Date: Mon, 2 Mar 2009 23:39:06 -0800 (PST)
From: Silvenfox <silvenfox@yahoo.com>
Subject: The Chosen: Brightest Dawn

The following is a complete work of fiction.

Any resemblance between the characters and any real life person is
completely coincidental.  Please do not copy or distribute the story
without the author's permission.

Disclaimer:

The following story may contain erotic situations.  If it is illegal for
you to read this please leave now. Also expect blood, gore, incredibly
funny scenes and super-powered teenagers with a destiny to save the world.
If you're not a fan of any of these plus strong cursing and violence than
this is not your type of story.




	Supernova, a massive star in the latter stages of stellar evolution
	that suddenly contracts and then explodes, increasing its energy
	output as much as a billionfold.





	"The difficulties you meet will resolve themselves as you advance.
	Proceed, and light will dawn, and shine with increasing clearness
	on your path." – Jim Rohn




        BRIGHTEST DAWN


	When Killian was six he wanted to enlist in the army. The Canadian
Army. After he informed his father of his future goal the man laughed and
wheezed out:

"Son stop joking around, Canada? They still have ties to Britain, and they
have the US as an umbrella. Their army is like what, three Mounties and a
wolf..."

Needless to say Killian was forced to rethink all future life choices.

His next dream for his future career came during the second grade. He fell
off the swing and landed on his face, skinning his left cheek pretty raw.
Which was like, two kinds of awesome, at least at the time. Lee Kino had
placed a delicate kiss where it hurt, because that's what his mamma said
makes an owie go away. Thus, Lee became Killian's very first kiss.

A kiss which made Killian see stars.

He didn't realize till years later what that might mean. Then, his
conclusion was simple. Stars gave him a elated feeling that he wanted to
feel forever. So he wanted to be a star.

All his life people told him he was good looking. His "rosy cheeks" often
earned a pinch from a wrinkly old woman during adolescence. Personally he
didn't see it.

Killian's hair was this weird color that he didn't see often in others. It
was blond but had hints of red. Strawberry blond he often heard adults
cooing over his head, while patting said hair, like he was a puppy. In the
spring when the grass was at its healthiest, he often thought his eyes were
the same color. He quite liked that.

So in his mind it made perfect sense. People liked to look at him so why
not become something that required nothing from him, yet made him shine
bright like the morning star.

He would be a model.

***

	A month into grade five, he's standing in a grassy field surrounded
by crew of adults. There are cameras aimed at a fence post and a couple of
kids his age are milling about. He cranes his head around and grimaces as
another boy is being fussed over by a makeup girl. Oh, God, was she putting
lipstick on his lips?

"Mom," whines Killian. "I changed my mind. I don't want to do this
anymore."

Elaine Morris was a household name. Her clothing line graced over a
thousand stores. She was internationally known for her edgy and ahead of
her time fashion designs. Her dark hair cast a shadow over her face as she
leaned down to straighten the color of Killian's polo.

"I thought this is what you wanted, sweetheart," she says quietly, making
it impossible for others nearby to hear.

Killian pouts. "I did, but I'm tired and I just want to go home. I don't
like this."

"Stop pouting before you embarrass me," says Elaine, smiling once his sulk
look drops. "Now that's a good boy. You wanted this so you're going to do
it. A lot of money went into this shoot, so please stop acting like a brat
and get with the program."

He nods automatically, thoughtlessly, inner emotions kicking around in his
stomach, making him decidedly sick. Elaine places a chaste kiss against his
forehead and he silently makes an exit when a PA comes out of nowhere. He
doesn't know exactly what their job is, but one whispered that they were
"kinda like slaves" when he asked. He thinks it was supposed to be joke. He
hopes. The girl had then gone into a rant about internships that went
completely over his head.

Killian finds a secluded spot under a tree. He makes himself small under
the shaded branches, hoping against hope that maybe he could hide away. He
snatches his cell phone out and hit the 2 on his speed dial.

"Stienchard, Peterson, and Williams," says a pleasant female voice. "How
may I help you?"

He licked his lips and says, "It's Killian Morris."

It was all he needed to say to the secretary. He was put through
immediately.

"Simon Morris," greets his father's deep voice without preamble.

Killian clutches the phone tightly. "Dad it's me."

"Son, is this an emergency?" asks Simon, immediately.

"Well no," says Killian, debating on lying, but decided against it. Lying
would just get him in trouble.

His father sighs. "Killian I told you to call me at work only if there was
a real emergency. I didn't get you that phone to play with."

"I know, Dad," replies Killian quietly. "But I-"

"No," Simon interjected, cutting him off. "I'm really swamped right now.
Whatever it is, tell me later. Goodbye."

The phone goes dead before he even says goodbye. He stares at the phone,
biting his bottom lip between his teeth. His dad had sounded really
annoyed. Was that his fault, or maybe he was just having a really bad day
at work? He didn't mean to make him mad. Killian slips the phone in his
pocket as a shadow loomed over him.

Elaine smiles down at him. "There you are. What are you doing all the way
over here? Breaks almost over, kiddo. Time to get back to work."

Work right. That's what this was now. He puts on a bright, sunny smile and
nods, following after her. He straightens his shoulders and makes the smile
reach his eyes. She wanted him to get with the program. Fine.

He would fake it till he made it. Then he would show them. Show them both
that he was more than they wanted of him. He was a star and he would shine
brighter than the sun.

***

	Growing up it was easy to see his parents weren't like others. There
was no hugs before school, bedtime stories, playground visits, or even just
because I love you's. They weren't cold just reserved.

So Killian's version of acting out was a bit different from the norm. His
mom wanted a face for her clothing line, and his dad wanted a perfect son.
Killian just wanted to play guitar.

It had the effect of making his mother frown in disapproval. She would
rather he played piano, something that looked good on a resume. It
irritated his father to no end, since he had to come home to endless guitar
strumming.

His uncle thought the guitar would help him pick up chicks.

Killian picked up his guitar instructor instead.

The instructor was a boy of sixteen with black hair and deep brown eyes. He
was Spanish, and his accent made Killian drool. His name was Alex and he
drove a blue Cobra with white racing stripes. It had leather seats and a V6
engine that purred like a panther when it was revved. Killian still had
dreams over that car.

Honestly, Killian didn't learn much about the guitar. He learned how to
kiss for five minutes without breaking for air, and how to jerk a guy off.
That came during the first lesson.

The first time they had actual sex was magical. Or at least it seemed like
magic at the time. Alex drove them out of the city to a cliff that
overlooked a sparkling blue lake. The stars were out and it was perfect.
His virginity was lost in screams of pleasure and sweat. It hurt a lot, but
Alex talked him through it and it transcended any pain felt.

The next day he found himself walking over to the house three doors down.
Alex lived there with his parents, and they let him teach guitar out of
their pool house.

Killian grinned a little goofily as the maid showed him to the back. He
felt a little funny. His stomach was doing flips and he kept wiping his
sweaty palms against his jeans. He was going to tell Alex he loved him.

How was going to take it? He kept imagining the scenario in his mind,
playing it out, over and over.

He knocked on the door of the pool house and rocked back on the balls of
his heels as he waited. Finally the door opened and a pretty Asian girl
answered. She wore a dark shirt that went all the way to the knees and
nothing else. It looked ridiculously borrowed.

Killian stared at her trying to understand. "Uh, hi."

She looked down at him, a tiny smile on her face. "Hey."

He wasn't sure what the weird feeling in his chest was. He absently rubbed
at his heart that was doing this odd tightening sensation. He mumbled a
question about Alex and the boy appeared in her spot a moment later, minus
a shirt.

Killian blinked at bare chest and dragged his eyes up to Alex's ever-
present carefree grin. "Hey, Killian. Sorry, dude. No lesson today. I'm
kind of busy as you can see."

He rubbed harder at his chest, trying to form a sentence. "Sorry. I-I
thought-"

"Oh," said Alex, his eyes widening with realization. What he was realizing,
Killian wasn't sure. "Shit. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to mess with your
head, Killer."

Killian frowned. "Don't call me that."

"Look I was just fooling around," Alex admitted, rubbing the back of his
head. "Christ, you're only thirteen. I wasn't serious. You didn't think we
were..."

"I didn't," Killian blurted out, flushing to his roots. "I'm not even gay."

Alex smiled hugely. "Me either. Look I gotta go back. No hard feelings."

"Yeah, sure," said Killian.

Killian smiled his patented smile, making it a little amused and blasé. He
refused to turn into a pile of bawling mush so he smiled away his
embarrassment. He walked home with his shoulders tense and his eyes
flashing. He wasn't gay. Not now. Not ever. He couldn't be. He wouldn't be.

So began operation: GET A GIRLFRIEND.

***

	Killian's first kiss with a girl wasn't spectacular. In fact it was a
disaster. He got mono. He was out of school for over a month.

When he came back he told everyone he had been overseas in Europe modeling.
No one thought he was lying. If anything he became even more popular.

It was the lie that altered his school life.

The story made its way back to parents and with his face plastered all over
his mother's boutiques helped what came next. Parents made phone calls to
employers and friends, and suddenly job offers came flooding in. His mom
spent hours faxing headshots like they were candy. He began booking jobs
like he was actually a big deal. Elaine was happier than he'd seen her in a
long time, since it had the unforeseen benefit of providing more clientele
for her line. Killian being successful was an after thought.

Girls flocked to him at school, when he made it to class. He gained his
first girlfriend without even trying. It was ridiculously easy how with
just a smile he could charm someone, anyone. So he learned.

He developed certain habits that caused the eye to linger. He would stretch
up too far, causing his shirt to rise up, exposing bare tanned flesh. His
smile became tilted, a teasing grin more than anything. He liked to think
of these as his bag of tricks. It gave him a perfect way to divert
attention when someone tried to really talk to him, get to know him, or it
helped gain favor when he wanted something.

By the time Killian's family moved from LA to Centennial near the end of
grade seven, he had four girlfriends under his belt.

Tracy Dashunel, Liz McFarlane, Rain Henderson, and Sammie Younts. They were
all what he was expected to like. Popular, pretty, and preppy. The three
P's. He kisses all of them, but none of them makes him see stars.

He figured that maybe he was having a string of off luck. He rejected the
thought about what it could really mean.

Killian stands in front of the class with his teasing grin, hands in his
pockets, as he introduces himself, per the teacher's request. The class
watches him with various expressions - The girls with open admiration and
the boys with curious, some envious expressions.

"Thank you, Killian," says Mr. McKnight. "You can go have a seat near the
window."

He walks with a practiced stride that his mother honed into him with hours
of fierce instruction. Killian takes an empty seat in the back, and he
realizes that he doesn't have a book when the teacher begins to lecture
from a textbook.

"Here you can share mine," whispers a soft voice, pitched low so not to
carry over the teacher's heavy drone.

Killian turns and looks into the brightest pairs of blue eyes he's ever
seen. They're blue like sapphires his mom wears for dad's company dinners.
His blond hair is cut short and styled into spikes. Bow shaped lips quirk
up and Killian realizes for a minute that he hadn't answered. Hell he even
forgot to breathe for a moment. An angel was smiling at him.

"Uh, thanks," he says back, wondering if he sounds as awkward as he thinks.

The boy nods, smiling, and then whispers again, "I'm Chad Summers." His
smile turns mischievous as he winks. "Welcome to Hell."

"Thank you," he laughs openly, honestly, for the first time he can remember
in a long time. "I'm Killian Morris."

Mr. McKnight clears his throat and glares at them. Chad smothers his grin
but Killian can see those impossibly blue orbs twinkling with amusement. He
tries but he can't stomp the faint grin that still lingers on his face.

Maybe Centennial wouldn't be so bad after all.

***

	Jayce Morris was the younger brother of Simon Morris, and Killian's
only uncle. Even if that wasn't the case, the man still would've been
Killian's favorite. He was more like a brother than anything, and he
treated Killian like he mattered.

Killian jumped into his uncle's arms as the man stepped into his bedroom.
Auburn hair framed a laughing face as the man spun him around like he
weighed nothing.

"So I heard you just turned fourteen," said Jayce.

Killian punched him in the arm, mirroring his grin. "I got the new game you
sent. It was awesome."

"I hear it gives kids seizures," he grinned. "So it sounded perfect. Now
where's my uptight brother and his ice queen?"

Killian rolled his eyes, used to the name calling. There was no love lost
between any of them. He just smiled and put up with it. Like he always did.
It's not like he ever had a choice.

"Work," replied Killian simply. "I can't believe you drove here all the way
from Malibu."

Jayce shrugged. "It was only about two hours. No big."

Killian gestured to his bed. "Sit down. Tell me all about this new movie
you're going to be in."

Jayce was a Hollywood actor. He wasn't on the A list or anything, but he
had been in quite a few movies. In fact he was actually starring in a
moving coming out at the end of the year. It was his biggest role yet.

He shrugged. "I play a detective who's trying to solve his wife's murder
case. It's going to be an awesome action flick."

"That's pretty tight," smiled Killian, glad that his uncle's career was
finally taking off.

The older man smiled at him, tugging on his arm to bring him on the bed
next to him. "Now tell me about the new school. How's the move been?"

Killian winced. "Dad's been spending even more time at work since he made
senior partner. I think his not being around a lot is starting to get to
Mom."

"Feelings and Elaine don't go together, nephew," laughed Jayce. "So tell me
about the school. You making any friends? With your killer looks—"

Killian's face lit up and he rattled off, "School is great. I met this boy
named Chad and he introduced me to his group of friends. They're cool.
There's Kim and Ashley, both are cheerleaders. Then there's Liam and Matt.
Kevin and Chad are my favorites though. They're the funniest guys you'll
ever meet."

Jayce waggled his eyebrows, his grin turning teasing. "You sound like you
really like them."

He would be a fool to miss the innuendo in that statement.

Killian's face closed off instantly. "Stop it."

A sigh left Jayce but Killian refused to look at him. He glared at the
carpet and he tensed as the strong arm slid behind his back and across his
shoulder, pulling him tight. His head lolled, falling to the broad
shoulder.

"Sorry, Killer," whispered Jayce. "I know everything's not so great for
you, but if you ever want to talk—"

Killian's fist clenched and he gritted his teeth. "I don't want to talk
about it."

Jayce exhaled again. "Fine. Whenever you're ready, nephew, I'll be here.
Just know you can't bottle up what you're feeling forever. Anyone who
really knows you can tell."

His head snapped around and his heart thudded in his throat. He glared at
his uncle feeling shame and red hot guilt touch his heart and clench it
tight.

"Tell what?" he demanded, glaring.

Jayce shook his head, smiling sadly. "Nothing, Killian. Absolutely
nothing."

"Sorry, Uncle Jayce," said Killian, choking up. He fought off the sob,
fighting for control for the emotions warring in his chest. "I'm sorry."

"I know, Killian," said Jayce softly, rocking his nephew. "Everything will
be okay."

Killian closed his eyes and believed every word of it. It had to get
better. One day he would find a nice girl who could make him see stars and
together they would shine. He just had to find his soul mate. He wouldn't
be that way. That wasn't him.

***

	At the school, everyone knew his name. It was like he was teen
royalty. Kevin was quickly becoming one of his best friends. With his
extrovert personality and humor, there was no way anyone could not like
him. Chad was amazing. He had never met anyone like him before. Sometimes
Killian found himself staring a little too long, or standing a little too
close.

The time flew by and a year passed and the friends he managed to gather
were really in fact, his. There were no ulterior motives or secrets. It was
normal.

Chad slung an arm over his shoulder as the last school bell rang. "Hey,
we're all about to head up to the AMC to catch a movie. You game?" He
leaned in close, looking decidedly giddy. "I conned Kevin into buying me
popcorn. If you sit next to me I'll share."

Killian's mouth went dry. Honestly he would have agreed to anything with
those sinful blue eyes and perfect lips so close to his face. He shook his
head, cursing his thoughts, and took a step back.

His fake smile was a bit warmer than usual as he replied, "Sure, sounds
like fun."

The theater was dark and empty when their group made their way in. It was
barely four o'clock so it was nowhere near peak hour. They slid into the
back row, taking up half the seats with their group. True to his word,
Kevin bought Chad popcorn and the blond immediately offered Killian some.

"No thanks," said Killian, waving off the overflowing bucket.

Chad smirked. "Watching your figure, huh? Well that's my last time
offering."

Kevin snorted and leaned over Chad to say to Killian, "He's not kidding.
The boy has a thing with sharing food."

Chad winked and Killian's stomach did a little flip. He must be coming down
with something. "I'm a food ho. Not gonna lie."

There was a gradual increase in sound and the screen went black, signaling
the beginning of the previews. A movie trailer flashed across screen of a
romantic comedy that looked incredibly dull and cheesy. Killian figured it
would be out to DVD in no time.

Something bumped against Killian's knee. He jumped and made a surprised
noise, jerking in his seat. Kevin wasn't the closest to Chad and Kevin with
everyone else sitting down the row to his right.

"Sorry, Killian," said Chad, sounding hurt. "It was an accidently. Sorry."

He looked over and found the knee being pulled away. Killian stared at the
boy who slinked down in his chair, acting a little off. He shook away the
oddity and focused on the screen.

Or at least tried to focus. He was too busy watching Chad out of his
peripheral vision, wondering what was up with the other boy. Eventually he
zoned out so caught up in his musing.

Without realizing, he reached over and slid his hand into the bucket of
popcorn resting in Chad's lap. He must have pressed down sharper than
necessary because the blond boy let out a tiny gasp, as Killian retrieved a
handful of popcorn.

"What the-" Chad muttered, startled. "You said you didn't want any!"

Killian shrugged with one shoulder. "I changed my mind."

"You can't change your mind," argued Chad in a hissing whisper. "That's
theft. You're like, stealing, and that's totally uncool."

Killian found himself smiling at the pout on Chad's face. "But it's so
good."

Chad glared. "You better savor those kernels. That'll cost you next time."

He didn't know what came over him. Killian's smile twisted all wrong. It
felt too secretive, suggestive. It was his charming grin times a thousand.

"Don't worry," he found himself saying, low and husky. It was like his body
had a mind of his own. "I know how to savor."

Blue eyes blinked in a flutter of lashes. Chad's mouth parted just a bit.
An imperceptible look of confusion and something else touched Chad's face,
as he stared dumbly at Killian.

Killian came back to his senses just as an explosion on screen thundered
threw the surround sound, gaining everyone's attention. He slumped in his
seat breathing deep as humiliation washed over him. Oh God could he have
been any creepier. What was wrong with him? He was such a loser.

A familiar voice caught his notice and looked up at the screen, focusing on
the movie for the first time with his full interest. An excited grin
crossed his face as his Uncle Jayce's face appeared on screen. This was the
film he told him about months ago. He hadn't even noticed till now what
movie they were watching.

"This clown is horrible," Chad groaned, catching his attention. "I want a
refund."

Clown where? Killian frowned at the screen wondering if he missed
something. Chad laughed again followed by a sharp laugh as he pointed at
the screen.

"Is that supposed to be his confused face?" laughed Chad with thick
disbelief. "He looks like he's trying to divide 215 by 13."

Killian stared up at the screen as their friends erupted into laughter. His
uncle was in full screen holding a bloody knife. He frowned at the picture
than back at Chad who made another joke, making their entire row burst into
laughter.

Irritation and sharp anger roared through him with a swift intensity. It
didn't begin slowly or simmer. Righteous fury unleashed like an explosion.
The only adult in his life who gave a damn was no one's joke of the day. No
one.

"This movie and actor is just awful," Chad muttered, rolling his eyes. "I
feel like someone has a pillow case full of bars of soap, and they're
beating the shit out of me."

Killian snapped his head around. "How about you just shut the fuck up for a
minute and actually give the movie a chance."

The entire row went quiet.

Slowly Chad turned toward him, eyebrows furrowed in bewilderment. "You want
to run that by me one more time."

An irritated sigh left his lips. "You heard me. Now shut the hell up. Some
of us actually like the movie. And for the record that's my uncle you're
making fun of."

"Guys," Kevin's voice broke the mounting tension.

Chad shook Kevin's hand from his shoulder. "No, Kevin. He wants to be a
hard ass so let him hear this." Blue eyes narrowed dangerously. "Your uncle
is a no talent actor who really needs a refresher course in the
fundamentals of life."

Kevin shot up in his seat, vision turning red. Anger like he never felt
before screamed through his thoughts. Chad rose up and met him glare for
glare.

"Take it back!" Killian snapped, shoving Chad so hard he rocked back into
his chair. "You fifth grade-haircut-having fuck."

Chad jumped to his seat, his lips turned into a harsh frown. "You really
just wrote this fucking check, motherfucker!"

His fist came out of nowhere. White flashes exploded behind Killian's
eyelids as pain flared through his skull. He fell half over the chair in
front of their row. The pain in his eye was a dull ache as he surged
forward, roaring like the Hulk.

Killian screamed his rage as hands appeared, restraining him to the spot.
Liam and Matt appeared at his side as Kevin, along with Kim and Ashley held
Chad back.

"Let me go!" Killian yelled, anger making his voice impossibly deep.

Chad growled, struggling against Kevin's grip. "Let the puppy go, guys.
He's a man so let's see him fight like one."

"Stop talking and let's do this," spat Killian.

Kevin pulled Chad back with surprising strength. "Shut up and let's go
before we get kicked out of here."

***

	Killian sat in his room going over his homework. He glanced outside
the window and sighed. He was grounded for a month. His parents hadn't
taken the news of his fighting lightly. Well his father hadn't really
cared, but his mother glared at his black eye as if it were curse on his
soul. He ended up losing out on the Hilfiger campaign he signed on for.
Even with make up and digital altering his eye was too much of a write off,
hence her glaring.

"Knock, knock," said Kevin, easing open the door. "Can I come in?"

Killian raised an eyebrow, hiding his surprise. "Looks like you're already
in."

"Hope you don't mind. The butler let me in," Kevin said as he leaned
against the dresser. He looked at the black eye and whistled. "Damn. Chad
got you good."

Killian's stare turned fifty degrees colder. "If you're here to finish what
your friend started, or to make fun of me then get out."

Kevin threw his hands up. "Whoa, whoa," he backtracked, sheepishly. "I
didn't mean to sound like a dick. I'm sorry you guys got into it."

Killian shrugged. "Whatever. Why are you here?"

"Well you haven't been to school in three days and I was worried about
you."

The surprise did show on his face this time. "Why? Aren't you taking your
Chad's side?"

Kevin rolled his eyes. "There aren't any sides to take. This is between you
two." He moved to sit down on the bed next to Killian. "Honestly you're my
friend too, and I don't have a lot of really good friends. I prefer to keep
the ones I have close."

"Even if you're best friend doesn't approve?" he asked bitterly.

"I love him," replied Kevin, half smiling. "Don't get me wrong. Chad is
like my brother. Hell he might as well be my brother with how long I've
known him, but his decisions aren't my decisions. Plus I think it must
really suck."

Killian frowned at the statement. He didn't know what to make of it. "What
must suck?"

Kevin gifted him with a sympathetic smile. "I know you like him. Or at
least used to."

Panic and embarrassment flashed across his face before he closed it off. He
stared at Kevin, trying his hardest to make his voice as neutral as his
expression.

"What do you mean?"

Kevin's placed a hand on his shoulder. "I see the way you would look at him
sometimes." Killian opened his mouth to deny it, but Kevin held up his hand
stopping his outcry. "Don't worry. He's never noticed. I'm just more
perceptive than I look."

"I don't know what you're talking about," protested Killian, making his
smile a touch puzzled and a little amused. "I'm not gay or anything."

His lips quirked the tiniest bit at the edges as he patted Killian's hand.
"Right. My mistake." He turned serious. "Like I said, we're still friends.
If you ever decide to come back to school you'll see that we all still like
you."

Killian snorted. "Except Chad."

"Yeah, you might want to give him some time," said Kevin with a wince.

"I don't care anyway. I don't think I can forgive him."

"Well I hope you two work it out," said Kevin, smiling easily now. His eyes
strayed past Killian till they landed on his soccer ball. "You play?"

"Do you?" he replied quickly, eyebrows rising in surprise when Kevin smiled
like a shark.

"I'm trying to make the high school team next year," said Kevin, bouncing
in his seat. "This is great. We can practice and do tryouts together!"

A bark of laughter erupted from Killian's throat. "I didn't even say I
wanted to be on the team!"

Kevin frowned, looking at him like he was brand new. "But you play... why
wouldn't you want to be on the team. It's soccer! Please, please, pretty
please. No one else plays, which is like insane I tell you. Come on!"

"Alright," Killian laughed, waving his hands to stop the rant. "I
surrender."

And he did.

He might have lost a friend, but he gained a true friendship in return.

***

	When Killian was sixteen this is how his life changed:

School was going great. He made the JV soccer team again for the second
time and his AP classes were interesting. Thankfully with so much
schoolwork his mother decided he should tone done on modeling. It was the
best news he had gotten all year. Funny how that once bright dream had
turned into a nightmare.

Killian turned a page in his binder and jotted down the pieces of his dream
that he could still remember. Light. Piercing eyes. And a hand reaching
through fog. He bit his lip, thinking. That was the third time in a row.
Something was going to happen. All his senses practically vibrated. He
could feel it. He didn't know how he knew, but he did. Something was
coming, for him.

He snapped his binder closed and stuffed it in the bottom of his bag.
Normally he wrote in a journal kept on his laptop, but he really needed to
write. He did that sometimes. Whenever the urge sprung he would write. It
was a habit that had scored him constant A's in English over the years.

The courtyard, where everyone at lunch on nice days, was filled even this
early into the lunch hour. Killian paid for a pizza and took his usual seat
at the table on the upper level of the courtyard. He saved seats and
grinned as one by one the table filled up.

He greeted Kevin with a smile and high five. As usual Chad was at his side.
Involuntarily both boys grimaced as they met eyes. Killian's smile became
forced as he delivered a stilted greeting.

Killian made appropriate replies where he should, although his thoughts
were the furthest from the discussion. He was thinking about his dream and
the warm, comforting light that hovered just behind his vision. Killian
tuned back in when the others began talking about Matt's upcoming football
game coming up.

"If anyone needs a ride I'm offering," said Chad before taking a bite of
meatloaf.

Killian made a sound in his throat without meaning to and muttered, "I
would rather die."

Chad's jaw clenched as he stared at him with electric blue eyes. "Please
do."

"You first," Killian shot back, a deadly glare aimed on the boy across the
time.

A sweet smile suddenly spread across Chad's face. "Sure. I'll save you a
place in hell so you can sit with your no acting ass uncle."

Oh that stung. Killian hid the hurt before it had a chance to show on his
face. He refused to let the boy know that he had gotten to him.

"Oh my, God," Kevin snapped, looking back and forth between them disgusted.
"Will you two shut up! Now reign in your inner Lindsey Lohan and Hilary
Duff."

Killian's green eyes were full of promise as he said darkly, "One day it's
going to be just you and me, asshole."

"Bring it, bitch."

Everyone held their breath. Killian was two seconds away from exploding.
Kevin slammed his hand down on the table and there was silence as everyone
snapped their gaze to him. His frustration expression went a touch cold as
he stared Killian down like a mother bear. Killian sighed. Kevin didn't
interfere often between he and Chad's feud, but when Killian threatened
Chad in any way, Kevin was there to let him know when enough was enough.

"If you fight Chad you fight me, Killian," stated Kevin in a clipped tone.
"So don't write checks with your mouth that your ass can't cash."

Killian rolled his eyes and muttered, "Whatever. He's a moron anyway."

The table came alive again as the silence gradually filled. It wasn't the
first time and wouldn't be the last time Killian and Chad had words. They
came head to head over the years so often that people were used to it.
Killian didn't let it bother him. He firmly believed that Chad was
borderline retarded. Any friendship that existed between them died that day
in the movie theater.

The humor he once thought Chad possessed now he reasoned was a result
of hyper activeness, and his random comments he was dead certain were due
to ADD. Why his mother never had him diagnosed... he was still formulating
a working hypothesis.

"Ryan!" Chad screamed abruptly, halting all conversation at the table.

They turned to the boy Chad was flagging down. He was sitting at a table
all by himself eating cafeteria meatloaf. He stopped in mid bite, eyes
widening as Chad screeched his name again.

Ryan had black hair that covered his ears and sweeping bangs that lay
across his forehead. It was a contrast to his creamy pale skin. Bright gray
eyes were covered by a pair of thin glances that went with his overall geek
chic look of dark slacks, a shirt with a black vest, and Converse. Killian
took a great gasp of air. Shit. He hadn't even been breathing.

"Ryan over here," Chad called, seeing Ryan's timid smile and unsure look.

Ryan finally took the hint that Chad was giving him, and managed a small
nod before he picked up his tray and made his way across the courtyard to
their table. Kevin looked down at his hands and Killian realized that he
was clenching the table in a grip so tight his knuckles were white. Easing
his grip he let out a deep breath feeling his heartbeat return to normal,
even as his stomach was overcome by an annoying fluttering sensation.

Killian shook himself and said the exact opposite of what he was feeling,
"Chad have you lost your mind? We can't have him sit with us. It will be
social suicide."

Kim made a face at him. "Sometimes you are just so dramatic, Killian."
She turned to Chad, throwing back her long hair. "What he meant was Chad,
what's with the outreach program? I didn't even know you knew this kid."

"We met him yesterday at Borders," Kevin explained looking puzzled at Chad
also, but as always coming to his friend's rescue without prompting.

Sometimes he envied that friendship, that history that existed between them
that was unbreakable.

Ashley gasped. "You guys were there at the attack?"

Killian frowned. He'd heard about that. Something about a terrorist attack
close by. It didn't make much sense to him, since there was nothing
important in Centennial and the target was a bookstore. But when did
terrorism have to have a sane reasoning behind it.

"We'll tell you about it in a minute," said Chad.

Matt looked at Killian fixing him with a hard look as Ryan neared the
table. Killian raised an eyebrow. Even though the jock had muscle on top of
muscle, he could never intimidate those who knew him. He was like a giant
teddy bear with his curly hair and doe brown eyes.

"Don't be an ass, Killian. He was a part of the attack yesterday and he
doesn't need your shit. None of them do, so don't start anything."

"I won't say anything mean," promised Killian, making sure his seriousness
shone through. "I'm a little harsh sometimes but I'm not evil."

Ryan made it to the table and introduced himself with a shy smile. The
girls instantly tried to make him more at ease, and the guys handled him
like he was breakable. Killian kept quiet, watching Ryan bashfully input
into conversation with his shy mannerisms and blushing cheeks. It was
fucking adorable.

Killian finally spoke up and gave them his stamp of approval of Ryan, of
course making sure it was as backhanded as possible. Kevin shot him a
sphinx like smile full of knowing that Killian wanted to smack off his
face.

Ryan himself gifted him with a dazzling smile that made Killian duck his
head as he went weak in the knees. Uh oh. This was not good. At all. He
wondered if he could convince his parents to transfer him.

***

	Of course in the end it figures that Chad would have a bigger impact
on Killian's life than he wanted. Chad was a prince of a long dead kingdom,
and was leader of a group of reincarnated soldiers from eons ago. Killian
cursed fate for making him one of said warriors.

The dreams of light took on a whole new meaning when the bigger picture was
crystal clear. He was the Champion of Light and all forms of light fell
under his domain. If he closed his eyes and listened carefully he could
hear the dancing photons singing at the border of his hearing. It was
glorious.

Ryan's Favorite Things Are:

*Math
*Science
*Kickboxing
*Reading
*Music
*Melee Weapons
*Martial Arts
*Computers
*Studying
*School
*Working Out
*Greenpeace
*Physics


Killian's Favorite Things Are:

*Things that go over 200mph
*Writing
*Stargazing


They couldn't have been any more unalike. Yet at the same time there's
something there. A connection exists between them, stretching out like in
invisible ribbon. He can feel it sometimes beneath his skin like a warm
handprint. They have nothing in common besides being Chosen, so why can't
Killian stop thinking about him. He even sees him in his dreams.

Strong Aurek, master at arms, and christened lord. Even then Apollo held a
fixation on the male, who grew up beside the light lord, oblivious to the
longing gazes and hidden depth of feeling. Killian thinks the Gods above
are laughing at him.

***

	Sometimes it's hard to remember what life was like without the
overbearing amount of emotion that hovered just against his heart. It
wrapped him tight and vibrated giddily whenever Ryan was near. It's enough
to drive him insane. What's even more insane is the fact that no one else
feels what he feels. It's like he's an alcoholic and Ryan is his choice of
drink.

He couldn't really help it if things started to get a little out of his
control. Was it his fault if he memorized the other boy's school schedule,
or knew his very thoughts just be looking at his face. The face he became
very good at watching covertly, thank you very much. Damn, he was a
stalker. And he knew it. Yet Killian couldn't bring himself to stop.

In the bottom of his dresser drawer hidden away under a pile of carefully
folded jeans is a shirt. It's a gray school shirt that Ryan left behind
during a training session at Nathaniel's. He didn't mean to steal it. At
the time Killian had every intention of giving it back.

He slung the shirt at the foot of his bed and then padded to the bathroom
for a shower before bed. Killian returned with a towel around his waist and
water droplets falling down his bare chest. The shirt was in the spot on
the comforter looking worn from too many washes and unbelievably soft as
his fingers touched the cotton.

Killian shut off the lights and shucked the towel before sliding into his
bed, fully nude and still damp. His muscles were a tad sore from the
intense session from earlier. Nathaniel was pushing them hard so they could
learn to function as a cohesive team. The man was far too idealistic
sometimes.

As Killian turns over on his stomach, his cock slides pleasantly against
his sheets, making it twitch and awaken in him a surge of arousal. It's
really not his fault he's so easily horny. Teenage youth and all that.

He sighs softly as he slides his hand down his stomach, circles his palm
over his cock - slow and hard, just how he likes it. Fingers glide over the
downy soft hair below his navel. A picture of Lia Montez flashes through
his mind as he works his cock. He imagines himself lying between her smooth
thighs as he buries his tongue deep into her.

Eight minutes later, he's not fully hard, and that's pretty much blowing
his mind. It's enough for him to growl in frustration. Women are hot, he
glared at his traitorous dick. Smoking. He pumps himself with firmer
strokes.

Twenty minutes later, Ryan's shirt is in his hand, and Killian drunk on
lust comes hard to the mental image of Ryan Spencer naked and wanting. Hard
muscles flex as the imaginary Ryan groans in ecstasy as he slides into
Killian, trailing gentle kisses down his exposed throat. Killian moans and
cries out as the orgasm jolts through his body.

In the morning when he wakes up his belly is coated in dried cum and Ryan's
shirt lies next to him like a phantom lover. The memory of last night goes
into a little box in his mind that he locks away tight and thinks of as a
fluke. He was straight and girls totally did it for him. He didn't need
some guy to come along and mess up his life, stirring up long buried things
that were best left forgotten. The shirt went into the drawer that morning.

He never got around to returning it. He's still not sure why.

***

	Music pounds against the wall but Killian can barely hear it over the
loud slurping of Angela Lawrence. She nibbled against the side of his cock
and he gave an answering moan as she took almost half of his seven inches
down her throat. It's been awhile since they had gotten together like this.
It's been awhile since he's been to a party. The life of a Chosen had been
keeping him pretty busy. Adam had come onto the team and now things felt
right, balanced. He felt it was time to let off some steam. Angela was
single and ready to please.

"Fuck I forgot how big you are," gasped Angela as she trailed her tongue
down his pulsating shaft.

Killian threaded his fingers through her dark hair. "And you're just as
amazing as ever, beautiful."

"Still a charmer," she smiled as she moved her lips over his cock head.

Killian threw back his head with a groan. She twirled her tongue around the
sensitive skin just underneath the head and he gave out an echoing moan.
Christ he had missed this. A screeching ringtone broke through his pleasure
ridden haze and he came to reality as Angela sat back on her heels and
answered her phone.

"Yeah...I can talk," she said easily, making his mouth drop. What the hell?
"What? No! NO! Shut up! Giirl, he didn't! — And then what happened?"

Killian rolled his eyes. He had also forgotten that Angela was the
flightiest person in existence. He glared at her from the bed as she sat on
the ground, giggling into the phone like a woman possessed. She looked like
one of those hyenas from the Lion King. It was enough to make his erection
wilt. He tucked himself back into his pants and stood up. He threw her a
half wave and walked out as she suddenly noticed his presence, calling out
to his retreating back.

He ducked past the gyrating bodies in the living room, ignoring the calls
of his friends, and the waves of girls he'd previously would have stopped
for. This wasn't for him. Suddenly he felt so much older than the children
in the house. He had to get out. They didn't know him, really know him.
None of them had ever seen death up close or had to watch as their entire
city fell to ruin.

Killian stumbled out of the beach house and immediately the chilly ocean
breeze hit him like a refreshing wave. He walked aimlessly across the
beach, away from the house at his back, away from the depravity, and away
from the kids who were just that, kids.

A figure grows on the horizon as he gets closer. Ryan stands barefoot at
the edge of the ocean, and the water laps at his ankles with the rising and
falling tide. He wore a pair of white mesh shorts and red tank top. His
glasses were gone and his hair fluttered in the soft breeze. With the stars
above him and the rising moon shining down its light, Ryan looked like a
dream breathed to life.

He turned at the sound of Killian's approaching footsteps and was just as
shocked at seeing Killian. A bemused smile crossed his face as Killian
approached.

"You come here a lot?" asked Killian.

He groaned inwardly, momentarily cursing himself for his stupidity. Could
he have sounded anymore dorkier?

Ryan chuckled. "Actually yes." He pointed to a house further down the
beach. "I live right over there. What are you doing out here?" He closed
his eyes for a brief moment, holding up a figure. "Wait? I'm guessing you
were at the party a quarter of a mile that way."

Killian's eyes widened, shocked. "How'd you know that?"

"I can hear the music from here if I really focus," replied Ryan, his
smiling turning a shade shy as he revealed the little truth, as if he
wasn't used to talking about himself.

Killian felt honored that Ryan felt comfortable around him to open up. "I
can hear light," he blurts out without meaning.

Ryan blinked at the statement appearing a mixture of surprised and
fascinated. Killian flushes. He hadn't meant to tell him that. It was
something he hadn't told anyone yet. It felt too private, too personal.

He ducked his head, watching his shoes in the sand. "It sings," he
Whispered. "It's a constant song all around us."

"What does it sound like?" asked Ryan, gray eyes utterly riveted as they
stared at Killian like he was the only person in the world.

Killian swallowed still blushing. "It's unlike anything I've ever heard.
It's glorious, inspiring, its life." He groans realizing he sounds like a
complete and utter spaz. "...Er— I-"

"No, go on," insisted Ryan, his eyes widening with something unreadable. He
blushed as Killian met his stare. "I mean... I like the way you were
describing it... Your whole face lit up. I've...never...seen you look like
that before."

Watching him blush, Killian's heart skipped then sped up. "You think so?"

Ryan nodded and then averted his gaze after they momentarily locked eyes.
Something passed between them that Killian couldn't name. It was something
warm and made his chest feel tight, almost like a balloon was being
inflated between his lungs.

"You never said why you left the party."

Killian shook his head and breathed softly, "It was too much. I felt like I
was playing pretend. No one there..."

Ryan looked up at him, quiet eyes full of understanding. "You've changed.
We all have. We aren't the naïve kids we used to be before we remembered
and became Chosen."

"Do you wish you could go back?" asked Killian, feeling like he was
betraying his oath by even entertaining the thought. But he had to know.

Ryan sighed, blinking slowly as he whispered, "Sometimes when I think of
the normal things I'm missing out on, yeah. Mostly I don't regret a thing.
When I become the Executioner I know that's who I am." He waved his hand at
himself. "This is the disguise. I'm a soldier and I was born to be one.
I'll do anything to make sure Atlantis' fate isn't repeated."

Killian stared at him, awed by the quiet conviction. Ryan's shoulders had
straightened the more he talked and his eyes went flat and then shone with
a hard glint, as his whole body vibrated with simmering power as the
Executioner persona radiated like the morning dawn. He blinked and Ryan
shoulders slumped and that strong confidence faded as if never there.

He swallowed, feeling a bit dazzled. "Wow. Don't do that often or I won't
be able to think straight."

"It's hard to hold back all I am sometimes," admitted Ryan. Biting his lip,
he looked up thoughtfully. "Do you want to uh...maybe come back to my
house? I have a ton of video games."

It was sad how quickly he agreed. The rest of the night passed in laughter,
teasing, and talking as both boys learned much about the other. When the
morning dawned Killian and Ryan lay on the bed together, legs entwined and
heads nuzzled together still in the clothes they fell asleep in. Killian
awoke first and once he gained his bearings, he resorted to type and
panicked.

Killian raced home and did the first thing he could think of. He texted Amy
Lanter and made a date for later on in the evening. He went through the
motions during their date and it's ridiculously easy to talk her into
putting out.

Yet as hard as he tried that night as he thrusts into Amy in the backseat
of his car, he can't stop seeing a pair of shy gray eyes that immediately
triggers the biggest orgasm of his life.

Ryan wanted him. It was plain to see and hard to ignore the undercurrent of
hidden feeling that existed whenever they were near each other. Killian
just had to ignore the attraction. Easier said than done.

***

       When Killian gives in this is how it could have gone:

Ryan's room is suddenly warm as the constant tension between them rose to
crushing levels. Their books lay forgotten beneath them as they stood face
to face, their eyes not leaving each other. Slowly, Ryan licked his lips
and his breath hitched as Killian stepped forward.

Killian looked at him with warm softness, then stepped even closer and
wrapped Ryan securely in his arms.

Ryan let out a breath he'd been holding and clenched his hands in the back
of Killian's shirt, burying his face in Killian's shoulder. The moment felt
fragile, precious, and incomprehensibly breakable.

Killian hugged him tightly and then leaned his lips near Ryan's ear as he
whispered words that his heart knew from the moment he saw him, "I love
you."

Ryan froze and lifted his head. "You mean it?"

The answering grin was blindingly bright. Killian nodded and touched his
nose to Ryan's. The taller boy stared for a minute in disbelieving wonder,
and then slid his hands to Killian's face, kissing him with all he was
worth.


	When Killian gives in this is how it really goes:

Stars flared across his vision like a million fireworks exploding in his
mind. The world tilted for a long moment as his stomach flipped and flopped
stuck on a mental rollercoaster. It was everything he had ever been
missing. It was the perfect kiss. It was heavenly. It was all wrong.

Killian pulled back, his cheeks flushed bright red. "Sorry, I didn't mean
to... umm... do that... totally an accident."

He flinched as Ryan's entire face fell as he said heartbreakingly sad,
"Killian... Why don't you just face-"

Killian stood up abruptly as emotions warred in his gut in response to that
beautiful face twisted into devastating sadness. Ryan's gray eyes watched
his face intently, searching, looking for traces of emotions that Killian
was firmly holding back with every fiber of his being.

"Ryan... I can't," whispered Killian, those green eyes locked on Ryan's
chest. He couldn't meet that sad stare again. Gray eyes would be his
undoing. "I'm not... I can't...be that way."

Ryan shook his head, rising to his feet to meet Killian's reluctant gaze.
"You like me and I like you. You know it and I know it. Why can't you just
face your feelings? Why do you run-"

Killian stepped back abruptly, his face tightening. He tried hard to
pretend the pleas didn't reach his heart.

It was with a shaky and choked off breath that he said, "I... I have to
go."

He sprinted from the room. When he felt wetness dripping down his cheeks,
he pretended that the tears were raindrops.

***

	He's not gay he often has to remind himself these days. If he closes
his eyes he can still remember cinnamon breath ghosting across his neck,
hands pressed against his back, and lips trailing sweet kisses against his
face.

He didn't mean to give in. He didn't. It was a stupid mistake. Screw Chad
and Adam. They might be the happy gay couple but that wasn't Killian. His
life was meant for different things. Killian pretends he doesn't notice the
confusion and hurt shining in gray eyes. He pretends a lot of things.

So why can't he pretend the Greek god standing at Ryan's side is nothing.
Anger, confusion, possessiveness – jealously – pumped through his veins red
hot, like Hellfire. They sat around the dining table in Nathaniel's house
watching the new happy couple. Cerulean was everything Killian wasn't.

Tall, dark haired, and blue eyed. He was a walking Calvin Klein ad.

Killian wanted to shove a photon beam down his throat.

He played nice as best as he could but it had to be the hardest thing he
ever had to do. He watched them interact with an intimate closeness that
caused a knife to twist in his heart. Killian wanted to slam his hands on
the table and roar to the room that Ryan was his. Chad and Adam watched him
with worried eyes as the happy couple announced they were off to enjoy the
rest of their day. Give him a break. He hoped a car hit the dreamcatcher.

Adam touched a hand to his shoulder as Killian thumped his head on the
table as the front door slammed closed.

"You okay, Killian?"

The muffled, "No" gained a few raised eyebrows over his head.

Chad sighed and made a noise in his throat. "You two have been dragging
this out for too long."

"What are you talking about," said Killian raising his head, watching the
blond guardedly.

Chad gave him a patient look. "We know how you two feel about each other."

"I don't know what you're talking about," snapped Killian old feelings
pushing against the locked door in his mind.

Nathaniel leveled him with a gentle stare. "We know you have feelings for
him, Killian. We've known for a while now. It's impossible to ignore."

Killian's heart sped up and he crossed his arms defensively. "That's not
true," he replied softly.

Adam sighed as he leaned in close to touch his elbow. "You're in love with
him, Killian. Please realize that before you lose him."

A hole opened in his chest and he said, defeated, "I don't know what to
do." Feelings unchained rushed over him and he looked up at the others with
tired and broken green eyes. "I-I love him," he admitted. "I'm gay."

Chad clapped his hands excitedly. "That's the spirit!"

If Killian wasn't so distraught he would have glared at him. Adam coughed
delicately and shot his boyfriend a look.

"I think you should go tell Ryan that," urged Nathaniel gently.

It was probably already too late but he had to try. He was gay and he was
head over heels in love with Ryan Spencer. Once he admitted it to himself,
Killian felt freer almost. It was a weightless feeling that caused
him to grin. He was in love with a boy and the world didn't end. He still
felt like himself and more than that, he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt
that Ryan was his. He was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with
Ryan.

Killian stood up so fast that the chair toppled over. "I've gotta find
him."

Chad snorted. "Be sure to find some house training on the way. You totally
broke the chair."

"I think its sweet," Adam declared, ignoring Chad's amused smile. He
grinned at the hopeful boy. "Go get your man, Killian."

And he did.

***
	When Killian stopped running and gave in. It's almost beautiful.
Twilight loomed on the horizon as night blended into day, and waves of the
ocean lapped at the edges of the sand as Killian found the other boy
standing at the shoreline.

Killian chewed on his bottom lip. He couldn't recall ever being so nervous.

"I'm sorry for everything that I put you through, Ryan. With the way I've
been acting- It wasn't fair to do that to you."

"It wasn't," agreed Ryan, his tone even and blank.

"I never meant to hurt you. I was just scared. Scared of being different.
More different than I already am," Killian sighed, wringing his hands
together. He started to talk, dimly aware that he was rambling, as he
poured his heart out, "Hearing that you were starting to like Cerulean
broke something inside of me. I was angry. Angry at myself for letting you
go and angry at that guy for trying touch what was mine. I just lost it-
then seeing you with him crushed everything that I am. I felt incomplete."

Ryan leaned his head against Killian's shoulder, and he almost let out a
choked out sob, part relieved and part nervous.

"Just say it, Killer," Ryan whispered, a note of pleading in his voice.

Killian took Ryan's chin and tilted his head up till they were eye to
eye, nose to nose. He spoke the words that he had been ignoring from the
start. "I love you."

"You love me," Ryan repeated, a slow smile spreading across his face.

A smile tugged at Killian's lips for the first time today just as wide and
hopeful, and full of joy as the one that Ryan was wearing. "Yeah, I do. I
love you."

Ryan smiled bright and glowy, giddiness making him almost shine. "Say it
again."

"I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I fucking love you!"
Killian shouted, his voice echoing through the air. He smiled satisfied at
the expression Ryan wore.

"What if someone hears you?" asked Ryan teasingly, with a small amount of
seriousness. "Will you pull away from me if someone comes along?"

Killian shook his head. "Never," he answered honestly and meaning it. "I'm
done pulling away from you, Ry'."

"Good."

Ryan leaned in and planted his lips against his. Killian's arms immediately
tightened around Ryan, squeezing him so close both of them could hardly
breathe. Warmth flooded through Killian, made his head swim, made him feel
like his heart had burst, overflowing with warmth and elation and all
because Ryan was kissing him.

"I love you too, Killer," Ryan grinned, when they finally broke away. "You
hurt me again. And I'll break your arms."

A bubble of laughter left Killian's throat. "Never again, Ryan-baby."

Ryan leaned in again and they met together in another warm kiss. A kiss
that made Killian see stars.

**

	Something long ignored clicked inside of Killian and he felt whole.
He was a new man, a better man. Killian was positive he could never get
enough of his boyfriend. When they kissed it was always like it was the
first time.

Boyfriend, funny how that word once terrified him. Now if filled him with
the warm fuzzes.

Life was good but it wasn't Happily Ever After. That wasn't in the cards
for them. At least not yet. As long as they were Chosen there would be
obstacles in their path. Turned out the biggest challenge was their first
one.

Armageddon.

It didn't just happen. It rode up right on their doorstep. No matter how
hard they tried they couldn't stop the Elder Spawn from being reborn or for
Heaven's Trumpet to awaken. The ultimate weapon turned out to be one of his
best friends. Kevin Montero wasn't just heavens last; he also was Chad's
brother in another lifetime, and the Crown Prince of Atlantis.

And Ryan and Killian had tried to kill him.

It had all worked out in the end. But they had done the unthinkable. They'd
broken their oaths and defied their prince, and more than that they tried
to assassinate the heir to the throne.

His relationship with Chad had always been a...complex one. They fought
like mortal enemies, hiding their burgeoning friendship under spiteful
bards and insults. Fighting was more of a habit than anything, and a
twisted way of showing their affection for one another these days. But
Killian knew even Chad had limits. There were some things you didn't ever
mess with and that was Kevin, and with the realization of that familial
bond, that sentiment only amplified.

Honestly knowing what he knew now, Killian would have done it again. The
universe had been at stake. Beta Armageddon wasn't something that any of
them could've come back from. It had to be stopped at all cost. On a small
level he knew his trust in Chad wasn't misplaced, but survival instinct had
kicked in and he and Ryan had acted with an impulsive instinct.

He knew Ryan was beside himself with worry and anxious sorrow over their
actions. They had already apologized but Chad had rejected it and them. He
even refused to fight at their sides again. Killian's apology could've gone
a bit better he had to admit, but he had let his stubbornness override his
true feelings of remorse.

Now it was Judgment Day part two.

"Why do you think Nathaniel wants us to come over?" asked Killian as he
slid into fourth gear, smoothly sliding the Eclipse into the right lane.

"Maybe he wants to yell at us. The others hate us too."

The miserable tone in his reply caused Killian to look at him sharply.
"It's going to be okay, babe. I promise."

Ryan exhaled softly, his gray eyes weary and weighted. "I don't like this.
We aren't supposed to be at odds like this. We're a team."

"We made our choices," said Killian quietly over the soft drone of the
radio. "We can't take back what we did, but we did what we thought was
right."

Ryan closed his eyes and leaned back in his seat defeated. "Chad hates us.
The one person who ever wanted to really be my friend won't even look me in
the eye."

"He's probably going to throw a fireball at us," muttered Killian. Suddenly
apprehensive he looked at Ryan. "Are you sure this is a good idea. You
remember yesterday when we tried to apologize. He was two seconds away
from mojoing us."

His boyfriend looked at him, his lips quirking the tiniest bit. "You
scared?"

He wasn't. Stars know that Chad was powerful. Light was his to command, but
Chad's magic had a flexibility that added unknown variables into a fight.
He was stronger than he and Ryan, but there was no way that he would ever
cower in fear of him. Of anyone. He wasn't that boy.

Killian turned into the driveway leading up to the mansion. The grounds
were in a better state than they were a few days ago. The lawn service
patched up the grass, and the house itself looked phenomenally better than
its once wrecked state.

He parked the car and killed the engine. Killian turned to Ryan who was
looking increasingly nervous. He reached over and cupped his face gently
with both hands.

"Come on, babe," whispered Killian, marveling inwardly at how those gray
orbs watched him like he was the only person in the world. "We're in this
together. We already faced the angry prince yesterday. If this is the
firing squad then I'll protect you."

Ryan's smile was like the sun coming out behind a bank of clouds, dazzling
and warm. "You know you can be quite sweet when you want to."

"It's my hidden talent," murmured Killian placing a butterfly kiss against
the side of Ryan's neck.

He blushed, dropping his gaze and then looked up bashfully. "Is it stupid
that I keep falling more in love with you?"

Killian's heartbeat went into overdrive. "And I feel the same."

They shared a kiss that wasn't deep or aggressive. It couldn't have been
more than a brush of their lips, but it communicated all the feelings they
shared.

It was a testament to his title when Ryan's face abruptly went slack as
something other peeked out behind his confident stare, while his shoulders
and posture suddenly went straight and rigid.

"Well then," said Ryan. "Let's get this over with."

The walk to the house was silent as they held hands, each step bringing
them closer to their fate. They slipped into the house and made their way
to the formal living room. The sun drifted in through the bay windows
illuminating the men waiting in the room. Nathaniel sat in the armchair
listening intently to whatever Chad and Adam were telling him from their
spot on the couch. Next to Chad sat Kevin, alive and whole.

They stopped dead.

Ryan gaped silently next to Killian, managing out a choked gasp of
"Killian..."

"You're alive?" Killian gasped, staring at the boy like he couldn't
believe it. He couldn't.

Chad snorted, leveling the two boys with a cold glare. "No thanks to you."

Killian's brain cells weren't firing fast enough for him to register the
insult. He was too busy staring at the person who should be locked in an
impossible battle in the Void, fighting a creature of ancient evil. He
shouldn't be here, sitting on a couch, eating out of a bag of Doritos, and
laughing at their slack jawed expressions.

Kevin wiped his hands on his jeans and stood up. Decade's worth of training
from a lifetime long gone kicked in. Killian brought his fist over his
heart and went to a knee, with Ryan simultaneously mirroring his actions.
Killian's eyes fell to the floor unable to meet Kevin's stare. Guilt rose
up and swallowed him whole, grabbing at his heart and clutching it tight in
a clawed grip.

"My prince," they said tonelessly, obediently bowing their heads.

Ryan looked up and asked hesitantly, "What do you remember?"

Kevin's eyes were scrutinizing as he looked them over. There was something
about his face that was serenely beatific. As he gazed down on him he
looked every bit the prince he once was with a look alone.

"I remember everything," he replied. "Atlantis. Growing up. The Fall.
Everything."

Killian stiffened. They weren't dealing with human Kevin, or a Kevin who
kind of remembered Atlantis – like they did, but a Kevin who fully was more
Atlantean than human. This Kevin knew who and what he was. The Crown Prince
of Atlantis was reborn. And Killian and Ryan had tried to kill him.

Kevin looked down at them intently, measuring them with his stare. "You
committed treason and if this were Atlantis you would be killed on the
spot." He crossed his arms, letting his words hang in the air. "Your reason
was admirable but your actions were despicable. I've never meddled in the
affairs of my brother's court before."

"We're so sorry, Kevin," said Ryan, looking up with an awful sorrow etched
across his face.

The prince nodded a tiny small on his face. "I know. And I forgive you.
Both of you." He gestured with his hands. His face transformed as his smile
grew wider, much more familiar than the quiet serenity. "Get up, guys. I'm
seriously not mad at you. You did what you thought was best. It sucks, but
what's done is done."

"The hell it is!" Chad slammed his hand down on the coffee table. He
glowered at the boys as they rose to their feet and spat, "I'm not as
forgiving as my brother. I'll never trust you again."

Adam sighed and rubbed his hand along Chad's shoulder. "Sweetheart..."

"I'm not changing my mind," said Chad heading Adam off, knowing where he
was going. "I can't be on a team with people who'll stab me when my back is
turned." Blue eyes flashed as he crossed gazes with them. "Face it. When
push came to shove, they shoved me, us, right over and didn't give a flying
fuck."

Killian's mouth twisted into a stubborn scowl. "You don't think I feel
guilty?"

"I obviously don't know you as well as I thought I did," retorted Chad. "So
that is moot."

Nathaniel whistled loudly causing all attention to turn to him. He
straightened his tie and plucked an eyebrow at their various expressions.
He motioned for Ryan and Killian to take a seat, and once they were
settled near him on the bench of the grand piano did he talk.

"I didn't ask them here to point fingers," explained Nathaniel calmly. "A
wonderful thing has happened and I thought they had a right to know." He
smiled at Kevin and said what didn't need to be said, "Kevin's back."

Ryan asked the question that had been burning on his tongue for the last
five minutes. "How?"

"I fought the Elder Spawn in the Void for over forty years. Our battle
blazed across the aether as we burned space and time within the Void. When
I could go on no longer I threw everything I had at it, and the very
act killed me too even as the stars around us burned." Kevin brushed back a
lock of hair that fell across his eyes. He jerked a thumb at Chad. "He
brought me back. The magic he used was the stuff that sparked the universe
to life. Powerful old magic, the Power Creation. It grabbed me tight and
ripped me from limbo. I'm glad to be back. My years in the Void are fading
and for that I'm thankful."

Chad's cheeks reddened at the affectionate look from Kevin. "I had help."

"King Oriens reached across the Dreamlands to aide him," explained Kevin
noting their perplexed expressions. "Our father recreated Atlantis there
after his death. He's been ruling the city there since the Fall."

"That's awesome," said Killian, truly and honestly meaning it. "The king
was always a powerful dreamer."

Ryan nodded, wearing a pleased smile. "I wonder if he knows Cerulean."

Killian slowly turned to him, narrowing his eyes. "Why?"

"No reason, Killer," replied Ryan, playfully rolling his eyes.

Chad clapped his hands. "Okay so frick and frak are caught up. Grand.
Awesome. Like totally freak me out, I mean right on. Can they get the hell
out now?"

"Chad!" said Adam, frowning.

Scowling, Chad eyed his boyfriend petulantly. "What?" He looked around at
everyone. "I'm sorry if I'm not being nice, but I've said what needed to be
said days ago. I don't want to see them and they're off the team. It's a
done deal."

Kevin looked at Ryan and Killian and shrugged. "Have you guys thought about
baking him an I'm sorry cake." He rolled his eyes at Chad's glower. "What?
You so would eat it."

"That's not the point," said Chad, his eyes going unfocused at the thought
of cake. He shook his head, focusing. "The point is I don't, and can't
trust them. I can't have people fighting at my back if I can't count on
them."

Nathaniel cleared his throat and once again all attention was diverted to
him with success. A sphinx like smile slowly overcame his face.

"I think I have a solution."

Chad rubbed his arms as goosebumps appeared on his flesh. "Anyone else
suddenly afraid?"

Kevin slowly raised his hand as Nathaniel's smile became wider, sharper. If
Killian scooted closer to Ryan on the couch as he warily eyed the man, no
one commented.

***

	The log cabin was something right out of Little House on the Prairie.
Even the forest around it looked like it had been transplanted from some
long ago time. They were in the middle of nowhere, in the woods, and no one
could hear them scream.

They were so screwed.

First surprise of the week was Kevin was in fact alive. Second, the boy was
no longer Heaven's Trumpet, third and most importantly he was a Chosen. It
was enough information to cause Killian to stare at him in a dumb stupor
for fifteen minutes.

This surprise was the icing on the freaking cake.

Nathaniel spread his arms wide as he stood before the cabin's porch. They
eyed him with multiple not so excited faces.

"I know I told your parents I was whisking you off for a few days for a
college scholarship program, but I guess you know by now that was a ruse."

Chad snorted at the modest tone. "Gee, I don't know what could have tipped
us off."

"For me it was the handcuffs and blindfold during the entire two hour car
trip," said Kevin dryly.

Adam grumbled under his breath about chaffed wrists and lotion. Nathaniel
pointedly ignored them.

"I want to thank you all for coming." Again he ignored the various
mumblings. "To build your trust back in each other and restore your
friendship, I welcome you to the First Annual Chosen Teamwork Retreat!"

Silence.

"By the power of Greyskull!" Chad gasped horrified, as Adam whimpered.

Killian groaned. "Kill me now."

"How long do we have to stay here?" asked Ryan, looking like he was
wondering if the cabin had Wi-Fi.

"Four days," answered Nathaniel, smiling what he was sure was a reassuring
and hopeful smile. "Now let's begin the bonding!"

Nathaniel tentatively tried to flash Chad a thumbs up, but Chad just stared
darkly at the horizon.

***
Day One
***

	This was singlehandedly turning into the world's largest train wreck.
Maybe one day they would look back on this and laugh. This wasn't that day.

"Why are we doing this?" Killian asked, staring at the huge overturned tree
lying across the width of the river.

Nathaniel smile wilted as he was presented with five sour looks. "It
promotes unity. Crossing it together means you accomplished a task as a
group."

"What happens if we fall?" asked Adam.

Killian shot him a disgusted stare. "We'll go straight to our deaths," he
deadpanned. "What do you think will happen?"

"Hey don't you talk to him like that," shot Chad instantly. "It was a
legitimate question!"

Kevin gazed up at the clouds with a `why me' expression.

Ryan hopped up on the tree and said, "Let's just do this so we can all be
one big happy team again already. Now shut up and let's cross the freaking
river."

He tensed and then jumped with liquid quickness. The power jump took him
into the air with inhuman speed and height. His feet sank into the earth on
the other side with a loud boom as the soil and dirt compacted under
impact.

Nathaniel opened his mouth to protest but Adam was already flying across
the bank. Killian's form burst into countless orbs that reformed on the
other side next to his boyfriend. Chad's shoes suddenly gained a pair of
tiny wings that took him across the river with an effortless jump. All eyes
fell on Kevin as he lazily strolled across the tree.

"What?" he asked, once he crossed over. "It's good balance practice. I have
to keep my skills tight during off season."

Nathaniel buried his face in his hands and shook his head. This was not
what he had in mind *at all*.

***

	Nathaniel was beginning to doubt this was going to work. He looked at
the scene worriedly. This was easily not one of his greatest ideas.

"Can you please just hurry up and fall back already?" Chad stage whispered
from behind Killian. His arms were held out and his knees slightly bent,
ready to do some quick catching. "I know we have trust issues but this is
getting ridiculous. It's going on ten minutes."

Killian clenched his fists and said in a harsh whisper. "I'm actually
*trying* to make myself fall."

"Riight. I believe you," said Chad in a voice that implied he didn't. "I
understand this might be hard for you."

"Shut up," hissed Killian. He sucked in a deep breath. "I'm doing it."

And he like totally was. His stomach tumbled over as he tipped backward. A
weightless feeling hit him for all of .01 seconds before he hit the ground,
hard. He landed on his back with a pained moan as he blinked heavily,
staring up at the sun filled sky. What the fuck.

"So are you going to do this or wha-"

Chad stopped blowing kisses at Adam and spun around, blue eyes widening as
he took in Killian splayed out on the ground.

Kevin burst into laughter so hard that he tripped over his shoelaces and
fell over, still laughing. Killian jumped to his feet glaring at anyone who
even had so much as a smirk on their face. Kevin had the decency to turn
his grinning face to the ground, hiding his amusement.

Killian pointed a finger at a mortified and sheepish Chad. "Not another
word."

"I thought I had more time!" Chad called pathetically out to Killian's
retreating back, as the boy stomped off into the surrounding forest.

A solitary finger was his reply.

Nathaniel groaned and shook his head. So the trust exercise was a bust. He
idly wondered where he stashed that bottle of scotch the last time he was
here.

***
Day Two
***

	From sunrise to sunset the second day was filled with name calling,
hair pulling, and swearing. All of that happened before noon.

A pact was made and this day was never to be spoken of again.


***
Day Three
***

	They retreated to the inside of the cabin since Chad had sworn up
and down a stray cat had been watching him from the top branches of a
redwood. Killian thought he was full of shit. He stared mournfully at the
ceiling. He missed the sun warming his skin. This blowed.

The living room's furniture was pushed back against the walls, opening up
the floor for the current exercise, or form of torture as all the boys had
begun to think of it. They formed a rough circle in the space, sitting on
the ground Indian style. Killian had a vague flashback to fourth grade, and
by the nauseated expression worn by the others they felt it too.

"And how did that make you *feel*?" wondered Nathaniel, staring at Chad
with compassion written all over his face.

Chad ground his teeth, and glared at Killian who was still avidly staring
at the ceiling. "Betrayed. Confused. More than that I was really, really
pissed." He rolled his eyes as Nathaniel gave him a reprimanding look. "I
meant I felt... angry."

"Oh come on!" snapped Killian, finally taking his stare off the ceiling.

Adam cleared his throat. "You don't have the talking stick."

He fell silent as all eyes fell on him simultaneously reminding him that he
too didn't have the talking stick. He blushed and mimed zipping his mouth
closed, an adorable grin forming on his face. Chad went starry eyed at the
grin, and Killian had to snap his fingers four times to gain his attention.
Chad cautiously rolled the stick across the carpet.

"I just don't see why you can't get over it," said Killian sharply. Kevin
forgave them, so what was the big deal? "You know we only did it to save
the world. So take a fucking chill pill!"

He tossed the stick and Chad had to duck out the way before the projectile
nailed him between the eyes. Chad stomped over to the now cracked window,
courtesy of the stick, and snatched it up from where it landed. He sat back
in the circle with jerky, angry movements.

"I'm sorry if the attempted murder of my brother is such a thing I can't
easily overlook," he spat. "I told you I had it. I told both of you to
believe in me, and you didn't."

Killian motioned impatiently for the stick, and grabbed it from where it
landed near his knee. "The entire universe was at stake," pressed Killian,
sharply. "It was a tactical decision based on trillions of lives."

Chad caught the stick as Killian tossed it back. "The world's still
spinning and the universe is still here, based off my decision. So fuck
you."

"Language," chided Nathaniel gently.

"Sorry," Chad apologized with a nod. He glared back at Killian and
corrected himself, "So *frack* you!"

Killian roared like a lion being poked with a giant stick. He launched
himself at Chad, slamming into the wide eyed boy with enough force to send
them skidding feet away. They rolled around on the floor as they tried to
best the other.

Ryan sighed and pulled out his Calculus homework, mentally reciting the
rules of derivatives for solving the limit for delta x. Kevin yelled,
"FIGHT! FIGHT!" Adam made a disgusted sound, and plucked a copy of GQ from
the coffee table behind him.

Nathaniel snuck off to the kitchen and poured more Vodka into his coffee.
He paused for a moment as a crash echoed through the house. He downed the
80-proof `coffee', grabbed the Vodka bottle and padded off to his bedroom.

If he was lucky he would sleep till the fourth day.

***

	Nathaniel swallowed a handful of Advil and chased it down with a gulp
of water. The sun was low in the sky and his sunglasses still hadn't come
off. And they wouldn't either.

"The purpose of this is teamwork," said Nathaniel, glaring at them as much
as they were glaring at him. "One of you will be blindfolded and the other
will lead their partner through a mini obstacle course with nothing but
their voice. So listen carefully to your partner and work together as a
team to finish the course."

Adam was going to lead Killian through, Chad was doing the same for Ryan,
and Nathaniel was Kevin's partner. The obstacle course wasn't much. Killian
was fairly sure he had done harder in summer camp, blindfold or not. Maybe
they would get through this without incident.

"I think Ryan should be forced to wear earplugs," stated Adam. "He's like
Wonder Woman and Captain America's lovechild. He needs a handicap."

Chad was looking at his boyfriend like he had never seen him before. "Holy
Care Bears, are you kidding me?"

Adam crossed his arms and turned his nose up. "It gives him an unfair
advantage."

"I guess if it makes things even..." conceded Ryan, quietly agreeing.

Killian nodded decisively. "Can we tie his hands together too? You guys
have no idea what he can do with his hands."

"Killian!" yelled Ryan, gaping at his boyfriend. "I'll kill you!"

Kevin sighed and said pleadingly, "Can we please just get started?"

"NO!" all the boys shouted back at the same time.

Nathaniel hung his head and muttered, "It was a miracle they were a team
for as long as they were."

"Oh, wow," murmured Kevin wide eyed, as the spectacle grew out of control.

Chad's hands were lit with blue arcs of electricity jumping between his
fingertips. Adam was holding up his hands placidly, although the look was
defeated by the smirk on his face. Killian was too busy trying to get Ryan
off his back.

"Take it back, asshole," Ryan hissed, sitting easily on Killian's bucking
back.

Killian growled and spit out a mouthful of grass. "Oh come on, babe," he
huffed, struggling. "Don't be like that. I meant it as a compliment, I
swear."

"I'm never doing that thing again that you like so much," Ryan threatened,
digging his knees against Killian's ribs.

"Nooooo!" yelled Killian mournfully. "Injustice!"

A similar scene was taking place three meters away. Chad sat on Adam's
stomach raining blows down on Adam's chest. Suddenly the tables turned as
Adam flipped them over so their roles were reversed.

"Oh that's all kinds of naughty," said Kevin, left eye twitching as he
turned away from the sight of Adam pinning Chad's arms above his head,
kissing him for all he was worth.

Chad went slack beneath him and then raised his legs and wrapped them
around Adam, pulling him closer. Nathaniel shook his head and walked off.
Desperate times called for desperate measures.

***
Day Four
***

	Ryan padded around their shared bedroom ignoring Killian like he was
less than air. The other boy was currently lying on the bed with nothing on
but a pair of black boxer briefs. He had just showered and his chest was
still wet, water pooling between the ridges of his abs.

Killian licked his lips and whispered, "Ryan."

The other boy just raised an eyebrow at the sight of his boyfriend
displayed on the bed, like a real life incubus. Killian smirked as he
gained Ryan's attention, slowly brining his hand down to palm the semi
erection growing beneath the thin cotton.

"Oh, yeeaah," Killian moaned, gazing at Ryan through half lidded eyes. "Do
you want to help me with this?"

Ryan tore his eyes from the smothering stare and bent over. He gathered
some clothes from a duffel bag on the floor, and Killian was hit square in
the face by a combination of shirt and jeans.

"Put some clothes on, I've seen it all before," said Ryan dismissively. He
walked to the door and turned around. "For the record-"

He slipped hands over his body massaging his eight pack, and the other
dipped down into his pants. Wisps of black hair led from his navel down to
a dark thatch of hair. Killian's eyes glazed over and he grew rock hard
in his underwear as Ryan's shirt climbed higher, a wet finger rubbing
over his nipple, slowly and caressing. Somebody whimpered. Was it him?
He wiped the drool off his chin. That possibility was strong.

Ryan dropped his shirt and did up his pants. He smirked at Killian's slack
jawed, hungry expression. "Like I said, for the record that's how you
seduce your boyfriend. Hurry up and get dressed, Killer."

The door clicked closed behind him chased by his quiet laughter. Killian
whimpered and was positive that it was all coming from him this time. He
had to blink himself from his daze.

He got dressed mumbling to himself about never again underestimating boys
with nice asses who wore glasses. Begrudgingly, Killian took a seat in the
"Circle of Friendship" in the living room once he got dressed and fed.

"Today is our last day here and I want to try a simple meditation
technique that will focus the feelings we've learned here," he said,
looking like an expensive yoga instructor. Killian didn't even know Prada
made sweats. "Close your eyes and take deep breaths."

"My ass is falling asleep," whined Chad, rubbing his behind. "Do we really
have to do this?"

Kevin groaned. "Yes, bro, so let's do this."

"You are such a suck up," said Chad with one eye closed, glaring at his
brother with the one open eye.

"Shut up, hater," Kevin hissed, copying his one eyed glare.

Ryan looked at Killian with eyes that had seen far too much in four days.
"We died didn't we? Armageddon really happened and this is our hell?"

Adam snorted.

Killian patted the hand holding his, and shook his head sadly. "It really
is debatable at this point."

"Silence!" snapped Nathaniel, making them jump in surprise. He took a
moment and then graced them with a serene smile. "Please clear your
thoughts and repeat after me."

He got a few eyes rolls but they copied his movements, ready for the
nightmare to end. They bowed their heads and Nathaniel began.

"Your friend is your needs answered. He is your field which you sow with
love and reap with thanksgiving. And he is your board and your fireside.
For you come to him with your hunger, and you seek him for peace. When your
friend speaks his mind you fear not the "nay" in your own mind, nor do you
withhold the "ay." Nathaniel's steady voice led them into mediation.

They repeated the words back, heads bowed. Surprisingly Chad's voice was
the loudest and the steadiest as he repeated the mantra with a quiet
cadence. Killian opened his eyes after about eight and a half minutes of
endless chanting.

He wasn't the only one. Ryan was his scribbling on a piece of paper and
Killian peaked over and it said:

By Pythagoras' Theorem, h2 + p2 = a2 and h2 + q2 = b2.

Now, q = c - p so h2 + q2 = h2 + c2 - 2cp + p2.

So b2 = a2 - 2cp + c2 and p = (a2 - b2 + c2)/2c.

Back to h2 + p2 = a2, we have:


                           h2 =  (a + p) (a - p)

                            =  [a +  (a2 - b2 + c2)] [a - (a2 - b2 + c2)]
                                    ---------------------------------------
                           	           2c                    2c

                           =  [((a + c)2 - b2) (b2 - (a - c)2)]
                                ----------------------------------
                                              4c2



                           = [(a + b + c)(-a + b + c)(a - b + c)(a + b -c)]
                                 ------------------------------------------
                                                    4c2


Let s = a + b + c / 2 (half of the perimeter of the triangle).



                           h2  = [16s(s - a)(s - b)(s - c)]
                                 ---------------------------
                                              4c2

                            = 4s(s - a)(s - b)(s - c)
                                -----------------------
                                           c2

                           and   h = 2^[s (s - a) (s - b) (s - c)]
                                     ------------------------------
                                                 c


                           so   A  =  ^[s (s - a) (s - b) (s - c)]


and plugging in a, b, and c, we have: A = 6


Killian stared at the paper. Then at his boyfriend. Back at the paper, and
then once more at Ryan. Killian mouthed `homework?' and Ryan shook his head
and mouthed back, `fun'. Killian blinked. Riight.

He turned to his left and Adam was juggling a sneaker, his watch, and
wallet using only his telekinesis. It was amusing to watch. Kevin was doing
a fantastic job of meditating. His mouth was open, but no words came out,
as he was fast asleep.

That left Chad who was the only one actively participating. Killian sighed
inwardly. If Chad was going to make the effort he should as well. It was
partly his fault they were here in the first place. Closing his eyes, he
waited a beat and then picked up the beginning of the chant, mixing his
voice in seamlessly with Chad and Nathaniel.

Of course the peace couldn't last.

The wall exploded inward in a spray of debris that nailed more than one of
them. Killian jumped to his feet before he realized he was moving. A beast
that was part dog and bat kicked its way through the opening of the cabin.
It was covered in matted gray fur and its bat like membranous wings were
like leather. A ferocious howl left its mouth as it surveyed them with
hungry red eyes.

"What the fuck!" Chad yelled dodging as the creature swiped at the spot
he once sat. Claws tore through empty air and the creature was not happy
at being evaded.

"That's a hellhound," said Ryan in disbelief.

Kevin drew himself up and a visible aura of holy light began to ripple
around him, making him shine like an earthborn angel. Nathaniel's hand
whipped out lightning quick, and he grabbed the glowing boy around the arm
startling him.

"I'll get the prince to safety!" said Nathaniel hurriedly.

Kevin looked at him, shocked. "What the hell are y-"

Nathaniel made a gesture with his hand and the ring on his left hand glowed
deep purple. Their forms flickered and faded from sight.

The song of light exploded in his ears in a beautiful score and Killian
embraced it like a lover. It hummed through his bones and when it left he
was garbed in his Chosen uniform like the others.

The Executioner bounded forward in a flash of black. He feigned low then
went high, upper cutting the hellhound with a wicked right hook. Omega was
there when it tried to recover and a TK blast sent it through the two
walls.

There was a quiet moment and then the ceiling caved in a shower of plaster
and wood. A support beam fell and clipped Omega in the shoulder, sending
him to the floor. The Executioner rushed to his aide, as the hellhound fell
from the hole in the destroyed ceiling. Killian met Warlock's eyes and
nodded. They rushed forward as one. Solaris dodged the jaw that went aiming
for his neck and kneed the creature in the gut. Warlock slammed an elbow on
the back of its neck while it was doubled over. It lost balance and fell to
the floor in a crash of plywood.

Without warning or previous forethought, Solaris and Warlock standing side
by side grasped hands. Together as one they voiced the incantation that
would trigger their combined attack.

"Crisis Nova Strike..." They yelled, auras exploding outward in a burst of
blue and yellow light. "Execute!"

Their auras twisted together and flooded down through their hands like a
funnel. The light twisted together in a spiral of combined might of solar
and magical energy. The ethereal power ripped into the creature from Hell
like a knife cleaving through butter. The awesome might of the universe and
magic ate through his skin, muscle, and bone. It superheated the body till
it bubbled and churned, then exploded. Blood blasted out in a shower,
sending tissue and gore splattering against everything in sight.

Killian made a face as he detransformed. "This is so sick."

"Tell me about it," added Chad disgusted, as they stared around at the
living room that resembled a scene from Hellraiser.

Adam stood up, rotating his shoulder. "Don't worry about me," he said
sarcastically. "I'm fine."

Ryan rolled his eyes, half smiling. "You're fine. Stop fishing for
attention."

Chad looked at Killian unsurely, and said hesitantly, "We make a good
team."

"We kinda do," agreed Killian slowly, surprised the other boy was talking
to him without scorn and mocking.

It was a...nice changing of pace.

There was an awkward minute as silence settled in.

"Okay fine," said Chad loudly, breaking the quiet. He looked between Ryan
and Killian. "I give up. It's a wrap. You two are back on the team."

Killian glanced at Ryan whose eyebrows were steadily climbing into his
hairline, shocked. "Why? I thought you hated us, and didn't trust us."

Chad sighed running a hand through his hair. He looked down at the ground,
staring at nothing. "Whatever problems I had with you two are still there.
But I won't compromise our team by being petty." He looked up and stared at
them hard and said sharply, "I can't forget what you did. I won't ever
forget it." His stare softened and a small smile appeared. "But I can learn
to forgive."

Killian bent his head as his eyes stung. Finally he looked up. He turned to
Chad, eyes filled with remorse. "I really am sorry."

"We're both sorry," asserted Ryan next to Adam.

Adam slipped his arm around the shorter boy's shoulders and let Ryan lean
against him. Chad smiled at him and nodded, and they shared a round of
quiet smiles as the tension lessened and evaporated. Killian felt suddenly
a whole lot lighter as Chad touched him on the shoulder and really smiled
at him. Exuberance bubbled in his chest filling his body.

It felt better than he ever imagined. He hadn't realized how much he needed
this, the team, this friendship. He swallowed and turned away to wipe his
eyes.

Nathaniel and Kevin appeared in a flicker before they solidified. They both
were holding Starbucks coffee cups, and Kevin had a huge pair of Gucci
sunglasses on his face and Nathaniel wore a pair of D&G. They looked like
they just came from the mall. What the hell?

Kevin looked around and whistled. He caught sight of them standing close
together and taking in their sight, a quick and excited smile graced his
face.

"Well, somebody crack out the 40's," he said happily. "The boys are back
together."

Nathaniel smiled like a proud parent. "It's about time."

Adam narrowed his eyes at the almost smug tone. "I smell a setup."

"Are you trying to say that I summoned a hellhound, and then conveniently
left with the only person who could have swatted the creature like a fly?"

"YES!" Adam, Chad, Killian, and Ryan said.

Nathaniel shrugged. "Believe what you want."

Chad looked around the destroyed cabin. He brushed a piece of woodchips off
his shoulder. "Well I'm feeling super bonded with you guys now. Team's back
together. And all that jazz. It's been not fun."

He closed his eyes and a swirling vortex of sky blue formed behind him.
Chad grabbed Adam's hand and jerked the boy behind him through the portal.
It closed with a whoosh.

Kevin looked at Nathaniel hopefully. "We can leave?"

Nathaniel was still staring at the space the portal once occupied,
pondering at the speed and ease at which Chad created the feat. When he
turned to Kevin there was a blinding white light, a flash of elegant
feathers, and the boy was gone.

"Thank you," said Ryan sincerely, smiling at Nathaniel. "I would say it was
a success."

Killian nodded agreeing. Nathaniel was about to launch into a telling of
how his brilliant plan all unfolded but Killian grabbed Ryan in a hug, and
an orange bubble formed around them with a snap. They rocketed through the
hole in the ceiling without fanfare.

Ryan watched the house grow smaller and smaller, as they raced away from
the hellhole.

"I never, never, never, ever want to go through that again," said Killian
vehemently.

Ryan smirked. "Well, Nathaniel did call it the `First Annual'..."

"There's not a God," Killian whispered, vividly imagining next year's
horrors.

Ryan threw his arms around Killian suddenly and he stumbled back and hit
the wall of the bubble. Ryan's mouth pressed soft and full against his, and
made Killian's chest tighten. He had never felt so loved with just a
kiss.

He broke away, and rested his forehead on Killian's shoulder. Killian
shifted and looked at the only boy to capture his heart. "What brought that
on?"

Ryan shook his head, but he smiled brightly. "It's just... everything is
perfect now. Can't you feel it?"

Matter of fact he could. For once there was nothing weighing on his
shoulders. No threat looming over their heads. No friendships that needed
mended. He was here. He was alive. And in his arms was the boy he loved
most in two lifetimes.

Killian took a shaky breath, and smiled dizzily. "You're right. I feel it."

With the feeling pervadeding, Killian shifted and kissed him deeper and
longer, one hand curling insistently around the back of Ryan's neck, the
other settling in the collar of Ryan's sweatshirt, stroking against his
skin.

The bubble flew above the clouds and the sun hung above them, a silent
witness to their love. Its rays warmed their skin and neither Killian nor
Ryan saw through their closed eyes, the champion of light's skin glowing
gold like the sun. It lit them up brilliantly and below on the surface
countless people looked up and beheld the sight.

Shining like the brightest dawn in the sky was a second sun. Killian moaned
into the kiss, tightening his arms around Ryan. If he wasn't grasping him
he wasn't sure he would be able to stay standing. He knew for sure that he
would never be able to let this go. In the end there was nothing that
mattered most but the boy in his arms. Killian finally understood
something. By himself he couldn't be a star. He never could be. Only with
the person holding his heart could he shine, they shine, together.


The End.


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Thank you for reading this story. Some of it was inspired by different
works from authors Kaneko and Svmadelyn. I thought it would be hilarious
and fun to see the boys in similar situations. This stand alone story is
the stepping stone for the next book in the series "Reflecting Equations".
If there are any errors in this they're all mine. I didn't have it editing
by another person and it might show in some parts. I hope it came out
alright and you enjoyed every bit of it.

Thanks for reading.

Batmanhater@aol.com -- If you want to send me an email.
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