Under The Sea Treasure: The Immortal The Next Generation

By Summer

Beta’d by Kathryn and Saura

Second Season

Episode six

Rating: R

Class: Slash

Pairing: Dom/Elijah

Warnings: The usual, strong language, bondage.

Added Note: We are now in March 1994

Special appearances:

Jade

Vincent Caesar: Adrian Paul

Viggo Morton: Viggo Mortensen

Lt Shawn Dean: Sean Bean

Also special appearance:

Man From U.N.C.L.E Napoleon Solo and April Dancer.

Keynote Song: The Dance Sung by Garth Brooks written by Tony Arata

1/2

Hawaii: Kohala Coast, Beach

Elijah couldn’t believe the beauty that surrounded him. It was not just that he was standing under a palm tree with a white sandy beach and the bluest ocean he’d ever seen making him think of pure paradise. It was not just the sun lowering itself from the skies in the horizon and the smells of a cookout and various restaurants in the area filling his nostrils that made him feel this way. The beauty of Hawaii was unearthly; it brought out emotions and feelings that he had never experienced before. Like he was

somewhere else.

All his life, Elijah seemed to have lived in one small area of California. L.A. He had never been on any grand trips. For one thing, his mom didn’t have the money and usually she never had the time. Growing up, he could remember the many days that he would hear his fellow classmates talk about great summer vacations and where they were going next year. It seemed everyone traveled the world. Everyone, but him.

Those were the times he realized just how poor they were. Now, even though he was without his mom, he was doing the things he once thought were only dreams. Traveling and seeing the world. The problem, he was also running from madmen out to get him--out to get his blood. He was also trying to find a way to save his family. He could only hope that in finding Jason Richards, his uncle, he could finally get his father

and mother to safety.

In what seemed like forever, which really was only a year of running, he felt at peace. How could anyone be unhappy being here in such a sunny and lovely place like Hawaii? The island of Romance, adventure and mystery.

Sighing, Elijah turned and headed back to the group. Jericho had managed to get them a fairly cheap hotel called the ORCA. Though it appeared Hawaii was anything but cheap, it was soon apparent to all that they would need to get their hands on more money. Already, having taken a great deal of money from Jane Fielding, Jericho was determined not to continue to burden her with their money problems. Thankfully, Dom managed to

pull a miracle out of his hat and got his hands on some money, or rather a credit card.

“No worries, mate, my dad doesn’t even know about this credit card.”

Jericho hadn’t been sure, but since they were in need of food and lodging they had no choice but to accept Dom’s assistance. That was two days ago. In that time, they had scoured most of the island, top to bottom, asking various people if they had seen this man, showing a picture of Jason Richards.

Every store keeper, hotel manager and clerk and food stands showed no recollection

of ever seeing this man. So far, no one had seen him. They were hitting paved dirt.

On the third day, Jericho decided they all needed a break. So, packing up the gear they headed to Kohala Beach, finding a quiet area away from the boardwalk and nearby food vendors, Natasha had laid out a blanket and a few chairs and now was sunbathing.

Jericho was sitting just behind her in a lounge chair, holding his father’s diary in one hand and the newly found book from New Orleans in the other. He had been diligently trying to decode the diary since getting the decoder booklet in New Orleans.

Billy Saxon was sitting on his knees beside Natasha and was currently giving her a lotion rub down. Dominic Fletcher was sitting on the sand, drinking the hardest drink he could get, as he was still under age by one year, lemonade icy. Each of them was dressed like the stereotypical tourist.

Jericho was wearing white shorts and a straw hat, sipping his margarita from time

to time. Billy was dressed in green shorts and wore a neon green t-shirt to protect his skin from burns. Natasha had on a pink bikini that showed every curve of her body as well as some eye candy for any men passing by.

A look from Billy and Jericho was enough to send them on their way. Seeing a free space on Natasha’s blanket, Elijah sat down and began playing with the sand with his fingers, while his eyes stared out at the ocean. He was dressed in a blue pair of shorts and had bought himself a cool pair of shades; he put them on.

The stress of living the life on the run was wearing on all of them. Jericho could see that clearly, and he was glad that he decided a day at the beach would help things. Already the group was acting like this was more of a vacation than a search and rescue

mission.

It wasn’t incredibly hot, but it was at least in the 80’s today. A few clouds were in the sky, ever drifting along their merry way. A slight breeze was just enough to make the day less humid and stuffy. It was the perfect day to sit out at the beach. Many tourists were out and about, but the beach side they had chosen to claim was fairly quiet. Any conversation would not be over heard.

“So, run this by me again.” asked Natasha, “I mean, all that we know at this point. I think, I need a refresher course. Because, I am really getting confused about this immorality thingie.” She paused and looked up at Billy.

Billy gave a loud chuckle in response. Whenever he did that, Natasha felt a thrill run up her spine. Everyone smiled at the lovely sound that came from Billy’s throat. For

up to two weeks ago, Billy had been mute. It was because of some greedy madman that they almost lost Billy in New Orleans. Jordan, Pallione’s gardener, had slit Billy’s throat in an attempt to steal her treasured jewels. Fortune smiled down upon them and Jericho managed to arrive in time to repair his wound. Natasha had been nearly hysterical, crying and sobbing, thinking that Billy was going to die. A tear from Natasha and Jericho’s healing hands and Billy’s injury healed.

In the process, they found that he could now speak. With a voice, that strangely sounded a bit Scottish. However, having not used his voice since he was a child, he was still struggling with some words, and stuttering a bit. He was trying to learn to use his voice and not his hands and, every now and again, he would forget and begin to use sign language. Then he would stop, look at his hands, lower them and start speaking. It was a slow process. He just needed time and Natasha was sure he would start talking as suavely as everyone else. She also did everything she could to get him to

speak. For she thought his accent was sexy.

“I think, I will l-l-let Elijah hhhave the h-honor,” said Billy, who continued to rub more sunblock lotion on Natasha’s back.

Elijah took a swig of Dominic’s lemonade and, after a moment of putting his thoughts together, he began the history lesson.

“We are immortal. At least pretty close. Barring any fatal accidents, we’re immune to age and disease. For all intents and purposes, you and I, Natasha can give others immortality by blood transfusion. However, since it wears off after a period of time, we have to continue to give them that blood every few months for them to have immortality. Although, Jericho is immortal like us, for some strange reason his blood doesn’t work like ours. Instead, he can heal with his hands, not by his blood.”

He paused, proud of himself that he got all that information out in one shot.

“I know, I understand that. But where did we get this blood? How did it come about?”

Elijah shrugged at his younger cousin and smiled. “We don’t know. The only thing we do know is that we got our blood from our fathers Ben and Jason Richards. We’re sure they got this special blood from our paternal grandparents. James Nathaniel Richards and Alexandra Richards. Both who died in a fire when Ben and Jason, our dads, were young.”

Jericho cut in at this point and began to speak, though his eyes never left the page he was looking at.

“James, our grandfather, appears to be mortal and all leads point at Alexandra, our grandmother, as being the carrier of this special and very rare blood. She was originally from Greece, where she met and married James, and then came to America.

Alexandra had one sister named Stephanie. Her parents, our great grandparents, died back in the 1920’s from a boating accident near the Bermuda Triangle. Her sister Stephanie had been on her way to investigate their deaths, when her boat was also met with an unfortunate accident. Everyone thought she had died, but she had in fact survived. She was taken to a hospital and while recovering she met a Russian Soldier and fell in love. From that marriage they had two sons. Ivan and Illya Kuryakin.

Our great uncle died in World War Two. Ivan, Illya and Stephanie were captured by the Nazis and sent to a concentration camp. Illya was the only one that survived. He eventually came to America and worked for a World Secret government called the U.N.C.L.E for many years before handing in his resignation and going underground.”

Natasha looked at Jericho and then at Elijah and then returned to lying on the blanket and stared out at the blue ocean. “Okay, got it. And Uncle Illya, who is really a second cousin to us, though I am still going to call him Uncle Illya because after all that is all I ever called him and why should I change now--anyway, he is immortal too?

Right?”

“Correct. Which is why he had to go underground. A young man named Karl Emerson, at the time, was working for the U.N.C.L.E which is no longer active in the United States and was replaced by the IIA organization. Whatever. Emerson now heads that organization. He discovered Uncle Illya’s blood and threatened to have him locked up in a cage. All for his protection. Uncle Illya went on the run and eventually met up with your dad and mom. And somewhere along the way Uncle Jason gave you to Illya to look after, while he continued to look for his brother and find out more about our blood.”

Natasha now cut in, “And mom was killed by her own brother Nigel Saxon and that's Billy's dad. All in his attempt to kill our father and get his hands on us, Sean and me? Our blood rather. He, Nigel Saxon has been obsessed in trying to gain immortality since he was young, when he joined up with this Doctor Paul Raven. They chased dad and Sean and somehow at sometime they got separated. Sean got hurt and was in a coma for several years and when he woke up had amnesia. He has been calling himself Jericho ever since and eventually joined up with you. Two years ago, learning about Elijah, Saxon

then joined forces with…your father.” Natasha pointed at Dominic, who winced slightly at this point. “And up to a few months ago you were on his side?”

“I was. Was as in not anymore, get it?”

Natasha laughed. “Right. Anyway, your dad is the legendary Steel Fletcher, who has been chasing your dad.” Natasha pointed at Elijah. “Uncle Ben for about twenty years. Apparently, this Fletcher has a one track mind. Twenty years is a long time to be chasing someone. A few bricks short, you might say. All for his blood--our blood. Immortality? Right?”

Everyone now nodded. Natasha smiled, finally getting it. “Okay. Now, Saxon has married your mom.” Natasha pointed once more at Elijah. “and they are expecting. Oh and we must not forget that Saxon is Billy’s father from a former marriage.” On a roll, Natasha was smiling even more now. She always loved puzzles. “This Saxon is some psychotic jerk in league with this Paul Raven. They are both desiring not just immortality, but power by

creating a Master race. Paul Raven, even before meeting Saxon, has been searching

for immortality too since he was--what very young?”

Billy nodded, looking a bit nervous and a bit angry all at the same time. “He used to work for T-T-THRUSH. He became obsessed over the idea of living f-f-forever. However, even then, he had known about the Richards' blood, it-t-t- was just a matter of time finding and locating them.”

“He found Uncle Illya first. You, Billy, used to be an IIA operative. Now gone rogue…to help us” As Billy grinned, Natasha gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Our hero, my James Bond.”

Jericho now leaned forward, rolling his eyes, before looking at the book. “Needlessly to say, all leads point our immortality to our great grandparents, Hali and Althea Xanthus.”

“So one of them may have been immortal? If so, where did they get it from? Inherited by her or his parents? But how far back does the line run and where in the beginning did they get this….rare blood?” asked Natasha.

Elijah softly spoke. “We don’t know that yet either.”

“Wouldn’t it be wise if we go to Greece and see if we can find out more information about our family history?” Natasha as usual tried to suggest the obvious course of action they should take.

“Do you have money for the plane? The passports? The legalized documents to prove who we are? Where to look and at the same time keep under cover from Saxon and Fletcher’s goons and the IIA?”

Natasha stuck her tongue out at her brother and looked back at the ocean. “Excuse me for trying to be blunt and get past all the fucking red tape.”

“Watch your language young lady,” growled Jericho.

Natasha only sighed and relented slightly. “I am not a child. I can swear if I want to. Fuck, fuck, fuck.”

Jericho rolled his eyes once again.

“What we do know, is that Uncle Jason, your dad, may have done exactly that. Gone to Greece in the past few years. It seems he knows much more about this blood than we do, than anybody. If we can locate him, maybe we can get some answers. Hopefully, he can help us to rescue my dad and my mom from Saxon and Fletcher.”

Natasha sighed sadly. “If we can find daddy. Mr. Incognito has vanished off the face of the planet for over twenty years. He has been running even longer than your own dad, Uncle Ben.”

Elijah finally wrapped up the rest of the story. “In the course of trying to find your dad, we at least have found his diary and a book that can decode it, as well as a mysterious list of names. Even if we don’t find Uncle Jason- Well, maybe in that diary it will tell us how he learned about our blood, what that list of names mean and a course of action.”

All eyes turned to Jericho. He glanced at everyone and then looked back at the book and turned a page or two. “I’m on it.”

“This is really getting complicated,” snapped an annoyed Natasha. “I mean really, all this secrecy and espionage, it’s stupid. I mean, why can’t we just simply get on the news and broadcast to them about our blood. Then the IIA and Saxon and any other would-be kidnapper has to leave us alone? Right?” Seeing all eyes looking at her with a rather condescending glare, she sighed thinking it through.

“Oh, right that would only add more crazy people coming after us?”

“Provided we don’t get locked up for being crazy,” said Jericho.

“In the meantime, Uncle Illya and his old comrade and partner Napoleon Solo have gone into hiding somewhere in Europe. They seem to think that the IIA is in fact a front and are up to something that has more to do with taking over the world than just simply trying to gain immortality.”

Not amused, Natasha could only lower her head in her arms and groan. “Well, let me just say it will ya. This sucks.”

No one disagreed with her.

***

She watched the kids with her binoculars. They were perfect for the kill. She could just take out her weapon and blow each and every one of them away. It would all be over in a matter of seconds. Only Elijah would live. She could easily swipe in and take him then. All too easy. She looked all around the beach and shook her head. No, too many people. Not perfect enough.

What she needed was a chance when they were alone. She backed down and headed to her car. She would wait eagerly for her opportunity. That time was coming.

***

He lowered his binoculars and then handed them to Viggo. He saw the woman getting into her car and then spied the kids on the beach.

“So what do you want me to do?”

Vincent handed Viggo a gun and a casing filled with sleeping darts. “We will deal with the assassin. You will then go after the kids. At the soonest opportunity take them down. I have a boat waiting on Kealakekua Bay. Keep them there until I arrive. ”

Vincent glared at Viggo a clear warning on his face. “Use only the darts. Nothing else. I want those kids unharmed.”

Viggo took the weapons and nodded. “It will be done.”

***

“As I live in breath, it is you! Dominic Fletcher! Hello, my lamb.”

They had returned to the hotel to change and head off for a late lunch. Dominic was the first one outside and was going straight for the bar to try to get a drink, when a mysterious and much older woman grabbed his arm.

A bit taken back, Dominic was about to pull away when he looked into a familiar face. His eyes widened in surprise. He hadn’t seen her in eight years. “Aunt Liz?”

The woman looked to be in her mid to late fifties and yet had not one single silver in her hair. The dye did its best to cover it. She was, for the most part an hourglass-figured woman. However, years of drinking and living the good life had taken its toll on the woman. Her face was a clear give away that she had left her youth behind. She was still quite attractive, and as Dominic realized, still drinking. She weaved slightly and her eyes were glazed.

“Aunt Liz? What are you doing here? I thought you were in England?” How had she come to be here and at this time? Dominic was almost sure it wasn’t a coincidence. He glanced around but didn’t see anyone else eyeing them. She waved her hand and, putting her arm in around Dominic’s arm, she steered him to her table on the other side of the restaurant's cafeteria that looked out at the ocean. She sat down and removed her sun hat and continued to hold her drink in her hand, sipping it ever so slowly.

“I needed a vacation,” she replied. “And I twirled the globe and it stopped with my finger pointed right on Hawaii.”

“Really?” replied Dominic, who quickly looked around to see if anyone was watching them.

“No, actually it fell in the Atlantic ocean so-- I decided on Hawaii.” She took another sip of her drink and weaved forward slightly, bringing up her hand and pointed it at Dom. “You didn’t come to your mom’s grandparent's funeral?”

“I was busy. I had exams.”

The woman laughed with a loud snort and took yet another sip from her glass. “I know what you mean. I missed it too--I was busy being hung over.”

Dom took her hand into his and tried his best to put on a patient and understanding look; after all, Aunt Liz did take care of him in his early years. She was a good woman, when she was sober. “Aunt Liz…you should try to give up the drinking. It will be the death of you if you continue like this.”

His Aunt only shrugged and took another gulp from her drink. It was nearly empty and, seeing a tray of drinks passing by her from a young waitress, she snatched up one of them. “Drinking is my life, young one. It is the only reason I go on living.”

Dom looked down at his hands. “You took me in after mom died. You’re also the only one other than Nana that ever sent me birthday and Christmas cards when I was in boarding school. I never said thank you.”

She smiled and touched Dom’s cheek with her fingertips. “You were such a sweet little boy and everyone sacked you on to me, because they didn’t want you. Bunch of arseholes. Sorry baby, they just couldn’t look at you, couldn’t get it in themselves to forgive your mother.”

His head snapped up at this and Dom looked at his Aunt in confusion. “What are you talking about?”

The woman only shrugged and resumed drinking.

“Aunt Liz?”

When she lowered her drink she laughed. “Daddy never told you? One of the reasons why he didn’t want you around either? Easier not to think about the past without certain people like you around to remind them?”

Dom continued to look on at her in confusion; he still wasn’t getting the picture.

“Ah, perfect, beautiful and innocent Anna. Everyone always loved her. My beloved sister, the ballerina, always I played second fiddle to her. Course with her gone and dear old Mum and Dad-- I got it all. All of it. I am so very rich!” Liz put down her drink and wiped a tear from her eye. “And what is it worth? Nothing. No husband, no children-- nothing.”

Hearing all this nonsense, Dominic figured Aunt Liz was just delirious with all the alcohol. “Aunt Liz, you’ve been drinking too much. Maybe you should go back to your room and lie down.”

The woman snorted again and, with a little stagger, she got to her feet. “It’s because of your mother that I am alone. All her fault. I know, I know it was an accident, she didn’t mean to fall in love with David--but she did and she meant to take him from me and leave your father for him. My David! The bitch!”

Dominic, who had also been rising, stopped dead in his tracks. The world suddenly seemed to spin around him. He looked at her, his face becoming pale. “What? What did you say? What? Who‘s David?”

The woman only picked up her drink and took another long swallow. When she put it down, the glass was empty. “You heard me; your perfect mother was leaving your father. Why do you think she was in that car? Heading to the airport. She was going off to be with her lover. My fiancée. Ooops, you didn’t know? Your daddy never told you, did he? Ah well, maybe he wanted to forget that little part when she died and keep her a sweet untouched memory. But fuck the kid. Throw him to the fishies. Bunch of arseholes, that’s all they are. Every fucking one of them.”

Dom swallowed and started to back away from her. “No. Are you tell me--my mother cheated--was leaving my father for another man? Are you saying that Steel Fletcher isn‘t my father? Aunt Liz?” Without another word, Dom turned and fled the room.

She didn’t follow; instead Aunt Liz turned to the bar and started her way back to it.

“I think--I need another drink.”, when she looked back to see Dominic gone she smiled.

***

Elijah was just about to go in search for Dom, when he appeared. Dominic was coming out from the other side of the hotel. Elijah waved to him, but he didn’t seem to respond. Dominic had taken to leaning against a palm tree and, in his hands he had a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. As Elijah reached him, he saw Dominic was puffing away on his first cigarette like there was no tomorrow. He was also shaking like a leaf. Not from fear, but rage.

“Dom, where did you get that pack of cigarettes? I thought you quit.” Elijah tried to take the cigarette from his hand, but Dom held it and continued to puff away.

“Fuck that!” he replied hotly.

“Are you okay? Did you and Jericho have another argument?”

Dominic finally looked at Elijah and then at the cigarette in his hand. He dropped it and stomped his sandal on the addictive drug and finally grabbed Elijah and began to kiss him. A little surprised, Elijah when Dominic pressed their foreheads

together and Dom closed eyes, breathing in and out angrily.

“Dominic?” He was really getting worried now.

“I just need a minute, okay. Just a minute.”

Elijah put his hand on Dom’s arm and stroked it gently. “What’s wrong? Maybe if you talk about it, it won’t be so bad.”

Dom only laughed madly and backed away, separating at that point and, taking out another cigarette from the pack, he lit up.

“Dom?”

Pausing in mid puff, Dom looked at Elijah and then it was like he snapped out of it. He put out the second cigarette and finding a wastebasket, threw in the whole lot into it. He then took Elijah’s hand into his own and looked into his eyes. For a moment, it was just the two of them and Elijah leaned in to kiss him.

Dominic leaned forward and spotted Jericho coming in their direction. He pulled away, but kept his hand in Elijah’s.

“Guys, I think I got a lead. A man down at the docks said that he saw my father a few weeks ago on the Kona coast. Near the town of Kailue-Kona. It’s not far from here. I rented a car. Ahem, where is Nat and Bills?”

***

They stood together under the palm tree, locked in each other’s embrace and

staring deeply into each other’s eyes. A slight breeze was in the air, the taste of the salty water filled their senses. The sun was starting to set and the seagulls twirled around the area, seeking food, and letting out soft cries. The sound of the Hawaiian drums could be heard. Somewhere a Hawaiian dance, a tradition carried out for centuries, was taking place.

Everything was sweet and beautiful and---

Billy looked down at her and kissed her gently on the lips and Natasha eagerly leaned more into his arms. She smiled as he broke the kiss and then lowered her eyes, blushing.

His hand reached down and pulled her chin up and he was just about to kiss her again when a shadow well over them. Both turned to see Jericho, Elijah and Dominic.

“Okay, Romeo and Juliet, can we put the romance aside long enough to continue to search for what we came here for in the first place?” said Jericho.

Billy sheepishly smiled, while Natasha glared back at her brother. He completely ruined everything. As usual.

As they started for the car, Natasha pulled Jericho aside from the others intending to air out a few things.

“Why couldn’t you have waited at least a few more minutes? Would it honestly have killed you to give me and Billy some time alone?”

“Yeah, it would. Or have you forgotten the fact that Bills was one of the enemy. You know he worked for the IIA and tried to put us all in a net! I don’t want you getting involved with him. Friendship is okay, but…enough with this star crossed lover bull shit.”

Natasha stopped dead in her tracks. “Don’t you tell me who I should be falling in love with and who I shouldn’t be with. You were gone the past four years of my life and even before then you were not the boss of me. You are not Daddy!”

“Look, Nat--” Jericho, now realizing he had set Natasha off and not willing to get into a fight right now he tried to defuse it. “You're right, I don’t. But can you hold off a bit? You have only known Bills for a few months. You're moving too fast and besides, what you know about real love anyway? You're just a kid! You‘re nineteen!”

“Too fast? Really and you know all about real love? You knew Jenny for less than two weeks and married her.”

Jericho stopped, blinked and looked at his sister. “Who? What?”

“Oh that’s right. You have amnesia. Well guess what choir boy; you got married, against daddy’s wishes when you were twenty years old. Fell in love with Jenny, the beautiful little mermaid of the sea. Or rather the exotic dancer from the Mermaid Bar and Grill during our stay in Mexico. Ring any bells! I have at least known Billy for a five months”

No face or memory came to his mind and Jericho swallowed not sure if Natasha was telling the truth or making it up. “I was married?”

“Yes, and it lasted oh,--what a whole month before Jenny had the marriage annulled and left your ass for some rich dude in a red corvette. You may not remember, but I do. It was daddy and me that had to pick up the pieces of your broken heart.”

“That is hardly a case you can argue with me! Listen to yourself.”

“I have at least known Billy long enough to know that it is the real thing. And whether you like it or not I am falling in love. I’m not a baby anymore, Sean. I am a grown woman and I can make up my own mind and decisions with or without your consent and if you don’t like it-- then just deal with it in silence. Because I don’t want to hear it. My whole world has been turned upside down and other then getting to meet my super

cool cousin Elijah, Billy is the only one that has made this mission impossible bearable. Got it!”

With that she pushed him aside and joined the others, her hand slipping at once into Billy’s hand.

Jericho watched, sighed and after looking heavenward started after them. “I was really married?”

***

Reaching the Coast of Kona, Jericho once again began showing his father’s picture. It was from a woman doing a hula dance in the middle of a wharf that they found another tip.

She nodded with a smile. “Yes, I have seen him. He use to watch me from time to time when I taught vacationers, mostly children, how to hula dance.”

Dom and Billy both eyed the dark skinned beauty closely, watching each hip move in rhythm to the drums. A man, leaning up against a palm tree, was hitting the drums in an ancient melody. Several tourists paused to watch while several children tried to copy the woman.

Both Elijah and Natasha took a look at the dancing hula girl and then looked at their lovers with more than an annoyed look on their faces. Natasha even tried to get Billy’s attention by waving her hand in front of his face, but Billy didn’t even blink. “Hello, hello--fire. Tsunami coming. Billy?”

Throwing a ten dollar bill into a nearby cup, Jericho waited for any more information she might give. The woman smiled and made her way towards Elijah. She smiled at the boy and, continued to look him up and down, all the while dancing in perfect harmony to the music.

“He worked down at the mariner. Just a few miles north from here, there is a tropical reef where many go scuba diving.”

“When was the last time you saw him?” asked Jericho.

“About two weeks ago. He was heading down to the reef. He mentioned he had a boat and intended to do some more scuba diving. That was the last time I saw him.”

Completing her dance, the woman raised her hands to Elijah’s shoulders and before he could mutter a word, she gave him a kiss on the cheek before returning to the drummer and taking a much needed break. Nat, Billy, Jericho and Dom all looked at Elijah, who looked as red as a lobster. As they walked away heading for the reef, Elijah couldn’t resist looking to Nat. “She kissed me?”

Ignoring Dom’s hot and rather exasperated look, Nat hooked her arm in Elijah’s and just giggled. “Welcome to Hawaii, the most friendly place on the planet.”

***

She had her chance. The crowds had thinned. They were nearing the car, one good shot was what she needed. Jade saw her chance. She aimed her gun at the first form, Dominic Fletcher. He would be the first to die.

Something whizzed in the air, and something sharp hit the back of her shoulder. Jade had enough time to pull the offending dart out of her shoulder before the drug went to work. A split second later, she was sliding to the ground, out cold.

Two arms caught her and gently picked her up into his arms. Vincent gave a firm nod to the shadowed form in the tree and then made his way to his waiting car. Viggo slid down from the tree and putting the dart gun away, he slid the white hat down on his head and slowly followed after the kids.

***

The Tropical beach was far from deserted. Many tourist guides were about, including professional divers willing to take a few people out for some scuba diving. Finding a lone mariner preparing his boat, Jericho showed him the picture of his father.

“Have you seen this man?”

The man shook his head. But his eyes gave him away as they clearly recognized the man in the picture. “Afraid not.”

Jericho looked up and spotted a board just above his head. Various pictures and notices were on them, one of the pictures had the man he was speaking to standing in front of a boat called the Alexandra. Next to him was another man. His father. Jericho snatched the picture and handed it to the man.

"This man! He's my father!"

“Oh.” The man swallowed looking rather lame. “Yeah, ah yeah. I remember him. Jason Richards. A really cool cat. I often helped him take out his boat, The Alexandra. He would do some scuba diving in the north side of the Reef.”

“Have you seen him lately?”

“Yeah, about three days ago actually.”

All of them looked to Jericho who confronted the man. “Three days ago? Where was he going? Mr?”

“Kruno. Mr. Kruno, I was sick and couldn’t go with him…he was heading back out to the reef.”

“What do you mean?”

“He didn’t come back. His boat is still out there.”

“Did you go and check to see if he was hurt? Did you go and call the authorities?”

The man only laughed, shaking his head. “Look, man, I am not his keeper. Jason does whatever he wants when he wants. I don’t keep tabs on him or anyone else. I just know he went out on the boat and didn’t come back. I figured he just had some boat trouble and got some help with someone in another boat passing by. He has done this in the past to me. Disappears for a few days and then pops up. If you tell me where you’re staying, I can always tell him where you’re at the next time I see him.”

Jericho got a bad feeling about this guy and looked at the man’s boat to see the words Titan on it. Shaking his head, Jericho took out his wallet and handed the man a twenty.

“What’s this for?”

“To take us to my father’s boat.”

The man looked at the twenty and then at the kids and shrugged. “Okay.”

A few minutes later, the boat’s engine came to life and headed out of the bay with six on board.

***

Viggo watched the boat head out to sea; just as he was about to go to the docks and rent a boat himself, he spotted several men pointing at the Titan. The men laughed and then headed to another larger boat. Once they'd got inside, they started an engine and followed the Titan. Viggo watched as one of the men opened a crate and began to hand out several guns to the other men.

***

IIA Headquarters, Washington D.C.

He was fired, told to pack up and look for another career. Twelve years of service and it was over. All because Emerson thought he had changed sides and let Napoleon escape with Illya and that boy, Elijah. Dean had tried to pull as many ropes as he could to save his job but in the end, it all got thrown under the rug and he was canned.

He finished packing his things, putting his badge and weapon on the desk. It was unloaded and one of the nearby officers would pick it up and make certain it was put back in storage. For the next guy to come along and take his place.

He was disgusted and pissed. He just didn’t see what he could have changed to have saved his job. Ready to leave, Lt Shawn Dean put his box aside the gun and badge and headed down to the main office room.

Dean had to write out one last form before he walked out the doors forever. Just nearing the desk, Dean spotted Emerson walking down the hallway. Beside him was a dark, tall man looking to be in his late fifties. Dean recognized him as one Doctor Paul Raven.

Dean watched as Emerson laughed and then pulled Raven into a small room, closing the door behind them. Curious now, Dean finished writing the form and then headed straight to Emerson’s main office. The secretary was out to lunch, and with everyone off either doing some work or taking a break, Dean found himself slipping into the general's

Office without being spotted.

Dean made a quick search around the room. He wasn’t sure what he was looking for but he knew Emerson must be up to something. He started with the desk. The last draw was locked. The door gave way with Dean’s easy picking tools, which he refused to give

up to anyone.

The draw opened and appeared to be empty. Putting his hands in and then upwards, Dean found a secret panel and pulled. A small file fell into his hand. Looking at the file, Dean saw that on the front of it marked in black ink was an image of a bird, of a Thrush.

Inside, Dean found a picture of Elijah Chevalier and Jericho Richards along with a short file. Reading it, Dean paused at the last notation on each file. “Appears to be mutated form of the original Immortal specimen. More gathered research will be needed upon both Specimen A and B to make a final conclusion.“

Dean glanced at the signature at the bottom. Doctor Paul Raven. Original immortal specimen? What the hell is that supposed to mean? Mutated? And what was Doctor Paul Raven’s report doing here in Emerson’s office when Raven had been fired from the IIA years ago?

Turning over the file, Dean found another file of importance. Project V.

What the hell is this? Project V.

And as Dean began to read it, he felt his body begin to go cold. He closed the file and, putting it underneath his shirt, Dean quickly closed the draw and headed out the door.

He was almost out the door, going past the metal detector when a loud voice called to him. Dean stopped and turned to see Emerson coming towards him.

He swallowed hard. “General.”

“Well, Lt.- oh sorry…just Shawn Dean now isn’t it? I guess you regret your involvement and help in allowing the boy and Mr. Kuryakin to escape?”

“As I told you before, General, I would never commit such a treason"

Emerson only laughed. “We will get them you know. All of them. Kuryakin and those boys. And soon. You have only delayed the inevitable.”

Dean let out a tight breath of air and turned and walked out the door.

He was just about to put his keys in the car when something metal touched his back. Dean looked over his shoulder to see a woman staring at him. She had dark red hair and looked to be in her forties. She was also holding a gun.

“Hi. Get in the car.”

Dean smiled at the woman. “I was just about to.”

“Not that car, this car!” She pointed at the waiting black sedan and with a small sigh, Dean turned. The woman opened the door and he slid inside. The door closed behind him.

To Dean’s amazement he realized he was not alone in the car. A man sat on the other end. A very familiar man.

“Sir?” after a moment Lt. Dean finally couldn’t resist speaking.

“I hear you are out of job because of me.”

Dean didn’t speak. He only looked out the window. The woman who had put a gun to his back was now getting in front and starting up the sedan was pulling out of the parking lot.

After a long moment Dean spoke. “I wasn’t about to fire upon the President of the United States, Sir.”

Napoleon Solo laughed. “April, head to the airport with haste.”

“So what do I owe the honor, Sir?”

“You’re a good man, Lt. Dean…reliable, loyal and a man with honor. That is a dying breed.”

Dean looked at Solo, who up to a few months ago was the President of the United States.

“What do you want?”

“To offer you a job.” Napoleon pulled something out of his pocket, a small card and handed it to him.

Dean stared at the card. It was clearly titled, U.N.C.L.E Europe.

“How about working for the real good guys.”

Dean looked at Napoleon and smiled. “To get the kids for you, right?”

“No, to help us stop the IIA, or specifically General Emerson from his plans.”

“And do you even know what his plans are?” Asked Dean.

Napoleon shrugged. “I know it doesn’t bode well when a legit government agency has an ex-employer and ex-THRUSH agent come walking into his office as if they were dear friends.”

Dean sighed and pulled out the folder under his shirt and handed it to Napoleon. “Then maybe you might be able to make more use of this then.”

Napoleon looked at it briefly and then faced Dean. “So, do you want a job?”

Dean smiled and began to chuckle. “Why not? I always enjoyed a good game of chess.”

Napoleon just sat back and smiled. “Welcome to the U.N.C.L.E, LT. Shawn Dean.”

***

2/2

The boat drifted out of the harbor. Natasha and Billy had gone off to find a secluded spot, which left Elijah and Dom sitting on the bench staring out at the ocean. After a long moment, Elijah looked at Dom and laid his hand on Dominic‘s hands.

Ever since they had left the hotel, Elijah could sense that Dom was upset, but over what he wasn’t sure. Even now, Dom seemed to be off in his own private thoughts. Squeezing Dom’s hand to get his attention, Elijah was relieved when Dominic finally turned to him.

“Hello, welcome back to earth. Are you alright? Something is bothering you? Do you want to talk about it?”

Dominic shook his head and turned away with a soft sigh. Concerned, Elijah took his hand and cupped Dom’s chin and pulled him back to look him in the eyes.

“Dominic?”

After a long moment, Dom’s eyes softened and he lowered his head and pressed his lips tenderly over Elijah’s mouth. For a long time they stayed together that way, kissing each other ardently, almost urgently.

When Dom broke away, he smiled sadly at Elijah. “I can’t talk about it. Not now, maybe later.”

“Did I do something wrong?” asked Elijah, suddenly feeling very insecure. Just a few weeks ago, after finally moving deeper into the next level of their relationship, Dom had promised to teach him more about love. Yet, other than a bit of kissing and cuddling since, Dom hadn’t really continued with the teaching lessons.

Not that they really were given much time alone. Jericho, Billy and Natasha seemed to always have a reason to be around. It kind of put a damper on the special moment. Still, they did have a certain time that they could do a bit more than kiss and Dom didn’t seem to be making any moves to take advantage of that time.

Elijah was beginning to wonder if their first act at love had satisfied

Dom’s thirst for him, perhaps…Dom didn’t want him anymore?

“You did nothing wrong. It’s just--me. Okay. And it has nothing, NOTHING to do with you. Please believe that.”

Seeing the doubt in his eyes, Dom pulled Elijah into his arms. Smiling in relief, Elijah melted into Dom’s embrace and his lips. Kissing him in such a way that had Elijah’s doubts drift away into the sea.

When Dom broke the kiss, Elijah nodded. “When you kiss me like that…I believe you. But please, please, know whatever is wrong I’ll be glad to wait and when you’re ready…I’m a pretty good listener.”

Dom nodded and kissed Elijah one more time.

***

She broke the kiss and lowered her head on his shoulders, leaning into his embrace. Her breath quickened and her heart felt like it was fluttering. She felt a million miles away from the ground and she had no desire to return.

His heartbeat raced just a bit faster and his arms held her close against his body. His eyes were closed and he breathed in the scent of her hair and perfume. Her essence. So beautiful, so--

“Oh, Billy, I never felt this way before. Not with anyone. Ever since we met…I don’t know what’s happening to me.” She raised her head and looked into Billy’s face and felt tears forcing their way to her eyes. “I love you. I really, honestly love you.”

Billy smiled and kissed her once more and when he broke the kiss he nodded and replied in a low whisper,. “I-I-I have never felt this way before either. Not ever. I k-k-keep trying to tell myself it can’t be real. It is real. When I dream--I dream about you. When I am awake I think only of you. Natasha--”

“Say it again?” Seeing his questioning look, she added softly, “My name?”

“Natasha-- My Tasha.”

She smiled and leaned into his arms. “I love you, Billy.”

“I love you, Natasha Richards.”

***

He watched the two of them and then after a moment, Jericho turned and headed back to the captain’s bridge. Jericho bypassed Elijah and Dom. They too were locked in a loving embrace. For just that moment, Jericho felt jealous. He knew it was jealousy he was feeling. He could feel that green-eyed monster peeking its head out. Then Jericho squashed it like a bug. He should be happy for them. For his sister and his cousin. They had found love.

It wasn’t their fault, Jericho had fallen in love with a princess. (King Arthur’s Court Princess Keira and Jericho had a fairy tale romance.) A Princess that was heir to a throne far from here. A woman he had only met for a few hours, who had stolen his heart.

He was never going to be the same again. The problem was she was worlds away, while he was here.

Alone. Jericho couldn’t help but wonder if Keira ever thought of him? If she still was in love with him. Did she still feel the same as when they parted or had she gotten over him and moved on with her life. He could not blame her. He wouldn’t blame her if she had.

Jericho sighed and leaned against the railing. He still remembered her eyes, her lips--the feel of her skin and the smell of-- He came out of his thoughts, when he spotted the yacht coming up fast on the corner side of a small lagoon. The name Alexandra was clearly written on the end of the boat. Jericho ran to the bridge.

***

The boat sailed and stopped along side the yacht. At once, Jericho and the rest of the gang climbed over to check out the boat. The Captain watched with an unfathomed look on his face.

It was empty, of course, but that didn’t deter them from looking for clues to where their father might be.

Jericho entered the bridge and looked over the controls. As far as he could tell, no foul play was evident. The engine still worked and there appeared to be no struggle. Everything was in place and neat as a pin.

Elijah and Dom checked the deck. Nothing was out of the ordinary, save one thing. The scuba diving equipment was gone. Dominic pointed off the port bow, a small red and orange flag that bobbed in the water. Elijah nodded and hurried to rejoin Jericho.

***

Natasha opened the private quarters with just a bit of hesitancy. “Daddy?” she called. Getting no answer, she looked in and was relieved to see it was empty.

Entering the small cabin, Natalie found that all of her father's clothes and belongings were still here. If he had left, he hadn’t taken anything with him. She moved to the desk and began to look through the drawers for any notes or letters he might have left telling a passer-by where he might have gone. All of the drawers were empty. Turning around, she moved to the closet and began to look over her father’s clothes. As she touched them she paused and took a sniff. Evergreen drifted into her senses.

Daddy. She still remembered the smell and the essence of her own father. Tears filled her eyes and then she pushed away the emotions and continued to look through the pockets. She paused a moment, when she felt a small scrap of paper in one of her father’s jackets.

She pulled out the crumpled paper and slowly opened it up and flattened the creases. She stared at the strange symbols on it. They looked vaguely familiar. A round medallion with a Sapphire and red ruby stone had been drawn into it. At the bottom were more symbols, the same symbols on the Medallion. Turning the paper over, Natasha saw several clear notations written by her father’s hand.

It read: Beware the woman with red hair and goes by the name of Kassandra. All clues lead to the Bermuda Triangle.

Natasha turned about face about to head back on deck to speak to Jericho when she walked right into a body. She screamed.

***

Jericho winced and stared at Natasha. “Will you stop screaming?”

Natasha only hit him on the shoulder. “Will you stop sneaking up on people and giving them a heartattack!”

A moment later, running feet were heard and a second later Billy ran into the room. “Tasha!” hee cried out and then stopped when he saw the two of them staring back at him.

“Oh, for crying out loud.” Jericho turned and started to walk away.

“Wait, Jericho I think I found something.”

With Billy at her side, Natasha handed Jericho the paper and returning to the deck, he began to look it over. Seeing Jericho, Billy and Natasha, Dom and Elijah joined them.

“So, what does that mean?” asked Elijah. “Who’s Kassandra?”

Jericho shrugged; the name didn’t ring any bells. “I don’t know. Natasha?”

Natasha only planted her hands on her hips and shrugged. “How would I know? I haven’t seen Daddy in a long time and I don’t know anyone by the name of Kassandra. Ex-girlfriend?”

Elijah stopped. That name sounded familiar. Where did he hear that name before? It then dawned on him. “Jericho, Uncle Illya. He mentioned a mysterious woman named Kassandra and remember King Arthur’s fair--Sir Ian mentioned a Kassandra. A woman that appeared during Jason‘s university days in England.”

“Okay, but who is she and why did Uncle Jason draw our medallions?”

Dom looked at Elijah in confusion. “Medallions? What medallions?”

Elijah and Jericho looked at Dom and then shrugging, each reached for their own back pack. A moment later they were showing Dom the medallions. The exact image on the paper.

“Where did you get these?” asked Dom.

“While looking for my dad in Florida, a friend he knew, Polly, had these hidden away. She gave them to me. Apparently, they belonged to our grandparents and were suppose to be given to Jason and Ben when they were kids, but somehow, Jason has kept them secretly hidden away all these years.”

(First season Episode: Masquerade)

“You know what, I am really and totally confused now,” replied Dom with more than an annoyed look on his face. “Let me get this straight. Jason came all the way here to Hawaii? Why did he come here? Or, precisely, what was he looking for? And what does it all have to do with this piece of paper that tells us to beware of some red head named Kassandra and what does this all have to do with these medallions?”

Jericho and Elijah glanced at each other before looking over the side of the boat. They eyed the red and orange tag bobbing in the water.

Dominic sighed. “You are not thinking what I think you're thinking? Are you?”

All Dominic got from Elijah and Jericho was a big smile.

***

Natasha watched the boys suit up and scowled. “I can’t see why I can’t come with you?” Mr. Kruno had opened up the scuba gear he had in his hold and had shown the boys how to use the equipment before returning to his own boat.

“Because we need someone to pull on this rope.” Jericho handed Natasha a long white rope which he tied to his waist. “When our forty minutes are up.”

Natasha only grumbled under her breath. “But I want to come with you. I love to swim and…”

Jericho sighed and leaned closer to her, all the while lowering his voice. “Because I don’t trust him.” Jericho nodded to the lone form of Mr. Kruno, who was standing on deck watching them. “Stay here and keep a close eye on him. If he tries anything or leaves--.pull the rope.”

Natasha nodded, giving in at the moment. “Okay. But be careful.” And she said

that part looking directly at Billy.

Billy gave her a thumbs up, then realizing he could speak he replied softly. “Will do.”

As each finished putting on the oxygen tanks, Jericho was the first to enter the water, followed by Elijah, Billy and then Dominic.

After they were gone, Natasha let out an angry breath of air and when she spoke it was clearly she was speaking to no one but herself. “I always miss out on the fun parts.”

***

It was a strange sensation being in the water. Elijah felt as if a part of him was floating. He had scuba dived before. Two years ago, L.A. High School had opened up a program for scuba lessons. Elijah had joined the classes and was most taken aback when Dominic had also joined in. Of course, it soon became apparent that Dominic had already taken lessons. At the time, Elijah had thought it was just Dom’s way of getting to meet some more girls, but now Elijah knew it had only been another attempt to spend more time with him.

Elijah had enjoyed the lessons but after he passed with a solid B+, he had never been given another opportunity to go scuba diving. It was an expensive sport activity and one that Elijah refused to burden his mother with. Yet, here he was scuba diving and it was utterly fascinating. This was no specialized pool tank; this was the ocean.

Elijah went to the bottom and was delighted to see several species of fish pass him. A tap on his shoulder had Elijah come out of his thoughts to see Dominic pointing at Jericho. Jericho had his hand on the orange string that seemed to vanish out towards the reef. With Billy joining them they swam after Jericho and proceeded to follow the orange string, wondering where it would lead them.

Where it lead was what appeared to be an underwater cave. Jericho paused and, taking out a specialized flashlight, clicked it on. Waving to the others, he entered the cave. They waited for what seemed like a long time. Then Jericho’s form appeared out of the dark cavern and waved them to follow. Elijah was the last to enter the cave. He paused a moment to look back, for just a moment he thought he felt a certain movement in the water. Then shaking his head, he entered the darkness.

***

It was hungry and it was on the prowl. Somehow and somewhere in its brain, it knew that food was around him. It just had to find it. The Scalloped Hammerhead shark moved slowly in the waters, bypassing a small dark cave and then turned to continue its hunt.

***

The cave opened up and Elijah swam upwards to break through the surface of the water. The walls were all around him, glossy and full of slick wet slime. Various sea creatures had made their home within this chamber. Starfish and some oysters. Jericho and Billy had climbed up onto one of the rocks, and were looking all around the chamber in fascination. Dominic joined them on the rocks with Elijah close behind.

The cave itself was small, but seemed to open further to show a tunnel. With Jericho in the lead they came slowly down the tunnel, only to come to an abrupt end when they met a solid rock wall. Touching the wall of rock, Jericho examined the groves and noticed that one part of the wall seemed to not look right. He slowly began to nudge and push at the small rock formation.

“I don’t get it,” replied Elijah. “What was Uncle Jason doing down here? Was he looking for treasure?”

“More likely, I think, Elijah, he was looking to hide something here. Something that he wanted us to find?” replied Jericho.

“You mean--all these clues. He knows we’re following him? Like my dad?”

“I think so,” said Jericho.

“But, that doesn’t make any sense. Why doesn’t he just wait for us?”

“I don’t know,” replied Jericho, as he continued to push against the rocks.

Elijah and the others heard the sound of rock moving and a small portion of the wall opened to reveal a small hole. Getting to his knees, Jericho put his hand inside and then made a grunting noise. Handing Billy the flashlight, he put both hands into the hole and pulled out a small chest.

“What is that?” asked Dominic.

Billy looked at Dom and grinned. “A chest?”

Dominic promptly hit him playfully on the shoulder, causing Billy to chuckle. “Duh!”

Jericho ignored the two of them and brought the trunk back to the surface of the water chamber and now with more space took a closer look at the object.

“Not sure. It looks pretty old.” Jericho examined the edges and the walls and shrugged. “It’s locked but doesn’t have any opening mechanism I’ve ever seen before.”

It was then that his hands touched the top of the trunk. He could see a circular indent. It had familiar symbols on it. The medallions. Elijah and Jericho looked at each other and then moved towards the entrance of the underwater cave. Within a few minutes, they were back in the water and carrying the small chest with them.

***

The boats were still waiting for them, upon their arrival. But as Jericho popped out of the water, he saw a third boat had made its arrival. Six mysterious men were now on the Alexandra with Kruno. Where was Natasha? A scuffling sound was made and Jericho looked to his left to see Natasha. She was on the mysterious third boat and was tied to a pole, looking down at them with real fear in her eyes. If they so much as harmed his sister...

The first of the men held out his hand and, seeing he had little choice, Jericho handed over the chest. The men then backed off and allowed the boys to get back onto the boat.

***

Elijah was the last to get out of the water; he paused for a moment to look around the water. Just for a split second, he thought about diving back into the water. Seeing Dom shaking his head, he grabbed onto Dominic’s outstretched hand and allowed himself to be pulled on board.

Confronting the mysterious men, Elijah saw they were armed and at least two handguns were pointed in their direction. Elijah swallowed and moved closer towards Dominic.

“So who do you work for?” Was all Jericho could manage to say as he moved towards his sister. “The IIA? Saxon? Fletcher? Who?”

Kruno only smiled and looked at the four other men and held out his hand. The oldest of the men, having grey and black hair and having a hawk like nose, pulled out the long white envelope and handed it to him. “It’s all there.” Kruno grinned and, looking at the kids, he saluted them. “Nice meeting you kids. You were quite the treasure I sought.”

As he made his way to the boat, he did not see one of the other mysterious men come behind him, a split second later the sound of a gun went off and Kruno slumped forward and into the water below. Natasha let out a scream, and Jericho went to free her, only to have one of the men pull a gun to his face.

“Now, now, Mr. Jericho. Let’s not do anything stupid. Let’s get on my boat, shall we?”

Once the other kids were on the boat, they could only watch as two of the leader’s men took out a gas tank and began to dump the gasoline all over the other boats. Once that was done, the leader took out a cigarette and lit it. He took two puffs and then threw the remains of the cigarette onto Kruno’s boat. Within seconds The Alexandra and Kruno’s boat were going up in flames.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t introduce myself properly. You can call me Sharky and our job is to get Jason Richards. Our employer has offered us quite a bit of money to bring him to her unharmed. I’m betting she is going to pay us even more to get her hands on you. Start the boat, Gary. We’re to head for the other side of the island. Use those coordinates I gave you.”

Soon, Elijah felt the air whip around him as the boat started its engines and made its way slowly around the harbor. Elijah looked to his left and could see Dominic and Billy. They were being tied with Natasha to the pole. Only he and Jericho were left free. He was desperately trying to find some way to stop all of this but so far all that came to his mind he figured would get them all killed.

One of the other men, a short bearded man, held his gun on Elijah with a smug smile on his face. “You sure are a pretty boy, aren’t you?”

Elijah only turned away and looked to Jericho, who was standing quietly by the bow of the ship dealing with the leader of the gang, which now had a name. Sharkey. Somehow it fits.

“Where is my father? Did you kill him?” asked Jericho

Sharkey, who had lit up another cigarette, just looked at Jericho with an evil glint in his eye. “Not yet.”

Jericho felt his face flush. “You have him?”

“Not yet, but we will soon, what better bait than using his son.”

***

“We have to escape or do something,” said Billy.

Dominic looked at Billy with a rather bemused look on his face. “I am open to suggestions.”

Natasha looked at the two of them and then looked down. They followed her eyes to see she was slowly working on the ropes.

***

As the boat made its journey around the island slowly, Elijah could only watch as other boats passed them by. Fishermen or tourists out on their own boats. The sun had settled on the other side, signaling that they day was now heading into the evening. Night would soon be falling.

***

He followed the boat from as much distance as he could give without losing them. Every few minutes, Viggo would use his binoculars to make sure they hadn’t caught on to being followed or vanish.

He could see that Billy, Dominic and the girl were tied to a pole. Elijah and Jericho were next to each other and were being held at gun point. Six men in all. Two in the bridge, three on the bow, including the leader of this ruffian gang, and one lone figure in the front of the boat. Viggo checked his gun and the sleep darts. Three shots. He reached under the wheel and took out the last resort. Viggo pulled out a revolver from the glove compartment along with a silencer, followed by a box of bullets. Vincent would be having a cow, right about now. But Viggo knew what he was doing this time and he would not miss his intended targets.

***

The boat pulled into a small Lagoon area. As they did this, the boat lights came on. Sharkey smiled at the boys and seeing their confusion, he pulled out a small white envelope and handed it to Jericho. Curious at what was in the envelope, Jericho opened it and pulled out a dozen or so photos.

In the photos, he could see a very familiar man dressed all in black and carrying what looked to be binoculars. Jason Richards, his father. In the last photo, Jericho saw that Sharkey had taken a special shot. A picture of his father looking down a peer and onto a sandy beach. A beach where five forms were out lounging and relaxing in the sunlight.

“Your father is here-- somewhere. Now we just wait for his arrival.”

Leaning against the railing of the boat, Sharkey smiled at the boys.

***

Viggo, dived into the water and slowly swam towards the boat. He had to be careful and make certain he didn’t reveal his presence at the moment. Reaching the boat, he pulled himself up just enough to see the deck. He could see Natasha, Billy and Dominic were still tied at the pole. The guard set to keep watch on them was still at the front of the boat and he could see the two other men were still in the bridge.

He glanced down to the bow of the ship and could see Sharkey leaning against the railing, smoking a cigarette in one hand, while holding a revolver in the other. It was pointed at Jericho and Elijah. His two other thugs were sitting nearby playing a hand of poker.

He delved back into the water and made his way to the front of the boat. Again taking a quick peek, he could see the lone figure standing just a few feet from him. He was armed. Thinking fast, Viggo used his hand and splashed gently over the surface of the water and then made a sound that was in imitation of a dolphin.

***

The guard heard a splashing sound and the unmistakable call of a dolphin. Fucking dolphins, always hated Flipper. Smiling, he started towards the sound with his gun hammered back. Bye bye Flipper.

***

The man leaned over the boat and then a hand came up, grabbing him and pulling him into the water. He was easily subdued and the rescuer made certain that Sharkey’s man would never breathe the air again.

***

The guard was there one moment, gone the next. Natasha, Billy and Dom were both frozen in place.

***

Once Viggo was sure the man was dead, he let go and the body slowly drifted down stream. Reaching for the railing, Viggo pulled himself up and onto the boat. Seeing Natasha and the other two boys, he smiled at them and with his finger to his lips shushed them to silence. Natasha and Billy frowned while Dom whispered under his breath.

“Hey, Mate, Hope you are here to rescue us. Try not to shoot me this time, okay?” He gestured to the ropes to get them free. Viggo just walked passed them. “Hey untie us.” Dom growled under his breath as the figure disappeared into the darkness. “Well, Fuck you too, Mate.”

Both Natasha and Billy looked at Dom with more than an annoyed look on their faces.

“What? I thought he was here to rescue us. So, I was wrong, like that is a surprise to anyone? Especially you two.”

Both Nat and Billy sighed and shook their heads and then returned to trying to free themselves from the rope.

***

He reached the bridge. Two men? One was reading a book and the other was asleep in a nearby chair. This shouldn’t be too difficult. He knocked gently. The man reading the book looked up.

“Sharkey?”

The door opened and Viggo stepped in. Seeing the intruder, the man dropped the book and went for his gun. He never made it that far. Viggo took him down with one clean shot to his head. The sleeping man awoke at the sound of a thud, he didn’t even have time to figure out what was happening when another shot was fired right through his heart.

***

“Since you have the upper hand and it certainly wouldn’t hurt, can you tell me who employed you?” asked Jericho.

“Want to know, do ya?”

“Yes, I would.”

The man laughed and shook his head. “Her name is Kassandra. I don’t know her last name but man is she one gorgeous bitch. Wouldn’t mind laying her on the side. Maybe a good fuck is what she needs to chill her frosty ass, huh?” Sharkey laughed towards his men, who laughed with him and then Sharkey thought he heard something, a splashing sound coming from the bow.

Jericho made the connection and shook his head. Alright, but who was this mysterious woman? And what does she have to do with their past? Why would she want to capture the Richards family? Does she know how they got this…special blood? Perhaps she was the key to it all?

“Seems your Father also took something from her and she wants it back. I’m betting it has to do with that trunk.”

Sharkey now looked at the trunk, which was sitting just on the side of the boat. They had tried to open it earlier. The men tried a crowbar, a hammer, even an ax but the trunk wouldn’t open.

“Jewels? Gold coins? Treasure?” asked Sharkey.

Jericho only shrugged and glanced at Elijah, catching his eye, he nodded to the side and quickly looked away back at Sharkey. “Beats me.”

Elijah followed Jericho’s eyes to the wall. He could see a metal hook connected to a pole hanging on a hook.

“We shall see. Once your daddy gets here.”

***

Viggo dumped the bodies into the water and turned to head to the bow of the boat. He walked past the pole and then stopped dead and backed up. He looked at the pole and saw a clump of rope on the ground. The kids were gone. Damn.

***

Moving back just a little, Sharkey tried to look into the waters; seeing nothing, he turned back to face Jericho to see a fist come flying into his face. The force of the punch threw him off balance and he fell backwards into the water. The two men looked up and went for their weapons. But Elijah was given just enough time to grab the hook and pole and threw it hard at the men. They both caught it in the chest and fell on their backs.

Taking the opportunity, Jericho grabbed Elijah by the shoulder and ran towards the front of the boat. He came to a dead stop when a figure came out of the darkness holding a gun. Elijah and Jericho recognized Viggo Morton immediately; backing up, they realized they were trapped.

The remaining two thugs were coming for them, each had a gun in their hand. “Duck!” Viggo yelled.

They didn’t argue and ducked. Viggo fired two shots and the remaining thugs hit the ground, their weapons still in the palms of their hands.

Rising slowly, Elijah swallowed and looked at Viggo and then at Jericho. What was going to happen now? A shout came from above. Viggo looked up just in time to see three shadowy figures throw a net which came falling down on top of him. Followed by two forms crashing down on him. The wind was knocked out of him and he lost his gun.

Jericho picked it up and nodded at Viggo. “Looks like you lose this round.”

Viggo only half smiled and watched as they retrieved the chest and moved to the front of the boat. Even as Viggo was getting himself free he saw that they had managed to pull the life raft free from its poles and set it into the water. By the time Viggo was free the boys and Natasha were halfway towards shore. He smiled and shook his head.

“Only this round, boys.”

A soft splash got Viggo’s attention and, pulling out his knife, he turned and headed to the bow of the ship. Sharkey was just pulling himself into the boat when he felt something sharp slam into his back. He let out a cry and stared up at the mysterious man before him. *Who was he?* Sharkey would never know. He closed his eyes a moment later and died.

Viggo threw the body back into the water.

***

In the water it moved quickly. The smell of blood called to it. Time to eat. The shark hurried towards its meal.

***

They sat quietly in the restaurant. The place stayed open late and that allowed the boys and Natasha to get something to eat. The trunk was already in the hotel room and it was decided after they got something to eat they would open the chest.

As Elijah took a huge bite out of his lobster sandwich, he looked at Dominic to see he was still not acting like himself. Currently, Dominic was playing with his food and every once and awhile was looking out at the ocean.

Jericho was just finishing his haddock plate, while Natasha continued to steal his fries. “Excuse me, you have your own?” He pouted, but Natasha only smiled and took some more.

“Dom… Are you okay?” But Dominic wouldn’t meet Elijah’s eyes.

After a moment he mouthed softly. “Yeah. Fine.”

Facing Jericho, Elijah changed the subject at hand. “Okay, so Uncle Jason knew we were here all along? He must have set that boat and everything up for us to get it. I don’t understand. Why didn’t he just show himself? Why the cloak and dagger? And what is in that chest and who is this Kassandra?”

Jericho didn’t have an answer. “We’ll open the chest and then will check out. With that Viggo character here, I am sure Vincent and even the IIA or even Saxon is about somewhere.”

“Where are we going to go?” asked Natasha.

Jericho didn’t have an answer for that either.

***

Returning to the hotel room, the boys found the door to their room was open. Carefully going inside, Jericho saw that the room was empty. Whoever got in, came and left.

“Jericho, the chest is gone!” yelled Natasha.

Jericho turned to the bed and saw it was so. It was gone.

Elijah moved to his jacket and looked at Jericho. “My medallion is gone too.”

Jericho checked his duffle bag and sure enough his medallion was gone as well.

***

Checking out of the hotel, Jericho was handing the main clerk the keys to their room when the clerk smiled. “Oh, something is here for you. A man stopped by.” He reached under the counter and out he pulled a white envelope.

Jericho took it and after thanking the man headed for outside. Finding a quiet bench, he sat down next to Elijah and Natasha and opened it. Inside fell out five tickets to a cruise liner heading for Greece. Along with several photo ids, with a fake name at the bottom.

A small slip of paper was also in the envelope. It read: Meet me in Athens, Greece. At the Mama Francesca Restaurant. Dad.

They all looked at each other and headed out the door.

***

They arrived at the port to find that the boat they were to take wouldn’t be leaving until late the next morning. Tired and beyond exhausted, Jericho used their new fake Ids and got a nearby hotel room for the night.

***

Elijah opened his arms and Dominic scooted into them. Sighing happily, Elijah looked into Dominic’s eyes and could still see that his lover was miles away. The young man got close to Dom's ear, with a teasing smile playing on his lips,

“Want to do some more teaching? I think this will be the last night we will get alone for awhile.”

It was only then that Dominic smiled sadly. “Not tonight. Please? I‘m tired.”

Elijah shrugged, feeling slightly hurt by this rejection. From the start, it had been Dom that wanted to make love and have some SEX and now--Dominic was miles away.

“Dom, what is the matter? Can’t you tell me?”

Dominic only kissed Elijah’s lips gently and then turned and rolled over. Elijah sadly let him go, but did not turn away, he just reached out and placed his hand over Dom’s chest. A moment later, Elijah felt a gently squeeze on his arm.

A few moments later Elijah drifted off to sleep.

***

He felt himself walking along a dark hallway. Faces all around him, he could see Elijah, Jericho, Natasha and Billy. He then saw other faces his father, Vincent, his mother’s grandparents and his Aunt Liz.

Then the room darkened and a vision of beauty appeared to him. He smiled and started running towards her. But the woman only turned and began to walk away. No matter how fast he ran, he couldn’t catch her and then she was gone.

Darkness brightened and Dominic found himself standing behind two men looking in a window. One in a wheelchair and another standing having no features. His father, Steel Fletcher was shaking his head. “Not my son. Just look at him, how could he be of my blood. He is weak.”

The other figure spoke. “He’s not mine either. I lay no claim to him.”

Dominic felt the rejection stabbing deep into his heart. He reached out to his father, calling his name. But neither men turned and slowly they drifted away.

***

He sat upright, gasping. His night clothes were drenched with sweat. Realizing he was dreaming and now was awake, Dominic turned to the side of the bed to see Elijah. He was still asleep. The moonlight bathed his face making him look even more beautiful and ethereal. Serene. An angel. A small tear fell from Dom's eyes and rolled down his cheek and down onto his arm. Closing his eyes, Dominic willed control. Once he felt the pain ease back, he pulled the blankets back and got out of bed.

***

Elijah sighed as the sunlight hit his face. A soft knock got his attention. “Elijah, Dominic, we have just twenty minutes. Shake a leg.” replied the voice of Natasha.

He grinned to himself. “You heard her, Dominic…it's time to--” Elijah moved to put his hand on to Dominic and found only an empty space.

And a piece of paper.

***

Vincent closed the door to the quarters. She would sleep for awhile yet. Long enough to get the mysterious Jade back to Fletcher's estate. Reaching the bridge, Vincent saw Viggo waiting for him.

“What now?”

“We head back to Fletcher's estate. We will cancel the search for now.” Viggo started the engine and head the small boat out to see. In the distance a huge cruise ship could be seen, Viggo veered away from it.

***

The cruise ship drifted out of port and even after the many tourists on the boat had left, Elijah remained standing by the rail, watching Hawaii drift away. In his hands was the piece of paper. He had read it over and over again. Hoping to find some clue, some reason behind it. But nothing came to mind. Everything else around him was just a blur. Jericho placed a hand gently on his shoulder.

“Kid?”

Elijah only lowered his head. “Don’t. Don’t say it.”

“Elijah…”

“Just go away.” Elijah replied, the tears came to his eyes and he faced Jericho with anger and clear hurt in his eyes. “Just leave me alone right now. I want to be alone.”

Jericho released Elijah’s shoulder and paused to look back. Elijah was reading the letter again.

“For what it's worth, you were right. People can change. He changed, for you. Whatever happened-- wherever he is going…I am certain someday he will come back to you.”

Getting no response, Elijah wiped away a tear that had started to fall to focus on the letter.

Elijah closed his eyes; the tears fell from his eyes and then he let the paper go. The wind carried it up and away and then down and into the water, to be forever lost at sea.

***

“Where to?“ asked a young blond behind the desk. Airplanes could be seen out of a nearby window. Some were making a landing and others were making their way into the skies. Dominic put down his card and, slinging his duffle bag over his shoulder, he rubbed at his red eyes. He was so tired. So tired and he was finding it hard to breathe. He felt sick inside. Pain seemed to be hitting him from everywhere, especially where his heart was.

“A ticket?. A ticket to nowhere.”

The woman stared at him questioningly. “Excuse me?“

Dominic forced the smile to his lips. “Home. L.A. California.“

But I'd of had to miss the dance

The end.