See Part 1 for disclaimer.

Chapter 12

A plane airborne for Alexandria:

Nick held Luke in his lap as his son looked out the small, almost square window of the plane. He had his head up against the window and Nick knew that if he could he would love to have his head out the window. He was really enjoying this trip. He had never been in a plane before, and inspite of the fact that they had been on the plane for many hours, he still was excited. They had flown from Toronto to New York, and from there to Paris. When they arrived in Paris, Nick and Janette decided to take a couple of days in the city of their "birth". Luke loved Paris! But his favorite part was the cuisine, meaning the desserts! He had eaten so many "sweets" that Janette was worried he would be ill. But Luke just kept eating all he could, showing no effect at all. This, in spite of the weakened condition of his body due to all the attacks on his system.

They had left Paris and headed for Rome. When they landed, Janette asked Nick if they could look up Miklos. She had heard he had come to Rome to study, and wanted to see him. Nick agreed, and they found Miklos. This caused them to expand their trip by four days, as Miklos insisted they stay and let him show them around Rome. He was Very glad to see them and told them over and over again how wonderful it was for them to have a son. Luke really took to Miklos, aS did the gypsy looking man. Miklos really did begin to love this little guy. He took Luke to the beach and taught him how to construct the perfect sand castle. He also taught him how to swim, a feat that Janette and Nick had never learned to accomplish. Luke could only dog paddle, but he could propel himself in the water.

It was really a very relaxing four days. It seemed as if the weight of the last several weeks had not happened, and they could enjoy life as. . .well, yes, as a true mortal family! Miklos had taken them everywhere, the Partheneon, the Colliseum, and other places of interest. Wherever they went, Miklos would pick Luke up and put him on his broad shoulders. Luke would laugh and happily wave his arms as though he was flying in a plane. And when the time came for them to leave, he was truly sorry to say goodbye. But Miklos told Luke that he would be coming back to Toronto soon, and they would go to the park. Luke brightened at this and hugged his, 'Uncle Miklos' goodbye.

Now they were on their way to Alexandria. Nick looked over at Janette, who lay sleeping in the seat beside him. Nick touched her face, gently so as not to wake her. She was exhausted from the travel, (the shopping in Paris for clothes, and the romp around Rome). And he knew just how worried she was of arriving in Alexandria and what they might find. Lacroix would be waiting for them, at his friend Darius's home, and they would begin to plan a way to fight Sextus. As Nick looked at his wife, he thought of how, when this was over, he would let Luke stay with Lacroix for a few days, and take Janette back to Paris. They might be able to celebrate, what mortals call a honeymoon, something they had never done, six years ago. He loved her so much and he wanted to be with her even more now, alone! And he wanted somehow to make her forget what had happened. He was sure Lacroix would not mind taking care of Luke, as they were quite close for some odd reason. As he was thinking of this, he was suddenly brought back to reality by his son, who was bouncing on his lap and tugging at his sleeve. He looked over at Luke, who was very excited!

"Daddy! There's a fire down there!" Luke said, loudly pointing down toward the ground.

Nick came closer to the window and saw flames and smoke coming from a building on the ground. He smiled and said, "Yes, I see it Luke! But please don't wake your mother!"

Luke looked over at Janette who began to rouse from her sleep and put his hand up to his mouth. He looked at Nick and said in a whisper, "Oh, I'm sorry, Daddy. I didn't mean to yell, but" and turning back to the window he said softly, "I saw the fire start! It was really cool."

Nick raised an eyebrow and smiled at Luke. He answered in a low voice, "Cool? That's an odd thing to say about a fire, son." And Luke turned to look at Nick. He frowned, then he smiled too and said, "Yeah, that is funny, isn't it?"

By this time, Janette was fully awake and looked at both of them. "So what is so entertaining out there, young man?" she said looking at her son.

Luke looked at his mother with big eyes and said, "Oh, Mommy. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up."

"It's ok, Luke. It is time I was awake anyhow. We will be landing in Alexandria soon, and I need to freshen up," Janette said.

Luke cocked his head and looked at his mother with a puzzled look. "You mean you are going to pour water on yourself and pull off the dead skin?"

Nick and Janette looked at each other and burst out in laughter. Luke looked at both of them with a very puzzled look on his face. "What's so funny? That is what you do to the flowers when you freshen them up, Mommy."

Nick pressed in the mind link to his wife as he winked at her and continued to chuckle.

Janette returned the message with, <Thank you very much, for your support my caring, Knight! You will pay dearly for that remark! And I do intend to collect, Mon Cher!> And she too, smiled.

Nick raised an eyebrow and returned, <Oh, I hope so. I sincerely hope so!>

Then Janette turned to Luke who was sitting there wondering what they were talking about as they had shielded him from their conversation. She smiled at him and said, "Luke, that is what I do to the flowers when I freshen them up, but I mean to fix my hair after laying on it. And I need to straighten up my make-up." And with that, Janette excused herself, picked up her tote bag and headed for the airplane bathroom.

Luke still looked puzzled. At this Nick began to chuckle and Luke stared at his father in frustration. But before his son could say anything, Nick put his finger to Luke's lips in a gesture to be quiet and said, "My son. You are going to find that there are many times when women will say and do things that you will never understand. And you might as well get used to that right now."

Luke thought for a moment at what his father said, then he looked at Nick and said, "Why can't women be like we are Daddy? We understand each other all the time!" At this, Nick hugged his son and replied with amusement, "That is true, my son! That is true!"

From within the mind link, both Luke and Nick could sense Janette's voice. "I Heard That!" And then they both looked at each other, and began to laugh. For they both knew, that they were in trouble, but that at least they were in trouble together.

Chapter 13

Airport of Alexandria, Egypt:

Shortly after 9PM the plane landed in Alexandria. After gathering all their suitcases and packages, Nick, Janette and Luke met Lacroix at the appropriate meeting place. When Luke spotted Lacroix standing beside the entrance door, he ran to him smiling and very excited. "Grandfather! Grandfather, Lacroix!"

Lacroix picked Luke up and gave him a big hug. He loved his grandson very much and could tell that Luke shared his love. Luke hugged his grandfather and he pulled back pointing to his collar saying, "Look, Grandfather, I'm wearing it!"

Lacroix looked at his collar and saw the gold pin fastened to the material. He smiled with loving approval. "Yes, I see, Luke. And I am most pleased with you." And he again gave Luke a big squeeze. Then, setting him down, Lacroix came to Janette and put his arms around her. "You look tired, my dear. Have you had no sleep?" he said giving her a kiss on the cheek.

"Yes, Lacroix, I have slept. More than I should, as Nichola would not let me do much. But we did have a great time in Paris, and Rome. Perhaps, I am just a little fatigued from that." Janette replied kissing Lacroix on the cheek.

"Paris? Oh, I see!" said Lacroix raising an eyebrow to Nick as he saw several large packages that had been obviously added to the luggage.

"Yes, Father. We did go shopping. But tell me that surprises you." Nick replied to his father with a wide smile.

Lacroix released Janette and hugged his son whispering in his ear, "No, my son, it does not surprise me. But with all she has been through, it was wise to indulge her!" Nick was again taken by Lacroix's thoughtfulness. This was becoming a habit with him lately. Was he changing, or was Lacroix?

Janette took Luke's hand and Lacroix picked up the suitcases and Nick picked up the packages. They headed out the door and to the waiting limo parked in the pick-up line at the airport gate. Darius had let Lacroix use his limo and driver to pick up Lucien's family at the airport. Once they were all settled in, they headed off toward Darius's house.

About 20 minutes later, they arrived at his house. Darius greeted them at the door. He shook Nick's hand and said, "So you are the young, graceful knight, Lucien spoke of so often. I am pleased to meet you, Nicholas!" Nick returned the greeting and smiled, looking almost boyish, with a slight bit of embarassment on his face at this comment of his attributes. "And I am pleased to meet a loyal and trusted friend of my father, Darius."

Darius then went to Janette and bringing her hand to his face, gently kissed her hand and said, "Bonjour, Madame Knight! Bienvenue a Alexandria!"

"Merci, Monsieur!" Janette smiled, pleased at his thoughtfulness to greet her in her native tongue.

Then Darius looked down at the golden-haired, blue-eyed child, standing beside his mother. "And I am pleased to meet you, Luke!" He said bowing a little and shaking his hand as he would an English gentleman.

Luke felt very important at the moment and bowed very expertly saying, "Bonsoir, Monsieur Darius, et merci."

Darius raised an eyebrow and looked at Lacroix and Nick who smiled approvingly at Luke. Then Darius again looked at Luke. "Nicholas, he looks so much like you, I would swear that you looked just like this at age, what is it? Six?"

Nick could not help but beam at this statement. For he was truly proud of his son and somewhat pleased that his son favored his appearance. Then, feeling guilty he looked at Janette, but she too stood there beaming at this comment. It did not bother her that people always said how much Luke resembeled his Father and not his Mother. She knew in her heart, that a lot of her personality was in her son. His temperment? Who knew. Certainly his temperment was not like Nick's or her's, or Lacroix's for that matter. He was so much calmer.

Lacroix said, "Even though I am enjoying these pleasantries, I think we should get inside and prepare for what is to come!"

"Yes, of course, Lucien." Darius replied and led everyone into his large and spacious home.

After showing Nick and Janette to their rooms, he joined Lacroix on the second floor balcony to talk. Nick, Janette and Luke were unpacking their suitcases. They had been given a very large room in the east wing of the house. The room, on the third floor, had a set of large bay windows with hugh and heavy purple curtains drawn back against the frame. The view of the city was beautiful. The room itself was quite spacious. A large queen size bed was at the left corner, flanked by two beautiful oak dressers. Each had an electric lamp on top in the shape of the old kerosene lamps. This brought back fond memories for both Nick and Janette as a time they were in London, just before World War II. There were several dressers in the room and three large stuffed chairs. Along the right corner was a small couch and next to it a bookcase filled with columns of Egyptian folklore, mythology, and customs.

Darius had added a small youth bed to the room for Luke, as he felt Janette and Nick would want their son near them, due to these attacks that took place at any time, Janette and Nick were putting their things away not saying a word. They knew this was going to be a very trying time for all of them. Luke was putting his clothes from his suitcase into the small dresser beside the bed when he wheeled around and grabbed his head. "Oooh! Make it stop! Make it stop!" he screamed and began to move wildly about the room.

Nick and Janette stopped what they were doing and went over to Luke. "Luke, what's wrong? What are you feeling?" Janette said as she reached out for her son. But Luke moved away and suddenly grabbed his stomach and doubled over. He was panting heavily and Nick grabbed his son and picked him up heading for the bathroom. He recognized the sign of what was to come as did Janette who followed closely behind.

They barely made it to the bathroom before Luke began to gag and pant. Then he gagged again and a gush of fluid rushed from his mouth into the toilet. Nick again held his head and rubbed his back, trying to release the pressure off his stomach. Luke gagged and vomited again and again until he was simply flexing muscles. There was nothing left in his stomach to come up. Nick flushed the toilet and sat Luke on the bathroom counter top. He son was sobbing, panting, and holding his head. "Daddy, my head hurts! It hurts real bad!" Janette pulled a cloth from the rack and ran cool water over it. She placed it to her son's head and tried to calm him. Nick looked at Janette and said, "Stay with him! I'm going to get Lacroix!" And he ran out of the room. Janette held her son and hummed to him softly, trying to calm him. "Shh Luke! Mommy's here! And I won't leave you!" Luke continued to hold his head and sob. "Mommy make it stop! Make it stop, PLEASE!" Janette held her son with tears streaming down her face. Oh, if she only could make it stop. But she didn't know how.

Chapter 14

Darius's home, Alexandria Egypt:

Nick flew down to the second floor balcony where Darius and Lacroix were pouring over an old journal. They stood up when Nick landed.

Lacroix, eyes small and piercing said, "What is it, Nicholas?"

"Where were you, Lacroix?" Nick said in anger. "Luke is having another attack!" And Nick again flew back up to the third floor bathroom with Lacroix and Darius close behind. When they got to the bathroom, Luke was in Janette's arms, moaning and gagging. He was merely having dry heaves as there was nothing in his stomach. But it was obvious this attack was going on much longer than any of the others.

Suddenly, Lacroix seized Luke's arm and closed his eyes, saying in a loud voice, "Transfer to me! Trans. . . " and he stopped. Letting go of Luke's hand he grabbed his head. Luke weaved a little and slumped over into Janette's arms as if asleep. Nick grabbed for his father, but Lacroix pushed him away. "Leave me, oh Devil of Rome!" After a few moments, Lacroix stood up, straightening his clothing and brushed his hand across his forehead. Beads of blood-sweat had developed there. Lookiing at his hand, he then looked at Nick and said, "I'm quite alright, Nicholas." But he was much weaker, even Nick could see that. And he said to Darius, "Please! My Father needs blood!"

"Yes, immediately." Darius answered, heading down the stairs swiftly. Nick looked at Janette who was holding a limp Luke in her arms. He was out cold, but appeared to be relaxed and gently sleeping. Nick took Luke from Janette and walked back to the bedroom, with Lacroix and Janette following. Janette stepped in front of Nick and pulled the covers down from the bed. Then she went to the dresser to find a set of fresh pajamas for Luke. Nick layed his son down on the bed and began to remove his clothes. Janette brought the pajamas over and she and Nick redressed their son in his nightclothes. Then they pulled the covers over their sleeping son. Lacroix stood, leaning against the door for support and watched them. In a moment, Darius appeared with a large glass of wine-laced blood and gave it to Lucien. He downed it in one gulp and Darius poured another glass full. Lacroix downed that one as well, and soon he had consumed three glasses, before putting out his hand to Darius that he was satisfied.

In a flash, Nick was grabbing Lacroix. "Where is he Father? Tell me, damnit!" Nick said, his voice in a rage. "I know you centered on his power! Now where is he!"

For once in his life, Lacroix relinquished to his son. "Not far from here. He is using the Crystal of Qa'Ra to enhance his power.." Lacroix answered in a monotone.

But Nick continued to press his master. "You still have not told me where he is, Lacroix!" When Lacroix did not answer, directly, Nick grabbed his master by the throat and pressed in on it. "Where is he?"

Lacroix took hold of his son and flung him across the room! "How dare you threaten me, Nicholas!" Lacroix said glaring at his son. Then he realized what he had done and went to Nicholas and helped him up. "I do not know exactly where he is now, but he was in the tomb of Ayahotep." Lacroix said.

"He is seeking power! And he must be near the tomb for that!" Darius said as he watched the scene. "I think we can expect more from him in the near future!"

"NO!" Janette said, her eyes flashing. "I did not want to bring Luke here to begin with. And now, you tell me that we must wait until this Sextus decides when to make the next move? What is the matter with you strong men! Can't you see how much this has hurt Luke? He can't take anymore and neither can I!" Janette said as she went over to the dresser and began to pull her clothes out of the drawer and started to pack them in the suitcase.

Nick ran over to Janette and took her by the arm. "Janette, No!"

"Do not try to stop me, Nichola! I will not stay here and watch Luke be hurting again and again. I am going to take him to Paris as I said in the beginning." Janette said as she shoved Nick away from her.

Nick took a hold of Janette's arm stronger this time and wheeled her around to face him. "No, Janette! If you try to take him, you will cause him more harm. Can't you see that?"

"I see only one thing. I see my son being torn apart by some arrogant, proud, non-feeling vampire who cares nothing about anything except his own cause. In that, he is no different than you, Nichola!" Janette continued with a great deal of venom in her voice. And looking over at Lacroix, she said, "Or you either, Master Lacroix. For all your power and all your strength, you can not even protect your own grandson. None of you understands what I do. I see a small child being hurt over and over again, and you sit there discussing about his righteous cause. I don't want to hear anymore! My son and I are leaving!"

Lacroix, Darius, and Nick stood there with their mouths open and stared at Janette. They had never seen her so angry and so firm in her statements. But she was right. They had been concerned for Luke, but seemed to be so swelled up with the fact that Luke might be the leader predicted, and the pride of that had blinded them to the fact that a small child was being scared for life with these experiences. Janette was right! And they had no defense against her.

Young Luke had been aroused by all the yelling, and heard all his mother had said. He slowly got up from the bed, bending over slightly from the soreness in his stomach, and walked to his mother. Looking up at her with sad blue eyes, he said softly, "Do not leave, Mommy. And don't make me leave either. It is my right to defend myself, and I must be strong. It is my destiny to be a leader, Mommy. Do you understand? Great God Re-Atum, my Father will help me. But, I need you to be strong for me too. You must not let Sextus win." Luke bent over in some pain, then looked up again at his mother and touched her arm. "It is your love that makes me strong, Mommy. And Daddy has tried. Do not be angry with him, as his love makes me strong, too. Do not let Sextus separate the love you and Daddy have for each other. Do you understand, Mommy?"

Janette looked at her son, shocked at his ability to communicate so clearly. He knew exactly what he was doing. And she realized that what she had said in anger would not help to defeat Sextus, but might aid him in his cause. She bent down and hugged her son and said, "I am sorry, Luke. I was just trying to protect you from any more hurt. I was afraid for you. . . .and for myself."

Luke hugged his mother back and then backed away looking at Nick and then at Janette with pleading in his eyes. Janette understood and went over to Nick. She put her arms around his neck and said, "I am sorry, Nichola! I love you so very much, and I have hurt you with my pride! Please forgive me, love!"

Nick took Janette in his arms and looked down at her smiling. "Already done, my love." And he bent down and pressed his lips to hers in a gentle kiss. That kiss suddenly blossomed into a full blown passionate embrace and kiss that lasted quite awhile. Luke looked up at his parents and smiled warmly. Then he slowly walked over to his grandfather. "Do not be angry with Mommy, Grandfather. She was very sad. But she will be stronger, now." And Lacroix now knew that there could be no doubt but that Luke was indeed the leader of prediction. And he picked up his grandson, and held him closely.

For his own part, Darius decided that this was not the place for him and he quietly slipped out the door and went downstairs, deep in thought. The wisdom from a six year old was incredible to say the least. And the compassion, composure, caring, and bearing of that child. He was totally in awe of Luke.

It had been two days since the last confrontation with Sextus. Everyone was still somewhat on edge. Everyone except for Luke. He seemed to be the one to keep unison and love within the group going strong. Whenever someone started to lose their temper or show pride in their accomplishments, Luke would look at them and somehow, the reason for the anger or pride seemed unimportant.

Nick, Lacroix and Darius had been going over all the information they knew and could find on Qa'Ra and the Emerald, including the power of the Crystal and its aid to the transferrence of power. They also discussed ways to counter any more attacks on Luke. Lacroix, naturally wanted to take the most violent means, while Darius and Nick chose the more well thought out and less brutal means of counter attack. They did argue, but not in front of Luke and they never lost their tempers. This was surprising, considering all their histories and pasts.

Janette for her part tried to stay out of any of the conversations and paid as much attention to her son as possible. She had a feeling of foreboding that she might lose him in this attack planned and did not want to leave him alone. Luke was very attentive to his mother. For a child of mere six years, (yes an immortal, but still by all accounts, human), he showed amazing understanding and concern for his mother. He knew her sadness, her anger and her frustration.

Janette and Luke had spent the day on a picnic in the park near Darius' home. It was the first time in a long time that they had spent anytime together alone. Luke was very much like the little boy she had loved so dearly. Happy, loving, and so much fun to be with. He showered her with affection, love and a little teasing. And she returned every bit of that attention right back. They ran through the park, chasing each other, then falling down, they looked at the white, billowy clouds. They tried to make them disappear, and then told each other what they saw in the clouds. Sometimes they were truly amazing shapes, and others were down right silly. They went to the swings and soared higher and higher on the wings of the wind, laughing and yelling at the birds that swooped low enough to investigate. When the day ended, they were sad to leave the park. But it had been a wonderful, and somehwhat exhausting day. One that Janette would treasure for years to come.

When Janette and Luke arrived back at the house, they were greeted with a great deal of affection from Nick and Lacroix. Nick had missed them terribly, and he showed his beloved Janette just how much, by taking her aside into the bedroom for a little romp in the bed. As they lay there later in each other's arms, Nick looked at his beloved wife and said, "Janette, I do love you so very much. And I will never love anyone as much as you!" And then he kissed her gently on the lips. Janette looked at Nick and said, "And I, too love you very much, Nichola. And I also, will never love anyone as much as you!" And they lay there for a few more moments in a loving embrace, before getting out of the bed and heading for the showers.

Lacroix had taken Luke to the bathroom earlier to help him with his bath and they had talked on and on of the many battles Lacroix had been on while a General in Rome. Luke learned the proper way to salute an officer and how to be brave when you were scared out of your wits. Lacroix enjoyed this precious moment very much, and remembered all that Janette had said in anger. He knew that she had been right. But watching his grandson playing in the water, he realized that even though Luke had moments of great wisdom, he was still a small child of six. And he had the interests, joys, and fears of a child that age. Yes, Janette had been right, and he had been proud. He knew that he must protect Luke out of his love for him, not out of pride for what he represented.

Darius's house, Alexandria, Egypt
Later that night:

That evening, Darius excused himself to go to the Library to work. He wanted to find out more information about Qa'Ra. He left Nick, Janette and Lacroix to enjoy being together as a family with out his intrusion. Saying his goodbyes, he left with an uneasy feeling.

Janette, Nick and Lacroix were sitting on the couch watching Luke give his impression of a General of Rome. Lacroix was really enjoying this. Luke was playing with some toy soldiers Darius had given him that were part of a small collection he had found in the later sixties in America. Luke had placed them all in a row on the carpet in front of him. Now he was directing them, and leading them into battle.

"You will stand straight! You will always do as I say! You will not look down and you will not cry!" Luke informed 'his men' as he marched over to the other side of the room with a broom handle over his shoulder. Nick, with his arm around Janette was smiling down at his son, and enjoying his antics. And he was happy that he and Janette were no longer angry with each other. He loved he so, and he did not want to break that love by his selfish pride. Janette, too could feel the love for her from Nicholas. She knew just how much he cared for her, and she also knew how desperately she cared for him. She too, was glad that they had made up and snuggled back to his shoulder relaxing in his strength and love.

As they sat there watching the antics of little Luke, suddenly there was an eerie glow in the room. A shadowed figure appeared at the end of the room near the door. It began to advance toward the family. Lacroix and Nick stood up immediately, and Janette motioned for Luke to come to her. He ran to his mother and held on to her, fear and anxiety gripping him.

The dark figure approached closer. And suddenly three other shadowy figures entered the room. Slowly they came nearer to the central figure that now stood no less than three feet away from Knight and his family.

Lacroix was the first to speak. "So, you choose tonight to attack in person, oh Devil of Rome?"

"Lucien Lacroix! The Famous General of Rome! Always must be the one in control. But not this time!" And with a swift movement, Lacroix was flung against the wall near the window and one of the shadowy figures ran swiftly towards him with a wooden stake. Not just a regular wooden stake, but one made of Arcacia Wood. Completely fatal to any vampire. It was thrust into his heart with a great deal of force and cruelty. Lacroix screamed out in pain, and Nick could feel his master's life beginning to fade slowly away from him. Lacroix began to writhe and try to free himself from the wooden intrusion into his flesh. Blood was pouring from him in large quantities. He looked at the shadowy figure and said, "You may have won with me, Sextus, but you will not win this game!" He looked over at Nicholas and Janette and with sad and emotional eyes said, "I cannot fight the power this time, my children, AAAAH!" He again writhed as more blood was forced from his body, and little Luke screamed, "No! Grandfather!" But Lacroix regained some of his composure and looked down at Luke. He smiled wanly and said, "It's alright, my grandson. It is my time. Do not forget all that we shared, and all that I have taught you! I am very proud to have been with you this short time. Remember me. . . ." and Lacroix slumped over against the wooden stake through his body and fell very still.

Nick and Janette stared in disbelief. They did not wish to believe. Their master for almost 1000 years between them had been finally, and cruelly destroyed right in front of their eyes. Nick suddenly began to move against the shadowy figure in front of him. "No! You Bastard! How dare you destroy my master, and my Lord!" He started to fly toward the figure but was stopped dead in his tracks and thrown down to the floor, unconscious! Janette grabbed little Luke who looked up at his mother, and clutched on to her for dear life!

Janette, tears rolling down her cheeks, faced the shadowy figure. "You have me to deal with now, oh Devil of Rome! And though a man I am not, a mother I am. You have destroyed the two men that mean the world to me! But you will not touch the seed of my body. Do not underestimate the power of a mother's love!"

The shadowy figure in front of her suddenly removed his cloak and stood before Janette. In the eerie light she saw his face. He looked to be around 35 years old when brought across. He was dark of hair and complexion, with piercing green eyes. He stood erect and wore an ancient Tunic from his mortal days, with the Signature of Mars on his shoulders. His face had two very large and deep set scars obtained obviously in wars fought when he was a mortal. These scars never would leave, even after being brought across into the world of undead.

"How far will you protect your son, my lady?" Sextus said at last. "Will you defend him to the bitter end?"

Janette looked at Sextus with fire in her eyes. "Yes! I will give my life for him! And my soul!"

Sextus raised an eyebrow. "Indeed! Your very soul? And what if that would lead you into total damnation, my lady? Would you still give yoursoul?"

"Yes! And more if I had that to give!" Janette said, defying the figure in front of her.

Sextus pulled out the Emerald Crystal of Qa'Ra and looked into it. He gazed into the Crystal and began to chant softly. Then he turned to the three shadowy figures beside him and nodded his head. They began to slowly move toward Janette. But Luke slid down from his mother's arms and placed his hands in front of her and said in a low voice, "Do no harm to my mother! Or you will surely pay dearly!"

Still the figures advanced. Luke bent his head down then looked up. His eyes were red and he opened his mouth revealing two fangs on either side of his mouth. He let out a fierce growl and moved toward the figures. They began to back away cowardly. And then, suddenly they stood their ground. They again moved toward Luke and Janette. But Luke snarled and flew away from them. Moving toward them from behind he let out a fierce growl and bit down on the neck of Marucs. He howled in pain and fell down to the floor, still, quiet, not moving. Janette moved in on the smaller figure and repeated the gesture of Luke. She had the figure pinned for a short while, before the figure turned on her and bit into he neck. Janette suddenly was thrown away from the figure and held against the wall. She was struck repeatedly by the figure and was unable to move. Luke then moved toward his mother but was prevented by Sextus. He grabbed Luke and held him firmly by the collar of his shirt. Then he flung him toward Flavius who picked him up and placed him against the table. Luke was frozen, and unable to move. Flavius held him down and removed all of his clothing. Luke struggled to get free, but was unable to move. Sextus, brought out a large daggar. He moved over toward Luke and staring into the Emerald Crystal he lifted up the dagger and brought it down, piercing Luke's skin around his stomach. Luke cried out in a blood retching scream. Sextus brought up the daggar and this time brought it down piercing Luke's lungs. He gasped for breath and gagged. Sextus, looking into the Crystal chanted once more and lifted up the daggar one more time and let it fly downward. Janette screamed as she knew it was headed directly for his heart. She had no way of stopping this action as she was pinned to the wall by the strength of the figure holding her. She screamed in agony and pain, "Luke, No!" The daggar pierced Luke's heart and he screamed in total agony and then fell silent.

Suddenly from the floor, Nick's body began to glow. The glow gained in intensity and became almost as bright as the sun. Nick got up from the floor and stood looking at Sextus lying on the floor, still, and then to Flavius. Flavius lost his grip on Luke and fell to the floor, still, unmoving. Sextus wheeled around and looked at Nicholas, dropping the daggar as he did so. He did not see Nicholas. He stood face to face with Re-Atum, God of Creation!

"HOW DARE YOU INFLICT PAIN ON MY CHOSEN! MY SON! YOU A MERE MAN WITH A FEW UNHOLY POWERS! YOU HAVE FOUGHT AGAINST MY WILL FOR MANY YEARS, SEXTUS ANTONIOS. YOU HAVE FOUGHT ME AT EVERY TURN! EVEN MY ATTEMPTS TO HELP YOU FAILED! YOU WILL PAY DEARLY FOR YOUR ACTIONS ON THIS NIGHT! DO YOU REALLY THINK THAT THE POWER OF THE EMERALD CRYSTAL THAT WAS GIVEN TO MY SON QA'RA, BY SOKI WOULD DEFEAT ME? PREPARE TO MEET THEY DOOM, SEXTUS ANTONIOS! There was a sudden blinding light flowing from Nick's body and the beam was directed at Sextus. It hit him with great force and he began to scream and writhe in pain. He looked at Nick and said, "Great God Re-Atum, forgive me! Forgive me! Let me live!"

LET YOU LIVE? YOU, WHO TRIED TO KILL MY CHOSEN? YOU, WHO HAVE DESTROYED MANY OF MY CREATION IN THE NAME OF YOUR OWN PRIDE? MERCY FOR YOU? NO! YOU WIL DIE, AND YOU WILL DIE BY MY HAND!

At this, the beam grew stronger in intensity and Sextus cried out in great pain. His body became consumed by the light and suddenly vanished. The three shadowy figures of Diana, Flavius and Marcus also were hit by the beam, they screamed in pain.

FOR CHOOSING TO FOLLOW SEXTUS ANTONIOS, AND ATTACK MY CHOSEN, YOU TOO, WILL DIE AND BY MY HAND. PREPARE TO MEET YOUR DOOM!

Then the three servants of Sextus screamed in total agony and writhed in pain as their bodies were consumed by the light and suddenly disappeared.

The glow from Nick faded somewhat but was still very intense. He first went to Janette, who was now very frightened, not only because of the possible death of her son, but because she had once defyed this god of creation. She dropped to her knees and began to sob. But Nick reached for her and lifted her chin, causing her to rise to her feet. She stood facing him, shaking and in fear. But he spoke to her saying,

DO NOT BE AFRAID OF ME, MOTHER OF MY CHOSEN. YOU ACTED ONLY AS A MOTHER WHO WAS WANTING TO PROTECT HER SON! YOU WERE CHOSEN IN THE BEGINNING, BECAUSE OF YOUR SPIRIT AND YOUR TENDERNESS. I KNEW THAT YOU WOULD BE THE BEST MOTHER FOR MY CHOSEN.

Janette began to relax a little, but she was still very scared for her son. Nick and Janette went over to Luke's limp and unmoving body. Janette, thinking he was dead began to sob, but Nick put his finger to her chin and lifted up her head.

YOU MUST NOT BE SAD, MOTHER OF THE CHOSEN. YOUR SON IS NOT DEAD. WATCH AND BELIEVE.

Nick bent over to Luke and touched his forehead. The glow from his hand moved from his head throughout his body. The puncture wounds in his stomach, chest and heart began to heal rapidly. Luke began to breathe and soon his eyes began to flutter open. He looked at Nick and said, "My Father, Re-Atum. I thank you for the gift of life." And then he looked at his mother and smiled saying, "I am alive, mother, do not cry. I will never leave you. And Luke got up, standing on the table and went over to his mother, hugging her and comforting her. Janette could not help her sobbing now. She was overwhelmed and so relieved and sooo very happy. Her son was alive!

Nick then turned to look at the figure staked to the wall. He stared at him for quite some time. Luke watched Nick and touched his arm. "Please, Great God Re-Atum. He has paid his price. Raise him up from the dead for my sake. I need him, and I love him!"

Nick looked over at Luke with tenderness and smiled.

YES, MY CHOSEN. HE DOES LOVE YOU AND WILL PROTECT YOU FOR A FEW SHORT YEARS, BEFORE YOU COME INTO YOUR TRUE DESTINY. AND HE HAS PAID THE PRICE OF NON-BELIEVING. I WILL BRING HIM BACK TO YOU.

Nick went over to Lacroix and pulled out the stake. Then he touched the would with his hand and the glow spread across Lacroix's body. He was healed and he too, began to breathe. He shortly opened his eyes slowly and looked up at Nick. But he knew it was not Nick that he saw, but Re-Atum. "Thank you, Great God Re-Atum for restoring my life. I pledge you my loyality and love for as long as you let me live.!

MAKE SURE THAT YOU STAND BY AND TAKE CARE OF MY CHOSEN. IF YOU LEAVE HIM OR DO NOT PROTECT HIM, I WILL TAKE BACK MY LIFE TO YOU.

Then Luke went over to Nick and said, "Oh Great Father Re-Atum, will you give me back my earthly father Nicholas? I need him too! And I love him! Please, my Father?"

YES, MY CHOSEN. HE TOO, WAS PICKED TO BE YOUR FATHER ON EARTH. I WILL RELEASE HIS BODY SOON, BUT FIRST YOU MUST KNOW THAT FOR A TIME YOU WILL NOT REMEMBER ANY OF THIS. YOU MUST GROW AND LEARN AS A CHILD SHOULD. THERE WILL BE NO MORE ATTACKS AND YOU WILL ENJOY A HAPPY LIFE. OR THOSE THAT PROTECT YOU WILL BE SEVERLY PUNISHED. WHEN THE TIME COMES, YOU WILL KNOW WHAT YOUR DUTIES ARE. UNTIL THEN, MY CHOSEN, LEARN WELL FROM THESE I HAVE GIVEN YOU, AND BE FOREVER FAITHFUL TO ME.

"I will, my Father, Creator of the Universe!" And Luke suddenly began to weave back and forth and fell to the floor in a deep sleep. Janette picked him up and was frightened for a moment. But Lacroix put his arm gently on her shoulder and said, "It is alright, Janette. He is merely sleeping, forgetting all that has happened as Re-Atum commanded. Do not worry, he will be fine.

Nick smiled, then his face went blank for a moment and the glow gradually left him. Nick put his hand up to his face and began to weave slightly back and forth. Then he straightened up, trying to steady himself. He looked at Lacroix who smiled at him. He smiled back. And then he went over to Janette and kissed her softly on the cheek. She looked up at im puzzled, but he said softly, "It's alright, my love, I saw all! I was not in my body for a short time, but I saw all that happened, and I know! We need now have no fear. All will be well with us from now on!" And the three of them smiled down at the sleeping Luke in Janette's arms, the future leader of the entire vampire race!

Epilogue

Three days later, Nick, Janette and Luke were getting ready to leave Alexandria. Lacroix had left a day earlier to go to Paris. He had decided to take a short vacation. He was somewhat weary from the past few weeks and need something to lift up his spirits. And he had changed. Since the birth of Luke, he had not been the same. And his fateful destruction and resurrection had truly effected him. He was softer, and more loving. He did not know if it was good or bad, but he did remember the command from Re-Atum and he intended to follow those orders even if it cost him his own soul. But first, he needed a bit of time to sort out all that had happened.

Nick and Janette had stayed with Darius for a couple of days, trying to get their lives back to some kind of order. Darius had been more than happy that they stay. He felt somehow responsible that the final attack had happened at his home. Luke did not seem to remember anything of the last few week, the attacks, or the fear. All he remembered is that he was an inherited vampire, and he must not reveal his powers to any mortal.

And now it was time for them to leave Alexandria. Janette took Darius aside and thanked him for all his help in their time of need and told him to come to Toronto and visit. Darius was pleased with this and said he would indeed take some time to travel and would come to Toronto, as Canada was one country he had never visited.

Nick also thanked Darius for his help and told him how happy he was to know a man who Lacroix trusted with his very life. He asked Darius to look out for Lacroix and help him to cope with his new life. Darius promised that he would look after his old Roman friend. He also told Nicholas that he had heard so much about him from Lucien, but nothing of what he told him had done Nicholas justice. He was very pleased to have had the pleasure of knowing him. Nick returned this, shaking hands, and he, Luke and Janette left.

One week later, after a few stopovers, Janette, Nick and Luke again stepped inside the loft, where all this had begun. Luke was glad to get home. He was tired of running around all over the world and it felt good to get into his own bed. He climbed into his bed and pulled the covers up over him. Janette sat beside the bed and read Snow White and the Seven Dwards to her son. He really enjoyed the story and would laugh at what some of the things the dwarfs said. When she finished the story, after a big hug from her son, she kissed him goodnight and left the room. A few minutes later, Nick appeared at the door and came into see how Luke was doing. He was staring up at the moon outside his window. He looked over at the door when Nick came in and reached out his arms for his father. Nick grasped his son and gave him a big hug. "I love you Daddy!" Luke said as he settled back down in his bed, and Nick looked at his son. Smiling and running his hands gently through his hair, Nick said in a soft voice, "I love you too, my son!" And Luke closed his eyes and fell fast asleep. Nick watched his son for a few minutes and then walked over to the door. Turning out the light he again looked at Luke who slept peacefully and smiled. <No more tortures for you, my son, ever again> And he left out the door.

Afer he left a faint glow came from outside the window and entered the room bathing Luke's face and body. I WILL ALWAYS WATCH OVER YOU MY CHOSEN. YOU NEED HAVE NO FEAR! And Luke smiled in his sleep and turned over, grabbing his small teddy bear to his chest.

Finis

"Just because it cannot be seen, does not mean it cannot be believed!"

Any and all comments can be sent to me at suwwhit@ccp.com - Sue DKnight/IB/DTrinity

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