The Chosen

The following is a complete work of fiction.

Any resemblance between the characters and any real life person is completely coincidental. Please do not copy or distribute the story without the author's permission.

Disclaimer:

The following story may contain erotic situations. If it is illegal for you to read this please leave now. Also expect blood, gore, incredibly funny scenes and super-powered teenagers with a destiny to save the world. If you're not a fan of any of these plus strong cursing and violence than this is not your type of story.

Chapter 8

People react different ways when surprised by a kiss. Some forget themselves, automatically responding. Others tense up, and then they find themselves giving in to the pressure upon their lips, and they sink into the kiss.

I was neither of those people.

Ian's lips touched mine all for a millisecond before my arms lifted up and shoved. Hard. The redhead was lifted off his feet as the force knocked him back. His legs clipped the bed and he fell on the carpet with a loud thud and a groan, as his limbs lay at weird angles. I dragged my hand across my lips. Ew. Ew. Ew. Ew. My magic bubbled in my gut, feeding off my emotions. Flexing my fingers I fought down the power in my chest, pushing it back toward the depths of my being.

Disgust shot through my body. "I can't believe you thought I was going to fall for your sleazy charm!"

Ian picked himself up with pain written across his face and muttered, "I can't believe that didn't work."

I made a face, my lip curling in a sneer. "Ew. As if!"

"You're the first person to ever say no to me," said Ian with honest surprise, rubbing his shoulder that I hoped hurt like hell.

I shook my head. Who did this guy think he was Rico Suave? "Look Ian, I'm sure under that hard, angry, bitter shell is a slightly less angry, bitter person, but I'm so not interested."

"I'm not interested either."

Uh, what? I gave him a pitying smile. Aw, wasn't his denial cute? "Don't try and save face now, since I went and laid the smackdown on your little crush. It's no big."

Ian's lip curled up, as he brought out his familiar sneer. "My plan was to seduce you and fuck up your relationship with your boyfriend." His sneer turned into a nasty smile. "Adam can do way better than you, and I for one want to take a ride on that."

Son of a bitch. My mouth fell open as I responded incredulous, "You psychopathic little bastard." I shook my head, as pity and sudden fear filled me. "...Adam's going to be pissed."

I looked around the room quickly, wondering if Adam was going to pop out of nowhere. This was so not good. I hadn't seen Adam angry, well not really. If my half memories from Atlantis were to be believed then I didn't want to see him truly angry either. I swallowed heavily, and stared at the grin that morphed Ian's face.

"Scared about your little infidelity, huh?" he asked, grinning. "You afraid boyfriend is going to drop you?"

A humorless laugh bubbled from my throat. He had no idea. "I'm not worried about me, you moron. I'm scared for you!"

He was going to die.

The smile on Ian's face died and his eyes widened. "What?"

"Kissing me is going to have consequences alright," I replied ominously. "Only not for me. When Adam finds out you kissed me," I trailed off and then looked at him, my gaze deadly serious. "He will kill you."

Abruptly Ian busted into laughter at my solemn tone. "What like snap my neck or something?"

Poor, poor boy. He really had to go and play the evil bitch schemer from every teen drama. He was no Blair Waldorf. Hell he wasn't even Marissa Cooper. I sighed and ran a hand through my hair, and his expression turned contemplative once he saw I was dead serious.

"He just might," I answered, shrugging. "I'm thinking more Never Back Down than anything else."

"No way," snapped Ian, still not believing. "Adam's too sweet for that."

Right then I decided that incredibly dense would be a great way to describe Ian Graison. Lois Lane dumb ass probably had more of a clue than he did. I patted him on the arm.

"Adam is the sweetest thing on two legs," I agreed. "But you dug your own grave with that kiss. I wouldn't try talking to him at school for awhile until he get's over it, otherwise he's just going to go all Beatrix Kiddo on your ass."

"So if I say hi to him instead I might get a punch to the face?" he asked, one eyebrow raised like Spock.

I crossed my arms. "What I'm saying is he might just show up here ready to fight, but I'm going to do my best to make sure you live to see the rest of the day."

"Well aren't you, Johnny Be Good," snapped Ian, caustically.

I rolled my eyes. Here I was trying to let him make it, and he was still trying to be a jerk. I guess this just proves that his asshole qualities were written into his DNA. If I knew that I couldn't get away with turning him into a ferret I would so do it. He was on my last nerve.

"I'm going to go ahead and beat it," I said slowly, watching him closely. "You're such a skank, and I think I might punch you."

I escaped from the room before he could get a word in, or before I gave into the urge to liquefy his ass. I took the stairs two at a time and almost knocked over Mr. Graison in my hasty retreat. He steadied me as I rocked back on my heels after colliding with his rock hard chest. Damn it was like I had ran into a wall. Someone worked out.

"Whoa, there!" exclaimed Mr. Graison, half smiling. "Where are you going in such a rush?"

The hell away from here. "An emergency came up. I have to go."

I managed to lie without my eye twitching or a hitch in my voice. Was I getting good at lying? That kind of worried me. The man accepted it, and I passed by him without any further interrogating.

Isabella looked up curiously as I sprinted into the room. I smiled hesitantly, and must have looked shell shocked. I was sure of it. I felt like it well enough. My hands moved rapidly as I signed that I had to leave because something came up. She seemed to understand and it made me feel a little less guilty for leaving her, as I beat it out of there. I couldn't help it. There was no way I could stay in that wacked out place with the redheaded psycho.

Ten minutes later I was driving down 121 doing eighty five. I flipped open my phone and hit Ryan's number on the speed dial. Come on. Pick up, Ryan, I chanted endlessly. The phone rang half a dozen times before Ryan picked up, suspiciously breathy.

"Hey, it's me," I said before he could say hello.

Ryan chuckled. "I know. My phone does have caller ID, Chad."

I paused and then continued on like I didn't hear that tidbit. "So how are you, buddy?"

"I'm fine..." said Ryan, cautiously. "Chad is something the matter?"

"I was at Isabella's house working on a project and Ian kissed me," I blurted out all in one breath.

He made a noise that sounded like a screech. "Run that by me one more time. Slowly this time."

I took a deep breath. "Long story short: Ian kissed me."

"Did you kiss him back?" interjected Ryan.

"Hell to the no!" I spat, nearly crushing the phone. "Are you insane?"

"Sorry," Ryan apologized. "I had to ask."

I rolled my eyes. Did he really think so little of me? Of course I didn't kiss that jerk back. Ian was below the lowest level of low. If evil had a face...

"Sucks to be him," said Ryan. There was a lengthy pause and then Ryan whispered, "Adam is going to kill him."

Who are you telling? "I know," I sighed. "I'm going to try and calm him down after he immediately flips out, and goes medieval all over Ian."

"Good luck, man," replied Ryan. "Call me later."

"Alright, tell Killian I said to go to hell."

Ryan made a noise of surprise. "How did you know Killian was with me?"

"Oh, please," I snorted. "You guys are always together. You were probably humping like dogs before I called."

"Bye, Chad!" yelled Ryan, mortified.

I noticed he didn't deny it. Laughing, I threw the phone on the passenger seat. At least they were having a good time. Ryan had told me in confidence last month that he and Killian had taken their relationship to the next step. They have been together a shorter time than Adam and I, and already were having sex. Not that it was a race, but damn it my libido couldn't take anymore. There's only so much a teenage boy can take, and Adam was sex on legs. Even touching me for too long usually had my pants tightening. That's what happens when your boyfriend was the high priest of Bowflex.

I made it home in less than twenty minutes. No surprise. I was doing eighty the majority of the drive. Mom's car was missing in the driveway. That was unusual. On the weekends she normally spent the time resting at home, relaxing from her work week. I entered the house and dropped my backpack by the door. Morgan looked up from the television as I stepped into the living room.

"Oh, it's just you," she muttered, staring at me with obvious disinterest.

I frowned, turning a suspicious look on her. "Who let you in the house?"

"I have a key, fag," Morgan sneered, rolling her eyes.

I turned around toward the front door. Fuckitall. I thought Kevin had changed the locks. Note to self: Remember to hire a real locksmith next time. To think I had paid that donut munching tool good money for one simple task.

I looked at her and finally took in the outfit she was wearing. It was uniform, a cheerleader uniform matter of fact. Self consciously, Morgan folded her arms across her chest, as I gaped at her wardrobe.

"Since when did you become a cheerleader?"

She actually flushed, her cheeks turning pink. "I tried out for the JV squad the other day, and I made it. I just came from a meeting."

They must have given her the uniform there. "They're usually not big on letting freshman on even the JV team...How did you make it?"

It was the truth. The cheerleading squad was really good, nationally good, and freshman just weren't up to par, even for the Junior Varsity squad. You had to be top dog to make it onto to Varsity.

If possible she got redder as she sulkily admitted, "Ashley Kline and Kim Hartwell asked me if I was your little sister when I got done auditioning..."

Ashley and Kim were friends of mine. We went way back, like before even middle school. Ashley and Kim while both my friends, were two of the most popular girls in school, and cheerleaders as well. Kim was in fact head cheerleader. How she weaseled that in her junior year was a sordid tale of backstabbing, accidents, and a team vote that would make a great sequel to the `Bring It On' franchise. I smiled as the dots connected in my mind.

"So you got in when they realized you were my sister," I stated rather than asked.

"I guess you are popular," Morgan muttered, sounding as if it made her sick to her stomach to even admit. Probably did. Sweet.

I blew on my nails and buffed them against my shirt. "Finally, she gets a clue," I replied, smugly.

Morgan had nothing to say. I had her number. She blew out an exasperated breath, and plopped back down on the couch all but ignoring me. I was perfectly fine with that arrangement. I looked past her to the glow of the television and frowned at the images flashing across the screen. I lunged forward to scoop up the remote control. The volume increased with an abrupt blast of sound but I didn't mind.

"Eye witnesses claim the heroes who have made headlines in Centennial, California have taken their heroics global," announced the news anchors voice over a shaky recording from our fight on the Australian beach. "This footage taken by one of the witnesses shows the four men, famously known as Centennial's Heroic Quartet, fight a number of unidentified men. What you're seeing has been confirmed to be real and free of any digital altering."

The clip showed the end of the fight, which was mainly a bright light as Solaris unleashed his Eye of Ra attack on the Black Pope. Then the camera zoomed in on us four. For the first time I realized what everyone must see when they look at us in our Chosen forms. We looked taller, stronger, older. More like men than teenage boys. The glamour magic that encased us when we transformed was flawless. If I didn't know who we were I wouldn't even have recognized myself as the soldier on the screen. Solaris' bubble took us away, and the clip ended. The newsroom appeared again and the news anchor faced the screen.

"Despite the evidence that keeps coming up people remain skeptical of these so called superheroes. Now we take you to Wendy Nakamura who will get viewers opinions."

I flipped the channel. The thought of hearing people deny the fact that we were out there was not something I wanted to hear. We risked our lives, and it hurt to think that people refused to believe in us. I wasn't naïve. I knew that people would have trouble accepting the truth of the Chosen, but it still stung. Especially, since we were working our asses off attempting to stop Armageddon. Go us...

"Hey!" exclaimed Morgan, glaring at me. "Why did you turn it?"

I threw my nose up haughtily. "TV will rot your brain. Where's, Mom?"

"The Heroic Quartet is all the media is talking about," answered Morgan, after snatching the remote from my hands. "So she's out doing her Lois Lane thing."

That meant she wouldn't be home till late. Mom was one of the best investigative journalists the paper had. She, more than any of her coworkers, was dead set on figuring out the mystery behind the Chosen. I tugged on Morgan's hair, and dodged the punch that was aimed for my nose. It pays to have mystical enhanced reflexes. I stuck my tongue out and raced upstairs, chuckling at the swearing following at my back. She was quite the angry little rugrat.

I closed my bedroom door behind me and glanced at the clock. I had a little while until Adam showed up for our date. Collapsing on the bed my thoughts ran toward Adam, and what would surely happen when I told him about Ian. I was no fan of the redhead, but I didn't want Adam to get in trouble for assault. The both of us had a narrow view when it came to the other. We had a bond that transcended time, and when that connection was messed with it invoked uncontrollable feelings. I know I came close to blowing a hole through an opponent's chest each time I saw an enemy get a clear hit on Omega.

My thoughts veered to our current enemy. This Order of the Dying Star was playing a dangerous game. They wanted power and they sought it from the strongest source in the universe. All they needed was the Key of Power in our possession, and the Key of Time and Space that was still hidden. Hidden in plain sight, whatever that meant. I wish I had all my memories from Atlantis. In my dreams Prince Emrys hinted that I should know where it was, since he obviously knew. But I didn't. If I surely didn't know its location the Unrelenting shouldn't either. I hope. Unfortunately they have been on point so far. Whatever methods they used to divulge the location of the Keys worked with pinpoint accuracy.

They had to know that Heaven's Trumpet was the ultimate weapon and its activation would annihilate everything. The power of the weapon was immense. It could kill time, implode whole galaxies, and extinguish an entire universe. What on earth could they need with that kind of power? The Black Pope kept going on about his master, so who did him and the Unrelenting worship?

Their cult was called the Order of the Dying Star...Dying Star... Something about that name-

"Fev'o'R..." A name formed on my lips, and as I spoke, a feeling of deadly, mortal danger grew around me.

My mouth snapped shut as the part of me that was Prince Emrys rose forth, searing the name from my active thoughts. I clenched my eyes as a blank spot filled my mind where the name once lingered. Knowledge replaced the blank zone, like half fogged dreams and déjà feelings.

That name was never to be spoken of out loud. I knew that now. I knew it with finality.

Hell, it shouldn't even be thought. Whatever the Order worshipped was a being - a creature of unparallel evil and perversion. My soul held the true knowledge of the entity from me as protection. If I had spoken the creature's name aloud it would have gained power over me, marking me as one of its possessions. Just as the Unrelenting were its acolytes, I too would have joined their ranks. I shuddered at the thought.

The Order was playing a deadly game. The entity they worshipped was something so horrible it shouldn't even have thoughts fully turned upon it. But why Heaven's Trumpet? What could they possibly do with that unimaginable power? It was connected to the entity. It all lead back to it. I was sure of it. Could they be trying to harness the power of Heaven's Trumpet? But for what?

They needed its strength that was a given. After all, they and their master haven't made a play for the world yet...

"Because their master isn't here," I breathed out in sudden realization.

My mind raced as another piece from my dream abruptly clicked in my head. ...From the void it rests, it comes, it conquers. All shall taste fear. All shall despair... Clarity radiated in my head, and like a light bulb being turned on, the dots suddenly connected. The Order of the Dying Star's master was `it that rested in the void'. That's why they needed Heaven's Trumpet!

The Void was a place that was between nothing and everything. It was an abysmal pit that was home to eternal darkness. It was also the resting place of those that truly can't be killed, no matter if their bodies were destroyed. Their essence existed within the Void. Entities so powerful in their might slumbered in the Void, dead but dreaming. To fully wake one of the dead dreamers and summon them forth to give them new life would take power. Lots of it.

"So that's what they plan to do with Heaven's Trumpet," I whispered to the empty air.

This mystery was finally starting to make sense. I should apply for my Scooby Doo card. I was a better Hardy Boy than I thought. I was still missing other pieces to the puzzle however.

There were also the cryptic words that kept appearing in my dreams. I had been warned that I had to choose between saving the universe or love. What kind of decision was that? Was one of my loved ones in danger? Adam, Morgan, Mom, Kevin? My hands balled into fists. I refused to sacrifice someone I know for the greater good if it came to it. I pushed the thoughts back. There was nothing I could about that now. I had to wait until the decision came, and I prayed that I would make the right one.

Then there was the next bit. The words I had heard in both the dreaming and waking world, the same cryptic words that haunted my every thought.

I closed my eyes and whispered the words from memory, "Blood, blood, blood, blood. My blood. Your blood. His blood. One, two, four, all into two, back into one."

This wasn't just cryptic words. I recognized a prophecy when I saw it. And this was one. An important prophecy too, if its words lingered in both my dreams and the world of the waking. The sad thing is I had no idea what it meant.

"Could it be any vaguer," I muttered sourly, frowning up at the ceiling.

At least I managed to figure out part of this mystery. I was confident of my theory about the Order's master, and their purpose. I knew it like I knew leopard print was the most garish fabric in the world.

"Womanizer, woman-womanizer, you're a womanizer, Oh, you're womanizer..."

I snatched my phone from my pocket and pressed it to my ear. "Hey, Kevin."

"Dude, can you come over tonight?"

I shook my head and then realized he couldn't see it. "Uh, I can come later. It will be late. I have a date with Adam tonight."

"Oh... well that's okay if you can't make it tonight," replied Kevin, disappointed.

I frowned. "Is something wrong?"

"I... nothing... I'm not sure."

I sat up in bed, leaning back against the headboard. "Kevin... are you sure nothings the matter?"

He sighed tiredly. "I need help."

"Tell me what's wrong?" I asked immediately, heart pounding in my chest.

There was a pause and then Kevin answered, "I need you to play goalie for me."

I fell off the bed, shocked. I scrambled to pick up the phone from where it dropped when I fell.

"I thought this was important!" I all but yelled into the phone. "I was worried about you!"

"It is important," countered Kevin defiantly. "Our first scrimmage is next month! I have to keep my game tight!"

My eye twitched. "Why don't you just ask one your teammates?"

"I tried calling Killian, but his phone kept going to voicemail," whined Kevin. "I think him and Ryan are doing the nasty."

I laughed. "Yeah, I called Ryan earlier. Killian was with him. So they're probably having the sex by now."

"Who do you think is on the bottom?" asked Kevin in a small voice.

I rolled my eyes. "I so don't even want to think about that. Why do you even want to know!"

Kevin laughed so loudly I had to take the phone away from my ear. "I was joking. If you had answered it means that you think about it!"

"I hate you," I deadpanned.

He laughed again and we joked around on the phone for a half hour. I glanced at the clock, and had to tell him I would call him back. If I didn't start getting ready for my date then I wouldn't be ready by the time Adam came to pick me up. I jumped in the shower and ran the water extra hot.

I was glad no one was in the bathroom with me to see the furious scrubbing I was applying to my lips. I took shots of mouthwash, chugging it back like it was Tequila. Apparently I wasn't over Ian kissing me. I shuddered remembering his lips on mine. Toothpaste splattered against the shower walls, as I hastily applied the paste to the toothbrush. I took the brush to my teeth, practically trying to scrub the memory away. Oh god! I hope I didn't catch mono! I slapped myself. Was I having a delayed reaction to Ian's kiss? Apparently! I hobbled over as my body shook with dry heaves. Would my lips ever be clean again?!

Here I thought I was getting mature or something. Was I being dramatic? Maybe... But damn it, I was feeling a little upset that I didn't turn Ian into dog food or a toad.

I shook my head and took a deep breath. I could do the mature thing. Cutting the water I stepped from the shower, and wrapped a towel around my waist.

I padded across the tiled floor and across the hall to my room. My clothes were laid out on the bed. The blue jeans went well with the red t shirt. I out on a black vest over it, and a loose white tie went around my neck. Fashionable yet very nice, I thought. I fixed my hair into my usual style and grinned at my reflection in the mirror. I was all set. I slipped into my white Nikes and struck a b boy pose. Clapping filled the room and I spun around, startled.

Adam leaned against the doorway, smiling. "I see you got some moves."

I winked. "I could show you a thing or two."

"Please do."

He grinned and stepped forward, wrapping me in his arms. I took a breath, inhaling his cologne. I stepped back and looked him over. He had on dark slacks and a nice dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up. It was unbuttoned to mid chest, showing a glimpse of smooth skin. He met my eyes and smiled widely.

"You look great, love."

I returned the smile. "Right back at you. I guess Morgan let you in."

"Yeah," He nodded, playfully rolling his eyes. "I only earned one insult from her on my way up." He grinned adorably, looking extremely proud of himself. "I think she's starting to like me."

"You know she's just bidding her time, waiting till you overcome your gayness so she can steal you from me."

Adam snorted. "Too bad I've been gay since before humans thought the world was flat."

"Try telling her that," I chuckled, shaking my head. "Do you mind if we skip the movie and just go straight to dinner? I don't think I can concentrate fully on a movie right now."

Adam ran his hand through my hair and then cupped my cheek. "Heavy thoughts?"

I nodded. "I keep thinking about the Unrelenting and Heaven's Trumpet."

We walked down to his car, and I told him about all my earlier thoughts. He listened intently offering his silent support as he held my hand. His bigger hand covered mine on the gear shift as he changed gears. For some reason I didn't tell him about the part of my dream where I was urged to choose. I kept that bit to myself. Not because I had chosen, but it was the opposite. How could I tell him about it when I didn't even want to think about it, let alone even talk about the subject?

"Your power is growing," Adam said softly, exiting the highway and turning onto restaurant road. "You're the same age as Prince Emrys when he started gaining prophetic dreams."

A memory flashed across my vision. Prince Emrys jerked awake in a huge bed, sweat dripping from his brow, words of prophecy trailing under his breath as he slowly gained awareness. I blinked and the vision vanished. At least I wasn't just a wuss. The dreams broke through my incarnation's usual projected calm.

I looked out the window and replied softly, "I remember."

Hazel eyes landed on me, and Adam squeezed my hand. "Hey now it's alright. We're going to win."

"I just wish I had your confidence," I sighed.

I couldn't help feeling mopey. They didn't see what I could. The Chosen had a right to be optimistic. Their confidence hadn't been shaken by glimpsing the possible future. The destruction was on two fronts. The Order's master if it rose would devastate the world, and Heaven's Trumpet in the face of such evil will do what it was programmed.

Adam parked the car in front of K Thai and killed the engine. He turned to face me and I averted my eyes as the full weight of his gaze pressed on me. All that love and compassion was so much that it made me feel guilty. Here he was trying to be this great boyfriend, and I was putting a damper on the whole evening. I was such a downer.

"Sorry, babe..."

He placed his finger against my lips, silencing the rest of my words. "That's enough of that, love. There's no need to apologize. How does that saying go? Love means never having to say you're sorry."

I cracked a smile. "You know that chick died at the end."

"And you balled like a baby I remember," countered Adam, slyly.

"All they had was each other!" I all but yelled, glaring at him.

Adam smiled so suddenly, big and bright, that I found myself blinking. A trick! I rolled my eyes, a tiny smile playing across my face. I fell right into his trap.

"Way to take my mind off things," I conceded grudgingly.

Adam smirked and kissed the tip of my nose. "I try, lover."

"Confidence will get you far, Adam Caine."

He kissed me on the cheek and jumped out of the car. I followed him and we walked into the restaurant. K Thai served the best Thai food in the city. Or at least I thought so. It was the only Thai restaurant I had ever been to, since after trying it once three years ago I had vowed to be its bitch for the rest of my life. Going to another restaurant would be like I was cheating, the ultimate betrayal.

The hostess escorted us to a booth in the back corner that was big enough for six people. We sat across from each other, and ordered sweet Thai tea when the waitress came to get our drink order. I loved the stuff. It was the best drink I ever had in my entire life. No joke. I always had at least three refills.

"You have that look in your eyes," noticed Adam, looking at me over the top of his menu. "Are you thinking about the tea?"

I grinned, almost bouncing in my seat. "How'd you know?"

Adam rolled his eyes, smiling. "Well you're all bouncy. You do that when you're anticipating something. And since we just ordered drinks... two plus two."

"Well aren't you just a regular Encyclopedia Brown," I laughed.

He slowly smiled. "You know you love me."

"XOXO," I countered with a wink.

Adam's laughter was light and had the effect of making me smile that much wider. "You know you're obsessed with that show," he pointed out, a fond smile tugging at his lips.

I shrugged, mirroring his expression. "It has Kristen Bell doing voiceovers! You know I'm her number one fanboy."

"And I'm number two of course," he replied, jerking a thumb at his chest proudly.

I raised my hand and we high fived. "I knew I loved you for a reason."

"Not because of my killer good looks?" asked Adam, pouting cutely.

I tried and succeeded at not smiling goofily at his adorable expression. At least I think I succeeded. His eyes did light up as he stared at me, but I liked to think I passed.

"Good looks?" I deadpanned.

Adam gasped and kicked my foot under the table. "Bitch!"

"Spousal abuse!" I yelled, laughter rising above my undignified yelp.

I was thankful we were in the back because I was sure no one wanted to see him leap across the table and soundly kiss me. I melted under the kiss, surrendering to the feeling of vertigo that swept from my head to my toes. Someone cleared their throat, and we broke apart and I blushed as our waitress sat our drinks on the table.

She smirked at us and pulled out her server book. "You guys ready to order, or did you need some more time... looking over the menu."

It was less of a question and more of a teasing suggestion. I blushed and damned this fair skin of mine. Adam, bless his heart, only cleared his throat and rattled off his order without a hint of embarrassment. I wish I had that kind of composure.

"Can I have the broccoli and chicken, and instead of friend rice can I have steamed white rice?" I asked, reading off my usual order.

The waitress nodded as she jotted down the order. She looked at Adam. "Do you want the fried rice with your meal?"

"Yeah, that's right," answered Adam with a nod.

She scooped up the menus and skipped off to the kitchen up front. I watched her go and then turned back around to glare at Adam, who was staring up at the ceiling whistling.

He dragged his eyes down slowly and met my glare, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "Do you think we should have charged her for the show?"

"She couldn't afford it," I countered, throwing my nose up. "I cost way too much."

Adam raised his eyebrows. "You mean we cost too much, right?"

I blinked. "Uh, suuure."

"Humility and thy name is Chad," said Adam, smirking. He chuckled and looked at me with a wide grin that sent my heart rhythm doubling. "You never cease with the funny, Summers."

I shrugged. "I do my best."

The waitress returned with our plates balanced on a large tray. She served our dishes with great balance skills that made me a little envious. I was trying, but I still wasn't graceful. Although I could do a great somersault once I was hopped up on sugar.

"This is really good!" Adam exclaimed, tucking into his meal.

"Mmmhmmm," I acknowledged, chewing on a piece of broccoli. I swallowed and grinned. "I love Asian food. I practically grew up on the stuff. Japanese food is my favorite though."

Adam tilted his head. "I didn't know that."

I nodded. "When I was a kid I used to spend everyday at Kevin's house. His dad is a cook over at Kaze's, the Chinese restaurant downtown. He cooks all the time at their house."

"Is that where Kevin gets his off the wall personality from?"

Shaking my head, I chuckled a bit. "I have no idea where Chad gets it from. His mom is nice and his dad is kind of serious, but he's so outgoing and friendly it's like he was raised in a circus."

"If he were anyone else they would be considered annoying," proposed Adam.

I nodded. It was true. I had heard that one before. "But he comes across as charming," I interjected. "Lots of people say that. It's the eyes and the smile. It makes him too pretty to be mad at."

"He really is charismatic," noted Adam, thoughtfully.

I shook my head. "I have no idea where he gets it from either, although I do love the little psycho. He's like the best friend and brother I've never wanted."

"You're really lucky that you've had someone like that your whole life," said Adam, his hazel eyes turning serious. "I wish I had a best friend like that for me growing up."

I reached across the table and squeezed his hand. "You got me now."

My stomach fluttered as he smiled, slow and sweet. "I know."

We finished the rest of our meal and Adam paid for our check. I left the tip and made sure it was more than fifteen percent. She did have to witness our making out more than twice, and to her credit she took it okay. She could have been a bitch, but she only teased us a bit and continued her job so she was amazing to my eyes.

Adam put the key in the ignition and turned to me. "So where to now?"

I rolled my bottom lip in mouth as a thought formed, growing stronger by the second. He raised an eyebrow at me as I made my eyes go all big and round.

"I want to take you somewhere," I began, watching him carefully. "But I have to drive."

Adam looked at the steering wheel, at me, the steering wheel, and then again at me. He swallowed heavily, his eyes going impossibly wide. The car was his baby, and I often wondered who he loved more, me or the car. He looked once more at me and I stuck my lip out in a pout, and I knew I had him. Triumph blossomed in my chest as he sighed dramatically, giving in. Adam could never directly refuse anything I asked him of him. I didn't pull that card often, but I had to call in the chips. I was no better when it came to him. I was okay with that. I was loves bitch.

"Fine," Adam sighed, reluctantly switching places with me.

I climbed over him, grinning as I wrapped the seatbelt around me. "Thank you, dear."

"You take care of her or I'm keying your car!" Adam threatened, pointing his finger at me with narrowed eyes.

I just grinned harder. "Gee, I can just feel the trust here."

It was his turn to pout as I drove us out of Centennial, refusing to tell him where we were going. He kept making guesses and shot him down every time. A secret grin was locked on my face as our destination came close. After driving forty minutes out of the city into the eastern mountains, I parked the car once the glow of the city lights presented a breathtaking backdrop.

I climbed out of the car and Adam followed me. He gasped once he caught sight of the city lines stretched out before us under the blanket of stars. He leaned back against the front of the car and grinned at me in wonderment.

"What is this place?"

I looked around, my lips quirking. "Kevin likes to take girls here. He calls it Makeout Madzone."

Adam let out a bark of laughter, amused. "You brought me to Adam's favorite make out spot?"

I shrugged, still smiling. "It has a great view."

"You're not lying about that," Adam agreed, turning back to the city. He looked at me slyly. "So do you bring all the boys here?"

I shook my head. "Only you. I've never brought anyone here before."

"So I'm special," teased Adam, sliding next to me so his side pressed against mine.

"The only man I've ever loved," I admitted honestly, nudging his side with my elbow.

He ducked his head, his wavy brown hair falling forward to hide his face. I could imagine the faintest blush adorning his cheeks. I brushed my hand through his hair, and he looked up at my touch his gaze boring into mine with sudden fervor.

"I love you," he said thickly. "You're everything to me."

A tightening sensation grabbed at my gut, low and tight. "For always."

Adam leaned into me and I rested my head against his shoulder. His arm slipped around my waist pulling me impossibly closer to his side. I sighed as my chest constricted. It was a good ache. Sometimes I wondered how I could love him so much. At time it seemed like too much, like it was so much feeling that it hurt. But it felt good, this love for him. It was like longing, friendship, compassion, rainbows and sunshine, and the elation from a goal won, all wrapped into one powerful feeling.

"Sing me song," I murmured against the sleeve of his shirt.

Adam bent over and placed a kiss on the top of my head. He leaned in close so his breath blew across the tip of my ear. It sent tingles down my spine and I looked up at him, meeting and falling into those hazel eyes that I loved so, so much.

He thought for a moment, cocking his head and then sang softly, "You see through, right to the heart of me..."

I closed my eyes feeling that strong tenor voice send jolts directly to my spine. Adam licked his lips, and I stared at the tongue that darted out, distracted for moment.

Sweet and earnestly, he tipped his head and took a breath. "You break down my walls with the strength of your love. I've never knew love, like I've known it with you..."

Adam's voice grew stronger with each breath, pouring emotion into the words and weaving in them his innermost feelings. I looked up at him breathlessly, feeling the words all the way to the tips of toes.

Adam winked at me, and finished off in a beautiful melody, "Your love I'll remember forever."

I raised my head and he met me halfway, as we fell into a kiss. His tongue ran across my lower lip and I granted him access to my mouth, our tongues seeking the other out in an electrifying exchange that set my nerves on fire, and warmed my body considerably. We broke away as air became a factor, and I grinned up at him broadly.

God. I loved him. I opened my mouth to tell him that. "Ian kissed me."

We both stilled and I closed my eyes, hanging my head. Oh fuck. Thanks mouth. I hadn't meant to tell him that. Well not yet. I was waiting till he stopped glowing. This was such a mood killer. I cracked open one eye feeling his body against mine, still as a statue. He stared at me. His hazel eyes were dark brown like color of his hair, and I swallowed at the swirling emotions that swam in his gaze.

"Explain," he said simply, his tone clipped and hard.

I swallowed watching as those eyes pinned me on the spot. I quickly summarized the events from earlier for him. As the tale unfolded his body began to shake, anger coursing through him. Adam clenched his fists and his jaw locked tight, as he glared into the distance. I trailed off slowly, finishing the story with careful deliberation. He wasn't mad at me. I knew it in my gut.

Sure enough, Adam faced me with narrowed eyes. "I'm going to kill him."

Uh oh.

"Hey now, think about the jail time..." I said cautiously.

I stuttered at the end of the sentence as pebbles rose from the ground, levitating straight up in the air. I looked around wildly as dirt, stone, and fallen debris lifted up. Adam breathed deeply, grinding his teeth together. He lifted up four inches off the ground. I gasped as I got a good look at his eyes. They were black like the night sky devoid of stars. No white appeared in either eye. Oh shit.

"You are mine," Adam growled, his voice deeper and ringing with an accent that I recognized instantly. Admerion. "No one touches you, beloved! No one!"

I swallowed as I realized that the tree branches were shaking now, as they swayed in an abrupt breeze that swept through the area. I held up my hands placating.

"Adam, please!" I shouted at him, my heart clenching tight. "I don't want you to do this. I hate his guts, but..."

"No!" Adam snapped, soaring higher into the air. "Sorry, love. But he has to know that he treaded on dangerous grounds touching you. I cannot let his act go unpunished."

He lifted higher in the air ready to fly toward the city. I closed my eyes, and gave myself over to the part of my soul that was older than the city below us. Instantly I heard a distant click. Inhaling deeply my eyes snapped open, and I was rocketing into the air after him a split second later. I slammed into the flying boy and we fell from the air like a comet. We crashed into the ground and skidded into the forest, throwing up dirt and stone in our path.

Adam snarled and flipped me over on my back. I twisted my arm, switched my grip, and flipped him back over. I climbed on top of him and straddled his waist.

"I will not allow you to harm him like this," I ordered, my voice ringing with the same accent as his. Prince Emrys was in the forefront of my conscious. "You must calm down!"

Black eyes flashed as he glared up at me. "You are protecting him?"

"I am protecting you!" I amended, pushing him down by his shoulders. "You will kill that human in your current state." I cocked my head, leaning in close so we were nose to nose. "Do you doubt my loyalty to you? Do you think I would betray our love?"

Adam gasped and his hands came up, gripping my waist instinctively. "No! Never!"

I could sense his control return as the anger drained from his eyes, returning to their normal hazel. Admerion and Emrys returned to their resting places, and we were wholly ourselves as he stared into each others eyes.

"Summers..." Adam started in a soft voice.

I half smiled at the affectionate use of my last name. Raising my hand, I stroked my thumb across his cheek and whispered, "Adam."

Adam's eyes fluttered closed as he turned his face into the touch. I brushed my fingertips across his neck and then tilted his chin up, and I reveled in the blissful look that painted his face. He opened his eyes and I was struck with an overwhelming desire that exploded inside me in a roar of primal feeling. I pressed my lips against his, feeling that soft and smooth mouth melt against mine. I grasped his arms as the desire abruptly became a consuming lust that sang through my veins. I pressed my body against his, chest to chest, wanting to feel as much of him as possible.

Adam moved his lips beneath mine, his kisses becoming shorter and quicker as his hands went to work. He curled one hand at the back of my neck possessively, and the other hand settled under the hem of my shirt. He grazed his fingers down my back, and I gasped as they dipped downward across the flesh of my ass.

"Baby..." I panted across his lips, staring at him dizzily.

He opened his eyes, staring up at me lustfully. "Maybe we should stop."

No. No. No. I shook my head wildly. I wrapped my hand in his hair, and I pressed our faces close together so our foreheads touched. I wanted him to see the seriousness in my eyes.

"Not tonight, baby," I whispered softly, running my tongue across his upper lip. "I want you. All of you."

"Are you saying?" Adam asked, his panting voice just as soft as mine.

I nodded and meant it. "Yeah. I'm ready. Are you?"

The look in his eyes that was tinged with lust also showcased the love he felt. And that love showed clearly as the stars above us, and the city lights below the mountains.

"I'm ready too," he answered huskily.

I grabbed him by the hand, and we couldn't help kissing as we headed back to the car. Our kisses were quick and fast, and we stumbled over rocks as we made our way through the dark. We came upon the Mustang and I watched shivering with anxious anticipation, as Adam spread a blanket across the backseat.

Adam stood up from his preparations and slipped his arms around my waist. "Is this okay?" he asked worriedly. "Our first time in my car..."

It was klassy with a k, but I didn't care. Not at the moment. I doubt I ever would. I wasn't some acne ridden girl on her prom night. I didn't need a hotel room or flowers, or roses, or proposals. I was gay, but I was still a guy. I had the man I loved, and that was enough for me. I grabbed his hand and squeezed.

He stroked his thumb across my wrist. "Chad?"

I stared at our joined hands for a moment, slowly blinking. I swallowed hard remembering this feeling, this moment, committing it to memory.

My heart fluttering, I gazed up at his worried face. "This is perfect." I brought our joined hands to my heart and caught my breath, dizzy. "This feeling in my heart makes everything so wonderful. You make this..." I trailed off, unable to finish my thought. I licked my lips and whispered thickly, "I love you."

Adam blushed, and then smiled giddily. "I love you, too, my princeling. My baby."

He smiled winningly, dipped his head and pulled me into a deep, wet kiss. I swooned on the spot like a southern girl with the vapors. Sound the trumpets, strumpets. This boy was finally about to give up his v card. And I wouldn't have it any other way. My knight in shining Armani was here, and he swept me off my feet.

I eased into the backseat stripping of our clothes as we went. I was scared and nervous. No, not nervous. Eager.

I bit my lower lip between my teeth, staring at Adam's tanned chest. It was broad and hairless, his nipples pink and formed over round hard pecs. He looked like some lost Greek god of body cologne. I licked my lips and put my hand against his chest, feeling his heart beat just as wildly as mine. Adam drank me up with his eyes, his desire and want mirroring mine.

"Baby, can I see it?" I asked, my fingertips resting against the waistband of his boxers.

Adam placed a kiss against my neck, murmuring into my ear. "Same time."

I slipped his boxers down and saw all of Adam for the first time. The perfect golden brown of his skin went unhindered from his hips, calves, those broad shoulders, to his firm chest. I stared at his erection. It was long and wide, less thick than my own but longer. It jutted out from sparse brown hair, maybe a little more than eight inches. Bigger than my own seven inches. I looked up at him and his hair fell across one side of his face, leaving half his face in shadow. I could feel his gaze on my groin taking in my naked boy.

"You're perfect," said Adam huskily.

His hand reached down and I groaned, arching into the strong hand that wrapped around my hardon like a velvet glove. I let my body move on its own, and my hands found his erection. His head fell between the space between my shoulder and neck, as I gripped him tight. I ran my fingers down the length and he hissed and breathed deep into my skin. I whimpered as electric pulses swept up and down my body, as he jerked me in time with my movements upon his flesh.

We kissed and the action sent my body falling full on his. I felt him hard and hot against me, as our bodies pressed together. I fell back against the blanketed seats. Our erections rubbed together and I whimpered and gasped, feelings new and foreign ignited my nerves into overdrive. I wrapped my legs around his waist, bucking against his dick that rubbed tantalizingly against me. He placed soft kisses down my neck, trailing between my collarbone, and then continued down till his breath ghosted across the head of my cock.

I squirmed wanting to escape the overwhelming feeling, but at the same time I jerked my hips up wanting more of the source. I met his eyes and they burned with fire, and then my eyes closed and I let out a strangled moan as he took me in his mouth. Warmth, tight, wet, hot. All these sensations encased my erection in a cocoon of sensation that had me arching my back and sent my mind into overdrive.

He sucked at me a little clumsily at first, but I didn't notice it till he found his groove and gained a rhythm, and then I noticed the difference. The sensations grew more intense, more powerful, as the suction increased, his tongue trailing across my skin, wet, and rough against my rod that begged for me of that heat, more of that suction.

I groaned in my throat, gripping his hair. "Adam..."

He sensed what I wanted and his mouth swallowed me again. He didn't take me to the base but halfway, and then a little more than halfway, but it was enough to send my body into delightful spasms that made me moan his name in a mantra.

I gripped him by the shoulders and pulled him back up to me. "Was that good?" He asked somewhat shyly.

I placed a soft kiss against his nose. "That was amazing. My turn now, bright eyes."

Adam slipped under me and I moved on top of him. I grabbed his cock at the base and let my hand fill with his round hardness. I swallowed, and jerked him and watched with a little awe as his body shook, rising a little off the seats. I slid a hand beneath the shaft, gripping his balls in one hand. With the other hand I stroked the thick velvet warmth of him. Then I lowered my head, taking him into my mouth slowly. It was my first time having a penis in my mouth, and it tasted like smooth skin, warm and heavy against my tongue.

I sucked at him taking a distinct pleasure at having his shuddering and shaking body being the result of my direct action. I gripped the base tightly and took in as much as possible, letting my tongue work at the skin as I sucked at the same time. I rose up on my knees glimpsing the ecstasy on his face, as the wetness from my mouth trailed down the shaft of his body.

I licked, sucked, pumped, and worked him with both mouth and hands. It was instinctive. Some primal part of me knew what to do, and knew what buttons to push to make him feel good. It wasn't Prince Emrys part of me, this was the human bit that was as natural as knowing how to breath, or cry out when in pain.

He moaned as I came off his meaty shaft, and I stroked him gently as I slithered up his body, trailing kisses along whatever skin I found on the way. I landed a kiss to his lips, and he slid his fingers through my hair, pulling me deeper into the kiss. I pulled back and looked into his dazed eyes.

"I want you to be inside of me," I said, softly.

His eyes widened, and he gripped my shoulders tight. "Are you sure? Isn't it supposed to hurt?"

That didn't matter to me. "I don't care about pain. I told you I wanted all of you and I meant it."

Adam flicked his gaze away, staring at a point over my shoulder and he muttered, "I don't want to hurt you."

I tilted his chin till he met my stare. I smiled at him, slowly. "I'm a wizard, baby. We have magic on our side. Pain has no place here tonight." I kissed his nose. "Our first time will be magical."

Adam saw I was serious and gave me a bright, glowy smile. "You are the champion of magic."

"And you're the champion of miracles," I countered, my heart leaping. "Let's do this."

I conjured a bottle of lubricant with barely a thought. Adam's mouth dropped and I smirked. I've been preparing that nifty little trick since the first month we started dating. I figured it would come in handy one day. It pays to have foresight. I was so not into using good old spit and force. This was not an episode of Oz.

Adam coated his fingers in the gel and slid a finger in me. It stole my breath as the digit squirmed in my insides, stretching me for what was to come. He watched me carefully, as he then slipped two fingers inside of me, searching. The fingers found that special spot and I gasped, as my dick and body jerked with sudden pleasure that washed away any discomfort or pain the invading digits brought.

"Is this okay?" asked Adam unsurely, rubbing my stomach with his free hand, and tracing lines across the abdominal muscles.

Panting, I looked up at him through half-laden eyes. "More than okay. Do it now. Please, baby."

He slid his fingers out from inside me, and said, "Whatever my baby wants."

Grabbing the lube, he smeared it across his dick and I bit my lip. We should technically be using condoms, but we were as safe as we could be. Two virgins, two Chosen, two soul mates... there was no disease on Earth that could hope to touch us. I met those hazel eyes that had darkened to a warm green. I held that stare, spreading my legs as he settled between my thighs. I raised my legs and draped them over his shoulders, and he bent forward pressing his lips to mine, warm and gentle, massaging and caressing.

He pressed the head of his cock against my prepared hole and I swallowed heavily, gazing into his fervent, loving eyes. He smiled at me, reassuring, and the expression transformed his face into something serenely beautiful.

Slowly, he pressed forward and I sucked in my breath as his cock slid into me. I nodded at his conflicted face as he saw the grimace on mine. The magic in my body reacted and got feverishly hot, as more of him slid into me. The pain was washed away in an abrupt flood of heat and pleasure. My power gripped me tight and I rode that wave of pleasure. It reached out and touched Adam, wrapping him up in the wave. He gasped sharply and looked at me with wonder.

"You are a god," he whispered amazed, his cheeks flushed with pure pleasure.

I winked at him, shuddering as more of him slid into me. "Not quite."

He slowly slid inside me, and it was tight and I could feel every inch of him working its way inside of me. God, he was big. I didn't think it would ever end, and then finally I felt the hilt of him. He stared down at me, and licked his lips. His eyes were such a beautiful green that reminded me of the forest, and the fresh grown grass. They were bright against the tan of his face, and he bent over and laid a soft kiss on my lips.

He worked in and out, once, twice, three times, gently, as if unsure he would break me. I arched against him, bucking back, and he finally caught on. I wouldn't break. My power gripped us tight, and he moaned loudly at the waves of pleasure that was amplified and doubled back onto to us, in a feedback loop of pure sensation.

Adam's hips caught the rhythm and he started to work into me with sure and long strokes that had me seeing stars. Each steady thrust sent spots flashing behind my eyelids, and I called his name.

His own voice, cracking and breaking, as moan after moan was drawn from his throat, met my voice. "I love you," he whispered, breathy and deep. He clutched my shoulders tight, as he continued moving inside of me. "I love you so much."

I moaned as he hit that spot again, and said, "Love you...always..."

I slid my hands to his ass, cupping those round orbs hard while he pushed himself inside me. My eyes slipped closed as I drowned under the current of bliss. I've never felt anything like this and I don't think I ever would with anyone else. I dug my fingernails into the skin that rested beneath my palms. He bent his head and sucked a wet patch on my neck, pumping faster, harder.

I raised my hips to meet his thrust, gasping and whimpering under the heat, the power, which blanketed us as my magic spurned on our union. I watched his face, enjoying the rapturous ecstasy that matched my own. Adam met my eyes, and laid a gentle kiss on my lips.

Adam rested his forehead on mine and his hair tickled my face. He kissed me once more, fiercely, loving and said into my mouth, "Mine."

I kissed him back with the same intensity, repeating his claim. "Yours."

Something opened inside of me, inside of him. I screamed feeling that tie in my chest, binding us together as soul mates, thrum and glow. It opened more like a door and what came out of it was a rush of staggering, scorching, and stellar light. We both threw back our heads and screamed as the force opened its mouth and swallowed us whole. It wrapped us tight, warm and familiar, like an old friend.

Not like an old friend, a lover. The tie between us grew tight and a presence settled in my heart next to the part of my soul that was Emrys. A part of Adam and a part of me moved between us, and the link shined like the light of the sun as our bond solidified and completed with the joining of our bodies. With the strengthened link between us his thrusting felt deeper, more amazing, more pleasurable. Adam's hands gripped my waist possessively, and his smiling eyes watched me with unbridled heat.

"I'm so close," he said, breathy.

I clenched his wrists, struggling to find my voice under the rolling pleasure. "Together."

Adam nodded jerkily as his pumps got longer, faster and I whimpered as my body bucked and jerked under his. And suddenly there were no more words, only us. Only his body and mine, together, joined. The orgasm tightened my body like a coiled spring. Then it spread outward and my cock jerked by itself, as cum spewed forth in thick long ropes. I rode that wave of pleasure, gasping.

Then Adam stilled, his breath quickened as if shocked and then he groaned, loud and long. He thrust deep into me and I felt his cock swell and I was filled with his seed. Adam collapsed on top of me, his body falling full against mine. I wrapped my arms around his waist, and shivered as his breath whispered across the flesh of my neck.

"I love you. Chad. I love you."

I pressed a kiss to the side of his head, against his hair that was slick with sweat. "I love you too."

Adam picked himself up, propping himself up with his arms. He smiled down at me, lazily. "I... That was amazing..." He grabbed my hand and pressed it against his chest, his face transforming with wonder. "I can feel you...right here next to my heart."

"The Dragons Tie," I explained, remembering from Atlantis. "Our souls are linked closer than ever. We were joined like this in our last lives too." I beamed at him, brightly. "Now we're complete again."

The smile on his face matched my own, and his eyes stared at me, bright and glowing. "I remember... In the eyes of Atlantis we would be considered just as good as married."

Certain I was blushing, I looked down quickly as my heart skipped. "Are you okay with-"

"I love you, my husband," said Adam cutting me off, placing a warm hand against my cheek.

"My husband," I exhaled softly, testing the words.

It sounded so right. We weren't official to the eyes of the law, but in terms of the laws of the universe and our people we were one. Those gentle hazel eyes watched me, and Adam beamed under the light that shined from my stare that communicated all my feelings through to him. I lay back getting comfortable, feeling his reassuring weight press against me. My grip around him tightened and my breath eased out slowly, as our actions caught up to our bodies.

"Love?" asked Adam softly, his words tickling my earlobe.

I placed a trail of kisses to his ear and whispered, "Yeah, baby?"

He moved and looked at me with through his eyelashes, shy and sweet. "Next time can I be on the bottom."

My heart swelled in my chest, threatening to burst. "Oh, yeah."

I glanced at the clock of the dashboard and it was nearing three in the morning. We had been going at it for almost four hours. It was a wonder we hadn't passed out by now. My baby, the energizer bunny. I closed my eyes and surrendered to sleep that hovered just on the edges of thought.

I was dreaming again.

Voices filled the air, laughing and childishly light. I looked around. I was in a classroom. Windows lined the walls letting in warm sunshine onto the tables lined in two neat columns, one behind the other. I remembered this room. In fact a few of the chubby, young faces looked familiar. Two in particular were very familiar. A smile crossed my face as I gazed at the younger version of Kevin and myself. We were about seven if I remembered right. We sure looked it.

"He-Man is not stupid!" whined the child version of myself, clutching a He- Man toy to his chest.

I smiled softly, remembering.

Kevin looked up at his friend, stopping his coloring with childish concentration.

"He doesn't even wear real clothes," countered Kevin, his young voice made me snicker. "So he's stupid,..." he appeared to think hard and finished with a smug smirk, "Stupid!"

Child Chad glared at him, throwing up his nose. "Well Batman is stupid too then! He doesn't even have any real powers."

"Take that back!" cried Kevin, pointing at his best friend outraged. He pouted cutely, crossing his arms. "You're a monster."

My younger self frowned at him, brow furrowed in confusion. "I am not."

I laughed quietly. I hadn't quite mastered the art of comebacks then. Give it a year and it would be a different story.

"Fine," Kevin huffed, still pouting. "You're not a monster. But He-Man is still stupid."

Younger Chad punched him in the arm and ran off with tears in his eyes. Kevin watched him go with his mouth open and eyes wide, shocked. I winced. Kevin didn't realize at the time, neither did I really, but I didn't just like He-Man. I really liked him, wanted to bear his children-like. Adam closed his mouth and a contemplative frown marred his face, as he stared after me thoughtfully. I cocked my head at the scene. Impossible. Did he figure it out then?

Light bled from the room like the eclipsing of the sun, and I looked around as the classroom faded about me. Only Kevin, me, and the table he sat at existed in the darkening environment. I stepped closer and the boy snapped his head up, staring at me for the first time. His brown eyes were dark, and within those orbs was a serious wisdom that shouldn't exist on his face.

I glanced down at the papers on the table. Kevin flipped over two of the sheets revealing his drawings from earlier. He gazed up at me and slid the papers to the edge of the table.

"Love," he intoned quietly, running his small finger along the top of his drawing. It was a large heart, colored in with bright red crayon. "is this what matters most?"

My mouth went dry and I felt the heartbeat in my chest in a distant echo. He watched me carefully, his heavy gaze weighing me. I swallowed and he pushed the other paper forward. Black lines zagged across the paper, dotted by yellow spots, and amongst the sea of space hung a crude depiction of the Earth as if drawn by a child. I suppose it was.

Kevin eyes narrowed, judging. "The universe - All those lives. One against countless others. What matters most?"

"Why do I have to make this decision?" I spat, frustrated with all of it.

"Magic is the blood of the universe," said Kevin stoically. "You are its avatar, its child. When the time comes you must make the choice. You must choose."

"Or what? From the Void, it rests, it comes, it conquers," I snapped back, glaring.

Little Kevin was unfazed by how much the situation was angering me. He only blinked and continued looking at me with that expressionless face that was totally unlike the Kevin I knew.

"It will come," said Kevin, staring hard into my eyes. "And it will eat you alive."

My shoulders slumped, the anger draining from me as I said quietly, "It's too much. We have to stop him, and we have to prevent Heaven's Trumpet from activating."

Kevin stood and his arm whipped out and caught my wrist in surprisingly strong grip. I tried to jerk away but he held tight, staring up at me with his penetrating, serious honey brown eyes.

"Remember," he said sharply. "Blood, blood, blood, blood. One, two, four, all into two, back into one."

I found some hidden strength and jerked my hand away. "I don't know what that means!"

Darkness overcame my vision and the classroom faded from sight. I fell through a sea of black, and I heard Kevin's young yet wise voice penetrate the black, as it echoed in my mind.

"You will."

An odd ringing sound broke through the fog of sleep and I jolted awake. Adam made a sound of protest as I moved over his body to grab the ringing phone that lay almost under the passenger seat. My jostling awakened him fully and he yawned loudly, moving around to give me some room. I squinted at the rays of sunlight streaming in through the windows and flipped open the phone.

Nathaniel's face appeared in the screen, a cut on his forehead, and his face was full of panic.

"Thank God, I got through," said Nathaniel quickly. "I've already contacted the others."

Adam looked over my shoulder, gripping me tight with worry. "Nathaniel what's going?"

The ground behind him rocked and he staggered back. He grabbed onto a console and stared at the screen his mouth fixed into a stern frown.

"The outpost is being attacked," said Nathaniel. "They're swarming the grounds... They found us. The Unrelenting...they're here."

Adam and I shared a look, and I nodded sharply. "We're on our way."

Here we go.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • This was a long one. I couldn't bear to split it up. Only five more chapters to go till the end of Heaven's Trumpet. The boys finally did the deed, so yay for some sexing. It's about time, huh? It's the end of the world, they deserve it.

As always you can email me at Batmanhater@aol.com. Or you can drop a line at the discussion board about whatever you like or the story. It's really easy, no sign up or anything required: http://www.quicktopic.com/39/H/fXmyJ3NcYt7Z