Date: Wed, 26 Jun 2002 14:49:33 -0700 (PDT) From: Author James <authorjames2002@yahoo.com> Subject: Chronicles of a Real Dark Knight 49 Disclaimer: This story, though maybe not in this chapter but in subsequent chapters, will have celebrities in it. I have no knowledge of their sexuality and this is not intended to imply their sexuality. This is all from my own mind. Scary!! People actually get a glimpse into my mind!!! Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, Angel and all related characters created by Joss Whedon. Copyright 20th Century Fox. Batman, and all related characters created by Bob Kane. Copyright DC Comics and Warner Bros. X-MEN, and all related characters created by Stan Lee. Copyright Marvel Comics and 20th Century Fox. The Vampire Chronicles and all related characters created by Anne Rice. Copyright Anne O'Brien Rice. Harry Potter, Hogwarts, and all related characters created by J.K. Rowling. Copyright Scholastic Press, Inc. I don't know for sure if I will use all the above elements, but just in case, I have myself covered. In this story, which has been floating around in my head most of my life, you will find many universes merging, as the above copyrights reveal. I hope you all enjoy this. I appreciate any feedback that you may want to give. This story doesn't deal so much with sex, sex, sex, but more of my feelings that I struggled with and am starting to come to terms with. Part of his background is mine. I do hope that you enjoy it!!! Any emails you send, please tell me what chapter and story you are commenting on. Thanks. jmsotc@yahoo.com Chapter 49 Resolutions I awoke in the early afternoon. The incident with the Mad Hatter through the night had exhausted me. I was just one big pile of exhausted flesh, I guess. Too much going on and not enough down time between each event for me to recuperate. Thank goodness I was going home soon. How comforting it would be to rest in the arms of Lance. God I missed him so much. After showering and dressing, I went downstairs in time to grab a bite to eat. Everyone else sat at the table eating as well. "Nice of you to join us, Eric," Quentin said. "Good work on the Mad Hatter investigation," Jayce added. "Sadly, though, Mr. Tech is dead." "It is sad when anyone dies," I responded. "He had a brilliant mind. Too bad he used it for corruption and greed." "Yes, well," Quentin said. "With reluctance on my part, Jayce has decided to throw a celebration tonight in honor of the victory over Macai. Everyone who has been involved will be here as well as the influential in the city, members of parliament, team Excalibur, and of course Hyppolyta. Marius has declined even though he said he would enjoy the people. I guess he had more pressing matters to attend to." "Is this a black tie affair?" I asked. "Yes," replied Jayce. "We will get you a tuxedo so don't worry.' I nodded and ate my lunch. Afterward, I walked around the grounds enjoying nature and all the wonders thereof. It wasn't too long before I had to shower and prepare for the party. The tuxedo fit nicely as did the cummerbund. Hopefully I didn't look stupid in the nice clothes and my bald head and deformed features. I still had those scars from the explosion, although they weren't as bad as at the beginning. My goatee was growing out nicely, if that was any consolation, that and my eyebrows were the only spots of hair on my head. A knock came at my door and I answered it to find Harry in a tuxedo looking up at me. "It's time, Eric," he said. "Thanks, Harry. I'll be right down." Harry nodded and left. I went back to the mirror and adjusted my tie. "Well, Eric, you've been through hell for the past few months. Of course, I can't really say which was worse: amnesia for two months after nearly being killed, battling and immortal demon who, in no way, could be harmed, or being away from Lance for so long. I think I will go with being away from Lance. I could face anything as long as he was at my side. "Enjoy yourself tonight. This is going to be the last celebration before leaving for home." I smiled to myself and went out the door. The party below was heard halfway up the stairs. The soft music playing in the background and the murmur of voices as politicians discussed policy and evil fighters discussed the horrors of the world. I was greeted by Harry Potter who was standing at the bottom of the stairs. He looked rather uncomfortable. "What's wrong, Harry?" I asked. "I'm not used to crowds and attention. I've had several people come up to me and congratulate me on my contribution to the battle with Macai. It's rather unreal." "I know what you mean." I patted Harry on the head and went into the crowd looking for Jayce, Quentin, and Hyppolyta. As I walked through the crowd, Prince William walked up to me. "Hi, Eric." "Hi, Will. It's good to see you." "It's good to see you, as well. I'm glad to see you alive. After I first saw you last night, I thought I was dreaming. But Ryan told me Batman was back. I couldn't believe it." "I know. I was going to tell you, honestly. But no sooner had I returned than the Mad Hatter escaped. I have to prioritize." "Of course." I noticed Ryan standing in the corner looking over at William and I. The look he gave me was not just one of concern but one of jealousy. There was something more going on. "Why is Ryan looking at me like that?" I asked the Prince. "He knows you are just as gay as we are. He thinks you might steal me from him." "From him? You mean..." "Yes, I'm involved in a relationship. Much has happened since you were blown up. I've told my family what I am. It took grandmum a bit of time to get used to as did my father, but they came around. Harry came out, too. They love us. It will take time but they do love us. We just can't be open about it, though. We still have to keep up appearances. Father said Harry and I may even have to marry for convenience." "I hope you don't have to. This world has a lot of growing to do. It is mature in some areas, but we are still a young planet. In time, things will change." William nodded and gave me a hug. "It was good to see you, again, Eric." "And you, William. My best to you and Ryan." "Thank you," he replied and he moved away. I walked a little further to be met by Prince Harry. The conversation didn't last long with him. He thanked me for saving him from the Mad Hatter. He also said he was happy I was alive and well. I thanked him and he moved on to talk with some friends from his social circle. I saw Hyppolyta in a beautiful, yet simple evening gown and I approached. Quentin and Jayce were standing by her talking with Prime Minister Tony Blair and Brian Braddock. When Quentin saw me coming, he introduced me. "Thank you for your hard work and dedication," the Prime Minister said shaking my hand. "It is an honor to finally meet you." "And you, too, Prime Minister." "Eric," Jayce said. "Don't you have something for Mr. Braddock?" He motioned over to a sword case and I smiled, knowing what it was. "Yes, of course." I walked over and opened the case. Sitting inside was the sword Excalibur. It seemed to shine with a light all it's own. "You recovered the sword!" Brian exclaimed. "Excellent!" I took the sword out and handed it to him. He hefted it in his hand gauging its weight. "Thank you so much, Eric. It is good to see you alive and well. We all feared the worst when you and Christine were killed. We should have figured out it was you battling Macai in the warehouse since Marius and Hyppolyta were outside with us." "It's all right. I thought I was dead, too." Everyone chuckled. I noticed across the room Christian staring at me. I had to deal with him, too. I was leaving tomorrow for America and did not know if I would ever see him again. We had unfinished business to take care of, and I planned for all my business over here to be dealt with before I boarded the plane tomorrow. "If you will excuse me," I said breaking away from the group. Christian looked up at me with sad eyes. I could easily feel his emotions. He was doing nothing to hide them. "Hey," I said as I neared. "Hey," he replied. "Long time no see." "Yeah." "I, uh, wanted to thank you...for saving my family." "You're welcome," I replied. All the hurt I felt from before welled up in me. I did my best to suppress it, though. It wouldn't be a good idea to cause things to burst into flame. "I know I don't deserve this, but do you ever think you could find it in your heart to forgive me? I mean, I know what I did was wrong. I hurt you in a major way. But I could never mean it. I...I've loved you since I met you, Eric. And I know there isn't a possibility for us to be together. But for that short period of time, I was in heaven. I had all I ever wanted and needed in life. "But like I said, I know I don't deserve forgiveness." My heart melted in my chest. If I were a totally selfish person, I could have easily punched him and turned away and no one would begrudge me that act of violence. However, I was not a selfish person. If one thing I could be in life, even when the situation was too close for comfort, was objective. I could see his point of view and understand his feelings. He had choices to make and he made them to the best of his knowledge. They were difficult to make. I could not fault him for loving his family over the entire world. "I know that in your heart you did what you felt you had to do. And I know you loved me. Even though what you did was wrong, you never meant to hurt me. I forgive you, Christian." Christian's face lit up as if a great burden had been taken off his shoulders. Tears also welled up in his eyes. "You...you do?" "Yes," I answered nodding. "Thank you, Eric. You should be nominated for sainthood." "I wouldn't go that far." The music in the background changed to one that would hold something special for Christian and I. Celine Dion singing "My Heart Will Go On". I walked up closer to Christian and asked, "Could I have this dance?" Christian smiled and nodded. I reached my thumb up and wiped the tear that fell down his cheek. I couldn't say I never loved him. For that short time, I did. Every night in my dreams I see you I feel you That is how I know you go on Far across the distance And spaces Between us You have come to show you go on Near far Where ever you are I believe that the heart does go on Once more You open the door And you're here in my heart and My heart will go on and on Love can touch us one time And last for a lifetime And never let go till we're gone Love was when I loved you One true time I hold to In my life we'll always go on Christian laid his head on my shoulder. I could feel his heart beating. I could feel his heart breaking at what had happened. He would have to live with his choices for the rest of his life. Near far Where ever you are I believe that the heart does go on Once more You open the door And you're here in my heart and My heart will go on and on You're here There's nothing I fear And I know that my heart will go on We'll stay Forever this way You are safe in my heart and My heart will go on and on Christian lifted his head as the song ended. He leaned in and kissed me on the lips ever so softly then stepped away. "Take care of yourself, Eric," he whispered. He nodded at me, turned around and left me on the dance floor. "Take care of yourself, too, Christian," I muttered. I watched as someone who loved me very much walked out the door into the night. "Is everything okay?" Harry Potter asked. "Yeah," I said wiping a tear away. "You're crying. That normally isn't a good sign." "I know. Sometimes bad things happen that we cannot change, bad things. All we can do is remember the good that was before the bad and continue on living." "Are you remembering a good and bad thing that happened in your life? Is that why you're crying?" "Yes, Harry." "I know what you are going through. It happened when I first went to Hogwarts. I had found a place where I belonged yet at the same time there were some who didn't want me there. My feelings were very mixed on the subject. "But I wouldn't change it. It's where I'm meant to be. Even though there are bad memories there, it's where I belong." I turned to this young man who matured right before my eyes and marveled at the intelligence that comes to young people. I reached over and put my hand on his back. Harry looked up at me and smiled. "Would you like to dance?" he asked. "But aren't you afraid people will think you're gay?" I asked in return. "I don't know if I'm gay or straight or whatever. But I do know that I like and respect you. We're friends, right? Just two friends dancing together. It doesn't matter what other people think. It's none of their business." Again I marveled at Harry's growth and I agreed to a dance. He put his arm around my waist and his other hand took mine and we danced. To Be Continued... One more chapter to go! What do you think of the way I resolved things? I hope I did a good enough job. Let me know what you think of this chapter and "Chronicles" in general. Which did you like better?