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Here we go... chapter 19 folks! the usual stuff of course thanks Ruth of Pern for editing and thanks Newbie for letting me use Xander... well enjoy folks?

Chapter 19- All Falls Down part two (Trap)

Lucas was pacing around the room. He was waiting for what Mr Jordan would say... after he had had the vision, Ian had immediately run up to speak with his father... they had been talking for almost an hour now and Lucas was about to go crazy from the waiting. His mother was in danger and he was stuck here! But he knew it was for the best... he barely knew any magic... he wouldn't stand a chance going against those men alone... Plus having a fully grown Mage would come in handy.

"Hey Lucas, sit down will you... you're making us all nervous." He heard Xander speak up.

He quickly threw a glare towards the other fox and growled, "Oh sorry I'm making you nervous! God Forbid the fact that my mother might be in grave danger!" He shouted. "I can't sit down!" he yelled and Xander winced and looked away hurt.

"Stop it! I'm worried about Mom to! But that doesn't give you the right to snap at Xander!" Erin yelled back.

Lucas quickly looked away, a bit ashamed. He felt his anger vanish and shame replace it... Erin was right. Xander didn't deserve to be shouted at. So he ate his pride and turned toward Xander and apologized.

"Sorry about that Xander... you didn't deserve that. I'm just stressed is all," he said to the other fox who just shrugged.

"I understand... you're worried for you mom... but we'll get her Lucas, she'll be safe," he said calmly.

Richard just nodded, "Yup! Xan's right, we'll do our best to get her out of there alive and unharmed... or we'll try to. It won't be easy as the Cabal was the entire reason we even moved here in the first place." Richard stated darkly. "Those bastards had tried to abduct Ian for months until Dad decided to get us out of Scotland... The entire house is warded so nobody would be able to get in undetected... took a whole bunch of money but it was worth it..." He reasoned calmly. "The Cabal can't enter here without us knowing..."

"Cool, but how will this help us save my mom?" Erin asked him curious.

"If we get her out she can stay here along with you two... we have plenty of room and maybe we can talk to your father... If he is a knight, the Cabal has to be foolish to try to harm a family member of one of the Knights... The Cabal is powerful but they are no match for the might of all the Knights... there's a reason they are one of the most powerful organizations on the planet..." He said softly. "Their numbers and technology puts them on even terms with the Council..."

"How come the Knights aren't known by the world at large? What do they even do anyway?" Lucas asked confused.

"Because, seeing an organization more powerful the most governments_might_ scare people... also them being exposed might lead to the Council and thus all of the Hidden World exposed..." Greg explained calmly. "That would be bad... very few Mundanes ever find out about the Hidden World... and finding out that there are people who have mysterious powers well... it'd probably turn into a real life version of X-Men only with Mages taking the place of the mutants... No it wouldn't be good for anybody if the Hidden World became common knowledge. As for what they do... they claim their duty is to protect Mundanes from Mages who wish to do them harm... pretty much they protect Mundanes from rouge Mages... the Council handles Mages who break the laws. When a Mage starts harming Mundanes, the Knights get involved... It isn't pretty when they get involved."

The group sat in silence for a bit after that. Lucas was struggling not to start pacing again and Erin was twiddling her thumbs eventually Ian came back downstairs with a grave expression on his face.

"Well?" Lucas asked getting up swiftly. "What did your dad say?" he asked.

"He said he has gotten the Council involved... they will take care of it."

"What do you mean they will take care of it? I'm going! I'm not going to just sit around and wait until somebody else saves my mom!" Lucas yelled.

Ian gave him an incredulous look at that, "No you are not going! You'll get yourself hurt! Or worse killed! You are no match for the Cabal Lucas... none of us would be able to do much... They're fully grown Mages and some say they've made pacts with Demons..."

Lucas looked confused for a bit, "Huh? What do you mean? Like what happened with Erin and Ishmael?" He asked confused.

"Yeah, pretty much... when a Fur willingly let's themselves be tainted, they are able to use Demon magic..."

"But won't they become thralls like Erin nearly became?" Lucas asked and noticed Erin shuddered at that. He gave her a tiny smile before giving a quick. "Sorry about that..." before continuing what he was saying, "Is there a difference?" He asked.

Ian shrugged a bit unsure of what to say, "It's kind of hard to explain Mate, I really don't know much myself... but as far as I know the Demon and the Mage with a very high synch rate have a lesser chance of becoming a thrall... the Mage keeps his will and is able to use the Demon's magic, though using it to much could cause the Mage to mess their synch rate up...I think the reason Erin nearly became a thrall was because she and Ishmael had a low synch rate... I wonder though... any idea if you can still use Angel magic Erin?" He asked the girl who only shook her head.

"Nope, no clue, never bothered finding out honestly. I don't want to find out. But I can still sense Ishmael somewhat... he's somewhere in the city but I can't pinpoint him. He could be next door or all the way in Victoria as far as I know..." She stated.

Lucas only shook his head before getting back to the point, "It doesn't matter... she's my mom I have to go save her... what kind of son would I be if I just let someone else do it?" He said to the others. "I don't care what anybody says I'm going and nobody is going to stop me!" he said, his eyes blazing.

Ian quickly shot up and glared, "You are not going! I'll tie you up if I have to! You could get killed Lucas! Those guys want you for something... it would be best to not let them get you..." He growled, "But you are not going to go and put yourself in danger! I won't allow it!" he stated.

The rest of the group stayed silent until Richard decided to speak up.

"Ian, if he wants to go let him go... I know you care for Lucas but that gives you no right to try and make decisions for him... and forcefully keeping him from leaving is wrong... there's a difference between being protective and being a controlling jerk... plus you should know better than to outfox a fox... you're smart enough Ian but being cunning and clever are not your strong suits...I say if you try and tie Lucas up you'll be the one chained up to a chair..." He half joked.

Ian blushed a bit at that, "You're right... I can't force you not to go Lucas but I really don't want you to... if you go I am going with you!" he reasoned. "If you go I go..."

"I don't want you to get involved Ian... if I die I die... but I will at least die trying to save my mother... if anyone else got hurt I couldn't live with myself..." He said looking away from the tall wolf, "If I go I go by myself..." he said.

Ian just sighed and shook his head, "You really think I'd just let you up and go fight the Cabal by yourself? Who do you think you are? Monet? Maybe she could run in and kick their asses single-handedly but I doubt you can Lucas... going in alone would be suicide and quite honestly I think you're a bit too young to try and commit suicide... no, if you go I'm following. I'd like to see you try and stop me..." Ian said with a smirk. "You might be able to outsmart me but I highly doubt you can overpower me... if you go I'm going as well and that's final." He said with an almost smug amount of confidence.

"Ian's right mate, we're not about to let you go in alone... what kind of friends would we be if we did? I'm going as well!" Richard said standing up beside his brother.

Greg just sighed but he also got up, "If these two are going so will I... someone has to keep you guys out of trouble." He stated calmly, "As Ian's Guardian it's my job to protect him... and as your friend... and I do consider you a friend not just my charge's lover... it's my duty to help you save your mother..."

Lucas blushed a bit at that, "Um... thanks Greg... that... means a lot..." He just muttered.

Xander also got up following the other boy's move, "Same for me, I know we just met but you've showed me more kindness then I've known in years... I'll do my best to assist you..."

Finally Erin spoke up to, "Well it goes without saying I'm going to of course... she's my mother as well... and did you really think I'd let you do something that stupid alone? That's my job..." She half joked. "But seriously bro... you aren't alone anymore... you've got friends who are willing to go through hell and back to help you out," she said cheerfully. "Plus I've got about a 1000 bucks on the line... I bet Phoebe Miller that you'd have a boyfriend and lose your virginity by Christmas..." She muttered.

Lucas fumed a bit at that, "You have no right to bet on my personal life! Wait? 1000 bucks? That's a lot of money Erin," he muttered but she just grinned.

"So? You two go and fuck already! I want that 1000 bucks!" She joked.

Both Ian and Lucas turned bright red and became unable to look each other in the eye... Richard and Greg were both snickering and Xander was trying not to join them, but he was doing a very bad job of it... Lucas just glared at them his face going scarlet and not for the first time he was cursing his white fur. But at the same time he felt his heart swell... for the first time he had friends who were willing to go through great risk to help him.

"But thanks guys... are you guys sure you want to do this? We can all get hurt... or killed," he said.

Ian was the one who spoke up at that, "We know, but we are your friends Lucas... and I love you... I'll do anything for you," he said as he hugged Lucas close to him. "And I will protect you... no harm will come to you if I can help it." He continued before licking Lucas' ears in an affectionate manner causing Lucas to flush slightly and his ears to twitch. "You're ears are so adorable..." He whispered to Lucas causing him to flush even more. After breaking away from the fox, Ian quickly turned towards his brother. "So Rich, have you managed to get a hold of Monet?" he asked.

Richard just shrugged and shook his head, "No, I called her home and her cell but nobody ever answered... I guess she's busy with something..." He stated calmly. "But I'm not worried... Monet is tough and she's probably busy studying for an exam or something..." He said looking into space.

~~~~

Allison sighed as she sat down in one of the Police stations uncomfortable plastic chairs. She had had the full intentions of going home eating and getting a bath and getting some sleep but no... Sergeant Kendrick had requested to have a word with her... it had been awhile since she had last spoken to the Knight... it wasn't a pleasant talk either...

"Ms. Monet, the Sergeant will see you now." A pretty young wolf girl said to her. Her fur was perfectly brushed and her claws were painted a bright pink... Allison just wanted to slap her... Swallowing her urge to do harm to the annoying wolf Allison walked right past her and into the office of the Sergeant. The room was not that big, nor was it well furnished... all it had were two leather seats a desk and a bookshelf. Sitting behind the desk was a badger who looked to be in his mid-forties... the man gave her a strained smile as he saw her enter.

"Good seeing you Allison... how have you been child?" He asked her kindly.

She only gave him an impassive look not returning his smile, "I would be better if you had not sent for me Sergeant, what do you want?" She asked him coldly.

The Sergeant's smile drooped somewhat and he frowned. He seemed at a loss for words for a few minutes before he figured out what he would say, "I want nothing more Allie but to have a nice conversation with my God-Daughter... it's been ages since we've been able to talk about anything besides your actions against the Hunters... and it pains me to see such a young girl get herself in such dangerous situations... you being ambushed worries me..." He told her, "But please Allie, sit down and let us talk..."

Allison dearly wanted to retort and tell the man not to call her that... only her parents were allowed to call her 'Allie'. But she knew she really had no other option but to speak with the Knight. So she just sighed as she sat down the chair. "If Cain truly wanted me dead or otherwise injured he would have sent his Elite Guard against me not some lowly grunts...so I do not understand why you are worried. I was in never in any real danger... it was hardly a challenge taking them out." The badger just chuckled at that. "What is so funny Sergeant?"

"So very bright, but at the same time so very, very dense. Your father and I are not worried because we think you can't defend yourself. We both know you are very capable of fighting off attackers. But what concerns me most is how hostile you are towards the Knights... I understand that the Brotherhood and the Knights have very different ideals, but we are very much on the same side..." He stated. "I have no quarrel with the Mages. They were given a gift from the goddess Hecate herself, and even though I do consider myself Christian, I cannot deny that other gods do exist..."

"I disagree with your methods mostly... keeping the Hidden World separate will only further the divide the Mages and the Mundanes." She told the man simply. He just sighed a bit at that and shook his head. "You can't keep them separate forever... even now in the age of the internet things hardly stay hidden for long."

The Badger just frowned at that, "That is true... it is getting harder for the Knights and the Council to keep the Hidden World hidden, but we can still manage it. The Knights have a lot of influence across the globe as does the Council. As long as we work together we can keep them separate. I understand the Brotherhood seeks to unite the two worlds but I fear it might not work out..." He said shaking his head. "But anyway, how are you dear? How has school been for you? Have you made any friends?"

This took the coyote off-guard but she quickly managed to hide it behind a frown. "School is doing well Sergeant... I am the top student of the grade as usual... as for friends. I have several acquaintances, but nobody I would consider a friend... why are you asking me these things Sergeant? How exactly is any of this your business?" She asked him coolly.

"I'm your god-father Allie, so I am curious on how my god-daughter is doing... I have that right... I remember the days when I used to be 'Uncle James' and not Sergeant. And I miss those days. You've grown up so strong and proud and I admire that, but it saddens me to see how distant you've become. Your father worries for you Allie. He's afraid you will wind up all alone and unhappy."

Allison just rolled her eyes at that, "I do not need a boyfriend to be happy Sergeant... besides my life is far too busy for such a relationship... also the Hunters and the Cabal could use such a relationship against me... the other person could get hurt... I do not want that to happen..." She muttered sadly, "Have you managed to identify the Hunters yet?" She asked him, and he sighed tired.

"Yes I have... the Leader of the group was Wei Meng... he was forty one. He was born in Shanghai in 1970... he and his wife moved to Canada in 1996... he has two sons Jin and Chen... I will be sending word of his death in a few minutes... The official report is that he and the others were involved in a bar-brawl... your involvement is only between you and me. The others we are not releasing, but their families will be told the terrible news. From now on though, please be careful. If Cain is now sending his minions after you it's possible you might be in danger... be on your guard child."

"I am always on my guard Sergeant... and do not worry. As I said before if Cain was seriously wising me harm he would've sent someone far more dangerous than a bunch of low ranking grunts... I will be fine." She told him softly getting up. "I think it will best for me to go back home... I have school tomorrow..."

The badger just nodded calmly.

"Very well, you are excused... but please keep in touch Allie. It was good talking to you, but please keep yourself sharp." He said and she nodded and walked out of the room not even looking at the pretty wolf who was jabbering on her cell-phone.

She sighed as she walked out and shivered a bit as the night was quite chilly and she was still wearing her uniform. As she started walking she suddenly feeling as if somebody was following her. She just shook it off and decided to see if the stranger continued to follow her. After a few blocks she eventually stopped in the middle of the empty sidewalk.

"You can come out now. I will not harm you," she told the presence. Out of nowhere a tall dingo with reddish-tan fur appeared in front of her. He was smirking somewhat and his amber eyes were glistening in amusement.

"How long have you known about me following you?" He asked her in a curious tone.

"Ever since left the police station... I sensed your chi... I take it you are a Mage?" She asked him coolly.

He just nodded calmly. Allison quickly noticed his ears had several piercings. He had three silver studs in his left ear and two more studs and a hood earring on his other.

"Yes I am... a Fire Mage to be exact..."

'Hmm... his chi is different from all the other Fire Mage's I've encountered... strange.' She thought to herself. She quickly shook her head she could figure this out later... but now she had questions she wanted answered. "Fascinating... now why were you following me?" She asked him calmly. "Unless you normally stalk young girls at night...? But be warned you try anything and I will end you," she said in a bored tone.

The dingo boy just burst out laughing at that. He didn't look much older than her... maybe seventeen at the most. From what she could tell his accent sounded Australian... so he obviously wasn't from around here.

"Good one, sorry Princess you aren't my type..." He said with a rougue wink. "You don't have the right... equipment..." He joked, "But as for following you? I'm looking for someone..." He said looking away, "I was told I would find someone important here... I figured you could help me find the person I'm looking for."

"I could help you track him if you can tell me what the person looks like... I assume it is another man?" she asked.

The dingo's face fell somewhat and he looked away again, "That's the problem... I have no idea what the person I'm looking for even looks like... I don't even know his species. All I was told is that I would find him here in Vancouver around the time I turned seventeen. I've been here for over a month and I haven't the faintest clue what to look for." He told her in a grouchy manner.

"I cannot help you if I do not know what to look for... but why me and not someone else? While my tracking skills are excellent there are far better trackers than me..." She asked him.

He just shrugged a bit playing with his jacket. It was made of leather it seemed and looked to be good quality but it was obvious it had seen its better days. He stayed silent for a little bit longer before he decided to speak. "The same person who told me I was to find this person also told me you'd help me find him... so here I am..."

Allison gave this some thought before acting. She just sighed and shook her head, "Why are you looking for this person?" She asked him.

The dingo just shrugged, "I was told he would be someone important... someone I was meant to meet around this time..."

"Was the person who told you this a seer?" She asked him calmly.

"Yes... the person was a seer and he told me I need to find the person I'm looking for... I hate asking for help but you are the only person who can help me... so please."

"Very well then, I will help you find the person you are looking for... but I am heading home. You may follow me if you wish, but do not try anything or I will get you. I always get my target... but either way let us go... I do not like standing in the middle of a deserted street. I already got ambushed once tonight. I do not feel like a round two," she said as her and the Dingo walked off. "Just curious though, if I am to help you find this person why did it take you a month to approach me?"

"I don't like asking people for help... I was so sure I could do it by myself, but obviously I can't... so yes I do need your help as much as it pains me to admit. So will you help me?"

"I believe I already said yes... but what is your name? I would like to know the name of the person I am helping..."

He just gave her a chuckle and a cheeky grin before speaking, "Wouldn't you like to know Princess?"

~~~~

Lucas was standing outside Ian's house. They were about ready to go and save his mom. They still weren't able to get a hold of Allison so they decided to go on without her. As the time neared he began to feel slightly sick to his stomach... Ian was right! These were fully grown Mages and they would be pretty powerful. There was also a possibility one of them could be a Demon Mage. But he had to fight through this... his mother was at stake. And he would not fail her in her time of need.

Ian seemed to have noticed his nerves and laid a paw on his small shoulder, "You okay mate? Not having second thoughts are you?" he asked the fox. Lucas quickly shook his head but stayed silent. Unconvinced Ian continued this, "Really mate, if you don't want to do this we can trust the Guardian Core to do this... or the Knights... it's their job to protect Mundanes from rogue Mages."

Lucas just shook his head again this time he spoke, "I've got to do this Ian, my mom needs me. I can't sit this out on good conscious. Yes I'm nervous but I'll be okay," he said firmly as he looked around to see the others. Greg was standing a ways back, closer to the forest. Richard was sitting in one of the trees as if playing look out, while Xander and Erin were talking off near Greg, "To be honest I'm more worried about the others... I just hope none of them get hurt..."

Ian sighed and hugged Lucas close to him, "We'll be fine Lucas, trust me! Just go on and chill," he told the fox softly.

Lucas just melted a bit in the other man's arms but quickly regained focus, "Okay, now we should go ahead and get to it! The longer we wait the higher chance they might do something to mom... let's go!" He yelled getting the other's attention.

Their plan was to try and catch the Cabal off-guard. If they needed it, Jordan and the group of GC members would be waiting to be called for backup. Lucas just hoped it didn't come to that... the group eventually got together and discussed their plan. Afterwards, Lucas found himself and the others running through the forest on the way to his house. After a few minutes of running they found themselves outside the towering walls of the Mason household.

"Now, remember. Do not try and take the Cabal on directly. Do your best to avoid direct confrontation. If we keep up the hit and run tactics we have the chance of getting Lucas' mother out safe and sound. Understood?" Greg asked taking control of the situation. He had been the one who came up with their current strategy. The group quickly nodded as he walked up to the wall. "Okay, Lucas, Ian... I need you both to make a Barrier on the other side of the wall... just in case they have guards that would try and attack me when I open it..." He said and the two boys quickly nodded and cast their spells. Greg then moved the wall allowing them to enter. The yard was empty but the group was still cautious.

"Where is everybody? You'd think this place would be crawling with guards?" Xander questioned. Greg stayed silent though listening. He quickly felt a presence and was quick to act.

"Quick! Cast barrier!" He yelled. Everybody immediately did as they were told. And just in time as just as they set up the barriers they were attacked by a bunch of spells. Lucas barely stayed on his feet from the impact of the spells on the barrier but he held firm. Out of nowhere several men in billowing black cloaks came out of the ground.

"Well, well, well looks like we've found some pests..." One of them chuckled the other two only shook their heads at the other man's antics.

Greg kept watch looking for a weak point when he found it he quickly yelled, "Now!"

The three men were quickly blasted by a large amount of spells. One of them was hit by a spell that made his face sprout tentacles and the other two were knocked out. One of them was bleeding slightly from his temple.

"Okay we'll split up! Lucas, Ian! You come with me! Erin, Xander and Rich you go another way! If I were them I'd be hiding Lucas' mother in the attic... now go!" He yelled. Ian and Lucas quickly followed them.

Lucas was in charge of maintaining a constant barrier around them while Greg and Ian would deal with the threats. They encountered several other members but they had managed to knock them out. Quickly as possible they ran up the stairs and into the second floor. There they encountered several more members but thankfully they weren't able to pierce Lucas' Barriers... He had no idea why he was able to handle so much all of the sudden but he guessed it was because his mind was focused on other things. One of the people had gotten close to breaking the barrier but he was quickly sent back by Ian's flames. Greg had some water out from the pouch he had and was also keeping the men at bay. Eventually they finally managed to reach the attic where Lucas and Erin made their home. They quickly found it empty and Lucas saw his mother was chained up to one of the walls seemingly unconscious.

"Mom!" He quickly yelled running up to her letting his Barrier collapse.

Before either of the larger boys could grab him he was out of their reach and by his mom's side. As much as he shook her she wouldn't wake up. He had checked her pulse and was still alive but she still wouldn't wake up. Suddenly a spell came into his head... "Awaken!" He said and his mother's eyes quickly went wide open.

"Lucas? What are you doing here? Get out! It's too dangerous...!" She told the boy who only shook his head.

"No Mom, I'm not leaving you!" He told her firmly before a cold chuckle rang through the air.

"How sweet... good to see you came so quickly child... we've been waiting for you..." He quickly turned and saw a tall jackal. Behind him stood several men... and they had the rest of the gang rounded up. Two men had quickly grabbed hold of Ian and Greg before they could give him a warning. The others looked to be tied up as well... "Looks like I win huh?" was all the man said.

Lucas' heart began to sink... they'd been tricked... he'd just put his friends in danger. It would take a miracle for them to get out of this...