*'Sanctuary' for Us *

[Asa]

Declan Kate and the Deathspeaker

I don't think so John. Declan's voice boomed out after Kate and the deathspeaker fanned out. Declan knew who was hiding through the deathspeaker but that was a last resort. Kate was armed for war as she guided the old woman out of sight.

You know I can't let you have that thing win old boy. Declan called again weapon ready. Kate had shown him.why had been created to take down and contain Druitt. He stood his ground no fear at all of the possessed being.g before him. He had Henry ready to flood the chamber with enough knock out gasses to drop all of.them several.times.over.

Kate and the old moved up to Helen and Jenny's hiding place and Kate handed Helen one of the more speciality guns. Then the old woman spoke low and whispered but it was not her voice it was James.

You two will get out of here there is a service hatch right above the tree. Take this Helen and find Lyda... so far no one can find her or Worth... find my daughter. Show her this pendant Naomi says it will keep people safe arounn her... She is destroyer by blood like her mother. Now Go.

Kate helped Helen and Jenny to the door and waited till Declans warning shot to pop the.door just in case it made noise. Then James voice boomed out once they were safe.

You won't hurt them John... not friends... not those like family. Your sense of loyalty and honor forbids it. That's why you never killed Me or Isis nor Helen... the creature can't make you go against that bond. Fight it old friend send it running... our family needs us.

Isis

She was busy hunting finding no trace nor scent...just like when John is within the control of the creature within his scent is lost as well to another. Tracking she tried to find any new scent and follow it. While hunting she happened across Lucy and the old woman. She did not want to scare the child but the old woman Lyda called Naomi knew.stuff though how she did not know. The shifted form of Isis stalked into the room a.d looked from one to the other as she sniffed the air and snarled in frustration.

 

[slippedhalo]

Jenny Armory began to laugh as she was confronted with the tunnel of death yet again. This wasn't the first time she'd died. She was only a bit rueful that she didn't make life in that deliciously lovely new body of Helen Magnus's clone last longer. As she sped through the darkness toward a greyish light she was surprised to feel anything physical at all without an actual physical body, yet, there it was, a tug, then another...rather annoying in a way...Then, the sensation of two hands pulling her from her destination, but not back toward earth where she'd prefer to have stayed, no, somewhere else.

Jenny landed with a rush of cold air atop the non-corporeal representation of the form of a very shapely, quite lovely, young middle aged, blond woman wearing Victorian garb. The eyes were remarkably familiar. It wasn't Helen Magnus but definitely someone who closely shared blood ties with her. Jenny sputtered and the woman smiled. ''It isn't your time to go yet. And, in this bizarre wrongness down on earth where you've come from at this moment I am not sure I should let you return there either. You...aren't entirely natural.''

Jenny bristled and lifted herself off of the woman, brushing herself off as if she had a self to brush or hands to make the motion. It was hard to imagine oneself without a body so creating one and pretending made things just a bit easier to cope with. ''This doesn't seem very natural either, lady. Who in hell are you?'' she asked.

The woman chuckled a humorless laugh, in her eyes there was pain at the thought, ''...oh, no, not hell. I think even hell would make more sense than this place....Where I exist...it's nowhere...really nowhere. Not a true afterlife at all, not heaven, not hell, not earth...It's HIS realm. I was trapped here long ago. Now HE won't let me leave. And, he found out I have found them, my husband, his other daughter, and my Helen...HE knows I've been communicating with the little girl and I think HE intends to punish me for it through hurting them now. I'm not supposed to interfere but I saw you and I had to. Someone must go back and tell them before it's too late. HE's planning on using you all, making you hurt each other, killing you all and making me watch. HE wants to isolate me further, make me only HIS...HE's the one who just killed you, through that poor, sick man. You have to go back and tell them. Somehow....''

Jenny wanted to go back. If Magnus's mom could figure out a way to help her do so and save the day as well she was all in. But, their moment of illumination ended quickly as a cold chill filled the space they sat in. A dark cloud of menace and fear twirled itself around them like a small cyclone of impending death and doom. She moved to shout but no more sound issued forth and she saw the ability to force an illusion of body form had left her in her terror.

...and she began to laugh...she couldn't control herself. She watched the pain stricken face of the lovely Victorian woman fade away and Jenny felt herself falling, as if suddenly gravity had authority over her soul...Slammed bodily into her broken body just as it was being removed from a tree in the Sanctuary's new SHU unit, Jenny awoke with a gasp, then continued her malicious laughter, a new glint in her eye. HE was now with her. She wanted to stop him but felt totally helpless, like a small child being carried over the shoulder to the naughty step, like a marionette with only the puppeteer in control of the face, the arms, the legs...and one leg jutted out and kicked her rescuer, hard, she fell in a crumpled heap to the ground below Jenny, and Jenny felt her throat laughing again against her wishes. It was so unnerving.

She grabbed hold of the branch below her and hopped easily down to the level, only hurting in the places she was cut, the rest still was working well enough to do this on e job for HIM. Grabbing the nearest large rock she hefted it up above the head of the woman at her feet and slammed it down on her head, knowing he was hoping for the satisfaction of a crunch.

(ooc: could be any of the female rescuers, you choose who's fighting the demon now.)

John Druitt groaned loudly, then flailed in the merciless hold of that weapon's power. His nose bled profusely and he cursed in agonized frustration that he couldn't seem to get the words out to tell Declan that he was no longer possessed by the demon, that he was just plain old, Montique John Druitt now...but that he felt he deserved this pain and punishment all the same.

Looking on, he saw the blood all over the place and bad memories from his misspent youth came back to haunt him. Would that demon ever let him be? Would death even allow him a final respite? When would he be safe from the worry of possibly harming yet another helpless woman whilst under that damned demon's control? ''STOP, PLEASE....HE'S GONE!'' he yelled out just once, one last burst of energy before his heart stopped beating.

 

[Asa]

Deathspeaker/Watson

Hearing John say the creature was gone she hissed and reclaiming at least her body she turned gripping the arms of Jenny the eyes clearly James Watson staring through Jenny to the creature just in time.to prevent the old woman's fate.

I don't know what you are creature but your terror is coming to and end... you can't fight two Destroyers... and we wont let any o them.die.... Forgive me Jenny is it... Kate... Helen... fire.

~The demon hissed it needed death... it needed the additional strength since it was unable to fly with Patricia but her words to this being... had he succeeded in fact with breaking her maternal bond to the destroyer Isis remind.ding her how her husband kept Isis away from her when she needed both of her dsuhters the most or... no more humoring him... protecting them. His thoughts.distracting him for but a second.

Patricia... you still try to protect them and for that deception... you will watch your granddaughter Lyda die... they will not find her before Worth kills her...

With that he turned back to the old.woman and Watson... and Druitt. NONE OF YOU WILL FIND HER.... with that it grabbed Watson dragging him.from the old woman and was gone. He had t get rid of some of their troublesome advantages.

Declan

He moved over to Druitt and got him out of there as all the activity in their home had the.worms beginning to spit and try to begin attacking the invading humans. Once they were out of the enclosure he had John rushed to medical.

He is.strong... we need him back on his feet as quick as possible.

Kate

Kate tried to knock Jenny out so they could get her to medical. Looking to see if Helen was alright and to help the old.woman as well.

The old woman was shaking... The.creature.... demonics took your old friend from me.... I do not know... with that the old woman fell unconscious.

Demon

It seemed to drag them along to.Worth and Lyda. The creature on the back over her neck still draining energy from her as she hissed seeing the demon but father was there and a woman what was going on. She tried to roar as the demon laughed.

Your father and grandmother are here to watch you die destroyer this woman raised your mother whish was not part of my.plans for.this family. Luckily your grandfather helped.me by keeping your mother away from Patricia when she was dying... destroying a little piece of that motherly soul... she tries to betray me hiding that family love so now... she can watch you die.
With that the creature sank back into Worth and in his mind he heard clear as day Roger deBlythe voice telling him.to kill... leave a very clear message with her death and corpse.

Worth stood up and tilted his head picking up the scalpel and hunting knife speaking...

Its alrighg child... Roger knows what he is doing.

((OOC Druitt Nikola Helen.. Lucy and Naomi Gregory Will or Henry though you and I may have to cover them.for a bit whoever can rescue her Naomi available to kill off. Having too much fun with Tesla and Lyda.. *eg* I have an idea for that))

 

[slippedhalo]

Helen fired and fired again, but soon she heard the cry of John and her heart leaped in her chest. She felt to her core that he wasn't deceiving them at this moment. She dropped the weapon, keeping it close at hand, and looked around, seeing Iris crawling toward the room, her blood a trail behind her as she moved slowly... Thin, lithe fingers wrapped themselves securely around Druitt's throat. Helen moved across the atrium at a run as she realized what was happening. John went pale just before the moment occurred and then Iris was strangling him, as if one death wouldn't do. She had to finish the job.

''Die! Die, you bastard scum, I wish I'd killed you a century ago!'' Iris hissed.

Helen called out, ''Iris, no! Please...'' But, she made her way to the scene in time to see her childhood friend shot through the back. Helen screamed, barely noticing who's hands pulled Druitt's limp body out of the room, leaving the now lifeless body of Iris slumped in a crumpled heap on the floor. She'd finally gotten her wish, thought Helen. But, the irony was that Iris would never know the man she had ''killed'' had already died but a mere second before. Helen looked up to see who held the gun which had shot her best friend dead...into the eyes of a trembling child.

Lucy still pointed the gun, her little hands shaking as she hiccuped with sobs. ''Lucy...'' Helen breathed, feeling her sadness increase tenfold as she saw the hollow expression in the girl's face, innocence ruptured by this scene of horror and the act she'd felt necessary to protect herself and her new family, too much weight for the soul of anyone, let alone someone so young and carefree up until that moment.

Helen crawled forward, past the bodies, moving herself so the vantage-point behind her wouldn't be as gruesome as reality. She spread her arms wide and her eyes plead for the girl to come to her, ''...Lucy, come here. It's alright, dear one.''

Lucy moved slowly, as if it took conscious effort to move her limbs in her terror. She sniffled and moved two, three steps, paused, then ran to the safe haven of her sister's arms. Helen hugged Lucy tightly, gently prying the weapon from the little girl's hand, she dropped it onto the tile floor with an echoing clatter and rose, carrying the emotionally drained medium in her left arm, the child's tearful face nestled into the crook of her neck, making her hair wet. Helen murmured comforting words as she worked through her own pain like the professional she had to be and stood, taking stock of the damage so far. She sensed this was not over yet. The demon was still bouncing from body to body. Who would he possess next? Why? How could she fight something this omnipotent? And, where the hell had de Blythe and Worth disappeared to?

Lucy sniffed and whispered, ''She was not alone. He was with her...I'm sorry, Helen''

Helen hushed Lucy. '"I know you did what you thought was right, Lucy. I'm so sorry you felt you had to protect yourself.'' she said. Helen approached Kate and helped her to immobilize Jenny. Gods, Jenny too?!

But, of course, just as Jenny slumped, succumbing to her own fatal injuries Helen heard Lucy whisper, ''He's not in her anymore. He's finding more people to hurt...He wants to hurt Patricia. He's making her watch this and she can't get him to stop.''

Helen shuddered. This was beyond frightening, it was not just physical torture and death they had to worry about now but something beyond that as well.

Will had come to the call just in time to work triage on whomever he found but by the time he made his way to the scene of the battle in the new SHU he was almost sick from the smell of blood and gore. He saw the haunted look in Helen's eyes and ran to her. Their embrace was far too quick. She handed off little Lucy Magnus to him and kissed him as if in a farewell.

''I need to find de Blythe and Worth.'' she said with determination.

''Not on your own. I'm coming with you, Helen.'' insisted Will.

She shook her head, ''No, please, both of you get to safety...''

Will interrupted her, ''Dammit, Magnus, NO!'' He cocked his weapon and picked up the pistol Lucy had also wielded just minutes before, pocketing it, then he passed the huddled child to Bigfoot as he appeared in the doorway. ''Biggie, take care of Lucy.'' Will grabbed Helen by the shoulders and forced her to face him, to see the grit of pure will in his eyes as he repeated, ''I'm going with you. I won't let you face this alone.''

Her heart swelled and she remembered why she loved this man so much. So, idealistic, so brave, so stupidly valiant...''Fine. I'm losing everyone I love, I guess the universe won't even stop at you as well. I know I can't force you to stay out of this, William. I know the minute I started to have feelings for you it put you in that risk pool which is my inner circle. I'm sorry that knowing me will be the end of you. I'm sorry my love for you may be the end of you, Will.''

''Stop talking like that. We'll beat this.'' Will said through his teeth, his face now inches from her's.

''Yeah...'' she said sarcastically, not sure how that would happen but half glad he believed it since she didn't. She led the way on the hunt for the two missing 'guests' and as Will stayed by her side she felt her love for him grow ever more.

...and she was not far off in her predictions when it came out of nowhere. They'd descended to a lower level and the emergency lighting was sparce. In the shadows someone waited. Will was propelled into Helen's arms with the force of the deadly blow. A look of surprise frozen on his face as he looked into her eyes and mouthed, ''...love you...don't give up.''

Helen lost it at that moment. As Dr. Will Zimmerman died in her arms she screamed, shooting all around her at everything, every surface, but unaware of any hits or misses. She couldn't stop screaming and couldn't keep her trigger finger still. All she knew was she couldn't bear to lose anyone else on this horrible day.

 

[slippedhalo]

Lucy cowered in the big, gentle, giant's arms as he carried her away from the scene of so much death and destruction. He took her to the main house. It was like another world, it felt peaceful there even in the darkness. With a grumble about something he set Lucy down on a soft settee and wrapped her shivering body in a quilt before he lit a fire in the fireplace. He then sat beside her. She knew he had a weapon on him if it was needed and this made her feel a little safer. He sat there, staring at the flickering flames in the hearth, he settled right beside her while she silently wept until all her tears had dried up. Finally, after it felt like forever had passed she felt brave enough to reach out with her mind again. ''Patricia...where are you?''

She heard the sound of sobs. She felt the grief as if it were in her own heart and she had to close up shop quickly to protect herself from the black abyss of the woman's depression. Lucy shivered again and this time the Big Guy picked her up and set her onto his lap. He began to hum something then sang softly. She'd never heard the language this song used but it was interesting to her ear and the melody was soothing. She rested her head against him. He smelled a little bit like wet dog but he was so kind she didn't mind much. She listened to the song and tried not to think too much about what was happening to her family in all the realms where battles were being fought currently and she was so small and helpless to do anything...it frustrated her. ''I hate being little.'' she said softly.

He seemed to understand her woe even though he himself had likely never been so small as she, ever. He stroked her hair and began a new sort of lullaby. It's not fair. Lucy silently lamented. Tears began anew.

 

[Asa]

What was this... he felt so much more than when he was alive... was this... no there was no heaven or hell... not for him. James was right they needed him... all of them. Suddenly he was pulled to her... his Helen in to
e to she the demon fleeing some poor half dead creature. He saw young William beginning to leave his body and James words echoing. Grabbing William he pulled him back into his body and seemed to fall into the young body as well.

Can't have both of us leave old boy too much h work to do family to save and all that... Now now boy I can't kill you in here I need a less broken body to help our family.

Making the body stand he looked to Helen... and in a strange chorusof both his and Wills voice said...

Stiffupper Lip Helen.... we have a war to fight I know where young Lyda is... lets go now....gotta be ready to handle.the feeder worm and Worth. Now we run.

With that the body turned and tried to run passing.g through a hidden chamber in the wall. Kate had followed with Declan and Isis and were a few steps behind them hearing Johns voice and Wills from the same body.

 

[slippedhalo]

Helen was beyond confusion as Will stood, moving remarkably like...like John would if confined to the small space of Will's shorter form, how...odd. The hole in her lover's chest was closing itself up as if he were a character from Terminator and not a real, non-Abnormal, human being. She reached out her hand to touch the new pink skin covering a once fatal hole in Will's chest. "Will?" she asked, her voice scratchy and hoarse from her screaming earlier.

He smirked, also a very un-Will-like expression, this particular half grin, ''In a manner of speaking, darling, but I'm here as well...and my apologies for the speech earlier...and for trying to kill you. I would say it wasn't really me but you've heard that whole song and dance before and are likely as exhausted by it as I am to have had to relive it again.''

She gasped, ''Oh my God! John?''

He shrugged apologetically, ''My apologies. I know it's not what you were expecting. Me neither, to be honest. I'd been welcoming death...If it helps to know, William is in here but he's somewhat in shock. It may be a while before he can take control of his body well enough to form coherent speech.

Helen nodded. ''Alright...um, I guess we'll have to deal with this later. For now we need to stop the endless killing this bloody demon keeps causing.''

''Agreed.'' said John/Will.

Helen shuddered again. This whole situation was so freaky.



>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>


Nikola Tesla had just gotten his baby to sleep when he heard the emergency announcement and the strain in Helen's voice as she called for help. He looked into the face of angelic little Nikole and realized he'd have to move her. Helen needed his help. As much as he wanted to stay out of the line of fire he also knew he'd never let anyone or anything harm his Helen if he could prevent it. With a sigh he hefted the small newborn and gently loaded her sleeping form into the carrier. It took only a minute to find Bigfoot who was already looking after a terrified little Magnus child. That prolific Gregory Magnus, old dog, had managed to create another little marvel almost as adorable as little Nikole and likely to grow to be a beauty just like her big sister one day...so strange, such an odd family and now in his own way he was a part of it through his having fathered Nikole. He set the baby carefully onto the settee beside Bigfoot and the child and announced, ''I must be off to help the lady of the house. Please look after her granddaughter. I'll be back for her when I can.''

''This isn't a daycare, Tesla.'' grumbled Biggie.

Nikola chuckled at that, ''Yes, you're no Mary Poppins, I'll give you that. But, I do trust you. I trust few people, Sasquatch, know that. It means something. Let no harm come to her. I'll be back soon. I promise I'll bring Helen back alive if you promise to keep these children alive.''

''I don't have to promise. You know I will.''

Tesla nodded, satisfied. He set off to find Helen.

 

[Asa]

Worth seemed to be studying her to the normal eye as if deciding where to cut first but in truth the demonwas taunting the destroyer before it. James while trapped where he stood like the woman weeping beside him his mind was still free. There was one shot at his before te demon might realize what was happening. His mind called out to the most likely target to hear him... an undead... Nikola

Old boy I don't know if you can track me or this mental call but get here... Save Lyda... I know.your feelings for her Nikola and I know you would be honorable to never harm her... help her... the creature that possessed John... and Worth... and who knows who else is a demon bent on destroying everyone Gregory loves.

He paused seeing Will... or was it John... no.... it was both.

Nikola track William find her by finding William... hurry. This demon is trying to make Worth kill her.

The pendant that James had the old.woman give Helen seemed to warm the closer it got to Lyda. Upon inspection it was emitting some form of sound in a very strange frequency range. Then they could hear her. An unmistakable roar. While helping Helen hunt an unknown creature in Belize long ago Isis had roared in that very strange tone as well... Destroyer. Lyda looked to Will/ John and snarled.

Helen get Worth I will try to free her from this stone...

Worth laughed

John and. Concubine you can't get her out of that you're not strong enough plus... Roger said she needed to die... that it was time. Step aside concubine.

Ignoring Worth but holding questions now for this DeBlythe corpse Will/John looked to Lyda... thyself it girl... fight it.. removing the worm might kill you but... attempting to lend his strength to Will they bashed at the stone and while pieces did chip away Worth was right they were not strong enough alone to do it.

John could see her slipping closer to death due to that blasted worm on the back of her neck knowing with how weak she is its vine like tendrils are probably well imbedded in her spine and brainstem preventing him from ripping it.from her. Strange... he was not sure what hurt worse the fact that he could not save her or that even his death let his dear friends down a failure even in death.

 

[slippedhalo]

''Fascinating...'' Tesla commented aloud as he heard the voice telling him where to go and what to do, unmistakably good old James Watson. ''Watson, dear boy, you just can't let go of life, can you?'' he teased as he made his way to where he saw Will struggling to control his body...or was it John struggling to control Will's body? And, he followed ''them'' to the scene of a horribly bloody spectacle of medical science gone horribly wrong. The old Deatheater was lying there unconscious, about to be sliced into by the mad man himself. It was easy enough for Nikola to vamp himself, leap across the room and slash the man's throat. He checked the woman's vital signs. She'd live. But, he checked Worth and was relieved to find him quite dead.

Nikola was still hoping to find Lyda, though. He imagined her lovely nubile body covered in blood and decided it would not do at all. He patted Will/Druitt on the shoulder, ''Come now, men, let's save the princess, shall we?'' he said, hoping they'd know where to find Lyda.

Helen was not far after them. She looked...spooked. He paused, hoping she hadn't been possessed as well, but she blinked away tears and he saw her humanity there. This wasn't demon possession, simply shock and grief he was seeing. He wrapped an arm around her and was surprised when she leaned into him for a brief hug. Wow, she really was rattled to not even have enough wit about her to spurn his affections...His smirk faded to a concerned expression and he murmured into her ear, ''Helen, you alright?''

She shook her head, ''No, Nico, I'm not.''

He held her closer for a moment, kissing her temple and asked, ''What can I do?''

Her voice cracked as she whispered, ''Help me to make this stop.''

He put his bravado back on and watched in amazement as she did as well. Such a strong woman...it made his heart ache to see it. He said gruffly, ''Then, let's get to it. I assume even a demon has an ass to kick.'' and they set off after Will/John in search of the next site they may find themselves needed.

 

[Asa]

If he could John would have used Worth to bust through this crystalline stone holding James daughter to the wall. He/Will turned t look at Worth the demon and its seeming captive audience and roared out.

What's wrong demon... have to attack the poor girl trapped in stone and fragile ghosts... tormenting the living cause you can not affect me any more Coward! Here I am new body and all... BRING IT! What's wrong Worth can't fiht a simple demon.... I am disappointed old boy... I once thought better of you... you let me down.

He was backing Worth away from Lyda with determined almost predatory steps Will was working with him ha in heard Helen and Nikola nearby so they had to buy them a little time both hoping Helen would shoot wound Worth so hey could help Nikola with Lyda. It was strange but stuck like this for now they both learned alot about the other and why Helen had and does love both of them.

The demon tried to turn to Watson but soon had the near assault of its greatest triumph to to us on as Worth tried to talk their way out of Druitts wrath.

Johnny... concubine... Roger said she had.to die... that Helen would understand... or was it that she signed off on it? Roger and Helen's will and that's what we all follow right... queen Helen's orders....

Worth laughed then holding up the hunting knife to have it violently smacked away by Will/John. Then he lifted the scalpel and John paused only to growl...

May I see that Worth.... really should show the proper way to use that... what should we carve William... his face or arms first. Will tried to call out independent of John.


Helen HURRY UP!

 

[YoungLisa]

The sudden jolt from the bullet exploding in her back was so fast Iris did not even feel the pain. In a moment, in an instant she knew that her spirit, her very essence had never really inhabited the shell that was her cloned body. Druitt had killed her in 1888 and she had in effect remained dead. Free from her body she knew she would have to go back to the waiting game, waiting for Helen who would one day join her in the Spirit Realm.

Yet she knew she would even now be able to help. Beyond time and space she sought to be a protective influence on her friend. And she would be for ever until they would be reunited.

In the machine Worth had made de Blythe and Melaven bounced between reality and time, between matter and spirit, outside of space itself. A huge explosion rocked them as the engine began to fail. Looking at Melaven de Blythe sighed “It seems I’ve finally done it. I’ve destroyed the very fabric of our existence and we’re bound together for all eternity. This is everywhere yet nowhere. And it’s for all eternity.”

 

[slippedhalo]

Patricia moved from the man beside her, a could've been son-in-law had her daughter been the marrying type. He was very intelligent, kind in a systematic sort of way, she could see what her overly studious child might have seen in him. And, he was a contrastingly straight forward fellow to the one who'd fooled her and took her flower...although from her new understanding of things even that one had not been as evil as she'd once thought. Not at all such a bad man now that Patricia knew it was her demon who'd forced his hand in those terrible crimes he'd committed back then. Patricia had no idea then or she would have tried to stop it all. Even whores deserved better endings than to be tortured and sliced up by a demon possessed madman...but, alas, Patricia regretted that until recently she'd truly trusted the demon believing him when he posed to her as an angel. She thought somehow she'd erred in life but having not such a blackened soul as some who cross over that this angel had been sent to her to help her, to prepare her for death, teach her to let go of the living, and move on to eventually earn her own place in the afterlife. It all seemed so sensible and beautiful when he explained it that she believed it. A hot coal of hatred burned in her now as she realized this was never true. He had actually led her astray and nearly isolated her completely from all that would be heavenly and soul nourishing, even worse, from those she loved who still lived on in the corporeal world. Damn him for that! She thought bitterly, meaning it quite literally.

James Watson saw her shift in expression and read her non-body language well. He made a vow this would not end in the demon's victory. She liked him for this steadfastness. Helen had been foolish to let this one go simply because they had both put their work first. Some decisions made with pure logic could be even dumber than purely emotional ones, thought Patricia.

Tentatively, she glanced out of the window in the ether to see how the humans were faring. ''It's not enough. Even if they win this battle. He's got all the advantage in the war. They have no idea who they're fighting.'' she complained.

The ''room'' grew colder and the walls and ceiling shrank inward, forcing Patricia and James to move to the center. She shivered and wept again, ''He hears us even now. This will never end! Perhaps I should just give in and let him have me to himself!'' she suggested, miserable at the notion of eternity with that demon in control of her every experience.

A new breeze came up from the ether beyond the illusion of the room. It was not cold and dark with foreboding like the demon's conscious presence often felt, this was warm, it smelled of sunshine and laughter, and she felt compelled to look around seeking it. ''Do you feel that? Something's shifted in the waiting world here. Something feels...lighter. I wonder why.''

 

[slippedhalo]

''Oh, Darling, please don't despair!''
It was painful, he could see her and hear her talking to James but she seemed to not see him...When he reached out to her she felt him, though. He could tell in how she relaxed. When her fear lessened he saw the face of the love of his life. She was so beautiful when she was happy. He'd never seen her this scared in life, never. Not even when she lie on her deathbed and faced leaving him and their child behind, even then she looked stoic and accepting but not at all fearful. Seeing her afraid hurt deeply.

He wanted to help her. He was here but not fully enough. His spirit wasn't heavy enough to have presence in this darkness. Gregory had an idea how to solve that.

***************************************************************************
Raina watched with unshed tears in her eyes as the man she had secretly loved for a decade had finally been punished for his interference in Praxis culture. She'd tried to save him, tried to change the minds of the council but to campaign too much would have also led to suspicion, taking her own power to help him and to save their child from discovery away in the process. So, she took her time, talked to the right people, and thought she was getting somewhere. Lucy had been smuggled out of Praxis to a safer location along with some key members of Abnormal races. She was told by her operatives they were safely in hiding. Her heart ached but she knew it was necessary...detachment would be necessary to do what was right here...She'd gotten Gregory an interview with two of the heads of the Council. Things looked good...Then, she was notified there would be a public execution and to be there in one hour. It seemed Gregory Magnus had not charmed them the way she'd felt he would. He'd done a better job on her.

She had to hide her emotion as they took his body down from the dangling electrified system. She saw the voltage. This was no false death as they sometimes do to first time offenders. This was irrevocable.

*****************************************************************************
Gregory Magnus had asked to die and now he was apparently not dead enough to help his wife. Or was it, he was not dark enough? It disturbed him to think he might have to do something horrible just to be able to speak with his Patricia.

But, soon this worry was abated. She might not see him or hear him but the demon could. Gregory Magnus turned his golden light form to face the massive dark cloud which housed the spirit of the demon obsessed with the woman he'd vowed to always love and protect. intimidated, yes, but he would not back down now. He'd come this far. It was time to fight for his family and their well being.

 

[slippedhalo]

Helen began to shoot where needed, providing cover fire despite hating to have to shoot Worth or de Blythe if she didn't have to. Too much death today...but she knew lives were at stake still and this was triage.

Tesla shot forward vamping as he ran, looking cat-like in his graceful leap as he made it to his destination. He'd spotted Lyda, trapped in ice. And used his strong nails like a pick as he punched his right arm forward with a powerful thrust, creating a massive hole and cracking the rest enough to shred. He would have thought it amusing to see the ''snow'' he was causing as he shred the ice with superhuman speed but he stopped when he felt the melting warmth to know he was close enough to tear skin if he went further. He pulled back his nails and smiled at Lyda, ''Sleeping Beauty should be kissed awake, right?'' he asked smirking as he saw the worm thing about to leave Lyda and strike out at him, but grasping it with both hands he murmured, ''Oh, no, no. You, buddy, need to leave the pretty people alone today.''

Will/John hurried forward holding a containment unit. They knew Helen would love to study the thing even if all concerned would rather see it die.

 

[Asa]

Isis was seeing both sides of the veil as she charged in. Father was there but not there not a level to fight the.creature before him. Moving she stood beside him with a roar. The energy of death and combat hanging heavy from her granting more to draw from to solidify him in the spirit world. The bodyof Worth stopped as the creature saw what happened. Father and daughter standing ready to attack.

Isis... the demon hissed glad you could join us. Now Patricia can see all of you die!

The swirling mass laughed the solid portion of the demon still hiding in Worth's nearly dead body. Isis roared again her features and form.fully shifted in to the feline human "monster" the demon had tried to call.her to Patricia who Isis saw standing there trapped crying and James. It was using them nowher rage was beyond even her control seeing her mother and her lover trapped by this thing.

Naomi was nearly.dead her body heavy as she found them she looked to Helen as she spoke.

Gregory needs both of his girls... stand strong by your sister... united to save Patricia and the others.

With that the old.woman sank to the floor dead. Lending her old friend her energy in death as well. One thin Gregory never realized about her kind was the bond was not to one of a bloodline but to the family as a whole. Lyda in soul and spirit was their family so Naomi could aid all of them now.

Will/John watched the worm try to shift to Nikola and John seemed truly surprised. Will held out the containment unit to Tesla as John said only one thing.

We have the little vermin Nikola get her out of here.

Enough Lyda's mind screamed trapped within itself silent to those around it. Willing herself not to leave this fight so easily her body slumped seeming dead in Nikola arms as she moved to stand beside Patricia and her father.

Take my hands both of you time to cut its power base.

She held her hands out to them and felt both hands snap into hers. First the strong grasp o her father then the sobbing shaking hand of her grandmother. She smiled and leading the way willing to sacrifice herself moved them to stand united with the others. Placing Patricia safely and squarely behind the family with her father flanking her mother. Able only to get out the words Bring It to the demon before getting forced back to he body.

 

[slippedhalo]

Lucy Magnus gasped and put out a small hand to cover Bigfoot's mouth, stifling his song. She closed her eyes and ventured to see what was happening on the other side...Her eyes opened wide in shock at what she witnessed. ''There's going to be a battle. Magnus's against demon..." Sliding off of the big guy's lap she backed out of the room before he could stop her. She shook her head apologetically, ''I'm sorry. They need me. I'm the bridge to help them communicate.'' and she was off, running in her brand new shoes, click clacking, as Mary Janes do, to make her way to her sister's side.

She entered the lab where Helen stood looking steely and yet sad and took hold of her hand, ''Come, sister. They need all of our energies in this battle. We can't get her back into our realm but we can let her out of HIS.''

Calling out she shouted, her child's voice booming with unusual authority, ''DEMON, LEAVE MY FATHER'S WIFE! LEAVE MY FAMILY ALONE! YOU WERE ALONE FOR MILLIONS OF YEARS BECAUSE YOU DESERVE TO BE ALONE. TOGETHER WE WILL FIGHT, TO OUR DEATHS, TO OUR DAMNATION. IT DOESN'T MATTER BECAUSE WE KNOW AS LONG AS WE STAND TOGETHER WE ARE NEVER ALONE. YOU, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE. STOP TRYING TO MAKE YOUR EXISTENCE BETTER BY FEEDING OFF OF OTHERS. YOU ARE N-O-T-H-I-N-G. NOTHING FROM NOTHING SHOULD GO BACK TO BEING NOTHING. Disappear and never return, vile demon. GO TO HELL!''

The strength of her words was magnified by the strong desire of the others with her on both sides to vanquish him, to send him to hell and rescue the trapped souls he's tortured for so long. The power of Magnus was magnified as they all concentrated their energy on the girl's words. Lucy didn't know why they came to her but as she said them they stood out like lights in the night sky, each bright, burning, a sun to add life to the coldness of the dark he tried to envelope them in. She warmed it, Gregory shed light on it, together with the power their loved ones amplified it was like melting a glacier but it was working.

 

[Asa]

Lyda now back in her body fought first to move her body then to free herself of the hands fighting to make her lay down. Her eyes flew open staring through Will/John and Tesla her voice low and lethal as she.spoke.

Either help me get to the others or get out of my way... NOW!

Will started to protest as John.reminded all of them there that she.was a Magnus and in the times of greatest need would do.as her family and sacrifice life and limb for anyone in this place then he spoke to her.

I promised.your father I would protect you my dear and that is just what we are going to do.

With that he picked her up carrying her back to the.others and placing her near Helen Lucy and Isis.

 

[slippedhalo]

Nikola watched with awe as Lyda and Isis stood side by side with Helen and little Lucy. They all had their eyes closed, seeing something he felt he'd never truly be able to be a part of, a plane beyond mortality. Yes, vampires could die but he had no idea if there was an afterlife for a being who's sole purpose in life was to feed upon the lives of other sentient beings...
They were a gorgeous sight, all feminine beauty and strength, all determination of will and pure good. He could feel in his gut that if they were fighting anything together those females would be a force to reckon with.

And, just as a stray thought occurred to him it seemed it had also occurred to Biggie who burst through the door, mewling newborn held out in his arms. His deep voice rumbled, ''She won't settle down. Ever since Lucy left...I was wondering, since she's also of the Magnus blood, perhaps she wanted to be with her family.''

Nikola's paternal protective instincts flared for a moment and he was angered by this. ''You don't bring babies into the fray of a battle!'' he yelled but inside he knew this was the right thing to do when the baby set her eyes upon Helen and the others and instantly quietened. It would have been quite remarkable to an outsider.

Helen held out her arms and Bigfoot gently laid the infant there to be cradled by her ever-young grandmother. The baby smiled serenely and then closed her eyes just as the rest did too. Onlookers gasped collectively as they all saw the same amazing thing, both the little ones looked like they were glowing with some sort of inner light shining itself outward!

Nikola recalled his father's preaching back when he was a young boy and had, for the first time ever, a sense of what his father had meant when he spoke of the ''purity of spirit in the young''.
Yes, these two were so close to pure goodness their efforts in this battle now actually caused their souls to shine. They would be the best help of all in this fight against the demon. Evil has never been able to dim a light as bright as that of one as pure as angels themselves! Children, the younger they are the stronger it is, the bright light of their pure souls was as powerful as a heavenly spirit.

He whispered his epiphany drawing an amazed stare from Druitt/Will, ''Of course...The younger you are the closer to an angelic spirit you are.'' Nikola sighed at this realization and the lovely simplicity of it was soothing.

 

[Asa]

Gregory could see and feel them all around him as he looks to Isis and Lucy.

On the count of three Isis sever his link to the physical... 1... 2... 3!

Instinctually and the tugging count to three by Lucy Isis lifted her arm claws ready and bringing them down into a lethal arc. Connecting first with Worthwhile shoulder neck and chest. Blood sprayed out over the assembled physical beings as Lyda roared and tried to step closer only to feel a little foot kick out from Helen's arms as if to stop her. Looking briefly to the smiling unafraid face o the baby and stopped resuming her stance of energy aid.

The demon fought to maintain its connection to Worth's body against the assault by Isis. Its eyes looking to Patricia as it made an attempt saying only one word... Flying.

Gregory and the other spirits now revealing themselves call by the purity of the hung and the roars of their own kind surrounding the combatants and the area preventing any aid to get to the demon.

 

[slippedhalo]

The telepathic abnormals in The Sanctuary picked up on what was happening with the Magnus clan and quickly spread the word to the other inhabitants. Soon the standoff shifted dramatically. Every Sanctuary abnormal who could was reaching out and calling upon their own energies, ancestors passed, loved ones and deceased friends, all to come to Gregory Magnus' aid as he locked in melee with the treacherous demon of no place.

Gregory looked up to find he suddenly had an army of abnormals, all spirits deceased but kept from their rightful paradise through sometimes bigotry, often deceit...his own army of lost souls all now united to one purpose. Destroy the demon.

Gregory Magnus grinned at Patricia who'd been mollified as the demon reminded her of the addiction he'd carefully fostered to control her, ''flying''...Gregory felt sorry for her in her shame, knowing through his own battle with drink how seductive some addictions could be...and flight...How could she have known it was a form of mind control and to those in this realm akin to dangerous, mind altering sex? Gregory shook his ''head'' at the demons' desperate last minute ploy.

The game had changed. The army of Magnus was winning now. They had him surrounded and wrapped in their light and it was eating away at his filthy, smoggy darkness.

A bright blue light moved through the edge of the crowd, cutting through it with ease and standing out in not just color but in focused intensity. Who was it? He wondered looking to Patricia who'd stood to join the circle of others at his side in the fight. But, she clearly was as surprised as her husband, 'blue eyes wide' in anticipation.

They watched the blue light move forward until it burst through the circle and jumped behind the spiritual form of the demon, surrounding him in her light with a laugh that made Gregory's heart dance to hear...
...Ashley Magnus had found the strength even after a bout of medical torture held her between life and death, to bring the final destructive blow to the demon.
''I vanquish thee. To HELL with your remains! Be gone and never shall you harm another soul, living or dead!'' and as she spoke the gold, white, and blue light collapsed his darkness into non-existence. He was gone.

A cheer rang out through those in the universe who were privileged enough to be in the know.

Helen grinned at Lyda just before Nikola hugged the young woman in triumph. Helen reached down an arm to embrace Lucy while cuddling her grand daughter. Lucy then jumped into Will/John's arms and hugged them, ''It's over!'' she cheerfully announced as Tesla patted him on the back looking relieved and Isis and Helen hugged with exhausted joy. She nearly kissed Will but seeing John lingering there behind his eyes gave her pause enough to make all three of them uncomfortable and Helen went back to celebrating with her two sisters.

On the other plane celebration rang out far and wide. A party began and Gregory Magnus got to dance with his first wife, Patricia, for the first time in nearly two lifetimes.

''The majority of them won't be eager to leave us now, '' said Patricia, her warm smile had replaced her tearful, mortified anger of before, to Gregory's great satisfaction. ''They now feel they have a sense of purpose and a leader of sorts. They won't give it up easily. They're lost too, darling. Maybe we could help them find where they belong and keep them safe and cared for in the interim.'' She suggested lovingly.

Gregory smiled at this so wide his 'dimples' showed. ''You mean you think we should start a Sanctuary here for the abnormals' spirits?''

''For all lost spirits.'' She amended.

He nodded, chuckling, ''Yes. How appropriate. I think I should, indeed.''

 

[Asa]

Henry ran over to Isis who after hugging Helen hugged him as well till she realized for an instance she could still feel Gregory and Patricia. She looked to them and smiled only to hear Gregory speak... she could not fully make out his words her pull to both worlds fading though the smile on mothers face seemed to say it all.

Gregory looked between them as he spoke... I never should have kept you two apart and I am sorry. I was wrong thinking I knew better than a mother's love... forgive me.

They were gone from her vision and Isis turned back to the others hugging Henry close to her as she shifted back down to human form. She did not see John/Will slip something to Henry but she did sense John fading and looked to him...

Farewell old friend... if you wish a body there are always the hollow ones... no fear now of possession.

Lyda finally gave in to her wounds and exhaustion as she slumped slightly in Nikola's embrace. Looking into his eyes she smirked

I do believe you still owe me a new years kiss... old boy...

She could not resist tossing in what she had heard her father call him as she winked. If anyone saw them standing there Kate and Declan locked finally in a deep and true kiss. Worth finally freed once and for all from this world simply dropped to dust.

 

[slippedhalo]

Tesla waggled his eyebrows at Will unsure if John was still in there or not but not really caring as he leaned down to kiss Lyda without further provocation needed.

Helen was surprised at that having had no clue Nikola and Lyda had any attraction to one another but wasn't as uncomfortable with Nikola kissing Isis & James' daughter as she had been with the sight of him rutting her daughter a couple of months back. But, as she snuggled little Nikole she realized she'd already forgiven him. The result of his horrible mistake was a treasure and now that Helen had likely lost the baby's mother, her own child, forever now it was some comfort to her to have the grandchild around in her stead. This train of thought had Helen suddenly feeling quite a huge sense of loss and sadness in contrast to all the celebrating going on all around her. She moved away from the crowd of happy faces and took a seat in the chair near the door, shifting the baby to lie against her shoulder as she nuzzled Nikole's soft head, using it to shield the others from her tears.

Lucy was celebrating in two places at once which was great for her. It was wonderful to feel like she was important and belonged for a change. But, Patricia had noticed something somewhere in the living realm and called Lucy's attention to it. The little girl separated herself from the others to go to where Helen sat alone with the baby by the door. Father and Patricia told her Helen needed something from her so she went to her older sister and saw tears on Helens' face. ''Helen, would you take my hands please?'' she asked softly.

Helen shook her head, feeling bad for drawing attention to herself in any way which she had not meant to do. She sighed, ''I can't, Lucy, the baby...''

''I'll have to touch both sides of your face then.'' interrupted Lucy who wasn't going to be deterred from her purpose. She reached out, first gently wiping Helen's tears from her cheeks, then set her hands on either side of the woman's face and whispered, ''Close your eyes and I can let you see and hear them.''

Helen had a sense of what Lucy was talking about after all of this other side business with the battle against the demon so she listened to Lucy and closed her eyes.

Her mother and their father stood there against a blank backdrop, a crowd of many nondistinct figures of various people and creatures moved behind them, dancing in their own celebration. Her parents smiled at her knowingly, 'We did it, Helen. Thank you so much for the assistance from your side. We couldn't have done it without you, darling.' said her mother.

''Mother, I've wished I could talk with you for so long. I've missed you so much!" Helen exclaimed.

Patricia smiled and nodded, her own eyes brimming with tears as she shared the memory from her perspective as well, 'I know the feeling, my dear. But, as long as we have Lucy we'll be able to communicate with each other always.'

Helen reached up a hand to pat Lucy's hand, ''I know. She's very special. I promise to take very good care of her.''

Her father, the father of both of them, looked genuinely touched and quite relieved. 'Thank you, Helen. And, you know I will also look after your daughter as well...She's the one, you know, everyone had a part in his demise and no part could have functioned without the aid of the others but Ashley...SHE vanquished him. She has a strong energy, stronger because she's chosen to be here, like myself. It's why our aural colors still show. Our life forces still had time left and we chose to pass, and chose to be at this specific time and place for this purpose. It gave the battle an unusually potent power, this combination of living, dead, and people in an alternating frequency between both. ' He moved slightly and Ashley stood beside him smiling.

''Hi mom. Please don't cry over me. I'm ok.'' she said.

Helen was speechless. This was more than what she could have hoped for.

Ashley continued, ''Take care of my baby.I do think Tesla loves her and will do his best but...well, keep an eye on him too, ok?''

Helen could only nod like an idiot, her voice caught in her throat.

''I don't know if I'll want to come back or not. They need me here right now. Did you know they're starting an afterlife version of Sanctuary?''

Helen's jaw dropped, ''...really?'' she managed.

All three laughed, 'There's a lot of abnormals here, and others, a lot of lost souls.' explained Gregory. 'Your mother and I think it would be good for us to help them, make them comfortable and give them a place to belong...'

''A place to be while they're nowhere until they find out where they should go.'' said Ashley.

Helen chuckled with them all now. She saw John and James in the background, embrace in a brotherly hug before waving to her. They were alright and they were there to help her family on the other side. This was the best news. ''Has anyone seen Iris over there?'' she asked.

Her parents and Ashley shook their heads, 'No. But, that's not something to feel sad about. It means she's gone on to where she should go. No waiting in this in-between place for her. Good for Iris. Let her spirit find it's paradise and be happy.' said Patricia. Helen nodded, she supposed her mother had the most idea of how things worked than any of them and she'd trust that explanation.

Helen felt Lucy's fingers shift on her face and she knew the girl likely needed a break. She said her goodbyes and they promised her that through Lucy they'd be able to speak again any time. When the connection was broken Helen opened her eyes and smiled at her little sister, ''Thank you, Lucy. That helped me feel so much better to know they are alright and we can talk anytime.''

Lucy shrugged, ''No problem.'' she said, standing on tiptoe to look into the baby's face and kiss her little cheek. '''Death isn't the end, Helen. Don't worry.''

 

[Asa]

Isis moved over to her sisters crouching down a smock wrapped around her. She knew Ashley was no longer with them but looked to the baby and smiled gently nudging her little hand with hers as the baby clamped its tiny grip on her finger. She moved her other hand to Helen's shoulder looking between Helen and Lucy. She had always been family but always a loner... till now. Standing with them had brought back those memories of childhood and being a family as she looked to Helen knowing she would understand better...

Loner... no more...

She looked to Lucy as she finished

Family... always.

Will's voice seemed to carry as he tried that same level of command he felt while John was housed there with him.

Fine you got the kissed he owed you now back to Medical and that's an order.

He looked a little nervous about tryingto sound that commanding as Henry just shook his head and looked to the item in his hand and moved away from the group intent on hiding what it was for now.

Lyda tried to regain her footing and balance nodding to Will knowing he was right then looking to Nikola and weakly nipped at his chin as she slowly tried to make her way back to medical. Will then noticed Kate and Declan and simply laughed.

I knew it... bout time.

 

[YoungLisa]

Being outside of both time and space de Blythe and Melaven found their sense of being was becoming distorted to such an extent they felt themselves to be omnipresent and yet nowhere. Turning to Melaven de Blythe said “This is what it must feel like to be a god, yet I don’t feel very god like.”

Watching from a distance what was unfolding in the Sanctuary Melaven looked at Ashley. “Back in those days when I shared a body with her I knew something of what family life must be like. Her mother really loves her and she loves her mother. I wish … I wish … but it’s too late now.”

“Ashley has given everything in that battle” de Blythe said with a concerned sigh “I fear her cloned body and spirit are about to separate and Helen will go through bereavement again. Only this time …”

“You love her don’t you?” Melaven asked “You two go back a long time.”

“We do” de Blythe admitted “Ever since I first set eyes upon her I loved her, I wanted her. O I had my chance a few months back when she and I were alone in her office. Don’t think I wasn’t tempted to force myself upon her but all we would have had was forced sex. I would have hated myself for all eternity and all for a few moments of breathless passion. Who knows? One day she might have willingly joined me in bed but who knows now? ”

“Now even though you are now like a god you have to watch as her daughter, the one thing she loves is taken from her. Unless …Unless …” Melaven thought for a moment “My life, my existence has been worthless, useless. Since I was turned I’ve done nothing but live for myself, my own lusts. Is there any way we can get of here? Can we make one last use of our power?”

“But even if we did” de Blythe admitted “it would only be on one plain on one life. Somewhere there would be an alternative universe where another Helen and Ashley live and in that one we would fail.”

“So … there is another dimension where you did rape Helen Magnus?”

“The thought doesn’t bear thinking about but … yes there is.”

“So somewhere there is another de Blythe and Melaven also stuck in this place which is everywhere and nowhere?” Melaven frowned “So sometime, somewhere we will one day meet them.”

“Meaning that if we can cross into one of their universes there has to be a machine built by Worth that did not get destroyed!” Taking Melaven’s face into his hands de Blythe exclaimed “You are a genius!”

It was then that the reality of the situation struck home. In the journey through space and time the very fabric of the temporal universe had been disturbed. The Melaven who was with de Blythe now was not the one who had begun the journey with him. Somehow the two had become detached from their own dimensions and had crossed over. This meant there was a danger the Universe itself could begin to unravel as atoms and molecules reversed their polarity.

“What if we could go back to before any of this happened?” Seeing the questions form in Melaven’s eyes de Blythe continued “We need to focus on Ashley and try to use the polarity reversal as a source of energy. If we can do that we can not only save her but reverse the damage caused by Worth’s machine.”

Being outside of time de Blythe and Melaven were able to concentrate on the task ahead of them. In thought they went back in time to watch the events in the Sanctuary unfold as slowly the time for the battle with the demon came and went. To them eons passed by but in the material world just a few a seconds. Suddenly they were at the point where separation of body soul were about to take place. Using the power that had been built up de Blythe was able to materialise in front of the young girl.

Ashley could sense her life essence leaving her and she cried out for her mother. Hovering above her own body she saw de Blythe appear from the ethers in time to reverse decomposition. Melaven used the energy she had to make a force field thus preventing interference from the others. Again time stood still as life was once again restored to Ashley Magnus.

When Melaven was sure Ashley was fully conscious she relaxed the force field. Seeing her mother’s concern Ashley hurriedly said “Mother, relax. He means me no harm. Somehow all this action brought about a premature decay to my body’s cells. You would have lost me for ever. I don’t know how or why but somehow Roger and Melaven have saved my life.”

Looking directly at Helen de Blythe bowed “At your service Madam!”

 

[slippedhalo]

de Blythe stood by, watching the people around him in celebration. He knew he'd just fixed time so that he and Ashley would both be alive to see it but none of the rest of them seemed to, although Bigfoot seemed to smell something a little bit 'off' in the air, just not something he could identify.

Helen snuggled the baby a little more and then handed her over to Nikola who seemed eager to have his daughter back in his arms again.

Lucy looked about ready to doze off soon herself. Helen looked down at her wristwatch and her eyes widened at the realization of time having flown by...
''Lucy, it's nearly midnight. No wonder you look so tired!''

The four year old genius medium yawned wide and shrugged, ''There was kinda a lot to worry about other than a bedtime schedule before, don't you think?'' she asked casually. Normally, she'd resist bedtime with more gusto but truthfully she was beyond shattered with exhaustion and thought her new bed sounded like a fabulous idea soon. She let Helen lift her up into her arms, wrapped her legs around Helen's waist, and rested her head on her motherly big sister's shoulder with another uncontrollable yawn.

''Bed with you, now, little one. And, starting tomorrow you'll be groomed, dressed for bed, and have had a story well before seven o clock. I think a four year old girl should be in bed and drifting off by seven.''

Ashley winked at Lucy and smiled at her mom as they passed on their way out of the room.

As Helen walked out of the room carrying Lucy, Will joined her at her side, his hand resting on the child's back as he heard the comment and nodded, ''Yes, seven tomorrow. Got it?''

Lucy sighed, ''Nooo, eight...''

''Seven.'' said the two adults.

''Seven thirty.'' tried the child stubbornly.

Will thought he could broker some compromise which would earn some brownie points with both Magnus women here so he said, ''Maybe we could strike this for a deal, seven o clock on weekdays and maybe if you've had a good day, seven fifteen on weekends. Does that work, ladies?''

Helen nodded, her eyes sparkled as she could now tell this was all Will and she was so glad to have him back without anyone else sharing his body.

Lucy would have agreed but it came out in a mumble. She was already dozing off. They quietly got her into her pajamas and under her bedcovers, careful not to wake her in the process.

Will liked this side of Helen, he rarely got to see her do parent-like things since his coming to the Sanctuary was when Ashley was already grown. It was nice to see this side of his girlfriend. He could see in her expression she was thinking much the same thing of him.

''She'll need a regular routine and people she can count on.'' said Helen once the door to Lucy's room had been shut behind them. ''Will, it's a lot to ask of you but...''

He put a finger to her lips to stop her doubt. ''I'll be here for you, for both of you. You won't have to parent alone this time. I want to make sure this works out. Lucy and you both deserve this.'' he said.

''I thought you'd been killed, Will...'''she said, her voice breaking and eyes filling with tears at the memory of it. She shook her head and he pulled her close, kissing her passionately.

''I'm here, Helen. And, as glad as I am Druitt saved my life I'm also glad to be rid of his presence in my brain. I'm here, I'm whole, I'm me. And, I wanna live my life with you, Helen. Never doubt how I feel about you.'' He said as they entered the lift and before pressing her to the wall with more kissing, his passion manifesting itself quite physically now.

His relief at reuniting with her became a more pressing need to physically reassert his place in her life with every inch of his manhood. The emergency stop button became his quickest ally in this.

Anyone who needed the lift to the West Wing of the Residential area would have to wait twenty minutes. Helen and Will were busy using it to satisfy carnal needs, somewhere between the fourth and fourth floor.