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Hi, everyone! Here's the next chapter, and it has another change from canon. I hope you continue to enjoy! Please forgive my slow posts, I've got a variety of technical problems that are slowing me down :( Anyhow, more on the way, please keep reading and reviewing! :) I want to thank everyone for their support, it really means a lot to me!

Shadewynde

LOST SON OF AVALON
by Shadewynde

Chapter Twenty-Five: Unlocking Illusions

"A great deal of intelligence can be invested in ignorance when the need for illusion is deep."
― Saul Bellow, To Jerusalem and Back

"Horatio." Calleigh took his hand, feeling the fever raging through his system. She sat there a moment, holding his hand in her's, feeling the muscle tremors, watching his tense, still face.
Then she gathered up the shirt she had exchanged for the newer, warmer one she now wore.
Regarding it critically, she found a few large areas that looked clean, and set about tearing the garment into strips.
Carefully, she started to wrap the first deep wound, feeling his muscles tighten with the pain.
"I'm sorry, Handsome." she whispered, aware that pressure on the bloody, oozing cuts must be agonizing. She opted against going slowly, thus causing more extended pain, and wrapped as many of the injured areas as fast as she could.
He was too pale for her comfort by the time she finished, and breathing so shallow that she worriedly checked the pulse in his neck.
Then she settled next to him, watching him breathe.
Unconsciously, she reached up to stroke his hair soothingly. It was an intimate gesture, one that was deeply comforting to her. His red hair was soft and silky, and she could swear she could feel a spark crackle over her hand in response to her touch.
He stirred, then went still again.
Calleigh could only sit there, taking his hand back in her's, and wait for his eyes to open again.

Eric and Ryan were checking the body, and between them found the victim's wallet, a photograph, and a pack of cigarettes.
With gloved fingers, Eric unfolded the photograph.
It was a black-and-white, clear image of the whole team, working a crime scene from a case almost a month ago.
Rubbing his forehead with the heel of his hand, Eric remembered the day clearly.
It was the day Austin and Patty North had been placed with a loving family in Tallahassee.
He remembered clearly, her crushed expression, her assertion that the new family, the Jones, could give the children oppertunites she could not. It had hurt her, but she had wished them well and struggled through the day.
Now, Eric could remember Horatio's compassion, giving them space for him to comfort her.
The Lieutenant had rested a hand on Calleigh's shoulder, said, "I'm sorry, Calleigh", then given them time to work together, for her to work though the pain.
Refocusing on the wallet, he read, "Don Williams, and an address out in Coconut Grove. A photo of us with "Necare" written on it, cigarettes..."
"And a a keyring with two keys." added Ryan, holding up the described item. "It was right beside him." He frowned then. "Necare?"
"Sounds like it's Latin." Eric replied, staring at the picture. "My Latin is iffy, but I think it means "kill"."
Ryan looked at the photo a moment, then wordlessly up at his friend.
Eric looked over at him, then at Frank. "That means someone is gunning for all of us."
The big Detective looked at his friends. "This priest guy have something to do with this?"
"I'm not sure, but the body will tell us more." Eric stood up, considered, then took the cell phone from his pocket, stared at the two letters - "J" and "S" - then hit the speed-dial for the "S". "And I think I may know someone who can give us some more answers."

Speed took his cell phone from his belt by reflex when it rang. Flipping it open, he answered, "Yeah?"
"We need your help." Eric's voice was clearly disturbed.
The dark-haired, dark-eyed man blew out a breath. "How?"
"Someone's after all of us, Speed. We've got Andozza, are any more out there?"
Closing his eyes, then opening them again. Speed looked over at Jason, who looked up, met his gaze, and nodded encouragement.
"Yeah. There are."

Eric stared at the phone a moment, shaken. He felt a chill go up his spine at the knowledge they were being...hunted.
"What about H?"
The familiar voice on the other end replied, "Up for another face-to-face?"
"Yeah."
"Wait five, then come up. I'll try and explain."
"Thanks, Speed."

Speed flipped closed his cell phone then looked at Jason. "They need to know more." The statement carried an edge of challenge.
Jason rested his chin on this fist, elbow on the bar, and leaned a little forward. "Yeah. They do. You wanna break it or you want me to?"
"I'll do it." Speed's dry voice was determined. "I'll try and get them to understand."
"This gonna rock their world, you know." Jason's voice held a flicker of concern.
"They'll handle it. I know Eric will."
"I'll back you up."

Gil opened his eyes, saw Sara, and squeezed her hand. Physically, it hurt, but more importantly, it was reassuring. Comforting.
Stirring a little bit despite the pain, he looked over at Cathrine, Nick, and Greg.
It wasn't supposed to happen like this. They weren't supposed to have to see this... He paused, mind changing gears. Or...is it just me? I never wanted them to see me...die. Is it just because I'm ashamed, is it my pride? Gil's eyes closed for a moment as the turbulent thoughts tumbled through his mind. "I'm sorry, Sara." He opened his eyes again, meeting her distressed, worried gaze. "I didn't want you to see me like...this."
Sara's hand tightened a moment on his, then she said, "I understand. You don't have to be ashamed. I love you." She jerked her head toward the other three members of their Las Vegas family. "They love you. We're not going to let you die."
"You're not going to get away from us that easy." Catherine said, from her place in a chair, trying for humor. Her expression was determined.
"Yeah. We're not going anywhere." Nick's voice was fierce. He was still standing, muscles tense.
"None of us are." Greg's voice was low and determined.

Eric, Ryan, and Frank were gathered around the body while Loman conducted an on-site examination.
"Well, you were correct about this being ante mortem." He paused and looked up. "Blood was still flowing at the time the incisions were made."
"How long has he been here?" asked Eric, watching as the doctor prepared to remove the corpse.
"No more than two hours." Loman stood up, watching as his assistants loaded the body into the waiting ambulance.
Frank frowned. "Right about the time of the call-out." he commented.
"Yeah." Ryan looked over at Eric, then both turned to Frank.
"You look like you've got something on your minds." observed the big Texan.
"We have to meet someone." Eric replied, voice quiet.
"Contact?"
"Something like that."

Calleigh watched Horatio's erratic movements, and for the third time in the last half-hour, checked his pulse.
It was thready and a little unsteady, and she was worried about the painful slowness of his breathing.
Abruptly, words emerged, velvet and smoke mixed with a harsh note of pain. "Sorry...I'm sorry..."
Her heart broke at the anguish in his tone, the crushing torment.
"Oh, Handsome." she whispered, again running her hand gently through his hair. "You don't have anything to be sorry for."
"My fault...my fault..." His words were so full of a lost, aching pain that the woman next to him felt tears in her eyes.
He moved restlessly, facial muscles tightening.
Determinedly, Calleigh held onto his hand, murmuring, "Horatio...I'm here." She let her fingertips trace his hand, murmuring reassurance. "I'm not leaving. I'm right here."
His distressed movements seemed to slow, calm, under her touch.

After a few moments in which Eric and Ryan agreed to meet Frank back at the Lab, they watched the parking lot clear, leaving only their Hummer sitting where it had been parked.
"I'm ready for some answers." commented Ryan.
"Yeah. Speed'll help us." Eric's tone was certain.
"Eric...what if he's changed?" Ryan hating playing the Devil's advocate in this, but they knew so little...
"I know Tim Speedle. I don't care what is going on, I still trust him."
Ryan just nodded, still cautious, but something told him that this Speed was still on their side.

Ian lightly touched Horatio's forehead, his own methods telling him his son was currently too cold, his lungs were aching, his muscles burned with pain, and he was at least mildly delirious.
Horatio, don't give in. I...we...need you to survive. To live. His eyes were closed, head bowed. I know this will change your world, I know you will be hurt by the truth of me. But...ah, you have so much to live for! If I could take the pain and give you this world on a platter, I would. If I could ease the pain of your past, I would. Let me help you. Let us help you.
"He's still cycling his temperature, he's having trouble breathing, and he's in pain. Calleigh is stable, but still deeply unconscious." Alexx said, then looked over at the raven-haired, emerald-eyed man. "Ian, I don't like this."
His gaze was sad and painful as he replied whole-hardheartedly, "Nor do I, Doctor Woods. Nor do I."

"I know she'll recognize Eric." Speed said.
"Yeah, well, helpin' stop a state-hopping psycho rapist promotes some bonding." returned Jason, with a faint smile. He flicked open his phone, and said, "Our two friends are on their way up." He closed it, shoving the small device back onto it's place on his belt, knowing now the pair watching from the roof wouldn't see the CSIs as a danger.
"I don't think H intended for his condo to become an open forum." Speed's mutter was laconic.
"Nah, but at least we're not tearin' the place apart."
Looking around the condo unobtrusively for the upteenth time, the former CSI rubbed his face with one hand, commenting, "You know, he never mentioned being artistic. You think we'll ever hear him play?"
"One way to find out, bro."
"Yeah?"
"Ask."

Eric glanced at his watch, then nodded to Ryan.
"You think this could be some kind of trap?" Ryan's words were almost blurted out.
"Why wait until now?" replied Eric, as they turned toward the stairs.
"Eric...what I said...about your friend..."
"It's okay. You don't know him. I understand." He paused. "I admit...it's still kind of surreal. H missing, Speed alive..." He shook his head. "I guess that's one reason I need to know more."
Ryan nodded. "Yeah. Thanks, Eric."
They started up the stairs.

"Incoming." murmured Jason, sitting up a little, instantly alert. He dropped off the chair, eyes on the door, and nodded to Speed.
The dark-haired man returned the nod, as the doorknob turned, admitting Eric and Ryan.
Soundlessly, the blonde man stepped in behind them, closing the door just as the pair entered.
The Las Vegas contingent, minus Gil, all looked at the newcomers.
Marc remained still and observant from his place near the wall.
As Speed had predicted, a flash of recognition passed across Cathrine's face. "CSI Delko." she greeted, eyes narrowing a bit. Two Miami CSIs? Something is going on.
Eric just nodded, turning his gaze to his friend watching from the bar. "We need to talk." His voice was low as he approached.
Ryan looked over at the group clustered around the couch, then back at Eric, joining him near Speed, and aware of Jason watching them.
The blonde man returned to his seat, hopped back up, and sat there silently, swinging slightly back and forth.
Speed broke the silence. "You got questions - I'll try and help."
"Is everyone okay?" Ryan asked, leaning a little forward in concern.
"Yeah. Ian's with them."
"Tell us about this Ian character." Eric half-asked, half-demanded.
"I've worked for him almost eight years. Smart, educated, and determined." He paused, smiled laconically, then had to add, "But he's not H."
"He said he was H's father." pointed out Eric.
"He is H's father."
"How do you know that? That DNA test could be a fake."
"It's not." Speed shifted his weight. "I'm sure."
"How?"
"I'm the person who gave them access to CSI personnel files."
Eric stared at him. "You did what? Speed, why?"
The other man's laconic smile was somehow enigmatic. "For H."
"Even if Ian is H's father, why kidnap him, Calleigh, and Alexx?" Ryan interjected.
Speed shook his head. "Like I said, Ian is out to help H. So am I. So is Jason there."
"Help how?" demanded Eric.
Jason glanced up, shook his head with a kind of bemused humor, then turned his gaze back to the door, watching the trio out of the corner of his eye.
"Do you believe in magic?" Speed finally asked.
"What? No."
"I've seen it in action." Speed's gaze was frank and steady. "So have you."
Eric looked at Speed, not sure what to think.
"Hey, so've I." Jason's voice carried a tone of humor.
Eric and Ryan looked at each other, then back to Speed.
"Magic?" Eric's voice was laced with disbelief.
"Yeah."
"You're saying that that disappearing act was magic?"
Speed nodded, as Jason glanced at him and lifted his eyebrows.
"What about science, Speed?" There was an edge of desperation in Eric's voice.
Speed's gaze darkened. "What about science? How many things does science not tell us? How many monsters have walked because they were able to twist science to their own means, or science just couldn't prove? Well, it isn't gonna happen to H. Eric, can you trust me on this? Can you believe in what you saw?"
Eric, despite himself, was reeling. The idea of magic seemed silly, juvenile - but this was his friend. Someone he had trusted with his life, once. Someone he had mourned. Speed wasn't crazy, he was sure of that. He was alive, and there, and on his side. It was Speed, not a stranger. Not some shyster looking to get a buck.
Finally, he looked over at Ryan, then back at the man who was still, after all this time, his best friend.
"I don't know. But I trust you."

Ian whispered, "An chuid eile éasca, mo mhac. You are not alone."
Horatio's body shuddered with the effort to keep operating, and Alexx touched his forehead, frowning at the temperature. "I'm not sure if he's getting better or worse, half the time." She was worried and frustrated, both showing in her tone.
"As long as he struggles to live, I believe he will."
"Ian..." Alexx hesitated. "He's in a very fragile state, and I'm not sure what I can do."
Emerald eyes met dark ones. "Watch over him, and keep loving him. Believe in him." Ian's voice was soft.
"That's not going to change." Alexx's tone was fierce.
"Nor for I."

Calleigh was startled when the door to the small building opened, looking up to see the younger Horatio coming in the door.
The boy was limping slightly as he entered, and paused, eyes flicking to the older man still on the floor. "Is he all right?" the boy asked, crouching down next to her.
For a split second, she felt a surge of complete confusion. Two Horatios, the man she loved and the child who had become her friend. It was impossible. Confusing.
"He's badly hurt." she managed to get out. "I need some water, clean water..."
The younger Horatio met her eyes. "He's your friend." He observed. "Is he lost too?"
Calleigh responded without thinking. "Yes." In more ways than one. The thought flashed through her mind. She looked more closely at the boy, noticing his weight all on one leg. "What happened? Are you all right?"
"I'll be fine. I'll go get some fresh water, some bandages, and another blanket." He started out the door.
"Horatio, please be careful."
"I will." Then the youngster was gone.
She hurt for both of them. Her heart belonged to the man, and she cared for the boy.
The whole situation was almost incomprehensible - but she knew one thing.
She was going to fight for them both.

IRISH

"An chuid eile éasca, mo mhac." - "Rest easy, my son."