I am pleased and honored to present a story written by a very special and very talented author. Hope you enjoy his talent.
Justin was glad to finally be home. Another damned business trip with long air flights, monotonous layovers, more flights hours of tedious meetings to sit through, more flights and finally the long drive home as the sun dipped below the horizon. The garage door rattled to a stop as it closed behind the car and shut out the night. The motor stopped, the automatic light came on and he sat there staring at the pile of boxes stacked on his workbench that he had kept thinking that he had to get them sorted out and put away soon, every time he parked the car in the same spot after yet another tedious day at the same tedious job.
The sound of singing, chirping insects and other creatures of the night started to gain his attention as his ears adjusted to the near silence. He opened the car door and the ding-ding-ding of the warning chime told him that he had left his keys in the ignition again. The annoying din continued until he closed the car door and started toward the kitchen.
He looked at the other car and made a mental note to back it out onto the driveway tomorrow and wash the dust off again. Can't let things get into disrepair. No excuse for neglecting things. Even if it hurts like hell. The thought of the car brought a rush of emotion that he choked back, shoving it into the empty void left in his soul.
Inside the smell of stale coffee grounds in the garbage can reminded him that it was time to take out the trash, which he did with mechanical detachment, almost as if he were trapped inside a movie theater, forced to watch an endlessly repetitive movie with no plot and no end. Day after day he goes through the same routine Wake up, trudge through another day, come home, go to bed - repeat. Damn.
The pungent smell of spoiled meat and other assorted garbage permeated the air as a small cloud of fruit flies abandoned the feast of over-ripe bananas before they could be trapped inside by the twist tie band. Outside, the welcome fresh night air cleansed his nostrils and the chirping crickets lent a relaxing calm to the gentle breeze. Justin stared up into the clear sky, watching the nearly full moon as it cast it's pale glow on the back yard.
At times like this he felt the most lonely. Oddly enough, tonight was the one year anniversary of the disappearance of his partner, his lover, Tanner.
Last year, he arrived at home much as he had tonight, fully expecting Tanny to greet him with his usual hug and kiss at the door, but he was not there. Inside the house, the evening meal waited in the warm oven, the table was set, everything looked normal - everything except Tanner. He was never heard from again.
The police came, checked everywhere, everything, questioned Justin, questioned the neighbors, questioned people at Justin's work, the people at Tanner's job. His clothes were all still there, he had used the treadmill, as usual, he had been to work and left at the usual time, no one noticed anything unusual, in fact he had been talking about their plans for vacation in just over a month.
There was talk of charges of murder. Justin was a "person of interest" and called in for questioning - repeatedly. Each long interrogation tore deeply into his soul, ripping the wound raw and bleeding any meaning of life, or desire to continue out of him.
His family was questioned. Tanny's family was questioned. There was no hiding the fact that they were lovers and now both families know, the people at work know, and after he was finally cleared as a murder suspect, he had been rejected by his own family and Tanner's family told him to stay away from them - or else.
Days passed. Weeks. Months. Now it was one full year.
After the pain started to soften he no longer cried himself to sleep every night, just a couple of nights a week, then three or four times a month. The house that they shared as home no longer heard the songs of love, the laughter and the soft coos and moans of pleasure and delight.
Then came the dreams. Intense, powerful and emotional dreams that would wrench his sleep away from him leaving him panting and sweating in the dark. He would wake up and fight to remember the dreams he had just had, the memory of his beloved manifesting in beautiful, sweet dream that relieved his loneliness and grief, if only for a few minutes in a fleeting dream. At first they were emotion charged images of Tanner standing and smiling next to the bed, then laying beside him in his usual place to the right side of the bed, then the wild, overpoweringly realistic feelings of Tanner stroking and sucking his shaft and stroking his smooth body with his loving, tender touch. The orgasmic eruptions and convulsive spasms would wrack his body with ecstatic pleasure, jolting him awake and panting at the end, balls throbbing, cock tingling, dripping wet with sweat, but no semen to be found.
After the pain started to soften he no longer cried himself to sleep every night, just a couple of nights a week, then three or four times a month. The house that they shared as home no longer heard the songs of love, the laughter and the soft coos and moans of pleasure and delight.
Then came the dreams. Intense, powerful and emotional dreams that would wrench his sleep away from him leaving him panting and sweating in the dark. He would wake up and fight to remember the dreams he had just had, the memory of his beloved manifesting in beautiful, sweet dream that relieved his loneliness and grief, if only for a few minutes in a fleeting dream. At first they were emotion charged images of Tanner standing and smiling next to the bed, then laying beside him in his usual place to the right side of the bed, then the wild, overpoweringly realistic feelings of Tanner stroking and sucking his shaft and stroking his smooth body with his loving, tender touch. The orgasmic eruptions and convulsive spasms would wrack his body with ecstatic pleasure, jolting him awake and panting at the end, balls throbbing, cock tingling, dripping wet with sweat, but no semen to be found.
Justin was determined to get over his loss, but it was overwhelmingly strong. What friends he had left had urged him to get professional help but their answer was to subscribe "happy pills" that made him "feel better" but the nagging pain of the loss never went away. The medication made him feel happy but when he would think of Tanny and would feel guilty for feeling so good and turned the feelings around to thoughts of suicide. The only thing stopping him was not knowing where Tanny was or what happened to him. Was he alive? Did he leave on his own? If he was dead, who was responsible?
The long, slow process of grief had finally moved to acceptance, yet with hope that someday Tanny would walk in through the door with a perfectly good explanation of what had happened. There was a growing sense of Tanny's presence around him. Almost like he could feel, sense, even smell him in the room, especially at those times he felt so desperately alone. The feelings were brief, but in some strange way, they helped.
The long, slow process of grief had finally moved to acceptance, yet with hope that someday Tanny would walk in through the door with a perfectly good explanation of what had happened. There was a growing sense of Tanny's presence around him. Almost like he could feel, sense, even smell him in the room, especially at those times he felt so desperately alone. The feelings were brief, but in some strange way, they helped.
The beeper on the microwave yanked him back to reality. He brushed an annoying fruit fly away from his face as he stood up and gingerly moved the hot meal from the nuker to the table, burning his fingertips a bit in the process. The coffeemaker was filling the air with the welcome home smell of fresh brewed coffee and making rude noises on the counter telling him that it was nearly ready. What it didn't tell him was that it was masking the sound of the careful footsteps moving up behind him...
The aroma of coffee was overpowered by a sudden whiff sweet, strong chloroform in the air. The black gloved hands of the intruder wrapped around his face and pulled him tightly back against the chair while he struggled in the rapidly enclosing darkness to get away. Soon he was unaware of sight, sound or feeling. All that remained was the darkness.
Tanner's handsome, smiling face swirled around in the darkness. A reassuring smile and a pat on the shoulder faded as he became aware of his surroundings.
"Hey, look. He's waking up." The voice faded in.
"Hey, look. He's waking up." The voice faded in.
"I'll get it." another voice answered.
Justin realized that he was blindfolded and tied hand and foot. Suddenly he felt the rough pressure of the gloved hands hands that again held the chloroform soaked cloth over his nose and mouth. The sounds of laughter faded into nothingness.
Trying his best to remain still, Justin lay on his side on a cold metal floor. He was in a vehicle. He felt the rhythmic thump-thump, thump-thump, thump-thump of the seams in the highway as he was being taken to someplace unknown.
Low voices were talking back and forth but he couldn't hear them very well with the rumble of the engine and roar of the tires and wind. He could see that it must be daylight but couldn't see much else through the blindfold tied over his eyes. The smell of chloroform got stronger and he realized that he was about to be put back to sleep.
The rough jolt brought him back to his senses as the van bounced on the rough road. They were moving slower but definitely moving on a badly maintained dirt road. He felt the sores where his body had been laying on the hard metal floor for way too long, his head throbbed like it might explode and his ears buzzed really loudly. He didn't dare move. His side, hip and head were sore and he wanted desperately to move but they were sure to be watching and put him out again. Another rough jolt and his body slammed into the deck again. The involuntary grunt was masked by the other noises in the van but one of the captors got up to check him and kicked him in the side just to see if he was awake yet. Seconds later he was struggling against the sickening sweet fumes as the world again faded into darkness.
It was quiet. He opened his eyes and tried to peer through the cloth but could not see anything. His throat was parched. His tongue was sticking to the inside of his mouth. He could smell and taste vomit. He figured that he must have vomited from the chloroform or maybe the long ride while he was unconscious. He was lying face down, not on his right side, which was a relief of sorts, but as he started moving he realized that he was now naked. He was still tightly tied up but his hands were now tied in front rather than behind his back as they had been and he was now laying on some thin plastic. His fingers felt numb and his ankles hurt where they pressed against the bonds. His skin stuck to the plastic sheeting that he was laying on as he moved. He was not in the van any more but the room was dark and he couldn't tell much more than that.
"Help me." he said. His voice startled him. It sounded weak and hoarse.
"Hey, can I have some water?" . . . "Anyone there?" . . . "Please..."
Not a sound.
It was quiet. He opened his eyes and tried to peer through the cloth but could not see anything. His throat was parched. His tongue was sticking to the inside of his mouth. He could smell and taste vomit. He figured that he must have vomited from the chloroform or maybe the long ride while he was unconscious. He was lying face down, not on his right side, which was a relief of sorts, but as he started moving he realized that he was now naked. He was still tightly tied up but his hands were now tied in front rather than behind his back as they had been and he was now laying on some thin plastic. His fingers felt numb and his ankles hurt where they pressed against the bonds. His skin stuck to the plastic sheeting that he was laying on as he moved. He was not in the van any more but the room was dark and he couldn't tell much more than that.
"Help me." he said. His voice startled him. It sounded weak and hoarse.
"Hey, can I have some water?" . . . "Anyone there?" . . . "Please..."
Not a sound.
Several long hours passed. He managed to get to his feet and found that he was inside a narrow, long metal walled room. No furniture, no obvious doors or windows. No clear sounds came inside except an occasional hint of blowing wind and birds. His muscles ached, his ears were buzzing and he was feeling very hungry and thirsty. The total darkness that seemed so total that it could be felt strained his senses. He soon sat down in a corner and tried in vain to untie his bonds. He was left completely alone for the time. At least there was no more chloroform.
After a very long time, he mercifully fell asleep.
After a very long time, he mercifully fell asleep.
There was a loud *Bang* as something hit the walls of the room. A large creaking door opened and a brilliant light moved about the room and finally aimed directly at his face.
"He's awake." Someone said.
"That's ok. Let him wake up."
The Light moved closer and he could see a little of the room.
"Damn, it stinks in here." one of them said. Justin had used the opposite corner of the room as a bathroom and the strong smell of feces and urine had filled the air. He welcomed the fresh air that arrived with the newcomers.
"Here, take this." The one without the flashlight shoved a bottle of water into his hands.
He removed the cap and spilled the warm, but refreshing fluid into his mouth. He could feel the water as it washed down his throat and entered his stomach. His body was badly dehydrated and the water was going to keep him alive, at least for now.
"Here." the other one said, tossing a plastic wrapped sandwich into his lap. "Eat this. We'll be back in a few."
"Wait!" Justin sputtered through the water still in his mouth. "Where am I?" "Who are you?"
"We'll be back." the other said as they stepped outside and closed the door again.
The door slammed shut and all light was again shut out.
His mind raced to make sense of his situation. He now knew that he was in an old shipping container, they were somewhere in the woods, it was night again. He also knew that there were at least three of them. Two were with him in the van and someone else was driving. They got in the house through the doors he had opened. Beyond the fact that they had traveled for hours and he had no idea at all where he was now, he was lost.
Had these men kidnapped Tanner last year? They took him away with little or no signs of struggle, probably would have touched nothing with their hands. - No fingerprints. Probably no one will ever hear from him again either...
Could Tanny still be alive somewhere? Will he end up in the same place Tanny did? What were they going to do with him?
He suspiciously sniffed the sandwich in the dark. Tuna. He started to eat it slowly, but soon wolfed the remainder down, chasing it with the last of the water.
Falling back against the wall, Justin fought back the tears that came as he thought of Tanny. He missed him so... "Tanny, I miss you." he whispered.
"I miss you too..." the darkness seemed to whisper back.
"Now I'm hallucinating." Justin moaned as he sat against the wall near the door. He got as comfortable as he could and started picking at the ropes on his ankles.
"Be ready. He's probably waiting for us to open the door. He's had food and water so he might try to get away on us."
"I'm ready." The other said as he tapped the tree branch "club" against his hand. "Just open it."
The door opened a bit and they tried to peer into the darkness.
"Yeahhh!" Justin screamed as he slammed against the door with his shoulder, pushing it into the two. They stumbled back as the naked figure exploded from the container, hands still tied, making his desperate run for freedom. He was making a good run for it but the sharp stones and branches jabbed and gouged at his body. Scrambling after him they were impressed by the speed he was running on the rough terrain but it wasn't long before the one with the club swung the weapon and connected with the side of Justin's head, sending him sprawling onto the ground. They started punching and kicking the nearly defenseless body until they had knocked him unconscious.
The Light moved closer and he could see a little of the room.
"Damn, it stinks in here." one of them said. Justin had used the opposite corner of the room as a bathroom and the strong smell of feces and urine had filled the air. He welcomed the fresh air that arrived with the newcomers.
"Here, take this." The one without the flashlight shoved a bottle of water into his hands.
He removed the cap and spilled the warm, but refreshing fluid into his mouth. He could feel the water as it washed down his throat and entered his stomach. His body was badly dehydrated and the water was going to keep him alive, at least for now.
"Here." the other one said, tossing a plastic wrapped sandwich into his lap. "Eat this. We'll be back in a few."
"Wait!" Justin sputtered through the water still in his mouth. "Where am I?" "Who are you?"
"We'll be back." the other said as they stepped outside and closed the door again.
The door slammed shut and all light was again shut out.
His mind raced to make sense of his situation. He now knew that he was in an old shipping container, they were somewhere in the woods, it was night again. He also knew that there were at least three of them. Two were with him in the van and someone else was driving. They got in the house through the doors he had opened. Beyond the fact that they had traveled for hours and he had no idea at all where he was now, he was lost.
Had these men kidnapped Tanner last year? They took him away with little or no signs of struggle, probably would have touched nothing with their hands. - No fingerprints. Probably no one will ever hear from him again either...
Could Tanny still be alive somewhere? Will he end up in the same place Tanny did? What were they going to do with him?
He suspiciously sniffed the sandwich in the dark. Tuna. He started to eat it slowly, but soon wolfed the remainder down, chasing it with the last of the water.
Falling back against the wall, Justin fought back the tears that came as he thought of Tanny. He missed him so... "Tanny, I miss you." he whispered.
"I miss you too..." the darkness seemed to whisper back.
"Now I'm hallucinating." Justin moaned as he sat against the wall near the door. He got as comfortable as he could and started picking at the ropes on his ankles.
"Be ready. He's probably waiting for us to open the door. He's had food and water so he might try to get away on us."
"I'm ready." The other said as he tapped the tree branch "club" against his hand. "Just open it."
The door opened a bit and they tried to peer into the darkness.
"Yeahhh!" Justin screamed as he slammed against the door with his shoulder, pushing it into the two. They stumbled back as the naked figure exploded from the container, hands still tied, making his desperate run for freedom. He was making a good run for it but the sharp stones and branches jabbed and gouged at his body. Scrambling after him they were impressed by the speed he was running on the rough terrain but it wasn't long before the one with the club swung the weapon and connected with the side of Justin's head, sending him sprawling onto the ground. They started punching and kicking the nearly defenseless body until they had knocked him unconscious.
A few minutes later he started waking up. He was being carried back to the container. He started struggling. The man carrying his feet looked at the other and said "Let go."
Justin fell to the ground striking his head and shoulders on the stony trail. The one holding his feet held him tightly so he couldn't free himself.
"You fucked yourself this time." he snarled as he held tightly to Justin's legs. Looking up at his partner he snapped "Put him out."
The other came into view. His fist moved down sideways into Justin's abdomen. The stinging of a syringe needle started burning as the man's thumb pushed the contents into Justin's abdominal muscles.
Justin struggled against the guy at his feet but rapidly lost the battle with the encroaching darkness. He was vaguely aware that he had been thrown onto the hard floor and thought he heard the slamming door. Then it was quiet again.
The fog started to lift. It was getting dark. the sun had dropped behind the hill, the dusk was rapidly giving way to night and he was being carried again, and he was blindfolded again. This time one person was carrying him. He rode in the big guy's arms like a child being carried to bed. In his fog, he felt himself bounce with the steps and tried to put things back together in his head. His muscles ached, he had bunches of cuts and bruises from his running and recapture, and was feeling the effects of being repeatedly drugged and gassed. Worst of all, he still did not have any answers.
He felt the sting of another needle.
Justin started to feel the pain of the bruises, the headache and the wooziness from the injections. He was still blindfolded but he could tell that it was dark, hands tied and currently laying on a big mossy rock. The woodsy smell and the sound of chirping birds told him that it must be almost dawn. He could hear low voices all around him. Someone was humming a strange sounding tune and someone else was trying to hum along.
"Help. Please... Can somebody please give me a drink?"
The humming stopped.
"Here, sit up." The friendly sounding voice had strong hands that lifted Justin to a sitting position while someone else grabbed him by his ankles. He heard the snap of a fresh bottle of water being opened and soon felt the bottle against his parched lips.
"Don't drink it too fast," the friendly voice cautioned, "you don't want to get sick."
He carefully drank the water and savored the sweet, life giving beverage. It seemed that his mouth had been coated with dust and the refreshing cool water gave him hope.
"Where am I?" he asked hoarsely.
"We're in the heart of the woods. It's almost dawn." He declared.
"You sound like that is important."
"It sure is. Justin, this is your greatest day."
"My greatest day?" Justin replied,he didn't like the sound of that. "What do you mean?"
"You are going to be released, at sunrise."
"I'm going home?" He asked.
"You sure are. It is the festival of Litha. As the first rays of Aten break through the trees we raise our hands and voices in celebration of the longest of days, the bounty of Gaia the earth, the power of Aten, the sun. Aine of Knockaine, blesses us especially this year because the moon will be full tonight as well. Our blessings are assured this day by our gift to the most high gods." His tone sounded a little strange.
"I don't understand any of this. Why am I here?" he asked. "Why have you done this to me?"
"You have been chosen!" His voice changed again, taking on an air of awe, almost worshipful. "You will be set free to soar among the stars, to be as one with the sun and the moon. No more bound by this mortal body."
Justin's gut tightened. They were going to kill him.
"You will join those who have gone on before you," the voice continued, "As the first light of dawn strikes the treetops, we will release the stream of life to flow back to Gaia, It will flood the sacrificial stone with it's blessed life giving spirit, just as those who have gone on before have blessed this holy altar with their own blood."
"No!" he gasped, "Please, no!"
"You will soon be released from all pain to live free, to sing with those who have gone before you."
"Last year, you did this last year? At the same time?" Justin asked.
"Of course, Justin, it is the summer solstice. As we have done for centuries, we celebrate the longest day and give thanks to the sun and the earth by offering one deemed to be worthy to join them." he patted Justin's shoulder, "You are most honored to be chosen."
"Last year, do you remember his name? Who was chosen last year?"
"Oh, last year?" there was a pause. Another voice from nearby spoke up. "Terry, his name was Terry."
"No, it was Tanner." another corrected.
The well of tears started to flood his eyes as he realized that his fears were right. Tanny was gone... With all the hunger and thirst, the beatings and humiliation he had endured, he felt a desperate sorrow growing up from deep within. What had Tanny gone through? Why couldn't he have been there for him?
A shout came from the crowd. "Look! the treetops!"
"The first rays!" another said.
"It is time." the one that had given him the drink said. "Let the river of life flow!"
Justin started to struggle against the hands holding him. Suddenly there were many hands holding him in place. He heard the strange song start up again, this time they were all gathered around, singing as they held on to him.
Someone was feeling his side, pressing his flesh just below his ribs, feeling for the soft area under the ribcage. Suddenly, the sharp cold point of a knife pressed into his side. His skin resisted as the blade was slowly pressed, making a deep depression as the blade was forced. "Ahhhh! Please! No, don't!" He twisted with the pain. "Uhhhhh!"
The blade had pierced his side and was now sliding deeper and deeper into his body, cutting and tearing skin, muscle and organs as it plunged, full length, stopping only as the hilt pressed against his side.
"Behold!" The voice announced. "The river of life."
The practiced hand quickly slipped the blade from his side.
"Auhhhhh!" He gasped as the notched spine of the thick blade rasped out through the tight slit in his skin. Justin shuddered with each notch as it caught, then pulled free of his torn side. He could feel the warm flow of his blood running down his side and onto the moss covered stone.
"Gaaahhh! You bastards!" he growled, the pain was contorting his face and his muscles tightened as he fought against the unseen hands holding him in place. "How can you do this? You killed Tanny, you did this to him. I never knew!"
"Shhhh! Peace now." He cupped his hand over Justin's mouth to quiet him. The friendly voice said in his ear. "It's almost over."
"When the sun's rays come down the trees, and strike your body, we, in turn strike the life blow and you will be forever free." "You will join your beloved friend. He awaits. Peace now"
Justin was getting weak. The searing pain was spreading, growing like a flame within. His breath became more difficult as he sucked in what air he could through the fingers over his mouth.
The golden glow of the dawn slowly worked it's way down the trees, In seconds it would shine it's warm, life giving rays across Justin's cold, tortured body.
"Here it comes. Just a few seconds and you will climb the golden shaft of light from Aten himself. He will embrace your essence and draw you to himself."
"Tanny... Unh... unh... ooh, Tanny, I am so sorry. I'm sorry I wasn't here for you. Oh God."
The faint, but warm ray of sunlight spread across his shivering body, shining through the cloth over his eyes.
"UGHHHH!" Before he had time to say anything more, the soft voiced worshiper drove the blade in through Justin's heaving chest and deep into his heart with deadly finality.
A sharp grunt and powerful muscle contractions used the last bit of natural strength his tortured body could produce. He curled up briefly, raised his knees up to his chest, trying to protect himself, holding the scream that wanted to escape inside until his insides contracted in a heaving groan as blood rushed up into his mouth and would have choked off his next breath, if there had been one. The image of Tanner, smiling with loving adoration painted across his field of vision as his last senses of this world fled away.
As light started to return to Justin's eyes, he saw Tanny's smiling face again, felt Tanny's hand holding his hand and could even hear his beating heart as tanner hugged him, holding him firmly to his chest, saying "It's ok now. I'm here, We're together."
Justin fell to the ground striking his head and shoulders on the stony trail. The one holding his feet held him tightly so he couldn't free himself.
"You fucked yourself this time." he snarled as he held tightly to Justin's legs. Looking up at his partner he snapped "Put him out."
The other came into view. His fist moved down sideways into Justin's abdomen. The stinging of a syringe needle started burning as the man's thumb pushed the contents into Justin's abdominal muscles.
Justin struggled against the guy at his feet but rapidly lost the battle with the encroaching darkness. He was vaguely aware that he had been thrown onto the hard floor and thought he heard the slamming door. Then it was quiet again.
The fog started to lift. It was getting dark. the sun had dropped behind the hill, the dusk was rapidly giving way to night and he was being carried again, and he was blindfolded again. This time one person was carrying him. He rode in the big guy's arms like a child being carried to bed. In his fog, he felt himself bounce with the steps and tried to put things back together in his head. His muscles ached, he had bunches of cuts and bruises from his running and recapture, and was feeling the effects of being repeatedly drugged and gassed. Worst of all, he still did not have any answers.
He felt the sting of another needle.
Justin started to feel the pain of the bruises, the headache and the wooziness from the injections. He was still blindfolded but he could tell that it was dark, hands tied and currently laying on a big mossy rock. The woodsy smell and the sound of chirping birds told him that it must be almost dawn. He could hear low voices all around him. Someone was humming a strange sounding tune and someone else was trying to hum along.
"Help. Please... Can somebody please give me a drink?"
The humming stopped.
"Here, sit up." The friendly sounding voice had strong hands that lifted Justin to a sitting position while someone else grabbed him by his ankles. He heard the snap of a fresh bottle of water being opened and soon felt the bottle against his parched lips.
"Don't drink it too fast," the friendly voice cautioned, "you don't want to get sick."
He carefully drank the water and savored the sweet, life giving beverage. It seemed that his mouth had been coated with dust and the refreshing cool water gave him hope.
"Where am I?" he asked hoarsely.
"We're in the heart of the woods. It's almost dawn." He declared.
"You sound like that is important."
"It sure is. Justin, this is your greatest day."
"My greatest day?" Justin replied,he didn't like the sound of that. "What do you mean?"
"You are going to be released, at sunrise."
"I'm going home?" He asked.
"You sure are. It is the festival of Litha. As the first rays of Aten break through the trees we raise our hands and voices in celebration of the longest of days, the bounty of Gaia the earth, the power of Aten, the sun. Aine of Knockaine, blesses us especially this year because the moon will be full tonight as well. Our blessings are assured this day by our gift to the most high gods." His tone sounded a little strange.
"I don't understand any of this. Why am I here?" he asked. "Why have you done this to me?"
"You have been chosen!" His voice changed again, taking on an air of awe, almost worshipful. "You will be set free to soar among the stars, to be as one with the sun and the moon. No more bound by this mortal body."
Justin's gut tightened. They were going to kill him.
"You will join those who have gone on before you," the voice continued, "As the first light of dawn strikes the treetops, we will release the stream of life to flow back to Gaia, It will flood the sacrificial stone with it's blessed life giving spirit, just as those who have gone on before have blessed this holy altar with their own blood."
"No!" he gasped, "Please, no!"
"You will soon be released from all pain to live free, to sing with those who have gone before you."
"Last year, you did this last year? At the same time?" Justin asked.
"Of course, Justin, it is the summer solstice. As we have done for centuries, we celebrate the longest day and give thanks to the sun and the earth by offering one deemed to be worthy to join them." he patted Justin's shoulder, "You are most honored to be chosen."
"Last year, do you remember his name? Who was chosen last year?"
"Oh, last year?" there was a pause. Another voice from nearby spoke up. "Terry, his name was Terry."
"No, it was Tanner." another corrected.
The well of tears started to flood his eyes as he realized that his fears were right. Tanny was gone... With all the hunger and thirst, the beatings and humiliation he had endured, he felt a desperate sorrow growing up from deep within. What had Tanny gone through? Why couldn't he have been there for him?
A shout came from the crowd. "Look! the treetops!"
"The first rays!" another said.
"It is time." the one that had given him the drink said. "Let the river of life flow!"
Justin started to struggle against the hands holding him. Suddenly there were many hands holding him in place. He heard the strange song start up again, this time they were all gathered around, singing as they held on to him.
Someone was feeling his side, pressing his flesh just below his ribs, feeling for the soft area under the ribcage. Suddenly, the sharp cold point of a knife pressed into his side. His skin resisted as the blade was slowly pressed, making a deep depression as the blade was forced. "Ahhhh! Please! No, don't!" He twisted with the pain. "Uhhhhh!"
The blade had pierced his side and was now sliding deeper and deeper into his body, cutting and tearing skin, muscle and organs as it plunged, full length, stopping only as the hilt pressed against his side.
"Behold!" The voice announced. "The river of life."
The practiced hand quickly slipped the blade from his side.
"Auhhhhh!" He gasped as the notched spine of the thick blade rasped out through the tight slit in his skin. Justin shuddered with each notch as it caught, then pulled free of his torn side. He could feel the warm flow of his blood running down his side and onto the moss covered stone.
"Gaaahhh! You bastards!" he growled, the pain was contorting his face and his muscles tightened as he fought against the unseen hands holding him in place. "How can you do this? You killed Tanny, you did this to him. I never knew!"
"Shhhh! Peace now." He cupped his hand over Justin's mouth to quiet him. The friendly voice said in his ear. "It's almost over."
"When the sun's rays come down the trees, and strike your body, we, in turn strike the life blow and you will be forever free." "You will join your beloved friend. He awaits. Peace now"
Justin was getting weak. The searing pain was spreading, growing like a flame within. His breath became more difficult as he sucked in what air he could through the fingers over his mouth.
The golden glow of the dawn slowly worked it's way down the trees, In seconds it would shine it's warm, life giving rays across Justin's cold, tortured body.
"Here it comes. Just a few seconds and you will climb the golden shaft of light from Aten himself. He will embrace your essence and draw you to himself."
"Tanny... Unh... unh... ooh, Tanny, I am so sorry. I'm sorry I wasn't here for you. Oh God."
The faint, but warm ray of sunlight spread across his shivering body, shining through the cloth over his eyes.
"UGHHHH!" Before he had time to say anything more, the soft voiced worshiper drove the blade in through Justin's heaving chest and deep into his heart with deadly finality.
A sharp grunt and powerful muscle contractions used the last bit of natural strength his tortured body could produce. He curled up briefly, raised his knees up to his chest, trying to protect himself, holding the scream that wanted to escape inside until his insides contracted in a heaving groan as blood rushed up into his mouth and would have choked off his next breath, if there had been one. The image of Tanner, smiling with loving adoration painted across his field of vision as his last senses of this world fled away.
As light started to return to Justin's eyes, he saw Tanny's smiling face again, felt Tanny's hand holding his hand and could even hear his beating heart as tanner hugged him, holding him firmly to his chest, saying "It's ok now. I'm here, We're together."
Terry A Halberd
Skylar Wolfe hurried through the woods toward the old house, knowing that he had been discovered. His senses were working overtime and he could feel the hunters attempting to track him. Blocking his mind from their mental probes he concentrated instead on mimicking the scent that he had found in the barn just minutes ago.
He had entered an old barn in the woods, he could smell the fresh blood inside and sensed a presence that was unfamiliar. Carefully opening the door, he saw the naked, bleeding figure hanging upside down in a corner. He was alive, unconscious and in the process of changing into the next vampire created by Vogel and his clan. Moving to the victim, he could smell Vogel's scent all over him, along with that of a couple of others that he did not know.
There was no time to feel sorry for the hapless victim. When he awakes he will be very dangerous and under Vogel's powerful will and will have a ravenous hunger for blood - any blood.
He had entered an old barn in the woods, he could smell the fresh blood inside and sensed a presence that was unfamiliar. Carefully opening the door, he saw the naked, bleeding figure hanging upside down in a corner. He was alive, unconscious and in the process of changing into the next vampire created by Vogel and his clan. Moving to the victim, he could smell Vogel's scent all over him, along with that of a couple of others that he did not know.
There was no time to feel sorry for the hapless victim. When he awakes he will be very dangerous and under Vogel's powerful will and will have a ravenous hunger for blood - any blood.
Without hesitating any longer he moved in and touched the powerfully charged body. A vicious flood of emotions entangled his mind as he came in contact with him. The body jumped as it sensed an imminent attack and began to struggle to consciousness.
Without waiting, Skyler licked the blood from the inverted face where the fresh blood still seeped and from the still bleeding holes in his neck and began to lick the fresh blood from his inverted body, each drop providing vital information about the victim and helping to intertwine the two bodies and minds. Moving up from the neck he licked the sweat from his breasts and nipples, filling Skyler's senses with the unique taste of his chemistry, continued up across the rigid washboard of his abs to his navel. The head of the man's cock was laying over the navel like a waiting predator protecting it's lair. Gently moving it aside he pressed his tongue into the shallow innie of a belly button, savoring the salty taste and the fresh musk of the man's wonderful, natural aroma. The body quivered as he probed the depths of the firm bump at the bottom and the previously flaccid shaft started to swell, bumping against his face as it struggled for room to grow.
Knowing that he had very little time left before he was fully awake and became a deadly threat, he slid up until he stood with his lips poised at the thick, stiffening shaft head, taking it into his mouth as it grew.
Instantly, like an electrical connection had been made, both bodies reacted to the touch. Skyler drew on the shaft, grabbing the balls in their soft sack, rolling them around, squeezing them and massaging the bottom of the cock shaft as he found himself becoming more stimulated by the feel of the man's hands working their way into his own pants and the sudden, violent fellatio of which he found himself now the willing recipient. Knowing that this was a race to the death, he turned on the mental attack, showering his target with the most erotic images and emotions that he could muster. It was obviously working as the stiff shaft became even more rigid, the blood vessels bulging and stretching the skin to the point of ripping open but the inverted body was growing stronger as the struggle escalated. The toned muscles bulged with renewed power as the vampire-to-be gained strength and he started to struggle to gain the upper hand.
Without waiting, Skyler licked the blood from the inverted face where the fresh blood still seeped and from the still bleeding holes in his neck and began to lick the fresh blood from his inverted body, each drop providing vital information about the victim and helping to intertwine the two bodies and minds. Moving up from the neck he licked the sweat from his breasts and nipples, filling Skyler's senses with the unique taste of his chemistry, continued up across the rigid washboard of his abs to his navel. The head of the man's cock was laying over the navel like a waiting predator protecting it's lair. Gently moving it aside he pressed his tongue into the shallow innie of a belly button, savoring the salty taste and the fresh musk of the man's wonderful, natural aroma. The body quivered as he probed the depths of the firm bump at the bottom and the previously flaccid shaft started to swell, bumping against his face as it struggled for room to grow.
Knowing that he had very little time left before he was fully awake and became a deadly threat, he slid up until he stood with his lips poised at the thick, stiffening shaft head, taking it into his mouth as it grew.
Instantly, like an electrical connection had been made, both bodies reacted to the touch. Skyler drew on the shaft, grabbing the balls in their soft sack, rolling them around, squeezing them and massaging the bottom of the cock shaft as he found himself becoming more stimulated by the feel of the man's hands working their way into his own pants and the sudden, violent fellatio of which he found himself now the willing recipient. Knowing that this was a race to the death, he turned on the mental attack, showering his target with the most erotic images and emotions that he could muster. It was obviously working as the stiff shaft became even more rigid, the blood vessels bulging and stretching the skin to the point of ripping open but the inverted body was growing stronger as the struggle escalated. The toned muscles bulged with renewed power as the vampire-to-be gained strength and he started to struggle to gain the upper hand.
Soft moans turned to growls of lust. Gentle stimulation became a rough and forceful struggle for dominance. The caresses and hugs became vice like traps that one had sprung on the bodies of the other. Skyler crushed the testicles and tore at the sack as he himself was being bitten and torn at by the other.
Suddenly it was over. The intense sex play had brought the inverted body to the point of ultimate stimulation. Every muscle, every nerve was stressed to the breaking point as the body prepared itself for the ultimate release. He gasped one last deep gulp of air before surrendering every last bit of life to Skylar.
There was a long pause. Skyler could feel the tension building as the pressure behind the dam built up past the breaking point. The realization of his imminent death welled up inside the mind of the strong, transforming being that the handsome man had become. Skyler focused on the image of the lives of the vampires that he had gained as their essence poured into him at their death. The straining vampire-to-be was confronted with images of what he was about to become. The overwhelming evidence was more than he could stand.
Suddenly, the body rocked with violent spasms of ecstasy and terror. The hot cum erupted from the body as he squeezed Skyler with terrible strength, and bit down on Skyler's turgid shaft. Wild images flooded Skyler's mind. Images of youth, family and friends. Suddenly he knew all that his victim knew, his youth, school, college, friends, special friends... The face of one called David burned into his mind as the sexual yearning for his loving partner washed through his tortured mind. The Image whispered the name "Mitchell" as it faded. Images of jobs, homes and finally what had happened just before the attack and the horrific fear that flooded the victim's mind as he was physically and mentally assaulted by Vogel in those last moments of consciousness. The crushing bear hug shuddered with one last burst of strength as the last of the life essence transferred into Skyler and all went dark and cold. Contained in that final burst was a distinct message of understanding and gratitude as the body went totally limp and dangled grotesquely, deflated and gray, those fine, toned muscles now shrunken and atrophied, soft and almost liquefied.
The body would not crumble away rapidly as others had because he was freshly turned. Skyler looked at the deflated body and the ashen color. Feeling the pain in his own shaft where he had been bitten, he could see the wound closing and the healthy pink color returning to the purple flesh as he packed it back in his pants.
The firestorm of strength, emotions and memories flooded Skyler's consciousness. He sorted through the memories and feelings until they began to make sense. Embedded in the whole mess was Vogel's plan to lure him and others into the woods, right where he was now, for what was to be a role playing party but it was a ruse to make him the target of a hunt. Some would be turned to join Vogel's army and others would serve as sport and food.
Reaching out with renewed sensitivity, Skyler felt the presence of another prey and the predator that was about to pounce. Skyler wanted to hurry to the creek to help but another presence was much closer and a far greater threat.
Hurrying through the woods toward the house he readied his crossbow, knowing that he had been discovered, he concentrated on the scent of the man in the barn, matching the scent and the mental image as best he could to mask his identity. Their minds met, but the mind in the house did not seem to be concerned about his approach, thinking rather that he was about to greet the freshly turned man from the barn.
"Come on in my young friend." The voice was both coming from inside the building and from inside his own head. "Mitchell, isn't it? Come in. You must have a thousand questions."
He felt the name "Arturo" associated with this voice. Arturo was a very old and very dangerous member of the clan and he was sexually aroused, waiting for Mitchell to come in so they could enjoy each other for a time.
Pausing outside the door, he waited for the right moment. Inside the room Arturo took the hesitation to be a sign of fear.
"You have nothing to fear from me. I am here to help you. You have much to learn. I will help you."
"Here, I've laid down my bow and I'm taking off my quiver."
"What??" Arturo looked up as Skyler stepped into the room and fired the silver tipped arrow. The sickening thud of the arrow splitting Arturo's sternum was followed immediately by his hoarse gasp as the metal reacted with the centuries old body. His face contorted with pain as his color turned to gray and thick smoke started to flow from his chest and mouth as the rapidly growing hole expanded outward.
Arturo stood helplessly as his chest opened wide and the body continued to turn to an acrid cloud of ammonia and dust.
The arrow fell from the hollow where the strong muscled chest had been and he fell to the floor. His shorts had been tightly packed behind the lace up front with his bulging, excited manhood, ready to enjoy the pleasures of a fresh partner but now the expanding dissolving flesh emptied them of all viable content.
Skyler stood over the body watching the final pieces crumble to dust. The feet and skull finished last as the open, terror filled eyes stared blindly upwards until they too dissolved and the fetid cloud of acrid vapor slowly drifted toward the door.
"Would have been interesting to absorb that lifeforce." he thought as he picked up the arrow for later use.
Immediately the image of David shot back into his mind as he sensed the immanent danger to Mitchell's partner. A deep pleading within compelled him to hurry to David's aid.
Reaching out with his mind he felt the scene playing out on the creekside ahead. The two minds were entwined as the hypnotic will of the vampire Joshua Craig mesmerised David's helpless mind, drawing him to himself, dropping all barriers and creating a state of epic arousal with uncontrolled lust. Sadly Skyler knew he was never going to make it in time.
At the creek, David stood unaware of the deadly threat before him. Holding the ornate sword, a beautiful replica of an antique rapier, at his side, David was more consumed by the lustful energy that was being projected into his mind than any possible indications of fear at the scantily clad "player" standing before him.
Craig took the sword from his limp hand and started caressing and stroking his bare chested body, backing him up against the rocks where he sat down, letting Joshua have his way with him.
Still too far away to prevent what was about to happen, Skyler probed David's mind and tried to wake him from the stupor.
"Wake up!" he shouted into David's mind.
Sight returned to David's eyes and his mind was suddenly aware of his plight. Sensing the intrusion, Joshua raised the rapier and thrust the dull blade deep into David's stomach and out through his back. Before the scream of agony could escape his throat, Joahua bit deeply into his exposed neck, ripping the flesh away from the deliciously throbbing vein in his neck.
The shock and horror reached Skyler's mind as the vampire ripped the vein from David's neck savouring the life giving fountain as his victim convulsed and died in his arms. The part of Mitchell that now resided in Skyler's mind screamed with agonizing sorrow as he knew that his lover was now the victim of this evil creature. The wail of sorrow echoed through the trees, reaching Joshua's sensitive ears.
The arrow fell from the hollow where the strong muscled chest had been and he fell to the floor. His shorts had been tightly packed behind the lace up front with his bulging, excited manhood, ready to enjoy the pleasures of a fresh partner but now the expanding dissolving flesh emptied them of all viable content.
Skyler stood over the body watching the final pieces crumble to dust. The feet and skull finished last as the open, terror filled eyes stared blindly upwards until they too dissolved and the fetid cloud of acrid vapor slowly drifted toward the door.
"Would have been interesting to absorb that lifeforce." he thought as he picked up the arrow for later use.
Immediately the image of David shot back into his mind as he sensed the immanent danger to Mitchell's partner. A deep pleading within compelled him to hurry to David's aid.
Reaching out with his mind he felt the scene playing out on the creekside ahead. The two minds were entwined as the hypnotic will of the vampire Joshua Craig mesmerised David's helpless mind, drawing him to himself, dropping all barriers and creating a state of epic arousal with uncontrolled lust. Sadly Skyler knew he was never going to make it in time.
At the creek, David stood unaware of the deadly threat before him. Holding the ornate sword, a beautiful replica of an antique rapier, at his side, David was more consumed by the lustful energy that was being projected into his mind than any possible indications of fear at the scantily clad "player" standing before him.
Craig took the sword from his limp hand and started caressing and stroking his bare chested body, backing him up against the rocks where he sat down, letting Joshua have his way with him.
Still too far away to prevent what was about to happen, Skyler probed David's mind and tried to wake him from the stupor.
"Wake up!" he shouted into David's mind.
Sight returned to David's eyes and his mind was suddenly aware of his plight. Sensing the intrusion, Joshua raised the rapier and thrust the dull blade deep into David's stomach and out through his back. Before the scream of agony could escape his throat, Joahua bit deeply into his exposed neck, ripping the flesh away from the deliciously throbbing vein in his neck.
The shock and horror reached Skyler's mind as the vampire ripped the vein from David's neck savouring the life giving fountain as his victim convulsed and died in his arms. The part of Mitchell that now resided in Skyler's mind screamed with agonizing sorrow as he knew that his lover was now the victim of this evil creature. The wail of sorrow echoed through the trees, reaching Joshua's sensitive ears.
As Skyler reached the creek, he saw the lifeless figure lying on the rocks below. Looking quickly around he could not see Joshua, but could feel him as he drew a bead on him and fired.
The arrow ricocheted off the rocks and disappeared into the brush as Skyler dodged the missile that had been aimed at his heart.
Another shaft slammed into the tree trunk next to him as he scrambled for cover.
"You can't win. Surrender to me and I will make you happier than you have ever been." Joshua promised. Strong images started to flood into Skyler's mind. "You have no idea what I can do for you."
"No thanks, asshole." Skyler answered as he raised up and fired his arrow at the figure that was taking aim at him at the same time. Skyler's arrow smacked into Joshua's chest. Joshua's arrow flew harmlessly into the rocks, shattering the shaft and sending up a shower of sparks.
A look of disbelief crossed his face as the vampire realized what had just happened. He fell back against one of the rocks and struggled briefly, trying to breathe as the silver tipped arrow started destroying the long dead heart inside the pierced chest. Skyler knew that in a short time nothing would be left but dust and a loincloth but did not stay to watch the spectacle.
Turning toward the woods. Skyler could feel Vogel's presence as he stalked off toward the farmhouse. Following the scent trail he stepped into a clearing and found another body spread out on top of a large rock glistening with sweat in the bright sun.
Leaving the body behind, he again followed Vogel's scent as he headed toward the farm house. Before he had gone far, he was aware that he was again being stalked. Ahead of him, Vogel had turned and was heading back in his direction.
"Arturo, my friend, is that you?" Vogel called out. "Are you well? Something is different about you."
Too many thoughts and emotions were flooding through Skyler's mind. He tried to concentrate. The scent of the body on that boulder and the taste of Mitchell, the feelings of the confused Arturo and yes, the strongly pungent scent that Joshua had emitted at his death all mingled in his mind along with the putrid ammonia and rotting flesh smell as Arturo had evaporated inside that small room all mingled together to make concentration on a single thing very difficult.
"You smell like Arturo but your feelings have opened my eyes." Vogel cooed as he approached. " Who are you and why are you hiding from me?"
Vogel stepped into view. Skyler prepared to fight but he was holding the silver colored spear - not a good weapon against Vogel.
"Well hello there." Vogel said as he stood stark naked, holding a spear of his own. "How goes the game?"
"I am not here to play games." Skyler warned. "I know who you are."
"Then you have the advantage." Vogel answered. "I have no idea who you are but you are hopelessly outclassed. I can defend myself and I do not take well to idle threats."
"Nothing idle about this." Skyler answered. "Avery Dawson didn't think I was a threat either. You should prepare to die."
"Dawson was a fool." Vogel Responded with a laugh. "If you really are the one that killed him then maybe I should thank you." Vogel pranced, flaunting his naked body in front of Skyler, having little fear of what may happen because he was confident that his years of experience would triumph over this young upstart, even if he happened to lose, he would be completely healed and regenerated in a matter of minutes and would track this opponent down and tear his throat out.
The two slowly circled each other taking an occasional jab toward the other. Vogel started a kind of trash talking, trying to get Skyler to do something foolish.
Skyler, on the other hand was busy probing the depths of Vogel's brain, searching for the keys embedded in his motor functions. With them located he could anticipate any move, any twitch, any false move.
Vogel feigned a couple of stabs aimed at Skyler's midsection and Skyler easily sidestepped them. Angered at the seeming ease with which Skyler avoided his attacks, Vogel raised his spear and started to charge toward Skyler, screaming.
Skyler had him. He was temporarily incapacitated but would soon be reviving and would be enraged and ready for the kill.
Knowing that he had already absorbed the essence of one very powerful being less than an hour ago (the natural power of a "virgin" vampire is legendary). He knew that doing it again so soon could prove lethal but he knew that allowing Vogel to revive would be even more dangerous.
Moving in, Skyler started spreading Vogel's legs apart and grasped the limp organ between them. No response from the apparently dead body but Skyler could feel the lifeforce within straining to regain control of the badly wounded body.
"You can't wait any longer." Skyler heard the voice urging him on. The voice of Aaron Peake, his lover and mentor and now "living" inside him as the essence of his life was absorbed as he was slowly dying. Now that life essence worked to guide and protect his protege.
Trusting the voice, he grabbed the flaccid member again. Hopelessly limp for the moment he held it with both hands and started rubbing it between his hands, trying to evoke a response. Still nothing. Deciding that more body contact was needed, Skyler took the soft shaft into his mouth ans slid his hands up from the hips, up the sides of the still torso and placed his palms on the muscular pecs of the sleeping vampire. A sudden flutter in the body let him know that it was working. As he massaged the pecs, the soft cock started to swell.
Almost immediately the body began to stir. Vogel moaned, whether from the pleasure of the stimulation or from the pain of the spear that was still embedded in his chest, but the fact that he was waking stirred the passion in Skyler, making him pour on the assault of lust into Vogel's still foggy mind.
Vogel moved his arms. Feeling the mouth on his shaft, he reached down and held Skyler's head as Skyler stroked and massaged his manhood and continued to massage the solid pecs of his victim-to-be. For several long minutes the scene continued as the stimulation rose and Vogel was getting set for a massive ejaculation.
Not knowing what was about to happen to him, Vogel gladly went along with the uninvited service but as his mind cleared and he realized who was sucking on his cock and massaging his muscled chest, Vogel poised himself to strike, right at the moment of climax.
Letting go of Skyler's head and grasping the spear in his chest, he readied himself.
Skyler could sense Vogel's plan but was in no position to change anything now. He would finish what he had started and let things work out as they may.
Reaching the point of ultimate stimulation, Vogel started erupting into Skyler's throat, helping it along with powerful thrusts and wrapping his legs securely around Skyler's vulnerable body. Ripping the spear from his chest, Vogle raised it high and plunged it deep into Skyler's back squarely between his shoulder blades.
Skyler reacted with a choking scream that was muffled into the man meat that was filling his mouth and pumping down his throat. With the overpowering stimulation of his victory over Skyler, Vogel gave his sexual pleasure everything he had - literally.
Suddenly, Vogel could feel the whole of his being releasing his life force to be surrendered up to the body now laying between his thighs. The wild incomprehensibly powerful feeling of all of his life essence leaving his body, being drawn by an irresistible compulsion down and out through his genitalia to be surrendered to the very one that he had intended to kill filled him with terror beyond his wildest imagination at the same time as it rewarded him with the most incredible pleasure he would ever feel. Ever.
Vogel's body stiffened and convulsed, squeezing the very last of his life force from every fiber of his being. The suddenly empty body jerked violently, turned completely limp, and starting at the extremities, turned to the same dusty gray powder as Skyler had seen many times before. Skyler, did not see what was happening, rather he was attempting to catch his breath when the cold, limp penis in his mouth turned to powder.
"Gaahhh!" *Spit* *Cough* *Spit* "Shit! Not again!"
He raised up a bit, still spitting the gray powder and muddy chunks from his mouth. He could feel the spear being pushed from his back as the healing force healed the deadly wound with the ease of getting over a pin prick. The spear clattered to the ground as he stood and brushed the remainder of the dust from his body.
"You did well. There is much more to come." the friendly voice inside his being said.
"Thanks Aaron. I only wish you were still here with me."
"I am here, Skyler." Aaron replied. "I always will be."
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