Chapter Eight

The Council's Court Room

Katrina was resting while her power restored itself, gazing at Faith. She hadn't said anything but was waiting for Faith to say something when an over-due and very welcome voice vibrated in her head. Tom, beloved! she called. Thank Bast you're alive and awake! She wanted to be with him as soon as possible but could not leave Faith yet.

Beloved, do you know where you are? What section of the room you're in? I have just finished healing Faith. She was in extremely bad condition. How are you? She hoped and prayed that the healing she had managed to get done on him had helped him to make a complete recovery. When he opened his eyes, she'd know more.

Though Tom's head pounded and he was filled with an inner ache he could not describe, he still wanted to shout for joy when Katrina spoke to him. Never had his love's voice sounded more beautiful or been more welcome. He never thought that she might have overheard his prayer but instead assumed that she had been searching for him telepathically and found him at last. He sped a prayer of thanks to Bast before answering his lady love. I will be fine, my heart, he assured her and refused to touch on the worries that now plagued his mind in addition to his concern for the others.

His tail twitched as he wondered if he would be able to see when he opened his eyes, if he would ever see his beloved's beautiful face again or inhale her wondrous scent, a smell that had driven him batty ever since they'd been kittens. I have no clue where we are. Do you, and are you okay, my most beautiful Queen? Despite his fears, Tom could not help a small smile as he conversed with his beloved and held her lovely image in his mind.

Tom's words thrilled Katrina's heart, and she felt a shiver race up and down her spine. Thank you, Bast! she sent a prayer upward to her beloved Goddess. Thank you for keeping my Tom safe! She had not the foggiest clue of how they had spent the last night nor that the moon was full. She just felt a weariness in her body, and she figured that it was from all the fighting.

At least, Tom was able to talk to her. She remembered, with a grimace, how badly he had been hurt. She prayed now that he was healed more than he thought he was. She had felt the fear and panic in his mind and knew that, no matter how bad he ever became, she would always cling tightly to him with her love and do her best to heal him. He was her soul mate and half of her whole world. Now, in a very calm voice, she told him, I love you very much, beloved, and I am well, but I do need you to open your eyes. Give me some idea of where you are, and I will come to you.

Tom ceased breathing when Katrina told him to open his eyes. His tail went stiff, and his fur stuck out. He knew he could not argue with her, but the thought of opening his eyes and finding that he was blind terrified him. Slowly, still not daring to breathe, he forced himself to open his eyes . . .


Trent had barely managed to regain his composure and was still not seeing straight when his ears caught the sound of retching. He turned toward it, but at first, all he could see was a blur. He shook his head, and his knees buckled and almost gave way beneath him. He caught himself just in time, his hand slamming against the nearby wall to give him a steady surface to lean on.

Keep it together, Malloy, he thought to himself. Trina and Carlos are out. It's up to you to save them. He had to get back to Trina before the jaguars dined on her, but it would do him no good to try to find her until he could focus his vision at least enough to see something beyond stars.

Trent did not know how long he stayed against the wall, shaking his head and trying to clear his vision, before the stars finally parted enough to allow him to see . . . The blonde did a doubletake, and his narrowed eyes peered again at the retching creature. Dear God! He could scarcely believe it, but it was a woman!

Her yellow dress was ripped and torn, and he dared not look closer lest he see something he shouldn't. Her long, dark hair seemed to have been burned by something, and it was sticking straight up from her head. Her slender shoulders shook as she retched again, and another weak moan broke forth from her throat.

What had happened to her? Trent wondered. He hadn't seen a lady throw up since the last time Trina had gotten drunk, and he'd been there to hold his sister's hair out of the way. At least, this woman didn't have that problem, but still, she needed help.

Trent knew he had to get back to Trina and Carlos, but he was still too weak to move out for them. Keeping his hand pressed against the wall, the blonde slowly made his way toward the female stranger. "Miss?" his voice sounded like a croaking frog to his own ears. "Miss? Miss, are you all right?" He knew it was a silly question to ask, but he asked it nonetheless. "What's wrong? Can I . . . Can I help you in some way?"


Mainframe

Enzo grunted as he began to come around. "AndrAla?" he questioned without opening his eye.

As Enzo came to, Frisket leapt for joy. He barked excitedly and edged past Bob to lick his master's face. Matrix gently swatted the dog away. "Down, boy." His eye opened, but all he could see was Frisket's wagging body.

Frisket's lolling tongue dripped saliva down on the green-skinned man even as Matrix gently but forcibly shoved him off. "Bob?" he asked. "Where are we?" He pressed a partially-gloved hand to his head. "I feel like I've been ran over by the Saucy Mare. Where's AndrAla? Is she . . . ?"

"She's going to be all right," Bob told him. "She's not too far from you. I've got to go to her now." He moved over to her even as he was talking and began to concentrate on healing her. He had not answered Enzo's question, because he had no idea where they were. The icons should have taken them home, but wherever they were, this swirling gray mist was not home! He feared that, when it cleared, they would find themselves in even deeper danger.

Matrix noticed that Bob had not answered his question about their location, but he did not press the issue. Instead, he watched Bob as he worked on healing AndrAla. Enzo got to his feet, quickly crossed the few dashes between them, and knelt beside his love. He did not touch her yet but continued to watch Bob. It had been a long time since he'd remembered the awe that Bob had struck in him as a young Sprite, but watching him heal his beloved was definitely bringing the old feelings back.

Frisket whined, and Enzo reached out and rubbed the dog's head. "It's going to be all right, boy," he told him, feeling hope again for the first time in a long time. "We're going to be fine."

Hearing Enzo's words, Bob could only pray to the User that they would be all right and that no new dangers would present themselves. He knew that the chances of that were slim to none.


The Council's Court Room

Will came back around to hearing his name being shouted and brayed. One voice was Donkey's, which he dismissed immediately, not caring to deal with the animal's antics when his heart was shattered. The other voice . . . Will's head snapped up from where he lay, slumped against the wall that he had been thrown at, and his brown eyes, already filling with tears, shot wide. Dear Gods, it was Jack!

In that second, as Will heard his beloved calling to him, he forgot everything else. He forgot the danger. He forgot that he was naked, his excited member already rising at the realization that his lover was there. He forgot that the sword he'd found to kill his beloved's murderer with was only inches away. He forgot that Donkey, too, was calling to him, his hooves striking hard and loudly against the stone floor as he galloped toward him. He forgot everything but the most important fact: Jack was there! Whether alive or dead, he was there!

Will leapt to his feet with the speed of a bullet shooting out of a gun and raced toward the sound of Jack's voice. He passed right by Eddie and kept going, never even looking at his self-proclaimed "father". Hot tears were already streaming down the blacksmith's cheeks when he caught sight of Jack, who seemed to be running just as hard to reach him as he was toward him.

Will doubled, then tripled his speed, and did not stop running until he collided with Jack. The whole while he had been running, he had been shouting Jack's name but never even realized that he was talking. Now, as he threw his arms around Jack and hugged him close to his naked body, Will whispered against his hair. "Oh, Jack! Thank Gods! Thank Gods! Jack!" He spattered kisses on Jack's hair, his face, his beard, anywhere and everywhere that his lips could reach without his arms relinquishing their hold on the Pirate's fine body . . .


After having his attention distracted by Prue, and the man he had helped her deal with though the Witch had no clue it was him, Charles finally looked back to Kitty, whose hand still hovered protectively on his shoulder. "It is all right, Katheryne. You may release me, but thank you."

Kitty nodded and stepped back, dropping her hand back to her side and unphasing both of them. Xavier was still whispering, so she knew she'd best keep her voice low. For some reason, he did not want the others knowing that he was their friend. "How are you walking?" she whispered, her brown eyes filled with curiosity.

I'll explain later, he telepathically assured her. Then, as he looked past her, Charles' blue eyes widened.

Kitty's brow furrowed at the look on Xavier's face. Wondering what in the heck he was looking at and thinking it was probably another threat, Shadowcat turned quickly around only to find Kurt kneeling, his hands clasped in prayer and his eyes tightly shut. She exchanged a look with Xavier and shrugged. "He's a Priest."

An embarrassed half-grin hid Kitty's dismay that evidently, even in the midst of chaotic danger that should have called out his Pirate side, it was still Kurt's Priest side that won out. Had she been a fool to think that they could work things out and be together? It'll have to wait till later, Pryde.

Instead of dwelling on the situation with Kurt, Kitty turned her back to him and thought to her other best friend. Ray? How're you holding up?

I'll be fine, Kitty. Really. In truth, however, Rachel lay limply in a pool of blood that was steadily oozing from the wounds on her back and wondering weakly where that healer had gotten to. He'd promised he'd heal her, but she hadn't seen him anywhere in this mess nor had she been able to find his brain. What was his name again? she wondered. She wasn't sure, but she thought it might have been Sam.


Cordelia's entire body had been trembling as she had been fighting to keep standing and not fall into her own vomit. She had been surprised that Angel had not followed her but had told herself that it was for the best. Now, though, as the waves of weakness crashed over her shaking body, she wished he was there. But it's best he not see you like this, she warned herself. Do you want to lose his love? One look at you like this, and --

Her thoughts broke off again as she vomited once more. She didn't know where her body was getting the food to spit up, but it certainly didn't show any sign of stopping. Tears stung her hazel eyes. Why did she have to be so weak! No wonder Angel hadn't come after her, or seemed more upset at the way that dratted Gnome had treated her like a sack of flour! She wasn't worth his --

Cordelia's thoughts broke off once more, but this time it was due to the masculine voice of an approaching stranger coming toward her. She flung out a hand to ward the person off. "Stay away." Her words came out as a moan.

There was a hesitation before the man's response. "I was only trying to help. My help is needed more elsewhere any way, but . . . Are you going to be all right?"

"I'll be fine," she snapped at him without meaning to. She didn't need any one seeing her like this, and she had to somehow manage to pull herself together.

"O-Okay." He sounded as unconvinced as she felt. "I'll . . . I'll leave you alone then, but if you need help, call me, and I'll try to come."

Try to come? Cordelia thought. Well, he's about as helpful as Angel! No, don't think like that, Cordy. You don't want him to see you like this! You don't want any one to see you like this!

How close a look had the stranger gotten, she wondered, and just who was he any way? She looked over her shoulder to get a glimpse of the stranger and stared at the person she saw retreating. Blood was soaking out of the back of the blonde man's shirt! While keeping her mouth hidden by her arm, Cordelia called after him, "Are you sure you need to be going anywhere?"

The stranger turned back around, and his booted feet faltered. He did a quick side-stepping maneuver, and Cordelia just knew he was going to faint. He didn't, however, and actually managed to somehow keep his balance . . . albeit barely. Now that his front was to her, Cordy could see that he'd been shot and blood was pouring from his shoulder. His skin was pale, and she could see the sweat glistening on him even from the distance that she was at. "Where are you going?" she asked him. "You should be sitting down, not going off trying to be a hero or anything!"

"I'm not," he told her, and she took note of his slurred, weak voice, "but I've got to save my sister."

"From what?"

"From the jaguars."

"Jaguars?"

The man nodded and almost fell again. At that point, Cordelia was already tearing off yet another piece of her dress and doing her best to clean her mouth. She dropped it to the floor, ripped off a second piece, and began trying to clean her face as best she could. The man before her was certainly in no shape to fend off jaguars, and where had the animals come from, any way? Crys had a lioness, and there were a couple of tigers . . . but no jaguars, at least not that she'd seen. The Princess weighed her options as she studied the man. "Where are they?"

"Out there," he stumbled again as he pointed to the room filled with people and a few stray animals. "I've gotta find her and stop them before they eat her!" Deciding not to waste any more time on the woman as each second that passed was another second that the jaguars could bite Trina, Trent turned his back to Cordelia and began to head off. He'd barely taken a few steps when his knees buckled.

This time, the man went down. Despite her own weakness, Cordelia ran after him, but she knew that she could do nothing to really help him. "Angel!"


Faith had barely been aware of Jack's departure and had just scarcely sensed Katrina being distracted by something, as well. She could feel Dawson beside her, and her subconscious mind knew he was scared and unsure of what to do next. It was Salem's voice, however, that she latched on to, and his purrs that began bringing her back around.

Never before had Salem, the cat, shown such affection as he was now showing Faith, but then again, he thought, the Spellmans bitches certainly had never given him reason to show any toward them. They had always done everything they could to hurt him and never once truly wanted to help him, and now they were back to try again to make his life the living Hell that it had been. The woman beside him, though, was the exact opposite to the Spellmanss. She wasn't a Witch, but she more than made up for her lack of magical powers in her sharp, witty mind; her tough spirit; and the heart she had claimed not to have for so long.

Now, as Salem licked Faith's hair and butted his ebony cheek against her head, he prayed that she would come back around and still be there for him. He expected the others to turn against him at any time, once they figured out that he was the reason they were being held in this dreadful place, but if just one of them stood with him, he knew it would be Faith. With her by his side, he could find a way to beat the Council . . . Couldn't he? His purr hesitated in his doubt.

Her eyes were now open, but her vision was still unclear as Faith reached out a hand for Salem. She patted the cat's furry head as she spoke to him, her words coming out in a moan. "Wuzzit, Salem?"

Salem had never been happier to hear any other voice. He started to answer her but paused as she called out, without waiting for his response, "Dawson? Ya 'k, kid?" He'd let her get her bearings first, if he could, and then he would beg her, if need be, for her help. Hopefully, if she stood by him, so would the others, but regardless he'd stand a far better chance if he had Faith fighting for him. He licked her fingers and continued to purr.

Dawson was relieved to hear Faith's voice. He had moved to her side as soon as Jack had moved. He wondered where Jack had run off to but knew that the Captain could take care of whatever came across his path. Now he just wanted to gather Faith in his arms and hold her close.

Miracle of miracles, they had lived through the night, and the bastard that had made her life so miserable was dead! Did she even know that he was dead? What did she remember of the night before?

She was coming back to him, and his heart beat so loudly that he thought she could hear it. Love shone in his eyes as he gazed down into hers. "I love you, Faith." He smiled, his whole world being in his vision at the moment.

Faith reached up a hand to Dawson's cheek. She stroked his face, her fingertips running through his blonde hair. Bruises and dirt smeared his face, but his love and adoration for her, neither of which she deserved, and his innocence still shone through. She took a deep breath, her eyes gazing up into his and searching his eyes as she, too, wondered, how much he remembered of all the Hell that they had gone through.

Hell, she'd said it last night. Why shouldn't she be able to say it now? "And I . . . I . . . " She half-grinned, half-smirked tiredly. "I love you too, Dawson."

Dawson leaned down and gently kissed her on the lips. "It was Hell," he told her, "but together we made it. Our love won out. We just need you to get well now, sweetheart."

He had grown up quite a lot during that night, and after having killed his beloved's enemy, he finally felt that he was a man and deserving of Faith's love. He had wondered what would finally win her love for him and had thought that it was not possible, him being what he was, but despite all the hardships and Hell they had been through, it had been a magical night and he had managed to kill the crazed enemy of Faith. He glanced at his hands and then back at her, scarcely believing that he had managed it. It did not bother him that he had blood on his hands. He only hoped that Faith would not think his hands were tainted now.

Faith's eyes followed Dawson's glance, but her eyes did not return to his gaze. Instead, they stared at the blood on his white hands. He had been innocent, but no longer. She wasn't completely sure if the blood on his hands was from Judson or another source, but she knew that he had killed Judson and had done it to save her. She had tainted him, spoiled him, taken away his innocence . . .

A nudge from Salem caused Faith to look back up at Dawson, and she saw the worry and doubt in his eyes. She shook her head, telling him to forget those worries, and reached out with her hands to his. Taking his hands to her lips, she kissed them, blood and all.

His heart stuck in his throat. Did this mean that she accepted him now and that she did not hate him because he was no longer innocent? He felt that his innocence was what had attracted her in the first place. Was he truly worthy of her now? He prayed that it was so.

He couldn't think of what to say, so he cupped her chin and then kissed her again. "Am I a Pirate now?" he asked, hope in his voice. He knew that if she said he was, the next question would be if she truly was his. That would be the most wonderful thing he could ever hear. He never wanted to lose her. He had tried with everything in him to be a Pirate, and he held his breath, waiting to hear her next words.


Mainframe

All Mouse could see was a thick, gray mist. She had seen a mist like this once before, and the realization of what she was seeing set even more fear into her heart. She knew that Ray was barely hanging on and was not about to add to his worries. "Ray, honey," she told him, speaking quickly in her thick drawl, "jest hang on."

"We're gonna get help. Ah don't know where the othahs are, but we'll find a way. Ah ain't gonna let ya go. Jest hang on." Holding him close to her chest, the hacker used her Vampiric strength to lift him from the ground and began to run with him. Her heart slammed against her ribs, and she prayed that the User had at least left the Principal office functional.

Her sharp ears caught the sound of familiar barking. "Frisket?" she called into the mist. If he was there, might Enzo or AndrAla be there? Better yet, could Bob have come, as well, and if he had, could his keytool possibly help Ray? Mouse knew Bob would know what to do. For a Guardian who preferred to fly by the seat of his pants, he was pretty good with plans and had always had answers when she had needed them the most.


The Council's Court Room

Chong was lost to everything around him as he cradled Hansel. At first, his mind had been torn between comforting Hansel and thinking over the way Bishop had fondled his member, but now, all he could think was that his baby needed him and that he had to find a way to mend back together the pieces of Hansel's shattered heart . . . or Roy's, the Chinese man thought as memories of their adventures together so long ago played through his mind.

No, he was Hansel now, Chong thought somberly. He had tossed aside the name of Roy O'Bannon when he'd decided to become a Pirate and left him behind when he'd chosen to chase after Derek the first time. Now, Derek was gone, but Hansel's heart still belonged to him.

Chong had tried calling to Hansel, had tried talking to him, had even considered kissing him but decided not to as it was no longer his kisses that Hansel craved. All he could think to do now was to hold him, and so he did. As he murmured Hansel's name repeatedly and gently stroked his blonde hair, Chong held the other man's head next to his bare chest. He remained alert for danger the whole while, however, refusing to let it sneak up on them now when Hansel was so vulnerable.

As he held Hansel and tried to distract his mind from the old longings whose intensity now seemed almost brand new by looking around him, Chong caught sight of Bishop. He shook his head. The man was still running. Bishop was drawn to him, Chong knew that, and if he could ever get the African to stop running, he might make a good distraction from the one he now found himself truly wanting . . .

But that would have to be after he'd found a way to cure Hansel's heartache or, at least, subside it for if he truly loved Derek as much as he claimed to, there would be no way to cure it save death and Chong would not allow Hansel to be killed or to kill himself. The Chinese man sighed deeply. He was in for a long ride, and for once, he wasn't looking forward to it.


The second Angel heard Cordelia's voice, he was at her side. The smell was strong on her, and he had to fight to keep from losing it himself. "I am sorry you're sick, Cordelia. I didn't think Carl would shake you up that bad. I should have known better."

Mentally, he was kicking himself for not already kicking Carl's ass for running so fast. He just had not realized how fragile human females were. After all, these were the first ones he had been around in dangerous situations outside of Faith, Xena, and Gabrielle. Those three were stronger than he knew Cordelia would ever be. Concern showed on his face, and he fought to keep the revulsion from coming out on him. As soon as he could find water for his beloved, she had to have a bath!

He looked just in front of her and saw the man laying on the floor and now attempting to get up. He did not know the man's name but thought that he looked a lot like Trina Malloy, who was Spike and Kyna's third-in-command. He walked forward and assisted the man in standing. "Don't you think it'd be better if you sat down?" he asked.

"I-I can't," Trent's voice shook as he protested.

Cordelia had followed Angel the rest of the way to Trent. Now she looked at the blonde man as though he were a disobedient subject. It was a look she had not worn in a long time, but she hoped that it might shove some sense into his brain. "You are in no condition to go anywhere," she informed him, "let alone to fight. Angel can save your sister."

Angel looked at Cordelia. "Who is his sister, and what's wrong with her?" He held on to the man, because he knew if he let go, he'd hit the floor again.

Cordelia reached out to the man, attempting to help Angel shoulder the responsibility of the stranger, as she answered him. "I don't know what her name is, but -- "

Cordelia's voice broke off as Trent struggled to stand by himself. "Trina," he moaned, his desperation clear on his face. "I've gotta get to her!"

"I know Trina," Angel told the man. "You stay here with Cordelia. I'll find her. You've lost too much blood already. Don't be moving around," he said in a voice that brooked no disobedience. He sat the man back down on the floor.

"Hope I'm not gone too long, but this is a big room and she could be anywhere. If only I had her scent -- " Then a thought occurred to him, and he sniffed the man. "His scent should be on her. I'll find her." He gave Cordelia a small smile.

Trent grabbed the male stranger's sleeve, not realizing that the jacket he wore was actually his own Captain's duster. "Please," he gasped out. "Please hurry! You're right; I can't get to her. But I can't let her die, and those jaguars are trying to eat her!"

Cordelia looked from the man she was now kneeling beside back to Angel. Her eyes met his, and in the gaze they exchanged, she assured him that she loved and trusted him and knew that he could save the day. "Be careful, love."

Angel nodded. "You too, sweetheart." With a lingering look, he left them behind. The scent led him across the room and into the chaos that was going on on the other side of the room. He saw Spike sitting, rocking, holding Kyna, and crying. What was it with Spike and he? They could never seem to hold on to a woman long enough to have a happy life! They were always getting killed or trying to kill them.

He saw a woman sitting not too far from Spike that he did not recognize as her hair and another woman were covering her face. He knew Rogue from her uniquely-colored hair, and the scent from the other woman told him that she was Kennedy. He did not approach the grief-stricken pair as he had more pressing business at the moment and no words of comfort to offer any way. He hated that Willow had been killed. She had been a friend that had lasted for a long time. The world would be a sorrier place without her. He continued on his way, hoping he would soon find Trina.


As the loud, booming voice that echoed over Kurt's head had declared that they had one moment left, Kurt had hit his knees once more. He knew there was a lot of pain and suffering going on in this holding pit, and he knew of only one being who could heal them in a split second. Why, he believed his God could even get them out of the holding pit, but that it must be yet another trial and ordeal that they had to go through before they reached the place that they must be!

Oh, Lord Hercules, please save your people! I beg of you! We need healing desperately and quickly for ve are in ze lion's den and need strength to overcome your enemies vho vould hurt your people!

He continued to talk to Herc even though he felt eyes upon himself and knew that Kitty was looking disapprovingly at him. He could not stop being his God's Priest, even though he had permission to marry now and had promised to Kitty that he was through with the Priesthood. He would explain to her later about having met his God face to face and that he could not turn Him a loose because He had delivered them from their enemy.

His lips trembled even as he talked to Hercules. He could not believe that he had been chosen to see Him face to face in his darkest hour so far. He knew that there would be more dark hours ahead of them before they would be free, but he believed that Hercules would see them through. A glow fell upon his eyes, and he opened them to see Hercules standing before him and smiling gently down at him. "Zank you for coming, Lord."

At those words, both Xavier and Kitty whirled back around. They stared at Kurt, and Lockheed cooed loudly, calling the blue Demon exactly what the others were thinking of him. Kitty glanced nervously at Charles and shrugged helplessly. "Like . . . Like I said," she whispered, "he's a Priest. 'Heed," she snapped her fingers at her dragon, "leave him alone and perch." She pointed at her shoulder.

"Ve are in deep trouble," Kurt told Him even though he knew Herc knew everything that was going on, "and a lot of us are in a great deal of pain. Vould you please heal us? I don't care if zey believe I'm crazy. Zat little, purple bugger keeps calling me crazy. I know I'm not crazy. I can see you, and I believe in you. Vould you please perform a miracle?"

Hercules smiled wistfully down at Kurt. He wished the others would not turn against the dear man but knew that they did think him crazy and that he could not prove them wrong . . . at least not yet. He gently touched Kurt's shoulder. "Thank you," he started to speak even as Kitty spoke.

Kitty had seen and heard enough. First, Kurt had flipped his lid, and now he was calling her dragon a bugger, something that no one had dared to call 'Heed since Wisdom! It was true that Lockheed shouldn't have called Kurt crazy, but heck, he had simply spoken the truth! She whirled around, turning her back on Kurt and reassuringly scratching Lockheed's head.

"Looks like you were right, dragon. I've seen enough." She glanced in Xavier's direction but shrugged off his hand and refused to meet his gaze. "I'm going to check on Ray." She walked off, leaving Charles to look over into the shadows at another figure.

The Wizard met the person's eyes and shook his head sadly. Then he telepathically reached out to Albus to see if the other Wizard had a plan for how they could handle the situation they had been tossed in and actually succeed in healing who they needed to heal. He had barely started to contact Dumbledore when a finger pointing in another direction changed his mind. He looked instead to where Wolverine was doing his best to hold on to Ororo, who was struggling just as stubbornly against him. He started to reach out to her mind.

Hercules shook His head sadly. "I am sorry they think you crazy, Kurt, but Katheryne will come around, given time. She loves you, and love can overcome all obstacles. As for your request . . . " He smiled. "I am glad you called Me." With that, He opened His arms . . .

Kurt watched in silence as Hercules' arms spread out. He knew the miracle was about to take place. He prayed that Hercules was right and that Kitty would not hate him for being crazy, because if he was crazy, he would have to stay that way. If no one else would stand for Hercules, he would, because Hercules was the only God who had ever seen fit to come face to face to and talk with him.

He had seen Aphrodite, but She was some one else's Goddess now. She had acknowledged him, but he realized now that She had not come because he had asked her to. No, She had come in answer to Jack, but Hercules had come in answer to Him and Hercules was now his one, true God. He watched even as the miracle began to happen.


The Council's Court Room

Jack's breath was stolen away when Will collided with him, but his arms gripped his love and his unsteady feet managed to keep them both standing. Thank you, Aphrodite, he thought even as he returned Will's feverish kisses. Thank you for keeping him alive and for apparently healing him! He did not know where Willow was, but he knew he owed her a great big thanks. Whatever she asked for, he would do his very best to give to her for she had given him the one thing he wanted more than any other: the safe return of his Will. Tears ran down his face, and he did not even realize it.

Then Jack felt his butt bumped by Donkey. "Move! I wanna hug my boy too!" Eddie insisted.

Jack looked to the side and down at Donkey and then back at Will. "He has done everything he can to get to you. He loves you very much, and I have changed my opinion on donkeys." He then winked at Donkey.

Will's eyes searched Jack's. He was afraid to let him go, but one look at Donkey's pleading, tear-streaked face had Will putting his free arm around the animal's neck and pulling him close. He hugged Donkey tightly but kept a hold of one of Jack's hands. His lips brushed Donkey's skinny coat as he whispered to him, "It's good to see you, Eddie, but I didn't want you to die too."

"Die?" Eddie asked in surprise. "We aren't dead, but we're in court! We could swing! I hope not! I might never get to see Elvira again, but at least I got my boy!" He gave Will a slobbering kiss before looking back to Jack. "So, Captain, what do you mean you changed your mind? You gonna let me sleep in the cabin now?" he asked with a raised brow and a bouncing rear.

Jack smiled at him, his gold tooth shining. "Depends on what Will and I are doing, but I won't be throwing you out if we're not . . . " He searched for a word. "Well, you know . . . "

"Wait a minute!" Will protested. "What do you mean we're not dead?" He still had not relinquished Jack's hand.

Both Jack and Donkey looked at Will as if he'd taken leave of his senses. "What makes you think we're dead?" Eddie asked him.

"I saw that damn Werewolf throw Jack to his death! I jumped after him! That's how we're dead, but what happened to you?" Will inquired of Donkey.

"Faith threw me in the water, and then a big mouth ate me! That's the last I remember till I woke up here! There's a Demon in here somewhere! He was after me, and I barely escaped with my life!"

Will still wasn't sure they weren't already dead, but he couldn't help asking Eddie, "Which Demon?" His words came out, however, at the same time that Jack spoke.

Jack slipped off his jacket and gave it to Will. "Wish I had more to give you. We'll get you something else soon." He had not seen the robes thrown down. "It was an accident. Brendan did not mean to knock me. He's probably somewhere thinking I'm dead and wanting to kill his own self. We'd best find him before he does it."

"I am so glad that you're alive, Will! I thought, when I came to and you were nowhere to be seen, my life was over! Without you, I have no reason to live! Not even the sea calls me as much as it used to, not like your heart calls to mine!" Jack smiled at him, again flashing his gold tooth. "In a world that you're not in, I don't want to be in, but in a world where we're both in it, may the Gods have pity on our enemies!"

Jack's words brought a smile to Will, and new tears sprang to his eyes. These tears were tears of happiness, but still he wasn't sure they weren't dead. After all, he had seen Jack been thrown to his death, and he could not, for the life of him, fathom how in the world they could have managed to escape. He squeezed Jack's hand even as his other hand pulled his coat closer around him. "I never thought I could compete with your mistress before," he admitted to him, "but I feel the same, my love. That's why I followed you when I saw you fall to your death. I could not, and will not, live in a world without you for you are everything . . . " He paused at the loud clearing of Donkey's throat. "Well, the both of you are everything to me," he amended, not wanting to hurt Eddie's feelings.

Jack didn't say a word but pulled Will in for a kiss. He pressed his lips gently at first but then deepened his kiss even as he felt his sword stir and knew that it would have to wait. He had to get control of it before it got control of him, and it certainly didn't help that he could feel Will's sword pressing against him! He knew that it might be a long time before Will would ever want to be touched that way again. After what he had been through, it might not ever happen again. Jack had never known a man to actually live through the Pear, and Will had done that. Even if Jack had to wait a million years, he'd never want any other. He felt his kiss deepening even more, and he pulled back.

Eddie looked on and grinned, but that grin faltered when he saw a frown pass with the speed of light over Will's face. Something was still wrong with his boy, Donkey realized, and that thought was only made more certain when Will did not recapture Jack's mouth with his own.


The Island

Sam stirred as he came back to consciousness. It seemed he had been out forever, and he had one Hell of a hangover without having drank one single drop. He looked around and saw that he was laying on a snow-covered beach with a few others. He wondered where every one else was. Had they drowned, and these were the only remaining survivors? He got shakily to his feet and began to walk toward the bodies he could see.

The children. What were their names? he asked himself as he gazed down upon them. Something special about the boy tried to jog his brain, but he couldn't remember. Then the name came to him: Julian. He knelt down beside them. He gazed on the little girl, and her name, Sarah, came to him. He laid one hand on each of them to check for injuries. Finding nothing more than a few bruises and bumps, he shook them gently and called their names. He was happy to see their eyes flash open. He hoped their parents had survived the nightmare.

Julian sat up and looked at the man. His hand went immediately to his sister, who sat up and smiled at Sam. "Where's my Daddy?" she asked.

"I'm not sure," Sam told them, "but I'll take care of you until we find him."

Julian looked at him. "You don't know where either of our fathers are?"

Sam hunched on his heels, studying the little faces before him. "You have two different fathers?"

"Yes. Aren't we lucky!" Julian told him. "There's our father Lex and our father Clark!"

Sam searched his mind, trying to remember the two men. He could recall the women's faces easier than he could the men's, and he wondered which woman was bedding two men. The only one he could think of was the dark-haired woman, and then he recalled that she had a third man -- the blonde! "Is Dawson your father too?"

"Why would Dawson be our father?" Sarah asked.

"Just wondering." Had the woman had the two kids and then moved on to a third man, or did he have the wrong woman? "Who's your mother? Aren't you worried about her?"

"We don't remember our mother," Julian informed him. "At least Sarah doesn't much. She died a long time ago, right after Sarah was born. We're just very lucky and have two fathers."

"Well, first thing we need to do is to get you two somewhere warm. I don't know where we're at. I'll get my bearings shortly, I hope." He thought to himself. He did not have the foggiest idea where to orb them to and knew that they would have to walk until they found somewhere.

A shadow fell across them, and both kids gasped, their eyes going as round as saucers. A voice so low that it was barely audible came from behind Sam. "From what I have been able to deduce thus far, I believe we may be back on the island."

Sam got to his feet quickly and turned to face the newcomer even as he fought to keep from retching. This creature was definitely not human and came out of somebody's nightmare! "Who are you?" he asked even as he pulled both kids behind him.

"Raziel." The Vampire smiled, but there was no warmth in his smile. It was a thin smile, just enough Sam knew to grant him assurance. "I am a crew member aboard the Ghost or was, at least."

"What makes you think we're on an island? Is it the island you were on earlier or a different one, and how did we come to be here?" He gazed up into Raziel's face, letting him know he was not afraid. After all, he was a White Lighter. He could simply orb out of danger's way, taking the kids with him.

The Vampire returned his gaze coolly, studying the gray-haired White Lighter as he did so. "It is an island," he told him confidently, "and I suspect it may well be the same one. I awoke earlier and did some scouting before returning to see who still lived. I do not think there are too many islands left where dinosaurs still roam." He reached up to his shoulder and plucked something from it with claws that were yellow in color but sprinkled with blood. "I brought you dinner." A couple of large hares dropped to the snowy ground before Sam's feet. "Make do with it." He moved away and was gone before Sam could speak again.

Sam turned to look at the kids and then back at the hares. "If we are on your island, then I will take you to the house. There should be some good food left there." He turned his back on the hares and did not look back, but, taking both trembling kids by the hand, orbed them to the safety of the house.

Raziel watched them leave from the shadows of the trees.


The Council's Court Room

With his back to Kurt, Charles had no idea what was happening with the Priest. He had put the situation with Kurt and Kitty, and even with the others who were injured, completely out of his mind in favor of handling one who had once been like a daughter to him. Ororo, he spoke within her mind.

Though Charles spoke telepathically to her, it was aloud that Ororo answered him. "CHARLES!" Thunder blasted with her cry.

Wolverine's eyes went slowly up to look at his beloved's face. Who was this Charles she was calling for, and where was he? He sniffed the air but could not find him. Was there something up here with them? He growled nervously.

Charles' voice was smooth and calm in Ororo's mind, and it resonated in her brain, past her fear, and to her heart. Yes, it is I, Ororo. Things are not as you fear, my child, and you must calm yourself. I am here to help and will allow nothing to harm you. I am not the only one concerned for you, however. Do you feel something heavy weighing upon your feet?

Ororo's feet twitched, and one foot nearly kicked Logan. Yes, she replied hesitantly, I . . . I do.

That, my dear child, is Logan. He is trying so hard to help you.

But I thought . . .

You are no longer a child, Ororo, and you are not trapped by the bodies of your family. Open your eyes, dear one, and you will see the light.

As the Weather Witch's storm seemed to pause, as though it were holding its breath much as she was, a light exploded from behind Charles. Xavier turned around to see where the light was coming from even as Ororo's blue eyes opened. She took in first the light and then Charles. "Goddess!" She turned in the air, trying to get a look below her to her feet. "L-Logan?"

Wolverine gulped. "Yes, little darlin', it's me. Is it over yet?" It had been the wildest ride Wolverine had ever had, and he sure hoped it was at the end! He had never looked at the floor more longingly. "I love you!" he called up.

Heat spread up Ororo's neck and flushed her dark cheeks. "And I you," she murmured, her embarrassment clear in her voice. Slowly, she began to lower them toward the floor even as the light continued to spread. Charles, you are right, as always, my friend. You can stop with the light now, although it is an interesting trick to be sure.

Xavier's voice was hesitant as he responded, Ororo, . . . it is . . . I am not . . . I did not cause the light. He himself was completely engulfed in the brilliant, golden light now, and his wide eyes could see nothing but the light. From somewhere, he heard a man's voice yell his name, but the man fell into the light and could not find his way to save Charles.

What his would-be rescuer did not realize, however, was that Charles was never in danger for the light was coming from Hercules' open arms and spreading quickly over the entire floor, touching each and every individual . . .

Kurt bowed his head to the floor in reverence even as he felt the golden light go over him. How wonderful and miraculous was his God!

Above them, a voice called out, "WELL DONE." They heard a smattering of hands even as the light engulfed the entire floor.

To Be Continued . . .