Breaking In For Survival (part 2)

The second piece of paper was a threat with and a riddle, or poem as Punta had called it within its contents.



Cole re-read both pieces of parchment them put them down on the table. Looking at Neo, he realized the man was watching his face for any hidden clues to what he had just read, "Neo, neither one of these were written by Khalid." Cole was going to have to give out information he did not have permission to hand out… but Khalid had told him to use anything in his power to find the leak and the P.A.C.T member who had turned on the rest. "Neo, Khalid cannot read or write and I doubt he would put himself in someone else's power, and dictate the messages to you."

Cole motioned to Punta to bring him and Neo each a glass of ice cold Beet Juice then he continued, "He paid pay for Franco's operation, that I have been able to confirm, but after that point he stayed out of your lives, until recently."

Neo was shocked. He had never even thought that Khalid was unable to do the one thing that the Medjai were known for, reading and writing. He looked into Fixer's eyes as he asked, "You positive Cole? Could Khalid have faked his inability in these areas? Is his family aware?" Cooler knew that if what he was just told true, then the man he had hated for so long was just as much a victim of the Dark One as the Protector, Tommy. His brain started working on what this knowledge could mean, "Had Tarik been right and the charges against Khalid be wrong? Air must be made aware of this new information."

"Let me explain further and see if it answers any of your questions. Khalid has been ill and due to this illness his mind has …" Cole was not sure what word to use here to describe Khalid not on medication, "let's just say it reverted back to when he was younger and fighting for survival. It had be a time when the only friends he considered that he had were those of the Dark Sect, who used him. As he grew older and wiser and wealthier, he started to settle into a life where he had to answer to no one, and just wanted to live a quiet life, hiding from his brother and sister. He thought they were after him to kill him. Khalid takes medication for this condition and had enlisted the help of elves to keep him calm and centered. "

"Hogs Head happened because he needed information and knew he could just not ask for it. At the time I will tell you, I did contract to get the information anyway possible… and I do mean anyway. When I found out Franco was going to try and pass himself off as me, to try and get Arianna into the Dark Sect underground network, the opportunity was too good to pass up. I took them all hostage, and proceeded to get my information. I also took Franco to Khalid's island as I was told." Cole could see the anger taking over Neo's face, but he kept going. "While there the elves returned from where ever Khalid had sent them, and got him back under control from his relaps. At the same time Franco had a relapse and was taken to Khalid's private medical unit on the island, where it was discovered, a hole had been missed in Franco's heart during the first operation when he was 14 years old. That hole was fixed. While he was recovering in Khalid's hospital, which I might remind you he or Lance, who did the operation with the help of the elves, will not remember, I found out from Khalid he was the father of my dear wife. He had not known that my mother-in-law had been killed, shortly after Maggie was born or Maggie would have been raised on his island." Cole thought of how, if that had happened, he might never have met his sweet Maggie. He marveled sometimes about how things happen in the world.

"Khalid had originally been told by his mother that with his gift of elfin blood, he did not need to read and write. When she was killed by what appeared at the time, magic which Khalid had caused, the then 11 year old boy ran. The Dark Sect, never taught him to read or write also. I've cone to the conclusion that Khalid is dyslectic so reading and writing would have been all but impossible without special training."

Neo listened as let out a low whistle as he said, "Dyslectic? The ultimate nightmare for a Medjai. His orders to you at Hog's Head, if he can't write then he must of had somebody write those orders. That means somebody besides you knows Khalid's weakness. I have hated that man since I was fourteen but now I am unsure of just how..." He had a mind that for the first time was unsure of just who was the enemy and who was a friend. Cooler had defined his life in terms of bringing Khalid down as the monster he thought the Medjai was. Neo looked inside himself for answers and for the first time only saw uncertainty.

Cole nodded and looked at his watch, it was 6:00 pm. Neo had plenty to think about. Mecum would be by his side at all times. Cole needed to get back to his office and keep the plan going. Standing he said, "It is 6:00pm. And I need to check and see how your brother is doing with his dinner. I also need to get some of my own. We will talk again very soon." Turning to Mecum, Cole said, "Mineral water only from this point on." Receiving a nod, he headed for the door.

Neo shook his head as he wondered why Fixer acted as if it was business as usual. Neo asked, "Cole, why do I get the feeling that as far as you concerned nothing has change? That what you told me about Khalid means nothing as far as your plans for me are concerned? I know you were going to try breaking me. Don't tell me that you still think that is something you need to do?" Neo was totally taken back when Cole just continued out the door.

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

COLE
Cole had walked down the hall a couple a couple of doors and into his office across the hall from where Franco was being held. Neo was getting close to coming around to where he needed him, but he was still not quite there. It had been fifty-six and hours since Neo had eaten. He had some pumpkin juice eelier and had just had some Beet Juice. Other than that, all he had was plain water, which would now be augmented with mineral water. Cole decided it was time to have the man watch him eat. He would also use the time when Neo was focusing or trying not to focus on the food in front of Cole, to discuss why the man thought it was still important to continue to fight. Cole smiled as he pushed the button on the intercom panel on his desk and ordered his dinner. A huge Greek salad and some very fragrant fish were in order.

Cole walked behind the desk and turned on the view screen again showing four sectors: the main dining room, the training facility, were night maneuvers were going to take place, Franco's room and the dungeon room where Simmons was being held. He turned off the volume on that sector. He did not like screaming during his meals.

Going to the wet bar, he poured him some White wine, then walked back to his desk. He had about five minutes before his dinner would be served and he wanted to take that time to gather his own energy reserves. He tried to think of whom the man was who was using Khalid's name to threaten Neo. There were several possibilities. Tomorrow he would start Artkee, an elf who had an uncanny knack for research and finding hidden small details, on a path, to pin point the man. Smiling he thought, it would be too good to be true if the man was also the traitor of P.A.C.T.

Just as Cole finished his glass of wine there was a knock at the door, and Kimtu walked in caring a large tray. When he put it on his desk, Cole could already smell the delicious fish. His chef was not partial to souses, and was able to use the natural juices of the different meats to add extra flavor. "Kimtu could you please have Mecum bring Master Neo into my office. He will stand in front of my desk while I eat and question him." Kimtu smiled and bowed slightly. "May I stay, Master Frank while you question Master Neo. I am really enjoying learning about this mind washing you do." Cole smiled as he nodded. Sometimes the elves changed out words, and it was fun to figure out what they meant.

Cole had just poured himself another glass of wine and returned to his seat, when Neo was brought in and placed in front of his desk. Without acknowledging the man was there, Cole removed the covers on the meal. A huge Greek Salad, Broiled fish, fresh hard rolls and a fresh fruit compote, was eloquently laid out with linen napkins and silverware. Cole placed the napkin on his lap, and took a bite of the salad, before looking up and saying, "I would ask you to join me Neo, but we know what needs to happen before that happens." Taking a bite of the fish he added, "You are really missing out here. When you are allowed to eat again, I will have to have the chef make some of the meal up for you." Cole smiled.

Putting down his fork for a moment, he leaned back in his chair as he finished chewing the fish. "With everything going on I was wondering if you have had a change of heart concerning compliance to my ideas."

Neo was unsure why Fixer was still trying to break him. He had actually started to believe that Cole was actual going to be straight with the Caretakers. He shook his head as he repeated what he had said before Fixer had left his room after dropping a bombshell concerning Khalid, "Cole, why do I get the feeling that as far as you concerned nothing has change? That what you told me about Khalid means nothing as far as your plans for me are concerned? I know you were going to try breaking me. Don't tell me that you still think that is something you need to do?"

Cole sat up and picked up his fork again. He took a couple of bites of the fish and a bite of the salad, before he said anything. "You are still under the assumption that I work for Khalid and now that your ideas may have changed a bit, you do not need to be brought under control. I have been telling you from the beginning, Cooler, I do not work for Khalid or anyone else in what I am building on this island. I have set several personal goal, having to do with me, my men and my lifestyle. Having you as part of my little force, calling me Sir , coming when I need you and looking the otherway when you see any of us in the big wide world, are part of my goals." Cole took another bite and chewed slowly, never taking his eyes off Neo. "I really wish I could share this with you, it is delicious." Chuckling he added, "I have decided to show you how hard I could have made it for you up until now. This way you will be able to compare and see I am not so bad."

"From this point onward, you will kneel when I enter a room." Cole laughed at the look of absolute defiance painted on Neo's face. "You will not have a choice in this Neo, because I can cause it to happen whether you want it too or not. When you are in your room, you will only wear boxer shorts and your covers will be removed from your bed. You will also be chained to the bed at night. Franco is just going to have to get used to seeing you on the screen, because it is the only way he will being seeing you. When his screen is turned on you will be allowed to wear sweat pants and a shirt. You will also be sitting at the table with your palms down and fingers spread. "Cole took another bite of the salad, wiped his mouth with the napkin and leaned back in his chair to chew."I have not decided about your exercise periods. I am considering preventing you from exercising all together or taking you to the training camp where you will exercise with my men. We will see on that point."

Neo shrugged as he said, "You still don't get it Fixer. I have other reasons that make it impossible to allow anybody to control my actions. Even Air does not try and control my actions. I won't break Fixer cause to do so will put more at risk then you will ever know."

Cole continued to sit back in the chair and watch Neo. "Tell me what the reasons are Cooler, and maybe we can come to an understanding." Something was blocking his efforts and Cole wanted to find out what.

Neo shook his head as he said, "If you have not figured those reasons out then there is no way I am going to help by telling you. Just know that I have a lot more at stake by letting control go then you might ever realize." Cooler just had to pray that Fixer would not even consider using the truth drug as he did with Frankie. Neo cringed as he thought about the addiction he had overcame with the help of the Headmaster and Arianna. He had made a promise never to hand control over to anything or anyone ever again. He prayed that Marco had indeed kept his secret. He had known the drug that Fixer had used on Frankie by sight.

It was really difficult for Cole to not show what he had just picked up on with Neo, because of his empathy abilities and Neo had not been totally successful in hiding the cringe. Cole continued to eat and just let Neo stand there watching him. When he was finished he put the lids back on the plates and motioned for Kimtu to take them away. The elf picked them up and took them to the back wall, where he deposited them on a hidden conveyor belt, which led to the kitchens, via an underground passage. Sitting back in his chair, he put his elbows on the arms and formed a pyramid with his finger. "I am used to having my questions answered fully and completely Neo. So I will ask one more time. Tell me what the reasons are that you are so afraid of losing control to me." Cole moved his hands down to his chest, and rocked slightly in the chair, waiting for Neo to answer.

Neo just shook his head as he said, "Tough!"

Cole chuckled and said, "If that is you final decision then live with the consequences Cooler." Turning to Mecum Cole said, "Take him back to his room. I will be there shortly. I need to talk with Master Franco, before he retires." Cole just stared at Neo as he was dragged out of the room. Shaking his head he realized it was going to be a long night.

(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane, We hope you enjoyed it)

NEO
At first when Neo had gotten back to his room, he started to pace. The pacing was halted when Mecum had told him to take off his shirt and sweat pants. He had not realized how cold it was in the room. He started to pace again, while watching out of the corner of his eyes as Mecum stripped the sheets, blanket and pillowcase off the bed. Suddenly he stopped when he remembered Cole thought of taking his exercise periods away, which from the jest of thing, meant he was not going to be allowed to exercise even in his own room. His stomach had giver off several very large grumbles and he was definitely feeling the lack of food. Cooler, started to exercise. The different movement would help him keep his mind off whatever Fixer was going to come up with and from the way his stomach and mind were starting to demand nourishment.

Cole did not like his answer, this he knew for certain. He had said he was going to visit Frankie before coming to see him. Would he do anything to Frankie? Would he tell Frankie he was being punished and make his brother worry more, which would not be good for whatever the physical parts of the training for his gift consisted of. Cooler, started to exercise faster.

Mecum had stayed right beside his elbow, even when he had been pacing. When Neo had stopped he turned to the elf and said, "I am all right Mecum. You can go and sit down." But the elf had shook his head no and continued his vigil at Coolers right elbow. After about the 100th setup, Mecum had tapped Neo on the shoulder and said, "Master Frank is coming, Master Neo. You must kneel please, before he enters. It is one of the new rules."

Neo shook his head as he said, "That is not happening Mecum! I will not am not giving up control ever again." He had been forced to kneel before the cloaked man before the man would even consider to give him the drug. For three years, he had been a slave to both the drugs and the cloaked man. Cooler shook his head as he said quietly, "Never again!"

"But Master Neo, Master Frank said," Mecum had started to explain but never got a chance to continue, because the door opened and Master Frank was standing in it with his feet spread and his hands on his hips. Before he entered he looked at Master Neo, shook his head and silently told Mecum what he must do. Mecum walked up three steps behind Master Neo, put out his hand and forced the human to his knees, saying, "Sorry Master Neo, but you must follow Master Franks rules."

Cole then walked into the room and stood about three paces in front of Neo. Leaning down he said close to the Coolers ear, "I told you there was no choice in this." Straighening back up, Cole went and straddled the chair on the other side of the table. He motioned for Mecum to release Master Neo, but watch him. "You have my permission to rise Cooler and join me at the table."

Neo shook his head as he tried to resist the elf. He knew it was a lost battle. Once on his knees, Cooler said, "Nobody will ever control the Cooler again Fixer." When he was released, Neo started where he left off in his workout.

Cole sat for a solid minute watching Neo, struggle to continue his grueling workout. "Neo please take a seat at the table, put your palms flat on the surface and spread your fingers." Receiving a shake of Neo's head, Cole pushed himself off the chair and went to the locked cabinet on the wall near the head of the bed. Taking his time and as nonchalantly as he could he unlocked the cabinet, reached in and pulled out some supplies. Slowly walking back to the table, paying no attention to Neo's movements. Again straddling the chair, he lined the supplies up in the middle of the table. Crossing his arms on the table in front of him he looked deceivably calm and relaxed. On the table was a rather large syringe, some alcohol rub pads and a small green bottle which left no doubt that it's contents were a drug. Cole repeated, "Neo please take a seat at the table, put your palms flat on the surface and spread your fingers…" and waited.

Neo watched Fixer for maybe a few seconds never stopping his workout. When Fixer repeated himself, Neo ignored him and just went on to the next exercise on his mental list.

Cole looked down at the table and the raised one of his hand and snapped his fingers, pointing toward the bed. Before he could raise his head, Neo had frozen in mid-star jump, his legs had come together and his hands had gone down to his side. Mecum had picked him up and floated him toward the bed. Cole stood, and picked the items up off the table, walking toward the bed, as Neo was laid flat and his wrist were fastened to the sides of the bed and then his shoulder was also fastened down. Cole stood by the bed filling the syringe.

Neo eyes went immediately to the syringe. It was happening again and there was nothing he could do. Cooler was trapped and he inwardly screamed as he knew that Fixer would get his answers. Neo knew his past addiction would make him answer even more quickly as the pain became unbearable. He started panicking and yet knew deep down that the nightmare he had avoided all these years had only just began.

"Neo look at me." When Cooler eyes stayed on the needle, he repeated the order, louder and firmer, "Neo … I said … look … at me." Slowly the man's eyes came to Coles, but flickered back to the needle several times. "We do not have to do it this way. I am willing to let you sit at the table, and carry on a regular conversation. How we do this is totally up to you." Cole stood by the side of the bed, an alcohol pad in one hand and the syringe in the other. He was hoping Neo would give in and come to the table. He did not like using drugs.

Neo mentally shook his head. "If I give in then Fixer will realize that all he needs is threaten to drug me to control my actions. I can't let on how much I am praying he is only playing a hunch and has no intention of using it." Neo knew he was going to regret this but he chose to say nothing.

Cole shook his head and slowly wiped Neo's arm. Just as slowly, he plunged the drugs into Coolers arm and then rubbed the spot to get it to disperse. Sitting on the side of the bed he watched as the medicine took effect. This was not his way, but Cooler had to come around or Shadow would never believe Cole had control of him and would go after the man's family. The worst target now was young Dalton. Controlling the child would control the adults. Cole had to make sure there was no reason for the crazed man to go after the child.

As Cole wiped his arm with the alcohol pad and stated toward it with the needle, Neo started to panic. He tried to fight the bonds, but his wrist and shoulder were fastened so tight he could not budge his arm. Neo saw the needle go into his arm and felt the sting of the shot. He started screaming, "No not again...I promised...I won't....No!"

His mind started to feel that it was about to explode. While his head felt like a bomb about to go off, the rest of him felt on top of the world. Cooler smiled as he remembered why he had needed this feeling so long ago. He was glad that he only had to worry about the come down. As long as he did what he was told, he was sure that he would never have to come down. Marco had been wrong...his brain held the name, "Marco!"

Shaking his head violently as he realized what he had been thinking. He had sworn to Marco that this would never happen again. That he would stay clean. He had to force the drug out of his system before what happened before happened again. Neo greatest fear was getting his brothers once again hooked through the link they shared or him being ordered to kill just to get his next fix. Neo went back and forth between wanting the feeling the drug gave him and ripping into himself for having such thoughts and betraying everything, he had worked so hard for. Cooler cringed, as he knew which side would win out as it had so many times before.

Cole watched as Neo's eyes slowly started to dilate. The Coolers attempts at fighting the bonds was almost non-existent within three minutes. Neo's eyes closed, but that was most likely because of the headache he had from trying to fight the drugs. Cole motioned for Mecum to lower the brightness of the lights, then he said, "Neo, open your eyes and look at me. How you feeling?" Cole new exactly how Neo was feeling he had to get off the same drug once, because a mad man had decided to get him so hooked, it had almost killed him. He knew the pain which Neo would feel when he removed the ability for him to have the shots. "I bet your head hurts but we both know that will lessen as the drug takes over your nervous system. In twenty minutes I am going to give you another shot, and then a third twenty minutes after that. You know what that means don't you. After the third shot I am not going to give you any more until you help me answer some questions. You are going to do that aren't you Cooler?"

Neo opened his eyes and with tears in his eyes said, "Head feels like it is a bomb about to go off, the rest of me feels half of the time on top of the world without a care in the world. Then I want to knock myself in the rear for liking the feeling." When he heard what Fixer planned to do, Neo pleaded, "No please not again. I promised, please Fixer....not the addiction again!"

Neo heard the only way he would receive his fourth shot and cringed as he heard himself say in a very weak voice, "Yes..." Inside he was shaking his head as he realized that he was again hooked. The years disappeared in that moment as he knew he would do anything to keep from the come down. He had to get the shots or he would die and this time he would never be able to get control back

"Neo you know what you have to agree to…. I do not want to get you hook, because I know firsthand what it will do to you and how you will feel. The other Quints are being blocked so they will not feel what you are feeling. Just agree to my demands on your honor, and I will make the shot I just gave you the only one you get. The elves can easily pull you back after the one shot, but it will get harder for even them after three. Give up the fight Neo… I am not asking you to kill anyone, just the show of respect for me when you are on the island and a little leeway when my men and I are out collecting information." Cole continued to sit on the side of the bed. Slowly he refilled the syring making sure Neo saw it happen.

Neo cringed as he said, "I kicked this habit fully ten years ago. Ten years without even thinking about getting another shot. I promised Marco that I would stay clean. All that time wasted cause it is not going to take even two. I am back to where I was at seventeen. Before I left that and this all behind me." He started remembering what the cloaked man had told him. "I might beat it once but I don't have the strength to beat it again...I am already craving another shot....Oh no, the link...Frankie,....Marco will be out for blood...I swore never to addict Frankie again....It almost killed him last time that was when Marco confronted me and now..."

"The elves are blocking the link remember between you and Franco. You can feel what he feels, but he cannot get a reading on you. This is all you Neo… I am not asking much. This can be fought…. You are not 17 anymore… you have more strength in you than you think…. Just tell me you will do as I ask and I will put this syringe," Cole held up the full needle, "away and will not bring it back out….. I would not allow Frankie to be hooked, not with his new gift coming into full being." Cole leaned down very close to Neo's face. "Give in Neo…. Keep me from giving you another shot… It will not be like then I promise. You will not have to kill anyone."

Neo wanted so much to believe that he could beat this addiction again. He shook his head as the pain increased from the lack of another shot. He was crying and scared as he said, "The cloaked man that I thought was Khalid laughed when I sent a owl telling him I was through. He said that I would be back on my hands and knees. That was 32 years ago. I got help and got clean but the addiction always came back. Then ten years ago, he found me. One shot was all I got but the next thing I knew Frankie was hospitalized and Marco confronted me. Frankie had ODed and Marco blamed me. I swore then to never go back to that life again. I have kept my word but if he finds out, then that man won't stop until I am his again. I can't go through that again. Knowing that if I resist him....he will just..."

Cole sat back up and got off the bed. Stepping the four feet to the table he sat on the edge of it. He watched Neo for a moment before he signaled Mecum to undo the bonds on Neo's arms. When the Cooler was free, he just continued to stare at the ceiling, so Cole said holding the full needle in plain view, "Neo come here and stand before me."


At first all Neo did was turn his head. He had watched out of the corners of his eyes as the elf removed the restraints, but he was almost afraid to believe he was being let loose. When he saw the full needle in Cole's hand, he swallowed hard, took a breath and careful swung his legs off the side of the bed. Sitting up his head started to pound worse, and he was seeing dark spots in front of his eyes. A dizziness threatened to send him flat onto the bed. The spots faded and although his head still felt like someone was hammering to get out, he stood and steadied himself. Mecum offered him a shoulder until he could stand straight. Slowly he walked toward Cole, his eyes shifting from Cole's eyes to the needle and back again.

When Neo stood in front of him Cole moved the needle just a bit so it was almost directling in line under his eyes. Frank said, "Kneel, Spellman and bow your head."

Neo looked at the needle and went slowly to his knees. He bowed his head and found his hands had formed fists at his side.

Cole smiled and said, "Look at me Spellman and say Yes Sir, . When I tell you to do something as long as we are on the island, you will always answer me with a Yes, Sir. , have made myself clear, Spellman?

Neo could not stop the tears, which were determined to escape from the corners of his eyes. His world had spun out of control again. He would curl up into a ball if he could and just let the whole thing go around him. But he knew Cole would not let that happen. Lance had told him once Brennan had tried to commit tactical subside, figuring if he was not around, then others would be protected. Neo was not a coward, but he was not sure he could do that. The option seemed to be looming closer with every moment that passed. Slowly he raised his head, his eyes catching the sight of the needle as they made their way to meet Cole's eyes. He was barely able to get the words, "Yes, sir out of his mouth through clinched teeth.

"Very good Spellman. I would suggest you stop trying to fight the effects of the drug, for a few moments, because you would be much more comfortable." Cole said as he played with the syringe in his hand, twisting it and moving it gently, causing Neo's eyes to go to it. "Look at me Spellman, not the needle. Now you are going to answer yes to the following questions, and the answers will be honor bound. Do you understand?"

Neo fought to raise his eyes back to Cole's but the need to get another shot was getting stornger by the second. Taking a ragged but deep breath he said, "Please don’t do this Fixer, just give me the shot and let me answer your questions. I need the shot, please….."

"That was not the answer I requested, Spellman." Cole still sat on the edge of the table, but he had leaned forward, using his free hand for support. "You are only allowed to say Yes Sire . Do you understand?"

Neo shook his head and lowered his eyes, trying not to stop at the needle, Fixer was still playing with in his hands. "Yes, Sir I understand?"

"Much better," Cole said. "Look at me Neo. Do not take your eyes off my face. Question number one: Do you understand that you are to come to attention when I walk into a room, anytime you are on this island, no matter who else is in the room?" Cole stopped playing with the needle and moved his finger over the plunger.

Cooler slowly looked up again, his eyes going wide when he realized Cole's thumb was on the plunger of the syringe. He wanted the shot so much, but he was terrified to think he was going to get it. Swallowing hard he said, "Yes sir." He could not keep his eyes from flickering to the needle but he fought to follow directions. As soon as he could get through the questions, he would be able to get relief from the steadily building pain in every part of his body.

"We are making excellent progress Neo. Next question, do you understand you will train with my army and give them help with any expertise you can when I request it?" Cole knew Neo would eventually find the men and women in his small force were well trained and his only job for them at the moment was to retrieve information and the occasional person who had been kidnapped from their family.

The negative shake of Neo's head soon turned to a repeated nod, when Cole moved the needle to in front of Cooler eyes. In a pained voice he said, "Yes, sir. Please Cole I need the shot. The pain is getting unbearable…."
==
Cole reached out and patted Neo on the shoulder. "We are almost finished Neo and then I will take care of the pain. Next question, do you understand that you will come when I request it, without hesitation, as soon as possible, barring any danger happening to someone else if you leave at that moment."

Neo had just given up, he nodded his head and said, "Yes Sir." All he wanted to do was get to the end of the questions.

"One more question Cooler then we will be done for now. Do you understand that you will look the other way when either myself or any member of my force is in the Shadow Lounge or anywhere else you might be. I will allow you to message me if you are having a problem with them, but you will actively try and keep Gab away from them also." Cole knew what he was asking. He was getting Neo to say he would try and talk Gab out of interfering with the men also.

Even with the pain, Neo's face went hard, "How am I supposed to keep others from antagoizing your men, Fixer. I am only the Cooler at the Shadow Lounge."

"You are just going to have to think of something Cooler. My men will be instructed to be good and well behaved, and they will answer to me if they are not. Now your response is….." Cole said with steel in his voice, as he put his thumb, which he had removed, back on the plunger of the needle.

Neo again hung his head but raised his eyes back up quickly remembering he was not supposed to drop his gaze from Cole's eyes. With defeat in his voice, he said, "Yes, Sir. I understand and will do my best…. Now please Cole you promised to take away the pain."
Cole smiled. "Very good Neo. You have done excellent. Now get up and get back in the bed, please."

Neo looked at the needle and slowly got up. "I won't fight taking the shot, please…" he said as he held out his arm.

"I said get back in the bed and let Mecum fasten the restraints. If you want the pain to go away. I would take it as an order. Your answer is Yes Sir and then compliance, Spellman."

Neo nodded and said "Yes, sir." Taking one last look at the needle, he went to the bed, laid down and allowed Mecum to refasten the straps. Then he looked toward Cole, fastening his eyes on the needle.

Cole slowly walked over to the bed. "I am going to help you Neo all I can fight this drug. I am going to actively try and find the hooded man. If you are somehow given a shot then you are to come straight to me or get a message to me. In either Charitee's Café or the Shadow Lounge someone will always be stationed, when they are open. You can go to the Post Office and send an Owl to Mr. Calhoun and I will get the message. Tal'mac and Darik will also be able to get a non-verble message to me." Cole looked into Neo's eyes and realized he probably was not tracking too much of what he was saying. "I will repeat this information later. For now…. " Cole picked up the small green bottle, stuck the syringe in it and shot the drug back into the bottle.

Neo started to panic. A part of him was relieved that he was not going to get another shot, but that part was being burried deeper and deeper under the part that wanted to feel the europhoria of the world with in the drugs influences. Cole had lied to him…. He wasn't going to give him any more of the drugs…. He wasn't going to make the pain go away…. He started to despartely fight the restrains. He had to get to the drug and give himself a shot, if Fixer would not do it. Screaming he yelled, "No … Oh please Fixer, I have agreed to everything on my honor…. I need another shot….. please …. Don't leave my like this…. I will die."

Cole put the syringe down and the bottle on the table then walked back to the bed. Putting up the side rail he leaned on it and placed his hand on Neo's chest. "Calm Neo, Calm….. You are not going to die Neo. You have just become to valuable to me and to your family. " Cole inwardly shivered, because he could still remember coming down from the drug. Even with the best doctor care, it had taken almost a month to get off the drug enough he could be released from the hospital. After that it had been a constant battle not to go looking for something he knew he could easily find. "It is going to take about eight hours, but the elves are going to bring you back down from the drug. They will be able to take away most of the pain, although there will still be some. When you are back down, we will talk and see how I can help you fight the demons which are in your system and requiring the drug." Patting the man's chest, Cole added, "It will be all right Neo, although the way you are feeling at the moment you don't believe me." Cole looked at Mecum and nodded.

The elf walked to the head of the bed and put a opened hand on each side of Master Neo's face. He had to forcibly hold the hold the young masters head still, because the human was in pain and not understanding get he was there to help. Quietly, Mecum said, "Hold still Master Neo, I will take away as much of the pain as I can. I need you to relax, young master. Try and breath slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth……. That's it much better. Now relax and let me work."

Cole watched and tried to stay unconnected from Neo's emotions, because he was too afraid of getting caught in that need again. Only the need to find the traitor was keeping him from trying to kill his own demons, by just running and hiding from them via the drugs. The Cooler was going to be drained after this. Looking at his watch he realized it was almost 10 pm. He needed to check and see how night maneuvers were going and he had about two hours of paperwork to get done. Rubbing his hand down his face, he looked at Neo and said, "I will leave you now until the morning. Remember everything you have promised tonight Cooler, because it will all start tomorrow. I will also start your meals up again. Tomorrow morning and for tomorrows lunch you will only have health shakes, but the regular food will come as your body can take it. Now rest as best you can. Mecum will be here for now, but the elves will be changing out through the night. What you are having done, takes a lot out of them. If they tell you to do something, no matter how silly it sounds to you, you must do it. Get some sleep if you can. I will see you in the morning. "

Cole turned and left the room, leaving Neo nodding and looking at the ceiling. There was s till fear on the man's face, but Cole could not do anything about that tonight. Tomorrow would be soon enough.

(This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane, We hope you enjoyed reading it)

COLE
At first when Neo had gotten back to his room, he started to pace. The pacing was halted when Mecum had told him to take off his shirt and sweat pants. He had not realized how cold it was in the room. He started to pace again, while watching out of the corner of his eyes as Mecum stripped the sheets, blanket and pillowcase off the bed. Suddenly he stopped when he remembered Cole thought of taking his exercise periods away, which from the jest of thing, meant he was not going to be allowed to exercise even in his own room. His stomach had giver off several very large grumbles and he was definitely feeling the lack of food. Cooler, started to exercise. The different movement would help him keep his mind off whatever Fixer was going to come up with and from the way his stomach and mind were starting to demand nourishment.

Cole did not like his answer, this he knew for certain. He had said he was going to visit Frankie before coming to see him. Would he do anything to Frankie? Would he tell Frankie he was being punished and make his brother worry more, which would not be good for whatever the physical parts of the training for his gift consisted of. Cooler, started to exercise faster.

Mecum had stayed right beside his elbow, even when he had been pacing. When Neo had stopped he turned to the elf and said, "I am all right Mecum. You can go and sit down." But the elf had shook his head no and continued his vigil at Coolers right elbow. After about the 100th setup, Mecum had tapped Neo on the shoulder and said, "Master Frank is coming, Master Neo. You must kneel please, before he enters. It is one of the new rules."

Neo shook his head as he said, "That is not happening Mecum! I will not am not giving up control ever again." He had been forced to kneel before the cloaked man before the man would even consider to give him the drug. For three years, he had been a slave to both the drugs and the cloaked man. Cooler shook his head as he said quietly, "Never again!"

"But Master Neo, Master Frank said," Mecum had started to explain but never got a chance to continue, because the door opened and Master Frank was standing in it with his feet spread and his hands on his hips. Before he entered he looked at Master Neo, shook his head and silently told Mecum what he must do. Mecum walked up three steps behind Master Neo, put out his hand and forced the human to his knees, saying, "Sorry Master Neo, but you must follow Master Franks rules."

Cole then walked into the room and stood about three paces in front of Neo. Leaning down he said close to the Coolers ear, "I told you there was no choice in this." Straighening back up, Cole went and straddled the chair on the other side of the table. He motioned for Mecum to release Master Neo, but watch him. "You have my permission to rise Cooler and join me at the table."

Neo shook his head as he tried to resist the elf. He knew it was a lost battle. Once on his knees, Cooler said, "Nobody will ever control the Cooler again Fixer." When he was released, Neo started where he left off in his workout.

Cole sat for a solid minute watching Neo, struggle to continue his grueling workout. "Neo please take a seat at the table, put your palms flat on the surface and spread your fingers." Receiving a shake of Neo's head, Cole pushed himself off the chair and went to the locked cabinet on the wall near the head of the bed. Taking his time and as nonchalantly as he could he unlocked the cabinet, reached in and pulled out some supplies. Slowly walking back to the table, paying no attention to Neo's movements. Again straddling the chair, he lined the supplies up in the middle of the table. Crossing his arms on the table in front of him he looked deceivably calm and relaxed. On the table was a rather large syringe, some alcohol rub pads and a small green bottle which left no doubt that it's contents were a drug. Cole repeated, "Neo please take a seat at the table, put your palms flat on the surface and spread your fingers…" and waited.

Neo watched Fixer for maybe a few seconds never stopping his workout. When Fixer repeated himself, Neo ignored him and just went on to the next exercise on his mental list.

Cole looked down at the table and the raised one of his hand and snapped his fingers, pointing toward the bed. Before he could raise his head, Neo had frozen in mid-star jump, his legs had come together and his hands had gone down to his side. Mecum had picked him up and floated him toward the bed. Cole stood, and picked the items up off the table, walking toward the bed, as Neo was laid flat and his wrist were fastened to the sides of the bed and then his shoulder was also fastened down. Cole stood by the bed filling the syringe.

Neo eyes went immediately to the syringe. It was happening again and there was nothing he could do. Cooler was trapped and he inwardly screamed as he knew that Fixer would get his answers. Neo knew his past addiction would make him answer even more quickly as the pain became unbearable. He started panicking and yet knew deep down that the nightmare he had avoided all these years had only just began.

"Neo look at me." When Cooler eyes stayed on the needle, he repeated the order, louder and firmer, "Neo … I said … look … at me." Slowly the man's eyes came to Coles, but flickered back to the needle several times. "We do not have to do it this way. I am willing to let you sit at the table, and carry on a regular conversation. How we do this is totally up to you." Cole stood by the side of the bed, an alcohol pad in one hand and the syringe in the other. He was hoping Neo would give in and come to the table. He did not like using drugs.

Neo mentally shook his head. "If I give in then Fixer will realize that all he needs is threaten to drug me to control my actions. I can't let on how much I am praying he is only playing a hunch and has no intention of using it." Neo knew he was going to regret this but he chose to say nothing.

Cole shook his head and slowly wiped Neo's arm. Just as slowly, he plunged the drugs into Coolers arm and then rubbed the spot to get it to disperse. Sitting on the side of the bed he watched as the medicine took effect. This was not his way, but Cooler had to come around or Shadow would never believe Cole had control of him and would go after the man's family. The worst target now was young Dalton. Controlling the child would control the adults. Cole had to make sure there was no reason for the crazed man to go after the child.

As Cole wiped his arm with the alcohol pad and stated toward it with the needle, Neo started to panic. He tried to fight the bonds, but his wrist and shoulder were fastened so tight he could not budge his arm. Neo saw the needle go into his arm and felt the sting of the shot. He started screaming, "No not again...I promised...I won't....No!"

His mind started to feel that it was about to explode. While his head felt like a bomb about to go off, the rest of him felt on top of the world. Cooler smiled as he remembered why he had needed this feeling so long ago. He was glad that he only had to worry about the come down. As long as he did what he was told, he was sure that he would never have to come down. Marco had been wrong...his brain held the name, "Marco!"

Shaking his head violently as he realized what he had been thinking. He had sworn to Marco that this would never happen again. That he would stay clean. He had to force the drug out of his system before what happened before happened again. Neo greatest fear was getting his brothers once again hooked through the link they shared or him being ordered to kill just to get his next fix. Neo went back and forth between wanting the feeling the drug gave him and ripping into himself for having such thoughts and betraying everything, he had worked so hard for. Cooler cringed, as he knew which side would win out as it had so many times before.

Cole watched as Neo's eyes slowly started to dilate. The Coolers attempts at fighting the bonds was almost non-existent within three minutes. Neo's eyes closed, but that was most likely because of the headache he had from trying to fight the drugs. Cole motioned for Mecum to lower the brightness of the lights, then he said, "Neo, open your eyes and look at me. How you feeling?" Cole new exactly how Neo was feeling he had to get off the same drug once, because a mad man had decided to get him so hooked, it had almost killed him. He knew the pain which Neo would feel when he removed the ability for him to have the shots. "I bet your head hurts but we both know that will lessen as the drug takes over your nervous system. In twenty minutes I am going to give you another shot, and then a third twenty minutes after that. You know what that means don't you. After the third shot I am not going to give you any more until you help me answer some questions. You are going to do that aren't you Cooler?"

Neo opened his eyes and with tears in his eyes said, "Head feels like it is a bomb about to go off, the rest of me feels half of the time on top of the world without a care in the world. Then I want to knock myself in the rear for liking the feeling." When he heard what Fixer planned to do, Neo pleaded, "No please not again. I promised, please Fixer....not the addiction again!"

Neo heard the only way he would receive his fourth shot and cringed as he heard himself say in a very weak voice, "Yes..." Inside he was shaking his head as he realized that he was again hooked. The years disappeared in that moment as he knew he would do anything to keep from the come down. He had to get the shots or he would die and this time he would never be able to get control back

"Neo you know what you have to agree to…. I do not want to get you hook, because I know firsthand what it will do to you and how you will feel. The other Quints are being blocked so they will not feel what you are feeling. Just agree to my demands on your honor, and I will make the shot I just gave you the only one you get. The elves can easily pull you back after the one shot, but it will get harder for even them after three. Give up the fight Neo… I am not asking you to kill anyone, just the show of respect for me when you are on the island and a little leeway when my men and I are out collecting information." Cole continued to sit on the side of the bed. Slowly he refilled the syring making sure Neo saw it happen.

Neo cringed as he said, "I kicked this habit fully ten years ago. Ten years without even thinking about getting another shot. I promised Marco that I would stay clean. All that time wasted cause it is not going to take even two. I am back to where I was at seventeen. Before I left that and this all behind me." He started remembering what the cloaked man had told him. "I might beat it once but I don't have the strength to beat it again...I am already craving another shot....Oh no, the link...Frankie,....Marco will be out for blood...I swore never to addict Frankie again....It almost killed him last time that was when Marco confronted me and now..."

"The elves are blocking the link remember between you and Franco. You can feel what he feels, but he cannot get a reading on you. This is all you Neo… I am not asking much. This can be fought…. You are not 17 anymore… you have more strength in you than you think…. Just tell me you will do as I ask and I will put this syringe," Cole held up the full needle, "away and will not bring it back out….. I would not allow Frankie to be hooked, not with his new gift coming into full being." Cole leaned down very close to Neo's face. "Give in Neo…. Keep me from giving you another shot… It will not be like then I promise. You will not have to kill anyone."

Neo wanted so much to believe that he could beat this addiction again. He shook his head as the pain increased from the lack of another shot. He was crying and scared as he said, "The cloaked man that I thought was Khalid laughed when I sent a owl telling him I was through. He said that I would be back on my hands and knees. That was 32 years ago. I got help and got clean but the addiction always came back. Then ten years ago, he found me. One shot was all I got but the next thing I knew Frankie was hospitalized and Marco confronted me. Frankie had ODed and Marco blamed me. I swore then to never go back to that life again. I have kept my word but if he finds out, then that man won't stop until I am his again. I can't go through that again. Knowing that if I resist him....he will just..."

Cole sat back up and got off the bed. Stepping the four feet to the table he sat on the edge of it. He watched Neo for a moment before he signaled Mecum to undo the bonds on Neo's arms. When the Cooler was free, he just continued to stare at the ceiling, so Cole said holding the full needle in plain view, "Neo come here and stand before me."


At first all Neo did was turn his head. He had watched out of the corners of his eyes as the elf removed the restraints, but he was almost afraid to believe he was being let loose. When he saw the full needle in Cole's hand, he swallowed hard, took a breath and careful swung his legs off the side of the bed. Sitting up his head started to pound worse, and he was seeing dark spots in front of his eyes. A dizziness threatened to send him flat onto the bed. The spots faded and although his head still felt like someone was hammering to get out, he stood and steadied himself. Mecum offered him a shoulder until he could stand straight. Slowly he walked toward Cole, his eyes shifting from Cole's eyes to the needle and back again.

When Neo stood in front of him Cole moved the needle just a bit so it was almost directling in line under his eyes. Frank said, "Kneel, Spellman and bow your head."

Neo looked at the needle and went slowly to his knees. He bowed his head and found his hands had formed fists at his side.

Cole smiled and said, "Look at me Spellman and say Yes Sir, . When I tell you to do something as long as we are on the island, you will always answer me with a Yes, Sir. , have made myself clear, Spellman?

Neo could not stop the tears, which were determined to escape from the corners of his eyes. His world had spun out of control again. He would curl up into a ball if he could and just let the whole thing go around him. But he knew Cole would not let that happen. Lance had told him once Brennan had tried to commit tactical subside, figuring if he was not around, then others would be protected. Neo was not a coward, but he was not sure he could do that. The option seemed to be looming closer with every moment that passed. Slowly he raised his head, his eyes catching the sight of the needle as they made their way to meet Cole's eyes. He was barely able to get the words, "Yes, sir out of his mouth through clinched teeth.

"Very good Spellman. I would suggest you stop trying to fight the effects of the drug, for a few moments, because you would be much more comfortable." Cole said as he played with the syringe in his hand, twisting it and moving it gently, causing Neo's eyes to go to it. "Look at me Spellman, not the needle. Now you are going to answer yes to the following questions, and the answers will be honor bound. Do you understand?"

Neo fought to raise his eyes back to Cole's but the need to get another shot was getting stornger by the second. Taking a ragged but deep breath he said, "Please don’t do this Fixer, just give me the shot and let me answer your questions. I need the shot, please….."

"That was not the answer I requested, Spellman." Cole still sat on the edge of the table, but he had leaned forward, using his free hand for support. "You are only allowed to say Yes Sire . Do you understand?"

Neo shook his head and lowered his eyes, trying not to stop at the needle, Fixer was still playing with in his hands. "Yes, Sir I understand?"

"Much better," Cole said. "Look at me Neo. Do not take your eyes off my face. Question number one: Do you understand that you are to come to attention when I walk into a room, anytime you are on this island, no matter who else is in the room?" Cole stopped playing with the needle and moved his finger over the plunger.

Cooler slowly looked up again, his eyes going wide when he realized Cole's thumb was on the plunger of the syringe. He wanted the shot so much, but he was terrified to think he was going to get it. Swallowing hard he said, "Yes sir." He could not keep his eyes from flickering to the needle but he fought to follow directions. As soon as he could get through the questions, he would be able to get relief from the steadily building pain in every part of his body.

"We are making excellent progress Neo. Next question, do you understand you will train with my army and give them help with any expertise you can when I request it?" Cole knew Neo would eventually find the men and women in his small force were well trained and his only job for them at the moment was to retrieve information and the occasional person who had been kidnapped from their family.

The negative shake of Neo's head soon turned to a repeated nod, when Cole moved the needle to in front of Cooler eyes. In a pained voice he said, "Yes, sir. Please Cole I need the shot. The pain is getting unbearable…."
==
Cole reached out and patted Neo on the shoulder. "We are almost finished Neo and then I will take care of the pain. Next question, do you understand that you will come when I request it, without hesitation, as soon as possible, barring any danger happening to someone else if you leave at that moment."

Neo had just given up, he nodded his head and said, "Yes Sir." All he wanted to do was get to the end of the questions.

"One more question Cooler then we will be done for now. Do you understand that you will look the other way when either myself or any member of my force is in the Shadow Lounge or anywhere else you might be. I will allow you to message me if you are having a problem with them, but you will actively try and keep Gab away from them also." Cole knew what he was asking. He was getting Neo to say he would try and talk Gab out of interfering with the men also.

Even with the pain, Neo's face went hard, "How am I supposed to keep others from antagoizing your men, Fixer. I am only the Cooler at the Shadow Lounge."

"You are just going to have to think of something Cooler. My men will be instructed to be good and well behaved, and they will answer to me if they are not. Now your response is….." Cole said with steel in his voice, as he put his thumb, which he had removed, back on the plunger of the needle.

Neo again hung his head but raised his eyes back up quickly remembering he was not supposed to drop his gaze from Cole's eyes. With defeat in his voice, he said, "Yes, Sir. I understand and will do my best…. Now please Cole you promised to take away the pain."
Cole smiled. "Very good Neo. You have done excellent. Now get up and get back in the bed, please."

Neo looked at the needle and slowly got up. "I won't fight taking the shot, please…" he said as he held out his arm.

"I said get back in the bed and let Mecum fasten the restraints. If you want the pain to go away. I would take it as an order. Your answer is Yes Sir and then compliance, Spellman."

Neo nodded and said "Yes, sir." Taking one last look at the needle, he went to the bed, laid down and allowed Mecum to refasten the straps. Then he looked toward Cole, fastening his eyes on the needle.

Cole slowly walked over to the bed. "I am going to help you Neo all I can fight this drug. I am going to actively try and find the hooded man. If you are somehow given a shot then you are to come straight to me or get a message to me. In either Charitee's Café or the Shadow Lounge someone will always be stationed, when they are open. You can go to the Post Office and send an Owl to Mr. Calhoun and I will get the message. Tal'mac and Darik will also be able to get a non-verble message to me." Cole looked into Neo's eyes and realized he probably was not tracking too much of what he was saying. "I will repeat this information later. For now…. " Cole picked up the small green bottle, stuck the syringe in it and shot the drug back into the bottle.

Neo started to panic. A part of him was relieved that he was not going to get another shot, but that part was being burried deeper and deeper under the part that wanted to feel the europhoria of the world with in the drugs influences. Cole had lied to him…. He wasn't going to give him any more of the drugs…. He wasn't going to make the pain go away…. He started to despartely fight the restrains. He had to get to the drug and give himself a shot, if Fixer would not do it. Screaming he yelled, "No … Oh please Fixer, I have agreed to everything on my honor…. I need another shot….. please …. Don't leave my like this…. I will die."

Cole put the syringe down and the bottle on the table then walked back to the bed. Putting up the side rail he leaned on it and placed his hand on Neo's chest. "Calm Neo, Calm….. You are not going to die Neo. You have just become to valuable to me and to your family. " Cole inwardly shivered, because he could still remember coming down from the drug. Even with the best doctor care, it had taken almost a month to get off the drug enough he could be released from the hospital. After that it had been a constant battle not to go looking for something he knew he could easily find. "It is going to take about eight hours, but the elves are going to bring you back down from the drug. They will be able to take away most of the pain, although there will still be some. When you are back down, we will talk and see how I can help you fight the demons which are in your system and requiring the drug." Patting the man's chest, Cole added, "It will be all right Neo, although the way you are feeling at the moment you don't believe me." Cole looked at Mecum and nodded.

The elf walked to the head of the bed and put a opened hand on each side of Master Neo's face. He had to forcibly hold the hold the young masters head still, because the human was in pain and not understanding get he was there to help. Quietly, Mecum said, "Hold still Master Neo, I will take away as much of the pain as I can. I need you to relax, young master. Try and breath slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth……. That's it much better. Now relax and let me work."

Cole watched and tried to stay unconnected from Neo's emotions, because he was too afraid of getting caught in that need again. Only the need to find the traitor was keeping him from trying to kill his own demons, by just running and hiding from them via the drugs. The Cooler was going to be drained after this. Looking at his watch he realized it was almost 10 pm. He needed to check and see how night maneuvers were going and he had about two hours of paperwork to get done. Rubbing his hand down his face, he looked at Neo and said, "I will leave you now until the morning. Remember everything you have promised tonight Cooler, because it will all start tomorrow. I will also start your meals up again. Tomorrow morning and for tomorrows lunch you will only have health shakes, but the regular food will come as your body can take it. Now rest as best you can. Mecum will be here for now, but the elves will be changing out through the night. What you are having done, takes a lot out of them. If they tell you to do something, no matter how silly it sounds to you, you must do it. Get some sleep if you can. I will see you in the morning. "

Cole turned and left the room, leaving Neo nodding and looking at the ceiling. There was s till fear on the man's face, but Cole could not do anything about that tonight. Tomorrow would be soon enough.

(This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane, We hope you enjoyed reading it)

NEO


Directives:
· Come to attention when Cole enters the room when on the island.
· Always finish a sentence with "Sir"
· Work with troops and help train where possible
· Come when called

Before he entered the room, Cole turned on the small screen outside Neo's room. The man was jogging in place. Cole opened the door and stepped into the room. He stood with his feet spread apart and his arms crossed on his chest. He needed to start Neo's training, so that his mind would accept Cole as boss. Forcing him to start by coming to attention immediately was a beginning.

Cole had to give the man a little credit. When Neo saw him, he stopped and came to attention. But Cole was also picking up ulterior motives. He could feel Neo's craving for the drugs. Frank knew the physical drug had dissipated from Neo's system, but his brain was still desperate to find that place of pure contentment. Neo was going to attack him. Cole walked slowly forward, inwardly preparing himself to take at least two hits. The key to the cabinet was in his right front pocket and he knew Neo had seen him pull it out before, so when he fell he would have to fall or roll to his left. "How you feeling this morning Spellman? We are going to…." and there it was.

Neo had swung a haymaker to Coles jaw, which he was able to cushion a little by rolling with the punch.. Then Cooler had hit him in the midriff with his other hand. Cole went down. Even with jumping slightly with the midsection punch, Neo had a strong arm and his fist had connected well. Cole pretended he was out cold. Just prior to walking to within striking distance, he had given a hand signal telling Punta and Mecum to stay out of the fight.

Neo went for the right pants pocket and had the keys out in seconds. If the man had been thinking straight he probably would have kicked Cole to make sure he was out, but someone who was craving the effects of the drug, would not think correctly.

Making straight for the cabinet, Neo had realized there were three keys. His finger fumbled with them. He looked back once to make sure Cole was still out and then tried the first key. It didn't work but the second one did. Pulling open the cabinet door, he scanned the contents, fastening on the small green bottle and the hypodermic needle. Grabbing the bottle and the needle, he proceeded to fill the syringe. He could feel his heart beating faster. Soon he would not have to feel and remember all the things, which were stabbing at his life. Putting the bottle back into the cabinet, he started for his arm…. Suddenly the needle fell out of his hands, his arms went down to his side and he was on his knees. The syringe was on the floor in front of him. Neo struggled forcing the magical bindings tighter. Soon he had to stop, because he could not breathe. Collapsing on the floor in tears, he just stared at the hypodermic needle.

Cole got up slowly and walked over to the man on the floor. He had planned to have Neo get that close to getting the shot. He had shivered remembering back to when he was mentally in the same place as Neo. Long after the drugs were out of his system, his body had still told his brain he was hurting and needed the drug to stop the pain. He had spent weeks, after being rescued from the cavern, where he had been given six very large shots over a period of twenty four hours. The doctors had told him if his heart held out he had a good chance. Six weeks later, he had still been feeling the withdrawal anxiety of not having the euphoric feeling of serenity.

Walking slowly he stood over Neo. Reaching down he picked the man to his feet and helped him walk to the table. Putting him in the chair, he motioned to Punta to bind his legs and bind his upper body to the chair. Then he sat on the edge of the table, near Neo and waited for the man's response.

Neo was shakily as he said, "Please Fixer..." He had no idea how to explain to the man why he had attacked the man. Cooler had been on the drugs from age fourteen to seventeen before walking away from the man who had gotten him hooked in the first place. For twelve years after that Neo had fought his need for the drug, failing most of the time. Then ten years ago, Marco gave him a reason to get clean and stay clean. Frankie had ODed and he had never came near the stuff. Now all most of the Cooler could think of was how to get his next fix. Though deep down a very small part was only interested in just what Fixer would do now that Neo had attacked him. That part was terrified not of Fixer refusal to give another shot. It was more worried about Fixer giving the next shot. That part had found happiness without the drugs and was just afraid that Fixer had every intention of using Neo's need for the drug to once again have him doing things that would haunt Cooler in his nightmares. As Neo looked Fixer in the eyes, that small part prayed that one day the nightmare of his past would be laid to rest.

"No Neo you are not getting another shot." Cole could feel the war going on between Neo's supposed need and his wanting not to go back to that point in his life. Cole said as he patted the man on the shoulder. "The drug is out of your system at the moment. It is only your brain which is craving the release from life telling your body you need it." Standing up and walking around to the other side of the table, Cole straddled the chair and said, "Now what we need to do is get some substance into you, right?" Cole waited for the Yes Sir.

Neo just looked lost as he said, "Then why should I honor what I agree to last night? You promised to end the pain by giving me another shot. I can't fight the desire, maybe I never really got clean?" The small part was glad that Cole was refusing and would have gladly said yes sir to the man. It knew that this Fixer seemed to understand. It thought of all those years that the drug had complete hold of him. Cooler barely remembered those three years but even then this small piece had held the faith.

"I promised I would end the pain, Neo, not that I would give you another shot. If you look very deep into yourself, that place you go when you meditate, you will see you really do not want the shot. You will honor what you told me you will do because you agreed on that honor that you would carry through, and I believe when you are honor bound you will hold to it. Am I wrong?"

Neo knew Cole was right. Even with everything Neo knew his word had always held him. He said weakly, "My word was all I had that the Cloaked Man could not take. It hurts and I don't believe I have the courage or strength to fight it. How do I fight when the addiction just keeps coming back?"

"We are going to teach you Neo, how to handle the cravings. If you fall off the wagon so to speak or are pushed off, you come find me or one of the elves. Tal'mac and Darik will know how to contact me also. I am not saying it will be easy but, you have the strengths to do it. Along the line I add some incentives to not taking the drugs. At the moment, I believe your breakfast is arriving." Just as he said the words the door opened and Kimtu walked in with a large glass of what looked like a milk shake. "Drink this, every drop. If you think you can do another one right away you can have one. You will get the same thing for lunch and then by dinner we will see how you are doing. Do you understand everything I have said to you?" Cole had let the expected Yes sirs, drop along the wayside, but it was time to get things under control.

Neo shook his head as he said, "You seem to have more faith in my ability to beat this thing than I do, Sir. I thought I had it licked, even got more into my martial arts. Lived a health life and try to forget. And now it is as if the last ten years had never happened. I broke my word to a brother who never really thought I cared enough to last a week. Marco lost faith in me long ago. My word to him was all the two of us still both believed in and now..." The small part smiled.

"Drink your drink, Neo. You need the energy. We will go and see Franco in time for his turn around the yard. You and I will head toward the training area. I need to check on a few things after night maneuvers and I think you need to get to know some of the men and woman you will be working with. "Cole crossed his arms on the table in front of him, "Oh and Neo you have no rank here, and I am not the only one who has the ability and the right to punish miss conduct when it comes to the troops. " Chuckling Cole added, "If you are good and behave, I am sure you will move up through the ranks quickly."

Neo drank the drink down and soon regretted it. He said painfully, "I don't want Frankie to see me like this. He will blame himself and it was never his fault to begin with."

Cole nodded and shook his head. "Neo you should know better than to drink that so fast. I will have another made and you can sip on it over the afternoon. As far as Franco is concerned, if you don't want to see him then fine." Cole knew this was not what Neo meant.

"As for your troops, I will honor my word but you will not have to worry about giving me rank. I will never be one of your men. I have given my word and will honor it but as it was exactly given. Cole, I have or at least had a group I worked with. I won't give that up for the world." The small part prayed that Cole understood that Neo was doing exactly what he always did. The Cooler was pushing everybody away. He had friends but very few true ones. The small part knew that his true friends had never left. He hoped that Cole understood and knew just how to deal with it. Cause until this part of him got more control, Neo was going to be in real trouble as he tried to accept what the small part knew would destroy what little was left.

"Neo if you do not want to go with Franco on his walk around that is fine. I will tell him you are tired. The problem we have though, is I have already told him, if you are able you will be at his training secession. If you are not there then he will consider something is wrong. Neo, this is going to be hard on him. It will be the first time he will see what it is like to change and remember what has happened. But if you want me to tell him you don't want to be there, then I will and let him think what he wants." Cole did not want to have to order Neo to go to his brothers training.

Neo shook his head as he said coldly, "You know that is not why Fixer! It is I don't want him to have the added stress of seeing my addiction. Marco thought it best ten years ago not to destroy Frankie's faith and trust in me by telling of my addiction. It is something Frankie has never known. At the moment, Franco trusts you to some extent. I don't want to destroy that as that trust is essential to his training. If he sees me as I am and blames you or himself? His first knowing change might very well be his last? I won't do that to him, no matter how much I want to be there."

Cole stepled his fingers in front of him and rested his chin on them, then he laid his arms back down on the table. "Neo, I think you are not giving Franco enough credit. He needs to know that we all have our faults. It will allow him to accept his easier. I can tell him, the training needs to be in an enclosed environment, which would mean you could not come in. I can also make it possible for the two of you to talk before we start, and then have the link set up so you can see him, but he cannot see you." Cole looked at Neo and captured his eyes, "I will even give you the ability to push a button and I will send one of the elves for you, but understand if you come into the room, our agreement on protocol stands. You will come to attention, if I leave the room and return, you will add a Sir to the end of your responses and you will take orders. Do we have a complete understanding on this, Spellman?"

Cooler realized that Fixer had said nothing concerning his words about training with Fixer's men. He got a sly grin as he said, "I meant what I said about honor my promise concerning your men. I will honor it as I exactly gave it. I will never truly be one of your men. I will only hold to my exact wording. Can you accept that?"

"You have promised to train with my army and even add training where you can. At the present time, Neo I am not contemplating you taking part in any of the retrieval missions I send my troops on, so relax about that. Without rank you will be just one of the men, and will abide by the regular rules. This could and probably will include saying Yes Sir, or Yes Mam to one or more of them. You will be at the level of a trainee, the lowest level, but that will be your decision over time." Cole added a sly grin, and continued, "When and if I think you have earned advancement then it will be offered to you. If you wish you may turn it down." Cole did not think Neo would be able to turn down the rank increase, because the man was too competitive in his regular life. His brain would be tell him and giving him reasons why he should accept.

"Now, I want you to go and lie down and let Mecum, give you another relaxation treatment. I need to go get Franco outside and walking around. When he comes back in, I will let him eat again, rest for one hour and then start his training. If at any time you change your mind Neo, let me know." Cole stood up and prepared to leave. "Are we clear on what I have said Spellman about your brothers training and yours with my men?"

Neo shook his head as he said, "You can tell them anything you like Fixer but I will just be training your men while I am here. Once I leave with Frankie, I will only be coming back to see you as agreed not your men. Since my specialty is MMA, I will be working with those that have a talent in that area. I have already seen only six that are even worth my time, including Saunders. I will train those while I am here. They can train the rest if you still want others trained in the field. Fixer, even Air holds no rank while she trains right alongside us. If you want, just say I am a visiting Grandmaster of MMA? You will find that I don't play well with others. As I told you I will be following what I promised to the letter no more. Which means I will train while yours are training and I will train those I deem ready. You got a problem Fixer then word your request better as I am known for making loop-holes. Are we clear as I swore that I won't break?"

Cole smiled realizing it was going to be very interesting playing word games with the man sitting in front of him. "I believe the question, you said yes sir to was if you understood you would be training with my men, which means doing what they are doing at all times you are in their presence in training mode. You also agreed if I am not mistaken to help with your expertise when I request it which I am now requesting it be whenever you are told to." Cole half smiled and added, "You will be teaching any of them I request you to teach everything from Street fighting to any of the arts. Since you are insisting on having no rank, Spellman, you will be a trainee and under the watchful eyes of a Sergeant in the regulars or even a Lieutenant or higher in the Specialist division. This is a request, which you have agreed to follow?"

Neo smiled, "That I did but since You said I am a trainee, when has a trainee ever trained men? Like I said, I can find a loop-hole in any orders, requests or just statements. Have fun Fixer trying to out-think a Claw. I think I have not had a mental workout this good in years."

"Ah, but Neo this is my army and I make up the rules and regulations." Cole leaned on the table, "You are under the mistaken idea that this army is run like others you have had contact with." Leaning a little closer he finished, "Think again Cooler. All my men, no matter what the rank, do exactly what I tell them to do. They know the only way out of this army is to die, or have a mind wipe and spend time in the hospital while they are retrained. So Trainee Spellman prepare yourself . Do you understand Trainee Spellman?"

Neo's hands were shaking but he tried yet again to cover up what his mind was craving by saying, "Yes, but as I said Fixer, I am not in your army and never will be so the rank is unneeded. You might think tricking me into agreeing to those things would give you a more passive man. It did not, cause I want to prove even more that you might have me doing something's for you but I will still see you in Azkaban. Fixer, I will never be fully yours as you can tell the yes sirs stopped about the same time your questions did?"

Cole looked at Mecum and drew his hand across his throat, telling the elf to take away the pain block he had on Neo adding, "What were you saying about the yes sirs. Trainee Spellman?"

"As for my brother, I will not show this side of me to him. He has never seen me like this and it is something that even Marco never brings up in Frankie's presence. I want my brother's mind to be totally focused on learning control of his gift. The soon he does the sooner I can keep another promise I made to you." Neo was hoping Fixer came to believe that Cooler was just not worth trying to further break and stop trying while he was ahead. The small part shuddered as he realized that Cooler had just openly admitted that he still had every intention of seeing Fixer in Azkaban. The man was most certainly not thinking clearly.

Cole had straightened back up. "If you do not want your brother to see you as you are now, or are standing at attention when I enter a room, or calling me Sir, then do not push the button you will have available to you during his training." Cole would be very surprised if Neo did not push the button, because he knew Franco was going to be scared and frightened, and was going to need want his brother there in the worst way. Turning partially toward the door Cole added, "And remember one of the things you also promised was and I quote, 'that you will look the other way when either myself or any member of my force is in the Shadow Lounge or anywhere else you might be…. You will actively try and keep Gab away from them also. Do you have additional problems with this Trainee Spellman?"

Neo was about to answer Fixer when another wave of extreme pain and craving for the drug hit him hard. He doubled over in pain. The small part of him realized what Fixer had done and cringed. It heard Neo scream from the pain and need of the drug. Neo kept eying the cabinet that contained the drug. He had pushed Fixer and now it seemed he was going to regret his cocky attitude. Neo said in a weak voice as if trying to convince himself, “I won’t break...I can’t...too much is at stake.” His tear-filled eyes caught sight of the cabinet and his body went into rebellion with extreme need for what laid within. Neo shook his head as he lectured himself, “No, I might be craving it but that is what gave Fixer the little foot hold he has. I can’t allow those craving...”

Cole kept a straight face, but inwardly smiled. Neo was now fighting the idea, he needed the drug, worrying about Franco and he was fighting to think faster than Frank. The man's brain was divided making it harder for him to think of all the possibilities for all three scenario's and this was the weakness Cole was building on.

Cooler stopped as the extreme pain became unbearable and the small part slipped further away. It wondered just what Fixer had in mind and how long the Cooler would hold out. Neo had challenged Fixer and now it seemed Fixer had every intention of making Cooler fully under his control. The only thing that made the small part smile is the fact that Neo was resisting the need to plead for another shot. That part sadly shook his head as more of it’ strength left but as long as some remained, Fixer would fail in his brain-washing attempt. That part decided to insure Fixer knew that as it thought with determination, “You will fail Frank. I remind him of all that is at stake. As long as I am...” The small part felt something as Fixer spoke directly to Neo’s inner self. What Fixer said had that part extremely worried.

Cole pointed at Neo, and motioned Mecum to remove the bonds holding the man's arms and his legs to the chair. Moving around to the other side of the table and standing about three feet away from Neo, between him and the wall with the cabinet, he said, "On your knees Trainee Spellman." Frank smiled because the little voice in Neo's head, one of the things everyone listened to but most did not take seriously, was trying to help Neo fight. Using only his brain, Frank said, "Little voice, you may hold the key, but I control the lock it goes in. Remind him of what you want, but remember I am stronger." Cole broke contact and waited for Neo to get on his knees.

Neo shook his head as he said, "No, I will not Fixer!" The small part answered, "I don't just hold the key. You don't control him fully. You might have broken him but you don't control him." The small part was worried that Fixer might figure just how important this part of him was. He needed to hide and insure that Fixer never got what this part truly was. He smiled as he realized Neo was resisting even more.

Cole held up two fingers and Neo was forced to kneel in front of Cole. "You are making this worse Cooler. I am going to win you know…. You fight me and you still insist you are going to see me go to Azkaban. Well, that just may happen… I can not see the future. But Neo, I have been to that hole in the universe, survived it and found how to get out legally." Cole grabbed Neo's hair and yanked his head back, then leaned a little closer. "I take it for granted you have never had that privilege . I promise you if I go back I will not go alone. Marco might survive, but I wonder if Frankie would. I might even let you go along for the experience. How do you think Kat would react to having three of her brothers there?" Cole smiled and threw Neo's head forward. Squatting down in front of Neo, so he was level with his eyes he added, "If I become incapacitated or die, there are papers which will be sent to the Ministry, explaining what I want them to know. I am the only one who can stop them from being sent. So how hard do you think you are going to work at taking me down, or sending me to Azkaban, Cooler?" Cole stood back up.

Neo felt his head jerk back and had no way to drown out Fixer's words. His body ached and was in extreme pain but he said, "I won't be controlled Fixer. I will never be one of your men so accept it. I won't believe whatever you are trying to change me into, Martin made sure of that." Neo gave a sly grin as he realized that the key was still working. He listened and cringed as he said, "You would do that to Marco? Your friend? Neither Marco nor Franco has done anything to warrant Azkaban. You would set them up..." Cooler was worried about this threat of Fixer's. He prayed that he could still see this through. He shook his head as he said, "You are bluffing!"

Cole walked around to the back of Neo and leaned down so he was talking only inches away from his ear. "You really want to take that kind of chance Cooler. My life's work is to gather information, sometimes for others and sometimes just for myself. I have a question for you to think about: How well do you know the background of all of the Caretakers? I think it would surprise you some of the things I have found in my little mini-searches. I would not have to set anyone up, Cooler this I promise you … You want the pain to go away, Cooler. I can make it go away you know."

Neo looked at the cabinet with pleading eyes, then shook his head. The voice was right there was too much to lose if he gave in. Neo got a look in his eyes as he said, "No Fixer, I won't be controlled!"

Cole stood back up straight and silently walked around to the table to straddle his normal chair. Folding his arms on the back of the chair, he just stared at Neo. The man could not keep his eyes off the cabinet, although he was trying hard to concentrate on just maintaining with all the pain he was definitely in. Cooler was close to being broken. Cole had him doing what he wanted him to do for the most part, but the man did not belong to him. His aim was to get Neo totally on board, maybe not liking it, but also not fighting it and wanting everyone on the island to be put in Azkaban. Cole decided to just listen to the inner man kneeling in front of him. There were times when someone else's silence and reactions to silence told you more than all of the talk in the world.

Neo grinned as he thought about how he was resisting the urge for the drug. His inner voice was right, he did not need it. Cooler would mediate and get his bearings again then he would deal with Fixer. The inner voice smiled as he had gotten Neo to come within. It was dangerous with Fixer watching but the inner self had to take the chance. It was created to keep Neo on course. The part smiled as it told Neo, "I am waiting but be careful as the Fixer is watching you. I am willing to take the chance to help you clear your head." He had told the Fixer that Neo was not his and soon the key would prove it.

Cole listened to Neo, although he knew the little inner voice did not know he was there. Cole looked at his watch. It was real close to the time he needed to get to Franco. He had a few minutes, so he decided to try something else. Getting up he went to the cabinet, opened it, took out the small green bottle, and a syringe. Then he filled the syringe, but the bottle back in the cabinet and returned to the table. Straddling the chair, and forcing one drop to slowly escape from the point of the syringe, he put it in the middle of the table, then folded his arms on the table and looked at Neo, saying to Neo's inner self, "Knock, Knock, little one I see you and I am going to stop you."

Cole could not remember the last time he had used any of the Dark Arts, but he needed Neo to act with him and not against him. The man's inner voice was giving him the strength to resist, so Cole needed to lock it away. If he could get the "inner self, the true self" of Neo to pull back then he could use the Dark side of Mind-diving to virtually lock the inner self in a mind-room . Cole had seen it done before and he had even participated when it had been done. It would not be a problem, but he still hated to use it on another human being.

Neo went into mediation and set his mind self to find the core part of himself. The inner part was leery and Cooler smiled as he remembered when Martin first told him this form of self protection. Neo had been leery of trying it of allowing Martin to know that much about his true self. Now Cooler had come to just accept it as not only his key but also as the part he trusted the most. He had to find it and all he saw in his mind was fog. He called out hoping it could hear him, "I am here but the drug must have created foggy weather in my mind as I can't see you?" Neo was more then a little worried.

The Key was listening but had not yet spoken. It had created the fog as a way to hide itself from Fixer's thoughts. Now it looked on as Neo was lost in a fog and yet Fixer acted as if the fog was not even there. It would have to go deeper and hide in Neo's favorite spot as a child. As it started the decent into the core of Cooler's mind, it prayed that Neo still remember the spot where he, Marco, Franco and Leo were the happiest. Martin had made that room as a safe haven for the Key. The key just hoped that Martin had told the Cooler as that place had changed many times since it's creation. It gave Neo a clue saying, "You will find me where the Quint's were the Happiest." Then it entered what could only be called, Neo's Hogwarts.

Cole chuckled to himself; the little inner self had headed to a room , which already existed. Cole followed down the mind-path into Neo's mind. When the fog parted, Cole knew they had arrived. He did not step out of the fog, but watched until the true self Neo started to walk the halls of a past Hogwarts. Chuckling to himself again he waved his hand and mentally said fedelius using the one Charm which would lock the inner-voice away from anyone but him. The inner voice was now trapped in its new reality. It would still be able to hear what Neo was thinking, and feel what he was feeling, but it would not be able to communicate with Neo. In his mind Cole said to the inner voice , "I am glad you are happy here, little one. I am not trying to destroy you, this I promise. I need you to listen, truly listen to what I am trying to do. I will let you hear and feel, but you will not be able to interfere. Fear not little one, it will be alright."

The Key heard Fixer and replied, "What do you mean? I am doing what I was created to do. How will me being in this place of Neo's mind change that? I have free reign of Neo's mind. You will not stop the cleansing Fixer." With that he headed for the door that he had entered...

Cole smiled to himself as he watched the Key head for the spot he had entered the inner room . He knew he could not get out. He also knew if the Key tried hard enough, the effort would reverberate to Neo's conscious level as pain. "You are what is refered to as his sub-consious. You help him react without thinking. You give him strength by letting him escape the reality around him. By locking you away, I create the reality. You no longer can reign over the active mind of Neo. Now you need to stop, little one. You will cause pain to your outer self if you try to open the door."

The Key was curious as he said, "I can't be locked away. I am his true self. I do my job, focus him on what is important. You don't control me. He needs centering. Now I must get back to my job." The key tried the door and was thrown back. He was trapped but that was impossible.

Cole inwardly smiled and through his mind said, "I will talk with you later, little one. At the moment I need to go and check on Neo. What you just did probably gave him a pretty good jolt." With that Cole came back to the physical room, smiled and watched to see when Neo realized his inner-voice had totally disappeared.

Neo was jolted out of his mediation. The craving and extreme pain remained. He had not been able to find his center or the key. Cooler tried not to show how much that frighten him. He said nothing in hopes that he could re-enter his mind.

Cole knew Neo was back to the physical world and trying hard not to show that the craving for the drug on the table and the pain were taking over his body again. Without the inner voice he was open to the actually bombardment of what was around him. Cole reached out and pushed the filled syringe, a little closer to the edge of the table nearest Neo and waited. As he watched he realized Neo was trying to concentrate on re-entering any safe place in his mind he could. Leaning forward a little Cole said, "You know it won't work, Cooler, so why not just turn and talk with me. I may even let you get back in a chair and relieve the pain you are in… Decide, Cooler or suffer worse."

Neo knew that Cole was right. The pain and cravings were making it impossible to mediate deep enough for re-entry. He needed to think and he could not. He thought out to his inner self, "Where are you? Why can I not hear you advising me anymore?" Out of the corner of his eye, Cooler noticed the liquid from the syringe. He panicked as he assumed the worst.

"I can wait until you make your decision, Cooler. What's it going to be? The pain you are in, or talking to me." Cole turned to Mecum and signaled him to take the pain and most of the craving away from Neo for five seconds and then let it slam back into him.

Neo felt the pain and craving leave. He smiled as he attempted re-entry only to be slammed back out of his mind a few seconds later as the extreme pain and craving hit once again. He shook his head as he tried once again to clear his head.

Cole got up and walked around the table. Picking up the needle, he placed his thumb on the plunger and took the one-step so he was stand in front of Neo. Squatting down he looked into the man's scared eyes and said, "Look Neo. See I have the needle close. You want it don't you. You want to feel the peace, which it gives you…. You want to think and go back into your mind. Come on Neo, all you have to do is say Yes Sir and I will make the pain go away. Just two little words and you can rest." Cole moved the needle close to Neo's arm.

Neo was terrified as his body ached for what Fixer was promising. He thought about his inner voices words before he had entered his mind. The drugs were not relief but a nightmare he might never escape from again. Saying even as the shakes returned, "No, they are not a part of my life anymore. I will cleanse my body of all memory of the need for them." Cooler was inwardly worried though as it had been years since he had tried a cleansing without the help of the Key. He just wished that he had listened to Martin better about just how the Key worked.

Cole walked around to the back of Neo where he could not see him. Reaching down in his pocket he pulled out a needle hooked to a syringe with no plunger. Leaning down he said, "Then it is your decision to continue in pain and craving Neo. Maybe I should turn on the screen and let Franco see you in this condition. What do you think Cooler? I take away the pain or Franco sees you. Choose, and don't forget the word Sir!"

Neo had to stay firm but with Fixer that was going to be almost impossible. He thought about Frankie seeing him and worked to try to get himself under control. He said hoping he had succeeded, "I have nothing to say to you Fixer. Just remember what Frankie said before we went on our run. It will be you that will be in trouble if he takes what he sees wrong."

Cole smiled and jabbed the empty needle into Neo's arm. "That is one Neo, want to try for another. I have two more in my hand. I can have Frankie believing you have gone back to taking the drug because of him, you want that?"

Neo cringed as he felt the needle. The pain and craving did not leave and Cooler feared that if Fixer realized then the man would just up the next dose. He shook his head afraid to say anything. His voice would give the fact that the drug was not working as it once had.

Cole was only inches away from Neo's ear when he said, "Ah still in pain Neo? Seems you are in need of larger amounts. Maybe I should give you both of the other two needles together. What do you think your brother is going to say, Neo. You know he knows you had the addiction. He told me in one of our conversations. He was so proud of you for beating it the last time. It is going to break his heart that he will think it is because of him that you went back to the drug. What should I do Cooler?"

Neo cringed as he said panicking, "How did Frankie find out? Marco thought it best he never know. Marco is going to rip into me thinking I told. He said Frankie would not be able to handle the news. Please Fixer, don't do that to Frankie. He won't be able to concentrate on his training. He will be too worried or angry of what you will do. Please..."

Cole put his hand on Neo's left shoulder and said, still bent toward his ear, "You brother is a good reporter Neo. He said he ran across a story somewhere about you. He has handled the news so far, but I think if he thinks he cause a relapse, it may add difficulty to his thinking. He has already been partially prepared for his next training step, which is going to be difficult under the best of circumstances. He is going to have the training step…. I have a wide range of drugs which will help him through it. I will admit to you some of them may place him in the same position you are in now…. But that is your decision. Concede to me Neo, make the pain go away…. Do not add to your brother's anxiety… help me get him through this … a simple Yes Sir will tell me you agree to follow my orders and get you the relief you want and the ability for your brother to have the support he is going to need, this afternoon. What will it be Neo?" Cole patted Neo's shoulder, squeezed it hard then stood up, taking his hand away.

Neo sadly shook his head as he pleaded with Fixer to understand, "I can't. If I give in then it is like I have learned nothing. I left that life behind for a reason Fixer. That was not the true me and it was changing me into a self I did not even recognize. I promised myself never to become that again. Never to blindly follow orders. I remember every face of those I set up, some were no more than..." The tears came as the face of one came to his mind. He still visited her at St. Mungo's praying that one day she would remember without hating him.

Cole looked at Neo a moment then returned to his chair. Straddling it he said, "Get up Neo and sit in the chair across from me."

Neo was lost in the emotions that girl's face brought to the surface. It had been his second from last job. He had been so addicted by then that he did not even care that the target was Marco's girlfriend. She trusted him and was even glad that he had finally wanted to mend things with Marco. He found out later from Marco that she had been tortured and left for dead. He wondered if Marco even knew that it had been Neo that had help trap her. Selena had been good for Marco and Neo would never forget that because of him, Selena did not even remember that she had agreed to be Marco's wife.

Cole had spent a lot of time and effort over the last 15 or so years, gathering information, cataloging it and then revisiting it every so often to see what he had. Now one of those little bits of information was going to become very useful. Before even Hog's Head, Cole had done background checks on anyone who maybe come involved, so he knew about Neo's job when he was a young man of baiting unsuspecting victims into traps set by the Dark Sect. He had also found out one of the victims had survived. Further study pointed to why the victim was important to the Quints, Marco in particular. When he had found out the girl's name and knew she was now being cared for on a small island paradise, he had gone to visit her. She had told him her story and had agreed to help him with Neo's quilt if he could arrange it. What Cole had in mind was probably not what the girl was thinking, but Cole would be willing to use her anyway. Getting up, he walked to the private phone and dialed a number. Talking for a few minutes, he hung up. The girl was willing to back him up, that it had not been Neo who had set her up. That she had decided not to go where he had told her, and only been caught later at another place.

Cole turned and looked at the back of Neo, who was still kneeling on the floor. Signaling Mecum, Neo was forced to stand and then settled back into his seat. His hands were free, but his legs were now bound to the legs of the chair. Cole reached over before Neo could use his unbound hands and confiscated the filled syringe for that side of the table. Cole straddled his chair and started, "Neo you are spending a lot of my valuable time zoning out, and I would be willing to bet it is taking you into the past. I would also be willing to bet, part of your reason for not wanting to follow my orders is because of what happened to you between the ages of 14 and 17 especially when you were 17. Do you know the name Selena?" By the look, which grabbed Neo's face, Cole knew the answer was yes. "Do you remember the night, you told her that you wanted to patch things up with Marco, her fiancé but did not know how. You requested she meet with you in Diagon Alley so you could talk with her and then surprise Marco who would be there? Do you remember her nodding and saying she had something to do but would be there in about an hour?"

Neo cringed as the memory flooded back. It was a nightmare that he still prayed had never happened. The tears started to fall as he said, "Most of my seventh year is a blur. I was so addicted back then. What happened to Selena was one of the main reasons that I walked away from that life. She was Kat's roommate and..." He still could not escape the words of the Cloaked Man. That feeling came back that he had done more than just set her up. He started shaking as he wondered if he had really done anything the man had ordered to get his next fix. The bad part was a part of him feared Selena telling Marco that what Neo had nightmares about really were what happened.

Walking over to the screen, Cole picked up the remote and walked back to the table. Straddling the chair he pushed two buttons and pointed toward the screen. On the screen a very beautiful woman appeared, dressed in a terry cloth beach robe. Behind her was a beautiful white sandy beach and the blue water of the islands. She held one of those drinks with the little unbrellas in it, in her hand and she smiled a warm and friendly grin. "Hello, there beautiful. Glad you agreed to talk with me and my friend. Thank you."

Neo shake got worst as he saw just who was on the screen. He whispered, "Selena, but how?"

Cole smiled. When the woman on the screen started to use sign languarge, he just said, "I understand beautiful." Looking at Neo he said, "At the moment Neo, Selena is in hiding and is undercover using the story she can not talk. If you do not know American Sign then I will translate for you." Cole looked as the screen and found Selena nodding. She signed, "hello".

Neo started to say something but the words would not come. He wondered if Marco knew. He looked at Fixer and wondered if he had just seen the hold that Fixer had over his older brother. He tried to sign but was too shaking. The Cooler tried once again to speak as he said, "Hi Selena."

The woman's smile grew larger and her eyes twinkled. Signing she said, "Hello my friends. You know my story so I will leave it up to you to tell each other the different parts. I have to go now. Take care and stay in touch please."

"Will do beautiful. Go get some more sun. If you need anything you know how to get in touch. Take care of yourself and stay safe." Cole said.

She signed back, "Will do Gatherer, tell Marksman I said hello. Tell him I am fine, please." The woman reached forward and the screen went blank. Cole turned to Neo and said, "She did not die that night as you know. It was arranged a long time ago that when you went to visit her, she would be brought to St. Mungo's, be there for you, and then be sent back to her island paradise. " Cole put the clicker down and folded his arms on the table in front of him. "Neo she did not go that night you were made to set her up. The thing she had to do took longer than she expected. She was kidnapped before she could get on the train to return to Hogwarts, by a member of the Dark Sect. They wanted you to believe it had been your fault. You have not been told this before, because she can still be used against your family and your brother Marco in particular."

Neo was still in shock but if he understood Fixer, Selena's kidnapping was not his fault. He shook his head as he said crying, "She might not have been trapped the night I was suppose to...but I still chose the addiction over my family? I still tried to set her up, just to get another shot. How can I ever make up to either of them? When I walked away from that life, the Cloak Man said, "That since Marco was so interested in what happened that maybe he would show him? The next day I got a video. Fixer, I almost went back to The Cloaked Man just to keep that tape out of my brother's hands. Now you are saying that what that tape showed was a lie? I still have nightmares about that year, especially about Selena." Neo put his head on the table as he did not know what to believe.

The Key watched from where he was trapped. He smiled but was confused. The memory that Fixer was changing would allow Neo to finally forgive himself and not weaken him.

Cole nodded as he could feel Neo's inner voice listening. "Neo, lift your head and put your palms on the table with your fingers spread. Now, Cooler."

Neo looked at Fixer as he asked, "Is she the hold you have over Marco? I know how much he still cares about her. Are you using her to control my brother Marco?"

Cole did not move to answer Neo's question because the Cooler had not followed directions. He just stared and raised his eyebrows.

Neo looked at Fixer and shook his head as he said, "Not happening Fixer. I promise not to take a swing on you but I am way too shaky at the moment. My hands stay hidden under the table. I don't want the reminder of how addicted I am to that drug. The shock of seeing Selena has enabled me to get my mind off the pain and get it on something else."
Cole nodded. He was willing to concede the point. "What else might you have been wrong about Neo. I have a lot of information at my fingertips…. What do you need checked out?" Cole looked at his watch and realized it was almost 1:00. "I have to go. Your brother needs to start training now." As Cole stood up he looked at the Cooler and said, "I have decided you will join us during Frankie's training. If you are good and cooperative, I will have Mecum block most of the pain and mental need for the drug, but you need to learn to maintain in front of others. Your brother needs you there and there you will be." Cole started toward the door.

Neo was shaking and could only nod. Then what Fixer said fully hit him and he asked, "And if I am not good and cooperative? What then? Plus what do you mean, have I not at least backed you where Frankie's training was concerned?"

Cole stopped when he got to the door. With his hand on the door he turned and said, "You will be brought into the room, and not be able to talk. I will tell your brother you insisted on being in there even though you are sick. Your brother needs to stay calm during his first try at the physical training. You will maintain Neo. You will be at the training. If you cannot fool your brother than it will be on your head what happens and what you will force me to do. I figure you have about 15 minutes to decide how you want your brother to see you, so figure it out. I will call for you when I am ready, Neo."

Neo shook at hearing Fixer's answer. His brother Frankie would already be worried by the time he got there. Neo said, "By the time I get there, Frankie will be worried sick. Please Fixer, if I am going to be there don't tell him that I am sick. I will get the shakes under control but Frankie needs to have only his training on his mind."

Cole looked at Mecum and nodded, "Help him where you can, but I only want the edge taken off." Receiving a nod from Mecum, Cole turned to Neo and said, "I will give you this chance Neo. Mess up and only your brother is going to suffer. Get it right and maybe Mecum can remove all the pain." Cole nodded, adding, "See you soon Cooler," and then walked out the door.

Neo cringed but knew what he needed to do. He asked Mecum, "I need to mediate Mecum and find my center. Can you insure that I am not booted out of my own mind again? Don't worry I won't hunt for the Key. I know that somehow Fixer has insured that I can't reach it."

He began his entry in to a mediated state. He knew that the elf would be watchful and so only stay at level two long enough to end the shakes and craving. He came out and said, "Thank you, I should at least look normal." He would have to honor his word and come to attention upon entering Frankie's room.

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

COLE
When Cole opened the door to leave Franco's room, he kept in smile all on the inside. Neo had been standing there and for a split second looked confused. He saw the Cooler glance at his brother and then went to attention. Cole nodded and said quietly, "Very well done, Spellman, at ease. Talk with your brother and I will be back soon." Then he left and closed the door.

Broken Directives:
• Come to attention when Cole enters the room when on the island.
• Always finish a sentence with "Sir"
• Work with troops and help train where possible
• Come when called
• Look the other way when men are in Shadow Lounge or any other place
• Help keep Gab off of their back

Cole returned to his office to watch the interaction between the two brothers. He was going to be depending on Neo to give his brother some grounding with the roller coaster he was about to start riding. He watched for about 15 minutes, getting his own body settled enough it would not go into a change with all the electrify which would be flowing around the room. Getting up out of the chair he took a deep cleansing breath and returned to Franco's room. Neo immediately came to attention, but Cole still caught the glance toward Franco before the Cooler stared straight ahead.

(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane. We hope you enjoyed it. Quotes are from Training For a New Life, which is running concurrently to this thread.)

NEO

Walking slowly up to the table, Cole straddled his chair before looking up at Neo and quietly saying, "At ease, Spellman. Have a seat." Before he could turn to Franco, Punta and Kimtu walked into the room. They stood off to the side where Mecum had taken up position. Turning to Franco he said, "You ready to start Saint?"

Neo sat back down in the chair. He had to stop himself from saying "Yes Sir, thank you sir." Inwardly he cringed thinking of why he would have even thought of doing it. "Somehow he would stay free of the army," he thought to himself.

Franco …. felt the change but something was wrong. ….. He tried to pull it back, slow the change down. He started to panic.

Neo had to bite his lip to keep form yelling out when he saw Franco go into a panic. Neo shot Cole a glare. Things were moving too fast. His brother was starting to panic, and there were only minor changes, one's which unless you were watching would not even had been noticeable. Quietly Neo said, "Cole, help him." Neo saw Cole slightly nod and then the two elves took new positions next to his brother.

… Both elves put a hand on each side of Franco's head. Cole lowered his voice and said, "Franco pull back. Punta and Kimtu will help. Breath Franco….. breath through it." Cole nodded as he saw Franco's eyes focusing again. When he was all the way back Cole said in his normal voice, "Well I will give you credit Saint, for wanting to do this, but let's set it up a little different, ok?"

Cool caught the smile Neo had sent to his brother. Neo was still worried, you could see it in his eyes, but he had held it together. It was going to be hard for Neo, because he had spent most of his life protecting his brother and helping him hide his gift. To sit there and watch it all come to the surface went against all he had ever believed.

… "Get up Franco." … Cole picked up his straight back chair and moved it to the middle of the open space between the table and the door. "Ok, Franco sit down and put your hands open on your knees. Oh and kick off the slippers you have on."

(Franco) "I did not want to change yet. …. Why did it happen so quick?"

Neo could feel the panic in his brothers voice. He started thinking maybe this was not such a good idea. He quickly through the thought away though, because at the moment this was the only thing which could be done.

(Cole) "The problem you are having now, is that you are older and your body is changing, so it is trying to sort out what should be part of you and what should be made to go away. … Now shall we try again?" …

Cole stood in front of Franco. Glancing for a moment at Neo,

Neo tried to place a look of satisfaction and encouragement on his face. It would have been nice if he felt the same feelings inside. This was all about his brother and he would somehow stay focused. At least when he was thinking about what was happening in front of him, the worst of the cravings for the drug, did not exist.

… Cole said to Neo, "Tell your brother to follow my directions Neo." …

"Frankie stay with us on this…. Follow the directions and just let it happen." Neo heard the words and still could not believe he was saying them. He prayed Cole really knew what he was doing. All he could do now was listen to the instructions to his brother and watch. Small pin feathers started to appear on the back of Frankie's hands. His feet started to get thinner and had the look of suntanned leather. The scariest part was his brother's face. His nose had gotten longer and his hairline had receded, with small pinfeathers trying to appear on his forehead. Neo just about lost control, when Frankie started to shrink. His whole body was getting smaller. Neo grabbed the edge of the chair he had turned so he could see his brother.

By the time Cole had Frankie pulling back out of the change he was having trouble keeping his breathing under control.

Cole smiled and sat on the edge of the table, next to Neo and about three feet away from Franco, who was still flanked by the elves. …

It took a few moments for Neo to realize Cole had moved to sit near him on the table. Neo was intent on watching the byplay of emotions on his brother's face. It had been a long time since he had seen the happiness and the enthusiasm cover his brothers features.

Looking at Neo he said, "…. If I am right you are feeling a little tired yourself. I will let you stay for the next try but then I think you need to rest also …Understand Spellman?" … Neo … started to say, "Yes..." When Saint shook his head as he said before Neo could finish, "That is okay Neo, it can wait. You need to rest. Maybe tomorrow we can do more?"

Neo looked at this brother with a questioning stare. If he did not know better his brother had purposely prevented him giving the answer he was honor bound to give to Cole. "Was his brother that quick on the pickup. If he was then Neo had been unhesitating him for a while.

Only half listening to Cole explain that he was going to stay for the next try, Neo kept watching his brother, who seemed intent on looking at him also. Frankie had a half smile on his face. Neo realized he did know what he was doing when he was interrupting. This was confirmed when the next opportunity came up that would have required Neo to say Yes Sir.

Neo needed to talk with Cole before he started to get mad at his brother for trying to protect him. This was a new side of Frankie and Neo was not sure how to take it.

Neo smiled as he walked up to Cole and whispered, "I need to speak to you before that walk Fixer." Turning to Franco, Cooler said, "Frankie, gives us a moment little brother." Neo watched as Frankie nodded and went into the restroom.

(Neo) "I want to know what you plan to do Fixer. ….. Fixer, I want to know if you plan anything against my brother as I have seen that look in your eyes before."

Cole chuckled. "To tell the truth Cooler I am not really sure what or how much I am going to tell Franco. I guess it all depends on the questions he asks … Understand?"

Neo … said, "Yes,..."

At that moment Franco walked out and said, "You two done? …"

Neo inwardly smiled and tried not to give too much of an outward sign he knew what was going on. Watching as his brother left with Cole, Neo shook his head because his brother was flirting with danger. Cole was not going to take it long.

(Cole has told Kimtu to bring Neo to his office)… "Something has happened. Frankie? Come on let's see what the man wants?" A moment later, Cole's door opened and Cole turned off and Neo stormed in and stood in front of Cole's desk, saying, "Where is my brother and what happened?"

Neo did not care how Cole felt about how he had entered his office. If Fixer had returned to his office and not come to Franco's room, something had happened. With the mood Frankie had left the room in, Neo was afraid he had pushed Cole too far, and his brain kept telling him his brother was suffering somewhere.

Cole just looked up and raised his eyebrows. Neo shrugged and then stood at attention waiting for Fixer's answer.

Neo had to bite the inside of his mouth, to keep his temper under control. It was not going to keep up with his honor bound promise of acting like he was one of Cole's men, one with no rank. If this kept up he was going to have to go after the rank, just to be able to get some more freedom.

Cole smiled. "Very good and at easy, Spellman. You may have a seat … Just a little while ago, your brother attacked me twice. Both times were to show he was trying to protect you from whatever he has come up with in his mind that I am doing with you. I cannot let the attacks go Neo … they happened in front of my men. Your brother needs to be punished. I have several possibilities and thought I would get you take on them."

There wasn't anything Neo could do for a few very long seconds, but sit and stare at Cole. The man actually thought he was going to help come up with a punishment for his brother. Inwardly he cringed, because apparently his brother had actually taken matters literally into his own hands. Neo was proud of his brother, but Cole was very unpredictable when it came to what he would actually punish or just over look until a future time.

Neo glared at Fixer as he said, "I told you that Frankie was no fool. Do you real think I am just going to sit here as you discuss how you are going to get even with my brother for him possibly connecting once or twice? My brother is no fighter and if he connected, it was because he got lucky! I warned you not to even think of hurting Frankie unless you want me to show just how much I am still a Cooler!"

Cole leaned back in his chair. "Neo you have enough experience in the world to realize I cannot let this go. It will show my troops one that anyone can question what I do and that could be dangerous to others if I make a decision because of information I have, and they don't. It will also let Franco know he can question what I tell him, and as far as his training goes that can be dangerous…."

Neo laughed as he said, "All this because my Hufflepuff brother got a couple lucky shots. My brother is no fighter so let his words go Fixer. As I said, you can't expect me to listen to you about punishing my brother. The counter swings you gave him should have dealt with the issue as I am sure you did that also in front of your men."

Steepling his fingers in front of him, Cole considered what Neo had said, "You do make sense that I took him down in front of the men. Neo he is holding in a lot of anger. That anger will not be good for his training changes. If you do not want to let me distress him, then tell me how I can do it. Because if we cannot get him calmed then his training is going to have to be put on hold. It will mean you both staying longer and it will mean a change in the training … possibly adding drugs. His body is primed at the moment and we have already shown his brain about changing. If his subconscious takes over before we can get his total consious mind on board, Franco could be in danger of either changing or partially changing and not be able to counter the move. So you tell me what I need to do Neo. I would be willing to let him fight me to remove the stress, but I will not hold back."

Neo chuckled as he said still not believing that Franco did what Fixer was claiming, "Fixer, Franco would not stand a chance against your weakest guy, let alone you. There is no way my baby brother is anywhere near the fighter you claim. Me and Marco have tried to teach him self-defense and he wants nothing to do with fighting. Is this your idea of trying to get me to protect him by allowing another bargain between us? If so, the idea won't work as I have already given you promises that I should not have."

Cole reached out and picked up the remote. Dialing in some numbers he pushed the button and the screen came on. What had happened in the yard ran as a mini-movie. When it was done, Cole turned back to Neo and said, "I need to remove the anger he has bottled up." Cole then pushed another button and it showed, Franco tied to the post in the yard, alternating between struggling with the bonds and looking around like a trapped animal. Cole left that scene on and looked back at Neo, with a big question in his eyes.

Neo watched what his brother had done. He shook his head as he said, "How can he possibly be able to combine mine and Marco's styles? I swear Franco never gave none of us the slightest bit of an idea that he even wanted to learn and yet it seems he has and is possibly picking up yours as well. Marco is going to flip when he finds out. What has him so furious?"

Cole put down the remote and sat forward folding his arms on his desk. "You and what he thinks I am making you and going to make you do?"

Neo was beyond shocked and has no idea how to fix the mess Franco had gotten into. Cooler looked at Fixer as he asked, "And just what does he think that is? Fixer, all I have agreed to is being one of your trainers to those I deem worthy and a few minor inconveniences. It is nothing that should worry him. Unless he has found out about the drugs and even then he can't know how I am addicted. So why the anger? And why is he on that pole? Don't you even think about punishing him by cutting into him! All you will do is..." Neo was stopped from finishing his threat by what Fixer said and did.

Cole calmly got up and went and sat on the front of his desk. Crossing his arms across his chest and stretching his feet out in front of him he said, "He thinks I am going to make you go against the Caretakers. He says that will split your honor. I tried to tell him I have no idea what he is talking about. He says, it is time for him to start protecting you like you have protected him all these years. He is trying to be strong, like he thinks you all want him to be." Cole turned and glanced at the screen which still showed Franco. "He is on the post because I needed him to stop attacking me. If he started to go after any of the men, with his anger, it would be hard to hold them back. I am not planning on cutting him as you say. In a few minutes he will be returned to his room. At the moment I am debating on whether you will be allowed there for a while."

Neo shook his head as he asked, "What did you say that would give him the idea that I would ever choose you over them?"

"Now that is a good question Neo." Cole moved his hands down to the edge of the desk. "Maybe once he calms down, I will let you ask him." When Cole looked at the screne again, he saw the elf removing Franco from the pole and motion for him to return to the Barracks. As he looked on Franco made a mad dash for the forest. Cole turned back to Neo and said, "Your brother just drew a line in the sand Cooler. He is about to go down."

Neo shook his head as he said, "Fixer, he can't leave the island, can he? I won't have your men manhandling my brother? Something is not right about this. Did he have anything in his robes when he came? Fixer, me and you might be at odds on something's and I will never become one of your men. But Fixer, I do believe that your men are never going to be sent to take on the Caretakers unless of course it is as a way of you seeing if they are really ready to deal with the Dark Sect, am I right? So something or somebody wants Frankie to believe that the Caretakers are your true target or maybe even Tia. We need to find out how they convinced him."

Cole held up his hand to silence Neo. Walking around to the back of the desk, he reached out and pushed a button. "Duty Officer?"

"Jenkins here sir." came over the speaker imbedded in Cole's desk.

"Jenkins," Cole continued, "we have a runner. One of my guest has decided to go out on his own. I want him found. Artkee will be taking point on this." Cole glanced at Neo then back at the desk. "Send two specialist snipers out. I want him tagged but not taken out yet." Cole could tell, out of the corner of his eye that Neo had gotten on the edge of his chair. "And Jenkins, darts only and only when I give the order." Darts would only put Franco asleep. "Let me know where he is. Fifteen minute report windows." Cole would get a report every fifteen minutes.

"Yes sir, understood. Snipers gone. Awaiting further orders." .

Looking at Kimtu he said, "Tell Artkee to find him and prevent any change, at all costs. Tell him to stay very close to Master Franco. If he wants to let Franco know he is there that is fine, but I would prefer if the man did not know." Cole watched as Kimtu, closed his eyes then opened them. He had just sent the other elf the message.

Cole stood up straight and looked at Neo. Holding up his hand again he said, "Let's go get your brother Cooler." As they were walking out of the office he added, "I'll answer your questions on the way."

Neo shook his head and turned towards his room as he said, "I am not helping you in this Fixer. I will not help you recapture my brother. I will be in my room when and if you find my brother."

Cole stopped in mid stride toward the door and turned. "I am afraid that will be impossible Neo. You are not going to help find your brother, but I might need you to talk with him. I would rather he give himself up on his own accord." Cole chuckled, "besides I might have to use you to pull him back in, in other ways. Now Spellman, come on. Either come on your own or I will have Kimtu bind you and drag you along."

Neo was by his door and just shook his head as he sat down. There was no way he was going to help Fixer in this.

Cole just watched Neo for a moment the decided to let the man do what he wanted to do. "All right you stay here Cooler. Remember though, if you do not come along then you will not have any impute on what happens to your brother before he gets back to his room." Cole smiled to himself as he added, "Rest if you can Neo…. See you in a little while." With that Cole started down the hall.

Neo jumped up as he said angrily, "What is that suppose to mean? Just what are you planning on ordering done to my brother?" As he caught up to Fixer, he said, "I told you that I won't allow your men to manhandle him! I am not helping you recapture him but if one of your men manhandles him..."Neo grabbed Fixer as he finished, "That man will find out just how quick and deadly I can be! Are we clear?"

They were almost down to the end of the hall, near the main room when Neo grabbed Coles arm. "So does that mean you are coming to protect your brother against my evil intentions Cooler." Cole turned and kept walking.

Neo said still furious, "I am only going to take out any of those that try to take my brother! By the way that includes you, Fixer..."

Artkee took a couple of seconds and called Master Frank on the radio thing, "We cannot s top the change Master Frank. We have slowed it down, but if it continues, it is going to drain him. I am worried. His heart is working way too fast and his blood pressure is elevated. Please have a medic unit close."

Cole listened to the radio. They had just reached the bottom of the incline. Both snipers were in position close to the entrance to the cavern, which was about a hundred feet up the side of the hillside. As he and Neo started up, Cole got on the radio and ordered a medic unit to their position. Cole was breathing hard. He could feel what Franco had done and he could feel the strain on the elves. Into the radio he said, "Maintenance only. We are on our way."

Neo heard what was being said enough to realize his brother needed him and now. A small picture of Tal'mac standing in a cave came to Neo. Cooler shook his head, as he said, "No, Fixer. Your snipers go after my brother and Tal'mac will have no choice but to take them down." Neo looked at the caves as he tried to sense which one. He lost the link as he said, "Tal'mac is in one of the caves, most likely the one that holds my brother since I also saw two of yours. Frankie needs me now Fixer and I will stop anybody that gets in my way. I don't sense Frankie and that has me extremely upset...."

Cole tried to get his own breathing under control. He broke the empathy connection with Franco. It was too much at the time. Half turning to Neo he said, "The snipers are not there to take Franco out. They are there to stop him if he tries to run. Neo, your brother's body is under extreme stress at the moment. He has chosen Tal'mac as his change, not knowing what it would do to his system." Cole's foot slipped sending loose rock down the hillside, but he kept going. It was only about twenty more feet now. "I think your brother thinks if he is Tal'mac he will be able to leave the island. The only problem with that though, is the change affects the body, but the essense of you brother remains. He can still think as your brother, and his mind is not going to be able to convince the jamming signals that he is not Franco."

Neo processed the information quickly as he said, "Is there a cave my brother favors? There is no way my brother can handle that much raw magic. There would be only two reasons for such a change and both mean that Frankie fears the worst where I am concerned. I need to link with my siblings all of them, Fixer. Cole, we need to get to him now. Don't worry, I won't give any beacon away. I just need to create a link Frankie can draw from to hopefully bring him back. If not then, you will have no choice but to bring Tal'mac and I pray his own raw magic can pull my baby brother back? Fixer, whoever got my brother this desperate is going to be answering to my family and we are not nice when we are all furious at the same person! Tal'mac is going to be very proud of Frankie and then he is going to be lecturing him until he is a hundred for this stunt..."

Cole pointed up the hillside, "The cave is about only ten feet away. The entrance is over that lip, you see sticking out." When they got on a level piece of ground, a small ledge to the right of the larger one, Cole pulled Neo off to the side. Holding his shirt at the neck near his throat he said, "Listen to me Cooler, if you have never listened before, listen now. You cannot link with Franco and you can not allow your family to link. I know you are scared for your brother, but even I will have to depend on the five elves on this island to help your brother. " Cole glanced in the direction of the two snipers and nodded, to let them know they were still on duty. If Franco/Tal'mac came out of the cave, they were to shoot and put Franco to sleep. Turning back to Neo he added, "There is only one way Franco could have pulled this off. The adrenilin in his system is running over the safe mark. Right now, the only hope is that he pass out. Then we take him back to the compound and get this mess he is in turned around." Cole roughly let go of Neo's shirt. "If I think it is necessary I will call Tal'mac, but I do not want to confront Franco with a mirror image of what he is. I am not sure what it would mentally do. … Now stay put and stay quiet, until either Punta or Artkee give some kind of all clear."

Neo shook his head, "If you think I am going to just wait here while my brother needs me, then you have no real clue how a Spellman thinks! I am coming and if need be I will be the one that will put my brother to sleep!" Neo took off for the cave that Fixer had pointed out. He prayed he was in time.

Cole signaled one of the snipers and pointed to Neo. The man nodded and pointed his gun at the Cooler. There was a slight pop … Neo grabbed his arm … angrily grunted … sunk to his knees and then as he reached out toward the cave, fell face first onto the ground. Cole just shook his head. If he could ever get these two brothers on board then having them work with him instead of against him was going to be a gold mine of power. Neo was just going to have to lay where he fell for the moment. Cole turned toward the cave and waited.

Punta and Artkee both heard the pop outside the cave. They looked at Master Franco, but he was trying so get his heart rate under control, after what Punta told him, he gave no recognition of the sound. Punta wanted to help, but Master Franco had to work on this himself. He needed the practice. Both elves knew when Master Frank and Master Neo arrived, because they heard them talking. When Master Neo fell not far from the entrance to the cave, they were ready to take Master Franco down, but Master Neo's sleeping body was hidden by some underbrush, so they did not let their eyes of bodies show what had happened.

Franco stood up and looked at the two elves. He was not steady on his feet, but he had to leave before Fixer's men were able to locate him. If the elves were here, they were not far from the entrance. He had hoped to be able to climb to the top of the extinct volcano before trying to leave, but it looked like it was going to have to be from the enclosure. "Tell Fixer good-by for me." Franco smiled, closed his eyes and concentrated on being in the alley behind the Shadow Lounge. It would be the quickest way to get help. He felt dizzy and his legs were threatening to give way. "No please not until I can get out of here. I have to leave." Even behind his closed eyes, he could see pin points of light traveling outward. These were his last thoughts before he passed out.

When Punta came to the cave entrance, Cole waved the snipers off. Apparently Franco was down also. Pushing the button on his radio he said, "Medic's now. Two down." That would bring the medics and get the two men back to the barracks. Looking at Punta he asked, "How bad?"

The elf just said, "Fixable." Cole nodded and knew he would have to let the elves work on this one. It was probably going to be a few days before Franco came around. Neo had taken a dart meant only to keep him unconscious for several hours. Since the man was tired and it looked like he was going to miss another meal, Cole was figuring eight hours tops. Looking at his watch he saw it was almost 5:30. About 1 am. or 2 am. Cooler would be waking. Cole would not see him though until around 7 or 8. He had to figure out how to use the fact that Neo was worried about his brother, probably trying to figure out what Cole was going to do to punish his brother, still craving at least mentally the drug and wondering what Cole was going to do because he tried to barge into the cave, when it could have meant his brother's death.

As Cole followed the litters down the hillside he just shook his head. Maybe if he worked on island agenda for a while. The rest would fall into place.

(OOC: Most of this post is a copy of a post in Training For A New Life. Since these threads are running concurrently it was better to be able to catch the reader up on where we are in the story. This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane. We hope you are enjoying the story line.)