He watched with little interest at the people wandering below totally unaware of the war that was raging among them. Watching was always the hardest part during the hunt but this area had been seeing too much action to just be a coincidence. The humans began to make their way home and the sun had set as another world came to life. Ben adjusted his position hidden in the shadows on the ledge of a building to get a better view. Soon his efforts were rewarded when he spotted one using a secret entrance into what he assumed was an underground tunnel. Now that he had a better idea of where to look he ha to discover how many there were and what exit routes existed. This was going to be a long night.
Ben sat in the corner of the clock tower he had made his home years ago. He watched as his makeshift family absorbed the information he had managed to discover the night before. He slowly sank back into the softness of the couch absorbing it's heat and taking a well- deserved break. Justin finally broke the silence that Ben was hoping would stretch for a little longer.
"You have to admit they are nervy little buggers. They are holing themselves up right in the middle of downtown. We need to watch them for a little longer and be sure about the layout before we can plan an attack. We are also going to need more than just the three of us."
We have managed to do just fine the way we are."
"Brian don't be cocky. The last time we had to deal with a large group of them we almost didn't make it out alive. We need to have a good plan and backup before we initiate them."
"Do you have anyone in mind for back up?"
"Ben I happen to know a lot from our extended family that would be more than happy to assist. There needs to be an end."
"I can go back there tonight and scope out the place some more but I can not get inside so we won't be one hundred percent sure."
"Any additional information you can supply will be better than what we have now. Brian we should get going before it's too late. We will see you tomorrow Ben and try to rest a little."
"Good night Scout."
"Shut up and Goodnight Brian."
Ben had repositioned himself against an adjacent building as he took up his post on a fire escape. The building was run down and unused which suited Ben perfectly. Next month they were going to tear it down to build a new modern design apartment buildings. He could still remember when they had built this row of quaint town houses but then again Ben remembered a great deal of his life before.
He was brought out of his reverie as he watched someone enter through the secret passage. What had startled him was that it was a human. Ben stepped off of the edge of the fire escape and fell to the ground. He stayed in the shadows as he moved closer to the entrance to see what was going on. Part of him knew he was outnumbered and yet he felt drawn to the entrance and gradually sneaked inside.
The walls were wet cold bricks and the floor was slippery as Ben tried to navigate without falling. There were a few occasions were his feet seemed to slide out from underneath him but he still managed to make his way through but still had yet to see any sign of the man he had followed. The passage finally began to widen as it connected to an unused section of the subway. Ben stayed close to the wall as he finally found his target. He was stepping quietly around some of them making his way to a sectioned off area. Ben slowly followed him secretly chastising himself for being so foolish, he should have stayed outside.
Once he had made his way into the secluded area he watched as the man started to undo a series of chains and locks that had another man trapped against a wall. The chains made a distinct metallic sound as they scraped against each other as the other man tried to free himself. Ben found himself staring at the individual he had followed inside. At closer inspection he noticed how his jeans and a plain black t-shirt clung to his small but tight frame. The other man was in actual fact more like a teenager with long dirty blond hair. He seemed to be at an awkward stage of growth where he still seemed to be getting use to the feel of his own skin. The chains were finally removed and the brunette was trying to help him by letting the teen lean up against him as they prepared to leave. The two stopped short as they came face to face with Ben.
"He is coming with me and don't you dare try to stop us."
"The sooner you get out of here the better off you will be."
"Gee thanks for the advice. Now would you please get out of our way."
"Michael, I don't think I can walk on my own."
"I could carry him."
Ben watched as Michael mulled over the possibilities and finally accepted Ben's offer. Ben on the other hand could have easily left but his curiosity had gotten the better of him. He picked up the younger man and placed him over the shoulder when he heard a noise outside.
"Shit. I think they just woke up."
"Then don't go that way. There is another exit just behind this wall. Just follow me. It does get a bit tight back here so try to keep Hunter from hitting the wall."
"Sure."
"I think I can take care of myself thank you."
"You can't really walk right now and ended up here in the first place, I think you can't."
Ben followed Michael as he seemed to disappear into a wall that was actually another tunnel. Michael had been right when he said it was a tight fit and Ben found his shoulders scraping against the sides. Instead of heading straight up the path was going lower until they were in another unused tunnel but this one belonged to the sewer system. There was a walkway on each side of the stream and after a few feet they had come to a manhole. The three climbed up and finally reached street level.
"I can take him now if you would like. I am sure you have other things you would rather do right now."
"No. I said I would help the least I can do is get you back to your home."
"This is our home."
"What you live on the streets."
"No. We live in the apartment behind me."
Ben looked past Michael at another run down building. There were lots of Broken windows were someone had placed plastic over them, the brick work was crumbling and the front door was off to the side and partially off it hinges.
"Well since you did help us you could come upstairs with us."
"Michael No."
"Hunter don't be rude."
"Which floor do you live on."
"The fifth floor and we will have to take the stairs. The elevator hasn't been working for quite some time."
As they entered the apartment building he was glad the elevator wasn't working it looked like a death trap. The walls were badly stained and reeked and the stairs creaked with each step they took. When they finally reached the fifth floor Michael pulled out some keys and murmured something about home sweet home.
Ben was surprised by the interior of the apartment as he stayed out side with Hunter still draped over his shoulder.
"Please come in."
"Thanks."
"The couch is just over there if you could please put Hunter on it. I just need to grab our first aid kit."
Ben placed Hunter on the gold and orange futon and placed the orange throw over top of him. He sat down in an old dark wood rocking chair as he took in the surroundings. Unlike the outside the inside was quite clean and well taken care of. The kitchen was quite small but had a certain charm with it's pale yellow walls. The living and Dining room were slightly darker and yet still cheerful. Near to the kitchen was a small table with a white tablecloth and two mismatched chairs. There were two doors on the opposite side which Ben presumed were bedrooms and another door near the entrance which Michael had gone into that was most likely the bathroom. On the wall opposite the Kitchen area there was a glass door leading to a small outside balcony. There was barely enough room for one plastic chair but on the railing were some window boxes overflowing with flowers.
"What were you two doing in a place like that?"
"It is none of your business."
"You put your friend at great risk when he went in there to rescue you."
"I never asked him to come."
Ben was trying to think of some great comeback when Michael returned to the room. He watched as Michael pulled Hunter's shirt off and began to clean the numerous cuts and rubbed antiseptic cream into them. Hunter never gave any outward sign of the pain it must have caused other than tightening his jaw.
"You didn't get hurt while we were down there did you?"
"I'm fine but thank you for asking."
"Would you like something to eat? I know Hunter hasn't had anything and it would only take a few minutes."
"I'm not hungry."
"You need to eat something Hunter."
"Can't we just go to sleep?"
"If you want to. Do you need help to your bedroom?"
"No thank you. Sorry that you have to leave."
"He doesn't have to leave I was going to stay up for a bit."
"But you had to have had a long day."
"Oh so now you care that you scared the shit out of me. Look I appreciate the concern but I have tomorrow off and I don't think I can get any sleep just yet. But if your tired we will be sure to keep quite. I just need to put this stuff back and if you want help I can help you into your bedroom in just a minute."
"You hurt him while I am gone or any time at all I'll make sure it is the last thing you do."
With that Hunter left Ben to ponder why the teen had decided that Ben was a threat. Michael soon returned to the room and sat on the couch and just watched Ben for a moment. When Michael realized he had just been staring at his guest his skin began to turn red and Ben couldn't help but noticed how it made him even cuter.
"Sorry about Hunter. He sometimes just gets like that."
"Maybe you could answer a question he didn't want to. What were you two doing there?"
"I was there to help Hunter."
"Yes, but why was Hunter there?"
Michael stared down at his hands for a moments and started moving them as if he was washing them but without water.
"It is not his fault really. When he was younger his mother started to use him to get money. He eventually ran away from her but he had no way to make money except one so he continued to do it."
"You mean to tell me he is a prostitute. I thought he lived here with you."
"Sometimes when someone gets too rough or it gets too cold. He is welcome here whenever he wants but he never stays long, he thinks if he does it will make him weak. I know that the people who are now occupying that area sometimes hire and supposedly pay well but "
"But what."
"When the others came back from there they were different, Franky went there and it just isn't him any more. He used to take care of this kitten he found but when he came back he didn't seem to care about it and the next day they found the kitten dead."
"How did it die?"
"Someone said it looked like it had been partially eaten. Maybe it just got run over and someone let there imagination run away with them."
"How did you know about that other exit?"
"When I was younger my mother died suddenly and I was left with nothing. That used to be a place where the homeless would stay until those new people started taking over. Some of the people who used to live there stayed while others felt uncomfortable and moved on."
"More horror stories?"
"It is just that those of us who have been homeless form our own little community where everyone knows everyone else. We had never met them before and they kept to themselves for the most part."
"Is Hunter going to stay here for the next little while?"
"Hopefully. I think I can get him to stay for the next few nights."
"I should actually get going but thanks."
"I should be thanking you since you helped me to bring Hunter home. I am sorry about the way I treated you earlier but I wasn't sure if you were part of them."
"Perfectly understandable."
"Will I be seeing you again?"
Ben could feel his back stiffen at the invitation to come back. It had been so long since he had someone wanting to get to know him, spend time with him. He should probably just walk out that door and forget all about Michael and Hunter.
"I would like that."
Ben knew it was the wrong thing to do but just couldn't help himself. He did however have to get going or he might be tempted to stay with Michael for the day. He walked through the hallway and stairwells and could feel a smile begin to start. When was the last time he had done that?
"What the hell happened to you?"
"Nothing Brian, I am just fine."
"I know but you are smiling."
"Aren't I allowed to be happy."
"Well it is unsettling."
"What are you two talking about without me?"
"Nothing, Justin."
Ben returned to slump on his couch as Brian and Justin just stared at him. He closed his eyes for a moment remembering what it was like to be in Michael's home with Michael right beside him. When he opened his eyes again his two companions were still watching him but Justin had to suppress a laugh.
"What did you learn tonight?"
"The place used to be a gathering place for the homeless and there are most likely a lot more ways to the surface than we originally thought. They are great in numbers right now since some of the people who lived there have been converted to their family. Just think they found what must seem like the perfect prey. No one would really care or notice if a few homeless people went missing or if their attitudes drastically changed."
"Maybe if we got the blueprints from City hall we would know what we are dealing with?"
"Nice try Justin but I was down there and a lot of the tunnels have been homemade. Plans would do us little good."
"What were you thinking going in there?"
"Thanks Brian it is nice to know you care."
"Who said I cared it is just that you could have exposed the fact that we know where they are."
"How did you find out all this information?"
"I met someone who used to live there and asked a few questions."
"And how exactly did you do that without raising suspicions?"
"I followed him inside. I just asked what he was doing down there and managed to get the other information. I revealed nothing about us."
"Good. We should have some help by the end of the week. Are you going to be seeing your friend again? I don't know how you could do it but maybe you could get him to draw a map of the layout."
"Sure. Anything for the cause."
Brian and Justin left Ben alone as he thought about what to do when he saw Michael again. He found himself almost giddy with the prospect when he reminded himself why he had to see him again. It was a sobering realization when he thought about the risk Michael and Hunter had taken. Outside Justin couldn't stop himself from grinning as he and Brian started to go home together.
"You are grinning like an idiot just like Ben was."
"That is because I know something you don't."
"Really?"
"Yes. He has met someone who he is interested in, and not just to get more information from."
"Good for him. It is about time."
"Be careful what you say Brian. People might mistake you for a romantic."
"That has nothing to do with it. He is just so wound up he could use a good lay."
"Sure Brian, I don't believe you."
Ben had managed to get to Michael's apartment in record time and then had wasted the last twenty minutes staring at his door. He was still unsure of what he was going to say when the door opened and he came face to face with Michael.
"Hello."
"Hi, Michael, I just came by to see how Hunter and you were doing." And more information then maybe later...
"We are doing great. Hunter just went out to the free clinic to make sure that everything is okay. Would you like to come in?"
"Thanks."
"We finished dinner a little while ago but I can reheat it if you are hungry?"
"I already ate but I appreciate the offer."
Michael sat down on the couch and Ben sat beside him. Michael was shaking but was trying to hide it. Ben couldn't help but wonder if he knew Ben's secret but if he had wouldn't he have gone running for the door the minute he saw Ben.
"What's the matter?"
"Nothing. But I am glad you came back."
"Michael you are clearly upset. Please tell me what happened."
"Last night. I guess it is just beginning to sink in all the things that could have happened to Hunter. I wish he had waited for me to go with him but when I came home from Grocery shopping he was already gone."
"Do you want me to help you look for him?"
"No. It would just annoy Hunter that I went looking for him. It just helps to have someone here."
Ben took Michael hands into his own and began tracing the lines of his palm as they faced each other with their foreheads pressing against each other. Taking Michael's face in his hands he tilted it upwards and began to gently kiss his lips. Soon he felt Michael's tongue press against his lips and he let him enter. He pushed Michael so that his back was on the sofa and covered him with his own body. He slowly began to undo the buttons on Michael shirt exposing the pale creamy skin. Michael proceeded to lick Ben's nipple through his fish net shirt and then slowly pulled it off of him. Once his chest was exposed he returned to lavishing attention to the now swollen nub. Ben's fingers weaved through Michael's dark hair as he enjoyed the sensations Michael's long pink tongue was creating. Soon he began to travel up towards Ben's neck when he noticed the scars. Michael's fingers touched the two marks that had almost a purplish hue when he felt Ben pulling away from him.
"I'm sorry I should leave now."
Ben quickly grabbed his shirt and jacket then put it back on while heading to the door. Michael followed him and managed to grab a hold of his arm to swing him around so they were facing each other.
"I am not sorry for what happened. I like you a lot and I wish you would stay."
"I can't. I'm sorry."
Ben managed to pull himself free from Michael's grasp and was out the door. Michael went into the hallway and watched as Ben practically ran away from him. His sense of fear was replaced by the sadness that he would probably never see him again. He didn't even know his name. Michael finally returned inside when his phone began to ring and he went to answer it.
Michael pulled his coat in tighter as he headed in the direction of the free clinic to pick up Hunter. He was surprised that Hunter had bothered to call him to go pick him up but Hunter had been uneasy the whole day. Michael was almost there when he felt a cold chill creep up his back. When he turned around he saw the most horrifying sight. It was standing upright on two legs but it's skin resembled scales. It's arms were quite large as were it hands but Michael couldn't help but stare at the long nails on it's fingers with a clear liquid dripping off the index finger. He finally managed to gather enough strength to look at it's face and wished he hadn't. The scale like skin seemed to be pulled too taut over the bone structure and it's eyes were pitch black. It did have hair bur it was a mess and it had a very distinct smell. It quickly reached out for Michael and he fell backwards into trash cans. As he tried to stand up it began to lunge at him and he barely managed to pull away from it.
"You shouldn't have been there."
"Been where?"
"Our home. You took something of ours that we weren't done with."
It began to dawn on Michael that the creature was referring to Hunter and the caves. His fear was replaced with a rush of anger that deafened him. He picked up a pipe from nearby and prepared to defend himself. He had heard a few stories that what had taken over the caves wasn't human but always thought the stories were exaggerations especially since no one was able to say what they were or exactly what they looked like. Michael knew he should just try to run but he was damned if they were going to touch Hunter again. The creature moved to attack him again aim for his stomach and Michael brought the pipe done on his skull. He heard a large thump as he made contact and he could feel the pipe vibrating which hurt his hands. The creature just backed away rubbing it's head and prepared to attack again. This time it lunged for Michael throat and he managed to side step and the creature hit the wall. Michael once again raised the pipe and hit it while it was on the ground and retreated as it began to get up. It began to circle around Michael planning it next attack and Michael was having a hard time keeping a grip as his hands became sweaty. The creature ended up hitting the ground and grabbing one of Michael's ankle. It began to raise it's one hand with it's index finger when Michael used his other leg to kick it in the face and fell to the ground. The creature bent it hind legs and proceeded to jump onto Michael but Michael managed to kick him off and throw him behind. The creature landed partway onto a closed garbage bin. The creature began to stir and Michael grabbed for a fire escape ladder hoping to use it to escape. The ladder was stuck so Michael used all his weight to finally get the ladder to come down. It was made of heavy iron and dropped quickly until it hit it. The creature's neck was trapped between the garbage container and ladder until the ladder cut it's way through. The creature liquefied and part of it ended up on Michael. He tried to wipe away at it but it was slimy and stuck to him. He pulled his shirt off and dropped in a garbage can then quickly ran to find Hunter.
Hunter was waiting at the front of the clinic for Michael to arrive when he noticed someone running towards him from down the street. He was surprised when he realized it was Michael and was curious as to why Michael kept looking behind him. He finally reached Hunter and was about to hug him when he remembered he was still covered with slime.
"What the hell happened to you?"
"You don't want to know. Hurry up we need to get you out of here."
"And where the hell am I supposedly going."
"You are going to take a trip to see your Uncle now."
"No I am not. We have been through this before. I don't want to live with him. I am perfectly happy here with you."
"Hunter it is not safe for you here. You need to go."
"It was safe until you invited him into our home."
"What are you talking about?"
"The stranger from last night."
"What about him?"
"He is not normal Michael."
"Neither are we. What is normal anyways. I am not going to sit here and argue with you, we are going to go home and get you packed to leave tonight."
Hunter decided there was no point in arguing with Michael since he had obviously made up his mind already. He didn't know how to explain to Michael that they were now both in danger. How do you tell someone that you saw something inhuman with glowing blue eyes and he came into your home without be considered insane. Hunter just hoped Michael was planning to come with him.
Ben had returned to his loft above the clock tower trying to go over in his mind exactly what had happened. He had kissed Michael and planned to do a lot more than just that only to pull away. Why did Michael have to see his marks? It was a harsh reminder that they were from two completely different worlds. His marks began to itch as the memories from the past revisited him.
Ben had recently turned twenty nine but he was still living the wild life ever since he had come home from the First World War, He had originally thought it would be a great adventure only to find it was anything but. He had come home with a different outlook on life and the only thing that seemed to keep him going was the love for his family. He used to love to go home to their small house and watch his little sister run around the yard. His father used to sit in his private study reading some of the literary classics or discussing what was going on in the world with his son. Ben enjoyed the visit with his mother since she always seemed to know what Ben needed.
It was a cold night when Ben decided he was going to drop in on his family. He had a nightmare earlier that night about the ordeal he had been through and just needed to do something that seemed normal. He made his ways through the street choosing to walk over to give himself time to sort through his thoughts. He should have known something was wrong when he got to the house, only the living room light was on. Ben opened the door and this copper like smell assaulted him. He knew that smell all to well and he ran into the living room to find his family dead. Slowly he became aware that he was not alone and just barely managed to pull himself together before he was tackled from behind. The two figures slumped into a side table and broke the lamp that provided the only light.
Ben struggled with his attacker only to be thrown into a nearby wall. On the wall was a mirror that sent shards of glass into his back. He began to panic as breathing became harder only to feel cool hands wrap around his throat. He used one of his free hands to try and push back while the other searched in the dark for a weapon. He let out a yelp as his hands found a large piece of mirror that had ripped the skin on his hand. He grabbed at the shard and started to plunge the sharp end into his attacker. The pressure on his airway eased until he was able to move a little air in and out. There was sounds coming from the other end of the room and Ben tried to stand up to be ready for more. That was when he saw a pair of blue glowing eyes followed by a pair of green. His hands began to grope the wall behind him for the main light switch. He managed to flick the switch and the room became flooded with a sweat light and Ben took in the horror of what had happened in this room.
There was tea set out on the coffee table and His parents had never gotten off the couch as they were attacked. His father was slumped over his mother with his arms around her. His sister Katy on the other hand had tried to run and had barely made it out of the living room. There was blood covering the couch and floor with strange footprints. Ben looked over at puddle that he assumed was left by his own attacker.
"He is damn lucky to be alive."
"Some how I doubt he feels that way Brian."
"Did you do this?"
"No. Your family had a run in with some Sythe's. This is Justin and my name is Brian. We came here to help so why don't you show a little gratitude."
"My family is dead and I am supposed to show you gratitude. In case you haven't noticed your help is too late."
"In more ways than one."
"Shit. Justin you go through the kitchen and I'll head to the bedrooms. I think there were actually two here."
Ben tried to stand up again but the pain from his back and from breathing was too excruciating. There was some movement from his father's study that suddenly caught his eye. A woman stepped out of the room and started heading towards Ben. He had quite a few girls flirt with him that he had learned to deal with but the way she was walking was more like some of the men he had fought with when they were sneaking up for an attack. Gradually he pulled away from the wall and crawled a short distance to the broken table and lamp. She watched as he moved and then began to change. Her skin slowly transformed into pea soup green scales as her face and eyes also took on a menacing appearance. Ben tightly gripped the lamp base and when she came in range swung at her. She managed to duck his hit only to have the shock of her life when her arm came in contact with the metal filament of the broken bulb. The electric shock stunned her enough that she fell to the ground and Ben backed away from her. Brian was the first to return and looked down at the two in the living room experiencing some shock himself.
"Cute, but that is not how you kill them. You have to behead them or else they will just keep coming back."
Ben quickly turned away and Brian raised a blade above his head and brought it down with a sickening sound of metal against bone. When he looked back there was another puddle on the floor and Brian with a big grin on his face.
"Brian one, Justin zero."
"That hardly seems fair. He softened her up for you first."
"We should probably get him to the hospital."
Both looked over as Ben slumped over and a chill worked it's way up his back.
"It is too late for a hospital Brian. What is your name."
Ben could hardly speak but managed to wheeze out his first name.
"Well Ben, you seem to have a natural instinct for hunting that can serve you well. You have a very important decision to make."
Ben once again fingered the marks on his neck and reached back to touch the scars on his back. Although he had become stronger the scars from his previous life followed him into this existence along with the memories of what he had once had. Part of him hoped the pain from his loss would eventually fade but it always was there as fresh as the day it had begun. The only thing that had changed was that he had learned how to make it through each day as long as he kept focused on his task. His mothers words from when he had come back starting running through his head, just surviving was no way to build a life.
Survival was what Ben had done best but she was right in the fact that he had never allowed himself to have a life. Pulling away from Michael was just another way that Ben could just survive because trying to live hurt too much. Ben stood up from his couch and caught the image of a figure standing out on the ledge of a window to his loft. Ben had made a huge mistake.
Michael had problems trying to remain calm as he watched Hunter pack his bags. Part of him just wanted to throw the clothes in a bag and run like hell and yet it hurt to know that he was going to be leaving his home. His mother had passed away when he was fourteen years old and within a matter of hours he found himself at the mercy of the foster care system. The first home he had been placed in they returned him when they found out he was gay. The second one had more accepting parents but his supposed siblings were cruel and would hurt him. Hoping that a third time would be a charm he was placed with a family who decided that if they forced him to go to church they could save him. That was the last straw for Michael and he decided at that point he would choose his own destiny.
At first he thought being independent had a glamorous air to it only to face the hard reality of what it would take to survive. He learned how to steal food and shelter, how to avoid the authorities and kept to himself. He had been on the streets for two years when he had met David. He was older than Michael and had managed to get himself off the streets and began to push Michael into doing the same. Michael finally found himself going back to school and even finding a part time job. His life became something he could be proud of since he had made those changes with a little help and encouragement from David. When Michael was eighteen his whole world fell apart again when David died after getting hit by a drunk driver. He once again found himself just surviving although this time at least he had a roof over his head and a job to support himself with a high school diploma.
All that changed when he met Hunter. The kid reminded him of what his life used to be like and he couldn't help but feel this need to help him. It was almost as if he had to prove to himself that if Hunter could lead a normal happy life then Michael might be able to too. Hunter at first resisted any help from Michael but gradually they became friends and occasional room mates. Unlike David Michael never tried to push Hunter into living a life Michael deemed fit for him but did try to be there for him. With time each of them had found what they desperately wanted, a family. Not the nuclear picture perfect family but one that was perfect for the two of them and strong. Hunter's Uncle always wanted his nephew to come stay with him but Michael wasn't family to him. When Michael first found out about Hunter's extended family he had been ecstatic for the boy but it was soon replaced with the realization that he would lose him forever. Now Michael was faced with the problem all over again but at least Hunter would be safe. The hard part would be Michael trying to rebuild his life again and patching over the cracks that had become gaping holes.
"Hunter are you finished yet?"
"Yeah. I think I have everything. Aren't you going to get packed?"
"Right after I get you on the next bus headed to your uncles."
"If you are not coming with me than I am not going."
"You have to. It isn't safe for you to be here. I need to know that you are going to be okay. After you go I am going to pack up my stuff and leave too. I will try to be close to you but you have to be reasonable Hunter. It won't be as bad as you think. Your Uncle loves you very much and has always wanted to see you and have you be with him. Everything will work out just fine, you'll see."
"You promise you won't stay here."
"I will do my best and that's all I can promise."
"Okay."
The two managed to make it down the stairs with Hunter's duffle bag and a shoulder strap bag with his clothes and his correspondence schoolwork. The trip to the bus depot was silent as the two got used to the idea of being apart for a great length of time. Michael purchased Hunter's ticket with money he had been saving for Christmas. Before Hunter boarded the bus he hugged Michael goodbye. Michael watched through his teary eyes as the only family member he had left him and the loneliness settled in.
Michael walked home slowly not wanting to go the empty apartment only to leave that as well. He was going over what had happened over the last few days when he suddenly realized that the stranger that had helped them was also in danger and had no way of knowing. If they had tracked Michael down maybe they could track him down as well but he had no way to find him. He decided to go talk to some of his old friends near to where he had first met him.
Michael found that his feet seemed to move faster with their new purpose and he was soon close to the center of the city. He looked down a few alleyways and at the sides of the streets until he found someone he recognized. He had met Duncan after being on the street for four months. He was usually nice as long as you didn't invade his personal space. The story on the street was that he was a successful stockbroker until he walked in on his wife and partner getting it on and he decided to leave it all behind and was soon living on the street. Michael highly doubted that was the man's history but he was still an overall nice guy.
"Hey Duncan. Sorry to bother you but I was hoping you could help me."
"I was just looking to see if there was anything interesting around. How are you and Hunter these days?"
"Doing just fine."
"Liar. Something is up but if you don't want to tell me I will understand."
"I don't think you would believe me if I did."
"You would be surprised about what I believe."
"I was actually looking for someone. He is a little over six feet tall, blond hair cut short with sideburns. He has blue eyes and the two times I have seen him he is usually wearing black leather pants with a long black leather jacket."
"I would stay the hell away from that one if I were you."
"He could be in trouble and I would like to warn him."
"I am sure that one can take care of himself. He may be moving but his eyes are dead if you know what I mean. I doubt he cares about anyone but himself."
"That may be true I don't know him that well. What I do know is that he helped Hunter. I need to return the favor."
"If you insist. He lives in the clock tower at the center of the city. I remember when we used to used it to sleep in years ago until he found out that he owned it. He didn't kick us out but he wasn't friendly like a lot of the people in this city so we just left him to himself. Whatever trouble you are in please be careful. There are so few people in this city that I can stand for more than an hour and I would hate to lose someone like you."
"Thanks Duncan. I promise to be careful. If you ever need a place to crash you can always come to my apartment. I am going to be leaving for a while so you would have it all to yourself."
"I prefer to sleep under the stars. There is nothing quite like it but thanks for the offer."
Michael watched as Duncan walked away and he pondered whether this was the right thing to do. Did he just want to go warn him or did he want to see him one last time. Duncan had said that his eyes were dead and Michael couldn't help but wonder what could have caused them to become that way. He began the short trip to the clock tower that marked the center of the city and was visible over the top of buildings. Michael knew it had been built right after the first World War by a famous architect who had owned the land and wanted to leave a tribute to the city. All Michael could remember was that soon before the project was finished his family had died under mysterious circumstances and his eldest son had disappeared.
The building had been done in a dark polished stone and had intricately carved gargoyles on the four corners. There was a huge clock face that at night was lit up. There was a series of windows that were on all sides of the tower but had been covered with a coating that allowed one to view out but kept the sun and prying eyes out. He climbed up the polished concrete steps and went to ring the buzzer. Before his finger could hit the button he heard a loud crash coming from inside.
Michael managed to find his old tools and within moments had picked the lock. The lobby to the tower had a few old couches in the front that had been badly neglected and tables that had been ignored for far too long. Up the winding staircase there was a light coming from upstairs and without thinking Michael began to run up the stairs. The stairs were solid even though they appeared to be suspended in air and Michael soon found himself in what had been converted into a loft.
Inside the loft there was the stranger he had met what seemed like a lifetime ago and a creature he never wanted to see again. The stranger seemed to know exactly what he was doing as he gracefully avoided the oncoming attacks. He pulled a sword that was hanging on the wall and cut the creature down with a few sure strokes. Michael felt relief that he was all right until he turned to face Michael. His eyes had an unnatural blue glow to them and a scrape that ran across his one cheek healed before Michael's eyes. The last thing Michael saw was the floor as he started to fall.
The Sythe used its index finger to cut through the glass of his window and entered Ben's home. Ben stood from his couch and waited for it to attack him. His senses became heightened and it almost felt as if everything was in slow motion as Ben dodged away. Ben thought he heard someone coming up his stairs and was distracted for only a moment. Unfortunately a moment was all the Sythe needed to scratch one side of his face and Ben could feel the cold blood trickling down his cheek. Ben reached for his blade hanging on the wall and waited for his opening. The one in his loft had to be a recent convert since it's actions were so clumsy and Ben found it easy to get rid of it. He was still aware that whoever had been coming up the stairs was now at the entrance. Ben turned only to watch Michael turn very pale and then pass out. Ben barely had time to drop his sword and still catch Michael in his arms.
He lifted the still form into his bedroom and laid Michael down and then covered him with the black duvet. He went back to the main space and cleaned up the puddle as well as bordered up the window with a table top from downstairs. He wasn't quite sure what to do about Michael but decided he would figure that out once Michael was conscious. He went to the small galley kitchen and found a bowl that he filled with cold water. He brought it back to the bedroom and began to wash Michael's forehead and cheeks. He watched as chocolate brown eyes slowly fluttered open and stared at him. Ben found it very disconcerting to be under such scrutiny when he really didn't know what was going on inside Michael head.
"I am so sorry."
"What?"
"I said I was sorry. I was trying to warn you about that thing."
"Sythe"
"What?"
"What you call a thing is actually a Sythe. It is not the first time I have seen one and it won't be the last time either unfortunately."
"What are they?"
"It is a certain type of demon. There is a legend that two demons came to this world eons ago. One demon scratched a human and it's cells invaded the human turning into a Sythe. They have no recollection of their life before conversion and work on fairly basic principles. They attack when their hungry, or if you invaded their space. There seems very little possibility of reasoning with them and depending on how long they have been around the newer ones aren't too smart but they can eventually learn."
"What are you?"
Ben closed his eyes not wanting to look at Michael when he explained it to him.
"The other demon that came here bit a human and their cells combined to form a hybrid. I remember my life now and before. We rarely attack humans and usually feed on plasma or blood, whichever is easily available."
"Have you ever attacked a human."
"Ironically when I was a human yes I did, but I have never done it since."
"But some do."
"You have to understand. If you were a violent individual as a human and become one of us you would still be violent with added skills."
"You're a vampire."
"We don't really like that label."
"Then what do you call yourselves."
"Nothing."
"You call yourselves nothing."
"To give a name to something is to acknowledge its existence. We don't want to be known therefore we have no name we just are."
"Did it hurt?"
"It was just a scratch."
"No. when you changed."
"Why does that matter?"
"Because I don't know why it just does."
Michael reached up and caressed over the bite marks with his thumb while his other hand became intertwined with Ben's.
"What is your name?"
"Nothing."
"I want you to exist in my life."
"You should really get some sleep."
"Stay with me."
"Well I can't leave you alone now. God only know how much trouble you could get into."
Michael pulled away from Ben and laid back down on the bed. Soon after his head hit the pillow Ben heard a light snoring coming from him and he moved to the old stone bench and watched him sleep. Some of his hair fell forward into Michael face and Ben couldn't resist the temptation to push it out of the way. He laid down beside Michael and took him into his arms. Michael turned around so that they were facing each other and without saying a word cuddled into Ben's shoulder. Ben couldn't help but wonder what kind of mess he had gotten himself into.
Ben could sense someone watching over him and opened his eyes to find green glowing ones looking back at him. He found that he never did get used to Brian suddenly appearing or the way he looked at him. Ben watched as Brian stepped closer to the bed and pulled back the cover to look at Michael's neck. He looked at both sides and seeing no marks started to shake his head while looking at Ben.
"What did you do?"
"Nothing."
"No shit Einstein. How much does he know?"
"You told me to get more information out of my source you never specified how."
"Are you sure that is all you are doing."
"Of course."
"He is cute."
"I don't think Justin would appreciate that remark."
"Justin would probably join me."
Ben couldn't stop the look of shock that became plastered to his face. He knew Justin was responsible for turning Brian and teaching him and the two seemed inseparable. It had never occurred to him to ask what they did when he wasn't around and only now was he becoming aware that there was more to life than just the hunt. Brian smiled down at Ben and placed the cover back before letting himself out.
Ben looked back at the sleeping form beside him and tried to hold him closer only to feel two hands against his chest pushing him back. He watched as Michael sat up and left his back facing Ben with his head in his hands.
"What do you want to know?"
"What?"
"What do you want to know? If information was all that you needed you could have just asked instead of this."
"Instead of what."
"Pretending that you care when obviously you don't. You really don't need to take care of me I can take care of myself."
"Not with this added threat."
"I did get rid of one of them."
"It was probably a new convert just like mine was and they are easy to get rid of. The next one they send will not be so easy and you have no way of defending yourself against that."
"Then teach me what I need to know and let me be on my way."
"It can take years to master the skills you will need."
"I don't need elegant or fancy moves just ones that will ensure that I will survive. If you help me I will tell you whatever you need to know."
"Fine."
"When?"
"I suppose now is as good as time as any."
Ben pulled himself out of bed and walked back to the living room and moved his couch and coffee table against the walls. He grabbed the sword from the wall that he had used earlier as well as its companion. He sat down on the hard concrete floor laying the two swords in front of him and motioned Michael to take a seat.
"First things first, the best offense is a good defense. There is no reason why you should have to fight a Sythe if you take some easy steps to avoid them altogether. A Sythe tracks their prey by sight and scent. They will usually track you during their human form. Even though they look like any one else on the outside their movements are usually a good indicator. Most times when they walk it is like a predator, always light on their feet with quick movements and they will watch you very closely. They will not attack you if there are other people around you so try to stay in groups. If they do stalk you and manage to get you alone they will then turn into the Sythe form you have already seen. Once that has happen they can only track you by using your scent or your movement. Any strong odours like cologne will make their job easier so be sure to avoid that. Are you still with me so far?"
"Stay in groups, no distinct smells and learn to stand still."
"Right. There are a few ways to disguise your own smell like traveling through water they would be unable to track you through it. Also highly unlikely but if you can expose them to ammonia you will screw up their sense of smell for awhile."
"Is that how you find them?"
"Sort of, I have always found that they have their own peculiar scent that is hard to describe. We have different tracking abilities where their foot prints appear different then humans."
"Well their feet were elongated compared to humans with long nails."
"It is more than just that, when we hunt it is almost like their footprint becomes iridescent when we use our night vision. We can also track humans but the traces left behind are usually just footprints."
"So your skills are geared to just hunting down Sythes?"
"No. That kind of vision can be useful in tracking down anything but especially attuned for hunting things that are not natural."
"Oh goody. So you can easily spot them but there is no guarantee that I will be able to."
"You just have to keep a keen eye on your surroundings at all times."
"What happens if I can't avoid them."
"Then you will have to get rid of them. Pick up the sword closest to you and just try to get used to the weight and feel."
"It is strange that a piece of metal like this can end a life. You would think with all the advancements man has supposedly made we would no longer need to resort to violence."
"Sometimes you just have to fight, they give you no choice."
"There is always another choice. You could choose to die."
"Why would anyone choose that?"
"You did."
"I wouldn't exactly refer to myself as dead."
"Maybe not in the physical sense."
"Could we please just get on with this already? Hold the sword close to you in the middle of your chest and think of it as an extension of your arm. Now by having the sword here you can protect your upper torso and also be in a good position to deflect hits to either side by moving it to an angle."
Ben watched as Michael practiced the deflection moves Ben had illustrated and thought over what Michael had told him. He was all too aware recently that a part of him had died and was reluctant to let Michael reawaken it. If he allowed himself to feel again, what would his life be like? Miserable.
"You seem to have that move down pat so lets move on to the next one."
The rest of the evening and part of the morning was spent with Ben showing Michael how to move and Michael copying him. At lunch time they had to break and Michael managed a quick visit to the food store to get supplies for his stay. When he returned to the loft after being careful not to be followed he found Ben on the couch drinking a strange clear fluid out of a wine glass. He went on preparing his own meal. Michael stomach managed to settle for a little while before Ben suggested they go back to more practicing.
Ben watched as Michael used the bathroom to clean himself off after their long day of practicing. The room had become foggy with the hot water filling the tub and Michael slowly slid out of his clothes. Even though Michael had said he didn't need to be graceful it seemed to come to him naturally even though his muscles had now become quite stiff. Michael tested the water with his one foot and then climbed into the tub and let his body become fully submerged in the water. His head eventually broke the surface and his hair glistened. Ben found himself drawn into the bathroom and was soon standing over Michael who still had his eyes closed.
"You didn't answer my question this morning."
"What was your question?"
"What do you want?"
"They need to know about the tunnels."
"I would ask who they are but some how I doubt you would tell me."
"It is better that you don't know."
"I know about you."
"It would have been better that you never met me."
"I don't think so. If you could pass me that towel and find a piece of paper and a pen I can show you all the tunnels I know about as well as a few other caverns that are connected to the one we were in."
Ben reached for the towel but instead of handing it to Michael he waited for him to step out of the tub and dried him off. At one point he came close to touching Michael between his legs when Michael grabbed one corner of the towel and did it himself. He was somewhat disappointed but at the same time relieved not sure that he could have maintained his self control. He glanced up at Michael to see that his face had turned bright red as Michael grabbed for a robe hanging on the door to cover him self before stepping out of the bathroom. Ben found him curled up with his feet tucked under as he waited for Ben to sit down. There was a large piece of craft paper that Ben had found along with a black marker that he had handed to Michael.
"Okay. So you have already seen the main area as well as the small cavern attached and it's pathway that lead out to the sewer system. There are in total five smaller caverns attached to the main located all around. Out of each of these caverns there is one pathway that will always lead to the sewer and each was marked with a symbol at either entrance for those who couldn't read. There is the main entrance we went through and then five other pathways all leading to the main area. This one here has the fish symbol and starts at a drainage pipe near warf 32. The other one here has a triangle for a symbol and begins behind the restaurant that used to be called the Three Points. The square identifies the entrance near to City Hall basement through a grate. The circle symbol is on the tunnel that leads right under the Opera House and close to the trap door under the stage."
"I am sure the Opera House was not happy to have the extra visitors."
"What they don't know wont hurt them. We used to get the best seats in the house staying close to the entrance of the tunnel just listening to them.The last tunnel has an arrow symbol but actually leads to a dead end. If they are trying to use an exit that will allow a mass number to exit the fish, main and square can handle the most volume. The other two that go anywhere are smaller but could still allow a few to escape. The sewer paths are much smaller and have barely enough room for one person and are not the best routes out. There is also the added risk that if you are unfamiliar with the paths you could get lost in the sewer system or have a flash flood and a very unpleasant ride."
"So there are 10 access areas to be worried about and one dead end."
"Yes."
"Alright. This will give us a better idea of what we need to watch out for. You have had a long day so why don't you go to bed."
Ben watched as Michael grabbed a blanket from the bedroom and laid across the couch. He waited until he was sure Michael was asleep before lifting him into the bedroom onto his bed. He seriously considered going back to the couch but soon found himself crawling in beside Michael trying desperately to recreate last night. He just wanted to hold him in his arms and have the whole world and its problems disappear.
When Michael woke up the next evening he was pleasantly surprised to find Ben right beside him. He knew that these moments were probably not as important to Ben as they were to Michael but right now it didn't seem to matter to him. He was trying to think about his future when he heard a noise from below.
Michael silently crept out of the bedroom and managed to grab one of the swords that were once again hanging on the wall and locked the door before heading down the stairs. He found it somewhat difficult to see in the dark but managed to make it around. He felt something brush against his leg and almost screamed until he realized that the object had been soft. He reached his hand down and at about the height of his knee managed to feel what was now standing beside him. He allowed his hands to follow along and mentally began to draw a picture of what was beside him when he realized it had to be a dog. He felt down the sides of the animal and could feel each rib jutting out since the dog had barely been fed. He couldn't help but feel sorry for it and managed to lead the dog up to the loft.
Once safely locked inside he turned on the kitchen light to have a look at the dog and quickly found out it was a female. She had very little meat to her and looked like she was ready to tip over with her skinny legs at any given moment. Her coat was a blue black that was very dull and badly matted. Her little pink tongue kept jutting out to reveal a black oval closer to the back of it. The dog was quite large and almost appeared to be part wolf mixed with a domestic dog. Michael filled a bowl with some water for her and pulled out some of the meat from the leftovers at lunch. He used the blanket from the couch and made her a comfortable bed on the floor figuring it wouldn't hurt to let her stay here for one night since it was getting colder outside. When the dog had finally had her fill he sat down beside her to pet her until she fell asleep on the blanket before he returned to the couch. Michael fell back to sleep as soon as his body sunk into the comforts of the couch totally unaware that after a short period of time the dog joined him to warm his feet.
Ben eyed the dog suspiciously and with some jealousy to find that it had stolen Michael away from him. He knew it was stupid since after all it was only a mangy mutt but it had slept with Michael, licked his face and was now receiving his total attention as the two played.
"You do know that since you have fed her she is just going to keep coming back now."
"She needed some help. Do you think she needs to go outside?"
"Sure. I can just drop her out a window."
"That's not very nice. I will take her."
"No I will."
"I can handle my self just fine thank you."
"Yeah. Congratulations you protected yourself against a sorry excuse of a mutt."
"What is wrong with you."
"I must have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed. *Of course I could get out on either side since you weren't there.*"
Ben slipped one of the swords in between his shirt and jacket so that it would remain hidden and made a leash out of some nylon cording he had lying around. The dog began to jump around anxiously as they exited the loft and made their way to cool air outside. Ben took the dog to the park nearby and waited for her to finish her business. He watched as the dog's ear began to perk up standing at attention. Her tail stopped wiggling and she turned to face Ben and a low growl emitted from the pit of her stomach. He barely managed to move to the side as she bolted towards him only to realize he was not her target. He had been so immersed in his own thoughts that he didn't see it stalking them. It looked to be like a homeless old woman only to transform into a Sythe as she tried to avoid the dogs teeth. Ben pulled back on the lead and grabbed the sword from his back. The Sythe was so intent on harming the dog it didn't have the chance to see the blade coming at it. The dog became fascinated with the puddle that was left behind and as her final contribution to the battle pissed on it. Ben just shook his head at the crazy creature and managed to lead her home. Maybe she wouldn't be that bad after all.
Michael managed to spend the next three nights keeping up with his training, and taking care of the dog only to find him self in Ben's arm every day. It didn't seem to matter where he would first go to bed he always woke up in the large bed with an arm wrapped around his upper torso and one around his waist. The dog, which the stranger had decided to call Seeker, slept with them every day. Today was somewhat different though since soon Michael would be moving on even though he didn't want to. This was a moment outside of time where it didn't seem to matter that they were from two completely different worlds. Tomorrow night they would go into the caves and hunt down the Sythes and Michael would no longer have a reason to stay.
He turned over to face the stranger who still hadn't told Michael his name and rested in the juncture where his neck and his shoulder joined. The arms around him pulled him in tighter until their legs were entwined. Michael felt a finger run along his jaw until his jaw was tipped upward and their lips made contact. A hand traveled down his back to grope his ass. Michael moaned into the kiss and found himself opening up and being entered. He could feel himself being shifted onto his back as he ran his fingers through Ben's hair. A knee nudged his legs apart until the body on top of his was nestled between his legs. His mouth continued to be devoured as skilled hands pulled down his pants and underwear.
Ben gradually made his way from Michael's lip to lightly suck on his neck. Michael's hands moved from Ben's hair down his back only to travel back up again. It was the first time that Michael had noticed the faint scars that covered Ben's back. It created a strange texture on his skin and Michael fingers began tracing the lines until his hands returned to Ben face. Michael held his breath for a moment when he was the look of pain flashed into Ben's eyes not sure what had put it there. He then remembered what Duncan had told him that the stranger he was looking for owned the clock tower. The tower was owned and built by the famous architect Robert Bruckner and the only person left to inherit his belongings was his son Ben. Michael began to have at least some understanding as to why Ben seemed to just barely function performing day to day tasks with no attachments. Michael knew how painful it was to lose his mother, he could only imagine how worse it would be to lose your entire family.
"Michael why are you crying? Did I hurt you?"
"Because you won't Ben."
"What did you just call me?"
"You are Ben Bruckner and don't try to lie to me about it."
"So you know my families history. It does make a great ghost story I am sure. I especially like the version where I am a deranged lunatic that killed them all."
Michael watched as Ben pulled himself off the bed and turned his back to him. Michael could only do what came natural to him which was to say nothing and offer any comfort he could. He wrapped his legs around Ben's waist from behind and cuddled with him hoping Ben would feel some comfort. Soon Michael could feel Ben slump back into him and he watched as Ben rested his head against Michael's shoulder with his eyes closed. Michael just held on tighter and began to rain kisses all over Ben's face until the look of sheer pain began to fade.
"It was two Sythe's."
"That was when you became what you are."
"It was the only way I could survive and get back at them."
"Was it worth it?"
"If it means the chance to kill another one hell yes."
"You don't seem happy to still be here though."
"I am happy, here with you."
Ben pulled himself away from Michael and pushed him back down to the mattress before covering him again. Michael let Ben take complete control as he wrapped himself in the warmth and love Michael offered always needing more. Ben once again resumed kissing Michael lips, then his jaw and finally back to his neck. When Ben left a noticeable mark on Michael's neck he kissed down to one of his erect nipples and outlined it with his tongue before sucking the tip. Michael moaned again at the new sensation and tried to pull Ben up for another kiss. He resisted the pull instead choosing to lavish attention to Michaels other nipple. Ben had to muffle his own moans when Michael began to wiggle underneath and unknowingly rub against him in the most tantalizing ways. Ben used his strong hands to hold Michael's pelvis down as his mouth traveled lower on the pale skin. His tongue traced the lines of his ribs and met in the center only to reach his belly button. Ben dipped his tongue into the crevice and sucked on some of the skin causing Michael to gasp. He neglected going straight down and began to pay attention to Michael's thighs kissing from his knee without touching his center onto his other knee then back again. Michael had once again run his fingers through Ben's hair while his thumbs traced the edges of Ben's ears. Ever so slowly Ben made his way back to kiss the tip of Michael's erection only to have the fingers tighten in his hair pulling him upwards. This time Michael was in control of their kiss which became rough as lips and teeth scraped against each other.
Ben could feel the V formed by Michael's legs tighten as Ben was pushed on his back and Michael straddled him. Michael ran his tongue just along the edge of Ben's underwear before placing his mouth over the fabric-encased bulge. Ben began to squirm under Michael's heat only to find himself being kissed again as Michael caressed him through his underwear. Near to the end of the kiss Michael's hand slipped under the waistband to grasp Ben as his other hand finished taking off the underwear. Michael playfully squeezed and Ben shut his eyes and let out a moan. He did not see Michael raise his hand to his mouth and suck on his fingers but the moistness from his lips and mouth had Ben dreaming about other places that could use that kind of attention. Ben could feel some of his seed dribble out which Michael used to coat him.
Michael led Ben's fingers to his entrance and Ben placed one finger inside him causing Michael's back to stiffen momentarily until he adjusted to the intrusion. Ben continued to pump into him only to add another finger and then a third finger when Michael was ready hr slowly slid out his fingers and replaced them with another body part of Ben's.
Michael pulled Ben's large hands to his hips and allowed him to set the pace when he moved within Michael. He started out slow at first since he knew it had been a long time for him but wasn't sure how long it had been for Michael. There movements started to pick up only for Ben to stop them before either one of them came and start again when their breathing returned back to normal. Finally he just kept moving in and out as he watched Michael's orgasm overtake him. Michael had his head thrown back and would have fallen backwards if not for Ben's grip on his hip. When he leaned forward Ben had sat up and was kissing him again. Michael just held onto Ben's shoulders and his ass slowly started moving in small circles trying to remind Ben that he had yet to come.
Ben pulled Michael's legs up around his waist and then laid Michael on his back while still inside him. He grabbed Michael's hands off his shoulders and held them up above his head with his own hands. His entire weight was pressing against Michael and their bodies rubbed each other as he rocked back and forth. He had started the rhythm out slowly but soon was plunging deeply into Michael without any pattern but Michael still tried to meet each thrust with one of his own. With one last thrust into Michael Ben's body began to shudder with the force of his own orgasm. When he finally looked down at Michael, Ben expected him to have an adverse reaction since he was aware that his eyes were glowing as his other sense began to react. Ben was somewhat shocked when Michael reached up to caress the side of his face almost oblivious of Ben's physical appearance. He pulled himself out of Michael and lay down on top of him. Ben fell asleep in Michael's embrace not really caring what was to happen in mere hours.
Ben had reluctantly left Michael behind to go join the group that had volunteered to enter the Sythe's lair. Ben could still remember the kisses he had shared with Michael before leaving with the promise he would be back. Even Seeker had tried to keep her master at home but Ben had made a promise which had led him across town to where Justin and Brian lived. On the outside it appeared to be a large run down house done in the classic Victorian style but inside was anything but. Justin was a very talented artist in the 18th century when he had become part of the family and even though he was unable to spend lots of time painting still managed some pieces here and there. The inside of his home had some of his own pieces up as well as some art classics that he had picked up quite cheaply years ago compared to their cost now.
Ben entered the house that was all painted white on the inside and removed his long leather coat and hung it on one of the few available hooks. He slowly crept on the marble floors listening to whether or not they had started with out him. He finally rounded the corner into the main living room and found everyone looking at him.
"Hey Scout, it is about time you got here."
"Brian give him a break. Why don't you take a seat and I will introduce you to our guests."
Ben sat down on the loveseat besides Brian and pinched his leg for making such a big deal about him being late. Brian just smiled at him and tried to swat him across the head.
"Would you two please behave for once."
Brian and Ben tried to look as if they were completely innocent but Justin clearly wasn't about to believe them. He approached two women who were sitting on the adjacent love seat and whispered something to them that made them laugh. They were obviously a couple and yet such a contrast to each other. The woman on the right side of the couch looked completely harmless with her small figure and light blond hair that cascaded around her face. Her eyes reminded Ben of Michael since they were a deep rich brown and even her skin tone was similar. She was wearing dark purple leather pant and shirt with a lighter purple chiffon shirt over top. Her shoes were in fact boots with a tall heel.
The other woman had short dark auburn hair with similar brown eyes and pale skin. She held the other woman's hand in her lap as they conversed with Justin. She was wearing heavy duty army pants with numerous pockets and a tight black top. Her shoes were more sensible than her partners being that they were flat and had a steel toe. Even though her outside appearance was very rough she turned and gave Ben and Brian a warm smile before kissing her partner.
"Ben this is Melanie and Lindsay. They happen to be good friends of mine and very skilled."
"It is a pleasure to meet you."
"Let me guess he has never told you anything about us."
"Umm well no."
"Well we happen to go way back. I knew Justin when he was just an art student and I was his teacher that is of course before I met Mel."
"Hey, you are supposed to tell him how you met the love of your life and couldn't resist sharing this life with me."
"First me, then Justin I think you just have a thing for blonds."
"Nope. I just appreciate fine art and fine women."
"I don't think I fit into either one of those categories. My art is better than fine and I am pretty sure I am not a female but we did have fun in the good old days."
Justin sat between the two women and they engulfed him in a group hug. It seemed strange to see Justin acting this way since when he was around Brian and Ben there was always a lesson that needed to be learned and everything was serious. Then again every time Ben had spent time around Brian and Justin it was always to discuss business and nothing else. Ben had always been under the impression that he needed to be alone and keep things private and yet he was sharing his home with Michael and Seeker and enjoying every minute of it.
Ben started to think of all the questions he had concerning Justin's past and Brian's when another couple had entered the room. Ben had a hard time believing that they were here as back up since they hardly looked like they would be able to do much good. The younger blond man was as skinny as a rail and was dressed in bright orange leather pants and a bright blue, orange and green blouse with blue tinted shades. The companion beside him was older and more subdued in his dark brown sweater and black jeans. He did have the same coloring as Michael but lacked the boyish charm.
"Hello gentlemen, let me introduce you around. You both remember my associate Brian. Sitting beside him is my newest pupil Ben and on the other couch the beautiful blond is Lindsay and next to her is the formidable Melanie. Everyone this is Emmet and Ted. We are just waiting for one more group and we shall be on our way."
Almost as if on cue three more men came from the shadows into the living room and Justin motioned for them to find a seat. They were all looked older then Ben and seemed to have a calmness about them. Justin once again introduced them around and Ben found himself being checked out by whom Justin had introduced as David. Ben wasn't quite sure what to make of it as the other two men, Vic and Rodney who fell into an easy conversation with the others.
"Alright I think it is time we get started. We all know why we are here tonight and the sooner we can finish going over the final details means more time to rest in preparation for tomorrow night. This is a map outlining the caverns and tunnels we need to worry about. Ben and I will take the front entrance and will move and force the Sythe down the other entrances. I will need Brain and David to take the entrance on the outside to make sure that no more Sythe's come in and no more get out alive either. Mel and Linds I want you to take the tunnel that leads out to the docks. Emmet and Ted will take the city hall tunnel and that leaves Vic and Rodney on the smaller tunnel near the restaurant. There are smaller tunnels that let off each of these seperate corridors that Mel and Lindsay have already started to block off."
"Mel and I just need to get the last one in the Opera house and check to make sure the others have held before all will be set."
"Does everyone have adequate weaponry?"
They all nodded in agreement to Justin's questions before they went into further discussions of how they were going to trap the Sythe's and exterminate them. Justin made sure to make it loud and clear that everyone was to be at there best since this was a one shot opportunity. Ben kept looking over at the map Michael had drawn trying to concentrate on what he was being told but images of Michael and Seeker kept creeping in to remind Ben that he needed to protect himself as well. No more half-cocked plans that would put everything at risk since now he had a lot more on the line. Part of him was curious as to why he was still here but he couldn't help but remember that the Sythe had tried to attack Michael and this was one way to ensure that it would never happen again.
Finally the evening drew to a close and the plans were all settled. Ben watched as Brian led Justin to a corner away from everyone else wanting to know why he had been paired up with David. Ben managed to make out the words inexperienced and relatively young. Ben knew Justin wasn't just talking about David. Compared to most Ben wasn't that old but he had always been a good student unlike Brian. It always amazed him that Brian was in fact over 150 years older than Ben and very rarely showed it. Justin had given up a long time ago trying to get Brian to be more careful but he still tended to try and protect Ben even though he had proved many times over he no longer needed it. Brian finally returned in a visibly bad mood when Justin won the argument as to why the plans would stay as they were. He slumped besides Ben and just glared at David who glared back and secretly gave Brian the finger. Ben almost burst out laughing when Brian started mumbling about his plans for revenge. Ben managed to stay for another hour watching the interplay between guests trying to figure out who knew who when he decided to leave.
Ben found that there was almost a jump to his step as he hurried home. He soon found himself running up the stairs of the clock tower and entering the loft where Seeker greeted him at the door. Michael was sprawled out on the couch and had obviously been waiting for Ben to return but had fallen asleep. Ben knelt down beside the sofa and barely touched Michael as his fingers traced the facial features that would be forever etched into his memory. As his hand cupped Michael cheeks long black eyelashes fluttered open.
"You are home?"
"Yes, did you miss me?"
Ben watched as Michael's face turned a bright red having been caught waiting for him as his head gave a small nod. He reached under Michael with his arms and picked him up to carry him to the bed. Michael held his arms open inviting Ben to join him on the bed and he couldn't refuse. Soon those warm arms wrapped around him as Michael's hands caressed his back through Ben silk shirt. Ben pulled away for only a moment to quickly rid himself and Michael of their clothing before returning to Michael's embrace. His whole body was covering Michael's trying to trap him here in this moment never wanting to lose him and yet knowing eventually he would. He didn't want to think about how it would happen or why but he just knew that eventually this would disappear.
They were still different and as much as Ben wanted to keep Michael with him, he was unwilling to take away Michael's humanity. He never really thought that he had changed much other than new abilities but at that point he no longer felt human to begin with. He was almost sure that what he felt for Michael now had to be love but it had been so long that part of him wondered if he was mistaken and it was merely loneliness consuming him. He pulled Michael legs apart and nestled between the v they created as a cold shiver ran up his spine at the thought of him being in love after all this time. He had always thought himself as incapable but he also thought that he would never get over the pain of what he had done or the loss of his family but he seemed to be gradually adjusting to the pain. Would Michael be able to do the same? Would he still love Ben if he had to give up everything or would his own pain from his previous life follow him and fill him with despair and bitterness? It was a risk Ben never wanted to take.
"Ben are you here?"
"I am over here in the trees. You guys are late."
"I wanted to make sure everyone was positioned before we went in. You ready?"
"As ready as I will ever be."
"Let's do it"
The four men approached the entrance and Ben and Justin soon found themselves back in the passage way with wet bricks and slimy floors. Ben had an easier time moving since he had expected it but Justin had a few near falls at first. Soon they found themselves in the main hall and surrounded by creatures that were resting. Justin quickly surveyed the gathering looking for what he figured would be the oldest and most experienced creature so that he could kill it off first. In a matter of moments Ben heard the distinctive sound of metal colliding with bone and then a stir of moans as the Sythe's awakened and became aware of the situation. Ben and Justin now stood back to back with each other waiting for the attack. They did not have to wait long as they seemed to be coming in waves and yet only a few attacked at a time giving each other room to fight and ironically for Ben and Justin room for them to be killed.
Ben watched as the Sythe's along the outer rims of the room started heading for the passageways as Justin had predicted they would. Survival was one of the highest priorities on their list and some chose to run instead of fight. Ben could hear swords outside as Brian and David began to keep any of them escaping through the main entrance. Ben and Justin soon separated as they began to hunt individual Sythe's around the caves once they stopped lining up to be slaughtered. They had all transformed into the hideous snake like creatures and their over powering odour felt like it was burning itself into Ben's skin. They continued to lunge at them trying to scrape them with their deadly fingernails. Ben suddenly noticed Melanie and Lindsay through a slit in the wall in one of the sub caves. They had managed to push their way through the Sythe's until they had entered the caves and know guarded the entry. Ben followed some Sythe to the other cave only to find Emmet emerging from it and taking out any Sythe near him. He proved to be quite the fighter with flair for the dramatic slay. Ted on the other hand was a no nonsense kind of fighter. He did what was necessary to get the job done.
Soon the Sythe's became fewer and it became harder for the group to stay out of the slippery puddles covering the floors. Ben and Justin chased the last few Sythes into a cave that held the arrow tunnel, which was supposed to be a dead end. Soon everyone had joined them waiting for the Sythe's to come out. Ben began to feel antsy never being big on patience when victory was so close at hand. They heard something brushing up against the wall as they lifted their weapons ready to strike.
"Oh great guys we were just about to kill an innocent dog. She smells clean so someone must be taking care of her but it is amazing that the Sythe would just leave her alone instead of having a midnight snack."
"Seeker?"
Hunter watched as the familiar streets that he had called home passed by his window. He had waited quite a few days for Michael to at least call him but he just couldn't sit around and wait anymore. His worst fear was that the apartment would be empty and that Michael would just leave him. No matter how many times Michael stood by him and supported him he could never stop the feeling in the pit of his stomach that Michael would turn out to be just like his Father. He had only been twelve when his Father had gone out for a carton of milk and never returned. Late at night when he was buried under the sheets with a flashlight he would dream that his father would return and take him away from his mother. After the first time he let his Mother sell him he finally faced the hard reality that his father had saved his own skin and had left Hunter behind to suffer the consequences. Hunter shook his head hoping the memories would just fall away only to have the hurt they had caused remain. He practically ran off the bus as it finally came to a stop at the station.
Hunter was always fast on his feet and in no time was back at the apartment Michael had tried to make a home for him. He checked the closet to find all of Michael's clothes were present and noticed the light on the answering machine was flashing. With hands he couldn't keep from shaking he pressed the play button.
"Hi Michael, it is Tracy from work. Andrew is furious that you haven't shown up for your shift yet. Just to give you a pre warning you had better have a good excuse. Look a lot of us here are worried about you so please let us know that you are okay."
"Well Mr. Novotny this is your manager speaking and since you can't seem to bother to grace the store with your presence don't bother with any of your other shifts either. I will leave your last paycheck with Marley so you can pick it up at your own convenience."
"Hi Mike, it is Tracy again. Sorry about Andrew but maybe if you have a really good reason you can talk to the district manager and get your job back. Please call us soon."
Hunter didn't want to hear any more so he turned the machine off and headed out the door. Some one on the street had to know what had happened to Michael. He tried to convince himself that tears were building up in his eyes because of the wind outside that brushed past his face but the reality was he was beginning to understand what his life would be like without Michael in it. Hunter pulled the collar of Michaels old brown suede jacket up against his face and he started to check around the alley ways for any familiar faces.
"Seeker what?"
"The dog you idiot. Sometimes I seriously wonder about you Brian. It is obviously Ben's dog you can smell Bens scent on him and vice versa."
"What are you looking for? Eventually they will have to pass us since that is a dead end."
"Not anymore it isn't."
Ben wanted to scream at the top of his lungs when he recognized Seeker. He felt like the idiot of the group right now. Many years had passed but he should have remembered this tunnel. This is what had led to his family's death. His father along with a small work crew had accidentally stumbled on the cave during one of the last inspections on the tower. They had gone inside and followed the path until they found themselves in a strange set of caves. Ben could only imagine how may times the Sythe had used this place as a sanctuary. Old habits for their kind died hard and they probably had used this hidden place many times and Ben had always been under the impression this was their first time here. It would make sense for them to come back and start converting since for them this was home territory and they would know it better than any one else. Ben could only hope that once they reached the clock tower they wouldn't go up those stairs and that Michael would stay locked inside. When he finally began to absorb what was around him he realized he was already running down the corridor and brushing up against old brick walls with Brian and some of the others trailing behind him.
Hunter was cold, hungry and getting very agitated that no one seemed to know where Michael had gone. Most people last saw Michael when he was looking for Hunter but that had been a little over a week ago and Hunter had seen him more recently than that. He was seriously considering trying the police even though he doubted they would take that much interest in Michael's disappearance. It had always amazed Hunter that Michael naively thought that the police would help Hunter if he reported a violent John or when a bigot got a hold of him. Hunter always tried to get Michael to understand that they probably wouldn't be interested in helping but Michael would always point out that there were good cops and bad cops. How would he ever know until he tried and kept trying? Hunter was so self absorbed in his dilemma that he wasn't watching where he was going and almost ran poor Duncan over.
"Get your head out of the clouds and watch where you are going kid. Just imagine how devastated Michael would be if you became a street pizza."
I don't suppose you have seen him?"
"I saw him a few days ago and he seemed pretty upset."
"Because he was looking for me?"
"Sorry to burst your bubble kid but he was looking for a different person. I tried to warn him against going to the clock tower but he was determined to warn the guy about some problem. That was the last time I saw him."
"Who was he looking for?"
"I don't know his name but he is a little over six feet, blond hair, blue eyes."
"Shit. Thanks Duncan."
Hunter was seriously considering all the ways he could yell at Michael once he found him about trying to help out the stranger. Michael was just too damn trusting and Hunter was amazed that he was still in one piece, or maybe he wasn't. Run, don't walk. His lungs started to burn as he pushed himself harder and faster to get to Michael.
Michael had just turned around to go back to the living room when someone in the door way stopped him.
"You are back early. How did it go?"
The figure began to move forward until the light from the moon seeping through the window exposed who it was. Michael recognized him as a runaway teen that used to live in the tunnels until he watched him turn into a Sythe. Michael knew he still smelled from the activities he and Ben had engaged in and his only chance was to make a run for it. He grabbed a pillow from the bed and threw it at the Sythe before running through the door. He managed to get past the door jamb when he felt an iron grip around his wrist before his arm was pulled back and upwards. Michael heard his bone break but he was still desperately fighting to try and get away. On the other side of the loft hanging on the wall the sword glinted in the moonlight but Michael was nowhere near it. More hands were on his shoulders and his feet where lifted from the ground as he was thrown into the wall at the back of the bedroom. He slid down the wall onto the floor and watched as they came closer to him. They began to surround him and slowly blotted out the little light from the windows and the darkness began to converge in on Michael.
Ben could finally see light at the end of the tunnel and he ran towards it hoping Michael would be safe on the other side. He watched in horror as the stairs to his loft held a large number of Sythe's who were piling into the small space. The stairs began to rattle and shake as he ran up them with his sword out in front. He couldn't help but remember how many times his mother yelled at him about running with sharp objects but if he injured himself he could always regenerate.
A few Sythes noticed him coming up the stairs and rushed towards him. Ben expected them to have the advantage since they were attacking from above but he managed to throw a few off the stairs while others were killed on the spot. He was vaguely aware of the sounds of fighting as Brian, Justin and David dealt with the Sythes that had been thrown eight stories to the floor but he only had one goal in mind. Some Sythes had closed the door to the loft and were trying to barricade themselves in. Ben was furious and without much thought proceeded to kick the door off its hinges. Once the wood cracked and splintered his foot came into contact with something much softer and he found immense pleasure when the creature howled from its injuries. He could see through the gaping hole Michael crawling on the floor before he disappeared from sight.
Michael was trapped against the wall and tried to brace himself for the attack. He couldn't help but wonder how painful their nails ripping into his skin would be, almost as painful as losing a loved one. Wounds if given enough time could heal when they were on the skin but those of the heart were an entirely different matter. How would this affect Hunter, Ben and Seeker if he just gave up? How badly did he want to see them again?
With newfound courage Michael waited hoping that with the numerous amount of Sythes if they tried to attack him at once they would end up getting in each other's way. Sure enough three tried to attack at once and only managed to trip over each other. Michael used the opportunity to take off his one shoe and threw it at the light on the ceiling that created its own little fireworks display. Michael was shrouded in complete darkness and he listened to the numerous Sythes move around trying to find him as he crawled towards the living room. A few managed to brush against him and it only encouraged him to move faster. He was part way across the living room when one of them managed to get a hold of his ankle. He felt like a child's rag doll as he once again was lifted off the floor and thrown into the corner. If he could just move a few more feet he could reach the sword and try to fight off the Sythes that were keeping the door closed. His whole body ached as he began to try and pull himself up only to feel the floor give way underneath him.
Hunter had finally managed to reach the dark clock tower and started to test the doors hoping to find a way in. He was so frustrated that all the doors seemed to be locked until he saw dark shadows moving across the panes of tinted glass. He considered knocking hoping someone would be gracious enough to let him in when something came crashing through the window. Hunter quickly realized the thing was actually a deformed person who yowled at the pain of hitting the hard concrete only to look up to see whom had put it there. He was well over six feet and was wearing a faded old pair of black jeans and a moss green shirt that had a collar but no sleeves. Hunter had seen that face numerous times over in an old photograph album that Michael had hidden under his bed.
"David?"
The figure turned to look at Hunter then returned his attention to the monster that was trying to crawl away from him. Hunter turned away as David went in for the final kill.
"Who are you?"
"My name is Hunter, I am a friend of Michael's."
"What are you doing here?"
"I was looking for Michael. This was the last place he was headed to. He had this stupid idea that he could help out this stranger we met a little while ago. The stranger supposedly lives here. Aren't you supposed to be dead, sorry that was kind of rude."
"The less you know the better."
"God is Michael ever a magnet for weirdo's, except me of course."
Hunter barely was able to see David's retreating figure go back through the window. No one had said he wasn't allowed to go inside and he did have to find Michael so they could get the hell out of there. Hunter quietly slipped inside the building and came face to face with what seemed like an alternate reality. There was a fight going on but neither side was human and each seemed intent on destroying the other side. He finally spotted the stranger on the top of the stairs trying to force his way in. Hunter stayed tight to the wall and windows trying to get to the stairs while surveying what was around him in hopes that he would be able to spot Michael. The stranger looked to be making progress when a scream erupted from somewhere above Hunter. He watched in shock as the stranger seemed to become even stronger in his rage as he forced his way inside. Hunter had recognized that scream and his stomach began to churn as all the possibilties ran through his mind about what could have just happened. The worst part of all was that the stranger had been right, Michael was in danger as a result of Hunter's stupid decision.
Ben had managed to rip the hinges for the door out of the frame and used the door as a shield to push the Sythes back. He let the mangled piece of wood fall to the floor and waited for them to regroup and attack. He didn't have time for this and felt rushed to finish those inside the loft off as quickly as possible. Soon he found himself surrounded by puddles of goo as he made his way over to an old elevator shaft that he had covered.
At the bottom of the shaft Michael was laying motionless in what had to be an uncomfortable position. Ben grabbed at one of the wood members that framed the space and slowly started to climb down the hole. Ever so slowly he made his way down to Michael so that he could be at his side. Once he was at the bottom he was relieved to discover that Michael still had a pulse but Ben couldn't seem to get Michael to wake up. He checked Michael for broken bones and managed to find quite a few. It was awkward to try and lift the uncooperative Michael up but eventually he managed and proceed to climb back up the shaft. He couldn't just leave Michael down there, Ben had known for quite some time that the plumbing in the clock tower had some issues and at the bottom of the shaft there was a 3" puddle that seemed to be getting higher.
Ben had only to push himself upwards once more until he would be back in the loft when he felt a pair of hands grab him. He looked up and was grateful to see Justin trying to pull him up. He managed to make it back up when another set of hands started to take Michael's weight off of him. Part of him wanted to growl that Michael was his but instead he watched as David and Hunter worked together to carry Michael into the bedroom. Lindsay was inside already cleaning the mess left behind by the Sythes when Ben went in to see Michael's still form tucked into the bed. He was vaguely aware as Justin asked Emmet to go get a doctor and try to organize the rest of the group. The only time Ben broke eye contact with Michael was when he felt a tight grip on his shoulder and turned to see Brian.
"Everything will be fine. You'll see."
"No it won't. This is all your fault. If he had just come with me that night he would be fine."
"I am sorry Hunter. I never meant for anything to happen to him. I thought if he was here with me I could protect him."
"You can't protect people you care about. Michael lost his Mom and then David, well sort of. He always used to tell me to treat everyday as a gift. I guess sometimes I just forget that he isn't a superhero no matter how much he may act like one."
Ben just nodded at Hunter not knowing what comfort he could offer. He went back to the bedroom and sat down on the bed while holding Michael's hand not wanting to let go.
Ben was pacing the floor as they waited for the doctor that Emmet had fetched to tell them what was wrong. They had been in there for an hour and there was still no word. Brian and Justin just kept looking at each other as if silently communicating their own concern over the situation. Vic, Rodney, Mel and Lindsay had started to clean up downstairs as well as boarding up the tunnel with brick and mortar.
When the doctor had first arrived he started to ask questions about Michaels medical history and Ben felt totally helpless since he knew nothing about it. Hunter wasn't much use but David knew a lot about Michael's past. After the doctor had left David retreated to a corner of the living room and sat on the floor with his legs curled up to his chest anxiously waiting like everyone else. Brian finally got off the couch and entered the bedroom since patience was never his strong suite and nodded at Ted and Emmet who had stayed in the bedroom to help the doctor with anything he would need.
Michael seemed pale and small in the big bed as the doctor hovered around him poking and prodding every few seconds. He stayed perfectly still and his lips had slightly parted as he seemed to be totally at rest.
"What is the prognosis Doc?"
"It is not good. He has too many internal injuries from the fall. Even if we somehow managed to take him to the hospital and found some way around all those questions the damage is too extensive. I am sorry but I doubt he will make it through the night at this rate. Would you like me to tell the rest of the group?"
"No I think we can handle things from here."
"All right. I am sorry about your loss."
"I am not the one you should be worried about."
The doctor took his leave and Brian, Ted and Emmet were stuck with the problem of what to do now.
"We could try to turn him."
"Teddy honey we don't know if he would want that. Secondly it is not a simple process, it takes time and patience. After that he would still have to be trained to use his new abilities and that can take decades."
"So what, we are just supposed to stand here and watch him die."
"What do you mean watch him die."
"David what are you doing in here."
"The doctor left but didn't tell us anything. What the hell is going on?"
"He isn't going to make it."
"Brian you could have broke it to him in a better way than that. He happened to know Michael before he became one of us and this isn't easy for him."
"Emmet it isn't easy for any of us. My understanding is that he was under Ben's protection and I don't think he is going to take things well either."
"Well we have to make a decision and soon. Time is of the essence."
"We either try to turn him or kill him."
"Don't you dare even try it Brian."
"David get it through your thick skull, the man is dying. You lost your partner to a horrible disease that took its sweet time. Do you really want Michael to go through the same thing?"
"I can't help you do that to him."
"Then go."
Just as David left Justin entered the room but accidentally left the door slightly open and Ben from the other side stepped slightly closer. Part of him wanted answers but only if those answers meant Michael would be all right.
"That bad?"
"Yes but you already knew."
"I have been around long enough. We should try to make him as comfortable as possible before his passing. Brian why don't you take Emmet and Ted home and I will see you later."
"Ladies follow me."
"Who is he calling ladies?"
"Just move that sweet ass of yours Teddy."
"Ben you might as well come in."
Ben slowly pulled himself away from the wall and entered his bedroom without looking up. Maybe if he didn't see it then it wouldn't be real but denial could only work for so long.
"Where is Hunter?"
"He fell asleep on the couch."
"I am sorry Ben. I know you cared a great deal for him but this is what happens when one of our kind takes on a human lover. I hope you don't shut down again after his death but try to appreciate the time you had with him."
"One bloody week is supposed to erase years with of pain and loneliness. Please try to explain this to Hunter or David and I highly doubt that they will be grateful for what little time they had with him."
"This is the realty of the situation. There is no point in asking for something you can not have."
"I always thought I had lost all my humanity but it doesn't happen over night. I lost it slowly even before I became part of your so called family. Michael reminded me of what it felt like to feel vulnerable, to take a chance and care for someone and damn the consequences. Do you remember when you lost yours?"
"That was extremely low."
"Are you even capable of loving someone. I mean you and Brian may act like a couple in some ways but most don't parade all sorts of other men into their beds."
"You don't know anything about my private life. Do you think I enjoy doing that? It is a part of who Brian is. He isn't satisfied with only one man for an eternity. You have no idea how much it hurts to watch him flirt and kiss other men but I do love him and I knew what he was like. I can't ask him to change I can only change myself and how I react. I choose to be with him and I choose to accept him for who he is. How dare you question whether or not I still have my humanity. If I didn't I never would have tried to help you. I hoped that with time your wounds would heal but I can't make that happen, you have to choose to do it for yourself."
"And How am I supposed to heal from this?"
"There are rules."
"Some rules are made to be broken."
"I thought you left already."
Ben looked up expecting to see Justin but was greeted with green glowing eyes and Brian finally walked out of the shadows.
"I wasn't quite ready to go so I decided to hang around instead. You still want him don't you?"
"Go away and leave me alone."
"You will always be alone Ben. What are the chances you would find someone else like Michael let alone be able to keep him?"
"Are you done now?"
"He is beautiful and I bet he tastes sweet."
"That is none of your business."
"His skin is so pale."
"Congratulations you can see now get the hell out."
Brian just walked closer to the bed until he was right beside it. He pulled the cover down until Michael's neck and the upper part of his torso were exposed and ran his fingers along the smooth skin. Ben's eyes just followed the fingers as he held his breath.
"Have you ever been intimate with one of our own kind?"
"No."
"Now is your chance. You wouldn't be taking Michael's life you would be saving him. You would never have to worry about him growing old or getting sick. He would come to know you in every way possible as you would come to know him. All it would take is one taste "
"I can't."
"There is a difference between can't and won't Ben."
"What if he hates me for it?"
"What if you could never be with him again because that is what it amounts to? Ben the saint, always seeing to everyone else's needs but his own. What do you want?"
Ben shifted on the bed until his body was covering Michael and he ran his hand across Michael's cheek. His hands traced Michael's jaw before touching his neck. Michael's head flopped to one side leaving the right side of his neck completely exposed almost inviting Ben to stay there for a while.
"You will feel his heart start to slow down and his body will weaken letting the virus emitted from your teeth to bond with his system. Soon his body will over produce endorphins and he will regain some of his strength. Once that new found energy has waned he will be vulnerable to becoming part of us. You can drink of him until then but no more or else you will loose him."
Brian backed away from the bed giving Ben room to make his own decision as he silently hoped it would be the right one. He walked past Hunter who was asleep on the couch and proceeded outside of the loft. Justin was waiting for him at the bottom of the stairs.
"You told him didn't you?"
"I had to."
"A human must choose to join us or they will never become one of us. You just set Ben up for a major disappointment when Michael dies and worst of all he will probably blame himself."
"You worry too much. If you had seen them together you would know Michael would do anything to spend more time with him. I am so tired right now I just want to go home."
Upstairs in the loft Ben leaned in close to Michael's body smelling the scent that was distinctly Michael. Ben could feel his teeth baring themselves as his other sense kicked in as they always did when Ben was experiencing the most deepest emotions. His teeth glided over the skin of Michael's navel to his pecks and finally resting at his lover's neck.
A swift motion was all it took as Ben sank his teeth into Michael's neck. Slowly hands and legs crept up his sides until he was surrounded by Michael's warmth. He drank until the limbs wrapped around him shivered and than dropped to his sides only to have Michael's body buck up against him. Ben pulled away and stared at the two indentations that were a dark red and contrasted against his pasty complexion. Michael's body was covered in sweat as he once again settled back on to the bed. Leaving the room for only a moment Ben headed straight to the bathroom to grab a towel to clean Michael up only to come face to face with Hunter.
"I am sorry for everything that happened but I won't lose him."
"He will become like you."
"Hopefully if I didn't screw it up."
"For both our sakes I hope you didn't. The sun has finally come up so I am just going to head back to the apartment. I will see you two later."
Ben hurried back to the bedroom to find Michael sprawled out with the sheets kicked off. His breathing had become even shallower and the bed sheets were now soaked with sweat. Ben ran the cool cloth along Michael face and down his torso hoping it would have some effect. Michael's body rose slightly to try increase contact with the wet cloth and one hand reached to grasp Ben's other wrist.
He watched knowing that slowly some of his cells were moving from the bite mark into Michael's blood stream to join with the red cells and slowly modify Michael's systems. He had weakened Michael by partially draining him and it was now up to Michael's own will as to whether he would pass away or become part of the family. Ben decided to try and keep Michael warm since his body began to rapidly cool after remaining hot for so long. He grabbed the duvet from the floor and managed to wrap Michael in it by pulling him in for a cuddle with the cover strategically placed in between them. He held Michael close willing this day to pass quickly with hopefully a happy ending at sundown.
"Come back to me."
Brian and Justin were sitting in the private part of a club called Babylon enjoying a drink together. Occasionally Brian surveyed the room looking for anyone who might interest him but so far had come up empty handed. He was still annoyed that they had gone out Mel, Linds, Ted and Emmet. To make the situation worse once they had gotten here they ran into what Brain loved to call the cemetery club with Vic, Rodney and David. Ever since that fateful night three months ago David had stopped speaking to Brian which would have been fine if not for those glaring eyes every time they had to share the same space. It was strange but after the first few weeks Brian had to admit to himself that he missed Ben's presence. Ben some times got on his nerves since he always wanted to stay on task but even then the two still managed to have some fun and always managed to grate Justin's nerves. The best part of all was if Ben were involved Justin would try to remain cool and understanding where if it were just Brian's fault he would hear about it for hours. He always tried to live by the code of no apologies no regrets but there were times when he was tempted if it would get Justin to shut up.
"Hey what are you thinking about? You have been so absorbed in your own thoughts you just missed the two guys that walked into the club."
"I am not sure I want to get into a foursome tonight."
"I miss him too."
"I have no idea what you are talking about. I happen to be getting a killer headache from being stuck with Fred and Wilma over there."
"Yabba dabba do."
"Be a good little boy and keep quite."
"May I remind you I happen to be a lot older."
"Too bad you aren't wiser or else you would be quiet already."
Brian decided to leave Justin at the table before he had to listen about how he was becoming sentimental. The guys Justin had pointed out had been very hot and he decided to get a little closer. The club was split into two parts one part of the club was reserved for their own kind only with its separate bar and dance floor. The two had just ordered their drinks when Brian finally managed to make his way through the crowd. One of the men was close to Brian's height with blond hair. His arms were wrapped around his companion who was shorter with dark black hair. Brian could feel his other sense kick in as he made his final approach.
The taller man had been laughing at some unknown joke before he bent over slightly to kiss his partner on the neck. Brian reached out and managed to pull both of them to face him.
"Ben?"
"Long time no see."
Brian just sat in amazement at his the sight of his old friend. Ben was still wearing his same tight black leather pants and aqua blue silk shirt. Cradled in Ben's arms was Michael wearing dark brown suede pants that were snug along with a tight ribbed black turtleneck. Since the two had just been enjoying a kiss Ben eyes were glowing bright blue while Michael's gleamed a golden color and both had the silliest grins. Ben's one hand roamed over Michael's stomach until it came to a rest right over top of Michael's heart.
"No shit. Where have you been? I went to see you a few days later only to find the tower had been sold to the city and you were long gone."
"The tower was a part of my past and I needed to move on. I managed to find a nice place somewhat close by. We wanted it to be near a good High school for Hunter's sake. I can't believe I just said that. It is almost like I am becoming my mother."
"Than your mother was one butt ugly looking woman."
"Thanks, Brian. You really know how to lift a guys spirit."
"How are you feeling, Michael?"
"Happy to still be here. It took a while but everything healed itself and I am already learning how to cope with my new abilities. We did have some trouble at first convincing Hunter to stay with us but I think we are finally getting through to him. As you can guess he has already started to attend school full time."
"Why don't you two join us up on the second level? You know I was perfectly fine with you gone but Justin missed you."
"Well I missed both of you but first I would like to hit the dance floor so I will see you in a bit."
"Okay. Just don't tire him out too much Michael after all he is an old man."
"You are older."
"Shut up Ben. You are getting to be as annoying as Justin."
"Thanks for the compliment."
Brian made his way back to Justin where the whole gang was now sitting. He looked down to see Ben spooned behind Michael as the too swayed to the music. Brian couldn't help but smile at the change that had overcome Ben and he was a little saddened that he had not been there to see it all. Today had been the first time Brian had actually heard him laugh and seem like he had no worries in the world. But then again this shouldn't have come to too much of a surprise since Brian had stated that everything would be all right and as far as Brian was concerned he was always right.