The Island Maze, (Invite) (Isle of Perdition)

The Island Maze, (Invite) (Isle of Perdition)
(OOC: Thread happens right after The Shadow Lounge, The Bait is Gathered.)

FRANK COLE

Cole stepped off the receiving platform in the main yard of the Barracks on the Isle of Perdition. He was greeted, by several of the men, who saluted and one handed him a packet of papers. Cole dismissed them, surveyed the area and then turned to Neo who was standing beside him looking around also. Cole had the feeling Neo was thinking there was trouble close.

Cole motioned for the man to follow him to the barracks. Tonight was planning and tomorrow would be the time to bring the brothers and their sister back together and getting them to connect again. Cole lead Neo down the hall of the barracks to his office. Opening the door he motioned the man to enter. He wasn't sure if Neo noticed two guards had taken up position outside the office door and two more stood in the room, where they entered, but he didn't care. Motioning Neo to a chair, Cole walked around the large desk and pushed a couple of buttons. The 72" view screen on the wall behind his desk came on, showing an Arial view of the island. Since the whole island was hidden by magic, it was one of the few that existed.

Cole sat down and pushed a couple more buttons before folding his arms in front of him on the desk. "Would you like anything to drink or eat Neo, while we wait for our other guests?" Leo was in another room and was being brought to the office, Holly was bringing Franco and they should be here any moment, Kat was in a small comfortable building in the center of a large hedge maze a mile away, and Marco should be arriving on the island at any moment, because Cole was sent a howler from Tank at Hogshead, where Marco was wreaking the place yet again. Cole had just told Tank to send Marco to the Isle of Perdition and then given clearance to accept him.

NEO SPELLMAN
From the moment they had arrived on the island the hair on the back of Neo's neck was bristling. He had been greeted by several of the men he had trained with here, but all of their smiles were tight and didn't reach their eyes. Something was definitely up and it involved him. Hopefully his brothers were out of it.

Entering the office and taking the seat that Cole had designated, he tried to settle back into some position resembling comfort. The large view screen was showing a picture of the island. Neo had never seen what the total island looked like. It was larger than he expected. The thought of how he could get a copy and get it to the Caretakers entered his mind, but somehow he knew it would never happen. This land was magically locked down so tight, no one could even find it. The only way on and off, as far as he could tell was the pad in the main yard. The only way you could use the pad was if Cole gave his permission. Even his men and women had to get clearance.

"I could take something to drink. Salem Soda would be fine. So what is the real reason I am here, Cole?" When Cole raised his eyebrows he added, "Sir." Neo had agreed to call this man Sir when his training had started. It was an agreement between them, on he didn't mind keeping most of the time. Accepting the drink from one of the men who was stationed inside the door, Neo settled back in his chair and sipped from the frost covered mug.

LEO SPELLMAN
Leo had been in this cell for about an hour. An hour which consisted of pacing and being furious at Fixer. He looked around the cell and shook his head at the idea the elf Mecum must not be known for his patience cause no sooner was Fixer gone then Leo had found himself in this cell. At least the elf had removed the magical bonds. Leo had been told that only elfin magic worked on the island, all other magic had been blocked. He started to pace again, remembering why he had fought to stubbornly stay outside of any of the buildings. Inside he was trapped; outside he had a chance of running. Fixer had suggested that Leo and his brothers start once again working together. Leo was sure this meant, Fixer had a plan, because the man never suggested anything without a plan to bring about the suggestion.

Leo walked over to the nearby wall, which held shackles and a door a restroom. He slammed his hand into the wall, not even making a dent in the metal. Rubbing his bruised knuckles and talking to himself he said quietly, "And he had the gall to threaten me with bringing Kat. It won't happen. I plan on getting out of here and then Fixer is going to pay for even thinking of threatening my family!" It had been a shock learning the truth about cousin Jonathan was actually a McChey. Leo still could not fully believe it. The daredevil brother of the Spellman Quints smiled as he knew they were changing the outside guards.

He went to the small window at the back of the room. There were no guards in sight. If he was going to try and leave now would have to be the time. Leo climbed out and started for the crop of trees about seventy-five feet away. If he could get to the trees, he would head west, which would have to bring him to the other side of the island. At that point he would figure out what to do next. Just as he reached the trees, something wound itself around his ankles. He fell forward hard, barely getting his hands out in front of him to break his fall as the ground came up fast. Looking at his ankles he found a Bolas, securely wrapped around his legs. Leo looked back toward the barracks and found two guards almost casually walking toward him, talking and laughing. The guards gave each other a high five and continued to come closer.

Leo was bodily picked up and carried to a back door of the barracks. His helpers didn't stop there. They headed down a hall, opened a door, entered a room and he was unceremoniously dropped on the floor. Looking up he found Cole sitting behind his desk and Neo sitting in a chair staring at him. Leo just lowered his forehead back to the floor and shook his head. "Great, Fixer had two of them."

FRANCO SPELLMAN
Holly had told Franco to meet her at Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop. He had been surprised because she was not due to get off duty for two more days, but he was not about to turn down the opportunity to see her. He had stopped and bought her a bag of her favorite chocolates and picked some of the wild flowers in back of the Post office. Entering the Tea Shoppe, he spied her right away sitting at a table in the front corner. She was thinking hard about something because normally she would have seen him coming in. His Holly was a highly trained mercenary who wasn't on guard. Franco walked up to the table, bent down, and kissed her on the cheek then handed her the flowers and candy. "What's wrong sweetness?" he said as he pulled a chair closer to her and sat down.

Holly looked at the special man in her life. She was about to trick him, because the Captain ordered it. She was praying he would understand later. The Captain always had a good reason for what he ordered; sometimes he would even explain it. Holly reached and took Franco's hand, "Thanks for the candy and flowers, Frankie. I need your help Frankie. I have to learn a new fighting procedure and I need a partner I can trust so I don't get hurt."

Franco cocked his head. "Who is trying to hurt you?" he asked trying to keep the anger out of his voice.

"No one I can put my finger on, put I have had some mishaps lately which shouldn't have happened. I need someone I can depend on so I can concentrate on the moves. I got permission from the Captain for you to come for just the training."

Franco felt like there was something else Holly was not telling him, but he trusted her, so he would go. "Ok then. Do we need to go now?" When he received a nod, he stood and pulled out her chair. Together they walked to a place, Fixer had set up a Portkey. Within seconds they stood on the pad in the lawn of the Barracks. Franco looked around and realized they were surrounded and several weapons were pointed at him. He looked at Holly. She would not meet his eyes. Instead she walked away in another direction. He barely heard the "I'm sorry." that she whispered.

Franco knew it was useless to fight so he followed the lead guard into the barracks and down the hall to Fixer's office. The door was opened for him and he was shoved into the room. Barely keeping his balance, he found Leo on the floor and Neo kneeling heside him attempting to remove a Bolas from around his brothers legs. Franco hurried over to help, looking over to where Fixer sat relaxed behind his desk, watching. "Fixer that was a dirty trick to pull. All you had to do is send Punta with one of your invitation. You know I can't refuse without losing my magic. Why make Holly trick me?"

MARCO SPELLMAN
Marco had found out through his own private channels, that Leo was now on Fixer's island. The only way on the island was to be invited, or taken there. He had come to the Hogshead in Hogsmeade, because the man standing behind the bar would know how to get him there one way or another. Marco had already threatened the man with bodily harm if he didn't take him to the island or tell him how to get there. When Tank had told him he had no idea how to accomplish what he wanted, Marco had let out a long string of words and then started methodically breaking chairs and tables.

On the second set of tables and chairs, Tank had told him he had found a way. Marco figured the way had something to do with the elf who had walked in, handed Tank a note and then ran out. Right now he didn't care. He stood with his feet planted and his hands on his hips, "Well?"

"If you are sure you really want to do this, go to the barn behind Madam Puddifoot's and grab the third dragon shod from the left. It is a Portkey to the island. They are expecting you." Tank picked up another glass from under the counter and started to clean it with the rag in his hand, "I know it's not going to do any to tell you to leave your weapons with Darik, but can't say I didn't warn you."

Marco stomped out of the Hog's Head and headed for the barn, in which Darik kept all of his supplies for feeding the local animals from the town and from the outlying area. He didn't even want to think why Darik would have more than one Dragon Shod. Grabbing the one designated he found himself on the pad in the front yard of the Barracks on the Isle of Perdition, Fixers own little military kingdom. He also found himself surrounded by eight men. Chuckling he held up his hands. He needed to find Leo; Leo was with Fixer: he needed to be taken to Fixer. He was thoroughly patted down for weapons and then walked to the Barracks, lead down a hall and shown into a room.

All he could do was shake his head. Neo, Leo and Franco were sitting in three of the four chairs in front of Fixers desk. Fixer was smiling and motioning toward the other chair. Marco took his seat and looked at his brothers. The only one missing from the group was Kat, their sister. Looking at Fixer he said, "Where is Kat?"

KAT SPELLMAN
Kat sat at the small table in the cottage located in the center of a very large hedge maze. She had been carried over the top of it, so she knew it was huge. She had also seen several of the wall change places as she flew by. Frank Cole had explained the whole set up too her. She was going to be the bait to get her brothers to stop being so stuboun and start working together. They had lost their link and that was not a good thing.

Cole had set it up so she could see everything happing to her brothers, on a large view screen in the front room of the one bedroom cottage. All of her brothers had finally arrived. She had cringed when Leo had been dumped on the floor, but knew it was because he had fought in some way. She had just ended up shaking her head.

Filling her tea cup again she munched on a sandwich. There was nothing she was lacking. Cole had explained, when her brothers were told she was there, they would also be told she was being held captive. She was going to have to pretend to be scared and tied up. One of the elves had shown her the pole where she would be carefully secured. The fear was the only thing she was going to have to fake.

When the green light went on at the bottom of the screen signifying it was time for her to play act, Kat quickly followed the elf left to help her with anything she needed, to the pole outside. She stood very still as the elf wrapped some bindings around her wrists and put a blindfold on her eyes. Then the elf stood off to the side and pointed a spear at her heart. The spear would be able to be seen, but the elf would have been out of camera range. Kat tried to put the look of fear on her face. She would have to hold it until the elf gave the all clear.

FRANK COLE
Cole had just stayed relaxed as each one of the brothers arrive in quick succession. He had two guards outside the door and two on the inside. He wasn't afraid of these men, but he also realized he would not be able to break up a fight on his own. Neo had stayed relaxed enough. His weapons had all been removed of course and safely stowed away.

He had seen on the screen buried in his desk when Leo had decided to take an unauthorized walk. He sat at his desk not letting Neo know his brother was about to enter the office. Cole would definitely be talking with the two guards who brought the hog tied Leo into the office and dropped him on the floor. He had not given orders the man was to be manhandled. Cole kept a smile on his face as Neo jumped up and went immediately to his brother to remove the Bola. Several of his force had become quite good with it.

Franco soon followed. Holly had done an excellent job on getting him here. He had explained why she needed to get Franco to the island, something he did not do often. She had been fine when she understood he would not be hurt. With Franco and Holly dating, Cole had started to think about his people and outside relationships. He was going to try desperately not to have to hurt Franco, but the Quints were involved over their heads in the future. Cole had learned a long time ago, you had to use things and people if it meant others being saved. He didn't think anyone was better than anyone else, but "innocents" needed to be spared at all cost.

"Fixer that was a dirty trick to pull. All you had to do is send Punta with one of your invitation. You know I can't refuse without losing my magic. Why make Holly trick me?"

When Franco questioned him, he answered. "Holly understands why you needed to be here. She is a soldier in my army. She follows orders. She does not have to like the orders as long as she follows them to the best of her ability." He wanted to tell Franco it was going to be alright, but he had to keep anger against him alive. It might be the catalyst to get the brothers to work together. The link needed to be re-established between the quints. That was the only acceptible outcome of this whole exercise.

When Marco had come in Cole just motioned toward the one empty chair. At least he had all of them in the same room. Not an easy feat to accomplish especially since Leo had decided to stay away from his brothers. The man almost had a death wish, with some of the things he had done.

... Marco took his seat and looked at his brothers. The only one missing from the group was Kat, their sister. Looking at Fixer he said, "Where is Kat?"

Cole smiled and pushed several buttons on his desk. "Ah, the one question I have been waiting for. She is the reason you are all here. I will show you were she is in a moment. I have decided to have a contest of sorts. It has been impossible to get the four of you to work together and reestablish your link." Cole held up his hands. "I don't understand the reason why yet. Whether it is fear or something else you have to re-establish the link and hold it open." Cole paused and steepled his fingers in front of him, with his elbows on his desk. "I have come up with a fun game. I built a hedge maze covering five acres of land. The top of it is ten feet in the air. The game will be to get to the center of the maze."

Marco and Neo felt it at the same time as Franco's eyes started to change. Leo watched as Neo handed the bolas to Marco. Marco let the bola fly towards Franco's legs and arms as Neo closed his eyes. Leo said furious at Fixer, "You better pray Fixer that Marco and Neo can stop whatever they sense from Frankie cause like I told you Kat is the one Spellman that nobody brings in to our messes. Fixer, release Kat before Neo has to choose between you and Frankie. You would lose that choice." Headed towards the door he finished, "Don't bother looking for me cause if they don't destroy you for messing with Kat, I will if I ever see you again! " He reached for the door...

Cole smiled and reached out pushing the buttons which showed Kat tied to the pole in the middle of the maze. He knew she could see what was happening. It was one of the agreements he had made with her when she agreed to help get her brothers together.

Kat looked at the screen and screamed one word, "NO".

Marco grabbed Fixer by the throat as he said, "We had an agreement Captain where my sister was concerned! Release her as you are causing Neo to use the link to pull Frankie back from a dragon form. You asked me once why Neo stayed when we left, this as he is the only one of us that can pull him back."

Neo heard Kat and his concentration broke. "Marco!", Neo screamed as he claspsed. Marco was not quick enough as it was Leo that caught Cooler.

Cole had waved off the two guards from grabbing Marco. He knew the man would not kill him. He saw Leo move and caught Marco before he hit the floor. He was not out cold, but he had collapsed from the strain of trying to get his hands around his throat and still hold onto Franco to keep him from changing. Looking around the room he said, "Seems like maybe this is not going to be as hard for you guys as I originally thought. Put Marco in a chair, Leo and sit yourself. Neo you are at attention until further orders." Neo was not a regular in his army, but the man had agreed that when he was on the island he would take orders as if he was part of the whole.

Cole looked at Franco, who was half-way through the change to a possible dragon. He looked over to the corner and nodded. Tal'mac who was sitting on an air-chair in the corner, completely invisible from the others, nodded back. Franco would not be able to make the change and would be brought back to normal.

Turning toward the screen so his back was to the others, he winked at Kat, who had yelled her brother's name in desperation. She was still shaking. He mouthed, "It's alright Kat. They are fine."

Turning slowly in his chair, he watched the four men in front of him. The guards had taken up position behind them, so they could each watch two at once. Cole let a slow smile cover his face. "That was an interesting display. First your sister," he threw his thumb over his shoulder, "is fine for now. She will stay that way, of course, as long as the four of you follow my instructions. Marco..."

"Yes, sir," Marco snapped hating that his brothers saw him in this position. He had received some much needed training on this island. He had also been drilled to follow instructions of his superiors. At least there were only a few on the island who were still his superiors.

"At ease, you may be seated." Cole said never loosing the smile.

"Yes, sir." Marco sat in the chair, partially still at attention. It always took him a few moments to back off from any order the Captain gave him. The man's voice demanded that you followed your orders until you had completed any task he requested.

Kat relaxed a little, not forgetting she was supposed to be a scared prisoner. Her brothers had just used the link to try and save Franco from changing and Marco from killing Cole. She wasn't sure she was going to be able to complete her agreement with Cole. It was going to be one of the hardest things she had ever done.

Cole leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers in front of him, using the arms of the chair to support his elbows.Neo was starting to come around and Franco was sitting there wondering why the change had stopped. "So are you four ready to start you adventure. Your sister I think is getting impatient. Oh and by the way, the next time one of you, any one of you, tries something like that again, you sister suffers." Cole raised his hand slightly and the spear point got closer to Kat's chest. "I do hope I have made myself crystal clear," he finished as he again steepled his fingers.

Marco shook his head as he said, "Fixer, we had an agreement concerning Kat, Charlie and Dalton. You have broken that agreement by this stunt of yours. Release her and I might hear you out. But Kat and Neo are leaving, now." Marco stood only to see one of the guards yank a weak Neo's head back and place a knife to Cooler's throat. Marco had not seen the man before.

Leo just shook his head as he got to his feet to leave the same time Marco did. He turned toward the door intent on getting away from his siblings. Neo had almost died. Every time in the past the Quints had decided to link, something had happened. If they had any chance he needed to get away. Blindly he headed toward the door.

Franco tied to stand up also, but his legs and hands were bound.. He had seen the knife the guard had placed at Neo's throat and knew his brother would not have the strength to fight it. Stuggling to free himself he yelled, "Leo, look at Neo." Before either brother could do anything Leo was on the ground, one of the guards, tying his hands behind him. Franco could do nothing but watch as his brother was roughly yanked up off the floor and thrown back into the chair he just vacated. Franco looked at the screen and saw Kat's head hung low and he could even see the tears slowly trail down her face.

Neo felt his head as it was jerked back. He felt the knife but could do nothing as his body still was not working. He heard yelling but the knife was too close. He tried to relax, looking into the face of the guard which held him.

Cole stood up and looked at the screen. He knew Kat was still firm in her commitment to help her brothers. They had talked and Cole had tried to explain to her as many of the possibilities of what would happen as he could think about. Soon he would turn off the screen and let her rest. He was sure Tal'mac would go to her and comfort her.

Walking around to the front of the desk he sat on its edge, extended his legs in front of him, and grabbed the edge of the desk for balance. He looked at the four men and waved the knife away from Neo's throat. " Bind them." All four brothers were bound to their chairs. "You are all going to work together whether you wish to or not. This is a given fact. I was hoping to get an agreement from you, so you didn't waste time arguing among yourselves." Cole reached behind him and pushed a button. The large screen went black except for an Arial view of the island in the center of it. "From here you will be taken to the entrance to the maze, which will be blocked off as soon as you are inside. You will be given enough food for two days. You will also be given a few other supplies which may come in handy." Cole stopped and looked at each man in turn. "Maybe I forgot to tell you. You only have forty-eight hours to reach Kat. At that time she will be indoctrinated into a very special part of my army. She will not know who you are and she will be asked, and brainwashed enough, to complete any and all jobs requested of her. And I have a few where willing females are going to come in very handy."

Standing back up and crossing his arms across his chest he continued, "You have ten minutes to ask any questions. Make them count."

Marco shook his head as he said, "We are not doing anything tonight, if we play your game at all. Fixer, Neo is in no condition as you well know. How many have ever placed a knife to my brother's throat and not found themselves on the other end of the same knife? Second, you need to explain why you went and betrayed the bargain we had by involving and threatening my sister. Fixer, we need to help Neo and then you and I are going to a very long chat. Now you can give Kat a night in a nice room and send Leo and Franco to separate rooms but either way this game waits until Neo is able to handle what happened." He looked at the guy who had threaten his brother's life. That man would face him or Neo before they agree to any more of Fixer's wild plans.

Cole sat back down on the edge of his desk, stretched his legs out in front of him and folded his arms across his chest. He sat staring at the four men, knowing he was making them antsy. To give into Marco's request, which he was trying to phrase as demands, would show weakness. But he wanted these four men to work together, so it would be too his advantage if he showed some compassion. Looking first to Marco he said, "You will not demand anything from me, Lieutenant. That will only get you punished." Turning his eyes to all of them he continued, "I will agree to wait until tomorrow morning, but no longer, for the test to begin. Kat will be made comfortable for the night. Neo will be taken to one of the infirmary rooms where I will have a medic check him out. Leo will be sent to an interrogation room as will Franco. Marco, you will also be sent to a separate interrogation room where I may or may not discuss with you what is happening here." Cole pushed a button and six more men entered the room. Two of them stood behind each man.

Marco knew he was pushing but he felt Leo's intention to dig in about not getting involve with Fixer's game. He prayed that Neo would play along as he said with force, "That is not what I agree to. I have no intention of allowing you to hurt Neo further! I will be with you when you see any of my brothers especially Neo or Frankie. Now if you will excuse me, I have a goon to teach what happens when some goon decides to threaten my brothers." Knowing what it would force Fixer to do, Marco went straight for the man that had threaten Neo.

Cole pushed himself off the desk at Marco's first words. When the man headed for the one of his army who had decided to use a knife against Neo's throat, he raised his hand in the air and made a fist. Marco was taken down hard to the floor and his hands were tied behind his back. Neo's two guards each held a hand on the man's shoulder, knowing he was too weak to help. Leo's hands had been pulled behind him and tied and a hand held his hair, pulling his head back. Franco's guards also kept hands on Franco's shoulders. The Bolan was restraining him enough to keep him out of the fight. Cole pointed to the chair Marco had just vacated and the man was placed back into it. Walking up very close to him, Cole bent down slightly and said, "That Lieutenant, was not a wise move. You have just earned punishment for all of your brother's."

Cole looked up and said to the guards. "Neo is to be taken to the infirmary and chained to a bed, both hand and feet. I will contact the medic and give him further instructions. Go..." Neo was bodily picked up and half walked and half dragged from the room. Cole walked toward Franco next. "Franco is to have the Bolan removed and then spread eagled on the wall of his interrogation room. I will visit him when I can. Go..." A struggling Franco was picked up carried from the room. Cole glanced toward the corner where the elf was still sitting, invisible to everyone but him. The elf nodded and disappeared. He would follow Franco and make sure he could not change. Making his way to Leo he said, "Leo is to be taken to another interrogation room and also spread eagled on a wall. When I can get there I will issue further orders." Leaning down slightly he said to Leo, "You will work with your brothers or they will suffer more. This is not negotiable. I will punish them until you agree." Cole stood back up finishing with, "Go..." Leo was dragged from the room.

When all of the others had left, Cole again took a seat on the edge of his desk and stared at Marco. He waved for the guards to step back slightly. "You wanted to talk Lieutenant? You have ten minutes before you will join your brothers in their fate, which you have caused."

Marco smiled as he said, "Captain, I wished your stunt concerning the knife had changed Leo's mind but he was and is still digging in his heels." He turned to face Fixer saying, "Captain, I have never seen Leo so stubborn especially with Kat involved. With Neo, I am just worried these spells of his will happen tomorrow when we need the link the most. Captain, we need to use tonight to help Neo with his gift and figure out how to stop these spells. Also we need to get Leo to join the link cause at the moment, Neo is linked only to me and Frankie. Any ideas? By the way, unless the guy I went after is a specialist, I would insure Neo never meets him again. Neo will want to insure that man gets the message that pulling a knife on Cooler, you better use it." Marco nodded towards the man as he finished, "That man will go down and very hard Captain. Now why is my sister involved when you swore you would never force her into helping you?"

Cole sat in the chair next to Marco and crossed his legs at the knees. Relaxing his arms on the arms of the chair he started, "First Marco, Kat agreed to help me unit the five of you. She said she would be willing to do anything and I took her up on it. She will not be killed but the four of you need to figure out how to work together or she is not going to be happy with the ending. I use the people I need to do what I need done Marco, this you should know by now." Cole almost hated lying to Marco, but he had to keep the man's head trying to figure out how to save his sister. "Neo is not going to be hurt. I will give him the night to get under control. In the morning there are some meds he can be given to help solve some of his problem. Franco will only stay on the wall long enough to make sure he is not going to try and change. He will have one of my elves in his room at all times, as will the rest of you. Now Leo, does seem to be our biggest problem. I am still undecided on whether you will accompany me when I talk with him."

Marco smiled as he said, "So Kat has finally gotten tired of us brothers not working as a team? Good because that makes two of us. Fixer, Frankie and Kat are the closest so be very careful how far you play this. If Frankie thinks you are going to kill her or hurt her too bad, he will use the only form that could kill Neo if he tries and force Frankie to change back. You know I am all for this Captain but still think you using Kat is a very bad move. Captain, you are pushing my brothers to save Kat, what if they decide the best way to protect her is to take you out?" Marco was worried that Neo or Frankie had already decided to stop Fixer by taking the man out Trickster had felt pure hatred towards Fixer and that is the real reason he had done the one thing that would force Fixer's hand. He shrugged as he wondered if he would be able to figure out just which of his three brothers wanted Fixer dead. Marco knew he only had tonight to find out and help Fixer change that one's mind.

Cole sat back in his chair. "This would not be the first time someone has wanted me dead, Marco. It's part of my everyday life. I also have safeguards in place, several you don't even know about. I trust you Marco, but during this exercise you will be watched just a close as your brothers. Don't make me do something I will feel bad about later." Standing Cole added, "I am going to see your brother Leo now. I will have Franco let down and he will be able to roam his room free from ties if he behaves. Otherwise I will have him chained to his bed. You will be taken to your room." Cole turned to walk out.

Marco shook his head as he said, "That is what I am afraid of. One of my brothers wants to bury you. You are not thinking Fixer, if it is Frankie, then Neo will do whatever it takes to stop him. You saw what Neo using the link to stop Frankie did to Neo? I can't let Neo kill himself trying to save Kat." Marco had no way of getting Fixer to understand the bond Neo and Franco shared. Marco thought if he was a betting man he would think that Neo was as linked to Fixer as he was to Frankie.

At first Cole did not turn around. Slowly he did turn back to Marco and said, "I know what I am doing Lieutenant. Return to your quarters and wait for me. I will come when I am finished doing what I need to do." Cole waived the guards to take Marco to his room. As he headed again to the door.

Marco was about take both guards down, when Jonathan came barging into the office. He heard Jonathan say, "Use Neo and Frankie? Leo is afraid that Neo will die using the link. I saw him receiving a third note from uncle Markus. Enforcer is using Leo's fears to make Leo betray Neo. They can't have Neo back, Promise me that no matter what has to be done Matthew and Markus MacIntosh will never again control Neo!" Jonathan was terrified of the vision he had received.

Cole stood between Marco and the man who just ran into the room. His back was toward Marco. "Recruit stand at attention." When Jonathan, slowly took the stance, his eyes still darting from Cole to Marco, Cole continued, " You have no business being in here. Return to your duties and I will summon you later." Cole gave Jonathan a hard stare. He knew the young man was trying to protect his cousins, but Cole did not want him mixed up in this.

Jonathan was slow to move, but eventually he said "Yes Sir," in a strangled voice and added a salute. He turned on his heels and headed for the door, looking over his shoulder twice. Cole turned back to Marco, "I believe Lieutenant you were about to return to your room." Cole took a step to the side, allowing Marco to walk past him.

Marco had been shocked to see his paternal cousin. Once Jon was out of the room and thus out of danger, Marco shook his head as he said, "I think not and I sure would love for your boys to try and make me...Now send Kat home!"

Cole took a firm stance; feet spread apart, arms crossed over his chest. "You will either return to your room, or I will have Franco, Neo and Leo, whipped. Tom has not had many targets lately that I have given my permission for him to punish. What will it be Marco? I will let you watch."

Marco slightly cringed as he said, "I will go but I better hear that Kat was sent home. If she isn't then You and I will have a problem. Cause She was Never suppose to be a Part of This!" With that he took his rage out on the guards then walked out of the room. He had to find Jonathan cause his words just hit Marco like a ton of bricks.

Cole had stood back and watched the whole fight scene. The men he had as guards were not specialist and he was trying to give them some experience. Now they would be headed to the hospital wing. When Marco walked out Cole followed, stood by his door and yelled, "Medics and someone bring me Franco, bring him in chains to my office." Cole watched wondering if Marco would stop, or whether he was going to have to have the man subdued by force. Tom was standing at the end of the hall, his bullwhip ready.

Marco thought he heard Fixer threaten Frankie. He was about to yell something over his shoulder when a fist hit him. Just as his lights went out, Marco heard a voice he knew as Bart, "Sorry but you are out of control Trickster!"

Cole shook his head. Giving Bart a salute he said, "Take him to his room. Put a guard on his door and on the back window. If he gets loose, I will get very creative with what happens to the guards." Cole snickered as Bart nodded, reaching down to drag Marco to his room. Cole raked his hands through his hair and went back into his office. Now he had to figure out a way to convince Leo to work with his brothers. The only way he had at the moment was to throw all four brothers into the maze, and have Kat beg them to help her. He was hoping he would not have to go to that extreme.

(OCC: for more info on Jonathan please read Ultimate Hogwarts: The Legacy > Everywhere Else > Everywhere Else, Leo Rejoins the Family (Closed) and Ultimate Hogwarts: The Legacy > Everywhere Else > Everywhere Else, A Test of Loyalty - Part V - On The Other Side , closed)

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

LEO SPELLMAN
Leo had been able to get one hand free from the shackles. The guards had dragged him into the room. He had tried to fight, but these guys were huge and very well trained. They had put him on the wall of a small room with his hands and feet spread wide. At least he was facing out. There was a small metal table with four metal chairs in the center of the room. Across on the opposite wall was a hospital bed. To his right was a sink in front of a small window which didn't appear to have a screen or glass in it. That was a trap. To his left was the wall which held the door, he entered by and a large viewing screen above a long table. The whole room had been painted white, including the ceiling with held one caged light bulb.

He worked at the other shackle as he thought about the mess he was in. Thoughts raised through his mind as he struggled to get the other hand out of the shackles. "I have to get free and deal with this man that thinks he can endanger my family. That last message showed that uncle has eyes here. Which means I have only until Friday before The Death order goes out. And their first target will be Dalton."

Cole had turned on the small viewing screen outside of the room where Leo was struggling. He was impressed the man had been able to get one of his hands loose. He still hadn't decided on what method he was going to use to break the man. Turning off the screen he opened the door and walked in. Making his way to the table he turned one of the straight back metal chairs around and straddled it, facing Leo, who had frozen in his attempt to get loose. "I can wait if you want to keep trying Leo. I am impressed you got this far. I will have to have a talk with my supplier." Cole added a smirk to his face and sat watching.

Leo said in pure fury, "Send them home Fixer! I won't endanger them so that link is never going to be activated. I want to just be left alone. Now send them home!" He watched as Cole took two pieces of paper out of his pocket and threw them on the table. They were the ones for his own pocket. Notes from MacIntosh that told him to keep his mouth shut or his brothers would suffer. The man did not want the link between the Quints complete again, until he had control over it. Leo couldn't take the chance. While he stared at the notes, Cole added another saying, "This one was found at your residence." Leo looked back and forth between the notes and the man.

Leo shook as he said, "If you read those then you now understand? Send them home please. Then forget you ever met me." He feared what the new one stated but now he could only think about getting away from those that were family.
Cole folded his arms on the back of the chair and just watched Leo for a few moments. He had read all three notes, the last one being the worst. All three were threats against the Quints, to be activated if Leo permitted the connection to be reactivated. Slowly he picked up all three notes and crumpled them into a small white ball. "Seems that MacIntosh wants you to stay unconnected, at least until he can control all of you. How much control does he have over you Leo?"

Leo shook his head as he said, "None and that is what has pissed him off. I have no intention of my brothers even knowing about the meet tonight. Now send them home and then forget what you know! Fixer, you and I will never meet again so hear me well, Leave my family alone or what I am about to do to that clan will pale in comparison to what I will put you through!" He kept working his bindings as he needed to get as far away from this place as he could before the Enforcer met him. The Clan was in for the surprise and Leo knew he would be signing his death warrant when he and hopefully Gab would be sending only heads back to Uncle Matthew.

Cole again sat and just looked at Leo for a few long heartbeats. Then he walked over to the door, opened it and said something to the guards outside. Walking back to the chair and straddling it, he kept a small smile on his face. "You really shouldn't try and fight the bonds. You see Leo there is no place for you to go. You are on an island, my private Island of Perdition. I say who comes to the island and who leaves the island. So.... " Cole stopped when the door opened. His smile grew bigger as he pointed to the other set of shackles on the wall next to Leo. Marco was dragged forward and shackled, spread eagle on the wall next to his brother. "Marco glad you could join us. Leo has some news for you."

Leo froze in his try at getting loose from the bonds when he saw his brother marched in and hung on the wall next to him. He stared at Cole and shook his head slowly. He was trying to figure out what Fixer was up to. "I have nothing to say to my brother Fixer. Why did you bring him here?"

Cole chuckled. Turning to Marco he said, "It seems your brother has been getting threats from some old friends of ours . If he helps to make the connection again then one of you is going to be hurt seriously, and Kat is not being left out of the running in this. " Turning back to Leo he said, "You are so worried about MacIntosh hurting one of you if you do help to re-establish the link that you are not thinking of what could happen to one of you if you don't help to re-establish the link. You see Leo, I have been known to get very creative in getting what I want. Ask your bother there." Cole ended with another chuckle and rested his chin on his folded arms, never taking his eyes off the two brothers.

The fury showed in Marco's eyes as he turned to Leo saying, "Which one Leo? Tell me now how those maniacs got their claws into you!"

Leo saw the fury in his older brother and for the first time got scared. As he cringed away forgetting the chains, Leo said, "Gab accidently attacked me. I don't know how they found out but Markus promised to set a meet with Matthew. Matthew wanted insurances concerning Gabriel being a Lone Wolf. The meet is set for tonight. Marco, they also want me to deliver either Neo or Franco...The notes say cause of dad's betrayal I must choose who they sentence to death."
Cole pushed himself out of the chair and walked over to stand in front of the two men. Walking up to Leo, he took advantage of the man's distraction and refastened his arm to the shackle, then stepped back. Planting his feet firmly at shoulder distance apart and crossing his arms across his chest he said, "Marco, Leo has been getting notes from MacIntosh. I have Dillon and Charlie in protective custody." At the look which came across the bother's face, Cole added with a small smirk, "They are in Hogsmeade being taken care of by some friends, some of your friends. Now, Leo you do realize you are not going to make it tonight. I will send your regrets, of course." Cole walked to well within Leo's personal space and glanced at Marco. Looking back into Leo's eyes he said, "I think you need to agree to working with your brothers tomorrow. I have given your sister a small reprieve. She agreed to do anything, and I do mean anything I wanted her to do to help her brothers." Cole walked over to the long table which ran under the large view screen and pushed a few buttons. "I have asked some other friends to visit with us. When they get here I will get your answer. Marco I have sent for Tom and Jack. Would you like to explain to your brother their experise?"

Marco was furious as he said, "I want in on that chat Captain! They took out my unit and left me for dead after torturing me. You know what they put me Though, What they did to Franco when he was foolishly taken by dad to those monsters, What did not once but twice to Neo..."Marco's mind went to another time, another cell. He was once again being tortured, forced to believe his men's lives were in his hands. Marco held his screams knowing that he had to block his brother Neo from feeling his pain. Marco swore to kill the man that had betrayed the PACT. He just had to survive long enough to do it. He heard laughter as the cloaked man in front of him killed another child with his wand. Marco prayed that the child was truly an adult made to look like a kid.

Leo shook his head as he said, "Send them home Fixer! Send my siblings home. Let me handle this my way..." He stopped because for a moment he felt his brother Marco in extreme pain, then it was gone. He was really scared now as he wondered just how that was possible.

Cole walked over to Marco and slapped him on the cheek a twice. "Stay with us Marco. You are not back there you are here. Now before Tom and Jack get here explain to your brother what they are good at. I want him to understand how close he is to getting you punished because he wants to be stubborn."

Marco shook as if waking from a nightmare. "Captain, was my wand checked? He framed me..." He could not shake the images of that child that had been killed with his wand. He looked at Fixer as he said, "He will learn soon enough Captain. You still have not agreed to let PACT even the score. Let us and we will bring you that Alpha's head.."

Leo screamed, "No! Marco none of you are going...only me!" He would not sentence any more of his family. The memory of his brother Marco in a coma had made Leo still cringe. He planned on dishing out payback but just him and possibly Gab. He said near tears as he felt the pain once again, "The PACT is dead Marco and you was MIA. Leave it alone Marco, Neo needs your strength to help him with Frankie. I will deal with it my way. Now tell this Captain of yours to send you guys home and me to Hogsmeade."

Cole stepped back and turned slightly when the door opened. He smiled as Tom, his specialist with a whip and Jack his specialist with a knife, walked in the room and stood at attention behind him. Looking at Leo and Marco, he said, "You will excuse me for a moment won't you gentlemen?" Not waiting for an answer he turned to the two specialist. "Thank you for coming. At ease." When both men took a more informal stance, he continued, "These two men are in need of some persuasion. Leo," Cole threw his thumb over his shoulder toward Leo, "needs to agree to help me tomorrow. He is being very stubborn so I have decided to let you demonstrate your expertise on his brother Marco. This will be a training session on how to withstand questioning by others for the Lieutenant. Please do not hold back." Cole turned and walked closer to Marco. Reaching up he grabbed the man's collar and tore the front of his shirt down the center. Then he pulled the bottom of the shirt behind the man's back and shoved it in his pants to hold it there, thus exposing his chest. Stepping back he looked and nodded. Slowly he walked back to his chair and straddled it again, folding his arms on the back of it.

Turning his attention to Leo, he asked, "Are you willing to help me tomorrow to show how your sister needs to be saved?" he stopped and waited.

Marco watched as his brother went white. Leo said, "I can't and you know why! If either of those men touch my brother, I will bury them. Just like I plan on bury the man that put my brother Marco in that coma years ago. Now send my siblings home and forget you ever saw me."

Marco knew that his brother was hiding something and from how stubborn Leo was being, it was the reason he was refusing the linking training. Marco eyed Fixer and thought,"There is something he is holding back. A reason he wants to face Matthew alone. Captain, it almost came out when I ask permission for the PACT to deal with the situation. We need to find that reason. By the way I think he felt my flashback. Which means the link is still working but for some reason it is not holding. Any ideas?" Marco had to wonder if Markus was holding somebody that Leo cared for. He needed to find out why Leo was terrified that Marco planned on the PACT taking care of the leading Alphas of the MacIntosh Clan.

"Yes Marco I hear you, but the only way he is going to agree, is if I use one of you to persuade him. I cannot use Franco or Neo, so you are it. Sorry." Cole returned to Marco through his mind. Cole looked at Leo, "Leo explain to me exactly why you are considering taking out the head of the MacIntosh Clan by yourself. And by the way, this island has been magically sealed using Elfin magic. No one knows what goes on here unless I wish it to be known. You have two minutes before Tom shows you how good he is with a whip." Cole watched as Tom unfurled his whip and let it snake across the floor a few times. Marco had gone dead still. The man knew if he moved the hits from the whip would be worse, because Tom would not be able to judge his swings as close as he liked to do. Jack stood with his feet planted shoulder width apart and his arms crossed over his chest. Cole knew he was judging the two men in front of him. Both Tom and Jack, knew Marco, from training with him, but neither had had a chance to study Leo.

Leo inwardly cringed but only stared at the man named Tom. After a few seconds Leo said, "Touch my brother seal your own fate!" He had to hold out as nobody knew about Selena not even her grandfather. Leo had only recently discovered though his own connections that Neo had a love interest that was like him a decoy. Selena was the daughter of Travis MacIntosh Jr. and it seemed Neo's daughter Tamika. He thought, "She is a baby and either way I have no intention of Markus using her or her mother against Neo. It is bad enough Neo's love might be dead as my contact has not seen her since Tamika's birth." He saw Marco smiled as Marco said, "Told you he is stubborn. Do what is needed Captain!"

Cole caught the thoughts of Leo's. He sent out his own thoughts to the elves on his island. "Get me that child and bring her here to the island. This is Class A priority. When the child is safe let me know." When he received confirmation back that the Black Ops had been put into motion he turned back to Leo. "You refuse to help, so I have to use harder persuasion. Remember everything which happens to your brother from this point on, is only because you refuse to help re-establish the link." Cole nodded toward Tom who took one step back so he was six feet from Marco. The whip cracked and a thin red line appeared across Marco's chest. Cole watched Leo and two more lines appeared on Marco's chest. Tom had not broken the skin yet and he wouldn't as long as Marco did not move or Cole gave permission. Marco tried hard not to move.

Marco took in several deep breaths fighting the pain of the whip. Tom had only given him three strips at the moment and seemed to be waiting to see if the Captain ordered more. He looked at Fixer as if to silently ask if he knew why Leo was holding out. He turned to his brother and said, "Tom and Jack have a stake in taking that Clan down Leo. Why would you want to hold back? I know it is hurting you to see this. Tell me, what could Matthew have that you would risk Kat? Is Neo right and you have a death wish?"

Leo had flinshed as the whip cracked three times. He saw the stripes on his brothers chest. There was no blood. He turned his eyes toward the man with the whip and glared, willing them to stop.

Marco shook his head and then placed it back against the wall. He took another slow breath and then said, "It is not working Captain! The Clan's hold over him is too strong."

Cole relaxed his chin on his folded arms. He kept his eyes moving from Leo, to Marco, to Tom, to Jack. Before he could say anything a man walked in and handed him a note. Cole dismissed the trooper and opened the note.

Note:
We have the child. On our way back to island.

Cole smiled and sat up straighter, grabbing the back of the chair. Looking at Leo he asked, "Leo who is Selena?"

Leo's mouth dropped open, but he shut it quickly. "None of your business Fixer!" His mind was racing as he wondered just how Fixer had learned about the child. He had not told anyone especially Neo who would have been her grandfather, if the story was true. He had thought about telling Tal'mac, their elf protector, but didn't want to take the chance he would try and get to the girl, wherever she was being kept.

Marco watched his brother. It was not very often a woman's name was mentioned in connection with him. He fought hard not to have anyone depending on him. Marco quietly asked," You have something special to tell us Leo. Finally find a woman to end your days as a bachelor?"

Leo shook his head slowly. It took a few seconds for him to lift his eyes to his brother's face. He was trying to think of a way out of this. "Of course Not! She is my grandniece for God sake!"

Marco stared. This was a jolt. The family had always been tight enough that when a new addition came into the family, everyone knew it. It was always celebrated and protection was a given to all members. "Our grand-niece.... who's the father?"

Leo looked back down at the floor. "Neo fathered a girl when he was being held captive at the castle. He has no idea to this day he is a father. The girl grew up thinking Neo killed her mother. She was told this so she didn't try and run. The Clan has a rule that in order for the females not to go to the work camp they are given one year, from the time of their first cycle, to get pregnant and deliver a child successfully in one of the birthing houses. A child was conceived, but died shortly after child birth, another was conceived and lived two weeks. After the second child, the girl was allowed to move into the castle into one of the work groups, giving her the ability to marry someone in the castle and have a relatively good life. Selena is now two years old. Her mother is happily married. I was told the child would be taken away from the mother and used if I did not do what I was told to do." Leo shook his head slowly and he said in a voice just above a whisper, "Used is not a good phrase at that castle. She would grow up a slave in every sense of the word and her mother and father would be able to do nothing. I have to protect her from everyone."

Marco said, "It will be alright Leo. We will manage something."

While he was listening to the two brothers, Cole saw the light blink on the bottom of the view screen. He smile, pushed himself out of the chair and walked over to Tom and Jack. He whispered something. Tom recoiled his whip and fastened it to his belt. Both men walked to the door, and came to attention. Cole put a smile on his face and opened the door. "Hello sweetee. Don't be scared, you are fine here. No one is going to hurt you." Cole reached out the door and when he pulled his arms back in he was holding a small two-year old girl. She looked worried, but she had come into his arms right away. Cole was able to always make children feel safe. It was one of the reasons the Core came to the island to train, when he could allow it. Cole carried the little girl over to where Leo and Marco were still on the wall. "Pumpkins these are you Uncles. This is Uncle Leo and this," he carried Selena closer to Marco, "is Uncle Marco. We are playing a game at the moment. Looks scary but it is alright."

The little girl looked at her Uncles and smiled. She had put her arms around Cole's neck and was holding on tight. She attentively took her hand away long enough to give them a small wave then clasps her fingers tightly together around his neck again. She kept watching them, but rested her head on Cole's shoulder.

"I bet you are tired aren't you." Receiving a nod, which rubbed his shirt, Cole continued, "Ok, see the two men standing by the door?" Cole slightly turned so she could see Tom and Jack. "They are going to take you some place where you can have anything you want to eat. When I am finished here, I will come and talk with you again. If you are really good, I bet they will take you to see the ducks. Cook will give you some food for them." Cole looked at his specialist and received nods from both. They knew this little girl was now to be protected at all costs. Cole handed Selena to Jack and he and Tom left the room.

Without looking at either Marco or Leo, Cole walked back to his chair and straddled it. He folded his arms on the back and waited.

Leo had not believed his eyes but there was no doubt about Selena. He tugged on the bonds before he realized what he was doing. Just the slight noise added an element of fear to the child's eyes. He wanted to yank his grandniece out of Fixer's arms. He looked from Marco to Fixer and finally to little Selena, trying to add a smile to his face when their eyes met.

He waited until Selena was out of the room before saying furious, "You leave her alone Fixer! She will not be anybody's pawn especially after Neo is told."

Marco hoped he was right and the PACT would protect his grandniece. He too wished Fixer had not brought he child here. He looked at Fixer as he asked, "What is up your sleeve this time Captain?"

Cole rubbed his chin and then looked at the two men for long moments. "I will release both of you from the wall and allow you to sit at the table if you can give me your word, that is what you will do. The child is safe here. She will be protected and cannot be used by the Clan, so what do you say?" After Cole made sure both men saw the child one more time, then he would be sending her to Hogsmeade where she would be retrieved by Tal'mac. Cole might be told where she was being kept and might not, but it would be fine with him, because he could trusted the Elf with his life.

Leo watched as Marco nodded as his older brother said, "You have my word sir." He could not understand Marco sometimes like now. His brother seemed to not even be worried that now thanks to Leo, Fixer had another pawn to use against Neo. He thought about the best way to protect the girl and could only think of one. He needed to drop the Fixer and for that he needed off this wall. Not promising anything verbally, Leo nodded.

Cole inwardly sighed. Leo was going to be difficult. His body language screamed that he was going to try something as soon as he was free. Cole pushed out of the chair and moved it so the back was up against the table. He reached out and pushed three buttons on the small remote which was in its center. He stared at the two men on the wall waiting for the door to open. When it did another one of his specialist walked in. The man's name was Brian and he was gifted with fighting ability. Cole had sparred with him more than once. Brian had trained with several Muggle Special Forces units. Cole signaled for Brian to let down the two men off the wall, with a signal added to watch Leo, because the man was wired to fight.

Marco gave a wink to Brian as the man released him. His brother was still thinking the only way to protect them was to take Fixer out. Marco had never seen Leo this way. As he walked to the table, Marco thought to Fixer, "Something is wrong with Leo, cause he is never this hard headed. Leo is usually the first to listen and be reasonable. Me and Neo usually have to save him
from bargains he has agree to. Instead he is coming up with every reason to take you down. Could Markus have programmed him to take you out? He would know Leo could not and most likely die in the attempted. Putting a wedge between you and Neo, though?" Marco sat down and put his hands on the table, fingers spread.

No sooner than Leo was free from the chains then he slugged Brian hard. Leo then went straight for Fixer.

Brian had been ready. The Captain had given him the signal he was to stop the man if necessary but not to kill him. The Lieutenant had given him the signal he knew what was about to happen and would stay out of it. Brian braised for the hit he knew was coming. When it hit he was a bit surprised at the force from the lanky man, but it had not been enough to even knock him back. Sticking out his foot he tripped the man who had eyes on the Captain. The man went down and Brian putted his arms behind him, hogtied the hands and stood. He kept his foot firmly planted on the man's head as he looked at the Captain for instructions.

Cole shook his head. He looked back at the wall and then to Marco. Pointing toward another one of the chairs he said, "Bring him over here Sergeant, legs bound to the legs of the chair."

Brian just nodded, picked the man up as if he was a feather and threw him at the table. He caught Leo just as he would have taken a header over the table top, between the Captain and the Lieutenant. Jamming him into the chair he handcuffed the man's legs to the legs of the chair. He took a stance directly behind the man, eyes intent on watching his every move.

Marco just shook his head but said nothing. This was definitely not like Leo, who was the most level-headed of the Quints. He wondered if Neo was right and Leo had a death wish.

Leo was stunned by how quickly Fixer's man had defeated him. He looked up into the man's face as he wondered if Marco had betrayed Leo's intentions. He shook his head knowing if Marco had, then Fixer would know all his weaknesses and he was unsure if Marco was that far gone.

"Leo," Cole said to draw the man's attention to him. "Don't look so surprised you were taken down. Your body language told me what you were planning and you let anger control your movements. Brian just used those against you. I really would like to release your hands but I think I will wait on that a bit. We are going to have a little talk. I am going to ask questions and you are going to answer. If you refuse to answer we will take this whole thing one more step. Do you understand?"

Marco saw the look on Leo's face and put his head on the table. Leo was about to anger Captain.

Leo ignored Fixer as he thought, "Then you might as well take it a step further cause I am telling you nothing! As soon as I get free, I will drop you and if need be your man and my brother as well." Leo was out of control and even though this feeling was new to him, Leo liked it.

Marco just asked Fixer, "Whatever Leo does Captain, please it does not come back on Selena or Kat?"

Cole slowly pushed himself out of his chair. He walked to the inset cabinet near the top of the hospital bed, located in the room. Working the lock he removed two small vials, one brown and one green, and three syringes. He didn't like using drugs but he had to get Leo to tell him what the Clan had threatened him with so he could take care of the problem. Both drugs were efficient, but the one in the green bottle would allow Cole to add an element of pain to his questions with just simple touches. He would also be able to control what a person did. The subject could fight what they were being made to do, but they would still be compelled to do it. Both could also cause havoc to the tentative links between the Quints. Leo was fighting reading his link, but the others were connected whether they wanted to be or not. Cole walked slowly back to the table saying, "Marco, Selena is going to be fine. She is not linked. Kat on the other hand..." he let the words cut off. Cole would make sure Kat was blocked but he was not going to let the brothers know that.

Straddling the chair again he carefully put the two vile and syringes in the center of the table. Marco would know what was in the vile, but Cole would use them anyway.

Marco shook his head as he glared at Leo saying, "Is this what you really want Leo? You know what I did when the link caused Franco and Kat to do when Neo was hooked on that drug of the Cloaked Man. You want me to destroy you as I almost did Neo? Leo what is wrong with you cause you usually try to see the whole picture? I know how I am and you seem to not care that not only I but Neo as well are at least trying to trust Neo's blood brother. So out with it, what did Markus do to you?"

Leo just shook his head. So Marco said to Fixer and Brian, "Better either chain me or remove me from the room. Cause if you don't we will be one member short as I am going to strangle Leo for making Kat and Frankie go through another addiction!" Marco was wanting to tear Markus MacIntosh apart for Leo's behavior.

Cole picked up the brown bottle and completely filled one of the syringes and half of one of the others. Then he picked up the green bottle and completely filled the third syringe along with filling the second syringe to the top. The syringe with both of the drugs in it he knocked with his finger to make sure the mixture was complete. Placing them back on the table he said, "Leo I will give you the choice of which syringe I will use to inject Marco with and which I will inject you with. If you do not make the choice I will."

Leo still would not say a word and that was making Marco wonder if Leo was even hearing them. He looked over at Fixer then back at Leo. He was feeling fury and rage coming from Leo. Shaking his head as he hoped Fixer would give him the mixture but was sure that was going to Leo. He wished he could send a message to Tal'mac as Leo like all the quints idolized the old elf that was like a grandfather to them.

Cole picked up the syringe which had the mixture in it and moved to stand between the two brothers. He didn't want to do this because the drugs were a little unpredictable in how long they lasted and Cole needed both brothers active and thinking in about 10 hours. Something made him look into the corner where the elves normally sat when they were guarding someone for him. There was a quiver of the air. Cole let a small smile turn up the corners of his mouth. There was only one elf who could get into the room, without being completely noticed. Cole looked at Brian and tilted his head a fraction of an inch toward the door. Brian nodded and left.

Cole smiled toward the changing air currants and bowed his head to one of the beings he respected with his whole sole. "Greetings," he said in a bare whisper.

The air in the corner swirled a bit more and Tal'mac slid down off the air-chair he had been watching from.

Marco smiled as he saw Tal'mac. He asked unsure of just what brought the old elf, "Grandfather, I am at my wits end. He has never been like this. That maniac Markus must have done something to my brother. Can you..."

Tal'mac smiled as he put a finger to his lips. Marco stopped talking and relaxed knowing Tal'mac and Fixer would handle his brother. Tal'mac pointed to Marco and then to the door.

Marco looked at Fixer then got up and walked out. He had never argued with Tal'mac and was not about to start now.

Leo cringed as he saw the old elf. He felt the elf was important but could not remember why. The pain was almost unbearable now. He needed to remember his orders or he would be punished as would a girl that was risking her father's wrath to see him.

Cole turned and bowed slightly again. "I am honored, Tal'mac that you have taken the time to come." Cole picked up all of the drugs and the syringes. He went to the cabinet and put everything inside. Returning to the table, he folded his hands in front of him and waited. Tal'mac was an Elfin elder and the smartest being Cole had ever known. If he was here, he had a plan. Cole realized he was about to become the student.

Tal'mac stood just off to the side of Leo. He had raised the Quints when their parents had died. Leo had always listened to the training and had passed all of the tests, but he had been the one who had always had his mind somewhere else. He had always been looking for the next great adventure. Tal'mac smiled and lightly touched Leo's shoulder so he could get a stronger reading. As he pulled his hand away he said, "I always will come when those I teach need a refresher. What is the reason for this refresher Leo? Why are you now on this wrong path? Explain!"

Leo was trembling as he looked at this old elf. He knew this elf but still only got flashes. "We know each other? I can't..." The pain was mostly in his head. He just wanted it to stop.

Tal'mac looked at Fixer as he said, "I will be your second Mr. Cole. Show me you are ready. You are the Fixer so Fix him!"

Cole bowed his head again. "Elder what is happening to Leo is beyond my understanding. I know he wants to kill me but I have no idea how to reach him. I wish to learn." Cole raised his head and looked into Tal'mac's eyes.

Tal'mac turned his eyes toward Cole, but not his body. The elf smiled as he said, "What have you as a reason? What could be the reason for such a change? You been there, you still are partly there. Help him, help yourself. Find your true specialty, why the Markus fears you enough to program Leo to kill you. Answers!"

Leo looked back and forth between Cole and the elf. Marco had called him Grandfather, but Leo knew he was not an elf, so how would they be related. He was confused. The elf thought he was programmed but he was thinking clearly. He shook his head but the pain would not let him think.

Cole looked at Leo. He definitely was programmed and Markus had several ways of doing it. Cole had never broke but his dreams showed him constantly what had happened to him. He walked over and straddled his usual chair. Folding his arms on the table in front of him he answered Tal'mac, while watching Leo. Talking mostly as if Leo was not there he gave his thoughts. "The man is definitely programmed. It wasn't drugs because there are no puncture wounds of signs needles have been given. Possibly drugs could have been used if they were liquid. He knows who his brothers are so the brainwashing has been selective... apparently all toward taking me out."

Cole steepled his fingers in front of him and tapped them on his lips. Putting his hands back down he closed his eyes for a moment and cleared his mind. It was not hard to connect with Leo, but when he did he broke the connection immediately. Not fast enough for the sharp pain to register, throughout his body. It took several deep breaths to calm his body back down enough to think. "He was put in the chair." Cole stood and started to pace. Stopping he turned and looked at Tal'mac. "I'm not sure I can do this Elder. It took months before I could really guarantee I was thinking for me and not what was implanted. The elves still have me under surveillance per my instructions."

Tal'mac smiled as his new student realized how Leo was programmed. Now for stage two. "There is one other thing that evil chair did. Do you know what? Think Cole, who does Leo not know? How does the chair work? Knowing could help you in reversing. Answers?" Markus was going to pay for Leo no longer trusting him. Tal'mac had checked on the young Selena and then placed the young one with her great aunt Kat. The girl had reminded Tal'mac why he hated the MacIntosh Clan as the girl like Kat looked like her great grandmother, Tal'mac adopted daughter.

Leo was hearing but the pain made it almost impossible to understand. He would need to possibly take the elf out as well. A flash of memory came of Leo asking Tal'mac why some pure like their paternal grandmother hated them living around Muggles. The elf had picked him up and dried his eyes as the elf fixed Leo's toy whistle. He was told it was the whistle that the old woman hated. Leo smiled as he saw the woman give him a special box telling him to never let her brother get it. She had smiled at him and said that he could use his gift to one day save himself or others. He was scared though unsure why as he never told the voice of his master about the gift.

Cole leaned back a little and grabbed the back of his chair. How had he beaten the chair? He knew one of the things he used was the fact he was grounded to his island. He had always known who he was and after his wife had been killed he closed himself off and zeroed in on getting together an elite group of men and women. He had that. He had been able to leave his mind behind and look in from the outside. He had not been trapped in what they were saying or doing.

Leo on the other hand had always been looking for something, the next thrill, the next great adventure. He needed the hype and the adrenaline rush to make him just feel he was someone. Markus could have used that. He could have made Leo think he was off on a great adventure, which Markus would put together. Leo had broken off the ties with his brothers so they would not have been able to pull him back and show him what was actually happening. Markus would have convinced Leo he was his friend and knew how to make his life interesting.

Cole leaned back on the table and folded his arms in front of him. Leo had started to fight the bonds holding his hands behind his back. "If you stop fighting the bonds I will release your hands Leo. Your legs will stay tied to the legs of the chair, but I will give you that much freedom."

Leo gave a sly grin as he relaxed. He would wait for this con artist to get close to him. Leo had to destroy this man or his brothers would always be seen as traitors to the Clan. His master wanted to forgive them, Loran had defied her father enough, now Leo had to prove himself worthy of her hand.

Tal'mac watched as he hoped Fixer was finally starting to work towards freeing Leo from the control of his programming.

Cole pushed up out of his chair and walked to behind Leo. He knew the man was not giving up, but he was hoping if he showed some trust, then maybe, Leo would also trust a little. Cole picked up on the name Loran. He knew that name but could not place it. Whoever is was Leo was planning on having her. Standing behind Leo's chair, he reached down and untied ropes. Then he stepped back and walked to the other side of the table. "Leo who is Loran?"

Leo could not believe this Jackal. The man was asking about Loran when he could not even untie his hands while facing him. Leo said furious, "My fiancé is none of your business! But here is a message from her, Ask my brother Marco!" Leo started shaking as he saw Marco being betrayed by his own CO as the man codenamed Jackal ordered the death of Marco's unit as he held Marco and forced him to watch. Leo sadly shook his head as he wondered why Marco did not remember the Jackal that he had called Sir. Leo said quietly, "You will pay Jackal for what you did not only to my brother but Loran's brother as well!"

Cole was getting mixed thoughts and pictures in his head. Loren was apparently Markus daughter, and Leo thought he was in love with her. Markus having a daughter was new news. For some reason Leo also thought Cole was the one who held Marco while his platoon was slaughtered. Leo was using the code name Jackal. Cole knew there was a traitor in the PACT, a group of students who were now men, who had gotten together to fight against collateral damage when something happened. He would get the name to the others so they could add it to the information they already had and see if anything helped. Cole also knew that none of Markus Macintosh's sons had been in Marco's platoon.

Cole leaned on the table. "Leo I have a question for you. You seem to think I am the one who betrayed Marco when his platoon was killed. It is true it was his CO and I can tell you many are looking for him. Now Marco was under that CO's orders for months. They worked together for many months. Would you agree Marco would know the man when he saw him? You have seen that your brother trusts me. If I was the CO in question wouldn't Marco know it? Even if I had somehow altered my appearance your brother is astute enough that he would be able to figure how who I was in very short order. Why does Marco trust me? Who told you I was the other man?"

Tal'mac smiled as Leo seemed to really think about what Fixer had asked. Tal'mac barely touched Leo to ease the pain that the elf knew was coming.

Leo cringed as he thought how to answer this traitor. He shook his head as he tried to remember when Loran had told him. His head hurt but he answered, "Marco don't remember." Leo shook as a flash came of his brother Marco swearing he would never forget the Rat's face. Leo said quietly as the pain increased, "No Fixer is right it might take Marco a little time but my older brother would remember the one codenamed by the Clan as The Jackal. How could Loran be wrong? How did she find out? Did her brother die because he was with my brother or because he knew the traitor and was about to inform the base commander?" Leo tried to remember what Marco had called the Base Commander. He only saw a person gathering fixings.

"While you are thinking about that, Leo.... tell me who is the elf standing beside you.... do you trust the elf standing beside you?" Cole was going to try a bit of overload to what Leo was thinking. If his tormentors had used confusion, maybe he could use the same.

Leo looked and said with tears in his eyes, "I know him but I shouldn't." He had only the one memory with this elf. His head was feeling as if it was hit by a herd of camels. His thoughts shocked him as he could not remember where he had seen a herd of camels. The elf seemed friendly enough and even seemed hurt that Leonardo could not remember him.

He looked in the elf's eyes as he asked, "a whistle? I sorry I can't remember you!" He wondered why he felt deep down that this elf was important to him. Leo wanted to get the elf to smile and so said, "I still have it and the box that woman gave me. It is in mom's vault. I did not tell Loran's father. It is safe..." Leo said the next part automatic, "Uncle Tal'."

CLOSED