A/N – Thanks for the comments! There weren't many responses so I'm not sure how to take that but I'll continue. * Guest – I'll have to check out the cat story!

Chapter 2 - Acclimating

Liz looked over at Jason. "I hope you'll be comfortable here." She said softly. "I know it's a bit garish but I tried to tone it down a little. I prefer a more homely décor."

Jason smirked. "It's okay in a gothic Cassadine kind of way."

Liz laughed. "Helena is a bit dramatic for my tastes. But, I understand the comparison."

Jason followed her up a staircase even her laugh was musical and comforting.

"Do you sleep?" He asked curiously.

"Yes, but I probably require less than the average human."

"I don't get many hours of sleep either."

They walked down a long hallway and then she stopped. "This is my room in case you need anything. Yours is next door." She said before walking on.

She opened the next door and waved her hand and the room lit up. "The light switch is here." She said pointing. "I hope it's to your liking."

He looked around and smirked. It was definitely him. The room was simply decorated. There was a large bed and she pointed to the bathroom.

"Keep the windows closed at night." She said softly almost giving him the chills. "You may go onto the balcony, I've protected it."

The inference that it was dangerous for him to be there made his adrenaline pump. He followed her over to a chaise lounge chair near the window and they sat.

"We must discuss something rather important." She said before looking up at him; intrigued when she saw his cerulean blue eyes slightly darken.

"Go on."

"Perhaps you've wondered how you will be able to hold up against the undead."

Jason smirked. "The thought had crossed my mind." He was strong but even he knew he was no match for supernatural powers.

"There is a potion you could take that would mimic their strength."

She watched his jaw clench. "I wouldn't hurt you Jason." She said unconsciously reaching out to touch his arm.

Jason immediately felt a sense calm at her gentle touch which surprised him.

"But…" She said before wrenching her eyes away from his.

"What is it?"

"It can't be reversed." She said softly.

Jason sighed. "Is it the only way?" He wasn't sure why being strong would be a bad thing.

Her gaze found his again. "Yes, it is the only way you'll be able to fight and survive."

"So, this potion would it make me feel invincible?" He asked trying to figure it all out.

"Well, I guess you would as a result. Once you partake of it, you would be extremely strong. You would have to learn how to control it in order to function in daily life. But from what I sense of you, control is something you are used to harnessing." She said knowingly.

"You would be right."

"It will probably hurt as your body absorbs it. But, I'd try to make it as comfortable as I possibly can. There's no way for me to predict how you will react though."

Jason cleared his throat. "When do you want to do it?"

"We could do it now if you are willing. It will give your body time to recover overnight."

She realized her hand was still on his arm and she slowly pulled it back not wanting to influence his decision.

"Do you have this power over all humans?" Jason asked curiously. It wasn't lost on him what her touch did to him. It was like he could feel her in every pore.

"I am a witch and a healer but I will not lie. We seem to have a connection that I cannot explain."

They stared at each other for a long moment before Jax appeared in the doorway. "What has he decided?"

Jason looked up at him. "I will drink the potion tonight."

Jax smirked. "Can I watch?"

Liz rolled her eyes. "That is up to Jason."

Jason shrugged. "I guess I don't care."

Liz stood. "I will go start to prepare. We'll begin when Francis gets back."

Jax stepped back so she could move out of the room and then he walked towards Jason. "I know you have questions. I could sense your apprehension."

Jason looked at him curiously. "And you're willing to give me the answers?"

"Some. I am a vampire along with my brother Jerry. I met Elizabeth a long time ago and we have remained friends and allies."

"Am I a temptation for you?"

Jax smirked. "I have already fed so no, you are safe. And I'm sure Elizabeth will make us drink one of her potions just to make sure."

"Is Elizabeth also a target?" He asked curiously.

Jax nodded. "Yes. She is a rarity in our realm. If one could control her then her powers could be used to do very bad things."

Jerry walked into the room and eyed Jason as he walked forward. Laying his cards on the table he said, "I've watched the both of you and your presence gives me pause."

"Why?" Jason asked.

"Because you will make her weak." Jerry said angrily. He could already tell that they were bonded and it angered him in more ways than one.

"I don't agree brother. I have studied the prophecy. If their connection continues to grow, it might be the one thing that can defeat them all."

Jerry rolled his eyes. "All of that is conjecture at this point. If she is distracted by him, we could lose everything."

They would all probably be hunted and killed if they managed to escape.

"You need to have more faith in Elizabeth." Jax said quietly.

Jerry bristled at the thought that his brother didn't think he believed in her, but instead of correcting him, he decided they could have the rest of the conversation in private. "I guess we shall see won't we?"

He quickly moved out of the room.

"Why doesn't he like me? He's very protective of her." Jason said quietly. "Is he in love with her?"

Jax smiled at Jason's observations. "We're all a little bit in love with Elizabeth. How can you not be?"

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Francis walked Lila into the mansion and handed her a card. "Call me when you have collected the items and I'll come retrieve them."

Lila nodded. "They are already connecting aren't they?"

Francis sighed. "Yes."

Lila smiled. Even though it would be unconventional, she really liked Elizabeth and Jason's curiosity regarding the beautiful witch was not lost on her. "Don't fret Francis, you will not lose her."

"I'm just worried."

"Does her sadness have something to do with your concern?" She asked as she sat down.

"Elizabeth has been lonely for a long time. She has put everything and everyone before her own needs. I do not wish that she be hurt." Francis said sitting down across from her.

Lila could tell how much Francis revered his sister. "Are there more of your kind?"

Francis looked at her with surprise. "You know?"

"I sensed it." She said smiling not even knowing how she did.

Francis slightly smiled at her immediate accepting of him. "Yes, there are and they will be coming to help."

"Good because I really want to make sure that she is protected fully." Lila said softly. She knew Elizabeth was special and wanted to see that no harm would find her.

"We will do everything we can to make sure she is safe. You know that you can't stay here for the battle right?"

Lila sighed. "Yes, I understand. Nikolas has made arrangements for us."

Francis really didn't like Nikolas but it was better that he was a friend instead of a foe. Jason was already going to freak when he found out how close he was to Emily. "I'm glad that you will be safe."

"You're a good man Francis."

He stood up.

"I know you're disagreeing with me from the look in your eyes but just your devotion to your sister shows me what kind of person you are."

Francis smiled. "While I feel unworthy of your praise, I appreciate your kind words."

Lila nodded and watched him walk out. She had no fear of Francis or Elizabeth but she knew that evil was coming. She felt it in her bones.

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Francis walked into the Towers and Shawn walked towards him. "Are you Francis?"

He nodded.

"Follow me."

They walked into an elevator and then exited on the penthouse floor.

Shawn held his hand up. "Lean your hands against the wall please."

"I carry no weapons."

"I have to follow protocol." Shawn patted him down. "Sorry about that."

Francis didn't reply. He walked inside and immediately was met with a bunch of people yelling at him. Looking around the room he wondered how Jason could stand the screeching.

Sonny whistled and everyone stopped. "Where's Jason?" He asked folding his arms across his chest.

"I cannot divulge that. If Jason wants you to know where he is then he will tell you."

Sonny stood up. "We have ways of making you talk."

"Oh but not here. I'm a little squeamish." Maxie said making a face.

"You could try but then that would just piss me and Jason off." Francis said impatiently.

Carly stood up. "I am Jason's best friend. He would want me to know."

"Funny, he has never mentioned you." Francis said staring her down immediately making Carly sit down on the couch.

Sam snorted.

"And who are you?" Francis asked her.

"I work with Spinelli. I'm a friend." She said smiling.

Francis rolled his eyes. He knew what Sam was all about and being friends was the last thing she wanted from Jason.

Milo walked up to him. "Here's his things."

"Thanks."

Shawn opened the door. "I'll take you back down."

They could hear everyone start yelling again as the door closed and they both shook their heads.

"How does he stand them?" Francis asked.

Shawn chuckled. "He avoids them as much as he can."

They got on.

"Are you fighting with us or against us?" Francis asked Shawn.

Shawn smiled. He wondered if Francis knew what he was. "With. My loyalty is to Jason regardless of the enemy. Besides, I'll rather enjoy tearing apart some blood suckers."

Francis rolled his eyes. "Some of my best friends are blood suckers."

Shawn laughed. "I think this is the strangest conversation I've ever had."

Francis smiled. "I'll send for you in a few days.

"There are others you know." Shawn said quietly.

"Willing to fight alongside vampires?"

Shawn grimaced. "Yes."

"Then you will deliver the message to them as to when we fight. Only you will be allowed in the castle."

"I will make it clear to them."

The doors opened. "I'll be in touch." Francis said leaving. Having more Lycans on their side would be an advantage. They were exceptionally good hunters and very protective.

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Emily gazed out over the water as she stood on a parapet at Windemere.

"Are you cold?" Nikolas asked coming up behind her.

She turned and smiled. "No, I'm fine. Dinner was delicious Nikolas."

"I'll be sure to tell the cook." He said smiling. His cook didn't get much opportunity to actually cook. He was more there for show most of the time unless Stefan was visiting.

Emily sighed. Nikolas was so dreamy. There was just something about him that called to her and she didn't know why. But, she loved getting lost in his eyes.

"I'm excited about the ball. We need to decide on our costumes."

Emily smiled. "I was thinking that given where you lived, you'd make an excellent vampire."

Nikolas grinned. "Really?"

She nodded.

"And who would you be?"

"You're victim of course." She said laughing.

Nikolas smirked at the irony. "Afterwards, a friend invited me to see his mansion up in the hills. Would you agree to accompany me?"

"Of course, is he married?"

"No, but there will be some other friends there as well. I'm sure you'll be comfortable."

Emily smiled. "I can't wait to meet them."

He ushered her back inside so she wouldn't get a chill. Being around her was hard for him because he was so attracted to her. But, he knew that he needed to focus on her protection. There were eyes everywhere and Emily was far too important to lose sight of.