widen in shock. "Sixteen? How’d he get in at such a young age?"

Brian shrugs. "Search me, I have no idea."

A little waitress walks up and hands the two their coffee and cream, then walks off.

"So how old are you?" Brian asks, stirring in some cream and sugar.

"Twenty-two, and you?"

"Twenty-three, last April."

A short while later, Brian and Alasen enter Aeryk’s room and see him awake. Brian darts a nasty look at Jackie and Aaron.

"He was already awake when we came in!" Aaron quickly says.

Barbara rises from the chair Brian set up next to Aeryk and motions to George. "We need to get going now I think."

"I’m sorry about the party George." Aeryk says.

"Nah, don’t worry about it." George responds. "I was getting sick of my brother anyway."

"I guess I should get going too." Alasen says.

"No, honey, you can stay if you want." Barbara says.

"It’s okay, I should study. I’ve got a test coming up."

Brian looks at Alasen, and smiles, and then turns to his parents. "I’ll see you later, okay?" He hugs his mother.

"You better you shameless son of mine." Barbara teases as she, George, and Alasen leave.

"See you later Alasen." Brian says and she waves.

"You’ll never believe ‘ow comfortable these beds are Jax!" Aaron says.

Brian turns on Aaron and sees him laying next to Aeryk. "What are you doing?"

"Just sharin’ some quality time with Aeryk ‘ere." Aaron says innocently and Aeryk laughs.

"Get off there you pig." Brian says. "God knows how often you shower."

"Ah, you’re no fun." Aaron jumps off the bed and turns to Jackie. "So love, shall we get something to eat?"

"Sounds great." She says. "We’ll be back up later, alright?" Jackie leans over and kisses Aeryk on the forehead. "Rest up."

As Aaron and Jackie leave the room, Brian looks down at his friend.

Aeryk’s green eyes widen slightly in fear. Is he still mad at me?

"So, uh, how’re you doing?" Brian stammers, scratching the back of his head.

"Fine." Aeryk says.

Brian walks over to the empty chair beside Aeryk and slowly sits. "Listen, uh." He pauses. "I’m really sorry about earlier Aeryk. I was totally out of line, and I shouldn’t have reacted like that."

"No, you had every right to react like that. I was the idiot for..."

"Aeryk," Brian interrupts. "Please let me say this. You’re my best friend, and I love you dearly as a friend. But I can’t love you any more than that. I’m not mad at you, and you’re still my bud." He smiles warmly. "It’s gonna take me a little while to get used to it, but nothing’s changed."

Tears well up in Aeryk’s eyes as a faint smile forms on his face. "Brian, I..."

"You don’t have to say anything Aeryk." He leans over and gives Aeryk a tight embrace. "No kissing this time." He jokes.

Aeryk laughs. "Okay, I promise."

There’s a slight knock on the door and Brian rises up. "Come on in." He says.

Derryk, Jeff, and Brent shuffle into the room. "Hey Aeryk." Jeff says. "How’re you doin’?"

"Brian," Derryk begins. "Thanks for letting us know." He smiles grimly, and then turns to Aeryk. "How’re you doing kid?"

Though Derryk is only eleven years older than Aeryk, he stills looks over him like Aeryk was his own child. Derryk took Aeryk in when he found him fighting with a small group of thugs. Derryk was very impressed by Aeryk’s fighting abilities, and brought him to his mansion on the outskirts of the city. He soon found out about the tragedy of Aeryk’s life, and did what he could to consol him and bring him out of his depression.

With a lot of patience, Derryk took care of Aeryk for a few years before he joined the F.Y. under Derryk’s ever-watchful eye. Aeryk has grown to trust Derryk implicitly.

Derryk’s heart broke when Aeryk deemed himself ready to live on his own. To this day, he still refers to Aeryk as ‘kid’, a term of endearment.

Aeryk smiles. "I’m doing alright Chief, thanks."

Brent walks over to Brian, his face impassive, and inspects the IV and the other various instruments around Aeryk. "They do good work here." He says, and then looks down at Aeryk. "How are you feeling?"

Aeryk shrugs. "I’m still feeling a little warm, but the IV is really helping with that. Tired as hell though."

"How long are they gonna keep you here?" Derryk asks.

"Over night, just to see how I’m doing."

Derryk nods. "I want you to take a few days off."

Aeryk sits up. "What? I can’t do that, I need to work or I’ll freak out with boredom."

"That’s an order Green." Derryk says. "You’re no use to me, or the force, if you’re sick like that." He smiles to soften his words. "But if would be nice if you could come to the party tomorrow." He looks up at Brent.

Brent nods. "He should be alright if he takes it easy for a while."

Aeryk scowls. If there’s anything in this world that Aeryk particularly loathes, it’s sitting around and doing nothing all day.

"There’s no way in hell you’re making me sit around all day and do nothing."

"Why?" Brian asks, perplexed. "I do it all the time."

"Which is exactly my reasoning!" Aeryk shoots back, his eyes shining with mirth.

The group all join in on a much-needed laugh.

Doctor Whalen walks into the room several hours later. "Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but visiting hours are over."

Aaron and Jackie both let out a loud cry. "Alright, I guess it’s time for us to bugger off." Aaron says.

As Derryk and the others say their goodbyes and leave the room, Brian walks over to Aeryk. "Sleep well bud." He smiles. "I’ll be back here tomorrow to pick you up, alright?"

Brian squeezes Aeryk’s shoulder affectionately and walks over to Dr. Whalen and whispers. "Make sure he’s taken care of."

Whalen sees the deep concern darken Brian’s eyes and nods with a smile. "We’ll give him the best we can offer."

"Thank you." Brian says lowly and leaves the room.

Whalen shuts the door and walks over to Aeryk to check on his IV. "You’ve got some friend there." She says.

Aeryk nods. "Yeah, he’s great."

"Forgive my prying, but how long have you two been together?"

Aeryk blanches. "He’s just my best friend." He says.

Whalen arches a brow, unseen by Aeryk. "I see, forgive me."

"No problem." Aeryk replies. "I guess it is kinda strange to see a man care so much for another man like Brian and I do."

Whalen smiles down at Aeryk. "It is a little different, but a welcome sight. It’s good to see such a strong friendship." She nods in satisfaction. "Alright, you’re all set for the night. Get some sleep and breakfast will be brought here in the morning."

Dr. Whalen lowers the lights and exits the room.

Aeryk, suddenly feeling extremely tired, closes his eyes and falls into a peaceful sleep.

Date: June 23, 3021
Time: 8:00pm
Location: Johnson Estate

"Thanks for driving me home Aaron." Brian says.

"No problem." Aaron says, a slight grin on his face. "So, uh, are you gonna explain to Jackie and I the little moment back at the ‘ospital?"

Jackie looks back at Brian, grinning from ear to ear. "Oh yeah, I almost forgot about that."

Brian’s eyes widen. "What are you two talking about?"

"Stop it Brian," Jackie chortles. "You know damn well what we’re talking about."

"If either of you two wake ‘im, so ‘elp me I’ll kill you both. ‘E’s very sick right now, and needs ‘is rest. Got it?" Aaron says, mimicking Brian.

Brian frowns. "So?"

"So?" Jackie continues. "What’s the story behind that?"

Brian eases back into his seat. "There’s nothing to tell. He’s my partner and I gotta watch out for him. And knowing how you two are, he’d probably end up worse."

Jackie arches an elegant brow. "Oh is that so? Aaron and I are basically your partners as well, and we never receive the same treatment."

"Yeah!" Aaron jumps in. "What’s all that about?"

"Enough you two." Brian snaps. "Aeryk’s my best friend and seeing him like that kills me, alright? Are you happy?" He glares at Jackie and Aaron with impotent fury in his eyes.

Jackie cringes back into her chair and looks forward, away from Brian’s gaze. "Sorry Bri, we were just teasing you."

"Well it’s not funny." Brian says. "Not when it’s about him." He lets out a sigh and looks out the window.

Damn, what’s their problem? Can’t they see that I’m honestly worried about Aeryk? Brian asks himself. He’s my best friend, and I can’t stand seeing him like that. And knowing I’m partially to blame for it makes it worse.

Brian absently brushes his fingers across his lips and remembers the kiss. What was that all about anyway, Aeryk? As much as I wanted to stop, I couldn’t. Am I wrong for feeling that way? Should I just force Aeryk to see that it’ll never happen that way? He sighs and works a kink out of his neck. No, I can’t do that to him. I should just let him get settled down for a while before I tell him about Alasen.

"Hey guys," Brian says suddenly. "I’m sorry about freaking out on you like that. It’s just been kinda stressful for me."

"No problem." Aaron says. "Never ‘appen again, promise."

"Yeah," Jackie says smiling back at Brian, showing him her crossed fingers. "Scouts honor."

Brian rolls his eyes. "I should expect as much from you two." He smirks.

Aaron pulls his 3015 Land Rover up into the Johnson’s estate and parks beside Brian’s Porsche. "’Ave a good night Brian. Take it easy." Aaron says.

Brian walks around and leans into Jackie’s open window. "Thanks you guys. See yah tomorrow." He turns and enters his car.

As Aaron drives away, Jackie turns to him. "So what do yah think?"

Aaron shrugs. "Couldn’t tell yah. What does it matter though?"

"Nothing at all." Jackie says looking forward again. "I just think Brian’s acting stranger than usual. He seems almost scared about something, and it obviously has to do with Aeryk."

"They’re partners Jax, and good friends. Brian’s probably just worried about Aeryk, like ‘e said."

Jackie frowns. "Why do you always drop your h’s like that?"

Aaron looks at Jackie, perplexed. "What do you mean?"

"Never mind." She shrugs. "How about we head out for a couple brewskis?"

"A woman after me our ‘eart." Aaron grins.

"See, you did it again!" Jackie laughs.

Date: June 24, 3021
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: Aeryk and Brian’s Condo

Brian peers his head out of his room and into the living room as he hears a nasty cough. "You alright in there buddy?" He calls out.

"Yeah, sorry." Aeryk says. "I think I nearly lost my lungs on that one." He jokes.

Brian smirks and emerges from his room and walks into the kitchen. "You feeling up to traveling today? You were a mess in the car on the way home today." He reaches into a cupboard and brings out a glass.

"I think I’ll be alright." Aeryk says leaning his head over the back of the couch and looks into the adjoining kitchen. "You still wanna go, right?"

Brian nods and walks over to the sink and places the glass under the faucet, which having a light sensitive sensor just below it, begins to pour cool water. "It’ll only take me a minute to get ready. How about you?"

"I should take a shower, I smell like that hospital bed." He slowly rises from the couch, but a strong hand holds him down.

"Just rest a bit more, okay? The meds are still working in your system and I don’t want you passing out or anything while in the shower." Brian says handing Aeryk the glass of water and a small bright blue pill. "This should help you with the cough."

Aeryk smiles weakly and obeys Brian. "I hate feeling like this you know."

"Yeah, well don’t get too comfortable with me waiting on your like this buddy. It won’t last forever." He winks and walks back into his room to get ready for the party.

"If you’re waiting on me hand and foot, where’s my warm meal and sponge bath?" Aeryk jokes.

"Yeah, yeah shut up in there and lay down." Brian calls.

Aeryk smiles to himself and lays back down on the soft couch to watch the television.

Brian’s such a great guy about this. He’s totally taking care of me without hesitation. He was right; nothing has changed between us.

Aeryk thinks back to the drive home.

"How’re you feeling?" Brian asks as he helps Aeryk put his seatbelt on.

Aeryk moans. "I’ll survive. What in the hell did they put in me?"

Brian smiles. "You’ll be fine, bud."

After Brian helps Aeryk with his belt, his places his own on and activates the car. "You’re not gonna vomit in here are you?" He teases.

Aeryk lolls his head over at Brian and frowns. "Shut up. I’m sick, not nauseous."

Brian slowly accelerates the car and makes his way out of the hospital parking lot.

Alright Brian, might as well get this over with. "So, uh, what about you?"

"What do you mean?" Aeryk says, looking outside the passenger window.

"I mean, what’s going on with you?"

Aeryk turns to Brian, utterly confused. "Didn’t you pay attention to the doctor? I have a high fever and I was suffering from..."

"No, not that." Brian says quickly. "I meant you. What’s up with you?"

A light shines in Aeryk’s mind. "Oh, that!" He says. "I don’t know. I guess I’m gay."

Brian’s brow furrows. "But what about your ex?"

"At the time, I did like her." Aeryk says turning back toward the scenery outside. "But recently that all changed, obviously."

"So that means you’re gonna start brining boys home then, huh?"

Aeryk shrugs slightly. "Not right now anyway. I’m still adjusting to it. It’s not easy just realizing this sorta thing."

"As long as I get to meet the guy, I’m fine." Brian smiles at Aeryk. "Gotta keep an eye on him. Make sure he don’t treat you badly."

Aeryk turns and smiles weakly. "Thank you."

How many guys would react like that? Aeryk thinks to himself. Not many. I’m so lucky.

"Alright slacker, time to get your smelly ass into the shower." Brian says standing over Aeryk, his hands outstretched.

Aeryk grabs Brian’s strong hands and is lifted onto his feet. "Thanks." He says meekly and shuffles into the bathroom to shower.

Aeryk pulls off his t-shirt and sweat pants and activates the shower.

As he places his hand under the water to test the temperature, a strange high-pitched ring assaults his ears.

Aeryk gasps out in pain and wrenches his hands over his ears. The sound ceases suddenly. "What was that?"

There’s a pounding on the door. "Aeryk, you alright in there?" Brian asks, panicked.

"Yeah," Aeryk says bewildered. "I’m alright."

"Okay bud, just be careful alright."

Aeryk hears Brian walk off and slowly enters the shower. What was that all about? He asks himself pulling the curtain closed. Must be the meds.

Aeryk feels the warm water run down his body and closes his eyes. "Man this feels good." He whispers.

Aeryk allows the warm water trail down his body, over every strained muscle, through his fingers, and through his hair. He feels oddly at ease as all the memories and pains of the past few days wash away down the drain.

Without warning the piercing ringing attacked Aeryk. He cries out in pain as he falls to his knees.

Brian, hearing Aeryk cry in pain, bolts from his room and begins to pound on the door. "Aeryk!" He begins to slam his body against the door. "Damn it." He mutters. "Open, damn you!"

Within his mind’s eye, Aeryk suddenly begins to see strange visions. He sees himself within a strange glass domed building, bound to a thick wooden pole. He sees countless white candles burning around him, casting frightening shadows across the stone floor.

Eight hooded figures standing around Aeryk, four of them holding four statues of a bird, a tiger, a turtle, and a dragon. A fifth person holding an ancient looking book.

Then he sees Brian in his arms, blood oozing from a wound, but from where? His last vision is a blast of pure white light, then sudden darkness.

Aeryk cries out Brian’s name as he feels unconsciousness grasp for him.

With one final push, Brian explodes into the room amidst a cloud of splinters. He throws open the shower curtain and grabs Aeryk just as he was about to fall over.

Brian quickly orders for the shower to cease and he carries the wet and shivering Aeryk from the bathroom and places him on the couch.

Brian rushes to find a towel then proceeds to dry Aeryk off. "Aeryk, speak to me." He mutters panicked.

Aeryk’s eyes lurch open suddenly and he lets out a terrified gasp.

"Aeryk, you alright? Talk to me buddy!" Brian leans over to Aeryk and catches his head. "Look at me, Aeryk."

Aeryk looks around the room as if he’s never been there before. His eyes wide in an unknown terror and his breathing comes out in short, labored spurts.

"Aeryk!" Brian bellows, which brought Aeryk’s eye right into his. "Focus on me bud."

"Bri-Brian." He stammers.

"Aeryk, settle down." Brian says calmly.

Aeryk did his best to banish the sudden and frightening experience. After several moments battle to collect his mind, sense returns to Aeryk’s haunted eyes.

Brian heaves out a sigh of relief. "Are you alright now?"

Aeryk nods his head. "Yeah, I’m sorry."

"What happened?"

Aeryk tells Brian about the horrible experience of seeing him bound up, and Brian bleeding profusely. He goes into detail about the hooded figures, the book, and the statues.

Brian looks at Aeryk strangely. "You sure it wasn’t the meds?"

Aeryk frowns. "Of course I’m sure." He pauses as he realizes how stupid he sounds. "Well, it could’ve been." He bows his head.

Brian rises to his feet. "I guess this leaves me only one choice. I have to take you with me tonight. I can’t leave you alone if this kinda crap is happening. Get dressed, we should head out soon." He walks off into his room.

Aeryk slowly rises to feet and pads down the hall into his room. Damn, now he thinks I’m psycho. Great, just great.

Date: June 24, 3021
Time: 6:45pm
Location: Derryk’s Mansion

Brian and Aeryk pull up the gate guarding Derryk’s mansion. Two large stone statues of lions stand proudly on both sides.

The mansion just beyond the elegantly curved gates is three stories high and closely resembles a castle. White painted balconies stand outside every room of the house, and heavy curtains blot out the setting sun.

The driveway leading toward the mansion is lined with tall maple trees. The healthy green grass around the compound is littered with small flowered gardens and fountains.

"How did the Chief end up with all this?" Brian gawks.

"His family was very lucky I guess." Aeryk responds. "He never did tell me."

"Oy, Brian is that you?" Aaron’s voice calls out.

Brian looks out his open window and sees a small black box standing on a pole with a security camera just above it. "Yeah, it’s me."

"Great! I’ll let you in. Now, ‘ow do you work this thing?"

After several moments of waiting, the gate remains closed. "Is everything alright?" Brian asks, chuckling.

"Yeah, I’m just ‘avin’ a bit o’ trouble ‘ere and OY!" Aaron blurts.

"Just a minute Bri." Jackie says. "Is that Aeryk in there with you? Hey dude, how yah doin’?" She asks cheerfully.

"Doin’ good. How about opening the gate for us huh?"

"Got it." Jackie says as the gate slowly creaks open. "See you inside guys!"

Brian pulls up behind Aaron’s Land Rover and deactivates the car. "You feeling alright?" He asks Aeryk as he takes off his seatbelt.

"Yeah," Aeryk nods. "I’m feeling a little better." He slowly pulls of his seatbelt.

"You brought your pills with you right?"

Aeryk pulls out a small plastic bottle with small blue pills inside. "Yup."

Brian and Aeryk emerge from the Porsche and walk over toward the mansion looming above them.

"Hey guys!" Jackie calls out from the open doors. "Good to see yah on your feet Aeryk." She grabs for Aeryk and pulls him into a tight hug. "Smell good too. Whatcha use in your hair?"

"This stuff my stylist gave me. She’s great."

Brian rolls his head. "God, I don’t want to spend the evening listening to you girls talking about your hair. I’ll find myself some real company." He walks off in search of Aaron and the others. Aeryk and Jackie make a face at him.

"So how long has it been since you’ve been here?" Jackie asks as she and Aeryk walk off in the opposite direction of Brian.

"Man," He sighs as he looks around. "Two, maybe three years."

Aeryk looks up at the enormous crystal chandelier hanging above them. He remembers the summer afternoons when the foyer was awash with various colors of the rainbow, as the crystals acted like prisms in the afternoon sun.

The large stairwell is made of smooth, polished white marble carpeted in a soft rose color. At the top of the stairs are several portraits of the mansions current, and previous, owners.

An elderly maid wanders up to Aeryk with a huge grin. "Aeryk Green, where have you been?" She says.

"Nana," He returns an even bigger grin. "How are you? Sorry I haven’t been around to visit." He pulls the tiny woman into a deep embrace.

"You look well boy. Has Derryk been treating you well?"

Sylvia, or Nana by Aeryk, was the only other person within the Smith household to care for Aeryk when Derryk brought him in. A small, kindly, old woman of about sixty-five, Sylvia has ran the entire mansion with an iron grip, and a soft heart.

Aeryk clasps Sylvia’s small hands. "The F.Y. has been good to me, thank you. Keeping me busy and out of trouble." He winks.

Sylvia’s light gray eyes twinkle. "Good thing too, I wouldn’t want to know if that little demon of a boy was still alive in you."

Aeryk turns to Jackie, his face aglow. "Sorry Jackie, this is Sylvia."

Jackie nods, smiling. "Nice to meet you. So what’s this about a demon boy? You can’t be talking about Aeryk."

"I most certainly am." Sylvia states with a tight smile. "This little monster has caused me no end of grief when he first came here. Did he ever tell you about the time when he plotted the centuries worst prank?"

Aeryk wanders around the enormous mansion aimlessly, as usual. It has been almost a year since the earthquake that shook up his life. At seventeen, his body was beginning to regain its lost control. He stopped growing at five feet seven, too damn short for his liking, and his complexion began to clear up and darken to an olive ton like his fathers. He noticed that his eye color changed rapidly from blue to green, depending on his emotions. He also noticed, embarrassingly enough, that he has grown very little bodily hair, giving him a very youthful look.

He runs his hand over his gangly arms and lets out a sigh. "God I hate this body." He mumbles.

Aeryk has gotten used to living within the mansion and the life it’s given him. He has grown a liking for Derryk, though he rarely sees him, and the maid Sylvia, he calls Nana. But that hasn’t stopped him from relinquishing his mischievous streak. Up until now, Aeryk has performed some nasty, yet childish, stunts on the people of the house. He especially loved the stink bomb act on the cook.

Though Derryk has disciplined him thoroughly, Aeryk fought back by thinking of even nastier tricks. Today will be the coup de grace.

"Hello Aeryk." Derryk says walking of the massive stairway onto the upper hallway.

"Hi Derryk." He responds dully. "You off work today?"

Derryk nods. "Just finished. Keeping out of trouble?" He grins down at the younger man.

Derryk could not help but understand why Aeryk is reacting the way he is. In his youthful struggle to make his mark in the world, and with loosing his entire family, this is the only way Aeryk can get by. He remembers the time, before his father died, when he would act out just to get some attention from his constantly busy family. Derryk vowed to never neglect Aeryk and show him only love and understanding, something he rarely received.

The answer to Derryk’s question came by an intense wail of terror and the clattering of falling pots and pans.

Derryk rushed over to the side of the railing and looked down to see a wave of rats and screaming maids trampling about.

Derryk tried to hold back his grin, and turned to Aeryk with what he hoped with a scowl. Aeryk was already gone.

"We never did find out how he got all those rats inside the house without us knowing." Sylvia said with an affectionate smile up to Aeryk.

Jackie laughed heartily. "I should tell everybody about this Aeryk."

"If you did, they wouldn’t believe you." Aeryk responded, smirking.

"Ah yes, the proverbial angel of the F.Y. Police." Jackie snorts. "I’m sure if I got Derryk on my side I can change that little image of yours."

Sylvia laughs. "I’d pay to see that."

Aeryk tries his best to look innocent and hurt. "What did I do to deserve such treatment?"

"I’ll show you the list later darling." Sylvia says giving Aeryk a quick kiss on the cheek. "But I have to make sure dinner is being taken care of. Will you make sure everybody knows where the dining room is Aeryk?"

"Of course Nana, see you later." He says, squeezing Sylvia’s hands once more before letting her go.

"She’s nice." Jackie says.

"Yeah, she’s the best." Aeryk responds. "Shall we head off to the dining room?"

"Nah, I know where it is already. I’m gonna go find Aaron and sneak in a couple drinks before dinner." She grins widely.

"Is that all you ever do?"

"Of course not, I manage in a little sleep from time to time."

Aeryk rolls his eyes. "Alright, let everybody know I might be a little late. I’m gonna wander around for a bit to catch up."

Jackie smiles. "Okay, be careful though. You still look like you’ll fall over if I even breathed on yah."

"With your stank breath I’m surprised I haven’t already." Aeryk taunts.

"Listen to you!" Jackie gawks. "I’m beginning to see the little demon Sylvia was talking about. You’re lucky you’re sick, too, boy." Jackie winks. "I’ll see you later."

Aeryk walks down a long, vacant, hall occasionally stopping to admire a freshly placed vase full of flowers. He smiles as he passes several small tables with pictures of Derryk when he was young. Some even have pictures of Aeryk in them as well.

He stops to look at a particular picture of himself and Derryk. It must have been the first Christmas since the earthquake, as the only person in the picture not smiling was himself.

Though Aeryk was lavishly gifted with love and understanding, he was still deeply unhappy. He almost blames himself for how he was when he was younger.

Derryk would just smile, shake his head, and then say, "No one’s blaming you Aeryk, and no one loves you any less here. You’re home now, remember that."

For all that Aeryk did back then, Derryk still treated him with love and respect. He is eternally grateful for having Derryk in his life.

"I wish there is something I could do to thank you Derryk." Aeryk says at the picture. "But what can I give a man who already has everything?"

He places the picture down and continues his way down the vast hall. He soon finds himself in front of a room he often went to, to relieve his stresses against the world.

He walks into the large room, painted white with a small group of exercise equipment in one corner, a long mirror laid across the north side of the room, and a thick blue mat placed in the center of the room.

He often went to this room to train in his martial art, Tae Kwon Do. Aeryk would spend hours secluded in this room, perfecting his skills and relish in the exhilaration of performing the several "kata’s".

The kata’s, or forms, used in Tae Kwon Do were created to simulate a fight between you and four other people. Of course one would rarely find oneself using the actual patterns as prescribed, but they are mostly used to show the various types of blocks and strikes used in Tae Kwon Do.

Aeryk slowly enters the brightly lit room and takes off his shoes and socks. He neatly places them in a corner and walks over to the mat.

He smiles slightly as the warm, soft foam of the mat squishes beneath his feet. He then takes off his deep blue linen t-shirt and tosses it aside. He smoothens out his khaki pants and looks at himself in the mirror.

"Where did that little demon go?" He asks his reflection. He looks at the mature, slight, muscular body of his and smirks cockily.

Aeryk closes his eyes and imagines four men surrounding him, one carrying a long wooden staff, the others clenching their fists.

He falls into his favorite position, the cat stance. The cat stance is when the fighter places his left foot just in front of the right and arches it until he or she is standing on her toes. His, or her, hands are formed into what is called a knife hand block. The fingers are closed together, palms open, to resemble a knife blade. The right hand covers the solar plexus, and the left is extended about a foot away from the right.

Aeryk lets out a sudden, loud, ‘ai-ya’ and begins his attack upon the four imaginary assailants.

Aeryk was often complimented on his skill and grace of his movements. Every step, kick, punch, and block came together in one fluid motion.

Aeryk catches a dark figure out of the corner of his eye and he whirls around. "Damn it Brian, you scared me." He pants. Sweat was beginning to form on his brow. "How long have you been there?"

"Just a few minutes. You’re really good." He says walking further into the room and onto the mat. "How come you never challenged me?"

"Because," Aeryk heaves. "I wouldn’t wanna make a fool of you by kicking your ass."

Brian laughs. "Ah, that’s a good one." He smiles. "How’re you feeling?"

Aeryk falls to the mat. "Tired. I shouldn’t have done that I guess. But I couldn’t help myself. This place brings back a lot of memories." He looks up at Brian. "How did you know where I was?"

"I didn’t." He says. "I asked a maid, Sylvia I think her name is, and she said that you’d more than likely be here."

Aeryk smiles. "Nana knows me best I think." He sees Brian’s look of confusion and explains his relationship with Sylvia.

Brian nods. "Right on. Well, dinner’s ready for us by the way. That’s why I came looking for you." He holds out his hand for Aeryk to take. "Remember to take your pill after dinner."

Aeryk allows Brian to pluck him off the mat and smiles. "Yessum mastah." He smirks.

Brian rolls his eyes and turns as he hears the butler, his name’s Jeeves of all things, clears his throat.

"Pardon my interruption Mr. Johnson," The old man says. "But there is a Miss Alasen waiting for you in the foyer. Shall I let her know you are on your way?"

Brian forces his smile to remain hidden. "Yes, thank you." Jeeves bows out.

"Who’s Alasen?" Aeryk asks.

"She was with us at the hospital, remember? I invited her over here. She’s new to the area and doesn’t know many people."

"Oh, well that’s nice." Aeryk smiles, despite the wrenching in his heart. He still finds it hard to know that Brian’s heart lies elsewhere. "You go on ahead and I’ll catch up with you later." Brian nods and runs out of the room to meet Alasen.

"Alasen." Aeryk mutters as his eyes rapidly change into an icy blue.

Continued in Part 4

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