Marco Re-learns the Future, Continuing (Isle of Perdition)

Marco Re-learns the Future, Continuing (Closed) Isle of Perdition)

MARCO SPELLMAN
(OOC: This is a continuation of Isle of Perdition, Marco Re-learns the Future: A Beginning (Closed))

Marco looked up and found Jack Jenkins, his sponsor, standing in front of him. He put the book down he had been reading, in the main sitting room and stood up slowly going to attention, a requirement since he was still in the re-training program, and Jack was a Specialist. "Yes Sir. How can I help you Sir?"
Jack smiled and said, "At ease, Spellman. The Captain would like to see you in his office. Report there immediately Trainee."
"Yes Sir," was all Marco said, giving Jack a sketched salute. As Marco walked to Cole's office he thought back on the week which had just pasted. That first morning he had reported to Jack at 5:45 am as Cole had told him too. He had been shaved, showered and dressed. Marco had listened to Jack give several other men their assignments.
When he had finally turned to Marco he had took the time to explain how his days were going to go. Marco was going to be added to a squad starting re-training. . Once a year the Captain had all of his troops go back through basic training for the level below them and for their level. Regulars would take a re-training course for Trainees and Regulars; Specialist would take the re-training course for Regulars and Specialist's the re-training course took the normal six week training course and slammed it into one week. Marco's squad leader was trying to earn his Specialist badge, and part of the requirement was to teach Trainee's.

The first day consisted of a complete Muggle physical. He was told it was done Muggle style so that those Wizards who did not have normal interaction with Muggles would know what was supposed to happen. Punta had given him a Wizard physical, because the elves were the only ones who could do magic on the island. The rest of the week Marco had been at attention on the front lawn at 6:00 am. He had been handed two energy bars and a bottle of mineral water. After fifteen minutes, they had gone through thirty minutes of calisthenics to warm them up for the five mile run, over terrain, which had not been designed for running. When they returned to the barracks they had twenty minutes of cool down exercises after which they were released for one hour to shower and eat breakfast. Eating breakfast was a requirement and each man and woman were checked to make sure they ate. Some of the other nice people in his squad complained, because they were not used to eating breakfast.

After breakfast they had gone to classes in Weaponry (Guns, Bow & Arrows, Swords, Knives and Whips), Hand to Hand Combat, How to research information, what to do with what you gather. They had also done different types of exercises, been fed well and had some free time after around 6:00 at night. The days had been full and very satisfactory. The men and women in his group had accepted him, even with an occasional interruption by an elf or two, checking on him.

Marco had no idea why he was nervous at the moment. Stopping at Cole's door, he straightened up, took a deep breath, let it out and knocked. When he received permission to enter, he walked in and stood at attention in front of Cole's desk. "You wanted to see me Sir."

Cole smiled and said, "At ease Marco. This is a friendly visit."

Marco stood easy as he asked, "And Neo, how is he fairing with that Thing in control?"

"Sit Marco," Cole said as he motioned toward one of the two chairs. "Your brother is alive and at least one of the elves is mentally connected to him at all times. His physical body is going to take a beating, but that cannot be helped. The addiction, using the drug I am using is mental and since that is blocked, Neo will only be feeling to physical side effects. Unfortunately, that is not going to be all good, because I told the Dark Key he would have to wait 48 hours for another shot, and after 12 hours he will start to come down from the affects. At somewhere between 24 and 36 hours, he will drop totally and the Dark Key's own realization will start to crave the drug again. That is where I can really start to take control. It will be where I can force him to give me information of some kind or do something I want him to do in order to get another fix."

Marco sadly shook his head as he asked about his brother's mental state as well as his own, "Sir, isn't there another way? That Thing has my brother chained to a mental wall. Sir, don't get me wrong...I trust you but that Thing placed my brother there for a reason. That reason can't be good. It took years to free him from their control last time and even now Neo still has nightmares of what that time under their control was like. I don't know if his mental state can handle what that Thing is putting him though?"

"Your brother will be fine, Marco. I have talked with Neo. His other two mental selves are safe and out of the Things ability to harm in any way. You are just going to have to trust me on this." Cole tried to smile just a little, to let Marco know, he could trust him. "Changing the subject, even though I realize you do not want to…. how was your week? Did you get along with the other nice individuals in your squad? Have any trouble with your squad leader?"

Marco just shrugged as he thought of how his brother's nightmares had been. He said almost to himself, "Maybe I should drop my block? Link with Neo and give him the will to fight this Thing?"

Cole only shook his head at the thoughts running through Marco's mind. Aloud he said, "You will keep your block up. If you join with your brother, the Dark Key will notice it, because your brother will act differently. The Dark Key is not dumb. "The next subject up for discussion is your mind-dive. In the morning, you will be taken to a room, where one of the elves, probably Punta will start the preparation. I will come in when I have been able to take care of my own preparation. I know you want to do this tonight, but I need you well rested and your next re-training session is not scheduled for two days from now, where you will join a Regular's re-training week. Do you have any questions?"

Marco slowly shrugged as his thoughts were still on protecting his brother, thinking, "How do I protect my brother without upsetting the Commander? Neo might look tough and able to handle anything but his nightmares tell a different story. I won't let that thing turn my brother. Maybe as he is needing his next fix, me and him can have a little chat?"


"I know you allowed the Dark Key a fix after 24 hours the first day. I have personally authorized three more, so we are averaging one ever forty some hours. The Dark Key is mentally craving the drug now. You are not in charge anymore on when he gets the drug, Trickster. Remember your brother is feeling the physical effects of the addiction." Cole leaned back in his chair and looked at Marco over the top of his steepled fingers. "I do not think I can trust you to hold out on the fix when it is needed. Your concentration from this point forward will be on the mind-dive and getting through the next week of training. After that you will need to return to the school. Two weeks was all the time I could cover for you." Cole again leaned forward on his desk. "If you have no questions about tomorrow morning, you are dismissed."

Marco shrugged as he stood up saying, "Who said anything about me giving him another shot Commander? You know how I love bets especially ones I know I will win."

Cole just shook his head as he watched Marco leave the room. Tomorrow Marco would find out what happened the day he thought he had lost it all. Looking at the ever growing stack of papers on his desk, Cole stood and headed for the door himself. Tonight he would sleep in his own bed in the main house. Tomorrow was going to be hard on everyone concerned.

(OOC: This is a combined thread by Barbie and Jane, we hope you have enjoyed reading it)

FRANK COLE
Cole hoped Marco had slept better than he had the night before. Normally when he was in his own room he had no problem sleeping. He was just not looking forward to digging up all of the memories Marco had from over five years ago. Cole knew Marco had blocked even some of those, which had helped him recover. Several of the troops which had been related to those other nine people killed were now on the island going through variouse stages of training and service. A small committee of them had asked for and he had granted a meeting. During the meeting they all had expressed their concerns about the mind-dive. None of them blamed Marco for what had happened to their siblings. They had all read the report from five years ago. Several wanted to sit in on the mind-dive, which Cole had not agreed to off hand. He had left the possibility open though, because a couple of them had mind strengths enough to be able to join in and the support might help.

Cole ate breakfast in his own dining room, not wanting to run into either Marco or Neo, who had returned to the barracks after being stationed, in the field for the past week. Slowly he had made his way over to the barracks, stopping to check on some other training in the main lawn and answer a few questions from some of the specialist. He had also obtained a verbal report from the night watch. Later he would read the more detailed report.

More greetings and sketched reports greeted him as he entered the main room of the barracks. He looked into the dining room to make sure everyone was eating and there was plenty of food available. The food was never something that any of his men and women complained about. Cole had a first rate chef and gave him plenty of help. Even camp rations were liked. Making his way down the hall to the special interogation room, he looked in the small window before entering.

Marco was seated on one of the two chairs, which faced each other in the center of the room. Punta stood behind him whispering something in his ear, to which Marco nodded. Punta had two fingers on each of Marco's temples and his thumbs placed at the base of Marco's neck. Marco had his eyes opened, but otherwise looked relaxed. His arms and legs had not been tied to the chair yet, which would be done for Marco's safety.

Cole opened the door and walked in. Slowly he made his way over to the other chair and sat down. "How you feeling Marco?"

MARCO SPELLMAN
Marco had not slept well between his fear for his brother's mental state as well as his own nightmares. Sometimes Marco wondered when it actually was as he sometimes woke up believing he was still a captive. The Cloaked Man had really messed with his head to the point that he hide his true self even from his own family and friends.

He stayed quiet as he was just wanting his dive over with so he could go have a chat with the Thing controlling his brother Neo.

"I asked you a question Marco, and I expect a verbal answer," Cole said, purposely adding irritation to his voice. "Let's try again. How did you sleep last night and do you have any questions about what is about to happen?"

Marco's body was very relaxed, but his mind would not get away from his brothers treatment by the Dark Key or from the nightmares, which had come back with a vengeance. Trying to keep as much of the irritation he felt from lack of sleep, out of his voice he said, "How I feel won't affect today, if that is what worrying you?"

"Everything you are feeling is going to affect how today goes, Marco." Cole looked at Punta and silently asked if everything was still a go. The elf nodded and then focused his attention back on Marco. Taking a cleansing breath, Cole tried to mentally and physically relax himself. He nodded to Tarka to proceed with the restraints. As the elf started to restrain Marco, Cole explained, "The restraints, tying your arms to the chair, and your legs to the legs of the chair, are for your protection. Sometimes the body fights the dives and when it does, it starts to move and even try and flee, which I know we both do not want."

As the elf finished and took two steps back, Cole continued, "Tarka will be the go between you and me. I could do the total joining, but then I would lose track of what is happening in the room and that I will not let myself do. Punta will stay behind you and control the dive. We are going to take it slow, and not past the bottom of Level 6." Cole looked straight into Marco's eyes, "This is not going to be easy or mentally un-painful, Marco. If your body fights hard enough there will also be some physical discomfort. Trust in the elves. Try to concentrate on the fact that this is all in the past and cannot be changed. Are you ready?"

Marco seemed to have his mind elsewhere as he just nodded. He was terrified as the bindings went on and he started fighting not exactly understanding why.

Cole reached out and put a hand on each one of Marco's arms. "Marco concentrate on my voice. Look at me Trickster. NOW!"

Marco heard the voice of his Commander but could not stop his body from fighting the restraints. He needed Cole to understand that until that moment he could have sworn that he had no fears.

Cole placed two fingers on the middle of Marco's forehead and pushed gently. He was putting pressure on Marco's mind eye . Using his Commanders voice he said, "Sergeant Spellman, you will settle immediately. You will control your fears and bury them for the time being. That is an order soldier."

Marco nodded as he tried to comply. He was still wondering why he had such a reaction saying, "This should not be a problem as it has always been a part of training so why am I reacting like I am never going to be released? Why is these bindings terrifying me so?"

Still with his hands on Marco's arms, Cole looked into the Trickster's eyes, "They did a job on you as far as restraints Marco. They also make it clear at one time that they would have you in their power again and the restraints are bringing up your need to fight giving in. If you can't fight it, naturally, I can go one of two ways. I can have Punta take further control of your mind or I can medicate you, neither of which will help with the mind-dive. You will retain the fear just not be able to react on it, and that could put greater stress on your body. What do you want to do?"

Marco heard his Commander's explanation and just asked, "Is my fear of the bindings going to prevent the dive or hinder it in any way?" Trickster really wanted to find out what had been done to him and just why he now had a phobia that he would have teased any of his old team for having.

Cole sat back in his chair with his arms resting comfortably on the arms of the chair. "It won't hinder the dive, but it is going to make you very uncomfortable. There may be some bruising when you come back up." Cole looked at Marco for a moment then added, "it would be better if you were not sedated in anyway, but I will leave it up to you."

Marco smiled as he said trying to laugh his fear off as he had so many times before, "Then let's get started as when have you ever seen a fear stop me?" In his mind he knew that those old fears were nothing compared to this one.

Cole nodded. Turning to Tarka, he nodded and said, "We are ready Tarka." Then he closed his eyes for a moment and tried to get comfortable. He felt Tarka's hand on his arm. The first couple of levels were always hard for him, because there was a slight feeling of closure but it soon passed and he stood in his mind at level three waiting for Marco's mind to join him. It always asstonished him, how real everything felt in this shadow world. A lighted path way led off into the distance. The walls were dark but there was shadowy movement. These were the present memories and some of the thoughts, which the mind was always processing.

Marco appeared beside Cole. "Good you made it." Cole's voice had a slight echo to it. "We are at level three at the moment. Punta is controlling the decent. Tarka is acting as back up and as the bridge between you and me. Try and relax as much as you can. We will not stop until we reach Level 6 where we will come out on a scene of some sort. It will be the beginning your mind had decided to use. You can mentally and physically feel things here Marco so do not be overwhelmed. Now come on." Slowly Cole and Marco moved forward as if on a conveyor belt. The walls continued to show shadows. Occasionally a face would become clear but then float by. A light appeared farther ahead, so Cole reached out touching Marco's arm and said, "The light is where we will immerge. Take a deep breath Marco and let it out. Here we go."

The memory of that day five years ago clearly slammed into Marco mind. He had told Mikey to keep the men hidden behind the small rise in the ground, as something had not felt right. If they had not heard the all clear within three minutes they were to retreat to the safe point and wait for contact from him or one of the other team leaders. Marco had slowly crept over the rise, and saw a hooded figure coming into view. Cautiously he had looked around and asked where Fixer was. That was when he had been grabbed from behind and bound. He had tried to yell the code phrase for Trap only to find he had no voice. He had fought the bounds that held him fast as he heard a familiar voice give the All Clear. Trickster realized the perfect signal came from the one that had his foot holding him face down in the dirt. All he heard was, laughing as the traitor ordered his unit shot and him taken away.

The traitor had stood back as Marco was effortlessly picked off the ground. His head had been yanked by his hair backwards. Marco looked but there was only blackness where a face should have been. He knew time had passed, when he found himself sitting in a chair in a dark room. Men were tied in the darkness on the wall in front of him. He couldn't make them out, but the way they were tied and the little he could see of their clothes they had to be his men….. That could not be though because his men had all been shot, but here they were…. He had wanted to die with his men but the traitor just laughed and said that if Trickster did not do what he was told then Kat's nosy son would join the men on the wall but not before seeing Neo kill Dalton. Marco's fight left him as he understood that somehow the traitor had both Charlie and Dalton. His heart sank as he chose his nephews over his men.

Cole had spent a couple of hours the night before re-reading the reports from five years ago. What was happening now was following along perfectly. He had known all along that Marco's men had not been tortured, but he had also know Marco would never have believed him if he had not experienced the event again. Before this point Marco had never been truly ready to see what had happened and to truly believe what he was seeing. "Marco, look at the men on the wall. They are not your men. What happened to your men?" Cole signaled Punta to play the whole thing, Marco had just gone through over again. Cole watched as Marco stared at the scene in front of him. When it got to where his head had been pulled back, Cole whispered, "Who is the man Marco. Who are you afraid to see?" This had been one of the points which they had not been able to get Marco to recall before, and he had a small amount of hope that Marco's brain over time would have accepted who the traitor was.

Marco fought going through the scene again as the traitor's face seemed to be void but Marco smiled as he said as he stared at the blackness that was there, "Your mistake was calling Charlie, Kat's nosy son. Only five men other then family are that close to Katherine to not get my fist down their throat for calling her Kat. I might not remember the face but your voice I will hear again and then Traitor..."The pain hit him hard as the first trap was triggered and he no longer saw Fixer but instead Cloaked Men. One of them spoke. He told Marco that he was giving him a new drug just created. Trickster started fighting again until they threatened to find the youngest family member of each of his men and give it to them. He could hear his men screaming. He knew now what these men wanted and so started building his mental wall to insure that Neo would not get addicted again through him.

Cole looked at Tarka with questions in his eyes. It was a little disconcerting to be able to be in the mind dive and be out of it at the same time. Tarka mouthed "Seeing Cloaked Man, not you," and Cole understood the look which had come across Marco's face. Closing his eyes he went back to Level 6. "Marco listen closely… your men were all killed on the hillside…. the cloaked man is not here…. Look at him and know he cannot hurt you…. He has set mind traps and you have just triggered the first…. Fight it Marco… see what is real…. He cannot control you here, you are safe."

Marco heard and relaxed a little as he triggered the second trap as he felt the needle pierce his skin, "Don't be so fearful my young test subject. You won't remember but soon me and you are going to become great friends. Now as I see Dreamweaver has started to take affected, think my friend.... Dream about what each of your friends and family would do if I forced you to watch as I started letting my friends play. Have fun, my new toy. We will talk again in two hours and just maybe Frankie will have awaken by then. I sure like his gift though I doubt Marcus did?" Marco could feel the tears come as his mind went into a dreaming haze as he realized that the Cloaked Doctor was hinting that Frankie had killed and just not anybody, Frankie had killed Marcus Andreas. Trickster's heart refused to believe, as he saw the two Cloaked Men walk away talking as Dreamweaver forced his mind to twist every memory he ever had into it's worst nightmare. He did catch a few words; Dreamweaver, mind trapped, Fixer, works, Neo, Rosa, no escape, Spellman girl."

Cole was learning what had truly happened to Marco when he had been held by the Cloaked man. The closest they could come to a time period was two weeks to a month of captivity. He had been officially missing for three weeks. Cole wondered how many mental traps had been set. Each seem to be a little worse. Cole again opened his eyes and looked at Punta. Whispering he said, "Take him down to the bottom of level six. We need to find all the traps." Closing his eyes he said to Marco, "Trickster, hear my voice. You are in a mind-dive remember. We are going to the bottom of Level 6. Hold on Marco, we have a good hold on you and you will not get lost." Cole sat forward and put his hands on Marco's knees to strengthen the connection.

Marco cried as he asked as he tried to make sense of what he saw or more to the point felt, dirt and water. He started clawing his way out as he feared they were burying him alive. He remembered the Cloaked Man's words as darkness took him, "Don't worry my little pet, you be good and your brother Neo freedom stays secure....I have insured that like a few others, you will come when I want you...that is unless you want another special one to dream...think about it my pet..." The next thing Marco remembered was waking up with the Commander looking down at him and a picture of Troy and two year old Tia in his pocket. That meant The Cloaked Man had been near enough the night They became parent less and Marco wondered if he had just met Khalid.

Cole stood off to the side in Marco's mind dive and watched as the man imagined himself trying to get out of a deep, water-clogged ditch. He almost made it up the embankment before he stopped, passed out. Cole watched as the Cloak figure walked away followed by three others who had carried Marco to the ditch. As he watched, the sun caught a ring on the man's finger. Cole shifted in his seat. He knew that ring. The Macintosh Family was a family of werewolves, cousins to the Spellman family. When Marco came too in the mind-dive, Cole saw himself standing over Marco. Jacob the leader of the Clan, had died by Cole's hand so many years ago when they had killed his beautiful Maggie and his unborn son. The ring showed the family crest and would have gone to the next in line, Matthew. The Cloak man had to be Matthew. Cole swallowed hard. He now knew who the ring leader was trying to control the Spellman's. It made sense, because the Macintosh family values all revolved around power.

(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane, we hope you are enjoying reading the thread)

FRANK COLE
Nodding to Punta, to start bringing Marco back up, Cole kept his eyes opened and came out himself. He had done so many mind-dives, the ascending did not affect him like it would others. It could be very disconcerting to those not used to it. The mind had trouble realizing it was back to reality.

Marco awoke still crying and he looked at Fixer asking with his eyes what Dreamweaver was. He was terrified for only the second time in his life. The first time had been when he had watched as his mother had been murdered.

Cole looked at Punta, for confirmation Marco was all the way out of the mind-dive. Punta nodded and took his fingers away from Marco's temples, but did not put his hands down. Marco was out, but the elves all knew that for some reason, voluntary or involuntary on the subjects part, human's would go back into the mind-dive. Tarka also nodded and took two steps back, breaking the solid mind connection between Marco and Cole. Cole smiled, "Welcome back Marco. You have just experienced the effects of a drug, which can cause nightmares to a sleeping person or to someone who was conditioned to be in the first stages of sleep. It appears you were kept drugged for most of your time with the Cloaked men. Relax, for a few moments and then we will discuss what has been discovered. In about five minutes, when Punta is able to give the all clear on the dive, you will be released from your bonds."

Marco nodded but said nothing. Something was nagging him and it had to do with The Cloaked Man's words.

Cole slowly got up and walked over to the refrigerator and took out two bottles of mineral water. From the cabinet he retrieved some energy bars and a small tin of crackers.

Marco shook as Fixer got up. His mind seemed to be going over what his captor had said and then asked himself, "Who was he threatening? Troy, Tia, Frankie or someone else? Who was this special one and why did he think I would behave just to keep that person from being given the dream drug?" Marco had still no clue but shivered just thinking about it.

Putting them on the coffee table he walked back on undid Marco's straps. "Come on Marco, we may as well be comfortable while we discuss what happened." Cole helped Marco stand. The shakes were a nasty side effect of being restrained when your body wanted to move or thought it was moving. He headed Marco toward the coach and followed a couple of steps behind. Marco sat on the coach, and Cole took one of the two overstuffed chairs. Cole opened the small tin of crackers an picked up a bottle of water, motioning for Marco to help himself.

After Marco had picked up a bottle and a few of the crackers, Cole nodded and started, "The first thing I want you to realize is your men were not tortured. They were killed almost immediately, because they were in the way." Cole tried his hardest to keep his voice flat, without emotion, but he was not sure he succeed.

Marco cringed as he asked almost himself, "They ordered my men executed because they were in the way...of what?" It made no sense.

Taking another sip before he answered, Cole said, " They whoever they are knew you were going to be out that day on a job. This means that someone either in the unit or privy to the information in headquarters, is giving information and knew what information was important. We never did find the person, before the unit was disbanded, but I have also never given up looking. You were their target. From what I am getting form information from you, that you gave at your debriefing five years ago and what I have been able to pick up now, there were not enough of them to guard your men and take care of you, so your men were killed." Cole reached for one of the energy bars and opened it while Marco processed the information.

Marco cringed as he asked, "Did I betray my oath? Did they get any information? He knew I was still alive when they placed me in that ditch." Marco's mind went back into the past. That Cloaked Man was seemed almost the same as the one that had controlled Neo for so long. Marco shook as he once again heard the man. He had been treated as if he was a pet and would come when the Cloaked Man wanted him. Trickster shook as he wondered how the man could be so sure. He asked in barely a whisper, "Unless they did something else or have insurance? But what?"

Cole shook his head. "You did not betray your oath, Marco. They did not want information from you. They already had others in the outfit to give them information. They just wanted you and control over you and your brothers. I'm pretty sure Kat is not even involved, other than being able to use her and the children as leverage." Cole looked at Tarka who was standing at the end of the couch, silently asking if Marco needed to be sedated in anyway. The elf shook his head no, so Cole continued, "The insurance question is still up for grabs. Maybe with the mind-dive under your belt and some of the dead wood, you have been totting around gone, your mind will be able to fill in some of the blanks. We did not expect to find all the answers today, Marco, just maybe nudge some of the information out into the open."

Cole leaned back in his chair and stared at Marco for a few moments. "Marco if it would be alright with you, I would like you to have a session with Artkee? He is an artist and if he joins with you, not a full mind-dive, he might be able to draw some of your thoughts and pick out some details we are missing."

Marco shook as he asked, "I remember a picture of Troy and a very young Tia, did they really place a picture in my pocket? Was he admitting involvement in James and Tamika's murder? Why did he want me that bad and why did he think of me as a pet?" His eyes were still unfocused and he was getting a headache.

Cole motioned Tarka forward. Marco was going into a panic attack. As Tarka reached out one finger and put it to Marco's temple Cole said, "Marco, I want you to pay attention to my voice." Cole reached in his pocket and brought out a small quill feather, then continued. " I want you to put your eyes on the feather I am holding up and take three deep breaths, letting the air totally out of your lungs in between each of them. Do. It. Now. Trickster." Cole held up the feather and waited. He glanced at Tarka a couple of times to make sure the elf was in contact.

Marco tried to do as requested but it only made the darkness come faster. He wondered if he had activated another trap.

When Marco did not respond, Cole looked at Tarka. The elf had gone to three fingers on each side of Marco's head. "If that does not work, block and blackout." Cole did not want to put Marco to sleep because there was other information he wanted, but if the Cloaked man had set up another trap then Cole wanted it blocked. Steepling his fingers in front of him with his elbows on the arms of the overstuffed chair, he waited to see if Tarka could pull Marco back out.

Marco only pleaded, "No more please," as he slipped into another nightmare about black roses and wolves.

Tarka whispered something to Marco, and the Trickster, turned, lifted his legs and laid down flat on the couch. Punta walked over and ran his open palms from Marco's head to his feet about three inches off Marco's clothes. Marco's arms went out straight and his feet came together. Cole recognized the fact the elves had just add a total body binding on Marco. Through all of this Tarka had never taken his fingers away from Marco's head. "How long," was all Cole asked. The elves would understand he was asking how long Marco would be out. All he received was shrugs from both elves. Cole continued to sit in his chair, hoping it would be only minutes before Marco came back to the present.

Tarka, stood in Master Marco's mind right next to him. He crushed the black roses and flung the wolves away, all the time saying, "It is not real, Master Marco. It is not real. You are dreaming." Tarka just kept crushing the roses and flinging the wolves. He had to wait until Master Marco recognized he was there and what he was doing, before the human would come out of the dream he was in.

Marco heard and relaxed a little as he triggered the second trap as he felt the needle pierce his skin, "Don't be so fearful my young test subject. You won't remember but soon me and you are going to become great friends. Now as I see Dreamweaver has started to take affected, think my friend.... Dream about what each of your friends and family would do if I forced you to watch as I started letting my friends play. Have fun, my new toy. We will talk again in two hours and just maybe Frankie will have awaken by then. I sure like his gift though I doubt Marcus did?" Marco could feel the tears come as his mind went into a dreaming haze as he realized that the Cloaked Doctor was hinting that Frankie had killed and just not anybody, Frankie had killed Marcus Andreas. Trickster's heart refused to believe, as he saw the two Cloaked Men walk away talking as Dreamweaver forced his mind to twist every memory he ever had into it's worst nightmare. He did catch a few words; Dreamweaver, mind trapped, Fixer, works, Neo, Rosa, no escape, Spellman girl."

Marco cried as he asked as he tried to make sense of what he saw or more to the point felt, dirt and water. He started clawing his way out as he feared they were burying him alive. He remembered the Cloaked Man's words as darkness took him, "Don't worry my little pet, you be good and your brother Neo freedom stays secure....I have insured that like a few others, you will come when I want you...that is unless you want another special one to dream...think about it my pet..." The next thing Marco remembered was waking up with the Commander looking down at him and a picture of Troy and two year old Tia in his pocket. That meant The Cloaked Man had been near enough the night They became parent less and Marco wondered if he had just met Khalid.

Cole stood off to the side in Marco's mind dive and watched as the man imagined himself trying to get out of a deep, water-clogged ditch. He almost made it up the embankment before he stopped, passed out. Cole watched as the Cloak figure walked away followed by three others who had carried Marco to the ditch. As he watched, the sun caught a ring on the man's finger. Cole shifted in his seat. He knew that ring. The Macintosh Family was a family of werewolves, cousins to the Spellman family. When Marco came too in the mind-dive, Cole saw himself standing over Marco. Jacob the leader of the Clan, had died by Cole's hand so many years ago when they had killed his beautiful Maggie and his unborn son. The ring showed the family crest and would have gone to the next in line, Matthew. The Cloak man had to be Matthew. Cole swallowed hard. He now knew who the ring leader was trying to control the Spellman's. It made sense, because the Macintosh family values all revolved around power.

Marco nodded but had trouble with leaving the nightmare behind. Slowly he understood as he said, "I think they had black roses where ever they had me? But what does wolves have to do with it?"

Cole motioned for Tarka, to let Marco loose. "Sit up Marco, and stay in the present please." When Marco was sitting up again, Cole sat forward in his chair and rested his elbows on his knees. "There are only five places in the world where black roses are grown. Since you need fire-fairies to grow them, we can use some I know to check the different spots for who is there. As far as the wolves are concerned, I am sure your mind is picking up on the possibility of werewolves being present." Cole was not ready to let Marco know he knew who the leader of the Cloak Men was. Marco would try and find them, in his present state of mind, and he was nowhere near powerful enough.

Marco shook his head as if waking from a bad dream saying, "Could these guys be responsible for what Rosa is going through? Why?" He knew Cole was not revealing everything the Fixer had figured out but chalked it up to the man wanting to verify his facts first.

Cole looked at his watch. It was 10:00 am and time to get on with the day. Cole needed some time to check some things out. He also needed to take care of Neo's first week evaluation. "I see it is time for you to get on with your training. As far as what has happened to Rosa, I will have to do some more checking to see if I can connect some of the details." Cole stood and motioned for Marco to stand. "Please go with Tarka. Jack is waiting for you in the main room. He wants to introduce you to your next group of men you will be training with." Jack was waiting in the main room. The men and women waiting with him, were all siblings of the men who had been killed on that day five plus years ago. They had all asked to be with Marco in the next training, which was Regulars training. All of them were Specialist taking the Regular re-training sessions. After the week with them, Marco would have to return to the school, and Cole wanted him returning realizing the families of the men, did not think he was at fault for what happened. As Marco stood up Cole added, "Dismissed, Spellman. We will talk again soon."

Marco gave a sly grin as he rose saying, "Why do I get the feeling, you know more about what my mind revealed and have no intention of telling me? What you afraid I would go after them? You know, you're right. I do plan on going after those cloaked men, especially if they are the ones sending Rosa those roses..."

"I know you will go after them, Marco, but if you do it now or even in the near future, you are going to get people killed who are trying to set up their end of a plan." Cole grinned as he saw the word plan grab Marco's attention. "No Marco I am not going to fill you in on anything at the moment. All those involved are very fragmented in their plans at the moment. I will promise you though you will have a very significant part in the final take down." Cole knew all of the Spellman's would end up involved eventually. "Now go and meet Jack in the main room. He has your new squad formed there." Cole went to turn around and return to his desk, but turned back instead and added, "Marco you don't want to be judged so don't judge others until you have talked with them." Cole turned back and headed for his desk.

Marco shrugged as he knew a dismissal when he heard one. As he was leaving he asked, "And my brother Neo, Sir?"

Cole half turned back to Marco and replied, "Neo is with me for four months, Marco. During that time you will not be able to contact him, but you can contact me with your worries, if you wish. He is going to be submerged in my army, with no outside contact for that month. Get through your next week of training and I will allow him a visit with you before you leave, next week. And Marco, do not re-establish your link with Neo. The elves are ready to block it and I can guarantee they will not be gentle in the process of establishing a wall between you. Fair warning they could make the block permanent. Now go." Cole waved toward the door and turned back to his desk. Cole did not turn around until after he heard the door click closed. Marco was on his way to meet with Jack, who had assambled a re-training team of Specialist, all of whom had siblings which had been killed when Marco had been in charge of the team five years ago. They had all asked for the assignment because they wanted to have a chance to convince Marco none of them held him responsible for what had happed to their brothers.

(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane, we hope you are enjoying reading the thread)

MARCO SPELLMAN
Marco towel dried his hair and through the towel in the hamper in the corner of the bathroom. Cole had asked him to come to his office. It was three o'clock in the afternoon. The Re-training for Regulars had ended at noon, and his squad was going to meet for dinner to unwind and talk about the future. Marco knew he would be returning back to school the next day, but he still wanted to be able to say good-by to the group.

When he had originally met the group the previous Saturday, he had been shocked and had been speechless. Jack, his squad leader, had told him in front of the others that each man and woman had had a brother in the group, which had been his personal responsibly five years ago, a squad which had gotten massacred because they were in the way of Marco being questioned by some very dark wizards. It had not been easy for them to convince him, they did not hold him responsible for what had happened. It had taken several days before Marco had felt relaxed around the group of professionals. Each one was a specialist taking the required Re-training Regular course. They would all be moving on to the required Re-training Specialist course, but since Marco did not have the time away from school, he was going to have to catch that course another time.

Walking out of his door, which was never locked now, he headed down the hall to Cole's office. He was planning on making sure he would be allowed to talk with his brother before he left. Cole was just going to have to understand.

Cole pushed the button on his desk and to open the door just as Marco was about to knock, "Come in Spellman. Stand at attention please in front of my desk."

Marco could not keep the questioning look off his face as he walked to within a foot of Cole's desk and stood at attention. Cole had something in mind and when he got that attitude in his voice, it usually did not mean well for the person it was directed to.

Slowly Cole rose and walked around to the other side of his desk. He walked behind Marco, stopped, stood for a couple of long moments then walked back to the other side of Marco. "Turn Spellman, and face the door." He watched as Marco slowly turned, trying to stay at attention, look straight forward and not glance at Cole. "I have just received the report of you week in Regular Re-training. You have done well in all the areas. Once you got over the fact the men and woman in your squad, knew who you were, you seemed to settle in nicely. You do know all of the men and women got together as a group and requested you be with them? I hope it has solved some of the problems." Cole did not wait for an answer, but reached in his pocket and pulled out the Regular badge. Handing it to Marco he said, "Congratulations Regular Spellman. Oh and by the way at ease." Cole held out his hand.

Marco smiled as he stood at ease. "Sir, a request if I may?" Marco asked.

"Have a seat Marco and we will discuss anything you want." Cole smiled motioned to Punta to get them something to drink. The elf nodded and headed for the refrigerator. Cole turned back to Marco who was now seated in one of the chairs in front of the desk. "What's your request, Trickster?"

Marco smiled as he said, "I have done as you requested as far as training, Sir. I request to see my brother Neo. And Sir, I don't mean that Thing who has control. I mean I want to talk with my brother as his true self." Marco had a plan but hide it behind his mental wall.

Cole had returned to his chair behind his desk. Leaning back in it he watched Marco. The man was planning something and Cole was sure it was to re-establish the mental bond between him and Neo. That could not be allowed at the moment. The Dark Key was powerful enough that he would be able to read the information passed back and forth, and Cole could not allow that. "I'm sorry Marco that cannot be arranged. I need the Dark Key in charge at the moment. He would never willingly allow the change, because he would not trust me to change him back. Neo is out of bounds to you and your family for the four months he is here." Cole sat forward and accepted the glass of ale from Punta. Marco was given a Mug of Butterbeer. After taking a long sip, Cole put the glass down and crossed his arms in front of him on his desk. "Your brother is being protected as much as I can, Marco. He knows what is happening and he knows why it is happening. He and I are not happy it has to be this way, but I cannot and will not pass up the possibility of getting the information I can get from the thing. There is always an elf in contact with him so he is mentally fine."

Marco glared at Fixer as he stood saying, "I am only requesting to speak with my brother as we agreed when I accepted training. I will speak with Neo or I won't be leaving the island tomorrow." Marco's temper was getting the better of him. His fatal flaw had always been the protection of his family. Trickster tried to calm down and then in a calmer voice said, "Frank Cole, my brother has not been mentally fine, since I talked and bullied him into taking that job. I don't feel right heading back to the school, not knowing if that Thing will force my brother back into that life. I am the one that got him into that mess and now I need to get him out of it or at the least know that he is fine with your plan."

"Sit down Marco, now," Cole said in his authoritative voice. When Marco had again taken a seat, he continued, still holding the edge to his voice, "Your brother has grown stronger over the years. He is not the thin, abused 17-year-old boy any more Marco." Cole picked up his mug and leaned back in the chair. After taking a long sip, watching Marco over the rim he said, "You have done a good job with Neo so far, Marco, but now it is time for him to start depending on himself. He is smart and he listens to reason. His body is getting a drug, different from the one he was given so long ago. It is not as addictive physically. Mentally Neo is being helped with some of the side effects but the Thing is not. I know you do not understand, my friend, but you are just going to have to trust me, that I know what is happening."

Marco sadly shook his head as he said, "Cole, trusting you is not the issue." Preparing to stand once more, Trickster said with an edge to his voice, "I will not trust that Thing where my brother is concerned! I had nothing to do with how Neo has managed to hide what he is truly feeling. All I know is that if he was really no longer affected, then explain the nightmares that Neo still has? According to Frankie, Neo wakes up screaming and does not sleep much."

"Stay in your seat Marco," Cole stated. "I did not say your brother is no longer affected, by his past, what I am saying is that he has learned to handle even the nightmares. A lot of us still have the night mares which wake us up in a cold sweat, but we have learned to get through the after effects of them. Neo is dealing with the fact he has nightmares and they are not going to go away. He also needs to learn to deal with problems on his own. I know you all are a tight family, Trickster, but each of you needs to learn to rely on yourselves for what happens. You need to let him grow up, Marco. Franco has learned he is stronger than he thought he was now it is Neo's turn. He is not alone, Marco. He never will be. He is mine not the Cloak Societies anymore. You need to accept that fact. Tomorrow you will leave. You will return to the school and you will stay away for at least one week, am I understood completely?"

Marco cringed but then said, "Not until I talk to Neo...Cole, we can at least get back to sleep after the nightmare...Neo just goes and works out" Marco tried not to think about how he handled his nightmares. He looked at the door but remained in his seat. At the moment, Neo was his only concern and as soon as they talked Marco planned on dropping his mind shield.

Cole stood up and walked around to the front of his desk and sat on the edge, in front of Marco. "Marco, I will not allow you to drop your mind shield." Cole chuckled and then in a more serious voice said, "You have forgotten, Trickster one of my little abilities. Go ahead try and drop it, now." Cole crossed his arms across his chest and waited.

Marco shook his head as he said, "I placed that shield to protect my brother from them, Fixer. If I have to drop it to save him from that Thing, then so be it..." Trickster glared at his friend as he started to drop his mind shield.

Cole closed his eyes for a second. When he opened them, he exchanged glares with Marco and watched as the man grabbed his head and yelled in pain. Cole mentally let loose of Marco's brain, after about five seconds. Leaning a little closer he said using his sternest commanding voice. "I told you Marco you will not be allowed to drop the shield, either on the island or off it. Your brain now realizes if you try, it is going to hurt, and continue to hurt as long as you try. Neo is going to do this on his own for his own sake. He needs to be able to prove to himself he can do it. Any more questions, Spellman?"

Marco was furious as he answered, "Me dropping my shield was not going to do anything but help reconnect with Neo. Why do this Fixer? You know, how I hate being forced by Anybody. I will keep trying and there will be a time when I will succeed. So why are you trying to stop me from protecting Neo? I trust you but I will never allow them to have him again or hurt him ever again...." He once again started to drop his mind shield.

Cole just sat with his arms across his chest. He watched as Marco fought the pain, which was intensifying with each second he tried to drop his shield and reconnect with his brother's mind. He had to give the man credit, because he was taking a lot more pain than he figured he would take. Marco had always been the stubborn one. As Marco fell out of his chair onto his knees on the floor at Cole's feet, Cole just said, "I told you it will not be allowed Spellman. Keep trying and I will let Neo feel the pain you are feeling. At the moment I am blocking his receiving pain."

Marco was in so much pain but he only thought about Neo. He was not about to let his brother down, not again. Neo needed the link to help him fight the Dark Key that controlled him. Trickster looked at his friend as he said pleading, "Please I can't just leave him. I can't let them down, not again. If I had not pushed him back then. So caught in my own...if I had not made him think...If I had applied myself...If I did not make him take that job and then abandoned him when things got rough..."

"No Sergeant, it is not going to be allowed. It is not your fault where your brother is now. He survived the past and he is dealing with the present. Neo is his own man, as Franco is … you are their brother now not their protectors. Now stand up and go to attention." Cole reached down and grabbed Marco by the arms to help him to stand. He lessened the pain to a dull ache.

Marco looked at Fixer as he stood at attention. He was still trying to drop his mind shield but knew it would be no use. The pain was still there and would most likely remain even after he left the island. "Sir, I still want to talk with my brother Neo. In addition, how are you going to insure that the Dark Key is not in control when my brother leaves the island? As I said before, I trust you but I will never trust that Thing inside my brother. I want it gone and the sooner the better," Marco said fully aware that his friend knew he had still not stopped trying to drop his wall. He was head of the family and that meant Neo like the rest would always be Marco's responsibility.

Returning to his position, sitting on the edge of his desk, he did not answer Marco immediately. "The Dark Key will be buried as soon as I have no further use for it. But Marco, I am not sure you fully understand what is going on here. The Dark Key is actually Neo's darkest thoughts and thus is a real part of your brother. I have the means to send it deep inside of Neo, but it will never be totally gone." Cole stood and walked to within Marco's personal space. "I will not tell you how I plan to send it under, because you having the information would put it into the possible world of retrieval by others. If you can prove to me you will stop trying to drop your shield, and I have your word of honor you will not try to drop it in Neo's presence, I may be willing to let you talk with Neo's true self. Oh and Marco, do not ask Neo to try and make the connection from his end, because it will only cause him pain, and the only one who would like that is the Dark Key. He will know if Neo feels the pain."

Marco listened and knew he had no real choice but asked anyways, "And if I don't agree? If I choose to instead to destroy that Thing the first chance I get? Or to just tell my brother the truth? What then? You already stated that you have to release me tomorrow, so just how do you plan to stop me? Don't get me wrong Fixer, I have not decided one way or another but you know just how I am when those I consider family are..." Marco was stopped before he finished.

"I gave you your only choice, Marco," Cole said as he held up his hand. "Prove to me you will not try and change the way I have the situation established or leave without talking with your brother. I told you before you will be kept off the island for one week after you leave. After that you will be free to return and work toward your Specialist badge. You will not be allowed to see or talk with your brother for the next four months, without my express permission. Decide NOW Marco, you have one chance. No more questions." Cole waved Tarka closer to Marco's left side and Punta to his right side. Then he sat back down on the edge of his desk, crossed his arms across his chest, stared at Marco and waited.

Marco shrugged as he answered, "You know what is most important to me, Sir. You have my word, I will try things your way." As he spoke, Trickster strengthened the mind shield. He then said, "But Sir, I will hold you personally responsible should Neo return to them as a result of that Thing and what you have made me promise. Am I clear?"

Cole nodded adding, "You are clear, Marco. At ease." Turning to Punta Cole said, "They are allowed a ten minute joining. All thoughts between the two are to be blocked from the Dark Key. It he has any problems he can talk with me later." Turning back to Marco he said, "Go and lie down on the couch, Marco. Do not cross me, Trickster. I will have this my way or you will bring problems down on not only you but others…."

As Marco lay down on the coach, Cole returned to his seat behind his desk. He would be able to monitor what was happening but Punta who had taken position kneeling at the side of the coach at Marco's shoulder and Tarka who had taken a position at Marco's head, would be handling the connection. When Cole was signaled by Punta that they were ready he nodded and watched.

Marco had closed his eyes and soon found himself in a dark dungeon room. He was facing a door which Punta stood in front of. Turning his head to his left he saw only bare seaping rock. The wall was covered in a watery sheen. To his right showed him the same picture. He heard a noise behind him and when he turned, his heart skipped several beats. Neo was shackled to the wall, spread eagle facing out. His clothes were damp, dirty and were ripped in several places. Marco could not get his feet to move toward his brother. Neo gave him a faint smile and said, "Hello brother. Welcome to my world."

Marco closed his mental eyes as he showed Fixer a mental image of what he was seeing. Upon opening his mental eyes, he asked Neo, "How are you holding up?" Trickster was unsure about Fixer's feeling concerning his next words but Marco had to know and so asked, "Neo if I had not pushed you to take that job at fifteen, would you have turned it down? If I had watched your back more back then..."

Neo could not move but he shook his head and cleared his throat. "I am not living in the past any more brother. I live in the present and as you can see it is not very comfortable. I have a deal with Cole and I will abide by that deal. You need to go back to Hogwarts and keep an eye on the others." Neo needed to get his brother off the island. He knew Cole would not let the Dark Key use his body to hurt his brother, but he was not willing to take the chance that others would not use the opportunity of Marco trapped here to go against other members of the family. Neo looked at Punta and asked, "Are we blocked?" Receiving a nod he looked back at his brother. "Leave Marco. Go back to the real world. I do not blame you for the past and will not blame you for the future."

Marco's eyes teared as he said, "How can you not? I forced you into that life then when you needed me, I ran...That Dark Key is in control and I still won't do what Father..." Marco stopped as he realized that this was what he most feared. Their father had drilled it into his head that as the eldest of the Quints they would always be his responsibility. Trickster had failed in protecting them and had run from his duty the first chance he had gotten.

Cole had put his head back on the high back of his office chair and stretched his legs out in front of him with his ankles crossed. He had comfortably laid his arms on the arms of the chair and opened his hands staying as relaxed as he could. With his eyes closed he could watch the scene play out in Marco's mind. He would not enter Neo's because he did not want the Dark Key to know it was possible at the moment, and the creature would feel the entry. Marco was gradually getting closer to his brother. Cole was hoping Neo could convince his brother to leave and not try the connection again.

Neo again shook his head and balled his fists. Pulling on the chains he said through gritted teeth, "You need to leave Marco. I do not need you involved at this time. You have given me all you have now it is my time to use what I have learned and get on with what I need to do." It was hurting Neo to watch his brother and to pretend to be mad at him, but he had to get him to leave. "Go Marco. I will be fine and you have a job elsewhere." Neo looked at the door and Punta saying, "Take him away elf. Make him leave the island." Neo tried to steel his emotions for his next sentence and hoped he could pull the anger off. "I do not need you anymore brother, go help someone who does." Neo had to bury all the emotions which were boiling up inside of him, trying to tell his brother, he loved him, and he needed him, not to go, but that would only make matters worse. So he stared at his brother and tightened his lips together.

Marco shook his head as Neo expelled him from his mind. It felt like how their father would toss him as if he was a rag doll when they were younger. Neo was lost to him and Trickster could do nothing to bring the Cooler back. Once his own eyes opened, Marco said filled with a rage he had not felt in years, "Fixer, That Thing goes before Neo leaves this island or I swear I will use it to find them and destroy Them! They cost me one brother as Neo is lost to me but I will..."

Cole stood up and walked to the coach. "Get up Marco. Your brother is not lost to you, but he wants to handle this on his own. I will protect him." Putting his hand out to help Marco up off the coach, Cole was not surprised when Marco slapped it away. Cole turned and walked back to his desk. Turning before he got there he said, "Watch your threats Marco. I control this island and I think you might be surprised on how far I can reach into the outside world. Now, you will go to your room, freshen up and be in the main room of the barracks in half an hour. You will eat dinner with the men and then you will spend some time with them doing whatever you wish. If you want to take out some of the frustration you are feeling, I believe there are some impromptu matches taking place in the basement training area around 7:30 this evening. Tomorrow morning, promptly at 9:00 am you will be leaving the island. Any questions?"

Marco still filled with fury just glared at Fixer as he said, "I know my brother and that is not Neo or at least not Cooler. Neo mind blasted me out of his mind. Fixer, the last and only time that has happened was when I confronted him and the Cloaked Man. I warned you...so be in the ring at 7:30 Fixer, because one of us is not leaving that mat standing!" He walked to the door and turned as he finished, "I never make promises I don't keep..." Marco's fury would not even let him consider that Fixer was right and Neo was once again trying to protect him. Marco had always protected his family and had insured that especially Neo never even thought of protecting the Trickster.

(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane, we hope you are enjoying the thread.)

FRANK COLE
Cole put the last of his paperwork in the desk drawer and looked at the Blackforest Coco clock on the far wall. He had told Punta to bring Marco to his office at 7:30 pm and it was just shy of that now. Cole was not going to fight Marco, not because he was afraid of loosing, because they were evenly matched in some ways. In others, Cole would have had an advantage only because he had more street experience. He had to get Marco past the point where his weakness for protecting his family could be used by others. He wanted Marco to protect his family, it was part of the man's makeup, but he had to learn to pick his battles. There was a difference between stepping in front of someone to fight their battles for them and protecting their back for being attacked. Marco felt he needed to block all of the bad which could happen and that was only making it harder for his family to learn responsibilities and have the experiences they needed to be able to cope with what life was most definitely going to throw at them.

As the door opened, Cole sat back in his chair and steepled his fingers in front of him, using the arms of the chair as support for his elbows. "Come in Sergeant Spellman. We are going to talk."

Marco had been given down time by the elves and he was sure on just who's orders. He said still angry at himself and partly at Fixer, "It seems Tal'mac thought I needed to have some time to mediate? He had the elves lock me in my room, on my bed, upside down. Did you know?" He stared at Cole as he stood at attention. Marco in a way was glad he had been called to Cole's office instead of meeting the man in the gym because he knew deep down that he had never intended on winning that fight. His original plan had been to have Fixer take him so far out that he would be hurt beyond repair. It would have been a fitting punishment for not being able to protect his brother. Now with the blood fury gone, he knew it had been a stupid plan. Cole may have beaten on him a bit, but the man would have never really injured him.

Cole let Marco stand at attention as he just watched the man in front of him. He had thought of one way to possibly get Marco to realize what he was doing, but it all depended on Marco's willingness to recognize how he was acting. Finally he said, "Spellman, I have bought you to my office today, because you seem to think that you want me to take you out. This is unacceptable and it is not going to happen. Instead we are going to talk. At ease and have a seat." Cole motioned for Tarka to step back and had Punta step up beside the desk. "

Marco got nervous as he sat down. He looked at Punta as he asked, "You can tell Tal'mac that I am not a child anymore? I did not need a time out?" He paused as he thought about his behavior. All of a sudden he started laughing as he said, "I guess in his eyes I was." The tears came as he said, "It is just that I have failed...failed to protect Neo yet again..."

Cole pulled out a handkerchief from his desk drawer, handed it to Punta and motioned to Marco.
"Tal'mac has been a very busy elf. When I gave him permission to connect with Punta, I thought he was just going to listen in. Apparently the old one has decided to help. He is the one who shot you out of Neo's mind, Marco not Neo." Cole chuckled a little then got serious again. "Neo was about to, but just could not bring himself to send you away." Sitting forward and crossing his arms in front of him Cole looked into Marco's eyes and said, "Tell me who Neo's enemies are, Marco."

Marco cringed as he said a little worried, "Tal'mac...is he okay?" Tal'mac must have used a lot of force and that had Marco extremely worried for Uncle Tal'mac's health. When Fixer asked about Neo's enemies, Marco said not exactly understanding, "Sir, you know that the Cloaked Man wants Neo back? Doesn't he?" Marco had known Fixer long enough to know there was more to this question than it seemed. Marco wondered just what Fixer was trying to get Marco to understand.

"The Wise one is fine. Punta is absorbing most of the distance stress. Tal'mac will let him know if there is a problem. Now you have stated the Cloaked Man is Neo's enemy, because he wants to physically control Neo and in that way your family. Who else wants to control your family to the point of them loosing the ability of thinking for themselves and thus not recognizing possible traps, both physical and mental?" Cole did not release Marco's eyes.

Marco shook his head as he said, "The Cloaked Man had only ever gone after Neo. He wants my brother, only?" As he listened to the rest, his mouth dropped as he said, "I know of no one else, except maybe Shadow but not likely."

Cole just leaned on his folded arms and watched Neo. He wanted him to keep thinking and trying to rationalize what Cole had asked.

Marco thought but could think of no other enemies. Trickster asked puzzled, "Do you know of somebody? If you asked about Frankie, I would have had to include Neo."

Cole tried not to smile. "Why would you have included Neo, if I asked about Franco?"

Marco chuckled as he answered, "Simple, Frankie is a lot stronger and tougher than he looks. The problem is Neo does not see that and instead protects him, way too much."

Cole leaned back in his chair and asked, "Who do you think Franco would say are Neo's enemies, if I asked him?"

Marco shrugged as he said, "I have no clue as me and my brothers are not close at least as they see it. All my protecting has had to be from the Shadows, as you well know..."

"Do you think Franco thinks Neo is a strong person?" Cole kept plugging away trying to get Marco to connect the dots as far as who was not letting Neo in a sense grow up .

Marco grinned as he said proud of his brother, "Of course, Neo has laid all of us flat, especially me!"

Smiling Cole said, "So you think Neo is physically strong, so why do you think he is a mental weakling bordering on the idiot stage of thinking for himself?"

Marco cringed as he said, "I have never thought he was that. It is just.."Marco was stunned that Fixer even thought that.

Cole sat forward just a little more. "It is just what, Marco. You think he cannot think for himself… that he cannot rationalize what he needs to do and make his own decisions. You want to run his life… choose what he should be doing at any given time… so I repeat it is just what "

Marco shook his head as he answered, "Of course not, It is just that until Father returns, I am responsible. Father would tear me apart if he was to come back and find that I failed yet again to protect Neo.." Marco's eyes filled with tears at the memory of the only time he had went and told his father about the job that he had convinced Neo to take. His father's fury and the vow that he had been forced to make was what insured that Marco would never again allow himself to fail in protecting Neo from falling back into that life again. The Trickster was never going to fail Neo again. He cringed as he realized his real reason for wanting to fight Fixer. Death was a better out then what his Father swore to do to Marco if he failed in protecting those he cared forever again.

Cole looked at Punta. He did not understand why the Spellman children did not know their father was dead. All he received was a quick message from Tal'mac to not tell them, that he would explain in the future. Cole respected the Old One enough to keep his secret. He would have to discuss with Tal'mac also if the information could be used against the Quints. "When your father commissioned you to protect your brother, you were both very young. Your father could not know the strengths that you all would gain in your futures. If you cushion all of Neo's emotional blows he will never build a resistance to fighting them. It is like if you do not work out and strengthen your body mussels you cannot take the blows which come your way."

"If Neo does not have the practice he needs what happens when you are not around?" Cole stared at Marco. He had to get the man to see he was enabling the Cloaked Society to take advantage of Neo, because his brother was not going to have the ability to think fast enough to counter the underlying meanings to what he would be told.

Marco cringed but before he could reply. Tal'mac thought to Fixer, "Talk...then you decide....trust your judgment in this matter. I have not told them because they would go after the Cloaked Society and they are not ready, and may never be on their own."

Cole thought back, "Agreed, Wise One. Thank you, but I will keep the secret for a while yet." . "I asked you a question, Sergeant. If Neo does not have the practice dealing with those who are going to try and trick him, how is he supposed to learn what to say and what to do? You will not always be there."

Marco shook his head as he said, "I don't know, I just know that I can't fail or when father returns, he will tear me apart..Father was furious with me and forced me to vow never to allow Neo..."



"Well that is about to change Marco. I hope that what you have taught your brother so far will be enough. You are leaving in the morning and you will not have contact with him for a minimum of one week. When you are permitted to come back onto the island, I may let you talk with him again. So hopefully Marco you have done your best."

Marco cringed as he tried to explain his fear, "In most matters, I don't interfere but where the cloaked man is concerned...I made a vow and that vow I must never break...for all their sakes..."

"I have told you what your options are Marco. You will leave tomorrow. Your brother stays, without any further support from you." Cole motioned to Punta, saying to Tarka, "Master Marco will now return to his room. He will be brought to the staging area at 9:00 am tomorrow morning. Please make sure he is fed and dressed properly to return to the outside world." Turning back to Marco he said, "You are dismissed, Sergeant." Cole picked up a piece of paper from his desk, leaned back in his chair, and started to read it, not looking again at Marco.

Marco shook his head as he said, "You don't understand...." Trickster stood still trying to come to terms himself with that vow he was forced to make. As he neared the door, he said with regret, "If Neo ever goes back, I will have no choice but to kill him..."

Cole looked up as Marco reached the door. "He is not going back Marco. Neo is mine now and I do not share well." Cole had not known this was part of the promise but he was not going to tell Marco that his oath to his father died with the man, years earlier. Someday he was going to have to or Tal'mac would have to in order to galvanize the siblings together again. Sadly shaking his head he reviewed the report about Dark Key's antics with Neo's body. Tomorrow was not going to be pleasant in several aspects.

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

MARCO SPELLMAN
Marco looked at Kimtu who was standing by the door to his room which after the discussion with Cole last night was now considered his locked cell. Fixer had not taken any chances Marco would go and find his brother's body, still be occupied by the Dark Key. He had been locked in securely with an elf inside the room with him. A couple of hours ago Kimtu had told him to get out of bed and get ready to leave. Sleep had evaded him. He had managed a quick shower and been given the clothes he had arrived in to put on. They had been cleaned but still felt uncomfortable for some reason. Kimtu had offered him breakfast, but the couple of bites he had tried, stuck in his throat. He had spent most of the last half and hour pacing the small eight foot by eight foot room.

When Kimtu went to the door and opened it he knew it was time. Marco felt like he was walking to an execution, not going home to Hogwarts. He was going to be totally out of touch with his brother, depending on Fixer to keep him from turning back into the controlled person of the Cloak mans. As he slowly put one foot in front of the other, making his way down the hall, he raked his fingers through his hair. At one point he stopped and said in a bare whisper, "I cannot do this… I can't leave him here on his own."

Kimtu had come up to him and laid his hand on his arm saying, "It will be fine Master Marco, you will see. We are all watching out for your brother. Now come it is time to go and Master Frank is waiting for you." Kimtu had gently tugged on Marco's arm and although it had not been painful, Marco had known it would turn that way if he did not move.

The sun was up over the trees, as Marco was led into the main yard in front of the barracks. Fixer was standing on the platform which was the send-off spot for the island. Marco tried to paste a firm look on his face as he got closer.

Cole watched Marco come out of the barracks. The man was worried and it was not hard to know it was because of the uncertainty of what was going to happen to his brother. As Marco mounted the platform he said, "You are being sent to just outside the gate to Hogwarts, unless there is somewhere else you would like to be delivered to. You will not be allowed to return for one week from right now. At that time, if you choose to return, you will be brought to my office and we will discuss your further training as a specialist. Do you have any questions?"

Marco gave a sly grin as he answered, "Yeah, just what did you add to my clothing?" He had finally realized why the clothing felt strange. It was heavier than before. Shaking his head after Cole answered. Marco said, "I suggest you have it removed as Sasha will have them checked. But nice try though..."

Cole grinned and nodded to Kimtu. The elf raised his hand pointed his fingers at Marco and closed his eyes. Marco's clothes rustled and then settled back down. Chuckling Cole said, "You can't blame a guy for trying. I still need confirmation you understood my instructions." Cole stood with his arms across his chest and waited.

Marco grinned as he said, "I guess you will find out the next time you see me..."

"I will take it by your answer you do not mind being set outside the gates to Hogwarts." Cole nodded. With as much sincerity as he could add to his voice, Cole said, "Neo will be alright, Trickster. Visit Kat as soon as you can." With the look, which came across Marco's face, Cole quickly added, "I am not saying it because of something I have done. Franco has the same orders. Since most of the dark sect now thinks I own you, Franco and Neo, they should be leaving her alone, but be careful. If you need help tell Tal'mac and he will get in touch with me. Also at least one of my men or women will be in the Shadow Lounge at all times. You will recognize them because they will be wearing a PACT ring. They can get in touch with me at any time or get you to a close by Portkey. Do not be so engrossed in watching everyone else's back and forget to watch your own. Oh and Hank can contact me from the Hogs Head."

Cole stepped off the platform and held his hand up as a signal to let Marco through the barrier.

Marco smiled as he said before going through, "See you in a week if I can...Sasha has Brennan doing a total overhaul on security...any messages for any of them including Tarik?"

"Glad to hear about the security overhaul. I will send my own messages, but thanks for asking." Cole lowered his hand and Marco disappeared.

(OOC: This has been a combined thread by Barbie and Jane. We hope you have enjoyed it)
(OOC: Continued in Tia’s Run)

CLOSED