Date: Tue, 24 Jul 2001 13:45:53 -0700 (PDT) From: Author James Subject: Adventures of a Real Dark Knight Chapter 16 Disclaimer: This story, though maybe not in this chapter but in subsequent chapters, will have celebrities in it. I have no knowledge of their sexuality and this is not intended to imply their sexuality. This is all from my own mind. Scary!! People actually get a glimpse into my mind!!! Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, Angel and all related characters created by Joss Whedon. Copyright 20th Century Fox. Batman, and all related characters created by Bob Kane. Copyright DC Comics and Warner Bros. X-MEN, and all related characters created by Stan Lee. Copyright Marvel Comics and 20th Century Fox. Star Trek and all related characters created by Gene Roddenberry. Copyright Paramount Studios. I don't know for sure if I will use all the above elements, but just in case, I have myself covered. In this story, which has been floating around in my head most of my life, you will find many universes merging, as the above copyrights reveal. I hope you all enjoy this. I appreciate any feedback that you may want to give. This story doesn't deal so much with sex, sex, sex, but more of my feelings that I struggled with and am starting to come to terms with. Part of his background is mine. I do hope that you enjoy it!!! I have received many emails from people who have enjoyed it and some from those who do not. I would enjoy hearing from you. Any emails you send, please tell me what chapter and story you are commenting on. Thanks. jmsotc@yahoo.com Chapter 16 Battle The lady pulled out a small staff that extended to the size of a normal one. "Why do I fall in line with people who like to use weapons? Isn't the art of hand-to-hand combat of any concern?" "It would not matter," the woman replied. "I will beat you regardless. At least with this, it will not take me as long." "Try me," I replied. The woman in black swung her quarterstaff at me. I dodged it and flipped backwards as she brought it around for another attack. Quickly, she brought the other end toward me and hit me in the side. "You are weak." The quarterstaff, though lightweight, was made out of some type of metal. If only I could use that to my advantage. Then, a thought occurred to me. I can manipulate atoms. Perhaps I could control the elements of electricity and shock her. I did not know if that was something I could do, but I remember when I learned I could control heat molecules it was in a pinch. If I were ever in a pinch, now would be one of those times. I rolled away as she brought the staff down toward my head. I jumped up to my feet and she swung again. I jumped over her swing and kicked her in the face. She brought the staff around and hit my legs dropping me to the ground. Then, she held her staff over me in victory, preparing to strike. "You fool. You are messing with something you cannot possibly understand. I am part of an order long existing before governments. An order than the world does not believe exists. If they knew it existed, they would be in fear for their very lives." While she talked, I concentrated on electrons and protons. I wanted to control them. I felt my consciousness stretch out and become more than I thought. It stretched out and I could feel electricity in the air. It flowed around me like a river. I could control it, harness it's power...it was quite exhilarating. As the woman prepared to strike, I commanded the molecules to fly down and hit her quarterstaff. I saw the flash of lightning and she shrieked as she dropped the staff. "What are you?" "I'm a mutant," I answered. "You may have won the moment, but you cannot possibly defeat me and my kind." The woman took off down the alley. By now, all of the children were gone. I was the only one in the parking lot and I was lying on the ground. It was quite exhilarating to have the ability to harness the power of electricity. I stood, brushed myself off and made my way toward Lance and the car. "Is everything okay?" he asked. "Yeah," I replied. "Everything is fine." "Good. Are you okay?" "Yes, I'm fine. Thanks for asking." Lance looked at me. "Something is bothering you. What is it?" My mind was on the children. How could they have gotten mixed up with that woman? And why would they do it in the first place? I voiced my concerns to Lance. And he understood me. "Eric, you have a strong desire to help children. I know you do. You love them. I understand why you are feeling like you are feeling. You're a mutant. Is there anything you can do to help them?" "Not that I can think of." We went home in silence. I exited the bathroom in my boxers. Lance was already in bed reading, the light from the lamp illuminating his face ever so softly. The radio played softly in the background. I flipped out the bathroom light and climbed into bed. Lance put his book down in his lap. "Have you thought any more about what we were discussing in the car? About helping children?" "Yeah. I think I've come up with an idea. But I'm not quite sure it can work." "What is it?" "I've been thinking about a teen center." "Orlando had one. It's now run down." "Perhaps we can do something to change that." "Teens in trouble really bother you doesn't it?" "Yes. I remember being a teenager. It wasn't fun." "Teen years never are." "Yeah, but being gay seems to make it worse than it already is, you know?" "Yeah," Lance said smiling at me, "I know." "I sometimes forget that I didn't go through this stuff alone. There are times I think I'm the only one my age who had gone through this stuff. But there have been gay teens before me and will undoubtedly be more in the future. That's why I'm getting interested in this teen center." "You don't have to do it alone," Lance said leaning over and putting his arm around me. I leaned down and placed my head on his soft masculine chest. "And you won't ever be alone. I'd like to spend the rest of my life with you." I moved my head and kissed his nipple, just a way to say I would like to return the sentiment. Whitney Houston and Enrique Iglasius's song "Could I Have This Kiss Forever" began, the slower version. Over and over I look in your eyes You are all I desire You have captured me I want to hold you I want to be close to you I never want to let go I wish that this night would never end I need to know Could I hold you for a lifetime? Could I look into your eyes? Could I have this night to share this life together? Could I hold you close beside me? Could I hold you for all time? Could I, could I have this kiss forever Could I, could I have this kiss forever I looked up into Lance's eyes. He leaned down to me and kissed my lips. I opened my mouth and took his kiss and added my own. Over and over and I dreamed of this night Now you're here by my side You are next to me And I want to hold you To touch you and taste you And make you want no one but me I wish that this kiss could never end Oh baby please Could I hold you for a lifetime? Could I look into your eyes? Could I have this night to share this life together? Could I hold you close beside me? Could I hold you for all time? Could I, could I have this kiss forever Could I, could I have this kiss forever I don't want any night to go by Without you by my side I just want to all my days Spent next to you Lived for just loving you And, baby, oh, by the way Could I hold you for a lifetime? Could I look into your eyes? Could I have this night to share this life together? Could I hold you close beside me? Could I hold you for all time? Could I, could I have this kiss forever Could I, could I have this kiss forever Could I have this kiss forever? Could I, could I have this kiss forever Lance reached back and turned out the lights and he and I kissed in the dark. I awoke the next morning as Lance was showering. I pulled on my robe and went down. I was going to surprise him by making him his favorite breakfast: French toast. I like to add a bit of cinnamon and vanilla to the mixture. As I was frying it up, Lance came down in his robe with his hair damp from the shower. "I thought I smelled something delicious. I couldn't get dressed. I was thinking too much about what was cooking." "Thanks. I hope you are hungry." "I'm starved. Especially after last night." "That was nice." "It's always nice with you, Eric." "Same with you. In fact, it feels like the first time every time with you, the first time of being excited, the first time of being in such a warm embrace, the first time being kissed. It's like I venture into a new world every time I touch you." Lance came over and kissed me. Then he went and got a glass out of the cupboard. "Would you like something to drink?" "Sure. How about some orange juice?" "Got it." Lance poured us some orange juice and I finished cooking the French toast and placed it on two plates. Lance sat down on the bar stool and I stood across from him. He cut himself a piece and took a bite. "This is delicious. I've never had French toast like this before." "Thanks," I grinned, happy that I could please my man in yet another way in our relationship. "I need to go to the grocery store." "Okay. I can stay here if you like." "What do you mean by that?" he asked. "You said you needed to go to the store. I know you don't want the media to find out you are gay." "Screw the media. It's my life I'm living, not theirs." "Oh. Okay." I was shocked that he would say something like that. We heard a thump outside and Lance went to the door. He came back carrying the newspaper. Sitting back down in his spot, he unrolled it to show the announcement of Prince William and Prince Henry touring the United States. "What are they coming here for?" I asked. "Part of a goodwill tour, I guess. Their last stop will be here in Orlando at the end of January." "That's not too far away." "Neither is Christmas." I looked over at him. "What are we going to do about Christmas?" "What do you mean?" he asked. "I don't want to spend Christmas away from you, Lance. You are part of my life." "Then come with me to Mississippi." "Does your family know you are gay?" "Yep. And they don't have a problem with it." "That's wonderful. I will have to call my parents and let them know what's going on." After breakfast, Lance and I went upstairs. I showered as he dressed and, when I was finished, I called my mom to tell her I was not going to be home for Christmas. She did not take it too well, but relented when I said I would come see her after the holidays. She has become a bit more understanding of my life since I've come out to her. She has been protective but not holding on to me like she used to. To Be Continued... I've finally drawn a picture of the Huntress...if anyone would like to view it, email me and let me know if you want it sent in Paint or Microsoft Word format.