Two Brothers In Trouble (Cole, Franco, Neo)(Part 1)

Two Brothers In Trouble (Cole, Franco, Neo)(Part 1)
(Combined threads from old site)
(Happening the same time as A Time to Learn)

Franco Spellman
Franco had just finished the morning paperwork. He knew he should have stayed home as Maxwell Sinclair and Dr. Lance Kildare told him, but he couldn't make himself just relax. The mind-dive the previous day, had been painful and they never did get to level 6, because of blockers Cole had added on the island. The work at the newspaper was about the most relaxing thing he could do. He had actually been able to keep ahead on it, which was a surprise because he didn't like sitting behind a desk. Since he had become Editor-in-Chief though he had to settle down and get the job done. Tal'mac, an elf, but part of the family had helped keep him focus. Franco had spent a lot of time, watching over his shoulder waiting for Fixer to call in his marker and ask for his first favor.

Sitting back in his office chair, he closed his eyes for a moment and just relaxed. With the paperwork done, he had about three hours before his next meeting with the staff to go over up-coming stories and possible things, which could turn into stories. Franco heard a rustling of the papers and said, without opening his eyes, "Ok, Tal'mac I will get to it in a while." When he did not receive an answer, he opened his eyes and sat up straight. It was not Tal'mac in front of his desk, but Punta, Cole's elf. The elf was holding out a note.

Tentatively Franco reached out and took it. When he finally got the courage to open it, he realized his time was up.

Note:
I have your toy and it is time for you to pick it up. Punta will bring you.

The note was not signed, but it did not need to be. Franco looked at Punta, who bowed and nodded. His chin dropped to his chest and he tried to take a deep breath. He had almost been able to convince himself this time would never come. Looking back up he noticed Punta, standing very still watching him. Even if Franco did not want to go, he knew the elf had his orders and Franco would find himself packaged and forcibly taken. Taking a piece of parchment, he penned a note to Tal'mac to cancel his meetings for two days, stood up and walked around to the front of the desk. Nodding to the elf, which put his hand on Franco's arm, he closed his eyes.

When he opened his eyes he was in an interrogation room. He shivered and sat in the chair as directed. Franco's stomach rolled and he fought the nausea, which threatened to come up his throat. Punta was not going to be any help, he had gone to stand in the corner, staring at the floor. Franco was just going to have to wait until Cole decided to come in and talk with him. At least he had not been tied down this time.

Franco noticed Punta's head pop up. The elf walked over to him and said, "Master Cole will be here in about five minutes. He has requested that you, to show you still understand your statis here, stand and kneel in front of him when he comes in…. I know Master Franco this is not a good thing for you, but if you do this then the day can continue pleasantly. Master Frank only wants to talk with you and return your yo-yo. I was hoping Master Franco, you might instruct me on how to use it, if you think by hands would work the item."

(OOC: This thread is a combined post by Barbie and Jane, Enjoy! It is also happening the same time as "A Time To Learn" located in this site)

Frank Cole
Cole had just left Brennan. Looking at his watch he saw it was just a little after 11:00 am. He stopped outside the door to the interrogation room where Franco was being held. Turning on the small view screen he watched for a few seconds. Reaching in his pocket he checked to make sure the yo-yo was there. It was still hard for him to believe, Franco had killed two men with the toy.

Reaching to a couple of other buttons, he remotely turned on the view screen in Neo's room. Frank want to make sure Neo saw what was about to happen. He had not turned on the sound, but the picture should be enough. Cole took a deep breath, squared his shoulders and turned the handle of the door.

Walking in he took enough steps toward the table to put him about three feet away from the end. Then he just stood and waited. In the back of his mind, he wished he could be in two places at once and see Neo's face. He would have the re-play to watch. He wondered how long it would take Franco to get up and follow the agreement.

Franco
When Franco saw the Punta step back and too the side a few steps, he knew the time he had been dreading was at hand. Cole was coming in the door. He tried to take a deep breath and school his face, but anger and embracement both warred to see which could change his complexion the most. Franco's eyes went to the handle and watched it slowly turn. He watched as Cole took easy steps to the end of the table. His eyes went to the man's and saw he was not going to be able to go back on his word.

Slowly Franco rose, straightened his T-shirt, turned and went down on his knees in front of Cole. Bowing his head he said, "I am at your command." He could not keep his fists from balling into tight knots at his side. He knew he did not dare do anything else but what he was doing. Now he had to wait to see what was next.

Cole smiled and said, "You may get up Franco and sit in the chair. Please put your palms flat on the table and spread your fingers. I will not have Punta bind you as long as you can stay calm and do not give me a reason to think you might have other ideas then talking with me."

Franco slowly rose and regained his seat. Placing his palms on the table as instructed, he watched as Cole straddled the chair across from him on the other side of the small table. "You said I was to get my toy back. That is what I came for, so if you will return it, I will go back to work." Franco knew in his heart, it was not going to be that easy but he had to say something. He was fighting the fear which was threatening to make him do something rash.

Cole folded his arms on the back of the chair and watched Saint for a few seconds then said, "I have your toy in my pocket and when you return to your office, I will make sure it is returned to you." Turning to the elf he said, "Punta get us something to eat and drink," Cole glanced at Franco and added, "please…" because he knew it would show Franco he was changing as far as the elves were concerned.

Franco nodded and turned to Punta saying, "I do not need any refreshments, Punta, I will not be here long enough to eat," The elf paid no attention to him, just continued to retrieve the sandwiches and a jug of liquid out of the refrigerator in the back wall. Turning back to Cole he asked, "If it is not just to return my toy, then Fixer why am I here? I have a lot of work to do now that I am back at the Prophet and several meetings. I am here as you requested but being Editor has made my time even more limited."

Cole smiled, got up and walked to the view screen, retrieved the remote and then returned to his chair. Sitting down and staring at Franco he said in a very quiet voice. "I must insist you eat something. After all you would not want to make Neo think I was miss-treating you would you…" As he said the last words he pushed a couple of buttons on the remote, never taking his eyes off of Franco.

Franco had turned toward the screen. Cole glanced out of the corner of his eye and his smile broadened. On the screen was Neo staring into his own screen, shaking his head no with a look of pure hurt on his face. Cole pushed another button and the screen went blank. Putting the remote down he waited for Franco to turn back toward him. For the first few heart beats the only indication he had that Franco had seen the screen was the fact the man's fists were slowly balling up. Cole shot a look at Punta to tell him to be ready to restrain Franco if needed. "Franco, lay your hand back flat on the table, please and spread you fingers."

Franco was furious. Fixer had him here as a tool to use against his brother Neo. Now what he had done when Fixer first walked in made sense. Saint had not tried to connect mentally with Neo in a long time but he needed to now. Reaching out to Neo mentally, he sent a message that seeing was not always believing. He smiled as he felt his brother relax.

Saint then turned and glared at Fixer as he said, "I will not have mine and your deal used by you to break Neo! Fixer that was a low blow even for you. Whatever you were thinking when you chose this action, Fixer? You have made an enemy this day. Our deal stands as far as the Prophet goes but any info I would have given you...is done! You have shown me that you have become no better than Shadow! If you had waited, I could have talked with Neo and explained things but your underhandedness have destroyed any chance of my family ever uniting again as Neo will never forgive Marco now for his friendship with you. Neo blames Marco for what he saw and though you have indeed broken him, Neo will never forgive either you nor Marco for what he saw and felt."

Cole sat back and looked at Franco's hands; they were still in tight balls on the table. Ignoring his outrage for a short time he said, "I said to put your palms down on the table and spread your fingers, Saint. Do it or Punta will do it for you."

Calmly he leaned on the back of the straight-back chair and crossed his arms on the table. "You have made several points in your shall we say, childish fit Franco and I will try and answer all of them. First, I am not using you to try and break Neo. Your brother will either break or not break depending on what I want to happen. I just wanted him to know where we stand. Second, if I want information from you I will get the information. It is an empty threat on your part Saint, to withhold the information. You should know me well enough by now, to realize I have a widespread arsenal of ways to get information, whether willingly given or not. Third, Neo is not going to harm your brother. Before he leaves here, Neo will fully understand the possibilities open to him and those closed. He will also understand what the consequences are of trying to open the closed doors, just as you do… maybe you need a small refresher course in my abilities." Cole raised his eyebrows.

Cole looked at Punta and dropped his hand in front of his face. He had just signaled the elf to block all contact, physically or mentally between the two brothers. If he could not block it he was to garble it so bad, no clear messages could be passed. Cole had seen the effect of the message pass in Franco's eyes as they became remote for only a second or two. "Besides returning our toy, and letting you see Neo is also my guest, I have made a small precise list of some stories I would like to see run in your paper. I have also indicated the information I want emphasized. They should appear for the most part in either next week's paper or the following week. Except for one, which I have designated, they can be buried on the back page if you want. The one I have signified, must appear on either the front page or on the second page. This one should also be a minimum of two column, which I do not think you will have a problem with writing." Cole handed Franco a piece of rolled parchment. "I need to go and visit your brother for a few moments. Read the list and see if you have any problems. Since I know you are a stickler for details, I will answer your questions the best I can when I return."

Franco was still furious as he said, "Oh I know you will get your information Fixer. The thing is that it will never again be willingly. Plus the first chance I get I will bring you down. You have made an enemy of my brother. If Neo does reach Marco as furious as Cooler is, Marco won't stand a chance. If that happens, you will regret ever hearing my name. That I promise you Fixer! It was bad enough that our father pushed those two against each other...Without somebody that Marco considers his friend..." Franco stopped as he felt the change and realized that his gift was again changing him

Cole had started toward the door, but turned when Punta said, "Master Frank, we have a problem." Turning back he saw that Franco had started to metaphor into an animal. Some wizards considered it a gift, but in Cole's experience it was close to a curse. He had learned to control his changes, but only after some very scary situations and almost being eaten several times by various predators. Cole could only turn into a rat, a rather large rat, but only a rat. He was learning quickly that Franco's abilities had not settled on one type of animal. From what was happening before his eyes, Franco was turning into some type of cat. He had already come off his chair and was on all fours on the floor. Hair had started to grow from his face and hands. Franco's eyes had changed also to the cat-eye. Cole signaled Punta to stay back. He wanted to see the full change take place. He also signaled Punta to get put up a barrier in the corner, so Franco could be caged easily if he became too dangerous.
.
Looking at the view screen, he had an idea. Carefully reaching for the remote, he punched in Neo's screen code. Now the brother could see what was happening to Franco. After about five minutes the change was complete. By this time Cole had picked up a chair and was holding it like a Muggle lion tamer. Punta had made his way to the cabinet and had thrown, Cole a small whip. Cole smiled. This was very interesting. Franco had started to hiss and arch his back. He had walked right out of his clothes and the fur on his body was standing straight up. He was definitely mad. The closest Cole could judge him to be was a Highland Tiger. He had seen a couple of ones on his treks through the highland hills.

Cole had enough control over his changes to be able to realize what he was doing while he was changed, change back at will and remember what had transpired, but he was not sure at what level Franco was at in his control. Franco hissed a few more times then prowled under the table and the far chair. Cole followed his movements with the chair he had in his hands. Franco squatted down and prepared to pounce. Cole was ready. Instead of jumping Franco charged under the chair in Cole's hand and swiped at Cole's leg as he ran by, catching material and from the way it felt, some skin in his long claws. Franco ran under the bed, on which Punta had jumped.

Cole didn't dare look to see if there was blood, although from the warmth, traveling down toward his shoes, he figured some skin had been broken. "Here kitty, kitty,…. Here kitty, kitty…" Cole said as he bent down carefully to look under the bed. That was a mistake. All of a sudden a large fur ball came at him, sinking it's claws in his back before darting off to the other side of the room, making a quick turn and darting back under the bed, taking a swipe and connecting with Cole's other leg.

A strangled yelp, escaped between Cole's lips. He had enough. Signaling Punta, who looked doubtful, he made the sign for rounding the cat up and penning him. "Don't change him back until I tell you too. Punta held out his hand and waited. Cole nodded and again pretended to bend down and call Franco out. The cat was wily, because it did not come out the side of the bed this time, but out at the foot of the bed, trying to outflank Cole. Cole turned just in time to dodge another charge and give Punta an opportunity to drop the cat to the ground in mid-air. Punta then magically dragged the cat into the corner and erected the rest of the walls of the cage.

Cole sat down heavily on the edge of the bed. He had put the chair down and thrown the whip on the table. He was actually breathing hard. "That was not fun," he said to no one in particular. Punta just nodded in agreement. Both Cole and the elf sat there for a moment looking at the sleeping cat in the corner. Franco would be turning back soon, because the emotions which had turned him into a cat in the first place had now disappeared. Looking first at the sreen and shaking is head, Cole turned to Punta and said, "He has to be kept calm." Walking over to the cabinet he opened it and pulled out a small brown bottle and a syringe. Filling the needle with three CC's of the contents of the bottle, the walked to the wall, signalled Punta to drop it for a moment. .. gave Franco the shot and then signalled Punta to re-erect the structure. As he was walking to the table to straddle one of the chairs, to wait for Franco to come back to human form, he wondered what Neo was thinking. It did not take long before an unclothed humanbeing lay on the floor in the corner, barely starting to move.

Cole signaled to Punta to cover Franco up until he became coherent enough to get dressed again. It was going to be interesting to know how much he remembered. Lifting up his pants legs he found the scratches had already closed. If he had not had long pants on the cuts would have been serious. The rips in the material of both pants legs would not be repairable. Cole watched as Franco came too. The man was dangerous until he learned to control his gift . There would be no way at the moment to tell what he would turn into. It would do for a dragon to all of a sudden appear over a Muggle city. Besides the chaos it would cause at the ministry, correcting to information, Franco would be locked up, until a full exam could be done on him. Cole was not even sure his states as a Caretaker, would prevent a lengthy stay in some dark hole and some experimentation being done in the guise of medical help.

Franco was groggy and barely remembered the feeling he had been changing. Franco found he had a hard time sitting let alone standing. He turned and faced Cole as he asked, "Still a bird?"

Cole shook his head no, signaling Punta to drop the walls. He got up off the chair and went to the cabinet. Taking out a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt tossing them to Franco. "Come sit down at the table, Saint. We need to talk…. Oh and say hello to your brother." Cole pointed toward the screen.

Frankie got dressed and tried to get over to the table as he said, "I guess this means I am staying a while? What was it this time?" Upon hearing that Neo saw what he had done, Saint collapsed as he asked, "Was it bad?"

Punta had been quicker than Cole. The elf had a hold of Franco under the arms and was half carrying and half levitating him toward the bed, before Cole was able to cover the short couple of feet to where Franco's legs had given out. Between the two of them they were able to get Franco into the bed. "Easy Franco, I am not going to tie you down, but you need to lie down for a while." Cole captured the man's eyes and added, "I know how exhausting it can be after the change."

Cole looked at the screen and nodded, trying to let Neo know his brother was going to be all right. Then he went to the table where he had laid down the remote and turned off all the screens. Turning back to the bed, he leaned on the railing sides that Punta had lifted. "You turned into what was most likely a Highland Tiger. It was an interesting choice your body made. And to answer your question, yes, Saint you are going to be here a while. Through medication we need to get you regulated so what happened here does not happen at the Prophet. I am considering getting Lance back here, but not sure about whether I want the extra guests at the moment. My medical team is first rate, and I will give them permission to contact Doc if they have questions. Until then, you are to stay in bed for at least twelve hours. If you refuse I will have Punta tie you down, understood?"

Franco hung his head as he said, "You did not answer my last question. Was it bad? Is Neo furious with me? And yes I understand. Glad I left a note for Tal'mac to cancel all my meetings for the next two days."

Cole looked at Franco and asked, "You turned into Why would your brother be mad at you Franco. What you are, the gift you have is controllable with time, patients and instruction, none of which I am guess you have received since you were here last. I would be willing to bet you said you were too busy and did not think you needed the help." Cole raised his eyebrows waiting for the answer he knew was probably coming.

Franco just shrugged as he said, "I have always had missing time, Neo made me swear never to let anybody know about my lapses as dad would be furious.

Cole nodded but did not totally understand. "The only way you are going to get control over your gift Franco is to let the right people know, stating with Doc, if he does not already know. Elves can also help with the training… For now you stay in the bed for 12 hours. Punta will bring you a tray of food, and you are to eat all of it. I have given you one shot already. I will be giving you another every six hours for the next three days, and then we will see about getting you back out into the world…. Now I have to go and have a few words with your brother." Cole turned and walked to the door, looking back only once before he left.

As Fixer left, Franco asked Punta, "I did not hurt you did I, my little friend?"

(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane, hope you enjoy it! Highland Tiger: www.highlandtiger.com ; Measurements Male Scottish wildcats are typically larger than females. Males weigh 3.8 to 7.3kg, with an average of 5.3kg, while females vary from 2.4 to 4.7kg, averaging 3.7kg. The length of males, from the head to tip of the tail, varies from 82-98cm but averages 89cm, while females range from 73-90cm, averaging 82 cm.; Threads of interest for things mentioned: ARCHIVED (Jan.-June 2013), Breaking the Man, Not Breaking the Spirit.) )

Neo Spellman

Neo had been pacing. It was the only thing he could do. Mecum, the elf, sat on an air-chair in the corner and was not one for conversation. He had been served breakfast, but had not heard a word from Cole since the man had left the previous evening. As far as he knew, Lucas and hopefully Tara had been returned to the outside world. He hoped Lucas could keep that spit-fire of an Auror under control. While she had been on the island, Neo had a whirlwind of emotions constantly trying to rip up his insides. He had come to realize he cared for the girl more than just as a friend. If Lucas could not keep her under control, he might never have a chance to discuss his feelings with her.

When he heard the click of the view screen, he turned on his heels. Slowly he walked toward the screen as he saw his brother in an identical room with Cole.



Neo could not hear anything be said, but the screen was pulling his emotions apart. His brother should never have to kneel to anyone. Up until this point Neo had forced himself to believe that Franco had not broken. Watching his brother on the screen, his heart sank to the bottom of his stomach. He found himself standing only feet from the screen, trying to yell at his brother to get up and not listen to Cole. Franco had not totally given in though, because his fists were tight balls at his side. When he did get up, Neo waited, but Franco sat down at the table and put his palms down and spread his fingers. Neo pounded his hands on the side table under the screen. If there was something he could throw he would. As he bowed his head his eyes went to the elf watching him from the corner.



"No," Neo shouted, to himself. Mecum came over to him and just stood there looking up. Neo leaned on the side table and tried to get his emotions under control. Franco had been put through a lot and now he could not get to him to give him support. Neo started to think of Marco. If his brother was responsible for bringing Franco back to the island, Neo was going to have a hand-to-hand talk with his brother, and at the moment he did not care if his brother would be still standing afterwards or not. Marco may have made all of this possible. He began to pace again.

As he paced his growing anger, bubbled inside of him. He knew it was zapping his energy, but he could not stop. He needed to be doing something, anything. He could picture in his mind what he wanted to do to Fixer, for making his baby brother go through all of this.

Neo had no idea how much time had passed. He had lost track of it a long time ago. Every second or third trip across the room, he had looked at the view screen, willing it to come back on, but it stayed blank. When he had given up and was adrenalin was leaving his body, the screen flickered and he saw something he hoped he would never have to watch from a distance. His brothers gift as Kat his sister liked to call it was taking hold of his brother. Neo and the others had protected their brother as much as possible. Frankie could never remember later what had happened when he came out of the gift . Once Frankie had turned into a small cat and had attacked their father, because he had scolded Frankie for damaging a chair. Since that point, they had all worked on hiding the gift .



Neo was again glued to the screen standing only about five paces away. Frankie had turned into a cat, but a very large cat. Looking closely he saw it was one of the ones in the books his brother liked to read about Scottish wildlife. It was known as a Highland Tiger. The Tiger was a rare animal, said to be fast, and a good predator, but who would sometimes get too close to humanity. It lived mostly in the hills of Scotland.



Franco's antics brought a small smile to Neo's face. "Yes, good shot Frankie," he said to the screen. Frankie was doing pretty good as a cat.



Neo cringed as he saw Frankie pounce on Cole's back, realizing it had to hurt. "Way to go Frankie," Neo would have given him a high-five if he had been in the same room. Neo's heart skipped a couple of beats when Frankie had run for the corner and appeared to be trapped, but when the cat shot back to under the bed, side swiping Cole with his paw, he smiled.



Neo balled up his fists and walked up to the screen. Mecum had beat him to the spot though and stood in front of him, just looking up. Neo realized the elf had just saved him from busting the screen and probably injuring himself. All he could do was look back and forth between the screen and the elf, until the adrenalin drained to the point where there was not a red haze in front of his eyes and he could think. Nodding to the elf, he turned and walked back to the table sitting on the edge of it. He could tell Frankie was still breathing and he knew it was necessary to cage him until the anger which had turned his brother into the cat, wore off.



When Neo looked back at the screen he almost dropped to his knees. Cole was giving his brother some type of drug. "No,… please …. No" was all he could keep repeating to himself. When Frankie had been younger he had transformed and attacked their father. Their father, a strong disciplinarian, had whipped Frankie and decided that that keeping Frankie close to comatose would be the one thing, which would prevent the change from happening again. The brothers and Kat had been able to hide from their father the fact that Frankie did not take his medicine, but they had also kept telling Frankie he needed to hide the times from their father. There had been a couple of close calls, but when Tal'mac had come to live with them it had been easier. The elf had been on their side as to helping Frankie.

Now Neo was stuck in this room, and Frankie needed him. He went to the door and pulled on the handle. He went to the table and overturned it and through the chairs at the wall. Mecum just sat on his air-chair in the corner watching him. Finally breathing hard, Neo slowly made his way back to the screen and waited for his brother to wake up. He hoped Cole would leave the screen on at least a little while longer.



When Cole pointed toward the screen, Neo realize his brother could see him also. He walked up close to the screen and tried to put a smile on his face, saluting his brother with two fingers to his forehead. "Hang in there Bro. It will be alright."



Neo could only stare at the screen. He couldn't get to Frankie and his baby brother needed him. How was he going to explain to the family that he could not help Frankie. Even Marco had never totally abandoned any of them. He hated Fixer with all his being at the moment. "Frankie, I can't get to you…. Frankie I cant get to you." Staring at the door, Neo froze where he stood, then ran as hard as he could and through himself against the door. It did not budge. He tried again. It did not budge. He tried again. This time he turned, but his back to the door and slid to the floor. "Frankie, I'm trying but I can't get to you." Neo sat on the floor, breathing hard. Mecum stood beside him, but he did not even have enough energy left to say hello or look up at the elf.

After about fifteen minutes, neo was able to regain enough energy to get up off the floor. Slowly he walked to the sink on the back wall and splashed water on his face. He still felt like he had barely enough energy to move, but he knew he was not going to be able to do Frankie any good at the moment. Walking over to the table, which Mecum had righted he sat on one of the two chairs which had also been placed back at the table. Putting his head in his hands he tried to relax. Somehow he had to get to Frankie and help him.

Neo never heard the click of the door. He did hear footsteps coming across the floor, but did not want to talk to the elf at the moment. He was too tired. When he heard the chair on the other side of the table scrape on the floor, he looked up. With the last bit of energy he could muster, he lunged at the man sitting on the other side, only to be stopped in mid-air and pulled back into his chair. He could not move his hips or his legs. He was fastened tight. "Let me go to my brother you monster. How dare you give him drugs. Our father treated him like that and it has taken years from all of us to get him over the trauma."

Cole only folded his arms on the back of the chair and watched Neo as he struggled. "I wouldn't keep struggling Cooler. You are only going to wear yourself out more. Your brother is going to be fine. He is resting and now the last thing he needs is to see you. He thinks you are furious with him for changing and allowing anyone outside the family to see the change. I can understand, when he was younger how you may have wanted to protect his gift but he is still living at that point. He has never even been trained on how to control it and use it for good. I truly thought you brothers loved each other. Instead, you have had him hide as if he is a freak or something. You Cooler do not deserve to see him. Maybe you never will."

Neo started to cry as he broke down, "Frankie isn't a freak but if it got back to father that he was still changing...he nearly killed Frankie...when Frankie attacked him...we were three...how were we suppose to know that...Frankie changed and started clawing dad's chair...dad yelled at Frankie...he attacked dad...mom wasn't there..."

Cole just let Neo rant then said, "That was when you were three Neo, How about when you were thirteen, or twenty-three. Franco still feels that he needs to hide from his life. The man has never been allowed to grow up. The man has never been shown, by his loving family that he truly has a gift. You do not live in a Muggle world where he would be scorned or locked up or put in a circus, you live in a Wizarding world where his abilities are accepted and can be trained." Cole was beginning to wonder if more of the Quints lived in the past, than Franco. "I can help him, Neo. Truly help him find a fit into the world medically, physically and emotionally. The condition he is in now will kill him in a short period of time if he does not get the help he needs, from people who truly understand his gift." Cole paused for a moment, letting the information sink into Neo's head. "There is one type of payment I will require though to help him." Cole planned to help Franco no matter what the brothers said, but if he could get Neo thinking, in order to save his brother, he needed to help Cole so much the better.

Neo said softly, "Father would not allow us to tell anybody not even mom. He said they would send Frankie away. We swore to dad that nobody would ever find out. Marco questioned dad about what it was but father yelled that it was a curse and it was best not to know what kind. I couldn't find it in any books and Frankie didn't remember the changes so we thought it was just accidental magic. Dad got more absent after mom died. Kat always called it a gift and Tal'mac seemed to spend more time with Frankie."


Neo heard that Cole was willingly to help Frankie and for the first time since they were three, Neo was relieved that somebody else knew. He did not care what the price was. Here was somebody that understood Frankie and so as he looked back at the screen, Neo said with new hope in his eyes, "Anything, just help Frankie...please."

Cole sat up straight. It had been a long hard fight to get Neo to the point of agreeing to work for him. Marco had told him it would not be easy but his friend had underestimated his brother. Marco knew what Cole was trying to do, and Cole had agreed with Marco to help Franco a long time ago, but if Neo were not on board it would have made Cole's job twice as hard. Now Frank could take his time, help Franco the right way, and not have to worry about Neo fighting the steps he was going to have to take. "Here's the deal Neo. I want you to understand fully where we will stand. One I want to know who, when, and where the Caretakers are targeting, before the raid or servalience is carried out. I also will require you to pass information along to others, from me. The information will come from me only and you will not be contacted by anyone else. If you are then you will wait until I have given the all clear to pass the information. I want you honor pledged on this Neo. Do you agree? When I have your yes, I will start helping Franco immediately."

Cooler was still watching the blank video screen. His brother Frankie needed help and Fixer who seemed to understand was offering to help. He barely heard Fixer's terms but it did not matter as their was only one family more important than Frankie. Neo had taken a wand vow where that family and their secrets were concerned. As he continued to stare at the screen, Neo realized that help for Frankie was even worth his magic. He did not even look at Fixer as he said, "Deal, You have my word of honor. Just help Frankie, please..."

"Good," Cole said as he nodded and prepared to stand up. "You will be returned to the ally behind the Shadow Lounge. Franco will be staying her for at least a week. Tell your family what you like, but Cooler, you are not to interfere with what I do. You may watch the men you recognize as mine at the Lounge, but you are not to interfere with what they are doing. If they give you a problem let me know. You can discuss what has happened here with Marco if you like, but with no one else." Cole paused and considered Neo for a moment. "Marco is on your side. I have known Marco since he was in the service. I work with, not for him on a couple of projects he has in progress… he is not a traitor and he has been working to protect all of you. Talk with him … I think he may explain. If you need to get a message to me, give it to one of the men at the Lounge, they will let you know whom they are. Any questions?"

Neo nodded to Fixer's conditions and then said, "Fixer, I won't allow your men at the Lounge to harm or threaten my sister Kat or my nephews. They will treat her with respect or I will teach them what disrespecting my sister will cost them. The reason I am giving you warning is you either make that clear to Phillips or I will. He is pushing himself on to Kat and even ordered Dalton around. When Antonio tried to make him stop, he laughed and said that if Antonio had a problem with sharing then Phillips would have a chat with you and Antonio would not like the outcome."

Cole curtly nodded. "Phillips will no longer be coming to the Lounge. Kat is a very nice girl and I will make sure my men understand that fact and that she is off limits." Cole was going to have a talk with Phillips. The man had been an arrogant problem in the ranks, but Cole had hoped he would eventually realize he was part of a team. He had not understood Cole's talk on staying low profile and that being a member of his little forces did not make them better than any other Wizard. Phillips would either learn or have a mind wipe done and find himself standing on a corner somewhere. "If you have any problem with any of the others let me know. You may not have any problems because I believe in letting all of my troops know what happens when they go against my wishes, and Phillips is about to become an example. Do you wish to say good-by to your brother or just leave?"

Neo smiled as he said, "Antonio will be glad to hear that. Most of my regulars already realizes her heart is Antonio's. Marco is not keen on the match because of Antonio's problem with two of his inner selves. Fixer, why is Marco willing to forgive your involvement with the Ornaris and not Antonio's? Antonio loves our sister but Marco has made it almost impossible for Antonio to see her openly. Antonio won't go against the wishes of his best friend. Kat has told me a number of times that if Marco don't stop his interference is her affairs, well Kat is not called Kat for nothing."

Cole stood up but still leaned on the back of the chair. "Antonio had a problem similar to your brothers. He does not have control over at least one of the entities within him, but that is changing. Tell Kat to be patient, eventually she will be able to have the relationship she wants. As for Marco forgiving me my relationship with Ornaris well," Cole paused and looked at his hands on the back of the chair before looking back into Neo's eyes, "you are going to have to discuss that with Marco. The two of you need to talk more anyway. Now I need to go and visit a couple of other guests , so do you want to see your brother before you leave or just leave?"

Neo looked at the video screen and felt that either way Frankie would feel as if he was all alone. He just could not bring himself to abandon his baby brother. Even when Marco and Leo went after James' killer, Neo had stayed. He was the one brother Frankie had learned he could count on and now, "When Frankie needs me the most, to leave him? Even with saying goodbye? I can't ... he needs me. I just can't abandon him, I won't not when I am the only constant...the only one that has always..."

Cole uncharacteristically raked his hands through his hair, then he straddled the chair again and sat down. "Neo, you do not understand. Some of what Franco is going to have to go through is not going to be pretty. I am starting awfully late in his live to get his body and mind to accept his gift. Both will fight me tooth and nail, to keep hidden what you and your family have convinced even his sub-conscious to accept. It goes against my better judgment to let you stay and take it for granted you will stay out of the process no matter what happens. There will be times you will not be allowed in the room with him or even be able to watch on the view screen. Even with our agreement I will not hesitate to bind you or even force you to leave if I think you are undermining my progress in anyway." Cole looked at Neo, waiting to see how the Cooler wanted to play this.

Neo stared at the video screen as he said, "I can't leave not when Frankie needs me, Fixer. He is scared, confused and frightened. If I was to leave and he should need..."

Cole sat and stared at Neo, for several very long moments, trying to think what would be best to do. There was a bond between Neo and Franco, and inter-dependency, which could work to Franco's benefit. Because there would be support for the hard and possibly painful times the man was about to go through. There was also a down side. If Franco thought he could get by some of the hard points by begging his brother to have Cole stop, then there could be major problems when Neo could not prevent it because he was bound or because Franco had made him leave after saying he was there. He needed to find out what Franco wanted to do.

Cole looked at his watch and saw he had only been gone about an hour. Franco would be a little groggy but he would be able to think and would be rational. Finally he got back up and stood straight. "I need to talk with Franco…. No," he corrected himself, "we need to talk to Franco." Cole signaled to Mecum to release the bonds on Neo and then said, "Come on Cooler, let's go and see your brother." Cole turned and headed toward the door, confident that Neo and then Mecum were right behind him. They only had to go down one door, and there were guards in the hallway, so Neo was allowed to remain unbound.

Neo heard Fixer and felt his bonds vanish. He got up as he said to the video screen, "Don't worry Frankie, I am not going anyway. I am getting you help Frankie, it is going to be alright. Just like I promised...just like I promised..."

By the time he had finished, Neo was outside his brother's room. He looked stunned at Fixer as he said, "Next door...All this time I could have hit the wall and he would have heard me?"

(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane, hope you enjoy! Quote from CLOSED - Contact Information Not Between Friends (Frank, Neo, Lucas, Invite)

COLE


Cole stopped at the door to Franco's room to explain a couple of things to Neo. "No, all the rooms are sound proof, otherwise you would have been able to hear the sounds of my little scuffle with your brother earlier." Cole leaned up against the wall near the door. "I need to explain a few things before we go in Neo. If at any time you cannot agree with what I say, you can return to your room. If at any time I think you are interfere with something which needs to be done or said, you will be forcibly returned to your room. You are being allowed to be a part of this only for support for your brother, understood."

Cole did not wait for an answer but continued, "I have given your brother a calming drug. He will receive another shot every six hour for the next three days. The drug is not addictive to the point he cannot easily be weaned off it. He has also been told he must remain in bed for the next 12 or so hours. During the next three days Franco and I will be discussing his condition and how he feels about it. We will also get into the families feelings and how he thinks they are affecting him. You will be required to keep your mouth shut. If I see any kind of signaling going on, and Neo just so you know Marco taught me the family signals… As I was saying if I see any kind of signaling or prompting going on you will be removed from the room."

"My plan is, at the end of the three days, we will start working on control of your brothers abilities. This is going to be hard on his body, because when the body is not used to the transformation, it can take a lot of energy and cause pain as the body tries to fight what it thinks as injuries. You and I will discuss more about this part when it gets closer. I will discuss each phase with your brother as we get to it. I will also be informing him that once the process is started it can not be stopped. This will be the truth, because his body and mind are going to be changing and half changes can only either kill him or make him mentally unstable. Since the way he is now, can result in either of those scenarios, he really has no chooice but to do this. Do you understand what I am telling you. This is going to be hard on him, but it is also going to be hard on you to watch and not be able to help."

Neo nodded as he said, "He will know I am here. That he isn't alone." Cooler had only understood some of what Fixer had said but it did not matter. Frankie needed him and Neo had no intention of being anywhere but near his baby brother.

Cole put his hand on the handle of the door, "Ok, then if we are agreed, let's go start." Cole turned the handle and he and Neo with Mecum behind, entered the room. Frank nodded to Punta and led Neo over to the bed, where Franco's eyes were just fluttering open. "Hello Saint, I brought someone to see you." Cole motioned Neo up to the edge of the bed.

As Neo entered the room, Franco tried to get up. Neo ran to him and gently pushed him back down on the bed as he said, "No Frankie. You have to stay laid down. I am here and everything will be fine. Please Frankie stay laid down."

Frankie allowed his brother to lay him back down. Neo who had given up everything to be near him soon after James' murder. All he wanted to do was reassure Neo that he had not broken. That between the two of them they could get away from Fixer. That Neo did not have to save him yet again. Franco knew that Neo would do anything to protect him and sometimes that scared Frankie. He looked at Neo as he said, "Neo, please you don't need to betray your oath for me. Not again? Cole tricked you, Neo. I never broke fully, I made a bet and lost. I didn't break Neo... You don't have to make a deal with him, please Neo..."

Neo felt the change before there were any noticeable signs. He looked to Fixer as he said, "Frankie, its alright. Calm down please Frankie..."

Cole had gone to sit on the edge of the table so the brother's could talk. He still had a bad feeling about this, but he was willing to give it a chance to work. He had been talking quietly to Punta, ordering a nice dinner for the three of them, when the hysterics building in Franco's voice sunk in. Looking toward the bed, he saw that Mecum had already headed toward the cabinet to get the drugs Franco was going to need.

Cole sent Punta to the head of the bed. He went and roughly pulled Neo away from the side of the bed and let down the railing on the side.

When Fixer yanked Neo away, Franco screamed, "Neo."

Nodding to Punta, who put two fingers to each side of Franco's head he bent over Franco. "Franco, listen to me. Listen to my voice… you are starting to change again. I need you to concentrate on staying human…. Stay with us Franco." Cole turned toward Mecum and took the syringe, which the elf had already filled. He jammed it into Franco's arm and pressed the plunger. Rubbing the spot where he had administered the shot to spread it quicker, he handed the syringe back to Mecum. The elf silently asked if any more was going to be needed. Cole shook his head no and turned back to Franco. "Come on Franco, you can do this." Cole looked at Punta and received a nod. The elf was reading a reverse of the process.

He felt the needle and got frightened as he felt it work. Saint wanted his brother. He glared at Fixer as he said, "You tricked him. Somehow you found out about before and used our deal to trick Neo into breaking his oath again. Please Fixer, don't do this to him. He would but he already given up..." Franco never finished as his eyes closed.

Cole put the side of the bed back up and leaned on it. Slightly turning his head and looking over his right shoulder to stare at Neo. Looking back at Franco he said, "Welcome back Saint. You did well. Neo is going to stay with us on the island for a while, as long as you can try to remain calm. You are going to feel sleepy now. Take advantage of it. Neo will be in the room with you for a while and I will let you know when he is leaving." Cole thought for a moment and lied, "Neo is strong Franco, he has held out. You do not have to worry about him. Now relax and sleep." Cole realized the man had already gone back to sleep.

He felt the needle and got frightened as he felt it work. Saint wanted his brother. He glared at Fixer as he said, "You tricked him. Somehow you found out about before and used our deal to trick Neo into breaking his oath again. Please Fixer, don't do this to him. He would but he already given up..." Franco never finished as his eyes closed.

Neo went to a chair and sat down. He thought about his brother's words as he said, "How did you find out Frankie? You were not ever to know. You needed the heart medicine..."

Frank returned to the edge of the table to calm his nerves and get his own emotions under control. Saint had started to turn into a bird of some kind, which meant flight. There was definitely a pattern to how the man felt and what he turned into. The first shot should have lasted longer also, so whatever was driving Franco's emotions was adding a lot of adrenalin to his system. When Cole saw Punta break contact and walk over to the table, he knew they had made it through his bout.

Cole looked at the chair off to his right, but decided not to question him at the moment on his comment. Walking around to the other side of the table, he turned the chair and straddled it. "I'm not sure this going to work Cooler. I need Franco conscious. I cannot keep giving him the drug I am using so close together. If you want to stay, you are you are going to have to convince him, that you are only here because he is." Cole rubbed his face with both of his hands, "Your family sure did a job on him. He is afraid of this talent, he is afraid of disappointing you, he is afraid of failure at the newspaper. When he wakes up in about an hour, we will try one more time. After that, if he cannot be made to be calm then you will leave and I will use a different drug which will allow him to stay conscious but he will have no choice but to do what I ask. I do not want to do that Cooler. So give it some thought."

Cole sat back up straight and said, "For now we need something to eat. Franco can eat when he weaks up or he can be force feed if necessary." Cole turned to Punta and nodded. Punta left the room. You want to tell me why he thinks you broke your word once before, while we are waiting?"

Neo cringed as he said, "I don't know how he found out. Frankie was never suppose to find out. The oath was more of a kid promise but it was to mom. I promised if she let me learn martial arts, I would never use them for profit. I didn't really break my promise..."

"Let me guess, you found out you could get paid to give demonstrations and some of the people who paid you were not exactly reputable." Cole smiled and said, "Go on… the more you tell me the more I will know how to counter any thing Franco is thinking."

Neo cringed as he said still ashamed of what his had done, "Not exactly, we were fourteen. Frankie was in bad shape as his hole in his heart was killing him. He needed the operation to close the hole. Dad was gone...there was this guy who needed somebody with my kind of skills...he would pay for Frankie's operation..."
"And you agreed to fight for him, if he paid for the operation?" Cole leaned a little more forward, letting Neo know he expected him to continue. Cole had a nagging feeling at the back of his brain. Khalid had mentioned during one of their talks, that he had been told the one known hole in Franco's heart when he was young, had been taken care of… Cole wondered if Khalid had been the one to hire the very young Neo.

Neo shook his head as he tried to erase the image in his brain. Finally he said, " No, what I did was worse. The man I dealt with was a go between. Frankie needed the surgery and he promised that it would be done by the best doctors. I agreed only after hearing from Marco that the doctor was going to release Frankie unless we paid the bill...Frankie needed help...he would have died otherwise..."

"I can see why at the age of 14 you thought working for the man was the only way to get your brother help, Cooler." Cole remembered back to when he was 14 and saw the man lying on the sidewalk in front of the office building. He had not meant to push him off the balcony. It had been an accident at least that was what the other man had said, who had taken him to the room. He remembered the sickness in his stomach as he looked down and saw the twisted body five stories below. Cole closed his eyes for a moment then continued, trying to block out the images. "Did you kill for the money, Cooler?" Cole was hoping for a no to this question, but all the talk was headed in that direction.

Neo lowed his head as he said near tears, "No, but I am just as guilty. That same day that Frankie's hospital bill was paid, I learned what my job was and tried to back out. Frankie was in surgery with a heart specialist...the man said that surgery could go one of two ways..." Neo could not bring himself to say the two ways and started crying.

Cole just sat there, waiting for the 14 year old in the man's body sitting across from him to compose himself. When is seemed Neo had control again, he said, "What were the two ways, Neo, you have to say them in order to get some of the pain out… what were the two ways."

Neo nodded as he still felt the tears as he said, "Either Frankie was going to live with his hole sealed or he was not going to be breathing where the surgery was over. One message was all it was going to take, anytime during the surgery...he's my brother...they were going to kill him if I backed out...I couldn't...he needed me...I either did what I was told or Frankie..."

Cole hated pushing Neo, but the man needed to get the information he had been holding in, out so the pain would be less. "What did you have to do Neo? What did they make you do more than once?"

Neo's mind was back to that time so long ago as he said, "The man took me to this one alley and then pointed a man out that was sitting outside a cafe. He said that he didn't care how I did it but I was to get that man in this alley way alone. He then grabbed me and said if I even thought of warning the guy about the set up...I better know just who I am crossing. Then he asked if the name Dark Medjai rang any bells? He laughed as I went white. Then he let me go as he told me to be a good little decoy and fetch his target...I saw that man die. Afterwards, he insured that I understood..."
Cole cringed this time. Neo had been forced to lure men to their deaths. Frank knew it was a common practice with the Dark Sects to use children, to do the dirtiest of jobs. "You were 14 years old, Neo, a child, trying to save your brother. The men knew it and used you. What happened was not your fault…. They would have found someone else to do it, or they would have found another way to use you." Cole knew there was nothing he could say to get the horror of what had happened, probably more than once, to go away. The man had lived with the boys problem for a long time. It would always be there. "Franco is alive now."

Neo shook his head as he said, "I finally left it behind me when I graduated. My last job, the target was expecting the trap and didn't chase me as I thought she would. Instead, she told me to sit my rear down or five very trained individuals were going to sit me down...

At this point Punta returned with a large tray of food. He layed it out on the table between them and put Franco's off to the side. "Eat, Neo … and don't tell me you are not hungry, eat anyway. Franco is going to need you to have all your strength to help him get through this." Frank had seen in Neo's eyes that e had been about to tell Cole he was not hungry. Looking at his watch, Cole knew they had at least a half hour before Franco would wake up. "We have about half an hour so eat." Cole was wondering how Brennan was coming along, but he did not want to leave until after Franco woke up.

The men sat and ate mostly in silence. Both of them were lost in the past and present as the two time periods seemed to collide in their brains. The first thing they heard was several small moans from the bed. Neo had jumped up and was standing beside the bed, before Cole could even but his mug down. As Cole made his way in that direction, Franco opened his eyes.

Neo rubbed his brother's arm as he said, "I am here Frankie. You hungry?"

Franco looked at his brother as he said, "Please Neo. Tell me you did not...

Before Neo could say anything, Fixer spoke.

"Your brother has not broken any oaths, Saint," Cole said as he reached the bed. "What he has agreed to is to hang around and keep you company while I show you how to control your special talent. I have agreed to let him stay as long as you try and stay as calm as you can. This is not going to be easy Franco, and you really do need someone besides me here to be able to talk with. If he starts to interfere with my methods or you want him to leave, he is out of here." Cole smiled and looked back and forth between Neo and Franco. "Your brother asked you a question, Franco. How about answering him. You still have to stay in the bed, but I think we can allow you to sit up."

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

Franco


Neo looked at Fixer and silently thanked him for not admitting to the deal that they struck. Then he started helping Franco sit up as he said, "You need to eat Frankie, please."

Franco looked at Fixer as he said, "Don't ever try to trick my brother again, Fixer! The vows he has made are too important for him to be tricked into breaking them."

He turned to his brother as he said, "She too important Neo. Promise me..." Before Franco could finish Neo smiled as he said, "Eat Frankie. Tia is fine and do you really think Marco would allow harm to come to her?"

Franco said as he took a bite, "You do Neo. I felt your rage at Marco."

Neo shook his head, "Frankie, I might believe a lot of things about Marco but betraying Tia is not one of them. Not even to a friend. So eat Frankie. We will talk afterwards."

Cole went and sat back down at the table, straddling his usual chair. For several minutes, he just watched the brothers. When he figured Franco was about half done, he said, "While you finish Franco, I will explain what we are going to do. You have been told ever since you were young that you had to hide the special gift you have. Your conscious and your sub-conscious and the cells of your body, have come to believe that when you change you are being damaged in some way so your body fights the change. What we need to do is get your body used to the idea that the change is a normal thing. We will do this through talking mostly over the next three days. After that, we will start the hard part and get you to the point you can control the change. Any questions?"

Franco had barely listened to Fixer as he pretended to eat as he thought about how to protect his brother. Neo had protected and been there for him all their lives. He had known for a long time that he was the Cooler's only real weakness. He glanced at Fixer as he thought, “There is no way that I am going to allow you to use this to force my brother into a deal. He did that once for me and he has paid dearly for it. I have to get Neo out of here before you use this against him. But How?” Franco had found out about Neo when he went after a story about the Dark Medjai. Khalid wanted the story killed and so sent him an owl message saying if he really wanted to his favorite brother in Azkaban then by all means keep digging. Then it said ask Neo if he liked his first job as a decoy? Saint started looking into Neo's first job and found out what Neo had done to pay for Franco's operation.

Franco answered Fixer asking, “Is there a way for me and Neo to speak privately? No elves, Just Neo and me?”Saint knew if they could then he would insure that Neo left before Fixer could use this to break his favorite brother.

Neo had listened to Fixer tell Franco what was going to happen. As he did Cooler noticed that Franco's mind was elsewhere. Franco was up to something and Neo had a bad feeling he knew what. Cooler's idea of what Franco was planning were confirmed by Saint's question to Fixer. There would be only one reason Frankie won't want elves in the room. He was planning an escape. Neo just prayed that Fixer had picked up on it as well. His brother needed Fixer's help and if he had to allow Fixer to use him against Frankie for his brother to accept the help then so be it. As long as Frankie got the help and Neo was able to see that he was, then Neo would allow Fixer to do whatever it took to keep his baby brother here. He inwardly cringed as he realized that meant another deal had to be struck with Fixer. He needed to talk with Fixer before Franco tried his escape. Knowing Fixer was empathic, he thought, “We need to talk Fixer, Alone. Me and You! Please? I want to strike another deal...Before Frankie does what he is planning...”

Cole blanked out his expression. "Franco was still intent on trying to escape." went through his mind. That could not be allowed, because Franco's body had started to accept the change and it was apparently triggered by strong emotions. If Franco was out in the world and someone anyone made him angry, sad or upset, the change could start and there would be problems, possibly deadly. Franco was not going anywhere, until Cole could get his gift under control. Standing up he looked first at Neo and then at Franco. "Normally I would not allow such a talk, Saint, but I think I am going to agree with your request. You can have ten minutes alone." Cole signaled Punta and Mecum to wait outside and then said to Neo. "Cooler, can I talk with you one moment please before you have your little chat with your brother?" Cole started to walk toward the door without looking back.

Franco grabbed Neo's arm as his brother got up to follow Fixer saying, "Neo, please Let's talk first."

Neo smiled as he gently laid his brother's hand back on his lap as he said, "It will be fine Frankie. I will be back shortly and then we will have ten minutes of just you and me,okay? Until then you finish eating."

Frankie sadly nodded as he watched Neo follow Fixer out the door.

When the door was securely closed, Cole turned to Neo and asked, "You mentioned something about another deal? You know your brother is not going anywhere, Cooler. With the changes his body is now fighting, he would not last a week, maybe less if he changes and the Ministry picks him up and hospitalizes him in the lock down unit of the Ministry. Even Doc has a hard time getting in there. It is not easy to get anyone out of there. So..?"

Neo cringed as he said, "I know. My brother needs to remain here until you help him learn to control the changes. So for that to happen you need to something that you can use to keep him here and force him to do each step of what needs to be done. Insurance for when he fights you and he plans on fighting you if his other plan fails. Don't expect another honor bound promise from Frankie, Fixer. So what I am asking is this use me as insurance. As long as I can remain and see him even remotely, I am willing to accept your terms. Do we have a deal?"

Cole leaned up against the wall opposite the door. Crossing his arms across his chest he thought for a few seconds, "Interesting proposition Neo. I think it can be arranged. You know to make it seem real I cannot hold back on any punishment needed. Also a deal has two sides, so I will throw in the need for you to act as surity for another very stubborn individual whom is my guest at the moment. Brennan Dawson is just down the hall and I need something to get him profiling for me. I will not have him profile any children but I need some information about some of the adults." Cole stopped for just a moment, then continued, "I know you do not have any reason to trust me Cooler, but the information I need is more me alone…. I need to know what I can expect… how some of the people will react to situations which may arrive. That is all I can tell you at the moment. So do you agree to the terms?"

Neo looked in Fixer's eyes as he said, "I meant what I said to Frankie about Marco not betraying Tia, even for a friend. And since he is helping you with whatever you are doing with this information you are gathering, I accept your terms. Fixer, Profiler can't ever believe you are going this for a good reason unless you plan on making him think you are tricking him. The reason is the Number at times can and does get into his head. So anything we don't want the Number or as the Medjai call him The Dark One to know, we don't tell Bren. He is programmed as a Sleeper. The activation word is Core as in The Core. We have not found the defuse phrase yet. So be careful Gatherer. But either way for Frankie, It is a deal!"

"Marco and I are actually friends, Neo. It is a strange relationship I know, but it exists." Standing up straight away from the wall, Cole continued, "Now you better get back in there. Oh, I will be watching and listening. I told him you could talk in private, I did not say I would not listen. Go along with what you want…. I will allow you outside the window, but no farther."Cole walked over to the door and put his hand on the opening handle, "Ready?"

Neo nodded and walked through the door. With a smile on his face he walked to the bed, "Ok Frankie we have ten minutes. Fixer just wanted to make sure I understood, where I was. What did you want to talk about?"

Franco looked toward the door and then toward the window. It was early evening, he could tell that. The shadows were deep outside the window so it would soon be night. Franco looked back toward the door and whispered, "We need to get out of here Neo. I have been out there, I know where there are some caves we can hide in and I know how to get to the other coast of this island. I can get us away. Maybe we can even figure out a way to contact the outside world."

"Frankie," Neo started. "You need help with your gift and Cole seems to want to help you."

"I can't stay here Neo. The man only wants control of me and you and anyone else he can get his hands on." Franco decided to change his tactics, because it was more important to get his brother out than himself. "I will stay, if you think that would be best, but Neo you have to go. Head off to the north toward the hills. About half way up the side of the old volcano are some caverns. There is one marked Do Not Enter , which means Fixer does not want anyone in it, so I figure it is a way out, or at least out of his range. I did a little research. There is a satilite which passes over the island around 8 am every morning. If you can signal it somehow, maybe the Caretakers can pick it up. You have to try Neo, please. I will get the help I need, but you have to be out of here, so he cannot use you against me…Please brother."

Frankie was pleading, and Neo felt like telling him it would not work. He knew in his heart that Frankie was going to fight having the treatment. The only way he would be able to insure it was to do what he had agreed to do with Cole. Visually fighting the idea at first, Neo eventually said, "I don't like it Frankie, not one bit. I will try though if you promise you will stay here and go through the whole treatment. We might not like him or trust him, but I know he knows what he is talking about in this. Promise me!"

Franco smiled and nodded. Reaching out he hugged his brother and said, "Go Neo, remember out the window and north as soon as you can. Bring help…" Neo nodded and headed for the window. Turning back once to wave to his brother he went out and crouched down on the other side.

Cole had watched the whole sceen and listened using the small view screen outside the the room. Pushing another button he said quietly into the speaker, "We have a bird flying out of the house, east side of the building… pick up but do not break… bring to me." Cole knew this would insure Neo was picked up, and since Neo would not fight too hard. Cole waited another five minutes to let the correct amount of time pass which he had promised. Walking in the door he said, "Ok Neo and Franco, I hope…." Stopping for effect he looked around and ran to the window. Turning back to Franco, he said, "You both will regret this Saint. When your brother is captured, I will show you what happens when you try and go against my good graces."

Franco got a sly smile on his face as he said, "I told you Fixer, I won't allow you to use me to control Neo! And I have no intention of allowing you to control my gift either."

Cole looked out the window again and allowed a very large smile to gradually take over his face. Then he went and sat at the table, straddling the chair and folding his arms in a relaxed position on the back of it. He looked at Franco, who although he was still smiling, some of the smile had gone out of his eyes. Cole knew Franco thought something might be wrong but he was not going to allow himself to believe it.

After about three minutes, the door opened and two very large men were carrying a struggling Neo into the room.

Franco heart sank as he saw Neo being forcibly dragged back into the room. Saint glared at Fixer as he said, “It wasn’t Neo’s idea, Fixer. I pleaded with him...” Franco realized by Fixer’s next actions and words that Neo was in real trouble.

Cole did not look away from Franco's face, and pointed toward the manacle on the wall. "Spread him, face first."

The man’s earlier words came back to haunt Franco, “You both will regret this Saint. When your brother is captured, I will show you what happens when you try and go against my good graces.”Franco cringed as he realized that whatever Cole had planned, it was going to insure that Franco regret ever crossing the man called, The Fixer.

Cole added a very large smile to his face, and pointed to Mecum who had returned to the room with Punta, signaling him to bind Franco to the bed. Franco's arms flew out to the railings. The dishes on his lap, floated over to the table. He was still sitting up, but he was going nowhere. Cole could hear the struggling going on behind him.

Saint had to get to his brother. He tried to get off the bed as he glared once again with Fixer, “Let him go Fixer! I am the one who made him leave. He did not want to...” Franco struggled with the bonds that held him to where he was not able to help his brother. Neo was in for a world of pain and there was nothing Saint could do but watch. He fought desperately against the bonds as he said pleading with Fixer, “Please Fixer...Don’t do this. It was my idea, not Neo’s...Put me on the wall...Please Fixer...”

Cole watched Franco's face as he tried to convince him, it was his fault. Slowly he turned his chair so he was facing the door. This put Neo, on his left and Franco on his right. Looking at Neo he kept his face expressionless. Cole had decided to use something that would leave no marks on Neo and a method Franco could relate to, due to the fact he had experienced the method of pain. "Punta could you get Iam Right for me please? Tell him his expertise is needed." Punta nodded and left the room. Cole relaxed his arms back on the back of the chair.

Neo had watched the whole scene and it tore at his heart. The only thing that kept him from telling Frankie the truth was he knew Frankie had no intention of ever allowing Fixer to help him. The deal had been struck, and now Cooler had to do his part. He fought the bonds as Frankie figured he would. Cooler knew if Frankie ever doubted Neo’s punishments were real, then Saint would fight Fixer with everything he had. For Frankie to get the help he desperately needed, Fixer could not hold back. Neo was about to be in for a very rough ride and it was a ride he had asked for.

He looked at Fixer knowing that he had no real choice but to make Frankie believe the worst. He glared as he fought the bonds saying, “Fixer, release us. I took a walk to clear my head. Your men can’t prove that I tried to escape. What is this all about? First your men manhandle me and drag me in here. Now I am forcibly fastened extremely tight to this wall. I thought you were wanting to help my brother. I thought we had an understanding. What do you plan to do with me fastened to this wall? Do you really think these bonds can hold me?” Neo could only pray that Fixer understood his words were for Frankie’s benefit, as Saint would expect nothing less from the brother he seemed to idolize.

Cole got up and walked to the wall. Looking back at Franco he said, "Saint, when I had your brother come out into the hall to talk with me, I told him in definite terms, not to try anything. I told him if he did then he would regret the move. You may have asked him but," Cole looked at Neo who was now on his left as he leaned against the wall, with his arms crossed in front of him, "Neo is the one who decided to go out the window." Looking back at Franco he said, "This will be his punishment Franco, but it will also show you what is in store for him if you do not do what I ask. Because you see, you are not going to receive punishment, he is for anything you do wrong, or if I figure you are not agreeing fast enough to what I suggest."

Franco looked to his brother and then glared at Fixer as he said angrily, "I hope you liked my last change Fixer because you will be seeing that creature again very soon if you don't release my brother. I doubt these bonds will hold a Highland Tiger at bay. How are you going to prevent my emotions from turning me into your worst nightmare? Now release my brother before I am too angry to even try to hold back the change!" Franco was bluffing, as it was not anger he was feeling but I desperate need to help his brother. Saint doubted very much that the change would help. He had a feeling the change would only anger Fixer more.

Cole signaled to Mecum, who walked to the top of the bed. Suddenly Franco was lying down and Mecum had two fingers on each side of his head. Cole smiled and said to Franco, "You won't be changing into anything Saint. With the medication I have in you and with Mecum assistance, you will only be able to watch as Neo learns a lesson and I hope you do also." As he finished, the door opened and a small man walked in dressed in fatigues, "You wanted me Sir?" the man asked. Cole nodded and explained. "This man," the indicated Neo, "has decided that he would go against my wishes. He tried to escape. I want a level three demonstration on his back, to show him what happens when someone decides not to follow my orders."

The man nodded and walked up to Neo. "I must remove his shirt, Sir, is that all right?" Cole nodded and Iam, tore the shirt from collar to bottom and laid the pieces open. Taking his hands he spread his fingers and ran them down Neo's spine. Nodding he pressed a spot on both sides of Neo's spine. Neo tried to grit his teeth to fight the pain, but his back bowed and he could not contain the grunt. Neo took several deep breaths because the man was running his hand down his back again. Even knowing what coming did not prepare Neo for the shooting pain which traveled along his spine, into his arms and down his legs. Tears escaped his eyes.

Iam looked at Fixer and silently asked if he should do it aga34444in. Cole looked at Franco and shook his head no. "That will be enough for the moment, but do not leave yet. These gentlemen and I have a few more things to discuss and both may need a little persuasion." Iam nodded and stepped to the bottom of the bed. Cole signaled Mecum that he could remove his fingers, but not to step away. Looking at Franco he said, "So Franco are you ready to listen to what you need to do?"

Franco knew the pain his brother Neo had just endured. He was furious and heartbroken at the same time. He did not even look at Fixer as he had no intention of ever trusting the man. He looked at Neo as he said, "I will hear what you have to say Fixer but believe me I will never allow you to use me or my gift. You might have an agreement as far as the Prophet goes and I might have to come when sent for but that is as far as it will ever go. I will never stop fighting you and you will never use me against Neo."

"Good, that is a start," Cole smiled at Neo, knowing Franco would take it as sarcasm, but knowing Neo would take it as a sign that the plan was working. Cole went back to straddle the seat. "You may sit back up Franco." Cole nodded to Mecum to assist Saint back up to a sitting position. "You may also have use of your hands as long as you stay in the bed. Remember Franco you will not be the one to be punished, so be careful what you do." Cole again nodded to Mecum, who removed the restraints.

Franco looked at his brother as he said, "Neo, trusted you Fixer. I think he was hoping I could learn to trust you too. I will never trust you Fixer as I made that mistake already with you once. At least now, I have proven my point to Neo. You had convinced him that all you wanted was to help me with learning my gift but you see I remember our other talk. You want to control me and my gift. I also see that you want to use my lack of control to force Neo into a deal. Neither I will allow and you can count on me using every chance to get my brother away from you. I will never allow anybody to ever force him into that kind of life again, especially a man that is paid by the very man who took advantage of a fourteen year old boy that just wanted his brother well. Neo has paid dearly for that choice and I promised he would never be conned into another one."

"So I gather your answer is still no to treatment, Saint?" Cole said, raising his eye brows.

Frankie just looked at Neo and cringed as he said, "The Price is too great. I won't allow my gift or my brother to fall prey to that maniac ever. Neo has just stopped having the nightmares, I won't allow him to fall prey to that mad man ever again not even to save me." Frankie wanted to understand and control his gift but he was too afraid of Khalid use his gift and him to draw Neo back into a life he still had not fully left behind.

Cole slowly shook his head and signaled to Iam to step forward. He held up three fingers, signifying he wanted the man to administer three shocks. Cole watched Franco's face as the shocks were given. "I told you Franco you would not be the one receiving the punishment. Iam is an expert with pressure points. You may not know the man's name, but he studied under a man named Russell Stutely who is the European leading self-defense and pressure point expert, until they had a mis-understand. Iam came to work for me. Iam can cause pleasure, pain, disabilities or even death, with just a touch. … So I ask again, Saint are you ready to start your treatment?"

Neo felt the pain increase but at least the pressure points the man had used so far were pain centered. Neo knew of at least two in the back that could cripple him. He turned as much as he could to face Iam as the man hit the third spot. Iam leaned in as Neo realized that the man had hit the one spot that had to be hit twice.

Iam gave a quiet inward chuckle as he whispered, “Remember me Neo. Enjoy the pain Cooler cause it is not leaving anytime soon. I told you I would get my revenge for your betrayal. Inform Fixer and well, I wonder how your dear baby brother Frankie will handle what I overheard.”

Franco watched as his brother felt the pain. He knew he should just give Fixer the answer the man wanted. Shaking his head as he realized that to give in meant allowing Fixer to control him and his gift. He knew that if he said yes to starting the treatment, Fixer would just keep using the treatment on Franco until he controlled both. Saint glared at Fixer as he said, “Fixer...Stop this! It won’t work as I won’t risk you controlling Neo through your offer to help, Fixer.”

Ima thought about paying Frankie or even Kat a visit later. He knew that Neo had always felt his siblings. Revenge was sweet and paid quite nicely. He had even learned that something from Cooler’s past was still haunting the man. Iam got a sly grin as he planned on having a chat with dear Frankie very soon.

Neo looked at Frankie as best he could then whispered to Iam, “Iam, Let it go. Russ could have turned you in but he didn’t.”

Iam inwardly chuckled as he said, “If you had not told Russell of that job, he would have never learned why I was learning it. Now I get to pay you back slowly and without anybody being the wiser.” Iam was hoping that Franco Spellman held out. The longer the youngest brother held out, the more Iam made Neo pay for his betrayal and got paid at the same time. Though either way, Iam planned on getting his revenge on Neo for a long time to come. Iam would just have to be careful where Fixer was concerned.

Neo cringed against the pain as he whispered back, “This proves you haven’t changed.” Neo had to hope that one of the elves picked up on what Iam had done.

Saint looked at Neo and realized that the last shock to Neo’s system, his brother seemed to not have released yet. Saint felt that Cooler was near passing out from the pain. Frankie looked at Neo but only saw the man called Iam with a sly grin on his face. Something was wrong as Neo should have dispelled that last shock by now.

Cole had been watching Franco and listening to what was going on behind him. He counted the hits by Iam. When Neo did not vocalize anything from the last hit of pain, Cole turned around and looked. Neo's back was bowed, and Ian was still pressing on a spot. "Break Iam," Cole ordered. When the man did not stop, Cole signaled Punta to break the contact. Looking at Mecum he said, "Check". When the break came, Neo screamed. Mecum walked over to Neo who had dropped to where he was almost hanging from the wrist straps'

Mecum put his hands on Neo's back and closed his eyes. All of a sudden the elf's eyes shot open and he placed two fingers on Neo's temple, and whispered into his ear. Cole's eyes were caught by movement between the table and the door. Looking in that direction, he noticed Iam backing toward the door. Cole also noticed that Punta was now standing in front of the door, with his hand open and partially raised. Frank turned toward Iam and said, "Stay still Iam. Something seems to me going on which is not part of my plans."

Fixer got up and went to stand beside Neo who had gained some stability and had his forehead pressed against the wall. He whispered, "Ok, so what is going on." Glancing at Mecum to make sure Neo was going to be all right. Talk to me Cooler."

Neo said nothing and Cole just looked at him for another few seconds. Turning to Punta he tapped his head and silently asked what was happening. Punta looked at Iam and then turned to Cole. "The soldier seems to know Master Neo from a before time. The last jolt he gave Master Neo lasted longer than it should. I do not think the soldier has been truthful with you Master Frank. He has very strong feelings against Master Neo and wishes him and his family pain and suffering."

By this time Iam's eyes were shifting from Punta to Franco. Frank looked at the man and said, "Don't do it, Iam. The elf can easily take you down before you even reach him." Cole looked at Punta and nodded. Punta extended his hand and Iam fell to the ground bound from head to foot. All Cole said, in Punta's direction was, "Find out." Punta nodded and put two fingers on each sde of Iam's head. After a moment he said, "He has come to the island to find out about the island and about how things are run here. He works for…" Iam was trying to move away from Punta, but the elf pressed his fingers harder, causing Iam to freeze in obvious pain. "He works for someone call … all I am getting is a reference to Rats or something." Punta pressed one more time and Iam screamed and withered on the floor. Punta stood up and added, "He is a spy Master Frank, sent to find out about you. What are your instructions?"

Cole leaned on the wall and closed his eyes. He did through checks on his men, but apparently this one had gotten through the process. Opening his eyes he stood up and walked over to where Iam lay on the floor. Grabbing the man's eyes he said, "I know who you come from, and unfortunately you will not be returning." Looking at Punta he said, "Take him out to the yard. Put him on the post. Make an announcement, that I said, the man is a spy come to distroy thoes who work for me. I decree the man shall be used as target practice… with any weapon any man wishes to use. He is not to die quickly though." Looking back down at the now terrified man, he said, "gag him so I do not have to listen to the screams." Cole waved his hand and Punta, levitated the struggling man out of the room.

Iam said as he was lead away, "Cole, he said to tell you should you catch me that is, He is saving you for last and before he takes you out...well you will see your full vow to a certain friend of yours, be destroyed...he has plans and you get to sit back and watch as he is closer to her then you or even that massager boy Marco."

When the door was closed, Cole walked back to the wall where Neo, still hung, firmly back on his feet but weak and using the wall for support. Cooler's breathing had almost returned to normal. Turning toward the wall himself, so Franco could not read his lips he whispered, "Sorry about that, Cooler. It appears you and I have to talk." Snapping his fingers and pointing to Neo, he watched as Neo was taken down from the wall and placed in a chair. "Bind him." Cole did not sit down though. He walked over to the table he looked toward Franco and said, "I think we are done for today. Franco, your brother will be returned to his room." Looking at his watch he continued. "It is now 7:10 and I have someone else I need to talk with tonight. "In three hours, Saint, one of the elves will give you another shot of med's do not give the elf any grief or you will be tied down to the bed, so you cannot move. It is up to you. At 4 am you will also be given a shot. We will start our discussion again around 9 am…. Get some sleep Saint because you are going to need it."

Franco shook his head as all he wanted was to check on Neo. Glaring at Fixer, "I am going to check on Neo and then I am going to teach that Iam not to mess with one of my brothers."He felt the tingling that came before a change. Iam was going to see Franco at his worst.

Neo felt his brother's rage and thought, "Stop him!" He only could pray that Fixer could.

Mecum had already made it to the cabinet. Cole said, "Blue bottle." Mecum grabbed the small blue bottle and a syringe. Filling the syringe as he walked back to the bed, he handed it to Cole. Cole nodded and Franco found himself flat on his back with his shoulder and lower arm securely bound to the side railing of the bed. Cole found the vain in the crook of Franco's arm and pushed the needle in, pushing the plunger down. Franco went to sleep.

Cole turned to Neo in the chair and said. "We need to get you back to your room. Punta will stay with you and Mecum will stay with Franco. I need to go and talk with Brennan, before the night is over. I have already been gone longer than I wanted to." Cole had Punta remove the bonds and help Neo to his feet and got him headed toward the door. Cole slowly followed.

Neo nodded as he tried to explain, "Iam was working for somebody when we were picked to train with Russell. Iam killed a man not in self-defense but for money. He used what Russ had taught us to do it. I told Russell and well you know what Russ did."

(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane, we hope you enjoy!)