McKensie and Lara Showing 4,451-4,500 of 4,686

[McKensie]

Liv was being released from the hospital finally, she hadn't said much in the few weeks she was healing. She wouldn't hold or look at their boy much either, Crew, that's what Dem had been calling him. The doctors said it was just post pardom depression and she'd get over it but it seemed like a long ways down. She got into the passenger seat waiting for Dem to load the baby, poor Dem just worked himself to the bone she felt so guilty that she was such a burden to him.

Mark was studying at the kitchen table, his hand laced in his hair. He was trying to get into college, he felt like his job now wouldn't pay for everything Vallee wanted and deserved in life. He wanted a better house to feel proud of being the man of the house. A headache was growing but he tried to ignore it, it had been happening a lot lately plus...he didn't tell anyone about this, but their were blanks in his memory. He'd wake up and be somewhere without knowing how or why...

James tucked Hope in the little light blue crib in her room, he adjusted her IVs and monitors ticking her tummy. He still felt like they were living in the hospital with all of this junk...he wanted his daughter to have a day not connected to anything, that she could smile and live without pain. It was starting to grow in him this anger, why was she born if all she was going to do was suffer?! He rubbed his head fighting the headache, Em was in the kitchen he didn't like to feel these things around her.

Damon was packing the suitcase, finally a long vacation with sun and sand and no problems! He checked in on the twins Ryker and Raylee, what sweeties they were already starting to fly, he had to take back the 'no powers' clause of their vacation. It kind of was inevitable at this point. He missed Ashlynn she spent so much time with that boy...he worried about her being so young to feel feelings this powerful...underage sex was not an option!

Mae bounced Micheal in the swing outside, she laughed as he made the sweetest faces of surprise and joy. His eyes were so big and she loved how much he looked like Torch, her husband didn't smile much anymore and it worried her. He had changed even overnight...like this growing cloud of anger...she didn't know what to do, everything she did annoyed him. She was worried that maybe he really did want a divorce but was trying to be loyal...

[Lara]

Dem looked down at his precious little boy as he walked out to the car, smiling softly at the death grip his son had on his thumb. "You are such a tough little tyke, aren't you?" He cooed, his eyes running over the plump features of his little boy. He loved Crew with a passion, enough so that he was losing weight over his child, trying to care for him when Liv would not. Not that he blamed her. He understood why his wife did what she did. But it bothered him. Bothered him because he was worried for her, and for his son. That constant, uncomfortable, ever present anger stirred in him, a feeling he had not felt before, and was afraid of. Tucking Crew into his car seat, he climbed into the driver's seat and started the car.

London had just laid down Vallee in her bedroom, smiling softly at their lovely daughter. She was happy, and blissfully unaware of the troubles of her husband. She had noticed that he was more tense than usual though, and that worried her. Walking down the hall to the kitchen, she saw him at the table and chewed a lip. "Mark?" She asked softly, walking over to drape her arms around his shoulders. "Honey, is there anything I can get you?" She was careful to not ask what was wrong, because she knew he didn't like to admit to anything being wrong, ever. So she just asked how she could help him.

Emily poured some milk into the pasta sauce and stirred it absentmindedly. She was worried about how she was doing as a mother. She tried to cook and clean and take care of their little daughter, but it seemed more and more that she could not do things well enough to gain approval from her husband, and that bothered her. But she was not one to give up. So she kept trying, trying new meals, buying new toys and things she thought Hope might like, trying to please James in any way she could. "Why can't life be good to us for once?" She muttered, lifting the sauce from the stove to drizzle it over the noodles.

Lexi was running around, trying to make all the necessary arrangements for their trip before they left. She didn't like leaving the twins behind... after all, they were already growing so big and independent. But the nanny she had hired had passed her inspection, and she felt a little better leaving them in her hands. It was only for a week after all... Lexi checked to make sure she had everything three times over, made a coffee, scrubbed the kitchen down for the second time that morning, and then went up to check on Damon. "You ready to go?" She asked, trying to smile amid the worry that everything was prepared for them to leave. "Our flight is early tomorrow morning, we need to be ready to leave soon."

Torch was in his study upstairs, leaning against the windowsill. His golden eyes followed the movements of his wife and child on the lawn below. He was worried about the stirring darkness in himself, something he had not felt since he had no control over it as a young demon, and yet now it was back again, and it scared him.

[McKensie]

Liv sighed and shook her head "I'm so sorry...Dem..." She whispered truly meaning it. She ducked her head "what if you found a wife that could care for your child..."

Mark sighed stiffening slightly, he turned to peck her lips and shook his head "I'm fine...just trying to study...ill come into bed later." Usually though he just crashed on the couch, he didn't know why he felt so much angst but he didn't like it.

James came downstairs and pecked her lips, he gave a smile "it looks yummy...I got her evening injection taken care of...so you don't have to." He said quietly nuzzling her neck "just take a break...I can take care of the night time chores."

Damon nodded zipping up their large suitcase "I checked the itinerary and hotel check ins...we should be fine." He took her hand pulling her to him "relax, this is vacation love."

Mae threw Michael up in the air and laughed snuggling him "who's my favorite little man?!" She cooed blowing raspberries on his stomach. She only felt happy being his mom, otherwise she just felt invisible and worthless.

[Lara]

Dem's spine stiffened when he heard her offer and he winced. After all he did for her to try and keep their family together, she would seriously suggest throwing it all away? It both horrified and wounded him. "No, Liv. Of course not. I love you and I married you for a reason..." he said softly. "I hate that you feel that way..." He looked over at her rather sorrowfully. "I do try to be good to you and Crew. What am I doing wrong?"

London nodded slowly, swallowing any suspicions she had that he was not actually studying, and really did need help of some kind. He looked so worried, and that worried her. But what worried her most was that she saw less and less of him every day. He had not come to her at night for weeks now, and preferred sleeping by himself. She rarely got more than a peck on her lips, and it was not like him at all. She nodded slowly, not wanting to bother him about it, and turned for the hall again. "Goodnight then. Love you." She whispered, heading to bed.

Emily looked up as James came in, and she smiled brightly, flushed to her core that he recognized her effort and liked it. She leaned into his touch, closing her eyes. "Are you sure darling? I hate to make you work any more than you already are." She said honestly, opening her eyes to look at him sympathetically. "Thank you, for putting Hope down to bed." She said, kissing his cheek.

Lexi smiled sheepishly, leaning her forehead against his broad shoulders. "Oh its so hard to relax when we are leaving the twins behind. Are you sure they'll be alright?" She asked nervously. "I want to have a good time with you, and I want our babies to be safe." She sighed softly. "And I've felt something stirring in the air, Damon. It doesn't seem good..." She said honestly. She had not felt it effect herself, but she had felt something sinister moving among the forces of the earth.

Torch felt a familiar burning sensation working its way up from the depths of his soul and he doubled over, groaning. It was never painful like this. Usually his fire was warm and familiar. But he was fighting it, and it was fighting back, eating away at him like a raging inferno. Torch doubled over, leaning one hand on the window sill as he pulled in deep laboured breaths. He was able to contain the fire once more, but this attack had been stronger than the last, which had been stronger than the one before. He wouldn't hold out much longer.

[McKensie]

Liv shook her head sobbing "I love you so much,..you are too perfect for me, you take care of Crew and I'm a horrid mom that can't even hold him..." She whispered and shook "everytime I look at him I just think about her cutting into me..." She covered her face "I want to be good for you."

Marc slowly stood and went to the bedroom "hey...I do need help, you know how hard it is not to be good for you...I Iove you, can I show you how much tonight? I miss your warm body next to mine." He said stroking her arm sofyly.

James kissed her gently and nodded "I need to take care of you tonight...go get into a warm bath and I'll give you a massage ok?" He said caressing her cheek "you do so much and I'm sorry that Ive been so distant...it's just a lot..."

Mae came in when Michael was getting fussy, she got him set in front of the TV as she cooked dinner, she was getting sicker but couldn't tell Torch. The cancer was attacking her but she was so worried about Torch and her relationship that she couldn't think about herself.

[Lara]

Dem felt that twinge in his gut again and he pulled to the side of the road, stopping the car. Then he undid his seatbelt and moved closer to her so he could pull her in his arms and hold her, whispering into her hair. "Baby... I'm so sorry about what happened to you. Some times I wish we could just put it behind us..." he sighed heavily. "But I know its a transition towards getting better again and I want to be there for you." he said gently, kissing her temple. "Please let me be there for you. I know you'll be able to love Crew in time, and I love you so much already."

Jude was in his room, the door locked. His head felt swollen to the point that he was afraid of it bursting. Pain lanced across his mind and he groaned. He wasn't supposed to feel this way. He was supposed to have gotten better. But this was a different sort of pain than the cancer. It was one foreign to him as he had never shifted into his demon form before. Jude collapsed to the floor as fire consumed his mind. He heard nothing, but his throat was raw from screaming. A half hour passed before the pain was finally dulled and he was left curled on the floor, sobbing.

London looked up in mild surprise and hope. He wanted to spend time with her tonight? She could hardly believe her ears and her heart could only speed up with the hope that everything was alright again. But she knew, deep down, that something was still troubling her husband, and that worried her. Her eyes watered with hope, none the less and she reached up to place a gentle kiss on his cheek. "I love you so much, baby, and I would so love to spend time with you tonight. But I want it to be on good terms. Please tell me what is troubling you, I only wish to be there for you." she whispered, looking up at the man she loved so much.

Emily felt warmth slowly curling from her head to her toes and her cheeks bloomed with colour. "What's the occasion?" She asked, finding herself hopelessly lost in his eyes and voice, like she usually did. She never felt more loved than now, however, as he seemed to notice her efforts and actually admire them. At his apology, her smile turned understanding and she nodded, kissing him gently. "I know, I've just been trying to be here for you. Take all the time you need to get sorted again, ok? I understand." She said gently, smiling her encouragement.

((Damon?))

Torch forced himself to wobble down the stairs again, and into he kitchen. His eyes landed on Mae and he felt himself wince internally, however, outwardly he showed no emotion. She was paler. He could see it. That was a fact that scared him more than anything else. And now that he was getting these attacks, he wasn't sure if it would be better to let her go... He pushed that thought away and decided to think about it later. Walking over to Michael, he smiled softly. "My, you're getting so big." he whispered, his love for his boy shining through his eyes. He loved his family to his very core, but he was finding it harder and harder to show this to Mae, as he grew more and more scared of losing her.

[McKensie]

Liv snuggled into his arms and just cried "it's like she took everything from me...I can't wok, I don't want to be a mom...I just want to be good for you, I want to be well and put it behind me you don't know how much..." She whispered kissing his chin "I want you to be happy..."

Ashlynn heard him screaming and went to the door, she shook it scared "Jude!!!" She found the power within her and morphed through the wood becoming almost like a gas and went to his side and just held him. She had never seen him like this before and it terrified her. She rocked him back and forth "Jude?...what's wrong? Tell me what hurts..." She pleaded scared his cancer was coming back.

Marc sighed and stroke her cheek carefully almost scared that he would burn her "I don't know what's going on...there's so much pressure and heat in my brain, I get horrible migraines that paralyze me...but I still need to study, because I need to provide for you and Vallee, this is getting too small for us...there is so much angst that I'm scared I'll hurt you...in terrified of it actually..."

James smiled softly and then groaned clutching his head, he start to shake like something was escaping his body but he stayed in human form. He yelled seizing on the floor clutching his head. His eyes went pure red like he had burst a blood vessel. He couldn't control his body it was like he was drowning trapped in his own body. His skin ripped in long gashes and he was panting and sobbing by the end of it.

Damon has their suitcases, as they got through security and to their gate. He was so on edge it was like every little thing drove him insane and he wanted to scream loudly and burst from the painful crumbling cocoon and become the monster he truly was. But none of this showed on the outside, he smiled at Lexi and wrapped his arm around her a perfect illusion.

Mae watched him and gave a very small smile "you missed his birthday last week...he's 5.." She said softly trying not to anger or frustrate him. She was scared of him, of what he was becoming he reminded her of her abusive uncle and she didn't know what came over him. She continued stirring the mixture for the meat, her hand shaking as it took nearly everything she had to do this simple task.

[Lara]

Dem rubbed her back, nuzzling against her to try and calm her down again. he loved her so much, he just wished he could comfort her. "She didn't take you from me, and our son is still alive. We still have eachother." he soothed, kissing her nose gently as he held her. "I know you just want to be good to me, and I want the same. We'll work through this, ok?" He whispered gently, wanting nothing than to help her through this sad haze of hurt. He hated seeing her sad.

Jude was seeing spots and having a hard time focusing even after the pain diminished and he tried to say Ashlynn's name, but only a whimper escaped him. He had no idea what had just happened, but it was so crippling that he couldn't keep his whole body from trembling against her. Finally he found his words, and was able to shift just enough so he could grab her hand and cling to it. "I... I don't know what happened...." he mumbled. "It felt like fire was burning my mind." He said honestly, and he grimaced at the memory. Now that he thought about it, he knew that it could not have been cancer, for cancer had never hurt so terribly as what had just happened. But that just scared him all the more. What is wrong with me?

London frowned in worry when Mark stroked her cheek, for she saw the hesitation in his movement. He was never this worried around her, so what changed. When he started talking, her worry only grew and she had to bite back a small gasp. "Oh Mark... that's horrible." she whispered, taking his hand and pulling him into their room where she had him sit on the bed so they could talk. "Why didn't you tell me about the headaches? You should see a doctor! There's no way you can study if you're not well. I hate that you're in pain." She said honestly, her eyes betraying her fear that something was wrong with him. "But you don't have to worry about hurting me, I know you would never do anything like that." She assured him, not really understanding what he meant by being afraid to hurt her.

Emily's happy smile dissolved the second James bent over and groaned softly. She was immediately by his side, one hand on his shoulder. "James... darling. Are you ok?" She asked softly, seriously worried about him. Her worry only turned to terror when he collapsed and started seizing, his eyes changing colours. She knelt by him, shaking him gently. "James! James what's wrong!" When he didn't respond, and his skin started tearing, Emily's sobs turned into shrieks. "James! What's going on! Baby, what's wrong!? Talk to me!" She gathered him up in her arms, trembling as the tears ran down her face. Oh please don't die, please don't die on me now... She kissed his forehead gently. "Stay with me baby, what's wrong?" She whispered.

Lexi was worried all the time that something was going to go wrong, but she trusted Damon, and tried to relax as they made it smoothly through security and to their gate. She sat down at the gate with him, to wait for their plane to arrive. That force she had felt stirring earlier only felt stronger now and she winced, looking over at Damon who had his arm draped around her. "Do you feel anything strange, darling?" she asked, wondering if he felt it too.

Torch frowned then. He had missed his son's birthday? Immediately anger was his first response. It wasn't his fault, it was just that the emotion seemed to push to the surface immediately more often now. "What?" he asked softly, his voice holding a dangerous quality. "Why didn't you tell me?" He snapped, shooting her a glare before looking back at their boy. His gaze softened again and he smiled at him. "Don't worry, I'll still get you a present my precious little boy. I didn't forget you, I promise." he whispered gently.

[McKensie]

Liv nodded slowly and caressed his hand with her thumb carefully, she looked back at Crew and really tried to see him her baby and not what he represented. She touched his little foot as it twitched she gave a smile "tell me about him?" She didn't know her baby. When the nurse tried to get her to hold and connect with the baby she just turned on her side and ignored him leaving Dem to do everything.

Ashlynn was crying pretty hard as she held onto him and just cried, she was so scared of losing him and the doctor she trusted...wasn't a doctor anymore, she wasn't anything...she called Lukas hoping he'd knoe a good doctor and help her. Damon was on vacation so Lukas took over the Royal responsibilities for the time being. "I'm here...I'm getting you help...just rest Jude.." She whispered wanting to comfort him.

Marc shook his head "what if I can't control it?...what if my demon takes over and attacks you? I'd hate myself forever Loo...and it seems like a very strong possibility right now! I don't want to be an invalid, I need to be strong for my family! Vallee is growing up right before my eyes and I feel like I'm not there for her or you!" He was getting angrier his fists clenched as the pressure and heat got worse.

James couldn't speak, he was panting his tongue feeling dry and tasting like blood he was sobbing and he hated to cry in front of anyone. So along with the agonizing pain he was ashamed that he couldn't control himself. He took a handful of her pj pants and just held on his knuckles white from the pressure something was wrong and he didn't know what.

Damon looked at her and nodded "a sickness...anger and pain, it feels like every dominate male is suffering...and I don't know why..." He said quietly trying to keep cool and calm but he knew he was being affected by it too.

Mae was terrified, she thought he was going to strike her the anger was so forceful. She turned away so he wouldn't see her crying and swallowed nodding "I'm sorry..." She whispered not knowing what else to say, she felt a tinge of mama bear syndrome not wanting him to hold her son. He wasn't safe, she coughed into her sleeve red blood...she wuickly wiped off her mouth so he wouldn't see, being weak wasn't an option.

[Lara]

Dem's tense stance relaxed into an easy gesture again as he nodded. "He likes apples. He's quiet on car rides until he sees a dog, then he'll scream with joy. His first word was 'mamma'." He listed, his smile gentle. He was struggling internally as well, but he had enough self control currently to keep it well hidden within himself where it did not effect his wife or son. However, he was not without struggle, but this showed in nothing more drastic than a wince every now and then.

Jude hated seeing her cry. He wanted to reach up a hand to wipe her tears away, but he was too weak to even hold his own head up. So he just nodded slightly to show he had heard her and was thankful. Then his eyes fell shut and he let out a heavy sigh. His tears had dried against his cheeks, and now he just looked rather crumpled. In his exhausted state, it did not take more than a couple seconds before he had drifted off into a merciful sleep.

London finally understood what he meant by hurting her. She was worried still though, and only about his health, and not her own safety. She reached over her hand and gently covered one of his with her own. "Mark... I would forgive you immediately if anything like that happened. Something is obviously wrong, and I am going to be here to help you." She said, determined. She loved him, and she was not about to just abandon him when he needed her. "You do so much for me and Vallee, and I want to be here for you too. Is there any way I can help?"

When it seemed to slow down, whatever was happening to him, and he was left just on the floor, Emily immediately moved so his head was on her lap and she stroked his hair gently, using one hand to wipe away his tears. Her own rolled slowly down her cheek and to her jaw. "Oh James..." she mumbled. "Please be ok. I'm so sorry this is happening to you." She whispered, leaning down to kiss his forehead. She buried her face in his hair then, just trembling. She had no idea how to help him, and that frightened her.

Lexi was caught off guard by that analysis. A sickness that only effected males? It sounded awful. She stood then as their gate was called, and joined the line to board the plane. "Do you think its still ok to leave everyone?" She asked, nervous. "I mean... if they're going to need our help, maybe we should be there to... oh I don't know. Just be there. But I don't want to forfeit our vacation either..." She knew she was rambling a little, so she slowed and swallowed. "I'm sure they'll be fine." She whispered, nodding as they walked down the ramp to the plane.

Torch barely even heard her apology. He was enjoying playing with the son he saw too little of. Now that he spent most of his time in his study, he hardly saw anything of his family. Sometimes he knew it was because he was trying to keep them safe from himself. But there were other times when the sickness was just too far developed and he forgot that he even loved them. It was then that he told himself that he just hated them all. A familiar scent caused him to stiffen and turn to look at Mae. Blood. Then the real Torch was back for a moment, and worry flashed across his eyes. "When was the last time you went in for treatment?" he asked softly.

[McKensie]

Mae stopped breathing for a second, he saw the blood...she slowly looked up and saw true concern on his features something she hadn't seen for a long time "it's been awhile..." She admitted and put the meat in the pan and into the oven. She didn't have time to stay at the hospital, she had a son and a house to take care of...it was never about her anymore and that was ok...as long as Torch was somewhat pleased with her efforts.

Damon squeezed her hand and brought it to his lips nodding "we will only be gone for a week, this s time to relax and recuperate...everytime we try to something else happens...Lukas will take care of everything." He assured both herself and him. He found their seats and let Lexi have the window seat as everyone boarded the plane.

James finally felt like he had enough energy to speak, he took her hand and pressed it to his trembling lips "I need help..." He whispered finally admitting that he couldn't do this on his own. But he couldn't put all of that pressure on Emily, it wasn't right or fair. "We need...to ask Lukas." He said slowly managing to sit up and dry her tears caressing her face.

Mark swallowed and shrugged his shoulders "I wish I knew a way that you could help..." He said softly lowering his head ashamed "I should just...leave, quarantine myself until this ends...I can't hurt you or Vallee...I won't take any chances, it could be anything and I could blow off the hook!"

Ashlynn got him tucked into bed, she put a cold rag on his forehead and stroke back the long shaggy hair she came to love. She went to Lukas's house straight away and knocked on the door hoping that Eve wasn't asleep. She needed expert advice or at least an answer to what was wrong with Jude.

Liv slowly smiled, her first real one in quite awhile "his first word was Mama?..." She whispered happy tears going down her face as she caressed his round Apple cheeks "hey crew...I'm your mama..."

[Lara]

Torch's golden eyes didn't waver from Mae, and neither did his worried expression. "Mae..." he whispered. "You need to go to the hospital. You aren't getting any better." He said softly. He knew that this moment in which he was his real self wouldn't last. So hopefully she would take his advice while it was him here, and not the monster. "I'll get a nanny for Michael. Please take care of yourself." his voice was quiet, as he was afraid to raise it, but it was pleading, and honest. He loved her. But he was struggling with this sickness, and having powers that latched onto fire, he was not faring well with it at all.

Lexi nodded, trying to get herself to believe him. Everything will be alright. They've got Lukas. We can have a nice vacation together. She repeated to herself, nodding slowly as if to commit the words to memory. Finally she let go of a heavy sigh and leaned her head on Damon's shoulder. "I'm glad we're taking some time off." She whispered.
A scream erupted on the plane, and Lexi's head shot right up again. Security guards immediately rushed to the back and dragged off a writhing man who was still screaming. Lexi's face paled and she looked down at her hands, not wanting to watch.
Once the man was gone, the plane started up and rolled off towards the runway.

Emily winced, nodding slowly. "I'll get you help, I promise." She responded, promising both him and herself that she would help him. She needed to be there for him, and she would be. When he said Lukas, she nodded again, a seed of hope planting itself in her heart. She knew that if anyone could help him, Lukas could. "I'll contact Lukas right now." she agreed, sending a thought message down into hell. Lukas? Are you there? Something is wrong with James... He's in pain.

London's eyes widened then and she slid closer to him, shaking her head. "No Mark! Not so soon. We hardly know what this is. We don't know if you'll go out of control, or if you'll hurt anyone!" she said, hating the thought of him leaving - the thought of him being alone at all. She kissed his cheek gently and looked up at him, begging. "Please, baby, not yet. I'd hate to see you go. Let me try to help heal whatever this is first. We don't know how dangerous it is yet, and maybe I can fix it." She offered, wanting to try to heal him desperately. She hated to see him like this.

Lukas opened his door and smiled brightly at Ashlynn. "Hi darling, come for a visit?" he asked, motioning her inside. He, strangely enough, had not felt the effects of the disease. In fact, he was blissfully unaware of its existence. "Oh wait, hold on...." he frowned, receiving Emily's message. Sounds strange... He sent back, What does it look like? He turned back to Ashlynn. "That was just Emily. Sorry about that. So why did you come to see me?"

Emily frowned when she got Lukas's reply. "He says it sounds strange." she relayed back to James. "I'll try to help him figure this out for you, ok? If we can't do anything up here, I'll fly you down to hell myself." She promised, squeezing his hand.

Crew giggled in happy recognition and he curled his fist tight around her closest finger. "Mamma!" he laughed, kicking his feet with pure joy.
Dem watched, his smile only growing. "He's missed you." he said gently, turning to face the road again as he started the car up once more and continued driving.

[McKensie]

Mae swallowed and looked away putting the meat on the plate "I decided...not to take treatment anymore..." She said softly and pouring the water in the glasses for them. She pecked Michael's head and sighed "you won't care in about two minutes..."

Damon turned around and frowned at the screaming man, he didn't understand what was going on but somehow it was all connected. He squeezed her hand and closed his eyes imagining that he was flying and not some tumble about machinery. "I hate this invention ever since those idiotic demon brothers decided to interest the human world with it." He mumbled between his teeth.

Ashlynn frowned and shook her head "this isn't a pleasentry visit...Jude is very sick, he was burning up and screaming...his skin was tearing Lukas I'm scared the cancer is coming back...did Emily say the same thing? I can read your mind so don't lie to me. Something is wrong..."

James nodded and swallowed "Hope needs her medications..." He whispered struggling to stand and gripped onto her coughing and shaking "I need help Emily but don't baby me..."

Liv smiled and tickled his tummy "I'm going to take care of you...I promise, you are my baby and we are going to get a puppy...I love dogs too."

[Lara]

Torch winced visibly, not being able to hide his hurt at her remark. It was the truth in it that stung him. So she was letting herself die, and there was nothing he could do to stop it. He had tried healing her before the disease took hold on him, but found that he was not strong enough to counteract it. His hand reached out and grabbed her wrist, stopping her from moving away. "Why, why are you not even trying anymore?" he asked, his voice laced with pain and anger. He was slowly losing himself again.

Lexi had still been looking at her hands when Damon spoke, and his question put a small smile on her lips. She reached over and took his hand in her own as the plane sped up and lifted off the ground. "So the Wright brothers were demons?" She asked softly, so the others on the plane would not hear. "I had no idea... that's pretty cool." She was trying to veer conversation away from the man who had been escorted off the plane. She had felt the darkness taking ahold of him, and she felt it in different people on the plane too. It scared her.

((mark))

Lukas sighed softly and his face fell. He nodded slowly, leaning his shoulder against the wall. "Yeah. The same thing has happened to James. And I've been getting complaints from Mark. Whatever it is seems to be happening to many other men around the globe. Your boyfriend isn't the only one." His words were honest, but the worry he felt was almost imperceptive. He hid it well.

Emily nodded slowly, helping her husband stand. She didn't let go of him until he was completely up, and she was sure he wouldn't topple over again. "I'll go give them to her." She promised. Her expression grew sympathetic. "I won't baby you James, but I will still care for you. I love you." She moved to the stairs and then paused, turning to him again. "Ashlynn said the same thing has happened to Jude." She told him. "We'll figure out what it is, I promise."

Crew clapped his hands, thrilled. "Doggy!" he cried, his laughter something between a giggle and a happy shriek. Then his smile disappeared and his pudgy face scrunched into a frown. "Dada?" he asked, confused.
Dem was slumped over the wheel, his body slack. He was unconscious and the car was starting to veer into the wrong side of the road.

[McKensie]

Her wrist was just bone at this point, his grip was bruising her and she tried to pull away "please let me go..." She begged and looked down "why should I try?...I have nothing left except Michael...When I die Lexi is going to take care of him...I can't trust the monster in you to watch over him."

Damon chuckled "every inventor and important person that has changed the world was a demon...Edison, Jefferson...even Lincoln, which was super complicated when he had to fake his death. He lives down in Hell living a normal life...got rid of that dumb hat him and Luk are poker buddies."

Mark took her hands and squeezed softly "baby...I will do anything to protect you. If I need to leave I will disappear and nothing you say will stop me...that's how much I love and need you to be safe..." He said squeezing her arms and shoulders "I love you my perfect wife..."

Ashlynn sighed and nodded "what do we do? I can't help him...he's in so much pain and I wish I could do anything. I read his mind and it feels like his brain is turning to lava...he's not going to be Jude much longer if this continues...he'll turn into a mindless monster."

James sighed "I bet the same thing is happening to Mark...and my dad..." He dialed Dem's number and froened as he got ambulance sounds and a sobbing Liv "he passed out...the truck came out of no where and...James there's something wrong!"

[Lara]

Torch couldn't argue with her. How could he when what she said was true? "Lexi wouldn't need to watch him if you were alive to do just that." He whispered, his hand slacking from her wrist and then moving to grab his head. He doubled over in another burst of pain, moaning softly. It felt like his body was on fire, and it was. But he wasn't controlling it. He couldn't anymore.

Lexi laughed easily then, glad that Damon had the sense to keep talking on a different subject. She shook her head. "And all this time us lowly humans were taught they were just smart people." she smiled, kissing his cheek. "I wouldn't have been introduced to this world if I had not met you, so thank you." She leaned her head on his shoulder and let herself relax for the rest of the flight. It was only a couple hours later before they were landing in the Caribbean islands.

London felt the tears flood her eyes and she wrapped her arms around Mark, burying her face against him. "I couldn't bear you leaving." She mumbled against his shirt. "I need you here..." Her tears were leaving a little damp patch on his t-shirt as she clung to him. "I can heal Mark, I would hate to have you sick and just leave... I would feel it was my fault you were suffering because I couldn't heal you..." She whispered, admitting her fears.

Lukas frowned softly. "Lava? Taking over his mind?" He shook his head. "That's not something I've heard of in ages, and unfortunately, it's not very easy to fix." he said honestly. "It is the only known disease that demons are susceptible to. Basically, their demons take over, and the man in them slowly dies. For the first few millenia, however, they are just left withering away, unable to control their actions." he huffed. "Give me a week or so to do some research. Last I checked, there isn't a cure."

Back at his place, Jude had tensed up again, writhing and shrieking on his bed. The only word he managed to say was Ashlynn's name before his form started to shift, as the demon in him literally tore out and panted on the bed, its eyes gleaming. It was a sorry sight. Having never been used, it was a rather weak and skinny looking animal. But the cat like thing still growled and leaped from the bed, stalking down to the lower floors of the house in search for a snack. Inside, Jude watched it all in horror.

Emily had simply nodded to James's response. "Let me know if you discover anything." She said seriously. "I'll be upstairs with Hope." she said, and then ascended the stairs and walked down the hallway to her bedroom.

Dem, even though his body was broken, was struggling on the hospital bed, trying to break the restraints. His shouts were guttural, and they only quieted when he was sedated and collapsed against the pillows.

[McKensie]

Mae felt the immediate worry and love as she grabbed onto him "It's ok...it's ok...breath love...itll be ok..." She whispered and rubbed his back. She was feeling weak and her hand clenched starting to lose consciousness "I love you...I love you..." She whispered needing him to know.

Damon helped her out of the plane and took a deep breath of the warm air. He hugged her from behind and kissed her neck "beautiful place...for my beautuful wife. Let us go to the hotel and Ill show you the little something I bought for the trip."

Mark sighed and cupped her face kissing her softly "then try to heal me Loo...please, if it'll make you feel better..." He took her hand and pressed it to his cheek and sighed "try..."

Ashlynn felt anger course through her veins, immense anger she couldn't conceal. She knocked over the contents of the coffee table and stood "that's not good enough! this isn't good enough!" She screamed her eyes flashing in anger.

Liv watched him and sobbed scared about her boys, Crew was in critical care and she was scared. She was paralyzed from the waist down but didn't care about herself "Dem...I'm so sorry..." She whispered taking his hand.

[Lara]

Torch could vaguely hear her through the pain, and he winced, trying to respond. "I..." his voice cracked into a cry of pain. "I... lo-" that was as far as he got into 'I love you too' before his body started shifting and the dragon appeared, sprawled and unconscious on the couch.

Lexi found herself blushing, even though she had already been married to Damon for a while now. He still made her feel young and beautiful. "I'd love that." She agreed, slipping her hand in his as she took off for the hotel, not wanting to wait for a taxi. When they got there, she checked them in, and then walked with him up to their room. "Here we are..."

London nodded and hastily wiped her eyes, trying to be brave. She needed to do this, for Mark, for her family. She gently placed her hand over his heart and closed her eyes, letting her power flow into him. She was hit by an onslaught of fire. She knew she had to keep her face straight and act like she was in no pain or Mark would stop her, so she stayed still, even though inside she was screaming. Just... need... to find... the source... She told herself, struggling. Finally she slumped against him, her hand falling away. She was panting, but she was smiling. "I did it Mark, I sent some of it away. You'll be fine for another couple of hours." She promised. But the healing wasn't permanent... it was all I could do without it taking over me too. She thought softly, but didn't tell this to him.

Lukas stood where he was, not phased by her anger at all. He was used to demons with temper tantrums. "Ashlynn, it is all I can do for now." He said in a stern tone. "Now I suggest you go back to your boy and make sure he doesn't get himself into trouble. Make sure the others know what they are dealing with." He instructed. "If you want a cure at all, you'll leave me to my work."

Jude had already killed two maids before his mother called the demon police. They were able to deal with him easily, as he was one small snarling demon. They snapped a collar on him and dragged him to a containing facility where he was left in chains for further notice of what to do with him. It was only after he was locked up that he shifted back into a boy and slumped sobbing against the thick chains that held him.

Dem woke up a few minutes later, once again himself, and he looked around, confused. "What happened!?" He asked, shocked. "Why am I in the hospital!? Why am I tied down? Where is my wife!? Where is my son!?" He shouted, growing stressed. He did not remember any of what had happened.

[McKensie]

Mae was already unconscious, she was slumped against his large orange scaly body. She was bleeding internally and it was coming out her mouth and nose. Her hand was clenched onto Torch's claw.

Damon smiled and pulled out a Victoria secret bag and handed it to her smiling "I picked out a skimpy little number for you...it's been awhile since we've had time...I want you to feel beautiful, treated like the Angel you are."

Mark held her close and kissed her lovingly "I'm so sorry that you had to feel that pain...the Fire attacked you didn't it? Oh Loo..." He cradled her and tucked the blanket around her and rubbed her back "thank you...but don't ever do that again..."

Ashlynn went to the jail and went to his side "Jude...I'm going to find a cure baby, I'm not going to give up...you are going to be fine...ok?" She hugged him close with the chains rubbing against her skin.

Liv took his hand "shh I'm right here...we got into a car crash..." She whispered slowly undoing his restraints and moved her wheelchair close to his side "we are lucky to be alive..."

[Lara]

((Agk. Heading to the airport now. Will get a reply or two in once I get to the gate, then I'll be off likely for the rest of the night))

[McKensie]

((Alright see us darling!))

[Lara]

When Torch shifted back, it took another half hour before he woke up again. He was himself, and he nearly sobbed when he saw Mae on the floor beside him, practically bleeding out. It was then that he knew what he had to do. He called a nanny to come immediately to care for Michael, and then scooped up Mae in his arms, carrying her down to the hospital in hell. He gave the doctors directions for her care, and told them not to let her leave until she was better. He left a note explaining what he had done, and how much he loved her. Then he went back to his study and locked himself inside, making sure that there would be no way for him to escape and hurt anyone.

Lexi blushed bright red and smiled brightly. "Oh Damon! You didn't have to get my anything..." She said, flattered. Then she grinned. "Hold on right there. I'll go change for you." she winked and rushed to the bathroom, pulling the tags off the lingerie before slipping into them. Then she wrapped herself in a robe, just to be modest and walked out of the bathroom again. She had liked what she saw in the mirror, and knew Damon would too. Walking up to him, she kissed his cheek. "Thank you for the gift." She whispered.

London couldn't resist and insist that she was fine, as she was weak, and didn't have strength to do more than shake her head. But she was glad that she had at least done something for him, and she knew that when she was strong enough, she would do it again. She smiled weakly up at him and tugged his hand, asking for him to join her on the bed. I love you. She sent to him. If I gave you even a moment of relief, then it was worth it. She sighed, content, and let her eyes close.

Jude looked up and sighed in relief when he saw Ashlynn. "They chained me up like a monster." he muttered, struggling against his chains. "I killed two people, I am a monster." he shook his head, tears escaping his eyes.

Dem shook his head. "I don't remember that..." He winced. "How did that happen?" (sorry ran out of time. I'll write more next time. promise)

[McKensie]

Mae woke up and moaned trying to figure out where she was, she winced and tried to turn over but she was far too weak. She looked at the nurse and sighed "I don't want to be here...I'm on Do not Revive or Inubate list..." She tried to explain.

Damon smiled and pulled her on top by her waist and undid the sash of her robe "ooo I like that a lot..." He moaned kissing her stomach "looks good on you." He said cupping her hair and cheek "do you feel pretty?"

Mark sighed and ateoke her hair "you sacrifice yourself far too often..." He mumbled and caressed her cool cheek with his thumb "it scares me..." He admitted quietly and nuzzled her "I just...need you to be healthy and happy, just as much as you need it."

Ashlynn undid them with the key she stole and rubbed the red marks that were flowing raw "hey...you are no monster, your demon is...it's taking over without your consent that's what Lukas said...you should have seen me I got so angry..."

Liv stroke back his hair "you passed out...the car was totaled by a cement truck...Crew is ok...he's in pediatrics and I...well im fine, how are you doing?"

[Lara]

Torch suffered through another attack that left him weak and shaking on the floor. This pain and total isolation was starting to get to him. It was the worst sort of torture imaginable. "It's for the best.... But I can't do this alone...." He thought about contacting Damon, but when he remembered it was their first day of vacation, he decided to give them some more time before he contacted his friend. He was growing desperate.

The nurse nodded and hooked her up to an IV. "I know darling, but your husband gave us strict orders to care for you and not to let you go until you are better." She said gently, trying to console her.

Lexi found herself blushing again, and she closed her eyes and allowed herself to enjoy his touch and kisses. She had missed this, and it had been so long.... "Yes..." She whispered, losing any thoughts of self consciousness in a hiss of pleasure. "I feel beautiful." She whispered, kissing him slowly.

London smiled weakly and shook her head, nuzzling his hair. She loved his smell, and right now it was helping calm her. She needed to forget the feel of fire coursing through her veins so that she could build up the nerves to do it again for him. Now that she knew she could heal him for a bit, she would keep healing him until he was better, even if that never happened. "I'll be ok, I promise." She whispered weakly. "You're worth the risk." She smiled.

Jude immediately wrapped his arms around her and hugged her, trembling. "But it's still me..." He shook his head, not wanting to remember the horrid memories of the look on the faces of the maids he had grown up with. "I had to watch the whole thing... It was awful." When she spoke about getting angry, he smiled softly and kissed her cheek, trying to dry his tears away. "Atta girl."

Dem played two shades and looked at her in shock. "This was all my fault?" He asked softly. He was horrified with himself. He had hurt his family... He had got them all into the hospital, and he didn't even remember how. "I'm so sorry Liv... Are you hurt?" He asked, worried.

[McKensie]

Mae sighed tiredly, she should have guessed that he wouldn't allow her to just give up. It wasn't his nature, it gave her some hope that he still loved her that her Torch was still there deep down "how bad has it gotten?" She asked quietly closing her eyes and wishing she could sleep forever.

Zach entered his parents house and frowned "dad?..." He knew he was in the study, he could sense it. The study had been a place of solitude for his dad. He morphed himself through the thick oak door of the study and ran to his side "dad are you alright?" He asked scared lifting him up to a sitting position.

Damon kissed her everywhere, her softness and scent calming the angst building up inside. He nipped her sensitive areas and rubbed circles on her thigh with his thumb "I love you..." He whispered against her.

Marc sighed "I will only allow it once a week, it'll give you time to heal and you won't be suffering all the time...I'm serious, no arguments it's my health and I get to choose what to do with it." He kissed her forehead and sighed "I'll be ok...it doesn't get too bad..."

Ashlynn sniffed and held onto him, "there isn't a known cure...but even if I have to search through the ends of Hell to find it...I will, I won't let this destroy you...or hurt others anymore..." She whispered her voice shaking with the passion she felt.

Liv shook her head "shhh...it's ok, are you feeling any pain or can I get you anything?..." She asked not wanting to admit to her diagnoses, it was just too soon and she couldn't let him take the blame.

[Lara]

The nurse smiled gently, tucking the blanket higher around her. She got her hooked up and ready for a chemo treatment. "It doesn't look good dearie, but we're trying our best." She promised. Then looked over. "You ready?" She asked, getting ready to start the chemo.

Torch looked up slowly, his eyes lighting with recognition as he struggled to sit up. "Zachary.... What are you doing here?" He asked weakly, desperately trying to swallow down any anger or unrest so he wouldn't hurt his son. "I'm sick Zachary, you have to get out of here.... I don't want to hurt you." He said, slumping back to the floor again.

Lexi shivered and then smiled brightly, loving what he was doing. "I love you too." She whispered, reaching to him to tangle her hands in his hair and pull him closer. Now that they were so close, she could feel the darkness in him too, but it was subtle enough that she wasn't too worried about it. Besides, she was rather distracted by his kissing.

London winced, shaking her head. "Once a week?" She asked, shocked. She shook her head again. "Oh I couldn't bear seeing you suffer all week." She reached up her hand to caress her cheek. "Mark... I'm so worried about you. I'd hate to see you suffer." She said honestly, afraid for him.

Jude nodded slowly, letting himself relax in her arms and start to beleive what she said. It needed to be true. It had to be true or he didn't know what he would do. "I trust you Ash, I know you can help me." He said softly, hugging her tight.

Dem shook his head slowly, rather stunned. He had hurt his family. That knowledge made him want to cry. "I'm fine. I'm just fine. They have me on some drug. But I am worried about you." He said, squeezing her hand. "I'm so sorry."

[McKensie]

Mae looked over and saw a collage of different photos on the wall, of her and Torch...it was incredible all the different stages and yet they looked exactly the same in each one. It gave her peace and nodded to the nurse as she extended her arm to get started. She steoke their wedding picture with a finger and sighed missing him, missing them.

Zach slowly brought him back up and leaned him against the wall "I'm sick too dad...I left Tay to keep her safe...she's pregnant, and I don't think my demon likes that..." He whispered and ran his hand through his dad's hair "you can't do this alone...no one can."

Damon was exhausted by the time they were done which was not usual, he could usually go on all day...but keeping back his demon stole quite a chunk of energy out of him. He stroke her face gently and sighed "you ok?..."

Mark pressed her hand closer and closed his eyes "I'm not going to have you suffer along with me...once a week." He said with finality and sighed nuzzling her "I saw...something interesting in the bathroom garbage...anything you want to tell me?..."

Ashlynn kissed his shoulder and cried softly "but that means I have to go...I have to start looking...I can't stay, though that's all I want to do..." She whispered her fingers clenched on his hard muscles he was developing.

Liv shook her head stroking his hair and face "it actually was what I needed...to wake up and realize everything is ok, almost losing you broke me out of that faze...nothing scared me more...I should have taken the wheel when I saw..."

[Lara]

The nurse nodded and started the flow of chemicals into her veins. She worked carefully, staying out of the way of Mae, as she saw how the poor girl looked at the photos, and pitied her for it, not wanting to disturb her. "It's all done." She whispered after a moment, and pulled out the needle once more. "You can rest now, until tomorrow." She smiled and took her leave.

Torch winced and tipped his head back against the wall, breathing deeply to try and calm down the ever present struggle in him. He smiled weakly then. "Congrats about your kid, Zachary, that's awesome. I only hope this cursed disease is cured before the little guy is born. I want to meet my grandkids." He smiled weakly, keeping his eyes closed. He was trying to lighten the mood a little. "So you've got it too then? How bad?"

Lexi had enjoyed every moment, and was now curled against him. She was slightly tired, but happy. It was only when Damon spoke that she became aware of his exhaustion for the first time. "I'm lovely Damon..." She said, her brow knitting into a slight frown, "but are you ok honey?" She whispered, tipping her head so she could meet his gaze.

London sighed softly in resignation, knowing that she could not persuade him on this, and she didn't want to argue about it either. When he mentioned the bathroom, she paled two shades and swallowed. He had not been meant to find that. "Ah... That's nothing. It's ok. I was just checking to see if I was pregnant, but I'm not, so it's ok." She whispered, looking away from him. Everything she said was true, but she left out a crucial part... Why she had had to check. She had not done anything with Mark in months... But she hoped he overlooked that.

Jude held her tightly, his hand curling around some of her shoulder length hair as if he didn't want to let go of her... Ever. "I don't want you to go either." He whispered honestly. "But we have no other choice..." He sighed, forcing himself to pull slowly away from her. "Don't think about the leaving part. Just think about when you come back with a cure." He encouraged, trying to be brave for her sake so she didn't mind leaving so much.

Sem closed his eyes, leaning into her touch. For the first time in the past couple minutes, he stopped hating himself and actually felt glad. His wife was on the road to recovery. "I couldn't be happier. That's amazing." He whispered, laying his hand on top of hers. "I just wish it hadn't been a car crash that let you see." He said honestly.

[McKensie]

Mae smiled at the nurse as she left and sighed curling up in the hospital sheets, she felt tears stream down her face and swallowed the lump that was starting to grow. She was alone...she had never been alone in a hospital before, it was always Torch...sleeping on those uncomfortable couches and holding her hand. But she knew he was trying to stay away to protect her...his note said more than he has said in the past months.

Zach took his hand realizing how similar they looked, how it was always his dad he had a firm connection with. He nodded and sighed "It's pretty bad...I burst out of my demon form out of nowhere...I tried to attack Taylor but thankfully her reflexes were strong and she got away...she has been living at a hotel...so I decided to leave home..." He said and groaned feeling the pain "it's not just us...almost every demon male is suffering..."

Damon sighed and slowly nodded his head "just tired...late nights working, it's hard being King..." He chuckled and winced feeling the fire grow, he distracted himself by playing with her hair and down her bare back "it's good to have a break...especially with my lifeline." He kissed her softly.

Marc frowned part of him calculating the time, the hadn't...in months, she wouldn't be...he froze stepping back from her his fave pure shock "you...you cheated on me?..." He said shakily and shook his head "I..." He didn't even know what to say, if she hadn't healed him he'd be going ballistic and lose control but it was just Marc, scared half human Marc.

Ashlynn swallowed one request on her lips, but she knew they were young and most people would look down on it...but she needed him "I want...you..." She whispered nipping on his ear lobe "before I go...I need you..." She said her voice soft as she tried to get it seductive, but it was more of a plea.

Liv smiled softly and cupped his face kissing him "I need to tell you something, and you have to promise me that you won't blame yourself or spiral into depression..." She said seriously and nuzzled him "please...I need you just...to be at peace with it as I am..."

[Lara]

The nurse came back in a couple hours later with a small supper for her. It wasn't anything fancy, just one of those quick hospital meals. She wheeled the cart to her bedside and sat down at the foot of it. "Good news." She said. "You seem to be responding to the treatment." She smiled. "There is hope yet... But we'll have to wait and see as the months progress."

Torch nodded slowly, huffing. "So it's the whole demon population then." He said in a tired sigh. He could feel the turmoil in his own soul, and it did feel like a disease, a festering blotch of ink on his heart that refused to do anything but grow. "So what do we do now? Just sit here and wait it out? We might end up killing each other." He looked over to Zach and slowly draped an arm around his sons shoulders. "I am glad you came though. I was getting pretty lonely."

Lexi laughed softly along with him, but she was still worried. That darkness was growing and it frightened her. But she decided to keep quiet about it, for no doubt Damon felt it within himself, and she didn't want to bring up such a dreary topic. She closed her eyes when he started to play with her hair and run his fingers over her back and she sighed happily. "I couldn't agree more. We needed a break."

London watched rather sorrowfully as he put everything together in his head, and she winced when he paled and stepped away. How could she explain this? At her best, she would have been able to come up with the words to say, but weak and shaking on the bed, she felt like he had punched her in the gut with his words. It nearly snapped her heart then and there. "It's.... It wasn't like that...." She mumbled, trying to explain herself. "I was going to tell you... But..." She had not wanted to stress him more when he had been in this condition.

Jude frowned a little in confusion at first, not sure what she was asking. Then he realized her request and his eyes softened. He couldn't deny he wanted it, it was just a little strange to him to be doing it now of all times. And yet... It made perfect sense. What if he never saw her again? Jude stepped forward, smiling softly. "How could I turn you down?" He said, kissing her slowly at first as he backed them against the wall.

Dem frowned lightly. What was so big that it would cause him to spiral into depression? It had to have been something he caused, or she wouldn't have told him not to blame himself. His hand found her and he squeezed it, worried. "I promise." He whispered. "What is it?" His eyes searched her for any sign of pain.

[McKensie]

Mae gave a smiled and sighed, months...she would be lying in this bed for months! "That is good news..." She whispered and glanced over at the food, it looked pretty unappealing and she was already sick to her stomach from the chemo. She pushed it away snuggling back into the pillow.

Zach sighed and nodded "but not the females...they get their own suffering because of it..." He blinked realizing the house was very empty, they were alone in this small room "where's mom?..."

Damon nodded pecking her forehead "my phone has been off, but I doubt anyone has tried to call...they know i don't like to be bothered when I'm with you..." He slowly tried to sit up but found that distressing, it was like he was in a body two sizes too small for hm and he could rip.

Marc closed his eyes trying not to lose it and trying to stay patient with her "then what is it?...accidents don't happen like that Loo!" He was starting to feel the anger pulse but he managed to control his outward expression. How could she do this to him?! He had stayed faithful and was there, even when he had every oppertunity to!

Ashlynn wrapped her legs around his hips and worked on his shirt kissing him slowly and meaningfully, she was still so young...but she wanted this so badly she thought she would die.

Liv kissed each of his knuckles and nuzzled his hand "I'm paralyzed...the doctor's said my spine was damaged...before, but the wreck was just...the last thing it could take..."

[Lara]

The nurse sighed softly when she picked up the regret in Mae's voice. "Don't lose hope, it may only be a short time that you are here." She said gently, noting how Mae pushed the food away. "Darling... if you can't eat normally, we'll have to put you on an IV. We need to keep you strong." She explained.

Torch sighed softly, nodding. He hated this whole situation. He knew all demons were going through some sort of pain, whether it being the disease, or their loved ones leaving. It was despicable, really. Then he huffed. "She's in the hospital again, her cancer was only getting worse and I couldn't see it because... well..." He rubbed the back of his neck. "But I got her into a hospital alright. Hopefully they can do something for her."

Lexi blushed, feeling pampered. "Oh Damon. Thank you." she whispered, feeling so loved that he would just spend time with her, and not focus on anything else. When he shifted, and seemed to tense up, she frowned in worry. "Are you sure you're alright?" She asked softly, trying to support him. He looked pained.

London wished she was not so weak and could explain this better, but she knew she had to do it quickly before the healing wore off and Mark lost it. She swallowed, closing her eyes. She forced herself not to cry, for she knew, really, that this was all her fault. "You know how I went to visit some old school friends last week?" She asked softly. "Well... the girls were going for drinks after the movie, and I knew I had to get home to you." She winced, knowing this next part would be harder. "Edward offered to drive me home... but he stopped at the park on the way. I tried to get out Mark... but he's human. I couldn't harm him, so I couldn't stop him." her words had dwindled to a whisper. She knew not to call it rape, even if it was, for she knew it would only make him more angry. Maybe not at her, but anger was something she was trying to avoid.

Jude moulded himself against her, his hands tangling into her hair. His kisses grew passionate and hungry as he tugged his shirt off and then worked on hers. All too soon he was left alone again, watching in sorrow as she headed for the door. "Be safe." he whispered.

Dem felt his heart sink, and he winced. paralyzed. After everything that had happened. There were tears in his eyes when he opened them again. "I'm so sorry baby... I'm so sorry." He closed his eyes, bringing her hand to his cheek. "I wish I could protect you better."

[McKensie]

Mae sighed "ill just throw it up...my stomach is too upset." She admitted and moved her arm out so the nurse could put in the IV, needles didn't faze her anymore nothing really did, she already felt like she was losing in the unfair game of life.

Zach sighed and nodded taking his hand "it's not your fault, you know how mom is she doesn't complain about anything. I didn't realize Tay was pregnant until she practically shouted it in my face...it's like big chunks of my life are disappearing..."

Damon sighed and nodded "just stiff, guess I really am turning into an old man!" He tried to tease but there was too much pain in his eyes to take it as a joke "I'm fine..."

Marc started to cool down yet the anger was getting more vapid rushing to his head and down to his clenched fists. He couldn't say anything because all he would do is yell. He kissed her softly before breaking through the window hunting down the human that dare touch his wife!

Ashlynn ran back to kiss him once more and nodded "you too...whenever you think your losing control just think about what we just did..." She unhooked her locket from her neck and swirled the chain into his palm.

Liv shook her head "you protect me just fine...I'm a magnet for trouble always have been...it's no big deal you know I won't let this stop me..." She kissed him tenderly "nothing will stop my immense love for you."

[Lara]

The nurse nodded, sighing softly. "alright dear." She got the supplementary IV and gently slid it in at her wrist. "Is there anything else you need tonight?" She asked gently, ready to turn out the light and leave her for the night.

Torch sighed softly, nodding. "I don't know what to do..." He shook his head, hating that Zach was in the same situation. He pitied his boy, he pitied himself, he pitied everyone who was effected by this. "Maybe we should gather together the others who are sick. All of us together could probably figure out something to do." he suggested, "It might be a stupid idea, but it's all I've got."

Lexi winced, chewing her lip. She gently helped him sit up and propped pillows behind his back. "What can I do?" she asked gently, wanting to help him. She knew by the look on his face that this was no painless sort of sickness that was effecting him, and she wanted to help in any way she could.

London exhaled slowly when Mark seemed to calm somewhat. He came over and kissed her and she closed her eyes, allowing herself to relax. Her eyes flew open again when there was a crash as he burst through the window, and then she knew just how wrong she was. London sat up, but he was no where in sight. It was too late to call him back now. "Please, please stay in control... please don't lose yourself." she whispered.

Jude nodded his promise to her, and then looked down at the locket in his palm. His smile was soft and he reached up and clipped the chain around his neck, tucking the locket inside his shirt. "Thank you." He whispered. "Don't be gone too long." he didn't say goodbye, because he hated goodbyes. So he just hugged her instead, and then turned away so he wouldn't have to watch her go.

Dem watched her, trying to figure out if she was truely happy, or if this had just ruined her further. To his surprise, she seemed stronger because of all of this, and that was a relief to him. He kissed her back, tangling his fingers in her hair. "I love you. I love you so much, and I'm so glad I have you back."

[McKensie]

Mae shook her head and sighed "No thank you, have a good night..." she just felt immensely depressed and didn't know what to do. Crying seemed pointless but she couldn't help it as she sobbed quietly drifting off to sleep.

Zach shook his head "No I think it's a good idea, kind of like a support group. We are the only ones that know what it feels like, if we get them gathered and in one place we can't hurt our loved ones."

Damon winced and lay back feeling his stomach and chest tear "I need...you to call Lukas, tell him whats going on...ask him to look in the ancient manuscripts...I wrote a thesis on this with De-vinchi..."

Marc sniffed out the scent of London and found traces on this college frat boy. He growled and formed into his demon self he tore the skin off the boy slowly and agonizingly making a pelt of his skin and then hanging it on the towel rack like a psychopath. He needed more blood shed...he needed revenge.

Ashlynn quickly left knowing if she didn't then she never would have the courage to do it. She grabbed her things and pulled her jacket hood over her blonde locks. She started down the path to the maze of trials the first stop on her journey.

Liv smiled and kissed down her jaw and neck "I love you more...I need you to get feeling better so we can go home...with Crew, and get that puppy I promised..."

[Lara]

The nurse nodded and flicked off the light, leaving her so she could sleep until morning when she would need chemo again.

Torch nodded in contemplation, and then his smile grew. "Yeah, it would probably help. Then those of us who are sane when others are not can help keep everyone in check. We'll minimize damage that way." He nodded. "But how on earth to get everyone together?" He rubbed his temple to try and rid himself of a growing headache.

Lexi nodded, her eyes wandering down to Damon's torso which was... was it... She paled. It looked as if it was literally tearing, and she felt an onslaught of nausea. Swaying a little, she ran towards the hall phone. "I'll be right back." she promised, and then left to take the call.
It only took a few minutes to explain everything to Lukas, even if it was hard to think with what was going on in the other room, but Lukas already had answers. "Damon too huh? I'm sorry about that. I've checked the texts already, and apparently there's a crystal that can help with the cure. Its hidden deep in hell and I have no idea how to find it. Then there's the problem of finding a healer strong enough to use it."
Lexi chewed her lip. "Is there any hope?"
Lukas smiled over the phone. "There's always hope."

London wanted to stay up until Mark got home again, but she was so weak after healing him for such a short time, that she drifted off after not too long. Her body slowly recuperated as she slept, growing stronger again. She was blissfully unaware of what Mark was doing.

When Ashlynn left, Jude found himself struggling again. He gripped the locket with a shaking hand, trying to stay in control. But he lost it in a few minutes, his body tearing as his demon was set lose in the cell. It paced back and forth, snarling at his guards, but not doing much else in the little room he had.

Dem nodded, closing his eyes. He ran his hand down through her hair and then kissed her gently. "I'm feeling much better. I tend to heal quickly, don't know why. I don't have the power to heal others... but I guess I can heal myself. Let's go home. Is Crew alright?"

[Lara]

(.)

[McKensie]

Mae had vivid nightmares about Torch screaming in agony, she tried to reach him but the chemo tubes were strangling her keeping her on the bed. He had looked at her with sad deep golden eyes before roaring and bursting into flame "TORCH!" she screamed.

Zach nodded and passed him the old serum that used to help just the small attacks, he injected it in his dad's arm and sighed rubbing the muscle to get it to flow quickly "Let's make some calls and get to Hell, theres some cells that should be big enough for everyone."

Marc came back dripping with blood, not his own. He went to the shower and growled as the water washed over the tears along his torso and down his back. To put it lightly it was agonizing! He panted finding himself at the bottom of the tub staring at the drain as the water whisked through it, that's how he felt out of control and draining away.

Damon groaned clenching the sheets with his hands, he roared and shut his eyes containing the beast that seemed to be getting stronger, it knew his weak points and was attacking left and right.

Ashlynn found the secret hedge in the maze of trials that not many know, but being able to control things with her mind she set all the traps on freeze mode walking through them easily. She was stopped by cloaked hengeman "Let me go!"

Liv nodded "Yeah hes ok...just some cuts and broken bones...I guess it was the smartest idea to buy the most expensive car seat...it saved his life."

[Lara]

Early in the morning the nurse found Mae sweaty and not looking too good. She shook her head, clucking her tongue in pity. "Poor girl." She said, setting down the tea beside her bed that she had brought in. "Mae, dear, it's just a dream. Wake up darling." She said soothingly.

Torch sighed in relief when the cool serum flowed into his veins and calmed the unrest inside him. "Thanks." He murmured, pushing himself to his feet. "Alright. What do you say we go down to hell and start collecting people?" he smiled weakly. "At least we can do some ounce of good."

London woke later to running water, and she almost went to sleep again. Then she realized with a jolt that Mark was back, and she remembered how he had left. Swallowing, she climbed out of bed and walked down the hall to the bathroom. When she heard groaning, and knew it was Mark, she winced. "Honey?" She called softly, leaning her head against the door. "You alright?"

Lexi cringed when she heard a roar from their bedroom. Damon sounded pained. "Anything I can do for Damon in the meantime?" She asked Lukas softly, as if afraid to speak too loud.
Lukas had heard the roar and he grimaced. "No. You need to get out of there before he loses it. Stay away until he shifts back, and then return. He won't be feeling the greatest when the demon is gone again."
Lexi shook her head. "I can't just leave him! I have to do something."
"You can't. You have to leave Lexi. He won't be Damon any more when he shifts."

The cloaked man wrapped his arm around her throat and held her tightly. "You may not continue on towards the crystal of life." he hissed in her ear. "Not unless you prove yourself worthy. Do you accept my challenge? If no, then turn and leave this place now and never return."

Dem nodded, glad, and yet sad at the same time. "Do you think they will release him so we can go home?" he asked softly, wanting to leave the hospital. He hated hospitals after everything that had happened.

[McKensie]

Mae jolted awake and started to cry into her pillow, it was just a dream but it was all too real at the same time. He wasn't alright and she was scared to lose him. She reached her arm out again for the chemo but still was shaking pretty badly.

Zach nodded "Better than just sitting on our butts and feeling sorry for ourselves." he headed down to the jail and talked to the guard about his proposal "It needs to be your biggest and strongest cell."

Marc sighed and nodded, but nods could never be heard so he cleared his throat "I'm alright...you don't have to worry about that guy ever again..." he slowly grabbed a towel and opened the door reaching his arms out for her.

Damon roared again, his eyes went pure red as he busted the bed from thrashing and then formed into the nightmare demon that he hadn't been for the longest time. He screeched and thrashed out his wings the hotel too small for him.

Ashlynn was shaking but shook her head "I'm not leaving...i'll do whatever you want." she whispered feeling her lump against his tight grip.

Liv sighed "We can always ask, feel well enough to roll me around the hospital?"

[Lara]

The nurse wanted to comfort Mae, but didn't know how. She couldn't claim to understand what she was going through. None of her relatives were demons like she was. "I'm Susan by the way. I'll be caring for you while you are here." She said softly, slipping the chemo needle into her arm again. "You've been responding well to the treatment..." She said, trying to cheer her up.

Torch nodded in agreement and followed his son down into hell. He folded his wings when he reached there. A screech caught his attention and he grimaced. "Sounds like you already have a few down here." he peered in the cell door and then frowned. "That's Jude. I'm sure of it."

London relaxed a little when she heard his voice. It sounded normal, not angry, and that was enough consolation for her. But his second sentence froze her to her place. What had he done. She stayed where she was when he emerged, worried. "What happened, Mark?" She asked, looking up at him. Had he lost it? A strange suspicion rose in her gut that caused her heart to pound in fear.

Lexi hung up when a shriek shook the building. "Oh Damon..." She whispered, moving for the bedroom again. When she reached the doorframe, she stopped in her tracks. She had seen him like this only a couple times before, and everytime, it was only the real him that she could see in his eyes that made the form less scary. But right now, there was no sign of Damon in this monster, and her feet glued themselves to the floor as a soft whimper escaped her. She knew she had to run, but her eyes were glued on him, so she could only take a few slow steps backwards, hoping he did not see her yet.

The man nodded and stepped away from her, drawing a sword engulfed in flames. "Best me in wits and speed, and you may continue. Know that none have passed before you." he said, and with that, he lunged at her, sword drawn.

Dem nodded, sliding his feet to the floor, before slowly standing. He stretched, cracking his back, and then moved over to her wheelchair. Smiling, he took the handles and started to roll her down the hallway. "Are you sure you want me driving this thing? I'm no doctor, and I can be a speed demon."

[McKensie]

Mae smiled slightly "It's a pleasure to meet you...Susan, are you married? Do you have a family?" she asked softly trying not to wince at the pain the chemo was causing "so it's really working?"

Zach frowned and went to the kid "Easy Jude easy?..." he saw the locket and frowned "Where's Ashlynn?" he said trying to get the demon to calm down.

Marc sighed "I don't remember...but I just washed off a lot of blood and I'm fine, so...Edward probably isn't." he said with a shrug and sighed "I'm sorry that I'm such a monster..."

Damon growled he headed out to the beach and took to the skies needing space, he blew fire the venum into the skies making it a smoky green as he swooped needing food.

Ashlynn swore and quickly took ahold of his brain making him fight the tree instead of her, she grabbed a sword of diamond and light and pinned him to the cave wall with a smirk "Well then."

Liv laughed and shook her head "I'm not scared! You will need to get used to this...make it romantic somehow."

[Lara]

Susan smiled softly. "Not married, but I have a whole pile of brothers." She shook her head, sighing. "Not one of my relatives are demon." She said honestly, pulling the needle out of Mae again and rubbing the spot gently.

Jude, or rather the cat paused only when he heard the name Ashlynn. Then he froze, convulsed, and slowly withered back into Jude. The boy stumbled towards them, smiling weakly. "Zach. Uncle Torch. What are you guys doing down here?" He asked. "Ashlynn's gone off to find a cure."

London relaxed then. He didn't remember. Of course he didn't. He wasn't in control, and it wasn't his fault. She rushed to him and wrapped her arms around his still damp body. "I'm so sorry I triggered it." She whispered. "I didn't mean to. That was exactly why I didn't want to tell you about it right now, with everything that has been happening."

Lexi finally unfroze from her position when the nightmare took off into the skies again, and she slumped against the doorframe again. She wanted to help him, but she didn't know what she could do. Sliding down to the floor, she hugged her trembling body and curled up, hoping Damon was ok and would come back to her soon.

The cloaked figure blinked in surprise, and then chuckled, stepping back. He motioned to the hedge and the plants moved on their own, presenting a path. "Continue on to the crystal then, you have earned it."

Dem grinned and started at a jog down the hallway. "What, you mean this isn't romantic?" he asked, in mock hurt. "Where is Crew?" He asked, looking around the hallways for his boy.

[McKensie]

Mae winced and sighed with a smiled "Sounds like it gets really hard, do they know or...do you just not stay in contact with them?" she asked and sighed "You don't have to answer, I'm prying too much..."

Zach frowned looking at Torch "There is no cure...where did she go? Where does she think she'll find one?" he asked and sat by the boy wrapping his wounds slowly "I think your demon is more frustrated then any of ours..."

Marc held her close and sighed "I just can't believe it happened...Im so sorry that I accused you of cheating darling...I wish I could protect you better...keep you happy..."

Ashlynn bowed and put the sword in her hilt as she continued knowing there was many more advesaries that would want to stop her from reaching the crystal.

Liv directed him down the hallway "In the playroom, I can hear his sweet laugh..." she said with a smile, she was falling in love with her son he was so perfect and she couldn't stand to be away from him even for a minute.

[Lara]

Susan shook her head slowly, sighing. "They don't know." She said, smiling a little. "I don't mind talking about myself. I just want to cheer you up a bit." She said honestly. "But I don't know if I'm doing much of that with my dreary story..."

Jude nodded weakly, staying still as Zach bound his wounds. "Thanks." he whispered. Then he nodded. "Maze of trials. Lukas said something about a crystal, and she thought it would be there." He explained. The crystal is supposed to aid a healer in ridding the disease from us all." He explained. He knew his demon had really been acting up. "Probably because I never let it out. I've had cancer, and haven't had a chance." He explained.
Torch frowned. "So there is a cure then?"

London closed her eyes, relaxing in his arms. "No. It's ok. Let's not speak of it. It's something I'd rather not think of." she said honestly. "But it goes likewise for me. I wish I could help you. I wish I could heal you... permanently." She swallowed, the tears filling her eyes. "I've never felt so helpless.... I've always been able to heal even the worst cases. I'm stronger than my Dad... but not strong enough." She whispered.

((damon))

The crystal sat in a box at the end of the row of hedges, and all up to the row were people waiting. The first was a mage, and he challenged her by throwing balls of fire in her direction.

Dem nodded, turning the corner as she directed. He had a soft smile on his face, as he loved to hear that his family was together again. He loved his wife and son, and was glad that they finally loved eachother. He scooped up Crew and set him on Liv's lap. He had just let go of the boy when his head pounded with a sudden headache, and he grimaced, rubbing his temple.

[McKensie]

Mae smiled lightly squeezing her hand "I'm just grateful for so company...it's been a long time, I like getting out of my self destructive rut...so are you looking for a guy because I know the nicest guy and every girl just looks over him because he's not demonic enough..."

Zach nodded "incredible...She would risk her life to end this, you've got a jewel don't let her get away..." he wiped off the blood on his forehead "how old are you again?"

Marc sighed and pulled her close, he kissed her hair and breathed in her jasmine like musk "you are stronger then you even know, but this isn't like an ailment I sometimes wonder if it's all in my head...like I'm going insane..."

Ashlynn used some Thai chee moves and they whizzed past her without even a blink, she then channeled his energy and used it against him.

Liv looked at him worried "let's get you back to bed...." She rolled back and helped him sit holding onto Crew close and kissing his dark little locks.

[McKensie]

.

[Lara]

Susan nodded in understanding. "I know how that feels." She said gently, pulling up a chair and sitting down, once Mae's IV was in place again. Then she giggled, shaking her head. "I hardly have time for boys. My friends are always trying to set me up with one, but I have to work... and frankly, I haven't found the right one yet. But thank you just the same."

Jude smiled softly, nodding. "I know. I just hope I get to see her again." he said honestly, rolling his shoulders to try and release some tension. "I'm almost thirteen." he said, smiling a little. "Ashlynn and I decided not to age." He explained. "We wanted to live life slowly."

London relaxed in his arms, letting herself forget about all their troubles just for a moment. Then she pulled back and cupped his face gently. "Oh Mark... You can't be insane. I know you, and I would see if there was something wrong like that." She said gently. She hated that he thought of himself that way. "I promise I am going to do whatever I can to help heal you, ok? So you don't worry about anything." She kissed his cheek.

Lexi was woken from a doze on the floor to the sound of the tv. Walking into their ruined room slowly, she watched in horror as a frantic news reporter showed some horrific scenes. It started with a body found, its skin hanging separate, and then moved on more horrific scenes of destruction. More than one image was taken of some shadowed figure with bat wings flying in the sky. Lexi knew however, that it was more than one person they had taken pictures of, as the wings were not all the same sizes. "All the demons are causing hell out there..." She whispered to herself.

The mage was defeated, and he stepped by to let her pass. But there were three more opponents to face, and they all turned on Ashlynn at the same time. One was shadowed wraith, another a wizard, and the last a fair haired fae.

Dem couldn't argue with her suggestion, so he followed her back to the room and groaned softly, lying back on the bed. "Get the doctors to restrain me again..." he panted. "Quick Liv. I can't hold on any longer." he whispered, wincing as the fire consumed him. And then he thrashed, trying to escape it.

[McKensie]

Mae smiled "I admire that in you, Dr. Liv who used to work here thought the same until she met her husband...and that was just pure chance..." She sighed already feeling sick she grabbed the vomit bucket and threw up more blood and mucous.

Zach nodded "that makes sense actually, I chose to age to protect and marry my wife...I was far too impatient. I admire that about you..." He looked at Torch who was trying to mentally connect with every demon "is it working?"

Damon flew in tattered and exhausted, he collapsed not remembering anything of what happened. He had blood streaked down his face from who knows what as he shivered feeling cold.

Ashlynn felt scared but let out her sword and tried to create a web with their minds and attack eachother and not her. She felt a burning sensation that hit her stomach as she convulsed but tried to keep the web strong she couldn't give up!

Liv strapped him down quickly and pressed in his stomach to get him to stay against the bed "it's ok Dem...its ok..." She pressed the sleeping Crew against her breast not wanting him to wake up.

[Lara]

Susan smiled softly. "I remember Dr. Liv. Such a nice person." She rubbed Mae's back gently, trying to help her through this. "Only a few more weeks of this transition phase, then it should even out a bit."

Jude nodded, smiling brightly. "But that's still sweet. We wanted to do that, but decided to hold off on it." He shrugged.
Torch nodded, his eyes still closed. "They're coming." He confirmed. "I can't reach them all, but they're passing on the message. Hopefully everyone gets it. "

Lexi turned in surprise when Damon returned and she immediately went to him, ignoring the sick feeling in her stomach. She helped support him gently and took him to the bathroom where she started the water in the bath. "Damon..." She whispered. "Are you alright?" She ran her hands through his hair, worried about him.

Three minds were stronger than one, and they fought against her, but slowly, they found themselves losing the battle, and eventually they had to surrender and back away from her, opening the way to the crystal. It sat only a few feet away atop a pedestal.

Dem couldn't think around the pain, and since he was strapped down, his demon was having a hard time shifting. He struggled furiously and shrieked as his body finally tore. The demon was left on the bed, straining against the restraints and glaring at the world with red eyes.