Test of Loyalty - Part I (Closed)

Test of Loyalty - Part I (Closed) (Everywhere)
(Combined threads from old site)

KHALID ONARIS
Khalid was awaken by a massive headache. Looking at his head elf, standing at the side of his bed he shook his head to let the elf know he was not to block Khalid's Dark Sect Master. He had not had a visit in serval months and inwardly cringed as his mind was assaulted. The Dark One was not known for his mercy and so The Dark Medjai closed his eyes and said, "Yes, my master. What do you need done, I am at your service My Lord?"

The Dark One mentally said, "It seems your hold on Frank Cole is wearing thin. Do I have to remind you of what is at stake should you be crossing me? I could always have your youngest son deal with your baby brother."

Khalid went white as the realization of the threat, of having Jackson kill or severally hurt Tarik slammed into his mind. He said with fear in his voice, "No my Lord. What proof do you require to prove Fixer is bound to us?"

The Dark One chuckled as he again sent thoughts racing through Khalid's mind, "William Rikard has been finally returned as a sleeper. Fixer will be his controller if your words prove correct. I want five people controlled as they are getting way too close for my liking. First, Leo Potter's sisters need to realize that next time Leo might not survive. His wife and sisters, especially Angel is becoming a thorn in my side. Get your man to get them to back off and get a firm control of Potter! Second, Maxwell still has not accepted his rightful place back at my side. Third, I want Luke's brother William Wright to back off in finding Ash. Fourth, Brennan is still not getting the message that he and Luke are mine. Finally, Rosa's mother's prophecy about Rosa becoming a Phoenix makes her useful. Have Fixer get that vampire and Werewolf either to back off or join our little family."

Khalid smiled as he said, "It will be done my master." It had been a while since Cole had visited him. And to tell the truth he had not kept as close of tabs on the man as he normally did of those he considered his minions. Somewhere in the back of Khalid's mind he thought those thoughts were all wrong, but the Dark One was always to be obeyed.

The Dark One nodded as he said, "And Khalid, I want proof of Fixer's loyalty. I want to see how he handles problems...Don't fail me Dark Medjai or I might think Dalton is better as my insurance then Jackson."

Khalid cringed as he said, "I will not fail and Fixer will prove himself."

When he knew the Dark One had left and finished giving him instructions then Khalid turned to his head elf and said, "Bring me Cole!"

(OOC: Information about Cole's connection to Khalid can be found here. ARCHIVED Mystery Island - 2013 - Family Ties Are the Hardest To Break (Fixer))

FRANK COLE
Cole had only had five days of rest from trying to help the world. He had still done his normal rounds of the island, and taken part in several of the activities, but mostly he had enjoyed being able to return to his own house and relax when he finished the day, instead of having to camp out in the barracks. As he sat in his den, in an overstuffed Italian Leather chair, wine glass on the small table beside him, and cozy fire in the fireplace in front of him, Punta, one of the five main elves on his small private Isle of Perdition, walked in and handed him a note. Putting down his book he looked at Punta and then opened the note.

Note:
You are required to attend me on at my home, no later than tomorrow morning.
Khalid

Frank laid his hand in his lap still holding the note. "Now what did his father-in-law want. They had made an agreement to not contact each other unless absolutely necessary. Looking at the note again, he tried to find any hidden messages, but there were none. Cole picked up his wine glass and emptied it in two swallows. It looked like his vacation was over. He turned to Punta and said, "I have been called back to Master Khalid's island. This isn't good." Looking at his watch he added, "It is already after mid-night so I will go to bed. See if you can get Artkee to find out through your elfin channels what is going on. Wait until morning to let me know if he finds out anything unless it is an emergancy."

"Will we be going with you Master Frank?" Punta asked.

Cole looked at his friend. "No I think not. Tell Artkee to see if he can get one of the elves on Khalid's island to act as a go between, if it will not cause problems. The island has security measures but not as much as I have here. I will signal if I need help. Punta, be on alert. This sticks of something far beyond what Khalid would be controling. I will leave both Jack Jennings and Tom Saunders in charge while I am gone. They both understand your and the others abilities and will listen to you if needed."

Punta bowed slightly and said, "Yes Master Frank as you wish."

Cole got up slowly, wadding the note and tossing it in the fire. Tomorrow was going to be interesting. Looked like he was back on duty himself.

(OOC: For information on Isle of Perdition see Legacy Wiki, Places, Isle of Perdition)

KHALID ONARIS
Khalid had spent the whole day before, getting ready for Cole's visit. He had waited until the evening time to send the summons because he had not wanted to give his son-in-law, a great amount of time to prepare. Khalid knew Frank would have his elves checking to see what they could find out of the night time hours. He had told several of the more important elves, that he had better not find out the others were given information which could be passed through the elvin grapevine, everyone knew existed.

It had been about 11:00 the night before, when he had finally gone to bed. He had not slept well. His dreams had showed happy times with his not deceased wife, the mother of the girl Cole had married and also lost. He had seen himself sitting and laughing with Cole and seen the man bound at his feet. He had seen his grandchildren being paraded in front of him and one by one falling to the floor, their dead eyes staring at him. Khalid had woken very early drenched in sweat. Everything about today felt wrong on some level, but he could not pin it down. The only way to keep his head from pounding was to accept the idea of what he had to do and not worry about the darkness in the corner of his inner vision.

Khalid had taken a shower, and eaten a lite breakfast before walking to the sitting room in his large house and taking a place in his large overstuffed chair. Outside the glass French doors leading to the formal gardens, he could see several of the men he knew to be part of the Dark Sect, who had been recommended to him. Cole would be coming in at the Portkey, just outside of the main barracks on the other side of the gardens. Khalid knew there were at least six men waiting for him there and by the attitudes he had seen when he greeted them before breakfast, they did not plan on being gentle. Khalid took several deep breaths. There was nothing he could do for his son-in-law. The boy would just have to survive.

FRANK COLE
Cole had risen early as normal; went to early breakfast with his men; went to morning workout and then returned to his home to take a shower and get dressed for the day. He had opted for a Polo-shirt, blue jeans and sneakers. He knew Khalid would be expecting him to dress for the occasion in something a little more formal, but Cole opted for comfort. Sitting at his dining room table with a cup of tea, he listened to Punta's report.

Punta had waited quietly for Master Frank to give him the signal to begin his report. When he was told to begin, he stepped closer to the table, checked first to see if Master Frank's cup needed to be refilled then started. "Master Khalid is in full contol of his thoughts. He was visited in his mind by someone from the Dark Sect, possible the Dark One himself and was told that you needed to be called into his presences because it is felt you are not holding up your end of an agreement to work for the Dark Sect. You are to be given several challenges which must be carried out to prove you still are sympothetic with that group. The challenges involve getting several people under fuller control, so they can be controled."

Cole put down his Tea cup, midway to his mouth. Raking his hands through his hair he asked, "Were you able to get any names?"

Punta nodded and handed Master Frank the slip of paper he had taken notes on. The list was long and he did not want to forget any of the names. Master Frank was worried and this made Punta worried. He knew Master Frank could handle himself but none of them were going to be there to watch for tricks and help protect him. Punta had talked with the other elves on the Isle of Perdition and they had all decided to sneak at least one of them onto the island. They had relatives on Master Khalid's island and knew it would not be hard to do. On Master Franks island all the elves, even those who helped with the daily activities, were respected, known by most by name and allowed to come and go as they wished. The elves on Master Khalid's island were put down and treated horribly. Most of them had no names as far as the human's on that island were concerned. Punta and his friends had been able to make it a little easier on them, and because of that they were willing to take the chance and allow one of Master Franks elves secretly into their group.

Cole looked at the paper and sat back hard in his chair. He did not know much about William Rikard, except the man had been missing for two years and had all of a sudden shown up at the school. Angel and Leo Potter had a small file in his file room, but had not been enough of an interest to do a lot of research on. He had already started to condition Maxwell Sinclair to at least come when he requested, but not with the end result of him giving into the Dark One. William Wright had just gotten a job at the school so he could be close to his brother Luke, and had spent most of the past few years doing nothing but searching for his sister, who Cole had come to the conclusion of was being held by the Dark One. Cole had not had much dealing with Gab and Nat Lupin, a Werewolf and Vampire couple. Gab was a bouncer at the Shadow Lounge so he had some interaction with him over time. Nat helped out at Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shoppe in Hogsmeade. Brennan and Luke were going to be the hardest ones to deal with because he really liked both of them. Little Rosa would have to be handled carefully or she would scare easily. Cole knew this would be one of the points he could bring up not to deal with her a lot.

The whole situation of the work he had done to try and get everyone in place and trained to go against the Dark One, without the people knowing it had just gone to a state of FUBAR. He was going to have to act as Khalid's lackey and that did not sit well. He couldn't take any help onto the island with him because whoever he took would just be killed outright. Cole slowly stood up and said, 'Thank you Punta. You will be in charge of all of the elves while I am gone. Try and keep them out of mischief. It you can arrange some vacation time for any of you so you can return to your Clan's and visit your families, that would be fine with me. I am not sure how this is going to go my friend. I will return as soon as possible Jack and Tom are te human's in command. They know to keep the island sealed, while I am gone. Absolutely no visitors are to be allowed."

Cole smiled as the elf just nodded. He made his way to the Portkey in the front yard of the Barracks where he gave Jack and Tom their final instructions. "No one is allowed on the island unless they are one of the troops. Punta is in charge of the elves. If you have any questions about what they are doing or something they need to do, talk with him. Keep my island secured and I will return as soon as I can." Cole smiled when he received smart salutes from the two men standing in front of him. Looking around he touched the statue and found himself on Khalid's island.

The first thing Cole felt was his arms being grabbed and wrenched behind him. Then a fist hit him in his jaw and in his mid section in quick succession. He was on his knees as a hand reached down, grabbed his hair and jerked his head backward. His eyes focused on the face of a man he did not recognize, but the expression on the mans face told Cole he was still in for a world of hurt. It came to no surprise to him when his face was open slapped several times and he took one more punch to his mid section.

Finally he was lifted to his feet and partially dragged down the cobble stone walkway, headed for the back of the house. Cole had been here before and knew Khalid did most of his meet and greets in the back room. He had hoped they would be returning to the tent, but it looked like this was going to be a formal meeting. Cole was taking it for granted the six or so men surrounding him were Dark Sect, and they were definitely not known for their gentleness. He was going to be hurting more before this day was over. Hopefully he would not be forced to take any drugs.

As they reached the door, Cole was again slapped several times and then dragged into the room and set on his knees. When he was able to lift his head his eyes met Khalid's. The man was not being helped by the other elves to maintain any sanity. The man in front of him was pure Dark Sect.

(OOC: Punta, as well as all the elves on the islands are Admin Characters and can only be used by admins unless give special permission. FUBAR - Fucked up beyond all recognition.

KHALID ONARIS
Khalid looked at the man before him as he requested of the men that had brought Frank Cole to him, "I gather the Master requested you show Mr.Fixer his displeasure?" When the men nodded, Khalid gave a sly grin as he said to Fixer, "Mr. Cole, the Master's displeased with your progress as am I! Report and for your sake it better please us both! Or shall we finish this chat in my guest room? I believe you remember Franco Spellman's visit there..." He nodded again to the main man of the crew his Master sent him as he finished, "Talk cause the Master thinks you Mr. Cole are betraying us and you know how Traitors are dealt with..."

Cole tried to take some deep breaths. He looked out of the corner of his eyes to try and figure out where everyone was in the room. His arms were still pined painfully behind him, so that was two of the men. Two more had gone to stand beside Khalid's chair. That left at least two unaccounted for. Cole licked his lips and tasted the blood. Looking at Khalid he said, "What do you wish me to include in my report. I do not even know who you are concerned about at the present time. I have been collecting information on several people I thought you might be interested in. I have also been cultivating friendships with some people to get information from them."

Cole was thinking about the guestroom as Khalid had called it, more of a torture chamber in one of the rooms upstairs when his head was pulled farther back, so he was looking at the ceiling. He saw the fist coming toward him and closed his eyes hoping the ring on the man's finger did not tear too large a gash. A man leaned over from behind and said, "You just start talking about those people and Mr. Onaris will tell you when to stop."

"I'm sorry but I need to see Mr. Onaris when I am talking to him." Cole wondered if they had pulled hair out of his head when his head was jerked forward, so he was now looking at Khalid. "What questions do you have Khalid?" Cole purposely did not use the Mister title and he purposely emphasized the word you. Looking into Khalid's eyes he hoped to see something of the man who had set him on the road to helping the outside world, but nothing was there of that man. Cole looked around and saw no elves, so hope was dropping further into the hole he was being pushed into.

Khalid stood as his headache worsened. He walked over to where Fixer was, signaling the men to stand him. His son-in-law was cocky and that was something he needed to stop if the man wished to live the night. Once he was in front of Frank, The Dark Medjai yanked his head back as he said, "You think you are above punishment Frank Cole? Maybe you think just because you are my son-in-law, I won't order your death? You were given a chance to prove your loyalty to The Family! Instead you Make Me look like I can't Control you well We shall see how you are after a visit to the guest room!"

He just looked at the enforcer that his Master loaned him as he said, "Guest Room and See that he is Comfortable! I will join you shortly."

Cole had decided to not go quietly. He started to struggle between the two men holding his arms. He kicked out with his foot. He had almost obtained his freedom, knowing full well he wouldn't get very far, when a cloaked man stepped into his view and place his hand on Cole's forehead. Cole felt dizzy and weak. He barely had the strength to stand up. The cloaked man nodded, turned and led the way up the long staircase to the second floor. Cole's stomach turned. He knew where they were going and he knew the pain was going to grow exponentially with every minute they were in the guestroom. As they entered he tried to focus and realized nothing had changed.

The guestroom was tastefully decorated, in yellows and gold's. Flowing lacey curtains covered the windows allowing for a partial view of the small terraces outside of each of the floor to ceiling window casings. Several overstuffed chairs sat at one end of the room. A small table sat between them and a coffee table sat in front. On the wall behind the chairs, hung a 72" screen and golden speakers, which would allow for great surround sound dotted the walls completely around the room. A rich brown and gold rug covered the floor on the end of the room where the chairs were.

The surprising part of the room was the other end. The floor was hard wood, which you could see a clear reflection in. There were chains fasted to several places on the floor with large bolts. There were also chains fastened to the walls and extending down from the ceiling. At the end of each chain was a solid leather strap. On the wall was an open shelving unit with beautifully hand carved molding. These shelves held canes, whips, and cattle prods. There were handcuffs and a variety of straps.

Cole soon found himself spread eagle on the wall facing out. The straps had been fastened tightly. One man stood on either side of him. The cloaked man stood in front of him about five feet away and the other four men stood in a semi-circle behind him. Cole could not see the man's face but when he moved his head, he had been able to get a glimpse of his eyes and they appeared to glow. Swallowing hard, he tried to stand as straight as the chains would let him. This was definitely not going to be a fun party.

Khalid entered and walked over to where Cole was hanging on the wall. He looked at the cuffs holding Cole in place, smiled and nodded. "Comfortable?" he asked Cole. The man near him was his master's enforcer. Khalid's headache got worse. Slowly he made his way across the room and sat in one of the two comfortable chairs. After making himself comfortable he turned to Cole and said, "Fixer when you are ready to show proper respect and make your report, Let the Enforcer know!" Picking up the remote and pushing one of the many buttons, the large view screen came alive. It gave Khalid a chance to see what was happening even if he turned around. "You can now begin with Mr. Cole's re-education Enforcer." His mind gave him a glimpse of another visit this Enforcer had made. He shook his head sadly as he remembered his own re-education. He prayed that Fixer would just give in and play the game, because if not there would be only a slave left of the man.

Cole turned his attention from where Khalid was sitting back to the cloaked man standing in front of him. He took a couple of deep breaths and even tried the cuffs holding his right and left hands over his head. "Ok, let's see. You want a report…. Well my name is Frank Cole, and I live on a small island called Isle of Perdition, which I named. There are not many of us…" Cole could feel the pure evil radiating off the man as he stepped forward and put his hand on Cole's chest. Cole's heart started to hurt. It felt like someone was reaching in his chest and squeezing his heart. He yelled and was forced to take several deep breaths when the clocked man took his hand away. Trying to catch his breath he said, "I guess that was not information you wanted. Perhaps if you give me a name or two or three, I can pinpoint what you want." The cloaked man stepped aside and the man with bulging muscles behind him stepped forward. Cole did not even have time to wonder what the man wanted before he received a solid right, left and uppercut, and then a blow to his midsection, which forced what little air he had been able to take in, out of his lungs.

Khalid did not want his son-in-law totally broken and he did not want the Dark One to think he was not capable of picking someone who could help the cause. He had to get Cole at least playing the game. Khalid thought of the notes he had sent to Fixer at Hog's Head and whispered, "remember"

Cole heard the word hit his senses and saw a flash of the Hog's Head. Apparently Khalid was willing to help here a little and give him some idea of what he could say. "Ok, ok…. I get your point. I have tracked down the elusive Caretaker Codebook and been able to get a copy of it, although it was changed almost immediately. I was able to confirm that Tarik Sadiki has little control over his Blood Magic, which can be used against him." Cole knew the new codebook was well protected and Tarik had been gaining control over his Blood magic, so far he had not given anything dangerous out. "I have control over Franco Spellman to the point I can get him to come to my island and change into about any animal I require." This information was also safe, because Franco had learned how to control his changes and two elves, Darik and Tal'mac were helping to protect any inability he still harbored. Cole let his head drop to his chest. He wasn't sure how much more he was going to have to say…. Hoping it was not a lot.

The Enforcer smiled as he walked back up to Frank Cole. He picked up the needle and said softly, "Now was that so bad Mr. Cole. I even have your usual reward. Then the Master has asked that you do him a few more fixer problems." Giving the man the feeling of calming as he said softly, "You want to please the Master don't you Frank?"

Khalid saw the needle and cringed but could do nothing as the Enforcer plunged the drug into Fixer's neck. He tried to get up but two of the Enforcer's trainers held him in place.

The Enforcer smiled as he said, "Ah Khalid, did you think the Master sent me to help you? No, I am here because the Master thinks you are betraying him! Your boy here was ours before. Should he fail in proving both of your loyalty..." He checked the Fixer's eyes. He filled another needle and showed it to Frank Cole saying softly, "Frank, how are you feeling? You ready to please the Master by fixing his problems? Do you need another dose to show the proper respect? Who controls you my old friend?"

At first Cole had started to panic when he saw the needle. The term usual reward gave him flash backs to the time about twenty-years earlier. He had just been learning how to navigate the darker side of the world and had decided he could prove that he was stronger than the drug world. He had been captured, held for about a month and had been force fed some drugs until he reached the point where he craved them beyond his ability to fight. He had done some things he was not proud of under those drugs, some things he only remembered because he had been told about them later by the guys in the P.A.C.T. who had found him and was able to help him beat the drugs. Since that time he had been working painstakingly on conditioning his body to be able to fight the effects, by giving himself very small amounts each day. Cole let his mind wander to the effects this drug was causing and realized he could still maintain. It would appear to everyone he was hooked, but there would be just that small part of him which could think, and that's all he needed at the moment to play along. "Please my Master…. Y-yes…. I c-can p-please my Master. I a-am the F-fixer. I c-can help. W-what do you need M-master?" Cole took in a couple of breaths. He knew he would not be able to support his own weight and he could feel the cuffs biting into his skin but the pain only showed him he was still alive. He had to concentrate on what was happening, but so far he had a very slim edge to hold on to.

Enforcer smiled as he said, "The Dark Medjai has the list of The Master's problems. Deal with them and the Master might not decide I am better at convincing Amira Tia that her life is with us." He suddenly yanked Frank's head back as he said cruelly, "Fail and well you are not the only one addicted are you! I wonder how many more of those close to you will like the med, maybe the Princess' boyfriend or even that nosy Reporter?" One of the specialties of the Enforcer allowed him to cause visions in the mind of his prey, and he smiled as he sent ones of horror to the man on the wall. Enforcer grinned as his prey's mind opened as he implanted the vision of a very addicted Franco changed and attacked.

Cole did not fight the onslaught of visions the Cloaked Man was sending to his brain. He knew the man would expect him to react so he did. A very stoned Tia was undressing in front of a man, holding out her arm for another shot. Franco had been turned into a dog and was in a ring fighting three other dogs and losing. Brennan hung on a wall and Landon, Miley and Danny were cutting him with knives. Tears escaped from the corner of Cole's eyes and he did not fight them. "P-please Master, s-s-stop. I will d-do as you ask."

The Enforcer asked as he thought of even a better subject for his newest version of the drug, Brennan or Luke, "Fixer, you not going to fail me though are you? This is my newest sample; you want to try it pet? I might even send some with your new men. They are going to help you with the newest list, consider them partners in your new army!" The men were also linked with him, what they saw the Enforcer and Dark One saw.

Cole weakly struggled. He did not have to pretend, because it was taking every bit of energy he had to just stay focused and not let the man into the deepest part of his mind. He was getting weaker though. Another shot and he would loose the fight. His tears were now tears of frustration. Just as a blackness was starting to take over, Cole heard a voice in his head that made him come back from the dark pit his mind was falling into. "Hold on Master Frank, I am here." . Artkee was somewhere close. Cole turned his head from side to side as if he was saying no to the man's questions. His eyes were not totally focused, but he was looking for his elfin friend. Several elves were moving around the room, serving drinks and food. None of them looked like his friend. Most had hoods over their heads and they were dressed in brown sacks. They were virtual slaves.

On about the third pass, one of the slaves glanced at him. Cole was barely able to fight the any signs of recognition. He had to stay like he was. At least now he knew the man would not get into the deepest part of his brain, even though he might think he had reached the bottom. Cole concentrated on listening to the man. He would even be able to take the last shot and not have to worry he was giving anything away. "P-please, Master. I need m-more, p-please? I will d-do as you ask."

The Enforcer turned towards his men holding Khalid and said, "See Dark Medjai, Fixer knows his place as do you! Maybe you are the one that needs a refresher..." With that his men holding the man, mentally assaulted the Dark Medjai's mind. The Enforcer laughed as he turned back to Frank Cole saying as his played with the needle, "Ah Frank, did you really think Khalid was in charge of this session? Only the Master can say when you two have learned your lessons. How about a little privacy?" He wanted to try Khalid's secret torture chamber. As he looked back at Khalid he told two of his men to chain the old man. The other two he pointed to Fixer as he said cruelly, "Khalid, you don't mind us showing my pet here all your toys in your "playroom" do you? While you and two of my sons get to know each other better..." He did not wait for answer but just said pointing to the secret door, "Take my pet to his new home until the Master says otherwise."

Khalid screamed as his mind was assaulted. He had promised to protect Frank and now all he could do is watch as Enforcer bent his son-in-law to the Master's will, He felt T-bell close but if he mentally called out to the elf, all they had worked towards would be lost. Khalid felt himself be taken and held magically in the middle of the room. He was facing the screen but the image on it was of that secret chamber where Fixer was being taken.

He heard one of the men whisper as his own torture began, "You get to watch what father does to Frank Cole but don't worry Father's pet won't see you. You have forgotten who has your vow of loyalty! Father will re-train his pet while you watch from the screen. If you are good Dark Medjai and take your punishment like a good pet, the Master might choose to hold off on us visiting a few others. Let me show you who we get to play with next if Fixer fails to complete his test."

Khalid screamed as images of his baby brother Tarik, his nephew Brennan, Franco Spellman, the Core members and Charlie, Kat's eldest son. He saw each in turn bend to the will of the Enforcer. He screamed as Antonio's own son Landon brought both Tia and Dalton to the Dark One's cave. The men magically silenced him as they whispered, "No Khalid, you will not be allowed to scream. This is your punishment as is seeing what Frank Cole will be forced to endure because of your lack of control of him. You will watch and suffer in silence as Father and us enjoy our new pets. Enjoy the pain my pupil!" Khalid was once again subjected to the extreme mental and physical torture of re-education.

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

FRANK COLE
Cole felt himself being released from the straps holding him spread eagle on the walls. His legs barely held him up and his arms felt like they were boneless. The idea of the playroom was seeping into his brain and he started to fight the tight hold two of the goons had on his arms. Lifting up his head he saw they were following the Cloaked Man to the back wall. The wall held the camouflaged door of Khalid's own little torture chamber. Cole had been allowed to look in their once but he never had entered the room. When he had looked in there, at the time he had not wanted to enter.

As the door slide into its wall pocket, Cole took a deep breath. The man they were following was someone who enjoyed giving pain for pain sake and Cole was going to be on the receiving end. He like all of his men had taken pain training which showed you how to get through the pain and still function. But that training had been for the kind of pain you would have from various injuries, not from the assault of just pain for no reason. The tempeture in the room was even cold. Cole tried to open his eyes and look around as he was partially dragged to the center of the room. His hands were fastened over his head and his feet were fastened spread to shackles on the floor. He had some range of movement but nothing which would let him fight anyone close to him.

The floor was polished rock and the walls gave the appearance they were standing in a dark cave. The place truly was a medieval torture chamber. Leather strap cages hung in the corner. Chains hung from the walls of the 10 by 10 foot room. Whips, pinchers, canes and ropes hung on hooks around the walls. Hot coals burned brightly in a pedistalled bowl not far from where Cole hung. Cole looked up at the ceiling saying a private prayer he was going to make it through this.

The Enforcer was looking around the room, examining what was available. Two of the men were leaning against the wall near where the door had slid back into place. A third man was testing one of the whips from the wall. An elf stood in the corner, near a small table laden with drinks and sandwiches. Cole caught the eyes of the elf for a split second and then dropped his gaze quickly. Artkee was the elf in the corner.

Artkee had thought fast when the human in the cloak had ordered Master Frank to be taken into the secret room. At one time he had worked for Master Khalid and had been one of the one's to help him not sink into the insanity he was in now. Master Khalid had assigned him and four others to follow Master Frank to his island and help him any way they could. Now Artkee was just going to try and keep Master Frank alive until he could get him out of here. "Hold on Master Frank. I cannot delete the pain, because it is too close to the surface of your mind, but I will keep you alive. You are not alone," was the only message Artkee could send to the lowest part of Master Frank's mind. No one else would be able to hear of feel the message, because he was talking through the Blood-Elfin connection.

The Enforcer gave a sly grin as he played with the needle saying, "Oh how rude of me, my pet. You did want your medicine, didn't you? Tell you what, we will have a little game. Each torture you complete without screaming pet, I will reward you with a shot! Scream and another name will be added to your to-do list."

Cole stared into the darkness of the hood of the cloak as the man stepped close to him. He felt a stinging couple of slaps on his face which the man used to emphasis his words. The needle was dangled in front of his eyes. The needle held relief from the pain he was in and was about to inure. He wanted the needle. His body craved the drugs. Cole took in a breath and froze. Mentally he shook his head and told himself he wasn't going there. He was never going back to that time when others controlled him. He could and would endure this.

The Cloaked man smiled as he said to his man playing with the whip, "Wet the cat and then soak him. We want to insure Khalid enjoys the show, though my pet here won't be able to enjoy Khalid's."

The thoughts hit Cole hard, as he tried to look to where he knew the cameras were. They were going to make Khalid watch his re-training . Cole hoped that his father-in-law was not being tortured on the other side of the wall, but his mind told him he was probably not alone in the mental and physical pain, which had taken hold of his world.

Once his instructions were completed, the Enforcer walked over closer to Cole and ran his fingers across upper back an diagonally down his chest saying to the man with the whip, "We will start here and slowly, my pet. I believe twenty lashes. Don't worry my pet, you will get your reward when we are done. I even think we can ensure that you get to play with each of these toys. Won't that be fun? We have time and you must learn just what I expect from my pet." He began and carefully planned each swing for it's full effect as he said, "We will talk again later." He was going to bend this man to his Master's will and enjoy controlling this soon to be extension of his will.

All Cole wanted to do was spit in the man's face but now his mouth was too dry. Cole looked toward the man with the whip and then toward the wall about six feet away. He was going to have to concentrate on taking the pain. His heart was beating fast, but he could feel it starting to slow. His eyes were still swollen but they were focused. His head hurt but not with the shooting pains of before. Cole knew some of this was from concentration, but he also knew part of the help was coming from the small elf in the corner. An intelligent elf playing as if he was a owned slave. Cole would owe him.

Cole tried not to tense up, because he knew that would make what was coming only hurt more. The first bite of the whip, stung bad and he had barely been able to hold in the yell by gritting his teeth and locking his jaw. The only thing he needed to do was endure. His training kicked in and he took his mind away from the pain. It was still there, but it was now a thing, which did not matter. It was going to matter later, but not at the moment.

He had lost count of the strikes as he tried to escape the pain. The endorphins in his body had kicked in a bit, but they were not even going to be enough to fight what was coming. Cole took some deep breaths and raised his head as far as he could, adding what he hoped was a small smile as he looked at the man with the whip. He knew he was probably poking the meanness in the man but he needed to play as close to a psychological game as he could, considering the situation he was in. Cole tried to twist and locate the Clocked Man. He was just able to see him when he looked behind him, under his left arm.

Enforcer waited until the lashes were given then he walked up behind his pet. Placing one hand on Frank's back, he whispered in Frank's ear, "Very good my pet, I promised a reward." With that he plunged the needle into Fixer's neck as his mind sent extreme burning into the man's wounded back, as he whispered, "Well pet, should we go clockwise or counter-clockwise? To learn to bend others to the Master's will, you must understand how each torture works. For that to happen you must endure each. Only by experiencing it can you fully appreciate it's effect and value."

As his men moved Frank Cole to the next torture, which was a chair like device. Enforcer said, "Don't fear pet, you will be rewarded for each that you learn to fully understand. Now, this device is unique as it is designed to insure you can't scream let alone move. Your mind experiences everything while your body is left unmarked. I think you can see the full benefit of the mind chamber."

Cole found himself sitting in an iron chair. His arms were strapped to the two arms of the chair. His legs and feet were placed in high boot type devices, which were closed and tightened around his legs like vices. His torso had two wide straps across it fastened to the point he was not going to be able to take a deep breath. His neck was strapped to a piece of metal which ran from the back of the chair to a head piece which had been placed on his head and strapped on under his chin. As hard as he tried he could not move. The whole chair started to move and soon Cole found himself lying flat on a hard metal slab. He scanned the room but even that ended when a full body length tube was dropped over him. He could still hear sound but the feel of the cold metal and that sound was the only thing his body was registering.

As Frank was sealed in, Enforcer said, "I am unsure how long this torture is but do have fun! Oh and the med I gave you will make it all the more real at least mentally. We will talk again when the device shuts off. Enjoy!" The device only took thirty minutes but when it was done, it felt like days of unexpected torture. His pet would be more ready to do whatever was required.

Cole tried to breathe as normally as he could. He pushed the panic back down. He had heard of this type of device but had never checked into the possibilities. The versions he had heard about were used to help people get assistance in fighting pains of mussels and limbs. The pictures he had seen showed soft mattresses and pleasant colors. This device was the exact opposite of what he had seen and heard about. He tried to feel Artkee, but even the elves thoughts were being blocked. Cole swallowed hard, knowing this was going to hurt.

At first the pain started to build. It went from discomfort to stabbing in a matter of what felt like seconds. Every mussel in his body started to throb, including his heart and his brain. Suddenly there was a picture in front of his eyes of himself being held close to a fire. Slowly he was pushed closer. He could not stop the forward movement. He watched as his boots started to smoke and then felt the searing pain of the melted rubber as it ozzed around his feet. As this was happening he saw a man walking toward him with a bowie knife. The point sliced down his arm. Cole heard screams and in the back of his mind knew they were coming from him. When he looked down at his feet again, they were no longer in the fire. Instead his shoes were missing and hands were pounding iron nails into his feet. Again he screamed.

He tried to fight, to move but something was holding him in place. Looking at his other arm, he saw hands with a lite cigar, starting to place burn marks up his arm. When he looked up he saw the face of Tia. He knew it couldn't be her but he was having difficulty getting his mind to register that fact. Cole watched as she started to laugh and he saw water rising around him. The water was getting higher. Soon he would be under the surface. Cole took as deep a breath as he could and held it. Tia's face shimmered through the surface. His lungs were burning trying to hold the precious air in his lungs. The spots before his eyes were growing larger. Soon he would loose consciousness and drown.

Just as that thought hit him the water disappeared. Tia disappeared and he saw himself. He found himself doing a pushup over a knife which was pointing up at his chest. His arms hurt and they started to shake. If he fell the knife would go through his heart. Cole fought hard to remain suspended over that knife. All of a sudden his arms let go and he felt the knife cut his chest. Then it was gone and he was floating in a black void. Just as he started to accept where he was, he heard the crack of a whip and felt his skin being sliced across his chest. He fount to move…. Again and again the whip cracked and sliced. Cole cried out.

Cole felt the tears escaping his eyes. He heard laughter as a blinding light stabbed his eyes. The shield over his bed was taken away, and his eyes focused on the Cloaked man, laughing beside him.

Enforcer laughed as he held the needle, "Well pet, I told you it was a unique experience. How does my pet feel? You want your reward now or would my pet like to try setting two on my little toy you are relaxing in?" As he wiped the tears from his prey's eyes, he whispered very close to Cole's ear, "You understand don't you my pet, you need to be taught?" Enforcer knocked his knuckles on the helmet. "You need to understand who you truly serve and want he expect of you. Don't worry pet, as you compete each session, you and I will bond more fully. During this session, you will hear only what is your master's will. You will see only what I wish you to see and you will do only what I wish you to do. You will answer my questions or do what you are requested to do. Understand, because we can always return to session one, and start the training all over again." The Enforcer stood up and bent over the table so he would make sure Cole was paying attention. "You belong to the Dark One and his will, you will obey my pet! Now here is your reward, enjoy the heightened feelings it gives you." With that he stuck the needle into Fixer's next and slammed down the visor, putting Cole back into darkness adding, "Be good my pet."
(Third time)
Cole could not stop his body from shaking. Some of his mussels twitched while other tightened up on their own. He still could not move. He desperately tried to slow down his breathing.

He heard the Cloaked Man ask, "First question, my pet, "What is your name?"

Well that was easy enough to answer. "Frank Cole."

The questioning continued, "and where do you work Frank Cole?"

"I do not work anywhere," Cole answered. This was too easy.

"And who do you work for, Frank Cole?" came over the headset.

"I work for no one. I am self-employed." The Cloaked Man's face swam into view behind the visor as the pain jolted his spine and he would have bucked off the table if he hadn't been strapped down.

"Wrong answer my pet, try again."

Cole took as deep a breath as the straps would allow and said, "I work for Khalid Onaris." Again, the man's face swam into view. Cole tried to close his eyes but the face was still there. The pain hit again. It felt like an electric currant was being held to his spin. It lasted longer this time, making his spine contort.

"Still the wrong answer, Pet. You used to work for Khalid Onaris. Who do you work for now, and I suggest you get it right this time."

Cole tried to shake his head no, but he could not move it. He hesitated, but could feel the pain start to build slowly. Finally he said, "I work for you, Master." Cole waited for the pain, but instead he felt like he was floating. His mind felt clouded and no thoughts filled his brain.

"Very good Pet! Do you like your reward. Correct answers will always be rewarded, but refusal to answer or even hesitation will be dealt with. Now we continue. It is my understanding you are now Landon Russo's Blood-guardian. What would it take to control him?"

Cole found himself back on the hard metal table. He froze. He had to keep the children out of this. "The boy is of no use to us, because he is not of age yet. I concentrate on the adults." Cole's legs began to shake violently, as the man's face came into view.

"There you are wrong my pet. He is now married to the Princess and she is a key to the future I will not lose. Try again…

The man's laugh was pure evil. After he had taken a couple more breaths to try and fight the pain in his legs which had finally stopped Cole said, "They are not of age yet. Please, let me just train them more and get them to trust me." Cole did not hold much hope of this tactic working, but he had to protect the young ones. The pain did not come but neither did the floating effect.

"When I deem you are worthy enough to return to your home. You will be taking two of my sons with you. They will help you train the children. Do you agree to this, my Pet?"

Again Cole tried to shake his head no. He had to figure out a way to keep the children away from the Cloaked man's sons. Before he could answer his legs again began to violently shake and pain radiated from his hips to his feet in hot waves.

"Hesitation will only cause you pain, my Pet. Answer me."

Cole was having trouble coming back to reality from each of the pain treatments. He still fought but he needed to stop the pain even for a little while. He decided to just play along. "I agree to have your men assist me with training Landon." He almost sighed when he was back floating on the cloud where there was only peace no pain. Cole could feel the tear escaping from his eye.
===
"Very good my pet. Feel the peace. You feel lite and the world is good, all because you have answered your Master's questions. It can always be this way you know. Now, how about we concentrate on one of the adults. I do not think, my Pet, you have had Sasha McChey-Sadiki come to your island yet for a visit. Why?"

Cole attempted to take in much needed oxygen as he explained, "She is of no use to you. She is just the Headmistress of the school." Cole could not hold back the grown as the pain shot through his brain. It took over every thought except the one that wanted it to stop.

"Wrong answer, Pet. She is not 'just' the Headmistress of the school; she is in charge of the children, all of them. She has a say when they can leave and where they can go. She was one of Marsden's favorites and records show he would have liked to train her to help him. She also has some say over some very other important people in the little family I want to control. Tarik Sadiki, Tia Andreas, the twins are just a few. I think we want you to talk with her and explain our position."

Cole felt sick. The man had brought up names, which he was trying to protect. "I don't have any way of using her at the moment. When the time is right, I will certainly have her come, and attempt to get her to see your truth." Cole had to stall. The man's face grew bigger in his visor. It took up all the space of his vision. The pain built slowly but quickly this time. Soon it had him yelling as his back attempted to bow to get away from the pain radiating out of the table.

"Wrong answer, again. You know Pet, I can keep this up as long as necessary. Khalid is watching and right now, he is on his knees, begging that I release you. Aren't you Khalid? Now let me show you something and I want you to do exactly as I say."

(OOC: Everything happening here is in the virtual world)

Cole found himself standing in one of the interrogation rooms, located in the barracks, on his island. Everything seems so real he could touch the table. When he looked around, he froze. Sasha McChey-Sadiki was sitting in one of the chairs across from the chair he normally occupied. Her legs were bound and her hands were lying flat on the table, fingers spread. "Go sit in your seat Frank Cole. She cannot hear me. We are going to play." Cole slowly went to the other side of the table and pulled out a chair, turned it around and straddled it. Sasha looked into his eyes, she was scared but trying to hold it together. Cole heard her say, "I told you before Cole, I am not going to help you in your little plan to control the school and the children, so send my home."

"Tell her no, and tell her if she does not help you will need to use other means to convince her."

Cole shook his head no, and found his legs vibrating against the metal boots they were incased in.

"I said you are to do exactly what I say, Pet. Maybe Sasha needs to be sent some nightmares. What you think, you know I can do it. I have before.."

Cole looked at Sasha and haltingly said, "I have ways to convince you Sasha, which you will find very unpleasant. I just want you to overlook, some of the children coming and going and I want you to help me convince Tarik, he should take a more active interest in my future endeavors." Cole watched as the Sasha, who sat across from him, started to visible shake as she shook her head no. Her fingers became small fists on the table.

"She is not willing to do what you are asking, so now you are going to persuade her. Look behind you, Pet, I have brought some more guests to your little party."

Cole saw the look of horror come onto Sasha's face. He slowly turned his head to look at the wall behind him, not wanting to see what he knew was going to be there. It was worse than he had thought. On the all in shackles and spread eagled was Tarik and Landon. Both had their shirts removed. Tarik's eyes were mostly on Sasha and Landon was staring at Cole. His hand suddenly closed around a single tail whip.

"Get up Frank Cole and use the whip on Tarik and the boy. Three lashes on each."

"No I won't, that is not the way I work. Let them go… I would be able to talk with Sasha and probably be able to convice her with words." The pain did not build slowly this time, it slammed into his back and down his legs. His whole body was shaking, making the straps across his chest bite into his skin. He gasps for air, his lungs refused to accept. "Please stop the pain…." he heard himself say.

"Stand up, Frank Cole. Take the whip and use it on the two people standing behind you, or suffer."

The pain started to build and Cole fought it as long as he could. Picking up the whip he haltingly walked over to stand in front of where Tarik and Landon were hung on the wall. "No I won't do this, please." The pain continued to build. Cole raised his hands and made the end of the whip go to both Tarik and Landon's chest, three times. Then he threw the whip down on the floor and stood with his fists tightly balled at his side.

"Pick up the whip. You might have to use it again. Pick it up now or feel the pain."

Cole slowly bent down and picked up the whip. He was so tired. He found himself back on the cloud. Only blue sky was overhead and grass and flowers were under him. He felt like there wasn't a bone in his body. He heard the voice coming from somewhere around him, but he was too tired to even look.

"Very good, very good, indeed my Pet! You have made me happy so I will let you enjoy your reward for a few moments. See how nice I can be, how gentle when you do my wishes. Fighting me is wrong; compliance brings peace of mind and body. Now rest for a moment."

Cole felt a hand on his shoulder, but there was no one there. A cool breeze slowly floated over him. He could hear birds somewhere off in the distance. He had been doing something, but could not remember at the moment what it was. He knew it was unpleasant and when he remembered what it was, he knew he would try very hard not to do it again. Closing his eyes he just felt the tranquility of the moment.

(OOC: We are now back in the real world)

All of a sudden, the calmness was gone, as the visor over his eyes was pushed up and the blinding light stabbed at his eyes.

The Enforcer looked down at him as he said, "You know resisting is useless my pet?" He signal one of his son's to bring his the bottle of reddish-blue liquid as he said grabbing a fresh needle, "I guess my pet needs session one again? Too bad, I thought you understood." He plunged the needle into his neck as he said, "Let's me explain what is traveling through your body as we speak. This my pet will insure that your own brain will become the machine's weapon." He waited and allowed his words to sink in. After he was sure he had Cole's attention, he leaned in as he whispered, "The drug I gave you will cause you to relive your deepest fears and worst memories. Session one will be at lot worse this time around and the machine will use what it learns to make you Mine! Enjoy my pet! We might talk prior to session two but since I have decided to give you the full treatment, the machine will now decide how long each session will be..."

He placed the visor back over his eyes as he said, "How long can you fight? A day? A week? Month? Two years like Rikard? Think on this my pet, how long have you been in my tender care already? What is happening to your PACT while you are fighting your fate? How many of the CORE have visited me while you are stuck at session one?"

Khalid screamed and shook, as the Enforcer slammed on locked the lid. He could not help his son-in-law. He was still on his knees on the floor in front of the screen. When Cole had been hit with pain, one of the two son's holding him in place struck him in the back or the legs, telling him to feel at least part of the pain his future slave was feeling. That was if their father decided to turn the slave back over to him.

Cole caught the name Rikard. He hoped Artkee was still in the corner and had caught the name. Cole tried to figure out how long he had been in the machine, but there was no way, because there had been no time sensation. He could have been there a few minutes, and hour or even a day. The visor was back down, so they were not finished yet. He was so tired. He wondered if he should just give in so he could rest, but his will power would not give up yet.

At first there was nothing but black, then a smoky haze started then…. Cole tensed and tried to fight the bindings. "No, please, not there." In the scene in front of him, he was sitting in a chair in the home he shared with his sweet wife Maggie. He had been on the run, to keep her safe, but he had been captured and drugged until they found out about his wife. He was being kept weak so he could not protect her and she was coming up the front walk, singing as she always did. One of the men grabbed her and as he watched they unmercifully beat her in front of him. She had called to him to get him to make them stop but he couldn't move. He had begged them and told them over and over again, he did not have the information they wanted. An owl flew in the window and the men dropped his now limp whimpering wife to the floor. Before they left they had beat him and stove in two of his ribs. When he woke, he found his wife washing his face with a wet towel, that she had crawled to the rain bucket in the corner to get. Cole had finally gotten to a sitting position and held his dyeing wife in his arms. She had been bleeding internally and had lost their baby during the beating. He watched as she looked into his eyes that last time, whispered "You are my only love.", closed her eyes and went to the angles. "Maggie, no Maggie, I love you."

"Ah, isn't that sweet. My poor pet lost his mate. Again…."

The scene started over again. Cole watched, tears streaming down his cheeks. "Please, stop the pictures. I will learn what it is you want me to learn. What do you want?" The scene went blank and the visor rose with a snap.

Enforcer wiped the tears from his pet's eyes as he said softly, "The Dark One can bring her back, my pet. Would my pet like that? To have his mate and heir back as the Master very soon will be. All you have to do is do some fix-it jobs. The quicker we have the others understanding how much better the world will be, the quicker your family can be whole once more!"

He smiled as he waited for his pet to understand what the Dark One was offering. "We shall try session two again. See if you finally understand. Pet a piece of advice, you really don't want to fail in obeying."

The shield was then flipped down and Cole was in darkness. Suddenly he was back in the room with Sasha sitting at the table. Tarik and Landon were on the wall, and the whip was in his hand. He had not struck them yet because there were no marks. Cole knew what he had to do. Looking at Sasha he said, "One last chance Sasha, agree to what I need done or see those you love injured." Cole cracked the whip once. When Sasha did not move, Cole took a deep breath and put three stripes on both their chests.

"Very good my Pet! Well done now go over to Sasha and slap her in the face hard."

Cole froze where he was standing. He could feel the pain starting in his brain, but he could not get his feet to move toward Sasha who was sitting in chair crying and staring at Tarik. The pain got worse.

"Move pet or we will start this over again. Move now."

Cole shook his head no as his feet took him toward Sasha. He raised his hand and slapped her three times in the face. He let his hand drop and looked up at the ceiling. "I have done what you asked. Now let me out of here."

"Not quite yet Pet. I want you now to lean down and kiss Sasha. If she fights force her or feel the pain and start over again."

Cole took Sasha's hair in his hands held her head back and while saying over and over again, he kissed her. He could hear Tarik screaming in the background. Cole dropped to his knees in front of Sasha and dropped his chin to his chest. He needed to stop. He looked up into Sasha's eyes and tried to tell her how sorry he was as the room disappeared and the visor was again removed.

Enforcer was furious with his new toy. Looking at one of his son's he said, "Get him off of that table and bring him to in front of me."

Cole felt he bindings being removed and then he was roughly pushed off the table to land on his hands and knees beside it. He was having difficulty even supporting this position, as he let his head drop. Iron fists grabbed his upper arms and he was dragged to in front of the Cloaked Man. He was placed on his knees and another hand grabbed his hair and wrenched his head back so the head of the Enforcer came into view.

The Enforcer leaned over slightly and said, with pure venom dropping from his mouth with every word, "You think you can beat my machine Frank Cole! Let us see if an Andreas does as good?" He turned to the son nearest him and said, "Have Chameleon bring me the girl!" He was playing a hunch that Frank like Antonio had a soft spot for the young princess. His son played along and nodded.

Cole watched out of the corner of his eye as the man left the room. He also was able to get just a momentary glimpse of Artkee, still standing in the corner, as any slave elf would do…. in the shadows and head bent. Cole knew at least some warning would be able to go out. Still he cringed and tried to stop the shakes which had started to take over his body, from its core outward. His attention was quickly brought back to the Cloaked man.

"Chain my pet!" Enforcer said as he turned to his other son, still holding Cole in place. Standing back up straight the evil in front of Cole said, "Pet, think of all the machine will teach Tia. How long before she is ours? And guess who Chameleon's next target will be? By the way my pet, Chameleon believes the orders are from you. Have fun bouncing between session 1 and 2 cause the machine will bounce you until you obey fully and get your reward." The Master wanted Frank Cole and the Enforcer had never failed his Master, The Dark One.

Cole was dragged to the center of the room and hard leather cuffs were placed around his wrist. The cuffs were then fastened together and a chain from the ceiling came down and was fastened around the cuffs. His hands were jurked over his head and he soon found himself dangling from the ceiling. If he stood on his toes he could take some of the presure off the cuffs biting into the skin of his wrists, but Cole knew he would not be able to keep that up for long. One of the sons, came up to him and spun him several times adding dizziness to the pain of his present position and the lingering pain from the machine. Cole tried to take some deep breaths. His ribs still hurt but he could breath better like this.

On one of the revelations he also got another glimpse of Artkee. It gave him some hope he was actually going to survive. Survival was the key. The elves on his island would be able to help him, but he had to survive and retain at least a part of himself to give them something to work with. Cole was stopped and the Cloaked Man was standing very close. Through swollen lips and a dry mouth Cole said, "You do not have to bring Tia here. I have already agreed to have your men on my island. What else would you have of me?" It made his stomach roll when he added, "Master."

Enforcer gave a sly grin as he said, "You seem to understand session one just fine. Does my pet like session one so much that he wants to stay there?"

Cole shook his head the best he could.

The Enforcer grabbed the chain as he said cruelly, "Is that why my pet chooses to stall in session two? Oh, are my pet's legs hurting? I can put it to where your feet are on the ground or I can..." He yanked on the chain as he said with anger, "...have you to where your feet can't touch at all! Which would you prefer, my stubborn pet?" He handed the chain to his son to attach to the crank that controlled it. Then over to the table to find his favorite weapon. The collar had ten settings and it was time to see just how much Fixer could take before he obeyed. First though, questions then when Fixer fully understood; then and only then would he be taken down.

Cole had been grateful the man had lowered the chain enough that his toes had hit the floor. He knew it would not be forever, but he would take the little reprieves when they came. He had not been able to silence the grown when the chain was yanked, allowing the cuffs to bite deeper into his wrists. Cole hated to give the Enforcer the knowledge he was hurting, but one of the lessons he had learned early on was if you let the pain out then if could help.

Once down, Enforcer would test him. Each time his pet obeyed and passed a part of the test, reward. Each time the pet failed, well Enforcer got to test the collar. He looked at Frank Cole as his son finally came back into the room. Enforcer wondered if his pet was craving the drug yet and just what he was willing to do to keep the young princess out of the machine.

He said to the son that had returned, "The princess and Chameleon?" His son just gave a sly grin as he said, "He will get her as soon as he can get her to leave Landon's side. He said to ask Saygar if he wanted Landon as well?"

Cole attempted and marginally succeeded in turning himself so he could see the man who had just entered the room. The pleased look on the man's face, made Cole see red and he growled, shaking his head as violently as he could.

"Well my pet, shall I have Chameleon bring Landon as well?", Enforcer asked as he walked up to Frank Cole. He clinked the collar in place around his pet's neck. He waited to give Fixer a chance to answer then asked, "Or would you like to try and earn Tia and the Core members a reprieve?"

When the collar was in place, Cole moved his head around. It was not choking him, but he recognized the device and would not have to choke to be effective. The collar had a range of ten settings, from a slight electrical charge to get an animal's attention to a setting which would take any animal down to it's knees and keep it there for a good length of time. Cole swallowed hard. He was hoping Artkee could have gotten a message out by now, to protect the children. If there was any luck left in his world, Antonio, one of the four sides of Chameleon was actually out and had answered for Chameleon. The Antonio persona would know to protect the children. He might even notify someone that Cole was in trouble on Khalid's island, but he wasn't going to keep his fingers crossed on that part. Cole looked back at the Enforcer and asked, "What do you have in mind, Master." He knew that word was always going to make his stomach churn, but right now that one word could help him stay alive.

Enforcer smiled as he said, "Well that is a little better but you still have not answered about why you keep stalling on session two. Don't you understand that session one can kill you if you force me to keep sending you to that session?" He walked up very slowly and touched the collar as he said, "Just as this collar can if it stays on for too long at certain settings." He pressed the button that would give a steady but unstopping sensation of pin pricks of pain. As he did so, Enforcer said, "How are you my pet? Need your medicine?"

Cole shook his head no. He was not going to give into the craving for the drug which would send him into the clouds. It was not where he needed to be at the moment. This lunatic was debating on bringing the children into this hell, and he had to keep what senses he could active. "I understand fully what you are doing. You may get my brain and even my heart on your side, Master, but you will never get my soul. I do not need or want the medicine," adding the last word with a snarl to his voice he couldn't help, "…Master" He knew the setting on the collar was at its lowest point, and he knew the man was going to make it go higher. Cole had to survive so he aimed for that point somewhere in the future.

He laughed and then said in a whisper next to Fixer's ear, "You do know how to play the game Truth and Dare, don't you my pet?"

Cole only allowed a small smile to turn up the corners of his mouth momentarily.

Enforcer snarled, "I was considering that as long as you play my version correctly and be good, I could stall the order to bring the children or even that Cooler here. Since you want to show..." He pressed the button that took the pain to a uncontrollable sharp pain that slowly increased in strength.

Cole jumped and felt his whole body vibrate with the surge of energy being forced through ever cell. He could hear the man talking but he could not unclench his teeth enough to answer any question.

He smiled as he said, "Now do we understand each other! You are going to give The Dark One everything you are or not only will the children visit my machine but Neo and Franco will be taken to a very special castle! You are mine!" He reset the collar back to the pin pricks as he said, "The Dark One has been waiting for his next visit to the Princess. He was hoping you would show her gently how the world was, I guess you would rather stay our prisoner and watch from a cell."

Cole dropped his chin to his chest and just tried to take in oxygen as the collar returned to its original setting. All he had to do was survive…. Just survive. "Yes Master, I understand your wishes. I will do as you request. The children would be of no use to you yet, because they are too well protected. Ask your questions, Master and I will answer." All he had to do was survive…. Just survive.

Enforcer smiled as he said in a calmly voice, "We shall see my pet, we shall see! The rules are very simple, Answer the questions or do the task and be rewarded, Fail to do either and well, you felt at least your punishment but also the children's reprieve is over. Understand my pet?"

Cole nodded and kept his eyes on the floor. Until he could school his expression more, he did not dare to raise them to the Enforcer. "I understand Master. What is your bidding?"

The Enforcer smiled as he said, "A lot better my pet. Don't fear my pet. I will start simple. If it is not because you like session one then why my sweet pet are we having such a hard time getting you to session three?"

Cole finally was able to raise his eyes. The hood of the man was still blocking him getting any kind of identification on who he was talking with. He was beginning to feel, it was one of the Macintosh's who had killed his sweet Maggie. His blood started to run hot at even the thought of the idea. "Why don't you remove your hood, Master so I may see who it is you want me to serve."

Enforcer smiled as he shook his head and said, "Not yet my pet, maybe if we can get you at session three or even four? I want to reward you not hurt you so I will keep the face covered for now, You need to answer my question. What is stopping you at session two, my pet?"

Cole dropped his chin again to his chest and answered softly, "I did not understand, Master, what I do now when I was at Session two. I did not realize that your way is the right way." Cole was barely keeping a small part of himself off to the side. It would be so easy to slip the rest of the way into the man's control. All he had to do was survive…. Just survive.

The Enforcer smiled as he signaled his son to let Fixer's feet rest. He went back over to the table and got the needle and filled it, Enforcer said showing the needle to Fixer, "Now let's see if we can train you my pet. You did very good my pet and now let's see if you get your reward, The collar will come off only after session three. You want the collar off don't you pet?"

He signaled his sons to release him enough that he could walk. He said, "Pet come here and kneel before me! "

As his arms were lowered, Cole felt stabbing pains in them, as the blood rushed back in. His legs were barely holding him. They had not removed the chains just lowered them enough he could walk and then kneel. Escape was still not an option. Two of the Enforcers son's came forward and helped Cole walk forward on shaky legs. When he was in front of the Cloaked Man the son's removed their hands. Cole stood staring at the man. His legs were getting a little steadier and he could actually move his fingers and arms. As the heartbeats passed, Cole realized he had to make the choice. Either stand there receive untold pain, and then be forced to kneel or just kneel. Either way it would end the same. Grudgingly and slowly lowered himself to his knees. The sons stepped forward and placed the chains behind his back, as Cole dropped his chin to his chest.

Enforcer looked down at his pet and smiled. As he showed Fixer the needle, he said praising his pet, "Now see how easy that was my pet. I don't like to cause pain especially to my favorite pets. Now another simple question and task. The question is what would it take to get Sasha to be encouraged to comply with us?"

Cole's head snapped up, which cause considerable pain to shoot along his spine. He looked into the black void of the hood, only catching a glimpse of yellow were eyes would have been."I told you Sasha is of no use to you at the moment, Master. She takes care of the school, but the children do not go to her for advice. There are others more important." Cole was trying desperately to keep Sasha out of this. If he brought her into the evil mix Tarik would kill him. There would be no chance of survival.

Enforcer shook his head as he pushed the button saying, "I did not ask if she was of use! I asked how to get her to comply? Her visions are what is important! Like Marsden, her visions will be used to bring The Master back! Now answer the question, how do we get Sasha to comply?"\\

Cole withered and tried to remain on his knees. His whole body shook as he answered, "Sasha will only comply if someone she loves is being hurt. But if she thinks her visions are being used against good she will shut them down or have one of the elves shut them down." Cole knew Sasha would willingly have every bit of her Blood magic and Elfin magic, blocked. He knew her well enough to know she would make the choice easily to lose her Magic to protect the children. Tarik would not leave her even if she was a squib.

Enforcer reached behind him and took a needle off the small shelf embedded in the wall. He grinned as he said, "Task time my pet, I need to see what this med would do on Blood Magic. Follow me, my special pet." He took the end of the chain and unhooked it from the crank. Then holding the chain he lead his pet back out into the main room where Khalid was on his knees. The two goons, who had followed them, shoved Cole to his knees in front of Khalid, leaving a four-foot distance between them. Handing Fixer the needle, Enforcer said softly, "You are to give it to either yourself or Khalid. You have a minute to give it or I will give it to both of you as well as a few others. Like Tia or Sasha, my pet."

Khalid had seen they were coming out of the room on the large screen he was being forced to watch. The drugs the Enforcer was talking about had not been tested. Khalid had just received his sample from his own private lab facility, the day before. No one was supposed to even know it existed let alone that he had a sample on the property. No wizard had been given the drug. He cringed as he said shakily to Enforcer, "That is not even tested yet. Have him give it to me, please? If it is used and kills then The Master has not lost Fixer but only me. At least until it is fully tested..."

Cole looked into his father-in-laws face. The man looked ten years older than just a couple of hours ago. Looking behind him, Cole saw the screen and the scene on it told him Khalid had seen and heard everything. Cole bowed his head for a moment and took a side glance at the Enforcer standing three feet away. If he aimed right he could get the needle implanted in the man's legs. He would probably die on the spot, but it might help the world a little bit. Mentally shaking his head he realized the idea was pointless. He was not even sure if the Enforcer had any blood magic. Looking up he took the needle, not taking his eyes off his father-in-laws face, and jabbed it into his own arm. Jamming the plunger down, he had one hope, that Artkee could block the effects of the drug, whatever they were. Cole would still feel the effects but outwardly, nothing would happen. At least that was his hope and prayer.

Inwardly Cole started to shiver. He looked from Khalid's face to the back wall of the room. Squeezing his eyes shut he felt his body go ridged and then his mussels started to vibrate. His mind was telling him to use his Blood magic. It was yelling at him, to just kill someone. In his head he saw the Enforcer dissolving in pain on the floor. He saw the man's goons, being thrown far and wide against rocks, their heads flattened. All he wanted to do was flex his muscles and allow his Blood Magic to send out waves of destruction. He felt Artkee's blanket over his mind and knew the elf was taking a chance blocking the outward effects. Cole looked back at Khalid and smiled. The man would know what was happening.

As he felt the effects fad Cole slowly looked up at the Enforcer and allowed the smile to stay on his face. "Looks like that drug is a bust." Adding just a slight bit of sarcasm to his voice he added, "Master." Then he looked back at his Father-in law and waited for the pain, he knew was about to hit.

Enforcer nodded as he grabbed the empty needle. He lead his pet back into the secret room. Once the door was shut, he backhanded the Fixer hard across the face. He smiled as he said handing his pet to his sons, "The machine with my pet. Oh and attach the hand cuffs to the back of the inside of the machine. also attach the collar as well as leg cuffs. Then gag him!"

Cole fought with everything still left in him, but it was four against his weakened one. Artkee could keep him alive, but the elf would not be able to interfere with the machine. Cole was still feeling the after effects of the drug. He knew in his heart the drug was addictive, and it was taking part of the small amount of will power he had left not to ask for another shot. It had been pure adrennalin, making him feel invincible and that would get the receiver killed fast by anyone who could fight the Blood Magic.

Once Fixer was hooked in the machine as instructed, Enforcer placed a pair of 3D type glasses on Fixer's eyes. Then a pair of headphones. Once his pet was positioned, he said into a mic, "You are going to love session three my pet. If you complete this session alive, your reward will be to kneel before the face of your new Master. The thing is my pet, I have no say in what happens as once it has started, Our Master will be the only one you will hear. Fail here and he will insure that the machine destroys your mind. You want to survive then just obey."

Cole again found himself unable to move. He desperately tried to get his breathing under control, only succeeding to the point he wasn't hyperventilating. He squeezed his eyes shut only to find them forced open, by some unseen hand. The cuffs were fastened over his head, allowing for some movement of his arms. The collar had never been totally turned off and was sending out just enough pinpricks to make it uncomfortable. He could see the ceiling of the room and even off to the sides a little. His head was being held stationary by two metal plates. A single tear escaped from the corner of his right eye. "All I have to do is survive. All I have to do is survive."

Enforcer smiled as he handed a paper to his son that was nearest. He had smacked Fixer so the Dark One would think Fixer had failed. By the time, they realized what happened Fixer would be calling him Master and the man would belong fully to Matthew. The note was from Matthew MacIntosh and would insure that Frank Cole would do whatever Matthew ordered including bring certain people to face The Alpha of their Clan.

His son smiled as the lid of the machine closed. The boy said very softly into the mice as the machine made Fixer believe he was inside the Dark One's cave, "I am sorry for your discomfort pet but you were bad, wasn't you?"

Cole tried to fight when he saw where he was. One part of his brain was telling him he really was not in the cave of the Dark One, but everything looked so real. He could feel the dampness and smell the mold. He could feel the heat radiating off the glowing shield in front of him. He was forcibly pushed to his knees by an unknown hand with an iron grip on his shoulder. He didn't say anything. All he could do was wait and see what horrors he would have to fight.

The Enforcer pushed a button that signaled the collar as his son said slightly angry, "I asked you a question Pet. You were bad weren't you Pet? But now you are going to prove you can be good, aren't you my special pet? Unless you want to send time in my pit, that is! You want to send time in my pit or are you going to be a good pet and play fetch?" The son snarled that last part and watched on the view screen he was looking at, to see what Cole was seeing in the machine. The man was now hanging over a very deep looking pit.

Cole felt his arms jerk and watched as he became suspended over a very dark eight-foot wide pit in the floor of the cavern. He could feel a wind coming from the whole and heard scratching of what sounded like a lot of claws below. There was also snake sounds of hissing and sliding of skin on the ground. With effort, Cole took his eyes from below him and looked back at the shield, which appeared to glow brighter. "I have not been given any instructions so I have not refused to do anything. Which means I have not been bad. " Cole was trying to stall for time, because the next part of what the voice had told him made his skin crawl. "How should I be good?" He purposely did not mention the word fetch .

The son looked at Enforcer and shook his head. The Enforcer hit the middle button as the voice through the mice saying, "Have you forgotten my pet what I am able to do to Your Mind? You have been bad and so had to be punished. Pet, are you feeling what I am putting your nerves through? When you are ready to be a good slave and fetch those, I ask for then you will be able to talk. Until then all you can do is suffer in silence! Nod if you understand?"

Cole shook his head, then felt the searing pain shoot through his body. The pain caused his body to jerk, causing the cuffs to bite in his wrists as he swung back and forth and around. He was beyond the point of being able to hold the moans of pain in, most of them had turned to yells which radiated from his chest. "Survive, all I have to do is survive." Slowly he nodded affirmation to what the dark voice said.

The voice said, "So my pet understands what I want him to do? You going to be good and play fetch, right PET! You sorry for being so stubborn? Answer!"

Cole felt his stomach roll. "I am sorry for being stubborn. What do you require, Master?" He looked at the ceiling for hope which he knew wasn't coming.

The voice said as the chain once again placed Fixer in front of the shield, "A test my pet. I tell you to fetch somebody, you fetch Pet. You fetch Antonio. You have four hours then the collar will hit level ten and shrink." The laugh came from the shield as it said, "Go Fetch your time starts now!" The Enforcer grinned as the machine started session four.

The chains and cuffs melted away from Cole's hands. Slowly he pushed his himself to his feet. Looking at the shield and around the room, the part of the brain he had been able to retain as his realized he was in the machine. Outwardly, he smiled and said, "Yes, Master, I hear and will obey." He was going to take a chance the Cloaked Man did not know about the workings of the machine, the school or a lot about the people he would be asking to fetched. . He needed to get outside the cave and see where he was, so he concentrated on the entrance, wherever it was hoping the machine would take him there. Finding himself outside, the cave entrance at his back, he knew he had found a flaw in the machine. Cole was not sure if it was because of his Blood or Elfin magic, or Artkee had found some way to help him, but he could in small ways control the machine to assist him in accomplishing the Dark One's missions. "All I need to do is survive." had become his mantra.

The cave was in the Forbidden Forest, most of which had been destroyed by fire at the end of the last school year. The school was not far away. Cole started to run. It would be the most likely place to find Antonio. Reaching the school, he headed for the Grounds Caretaker Office in the dungeons. A few people walked by him, but it was if they did not see him. The door to the office was open and Antonio was standing inside staring at nothing. "Antonio, I need your help. Come with me." The man did not even blink, but started to follow Cole. Quickly he made his way back to the cave, thought of where he needed to be, and found himself and Antonio standing in front of the shield. Cole motioned for Antonio to kneel and kneeled himself. "I have brought you person, Master."

"Nice Pet, now insure Chameleon is out." The voice said.

Cole mentally cringed. He did not like where this was going at all. Chameleon, one of Antonio's four alter egos, could not be just called out. It had to be by Antonio drinking whiskey or by strong emotions. Cole wondered how much the Enforcer knew about Antonio. Cole stood up, walked to infront of Antonio and gave him a right-cross punch in his face. "Chameleon, come out, come out wherever you are." Cole waited a moment and when he saw the man's face visibly change, he stepped back and motioned toward the Chameleon now kneeling on the floor. Cole hoped if he was smiling in the machine the Enforcer would think it was because he was pleased with himself for being able to do what was required of him and not because he was starting to actually have some fun with the whole thing. As long as he was in the machine, he would be able to cope.

Smiling Enforcer lifted the lid and visor, he said to his sons, "Bring him."

The sons were not gentle as they released the straps holding Cole to the table. Roughly they pulled him to his feet and not waiting until he could get his balance they started carrying him to the follow their father out the door of the room. Cole was barely able to get his feet under him, before he was deposited in front of the still kneeling Khalikd, on his own knees. There were vise grip arms holding him up and one of the sons had decided to again grab some of his hair and control his head movements.

Enforcer had opened the door and headed straight for Khalid. Once there he said softly to the kneeling Frank Cole at his feet, "Is my pet ready for his next mission?" He took the list from Khalid and handed it to Fixer saying, "Finish the list and Fixer, I will be watching. You going to be a good pet aren't you? Don't worry pet, you will get to have your fun. Turn them or destroy them, those turned bring to me, my pet. Understand, my pet?"

Cole nodded, painfully pulling the hair in the sons grip. He was fighting the control the medicine was trying to exert on him. He had fought the side effects and won before and he could do it again. "All I need to do is survive." and get back to his island. He knew he had changed and he knew it was going to be a tough fight.

"Do you need your medicine?" the Enforcer asked in a sickening sweet tone.

Shaking his head no, when the son had decided to make him say yes, only made Cole's head go in circles. "No Master I do not need any more medicine at this time. I wish to be clear headed to follow your instructions." Cole fought the feeling of loosing what little food was churing in his stomach, right there. After several gulps of air and a couple of deep breaths, he was able to finally look at the list, he had been handed. None of the names surprised him. He had already dealt with most of them in one way or another. He could get them to answer his call to come to the island, but he wasn't sure he could get them to go to the Dark One, if the cave was really in the Forbidden Forest, which he might have conjured himself in the machine to make it easier to get to Antonio.

Cole looked at Khalid, and figured there was no help there. The man was almost catatonic. It would take the elves to get him back on track, and that could not happen until he had left. Cole let his chin drop toward his chest and was surprised when the son let it drop. "I understand, Master. I shall do as you bid." Somehow he would find a way around this, but not at the moment.

Enforcer said still smiling, "Then go my pet and don't fail me! You will be accompanied by two of my sons. They will let me know how you are doing."

Cole was allowed to get to his feet, on his own. This was not an easy accomplishment. He looked at Khalid and hoped the man would understand that the Enforcer was asking the people be brought to him and not to the Dark One. This bit of information could be used against the Enforcer and his family. Cole started to turn toward the door when…

The Enforcer turned and said to his other two sons, "Take Khalid to the castle." Their Alpha had questions for Khalid and planned to use him, as a fall guy, should the Caretakers get too close.

Cole watched as the cationic Khalid was put on his feet, steadied and walked toward the door by two of the sons. Cole hoped at least one of his elves could follow somehow. Glancing off into the corner of the room, he saw a slight shimmer in the air and knew at least one of the elves, who helped Khalid stay mentally balanced was following the Dark Magi. Turning back to the door, he said over his shoulder, "Let's go gentlemen." When he got back to the island he was confident, Artkee would work with the other elves and have things arranged. At least he hoped so.

(OOC: This has been a combined post by Barbie and Jane. We hope you are enjoying the series. This thread takes place right after: CLOSED - Elsewhere, Landon and Tia are Joined. If you do not find it in the regular site, please check the Archived section for either 2013 or 2014)
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