Calling the Beast

by K Ryn

  Let's not get stubborn here, Sandburg... cooperate. Open your eyes or I'll open them for you...

  The softly growled threat had the intended effect. Blair's eyes fluttered, then opened. Jim got a quick view of two dark blue irises before they closed again.

  ... you're... a fine one... to talk... about being... stubborn... the grad student whispered. ... think about... the last time... I tried... to get you... into the lab...

  I'll tell you what, buddy, Jim said softly, his face creasing in a warm smile. He rubbed Blair's shoulder in gentle encouragement. You give me another glimpse of those baby blues of yours and I'll sign up for whatever tests you want to run.

  This time there was no flutter when Blair's eyelids lifted.

  ... can I get that... in writing?

  Jim's eyebrows raised in mock dismay.

  What? You don't trust me, Chief?

  ... only... as far... as I can... throw you... Blair responded, one corner of his mouth lifting slightly. ... and right now... that's kind of... beyond me... I think...

  We'll save the display of physical prowess for later, then, Jim assured him.

  ... good... Blair started to take a deep breath and abruptly stiffened, expelling the air in a pain filled gasp.

  Easy, buddy, Jim cautioned, all traces of levity gone from his tone. Let me check you out. A quick sensory scan coupled with the brush of sentinel-sensitive fingers along the trembling frame assured him that nothing was broken, although the rising lump on the back of Blair's head and the matching one on the left side near his temple had Jim concerned. You think you're ready to sit up? he asked softly.

  At Blair's grunt of agreement, Jim helped him upright, settling him with his back against the base of the display. The anthropologist dragged his knees up toward his chest, groaned and pressed his arms against his rib cage.

  Stay with me, Chief, Jim murmured. He gently straightened one of Blair's legs to ease the strain on the abused muscles.

  Blair tilted his head back and winced when he made contact with the stone base. His head dropped forward again and he gasped at the abrupt movement. Jim reached forward and placed his hands on the sides of the younger man's neck, lending his physical support.

  Easy... you okay? Do you want to lay back down? Jim asked anxiously.

  ... No... just need... a minute... Blair whispered. His eyes were screwed tightly shut and his face was contorted in pain.

  As the anthropologist struggled to get his breathing under control, the Sentinel caught the sound of running footsteps in the outer corridor. He heard a familiar voice shouting his name.

  Jim!

  In here, Simon, the detective called out, his gaze never leaving his partner's face.

  Seconds later, Banks and a half-dozen other cops poured through the broken doors, guns raised. Simon snapped off a string of orders. The SWAT personnel hastened to take charge of the three downed thieves, while the captain hurried across the darkened room to the Sentinel's side.

  And let's get some lights on in here, Simon barked as he crouched down next to Ellison, eyeing the battered observer. How is he?

  Before Jim could answer, the overhead lights flared to life. The Sentinel winced and blinked several times, but kept his grip on his Guide steady.

  ... He... would appreciate it... if you would stop... shouting... Blair muttered. The younger man's eyes opened slowly, growing wide with concern as he stared at his partner.

  The Guide reached out a trembling hand and touched the blood trails on his Sentinel's cheek lightly. You're hurt...

  I got a little nicked. Nothing to worry about... I've cut myself worse shaving, Jim quipped. He eyed the scrapes and rapidly purpling bruises on Blair's face and felt a surge of anger at the savage treatment his friend had endured.

  Blair's hand dropped down to Jim's chest, hovering over the hole that Hennesey's bullet had torn in the Kevlar vest. His pain-clouded eyes met Jim's. ... I thought --

  I'm all right, Blair, the Sentinel assured his worried Guide.

  You both look like hell. The concern in Simon's eyes belied the gruffness of his tone. The paramedics are on their way in.

  Better call the coroner, too, Simon, Jim said quietly, finally releasing his hold on his partner and sitting back on his heels. These three are dead. I'm not sure about the two back in the exhibit hall, or the guy that headed off to the classroom. He scrubbed his face wearily.

  There's already a team in there, Banks assured him. I don't think we have to worry about any of them going anywhere soon.

  Both men missed the stunned expression that flooded Blair's face. The anthropologist sat up straighter and stared at Hennesey in shock. The man's dark eyes were wide open and staring sightlessly, his head turned at an odd, unnatural angle. Shuddering, Blair raised his gaze to where the other cops were clustered around two more motionless bodies. The sound of the men's screams and the images of the animals that he'd thought he'd seen in the dark flashed through his mind. The Guide's confused and horrified eyes sought his Sentinel's.

  Oh, man... Was it real? Did you see them?

  Jim's forehead furrowed as he frowned. See who, Chief?

  The animals... there... there was a wolf... and a panther... and the one guy was screaming about insects... Blair stammered. The panther jumped on Hennesey... I saw it...

  A panther? Simon asked skeptically.

  The Sentinel's breath caught in his throat. The screams of the creatures he thought he'd heard echoed in his mind. Surely that wasn't real... it couldn't have been. He shook his head, his frown deepening. I took Hennesey down, Chief.

  You did? The confusion in the dark blue eyes grew. But... the panther... I was sure...

  Jim reached forward and lightly pushed back the hair near the wound on the side of Blair's head, to examine it. It was me, Chief. The other two were already down by the time I tackled Hennesey. The one who was wounded must have bled to death -- it looks like he was thrashing around a lot. The other one... well, he must have fallen into one of the display cases in the dark and slit his own throat on the broken shards.

  Shivering at the description of the men's deaths that eerily matched the visions that he'd seen, Blair started to open his mouth to press the issue. An urgent shout from the doorway cut him off.

  Captain Banks?

  Here, Simon responded, rising to his feet.

  The officer hurried toward them. We've got a small problem with one of the children.

  The blood drained from Blair's face. Oh, man... the kids... Freddy... Is he all right? he demanded anxiously.

  The officer glanced at the small notebook in his hand. I've got seven safely accounted for, plus the other teacher, but there's a little boy in the classroom --

  That's Ryan, Blair answered quickly.

  What's the problem? Simon asked, frowning.

  He says he's fine, but he's hiding inside the speaker's podium. He says he won't come out until his Shaman says it's safe. The cop's baffled expression was obvious. Who the hell is that?

  Blair cleared his throat self-consciously. Umm... I guess that would be me. He glanced at Jim, who was trying to contain a grin. I'd better... go talk to him. The anthropologist started to get to his feet, but Ellison stopped him.

  You stay put until the paramedics check you out, Jim growled, all traces of amusement gone from his grim face.

  But Ryan needs --

  Jim cut him off with a glare and then turned to the officer. Is there someone with the boy now? The cop nodded. Have them give Ryan a radio and give me yours, Ellison ordered. The man quickly made the arrangements and handed the unit to Jim, who turned it over to Blair.

  The younger man smiled and lifted it to his ear. Hey, Ryan, it's Blair...

  By the time the grad student had convinced the 'turtle' it was safe to leave his protective shell, the paramedics had arrived. Blair frowned when he saw the wheeled gurney.

  I don't need that, he grumbled as he handed the radio back to Jim.

  Maybe not, the detective count
ered quietly. But let's let the experts make that decision, okay? He still didn't like the look in his partner's eyes, or the exaggerated slow movements Blair was making to avoid the pain he was obviously feeling.

  Jim, I want to see the kids and Amanda before we leave. I don't want them to see me flat on my back and tied down on some stretcher, Blair argued. Seeing the adamant expression on his partner's face, he reached out to grip Ellison's shirt sleeve. If you want me to go to the hospital, I will, Jim. But they've been through enough. I don't want... I don't want them to worry about me...

  Jim patted him softly on the arm. I understand. Let's at least get you cleaned up a bit first. You look a little worse for wear.

  I can tell you haven't looked in a mirror in the last hour or so, Jim, Simon remarked dryly, waving the paramedics over. You could use some repair work yourself. Banks bent down and placed a hand on Blair's shoulder. Good work, today, Sandburg.

  Blair stared up at the captain in surprise. Thanks, Si-- um, Captain.

  Simon grinned at the normally articulate grad student's stammer and then scowled at both Sentinel and Guide. I want a full report from each of you on my desk... Monday morning.

  Yes, sir, Jim responded, fighting back a grin of his own.

  Twenty minutes later, with his Guide tucked close to his side, the Sentinel pushed open the front doors of the museum and stepped out into the bright sunshine. Loud shrieks from the bottom of the stairs preceded the rush of eight children up the steps. Jim tightened his grip on his partner just in time to keep him from being bowled over by his enthusiastic students.

  Easy, kids, the detective admonished them gently. Let's let Blair sit down, all right?

  The children backed off just enough to allow Jim to ease the younger man down on the top step. As soon as he was settled, Marisa wrapped her arms around Blair's neck and planted a soft kiss on his scraped and bruised cheek. Blair reciprocated by kissing the top of her head, and drew the other children into his embrace.

  The children included the Sentinel in their ebullient greeting as well, whispering 'thank you's' as they gave him a quick hug. He smiled and hugged them back, all the while keeping a close eye on his partner. Jim could see the effort the younger man was making to hide his discomfort from his students, but he also saw the joy and relief in Blair's eyes.

  Glancing down the stairs, he saw Henri escorting Amanda toward them. When they reached the top step, the young woman wrapped her arms around Ellison and pressed her cheek to his chest.

  You did good, kiddo, he murmured, holding her close.

  She raised her head and smiled, then glanced toward Blair. He did good, she whispered. And so did you. Thank you. Jim smiled down at her. The excited chatter of the children drew his attention back to his partner.

  What happened to your head?

  Were you scared?

  Who were those guys?

  Did they come?

  Did you see them?

  Did it work?

  Did Detective Jim save you?

  Blair grinned at the onslaught of questions. Whoa, one at a time! he pleaded. He turned to the tiny, blonde bundle who had squirmed her way onto his lap. Did what work, Marisa?

  We sent our spirit animals to help you, Jenny answered before Marisa could open her mouth. Did they? Did you see them?

  Stunned, Blair found himself momentarily speechless. He searched Kim's calm face and saw a sparkle in her dark eyes. He glanced up toward his partner and found an unreadable expression on the Sentinel's face.

  Well, did it work or not? Freddy asked gruffly.

  Blair turned his head to study the boy. The familiar, challenging expression was back. He glanced around the circle of children who were staring at him hopefully. Uncertain of what to say, unclear as to what had really transpired, he looked up at Jim once more. The Sentinel met his probing gaze evenly and then abruptly nodded. The Guide's eyes widened and he swallowed hard.

  Jim and I are going to have a long talk about this later, he vowed silently.

  The grad student looked back at Freddy and nodded.

  No bullshit? the boy demanded softly.

  Blair shook his head. A chorus of amazed and delighted sighs and oohhs, floated on the morning breeze. Freddy raised one eyebrow, but he appeared intrigued, not suspicious or disdainful.

  What about our spirit rattles? Can we have them back? piped up Talan.

  I'll make sure they're all returned to Blair, Jim answered quickly. He can give them to you at next week's session.

  Will you finish the story then, Teach? Ryan asked.

  Yes, Claire interjected. We never did hear the end.

  Can't you finish it now, Blair? Marisa pleaded.

  Blair's pretty tired, kids, the detective reminded them.

  Actually, there's not much more to tell, Jim, Blair said softly, looking up.

  The worried Sentinel frowned, but he was unable to ignore the pleading look in his Guide's eyes.

  Keep it short, Chief, Jim finally answered. You and I have an appointment to keep.

  Blair rolled his eyes at the cryptic reminder that the hospital was his next scheduled stop. The paramedics had mentioned the distinct possibility of a concussion and Jim had dragged another promise to head to the emergency room as soon as they finished with the children, out of his reluctant partner.

  Amanda left Jim's side and sat down on the steps next to the kids. They all fell silent as Blair began to speak.

  All of Berran's children made it safely out of the sanctuary. Taela took charge and ushered them away from the cliff sanctuary, keeping them out of harm's way until the tribe's warriors arrived, the anthropologist explained. That left Berran alone to deal with the thieves...

  The young Shaman was frightened, but determined. He called upon his own guardian and the other spirits, enlisting their aid to guard the sacred relics. To his joy and relief, they answered his summons and attacked the invaders. Terrified, the raiders fled the sanctuary. The spirits followed, driving them over the cliff edge to their deaths. The leader of the raiders was not so easily frightened, however. He forced his way past the ghostly defenders and confronted Berran...

  Blair turned his head and met Jim's gaze, his voice dropping to a bare whisper.

  And though he felt great fear, the young Shaman also knew great peace. Even as the raider towered over him, promising death, Berran heard the battle cries of the warriors and knew that his Sentinel was near. The Guide met the raider's eyes calmly, knowing that if salvation was possible, his Sentinel would provide it.

  Jim nodded and moved to kneel behind his friend, his hand closing gently around his partner's right shoulder. Thankfully, Blair leaned back into the strength that he knew was always there for him to rely on, and glanced around the circle of spellbound faces once more.

  And, just as he always did, whenever his Guide's need was great, the Sentinel magically appeared. He slew the raider before Berran came to any great harm. Together, they gathered up the children and Taela, and with the warriors, returned to the village. There was much rejoicing at their safe return and at the news that the raiders had been vanquished, but none felt as great a joy as the young Shaman. He had kept the children from harm and he had delayed the raiders long enough to guarantee that the tribe's treasures would not be destroyed. That night he sent a special prayer to the spirits, pledging them his own life in return for the lives that they had helped save.

  There was a moment when no one spoke, and then Marisa's soft voice broke the silence. Berran was very brave. I bet his Sentinel and the rest of the tribe was really proud of him.

  Yeah, Freddy added. He was a hero. Very cool.

  Jim gently squeezed his partner's shoulder and leaned forward to whisper in his ear. Just like you, Blair.

  END

 

 

 
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