AN: omg… I can't believe I'm doing this… but I've decided to change point of views! 0_0. I chickened out way back in chapter three but now I have no choice. Please please PLEASE review! I need to know how It went. Anyway, I will switch between Elizabeth and David since from here on out I feel it's incredibly important to see both of their perspectives in the story and there will be a 3rd person p.o.v. to help set the scene. I really wish I started the p.o.v. switch sooner but I didn't feel confident enough a year ago! And this is my longest chapter yet!

My most sincerest apologies if David is OOC!

ALSO, to Ikshanks, there is a special something just for you at the end of this chapter! Sorry it took me this long. I hope you like it!

To Hell and Back chapter 20: The calm before the storm.

3rd. Person P.O.V.

The atmosphere of the once joyous and carefree cave was that of a sombre one. Elizabeth laid unconscious on one of the run down couches, covered with David's coat with Dwayne sitting Indian styles next to her. David knelt between them, holding their shoulders to anchor them to this world as he searched for his wayward mate. Paul and Marko were squatting close by, arguing rather loudly as they stared at the deep bruise developing on the girl's neck.

"How the hell did this happen!?" Demanded Paul, running his hand through his hair in concern.

"You're smarter than this man, how much did you take!?" Added Marko, cracking his knuckles as he wrung his hands.

David had his eyes closed and snapped angrily at his brothers. "If you don't shut the fuck up right now I'll lose both of them!"

They both shut their mouths and remained silent as they watched their leader's scowl deepen. They could see this was painful and decided to save the fight for later. They wanted their sister back, whatever it took… and they knew David would do just that.

David flinched slightly and grimaced as he breached the barrier between worlds. "I've found her. Dwayne!"

Dwayne had his eyes closed and been in a state of limbo this entire time. He nods as he said "On it!" and slumped as his spirit leapt through the breech. Normally he could do this without using such drastic measures but there was simply no time to prepare the ritual for the more… appropriate way of doing this. After what felt like an hour but was more like a minute he yelled "NOW DAVID!"

David bowed his head as his hands began to glow, making Marko and Paul stand in surprise. They both rushed to grab David's arms when he started to yell. Paul yelled to David "Oh shit hang on man!"

…

David's P.O.V.

'ARRGH FUCK THAT HURT!'

My hands where literally burning as I pulled both Elizabeth and Dwayne from the spirit world. The flesh had burned away to the bone, completely destroying my gloves. Nothing but a gnarly combination of black and red scar tissue remained. It's not the first time I've burned my hands but I certainly hope it's the last. The force of their return actually pushed me back, making me crash into Paul and Marko. They kept me from hitting the ground and pulled me back into a sitting position. On reflex I had pulled my hands to my chest. They were freaken smoking!

I grimaced silently to myself before glancing over my shoulder. "Are they ok?"

Paul jumped to Dwayne's side and helped him to sit up. "Yeah he's ok, just winded."

Marko was checking Elizabeth's neck for a pulse, then twisted his head to listen to her chest. "She… She's not breathing…" He looked to me in alarm.

I rushed to her side and shook her, trying not to let myself panic, ignoring the pain it caused me to touch her. "Elizabeth?! Elizabeth open your eyes! C'mon babe open your eyes!"

I can only guess that death itself had come for her… I have no idea if this will work. If I will be heard. But I gotta try. 'I pushed her to the edge of death. That's on me. I will pay the price for that. Not her! DO YOU HEAR ME!? NOT HER! I don't care who it is I'm talking to… but you better listen or you'll be sorry!'

Elizabeth's P.O.V.

Oh man everything ached… It felt like someone had tied me up between two trucks and gunned the bloody engine, ripping me in half. Nothing wanted to work. Accept my heart. That kept beating. Everything else seemed to have shut down but not my heart… strange. I could feel something touching my neck and chest but… I could also feel myself drifting away… deeper into the darkness… welcoming me into a very cold embrace. I could hear a voice but it was too far away for me to tell who or what it was.

Instead another voice spoke up. All around me… all at once. "You do not belong in the land of the living. You belong here, in the darkness."

The disembodied voice sighed as I could feel something constrict around my throat… my very soul. I choked and resisted the urge to succumb to its deathly grasp. "Let me go!"

"So many lives. So many lives have been and destroyed by you, Elizabeth Ryder. Come. I will give you the end you seek." Its grip tightened painfully around me.

Just then I could feel something shake me. It loosened the grip this entity had on me but it didn't let go. David's voice sliced through the darkness but I couldn't make out what he was saying… He did give me the strength to fight harder for my life. "No… NO! I'm not gonna die. I don't want to die!"

The disembodied voice laughed, strengthening its grip once more. "Yes you do child. I can hear you desire to die. It's in your song. You've called to me many times. Your father's words echo in the back of your mind. His four little words. I. Want. To. Die."

My resolve was weakening. It was true. Many of times I had wished to die but refused to just lie down and let it happen. For so long I had fought for survival yet wished it would end… I don't understand it... I don't understand a lot of things. "I…. I…"

"Shhhh. Come child. Come. It is over." The grip morphed into more or a caressing sensation, coaxing me to let it take me.

I was so tired. So close to get some rest at last. But… then I heard something. Something powerful. A voice filled with pain, anger, desperation and an ice cold will that challenged anything that had ears to hear it. "I pushed her to the edge of death. That's on me. I will pay the price for that. Not her! DO YOU HEAR ME!? NOT HER! I don't care who it is I'm talking to… but you better listen or you'll be sorry!"

'David…'

The disembodied voice scoffed. "Too late boy. She's crossed over."

I managed to summon the last of my will power, using anger to fuel myself. If this thing… whatever it was… tricked my farther into giving up like it's trying to do with me now… it just made my shit list. "Not… Today!"

I could suddenly feel my knife in my hand, like I had been hanging onto it this entire time. I flicked it open and hacked wildly at the darkness. I couldn't see anything but I must've been hitting my mark because it howled in pain and anger as it lost its grip on me. I could feel myself shooting back into consciousness, away from the howling creature, feeling my body properly this time. I forced my eyes to open but I could not get my lungs to work. I stared into the worried face of David as I clawed at my throat.

David's P.O.V.

She's suffocating! She can't get the air back in. So much so she had turned blue. I grabbed her hands to stop her from clawing out her own throat and pinned them by her side.

"Breathe Elizabeth! You gotta breathe!" She stared at me, absolutely petrified.

I grabbed her face with my damaged hands and stared her in the eye. I could feel my own burning through hers as I tried to breach her mind. As usual I can't push her! Despite her madness her mind is surprisingly strong, almost impervious to an external influence. But that's when I sensed it… a back door. It wasn't there before…

'What changed?' It's the mark! When I bit her the other night I had marked her… but I could only read her surface thoughts after that… Maybe when I fed from her last night… That must have weakened her defences! I focused on the mark and used it to link our minds just long enough to usher a single command.

"BREATHE!"

She gasped loudly at last and coughed up a storm as she forced her lungs to work. After a few more gulps of precious air she shot up and wrapped her arms around me. She was cold and shaking quite a bit. I held onto her as tight as I could without crushing her, with absolutely no intention of letting her go. No fucking way.

I sighed with relief "are you ok?" still holding her tightly.

She continued to shiver and somehow pressed herself closer to me. "Y… Yeah. I'm ok…"

Our link was gone… I couldn't see for myself if she really was so I was gonna have to take her word for it. I need to turn her as soon as possible… I can't lose her. I know that now.

Marko tuned in telepathically 'So… why haven't you turned her yet man? She's obviously crazy about you.'

'What makes you so sure?'

'Who's neck is currently being strangled half to death?'

'Point taken.'

'Well…'

'What?'

'Why haven't you turned her yet?'

'I needed to be sure first Marko. And now I am.'

Paul jumped in 'It's about damn time. That was so messed up… Sheesh I need a hit.' And patted down his jacket for a joint.

Dwayne finally recovered and joined in with the telepathic conversation. 'That was too close for comfort. The sooner you turn her the better. I won't worry so much then.'

'You and me both Dwayne.' I nod in agreement.

'I second that.' Chimed Marko

'Me too.' Added Paul.

'If we're all in agreement then it's decided. We'll make her an official sister tonight.' I looked to Dwayne 'Thank you for going after her.'

'No sweat man.' He smiled 'I know you'd do the same if you could. Hell thank you for pulling us out.'

'Anytime.'

Dwayne nods yet looked solemn. 'Listen, when she's one of us she'll no longer be compromised. She won't be haunted like she is now and will be able to defend herself with more than that mental barrier you were telling us about.'

'I hope you're right Dwayne. Like you said this was too close.'

'Hey Dwayne, how do you know all this stuff?' Asked Paul with the weed currently clouding his mind.

He smiled proudly 'My grandfather was a medicine man. A Shaman. Taught me everything I know, including the spirit walk.'

'Far out man.' Paul grinned, nodding with respect.

Elizabeth's P.O.V

They were all quiet and distracted again but that's ok… it was just nice to be held. I… hate to admit it but I'm afraid. That has never happened before… I've never had so much to lose before. It took a lot longer than I cared to admit to stop shaking but once I had I noticed David was holding me a little awkwardly. I leaned back slightly, which seemed to snap him out of his daydream with a grimace. He seemed to be holding me with his arms not his hands. I looked over my shoulder and gasped.

"David your hands!"

He muttered "shit" under his breath and let go of me. He tried to move his hands out of my line of sight. "I'm fine."

"Bull shit! Lemme see that!" I grabbed his wrists and took a closer look at the damage. "Oh my God…" They looked horrible… I'd never seen such a severe burn before. At least… not where the person with said burn lived to tell the tale.

He pulled his hands out of my grip and held them up for me to see. "I told you I'm fine." He clenched his fists then flexed his finger, making the flesh creek and groan. "See?"

He didn't even flinch… but I know that hurt him. I just know it. I gently held his wrists again and lowered his hands. "Ok… ok. Please don't do that."

David smirked as he nods. "Fine." I guess he found my reaction amusing or something… in any case we both seemed to be searching each other's eyes for an answer to an unspoken question. Are you really ok?

Dwayne spoke up, breaking our brief staring match. "You don't look so good little sista', are you sure you're ok?"

I looked to Dwayne with a smile. "Yeah… I'm feeling a little drained but I'm ok."

"To be expected I guess…" He nods.

"Are you ok? That whole spirit walk thing was pretty cool." I grinned, trying to brush off how serious this whole situation was.

"Yeah I'm good." He grinned back "Your old man was pretty bad ass too huh?"

"Your dad was there?" Piped up Marko. "What was he doing?

I thought about that for a minute "Looking for a ride…" and suddenly yawned.

"The Hitcher… Hitch hiking… makes sense." He mused.

David brushed a stray lock out of my face as he spoke. "You're tired. You should try to get some rest."

'Oh hell no!' "No way! I'm not sleeping for a week. Not after all that crap." I pulled the best don't-fuck-with-me expression I could muster.

This made all of them chuckle, which made me madder. Paul cooed. "Aw you're just a little freaked out. Here, it'll take the edge off." And handed me his joint.

I was about to protest and give it back on reflex but David caught my hand and pushed it gently towards my face. "He's got a point. Go ahead."

"But…" I was temporarily distracted by his hand. It looked a lot better now, just a lighter tinge of pink covered the entire surface. "Wow…" I was relieved, truly grateful that he was ok. When I looked into his eyes they were smiling. "I uh… don't do this sorta thing…"

He quirked an eyebrow "Would you… prefer a drink instead?"

The way he said that just felt so ominous to me. I mean it didn't sound sus' or anything so I guess it was just my gift doing its thing. I shook my head no and handed him the joint. "Nah… it'll give me nightmares." I dunno what's up… maybe I'm just being paranoid…

David nods and took a long drag on the joint. Which surprised me. I mean, I knew he was a smoker but I never saw him take a hit before. Once he had his fill he passed it back to Paul with a nod in thanks. Paul grinned back before popping it back into his mouth. As I stared at Paul, wondering what he was grinning about, David had rather sneakily cupped the back of my head. When I turned to ask him what was up he suddenly jerked me forward, catching my chin with his free hand and held my mouth open.

The sudden movement made me gasp in surprise. David blew smoke into my mouth as I inhaled then trapped my lips into a kiss, forcing me to hold the weed in, muffling my yelp in protest. I managed to push myself back and coughed the invasive smoke out of my lungs, keeping an arm between David and myself. In a fit of anger, I took a swipe at him, which he easily dodged just by leaning back. I growled and tried again to punch that audacious s.o.b. but he caught my fist and grinned, biding his time.

It didn't take long for my brain to be affected by the weed as I was overcome with a sense of… calm… mellow… It felt like I was kinda swaying with the tide. I must've been swaying for real because I was suddenly in David's arms again, resting my head on his shoulder. I could hear the others laughing and felt myself blush. He didn't retaliate and seemed to be completely unfazed with my aggressive reaction to his… well… feeding me weed.

"Aw she's a feather weight, gonna have to do something about that." Cooed Paul, earning a snicker from Marko.

I flipped him a very wonky bird and muttered "Fuck you." Then ran my thumb against my fingertips… damn that felt weird.

That earned an "Oooh" from Paul as he feigned injury to his chest.

"You forgot feisty dude." Joked Marko as he did a backward roll out of the beanbag. Which had me blinking as I tried to follow his movement.

David pulled me to sit upright again and chuckled darkly. I pouted and smacked him lightly in the chest. "You are one cheeky bastard you know that? You just have to have it your way don't you?"

He laughed as he hooked his arm under my legs and lifted me bridal styles, standing in one fluid motion. "I hate to lose. Not my style."

I rested my head on his shoulder and loosely wrapped my arms around his neck. "I usually hurt people for shit like that." My words were so spaced out… God… I must be stoned. One hit and I'm stoned.

David chuckled as he carried me towards the barricade and spoke in that 'know it all tone' "Oh I know babe… feels good doesn't it?"

I giggled. "Smart arse."

'Oh God I'm high… no wait… stoned… wait what? Huh?'

I was too tired to figure it out and passed out in his arms.

David's P.O.V.

I smiled as she fell asleep. Her arms dropped to the side and dangled slightly with every step I took. Dwayne had hopped ahead of us and opened the barricade. He held it open and smirked as we passed him. I thanked him and bade good night to the others as I carried her to our nest. They knew better than to tease right now. I was not in the mood to tolerate it. Or a lecture for that matter. Too bad she didn't want that drink… That truly was a missed opportunity to fix this mess.

Once in the old room I kicked the door closed behind me. She stirred slightly but didn't wake… lucky. I placed her gently in the centre of the nest and took my coat from here waist. I couldn't help but take in the view. Damn she was so sexy… I never understood why she hid herself before … I stopped myself from staring for too long and quickly covered her with a blanket… The last thing I need is a boner… Got far too much going on right now.

With a sigh, I tossed my coat aside and heard a metallic click as it hit the ground. I turned to see the Iron cross I kept all those years ago had fallen from its place and now rested on the other side of the room. I rolled my eyes and ignored it as I climbed into the nest next to Elizabeth. There was no way in hell I wanted to think about that time… What was the point? It was long gone… Right now I needed to think of a way to ask Liz if she would join us. Without it sounding gay, corny or sappy…

'Hmm… maybe it'll be easier if I just trick her into it, the good old spiked wine trick… Yeah that'll go down well… Like Max's master plan to trick the whole Emerson family to join our ranks just to get Lucy… Dickhead. I won't make that same mistake. I don't have to. She knows what we are already. Knows that vampires exist… and doesn't give a shit. Hell she loves the thrill of the kill as much as we do.'

I grinned as I recollected her reaction. The way her eyes lit up as she slashed that kids throat… and that surf Nazi. The way her lips parted with the rush it gave her. The blood. She looked so good covered in blood. Even more so when she was in that frenzied state a few nights ago… I chuckled as I pulled my deadly girl closer to me. She hummed in her sleep and snuggled into my chest. I traced her mark before wrapping her tightly in my arms.

"I'm never letting you go Elizabeth. No one will take you away from me. No one."

…

Elizabeth's P.O.V.

I awoke to the sensation of being wrapped up tightly and very warm. For a second there I thought I'd been cocooned again and grinned at the memory of a good practical joke. When I opened my eyes, I saw I was not mummified in a blanket, but in a sleeping David's embrace. We were lying on our sides and his chin rested atop my head. At some point in my drug induced slumber, I had nuzzled into the crook of the neck. I wriggled slightly to see if I could slip out without waking him but somehow, he tightened his grip even more…

'Well shit… I'm gonna have to wake him…'

Now… the conventional means to wake someone would be shake them or say something right? Since when did I conform to anything? Not to mention I was still pissed about the whole weed thing… With a sly smile and a wicked thought, I leaned up and sank my teeth into his neck. Biting hard enough to bruise but not enough to cut him. He inhaled sharply and grabbed a fist full of my hair, growling as he pulled my face away from his neck. Wincing slightly since he pulled my hair, I let go of his throat and chewed my lip as I stared up into his amber eyes.

They burned right through me as he spoke through his teeth. "Minx" and hissed the end bit.

'Oh shit, I'm in trouble now…' I grinned darkly as I traced his jawline with a single finger. "Have I seduced you with my cunning and flirtatious ways David?" because that's what a minx is after all… at least that's how I understand the definition.

A low growl rumbled from deep within his chest as he shoved me onto my back. He pounced on top of me, trapping my arms by my sides with his legs as he straddled my waist. He leaned on his left arm as he used his right hand to trace my lips with a VERY sharp nail. He spoke lowly, sounding very dangerous. "Who seduced whom?"

I squirmed beneath him, feeling very vulnerable but I maintained my bravado. "Hmmm… who indeed?" and chuckled, trapping his nail between my teeth.

He ripped his nail from my teeth and clasped my jaw, twisting my head roughly to expose my neck. He leaned in close enough to feel his warm breath against my flesh, giving me goose bumps. "You really do like to play with fire don't you?" and grazed his teeth against where he bit me last night.

I panted heavily from a weird combination of fear and arousal. "Yes…"

I could feel his fangs just aching to puncture my skin. "Are you sure you want to play this game with me?"

'Oh dear God I'm gonna die' I whispered "…Yes" and closed my eyes. I didn't really know what this game was but… I was hooked.

He hummed as he leaned in further but instead of puncturing my throat his tilted his face to whisper into my ear. "I don't think so."

He pulled himself away and rolled off me, now lying on his back as he smiled smugly. I let out a long sigh, breathing out "prick" as I did. He chuckled as I turned to face him. "What is it gonna take to prove that I am?" I'm so damn hot and bothered right now it's not funny.

"Well that depends on how far you're willing to go." He grinned as he hooked his hands behind his head.

'What the hell does that mean?' I rolled onto my side and held my head in my hand, leaning my elbow into the ground. "You're not gonna make this easy for me are you?"

He slowly shook his head no. "Nope."

I slowly sat up and slipped onto his waist, hovering my face just an inch above his, ghosting my lips over his. I whispered sensually "Two can play this game David."

With a smirk, I slipped off of him, rolling out of the blanket that barely cover me and stood up. I glanced over my shoulder to see he had closed his eyes and grinned, chuckling away to himself. With a seedy grin of my own I slipped on his coat and buttoned it enough to cover my bare ass. I spotted something shiny on the ground and picked it up without really thinking about it, palming it as it were.

David's voice was right in my ear. "That's my coat."

I spun around and did my best to hide that he just scarred the crap outta me. "It's a good one."

"That it is." He countered with a smirk.

I giggled as I placed my hands on his chest. "You'll get it back as soon as I find my pants."

He chuckled and rubbed my shoulders. I could see his hands were 100% healed now. "Are you heading out?"

I nod once "yeah."

"Are you sure you're up for that?" He asked with a frown, holding my shoulders tightly. "You look rather pale…"

"I'm fine David. The fresh air will do me some good..." I offered a smile to try and placate him, his grip was getting kinda painful.

He seemed to realize this and loosened his grip. "You need to rest… You almost died yesterday."

"That's exactly why I need to be up and moving around… If I stay still after a close call…" I didn't wanna finish that. If I stay still, it feels like 'they' will catch up with me. Who the illusive 'they' are, I did not know… my victims… demons… but I do know just how crazy it sounds to say ANY of that aloud. I shook my head and brushed it off with a laugh. "Anyway, I have a near death experience every other day. It's no big deal."

David seemed to be thinking long and hard… it's funny… not that long ago I would not have cared if I had his blessing or not. So much has changed. By rights I should be seriously pissed off with this guy and have driven a steak through his heart by now. But… I can't. The very idea of hurting him made me sick… and I have no idea why. Is this, what love is? Or is it a pathological possessiveness on my part? I had no idea… none.

David broke my train of thought. "Maybe you should ride? I don't like the idea with you walking out in the afternoon sun… you're dehydrated enough as it is."

I pinched myself to see my skin taking a while to go back to normal. He was right. I was dry. I shook my head with a smile. "I don't trust myself to ride straight. Don't worry about me David. I've been in worse conditions than this. Trust me ok?"

He didn't like it. Despite his face being a blank wall I just knew he did not like this. He sighed and let go of my arms. "Ok… I trust you. Well just catch up with you later then."

"Sure." I smiled brightly "Thanks David" and kissed his cheek.

"Don't mention it." He semi smiled, it was in his eyes, not his face. I made a move for the door and saw he was right behind me. I tilted my head slightly and he smirked. "I want my coat back."

I grinned right back. "You just wanna see if I'll fall on my face dontchya?"

He chuckled. "Wouldn't miss the sight of your bare ass in the air for the world." And winked.

I laughed in pure shock as I headed out the door. "You are depraved you know that. No shame whatsoever."

He laughed and spanked me, actually spanked me! "You love it."

I squeaked as I hopped forward. Giggling as I tried to walk, hold the wall and rub my butt at the same time. Quite the feat! I managed to make it to the lobby without tripping on anything and sure enough Marko was up as usual. He was sitting on the back of the couch, flicking through a comic from the look of things. It seems like in all the commotion last night no one thought to grab my clothes and bring them inside… I couldn't see my shorts or underwear anywhere.

Marko looked up and smiled. "Oh hey guys."

"Hey Marko, didn't your mother ever tell you not to sit on the edge of the couch?" I teased as I walked over to my bag and pulled out a fresh pair of undies and black jeans. I didn't feel like changing out of my boob tube or jacket.

Marko laughed "yeah, she failed miserably."

I laughed as I slipped my clothes on without revealing an inch of my naked hide. David had spoken up. "Still can't sleep?"

"Nah…" Marko shrugged.

While David was distracted with their conversation I pulled off his coat and examined what I found earlier. An Iron cross. I couldn't tell if it was from the first or second world war but I did know this was a German medal. Why would he have this? Was it just a punk accessory or something else? Out of pure curiosity and a desire to take a closer look I stuffed it into my back pocket and folded his coat over my arm. I wondered over to the chattering boys and handed David his coat back.

He smiled. "Thanks."

"No problem. Well I'll see you guys later."

"Wait you're going out?" queried Marko.

"Yup" I beamed and turned around, heading for the exit.

"She's fine Marko."

"wow man…"

I shook my head. What was the big deal? As I stepped out I shielded my eyes from the sun and spotted my clothes. With a single scoop I bundled them up and walked back in, placing my clothes inside my bag. After fishing about said bag for a minute I manage to find some loose cash and quickly pocketed it. Then I found my sunnies and popped them on. I slung my bag over my shoulder and walked over to the vampires who seemed to be watching every move I made.

I kissed David goodbye and waved to Marko as I passed him. He was snickering away for some reason. Before I reached the stairs, I spotted something metallic in the sand. I squat down to see it was the gun I took from the surf Nazi's last night. Carefully, I plucked it out of the sand and dusted it off. I pulled the chamber back I ascended their stairs to let any sand drop out. The damn thing would probably jam the first time I use it.

'Now I need a VERY cold dip in the ocean to extinguish that fire David started. Hot damn that guy has a direct line to my libido. Crickey Moses!'

David's P.O.V.

I watched her leave, cursing the sun for impeding my progress. She was so close. So very close to being one of us. One more push to our way of thinking… That's all we need. The transition will be smooth and seamless. As though she were born to be a vampire. Most people would be confined to bed with the amount of punishment this girl has been through. But not her. There she goes as strong as ever, looking down the barrel of a gun as though this was all perfectly normal. Just another day in the office.

She challenges my authority, defies me, can keep her wits about her and completely riles me. How in hell did she get so under my skin like that?! It's gonna take me an hour to get rid of this freaken boner unless I do something about it... With a sigh I flicked my coat back on and fished out my cigarettes, tapping the box against my hand before taking a single cancer stick with my lips. I could hear Marko snickering to himself as I lit myself up.

'Yeah keep laughing kid, just you wait until it happens to you… and when it does… I'm gonna use the salt.'

Marko laughed aloud. "Oh man you got it bad."

I glanced at him sideways. "Got what bad?"

"You know… 'it' The big IT." He grinned.

"I have no idea with what you're talking about. Get some sleep, you're becoming delirious."

"You got it boss!"

Marko laughed and practically ran to the barricade. He could probably sense how badly I wanted to wring his neck. Lucky for him, I'm more interested in smoking my cigarette right now.

…

Elizabeth's P.O.V.

'Oh my God….'

I hate to admit this but walking to town this afternoon was probably the dumbest thing I have ever done. And that's saying something. I had to stop three bloody times just to throw up. Weed, heat, dehydration, and near a death experience are not a healthy combination. Psycho or not. I don't even know how I made it to town. Just zoned out again. I didn't even make it to any of the food stands. Instead I kinda walked into a bench and collapsed onto it, hanging over the arm rest in a barely conscious state. Who knows how long I had been sitting there like that before I heard a familiar voice.

"Oi… Liz. Lizzy are you ok?" It sounded like Jimmy.

I looked up and sure enough, Jimmy was squatting down to be eye level with me, holding my shoulder. "Oh… hey Jimbo. Wassup mate?" Does this guy ever change his clothes?

"What happened to you? You look like shit!" He moved to touch my face but I pulled away with a chuckle.

"Wow, why don't you tell me what you really think." I tried to shoo him away but he caught my hands and pulled me to my feet.

"No really you look like death warmed up. You need a doctor." He ducked under my arm and started half guiding, half dragging me somewhere.

"No doctors. Please. I just need some water… something to eat…" I tried to pull away but… as it turns out I really needed the help.

"Alright fine, no doctors. But I'm getting you into the shade alright? Some place safe…" He was more or less dragging me along the boardwalk now.

"Safe?... from what?" I asked him, trying to make my legs work. This is so embarrassing. I was fine earlier. Stupid sunlight. Stupid heat making me little wimp.

Jimmy glanced at me as we approached an air conditioned shop. "Doesn't matter… Got some people I want you to meet."

I rolled my eyes and found my feet as we entered the premises. For some reason it felt like my neck was on fire. "Oh man Jimmy, I'm not in the mood to prospect for another gig mate… wait… are those comics?"

I was staring at a row of Superman comics when a very perky brunet raced out of nowhere. "Oh my gosh you look terrible! What happened!?"

'Am I at the Frog bro's comic book store?'

I looked up to see Zoe the she-wolf duck under my other arm as I was carried to the counter. Of all the placed for Jimmy to bring me to… why did he bring me here? Jimmy spoke up in his 'simper fi' kinda tone. "I dunno. But we're gonna find out. I knew something was wrong I just knew it. Bloody hell love what have you gotten yourself into?"

I was about to ask what the hell he was talking about when Zoe shushed him. "Slow down ace, first let's take care of your friend hmm?"

I was sat down on a not so comfy stool as Zoe raced off to the back of the store. I slumped heavily in my seat but managed to look Jimmy right in the eye. "What's going on Jimbo? Why are we here?"

He shifted on his feet and sort of avoided eye contact at first. "This is gonna sound a little crazy luv so just bear with me ok? You know how I've got a radar for trouble right?" He looked at me carefully.

I watched him with just as much concern… I didn't like where this was going. "Yeah…"

"Ok well…" He scratched his head, just above his ear. "I… Got one hell of a bad vibe when I met your boyfriend. And well… I did some recon, asked around town and bumped into someone who's come across him before… he's… he's a bad guy Liz…"

I blinked, rubbing my neck in both discomfort and my attempt to make it stop hurting. "I know you don't like him jimmy but you can't just go around believing what some jerk who's got a grudge for biased intel."

"She came across him. Not a he. She had proof-"

Before Jimmy could say anything else, Zoe returned with a tall glass of iced water and a handful of aspirin. I sipped at the water gratefully but eyed the pills, not trusting them at all. "They're just aspirin hon, see? Says so on the tablets."

I took a closer look and sure enough they were real deal. I popped two into my mouth and swallowed with a sip of water. I knew better than to drink it all at once… no matter how thirsty I was. "Thanks."

"Is this her?" A deep authoritative voice came from the back of the store.

"This is she, Elizabeth right?" answered Zoe, asking me for confirmation to which Jimmy answered for me with a nod.

Just then two men appeared from where the voice came from. Both dressed in army fatigues. You would be forgiven for thinking they were survivalists or something but I know who they are. What I didn't know was if I was gonna faint or have a panic attack… Zoe seemed to light up like a Christmas tree as she motioned her hand towards the duo. "Elizabeth. This is Edgar and Allan Frog."

"They can help you." Added Jimmy, sounding less enthusiastic but dead serious.

The Frog brothers nod their heads together in unison with a grunt. "Hmm." … which I think passed for a greeting with these two.

'Oh shit…..'