Dragons Blood series

by The MOUSE

How could a trip that started off so well end up like THIS?????

3. Eclipse in San Francisco

From the Author : This turned out to be one of my shorter sequels, a romantic interlude if you will. I'll pick up the pace in the next story.

Disclaimer-I don't own the Quest Team, which is owned and copyrighted by Hanna Barbera. No copyright infringement is intended; this story is created for your reading pleasure only and is not producing any money.

May 21, 1998

Eclipse in San Francisco

by : Catherine "Mouse" Beaudet

An Air American 747 glided effortlessly through the air and thin clouds, West towards its destination; San Francisco International Airport, California. It had been a six hour flight from Portland, Maine, with no stop-overs. Departure time had been 6:15 AM. On board, grouped in the First Class section of the 747, was a group of thirty-four High School seniors from Rockport High School. Other than them there was only a small handful of adults as passengers or chaperons. A large number of these High School seniors chatted excitedly among themselves, this being their first trip away from Maine. The rest of them, veteran travelers, did their best to catch up on their sleep or simply relax before arriving in San Francisco.

In the sixth row from the front, comfortably seated next to the window, sat Jonny Quest. In his lap sat a closed, battered paperback copy of Prince of the City from the Vampire : The Masquerade series. His clear blue eyes were watching the slowly thickening clouds pass by his small window as he ran a hand through his blond hair. There would be fog on the ground when the plane would land. The form sleeping in the seat next to him shifted and he turned to smiled down at her.

Jessie Bannon was leaning comfortably on his shoulder, her fiery red hair framing her lovely features in rivers of fire. She dozed peacefully, completely at ease with her companion, her arms wrapped around his arm. A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. Deep down Jonny still couldn't believe that they were now a couple.

A little over two years ago they had started to officially go out together, all preceded by what they term the Dragon's Blood incident in India. During an attack on the Palace in Bangalore, India, Jonny had been mortally injured, beyond help except to a clan living in the mountains not too far from the Palace. Having suffered injuries similar to Jonny's at one time or another, these Children of the Dragon had shared the life giving blood of a real Dragon in order to survive. To save his life Doctor Quest had allowed the procedure. Jonny's DNA had been altered by the blood, as were the Children of the Dragon, now making him look like a Dragon hybrid, scales and all. It also caused a mental instability in him, where all sounds were increased in volume. The change was reversed at the time, but he suffered a relapse during his second to last year of school. Jessie had risked her life by staying with him. She loved him, she had told him as much, and he had reciprocated. Later, during their second year of dating, Jessie had suffered a life threatening accident of her own. She had remained in a coma for seven months and was two month in physiotherapy after that. During the entire time she was in a coma Jonny had remained at her side, afraid for her life. And for the two months of her physiotherapy he had also remained with her, encouraging her. That was when their relationship proceeded to the next step. They had become lovers.

Jonny watched Jessie sleep for a moment more. Then, ever so gently, he brushed stray strands of her hair away from her face, his fingers tracing the soft edge of her face. She took a deep breath, waking from her light slumber. A pair of indescribable green eyes opened to smile up at him.

"G'afternoon, Love." he greeted softly. "Or should I say morning?"

She stretched her arms up over her head, curbing her back inwards, then dropping her arms back to her sides, gazing tenderly at him.

"What time is it, Lover?"

"Almost twelve, Atlantic time. That would make it almost eight in the morning here."

"No wonder I was so tired. How do you do it?"

"Do what?"

"Stay awake for days on end and not be tired?"

He flicked a lock of his hair aside with a dramatic flourish, looking towards the front of the plane. "It's a gift." he stated with nonchalance.

She giggled at his theatrics. "C'mon, Quest, fess up. You've been taking pep pills, right?"

"No, actually, it's all natural insomnia. Besides, Bannon, the only pep pills in the house are in your room."

Actual nervous fear registered on her face as she gripped his arm. "Don't tell my Dad I have them." she pleaded.

"I'll just hold on to that juicy little tidbit of info as blackmail. Sort of like you holding the Questworld upgrades against me." he teased.

"You are so cruel, Jonathan Quest." she accused, crossing her arms over her chest and turning away from him.

"Just returning the favor."

He looked at her, his expression softening.

Even angry she's beautiful, he thought with a slight smile.

Then seriousness and worry replaced the smile. "But seriously, Jess, you're not really taking those things, are you?"

She didn't turn and remained silent.

"C'mon, Jess."

Again silence.

Oh, so that's how you want to play, is it? he mused with a smirk.

He reached over and forced her face towards himself, giving her to one smile he knew she couldn't resist; a lopsided grin. The workings of a smile began to appear on her face which she tried to fight. It was a fight she was steadily losing. She turned her face away again, as she fought the smile, and tried to ignore him.

"Is that a smile?" he questioned coyly.

"No." Her attempt at keeping a straight was failing.

He ever so gently ran his fingers along the skin of her arm. Her green tank-top couldn't hide the shiver and goose bumps that followed. Jessie couldn't bring herself to shrug his hand away. Jonny took that as an invitation to let his hand slip across her throat to one-handedly cup her face, turning it back towards himself. Her smile came easily when his lips touched her cheek. He then looked at her, staring intently into her eyes.

"Forgiven?"

"I'll let you know." she replied coyly.

"At least let's say we're even on this. You forget about the upgrade incidents and I'll forget about the pep pills. Deal?"

"Deal."

"Incidentally, you're not taking any, are you?"

She looked away at her hands in shame. "I did, once. Remember that Physics Exam I was having trouble studying for last year? I took some to help keep me awake so I could study longer. I had what I guess was a bad trip."

He wrapped his arms around her in response to this admission. "I guess we all have to experience it at one time or another. Sorry I bugged you about it."

"It's okay." She smiled up at him sweetly. "I could never stay mad at you for very long anyway."

"Wanna know something, though?" he questioned, again with a lopsided grin. She looked at him with a quizzical expression. "You're beautiful when you're mad."

Jessie smiled, her heart melting as it had done two years ago. A soft pinging sound from the front of the plane cut through their little world and caught everyone's attention. A female flight attendant stood at the front of the compartment, a pleasant smile on her face, a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are in our final approach to beautiful San Francisco. The ground temperature is seventeen degrees Celsius and the National Weather Bureau predicts fog for the next four days. Please put your trays up, return your seats to their upright positions, and fasten your seatbelts. Please, enjoy your sat in San Francisco and thank you for flying Air American."

Jessie turned back to Jonny and smiled sweetly at him. "Save that thought for later, Hot Shot."

"How much later Ace?"

"I'll let you know." and she lightly kissed his lips.

Within moments the San Francisco International Airport's runway landing lights came into view though the thick ground fog. With hardly a perceivable bump the large 747 landed, then taxied to its position at the terminal. The people and crew quickly disembarked, retrieving their bags at the baggage claim as they went. The students from Rockport High School then grouped together with their teachers and chaperons, then piled into a waiting tour bus at the front entrance. Jessie got to the window seat before Jonny could and they sat hand in hand.

"This place kind of reminds me of New Orleans with all this fog." he suddenly voiced. "Remember?"

"I'm trying not to. We're still not sure Elise actually died, there was no body found."

"Well, the way I see it, if she or anything else resembling her battiness hasn't been seen in over five years then she's dead."

She had to nod in agreement. "So, tell me something, Jonny. How did you manage to talk our chaperons into letting us stay in the same room?"

He grinned. "Would you believe our Dads helped?"

"What?"

"They explained that on trips we often stayed in the same room and nothing ever happened."

"But that was before we... you know."

His voice became coy as he leaned towards her in a conspiring manner. "They don't know that."

She began to giggle. "Oh, you're horrible!"

"And you love me for it."

She leaned in towards him, lowering her voice. "Despite it, you mean. You are right about one thing though."

"That being?"

"I love you."

He leaned in closer. "Love you, too." and he claimed her lips.

"Hey, hey, hey, break it up you two." Crysta Robertson, one of their long time friends, interrupted from the other side of the aisle. "If the teacher sees you two at it you can forget about sharing a room."

"Mm, she's right, Jess." he stated, reluctantly breaking the embrace. "Besides, we need something to do tonight." he grinned.

"It's a date then." she chuckled and they sat back in their seats.

"Can I ask you guys something?" Crysta suddenly asked them. "What was that stuff I heard from you two just now about New Orleans and some lady named Elise?"

Jessie's smile fell away at the mention of Elise.

"She's gone, Jess." Jonny assured, patting her knee, before tuning back to Crysta. "Has to do with one of our special adventures. Elise... wasn't human, well, not completely."

"What do you mean?"

He rubbed the back of his neck, trying to come up with an explanation. "I guess, the best way to describe her would be to call her a parasitic vampire. Silver kills whatever they are. She drained people dry to stay young and changed body every fifty years during a very specific total lunar eclipse. A Harvest Moon eclipse."

"Like the one happening here in a few days?"

"Right."

"And what did that have to do with you guys?"

"Elise went after Jess as her new body and hypnotized Hadji into getting Jess for her."

"Ouch, harsh. She... it... dead?"

Jessie sighed heavily. "We don't really know for sure." she replied. "A silver tipped spear caught her in the leg and she fell into the Mississippi, but we never found a body."

"But she doesn't have a body anymore, that's for sure." Jonny added. "She kind of looks like an overgrown bat with a bad disposition."

"Well, something that looks like that'll be easy to spot coming at you." Crysta admitted. "But if you say you haven't seen it since then, then forget about it and enjoy the trip. Two weeks away from nagging parents, homework, and assignments. This is a vacation within school. Kick back, relax, enjoy it."

Jessie began to laugh. "I think you're the only person I've ever met who can find the good thing to every situation, Crysta."

Both Jonny and Crysta laughed with her. "Someone has to." the eccentric blond girl replied. "What would be the point otherwise?"

Jessie smirked at her, settled back against Jonny's side, and watched the buildings speed by with the Bay in the distance, partly hidden by fog. Crysta was right. She was letting things that happened in the past resurface to bring down her high spirits. Besides, she was away from her Father, with the man she loved, and no one would ruin the day for her. Two weeks. Nothing would happen.

* * *

That little redhead doesn't see me. Good. I'd hate to ruin my surprise. She doesn't realize how short her visit here will be. The man with her could be useful to me this time around, along with the General. He's an asset I'm might keep around after I'm finished here. Enjoy your stay in San Francisco, Jessica Bannon and Jonathan Quest. Vostok and I will be seeing you shortly.

* * *

"Okay, Jessie, Jonny, here's the key to your room. Remember, I'm only doing this because I have your Fathers' approvals and assurances that you'll behave."

"Not a problem, Miss Green." Jessie assured with a bright smile as Jonny snatched the key and headed for one of the doors.

Carrying her bags she walked in just behind him. He waited by the door as she took in her new surroundings. The room wasn't very large, but it was cozy. There were two double beds, a small sitting area, a private bathroom complete with a stand alone bathtub and a glass shower, and large veranda windows blocked off by a waist high, wrought iron railing. Everything was colored in delicate cream whites and bright reds.

"Wow! You sure they didn't give us the Ambassadorial Suite? Would you get a load of this room." she marveled.

"I'm busy looking at something else right now." he replied as she heard the door click shut.

Before she could turn around his arms wrapped around her waist from behind, lifting her off the ground. She shrieked in surprise as he pulled her down with him onto the nearest bed. She mock struggled for a moment until his lips met hers. He explored her mouth slowly, deeply, as his hand paid attention to every curve on her body. She was responding to his touch, her arms wrapped around his neck, her knees locking against his hips. His hands slid under her tank top, caressing her tender flesh. A knock at the door destroyed the moment. Jonny dropped his face to the crook of her neck with an annoyed sigh. Jessie touched his face tenderly in sympathy.

"Later." she breathed.

He lightly kissed her lips before getting off her and going to the door. He paused just long enough for Jessie to tuck her shirt back into her jeans, then opened the door. It was Miss Green.

Jonny smirked. "Checking up on us?"

"That and asking you guys to join the rest of us down in the lobby. We have some sites to see before you're allowed to rest for tonight."

With an exaggerated bow he held his hand out to Jessie. "After you, My Lady Caroline."

Giggling, Jessie stood and curtsied. "You're too kind, My Lord Jean."

Followed by Miss Green's puzzled expression the two Rockport seniors left the room, arm-in-arm, for the lobby three floors below. The group of students left the hotel, on the corner of Third Street and Market Street, and proceeded to the Fort Point National Historical Site. Military personnel from the neighboring Presidio of San Francisco Military Reservation droned on for over an hour about the history of the Fort. At the back of the group Crysta stood with Jessie and Jonny. Todd Andrews, Crysta's boyfriend, joined them shortly. He was well built, a football player type, a full head and a half taller than Jessie and Jonny. Not the type you would expect to see playing basketball.

"Is it me or is this wholly boring." Todd voiced.

Jessie was leaning back on Jonny's chest, wrapped in his arms comfortably. His chin was resting on her shoulder.

"It's not you." she stated with a small grin.

"How much more can these guys go on talking?" Crysta muttered.

"Endless speeches is in their training." Jonny quipped.

Jessie molded herself back against him with a slight chuckle. "I think I see a tourist who wishes she was me." she whispered.

"What? Who?"

"The platinum blond over there. She keeps looking at you."

"You sure it's not you?" he joked.

"Ha, ha, Quest. No, it's you. She's been staring since you stepped off the bus."

He sighed heavily. "I don't mean to be appealing to the opposite sex."

She turned to face him, her arms wrapping tenderly around his neck. "And yet you are, but you're mine."

"Whole heartedly, Beautiful." and he claimed her lips.

They heard Crysta begin to laugh. "Jess, you had that girl pegged, girlfriend." she laughed. The duo pulled apart and looked at their friend. "No sooner did you guys lip lock did she huff and give you guys the evil eye."

Jessie had a start. "Whoa, didn't think I was that good."

Jonny smirked at a sly thought. "You're better than good, Ace."

Todd backed away, holding his hands up in defense. "Hey, I don't want hear this. Too much info."

"Chicken." he accused.

"Oh, say that again, twerp." he replied playfully, preparing to throw a punch.

Jonny released Jessie and took up a mock defensive posture, an impish grin on his face. "Chicken." and he made chicken sounds.

"That does it, shorty." he chuckled and lunged him.

Jonny easily side-stepped his large friend, grabbing him in a headlock. "Atomic noogie!!" and he knuckled the top of Todd's head.

"AAAHH!! No, stop it! My hair!"

"Typical response I'd expect to hear from a guy who colors his hair bright green." Crysta laughed.

Jonny released his friend and they all pretended to listen to the lecture the military personnel were giving just as one of their teachers walked by. The teacher gave them a hard stare, hoping to find something of their deceit, but they showed nothing. The teacher grunted and walked on. Four pairs of eyes turned to watch him go, then the four teens broke into a fit of laughter when he was out of earshot.

"We are simply the worst." Jessie managed between fits of hysteria.

"There's a word for what we are." Jonny struggled. "I just can't think of it right now."

"All right people! Back on the bus!" Miss Green called to the assembled students. "We're going back to the hotel for a rest after the flight! After that, for those who want, we'll go into Chinatown for some shopping! Then it's supper and afterwards a dance club, again optional! So, everyone on the bus!"

"Well, you heard the lady, Beautiful." Jonny stated shortly before he slung Jessie over his shoulder.

She shrieked as he carried her this way back to the bus. "You put me down this minute, you tow headed twerp!" she giggled.

"Not on your life."

She slapped his rear, kicking her legs to make carrying her a little tougher. "Put me down or else!"

"Or else what?"

"Classic response. Or else you're not getting anything special tonight." she threatened playfully.

"Oh! If you put it that way..." and he gently set her back down on her feet before climbing onto the bus. "Forgiven?"

She smirked sweetly, tenderly touching his cheek. "Always." and she lightly kissed his lips.

The rest of the students piled onto the bus and then they were off back to the hotel.

* * *

The blond woman staggered through the door, letting herself drop into a chair. A man in a white lab coat quickly came to her side and began injecting her with brightly colored liquids. She glared at him and at the harsh looking man standing behind him.

"This body isn't holding, Vostok!" she hissed. "I need Bannon, NOW!"

"Patience, my dear, patience." he soothed in a thick Russian accent. "These things take time. And I want the girl and the Quest boy to suffer for what their Fathers did to me."

"Do what you want to Quest. I don't want Bannon damaged. She is mine!"

"Do you have an idea of how you will get her?"

The blond grinned evilly. "Yes, and Quest will help me, even if he doesn't know it yet. You can have him when I'm done, but don't kill him. He and Bannon are close. I wouldn't mind profiting from that."

"For his Father to suffer, Quest must die."

She shot him the harshest glare to have ever existed. "Do not cross me, Vostok! You may not live long enough to regret it!"

* * *

"You two gonna join us for an early lunch?" Crysta asked Jessie and Jonny as the three of them and Todd walked into the hotel's lobby.

The two shook their heads a negative.

"I'm going to take a shower, might help to completely wake me up." Jessie informed.

"And I'm going to see if I can take a nap. That long flight's starting to have an effect on me." Jonny added with a slight yawn.

"Okay, then, we'll see you later today." and Todd waved them off as the young couple moved towards the elevator.

The two got to their room, Jessie heading for the shower, Jonny crashing unceremoniously on one of the beds. He closed his eyes and let himself go completely relaxed with a deep sigh. He heard the shower start in the bathroom. He stared up at the ceiling for a moment. He could hear Jessie singing a Golden Oldies song in the shower through the partly opened door. He took his eyes away from the ceiling to stare through the door to the bathroom. A sly smile suddenly crossed Jonny's lips as he sat up on the bed's edge.

Humming an old song from the radio, Jessie rinsed the rest of the shampoo out of her hair under the running water. After a six hour plane flight this very warm shower felt good on her slightly stiff muscles. She might just take a nap herself after this. Something suddenly slipped from the small of her back to just below her rib cage. She turned sharply in surprise only to find herself face-to-face with Jonny. He had stripped of all his clothes and was standing in the streaming hot water with her, pulling her into his arms. A lopsided grin was on his lips. She began to giggle as she wrapped her arms around his neck, understanding what he intended, wanting what he wanted. She would more than willingly oblige him. Their lips met hungrily, their hands beginning the slow, deliberate exploration learned from experience which intended to excite and arouse, pinching and stroking.

"Jonny, this is dangerous." she gasped softly, nibbling at his ear.

"Mmm? Oh! Right." and he pulled back slightly, enough for her to shut off the water. They just stood there for a moment, grinning playfully at each other. "Race you to the bed?"

They took off like a shot for the other room, both laughing wildly. He caught her in his arms as they fell and tangled in the bed sheets.

"Did you bring any?" she asked as he nipped at her throat.

"A whole box full."

She giggled. "Might not be enough. We are here for two weeks, remember."

He chuckled. "That's what a pharmacy is for. Wait a second."

He quickly got up to go to the hotel room door and placed the Do Not Disturb sign on the door nob, making sure the door was locked after he closed it. Then he just made one quick stop at his suitcase before leaping back under the sheets. She snuggled closer to him, their hands beginning the sensual exploration again. Jessie could only gasp and moan softly as he traced nips and kisses down the length of her body, pausing to show particular attention to her breast and the junction of her legs. In a swift move she flipped him over onto his back, pinning him to the mattress. She traced a trail of nibbles and licks all across his chest, lower to his stomach, then his thighs before returning to his rigid member. She stroked it gently with her fingers and tongue and was rewarded by hearing him gasp, a violent shiver coursing through him.

"God, Jessie, don't tease me."

She chuckled. "I'll do much more than tease, Lover."

She pulled away slightly to take the small packet hidden in his hand. He watched her, his eyes glassy in arousal. She straddled his thighs, tearing open the packet and, in a very teasing fashion, slipped the condom on him. Then, she raised up and took him inside her. Both released a shuddering sigh at the sensation. She held his shoulders for balance, slowly rocking forward, his hands holding her hips. Jessie met his searching lips, both savoring every new and old sensation as it flooded their senses.

"Bet you Miss Green would have a fit if she knew what we were doing." she giggled breathlessly.

He began to laugh as he turned to pin her beneath him. "You pick a fine time to think about that, Miss Bannon." he breathed against her lips, lacing his fingers with hers.

She could only laugh in response. Then he began to rock and she couldn't stop the loud gasp of pure pleasure that escaped her throat. Her legs locked around his hips as Jonny bent down to tease her nipples into tight buds with his tongue. Jessie raked her nails down his back, meeting his every thrust with perfect rhythm. She panted small bits of loving phrases as he raced her nearer to her peak. Her body suddenly began to shudder as his body stiffened. He felt her muscles tighten around his member. He seemed to be drained all the way from his toes. A few heartbeats later he collapsed against her, riddling kisses along her shoulder and the arch of her throat. They lay there for what felt like an eternity, their limbs intertwined, waiting for their breathing to return to normal. Jonny raised up on his arms to look down at her flushed features. She gazed into his eyes in adoration.

"I love you." she murmured.

He smiled. "I love you."

He began to shift his weight to get off her, but her knees locked against his hips to restrain him. "Do you have to go so soon? You feel so good right where you are." she pleaded with an irresistible pout.

Jonny chuckled. "I have to get cleaned up in case Miss Green decides to pay us another surprise visit."

"Does that have to be now?"

He smiled softly, relenting to her insistence. "No, I guess it doesn't." and he placed a gentle kiss on the hollow between her collar bones. She touched his face in a tender glide, sighing almost silently. He looked at her, puzzled. "What is it?"

"I was just thinking... Two years ago who would've thought we would become so intensely... passionate towards each other." she mused.

"Hadji probably knew." he chuckled. "But I like that term you used. Passionate. Are we really?"

She giggled playfully. "I would definitely say so. Everything we do and say to each other is pretty much proof of it. And..." She began to trace his shoulders and arms softly, a sultry grin on her lips, "... there's the fact that we make love almost every time we're alone together, at the drop of a hat."

"Mmm, any hat at that." he smirked, then shifted off of her. She made a sound in protest, but he silenced her by placing a finger to her lips. "Again tonight, I promise, my love." and claimed her lips tenderly.

"Well, since you say it so eloquently..."

She reluctantly let him get up to grab some clean clothes from his bag and enter the bathroom. She watched him go, admiring his backside. He wasn't necessarily buff, but the years of constant adventure had given him a well chiseled frame. His back showed this with the hints of hard muscles. Before he disappeared through the door her eyes drifted down to his firm rear and she began to giggle like a school girl who was being asked out by the handsomest guy in school. He turned sharply.

"What?" he asked.

She turned onto her stomach, leaning her chin in her hand. "Just admiring the view." she grinned playfully.

He had to laugh as he walked out of sight. "You little vixen!" he called back.

She laughed as well, mostly from his comment. "I'll take that as a compliment!"

"You would."

He reappeared moments later wearing black jeans and a white T-shirt. She looked his over in approval. "Very nice, Lover."

"Thank you, and what are you going to wear?"

"Why?" She leapt to her feet before him, unashamed of her naked form, a sly smile on her lips. "Don't you like how I look right now?"

He pulled her close with a seductive grin. "I like it very much but, much as I'd like to keep you this way, you'd get arrested for indecent exposure if you walked down Chinatown in your very attractive birthday suit."

She chuckled, gripping his shirt. "C'mere you." and she gave him a tug forward and she let herself fall back onto the bed, kissing his deeply.

"Mmm, you really should get dressed." he managed to say into her embrace.

"What if I don't feel like it?"

Jonny gave her a mock evil grin. "Then suffer the consequences." he intoned theatrically and began to tickle her.

Jessie shrieked. "NO! Jonny, no! Stop it! Jonny!!" she cried out between fits of laughter. "I'll get dressed! I'LL GET DRESSED!" she finally surrendered.

"Ah, I knew you'd see it my way."

"You didn't leave me much of a choice." she panted. She freed herself of his arms and started for the bathroom. She heard him snicker when she reached the door and turned to him. "Now what?"

"I'm admiring a view just as appealing as the one you had."

She blew him a kiss with a wink, then disappeared into the bathroom. Jonny looked at the mess of bed sheets on the bed and floor and smiled. The hotel maids would be speculating what happened in this room for month to come. With a blissful sigh he dropped back and smiled at the ceiling.

* * *

A black Sedan, it's windows tinted black, coasted through the older streets of San Francisco's Chinatown. Inside, sitting in the back seat, were three individuals; the nameless blond, the doctor, and General Vostok. The General didn't look too pleased.

"Are you sure they will be here?" he asked, thickly rolling his R's due to his accent.

The blond gave him a wary glance. "I heard the plans myself, Vostok. And there's the bus now." Sure enough, out the window, they could see the tour bus parking near Union Square. Within moments a large group of teens disembarked. "Have your driver follow them. I want this over quickly."

"Doctor Marsh, how long can her body hold?"

"Another week if we continue the treatment I developed. But if she can get the right body before the eclipse, she'll be fine."

"Very good. We will follow our targets for a while, then it's up to you, my dear Lilith. Or should I call you Elise?"

Lilith / Elise grinned evilly at him before returning her eyes to the teens on the sidewalk.

* * *

Todd held up the antique katana to the light filtering through the fog, once again inspecting the fine blade. It shone fiercely, deadly.

"I still can't believe you talked that dealer down to fifty bucks." he marveled as he and Jonny walked down the sidewalk. "And in Chinese no less."

Jessie and Crysta had broken away from them to do some secret shopping, leaving the boys on their own. They would meet up at a small Chinese cafe Jonny remembered seeing the last time he had visited San Francisco. At a small shop the boys had found a beautiful selection of katana blades and other daggers. At the sight of this sword Jonny began haggling with the merchant.

He smiled at Todd's amazement. "Dad and Race insisted we learn as many languages and cultures as possible. Flatter any dealer enough in his native tongue and you can get just about anything. That's a universal rule."

"But this thing is gorgeous! Solid silver hammered and folded a few hundred times, intricate dragon design carved into the metal. It's incredible!"

"Put it away, Todd. I don't want to ruin the blade. Now where is that place?"

"What did you say it was called?"

"Garden of the Cherry Blossom. Fen Kuei's the owner. He's a good friend of the family. Ah, there it is!"

They arrived at an elegant little cafe, its only identification written in Chinese above the door. They walked into the terrace area and were immediately greeted by a spry looking old man. He made quick bowing motions, smiling broadly.

"Welcome, welcome. Most honored to have you in my humble cafe." he stated in broken English.

"Kuei-san, it is good to see you again." Jonny stated in fluent Chinese, bowing in respect.

"Jonathan-san!? I have not seen you in many years. My, you have grown. What brings you to San Francisco?"

"A school field trip, actually." he replied in English so Todd could follow. "And, since we were in Chinatown, I knew we couldn't leave without coming here first. Fen Kuei, this is a friend of mine, Todd Andrews."

"Most honored, Todd-san."

"Likewise, Mr. Kuei. I hear you serve the best food in all of Chinatown."

Kuei smiled broadly. "Domo. Cooking is an art that I enjoy. For two?"

"Four." Jonny answered. "Here come the two others now."

Down the street, coming into view through the fog, were Jessie and Crysta. Each were carrying a few bags. Full of smiles the two girls sat at the table with their friends. Jonny smiled at his girlfriend.

"So what's in the bag?"

Jessie leaned over and began whispering something in his ear. He had a violent start and almost fell off his chair at what she told him. He stared at her in slight shock as she giggled. Then he began to laugh.

"What did I do to ever deserve you?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" she purred.

He shook his head with a slight chuckle before turning to Kuei. "You remember Race Bannon? This is his Daughter, Jessie, and her friend, Crysta Robertson. Jessie, Crysta, this is Fen Kuei, owner of the Garden of the Cherry Blossom, a friend of the family."

Jessie bowed. "Any friend of the Quests and my Dad is a friend of mine." she greeted in perfect Chinese.

Crysta copied the movement, but couldn't quite wrap her tongue around the phrase Jessie had pronounced. "... or something like that. Sorry." she shrugged in apology.

Kuei smiled placatingly. "It is quite alright. My language takes many years to learn for those who are not from my homeland." He turned and called to one of the servers in his Native dialect. This one ran off as Kuei removed his apron and sat at the same table as the four teens. "Now, Jonathan-san, tell me how your family is."

Over a sumptuous meal and small cups of saki, Jonny and Jessie related everything that had ever happened to the Quest Team since their last visit to San Francisco. Kuei listened avidly to everything they had to say, asking questions at times, laughing or nodding at others. As Todd and Crysta asked Kuei more questions Jonny showed Jessie the sword he had purchased earlier.

"Got it for fifty dollars. What do you think?"

"It's beautiful, and so light."

"I figure Dad'll love it. When I saw it I knew it'd be perfect for his collection."

She smirked. "So thoughtful."

"Thank you." he smiled as he reached for the Sweet'n Sour Pork with his chopsticks. Picking up a bite sized piece he offered it to Jessie. "Say Ah." and he carefully popped the morsel in her mouth through her parted lips.

"I can feed myself, you know." she stated after swallowing.

"I know, but this is so much more fun."

"Incorrigible." she muttered with a smile.

"And you better believe it."

"Hey, isn't that the same blond as this morning?" Crysta suddenly voiced, indicating a direction with her chin.

They all looked to see the blond walking casually down the sidewalk, past the cafe's terrace, and continue without so much as a glance. Jessie couldn't help but grin when she turned back to Jonny.

"Looks like you got yourself a stalker, Lover."

Kuei began to laugh. "I remember your most honorable Father telling me how someday girls would be hunting you down because of your handsome face."

Shock crossed his features. "Dad knew about this? Why didn't he tell me?"

Jessie laughed. "He didn't want to inflate your ego or ruin that endearing naivete of yours."

He crossed his arms over his chest, beginning to sulk. "He could've at least warned me."

"Now where's the fun in that?"

He gave her a mock suffering stare. "Nice."

A scream of terror suddenly shattered the fog filled air. It was in the direction the blond had walked off in. Todd, Jonny and Jessie quickly stood, ready for a fight.

"Crysta, stay here." instructed Todd as the three of them leapt over the rail and ran into the thick fog bank.

Shapes began to take form just ahead of them. The blond was trying to fight off some men who were dragging her towards a black Sedan. They rushed in to help. Running in head first Todd rammed two men around the mid section, taking them to the ground with him. That left two more for Jessie and Jonny to deal with. With more restraint than Todd showed they took on their opponents, forcing them to release the blond. Neither teen realized that, in his bold move, Todd had managed to knock himself out while the two other men were still conscious. A fifth man jumped out of the car to join the two fighting Jonny. This man landed a well placed punch in his stomach, then knocked him back with a knee to the face when he doubled over, and Jonny hit the sidewalk rather hard, out cold.

"Put him in the car." the assailant ordered the other two.

He turned in time to see the other two knock Jessie to the ground. She lay there, immobile save for her breathing. They went to put her and Todd in the Sedan when the blond stopped them.

"No. She has to come of her own free will. Quest will see to that."

"What about this one?" one asked, nudging Todd's body with his foot.

She gave Todd a look of disdain. "He's useless to me. Leave him. Let's go."

* * *

Jessie woke slowly to a throbbing pain at the back of her head. She was sitting upright in a chair, a cold, damp cloth dabbing against her face. She opened her eyes and found herself in the Garden of the Cherry Blossom cafe. Todd was sitting not far away, nursing a fat lips with an ice cube, Crysta tending to his other minor injuries. Jessie looked up to find Fen Kuei was the one dabbing at her face with the cloth. Her mind struggled for a moment before the words finally came.

"Kuei-san, where's Jonny?"

"Those men took him and the woman. You were hurt."

"I'm alright. Did you see which direction they went in?"

"North." Todd spoke up. "I heard one say something about an island."

Crysta looked worried. "Should we call the police?"

"What can they do? Bumps and bruises are hardly proof of a kidnaping. And he left his tracer watch at the hotel." She sighed heavily, almost dreading her next words. "Jonny's been through this kind of situation himself." she began slowly, the words leaving a rancid taste in her mouth. "He'll find a way back to us... on his own. Excuse me."

She got up rather quickly and entered the cafe's small bathroom, locking the door behind her. She turned on the faucets at full to drown out what followed. Sinking to her knees Jessie began to sob uncontrollably, feeling the pain from her heart to her gut, clutching at her sides in an effort to ease the pain. She only hoped she had been right.

* * *

Jonny felt himself wake slowly shortly after sounds reached his ears.

"Wake up, Mr. Quest." someone ground harshly before striking him across the face very hard. He tasted his own blood in his mouth as he raised his head. That was when he realized he was securely tied to a chair. A man in a white lab coat was standing before him, grinning evilly, almost pleased with himself. He was in some sort of hanger or bunker. "Glad you could join us."

"Please, Doctor Marsh." came a sweet, chiding voice from behind Jonny. "Don't hurt him too much. We still need him." The blond woman from earlier came into view, a sweet smile on her face. "It's been a long time, Jonny Quest." she purred.

He frowned, partly in confusion, partly from understanding the attack earlier had been a set up. "Do I know you?"

"Well, not me as you see here, but yes, you do."

His frown deepened. "I don't understand."

"What is there to understand, young Mister Quest?" a thick Russian accent stated as someone new walked into the room. "You know her, but not in this body."

"General Vostok!?"

"At least you recognize me. Tell, young man," and he leaned in towards him in a casual, conspiring move. "... do you need another clue to guess who she is or do you now know?"

Jonny looked back and forth between the two before the words not in this body finally registered in his mind. His blue eyes went wide in total shock. "ELISE!"

Vostok began to laugh in clear enjoyment. "Ah, the young man does have intelligence after all. She calls herself Lilith now."

"But... but... you're dead!"

Elise / Lilith smiled. "My poor young fool. Hadji hit me in the leg with that spear, not the heart. I was hurt, true, but Vostok and his few loyal men found me and procured me this temporary body."

"This isn't possible!"

"Oh, it is. We've worked hard to find you. You want to know why?" She brought her face close to his, staring hard into his eyes. "You're going to get me what your friend Hadji failed to get. You're going to get me Jessica Bannon... within the next three days."

Before he could tear his eyes away Elise / Lilith's eyes began to glow a bright green. Jonny found he couldn't blink, couldn't look away anymore. His will broke down. His mind shut off. She was now completely in control over him.

"Will he obey you?" Vostok asked impatiently.

"Completely. And this..." she ripped off the dragon design pendant from around his neck, "... will ensure that he continues to do so. You can torture him now, just don't kill him. I still have use for him." and she walked away before the beating began.

* * *

Jessie paced worriedly in her hotel room. It was late and Jonny hadn't yet returned. Crysta and Todd were in the room with her, also worried. They had told the chaperons that they were staying in the room for a late night movie and not to expect them at the danse club the trip organizers had decided on. Jessie was beginning to wear a hole in the floor.

"Where is he? It's been almost five hours now. With his track record he should be back by now." she muttered in worry.

"You said not to worry, Chica, that he'll make it back."

"Crys is right, Jess. Cool it before you end up on the floor below."

"I can't cool it until I know he's alright."

"Man, have you got it bad."

"If only you knew, Crysta."

She continued to pace, oblivious to her two friends' urging for her to sit down. The man she loved more than life itself was missing and she had no idea what to do to find him. Panic was welling up inside her threatening to make her go into hysterics. A sound suddenly caught her ear. It sounded like someone was stumbling, trying to walk out in the hall. Then, whoever it was collapsed against the room's door. Cautious, Todd went to the door and cracked it open for a peek. With a loud gasp he swung the door wide to reveal Jonny's semi-conscious form on the floor leaning on the door frame. Bruises were forming on his face, blood oozing from a gash above his eye and a split lip. Each throwing a thousand questions at once they scrambled to get their injured friend inside, carefully laying him on the bed. After fetching a wet towel, Jessie cradled his head in her lap and began to gently dab at her boyfriend's injuries, tears forming in her eyes.

"Jonny, what happened to you?" she breathed.

He opened his eyes and for a split second she could have sworn they shone with an eerie green light. He looked around in tired confusion. "Jess? What happened?"

"What do you remember?"

He blinked, trying to think. "Waking up in some sort of bunker then... blank. I don't even know how I got out."

"Want to go to the hospital, Blondie?" Crysta asked carefully.

"Do you even have to ask that? You know how I feel about hospitals. I'll be okay here, I just need a few hours of sleep and some ice."

"I'll get the ice." and Crysta ran off for the ice machine.

"What happened to the girl, buddy?" Todd suddenly thought to ask.

He thought about it, thinking he saw a flash of memory of the girl working for those who attacked her to begin with, but unsure of it. He sat up, leaning against the bed's headboard. "I don't know. I think she got away, but I can't be sure."

Crysta returned with a bucket of ice and handed it over to Jessie who applied pieces of it to the bruises on Jonny's face. He winced, but remained quiet.

Todd stood, tugging at Crysta's arm. "We'll leave you two now. You take it easy, bleach head." and they left.

Jessie carefully tended to his wounds, mentally wondering how they would explain this to their chaperons. "You sure you're okay?"

"Yeah, just give me a minute to piece my brains back together."

"Glad you made it back." she grinned.

"Had to." he grinned back lopsidedly. "I had a promise to keep."

She frowned slightly. "Promise...?"

His grin became coy as he took hold of her hips to pull her closer. "Don't tell me you've forgotten my promise from this afternoon."

"Oh, that." she giggled. "Glad you haven't forgotten everything. Are you sure though, in your condition?" she questioned coyly.

His smile broadened playfully. "The condition of what counts is fine. Need proof?"

She favored him with a sultry smile. "I think I do. Hold that thought." She quickly went to the door, placing the Do Not Disturb sign on the nob before locking it, made a quick stop at one of their bags, then returned to the bed. She straddled his thighs, bringing her face to mere millimeters from his. "Now, where were we?"

"I was just about to do this." and he cupped her face between his hands to pull her into a deep embrace, both tasting his blood from his cut lip.

She pulled the T-shirt free from his jeans, then released his lips long enough to pull it up over his head, tossing it in a corner as he removed her tank top. With gentle, worshiping hands he massaged her shoulders before letting his hands drop down to begin kneading her breasts through the lace of her bra. She held his hands, guiding their movements over her body.

She loved his hands. One minute they could be the strongest hands in the world, protecting, fighting, supporting those he cared about. The next minute they could melt her resolve with the tenderest caress. She could never resist him anything when he worked his magic on her.

Jonny pulled her closer, flesh pressed against flesh. Jessie held on to the headboard behind him as his hands continued the gentle duty of ridding her of her clothes. He freed her of her jeans, dropping them to the ground, then managed to remove his own jeans. He pressed his bruised face between her breast, gently nipping her skin, and reached up behind her to unclasp her bra. She gasped when his lips found her nipples, teasing them into tight buds with his teeth and tongue. Jessie felt his hands move down to the elastic waistband of her underwear, slowly sliding it over the soft mounds of her buttocks. In an instant they were on the floor with the growing pile of their clothes. She could feel the bulge of his stiffening member through the material of his boxer shorts. Both to tease and arouse him further she gently rubbed herself against it. Her reward was hearing him gasp loudly.

"Jessie, I want you so much." he breathed against the skin of her throat, his voice strained in passion.

"Then don't hold back, Jonny." she nearly panted in reply. "I want you, too. I want to feel your hands touching me all over. I want to feel you inside me, making love to me."

Celestial blue eyes locked with the rich green of her eyes as he reached up to one of her hands, taking the small foil packet she clutched. His eyes never left hers. A few seconds later his hands returned to fondling her body, kneading one breast with one hand while his lips and tongue worked on the other breast. She was barely aware of his other hand sliding down to the junction of her thighs until his probing fingers found her hard node and began stroking it. She lost all control. She cried out from a mixture of pleasure and pain as he awakened whole new sensations in her. Jessie arched back unconsciously in pure ecstasy. She didn't know how much more she could take. Molding his hands to her buttocks he gently raised her up, pulling her closer to himself, before slowly easing her down. He moaned contentedly when her warmth closed around his shaft. She gasped incoherently. Jonny guided her movements, slowly at first, up and down, back and forth, until she took over and gradually picked up the pace. What excited him during this were the sounds she made with every bounce, small throaty moans or bits of loving phrases that weren't always understandable. And he was causing this reaction in her. Her eyes were glazed and half shut, her lower lip firmly between her teeth as she concentrated on every sensation coursing like an electric shock through her body. He tried to turn her over onto her back, but she stopped him with a sly grin.

"You're hurt." she panted softly. "Just lie back and let me do all the work." she purred.

He cupped her face and drank deeply from her lips like she was a fine nectar. She rocked faster, raising herself just a little higher to intensify the sensations. His hands roamed her body freely, pinching and stroking, kneading and caressing with practice. She thrilled, picking up more speed, moaning from his glorious touch. He was losing his restraint. Jonny could feel her muscles begin to tighten around his member as they both neared their peaks. He claimed her lips again, each swallowing the others cries as they climaxed violently. After a few more strokes she collapsed against his chest, thoroughly exhausted. Jonny pulled a blanket over her and cradled her nude, wet form tight against himself. Before Jessie knew it she had dozed off in the comfort of his arms.

Jonny watched her sleep for a few moments, smiling slightly. He then looked up into the mirror directly ahead of him. His eyes glowed an unnatural green. "Sleep, Jessie. Tomorrow you meet Elise." he murmured in a zombie like voice before he, himself, fell asleep.

* * *

Elise / Lilith stretched lazily on her bed, the intricately carved dragon pendant clutched in her hand. The moment to her owning Jessie Bannon's body was so close she now possessed a one way empathic link with it. She had heard every word that had been spoken and, best of all, she had felt every delicious moment of Jonny Quest making love to Jessie. He was good, very good. She was starting to see that her initial plan of keeping Quest after the switch was done had been and excellent idea. He was already Jessie's lover so it would be generally accepted for them to be together. The eclipse was in three days. Plenty of time to work out the details of her newest plan, one Jonny Quest played a major role in.

* * *

"I can't believe I'm letting you do this." Jonny grumbled in disbelief.

It was nearly noon when they had awakened from a deep sleep. Jessie had gone down to the dining room and retrieved a basket of muffins and a pitcher of orange juice to avoid showing Jonny's injuries to their chaperons.

Jessie dabbed at this face with a small make-up sponge. "Quit your griping. Or would you rather try to explain to Miss Green exactly how you got those bruises. You're just lucky I brought some foundation with me."

"How can you guys wear this stuff day in and day out?"

"Centuries of habit, Lover Boy, centuries of habit. Now hold still!" She blended the foundation with his natural skin color, then pulled back to get a look. "Not bad. Except for some slight puffiness near the eye, you wouldn't be able to tell someone beat you up."

"Too kind." he frowned. "I heard Miss Green's giving us the next few days off to recover from the whirlwind we went through. Since the eclipse is happening tomorrow night I was wondering..."

"Wonder away." she grinned.

"Well, Jess, I was wondering if you might like to go camping to watch it." he smiled playfully.

She leaned towards him. "Where and how many are going with us, Jonny?"

He rested his hands on her thighs. "Angel Island State Park and just you, me, and the eclipse."

"Mmm, I like this idea. But where will we get the camping gear?"

"In town. I know a great supply shop where we can get a tent and a sleeping bag."

"One sleeping bag?" she smirked.

He smiled. "We'll only need one, and the tent."

"Nothing else?" she inquired coyly.

Jonny began to chuckle. "Trust me, Beautiful, we won't need anything else... Well, maybe the box."

"Well, then, let go shopping!" and she took his hands.

At a near run the exited the hotel and it was a quick ride on a trolley car to Montgomery Street. Once there Jonny led the dash to the shop in question. This shop was tucked away between two larger buildings. It was filled, floor to ceiling, with camping supplies and hunting goods, everything from Coleman stoves and halogen lamps to twelve gauge shotguns and bear ammo.

"I don't suppose we need a very big tent." Jonny voiced as he looked over the tent models lining a wall. "Just something to keep out the cold."

"But we will need a large sleeping bag." Jessie cooed, taking his arm.

"Your pick, Pretty Lady." he answered, indicating the vast selection of tents before them.

* * *

A grey Sedan was parked in front of the shop, waiting patiently. Inside Vostok scrutinized the windows and door with a look of displeasure on his face. He turned to the woman passenger.

"You said he would be under your control. Quest seemed to be anything but."

"Calm yourself, General. He is still in my power so long as I have this." and she held up the dragon design pendant. "True, keeping him is proving to be more difficult than others in the past, but he will obey me."

"The eclipse happens tomorrow night."

"I'm well aware of that. By that time he will have brought me Bannon and I will have him under my control for the next fifty years. Then, it's just a matter of disappearing. I leave that part of the plan to you."

"I want Quest's Father to suffer." he ground.

"Then I'll simply order him to obey you so you can make Doctor Quest go through whatever little torture you design. Will that make you happy?"

He leaned back in his seat. "It will suffice." he grumbled.

"Good. Call your men. Have the prepare for tomorrow night. I want them prepared for every possibility. Nothing must go wrong, do you understand, General?"

He became almost humble. "I understand."

* * *

Crysta lounged on one of the couches of the hotel's lounge area, her bare feet propped up in Todd's lap. He rubbed her feet gently and she sighed loudly in relief.

"Told you to wear your sneakers." Todd chided softly.

"Next time I want to wear pumps to go shopping shoot me."

He smiled sweetly. "Now why would I want to shoot the most beautiful gal in my life?"

She grinned. "Ooo, keep talking like that and I just might trap you in my room tonight."

He leaned towards her. "Sounds appealing."

Crysta gripped his collar, pulling him closer. "You'll know just how much someday too." and she claimed his lips. He gratefully returned the embrace.

Someone cleared their throat not far away. "Are we disturbing you?" Jonny Quest quipped, a sly smile on his face.

Todd and Crysta pulled away and looked up to their friends. The were standing at the end of the couch, a sleeping bag and a shopping bag at their feet while Jessie leaned comfortably against Jonny's side. Todd reluctantly sat up again.

"Isn't that a line we usually use on you guys."

"Turnabout is fair play, Todd ol' buddy." Jonny quipped.

"What's with the sleeping bag?" Crysta suddenly thought to ask.

A slight giggle escaped Jessie's throat despite her efforts otherwise. "Since Miss Green is giving us the next three days off we have a little eclipse watching planned on Angel Island."

Crysta perked up. "Ooo, can we come?"

"Not on your life, Crys!" she protested. "This is a private camping trip."

"But where's the fun in that?" she whined.

"You may not see it, but..." and she gave Jonny a loving glance which he returned, "... we certainly do. Besides, I'm sure you and Todd will find something to do for the next three days. C'mon, Jonny." and she tugged at her boyfriend's arm to pull him towards the elevator. "We have plans to make."

He merely grinned and went with her. An elderly woman was in the elevator with them as it slowly made its way to the fourth floor. She watched them for a moment, a strange look on her face. Then she suddenly faced them.

"He'll betray you."

The two teens stiffened in surprise. "What?" Jessie asked, not sure she had understood correctly.

"He'll betray you. You can see it in his eyes."

The elevator arrived at the second floor and the woman left without another word. They watched her go, confused. "Well, that was creepy." he voiced.

"What do you suppose that was all about?"

"Who knows." He grinned suddenly. "I hope it hasn't ruined our plans, though."

She smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Not a bit. Not when I have so much to look forward to."

His smile softened as he cupped her face and claimed her lips in such a tender embrace that it left her weak in the knees. She clung to him, returning the embrace with as much heat as he was showing. A soft ping signaled the elevator's arrival at the fourth floor. Jonny broke the embrace reluctantly and pulled her towards their shared room with a mischievous gleam in his eyes.

"C'mon. There's something I want to do before we go to the island and set up."

* * *

"You're sure your men have thoroughly surround the area?" Lilith / Elise demanded testily as she paced the small room.

Across the small round table from her stood General Vostok, hands clasped behind his back in a typical at ease position. "When I give my men an order they follow it to the letter." he replied almost proudly.

"And yet that doesn't stop them from failing to ruin the Quests' plans each and every time." she sneered.

He glowered at her. "You test my patience, demon woman."

Her eyes glowed a menacing green. "Watch you tongue, General." she snapped. "Or I might just take your life for my own. I'm sure the life of a General would replenish me for several days easily" She suddenly stiffened, then leaned heavily on the table as she clutched at her heart, a strange look on her face. "Get out!" she ordered.

"What's happening to you?" he asked, more curious than worried.

She grabbed a chair and hurled it at him. "GET OUT!!!!" she shrieked and chased him out of the room. Lilith / Elise slammed the door shut, secured it, and leaned back against it with a look of ecstacy passing over her features. She felt a body press up against her, phantom hands and lips skimming against her skin, all over. She reveled in what was happening to her. She didn't wonder. She knew what was going on. Somewhere out in San Francisco Jonathan Benton Quest was making incredible love to his lover, Jessica Anne Bannon. With ever delicious sensation a electric shiver would race up her spine. Lilith / Elise let herself sink to the floor as her whole body trembled. Long, exquisite minutes later she let herself fall into a quivering heap, her breath ragged. A small laugh escaped her throat. Yes, she would definitely keep Jonny Quest with her after the switch. He was not someone to be given up easily.

She reached into her pocket and pulled out the dragon design pendant. An enigmatic smile crossed her lips as her thumb skimmed the surface of the pendant. "Bring her to me." she whispered, her voice commanding.

* * *

Amid a disarray of blankets Jonny lay slightly on his side. A nude form was snuggled in his arms, against his shoulder, a contented smile on her face, their legs were intertwined. Jessie's eyes were closed, her face pressed against the side of his neck as her hand played idle patterns across his bare chest. He watched her, a hand resting on her hip, enjoying the silky feel of her skin. She was always so beautiful when in, what was termed, after glow. Her features were still slightly flushed, her skin damp, her chest rising and falling quickly as her breath returned to normal. As he watched her his eyes suddenly flashed a bright green before fading back to blue. Ever so gently he tucked a stray lock of her fiery red hair behind her ear, his fingers tracing the edge of her face. Jessie opened her eyes and smiled up at him.

"Hey there, Handsome." she greeted softly.

Jonny grinned. "Hey there yourself, Gorgeous."

"I would've thought you'd be asleep after such exercise."

"Now why would I want to sleep when I could watch the most beautiful girl in the world recover from that exercise."

Jessie began to laugh, cupping his face, and claiming his lips. "I love you so much." she breathed against his lips.

"I love you too." he answered between kisses. "We should start getting ready to go so we can set up while it's still light out."

She pouted. "Just when I was so comfortable here."

He smirked. "C'mon, Sweetheart. Do you want to watch the eclipse or not?"

"I do, but who says we're going to be watching it?" she cooed seductively.

He had to laugh. "That's the spirit."

She reluctantly got up, gathered up her clothes, and entered the bathroom to get dressed while he remained in the other room. Once both were dressed they gathered up the camping gear and caught a taxi to Tiburon. Jessie noticed that Jonny had taken along the katana blade he had bought yesterday. She dismissed the thought as quickly as she had noticed. Once there they rented a small power boat, crossed Racoon Strait, and accosted on one of the coasts of Angel Island.

"This is just so expensive." Jessie protested as they pulled the zodiac onto the pebbly beach.

Jonny merely grinned slyly at her. "You're worth it."

That silenced any more protest she would've made. They secured the inflatable raft on the beach before pushing through the thick underbrush. A thick fog seemed to curl all around them, blocking some of the day's light. Jonny led the way through the foliage as if he knew exactly where he was going. She couldn't see the strange glow in his eyes that guided him on. Within moments of walking they emerged into a small, fog lined clearing. The waning sunlight cast a golden orange glow through the fog creating a ethereal landscape before their eyes.

"Oh, wow!" Jessie breathed in awe.

He grinned. "Perfect, n'est ce pas?"

"Absolutely. Couldn't have been more perfect even if we'd planned this. It's like out of a Fairy Tale."

"Well then, Princess Jessica, shall we set up our castle for the night?"

She giggled. "By all means, Sir Jonathan."

After a few minutes of struggling with the tent poles they got the small dome tent up and standing. As Jessie unrolled the sleeping bag and tucked the provisions bag and the katana in a corner, Jonny disappeared to gather small twigs and branches for a fire. She stretched out on the bed roll with a blissful sigh. No need to be careful of being caught for the next two nights. Here, they were completely alone.

* * *

Deep in the brush Jonny continued to gather branches. A grouping of figures stepped out through the bushes and stood in front of him. He straightened as if nothing was, the strange green glow entering his eyes, letting the branches drop to the ground, suddenly forgotten.

One of the group, a blond woman stepped forward with a pleased smile on her face. "Is she there, my love?" she questioned, tenderly stroking his cheek.

"As you ordered." Jonny replied flatly.

Her smile widened slightly and she placed a quick kiss on his lips. "Good. You did very well." She turned to one of the men next to her. "General Vostok, your men may close the loop."

* * *

Jessie heard a crackle of twigs and, thinking it was Jonny, she decided she would greet him with a loving embrace. She crawled out of the tent and stood only to find herself surrounded by armed men in camouflage gear. She froze in shock. A few men came towards her, holding her at rifle point. Whatever this was, she was caught. A blond woman, followed by a group of men, emerged from the bushes. At their center was Jonny. He had a blank look on his face. The way he was acting was familiar somehow.

"Trying to figure out what's happening here?" the woman sneered.

"At the very least she will recognize me." one of the men announced.

Jessie looked at him and a chilling shiver raced up her spine. "Vostok!"

"General Vostok to you, Miss Bannon."

"Enough, General!" the woman snapped. "Take her back to the complex and keep her there until tomorrow night."

Vostok signaled two of his men who roughly took Jessie's arms to drag her away. She through a pleading look at her stoic lover. "Jonny!" she called desperately.

The woman grinned evilly and leaned on Jonny's shoulder, gliding her hand across his chest. He never moved. "He can't hear you, Jessie. Jonny is mine now."

"Who are you?"

"I'm insulted you don't recognize me, after all we've been through in New Orleans." the blond pouted.

"New Orleans? I never saw you there."

"No, of course not, not in this body, but you do know me."

"Not in this body?... Oh, My God!"

"Ah, now you remember."

"Elise Lenoir!"

She chuckled. "Glad to see you too. Doctor Marsh, it is to you now."

The young man in question stepped forward with a syringe in hand. Jessie cringed fearfully. "What're you going to do?" she demanded.

"A little something to make sure you stay put until after the transfer." he answered. "It's a sedative." Jessie struggled wildly, but Marsh managed to prick her. Within a few short moments she was sedated enough to have to be carried back to the complex.

"How long will the sedative last?" Lilith / Elise demanded.

"Tomorrow night, same time. She'll be wide awake for your transference, Miss Lenoir."

"Good. Let's go." She took Jonny's arm with a playful grin. "I want to get to know as much as possible from the man I'll be spending the next fifty years with." and she tugged him along with the commando group right behind.

* * *

Inside, Jonny screamed with all his might. This was beyond even his delicate sanity. He was completely conscious, having thoughts of his own, but he had absolutely no control of his motor reflexes. Lilith / Elise was in control, mentally telling him what she wanted him to do. Presently they were back at the complex, a kind of underground bunker. He saw Jessie being carried off in another direction. Everything he was wanted to go running to her, get her out of this nightmare, but Lilith / Elise kept a tight control of him. Jonny decided he would bide his time, wait until she was distracted enough, and break free.

Lilith / Elise led him into a small room. There was a simple wooden table with a pitcher of water and a couple of glasses on it. There were two chairs next to the table. A simple cot was in a corner. She sat elegantly on one of the chairs, then turned to smile at him. The smile left him cold.

"Sit, my love. We have much to discuss." Against his own will he sat across from her. "You fascinate me, Jonny. Your relationship with Jessie is so deep, so passionate. I want you to know that after the exchange you will remain with me. Vostok will use you for a little job, discredit your Father, ruin Race Bannon's career, but with me you will continue to have a life of bliss with... Jessie." and she chuckled. "I will so enjoy your company for the next fifty years. You've become such a handsome young man. And I felt every sensation and the joy you brought Jessie each time you made love. Nights with you will be simple ecstacy... Nothing to say?... The control I must keep you under is too strong. No matter. A silent lover is better than no lover at all." She got up and crossed the room to him. "You'll sleep here tonight, my love. Tomorrow night, and each night after that, you will share my bed. Goodnight, my future lover." and she gave him a long, passionate kiss on the lips.

* * *

Jessie woke slowly, aware of very little until the related sense awaked from its artificially induced slumber. She felt the ropes biting into her flesh, the hard metal of the chair beneath her, then the sting of the cold night air against her face. She raised her head and looked around. The doctor who had sedated her, Marsh, stood not far away talking with General Vostok. The were outside the walls of the complex. Far above the full moon, the Harvest Moon, glowed like a bright eyes in the dark of the night. Sounds reached her next.

"You'd think she'd be here already." Vostok grumbled.

"She told me she had things to prepare before the switch happened."

The Russian General sighed heavily. "Be they demon or human, women will be women. Eternally late, and eternal perfectionists."

Jessie heard a soft rustling off to a side and turned in that direction. Lilith / Elise stepped into the moonlight with Jonny right behind her, his hands behind his back. He still had the same blank look on his face. Lilith / Elise looked up at the sky and began to laugh, pleased at what she saw.

"The eclipse begins! Ah, Jessie, you have no idea how long I've waited for this moment."

Jessie looked at Jonny pleadingly. "Jonny, please! Help me!"

"He listens only to me, my lovely." Lilith / Elise gloated.

She didn't see Jonny turn to Jessie and wink reassuringly. He then turned enough to show the katana hidden behind his back. Jessie hid her smile of relief as she realized what was happening. Lilith / Elise had to concentrate everything she had on the eclipse and the transference. Her concentration now elsewhere her other subjects were free. Jonny wasn't under Lilith / Elise's control anymore.

"Shall we begin now, Elise?" Vostok announced, indicating the center of the clearing.

She took her place in front of Jessie and waited for the eclipse to begin manifesting itself. Far above in an eon old celestial danse, the Earth moved between the Sun and the Moon ever so slowly. A blood red shadow began to creep across the white Lunar orb. Lilith / Elise gloated in sheer pleasure.

"Nothing will stop me this time!"

"Don't count on it!" Jonny suddenly announced, whipping out the katana blade and taking a swipe at the woman shaped demon.

This one quickly leapt out of the way, startled and confused, dropping the dragon design pendant in the process. With a quick downward stroke he sliced through the ropes holding Jessie and grabbed her hand. She dove for a second, retrieving the pendant, and both ran.

"NO! NOT AGAIN!" they heard Lilith / Elise shriek in fury.

Jessie risked a glance behind her in time to see the transformation into a huge bat-like creature. "Jonny! She's coming!"

"I won't let her get you, Jess! Keep running!"

There was an inhuman shriek above them and the thrashing of a foot chase behind. Jessie ran the odds in her head. Elise was a demon who could kill with a single touch, Vostok's men were all armed to the teeth, and the only weapon they had was Jonny's silver katana. The odds weren't good at all. Something suddenly stuck in her mind.

"Jonny! The katana!"

"What about it?"

"Silver! It's silver! Remember what it does to her!"

He took a sharp right around a large tree trunk and pulled her around to have her back end up pressed to his chest. They crouched low in the bushes, out of sight, struggling to slow their breaths. He held the Oriental sword in front of them both in protection.

"Alight, it'll take Elise out of the picture, but what about Vostok and his men." he whispered, out of breath.

"I'm thinking, I'm thinking."

"Hey, I think I have an idea."

"I'm all ears, boyfriend."

"Okay, listen. We're in a State Park, right?"

"Yeah, so?"

"So, what do State Parks usually have in them?"

"Trees, rocks, animals..."

"... Cabins and forest rangers." he completed for her. "All we have to do is find a guard post and we're home free."

She suddenly grinned at him. "I thought I was the one who usually came up with the smart ideas."

He returned her grin, squeezing her body close. "Can let you get all the credit." He looked up at the sky. "First things first. Getting rid of Elise once and for all. Ready?"

"As I'll ever be." He made a move to start running again, but she grabbed his arm to momentarily restrain him. "Wait. I'm glad you're back." she smiled genuinely.

He gave her his lopsided grin, gently cupping her cheek. "I could never stay away."

He took her hand and, staying low and hidden in the underbrush, they made their way through the woods in a direction that both of them hoped to find a ranger station. Far above them they could hear Lilith / Elise shouting orders angrily at Vostok and his men, co-ordinating the search efforts. Jessie and Jonny managed to avoid them all. Parting some branches they found themselves on the edge of a path to just what they were looking for, a ranger station.

"Well, I'll say our luck is still holding." Jonny grinned.

Jessie gave his arm a tug to pull him out of sight as a few armed men came into sight. "Then don't tempt it otherwise. What're they doing?"

"Checking out the station. I think the island's empty except for our friends and us."

"Then we're stuck."

"Not necessarily. If there's a radio in there we still have a chance. We just have to wait until they leave, we got into the station, call for reinforcements, they just sit back and wait."

She smirked. "How long have you been mulling that plan over?"

He grinned at her. "Since last night. She had control over everything but my mind so I had to occupy myself somehow." He sighed heavily. "Worst experience of my life."

Jessie touched his shoulder in sympathy with a sly smile. "Don't worry, Jonny. I'll make you forget." she cooed.

He chuckled softly. "I just bet you will."

They waited, watching for a few moments as the small group of men entered the station then left for the woods in another direction. After waiting a few more seconds to make sure no one would see them the two teens made a wild dash for the ranger station. They ran inside, shut the door tight, and waited for any sign of having been caught. All was quiet. Jessie began surveying the inside of the station for anything that would help. A table, a few chairs, three doors leading somewhere, and electronic equipment.

She tapped Jonny's shoulder and indicated the equipment. "Radio." she whispered.

"Slammin'. Let's just hope there's someone out there to hear." He sat in front of the radio equipment as Jessie disappeared through one of the other doors. Jonny put on the headphones and turned the radio on. "Here goes nothing." he sighed. He turned on the microphone. "This is Angel Island State Park to anyone with range. We are in need of assistance. Commando soldiers and... something else chasing us. Can anyone hear me?" He repeated the message several more times for close to an hour, occasionally checking out the windows for any sign of Vostok's men, before stopping and leaning back in defeat.

"Why aren't you continuing?" Jessie called from the other room.

"I can't be sure anyone's listening. No answer yet. What did you find?"

She came out holding two hunting rifles modified with twenty round ammunition clips. She was grinning, pleased. "Party favors." and she tossed him one of the rifles.

He caught it and looked it over with a slight look of disgust. "I really hate guns." He looked up at Jessie, then squared his jaw. "But in this case," he loaded a round into the chamber, "... I'll make an exception."

There was a horrendous screech that suddenly filled the air above the ranger station. Jessie cringed in fear. "Elise!" she exclaimed.

"Get away from the windows!"

She wasn't fast enough. In a shower of glass shards and wood splinters Lilith / Elise crashed through the window, easily tackling Jessie to the ground, pinning her there. It laughed as it began the transference. Jessie began to choke as she felt her life being drained from her own body. Jonny took an upward swipe, slicing through the creature's side. As it screamed in pain Jessie managed to roll in Jonny's direction. He pulled her to her feet and pushed her behind himself to protect her. The creature, enraged from pain and bleeding, turned to them. It's eyes glowed a bright, venomous green, it mouth was open to reveal twin rows of razor sharp, long fangs. It stood clumsily on its short, stubby legs. Two leathery wings were spread wide to block any escape. Jonny held the silver bladed katana before him, always making sure it was between him and this demon from Hell. Lilith / Elise smiled toothily at him.

"You cannot kill me." she laughed. "You are unable to kill anyone."

"But that's the catch, isn't it? You're not just anyone." and, with a sword sweep learned from Martial Arts Masters, he took Lilith / Elise's head off with one blow. It continued to shriek as it rolled on the ground. To make absolutely sure the creature was dead he stabbed deep through what he hoped was the location of its heart. The body spasmed violently, wrenching the ancient sword out of his tight grip. He heard a snap as the bones in his wrist snapped like twigs. He cried out from the pain, holding his injury, backing into the wall. Through pain squinted eyes he watched the demon's body dissolve into a puddle of bubbling ooze.

He shook his head. "Why is it all monsters melt into goop when they die?" he quipped to himself despite his pain. He looked over at Jessie. She was shaking, fear still in her eyes. He gripped her shoulder with his good hand, getting her attention. "Hey, you okay?"

She looked at him, at the goop on the ground, and back. "... I... I'm..."

Jonny wrapped her in his arms tightly, holding her close. "Shh, it's okay now... She gone for good this time, Jess... It's all over..." he soothed into her hair.

"Just hold me." she whimpered.

He did, not wanting to ever let her go. Shots, like thunder in the still night air, exploded through the windows and woodwork all around them. They dove for the floor, retrieving their rifles in the process. They each took a window, identified their targets, and picked them off one by one. Jonny managed one handedly. Moments later all Jessie could hear over the gunfire was the click of her empty rifle. She ducked out of sight.

"I'm out of ammo!" she called to Jonny.

"I've got two shots left!" He fired his two last shots, then dove for cover where Jessie was. Glass shards rained all around them as they huddled for mutual protection. "We're trapped! What a way to go out."

"Whatever happens, I'm glad it'll be with you." she told him, looking up into his celestial blue eyes.

Jonny stared into her emerald green eyes for a long time before gently touching her cheek. A grim, sly grin touched his lips.

"See you on the flip side." and he tenderly tasted her lips.

They held tightly, waiting for the fatal bullet to find them. It never came. Everything became still, abnormally quiet. They listened intently. Nothing. Quiet. Then voices, clear, commanding. Men's voices ordering whoever was out there to disarm and surrender. The duo peered out of the remains of one of the windows out into the night. Recognizable police and Coast Guard uniforms could be clearly seen through the fog.

Jessie's eyes went wide. "The cavalry!... Late, as usual. Looks like someone was listening." They quickly got to their feet and went down to meet the authorities.

* * *

A full day had passed since the incident on Angel Island. Jonny sat against the headboard of the bed in the hotel room. Her was only wearing his boxers. In one hand was the remote control for the TV, on the other was a plaster cast. The telephone receiver was balanced on his shoulder. Jessie was snuggled at his side, wearing a light silk, emerald green negligee. It was one she had found that had matched the one from her dream. They were both watching the news while he was speaking on the phone.

"Yeah, Dad, I'm watching it now... No, we're okay, I just broke my wrist... It was Vostok and his croonies. And a new incarnation of Elise Lenoir... The lady we told you about from New Orleans..." He began to chuckle. "Yes, Batgirl... No, Vostok got away, like usual... Jessie's fine... Yeah, she's right here, just a sec." He handed the phone over to her. "Our Dads and Hadji want to make sure you're okay. They don't trust my word on it."

She smirked. "My poor baby." Jessie put the receiver to her ear. "Hello Doctor Quest... Yes, I'm fine, like Jonny said... No, we'd like to stay until the end of the trip... Yes, I'm sure... What? Oh, hi Dad... No, we're staying... San Francisco is a nice place when the monsters are gone... Yes, we'll be careful... See you in two weeks... Love you too. Bye." She hung up the phone and smiled at Jonny. "They make such a big deal out of all this."

Jonny laughed as she pressed close to his side again. "Yeah, well, look at what we did." and he indicated what was happening on TV. "The good news is that there's nothing left of Elise Lenoir except that sword." he pointed to the katana on the dresser. "And that thing will soon find its way into Dad's private collection. My gift to him."

"Speaking of gifts..."

"What?"

"While you were getting x-rays done I had a jeweler repair the chain to your pendant." She reached around his neck and secured the clasp shut. The cold metal of the pendant shocked his senses awake. "I thought you might want it back."

He held her close, threading his fingers through her hair. "Thanks, Jess." He suddenly sighed heavily. "For a class trip it had one wild beginning."

"And we didn't see the eclipse."

"I don't care. I have the most beautiful sight in the world right here. I also know how to make you even more beautiful."

Jessie began to giggle. "Really? How?"

Jonny grin lopsidedly, an impish gleam in his eyes. "By making you flushed and completely breathless."

"Then by all mean, Lover."

And he pushed her down to the mattress, claiming her lips deeply as his hands began to explore familiar yet new territory.

THE END

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