Aniyu: (cheering) I've got over 20 reviews!! Thank you everyone!!! (hugs all around)

Anayi: We'd like to give special thanks to Angels-above, Sleeping Soundly, Brianna Jacobs, and Elemental wings! Thanks for giving Aniyu so much encouragement!

Arthur: Has anyone seen Will and Bran?

Aniyu: (pouts) After they used my closet, they went and passed out in my room.

Simon: Wait a second, they used your closet?! For what?

Aniyu: (blinks) When did you get away from Brianna? Or did my reaper friend, Devannia, bring you back?

Simon: (frantic) Speak not those witches' names!

Anayi: (pushes button) Don't insult our reviewer and my best friend!

Simon: (flattened by bookcase) Ouch!!

Aniyu: Hey Brianna! You can come get him if you want! Meanwhile, everyone enjoy the next chapter! Warning dark themes in this chapter!

(blah) means telepathic speech.

Chapter 11:

Dark Intentions

Time returned to normal in a flash of light, as the four returned to their bodies. Will, his body already slack from nearly fading into Oblivion, fell to his knees in utter exhaustion. Bran kneeled down with him, holding him so Will's head wouldn't hit the floor. The youngest Old One leaned against his prince's body in gratitude, blushing at their proximity to each other. Arthur was smiling at them fondly while Merriman quickly checked Will for any extreme injuries.

Upon finding nothing wrong, Merriman stood and firmly directed Will into bed. "You'll need to rest for several hours, my Watchman; this whole ordeal has drained your energy nearly dry. You will need to keep an eye on him, young Pendragon."

Bran nodded, carefully moving Will to the bed to tuck him in. He paused as he looked at Will's formal garments, before looking down at his own. He wore the same outfit as his doppelganger, only the tunic was evening blue with black trim; his trousers were also evening blue and his boots were black.

"Um, what should we do about our clothes?"

Merriman's eyes twinkled with amusement as he whispered a spell to return them to their jeans and shirts. Once Will was settled in, Bran turned to the other two, his countenance grim. "What should we do if Simon and James try something before Will has recovered?"

"Do not worry. There are allies among you that shall protect Will; don't draw attention to yourself by using any of your own powers," Arthur responded.

Will, though on the brink of sleep, asked in confusion, "Allies among us? Who? Jane and Barney have lost their memories and none of my family are Old Ones…"

"Sleep, Will. Everything shall become clear soon," was Merriman's response.

Will gave the slightest pout before succumbing to a desperately needed nap. Bran sat beside his secret love, gently brushing back the cinnamon-colored bangs. Both of the older men smiled at the tender sight, as bittersweet as it was. They knew the two boys had fallen deeply in love with each other, but neither teen had confessed their feelings yet. Quite frankly, the situation was driving them batty.

"My son, if Will's family asks about him, say that he wore himself out chasing the dogs. The less he is disturbed, the sooner he'll recover."

Bran nodded, waving farewell to the men as they vanished to begin their preparations. He watched Will's sleeping form for several minutes, fighting the temptation to take a nap himself.

Or maybe it was the temptation to lean over and kiss him, Bran wasn't entirely sure.

After awhile, Bran got up and locked the door before returning to the bed. He laid down beside his Phoenix, wrapping an arm around him and immersing himself in his memories.

'So many memories in such a small amount of Time… To think, I chose to forget it all so I could stay with Will… so he wouldn't be alone… Yet I think he was even more alone with me here, oblivious to who I am… Who he is…'

A sad smile graced Bran's face as Will curled closer to him. 'He was in so much pain… and I know it. He's showed me so many times, ever since I talked to him on the train platform… All that pain, it's obvious he was dieing inside.'

As if sensing Bran's sadness, Will briefly pulled himself from sleep. "Bran? Are you all right?"

Inwardly cursing himself, Bran quickly reassured Will. "I'm fine, boyo. You need to go back to sleep."

A pout came to Will's face at that. "Bran, I can tell something's bothering you. Now, what's wrong?"

Bran sighed in defeat, knowing Will would keep himself wake until satisfied. "It's just… For the past three years, I've watched you practically die inside. You were facing an eternity alone, and I was so oblivious…"

Will's eyes softened, understanding what Bran was feeling. "I'm sorry you had to see that, Bran. I tried to hide it from you, but I just couldn't keep it all in. It's obvious now that I was never going to be completely alone, and for that I'm grateful. Don't let the past bother you, Bran; the past is something we just cannot change."

"I know; we have to concentrate on what is happening now. Such as you going back to sleep…"

Smiling, Will settled back down and went back to sleep with Bran's arms wrapped around him. Bran, making sure Will was asleep, brushed a gentle kiss to Will's cheek before falling asleep himself.

(The Stanton Home)

Gwen placed a hand over her heart the second Time started to flow again. She knew something had happened to the two at Max's home, but sensed that they were in one piece. She glanced over at Stephen, who was helping her with Barney's outfit for Will's party.

Stephen had stiffened almost unnoticeably, and was just barely starting to relax. It was apparent that he had sensed something happen to Will, which was no surprise to Gwen.

'Those two always were the closest in the family,' Gwen thought to herself. "Hey, Stephen? Do you think Will and Bran are all right?"

A strained smile appeared on the eldest Stanton sibling's face. "Y-Yeah, I'm sure they're fine. After all, it's not even mid-afternoon yet."

'Something's wrong… James has been acting strange since this morning and now it feels like Will's been hurt. What is going on?'

Gwen could sense the turmoil in her older brother, and she rubbed his shoulders soothingly. 'The storm is nearly upon us, and the Dark has made its first move. I need to be prepared.'

(Sister, did you sense that?)

Gwen went back to work as she replied to the message. (Yes, I did. The Dark is on the move again. We need to prepare for battle at anytime.)

(Will's already put protections on the houses, but not the people or the barn and stables. I can get the barn and some of our group, but…)

(I know. I'll take care of the rest of the group. Will can handle the stables since he's closest to them. Be careful with your spells, Robin; I sense ill tidings from James and Simon.)

(Don't worry. Max is keeping Simon, eh, busy. James is in the house with you. As soon as I'm done here, I'll go back to Max's house to watch Will and Bran.)

Gwen smiled to herself. (Good. Just don't pester them; Will seems to be resting right now. And don't tease them.)

(I know, I know. See you soon, Gwen.)

The eldest Stanton sister sensed Robin begin his spells, signaling the end of their conversation. She herself quietly wove a protective web around Stephen and Barney, noticing that Barney seemed to feel the magic a little.

'Once a Seer, always a Seer; even if he will never regain his memories,' Gwen thought sadly before sending up a prayer. 'My Lady, please watch over Will until we can reveal ourselves to him.'

(The Barn)

Robin, after placing a protective spell on the barn, chuckled as he watched Max pelt Simon with snowballs. Paul was standing beside his twin, shaking his head at Max's antics.

"I'm not sure why, but it seems as if Max feels strong animosity towards Simon."

Receiving a shrug from Robin, Paul turned to his twin with a critical eye. "Does Max dislike Simon?"

"Possibly. Stephen doesn't seem to like Simon much either." 'Though considering Simon fell to the Dark, I certainly don't blame them for their feelings.'

Silence stretched between the twins for a few moments before Paul spoke again. "This has something to do with what you told me about, right?"

Robin nodded; as twins, the two of them shared such a strong bond that Robin couldn't hide anything from Paul. So Robin had told Paul all about the Dark, and his connection to the Light.

"Yeah. We need to keep an eye on Simon. And I need to finish my protective spells; hold still a second."

Once Paul was protected, he went out to break up the snowball assault while Robin waited for Max to be sent over. Sure enough, Max came over to him per Paul's orders. The two of them set up the tables in the barn, Robin discreetly putting a protective spell over Max in the process. Once the tables were up, Robin made his announcement.

"I'm going to go check on Will and Bran. I'll be back later, so don't kill each other!"

His siblings smiled at him, while Simon glared at the ground. Robin gave out a hearty laugh before heading out to Max's truck, having already received the keys from Max. As he drove away, Robin saw Simon running across the yard in his rearview mirror. Max and Paul were both chasing him, wielding snowballs in both hands.

'Well, that'll keep Simon out of everybody's hair for a while,' Robin thought with a grin.

(Max's Home)

Bran woke up when he heard knocking on the bedroom door. "W-Wha?"

"Hey Bran, open up! I need to get changed."

The albino obligingly opened the door to a smirking Robin, who took in Bran's sleepy face and Will's still sleeping form. Seeing the smirk, Bran gave the twin a wary look.

"What?"

Robin's smirk turned into a full blown grin. "Looks like you two had so much fun, you wore Will out."

Confusion crossed Bran's features. "Had so much fun? Wha--" Realization dawned in his mind and his eyes widened.

A laugh escaped Robin and Bran smacked the back of his head. "No we did not, you pervert. The dogs decided to take Will's scarf and play 'keep away'. And quit laughing, you'll wake him up."

Rubbing his head, Robin quieted down to slight chuckles before grabbing a change of clothes. That's when Bran noticed that the twin's clothes were extremely damp. "What happened to you?"

"Max started a snowball fight, and I ended up tripping. I crashed into the tool shed, and all the snow on its roof practically buried me."

Bran gave a small laugh, and patted Robin on the back. "Smart, that…"

The Pendragon froze as he felt something odd from the twin, not hearing his response. Robin walked to the bathroom while Bran stared after him.

'What… was that? That felt a bit like the Light's magic. But Will's the only Old One in his family…'

He glanced at Will, curiosity bright on his face. 'Will's the last of the Old Ones… Is it possible that he isn't the last of the Light?'

When Robin returned, dressed in dry jeans and a T-shirt, Bran turned to him. He stood tall, the Pendragon looking out from his eyes and Robin paused before him.

"Are you of the Light or the Dark?"

A placating smile appeared on Robin's lips as he responded. "I am of the Light, my lord Pendragon. I knew you'd figure it out."

Robin crossed over to his cot and sat down, looking at Bran grimly. "While I am not an Old One, I was born with dormant powers inside of me. When Will left for Cornwall, before he met you for the first time, I was approached by Merriman Lyon and the Lady. She awakened my dormant abilities, and told me of the war with the Dark. After the Midsummer's Eve battle, the Lady approached me with the task of acting as the Light's rear guard; basically I was one of the few who would remain on this Earth to help the Watcher with his task, though I could not reveal myself to him yet."

Bran asked, "Then, the Lady knew something was going to happen?"

"She had her suspicions. The Council of the High Magic agreed with her, which is why Will became the second Watchman. The rear guard is composed of a few people around the world, who will aid the Watcher in his task and will pass on with him into Avalon when his watch is over."

"And what of myself? Did the High Magic deliberately make the Memory enchantment temporary?"

"Yes. As the heir of King Arthur, as the Pendragon, you were meant to someday pass into Avalon. To do that, you needed your memories; all you had to do was choose whether you wanted to pass on or live a life on Earth first. As you chose to remain on Earth, it was decided that if the Dark rose again, the enchantment would wear off. If nothing had happened by your twenty-first birthday, Merriman would have returned your memories and have you choose to either pass on or help the Watcher."

Bran let all that information turn in his head before asking, "What should we do, now that the Dark is mounting another attack?"

"For now, we prepare for a battle and set up protective spells. But right now we need to protect Will while he sleeps; you'll need to fill me in on what has happened so far."

The two of them conversed for a couple hours, Bran explaining everything that had been happening pertaining to the Dark since his arrival. Robin had liberally cursed Simon's existence by the end of their talk, making Bran laugh. Once they were finished, Robin went out to place some more spells before he would return to the Stanton home for a few hours.

Bran stayed with Will, completely ill at-ease with leaving him alone. He stood at the window, watching Robin cast a few spells and waving as the twin went to the truck. The albino returned to Will's side for another nap, and therefore didn't see Robin encounter the Black Rider.

Robin glared at the Rider as he appeared near the truck. "What the hell do you want, you bloody prick?"

"Now, now, there's no need to be crass. I merely wish to warm myself inside the house, if you would be so kind?"

Robin hissed in the language of the High Magic, "I wouldn't let you in any home that belongs to my family, not you and not any of your masters."

An ugly scowl crossed the Rider's face. "I see, so you are of the Light. Yet, why haven't you passed on with the rest of the Light?"

"That is no concern of yours. Know this, Black Rider: if you try to harm the Watcher and the Pendragon again, there will be nothing left of you to send outside of Time once the Light is through with you."

The Rider did not speak, only vanished with a glare fitting his title. Robin glanced at the house before getting in the truck.

'Guard him well, Pendragon, the Rider roams these grounds.'

(The Stanton Home)

Once they were finished with Barney's outfit, Gwen had shooed Stephen outside and searched the house for Barbara and Jane. As she went, she placed protective spells on her father and the two dogs in front of the fire, Raq and Ci. After corralling Barbara and Jane upstairs, the two older girls began working on Jane's outfit. Gwen had discreetly placed protective spells on them and was waiting for word from Robin as she worked.

(Gwen, I'm on my way back. Things are bit worse than we thought.)

Gwen winced inwardly, worry filling her to the brim. (What has happened?)

(I'll tell you everything when I get there. But I will say this, I just had a run in with the Black Rider.)

Robin explained what happened, and Gwen listened intently. (Then the Rider has not learned about the Rear Guard yet. Let us hope it stays that way.)

(Yeah. I suggest fortifying all the protective spells, there's no way to know if the Rider will attack again within the next few days and we need to be ready. I've already taken care of Max's home.)

(All right. Start on the house when you get here, I'll help once I'm done with Jane's outfit. Be careful, both Simon and James are rather angry for some reason.)

Robin replied with anger. (I know, and I'll explain why later. You be careful too, Gwen.)

(I will.)

(The Barn)

Stephen and Max were finishing up with the barn, in between glaring at Simon. Paul was watching them in amusement before going out to greet his twin. Robin quickly explained that he needed to strengthen the spells and needed Simon distracted. Once the spell on him was reinforced, Paul provided a distraction… by knocking Simon into the hay bales.

Robin quickly fortified his spells before helping Paul unbury Simon. Stephen and Max were too busy trying to disguise their laughs to help the twins. About an hour later, Gwen called for everyone to come inside to warm up before returning to Max's home for dinner.

(Max's House)

Will was first to wake up as he sensed his family approaching the house. He blushed brightly as he realized the position he had been sleeping in. Sometime during his nap, he had shifted so he was flush against Bran with their legs intertwined. Bran's arms were wrapped around Will's waist and back firmly, preventing any sort of escape. Will's hands had been against Bran's chest, but were now at his shoulders trying to wake him.

"Bran… Bran wake up!" "Wha-What? Oh…"

Bran, too, realized how compromising their positions were and quickly let Will loose with an apologetic look. Both of them got up and changed into more comfortable clothes before going downstairs. After a few minutes, the Stanton family and the Drew kids came in.

Mr. Stanton and Max were in charge of dinner that night, so everyone else lounged around, chatting until dinner was ready. Barney was begging Will to show him how to ride properly while most of the others watched on in amusement. Jane was quietly talking to Barbara and Bran about finishing Bran's outfit after dinner so he could stay with Will the next day. James and Simon were sitting in a corner, whispering to each other.

Soon, Max called everyone in for dinner, which flew by pretty quickly. Afterwards, Barbara and Jane pulled Bran up to the girls' room to finish his outfit while everyone else returned to the living room. Gwen was playing with Will's hair fondly while Robin teased him mercilessly, Paul shaking his head in amusement. Stephen and Max were entertaining Barney and Mr. Stanton with crazy stories, Max's from high school and Stephen's from the Navy.

No one noticed Simon and James leave the room to go outside.

Once Bran, Jane, and Barbara returned, everyone sang carols for an hour or so. During the festivities, Will noticed that Simon and James were missing. While he did not want to confront Simon yet, he needed to know if James was being possessed or not. So he quietly snuck away and out the front door, trying to sense where the two were.

Feeling that they were at the back of the house, Will silently made his way around and stopped by the corner as he heard voices.

"Why weren't Will and that freak killed, Simon?" Will recognized James's voice instantly, flinching at his tone.

"It seems that the freak figured out how to reverse the spell. As for Will, he can't die, not really." 'And there's Simon,' Will thought to himself.

"What gives them the right to be here?! They're the reason mum and Mary can never come home!"

"Sshh, calm yourself, James. We'll avenge them, but first we have to put Will in his place. You remember your part, right?"

"Of course."

There was a brief pause in which Will peeked around the corner, only to pull back quickly with wide eyes. Simon was slowly kissing James, their clothes mussed up, which confused and shocked Will to the core.

"Good. Best get back inside, before someone comes looking for us. I'll be in soon."

Will heard the back door open and close, signaling James's departure. Seconds later, Will felt the Rider appear beside Simon.

"Well Simon, I suppose you have everything under control here?"

"Yes. While I'll admit I didn't expect Bran to survive, it won't make a difference. Once this is all over, Will shall be mine and the Dark will control the world of Man."

"As we agreed. Though I must admit, I'm curious as to why you picked James to help you."

Will could imagine the smirk on Simon's face. "I'd met him a couple times while he was in college. The fool was putty in my hands after I shagged him once in a fit of frustration. I knew he was the most wounded by Mary and Mrs. Stanton's disappearance; so when he was helping me move my things last night I told him that Will and Bran were responsible for their absence. One quick shag later…"

"I see. Well done, Simon. At first I thought you had performed a possession on him; but this is much more intriguing. Until we meet again, Simon; I have the forces of the Light to deal with now."

Feeling the Rider's departure and hearing Simon go in the back door, Will collapsed to the ground. His mind was in shock while his gut churned sickeningly.

'…James… By the High Magic, Simon's just using him… But, he's also not being possessed…'

He didn't know how long he was sitting there, but it was Bran that found him. The albino was concerned the second he saw Will on the ground, and his worry increased once he could see Will's face clearly.

"Will, what is it? What's happened, my Phoenix?"

Tears poured out of Will as he wrapped his arms around Bran's shoulders, silent sobs wracking his body harshly. "It-It's James… He's fallen, and I don't know how to save him…"

Slowly, between sobs, Will told Bran what he overheard. Bran was torn; on one hand he wanted to go hunt down Simon and slaughter him for causing Will's pain, and on the other he wanted to go knock some sense into James so Will would be all right again. Instead, he gently cleared the tears from Will's face and looked him in the eyes.

"For now, there is nothing we can do until we speak to Merriman. We need to go back inside before anyone else comes out here. Come on…"

Bran pulled Will to his feet, but noticed how unsteady the smaller teen was. Muttering a quick apology, Bran scooped Will into his arms bridal style. Walking around to the front and stepping inside, Bran quickly got Robin's attention and motioned him over.

Robin immediately came over, quickly pulling the other two back outside. At the twin's inquiring look, Bran explained what happened, which confused Will. Robin looked sick, but he quickly led the two around to the back door and took them upstairs to the bedroom they shared. As they went past the bathroom, they heard very quiet moans and the shower going.

Tears pooled in Will's stormy eyes before his pressed his face to Bran's neck. Robin was about to barge in, but Bran nudged him and motioned to Will; Robin nodded and led them to the bedroom. Robin locked the door behind them while Bran set Will down on the bed.

Will looked at Robin with deep confusion, after Bran had tenderly brushed away his tears again. "W-Why have you not asked us about the Dark?"

A sigh escaped Robin. "Because I already know about the Dark, the Light, and the High Magic. I've known since you went to Cornwall for the first time, because the Lady and Merriman approached me during that time. You are the last Old One, Will; but you were not the last of the Light to come into your power. I, and a few others across the world, was born with dormant powers and the Lady awakened them. We few are the Rear Guard, left on this Earth to help you with your Watch until the time you are able to pass into Avalon; when that time comes, we will cross over with you."

Silence stretched between the three as Will digested what he had just heard. "S-So you're to watch alongside me?"

Robin nodded and recited everything he had told Bran, leaving Will speechless and looking at Bran with shock. Bran wrapped an arm around his shoulders, giving him a small squeeze of reassurance. Will put his head in his hands and muttered softly.

"This is too much to take in all at once."

Bran nodded. "I agree. Let's get some sleep, we'll discuss this tomorrow."

The other two nodded. Robin got up to unlock the door while the other two changed into night clothes. Will climbed into bed, barely acknowledging Bran's presence beside him before falling deeply asleep. Bran enfolded Will in his arms before going to sleep himself, trusting Robin to take care of any inquiries about them. Robin watched them with sad eyes, waiting on his cot for Paul to come up so he could lock the door.

(Robin, is everything all right?)

The twin flinched upon hearing Gwen's concerned voice. (No, it's not.)

He quickly explained what happened and felt absolute anguish from his elder sister. Now he really wanted to go beat the hell out of Simon for causing his family so much pain.

(I know you're upset, Gwen, I am too. But we'll have to wait until tomorrow to do anything.)

(You are right, Robin. Watch over Will.)

(Of course, though he probably does not need me with the Pendragon present.) He heard a small laugh from Gwen before they stopped speaking.

Paul came into the bedroom moments later and immediately sensed the tense air around his twin. He locked the door before walking over to Robin, asking what was wrong with his eyes. Robin gave him a brief overview, which was enough for Paul. He wrapped Robin in a comforting hug before insisting he go to bed.

"You need to sleep, Robin. At this point it's the only thing we can do."

"I know… Goodnight, Paul."

The twins went to sleep in their separate cots, hoping the dawn would answers, if not complete relief.

Gwen was the last to go upstairs, passing a damp James and Simon as she went. She wanted to scream at them, maybe even smack them; but she just couldn't, she could only pity the fact that they had fallen so far that they could never be saved. It was something she just did not have the heart to tell Robin or Will.

'Goodbye, James… It seems, you are my brother no longer…'

TBC…

Aniyu: And that is the next chapter.

Merriman: That was, rather different for you.

Aniyu: Very much so, but thankfully Anayi helped me out. I don't really mean to torture Will, but I need this for the plot. Gomen!

Black Rider: Well, this is interesting.

Aniyu: (scowling) Who said you could get up? (holds down remote button)

Black Rider: (repeatedly smack with tree) Damn!! Ow!

Anayi: Please R&R, Aniyu really appreciates feedback.