Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2007 10:43:54 -0700 (PDT)
From: Silvenfox <silvenfox@yahoo.com>
Subject: The Chosen:  Cerulean Dreams

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.


	There is a place shaped by hopes, strong will, faith. A place of
	wonder. A world beyond the waking world. In this realm a homeless
	man can be a king, a housewife a goddess, a dog a mountain. This is
	the dominion of dreams, the Dreamlands. It is difficult to enter,
	as it lies beyond the outer gates of being, and those few dreamers
	strong-willed enough are rewarded a world of endless marvel. A
	world of limitless possibilities. A land of beautiful dreams.


	"Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price
	to make them come true." -Leon Joseph Cardinal



        CERULEAN DREAMS


	It was a beautiful view. The sun rested on the edge of the horizon
in the distance, throwing red and orange sunshine onto the quietly,
lapping ocean waves. Time passed and yet the sun never moved. It rested
in a perpetual state of sunset frozen on a far-off horizon. Glittering
sand stretched out left and right on this silent, lonely beach. Ryan
brushed his bangs from his eyes, the brown hair obscuring his vision of
this strange scenery. A cool wind bit at his skin and he shivered at the
sudden cold. Rubbing his arms to keep warm, Ryan wondered where he was,
and if he was truly all alone here in this unusual place.

At his back a rocky cliff stretched up high above its jagged peaks
looming like giant sentinels. Standing on its rocky ledge was a tall,
white door. Its silver inlaid frame winked brightly in the steady light
of the setting sun.

Was this place real? No. it couldn't be real, Ryan told himself. This
wasn't reality.

Could this be a dream?

He gazed down at his hand and frowned, flexing his fingers
experimentally. It seemed like a dream but more real than any dream he
had ever before experienced.

"Something feels... different," he whispered to himself.

He couldn't put his finger on it but he felt strange. As if for the first
time he was... himself. Not Ryan, the mortal human. Or the Executioner,
the divine soldier. At this moment he felt like both. There was no
distinction or glamour to place on his self here. Here in this foreign
place, at this time, he was whole. Simply himself.

Ryan spun around sharply his gray eyes peering into the distance. There,
he heard it again. Footsteps. He was no longer alone. He tensed up
unconsciously, hands automatically tightening into fists. The new arrival
stepped away from the shadows of the cliff face. Ryan froze.

It was a young man. They appeared the same age. Long black hair fell in
soft curls around his shoulders. He was dressed in a long sleeved,
flowing shirt, honey gold, which matched his white pants. His skin was a
sun kissed hue that made the blue eyes on his face glow. They weren't
glowing but they were close. They just seemed to shine with an inner
light. Right now those eyes gazed at Ryan with an intensity that made him
shiver.

Not with fear. Never fear.

He couldn't fear this person. He could tell that. This intensity was of a
different class. Profound sadness colored those startling blue eyes. It
pierced him and he gasped as his heart psychically clenched at the
emotion directed toward him.

"Who are you?" asked Ryan, staring into that endless, blued eyed gaze.

The sky tore apart at that moment with the cracking boom of thunder.
Simultaneously, savage winds howled into existence. The fierce gale
kicked up sand and it roared into angry twisters that threw chaos into
this quiet place. Ryan stumbled back, shielding his eyes from the angry
sandstorm.

The young man reached for Ryan, stretching his arm out, fingers searching
the empty air. His mouth opened in a silent cry, voice lost in the fury
of the wind and sandstorm. The wind intensified and the twisters grew
wilder. Ryan cried out struggling against the fierce winds. He wanted to
grab that reaching hand and fall into that longing embrace. He struggled
and his feet moved forward, pushing against the wall of wind. The storm
strengthened and Ryan was knocked off his feet. The man lunged and his
lips parted in a cry of desperation that was mirrored in blue eyes.



	Ryan awoke in his bed coming to consciousness with an abrupt jerk.
He breathed raggedly while clutching at his rapidly beating heart. His
skin was slick with sweat and his sleep clothes stuck to his skin
funnily. Groaning he kicked off the suddenly too hot comforter. Sighing
heavily he collapsed back onto the bed. He stared at the ceilings as if
all the answers were written there. What kind of dream was that? He
always considered himself a logical person. Even in his dreams they usual
followed some formula of logic. Yet this dream was different. It broke
all parameters and its function was undecided. God, it had felt so real
too. He swore that he could still almost feel the sand from the beach
stuck between his toes.

"Who was that man?" he whispered aloud, frowning at the shadows that
played across his ceiling.

Ryan glanced over at his clock and time showed a little after eight in
the morning. The sun was up and dawning sunlight swam into his room. He
swallowed heavily. He thought he was done with unpredictable dreams since
he had been awakened as Chosen. The dreams of his past life were the only
dreams that he could remember that fit into the strange and unusual
category. But his gut was telling him the dream was not something from
his past. He just knew it.

He slung his feet over the bed and walked to the bathroom. His bare feet
padded softly against the soft, plush carpet. He flicked on the light and
winced at the bright fluorescent lighting. Ryan rubbed at his eyes and
splashed some cold water against his face. Absentmindedly, he reached
down and scratched at his feet. His eyes widened as his hand came away
smeared with sand.

His lips parted in shock. "No way."


	The sun was particularly bright today. The March sun beamed down on
the world and the temperature was just right. It was Spring Break this
week and classes had been put on hold for the annual event of a week long
vacation for the youths. Which wasn't much of an eventful vacation until
one got to college, and the true decadence of the week vacation began in
earnest. Usually on some beach, probably filmed. For those not in college
Spring Break was just a free week of no classes. On this day four youths
gathered together to watch a movie at one of their houses.

"Hey Ryan, are you okay?" asked Chad, looking at his silent friend in
concern.

Ryan tore his gaze from the wall blinking his eyesight back into focus.
He gathered his thoughts and pushed them aside so he could focus on the
present. He looked and found all three of his friends staring at him with
equal looks of confusion and worry.

"I'm fine," he replied, trying to play it off.

Chad frowned. "Well, why are staring at the wall like you're a pimp and
it owed you money? Something is obviously bothering you."

Adam picked up the remote control and paused the movie that was playing
on the television. A quick retort that everything was okay was already on
his lips, but then he stopped and sighed. Killian touched his arm gently
and he looked into green eyes expressing nothing but warmth and concern.

"What's bothering you, Ryan?" asked Killian gently.

Ryan sighed. "Just dreams."

"Like nice dreams, bad dreams, or the naughty dreams?" questioned Chad,
leaning in with a fiery intensity in his eyes.

Ryan backed up along the couch a bit, recoiling from him. "Unusual
dreams?" he added in the category.

Adam ran a hand through his long brown hair. "Unusual, like our past life
unusual?"

Ryan shook his head. "It was nothing like that. I'm used to those dreams.
This was... different. I was standing on a beach and there was this guy."

"So it was a naughty dream," interjected Chad, smirking. "I knew you were
staring at the wall like bitch better have my money! I bet the dream
ended right before the good part, huh?"

Adam snorted and slapped him on the shoulder. Chad made a noise and
kicked at Adam's ankle. He missed and Adam laughed at him. Ryan watched
them with a sad, small smile. He wished that he could find someone that
could love him the way the two of them were so obviously in love with
each other. He glanced at Killian who was watching the couple in disgust.
Months ago he thought that he might have found that person. He guessed
that he was wrong.

"Why does the dream bother you so much?" asked Adam getting back on
subject. Adam dodged another one of Chad's kicks and shot him a superior
look.

Here he swallowed. He couldn't find the words. "I... I... The boy he
seemed so sad when he looked at me. Almost longing... When I woke up my
feet were covered in sand from the beach in my dream."

That caused the three of them to tense up. Strange, paranormal acts was
things they knew well and took seriously. No matter how strange it
sounded. It was what they did.

"What?" asked Killian. His voice had gone quiet, hard. "Are you sure it
was from the dream? You do live next to a beach after all."

Ryan nodded. "Positive. I haven't been down to the beach in weeks."

"Who was this `guy'?" asked Chad suspiciously, pulling out a mini
notebook and a pen looking ready to quickly jot down any relevant fact.

Adam sighed and dropped his head in his hands. "You're channeling your
inner CSI again aren't you, Love?"

Chad gave him a `what do you think' look. Killian rolled his eyes and
muttered something under his breath about shaken baby syndrome. He looked
at Ryan and repeated the question.

"What did he look like, Ryan?"

Ryan pushed his glasses up with his finger. It was a habitual action he
did in moments of contemplation. It happened so often that he did it
without thought. In his mind flashed teasing glimpses of long black hair
and piercing blue eyes. He shuddered, feeling the direct gaze crawl
across his skin even through his memory.

Ryan smiled, melancholy, gaze locked on that fleeting glimpse of memory.
"He looked like a dream."

They shared looks amongst themselves. Ryan was oblivious to their
questioning stares. His distant gaze was focused on the memory of a
deserted beach and a young man with sapphire eyes.


	The highway rushed by and the engine revved as Killian switched
gears without pause. The sleek black Mitsubishi Eclipse slid effortlessly
through traffic as the sky darkened to night. The setting sun threw a
blanket of waning sunlight across the sky. Ryan closed his eyes the view
taking him back to that sunset beach and the breathtaking horizon that so
closely resembled this one.

"You have that look again," pointed out Killian, as he turned down the
radio.

Ryan looked at him, question written on his face. "Look?"

Killian nodded. "You get this weird look whenever you think about that
dream. I noticed earlier."

His face flushed and he smiled abashedly. "I must seem so stupid. Getting
so worked up over a dream."

Killian shrugged. "It's not often people have great dreams. I would hold
on to that."

It was good advice. He had to admit that. The colonial style villa with
its wraparound porch appeared ahead. The beach rested behind the large
home and Ryan smiled. Home sweet home. Killian parked and given his
pitying look Ryan invited him in.

"Is your dad ever home?" asked Killian, as they walked through the main
hallway to the staircase that led up to Ryan's room.

Ryan snorted, shrugging. "It's rare. He's a doctor so he works long hours
and when he's off, he's still on-call."

Killian nodded, sympathy showing clearly in his green eyes. Ryan directed
them to his room and they kicked back on his bed as the glow of his
television illuminated the room. Ryan looked at the clock and gasped.
Killian jumped out of the way as Ryan shot across the bed to snatch the
remote control.

"What the fuck," gasped Killian, staring wide-eyed.

Ryan mashed down on the buttons hard. The channel switched and he grinned
goofily at the program now showing on the screen. Killian just stared at
Ryan and then the TV.

"You almost gave me a fucking heart attack just so you could watch the
Discovery Channel?!"

Ryan shot him a shrewd look. "I have you know that Mythbusters is a show
that is worth having a little heart attack over."

"It's the Discovery Channel!" said Killian, indignant.

Ryan's eyes narrowed into tiny slits. "What's wrong with the Discovery
Channel?"

Killian suddenly smirked. His eyes shined evilly. A primal roar left his
lips and he jumped the space separating them. He tackled Ryan and they
went rolling around on the bed. Ryan tensed up ready to throw Killian
off. He had super strength so he had to be careful- Suddenly fingers
attacked his midsection and his muscles relaxed uncontrollably. Laughter
erupted from his throat. Fingers slid over his stomach, and under his
shirt- tickling him mercilessly.

"Killian!"

Ryan laughed and hollered, squealing as he thrashed around the bed.
Killian hauled himself up so he straddled Ryan. He continued his tickle
attack, laughing just as loud as the squirming boy beneath him.

"Killian, stop tickling me!" he squeaked out between laughs.

Killian's fingers stopped their torture and Ryan sucked in much needed
air as he calmed down. He swatted at the hands that were rubbing lazy
circles over his stomach.

"Your still tickling me, clown," Ryan pointed out.

He sat up just as Killian maneuvered himself to un-straddle himself. They
collided midair and their lips met in a sudden kiss. Ryan's eyes closed
as a tongue accidentally went between his lips. He moaned and didn't
register the hands that pushed against his shoulders. Killian pulled
back, his cheeks flushed brightly red.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to... umm... do that... totally an accident,"
muttered Killian looking down, clearly embarrassed.

Right an accident. Ryan sighed, disappointment flooding his body. Were
they really going to go through this again? "Killian... Why don't you
just face-"

Killian stood up abruptly. That model face turned perfectly blank. Ryan
searched his face and couldn't read any trace of emotion. It was a great
poker face if he ever saw one.

"Ryan... I can't," whispered Killian, those green eyes locked on Ryan's
chest. He noticed there were carefully not meeting his eyes. "I'm not...
I can't...be that way."

Ryan shook his head, rising to his feet to meet Killian's eyes. "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-"

He stepped back abruptly, his face tightening. "I... I have to go."

Killian practically sprinted from the room. Ryan glowered at the door.
Anger shot through him and his hands tightened into fists. Breathe.
Breathe. Breathe. One more deep breath. There. He could slowly feel the
anger seep from him as he calmed down. He wanted to punch something so
desperately. He closed his eyes. He couldn't let his anger go. Not here
and now. If he let loose he could bring down the entire house in a fit of
rage. With the vanishing anger the emptiness inside was filled with a
heart panging sorrow. He sat down on the bed feeling bone wearily tired
and hurt at the ache shooting in his heart.

Four months. It had been that long since he and Killian kissed the first
time. It had been during one of their usual study sessions. They had just
looked at each other and then a common spark ignited between them.
Something in common besides being Chosen. In the other they noticed
another secret hidden, attraction. A deep attraction for the other.
Suddenly books were sent flying and they were kissing.

It had been the best day of his life.

He had known all of his life that he was attracted to both guys and
girls. He had a preference for guys but he also appreciated the female
form. Killian had come into his life in a blaze of light. No one saw
their friendship coming. Not even Ryan. He was still amazed that Killian
considered him a close friend. Maybe even a best friend?

For a while there he had thought that maybe they had a future together. A
future that equaled the love Chad and Adam so openly showed to all. It
seemed that it was going that way. Quietly they acted upon their
feelings. Stolen kisses, shy smiles, brief touch of hands and then it
happened. Killian declared they should just be friends and that they had
to stop their relationship from going any further. He squeezed Ryan's
hands and softly proclaimed "he couldn't be that way anymore".

It had been the worst day of his life.

Today was the first time in a long time that they had come together and
acted on their mutual attraction. Not since the day Killian had declared
they were nothing but friends.

"Why do you do this to me, Killian," whispered Ryan brokenly.

He lay back on his bed and just sighed. He sure was sighing a lot today.
Ryan closed his eyes and just felt tired suddenly. He just wanted to stop
thinking. Sleep seemed like a good escape as any to leave the reality
that was his life at the moment.



	Somewhere a bell tolled and when he opened his eyes the view of the
sunset beach greeted him. Ryan took a deep breath and the refreshing
scent of the ocean hit his nostrils. He smiled in content letting the
scenery fill him with serenity. He felt at peace here. It was like an
instant meditation.

He looked down and realized that he was standing on the ledge of the
cliff. Whoa. He hurriedly took a step back and his back hit a smooth
surface. Ryan spun around and was greeted with the sight of the tall,
imposing door that stood all on its own. Ryan frowned touching the
polished structure. It was a pure white double door with an inlaid silver
frame. His fingers tingled where they touched the door. Power. He could
sense this wasn't an ordinary structure. He studied the door. This was
more than a doorway. More like-

A gateway.

If it was indeed a gateway, then it was gateway to where. What points did
it connect to?

He didn't see it till now but there was a carefully made man-made
stairwell built into the rock outcropping. Ryan walked down the
stairwell, his bare feet slapping against cool, smooth stone. He walked
out onto the sand and looked around. He was all alone- The air shifted
and he felt somebody drop down behind him. Ryan spun around. The stranger
was back. Ryan gasped looking at the young man, stunned. On his back was
pinned a pair of angelic, white wings. They stretched out, fully extended
and in the glow of the eternal setting sun he looked truly ethereal.

Those blue eyes bored into him again, the lingering sadness still present
in their depths. Ryan felt pinned by the blue gaze highlighted on that
handsome face. He felt his mouth go dry. Even his mind seemed to take a
break as it became difficult to form a coherent thought. He felt struck
by this...angel?

Slowly, the winged man reached out his hard and his fingers softly
trailed down Ryan's face, then through his dark hair. Ryan sighed
resisting the kittenish urge to nuzzle into the wandering hand. It felt
so good. The man smiled. It was a small smile full of powerful wonder...
and hope... that Ryan found himself becoming confused and unexpectedly
bashful at all the emotion presented for him to see. He was gorgeous
before but when he smiled he was breathtaking.

Ryan looked up shyly. God. He felt like a schoolgirl with a crush. He was
the champion of soul. The Executioner. He could bench press a car for
heaven's sake. When did he get reduced to a blushing teenage boy? He
hoped he wasn't as red as he thought. He didn't want to break this moment
but he needed answers.

"Who are you?" asked Ryan, watching the winged man's long black hair lift
and rise with the gentle breeze.

The man rested his forehead against his. He was about an inch taller then
Ryan which made him an even six foot. They were hairs breath away. If one
of them even moved their heads just an inch forward they would be
kissing. His heart hammered in his chest thumping loudly to his ears.

"I am called Lisilieriel Hacylon."

His voice was a smooth bass that rubbed at Ryan like a caress. It touched
him all over with its sound alone. It didn't prevent him from blinking at
the name.

"What does that mean?" he asked.

He took Ryan's hand and they turned as one toward the sunset. He pointed
at the sunset that continued to sit on the horizon in a continuous act of
setting the whole land into lasting twilight.

"It means the cerulean path to nightfall," he said softly, his hand warm
and strong inside of Ryan's own hand.

Ryan squeezed the hand. "I think I'll just call you Cerulean."

"Cerulean" cocked his head. "No one has ever given me a nickname before."

Ryan cocked his head staring at the stars. He frowned as one by one each
star flared brilliantly. That was weird. He looked down as the grip on
his hand tightened. With how close they were standing he could feel
Cerulean's body tense up. He looked at that handsome face and was struck
by the worry reflected in his blue eyes. Suddenly they flashed with a
hard determination. Cerulean pulled him close wrapping his arms around
Ryan's waist. He held him protectively staring at the stars in defiance.
The wind shifted in a noisy gale and they clutched each other tightly. A
foreign presence slithered across Ryan's senses. They weren't alone any
longer. At the shadows a dozen or so lights appeared, glowing, tall and
bright. Ryan winced throwing up his hands, as spots flared behind his
eyes. It was far too bright to gaze directly at. He frowned. He was
positive that he had caught sight of wings amidst the glowing forms.

Cerulean glared at the luminescent figures. He could see something that
Ryan obviously could not. And what he saw he didn't like. He stared at
the forms angrily and nodded.

Ryan looked at him. "What's wrong?"

"You have to go," said Cerulean miserably, his shoulders slumped.

He looked like a defeated man. All that warmth and that wonderful peace
from earlier was now gone. Their quiet sanctuary had been intruded upon.
Ryan knew that it wasn't his choice. He could tell that Cerulean hated
the words that had just come from his mouth. But he had to know why. So
he asked and Cerulean gazed at him with that familiar yearning and
dejected expression that Ryan thought had vanished earlier.

"It is the way it has always been," answered Cerulean sadly.

They were forced apart by some external force that sent Ryan stumbling
back. He jerked against the invisible power and reached for Cerulean. The
sky darkened and the beach shrunk the dark stretching out to encompass
the rest of the light. Cerulean reached to Ryan his expression full of
anguish. The land lessened as it became swallowed in the dark that
surrounded them, smothering all sights except each other. Quickly the
space between them began to separate carrying them away. Ryan lunged
forward seeing his own desperation mirrored on Cerulean's face.


	When he awoke it was with regret. He didn't want to wake up. If
harm had come to Cerulean because of him- He balled his fist up anger
coursing through him- Something smashed in his hand. Ryan brought up his
balled hands to his eyes and stared. In his hands were a handful of soft,
white feathers that was such a pure shade of white they could only belong
to an angel.

"This doesn't make any sense," Ryan whispered, staring at the crumpled
feathers. "How is this possible?"

He didn't know what to feel. So many emotions coursed through him. He
knew that it was just a dream but things weren't adding up. How were
things from the dream carrying into the real world? Ryan ran his thumb
along the downy softness of the feather. Most importantly why was
starting to develop feelings for someone who was just a dream.

Or was he?



	Ryan walked through the following day in a dreamy daze. He felt
only vaguely aware what was going on. On the inside he was a storm of
emotions that he was analyzing and dissecting as if all the answers would
come if he could just focus himself. But how could he focus himself if
what was going on internally was based off something that wasn't even
reality. He went through the motions of the day robotically, his body on
autopilot. This did not go unnoticed. His friends circled around him in
the command center beneath Nathaniel's mansion ready to confront him.

"Ryan, what's going on man?" asked Adam, his mouth set in a concerned
frown. "You have that spacey look like yesterday."

Chad gripped him on the arm, leaning in so close to his face that Ryan's
found his eyes crossing. He blinked at the serious spark igniting in
Chad's eyes.

"Its drugs isn't it?" accused Chad, narrowing his eyes. "Who is your
pusher? You can tell us man. We're your friends. We won't let you hit
rock bottom like Lohan or Spears."

Killian pushed Chad away. "This is not an intervention you moron."

"It may as well be one," snapped Chad. "He looks high! We have to get him
help."

Ryan shook his head feeling a little bemused by the entire thing. "I'm
not high, Chad or on drugs." Ryan dug around in his pocket. They gathered
around him and they looked at the white feathers clutched in his hand.

Adam looked sideways at Chad and whispered loudly, "I didn't know he had
a feather fetish?"

Killian looked at Chad and Adam, who were looking at Ryan with
speculative and accusing stares, and shook his head in disbelief. Ryan
settled for a half smile. They were so cute. He looked down at the
feathers and remembered the man of his dreams. Cerulean.

"These came from my dream," Ryan said softly, smiling wistfully at the
feathers in his grip.

Killian frowned. "You're still dreaming about that guy."

It was a statement not a question. Ryan nodded slowly thrown aback by the
cool tone. He looked at Killian searching his face for any trace of
emotion. His face was schooled into a stony blankness. Ryan sighed.
Killian had always been better at hiding his emotions than any of them.
Ryan just wished that Killian wouldn't hide his emotions from him.

"These feathers are from Cerulean," said Ryan, fondness creeping into his
voice. He didn't notice it but three of them did. They glanced at each
other worriedly. "He has wings. Like an angel."

Chad cleared his throat, snapping Ryan from his daze. "It sounds like
your crushing on this guy, Ryan. Something weird is going on. Things just
don't appear out of dreams, well unless we're in a Nightmare on Elm
Street film." He looked at Adam suddenly, paranoia in his eyes. "Are we,
baby?"

Adam snorted. "No, sweetheart."

Killian made a gagging noise. He walked to the control console and
pressed a button. "Nathaniel, we need you in Operations please."

Chad stared at the door, watching it without blinking. "The white wizard
approaches," he whispered ominously.

Adam jabbed him in the side. "No more Lord of the Rings for you tonight,
Chad."

The entry door slid open and Nathaniel walked into Operations. He was
dressed in a designer suit, dark, with a jade tie that matched the green
of his eyes. Nathaniel Ruiz. Advisor. And trendsetter. Ryan noticed Chad
running an appraising eye over the suit probably memorizing the style for
a later shopping trip.

Killian brushed a hand through his blond-red hair. "Nathaniel, Ryan has
some guy stalking him in his dreams. He even has some feathers that he
took off the guy that came straight from his dream."

Ryan wanted to interject at the word stalking but he refrained. He was
curious as to what Nathaniel made of the whole situation. Their advisor
remembered all of his memories from their past life and he had been
around the block in the mystical world. He didn't just become a wizard by
clicking his heels together. Unlike David Copperfield, who Chad swore
worked for the Devil.

Nathaniel turned an appraising eye on Ryan. "You've entered the
Dreamlands? It takes a powerful dreamer to enter the land beyond normal
dreams."

Ryan sucked in a breath, his heart hammering wildly. "What is the
Dreamlands?"

"It's a place, a sort of alternate dimension that can be entered through
dreams. It has its own geography and peoples. Unlike our own reality,
there a person can alter their surroundings by will alone," said
Nathaniel. He took one of the feathers from Ryan's hand and held it up to
the light studying it. "Fascinating."

"What's fascinating?" asked Chad before Ryan could. Trust Chad to be more
into the story than Ryan. He always liked a good mystery.

Nathaniel tore his gaze from the feather. "The only inhabitants of the
Dreamlands with wings that this feather comes from are the Dreamcatchers.
They're sort of the police force of the Dreamlands. Some are assigned to
protecting the dreams of specific sleepers from Nightmares." Nathaniel
smiled at Ryan. "I would say you have caught the fancy of a
Dreamcatcher."

"And that's a dangerous thing right?" asked Killian suddenly. "How do we
stop him?"

Ryan shot him a look but Killian wouldn't meet his eye. "Cerulean hasn't
even hurt me. I can take care of myself anyway."

"Ryan is in no danger," said Nathaniel smiling, clearly amused. "In fact
I would say that it is the very opposite. His companion is basically a
guardian angel of dreams."

Chad sighed, staring ahead with a dopey grin. "That is so romantic."

Adam shook his head. "Be manlier."

Chad snapped his attention back into focus and stood up straighter, "I
mean... that's real cool. Very butch and macho."

"Nice try," replied Adam, laughing.

Killian slammed his fist down on the table startling everybody. They
looked at him surprised. He stood standing with his hands balled into
fists, shaking with barely held back anger. Those green eyes flicked up
and pinned them with its burning intensity.

"You guys are acting like everything is normal," Killian practically spit
out. "Ryan is being dream stalked and what, we're supposed to just go
with it. We need to find someway to dreamworld or whatever the fuck it's
called, and go kick the dude in the throat!"

"You mad, huh?" asked Chad, looking around like he couldn't believe what
was happening. He couldn't.

Killian ignored him. "You guys really have no problem with this?"

Nathaniel held up his hands in a placating gesture. "Listen, Killian. You
don't understand. Ryan is perfectly safe especially since the
Dreamcatcher-"

"Wants to probably rape him!" added Killian, cutting Nathaniel off.

Ryan didn't know what to say to him. He had never seen Killian so
passionate about anything besides maybe a fight with Chad. What did this
anger mean? Was he jealous? Hope blossomed in his heart.

"Killian," said Ryan, his gray eyes focused solely on him. "Why are you
so upset?" Killian's mouth opened and closed a few times. He couldn't get
the words out. Ryan stared and Killian visibly deflated as the anger
drained away from him. "Tell me," Ryan pleaded quietly.

Everyone was silent. Killian closed his eyes and shook his head. "I'm
sorry. I... I can't." He hurriedly turned and exited the room. Leaving
the rest of them in an abrupt silence.

"Anyone else thinks that was awkward?" asked Chad, eyes wide with
permanent bewilderment. Adam slowly raised his hand.

Ryan sadly watched the door slide shut. Well that was it. He was done
waiting. That was his last chance. If Killian still couldn't own up to
his feelings then why did it matter if he started to open up to someone
else? Killian didn't care about him. He never did and he never will.


	Ryan got out of the shower and wrapped a towel around his waist. He
made his way to the sink and wiped fog from the mirror. He picked up his
brush and ran it through his black hair. It was at the nape of his neck
now and it was looking really "punk rock" according to Chad. Ryan didn't
know if that was a good thing or a bad thing. He just liked his hair and
really disliked cutting it regularly. He ran his eyes down his body. He
had always been toned. When his powers had awakened and he started
actively training as a Chosen, he had become more defined and muscular.
His polo's now fit snugly over his torso like gloves. Running a hand down
his abs till they rested on the `v' of his lower abdomen, he decided he
rather liked the changes. He picked up his glasses. There was really no
need for the glasses. His vision had corrected itself when his powers
were released. It was a habit to wear his glasses and he didn't want to
stop.

He wondered briefly if his father would notice he had stopped wearing his
glasses. Probably not. His dad loved him, he had no doubt, but he was
never home. The hospital ruled his life. It was the main reason his
parents divorced. In the end he had to choose between living with his
father or mother. Life in D.C. hadn't really ever suited him, so he had
chosen his Dad and they packed up and moved across the country to the
west coast.

Ryan slipped on a pair of black mesh shorts and a white shirt. He lay
down on his bed tucking himself under the comforter. Ryan stared at the
ceiling wondering if he would find himself in the Dreamlands again. He
felt his mind wander and his attention wane as tiredness creped through
every pore of his body. His eyelids grew heavy and he finally closed his
eyes. Sleep welcomed him.


	Light pierced the darkness and Ryan stepped out of the tall door
that he recognized from his dream. It shut with a quiet bang and he
stared at it thoughtfully. This was the first time he could ever remember
appearing here from the door. To his knowledge he usually just found
himself already here seemingly appearing from nowhere.

He walked down the now familiar path from the cliffs to the beach below.
Ryan stopped for a moment to bask in the light of the infinite sunset.
The orange rays of light washed over the land and it was a sight that
grew more beautiful each time he saw it.

"I knew you would come," said Cerulean dropping down from the sky. He
furled up his wings and they vanished in a burst of silver sparkles that
rained down to the glittering sand.

Ryan's face broke into a smile before he could stop it. "Cerulean!"

Cerulean closed the distance between them and swept Ryan up into his
arms. He spun them around making the boy laugh at the light heartedness
of the act. Ryan's feet touched the ground again and their gazes locked
in a mutual stare that communicated all the feelings they felt easily.

"You found your way back to me, Ryan," whispered Cerulean, joyful. "You
are getting good at reaching this world."

Ryan blushed under the smiling face. "I had some information on what this
place is. This is the Dreamlands. And you are a Dreamcatcher."

Cerulean chuckled. "You have been busy. And you are in fact correct. This
is your own corner of the Dreamlands. Up there," he pointed up at the
stars. "Those are but small worlds other sleepers dream up and call their
own."

Ryan was intrigued. "Can we leave this beach? Go somewhere else?"

"All you had to do was ask," smiled Cerulean, his eyes twinkling.

Their fingers laced together and the world around them shifted and turned
into myriad of flashing colors that was like a living rainbow. The
rainbow corridor ended and the world flashed back to normal. Ryan found
himself standing on a grassy plain with Cerulean standing tall and
reassuring beside him. They stood at the border of a large forest.
Cerulean tugged on his hand and they walked through the forest down a
well worn path. Strange noises permeated the forest sounding completely
unlike a forest on Earth. Most of the sounds were haunting, making hairs
stand up, others were melodic and soothing to the soul. The trees seemed
to glow at their edges green and silver. It was as if they were alive and
the glow was their living aura.

They emerged from the forest and beheld in the distance a great
crystalline city that shined silvery white in the brightly lit sky. It
rested on the shore of a great, blue sea. More blue and clear than any
water he had ever seen. It was remarkable.

"That is the sea of Illian Oceno. Resting at the shore is the great city
of Infinites."

Ryan stared in wonder as they drew nearer to the city. Ivory towers,
colored white, reflected the sun and the city appeared a luminescent
jewel beneath the sky. Buttresses joined towers, connected to bridges,
each of a design that wasn't originated to one set cultures architectural
style. People passed them in the street. Everyone was happy, smiling, and
dressed in simple robes or functional tunics. They gave Ryan a curious
glance, since he was still clothed in pajamas but they didn't stop
traffic or anything.

"It's so beautiful," said Ryan, awed.

Ryan grinned and laughed as a group of giggling children ran past him
almost knocking him over. He watched them in amazement. How were there
children here?

Cerulean saw his questioning gaze. "Some sleepers who journey here in
their dreams have the chance to retire here if they die in the waking
world. Once here they are immortal and have the chances of living out the
lives in the Dreamlands. Children are a natural occurrence of inhabitants
in the Dreamlands."

"Unbelievable," he muttered, stunned.

They came upon a glade of trees with a lawn of grass trimmed neatly.
Stone benches littered this park and a marble water fountain sprayed
clear water from its spout. Children ran and skipped between the trees
playing their childish games. They found a spot to sit on a stone bench
that overlooked the stone fountain.

Ryan looked down at their interlocked fingers then up at Cerulean. "Why
me?"

Cerulean smiled. "Why not you."

"Stop that," laughed Ryan. "You're always making me blush."

Cerulean ran his thumb over the top of Ryan's hand. "That is why. Your
laugh is like music and you blush when the simplest compliment is paid to
you."

Ryan blushed and Cerulean laughed. "Oh, it has been far too long."

He stilled. Too long? "What are you talking about?"

"I..." Cerulean sighed, his blue eyes dimmed a bit in gloom. "I have
watched over your dreams for many years. Many, many years. I fell in love
with you long ago. In your dream you were dancing. I had never seen
anything more wonderful."

"I don't even know how to dance," Ryan denied, still watching Cerulean
carefully.

"You did then. When you used to be called Aurek," he replied.

What? How did he know that? This didn't make any sense. That was millions
of years ago. Cerulean had been in love with him for millennia? It was
boggling to his mind. Ryan swallowed trying to fathom the thought in his
mind. The sadness in his eyes made sense. All that time...

Cerulean closed his sorrow filled eyes. "It was a sad day when Atlantis
fell. All those dreams lost in an echo of anguished screams..."

"You have been alive all this time," said Ryan, stunned.

Cerulean nodded, he looked up at Ryan through his eyelashes. Blue eyes
framed by thick black lashes. It was a shy move that showed that he
wasn't as confident as he appeared. Inside he was nervous and vulnerable
the same as Ryan. He was putting himself out there and Ryan had the power
to deny his feelings.

"I mourned your dreams most of all," Cerulean admitted. "I used to watch
your dreams and bask in the purity of their power. It was beautiful. When
the Chosen were reborn the power of your dreams radiated like the new
dawn all across the Dreamlands."

"Was it by your power that I crossed through my dreams into the
Dreamlands?" asked Ryan. He didn't see why he never had come here before
till now.

Cerulean ran his hand through Ryan's hair. "You came here through your
own power. It was only a matter of time before one of the Chosen found
their way here. You all have a certain magic which makes your dreams more
open to the pathway that connect to the Dreamlands."

Ryan closed his hands, enjoying the feel of the hand. "I don't even care
anymore. Here, with you, feels so good right now."

"You should leave now," said Cerulean urgently, looking into the
distance.

He followed that gaze and at the border of the park was a quartet of
three figures. Four men. Each had a pair of white wings pinned to their
backs. Ryan swallowed. Dreamcatchers. He glanced at Cerulean and the man
was watching his peers with narrowed eyes.

"Will you be alright?" asked Ryan worried for Cerulean if he left him
alone.

Cerulean nodded, tearing his eyes from the Dreamcatchers. "I will be
fine. They will not harm me."

Ryan wanted to argue but Cerulean smiled at him serenely, placing his
palm onto his brow. Ryan closed his eyes and felt himself falling. He
opened his eyes and was greeted by an abyss of darkness that sent him
spiraling through nothingness. Cerulean's voice appeared. Not from
anywhere close. But in his mind his voice resonated as if he was near.

"We will see each other again."



	It was three in the afternoon and his Dad was actually home and not
at work. This was a rare occurrence at the Spencer household and Ryan was
intent on taking advantage of it. Father and Son had made spaghetti.
After cooking for an hour and floundering their way through the process,
they sat down at the kitchen table to enjoy the fruits of their hard
labor.

Benjamin Spencer was a good looking man considering he was nearing forty.
He was tall, had short, cropped black hair and deep brown eyes. He wore
glasses since most of his life his face had been buried in a book.
Studying in middle school, studying in high school, studying in college,
studying in medical school... It was with hard work that he had become
Chief Resident at Centennial Medical Center. It was considered the best
hospital in the city.

"You look different," said Mr. Spencer, observing his son with a critical
eye.

Ryan's eyes widened. What did he know? He didn't think he looked any
different than he had the day before. He racked his mind for anything
that may have given him away as being Atlantean or Chosen... Ryan tried
to school his face into a blank mask but failed miserably. He couldn't do
it when his father was giving him that searching look.

"I know what it is!" announced Mr. Spencer, triumphantly. "Your hair is
longer!"

Ryan almost blew the table over with the sigh that left his lips. "I
guess so." He self consciously ran his fingers through the fringe that
swooped over his forehead.

Mr. Spencer nodded and then looked at the bicep Ryan made as his hands
worked through his hair. "Been working out, son? You're starting to
really fill out kiddo."

If you considered kicking demonic ass as working out, then yes. "A little
bit, yeah."

"So do you have your eye on any girl..." hinted Mr. Spencer, his eyes
twinkling like a kid getting candy. Ryan didn't like that look. "Or guy?"

Ryan blushed from his neck to the roots of his hair. "Daaad! Please. I'm
trying to eat."

"What!" Mr. Spencer laughed, throwing up his hands. "A Dad has to know
these things. Look we moved out here so you can be more yourself. I know
you never fit in too well in your school back in D.C. but... I hope
things can change here."

"Things are going really great, Dad," he replied, honestly. "I have some
amazing friends and school is awesome. I like it here."

Mr. Spencer smiled brightly, looking relived and pleased. "I know I
haven't been home a lot but I'm trying my best here. I just want you to
be happy."

Ryan was touched. He knew his Dad had been trying hard. Like right now.
He had set aside time from a very busy schedule just so they could have a
nice normal dinner together. It meant a lot that his Dad noticed his
absence it attempted to make up for it.

"Thanks, Dad," said Ryan, really meaning it.


	It seemed that every night the path down the slumber corridor got
easier and easier and he was again found himself exiting the door into
the Dreamlands. Sunset beach greeted him and he made haste in making his
way down the cliffs to the shore below.

He didn't see Cerulean on the beach. He wasn't worried. The other man
always joined him soon enough. Ryan took a seat on the beach, sitting on
the cool sand he stared at the sunset. He had always liked to stare at
the sun. The light reminded him of-

"I told you that we would meet again," spoke Cerulean knowingly, taking a
seat next to Ryan.

A smile tugged at Ryan's lips. "I didn't doubt it."

Cerulean took Ryan's hand interlocking their fingers. Their shoulders
brushed against each other and he laid his head against Cerulean's
shoulder. He didn't see it but he Ryan could almost feel the sadness that
lingered around Cerulean.

"I feel there is a sadness about you," muttered Ryan quietly. "Talk to
me. Please."

Cerulean nodded slowly. He moved so his head lay on top of Ryan's. "I am
grateful that you are here with me now. I just know that you cannot stay
here forever. You will soon leave for the waking world and I will again
be alone. It is but one reason why we can't be."

"Why can't we be together?" asked Ryan confused.

"Dreamcatchers are warriors, the protectors of the Dreamlands," answered
Cerulean grimly. "We are to always watch, never partake. It is the fate
we are resigned to. We belong to separate worlds. It is why the other
Dreamcatchers do not want us together."

Ryan stood up quickly. "I don't care about all of that," he stated,
conviction clearly in his tone. "It doesn't matter to me."

"You never stop amazing me," said Cerulean in wonder.

The sky darkened and the world around Ryan faded away to darkness. He
reached out for Cerulean but the darkness was too thick and it drowned
him, pulling him under, swallowing him whole.


	The four friends were gathered together at their usual place in the
park. The sun beamed down on them throwing rays of sunshine into their
eyes. Ryan was in a semi trance again lost in his thoughts, only nodding
or answering questions when he was directly called to. His thoughts were
occupied by visions of long, black hair and ocean blue eyes that radiated
so many feelings that it left him breathless.

"Hello, Ryan, hello," called Chad, snapping his fingers. "Ground control
to Major Tom."

Ryan's head snapped as he was thrown back into reality. "Huh, what?"

"You've been zoning for like twenty minutes dude," said Chad.

Adam nodded. "Are you still dreaming about him?"

"Dreaming /with/ him," said Killian, moodily.

Ryan glared at him. He was tired of Killian's whole attitude about the
situation. He tried to meet the other boy's eyes but he was wearing a
pair of white designer shades that hid those green eyes from view.

For the first time in a long time, the Executioner peaked out from behind
the glasses of Ryan. Those gray eyes didn't flash or glow, like the
others did when their alter ego bested their mortal forms. His eyes went
from warm and friendly to hard and assessing. They weighed you carefully,
watching their target, like an animal would watch its prey. This was the
stare that Ryan leveled Killian with.

"You don't have the right to make comments like that," said Ryan coolly.
"You don't get to make them. Not anymore."

Killian's lips thinned into an angry line. "I know you. I..." He trailed
off, letting out an angry groan, as the words became lost on his lips.

Ryan glared harder. "I thought so."

"What's your problem anyway, Killian?" demanded Chad, turning glinting
blue eyes on the other boy.

Adam sighed, shaking his head. "Tact, baby," he said softly, groaning.
"We practiced."

Killian sneered at Chad. "My problem is not with you so how about you go
and get another box of dye. Your hair is such a horrible shade of suicide
blond it's not even funny."

"Suicide blond?" butted in Adam, confused.

Chad didn't take his dangerously glowing eyes off of Killian's. "Suicide
blond. It means dyed by my own hand."

Adam made a sound that was between a choke and laugh. "I thought you were
a natural blond?"

Chad rolled his eyes. "Shut up, Adam. You know I am."

"You two actually get dumber when you're together," said Killian,
astonished. "Why did we even have to know that?"

Chad snorted. "Oh calm down. It's not like I went all Sex in the City
with details. We've just seen each other naked while changing."

"We definitely have to re-practice tact, Love," said Adam, extremely
embarrassed.


	A cool breeze sprung up and their hair played about its currents.
Ryan leaned into Cerulean's embrace. Their arms wrapped each other in a
protective hold neither one wanting their closeness to end. Ryan nuzzled
into the neck sniffing the scent of jasmine that always seemed to linger
on Cerulean's skin.

"I don't want to go back," murmured Ryan, his eyes closed in content.

Cerulean rubbed soothing circles along Ryan's back. "I wish we had more
time." He placed tiny kisses along Ryan's brow, neck, and cheeks.

"I just want to show you my world," said Ryan. "Just once. I want you to
see the waking realm."

What they didn't see was the stars in the sky flash. Each one belonging
to a different sleeper, their dreams nestled away in tiny corners of the
Dreamlands. Lights rained from the sky originating from the stars. They
landed on the cliffs flaring into existence with bright lights that
reached the farthest corners of the beach. The embracing couple broke
apart holding the others hand tightly, reassuringly. All along the jagged
cliffs Dreamcatchers dotted the rocks. They stood in a line of white,
glowing figures, wings fully extended like a choir of angels ready to
sing a glorious hymn.

"From the sun's rise till its setting you shall walk among the waking
souls," the angels said as one.

Cerulean gasped, clutching tightly onto Ryan's hand. "H-how?"

"Your dreams are now his reality. The line of dreaming and waking has
blurred for you."

He smiled fiercely at the glowing angels, gazing at them in wonder and
adoration. The gift he was being bestowed was worth more than anything he
knew.

"Thank you, my friends."


	The sun rose over the ocean horizon where the sky and land met. It
was a beautiful sight of purple, and red, and orange mixed in the canvas
that was the sky. Ryan and Cerulean walked hand in hand down to the beach
that bordered his house. They had awoken in Ryan's bed covered in a
blanket of white feathers. After hugging for what seemed like an eternity
they walked to the beach to watch the sunrise. It was Cerulean's first
time to see the actual sunrise. He was so overcome that he wept in Ryan's
arms and they laughed together with tears trailing down his cheeks.

The morning blurred in a rush of stolen kisses and dazzling smiles tinged
with giddy happiness.

This was a miracle.


	The Ruiz Estate was situated on a wide expanse of land at the edge
of the city. Its mansion was a house that belonged on Lifestyles of the
Rich and the Famous. It may have even belonged in TIME magazine if people
knew of its inner most secrets, particularly the structure that existed
beneath the building. It was Saturday afternoon and where most people
were out at the beach or mall, the defenders of the earth and their
advisor met together for lunch. They gathered in the dining room sitting
at a table covered with food and drink.

"I thought Ryan was going to be here soon," mumbled Chad around a
sandwich he shoved in his mouth.

"He said he would be a bit late when he called," replied Nathaniel,
watching Chad eat with a sort of disbelieving horror.

Adam slapped Chad's hand that was reaching for chips. "Chew first, love.
You'll choke. I told you that you shouldn't have skipped breakfast but
noooo."

Chad pouted at him. "I didn't want to miss a second of the Stargate
marathon. I've already missed the last few episodes of the entire series
once before." His eyes took on a haunted look. "I won't go through that
again. I'd die first."

Killian snorted. "You're such a drama queen."

Chad raised an eyebrow. "I believe the title is prince, cum breath. Thank
you."

A noise from outside the room made them turn their heads. Standing in the
doorway were two figures, hands clasped, leaning against each wearing
soft smiles. Ryan was wearing jeans and a white polo that was tight
against his broad upper body. Cerulean stood next to him dressed in
khakis and button down blue shirt that made his blue eyes stand out even
brighter. He didn't have his wings but there was still a sense of magic
about him, and given an urge he could still bring them out.

Ryan's face was practically glowing in happiness. "Hey guys," he said,
beaming. "This is Cerulean."

"As in dream Cerulean?" asked Chad, staring openly at the long haired
young man.

"How did this happen?" questioned Nathaniel, perplexed. "How did you
leave the Dreamlands?"

Cerulean smiled gently at Ryan. "I have until sunset till I must go back.
My friends parted the veil of the realms for us to be together. It is
good to see all of you in this waking world." He looked at Adam and Chad.
"I have never met you but I have heard tales of the lovers that sometimes
walk the same dream. It is a sign of a true destined pair."

Adam and Chad shared a passionate look smiling softly at each other. It
was true. Sometimes they always felt as if the other was there even when
sleeping. Their connection knew no boundaries. Not even sleep could
separate them.

Cerulean and Ryan took a seat at the table. Chad shot Killian a
sympathetic look noticing how pale and withdrawn the other boy had
suddenly gotten. Chad tried to engage him quietly in conversation but
Killian just mumbled noncommittally or shrugged in answer. Adam simply
put his hand on Killian's shoulder offering his support in the gesture
alone. Ryan saw none of this. He was fully entranced in the presence of
Cerulean. They only had eyes for each other during their short time
together.

"Ryan, can I talk to you outside for a second?" asked Chad with steely
politeness.

Chad didn't give the other boy a chance to answer. Ryan was hauled up by
his shirt sleeve and dragged after Chad, who was marching from the room,
a man on a mission. Chad didn't stop till they were a good distance away
from the dining room. Ryan took his arm back from Chad's grip, frowning
at the shorter boy who was staring through narrowed eyes. With his blond
hair and cornflower blue eyes he usually looked friendly than
intimidating. This was not one of those times. He stretched out to his
full height of 5'9, staring into Ryan's gray eyes determinately.

"I can't believe that you would do this to Killian," hissed Chad.

This was about Killian? "What am I doing exactly?" asked Ryan slowly,
confused.

Chad shook his head, appearing more sad than angry now. "You really have
no idea," he muttered quietly. "Killian and I may fight a lot. But that's
partially because we can read each other so well. I don't know. Maybe
it's because Emrys and Apollo were best friends. I really don't care.
What I know is that Killian is in there suffering silently while you make
eyes at dream boy."

"Killian doesn't care about me," said Ryan bitterly. "If he does he would
just flat out and say it. He's scared of admitting his feelings even to
himself."

"It doesn't matter how scared he is to admit it," argued Chad quietly.
"He is in love with you."

Ryan stopped moving. He wasn't even sure if he was breathing. "What?" he
asked breathlessly. "Has he said something to you?"

Chad shook his head, smiling compassionately. "He doesn't have to say it.
It's in his eyes."

"Your wrong," replied Ryan, shaking his head, dismissing the notion. "If
he felt that way. If he loved me the way I love him-" His eyes widened
and his mouth dropped, not comprehending what just left his mouth.

Chad grinned. "You love him too! I knew it. Looks like Adam owes me five
bucks."

"I..I..." Ryan stuttered trying to form a coherent sentence.

He stared unblinkingly into the distance trying to organize his thoughts.
He was in love with Killian? Ryan felt as if he was out of his body at
the moment. He felt weightless and disoriented. Ryan thought about
Killian and his heart thrummed and felt tight in his chest. He rubbed at
his chest wondering at the clenching in his heart. What was this feeling?
He thought about Killian, smiling, laughing, sad, angry, and his heart
swelled even more.

"Your head may not know it," spoke Chad knowingly. "But your heart knows
when it's in love."

Ryan put his head in his hands. Things were getting complicated. "But I
really like Cerulean. He's amazing. I like him. I really do like him."

"That may be but Killian has your heart," replied Chad.

Ryan laughed shortly, feeling thrown off by the entire scenario. The only
thing he could do is laugh. It was either that or cry. Crying seemed the
messier of the two. He was Ryan Spencer. He was not supposed to have two
guys to choose between. His love life never worked like that before.

"When did you get so wise?" asked Ryan, laying a hand on Chad's shoulder.

Chad shrugged. "I've been watching a lot of Molly Ringwald movies." He
smiled wistfully. "Her love life is always a hot mess."

Ryan blinked. "Oookay." He sighed, shaking his head. "I don't know what
to do."

"You'll figure it out."


	Lunch had been extremely uncomfortable for Ryan once he had gotten
back to the table. Now that he knew his true feelings and how Killian
felt, he couldn't deny the guilt that gnawed at him for enjoying himself
with Cerulean while being in Killian's company. He knew inwardly that he
was doing nothing wrong. It was the look on Killian's face. He looked
tired, defeated, slumped in his chair as if he had given up on life. It
broke his heart.

Ryan put all that he knew at the back of his mind once they got away from
the others. He took Cerulean to some of his favorite sites of the city,
like the park, the mall, and the library.

The couple strolled along the beach near Ryan's house. Their hands were
clasped as they made their way down the sandy shores. Cerulean stopped
and gazed at the horizon.

"I can sense twilight coming," said Cerulean gloomily. "Sunset
approaches."

Ryan clenched his hand tighter. "We're almost out of time."

Cerulean nodded unhappily. He ran his hand down Ryan's face, cupping his
cheek within his palm. "Thank you for making my dream come true. Now it
is time to make your own dreams real as well."

"What are you talking about?" asked Ryan.

"You have given me your affection and I will always treasure it," said
Cerulean. "But I know I do not hold your heart. You were in love before
you met me. Killian is your first love and no one can take his place in
your heart. Including me."

His mouth went dry as he stared into Cerulean's compassionate blue eyes.
"All this time you knew about Killian?"

Cerulean smiled sadly. "I knew. Your souls resonate like the sound of
twin bells. That didn't stop me from watching you and falling in love."

Ryan swallowed. "I don't want to hurt you."

"I'm not hurt," said Cerulean reassuringly. "I'll remember our time
together for eternity and treasure what we had."

A tear trailed down his cheek and he nodded. The sky started to change
and twist with multiple colors as the sun began its journey in the sky.
They fell into each others arms embracing tightly.

"Be happy," whispered Cerulean.

It was his parting words that echoed with finality in the air as he
morphed into a cloud of shining silver. The sparkling nimbus flew across
the blue ocean toward the setting sun where it vanished quietly. Just
like his namesake, Ryan thought. The cerulean path to nightfall.

He was gone. Ryan wiped the tears from his eyes staring at the rapidly
darkening sky. He plopped down on the sand. What did he do now? The sun
set and night finally washed across the land. It brought with it the
stars in all their celestial luminescence.

Another soul joined him on the beach sitting down next to him without
fanfare. Ryan glanced over and was surprised to see that it was Killian.
He gazed out into the distance staring at the lapping ocean waves.

Ryan frowned watching him. "What are you doing here?"

Killian shrugged. "I figure you would want some company when he left. So
here I am. Company."

"Oh," said Ryan surprised. "Well, thank you."

Killian brought his knees up to his chest and wrapped his arms around his
legs. He rested his hand on his kneecaps and watched Ryan through half
lidded eyes. They looked like green emeralds and Ryan was drawn into that
gaze. He turned away breaking their stare.

"He must love you a lot?" asked Killian quietly, his voice muffled
because of the position he was in. He closed his eyes resigned as Ryan
nodded. "I hope you two are happy, Ryan. I really do."

"If we were together I'm sure we would be," replied Ryan just as quietly.

Killian's head snapped up, his eyes flying open in confusion. "What? But
I thought-"

"I don't love him," interrupted Ryan. He stared at Killian hoping that he
would get the truth of his words. He had to know what giving up Cerulean
meant for him. Meant for them.

Killian chewed on his bottom lip. "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.

"I never meant to hurt you. I was just scared. Scared of being different.
More different than I already am," he sighed. "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. "Just say it, Killer,"
he 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. "I love you."

"You love me," echoed Ryan, a smile breaking onto his face.

A smile tugged at Killian's lips for the first time today. "Yeah, I do. I
love you."

Ryan smiled widely, brightly. "Say it again."

"I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I fucking love you!"
cried Killian, shouting loudly that his voice carried through the air. He
smiled satisfied at the expression Ryan wore.

"What if someone hears you?" asked Ryan teasingly. "Will you pull away
from me if someone comes along?"

Killian shook his head. "Never," he answered, seriously. "I'm done
pulling away from you, Ry'."

"Good."

And they kissed. Their lips met and it was like a swirling passion of
flames that erupted outward in an inferno. They wrapped their arms around
each other tasting the very essence of the other person. Their lips moved
together in a cadence that only their souls could hear. They broke apart,
stealing one last gentle kiss before stopping. They gazed into each
others eyes, breathing heavy, with a delirious smile worn on their face.

"I love you too, Killer," said Ryan, grinning. "You hurt me again. And
I'll break your arms."

Killian laughed a happy sound that captured Ryan's heart. "Never again,
Ryan-baby."

Ryan leaned in again and they met together in another fiery kiss. He had
no doubts to Killian's promise. Killian was done running. They were here
now together and nothing would change that. It was tough choice but Ryan
knew he had chosen right. The man of his dreams or the man of his heart?
As the champion of soul he always listened to his heart.




The End.


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
END NOTES: Man, I'm tired. That was a long one! This was something I
wanted to do for awhile. I wanted to focus on Ryan at least once since I
first introduced him. This was sort of the 1.5 of the series. The next
posting will be book 2 of the story Heaven's Trumpet. I hope you guys
liked this one. Killian and Ryan were a loose end that needed tying up
and I didn't want to do it in book 1. This story was important since it
introduced the Dreamlands and Cerulean. Who will appear again in the
story at some point in the future. Just because Ryan didn't get with him
doesn't mean there isn't someone out there for him.

Here is the message board for the story. Just copy and paste into your
web browser.   http://www.quicktopic.com/39/H/fXmyJ3NcYt7Z

If you want to contact me in an email: Batmanhater@aol.com


Thanks for reading. Bye guys.