Date: Sun, 22 Jul 2007 22:51:50 -0700 (PDT)
From: Silvenfox <silvenfox@yahoo.com>
Subject: The Chosen - 12

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.


Chapter 12


I was dreaming again.

The city of Atlantis was always beautiful at night. The tall, shimmering
silver buildings stretched high into the sky. Soft glowing lights dotted
the building windows making them shine against the dark skyline. I looked
down from my position on the balcony. The view from here was always
breathtaking. The Imperium Tower was the tallest structure that centered
and loomed above Atlantis. Distantly, I could almost hear the ocean waves
lap against the city's outer perimeter. Atlantis was a jewel amongst the
surrounding ocean sea.

I rubbed at my arms trying to fight the chill of the wind. It was nearing
winter and it was always my least favorite time of year. The weather was
always far too cold. The balcony door slid open and I turned.

Admerion loomed in the doorway. His red suit and white cloak caught the
light behind him and made him look almost ethereal. When I saw his face,
misted and features hidden I was thrown into awareness. I remembered this
was a dream, no a memory, and I was merely a spectator in my body to
witness the past. My past.

"Princeling, there you are!" he proclaimed loudly, grinning.

I glared at him. "I have known you six years and each time I have
declared that you shall not refer to me by that hideous title."

"I'm sorry, Prince Emrys," he replied, promptly.

His tone and twinkling hazel eyes reflected the humor he was trying hard
to keep hidden. I sighed in annoyance. Admerion had always been a
difficult person ever since we first met at eleven years of age. I looked
at him, shifting slightly, and crossed my arms. I raised my eyebrow at
him questioning.

"Was there something you required of me, Admerion?"

He nodded, this time not fighting the smile. "There is a ball going on
now and we are missing one prince. So I took the challenge upon myself to
search for you and at last I have found you."

I shook my head. "It was just becoming a bit daunting. I just needed some
air and I became caught up in stargazing."

Admerion stepped closer to me. "You and I could go back to my room and we
could find something more... interesting to do."

I looked into his eyes and said simply, "No."

"If you want we could do it out here but people may overhear us."

A growl of annoyance erupted from my throat. "You will find that no one
will overhear us since we shall not be doing anything."

"Such untrue words have never been spoken, Princeling," he challenged me,
smiling roguishly.

"This is why I barely like you Admerion," I said, frustrated. "You throw
your advances at me and you think I will fall to your feet and worship
the ground you walk on."

Admerion frowned this time, regarding me with a stubborn look. "I have
asked you to be mine since we were eleven years old and each time you
turn me down. Why do you not want to be with me?"

I raised both my eyebrows astounded at his obliviousness. "It is the fact
that you are an extremely arrogant person! You flaunt your power and use
your status as Chosen to seduce people into your bed. I will not be a
name on your list of conquests."

"You are more than a conquest, Princeling," said Admerion, gazing at me
with a sudden hard glint in his eyes. "You are my everything. I have
loved you since I was eleven years old. Do not think I am blind to the
attraction I see in your eyes. Why do you fight it, Love?"

I felt a familiar stirring in my heart and forced it down. "There is no
way I will ever allow myself to fall to your charms, your ego. You are
everything I was raised not to be. Pompous, self centered, selfish. As
prince-"

"No, not that again," snapped Admerion with a sudden swiftness that left
me frowning. "You use that same excuse. You think because you are the
prince of this city that you cannot have any fun, joy, passion that will
show people you are not the perfect prince you portray."

I narrowed my eyes and stepped closer to him. "There is a reason I must
portray myself as perfect. I am prince but also leader of the Chosen.
People look to my family for guidance and to me for protection against
the monsters that exist in the world."

Admerion shook his head. "You are wrong you know."

"About what?" I asked, sarcastically.

Admerion smiled sadly at me. "About the people look to you for
protection. They look to all of us. All Chosen. They see us as symbols of
the gods blessing. You are not the only one who feels such weight on
their shoulders."

"Still I will-"

Suddenly, Admerion was close to me. He looked upon me and all words left
my mouth as those hazel eyes focused down on me. I could see his eyes
clearly even though it was night. They were neither brown nor green, a
soft gold that changed to either hue when his mood shifted. I felt my
breath catch as his face neared mine. We were so close now. A hairs
breath separated us. His arms encircled me and he leaned his forehead
against mine. I wanted to break away, but all those feelings I long ago
buried within my heart were fighting their way to the surface. It was
like I was trapped in a world of just him and I, and my very being
screamed at me to claim what was mine.

Admerion smiled at me. It was warm and tender and I was amazed at its
intensity.

"I may have brought people back to my bedroom," he said, softly, but it
seemed loud in the sudden quiet blanket that enveloped us. "But I never
slept with them. Each time you rejected me I took someone to my rooms.
Hoping I could just make the sting of rejection go away. Each person was
someone I seduced to forget about you. But there is something people, not
even you, do not know. I never slept with them. I wanted to. Oh, Emrys, I
wanted to so badly, but every time I pictured you and I felt your
betrayal."

I stared at him, amazed. "Are you saying you are a virgin?"

He blushed and I gaped, surprised filing me at the sudden bashful
expression I had never before seen on Admerion. It was a look I never
thought I would ever see reflected on his face.

Admerion closed his eyes and when he opened them I was taken back by the
love, such strong, burning love, I saw shining in those hazel depths.

"I am a virgin," he admitted with a small smile. "All this time I have
been waiting for you. I really do love you, Emrys. My princeling."

For the first time I could not even muster up the usual annoyance I felt
when he called me princeling. I tried to find it but it escaped my grasp.
The feelings I tried denying for six years were uncaged and they felt
stronger than anything I have ever felt before. I closed my eyes and
touched upon my memories. I thought of every moment I had ever shared
with him. Images went by quickly. Admerion as a boy following me around
every corner, a smiling teenage Admerion proclaiming his love and
presenting me flowers, falling and being caught by strong arms that
belonged to a grinning Admerion, whose face was losing its boyishness and
becoming more man. Every time I had fallen more in love with him and
every time I pushed the feeling away to protect myself from heartache. I
tried to do it again but my feelings refused to be chained once more. I
opened my eyes. I could not resist any longer.

I blinked as a tear trailed down my cheek. He caught it with his thumb
and I smiled tearfully, completely overwhelmed by my long buried and
powerful feelings.

I smiled at him and leaned into the hand that cupped my cheek. "I love
you too, Admerion. You have always known and I have just been too scared
to admit it."

Admerion smiled a blindingly bright grin. It was filled with stunned
amazement, relief, and so much joy. To see that it was because of me
almost made me stagger back.

"You are mine, Love," whispered Admerion, his own eyes filling with
tears. "I love you too much to let you go now that I have you."

He leaned down and captured my lips in a breathtaking kiss. It was
everything my deepest, darkest fantasies portrayed it as. His lips were
soft against mine. I felt a spark when our lips met and moaned into his
mouth feeling his fingers need my back muscles, making me relax into him,
practically melting against his body. Our tongues slid against each other
and I felt a tingle run down my spine. This was perfect. I had never felt
anything feel so right in my entire life.

"Chad!"

"Chad Summers!"

I snapped awake, my head snapping up so quickly I felt it scream in
protest. I looked around wildly and met the laughing faces of my fellow
classmates. What in the hell was so funny? I groaned and met the stern
gaze of Mr. Duran. I racked my brain to remember where I was. Note to
self: Falling asleep during Spanish class was definitely a no.

"Yes, Mr. Duran?" I asked, innocently.

Mr. Duran's bright green eyes were impossibly even brighter behind the
wire framed glasses he wore. He stared me down and I wanted to piss my
pants. At 200 plus pounds of solid muscle anyone would be scared. Hell I
had magical powers and still was.

"You think my class is boring enough that sleeping is better than
listening to my lesson?" asked Mr. Duran, still staring hard.

I swallowed and tried to grin. "Oh I was listening, sir."

"Oh, and why were your eyes closed?" he shot back, snidely.

I did grin then. "I was concentrating really hard," I assured him.

He was clenching the yard stick so tightly in his hands that I was sure
that it was going to crack and explode. The bell rang and with a shaky,
but relieved smile, I grabbed my bag and sprinted from the room. I was
the first one through the door. Ha. Beat that Flash. I totally pulled a
Wally West.

I dodged a swarm of giggling girls and jogged to my locker. It was early
release today since it was the start of winter break. I really needed to
be careful where I fell asleep these days. No one said anything about
random memories from past lives appearing as dreams in the reincarnation
manual. I fumbled and dropped my science book. Dammit. I picked it up and
went to my locker. The dream played in my head as I dumped my books and
bag. God. That had been some dream. Well, memory. I had no idea that I
had disliked Admerion for so long. All my other vague memories took place
years later, toward the fall of Atlantis. That had been my first memory
that took place in a time before Admerion and I were together.

"Hey Chad," a voice behind me called out.

I spun around and smiled as Ryan appeared at my side. Unfortunately, he
had Killian with him. My smile dimmed a little but I managed to send him
a tight smile in return. He returned it. We were definitely making
progess I say.

"We'll be patrolling the west side of the city tonight at around nine,"
said Ryan, quietly.

Damn. "Look guys. There is a party that I promised someone I would be at.
If I could get out of it I would but I said I would go."

Killian smirked at me. "Nathaniel won't be too happy that our leader will
not be joining us."

I didn't like the way he said leader. It was condescending and carried an
underlining tone of mocking with it. I narrowed my eyes and restrained
myself from kicking him in the chest. Fuckhead looking bastard got on my
damn nerves like none other. All I needed was some Raid and I could spray
his ass good. Like a good little roach he would just turn on his back and
die on the spot. I smiled dreamily and sighed with pleasure.

"Chad, why do you look high?" asked Ryan, warily.

I shook my head and wiped the smile off my face. "Sorry. I think I just
realized that Killian must really be excited. His sex change operation is
coming up in just two weeks." I looked at him, smiling brightly. "I bet
you're really nervous, huh?"

Killian's green eyes flashed and he started forward. "Listen up you
dumb motherfu-"

Ryan laid an arm across Killian's chest and sighed tiredly. He looked at
me and half smiled. "I think that we'll be okay to patrol without you
tonight. If we get in real trouble we'll just contact you. Later, man."
He waved goodbye and pulled a sour faced Killian along.

"Wassssup Biiatccch!"

I spun around and almost choked on the arm that Kevin slung around my
shoulders. I glared at him and he wiggled his eyebrows at me.

"Hi, Kevin," I said, begrudgingly. "Didn't expect to see you out of the
cave so soon."

Kevin pulled away from me and leaned against my locker. "Not funny,
whore. We're going to your boy's party tonight right?"

I nodded. "Yeah, Kev. I should be ready to go by eight. I just have to do
some chores and I really need to catch some sleep. I fell asleep during
Spanish today."

Kevin's eyes widened. "Man! I bet Duran was spiting fire. You know he has
a temper like a crazy psycho killer!"

"I don't know what that means but yeah he was pretty," I twisted my face
up and growled, "grrr like with the anger."

Kevin snorted. "Well, I have soccer meeting after school, so I'll catch
you later on is that cool, slut?"

I rolled my eyes. "Such mental abuse I put up with. I'll see you later
on."

He jogged away carrying his binder and books under his arm. I leaned
against my locker and looked around suspiciously. Man if my locker was a
meeting ground for odd friends with insane personalities then I might as
well stick around. When no other of my friends appeared I slowly turned
around and grabbed my keys from my locker. I shut the door and made my
way quickly out of the school. When school officially ended for the day
there was no casual stroll out the door for me. I tried my best to leave
the school grounds quickly, just in case the motherfuckers changed their
minds and trapped us here.

I waved at some people I knew and got into my Blazer. I really needed to
vaccum out the inside soon. It was looking like the inside of the Cookie
Monster's mouth. Crumbs from snacks littered the seats and the carpet. I
really needed to stop eating in here so much. I was definitely not known
for my eating and driving simultaneously abilities. I was sort of
infamous for my disastrous driving while eating.

I hummed to myself as I listened to some pop song about cheating
boyfriends and getting revenge. My tires screeched as I turned a corner
and I waved cheerfully at a driver that was giving me the finger. It
wasn't long before I pulled into my driveway. Silence greeted me as I
entered the house. It still wasn't three o'clock. Morgan's school
wouldn't get out till close to four and Mom didn't normally leave work
till close to six in the evening. Score. The house was all to myself. I
had an insane urge to pull a Tom Cruise in All the Right Moves, but I
knew I would just slip and hit ground pulling off his underwear act. I
was neither graceful nor coordinated. Dam these clumsy genes of mine.

I fell on my bed and sighed. This was nice. I toed off my shoes and
settled under the comforter. I definitely needed to never stay up late
watching that damn Heroes marathon on Sci Fi. Save the cheerleader, save
the world my ass. Save me some sleep was more like it.

I was having one of those dreams were I was falling. Just falling. The
sky rushed past me so fast and it wouldn't stop. I was almost at the
point where I didn't care if I went and hit ground. I was ready for this
damn dream to be over with. All this falling had me tripping. I felt like
I was stuck in the Valley on a weird acid trip. Without warning the sky
darkened and I hit solid ground. I let out a low groan and rolled over on
my back. Well fuck the shit out of me. I climbed to my feet and looked
around. Mist clung to the ground and a forbidding darkness surrounded me.
Only a low light filled the immediate area I occupied.

"Are you ready for what is to come?"

I spun around and came face to face with myself. Oh back the fuck up.
What the hell was going on? I looked closer and realized that it wasn't
me. It was my past incarnation. Prince Emrys stared at me. He was older
than me. Where I was cute. He was handsome, with soft facial features,
and aura of wisdom glowed around him. I was in awe.

I took note of his clothes and felt embarrassed in my torn jeans and
white tee. He was dressed in a fine white suit, which was like a dress
suit but cut in a style I've never seen before. A silvery white cape was
attached at his shoulders. On his brow was a silver circlet that gleamed
even in the dim light. He smiled at me and I took a step back. Seeing
such a serene smile appear on my own face made me feel weird and a little
disturbed.

I frowned at him, well me. "What the hell are you talking about? What's
with the single white male act?"

Prince Emrys shook his head and he looked at me calmly. "You deny what is
apart of you. I am you. All I am is what I am. All I am is what you are."

"Wow. Cryptic much," I said, watching him carefully. "Why are you here?
Where is here anyway?"

He smiled at me and it was that tranquil smile that was still creeping me
out. "We are in the dreamscape. I am the part of your soul that whispers
to you about the power inside of you, the one who guides your actions
when you fear too much, the one who walks with you through dreams."

I didn't know what to say to that. "Umm... thanks dude."

"You shall soon remember the greatest love of our life. Our soul mate is
near." He paused, looking at the ground and then up at me. "We did not
have enough time together as I would have hoped in our last lives, but we
made the best of it. I want you to do what I could not. Hold on to him.
Hold on to them. Keep them alive and live your lives together. Ours was
cut too soon."

My breath caught in my throat. I could feel his sadness as if it were my
own. "How do you know Admerion is near? Have I met him? Or is he someone
I will meet in the future."

Prince Emrys looked at me. It was that fond look that parents often
looked at children with when they said something amusing or did something
cute. I didn't know if I should be insulted or not. I was going to go
with not. He might power smack my ass down.

"You will know Admerion by his mark of the eight point star." His smile
left and he gazed at me solemnly. "Beware Those Who Dwell In Shadow. Our
seal is weakening. Their time is nigh."

I wanted to roll my eyes but again. Power smack down. "What does that
even mean?"

"Be good Chad Summers," bade Prince Emrys, smiling sadly. "It is time for
you to return to the waking world and for us to again be one. Farewell,
my incarnation."

Prince Emrys stepped forward and I gasped as he stepped right into me. I
wrapped my arms around myself as a feeling of peace and completeness
settled in my stomach and traveled along my body filling me with warmth.
I opened my eyes and looked up.

And I awoke.


***

	I tried not to think too hard as I got ready for the party. I
pushed both of today's dreams to the back of my mind and focused on now.
Right now I just wanted to be normal. No dreams of past lives, no heart
to heart with my soul, and no magic. I styled my hair into a different
style than I usually wore it. I normally only changed my hairstyle when I
was feeling it was a special occasion. Going to a party thrown by
my...boyfriend? Hmmm... we had only gone on one real date so far and
there hadn't been an official discussion on exclusive dating. I fixed my
hair into a faux hawk, a la David Beckham. I was feeling a bit trendy
today.

Kevin whistled at me as I got out of the bathroom. "Looking good."

"Like a hustler on the corner of West Hollywood?" I asked, smiling
lopsidedly.

Kevin shook his head. "I would say more like an upscale male escort. Or a
poor man's version of Shawn Ashmore."

Shawn Ashmore was cute so I decided to take that as a compliment. "Thank
you. And you look like the bastard child of Dean Cain."

Kevin narrowed his eyes. "Is that because we're both part Asian. I have
you know I am way better looking than that man of steel." He abruptly
doubled over laughing. "Man of steel. Ha! Get it??"

I nodded feeling like I was dealing with a toddler. Close. "Yes, Kevin.
Man of steel. Dean Cain played Superman on TV. I get it. Ha ha."

He stuck his nose up at me. "Haaaattteeeer."

"Yes look at me," I replied, monotone. "I'm just standing here basking in
my haterness. Drinking my bottle of Hateraide." I grabbed my keys and
jiggled them in his face. "Let's go to a party, bitch."

It was definitely a party alright. Danny and Adam's house was about half
an hour from my house in a recently built neighborhood. The homes were
big and situated on large plots of land. The house was a two-story and it
was lit up like Times Square. Music boomed through the air and I could
swear it was shaking the ground as I pulled up next to a million other
cars that littered the front yard. We got out and I was surprised at how
many people were here. I knew it was a party but damn. Did he invite all
of Centennial. Man. Lots of people stood outside, drinking, and laughing.
They each had a red plastic cup in hand, the official cup that was at
every party. We entered the house and the force of the music hit me hard.
It was so fucking loud in here. I checked my eardrum and sighed in relief
that it wasn't bleeding.

A laughing couple bumped into me jostling the drink in my hand. I glanced
down at the cup in my hand and blinked. Where in the hell had that even
come from. I had literally just walked into the door. Man. These people
move fast.

Kevin eyed my cup. "Chad, where in the hell did you get that drink?"

I shrugged. "I don't know. I guess somebody put it in my hand."

Kevin slapped my wrist and the cup went flying out of my grip. What the
flying fuck. I looked at the cup on the ground and scowled at Kevin.

"What the hell was that about?" I snapped at him.

He rolled his eyes and slapped my head. "Don't you watch TV? That drink
could have been roofied. You would have been stuck on stupid if you got
raped like that chick Veronica Mars."

"You could have just said that," I replied, annoyed. "Let's go find
Danny."

We moved through the crowd and I spotted a familiar ponytail of swinging
mahogany hair. I grinned at the sight. Danny was dressed in jeans in a
white tee with a blue blazer over it. He looked casual but stylish. I
found myself licking my lips. He looked hot.

"You might want to wipe the drool from your chin," pointed out Kevin,
dryly.

I wiped my mouth and rubbed my now wet hand against my jeans. Geez. Could
I be anymore of a creepy geek. I tugged on Kevin's jacket and parted
through the sea of bodies. Danny was standing next to a throng of people
who were dancing and bobbing their heads to the hip hop song that filled
the air. Danny looked up and met my eyes. His face lit up as he smiled.
He broke apart from his group and met me halfway.

"Hey Chad!" he said, enveloping me in a hug. "It's good to see you." He
looked at Kevin and slapped him a five. "Man. Kevin. Glad you could make
it too."

I smiled as Danny bent down and whispered in my ear that he was glad to
see me. I felt his breath tickle my skin and smiled giddily. I sighed
happily and leaned into him as he wrapped an arm around my waist.

"I'm going to go dance with the girl in the corner who is sexing me up
with her eyes," said Kevin, winking at a tall blonde girl. "I'll be back,
hoebag."

Danny guided me to a corner. "You look really good tonight."

I looked down at my faded jeans and cream fitted sweater. "What can I say
sometimes it just all comes together? Do you like my hair?"

Danny laughed at my coy question. "Your hair looks cute too."

"I didn't know you knew so many people?" I asked, leaning against the
wall.

Shaking his head, Danny chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck
sheepishly. "I don't know what happened. I told a friend to bring a
friend and they brought a friend..."

"And your house turned into a Hollywood night club," I finished,
chuckling.

He laughed and nodded. "I guess so. I never thought it would be this
crowded. I put all the valuable stuff away so it's fine with me."

I accepted a drink from Danny and we talked. Well flirted. Tonight I had
as much tact as a football jock trying to nail his first girl. I was
bringing out my A game tonight. I pulled out all my tricks. I was going
to make him my official boyfriend by the end of the night. Things were
just so perfect when we were together. I was starting to think maybe he
could be The One. I didn't want to admit it, since it seemed so far
fetch, but maybe he could be Admerion.

"Your arms are really big?" I asked, feeling his biceps. "You work out a
lot?" Lame. But dammit I wanted some prime first base action. I was
coming on strong like a Bangkok prostitute.

Danny flexed his muscles in my grip and smirked devilishly. "I work out
enough. You have something on your lips." He pointed out.

I wiped my mouth. "Did I get it?"

"No," he said, reaching forward. "It's here."

I felt his arms wrap around me and he leaned down, capturing my lips in a
sweet kiss. My eyes closed and I put more into the kiss. He pulled back
still trapping me in his arms.

"Wow," said Kevin, appearing in front of us. "I'm totally grossed out
now."

I stuck my tongue out and grinned. "What's up, Kev?"

Kevin looked between us and I could see that he was struggling with
something. I excused myself from Danny and pulled Kevin outside. He
stared at me with an expectant look once we were clear of the partiers.

"Well," began Kevin, slowly. "I just got a call from my mom. She needs my
help at home so we can go visit my aunt who is in the hospital. It's
nothing really serious, but you know, its still family. I hate to ask you
to leave, but I really have to go. Sorry, bro."

I waved off his apology. "Don't worry about it. Look I really don't feel
like leaving so take my keys and use my car." He protested but I cut him
off. "It will be okay, Kev-kev. Just come and pick me up in the morning."

Kevin raised his eyebrows. "You trying to turn in your Virgin Card
tonight?"

"Hell to the no!" I yelled, spitting up the coke I just sipped. I think
not! "I like him and everything but eww we so just met! I just planned on
spending the night. A make-out session and maybe some cuddling is all I
have planned, Danielle Steel."

Kevin snorted. "Too much information! But if you're sure I'm fine with
your idea. I definitely will be here first thing in the morning to get
you."

I nodded and swooped him up in a hug. "I hope your aunt gets better soon.
See you in the morning, Kev-kev."

"Have fun, C," he beamed, wiggling his eyebrows. I wish he wouldn't do
that. It was so not cute.

I rolled my eyes and I waved as he jogged down the little path to the
front yard. I saw the Blazer light up among the sea of cars and the horn
blew as he reversed. I waved again and he blew the horn one more time
then drove out of the cobblestone driveway.

My phone beeped and I pulled it out of my pocket. I scowled at the low
battery message. Son of a whorish bitch. I forgot to charge my phone up
last night. Fuck me without lube! I slipped my phone in my pocket and
swore. I blamed that damn Heroes marathon dammit! Fucking cute guys with
their super powers. Why didn't I have my own television show or book? Oh
right. Secret identity.

I went back in the house and Danny smiled at me as I entered the living
room. I found myself grinning back and I practically skipped to his side.
Damn I really needed to get these hormones in check.

"Everything okay?" he asked, immediately.

I nodded. "Yeah. Kevin has a family emergency. He had to go so I told him
to take my car."

"When is he coming back?"

I smiled impishly and looked up at him through my eyelashes. "In the
morning?"

Danny mirrored my expression. "Cool."

Very cool. We moved into the kitchen and Danny introduced me to a group
of his friends. I couldn't even begin to remember all of their names. I
just knew that Austin looked like an underwear model and that Pixie had
to be a nickname, since she did have a pixie-ish look about her. We
played a game of Suck and Blow, and I felt like I was back in the
nineties and trapped in Clueless. All I needed was Alicia Silverstone to
barge in and start critiquing outfits. Danny `accidentally' dropped the
card twice when it came to passing to me and his friends hollered and
ribbed him good naturedly. I was relieved that they weren't going to go
all gay-bash on our asses. My generation was becoming surprisingly more
open minded. There were still the homophobes but they were outnumbered.
Well at least in Centennial.

People kept handing me drinks and I was too hot to decline. There were
too many people here. All the bodies were causing the air to become thick
with heat, making it humid and kind of muggy. I didn't realize till maybe
my fourth drink, when the room started to spin, that I was getting drunk.
I should have realized the drinks had liquor in them. I cursed myself for
forgetting Kevin's warning. I really did take the cake with the blond
stereotype. If stupid people were forced to jump off a bridge I would be
third in line, grinning like an idiot. I declined the offered drinks
after the room started to spin. It was too late, I realized sluggishly,
as the alcohol I had already consumed settled. I was already drunk.

Danny appeared in my swirling line of sight. "You okay, Chad?"

"I feel all tingly and warm inside," I responded with a slur. "Did I just
watch a Disney movie?"

He laughed loud. "Aw, I think you might be drunk, cutie. Come on I'll
take you up to my room so you can lie down."

"Beds are good. I get weird dreams when I'm in bed," I giggled, smiling
goofily.

Danny nodded, his eyes twinkling. "I bet you do."

He helped me to walk and we began the long trek to his room. I noticed
tiredly that there weren't that many people here as earlier. The place
was finally clearing out. It must be getting late. It seemed like it took
an eternity for us to go up the stairs to his bedroom. I didn't even
register entering the room till I was falling on the bed with a drunken
laugh of delight.

"You are really drunk," laughed Danny, joining me on the bed.

I was too busy counting the speckles on the ceiling that I didn't notice
Danny lean in and kiss me till his lips were pressed against mine. His
tongue licked my lips, and I opened my mouth. I fell into the kiss and
closed my eyes in pleasure. He ravaged my mouth like a hungry man. He
pressed hard against me guiding me onto my back. We stayed connected like
that till I lost all sense of time. Hands were pressed against my back
rubbing and feeling me. I groaned as oxygen started to become a factor in
the equation. I pushed him back and sat up a bit to catch my breath.

"Wait," I said, panting a bit. "I just need a little break."

"You want to go back to the party?" he asked with an odd tone.

It was different than the joking, caring voice I was used to. If anything
I guessed it was snide. Maybe I was imagining things. I was still feeling
the alcohol burn in my stomach.

"Well no," I replied slowly, carefully watching him. "I just think we're
moving a little fast. I don't really feel good right now. I just think-"

Danny cut me off. "You just need to relax," he advised soothingly, moving
closer to me. "Come on I can help."

He grabbed my arms and started to kiss my neck, leaving trails of kisses
down my chin to my collarbone. He grabbed my head and forced his mouth on
mine. Hell no. I wrenched myself from his grip and glowered at him.

"What the hell are you doing?" I snapped, staring at him. His look was
answer enough. It scared the fuck out of me. It was a weird grin that
didn't meet his eyes. Hannibal Lector anyone? I didn't see him shift till
he was upon me. Danny moved over me, pinning his body against mine.
"Danny, no!"

"Just relax," he whispered in what I guess was a comforting voice. It
wasn't very reassuring. "You'll like this." He pouted at me as I
struggled against this sick motherfucker. "I thought you liked me, Chad?"

"Danny, stop!" I yelled, angrily.

No fucking way was this happening. I was not about to get fucking date
raped. This night was turning into a bad episode of the OC. How in the
hell hadn't I seen this psycho for the crazy bastard he really was? Then
again he probably was the expert at playing charming. I bet even Horatio
Cain couldn't puzzle this shit out. I screamed out in frustration as I
struggled against his kung fu grip. Fucking bitch! Let me the fuck up. I
yelled for help and I knew even in my inebriated state that the music was
too dam loud for anyone of help to hear me.

"Somebody help!" I cried struggling with all my strength.

Damn tonight was a bad fucking time to get wasted. I jostled his grip and
knocked him off balance. We tumbled over the bed and to the floor. I
scrambled to my feet. He knocked me over like I was a tackling dummy.
This is why I didn't play football! He turned me onto my back with a
strength I didn't know he had. Danny forced his way between my legs and
pushed his forearm against my throat. I clawed at his arm as air left my
lungs.

"Calm down, Chad. Don't be like that I'm not going to hurt you."

Yeah fucking right. Why were the cute ones crazy! I tried to call on my
magic. I couldn't concentrate and the alcohol chugging through my system
didn't help matters along. It was like my magic was a pool of water and I
was trying to gather it with hands, but my fingers were splayed open.
Each time I tried to grab it the power diffused, my concentration and
ability were down for the count. Thank you fucking Vodka!

"Help!" I screamed, panicking.

Danny reached for my pants and I screamed again. Tears pricked my eyes
and fell down my cheeks. I twisted and squirmed but this motherfucker had
turned into Superman. Please. No. This can't happen.

"Please somebody!" I shouted with a sob.

Danny glared at me and those eyes that I had come to love were glinting
with a hard light that I had never thought to see from him. Those lilac
irises had darkened to a dark lavender that made me feel chills deep in
my soul.

"This is going to happen!" Danny snapped harshly, scowling at me. "Stop
being such a bitch about it."

His hand came flying out and my head jerked to the side as he slapped me.
He didn't just slap me. He slapped the fuck out of me. With the sharp
pain focusing my sense, all my thoughts gathered together and my magic
reacted simultaneously with intensity.

"GET THE FUCK OFF ME!"

My power struck out without me even thinking or forcing it to act. One
second he was on top of me and the next my power slammed into him like a
freight train. He went jerking back into the air and crashed against his
wall with a loud bang. He slid to the ground, knocked out. His head
lolled forward and blood trailed down his nose. I staggered to my feet.
It's about fucking time this magic shit helped me out besides fighting
demons. Wait. Was Danny in that category now? Fucking bastard. I needed
to get the hell out of here. I went to the door. Wait. I turned and went
to Danny's side. That asshole was knocked out cold. I reared my foot back
and kicked him hard as fuck across the head. He made a noise and fell
over onto his back. Fake ass Beverly Hills 90210 villain.

I opened the door and staggered into the hallway. The music blasted at me
as I leaned against the wall panting heavily. Shit. After all that I was
still feeling none too sober. I wasn't about to go passing out but I
don't think I could manage a trustworthy spell at the moment. I needed to
get the hell out of here. I pulled out my phone and pressed the on
button. It didn't respond. In a dawning realization I remembered that my
phone was low on battery earlier. Fuck the fucker was fucking dead. I
resisted the urge to go back in the room, and hurl my phone at Danny's
head.

I didn't know anyone here. I needed to use a phone. Maybe there was a
house phone somewhere. I went into a room further down the hall. I closed
the door behind me and turned the lock on the doorknob. I was not going
to get a surprise Scream like appearance in case Danny Rapey-raper-son
wakes up.

I looked around and frowned. There wasn't a phone in sight. I grabbed my
head as a dizzying feeling hit me suddenly. God. I needed to sit down. I
looked around and realized I was in a bedroom. It was neat and orderly
and I wondered if it was Adam's. I sat on the bed and immediately I felt
better to just be off my feet. A door adjoining the room opened. I tensed
as light streamed from the revealed bathroom. Adam stood in the doorway
dressed in athletic shorts and nothing else.

My eyes traveled down his form and I blinked. His thick brown hair
brushed the tops of his naked shoulders. His eyes were open and unseeing,
clouded an off white. I could gaze at his muscular upper body as long as
I wanted to. His stomach was flat with a triangle of dark hair peeking
above the athletic shorts. His upper chest was smooth, perfect, no hair
at all. I was entranced. He was gorgeous.

I could have slapped myself then and there. What the hell was wrong with
me? Get it together Summers! You were almost just raped like the title
character of every Lifetime movie, and here you are ogling a blind man. I
wanted to kick myself. I was feeling sick. I didn't know why but it
didn't feel wrong to stare.

"Hello. Anyone there?" called out Adam, still standing in the doorway. "I
can hear you breathing. If this is another couple looking for some
privacy, you can take your Showtime after Dark action downstairs."

I couldn't help it, I laughed. Anything porn-ish always made me chuckle.
"Sorry, no making out couple. Just Chad. Your neighborhood almost-rape-
victim."

Adam sucked in a breath. His fist clenched tightly. "Chad! Danny tried to
rape you? I'll fucking kill him."

I blinked. The sudden anger and determination for me threw me. "I handled
it. Mr. Grab Hands is knocked out. I'll take care of him tomorrow. Or at
least Kevin will."

Adam walked to the bed and sat down next to me. "Are you okay? Danny
isn't known for his boyfriend abilities. I tried to warn you but I didn't
know what to say. I didn't know he would do something like this." He
turned to me and I was startled at the tears pooling in his eyes. "You
have to believe me. I didn't know."

I believed him. "You told me not to come. I can only blame myself." I
sighed. "I just feel stupid for crushing on him when he turned out to be
prison material."

"He won't get away with this," Adam promised with a quiet ferocity.

He wouldn't indeed. I was Chosen. Soon this alcohol would be out of my
system and he would have hell to pay from the champion of magic. Right
after Kevin got through with him of course. I would be surprised if there
was anything left of him after Kevin dealt with him. Looking at Adam I
wondered if Adam would get to Danny before Kevin got to him.

I looked at Adam. "Why are you suddenly so protective of me? Not that I
don't appreciate it. I just thought that you didn't like me much."

Adam shook his head, and I was surprised at the sudden flush that creped
up his neck. "I do like you. A lot. I have since we first met. I just can
come off as a jerk sometimes without even meaning to."

"Oh," I said, simply. I didn't know what to say.

What could I say to that? I admit in my sub conscious that I had always
admired, and was attracted to Adam, but he had always seemed so
standoffish. I chalked it up to him being out of my league and refused to
acknowledge the tiniest bit of attraction I held toward him.

"I'm sorry he hurt you," said Adam, softly.

He reached forward and I tensed up as he hugged me. Something clicked
inside me and I relaxed into the hug. My body melded against his and my
head rest on the crook of his neck. I sighed in contentment. I felt safe
for the first time since Danny attacked me. Why? I was the one with super
powers. I dismissed that thought. I couldn't even focus enough to use my
powers. Adam seemed like a pillar of strength and at the moment I needed
that strength to support me.

Adam smiled. I could feel it against my skin. "You feel good. Like I
can't even describe it."

I nodded. I knew the feeling. "I know what you mean." I sighed. "This
sucks," I mumbled against his neck. "I'm too drunk to go home and I told
my best friend to pick me up in the morning. My phone is dead and I can't
really call anyone since I realized that all my numbers are in my phone.
I could call home but my mom would flay me like Willow did to Warren.
Well I could tell her about all this and I don't know if I can."

"You can stay here if you want," offered Adam, hesitantly. "I'll make
sure Danny stays out of here." He squeezed me slightly in his grip. "I'll
protect you."

I half smiled. "Okay. Thanks, Adam."

I was surprised at how much I trusted him. He was the one who warned me.
That amounted to something. I settled onto his bed and he reached over
and cut off the light. Only the bathroom light streamed into the room. I
was amazed at how capable he was even without his sight. Adam was someone
to be admired. We laid there together on the bed and I felt like
everything was going to be alright. His presence next to mine, just
laying there filled me with such a feeling of peace. It was incredible.
He whispered goodnight and I did the same. My eyes closed and I was
asleep as soon as my eyes closed.

It wasn't till sometime later that I as jolted into consciousness. I
awoke breathing hard. Had I had a nightmare? I couldn't remember it but
the feeling of terror was surging through my body. What had awoken me? I
felt an arm around my midsection and I panicked. What the flying fuck? I
turned my head and sighed in relief. It was just Adam. My first thought
was to immediately move away but I didn't. I couldn't. It was kind of
sweet that even in sleep he was protecting me. I closed my eyes and was
grateful to feel my magic respond to my gentle probing. It hummed in
response waiting to be called upon.

"Seal and protect," I whispered softly, staring at the bedroom door.

I projected my power outward and the door glowed at its edges. I smiled.
That should make that door damn near impenetrable from any attempt at
opening. I was glad that my magic was back on point. Rule number eighty-
eight: Never get so drunk that you can't focus. You might get raped.

That rule was definitely a golden one.

I bit my lip. I could actually go home now. I could do a leap of faith
and be home in less than ten minutes. I looked at Adam and my heart
lurched. I didn't want to leave him without saying goodbye. He had been
so nice to me.

"Protect you," mumbled Adam in his sleep, as if reading my mind.

My lips melted into a smile. Aw he was so cute. Wait. Hold up. Cute Adam?
That was going to take some time to process. Where was this even coming
from? Weren't people who had been near raped supposed to go through some
post traumatic stress or something? I thought that over. I wasn't most
people. I knew that I wasn't usually that vulnerable. I could liquefy
this house if I wanted to. I wasn't helpless and this wouldn't happen
again. That was a promise. I gazed at Adam and traced his features with
my eyes. He was handsome in the truest sense of the word. I could see in
him already the man he would later become. He had a strong face but was
softened by dimples. The high cheekbones and square jaw were manly. His
soft brown hair and bow shaped lips were his best features.

I looked at him and made a decision. I would wait for Kevin to pick me up
in the morning. I didn't want to leave Adam. Not now. This feeling when I
looked at him screamed stay. Screamed mine? I shook my head. I was so
tired. I settled back into a comfortable position and squeezed the hand
resting on my stomach. My back was pressed against his chest. The gentle
rising and falling of his chest lulled me into a sleepy trance.

I traced the fingers on my stomach then his hand all the way to his arm.
I looked closer and stared at the spot on his forearm. I stared harder.
In the low light I couldn't make out the mark against his skin. It was an
odd shape. It stood out sharply against his tanned skin and I traced it
with my fingers. I turned his arm and it caught the light from the
bathroom. I recognized the mark now. It was a tattoo. Small, but it was
beautifully done. I repositioned his arm and fell back to sleep.

In sleep, the eight pointed star on Adam's arm tugged at my memory.


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
So what do you think? I believe this chapter was a pretty good one. I
knew I threw some of you with evil Danny. Definitely wrote him too sweet
for a reason and now you have it. We now know who Admerion is. Pretty
cool stuff. NEXT CHAPTER: The big revelation and the Fourth Chosen
awakens.

I have created a message board in light of missing emails. My laptop and
yahoo are now mortal enemies. If you want to post a comment or drop a
line you can copy and paste this link into your browser.
http://www.quicktopic.com/39/H/fXmyJ3NcYt7Z  or if you want to email me
you can do so at Batmanhater@aol.com