Betrayal of Loyalty

Shifting restlessly, sheets tangled around his legs Arcane was ready to give up on getting any sleep. Emotions he�d denied during the light of day resurfaced with a vengeance now his mind was resting. Graham�s death shouldn�t affect him this much, the man was just an assistant. So what if he was loyal, there were lots of other loyal employee�s ... well, no. Arcane couldn�t really fool himself on that account. His other employee�s feared him, did what he told them because he signed their paychecks and for what he�d do if they disobeyed. For all his faults, Graham had been loyal because he�d actually cared about him. A rare event in his life, he was more used to people shouting death threats or cringing in his presence. Not that Graham didn�t sometimes cringe, Arcane grinned nostalgically, it was ... his smile faded as his mind made the correction ... it had been an oddly enduring trait.

Dammit, that was it. There was no way he was going to lay in bed and think about ... there was no way he was going to grieve. Graham was an assistant. That was it. End of story. If sleep wasn�t in the agenda, it would have to be work.

Pulling on a dressing gown, Arcane made his way down to the main lab. Usually, at this time, he�d find Graham working, late at night seemed to be the man�s favourite work hours. Intent on his memories, wishing for that familiar figure to be waiting for him as expected, he wasn�t surprised to see Graham�s image before him ... it took several seconds for reality to intrude upon him.

"No," eyes wide, a small whisper escaped, Arcane�s face drained of all colour, " ... it can�t be. You�re, you�re ..."

"Dead, sir?" Graham smiled, looking amused as Arcane struggled to speak.

"I�m hallucinating," strangled, Arcane backed up a step as Graham got to his feet, "Yes, that�s it. I�m just overtired. Stress from the day and all that."

"Or perhaps guilt," Graham carefully suggested, moving forward until Arcane was backed against a counter.

"Guilt," Arcane straightened up, no hallucination was going to talk to him like that, even if it was one he dearly wanted to believe in, "Don�t be ridiculous. I have nothing to be guilty over."

"I thought killing me might inspire some guilt," his dead assistant pressed closer ... making Arcane all too aware of his - phantom- warmth.

His throat closed up and for a moment he couldn�t speak, couldn�t breath ... "It was self-defense. I, I had no choice ...I ..."

"Shh, now," Graham laid a gentle finger across his mouth, stroking his bottom lip in a caress that left him breathless for an entirely different reason. "I wouldn�t hurt you, you know that." Vivid blue eyes seemed to stare into his mind, soothing, blocking out the pain, "I love you."

Soft lips settled briefly, then more firmly on his own, bringing more warmth and comfort than any other kiss he�d ever felt before. Graham�s lips parted and with a small whimper of desperation Arcane deepened the kiss, clutching the man closer, sinking into the taste, the smell, the warmth that was so familiar, so perfect he never wanted to let go of this moment ...

... gasping Arcane struggled to free himself from the clinging grasp of tangled bed sheets. A hollow pain spreading cold numbness in place of heat when his grasping fingers encountered only cool linen instead of warm flesh. Closing his eyes he determinedly swept his mind clear of the dream - especially the meaning of the kiss. Fighting his way free from the bed Arcane stumbled into the bathroom, not bothering to hit the lights before turning on the shower. Stepping under the soothing spray, he could feel his thoughts settle, calmness flowing over his skin. Now he could face the day, face the trial he was sure Graham�s funeral was going to be.

As if to mock yesterdays tragic events, the day had dawned bright and clear. Clear blue skies looked down onto the tranquil setting of grey gravestones and colourful flowers. Spectators gathered around the newest addition in the cemetery, the freshly dug soil fragrant in the cool air. Few of those there showed up from genuine regret, curiousity seemed to be the prevailing emotion. This was the first time Dr. Arcane had arranged a funeral for any of his employee�s ... although the rumour mill had it there�d been many more dead then the official reports stated. Will and Tressa watched from the back as Arcane arrived on the scene and made his way to the front of the crowd.

Surveying those gathered Arcane fought to restrain his impulse to glare at every person who dared to pretend that Graham�s death meant anything to them. He, however, couldn�t keep the biting sarcasm out of his tone, "it�s heartwarming to see all of Graham�s �friends�," pausing briefly, he observed several people shift uncomfortably, "have come to bid him goodbye. I know he would have been - touched - by everyone�s presence. For myself, I have only one thing to say," Arcane clenched his hands behind his back, brutally shoving his emotions to the furthest corner of his mind. Where it kept this mornings dream company. "As an assistant Graham certainly wasn�t the best - not even close. But Graham wasn�t just my assistant, he was also my friend." Turning he threw the first handful of dirt on the gleaming casket, whispering quietly past the tightness in his throat, "I will avenge your death Graham. Woodrue will pay." Without another word, or a look backward Arcane strode towards his vehicle while the priest took his place to perform the final prayer.

"Nice speech, Doc," Will couldn�t resist calling out as Arcane passed by, "Very touching, one�d almost think you cared."

"Yes, one would almost," Arcane barely paused in his path towards his car, leaving a confused Will behind him.

In the quiet greenness of the Swamp, the morning�s early sunshine shone down on the water with a dappling pattern of light and dark. Slowly Alec stirred from the position he�d inhabited all night, "Yes, I sense it too ... the source of the emanations is from that building." Surging out of the water he nodded in agreement with the Swamp�s whispered suggestion, "I�ll go investigate immediately."

Traveling swiftly through the dense jungle of trees, Alec reached his destination in rapid time. The emanations of now searing agony were starting to take their toll on the sereness of the Swamp and he was anxious to get answers to the mystery. Stopping on the edge of a clearing he stared at the odd building that stood there.

Obviously hastily constructed, it held an air of quiet shabbiness. If he didn�t have the Swamp�s senses to tell him otherwise Alec would have easily believed it was abandoned. The front door opened just as he started closer and he hurriedly stepped back out of sight. Luckily he hadn�t been noticed by the two men that made their way outside. He furtively made his was nearer in hopes of overhearing something - anything that would give him a clue about the buildings purpose.

The man nearest to his position was short, with blonde hair and glasses. His companion almost the opposite with a clearly six foot frame, and dense black hair. About the only thing they had in common was their identical plain white lab coat.

"I hear we�ll moving out soon," the shorter man was saying. He dragged out a pack of cigarettes and lit one up with a sigh of relief.

"Yup, we just have a few loose ends that need to be tied up and then we�re being shipped out." the taller man slapped at a mosquito. "And it won�t be a moment too soon for me. Give me a dirty, noisy city anytime over all this nature crap."

His friend laughed, "its not so bad Fred. Makes a nice change from rushhour traffic." He paused with a troubled frown, "do you know what�s going to happen to the poor sap in the lab?"

"The boss will probably eliminate him now he�s no longer needed." Fred replied, shrugging carelessly, "it�s probably for the best anyway. You know his brain wave activity has been all but non-existent the past twenty-four hours. I don�t know a medical procedure capable of allowing him to be any more than a mental vegetable."

"I know all that ... but ..."

"But what Cal? Would you want to live with the mental capacity of a two year old? Less even."

"It just doesn�t seem right to kill him when he can�t even defend himself. Couldn�t we drop him off at -"

"NO!" Fred glared at his shorter friend, "Don�t say and don�t even think it. Our lives wouldn�t be worth the mud on the bottom of your shoe if the Doctor even got wind it was in your mind. No," he gentled his tone, "trust me Cal, this is for the best."

"Alright," Cal conceded reluctantly, crushing out his cigarette, "You�re right as usual. Let�s at least get back and make him as comfortable as possible."

"If it�ll make you feel better," Fred slung a arm across Cal�s shoulders. "You really gotta learn not to care so much Cal, it�ll make things go much easier." Their voices faded away as they moved out of range and back into the building.

"I�ll have to get inside, find out who is in there," Alec looked around at the clearing in which the building stood. There was no chance of sneaking up there, he�d be spotted the moment he left the shelter of the trees. He would have to wait for dark in order to even chance getting closer. Still, the emanations that had so disturbed the Swamp was clearer and stronger here. Perhaps he could learn more about the source, the mysterious patient the two men had been discussing seemed a likely bet.

Concentrating, Alec tapped into the sensation deeper then he�d ever been able to achieve. Blocking the agony that felt all to real, for the first time he was able to pick up on a thread of desperation under the pain ... there was a name there, a refrain that kept repeating. If only he could make it out! Closing his eyes Alec focused intently, straining to ignore the fiery spikes of pain.

Arcane ... Help!!

Wrought with anguish, and barely understandable, Alec was able to pick out the words before having to drop the connection. *Arcane,* he sighed, one hand pressing tiredly against his head, *I should have known you had to be involved in this in someway.* Sinking further into the shadows Alec struggled against what he knew he had to do, what nature demanded he do. There was no choice, he couldn�t allow anyone to suffer such pain without helping ... even if it meant he had to ally himself to the one man who�d been the source of all the misery in his life. Reluctantly, but determined Alec headed back into the Swamp to confront Arcane.

***** Arcane was in his lab, staring dully at the wall. His latest experiment - a little something to ensure Woodrue got what was coming to him - sitting untouched in front of him . He was finding it hard to concentrate, mind straying to thoughts and images of Graham. He�d never admitted to Graham how much he�d ... counted on him. Angrily shoving upright, Arcane swept a row of drying beakers onto the floor. He wasn�t going to do this, wasn�t going to mourn his assistant. No one was going to have that power over him anymore.

"Dr. Arcane," Stella�s voice over the intercom interrupted his silent rant.

"Is this going to become a habit," Arcane hit the �talk� button, sarcasm thick in his tone, "or can I, *MAYBE*, manage to get my work done without being disturbed *SOMETIME THIS YEAR!!!*"

"The General wants to speak to you," Stella struggled to control her temper. While she usually wasn�t prone to telling people off, Graham�s death had shaken her normal calm serenity.

"What�s that senile old twit want now?" Arcane closed his eyes wearily, this was the last thing he needed to deal with now. "Alright, Stella, tell him I�ll be there in a moment," Leaving the lab he headed to his office, an cloying sense of deja-vu pervading the atmosphere as he settled in front on his desk.

"General, what can I do for you?"

"I�m simply calling to express my condolences on the lose of your personal assistant," Sunderland�s even metallic tones showed no signs of his professed remorse.

"Thank you, Sir," Teeth gritted, knuckles turning white on the edge of his desk, he had to bite his tongue to stop the rage from spewing forth.

"Yes, it is especially tragic when loyal personnel betray your trust," As the accompanied text scrolled past the screen the faint nagging doubt that had been plaguing him from his first conversation with the General turned into a full fledged suspicion.

"Sir," Arcane pondered his choice of wording carefully, "I was away from the Complex yesterday. You didn�t by any chance visit in that time? I�ve had several conflicting reports from security guards of you being seen."

"If I decide to visit Doctor," Sunderland�s disdain come through clearly, "I would certainly call beforehand. Now, if that�s all, I have several important matters to attend to."

"Of course, Sir," Arcane mumbled, mind momentarily stunned by the possibilities of what this could mean. If the General from yesterday wasn�t the real General that would have to mean that Jason knew. No one else would have been able to pull off a stunt like that. But why?! What did it gain Woodrue. Access to his lab? Even Jason couldn�t be naive enough to believe he�d allow that, no matter what Sunderland ordered. So something else then.

Tiredly Arcane pushed himself away from his desk, perhaps fresh air was needed to clear the cobwebs from his mind. Strolling along the perimeter fencing he mulled over the problem. What did Woodrue have to gain? Revenge was the only thing that occurred to him. Their game of one-upmanship the past few years had been in his favour. It would be like Jason to do all this solely to cause him grief. How did he convince Graham to go along with the farce then? Despite the last few weeks of betrayal he knew his assistant ... and the Graham he knew was incapable of conspiring to kill him, no matter the incentive. So, *it couldn�t have been the Graham I know,* Arcane swallowed, almost not daring to believe what he was thinking. "He�s alive," he breathed.

"Speaking to oneself is the first sign of madness," Alec�s gravelly tones came from behind him, causing Arcane the spin around. "However in your case, perhaps it�s the last."

"You," Arcane sighed, crossing his arms in annoyance, "don�t you have a home to go to?"

"I had a home ... before you destroyed it," Alec growled, taking a threatening step towards the Doctor.

"Yes well," Arcane backed up, holding his hands up placating, "these things have a way of happening. So," he gestured towards the perimeter, "what brings you to my doorstep, as it were?"

"I�m here against my better judgment," Alec repressed the desire to just leave, "there is someone who needs your help."

"My help?" Arcane almost laughed, if he didn�t know better he could have sworn the Jolly Green Giant looked disconcerted.

"As unbelievable as it sounds, yes." Holland shifted backwards, "You must follow me."

"I don�t do house calls, Holland, perhaps you can find some other person for your little errand of mercy," Arcane waved a hand airily, "And now, if you�ll excuse me, as lovely as chatting with you is, I have other matters to attend to."

"Matters more important than finding out why some unknown Doctor has constructed a building, hidden on the edge of the Swamp?" if possible Alec would have smirked as Arcane abruptly halted and turned back.

"What are you talking about?" Arcane glared, "What Doctor, what building?"

"I�ve seen it," Alec quickly re-counted the conversation he�d overheard, "Whoever is being imprisoned is sending out telepathic pleas for help. Pleas to you."

"Graham," Arcane abruptly had to blink back tears, the possibility his Graham might really be alive was suddenly a lot more probable, "it has to be Graham."

"Isn�t Graham dead?" Scrutinizing Arcane closely Holland was slightly surprised at the open relief the man displayed.

"Come now, Holland," Arcane patted him on the arm, grinning, "you don�t think I would actually kill Graham, my most loyal assistant, do you?"

"If it suited your purpose," Holland ignored the now glowering Doctor, "We must leave now. There�s no time to lose."

"Why?" Arcane started back towards his Complex, "I need to plan, to gather the appropriate forces ..."

"There is no time for any of that," grabbing Arcane by the arm, Holland pulled the grumbling man behind him, "From the increasing amount of agony the Swamp has been perceiving, Graham doesn�t have much longer to live."

"Why didn�t you bloody well say so in the first place?" Pulling free Arcane strode ahead, calling back over his shoulder, "Well, come on now, what are you waiting for?"

Rolling his eyes Alec moved in front of Arcane, pointedly setting out in correct direction. Ignoring his enemy�s muttering, which sounded unsurprisingly like insults he tramped on in silence.

****

"Well, it doesn�t seem very impressive," critically Arcane surveyed the building that had helped cause him so much trouble over the weeks, "I don�t spot any guards patrolling, although I do spy a rather large limousine attempting to hide behind some bushes."

"Five men left half an hour ago," Alec broke his communion with the Swamp, "but ..."

"Jolly good of them ... let�s go." Arcane interrupted brusquely, stepping into the clearing. Only to be quickly hauled back by Holland, and not too gently either. "What the bloody hell do you think you�re doing?? Graham is in there!"

"Look," Alec pointed to the door, which had cracked open to admit two heavily armed thugs.

Arcane backed further into the shadows at the sight of their vicious weapons. Opening his mouth, he quieted without saying a word when Holland held up his hand, "Listen."

"Are the charges set?" The question came almost to softly for them to hear. Swallowing dryly Arcane strained to hear the answer.

"Yup, she�ll blow in ten minutes. Let�s get out of here." Wasting no time the two men climbed into the waiting limo, pulling out onto a small dirt road it was mere moments later that silence once again settled into the clearing.

Arcane didn�t even glance back at his companion, he had less than ten minutes to find Graham and get him out. Failure was not acceptable. Pulling at the door, he cursed as he found it locked, "Bloody marvelous! What kind of idiot sees fit to lock the door of a building set to explode!"

"Move aside," Pushing Arcane not-so-subtly out of the way, Alec concentrated for a brief moment, plant fiber straining as he set his strength to ripping the door off. With a reluctant shriek it yielded to the pressure upon it, without a word Alec threw it aside and strode into the darkened interior.

"Remind me not to make you angry when I�m within reach," Arcane muttered, staring at the mutilated door before stepping inside. The chill air was the first thing he noticed, then the faint odour of antiseptic. Dim red emergency lighting led the way past the first room, into a hallway that opened onto several living quarters and a washroom. Spying Holland pulling open a door at the end of the corridor Arcane made to join him when he noticed a door to his right.

It was cleverly hidden, being in the same colour of the walls with no doorknob. Frowning Arcane pushed against it, surprised when it swung open without any trouble, "Wait Holland, I think I�ve found something." Taking a deep breath he entered the room.

It was obviously a medical lab, equipment and monitors littering every spare inch. Everything was quiet except for the faint beep of a heart monitor, while reassuringly steady was altogether too slow. The still form in the centre of the room drew him forward, and Arcane haltingly moved forward. He was almost afraid to look, afraid it might not be Graham ...

... breathe escaping, Arcane had to bite of a curse of the sight of his assistant�s bruised and beaten form. Metal electrodes were attached to bare skin that was covered in cuts and abrasions. A thin blanket and pale green hospital pants was the only covering. Ignoring the trembling of his hand Arcane touched his assistant, biting his lip and the how cold and clammy the man�s flesh felt. This was not good.

"It appears as if Graham put up quite the fight," Holland commented, watching a stricken expression flit over Arcane�s face.

"This is all my fault," Arcane whispered, almost too quietly to hear. Shaking himself he abruptly ripped the electrodes off, unattaching the IV he snapped at Holland, "well, don�t just stand there, give me a hand with him."

Repressing his natural instincts to give this man as little help as possible, Alec picked Graham up. Carrying him carefully, he was momentarily distracted at the disturbing lack of any surface thoughts or emotions. It was like holding a corpse, only he could feel and hear a heartbeat. *Something is very wrong here!* Holding Graham securely Holland followed Arcane out of the building.

Running, they had nearly reached the surrounding trees when the world exploded behind them ... the shockwave pushed Alec off his feet, and it was only with a surprising agile dive that he was able to avoid crushing Graham under his weight.

Fire was spilling into the sky, black smoke roiling forward to dirty the clean air. Alec was sure it could be seen in Houma, he could feel the Swamp urging him to leave quickly. Most disturbing however, was even the sharp jar of hitting the ground, and the deafening roar of the explosion hadn�t disturbed the death-like stillness of Arcane�s assistant.

"That was too bloody close," Arcane staggered upright, ears ringing so much he almost couldn�t hear his own voice, "Another moment and the world would have been deprived of my genius."

"The world would never be so lucky," Holland dryly commented, sparing a brief look at Arcane before picking Graham back up, "We need to leave this place, the risk of discovery is too great." Striding further into the Swamp, he ignored Arcane�s automatic protest against �not having to follow his orders.�

"Er, how is Graham doing?" Arcane asked, hurrying to catch up. Trying to mask the concern in his voice ... realizing he�d failed utterly when Holland actually shot him a look of sympathy.

"He�s," Alec hesitated, normally he�d be blunt with the man ... something was terrible wrong with Graham ... but the unexpected emotion Arcane showed stopped him. Cruelty was not a trait he endorsed, even towards the one who�d shown him nothing but. "I�ll know more when we stop," he finally compromised.

Arcane didn�t protest, now that he had Graham back he found himself almost afraid of what damage he�d find. Whatever Woodrue had done to him couldn�t have been good ... he had the feeling that would prove to be the understatement of the year. If any permanent injury was made to his assistant Jason would find his continued living an impossible thing to remain doing.

Presently, they came to a halt in front of a large tree, its branches and roots providing a cradle in which Holland gently laid Graham. Arcane held his breath, the very air felt still as silence descended in expectation of what was to come.

Laying his hand on Graham�s forehead, Alec concentrated intently. Ignoring the first impressions of overwhelming darkness; an endless void where thought and emotion should be, he probed further into Graham�s mind. It was with an abrupt and painful lurch that he broke through the void; only to crash into a maelstrom of agony and desolation. Alec tried to move forward into the confusion, hoping to find the cause of all the destruction. Memories and random thoughts tore past him, coiling around his senses; he was unprepared for the abrupt surge of rage and hate that sent him hurtling back into his own mind.

Reeling back from Graham�s still form, Alec dimly became aware of Arcane shouting at him, "Dammit Holland! What the hell is going on?!"

"Stop shouting," Alec wearily straightened to his full height, throwing off the lingering effects from the severed connection, "I, along with the rest of Houma, can hear you."

"Well?" Impatiently Arcane glared, "What happened then? How is Graham? Why isn�t he waking up?"

"His mind has retreated into a coma," Holland couldn�t help but notice how Arcane�s face paled at the word coma, "It�s unlike anything I�ve ever seen before. He seems to see me as an intruder, a danger ... I�m unable to get close enough to even attempt to repair the damage. And if that damage isn�t repaired soon, he will die," Alec had to look away from his stricken enemy, unsettled by the guilt he felt at his inability.

"No," Arcane backed away, shaking his head, "You�ve brought people back from the dead dammit. Don�t you dare tell me you can�t fix this!!"

"I can�t," Holland met Arcane�s devastated gaze calmly, "there�s nothing I can do. I�m sorry, Arcane, the damage is too great."

"If, if you could get close enough, could you repair the damage?" Arcane swallowed, the answer had to be yes. There was no way this was going to end like this.

"Yes, I believe so," Alec knew that look, Arcane had something up his sleeve, "I can�t get close enough though, it�s impossible."

"Nothing is impossible Holland, you of all people should know that by now," Arcane met Alec�s eyes, "We need to get him back to my lab."

"You can�t possibly expect me to voluntarily go to your lab," disbelief dripped from his tone.

"I expect you to help Graham," Arcane replied collectedly. Bending down by his assistant he gently pulled him into a sitting position. "There�s no time to argue about this, Holland. Now get the bloody hell over here and help me!" he finally snapped in frustration as the overgrown plant remained unmoving.

"I will not be fooled by you Arcane, and I do not trust you," Alec stated firmly, backed by the Swamp�s silent agreement. Too many incidents with this man had taught him well.

"For god�s sake Holland!" Arcane gestured roughly, "this isn�t about trust, this is about Graham! Dammit man, he�d dying! You can�t just let that happen!"

"If there was anything I could do, I would," Alec sighed, "But I will not endanger myself for you."

"Fine!" Arcane pulled Graham closer, struggling to get to his feet under the man�s dead weight, "I�ll heal him myself. I will not let him die this time!" here Arcane�s voice broke and for once he couldn�t continue. Almost already he could feel defeat dragging him down past his normal total belief in his genius.

Holland shifted uncomfortably, his determination not to trust Arcane wavering. Graham, after all, was an innocent in this and it simply wasn�t in his nature to allow anyone to suffer. And despite who he worked for, he liked Graham, admired his loyalty and devotion. "Arcane, wait," groaning inwardly at his own conscious, "I�ll help you ... but if you double-cross me I swear you�ll regret it."

"You have my word that no harm will come to either yourself or the Swamp," Arcane promised fervently, gently handing his assistant�s limp body over to Holland, "Believe me, it�s the person who�s responsible for this atrocity I�m after."

"Alright, let�s go, we don�t have much time left," Alec pushed his doubts aside, his course was decided and only fate would determine if it was the right decision.

Moving quickly, Arcane had to struggle to keep up, and by the time they reached the Complex his breath was coming in rapid pants. It was with relief he led the way to the lifts, the journey down to his lab allowing him to regain control over his breathing. Keeping his thoughts firmly on what he had to do, he was able to ignore Graham�s still and silent form.

Stepping out into the lab Arcane gestured for Holland to lay his assistant on a nearby table as he hurriedly retrieved a small silver case.

"Exactly what is it you think you can do for him," Alec asked, laying his passenger down carefully, the man�s only movement coming from the slight cold shivers shaking his still form.

"I think I can reach him so that you can heal him," Arcane replied with a confidence he wasn�t entirely sure he felt. Ignoring Hollands stare of disbelief he explained, "Joint studies led by a British-Canadian team of scientists have proven subjects in a deep coma respond to people and objects they are intimately acquainted with. Tests in remote regions with sparse populations and harsh conditions illustrates their theory beautifully," pausing briefly, he took a deep breath, "Isolated individuals naturally form deeper and stronger bonds with each other. Experimentation has shown that these people often develop a sort of mental resonance with each other." stopping, he was abruptly aware that he was going on a tad bit too enthusiastically. "Er, their theory also collaborates with what is known about certain regions of the brain. The part of the mind that controls the thin line between the conscious and sub-conscious is located right in the middle of a person's long term memories; where also, philosophers have speculated that the soul resides. Fascinating really..." Arcane raised an eyebrow, "if a trifle under developed."

"I�ll agree, it�s interesting," Alec nodded towards Graham, a faint suspicion already forming, "But what does it have to do with your assistant?"

"Well," Arcane couldn�t resist a gloating pause, "I have designed and build a device to tap into and interact with that area of the brain. Essentially it allows a person to become part of another�s consciousness. It was an attempt at reaching my wife but well ... I never had the opportunity to test it." Blinking away past memories, he focused in on the present problems. "It should allow me to reach the root of the damage ... from there you can access the area through me and heal him."

"I�m impressed," Holland reluctantly admitted, intrigued despite himself at the possibilities offered up by such a machine. "Why are you accessing Graham�s mind, it would be simpler for me to heal directly."

"Really, Holland, you�ve tried before. Do you honestly believe that you won�t be fighting every step of the way, and losing valuable time."

"And you won�t," Alec resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

"I know you may find this hard to believe but Graham trusts me," Arcane glared, daring Holland to say anything, "I know my assistant. He will let me close enough."

"Alright, Arcane," Holland reluctantly agreed, "What is it you need me to do."

"Well, there is one little problem with the device," Arcane admitted, "Nothing what-so-ever to do with my design, of course," he hastened to add, ignoring Hollands muttered �of course�, "But it seems the power needed to sustain any kind of contact is too great for it to handle. It needs your unique abilities to boost its input so I can reach Graham."

"You want me to act as a battery?" Alec seriously considered telling Arcane what he could do with his device.

"Think of it more as ..." Arcane re-considered his words, "Well, yes actually. I do need you to act as a �battery�." he grinned at Hollands disgruntled glare. "Shall we get started then?"

"Very well," Holland moved out of the way as Arcane hurried around, getting things ready.

"I�ve started the initiation sequence," Arcane indicated a console to his right, "Special electrodes must be placed on both Graham and myself. Then it�s a simple matter of you pressing that silver button and standing back and boosting the input." Handing one set of disks to Holland he placed the others on his assistants temple, making a silent note to grab a blanket first chance he got ... Graham was colder than he�d like. It was obvious not much effort had been made to ensure his health.

Arcane wheeled another table close to his assistant, climbing up and holding still as Holland placed the electrodes in the exact same position on his temple. "Are you ready?" Alec paused to ask, stepping over to the console.

"I�m certainly not laying here for my health ... of course I�m bloody ready," Arcane snapped irritably, "Just get on with it." Certainly he wasn�t going to admit to the slight twinge of apprehension that struck him. Everything would work, he designed it ... therefore nothing could go wrong!

Sighing, Alec pressed the button, frowning in concern as Graham�s body immediately began to convulse, "his mind is trying to reject the connection," he shouted to Arcane, who showed the strain of trying to force the tentative connection. The Doctor slowly managed to drag his hand over to the other table, fingers just grazing the man�s arm. At the touch, Graham�s convulsions slowed and then stopped altogether as his mind gradually accepted another�s presence.

"This had better work," Alec laid a hand on Graham�s head, focusing his powers at strengthening the tenuous bond. Connecting to the Swamp he just hoped his energy remained strong enough to allow Arcane the chance to finish his task.

Eyes opening painfully, Arcane shook his head to clear the lingering dullness from his mind. The process was a trifle more painful then anticipated, still, details like that could be worked out later. This invention could prove very lucrative.

Looking around his surroundings, he was surprised to find he was in what was someone�s backyard, complete with an ancient old climbing tree. The sun shone down on the tangled lawn, wild flowers growing in clumps, obviously gardening wasn�t a concern wherever he was. A small white house provided the background, peeling paint and grungy windows adding to its decrepit appearance. The back door creaked open, three children piling out of the house in silence. It wasn�t until they had gained the shade of the tree that Arcane heard them speak.

"Is the birds nest still there?" the smallest asked, curious brown eyes staring up at the branches.

"Let�s see," red hair gleaming, the second child started climbing, swarming up the limbs with an ease that spoke of much practice.

The one who had asked followed quickly behind, looking down he called to the last boy, "Come on Teddy, its fun."

"He won�t climb Ben," the first taunted, having now reached the top, "He�s too much of a fraidy-cat."

"Am not," Teddy protested hotly, "I�ll show you." At the child�s voice Arcane started, taking a closer look he found himself staring into his assistant�s familiar blue eyes.

"Teddy Graham?!" Arcane repeated, watching young Graham�s progress up the tree, "No wonder you don�t use your first name." smirking, he couldn�t help muse on how entertaining it would be to call Graham Teddy from now on.

"See Alex," Graham smiled jubilantly up at his brother, "I can do it. I�m not ..." He was interrupted by a loud bellow.

"If I catch you kids in that tree again, I�ll take the belt to lot of ye!" the snarling voice shouted, the sound growing ominously closer.

"It�s father," Ben whimpered, small body trembling.

"Quick," Alex started down as Graham lowered their youngest brother to the ground, "We have to hide." Smiling reassuringly at Ben, Graham wasn�t careful where he put his feet. Arcane could see what was about to happen, his warning shout was unheard as the thin limb cracked and sent his assistant crashing painfully to the grass.

"Teddy," Alex jumped the last few feet, landing near, "Are you okay?" he gasped, looking fearfully up at the house, red hair standing out in stark relief against his white face.

"I think I broke my ankle," Graham bit his lip against the pain. He gestured for his brothers to move away, "You two hide, quick ... there isn�t any time."

"We can�t leave you," Ben whimpered, clinging to Alex�s hand, "You can make it Teddy, I�ll help you."

"I can�t," Graham smiled bravely through a veil of unshed tears, "I�ll be okay. Go with Alex and hide." Meeting his brother�s eyes he silently pleaded for him to do what he said.

Alex nodded reluctantly, they�d both made a promise to protect Ben, he couldn�t break that. Tears filled his eyes as he pulled his brother away, "Teddy�s right Ben, we can�t all get caught. There�d be no one to look after mom."

Ben stopped struggling, allowing himself to be dragged behind the safety of several nearby bushes. Crouching down, they waited fearfully for their father.

Still muttering obscenities, a tall man burst from around the corner. Arcane, who had moved to stand next to the young version of his assistant, grimaced at his first sight. "What a brute," he glared disdainfully at the man�s filthy appearance. Grease and food stains covered his dingy shirt, and what was left of his stringy black hair was slicked down to his head. A half empty vodka bottle was clutched in his hand. Whoever Graham learned hygiene from, it certainly wasn't this slob, Arcane�s mouth curled in disgust, watching as the man strode over to his assistant.

"There you are you little maggot," the man spate vehemently, towering over his much smaller son, who futilely cowered against the tree, "Where's the rest of your faggot brothers? Off playing with each other?"

"N ..not here, th .. they - they�re ..." His father viciously backhanded him, choking off his words.

"I warned you about that fucking stuttering," the man yelled, spittle flying from his mouth. He callously yanked his son to his feet, unheeding of Graham�s short scream as his weight came down on his broken ankle. Arcane stepped forward, trying to grab his assistant�s other arm, anything to get him away from this monster, but his hand went through and the man continued to spew foul words as he dragged Graham behind him. "Don�t be such a wimp. I�ll teach you to be a real man, you little prick." Graham struggled to keep up, biting his lip until it bled.

Arcane let out the breath he�d been unaware he was holding, *I never knew,* dazed he stumbled over the broken tree branch, *all this time and I never knew. How could you keep something like this from me, Graham?* The more haunting question was how could he have not known. Looking back, the signs of previous abuse in his assistant was obvious to see. Signs he�d either ignored or dismissed, secure in the knowledge that there was nothing he didn�t know about Graham. These thoughts served to distract his mind from any unpleasant associations it wanted to focus on. His attention was scattered as his surroundings gave an abrupt lurch, time slipping past in seconds as the backyard was replaced by another scene.

A small gathering stood clustered around a small coffin, and with a sickening flash Arcane knew what must have happened. The day was dark and overcast, the threat of rain fragrant in the air. Graham and his red-headed brother stood in front of a delicate and beautiful woman, their father possessively holding onto her waist.

"We are gathered here today to honour the memory of our missing loved ones," a priest stepped forward, nodding to the group, "To mourn the passing of such a young soul is not an easy task. Ten year old Benton Graham now rests in peace in the loving embrace of our Lord," the priest smiled encouragingly at Graham, "Theodore, I believe you wanted to say a few words."

Glancing up at his mother Graham hesitantly stepped forward, "Ben was more than just my brother, he was one of my bestest friends. I know he�s in peace, and I�m happy for him," tears ran down his face, and he hastily scrubbed a hand over his face, "But, but I�ll miss you. I love you, Ben."

Arcane swallowed the unnatural impulse to comfort this child, his assistant who�d already seen death at such a young age. A death that happened by his own father�s hand if he was any judge.

With another gut-churning wrench the scene in front him shifted once again, colours blurring into a nauseating kaleidoscope. Stomach heaving he slowly opened his eyes, looking around in puzzlement. *What the hell am I doing in a bathroom? This had better not be a �fun-filled� memory involving Graham and the shower.* The door was pushed open quickly, and then shut again.

"It�s going to be okay, Teddy," his mother soothed, carefully holding his hand up she reached for the medicine character and grabbed the first aid kit.

Graham was whimpering softly, holding himself carefully and trying not to look at all the blood that was still pouring from the wound. Wetting a face cloth, his mother knelt down by him.

"I need to clean the wound, Ted, hold still. It�ll all be over soon," gently she ran the cloth over his hand, cleaning away the blood, revealing a jagged wound.

Arcane winced, that must have hurt a lot. Anger raged through him at the sight, Graham�s muffled cries getting to him more than he would like. He could kill the man that did this to his assistant, this child ... fist slamming onto the bathroom counter he watched in impotent rage as Graham�s mother wrapped a clean white bandage around the wound.

"There all done," she smiled bravely at her son, who looked back with such a haunted expression in his eyes. How could she have let this happen. Wiping away his tears, she comforted him as much as possible.

"Why," Graham asked plaintively, blinking away tears, "Why does he do this?"

"Oh, Teddy," she pulled him into a hug, rocking him back and forth, "He�s a broken man, honey. He isn�t even aware of what he does," she whispered, pushing a copper strand of hair behind her ear and attempting to explain why his father had deliberately cut his twelve year old�s hand with a broken vodka bottle. "He used to be a physicist, brilliant beyond his time. There was lab accident, someone died. That�s when he started drinking." she choked back a sob, "He wasn�t always like this, Ted. He loved us once. And I will always love you, remember that."

"I�ll remember," Graham whispered, cuddling into his mother�s arms he sleepily closed his eyes.

"I want you to promise me something now Ted," she had to shake him lightly to gain his attention, "I want you to promise that you won�t ever interfere again, and that you won�t let Alex interfere either. I couldn�t bear it if you got hurt because of me again." she clung tighter to her eldest son.

"I can�t mom," Graham patted her on the back, smiling gently, "Me and Alex, we have to protect you."

"I can protect myself," she kissed him lightly in the forehead, "You let me worry about your father."

"Can�t," Graham whispered, snuggling back into his mother�s embrace. He started to slip into an exhausted sleep, warm and safe, "Love you. Have to protect. That�s the way it works," the words slurred together as unconsciousness claimed him.

"Oh Ted," she cried, cradling her son closer, "Oh my baby, what have I done. How could I let this happen?!"

The scene faded with a gentle breeze, and Arcane was startled to feel moisture on his face. Scrubbing a hand across his cheeks he furiously scowled, *I am not crying! I am not!* Blinking rapidly he looked around his new surroundings, anything to get his mind off of the startling insight he�d just received into Graham�s mind. There was something there, a fact that his subconscious was screaming at him to recognize and deal with. Time was not on his side here, however, he�d have to think on it later.

He was in a dingy old room, dust covering just about every surface and empty McDonald�s containers and vodka bottles littered the floor. Sudden shouting from the hallway attracted his attention and with no small amount of trepidation he moved towards the noise. Graham�s mother stood defiantly near the door, her two remaining sons clutched close. Suitcases stood by her feet. Her husband was pointing a gun at her, shouting drunkenly.

"What do you think you�re doing bitch," he swayed, glaring spitefully at his wife.

"Please, Anton," she pleaded desperately, pushing Alex and Teddy further behind her, "You don�t need us ... just let us go." Arcane�s eyes widened at hearing the man�s name, that coincidence was almost as disturbing as the scene unfolding in front of him.

"Never *YOU WHORE!!* Fucking ungrateful *BITCH!!*" screaming in rage, his face reddened dangerously. "After all I�ve done for you and those *BASTARD* kids *YOU* dare to try and leave!" his black eyes reflected unreasoning madness, finger twitching on the trigger guard.

"All you�ve done!?" snorting, she found herself glaring back, "All you�ve done is beat and torture us since that horrible accident. I may have loved you once Andy Graham, but no more!" blinking back tears she stood resolute in the face of her husband�s fury. "We are leaving, and you can�t stop us."

"You�ll never leave me!" two shots rang out, everyone froze in shock for a long moment until Graham�s mother stumbled, hands pressing against her stomach. Time unfrozen with a crack as she slipped and fell, collapsing onto the filthy floor, blood staining the wood red. Her eyes settled on Arcane, a small smile gracing her lips as she breathed her last.

For a moment Arcane could have sworn the woman had seen him, her eyes so alike Graham�s that it was as if he was staring into his assistant�s dead eyes all over again. He had to look away then.

With a wild cry young Graham flew at his father, pounding on him with small fists, "*YOU KILLED HER!*" screaming, tears streaming down he didn�t see the fist coming towards him ... stumbling back from the blow he fell down near his mother.

"Listen closely you two," his father hissed, stepping forward, ignoring the body of his wife, "If you breath a *FUCKING* word of this, I will track you down wherever you are and KILL you!" Reaching over he grabbed a white-faced Alex by the arm, pulling his son towards the basement, "Stay here until I come back!" Stomping out, he left his eldest son alone with his mother�s corpse.

"Come back mommy," Graham sobbed, clutching her bloody hand, "Please mommy, I promise to be good so daddy never hurts you again!" rocking back and forth he pleaded in vain, violent shudders wracking his small frame, "Please mommy, please!"

The view mercifully ended before Arcane had to watch the child�s grief anymore. Even his hard-fought aura of indifference was shaken by the agony and torment Graham must have suffered growing up.

All that was left was a overwhelming blackness, so cold it was like standing in the middle of a ice storm. This then must be the centre of the damage, this place that was so stripped of all warmth and life he despaired of ever finding his assistant.

Low sobbing reached his ears, a howling wind striking up as soon as he started towards the sound. Struggling against the piercing air Arcane fought his way nearer, and nearer, stumbling over a crouched figure at the same time the wind died down.

"Graham?" Arcane whispered, having to grab a hold of the figure to prevent the man from bolting.

"Please, please don�t hurt me," Graham whimpered, curling in on himself, "I promise to be good." his throat closed up, aching with urge to continue pleading. If they knew how afraid he was they�d just hurt him more.

"Graham, it�s me," Arcane pulled his assistant closer, appalled at how terrified the man was, "Shh, now ... no one is going to hurt you anymore."

"No, no," Graham didn�t dare open his eyes, didn�t dare believe ... it was all a trick, "You�re not real!"

"I am real Graham," Arcane insisted gently, soothing stroking the man�s hair, "I came for you. Nothing is going to hurt you now."

"Don�t believe, don�t believe," repeating desperately Graham blocked his ears, he�d thought he was safe in the darkness, he�d been alone for so long.

"I am bloody real!" Arcane finally snapped, gentle tone gone as he fell back into his old pattern of dealing with his assistant. It was only when Graham whimpered fearfully and tried to shrink away that he was aware of what he sounded like ... of who he sounded like. Biting his knuckle, ignoring the tightness in his throat, "I am here Graham. You don�t have to believe me, you just need to hold on. Holland is going to heal you and everything will be okay again. I promise you."

"Doctor?" hardly daring to breath Graham tentatively reached out, almost sobbing in relief when the comforting arms holding him didn�t disappear like they had so many times before.

"I�m here, Graham, I�m here," he was nearly knocked backwards when his assistant flung himself at him, hanging on fiercely. "It�s okay now," keeping up a stream of soothing words Arcane just hoped Holland had managed to follow him this far ... and that it wasn�t too late. That this wasn�t his last chance to have Graham by his side again.

With a violent wrench the darkness was split apart, breaking up into large pieces that flew up around them. Arcane frantically tried to maintain his grip on Graham, but something was pulling them apart, forcing him to let go no matter how hard he fought ...

... and then he was gasping for breath, staring up at the ceiling of his lab in one surreal moment of not knowing what world he was in. Striving to get to his feet Arcane staggered to Graham�s side.

"He�s going into cardiac arrest," Holland didn�t even spare him a glance, almost drained it took all his energy to try and summon up enough healing power to prevent what was happening.

"No," Arcane whispered, grabbing the man�s nearest hand, "Come on Graham, you have to try."

It was several long moments before Alec stepped back, meeting Arcane�s worried gaze with a faint smile, "He�s going to be fine."

Arcane sagged against the table, struggling to force back the wave of relief and simple happiness that threatened to overwhelm him.

"Dr. Arcane?" Graham�s voice came out weak and rough, "What?"

"It�s okay, Graham," Arcane straightened up, pinning on his mask of casual indifference he spoke collectedly "You just rest for now." Turning he observed Holland watching him carefully. Too carefully. With a glare he remarked coldly, "You can leave now Holland. I won�t be requiring your services anymore."

Returning the glare, but not bothering with a reply Alec headed for the elevator. He�d done what he�d come for, Graham was healed and back where he belonged. If nothing else that was enough of a thank you. Still he couldn�t help but wonder why he�d ever bothered to assist his enemy. Catching one last look as the elevator doors slid shut he saw Arcane almost tenderly help Graham to sit up. A peaceful smile graced his face as he felt the Swamp�s soft agreement. That was why ... to defeat the darkness, if only for a little while.

Continued in Part 3

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