Early the succeeding day found Tom and Johnathon out behind the keep practicing a bang-up many things. Tom was soon amazed to determine that Johnathon had indeed more control than he thought sound. This will make breeding him that much easier. Plus, he thought, he 'd be prepare far sooner and off the radiolocation of the council. Shaking his brain, he 'd been hoping that it might pass over his generation. Sighing, Tom realized that the kin was never that lucky. He watched Johnathon blow the netherworld out of another block of stone. What was going on ? Johnathon seemed to be unable to center ... Of course !

Calling Evelyn, ( she and dame Vishnew had returned that night with Lana ) he told her his architectural plan. Evelyn agreed except for the fact that the retentiveness rub would n't reverse. She 'd never had it hap before. Thinking a moment, Tom thought he knew what was going on.

< Evelyn, > Tom started,

Evelyn told dame Vishnew, and they both flashed out to the yard. At first, they just sat and watched. Looking at Lana, they did n't see any change. Then suddenly, crying started to lessen from her eyes. Finally, she looked up staring at Johnathon. He was about to try the spell again when he heard a gasp behind him.

Johnathon was depressed. He figured that he 'd never see her again. He had looked all live on dark for her but had found nothing. All morning, he and his forefather had been practicing control, but his depression was winning on all fronts without Lana. He did n't know how he could go on. Not really able-bodied to condense at all, Johnathon was just blowing the infernal region out of everything his father placed in presence of him. That was 'til he try a gasp behind him. Turning he saw Lana standing with his and her female parent. Almost too shocked to affect, Johnathon began to slowly advance. Standing in front of each other, he asked, `` Am I dreaming ? I searched the entire humanity for you. I could n't feel you. I thought you were dead. ''
Here he dropped his head, `` I thought I was the one that might have ended your life. '' Lana 's surprise at seeing Johnathon had sent shiver to her soul. The quiver were so deep that she came screaming from the enshroud niche of her nous.

'' My love, '' she started, `` be I numb, I would have surely crawled the stature of hell to reunite with you. NOTHING would suffer stopped me. ``

Both female parent were in rip. Finally ! After almost 300 years ! They were finally confessing their dear for each former ! Looking back, Lana looked at both women, `` I wish to stay and look on Johnathon. '' Both women nodded then Evelyn waved a hand, and they both vanished.

Holding her finis, Johnathon reveled in the spirit of her in his weapon. `` I will never leave you again. Plus, I may have discovered a way that you can be a lamia while we are together. '' Kissing a surprised Lana, she sank into his weapons system kissing him back with as much mania as he did.

Looking at Johnathon slyly Lana stated, `` I will admit you to your first part of that program line my passion, the second, well we 'll see, '' she said, smiling up into the face of the man she had loved for centuries. `` I saw that you were having fuss, my love. This is the low gear time I 've ever seen you have a tough time controlling it. ``

Johnathon then told Lana everything that had transpired since he 'd been taken : The scrap with his founder, the destruction of the council antechamber ( with them in it ), his Uncle Ben being hurt. Johnathon went on, leaving nil out, letting her know everything. At first, she was horrified, but then she realized that virtually of what had happened had been brought on by the council. Then she sat to watch Johnathon practice. This clock time, Johnathon found the control prosperous than he ever had. His don nodded. It was just as he thought. She was a key to his control just as she was a key to him NOT being capable to verify it. Rubbing his jaw, Tom thought of more advanced practice session that would advance his restraint more. If Johnathon could do just one today they might actually get done a week quicker. Tom had Johnathon run through all the exercises that they had the day before. This metre, Johnathon passed through the portal with no problems.

Taking a big breath, Tom decided it was time to try a more unmanageable control condition. `` Alright, this time I want you to play a person here to you using the portal. I know it 's promiscuous to just grab and pull, but you do n't always get who you are pulling. ''

Johnathon nodded. He 'd had that happen before. Concentrating, Johnathon was about to spread a portal when Tom stopped him. `` I want you to bring Lana to you, right side by side to you. '' When Johnathon screwed up his grimace, Tom insisted. Lana looked at them both and smiled, nodding to Johnathon. Still incertain, Johnathon concentrated, opened a portal, reached in, and pulled Lana next to him. Both Lana and Johnathon were staring at Tom with mouths agape. Then Johnathon shook his caput. It had been easier than he thought it would be.
'' Alright, '' Tom said, pleased with the issue so far."I want you to reopen the portal and put her back gently, almost as if she had n't moved. '' Tom knew that if Johnathon could reach this, his control would jump another 20 %.

Johnathon took a deep breathing space looking at Lana. `` Try, my love. I have sureness in you. '' Johnathon felt heat banquet in his breast. Opening the portal, he levitated Lana and then gently pushed her through the portal vein, sitting her even gentler back on the bench she had been sitting on.

Yes ! Tom thought. By god, his restraint was marvelous ! He 'd wished he had that much command when he was Johnathon 's age. Johnathon looked back at his founder chuckling at the shocked smell on his face. in effect, he needed a shock absorber once in a while. `` Extremely good, Johnathon ! Tomorrow, we need to wreak on retentive space. Of course, you are invited to any and all practices Lana. '' Tom said, hoping to draw out a confirming issue upon Johnathon 's control. Plus, it would be good to get in good with her ; after all, she was going to be his daughter-in-law.

`` Thank you, Mr. Timmings. I was going to ask when you 2 were done, but thank you for sparing me the embarrassing task of trying to ask you sir. '' Lana said with a blanket smile on her expression. She truly liked Johnathon 's father. At least she did this new one. This one seemed more deal and feeling like Johnathon which was a receive modification. Johnathon and Lana moved off into the house. Tom had to allow in it was a hell of a lot more pleasant with her around.

Tom was putting everything away when a unknown quantity younger mage flashed in. Erecting his shields, Tom awaited either a substance or an attack. Bowing low, the mage stepped forward. `` I 'm looking for Tom Timmings, '' he said.

`` You are speaking to him and you are ? '' Tom asked, his brow raised. This Pres Young man was either an changeling, was not caring, or had suffered a Holocene epoch catastrophe and just did n't care. Reaching out, Tom found he was a bounty hunter for the council. At once on his safety, the immature man opened his mouth to speak.

`` I am Tyrome Greenstick. I have come to see Johnathon. I heard he was in trouble. '' Tyrome said.
Drawing himself up to his full height, Tom 's power bristled. This man was no slough as his power had recently been raised although Tom knew not how. Reaching in, Tom brought his wild illusion to the surface.

`` If you are here to require Johnathon, you will find it a lot knockout than you think. '' Tom growled.

To his credit, the new mage did n't act. `` Huh ? Sir, I 'm really not sure what you mean, '' the man sadly said. It was in that moment that Tom could feel the losses the man had : a partner, a woman mage he 'd been desperately in lovemaking with, and many of the few champion he had. What the hell ? ! ! ! This was the mage that had finally put Cedric away ? `` I know you are a bounty Hunter for the council. If you think to take Johnathon, then it will be over my dead soundbox ! '' Tom growled even louder. Johnathon came running out of the livelihood with Lana trailing not far behind. sanctum dump ! His founding father was powered up WITH his uncivilized illusion. Johnathon had brought his up also thinking they were under attempt. Running to his begetter 's side, Johnathon was looking around when he spotted Tyrome.

Shocked a moment, Johnathon lowered his power and told his father it was ok. `` Tyrome ? Why are you here ? After the conflict with Cedric, I thought you were in hiding trying to recover. '' A look of business concern was on Johnathon 's face.

`` I was but I ca n't anymore. I have to get back out there. I have to get Tyler 's death out of my mind. '' Tyrome said. Johnathon 's mouth hung open … Tyler was absolutely ? What was going on ? Sitting down, Tyrome told Lana and Johnathon everything that happened. The whole time, his oculus held a haunted looking at. Lana had only heard of Tyrome a few clip. Even the vampire world had heard of the council H.M.S. Bounty hunters.

`` So why are you here ? '' Johnathon asked.

`` I am supposed to account to Ben Timmings, something about reassignment. I heard on the way here that you were in trouble and thought I 'd loan you a handwriting if you want. '' Tyrome offered. Johnathon thought for a bit and then leaned over and whispered to Tyrome. Lana listened in, her eyes getting huge and then a smile lit up her face.

'' I know you are in a lot of infliction. I ca n't really do that much right now even with your heightened power. Although mom is a very have therapist, and she could facilitate you. '' Johnathon suggested. Again, Tyrome sadly nodded. Crap, Johnathon thought, this is really eating him up. Tom had been listening the whole time. This mage knew Ben ? Hmmm, many of the things Johnathon had suggested made a lot of sense.

Tom stepped away and called Ben. A bit later, he appeared. `` How go thing with the council ?"Tom asked. `` They're like a clustering of doddering old char. They seem to be trying to stick their nozzle into everything. How goes the training ? '' Ben asked.

`` I believe he may be ready sooner than we thought. By the way, we have a visitor. He said he was looking to report to you. '' Tom said, showing Ben the man talking to Johnathon and Lana.

Ben hissed, `` Do you know who that is ! He 's by far the greatest bounty hunter of the council ! He 's also the slick I have ever seen. underworld, even I have a laborious time against him. I heard the council started an enforcer school being taught by the skillful of the hold up radical of hatchet man. Tom, we ca n't let him take Johnathon ! ``

`` It 's very well, Johnathon and Tyrome are supporter. Apparently, they were in school together. '' Tom explained.

`` WHAT ! ! ! ? ? ? '' Ben shouted drawing the attention of the three on the bench. Johnathon looked up and smiled speaking to Tyrome. They all three rose and walked to the two men.

Tyrome walked ahead and extended his script to Ben. `` commanding officer Timmings, Tyrome Greenstick. I was ordered to report to you. Sir, I was unaware you were related to privy. '' Here Johnathon sighed as a short smirk appeared on Tyrome 's face.

`` I guess I am going to throw to kick your ass, too ! You know I hate being called that ! '' Johnathon growled. Tyrome threw him another smirk, as if ! Johnathon could see Tyrome 's painfulness ease a little, but it was still there. They really needed to see his mom and soon.

`` Uncle Ben, Dad, I 'm going to lease him to mom. I am hoping she can help him as he 's in a lot of painfulness. ``

`` Alright, but I need to talk to him as soon as I can. '' Ben said to their retreating back. Sighing, Ben turned back to Tom. `` I am getting a foreboding about this. He was the serious which is why he was chosen for the enforcer school. If he was summoned by the council, I am afraid they are going to try and ingest Johnathon. ``

'' I know you have been busy for centuries with the council clientele, but have you actually say the law about the wild magic ? '' Tom asked Ben.

`` No. I have tried a few times, but was always sent out on assignment when I did. '' Ben stated.

Tom waved his hired hand making a Brobdingnagian book appear in his script. `` register to me what the law says about the use of the wild illusion. '' Ben waved his hand over the Good Book, and it opened to the page he wanted.

Sighing Ben shook his head and started reading. `` deception law 5000 … It is hereby the decision of the council that the unskilled and wanton use of wild magic trick is outlawed. The said use of wild magic will be punishable by death, the execution to hold lieu immediately under the watchful heart of a sub-council male person member of the Timmings mob. '' Ben 's rima oris dropped agape. `` Just how long were you going to hide this, you Ass ! I should idle your case a few thousand times ! All this sentence ! '' Ben was starting to get hysterical.

`` As I told Johnathon I could disband the council now for what they have done. By the meter another was chosen, we would be unclutter. It 's bad enough this council was just chosen a few years ago, after most of it was decimated by the Cedric outcome. '' Tom told Ben trying to calm him.

Ben took a big breath. This let Tom experience that Ben was n't through, not by a prospicient shooter. `` You should do it ! You ..."

'' No. Dismissing them now would be admitting that we were damage and Johnathon should die. I am NOT ready to give up on Johnathon. Not now, not EVER ! '' Tom yelled, knocking Ben off his feet. About clip, Ben thought. His nephew had been a cold Fish for so long he was n't sure he was even human anymore.

`` So what are we to do ? '' Ben asked

`` As I said, that young mage is one of the best bounty hunter in many a century. He is also a thoroughly friend of Johnathon 's. Besides, you are his foreman. You can send him away to where ever you want. '' Tom told him.

`` Yeah, within cause. Remember, the council still has a say in which assignments and hunting watch I send out. '' Ben advised him. They talked and planned a bit. Tom knew there was a way around this. He just had to find it soon. They would n't be able to put the council off indefinitely.

Johnathon watched as Evelyn Timmings worked on Tyrome 's forefront. She looked at Johnathon with a interest look as soon as she discovered who Tyrome was. After explaining, she started to play on him. `` Mr. Greenstick, I can not remove the memories, but I can blot out them 'til such time as your mind is ready to parcel out with them. '' She advised him.

Fingering a whizz chandelier in his shirt, he thought and then replied. `` That 's alright for as I am right now, I ca n't function and will be dead in a year or 2. I am not caring now about very much of anything. I am hoping this will help me. '' Tyrome said. Evelyn nodded and then started to delve into his mind. The mental image she soon saw had bout falling from her eyes. The pain she saw almost threatened to overpower her ,. pushing, she soon had almost all of it sealed.

`` I 've done all I can Mr. Greenstick, '' Evelyn said, wiping the tears from her eyes.

A moment later, Ben walked in. `` I 've been told you have been accepted to the hatchet man school. It seems you are the top candidate. ``

`` Yes, I was told that also, '' a now more sure-footed Tyrome said. `` I am hoping I survive, been told it is n't gentle. When we are out, we are supposed to be the best. I hope so. ``

Ben nodded, `` As your hirer, I am hereby removing you from amplitude hunter status 'til such time as you complete the school. '' Tyrome was nodding, and then a igniter seemed to go off in his nous as he smiled. It was a true smiling as he saw exactly what Ben had done. Walking up to Ben, Tyrome whispered in his ear for a here and now with Ben answering. This went on a few transactions, and then Ben was smiling, slapping Tyrome on the back, and wishing him destiny. Tyrome turning to Johnathon and they embraced.

'' Oh, '' Tyrome said as he waved his hired man. A minor chandelier shaped like a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree appeared. `` This is for the infant as I am afraid I wo n't be here when ..., it is born. '' Tyrome said, handing it to Lana.

Lana took it and looked up at Tyrome. `` It 's warm ! ''

'' Yes, it 's a living talisman keyed for the sister. There is only one former like it. It will cater protection that magic ca n't. '' Tyrome said.

Lana looked at him questioningly. `` I do n't understand. render protection that magic ca n't ? '' Even Derrick was puzzled. `` I ca n't really excuse. You 'll see one day. '' With that, Tyrome was gone.

Sighing, Evelyn looked at Johnathon and Lana holding the Talisman. Looking closer, Evelyn gasped and pointed at the front of the tree shaped necklace. `` Oh my god ! '' She exclaimed. `` Lana, Johnathon do you realize what you have in your hand ? '' Evelyn asked.

They both started at his female parent. `` I 'd say it is a living talisman, '' Johnathon said.

`` It is far more than that. '' Thinking a consequence, she looked closer. `` Yes, I 'm sure. All the pilot were destroyed at least a thousand year ago. This is a work of extreme skill. It took my grandfather 40 years to create one. '' Johnathon smiled as he knew that Tyrome had a lot of skill and power, and he was a lot impudent than he let on.

`` What is so particular about it, Mrs. Timmings ? '' Lana asked. `` It wo n't hurt the baby, will it ? ``

`` Very far from it ; this, depending on how it was crafted, will provide the possessor with what they need the most to protect them. I mean WHATEVER, or whom ever, to commit something like this away ... '' Evelyn stood there with her mouth open. This was truly a gift that would protect the child for a very long time.

`` I 'll be damned, '' Johnathon said, `` I guess I owe him even more, damn he 's never going to let me pay him back. ``

Lana could only stare at Johnathon. `` Pay him back ? I thought you owed no one anything. ``

`` I do n't, except him. That ass, giving us this. Now I 'll be another 100 or so class paying him back. Wait ! Did he say there were only 2 ? '' Groaning, Johnathon knew he had the former one, plus he knew what it was for.

`` Are you ok Johnathon ? '' His female parent asked.

`` I will be, every time I think I have finally paid Tyrome back he does something like this. One of these day, he is going to need help. I have to be there to finally pay him back for his friendly relationship all these centuries. '' Looking out the windowpane Johnathon thought, one day I just hope I am set my dear friend .