Disclaimer: The characters of Gargoyles are owned by Disney. The characters of Mummies Alive are owned by DIC. The character of Joshua Blade, Eric Spellburg, Samuel Hawkes, Jade and Chris Claw are my characters, and means no harm to the show.
"Past of Shadows" By Jade and Trynia Merin
Chapter 1
Samuel found himself stripped of his sword and amulet. His mind was racing with thoughts. It was hard for him. Being two people at once. Especially with out his amulet. It seemed to balance his spirits inside him.
A scarlet tressed figure came out of the shadows. Her eyes gleamed brightly as a laugh sounded in the small space.
How had he come to be here, he wondered? This lady, this strange lady had captured him... that and a blinding pain was all he remembered...Now he was shackled to the wall of some slimy dark hole, with no way out.
The figure came out of the shadows and leered at him. "So, I have you again, at last," she said in a deep but feminine voice. "Not the one I want though."
Samuel looked up at the person that spoke. "What's your problem?"
"My problem is this. I have many enemies. And you, you are the solution. Someone will come looking for you, someone who once swore fealty to me. And if he's smart and values your life he'll come." She laughed. As she stepped into the faint light, he saw that she had long membranous wings, and fangs. She was a gargoyle. A female gargoyle.
Samuel huffed. "What do you have against Joshua? He wants nothing to do with you. He left his family because he found out what happens to his family when the time is right and so he ran." Samuel slowly stood up on shaky legs.
"Oh you don't know the half of it," she said. "He broke an oath to his family, and to me. He was supposed to uphold his end of the bargain. I don't like it when people cross me. I intend to collect my end one way or the other. And you'll help me."
She glanced over her shoulder, and saw someone else entering the cell area. Samuel was separated from the female gargoyle and the newcomer by a set of bars. His wrists were chained up, and he sensed something draining his strength.
Samuel growled and Padjet made his body jerk towards the Gargoyle. Samuel flew back onto the bed. He hated energy bars. "Gods. Can't you pick another? Joshua is his own person." He asked.
"Yes I could do that, but it would be difficult," she said.
"Why? Joshua has changed his magic over the years. He isn't what you want any more." Samuel panted. He could fell Padjet trying to take control.
"He's got to face responsibility, right Mistress?" the newcomer agreed. "He ditched the family, and he has to face reality. And you're going to help. Your time here can be easy or hard. Cause if I were you I'd listen to Mistress Demona here. You don't have to spend time in this cell if you agree to call your friend."
Samuel shook his head no. The man looked at Demona anxiously. "That's unfortunate if that's the case," Demona said as she tapped a claw against her blood red lips. "Because I'm going to have a hard time convincing him he's better off serving me. If he doesn't, he'll lose a few friends."
"As a Gargoyle." Samuel spat out. "He's human. His powers are not yours any more." Once again Samuel's body leapt at the woman in front of him. The energy bars sparked and Samuel fell on the floor. Those eyes glared at Demona.
"You fool, you waste what energy you have. It's clear to me that you want to do this the hard way." Demona hissed. "Keep him here. Do not release him under any circumstances."
"He'd make a powerful ally," said the other figure, a human. Samuel recognized his voice, and realized it was Josh's cousin, Jeff. Someone who was far more sympathetic then Paul, Josh's brother.
"He's too full of his loyalty, and he is a mere human. He has chosen the path of pain. But regardless, he will still serve as bait to attract the one we both seek," said Demona.
"But Josh might bring help..." said Jeff. "We have to..."
"Even if he does, we will be ready for them," Demona laughed. "Because you have the powers that I have entrusted you with, do you not? And there are other resources that can be employed, if Joshua Blade does NOT come. Either way, I will get what I want. Make sure you prepare the demands and leave the clues for him to follow. He had BEST come alone, remember."
"Yes Mistress," Jeff nodded.
Samuel laughed. "Human...gods." He stood up and sat down on the bed. "Joshua isn't dumb."
"Neither am I," Demona laughed back. "Neither am I."
"More's the pity," Jeff said under his breath.
"Guard him well," said Demona as she exited the cell. "I am wasting my breath here obviously on this pitiful creature."
"I wouldn't underestimate him, Mistress, our files say he's very powerful..." Jeff warned.
"Oh, you mean the ancient spirit that inhabits his body?" Demona smirked. "That's nothing to me."
Looking at Samuel, Jeff shook his head. "I wouldn't dismiss him so lightly, Mistress."
Samuel took a shaky breath. "Let her be. Joshua knows it be hard to get me back and stop you once and for all, Demona."
"Brave words, human. We shall see if they are true or not," she said as she exited the cell, leaving Jeff alone with Samuel.
"I still don't understand why she wants Joshua so badly. His magic has total changed," said Samuel.
"Has it now?" Jeff asked slowly. He paced back and forth, looking oddly at Samuel. He wasn't the leader, but he was one of the cousins in the Blade family. He looked at Samuel with pity.
"You are making it harder for yourself. Maybe you can tell me something that might make me reason with the Mistress," he said. "If that is the case."
Samuel looked at the man. "Joshua's magic has brightened. It's not what your Mistress thinks it is."
"He is no longer in the Darkness?" asked Jeff. "Is that what you are trying to say?" His eyes gleamed, and showed sympathy, and reason.
"Shadow but not darkness. Joshua thinks of himself as the dark side of the moon these days." Samuel sat up on the bed. "He says it had to do with a family trip to Japan. He didn't tell me how or why?"
"Ah," said the cousin of Josh's. "So... he is not in the darkness, but he's halfway between light and dark. That explains why he doesn't want to serve Demona."
He came closer to the bars, and put his hand on them, facing Samuel as he continued to talk. There was little harm in talking to the prisoner. After all, he could get valuable information that may help them convince Josh to return to the fold. "The only reason I do what she says is because I fear for the rest of my family. She would kill us if we stood against her. Those of us in Japan learned that we could draw more strength from being halfway in between. In shadow. But only a few of us were allowed to take some of the light into our darkness. Josh was one of them... but I never thought that it would work. Has Josh succeeded in freeing himself from Demona's deal?"
"He did something else but he wouldn't elaborate on it. He said it would endanger someone." Samuel sighed. "This isn't the past, the Vikings aren't going to come and kill you or any one of your family any more."
"There are many enemies we have," he said sadly as he sat down on a stool just outside the cell. "My family is being held hose if I don't serve her. And some of us if we don't serve her, the darkness that gives us strength will be pulled and we will die. I have no choice, Samuel."
"I know a few wizards. They might help give you new energy."
"You would do that for someone who holds you prisoner?" Jeff asked hopefully. "You are not like my cousin. Or those in my family. You speak openly, and your heart is not jaded with fear and anger."
Samuel shook his head. "I can't say if it would work but there is the chance it would. I am just a warrior not a wizard."
Just then he heard a clanking sound. Someone walked in, and startled them. "It's my shift, cousin," said the voice. He strode up to Jeff, who shivered in fear as he leapt off the stool and stood at attention.
"You'd better not be playing games, Jeff. Because I know that you're soft hearted." Said the new visitor coldly. The second man had a chilling voice, that was more like Josh's, yet evil. It was his brother, Paul.
"Why do we have to hold him here?" Jeff asked him. "Can't we just let him go and..."
"You dare question my orders? You are a FOOL!" he said as he lashed out and punched his cousin's face. Jeff fell to the floor.
"Stop it. He hasn't done anything. I'm still in my cell." Samuel stood up. "Jeff you are still weak and soft as ever," said Paul angrily as he looked down at the cousin.
"Maybe so," Jeff said as he spat blood. "But this man is not our enemy. He could help us..."
"Weakling," Paul said to Jeff. "You were always soft hearted. That's why you'll never hope to be the warrior I am."
"Maybe you're wrong about that, cousin? Maybe because I have compassion I am stronger than you are think? Josh is 'weak' like me, and soft. And we still cannot make him do what we want. Does it make sense that if he's so weak like me cause he cares about other people..."
"If you say another word I'll strike you down," Paul threatened. "Get out of my sight!"
Jeff looked sadly at Samuel, and stumbled out of the dungeon, clutching his face. "If you have a file on me then you know I have a lot of Wizard friends Paul." Samuel looked at Paul.
"True, but what is that to me? You're just bait in my plan?" Paul asked angrily. "Unless you would see reason, and cooperate willingly to bring my brother here. Then you won't be in this cell."
"Wouldn't you like to be free from Demona's claws." Samuel looked at the man before him. He was so much like Joshua but Samuel knew he wasn't his friend.
"There is no way," Paul said slowly.
"You should listen to him," Jeff said as he poked his head in the door. "He makes sense. I know you hate Demona as much as I do. Why should we always be her slaves when we could be free and have our own wills? I know that you want to be the most powerful man in the world. Can you say that you are if you and our family are servants of that she devil?"
"Rath is older that Demona." Samuel wiggled his fingers.
"Rath?" asked Paul with a snort. "Who is he? And what is that to me?"
"Is he an Egyptian sorcerer?" asked Jeff. Samuel nodded.
Paul glared angrily at him, but before he could stop him, Jeff moved past to listen. "Please, this might be a chance to have us help..."
Paul grew angry, but he was curious. "Don't you think I've TRIED everything? I don't want that she-demon running my life and stealing power that should rightfully go to the Blade family. But your own father died because he crossed her... is this sorcerer really older than Demona?"
"He is and there are others I know from Egypt as well." Samuel took a breath.
"Are those the mummies we have heard about in San Francisco?" asked Paul as he glanced at Jeff, forgetting his anger for a moment. Jeff nodded eagerly.
"You mean the ones that those 2 crazy policemen have always talked about to our cousin Roger?" Paul laughed incredulously. "The last time they had him in jail?"
Jeff looked at him, and chuckled, thinking of their relative who took care of their arms dealing business in San Francisco. Paul had New York, but since Roger was in prison, Paul had come here to make arrangements for him to get out on bail.
Samuel snickered. "Ya those mummies."
"Ah, so they DO exist," Paul laughed, not too nicely.
"Yes, and if that's possible Sam here has said they could help us if we want to be free of Demona," said Jeff.
"You believe him?" Paul snickered. "I can't say I'm that impressed..."
"Look at his amulet and powers," said Jeff. "He's always been hard to defeat, him and the others that Josh calls friends. That power could help us be free of the Demon forever."
"My amulet is the oldest in my little group. The others where made by Rath." He played with his strawberry-blonde hair.
Paul and Jeff looked at one another. "You just saved yourself another black eye, cousin," Paul said. "But we will wait to see if Josh will come willingly first. Then we will talk. Not before."
"Please, he could help us..." Jeff said. Paul sighed, shaking his head. As much as he hated to admit it, Jeff DID have a point.
"If you could help us, would you make this easier on us all and willingly contact Josh?" Paul asked. "And then perhaps we can talk."
"Do you think Demona would let you live the way you want? Once she has Joshua she no doubt will strip you both of your powers to make my friend into what she wants."
Paul looked at Jeff. "Stay with him. If he cannot see reason, then call me. I will be back to consider your words," Paul said quietly. "But Jeff, do not release him... yet. I must consider everything. Give him food and drink. We can't have him starving on us," said Paul.
"Sound fair to me." Samuel walked over to the bed. "Thank you."
"We will see," Paul said. "You are welcome, but you must still remain here."
He left, and Jeff sat there. "You see, we can be reasonable. I don't want you killed." Jeff said.
Samuel sank into the bed. "And I don't want to lose my friend, Joshua."
"You're welcome by the way. I hate killing, and I don't want to lose Josh either. I will bring you something to eat," Jeff said.
He walked over to a small chute in the wall, and pressed a button to ring a bell. A tray was set there and he brought it over. It had some takeout food and a soft drink. There were two fast food meals there. He passed one through the bars to Samuel.
Samuel nodded. "I won't go anywhere. I can't past the bars without my sword and amulet." He closed his eyes.
"I'll eat with you. You'll see then I'm not trying to poison or drug you then." Jeff sighed.
"I am sorry. Perhaps my cousin will listen. But I won't let him hurt you. And if Josh does come, I promise that I'll not let him hurt Josh either. He's my favorite cousin. And I can see you are close to him."
"He talks about you." Samuel remained on the bed.
"Does he now?" asked Jeff as he bit into his cheeseburger.
Samuel got up and took the meal. He bit into the burger. "Ya he said if I had to face your family that I should do it through you."
Chapter 2
Back at the Magic Coffee, everyone was worried about what his or her next move would be. Chris came back down to join the others. "Eric is sleeping but I'm worried about Samuel."
"I am as well lad," said MacBeth, sipping his whisky. "And we must proceed with caution. We must not let anger cloud our judgement."
"It's worse that you think, Mr. MacBeth. If Demona has remove his amulet then Samuel is fighting himself."
"Curse it," MacBeth mumbled. "That wench of a gargoyle lass wuild stoop ta that level, wouldna she? We'd best get goin' then, hadn't we, lad?"
MacBeth wore his long black raincoat, and they saw that h e was wearing his armor, and holstered his lightening gun at his hip. Jade sigh. Chris sat down.
"It's not like she realizes what the amulet does for Samuel other than his armor."
"Hmm we must have a careful plan then," MacBeth said. "She wouldna suspect us together. Do any of ye have a spell that cuild cloak my hovercraft to make it appear as something else? She could see through a hologram, but a cloaking spell may shield us all. My hovercraft's at yer disposal. If ye'd care to ride in it."
Joshua slammed his hand down on the table. "Wait just for a moment. Demona would have more than just my family hanging around."
MacBeth looked at him. "Josh is right. Demona isn't someone to let our guard down."
Jade mumbled. "But we have to move fast. Samuel... Then we got to do this without Eric. He be too emotional to help."
"Any other ideas?" MacBeth asked. "I apologize for ordering ye around. I suppose I am used t' being so, considering m' heritage."
Joshua snickered. "We get alot of that from Samuel."
Jade giggled. "Sit down and we make some plan but we do need to know where Samuel is and what Demona has as devices." Chris nodded.
"Yes we do indeed," said MacBeth. "She knows my tricks but I know her hideouts." He took a small device and opened it, and a holograph map of the entire city was displayed in three dimensions. "Here is a map of all her secret haunts, across the country." he pointed to the blips on the US map. Particularly San Francisco. She has built a Nightstone Industries building here... by Scarab's pyramid, and she has bought a small castle near the bay..."
"Well is there any ways of narrowing this down?" Joshua sighed. He hated this. Being trapped within Demona's claws.
"She would most likely use the castle. She'd want to have the ambience to do her dark rituals," said MacBeth.
Chris stood up. "I'm going to cook something up. We can't fight on an empty stomach." Jade stood up. "I'll help you."
"Good idea," MacBeth said as he heard someone's stomach growling.
The twins entered the kitchen to work on a meal. Joshua felt his power twitch. MacBeth slowly got up and walked around the room, trying to work off the sudden bout of unease he has gotten. MacBeth thought for a moment about the cyborg. "I had been meaning t' ask ye how Ms. Trynia is doing..."
"She should be fine. She healing herself, so she goes into sleep mode as well."
"Good," said MacBeth. "We will still need her abilities to tap into Demona's computer though."
"Sorry I just so work up about this." Joshua looked up at the man before him.
"It is all right lad," said MacBeth. "He is your friend. I understand."
"Samuel is the first friend I started opening up with."
"I can well imagine," said MacBeth. "There are few I trusted with my secrets as well. Over the centuries. And you are one of them, lad."
"Thank you sir but then we are both connected to her..." Joshua frowned. "Who would of thought that."
"I know," MacBeth winced. "And if not for the girl I loved, that would be my sole life's work. Hunting her down and making certain she never hurts an innocent again."
"At lease now you have been freed from her but to be connected to Scarab of all people." Joshua wasn't sure what to do.
MacBeth shuddered. "Tis her problem. Yet he is far worse because together they are a formidable pair."
"Yes...but is there any way to break this spell?" Green eyes looked at the older man.
"I dinna ken lad, but we will find it together. I have a few ideas here...." and he held out an old book he had gotten from his library about ancient spells.
"This has writings about ancient Celtic magic, and some traces of Egyptian spells. I was hoping we might use it together."
"If you need to look at magic books you can try our library."
Joshua stood up and headed for a door. He opened up the door. Inside was a huge library. "It's a magical room."
"Ah..." MacBeth brightened up. "There may be an answer here. You may have access to spells that I am not familiar with. Yet I can use them, having learned magic in my years on this earth."
"Some of these spells are on scrolls. That's how old they are." Joshua pointed out.
"Ah," MacBeth said as his eyes fell to one scroll and he reverently pulled it out and looked at it. It was written in ancient Greek, and he poured over it before pulling out another scroll in Egyptian. "Verra interesting... these may be of help."
"When I meet Samuel and the others I had a few books on me. Which has to do with my family. We realized how these books and scrolls could be dangerous or useful so we started together them."
Joshua looked up at the rows of shelves. "This volume here has information about the shadow of the moon," MacBeth mumbled. "And how on a certain day of the year during the new moon, any bonds forged for selfish means can be broken... but ingredients and a silver dagger must be used in a ritual."
"That's what I been trying to learn these days. I been changing my magic over the years," Josh agreed.
"And you have done well. You are no longer in darkness but in shadow," MacBeth said. "I don't know but mayhap one of these spells may be an answer. But I must know more about yer unique situation laddie."
"It's because of something that happen to me in Japan of all places." The shadow teen took a breath. "The only time I was glad to be with my family. You see Mr. MacBeth, they have places all over the world."
"Do tell," MacBeth listened, and then looked at the scroll.
"Tomoeda: Japan, London: England, Hong Kong: China and New York: US," said Josh, counting the locations on his fingers.
"Hmmm...." he said, and then his eyes opened wide. "London England... I remember. I remember somewhere... 500 years ago..."
"Remember what?" Joshua looked at the man he was being to trust.
"There was another binding of the shadows," MacBeth said. "The Hunters used dark magic like you have described, in the same locations. And yet they learned how to wean themselves off of it, by become shadows themselves. I didn't think of the link till now..."
"It's alright. Too many things has happen to you." Joshua patted MacBeth's shoulder.
"Thank ye lad. Time gets weary after a while," MacBeth shook his head, to shake the multiple centuries of memory into place. It was downright dizzying trying to access it all in his brain that was designed to only live 1/10th of that time.
"You seem so much. I don't know if I can handle it." The teen lowered his head. "But I must learn.... I haven't told the others...I don't know how too..." Joshua shook. He looked at his hands. "I don't know how it happen either."
"You will find the words. There were times when the Weird Sister's spell almost dragged me into darkness," MacBeth said.
Joshua shook his head. "It's not what you think. My aging has slowed down. Now I can be killed but I will live longer...than normal." Joshua's voice broke.
"Like me lad," said MacBeth, realizing what he meant. "You mean that yer life span's been increased?"
Josh nodded sadly. MacBeth drew in his breath and shook his head, going over to rest a hand on his shoulder sympathetically. He knew what the poor boy was facing. The very same fate he was when the Weird Sisters had told him and Demona about the enchantment.
"Even though I am no longer bonded to Demona, I will still live for centuries yet. The Weird sister's magic still has a hold on me because I was exposed to it for 1000 years. By ma reckoning I'll live at least another three hundred," he said as he closed his eyes.
Indeed he had heard from a sorceress, called Ashake, that his exposure for so long to the weird sister's spells would still prolong his life beyond the 1000 years he had already lived. Death would not come for another 3 centuries at least. Even a sword blow or a normal mortal wound would not be sufficient to kill him, unless his phenomenal healing factor would fail him.
"At lease now I know I won't be alone..." Joshua blushed.
"Nay lad," MacBeth laughed. "I'm sure ye and me wuild fight many muir battles t'gether. And I'll be there t' stand by yer side. Ye have my oath as a King of Scotland."
"We have six different silver knives." Joshua pointed to a cabinet.
"That sounds good lad. But we also need love in a mist, sweat from a mountain goat, two petals from a silver star flower that grows on the slopes of a high mountain..." MacBeth reads the ingredients of the spell off. "The one that would work would be that one..." and he points to a knife shaped like a sickle blade.
"This is Magic Coffee, MacBeth. There is lots of strange items we sell here." The shadow teen smirk.
"Figures," he smiled. "Wish I had YUIR connections. Although ye should come round m' estate in NY sometimes. Id' give ye a run fer yer money in the occult weapons/traps department."
"Well it helps when Puck teaches Eric and Mr.Xanatos's son." Joshua shivered. "Some of them aren't pretty."
"Guid thing I gave ye Titania's mirror." MacBeth nodded. "I was rather gettin annoyed wi the sight of it." MacBeth turned and walked over to the cabinet where the six silver knives were. He carried the scroll, and examined them visually, and then glanced back at the scroll. "So, what do ye want us to do about Samuel, lad?"
"That's okay. It's not the mirror isn't what bugs me but the live items they use in spells." Joshua sighed. "Well we find him. Do you have a tracker spell?"
"Yes," he nodded. "I have a very good one. A crystal ball that interfaces wi' my computer actually. It tracks down all mystical sources."
"Good let's find out if you are right about that castle then." Joshua opened up the case and took out the dagger they needed.
MacBeth nodded, and his face held a question. "Will ye want to go alone wi' me or will ye be asking the others t' help? My hovercraft IS big..."
Joshua shook his head. "There been too much pain of late. I think it should just be a small group."
The twins came back into room with two large plates of good on the table. "Dig in." Jade spoke.
"Thank ye lass, this smells wonderful," MacBeth sniffed the foot appreciatively. He sat down and looked to Josh. "can't fight on an empty stomach can we?"
Joshua nodded. He sat down and dug in.
Chapter 3 Meanwhile at the hidden castle:
Jeff thought to himself. He figured they had a chance to double cross Demona and get Samuel to talk to Rath in some way when Josh comes. At least he hoped so, and he hoped Paul would go along with his plan. So far Samuel seemed to be playing along. How could Demona have been so foolish to leave his amulet out in plain view in the display case in Paul's office? Surely she wasn't THAT dumb. Paul watched for a moment as he walked by, his own thoughts running a similar path to Josh's. He knew why Demona left the amulet for all to see. She often tested loyalties in their family by leaving temptations in full view. Also, she possibly wanted to see if they would be foolish enough to give it back to him.
Jeff might make that mistake, but I wouldn't, he sneered. Although Jeff was smart, sometimes he let his heart rule his head. While Paul usually let cold intellect rule his actions. Oddly enough the two rivals complimented each other.
Paul thought of this as he peered in the door and watched his cousin interact with the prisoner. He walked away with a smirk. You're weak cousin, but you DO have a point. He said to himself.
For a moment he realized he had to check something, the guards on duty before he returned to talk to Jeff about his decision. Best to use all resources to the best of their ability. He loathed taking advice from Jeff, but this case he'd make an exception. They would all have to work together to get rid of the she demon running their family for generations.
Chapter 4
Back in the cell Samuel finished his meal. "I will wait for a rescue. I know my friends will try something."
Jeff smiled. "I will forget to lock your cell door. And I know where they have your amulet."
"Don't. I can wait and you can as well." Samuel frowned. "Demona isn't a fool. She will put you into a cell." The young man frowned.
"Yes, I am sorry, I was too eager," he whispered. "What shall I do? How can I help you help Josh... and help my family?"
"Wait. You will know the time to do something. It's just not the right time yet." Samuel pushed the plate back out the bars.
"Ok," said Jeff. "I'll have to go talk to Paul for a moment."
Samuel nodded and closed his eyes. He knew he would need sleep. "Again don't do any thing foolish."
"I won't," said Jeff. He turned and locked the cell door tightly. And then he disposed of the trash.
Paul was standing just outside. He hasn't heard all of the conversation, but he saw Jeff as he walked out of the dungeon.
Samuel yawned and turned on his side. He just hoped that Jeff wouldn't do anything that would indanger him.
Paul looked at Jeff, a bit serious. "You hear him say anything that might be of use?"
"No," Jeff said. He wasn't sure how far Paul would go.
"You sure could have fooled me," said Paul. "You're all eager to be sympathetic... as usual."
"His friends are coming for him..." said Jeff.
"No kidding," Paul snorted, unimpressed. "That's what I'm counting on. But they have to have something to track. His amulet."
"That's obvious," Jeff laughed.
"Yes. So simple you could see it," Paul snorted.
"Well have we come to trade insults or will u listen to me?" asked Jeff.
"I think we should let his friends come. But we have to somehow get to that sorcerer Rath and find out if he's all that powerful or not."
"Demona may know," said Jeff.
"That's why I'm keeping very close eyes on her," said Paul. "She might be listening this moment..."
Jeff nodded. They both went down the hall, while Paul whistled to another guard to go check on Samuel. They knew they had to talk together, despite the fact they didn't get along that well. Any chance they had of breaking Demona's hold on them was worth forgetting feuds.
Chapter 5
They didn't know that a pair of eyes was watching their every move on a screen, and a cruel smile came to the owner's lips. "Perfect you fools, right into my trap," she grinned. "Now we shall see what lengths you'll go 2 to break my hold. You will fail though."
Demona depressed a small key on her TV screen, and checked the view of the cell. Samuel was sleeping. she nodded and then turned the camera back to Paul and Jeff, to hear their conversation.
"Now... here's the deal," Paul said. "This man may be right about Egyptian magic, but it has to be more powerful than Demona's."
"You know he said that Rath is older than Demona," Jeff said. "That means he knows more ancient and powerful spells."
"Yes," Paul said. "True. So he'd use a spell that existed prior tot he one Demona used to enslave us to the Darkness. And Samuel said he was in shadow... not darkness... Josh that is. So he must have absorbed light to replace the dark he lost..."
"What does that mean?" asked Jeff slowly.
"That means that there is a chance we can find another source to our powers besides hers. And that would take a spell of release to break her hold. None is known... but the Egyptians had spells that were lost when the library in Alexandria burned. Perhaps this Rath has one of those."
"I wish those fools would come and get a move on," Paul said as he impatiently looked at his watch. "You would think they would have COME for him by now."
"Yeah," muttered Jeff. They glanced at one another, and then thought of something at the same time....
Chapter 6
Meanwhile...
Joshua got his family weapon out. A sickle. A deadly blade. Jade was going to come but Chris was going to stay to make sure Eric wouldn't come after them.
MacBeth was getting the hovercraft ready, and waiting for them to get aboard so they could go rescue their friend. He had his crystal ball plugged in and ready to go.
Joshua came over to MacBeth. He looked like the grim reaper. Jade came over with the bag of stuff need for the spell. "We go pick up Rath and then head over to where they got Samuel."
MacBeth turned around to face him, in his chair. "Places everyone, and buckle in. Thank ye Jade f'r getting the spell ingredients together lass...." He holstered the long sword he carried opposite his lightening gun. His belt filled with clever devices and traps was all ready, and he was anxious to meet this Rath."Ye look like yer ready to fight, laddie," he said as he noticed Josh. "That's been in yer family fer generations has it not?"
"Far too long in my family." Joshua strapped himself into the chair. Jade did the same.
MacBeth fired up the turbines and the craft lifted off vertically. Hovering in the air for a moment, he took the directions that the others had given him and flew toward the Sphinx to pick up Rath. Joshua was nervous but hopeful this would end Demona's control on his family.
MacBeth landed the craft, and looked at them. "This is yer sphinx, is it not. Shall we walk in, or is yer wizard expectin us?"
"No I'll go get him." Jade got up and head out. "I just hope Rath won't be to mad for us for dragging him out of his sarcophagus." Joshua smiled.
MacBeth smiled. He had heard all about the mummies from his friends, and was amused to think there were beings, although dead, that were far older than he or Demona. There was a kinship with them and he was excited to meet this ancient sorcerer and observe ancient hecka from a master.
Jade came back with a tall man with a tall green hat on his head. "You don't know how luck you are that Jak-al is out guarding Rapses." Rath came into the craft.
"I bid ye welcome, esteemed guest, to ma craft," MacBeth said as he stood up and bowed to greet Rath respectfully as a King would. However he didn't bow too far, only the customary bow his station dictated. "We urgently need yer aid... and I've been told of yer powers."
"As Jade explained in the Sphinx. If Jak-al knew of Samuel's entrapment he would be in a state of worry." Rath shook his head. "I will do my best to do what is need of me. But from what I been told I can't keep any promises."
Jade sat down into her seat and Rath took his seat. "Verra well. I myself know something of magic. I have a spell that will free them, but I wuild need yer help to cast it lest Demona try t' counter it. If she does, I'll handle her... if that's all right wi ye, Josh." MacBeth said as he took his seat, and they took off.
"Alright, I take care of any of my family members." Jade wiggled her nose. "I'm the one going in to find Samuel since I can track him down with scent.
"I full understand the plan, Mr. MacBeth." Rath crossed his arms.
"Good," he said. He whispered his spell, although he trusted Jade's nose, they had to have a general location of where he was. He waved his hand over the crystal ball, in view of Rath, saying "tiny spirit of fire and light, find the ones we seek this night..." Rath watched in wonder at MacBeth cast his own spell. Jade play with her hair. Joshua was getting ready for battle. In the crystal ball, an image of a castle appeared in seconds. The coordinates fed into MacBeth's computer, and he set the craft to head on that course. "As I suspected. The castle..." he said. "Hold on everyone... this may get a wee bit bumpy..."
Everyone nodded. They hovered towards the castle, which came up in the distance. It was on a small island in the Bay, near the bridge, but not quite. Rath could see the ancient Western Gate, as could all the others who had Egyptian powers or amulets. MacBeth suddenly veered as shafts of red light began to cut into the night.
"Blast... they know we're here!" he cursed as he maneuvered. "Ideas wuild be welcome!"
There came a voice over the intercom, and a familiar voice asked, "Whoever you are, stand down. If Josh is with you, I'll speak to him and him alone. This is Jeff..."
"MacBeth?" Joshua looked at the man. Jade growl. "This sucks."
Rath shook his head. "Indeed."
"I have a plan," MacBeth whispered as he closed the link temporarily. "But it involves giving 'em the slip. Any of ye feel up t' flying about? This ship can fly itself... and we can slip in while Josh talks to Jeff... what do ye say?"
"Let's do anything it takes. Demona's going down tonight." Joshua frowned.
"Exactly lad," said MacBeth. "I'll let ye oot here, and fly wi' the rest of ye. Jade, wuild ye care t' come wi me to find Samuel and release him. I've a feeling Demona will be lurking in the shadows... and I want to hit her before she hits us... to give Josh time..." "I'll be taking the hovercraft around... and ye can arrange a meeting to meet Jeff and then join us..." said MacBeth. "Is that all right with ye?"
He handed the comm. link to Josh to speak to Jeff. "Meet him alone, and then signal us in an hour... Mr. Rath, will ye go wi' him in guid faith..."
"Cousin." Joshua spoke into the comm. link.
"Is this you?" he asked. "Josh? I need to speak to you, alone, with this sorcerer Rath. Paul thinks that he wants to listen to you. Your friend Samuel suggested that you might be able to free us from the shadow..."
"I have Rath with me. You say Paul agreed to this..." Joshua was confused a bit.
"Yes," said Jeff. "You must meet me alone with him. He's willing to talk. He hates Demona and is angry that she is taking our rightful wealth away, and holding our families hose... please, won't you at least consider what we have to say? I will be there, making sure he won't do anything bad... tell your friends to drop you off now..."
MacBeth looked at him, and at Jade and the others. He mouthed, "We'll be right wi ye... something tis nae right.We'll come back, while ye talk to him... we must act now."
Joshua nodded. "Okay Cousin." The shadow boy stood. "With the streght of RA!" Joshua was now in his armor. "Let's go Rath." The wizard got his armor on and nodded. "We are jumping MacBeth." Joshua headed for the door.
"Verra well!" he said as he pressed a control, and the door slid open. They heard Jeff's confirmation, and MacBeth said, "Godspeed to ye lad. Take this, and you'll hear my message, my signal to meet. We'll find yer friend Sam. I swear it..."
Wind blew in his face, as the door slid open, and the craft ducked close to the waterside and beach. Joshua nodded and jumped from the craft. His wings open up and he and Rath glided down to the ground. MacBeth watched them go, and the door slid shut. He turned back to Jade, and then ordered the craft to land behind the castle, out of sight of the radar and cameras. "Now, it's our turn... when I give the signal, we jump oot ourselves and go find Sam."
"I gave Rath the stuff for the spell before he left." Jade got ready to jump. "Yes," MacBeth said. "Now, hang on Lass..."
He extended the rope latter and climbed down, and motioned to her as the craft sailed downwards. He leapt off the ladder onto the hill by the castle, and waited for Jade to land near him. Jade landed on her feet beside MacBeth. "Ready to find Samuel."
"Yes lass, let's go... follow yer famous nose!" Jade frowned but sniffed the air. She then hurried into the castle. MacBeth hit the ground running and glanced around. Lasers started to rain on them, and MacBeth was glad he has his lightning gun. They just make it in time. He has his lightening gun out just in case. Jade let some of her were-form come out but she was still mostly human. She moved swiftly along the halls. MacBeth admired how quickly she moved. He turned to see something move out of the corner of his eye. A steely shape aimed a laser, but MacBeth got his shot off first and incinerated it as they ran along.
There was a sound of wheezing and clanking the further they go, and MacBeth realized he's heard that sound before... at Xanatos' castle years ago. "Blast... keep a sharp eye... we've got some company..." he warned as he fires shots to take out the warriors that are trying to sight them. Jade bounced off the walls. She growled and took off one of the robot's heads. She was looking more wolf now. MacBeth admires her as he picks off a shot left and right with his gun. "This is getting to be monotonous...."
"Down the stairs and to the left. I'll keep the droids busy." Jade growled.
"All right lassie, be careful!" MacBeth said as he followed her directions. "What a brave lass... I hope she's all right alone..." he mutters as he goes down and to the left. He saw cells and more cells on his left and right. Carefully he kept an eye out for any resistance.
"Samuel...are ye there? It's MacBeth!" he called out.Chapter 7
Samuel woke from all the blasting from upstairs. He frowned. "Who out there?"
"It's MacBeth... call out so I can hear ye..." he shouts as he rushes toward where Jade indicated. He glanced anxiously in every cell, trying to find Sam.
"I'm at the back." Samuel stood up. "Careful the bars are energy ones."
"All right," he called. He saw the one door and kicked it open. Then he saw Sam behind the energy bars. He reholstered his gun, and reached for a tool on his belt. Carefully he walked over and examined the control.
He tried the electronic lockpick, fiddling with the thing a bit as he tries to find the right fit to open the bars. "Typical Demona," he mumbled and finally found the right one.
Samuel then wiggled his leg. "She doesn't seem to trust those so she chain me to the wall as well."
"Great lad," he said as he stepped in, and then reached over to look at the chains. Carefully he used a lockpick he pulled out, which was specifically for Demona's type of cuffs.
"Joshua is here isn't he?" Samuel glared at MacBeth.
"He is... he's talking to Jeff." MacBeth says. "Ye have my word..." "Now... let's have a look at ye... good heavens yer all in a bad state lad..." he muttered, as he looked Sam over.
"Padjet took over twice and I ran into those energy bars." Samuel rubbed his head. "I think I got Jeff and Paul confused about Demona's promises."
"Curses," he mumbled. "But at least that's a guid start. Rath is here, and he has the spell ingredients. He's with Josh... I suggest ye lean on me and let's get back 2 jade..."
"Let's go then. So Chris and Eric aren't here?" Samuel didn't like leaning on anyone but he knew this wasn't the time to argue.
"They don't," he said as he helped Sam, without making him feel like he was being babied. "Only if ye need to lean on me that is," he added. He helped him out of the door, and up the stairs to try and rejoin Jade. He had his gun in one hand as he helped Sam with the other.
Samuel just nodded his head. Suddenly there was no more blasting coming from upstairs. "Jade?!?"
"Jade!" Called MacBeth. "Ye all right lass? I have him!"
"Ya I'm okay. All this metal was dumb." Jade stood in a pile of metal parts.
"That's the fairest site I've seen," MacBeth laughed. "Well done!"
"I fought shabtis with more brains than this pile of scrap." Jade was more human again. Samuel rolled his eyes. "Come on let's get going."
"Yes, let's," said MacBeth. "Demona's close by, I can smell her... or at least sense her," he said as he corrected himself. He wasn't a were like Jade.
"Demona's got a strong scent and you are right she near by or a place she stay at for a long time." Samuel just breathed in and out. His arms where on fire.
Chapter 8
Jeff was anxious as he waited for his cousin. It had been a while and he hoped that things would work for the best. Joshua landed and put Rath down. "Start with that spell at lease get the stuff mixed up." Joshua made his armor disappear and walked over to Jeff. "It's been awhile."
"Yes. Are you well?" he asked.
"Okay I guess." Joshua kicked a stone out of the way.
"I wish things were better with us. I miss you. And I'm sorry I didn't help you when I should," Jeff said softly. "I guess I was too scared..."
Rath was doing as he was told for now. He knew Joshua was under stress at this moment so he didn't want the boy to be upset. "She does that to people. Make them think they have no way out."
"Yes..." he said. "But your friend Sam took compassion on me."
"Samuel had a harder time that even me." Joshua face saddened. "He was on the streets by himself."
"Dang it," said Josh. "That stinks...He's like your brother huh? In a good way... not like Paul."
Joshua nodded. "Out of everyone he the one I told some of my secrets too."
"You didn't have to help us, but you do. Can we really be free of Demona?"
They hear a rustling noise, and a familiar voice. "You came. This is a regular family reunion. So... this is the sorcerer your friend spoke of, brother," said Paul.
"It is all right Josh, h e wants to listen..." said Jeff.
Joshua frowned but held his anger in check. "In fact brother, we are going to end Demona's hold on the Blade family tonight."
"If you can, it would be a big accomplishment," said Paul as he saw Rath. "So, this is the sorcerer. I didn't think Mummies were alive... but I'm impressed..."
"As if." Rath huffed. His snake armor's tail wiggled.
Joshua waved at Rath. "He a bit stiff with words."
"I see. So, it seems that we shall see if this works or not," Paul said quietly.
"Give him a chance Paul," said Jeff. "He's your brother... family... he didn't have 2 come but he did."
"Indeed. Your brother, could of just come for Samuel but no he wanted to stop this Demona for good as well." Rath had gotten the stuff mix up and ready for the dagger. Joshua blushed at Rath's words. He was the baby of the family.
"Very true, listen to him Paul," said Jeff. "Compassion doesn't make you week, it makes you strong because you have more allies."
"I got the potion of the spell ready." Rath spoke out. "Where is she?" Joshua spoke out.
"She is not here," said Paul slowly. "She does not know we are having this talk."
"I don't want that she devil running us any longer..."
Chapter 9
Demona skulked in the shadows, frowning as she heard their words. She had to put a stop to this. Pressing a control she activated the door to let the steel clan gargoyle bots slowly walked in.
"MacBeth thinks otherwise." Joshua looked at Paul. "I have a feeling she's been watching us all."
"Did u hear that?" Jeff asked as he turned. There was a noise, and they suddenly glanced around to see movement. Paul backed away, and Jeff glanced around wildly in fear as steel clan robots moved up, and closed around them. A hated figure was among them.
"So," she said. "This is the story is it? The children bite the hand that feeds them..."
"Demona, didn't see you there," said Paul as he got very nervous. "I... it was..."
Joshua felt the chill run up his back. Rath started to charge the spell that would hopefully put an end to this madness.
"Do you think I'm a FOOL?" she asked angrily. "I deliberately trapped you all here..."
"Paul... please, we can face her together!" Jeff said as he drew a smaller version of the sickle that his cousin had. "Stand by me and we'll both not fail..."
Paul froze as Demona advanced on him, hissing as she pointed the control at him and the robots trained their guns on him. "The payment for betrayal is DEATH, Paul Blade..."
"So what?" Joshua frowned. "You never get what you want from me Demona." Joshua looked at his hands. "I'm not yours any more."
"Then would you let me kill HIM?" she asked, pointing a gun at Paul, who looked at her.
"Go ahead, kill me, demon," he said. "I'd rather die than give you the satisfaction of stopping us."
"You don't get it Demona. I have taken on three different kinds of magics. I've rewritten myself." Joshua walked in front of Paul. "Your magic isn't in me any more." Rath quickly chanted and the mix started to glow.
"Rath that spell/potion, NOW!" Joshua turned to look at the mummy wizard. "But don't we need MacBeth?"
Demona laughed. "Your pathetic spells will not help you humans!"
Jeff turned to Josh. He mouthed, "Let me distract her... till MacBeth comes..."
A were-wolf jumped on top of one of the steel clan and started to rip it apart. "Jade!!!" Joshua didn't hear his cousin's words as he raised his weapon. "Shadow slash!!!"
"Demona, face me if ye dare!" MacBeth shouted. "Lighting gun!" He fired at her, and she turned, hissing as she turns from Paul. Paul dove out of the way, and one of the steel clan gun blasts hit Jeff accidentally as he tried to help Josh. Jade started to take out another robot.
"Jeff!" he shouted as he sees his cousin fall. Turning he snarls, "You made a BIG mistake Demona. Nobody messes with my cousin except me!" Paul turns, grabbing his own weapon, a scimitar, and slashes. "Night strike!" he yells as he runs to stop the robot that stopped Jeff.
Rath had the potion ready. Joshua turned and held out a dagger. Rath shook his head and poured the potion on to it. The robot fell into two pieces.
"DEMONA!!!" The youngest Blade moved quickly along the trashed robots. The silver dagger was glowing. "This ends tonight." He rammed the dagger into the female gargoyle. Jade was tossed back and her body changed back to human. The magic shock wave was huge. Joshua couldn't let go of the dagger. It was burning him. "No more link between you and my family." He hissed into Demona's ear.
MacBeth suddenly was kicked back by the energy wave and he landed away from Demona, shaking his head. Rath's armor disappeared as he was blown off his feet. Jeff felt the backlash and Paul threw himself over his cousin to protect him. Shards of robots showered as each steel clan robot blew up. A big shard of metal collapsed on top of Paul who was shielding Jeff. It pinned them both underneath, but didn't hurt them.
"Joshua!!!" Jade stood up. "STRENTH OF RA!" Jade was in her armor and jump at her friend that seem to be rooted in the spot. Jade's strength pulled Joshua away from the Gargoyle. The young shadow man had blacked out.
Demona growled as she felt the energy flow through her. She let out a loud cry as the energy surged from her, and hit MacBeth. The gargoyle's eyes blazed red, and she slunk to the ground, in pain from the dagger but still alive.
"Damn." Jade hissed. Rath stood up and looked about for his hat. "Rath get ya tut over here now." Rath sighed. -Young people today.- He hurried over and checked out Joshua. "He's alive." He turned to see the other Blade's under the steel. "I'll help the other Blades."
MacBeth crawled to his feet. He shook himself off and rushed to help Josh. "What happened?"
"Joshua's been magically burned." Rath told Jeff and Paul. MacBeth looked at Paul who looked at Jeff. Paul looked up as MacBeth helped move the steel, and shift it off. He helped both boys to their feet. Jeff and Paul shook themselves off. Paul moved over to Josh. "Let me look at him..."
"I have no idea what it will do to him." Rath kept his eyes on Demona.
"I may be able to help him," Paul said grimly. "I didn't want my brother dead..."
MacBeth realized where Rath was looking, and moved away to where Demona lay. He knew his old enemy had many tricks. Jeff coughed, but he was otherwise ok. Paul started to reach for something in his jacket pocket. He glanced at Rath, and at the others.
"He's not going to die. He just out cold." Rath spoke gently. "I got him." Jade picked him up.
Paul helped Jeff to stand, and turned. "Thank you. I guess I was wrong about you all..."
"Are we free of the spell, sorcerer?" he asked.
"I've never try this spell before. Only time will say for sure. One thing for sure it has done something."
Rath frowned. "Let's get out of here before something else happens, then." Jade held Joshua close. "Yes lets go please."
Paul looked at him. "Wait..." Demona stirred, and MacBeth turned as he heard a low growl from her.
"Damn that thing and Scarab." Jade growled.
"You will NEVER leave here alive," she said as she got up. "You may have broken the spell but you will all die..."
MacBeth covered her with his gun. "Well that's good to hear yet not so good either." Rath back off. "Come on call on that flying thing."
MacBeth pulled out his remote. "Hovercraft, extract..." There came a crumbling noise as stone dust pelted them, and cracks appeared on the wall. "Get out quick!" Paul shouted. "She's bringing the whole place down on us!"
Jade backed off. "Damn, Joshua wake up." She looked down at her friend.
"This way, quick!" Paul shouted. "I know a short cut..." MacBeth looked as Demona vanished behind falling rocks. Jade turned and followed the other Blade. Rath did the same. "Curse you," he hissed as he rushed off after Paul, who helped Jeff along.
The whole castle was cracking, fracturing like a broken brittle piece of ice. It was a house of cards that the spell had held up, and now it was falling like one. "Come on let's go." Jade picked up the pace. So did Rath. MacBeth ran quickly, and they saw the secret passage that Paul led them through. It wasn't breaking up as fast as the rest and led them outside to the bay. MacBeth's craft was hovering there with its ladder hanging down.
"Where is that flying machine?" Rath asked. He climbed up first and held out his hand to the others. "One at a time!" he called as he helped Paul with Jeff, and then Paul reached down to Jade and the others.
Rath took that hand and push up on his feet. MacBeth saw the castle falling in on itself. Jade jumped over the group. "We are running out of time here."
MacBeth mumbled, "The heck wit it, everyone grab the ladder and hold tight!" He shouted an order for the hovercraft. "Priority extraction... now!" The hovercraft flew away with everyone climbing onboard safely. Paul looked at his brother, and at MacBeth, who came forwards with a book of spells he borrowed.
"I think ye'll find these useful," he said as he handed it to Rath. "Mebbe one of them may help.... Demona's magic, all of the spells she had used over the years. Maybe there is an answer to Josh's problem there."
Paul looked sadly at Josh. "I don't want my brother to die," he said angrily. They got back to Magic Coffee.
Chapter 10
A few days later.
Jade put Joshua back into his own bed. As he bandaged Jeff's wounds and bruises. Jeff nodded, angry at the whole thing. MacBeth was worried. Could Rath help with the spells he gave him to help Josh?
"I will look at these spells but I need rest now myself."
"Yes," he nodded. MacBeth looked to Paul and Jeff who are there, both upset and angry. Rath bowed his head and head for his home. He stopped at the door. "I'll be back in the morning."
Paul looked to them, and says, "You must understand, I care for him, I do, but I just have a family to run..."
Jeff looked at them, "I told you Paul, he was right. U were wrong."
"I'm beyond any help or forgiveness. Spare me the humiliation. I was wrong," he said. "I don't need your pity."
"Stop feeling sorry for yerself lad," MacBeth snapped at Paul, who suddenly blinked.
"I don't care who was right and who was wrong. Let's get some sleep." Jade crossed her arms.
"Nobody's beyond forgiveness. Just say yer sorry, Paul."
"Fine," he snorted.
Jeff sighed. "I'm sorry, he's like that, but he DOES care."
Jade growled. "Night."
Chris shook his head. "Do either of you need a place to sleep?" Jade carried Joshua to his room and then went to her own room for much needed sleep. Jeff nodded. MacBeth nodded also. Paul was standing by the doorway, looking back.
"Come let's me show you some nice warm beds then." Chris waved his hand to the staircase.
"Coming Paul?" asked Jeff.
"U need to sleep," MacBeth said. "I'd be a gracious guest if I were ye."
"Okay, whatever," Paul said. "I just want to know if Josh is ok or not." He followed Chris's hand and walked after MacBeth and Jeff.
"Thank u," said Jeff as Paul mumbled to himself.
"We'll find out in the morning okay?" Chris was also worried about Joshua. He hurried up the stairs.
"Thanks," said Jeff, pushing Paul.
"Thanks," Paul grunted. MacBeth sighed. He couldn't sleep. So he decided to sit on the sofa and drink some whisky as he waited and watched.
Chapter 11
RA CAME UP.
Green eyes slowly opened up to look into the face of a mummy named Rath. "What hit me?"
"Well for a start an energy wave that knocked us all off our feet." Rath smiled. "I see you woke up on your own which is good."
Paul was waiting by the door, impatiently pacing. Jeff was just outside, waiting to see if it was ok. "Is he all right?" Jeff asked as he looked in.
Rath came out of Joshua's room. "He awake but he still needs rest."
"Good," said MacBeth as he came up to see them there. "And ye have some apologizing to do, don't ye, Paul Blade?"
"I'm sorry," he said. "Will you all forgive me?" He looked very cross, but he did sound sincere.
"So just give him time to heal. I have to check something out." Rath had Joshua's amulet in his hand. "I'll see you all later." The mummy wizard went down stairs.
Paul mumbled and MacBeth looked at him. "Good start."
"It's not enough, is it? You see, they think I'm a monster. I don't want their pity..." he started.
Jade came down the hall. "Stop it. Joshua isn't going to get any rest with this bitchering."
Rath waited for everyone to be sitting down. "Well Joshua seem to have gained power. What kind of power I can't say." Samuel frowned as Jade stood up and entered the kitchen. Eric was at school at this time.
Chris just whistled. "Man that a kick in the pants."
"Well Joshua should just stay in bed for a week. It's for the best." Rath put the amulet down on the table. "And that should remain off until then." Rath bowed. "I must return now. I'm just glad Joshua will be alright." He then left the group in wonderment as he exited the restaurant.
"I guess you want me to apologize, huh?" Paul asked bitterly.
"Yes, and now," said Jeff. He pulled Paul upstairs by the hand to visit Josh. MacBeth followed and listened at the door.
"Hi." Joshua looked like hell. His one hand was bandaged up and his skin looked white.
"Hi, I'm glad you're better, cousin," said Jeff as he moved over. Paul bit his lip.
"Did it work?" Green eyes show worry in them. "The spell?"
"Paul and I have something we want to say to you, Josh." They looked at each other.
"It didn't." Joshua sighed. "I'm sorry I just wanted to save this family." He looked away from his brother and cousin. "I'm just sick of how Demona treated his family."
Jeff smiled and Paul shook his head. "Wait, you did help this family..." said Jeff. Paul nodded, and there was a twinkle in his eyes even though he didn't say anything.
Joshua blinked. "Then the spell did work?" Joshua tried to sit up.
Jeff nodded and beamed. "You did it. You saved us all Josh..."
Paul even smiled, and extended his hand. "Brother, you did it. What I could never do. And I'm... um... I'm sorry I doubted you all these years..."
"Not your fault. Father lied to you both. To everyone. If I did this spell right we should still have magic in our veins. Don't forget Demona did this pact over a 1000 years ago." Joshua smiled.
Jeff and Paul nodded slowly. "All that time we didn't know you were right. Jeff still believed in you. And now... now... we can be a family again?" Paul asked, still afraid Josh didn't trust he wanted to make things right between them. Jeff leaned over and patted him on the shoulder. Both extended their hands. "Family?"
Tears flowed from Joshua's eyes. "With you two yes but Father...he might be mad. Very mad so maybe you two should be careful."
"I love you cousin," Jeff said as he reached to hug Josh. Paul even broke down and moved to his other side. Both of them took turns hugging him.
"Will you help protect us?" Paul asked, ashamed to cry but he knew it was ok. "Teach us to use our new powers?"
"Why would you two ask me?" Joshua was confused.
"Demona's link was broken," said Paul. "Now we have no ties to the darkness."
"A big wave hit us all, and we lost the darkness," Jeff nodded. "And you didn't see what happened...The magic has changed."
Joshua looked at his hand in the bandage. "This is all I can remember. My hand wouldn't break away. Oh as well as Jade jumping me." Joshua blushed.
"That's a magic burn," Paul said.
"We are all changed now," Jeff nodded. "And that is why we need u to teach us how to use the new magic."
Joshua closed his green eyes. "Samuel might not like it but there are spare rooms here. Both of you better find away to do your keep or Samuel will kick you both out." Joshua smirked. "He makes sure we all do training everyday. I guess I won't be moving from this bed for awhile."
Both men smiled. "I guess that's better than going home. Father's going to be angry like you said. You won't be able 2 get rid of us..." said Paul with a smirk like his brothers.
"It will be like the old times," Jeff said excited. "When we all trained together..."
Joshua nodded. "But now...I know we'll be training like a real family. I know Rath will help you two with finding out more about your magic." Joshua opened his eyes again. "Something going on though isn't it? MacBeth are you outside the door?"
"Aye," he answered, and opened the door. He had a smile on his face as he came over.
Joshua frowned. "Where is my amulet?" Joshua wanted answers.
"Rath is looking at it I believe," MacBeth told him. "The sorcerer had t' look into something he said."
Both Paul and Jeff were also curious and wanted answers as much as Josh. "Maybe we should call him?" Jeff suggested.
Joshua stared at MacBeth. "What going on?" He looked at his cousin and brother. "I don't want to talk to Rath. He loves to talk in riddles."
"Hmm, I'd be thinking if it's What I think it is..." MacBeth rubbed his beard. "He may be lookin at how yer powers have boosted in level and intensity...Yer at a whole other level now, laddie. And it's a matter o' time before y know the full extent of the change yerself..."
"What do you mean, Mr. MacBeth?" Paul asked him.
"Demona has no way of ever beating Josh, even if she wants to try and take him back," MacBeth said in triumph.
Joshua sank into the bed. "Ra...And I have to go to Japan soon." He shook his head. "What am I going to tell Mr. Kinomoto." Joshua blinked then at MacBeth. "Ya joking right?" His face turned red. "I can't be that strong."
"May I go with you?" Jeff asked him. Paul's eyes held the same question.
MacBeth said, "I know fer a fact I sense wi my knowlege of mystical powers that ye ARE indeed more than a match for yer sorcery. Ye are now immune t' anything that would be thrown at ye from her..." "Within reason of course," he added to be careful.
"Ra...what a night." Joshua sighed. "I don't know. It's kind of something to do with that time I went to Japan when I was a kid. It's personal...but I have to take Eric with me. Samuel told me I had too." He looked at his brother and cousin. "You two need to work out your magic any ways before going abroad. Demona's kicked off now for sure."
"I can help them," MacBeth said. "Till ye come back... along with the other friends here..."
"I understand," Jeff nodded. Paul shoved his hands into his pocket and knew it was better not to argue with Josh.
"Thanks, MacBeth. I would think we would need all the help we can get." He smiled.
MacBeth smiled back. "I know enough about magical weaponry t' get them started. And by the time ye get back they'll be ready for yer instruction."
"Sounds like a plan then," Paul said, realizing what would happen. Jeff nodded trusting Josh and this authoritative man in black armor.
"There is something I want to give back too. When I'm in Japan. No doubt it what had given me strength all this time." Joshua smiled to himself.
"What is that?" asked MacBeth, and Jeff and Paul were equally curious.
"Mr. Kinomoto's son. Toya....he had magic...very strong magic. We..." Joshua's face turn dark red. "He knew I had magic too. It was strange. I don't know if I should tell you guys yet not until I talk to Toya first. All I can say is we shared magic. His magic is still inside me. I since I don't need it any more...." Joshua's bandaged hand covered his heart. "I want to give back to him."
MacBeth nodded. "And what else can I do t' help ye, lad? Yer well and truly a man who has compassion and kindness, yet yer a warrior like a sword of tempered steel..."
"There is more to you than I ever thought possible," Paul muttered.
"Safe journey then..." Jeff sighed. "But don't be gone too long... you were gone so long before... don't make it the same amount of time please?"
"There is one thing I have told anyone yet...only Samuel but he found out by mistake." Joshua played with the bandage.
"You want us here?" Paul asked. "Do you trust all of us with this?"
Joshua nodded. "I do." He smiled.
"Thank you," Paul said. "Your trust means much to me..." Jeff nodded. "And me."
"I shall tell no one if that is what ye wish. It will not leave this room lest ye say so," MacBeth folded his arms.
"Mr.Kinomoto had a daughter when I was staying with them. I don't know why but they pick me to be the girl's..." Joshua blushed. "Godfather..."
"Oh...." said Jeff noticing his cousin's eyes. Paul raised an eyebrow. MacBeth nodded.
"I see, but mebbe because you've got a level head on yer shoulders..." said MacBeth.
"Do you think they want her to come with you?" Jeff asked. "Back here?"
"This is the reason I have to go back to Japan now. But MacBeth, I was just seven years old when this happened."
"That seems verra significant, does it not... as if it was almost predetermined. Perhaps she has a link to yer magic... and something far older..."
"I remember father saying something once about that family," Paul confessed. "And about something ancient being lost... and only recently rumored to be discovered. Something powerful... that had to do with... a deck of cards. But it was ridiculous... what can CARDS do?"
MacBeth looked at him in surprise. "You mean ye dinna ken about the ancient secrets... I read about it last night of all things..."
"Mr. Kinomoto knows nothing of magic in his own family. Toya does though. He got a sixth sense."
Jeff blinked and said, "What ARE you talking about and is this REALLY important?"
"I can say no more, but ye'll find out if it is what I think it means," MacBeth said mysteriously. He only had a vague hunch, but he didn't want to say something that might be inaccurate, or lead to false conclusions. He didn't know for sure... But in his long life he'd SEEN some ancient magic source... something on the West Coast. Something powerful and long hidden. "Lad, I know there are more questions than answers, but I will be returning home to take care of some business. I'll be back here in a week t' start training you Paul and Jeff. But I wish ye the best of luck," MacBeth said, thinking about Lucia back at his home. She was worried, poor girl. But he had an important question he wanted to ask her.
Joshua nodded. "You take care then and thank you for all your help with Demona."
"Yer welcome lad. Jeff, Paul, Ye'll hear a call when I'll be back t' San Francisco to begin yer training. I'll be taking a job here for a while... while ye stay here..."
He shook Josh's hand. "Wait for me, ye two," he says to Jeff and Paul. "Farewell and Godspeed... Josh."
Paul and Jeff looked at Josh. "We will miss you, and wait for your return, brother," Paul said slowly. Jeff nodded. "When will you leave? Tomorrow?"
Joshua waved to MacBeth. "Just go talk to Jade or Samuel to show ya a room. They'll take cadre of you both."
Jeff and Paul watched as MacBeth left. They both nodded, and gave him a hug. "Thanks," they said together. "I hope they get used to us being here," Paul muttered. "This place is gonna be crowded, but it's a cozy friendly place... I can feel it," Jeff reassured him. They both looked back at Josh, standing by the door.
"It's a magical building. It will grow and grow on you as well." Joshua grinned.
"I hope so," Jeff smiled. Paul nodded. "I think it'll be... interesting... to say the least..."
Epilogue
Time when by quickly. Five days in fact. Joshua was back on his feet and promised Rath not to go over board on his magic when he went to Japan. One reason being Eric was going with him and he knew the elf boy would help out in anyway he could. Joshua had to go.
They were all at the airport now. Samuel gave Eric some ground rules and to listen to Joshua. "So I'll see you guys in a month."
Eric bounced over to Joshua. "Tell MacBeth I promise to be careful."
"Goodbye cousin," Jeff said, giving him a hug. "Write to us ok?"
Paul walked up, as Jeff came out of the hug with Josh, and held out his hand, a bit more reserved before the others. "Josh... don't make me have to go after you again, ok?" he joked.
Joshua rolled his eyes. "It's just a month but I promise to call."
He gripped Eric's shoulder. The boy smiled. "Ya guys look after the city."
Samuel shook his head. "If there is any trouble, you call us right away okay. I let Puck know where ya gone too." The tall blond smirked. Eric blushed. Joshua laughed. "See you later." The pair turned and head for the check in.
Jeff and Paul stepped away, and watched the pair leave. "Come on you two. We get to get ready for MacBeth coming in two days." Samuel turned and headed for the parking lot. Jeff and Paul turned to follow Sam.
So who are the Kinomoto's? This now ends the story line with Mummies Alive. We learn more about Joshua Blade and maybe Demona not done with our young shadowman. Find out in Deck of Shadows."