The Night of the Wolf

By EJKatz

He froze at the sudden sound. The wind was silent for once but something was behind him. He could feel it and had for a while now. However, this was the first time he had heard it. Whatever 'IT' was, it was behind him and gaining distance fast.

The presence of his unknown stalker was tangible, like whoever it was, was no longer trying to hide said presence. Like it no longer cared that he knew it was there. That thought froze the blood that had only moments earlier been racing far too rapidly through his veins.

Fear took hold and all logical thoughts fled, save one. RUN! So he did. Turning back he raced away from the loud noises behind him. Agony flared through him as his heart pounded heavily in his chest. He could hear the noises getting closer but he refused to turn and check.

Without warning he tripped and went down hard. His leg twisted painfully under him and he heard the loud crack as something gave. He muffled a cry, curling in on himself as the pain and the panic took hold. Small whimpers escaped his lips despite his desperate attempts to keep silent for fear of discovery but it was too late.

A large form crashed into him, sending him rolling down the slight incline, through and into trees and brush. The steadily growing pain reached a crescendo as it collided with the fear. A scream lodged in his throat as the dark form rose menacingly above his now still body.

Wide blue eyes locked on gleaming yellow orbs that flashed with an unholy light. A huge mouth opened revealing flashes of sharp, white teeth flecked with blood and foam. That mouth descended in a move so fast he didn't have time to release that scream before it ripped into his chest.

PAIN!

FEAR!

BLOOD!

DEATH!

jim…

~*~*~

Jim woke, his skin clammy with cooling sweat and not quite sure what had woken him. The loft was silent except for the regular night noises. Traffic out on the street, the light hum of the electronics in the loft and the soft steady dripping of the pipe in the bathroom he'd been meaning to fix were all the sounds he could hear.

He rolled over, ready to return to his dreams when the memory flashed through him. He sat bolt upright, eyes wide and panic filled.

Blair? There was no sound from the room downstairs where there should be the sounds of breathing, a heart pumping blood, the easy shuffling of a naturally heavy sleeper who defied normality by moving constantly in his sleep. Instead there was nothing.

Throwing his duvet off he rose and made it to the bottom of the stairs without mishap, his only thought to reach his guide and find out what was wrong. Strong white light from the full moon shone through the floor to ceiling windows leaving the room bright enough for him to see clearly. Though darker due to the smaller windows and the thick window coverings it was clear that the small room under the stairs where Blair normally slept was empty. His guide was gone.

It took Jim a puzzling moment to remember that his guide had obviously not returned from the university where he'd been grading finals. He glanced at the clock beside the empty bed, noting it was nearly three am.

"Shit, Chief. I'm glad there are only two days left to this semester." He rubbed a hand over his face, wiping away both the last vestiges of sleep and any remaining sweat.

He'd been dreaming about something he was sure, but for the life of him he couldn't remember what it had been. He shook his head as he made his way back upstairs and his bed. Three deep cleansing breaths later and Jim slept soundly once more.

~*~*~

A persistent ringing woke him, cutting through the fog of the dream he'd been having. Disorientation filled as he reached for the receiver to stop the rings. His hand missed and the phone clattered to the floor, waking him completely. He reached over and grabbed it, speaking harshly. "Ellison!"

"Jim, It's Simon."

"Sir, do you have any idea of the time? It's my day off."

"I know. Jim…" there was a pause that sent Jim's heart cold. Vague memories of his dream the night before came crashing around him. His breath caught in his throat and his heart, which only seconds earlier had gone cold, stuttered threatening to stop all together.

"Oh God, Simon… no! NO!"

"Jim, he's alive. Barely but he IS alive. Get dress I am almost there. I will take you to the hospital." Even as he said the words, Jim heard the familiar sound of the Chrysler pull into the parking lot below. Numbly he hung up and began to dress. He was only vaguely aware of his surroundings as he pulled on the jeans from the night before which for some reason he'd left slung over the back of a chair. He grabbed a sweater from the dresser and slipped into shoes, pausing just long enough to tie the before grabbing his jacket and heading out the front door.

Simon exited the elevator as Jim locked up. Jim nodded but said nothing. He was positive that his shock showed clearly on his face, his eyes glossy maybe. He knew the signs but fear took their acknowledgement from him.

His guide was hurt, maybe dying. And he knew last night it had happened. It hadn't been a dream but rather a vision. A harbinger of doom maybe. God, when would he start listening and stop ignoring the obvious. If he had listened he might have prevented it.

He was grateful when Simon said nothing merely held the elevator door open and they descended to the ground floor. Simon's sedan sat at the curb. He opened the door to allow Jim to slid into the front seat. Moments later they were headed for Cascade General and an injured guide.

~*~*~

The Three Days Before:

"Ellison, my office now." Simon called out. Jim groaned but made his way into his superior's office. "Coffee?"

Jim could only stare at Simon. The man never offered coffee unless he wanted something that was not going to go over well. "Sure, why not."

He waited for Simon to finish pouring the hot liquid into a mug then turn back. Jim accepted the cup. "So what's up?"

"We gotta case. Now before you go off, I know you aren't going to like it but you are next on the roster so it goes to you."

"Just tell me this isn't another one of the Mayor demanding his Detective of the Year work some little minor rinky-dink case that has somehow upset his wife and now he thinks that he should waste good man power by demanding we cover it."

"Damn, Jim. Now I know why they made you a detective. Yes, this one is a stick up his Honor's butt however, I happen to agree with this one." Jim started to interrupt but Simon held up one hand staving off his complaint. "Just listen okay."

Jim accepted the file Simon handed him and opened it. The picture on top showed a dog, a poodle from the looks but it was hard to tell. It looked like the poor beast had been turned inside out. "This is sick, Simon."

"Yeah, I know. The concern is that this isn't a one time only thing. Not to mention that when we took it to Dr. Kent, he suggested that it is possible that this is leading up to something bigger and much worse. Perhaps even to people."

"Well, Brett Kent is a good head-shrink but he's no profiler." Jim argued, though the thought of that poor beast torn apart the way he had been left a sick feeling in Jim's gut and he knew Kent probably wasn't wrong.

"Yeah but I think even you would agree that he has made a good point." Simon argued. He glanced around. "Hey, where's your shadow. Haven't seen him around lately."

"Yeah, end of the semester blues. He has another week or so. He hasn't been home before three am al week. If he's gotten more than a couple of hours each night I would be very surprised. Anyway his last class is on Friday next."

"I bet you'll be glad to have him back." Simon said, making conversation now. Jim was perusing the file and only half listening.

"Yeah, the paperwork just keeps piling. Captain, when did this start?" He asked suddenly, glancing up at his captain's face.

"Not exactly sure. The first one they know of for certain was ten days ago. Why?"

"Well from the notes in here, things have already been escalating." Jim laid the file on the board table. Banks moved closer to peer at the section Jim pointed out.

"Damn. This isn't good." Jim waited for Banks to continue. For several minutes they discussed the case before they were interrupted by Jim's cell phone.

"Ellison," Jim answered.

"Hey Jim. It's me." Jim grinned both at the tired sound to the friendly voice but also the response.

"Hey me, how's it going?"

"Ha ha, Jim funny. Anyone ever tell you that you should be a comedian. Cause they were just pulling your leg."

"Right, thanks for the vote of confidence. So you coming in today?"

"Nah, can't. The dean has called some emergency meeting here. Apparently there was an attack on a student and the Dean wanted all professors and TA's aware. Cops have been here all morning talking to witnesses but no one saw anything."

"Are you okay?" Jim asked suddenly concerned.

"I'm fine. So is the student. I guess the attack was aborted before it began really. I don't know all the details but I am about to head into the meeting and wanted to let you know I would be home late again."

"I kinda figured that. Listen, Chief I am a little worried about you being out late if there is someone attacking students…"

"Hold up, Jim. It was probably just some innocent spat between girlfriend and boyfriend. It was only once and it never really happened okay. I promise to park close and in the light. I already moved the car closer at lunch since I have so much crap to carry." There was a half laugh before Blair continued. "I will call when I leave if it isn't too late."

"Call me anyway, otherwise I'll worry."

"Alright oh mother hen. I'll call but don't be surprised if it is after midnight." Blair chuckled and Jim was pleased to hear it. He had been worried the last few days with the hectic schedule the grad student had been keeping.

"You just call. Take care and I will see you later, hopefully." Jim told his roommate.

"Yeah hopefully. Can't wait for this semester to end. I don't remember it being this bad before. Damn, Jim I gotta run. Later." Before Jim could reply, Blair had hung up and he was left with only the dial tone and a smirking captain.

"What?" he asked, feigning innocence.

"You. You two sound like an old married couple." Banks grinned and Jim couldn't help but return it.

"More like father son. That kid needs someone to watch out for him." Jim retorted. "listen, I am going to follow up some leads here. Blair said some student was almost attacked last night and I am not sure it is connected but it seems to coincidental. I want to find the officers who took the report and see what I can find."

"You heading for the University then?"

"Yeah, might take Sandburg his dinner. He won't eat otherwise."

"Right… " Simon chuckled but waved Jim out the door. Jim couldn't help but shake his head at the truth behind Simon's words. He and Blair were just like an old married couple. They bantered back and forth with the ease of long acquaintance. Of course they had lived together for years now and though it had been hard at first, it hadn't been the ordeal it had when Carolyn had moved in after their marriage. That had been a nightmare.

An he didn't really mind what other people thought of it either. Blair Sandburg had become the younger brother he'd never had and he knew without a doubt that Blair looked up to him as the older brother he'd never had and always wanted. It worked and that was all that mattered.

Jim was still shaking his head and chuckling as he reached for his jacket and headed for the university. Once on the road he rang dispatch who informed him that the uniforms were still at the university and he requested they we notified to wait for him.

The drive was relatively easy at this time of the day when people were either at work or school and the only people on the roads were taxis couriers and the few people willing to do their errands downtown. Most days, during rush hour it took nearly an hour to reach the university grounds but today with the lighter traffic, Jim managed it in thirty-five, even with one quick stop. He found a parking spot out from of Hargrove Hall and walked the short distance to where the police cruiser was parked.

"Detective Ellison," he introduced himself to the officer. "You are…?"

"Porter, sir, Doug Porter." The man told him. "I am not sure what we can tell you Detective. The young woman is at home now sir, I can give you her address but she didn't really see anything. She said she heard lots of growling and the bushes here were rustling like a big storm but she saw nothing. It just terrified her. When she called it is, she claimed it sounded like a dog fight."

"A dog fight. I understand the school is treating this like a personal attack on this woman. Do you know why?"

"No sir. As far as we can tell there is nothing to indicate an attack. We were told do come and do a daylight recon but there is nothing but a jumble of footprints too messed up to be clear. Looks to me like it might have been a couple of dogs fighting after all."

"Okay, thanks." Jim frowned. This didn't make sense. If what Blair said was true, why would the University be having an emergency meeting about an attack when there wasn't one. And if there was an attack why wasn't that reported to the police? All good questions but no real answers. Yet.

Jim watched as the two officers packed up and left. Then he stepped into the area that only moments before had been roped off. A huge weeping willow stood majestically before him and there were several short shrubs nearby which created a little bit of wilderness. It was peaceful and he knew that it was also a good make out place. Or at least Sandburg had told him. With a grin he swept back the foliage of the willow and entered what seemed like a peaceful new world. The thick hanging branches cut out a lot of extra noises. The space was large and open sunlight filtered through giving it an ethereal look.

The ground under the tree was dry and very dusty. He saw instantly what Porter had meant, footprints were everywhere and there was no clear prints. However his sentinel vision could not detect anything even remotely resembling dog prints. Not even claw marks.

This was getting stranger by the minute. However some inner sense was telling him that whatever had happened here the night before was related to these attacks on the pets. And that soon this person would be attacking people in his city. There was no way he would allow that. Not while he could stop it.

With that determined, Jim headed back to his truck. From the front floorboards he grabbed the sack he'd stopped for on the way and headed for Sandburg's office.

Extending his hearing he found his guide in the Dean's boardroom on the second floor. He briefly listened in on the conversation going on.

"… so we will be issuing warnings to be on the look out and no one should be going anywhere alone. Security will be adding shift to boost safety. However we do not want anyone to panic so try to keep this quiet but keep your eyes open. That will be all." Dean Rothman said. Jim could picture the little man with short-cropped, thinning grey hair. His spectacles barely on his nose as he looked down on you even if you were a six foot two former Covert Ops Army Ranger. He had a way of dressing you down with just his eyes and he rarely approved of anything.

Jim knew that he and Blair didn't get along and that Rothman had been making trouble for the student lately. First over the dissertation, then anything else he could find. Jim couldn't wait for the dissertation to be done, just to get Rothman off Blair's back.

Blair's office door was locked but Jim had a key which he used. He set the bag on the desk in the only clear spot which is probably where the infamous blue books had been stacked and taken in to be recorded just before the meeting. 'Sandburg probably hasn't yet had time to re-fill that one spot,' Jim thought with a grin.

Footsteps sound coming towards the office and Jim turned to face the door as it opened and his partner bounded in. Never even pausing at the fact that the door was unlocked now.

"Hey Jim. What're you doing here?" Blair grinned as he flopped down in his chair, dropping his pack on the floor.

"Brought you dinner." Jim told him, nodding towards the bag.

"Cool, man. I am like so starved, missing lunch." Jim watched as he opened the bag and began pulling out items. "Oh wow, this is from Harrigan's Deli. Tongue on rye with mustard and sprouts. You are the best. Oh look, potato salad and what's this?"

"That is Mrs. Harrigan's special apple cobbler with hot caramel sauce to dribble over it. She sent it with her best." Jim told him.

"Man, I must have died and gone to heaven. Thanks. This is great." Jim basked in the sunbeam that was Blair Sandburg's smile. Pleasure filled him at the thought that he could do something so simple and get such a response. It was the little things like this that made his relationship with Blair so perfect.

"Listen, Sandburg, before you get too into that, can you tell me about this attack?"

"Not much to tell. A man attacked a student outside the student union last night around midnight. He reach out from around the corner of the building and grabbed her arm. She screamed and hit him with her pack and he took off. That's all. Apparently he was her ex-boyfriend or something but Dean Rothman is up in arms about it because she called campus security. He refused to call the cops because he was 'concerned' for the uni's rep."

"So this has nothing to do with what happened last night at the willow tree?"

"The willow? What do you mean, something happened there too?"

"Yeah. Looks like someone hear a dog fight or something and called the cops. I thought that was the attack you were talking about. I thought maybe it was related to a new case I got this afternoon."

"A new case?" Blair bounced as he began to dig once more into his sandwich. Jim couldn't help wrinkling his nose as the thought of tongue sandwich. Blair just laughed and shook his head. "Tell me about this case."

"Swallow first." Jim admonished but then told his partner what he knew.

"So you think this dog fight last night was related or the other one."

"I think the other attack was what you say. This dog fight though, something about it just… I don't know maybe it is a cop's paranoia but it just doesn't feel right." Jim stood to pace. "Are you sure you have to work late tonight, you can't bring your things home?"

"I guess I could bring this home tonight but I have so much to do still." Blair finished off his sandwich and put the rest back in the bag for later. He slipped it into the small bar fridge in the back of the room then started organizing his papers. "Sure, Jim. Give me a minute and I will bring this home. If you can drop me back here in the morning I can just leave my car here."

Jim was glad it hadn't taken much to convince the younger man to not stay late. He nodded his agreement and helped Blair carried the books he needed out to the truck. For some reason he was suddenly extremely relief when they were finally on their way.

~*~*~

Golden eyes starred through the tree branches at the two men walking passed. His mouth began to water at the prospect of his next target. He could almost taste the blood and the fear. Now was not the time but soon. Soon the young one would be his. The power was strong in him and it would add to his own strength. The taste of Shaman blood would be like sampling the finest of wines. So bold and sweet on the palate.

The eyes blinked once as the older man put his hand on the small of the younger one's back to guide him into the truck. So possessive. So needy. The eyes closed in pleasure as the scent of power washed over along with a different scent. A stronger, more feral scent of a great predator. One to be watched, that older one. That one would be dangerous. But not without his Shaman. Take the Shaman first and the other will not be able to stand. Take the Shaman and have the Guardian. Yes.

The eyes flashed open again, locked on the red lights of the truck as it left the parking lot.

Soon the power would be his and he could taste it already.

~*~*~

Blair unpacked in his room. The futon had never looked so appealing as it did right now. He couldn't remember when he'd actually had a full night's sleep. It seemed like it had been forever. He could hear Jim puttering around in the kitchen, putting away the potato salad and apple cobbler from Harrigan's then pulling out pots and pans to begin dinner. The thought of food, even after having eaten that sandwich was a pleasing thought and with a soft smile, Blair changed into more comfortable sweats before joining Jim.

The two men worked comfortably side by side preparing a light meal of soups, crackers and the leftover deli foods. Blair ate with gusto and ended the meal with a small belch which he covered with a sheepish grin. "Thanks Jim I needed that."

"Yeah, me too. So what do you need to do tonight?"

"I have about fifty million blue books and exams to grade. I also have the final editing of the diss to finish so I can get that in by Friday. I have to finish the syllabus for next term, it is also due next Friday and I have to complete the first exam which I have to give on Monday and two others for later in the week. The marks have to be recorded and posted by Friday so I guess sleep is not an option for a while." Blair couldn't help laughing as Jim's jaw fell.

"I have no idea how you do it." Jim said, then surprised Blair further. "Is there anything I can help with?"

For a moment Blair wasn't sure how to answer that. "well, I guess if you want to, I could use a little help with the exams. I have the answer exam here, if you could just mark the true and false and multiple choice answers, that would save me a lot of time."

"Yeah, I could do that." Jim took the offered test template and the first exam. He grabbed a red marker and began to mark the test. Blair could only stare at him in pleased shock. He didn't think Jim had ever offered to help him mark tests before. He kinda liked it.

Together the two men worked late into the night. Neither aware of the passing time, only how companionable it was to work side by side once more.

~*~*~

Present:

The hospital was crowded when they arrived. Simon steered them over to the admitting desk, flashed his badge and asked for Blair Sandburg. The nurse barely looked at the badge before calling up the room number and directing them to the fifth floor ICU Surgery.

"Come on, Jim. He's upstairs in surgery." Simon told the shocked detective. Ellison moved with him but barely acknowledged where he was and what he was doing.

Simon had seen this before. Usually when the detective was feeling the guilt behind the injuries to his guide. How what happened to Sandburg could even remotely be Jim's fault he had no idea, but the response was identical to when Blair had been drowned in the fountain at Rainer by a psychotic sentinel wanna-be and once before that when Sandburg has unwittingly consumed a large quantity of Golden, an hallucinogenic drug in retaliation for Jim's investigation into a drug manufacturing ring.

However there was something more here. For one thing, During the whole Golden affair, Jim and Blair hadn't known each other that long. And with Alex Barnes there had been some sort of territorial thing going down but with this, there was something much deeper and Simon feared to ask should it be more of the mystical sentinel mumbo jumbo.

He pushed a cup of coffee, retrieved from the machine in the nurses area, into his detective's hand. Jim barely acknowledged it but drank deeply. Simon was certain he must have burned his mouth but Jim never flinched.

"Jim, I am going to call the station and find out when the officers are from the scene. I want to find out what happened, will you be okay here?" Simon queried, concern for his detective growing in leaps and bounds as the other man merely nodded stiffly in comment. Simon couldn't tell whether he was trying to hear what was happening in the surgery or not but he needed some answers to give the man if.. no, when he roused from this shocked stupor and returned to reality once more.

With a curt nod, Simon stepped away to the bank of payphones near the nurses desk. He quickly dialled the station and learned that the detectives on the scene were from Homicide and were headed for the hospital, probably to try to see the victim to get a statement.

Simon didn't correct the dispatch or inform them that the victim was still in surgery, he wanted to talk to the Homicide detectives and face to face would be best. Instead he thanked the woman in dispatch and returned to Jim's side. The man was mechanically lifting the cup of coffee to his lips but it was doubtful he tasted anything.

"Jim, the Homicide crew have this one. They are…"

"I want it." Jim interrupted, abruptly.

"You know I can't…"

"Simon, whoever… or whatever did this to him, is already my case." Jim's words filled Simon with horror. If what Jim said was true, the person killing pets had finally escalated. And unfortunately, Major Crimes trouble magnet police observer got in the way, again.

"Are you certain?" Simon demanded.

"Positive. And it is more than just your average serial killer, Simon. I know you probably don't want to hear this, but there you have it."

"What does that mean?" Simon asked, but already dreading the answer.

"This 'thing' is after Blair. Then, he's coming for me."

"Jesus, Ellison. How the hell do you figure that?"

"I had a dream tonight, a vision actually. I saw the attack. I saw what happened as if I was there. When I woke I thought Blair was still at the University and that it had been a dream and went back to sleep but when you called I just knew."

Simon sat back, his lungs deflating with a violent huff. He just knew he wasn't going to like the answer and he didn't. He wasn't sure what to do or say and fortunately he didn't need to ask more as two detectives he recognized from Homicide entered the waiting room.

~*~*~

"Richards, Lomax, over here." Banks called. Jim watched the two men enter and approach. His hearing was focussed on the surgery but it kept flickering back to listen as Simon spoke to the Homicide detectives.

"… looked like some animal went after him with a knife. Multiple stab wounds, lacerations on hands and face. But the worst was his chest. It looked like it was carved open like a turkey at Thanksgiving. I couldn't believe the guy was still alive, Captain." Lomax was saying.

"God, the blood was everywhere and forensics is still there getting evidence." Richards broke in. "We were hoping he might be able to tell us what happened."

"Sandburg is still in surgery. We were hoping the doctor might be out soon to let us know something."

"Hey, Captain, this guy, Sandburg. That's the observer with Ellison right?"

"Yeah."

"Poor kid. I really hope he makes it." Lomax commented. That short but succinct statement almost broke the sentinel's rigid control. His eyes filled and he blinked back tears, never letting them fall. He couldn't, he had to stay strong for his guide. He knew that it would take both of them to defeat this animal.

Animal! That was what this was, not human but rather beast. The kind that walked on too legs but was for all intents and purposes an animal. Jim shuddered as if someone walked across his grave. The thought made him shudder again and he had to get up and pace.

He knew the other three men were watching him closely but he didn't care. He had no idea now ho long they had been waiting but it was too long. Twice his heart had faltered as if in sympathy with whatever was happening in the other room but both times it picked up the beat once more and continued on. He knew his strength was being taken by his guide and he knew Simon would hate to hear this but he prayed Blair would live long enough to study it and test it. This bond that was growing steadily as he waited for news on the life or death of his guide. Jim knew that no matter which way it went, Jim would follow.

~*~*~

Jim was sure what time it was when the doctor finally appeared but he knew that they'd been waiting awhile. He'd long since had to sit. His pacing had been wearing him down although he wasn't certain that it was only the pacing. He had felt the strange bond between his guide and himself growing and taking on strength. He could almost see a string of light connecting them together. He could see if get brighter when Blair needed more energy and strength and then fade slightly when he stabilized. From that Jim knew that the doctor would tell them that Blair was alive and going to make a full recovery.

The piece of knowledge was so strong in his mind that the instant he knew it, his strength had faded into relief and that was why he'd had to sit. Somehow he and Blair were connected so the Blair could draw on his strength, and Jim could give in a way he never had before. And that felt pretty damn good.

"Mr. Ellison?" The doctor's voice called.

"Detective." Jim corrected automatically. "I am Detective Ellison."

"Ah, yes, Detective. Mr. Sandburg is resting in ICU Recovery. He'll probably be there another hour then moved into a regular room." There was a pause as the doctor gathered his thoughts. "I must admit I am amazed at his recovery so far. He faltered a couple of times on the table but each time came back a little stronger. I have every confidence that he will make a full recovery."

"Can you tell us about his injuries?" Simon asked. Jim glanced up at him but said nothing. He allowed Simon to take over the conversation. He just wanted to be with his guide.

"Yes, well, from what I saw, he was attacked by a wild dog. At first it looked like stab wounds but there was too much tearing. The chest wound was not as bad as it first looked, skin lacerations and one long but shallow tear from sternum to belly. That accounts for the blood. There were several bite marks on his neck and chest, arms and legs as if he had defended himself from the attack. He required a lot of stitches but for all intents and purposes it wasn't as bad as it looked."

"Can I see him?" Jim asked.

"Let us get him settled in his room and I will send the nurse to get you." The doctor told him with a nod, then he turned and left them to their thoughts.

~*~*~

Ellison pushed the door open slightly, just enough to see into the semi dark room. Blair was lying prone on the bed, one pillow tucked under his head and his right arm resting on another. His chest was covered with a long white bandage, the sheet and blanket left around his waist. There were two heart monitor suction cups on his upper chest leading to the monitor and an single IV but otherwise he was wire free. No oxygen tube, and no blood hanging, dripping life into the young man.

Filing all that information away in a split second, Jim entered the room. A chair had been placed beside the bed, a pitcher of water and a small cup with a straw sat on the small side table. There was a second bed in the room but at the moment it was empty so Jim found himself alone with his guide.

His feet moved him forward and he automatically sat. One hand gripped Blair's gently and he felt the connection between them flare. Between one blink and the next Jim found himself in a jungle, highlighted with blue. Blair stood before him, whole and unharmed.

"Hey Jim. Pretty cool, huh?"

"Hey Chief. Yeah. What are we doing here?" Jim asked in confusion. He looked around waiting to see the panther or the warrior to help them out.

"Don't know. Been waiting for you though. I think I got here a while ago but I couldn't find you."

"Sorry it took so long," Jim smiled easily. "I was delayed by your surgery."

"Surgery? I was hurt? Again?" Blair ran his hands over his nearly naked body. "Hey, where's my clothes?"

Jim grinned in spite the strange circumstances. The man before him was well built, although slighter than his own build. His golden brown skin was covered in a light layer of fine chest hair that darkened as it disappeared beneath a small leather loin cloth.

"I have no idea but that is a good look for you, Chief."

Blair chuckled and pointed. "And you are one to talk, man." His laughter became full blown as Jim looked down to find he wore similar attire, with the exception of the body paint. His was in swirls and wiggles over his chest, and he recognized some from his days with the Chopec. Blair's match more the lines Incacha wore. Shaman and Guardian.

Memories flickered back as he stared between them. He remembered Incacha's training in the jungle, his warnings about Creatures who would steal the powers of a new Shaman and Guardian. How they must complete the bond to be safe. Then he realized that they were here to do that. To complete the bond between Sentinel and Guide, between Shaman and Guardian.

"Tonight, Jim."

"Tonight," Jim agreed. He held out his left hand. Blair grasped it with his left, crossing both their bodies with the grip. Energy flared up crackling between them like a living force. Jim gasped at the intensity of it but the warmth and love in Blair's eyes, plus the small, 'dial it down, Jim' helped him focus.

A long mournful howl was echoed by a snarling scream then a black panther and huge silver wolf bounded into the glade where the two men stood.

The wolf took his place next to Blair, on the right side while the panther took the spot on Jim's right. The four stood there, energy sparkling around them. It grew as lightening flashed through the sky and winds tore through the glade. Then suddenly everything stopped. To Jim's left and Blair's right, the warrior appeared.

"Welcome, young ones," he spoke softly. "You are ready now, to join in union and bond as Guardian and Shaman. Power is granted you to protect and nurture your tribe. You have been well chosen and together you have served well."

Jim couldn't take his eyes from the vision before him. Blair seemed to glow, an inner light grew from inside him, giving him a strange other-worldly glow. He was reminded of his vision at the temple of the Sentinel's in Sierra Verde, where Incacha had told him to find the light within and he'd seen Blair. His right hand came up and cupped Blair's jaw, gently.

"Blair, you are my guide, the saviour of my sanity, of my life and of my heart. I chose you as my brother, my friend and most importantly my guide. You light my path, give me hope and generally make my life a better one. I promise with everything I am and everything I have to respect you, protect you and love you for the rest of our lives. Will you accept me, my Guide and your sentinel?" Jim wasn't sure where the words came from but the felt right. And if the look on Blair's face was anything to go by, the words were right.

"Jim, there is no doubt in my mind that you are my sentinel. Brother of my heart and soul. You have giving me a home, stability, and family, something I had never had before. I chose you, to be my sentinel, to care for, love and guide for all the days we have and beyond. I have accepted you and you me, bonded we are for all time." Blair's words came from the heart, his eyes telling the truth of them.

"Bonded brothers, Shaman and Guardian, Sentinel and Guide. Respect, love and honor each other for together you will prevail against the evil which hunts you, even now. Remember you vow, your mutual declaration. And one thing more, when you need to connect again, return here and find peace and healing for body and soul." The warrior faded from view with these words.

Jim felt the tug on his hand and glanced down.

The blue was gone, Blair lay in the hospital bed but his hand now grasped Jim's tightly and his eyes were open and focussed on Jim's. "My sentinel," he whispered.

"My guide," Jim confirmed. With a sigh, he watched as Blair slid back into a healing sleep and Jim felt secure enough to leave him and find if Simon still waited for news.

~*~*~

"I am fine, Jim. I promise." Blair said as Jim helped him into the truck.

"I know you are but indulge me, just a little." Jim told him, ignoring the knowing grin which crossed his guide's features.

"Alright, but just this once. The doctor said I am healed and can do normal activities. The stitches are out and I am just fine."

"Fine, right. Okay you do it your way, but that means not ice cream for dessert for you." Jim told him as he closed the door. The plaintive 'Jim' that reached his ears was only half jest.

Jim walked around the front of the truck and climbed into the driver's seat. He was finally taking his guide home after two nights in the hospital. The doctor had been stunned at the amount of healing in the chest wound, so much so that the stitches had come out days earlier than they should have. Jim knew it was because twice more they had returned to the jungle to rejuvenate and connect. They had spent much time there, talking things through and finally accepting the things that had happened in the past and where they wanted to go in the future.

It had been good for both of them. Although the mess with Alex was months past they had never really talked about what had happened and why, plus there was the whole dissertation thing they night they had pulled the night shift. That had happened before Alex but it was still relatively unresolved. At least until the last few nights.

Jim had no misconceptions that things were perfect but it seemed as if they could be more easily dealt with. The bond that had started to grow between them was like a living entity now. They both felt the connection and it drew them together. Jim revelled in the sensation, the link between them like a mother's love, something he had been missing but had always craved. It nurtured him, bound him in strong arms that cradled him and healed the piece that had been missing in him. He had never felt the unconditional love that Blair bestowed on him. It was a sweet and heady feeling.

Blair for his part opened to Jim more in the last two days than he had in the three and a half years they had lived together. The banter between them flowed stronger than ever. Simon had visited the night before and he's finally left, shaking his head at their silliness. Now, the drive back to the loft as filled with Blair's chatter.

"So, I guess I missed school yesterday, do you know who took my classes?"

"I think Tina did. She came by for the notes you had left and said to tell you to call her when you were better."

"Oh good. Tina is the other TA who teaching Anthro101. If anyone knows what to do she would. I have to call her tonight. See if she has the exams for me to grade." Blair began digging through the bag of his things that Jim had brought to the hospital for him. With a whoop of triumph he pulled out a notebook and pen.

"What do you feel like for dinner, Chief? I was thinking about grilling a couple of steaks. And I have some of that spring mix you like so much for a salad. Or would you rather something lighter? We could do the steaks tomorrow night."

"Actually that sounds good. Did I tell you that Molly gave me a new recipe for a salad dressing. I wanted to try it out. It is a little like teriyaki, sweet with sesame seeds and a touch of lemon. You'll love it."

"Sure, Chief, whatever. I got a couple of movies earlier if you think you can take a short break later. We could eat and watch at the same time."

"What eat in the living room. Isn't that breaking some house rule or something?" Blair grinned but didn't look up.

"Like you ever followed them, anyway. So whatd'ya say? You game?"

"Sure, I could use a break. Besides if I don't you will be on my case all night anyhow. So what are we going to watch?"

"Pmmpthar."

"I am sorry I missed that one. You want to repeat for those of us without sentinel hearing."

"I said Predator."

"I thought that was what you said. Haven't we seen that like a hundred times already?"

"Well, yeah but I like it."

"You just like the blood and guts and gratuitous violence. Surely there are some newer choices that are just as violent, just as gory and just as bloody."

"Sure, but that doesn't mean they are as good." Jim retorted as he pulled into his parking spot. He turned off the engine and stepped out of the truck. By the time he reached the passenger side, Blair was already halfway to the front door of the apartment building. He laughed as he pulled the door open.

Jim quickly caught up. He cuffed the grad student on the back of the head as he said, "you think you're funny don't you."

"Yup, I know it."

For once the elevator was working and waiting for them. However the quiet evening they had planned was not going to happen. The phone was ringing as they entered.

"Ellison," Jim answered.

"Jim, there's been another one. A female at Rainier. We don't have an identity yet but the same injuries as Sandburg. I need you here."

"Let me get Sandburg settled and I will be right there." Jim hung up but Blair was already heading for the door.

"No arguments, Jim. I am going with you." He opened the door and headed out without waiting for an answer. Jim merely shook his head and followed.

~*~*~

Simon stood watching as forensics worked the site, taking pictures and gathering evidence and whatever else they did so well. He heard the rumble of the Ford as it pulled into the lot. He was only slightly surprise to see Blair there with Jim. The two men headed for him, obviously still arguing over something.

"Hey, Jim, Sandburg." Simon greeted them.

"Hey Simon. What's up?"

"They just took the body but we have an identity now. They found her belongings under the tree there."

Jim glanced where Banks pointed. Simon was stunned to see the man go white.

"The willow…" Blair whispered. Simon heard and looked towards him sharply.

"This means something?"

"This is where the report of the dog fight came from and not far from where Sandburg was attacked, Simon. His belongings were found there also."

"Damn, I just know this was going to be related. I thought you said he would be coming after you next?" Simon asked, not really thinking about what he was saying. He heard the sharp gasp and turned to face Sandburg. "God, Kid. I didn't men it like that."

Simon looked up and met Ellison's cold eyes. "Thanks, Captain." Simon watched as Jim took Sandburg's arm and pulled him a few feet away, obviously trying to settle him down, calm his new fears.

'Damn,' he grumbled and chomped all the more on his cigar. Suddenly needing more than just the chew, he lit the stogie. With a final glance towards his best team, Simon returned his attention to the crime scene. Things were just wrapping up, kits being packed; the tape would remain up for a day or two just in case they needed to come back but otherwise things here would return to normal, eventually.

Unfortunately a girl was dead. A young woman who would never finish her education, never return home to her parents and never spend anymore of her free time with her friends. It was sad, tragic even.

Simon watched as Jim approached with a very pale-faced Blair a few paces behind. "Jim, I'm sorry…"

Jim held his hand up and Simon stopped. Now wasn't the time, they had a case to solve first.

"Right, The victim was Tina Sheppard. 24 years…"

This time the strangled gasp was followed by Blair racing away and falling to his knees behind a bush. The sounds of retching followed and Simon cursed himself once more.

"What did I do this time?" he asked, but only half wanting to know.

"Tina Sheppard was his friend, she just finished taking over his classes yesterday and he was planning on calling her tonight for the exams back. They were dating, Simon."

"Damn." Simon rubbed his temples, then gripped the bridge of his nose, trying to stem off the rapidly approaching headache. "How does he do it, Jim. Every time we have a psycho in town, they target him or he's involved peripherally. I really don't know how he survived all these years."

"Me either, Simon. Give us a sec, okay?" Jim started towards his partner.

~*~*~

Blair listened with only half an ear. He felt twitchy in this area and not just because of his own attack. There was something here, something evil. He could feel the hair rise on his arms and neck. It was coming.

When he heard Simon mention Jim being the next victim, panic took hold of him. He felt Jim take his arm and pull him aside. For long seconds he could only fight the panic off, trying not to hyperventilate. However, soon Jim's gentle voice and soft words broke through and he found himself calming down. His eyes found their left hands linked, and he drew strength from the connection.

"You okay, Chief?" Jim asked in concern.

He could only nod but Jim must have seen the truth in his eyes for he nodded and they headed back to Simon.

"Jim, I'm sorry…" Simon started but stopped when Jim held up his hand. "Right, The victim was Tina Sheppard. 24 years…"

This time the panic hit and hit hard. He couldn't fight it. Nausea filed him and bile rose in his throat. He ran for the nearest bush, not even feeling the rocks under his knees as he fell, vomiting up the meagre contents of his stomach. If he had been able to think clearly he was sure he'd have been grateful not to have eaten. However, the dry heaves weren't any better. Plus he was hyperventilating. Trying to breath and throw up at the same time was not a good combination and he felt darkness encroaching. Tiny spots of black danced before his eyes, growing larger with each passing second.

A hand, warm and soft, on his back, drew him back. His breathing eased and the nausea settled to a more manageable level. The energy of the jungle filled him and the power of his sentinel was shared. The warmth of that knowledge gave him a strength to face whatever was coming. That evil foreboding faded slightly. Oh it was still there, just it seemed restrained now.

"jim…"

"Yeah, Chief?"

"I wanna go home now."

"Okay, can you get up?" Blair nodded. His legs felt weak in the knees but he managed to lock them and remain standing. Leaning heavily into Jim's arm, he made it to the truck but he needed assistance to climb up into the cab.

"Let me just let Simon know, okay? Chief?" Jim's voice compelled him to open his eyes which had slid closed without his being aware of it.

"Yeah, okay."

Jim was only gone a couple of seconds, maybe longer but Blair wasn't aware of how much time had passed. He may have dozed off but the slight sway of the truck as Jim got in and the muffled thump of the closing door roused him.

"We'll be home in a few, Chief, just rest for now."

"You don't think I'm being a wuss here, do you Jim?"

Jim chuckled at the words, so similar to the time they had been chasing Dawson Quinn through Cascade Forest. "No more than usual, Chief."

Blair found a smile affix itself to his face and settled back in the seat, warm in the glow of their friendship.

~*~*~

"Hey Chief, wakey wakey." Jim called softly. His partner had fallen asleep not two minutes after leaving the university. "Come on lard butt, wake up. There is no way I am carrying you up three flights of stairs."

"Lard butt?" A sleepy voice whined. "Who you calling a lard butt?"

"You, come on. Time all good little boys were abed."

"Man, what is it with you tonight?" Blair laughed as he sat up. His face no longer held that pallor or earlier. His breathing and racing heartbeat had settled to normal.

"Just feel good I guess. How you doing?" They headed inside and found the elevator working once more, which made it twice in a row and that had to be some sort of record.

"Better. Jim, do you believe in the concept of evil?"

"Evil Chief?" Jim glanced over as he fished the keys from his pocket and opened the door.

"Yeah, evil. Negative spirits or ghosts?"

"Ghosts, not really. Evil, sure. I have face evil usually in the body of people doing inhuman things to others. Like this guy attacking pets and now people." Jim told him. He hung up his coat and took his partner's.

"Tonight I felt it."

Jim stopped cold at the soft words. He'd been heading for the fridge and beer but thought better of it. This would need a clear head. "Felt it?"

"Yeah. Whoever it is doing this. Pure evil. He was there tonight. I mean not there there but well… there."

"I am not sure I understand."

"I don't think this thing is human."

"What you're saying it is a ghost?"

"Come on, Jim. We spent two nights in the spirit world talking with a spirit warrior. You can't honestly say the thought of ghosts isn't a real potential."

"Chief, what we saw in the jungle was merely a vision. Our minds connecting and supplying pictures we could relate to, don't make it something it isn't. Hang on," Jim said to halt the protest he could see forming. "I am not saying it wasn't real, because it was, Chief. I am just saying that the warrior was not a ghost or spirit merely the representation of a warrior that our minds can understand and make sense of."

Blair stared at him so long that he began to fear he'd said something stupid. "Wow, Jim. That is pretty profound."

Jim grinned; he couldn't help it. "Yeah well it comes from hanging around with you so long. Don't let it go to your head or anything." Jim started to cuff the younger man lightly on the side of the head but instead his fingers tangled in the wild curls and he tugged gently. Blair came easily and he wrapped his guide in his arms. The connection between them flared and filled his heart.

The stood that way for a long moment, then Jim bestowed a kiss to the top of the curly mop of hair. "Go to be, Junior. We have much to do tomorrow, include planning our own attack."

"Attack? What are you thinking?" Blair asked as he moved away.

"I am thinking that someone or something is attacking my tribe and I want it stopped. For that I am going to need your help. The Warrior said that only together could we defeat it and I am inclined to agree. That thing wanted you so he could get to me. But together we are stronger so tomorrow, we will find it and destroy it."

~*~*~

Morning broke bright and sunny for a change. Sunlight streamed through the half drawn curtains of the small bedroom tucked up under the stairs of apartment 307.

Blair rolled away into the warmth of that sunbeam and purred in pleasure. Seconds later memory swept through him and the warmth drained and settled like a lump of ice in his mid-section. With a sigh, he got up and headed for the bathroom and a hot shower.

When he finished, he felt marginally more awake. He woke the rest of the way when a cup of dark fragrant coffee was stuck under his nose. "Ahh, coffee. Nectar of the gods, man. Thanks.:

He looked up to see his partner grinning down. "You awake now?"

"Oh yeah," Blair grinned back. "Had your shower yet?"

"Nope."

"Go have one, I'll make breakfast. I got a nice couple of ham steaks the other day. They will be perfect this morning. We'll need the energy."

"True. Okay, thanks, Chief." Blair waited until the bathroom door had closed and the shower had come on before releasing his breath in a long sigh. Once that was done and he'd pushed the negative thoughts aside, he began his preparations. By the time Jim appeared, fully dress and hair slightly damp breakfast was on the table, hot and steaming.

"Smells great." Jim enthused as he sat, reaching for the pepper and a glass of fresh OJ. They ate in companionable silence, neither willing to ruin the atmosphere just yet with talk of evil and battle plans. That would come later.

Though not later enough. Blair finished the last of the dishes twenty minutes later. He headed for his bedroom and a notebook. When he returned to the living room he found Jim opening the front door to admit Simon.

"Hey Simon. What's up?"

"I don't know. Your partner called me this morning and asked me to meet you both here. Has this got anything to do with the case?"

"Yeah, come on in, Simon and we'll explain." Jim ushered the captain in and offered him a cup of coffee, which was gratefully accepted.

When the three men were settled comfortably in the living room, Jim began the explanations. He started with the hospital and the bond between he and Blair. Knowing Simons distaste for anything sentinel and particularly the mystical side of things, Blair was pleasantly surprised to find he said nothing nor made any disparaging faces. He seemed to accept it with a stoicism that usually was Jim's trademark.

"So, if I am to understand all this," Simon remarked, "then you and Blair need to find and stop this 'person' without police back-up."

"Well, yeah." Blair added. So far he'd remained silent, listening to Jim's comments and finally understanding for himself what Jim had been referring to the night before. "I think Jim is right. Cascade PC won't be able to deal with this. It…"

"Wait, 'it'? You actually believe this 'thing' isn't human don't you?" Simon interjected, vehemently.

"Whatever it or whoever it is, is pure evil, Simon." Jim interrupted. "Blair felt it last night and I felt it three days before he was hurt and the night, remember I told you about the dream."

"Dream? You never told me that, Jim."

Jim had the good grace to look embarrassed. "I know, Chief. It just didn't seem relevant after the fact. I woke from a dream and you weren't home. I just thought it was some nightmare and you have gotten stuck at school again. I went back to sleep and didn't think anything more of it until Simon told me you had been hurt."

"Wow, we need to explore this. There has to be some way for you to distinguish between dreams and visions, Jim. Remember the one you had before everything with Alex went down. You have got to learn to control this too. It might be important." Blair was excited about this. It never even dawned on him that as the Shaman of the two, he was suppose to have the visions. But then again, a sentinel with five heightened sense should have a heightened sixth sense.

"Whoa, Chief, slow down. We'll talk about that later, I promise. Right now we have to figure out what to do about this other problem." Blair watched as Jim stood and moved to the window. He knew from experience that this was where Jim did his best thinking. For Blair it was pacing and moving but for Jim is was standing and staring out over his city.

"Well, it would seem to me, Jim that if you can both sense it, could you not track it that way, much like you would a scent?" Simon asked.

His innocent query brought two pairs of blue eyes to meet his. Blair jumped up and began to pace.

"You're right. We could track this. We need to go back to the willow. There is something about that spot that this guy likes. That is why all the attacks came from there. Everything is associate with the willow. I wouldn't be surprised it there is a weakened barrier there and…"

"Chief! Slow down. What do you mean a weakened barrier?" Jim interrupted again.

"Well it is Samhain tonight. They say that the barrier between this world and the next is weaker on this night and maybe this guy crossed over to kill again. There are some say that if a blood rite is sacrificed the maker of that sacrifice is granted a new chance."

"Shit, you're talking ghosts and demons again. I don't think that is right. Something doesn't feel right about that but I agree with you that the tree is connected somehow. It is important to this guy. But what of the dog fight the first almost victim heard?"

"Well, yeah I am not sure how that works into this but we have to go back. And now, during the daylight hours. I know that much."

"Okay," Simon broke in. "Let's head back there now. The university is closed for the day after last nights attack and being Sunday and all. There shouldn't be too many people around."

It was agreed and although he didn't feel too certain about everything, Blair was pretty certain he had a fair start to solving this puzzle.

~*~*~

Simon couldn't believe that he was going along with this. All this hocus pocus and stuff about ghosts and all. Sheer nonsense. But even feeling that way, he still found himself in his car following the blue and white ford back to the university for further investigation.

His mind was going a hundred miles a minute trying to sort out everything he's been told that morning. Everything from this strange new bond that had developed between the two members of his best team. A bond that they had assured him would only make them better. He didn't doubt that, he just wasn't sure he really wanted or needed to know.

He wasn't entirely sure how they planned to stop this guy from killing but he suspected it had something to do with using one as bait. Not his most favorite approach but unfortunately the most effective. Especially if the bait was played by one Blair Sandburg, trouble magnet.

Simon shook his thought away as he turned onto the road leading to the willow tree that stood just south of Hargrove Hall. It was a fairly isolated spot for being on one of the busiest campuses in the Pacific Northwest. It was the opposite direction from any of the main buildings and any parking lots. In fact the only thing out this direction from the school was an old maintenance building that was used merely for storage now.

He followed Jim's truck into the parking lot next to Hargrove Hall and stopped beside him. The three men climbed out of their vehicles and without a word headed for the tree in question.

"Its still here." Blair told them. Simon stared, wondering if he would start to look at the younger man in a different light now. This strange, almost esoteric, sensation was new to Simon and he wasn't sure what to make of it.

"Yeah, I feel it too, now." Jim agreed. The two men worked their way around the outside of the hanging branches before stepping inside. The ground was the same packed dirt they'd seen before. There was no trace to indicate someone had died here, nor were there any signs of a struggle.

"It is strange, Jim. Don't you think if Tina was killed here that there wouldn't be more signs of it?" It was Blair who brought up the question.

"Yeah. It is almost like it didn't happen here but somewhere else and she was brought here afterwards," conceded Jim. "From what I can tell, he grabbed her here, probably knocked her unconscious, left her belongings by the base of the tree and took her elsewhere, only returning her body here when he was done."

Simon glanced at Sandburg to measure his reaction to Jim's statement, but the young man seemed to be handling it better today than he had last night. Of course, last night he'd just been released from the hospital.

"Jim?" he heard Sandburg say and he turned to where the detective was staring off towards the maintenance building.

"He's nearby. I don't think he would go far with a person to carry. I want to check out that building there." Jim told them. Blair moved to his side, one hand reaching out to grip the sentinel's shoulder lightly. Once more Simon was awed by the way these two worked.

"What do you sense?" Blair asked.

"Evil, pain, fear and lust." The response was automatic and Simon wasn't sure what to make of it.

"Lust?" he asked.

"Yeah, whoever this is enjoys what he does, very much. It excited him. Not quite sexually but similar to that. It is a pleasure to him. The power over him, the need to do what he does and the fear he inflicts on others all bring his pleasure."

"Is he there now, Jim?" Sandburg asked.

"No. But I think he was."

"Then let's check it out now, while he is gone." Blair said and started for the maintenance building. Jim followed and Simon, feeling left behind joined them.

"Be our look out," Jim asked Simon when they reached the only door to the small building. Simon only nodded, unhappy being left behind but understanding the need.

He watched as Jim pulled his weapon and the two men headed inside. It wasn't until the door closed behind them that Simon began to get that really uncomfortable feeling in the pit of his stomach. He looked around but saw no one. Moving to on corner, Simon prepared to keep vigil until Ellison and Sandburg returned. He never saw what hit him, only felt the wind move then everything went black.

~*~*~

"This is it, Chief. God, the blood in here, it stinks." Jim said from the darkness beside Blair.

Turn it down, Jim. No point smelling it if you don't need to." Blair told his partner. He could smell it also, thick and rancid in the small enclosed space.

"Got it, thanks." He heard Jim say. Damn, it was dark in there. He couldn't see anything. He reached out to grip the arm of Jim's shirt. And felt as Jim moved forward a few paces. He doubted even Jim could see much.

"There's no windows in here, man." Blair complained as he knocked his knee on something for the third time. "Is there any light in here."

"Hang on a minute." Jim said. A few seconds later the overhead light flickered on. It was a low watt bulb that barely lit the interior but enough that Blair wouldn't bump into anything any more. The front of the building was stuffed with all sorts of… stuff. Blair was fascinated by some of it. Old typewriters, boxes of what could only be books and other furniture, plus tools, a ride on lawn mower and bags of plant food, probably for the gardens, littered the whole area. There was a small, obviously well used pathway through it all to a wide open space right along the back wall.

The area was obviously being used. Litter on the floor consisted of left over food, cans and bottle of something and blood. Lots and lots of blood. There were two knives on a small table beside a cup that was covered in thick dried red. Blair flinched as he realized that the cup had most likely contained blood at some point, but what truly nauseated him was to realize that there was a very good chance this sicko had drunk that same blood from that cup.

"Oh God, Jim." I gotta get outta here, man. Sorry." He didn't wait for Jim to follow, he just needed fresh air and like now!

The door crashed open and he ran through. Sunlight blinded him after the darkness of the buildings interiors and he squinted in the harsh light.

"Hello, boyo. Good to see you again, Shaman." A deep, raspy voice said and huge, strong hands folded around his boy holding him tightly against a massive chest.

Suddenly memories of his attack came back. The same grip had caught him the other night. Those same hands covered his mouth and nose while that same voice whispered in his ear. The same foul stench had filled his nose through the filthy fingers and he'd faded into unconsciousness before he'd had a chance to struggle.

This time however, the fear and panic that came back gave him strength to fight. JIM, his mind screamed. HELP!

He kicked with his feet, twisted and tried to bite the hand over his face. His foot connected with something and the man grunted but instead of letting go, he gripped harder. Blair gasped shallowly, trying to suck in air against the smothering grip. He could almost feel the bruises forming. A form bounded out of no where and they all tumbled to the ground. Blair lay there helpless while he tried to fill his starved lungs.

He could hear the sounds of a struggle but he couldn't move, his ribs aches fiercely where he'd been held, his lungs strained to bring in enough air just to stay present and his neck… God, he must have wrenched it when they'd fallen. He couldn't move and he hurt, so much.

~*~*~

Jim watched Blair run out the door. He could understand the need to escape. The air inside was oppressive and the stench was enough for floor anyone. The only reason he was still standing was the fact that he'd turn his sense of smell all but off. The picture before him wasn’t pretty and for someone as essentially sensitive as his partner was, it wasn't a surprise that he needed air.

Casting his hearing out to check on his partner, he caught the tail end of something that sent his partner's heartbeat through the room.

"…again, Shaman."

JIM…HELP! Jim's mind exploded with the sound and feel of his partner's cry. Without thought he rushed out the door and slammed into the man holding his guide in a crippling hold. He barely caught sight of Blair's lips turning rapidly blue and his eyes as they rolled back in his head.

The impact with the ground brought a grunt of air escaping from the suspect's mouth and he released his prisoner. Jim grappled for several long moments to subdue his prey but the man refused to go down with out a fight. And the man was huge.

Jim's strength lay in his sheer determination that this man, this 'thing' would not get his partner. He refused to see anything but success in his arrest, or death if he preferred.

The two men rolled closer to where Blair lay, huddled on his side, struggling to breathe. Jim wanted to reach out and touch him, reassure him but he dared not.

The other man however, realizing just how close he was to his victim, reached for Blair. He seemed, to Jim's mind to no longer care that Jim was trying to take him down. The instant the man touched Blair they were gone, the blue light of the jungle surrounded then.

Blair stood, whole again, breathing easily. Jim stood as well, their suspect on his knees before them, bound in thick ropes. He didn't seem to struggle and appeared to be completely oblivious to their surroundings.

He was a huge man, covered in a thick layer of hair, making him look like the animal they had thought him to be. His head was bowed but Jim could see a thick bear which reached down his chest. It was thick and matted with blood. His hair was bushy and unkempt and his clothes looked like they hadn't seen a washer in years. They were filthy and stank of blood and urine. It seemed so out of place in the pristine surrounding of the spirit jungle.

"Healing." Blair spoke cryptically. Jim stared over at him for a moment before glancing at the stranger before them. "He needs healing, Jim. His mind is trapped while his body goes on killing."

Jim didn't understand what Blair meant. He only saw the man bound before them, its significance was missing.

"You see, Sentinel. This man is bound here, in his mind. He knows not what he does or why, he just does. That is what the warrior meant by together we could defeat him. Your strength could defeat him physically but he needed to be here, with us together so we could free his mind from this prison of sorts. Reconnect his mind with his soul. Bring him final peace."

"Peace, yeah, I understand." Jim replied and he realized he really did know what he meant now. There were times as a Ranger he had to do things and had to let his mind drift so that he could just survive to fight another time. It was a horrible feeling of disconnectedness that became associated with it and had never left him even once he'd been discharged. Instead, Blair had brought him back to himself, healed him in a sense. He knew what this poor soul was going through, well to a degree anyhow. "What do you need from me, Chief?"

"Unbind, him. Loose him from his ropes."

"Untie him? Are you sure?"

Blair nodded. Shrugging, Jim untied the ropes binding the man. It seemed for a moment like nothing had happened then the man looked up, first at Blair then to Jim. A blinding smile covered his features, his face glowed with happiness, then his eyes closed and he rolled boneless to the ground and stopped breathing.

They were back. Jim lay on his side, facing Blair whose eyes were open and fixed on his face. "You okay, Buddy?"

"Yeah." Cerulean blue eyes glanced somewhere beyond him then returned. "He's gone. He found peace, Jim. Thank you."

Jim rose unsteadily, feeling strangely drained. He crawled the few feet to his guide's side. "You know, your capacity to forgive unconditionally always amazes me. You are very special, my guide."

"Yours, Sentinel!" Blair agreed. Jim helped him to his feet. "Where's Simon?"

Jim felt the concern, he'd been too busy earlier to realize that Simon had not come to help nor was he anywhere to be found. He cast out his senses, seeking the man who had been his best friend for years before Sandburg. Ah, there. Under the willow tree he could hear the easy beating of Simon's heart. The man was unconscious but would soon be waking.

"He's under the willow. He's alive." Jim told the student.

"Thank god," he breathed. "Hey Jim? Can we go home now?"

Jim laughed heartily. "You betcha, Chief, you betcha."

~*~*~

Epilogue:

"So who was this guy?" Blair asked.

"According to what records we could find, his name was Paul Redmont. His family was a wealthy and prominent family here in Cascade. His parent passed away in 1969. Paul was apparently an 'ugly child' so his parents kept him locked up in the basement and fed him only through a thin slot in a door. Basically he lived as an animal." Simon told them, reading from the file in his hands.

"Man, lived like an animal and then becomes one. Sick. How can parents do that to their child?" Blair broke in.

"well apparently after his parents died, the manager of the estate went in to do his assessment and found the young man who was now eighteen. He was so crazy that he has been locked up in Conover for these last 32 years. He escaped only a few days before the first killings."

"But how did he know about Blair and I?" Jim wondered out loud.

"I don't think we will ever know for certain. But it might have had something to do with Alex Barnes being at Conover the last few months. That might have triggered it. The nurses and orderlies claim she talks about you two and sentinels and shamans all the time. If Redmont heard this, his psychosis may have put the two together while no one else, in their right mind, might ever connect them that way."

The three men fell silent as if a switch had been turned. For a long moment the only sound in the office was the faint undertones of whatever was happening out in the bullpen and their own quiet breathing. Finally Simon broke the silence.

"Well, I have to tell you… " Simon started to say. He cleared his throat and continued, "I have never seen you two work so well together. Congratulations, gentlemen, nice job all round."

"Thanks Captain," Jim said, standing as he recognized the dismissal when he heard one.

"Yeah, Thanks, Simon, I mean Captain. I mean… thanks," Blair bounced once on his toes before Jim grabbed his arm and dragged him out of the office. Just before the door closed Simon heard Jim once more.

"Come on Junior, I got a pile of paperwork just calling your name." Simon grinned at the 'ah, Jim' from his observer. He poured himself another cup of coffee and contemplated just how good things were now that they were back to normal with one last serial killer off the street and the dynamic duo still up to their old tricks. Yes, life was good.

The End