Chapter 19: Resurrection

Jeff's POV

Kay looked mortified! I can understand why. If it is Jacky's kid, it'll be a halfbreed; half royal, half Shadow. A birth of a child like that would tear the community apart! She quickly pulled out her phone, holding it up in the efforts to find reception.

"C'mon, c'mon!" Kay grunted as she wasn't getting anything.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"I have to tell Jacky! Because, trust me, it is his kid. I had sex with Ashley once in our relationship. I've had sex with Jacky at least once a day for two months straight." She replied. "I can't take it anymore, we have to find them."

A knock at the door stopped my reply. I got up, opening the door to Vanisher standing there.

Kay quickly breathed a sigh of relief, grabbing his arm. "You've got to take me to see Jacky." She said.

"Kay-" He gently spoke.

"Now." She insisted.

Vanisher sighed. "Give me a little while to find him."
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Ronnie's POV

After all was sorted out, we were finally ready to bring back our family. Ghost told us he would do the revival first because the clock was running down on Max, whereas we had no time limit on bringing back Jacky. Though, the sooner the better would've been beneficiary. I text Andy to let him know they could bring the body back down. None of this felt real!

As we waited, Chris walked up to me with Ricky and two other men behind him. "It'll take Ghost some time to recharge after he does this. We do need him to help the Shadow. It takes all five of us. However, for the time being, I'm going to have him brought down to the dungeon for safe keeping." He informed me.

"Okay, thank you." I replied.

He nodded and stepped aside, along with the others. I realized it was because the guys were coming down the steps. Derek and Ryan both came and stood next to me. Andy, CC, Jake, and Jinxx slowly walked down the steps carrying Max in a makeshift cot of sorts. It was a black sheet spread between two poles, enough for them to be able to carry him. CC and Andy held up the front, while Jinxx and Jake took the back end.

A wind blew in rose petals from one of the many hallways that's twists through this cavernous cellar. The petals landed in two straight lines, outlining a path. Andy raised his eyebrow at me, as if to say "that was fucking creepy, what the fuck." He lowered his head and continued walking. As they headed towards the end of the path we couldn't see, Chris gestured for us to follow.

We walked into a round room where the floor was cluttered with rose petals and tea candles. A stone pedestal, the size to fit a body, rested in the center of the room. It had beautiful engravings along the side of roses and thorns. Stone pillars were along the walls, twelve or so evenly spaced. Ghost stood at the foot of the pedestal, decorated in theatrics.

The guys rested Max's body on the pedestal. They, along with Chris and the others, fell back to the spaces in between the pillars. Derek, Ryan, and I took a hint and did the same.

Ghost rested one hand on Max's chest, and the other on his forehead. "My friend," He gasped, whispering, "Your soul is in pain."

My heart hurt to hear him say that. I know Max has lead a shitty and hard life, but he still has some fight left in him! It was hard to stay still as I watched. Ghost motioned for Ricky to come forward. He whispered in his ear, and Ricky nodded. Then he screamed as Ghost bit his neck. The color from his face started to drain and Chris had to come pull Ricky away from him.

Ghost took in a deep breath as he turned back over to Max's body. Chris picked up Ricky in his arms and carried him towards the closed door. I watched in awe as he blinked out, teleporting to what I assume was the other side of the door. These vampires are very powerful compared to us and I don't know how or why.

Chris blinked back into his spot. I returned my attention to Ghost, who was running his hands over the air above Max's body. The candles on the floor began to flicker brighter and hotter. The more powerful the flames became, the weaker I got. I realized then that the others began to weaken as well. Jinxx was the first to fall down, followed by Jake, then CC and Andy.

The candles suddenly burnt out and the smoke rose in the room as did Ghost's hands. He was directing the smoke, it seemed like, making it dance. Finally he brought it all crashing down on to Max's body. Max shot up, choking on the life just breathed back into him. I was leaned against the wall, barely able to stand, but happy that he was alive.

The last thing I saw was Chris and the two others going and holding Ghost up as he almost fell. Then, I fell myself, feeling too sickly to stand. My eyes slipped shut, but at least what was done was done.

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Chris' POV

Though we've done this hundreds of times, it's still bothersome to have to see my family so ill. Ghost gets terribly weak, but at least it doesn't kill him to bring back life. It's a gift and a curse to him. Ryan and Balz laid Ghost back in his bed, where Kylie tended to him like a nurse.

I teleported back to Ricky's room. He isn't a vampire at all, actually a fallen angel. Once his wings were lost in a horrific accident, he was no longer claimed by his kind. We took him in and provided him with a home as long as he provides us with blood. Angel blood is so powerful and fueling. Ghost nearly drained him dry though. Poor thing.

"How're you doing?" I asked him as I entered his room.

"I'd be better if we didn't have unwanted guests." He grumbled.

I then realized he was right. A presence was now in the air, moving rapidly. I ran the back of my hand along Ricky's forehead, feeling how clammy he was.

"I'll send Nikki to take care of you and I'll tend to the... unwanted guest." I told him softly.

Ricky agreed and rested his head against his pillow to sleep. I left the room, heading towards where I knew the intruder was. Before he could disappear, I teleported to the sanctuary, pinning him into the wall before he had time to react. Then I lessened my grip and retracted my fangs when I realized it was Vanisher, an old friend.

"Why are you sneaking around here?" I asked.

"Looking for a vampire, Jacky Vincent." He replied.

"Why? Were you sent on an assassination?"

"No," Vanisher said. "Recovery mission. His girlfriend is in hiding, and she just found out she was pregnant. She wants to know what happened to him."

"You'd be surprised to know... maybe you should come see for yourself."

Chapter 20: Internal War

CC's POV

As I came to, I realized I was on some kind of platform... It was stone, and looked a lot like the pedestal we put Max's body on. However, there was a line of them on both sides of the room. Five on each side, the seven of us spread out randomly on them. Everything around us looked so old!

I sat up and saw Vanisher standing at the foot of the bed of stone I was placed on. He sighed, giving me a crooked smile. I looked around, the others were still out. Andy started to come to as I was thinking that.

"What happened? And Vanisher why are you here?" He asked groggily.

"Ghost used your energy to revive Max. It knocked you out and you're in a recovery room now." The gorgeous chick from earlier said. She was standing in the corner, watching over us I guess.

"Kay sent me to find Jacky. I'm not sure how I'm going to return to her now." Vanisher replied as he leaned against the bed I was on.

Jinxx and Jake both stirred a bit. They held their heads as they sat up, groaning.

"Is Kay okay?" I asked. "And Ashley?"

"They're all fine." He said as he glanced back to the still unconscious FIR. "We found out, Kay is pregnant. She's almost positive it's Jacky's."

"I hope to God that's not true." Jinxx said.

"Yeah, dude, that would destroy Ash if the kid wasn't his." Jake added.

"I'm aware." He scoffed. "I will be remaining here until Jacky is well again. I can't face Kay, knowing what he is currently like. It'd tear her apart. As well, I believe you all could use my tending to."

"Yeah, can you get me some Pepsi?" I said as I started to smack my lips. "Eeww I got cotton mouth so bad!"

The others laughed at my foolishness. I was happy to lighten the mood, but deep down I was worried about Ashley. Kay means the world to him! She would never come back to him if she had a child with Jacky. Maybe she would... I dunno. This is all too complicated.

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Ricky's POV

"I'm fine now, really. Thank you, Nikki." I told my ever so creepy nurse as I got out of bed.

"Mhm." He replied.

Then he turned into dust, his black mass slithering out under the door. Ugh, he gives me the creeps! All demons do, but I guess it's just the angel in me. I never felt like a real angel. Being fallen is honestly the best thing that ever happened to me!

I changed my shirt into something tighter so the Shadow we were about to help couldn't grab at me. I've learned all the tricks when it comes to these monsters. Once I had fixed my hair and makeup, I left my bedroom. The large scars on my back from where I lost my wings were obvious in this shirt, but I didn't mind as much anymore.

Balz smiled at me as I walked into the reading room. "Feeling better?" He asked.

I softly grinned. "Yeah. How's Ghost?"

"I'm fine." Ghost suddenly spoke from behind me as he walked into the room.
He always sneaks up like that! It's creepy as fuck!

"Then let us start on Jacky. I have some new information that'll make this easier." Chris spoke as he stood up from the couch.

Ryan set his book on the coffee table. He stood up as well, asking, "Oh, yeah? What'cha got for us?"

"His girlfriend is pregnant." He replied. We all gasped, or at least got wide eyes. Chris waved his hand dismissively. "I know, I know. I've already got plans for that. Let's just get this over with."

We nodded and followed him towards the sanctuary. The pedestal was empty for the time being. I stood at the end, as always. Ghost was to my left, and Chris on my right. Ryan was next to Chris, and Balz next to Ghost. We all took a few steps back from the stone table as we heard the snarling and struggling down the hall.

Anthony and Nick brought Jacky into the room, kicking and thrashing like the wild beast he was. Thankfully, he was being handled by two demons. Those creatures were very strong. Anything that comes from the mouth of Hell has inhuman abilities. They threw Jacky on the pedestal. Nikki, who had followed behind them with Ashley, forced Jacky's hands into the metal restraints. He pulled at the chains, but they weren't parting from their stone beds in the floor anytime soon.

Ashley handed a smooth black box to Chris. Her, along with her three followers, left the room. They shut the door, never saying a word the entire time they were here. The only noise we could hear was Jacky trying to break the chains that held him. Ghost grew impatient with the rattling. He placed his hand above Jacky's chest, making a downwards pushing motion on the air. Though he was still struggling, he now couldn't move.

Chris opened the velvet case he had been handed. Two full needles laid inside. One was clear, the other a red liquid.

"Dare I ask?" Balz questioned.

"Holy water, of course." He replied.

Duh! It's needed to turn a Shadow... but the red stuff? What was that?

"You know that wasn't what he was referring to." Ghost muttered.

"Yes, because I don't want to believe it'd get to that point. Jacky is the most powerful Shadow I've encountered. He was cracking our floor just trying to break free. Those chains have held hundreds, never have they budged. The red substance is extract from the fruit of a plant called Doll's Eyes. Within minutes of entering the body, it'll relax the muscles of the heart until the body stops working." Chris explained. "It's a... last resort."

"I hope." I whispered.

The room went stale after that. Chris sighed in the silence, carefully picking up the needle of holy water. He shut the case, slipping the container into the shelve space in the stone bed. He steadied Jacky's wrist against the bed, jabbing him with the needle and forcing the liquid into his veins. Jacky screamed horrifically, making me step back out of fear.

Ghost tried his best to keep Jacky still, but even as powerful as he was, he couldn't contain that beast. Chris yelled at me to stay back in the process. He knew they couldn't afford my blood to end up in Jack's mouth. Even though he was currently nothing but a monster, I did feel bad seeing him in so much pain!

Finally, he relaxed himself against the stone. His breathing was heavy and it was obvious he was struggling to stay conscious.

"I can feel his soul again." Ghost said. "It's faint, but it's there."

"Time to unbury it." Balz spoke, switching places with Ghost.

He reached his hands to the sides of Jacky's head. Balz's pure black eyes slowly got clouds in them. He closed his eyes, having to lean on the table more for support. Though Balz was an amazing telepath, it took a lot of energy out of him sometimes. Of course, that's why we have Ryan.

Chris stepped out of the way, taking his place by my side. Ghost was standing on the other side of me now and the three of us stayed back from the table as we watched the other two at work. Ryan put his hands over Balz's. I watched in amazement as you could actually see the energy transfer off of Ryan, and into Balz and Jacky.

What they were trying to do is dig up Jacky's soul. Everyone has one, even a Shadow. However, Shadows also have a demon inside of them. They are born with the demon having strength over the soul. These aren't good demons either, not like Ashley and the guys. They destroy a soul and bury it in the dark depths of the mind.

When we do this, we help the soul overpower the demon. First, you must find where the soul is hidden and bring him forth, then convince him to fight his demon.

"I've got him, Ricky, but speak fast. He's slipping already." Balz said.

He and Ryan stepped back, allowing me to approach. My turn to do what angels do best; influence the greater good. It never got easy, and every time, my heart pounds out of my chest.

"Jacky? Can you hear me?" I asked him.

He opened his eyes, revealing they were a gorgeous blue once again. "Yea-ARGH! FUCK!" He screamed out in pain, then took a deep breath. "I'm here." Jacky panted. 

"I know your demon is stronger right now, but I will give you the strength to defeat him." I reassured him.

"There's... there's nothin' left to... ta fight for. My angel... she's gone to him... back to Ash." He weakly replied.

"No, she hasn't." I said as I moved to the side of the pedestal. I placed my hand in his, though it was shaky and chained. "She sent Vanisher looking for you because she misses you, and... she's pregnant with your baby."

"Wh-what?" He gasped.

"Yes, she found out yesterday. She told Vanisher that she wanted have the kid, and she wanted to name the baby Casey."

Jacky looked at me, too weak to break a smile but obviously happy in his eyes. Then I saw red fog up his left eye, and his grip on my hand tightened as he growled. Chris helped me pull away, then he stepped back himself. Jacky was thrashing around, but not because he wanted to escape. It was because he was now at war with himself. This could take a while, and who wins the war, only time will tell...

Chapter 21: Angels

Kay's POV

"I'm sure he'll come back." Jeff attempted to comfort me as I fought my tears.

I looked out at the moon, full and bright outside the window of this busted hotel. "No, he probably got killed and it's all my fault, and then we'll never find Jacky. Or Jacky's dead and Vanisher didn't know how to tell me, so he just didn't come back." I whimpered, sniffling while a tear ran down my cheek.

The door opened up and Bruno walked in. He was happy and joyous until he saw my red eyes and flushed face. Bruno sat down on the other side of me, wrapping his thin tail around my waist as he caressed my cheek. "What's wrong, my Love?" He asked.

When I didn't answer, he looked over at Jeff. A sigh left Jeff's lips and he turned his head away. "Ashley, hi." He said.

Shit, I didn't hear him walk in! Ash had just got through the doorway. He knelt down in front of me, losing his smile. "Angel?"

I twirled my hand around my necklace, the one Jacky gave me, replying, "I'm just worried. That's all, Ash."

He reached up to my cheek and pushed some hair out of my face. Ashley was searching for words. The wonder and agony floated in his dark eyes as his mouth laid open. Then I smelled the distinct smell of a campfire drift into the room as the guys all snapped their heads up. I did the same, almost breaking when I saw Vanisher.

I stood up quickly, pushing away from the guys and running to him. My arms wrapped around Vanisher's thin figure, though he was confused as to why I was so hysterical. "I thought you were dead." I muttered.

"Oh... no, no." He mumbled in return. "But I don't have the best of news. In the fight, Jacky got attacked and turned back into a Shadow. The others brought him to a group of men that tried to help. We don't know if they were successful in changing him back, but would you like to come with me to find out?"

I whipped my eye and whimpered. "Y-yeah, please."

Vanisher nodded, then teleported us away from the cold abandoned town, into an only somewhat warmer place. As I looked around, I saw many candles and paintings strewn about a room full of bookshelves and Victorian décor.

A man was sat in the armchair. He had half white, half black hair against a very pale face and intimidating eyes. The man stood up, placing one arm around his stomach and the other behind his back as he bowed to me. He extended his arm out and I gave him my hand, which he gently kissed.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. You've been quite the trouble maker." He smirked. "My name is Ghost. I know you, all too well."

"I... appreciate the gesture." I shyly responded.

Another man walked into the room. He was rather tall, with silky black hair and a face full of dark makeup. "Hello, Kay." He said. "I'm Chris, the head of the mansion. Would you like to see Jacky now?"

"Yes, please." I politely responded.

Chris lead me out of the room. Vanisher and Ghost stayed behind as I was brought through a long hallway. It lead into a main corridor, full of halls. Chris walked through one archway that seemed bigger than the others. He and I came to a door being guarded by two men. One had black hair with paint dripping from his mouth. The other had makeup over one eye, accompanied by blonde hair.

"How has he been?" Chris asked them.

"Quiet for the past few minutes. We haven't looked inside yet." The blond spoke.

He nodded and turned to me. "I will let you be the first to see him. Just know, he could be the man you love, or he could be a Shadow. It's a gamble."

"I'll take my chances, thank you." I said.

He moved out of the way, gesturing towards the door. I took a deep breath for courage, placing my hand over the ruby necklace Jacky had given to me. It was so beautiful, just like his soul. Please let him be him.

The two men opened the doors for me. I looked fearfully at a round, intimidating room of pillars, and a stone table in the center. Rose petals were all along the floor with candles, and the smell of sage burned in the air. Jacky's body was on the pedestal, but he wasn't moving.

I cautiously approached him, taking note of the chains around his wrists and feet. My poor love, so broken. I found my way to the side of the stone bed and set my hand on his forehead. He was so cold! Jacky was barely breathing, but air was in his lungs.

He opened his eyes slowly as he rested his chained hand against my hip. "Angel." Jacky murmured.

"I'm here." I smiled, halfway to tears.

He was back, my Baby! Jacky was so weak, but he was himself. "I heard... 'bout the baby. I'm so... happy, Love."

"I am too." I happily told him.

"Don't cry, Angel." Jacky whispered. "Don't you cry."

"I'm just happy you're alive." I whispered and buried my head into his chest.
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Ronnie's POV

I woke up with the worst fucking neck ache ever! The guys were all around me, laying on stone beds just as I was.

"Hey." A soft voice said from my left.

I turned my head, grinning madly when I saw Max alive next to me. Fuck it wasn't a dream! He did come back! I hugged him, not wanting to let go.

"How're you feeling?" He asked.

"I should be asking you that." I laughed.

"I'm glad you're all awake, finally." Another voice interrupted us. We saw Chris standing in the doorway. "We all need to speak."

"Oh no," CC spoke. "I'm scared to know."

Chris sighed. "We will have to wait until the baby is born to know if it is Jacky's, but if it is, I believe it'd be best if the child was raised here, in the sanctuary. We can keep the baby safe."

Whoa whoa wait, Kay is pregnant?! What the fuck happened while I was out?

"That's true but neither of them will like that." Jake replied.

"It doesn't matter if they like it or not, it's a necessity, not a luxury. We will take the child forcefully if we have to, but we don't want to. That's why I'm asking all of you to try and convince them of this. You're their families, after all." Chris explained, then left the room.

Chapter 22: Demons Won't Rest

Kay's POV

Chris allowed us to stay in the mansion for as long as we'd like. Ash and the others finally joined us, so we were all back together once again. I was shocked that Ashley was actually surprised I went back with Jacky. What did he think was going to happen? A few days away from Jack is supposed to make me dump him? It only made me want him more.

Him and I were relaxing in a room on the second floor of the mansion. This place was giant! Valentine told me about it, or at least as much as he knows. It's apparently a house that's been in the vampire world for centuries, always owned by one of the elders. Since vampires don't age, elders can literally be anyone. I know Chris must be one if he's head of the house, but I have suspicions some of the others are as well. I've been told it's best not to question them.

Jacky and I enjoyed our room and privacy. He's taking a while to heal from all that happened. Right now, he was in the shower. It's the first shower he's taken since the incident because he's been so weak. I was watching TV, nothing special.

A few moments after the water turned off, he walked out with a towel around his waist. It looked so fucking hot! If only he wasn't still recovering and I wasn't already pregnant, we'd be making babies right about now! God, he drives me crazy. Jacky walked over to where I was on the bed and gently pushed my shirt up. I giggled as he ran his hand over the little bump I was starting to grow.

He knelt down next to the bed as he kept tracing random shapes on my stomach with his fingers. "I was thinking in the shower." Jacky said, then rested his head on the edge of the bed. "I know the baby could be Ashley's. Even if it is, can I please raise it as my own? I don't want to lose you over this kid. I know it's selfish, but I love you so much."

"It's not selfish, Babe. I want you to be the baby's father anyways. And, I love you too." I said, running my hand through his wet hair.

Jacky stood back up, leaned over a bit and kissed me. He sat on the edge of the bed, still in nothing but a towel. Jack rested his forehead against mine, taking a shaking breath. His fangs slowly drew out and our eyes stayed lost in the other's.

"Fuck." He muttered as he winced away.

"What?" I asked in concern.

I sat up with him, placing my hand on his bare back. He hunched over and put his hands over his eyes, shaking his head.

I repeated myself again. "Jacky?"

"I'm sorry." He whispered.

"For what? Baby?"

He paused for a minute. I heard a soft whimper, realizing he was crying... but for what? Was it something I did?

"My drive to kill you is still there. I-I... I don't know why. The demon is supposed to be gone an-and, just..." Jacky sighed and stood up.

He ran and threw on some clothes as quick as he could. Then Jacky grabbed his head, screaming out in pain as he dug his nails into his scalp. I naturally jumped out of bed and ran to help him, but he put his hand out and pushed me back.

"Stay back." He growled through gritted teeth.

"O-oh, do you want me to get someone to help?"

"Yes!" Jack snapped. "Chris, grab Chris."

I nodded and ran as fast as I could with a baby bump. Ricky was walking up the grand staircase and stopped me as I began going down it. "Whoa whoa! What's wrong?"

"Jacky needs help, Chris' help." I nervously responded.

"Okay, I'll find him. You need to go lay down... Ash! Come help her!" He spoke as Purdy boy came down the hall.

"What?" He asked.

"I don't need help!" I snapped. "Jacky does!"

Ricky sighed, running back down the stairs. I looked back at Ashley, seeing he was confused. Damn it, I'm going to have to explain now and I know I can't go back around Jack right now. Time to bite the bullet.
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Ricky's POV

I ran downstairs, knowing exactly where Chris would be this time of day. He's not going to be happy that I'm interrupting him. It's an emergency though and he'll get over it. I reached the cellar door, pushing it open and running into the main corridor where all the hallways are.

Brent was guarding where I had to go. Damnit! I'm going to have to talk to him when I really don't want to. He scares me so fuckin much. All the demons terrify me because they could kill me in one motion.

"B-B-Brent, can-can I please see Chris?" I stuttered as I approached him. "It's an emergency."

He groaned. "You know now is not the time, Ricky."

"Yeah, but it's Jacky. Something's wrong, he's n-not... stable."

His eyes filled with deep red as he remained quiet. As the red faded, he spoke, "Ghost will help you. You know better than to interrupt Chris now."

"I'm sorry." I whispered as I stepped behind myself, tripping as I backed into someone else.

Ghost was right behind me. He pulled me up by my skinny arms, then wrapped his arm up under me until his hand was around neck. I knew he wasn't going to kill me, but it still scared me. Ghost was going through my mind, which drove me crazy. It gave me chills and hurts my head. Then he teleported us both to another room.

He released me, and I looked around, seeing we were in one of the bedrooms. Before I knew it, I was pinned to the floor by Jacky. If he drinks my blood as a Shadow, he'll be unstoppable!

"GHOST!" I screamed as I attempted to push Jack off of me.

"Let him bite you! It's Jacky trying to get your energy, not the Shadow." Ghost told me.

Fuck, you've got to be kidding me! I let my arms drown from Jacky's chest, allowing his mouth to fall straight towards me neck. He plunged his teeth into me, causing me to scream out in agony. My body flushed fast as he drank like he could never drink again. My vision was slipping fast from all this energy being stolen straight out of my veins. I felt two hands on the side of my face, realizing it was Ghost knelt down behind my head. He forced me to become calm. It's almost like a physic version of novocain. 

"That's enough!" He strongly yelled, moving his right hand up swiftly.

Jacky's teeth ripped out of my skin as he was sent flying across the room. His back hit a table, forcing a lamp to fall over his head. The powered bulb broke open, catching fire to the floor. Flames climbed up the curtains and onto Jacky, but he was so contained in his mental battle, he didn't even notice.

"CC!" Ghost yelled, making his voice echo throughout the mansion.

I still laid on the floor because I was too weak to move. Ghost pushed his legs under himself so he was sitting on them. Then he raised my head with his hands and set me in his lap. He kept one arm rested across my chest with his hand over my heart. His other hand was cupped across my forehead. Though angels can't feel the touch of anything, including heat, we are still weakened by it. On top of that, I think Jacky took as much blood as possible from me. Ghost was trying to feed energy into me, but it was barely keeping my eyes open.

CC ran into the room. "Where's the fi- oh, shit." He said as he had felt the heat and realized half the room was ablaze. "I got it!"

His eyes went white as he placed his hands over the flames. Literally, ran his hands through the fire, but as his palm drifted over, it all began to extinguish. It only took him a moment to put it all out. However, he was a little freaked out by Jacky's behavior. Now that he wasn't on fire, he had retreated to the corner of the room and was rocking back and forth like a crazy person. His hands were tangled in his hair as he cried out in distress.

"What... the fuck?" CC whispered as he discretely pointed towards Jacky.

"Leave him be. At the moment I don't think anyone should try to move him. We'll have Chris teleport him to the sanctuary. I'd do it myself, but I can't teleport nearly as fast as him. It's not worth the risk." Ghost explained. He looked down at me, moving his hand from my forehead to my chin, caressing it. "You'll be okay. I'll keep you relaxed so your body doesn't overload while its trying to regenerate."

"Thanks." I weakly rasped out.

"Sooo... how exactly did you know my talent was manipulating fire?" CC asked. He rocked back and forth on his heals as he continued to give nervous glances to the nutcase in the corner.

Ghost scoffed. "I wouldn't allow anyone in my home without knowing exactly who they are. I know you better than you do. Now, please, go get Ryan for me so he can help Ricky. He's in the cellar, Brent can help you find him. And bring Chris if he's done... working."

"Okay!" CC smiled, giving a salute, then marched out of the room.

I laughed the best I could. Ghost grinned at my giggle. He leaned down and kissed my forehead. "Close your eyes." He whispered. "Listen to the winds in my voice, the stale salts of the white noise, and the dusts of love. Sleep, my fallen angel."

Chapter 23: Decay

Jacky's POV

My head was spinning as my mind slipped from good to evil. It was like the worst whirlwind you could possibly imagine, and anyone that got close was getting sucked into the storm. I didn't want to hurt anyone! But I could barely control my body! This Shadow was staring me in the face every time I closed my eyes, and when I opened them, I saw red.

Jacky! I heard her angelic voice calling me. Jacky, oh Jaaack! She sang so beautifully. I saw her face dancing in the flames, and it took all I had in me to tell myself it wasn't real. Kay was safe, somewhere else. The fire wasn't even real, but my skin did burn.

I took in a sharp breath as I felt someone jump my back. My mouth snarled, but my mind whimpered. The Shadow in me thrashed and growled at the attacker, attempting to kill whomever it was. It was trying to force me to give up by showing me Kay's pale face in my mind. It wasn't real, it's not real, Jack it's not fucking real! It felt so real though, to see her body dancing in the flames.

Her outline was so beautiful. It was all I could see. Her silhouette, and another suddenly entered the picture; cowboy hat, built chest, long hair, yeah I knew who that was. But, it wasn't really them. This was just a vision, caused by pure evil! Ashley's figure danced with her's, which pained me to think about losing her to him. I love her too damn much. What came next, it may have pulled my mind away from me for a moment; I watched as my love was impaled by the man that was supposed to protect her.

My will suddenly grew and I broke away from whomever was pulling me down. Though my throat burned with every breath and my body shook terribly, I found the energy to chase after something I had forgotten was just an illusion.
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Chris' POV

Brent attempted to bring Jacky down. He was the strongest demon we had in the house, but he was still no match for, what I believe, to be the most powerful creature I've ever encountered. Jacky broke away from Brent, running off down the hall.

"He's going after Ashley." Balz spoke as he stopped himself at the doorway.

I teleported myself to Ashley's room, hearing Kay scream from the sudden shock. Soon Ghost was behind me, and the others, who weren't as teleport-capable, were soon to follow, I'm sure.

"What's going on?" Ashley asked as he sat next to Kay on the bed.

Jeff, Danny, Bruno, and Brian were also in the room. Thank God, but I wasn't sure even that would prevent Jacky from getting to Ash. I heard the door bang in once, twice, boom! It slammed open, and all you could see was the glowing red eyes washing out the rest of Jacky's pale skin.

He didn't give a damn about us. The Shadow in him had one mission; kill Ashley Purdy. He wasn't thinking straight! If he kills Ash, he'll kill Kay too! Ghost used his telekinesis to throw Jacky across the room. His back hit the wall, yet it didn't seem to slow him down.

Jeff and Bruno stepped in front of the couple, blocking Jacky from them. He growled and curled his fingers.

Bruno made a tisking noise. "Paws, not claws, my friend.

"But if you wanna play that way, we've got claws too." Jeff added.

He pounced at Jacky, but it wasn't very effective. Jack grabbed him by the neck and threw him to the ground. Jeff still managed to get a few claw marks on him, and Bruno did as well. However he fell just as fast as his fox friend. In the midst of Bruno and Jeff jumping him, he let his guard down, allowing Brian to pull him under by his legs. He attacked from bellow, just as a snake would do. And Danny, he hit from head on like a true dragon.

"Don't make me do this Jacky." Danny spoke as the sparks spit from his mouth.

He should've have given Jack a chance. Danny and Brian ended up out cold within seconds, just as their friends. Kay's screams filled the air when Jacky got his chance to pounce on Ashley. That's it; I have to take extreme measures. I gave a nod to Ghost, who seemed surprised I was about to go to such lengths.

Ghost used all his ability to seize the muscles in Jacky's body. He had to be careful to only stop his movement, but not his organs. I used the short window of opportunity to grasp him by the back of the neck, and I began to put my talent to use. I wish Kay didn't have to see this. My ability was to decay things with my touch, and that was what I was doing to Jacky, to an extent.

This wouldn't kill him, it'd just stop him for a while. It still looked horrid, for his skin to start rotting and his hair to turn silver. His vampiric healing would return all his former appearance soon. This was only temporary, but Kay's aching heart didn't know that.

"Stop it!" She screamed, tears rushing down her doll-like face.

Ashley pulled her back. She fought him weakly, sobbing terribly. Ghost stumbled over to her, already drained himself. He placed his hand on her arm, using the last of his energy to put her to sleep so she'd stop crying. Then Ghost collapsed on the ground as he was out of all his available life force. Jacky finally stopped moving in my arms, so I teleported him down to the sanctuary and placed him against the stone table, cuffing his hands down.

I quickly walked out to the hallway and asked the guards outside the door to step inside. Then I returned to the room I was just in. Ryan was knelt down next to Ghost, feeding energy into him. Ashley held Kay's resting body in his arms. The four hyrbids were all passed out on the floor, and the room was a mess from the destruction.

"What have we become?" Ashley asked in the painful silence.