The Curse

     The large demonic creature stared coldly down at Luke’s, it’s evil red eyes seeming to stare right through him, sending a chill down Luke’s spine.  The flesh of the demon was a deep blue that was almost black. It wore black armour that was edged with crimson red. It stood at least six inches taller then Luke, its body firm with muscles.  It stared at Luke with an evil grin, showing it’s long white teeth. The demon swung its large, clawed hand towards Luke, it’s sharp claws tearing the front of Luke’s shirt to shreds, drawing long trails of blood. Luke winced at the pain and tried to turn and run away from the demon, however he tripped and fell to the ground. Luke tried to scramble to his feet again but the demon knocked him back down. Luke looked around for something to defend himself with, his eyes falling upon a nearby sword. Luke quickly grabbed the sword, he held it above himself and lunged forward the best he could, plunging the sword through the demon’s belly. The demon howled in pain and stumbled backwards giving Luke a chance to rise to his feet. Luke twisted the sword and pulled it from the demon’s body. As he pulled the sword out the demon changed to look like Bo. Luke just stared with terror filed wide eyes. As his younger cousin’s dead body fell to the ground at his feet in a pool of blood.


     Luke sat straight up in bed, his body covered with a cold sweat, a scream trapped in his throat. Luke took a deep breath to try to clear his thoughts, the images of the dream still not leaving him. He had the same dream every night for the past week, and it terrified him each time. Luke glanced over at Bo’s bed, were his younger cousin slept soundly. He hadn’t told Bo about the dream and didn’t plan on telling him this time, how could he tell Bo that he dreamed he killed him and that he looked like a demon. Luke quietly got out of his bed and went to the kitchen to get something to drink. He wished he knew why he kept having the same dream over and over again. He didn’t understand why he kept seeing Bo as some demonic creature and then killing him, he would never hurt Bo let alone kill him. Luke got a glass of water and went outside; hoping the fresh air would clear his thoughts. Luke had the same dream the next three nights, each time it grew more vivid, more real and more violent.
     It got to the point that Luke didn’t want to go to bed, for fear of having the same nightmare once again, making up some excuse not to go bed. Everyone noticed Luke’s strange and increasingly distant behavior. Luke started avoiding Bo, as anytime he was near him the images of the dream flooded his mind. Bo sat on the porch swing, sipping at a can of beer, while Luke worked on the General, after insisting he could do it on his own. Jesse walked outside and sat down next to Bo.
     “Did the two of you have some kind of fight?” Jesse asked, trying to find an answer to Luke’s strange behavior.
Bo shook his head. “No sir, at least nothing I know about. He has just been acting strange and distant, more so then normal.”
Jesse nodded in agreement, saying nothing.
     As Luke worked on the engine of the General his hand slipped, slicing his left hand.
     “OW! Dang it.” Luke cursed.
Jesse and Bo rushed off the porch and over to Luke. Luke was clenching his left hand tightly, blood seeping between his fingers.
     “What happened?” Jesse asked worriedly.
     “I slipped and cut my hand.” Luke said, showing his sliced hand.
     “That looks bad, you might need stitches, I’ll go call the doc.” Jesse said.
     “What did you cut it on?” Bo asked.
     “I slipped that’s all there is to it.” Luke said.
Bo went to get a closer look and Luke pulled his hand away and started to walk towards the house. Luke noticed an almost hurt look in Bo’s eyes and felt bad. He cursed himself for allowing a dream to run his life. Luke walked over to the kitchen sink and ran his hand under the cold water, watching the red water spiral around as it went down the drain.
     “Okay the doc can look at your hand now, so c’mon.” Jesse said.
Bo handed Luke a cloth to wrap his hand in. Luke walked back outside his head spinning with images of his reoccurring nightmare, the pain in his hand seeming to intensify. Luke’s vision started to go blurry and he blinked his a couple times to try to clear it, which did little to help. Luke was about four feet for the pickup truck when a blanket of darkness slipped over his mind and dropped unconscious to the ground. Bo rushed over and dropped to the ground by Luke, checking for a pulse.
     “He’s okay, he just fainted.” Bo said.
     “Why would he just faint like that?” Jesse asked.
     “I don’t know.” Bo said, as he carefully picked Luke up and put his limp unconscious body into the truck. “I think we had best just hurry and get him the doc’s though.”
Jesse nodded as he climbed in behind the wheel of the truck and sped off towards town.
     Bo sat holding Luke’s head in his lap, praying that Luke would be okay, worrying that something could be seriously wrong with Luke, to explain his odd behavior lately. Jesse could see the worry in Bo’s eyes as clearly as though he had said something.
     “Don’t worry Bo, Luke will be fine, he’s a fighter.” Jesse said.
Bo nodded. “Yeah I know.”

     Luke ran through the thick fog trying to escape the demonic creature that was chasing him. He could hear the demon growing closer with each moment that passed. Luke could barely see anything that lay before him, he hoped there wasn’t a cliff, or other hazard in front of him. Luke began to notice the outline of woods in front of him and began to run faster hoping to find cover. His heart sank when he reached the edge of the woods, they looked haunted, all the trees black, dead, and twisted. Each branch of every tree was covering in thorns. Luke could hear the demon growing closer and took a deep breath and ran into the woods. The branches grabbed at him and scrapped against his body, tearing at his shirt and jeans. The demon let out a high pitch howl that seemed to freeze the blood in Luke’s vein, terror clenched at his heart. After what felt like forever he emerged through the far side of the woods, stopping short at a cliff. Luke looked over the edge of the cliff, harp pointed rocks reached up high from the ocean floor below. Luke looked around for a way to escape, but it was too late the demon emerged from the woods behind him. It swung its large hand at him, slicing him across the chest. Luke fell to the ground and started up at the demon. It lunged towards him, gathering all his courage Luke managed to trip the demon. Luke watched it go over the edge of the cliff. Luke moved to look over the edge to see the wanting to see the demon was dead. Though the sight that might Luke’s eyes filled him with terror, he didn’t see the demon he only saw his younger cousin Bo, clinging to a small ledge several feet down the rocky cliff. Bo looked up at his older cousin his eyes filled with terror and pleading for Luke to help. Luke reached down over the edge, his fingers faintly brushing against Bo’s hand.
     “Take my hand.” Luke said.
Bo reached up to take Luke’s hand, but the second he did the rocky ledge gave away and Bo’s body plummeted to the rocks below. Luke watched with a pale face as Bo’s body was impaled on the rocks below.

     Luke woke up, trying to stop his body from trembling, his hand aching. Luke opened his eyes and sat up. Bo heard Luke moving and set the car magazine he had been reading down on his bed.
     “About time you woke up.” Bo said jokingly.
Luke glanced over at Bo, though avoiding eye contact. “What happened?”
     “You passed out. Doc said it was a combination of fatigue and the injury to your hand.” Bo said.
 Luke glanced down at his hand, which was wrapped with gauze.
     “You needed six stitches.” Bo said.
Bo wished he could get Luke to talk more and to stop being so distant, but that seemed impossible. Bo figured perhaps the best way to get an answer was just to flat out ask.
     “What’s is up with you lately?” Bo asked.
     “What do you mean?” Luke asked.
     “You have been acting distant, and won’t hardly say two words to me, you won’t even look at me.” Bo said.
     “Nothing.” Luke said flatly.
     “Yeah right . . .” Bo started to say.
     “I don’t want to talk about it so why don’t you just leave me the hell alone.” Luke said, he still couldn’t shake the images of the nightmare and figured the only way to stop thinking about it was to shove Bo away.
Bo stood up. “Fine cousin be that way.”
Bo stormed out of the room, Luke suddenly felt very bad for how he was treating Bo, knowing it wasn’t Bo’s fault he was having these dreams.
     Jesse was sitting at the kitchen table, drinking a cup of coffee and reading the newspaper when Bo stormed out of the house, the flimsy screen door banging behind him. Jesse went outside to follow Bo.
     “What’s wrong?” Jesse asked.
     “Why should anything have to be wrong?”
     “It’s a little obvious.” Jesse said.
     “Why don’t you go ask Luke?”
Jesse went to say something else, but before he could Bo got into the General and sped away from the farm in a cloud of dust.
     Jesse walked into the bedroom, determined to get the answers from Luke. Jesse sat down on the edge of Luke’s bed and looked at Luke sternly.
     “Just what is going on Luke?” Jesse asked.
Luke shrugged.
     “That is not an answer I want an answer.” Jesse said firmly.
Luke took a deep breath, wondering if he could tell his uncle about the dreams. Finally he decided to just tell about the nightmares, thinking perhaps talking about them would make them go away. As Luke told Jesse about the nightmares, Jesse’s face paled, by the time Luke was done Jesse looked as though he had seen a ghost. Luke noticed and felt bad for telling Jesse all the details of the dreams.
     “I’m sorry.” Luke mumbled.
Jesse put a hand on Luke’s shoulder. “You have nothing to be sorry for . . . I just can’t believe this is happening. It means the curse is real.”
     “Curse? What curse are you talking about?” Luke asked.
     “I guess you are old enough to hear this . . . I have never even told Bo, for fear talking about it would make it come true.” Jesse said, trembling inwardly just at the thought of talking about it.
     “It started two years before Bo was born. His father Kurt met a young woman Faith, who would later become Bo’s mother. However she was a part of cult, The Sect Of Cyrainsa. They were married within the sect and lived there. I didn’t even know until later that they had a child. They fled the sect when Bo was only two months old, when the leader of the sect Cyrain tried to take Bo as his own child. They refused to give up their only son and fled the sect. Though Cyrain confronted them as they tried to leave, trying to steal Bo from them, they narrowly escaped. He placed a curse upon them, that once Bo grew old enough he would return to claim Bo and Bo would become like him in his true form . . . a demon straight from the depths of hell. They came to me, not knowing where else to turn. They left Bo with me, praying that way Cyrain would never be able to find him, I haven’t heard from them in nineteen years I don’t know if they are even still alive.” Jesse said stopping to take a deep breath.
Luke just stared at Jesse with wide eyes unable to believe what he was saying.
     “I guess your dreams mean that the curse is true. Cyrain will come to claim Bo, turning him into a demon.” Jesse said.
Luke shook his head. “That can’t be true . . . if it is I WON’T let it happen.”
     “I doubt you can stop it from happening. Kurt and Faith told me how powerful Cyrain was, they were lucky to escape with their lives. Faith was blinded while they tried to escape.” Jesse said.
     “I am not about to just sit back and allow some demon to take Bo.” Luke said.
     “I don’t want it to happen either . . . but I don’t see how we can stop it.” Jesse said.
     “You were willing to take Bo in to protect him as a child, why aren’t you willing to protect him now?”
Jesse just shook his head and sighed. “Even your dreams show the outcome of any battle you’d attempt.”
     “They were just dreams . . . maybe I had them so I could be able to stop this Cyrain from taking Bo away from us.” Luke said, getting out of the bed. “I am going to go find Bo and talk to him about this.”
Jesse grabbed Luke by the arm. “I am not going to lose both of you.”
Luke looked at his uncle, able to see the pain clearly in his eyes. “I am not going to lose Bo.”
Jesse looked at Luke for a long moment then finally nodded. “Bring Bo home. We can both protect him.”
Luke nodded and went outside and got into Jesse’s truck to go and look for Bo, quite sure he knew just where to find Bo.
     Bo was sitting on the hood of the General, staring out across the glistening water of the pond. He turned when he heard a vehicle approaching. Bo frowned, when Jesse’s truck stopped beside the General and Luke got out.
     “Bo . . . we need to talk.” Luke said.
     “Why the sudden change? Only an hour ago you wanted nothing to do with me.”
Luke sighed. “I am sorry Bo. I can explain, if you just give me a chance.”
Bo sighed and slid over on the hood to allow Luke room to sit next to him, his anger fading. As always he couldn’t stay mad at Luke for any length of time.
     “I don’t even know where to begin.” Luke said, his own thoughts spinning with his recent nightmares and what Jesse has just told him.
     “The beginning is usually the best place to start.” Bo said.
     “Yeah, I guess it is.” Luke said, and took a deep breath.
Bo sat listening silently as Luke told him about the nightmares.
     “Why didn’t you say anything sooner?” Bo asked.
     “I don’t know . . . I just couldn’t.” Luke said.
     “Why are you making such a big deal out of some dream?” Bo asked.
     “There is more to this then just a dream . . . Jesse told me the rest. Maybe you should hear it from him.” Luke said.
     “No, tell me the rest of what is going on.”
Luke took a deep breath and began to tell Bo the same thing that Jesse had told him. Before Luke could even finish Bo interrupted him.
     “Yeah right Luke, I don’t believe one word of that.” Bo said, his voice was edged with anger.
     “It is the truth Bo.” Luke said, trying to remain calm.
     “Yeah right.” Bo said, as he slid off the hood of the General and walked off towards the woods.
     “Bo wait.” Luke said going after him. “You know I wouldn’t lie to you, it is the truth.”
Bo spun around to face Luke. “I don’t believe a word you are saying so just leave me alone. I have heard enough of your lies.”
Bo started to take off again and Luke went to follow when he heard a voice in his mind. ‘Leave Bo alone. Stay away from him.’ Images of Bo being the demon and then dying flashed through his mind. Luke shook his head trying to clear his thoughts and ignoring the voice he continued to follow Bo.
     As Bo ran trough the woods a hot stabbing pain shot through his stomach. Bo clenched his right arm tightly around his stomach and continued to run. Luke called out Bo’s name as he ran after him, begging him to stop, the images of most recent nightmare flashing through his mind, Luke was grateful that there was no cliffs around here. Finally the pain became too great for Bo to run any further. Bo dropped to his knees and then collapsed to the ground, holding his paining stomach tightly, curling into a fetal position. Luke caught up and his heart raced with fear when he saw Bo on the ground. He rushed over and knelt down next to Bo.
     “Bo are you okay?” Luke asked, his voice full of concern.
Bo didn’t respond, he could only distantly hear Luke’s voice and couldn’t even find the strength to answer.  Luke reached out and touched the side of Bo’s face, Luke pulled his fingers back, Bo’s skin felt so hot that Luke thought he was going to burn his fingers by touching Bo. Bo gave a soft cry of pain, Luke’s fingers had felt like ice when he touched him, the pain in his stomach was growing worse and spreading.
     “It’s okay Bo. I’m right here. You’re gonna be okay, I’m not going to let anything happen to you.” Luke said.
Bo mumbled something incoherently.  Luke decided the best thing to do was get Bo home. Luke gently lifted Bo up, Bo cried out in pain as Luke lifted him.
     “I’m sorry Bo . . . I am so sorry.” Luke said, and carried Bo back to the General, trying to be careful not to jostle him too much.
Luke slid Bo in to the General and then climbed himself.
     Luke was about half way to the farm, Bo had passed out several minutes ago. A voice sounded in Luke’s mind, a different voice then before, a voice that he felt complied to listen to.
     ‘You can’t take Bo back to the farm, you have to take him somewhere else.’
     ‘Where? Bo needs help he is hurt.’
     ‘Go to the cabin at still site number four. Bo will be okay.’
Luke wasn’t sure if he should listen to the voice that spoke to him, but somewhere deep down he knew he should. Luke turned the General onto Ridge Runner’s Road and speed towards the old cabin praying that Bo truly would be okay.
     Luke carried Bo into the cabin laying him down on an old cot. Bo was unconscious and his skin still burned, feeling like a glowing ember from a fire. Luke sat down on the floor next to Bo, watching Bo’s facial expressions twist with pain, praying that Bo would wake up soon not knowing how to make Bo wake up. Luke called Cooter on the old CB, which was still in the cabin, to tow the truck back to the farm, keeping an eye on Bo the whole time. He didn’t tell Cooter anything that was happening, even though he was a close friend of the family Luke worried that he wouldn’t understand and figuring the fewer people that knew the better. After checking on Bo, after CB’ing Cooter Luke called Jesse on the CB.
     “Lost Sheep to Shepherd, Lost Sheep to Shepherd come in Shepherd.” Luke said.
     “This is Shepherd, what’s wrong Luke?”
     “This ain’t the time to talk about it. Me and Bo won’t be back for a while we are both fine. I called Cooter to tow the truck back to the farm.” Luke said.
     “Why don’t you just come back . . . it’d be for the best.” Jesse said.
     “No sir. I know what I am doing, trust me.” Luke said.
Jesse thought about it for a moment then sighed. “Okay Luke just take care.”
     “Yes sir.”
     Luke had no more the set down the CB when Bo began to toss and turn. Luke walked over and knelt down beside the bed, gently placing his hand on Bo’s shoulder. Bo jerked away from Luke’s touch, sitting straight up on the bed. Bo stared at Luke, his normally deep blue eyes had turned black. Luke tried to keep from flinching at the coldness that he could see clearly in Bo’s eyes.
     “Bo are you okay?” Luke asked.
Bo just stared at Luke as though he hadn’t even heard Luke’s question. His eyes looked distant and appeared to be lost in a thick fog.
     “Bo?” Luke said, reaching out to place a hand on Bo’s shoulder.
Before Luke could even touch him Bo pulled away and stood, Bo started to walk towards the door. Bo’s thoughts spun incoherently and he was only dimly aware that Luke was there with him. Bo felt trapped in a thick for he could hear a distant, deep voice calling him. The voice seemed to be like a lighthouse calling him home to journey’s end, yet there was something cold and dark about the voice that frightened him and he wanted to do nothing more then turn and run. Luke’s voice began to grow louder, then the first voice, a voice that offered nothing but friendship, a lifetime of understanding and protection from all the “bad” things in the world. Bo brought his hands up and rubbed his temples as he continued to walk forward, with no idea of where he was going, or where he was. Suddenly his vision became blurry and the world around him seemed to begin to spin, Bo took a couple stumbling steps forward. He would have surely collapsed to the ground if Luke hadn’t been there to catch him. Luke helped Bo remain standing and to walk back over to the bed. Bo sat down, leaning his elbows on his knees and leaning his head forward to rest on the palm of his hands.
     “Bo are you okay?” Luke asked his voice full of concern.
Bo just shrugged, not really knowing what else to say, not knowing the answer to Luke’s question himself. Luke put a hand on Bo’ shoulder, this time Bo didn’t pull away. Bo looked up at Luke, his eyes were still black though this time they were clear.
     “Everything you said before . . . about the curse  . . . was true, wasn’t it?”
Luke nodded. “I am sorry Bo.”
     “You’ve got nothing to be sorry for.” Bo said, trying to hide his fear, though Luke could plainly see Bo’s fear.
     “Everything is going to be okay Bo. I promise that I won’t let anything happen to you.” Luke said, offering his younger cousin some reassurance.
Bo gave a half-hearted smile. “Thanks Luke.”
     Bo went outside to pump some water. His thoughts were still spinning chaotically but he didn’t feel threatened because Luke was there, his whole life Luke had always taken care of him when bad things threatened him. The water coming out of the pump started to change colours, taking on a slight reddish tint. The water grew darker with each passing second until it seemed to have changed from water to blood, the smell of sulfur filled Bo’s nostrils. Bo stumbled backwards as he tried to escape from the blood that was pooling on the ground around the water pump. Luke saw Bo on the ground, his eyes reflecting his horror, Luke rushed outside.
     “Bo are you okay?” Luke asked.
Bo jumped to his feet and stared at Luke with dark eyes, the whole aura that surrounded him seemed to have changed.
     “Bo what’s wrong?”
Bo glared at Luke, his black eyes full of coldness and hatred. After a moment Bo turned to leave. Luke tried to run after him but he suddenly felt weak, Luke dropped to his knees, breathing seemingly difficult. Luke looked up to see Bo walk over to a stranger. The strange man looked directly at Luke, and Luke knew who it was, it was Cyrain. Though Luke had never seen him before he just knew it was him, Luke wanted to scream out and warn Bo, but he couldn’t find his voice. Bo walked over to Cyrain, never looking back at Luke. Cyrain stood a couple inches taller then Bo, he had dark red hair that was nearer to black, which hung down past his shoulder in a soft wave. His eyes were black, just as Bo’s had turned. His skin was soft and smooth and he didn’t appear to be a day over thirty, his body appeared to be firm with muscles. A blanket of darkness spread over Luke’s mind and he slumped to the ground. Bo was afraid of Cyrain knowing he was a demon, knowing if he went with Cyrain his life would be over. However Bo couldn’t resist the unseen force that dragged him towards Cyrain, clouding his mind, he couldn’t even remember that Luke was there. Bo stood inches in front of Cyrain, his eyes void of any emotion. Cyrain smiled at Bo, extending his right hand out to Bo. Bo smiled in return and reached out and took Cyrain’s hand, the two of them then vanished.
     The next thing that Bo reappeared was appearing in a small village. Only one person seemed to notice their presence. A young woman, who appeared to be about the same age as Bo. She had long blonde hair, that reached down the small of her back, in a wave of curls, her hair in a loose bound ponytail that was tied with soft blue flowers that matched her enchanting blue eyes. She walked over and stood in front of Bo and Cyrain, she smiled at them, instantly enchanting Bo.
     “Lena, this is Bo he is the chosen one. I want you to make him comfortable.” Cyrain said.
Lena nodded, reaching out and taking Bo’s hand into hers, as she stepped closer Bo could smell the sweet scent of her perfume, that smelled like jasmine and roses. Bo allowed her to lead him through the small village.
     “Your name is as beautiful as you are Lena. I have never heard anything like it before, where are you from?”
     “The temple of Wychwood. I lived here with Cyrain though for as long as I can remember.” Lena said.
What she didn’t tell Bo was that she was more a “puppet” of Cyrain’s and did his bidding to cloud men’s mind. As her name stood for temptress, she was just that that. Her beauty was full of depict and evil, her beauty was only skin deep.
Bo raised his eyebrows questioningly. “Never heard of there? Where is it?” Bo asked, not even thinking about the fact he didn’t know where he was, there was something about being with Lena that made everything seem to peaceful and alright.
     “Does it really matter? I can’t even remember the place.”
     “I guess it don’t matter then.” Bo said.
Lena led Bo into a large room, the walls were lined with candles, the fragrance of incense filled the air. Plush furs covered most the floor except the center of the room, which was barren earth.  Lena led Bo to the patch of black soil, and they both sat down on the cool ground. Lena ran her long slender fingers through Bo’s thick blonde hair, staring deeply into Bo eyes, enchanting him. Bo’s thoughts seemed lost as he stared into her eyes, he didn’t know where he was and seemed to be forgetting who he was. Lena leaned forward and kissed Bo on the lips, their lips becoming locked in a kiss of passion. She slid her arms around Bo’s neck, playing with the locks of his blonde hair at the nape of his neck. Bo placed his hands around her waist, becoming completely lost in the kiss.
     Luke slowly started to wake up, his head throbbing. Luke shook his head to clear his thoughts and then stood up. He sighed as he looked around, cursing himself for allowing Cyrain to take Bo. Luke wondered how he was going to tell Jesse that he lost Bo, after he promised his uncle that he would take care of Bo, saying that he could keep Bo safe. Luke decided not to tell Jesse right away, he wanted to first try to rescue Bo on his own, he just wished he knew where Cyrain had taken Bo. Luke sat on the hood of the General as he thought of ways to try to find Bo and to save his younger cousin from the curse. Luke couldn’t seem to think of anything, his mind just kept drawing blanks, he didn’t even know where to begin.
     Lena pulled away from Bo when Cyrain walked into the room. Cyrain smiled at her and motioned for her to leave the room. Lena nodded and left the room, leaving Bo alone with Cyrain. Cyrain was now wearing a dark blue robe, he knelt down in front of Bo, pinning Bo with a cold stare.
     “Your parents were fools to think they could keep you away from me. Your are the chosen one Bo. Your parents tried to keep you from your destiny, keep you from the power, what do you think about that?”
Bo just looked at Cyrain for a moment. “I want to go home.” Bo finally replied his voice was firm.
Cyrain frowned and thought to himself. ‘Bo is stronger then I thought.’ Cyrain shook his head. “That is not possible. This is your home now, accept your destiny.”
Bo tried to stand up but became bound by invisible ropes, the more he struggled the more they tightened, so Bo stopped struggling.
     “Accept your destiny.” Cyrain said as he took out a sliver blade.
Bo shook his head. “It is a CURSE, not my destiny and I will not give into you.”
     “We’ll see about that. I am sure once you know the whole truth you will be willing to accept your destiny.” Cyrain said.
In a quicker then the eye movement Cyrain grabbed Bo’s left hand. Bo tried to pull away but his body felt frozen. Bo flinched as the sliver blade sliced across the palm of his hand, drawing a stream of blood. Cyrain closed Bo’s hand into a fist, Bo’s blood dripped from his hand in small droplets, causing the Earth below him to seem to come alive. Bo trembled as he felt the ground began to swallow him, to afraid to scream, Bo’s eyes remained fixed on Cyrain as the ground pulled him under. Bo closed his eyes as his head slipped below the surface of the ground, the cold black soil surrounding him.
     ‘Luke . . . help me!’ Bo screamed mentally, wishing that Luke was there and praying just by some chance that Luke could hear and would come and rescue him, such things had happened in the past.
     Luke’s heart began to race as Bo’s voice sounded in his head, he knew Bo was in danger and that if he didn’t move quickly Bo could be lost forever. Luke knew now just where he had to go to find Bo and he prayed he could get there quick enough to save Bo. Luke returned to the farm to gather some things he would need for long trip. Luke was glad that Jesse had gone out so he didn’t have to explain everything to him. He threw a quick layer of dark hunter green paint over the General, figuring the bright orange paint job would stand out like a sore thumb. Luke climbed into the General Lee and said a quick prayer for his and Bo’s souls and then sped off to save his younger cousin.
     Images began to dance through Bo’s mind. He felt like he was walking through a vast underground cavern, the walls made out of dense black stone. A smell of sulfur and death filled the air. A river wound it’s way down the center of the cavern. The water appeared to be gray, and Bo could see things floating in it, things like bones. There was a thin layer of some kind of plant life covering the water, it was pale brown. Bo was also sure he could see something swimming below the surface of the water. Bo wasn’t sure why he kept walking, but he felt that he had little choice. The cavern opened up to a large underground lake. There was no ground left to walk on, and Bo stood by the edge of the water.
     “Go into the water my son.” Cyrain said, his voice ringing through the cavern, although he was nowhere to be seen.
Bo stepped into the water, he water felt hot enough to scald his skin, yet it left no mark. Bo walked out into the water, until the water was waist deep. The brown plant like stuff that floated on the water suddenly burst into flames, and Bo’s heart started to race with fear. The flames flickered high towards the ceiling of the cavern. Cyrain’s face appeared in the flames in front of, his face extra large, seeming to reach from the water to the ceiling. His eyes glaring at Bo like two hot coals. Bo looked around for an escape but the fire surrounded him like a cage. Cyrain’s started to laugh, his laughter echoing off the walls. Bo closed his eyes, hoping when he opened his eyes again he would find this all to be a dream and he would back home in Hazzard where it was safe. He opened his eyes again and found Cyrain’s face was gone but the flames remained, thick black smoke slowly began to fill the cavern.
    Panic clutched at Bo’s heart, he found even though there was smoke filling the air he could still breath easily, inhaling the smoke as though it were only air. The smoke was actually like a toxin, slowly poisoning Bo’s mind, changing him for the worst. The change was minuet at first and Bo couldn’t notice his humanity slowly slipping away. After a few more minutes of inhaling the toxic smoke Bo began to notice the change in himself and it frightened him. He tried to turn his thoughts to his family, especially Luke, prying that his older cousin would come to his rescue, though deep down he feared it was already to late for him. Bo’s thoughts began to drift steadily turning darker, his heart turning black and a deeper darker change begun to change his body. He tried to resist until he felt the last ounce of his humanity slip from his body, the curse had been fulfilled. Bo closed his eyes and breathed in deep through his nose, inhaling the smoke.
    Bo opened his eyes and found himself sitting back in the small dwelling, Cyrain sat a few feet away from him, and smiled at the evil he could see in Bo’s eyes.
    “How do you feel, my son?” Cyrain asked.
    “Ready to take on the world.” Bo replied, and smiled, though there was nothing but pure evil in the smile.
    “And in time you shall, for you are the chosen one. I assume this means that you have accepted your destiny and no longer consider it to be a curse.”
    “Yes father.” Bo said.
Cyrain placed his hand against the side of Bo’s face and started deeply into Bo’s eyes, peering into the young man’s soul, wanting to be sure that Bo was being honest. Cyrain could see that darkness had replaced the light of Bo’s soul, his emotions darkened, his humanity truly lost forever.
     Days had passed while Bo had remained in the cavern, and had being drawing closer and closer to where he knew his cousin was trapped. He had been driving day and night and still it did not seem to be enough, he feared that too much time had passed and that he wouldn’t be able to save Bo. Luke drove the car up a long narrow road, that ran up the side of a tall cliff, the ocean pounding beneath the road, the sure footed stock car, slowly and steadily made its way up the treacherous road. He knew he was close, once he reached the peak he would be at the settlement, after so many long hours of driving, with little rest, he would reach the sect of Cyrainsa.
     “Just hold on little cousin, I am coming to get you, just please hang on Bo.” Luke said softly, even though he knew there was no way that Bo could hear him.
The road was becoming impassable, Luke noticed a wider area alongside the road, and carefully backed the General in amongst the trees, and climbed out of the car. He realized that he would have to go the rest of the way on foot, and he slung the backpack, with what few supplies he had, over his shoulder, clutching his compound bow in his other hand.
     Lena approached Cyrain, bowing before him.
     “What do you want Lena?” Cyrain asked.
     “An outsider approaches.” Lena said.
     “Is that so.” Cyrain said.
     “Yes it is.” Lena said.
     “What fool would actually dare trespass here.” Cyrain said.
     “It is Luke.” Bo said, he could sense his cousin’s close presence.
Cyrain smiled, and laughed evilly. “Come to save his little cousin, little does he know he is already far too late.”
     “Find him and bring him too me . . . unharmed. I want him to witness first hand what Bo has become, to be the first to fall.” Cyrain said.
Bo just stood silently, his thoughts and heart so darkened by the powers of evil that he didn’t even care about the thought of Luke dying, dying by way his own hands. Lena nodded and quickly left to set forth a search party to find Bo. Cyrain turned to Bo and smiled.
     “It won’t be long now son before you can show to me just how truly loyal to me your are and that you have indeed embraced your destiny.” Cyrain said.
     “Yes father.” Bo said.
     Luke moved quietly, relying on his Marine training as he neared the small settlement, he knew he was close now. He feared if he was caught that he would never see Bo again, and had failed to protect him. Luke heard the soft sounds of whispered voices approaching, and his heart began to beat faster. He ducked behind a tree, praying not to be noticed, as they neared he could hear pieces of the conversation and he knew that his presence there was already known, and he prayed that he could elude his trackers. Luke took a step and his right foot stepped on a twig, which snapped loudly under his weight. Luke cursed under his breath, he had just given away his position. All those in search party heard the sound of the snapping twig echo through the silence of the woods and closed in on Luke’s position. Before Luke even had time to think of how to escape those tracking him, a pair of rough arms grabbed him from behind. Luke struggled to escape but his attempts were in vain.
     “WE CAUGHT HIM!”
Lena was the first to arrive, and stepped in front of Luke, who found himself taken back by her beauty.
     “Remember Cyrain’s order, he is not to be harmed.” Lena said.
     “Well if I let go he’ll escape.”
     “No he won’t.” Lena said, placing her hand against the side of his face. “Will you Luke?”
Luke found he just wanted to listened to whatever she told him to do, so he nodded. The strong arms that had held him trapped fell away.
     “Now give me your hand Luke.” Lena said, extending her hand towards Luke, which Luke took a hold of.” I will take you to your cousin.”
     Lena led Luke to where Bo and Cyrain were. Luke gave a sigh of relief when he saw Bo, who appeared to be unharmed.
     “Very good Lena, you can leave now.” Cyrain said.
Lena nodded and quickly left.
     “I didn’t think we would see you here. I guess stubbornness runs in the family.” Cyrain said.
     “I am not going to allow you to take Bo.” Luke said.
     “You are already far to late to “save” him he has accepted his destiny.” Cyrain said..
     “No.” Luke said, and looked at Bo, finding that he couldn’t see any of the cousin in knew in the black eyes.
     “Show him my son.” Cyrain said.
     “Yes father.” Bo said, and he closed his eyes.
The air around Bo grew warmer, and his hair billowed in an unseen breeze. Bo’s skin began turn blue and his body mass expanded, hard black armour encased his body, and a moment later he opened his eyes, which now glowed red. Luke’s heart raced with fear, the demon for his nightmares now stood before him, and the transformation he had just witness terrified him.  Luke stared at the creature with wide eyes, part of him wanting to flee in terror.
     ‘That is still Bo.’ Luke told himself.
     “Prove your loyalty to me my son, let this human be the first to fall.” Cyrain said.
Bo approached Luke slowly, like a mighty beast stalking its defenseless prey. Luke thought about running, but he refused to leave Bo alone, and recalled what had always happened in dreams when he fled. Luke tightened his hold on the compound bow, sliding it off his shoulder, preparing to arm himself, even though he really didn’t want to hurt Bo. A sudden thought entered Luke’s mind, and he tossed down the bow, and his backpack, and stood with his arms raised slightly at his sides.
     “I am not armed cousin. I have no wish to fight you. I came here to try to protect you just as I promised to do.” Luke said.
Bo seemed unswayed by Luke’s words, and now stood inches in front of Luke. Luke took a deep breath and slowly released it, refusing to allow his terror to show, praying what he felt in his heart was true, that Bo would never hurt him. Bo raised his hand, preparing to strike Luke down with his sharp claws. Bo looked deep into Luke’s eyes, and could see the undying trust there.
     “No . . . I will not harm Luke.” Bo said lowering his hand.
     “Take this human’s life.” Cyrain said.
     “NO!” Bo said, changing back to his normal form. “I will harm Luke, he is my cousin . . . my best friend . . . my brother. I love him far too much to kill him.”
     “Kill this human, embrace your destiny.” Cyrain said.
     “NO!” Bo screamed, closing his eyes tightly, he wished that Luke hadn’t been able to find him, knowing that he had placed his cousin’s life danger.
    Cyrain said nothing further and turned and left the small building.
     “Bo.” Luke said, placing his hand on Bo’s shoulder.
     “You shouldn’t have come Luke.” Bo said, looking at Luke.
     “I came to get you, bring you home. Protect you just as I promised.” Luke said.
     “You can’t do any of that Luke, it is already too late.” Bo said.
     “I think you have proved it’s not too late.” Luke said.
     “Just because I didn’t kill you this time don’t mean I won’t next time.” Bo said.
Luke shook his head. “I know that is not true. I know that you would never hurt me.”
     “I don’t know that.” Bo said.
     “Yes you do, deep down you know I am right Bo.” Luke said. “You have to fight this.”
     “I can’t it is my destiny.” Bo said.
     “It is not your destiny it is a curse.” Luke said.
There was a moment of silence before Bo spoke.
     “Just go home Luke.”
     “I am not going without you.” Luke said.
     “This is my home now.” Bo said.
     “No it is not.” Luke said.
Bo ran his fingers through his thick blonde hair, he no longer seemed to be able to tell what was the truth. Luke wasn’t sure what else to say, there didn’t seem to be words to make Bo see the truth. Luke suddenly recalled that he still had his pocketknife, and an idea entered his mind. Luke snapped open the leather pouch that held his pocketknife, and slowly pulled the knife out, snapping the blade open. Bo looked at Luke curiously.
     “I can show you how I know . . .” Luke said, a slide the blade along his left hand making a shallow cut. “Show you who you are, where you belong.”
Luke handed the knife to Bo, who stood looking at the blade for a moment. Luke prayed that this was the right thing to do, that this is what would save his cousin. Luke held his breath, hoping that Bo knew what to do. Bo sliced the knife along his left palm just as Luke had done. Luke let go of the breath he had been holding and smiled at Bo. Bo returned the smile and took Luke’s hand in his own, as they tightly clenched hands.
     “Brothers forever.” They said at the same time.
Bo’s body seemed to come alive with electricity, and he closed his eyes, as his whole body trembled, though he never let go of Luke’s hand.
     “Just hold on little cousin . . . I’m right here.” Luke said.
Bo wanted to reply but couldn’t find his voice. Bo’s body spasmed and he felt the evil that had had infected him lift from his body like a blanket. Bo opened his eyes, which returned to their normal blue, and smiled at Luke.
     “Thanks Luke.” Bo said.
     “Anytime.” Luke said, and they exchanged a brotherly hug.
     “We have to get out of here . . . he’ll know.” Bo said.
Bo felt weak and took a few stumbling steps towards the door.
     “Are you okay?” Luke asked.
     “I’ll be fine.” Bo said. “We have to get out of here.”
Though they both wondered if they ever would be safe if there was anywhere they could go. They stood by the door for a moment.
     “You ready?” Luke asked.
     “Let’s do it to it.” Bo said.
Luke flung the door open and they both ran out.
     Cyrain had been returning to dwelling, he had sensed what had happened, and saw the Duke boys fleeing.
     “CAPTURE THEM!” Cyrain yelled.
Luke glanced back at Bo who was running a few feet behind him.
     “Get a move on it cuz.” Luke said.
Bo didn’t reply, he merely focussed all his energy on running. They ran for what seemed like hours before they reached the spot where Luke had left the General, just barely avoiding being captured. Bo slid in through the passenger window, he knew that he was in no condition to be driving. Luke jumped through the driver’s side window, and started the car.
     The drive back down the mountain seemed to be more difficult then it had going up. A strong wind blew, and Luke had to struggle to keep the car on the road.
     “He is not going to let us go.” Bo said. “Just stop the car and let me out.”
     “What? Are you crazy?”
     “He only wants me, if I go back to him I can make him let you live.” Bo said.
     “Do you really think he would let me live?” Luke asked. “He wanted you kill me, once he has you he’d have no reason to keep me alive.”
     “I guess so.” Bo mumbled, the last thing in the world he wanted was for anything to happen to Luke.
     “Don’t worry Bo, I promise that I will get us out of this mess just like any other mess we have ever been in, trust me.” Luke said.
     “I do. I trust you with my life.” Bo said.
The General suddenly skidded out of control, Luke tried hard to crank the wheel, but he knew that he was no longer in control of the car.
     “Brace yourself.” Luke told Bo.
Bo braced his hands against the dashboard, grateful that there were close enough to the bottom that they wouldn’t roll too far, and possibly walk away from the accident. The tires hit the edge and the car rolled over the side of the cliff, rolling four times before coming to a slamming stop at the bottom, sitting upright.
     “You okay?” Luke asked.
     “Yeah, just maybe a few bumps and bruises, don’t think nothings broke. How ‘bout you?”
     “The same.” Luke said, trying to restart the engine, which had kicked out during the roll, but it refused to turn over. “Dang it. Wait here I’ll go check the engine.”
Luke climbed out and before he could even opened the hood Cyrain appeared. Bo’s eyes widened with fear, and he climbed out as quickly as he could moving to stand beside his cousin.
    “Playtime is over.” Cyrain said. “Come here Bo.”
Bo shook his head.
     “Bo is not going anywhere with you.” Luke said.
     “He belongs to me, he is the chosen once, it is his destiny.” Cyrain said.
     “No it is a curse.” Bo said.
     “Don’t think you can hide from me. I destroyed your parents when they tried to keep you from me. If you don’t come to me now I will destroy the rest of your family.” Cyrain said.
Bo swallowed hard, visibly trembling.
     “I will not allow you to turn Bo into a creature such a yourself.” Luke said.
     “You would die to protect him?” Cyrain asked.
     “Yes I would.” Luke said.
Cyrain looked at Bo. “And you would allow him to die to save yourself?”
Bo shook his head. “No never.”
     “Then come to me now and I will spare Luke’s life.” Cyrain said.
Bo took a step forward, towards Cyrain, but Luke put his hand on Bo’s arm to stop him. Bo turned and looked at Luke.
     “Just let me go Luke . . . I am not going to allow to die just to save myself.” Bo said.
     “He is lying Bo and you know it.” Luke said.
Bo nodded and took a step backwards, to be beside Luke.
     “I have had enough of this game.” Cyrain said, and changed to his true demonic form.
He looked just as Bo had only stood at least a full foot taller. Bo and Luke knew they had no way to escape.
     “I will not allow you to hurt Luke.” Bo said and rushed forward to attack the demon.
Cyrain raised his large hand and swatted Bo away as though he was only a fly. Bo hit the ground hard and lay unmoving.
     “NO! BO!” Luke yelled and rushed over to his fallen cousin.
Luke rolled Bo over and noticed a smear of blood on Bo’s left temple, where he had struck his head on a rock.
     “Wake up Bo.” Luke said, and held Bo close in his arms.
Luke glanced up at the demon, he knew he couldn’t defeat it, not with his bare hands. So he instead just picked Bo up in his arms and held his close, leaning forward against his younger cousin.
     “I’m sorry that I failed to protect you.” Luke whispered.
Suddenly the air grew cooler and Luke lifted his head, to see why Cyrain had not attacked, that is when he noticed Cyrain had problems of his own. There seemed to be a million tiny orbs of glowing light hovering around him, attacking him. Cyrain howled loudly in pain, swinging vainly at the orbs of light, with no effect, they continued their attack. A few minutes later Cyrain’s demonic body dropped to the ground, and remained unmoving, the orbs of light haven taken his life. The ground around the demon’s body seemed to open up and swallow him.
 Luke turned his attention back to Bo, who was still unconscious. Two of the orbs appeared before him, and changed to appear as humans. Luke looked up at them.
     “Who are you?” Luke asked.
     “We are Bo’s parents. We are a part of the light.” Kurt said.
     “Is he gone forever?” Luke asked.
     “Yes, Bo is now safe, thanks to you.” Faith said.
     “But I failed to protect him it is you who destroyed Cyrain.” Luke said.
     “It was you who called on us.” Kurt said.
     “I did?”
Faith nodded. “You saved Bo from the Curse, only you could.”
     “He’s going to be okay, right? You haven’t came to take him, have you?”
     “No it is not his time, nor yours, not for a long time.” Kurt said.
     “He will be fine. Just please continue to take care of our son.” Faith said.
     “I will, always.” Luke said.
Bo began to wake up, moaning softly in pain. He suddenly sat straight up, his heart racing, as he recalled what had been happening.
     “What happened?” Bo asked.
     “It’s a long story cuz.” Luke said.
Bo looked at Kurt and Faith, he had never seen any pictures of his parents yet he knew who they were. “Mom? Dad?”
     “Yes son.” Faith said.
     “Is it over?” Bo asked, there were many things he wanted to ask them but that was all that seemed to matter.
     “Yes it is over, and you are safe, thanks to your cousin.” Kurt said.
     “Are you here to stay?” Bo asked.
     “No we must return to the light.” Faith said.
     “But there is so much I want to ask you . . .” Bo said, his voice trailing off.
     “We will be together again someday, do not be sad my son.” Faith said.
Bo didn’t know what to say, he wanted to beg them to stay, but knew there was no words to make them stay, so he instead leaned against Luke. He watched his parents turn back into orbs of light and then vanish.
     “Goodbye.” Bo whispered softly.
There was a moment of silence.
     “C’mon cousin, let’s go home.” Luke said, getting to his feet.
Bo nodded and stood up slowly. They both climbed into the car, taking the same positions as before. This time the car started up as though nothing had ever been wrong.
     “So what happened?” Bo asked.
     “I’ll tell ya all about it on the way home.” Luke said.
     “It feels great to be going home.” Bo said.
     “Thanks for coming to rescue me.” Bo said.
     “You’d do the same for me.” Luke said.
     “That’s for sure.” Bo said.
Luke began to tell Bo what had happened as they began the long journey home to life that would be peaceful, or at least back to the way they always had known normal to be.