A/N: I'm cheating a bit, this isn't a real chapter. I was going to begin the next chapter with it, but then I realized that it really belonged at the end of Chapter Nine. So here is Chapter Nine and a Half. Oh, and the quote below has absolutely nothing to do with the story for once. But I loved Garden State and I figured I'd do some shameless advertising to get people out there to see it : ). I think it was the best movie I've seen all year. If you're twenty-something, away from home, and wishing for a significant other, you have to see this movie.

Reviewer Reponses are below.

Standard Disclaimers apply. The Dark is Rising sequence and its characters belong to Susan Cooper.

CHAPTER NINE AND A HALF

"This is your one opportunity to do something that no one has ever done before and that no one will copy throughout human existence. And if nothing else, you will be remembered as the one guy who ever did this. This one thing."

Natalie Portman as Sam, Garden State

Will Stanton and the Davies children tumbled from the Doors and landed once more upon the icy rooftop balcony. Except now, instead of a starry winter sky, they were confronted with a mounting wind and wispy clouds that scudded swiftly across the moon. Peter raised his hands and lowered his hood cautiously, letting the wind pull and snap at his hair. Its briskness whipped color into Annie's cheeks.

"Hurry now," Will Stanton said sharply, his dark gaze sweeping the night sky. "There's a storm rising."

He flipped the latch and opened the roof door with a flourish. He took the children each by a hand and hauled them through the hole. The quickly crossed the attic floor and stumbled down the narrow staircase, Peter and Annie following in a daze, sheathed daggers swinging to and fro from the cords draped over their necks. Will dragged them through the staircase door and the found themselves once more in front of their bedrooms.

Will released their hands abruptly. "Now," he said briskly, without a trace of boyishness remaining in his voice, "there's just one more thing we must discuss briefly."

Peter swayed and steadied himself against the wall. "What's that?" he yawned, secretly longing for his pillows and comforter. He hadn't slept well the night before, and the rush of excitement that had sustained him since Will first shook him awake was beginning to ebb. Annie apparently felt the same way, for she leaned against her brother and indulged in a yawn that reminded Peter of the MGM lion.

Will's gaze went distant and he fumbled with the collar of his cloak. Although the man's face was serious, Peter realized that it wasn't the solemnity of an Old One that gripped Will. This was plain human uncertainty and apprehension, and had nothing to do with the cares and concerns of the Watchman's role.

"Um, I'd like to request that you two say nothing of this night to either of your parents."

"Whyever not?" Peter asked sleepily. "I mean, you said they helped you last time, right? They may not remember, but does that really mean they can do nothing now?"

Will tapped his fingers slowly against the wall. One two three. One two three. "I'm afraid it does, Peter. Before, there were certain . . . prerequisites . . . that now no longer exist. Things change."

"That doesn't seem fair," Annie said cautiously. "I'm sure Mum and Dad would want to be involved."

"Fair has nothing to do with it," Will snapped. The girl jumped. "This is no choice of mine. It was your father's decision, and it must be respected at all times, as well as obeyed. There is to be no more discussion on this subject. You two must promise me you'll say nothing."

Peter and Annie stared. There was something in Will's voice besides the obvious anger and impatience. Even as Peter saw a tear glimmer in the corner of Will's eye, he didn't know what the mysterious emotion was. But who could expect a fourteen-year-old boy to understand desolation?

"Fine, Will," he said after a nervous pause. "We won't say anything. Promise. Right, Annie?"

"Right," she nodded quickly, watching Will warily.

Will's tense shoulders relaxed, and he released a great breath of air. They were treated once more to that boyish grin, which transformed their father's friend into someone ageless and young all at once. The tear had vanished. "Thank you," he said lightly, as if he were merely thanking them for fetching him a glass of water. "And it would be better if we didn't talk about this amongst ourselves, not yet at least, for fear of being overheard. Say nothing unless I speak to you first. I'm sure you understand?"

The children nodded. They weren't about to question Will again.

"Good. Now then, in you go." The bedroom doors whisked open noiselessly, ghostly hands flinging them back with a flourish. They banged and rebounded against the wall, shuddering. An invisible breeze came from nowhere and whipped the midnight blue cloaks right off the children's backs, letting them fly into Will Stanton's outstretched hand. Peter and Annie, their arms and legs flailing in surprise, were pushed back into their respective rooms.

"Hey!" Peter gasped in indignation.

But resistance was futile. Peter's bedspread whisked itself open, and he found himself bundled into bed and nestled down between the sheets. He stared in helpless amazement as the door slowly shut upon him. The words, "Good night, my children," drifted through the small crack in the door just before it closed shut with a small click of finality.

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CPAnthoni: Thanks, I love new reviewers. I think you reviewed pretty much right after I updated, I was thrilled! Thank you thank you thank you!

Frostfyre7: Thanks! You're my twentieth review! I know some people have hundreds of reviews, but, for me, reaching 20 was a pretty big deal. Such a nice, round number. Thanks!

Silvergenji: I love reviews from other TDIR writers, thanks so much! I've neglected reviewing your story, but I'm getting there!

Lembas7: Action action action! I agree with you, and I'm working on it. See A/N for next chapter.

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Venus Smurf: Woohoo! Thanks so much for your review! It was really exciting because it had been weeks since I updated, and really got me focused on getting this next bit up. Thanks!