CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
TAYLOR
It was the middle of the night when Taylor woke up feeling like something wasn't right. This seemed to be confirmed as he heard his father's voice coming from downstairs.
"Tanya, I'm so sorry for the hour, but this is an emergency," his father was saying.
"Dad?" Taylor asked. "What's wrong?"
"I'll leave you two-" Tanya began.
"No, Tanya. This concerns Maddie as well," his father said.
Tanya tensed. Taylor had a horrible feeling in the pit of his stomach. "What's going on?" He asked.
"Taylor... It's come to my attention that Zell's little minion, the Witch, has gone rogue. She brought the First back again, and this time, it was in the body of an incubus," his father explained.
"No..." Taylor said, shaking his head. "Don't say it, Dad..."
"It's Tanner, Taylor. I don't think he has any awareness left. Maddie destroyed his essence and it hasn't returned... But his body is back."
"Damnit! Don't we ever get a fucking break?" Taylor demanded.
"Zedd... Do you think he'll target Maddie?" Tanya asked.
"He might. Tanner was obsessed with her because she kept escaping from him. That obsession might transfer to the First."
"Does the First have a name?" Taylor asked dryly. "Besides Asshole, I mean."
"We don't say it," his father said. "Even my father was terrified of him. The First is stronger than us, Taylor. He's a different kind of incubus. We're royalty, but he's the original... He's basically our king."
"Fuck that. I was born into a democratic society. I don't answer to some so-called king."
"You don't understand, Taylor. He made my father and his brothers, and used only a fraction of his strength to do it. Your sisters, you, and I are powerless to resist his orders. He'd make puppets out of us, and because of how powerful we are, he's very likely to come looking for us to boost his energy. I'm not immortal anymore, and neither are any of you. He'll drain us to death to make himself unstoppable."
Taylor had never seen his father look so scared, except perhaps when Liza had been kidnapped. It made him start to feel fear, too. "What do we do?" He asked nervously.
"I'm taking all of you to the Command Center. I already contacted Zordon, and he agrees it's the safest place for us."
"What about Angie? She's not a succubus. Is she in danger?"
"Everyone is in danger from him, especially the women of Angel Grove. He's a predator. I think Angie should stay with Rita for a bit. The First won't like what happens if he tries to cross her, especially when it comes to Angie. I'll bring you, Tye, and Tessa with me... And Liza. I can't leave her alone with him on the loose. Liza has some natural immunity to me, but she won't be able to defend herself against him. I feed on magic. He'll go straight for her life force." Zedd looked at Tanya. "I can bring Maddie along if you like. Zordon is worried about her, too."
"Let that bastard target my daughter..." Tanya mumbled. Then, she sighed. "No, you're right. I can't risk it. I'll go wake her up."
"I'll go for my sisters," Taylor offered. He woke Angie, Liza, and Tia first, heading straight to the Sorceress Wing of the house. "Guys! Get up! It's an emergency!" He said loudly.
The three of them emerged from their rooms. Tia looked like she was wide awake. Angie looked groggy. Liza looked like she'd been having nightmares.
"What's going on?" Tia asked.
"Tanner's body is alive and possessed by a super evil incubus whose name my dad won't say," Taylor replied.
"Tanner?" Angie asked in alarm.
"Dad says it's not really him... Maddie apparently did a good job of getting rid of the asshole... But the incubus in his body is, like, scary strong on his own, and being in the body of another royal incubus makes him even stronger."
"What's the plan?" Liza asked.
"Dad's taking me, Tye, and Tessa to the Command Center, along with Maddie, and you, Liza. He wants you to go to your mom, Angie. So, basically, I think the plan is to hide and hope for the best?"
"I think that's best for now. Hurry and get Tye ready," Tia said. "I'll wake Tessa and Mani up and explain what's going on."
"Tessa's gonna freak. She's terrified of Tanner," Taylor said.
"I'll help soothe her before I send her to you," Tia promised. "Liza, Angie get dressed."
"Not that I mind Zedd bringing me along, but do I get a say in this?" Liza asked.
"Dad's worried about leaving you alone, Liza," Taylor explained.
"Fine... But I'm only willing to hide for so long. My team needs me."
Taylor nodded before looking at Angie. "Are you okay, Ang?" He asked.
"The day I helped rescue you guys, Tanner... He ratted me out as a traitor to my parents, and then our father tried to..." Angie was shaking slightly.
"You know Dad would never hurt you, Angie," Taylor said, automatically sending soothing energy into her.
"I know," Angie said, "but Tanner would... And this incubus likes power. I'm the infamous Sorceress born to Rita Repulsa and Lord Zedd. Everyone knows my magic is powerful."
"Your mom will keep you safe, Angie," Taylor promised. "And I'm sure this is temporary. Dad will think of a better plan soon."
Angie took a deep breath. "I'm okay," she promised. "I'm just not thrilled with this. Go get Tye."
Taylor headed upstairs. He found Tye sitting on his bed, her knees to her chest. "You know?" He asked.
"I'm not going," Tye replied.
"Tye-"
"No! I refuse to stay in that place with him. I still don't trust him enough, Taylor. I can only see him for a little while at a time."
"I know, Tye, but this is an emergency."
"No... No, no, no..."
"Tye, it'll be okay. I'll be with you the whole time. No one will hurt you."
"No."
He sighed in frustration. "I'm not going without you," he said firmly.
"Then stay."
"Tye, this incubus apparently makes Dad look like a toddler." He knew he had to make her understand. This was too important.
"Then we'll go somewhere else..."
"There's nowhere safer than the Command Center, Tye. We have to do this. Please stop arguing with me." He had to fight the urge to yell or tell her she was being an idiot. He had never lost his temper with Tye, but he was getting close now. He understood why she didn't trust their father, but this wasn't the time to be stubborn.
"I said no, Taylor. Go if you want. I can't."
Taylor wasn't sure what to do. Tye wouldn't budge and he knew it. "What about Sage? Would you let her hide you?"
Tye hesitated. "How?" She asked.
"She could leave you on the Reservation. Nothing gets onto the Reservation without permission. You'd be safe there."
"Maybe," she finally agreed. Taylor grabbed his phone and dialed her number, forgetting how late it was.
"What's wrong?" Sage asked. She sounded completely alert, so Taylor knew she hadn't been asleep.
"The short version is that my asshole brother's body was resurrected without him in it and is currently possessed by the incubus who attacked Trini," Taylor said.
"Great," Sage said. "What do you need?"
"Dad's put his foot down and he's hiding us. Tye won't go with him... Would you be able to take her to the Reservation and protect her?"
"Of course. I'll call Uncle David and make arrangements."
"Thanks, Sage." Taylor was relieved. He hung up. "Okay, Tye... Sage agreed. You'll stay at the Reservation."
"Why can't we all stay there? Together? Let him go stay with Zordon," Tye protested.
"Tye... I think I need to be where Dad is right now." His instincts were screaming that at him, even though his heart wanted to stay with his sister. "We're stronger together. I don't want to leave you-"
"Then don't. Stay with me at the Reservation."
"I can't, Tye. Dad needs me."
Tye stopped speaking, looking hurt. It made Taylor want to cry and scream at the same time. "I love you, Tye... But Dad and I are at the top of this asshole's hit list. He goes for power... Other than him and, from what I've heard, that Bartello guy, we're the strongest incubi walking the Earth. We aren't safe apart."
Tye wouldn't look at him. Taylor sighed. "I'm sorry," he said softly. He gathered a few of his belongings and shoved them into his backpack. "I love you, Tye," he told her again. She still didn't respond. Defeated, Taylor went downstairs, hoping Tye would understand after she spent a little time on the Reservation.
"Where's Tye?" Liza asked, seeing the look on his face.
"Not coming. I got her to agree to let Sage take her to the Reservation as a compromise," Taylor replied numbly.
"She'll be safe there, Taylor," Angie said, giving him a hug.
His father sighed. "At least you found an alternative for her," he said.
Taylor was surprised as Maddie appeared with Ollie. "When did you get here?" He asked Ollie.
"About an hour ago. Maddie insisted I crash... I came to warn you guys, but Zedd told you before I could," Ollie explained. "I saw everything. They killed an Eltarian. I'm bringing her name to Captain Smith at a real hour."
"Why not go to Lady Eleanor?" Tia asked. "She is still an authority figure on Eltar."
"I thought about it, but Lady Eleanor's really got it in for the Rebels. I don't know who this poor lady was. For all I know, she was part of the Rebellion and Lady Eleanor will celebrate her death."
"She's an honorable woman. She would never celebrate a death, although I do agree she tends to be a bit biased against the Rebels. I trust your judgment, Ollie. Do what you think is best," Tia said.
"Captain Smith has honor in spades, and he's a total badass. I trust him to handle this," Ollie said.
The doorbell rang. Tanya vanished and returned with Rita and Sage. "Come on, Angie, sweetheart," Rita said warmly. She wrapped her arms around her daughter before releasing her and turning to Zedd. "Stay safe," she said softly. She kissed his cheek.
"I will," Zedd promised. He hugged her quickly.
"See you later, guys," Angie said, leaving with her mother.
"We should head out, too," Taylor's father said.
Imani suddenly had tears in her eyes. She flung her arms around Tessa and began panicking, which was very unlike her. "Don't go... Something bad's coming..." She said between sobs.
"It's okay, Mani," Taylor said soothingly. "He won't come here if we leave."
"No... Something bad's going to happen. I feel it. I don't want you guys to leave!" Imani insisted.
"Mani, it's not safe for them here," Tia said gently. "Zordon will protect them."
"Please don't go... I won't see you again!"
Taylor felt a chill go up his spine at her words. Sage seemed to realize something was genuinely wrong, too. "Zedd... I think you should take Imani with you," she said softly. "She's terrified to be away from her siblings."
"Would that be alright with you, Tanya?" He asked.
"Of course," Tanya said.
Tia hugged Imani tightly. "Please keep her safe, Zedd," she said.
"With everything that I possess," he promised her. That seemed to satisfy Tia.
As his father made sure everyone else was ready, Tia released Imani into Taylor's arms. He scooped her up and held her, letting her rest her head on his shoulder. He'd never seen her so worked up before.
Taylor looked at Sage. "Take care of Tye... And thanks again," he said.
"I will, and there's no need to thank me," Sage replied. "Go on. I'll go get Tye." She headed upstairs.
Liza opened up a portal. "All aboard for the Command Center Express," she said lightly.
"Later Bro. Bye, Mom. See you soon," Maddie said, hugging Tanya quickly before stepping into the portal.
Everyone else followed her. Taylor couldn't shake the feeling that Imani's fear had been justified even as they arrived safely at the Command Center.
ANGEL
Sometimes, Angel hated her gift. She had a talent for knowing random information, but what she'd learned this time was not good. The first thing she'd done was sneak away to warn Zedd to take his kids and get somewhere safe. Now, she had news she needed to break before the Witch could start a bigger war.
She looked at Treygott and sighed. Zell's uncle was the last surviving member of his generation of the Yizak family line. His father, Windzor, had been killed by a time traveling aspect of Zell when Zell was only four years old, although all records said the first Prime Minister of Eltar had taken his own life. Treygott's older sister, Jenzelle, had been killed by Zell before he'd even been born, the day Hanry and Helene were born. Zell had saved Hanry, who'd been stilborn. Finally, Zell had killed his own father, L'Telgo, the oldest of Windzor's children.
"Can I help you?" Treygott asked.
Angel decided to just say what she had to. "There's no easy way to say this, Treygott... It's about Joree."
Treygott tensed. "My daughter is on a mission for the Guard," he replied.
"Something happened, but it had nothing to do with her mission..."
"Who exactly are you?" Treygott asked.
"Call me Angel... Treygott, I'm sorry, but Joree was killed."
"It's starting again..." He whispered.
"It wasn't Zell."
"It's always Zell," he said coldly. By the haunted look in his eyes, Angel knew this man had lost entirely too much at his nephew's hands.
"It was the Witch, to resurrect an evil incubus called the First. I think she wanted everyone to assume it was Zell to make you attack him."
He shook his head. "She works for him."
"It seems she's gone rogue, along with Jezzeff."
"Jezzeff? He was always at Zell's side."
"He went into the evil business for himself. He's deadly, and no one's completely sure what he's capable of."
"And... And you're certain the Witch killed... My daughter?" He asked.
"Yes, Treygott. I'm so sorry."
"Thank you for informing me. I must tell Tazzan before he hears it from someone else... And I should inform Hanry."
"I'll handle Hanry. I need to see another Elder anyway. Go be with your son."
Treygott left. Angel headed for the Counsel of Elders. She encountered Hanry outside. "Hanry... I need to speak with you," she said. "My name is Angel... And this is about your cousin."
Hanry looked defeated as he asked sadly, "What has he done now?"
"It's not about Zell," Angel clarified.
"Oh? My apologies... I feel his energy all over you."
"It's not what you think... Hanry, something happened to Joree. It's not known yet, but I found out and came here to tell you before the Witch could pin it on Zell. She's gone, Hanry. The Witch killed her."
Hanry's face fell. "Oh my... Not Joree..." He whispered. He turned away from her as his emotions started to overwhelm him. She quickly realized Hanry was crying.
"I'm so sorry for your loss," she said.
Hanry took several deep breaths as he tried to calm himself down. "Apologies..." He said. "This is unbecoming of an Elder."
"Hanry, you're allowed to grieve," Angel said.
"As an Elder, people look to me to lead. They expect me to keep my emotions under control." He took another deep breath. "Thank you for informing me, Angel. Do my uncle and cousin know yet?"
"I told Treygott. He said he'd go tell Tazzan."
"Very well. I should inform the others what has happened and go to my family. Excuse me."
Hanry left and Angel headed into the Counsel of Elders Building after giving Hanry time to break the news. She marched into their meeting once Hanry left.
"Stone! We need to talk," she said.
Stone looked mildly horrified she'd crashed a meeting of Elders. She smirked at that. Stone was left with no choice but to follow her outside.
"What's the meaning of this?" He asked.
"Unfortunately, I need your help," Angel explained. "I sort of infiltrated the Alliance, but things got messy-"
"You did what?!"
"I don't need the lecture. I already got it from Hezzo and Uncle Branz. Things went sideways, Stone. Jezzeff and the Witch are conspiring against Zell."
"Hanry just told us about Joree. The Witch wasn't following Zell's orders?"
"No. She did it to resurrect the First."
Stone's eyes went wide. "I need to warn Bartello."
"I'll do it after I do one other thing... Stone, you need to get back to Earth. Things are about to get crazy. They need you. But first... I need you to use water magic to clear my mind. Grayzee and I were attacked and can't remember anything."
"Attacked? Are you hurt?" He showed a rare sign of concern.
"I'm fine."
"Let me help you. I'm your father-"
"You and I are still not okay, Stone. I just need you to cleanse my mind."
He nodded. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"
"Now's not the time." She hesitated. "I know you're trying. One step at a time. Prove you can change and maybe we can talk again. For now, just do this for me and then hurry back to Earth."
Stone set to work. Soon, Angel's mind felt clear, but she still had no memories. "It's not a spell," Stone said. "Try Trerry. If the memory exists, he can find it."
"Noted. I've got to go." She hurried away from the father who frustrated her endlessly and quickly returned to Earth to face her hardest task yet...
Zell stood in what had become his office at the base, pacing. "Something is wrong..." He mumbled.
"Great Zell... I've come by some information," Angel said. "The Witch has made a move."
He nodded. "What did she do?" He asked.
"She sacrificed someone to resurrect the First. His vessel is Tanner, Son of Rita and Zedd."
He took a deep breath. "That's dangerous. He's a threat when his vessel isn't a dead incubus."
"There's more..."
"Go on."
"The sacrifice... It was Joree, Great Zell."
A burst of power came from him, but it didn't attack Angel. Instead, it hung there for a moment before escaping into the open. Angel heard thunder.
"I see..." Zell said softly. "Joree has perished. How unfortunate. She was my youngest cousin, you know. Tragic. I shall deal with the Witch when the time comes." He shook his head. "If you'll excuse me, Angel."
He walked away. Angel hurried to find Maegus, Branz, and Grayzee. "We have a problem," she said. "Joree's dead."
Maegus looked understandably upset by the news. "Zell?" He asked.
"No, the Witch. She sacrificed Joree to bring back the First. I think Zell's actually upset about it."
"Pissed off he didn't get to do it himself, is he?" Branz asked.
"No," Grayzee said. "I feel the storm he's brewing... That's his way of grieving, Lad. He didn't wish her any harm."
"Horrible news... She was a great lass," Maegus said.
"Zell's a mess. He's vulnerable," Angel said.
"Then we'll protect him," Maegus decided.
"That's the opposite of what we're supposed to be doing," Branz pointed out.
"Hezzo will hate it," Grayzee added.
"Zell's the lesser of the evils," Angel said. "Maegus is right. We need to keep him safe."
"Then it's settled," Maegus said. "Until further notice, we protect Zell from Jezzeff and the Witch."
"So much for our plans," Branz said with a laugh. "Let's get to work."
"I need to warn Bartello first. Cover for me?" Angel asked.
"Of course. Go on," Maegus said.
Angel opened a portal to Barcelona. Bartello sat alone looking anxious. He was twitching a bit. Angel sighed. "You know," she guessed.
"I feel him. He's walking the Earth," Bartello confirmed.
"You need to take care of yourself. Feed regularly, and make sure your Chapter is safe."
"I'll send them back to Eltar. Carina's still unconscious, but the other three can take care of her. I'd send Zee, but I know he won't agree to leave me."
"Go on. Take care of them and then take care of yourself. Don't you dare come near California until you do. I'd help, but-"
"But you need your strength and you can't help me without Zell getting suspicious. I know. Go on." He kissed her forehead. "I'll be okay."
Angel nodded, knowing she'd done all she could. She headed back to the base in Stone Hollow to get some rest, realizing she'd need it.
STONE
By the time he reached Earth, he could feel the out of control storms rampaging through California. Stone detoured there instead of heading straight to Las Vegas.
The rain was pouring down in sheets. Strong winds whipped it around like a hurricane was coming. Thunder shook the entire state. Lightning lit up the sky constantly.
Stone focused and tried to take control of the energy fueling the storm. He began to calm it, but almost instantly, it flared back up in another spot. Stone took control again, stopping lightning from striking a nearby home. He pulled some of the storm's energy into himself before heading straight for Zell.
He hadn't been face to face with Zell in millennia. He forced himself to remember that he was no longer the boy on Zell's Elite Counsel. He was an Elder of Eltar. He could do this.
Zell spotted him, but instead of attacking, he simply seemed to strengthen the storm as he turned back to face the water. Stone used the energy he'd taken from the storm to launch an attack, knocking Zell backward a bit with the force of it.
With a sigh that almost seemed like resignation, Zell took some of the storm's energy for himself before attacking Stone. The two went back and forth exchanging spells for a minute. Stone had never battled Zell directly before. To say it was an intense battle of wills was an understatement. Each spell grew stronger, but both of them continued to deflect each other's attacks. The trees and plants around them weren't as lucky.
Perhaps Vagris can sneak in a visit to regrow them, Stone thought as he dodged another attack. He flung his strongest spell yet at Zell. This one managed to make contact with his enemy.
Zell was knocked down by the impact. The energy of the storm grew more furious. The lightning got worse. Stone took control of the storm again, calming it as much as he could.
Zell got to his feet. Lightning struck in a circle around him, giving him a power boost, and Stone braced for an attack. Instead, Zell looked at him in an almost defeated way, flung up his hands in frustration, and walked away.
Stone thought about attacking him. Zell was clearly vulnerable. This might be Stone's chance to make him pay for Talon, and Avona, and Sera, Ash, and Daphne, and everyone else he'd killed.
This is not the way, he scolded himself. There was no honor in attacking Zell when he was walking away. Honor was what made Stone different from Zell. He refused to give in to his darkness. He focused on stopping the storm instead, and finally succeeded.
ZELL
He had put things off long enough. Zell needed to correct a choice he'd made millennia ago. He arrived at the hotel and quickly found the room Maegus had given him the key to.
Tiktah and Aliese had not changed much physically since the last time he'd seen them. Emotionally, they were the same vacant shells his spell had turned them into. He'd had Jezzeff slip them a potion to make saving their damaged reputation all that mattered after their eldest daughter had died. Zell had been instantly drawn to Daphne and wanted her to himself, but he'd known her parents would have kept him away from her.
I never meant to hurt you, my dear one... I only meant to put distance between you, not push them out completely, Zell thought. He recalled the way Daphne had broken when they forgot her first birthday without her older siblings. It had made Zell's chest ache for the child. He never felt much empathy for others, but Daphne had been different.
"Great Wizard..." Tiktah said in surprise.
"Tiktah. Aliese. You both look well... I come here today as your son-in-law," Zell began.
"Thank you, Great Zell," Aliese replied automatically. Their loyalty was part of the spell, of course.
He looked at them a bit sadly. "It is high past time to set this right," he said. "Have a drink with me, my family." He pulled out three glasses. His filled automatically before he poured them both drinks from a wine bottle. He'd kept that wine for millennia, hidden from sight in a pocket realm.
They raised their glasses before drinking the potion. As their faces grew confused, Zell said, "It was never your fault, my friends. You loved your children fiercely. You have had no control over yourselves for millennia... Be free now. When you are ready, go to your children. They live again, on this planet, and it is only right you should be reunited." He left before they could focus enough to react. Zell had somewhere else he needed to be.
He knew exactly where his older cousin would be. Hanry stood in the meadow they'd played in as children, looking at the tree whose branches Joree used to swing from. She'd been a hyper, playful child who enjoyed adventure. She had only been two years older than Elgan. Zell had doted on the youngest girl in his generation, just as he ultimately doted on Elgan.
Hanry had tears in his eyes. Unable to stand seeing the cousin he cared so deeply for in such pain, Zell did something he hadn't done in millennia. He enchanted the dragonflies to dance around him, their wings glistening as though they were covered in glitter.
As they flew around Hanry, he turned in surprise. "Zell?" He whispered. He'd done this frequently when they were children, to cheer up Joree and, he suspected, Oralee. That felt right, even if he couldn't remember her.
Zell looked at his cousin for the first time since the truth had come out about him. He managed a sad smile before nodding at Hanry in acknowledgment. Then, he walked away, leaving his cousin to grieve and hoping he'd given him some small shred of peace.
CAPTAIN SMITH
He was quite surprised when Ollie turned up at the house. "Good morning, Ollie," he said pleasantly. "Is there something I can do for you?"
"Actually, maybe... The Witch killed someone last night... An Eltarian," Ollie explained.
Captain Smith tensed, bracing himself for bad news. "I see. Go on," he said stoically.
"I managed to get the woman's name out of her. She called her Joree. Does that mean anything to you?"
He took a deep breath. "Joree of Eltar was a decorated member of the Eltarian Guard. She helped train me when I was still a boy. She was also Zell's younger cousin." He shook his head. "This is a tragic loss indeed."
"I'm sorry... I didn't realize you knew her personally."
"It's quite alright. I will alert those who need to know. I have some connections in the Guard."
"Old friends?"
"No. New ones. The Rebellion has members in the Guard."
"That seems ironic..."
"What better way to prevent corruption than from the inside?"
"Fair enough. Is there anything I can do, Captain Smith?"
"You've already done it. Thank you for coming to me with this information, Ollie. Be safe. If the Witch is out there doing things on her own, trouble will surely follow."
Ollie left. Captain Smith walked into the house and pulled out his communication stone. He tapped it twice before saying, "Truth!"
The young woman who answered his call was fierce. She was also going to be directly affected by this news. "Captain Smith... What's wrong?" She asked.
"I'm afraid I have unfortunate news... Joree has been murdered," he explained.
Truth inhaled sharply but kept herself composed, truly the perfect soldier even while in distress. "Was it him?" She asked.
"No. The Witch seems to have done this on her own."
"I'll inform the people who need to know."
"Truth... Watch over Kora. If the Witch is hunting down Yizaks..."
"Most people forget we're from that line," Truth said. "I can trace my lineage in the Guard back to my grandfather. They tend to forget his mother is Hanry's only daughter. Don't worry, Captain Smith. I can take care of my sister as well as myself."
"I know you can." He let it go, knowing Truth was extremely skilled in battle and Kora was extraordinarily clever. If anyone could take care of themselves, it was the two of them.
When he ended the communication, Captain Smith informed his Chapter of Joree's demise and the rest of the situation he'd been made aware of in the last day or so. B'Danna seemed to immediately grasp what he wasn't saying.
"If the Alliance is at war with the Guild, no one will be safe from the carnage, on Earth or on Eltar," she said.
"My friends... We must step up to defend those who need it the most," Captain Smith said gravely. "No matter how impossible the choice may seem."
Kizzie's eyes widened. "But, Sir... You can't possibly mean..." She let the sentence trail off.
"Our goal remains the same. We will protect the citizens of Angel Grove and the surrounding area from the great evil threatening them... Unfortunately, I believe that for the time being, that means protecting Zell and those who are genuinely loyal to him."
"That's madness!" B'Danna protested. She cleared her throat before adding, "Sorry, Captain... I didn't mean to disrespect the chain of command by questioning your judgment. It's not my place, and it's not my call to make. I'll do whatever you deem best. Forgive my insubordination."
"Nonsense, B'Danna. We are a team. I value your opinion as much as any other," he replied calmly. "Besides... It is madness. It just also happens to be the only strategy that makes sense."
"How, exactly, does it make sense?" Tedius asked softly.
"Zell's the devil we know. It's well-known that the Witch has never been trustworthy, and you are all aware that I'm the one who put Jezzeff down. I saw the evil in his soul that day. No matter what happens, those two cannot be allowed to defeat Zell. Things will only get worse."
"Worse?" Tedius asked even more quietly. He shook his head. "How is that possible? How can things be worse than they already are?" He bowed his head, trying to hide the tears Captain Smith knew were forming in his eyes. "Excuse me. I need a bit of air." He walked out of the room.
"Tedi-" Kizzie tried to object.
"Let him go, Kizzie," Captain Smith said. "I'm suggesting we protect the monster who killed the man he loved. His reaction is justified." He shook his head. "That monster took everything from so many people... He took Rupi from us, and he might as well have taken Raff himself as well. He harms women, children, and other innocents to gain power. He resurrected the three people who took my wife, my daughter, and my friends from me... I do not have any fondness for him... I simply realize there needs to be a temporary truce between our sides if we are to succeed in our greater mission. There are many more innocent lives at stake if Jezzeff and the Witch overthrow Zell."
"I'll keep an eye on Tedius until he's calmer," B'Danna offered. She hurried after him.
"Kizzie... We need to talk," Captain Smith said. He knew he couldn't put it off any longer.
"Of course, Sir," Kizzie said.
He sighed. "I recently received some news..." He reached toward her, letting Tylan's ring touch her hand. She gasped as recognition slowly dawned in her eyes.
"Bloody Hell..." She mumbled.
"Do you remember?" He asked softly.
"That bloody little bastard killed me... He killed us all," she replied.
"Kizzie... Tylan, Tezzos, and M'Gah trained Zell hoping to save him from what he became. We stopped training him because we thought it was too late after he killed his parents, especially when we realized he'd time traveled and killed Windzor and..." He hesitated.
"Oh, Sir..." Kizzie said. She hugged him. "Kenna was Carolena, wasn't she?"
"Yes..." He refused to get caught up in that grief again. "It was too late to stop him then... But we have a second chance, Kizzie. No matter what, we cannot fail this time. One way or another, we'll put a stop to this evil."
"What's our first move?" Kizzie asked.
"We need to tell Lido what happened, and the rest of the Rebellion. I'll make sure Bartello has been informed as well."
"Do you think he'll be alright?"
"Bartello's strong. He can handle this. And he has all of us supporting him."
"Sir... About Tezzos..."
"Hezzo and Maegus believe he was Garron."
"Then we are incomplete."
"Indeed... However, we must carry on and finish what we started, Kizzie. Too much depends on it."
"Of course, Sir."
He paused. "Kizzie, we do have one other ally... It's become fairly obvious to me. There's really no change in him, but I'm certain he's unaware he ever had a past life."
Her eyes went wide. "Laby..." She realized. "The only other shapeshifter in the history of Eltar until the discovery of his son. Bloody Hell, he's Drago!" She hesitated. "Sir, if he's Drago, then..."
"Kenna initially reincarnated as Serafine. Yes, Kizzie."
"So, Darcy..."
"Is a child. I won't put this on her. She has enough to deal with."
"Oh, Sir... You've been so lost without your wife..." Kizzie shook her head. "I know this must be difficult, seeing her with someone else."
"My wife was Carolena. Tylan's wife was Kenna. Darcy is neither, and she's still a teenager. She belongs with Pierce. They need each other. My only feelings toward her are that I want to keep her as safe as possible in all of this."
Kizzie nodded. "Of course, Sir. And we shall do exactly that."
A knock at the door surprised them both. Captain Smith followed Kizzie as she opened it. As he saw who was on the other side, Captain Smith froze in shock.
"Raff?" He managed to ask.
"Hey, Bob," Raffitty said with a grin. "Mind if I come inside? I'm trying to keep a low profile."
"How in all of the worlds are you here?" Kizzie asked, looking like she didn't want to believe it just yet. Captain Smith knew the feeling. Still, they let him into the house, closing the door.
"A Soul Reaper decided you guys might still need me. It took some convincing on her part, but I agreed to return," Raffitty explained.
Captain Smith was afraid to believe he was really standing there, but he hugged him anyway. That was when he realized it wasn't a trick. "My God, Raff..." He whispered.
"I'm sorry, Bob. For everything. I made terrible choices out of fear and, apparently, a bit of vizu-induced psychosis. My mind is clear now, and full of regret, but I'm here... And I humbly ask if you can forgive me."
"There's nothing to forgive," Captain Smith said. "That's not who you are, Raff. You are the man who sacrificed himself to steal a book of prophecies from Zell and who gave his life to prevent him from becoming too powerful to stop. You are a good man. The rest... It doesn't matter now."
Raffitty looked like he might cry. For just a moment, Captain Smith was reminded of the frightened, traumatized young boy he'd been when they met. "Thank you, Bob."
"We're in this together, Raff. We always have been, and we always will be," Captain Smith said.
"Kizzie..." Raffitty began.
"Oh, just come here and hug me already, you bloody fool," Kizzie said. Raffitty hugged her tightly. "It's good to have you back, Luv," she said softly.
"Laby's going to be excited to see you... He was quite saddened by your passing," Captain Smith said.
"Laby's back? Where was he?" Raffitty asked.
"Drinking the world dry of liquor," Kizzie quipped. "He's sober now, though."
"Laby doesn't drink."
"He learned a new trick."
"There's a lot we need to catch you up on, Raff," Captain Smith said.
"I'll put on tea," Kizzie offered. She rushed off to go do that.
"Nice place you have here," Raffitty said. "It's not exactly what you're all used to, though. This is hardly the penthouse."
"I'm a Military man, Raff. I'd be fine sleeping with a rock and the earth beneath me. However, my Chapter deserves a bit better. This suits us well for now. We'll return to the penthouse eventually," Captain Smith said. "There are extra rooms. You're welcome to stay with us."
"I'd like that... I know you can keep me on the right path, and besides... I miss you."
"I miss you, too." He patted Raffitty's shoulder. "Welcome back, Old Friend."
For the first time since Tylan had begun to unlock in him, Captain Smith felt a bit of peace.
BARTELLO
He sensed trouble in his very core. Aside from Zee, his Chapter was safely on Eltar with instructions to go to Vagris and Rhanna for protection.
"I'm going to Angel Grove," Bartello informed Zee.
"You mean we're going to Angel Grove," Zee corrected him.
"Zee-"
"I'm not letting you do this alone, Barty."
"Fine, but if I give an order, you follow it, understood?"
"Fine, fine. Let's go."
They activated a portal that brought them straight to Angel Grove. Following his instincts, Bartello found his father standing with another familiar face.
"Oh, shit... Isn't that Mistress Cheetah?" Zee asked.
"Lily." Bartello sighed. "She's a powerful young succubus. I should have realized he'd target her. She's too new to her powers. She stands no chance." He looked at his brother. "Follow my orders, Zee. I mean it."
"I will," Zee promised.
As his father pulled Lily toward him, Bartello saw the blank look in her eyes and realized he'd already fed on her a bit. He couldn't allow him to do it again.
"Back away from her!" He commanded.
His father looked up at him. "Bartello..." He hissed. "Angry I'm feeding on your leftovers? I taste you in her energy."
"Leave the girl alone. She's barely a succubus."
"She's got royal blood, my son... And a passionate soul. She was strong enough to defy Zell's flames and become her own evil entity. I like this one. She'll feed me well."
"Not as well as I will."
His father raised an eyebrow at that. "You'd trade yourself for the girl?" He laughed before kissing Lily deeply.
Bartello ripped his father off of Lily. She collapsed onto her hands and knees, shocked by the sudden broken contact.
"Zee! Take her and go!" Bartello instructed.
"But, Barty, I can't leave you-" Zee protested.
"That's an order, Zeenazene!"
Zee sighed, scooping Lily up in his arms. "Be safe, Barty," he said before disappearing into a portal. Bartello knew Zee would be able to safely regenerate Lily's energy.
His father attacked then. He was stronger than he'd ever been before. His body was that of a royal incubus, and he'd fed on a royal succubus. Bartello was strong, but he wasn't prepared to handle this.
They struggled for a bit before his father got the upper hand. He slammed Bartello's head against a tree, drawing blood and leaving Bartello seeing stars. Things were about to go in the worst possible direction when someone interfered.
"Leave that boy alone!" She said firmly.
His father moved away from him as Bartello tried to figure out why her voice was so familiar.
"You..." His father hissed.
"I helped kill your original form. I'll destroy you again, Banlo!"
"How dare you use my true name?!"
"How dare you harm your son?" She cast a powerful spell.
His father fled in an instant. As Bartello continued to lose blood, the woman knelt beside him. He was shaking violently.
"Shhh... All is well, Bartello," she said soothingly. "You're safe now, Sweet Boy..."
She began to heal him. Her long blonde hair fell into his face and he finally looked up at her. "Aliese?" He asked in shock.
"Yes. All is well, Bartello. You are healing nicely."
"How are you here?" He asked in confusion.
"Zell released us from his spell. I don't quite understand everything that happened, but I sensed you were in danger and that was more important than sorting out my issues."
Tiktah appeared then, too. He offered Bartello a hand to help him to his feet. "Tiktah..." Bartello said softly.
"It's good to see you, Son," Tiktah said kindly. He'd called all of Bartello's brothers son, a term of affection he'd also used for Talon, Stone, Laby, Lido, and Lygus. If you were important to Tiktah's children, you were family. Bartello recalled how much it had meant especially to Talon, who couldn't remember his own parents, and Lido, whose family had abandoned him. Hearing Tiktah call him that now made Bartello feel like a child again, safe and loved.
"Let's get you cleaned up," Aliese said gently. She began walking, and Tiktah followed her while supporting Bartello. He was quite surprised when they ended up in a hotel room.
"Maegus brought us here," Tiktah explained. "It's apparently paid for the month, and since we've never been to Earth before, we decided it is the safest place for us until we can figure out what to do next. Of course, Zell knows we're here, but I don't think he'll be bothering us."
Bartello recalled that Tiktah had never called Zell son, not even while he was dating Serafine. In fact, he'd encouraged Talon not to give up hope that Sera would come to her senses and return to him. By the time Zell married Daphne, Tiktah wasn't showing that sort of affection toward anyone anymore, so even as his son-in-law, he never earned the term of endearment.
"Aliese... How did you stop my father the first time?" Bartello asked.
"It was Jezz, technically. He ran a sword through him... I just put a spell on the sword to strengthen the one Jezz had cast," Aliese explained.
"Jezzeff..." Bartello shook his head. "He wouldn't have had the power. It had to be your magic that banished him from Eltar." He paused. "You can't trust him, guys. Jezzeff is a power-hungry monster. He tells a great lie, but-"
"Jezz? He would never harm us. He was practically our son," Aliese protested.
Tiktah tensed. "My love... The wine. Jezz was the one who brought it to us to help us grieve... He poured the glasses himself... And suddenly, we changed. The last thing I remember doing freely was toasting to honor our children... Then my mind became clouded. The memories are a blur, but I know we were unkind to our sweet Daphne..." He had tears in his eyes. "Oh, Daphne... Our poor girl..."
Bartello tried to soothe him with his energy, having fed off of Aliese's magic enough to do that much. "It wasn't your fault. You had no reason not to trust him."
"We failed her. We failed all of them."
"Tiktah, my love... This isn't going to help," Aliese said gently. "We can regret the past all we want, but Zell said our children have returned. We have a chance to do right by them now. We must be strong for them."
Bartello was amazed at how calm she seemed. "Most in your situation would break from the weight of their past," he said.
"We do not have that luxury, and it helps no one. The past cannot be changed without violating the laws of nature and magic... However, the future depends on the choices we make now. We must make the right ones. That is all one can do in this situation."
"I married a wise woman," Tiktah said with a laugh, pulling Aliese into his arms smoothly as he'd done thousands of times before Zell had changed them. He kissed her cheek as he held her from behind, making them both smile.
For a moment, it felt like millennia hadn't passed. It was as if they were back on Eltar, and Serafine was still alive, and everything was perfectly fine. Then, Bartello remembered reality. He remembered losing Serafine, and then being powerless to save Ash from being executed, and everything he'd lost after that. He remembered watching his brothers die. His chest ached as he failed to save anyone except Zee. He remembered being powerless to save Daphne from her clearly abusive relationship. He remembered how much it had broken his heart when Zell killed her just as he'd done to Sera.
"Bartello..." Aliese said softly, gently touching his arm and pulling him back from the deepest, most broken parts of his mind.
Sensing Bartello didn't want to discuss what was on his mind, Tiktah smoothly asked, "So... We're famished. Maegus left us proper currency to get by, but we know nothing of Earth's native foods. Will you assist us in making an appropriate selection, Bartello?"
Bartello was grateful to have a task to focus on. "Of course," he said. He began explaining the food of Earth to Tiktah and Aliese, keeping him from thinking about anything else for a bit.
ZELL
He sat in his former home. It looked almost as he'd left it, remarkably preserved considering how long it had been abandoned. Zordon had never returned after his time on Earth, staying on his own in a different village instead when he needed to be on Eltar. Zell felt Ash's current incarnation's energy as well as Rey's daughter's, but he didn't worry about that too much. It was only natural Ash would have found his way to his sister's former home.
Zell looked through some of the items in the main room. For a moment, he pictured what it had looked like before. He automatically started a fire in the fireplace, remembering how a warm fire had always soothed Daphne and reminded her of her sister.
He saw flashes of Daphne reading to Zordon in front of the fire. He heard her singing as she cooked, or as she tried to chase away their son's bad dreams. He remembered holding her at night, especially when she was sad, stroking her hair until she drifted off to sleep. He remembered kissing her, not in the moments when he felt possessive and needed to control her, but those other times, when nothing pushed him except how much he adored her.
"I didn't nearly love her..." He admitted for the first time in his life. "I did love her... And because the Witch kept insisting that made me weak, just like my love of Elgan did... I destroyed her."
Zell didn't know what he was feeling, but he hated it. He hurt, and he hadn't hurt like that since he'd lost Daphne. He allowed himself to remember, forcing himself to think clearly and separate the Witch's voice in his head from his own.
Slowly, he began to realize just how much the Witch had manipulated his choices. She'd tried pushing him to take things to an inappropriate level with Daphne, but he'd resisted. Then, he'd met a Warlock named Zarrello and he'd stopped resisting his urges. He'd tried to be gentle with her until his jealousy or rage got in the way. Then, he'd lose all rational thought and Daphne would get hurt. Only her tears ever snapped him out of that state. The one time even that failed was the night her life came to an end.
"Daphne... My darling... My dear one... What have I done to you?" He asked in horror.
He found himself staring at the spot where he'd slaughtered her. Zordon had been found in that spot days later, curled up on her body and refusing to leave her. Their neighbors had sent word to Zell through the time line that he needed to return. He'd tried to comfort his son, but he couldn't even comfort himself.
He'd killed Daphne. Daphne! Killing her sister and executing her brother had been one thing... He could tell himself it had been necessary... But Daphne had never done anything to deserve the end she'd met. Knowing what he'd done drove him further into the darkness. Killing Elgan had been the worst thing he'd ever done, and he had resisted for as long as he could, but he'd still done it. Feeling Elgan's power within him had helped him cope with that loss... But Daphne was gone, and all that remained of her was Zordon. Anise was more like Bella had been, fiery and dangerous, with the potential to be just like Zell one day if he trained her right. Zordon was pure of heart like their mother. He was Zell's last connection to her. He was determined to comfort their boy as he suffered through the grief Zell had caused him.
He was still staring at the spot where she'd died, unable to look away. "Did I make any of my own choices in life?" He wondered aloud. "Oh, Daphne... My dear one... How could I have betrayed you?" Knowing about Oralee, even if he couldn't remember the girl, made it even harder to know what he'd done to his wife.
He continued staring at the spot even as Angel arrived. "Great Zell..." She said after a moment of watching him. "Pardon the intrusion, but I was worried you might need assistance."
He nodded after a moment. "This was a mistake," he said softly. "I must return to Earth."
Angel offered him her arm. He took it, and followed her through a portal back to Earth. After an awkward silence, she asked, "Are you alright?"
"I honestly don't know the answer to that today," he admitted. "Thank you for coming after me."
"I came to Eltar to stop your little cousin from becoming a big problem."
"Tazzan?" He guessed. Tazzan had been born extremely premature and was still exceptionally small. He was also full of attitude and despised Zell, who he'd always seemed to know killed his older brother Lee.
"Yes... He was ready to attack when he sensed you on Eltar."
"He doesn't have the strength. Tazzan is sickly. That's my fault."
"I know, but his health issues don't stop him from raging. He would have tried to attack and you'd have been forced to kill him."
"I tried that once. Before he was born. I went back in time to push his mother down the stairs... The Witch insisted Tazzan couldn't be born. It was a pathetic attempt... I don't think I really wanted to kill him. After all, I'd taken care of him as a child."
"She attacked him tonight, Zell. She tried to crush his heart. I helped him... I didn't think you'd want another of your cousins to die at her hands."
"Is he well?" Zell asked.
"Yes... I got him stable and healed him. But she said she was going to finish what she started. She was the one who wanted him dead, not you. That's probably why you barely tried."
"Thank you, Angel... It's becoming clear you are one of the only ones I can trust." He paused. "How do you feel about kidnapping someone?"
Angel stared at him as he abruptly changed the subject. "Kidnapping who?" She asked.
"My youngest son... Lachlan. I had him with us, but Scarlet rescued him." He sighed. "It's not for anything bad... Jezzeff tried to kill him recently. If they had not gotten him to Zordon, he'd have perished. I must protect him. I do not trust his safety to the likes of Tommy Oliver."
"I can't blame you. I'll do it, if you keep him somewhere safe. The base is full of potentially untrustworthy Alliance members."
Zell considered this. "Lido's hut. It's got extra protection on it, and I cleared Jezzeff and the Witch's energy out of there. I'm going to guard the base against them with magic. Jezzeff should be easy enough to block. The Witch will be more complicated."
"I'll help."
"Rest first." He studied her. "You're weak, Angel. Saving Tazzan clearly did a lot of damage to you. I sense you need to recover. I can guard the base against them."
"I know where there's an artifact that can help keep the Witch out... Something that belonged to her. Give me an hour to get it, then I'll rest."
Zell hesitated. "I'm concerned for you," he said. "I don't want you to burn yourself out."
Angel looked genuinely surprised by his words. "Thank you... But I can do this, I promise. I'll rest after, and first thing tomorrow, I'll get Lachlan for you."
He finally nodded. "Be safe," he said. He watched her leave.
Once he was alone, Zell set to work on laying base spells to keep Jezzeff and the Witch from returning to the property.
THE NEXT MORNING.
JEZZEFF
He'd watched from a distance as Sage brought Tye to the Reservation. He'd stood close by all night, trying to figure out how to lure the girl out. An opportunity came when he saw a young girl walking toward the border of the land just before the sun rose.
"Excuse me," he said softly. "I was wondering if you could do me a favor... I found out that my ancestor was part of your tribe. I'm trying to reconnect with my heritage. I was told Sam Trueheart could help me. Could you point me in the direction of his house?"
"Sure," the girl said cheerfully, easily falling for his words. She was still too young to know better than to trust a charming stranger. "Sam's house is right down the main road." She led him onto the property. Jezzeff knew the magic protecting the Reservation was powerful, but it wouldn't view him as a threat. That was because he belonged there. He hadn't exactly lied about that. Jezzeff's father had been half-Eltarian, but he'd also been half Mystic. His grandfather had been a member of that very tribe, a detail even Zell didn't know.
The land felt powerful to him. Jezzeff liked what he felt. He decided he might need to start visiting the land of his heritage more often.
Zell told me my power is limitless, he remembered. Perhaps this is the key to unlocking the rest of my potential.
He focused on the mission at hand. Just as he'd hoped, Sam wasn't home. Jezzeff could feel Tye inside the house, just as his vision had told him she'd be. Sage had apparently decided only an Elder of the tribe could protect the girl.
He knew the house would be magically guarded, so he had the child who'd escorted him ring the doorbell. "Sam! Sam, it's Pixie," she said. The name suited the hyper girl. Her innocence called to Jezzeff. He considered making the girl his new pet, but remembered he had something more important to do.
The door opened, revealing Tye. She looked at Pixie before saying, "Sam's not home."
Before she could sense him, Jezzeff cast a spell to make Tye faint. "Are you okay?" Pixie asked in alarm as she collapsed onto the ground.
"Oh, my!" Jezzeff said as he rushed to Tye's side. "Come help me, Pixie, my dear." He looked into her eyes, using magic to control her mind. "When you awaken from this state and are asked who is responsible, you will tell them it was Zell." He released her. Pixie stood motionless, unaware of her surroundings.
Jezzeff shifted his focus to Tye. "Awaken," he said. Tye slowly opened her eyes. She looked at him with terror. "I'm sorry, Tye. It's nothing personal," he said gently. "This is simply the next step that must be taken."
Tye was gathering magic. He realized she was going to try to fight him. He touched her face where her scar had once been. "My mother was cruel to me, like your father was to you. I understand you, Tye... And now, allow me to end your suffering." He slashed her throat in one swift motion, enjoying the way her blood felt on his hands before he tossed her aside like a toy he'd tired of.
Her eyes were wide. He heard a single thought in her mind as she bled out... Taylor!
Her last desperate attempt to get help played right into Jezzeff's plans. He left, freeing Pixie from his spell as he vanished, knowing she'd do what he'd instructed.
TAYLOR
Taylor! The single word woke him from a dead sleep.
"Tye..." Taylor whispered. He knew something was wrong. He didn't stop to tell anyone where he was going as he left the Command Center and followed his sister's energy.
He found her in a pool of blood outside of a house. A young girl was screaming, "Help! Someone, help us!"
Taylor knelt beside Tye, pulling her into his arms. "Tye! Tye, wake up... Please wake up..." He sobbed. He tried desperately to heal her, but nothing happened.
Incubi need to touch life to heal... We can't heal the dead, he thought. She isn't healing because she's dead. Tye is dead.
The words kept repeating, but he couldn't make sense of them. He tried again to heal her, but he could no longer feel her energy. He felt cold.
"Step aside," a voice said to Taylor. He didn't move. He couldn't.
"Sam! Sam, help!" The girl begged.
"What happened, Pixie? Who did this?" Sam asked.
"Zell," Pixie replied. "It was Zell!"
Taylor felt rage consume him. Zell had murdered his sister. He felt sick as he realized Zell would only target her to get at him.
"Nonsense. That monster cannot get onto our land," Sam said. He touched Taylor's shoulder gently. Taylor flinched away from him. "Let me see if I can help her, Taylor," Sam said soothingly.
Taylor knew Sam was a powerful Shaman. Maybe it wasn't too late for Tye. He forced himself to let Sam touch Tye, but he wouldn't let go of her. He had to be her anchor. He had to guide her back...
Sam shook his head after a moment. "She's gone. Casey welcomed her into the Underworld. I'm sorry, Taylor. It was her time."
"Bullshit!" Taylor shouted. "Fix her! Bring her back or find me someone who will! She's not dead! She's not!"
"Taylor..." Another voice said gently. David stood beside him. "Taylor, I'm so sorry. I don't understand how this could have happened. This is sacred land. Outsiders can't just show up and kill people."
"Well he did!" Taylor shouted. "He killed her when you were supposed to keep her safe and your sacred land didn't fucking protect her!"
Looking into David's eyes, Taylor saw genuine pain and sympathy. He suddenly understood that no one would be able to save his sister. He couldn't breathe. He clung to Tye's body, using his incubus power to teleport away with her. He took her home, putting her in her bed and covering her as if she'd simply fallen asleep.
"You're safe now, Tye," he said softly. "I love you, and you're safe, and no one will ever hurt you again." He curled up in the bed beside her, sobbing as he held her.
After a while, Taylor couldn't stand it anymore. He thought about grabbing a blade and hurting himself. He thought about attacking Zell with no plan and no will to continue living. He finally decided to go with a third option.
Taylor kissed Tye's forehead before teleporting to Josh's bedroom. Josh woke up and spotted Taylor in the corner.
"Taylor? What are you doing here?" Josh asked as he put on his glasses.
"Josh..." Taylor said, his voice cracking with tears. Then, the floodgates opened. He began sobbing hysterically, his body shaking from grief and hysteria.
Josh was startled, but he pulled Taylor onto the bed, bringing him beneath the covers with him. He held him tightly. "Shhh, Taylor... It's okay," he said soothingly.
"It's not okay," Taylor said between sobs. "It never will be again." He said nothing else as he choked on his tears, his grief too powerful for words. He couldn't bring himself to explain what had happened. That would make it real, and Taylor still wasn't ready to accept that, so he just kept sobbing in Josh's arms until his throat was raw and he couldn't draw in any air.
"Taylor, you're having a panic attack," Josh said. "Just try to calm your breathing. Focus on me, right here, right now. Nothing else." He rubbed his back in rhythmic circles, making soothing sounds as he tried to calm Taylor down. Finally, just as Taylor was positive his grief was going to kill him, Josh kissed him.
Taylor felt a rush of energy flowing into him. He stopped himself from feeding on Josh but allowed the kiss to continue. It drove oxygen back into his lungs. He desperately clung to Josh, his only lifeline. When Taylor finally broke the kiss, he was able to breathe slightly, but the pain was still there. Still unable to voice what had happened aloud, Taylor cried himself to sleep in Josh's arms, giving in to the sort of exhaustion only genuine complete devastation could cause.