Title: Sight Unseen
Chapter 3 – Essence of Light

A/N 1: Dear readers…I do hope all of you have taken a look at the profiles b/c there are only 2 reviews…but at least you can see who I model my main characters after…get a little feel for their personality types as seen in the movies. I think they fit very well.

A/N 2: Oh and I know very well the principles of Wu Shu but added a little more "fiction" to them than in real life…afterall this is just a story right? So hope it entertains as it's supposed to. If you want to flame, go away! :)

A/N 3: Okay so I redid my profile page and added a logo picture (simple but effective) and an update listing at the bottom before the stories are listed. Please check that page to see what is uploaded…will be uploaded and stories that are coming soon. This will be updated on a regular basis as I'm back in writing form and have lots of stories to post for our hero's!

Sheldon awoke early the next morning to find the bed empty and Caleb gone. "Caleb," she mumbled in a sleepy tone. She allowed her senses to fully awaken and as she did she recognized the faint smell of coffee coming from the direction of the kitchen. She pushed herself out of bed and headed towards the kitchen. She heard some movement and stared in amazement at Caleb who was pouring himself some coffee.

"Caleb?" Sheldon asked softly as she just watched him in surprise.

"Morning," he said softly.

"What um are you doing?" Sheldon asked quickly.

"Doing what I always do, making breakfast for us," he smiled in her general direction. He fumbled to put something away and as he slowly made his way over to her Sheldon could tell this setback of blindness was slowly killing him inside. "Sheldon?" Caleb asked softly as he just listened to the horrible silence.

"I'm right here. About five feet to your left," she told him.

"Thanks," he mumbled weakly. He finally made his way over to her and felt her hand that she had reached out for him to grab onto. "I…" he said taking it and squeezing it firmly. "Man I miss seeing what you look like in the morning," he lamented.

"Come here," she whispered to him. She gently guided his body into her embrace and wrapped her arms around his bare chest. "Caleb I love you. We will get through this together. I just want you to dwell on positive things. Trust me I need that too."

"I didn't even think about that…I mean you…I mean how it's affecting you," Caleb stammered. "How selfish is that. I mean if the situation were in the reverse I'd be going out of my mind with worry. I forgot that…"

"I love you just as much and am just as worried?" Sheldon offered.

"Exactly," Caleb told her. "Sheldon I'm sorry. I guess we are both scared."

"Caleb I'm more worried about this guy kidnapping you and taking you someplace I can't find you and beating you…" her voice trailed off in a soft sob.

"Please don’t cry," Caleb said softly a he felt a tear escape her eye and pool in his hand that was touching her face.

"He won't…"

"Don’t say he won't get you!" Sheldon snapped. "You can't even see me let alone him!" She half yelled as she tried to pull away. "Let me go."

"No way," he said kindly. "I'm never letting go. You wouldn't let me and I'm not about to let you. So scream and shout and get mad…but get used to doing it with me right beside you."

Sheldon looked up into his handsome face and felt herself smile despite the nervous anxiety that now raced through her veins at the thought of him helpless and alone, being beaten to death and finally dying without really knowing why and her not there to help him.

"I don’t need eyes to see you Sheldon, the real you," he said pushing his hand up to her rapidly beating heart and feeling the warmth coming from her. "I know you Sheldon the real you. Your beauty is something that doesn't need eyes to see it."

Sheldon looked at him and smiled before taking his hand and bringing it to her mouth and kissing it tenderly. "Caleb," she whispered. "I…"

"Sheldon we will find this guy in time," Caleb said firmly.

"I wish I could have your confidence," she sighed heavily.

"I'll have it for both of us," he smiled. "Now what did you find out about this guy?" Caleb asked softly.

"Well he is a freak to say the least," Sheldon laughed.

"Oh that's comforting," Caleb said dryly as he poured her a cup of coffee.

"You know you do that pretty well," Sheldon said softly.

"My father taught me to use the eyes in my mind and rely on my other senses," Caleb said with a faint smile.

"Are you going to see him today?" Sheldon asked softly, not wanting to bring up a tense subject if one indeed did exist.

"Yes," Caleb said in a firm tone. "He's going to teach me to fight with my 'other' eyes."

"Other eyes? You mean besides your real ones and the ones inside?" Sheldon asked in surprise.

"Yeah…you know the other ones," Caleb smiled.

"Oh yeah the other ones," Sheldon smiled. "Okay back to Philip."

"Philip? I Don't remember anyone at the club who's name was Philip?" Caleb asked with a frown.

"Well he used a false name. His real name is…are you really a 'Wu Shu' master?" Sheldon asked softly.

"Yes. How did you…that's classified even to the CIA."

"Not anymore. Apparently we traced one of Philip's classes to a school in Beijing. A school you attended and apparently studied this deadly form of Martial Art. Why didn't you ever tell me?" Sheldon asked softly.

"I…" Caleb started. "Sheldon there are things about my training that I haven't told you. Some things are…"

"Just to valuable to tell me?" Sheldon finished.

"Aren't you mad?" Caleb asked in surprise.

"A little hurt," she said softly. "But not really mad."

"Sorry," he said with a big sigh. "But what does this have to do with him wanting to blind me and possibly kill me?"

"Apparently he took the same class."

"He what? You mean the training?" Caleb asked in shock.

"Yes," Sheldon said taking a sip of her coffee. "But he wasn't able to master it and had to drop out. Apparently he was made fun of and…"

"Sheldon I never…"

"You mean you never heard of someone taking the same training as you and they didn't finish? I know only a handful of masters exist in the world and you are one of them and he is not," Sheldon said crossing her arms over her chest.

"I…well I mean…damn it Sheldon that was a long time ago," Caleb said in exasperation.

"Well a long time ago or not this guy's grudge is serious," Sheldon said firmly.

"So now I have to be wary of everyone I made a snide comment to or beat at Martial Arts?" Caleb asked incredously.

"Not everyone…just one," Sheldon said quickly. "Someone serious enough to want to kill you."

"What else did you learn about him besides the fact that I beat him at Wu Shu?" Caleb asked feeling for a chair to sit himself down on.

"Well apparently he did the same with the others. Any of the schools he attended he tried things he wasn't able to master, when he wasn't able to master them he dropped out of that school and went onto the next one."

"How many of these did he do?" Caleb asked with a heavy sigh.

"Well the five so far. But Garth is checking into that right now. Milton has his men looking for him right now and he and dad are going hunting for bat-caves."

"Bat caves?" Caleb asked with an amused smirk.

"Don't ask," Sheldon teased. "And Cecil and Paul will no doubt be working on tighter security for the president and his men."

"And you?" Caleb asked with some hesitancy.

"I'm going to help anyone I can," Sheldon said firmly.

"And me?" Caleb asked softly.

"Caleb I am going to stay with you until…" she said hearing a knock on the door. "I'll get it," Sheldon said standing up and heading for the door. "Nolan," she said with a smile. "Please come in."

"Morning Sheldon," Nolan said giving her a warm hug. "How's my son?"

"Morning dad," Caleb said dryly. "I'm fine."

"He's fine," Sheldon added with a little sarcasm.

"Peachy," Caleb said as he heard his father nearing him.

"Well after today you'll be even better," Nolan said gently slapping his son on the back.

"I'll um leave you two alone," Sheldon said reaching for her phone. "I love you Caleb," Sheldon said kissing him firmly on the lips. She heard her phone ring and went to answer it.

"So how are you son?" Nolan asked softly.

"Not very good," Caleb said sadly. "I mean I was able to make my way around here this morning and even last night but…" Caleb said softly. "I can't see dad…Sheldon…our home…you."

"Caleb your sight will be restored. But in the mean time you have to make due with what you have. You have skills far beyond any master I have ever known. You have even surpassed Master Quo. But to give in to something so trivial as your sight is selfish."

"Selfish?" Caleb growled. "I can't see!"

"Not yet," Nolan said firmly. "But in a few hours you will be."

"What are you going to teach me today?" Caleb asked somewhat nervously.

"Oh no my son," Nolan said with a large sigh. "It's you who are going to teach me."

"What? Me? What could I possibly teach you? I mean…"

"Wu Shu," Nolan said firmly.

"Dad that is not funny," Caleb said in anger.

"I am not joking."

"Dad I can't possibly…"

"Get your coat," Nolan said firmly.

"But…"

"Now…"

Caleb said nothing as he heard Sheldon hang up the phone and head back to them. "What's up?"

"Dad wants my help in tracking down a few elusive 'Bat-caves'," Sheldon said dryly.

"Who are you working with?" Caleb asked with a hint of resentment.

"Working wi…oh no one. I'm going it alone today," Sheldon said quickly.

"Alone? Sheldon you can't…what if you happen to find him alone?" Caleb asked in a panic.

"Then I'll call in backup. But trust me dad won't give me the ones that seem the scariest. I want you to spend the time with your father and let him help you. He loves you and like me only wants what's best for you," Sheldon said firmly.

"Smart woman," Nolan said with a warm smile.

"Infuriating is more like it," Caleb said with a deep frown. "Sheldon you can't go…"

"Caleb I haven't even found him yet," Sheldon said packing her gun into her shoulder holster. "I'll call you if I find anything."

"Yeah hopefully before it finds you," Caleb said sarcastically.

"I love you too," Sheldon said heading for the door. "Call you later."

"Bye," Caleb said in misery. He heard the door firmly close and then listened to the steady breathing of his father beside him.

"Dad I can't do this…teach you…I mean look at me," Caleb said flinging his arm to the side and knocking over his coffee cup. "Damn it!" He cursed angrily as he felt around for it.

"Caleb calm down," Nolan said firmly. "Now let me clean it up. I want to you clear your mind and concentrate on your training. We will leave in ten minutes."

"I’m not going," Caleb said stubbornly.

"Caleb I am your father and you still must obey me. Now we leave in ten minutes," Nolan said firmly.

"Fine," Caleb sighed in resignation as he slowly pushed himself up off his chair and headed for the front closest to get his jacket. A few minutes later he has his hand on his father's arm and was slowly walking down the hall to the elevator to his father's rented car.

Once inside and they were on their way to a special training Do-Jo, Caleb felt his heart rate starting to rise.

"What if I can't d…" Caleb started.

"Son you must," Nolan said firmly. "Now just be happy you aren't sitting around the house all day by yourself, moping."

"I don't mope," Caleb insisted.

"Okay," Nolan said with a sigh.

Caleb leaned is weary head back on the leather seat and sighed. His eyes stung despite the drops that were supposed to soothe, his head was pounding from the worry that he was being watched but couldn't do anything about it, but most of all he was worried about Sheldon hunting for his attacker all alone. Sadly with her luck she would find his lair and be forced to take on the mad-man by herself. He knew she was a skilled fighter but if this guy was prepared she wouldn't stand a chance. Sheldon, his mind whispered. Please be careful.

-------------------

"Sheldon be careful," Nickel said to his daughter on her cell phone. "We still haven't found him. Who knew there would be so many bat holes in this town."

"Bruce Wayne did," Milton piped up.

"I will be," Sheldon said with a sigh.

"How's Caleb?" Nickel asked softly.

"Coping," she replied. "But if we don't find his guy and fast it'll really take it's toll on Caleb."

"Sheldon have you prepared yourself for the possibility that Caleb might end up permanently blind? That we might not find him in time and it can't be reversed? Have you…"

"Yes. Well sort of. Look dad if we are too late then Caleb and I will deal with that when the time comes. Right now I just want to concentrate on finding that bastard. Okay I'm at my first place. Talk to you later."

"Sheldon be careful and call after each one."

"Right," Sheldon told him. She stopped her car in front of an old abandoned grain elevator. "Friendly," she said in sarcasm. She readied her gun and got out of her car. "One down a few more to go. Caleb this is for you."

-------------------

"But dad what is the blindfold for?" Caleb asked as he let his father wrap a piece of soft black silk around his eyes as they stood in the center of the Do-Jo.

"Because you will want to try to use them and that could put more strain on them," Nolan said stepping back a few feet.

"Now what?" Caleb asked with a growing frown.

"Now you teach me to fight."

"I showed you yesterday that…"

"That you can fight an opponent when you know his moves. I'm willing to bet this adversary will not give you the same chance I did. I only taught you to focus your power…now you have to learnto use it…"

"Dad I…" Caleb started as his father hit him square in the chest sending him flying backwards onto his butt. "Hey…"

"Teach me…get up and fight!" Nolan said loudly.

Caleb urged on by his father's voice and his own frustrated anger, pushed himself to his feet and readied himself in a stance.

"Now listen with your ears and see my moves with your inner eyes," Nolan instructed.

"I…" Caleb started as he was struck from behind and sent to his knees.

"Concentrate!" Nolan spat.

Have to concentrate, Caleb commanded himself.

"Know where your opponent is. Listen to his footsteps…his heartbeat…his breathing," Nolan told his son as Caleb stood up once again.

Caleb stood still for a few seconds and cleared his mind, allowing his other senses to take over his body. He cocked his head slightly to the right, footsteps. Then to the left as his father countered.

"Good…now attack me," Nolan said in front and then rushing behind him.

Caleb swung his arm to the front as Nolan countered from behind. But this time as Caleb fell to his knees he allowed the reverberation of the hit to echo inside his ears. He heard his father's foot step to his left and swung his leg around and kicked his legs out from under him.

Nolan countered and was back up quickly. Caleb too was back up on is feet and ready to attack once more.

He took another step to the side and countered with a hit on his father's side. Nolan let out a smile but quickly sent a flying chop of his own and kicked Caleb in the side. Not hard enough but enough to let him know he needed to try harder.

"Get up," Nolan instructed.

"I can't…" Caleb started as his father tapped him in the back.

"Up!" Nolan shouted.

Caleb jumped to his feet and swung his arm towards the direction he thought his father was.

Nolan countered and hit him in the side.

Caleb faltered and cried out in frustration.

"Again!" Nolan said firmly.

"I can't!" Caleb shouted back.

"Then you die!" Nolan said loudly.

Caleb stood in the middle of the room breathing hard.

"Again," Nolan said firmly.

Caleb let out a sigh, his father was right, if he gave up or in, in the end he would lose and the loss would be his life. The ultimate price to pay. He knew he couldn't let that happen.

"Again," Nolan said firmly.

Caleb readied himself and let out a flying chop. This one hit it's target and Caleb readied himself for another round. 

The blindfold did help as he was tempted to open his eyes and try to see. But as he listened to his father's footsteps he was able to counter his moves.

"Good my son…again," Nolan kept telling him as the hours started to pass by.

He finally had his mind cleared of the anger and anxiety from earlier and was now learning to use everything in the room to be his visual sense. He soon heard the faint steps of his father, his steady breathing and the pounding of his heart.

Finally he was able to fight one on one with his father and only sustain minimal hits.

-------------------

"Well that one was dead too," Sheldon said with a weary sigh as she got into her car and called her dad.

"Yeah we got nothing here either," Nickel said looking at Milton. "Just a few more."

"Dad what if we can't find him in any of these holes?" Sheldon asked in apprehension.

"Then we'll check the zoo's," Nickel said with a grimace. "Don't worry Sheldon we won't give up. How many do you have left?"

"One more. Good thing because it's getting dark and these places give me the creeps. I'll call you in a little while," Sheldon said to her father just before she hung up. She had tried Caleb's cell number but only got his voice mail. She left a message and then pulled up to her last address. "Well Caleb I hope your day is going better than mine."

-------------------

"Where the hell are you!" Philip yelled in frustration as he looked around Sheldon and Caleb's apartment in his hopes of finding his blind prey. "Damn it!" He cursed as he stomped back out the door, the lock having been eaten away with his own special brand of acid. "I will find you Caleb…I will come back for you…tonight. Then it will be just you and me. And no one will be able to save you then."

-------------------

To an ordinary onlooker the two men fighting in the special room appeared to be in full physical health. Despite the black blindfold on one of them he fought expertly and soon was initiating the fight and winning most of the moves. By the time the sun had started to set Caleb's training was now being used in a different manner. He would be even stronger after this. His skills now unbeatable. Top not only in his skill but to fight blind was now top in the world. He was ready.

"Well done my son," Nolan said with a proud smile as they finally took a break.

"I…dad I can't believe it," Caleb said with a light sigh. "I mean…I can fight as if I can see. I have the dimensions of the room, the objects in it and…dad I countered every one of your moves."

"You did well today my son. I am proud of you," Nolan said warmly as he gently squeezed Caleb's shoulder.

"I didn't know…I mean I…"

"I knew you could," Nolan commended him. "I just hope you don't have to use it."

"So do I," Caleb said softly as he untied the material from around his eyes. "I have to call Sheldon."

-------------------

"I hate the dark," Sheldon moaned softly as she slowly made her way down a long dark tunnel underneath the old subway lines. She felt her heart start to quicken as the darkness started to close in behind her. Her small flashlight did little to dispel her growing fears and nervousness. She had called her father but he was obviously away from his car and only left a message. Her own cell phone wasn't working and so she turned it to vibrate so that if it was the right place she wouldn't be surprised. She heard shuffling up ahead and cocked her gun.

"Soon Caleb," Philip mumbled to himself as he prepared a special drug to render Caleb unconscious when he took him.  But as he was about to turn his back a little red light went off on the console before him.

"What the…" he said snapping his head back up in surprise. He turned to a little video camera to see Sheldon's form heading in his direction.

"Oh this is perfect," he smiled as he grabbed a small remote and headed for the inner chamber of his lair. "The perfect bait is now heading right for me. I couldn't have planned this better myself."

Sheldon heard the shuffling getting louder and told herself it was probably just a bat.

"Walk towards me my pretty," Philip said evilly as he waited in the shadows for her to near.

-------------------

"Sheldon where are you?" Caleb asked as he listened once again to empty rings on his cell phone.

"Maybe she is waiting for you at home," Nolan said quickly.

"Yeah maybe," Caleb said not really believing his father. "Let's go."

-------------------

Sheldon finally entered the main room and stood staring at the area before her. "What the hell?" She asked as she stared at the mobile chemical lab before her. She took a few more steps towards the center and felt her heart immediately start to beat faster. Her eyes studied more clues that let her to piece together that this was indeed the lair of the criminal they were looking for. Her hand quickly put the small flashlight away and reached for her cell phone. But as she did she heard a noise and spun on her heel, coming face to face with a man she already knew she hated.

"Philip Sims?" Sheldon asked angrily.

"Sheldon Alexander I presume," Philip said taking another step out of the shadows.

"You are under arrest," Sheldon said firmly.

"Well that really is too bad," Philip smiled as his hand went for the trigger button inside his jacket pocket. "But no matter…you can still try to arrest me later…that is if you can get out."

And before Sheldon could react a small dart sailed through the air and hit her in the neck.

"No…" Sheldon's voice trailed off as she slowly sank to her knees in terror, afraid of what she'd wake up to. "Caleb…" she mumbled as the darkness finally consumed her.

"Yes that's right my lovely," Philip said walking up to her. "Caleb will be joining us shortly. But first…" he said bending down and grabbing her gun and phone. "First I need to make you a little more comfortable."

-------------------

"I don't get it," Caleb moaned as he dialled Nickel's number. "Where is she?"

"Maybe she is at home."

"Damn no answer there either. Where is everyone?" Caleb asked in frustration. They finally reached home and Caleb told his father he would be okay on his own.

"But what if he is inside my son?" Nolan asked in concern.

"I doubt he'll be there but…I'll call you as soon as I hear from her." After saying goodnight to his father and thanking him once again for the training he was inside his apartment, listening to the silence. He dialled Sheldon's number but only got her voice mail once again.

"Where are you?" Caleb asked with a heavy frown.

He was about to put his phone away when it rang in is hand. He anxiously opened it back up and put it to his ear.

"Sheldon where have you been?" Caleb rushed to ask.

"Actually she has been with me," Philip laughed as he walked around Sheldon's limp body that was now tied firmly to a center beam.

"Who the hell is this!" Caleb demanded. "Where is she?"

"My my Caleb quite the temper you have there," Philip laughed.

"Where is she Philip?"

"Oh so you figured me out. Well you're no so stupid after all. In fact you are the only one yet who has come to know my identity before I told them. But no matter. Just before you die you'll…"

"Where is Sheldon?" Caleb demanded, cutting him off mid-sentence.

"She's a little tied up right now. Great body you know. Even like this she's still amazing."

"You touch her and you'll pay…I swear."

"Well then start swearing Caleb," Philip laughed. "Because I have touched her. But if you want me to stop then do exactly what I tell you. If you warn the cops or come with someone I'll kill her and disappear."

"We know where the chemicals came from Philip. You can't hide that easily," Caleb warned him.

"Nevertheless. How much do you care about her?"

"What do you want me to do?" Caleb asked in resignation.

"Well ultimately I want you to die. But first…first I want you to come and fight me. Come and rescue your woman," Philip said as he heard Sheldon starting to wake up. He looked at her with a mean smile and then turned his attention to the phone.

"Now pay attention Kwan. I want you to sit on your couch and wait for me to come and get you. I will be there in about 15 minutes."

"How will I know it's you and…"

"Caleb if you want her back you'll listen to me."

"I'll take a cab," Caleb tried, his anger growing at the thought of Sheldon helpless in the clutches of his nemesis.

"Cabs can be traced. Oh and if you're thinking of calling the cops in the meantime I've bugged your line. I hear a peep and she dies. You tell anyone and you lose her forever. Understand?" Philip taunted.

"I understand," Caleb seethed.

"See you soon 'Master'," Philip taunted as he hung up.

"Damn it!" Caleb yelled as he slammed the phone down in anger and then hit the table hard with his fist. Caleb took a deep breath and then slowly headed for the couch to sit and wait. If his phone was indeed bugged and knowing this guy's present state of mind he knew that to mess with him would be murder, Sheldon's murder. And that was something he wasn't about to live with. But he also knew he had another problem. Once he was in Philip's lair Sheldon's state of being would take over his mind and he knew he wouldn't be able to concentrate on fighting his opponent. "I have to focus," he said trying to clear his mind and recall the training his father taught him earlier. "Sheldon…this is for you. I will beat him. I will save you."

-------------------

Philip hung up the phone and turned to Sheldon with an evil eye.

Sheldon tried to pull against the bonds that held her bound tightly to the pole in the middle of his underground lair. Duct tape held her wrists tightly behind her back and was also wrapped around her ankles.

"Did you like that Sheldon? How I used you to lure him in?" Philip asked with a proud tone in his voice as he bent down to her.

Sheldon grunted into the tape gag and pulled her head away.

"Sadly when he's here you'll just have to watch him die…at my hands!" Philip snapped as he grabbed a handful of hair and pulled her close. Sheldon brought her bound feet up and kneed Philip in the head making it snap forward and crash into the pole behind her. Philip screamed out as he backhanded her hard on the cheek. Sheldon's head snapped to the right but she turned it back to him in defiance.

"And when you watch him die at my hands," Philip said leaning in close. "Then you and I will really party. But for now…" he said pushing himself away from her. "Now I have to go and fetch Caleb. Ta ta for now," Philip laughed as he grabbed his keys and rushed for a hidden doorway. "Oh yeah…" he said looking back at Sheldon. "In case you are wondering. There is an antidote and it is here. But Caleb will be long gone before the mold has a chance to multiply and destroy it."

Sheldon heard the door slam shut and closed her eyes in anger. Her face still stung from the hit but inside her heart was racing at top speed at thought of Caleb having to face off against such a mad-man and having such a handicap as his blindness. Caleb, she moaned inside. Just call the cops. Don't worry about me, she said inside. Sadly she knew he'd never abandon her. He'd give his life if that's what it meant. She only prayed that whatever his father taught him earlier would be enough to help him beat his opponent. For if he lost, he'd lose the ultimate battle. His life. Caleb…

-------------------

Caleb continued to sit on the couch and allow his mind to keep his body under control. He had it just about mastered when he heard a fervent knock on the door and knew it was Philip Sims.

Caleb slowly pushed himself up off the couch and headed for the door, his heart starting to pick up speed. He slowly turned the handle only to have the door flung open and someone slam him back into the door and push a large arm into his neck, nearly cutting off his oxygen.

"Hello Caleb," Philip sneered. "Ready to go?"

"Do I have a choice?" Caleb asked gruffly.

"Not really," Philip said firmly. "Now let's go."

Caleb allowed Philip to take him by the arm and drag him down the hallway and into the elevator. When they finally reached the car and Caleb was belted inside his mind started to race once more with thoughts of Sheldon hurt beyond help.

"Thinking of her?" Philip taunted. When Caleb didn't answer Philip just continued his torment.

Caleb drowned out his hurtful words knowing he'd probably keep Sheldon alive for her to witness his fated demise. If she's alive then I have a chance, he told himself. I just have to focus. Focus Caleb, he commanded himself as he felt his hand grip the door handlebar even harder. Just focus.

-------------------

"Where is she?" Milton asked as Nickel tried to call his daughter once more.

"Not sure," Nickel said with a frown.

"Where to now?"

"I think we'll try their place. I mean there is no answer there either," Nickel said starting up the car.

"Well just because they don't answer doesn't mean they're in trouble. I mean they could be…" Milton said with a smirk.

"At a time like this?"

"Hey anytime is the right time."

"Milt," Nickel scolded.

"Okay already. Just drive," he said with a snicker.

Nickel tried to smile a light smile but inside he was a little bit worried. Sheldon hadn't checked in, and neither her or Caleb were available by cell phone. I just pray they are at home enjoy each other. But sadly I fear the worst. And my fears are usually right.

-------------------

"Well here we are," Philip said with a laugh. "Ready to meet your fate?"

"You'll never beat me at Wu Shu," Caleb said firmly.

"We'll see…well actually only one of us will," Philip said laughing as he pulled Caleb from the car and started to drag himself down a long dark tunnel.

Sheldon heard the laughing and tried to pull her bonds a little looser. Sadly in the time Philip was away she did manage to loosen them a little but not enough to pull herself free. Now as she heard Philip's laughter and Caleb's soft replies she felt her fear returning and her heart start to quicken pace. Caleb would no doubt be worried about her but she doubted that Philip would let her tell him she was alright. Finally they entered the large room and Sheldon could tell by the look on Caleb's face that he was more than a little concerned, scared even? Caleb Kwan afraid? Is that possible, she asked herself?

"Sheldon?" Caleb asked softly. When he didn't hear her reply he pulled himself free of Philip's grasp and stood his ground in anger. "Where is she!" Caleb demanded sharply.

"She is right in front of you," Philip teased. "Can't see where she is?" Philip mocked once more.

Sheldon could see the torment Caleb was enduring but knew she had to get herself free in order to be of any use to him at all. She felt the sticky tape around her wrists starting to loosen, all the while her eyes kept themselves fixed on a very tense Caleb. I know you can do this Caleb, Sheldon said in her mind. You have to believe you can as well.

Caleb tried to keep his body calm but the tension was winning over and he feared he would lose the fight of his life. "Where is she?" He asked once again in a calm controlled tone.

"She's…"

"Where is she!" Caleb yelled angrily into the air, his fists balled tightly at his sides.

"Oh fine already…I mean it's not like you'll beat me," Philip laughed as he walked up to Sheldon and yanked the tape off her mouth.

"Caleb I'm okay," Sheldon said firmly. "Now kick his murdering ass!"

"Oh my pleasure," Caleb said slowly.

"You – kick my ass?" Philip laughed. "Let's just see!" He said pulling a piece of pipe from his sleeve. One that both Sheldon and Caleb failed to see. Philip swung it hard at Caleb's head, catching him hard on the left temple.

"Caleb!" Sheldon yelled as she watched him fall to one knee, wincing from the pain and breathing hard. "Look out!" She tried to warn him.

Caleb tried to focus his mind and at the last minute, before the pipe struck him once more on the side of the head was able to swing out his leg from his kneeling position and take Philip down to his. Philip's arm came up but Caleb's swung out and pushed it back.

Caleb could feel his mind starting to focus on the pain again and this allowed Philip to his him on his bruised ribs with the piece of pipe. Caleb cried out in pain and fell back onto his knees, his one arm wrapped around his chest.

"Awww what's the matter great master?" Philip mocked. "Can't see what's going to happen."

"Stop it!" Sheldon yelled in fury. "You sick demented fool. Stop this right now!"

Philip only laughed once more and turned back to a heavily breathing Caleb. "Want to beg me to stop so early in the game?"

-------------------

"Okay so now I can worry right?" Nickel asked Milton as they stood in the empty living room of Sheldon and Caleb's apartment.

"Yeah you and me both," Milton sighed as they exchanged a worry look. "We have to trace her steps and hope that…"

"That she's there?" Nickel asked weakly. "You don’t think that…"

"I don’t think anything. But it beats standing here thinking about what could be happening."

"Where to first?" Nickel asked as they rushed out the door.

-------------------

Caleb sent another flying kick in the way of Philip and knew he just wasn't beating him the way he knew he could inside. The way his father had trained him to. He tried to get up but failed. Tried again but fell back once more.

"Awww I think I'm beating you," Philip chided in a mocking tone.

Sheldon felt her anger starting to consume her and started to pull on her wrists despite the pain she was feeling in her already tired arms. Caleb needed help. They both hated to admit it but it was true.

But just as Sheldon was about to concede that Caleb was beaten something happened. Something she had never seen before.

Caleb finally cleared his mind and allowed his hearing to direct his actions. He listened to the sounds in the room and in seconds drowned out all but the angry fist flying through the air at him. He shot up his hand, grabbed hold of the fist and flung it back at his attacker.

"It's working," Sheldon breathed in relief. "Maybe he can beat him blind."

-------------------

"Well not here…where to next?" Nickel asked as he pushed his Lincoln into the night, his panic and worry growing with each empty call he got on either Sheldon's or Caleb's phone.

"We'll find them Nick."

"If he has both of them he'll kill both of them," Nickel snapped. "I sure as hell don’t want to see my little girl's body…" he stopped in anger, his stomach turning at the thought.

"We'll find them," Milton said firmly. "Turn here."

-------------------

Philip looked at Caleb in surprise and tried again. Caleb pushed himself to his feet and readied himself for the next blow. He still wasn't concentrating hard enough and so once again absorbed a blow from the steel piece of pipe. He felt himself stagger backwards but it wasn't enough to take him down. He pushed aside the growing pain in his mind and started to focus once again.

Philip quickly danced around to the other side of Caleb thinking Caleb wouldn't be aware and tried to strike on the right side. Caleb quickly swung his fist around and caught Philip in the side of the head, sending the inferior fighter to his knees. Philip jumped back up and lunged at Caleb. Caleb could hear the angry grunts, coupled with the heavier footsteps and knew Philip was lunging. He quickly side-stepped and Philip crashed to his knees a few feet away from Caleb.

"Not possible!" He shouted in anger.

"Anything is possible," Caleb replied in a soft tone, a hint of a smile playing upon his lips. But he quickly pushed those thoughts aside and went back to concentrating. He readied himself as Philip pushed himself back to his feet and lunged again. He was thankful that Philip was a sloppy fighter – easy to guess his moves.

"You have no finesse to your fighting Philip," Caleb said firmly. "You have already lost," he said hoping to anger his attacker even more – angry enough to make more mistakes like he was doing.

"I'll never lose!" Philip half cried, half whimpered, his temper starting to take over his usually calm mind. "Not to you – not like this!"

Philip lunged once more and Caleb merely sidestepped his advance, sustaining a minor hit but nothing like he first endured. His body was now getting used to the pain and his brain had now started to work on mastering his "chi" for only then could the true Wu Shu master be seen.

"You studied didn't you?" Caleb countered as Philip pushed himself back up and tried to strike at Caleb with the pipe.

Caleb put his arm up and although the blow impacted in pain he was able to push Philip back and stand his ground.

"Why didn't you finish?" Caleb questioned.

"I did! I'm better…you'll see…" Philip insisted as he tried to hit Caleb once more. This blow caught Caleb a bit off guard and Caleb sustained a blow close to his already bruised and bleeding temple. "You'll see, I will win!" Philip yelled in anger as he tried to hit him once more.

"The police will be here soon," Sheldon tried, not knowing that her father and Milton were only steps away now.

-------------------

"Well this is the last one that she called me from," Milton said as they neared the destination that Caleb and Sheldon were.

"If they're not here…" Nickel's voice trailed off in a panic.

"Well one of them is," Milton said as his headlights flashed on the side of the dark CIA issue Crown Victoria.

"Let's go," Nickel said barely waiting for the car to stop before jumping out and heading for the entrance, Milton quickly in tow.

"Told you," Milton said softly.

"You sound like Chloe," Nickel chided.

"Smart woman," Milton laughed as they headed into the dark tunnel, their flashlights beaming on anything that moved. "Oh remind me to thank Batman for the wonderful tour of Gotham," Milton said looking at a few dead bat carcasses on the floor.

"The dead ones don’t bother me," Nickel said quickly.

"You mean there are live ones down here?" Milton asked nervously.

"Not afraid are you?" Nickel smiled as they ventured further into the darkness.

"Me? No…" Milton's voice trailed off into the black.

-------------------

"Nice try babe," Philip mocked Sheldon. "Once he's dead and before you die, we'll really party," Philip said looking at Sheldon, his back to Caleb.

"Never," Caleb said under his breath as he raised his leg and kicked in Philip's direction. The blow caught Philip in the back and sent him flying onto his stomach. Philip twisted his body around to see Caleb staring at him intently, almost as if he could see.

Philip however wasn't about to give up and while still on his knees swung his arm with the newly found pipe piece, catching Caleb in the lower calves and causing him to stumble back a few feet. Without giving Caleb time to gather his senses about him Philip continued to crawl towards him on his knees, striking Caleb in the legs and making him lose his footing each time.

Caleb could feel the strain on his body starting to take over and his brain starting to focus on the pain once more. His father had taught him to concentrate and now he had to do that once again. He had proved not a few minutes earlier that he could and he had to prove it again. Caleb purposely took a few steps back to avoid another hit and tried to quickly gather himself into concentration. He succeeded.

Philip angrily pushed himself to his feet and lunged once more at Caleb. Philip struck at Caleb. The blow struck and Caleb felt the minor pain, pushed it away and took a step towards Philip, pushing him back into the middle of the room. Philip struck again, this time the pain was less and his body didn't absorb as much. It was working. The master was coming to light.

-------------------

Nickel and Milton hurried carefully along the darkened tunnel stopping only when they heard the scurrying of rats and other rodents that lived in dark dank areas. Finally when they had turned and headed down another they heard soft shouts and angry words.

"Sheldon," Nickel whispered into the dark. "Milt hurry."

-------------------

Sheldon watched as Caleb continued to stand his ground, each hit seeming to bounce right back. That's not possible, Sheldon said inside. Is it? Can a human being become that solid?

Caleb felt another blow weaken and knew in seconds he wouldn't feel a thing.

-------------------

"There they are," Nickel whispered to Milton as he watched Caleb fighting with Philip.

"Looks like Caleb is winning," Milton watched as a very frustrated Philip continued to attack Caleb with no avail.

"Can't be," Nickel replied as they quietly made their way towards the edge of the room.

-------------------

"You'll never win!" Philip shouted in anger. "You'll be like all the rest!"

"They gave into their fear," Caleb said calmly, his mind now on a different plane. "I have conquered mine."

"Never! Man never conquers his fear!" Philip protested as he went to strike Caleb once more.

Sheldon, Nickel and Milton watched in amazement as the metal pipe landed with a solid thud, not making even the slightest dent in Caleb's chest.  He had become the wall.

Philip pulled the pipe back in horror and tried to hit Caleb once more. Once again it struck a solid surface, this time making his own hand light vibrate with the return blow.

"You never mastered Wu Shu did you Philip?" Caleb said in a light tone, his mind in full concentration.

"Never!" Philip said striking Caleb once more.

Sheldon watched in wonder, automatic tears falling from her eyes and running down her cheeks. "Caleb…you're doing it," she whispered into the stale air.

"You never learned to focus all your energy," Caleb said again in a light tone as Philip struck at him once more.

"I will beat you!" Philip cried in frustration a he swung at Caleb once more.

This time, however, Caleb struck out his hand grabbed the pipe and held onto it. He pushed Philip back with all his might, which to the others looked effortlessly, sending Philip crashing back to his butt, the pipe falling on the ground. Philip in his rage pushed himself up once more, charged Caleb.

Caleb was ready. He sensed Philip's steps and readied himself. He knew it would more than likely be a death blow but it was a fight to the death. Philip neared. Caleb struck out his fist. Philip raised both of his leaving his chest and heart vulnerable. He neared. Caleb readied himself. Philip stepped into the realm of Caleb's chi and was immediately struck by an iron fist in the chest that sent him flying several feet backwards, through the air and smashing his already broken body into the hard stone wall. He crashed back down to the ground – dead.

"Wow," all three of the onlookers said at once.

Caleb – sensing only three other life forms in the  room with him, finally allowed himself to relax, thereby releasing all his energy and simply fell to his knees in exhaustion.

"Caleb," Sheldon cried as she struggled to get herself free.

"Sheldon!" Nickel cried racing to his daughter.

"Dad we have to find the antidote," Sheldon said in a panic as she felt herself starting to get free.

"Where do we start?" Milton asked with a sigh as he gazed around the dark room they were in.

"How about finding some lights first," Nickel smiled as he released Sheldon and went to help Milton.

Sheldon raced to a still kneeling Caleb and took him in her arms. "You are the most amazing man I have ever known…and you have got to teach me to do that."

"Is he dead?" Caleb asked softly.

Sheldon looked over at the lifeless form of Philip Sims and nodded gently. "He'll never hurt anyone ever again."

"Why did he do it?" Caleb asked as he eased himself onto his butt, still in Sheldon's grasp.

"Hatred. Hatred for never being able to do what you just did," Sheldon said firmly.

"But every year…there are so many that don’t…and they don’t…"

"He let himself dwell on his hate…" Sheldon started.

"Okay I hate to break up the conversation but time is of the essence," Nickel called to Sheldon. "Did he give any clues whatsoever as to where it might be?"

"Said the mold would get it before we did," Sheldon suddenly remembered.

"What? The mold will get us before we get it," Milton quipped. "Look at all the mold."

"Wait," Nickel said looking at the vast array of empty cabinets before him. He looked at Milton sideways and they knew what they had to do.

"Here we go," Milton said as he too put his gun away and started to pull the dusty, cob-web filled cabinets from their places. They fell to the ground in a loud thud. Only when the last one was pulled away did they each breathe a short sigh of relief. There in a hidden chamber sat a small pocket in a dank part of the wall – a part covered with fresh growing mold.

"I'm allergic," Milton said sheepishly, making Nickel reach for the gooey container.

"Oh brother," Nickel sighed as he stuck his hand into the soft earth and pulled it free. "Let's let the hospital administer this."

Sheldon helped Caleb stand and with Milton's help rushed him down one tunnel, through another and finally to the waiting Lincoln. Sheldon held his hand firmly on the way to the hospital and prayed they weren't too late. The was the seventh day afterall. Time should be up.

-------------------

"You guys again," the doctor moaned as he watched Nickel and Sheldon rush up to him.

"We might have found the antidote to whatever is making him blind," Nickel said out of breath.

"And we need it administered right now," Milton added.

The doctor looked at him with a dead-pan expression. "You a Director for the CIA as well?" The doctor asked as he took the smelly bottle from Nickel's hands.

"No FBI," Milton quipped making Nickel roll his eyes and Sheldon groan.

"Right," the doctor said gesturing to an order to help Caleb come with them.

-------------------

The next few hours ticked by painfully slow for the three waiting friends. Nickel had called Chloe and Sheldon had called Nolan, each reassuring the other that things would be okay.

"Caleb he…well he fought and…"

"Did he master his fear?" Nolan asked over the phone.

"He won," Sheldon said meekly. "It was the most amazing display of power I have ever seen. Why doesn’t he use that all the time?"

"To truly become the master takes a lot of out Caleb. Even I can't force my chi like he can. He has a special power that few posses. But he unselfishly keeps it guarded."

"Right," Sheldon said thoughtfully. After a few more words she hung up and then went back to her father and Milton. "I hate waiting," she moaned.

Finally a few hours later the doctor walked up to them with a grim expression.

"Well?" Sheldon asked with hesitancy.

"Well we have cleaned the eyes and administered the antidote after doing some quick tests. But I don’t think we'll have results for a few days. The damage to his eyes looks to be extensive but that could only be the scarring on the skin. We won't know anything until he tells us."

"Can I see him?" Sheldon asked softly.

"Of course. He's asking for you," the doctor said with a kind smile.

Sheldon hurried past the doctor and headed for Caleb's room.

"And you two chaps look like you could use a bit of cleaning up. Been in a scrap have you?" The doctor asked in an amused tone.

"Just a routine life and death situation," Nickel said looking at Milton.

"Really all in a days work," Milton quipped back. "Anything to worry about?"

"Not like the time we were in that prison in Uzbekistan," Nickel said with a frown.

"Okay now that was a tough situation," Milton said as he and Nickel started to reminisce old times, forgetting the doctor who was looking at them in wonder.

"Sorry I asked," he walked away leaving the two Director's still embroiled in conversation.

-------------------

"Caleb?" Sheldon asked softly as she approached his bed.

"Hey," he said with a faint smile as he held his hand to her.

"How are you feeling?"

"Very tired and sore," he said with frown that half showed itself above his wrapped eyes. "The doctor administered the antidote but he doesn’t know how long it will take before it starts to work."

"I know," Sheldon said sitting down beside him. "I was afraid that when…well when I first saw you in the cave I…Caleb you looked…well afraid."

"I was. I couldn't see you or sense you and…and I let my emotions get the best of me," Caleb said angrily. "I was afraid at first," he admitted in a soft tone.

"But you overcame that. That was something the others were never able to do. Over come their fear," Sheldon said giving his hand a light squeeze. "I wonder why the others didn't? Why didn't they…"

"Because they knew they were going to die," Caleb admitted. "Death was never an option for me. I never once allowed my mind to dwell on death like the others."

"How did you…you know with your body and all…it was like Philip was hitting a brick wall."

"He was…I became a brick wall," Caleb said softly. "My power it was…"

"Awesome," she said leaning in close and kissing him softly on the lips. "Rest now okay? You need it," she said hearing him heave a quiet sigh as she leaned on him.

"Stay with me?" He asked as she went to leave the bed.

"Okay," she said trying to settle herself in beside him.

When the doctor returned he gazed in wonder at the strong man lying in the bed with the beautiful woman sleeping peacefully on his chest. "Who are these people?" He mused as he check Caleb's IV and left the room.

By the time morning had come Nickel and Milton had completely closed down the lair of death and were starting to put together the rest of the pieces of the puzzle that formed Philip Sims, a sad little forgotten man that tried to make a name for himself by trying to become something he wasn't.

"Remind me to get a thank you from Batman for him not moving into this cave," Milton snided.

"Will you stop with the Batman stuff already," Nickel sighed.

"What's wrong? Just because I don’t get out much…" his voice trailed off with a laugh.

Sheldon and Caleb spent most of the day at the hospital, Caleb just resting and trying to heal his battered body and Sheldon at his side just talking and reading about anything – anything to keep them from asking the doctor every few minutes if the antidote was working. Finally two days later they returned home. The wrapping had come off his eyes but he still had to wear dark glasses to shield them from bright lights. It was too soon for that.

"When will I see?" Caleb asked softly.

"Could be anytime now," the doctor said handing him a bottle that contained drops of the antidote.

-------------------

"I'll take a shower and…" Caleb started as they finally reached home.

"And I'll wait for you," Sheldon said softly as she watched him disappear into the bedroom. She quickly started to shed her clothes and finally stood along in the living room in only her underwear. Caleb reappeared wearing only his, the dark sunglasses removed.

"I thought you were going to take a shower?" Sheldon asked softly.

"And I thought you said you were wearing black underwear today," Caleb mused lightly.

"I…" Sheldon said looking down at her underwear and then quickly back up. "I…how did you…" she said taking a step towards him.

"Well anyone can see that red is not black," he smiled broadly.

"You…you can see?" Sheldon asked with suddenly teary eyes.

"And you have never looked so beautiful he said rushing up to her, taking her in his arms and pulling her close. "And I never want to lose anything so precious again."

"Never," she said kissing him firmly on the lips as he gently carried her in his strong arms to the bedroom. The shower would have to wait.

THE END

**Dear readers…how did you like this short adventure with our two hero's? Want some more adventures? Well I hope you liked reading it as much as I liked writing it! Please review if you did…thanks to you all!!**