Two Brothers In Trouble (part 2)

Neo was not sure what to say to his brother. He had spent so many years just protecting him, they had never really talked as equals. It was what his brother needed at the moment. Frankie had to start feeling like he had some control over something. As Neo let his eyes wonder along with his mind, he notice the screen had not been turned off. He put his finger to his lips and then pointed to the screen to let Frankie know. Neo turned to the screen and angrily said, "You said we could talk in private Cole. So turn off the screen.



Neo instinctively fought the bonds, but after a moment, forced himself to stop and take a deep breath as the bonds went back to normal. Glaring at the screen he said between gritted teeth, "What do you want now Fixer?"



Frank watched in panic as two men entered and his brother was taken out. "No. Leave him alone. Please, Don’t do this.", but his words did not stop the men.



Franco watched as the screen went blank and fought back the tears. He wondered who the other prisoner was. He felt the needle but too upset and worried about Neo to care.

(OCC: Had Neo RPGer's permission to control him for this thread.)

Neo Spellman
Neo looked at his watch and realized it was almost half past seven in the evening. When he swung his legs over the edge of the surprisingly comfortable cot which had been set up in Frankie's room, he saw food set out on the table and Mecum and Kimtu in the far corners of the room. As his thoughts gelled, he turned his head and his eyes shot to the window behind him.

It had been about 3:00 or maybe a little past when Mecum had woke him up and he had been told Cole wanted him to look out the window. He had checked on Frankie and found him still asleep. Neo had gotten up and gone over to the window. When he saw the scene outside, his knees almost gave way. There were children dressed as soldiers going though some exercises with Cole standing in front leading them. Neo let out a growl mixed with fear, when he realized at least one of the children looked like they were in the Core. He leaned on the sill and put his forehead against the barrier. He knew the children would not be able to hear him, Cole never would have allowed that. As far as they were concerned there probably was not even a window.

After a few moments, where the children looked like they were enjoying themselves, two smiling men stepped out of the woods with guns slung over their shoulders. The children waved at Cole and sloppily pretended to march off with the men. Neo could not take his eyes off the area. He saw Cole watch the children then turn, smile and wave. Then the window had gone blank, as if it did not exist. Neo had turned and slowly stumbled back to his bed. Sitting on the side of it, he put his head in his hands and tried to hold back the tears. He was so tired. He was no closer at convincing Frankie to change his mind. Cole was going to make Frankie stay until he had his gift under control, even if he had to keep him drugged the whole time. Neo couldn't allow that. He had seen others who needed drugs to keep their gifts under control and he did not want that life for his brother.

Neo had laid back down and apparently gone back to sleep. Now it was three or more hours later. Cole would be back in soon. Frankie needed to wake up and get something to eat. Neo pushed himself to his feet and walked over to the bed. He looked first at Kimtu by the door and silently asked if it would be alright to wake Franco. The elf nodded.

Cole
It had been almost four hours since Cole had left the brothers. Looking through some reports when he had dinner, he found several references to stories, which should have had a little different twist to them. They had been stronger against the Dark sect than Cole knew Khalid and especially Shadow would have liked. Cole knew they had been published because Franco had not been there, but something told Frank, they would have been published anyway. He had to make sure Franco understood what was at stake and let Neo know he had to help his brother with this. How to do it was the question?

Cole turned on the small view screen. Franco was still tied to the bed, by his wrist fastened to straps on the sides of the bed. He was sitting up. His color looked better. Cole knew he had another shot in-between now and the last time he was here. The man looked better. Neo stood beside the bed.

Mecum was clearing the dishes away and putting them in the cabinet where they would be taken by conveyor belt to the kitchen. It was a Muggle way of doing things, but Cole liked it that way. Over the years he had discovered, Wizards depended too much on the use of magic and were lost when it could not be used. All of his troops trained without the use of magic. Only when they were trained and ready to go into the wizard world, they were instructed in the use of some special spells.

Turning off the view screen, Cole took a deep cleansing breath and entered the room. "Good evening gentlemen. Sorry it took so long to get back to you, but the island does not run itself." Cole seated himself in his usual chair, looked at Mecum and at Kimtu for confirmation everything was in order and then said, "Neo please take a seat. Franco I have decided if you wish you may also come and sit at the table."

Neo said as he walked to where Fixer was, "Can I have a word with you outside?" Neo made sure that Fixer knew that it was not a request. Looking at his brother, Neo saw that Franco was ignoring Fixer. He shook his head but was glad that Frankie had slept through the children being there. He was determined to find out what Fixer was thinking as seeing those kids would have infuriated Frankie whether they were Core or not.

Cole only looked at Cooler for a moment, then slowly stood up, nodded and swept his hand toward the door. "After you Cooler." Turning to Franco he chuckled and added, "We will be right back Saint. We have only a few things to discuss this evening." Chuckling when he got no response from Franco he followed Neo to the door. Mecum opened it and they walked out into the hall. Cole proceeded the eight feet across the wall and leaned up against the far wall, folding his arms across his chest, "What you want to talk about Cooler." Cole was pretty sure he knew, but was going to allow Neo to bring up the subject.

Neo grabbed Fixer so quickly that he was sure he had shocked the man as he said angrily, "What were you thinking? You want Frankie to change into something like a dragon? Be Glad he did not see those kids! I recognized Rosa as she visits Gabriel. You also had my nephew in that mix, Dalton! Fixer, you had better explain yourself and quickly as nobody endangers my nephew without dealing with me!"

Cole opened his eyes wide when Neo, covered the eight feet between them and grabbed his shirt collar, twisting it into an uncomfortable wad in his fists. Signaling Mecum who was standing where Neo had previously stood, with his hand outstretched, to stay out of the fight for now, Cole unfolded his arms. He reached up with his hands and enclosed Neo's wrist in vice like grips. Twisting the wrists, he added, "I think maybe you should take your hands off of my shirt Neo and then we will talk." Cole had made eye contact and held it. "Hesitation is going to cause problems, Cooler, so remove your hands NOW ."

Neo let go but glared at Fixer as he said, "I am Waiting Fixer!"

Cole rearranged his shirt, so it was more comfortable, refolded his arms across his chest. then looked back at the man. "I knew Franco was asleep Neo. Since you also have an interest in what Brennan is doing, I thought you should see some of my methods. The children were never in harm's way. Most of them come here once or twice a week to learn how to survive out of the cities. They learn the use of weapons, such as bows and arrows, spears, and other items which can be fashioned from the world around them. They learn mountain climbing and how to survive with basically nothing. Your nephew is very good with a sling-shot, by the way." Cole looked at Neo and added, "I was making a point with Brennan, that's all. Oh and for your information, the children are going to continue to come here, until Brennan can discover how they come. The children trust me and I enjoy having them."

Neo shook his head as he said, "We had a deal Fixer! The children were not a part of that deal, especially my nephew Dalton! Does Marco know that the Children come here?" Neo was trying to decide whether to inform Marco of what his friend was doing. He knew this would have Marco rethinking his friendship with Frank Cole. Marco hated being used and was extremely protective of the children in his care. Neo got a sly grin as he realized this move on Fixer's part might just be what makes Marco wake up to what is really Fixer's goals. Neo was furious as he had also almost fallen for Fixer's act but if Frank Cole was still working with Tia's best interest at heart then why use the children against Bren.

He glared at Fixer as he said, "We will see if they still trust you after Bren and a few other members of the Caretakers have a major talk with both them and Marco! These trips to this island end now, Fixer! I will see to that."

Cole just shook his head. "Neo your brother knows what is happening… he might not know all the exact details of my methods, but he has been through those methods. He knows I will not harm any child. Marco learned a long time ago, I always have reasons for what I do. The children are here to train, receiving training they cannot get other places, because the school is so worried about educating their minds and keeping them safe, they do not teach them how to really navigate the world. That is what I do. I have a hospital unit beyond compare so any bumps, bruises or other injuries are handled immediately."

Standing up very straight, Cole took one-step closer to Neo and in his best officer voice said, "You have your talk with anyone you want Cooler, including the children. It has been explained to them, that adults at the school were eventually going to try and stop them from coming. It has also been explained to them, that I do not care how the adults at the school feel, and if they want to continue to come, a way would be made possible." Cole stopped, staring into Neo eyes. "Let me give you a fact Neo, the children do not really know how they get here." That should be a good puzzle piece for the Cooler to chew on. "Now if you are finished questioning my judgment we will go back in the room and see if we can convince your brother, it means his life if he does not allow me to help him." Cole took a step back and looked at Cooler. He had the next move.

Neo shook his head as he said, "Fixer, Franco has no intention of allowing you anywhere near his gift. He don't trust you anymore then he trusts Shadow or Khalid. Frankie, is sure you just want to help in order to control me and/or get control of him more than just with things at the Prophet. Saint is already regretting the deal he struck with you and is determined not to cave in any further. To tell you the truth, after seeing the children; I too am wondering if I was wrong for making that deal with you? I am starting to wonder if I wanted to still see good in you because of your friendship with Marco. I won't back out of our deal but there will be no more made as I have no idea of whether the Gatherer is really still there." Neo knew his words made sure that Fixer saw his no longer as an Ally but as a Caretaker ready to do what was needed to bring this man in. Neo nodded as he knew the next time he saw Fixer, Cooler would take him in or if need be take him down. He just hoped he would not have to take Marco down as well.

Cole had not moved, "But Neo, Frankie is not leaving here until his gift is under control. I can control it with medicine but that would be no way for him to live. Eventually he would be so hooked on the stuff it would cause him physical pain to not have another shot. His body could also get caught between changes. So better help me figure out a way to get him to agree. He has zero choice in this Cooler, Zero . Now let's go back in and see if we can get him a little closer to agreeing. Oh and fight me on this Neo and your agreement opens up many possibilities of using some of my specialist. You are not in control here, Neo, I am… so how do you want to handle this?"

Neo gave a sly grin as he said, "Where my brother's gift is concerned, I won't fight you. I agree there you are his best chance but that is where my deal with you ends. I will be making no more deals Fixer. You used the children against Brennan. You have brought those kids here. I have told you what I plan on doing about that. I have no intention of allowing you access to those kids. Their trips here end now. Where they are concerned I will stop you. You have seen just what I am capable of. If I had did that move that you are so eager to learn instead of grabbing your shirt..."

After a few moments he continued, "You would have been dead Fixer. I told you to pray that I am never tempted to use that move on you. Oh and Fixer, I have no intention of teaching you that move. Where my brother's gift is concerned, we are in agreement but everything else, especially those kids..." He knew he had just became a threat to Fixer but he smiled as that was his intent. He wanted Fixer to realize that Neo was drawing a line.

Cole smiled and stood up straight. He crossed two fingers and Mecum had Neo's arms bound to his side, before he could open his mouth to complain. Cole turned to Mecum and said, "On the wall face out." As Neo was led away, Cole went to the counsel on the wall and pushed three buttons, "Artkee to room three please." Which went over the intercom system to the whole barracks. Then Cole went into the room. Looking at Kimtu he said, "Set Franco in that chair so he has a good view of his brother. For now just bind his legs. Then put up a block so he can not change." Cole watched as Franco was brought to the table. Looking up on the wall where Neo now hung he said, "You dare to threaten me Neo. I told you I have control." Turning back to Franco he asked, "Franco, who controls you?"

Franco watched as they put his brother back on the wall. He smiled as he heard what Neo had done. When he heard Fixer asked him a question, Saint smiled as he said, "Nobody Fixer! You and I might be partners where the Prophet is concerned and because of our deal, I might have to come here when you send for me. Those are my choices though and it goes no further. You do not control me and you will not control my gift." He wondered what Fixer had done that made Neo threaten him.

Cole had shown Brennan what kind of control he could have over someone and he had done it with drugs. He did not want to go that way with Franco, but maybe a small demonstration would help make his point. Walking over to the locked cabinet he unlocked it and reached in grabbing a rather large needle and a small green bottle. As he made his way back to the table where Franco sat bound in a chair, he nodded to Kimtu, who body bound Franco. The man was still in the chair, but now needed support t sit there. When he reached the chair, he started to fill the syring, asking at the same time, "Who controls you, Franco?"

Franco watched as Fixer as he recognized the drug that Fixer was threatening him with. He remembered back to when he had been given that drug before. He had tears in his eyes as the face of that young girl came to his mind and what that drug had made him do. He started to shake but refused to answer Fixer's question.

"Suit yourself Franco." Cole jammed the needle into Franco's arm and punched the spot hard to speed up the discernment of the drug. Looking at Neo he said, "Your bother has just been given a drug that will not allow him to refuse to do what I tell him to do." Cole looked at Franco and patted him hard several times on the cheek, "You know what can happen Franco, and I know you can think straight. So before we get started I will ask one more time. Who controls you?"

Neo watched and wondered what Fixer was up to. He had known that Fixer would be furious about Neo threatening him. Cooler figured it would mean a trip too the wall. He glared at Fixer as he said, "What are you up to Fixer? Yes I threatened you but you leave me no other way. I cannot allow what you did today to happen again. What does my threatening you have to do with Frankie being drugged?"

Franco listened as he tried to fight the drug. With tears in his eyes, Saint pleaded, "Please Fixer, not again. Why this again? I will fight it. Please don't do this..." Soon he was staring straight ahead and knew that once again thanks to the drug, Fixer has absolute control over him. Saint would fight it as he had before but he knew deep down he was now just a puppet that would do whatever Fixer wanted

Cole only smiled and signaled Kimtu to let Franco go, at the same time saying, "Stand up Franco and go and stand in front of your brother three feet away…" When Franco was in position he said, "Who controls you, Franco? Punch your brother in the stomach as hard as you can. Then punch him in the face with both your right and left fist." Cole stood back and watched. He hoped it was not going to take too long to get Franco to say what he needed him to say…."

Franco shook his head as he saw his fist go extremely hard into his brother's stomach. Tears filled his eyes as he said, "Please Fixer. Stop this..." Just then his right then his left fist connected with Neo's face. He pleaded with Fixer saying, "Please Don't make me hurt my brother...Please Fixer..."

"Saint you can stop this anytime you want. Who controls you? … I am not feeling patient at the moment, Franco. I have toys in the cabinet we can use if you want. Answer me, Who controls you?" Cole looked at Neo and said, "You agreed to be surety for your brother … maybe you should ask him." Cole smiled and looked back at Franco. "Maybe I should bring in your pretty little friend you met last time? … Who controls you Franco?"

Franco listened and then pleaded, "No, please Fixer. You promised that you released her. You promised! You said that if I.. Please Fixer don't make me hurt her again. Please..."

"She is not the only female I have in my army, Franco." Cole walked up and stood beside Franco, between him and the wall. Looking at the Saint he thought for a moment. "Franco, Kimtu is blocking any change your body would possible think of making. One of the side effects of this is he can control the change. With the drug in your system, what would happen if you were forced to change into say a tiger, or maybe an eagle? I wonder what would happen.." Cole waited to see if his would work.

Turning to Neo he added, "Don't you want to give your brother some advice, Cooler?"

Neo noticed that Frankie had stopped just short of saying what he had agreed to the last time he had been on this drug. He looked at his baby brother and asked, "Frankie, what did you promise him?"

Franco said with tears still in his eyes, "That I would come when he sent for me. That I would be at his beck and call. Neo, you made a deal with him? You are allowing him to use you against me, why?"

Neo nodded as he answered, "Frankie, he would not help you unless I agreed to certain things. I am being used as insurance against Brennan. You need to learn control of your gift and Fixer offered to help for a price. I agreed to pay the price."

Cole looked at Neo and then toward Franco, "Are you going to listen to your brother, Saint, or do we have to continue…. Tell me who controls you Franco?" Cole waited to see if Neo's words made any difference, in how Franco reacted to his authority.

Franco thought about his brother's words and then said, "My brother don't threaten for no reason Fixer. I will admit that I need help with learning control where my gift is concerned. From my brothers, not from you! You have control as far as the Prophet is concerned and maybe getting me to come when you call. But that is where your control ends Fixer. You used my brother's protectiveness of me to get him to strike a deal. You used one of your own to insure that I would agree to be at your beck and call. This drug may have me obeying you but that is just my body, not my mind. You will never fully control me or my brother. Whatever made my brother threaten you, just made him your worse nightmare? Without my brother asking me to trust you? Well, I hope you have a backup plan as now..."

Neo shook his head as he said, "Frankie, reconsider. None of us know how to train you, Fixer does. Frankie, all he is asking is for you to let him train you to control your gift. He won't let you leave the island until you have learned to control the change. Please Frankie?"

Franco shook his head as he said, "No Neo, I will not have you being controlled by him. Not because of me, not again. You and the others have always had my back and protected me. Especially you Neo. Twice now you have made deals you otherwise would have never made. Now it is my turn to have your back. It is my turn to protect you. Cause there is no way that I will allow him or Khalid to control you to protect me."

Cole shook his head and chuckled softly. "Saint you don't understand do you. Go sit down…." Cole knew the amount of drug he had given Franco only lasted about 10 minutes, which meant, there was just enough time to get Franco back in the chair. As Franco sat down, Cole put his two fingers together, and Franco's legs were bound to the chair. "I do control your brother, Franco because of you and because of the connection you Quints have with each other. You are here until you are trained. Your brother has promised to be surety for the outcome of that training, so he is here also. I can keep you here for a very long time Franco. I can eventually control your gift with the use of drugs, but as I told your brother in the hall, I do not want to go that way. The addiction to the drugs used, can be very painful, if the drugs are stopped all of a sudden. The possibility also exists you can become stuck between two worlds. I am offering you a way to have some self-control over the changes, Franco. The only alternative is for me to have control as far as being able to supply the drug you would be addicted too. Your brother cannot help you here, but I can. You want to protect your brother…. Protect him from being under my control? Well then agree to my terms and let's get started." Frankie had two choices…. Cole knew the consequences of the drugs, first hand. When his gift had been discovered, one man who no longer breathed, tried to control him with the drugs. Cole had lived, barely through the withdrawal. It had only been because of another being he had learned to control the change.

Neo shook his head as he watched his brother. Franco had a look on his face that Neo had all too often.

Franco said, "The answer is No. You will not use me to control my brother. Release him and maybe we will talk but nobody is going to control my gift but me. Especially somebody that gets his pay from a man that would like nothing better than to have something to hold over my brother. Khalid conned my brother into a deal to save my life. We were fourteen then but Neo has paid dearly for that ever since. Nobody walks away from Khalid and Neo did at eighteen. I won't allow him..."

Cole slammed his fist down on the table. "I am not being paid by Khalid or anyone else Franco to do what I am doing. I am far from the point of needing galleons. The job I am doing at the present is all mine. Training you is something I need to do because of a promise I made once." Cole had promised William Andreas that if he ever had the chance to help someone else stay out of the Dark One's clutches by helping them to understand and achieve control over their gift. "I do not want to control your gift, Franco. But, Saint if it comes down to me controlling it or someone else, such as Shadow, then figure out who is going to control you to control it." Cole raked his hand through his hair, "You have a decision to make Franco, and I will allow you until morning to make it. Either you learn how to control your gift from me or I will start controlling it through other means. It is the only two options you have." Cole turned to Kimtu and said, pointing to Neo, "Get him down, allow him to clean up then put him in the chair. After Franco has his next shot, which should be in…" Cole looked at his watch, "…. About two hours release both of them. Bring a cot in here for Neo."

Looking back at the two men he said as he stood up straight from leaning on the table, he said, "I am going to bed. I have an early day tomorrow starting around 5 am. I should be back in here around 8:30 am. Franco you can give me your final answer at that time." Cole held up his hand as he saw Franco about to speak. "I said your answered will be expected in the morning. Talk between yourselves. Saint you decision will not just effect you but all of the Quints. I do not totally understand the connection, but I know Neo feels things you feel. I wonder what would happen if you started to change and got caught between worlds…. Or were forced to go into withdrawal from not having the medicines."
Cole partially turned toward the door. "Talk to each other." Then he turned and headed toward the door.

Neo smiled as he said, "Fixer, this is why I did not want Frankie to know about our deal. He can be as bull-headed as Marco can at times. I meant what I said Fixer. I will agree that you are the best one to help Frankie with the gift of his. But Fixer, what you did earlier with your guests, I cannot allow it ever again. If I have to I will bring you down. I owe you at least a warning. I will do what I said in the hall and next time I won't just grab the shirt."

Franco was listening and said, "What other guests? Who did you bring here to get my brother that enraged?"

Cole hesitated; half turned and said, "I told you we will talk in the morning. Good night gentlemen. Tomorrow is a new day and we will start however you choose." Cole turned and walked out the door, pulling it hard behind him

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

Franco
(The first part of this will appear in this thread and in Elsewhere, CLOSED A Time to Learn because both threads are running at the same time.)

Cole did not say a word. He just gave Brennan a shove toward the door. Unlocking it, he pushed Sherlock through the door; almost hoping one of the brothers was on the otherside to attack him as he cam through.

Franco was the first to see Bren and told Neo to catch Bren. Neo caught Bren just inches from
Brennan hitting the floor hard. Bren heard both ask if he was okay. Sherlock nodded as he said, "Richard is out on the lawn. He is fine but I have a feeling we are not going to be. I sort of took out a few of Fixer's men while looking for you guys. Fixer is right behind me."

Neo nodded as he said, "How close behind was he?" Bren never got to answer as Fixer answered instead.

"Good morning gentlemen. I told you I would be back right about this time. Please sit," Cole waited. All three men just stood there. "I said sit and asked nicely. We can do this the hard way or the easy way." Turning slightly toward Tarka and nodded. The Elf quickly raised his hand as did Mecum and Kimtu.

All the men grudgingly sat at the table. Cole signaled to bind their legs, which was done. Walking up behind Brennan, Cole put his hands on the man's shoulders and squeezed hard. Turning to Franco he said, "Sherlock here has said he is not going to leave the island until the two of you, can go with him. He and Richard, who is patiently waiting at the leaving site, were within five minutes of leaving." Cole squeezed harder and was rewarded with a grunt from Brennan. "In his need to get here to tell you, he has destroyed my property and put at least one man of mine in the hospital unit. I do not appreciate his haste."

Cole let go of Brennan's shoulders and said to all three men. "Please put your palms flat on the table and spread your fingers, now." When they hesitated he nodded to Kimtu who walked up to the table, put his palm over the table about a foot above the surface and closed his eyes. All six hands were forced to the table, plams down and fingers uncomfortably spread. "Thank you Kimtu. Now I will let you keep your hands there in a little more comfort if you agree to not move them." Cole nodded and Kimtu took his hand away. All six hands stayed where they were, but the fingers were not spread so far apart.

Cole walked over and stood behind Neo, who sat opposite Brennan, and put his hands on the man's shoulders. Instead of squeezing, he positioned his thumbs on two presure points at the back of Neo's neck, saying, "Twice Neo told me he was going to do damage to me and my life, I also did not appreciate this." Cole pushed on the two spots, receiving a grown from Neo as his head fell forward and hit the table hard. Cole reached down and grabbed Neo's hair, pulling the head back up. Leaning forward so his mouth was opposite Neo's ear he said so all could hear, "I also know pressure points Cooler. Would you like me to demonstrate some of them for you on say Brennan or even your brother?

Neo smiled as he said, "Glad to know you heard me. There is one move though that you will never learn Fixer. You know how to get me to back down. Give your word that yesterday's guests won't ever make a return trip. You do that and you will have no worry about me using that move on you. Don't and well I don't make idle threats."

"I will tell you what I will do Neo. I will sit down with them and talk, explaining you concern and then it will be up to them if they return or not." Cole knew how that would work out. He had talks with the children before about the possibilities of them not being able to return. He had told them if he thought it was dangerous he would tell them. Also, he had told them otherwise it would be up to them. "Talk to them yourselves. Nothing is scheduled until next week. I will abide by their decision, not yours or anyone else, only theirs." Cole stepped back and walked over to where Franco was sitting, between Neo and Brennan. Putting his hands on Franco's shoulders he said, "So what have you decided, Saint. Which of the possibilites have you agreed upon?"

When Franco had heard that children were on the island yesterday, Neo saw and felt his fury before either Neo or Bren was able to calm him down, Franco demanded, "What children? What have you done with them? You wonder why I refuse to trust you? This is the reason! You will do anything to achieve your goal, including using children. No wonder Neo threatened you."

Cole patted Franco's shoulders. "I do not force them to come, Franco. They come on their own to be out in the fresh air and learn survival skills. When you get trained and are allowed to leave, then you can talk to them on your own, like I am sure Brennan is going to do, if he ever decides to leave." Cole looked at Brennan and smiled, then turned his attention back to Franco. "You still have not answered my question Franco. Which of your two choices have you chosen? And what should we do about Brennan there, not wanting to leave until you and Neo do?" Cool rubbed Franco's shoulders hard waiting for an answer.

Franco asked, "What are you planning Fixer? I have to agree with Bren that you plan on teaching either Bren a lesson as you said once where Bren said that he took out a few. Before I answer you, I want to know what you have in store for Neo and Bren."

"Franco, put your palms back flat on the table, please and spread your finger." Franco had clinched his hands. "If you cannot keep them that ways I will have Kimtu make sure they stay there." Cole looked around the table. He had to come up with something that would make Franco decide to get trained, Neo to stop thinking about taking him down or at least not be able too, and Brennan to leave. Slowly he made his way to the one empty chair, across from Franco and between Brennan and Neo. Turning it around, he straddled it while saying, "I have decided to let you three provide a little entrainment." Cole circled his hand around in front of him, and all three men became arm and leg bound in their chairs. Cole smiled, "Sorry about the binding, but I do not think any of you are going to like what I have planned and I need time to set it up, without you three creating a disturbance." Folding his arms on the back of the chair, he continued looking toward Franco first, "The way I see it, Franco you need to get help, and I am your only choice, but unless I want to fill you with more drugs which you would become very dependant on, I need to get you to agree to the treatment."

Turning to Brennan he said, "Brennan you need to leave along with Richard who is taking a nap, it seems. It is totally his idea, Brennan," he quickly added when he saw the look on Brennan's face. The man thought he had something to do with Richard going to sleep. "I need either you to agree to go on your own, or maybe Franco convinces you to go."

Shifting his eyes to Neo he said, "And Neo, I need you to calm down and stop threatening me. The children are all right when they are here, and I would not hurt them. The worst I would do is make them believe they needed to stay a little longer than normal. But they would be having a good time while they did, this I can promise you. I also need to get you past the idea of hunting me down, when we are both in the Wizarding or Muggle worlds."

Looking generally around the table he finished with, "I need to solve all of these problems and need to do it soon. Would any of you gentlemen care to solve one or more of the problems on your own?"

Neo watched as the other two shook their heads. He had calmed down enough to really listen to what Fixer had said about the children. He was still upset about Fixer using the children but no longer was he furious. He smiled as he asked, "Fixer, how easy would it be for anybody forcibly take the children off the island? Answer that question honestly and we might not have a problem between me and you. As for any other arrangements, there won't be any."

Cole smiled. At least he had gotten some response. Concentrating on Neo he said, "One of the very first things I made clear to the children was they were never to leave the island unless I gave them a direct order to. Even if their time was up, they had to hear it from me, or they stayed. They also are not only under the buddy system, where they are never alone, but the agreement is between us, that three is better than two, and they are to try and always know where the others are. If they get worried, they are to blow their whistles or yell the word red , which is a code word meaning they need help. If someone is stupid enough to try and get past these facts then I guarantee you, my little army will be on it immediately."

Neo smiled as he nodded and said, "As long as nobody like Shadow can use this as an easy way to get at the children. In fact, it might be a safe place if the school in attacked. I will not have a problem as long as both Sasha and Seth approve. Bren sees if you can schedule a meeting between Fixer, Sasha, Seth, yourself and young Tia of course when you get back."

Nodding in agreement, Cole said, "Well I am glad we got that out of the way." Cole looked at Brennan and Franco and his smile grew bigger at the look of disbelief on both their faces concerning what Neo had just said. "That leaves us with only two problems left. Neo, with the agreement you just partially made…" Neo still had not agreed to hunt him down, "I do regret you will be required to participate in the rest of my attempts to get Franco and Brennan to see reason. You have put yourself up as surety for both of them. To be absolutely fair in this, Franco and Brennan you have one more chance to agree to your parts of the problems"

Neo shook his head as he said, "Fixer, all I said is that if Sasha and Seth agree with this, then I will back down. Me and You will never come to another agreement or deal."

"I heard you Neo and I understand what you are trying to say. At the moment I am waiting to hear from Brennan and Franco." Looking at both men he said, "Gentlemen, do you have anything else to say." Cole chuckled, because all he received was two strong glares. "Then gentlemen I think we will have to proceed with my idea."Cole walked over to the cabinet and pulled out a small bottle. Blocking the view with his body he filled two syringes half full, put them in his pockect, locked the cabinet and walked back to the table. Standing behind Brennan, he said, "I regret having to do this." Pulling one of the syringes out of his pocket he jamed Brennan in the arm with it and then punched the spot to disperse the medicine. As he walked to where Neo was, he said, "It will only take about three minutes for the sirum to take effect."

When he reached the spot directly behind Neo he said, "Sorry about this Cooler, but your brother needs help." Cole took the other syringe out and jammed the struggling Cooler in the arm, then punched the spot to disperse the drug. Looking at Franco he said, "Remember Franco you were the one to cause this and you are the only one who can stop it." Looking at Brennan who was trying to shake off the effects of the drug, Cole said, "Brennan sit still and do not move until I say." Brennan became instantly still. "You and Neo have been given the same drug you had before and Franco has had. Until I give them the antidote, they will do everything I tell them to do. Brennan and Neo, you will know what is happening and you will be able to talk, but you will not be able to refuse what I tell you to do." Looking at the three elves he said, "Take your charges to the basement, we are going to have a little fun, I think."

All three men had their legs unbound and the elves helped them to stand. None of them went quietly, but the elves were strong and unforgiving. Cole followed them out of the room.

Franco cringed as Fixer's words took full meaning. Fixer had just placed a deadly weapon under his control. He looked from Neo to Brennan and then to Fixer. He had to stop this and there was only one way. He hung his head as he pleaded with Fixer, "Please Fixer, you have taken my brother's ability to stop himself away. Please, he could kill Bren. I will accept for offer to train me just don't do this, Please."

Neo smiled inwardly knowing how hard that had been for his brother. Bren just stared straight ahead and prayed that it was not going to be another girl.

Cole stopped all of them at the top of the stairs leading to the Training room below. Turning Franco around he asked, "Then I have your full agreement to go through the training I will prescribe and not give me any problems, when I tell you that you must do something, no matter how crazy or wrong it may seem. It is not a fun process Franco. It can be terrifying and exhausting, but once we start you must continue until I say you are done. Do I have your agreement on all of the training?"

Franco looked at Neo as he said, "Yes, anything...Just don't do this to Neo. Please..."

Turning toward Brennan, who was standing behind Franco, he pushed Franco up against the wall, and motioned Mecum to do the same with Neo. "Ok, Sherlock it looks like it is up to you. The only problem I seem to have left is getting you to agree to leave without Neo and Franco in tow." Cole stepped directly in front of Brennan and backed him up against the wall.

Bren said confused, "How can I Fixer? Franco already had to go through the works thanks to the last time he was in your care. You are breaking them down. By the time you release them, how much of the true them will be left? I want them released now before you can break them down any further. If that is not possible then I need to insure that they have somebody that can keep them grounded to their true ideals and beliefs."

Cole took a half step closer, he was right in Brennan's face now. "That person is not going to be you Brennan. You see one of the effects of the drug I have given you is that I now control what you do. So, guess what, you are leaving." Turning to Mecum and Kimtu he said, "Take Neo and Franco back to their room. They are to be set in the chairs and arms and legs bound. I will be a long shortly."

Neo and Franco had walked slowly back to the room without saying a word. They were placed in chairs and their legs were bound to the legs of the chairs. Franco dropped his head to the table and groaned. Cole had done it to him again. He rolled his forehead back and forth on the table, as he tried to convince himself he had done the right thing.

Neo watched his brother and had no clue what to say. He could tell the drug, Cole had given to him had worn off. The fact that he had not promised to take Cole down the first chance he got was one plus which had come out of this. There was little hope, though that Cole would not correct that oversight when he returned. The man was planning on breaking him as he had broken Franco and Brennan. Franco was his weak spot. Cole was smart. He was using everyone's weaknesses to get what he wanted. Neo smiled a little, because Frankie had agreed to go through the training, but he wondered if the price was going to be too high. Frankie would not look at him. Neo looked around the room for any idea on what he could use or try to stop the man. There was nothing.

Neo jumped when the door clicked and Cole came in. Brennan and Richard were gone. It was just him and Frankie now to worry about. As Cole walked toward his usual seat at the table and straddled the chair, Neo said, " What now Fixer? Bren was right about his concerns. You already broken my brother down. But you are going to find that I am not an easy nut to crack. Especially since my brother has now agreed to allow you to help him. Our only deal is now finished and you will receive no more help from me."

Cole just sat and looked at Franco and Neo. Neo was going to be there a while so there was time to take care of his thoughts. "Hold that thought Cooler, for now Franco is my main concern. Franco look at me, please."

Franco looked up at Fixer but said nothing. To protect his brother he had promised until his gift was controlled, Saint would do whatever Fixer wanted. As the weight of what he had agreed to finally hit him, tears filled his eyes. He was now fully under the control of Fixer and wondered if Fixer would use him and his metamorphic ability against his brothers. Saying what he was feeling, "Fixer, please never ask that I change and order me to attack one of my brothers. I would do it as I made you a promise but it would destroy me inside." He looked at Neo but turned away quickly. He felt he had betrayed his brother by letting Fixer have control of his training. He had done it to save his brother from becoming what Cooler was years ago. So why did Franco feel as if he had destroyed whatever bond he had with his brothers.

"Part of the reason I will help you control your gift is so that you do not change and attack your family or anyone else who you conceive of as an enemy. You are who you are, Franco and the basic you I cannot change. At least this way you will not be hooked on drugs and no one will be able to control you through your inability to control your gift. Neo will be allowed to stay while you are going through training. At any point during your training, if both of you agree, he may leave. But if he leaves he will not be allowed to return until I say so. In about an hour and a half you will be given another shot, it will only be the conditioning drug you have been getting every six hours up to this point. Then six hours after that you will get one more and then the last six hours after that. From that point on you will only receive the drug if necessary in your training. Some of what will happen will seem fantastic to you and some of it will scare you right out of your skin, but all of it must be endured and accepted. If I tell you to eat a certain food, you must do it. If I tell you not to eat or drink for a certain amount of time you must do it. Do you understand everything I have told you so far?"

Neo could feel his brother's panic and tried to calm him by saying, "Frankie, what is wrong? Why are you so afraid? I am going to be here the whole time."

Frankie said nothing though the panic felt as if it would swallow him whole. How could he tell his brother that he knew what the conditioning was actually doing? That he was allowing himself to be conditioned to believe whatever Fixer wanted, just so Neo would never be given the drug. Frankie knew deep down he had agreed and must follow through but he feared what Fixer would brainwash him into believing especially about his brothers.

Cole could do nothing about the panic Franco was feeling. The only thing he could do now was force the training to precede and let Franco start to catch on. "Franco, look at me. Do you understand what I have told you so far? The actual training will start first thing in the morning, after breakfast."
Franco just nodded as he barely kept his eyes on Fixer. He wanted his brother off the island and out of harm's way. Saint knew he would say nothing about it to Fixer or the man would never release Neo.

Cole stood up. "I will go now. Neo you can stay here again tonight. I will be back around 9 am. right after your last shot Franco. The first part of the training is only talking, nothing strenuous. Breakfast will be served around 7 am. Franco you must eat everything served to you. There is a reason for everything which will be on the plate. Any questions, gentlemen?"

Neo nodded and looked at the door. He wanted to talk privately with Fixer. He knew the man was far from done with him. Neo just wanted to insure that anything he went through, Franco would never witness. His baby brother was deathly afraid as is and Neo had no intention of adding his pain to what his brother was already feeling. Franco just shook his head.

(OOC: This is a combined thread between Barbie and Jane, hope you enjoy)