Yesterday's End

Yesterday's End 145

Yesterday's End-145

The following story is fictional and is intended for an adult audience with an open mind.

It is not meant to suggest anything about the sexuality of the celebrities included in this story.

This story is fiction, meaning not real.

It's all for fun and enjoyment.

If you are under age, or it is illegal in your country, or you don't like stories about gay sex, please stop reading this immediately.

Chapter 145

Paths of Truth

Lance's green pools were on Lucas, watching the young man watching everyone.

He also saw everyone's concern for the young man, Finn at his side all evening.

Detective Cameron had told everyone of his findings, Josh indeed missing.

Justin and Tristan had left with the detective, the three going to the crash site to verify the findings.

Everyone now sat around the patio awaiting their return.

"How can this be, Luke? Who would want to hurt Josh, to kidnap him?" Lewis said, looking at the young man.

The young man's eyes went to Josh's parents, Roy and Karen surrounded by the older couples, everyone sensing their worry for their son.

Lucas had calmed both down with his giving love, everyone seeing him taking charge.

His eyes went around the patio now, everyone quietly staring at him.

"It's Bryce, everyone. Of that I have no doubt." Lucas said, his violet pools meeting Lance's green.

"You know it's him, Luke?" Lance said, Lucas nodding.

"Yes, Lance. His final gamble. He couldn't remove me from the picture, so now he's played his final card. I thought I had more time." the young man softly said, lowering his head, everyone staring at him.

Finn's hand went to his friend's shoulder.

"You knew he'd go after Josh?" Finn said, Lucas raising his head, everyone seeing the soft tears in his eyes.

Rosa Sharon moved from her seat in Colton's lap, the young girl moving to Lucas' chair, climbing up into his lap.

Lucas stared down into her blue pools, seeing so much love there.

"His love is in our hearts, Lucas. It will remain there till he's back.” she said, Lucas softly smiling at her.

"He is my life, Rosy. I'm going to do all I can to return that love to all of us.” he said, Rosa Sharon smiling at him.

Colton stared at Lucas, their eyes locked on each other.

"It's time, Colton. It's time I walked the wrong path." Lucas said, Colton staring at him, the younger man rising from his seat.

"You know what's going on here, don't you?" the young man said, Lucas staring at him.

"Yes, my friend. I thought I had more time, but the hand's been played. And now I have to play mine." the young man said, everyone staring at him with surprise.

"Play yours, Luke?" Finn said, Lucas' eyes meeting his, Finn seeing a soft glow of love shining there, and behind that a soft look of fear.

"You're afraid of something, Luke. I see it in your eyes." Finn said, their conversation broken by the patio door opening, Justin and Tristan walking out onto the patio, Detective Cameron behind them, everyone but Lucas rising to their feet, Rosa Sharon climbing out of his lap.

Justin's eyes were on Lucas, the young man wheeling up to all three, Justin squatting down in front of him, staring at him.

"It's Josh's car, Luke. It was run off the road. There was blood on the window and door. He's been hurt and he's been taken." Justin said, Lucas seeing the tears showing in his eyes.

"I know, Jus. And I'm just the man to get him back.” he said, Justin rising to his feet.

"It was Bryce, wasn't it?” he said, staring down at Lucas.

"Yes, Jus. Bryce has taken the love of my life from me. And for that he'll have to face me." the young man said, everyone hearing the determination in his voice.

Detective Cameron looked at the young man, the detective moving and grabbing a patio chair, sitting down in front of Lucas.

"Alright, Lucas. I need to know what's going on here. I'm here to help you in any way I can. I just need to know what's going on. You saved my life in that courtroom that day, I know that in my heart. Just as you saved everyone. I never suspected Ray, I never knew his past or the true volatility of his soul. I knew he had a temper, but I never knew how messed up he was." the man said, Lucas seeing the emotion showing in his rugged face.

"You took him under your wing, guiding him through his career, Charles. You cannot be faulted for his own soul, however misguided it was." Lucas said, the detective nodding.

"How can I help, Lucas? Who is this Bryce guy?" the man said, Lucas staring at him.

"He's Josh's former boyfriend. A young man even more volatile than Harris." Lucas said, Justin looking at the detective.
He quickly told him about the young man, the detective writing down all the information.

"The same man who shot you in New York, Lucas?" the detective said, Lucas nodding.

"He's still in love with Josh. His mind's bent on having him for himself. He just doesn't realize that that's not going to happen." Lucas said, everyone staring at him.

"We already have an APB out on him for your shooting, here in Los Angeles and New York. I'll reissue a warrant for his arrest. Do you have any clue as to where he might be?" Detective Cameron said, staring at Lucas, and then at Justin.

"Haven't a clue, sir." Justin said, Lucas quietly staring at him.

"Do you know of any place Josh and he went while they were together, here in Los Angeles? Any place private?" the detective said, Justin thinking for a moment.

"No, they always stayed close to home here." Justin said, Lance looking at his man.

"What about that cabin, Jus?" Lance said, Lucas looking at the man.

"Cabin?" Detective Cameron said, Justin looking softly surprised, recalling it.

"I forgot about that, Lance.” he said, the detective looking at him.

"What cabin, Mr. Timberlake?” he asked, Justin staring at Lance, then at the detective, then at Lucas.

"Bryce and Josh rented a small cabin in the San Fernando Valley a couple of hours from here, a few years back. Lance and I went up there one weekend with them for some fishing. I don't even remember where it was. Just up in the hills by a lake. Do you know, Lance?"
"No, Jus, I don't. I don't think it's important. It wasn't that big of a deal for Josh or Bryce either." Lance said, Lucas staring at him.

"Alright then. I'll have it checked out as well, but it doesn't seem they'd go there if they only went there once or twice. Where did Bryce live here in L.A.?" Detective Cameron asked, both men looking at the detective.

"Bryce was from New York, sir. He stayed here with Josh." Justin said, looking at Lucas.

The detective nodded, closing his notepad.

"I'll get going on this. We'll get your phones tapped in case anyone calls. We'll go over that car with a fine-tooth comb as well, Lucas."

"We need to move now, sir." Lucas said, the man staring at him.

"You're in no shape to help in any of this, Lucas. You're recovering from being shot! It's best that you remain calm and wait this out." the man said, staring at Lucas, Lucas seeing the compassion in his eyes.

"I'm not going to sit by and leave my Josh with that man, Charles. He's in danger. I sense the man's on the edge of madness. As are others. And I'm more focused than any of you. I'm going to find him." Lucas said, the detective staring at him, looking confused.

Lance looked at Lucas, seeing the determined look in his violet pools.

He also saw the soft glow of Lucas' magic.

"I think it's time you knew all of this, Charles." Lucas said, the detective staring at him.

"Knew all of what?"
"Of what I am, of what I can do. Tell him all of it, guys. Excuse me for a moment. I need to talk to you in private, Colton." Lucas said, wheeling towards the patio doors, Colton rising from his seat, his eyes meeting Justin's and Lance's worried eyes.

Lucas disappeared into the house, Colton slowly following him.

Everyone's eyes looked at each other, Lance looking at the detective.

"You need to hear the story of Lucas' real life, sir.” he said, the man beginning to speak.

Rosa Sharon quietly stared after her brother, her blue pools following Lucas' disappearing form.

Hours Earlier

Josh smiled, driving down the road, the man catching a vehicle in his rear-view mirror.

It was a large black van, the windows tinted.

He remained focused on the road ahead, ignoring the vehicle, his mind on his mission.

The area he was in was well treed, secluded visions of gated communities, the road straight and the area empty of any visible life.

He increased his speed, his curly black hair blowing in the breeze.

All of a sudden he was thrown forward, something hitting him from behind, running straight into his vehicle, the impact jolting Josh, the man maintaining his hold on the steering wheel, his Porsche veering to the shoulder of the road.

He gained his bearings, steering the car back onto the road.

Josh looked in the rear-view mirror, a black shape filling it.

The van rammed his car again, the force of it knocking Josh into the steering wheel hard, his airbag deploying.

Josh lost control, his car hitting the shoulder again, heading over the embankment, hitting a group of trees, the car coming to a stop.

Josh moaned, raising his head from the airbag, gasping, feeling an ache in his left side, his body having slammed against the door.

He moved his right hand, opening his driver door, moving, realizing his seat belt still had him pinned in the vehicle.

He unlocked it, Josh rolling out of the car, landing on the ground, gasping.

He regained his bearings, rising slowly to his feet, feeling light-headed, a gash in his forehead bleeding down his face.

He wiped his face, steadying himself with that hand against the car's door.
He looked around, seeing no one.

He also saw that his car was angled down an embankment, its rear end almost off the road.

He moved forward, falling as he tried to climb the steep embankment.

He heard a vehicle's engine running, then two doors opening.

He crawled up the hill, the man seeing two men in hooded black sweatshirts walking towards him from the black van that lay stopped on the side of the road.

"Why. . .why the fuck did you run into me?!" Josh yelled, the two men now running towards him.

Josh stood up when he reached the top of the embankment, the two men suddenly beside him.

"Relax, man. You've had an accident." one said, Josh staring into his hooded face.

The man wore a balaclava inside his hood, his face hidden, only two blue eyes showing.

Josh moved, stepping back from him, Josh suddenly feeling two arms wrap around him.

"Get your hands off. . .” he began to say, Josh feeling the pain in his side now.

He also felt a rag go across his face, Josh inhaling toxic fumes.

Josh struggled, the aroma filling his mind.

"Relax, man. You're not going anywhere." the masked man in front of him said, Josh feeling his mind cloud over, the man beginning to sag downwards.

Josh lost consciousness, the last thought he had was of his Lucas.

The two hooded men smiled, looking down at the man laying on the grass.

"Let's get him into the van and let's get out of here." the other man said, the man in front of him smiling.

"I always thought he was hot. Do you think he'll let us play with him?" the man smiled, the other man staring at him.

"I guarantee it. I've got my own ways." the other man said, bending down, running his hand across the sleeping man's face, Josh oblivious to the man's touch.

"We're going to have some fun, my friend. Regardless of what he says. Come on.” he said, his arms going around Josh's shoulders, the other man bending down and grabbing onto Josh's legs, not before running one hand across Josh's center.

"Sweet!” he grinned, the two men lifting Josh up, carrying him to their black van.

Hours Later

Colton stared at Lucas, the two seated in the living room on one of the leather couches.

Lucas had moved from his wheelchair onto it, patting the spot beside him, Colton sitting down beside him, Lucas' hand going to his shoulder.

"What's going on, Luke?" the young man said, Lucas staring at him.

"My path's destiny, my young friend. And you are the center of that path's eventuality." Lucas said, Colton staring at him.

"What do you mean, Luke?” he said, Lucas smiling at him.

"I love you, Colt. And I know in your heart that you love Josh and myself deeply.” he said, Colton nodding.

"With all my heart, Luke. I think of you as brothers, and fathers.” he said, Lucas smiling, feeling the love in Colton's words.

"We will always be both to you, Colt." Lucas smiled, staring at the young man.

Colton smiled, seeing the love in the man's eyes.

"I love you both, Lucas."

Lucas smiled, sighing, his eyes lowering for a moment.

They then raised again, Colton staring into two violet pools of determined love.

"I love you, Colton. And today I seek forgiveness."
Colton looked confused, his hand going to Lucas' shoulder.

"What do you mean, Luke? You have nothing to be forgiven for." the young man said, Lucas staring at him.

"I lied to you, Colton." the young man said, Colton staring at him.

"About what?" the younger man said.

"About the real path."

Colton's eyes turned, as did Lucas', two blue pools staring at both.

Rosa Sharon stood in the living room doorway, both men staring at her.

"Real path, Rosy?" Colton said, the young girl smiling at him, walking across the room, sitting down beside her brother, Colton now between her and Lucas.

"You are very perceptive, little angel." Lucas said, the young girl smiling at him.

"Your magic is strong, Lucas. It travels across many voids.” she said, Lucas nodding his head.

"And yours seems to be just as strong.” he said, Rosa Sharon smiling.

"It is equal to my brother's. He just hasn't fully harnessed it yet. I felt the shimmering reality only yesterday.” she said, Lucas staring at her.

"Reality of what?" Colton said, looking between the two.

"The magic is real, Colt. Realer than any of us can ever imagine. And it is laced with an even greater reality.” she smiled, Lucas smiling at her.

"My love."

She smiled, nodding her head, staring at Lucas.

"Yes, Lucas. Your love is the most unimaginable thing in all of this. The magic thrives on its realness. I feel in your magic the necessity of your choice.” she said, Lucas sighing again.

"For his love, I will give everything.” he said, Rosa Sharon staring at him.

"You may indeed give everything, Lucas. You're even surprising him."

"Him? Who? The Watcher?" Colton said, Rosa Sharon nodding.

"He's the instigator of all of this, isn't he?" Lucas said, the young girl smiling at him.

"I do not know the truth of that, Luke. All I know is that his love is strong. He was there for me from the start."

Lucas nodded, staring at her.

"It was he who guided you on your quest?” he said, Rosa Sharon smiling, nodding.

"Quest? Quest for what?" Colton said, staring at his little sister.

"The quest for the artifact, Colt.” she said, Colton staring at her with surprise.

"Artifact? You mean. . .?"

Lucas' hand went to Colton's shoulder again, their eyes meeting.

"I lied to you, Colton. On that last day we left Westonshire. You were told by your sister to keep it safe until its true owner was found. I am that true owner."

"But. . .but you said it wasn't you!" Colton said, staring with surprise.

"Forgive me, Colt. At the time I thought it wise to keep it away from myself. I was uncertain of its true meaning." Lucas said, Rosa Sharon staring at him.

"Because you instantly felt its power.” she said, Lucas nodding, staring at her.

"Power? You mean it possesses more magic? I didn't feel it." Colton said, Lucas staring at him.

"It's something more, Colton. And it's dangerous, beyond belief." Lucas said, Rosa Sharon moving, sitting between Colton and Lucas, the young girl's head going against Lucas' chest.

"You feared the unknown, Luke. And here now you accept that perhaps you have to walk with faith towards its truth."

"For him, I'll sacrifice everything." the young man said, Colton staring at him.

"The. . .the ring is meant for you?"
"I felt its presence the moment I walked into Westonshire, Colt. Days before you offered it to me."
Colton looked surprised, Rosa Sharon staring at him.

"The Watcher saved me, Colt."

Lucas and Colton both looked surprised, the young girl smiling at both.

"Evil entered me that day of my death. Evil's grasp sucked the life out of me. I would have perished in the abyss if it hadn't been for him, I believe. The moment I felt my life leaving me, I saw him, standing beside me. He touched the evil's grasp and it flinched in pain. As if his touch was like fire. And in that moment he pulled me out of its grasp, projecting me to a safe haven."
"He saved you from that evil?" Colton said, staring at his sister with deep love.

"Yes, Colt. His magic wasn't strong enough to save me from death, but he saved me from evil's domination. His love walked me into the safety of the lost realm. The buffer between life and ascension. In there neither love nor evil can gain control or coerce others to do their bidding. I was safe there until he asked me to make a sacrifice for the greater good."

"Sacrifice for the greater good? Sacrifice what?" Colton said, Rosa Sharon smiling at him.

"My happiness, Colt. The happiness that awaited me on the other side of the realm. Eternal happiness. I walked away from that for you."
Colton looked stunned, Rosa Sharon moving, snuggling against her brother, Colton's arms wrapping around her.

"For. . .for me?"

She smiled, looking up into his blue pools.

"I love you, Colt. I had to save you. I had to guide you onto the path the Watcher said was the truer path. Lucas' path of love. For your happiness it was an easy sacrifice."

Colton stared at Lucas, Lucas quietly staring at both Carlisle siblings.

"You guided me to Lucas?” he said, Rosa Sharon smiling at Lucas.

"Yep. You needed his love. Now I have it, too. The Watcher was right.” she smiled.

"Right about what, Rosy?" Lucas said, the girl smiling at him.
"He said your love was amazing. I feel it for real now. It's really amazing."
Lucas smiled, his eyes meeting Colton's blue, seeing the emotion there.

"She loves you, Colt. As do I. I welcome you on my path of love. And I welcome her as well."

"How. . .how. . .why did you do that? You can't go to heaven?” he said, his eyes showing tears.

She smiled, kissing his cheek.

"No one's denied heaven, Colt. I've just decided that I needed to stay here for a while longer. It was my choice to walk out of the realm. And from there it was my choice to take the ring."

"Take the ring?  From who? From where?"

She looked at Lucas.

"From evil's treasure trove, Colt. You sister is a courageous, intelligent young lady. She walked into its realm unnoticed. The evil lost her twice. She is a quick little angel."

Rosa Sharon softly smiled, looking at her brother.

"I gave you the ring to keep it safe, Colt. Until Lucas walked across your path. I think the Watcher designed that."

"I think the Watcher designed a lot of things." Lucas said, the two young siblings staring at him.

"The ring is yours, Lucas?"

"It's not mine, Colt. I am just the one who now has to use it."

"Use it, for what? If it's evil's ring then it is indeed dangerous, Luke." Colton said, Lucas nodding.

"Yes, Colt. But I'm not totally sure it's evil's ring. I think evil had stolen it from someone or something else." Lucas said, the two staring at him.

"You mean it might be good, or even more magical?" Rosa Sharon said, Lucas staring at both.

"I don't honestly know, Rosy. I only know--or sense--that I need to yield it. To save my heart's love.” he said, Colton staring at him.

"You can save Josh with it?” he said, Lucas sighing.

"I believe so, Colt. And there's only one way to find out."
Colton stared at Lucas.

"I need the ring, Colton. I need to accept the reality of what it means."

"What does it mean, Luke?" Colton asked, staring at him, Rosa Sharon quietly staring at both.

"It means that I may finally be walking on the true path."

The two young siblings stared at Lucas, Rosa Sharon kissing her brother's cheek.

"Get the ring, Colt. It's time it was given to he that warrants its power.” she said, Colton staring at her.

"It's really for him, Colt. Lucas is the ring's destiny.” she said, Colton staring at Lucas.

"I love you, Lucas. For Josh I'll give it to you."
"Thank you, Colt. We'll be a family again soon.” he said, Colton nodding his head, the young man rising from his seat, walking out of the room.

Rosa Sharon smiled at Lucas, the young girl moving again, snuggling against him.

"Why didn't you tell him of your fear, Luke? I feel its reality.” she said, Lucas staring down into her blue pools.

"Your magic walks in my mind, little angel. I thought I had kept my fear deeply hidden."

She smiled, kissing his cheek.

"I felt Finn's sensing it. As I felt your own realization when I walked out of the darkness yesterday. I felt your surprise at my presence."
Lucas smiled at her, seeing the intelligence in her blue pools.

"You surprised me, Rosy. But I am happy you're here.” he said, Rosa Sharon smiling, snuggling against him more.

"So am I, Luke. Your love's indeed amazing. Wouldn't want to miss it for anything.” she smiled, Lucas smiling at her.

"I fear the unknown, Rosa Sharon. The unknown of what that ring possesses.” he said, Rosa Sharon staring at him.

"I think it's good, Luke. Not evil, but good. Evil kept it deeply hidden for some reason.” she said, Lucas nodding.

"And I think I'm destined to find out why.” he said, Rosa Sharon staring at him.

"Life is a path of adventures, Luke. It's also a path of surprises. He told me that."

Lucas smiled, nodding.

"I think he may be the biggest surprise in all this. I just need to reason out who he is."

The young girl smiled, snuggling against Lucas.

"I'd like to know that, too.” she said, Lucas' arm going around her.

A few minutes later, Colton walked back into the room, Lucas staring at him.

He walked towards the couch, stopping in front of it, staring down at Lucas.

"Are you sure about this, Luke? Are you sure this is what you want?" the young man said, Lucas looking towards his right hand, the hand closed.

"All I want is my love back, Colton. If this can retrieve that, then it is what I must do." Lucas said, the younger man sitting down beside him again, opening his hand in front of Lucas.

In his hand's center a small cloth bundle sat, Colton staring into Lucas' violet pools.

"That's all I want also, Luke. You need your complete love to be happy.” he said, Lucas smiling at him.

The young man moved his hand, taking the bundle out of Colton's hand, the younger man staring at him, Rosa Sharon staring as well.

"If anything happens, Lucas, we will try to help you.” she said, Lucas' violet pools meeting her blue.

"You already have, Rosy. Your love for your brother and for myself and Josh soothes my soul."

She smiled, watching Lucas staring at the small cloth bundle.

Lucas opened the cloth, staring at a golden ring sitting in its center.

"I already feel its drawing power. It's time. I'm coming, my love." Lucas said, the young man setting the cloth down, holding the ring in his palm.

He felt its instant warmth, and then something else pulsating through it.

His face showed a wide smile.

"Of course! It's so simple!” he smiled, the young man slipping the ring on his hand.

Rosa Sharon and Colton both stared at him, their eyes widening in surprise, the room suddenly filled with a bright, blinding light.

Justin's blue pools met Lance's green, Lance having just finished his story.

Detective Cameron stared at the man, his own eyes filled with showing tears.

"What. . .what a remarkable young man. His life. . .his own self. It's. . .it's so amazing! And. . .and so unbelievable! I knew there was something more behind that young man's giving self. It's so unbelievable!"

"That it is, sir. You don't seem that phased by the magic part." Lance said, the detective nodding his head.

"I've been a detective for over thirty-five years, Mr. Bass. I've seen my fair share of surprising things. I take everything with a grain of salt. And an open mind. And I easily sense that young man's beyond amazing."

"He is love, Detective Cameron. My son is love." Tristan said, Lance smiling at Lucas' father.

"It's Charles, sir. My name's Charles." the detective said, Tristan smiling at him.

"You accept the greatness of my son's love, Charles. We all see that in your kind eyes." Tristan said, the man smiling at him.

"He saved my life, sir."
"It's Tristan, Charles. We're all Lucas' friends and family. We welcome your friendship into ours. Call us all by our first names." Tristan said, the detective smiling around at everyone.

"I saw Josh's statement on the news. You could see the love shining in his eyes for Lucas. Their love shows as real love. I'm going to do whatever I can to unite them again." the man said, everyone smiling at him.

"His love makes you feel alive, Charles." Francesca said, the man staring at Lucas' grandmother.

"I understand, dear lady. I'm feeling it in my heart myself.” he smiled, everyone smiling at him again.

"How do we get my son back, Charles?" Roy asked, everyone seeing the love in his eyes for his son, his arm around Karen, the lady showing her worry on her face.

"We need to find out where he is, first off. Perhaps the car can shed some light, and I'll cover all the bases. If Bryce Hartwell has been here in L.A., someone's had to have seen him."

Finn nodded, staring at the detective.

"Lucas told me that he'd thought that Bryce and Jacob had been involved."

Everyone looked surprised, the detective staring at him.

"He'd been associated with him before his death?"

"Yes. And he'd been associated with someone else. A reporter named Morgan Sheppard." Justin said.

"Yes, that's true! Lucas said he thought that maybe Bryce was behind Sheppard's attack on Lucas in the media. That Sheppard was being paid by Bryce to destroy his image." Lance said, Justin staring at him.

"Hmm. I didn't realize Hartwell was that wealthy to be paying mud smearers."

"Far as we know he wasn't. We caught him stealing from Josh, that's why they parted. I can't believe he's that rich now." Justin said, the detective nodding.
"I'll check into that as well, then. If this reporter knows him, maybe he knows where he's been hiding. That could be where Josh is."

"I know exactly where my Josh is. And Sheppard's there as well."

All eyes turned, staring at the patio doorway.

Lucas sat in its center, Colton and Rosa Sharon standing behind his wheelchair.

Everyone was staring at the two young siblings standing behind him, both wearing wide smiles.

They both had tears in their eyes, everyone's eyes going back to the young man sitting in the wheelchair.

Lucas was smiling, his violet pools now covered by sunglasses.

Lance stared at him, wondering why Lucas was wearing sunglasses so late into the evening, the sun long gone.

"You know where he is?" Finn said, Lucas looking towards his friend.

"Yes, Finn. I can now sense him. He's alive and sleeping. I believe he's been drugged." Lucas said, Justin rising to his feet, staring at the young man.

"You can now sense him? That far away? How. . .how can you do that? Your magic?” he said, Lucas smiling at his friend.

"My magic's found its life, Jus. And I've found my destiny." the young man said, Lance rising from his seat, standing beside Justin.

"What are you talking about, Luke? Where is Josh?"

"He's right where you already said, Lance and Justin."

Both looked at each other, Lucas smiling at him.

"I need to find out from you the truth of that reality, Jus." Lucas said, Justin looking confused.

"Truth of what, Luke?"
"Of where that cabin is." Lucas said, the man's hand moving.

The young man smiled again, Lucas's hand removing his sunglasses, Tristan's and his father's eyes widening in shock, the two rising from their seats.

"It. . .it can't be!" Emerson said, Lucas smiling at him and his father.

"I have found the real path, Grandfather and Father. I am now the truer Belmont."

Everyone stood in silence, staring into Lucas' now emerald green pools.

Farther Away, On the Edge of Madness

Josh stirred, his mind filled with a hazy cloudiness.

His blue pools slowly opened, the man finding himself in a shadowed room.

He lay upon a mattress, the mattress on a cast iron bed frame.

Josh moved his arms, feeling their constriction.

He pulled again, feeling a tightness at his wrists.

"You're tied to the bed, Josh." a voice said, Josh's eyes drawn to one corner of the room, the man seeing someone sitting in a shadowed wing chair, his face hidden from the semi light in the room.

"Where am I? Who are you? Why am I here?"

"You are here because I love you."

Josh stared at the shadowy figure, the voice filling his mind.

"Bryce? What the hell are you doing?" Josh said, beginning to struggle against his binds, his hands secured to the iron rails behind his head.

Josh gasped, feeling the pain radiating from his side.

He sensed he might have a few broken ribs, or maybe worse.

Josh suddenly felt vulnerable, confined and weak.

"I'm doing what needs to be done, Josh. You are mine. You've always been mine." Bryce said, the young man rising from the chair, walking into the light, Josh staring at his handsome face, his blue pools staring into his blue.

The man crossed the room, sitting down on the bed beside Josh, smiling at him.

"You're fucking crazy, Bryce! Let me go!" Josh said, struggling again, Bryce's hand going on top of Josh's chest.

"Keep your hands off me, you freak!" Josh said, anger showing on his face.

Bryce smiled, his hand running across Josh's chest.

"Relax, Josh. You can't escape the binds. You forget I was a master at slipknots. And you're also injured. I feel your weakness. I'll nurse you back to health, my love."

"Let me go, Bryce! I'm not yours, and I never will be!" Josh said, Bryce smiling at him.

"You're just confused, my Joshua. That little slut you've been banging has dulled your senses. A few weeks with my love and you'll be back to your old self. Once I take care of the trash, that is." Bryce smiled, his eyes scanning Josh's clothed form, the man wearing a buttoned black short sleeved oxford shirt and a pair of khaki shorts, his hairy legs flayed across the bed, his bare feet bound to the footboard of the bed.

Bryce smiled at Josh, leaning in and kissing his bandaged forehead.

"I've forgotten how beautiful you are, Josh. My beautiful J Boy.” he smiled, Josh staring at him.

"I'm not your J Boy, Bryce. I'm my own self. And I want nothing to do with you. Let me go!" Josh said, Bryce shaking his head.

"You need to accept the path you're now on, Joshua. You are mine. And that little bastard will see that in the end. I've been promised that."

"I love him, Bryce. His love is mine. And I am his alone."

Bryce smiled, leaning forward, his lips meeting Josh's, Josh fighting against the intrusion, Bryce kissing him deeply, Josh pulling away from him.

"I love you, Josh. And you'll in time return to my love. Even if I have to beat it out of you." Bryce said, his hand going to Josh's center, pressing hard against it.
Josh gasped, Bryce smiling.

"The tiger's still the same. I know how to make him roar.” he smiled, Josh struggling against him.

"You're insane, Bryce! I hate you!" Josh said, Bryce smiling at him.

"No you don't, Josh. You're just confused. And I'm here to make you see the light. The light of my love. I only have to get rid of the trash. That boy's as good as dead."

"Lucas will find me, Bryce! You've haven't got the faintest idea what you're dealing with." Josh said, Bryce smiling at him, Josh staring into his blue eyes, seeing the hidden madness behind their beauty.

"Oh, he knows very well what he's dealing with. As do I."

Josh's head turned, staring towards the other corner of the room, Josh realizing someone else was sitting in the darkened corner in another chair.

The man rose, walking into the light.

Josh's eyes widened with confusion.

"Hello again, Mr. Chasez. Or should I say, Bryce's future bitch." the man smiled, staring into Josh's blue pools.

Josh stared into the handsome face of Haven Marlowe.

Back at Josh's Home

Lance stared into Lucas' green pools.

"Your. . .your eyes are green, Luke!” he said, Lucas nodding his head.

"The vision of the path's center. The reality of dreams.” he said, Tristan staring at his son.

"Lucas, what's. . .what's going on?"

Lucas stared at him, his green pools meeting his grandfather's, Emerson's eyes showing shock.

"I have found the correct path, everyone. Or I should say, the beginnings of it. I just have to be wary of the shadows."

Justin moved, walking up to the young man.

"What's going on, Luke? What's happened to you?"

Colton moved from behind the chair, his hand going to Justin's shoulder.

"He's walked onto another path, Justin. And I think his magic has doubled." Colton said, Rosa Sharon moving, walking up to the patio table, smiling at Savannah.

"His love has just increased. The magic thrives on it. I think he's found an answer he's been seeking. His smile was so bright.” she smiled, climbing into the woman's lap, Savannah staring down at her.

"His love's increased?” she said, looking at her son.

"The magic I believe is enthralled by it. By my own self. And the conduit gave it a path."

"What conduit, mon ami?" Jacques said, seated with Lewis beside Savannah.

Lucas raised his hand, everyone staring at the golden ring laying on his right hand's index finger, its central stone softly glowing a violet hue.

"Rosa Sharon went to the brink of evil to retrieve this artifact. She gave it to her brother for safe keeping. The evil in their hometown was after it. It was it itself that ended Rosa Sharon's and her grandmother's lives. And it sought out this treasure for one reason, and one reason alone.” he said, Justin staring at the ring on Lucas' hand.

"Sarah was murdered? She had a heart attack, Luke.” he said, Colton staring at his friend.

"My grandmother was attacked by the evil, Justin. Lucas and I both knew that in Westonshire.” he said, everyone looking surprised, Lewis looking at Lucas.

"For what reason, Lucas? What reason would someone have for murdering a child and a loving grandmother?" Lewis said, staring at the young man with silent awe.

Detective Cameron was staring at the young man with even wider awe, seeing before him a man with extraordinary greatness.

Lucas' eyes went around the room, stopping on Rosa Sharon's smiling face.

"To keep it from its truth. To keep it from coming to light. For it is the dawning connection." Lucas said, wheeling down the ramp, stopping beside Justin and Lance, both staring down at him with silent wonder.

"I'm alright, my friends. I'm still the man I always was. Just a little stronger that's all. And more focused. The new magic has a focused edge to it. And a silent wariness."

"New magic, Luke? That ring has more magic?" Lance said, Lucas nodding.

"Yes, Lance. A great magic. And a cautious soul."

"A ring cannot have a soul, Lucas. It is an inanimate object." Lewis said, Lucas smiling at him, Lewis staring into his now green pools.

"Love and life have a way of changing everything, friend of faith. My family most of all knows that." Lucas said, looking at his parents and grandparents.

The front buzzer went off, Lucas looking at Colton.

"That will be your uncle and his friends, Colt." Lucas said, Colton nodding, walking back into the house.

Lucas stared around the patio, the young man sighing.

"Josh is the love of my life. He is my life. I will not let anyone hurt him. And I will face anyone who tries to.” he said, everyone seeing the determined glow in his now green eyes.

Colton walked back out onto the patio, his uncle's arm around him, the two men followed by Nick, Gio, Usher and Adam.

"We heard on the news, guys. No word yet, Luke?" Adam said, his face showing deep concern.

"The word's been given, Adam. I know where he is." Lucas said, everyone staring at him.

Adam stared at the young man, seeing his now green eyes.

"My God, Luke! Your eyes!” he said, Usher's arm going around his man, he staring with surprise as well.

"They are the after-effect of the truth. Of the hidden magic." Lucas said, his eyes meeting Gideon's blue.

"What's going on, Luke?” he said, Lucas sighing.

"The path has solidified. I know where my destiny leads me. But first I have to be whole. I need my man's constant love." Lucas said, his green pools looking at Detective Cameron.

"I know who has Josh, Charles. It is indeed Bryce. And Morgan Sheppard, and his friend. And the three of them are a triad of cornered mercenaries. For each has their own agenda. Morgan's is greed, his friend's is lust, and Bryce's is my Josh's love. And all three are under the payroll of one man. And that one man's waiting for me to walk into his trap."

Emerson stood up, staring at Lucas.

"Yes, Grandfather. The wolf has baited the trap. And this Red Riding Hood is going to slit its throat."

Everyone looked surprised by Lucas' words.

"A trap, Lucas?" Emerson said, Lucas nodding.

"Yes, Grandfather. He's already entrapped those three. And each have their own madness within them. I will deal with all three. But first I'll deal with their boss."

Justin stared at Lucas.

"This sounds dangerous, Luke. This isn't a game.” he said, Lucas staring at him.

"I know that all too well, Justin. Just as I know who their leader is. It's time that man sees who I am." Lucas said, his eyes meeting his grandfather's identical green.

"It's Haven, Grandfather. Your adopted son has taken my Josh."

Back at the Cabin

Josh's blue pools stared into Haven's brown pools.

The man smiled, walking up beside the bed, Bryce rising from the bed, Haven's hand going to his shoulder.

"Your former lover here has proven to be a very resourceful friend. His need for you was the guiding force for my formulating my own plans." Haven smiled, staring down at Josh.

"What. . .what are you doing here?” he said, Haven smiling, sitting down on the bed beside Josh, his fingers going to Josh's chin, Josh pulling away.

"You're a tasty little morsel, Chasez. But I hunger for bigger fish. And I came up with the perfect bait--you. Your magical little slut will come running for you. And he'll come running right into my fishnet." the man smiled, Josh staring at him.

"Lucas won't fall for this!  He's aware of all that's around him!"
The man laughed, slapping Josh's cheek.

"Your boy toy's half the man he once was. I've been well informed of his physical attributes. Whatever thought of powers he once had must be invalid now, just like his legs." Haven smiled, his hand running across Josh's chest, Josh cringing at his touch.

"Relax, Chasez. You're a tad old for my tastes. And you're nothing." Haven said, standing up.

"Once this is over I get what I requested." Bryce said, Haven smiling at him.

"He's yours, for whatever twisted, fucked up reality you want him to be for you. Fuck his brains out for all I care."

"And the island and money?" Bryce said, Haven smiling at him, then laughing.

"Can't wait to get away to your love nest, slut?"
"We're leaving here after this is over. Our lives then begin. Our love begins." Bryce said, Haven staring into his blue pools.

"Love? What a useless concept. You'll have your saggy boybander here and your money. But first we have to welcome our upcoming guest. And whatever he brings with him. This has to go perfect."

"They're armed and ready."
"Yes, I already talked to them when I arrived. They're more ready than you think." Haven smiled, Bryce staring at him.

"Meaning what?" the young man said, Haven smiling at him.

"Why don't I go talk to them and find out. I have to reward them as well. Join us when you're ready."

Bryce nodded, Haven looking down at Josh.

"Nice seeing you again, Mr. Chasez. Enjoy your friend here. And Lucas is done with you. Or soon will be." Haven smiled, walking out of the room, closing the only door in the room behind him.

Bryce's eyes went down to Josh's blue, Josh staring at him.

"Now where were we?" Bryce smiled, the young man sitting down on the bed beside Josh, leaning in to kiss him.

Josh turned his head, Bryce staring at him.

"Leave me alone, Bryce! You touch me and I'll kill you." Josh said, Bryce smiling at him.

"I don't think you're in any position to do anything but give into my love, Josh." Bryce said, his fingers going to Josh's shirt, grabbing onto it, ripping the shirt open.

Josh's blue eyes met his blue, seeing the madness still there.

Bryce's hands moved across Josh's smooth chest, the young man smiling.

"God, I've forgotten your warmth! And your smooth beauty!” he said, the young man moving, climbing on top of Josh.

"I'm here, Josh. My love's here." Bryce said, Josh struggling, the man's hands moving across his chest, Josh trying to fight his advances.
Bryce's hands moved, going to both sides of Josh's face.

"Fight me, Josh. You remember how wild I was when I was needful. I'm going to wipe his memories from your body and your soul. You're mine now." Bryce said, his lips meeting Josh's.
Josh struggled, sensing the futility of the position he was in, but he fought nonetheless.

He felt Bryce's hands moving all over him, his clothing moving as well.
And in his mind he screamed one thought of sobbing love.

Forgive me, Lucas!
I love you!

At Josh's Home

Everyone looked shocked, Emerson walking up to his grandson.

"I'm. . .I'm sorry. . .oh Lucas!” he said, Lucas' hand going in his.

"I love you, Grandfather. This in no way was your doing, as I've often told you. What we have to focus on now is rescuing my Josh from that man's clutches."

"This is too dangerous, Luke. This does sound like a trap. The man's taken Josh to bait you into his hands!" Finn said, Lucas seeing the worry on his friend's face.

"I know that, Finn. Just as I know my own soul, and its newness. I have full faith in what I sense will keep me safe. And I will always keep my Joshua safe." Lucas said, Detective Cameron's eyes meeting Lucas' green.

"Where are they, Lucas? I'll assemble a SWAT team and we'll surround them.” he said, standing up, Lucas staring at him.

"No one goes anywhere near them. This is my task."

The detective looked shocked, staring at the young man.

"You've got to be kidding me!! There's no way in hell we're letting you go anywhere near that place, Luke!" Justin said, his protective love suddenly showing.

"I'm going, Jus. For my Josh's life I'll risk all." Lucas said, Lance's arm going around Justin, his green pools showing deep worry.

"You can't mean this, Luke." Lance said, Lucas staring at him.

"You're in a wheelchair, Lucas! An armed team will make sure they don't go anywhere. We'll negotiate Josh's release." Detective Cameron said, Lucas sighing again.

"Haven Marlowe is a dangerous man, Charles. He's a man with a misguided power. And he'll kill anyone who tries to stop him, including those around him and my Josh. He's already claimed other lives. It's me he's waiting for. And I'm the one who's going to answer his call."

Everyone stared at Lucas, hearing the directness in his voice, and the determination.

"I can't allow this, Lucas. In all good conscience I can't let you go in there alone." Charles said, Lucas smiling at him.

"I am never alone, Charles. I am the catalyst for the love surrounding me. I carry the strength of my magic and my love. And all the love you've all given me. With that strength I can face any danger."

The detective stared at Lucas.

"You're in a wheelchair, Lucas. If you're trapped where and what could you do?"

The young man lowered his eyes, the patio suddenly shrouded in silence.

A soft breeze blew across it, everyone hearing the small bells on a wind chime hanging in the corner tinkle, that the only sound in the silence.

And then they heard another sound, this coming from Lucas.

It sounded like the cracking of bones.

All eyes moved to the young man.

Lucas raised his head, everyone staring at his green eyes.

They were now glowing, a soft violet hue in their green centers, matching the ring's stone that glowed on his finger as well.

"My love is magic, my life is love.” he said, the young man moving.

Lucas rose out of his wheelchair, everyone gasping.

Adam, Usher, Justin and Lance all backed away from him, their eyes widening in disbelief.

Savannah screamed, Lucas smiling at his mother.

"I'm ready for anything, mother of my life. And I'm going to save my Joshua."

The young man moved, walking across the patio to his parents' rising forms.

Tristan and Savannah were showing tears, staring at their young child.

"The newness of the magic makes me whole. The love of my heart makes me courageous. All your love makes me strong."
Savannah sobbed, Lucas pulling her into his arms.

Everyone stood in silence, staring at Lucas' standing, healed form.

End of Chapter 145

Wow!
Lucas is walking!

And he's determined, focused and strong!

Did any of you see that coming?

Josh's now in Bryce's clutches.

Haven's evil is there as well.

Where are Morgan and Ben?

It seems Lucas was well aware of their involvement.

His magic's grown.

Grown enough to heal his wounds.

What lays within that ring he now wears?
Where did it come from?

What are his plans to save Josh?

Bryce seems mad, and he has Josh now.
Will Lucas risk all to have all?

A lot of questions, centering on a cabin somewhere in the woods.

Let's go on a wilderness adventure.

Watch out for the bears!

Hugs, Angel.

email: music-fan-1@hotmail.com