Summary: The Druitt/Magnus family is divided, scattered through the world. But another force will rise to bring the family back together and test the resolve of the network.
Disclaimer: I own nothing of sanctuary or the characters... except for Chase.
Rating: M
RISING TIDES:
Henry had switched all the cameras to infrared on a hunch but the cameras couldn't capture every section, every floor of the Sanctuary. For that he would need Chase or Jax. They could see in body heat, even the body heat of a person who could become invisible. It was more than that though. His wolf instincts were gong out of control. Henry felt that impending danger was about to hit his home once again. Just when he thought that they would have a moment's peace, things went horribly out of control. That was why he was no on his way to the Main Lab to enlist Chase in her help to search the Sanctuary, if for nothing else to put his mind at rest. But as soon as he hit the stairs the first thing he heard was arguing from three distinct voices.
"You've hated him ever since you got back! And now you're defending him?" Chase raged. Anger was blinding her and she was lashing out at the nearest person, or people who happened to be her father and sister.
"You've loved him ever since you came home! And now you're attacking him!" Ashley shouted in return. She was only reacting to the anger that was coming off her sister and the anger she could feel coming form her father. But her father seemed unfazed by the anger. Having over a hundred years worth of practice was something to be commented on.
"Enough from the both of you! Ashley, go to one side of the lab. Chase you go to the other side. Now!" Druitt ordered. He had no idea how Helen dealt with them when they were screaming and shouting at one another.
Henry watched as Chase and Ashley moved to their designated sides while Druitt ran his hand through his hair. One thing was for sure, Henry did not envy him dealing with the two sisters when they were angry. No man alive would survive their anger. Watson moved over to his friend while Tesla walked over to Ashley. From where Henry stood he could see light blue tracks dripping down Ashley and Chase's cheeks. Momentarily ignoring the two in the center Henry went to Chase. She had her back to him and her hands fisted on one of the empty cells. "What's going on?" Henry put his hand on her shoulder to get her to turn to him.
Almost like magic Chase's anger abated marginally at the sound of Henry's voice. Then his hand was on her shoulder and she felt his warmth flood through her. Turning to him she tried to wipe away what ever the blue stuff was that was coming out of her eyes, but to no avail. As her anger lingered so did the blue fluid. That alone was enough to make her angry even more. "I don't know this time. At least it's not just me. This time it's Ashley and dad who are afflicted as well."
"This is…" Henry let his fingers hover over the blue stuff while he tried to move past the fact that her eyes were swirling red and blue and continued, "Different."
"Can you do me a favor?" Chase asked. James was keeping a watchful eye on her so there was no way she would be able to leave the lab, not until they knew what was wrong with her.
"I actually came to ask if you would help do a sweep of the Sanctuary, but that wouldn't be possible huh?" Henry gave her a lop sided grin. It was a grin he knew she loved so much. On more than one night spent awake Chase would lie next to him and just trace his lips while he smiled at her. That was when she wasn't tonguing his nipple piercings just to make him lose his mind and fill his body with lust and wanting.
"No, James watches my every move." Chase sighed and tried to quell the rest of her anger. "Would you go to the infirmary and check on mom. I just want to make sure that what ever this is," Chase motioned to her eyes, "That it hasn't affected her."
"Sure," Henry glanced at the others and then asked, "What about the sweep. This may sound, well weird, but I have a feeing something bad is going to happen and I mean soon." Finally he gave voice to that little nagging voice that had been shrieking in his ear all day, well week. He just wanted things to go back to normal, as normal as anything when you lived and worked in the Sanctuary.
"Find Jax and ask him. If he can't do what you want him to then come back and find me, which I won't be hard to find as I will still be stuck down here." Chase answered and raised her voice on the last few words. She wasn't sure if he could do what Henry was asking. So far Chase was the only one among them that could see body heat. It was slightly odd and just the tiniest bit annoying. But one thing was assured she would always be needed.
Once again the werewolf smiled and then turned to leave. But before he did so he asked, "What was all the fighting about?" Hearing Chase so angry made him hurt. The Magnus family was so far beyond him that he sometimes felt as if he were on the outside of a pane of glass looking in on them. Henry was a werewolf, and some days he hated that very fact. But looking at Chase, feeling her against him, loving her, made him feel apart of something, apart of a family
"Nothing, just stupid stuff." She shook her head while placing her hand over his heart. It was reassuring to feel the steady thump thump of his strong heart; his wolf's heart, beneath her hand. Henry smiled at chase and then left her. She wasn't sure what she wanted more, her family around her or Henry. Seeing as she didn't have a choice Chase turned her back on the center of the lab and tried to calm down.
James watched as John surveyed the tiny moment between Chase and Henry. From his vantage point it looked to James that John was finally accepting the relationship between the werewolf and his daughter. James may have been out of the world for a while but stay in a room with them for two minutes and you would know they were together, they were in love. "We'll figure this out John." James whispered and touched his friend on the shoulder. That was the best he could do for Druitt. It was the best he could do for himself. It was the best he could do for Helen.
John looked at James and gave him a sad smile, "Not soon enough. I fear if this goes on for too much longer, my family will not survive it." John was so sick and tired of Fate treating his family like a game of chance. How much pain, separation, and danger could one family survive? John knew he could take a lot of punishment, he even deserved most of it, but Chase and Ashley were innocents. They had barely had lives to live before death and pain touched them. It was torment enough that Jack the Ripper was their sire, but did they have to suffer the same affliction that now presented. John's rage was his own demon, and it should not have been passed to his children. That was one sin he would never truly atone for and he knew it.
"What ever is coming out of their eyes is electro chemical in nature. And just let me say that this is just disgusting." Nikola interrupted. He didn't much care for the brotherly love that James and John were displaying. When John wasn't near Helen, he and James were in their own little world. It was quite sickening to the Vampire.
"No one asked you coffin bait!" Chase shouted from across the room. She paced back and forth with her barely contained rage. Across the Lab Ashley mirrored her movements. Some how Chase sensed that Ashley was counting as high as she could in hopes the anger would abate. Counting would do no good for the tiger lurking in her blood. The animal inside of her hated being told to stay in one place and the rage she was feeling was making her climb the walls. She just wanted this over and soon before she lost all grips on her sanity and became the new Ripper.
"I'm trying to save your life…. Kitten…. I would be a little grateful for my genius if I was you!" Nikola shouted back. And for the first time in his long life he actually shrank back from the glare John was giving him. No matter who you were, you never messed with a parent's child. Nikola knew better, but sometimes he really didn't care. He only cared about Helen. If something terrible happened to her daughter's then she would never forgive him, she would never forgive any of them. Being in Helen's good graces was the only thing that kept him in a semi civil state where James and John were concerned.
MAIN ENTRANCE:
Griffin had come in with Dawn; hidden right behind the only other tiger abnormal in existence and Helen's younger daughter had sensed nothing. There was no way she and Ashley were as powerful as the rest of them were led to believe. Had the young Ripper used even and ounce of her gift she would have taken his head before he stepped inside the gates of her home. But seeing as he now was roaming free and unencumbered Griffin was feeling very confident. Nigel made sure to keep to what shadows he could just as a precaution.
Griffin was about to turn a corner when he heard someone coming around the same corner. Tucking himself tight against the wall Nigel waited and looked on as Helen's pet werewolf rushed around the corner. Ending his leisurely stroll Griffin followed him. He would have time later to block them all off from one another while Griffin went after James, John, and Nikola. For now he wanted to see where the young man was headed.
Henry felt as if he as being followed, but when he turned to look behind him there was no one there. There was no sound to give away the presence of an intruder, and there wasn't even a scent. This was one of the very few times that his werewolf abilities were of no use to him. Putting such thoughts out of him mind Henry hurried along and went to the infirmary to check on Magnus. As much as Chase worried, Henry wanted to make sure the same thing was not happening to her.
Opening the door quietly Henry slipped inside and over to the Doc's side. There she was sleeping peacefully and without the blue liquid coming from her eyes. That at least was one worry down. He heaved a heavy sigh and dropped into the chair by her bed. Henry took her hand and whispered, "I sure wish you were awake right now. Things are falling apart between Chase and Ashley." Looking around Henry made sure there was no one lingering in the doorway before he put against her hand and let a few tears descended down his cheeks. Magnus was the only family he knew and if he was to lose her… Henry didn't want to finish that thought. Magnus had been through a lot of tough time and she some how managed to come out on top, always. He knew that she would beat whatever was happening to her.
MAIN LAB:
James worked with Nikola in utter silence. It was far better than listening to the vampire's snide remarks about John. There was only so much that Watson could tolerate from Tesla, and now his nerves were wearing thin. Looking in the microscope James saw faint electrical impulses being given off by the blue liquid. James switched slides and looked at the sample from Ashley, saw the same thing, and then looked at the slide he took from John. All three had the same affliction and yet it wasn't contagious to the rest of them. What was it that John, Ashley, and Chase all had in common besides blood? John could teleport as could Chase. But what of Ashley, did she share this gift with her father and sister? It would explain the same 'illness' between just the three of them. John could turn his body into energy and back again at will. Could it be that this disease only affects beings like him, and by extension Chase and Ashley?
For an instant James allowed himself to hope that whatever plagued John was the main cause for his madness all those years ago. He wasn't the only one who would hope for this, Helen would as well if she was conscious. But this would be too much to ask for, hope for, and it would be too easy to believe that this was the one reason for his rage and his hatred. Still that did not keep the insidious seed of hope from being planted in James mind. If this was the case, then all they would need to do was find a way to free John, Ashley, and Chase from this and then they would all be free. Leaving his seat James went to talk to Ashley. He had to hang onto this one small shred of hope that he could redeem John and his life time of anger. Not to mention save the two girls he loved dearly as his family.
Nikola saw James heading over in John's direction and decided to waylay him. For the last few hours he had been feeling his concentration wane due to his lack of medication to keep his blood lust in check. If he was going to save the psycho and Helen's daughters then he would have to have a clear head, and that meant getting James to mix up a batch of his medication. In his state Nikola wouldn't even be able to get the proportions right. He might end up poisoning himself and that would not be good for anyone. "Let's convene in private. Nikola whispered taking James upper arm so he could guide him to the stairs.
"Nikola, what is going on?" James asked, but he had a sinking feeling he knew what was wrong with the Vampire. It was when they reached the elevator that Nikola chose to answer.
"My concentration is non existent for I am very hungry." Nikola admitted. He felt drained and he was in no mood to be the pain in the ass everyone accused him of being. All that mattered was getting his medication and not feeding on blood. But blood was calling to him and as te minutes ticked by he was being seduced even more by the sirens song that only he could hear. It was frustrating and infuriating. Nikola wanted to feed but he made a vow never to taste human blood.
"Have you taken your medication?" James questioned. But he knew Nikola to be faithful to the medicine that kept him from turning on humans. If Nikola went too much longer they would have an even bigger problem on their hands. A blood crazed vampire was nothing to trifle with, especially if it was Nikola. James was going to help him if only to prevent a massacre.
"No, and it has been far too long since the serum has been in my veins." Nikola responded, leaning again the wall of the elevator. He finally allowed the exhaustion and the hunger to show on his face and in his eyes. It galled him that he was allowing Watson to see his weakness, but Nikola was so very hungry and he was afraid that he would feed from any of the humans, and he used that term loosely, around him. Nikola made a vow long ago never to feast on blood and he was going to keep that vow, even if it killed him.
"Oh, Nikola," James felt the first stirrings of remorse for the annoying, pain in the ass, vampire. He couldn't imagine the pain Nikola must be going through. "We'll get you to the infirmary and get you something that will help."
MAIN LAB:
Henry hadn't found Jax anywhere in the Sanctuary and thought that maybe the lion had gone out on the grounds. So he was heading back to the lab to get Chase's help. For the moment it seemed as if she was going to be staying in her current state. At least she would relish the chance to get out of the anger filled atmosphere. Ten minutes down there before had Henry nearly shifting to his other form. That was something he never wanted to do. The werewolf in him reacted to anger most of all and it was the one emotion that he could live without.
When he stepped off the last step Henry saw Ashley and Druitt talking quietly and Chase sitting by herself playing her PSP. She never went anywhere without that thing. Henry chuckled to himself as he came closer. With his heightened hearing he could hear Chase telling some stupid mother frakker to die. He was so funny that he had to laugh bringing attention to himself. As it stood the level of anger seemed to be far less than it had before when he had come down here. Rather than pay attention to the others he went over to Chase and tapped her on the shoulder, "How would you like to go search for an invisible guy who had so far stayed out of the sight of my camera modifications?"
"It would sound like Heaven." Chase answered as she shut off her game and stuck the hand held console in her pocket. It would be worth it just to get away from her father and sister for a while. She loved them, she did, but right now there was just too much of them. Before going to the stairs she asked, "Did someone lose Clara?"
Henry paused at that. "No, she's still in England . We think that who ever killed that Slade guy may make a play for the Sanctuary."
"That's interesting. The only other guy I know of who could turn invisible was Nigel Griffin, but he's dead." Chase supplied. Though, she had a sneaking suspicion that during her two hour memory black out she had learned otherwise.
John was talking quietly with Ashley when he heard Nigel's name being mentioned. The last he had seen of his once old friend was when Chase had her hands around his throat. Certainly Nigel would not be so foolish as to come here. Excusing himself he went over to Chase and Henry and asked. "Do you think Griffin would come here?"
"Why would he? As far as I know he's dead." Chase answered. She felt puzzled.
"Chase you nearly killed Griffin a few hours ago." Ashley answered from her father's left side. When they had been on the North Tower her dad had told her what happened in the warehouse. She too had heard Griffins name being mentioned.
"I what?" Chase asked for clarification. She had no doubt that she would try to kill if threatened, but Griffin was dead, though as one of the Five death was not always certain.
"Don't you remember?" John asked reaching out his hand to run the back of his fingers down her cheek. Unlike Ashley, John knew that he could reach out and touch Chase's cheek without her recoiling from his touch.
"No, not really," She answered and leaned her cheek into his touch out of habit. "But it would be better if I went and searched for him if he has invaded our home." Chase added quickly.
"All right." John with drew his hand and then added to Henry, "I would like it if you would watch out for her Mr. Foss."
"Don't worry about that. She won't be out of my sight." Henry replied and headed up the stairs with Chase.
"What do we do?" Ashley asked. She paced in small tight circles letting her anxiety take over just for the interim.
"We stay here in case he decides to make a run for us." John had a feeling that Nigel would come for him first. At least Ashley would be where he could keep his eyes on her and she wouldn't hesitate to throw herself in the thick of things. But how would they fight something they couldn't see? Another appearance from the Ripper would seem to be what he would need. John just hoped he didn't have to let that part of himself free.
HELEN'S OFFICE:
Nigel had left the werewolf to cry at Helen's side. He had come here for a reason and that had been to exact vengeance on Nikola, John, and James. But mostly he wanted Helen to hurt, wanted her to suffer for what she had done to him in London . At the time he had been ignorant, driven by knowledge, and thirst for the unexplored. But it had cursed him in the process. It was his gift more than anything that drove him to this course of action. He hated what he was, hated being invisible. When he had been with the Five back in the old days the others had never seen him even when he had been there. It enraged him, but he was too much the gentleman to complain, especially since it was Helen's idea to inject the blood. Back then he would have gone to the ends of the Earth for Helen to even notice him. But she had John filling her heart and eventually Nigel let it go. When he did he met his wife, had a daughter, and even had a granddaughter that he had never known.
Walking into Helen's office Nigel took a moment to look around. One thing stuck out at him as he drew closer to her desk. On the cherry wood desk there sat a picture of Helen, John, Ashley, and Chase together in an island village. They looked happy and they looked like a family. His own wife was dead and his daughter was cold in the ground. Only his granddaughter survived him. His family was torn asunder. Steeling himself, Nigel worked at Helen's computer to initiate a lockdown on a timer. It would be enough time for him to get back down to the main lab to take care of John while the others stayed put.
MAIN ENTRANCE:
Dawn leaned against the wall and waited, giving off an air of nonchalance. The Wookie was staring at him with veiled mistrust, well maybe it wasn't veiled. Dawn could feel the knives in his gut as the Sasquatch continued to stare at him. All he wanted to do was get to Chase and get her away from the impending fight. It would be hard to get her away, she was fighter, and every bit the tiger abnormal he was. The trick would be tanqing her and getting her out. But he would figure that out later. First he had to see her. Suddenly his ears perked up at the sound of her voice; she was laughing. Dawn pushed away from the wall and without thought he ran for the stairs and for the sound of Chase.
Dawn hit the second floor landing and saw Chase walking close to another man. The beast inside of him was instantly enraged and it would have vengeance. The werewolf would die and he would take his woman back.