A Test of Loyalty - Part VI - Stay Away (Gab and Nat Lupin),

A Test of Loyalty - Part VI - Stay Away (Gab and Nat Lupin),
(Combined post from several threads.)

FRANK COLE
Cole sat at his desk and watching the sleeping woman on the large view screen on the wall. It had not been easy to get her here. He had four of his troopers waiting for her outside Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shoppe in Hogsmeade with a Portkey nearby. They had to use Elfin magic to not be detected by the Vampiress. One of his specialist used the pressure point on the back of her neck to knock her out. She would stay asleep until another point was pushed. They immediately came to the island and established her in the interrogation room across the hall from his office. Cole made sure she was warm in the room usually kept cool to keep its inhabitants calm. The stark white room, held the hospital bed she was sleeping on, a small metal square table with four matching metal chairs, a long table along the wall next to the entry door, a 60 view screen over the table, a sink under the window across the room and a door to a small half bath (which he had added a small shower to). Everything was white, floor, walls, ceiling and furnishings. A single caged light bulb was the only light. The only thing not white, were the cuffs and chains which hung from the wall opposite the bed.

Cole checked a small view screen on his desk to see what progress was being made on getting Gab to the island. The Werewolf would be getting off work soon. One of his troop members would be delivering a message to him as soon as the Shadow Lounge, where he worked as a bouncer, closed. Cole always had at least three members of his organization in the Lounge, when it was opened. They had instructions to stay out of the way and were there as extra added security to throes he was helping to watch. As the clock clicked 2 a.m. mainland time, Cole waited for the signal that the note had been delivered. He gave ten minutes past that point to follow the instructions. The note simply said, "Follow this man to the Portkey. Nat is already here. Cole."

A moment later the signal came through. Cole sat back in his chair and relaxed. Gab would be bought straight to his office

Gabriel had had a long night. He and the rest of the bouncers had escorted six men from the Shadow Lounge where he worked. The Cooler was cutting it close as tonight was the first full moon of this month. He had not changed yet but the moment he stepped out and saw the moon. He had set a note to both his wife and Tarik to bring his medicine to the Lounge. He looked at the clock as a man handed him a note.

He read the note just as another was heading out. He got to the man and only said, "Tell your boss to look up. He can come and get me personally. I will be outside." As the man disappeared Gab wondered if Fixer would dare show. The man had Nathalie but in taking her, Fixer had insured Gabriel would be at his deadliest form when they met.

Cole hammered his desk and said some words under his breath, that some of his troops had heard before but no one in polite society had heard. He grabbed the vial of Wolfbane potion which Nat had with her and headed for the transport platform in the main yard in front of the barracks. Signaling for a send off he found himself about 100 feet down the alley from the rear door of the Shadow Lounge. Looking up he was glad to see the clouds covering the full moon. They were moving though and there was a clear spot coming up fast. Gab was leaning back against the brick wall. He was definitely taking deep breaths. When that clear spot hit, he would change fast. Cole walked slowly toward him staying in the shadows.

Gabriel smiled even as the change was delayed. He had been wanting to deal with Fixer for a while now. He looked up as he realized that only for the second time since he had been cursed did he welcome the change. The first had been when Nat's great uncle had appeared in Hogsmeade. That time his beautiful wife with Tarik and Darik's help had stopped the change by spiking his tea. This time Gab planned on already being changed by the time Fixer got there.

He watched as the moon shined and the change began. As the moon over head started to peak out from the clouds, Gab felt the tightening of his skin. His eyes became unfocused. He looked at his hands and the skin tightened around the bones. He was changing. He stepped out from the wall and threw his had back, trying to get more of the moon light on his skin. It hurt to change, but it was a hurt which he would not remember later. Fixer was coming and he wanted the man dead. He would find a way to get Nat back home when he had the man bleeding out at his feet.

Cole saw the change. He ran forward when Gab's back was turned and took him into a headlock. The man's strength was climbing fast. Holding his neck at an angle he took the other hand holding the vial, thumbed off the cork and poured it into the fighting man's mouth. He didn't have any hope of getting all of it in, but since there was at least four dossages in the vial, he knew he would get enough in to reverse the change. Now all he had to do was hold on tight until Gab dropped. Cole knew the man's energy would wain as he was brought back to manhood. As he felt Gab's legs give way, Cole carefully lowered him to the ground and leaned him against the wall in a sitting position. He put his own hands on his knees because he had to catch his breath. When he knew Gab was totally back he squatted down and said, "That was close Gab, sorry it took me so long to get here."

Gabriel was furious as something leaped on his back. He had no idea who or what was now on him but it had made a very big mistake. As he tried to reach for his snack he tasted the liquid in his mouth. Deep down he knew what the liquid was but spitting it out was the only way to insure he was prepared for Fixer. Still fighting, Gabriel felt his legs give way and knew it was too late. He was changing back.

He heard Fixer in his weak state. The man had his medicine and had used it to change him back. He said through gritted teeth, "Not as sorry as you will be! You broke your word as Neo never showed!"

"Neo is actually on my island, Gab. I didn't realize he was supposed to bring you the elixir. When Nat was brought to me, it was in her pocket. When I got your return message to my invitation, I grabbed it and headed here. You really have got to stop running out of that stuff. Now come on. You are coming to the island. Nat is peaceable sleeping, unhurt. I will not allow her to gain consciousness until you are there. We need to talk." Cole stood and held out his hand to help Gab up, ready to fight if the man decided to take this to another level. There were two of his men now located at each end of the alley and they were slowly closing in on their position, encase Gab decided to put up too much of a fight.

Gabriel shook his head as he said, "You promised to have Neo and Kat back before I changed! Today was supposed to be the start of my off days. By the way I doubt the boss is going to be happy with you lying to him. I should have taken you out two days ago."

He stood as he said, "I have every intention of correcting that now." He swung at the man just as Tia came into view saying something about Tarik and medicine. He figured she had once again snuck out. He could only hope that Fixer was alone though he doubted it. He was proved right when he saw a shadow grab his strong willed cousin.

Tia was not happy when she was grabbed from behind. As she struggled, she saw Gabriel headed for her. She said as tried to get free, "I suggest you release me before he reaches us!"

The man is the uniform said as he yanked her head back, "I doubt it Princess. You should have stayed in bed. Now you are insurance so be quiet!" Tom hated using Tia but Gabriel was bent on killing Fixer. Tom had thought fast and hoped Fixer knew he would never really hurt Tia but just maybe this would teach her to not sneak out. Tom looked towards Fixrr.

Cole grabbed Gab from behind and threw him up against wall, placing his arm across Gab's windpipe he whispered through clinched teeth, "Stay, and keep your mouth shut and I will get her out of here. Understand?" Receiving a nod, Cole turned and said to his Lieutenant. "Take the girl out of here. Make sure she understands what she almost walked into and make sure she is secured so she can't return. Be in my office at 9 am sharp tomorrow morning and we will discuss your day." Cole knew Tom would have a talk with Tia and return her to the school, making sure at least Darik knew she had been free to roam and get into trouble. He didn't care what Gab thought at the moment.

Tom tried not to cring with the girl in his arms. The Captain was not pleased with what he had done. He would take his dressing down and learn from it. His day was not going to be pleasant though. The Captain had a way of making training exercises brutal. With his luck he would have new recruits he had to get up to speed on the training course. It usually meant running the course multitimes with each of them. Good he didn't make any plans for tomorrow night.

When they had left he turned back to Gab and asked, "Ready to join me on the island Gab. Seems everyone is trying to get their tonight."

Gab said with a sly grin, "And if I decide to just pick up where I left off? And by the way if I ever find out who that was that grabbed my cousin, he is a dead man!" Gabriel was unsure if his cousin was really safe as Neo had warned him that Fixer used weaknesses and Tia was one of Gab's.

Cole pushed off the wall and slightly turned his back as if to walk away. "Well then I guess I am just going to have to do this." With the last word he swung and caught Gab upside the head, then reached out and hit the presure point where his neck met his shoulder. The man went down hard. Cole stood there shaking his head before he motioned for the three other guards to pick the man up and get him to the Portkey for transport back to The Isle of Perdition, his own personal island. He was tired and needed to get some rest. Tomorrow he would talk to the two people. He also had to check to make sure Tia had gotten home safely.

(OOC: This is a combined thread by Barbie and Jane. We hope you enjoy it.)

THOMAS MATTHEWS
Tom pushed the door to the Captain's office open slowly. He was right on time because he had been standing outside the door for the last ten minutes waiting for exactly 9 o'clock. When he had heard the Black forest Coco Clock chime he knocked and entered when he was told to. He walked straight to in front of the Captain's desk, saluted and went to attention. He had messed up and he knew it. He had put Tia in harm's way and pretended to use her as a shield. The Captain had had members of his army whipped for less. He only hoped he would survive the day and be allowed to stay on the island. It was an unwritten rule the children were not to be harmed in any way or be taken into a dangerous situation. He kept his eyes forward but could feel the Captain's eyes boring into him.

Cole relaxed back in his chair and steepled his fingers in front of him. Tom had messed up and he knew he had messed up. Tia should have been dragged away... kicking and screaming if necessary, not held in the scene. All his men would have protected her with their lives. Gab would have gone down if necessary, but Cole could not let this pass. Tom was a lieutenant, looked up to and highly respected. The troops would be watching to make sure he was treated like everyone else. Rank in Cole's army gave you the ability to command men and made it easier to pass information and train them. But when it came to discipline, all were equal no matter what their rank. Leaning forward and folding his arms on the desk he said, "At ease Lieutenant." Tom went to parade rest, his mussels still tight.

"Last night you were put in charge of a surveillance and backup detail. I put you in charge because I have respect for what you can do and I knew you would be able to handle the situation if Gab Lupin got out of hand. I must say I was greatly surprised when you grabbed Tia and did not immediately get her out of the vicinity. Gab was not totally under control yet, which meant his reaction times were still off. We discussed the reaction to Wolfbane. What I would like to know is your reasoning for using Tia as a human shield?" Cole kept his eyes boring into the man in front of him. He was beyond upset.

Tom said, "Sir, I have watched Tia and Gabriel for years. As you know Maxwell is my godfather. Gabriel was not going to calm down. In his mind, you betrayed your word by not having the Cooler there. He planned on killing, still plans to. I had to think fast as Tia also had snuck out thanks to Marco leaving a note saying he would be back at Hogwarts last night..." He reached into his pocket and handed Captain the note. "Tia needed to understand just what trying to search on her own could cost her. I am willing to accept any action you choose to take, Sir." Tom was worried as he was pretty sure that Tia had learned nothing from their lessons here. Tom cringed as he realized that if Darik had napped at all Tia probably have left in search of Marco once she knew the elf was asleep.
Cole pushed up out of his chair and walked around the front of the desk. Getting in Tom's personal space he said in a steeled whisper, "None of the children, whether they are from Hogwarts or just urchins in Knockturn Alley are to be put in harm's way. I thought Lieutenant this was understood, but it seems the lesson has not been taught strong enough. The children were allowed to come here at one time to be taught self defense. They were taught to climb the mountain, but only after every percussion perceivable was taken." Cole leaned in a little closer. "You held Tia in front of you with a known Werewolf not under control of his human side. You made a comment that she was being used to control said Werewolf." Cole returned to his seat. "I have lost confidence in you Corporal." Cole knew Tom would not miss the demotion. He saw the man flinch, but did not recognize it. "Attention." Tom snapped to attention. "Are you ready to hear my decision Corporal?"

Tom tried to speak in a normal voice, but his voice cracked. The worst thing the Captain could have said to him was that he had lost confidence in his abilities. "Yes Sir."

"Good then first you have one week to get the five worst mess ups I have known through the training course. They must pass with a 10% over average score. You will work with them until they pass. Second, you are going to become the fighting dummy for Grade One hand to hand combat lessons. Since I don't think I can trust you, at the moment, to refrain from hitting them back, your hands will be tied behind your back during the training sessions. Since you are going to be confined to the island until I deem it possible for you to leave, you are going to pull four hours a day extra guard duty outside at the receiving platform. Since it is supposed to rain the next few days, you won't have to worry about being hot or taking a shower. Finally, when you are in the mess or not doing anything you will stand at attention. This should give you plenty of time to contemplate what you will do next time one of the children thinks about getting into a situation which is not considered a celebration. I do hope I have made myself clear Corporal. At the end of the week, I will review your progress and we will discuss the possibility of you gaining my trust back. Now you are dismissed. Please have our two guest woken up and then make your w ay to the training field." Cole returned Tom's salute without even looking at him.

When the man had left the room. He raked his fingers through his hair and scrubbed his face. Then he go up and poured himself a two fingers of whiskey. It was only 9:30 in the morning, but disciplining people was not one of his favorite past times. Disciplining a man he admired and in reality trusted with his life was worse.

Cole turned in his swivel chair and pushed buttons on the small control panel, embedded in the desk. The 60 inch monitor behind his desk came on. One of the corners showed the Spellman Quints, sitting in the chairs outside the small house, Cole had put into the maze. They had successfully maneuvered through the area to save their sister, who wasn't in any real danger. After a couple false starts they learned to work together and their link was not established again. Cole had felt the link connect in his own mind. Due to the fact he had elfin blood coursing through his veins, he could read the link. Now he would have Tal'mac explain to them and re-train them how to use the link and prevent others from ever breaking it again.

Pushing several other buttons the screen was divided into 4 equal corners. One corner showed the training ground, and Tom not so happily trying to get the recruits who still had to pass the obstacle course, to move a little faster. Cole smiled because he had two of the recruits purposely taking the whole week to be able to finish in the alloted amount of time. Otherwise it wouldn't have taken the whole week. The top right hand corner showed the front lawn of the barracks where three different drill teams were vying for the trophy. The winners which he would judge that night, would get one week paid leave to the place of their choice, free commissary for one month, for the extra items he didn't normally supply and bragging rights. This semi-annual event was going to be close.

It was the third and fourth squares he was really interested in. The one on the bottom right showed Nat Lupin still asleep and comfortable. She was defiantly a beautiful woman. The one on the bottom left showed a sleeping Gab. Pushing another button, he spoke, "Take Gab Lupin into the room with his wife. Set him at the table. He is not allowed to wake up yet though."

Cole watched as two elves walked into the room. Levitated Gab and headed him next door to Nat's room. They soon appeared there and Gab was carefully folded onto the chair, his head resting on his arm on the table. "Tie his feet to the legs of the chair. Stay there, I will be there in a moment and then we will wake Sleep Beauty and Prince Charming."

Cole rose and headed out the door, to across the hall. Time for some fun and games. Walking into the interrogation room, he took his normal chair at the table. His back was to the wall holding the cuffs and chains. Gab was sitting to his left and Nat was still asleep in the bed across the room. Cole turned his chair around and straddled it. He folded his arms on the table and relaxed onto them. Nodding, he gave the signal for the elves to wake Gab first and then Nat. Both elves had a hand on Gab's upper arms, so when he came awake he would not tip over the chair.

(OOC: This is a combined thread by Barbie and Jane. We hope you are enjoying the read.)

GABRIEL LUPIN
Gabriel awoke with a start. His hearing and sight took in everything at the table in a matter of minutes. He was not at Shadow Lounge he was in an all white room, resembling a hospital room. His eyes shot to Fixer sitting next to him. He gave no forewarning, as his hand shot out in a chop aimed at the man's windpipe, but the arm was painfully pulled back to his side. He tried to move his feet and found them chained to his hard metal chair. Fixer slowly pointed across the room to where Nat was just waking up. He could see her wrist had been tied to the railings on the sides of the bed, but the railings were still in the down position. The straps were made of woven rope knots which meant they were elfin made. His wife was not going to be able to break them, even with her extra vampire strength.

Nathalie was not at all happy. The first full moon of the month was last night and that meant for the first time in a long time her husband Gabriel had been a threat. She glared at the elf nearest her as she said, "Somebody is going to pay dearly for kidnapping me!" With that she sat straight up and intended to get off the bed only to find her hands bound to the rails by Elvin magic.

Furious the vampiress said, "Release Me you Fools! As this is only enraging me further!"

Cole cleared his throat, drawing Nat's attention in his direction, "Good morning, Nat. Hope you had a good sleep. If you can be good, I will let you join your husband and myself here at the table. I might even be persuaded to have some breakfast brought in."

Gabriel had never seen his wife this furious before. Her eyes scared even him. He wanted Fixer dead but not at the cost of his wife's wish to be human once more. He shook his head knowing if Nathalie got loose in her present frame of mind, she would drain Fixer dry. He too was furious but he was in human form and bound so Fixer was safe from him at least until tonight or until Fixer foolishly released his hands. His wife was a totally different matter. Her eyes were a very deep bright crystal blue and she had not drank human blood since their marriage. She was furious that the school and surrounding area had been put at risk by her kidnapping. He looked at Fixer as he said, "You chose a very bad time to kidnap my wife Fixer! I think Neo will miss you greatly!"

Just as Nathalie was about to speak, the Quints busted in. Neo said, "I would not release Nathalie until she can be calmed down!" He turned to his brother Leo, "You see what your stubbornness caused?"

Leo shook his head still not understanding why Neo was so pissed at him.

Cole stood for a moment, because if his troops were on the ball then.... Six specialist came in right behind the Quints. Each had their weapon drawn and each was headed for an individual person. Jack, who was a lieutenant, shouted, "Down, everyone on your knees or suffer the consequences. That includes you Neo."

Gabriel smiled as he said finally understanding, "Neo, the link? Fixer is a part of it? Leo, I guess something you did caused Fixer to break his word to me that Neo would be back at Shadow Lounge last night?"

He turned his head to Fixer as he said, "Fixer, I have one question. Though if I was you I would heed your blood brother's advice as I have never seen my wife so furious. My question is Tia or the school in any real danger? The reason I ask is Tarik was also sent a request to bring medicine and instead my sweet stubborn cousin puts herself in harm's way."

Neo just nodded to Gabriel. He then turned and said, "Jack, we will deal with the aftermath later. Unless you want to have her kill Captain I really suggest we use the link and calm her down. Or did you notice there is no Tarik here to stop her? The Elvin magic will hold her but Nathalie was about to be release and that would have been a very bad move with her eyes that color."

Jack looked toward Cole. "Stand down your men. You and one other man may remain but send everyone else back to their duties." He received a nod from Jack, who turned pointed to one man and sent the other's away, all of whom gave a smart salute to Cole before leaving. Jack and remaining man. stood in front of the monitor, their stances showing readiness to jump in if needed.

Turning toward Gab as the Quints were surrounding Nat's bed he said, "Tarik never got the message. Apparently Tia overheard two members of the MacIntosh Clan, in the Forbidden Forest saying they were going to capture you." Cole raked his hands through his hair. "That girl is going to make me grayer than I am quickly. I sure hope Landon can handle her. It is going to be tough." he added a chuckle thinking about the two lovebirds. Technically they were married, but could not consummate the marriage for at least another year. Landon would be 18 for the end of this year but Tia still had time to go. The were being guarded by two overzealous elves who had clamped down hard on even something as simple as holding hands and sitting together.

"The school is being watched and I have people on the grounds. The Core has been notified of the possible danger and has closed ranks. Unfortunately they can't contain Tia, so Landon is trying to help with that respect. It will be good practice for him."

Gabriel was still furious but no longer at Fixer. He wondered if Tia had even realized just who she had overheard. "Leo, see Markus can't be trusted. You in your desire to heal the rift between the two lines of your family made you not even consider that Markus was setting a trap. I am glad we never made that meeting. Fixer, I hope you guys can indeed calm my wife cause human blood she has not had since we were married."

He hoped that Tia had indeed stayed put cause he would not put it passed Markus MacIntosh in taking his sweet cousin hostage. He would have to deal with her later as it was unwise for him to be near her yet.

Cole looked toward the Quints who had pulled the hospital bed, Nat was still tied to by both hands, out from the wall. They surrounded it. Neo was at the head of the bed. He placed a hand on each side of her head holding it securely. She shook her head but could not get loose. "Shhhh..... Nat this is not going to hurt I promise." Each of the other quints reached out a hand and placed it on Nat, then they all closed their eyes. Cole did the same but did not get up. He would be able to read the group from his seat.

Nathalie felt herself calming as she said, "Guys what are you doing? That man had me kidnapped and by doing so he endangered the school. You know I can't let that slide, so why are you guys using your link on me instead of him?" She was so unsure of this Frank Cole who seemed to have the Quints under his control. She did not want to hurt them but she had to figure out a way to get through them and stop the man who had stopped her from controlling her husband's change.

Neo was feeling the energy from the complete link and it frightened him, "What if I faint again? I still have no control and I am already weak from fighting to keep Leo linked. Linking and trying to stop Nat could kill all of us." He felt the need to break the link but the connection Fixer had made was too strong and Cooler was still worried him severing it would make Fixer just use his key to reconnect.

Cole opened his eyes and pasted a smile on his face. Neo was worrying again about the power he held when he was connected with the Quints. He was the most empathic one so he tended to lead when they were joined. Cole was not about to let them divide again. He focused and grabed tightly to each person's mind. Trying to look relaxed he said,"Very good. Neo can I release her now and let her join Gab and I at the table?" Cole wanted the Quints to all know they had some control over what was happening.

Neo felt Cole tighten his hold and said, "You know she is still wanting your hide Fixer! So why pretend to give me an option? I won't give you control of this link but I won't endanger my siblings further. I am severing the link cause I have no understanding of how it works. I could kill them stopping her..." Neo would talk with Tarik or Lance the first chance he got. He started to remove his hands as a sign to the others to break contact. He was worried though if he could ever again sever the link. He was doubting himself and it was weakening him.

Cole held tight to the mental link. With the help of his Elven blood, he could keep the completed link stable indefinitely, the Quints would have no choice. Mentally he said, "This link will stay fixed as it is. I have worked too hard for all of you to join again to let it break down. You may all break contact with Nat now, but please gather by the large screen monitor." Cole knew they were not going to be happy with his decision. He closed his eyes for a moment and added a containment field around the bed and around the table he and Gab sat at. Then he waited.

Neo shook his head as he said, "Fixer, the link is too powerful. We can try again after I talk with somebody I should have a long time ago." He would not think of Tarik cause he felt that his blood brother was still too interested in the translations. He tried once again to break the link but he still felt each of his siblings. Frankie was scared but more about Neo's.

Gabriel screamed as he said, "What are you doing to them Fixer?"

In the next few minutes Gab saw his friends start to change then stop in mid change and become human once more. He heard Marco say, "Neo, you did it! You control through the link our werewolf gene. No wonder you could tell no matter what Frankie looked like. How you feeling? Can you keep the connection? We will break off if you need us too?" Marco had felt Frankie worried about Neo's health.

Marco said, "Captain why is this scaring not only Neo but Frankie as well? Even Leo who is always so reckless is terrified."

Cole turned a glare at Gab. "Sit quietly. I am not hurting them and they know it. Turning back to the Quints who were now standing near the door, in front of the video screen, he started, "Neo the link is not too powerful. I know you need to talk with someone but the link will remain." The best possibility of who Neo needed to talk with would be Tarik, which was fine with him. The Medjai was smart. If it would help the link to stay in place, Cole had no problem with getting information from others. Franco and Kat stood watching. "Marco, Neo has always been able to control the flow of your connection. He has been the one to totally fall into the link at least a few time, thus gaining strength each time. Oh and none of you can break off from the link. Now Marco and the rest of you listen. The link is scary I know. But as you learn to use it and not fight the others strengths it will become easier. Kat you will be returned home. The boys have been protected while you have been gone, as promised. Take care of your brothers."

Kat stepped forward just a bit to the edge of the force field. "I will Mr. Cole. Thank you for bringing them back to me." She closed her eyes and sent as much love through the link as she could.

Cole nodded and waved her forward. Telling her to walk through the field. "Go out that door and one of my men will take you to the transport platform. I will see you in a day or so. Listen to my men at the lounge if something goes wrong. They are there to protect you and the boys." Cole smiled as Kat turned to her brothers, blew them a kiss and walked out of the room, smiling for ear to ear. "I do hope you gentlemen know what a treasure you have in that woman."

Neo smiled at Kat as he said still scared for her, "Fixer, leave Kat be." He felt Frankie anger as he heard his baby brother say, "I won't let Neo have a spell. If Neo wants to sever the link then it is his gift so it is his choice. He paused for a moment and asked, "What does he mean about Kat? Why is he worried about you messing with Kat?"

Marco understood that Neo felt that Fixer was going to use Kat once again as leverage to force Neo to hold the link. He shook his head as he finally realized just how much of his insecurities Neo held. Marco fury at their father increased as he blamed their dad for Neo's lack of faith in himself. Marco had to prove to his brother Neo that father was wrong about Marco being the one that should of had the linking ability. "Dad was always cutting Neo down. It was not fair. So Neo was a thinker. Dad had no right in telling Neo he would never..." Marco stopped as he remembered all the times their father would make Neo feel like he wasn't strong enough to control the link. The first time was when they learned Frankie could change. Their father beat Frankie severely then blamed Neo for not being able to tell that Kat's new pet was really Frankie.

Cole rested his arms on the table, crossing them and rubbed the back of his neck with one hand. He had to start concentrating on Gab. The man had to be convinced to stop hunting the MacIntosh Clan. The Clan would never become complacent, if everyone was hunting them. In order to do this he had to get the situation to be between him and Gab. Nat would eventually follow what Gab asked. The two of them were in love and truly cared about each other.

Sitting up a little straighter he said, "Franco, Leo, Marco and Neo you are to be returned to the outside world. Your link will not be allowed to separate. You all need to learn to take equal responsibility for it. Neo, you may be the strongest, because of your empathic abilities, but all of you have the innate ability to control the interaction. I will of course help monitor the situation." Cole nodded twice and five specialist walked into the room. They had been watching the monitor from outside the door. Jack, one of his Lieutenants, would have made sure. Until Tom was finished with his punishment, Jack was pulling extra duty.

"Take these men to the transportation platform. They will be all be returned to Diagon Ally. From there they may go anywhere they wish." Cole turned his attention back to the remaining four members of the Quints. "Go gentlemen. I will be in touch if I have need of your input anytime soon."

Franco said looking at Gab."I am not leaving Gab here. You will release both him and..." He felt something pinch his neck then everything went black.

Marco smiled as Neo released his fingers from Frankie's neck. He heard Neo say, "I did not do that because of Fixer, Marco. I did that to get Frankie away from Fixer. Gab can now focus on teaching Fixer about messing with him and Nat. "

Leo smirked as he said, "We are not leaving grandma's box especially not with him! Leo started to head towards Fixer wanting their stuff back. Marco handled Leo with a very quick chop to the left side of Leo's neck. Then turned and said, "Neo, let's get them out of here before our stubborn brothers give Fixer a reason to keep us. Gab and Nat can handle things as long as it is just them and Fixer."

Cole dropped the f orcefield and watched as the brothers were led out of the room. Slowly he turned back to Gab. Putting his hands on the back of his straddled chair he leaned back for a few heartbeats. Leaning forward again he relaxed as he leaned onto his folded arms. Before he said anything he looked over at Nat, who was staring at him. If he let her loose the first thing she would do would be to come after him. "Nat you will be taken to another room. I have need to talk with Gab at the moment and you are a distraction. A beautiful distraction, but still a distraction." Cole closed his eyes for a second, and two elves walked in the door. "These two elves will take you to a much more comfortable room. You may order food if you like. When I need to talk with you again I will send for you."

Nathalie exploded, "The only place me and Gabriel are going is home! We know why Neo and Marco did what was needed to Frankie and Leo. They knew it allowed you no leverage. Now release us before I insure you regret kidnapping to begin with!"

Gabriel gave Fixer a smirk as he said, "I would listen Fixer. My wife is a lot more dangerous then she looks."

Cole signaled the elves to continue. Nat was levitated off the bed. Her hands came undone from the side railings, but before she could move her arms were plastered to her side. She was still struggling but the elves had a firm grip on her body. Cole watched Gab's face as his wife was floated out of the room. He reached out for her but the elves did not allow her to come close to the table, and since his legs were tied to the legs of the chair, he could not go to her. She did not go quietly though. When the door closed, Gab turned back to him. The man opened his mouth then shut it again. His fists were balled up on the table and he had taken on a slight shade of red from anger. "Now Gab," Cole started, "it is time for us to try and come to an understanding. I am fully confident that if we can come to an agreement, Nat will listen to reason. The reason you were brought here is to ask you to stop hunting the MacIntosh Clan. You are fouling up others trying to take them down."

Gab smirk as he said, "Then tell me which of them cursed me and I might leave the others alone." He knew he was lying but for now it might work. He would bury all of the nobility of the family. Everyone of them would feel his wrath. "If they stop messing with Cooler and his family, there is a very slim chance I might back off for a bit! If they and you don't leave well enough alone, don't say I did not warn you!"

"Gab, I am afraid you are making empty threats. I must insist you stop actively looking for any member of the MacIntosh Clan. If you have to defend yourself, you may do what you wish, but you will not go looking for them, or try and discover any plan they may have started." Cole steepled his fingers in front of him, his elbows on the table, and looked over the top of them at Gab.

I will not leave Cooler to handle them alone!" Gabriel said furious that Fixer would even ask him to abandon Neo to that deadly pack of wolves.

"None of the Quints will be handling anything alone when it comes to the MacIntosh Clan. They have been training and understand the importance of going at this with the larger group. Neo is being watched and has agreed to most of my stipulations. If you agree, and you abide by what I ask, then when the time is right, you will be invited to join in the operation to take down the clan. Until then you must cease all attempts and finding and killing any of the clan members." Cole did not want to play his ace in the hole. Hopefully Gab would see this was the right thing to do.

"I have not actively hunted them in about four years." Gab said honestly. He had only taken on werewolves that went into the forest near Hogwarts. He continued, "The one wolves I have killed were those too close to my cousin Tia. But since you were kind enough to give the name of those two's pack..." He said no more as now he had reason to hunt the rest. He growled realizing the pack were targeting Tia. He would hunt as soon as he and Nat got off the island.

"The look on your face tells me you are telling the truth about the last four years, but I am talking about the future. There are things which are going to start happening, all part of a greater plan, that are going to have the MacIntosh's becoming more visible. I need you to not take that visibility and use it to hunt them. The children are being protected. Innocents are being protected. Everything will take place within the Magical world. Will you agree to not hunt them?"

Gabriel sneered as he said, "They have targeted the Core! I have no intention of letting that slide!"

"The Core is being protected. They are also being trained, at least the older ones, to take care of some of the threat." Cole raked his hands through his hair, the refolded his arms on the table. "Since it seems we are going back and forth about this, I will see if I can make a better argument for you not looking for the Clan." Cole pulled a remote out of his slacks pocket and pushed a couple of buttons. The large screen monitor at the end of the room, close to the door, came to life. On the screen was a picture of a necklace. A stone of multi-colors which appeared to vibrate on it's own hung from a heavy square-linked silver chain. In the middle of the two inch oval was a raised silver carving of a wolf's head. "Do you recognize this necklace, Gab?"

Gabriel shrugged his shoulders as he barely glanced at the screen. He had no intention of paying any attention to Fixer. The man was a threat not only to friends that were like brothers to him but also to the Core especially Gabriel's cousin Tia and god daughter Rosa. Gabriel had every intention of taking that threat out along with the MacIntosh Family.

"I think you do recognize the necklace, Gab. It was given the name 'Wolf's Call' about 400 years ago, when it was fashioned by a Werewolf High Priest. It has the power to control Werewolves. It can reverse the change or it can make it so the Werewolf cannot return to human form. Whoever possesses it controls and Werewolves within a hundred miles of where it is. The controller can put the werewolf anywhere they want them and let the being do what comes naturally... which is kill and maim anyone around. Now what if I told you I have possession of this necklace?"

Gab once again shrugged his shoulders. He was not going to play by Fixer's rules but by his own. He would destroy that necklace to keep it out of Matthew's hands.

"Nothing Gab?" Cole leaned a little closer to the man and lowered his voice. "Let me see if I can give you a scenario. Say I turn you into your Werewolf form and put you in the middle of Diagon Alley or even one of the Houses in the school. What do you think would happen? How many people would be hurt or killed before I decided to remove you from the situation. Would you be able to stay under control?" Cole chuckled and sat back up.

Gab was worried but only because his senses told him Fixer was not bluffing. He smiled as he said, "You would have made a error in forgetting one man. Believe me he is one you don't want to be on the wrong side of!" He would hope Tarik would stop him and then hunt who place Gabriel there. There was a good purpose for the necklace Gab knew. He sighed as he wished he knew what that was.

"There is one man and several elves who might give me some grief over what I would do, but Gab I am very good at making things look like they happened by accident. I could drop you into a situation within a split second and then pull you out. You would be a phantom Werewolf as far as they were concerned. Maybe I could just change you and then lock you in a room with a few people. Your wife is strong Gab and she might be able to beat you, but at what cost? Could she kill you to protect others? Would you want that on her conscious? Oh and by the way, one of the effects of the necklace is that the person turned, remembers absolutely everything they did. Maybe you would like a demonstration of its power. Your wife is in another room. One she cannot escape from. I could send you in, in human form and change you while you were in there. What do you think, would you like a demonstration?"

Gab said nothing but only because this situation was one Cooler would call a no win. He just looked at the necklace and sadly shook his head as he whispered, "Either way mine and Nat's greatest fear becomes reality. Either way Matthew MacIntosh wins..."

"Gab I know you don't trust me and my word probably means nothing to you, but Matthew and his Clan are not going to win. At the moment I control the necklace. I have five elves on my island who control who can come and who goes here. They are also in control of who physically has the necklace in their possession. A growing group of humans and elves are working toward taking down the MacIntosh Clan. Not necessarily destroying it but giving it back to the people who should be in charge. Because the numbers are growing and only so many people know who is truly involved, there must me some control over who gets involved with the clan and when they get involved. We need you and Nat out of the loop." Cole leaned in a little closer, fingering the necklace lying on the table. "When the time is right you will be included in the take down. I am asking that you stop looking for Clan members and stop trying to get on the MacIntosh Island. If you can agree to this I will have no problem returning you to your home along with your wife. You will be watched, but not interfered with on any other subject."

Gabriel Lupin just sadly shook his head. This man Fixer had done what even Artemis had never been able to do. He was not even sure of how Matthew had gotten to Fixer. The man was Neo's blood brother and yet now he would be forever enemies. Gab hung his head as he said, "You don't get it? The only reason they would want us to back off is if they planning something they know we will do whatever it takes to stop. Fixer, they are coming after Rosa and/or Tia. So either way Matthew wins. I either back off and they curse her or I stick to mine and Nat's plan. If I do that then thanks to you and that necklace, I do it for them. So either way Matthew wins..." Gab had no idea of how to save his cousin or especially his god daughter from Matthew's plan for them.

He glared a Fixer as he thought of the only way. Gab hated violence as most Hufflepuff did. He had hoped just the thought that Gabriel would use the werewolf curse to stop the Clan would keep Matthew at a stalemate. Now he could see no light at the end of this road. He had to take the man before him out. He could then find where Fixer had that necklace and destroy the cursed thing. Gab hoped Fixer would not have time to get to the necklace before he got to Fixer. It was time to see as he tried to get up cause either way this seemed the only way to protect those he and Nat cared about.

Gab had gotten mad. His eyes showed he was angry beyond the point of being able to think. Cole picked up the necklace in the center of the table and held it out. He pushed himself out of his chair and walked around to the other side of the table, still extending the necklace toward Gab. The man's legs were still tied to the legs of the chair, so there was no way the man could go very far. "You want this Gab, come and get it." Gab fell chest first onto the table. Cole watched as he pushed himself up, and discovered he wasn't moving any farther. The load deep throat grawl with came from Gab's chest was close to the wolf's snarl. Cole swiped his hand through the air and Gab went flying across the room. He snapped his fingers and the chair came loose from Gab's ankles. As the man started to get up, Cole sliced his hand through the air in the other direction and Gab flew toward the other wall hitting it hard.

"Stay down Gab," Cole commanded, but the man was not going to listen. Cole walked up close to him, moved his hand through the air so Gab was leaning against the wall in a sitting position. Without touching his body, Cole waved his hand through the air back and forth, four times, each time causing Gab's face to be hit in the direction of the wave. "Stop. Fighting. Gab. I. Will. Not Kill. You." he said through his clinched teeth. "All you are going to do is get others hurt, now stop."

Gab was hurting but he could not stop the fury that was within him. He knew deep down Fixer was right but could not see a way to protect those he loved. He instinctively tried not to look at the necklace he knew that Fixer held. He said almost crying, "How else can I stop them? You are demanding me and Nat to back off. Doing so will mean they will be free to come for my god daughter or even my cousin. They might even come for Neo. Yet if I don't back off then you will use that and I will become the monster they made me. This is the only way to insure their targets are protected and the Core sees you as you truly are. Sorry Fixer but this will save lives not destroy them."

He was unsure just what Sasha would do but he hoped she would trust the vision he was forcing her to see. Silvia was hopeful round the Core. He raised into an attack position and rushed towards Fixer.

Cole stood where he was, but swiveled around allowing him to catch Gab in the back of the neck with a chop as the man went by. He also took his boot and shoved the man into the far wall. "Stay down Gab. You are not listening to me. I said you cannot go looking for MacIntosh Clan members, I did not say you can't fight them if they show up and threaten any of the children." Cole emphasized the word any . "I will have people watching the children as they are the first priority of any one helping or possibly helping in the future. You may do anything in your power to help anyone, but you can't go looking for trouble. Are you hearing what I am saying?"

Gab shook his head as he said, "But I have not been looking. The only one I have targeted since I started working at Shadow Lounge been the cloaked man that has been sending Rosa the black roses. I wanted to have words with him about why Rosa now fears something she once loved." He was stunned that Fixer agreed about the children. The man might be playing him for a fool but Gab was exhausted and could barely stand. He just hoped Fixer was unaware of this.

Cole stood four feet away from Gab, who was still on the floor. He wasn't going to take any chances, but he knew the man was down for a bit. Planting his feet shoulder width apart and crossing his arms across his chest, he watched Gab for a moment then said, "So I guess we are in agreement. You and Nat are not going to go looking for any member of the MacIntosh Clan? You are only going to defend yourselves and those you are trying to protect, if one of the Clan gets decides to hurt someone you are guarding?" When Gab started to try and push himself off the floor Cole said, "Stay down Gab. I did not give you permission to rise yet. Answer my questions."

Gabriel shook as he said rising only to fall, "Don't you get it? The only way the Clan would think I am actively looking is if the Cloaked Man who is terrorizing Rosa is one of the Alphas." He himself could not believe it. Gab has to accept that a werewolf was once again targeting a student.

"I do get it, Gab. I can confirm that the Cloaked Man is indeed an Alpha of the MacIntosh Clan. We have located the another Black Rose Garden, other than the one guarded by the Minatours in the Forbidden Forest. Secret graphs are being made to the plants in order to kill the garden within one generation of the growth. The cloaked man is being watched 24/7 and Rosa is also being watched 24/7. If you agree to my rules, then I will listen to you on any other ideas you may have to guard the children." Cole lowered his hand over Gab and with little effort, levitated the man to a standing position. "Now sit in one of the chairs and we will talk or fight some more and we will continue then talk later. It is up to you."

Gab had no fight left. He was not going to let on to Fixer. Instead of fully giving in Gabriel just said, "You sit there and tell me you knew a werewolf was targeting my god daughter and said nothing to those that guard my cousin? You want me, Nathalie and worse my cousin Tia to trust you. I will say this only once Fixer. The only reason I am here is I woke up here. I will never trust you as Neo does. I trust the Spellman's. For their sake I give you this warning, when it comes to the Cloaked Man. Stay Out of My Way! I will stop him and if that means dealing with you then So Be It!" He knew in this state he was no match for Fixer. He gave a sly grin knowing that would change when night fell and once again he was in the light of the full moon.

Cole watched the man slowly sit in one of the chairs. He walked behind him and then around to the other side of the table, straddling the chair he had sat in before. "If you can discover who the cloaked man is and if he is stuppid enough to come after one of the children or any other innocent, I have no problem with you attempting to take him out." Cole folded his arms on the table and leaned in, grabbing Gab's eyes. "Know this though, if he comes he will not come alone. He will make sure he some type of insurance that he will not be attacked. You just go right ahead and take him out if you can. Pull the MacIntosh Clans madness right onto the top of your head. If you don't die, I will promise you I will take care of those you love who you will leave unprotected as you heal." Cole sat back, grabbing the back of the chair. "I guess Nat can handle them by herself," he added with sarcasm dripping from his voice. Pushing himself again out of the chair he said, "Now I have other things to do, Gab. You will remain in this room until tonight. At that point I will have your promise to do as I say or I will put you in a cage outside, with Nat tied to a pole in that cage." Cole put his hands on Gab's shoulders from behind and said "You think she can talk you down? Maybe I might give you some Wolfbane or maybe I will give you a placebo and let you wonder if it was the real thing. Think hard Gab." Cole turned and headed for the door.

Gabriel was scared as he knew from Neo that Fixer never bluffed. He had to buy time until night fall. His eyes unknowingly fell on the necklace hanging from Cole's hand. It was something that he could not turn away from. There was depth in the gem. His eyes moved with the gem. The only thing he could see was the gem as the colors in it flowed and ebbed.

Cole looked back at the man and knew where his eyes were. Purposely he held the necklass up so the oval gem was clearly visible to Gab. "Go lay down on the bed, Gab and relax. Food will be brought in soon. I will have Nat brought in also so you two can talk." Cole tried not to smile as he watched Gab, rise slowly and go to the bed, lowering himself onto it. He never took his eyes off of the gem. "Sleep Gabriel." Gab closed his eyes and fell asleep. Cole turned and quietly left the room. It always amazed him the power the necklace had on anyone with the werewolf gene. It was going to be interesting when he could get someone from the Clan on the island and try it out on them.

(OOC: This is a combined thread by Barbie and Jane. We hope you are enjoying the read.)

NATHALIE LUPIN
Nathalie had been pacing for the last hour or maybe more. She had been separated from her husband Gab. She was in some type of guest bedroom. It was comfortable enough but all the furniture was bolted to the floor and there were no windows. There was a full bathroom, but nothing in it she could use as a weapon. No one had come in except an elf who delivered a tray of sandwiches, iced tea and a couple of Salem sodas. The elf had not said a word even though she had tried to be very polite. She had even asked if the elf knew Darik, but received no confirmation or denial.

Nat stopped dead in her tracks and ran her hands over her face. She knew she was a weapon but was warring with herself. "I have done too much to live as a human and not the monster my great uncle made me that night so long ago. I am a made weapon but to stop this Fixer means proving Artemis and Victor right. Can I really do that? The Fixer wants something that I sense Gabriel has no intention of even considering giving. This man as gotten in my husband cross hairs and I am curious why.". Grabbing the back of her neck, she started pacing again. She needed to find out what was happing to her husband.

She heard the click of the door lock and turned.

Cole had been watching the woman pace for about fifteen minutes. Gab would be kept asleep for about an hour, but he didn't think it would take that long for the lady to come around. She loved her husband and would do anything for him. She was a vampiress, but could come out during the day time due to the elfin blood she also had in her. She was intelligent and from what he had been able to discover, only wanted to live as a human being. He wondered if the necklace he still held in his hand would have any effect on her.

Slowly he walked in the door followed by Punta his head elf. Cole had five elves on his island, all of them princes' in their own clans. They were there to help him. Punta could intervene if Nat decided to fight, but he was pretty sure she wouldn't because she had no idea what was happening to Gab. He walked in and sat down in one of the four chairs around the small pedestal table. Crossing his legs and drumming his fingers lightly on the table he said, "Please have a seat Ms. Lupin so we can talk."

Nathalie shook her head and planted her feet firmly where she stood. She said angrily, "Don't try your charm on me! Where is my husband? And why is he determined to destroy you?"

Cole rubbed his chin then steepled his fingers in front of him using the arms of the chair to support his elbows. "When you have sat down and taken a small drink from the container of your choice then we will talk." Interlacing his fingers in front of him he watched to see what the woman would do.

Nathalie again shook her head as she turned to look him in the eye. She trusted her husband judgment. Gabriel did not even like this man a little. The man wanted her to drink. Since anything could have been slipped into the bottles or glass she decided she could wait. She said with her eyes turning ice blue, "I don't drink in this state unless I am on the hunt. Do you want to be hunted? In my mood I would be happy to break my vow and feed on you!"

Cole again put his arm on the table and leaned back comfortably. "You will not be hunting for a while Nat. I might let you use my island eventually as a way to get some of the venum out of your system, but that senerio is a ways off yet. Now don't you want to know what has happened to your husband? He is still here on the island. Sit down and we will talk otherwise I can leave and you can remain here and not know what will happen next." Cole reached into his pocked and through the Wolf's Call necklace on the table.

Nathalie saw what the man had callously thrown on the table. He had a necklace that Nat had only heard about. When she had married Gabriel she had prayed the necklace her ex had been so keen on finding was only a myth. As her eyes went to ice blue and with lighting speed, Nat intended to grab the necklace as she said, "Where did you get your hands on the Wolf's Call?" She could only pray that the man had no knowledge of what this necklace could do to her husband. Nathalie wondered if this necklace was why her husband wanted the man in front of her dead. "Does Gab fear instead of hate Fixer?", Nat feared the answer as she had never seen her husband truly wish the change as she had felt he wanted it last night.

Cole did not have to move. Before Nat could even get to the table the elves hand was up, fingers spread. Nat ended up lying on the table her face turned toward him. Her whole upper body was pinned there by an unseen force. Cole leaned in close. "Now Ms. Lupin Punta is going to help you take a seat in one of the chairs, which I know is going to be more comfortable for you." Nat slowly rose, not under her own power and sat in one of the chairs, her arms tight against her side. "When you stop struggling and are willing to listen then I will have you released. Until then you are going to be uncomfortable. It is of course totally up to you." Cole watched waiting for some type of reply. She was going to listen to what he had to say.

Nat gave a nod but inside she was boiling mad. She could not understand the elves helping a man like this one. As soon as she was unbound, Nat intended on getting her answers. It was a gift she rarely used but luckily it only took a drop of her blood which if she smelled right was already dripping. One drop of blood in Fixers drink or on his lips and she would have him in her control. He would do anything to help her. The elf would follow her orders because that was what they did. They served humans. Sure she knew some had been trained by Darik, to think for themselves but this one had shown no signs of understanding anything but service. Nat sat quietly waiting for her chance.

The woman had given in too easily as far as Cole was concerned, so she was definitely up to something. Cole signaled Punta to let the lady loose. The elf nodded and bowed slightly, which surprised Cole. He thought they were long past the point where the elves thought they needed to bow to him. They were his equal on the island. Because Cole was worried even how own brain may be influenced by outside events, the elves could actually countermand any of his orders. He trusted them enough to know they would hold things together, until his problem was resolved. "All I want to do is talk Nathalie. Gabriel is fine. He is actually asleep at the moment and will remain that way until I give the order that he can awake. Now what I want you here for is to tell you to stop actively hunting any member of the MacIntosh Clan." Cole picked up his glass and took a long sip of his Iced tea watching the woman over the rim.

Nat smiled as she realized her ruse worked. She watched as he drank his tea. She knew want she had to do and so asked, "Why would you be worried about a clan of werewolves?" She had to time the drop right as to insure the man swallowed it. Her vision told her the best time and her aim was perfect.

The drop of blood froze in midair between Cole and Nat. It dried up and then disappeared. Cole shook his head and folded his arms on the table in front of him. "That was not very nice, Nathalie. I am willing to answer most of your questions." Cole picked up his glass again and relaxed back in the chair. "As you most likely know the MacIntosh Clan is trying to get your husband back into their den of thieves. They are using anything and anyone to make this happen. Either he is with them or they want him dead, but they haven't given up on trying to get him to come back on his own, so they let him live. I have no problem with either of you protecting yourselves against them or even protecting the ones you love. I just do not want you actively looking for them. There are larger plans in the works and you would stumble into where you were not needed."

Nathalie looked at the elf but knew she had only herself to blame. She said quietly, "You still have not answered why Gabriel wants you dead. I trust my husband's instinct and that means unless you can convince me that Gabriel has it wrong about you..." She stopped as she tried to get him to realize how she would handle any threat to her family.

"Have you ever asked him Nat. I have never done anything to him that I know of. I give him help at the Shadow Lounge, although I realize he doesn't appreciate it and thinks I am only spying. My thing now is to keep the two of you from stepping into the middle of a much bigger plan, with people you don't know about in the line of fire. Gab will be awake in about fifteen minutes. I will allow you two to talk and then I will have my answer." Cole stood and turned toward the door, motioning Punta to follow.

Nat looked at the man who seemed to have no clue as to why her husband hated him. She turned to the elf and saw something familiar about him from long ago. " You know why don't you? Why? Because I have fifteen minutes to understand Gabriel's actions and inner rage. If I don't then I will have to stop Fixer the only way I can? I can't chance him using the Wolf's Call and so your master would have to die..."Nat was worried cause she would be breaking a vow. She sadly shook her head knowing to protect Gabriel she would in a heartbeat.

The elf nodded to her question that he knew why Gab wanted to kill Master Frank, but he did not answer verbally. Instead he looked into her eyes and shook his head no to the fact she was still going to try and take out Master Frank. Punta followed Cole to the door, turning around once and smiling. "I will see you later Mistress Nathalie. We will talk then." Master Frank opened the door and Punta walked out ahead of Master Frank. Cole turned before he left and said, "Think about this Nat. Your decision and Gab's decision may be what lets me allow you to leave here together. I can control Gab," Cole held up the necklace. "I won't have all the hard work of others put in danger of failing." With that he walked out the door and allowed it to close and lock behind him.
Nathalie hit the table causing a large crack to travel most of the diameter as the door shut. She said quietly, "That is what I fear and why I have no options." The elf had nodded so he knew but had chosen to not answer.

(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane. We hope you are enjoying the read.)

FRANK COLE
Cole returned to his office after visiting Nat. First thing he did was turn on the 60 inch monitor behind his desk. Dividing it in quarters he now had a view of the training grounds, where Tom was still trying to convince the new recruits that they needed to finish the obstacle course in the time permitted or he was going to do something to them they didn't like. Cole chuckled. Another quarter flipped between the interior camera's in the troops quarters. The third and fourth quarters showed a sleeping Gab and a pacing Nat. Cole pushed a button on his desk and signaled Mecum, the elf on watch to wake up Gab. He also signaled Punta to take Nat to where Gab was so they could talk. Cole was really hoping the two could come to a quick understanding.

He watched the monitor as Gab came a wake, slightly disoriented but able to function. He would have to remember that side effect if he used the Wolf Call necklace again. Nat had tried to run when she was brought out of her room, but three specialist were waiting outside the door and soon had her headed in the right direction. Cole poured himself a glass of wine and leaned back in his chair. He waited to see what was going to happen when she was put into the room.

Gab opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling. His head hurt and he felt dizzy even though he knew he was lying down. He closed his eyes and rubbed his hands across his face. When he opened them again, the dizziness had gone away and he was able to sit up and swing his legs over the edge of the bed. An elf was standing at the head of the bed, with it's hand lowered, fingers spread. Gab smiled and said, "Hello." The elf just nodded and walked over to the far corner of the room, and jumped onto an air-chair, which made it look like he was floating. The elf crossed his legs and sat watching Gab.

"Ok, so ...." The last thing Gab remembered was sitting at the table and feeling sleepy as Fixer had left the room. Raking his fingers through his hair he tried to stand. His legs barely held him up as he slowly walked to the table and took a seat. Fixer had said something about letting him and his wife Nat talk. The only thing he could do was wait to see what was happening. Glancing at the elf, he noticed the little guy was looking at the door. Gab turned his attention in that direction.

Nathalie saw the door she was being corralled to. She tried not to stop at the door but there was no way passed the guards that surrounded her. Her eyes were ice blue and they were pushing her into the room. Nat was about to attack these fools but she was worried about proving Victor and Artemis right. She smiled as she sensed her husband. Gab was near and she would find him soon enough. Her smile quickly faded though as the door slammed shut behind the retreating guards. She went to the door only to find it locked. She turned to face whatever they had planned for her, only to find Gab calmly sitting at a table wearily smiling at her.

"Hay beautiful," Gab said, "Come sit down, we are alone and there is no way out of here." He had checked. Although the window at the back looked like there was nothing blocking the way there was a field over it and two guards stood just outside. Another guard stood in the woods about a hundred feet away for the building. "Are you all right Nat?"

Nat started to relax as she heard Gabriel. She had only now realized that her rage must be showing. She tried to smile as she went to her husband. As she hugged him, Nat said, "Did you know Fixer has the Wolf's Call? Is that why I felt such anger from you last night? I felt as if you wanted the change. As if you wanted to tear Fixer to shreds and would enjoy every minute." She was worried for her husband.

Gab hugged Nat back and motioned toward the chair nearest him at the table. "He showed me the necklace earlier. I think he even used it on me to get me to go to sleep. It worries me sweetheart. That necklace can control anyone with any Werewolf blood running in their veins. He can make me go to sleep or even do anything he wants me to do and if the history is correct on it, I will not be able to fight what he requires." Gab took her smaller hand in his and rubbed small circles on the back of it with his thumb. "You are going to have to promise me something that you are not going to like, but I need to know you will do. If you can't stop me any other way from doing something which will harm innocents or anyone we know, then you are to take me out."

Nathalie shook her head as she said, "I won't let him use the Wolf's Call! If it was not the necklace then why do you feel the need to destroy him? I know you felt a mistrust of Tarik but not like this. Please Gabriel I will destroy him if you think we must but it means breaking my vow and also I believe I will end up having to feed on the elves. Gabriel I sense the elves would die to protect him and that I can't understand." Nathalie was extremely worried cause if she did what Gabriel wanted then she felt as if there would never be a place in this world for her. She would be a vampire forever.

Gab rubbed his hands on his face. "Nat, I don't trust him, because I can't read him. He is blocking every sense I possess and I don't think it is the necklace which is giving him that ability. The man has elfin blood in him, I am sure and it has been strengthened. I don't think I can control him at any point and that worries me." Gab again took her hand, but this time he entwined his fingers with hers. "You say you will destroy him, but my love I don't think that is possible. Oh I know the man can die, but he is much stronger than any of us even thought he could be." Gab hung his head for a moment. Looking back up he continued. "I think he has the full Elfin community behind him and we both know those beings are far more advanced then the Magical community in everything having to do with magic, mind control or just plain experience in the world. It scares me Nat." Gab brought her hand up to his lips and turned it so he could kiss her palm. "I don't think we can fight what he wants us to do. We are going to have to back off looking for the MacIntosh Clan. He said, if they threaten us or those we know, we can take action but we can't actively look for them."

Nat gave a weak smile to her husband as she said, "We have not hunted that clan in years. If he is trying to get us to stay away from them, he must think they are going to become a bigger problem real soon. So Fixer is like Tarik? You have never willed a change when Tarik helped us. I think for now we can agree to play by his rules. Besides if may give us some information we can use in the future, if we need to go after any of the others." She was scared. Fixer had a plan in mind and he wasn't letting them in on it yet. She knew the man was an empathy and extremely strong and was hoping sometime in the future they could trust him. Until then they would watch.

Cole pushed up from his chair and headed for the room across the hall. He could check these two off of his list. He could report truthfully to Khalid, his father-in-law, that he had control over them when it came to fighting the MacIntosh Clan. Khalid was a dark Mage, and currently his memories of being on the good side were being blocked. He had originally decreed this so that the Dark One, the one being they were working toward destroying would think Khalid was still working for him. Five elves lived with Khalid and took care of him around the clock 24/7. They all knew what was going on as did most of the elves in the elfin clans. The elves were only waiting until the humans could be brought up to speed and be able to defend themselves when the Dark One was finally confronted. The Dark One also thought Cole was working for him to protect his father-in-law. Cole had his own five elves to keep them thinking that.

So Fixer is like Tarik? You have never willed a change when Tarik helped us. I think for now we can agree to play by his rules.

Cole did not pay any attention to the stance Nat had taken. Instead he walked over to the table, turned one of the chairs around and straddled it. His back was facing the wall where the manacles hung, entry door to his left, window to his right and hospital bed across the room in front of him. Slowly he removed the Wolf Call necklace from his pocked and twirled it around a few times in the air. "Sit Nat, or watch your husband go to sleep, or do anything else I want him to do. We are going to have a discussion that I think you will have no problem agreeing to."

Nat sat down shaking her head, so Cole continued, "Here is the agreement. Neither one of you will actively go looking for any member of the MacIntosh Clan, or anyone you think is connected to them. This covers even if you think they have done something wrong. You are allowed to defend yourselves or anyone nearby if they are standing in front of you or trying to directly kill you. I will have your word on this, knowing if you renege on what we are discussing or try and get around these rules in any way, I will use everything in my power to make sure one of you suffers. Am I understood?" Cole crossed his arms on the table and leaned on them waiting for an answer.

Nathalie gave a sly grin as she said, "I will give my word but only if you destroy Wolf's Call."

"Why would I do that Nat, when I can so easily control you through controlling your husband." Cole fingered the necklace and said, "Gab stand up." Gab's eyes went to Cole and he stiffly stood up. "Walk over and stand behind your wife." The look of fear was evident on the man's face but he was powerless to fight the influence of the necklace. "Put your hands around her throat." Gab whined and his hands shook but he did as he was told. Cole looked back at Nat to see if she got the point of the demonstration. "I don't need you to agree Nat, not really. I just need for you to realize whatever you do will affect what happens to your husband. Gab return to your seat." Gab did as he was told. As soon as he was back in his seat, the affects of the necklace wore off and he dropped his head into his hands. "So do we have an agreement. Must I restate the rules?"

Nathalie glared with deep dark ice blue eyes as she said furious, "You know what my husband requested of me? Your demonstration is the very reason that necklace must be destroyed! It is either destroy the necklace or destroy my husband as he requested. I have chosen the Wolf's Call. My husband cannot allow himself to be a threat and so has requested that if I can't stop him then I am to take him out." Nat could never hurt Gabriel.

She prayed that she could follow through as she sadly nodded.
Cole only smiled and leaned back a little in the chair, grabbing the back with his hands. He looked toward Gab asking, "Are you ready to agree to my rules, Gab?" Cole would like to tell these two that he will do anything in his power not to have them put to the test, but they had to believe he would carry out the threat, encase they were ever questioned. Someday maybe he would be able to tell them the truth. One day they would be ready to take out the Dark One and all of his minions.

Gab just nodded as he said, "With my agreement you have sealed my god daughter's fate. One day I will make you pay for both Rosa and Nat!" He had felt the moment Nat had chosen as he could no longer sense her intentions.

Cole paid no attention to Gab's comment about Rosa. The girl was protected 24/7 by elves, Core members and adults. There was always someone near her with power. "Good then we are in agreement." Cole pushed himself out of the chair. "I will have one of the elves take you to the departure pad in the front lawn. You may let them know where you want to be delivered to." Cole walked toward the door, but turned before he left. "Don't disappoint me, either of you. I will use what I need to protect those who are working toward a larger goal. We don't really count in this fight." With that he walked out the door and returned to his office. He needed a drink and some rest.
CLOSED

(OOC: This has been a combined post by Barbie and Jane. We home you have enjoyed the thread.)