by Belynda
---

Archiving: Slash, Allslash, Package only please. Anyone else please ask first.

Disclaimer: All character, places, and terminology that you recognize belong to Paramount. Anything else is totally mine.

WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! The story herein is about a male/male relationship concerning two or more loving males. If you have a problem with m/m relationships or you are under 18 please leave now.

---

Harry finished the equation with smile of pride. It was a particularly hard equation, best suited for children at least four years older than he was. But Harry liked to challenge himself, and being able to complete difficult equations that children older than him were doing made him feel special.

He knew without a doubt that he was different than all of the other children of his age, even counting the ones that were older than him. He was smarter than anyone he knew besides the teachers, and he was also better at any sport that he tried. Of course he didn't brag about his accomplishments to anyone. He was well aware that to brag would have made him lose what little friends he did have.

Turning off the computer, he got up and stretched. He had been doing schoolwork all morning, and he needed a rest. Titling his head, he reached out with his senses to locate his mother. She was in her living room, watching a vid while she knitted. Confident that he wouldn't be called upon he slipped out side his bedroom door and out into the grass covered courtyard.

Instantly the hair on the back of his neck rose. His companion, the Black Panther which only he could see, growled at his side. Without thought, he crouched down into fighting position, and turned to look the waiting demon in the eye. Although he had never seen a demon in all of his nine years, he knew exactly what the demon was, how he could defeat it and what would happen afterwards.

The young demon moved closer and spoke in his alien language. ((Today you die at my hand. I shall enjoy feeling your blood on my skin as your life's essence drains away.))

((There can be only one winner. You will serve me once I defeat you.)) Harry said, speaking back to the demon in the same alien language it had spoken in. He had never heard nor spoken the language before, but he now knew it as if it was his first language. He knew that he had to defeat the demon or else he would die. And he didn't want to die.

The demon attacked and the battle began.

---

It was several hours before Harry was presentable again. Combing his hair back, he gave his reflection on last look, and left the bathroom. Spotting the demon standing to attention in the corner of the room gave him pause. Now that he had bested the demon in battle, he was puzzled as to what he was now supposed to do with it.

His symbol, the Black Panther, showed clearly on the demon's forehead. It was a sign of his new status as a defeated warrior, and who his new master was. But rules had to be made first before they could go any further in their relationship of master and servant.

((Here are my rules. You must obey them. At all times you are to dim yourself from view. No one must become aware of you. If I am threatened, in anyway, and I tell you to aid me, you will. You must remain within the same room with me at all times, if that isn't manageable, you must at least be near by. For your service as my slave, I will allow you to return to your dimension, to feed, as you require it. But only if I don't need you. Am I clear?))

A flicker of surprise shone briefly in the demon's eyes before he lowered his eyes in respect of his new master. His master was more generous than any other known master was. The conditions of his new position were more than any demon had the right to dream of. He was very lucky that he wasn't dead already. For that alone, he nodded his head. He already knew that Harry Kim wasn't like any other master. The way he had been defeated said a lot for Harry's abilities.

And the fact that he also had a powerful guide, who guarded him, spoke of his importance.He had never heard of a warrior having such a powerful guide before, especially that of a panther. Looking around at the warrior's quarters, he knew that the warrior must be of much importance. Not because of his surroundings which spoke of a family that didn't have a lot of money, but because his real parents must have hidden him here to protect him from his enemies. Having learnt that this had been Harry's first battle, the display of confidence the young man had shown had worked very well.

With a new awareness and respect for his master, he turned towards the entranceway and stood guard. Harry knew instinctively what do and what not to do. He settled down at his desk again and started on a school project that he had been given that day, not giving the demon another glance.

---

"As you know, I've already gotten samples of your parents' blood. I now need a small sample of your blood to check for any diseases or defects, which may stop you from getting into StarFleet Academy. If you could roll up your sleeve for me we'll get started." Dr Yale asked as he turned to get the necessary instrument. As it was he didn't see the look of panic that danced across Harry Kim's face before he composed himself.

Knowing that there was no way out of not giving his blood for this final procedure, he stepped closer to his family doctor and placed his hand on his shoulder. Instantly he had control over the man. His mind, thoughts, actions were now being controlled by Harry, and the doctor didn't even know it.

"Give me a hyprospray containing ten cc's of my mother's and father's blood." He watched as the doctor moved under his control, moving smoothly as he completed Harry's orders. Finally he placed the hypospray into Harry's hand. With his hand still on the doctor, Harry raised the instrument to his neck and injected his parent's blood into his body.

"You would have thought that I would have done this years ago. But you don't know how hard it has been to try and obtain enough blood from both of my parents at the same time." A grimace of pain took over his speech as his jaw clenched tight, fighting the changes that were going on within his body. Then the pain was gone as fast as it had arrived. Breathing deeply he continued his speech.

"I had to have both of their blood at the same time. And that has proved to be more difficult to obtain than I had thought possible. I certainly wasn't going to be able to do it while they were asleep. My mother wakes up so easily, that it made it impossible to get it while they slept." Letting the hyprospray fall from his fingers onto the desk, he took another deep breath. "If I had let you take my blood without injecting myself with my parents' blood. Well, lets just say you would have been surprised. Especially as you delivered me. And your findings would have made it impossible for me to enter into StarFleet. And I need to go to StarFleet. You wouldn't believe how much I need to go to StarFleet. My whole future is based on it.

"See, I've been having these dreams for years now. For as long as I could remember." Harry shot an annoyed look at the panther by his side who was growling a warning. He didn't like the fact the Harry was telling a man of limited power, but with enough power to hold Harry's future in his hand, of Harry's intentions. Indicating the unaware doctor who sat with a blank look on his face to the panther, he continued. "I dream of this beautiful ship traveling by uncharted planets. I know that the ship hasn't been built yet; I've checked. I even know its name. U.S.S Voyager. I will be on that ship. But only if I get into StarFleet. That why I couldn't let you have my blood without me changing it first.

"I will be on that ship. And today is the first step towards getting that goal." Smiling as he thought of his ship, he took his hand away from Dr Yale and returned to his seat.

Dr Yale picked up a hyprospray and turned to Harry, totally unaware of what had gone on in the room in the last ten minutes. "This won't hurt a bit Harry. You'll feel a slight pressure on your arm and then it will all be over."

It was over within seconds, but Harry waited with fear. He wouldn't relax until he knew it had worked. Watching as the doctor entered the readings into the computer, checked them with his parents, and then wrote a note in the computer file, he couldn't help wondering if it was going to work. In the seconds it took to imprint his parents DNA over is his own making it appear that he was their son, he hoped that he had been successful and that the doctor wouldn't find anything wrong with his blood.

Five minutes later the doctor turned to him beaming. "Everything looks fine. The computer has checked everything out and it looks like you will be going to StarFleet Academy. I have no reason to decline your admission." Turning he picked up a data padd. With a few touches on the screen, Dr Yale approval was sent to StarFleet. "You should receive notification within the next day from StarFleet. You will be one of the youngest students to enter at 16, but I'm sure you will do very well. And being the friendly person that you are, you will have no problem finding friends."

He stood and Harry followed suit. "I wish you all the best Harry. I know how hard you've worked to get this far. You deserve it. Go home and celebrate with you parents. I'm sure they will be very proud."

"Thanks Dr Yale. I will." Almost giddy with relief that his plan had worked, Harry impulsively hugged his doctor from birth. A small part of him felt bad for using the doctor but the fact that he was now accepted into StarFleet rid him of that feeling.

---

Within thirty minutes Harry was entering his home. His mother greeted him at the door. "Harry! A letter from StarFleet Academy arrived five minutes ago. Hurry up and open it."

Within seconds Harry had opened the letter and was staring at the computer. He had officially been accepted into StarFleet Academy. Shaking with emotion, Harry stood and was taken into his mother's arms.

"Oh, Harry. You did it. You got into the Academy. You will be the first Kim to get into StarFleet. Your father will be so pleased when he gets home and we tell him. It's a dream come true. Do you know how proud of you I am?"

Smiling radiantly, Harry listened to the panther's purrs in the background. He nodded in agreement, knowing how proud his parents were already. "It's a dream come true ma. A dream come true."

---

The Doctor watched as Harry's brain wave patterns spiked then returned to normal. He knew Harry was dreaming again. It was a good sign.

Turning back to his work, he tried to estimate when Harry would wake up. And what the changes to Harry's body meant.

---

It was three weeks before Harry had to attend his first class at the Academy when the accident happened. He was with some friends in a hovercraft and they were driving along when a bear appeared out from nowhere. Trying to miss the animal the craft flipped over and down a hill. Only seconds after the bear had first appeared the craft came to a stop.

Silence fell over the land as the passenger slowly got their bearings. All were stunned by the event. All of them had cuts and bruises. David turned to Harry who he was sitting neck to and saw that Harry was still unconscious. His head was bleeding really badly in several places.

"Harry? Harry? Can you hear me? Harry, you have to wake up now. Stella, get emergency services on line. I think Harry is really hurt."

---

Harry woke in a strange bed the several days later. Looking around he guessed he was in a hospital. But he couldn't remember how he had gotten there.

"Harry, how are you? How are you feeling?" The doctor asked who appeared at his side.

Taking a moment to rub the sleep out of his eyes, Harry tried to take stock of his body and how he felt. "I don't know. I hurt all over, and I have a bad headache. What happened to me?"

"You were in a accident with your friends, Harry. Don't worry, everyone else is fine. You just hit your head hard enough to fracture you skull in several places. The doctor here operated on you and tells us you will recover in time." The Asian woman at his side said softly, her eyes full of concern and sadness.

Harry looked from the doctor to the woman to the Asian man at her side. "I hate to ask this, but just who are you? Are you two doctors as well?"

All three of them appeared to be shocked at his words. It was then that he realized he should know who they were.

"We are your parents Harry. You don't remember us?"

Seeing the pain in their eyes, he struggled to remember them. But his mind was a blank. "No. I'm sorry don't."

"Doctor, how long before Harry remembers?" The man asked.

"Harry has experienced a major injury to his head. I would hope that in a few weeks his memory would return. But I have to tell you that the brain is very fragile. It may be longer than a few weeks; in fact it may be several months before he fully remembers everything. He just needs time to heal."

"Harry. Harry?"

Knowing that he should be seeing something else in the room but not knowing what, Harry looked around the large room. He knew beyond a doubt that he was missing something. But no matter how hard he looked, he couldn't see it.

He didn't see how his life time companion, the panther, was screaming his rage at Harry not being able to hear him. How the animal ran around the room, trying to get Harry's attention.

But Harry didn't see him, or hear him. And the panther sat back on his haunches and howled. The seven demons that had stayed in the hospital to stand guard over their master while the others went and fed, pondered what would happen to them if Harry didn't remember. Their existence rested in Harry's hands, and if he wasn't aware of them, there was little they could do. But they would protect Harry from any danger that threatened him. It would be the least they could do for their generous master.

"Harry?"

Snapping back to attention, Harry looked into the concerned faces of his parents. "I'm sorry. Did you ask me something?"

"No, that's alright. You probably just need some rest. We'll go and come back later to check on you."

Within moments the three people had left the room. Sighing, the young man relaxed back into his bed. "I wish I could remember them. They look like such nice people." Harry said as he slipped into sleep, not knowing that he was being well protected as the demons and the panther who stood guard over him.

---

Harry swiped at his tears once more as they fell. Simon had been dead seven months now, but the pain was still like a raw nerve. Everyday Harry would wake up, hoping to see his lover beside him. But always he was disappointed when he found his lover wasn't there.

Coming here today to the crash site, the last place Simon had seen, had been hard for him to do. But he also knew that if he was to say goodbye he needed to do it here.

Looking around at the peaceful surroundings, the trees swaying in the light breeze, flowers in bloom, birds singing Harry found it hard to believe that this was the place where his lover had died. But the memorial plaque made it all too obvious that is was the right place.

"Oh Simon. I miss you so. I wish you were alive and here with me now." Harry whispered to the wind, his grief plain on his face. Bowing his head he let the tears flow unchecked once again.

It was some time later that he became aware that he wasn't alone. Looking up he saw a girl about his age standing not far away, watching him. He wasn't sure, but she looked familiar. Whipping at his tears he motioned for her to come closer.

"Hi. I hope I'm not disturbing you. I wasn't expecting to see anyone here." She said softly.

"It's alright. I'm about to leave anyway. I wasn't expecting to see anyone here either. It's not exactly a tourist spot." Harry smiled without feeling. He felt too beaten down to feel anything.

"No it's not. This is only the second time I've come here myself. The place gives off a bad vibe."

"A vibe?"

"Yeah. A sad one. So many young lives died here. But of course you already knew that."

"Yeah. My lover died here. In the accident. This has been the first time I've been here." Abruptly he stopped, aware he was telling a stranger more than he wanted them to know.

"Mine too."

Shocked Harry could only stare at the brown haired woman. He had never met any of the other people effected by the needless accident. He watched in silence as she sat down next to him.

"He was sent to prison you know." She whispered bitterly.

Instantly Harry knew whom she was talking about. "I don't want to talk about him. I think. I don't know what I think. I do know this though. He is probably suffering just as much, if not more than we are. He has to live with his actions for the rest of his life. We can move on, meet new people. He will always live with the fact that he was responsible for the death of his friends. I can't imagine what that would be like. Day in day out. It must be hell." He finished softly, knowing he was defending a man who he had never meet and had caused him so much pain.

"Simon didn't even know him. The assignment came through at the last minute. No one could have known what was going to happen."

"Okay. You're entitled to your opinion and I'll stick with mine. I just don't want to ever see him again." Sighing, she switched her attention to the young man before her, not wanting to think of the man who had killed her lover. Asian, good looking, he was someone she would date. She had only begun dating two months ago. But here was someone who knew what she had been through. "So, your lover Simon, what was he like?"

For the next two hours they talked. About their lover who had died, their families, what they were studying. But eventually it grew dark, and they knew that they had to part.

Getting to her feet, she brushed off her trousers. "So Harry, can I offer you a lift?"

"Sure. If it's not too far out of your way."

"I know where the hotel is. It's on my way."

"Okay. But I have one condition." He smiled as he took her hand in his. He saw the awareness that leapt into her eyes at his touch. "You have to tell me your name."

Squeezing his hand, she laughed. "I forgot to tell you my name? It's Libby."

"Libby. I like that. Libby." Smiling Harry didn't feel the deadening pain of his loss as much as he did when he had arrived here. He knew that at the place where his lover had died, he had met his new lover. And maybe this time it would last.

---

The panther had seen a lot in his time as Harry's guide. But never had he seen Harry as alone as he was now. Trapped within a deep sleep. His dreams his only company.

He had seen the great loves that had graced Harry's life, all for too a short time. Anna, when Harry was 15. Simon, then Libby.

It had taken Harry a long time to get over the fact that he wouldn't see Libby again after Voyager had became trapped in the Alpha Quadrant. Once he had, he began dating the occasional woman on board. All the while fighting his attraction to the First Commander and his best friend Tom.

The panther had been worried at first that Harry would only see Tom as the man who had accidentally killed his lover Simon. But Harry had grown up mentally as well as physically. He had never mentioned to Tom about Simon. Instead he had become his best friend, perhaps his only true friend, while all the others had turned their backs on him.

Then Tom had made a pass at Harry. The panther had stood to attention, watching as Harry turned Tom down. His spirits had sunk then. He knew that Harry and Tom belonged together. As did Harry with Chakotay. Harry had then approached Chakotay. Chakotay had thankfully taken the bait and they had become lovers.

That day the panther had felt a surge of power through his link with Harry. He knew then it would only be a matter of time before the link was as it once was. The demons had also felt something, and knew that soon, Harry would see them and be their master once again.

Then Harry and Chakotay decided to make Tom their lover. That night when the three of them had become lovers, Harry's' guard's had felt another surge of power through their link. They knew then that Harry would soon be himself once again.

Then one day Harry had seen him. He had been so excited. It had been years since Harry had seen him. Ever since his accident when he was 16 and had lost his memory. Each day after that, Harry had seen more and more of him until the day Harry had been able to touch him. Their link had become complete once again. Harry's demons knew it was only a matter of time before he got his 'sight' back and would be able to see them.

Only for the unmastered Demon to come and try and kill Chakotay and Tom. It had been a bloody battle. But Harry had been victorious. The panther had sat beside Harry's bedside with pride once he became confident that Harry was going to live.

But Harry's mates had decided to leave him to face the battle alone while they came to terms with Harry's actions. That had made him mad. His snarling and hissing at the injustice of it all had gone unheard by all.

He had been there to see the tear that had trailed a lonely path down Harry's cheek while he was alone. He hated what Harry's two mates were doing to him with their absence. But there was nothing he could do. They weren't paying any attention to him although he knew that they could see him.

Laying down next to Harry's bio bed so that he could keep an eye on him, he was the first one to notice it. The glow that started to surround the ensign, growing slowly brighter. Pale white at first and then blooming into a brilliant yellow.

---

Harry came to awareness slowly. He was lying on a bed. Lights were dimly lit about him. The soft purr of the panther greeted his ears as the cat rubbed his head against Harry's thigh. With effort, he moved his hand till it came to rest on the big cat's head. Immediately the purrs became louder as he stroked the soft black fur.

Slowly, blinking as he adjusted to the light, the ensign opened his eyes. He saw that he was in sickbay. Turning his head he noticed that no one was around. Sighing in relief, he continued to pat the panther. In the corner of the room he saw that the demon he had defeated standing apart from the other demons, and who was waiting for his orders from his new master. Yawning, Harry couldn't help wondering how long he had been in sickbay.

Running on automatic, his mind telepathically accessed the ship's computer. First he found out that he had been in sickbay for five weeks. Obviously he had needed that time to heal. But looking at the records of who had visited him during that time unsettled him. What had made Tom and Chakotay stay away for so long before they had resumed visiting him again?

Accessing more computer files with a thought, he could find no cause for them to not visit. Which meant that they had stayed away by choice. Saddened, Harry continued his search. To his surprise he found that they had traveled further than he would have expected. And that it had been a quite period on board. Noting that the Doctor was going to be activated in a few minutes time, he closed his eyes and prepared himself to 'wake up'.

Five minutes later a humming Doctor stepped up to Harry's bedside and took a look at the readings the computer was giving out. Frowning he took a closer look, then turned his beaming eyes onto Harry's still face. "It looks like you've finally decided to wake up Ensign. A lot of people will be so pleased to see that you are awake. Myself included."

Still pretending to sleep, Harry almost let a smile appear but caught himself in time. It wouldn't do for him to ruin his readmittance into the world of the healthy. Deciding that now was a good time to wake up, he let his eyelids flutter. He could almost hear the Doctor holding his breath as he waited.

---

"Doctor to Janeway."

Sharing a look with Tuvok as he sat next to her on the couch, she responded. "Janeway here."

"Captain, I have some good news. Harry is waking and talking." The pride in his voice could be clearly heard over the comm.

"Thank you Doctor. I'll be down there straight away. Janeway out." Standing, she smiled at Tuvok. "Tuvok, I don't want you to tell anyone about Harry being awake yet. At least until I've spoken with him. We still don't know what attacked him."

"Of course."

Katherine quickly left the bridge. Within minutes she was walking into sickbay. Pausing just inside the doorway, she saw that Harry was sitting up and talking to the Doctor. Taking a moment to get her emotions under control, she couldn't help wondering what changes Harry had gone through. The Doctor still didn't know what to make of Harry's new and changed organ's. And it may be that even Harry didn't know what was happening to him. Only questions and answers would reveal the truth.

Taking a deep breath, she strode forward. "Harry, how are you?"

He turned to his captain and gave her a tired smile. "Like I was in a shuttle wreck. The doctor was just telling me what happened. I'm still trying to remember."

"Take your time Harry. We would like to catch whatever did this to you. We don't know if it is still on board or not. Anything you can tell us would be a great help."

Harry smiled weakly. "I don't think it would harm anyone else on board Captain."

Katherine stilled. "You know what it was that attacked you?"

"No. Things are still a little hazy. But I do know it only wanted me. I don't know how I know that but I do. I can't explain it."

Searching Harry's eyes, Katherine got the feeling that he was hiding something from her. What really surprised her was the fact that it was Harry that was doing the hiding. But seeing the strain on Harry's face, she put it down to tiredness. "Get some rest Harry. I'll talk to you tomorrow when you are feeling better." Patting him on the shoulder, she left sickbay with a sad smile. Something was going on with Harry and she was going to find out what it was.

Once the Captain had left sickbay, Harry faked a yawn as he lay back down on the bed.

The Doctor seemed to realize that Harry needed to rest, and he dimmed the lights for him as he turned away. "It's good to see you awake Harry. Very good indeed."

Harry waited until he was sure that the Doctor was busy with work in his office. Then he quietly said to the newly defeated demon, the same greeting he had said to every new demon he defeated. ((Here are my rules. You must obey them. At all times you are to dim yourself from view. No one must become aware of you. If I am threatened, in anyway, and I tell you to aid me, you will. You must remain within the same room with me at all times, if that isn't manageable; you must at least be near by. For your service as my slave, I will allow you to return to your dimension, to feed, as you require it. But only if I don't need you. Am I clear?))

The demon nodded, his surprise at the terms well hidden from view. The mark of the panther shone brightly on his forehead for a moment then dimmed.

((How many servants to you have?))

((79, Master))

Harry was stunned. Never had he encountered a demon that had more than 4 servants. The demon before him must be one of the most skilled demons he had ever battled against. And now that demon was his servant. Adding another 80 demons servants onto the ones he had gained himself brought him to a total of 194 servants. "You honor me with your presence. I am truly lucky to have you as my servant. You fought well and bravely."

"It is I who am honored. Never has a warrior come close to showing the skill that you used to defeat me. I am your loyal servant my master."

Harry nodded; still a little shocked at the prize he had gained. Yawning he closed his eyes, vowing that he would learn more about the demon who had almost killed him.

---

When Katherine arrived back on the bridge she called a staff meeting. Once everyone was seated she told them the good news about Harry being awake at last.

"I haven't had a chance to talk to Harry about what attacked him, but with time he will tell us what happened."

"Is he allowed visitors?" B'Elanna asked, having missed seeing one of her best friends.

As Katherine went on to explain that Harry needed lots of rest, Tom locked eyes with Chakotay. They had been avoiding each other since Tom had accused Harry and Chakotay of using him as a whore. At the time Chakotay had been too upset with Harry's injury that to give what Tom was saying much thought, his only concern being Harry. It wasn't until Harry's condition had stabilized that Chakotay realized exactly what was happening with Tom.

Chakotay had visited Tom late one night to explain what had happened. At first Tom had been skeptical but then Chakotay had let him see into his mind and see for himself the truth he wanted to deny. Unable to dismiss what he had seen in Chakotay's mind, Tom had finally broken down and all his worries had come out.

They had talked for hours. Discussing all aspects of their relationship and where they wanted it to go. Talking about their feelings for one another and Harry. What would happen when Harry woke up again. And now it was time. Harry was awake and they were one step closer to becoming friends and lovers once again. Chakotay and Tom had resumed their sexual relationship after they had sorted everything out between them.

Tom was still smarting with the apparent betrayal of Harry. He found it hard to believe that Harry would have used him as he had, but the facts spoke for themselves. And only Harry could explain himself. Now it looked like Tom may get his chance to ask Harry why he had done all that he had.

Chakotay nodded to Tom, aware that now that Harry was awake; they could finally set in motion their future together. The time was near.

---

Coming to a decision about what he should tell the Captain about his injuries and what he knew about the thing that had attacked him, he knew there was only one decision he could take. For the time being he would play dumb. He would say how he didn't remember anything about what had attacked him. And he would stick to that story until it was time to talk to Tom and Chakotay. He had the feeling that as soon as he was out of here they would be having a talk about the situation.

After having slept for a few hours, he was feeling a lot better than he had when he first woke up. He was now just waiting for Chakotay and Tom to arrive. Knowing that by know the Captain would have told them of his being awake; he couldn't help from casting long glance at the door. He was getting impatient to see his lovers.

---

End