Stolen Heaven part 11 Do you believe in angels Do you believe in godlike eyes Do you believe in thornless roses Or is this something you've never heard of Do you believe in Heaven Do you believe you'll never die Do you believe that I've never deceived you Or is this something you've always wanted to believe in? Be careful what you're wishing for Upon your falling star I just might be the angel That you've been looking for... Do you believe in angels... --The Last Dance, "Do You Believe In Angels" As Arkadi and Josef bound Philip again, Derek stood quietly by, head bowed, unable to look at his friend. Philip *had* to understand why he was doing this, but the last time their eyes had met there had been far more accusation than understanding... _And,_ Derek thought as he heard Philip's struggles grow and then abruptly cease, _is there some other way to do this -- some way to fight instead of just give in?_ He glanced again at Arkadi's large helper and decided, _Not if I want to guarantee Philip goes free._ A moment later, Josef left the room and Arkadi checked Philip's bonds one last time, then walked to Derek's side. "Time to go, Derek. We wouldn't want to be here when the cavalry arrives..." "I hope you don't mind if we have a difference of opinion on that," Derek answered sharply, although he went willingly when Arkadi grabbed his arm and led him out. Josef had already blown out the candles and turned out the lights in the rest of the house, making it seem utterly deserted. Derek could hear an engine idling outside and assumed the large man had readied their transportation to Arkadi's lair. He turned to Arkadi and asked, "Where are you taking me?" "You know I can't tell you that, Angel," Arkadi said softly, brushing fingertips over Derek's full lips. "Rest assured, you'll be comfortable when we get there..." "But for now..?" Derek asked hesitantly. "For now, I need to blindfold you," Arkadi answered, smiling as Derek's eyes widened. "If you'd like, I could cuff you, too..." Derek shook his head, but Arkadi heard the catch in his breath at the mention of the cuffs, and smiled as he saw the colour rise in Derek's cheeks. "I thought so..." he purred. From a pocket he withdrew a blindfold -- more of a sleep mask like the ones provided by some airlines, with elastic straps to hold it in place -- and put it on Derek. "Perhaps I will cuff you -- otherwise it would be too easy for you to remove the blindfold." He walked Derek out to a waiting sedan and cuffed his hands behind his back, then helped Derek into the back seat. "I'll just be a few minutes -- I need to get dressed -- and then we'll be going." Derek swallowed as the door closed, then sat back uncomfortably to wait. During the trip, Derek tried to determine where they were going by feeling the directions of their turns, the angle of the hills they drove up and down. Unfortunately he was unable to keep track, and the car was too well soundproofed for him to be able to discern the noises around them. By the time they stopped and Arkadi and Josef helped him out of the car, he had no idea where they had taken him. They brought him to a room and sat him down on what felt like a soft bed, then he heard Arkadi giving instructions to Josef, including a firm directive not to interrupt them unless it was absolutely urgent. Then he heard the large man walk out of the room and the door shut. Even blindfolded, he could tell Arkadi was still in the room, softly walking around doing *something*...He heard the sound of a match flaring to life, and then the fizzing crackle of a charcoal tablet being lit. He strained to follow Arkadi's motions, realized he was walking around the room lighting candles. When Arkadi had made a complete circuit of the room, Derek realized the charcoal (in whatever heat-proof receptacle held it) was situated on some kind of hard surface at the foot of the bed he sat on. As Derek listened Arkadi opened some kind of stoppered jar, then the next sounds were too quiet to discern. A few moments later, however, a spicy/sweet fragrance wafted towards him, and Derek knew Arkadi had sprinkled some kind of incense on the charcoal tablet. Curiosity made him take a deep breath, trying to identify what was in the incense. After inhaling enough of the scent he recognized it as a variation of the Egyptian incense, Kyphi; although it seemed to be a little heavier on the frankincense, myrrh, and cinnamon than the usual formula and definitely had other ingredients not normally part of the formula at all. "So, you like that, Derek?" Arkadi asked, moving closer. "I seem to remember Kyphi was always your favourite..." From the rustle of fabric he could tell Arkadi was undressing -- suddenly nervous, Derek tried to get to his feet. A wave of dizziness passed over him and his knees buckled, pitching him forward into Arkadi's arms. "Sit down and rest, Derek," the older man purred, helping him back onto the bed. "We wouldn't want you to hurt yourself..." "Of course not," Derek said bitterly, "You'd prefer to do it all yourself..." He could hear Arkadi move away for a moment, then another rustle of fabric told him the older man was donning a robe or some other article of clothing. "Ah, but you'd like that, Derek," Arkadi said smugly, walking back to the bedside. He reached out and slid Derek's blindfold off, smiled as Derek blinked and then tried to make his vision stop swimming. "What have you done to me?" Derek asked, realizing the dizziness was not fading but actually growing worse. He looked around the room, which he could now see was lit by the flickering flames of many candles and four oil lamps, one at each corner of the room. A chill gripped him as he realized the candles were all red, purple, and black -- colours associated with sex and sensuality, power, and protection -- or alternately, evil... Arkadi stood before him, wearing only a robe of red and black silk brocade, and a small stone pendant which glittered purple in the flickering light. "What have you done to me?" Derek repeated, shaking his head in an attempt to clear the dizziness and realizing immediately it was the wrong thing to do. Unable to catch himself with his hands cuffed behind him, he fell over on the bed with a groan. Arkadi moved back into his line of sight and smiled, then reached down and began stripping off his clothes. "Oh Derek," he said with a sly smile, "You *have* been thinking about me, haven't you...I can feel the ache within you; the hunger so deep in your soul..." "What have you *done* to me?" Derek repeated again, trying to roll away and realizing he had only made it easier for Arkadi to tug off his trousers. Suddenly he was lying on the bed naked, his head spinning from the incense; unsure of how all of his clothes had come off so quickly or when he had been un-cuffed -- had he blacked out? Arkadi sat on the edge of the bed next to him and gently placed his left hand on Derek's chest, right over his heart. The heat and power Derek could feel from his captor sent a thrill through his body, despite his desire to resist. "What have you *done* to me?" he asked again, disturbed by the difficulty he had speaking. "It's a secret, Derek," Arkadi whispered, leaning close enough to brush Derek's lips with his own as he spoke. Derek tried to pull away, alarmed by the feeling of desire coiling in his belly. _No! I cannot allow this!_ he thought, trying to will his body to obey. "I can feel the struggle in you, Derek," Arkadi whispered. "You *know* you'll lose--" "So just give in? You *know* I can't do that, Victor..." Derek answered, turning his face away and trying desperately to regain his equilibrium. "That much sweeter for me then, Angel," Arkadi purred, beginning to move his hand in gentle widening circles on Derek's chest. The first time he brushed over a nipple Derek gasped in surprise and his cock began to harden. Arkadi smiled darkly at him and said, "I know you remember the incident with the demon last year -- did you know that I could feel the lingering taint of evil it left on poor Dr. Sloane after he saw it?" Brushing over the nipples repeatedly now, smiling as Derek began panting for breath, spreading his legs... "I can feel something within you, Derek -- something so beautiful and terrible...You shouldn't deny it. You *can't* deny it forever, sweet Angel, it's too much a part of you." Derek shook his head, moaned what he hoped was "No." Inside he was panicking -- any defense he'd built against Arkadi was crumbling like ancient parchment, and from what that seductive voice was telling him, Arkadi *knew* what he was... "I know you're well aware of the tales of the Watchers, Derek," Arkadi said softly, continuing to stroke over his captive's erect nipples. "And I'm sure you know that while some of them taught humans war and weaponmaking, others taught us the various magical arts..." He paused, leaning down and nipping one of the erect nubs, smiling at the hungry moan and wash of lust he felt from Derek. "It's amazing what someone can do with the right teacher..." Panic flared in the back of Derek's mind -- _The Watchers -- teachers...magical arts...the incense!_ -- but the clarity of thought only lasted an instant, and then the fog rolled back in along with the intense longing, and the pleasure Arkadi's touch brought... "Give in to it, Derek," Arkadi purred in Derek's ear. _No! I can't..._ Derek thought, feeling the last of his resistance falling away despite the desperate attempt to shore it up. The rational part of his mind, failing quickly now, wondered exactly which 'it' Arkadi meant: the pleasure, or something more; something he knew he could never allow himself to surrender to. And then Arkadi looked him in the eye and smiled darkly; bent down to kiss him roughly, relishing the surge of hunger and lust as Derek welcomed the kiss. When he broke the kiss Arkadi stroked Derek's face, tangled his fingers in the soft hair to pull Derek's head back and bare his throat. Arkadi nibbled a trail down his throat to his collarbone then licked the hollow of his throat, pleased to feel Derek squirming against him now; to feel the hunger growing within his captive... This time -- this time there would be no charade, no feigning love to win his prize. This time he would take what he wanted and know that eventually he *would* win him over. He was the only one who could give Derek what he wanted -- what he needed -- and thanks to his new knowledge he knew that even if the accursed Legacy stole Derek back, they would never have all of him again. He laughed, then kissed a trail along Derek's collarbone to his shoulder, where he fastened his teeth on the muscle and bit -- hard. Derek cried out, his body arching up from the bed in pleasure as the pain arrowed to his groin and brought his cock up hard. A moment later, Arkadi released him, licking blood carefully from the bite and then sliding down on the bed to take Derek's rigid cock in his mouth. It didn't take long to pull Derek's orgasm out of him, his beautiful long-limbed body thrashing in the bed as pleasure overwhelmed every nerve ending. When it was over Arkadi sat up again and looked down on his captive, smiling at the fire in the hazel eyes, the flush to the skin, and the hunger he could feel within Derek. Instead of slowing after the sudden climax it was growing like a raging fire, burning away the controls Derek imposed on himself. "Oh, Derek, if only you could see how beautiful you are right now," Arkadi purred, climbing fully onto the bed and pinning his captive -- his lover. "You want what I can give you, don't you..." Even as Derek tried to look away his cock began to stir again, his body arching up against Arkadi, arms wrapping around him and drawing him into a tight embrace as he began moving against the older man. "Yes, I thought so," Arkadi purred, sitting up and grabbing Derek's wrists, pulling his arms above his head, binding him in the restraints attached to the strong wooden headboard. Now Derek was panting, helpless and hungry. Arkadi stroked his face gently and whispered, "Fly, Derek...Fly and free yourself from the chains *they* have put on you...Come back to the chains you have always wanted to bind you." Part of Derek's mind registered a spark of fear as he recognized part of Arkadi's words from one of his dreams, but that spark was quickly doused as Arkadi drew something black and supple from the pocket of his robe. A collar. *His* collar. He lifted his head and allowed Arkadi to buckle it around his throat... --==**==-- A house somewhere, on foreign soil Where aching lovers called Is this your goal, your final deed Where dogs and vultures eat? Permitted still, I turned to go I put my trust in you I put my trust in you I put my trust in you I put my trust in you Put my trust in you, in you. --Joy Division, "A Means to an End" When Nick joined the other two in the control room he found Alex impatiently waiting for a computer search to finish, and Rachel looking at him. "What?" he asked, feeling self-conscious as she studied him. "How's Philip?" she asked, watching his reaction carefully. Nick heaved a sigh and perched on the edge of one of the tables. For a long moment he just sat, studying his feet. Rachel noticed he was fiddling with his SEALs ring -- something he did when he was nervous or uncomfortable. She assumed his discomfort stemmed not only from the nature of the attack on Philip and the very real possibility that the same thing would happen to Derek; but also that he, as self-appointed protector of the House, had failed to do so. Then he looked up and met her gaze, and she found herself looking into the eyes of the young Navy SEAL whose commanding officer -- and possibly friend -- had once betrayed him. "Nick?" she asked, suddenly as concerned for him as she was for Philip, "What's wrong?" A hard swallow, and then, "I just can't talk to him right now...I had to get out before I made things worse." "Made things worse?" she asked, "How? Nick, he needs his friends right now..." Alex had looked up to study him, too, and the pain and anger showing in his eyes unnerved her. Something was very, very wrong... "Yeah, well, if he needs his friends maybe he'd do better to remember Derek's one of them, instead of condemning him!" Nick said angrily. Rachel asked, "Condemn him? What on earth *for*?" At the same time, Alex said, "Nick, he's upset -- whatever he said, I'm sure he didn't really *mean* it that way..." "He accused Derek of leaving with Arkadi willingly," Nick answered bitterly, "And didn't seem too inclined to listen when I pointed out that Derek probably did so to *save him*." Rachel shook her head and asked, "What on earth would make him think Derek would..." She trailed off as right before her eyes, Nick closed up. His expression became unreadable and his posture became stiff, guarded. "Well," he said, even his tone neutral now, "Derek's had previous run-ins with him..." He took a deep breath and hopped down from his perch, forcing the breath out in an aggravated huff. "Damn it -- I told Philip Arkadi was trying to get us to mistrust Derek, and then I let him turn me and Philip against each other...This bastard knows us *way* too well." Before either of the women could say anything else, he headed for the door. "Alex, if anything turns up can you let me know? I've got to go and talk to Philip again..." Alex nodded and said, "Sure," but he was already out of the room by that point. She turned to Rachel and said, "Well, that was a little on the weird side..." "I don't know if he was going to tell us something and got scared, or *what*," Rachel said, "But there's definitely something more going on here than he's letting on..." When he entered Philip's room, Nick saw that the priest was asleep. He quietly shut the door behind him and made sure it was locked, then tiptoed closer to the bed. Philip lay curled up on his side, the comforter bundled around him so that nothing more than his face from the nose up and the very top of his head was showing. The tears streaking his face made Nick feel even angrier -- first at himself for hurting Philip, and then at Arkadi. _Damn it,_ Nick thought, _killing that bastard would be too quick... Maybe we can feed him to some demon and draw it out..._ Then he shook his head, knowing he shouldn't be thinking things like that -- it would be far too easy for something to take him up on it. He walked to the side of the bed, leaned down and gently touched Philip's tousled hair. "I'm sorry, Philip," he whispered, stroking the silky hair. After a moment, Philip's eyes flickered open and looked blearily up at him. He cringed inwardly at how red they were. "Nick?" Philip asked muzzily. It was then that Nick remembered Rachel saying she'd given him a sedative. "Wha's wrong?" "I...had to talk to you. I'm sorry about earlier -- didn't mean to be such a shithead..." Nick explained awkwardly. Then he smiled slightly and asked, "Mind if I sit down?" Philip uncurled a little and moved over in the bed, wincing at the pain in his back and buttocks. "Ouch -- I *hurt*..." Nick kicked off his shoes and sat down on the bed, carefully putting an arm around Philip. "I'm not surprised -- your back is a mess." He smiled again as Philip relaxed against him, but turned serious again a moment later. "Philip, do you remember what we said earlier?" "Yeah. I accused Derek of goin' with Arkadi b'cause he wanted to, and you told me I was an ass. Which I was," he said, "I played right inta his hands, jus' like he knew I would." "It's not your fault," Nick said strongly, leaning down so he could look Philip in the eyes. "I did exactly the same thing -- I let him turn the two of us against each other just like he tried to turn you against Derek. And I *hurt* you...I'm sorry." Philip swallowed hard and nodded, but said nothing. Nick saw the tears welling up in the stormy eyes again, and felt his own throat closing in response. "We've got to work together, or he wins," Nick forced out past the lump in his throat. _Oh hell, I am *not* going to cry,_ he thought, right before a tear fell on Philip's forehead. "Well, then we won' let 'im," Philip said as steadily as he could, then he clung to his friend and said, "Oh God, Nick, I've nev'r been so terrified -- even facin' down Azazel was easier t'do than know I had no way t'get away from Arkadi..." The tears were flowing freely now, and Philip couldn't get any more words out through the sobs that shook him. Nick slid down in bed so that he could hug Philip against him, rocking him gently as he cried. This was what Philip had needed earlier -- despite a pang of guilt at denying him the chance then and adding to his pain, Nick was no longer struggling to fight off his own tears. Instead, they had dried as his fury towards Arkadi returned. He stroked Philip's hair and gently kissed his forehead, then nuzzled against Philip's neck and embraced him protectively. "I'm going to hurt him, Philip," Nick murmured against Philip's neck. "For what he's done to you, to Derek, to *us*, and even to the Legacy. I'm going to hurt him *bad*..." "No," Philip said softly, sniffling and coughing a little but calming now, "Don' let 'im drag ya down t'his level, Nick..." "I'll do what I have to do to stop him, Philip," Nick answered, drawing back a little to see his friend's face. "Tha's fine -- just don' go out *plannin'* on revenge," Philip said, "*Please*..." Nick sighed and nodded. "Okay, you're right. But I still *want* to hurt him." Philip nodded and said, "I'd be really surprised if y'didn't..." Nick smiled and gently kissed him on the lips but Philip pulled back a little and said, "I'm no' sure I'm ready for that..." Nick's eyes narrowed slightly and he said, "You're still feeling guilty about being with me and Derek -- about what Arkadi said to you..." He tried not to accuse, but the disappointment in his tone was unmistakable. "Nick, I'm sorry," Philip said hurriedly, "But y' have t'understand, I took *vows* -- I swore before God to follow certain rules -- and I break 'em ev'ry time I'm with you or Derek... It's *lyin' to God*, Nick..." "But forgiveness is divine, right? God made you a beautiful, healthy *man*, not some sexless robot," Nick protested. "If he can forgive sins and loves everyone, won't he understand?" Philip ducked his gaze and shook his head, wishing desperately that he could take that view on the matter. "It doesn' work that way -- when you repent your sins, you're supposed to *stop* sinnin'. Tha's what that whole mess with Ravenwood was about -- he refused to actually stop killin' -- an' once he died, he still didn' feel any remorse for it. I can't be forgiven if I go back to sinnin' right after!" "Sometimes I really *hate* the Church," Nick whispered, gently stroking Philip's hair again. "And Arkadi -- he knew *exactly* what to say to mess things up..." He shook his head, feeling the heartache returning. He buried his face against Philip's neck again, squeezing his eyes shut to try and stop the tears. "I wish there was someone we could *talk* to who'd understand, but Rachel wouldn't, and I dunno about Alex..." "Didn't you tell them about Arkadi and Derek?" Philip asked, realizing Nick was crying against him and wanting so much to be able to stop his tears. "How on earth could I? It wouldn't be fair to him, and like I said, Rachel wouldn't understand..." "D'you know that for a fact, Nick?" Philip asked, worried by the possibilities. Nick sniffed and rubbed at his tears with the blanket, then pulled back enough to look at Philip. "No, I don't. *But*, I don't feel right outing him without his knowledge or permission, unless it's absolutely unavoidable. I mean -- she's a parent and very protective of Kat...some people get really *weird* about gays and bisexuals being around their children..." "But he would never do anythin' against Kat -- it's ridiculous to even think tha'..." Philip protested. "Except that Rachel keeps blaming him for 'endangering' her already. Add this? I'd rather not take the chance. It should be his decision," Nick said with finality. Philip nodded and quietly said, "You're right, it should be. 'M sorry, Nick." "Shh..." Nick said softly, gently laying a finger on Philip's lips. "It's okay. We'll get him back -- and if he wants to, he can tell her himself." "My God, Nick, *how* do we get 'im back?" Philip asked, shaking his head. "I've no idea where they went, an' Arkadi's no fool -- he's no' gonna leave any trail we c'n follow..." Nick shook his head and said, "Nobody's perfect. We'll find *something*, and we'll get Derek back. I *promise*." He hugged Philip close again, stroking his hair and wishing he could make his friend's pain go away. "I hope you're right, Nick," Philip whispered, relaxing into his friend's arms. A short time later, Nick realized Philip was asleep again. --==**==-- To be continued in part 12 Poltergeist: The Legacy is (c) 1998 MGM/UA and Trilogy Entertainment. This story is not intended to infringe on these copyrights. Stolen Heaven is (c) 1998 Penemuel