As I promised, you have the sequel here! I published the new story quickly as I had in mind the first chapter that is a little introduction that will help to introduce the main plot. Don't expect big things about it... anyway I hope you enjoy it!

'Protect her... Protect her...' – whispered a voice inside my head as I ran with all my heart through the long bridge that was suspended in the sky. I didn't know how long I was running but I had to find her before my enemies could reach her. I had to keep her safe. I looked back and saw that my enemies were approaching. Damn...I couldn't fight them, they were too many. All I could do was run... and find her. I kept running and I saw a figure at the end. I tried to discover who it was and then my eyes widened.

'ELIZABETH!' - I ran as fast as I could and I approached to her who wasn't looking at me. Finally I found her... I had to put her safe... I had... Suddenly I heard a shot behind me and the bullet passed close to my head. I watched with wide eyes as the bullet moved forward and... - 'No… NO! ELIZABETH, CAREFUL!'

Too late. The bullet hit his back and she fell to the ground. I ran to Elizabeth desperately and knelt beside her. A pool of blood had begun to form under her body and panic invaded me. I took her in my arms and when I turned her, saw her eyes empty, lifeless.

'N-no... no... Please, don't die...' - I muttered crying.

'I'm disappointed, Marc.' - I looked up and saw Ethan ... and his look was pure disappointment. - 'You really disappoint me. You just had one mission.'

'I-I've tried! I was about to reach her...'- I tried to say. Ethan kept repeating that I had disappointed him over and over again and I covered my ears. My head was going to explode... He had to stop...

'Stop... STOP!'

I woke up abruptly and looked around nervously. I was in my room... they were no enemies, nor Ethan and Elizabeth. It was only a nightmare... another one. I ran a hand over my face and noticed I was covered in cold sweat. I tried to calm my breathing and lied again on the bed.

Since my adventure in Columbia ended and I had returned to home, I started having nightmares. All them about what I suffered... and what I had done. It had been 2 years and since that day, sleep has been really difficult. Rarely I've been able to spend a night in peace and was very hard... My mother, the only one who was aware of what I had suffered, suggested that maybe I should talk with my dad or a psychologist but I refused. I didn't want to go through therapy, antidepressants and sleeping pills... I prefer be buried at sea than suffer all that again. I took the key of Elizabeth's tower that was in the nightstand and turned it between my fingers, sawing the two drawings. It was the only thing that helped me to keep a minimal hope that someday I'll see her again... but too much time had passed.

I saw that the light of the sun was starting to enter through the window and decided to get up. I needed a boxing session in the gym and use all my energy for a while. I went to the bathroom which was next to my room and washed my face. When I looked in the mirror, gave a long sigh. My hair had grown and now it was a blond tangled mass. I also had thin stubble but I was too lazy to shave it. Well, I was too lazy to fix my appearance. There were small dark circles under my eyes, reflection of the nightmares that I had suffered almost every night. I left the bathroom and went downstairs to the kitchen, where my mother was preparing breakfast.

'Good morning.' - Said with a warm smile while preparing coffee. She had light brown hair and green eyes (I inherited them), and I wasn't lying when I say she was the best mother in the world. With all what happened to me, although it sounded impossible, she always had been supporting me.

'Morning...' - I said softly and gave a long yawn as I sat at the table.

'You had another nightmare, right?' – she asked worriedly and gave a long sigh. - 'Maurice, I'm not kidding. You should talk to your father. '

'If I talk with him, he'll send me directly to a psychologist and I won't go through that again.'

'It's been two years and since Eth... since he's not here, I haven't see you so bad.'

'I know, I just... need more time.' - I said wearily and my mother gave me a cup of coffee with some toasts.

'You say that every time I mention this and, again, it's been two years. At least since you started the boxing lessons with Pierre, seems you have improved a little.'

'Therefore I'll go straight to the gym as soon as I finish breakfast.'

'With this cold?' - said raising an eyebrow.

"We are at -10 degrees. That's 11 degrees more than yesterday.'- said shrugging and my mother sighed.

'Wrap up well. I don't want you to catch a cold.'

'I'm 21 years old. I know very well what I have to do.'- replied a little annoyed and my mother let out a small laugh.

'It was a joke, silly.' - gave me a kiss on the cheek and went to the sink to wash dishes. This time I sighed and I finished my breakfast.

'All right. We finished for today.'- said Pierre as dried the sweat with a towel. He was a good friend of my father and he was a boxer. Knowing that and my problems for sleep, I asked if I could train with him. That could help to use all my energy and maybe the fatigue would help me to sleep better... maybe.

'Can I have some more training?' - I asked as I recovered my breath. The exercise was the only thing that could help me to feel good.

'Sure. You can use one of the bags. Now if you excuse me, I have a few matters to attend to.'

'Sure.' - He gave me a pat on the back and jumped down of the ring to leave the room. I also got out of the ring and walked to the farthest bag. After a nice drink of water, I focused on my particular opponent. First I gave a few punches and then did a little pause. I repeated the same action several times and then I ignored what was happening around me. My punches became faster and the pauses were shorter. In my mind I began to have flashes of my many battles in Columbia and a strange rage began to invade me. I started to throw punches without pauses and I felt I became stronger and more lethal, to the point that it seemed was going to break. But I didn't care. I had to take down my enemies... I had...

'MARC!' - someone pushed me back and saw it was Pierre.

'W-what?'

'Are you okay?' - asked me... with fear?

'Yeah.'

'You sure? You almost break the bag with your punches' - said shocked. Then I looked around and realized that everyone was looking at me.

'I-I'm sorry.' - I hastened to apologize and then Pierre noticed the others.

'You can to return to your activities! NOW!' - Said as he led me to the locker room. - 'Hey, don't worry about it. It just surprised me... well, the way you were hitting the sack wasn't normal. It was almost like you were trying to kill it.'

'I was a little out of control… I've had some very bad days.' - said crestfallen.

'You know? I think I should put you in a tournament. With the way you were punching, you would defeat all your opponents.' - said laughing. I knew he was trying to downplay what happened and also was trying to cheer me.

'I appreciate your confidence on me but I think I don't want any tournament.' - said with a smile. He laughed and gave me several pats on the shoulder.

'Rest for today, Marc. Tomorrow... well, the next day we will begin a new year. The gym won't open so rest and have fun.'

'Of course.' - said smiling but I didn't like the idea of having so much rest. After having a good shower and wear three layers of clothes on, walked back to home. It wasn't snowing but the cold was intense and put my wool cap on my head until it covered my ears. On the street were very few people (not to tell anyone) and only a few brave had left but some were driving and others were waiting for the bus or went to the subway. Generally, everyone was trying to avoid the cold at all costs. I took a shaky breath and snuggled in my own coat. I came to a crosswalk with a traffic light and waited for this to allow me to pass. As the cars passed, I looked around and saw a park. It was quiet, snowy, and also would be empty if it wasn't for a couple who was there. I noticed them because they were motionless... and had the feeling I was being watched. I tried to see who they were but I was too far away to see. Then I noticed that my phone was vibrating and hurried to respond the call but still looking the couple.

'Hello?'

'Hey Marki!' - gave a sigh after hearin that greeting.

'Dan, how many times I have to tell you to not to call me Marki?'

'You don't want mom to call you Maurice and don't want me to call you Marki... Man, you don't like anything!' - said trying to seem annoyed but he was having fun. Daniel always was in good mood… sometimes too much.

'What do you want?'

'Hey, I have a favor to ask. When I have one of these weeks off, I'll return to Montreal to participate in a practice match with some children and will do some activities to show a few them tips. Would you like to participate as an instructor?'- I smiled at that. Daniel always tried to in activities activities focused on children. He loved to teach them tricks and play with them. He learned that very well from Ethan...

'Sure. But you have to tell me the exact day so I can make plans. You know, because of studies and other things.'- I said as I walked down the street after the traffic light allowed me to pass. As I approached to the park, I focused more on the odd couple.

'Sure. Hey, yesterday happened something great. In the game we... '- as I was getting closer to the park, I could see better the couple and... No way, it was impossible… I blinked several times but the couple was gone. I had to go over there and check that I hadn't imagined. - 'Marc? You're listening to me?'

'Huh... I have to go. We will talk about it later.'- said as I hurried across the street to the park.

'Oh, okay. Is something wrong?'- he asked doubtfully.

'Nop, nothing serious. I'll call you later. And don't get in trouble!'- added with a warning tone and I heard Daniel let out a long sigh.

'Ooookay. I know.'-. Said something exasperated and said goodbye. After saving the phone, ran to the park and looked for the place where the couple was. Upon arrival, I looked around but saw no one.

'Where...?'

'It's been awhile...' '...since the last time we met.' - Only two people I know were able to synchronize perfectly to talk in that way. I turned and there they were.

'Lutece...' - I called in shock. They hadn't changed anything except the clothes in which both wore a coat to cover from the cold.

'We were aware of the extreme temperatures of this city.' 'However, this cold is quite unexpected...' - added Rosalind thoughtfully and saw her trembling.

'Why have you come? Where's Elizabeth?'- I asked them quickly.

'About her we've come to talk.' 'First, yes. She's alive.'- Although I sensed it, gave a long sigh of relief. She was alive... thank god.

'Where is she?'

'That part is more... complicated.' 'There's a huge probability she's in serious danger.' - I didn't like that.

'What do you mean? Is she okay?'

'For now, yes but the mission she has set to herself...' '...can lead her to a fatal end.' 'Unless that end is avoided in time, of course.' - When I heard that, I knew why they had come.

'You want me to be the one who changes it.'

'You're the only one who can make her reason.' 'Or protect or keep her alive in case the mission is continued.' 'Any option can work.'

'Yeah...' – said while thinking about all the information. I don't know what kind of mission she was involved... but I had to protect her. - 'I wanna go. But first... my family...'

'We know that your mother knows what happened.' 'Maybe we can help with that.'

'Hey, wait. What you refer to-' - then blinked and in a single second, they were gone. I cursed and started to move to get home. If they were going to talk to her... not that they were going to hurt her, but I wasn't sure how my mother would react. I tried to move faster but the cold forced me to go slower and cursed. Why did they have to appear in winter? Damn it...

When I got home, I dropped the gym bag and started to rub my hands without taking off the gloves. I was so cold... When I entered to the living room, I saw my mother sitting on the couch but the Lutece weren't anywhere. Had I come before them or what…?

'Mom?' - When she looked up, after seeing her expression I knew Lutece had been here. - 'Are you okay?'

'Marc, sit. We need to talk.'- said seriously and I took a deep breath. Now she was going to start tell me what I should do, and I had to make her reason. I had to go wherever Elizabeth was and make sure she didn't get into any trouble.

'I guess you talked with certain couple...' - I said as I sat next to her. She was going to say something but I talked before. - 'Mom, I have to go. Elizabeth is in danger and I-'

'I know... and I won't stop you.' - said after giving a sigh and I looked surprised.

'Really? Don't you... try to convince me to not go?'

'Maurice, there's something I must tell you. When you explained me all that happened to you in that city, Columbia, I didn't believe you...'- said guiltily. Although I should feel a little angry, I couldn't blame her. - 'I thought you told me that to hide something really bad or you had directly gone crazy... I couldn't believe even seeing those old weapons you showed me. But when these twins have appeared and told me all that... I realized it was all true. I'm sorry...'

'Okay. In fact since I surprise that you had taken all that so well.'- said trying to cheer her. Then she took my hand and looked me straight in the eyes.

'Marc, about Elizabeth... you love her, right?'

'More than you can imagine.' - Said with a sigh. - 'When she sent me away, I almost felt like when Ethan... well, that.'

'Then I can't stop you. When it comes to the person you love, you're the one who must decide what to do.'- said solemnly and I looked at her amazed. I felt a strong urge to hug her. - 'All I ask of you... is that return. Please.'

'I promise.' - said with a smile and hugged her. Have I said she is the best mother in the world? - 'And I want to ask you one thing.'

'What?' - asked me looking at me curious.

'Don't call me Maurice. You know I hate they call me for that name.'- said a little annoyed. She looked at me raising an eyebrow and crossed her arms.

'We put you that name when you were born and I love it. I'm not going to call you for a different name.'

'Mom...' - complained. She let out a laugh and I ruffled my hair.

'Don't be a whiner.' - Then she picked a card and handed it to me. - 'Those Lutece gave me this for you.'

'Hey, what shall we do with dad, Daniel and Juliet?' - I asked as I opened the letter.

'Juliet is still small to understand the adults.' - said with a sweet smile. - 'Daniel has to play a game tomorrow and will have to celebrate New Year's Eve in Halifax so won't find out. As for dad... I'll think of something.'

'Okay...' - I said something thoughtful.

'I'm going to do some cooking.' - said as she stood up but then stopped her taking her hand.

'Mom... thanks.' - I said very grateful. Again, she is the best mother in the world. She smiled sweetly and kissed me on the forehead.

'You know you always have my support.'

I smiled and saw her going into the kitchen. Then I looked at the letter and read it.

'Dear Mr. Clark,

Whether your family lets you or not to attend the "new" mission, the place to meet is the same where everything started the last time.

Sincerely,

R & R Lutece.'

The same place where all began... I remembered it was near the river St. Laurent and... Okay, I knew where they meant. I grabbed my gym bag and went to my room. When I opened the door, the Lutece were there.

'What a surprise...' - I said nonchalantly. - 'Have you forgotten something?'

'There is still a question to be resolved.' 'One detail that you've tried to figure out a long time ago.'

'What do you mean...' - I stopped to think for a moment and then I knew what they meant. - "Why Elizabeth hasn't come to me?'

'We could say that the door was locked.' - Robert said. Here we come with the doors and the tears…

'Locked? But when we destroyed the siphon, she could use all her power.'

'True, but that doesn't prevent a major factor.' 'When the subject experiences strong emotions...' '...her power may experience some alterations.'

'You mean that our separation affected her power?'

'Exactly.' 'She tried, but she couldn't find the right door.' 'Even though you have the key.' - Took the key from my pocket and watched it.

'This was what connected me to her...'

'If this helps you, she has tried to reach you several times.' 'In fact she's still trying.' 'It will be a surprise for her to see that she did it...' '...but with the opposite way.'

'Well, that's better than we never met.' - said keeping the key. - 'Why didn't you came before and told me?'

'We didn't believe it was the appropriate moment.' - that made me angry.

'I've spent two years trying to convince myself that she wasn't dead. If you had told me, I wouldn't have suffered so much.'

'She was too focused on her own mission.' 'We had to wait for the right time to not break the circle improperly.'

'I don't know what you are talking about and I don't care.' - I muttered rubbing my eyes. - 'Is there a specific time when I have to go to the "place" tomorrow?'

'When you feel ready.' - After that, when I looked at them, they were gone.

'Yeah...'

After that chat, I took off my winter clothes and lie down on the bed. I went to get the key and turned it in my hand. It was all I had that was linked to her... and finally I was going to meet her. After so long, the only wish I had had since that nightmare ended was going to be true... I didn't care if I was going to get into another nonsense war. As I had always done, I would protect her with my life and keep her safe at all costs.

A few details that I'd like to comment:

- Aynone noticed when Marc said he'd prefer be buried at sea than go to a psychologist? Yup *wink wink*

- As you have seen, now he is boxing. If you remember in my other history, he played hockey in the past and maybe he could have returned to it... but Ethan's dead provoked him a trauma so that's why he doesn't return to that sport.

I hope you liked it. Now I'm going to work with the next chapter... See you!