Date: Mon, 2 Dec 2002 15:08:28 -0800 (PST) From: Author James Subject: Trials of a Real Dark Knight 44 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. 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. The Vampire Chronicles and all related characters created by Anne Rice. Copyright Anne O'Brien Rice. Star Wars and all related concepts created by or based on the universe created by George Lucas. Copyright 20th Century Fox, LucasFilms Ltd. and Lucas Books/Ballantine Books. I don't know for sure if I will use all the above elements, but just in case, I have myself covered. This story has taken on a life of its own. From its inception a year ago, I had only thought it would last ten chapters maximum. As you can see, it has grown tremendously. Mostly due to readers emailing me and telling me they've enjoyed it or have received help due to certain issues addressed. I've enjoyed writing this story but it would not have been written without men and women reading it and telling me they've enjoyed it. I do hope that you continue to enjoy each new chapter as our hero lives and grows. 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. authorjames2002@yahoo.com I also have several online messenger services, one of which is this yahoo email address. Some of you know them; however, in the recent weeks I've changed my screen name. If you want to chat with me in real time, email me and tell me the services you use and I will tell you my screen name. Chapter 44 Secrets The plane landed in San Francisco and Lance and I were the last to arrive. Chris and Joey had gone ahead two days ago and Justin and Jessica had arrived yesterday. We, however, got held up and had to reschedule the flight. Airlines really need to stop double-booking their flights. Their "just in case someone cancels" policy really needs to be blown out of the cockpit. They ended up giving our seats to someone else. Anyway, we arrived and caught a taxi to the hotel. It was the same one JC and the others were staying. Our room was one floor below the others. It was a busy time being the beginning of August and families wanting to take last minute vacations before their children had to go back to school. "Do you think something is up with JC?" Lance asked me as we put our clothes away. We planned to stay for a few days to celebrate with JC and the others before getting back to Orlando. "I don't know. I don't want to assume there is and go psychologist on him. But at the same time, if something is going on, I don't want to be happy-go-lucky make him not want to share because I'm not being serious." "He knows you, though, Eric. Remember what happened with Jesse and Frankie and Chris? He was there. He knows you can be supportive at the drop of a hat. You don't have to worry about it." "Thanks, Love," I replied. We put our things away and Lance called Justin to find out when the party was and where we were going to meet. I finished up in the bathroom getting ready when we headed to JC's room. Chris and Joey were already there along with Chris's girlfriend Sarah and someone Joey was with. Who, I couldn't tell. I didn't remember her name. Justin was talking with the others and greeted us as we came in. JC stepped in from the balcony where he was talking with Jessica and someone I didn't know. He came up to us. "Happy Birthday, JC!" I said giving him a hug. "Where do we put the gifts?" Lance gave him a hug and we took the gifts where they belonged. After placing the gifts where he wanted, we joined him in the living room. Jessica came over to me and whispered, "Eric, this guy is an alien. He has so much power, it's spilling over and setting off every slayer instinct I have." I looked over at him using my mutant powers to detect any molecules that seemed different, or at the very least bad. What I sensed was something I never felt before. It could be bad, but I wasn't one hundred percent sure. "And after what we just experienced, it could be something not so nice," Jessica added. "True. But I don't want to jump the gun yet. Kai-El was on the good side even though she wasn't from around here." "What about Turic and Justin? Remember what happened to him?" "How could I forget? Let's take this slow. I don't want anyone getting accused of wrongdoing or getting hurt physically or emotionally." Jessica agreed to my suggestion. But she promised to keep her eyes pealed. That as the best course of action since none of us knew what JC's friend could be or do. We returned to the rest of everyone else and I met JC's brother, Tyler. Everything went smoothly, for the most part. Then Lance and I left to get ready for the actual birthday dinner, which was to be held at a quaint little café at the wharf called Rain Forest Café. It was a rather cute restaurant set in a very weird theme. It looked like we were in a 1950s movie set complete with robotic arms and a fountain that looked like the Greek God Atlas holding the world. The eleven of us sat at a table behind an aquarium which blocked the sounds of the rest of the restaurant. We ordered our food and ate. As we ate, I would do playful things like share my food with Lance feeding him from my own fork. Tyler, JC's brother, seemed a bit surprised by our actions. But it didn't bother me. We were amongst friends so there was no need to hide who we were. Soon the meal was over and the waitress came and took our plates away. JC cleared his throat. "Okay. Now the announcement." I could tell something was seriously bothering JC. He looked as if he were ready to disclose he had a terminal illness and a short amount of time to live. "With the way you seem to have everything planned tonight," Lance said, "I may be out of a job in this group. I'm the scheduling task master the last time I checked." Everyone laughed. I decided to throw my two-cents worth in. "He's telling the truth. You should have seen him when we were planning the wedding. He wanted to have a binder for all the plans. I had to fight him down to a simple folder." Everyone laughed again. "Stop, I wasn't that bad." "Must I remind you about the menu?" I raised an eyebrow. "Ok. Ok. I was that bad. But the binder would have made things easier." I leaned over to Lance and whispered, trying to keep from laughing. "Do you realize how that sounds? Binders making things easier? The sexual innuendo keeps on flying. Of course, if you are serious about being kinky, I might be game." I noticed Jessica blush a little with what I said. "Ok, you win. Binder bad. Binder very bad. I'll be good." Lance looked up at JC. "Josh, continue." "I ask that no one interrupt me because I'm not sure I'd be able to get through this all if you do." Everyone nodded. "Well... this all started when Lance came out. I had always known this about me. I closed myself in and walked on. Then Justin met Turic and that's when I started hating myself. I put up a strong front. Built walls. And I don't know if anyone noticed, but I withdrew myself from the group bit by bit. After Justin left Turic and fell in love with Eric, I started feeling empty. Less than whole. And when Lance married Eric I felt a self loathing that I truly hope none of you ever have to experience. "What none of you know is since Lance and Justin came out I have been crying myself to sleep every night. My tears are tears of shame. I'm not strong. The longer I've cried then harder this has become. How do I look at three of my best friends," JC looked at Justin, then Lance and finally me, "and say that I wasn't strong enough? That I couldn't be as strong as you? I feel like I don't deserve your friendship. Your caring smiles. I've denied who I am when you were willing to face rejection and hardship. Everyone, what I'm trying to say is... I'm gay." JC's countenance failed. He felt as if he let down everyone in his life. I was proud of him at that moment for coming out to us. Even when someone is around other gay people, it can be tough to deal with the inner demons. And the fact that he held it so long made him feel like a failure. To me, however, he wasn't a failure. And I knew none of the others would think so, either. "But... you've dated girls JC." Tyler was staring pointedly at his drink, making eye contact with no one. "I was in denial Ty." "So they did it." "What are you talking about?" JC asked. "I told mom and dad that working with these dirty faggots would corrupt you, and I was right. They've made you gay too." Jessica, Lance and I were shocked at the ignorance that just flew out of Tyler's mouth. The last time I heard someone use the word 'faggot' around me, I tossed them out of a restaurant. This being JC's brother, I had to exercise a bit more control. "Tyler you don't understand..." "Tyler, being gay isn't a choice. And it's certainly not something that can be caught. JC was simply born this way. It is genetics," Blake said chiming in on the conversation between JC and Tyler JC just stood there transfixed by the surreal moment. Tears ran down his face and my heart went out to him even more. "You're wrong. You can change yourself. If a drug addict can kick his addiction, you can make yourself normal." Tyler stood up. "And until then, stay the fuck away from me you dirty queer." He picked up the remains of his drink and threw them at Josh's face. The liquid in midair and Blake looked at JC. The singer didn't even seem to notice the drink. He was completely focused on Tyler. "Tyler, I think you should leave." Jessica stood. I knew what she was feeling because I was feeling it, too. "Don't tell me what to do. My brother needs to be told what he is. What he's doing so he can fix himself." "I think you should leave now." Jessica walked over to Tyler and politely put her hand on his shoulder turning him around. I stood up to follower her, as did Justin. "I'll be back," I whispered to Lance. I followed Jessica, Tyler and Justin to the door. "What in the hell do you think you're doing?" Jessica asked. "I don't need to explain myself to you." "Perhaps you should explain it to me," Justin replied. "You have no business spewing forth your ignorant beliefs, and they are ignorant. You don't know the facts about JC's sexuality or homosexuality in general." "I know enough that people who are gay are immoral." I stepped up to the plate now. He was stepping into my territory and I was not about to let him get out free. "I lost someone a year ago because they believed exactly what you said. He was gay and tried his best to not be gay. He went to a therapist and went through all kinds of therapy to change. It didn't work and he ended up killing himself because people like you don't accept it. He gave up his life because it was the only escape, the only 'cure', he could think of. "Do you want your brother to commit suicide because you think he's a bad person? Do you want to lose your brother in death because he is different from you? My God, man! How heartless can you be?" "I suggest you leave and think on that," Justin replied. "You don't want these two coming after your ass when they are mad." Tyler looked at Jessica then to me. He turned and walked out of the café. I took a few deep breaths and calmed myself, as did Jessica. "What do we do about JC?" Justin asked. "He has to know we love and care about him. I won't let another friend die because they think they are bad for how they were born." I turned and headed back to the others. Lance was standing holding JC's hand in support. Chris and Joey were standing by JC with their hands on his shoulders letting him know he had their support. I approached and gave JC a hug. Then I released him. "JC," I replied seeing the devastation on his face, "you have nothing to be ashamed about. You had a real, understandable fear. There are many who keep their sexual orientation hidden because of a fear of rejection." "You don't have to hide who you are or think that I would hate you because you were afraid," Lance added. "You are one of my best friends. I could never hate you." "Damn it, JC!" Justin started. "Why the hell didn't you tell me!?!? There are so many guys I can set you up with!" JC laughed. "No, that's ok. I'm taken." JC smiled at Blake. "Everyone, I haven't properly introduced Blake. Everyone, this is my boyfriend, and my soul mate. I couldn't believe what I just heard. How long did JC know Blake? None of us knew about him. Of course, if he was afraid to come out, he was going to do his darnedest to keep a boyfriend from us. Still, with Turic fresh in my memory, especially with what happened on Night Island, I wasn't prepared to be all laid back. "Blake, would you excuse us please? We need to speak with JC." "I don't think..." Blake started. "It will only take a few moments," I interrupted. "It's okay," JC replied. "I know what they want to talk about. Can you head downstairs for a bit?" The two disputed about the bill being paid then Blake headed downstairs. I turned to JC. "How long have you known him?" "What do you mean?" "Did you know he's possessed?" Jessica asked bluntly. "Nice move, Jess," I replied. Then I turned back to JC. "I want you to be happy. But I want you to be safe, too." "Then what's this about?" he asked. "Turic came back, JC. Someone brought him back and he went after Lance. Jessica was contacted by the Council and came out to help slay him. He remembered everything that happened and wasn't with the pleasantries. "Needless to say, what he pulled with Justin last year is fresh in our minds right now. And if Blake is somehow possessed by a spirit, which isn't a good thing, you might be under some sort of spell." "It's nothing like that, Eric. We did have an encounter with an entity, but it wasn't anything scary. It was the Phoenix." "Why does that name sound familiar?" I muttered. "The X-MEN," Jessica answered. I turned to her. "Enlighten me." "After you died, I contacted Professor X to tell him what happened. I've kept in contact with him and heard about the Phoenix. It's a very powerful entity that flies throughout the galaxy. Last I heard, it had inhabited Jean Grey, or maybe one of its offspring." "That is what is possessing Blake," JC replied. "The Phoenix had an offspring and chose Blake to be its host. "Look, I understand why you are uncomfortable, especially now after hearing of your encountering Turic again. But you have to trust me on this. Things will be okay. I promise." "We trust you," Justin said. "And we will keep our minds open about Blake," I replied. "Thank you. It means a lot. Now, let's get Blake so he doesn't feel as if he's being talked about." "But he is being talked about," Justin replied. I swung my hand up and hit Justin in the back of the head. "Ow!" he replied. Everyone else laughed. I put my arm around Lance's, Jessica hooked hers around Justin's, Sara paired off with Chris and Joey and his date hooked up, and we all headed downstairs to meet up with Blake. Then we headed out to his club. To Be Continued... What do you think of the character of Blake? His story can be found in the Boy Band section titled "Tales of the New Phoenix." More to come, though not much more. Only six more chapters in "Trials of a Real Dark Knight". What do you think of this series?