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Repercussions of a Summons Gone Awry [Sera X Procyonix]

Ozramis wondered about where the boys were all these months. It seemed.. odd.. that they would be completely off of his radar. Not that he had minded. Allowing him the time to work on twisting Ceci to his will was far more enjoyable, and profitable long term. That she had been distancing herself from Derek was unexpected, given that she was carrying his child, but it made him feel that he was winning the war even after losing a couple of key battles at the beginning. Still he had to remind himself, to not be totally blinded by the pleasure she gave him, like Rakith had allowed himself to become. That had been the starting point for everything that had happened since then.

Ozramis would never have made a move on Rakith if he was at full strength. And while perhaps he had underestimated how much strength the Prince had still available, it was only this weakness that had allowed Ozramis to defeat him. That and a well laid trap. But as the months dragged on without incident, Ozramis had unintentionally let his guard down some, born of his own innate arrogance. So when she mentioned Derek and Keith... That Rakith was here, and how long had he been here? That snapped him out of the lull of his complacency.

For his part, Derek had played his role well at school, allowing Ceci to distance herself from him. He didn't like it, but he understood her reasons, and he trusted her. Over the months, he realized just how tightly they all seemed to be bound. Which explained much behind the demonic principal's plans. He was trying to damage those bonds. But that hadn't happened, even despite his best efforts. In fact, if anything it had done the reverse. By adding Derek into the mix, where he once had three to worry about, he now had four.

To cut down the risk of being caught, he didn't let Ceci go to their home, rather he made the regular trips with information and messages back and fourth. The three men were sitting in the master bedroom that afternoon, discussing how to snap Ceci out of her delusion of being a high school student, when things started to happen. The first sign of trouble was when tear gas cannister's were being lobbed into the house shattering windows. But it wasn't until they were flushed out of the house that things grew ugly.

Ozramis had decided to look at the home he had given Alaric and Rakith, where better to hide than in plain sight. The one place nobody would have expected wanted fugitives to return. Armed with a swat team, he had flushed them out, and discovered to his amusement that Derek was with them. They were subdued from the tear gas, and all three were bound. Dialing the number to Ceci's phone, he told her, “You might want to come down to Keith's house, I've captured the men who have been a thorn in our sides for so long.”
 
Ceci was at the department store, shopping for baby clothes, her blues eyes sparkling with the warmth and happiness that she felt, when her phone started to ring. Assuming it was Derek, she fumbled in her purse quickly to grab it. She was confused when she saw Dr. Rami's number and name pop up instead. She'd just seen him. What did he need now? "Hello?" She greeted, "Dr. Ramis?" Within seconds of answering she felt her stomach drop and her blood pressure spike. He knew. "Keith's?" She questioned, pushing a tone of confusion into her voice. Dr. Ramis couldn't possibly know her part yet, could he? "I'll be right over..Do you need me to bring anything?" She asked softly, her voice giving away none of the terror that she was currently feeling.

After getting off the phone with him, she quickly fled the store, jumping in her car and speeding her way to Keith's house. The entire way there she couldn't stop thinking about what she was going to walk into. Was Derek there? She didn't dare try to call him in fear of his phone being near the Principal. Than he would know for sure that she was part of the entire ordeal. With her heart lodged in her throat, she drove.

Upon arrival she saw the police everywhere, her stomach twisting painfully with her fear. "Oh God..." She whispered. All three of her men were on the front lawn, brought to their knees before the line of police and of course Dr. Ramis. She had to figure out what his plans were. What was he going to do next? Jumping out of her car she walked swiftly towards the chaos, the police didn't give her any trouble as she approached Dr. Ramis. It should have been surprising, but she knew it was somehow the Principal that held all the power in their little town. "Dr. Ramis..." She called, a hand on her belly as she lightly jogged to his side. She reached out, grasping his arm as she came to his side, her eyes wide as she looked up at him. "What's going on?" She asked, her gaze shifting to look at Derek beside Keith and Rick. "Oh God...What's Derek doing here?" She gasped, feigning complete surprise.

She was hoping to talk him down. Get him to take the police away and handle everything on a less lethal platform. Things weren't looking good. She couldn't lose Derek, Keith, or Rick. Not when things were finally getting better.
 
Ozramis looked at Ceci as she arrived. She did look appropriately shocked, still she had mentioned Derek and Keith both, so she had known that Keith had appeared, and the Derek was willing to share her with Keith meant that she had interacted with him, likely sexually. That bothered him for some reason, and it wasn't only because it insinuated that she might have been deceiving him, the great deceiver himself. “So, you seem surprised.. Yet, you knew Keith was back. And that Derek was willing to share you with him. Those were your own words, Cecilia,” the voice was cold and heartless, far more than just the dispassionate tone he used during the sessions.

With a nod of his head, the SWAT guys behind the three boys all brought the butts of their assault rifles down on the shoulders of the man in front of them. Driving Keith and Rick to the ground, red blood visible on their clothing. Derek being in shape from football, and younger, took the blow with only a wince of pain. Still the grimace on his face told Ceci he was in far more pain than he was showing. Growling at Dr. Ramis, Derek said menacingly, “Afraid are you that you wont face three young men without an entire team of goons with assault rifles. That's not the great and mighty Ozramis I've been hearing about.. But you can't be all powerful, if one of your creations turned on you without you really figuring it out fully.”

Ozramis growled in rage at hearing his real name spoken by a figment of his imagination. A tool to corrupt Ceci. Yet it seemed, she had corrupted him, like a computer virus. This was unacceptable. Turning to the captain of the SWAT team, he motioned them into firing position. “Well we shall take care of that mistake, Derek,” Ozramis told him flatly with undisguised malice.
 
The tone that he used when she reached him chilled her to the core and she was tense as she watched him. "Dr. Ramis..." She murmured, "Stop this...I know you're angry..." She urged, her hands gripping his arm even tighter, "But you're being ridiculous..." She tried to reason. Her fearful eyes shifted to the men as the SWAT officers hit them all with their rifles. "No!" She cried out, almost running to them. Ceci remained planted beside Dr. Ramis. It was no use. She couldn't prove that she was devoted to him anymore. The plan was in ruins. "Please don't do this..." She whispered. Her gaze found Derek's and she could see the pain that he tried so hard not to show. Hands instinctively went to her belly and she stifled a cry. What was she going to do?

Ozramis. The name made her falter, her eyes wide with confusion. What was Derek talking about? "Ozramis..." She murmured the name over her lips, rolling it around on her tongue. "Dr. Ramis...Ozramis..." Ceci frowned, flicking her gaze from Derek to the Principal beside her. The rage filled roar that erupted from the man beside was terrifying and she released his arm to step back. He was going to kill them. Kill them all.

No.

Ceci panicked, her blue eyes wide and her limbs trembling. She was going to lose everything. Be left with a monster. "No..." She breathed. Her feet carried her faster than her mind could follow, and before she knew it she was standing in front of the men, her eyes narrowed and her arms spread wide. A pressure was starting to become painful behind her eyes and she looked incredibly uncomfortable. Remember. "You can't hurt them!" She yelled. "I won't let you!" She snapped. Ceci was starting to feel funny, almost dizzy as she tried to focus on Dr. Ramis and the officers with their guns pointed. He won't shoot..He won't shoot, she tried to tell herself.
 
Ozramis was beyond upset. To hear Derek speak his name, and now it was suddenly clear to him that Ceci had been lying to him for months, playing him. Add that there was a part of him that was offended that she had lied to him about enjoying their sessions. And THAT upset him even more. As she moved to stand in front of the men and made herself into a human shield, he growled, “So all this time, you've been lying to me. Playing me for a sap. I guess I've been going about this thing all wrong from the start.”

His eyes grew dark and deadly, his voice matching the look, “I can't hurt Rakith or Alaric because of their bond to you, or so I thought. But what if I kill all three of you? Then the bond doesn't matter. And Derek, since you're not a real person, killing you is no different from you ceasing to exist when this world shuts down.” Shrugging, he motioned to the SWAT team and they started to fire.

In that moment, time seemed to slow down. Derek surged forward. Pushing Ceci down to the ground, he was a moment too slow to get down himself, and bullets riddled him thoroughly, his dark red blood splattered all over Ceci. He knew that the wounds were fatal even before he hit the ground. Looking behind him, he saw that Keith and Rick had dropped to the ground in time. And Ceci was safe..Rolling off of her, “Ceci.... remember..... you..*cough* have powers... Save yourself.. Save your boys...” He coughed up more blood. The light in his eyes was fading fast, he wanted to see her once more, pulling her towards him. “I always loved you, he made me... But you made me real. A person. Thank you for that, take care of our baby...” he managed softly.
 
She frowned. Now he knew the truth entirely. And as she suspected, it made him even more angry. If she'd been afraid of him before, it was nothing compared to now. She could see it in his eyes. He didn't care what happened to any of them. He didn't care what happened to him. Any progress she had made with him was gone and out the window. Unattainable any longer.

Rakith. Alaric. Strange names again. The pulsing pressure behind her eyes increased and her arms were shaking as she fought to remain tall in front of the men she wanted to protect. Dr. Ramis was talking of bonds and worlds and it made her dizzier by the second. But then she couldn't think about anything because he motioned for his officers to fire. "NO!" She cried out, terrified of what came next. But then it didn't matter.

She yelped in surprise as Derek pushed her to the ground, tossing her out of harms way as he got caught up in the shower of bullets. The warmth of blood sprayed her and she felt it sinking into her clothes as she slowly turned to see Derek falling to the ground. "NO!" Ceci screamed, her eyes already streaming tears down her cheeks. She willingly let him pull her close, her lips parted as she choked on a sob. Her arms wrapped around him tightly, praying to whoever would listen not to take him away from her. "Derek..." She whispered, "You can't do this...You can't leave us..." She was shaking her head, a hand pressed to his cheek, coated in blood that he was coughing up. Keith and Rick appeared okay for the moment, but Derek was in her arms dying. "I love you...You can't leave me..." She said again, lowering her lips to his to kiss him for what she knew would be the last time. What she said didn't mean anything. He was dying. And fast.

A scream tore from her throat and she turned hate filled eyes at Dr. Ramis. "YOU!" She screeched. Another cry broke free from her and she clutched the sides of her head as if she were in pain. Floods of images swarmed through her and she felt a burning in her veins.

When she looked up moments later, her blue eyes were glittering with power. "You fucking bastard!" Ceci screamed, shakily rising to her feet as she stared at Ozramis. "You took my memories. You made me a pawn in your world. A toy...." She was seething with her anger. "You took my men...You hid them from me..." She hissed. Ceci was stepping closer to Ozramis, her eyes focused for him alone. "You KILLED the father of my CHILD!" Without even thinking about it, her magic reached out, already knowing what she wanted and acting upon her will alone. A force unseen toppled over the line of SWAT, crushing them to the ground beneath them and effectively disarming them. They groaned as they tried to rise from the ground, but the pressure didn't let up. It kept them down. "Are you so weak without your precious little pawns to help you, Ozramis?" Ceci snapped.
 
Derek smiled up at her after her kiss. “It's ok babe, I love you, will always love you. Each time you look at our child, think of me, remember me...These months with you...have been priceless,” he managed out painfully. The color was starting to drain from him as his life force was ebbing. Though he stabilized a moment it seemed when she lashed out with her magic. It was a wonder to behold, truly. He'd never seen magic, or Ceci like this. She was so different, so... much more...awesome... Tears streamed down his cheeks as he knew this would be the last time he saw her. He had come to realize he wouldn't get out of this well, likely at all, but with so much to live for, he didn't want to die.

Rakith moved up to Derek looking at the dying young man. The wounds were lethal of course, there had been little doubt. But Rakith didn't have much of his power back. So he did the only thing he knew how. Siphoning a little excess energy from Ceci's spell he channeled it into Derek. He would live long enough for another kiss at least. But more importantly, and while he didn't know if it would work entirely given that he was already dying, he bound him to the three of them. “I hope this works, but she can't know... I am going to do what I can to save you, Derek. You earned my respect,” he told him softly.

Ozramis watched as Ceci awoke. It was awesome and terrifying at the same time. She hadn't had this sort of power before. But her rage at him was understandable, even as he raged against her. The mocking tone of her voice was enough to make him Flare up to his true form, the bat like wings extending from his fiendish body. “Minions are made to be expendable. Ask Derek.” He laughed in her face.

Seeing the demon in Ozramis for the first time made Derek blanche. “Are you,” he asked Rakith, “like him?” His voice was shaking, breathless and scared both of the demon and of his approaching death. His hand reached out to Ceci, wanting to be with her when he died... “Ceci....” he gasped out. The tears flowing freely now as his breathing grew shallow.

Rakith called out to her, “My little Witch, he's going fast.. Forget Ozramis, nothing you do to him here will affect him... Derek needs you right now. Be with him.” Standing up, he moved menacingly towards Ozramis. Alaric stood up and followed his lord. The two of them moved to keep Ozramis from doing anything to Ceci. Now that she had her powers back, their escape was inevitable. But they needed to keep him busy enough for Ceci to make her goodbyes.
 
Ozramis infuriated her. How dare he talk about Derek like he was nothing! He was everything! The demon was merely angry that his pawn had turned into something more without him even noticing. Once he had, it had already been too late. Even though Ozramis was intimidating in his demon form, Ceci didn't flinch, she was too filled with anger. She had been ready to throw everything she had at Ozramis, to scream and shred him to pieces with the magic that flooded her, but Rakith's voice caught her attention. She tensed, glancing over her shoulder to see him beside Derek. Derek... Her Derek was dying and she couldn't do anything to help him.

Abandoning her fury, she was drawn to Derek's side again. Ceci fell to her knees, grabbing Derek's hand as she leaned down to him. She was distantly aware that Rakith and Alaric were standing between Ozramis and her and Derek. Squeezing Derek's hand she looked at the tears that rolled down his cheeks. "Don't cry, Derek..." She whispered, "It's okay..." She told him, though her own tears were returning. "I love you...I'll always love you..." She promised him. leaning forward so that their foreheads touched. She cradled his face in her hands, supporting him as he had no strength to do so. Ceci lowered her lips to his, kissing him lovingly and slowly. She wanted to cherish the moments she had left with him and show him just how much she loved him. "Your child will know everything about you...Not a day will go by that they don't hear about how loving and brave their father was...." She promised him before kissing him again. Her own tears were falling and she couldn't help it. She was crushed. Derek was going to die and she was going to have to raise his child without him.

She could feel his life as it faded away and she choked on a sob. "Derek, I love you..." She told him urgently. "Always..." Another kiss, lingering, their tears mingling on their lips. Ceci clutched him close, refusing to release him until he was gone. When the moment came that he was no longer with her, a tormented wail fell from her lips, her shoulders shaking as she cried against his bloodied body.
 
The world around them was fading, as Rakith no longer was maintaining the illusion. Soon all that was left was the four of them, and Derek's dead body. Ozramis waved a hand, and the world began to spin as he rejected them from his domain. Fortunately, as Ceci had Derek's body in her arms, it went with them. Soon they were at her cottage once more. Rakith, now looking himself, put a hand on her shoulder. “At least we can give him a proper burial, with the love and respect he deserves,” he told her in a gentle soft voice filled with sadness. “That's another reason to hate Ozramis now, I liked him, I respected him. A man with no power, no special skills other than those given to him as a man, and defended you to the last more than either Alaric or I have been able to. Such a man deserves our love and thanks.”

Alaric nodded. “He had a helluva punch too,” he added as he rubbed his jaw. The two men moved to the back of the cottage, and started on making a grave for him. Rakith used his magic to collect lumber and form it into a casket. They would let her have time alone to deal with the grief she was feeling. The pain. They would do what they could later to help her through it, but it was important to allow a person time to grieve..

Finally, when the grave was dug, a headstone made, and the casket finished, the two men walked over to Ceci. Neither would rush her. But they wanted to be near her for the comfort they hoped they would provide. When she was ready to bury Derek, Rakith handed her flowers to put in the casket with him. Pure white and Red roses. Where he got them from was harder to explain, but with his power back, it could be from anywhere in time or space.
 
Ceci didn't even notice as the world around her faded away. Nothing was breaking through the curtain of grief she'd surrounded herself with. Even when her cottage in the woods appeared beside her, her arms remained around Derek, her body bent over him as she wept. She felt the hand on her shoulder, but only half-heard Rakith's kind words. She said nothing, her hold on Derek tightening as she burrowed her face into his neck. He was dead and she didn't know what to do about it. She didn't know how to react. His blood on her body was sticky in some places, dry and crusty in others, gluing her clothes to her body uncomfortably, but still she didn't move.

It wasn't until Rakith and Alaric came to collect Derek's body for his casket that she finally looked up from his body and at the two men in front of her. They were quiet, never trying to push her or rush things along and she appreciated it. She loved them all the more for their patient and tender concern. Slowly, she pulled her arms away from Derek's unmoving body and stood shakily to her feet. She watched her men take Derek's body to his final resting place, her body trembling the entire time. She followed behind, her eyes glistening with tears until Rakith handed her the flowers. It was then that the tears once more poured down her cheeks and she choked on a sob. "I hate him..." She whispered hoarsely. "Ozramis is a coward. A fool. And he will die. I don't care what I have to do. He's done!" Ceci lowered the flowers into Derek's casket and stepped back, wrapping her arms around herself as the burial was completed.

"You'll live on in all of us, Derek...Though you were not born of normal means...You were just as real as any of us. And you'll remain just as real in each of our hearts and souls..." Ceci murmured over his grave. "You'll live on in me most of all..." She promised, her hands lowering to her baby bump. Ceci turned silent, her blue hues focused on the grave while Rakith and Alaric stood beside her. She didn't move, no matter what was said or done, not until the sun dipped low in the sky and she knew the men would insist she go inside. With one last glance at Derek's grave, Ceci turned to go into her cottage, finding the little home a welcome change of scenery.
 
Both Ceci's men were somber during the service. Having been a Templar thanks to the situation that had brought all this to pass, he technically was an ordained priest. So he preformed the last rights by blessing water from a nearby stream to anoint Derek's body with. Once they closed the casket and planted him into his grave. Rakith made a grave marker for him. It read:

Derek Johnson
Protector of Ceci
Her love, and beloved boyfriend.
Killed by Ozramis
He will be avenged.
​
When it was done, They followed her inside silently, not wanting to interfere with her grieving. Even as the two of the were also men she loved, Ceci clearly attracted men like flies to honey and had shown her ability to be poly-amorous, in a way that was highly rare. Neither of them begrudged her the love she had for Derek, or that she carried his child. They both knew she loved them so there was no need to get jealous.

Finally, Rakith moved to sit down next to her and put his arm around her in a comforting fashion. “I had hoped to shield you from the loss of a loved one. But in my arrogance, I overlooked our foes traps. While it had both good and bad repercussions, I know the pain you must feel.”

For his part, Alaric went into the kitchen and started make some food for them all. Some he had learned while in the past. Summoning the proper foods that were not native to England, he made a nice cumin spiced lamb kabobs and a spinach and milk stew. Placing them on trays, he brought one in for each Ceci and Rakith, before going to get his own and sit down in the room with them.
 
As she sat silently on her worn couch, Ceci realized just how terrible she was feeling. Not just emotionally, but physically. She was thinking about what she could do to make herself more comfortable, a hand resting over her swollen belly, when Rakith sat down beside her. A comforting arm wrapped around her and she immediately leaned into his touch. She felt like it had been so long since she'd really seen him and his presence was greatly appreciated. "It is okay, Rakith..." Ceci said softly, bringing her blue gaze up to look at him. "Had I not foolishly left the cottage in the first place...none of this would have happened..." She rested a hand on his leg, her finger curling into the fabric of his pants. "I'm sorry that you were tortured..." She whispered, her already pained gaze filling with tears. "I didn't listen...and everyone was hurt because of that.."

Her pain over Derek's loss was making all of her guilt come flooding back and it took everything in her not to sob. Alaric chose that moment to join them with two trays of food. She blinked in surprise and slowly accepted the tray. Was she even hungry? She knew she needed to eat, but she feared that if she did she'd merely get sick. Ceci watched Alaric leave for a moment and return with his own tray and the three of them say around in silence for a few moments. "Thank you Alaric..." She said softly, lifting a spoon to dip into the stew.

"Thank you...both of you...for helping me with Derek..." She dropped the spoon, unable to bring it to her lips. Her shoulders hunched and she bit her lip. "I can't believe he's really gone..." She whispered. Looking down onto her tray she shook her head, "I'm sorry, Alaric..." She glanced up at him guiltily, "I can't eat...I just can't right now..."
 
They sat with her quietly, not trying to force her to eat. She had been through hell. Her ordeal was far worse than anyone else's. Rakith had been tortured, but he was a demon, he was used to that. Alaric? Well his wasn't a torture, he just got to live a different life. Though the torture at the end was bad of course. But Ceci had lived and loved, then lost him. That she was pregnant with the man's child spoke to how real he had become. Rakith held her a she leaned into him. “Think of it this way, Ceci,” he told he softly, “when you met Derek, he was a simple construct designed to break you down. Though your love and magic, you made him real. You let him experience life: true life. He had a woman who loved him dearly, a child on the way. Many men never have that. Though short, his life was beautiful thanks to you. Never forget that.”

Alaric nodded. “He was another good man cut down in his prime by Ozramis, but with the three of us, and your unborn child of his, he will be remembered. Held in our hearts and minds. Another thing that many never get. Grief is part of our life as humans, we live to die eventually. At least this way, he was spared the pains of old age. Small comfort, I know, Ceci, but we need to take comfort where we can,” he told he softly.
 
Ceci frowned as she turned her attention to Rakith. "I don't want to think about it, Rakith..." She whispered honestly. Alaric stole her attention and she shook her head, "If Ozramis never even got hold of me...Derek never would have existed..Nor suffered," She argued. "I cursed him by bringing him life. By giving him the chance to become a pawn for Ozramis to begin with..." She said bitterly. Ceci released a heavy sigh, closing her blue eyes and resting both hands on her stomach. "I don't want to talk about it anymore...I don't feel well...and I just want to lay down..."

She shifted the tray of food to the side and stood up from the couch, wincing slightly as she did so. She was still covered in dried blood and she grimaced at the thought. "I need a bath first.." She murmured miserably. But it occurred to her that maybe a warm bath was exactly what she needed. Turning her pained gaze to Rakith she frowned, "Could you heat some water for me?" She murmured softly, "I'd do it...but I'm so tired..." She explained pitifully. Ceci moved to grab her tray of food and take it back to the kitchen, her shoulders slumped, "I'm sorry again, Alaric...I wish I could eat...Your dinner looks delicious..."

Whether it was grief or guilt, Ceci was a mess with it. She wondered if Rakith could feel it, remembering how sensitive he'd been to her emotions when they'd first met.
 
Rakith could feel the turmoil in her. Even if he couldn't the pain was so clear on her face and in everything she did. And while he knew something she didn't about how Derek felt those last moments, he wasn't sure if now was that right time. Getting up, he prepared her a hot bath, and then he had Alaric pick her up and carry her tot he bath. Using magic to undress her, Rakith slowly lowered her into the hot sudsy water. Her two men were on either side of the tub, and each had a sponge in hand.

Rakith started to bathe her gently, using the sponge to wash away the dirt and grime from their fight in the other world. He was particularly careful about washing Derek's blood from her, as she might feel it was that last vestige of him being washed away, and he didn't want her to feel more pain. Rather, he added scented oils to the bath through magic. As he continued to wash her, he made sure to lift her legs up to wash them as well.

Alaric handled her back and sides, giving her a thorough washing and a gentle loving massage. He couldn't feel her emotions like Rakith, but he could sense them in a different way. And he had been there, spent time in Derek's company. And once they got to know one another the two became good friends. Alaric had been quite prepared to him joining their circle here in the cottage, so Derek's death had hit him as well. Not as much a Ceci of course, but still he felt as if he had lost a brother.

Outside, the witches of Ceci's line were all around the house, forming a unique chain of magic and power around the house that would be nigh impenetrable. They all knew that the girl inside was what they had been building towards for centuries. They would not allow harm to come to her again.
 
Once the bath was ready, she noticed Alaric approach and she smiled as she settled in his arms. "You both don't need to go this far.."' She expressed softly, though it warmed her heart to see them both so sweet. It didn't surprise her when Rakith rid her of her clothes via magic. She remembered the first few time he'd done so it had pissed her off, now it was simply useful. She understood a lot more now. Shifted to Rakith's grasp, he lowered her into the bath and she sighed with relief. The water was the perfect temperature. Ceci's head tipped back, blonde hair spreading out among the water. Her eyes had fallen closed as she relaxed, but when she opened them she saw her men on each side of her. They really were going to take care of her.

Quietly she sat in the water, letting them wash away the filth from their trials. The oils that Rakith infused the water with put her at ease, even as Derek's blood was washed from her body. Her hands found her swollen belly beneath the water and she bit back her tears. As Alaric's fingers worked a massage into her back, she moaned softly, her eyes once more falling shut as she gave herself over to the relaxing press of his digits into her muscles.

"You both could have joined me..." She murmured softly, opening her eyes to look at them both as they finished cleansing her weary form. Slowly, Ceci rose, the water dripping from her body. There had been a time where she would have been self conscious of her pregnant belly in front of them both, but she wasn't. Her time in Ozramis' world had destroyed that part of her. She wasn't the same shy girl that Rakith first laid his eyes on. Using their aid, she stepped from the bath, smiling up at Rakith with the first genuine look of ease. With a thought, she used the first trick he'd taught her, changing herself into a nightgown. "I still remember..." She mused softly, leaning forward to press her cheek against his chest. Behind her, she reached out for Alaric to step closer, smiling when she felt him at her back. "I love you both and I'm forever thankful to have you with me..."

She didn't know what she would have done if she'd lost them all. Could she even survive such a thing? She had her doubts. A shiver wracked her body and she made a soft whimpering sound. "Bed..." She muttered softly. It occurred to her that her own bed wouldn't hold the three of them and she wondered if both men would sleep in the same bed with her.
 
Rakith smiled at warmly. “We could have, but you might not have gotten much rest,” he teased gently. After a long moment, he said gently, “I have something to investigate I'll be back before morning. Alaric can keep you warm tonight. You're as safe as can be, Ceci. Your ancestors form a cordon around your cottage so tight a mouse couldn't slip through, and Alaric will protect you inside. I'll be back long before you wake up.” He kissed her softly as he lay her into the bed. It was the soft gentle kisses he sometimes gave her to show his love.

Alaric nodded, and started to undress to his small clothes... Underwear, as they called it in the future apparently. He would have to get Rakith to get more of those. They were comfortable. Helping Ceci tot he bed, he moved with her before covering them in the blankets. He snuggled up to her back and slid his arms around her so she would feel safe.

Meanwhile, somewhen far away, Derek's eyes opened. Last time they had been open, he was dying in Ceci's arms. Looking around he noted that he was in a baracks. Old time, and thirty or so other black men in brown army uniforms were in the barracks with him. Outside, he could hear the distant sounds of air raid sirens. “Johnson, get your lazy arse out of bed. We got Krauts to kill,” came the booming voice of one of the men. Looking around, he realized his flight jacket was at the foot of the bed. His heart skipped a beat when he saw the logo: The Tuskegee Airmen.
 
Ceci smiled in response to Rakith's comment, nodding slightly. He was right. Even with her crushing depression, she wouldn't have been able to resist the touch of her two lovers. When he mentioned investigating something, she frowned, her brows furrowed and her lips pulled down into a an expression of unrest. "Rakith..." She murmured softly. She feared him leaving her. Not because of her own safety, but his. She didn't want to let either man out of her sight in fear she'd never see them again. She knew it was a foolish thing to be afraid of, but she couldn't help it. She was shaken. Sadly, she nodded. The knowledge that her ancestors were protecting the cottage made her smile. She had many questions, but she didn't have the energy to ask them. Rakith's lips brushed her own and she sighed pleasantly. "I love you..." Ceci whispered, reluctant to pull away from his lips as they parted.

She glanced over her shoulder at Alaric, smiling as he pulled himself out of his clothes to join her in bed. With Rakith leaving them, she surrendered herself to the comfort of Alaric's arms, his body warm at her back as he snuggled close. "Thank you for staying by my side through all of this madness, Alaric..." Ceci told him, turning in his arms so she could coax his lips down to her. Her belly stopped them from getting fully pressed front to front, but she still felt his warmth as she kissed him slowly. When she pulled back, her eyes were filled with affection.

After a few moments of quiet bonding between them, Ceci turned back around, her back once more to Alaric's chest as the night stretched on and they both relaxed into the bed. Sleep came surprisingly easy for her, but it wasn't restful like she needed. Her slumber was plagued with nightmares. Blood and pain. Derek's death a continuous replay in her mind. The death of her unborn child as Ozramis ripped the babe from her body. It was late into the night, still too late to be considered early morning, that she jerked away. "No!" A sharp pain in her abdomen made her groan and she focused on steadying her breathing. Panic overwhelmed her and she could feel a thin sheen of sweat had broken out across her body. "Alaric...Rakith..." She whispered, the room dark as she reached for the bodies of her two loves.
 
Alaric enjoyed the simple bonding with her, the soft kisses the touches that reminded them both of the love they shared. He held her through he night, and as such, when her sleep grew unsettled and she started to and turn she woke him. Through the bond he could feel the emotions roiling through her. The pain, the loss. The fear of losing everything. When she woke with a start he had gotten out of bed and was just returning with a cup of hot tea with honey and jasmine. “This will help with you sleep, Ceci,” he told her quietly. “I added jasmine for flavor but the herbs in it will help you get rest,” he explained.

Once she drank the tea, he put the cup and saucer way, and crawled back into bed with her. “It's alright, love. You're safe now, now you are shielded by so many layers of love,” he whispered against her neck softly as he curled up behind her, spooning her once more. Though there was something different about the bond they shared now. Nothing, wrong. At least nothing that he could sense as wrong, only.. different. Perhaps Rakith would know more when he returned.

He didn't have to wait long, with a small burst of reddish gold light, Rakith reappeared before smiling at the two of them. Placing a simple ward around the house, he produced a small disk made of intricate strings and feathers. While the other two wouldn't know what it was, it was a Native American Dream Catcher that he had collected on his sojourn. “I understand you're not sleeping well, my little witch? This should help.” He hung it up above her bed, before crawling in on the other side of her so that she could rest her head on him.
 
Ceci frowned when she realized that she'd woken Alaric in her panicked sleep. When she saw him entering the room with a cup of tea, her shoulders slumped. "I didn't mean to wake you..." she mumbled shamefully. She accepted the cup in her hands and sat back against the pillows so she could sip it. It tasted very good and she smiled at Alaric. "You've become a wonder in the kitchen, haven't you?" She inquired with a small laugh. She was trying to keep the mood light, but it was harder than she thought. While she drank her tea, she mellowed out into silence once more, almost brooding. With the tea gone, she handed the cup back to Alaric, watching him leave for a moment to get rid of the cup. When he returned she turned so he could hold her once more. "It just hurts so much...Alaric..." She whispered quietly. "It isn't me I'm afraid for...It's you...It's Rakith...My baby..." She shivered.

It was then that Rakith returned, a strange object in his hand. The intricate piece looked like art and she smiled as he placed it above the bed. "That's beautiful, Rakith..." She murmured softly, blue eyes wide as she looked up at the dream catcher hanging. Already Rakith knew she wasn't sleeping well and she wondered if he could tell through the bond. My little witch . Oh how she'd missed the endearment. As Rakith crawled into the bed, she immediately nuzzled her cheek against his chest. With Alaric behind her and Rakith in front, she felt a small tendril of peace enter her mind.

They were both safe. Her baby was with her. Derek was gone, but they would have to live on for him. Make the most of each day in his memory. "I love you both...so much..." She whispered, the tea, the warmth of their bodies, and the exhaustion in her bones finally pulling her back to sleep. This time Ceci fell asleep and slept deeply. Not even an earthquake could have woken her. The sun rose outside and still she didn't wake, her body taking advantage of her moment of comfort to fully recharge.
 
The two men watched over her, well into the morning until she finally woke. Rakith didn't need much sleep so he and Alaric had traded off during the night to let both get just enough to be rested the following morning. Rakith and Alaric had discussed the difference that Alaric felt in the bond. But when he answered Alaric's question, he was cryptic. “I believe I know what you are feeling, it's why I left to investigate. However, I cannot say for certain as yet, and I don't want to risk upsetting our beautiful Ceci if I am wrong.”

Alaric wasn't stupid of course. He caught Rakith's meaning. Could Derek's soul still be tied to the bond? As intensely as Ceci loved him and he her, who would be surprised if he wasn't bonded to the three of them. After all some of that had to have happened for him to become more than a construct. So his death had been a shock. Not just the shock of his loss, and Ceci's heartbreak, but why had he died? The bond should have protected him.

But neither of them spoke of this with Ceci, she had suffered much already. And if they were wrong, and he truly was gone, it would be cruel to give her false hope. For his part, Alaric continued to show his new skills in the kitchen by whipping up a beautiful breakfast of the traditional eggs and bacon, but with safron, a humus sides. “I have to say, “ he told everyone as he put the food on the table, “apparently, I learned a lot more about cooking than I thought while in the Holy Land chasing after you, Rakith.”

Rakith grinned, “Be careful that Ceci doesn't hit you over the head with iron skillet. She rather likes cooking, no stealing her enjoyable tasks as well as her her heart, you should be content just with the one.” He laughed softly, and looked at Ceci. “I am glad you finally got some sleep, my little witch. I was worried. You will be glad to know that we will be without interference from Ozramis for a while. The Duke has placed him in prison for what he did to the three of us. The price of a failed power grab. So we should be able to enjoy life a little bit, once you are feeling more yourself,” he explained to her.
 
When Ceci finally pulled herself out of her slumber, she made her way into the kitchen to sit at the table. She could tell that Alaric had been cooking again even before her gaze settled on the eggs and bacon. They had a twist on them of course and she pursed her lips as she stared at the added twists, wondering what exactly they were. Her gaze lifted to look at him when he commented on knowing more about cooking after the life he lived in the Holy Land. Ceci nibbled on her lip for a moment, trying to ignore the reminder of what they'd all gone through. But then Rakith's comment made her laugh softly.

She sat down and grabbed a piece of bacon, munching on the corner as Rakith turned his attention to her. "Prison?" Her eyes narrowed and her cheeks turned red with her irritation, "That foul bastard should be dead for what he did. Not sitting in some stupid prison!" Ceci huffed. She knew she was still raw about what had happened, but it didn't matter.

As much as she tried, Ceci couldn't seem to find her appetite. As they all sat around the table to eat, so mostly pushed her food around and nibbled a little around the sides. It wasn't that the food didn't taste good, but simply because every time she took a bite she got nauseous. "Alaric..." She said with a frown, "I'm sorry I haven't been able to eat much these last two meals..." Ceci said sadly, "It isn't that the food isn't delicious...I just haven't seemed able to find my appetite..." She sighed, reaching over to grab his hand. "Thank you for cooking...And Rakith is right.." She offered a small grin, "I do love to cook...so once I'm back to the kitchen...you better move over..." A small laugh escaped her and she stood up from the table.

Ceci glanced at Rakith, her gaze a little haunted, "He can't escape from prison...can he?" She reached over and rested a hand on his shoulder. "Do you really think we'll have some time to relax?"
 
Rakith smiled as she complained that Ozramis only got prison. She clearly didn't understand demons fully yet. Once she was done and didn't take more food, he looked at her with an openly concerned look on his face. “I know you are grieving still, and have been through a lot. But you need to eat. Remember, you're not just eating for yourself,” he told her gently but firmly.

Alaric coughed and nodded, “Yes, ma'am,” he teased her. “When you start cooking I will stay out of your way.” He wanted to inject a little levity into the situation. He understood Rakith's concern, but being so firm with her was perhaps no the right way. Of course, what did he know for sure. He had only collared her because of magic cast upon her that he took upon himself to protect her. Rakith had almost done so without it. Not that he doubted her love, he knew that she did. Just he knew he was second fiddle. Or perhaps even third fiddle after the recently departed Derek. He missed Derek. The guy had an infectious laugh and was so easy going, how could anyone not like him?

Rakith sighed and explained to Ceci, “Demons are notoriously hard to kill, especially for other demons. A holy weapon is required, and well since it would burn the demon using it as well as the victim, that is why we work through proxies. It's why he used the Cabal to harm you, and set me up. Otherwise, he would have killed me that day in that basement, rather than send us elsewhere.” Stroking her hair gently, he nodded finally, “And yes, my little witch, we can relax. Demonic prisons are not something one can escape from. By the time he gets out, you will be much stronger.”
 
Ceci's lips twisted in a frown and she fought not the glare at Rakith's comment. She knew he was merely concerned, but it still irritated her that he'd 'remind' her. "I'm very much aware..." She said bitterly, walking away from the table to make some hot water for tea. A hand rested on her abdomen as she turned back to listen to Rakith's explanation. As he explained, she returned to his side, listening with a deep frown and frustrated expression. She wanted Ozramis dead and gone. She didn't care who had to do it, she just wanted him gone. To make him pay for what he'd done. A semi relaxed sigh fell from her parted lips as he insisted she'd be stronger by the time Ozramis got out of prison. A small smirk curved her lips, "Do you think I'll be able to kill him?" She inquired.

Ceci placed a hand on her hip, "Would I get in trouble? Or you?" She asked, her curiosity obvious. "He tried to screw you up and it lands him in prison...What happens if I cut his damn head off!!?" Her blue eyes were eager for the information. The last thing she wanted was to get them wrapped up in trouble again, but she wasn't stupid enough to think Ozramis would learn his lesson. She was sure he'd come after them all again once he had the chance.

"He's not going to give up...It could be self-defense..." She said with a small shrug. Leaning forward she grabbed a piece of bacon and brought it to her lips, chomping down on it with a forceful bite and a knowing glare at Rakith. It was a sassy response to his earlier comment.
 
Rakith smiled at he willful manner in which Ceci glared at him. That was so typically her. Strong and sassy. She had been slightly submissive before, but now, he wasn't so sure. While he understood that Ozramis had pushed her down that road further, he was wondering if that would have had the opposite effect on his beloved. “Yes, you will be strong enough to destroy him one day. Without realizing it, you've become like me in a lot of ways. I have my army of witches, your ancestors. Drawn to me by the allure of sex and power. You have displayed an uncanny way of accumulating men. You an use that. The stronger you get, the more men you can bond, in turn, you will get stronger,” he explained. “You are not a demoness, but perhaps through my involvement in your creation through the years, you may have enough demonic blood to mimic a succubus. And you are bound to one. So that path of power lays ahead of you I suspect.”

Kissing her forehead gently, he further explained, “You will need to get a holy weapon of course, fortunately I think I know where one can be found, when you are a little stronger. Thus far, you've spent more time without any sort of real power than with it. So it will take time for you to learn how to control it, use it, and avoid letting it tear you up if you use too much.” That he already had fears for her unborn child went unsaid. She had brandish a massive amount of power in the escape. Enough that he was certain, somewhere, or somewhen out there, Derek was alive and well and waiting for her. But in case he was wrong, he didn't dare mention it.

Alaric chuckled. “Well,” he started, “they always say in a dominant and submissive relationship, the submissive is the one with the true power, as they give the dominant the control. And usually they are the ones who can say enough. So that makes sense. Our little Ceci maybe collared, and obedient sometimes, but she's certainly not tame. And that's what makes her so delightful.”
 
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