See Part 1 for disclaimer.

Chapter 8

Dr. von Wellsung's Clinic:
Two days later

Nick and Janette were getting ready to take Luke home from the clinic. He had almost completely healed and only showed a slow limp in his leg when he walked. He was in his last session with the Dr. as Janette and Nick gathered up his things to take home. They had somehow managed to keep it a secret that Luke was in the clinic so no one knew that Luke had been hurt.

When Janette was checking the bed for loose articles Luke may have placed there she found a folded piece of paper. She opened it up and saw a child's drawing of what appeared to be a human looking bird. "Nick?" she said as she looked at the picture. Nick came over to where she was and said, "What?" Janette showed him the picture. Actually for a child of six it was a very good drawing! "It looks like a picture of Re-Atum?" Nick said after a few minutes. "Now why would Luke draw a picture of the Egyptian God of Creation?"

"That's a good question, Nicholas." said a voice from the door. It was Lacroix, who was standing against the frame looking at his son. Nick turned around and looked at his master. "Father," he said and brought the picture over to Lacroix, "do you know something about this?"

"I believe that Luke, in his subconscious has tapped into his inner power. It is from Re-Atum that his power comes. And in his own way, your son is paying a sort of homage to his maker." Lacroix said quietly. Seeing the look of surprise on his son and daughter-in-law's faces, he smiled and continued. "Just where do you think that Luke acquired those abilities, Nicholas?"

Nick, standing there with his mouth opened, suddenly began to reflect to the night that he and Janette had made love. The night Luke had been conceived. He remembered how different he had felt. He had no reason or explanation for why he felt that way, but it was as if all his emotions were in trying to please his lover. But there was more! He just felt different and he couldn't explain it. No blood lust! None at all! <Is this possible? It sounds kind of crazy to me. But I suppose that if vampires are real, that anything is possible. But why?>

Janette too, began to think of that night as well. How loving Nichola had been. How gentle, how caring, how human. He paid so much attention at that time in pleasing her and not to his own needs. And he had not gone through the change during sex. That was odd. <For Nichola could never control himself about that, never!> And then, when she was pregnant, how many times were there when she felt as thought the child she carried was special. Of course, all women felt like that, and so she had dismissed it at the time. But there was also the way the child in her womb had protected not only her, but Nichola as well. Perhaps Lacroix was right.

After a few minutes, Nick looked at Lacroix and said softly, "How can we help him, Father?" He needed to understand how to help his son.

"I believe it is time for you to explain the ways of the vampire to your son, Nicholas! And you must tell him and show him that he has an inner power to tap into when he needs it. He will have to learn how to protect himself." Lacroix replied, looking at Janette and then at Nicholas. "And now that I have told you all I can, where is my grandson? I have something to give him." He pulled out a small box from his pocket, wrapped in white tissue paper.

"He is with Dr. von Wellsung in the therapy room, Lacroix. But he should be back soon." Janette said, walking over to her former master. "Please stay until he returns." She placed her hand on Lacroix's face and looked up at him with a pleading look on her face. She trusted him now, more than she ever did as his child. He had changed. Perhaps it had been caused by the birth of Luke. But, whatever the reason, she cared for him as a father now, something she really had never felt before.

Lacroix placed his hand on hers and smiled. "Of course, I will stay."

Nick looked on with a soft smile on his face. He was glad that Janette and Lacroix had finally made a sort of peace between them. There had been some feelings of anger between them when he and Janette had become involved, following her transformation into being a human. Lacroix had lost one of his offspring. One that he truly cared for, a fact that Nick had always wondered about. They had always seemed as obedient child to forceful master in their past. But now, that had softened a great deal. Luke's birth had truly changed them all. He felt more love towards his master than in the past as well. And perhaps, even though he found it hard to believe, Luke had been a gift bestowed by the Egyptian God of Creation, Re-Atum!

Suddenly, there was a noise from outside the door, and they all turned around to see Luke and the nurse returning from the Therapy room. Luke was walking slowly, his limp quite obvious, but better than yesterday. He looked up and saw Lacroix standing there smiling down at him. His face lit up and he tried his best to run to his grandfather, yelling as he lilmped along, "Grandfather! Grandfather Lacroix!" Lacroix moved closer to him and lifted him up to his arms. Luke threw his arms around his neck and hugged him. Lacroix was truly moved! And he put his head in Luke's neck kissing him. Nick and Janette had moved toward each other and put their arms around each other in a loving embrace. They were smiling and thinking, <we are truly a loving family!>

At length, Lacroix drew back from Luke and smiling at him said, "And how is my favorite grandson, today?"

Luke began to laugh and said, "I'm your only grandson, Grandfather!"

Lacroix's face took on a puzzled look, and then he smiled and said, "Well, yes, that's true. So you are. And as such, I have a present for you. This is a very special present, Luke." Lacroix sat down in the chair with Luke and put him on his lap giving him the present.

Luke took the package with a great deal of excitement on his face. He unwrapped the gift and opened the box carefully. Inside was a gold pin in the shape of a sword. He picked it up and stared at it with a surprised look on his face.

Nick and Janette almost fell over when they saw the gift. This was indeed a special gift. If only Luke knew how precious this gift was.

"What is it, Grandfather?" Luke said fingering the pin.

"That, Luke is the Golden Sword of Ishtar! It was given to me many years ago by a very special person. It is a symbol of my power as a vampire. And now it belongs to you." Lacroix said, hoping that Luke would understand it's importance.

Luke looked at it for a minute, then he looked at his grandfather with tears in his eyes and reached up his arms around his neck. "Thank you, Grandfather. I will always keep it safe."

"You are welcome, Luke. And, always remember what it is a symbol of. Never be ashamed of what you are!" Lacroix said as he looked over at his son.

Nick returned this gesture with a pained look on his face. He understood too well what Lacroix meant, and felt the sting of the comment. For almost 100 years he had tried to reject his vampire heritage. He had shunned and even tried to destroy his own master! Nick was feeling very guilty, and lowered his head in thought. But Lacroix was in a forgiving mood, and understood Nick's reasoning for what he did. "Some of us did forget, but we returned and that is all that is important. It needn't be discussed or remembered again. Isn't that right, my son?"

Nick looked up at Lacroix with tears in his eyes, searching for what he was up to, but then smiled and said, "Yes, Father. To be forgotten, forever!"

And then Lacroix said, "Luke are you ready to go home?"

Luke, with some effort got off Lacroix's lap and said, "Yes. I want to go home now."

At that time Dr. von Wellsung came in. "I see everyone is here. Good! Luke has been released and is ready to go home. I want to remind you that Luke's limp will leave in a day or two and will be as strong as ever. But be sure there is not too much strenuous exercise until that time. After, he can continue his regular routine. Here are some pills for the infection he developed which should be gone in about 24 hours." he said looking at the chart. Then he looked up at all three. "I do hope this is the last of these attacks. If you need me, I will be in New York for the next few days. Call immediately if you need me. Here is the phone number. Until then," and the Dr. bent dwon to Luke and said, "I want you to be careful, Luke. And take care of your parents for me, ok?"

"Yes, Dr. von Wellsung. I will, I promise!" Luke said putting his hand to his eyebrow in a form of a salute. Dr. von Wellsung smiled and then, after shaking Nick and Lacroix's hand, left the room.

"Well, I think we can leave now." Janette said taking Luke's hand and helping him to walk down the hall. They were followed by Nick and Lacroix, with Lacroix's hand on his son's shoulder. They were a happy family, at last.

Athens, Greece

There was someone else who was watching this touching little scene. In his bungalow, on the outskirts of the city, Sextus sat in a large chair watching through his vampire eyes. With his eyes closed, he could see the "happy" family leaving the clinic. <This "sweet" little time will not last long, my friends. So be prepared for more trouble. And if you think the last attacks were brutal, you are in for a surprise!>

"Flavia! Marcus! Diana! " He yelled. And within minutes two young men and a young woman approached the man sitting in the large chair.

"Yes, Master?" they said in unison. "What is thy bidding?"

"We must prepare for tomorrow night's festivities. Make sure the room is adequately suppled. And be sure there is plenty of blood! Now, go and get everything ready! And do not fail me!" Sextus said with sternness and venom in his voice.

"Yes, Master!" the trio said bowing to Sextus and rushing out of the room.

"Yes, tomorrow night will be most satisfying. Most satisfying indeed!" Sextus smiled as he looked at the Emerald crystal he held in his hand. Tomorrow would be one of his greatest performances!

Chapter 9

The Loft:

As the party entered the loft, Luke found another surprise waiting for him. On the table lay two packages wrapped in red and blue paper, waiting for him. Luke looked at his father and mother, who smiled and nodded for him to go ahead and open them. Luke went to the table and opened the packages in a hurry. One was a large green cadillac with a flashing light and siren, just like the one his Daddy drove! The other one was a large plastic replica of a Tyrannosaurus Rex! His favorite of the dinosaurs. Luke was so happy. He began to play with each one of them. Making the car run into the dinosaur, and the dinosaur run into the car. He got up from the table and limped to the rug in front of the couch, talking to each in turn.

"Roar, roar. I am stronger than you, puny policeman!" Luke said, making a funny noise for the T-Rex and moving him in a menacing way in front of the caddy. "Police, Freeze!" He said in a low voice trying to sound just like his father.

Nick and Janette were watching him from the door of the lift. They smiled and Nick raised an eeybrow as he heard his son trying to mock him. Then he began to chuckle under his breath. It was so good to see his son acting like a happy little boy, instead of being hurt, abused and frightened.

For most of the evening, Luke played with his new toys. He seemed so happy and Janette was very relieved to see him this way. He had even gone around the stairs and sneaked up on her as she came down the stairs. "Freeze, lady, your under avest!" said Luke, pushing the caddy in her face.

Janette startled at first, looked down at Luke and put up her hands in front of her. "I give up Mr. Policeman!"

Luke continued, "You have the night to remain silent! Anything you say will be used to you in the Court of the Hall!"

At this, Nick not only smiled, but actually broke out in laughter. Luke looked at him and frowned. Then said, "Police, Freeze!" and Nick stopped laughing and stood up putting his hands in front of him in a gesture of surrender. Then he put them down, and frowning, began to walk slowly toward Luke. Luke froze at first, not knowing what to expect. But then, Nick picked up his son and began to tickle him unmercifully. Luke yelled with laughter, "No, Daddy! Stop! Your not under avest!" Janette also teased her son, too. Tickling him under the arms as Nick bent into his neck and moving his head, tickling him in that sensitive area. Luke continued to convulse with laughter, but at one point from out of his throat came a loud growl! Luke froze and looked up at Nick in fright.

Nick stopped tickling Luke and suddenly realized that now was the time for him to explain the vampire to Luke. He carried his son over to the couch, holding him close for comfort and sat down, putting Luke on his lap. Janette followed Nick to the couch and sat down beside him. Nick looked deep into his son's frightened eyes and said,

"Luke, it is alright. That sound you made is part of what you are. We are vampire's and that is a part of our nature. For we are by nature as the wolf. When the wolf is excited or scared, he growls and snarls. So will you. And there are other things you should know. As a vampire, when you feel the power, your eyes will show that wolf look. They will turn gold and red and seem to glow. And your teeth will extend into fangs, the same as the wolf!" Nick watched Luke to see if he understood, or was frightened.

Luke had calmed and looked at his father with a puzzled look on his face. He tried to understand what his father said, but he couldn't, really. Then he looked at Nick and said, "Show me, Daddy!"

Nick bent his head down and closed his eyes for a moment, then looked back up at Luke smiling. His eyes had turned from blue to gold, and his canines had grown considerably, to form fangs, just like those of a wolf. At first Luke pulled away, but Nick said, "Shh! Do not be afraid, Luke. This is what I am, what your mother is, and what you are!" And he turned to Janette, and Luke looked at his mother. She lowered her head and then raised it after a few moments, and she too had fangs and her eyes had changed to gold as well.

Nick kept his vampire persona as he continued to talk to Luke. "Luke, you must not be afraid of this, and you must not use it unless your life is threatened or someone needs your help. You must hide this part of you. There are mortals who do not understand our ways. If you show your friends what you are, they will be frightened, just as you were at first. And they will try to kill you! We have a code we must follow. And that code tells us not to show mortals what we are. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Daddy! But how come I can't change like that?" Luke said, sort of hurt.

"You will be able to some day, my son, but you must wait until you are grown. One day it will come to you." Nick said smiling down at his son, with his fangs almost piercing his skin.

Janette grabbed her son's arm gently and turned him to her. "Luke, you must remember everything we have shown you and told you. All the vampires in the world depend on each other. We need to be protected at all costs. You must remember always the first code. Never tell or show anyone what you are. But you must remember not to be ashamed of what you are either! Do you understand?"

"Yes, Mommy!" Luke said. Then looking at his parents, Luke got a funny look on his face. He bent his head down and looked back up and his eyes too had changed to a bit of gold. Not completely the gold of a mature vampire's. And he had no fangs, but he had changed on his own. Nick and Janette were somewhat surprised. Luke should not have been able to do this for at least 8 more years! Then they remembered he had been given power by Re-Atum. If that is ture, perhaps he will advance faster then normal inherited vampire children.

Luke looked at his father, cocked his head to one side and said, "I can see inside you, Daddy. Why?"

Nick was not surprised at his, "That is part of our power, my son. And that is another reason why you must keep this a secret." Nick looked at Janette, then he bent his head down then raised it up, his fangs were gone, and his eyes were again deep blue. "Luke, as a vampire, you will be able to see into other people and know their thoughts." Looking down at his son, he stared into his slightly gold eyes and turned on the mind link

Luke's light golden eyes got very wide. "Daddy, I know what your thinking, but you didn't say anything!" And he became very excited. "Can I do that, too?"

Janette turned to her son, her eyes now blue in color and her fangs gone. She stared at her son and through the mind link said, <Yes, Luke. You must just think real hard what you want to say and keep your eyes on who your talking to. Try it, my son!>

Luke looked at his father deeply and suddenly through the mind link, Nick heard a faint thought, <I love you, Daddy> Nick smiled at Luke and returned the thought, <And I love you too, Luke>

Then Luke turned to his mother and looked hard at her saying in the mind link, <I love you, Mommy!>

Janette smiled and returned the link <And I too, love you very much, my son.>

Nick turned to his son and said, "Luke, there will be sometimes that you will not be able to speak or read another's thoughts. That is when they block them. Like putting up bricks in front of you so you can't see. When that happens, you will not be able to know what they are thinking. When you get older, you will understand."

Luke was having a good time learning about all these powers, and Janette and Nick smiled at Luke as he tested his powers over and over again. They made it very clear to him that he must be careful when to use them and when not to use them. After about an hour of experimenting, Luke began to yawn.

"I Think someone is getting very sleepy. Perhaps we should continue this tomorrow." Janette said with a smile as she ruffled Luke's hair.

For the first time in his life, Luke defied his parents. He stood up with his hands on his hips and said loudly. "I am not sleepy! And I want to continue to play with my powers. And if you try to stop me, I'll. . . .I'll. . " Suddenly he stopped. Nick was looking at him with a frown on his face, and Luke could feel his father's anger through the mind link.

Luke was temporarily frightened. But then his father softened his hold on his son, and Luke bowed his had in shame. "I'm sorry, Daddy. I was bad, and I should be punished."

Nick smiled, and then he took Luke again in his lap and said, "I think that learning about your powers was sufficient reason to cause this, Luke. But don't you think you could apologize to your mother?"

Luke looked up at Janette and said in a soft voice, "I'm sorry, Mommy!"

Janette put her hand on Luke's face and smiled. "It's ok Luke. You're forgiven. But now I think that it is time for bed, young man."

Luke gave his father a hug and got off his lap. "Ok, Mommy." Then he limped his way to the stairs. He stopped, and turned around to look at both of them as they got up from the couch to follow and said, "Can we play powers, tomorrow?"

Janette and Nick looked at each other, somewhat exasperated and said, "Yes, of course." And Luke started slowly to climb the stairs. It took him awhile because of his still sore and healing leg. Janette, feeling sorry for him, picked him up and carried him to the bedroom.

Nick stayed down at the bottom of the stairs and watched the two of them leave. Then he turned back to the couch. <This is going to take time. Luke thinks he is a superhuman. Well, he is, but this is not a game. I hope I survive this!> And he smiled as he picked up the remote and flipped on the TV.

Chapter 10

The Raven:

Lacroix was sitting at his desk on the telephone to Darius. It had been several weeks since he had heard from him and was beginning to get frustrated. Finally, Darius had called him to tell of the progress he had made.

"I was thinking that you had forgotten about me, old friend." Lacroix said sarcastically.

"I know it has been some time Lucien, but I have uncovered a great deal of information for you. I have found out what Sextus is using to inflict the attacks on Luke. He must have raided the tomb of Ayahotep, the Chief Priest of the Pharoah Akhenaton, and found the Emerald of Qa'Ra. That was the source of Qa'Ra's power given to him by Soki, the God of Darkness." Darius began.

Lacroix cringed when he heard the name of Ayahotep. It was he, Qa'Ra that had brought his daughter, Divia across and she in turn brought him across to the world of darkness. And after a short time, Divia had beheaded her maker, causing Lacroix to behead his maker, and daughter, Divia. She had taken her revenge, but he had won, with the help of his son, Nicholas. The memories were still fresh in his mind and he cringed and anger flared up as he thought that someone would evoke the help of the being that caused the rift between the General and his daughter Divia.

Darius continued, "It seems that Soki, seeing that RE-Atum had punished his son and made him a vampire, Soki gave him the power of the Crystal to aid him. With the Crystal, Sextus has virtually, unlimited power, Lucien! He has gathered three or four of his most faithful followers, one, a woman and the others are men. He has been using them to transfer the attacks to your grandson. I also know, that there are certain times when the attacks are more violent. Usually occuring during a new moon phase. The moon pulls the power from the Crystal and transfers it to wherever the sender chooses! I am sure that he intends to snuff out the life of your grandson very soon, but I don't know how he intends to complete his task. For the moment that is all I know."

Lacroix had been listening intently to Darius growing angrier by the moment. So it was the Crystal that was enhancing his power! <How in the name of Hades am I going to fight this? Luke is in no position to fight such a power! And Nicholas, for all his incredible abilities, (when he chooses to use them, they are considerable)and good intentions, is no match for this kind of black art! I must come up with something and soon.>

The Loft:

Nick and Janette were rearranging the furniture, trying to find a new look. Janette, as Nick became uncomfortable with the arrangement after a few weeks, and they continually changed it around again and again. Luke was at the kitchen sink, playing in the soapy water, left by Janette from the supper dishes. He had added more soap and was making large mountains from the bubbles. Occasionally, he would blow the bubbles in his hands and bubbles would fly everywhere. Then he would giggle and repeat the action. Nick and Janette would look up from what they were doing and smile at Luke. He was really having fun. Such a simple thing to provide so much pleasure.

But Nick and Janette knew as they watched Luke, that this was only a lull period. They knew another attack was coming. They were always on the alert! Earlier this morning, Luke had worked on trying to channel his powers, with the aid of his Mother and Father. Sometimes, it seemed like a game to him, but at other times he really truly seemed to understand what he was doing. He learned how to reach into his Mother's and Father's minds through the mind link, and was becoming more successful in doing it on command. And he also was beginning to control the "beast" as Nick referred to the vampire persona. Luke still had no fangs, but his eyes did turn and he would growl and snarl visciously. There were times that Janette and Nick had to hide their amusement at his antics with this new aspect of his nature.

Luke played in the bubbles, and pretended that he was the wind. He blew gently into the bubbles and they moved into different shapes. He was really involved in watching the bubbles settle back down and recede into the water. Then he suddenly became stiff and began to shake. He could feel a presence near him and he remembered what his father had told him and turned into himself to press the mental link to his father.

Nick, (picking up a chair), suddenly sat it down and looked directly at Luke. Luke's back was turned to him and he was standing on the stepstool still as a board. Through the mental link Nick heard, "Daddy! He's coming!"

Nick looked at Janette, and she felt through the mental link what Luke had just told him. Nick looked at Luke and pressed through the link. "Get off the stepstool son, and come to us." Luke slowly got off the stool and started to walk to his father. Suddenly Nick was thrown against the fireplace. His hands were shoved above his head and locked against the brick. It was as if someone had placed his wrists in iron bands. He could not move. Janette was thrown against the wall behind the stairs and her hands shoved behind her. She felt as if she had been placed in a sort of sword piercing case. She felt sharp points pushing into her body everywhere, and the pain was excruciating.

(Far across the ocean in Alexandria, Sextus was in his famous torture chamber. Diana, Flavius and Marcus were there as well. Sextus picked up the Crystal of Qa'Ra and began to chant. When he finished he had pushed through his mind link to the three participating parties, and they immediately submitted themselves to his will. Marcus grabbed Flavius, who was willingly thrown against the wall and his hands were placed in iron bands, attached to the wall by iron chains. Then Marcus grabbed Diana and flung her into the Iron Maiden Torture Chamber and shut the door, trapping her. Marcus stopped and stood in front of his master. Sextus smiled. All was proceeding as planned. Now, he grabbed Marcus and threw him onto the table in front of him, binding him with chains so that his arms were over his head attached to the end of the table. His legs were spread eagle on the table held by chains attached to the bottom of the table. The old master first ripped off all Marcus's clothing and he lay naked on the table. Sextus then picked up the fire poked from the fireplace and placed the red hot iron on Marcus's stomach. At first Marcus cried out in pain and welts began to appear on his skin, and then as Secxtus looked into the crystal, the pain ceased and the welts disappeared. Sextus repeated this action, touching Marcus's legs, face, arms, and chest.

Back across the sea in Knight's loft Luke was standing there staring at his Mother and Father, helpless to know what to do. His Father and Mother could not speak for some reason, and he did not have instructions as to what to do! Suddenly, Luke was picked up and laid forcefully on the table. His hands were thrown above his head and held there by some unknown force. His legs were also bound spread eagle across the table. Rapidly, his clothes were ripped from him and he lay naked on the table. Then he screamed, and began to writhe in pain. Large welts of red began to appear on his body. First on his stomach, and then on his legs, face, arms and chest. He was moaning, sobbing, and crying all at the same time.

Janette was in a great deal of pain, but she tried to get free to get to her son. But with all her powers at her disposal, she could not free herself, and any movement only brought on more pain. She stood there panting, and crying out, "Luke! Luke! Oh, my son!"

For his part, Nick simply could not move. He was in no pain, but that of watching his son tortured and not being able to move. He had to do something. And he struggled over and over again, trying to free himself to get to his son. But the more he moved, the more tightly he was pushed into the bricks behind him. And he could hear maniacal laughter, rising with every attempt to free himself.

Then Luke screamed once again. More pain was inflicted on the young vampire. On his skin different welts began to appear with rapid succession, and appeared to be made by a whip. In fact, Nick could hear the crack of the whip as each mark appeared on his son's now torn and bleeding skin.

(Across the sea, Sextus, holding the Crystal of Qa'Ra in his left hand, laughed as he again brought the whip down on Marcus. The man started to cry out, but as soon as the whip touched his skin, the pain would begin and suddenly leave. His skin remained untouched. And Marcus marveled at his master's skill! Again and again Sextus raised the whip against Marcus and. . )

. . . .Luke would cry out in terrible pain. He was breathing very rapid, and there were multiple welts all over his body. He was beginning to look like a stripped Zebra. He was starting to lose consciousness as his eyes rolled around in his head. Suddenly he gasped and fell very still. Nick, eyes flashing red was going crazy trying to to get free. He had to free his son! Suddenly there was a swift breath on his face. He straightened up and his body began to glow. He pulled free of his invisible chains and stood facing Luke. Then he spoke in ancient Eygptian tongue to an invisible force, "NO ONE TOUCHES MY SON! MY CHOSEN! CEASE THIS ACTION OR BE DESTROYED!" And Nick's body glowed brighter, encompassing the whole room. Janette was suddenly free and without pain. She recovered in a few minutes and stood there staring at Nick.

(Across the sea), Sextus felt the ruby crystal grow cold in his hand and it became so cold he dropped it. He also felt great fear. A voice with a great deal of authority had suddenly touched his ears, forcing him to stop in the middle of his stroke of the whip and he dropped it as well. A chilling cold covered him and he screamed in fear. Running from the room, he fled out to the upstairs, leaving his servants alone. Diana, was released from her torture chamber, Marcus bonds were released as was Flavius. They all dropped to the floor, unconscious.

Back at the loft, Nick slowly approached Luke, still covered in an unearthly glow. Janette watched cautiously, afraid to interfere. Nick came to his son, and the glow grew stronger. He lifted up his hand and touched his son's skin. The glow left his hand and went into his son's skin, gradually moving all over his body. Each strike and welt began to heal quickly. All the bloody wounds and scars suddenly disappeared. Then Nick touched Luke's forehead and Luke awoke. He looked up at Nick and said in a low, calm adult voice, "Thank you, Father Re-Atum." He smiled looking up at Nick, then slowly closed his eyes and fell into a gentle sleep. The glow suddenly left Nick and he staggered forward, grabbing the table. He began panting, and weaving slightly. Holding on to the table to steady himself, the dizzyness began to leave. Janette ran over to him and grabbed him. Clutching Nick she said, "Nichola! Are you alright?"

After a few moments, Nick put his arm around Janette and hugged her. "Yes, Janette." He said softly. "I was just a little dizzy." Then he remembered his son, and turned to look down at the table. Luke was lying there peacefully sleeping. His body was untouched, for no marks of the attacks remained on his skin. He was completely healed. Nick was very confused. <What happened to him? How did I get free? And how did Luke's wounds heal so quickly?> "Janette," he gasped, "what happened?"

Janette looked at Nick and said, "I'm not sure, Nichola. You suddenly broke free of your bonds, and began to talk in ancient Eygptian. You told someone called the Roman Devil to stop and leave Luke alone. Then your body began to glow. Luke had slipped into unconsciousness. You touched him and his wounds healed. Then he woke and called you 'Father Re-Atum' and Luke gently fell asleep." Janette looked up at Nick and knowledge became clear to her. "Don't you see what happened Nichola? Re-Atum possessed your body in order to defeat the enemy and to heal our son, his son, Luke? Oh, Nichola. . "she said as she grabbed Nick and clung to him fiercely. She began to softly sob, and said, "It is true, the Great Egyptian God of Creation Re-Atum is real, and he helped us!"

Nick was dumbfounded. He wanted to believe, but he found it hard, as he did not see what Janette had seen. Still he took her word for it. Janette had moved to the couch to get the comforter. She went over to the table and wrapped up Luke in it and picked him up. She carried him towards the stairs to the bedroom, with Nick close behind. They had defeated the enemy, one more time!

Chapter 11

The Raven:

Lacroix was on the phone to Darius saying, "I appreciate all of your help, my old friend. And I now have more knowledge with which to build a def. . .". His voice trailed off. He felt a strong vibration in the mind link. But he could not feel his son! And he could not feel his grandson! There was a great power in the link instead. He knew something had happened. "I'm sorry, Darius, I must go! Thank you for your help and I will contact you." Hanging up the phone quickly, Lacroix left his office and ran to the back door of the club. Stepping outside, he quickly looked about to see if anyone was around, and then took to the air, heading for Nick's loft.

The Loft:

Nick stopped at the stairs, grabbing the railing, almost falling over. He was suddenly very weak. Janette turned and looked at him. "Nichola, are you alright? What's wrong?" she said as she touched his arm.

"Yes, I think so. I'm just a little weak for some reason. I'm sure I will be alright in a minute." he said grabbing the railing of the stairs for support.

At this time, Lacroix came crashing through the ceiling. <Damn! Why does he always do that?> Nick thought. Lacroix looked around the room and then at Nick and Janette. He walked over to them saying, "What has happened here?" Nick was still grabbing the railing for support and Janette was holding a sleeping Luke in her arms.

Janette spoke, "Please, Lacroix. Help Nichola!"

Lacroix looked at his son who had begun to sway back and forth. He reached out for him just as Nick passed out in his arms. Lacroix carried his son over to the couch where he placed him on the soft cushions. Then he went to the kitchen sink to retrieve a cloth. Running it in the cold water, he returned to the couch and placed it on Nick's forehead. Janette had moved over to the couch and sat down on the chair near it, holding a sleeping Luke in her lap. Lacroix looked at Nick and could feel a great weakness within his son. He was beginning to get irritated. Looking at Janette he said in a stern voice, "I ask again, Janette. What has happened here?"

Janette began to tell Lacroix all of the events of the evening. As she told him, Lacroix was gently bathing Nick's face and forehead with the cold cloth. Luke had not moved since he had fallen asleep. He slept soundly and quietly in his mother's arms. When Janette finished, Lacroix looked at her and then back at Nick. His son was beginning to stir on the couch. In a few moments, Nick began to open his eyes and focused on Lacroix. He started to rise, but Lacroix put his hand down on his chest, forcing his son again down on the couch. "Do not try to get up yet, my son." Lacroix said.

"What happened, Father?" Nick said in a rather far off voice. His memory was very fuzzy. He remembered Lacroix crashing thru the ceiling and starting towards him and then everything went black.

"It appears, Nicholas that you were possessed for a short time by the spirit of Re-Atum. And that being the case, it is no wonder that you feel weak. Rest here for a few moments, I have something else I want to talk to both of you about." But first, Lacroix went over to Janette to see if Luke was alright. He lay in Janette's arms, sleeping peacefully. He had a smile on his face and looked as though nothing had happened to him. In fact, he looked as though he was dreaming and having a wonderful dream. Perhaps he was.

Nick and Janette spent some time with Lacroix. They spoke of how they had told Luke about his powers, because of his first experience with the wolf growl. And they told him of trying to teach him to channel his powers. Lacroix listened with interest and some amusement at the antics of his grandson. He also found it quite enlightening that Luke was able to have these powers at all at this early age. They also talked of Sextus, and his attacks and how they were channeled. Lacroix told them of the Emerald Crystal of Qa'Ra and how Sextus was using it as a transferrence aide.

After a lull in the conversation, Nick, (who by this time was feeling much stronger) looked up at his Father and said quietly, "We must go to Alexandria, Lacroix. We must fight Sextus on his own ground. And we must take Luke with us. We must go as a family and face this problem together as a family."

Lacroix looked at Nicholas and nodded his agreement. "Yes, Nicholas. I think you are right. Our only way to win in this is to stay together as a family unit."

But Janette looked up at both of them. Her eyes were flaming red. She got up with Luke in her arms and stood there shaking. "I do not agree! I will not allow Luke to be placed in anymore danger. If you have to go to Alexandria, then go! But you will not take my son! I will take him to Paris and keep him safe."

Suddenly, Nick began to glow again and he rose gracefully from the couch. He looked at Janette and said nothing. But there were words there and only Janette heard. At first she flinched, then she began to soften her expression. Finally she said, "Yes Great God Re-Atum. I understand. We will do as you say. Forgive me. But I was only thinking of my son." And then she lowered her head. Lacroix watched this with growing fascination. This was truly remarkable. Nick, who was still glowing, went over to Luke and touched the boy's face. Luke moved a little and smiled more. Then the glow left Nick and he stumbled, but Lacroix caught him and led him back to the couch. Nick recovered much quicker this time and he remembered all that had happened.

And so, Nick, Janette and Lacroix began to plan their trip to Alexandria. The would arrive at the home of Darius at separate times. Lacroix would go first and prepare all that needed to be done. Nick and Janette would take a longer time, perhaps visiting Paris.

This little scene was observed by Sextus, who, staring into the Emerald Crystal began to shake with rage. He was on dangerous ground and he knew it. He must go back to the Valley of the Kings to Ayahotep's tomb. He must seek power. And he summoned his three faithful followers and began to prepare his trip to the grave of Qa'Ra the source of his power!

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