New
Arrivals
Author-Vision
Titles
Wreckage
by Vision
Summary: The aftermath of a near fatal car accident leads the Sentinel on a mysterious journey.
Disclaimer: Jim, Blair, Simon and Joel do not belong to me. They are the property of Pet Fly and Paramount. I don't make any money etc. etc. Vision sends Becky a big thank you for all of her work. And Vision dedicates this story to her good friend Festus. This one's for you kid!
Jim slammed on the brakes and closed his eyes. Blair's name escaped his lips as the truck smashed head on into a brick wall.
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Blair glanced at his watch for the second time in five minutes . Jim was never late. Mr. Prompt, Mr. Punctuality. Blair felt a shiver course through his body and pulled his jacket closer around him. He eyed a phone booth a few yards away and slowly made his way towards it. Blair's internal alarm was on full alert. Something was wrong, very wrong.
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Simon felt his stomach heave as the crash scene came into view. He parked the car and elbowed his way through the maze of people and equipment. Oh my god. Jim, please be alive. He quickly flashed his badge at one of the firemen and made his way to what was left of Jim's truck. An arm grabbed him from behind and forced him to turn around.
"Captain Banks?"
Simon shrugged off the arm that was restraining him. "Is he alive?" Simon searched the face of the stranger for some hint of hope.
"We're trying to get him out now. He's wedged in there pretty tight. It doesn't look good, sir. He's lost an awful lot of blood."
"But he's still alive, right?"
"Yes."
"Is he conscious?"
"He's fading in and out. You might want to prepare yourself before you see him. It looks pretty awful."
Simon bit down hard on his lower lip as the fireman walked away. Prepare myself? Jim. What the hell happened? Oh my god. Sandburg. What am I gonna tell Sandburg?
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Joel had driven around the campus four times before he spotted Blair. He pulled up beside him and rolled down the window. "Blair, hop in. There's been an accident."
Blair felt his world crumbling. Time stopped. His body refused to move.
"Blair, come on. We got to go buddy. Jim needs you."
Somehow the words "Jim needs you", penetrated the blackness in Blair's soul.. Slowly he moved towards the car and positioned himself in the front seat beside Joel.
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Simon stared at Jim's slumped form. His head lay pressed against the steering column, blood oozing from his temple . His body entangled in a mess of metal and blood. Simon swallowed hard against the nausea that threatened to overcome him.
"Jim? Jim? Can you hear me?"
Jim twitched and opened his eyes slowly. "Simon?"
"There gonna get you out of here, Jim. You just hang in there."
Jim's next words sent an eery chill through Simon's body. "Need... Blair... Hurts... Please...."
"He's on his way. I sent Joel to get him. Five minutes, Jim. They'll be here in five minutes."
A tear ran down Jim's face. "Too long.... Can't wait...."
A fireman tapped Simon on the shoulder. "I'm sorry Captain. You'll have to move now . We're almost ready to try to get him out."
"Do you have a radio?"
"Right here"
Simon grabbed the radio. "What are his chances?"
"Frankly, sir. The chances of him bleeding out when we move this thing are very high. I'd say less than fifty-fifty."
Simon took a deep breath and clutched the radio more tightly in his hand. "I'm gonna use your radio to set up a link between Jim and his partner. No matter what happens you do not break off communications. Do you understand? Even if you think he's dead . You keep this radio plastered against his head. I don't care if you have to tape it to him. Just do it."
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Joel was startled by the ringing of his cell phone. "Simon? We'll be there in five minutes. How's Jim? .... He's right here. I'll put him on."
Blair took a deep breath and tried to steady his shaking hands. Simon's voice punctured his last remaining ounces of control. Blair tried desperately to steady his wavering voice. Their conversation lasted only a few seconds. The gravity of the situation was recounted to Blair . A moment of silence followed, and then the ominous sound of the radio being pressed against Jim's ear. Blair took a final cleansing breath and forced himself to relax.
"Hey Jim. Everything's gonna be okay. I'm almost there. I need you to focus on my voice. I know it hurts to talk, so just listen. I want you to close your eyes. I need you to shut it all down. Picture the dial. Do you see it? Okay now, lets just try turning it down. Just a notch at a time. That's it. Not too fast. Just like we practiced. Great. You're doing great, buddy. Nice slow breaths."
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Jim leaned his head closer to the radio. The pain was overwhelming now and he fought hard to control it. The smell and taste of his own blood threatened to overtake him. The rush of voices and the sound of equipment pounding its way into his head. If only he could make it stop. But, without Blair, there seemed no reason to continue the agonizing journey. He closed his eyes and drifted into the voice. I hear you Blair. Don't leave me. Hurry. Please hurry.
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Blair forced his way past the onlookers and hesitated for a moment beside the wreckage of the truck.
"Sandburg. Get over here!"
Blair moved around to the driver's side of the truck and stared at Jim's unmoving body. "I've got to reach him. He's got to know I'm here."
Blair forced his arm through the shattered glass of the windshield cutting himself on a piece of broken glass. The blood from his hand mixing with the blood on Jim's head. Gently Blair ran his hand along Jim's face and brushed a bloody finger across his lips.. Blair ignored the pleas of the firemen and refused to budge from his position.
"You'll have to work around me. Right, Simon?"
Simon smiled and nodded his head. "Work around him."
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The icy grip of death threatened to consume him. Cold fingers ran havoc through his body Rivers of ice water flooding through his veins. Winter's wind howling through his lungs. Jim's senses searched for a warm haven, a reprieve from the bitter sting of the cold. A warm breeze wafted past his cheek leaving behind a hint of Spring. Jim forced himself to focus on the warmth to draw heat from its presence. He heard a soft voice like the melodic tune of a twittering bird. The scent of Blair's herbal shampoo like a field of Spring flowers. A sweet nectar touched his lips causing the ice water in his veins to run more freely.
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Jim's eyes drifted open and came to rest on Blair's smiling face.
"Hey, Jim. Welcome back."
Jim managed a weak smile. "No more winter."
Blair shifted his chair closer to Jim's bed. "I hate to tell you this partner but it's freezing out there. Winter's just around the corner."
Jim closed his eyes and reached for Blair's hand. "Always spring when you're here, Chief."
The smell of flowers and the twitter of birds lulled him back to sleep.
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Jim shivered as a gust of wind wafted through his body. His frost bitten senses barely able to react to his numbed mind. He opened his eyes slightly and turned his head towards the sun. Blair's radiant face appeared before him.
"It's okay, Jim. Just take it easy. Don't try to take it in all at once. Keep the dials down low. That's it. You're doing great. Try to stay with me now. I know you're tired. You've had quite a day, partner. It's all over. Everything's under control. You're gonna be fine."
"What happened?"
Blair sighed deeply and squeezed Jim's hand. "You tell me."
Jim searched his clouded mind for the answer. The face of a young boy flashed in his head. "A kid. He ran out in front of the truck. Oh my god! Did I hit him? Did I hit him?"
Jim's heart was racing. The image of the boy on a bicycle replaying over and over in his head. Jim's body tensed in response to the frightening thoughts that plagued his sanity.
"He's fine. You got to calm down. Easy, man. Take it easy." Blair gently placed his hands on Jim's shoulders.
"He came out of nowhere, Chief. I didn't see him."
Blair instinctively tightened the grip on Jim's shoulders. "You didn't hit him. Do you hear me?"
Jim relaxed into the touch. "I hear you."
Blair's features took on a new appearance. A look of loving concern etched on his face. "How do you feel?"
Jim tried to mask the pain with a weak smile. "Like I hit a brick wall."
Blair returned the smile and carefully seated himself on the edge of the bed. "You've got one hell of a gash on your leg, and your head took quite a beating. A few broken ribs, not to mention a number of minor cuts and scrapes. You lost an awful lot of blood, Jim."
Blair's next statement made Jim cringe.
"They had to give you a blood transfusion just after we got here. You're lucky to be alive, man."
Winter. Jim felt the cold presence seeping through his veins. An intruder. Cells, muscles and tissues recoiled in fear. A stranger's life force beating in time with his own. Jim's voice was a hollow entity. A cold, lost soul.
"I know, Chief. I felt it. I still feel it."
Blair raised his eyebrows. "Feel what?"
Jim closed his eyes and swallowed hard. I'm scared, Chief. Oh god. I'm scared. "I feel the blood."
"How? How could you feel something like that?"
"I don't know, Chief. I just do."
Jim opened his eyes and stared into the wild eyes of his partner. He felt like an outsider, a stranger in his own body. Maybe it was all a dream. Maybe he could turn off the multiple beatings of his heart. Maybe he could erase the face of a young man that now shared his body, and his mind.
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Jim was exhausted. The trip home from the hospital had drained every ounce of strength that he had. He shifted restlessly on the couch trying to find a more comfortable position.
"Jim? You okay?" Blair abandoned the soup he was stirring and entered the living room.
"Fine. Just hard to get comfortable. Wish I could sleep in my own bed."
Blair sat down on the coffee table in front of him. "That leg of yours would never make it. Too many stairs. You could always sleep in my room."
Jim rolled his eyes in disgust. "No way. All those masks and junk staring at me. Not on your life, Chief."
Blair smiled. "What about some help?"
Jim massaged his temples. "Help would be nice."
"Let's get you comfortable first." Blair repositioned the pillows and moved to kneel in front of Jim. "Okay. Close your eyes. Listen to the sound of my voice. Let my voice push everything else away....."
Jim felt himself drifting. Peace and serenity blanketing him. Nothing but the voice. Warmth, warmth, warmth.....
Blair smiled to himself as he watched Jim's body relax. Quietly he got up from the floor and made his way back to the kitchen.
Jim felt the change in temperature almost immediately. Winter was back.
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The young boy darted out in front of him. Their eyes met. A mental picture of the boy's face frozen in his memory. Jim jerked in his sleep as the truck hit the brick wall. A kaleidoscope of images flooded his mind. The still form of the boy lying on the pavement. A young woman cradling the child in her arms. An ambulance. The child's name being repeated over and over in his head. Blood, screams, pain....
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"NO!"
Blair darted towards the couch. "Jim! Jim!" Blair grabbed Jim's shoulders and began to shake him. "Come on, Jim. Wake up."
Jim frantically fought against the arms restraining him. "NO! NO!" Jim's breath was coming in painful gasps.
"Jim! Calm down. Listen to my voice. Cone on. Don't do this to me."
It seemed like an eternity before the thrashing ceased. Blair gathered Jim in his arms and gently held him in a warm embrace.
"It's okay. Shhh. It's over."
Jim leaned heavily into Blair's arms. "I hit him. I hit him. I hit him."
Blair gently pulled away from the embrace and moved his hands to Jim's face. Cupping Jim's head in his hands he tilted his face towards him. "Listen to me. There was no kid. There never was a kid. You lost control of the truck, you hit the wall. End of story. You did not hit anyone."
Jim searched Blair's eyes for the truth. The truth that only Blair could give him. "I saw him."
"Jim. There was no kid. We have five witnesses who saw you hit that wall. Not one of them saw a kid."
"His name's Sean, Sean Preston. He's seven years old . I even know his birthdate for god's sake." Jim pushed Blair's hands away from his face.
"I'm sorry, Jim. I just found out this morning."
"Then who is this kid? Explain that to me. I see him, I feel him. He's "in" me. I can't explain it. Help me find him, Chief. You've got to help me find him."
Blair reached for Jim's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "We'll find him. Wherever he is. We'll find him."
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Jim hesitated in front of the door. Blair rang the doorbell and gave Jim a sideways glance. The door opened and a middle aged woman appeared before them.
"Hi. I'm Blair Sandburg and this is Detective Jim Ellison of the Cascade Police Department."
The woman took a deep breath and covered her mouth with her hands. "Is it Sean? Have you found him? Please tell me he's alive."
Jim tightened the grip on his cane. "I'm sorry. We don't know anything about your son's whereabouts, but we do have some questions about an accident that he may have been involved in."
"Accident? What accident? The only accident my son has ever been involved in happened when he was seven years old. He was hit by a truck while riding his bike. He barely escaped with his life. That was over eleven years ago, Detective."
Blair shuffled his feet uneasily. "Where did this happen?"
"Carson Street. The corner of Carson and Drewry."
Jim's legs began to tremble. He could barely keep his legs from buckling.
"My son is a good boy. Do you know what he did on his eighteenth birthday three weeks ago? He donated blood for the first time. He gave someone life, and now he's lost somewhere fighting for his own."
Jim quickly excused himself and stumbled blindly to the car. His stomach heaved numerous times before he collapsed on the sidewalk.
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"What do you want from me?" Jim slammed the glass of water on the table and turned his head away from Blair.
"I want you to admit to yourself that this could actually be happening."
Jim shook his head and moved towards the balcony door. "I can't do that."
Blair took a hesitant step towards him. "It's not gonna stop, Jim. You know that."
"So what am I supposed to do? Walk up to Sean's mother and say, 'I think I can find your kid. Did I happen to mention his blood is coursing through my veins?' Right, Chief. I'll get right on it."
"Come on, Jim"
Jim whirled around to face Blair. "And what if I can't find him?"
"Then, at least you tried."
Jim brushed a hand over his face. "And if he's dead?"
Blair took another hesitant step towards Jim. "What is it, Jim? There's something you're not telling me?"
"I need some air."
Jim stepped out onto the balcony. He stared out over the city -- "his city." Cold, dark shadows were beginning to appear. The night sky trapping him in its icy grave. He stared at the sky searching for a glimmer of hope. Nothing... Not a single star to guide his way.
"No stars."
Blair moved in beside him. "I thought we were past all this. I thought we had an agreement. I thought we trusted each other."
"I do trust you."
"Then talk to me." The heat from Blair's breath bathed him in warmth.
"You can't help me, Chief"
"What are you talking about? I'm right here. Whatever happens, we do it together."
Jim turned to face Blair. "Not this time. I can't feel him when you're here. Why do you think I've been hanging around you so much lately? It certainly isn't your winning personality, Chief." Jim smiled and squeezed Blair's shoulder.
"This isn't funny Jim. This is serious, man. How far away do I have to be?"
"To get a really clear image. Probably a few miles."
Blair shook his head. "Forget it. There's no way. I'm not leaving you alone in some forest. Look at you, you're barely able to stand up. Just forget it."
"I'm his only hope. He saved my life, Chief."
Blair began to pace nervously. "I don't like it. I don't like it one bit. Anything could go wrong. You could zone, any number of things could happen."
"Then we call Simon."
Blair stopped pacing and began to chuckle. "Right. I want to see you explain this one."
"You let me worry about that." Jim extended his hand for a handshake. "Are we in?"
Blair gazed deeply into Jim's eyes. A moment of silence passed between them. Blair slowly gripped Jim's hand. "Two miles. No further."
Jim pulled Blair into his arms. If only he could tell him the truth. He could only focus on Sean's heart if he stopped the beating of his own....
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Jim could feel the heat draining from his body. Every step a conscious decision to move towards the blackness. Glaciers of pain slamming into his body. Icicles dangling ominously above his head. Cubes of ice melting down his spine.
"You okay, Jim?" Simon's voice broke through the icy curtain covering his mind.
"Fine."
Simon glanced at the map in his hands. "According to this map we should be pretty close to where they last saw him. You feel anything?"
Jim opened his senses and allowed the rush of cold air to fill his lungs. "This way."
Jim led the way through a winding path half walking, half stumbling towards the blizzard . Dagger like flakes stinging his skin . He paused in front of a small stream and stared into its frigid waters
"He was here. I can feel him."
Simon gently rested a hand on Jim's shoulder. "Let's take a break. Sandburg must be ready to call in the army by now. Get some rest I'll try to raise him on the radio."
Jim eased himself to the ground and closed his eyes. Frozen images skated through his mind Sean's voice trickled in his ears. The smell and taste of blood tobogganing through his body. They were close, very close.
Jim flinched at the touch of Simon's hand on his shoulder. "Are you sure about this, Jim? You look like hell."
Jim managed a weak smile. "We don't have much time, Simon. It's not much further."
"I'm not even gonna ask how you know that. I'll just take your word for it, okay, Jim?"
"Good idea."
Simon extended his hand and helped Jim to stand up. The next hour was spent in almost complete silence. Jim concentrated all his effort on keeping himself focused. The images became clearer, more vibrant. His body became number, more unresponsive. Jim paused for a moment and steadied himself with the help of a nearby tree. He felt the air being forced from his lungs. His heart freezing in his chest.
"Simon."
Simon moved in beside him. "Jim? Jim? What's happening?"
A faint voice chilled the air. "Help! Help! Please help me. I'm over here."
Jim grabbed Simon's arm. "It's Sean. Go to him. Get Blair."
"Don't move, Jim. I'll be right back."
Simon disappeared into the forest. The ice beneath Jim's feet gave way. Body and soul plunging into the darkness.....
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Blair skidded to a stop in front of Jim. The sight before his eyes made his own heart skip a beat. Simon's head lay pressed against Jim's chest.
"He's not breathing."
"Oh god." Blair positioned himself at Jim's head.
"There's no pulse. Start compressions."
The pair worked in unison. Heart and lungs converging as one.
"Anything?"
Blair checked for a pulse. "Nothing. I've got to reach him. Give me your knife."
"What?"
"Just give it to me!"
Simon fumbled through his knapsack and produced the knife. Blair carefully jabbed the blade into his own finger.
"Where's the kid, Simon?"
"Just past those trees."
"Can he walk?"
"Yeah. I think so."
"Get him!"
Blair took a deep breath and smeared his bloody finger against Jim's lips. "Jim. I know you can hear me. It's okay. We found Sean. It's okay to come back now. He's alive."
Simon gently eased Sean next to Jim.
"I know you're scared, Sean, but I need you to do this."
Sean's voice trembled as he spoke. "He's the guy. The guy from my dreams. I knew he would come."
Blair handed Sean the knife. "I need you to cut yourself and smear the blood on his lips. It's the only way to save him. Please. Just trust me on this."
Sean pricked his finger with the knife and allowed a few drops to rest on Jim's lips. Blair lifted Jim's hand and laid it against his own heart.
"Take his other hand and lay it against your heart."
Sean immediately obeyed.
Simon wiped his hand across his brow. "What now, Sandburg?
Blair squeezed Jim's hand a little tighter.
"Now we wait...."
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Cold!
Jim clutched his jacket closer around him. The frozen temple loomed before him. Cautiously he ascended the stairs. Jim ran his hand along the ice covered walls gouging his fingers into the ice. Tears streamed down his face, instantly freezing in their path.
"Incacha!"
A sudden noise made Jim turn towards the jungle.
"Why are you here?" Incacha's spirit appeared before him.
Jim pulled his hands away from the walls and showed them to the spirit. "What's happening to me?"
Incacha closed his eyes and sighed deeply. "The answer is within you. Make room in your heart for another."
Jim turned and pounded his fist against the temple wall. "No!"
Incacha moved a step closer to Jim. "You have not betrayed your Guide. A heart is to be shared with many. Open your heart and allow others to share in its wonder."
Jim's legs buckled and he slid to the ground. His voice shook as he spoke. "Is he a Sentinel?"
Incacha smiled. "He will be."
Jim watched as a jaguar and a wolf appeared beside Incacha. A young panther playfully nuzzled the wolf.
"What do you want from me?"
Incacha bent down and gathered the panther in his arms. He moved towards Jim and set the animal in his lap. "Acceptance."
Hesitantly Jim stroked the animal and closed his eyes....
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The rhythmic pulsing against his hands beckoned him back from the darkness. The steady beat of two hearts banishing the last remnants of ice in his body. Jim focused on the life-giving melody that danced along his fingertips. He allowed his own heart to join in the dance. Three hearts forever entwined by fate....
Jim dragged his eyes open and choked on the warm air that met his lungs. Three sets of hands gripped his body and rolled him on his side. Slowly the world came back into focus. Blair's melodic voice soothing him.
"It's okay, Jim. Deep breaths. Everything's okay. I got you. Just take it easy."
Jim tried to sit up but Blair gently forced him back to the ground. "Lie back. There's a chopper on the way. Just relax."
Jim turned his head towards the young boy seated beside him.
Blair smiled and patted Jim's arm. "James Ellison, this is Sean Preston. I have a feeling you two have already met."
Sean smiled and squeezed Jim's hand. "I knew you'd come. I saw you in my dream. I don't understand it, but I sure am glad you're here."
Jim cleared his throat. "Me too. Are you okay?"
"My leg's a bit banged up but other then that, I'm fine. I think I might reconsider this off-road bike thing though. I guess that's why they're called 'mountain bikes' and not 'forest bikes'."
Jim nodded and closed his eyes. The sound of a chopper filled the air.
Blair squinted up at the sky. "There's our ride. Ready to go, partner?"
Jim smiled, his eyes remaining closed. "Home."
Blair laughed. "Hospital first."
Jim's voice became firm. "Home!"
Blair enunciated each letter of the word. "H O S P I T A L"
Jim growled. "Home!!"
Simon rolled his eyes and put an arm around Sean. "Are you sure you can't walk? It would probably be a lot less painful walking than riding in a chopper with these two."
Echoes of laughter filled the forest. Spring had returned....
**************************
Jim rolled his eyes and grabbed the drink out of Blair's hand. "I am quite capable of getting my own drink, Chief."
Blair seated himself on the couch beside Jim. "Do the terms, 'Get plenty of rest. Don't overdo it. You're lucky to be alive.' ring any bells?
Jim smiled. "I guess I deserve that."
Blair raised his eyebrows. "Deserve it? Let's just say my next step involves handcuffs and a couch."
Jim chuckled and rested his head on the back of the couch. "It's weird, you know."
Blair turned to face him. "What's weird?"
Jim closed his eyes. "I was so afraid."
Blair gently squeezed Jim's arm. "Of Sean?"
Jim turned his head to stare at Blair. "Of accepting him and..."
Blair smiled. "And betraying me."
Jim swallowed hard trying to hold back the tears. "He's a Sentinel, Chief."
Blair swiped at a tear rolling down his own cheek. "I know, Jim. "
Jim reached for Blair's hand. "You think you can handle two of us?"
Blair pulled Jim into a warm embrace. "I think I can manage."
The sound of three hearts beating in unison echoed through the jungle.
THE END