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Title: Black Fire "Black Fire" Tom sat in the room he had started to share a life with Chakotay on board the Veil, but in the corner of the room, huddled, hurt, scared, and angry. // Betrayed? By Harry! Cha is cheating on me with Nolan and doesn't see a problem with it? I'm not even human any more? What am I? // His mind cried. He kept the lights off, for he couldn't stop crying, but since the tears only reminded him of what he no longer was, he didn't want to see them stain his skin. He went to Harry for a sense of normalcy, but that was not meant to be. He closed his eyes praying to what ever force may be listening to help him.guide him. His mind wondered and in his minds eye he saw his old flame and friend Julian sleeping in a bed. "Oh, Julian," he said softly, wishing he could really speak with him. Tom started to believe it has been nothing but some weird dream, when he first saw Julian in trouble earlier. In his mind he moved and sat down on the bed and noticed the beautiful man he had known intimately years ago suddenly turn and look at him. "Tom?" his tired voice spoke. Tom felt himself smile, real or not, this felt good. "Jewel," he said, using his old nickname for his former lover. "Oh how I've missed you," he smiled. "I so wish this was real and we could talk.I really could use someone to talk with." Julian sat up in bed, "But it is real, Tom," he smiled. Julian looked around a minute, "This is the dream plane, some of our kind can move along here and control its domain," he said and gently reached out and touched Tom on the shoulder. "Here things feel real and to a degree are," he said gently. Tom considered this, and since he did experience something like this with Chakotay he suddenly thought that he could tell the difference between a regular dream and this kind. "How.how.I, I don't know how I did this," he said, somewhat smiling at being here with Julian and hesitant for not understanding how it came to be. "How long has it been since you were embraced?" Julian asked as he shifted some more so he was sitting next to Tom. "Not even a week yet," Tom said, trying to keep his voice light, and thought he was being successful, but then remembered, his masks never worked with Julian, for some reason. "Jewel, are you.?" Julian's gift of seeing into people's hearts, well most, showed him that Tom had a heavy heart and was in pain, and confused. Julian gave a reassuring smile, "Yes, Ace," he smirked, scruffing Tom's hair like in the old days. "But my.cross over was very different than yours would have been. It's a long story, and I promise to tell you sometime, but for now.why don't you tell me why your heart is breaking?" Tom blinked at his old lover. Julian had seemed to be able to get inside him better than the old days or Tom got more apparent. But he needed someone he could trust.he 'had' to trust someone. As Tom relayed all that happened between him, Voyager, and Chakotay, Julian got him some wine and the two sat on the bed as Julian continued to listen to Tom's situation. When Tom was done Julian poured him another glass as well as himself. "Since I've been at this for a few years now, I've made it a point to learn all there is. Nolan is a good teacher.plus, at the time of my creation, I, I seem to inherited a lot of knowledge, like a full encyclopedia, but I'm missing volumes," He joked, glad to see Tom laughed too. "From what you are telling me, it sounds like Chakotay is enthralled." "Enthralled?" Julian thought about how best to explain it, but with Tom he knew only the straight forward would serve best. "Among our kind, our blood holds our very essence, and is very potent and powerful if used. There are many that learn how to use it to our benefit or disadvantage, it's complicated," he said. "Well, if Vamire of a stronger blood line.ah you do know about blood lines, yes?" Tom shook his head no. "Okay, A blood line is started with.the original, the first one of its kind or our kind. Then those the first one creates are branched of them, and those created from the branch are branches of them.so on and so forth. The closer you are to the original the more potent your essence or blood is, and it becomes weaker the farther you get from the original. This is what I know anyway." Julian said as he sipped his wine. "Anyway, when a Vamire of a stronger blood line shares his essence with one of our kind of lesser blood line three times in a year period, but twenty-four hours apart minimum.that person becomes enthralled with the giver. In other words, Tom; it sounds like Nolan shared his essence with Chakotay and now he's enthralled with Nolan." Tom thought about this a moment. "Okay, you explained, how it could happen, but.Enthralled?" "The person that is enthralled thinks they are in love or totally beholden to the other. The other can do no wrong in their eyes.and if your going to be in that condition, its better to be enthralled then the state of Black Fire," Julian said, a slight shiver runs through him. Tom finished his wine and asked for more, he had a feeling he was going to need it, "Black Fire?" Julian smiled, "I see this is going to become a tutorial," he teased. "I charge by the hour you know?" "I remember," Tom smiled, "But are you as cheap as you use to be?" Julian whacked him on the shoulder, "Just for that I'm charging you double," he teased back, then got serious. "Tom, Black Fire is an awful state to be in. It's the same process of making a lesser bloodline enthralled with you, the only difference is that the other person knows what's going on, that they are being manipulated to feel the way they do. It's like hating someone with all you are and at the same time being made to love them with all your soul.thus Black Fire." Tom stared at Julian, wondering once more what kind of world he entered into so blindly.for the love of Chakotay. "Are you telling me that if I tell Chakotay that he's being manipulated.?" Julian sat down and placed a comforting arm around Tom, " Ace, listen to me. I don't know this Chakotay, but if you love his as much as I see you do, then don't tell him. If he would even listen, which at first he wouldn't, he won't be able to break the hold Nolan has on him, and this would only serve to make matters worse." "What can I do?" Tom asked in desperation. "I love him, he's mine!" Julian felt an old pang in his heart, for Tom use to say that about him, but not quite as passionate. He saw how serious Tom felt and how desperate. "Let me ask you this? Have you drank his essence?" Tom was quiet for a moment, "twice," he said softly. "If you include the crossing." "I do," Julian responded. "Well, I'm glad to see that this passion you feel is genuine," he smiled. "First, the only thing I know you can do is hope Nolan doesn't share his essence with Chakotay for the next 365 day or so, otherwise.learn to share," he said flatly. He knew another way to break the hold, but there was no way that Tom could defeat Nolan. Tom's look of defeat took its tool on Julian how reached in and hugged him, "I also recommend you let yourself be bonded to Chakotay.it will protect you in the long run." "Bond?" Tom asked, his mind on overload. "Though the effect is enthrallment, you are bonded.connected. As long as you maintain this connection, Chakotay will always be able to protect you for he'll know if you're in danger and vice a versa. Plus, no one else, regardless of bloodline can bond you. Sort of a cross between a curse and a blessing, much like we are," Julian said softly, trying to forget just how good it felt to hold this man in his arms again. "Is that all I can do?" Tom asked, his whisper close to Julian's ear as he hugged him tighter. Julian closed his eyes taking in the feeling of Tom in his arms, but tried to do the right thing. "It's all I know of for now, but if there is anything new, I'll let you know, Ace. I just want you to be safe and as happy as you can. Perhaps I can sway Nolan to let Chakotay go, but.I can't promise anything other that I'll try, okay?" Tom leaned back and looked into another set of dark eyes that 'enthralled' him so long ago and at that moment forgot just how long ago that was. He was hurting, and Julian was always his jewel in the night, and tonight it seemed that he was again. Before another word was spoken, he leaned in and tasted the lips that burned his soul from long ago and found them warm, and welcoming. After an intense kiss, Julian broke it and looked at his old lover, "Tom?" he said, knowing the other man understood his question. Tom smiled warmly, "it's been a long time. I.I just want." "Ace, you love Chakotay, that's a given. As much as I would love to rekindle what embers still burn between us, I.you're not like that Tom. Don't let this thing change your soul. If your not careful, it will, I've seen it. No matter what anyone tells you, Tom.stick to what you believed was right before all this happened," he said suddenly with a fierce seriousness. "Your too special to let the light in you be caste to the darkness, Tom. Promise me, if you wouldn't have done it before crossing over, don't do it now.promise!" Tom looked at the pain and severity in his friend and former lover's eyes. "I.I promise," he said, knowing how important it was to his friend too not only say it but mean it. Julian then shifted back from Tom. Guilt filling his eyes, "I made the mistake of taking a pure heart, thinking I could protect their kind soul.I failed, Tom. I swore not to make that mistake again, and though I didn't have anything to do with your choice, I can warn you of the dark traps that a wait in the shadows for you. The gifts will make you feel more powerful than what you may start to perceive as mortals. This could lead to power hunger, superiority complexes.greed, hate, indifference, anything that could corrupt the soul." Tom saw the pain his friend was in and moved to comfort him, "I'm sorry," he said. Julian smiled at Tom, "Don't be. I wanted to kiss you too, but I don't think you would do well to play this game. Nolan may enthrall Chakotay, but from what you tell me, he loves you with all his soul. If you think of it on terms like that, what part of his soul is not enthralled or in Nolan's hand is all yours. And no matter what anyone said, Ace.you're a one plane pilot. Always have been, always will be." Tom realized at that moment that he did and always would love Julian. Though he knew he was destined to be with Chakotay, his jewel would always be valued in his heart and soul. He gave Julian a kiss on the cheek. "So," he said, changing the subject. "You're the lone Prince out here battling the evils of the Alpha quadrant," he teased. "I guess. I take you know about Vladamir? He's gained enough power to start to take hold on key positions in the Federation, and I would go so far as to say some non-Federation governments too. I've managed to keep things under some control, only thanks to the war.but now it's over.he's free to concentrate on taking over and I'm just a one man show," he smiled warmly. "Well, we'll be here soon and together we'll kick old drac back!" "Yep!" Julian said. "Two months?" "Yeah, that was the first estimate, but Chakotay thinks that if we give Voyager some of our technology we can get it up there to warp 9.99 and cut that time drastically. But there is a problem," he sighed. "Ah, yes, you mentioned all that. Well, I'm far from the great sage, so.I hope you work things out.I.I have my hands full," he said, deciding not to load Tom down with worry should he have heard of Cain. One major crisis at a time was his current motto. Tom hugged his friend again, "Don't worry, Jewel. We'll be here soon. Just keep the fort locked," he teased. "I should go, these type of dreams are exhausting," he yawned. "Since you and I have a link, why." he smiled, "who knows, but if you concentrate like you did, while still letting your mind reach out, we should be able to talk again. I'm not as good with the dream plane thing.but I have my share of gift too," he teased. A chaste kiss and he watched as Tom faded away. *************** "Captain?" Harry said again. Kathryn blinked; she had drifted off again. This was so unlike her, "I'm sorry, Harry. I.I didn't sleep too well last night," she lied. The truth was she slept great, better than ever. The dream of Mark and her being together was so real and intense; it took all her control not to let her mind go back there again. Plus her mind was having trouble wrapping itself around the fact that her beloved Mark looked so much like Chakotay. "What did you say?" "I said, Tom looked hurt, Captain. I think he feels I betrayed him!" Harry exclaimed. "Nonsense!" B'Elanna stated. "If Tom has a sliver of himself in that remake, or what ever has happen to him, he'll figure out that you were only doing what he would do if things were reversed." "But." "But nothing, Harry! You going over there to talk with him is a bad idea, and you know it," B'Elanna interjected. "Going over?" Kathryn asked, realizing that she was missing something. "Are you well, Captain?" Tuvok asked, noting that she was not focused on her duties at all today. "I'm fine, Tuvok. Just tired as I said," she lied again. Then looked at Harry, "No one is going over there or coming over here till we get some answers as to what's going on here. I lose my First Officer and chief Pilot to aliens, and I want them back! Plus, I want to know why they are so generous to 'escort' us back to the Alpha quadrant, which could be a 70 year trek?" "I think they know something we don't" B'Elanna replied. "Chakotay may have been taken over, but he's no fool. You can bet, if he's out here, there's a good reason and friendliness isn't it, or we wouldn't have all this tension between us." "I tend to agree with you," Janeway replied. "But we need to find out what? So far all we got is that they read lifeless, but with fantastic brainwave functions. I need answers, and I know they're all on that ship, but till I know of a safe way of sending someone over and getting them back the way I sent them.no one is going anywhere!" "Aye, Captain," they all said. **************** "No one messes with my, Tom" Chakotay says in a soft tone, his conviction strong and clear. "That bastard just insulted him.I put him in his place," he chuckled softly. "I know everyone thinks I did it because he came at me, but that wasn't true.he insulted my love. Now Janeway?" "No one messes with you love, love," a soft firm voice says as slim strong fingers come caressing up Chakotay's strong bare shoulders from behind. Nolan caress' Chakotay's shoulders, then moves his hands to Chakotay's strong chest as he kisses his neck, "No one messes with Tom," he said. "So? What are you going to do with her?" he asks as he kissed Chakotay's jaw line up to his ear, pleased at the soft moans he was creating in the other man. "I.I won't hurt her, but." he laughs darkly, "She won't even look at Tom cross eyed when I'm done with her." Suddenly Chakotay finds himself on his back as Nolan lays on top of him, also naked their erections touch and he moans, "Yes!" "Tom is yours as you are mine, Love. Soon you'll be in the Alpha quadrant and with the power you will gain, be able to defeat that murdering thief who is trying to rule your world. You my love will be my sword and bring down justice and vengeance as I see fit," he said as he leaned down and kissed Chakotay soundly. Then he leaned up and bit his lip so it bleed, and again kissed Chakotay, who sucked deeply. // Yes, // Nolan thought, // You will be mine to wield. // ********************* Tom was still upset at knowing that as he sat at the helm of the Veil, his love was in the arms of another man. But all that Julian said rang true, especially the more the thought about it. He then decided to accept things, for as Julian said, there was little he could do to change it. Tom had decided that he would only accept Nolan because he had no choice, but if anyone else even thought about Chakotay.he felt a darkness start to creep up in him and shook it off. He was going to entertain the dark thoughts, but he promised Julian he wouldn't do what he wouldn't do before, and really harming someone was not who he was.he would try to keep that from being who he is now. He focused on work, skipping 'lunch' as it were, but made plans to be with Chakotay later, let the older man make it up to him. He couldn't tell Cha what was going on, for he would never wish that kind of pain of knowing what you think is real is fake but not able to stop feeling that way.not anyone. No, he would follow Julian's advice. Keep silent, accept, bond with his lover and pray Julian can get Nolan to back the FUCK OFF! He found himself growling.but again, the promise played in his head and with some deep breaths calmed down and moved forward. He also had time to think about what happened over on Voyager, and after he had his emotions under control he could now see that they only did what they thought was best to help. That his friend thought that he and Chakotay were under some alien influence, and in some way they were, weren't they? He knew he would have to contact Harry and let him know that all was okay, but Chakotay had clamped down on communication with Voyager and no one was allowed to go over or come here. Feeling the peace of his resolve, he was able to give Rebecca a genuine smile, as he was about to finish up his shift. She was turning out to be a good friend to him and Chakotay, and he was learning quickly that in this dark world, true friendship would be more difficult to find than it was in when he first arrived on Voyager. After a few kind and amusing words, Tom headed to their quarters to meet with his love. When he entered he found it set up for a romantic evening; soft candle light, music, flowers, and his love looking radiant in tight black pants and silk red shirt. Tom smiled as he walked in, "For me?" he asked softly. "No, for Janeway," he teased as he walked up to the younger man. Then he got serious, "I'm so sorry, Tom. I.I just don't understand, but if you." Tom knew that Chakotay wanted him to explain what had him so upset but now understanding that if he did he could hurt the man he loved deeply, had decided not too. "It's not your fault, love. I.I was just over emotional with things, and I'm having some trouble with adjusting to all this.please forgive me?" he asked, giving his puppy dog look, knowing Cha couldn't resist it. He smiled as he saw Chakotay melt and move in and kiss him deeply. After a few minutes Tom decided that if they wanted to speed up the mission, Cha and Janeway need to make some peace. "Cha, I don't want you to be angry with her," he said softly. "She.she just thinks.well, she's concerned, that's all." "I'm not worried about Janeway," Chakotay smiled. "I'm confident that she'll.come around, and all will work out just fine." Tom couldn't help it. There was a dark look in his love's eyes that was not there before. Then Julian's words echoed through his head, that there were many dark traps that could corrupt the soul if one was not careful. The thought of his love, a pure and noble man being enveloped in darkness struck a cord of fear in Tom's heart. Something was wrong. "Cha, what are you up too?" Chakotay chuckled softly, "Seducing you, my love," he teased. "I mean with Captain Janeway?" he asked seriously. Chakotay seemed pleased with himself, "Oh, nothing," he said in that I'm not going to tell you tone, even if it was playful. But Tom saw that dark streak glisten in his lover's eyes and again a cold chill ran down his spine. "Cha?" he asked, his tone indicating he wanted to know now. Chakotay turned serious, "Tom, she messed with you. No one messes with you.your mine! I'm just going to teach her a lesson, but.I won't hurt her," he said. Tom pulled back out of Chakotay's arms. He couldn't believe his ears. "Listen to yourself!" he shouted alarmed. "What's wrong with you?" Chakotay stepped closer, "Nothings wrong, babe. And as far as Janeway is concerned, I said I wouldn't hurt her. It's not like she's like that walking sack of bones earlier that insulted you," he said casually. Tom felt himself pale. Chakotay had just admitted that he killed the guy in the mess hall over him, not in self-defense as he originally thought. "You.you 'killed' him.over me?" "Babe, he insulted you," Chakotay replied as if that explained everything away. This was getting to be too much. "Cha? Are you listening to your self? You 'killed' someone." he didn't know what to say. It wasn't like Chakotay hasn't taken life before, but always in self-defense.this was.murder. Tom wanted to blurt out Julian's warning, but for some reason, or some instinct he felt the need to keep Julian out of this. // Nolan! // Tom cursed. Somehow Nolan had bonded his love and was blinding him to what was really going on. The question was why? When Chakotay rested his hands on Tom's shoulders, Tom knew then that he couldn't go through with his initial plan and bond with Chakotay. He loved the man enough as it was; he couldn't afford to become blinded to him.not if he was going to save him.some how. He gently backed off. "Not tonight, love," he said quietly and moved off to go to bed for the night, indicating that he had full intentions of just sleeping. Chakotay watched his love leave off to the bedroom and gave a soft growl. // I don't know what that bitch did to you to upset you so much, // he thought coldly, // but she'll pay! // ***** Julian was tired as he walked into his cabin. It had been a long |