The Gifts

By: Brad Townsend
(© 2021-2022 by the author)

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

Townsend@tickiestories.us

Chapter 10

* The Prophet *

Accompanied by the twelve archons, I sang the first creation into being.  One archon must remain, and the last is now of both creations, thus allowing the final Seal to endure.  Rest in my presence Eleleth, my most faithful servant, and find peace in my arms along with your brothers.

*

The prophet's words were unheard in the temple, and its quiet sanctity remained undisturbed.  Within the doors, particularly Eleleth’s Seal, Henry and the archon drifted in one another. Their unification, the exquisitely painful sting of their intimacy, was a thousandfold more potent than Henry merging with his son or brothers, thus overriding his ability to cope and separate from the archon.

Drew’s love and the love of his brothers continuously whispered in Henry’s soul, but Eleleth’s presence overwhelmed their voices.  As much as Henry loved everyone in his chosen family, everyone and everything paled in the presence of the archon.

Suddenly, Henry lay naked in the temple, outside Eleleth’s Seal. A petite, aged hand gripped his, barely covering his knuckles.  Another hand, larger, rougher, and calloused, slapped his face. Their touch and voices seemed familiar, and he struggled to bring this memory to his consciousness.

Olive: He’s lost, Pappa.

Tag: Henry, come back!  You gotta find a way, Son.  Drew needs ya!  The rest of the boyz too!  Fight it!

Olive: Lord, hear me!  Help him!  He has ‘ta find a way back!

The dove heard Olive’s prayer.  By His own providence He could not intervene between Henry and Eleleth; however, Olive’s prayer opened the door for the miracle necessary to bring His plan to fruition.

**

In heaven, the dove fluttered one wing and sent a soft wind to the temple.  While gentle, the breeze was unstoppable, and it swept Tag and Olive back between ripples.  In the space between heartbeats, it also sent Henry away from Eleleth and the doors for a time too small to measure.  However, time moves differently in dreams, and Granny Wolf saw Henry. Acting quickly, she gripped him with all her might and pulled him into Drew’s dream.

As Tag and Olive faded, the lights of the eleven other Seals, which had been dark for trillions of years, returned, and the elderly couple cried out at the beauty as they vanished.

*  The Realm of Dreams *

Granny Wolf brought Drew to the park to play catch with Henry each night while he slept. Drew’s smile was radiant at Henry’s praise.  “Awesome catch, Tiger! You’re getting really good!”

Even in the sweltering heat of the afternoon sun, Drew wore his Atlanta Braves uniform.  Henry, wearing his “World’s Greatest Dad” t-shirt and shorts, felt the ball hit his glove and heard the solid “thwack” that followed. A puff of red clay dust accompanied the impact, and in the heat of the day, Henry smelled the clay that came off his catcher’s mitt.

The white lock in Henry’s hair brightened under his ballcap when he saw Granny Wolf, fully corporeal, sitting in the shade of the dugout. Henry knew she had pulled him into Drew’s dream, and a brief sense of vertigo gripped him as he merged with his dream self.

Somehow, he was there while still at Eleleth’s Seal.  Something drove back, for a moment, the insurmountable grip of the archon, which allowed him to be in Drew’s dream. Unsure of what was happening, he relished the sight of his son enjoying himself and didn’t reveal that he was present.

With no shade and the temperature in the high nineties, Henry sweated.  He knew Drew sweltered in his uniform, so after a few more throws, he said, “Let’s get some water, Kiddo.”

Drew pulled off his glove as he trotted into the dugout, and once he was close, Henry saw how red Drew’s face was.  Henry stripped off his shirt, sat in the shade of the dugout, and grabbed two bottles of water from their cooler.

Taking the water, Drew sat beside Henry and leaned against him.  Putting his arm around Drew’s shoulder and giving him a squeeze, Henry said, “You really are getting good, Tiger.”

Drew tapped his cleats together to knock off clods of red clay that had built up. “Uncle Ken says practice makes perfect.”

Henry pulled Drew closer.  He couldn’t help himself and leaned over to kiss the top of Drew’s head.  He started to cry and choked out, “God, I’ve missed you.” 

Drew immediately knew that this was not a dream version of Henry.  His eyes turned bright, and he looked up at his dad for a brief second before he turned his entire body and whispered, “Dad?”  His arms flew around Henry, and he started bawling, and Henry, holding his son, whispered back, “Yeah, I’m here.  I don’t know how or for how long, but I’m here.”

Father and son held their embrace, crying the entire time. Finally, Henry sniffed and swiped the tears from his eyes, saying, “To quote your Uncle Ken, time to shut off the waterworks.”

Drew took in everything about Henry he missed - his strength, presence, scent, and touch.  Henry’s hands magically soothed Drew and took away his sorrows and pain simply through his caring touch. Henry’s warm, sweaty skin affected Drew, and coupled with the emotions churning in his young mind, his body reacted, and he became erect.

With Drew pressed against him, Henry felt his son’s reaction, and he chuckled, not at Drew but with him.  “It’s okay, Tiger.  God, I love you.  I’m missing so much.  How long have I been gone?”

Drew’s response sounded muffled because his face was pressed against Henry’s ribs. “Over a month.  Lots has happened.”

Patting Drew’s back, Henry asked, “Are you okay?”

Drew had trouble talking but managed to say, “Mostly.  I miss you.  I get that you can’t come home yet, but I still miss you.  Uncle Ken made me a member of the team and gave me an order.  I have to sleep with whoever’s in the lab each night so I won’t be alone.”

Hearing Drew’s comment, Henry squeezed his eyes shut.  He knew how fiercely his brothers loved Drew and were doing everything possible to help him while Henry was away.

Drew blurted out, “I have a surprise for you when you get back.”

Laughing, Henry said, “That’s not fair!  Now I have to come back just to find out!  I’m gonna get you for that!”  Henry’s fingers found Drew’s ribs and started tickling him, and Drew squealed before squirming away.

Abruptly, Henry was gone.  Drew’s laughter stopped and he stood perfectly still, staring at the spot Henry had just occupied.  After a moment he sat down hard and put his face in his hands.  He didn’t sob hysterically, but his tears were intense and came from his soul.  Cavall appeared, licking Drew’s face, and Granny Wolf came to his side.  Drew’s arms clung to his two dear friends with desperate strength.  Dogs don’t cry like humans, but in their spirits they do.  Drew’s heart-wrenching pain was clear to them, and Granny Wolf wondered if she erred by bringing Henry when she saw the chance, but she knew to trust her instincts.

Almost in answer to her concern, Drew pressed his face into her fur and said, “Thanks, Granny.  I got to see him for a little while.  I got to hug him and tell him I love him and hear him say it back.  I love you too, and you, Cav.  You’re the best.”

Drew sat quietly with his otherworldly companions, two of the best friends in his life.  After a while, he said, “We should go home now.  I need to tell Uncle Dar and Uncle Pat what happened.”

***

Michael pondered the recent battle with Elegroth and the altered demons.  The years were uncountable since so many angels had perished.  Their essence was destroyed forever by Elegroth’s power and that of the void.  As Commander of the High Hosts, and after all the changes within him since the creation of his grandson’s Avatar, he felt the loss acutely.

Raphael appeared by his side but remained silent, waiting for Michael to speak.

Finally, Michael thought: What is happening, Raphael?  This war is not one we ever imagined.  We always thought our battle was against Luke, not a being from a different creation of whom we know nothing.

Raphael: Are you alright? You have never been tested like that.

Michael smiled wanly: You mean my ego? I am fine. I would be upset if Luke or one of his underlings bested me, but not by a being who is inherently so mighty.  If not for our grandchildren, Henry Ross, and their ally, Eleleth, we too would be gone.  I am grateful for them.

Michael’s brow furrowed, and he asked: Is that why you are here? To see if I am alright?

Raphael grinned and put a hand on Michael’s solid shoulder. That is not all, but I am concerned for your welfare.

Michael: Has something happened?

Raphael: Of sorts.  More and more humans are becoming difficult to read as they interact with our grandchildren. There are a few important ones whom I monitor, but it becomes increasingly difficult. There is a military leader, a general, with whom Ken wishes to make contact through Raphael Martinez.  I have no fear for our grandchildren in this matter, but the general, as most militarily minded mortals, is short-sighted.  He wishes Ken, Brad, and the others harm.  He wishes to control or destroy them, even after the battle in the skies above their world.

Sighing heavily, Michael lowered his head.  Will mortals never learn?  This unending cycle of reacting fearfully to anything they do not understand and perceive as a threat…. They are so immature.  I never question Father, but humans have never impressed me.  They are above us, yet also so far below… after all the ages of my existence, I still fail to comprehend them.

Raphael: You are not alone in that.

Michael raised his head and looked directly into Raphael’s ageless eyes: You and I, along with Gabriel and Uriel, will visit this general and show him the folly of his thinking.  I will do this for Ken and our grandchildren.  They have enough concerns without dealing with a misguided, egotistical, political creature who considers himself a leader.

Raphael grinned: Do not mince words, Michael.  How do you truly feel towards this mortal?

Michael’s reply was the same grin Ken often expressed.

**

General Walter Hammond, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States, was asleep in his bed when a ball of light appeared in his bedroom.  Michael sent the general’s wife into a deep slumber to prevent her from waking as he assumed his human visage.

Michael observed the sleeping general, viewing the rivers and streams of his mortal life within the arc of time up to the present when everything became difficult to discern.  The free and unfettered nature of Ken and his brothers’ Avatars caused the archangel’s inability to perceive the General; however, the general’s entire life up to that point was laid bare to Michael, who wasn’t pleased with what he saw.

General Walter Hammond was fully human and had nothing to do with Luke or the Master’s underlings.  There was no touch of darkness in him other than the curse. Michael knew there were remnants of the Master’s followers in the US military, but none close to the general, at least that he perceived.

Michael: Awake, Walter Hammond.

The general shot up in bed at Michael’s booming voice in his mind. “What..., what’s happening!?”

A heavy sleeper, the general was groggy at first, but when he saw Michael at the foot of his bed, he reached for the gun in his nightstand. Before he got the drawer open, Michael’s stance and mien transformed.  His armor and sword appeared along with his wings, and his brightening aura blinded the general.

Michael: Draw your weapon upon me at your peril, mortal.

Michael’s aura terrified the general.  In it, he felt the love of Heaven but also its wrath.  He nearly lost control of his bladder, but Michael prevented the indignity.  Michael was not there to harm the human but to reveal truths and instruct him.  Michael’s white eyes, as bright as his aura, looked pitifully upon the general.

The general stammered, “Who…, who are you?  Why are you here?”

Michael: I am Michael, Keeper of the Gates of Eden and Commander of the High Hosts of Heaven.

General Hammond was raised Catholic but did not practice his faith and released any religious tenants from his heart long ago.  He now utterly regretted that decision. “What do you want with me?”

Michael: My grandson leads the men who defend your world.  If not for his bravery and that of his brothers, you would be annihilated.  Yet you wish to trap them, interrogate them, and destroy them out of fear.  Their human spokesperson, Raphael Martinez, was kidnapped by your government months ago to be used as leverage against my grandson.  No knowledge or proof of that distasteful affair exists - wiped from your records and the memory of all involved - yet it happened.  I will not permit further folly, and you will halt any further plans against them.  If you do not, you will face not only my grandson’s wrath but my own.

Michael’s eyes glowed brighter, and his expression further hardened: My grandson is more merciful than I. 

The General shouted, “My allegiance is to my country!”

The general’s fear was as evident as was his obstinance about not trusting what he could not control.  Michael wondered if that was another nature of the curse in humans or if they still would act in such ignorance if, or when, Ken and the other nephilim remove the curse from mankind.

Michael: There are higher authorities than your president, General.  I serve the highest, as should you.  His authority supersedes all others.  Come.

*

General Hammond found himself in what looked like the Coliseum of Rome, except it was new and pristine.  The cloudless sky gleamed a brilliant blue, and the sun shone brightly. In his uniform, he was hot in the sun.

Indignant yet fearful, he didn’t see Michael but shouted, “What’s going on!?  What have you done to me?  Where am I?”

A loud bass note from Gabriel’s horn nearly burst his eardrums.  The sound reverberated through his body, shaking him with its volume and power.  Uriel, Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel appeared high above the dirt-filled arena's north, south, east, and west points.

Their armor shone brighter than the sun as they descended rapidly, landing in what Lane would call a perfect superhero landing pose – down on one knee and fist with one arm thrown back – and their armor clanged from the impact with the ground.  The archangels were huge, nearly thirty feet tall, once they stood.

As they approached the general, their forms shrank to human proportions, and their armor and wings vanished, replaced by the attire they typically wore when interacting with their grandchildren. Cowering in fear, the general threw his arms up as if covering his face would lessen what he felt. The archangels stopped a few feet from him, standing in a line and staring at him.

Gabriel raised his hands placatingly. We bring greetings to you, Walter Hammond. Have no fear, mortal, but heed our words.

General Hammond stammered, “Who…, who are you?”

Raphael’s voice echoed with power in the General’s mind: You stand before the four corners of creation; I am Raphael; this is Uriel, Gabriel, and Michael, whom you have met already. Raphael gestured, indicating each as he spoke his names.

“What do you want with me?  I demand to be sent back!”

With his brow furrowed in anger, Michael thought: Your voice holds no sway here.  Our grandchildren, and the grandchildren of our brethren, defend your world from the likes of a being you cannot fathom.

Raphael: You are a man of war, General, but of little wisdom. Our grandchildren will soon seek to work with you to protect your world, yet you fear and wish to destroy them, thus dooming your entire creation.

Uriel, who rarely showed anger, nearly shook.  Like his grandson Bryan, few things angered the Angel of Death, but the prideful ignorance of the mortal before him struck a nerve.  Uriel’s wings appeared along with his glorious spear.  Holding the spear aloft, its tip glowed brightly, and the clear blue sky became dark and filled with stars.  Images exploded of Elegroth’s legions of demons laced with void energy tearing through the heavens.

Uriel: This is the enemy you face.

Uriel recounted the battle in the general's heart and mind, and the archangel’s pain and sorrow were evident as so many angels died. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael joined their brother, and each archangel's perspective seared into General Walter Hammond’s mind.

Gabriel: You see what Earth faces. Our grandchildren need you as an ally, not a deceptive serpent.  Listen to Raphael Martinez when he approaches you.  He speaks for our grandchildren.  Know we are watching.

Uriel lowered his spear, and its light diminished as his wings vanished.  Once again, the four archangels appeared in their usual attire, odd as it was.

Gabriel’s voice spoke directly into General Hammond’s heart: Go back now, but heed our words.

**

Raphael was nervous.  He had embraced his new role with the Order and looked forward to it, but he also realized he had no idea what it would entail.  He expected to deal with reporters and social media, but to call the White House and request a face-to-face meeting with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff?  He felt out of his league.

At his home, Raphael was linked with Loy and the rest of the team as he worked on a new web page to disseminate information and for people to contact him.

Loy: You’ll do fine, Raph.  He’s just a man.

Raph:  He’s the highest-ranking military guy in the country.  He’ll eat me for lunch!

Chuckling, Loy thought: We won’t let that happen. Besides, he doesn’t like Mexican food. 

Raphael burst out laughing and raised his middle finger in the air. Fuck you! I taste great, and besides, who doesn’t like Mexican food? I’m hot salsa, baby!

Loy:  Maybe the mild, chunky kind. Perfect response, but you were slow to flip me off.  You’re fitting right in.  Contacting the general is something we could do, but we want to start offloading things like this to you.  We’ll be with you and back you up, but he won’t know that.  Be respectful of his rank, but make it clear you represent us, which makes you his superior.

Raph: My poker face sucks.

Loy: At least you don’t have a shiny ‘T’ spot.

Raph laughed again. There is that. Did you just call me chunky?

Raph looked down and pinched his waistline: Man, I can’t wait until Albrecht is back and I can start working out with him.

Loy:  Don’t worry.  I have a feeling the general will want to meet with you right away.  The military higher-ups still salivate over the idea of coming after us.  They can’t help themselves.  They have to learn to trust us, and we need to form this new liaison group with Rich, Jacob, Craig, Guy, Nathan, and Caleb.

*

Fifteen minutes after Raph called the White House main phone number with his request, his cell phone rang. The Caller ID on his phone said “unknown number.”

Loy: That’s the Pentagon.

Nervously, Raph answered his phone, “Raphael Martinez speaking.”

An unidentified voice responded, “Hold, please.  You are being connected to General Hammond.”

A short pause followed before a man’s voice said, “This is General Walter Hammond, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States of America.”

Any nervousness Raph felt vanished.  He wasn’t sure if Loy or one of the guys calmed him down or if it was on his own, but he suddenly felt empowered to do what needed to be done. “Hello, General Hammond.  My name is Raphael Martinez.  I represent the Order, the men who defend this world.”

General Hammond said, “One of my aides will send you travel instructions to meet with me at the Pentagon. We need to talk.”

Raph said, “I agree, General Hammond.  I look forward to it.”

The line went dead, and wide-eyed and pondering what just happened, Raphael set down his phone.

Loy: Well, that was too easy.  Something doesn’t feel right.

Fear spiked in Raph at the thought of being kidnapped and interrogated again.

Loy: You know we won’t let that happen.  When I mean something doesn’t feel right, I mean that.  I wonder what made him so receptive?

Raph: Maybe an inter-creational entity shouting in everyone’s mind and killing thousands of angels?  Shit! What am I gonna wear?

***

Drew, awake and thinking about what just happened, lay between Darren and Pat.  In a delayed reaction from Henry being in his dream, he cried.  Granny Wolf, curled up at the foot of the bed, watched him with concern, and Cavall put his paws on the bed, stretching out his neck to reach Drew. Cavall’s soft whine, along with Drew’s sniffles, woke Pat.  Bullet, snoring softly and oblivious, slept on the floor beside the bed.

Pat’s understanding showed Drew’s intense emotions but not their cause, and he pulled Drew against him, asking, “Hey Tiger, what’s wrong?  Bad dream?”

Hiccupping, Drew managed to say, “No…, a good dream.  I talked with Dad. He was really there this time.”

Diving against Pat, Drew fiercely hugged his uncle. Their voices and movement woke Darren, who immediately merged the three. Sandwiched between them, the warmth and comfort of his uncles surrounded him until he stopped crying.  Drew was still erect, which upset him more, and Darren made it go away with a trickle of power.

Through the merge, Pat and Darren realized that Henry was truly present in Drew’s dream.  Henry said he didn’t know how, but he was there for a short time, and through Drew, Pat and Darren relished Henry’s presence in their hearts.   

Shifting in bed, Pat sat up with Drew still clinging to his torso.  Darren sat up, put his arms around his husband and nephew, and lay his cheek against Drew’s head. To add his own comfort, Cavall pushed his head through to be against Drew. Their positions mirrored in the physical realm what was happening in their hearts, and Darren asked: Are you alright?

Amidst his sniffles, Drew nodded as he responded: Yes, sir.

Not knowing what else to day, Pat thought: We love you, Tiger.

Before Drew responded, he bolted upright, and his eyes shone so brightly that his gaze lit up the room.  The stone appeared in his hand.  Confused, he looked at it in his fist as his vision tunneled down and through it, carrying him to the doors. Reaching out, he gripped his uncles and Cavall with his mind and heart, taking them with him.

*

Drew stood perfectly still with Pat, Darren, and Cavall by his side.  The three of them were naked and frozen in place for a moment, struck by the scene before them.

Henry lay in front of the doors, naked and unconscious, with Tag and Olive kneeling by his side.  Olive held one of his hands, and Tag lightly slapped Henry’s face, trying to wake him up.  Neither Tag nor Olive noticed their presence.

Olive: He’s lost, Pappa.

Tag: Henry, come back!  You gotta find a way, son.  Drew needs ya!  The rest of the boyz too!  Fight it!

Olive: Lord, hear me!  Help him!  He has ‘ta find his way back!

To Pat’s understanding, Tag and Olive weren’t there, yet he saw them.  On its own, his Gift ignited, and his eyes sparkled.  Darren’s Gift reacted as well, and the two Gifts merged.  Tag and Olive were in the physical realm even though they were no longer a part of it, and Darren felt their absence - the place where they should be.  Pat’s Gift backed out, and he understood the ripples swirling around Henry that allowed Tag and Olive to be present.  Something extreme was causing the ripples to build upon themselves. He understood the intersecting ripples were what allowed Tag and Olive to manifest from wherever they now existed.

The breeze from the dove’s wing hit them, not just against their bare skin but in their very existence, and its comfort was unimaginable. They watched as the eleven Seals within the doors, dark and silent for trillions of years, lit up.  The light was too bright to look at, and as they covered their eyes, the breeze washed away Tag and Olive and returned Drew, his uncles, and Cavall to their bodies.

*

Pat and Darren’s first concern was Drew, who sat between them gripping the stone.  He breathed hard, and they put their hands on him in comfort.

Pat understood Drew was physically fine but asked, “Are you okay?”

The stone disappeared back to Thomin’s vault and Drew relaxed into his uncle’s touch.  Repositioning himself, he snuggled against Pat and gripped Darren’s warm hands, holding them against his chest.  He didn’t answer verbally or mentally but nodded his head yes.

Privately to Pat, Darren asked:  What the hell just happened?

Pat: I don’t know.  Something’s happening with Henry. Tag and Olive said Drew needs him and we do too.

Darren: We do need him back with us, but he can’t separate from Eleleth yet.  Together, they’re the only chance Drew has, and even then, only with Drew and Eleneth backing him up.

Pat whispered: Fuck, sometimes I hate this shit.

Darren: We need the rest of the guys in on this.

*

Within the temple doors, impossibly, the twelve Seals were bright once more. One by one, the archons who faded trillions of years ago appeared.  Elezel, the first of the brethren to fade, came first.  Then Eleoiael, then Elevithe, and so forth until Elenbaoth, Eliao, Elebaoth, Elethanos, Elenaios, Eleoein, and Eleraios stood with him.

Naked, their forms shone brilliantly, and they stared at Eleleth’s Seal.  Looking through the arc of time, they witnessed everything that transpired since their fading.

Elezel: How are we here?

Elevithe: The prayer of someone who does not exist. A paradox.

Eliao: Why are we here?

Elevithe: To bring back Eleleth.  He is lost in the human.  Such a pairing never should have happened.

Eleoiael: Father’s new children are responsible.

Silently, the eleven archons held hands.  Eleleth’s absence in their hearts was profound, and collectively they called to him: Eleleth, hear us.

*

Eleleth stirred, and Henry asked: What is it?

Tears filled Eleleth’s eyes, and he whispered: Voices. Voices I thought gone forever. Calling me.

Through their blending, the longing ache in Eleleth’s heart was also Henry’s.   Henry felt no jealously, only elation for Eleleth. 

Henry: Well, let’s go say hello.

*

As soon as Eleleth appeared, the archons rushed forward to touch him.  Becoming one, Eleleth saw within them what transpired and how Olive’s prayer brought them back. Henry realized it was Tag and Olive’s touch that allowed him to briefly visit Drew in the realm of dreams, and he cried over what happened now that he knew.

The archons spent an eternity together, basking in each other, and their presence pulled Eleleth away from Henry. The separation was gentle but unrelenting, and suddenly Henry, his face wet with tears, his emotional pain impossibly intense, stood separate and apart from Eleleth

*

In the prophet’s apartment, his caretakers gasped when he vanished.  Not knowing what else to do, they fell to their knees to pray for his safety and return. Quietly, Phil emailed Aaron Thomas and Albrecht to inform them of Ryan Atkins' disappearance.

*

A human appeared by the doors.  The archons perceived the man was blind deaf, and mute, but they also saw their Father’s presence within the mortal.  God’s voice resounded from the prophet’s mouth and broke the quiet inviolability of the temple.

Accompanied by the twelve archons, I sang the first creation into being.  One archon must remain, and the last is now of both creations, thus allowing the final Seal to endure.  Rest in my presence Eleleth, my most faithful servant, and find peace in my arms along with your brothers.

Eleleth heard the words but did not know their meaning.

Fluttering wings echoed in their hearts and the dove appeared among them.  Smiling, He said, “It pleases me to see your assemblage. Each of you fulfilled your purpose with unwavering love and perseverance. Your time here is at an end.”

Understanding the implications of Eleleth leaving, immediate terror filled Henry, and he asked, “What about Drew?  How can I protect him against Elegroth? I’m not strong enough.”

The dove’s eyes, sparking with both creations and unconditional love, said, “You are Henry.  You, my son, are now the last archon, and through Eleleth’s touch, of both creations.”

Reaching out, the dove ran his hand in a loving caress through Henry’s short hair and down to cup his cheek and jaw.  The dove’s touch changed Henry, whose eyes widened.  The white lock in his hair shone with a new light. With unimaginable joy in his eyes, now sparkling with both creations, tears spilled down his cheeks.  His pain from Eleleth’s absence vanished, and he laughed at himself for choking up as Ken always did when he became exceedingly emotional.

Speaking directly to Eleleth, Henry’s words came from his heart: I love you.  I already miss you.

Eleleth: And I, you.  I have my brothers, and you have yours.  Rest in them, as I will in mine.  Eleneth is now your responsibility.  He won’t understand.  Even though I have your knowledge of fatherhood, I lack your experience and wisdom.  He is better served by you, and Drew will have a brother.

Henry: This is all so sudden.  I … I feel lost.

The dove: Henry, my son, I am with you. Never forget that.  As I told Drew, I am always with him; so I am with you and all of your brothers.

One by one, the Seals extinguished except for Eleleth’s, which was now Henry’s.  The doors and the pressure of the curse keeping them shut resounded in his mind.  As an archon with all the power that entailed, he saw through the arc of time, yet he was still Henry, Drew’s father and brother to Ken, Brad, and the rest of the guys.

Suddenly Henry stood alone.  The dove, the archons, and the prophet were gone.  Henry wasn’t sure how long he stood, resting in the quiet sanctity of the temple.  The serenity was so different from Earth, but he could always return to the Seal for refuge if necessary.

*

With no guidance from Aaron or Albrecht, the prophet’s caretakers didn’t know what to do other than continue their vigil and pray for his return.  One week later, the prophet appeared as suddenly as he vanished.  He seemed unhurt and no different except for his hair which was now whiter than pristine snow.

In the few moments that Ryan Atkins stood in the temple, a week passed in the second creation.  While Henry lay on the floor encountering the archons, another month passed for Drew and his uncles.

*

Darren sent out a mental 711, activating the triggers of the other mentalists and in the space of a few heartbeats, Ken, Brad, and the primary team merged to become one.

Through the merge, everyone became aware of Drew talking with Henry in his dream, and their emotions thickened from experiencing Henry’s presence through their nephew.  The impact of the encounter, followed immediately by Drew, Darren, Pat, and Cavall traveling to the doors and seeing Tag and Olive leaning over the unconscious Henry, deeply affected them.  Seeing the seals ignite as Drew, Darren, Pat, and Cavall were sent back to their bodies was an unknown but potentially huge change in their fight against Elegroth.

In the paradox of their collective hearts, each of Drew’s uncles held him in their powerful arms and souls.  Each asked Drew if he was alright while they hugged him tightly.  The warmth of their skin surrounded him as he told each of them: I’m okay.

Seeing into Drew, they knew he spoke the truth, but he still had much anxiety from seeing Henry unconscious with Tag and Olive by his side.  Seeing Tag and Olive affected him almost as profoundly as seeing Henry.

Ken repeated Darren’s question: What the hell happened?  What was that?

Drew: Do you think Dad’s alright?  Auntie Olive and Grandpa Tag were trying to wake him up. 

Brad: I bet he’s fine, Tiger. I’m not sure why he was separated from Eleleth like that, but there’s nothing that can hurt him at the doors.  In the unlikely case Elegroth would show up, Eleleth is there and would call you and Eleneth to help him. How and why he was there is a mystery though.

Lane: Do you think it’s worth going there to try and find out?

Ken: Not yet. I don’t want Drew there, and he’s our only way ‘ta get there.

Drew: But Uncle Ken….

Ken: No buts, Tiger.  We don’t know enough ‘ta risk you bein’ there.  I’m sure B’s right and your dad’s fine. I love you too much ‘ta risk a hair on your head without more intel about what’s goin’ on.

Drew rested his head on Ken’s shoulder and tightened his arms around his uncle’s neck: Okay.

Ken: Everyone mull this over.  We got trainin’ with the new kids in a few hours.  We need ‘ta get them up ‘ta speed asap. Keep your minds and guts tuned ‘ta any weirdness.

Loy: Raph’s flying to DC tomorrow to meet with General Hammond. They’re sending a Marine helicopter to pick him up. I’m uneasy about his meeting; something seems off.

Lane: I don’t see anything dangerous.

Brad: We’ll be with him, just in case.

Ken: Alright, ladies, let’s get some shut-eye.

Drew’s uncles gave him another hug and kissed the top of his head or his cheek, and he hugged each one back.  Even at ten years old, he was still in the habit of giving out hugs at bedtime and greeting them in the morning after waking.

*

Ken didn’t sleep the rest of the night.  He worried about Henry, and they hadn’t heard from Aaron and Albrecht in days.  It was past time for their mentors to check in, and the situation irritated him.  He wasn’t angry at Aaron and Albrecht, but he needed to know they were alright.  Allenor’s forge was dangerous and filled with so many unknowns…, even Brad would have a difficult time calculating the number of things that could go wrong.  His only consolation was that neither Lane nor the other mentalists had any indication through their Avatars that anything was wrong.

Brad unconsciously heard Ken’s thoughts and merged them deep to talk privately.

Brad: I’m sure the doc and Albrecht are fine.  As Lane said, they’re in nerd heaven.  Aaron’s in his element and probably doesn’t know where to start.  Everything in that place is a mystery waiting to be figured out.

Ken chuckled and thought: I can hear Lane now, tellin’ them ‘ta “Scooby-Do that shit.”

Brad: I’ll contact them mid-morning and make sure they’re alright.

The two men were still in bed, and Ken rolled on his back with one arm behind his head.  Brad took the invite to cuddle against him and put one hand on Ken’s chest, rubbing him soothingly.

Ken’s thoughts took a different turn, and he sighed:  Fuck, B.  Where are we gonna put everybody? With Jacob, Craig, and the rest of that bunch…, we’ve outgrown Atlanta. We could just send them back and forth for trainin’, but we need ‘ta be close at all times, not just in the gym.  They have so much ‘ta learn….

Brad: Yeah. I’ve been incubating a few ideas regarding that.  I think we should relocate.  Atlanta seems like home because it’s the longest place we’ve lived, but the longer we live, that will change.  Think about all the places Aaron and Albrecht have lived.  As far as I know, the doc has only been in the United States since the early nineties to lay the groundwork for the program.  He and Albrecht have lived pretty much everywhere in the world and a few places that don’t exist any longer.

Ken grinned: Thanks for that mind fuck.

Grinning back, Brad gently pinched one of Ken’s nipples: No problem.  I like fucking with you.

Ken: You mean you like fuckin’ me.

Brad laughed: Well, yeah, I do!  But I like being on the receiving end more.

Ken: You just thought of my dick again.

Brad: I can’t help it, but let’s put things on hold while we talk. I’ll play with Ken Jr. after.

Giving Brad a sideways glance and an eyebrow raise, Ken thought: Well, let’s get talkin’!

Brad: The Congo base is probably the best choice.  It’s the largest with the most extended training facility and the most bedrooms.  Byrranga is a close second.  It’s more remote, but that doesn’t really matter.  Vancouver and Brazil could work too, but we’d be at capacity, so if anything happened and we need to add more people we’d be back to square one.

Ken chuckled: Sally’s online orderin’ is gonna be interrupted if we move from Atlanta. Even Amazon doesn’t deliver in the Congo.  Do they?

Brad:  I don’t know, but she’ll be fine. We can install a drop box for deliveries here, and either Dar or one of us other translocators can collect things.  The biggest issue will be groceries for Bry.  Maybe we can start using the hydroponic gardens to grow things to lighten the load.  We order all the dry goods and meats in bulk, so that won’t change. It won’t be any different than when we’re on ZEUS and have to make extra trips to restock.  It’s simply another adjustment.

Ken released another heavy sigh, and the pang of sadness that hit him affected Brad through their merge.

Ken: They don’t have Waffle House in Africa, and if we move from here, Drew won’t be able ‘ta play ball at the park across the street.  None of the kids will have a place ‘ta get out.  They need ‘ta be kids.

Brad: We’ll make it work, Ken.  Our lives will change, but we’ll adapt.  We’ll rely on our Avatars more to move around.  We’ll have to store the vehicles.

Ken: I wonder if Istariel, Orophir, and that crew will wanna come with us?  They’ve been on ZEUS most of the time or in Atlanta.  They’ve been fantastic with Drew and Eleneth.

Brad: The full range of human emotions is still new to them, but they’ve adapted amazingly well and fast.  They love Drew in their own way as much as we do. And they’re welcome to stay at any of our bases.  Orophir needs the protection of the Enochian runes, but even though the others don’t, my guess is they’ll want to stay with him.  They’ve become more like a family than I ever imagined they would.

Ken: I’ll call a meetin’ before trainin’ ‘ta go over all this.  I want everyone’s input.  Adam might be upset about bein’ further from AJ, and we’ll need ‘ta make sure he knows it won’t be an issue.

Brad: Adam’s wife and daughter are drifting away from Adam and Andrés.  Maybe Adam should push for full custody of AJ so he can live with us full-time.  I know all our kids would love that.

Ken glanced at Brad: “Our” kids?

Brad raised his eyebrows: That’s the way I see them now.  We’re a unique family, Ken.  Our ability to be in one another and see into the children…, we’re all something new, just like our being half-nephilim.  The kids thrive in our environment, and we thrive having them around.  So yeah, I think of them as ours too.  We’re all fathers in our own way, along with Henry, Bill, Kevin, and Adam.  Sally, Kelly, and Shan are the moms.  It’s new and different.  I like it.

Ken’s eyes turned glassy as he took in everything about his husband and the emotions churning in both of them.  Fuck I love you.

Brad: I’ll miss our house, and Gladys Kravit’s perving on us when we’re in the pool or doing yard work.

Ken grinned and then started to laugh: Yeah, she’s somethin’.  But she’s been a great help with us bein’ gone so much.  You know, B, you asked me once if we should sell the house.

Brad: I did, and you said you’d be happy as long as you’re with me.

Ken: That’s truer than ever. I wanna be wherever you wanna be.

Ken’s eyes widened, and he exclaimed: Fuck!  What about our trees?

Brad: We need to talk to Bry about them.  We might have to move them.  They’re too much a part of us to abandon them. But the Atlanta base is staying put, so we should keep our houses.  With a few modifications, maybe we can rent them out.

Brad gazed back, falling into Ken’s green eyes ringed with his blue.  The touch of their bodies turned sexual as Ken’s emotional spike gripped both men.  They embraced, becoming hard immediately, and Ken rolled over on top.

Without words, they continued communicating in their unique way - through their hands, mouths, hearts, souls…, and dicks.  Each version of “that guy” had evolved beyond their original needs.  Their physical lovemaking was deeper and more profound than ever, with the intensity as exquisitely, painfully sweet as the emotional intimacy between their minds, hearts, and souls.

After hours of making love, they only stopped when Brad’s unconscious mind told him it was almost time for training.

***

Aaron and Albrecht, wearing only footwear and athletic shorts, sweated in the heat of Allenor’s workroom.  They kept wet towels wrapped around their necks, but they quickly dried in the heat.

Albrecht: Aaron! It worked!  I can hear and feel the forge as well!

Merged as one, Aaron experienced Albrecht’s excitement at successfully connecting to Allenor’s mysterious companion.  The look of wonder on Aaron’s face, one Albrecht seldom saw anymore, filled his heart with joy, and he gripped his lover in a tight embrace.

Being sweaty and not bathing for a few days brought back many memories of their past.  Living nearly six thousand years without air conditioning, being sweaty was a way of life.  They smelled one another, and although it was time for a shower or bath, they relished each other’s scent.  They didn’t realize how much they missed their natural scents over most of the last century as modern conveniences became part of their everyday lives.

Aaron: After conversing with the companion, I was confident it would work.  Allenor’s race did not merge as we do.  Theirs was an autonomous existence, and the companion did not understand the concept of you and I being one.  We were not merged when I first touched the table, but by essentially resetting the companion and reconnecting to it while you and I are one, it bonded with us.  However, we must remain merged until we disconnect from it – I fear what might happen if we separate while connected to it.

Albrecht: I agree.  It is so much more than a piece of technology, love. I cannot fathom the craft of Allenor’s people to create such a being – alive and conscious, yet not.  Another paradox.

Aaron mused: I have come to believe there are few true paradoxes other than the Avatars of our sons.  The companion is simply a technological wonder we have never encountered, and seems metaphysical when it is not.

Albrecht: It wishes us to eat.  I feel its concern at my hunger.

Aaron: We must contact Bradford today.  I promised Kenneth we would maintain regular contact, but with everything we’ve discovered, I admit I lost track of time.

Albrecht: We can send a memory sphere later this morning.  It is the middle of the night in Atlanta, and there is no need to disturb him.

With a thought, Aaron willed the forge to ignite, and in the main crafting room, Allenor’s protection around his perpetual fire faded.  The two men, hand in hand, looked upon the wonder of Allenor’s second greatest creation.

The power emanating from the forge was beyond Aaron’s reckoning.  Technically it wasn’t fire – it was a power he still couldn’t wrap his mind around.  It held the ability, similar to Darren’s Avatar, to mold, separate, or merge any element or elemental composition from the tiniest subatomic particle to the largest singularity.  It also existed simultaneously in every plane of existence within their creation. The possibilities of what it could create seemed endless.

The companion didn’t communicate in the first language of the second creation, as Aaron suspected.  Allenor used that language to communicate verbally with Lane and Loy before speaking English, but the companion was utterly different.  It operated on will and intent and answered with pure knowledge planted directly in their minds, which their minds interpreted into words and concepts.

*

Raph would meet with General Hammond in a few days, and if that went well, the RL’s (as Lane dubbed them) hoped to be reassigned to a special liaison group to train with the Order.  They needed to be present with Ken and the other men as much as possible to train and hone their new abilities. While these abilities were powerful, they were new, raw, and untaught, and their mental range was limited, so they needed to sharpen and stretch themselves daily to grow.

When Ken and Brad emerged from their room ready for their PT run, Drew, dressed in his Atlanta Braves uniform, sat in the kitchen with Pat and Darren while he ate a bowl of cereal.  Frankenberry was still his favorite, and he was on his second bowl.

Ken and Brad knelt on either side of his chair to receive their good morning hugs, and Ken ruffled his hair, saying, “Good mornin’, Tiger!  Did you sleep okay the rest of the night?”

Drew nodded, “Yes, sir.”

Brad knew the answer already but asked, “So Drew…, are you waiting for anything in particular?  Or maybe someone? It’s Sunday and no lessons, so you could have slept in.”

Drew grinned excitedly and said, “I want to see Mister Jacob, Mister Craig, Mister Rich, Mister Guy, Mister Caleb, and Mister Nathan!  I saw everything through Uncle Darren and Uncle Pat. It’s going to be fun having them around!”

Teasing him, Loy said, “But you just saw them a few days ago!”

Drew said, “I know, but I miss them.”

Ken said, “I know they can’t wait ‘ta see you too.  Hold on a few more minutes, and we’ll bring ‘em over from their cabin.”

While the conversation took place, the rest of the guys showed up in the kitchen to get their hugs from Drew and pour themselves a cup of coffee.  Tommy and Brett came in with Bill and Kevin, gave and received their hugs, and joined Drew for cereal at the table.  Shan, Teesha, and Sally showed up and the kitchen became crowded.

Darren announced, “I just spoke with Craig, and the guys have finished their PT and are packed and ready to head this way.”

*

Ken: B, pull us into a construct of the conference room and take us deep.  We have a few things ‘ta discuss before trainin’ starts.

The twelve men and Drew immediately appeared around the table, with the adults wearing their new assault suits.  Drew wore his baseball uniform.

All eyes were on Ken standing at the lectern.  He looked back at their faces as he often did, reflecting on how grateful he was to have everyone there in his life.  Henry, Aaron, and Albrecht’s absence was more acute when they gathered as they were, but before he got emotional, he gripped the edges of the lectern and started.

Ken: Me and B talked last night.  I’m sure most of you’ve thought the same thing. This lab isn’t meant for so many people.  Even after the renovations, we’re makin’ it work now, but if Jake, Craig, and the others come ‘ta live with us, we’re outta room. I think we need ‘ta relocate ‘ta the Congo base.  It makes the most sense. There’s a lotta details ‘ta cover if we do this, but nothing we can’t handle.  I want your input before I make the call, just ‘ta be sure no one has any concerns.

Merging them fully, Brad shared his and Ken’s discussion of the pros, cons, general logistics, and known ramifications. Adam and Zack were new to living in the base, and the move wouldn’t affect them as much, but a heavy thread of nostalgia hit the rest of them.  After faking their deaths in Syria, the base had been their stronghold, and other than the doctor splitting their souls, which they were unaware of at the time, all their changes took place in the Atlanta lab.

It was the place Drew and Henry came into their lives, and later Adam and Zack. But, like the paradox of their powers, they had come to learn that distance didn’t matter, only direction, which was a comfort they didn’t expect. Regarding the danger to Drew, it didn’t matter if they were in Atlanta, South America, North America, Africa, Australia, or Eurasia, and with Darren’s and the other mentalists’ Avatars, they could be anywhere in the world almost instantly.

Drew seemed upset and said: But Uncle Ken, if I leave, Dad won’t know where to find me.

Drew’s statement caught them off guard, and immediately each of his uncles held him.

Ken: He’ll know, Tiger.  When your dad comes back, he’ll know how ‘ta reach us and find you.  We’ll make sure of it.  I promise you got nothin’ ‘ta worry about.

Drew’s arms went around their necks, and resting his head on their strong shoulders, he believed his infallible uncles.

Adam: I want to move forward and get full custody of AJ and take him with us.  As much as it hurts, Julie and Maggie don’t want any part of this.  I spoke with Andrés, and they feel the same way towards him.  I think it’s a huge mistake, but there’s nothing I can do to change their minds. I can understand their feelings towards me, but after everything Andrés has done for them…, I don’t know what to say. Andrés isn’t taking it well, but he’s still agreeable to help us find lost protectors.

They all put their hands on Adam’s back or shoulders and held him tighter in their hearts.  Drew, in particular, hugged Adam, seeing his hurt over the situation.

Brad: When Aaron and Albrecht get back, the doc can help.  He knows better than any of us what needs to happen and how to make the arrangements.

After some discussion, the unanimous decision was to relocate to the Congo base.  They would start a full supply run in a few days and begin moving their personal effects.

Lane: Aaron and Albrecht are in for a big “oh shit” moment with this. He might even slip an f-bomb.  Anyone want to bet?  We can start a new beer kitty….

Brad: I’m going to contact them during our lunch break from training and fill them in.  I can’t wait to hear what they’ve discovered. Hopefully he’ll be so chilled out from this mini vacation, he might even pass on the “oh my.”

Lane: Well, we still exist, so they haven’t found any big red buttons yet.

*

Darren’s Avatar lit up, his eyes turned white, and Drew shot out of his chair and ran to the gym where his friends awaited him.  As soon as they saw him, they dropped to one knee, shrugged their packs off their shoulders, held their arms out, and Drew rushed into their waiting hugs.  This time, though, Drew also hugged them with his mind and heart, and they knew how much their presence affected him.  The soldiers were linked, and Rich commented mentally: We’ll have to get used to this.  I like it.

Smiles covered their faces as all of them got their hugs, and they ruffled their young friend’s hair as they told him various forms of, “Hey Drewmeister!” “Man, you give the best hugs!” or “I’ve missed you, buddy!”

Drew had seen them in their short visit days before but didn’t get a chance to spend much time with them.  Their newly awakened emotional sensitivity told them there was more going on with Drew than what they saw on the surface.

Brad created a separate link that excluded Drew and thought: Drew’s having a rough time with Henry gone.  Seeing you guys is a big deal for him.

Rich: Well, it’s a big deal for us too.  We’ve all missed him.

Ken: Guys, we only have today ‘ta work with you.  Raph doesn’t meet with General Hammond for a few days, and even if he’s agreeable, we aren’t sure what form our request will take or how long it’ll take ‘ta put together, so we have ‘ta make today count.

**

Before training started, Ken called the RL’s into the largest exam room in the lab. It was Sunday; the kids had no lessons, and he needed privacy with the young soldiers.  Even though he joked about what was about to happen, Ken wanted Brad with him.

The crowded room usually contained two exam tables, but they carried one out to make room.  When everyone was settled, Ken said, “Alright ladies, I need a volunteer.  Who’s first?”

The six soldiers blushed because they knew what was coming, but after sleeping together in one big pile the previous night, sharing physical but non-sexual intimacy, their barriers were already breaking down.

Ken wasn’t surprised when Jacob responded, “Me.”

“Okay, strip completely and get on the table.”

Jacob started out as the most muscular of the soldiers when they first met, but after Ranger training, they were all physical equals. 

Brad: Damn, they’re fine-looking men.  Albrecht’s training and the military suits them.

Ken: Hell yeah.  Let’s see how they handle this.  They’re feelin’ the effects of their souls bein’ connected.  Nothin’ sexual happened last night, but I see the bonds already formin’.  They were tight before, but damn, this is nice ‘ta see.  They really are gonna be like us.

Brad: It’ll be a long while before they catch you, though.

Ken coughed to cover up his reaction to Brad’s statement and winked at his lover: You fucker.  Don’t get me goin’ when I’m about ‘ta hold Jake’s dick.

Brad: Sorry, not sorry.

Ken: You’ll be sorry later when I have ‘ta get this outta my system.

Brad: Promise?

Guy, Caleb, and Nathen whistled when Jake stripped, so he flexed at them. They were nervous and used humor to cover, but they had no fear. Jacob was mostly erect from the thought of what was coming.

Ken said, “Okay…, there’s nothin’ ‘ta be embarrassed about.  You’re gonna be naked, or mostly naked together more than you’ll be clothed movin’ forward.  You’re men, and you already had strong sex drives, but what you felt before is nothin’ compared ‘ta what’s comin’.”

Ken’s grin appeared, and he said, “No pun intended.

“Your core energy center is the source of your physical strength and needs.  At first, when I open Jakes's core center, or yours, you can’t help but get hard.  It’s natural and will happen a lot.  I mean all the time, like when you were fourteen, and the wind blew.”

Brad interjected, “A huge part of your training will be learning to control your energy centers.  Full control makes it even better, and you’ll find all sorts of ways to have fun.  Even after the novelty wears off, it will be a huge source of pleasure.”

Ken placed one hand on Jacob’s chest and another just below his belly button.  He kept his touch firm, knowing Jacob was slightly ticklish.  Jake’s erection bolted involuntarily at the feel of Ken’s warm hands.  He didn’t expect his reaction and blushed.

Ken grinned and said, “No need ‘ta be embarrassed.  This is normal.  So what I’m gonna do now is open your core.  I want the six of you deeply linked to share this.  None of you are alone and never will be again.  I want that ‘ta sink in.  You are a part of one another like you never could have imagined.  Sink into that feelin’, and go with it.  Don’t fight it.”

Crimson energy erupted from Jacob’s core, and Ken gripped Jacob’s erection to stop him from ejaculating.  Keeping his grip firm and tight, Ken waited for the initial surge to pass.  His other hand held Jacob down when his body tried to arch up.

Craig, Rich, Caleb, Guy, and Nathan’s faces turned deep red in a shared reaction through their merge, and all of them became hard.

When Ken understood that Jacob was in control, he continued, “Okay, Jake.  I’m gonna induce an orgasm and increase my grip so nothin’ will come out.  It’s sorta like milkin’ a cow, but you need ‘ta squeeze and then stroke down so your body will absorb your load.  It happens fast, so get ready.  Your mind is gonna get a huge boost from this too, so B is gonna help you with that.”

Looking boldly and directly into Ken’s eyes, Jacob said, “Do it.”

With their mind's eyes open, brilliant azure and crimson energy burst out of Jacob.  His entire body flexed and immediately became covered in a light sheen of sweat as his muscles swelled from a surge of blood and oxygen.  His body felt tight, like after an intense workout, but also relaxed like after a massage.

No other humans were nearby, but Jacob heard the echoes of distant emotions and words in his mind.  Brad shielded him immediately before Jacob experienced any discomfort from the fucked-upness of the voices.

Breathing heavily, Jacob started to sit up and Ken offered a hand to pull him up into a sitting position with his legs dangling off the side of the bench.

Scrubbing his face in his hands, Jacob chuckled and said, “Holy shit, that was intense! Thanks!”

To keep the mood light, Ken held up the hand he used to grip Jacob and said, “B says my hands are magic.”

Ken started to put his hand on Brad’s shoulder, and Brad backed off, saying, “Don’t touch me!  I know where that hand’s been!”

Everyone burst out laughing, and when it died down, Ken wriggled his fingers and asked, “Who’s next?”

Not surprisingly, Craig volunteered, and they repeated the process until all six men were pumped and sweaty with their minds and core energy centers open.

Rich glanced at Brad and looked like he wanted to say something.

*

In a private thought to Ken, Brad thought: Rich just figured it out.

Ken: Oh, shit.  Well, that was fast.  I knew they’d get it soon enough, but we should address this now.  I want as few speed bumps for ‘em as possible.  They got enough on their plates with all the changes.

*

In a private thought to Rich, Brad asked him: You have a question?

Rich: Yes, sir.

Brad: The answer is yes, Rich.  Ken told you how strong the attraction will be among you.  It’s only going to get stronger.  None of you have to take that step physically.  What we just showed you will work fine, but taking each other’s loads will do the same thing if you want to take things up a notch.  Does that bother you?

Rich got an impish grin on his face and thought: The idea of five guys swinging on my dick is hot as hell!

Brad burst out laughing, and everyone in the room looked at him.

Brad: Okay…, that was easy.  I’m putting that thought in a private “box” in your mind, and you can share it with the rest of the guys later.  We need to get things moving here.

Rich: Yes, sir.

After a brief pause, Rich continued: We almost got there last night, sir. It was extraordinary, and frankly, I think none of us will have an issue with it.  When we’re one…, well, you know.  I didn’t know we could love like this.  It’s deep.

Brad’s Avatar lit up, and his compassion encompassed Rich. It only gets better, Rich.  Like Ken said, don’t fight it.  Think beyond your bodies, and don’t limit yourselves.

Grinning much like Ken often did, Brad added: Drink lots of pineapple juice.  It makes a huge difference!

*

Ken said, “Put your shorts on so you don’t scare the kids, and let’s head ‘ta the gym.  B and the brainiacs taught you basic shieldin’ already, but you need a deep dive into the mental stuff.  That’s my first priority for ‘ya.  We’ll work on physical trainin’ after lunch.”

As the men put their shorts on, the shit talk started in the private link Brad kept among the main team. Ken took their ribbing and nearly cried from laughing so hard as their comments became increasingly graphic.

Ken: Alright, you fuckers.  Shut your traps and get in the gym before I squeeze your balls too.  We got limited time ‘ta whip these youngin’s into shape!

By the time the RL’s were in the gym, the rest of the team was dressed in their workout clothes and ready to start. For the rest of the morning, at any opportunity, they wriggled their fingers and raised their eyebrows when Ken looked at them.

**

While Brad and the mentalists spent the equivalent of weeks with the RL’s in a construct to learn the extent of their new abilities, Ken and the bodies started prepping for their move to the Congo base.

The RL’s were astounded by the mental strength of Brad and the other mentalists.

Brad: You’ll be nearly as strong as we are once you’ve practiced and stretched your minds.  The mind is like a muscle and has to be worked, but like any muscle, you can overtrain and hurt yourself.  We obviously don’t want to go that far, but I do want to push you.  There’s no telling when Elegroth’s demons will breach our world again, so we need you as ready as possible to face them.  We’ll teach you the angelic fighting style for physical fights, but you will also have to shield yourselves and anyone around you who needs protection.

Loy: Your makeup is different than ours.  We share a soul with our partner, but sharing all six will create a different dynamic in everything you do.  You’ll operate as one being with six minds and twelve arms and legs.  Every aspect of your existence will circle around that fact, so your training will be different than ours.  With your mental training we’re accounting for that, and Ken will do the same for your fighting.

Lane: You don’t have Avatars, but you will be badass.  You know what we’re up against, and you’ll be defending not just our world but our creation.  Drew has to be kept safe – if even one demon breaks through and gets to him, it’s game over. Aside from saving creation, we have to protect him because he’s Drew, our nephew, and we love him.  He’s sacrificed himself for us too many times already and that won’t happen again.

The seriousness of the situation rested heavily on their shoulders, but like soldiers, they embraced the challenge.  They took an oath to The Order, and especially after their changes, they intended to fulfill it with everything in them.

They sat on the mats, poised but relaxed, with their legs crossed and arms linked.  Brad, Lane, Loy, Bill, and Darren sat in a larger circle around the soldiers.  Behind their closed eyelids, their eyes remained white, and their shirtless bodies shone with a light coat of sweat indicating their exertion.

Under normal training conditions, they would rehydrate regularly and eat some type of protein bar to maintain their energy levels, but the pressure of time prevented that. Instead, Brad and the mentalists, through their Avatars, channeled energy directly into the cells of the soldiers’ bodies to sustain them.

They were aware that Lane monitored their homeostasis which trained their bodies unconsciously to work more efficiently. Breathing steadily but shallowly, they maintained oxygen in their cells and didn’t expend unnecessary energy.

Ken glanced in the gym a few times and smiled to see the bright energy centers flowing between everyone.  He was proud that his brothers were excellent mentors.  Bryan had displayed that with Rich after the soldiers were first rescued, and the soldiers were already starting to be younger brothers to all of them, like Zack and Adam.  Brad’s comment of “our kids” extended to the RL’s, and he felt good about the changes and their direction.

**

Brad called a break at noon to eat.  Allenor’s forge was shielded, but Brad and Aaron devised a way to communicate through the veil.  Holding his hands to his chest in a diamond pattern, Brad formed a small memory sphere that simply said: Time for a check-in!  I’ll contact you in five minutes.

**

Aaron and Albrecht had just discovered how to access the information they wanted on the Gifts when Brad’s memory sphere appeared, and Aaron quickly quelled his frustration at the interruption.  He promised Ken he would check in regularly and was already overdue, so he would hold to his word.  He had to let everyone know he and Albrecht were safe, and they needed supplies, coffee in particular.

Precisely five minutes later, Brad’s voice entered their minds.  Communicating through the veil, where distance had no meaning, only direction, Brad might as well have been in the room with them.  His powerful mind entered theirs and his feelings flowed, foremost among them relief that Aaron and Albrecht were alive and his anxiety over their extended absence.

Brad: Doc?  Albrecht?

Aaron: Hello, Bradford. Hearing your voice is wonderful. As amazing as our time here has been, we have missed you and everyone terribly.

Albrecht felt Brad’s mental grin: I get it, Doc.  I know you missed us, but I know how your mind works.  You’ve been so absorbed we’ve hardly been in your thoughts – we’re always in your heart but not necessarily your thoughts.

Albrecht: You know us well!  You are correct, as Aaron always is.  Brad, this place is more remarkable than we ever imagined!  We have so much to share.

Brad: Can we merge?  It would save time….

Aaron’s panic surprised Brad when he emphatically stated: No!  Do not attempt to merge with us.  Albrecht and I are merged, but we are connected to the forge.  There is an entity here created by Allenor…, a sort of companion that controls and influences nearly everything in the forge.  We discovered its existence by accident.

Albrecht: Accident?  It nearly killed you.  For a brief moment, I thought you were going to die.

Brad: What!?

Aaron: Obviously I am alive and safe.  Do not worry, Bradford.  The discovery could not have been prevented, so it is not as if I were careless.  Much like William’s first experience with the skull upon his awakening – I merely touched the surface of a table as I climbed on it.  Bradford!  The wonders!  I am speechless … Allenor’s people … their technology is so different.  It is organic and natural.

Brad: So the big red button we’re worried about won’t look like a big red button.  It won’t be recognizable for what it is.

Brad’s concern enveloped his mentors along with his love and his fear of their being gone from his life.

Brad whispered into their hearts: I know you’re being careful, but please….

Aaron and Albrecht embraced Brad’s mind and heart as much as they could without merging.  His tears became theirs, and they held him so tightly and deeply that time didn’t move.

Pulling himself together, Brad took a deep breath: Bry has supplies to send.  Half of it is coffee.  If we send everything he prepared, you won’t be able to make a dent in it – there’s enough for a month at least.  He made more “old school” food he thinks you’ll enjoy - dried jerkies, fruits, fresh bread, butter, jam, honey, and some meats.  He has everything preserved so it won’t spoil.  He also has a small crate of macaroni and cheese and other processed stuff that may not be easy to make without a stove. There’s also one special treat we all hope you’ll enjoy.

Albrecht: We can use the forge to cook anything we like.

Brad: You turned it on!?

Aaron: Yes.  Through the companion we can turn it on and off at will.  Allenor’s notes are stored in the very essence of his workshop.  Just before you contacted us, I discovered where to access information about your Gifts. Soon we will know the purpose of each in its original, uncorrupted state.

Brad’s exuberance at that information hit Ken and the rest of the team.  He couldn’t help himself and let out a mental: Whoop!

Aaron and Albrecht grinned at his response and thought:  It is our hope that knowledge may also help us locate the remaining Gifts.  Simply knowing what they are might help.

Brad: We can hope, but I doubt it.  I don’t mean to be a Debbie Downer, but Thomin hid them randomly.  It was like a game to him, and we know he doesn’t remember where he put any of them.

Aaron: How are Drew and the other children?

Brad grinned: Well, that depends on what age range you’re talking about.  Drew is making it, but he’s really torn up about Henry being gone.  We’re doing our best to help him, but it’s not the same.  He spoke with the real Henry in a dream the other night, and we aren’t sure what happened.  Tag and Olive were at the doors briefly, and Drew, Dar, Pat, and Cavall were with him.  Before they were literally blown back into their bodies, they saw the Seals light up.  We don’t know what that means.  Henry was there and unconscious, but not in Eleleth.

Aaron: Oh my.

Brad: The older children, or more precisely Craig, Jake, and that crew, are with us.  Glenn Hampton is dead. God intervened and took him and his wife bodily into heaven.  Rich and the others contacted us to see if we would heal Glenn, and Lane had a dream about Glenn eating with the dove in Waffle House.

Albrecht: We have not been gone that long, and so much has happened.  Should we come back?  The forge can wait….

Brad: Let me be clear, sirs.  We love you both, and your absence has made us appreciate you even more.  We realize how much you do for us day after day that we just take for granted.  Ken and I have talked … all of us have, and things will change moving forward.  We’re handling things, but we will need your help with the adoption process for AJ.  But back to Rich and the others.  Lane had a dream…, a big one.  Once we can merge you’ll see it all, but the message was that we needed to awaken them.  We did, and we changed them physically too.  We’ve been training them all morning.  In a few days, Raph is meeting with the Pentagon about forming an alliance with the government.  We hope to have the RL’s as a special forces team at our disposal.  They will live with us, train, and liaise with the government.  With AJ moving in with Adam and the RL’s living and training with us, we need to move somewhere larger.  Ken’s already made the call – we’re moving to the Congo base.

A short silence followed and became long enough for Brad to be worried.  Are you alright?  I know that’s a lot.

Albrecht: RL?

Brad chuckled: Reserve Legion.  Lane came up with it.  It’s another comic book reference, but we need some type of designation, and it seems as good as any.

Aaron: After everything you just shared, I do not feel right being here, Bradford. 

Brad: No, Doc.  You are where you need to be.  You and Albrecht need your time together, and any information about the Gifts is just as important as what we’re doing…, maybe even more so.  None of us want you to come back until you’re ready.  You are too important to us, and your happiness is a priority.  Unless something major happens and we need you here, stay there until you’re ready to head this way.

Brad’s sincerity touched his mentors profoundly and brought tears to their eyes.

Brad: We love you both dearly.  We don’t say if often enough.

Aaron: We love you too, Bradford.  After all the years of our lives, we have never been more blessed than right now.

Albrecht: Aaron speaks truth, Brad.  We do love you.  Fiercely.  Thank you.

Brad smiled and said: To quote my husband, it’s time to shut off the waterworks.  Bry is here along with everyone else to say a quick hello, and we’ll send through your food and supplies.  If you have any special requests, let me know, and we’ll prioritize getting together whatever they are.

Aaron was serious when he replied: Just all of you.  I wish you could be here with us.

Brad: We’ll be there eventually, sir.  Honestly, I can’t wait.  I can tell how excited you are, and that says a lot.

In the next few minutes, each of their sons spoke to them.  There were a few tears, but mostly laughter as the guys hung shit on their mentors after hearing about Aaron almost dying. As usual, humor covered their deeper emotions, but their love and concern were clear through the link.  While they spoke, six large coolers of supplies appeared, and their empty ones vanished.

Drew was the last to talk to them, and he chattered on as he often did when excited.  His loneliness was more apparent to them than ever, but he was bearing up well with the support of his uncles. Aaron and Albrecht's love eased his soul.

Silence fell after the last goodbye, and their link went quiet.  Aaron held out his hand, which Albrecht gripped tightly.

Aaron rarely cried, but tears spilled down his cheeks as he thought: I miss them.  We are no longer complete without them.

Albrecht: No, we aren’t.  We will always have each other, though, and be one. As much as I do miss them, I am glad of our time apart.  It has brought us back to where we started, love, and for that, I am grateful. It also makes me appreciate them more, just as they do us.

Pulling Aaron against him, Albrecht kissed Aaron’s temple, put an arm around his shoulder, and held him.  He rocked them and took them deep into their hearts.  Aaron had never been one for excessive physical expression and began to fidget after a short time. Albrecht laughed and thought: I know you, Aaron, son of Jochebed. You cannot wait to see what wonders Bryan has sent us, coffee in particular. Let’s go and see.

How quickly Aaron stood up proved Albrecht right, and he chuckled, shaking his head, loving Aaron even more.

The smell of greasy fish hit them when the lid of the first cooler opened.  Inside, temporally preserved by Lane to stay hot and fresh, was a to-go box from Long John Silvers with a small bag of ketchup packets.  Albrecht roared with laughter while Aaron, with a dreamy expression, took the food reverently into his hands.

As they opened ketchup packets, Albrecht thought: I wonder how Allenor would feel about using the forge to cook macaroni and cheese?

***

After a grueling afternoon of training, both the RL’s and the main team were worn out.  The ice tubs were crowded with all of them, but they went into them first and then into the hot yoga room to relax and meditate while their bodies recovered.

Lane could heal them, and if there was an emergency he would, but Ken insisted that they recover naturally and use cutting-edge athletic techniques when possible.

An unexpected shudder ran through Darren, and even in the heat and humidity of the hot yoga room, he got goosebumps, his nipples hardened, and the hair on his arms and the back of his neck rose. The sensation wasn’t extreme, but the sudden change from the heat caught him off guard.

Pat, who sat beside Darren, took his hand.  Dar?  What’s wrong?

Darren: I don’t know yet.  Merge with me, and let’s look.

Pat and Darren became one, and their light shone on their brothers and the RL’s, who basked in the sensation.  The RL’s closed their eyes to swim in the sea of the liquid golden light of Pat and Darren’s combined souls.

Pat and Darren’s Avatars and Gifts became one, and they were careful not to extend their perceptions too far out into creation and risk a reaction from the curse.  Darren’s intuition told him that Lane and Bryan needed to be a part of their merge, so he gently pulled in his two brothers.

Darren:  I think whatever I reacted to has come and gone.  Lane, help us look into the recent past with all four Gifts working in unison.

Slowing their perceptions of time to a near stop, Lane took them back slowly and held them at the point where Darren first shuddered. Between the thought and memory of Bryan’s Gift, Lane’s sense of temporal placement, Darren being the physical realm, and Pat understanding the patterns underlying everything, what happened became apparent.

A tiny rift from the void opened on its own.  The opened spot was an area weakened by the claws of a demon, and the threads of existence in that minute spot had not yet healed. A few such openings in the same area occurred, and each spawned ripples.  Like multiple rocks dropping into a pond, the ripples spread and intersected, spawning even more.  As deep and still as they were, the four men felt Tag and Olive for a brief moment but knew the old couple had nothing to do with what had occurred.

The ripples spread across the Earth and touched hundreds of thousands of people.  The intersecting waves caused a multitude of anomalies that allowed energies to pass between realities.  Exerting his will, Darren closed and healed the weak areas.

Darren: That was interesting.

Brad: And highly problematic.  If the fabric of reality is weakened with each breach, those openings will keep happening. 

Ken: Could Elegroth be doin’ this on purpose?

Brad: My gut says no, but whether he is or isn’t, we need to start scrying for things like that.  There’s no telling the long-term effects. They might be harmless, but they might be severe.

Ken: Fuck.  Okay…, somethin’ else ‘ta worry about.

Brad moved behind his husband and sat down.  He couldn’t help but admire the musculature of Ken’s back, shining with sweat.  Even in the heat of the room Ken was hot to the touch, and Brad kneaded his traps.

Bill asked: Do you think the doc and Albrecht firing up Allenor’s forge might have anything to do with this?  The timing is close.

Kevin turned to look at his husband and cupped Bill’s chin: You know, you’re not just another pretty face.  That’s a good question.

Loy: Did you just call Bill pretty?

In mock anger, Bill retorted: I’m not pretty, you fucker, I’m handsome.  Get it right!

Kevin moved his hand down to cup Bill’s neck and pulled him over to give him a kiss.  You are handsome, and I’ll pay for my crime later in private when the boys are asleep.

Bill: Now we’re talking!

Ken: Focus, ladies.  B, send a memory sphere ‘ta the doc and Albrecht and let ‘em know what happened just in case.  Let’s shower and eat.  We gotta get you RL’s back ‘ta your cars at the cabin so you have enough time ‘ta drive back ‘ta your homes.

Loy, addressing the RL’s, thought: Speaking of that.  Raph isn’t revealing your identities to General Hammond yet.  We're not putting you at risk until we know his intentions are pure.

Rick: Keep your abilities on the down-low.  Practice your mental disciplines and talk to one another in your minds as often as possible to stretch your range.  Stay merged as often as you can manage with the distance and support each other.  It will be difficult and challenging to be so far apart physically.

Jacob:  I want you to know, sirs, if the general doesn’t want to use us as a liaison to you, I’m resigning my commission.  What’s happening is too crucial for them to dick around, and we need to support you.

Craig grinned and put a hand on his brother’s shoulder, thinking: Same here.

Rich, Guy, Caleb, and Nathan all said the same thing, proving that their dedication to the cause of the Order was without question.

Ken: Let’s hope it doesn’t come ‘ta that, but I’m proud of all of you.  I know what that means. Thanks.

Brad took everyone back to their bodies, and as they stood up, a voice as deep as the mountains entered their minds.

Abba.

Bryan shouted in his mind: Leroy!?  What’s wrong?

Come.  Danger to egg.

Bryan: We’re coming, buddy!

Ken: No time ‘ta shower.  Suit up, guys!  Dar send the RL’s back ‘ta their cabin.  Adam and Zack, you’re stayin’ here ‘ta protect Drew.

With his mischievous grin, Lane thought: Sorry this is so abrupt, guys, but you’ll get used to it. 

Darren simultaneously translocated the RL’s to their cabin and the primary team to the locker room to don their suits.   In less than thirty seconds they were suited and ready.  While changing, Brad created six memory spheres for the RL’s and a separate one for Raph.  He flicked his wrist and they shot out across the globe, each reaching its destination in seconds.

Bryan’s anxiety spiked.  Leroy’s urgent desperation was apparent; he had never been that way.  Also, the egg was in the remnants of the first creation, so how they could help was a mystery.

Bryan: I got this one, Dar.

Beneath Bryan’s suit his raven wing tattoos fluttered and his Avatar ignited in emerald fire.  His mind and heart were already with Leroy, and Lane saw the reflection of Yggdrasil’s canopy in Bryan’s green eyes.  The ten nephilim vanished in a flash of green power, leaving Zack and Adam at the lab. 

* Conway, Arkansas*

Marshall Vickery filled his third plate at Kurt’s Corral and made his way back to their booth.  As soon as he sat down, his dad stood with a grin and said, “My turn.”

Their wallets and cell phones sat on the table, so they alternated getting food.  Marshall and his dad, Galen, looked forward to their irregular visits to the restaurant.  It was their favorite place to eat in Conway, but it was too far away to visit more often.  They treated themselves whenever Galen had a doctor visit at the “big hospital” closer to Little Rock.

Focused on cutting his roll in half and trying to spread cold, hard butter on it, he saw his father sit down out of the corner of his eye and said, “That was fast!  You fillin’ up?”

Glancing up, Marshall started.  A stranger sat across from him in his father’s chair.  “Excuse me, mister, you have the wrong table.  I’m eatin’ here with my dad.”

The man looked at him strangely and asked, “What do you mean, Marsh?  It’s me.”

Sitting up straight and craning his neck, Marshall looked for his father along the food lines but didn’t see him.  Thinking maybe Galen slipped into the men’s room, he said, “Sir, please get up.  I have no idea who you are, but that’s my dad’s chair. He’ll be back in a second.”

Reaching across the table, Marshall slid his father’s cell phone and wallet over by his.  Glancing down, the picture on his dad’s driver’s license matched the man sitting across from him!

Confusion and fear hit him, and he dropped his butter knife onto the table.  “What’s going on?  I don't know you!  You’re not my dad!”

In a concerned voice the man asked, “Marsh?  Are you okay, son?  What’s the matter?  If this is a joke, it ain’t funny!”

Looking desperately around, Marshall still didn’t see his father, so he ran into the restroom, but it was empty.  Terrified that something had happened to his father, he shouted, “DAD?  WHERE ARE YOU?”

A manager came over and asked, “Sir?  What’s wrong?”

“There’s a man at my table who says he’s my dad, but he’s not!  He went to get another plate of food, and now I can’t find him!”

Being human, Marshal didn’t have any supernatural perceptions.  He neither saw nor felt the impact of the waves from three ripples that occurred in the precise space he occupied in the physical realm.  Within the multiverse, any of Marshall Vickery’s incarnations who sat in that particular place in that particular time shuffled among the realities.  Realities very close in nature but separate and distinct from the others. The man across from him was the father of the Marshall Vickery of the reality he was now in – not his own.

***

Naked and dripping sweat, Jacob, Craig, Rich, Guy, Caleb, and Nathan appeared in the chilly cabin.  A few seconds later, Dar’s voice entered their minds: Incoming!  Look up!

Their packs and gear appeared in the air over their heads and dropped into their expectant hands. Six memory spheres shot through the wall, moved up to their foreheads, bobbed gently for a brief second, and entered their heads.  In the chill of the cabin, the slight warmth of the orbs was noticeable and pleasant.

Jacob: Fuck! It’s cold as a witch’s titty in here!

Nathan: In a cast iron bra even!

Rich: Let’s listen to Brad’s message and then one of you start a fire, and I’ll get some food started.  We need to eat and then pack up and head out.

The sweat on their bodies dried quickly in the cool air and left goosebumps on their skin.  After putting on jeans and shirts, they briefly huddled for warmth as their minds merged.

Sinking into one another, their arms reached out and tightened, pulling them together as their breath caught.  The comfort of their collective soul was still overwhelming and the sting of their intimacy bright, which caused their bodies to react in more than a brotherly way.  As Ken and Brad predicted, the six men became erect.  Before things advanced, they listened to Brad’s memory sphere embedded in their minds.

Brad: Guys, we have no idea what’s happening with Leroy.  Report back for duty as normal, but stay alert.  While we’re gone, Raph Martinez will meet with General Hammond at the Pentagon.  If we aren’t available and something goes south with Raph, you’ll have to take care of it.  We don’t expect it, but it’s happened before.  Raph’s number is imprinted in your unconscious memories, so call him and introduce yourselves.  I’m sending him a message too.  He’s going to be nervous that we aren’t around, so do your best to reassure him.  We’ll contact you as soon as we get back and know what’s happening.  Remember to practice your disciplines and stay linked as much as possible to stretch your range. 

Jacob: Well, damn.  This is an eye-opener!  Like Brad said, this is our new life; we’ll just have to adjust. Hopefully, there are no angels or demons involved in what’s happening.

***

The ten men appeared a few feet from Leroy’s snout. Usually, the heat of the cavern would surround them, but wearing their suits they didn’t feel it, and they missed the sensation of the heat against their skin.

Bryan: Leroy! I’m here, buddy.  We’re all here!  What’s wrong?

Rushing forward, Bryan pressed himself against Leroy.  His suit, made of Leroy’s hide, was just as soft against his bare skin, but he still craved direct skin contact with the massive beast and knew that Leroy liked it too. During their many meetings, Leroy absorbed Bryan’s sweat and relished his friend and protector's essence.

Leroy’s agitation was apparent.  His head rose as much as the cavern allowed, and his wide, golden, slitted eyes illuminated the cavern.

Come, Abba.

Leroy surged forward and vanished, taking Bryan and the team with him.

**

Their vision went dark as Leroy surrounded them in a way he never had before.  All their supernatural senses and physical perceptions, shielded by Leroy’s fire, became null.  They sensed how mighty the dragon truly was when he focused on a task.

Unable to speak in their minds, the men had no perception of the passage of time, even Lane, whose Avatar and Gift dealt with temporal aspects. Slowly, through their Avatars and those with Gifts, they began to feel their bodies again.  Abruptly their vision cleared, and they stood with Leroy in the place of Bryan’s vision.

The ocean that wasn’t an ocean surrounded them, and the island they stood on was larger than Earth.  Now, however, the men’s scale was different.  Similar to their souls forming a new constellation visible in Earth’s night sky, they were immense.  Leroy remained curled around them, letting them acclimate and get their bearings.  His will was upon them, exerted through the hide they wore, keeping them safe and protected.

Leroy’s mate, the female dragon, lay not far away, curled around the egg. 

Ken: Everyone okay?

Lane: Better….

Ken: Better?

Lane: Better bring a bucket; I’m gonna throw up!

A collective groan ran through their now reconnected minds at Lane’s Monty Python reference, and Bryan lightly smacked Lane on the back of his head.

Darren: All joking aside, this is weird.  Awesome, but weird.

Each man let Ken know he was alright, and they felt his relief.

Ken: Bry, you’re up.

Just as the scale of their forms was larger, so was Leroy’s, and his immensity still encompassed them.  Bryan had seen Leroy’s mate along with the egg in a vision shared to him by Leroy, so he had a concept of how large she was.  Bryan spread his arms out and pressed himself against Leroy.

Bryan: Tell us why we’re here, buddy.  Is the egg in danger?

Brad and the mentalists directed their senses outward and perceived intense anxiety hovering over the place:  I’m not sure if that’s around us or coming from his mate.

Loy: We need a name for her other than Leroy’s mate.

Bryan: Eva!  It’s perfect.  Leroy, will Eva let us get close?

Come, Abba.  Know Eva as you know me.  Protect her.  Protect egg.

As immense as Leroy was, Eva dwarfed him.  Seeing Eva through his Avatar, Loy wondered if it was because she was so much older.  He also wondered how they mated with the size difference.

Lane: Perv.

A chuckle ran through their collective soul at Lane’s comment as Bryan moved forward first.  He wondered if he was safe taking off his glove.  They were beings of the second creation, not the first, and with the incompatibility of the two, Bryan wondered if it was only Leroy’s hide that kept them safe.

Eva’s soft and gentle voice entered Bryan’s mind: It is safe to remove your covering in this place. As long as you remain near the egg, you will not be harmed.  I make it so.  Now you can protect it.

Bryan’s eyes widened with emotion and reddened with tears at hearing her voice.  She spoke more fluently than Leroy, and they understood her language as though it were English. Bryan took off his gloves and touched her, running his hands reverently over her silky hide.  Taking off his headgear, he pressed his cheek against her and closed his eyes. You’re beautiful. 

Bryan’s tears absorbed into Eva’s silky hide, and like Leroy, part of his essence became one with her, creating a similar connection.

Darren: Bry’s getting a woodie.  You better be careful Lane.

Bryan’s emotions were extreme, and he wondered why they were so potent.  Loy reacting in such a manner would make more sense, but Bryan was overwhelmed. He loved Leroy as much as he did Lane and his brothers, but differently.  Under his suit, his raven wing tattoos fluttered as the essence of Eva’s existence became known to him.

Bryan: Guy’s, she said it’s safe.  Come touch her.

Partially through Bryan, but also through their own Avatars and Gifts, they were as overwhelmed as Bryan, and their shit-talking paused for a moment.  Eva purred to express her emotions towards them and absorbed their reaction to her.  She was another part of their lives they didn’t know was missing until they touched her.

Leroy lowered his snout and nudged Bryan more firmly against Eva because Bryan’s reaction brought him happiness.  Bryan kept one hand on Eva, put his other hand on Leroy, and cried with closed eyes as he communed with the two fantastic beasts.  Eva’s fire was as bright as Leroy’s, and Bryan felt her strength.

Pride in Bryan filled Ken and the rest of the men through him.  Something extraordinary was happening, something that had to occur.  They sensed another part of God’s plan coming to fruition in a way they never could have imagined.  Why and for what purpose remained a mystery, but at that moment, they didn’t care as they savored the connection.

Bryan: Eva, how is the egg in danger?

The vile one, the fallen archon, knows of it.  He attempts to take it even now.  His purpose is to annihilate all to form his own creation. He pushes through from the void.  He comes.

Loy looked at the egg, and his eyes turned white.  Under his suit, his Avatar ignited as he looked at the egg through his Gift.

Loy: Guys, that’s not an egg.  There’s no little dragon in there.

Lane looked at the egg through his Avatar and Gift and was immediately severed from their merge.  Trembling and sweating, he stumbled to his knees from never having been exposed to music so potent.  Jumbled sounds, chords, and strings of notes played so loudly over one another that he couldn’t make sense of it.  Slowing his sense of time made it worse, and he passed out.

Bryan: Lane!

Ken caught Lane before he fell to the ground.

Eva: The egg cannot yet awaken.  It grows but remains chaotic.  The dreamer’s Gift is corrupted. Even with a pure Gift, hearing it is too soon.

All the men gathered around Lane.  His abrupt absence from the merge shook them, especially Bryan. Brad reached for Lane’s mind and walled off the chaos of his experience, and as Lane rested in Ken’s arms, his eyes fluttered open.

Lane: Fuck, that was intense.

Ken: What was it?

Lane: Music, but raw and in pieces. It was scrambled and chaotic; overpowering.  Fuck, what is that thing?

          Brad: The third creation.  It has to be.  Eva just said Elegroth needs it.  If he destroys the first and second creations, he can control that energy to crack this egg and use it.  He can rewrite the music in it to suit his purposes.  He helped sing the first creation into being and knows how to do it.

          Ken: Fuck!

          A smattering of “fuck me’s” and “holy shits” ran through their minds, but Brad’s idea made sense to each of them. As Lane re-entered his brothers, Brad’s and Loy’s Gifts automatically merged with Lane’s, and they experienced everything Lane did.

Bill: Fuck, I wish I had my Gift.  My Avatar is useless here. If I could interact with the first creation and read the egg, I’d know this shit.

Kevin’s arms went around his husband: Don’t think like that! 

Ken: Cut that shit out, Bill.  Kev, smack him for me.

Kevin: Oh, I plan to, as soon as we get home. In private.

Dar: God, get a room. What is it about being in another creation that gives all you fuckers hard-ons?

Rick: You have one too, Dar.  My Avatar tells me when you’re lying.

Lane: Ken, unless you want to make out you can put me down now.  Thanks for the catch.

Ken: I didn’t want ‘ya fallin’ over and cryin’ like a girl.  It’s undignified.

As soon as Lane’s feet touched the ground, he kissed Ken’s lips and then stuck his middle finger right in Ken’s face.  Everyone’s laugh was short-lived as the seriousness of the situation reasserted itself.

Ken: Eva, what keeps Elegroth from just showin’ up?  He’s a part of this creation.

Eva: I keep him away, but he grows strong.  Soon I cannot deter him.  He must not reach the egg.

Brad: Can we move it?

Eva: It must remain here.

A rift opened from the void as Eva spoke, and Elegroth’s immense clawed hand came through.  Screeching her defiance, blue fire shot from Eva’s mouth.  Leroy bellowed his reinforcement and released his fire to join Eva’s.

The six men with Gifts pooled their power and their Gifts became one. Their suits, through Leroy’s nature as part of the second creation, became a bridge allowing them to draw on their own sources of power.  Emerald vines from Yggdrasil appeared and bound the claw to prevent it from coming further through the rift.   Brad drew from the veil to empower their dual nature as nephilim and original, unfallen men.  Lane, Loy, and Pat poured their power into their brothers and the vines squeezed hard enough to snap the talon. Darren sliced through it, and it fell writhing to the ground where Leroy and Eva’s fire burned it to nothing.

Elegroth’s scream pierced their surroundings as the rift closed.  The entire event was over in less than a minute.  All the men breathed hard from the adrenaline pumping through them.  They acted on instinct, and Ken was proud of them.

Ken: Let’s see how happy that fucker is now with only one claw ‘ta jack off with.

Even with the tension, the other nine men busted out laughing.

Kevin: An archon from the first creation just tried to steal the egg, which apparently would bring an end to everything as we know it, and you make a dick reference? 

Ken’s little kid grin appeared, and he shot back: It’s usually B makin’ the dick references.  He must be rubbin’ off on me.

Bryan: Eva!  Leroy!  Are you alright?

The egg is safe.  That is what matters.  I am grateful you are present.  Elegroth grows bolder.  He is weakened for a time but will try again soon.

Ken: We’ll have ‘ta think of a way ‘ta protect the egg without movin’ it.

While Brad and Ken spoke with Eva, Lane wandered over to the broken shells of the first two eggs.  Now that he was physically present, he easily distinguished which egg belonged to whom.  Eva’s was a pearlescent blue-violet, and Leroy’s was a much brighter orange-red.  In the vision Leroy showed Bryan, the shell fragments still contained music.  Hesitant after his reaction to the third egg, Lane touched one of the fragments and heard its music.  This time the music wasn’t jumbled but beautiful.  Each fragment contained a piece of a larger anthem – the one used to bring Leroy and Eva into being. He recognized Luke’s voice in the fragments from Leroy’s egg and Eleleth’s in the fragments from Eva’s.  He heard other voices that he guessed were the other archons, but he wasn’t sure.

Lane: These two egg fragments are from Leroy and Eva, but the third egg isn’t like these. They all contain music, but what’s in the intact egg is totally jumbled – not finished.  It’s raw and more powerful than anything I’ve come across, even among all my dreams and the formation of the second creation.

After a short pause Lane continued: I wonder how Leroy’s egg got here?  He’s part of our creation.  We know Luke had something to do with it, but it doesn’t make sense that he hatched here.

Brad: We need Aaron’s and Albrecht’s input on this.  We have to figure out a way to ward the egg.  Maybe there’s an equivalent of Enochian Runes in the first creation or something at Allenor’s forge that can help, but we can’t stay here and leave Drew unprotected.

Ken: We need ‘ta hit Elegroth on his own turf and show him he’s not safe from us either.

Brad: We need more Gifts for that.

Ken: I’m not talkin’ about takin’ him out, at least not yet, but smackin’ some of that arrogant supremacy off his mug.  Orophir figured out a way ‘ta contain a chunk of that black rock.  Maybe we can get a bigger piece and use it against him?

Loy: If we hit Elegroth unexpectedly, maybe Orophir can free Luke.  That would blow the wind out of his ass.  My guess is Luke would want vengeance against Elegroth so badly he’d leave us alone.

Kevin: We’d need Eleleth in on this, which means Drew and Eleneth.  And without the rest of our Gifts, I don’t see us having a chance.

Ken: Which puts Drew front and center with the one fucker we want him the furthest away from.  Fuck!

Brad: It’s just conjecture at this point.  Maybe something smaller scale to start with.  Just some recon into the void to scope it out.  Our suits protect us here; maybe they will in the void too?

I will protect you.

Bryan: You mean our suits, right big guy? 

Yes, Abba.

Bryan: You big fucker!  You’re amazing!

Lane: Guys, I hate to be a party pooper here, but with the time differential between here and home, there’s no telling how long we’ve been gone there.  We should get back.

Ken: Eva – we’ll try ‘ta come up with permanent protection for the egg, but if Elegroth tries anythin’ again, have Leroy bring us here immediately.  Next ‘ta Drew, the egg is our top priority.  If that bastard gets either one, we lose.

Eva lowered her head in acknowledgment.

Turning to Leroy, Ken asked: Can you take us home, big guy?

Leroy surged forward, returning them to his cave in the second creation.  With their face covering and gloves off, the heat of the cavern hit their skin.  Stripping off his top, Bryan pressed against Leroy to savor the skin to hide contact.  With his raven wing tattoos and Avatar, he absorbed everything he could about Leroy.  The strength and majesty of the great creature never failed to astound Bryan, and the fact Leroy loved him back often left him dumbstruck.

Bryan, in a private thought to Leroy: I love you, you big fucker.

Leroy purred in response and his heat increased.  Looking directly at Bryan, his massive golden eyes blinked slowly like a cat showing affection.  Bryan's muscular torso shone with sweat, and when he moved back, the imprint of his body remained on Leroy’s hide.

Ken: Dar, take us home.

Each man moved forward, placed a hand against Leroy, and pushed his love into him through his touch. Under their suits, the mentalists’ Avatars lit up as they synchronized, and Darren translocated everyone back to the gym in Atlanta.

**

As soon as Leroy and the men disappeared, Eva saw and felt the bright orange flash of Eschphene magic.

Eva: Why do you hide from them?

Németh: I must remain hidden for now.  The balance is more fragile than ever, and I do not wish to tip the scales.  I see the creator's plan, which teeters on a fine edge.  When I am desperately needed, I will reveal myself - not before.  My people must remain safe, and my son has much to learn to replace me.

Eva: Will you keep me company?

Németh’s thin lipless mouth smiled as he settled himself.  Of course.  I like it here, and you and I have much to learn from each other.  You spoke well to them.  There are other languages I can teach you if you wish.  I would be honored to learn your natural tongue as well.

As large as Németh was, Eva dwarfed him.  The scene was odd.  Among the remnants of the first creation, in the midst of the ocean that was not an ocean, on an island as large as Earth, the two unique beings sat together in harmony and peace, watching over the egg and enjoying each other’s company.

***

In the deepest recesses of Luke’s mind, he heard whispers of his name.  Someone spoke his name aloud, but bound by Elegroth, Luke could not discern who or from where it came.  It had to be someone powerful for him to hear it in his prison – an archangel or perhaps the hybrid nephilim.  Maybe even Orophir.  He wished beyond hope that one of them would take pity on him and rescue him.

The void was outside the arc of time.  The paradox of the void is that it didn’t exist, yet it did.  It was the nothing between everything, even time.  The eternity of time existed there, yet it didn’t.  Eternity did not have a beginning or an end in the void – it was like a Möbius strip, an endless loop of nothing, and Luke lived eternally within it.  Time came and went repeatedly, and even for an immortal creature, the years wore on him.

He wanted his existence to end.  The relentless torment of his imprisonment within Elegroth felt unbearable, yet he had no choice but to bear it.  As he lived through each iteration of eternity, he shrank more inside himself until there was barely anything left.  In misery and despair, he unconsciously called out to the only being who could help him.

Father?

Tears flooded his eyes at the sound of the dove’s wings, and suddenly Luke was held.  Impossibly strong arms and wings wrapped around him, briefly halting his pain and suffering.

Caressing Luke’s forehead, the dove thought: Oh, Bright One.

The pain in the dove’s voice brought more tears to Luke.  Why would Father cry for him?

Luke: Why, Father?

The dove understood the immensity of Luke’s question.  His “why” encompassed everything, not just his suffering.

The dove: Because, Bright One, you are the only one who could perform this task.  I’ve been with you the entire time, walking with you.  Your pain is mine.

Luke: Take me from this place.  I beg you.

The dove: I cannot.  You must remain a while longer.

A long pause ensued while Luke cried, resting in God’s presence.

Luke: I’m sorry I failed you.

The dove: You have not failed me, Bright One. You performed your task more perfectly than anyone else could have done and continue to do so.

Luke: May I return Home?

The dove: Yes, my son.  Soon.  You must hold on, though.

The relief in Luke broke another dam of emotion, and his tears changed from pain to hope.

Luke: I shall persevere.

The dove: I know.  Hold my love within you, Bright One.  You were first, by the way.  The first of my new children.  You were never less because of that.

Luke: I know that now. I understand.  I now understand so many things.

Kissing Luke’s forehead, the dove vanished, leaving him alone once again in his misery.  Yet now, a spark existed that was absent before – a spark that grew bright enough to be a beacon for someone to find him.

Luke could not see himself in the darkness of the void, but his outward visage, hideous for eons, reverted.  His limbs were once again clean and robust, and the beauty and perfection of his form were restored, rivaling even his brother Michael.

***

Raph’s palms sweated.  He received Brad’s memory sphere, and Loy and the other guys were not even in the second creation and had no idea when they would be back.  He spoke with Jacob and had the cell phone numbers of the RL’s, but there was no way they could get to him in time if anything went wrong.  Brad reiterated they didn’t expect anything to happen, but the US Government’s track record with Raph was not good.

Raph had never flown in a helicopter and the ride was exciting.  Grinning to himself, he reflected on how his life had changed.  He still cringed at the memory of trying to kill Loy and Rick in Tag’s alley.  He thought of his friends who didn’t make it out because the enemy killed them for trying to turn their lives around.  Raph knew he was lucky.  From a punk gang member in his early twenties to a liaison for the Order and working with the men who were mankind’s only hope of salvation…, his momma would be proud if she were still alive.

 Wearing his new suit, he thought himself presentable because his stomach didn’t look quite as prominent.  Damn, I can’t wait to start working with Albrecht.  I really want to get in shape and learn to defend myself.

The sweltering heat on the tarmac hit him briefly as he transitioned from the helicopter to the limousine. An intimidating officer curtly greeted him and introduced himself.

“I’m Major Tidwell.  I’ll be your escort while you’re here.”

Raph had questions, but Major Tidwell didn’t seem talkative, so he remained quiet. In the limousine, Raph noted Major Tidwell’s oddly pale complexion and thought it peculiar.

Raph asked, “What time is my meeting with the general?”

Major Tidwell responded, “1500.  We’ll first check you into a secure location where you can freshen up.”

The drive from the landing pad wasn’t long.  The limousine windows were so darkly tinted that seeing out was difficult, but Raph knew he was at some type of military installation and not a hotel. Raph glanced at his watch; it was 11:30, so he had nearly three and a half hours before his meeting.

“A hotel would have been fine.  I’m not picky. Are there any good places to eat nearby?”

Major Tidwell smirked, “You will be provided with a meal.”

Raph decided that Major Tidwell was a dick.  He didn’t answer Raph’s question, and his attitude challenged Raph to push back, which he refrained from.  He wasn’t there to argue with anyone or make a scene, so remaining cool and professional seemed his best course of action.

The security detail waiting to take him to his room made Raph nervous.  Something didn’t feel right.  Major Tidwell saluted the guards and said, “Escort Mr. Martinez to his quarters and get him something to eat.  I’ll be back at 1430 to take him to meet General Hammond.”

After sharply saluting the Major, one of the two guards said, “Follow me, sir.” The stark facility had no windows, and the click of his shoes echoed through the hallway.  He had felt the limo go down a ramp, and Raph knew he was in a basement of some type.

Raph tried to make small talk with the guards, but they were unresponsive, so he stopped trying.  He felt ridiculous and out of his depth but tried to remember Loy’s positivity.  Except Loy wasn’t available, and Raph truly felt he was on his own.  He had to come across as confident.  He held the bargaining chips and had to present himself as believing that.

Get it together, Raph.  You can’t screw this up.  The guys are depending on you.

His stomach churned when the door to his room shut behind him and bolts slid into place.  Memories of his capture came back to him.  The room he was in had the same plain, starkly painted walls.  The furniture was minimal and uncomfortable.  The bed felt like bedrock.

Even Fred Flintstone couldn’t sleep on this thing. Fucking yabba-dabba-doo.

He knocked loudly on the door and shouted, “Can I get some food?”

His stomach sank and his appetite fled when there was no answer. Raph’s eyes watered in fear and anger.  Not  a-fucking-gain!

He dug out his cell phone, knowing that he wouldn’t have a signal, but he prayed Aaron’s modifications would work. Taking the charging cube for his phone, he flipped the plug up, stuck it in an outlet, plugged in the USB cable, punched in his emergency code, and dialed Jacob Peterson.

Relief hit him when Jacob answered after one ring, “Raph?  What’s wrong?”

Trying to keep his voice even, Raph said, “Something’s awfully wrong, Jake.  They locked me in a room and aren’t responding.  This whole thing doesn’t feel right.”

Jacob heard the fear in Raph’s voice even though he was trying to stay calm. “Okay, Raph, we’re on our way and will be there as fast as possible. Hang tight and cooperate with anything they ask you.  Don’t push back and make things hard.  Don’t give them any excuse to hurt you.  We can erase any memories in their minds of anything you tell them.”

Raph’s voice caught as he said, “Please hurry.”

Jacob said, “Hold tight.”

Raph stared at his phone in silence after it disconnected. Less than a minute later, a memory sphere shot through the wall, briefly hovered in front of Raph, and then sank into his forehead.

Raph, this is Adam.  I just spoke with Jacob, and he and his crew are on their way.  Try to stay calm.  I’m going to attempt to contact Aaron and Albrecht to see if they can help. Nothing will keep us from getting to you.  Believe me, you are one of us, and we take care of our own.  Stay strong, brother.

Adam’s words and the emotions behind them hit Raph hard, and he started to cry.  Through his fear, he felt relief and also acceptance.  He was part of the Order, and Adam’s emphasis on that and his emotional support gave Raph the courage to stay calm. He trusted his friends not to let him down.

The time for his meeting with General Hammond came and went, and Raph vacillated between fear and anger.  He knew his friends were on their way, but he wasn’t sure what they could do.  They weren’t part angel like Loy and the others and couldn’t translocate him to safety.

He jumped when the lock on his door clicked loudly, and his head snapped up to stare at the door.  It opened quickly, and Major Tidwell, followed by the two guards, entered the room.

“I know you sent a message.  Your doctor’s technology is a wonder, and we knew you would bypass the electronic shielding in this facility.  You have spoken with them on your phone, but you will not speak to them in your mind.  This facility is shielded from your new little friends.”

Desperation showed on Raph’s face.  His friends were coming into a trap, and he was the bait!

Major Tidwell smiled, but there was something odd about his expression and the lines on his face.  On closer inspection, the major looked unhealthy and pallid.  Raph’s gut lurched in fear when the major’s eyes turned bright green and glowed with the energy of the void.

The Major said, “I admit it would be nice to see Craig Peterson again – the boy who so desperately wanted to become a marine. He helped your bastard hybrid friends thwart the Master, setting in motion events that led to the restoration of the demon Azaziel and his return to Heaven.  I would love to snap Craig Peterson’s neck, his brother’s, and the other new abominations, but they are not my concern.  You are bait, Raphael Martinez, but not for them.  My new Master has bigger plans. Bring him.”

Raph shied away as the guards moved forward, but they didn’t hit him. Instead, they bound and gagged him and threw a sack over his head. He struggled against them as they dragged him roughly from the room.

Major Tidwell’s voice entered his mind: Struggling will only serve your own suffering.  Accept your fate.  Once we have what we want, you will be set free.  The nephilim abominations are gone and are the only ones who could stop us.  You have only one hope to live, but that is also a trap.

Raph closed his eyes, and rather than the liquid golden warmth of his friends’ souls he had become accustomed to, he was surrounded by the putrid neon green power of the void.  Raph knew he was now infected with it, just like Sally had been.  Orophir’s dagger was his only hope, but it sounded like Major Tidwell was using him to attain the dagger.  The bigger question of the moment was who they were after.  Who did they want if it wasn’t Jacob, Craig, and the other soldiers?

Deep in his heart, Raph knew he was going to die, but he would rather that than help them succeed in any way.  When did I become so brave?  His resolve surprised him, and he knew it was Loy, Rick, and the rest of the team.  Even Henry, Drew, and Sally showed him a love he never knew existed, and they accepted him for who he is.  Loy opened a doorway for Raph to survive his entanglement with the enemy, allowing him to grow into a man.  Tag and Olive changed him as well.  All the events of his life, including his connections to everyone, strengthened him in ways he never realized.  He used to be a punk.  Now I’m a chunk!  Remembering Loy’s comment about General Hammond not liking Mexican food, he hoped Tidwell didn’t either.

Laughing at himself in the face of danger, he resolved to do whatever he could to make Tidwell’s success more difficult, whatever that meant.

**

The sounds of large metal doors creaking open made Raph wonder where he was.  Cold, damp air came from the doors, and even in his suit, he shuddered at the temperature difference.  The echo of the doors told him the place was large.  His feet splattered in water.

The guards threw him roughly into a large puddle on a concrete floor.  One of them removed the sack from his head, and the pungent odor of sewage hit him.  Gagging, he almost threw up but managed to hold it in.

“Where am I?”

Major Tidwell said, “Leave him.”  To his dilated pupils, the metal doors they came through seemed bright, like a portal of light.  Squinting, he watched the major and the guards leave.  The doors shut and locked loudly, and Raph was engulfed in darkness.  When the echoes of the doors stopped, he heard water dripping.  The odor didn’t seem as bad after a moment, but he was cold and soaked in the rank puddle.

Fuck! I just bought this suit!

*

In the hallway, Major Tidwell smiled.  Michael approaches.  His ego will not allow him to flee, and he will be ours.

One of the guards thought: What about Martinez?

Tidwell: Michael will get him to safety.  Do not interfere with that.  Martinez must live.  When Orophir uses the dagger to cure him, we will strike.  It is the only weapon capable of touching our new master and must be destroyed.

*

Shivering in the cold, Raph got on his knees, hunched over, and prayed.

Whoever’s listening, I need help. Please stop Tidwell, and if it’s not too much trouble, get me outta here!

Tidwell said Raph was bait, but not for Jacob and his crew.  Then who?

The darkness around him shifted.  He felt the change and shuddered, but this time not from cold.  He didn’t realize the veil lifted around him, and the space where he now kneeled was both the physical and spiritual realms.  Tiny points of light appeared above him, and the darkness split open to reveal the vastness of space.  Beautiful colored nebula and galaxies brightened, and his jaw dropped.

A bright light that seemed like a star quickly fell from the heavens to come before him.  His light-sensitive eyes were blinded, and Raph tried to throw up his arms to cover his face, but he was still bound. 

He heard the sound of fluttering wings, and suddenly Michael stood before him in his armor, wielding his sword.  The ropes binding Raph fell away, and he saw spots, but the fear in him vanished at the sound of Michael’s voice: I bid you greetings, Raphael Martinez.

Raph: How are you here?

Michael: I heard your prayer, though I also watched. I visited General Hammond to ensure your meeting and have observed him since.

Raph: I don’t think this is the general.  It’s a trap for you!  You have to get out of here!

Michael: The enemy will not find me easy prey.

Raph: Give me a weapon!  I’ll fight with you!

Michael smiled, and his voice held no condescension when he spoke: I commend your bravery, Raphael Martinez, but the foes descending upon us are beyond you.  I send you to safety.  Inform the general of the betrayers, but be careful.  It will take my grandchildren to root this evil out.  Go now, and do not tarry.

Michael’s form grew in stature and brightness. Brandishing his sword, lightning arced into the heavens and illuminated the room.  Eyes of beings awaiting the archangel, but unseen by Raph, reflected the light. 

Before Raph could comprehend, he vanished.

The demons lurched forward as another sound resounded in the room.  Glowing green claws appeared, ripping through from the void, and three larger demons crawled through the opening.  Their swords dripped the same vile green energy that glowed in their eyes and laced their grotesquely muscled forms.

Assuming the opening stance to the Quintessential Dance, Michael prepared himself, bellowing his challenge: Face me! I learned much from my grandson in dealing with your ilk.  Prepare to fall by my sword.

The demons’ laughter sounded like an avalanche.

We will fight you, angel, but not to your death.  Our master wishes you for his collection.

Roaring his challenge, Michael spread his wings and leapt towards the closest demon.

***

Raph appeared, soaked, smelling, and disheveled in General Hammond’s office.  Tears covered his face because he knew Michael was outmatched.  His emotions were mixed – fear for Michael and anger at being used as bait.

General Hammond started at Raph’s sudden appearance, exclaiming, “What?  What’s happening?  Where did you come from?”

Trying to get ahold of himself, Raph said, “Major Tidwell orchestrated this.  He used me to trap Michael.”

Raph dropped to the floor and clutched his stomach. Already pale from the void energy in his veins, he started dry heaving and retching.  The general helped him to sit up and set a small bottle of water on the carpet by Raph’s hand.

“Are you hurt?  Do you need medical assistance?”

Raph’s eyes watered, and he replied, “I’m dying, sir.  Major Tidwell…, he poisoned me.  The creature behind Tidwell wants the object that can cure me, but he can’t get it.”

The lockdown alarm in the building sounded and General Hammond grumbled under his breath.  Standing, he snatched the phone, hit the button to connect him to his aide, and demanded, “What’s happening?”

Raph only heard one side of the conversation, but his impression of the general increased dramatically over the next few seconds.

“There’s what?”

After a short pause, he said, “Stand down and let them through!”

Another short pause.

“You heard me!  Stand down and let them through!”

Raph asked, “What’s happening?”

Rich’s voice shouted in Raph’s mind: Raph?  Can you hear me?

Raph: Thank God you’re here.  I’m with General Hammond.  All hell broke loose after we talked.  Rich, they have Michael, and I’m infected like Sally was.  The asshole who did it told me I was another trap, which means they want Orophir’s dagger.  It’s the only thing that can help me.

Jacob: Ok, Raph.  Security is standing down. We’re coming now.

With inhuman speed, the six soldiers made it to General Hammond's office.

Rich and Craig went to Raph to help him stand, and the others surrounded him protectively.

Rich asked, “Are you alright?”

Raph didn’t look well but said, “I’m okay for now.  I can stand.”

The soldiers all wore their daytime fatigues of whichever branch they served.  Jacob addressed General Hammond directly, “General, sir, we’re taking Mr. Martinez with us.  This situation should prove to you how serious the danger is to our world.  One of your own officers is an enemy agent and has been for years.  He pulled this off right under your nose.  I mean no disrespect – they are powerful and beyond the capability of your men.”

The general didn’t look happy and retorted, “But not you?”

Jacob: That’s right, Sir.

With the training he and the others had so far, Jacob opened the General’s mind’s eye.  The power running through and around the RL’s was a bright mixture of their three energy centers, and in the spiritual realm, their eyes glowed white.

Jacob: We aren’t part angel, but we are powerful.  We need to get Raph somewhere we can help him.  If he doesn’t get help soon, he won’t make it.  We need to leave quickly with no resistance.

Rich: I promise, General, when we have Raph situated, we’ll be back in touch asap.

Rich held his hands up in a diamond pattern, and a memory sphere emerged.

Rich: This sphere will give you the basics of what Raph was going to present to you.  Think on it, General.  I don’t mean to blow our own horn, but you need our help.  The world needs our help.  The world needs the Order and the men we follow.

General Hammond said aloud, “Mr. Martinez said whoever did this has Michael.  How could they be that powerful?  He came to me with three other angels and told me to meet with Mr. Martinez.  I’m beginning to understand the stakes here, but I feel like I’m flying blind.  I have no reliable Intel on any of what we face.”

Jacob: Think over our proposal once you’ve heard it.  We’ll be in touch after we know Raph is safe at one of our facilities. If you agree, we’ll fully brief you.

Merging completely, the six men used their collective mind to broadcast a powerful compulsion for no one to notice them and to unconsciously move out of their way.  To General Hammond, it was as if they vanished from his office.

**

Jacob was at a loss as to how to proceed.  Raph’s condition was worsening by the minute.  Apparently, he was infected by a much stronger exposure to the green energy of the void.

Rich: There’s no telling how long Ken and the guys will be gone.  Brad said time works differently between creations, so it could be any second, or it might be weeks or months.

Nathan: I don’t think Raph has more than a few hours.

Craig: Raph said Major Tidwell made him sick to use him as bait for something.  A dagger.  We haven’t met Orophir, so I don’t think we can send him a message.  There’s no connection to send a memory sphere either.

Guy: Maybe Drew can help?  He’s badass with that stone.  Or can he just contact Orophir?

Craig: Hold on.  Ms. Bisel is out of our range still, but we can call her.  She’s with Drew and knows who’s where.

Jacob: Good call, bro.  Raph has a secure phone; we’ll use his.

Caleb, who held Raph’s head in his lap, reached into Raph’s pocket to retrieve his phone.  Aaron hadn’t provided the RL’s with secure smartphones yet, so they were unfamiliar with the security authentication and couldn’t get access.

Caleb tapped Raph’s cheeks slightly and said, “Raph, man, wake up. We need your help.”

Raph muttered something about not liking Mexican food before his eyes snapped open in a panic.  “Where am I?”

Caleb quickly said, “You’re safe, bud.  We’re on our way back to the lab to figure out how to cure you.”

Craig said, “Raph, we need to use your phone to call Ms. Bisel.”

Raph took his phone from Craig, and none of them were sure exactly how Raph activated his phone, but it woke up, and he handed it back.  Craig found Sally’s info and pressed the call button.

After one ring, Sally picked up, “Hi Raph! What can I do for you?”

“Ms. Bisel, this is Craig Peterson….

Craig quickly and succinctly filled in Sally about the situation and why they couldn’t return to the lab:  they weren’t sure Raph would survive the drive from DC because it would take hours to get to Atlanta.

Sally, filled with worry, listened intently but she was level-headed and smart.  Working with Aaron, Albrecht, and her surrogate nephilim brothers opened many doors within her, making her highly competent in handling emergencies.

Sally said, “Pull over and give me a few minutes and make Raph as comfortable as possible.  Help is on the way.”

Before Craig could ask her to elaborate, the connection ended.

**

Drew, Tommy, Brett, and Teesha heard Sally’s conversation and the concern in her voice.  They were in the middle of working on math problems and paused to listen.  She sighed when she disconnected the call and lowered her head to collect her thoughts.

Quickly forming a plan of action, she turned to the children and said, “I need you to keep working.  If you finish, start on the next chapter and see how far you get.  Put your heads together and try to complete the worksheet.  The problems are much harder than what you’re doing now, but if you work together, I think you’ll figure it out. I need to leave for a few minutes, but you’ll be fine.  If anything happens before I get back, tell Adam and Zack.  They’re in the gym working out.”

Looking towards the kitchen, Sally called out, “Eleneth! I need to talk to you.”

Eleneth, as usual, was present but undetectable while the children were in their lessons.  He liked being close to his mother and also enjoyed learning things.  He followed the rules of not appearing while the children were learning unless she called to him.

Appearing, he asked, “What is it, Mother?”

She asked, “Can you take me to Orophir?  He’s on ZEUS.”

**

Sunset approached on the Pacific Ocean when they appeared.  The water around ZEUS was like glass, and no breeze was present to help stifle the humidity.  Orophir, Istariel, Telcharan, Ruviel, and Alariel were in the water, floating on various inflatable tubes.

Istariel had finally broken his habit of using full names, and when they appeared, he said, “Welcome, Sally!  Did you come to join us?”

Despite the situation, she grinned and said, “I wish, but I can’t.  We have an urgent situation, and I need your help.  Specifically, Orophir’s help.”

Orophir vanished from the water and appeared beside her.  When he originally met them, his body was extremely pale, but now his flesh exhibited a dark, healthy tan that completely changed his appearance.  His masculine form was breathtaking:   lean and muscular, with his inhumanly handsome features.  He was also very well endowed and stood naked and dripping beside Sally.  She handed him a nearby towel and explained the situation with Raph and that Ken and the team were gone from the second creation.  Tears formed in her eyes when she explained that Raph only had a few hours to live without help and that the entire setup was a trap by Elegroth to get the dagger and possibly Orophir.

Orophir glanced at his cousins and then turned to Sally, “I have not been idle since my rescue.  I believe I can help.”

**

Elegroth screamed in pain, anger, and frustration.  His left clawed hand was missing from his forearm.  He would heal, but his enemies from the second creation dealt him a blow he did not expect.  Confident he could overcome the dragons, he did not expect the presence of the nephilim.

Elegroth moved through the void to appear before the cages he created to hold his enemies.  Luke was in one but remained silent and cloaked.  Rather than force the archangel to reveal himself, he focused on his new prisoner.

Michael rested on his knees, bound by chains of the void, covered in blood. His muscular form, dripping sweat, remained impressive as he strained against the chains.

The pain in Elegroth from his severed hand was nearly forgotten at the sight of the mighty archangel imprisoned before him.  His voice crooned, “Michael, the mightiest of your kind, trapped with ease.  I now hold the two strongest of your kind.  I will soon have the others.  Without you to guide them, the angels of your creation will cease to assist the nephilim.”

Through gritted teeth, Michael’s deep voice sneered, “I will defy you to the end, archon.  My grandson told me who and what you are.  You are mighty, but you will fall, and your plan will fail.”

Moving up to Michael, Elegroth stared at the archangel, who was such a lesser being than himself.  He wondered why Father created them to be so weak.  Michael still had some fight in him, but it would be easily quelled.

A green sword appeared in Elegroth’s remaining undamaged hand, and blindingly fast, he sliced off Michael’s wings, leaving only stumps on his back.  In agony, Michael broke the chains holding him as he writhed in pain, but multiple demons rushed forth and held him down.

Turning away, Elegroth said, “Throw him in the cage with Luke.  They are enemies, and perhaps when I return, one of them will have destroyed the other. I only require one.” 

*

He failed to attain the egg.  He needed it to complete his plan, but there was still time.  It was not yet ready, and the timing must be perfect to open the temple doors and let the two creations touch.  When that happens, the egg must be at the doors, and the resulting new creation would be his alone to mold and shape.

He met more resistance than expected.  The nephilim were growing in strength.  Eleleth somehow spawned a child, nearly as powerful, if not more so, than an archon.  No such being ever should have been created, and he still wondered at it.  The boy, the crux of the curse, with his stone, was also inexplicably powerful.  Together, the archon and the two children were strong enough to oppose him.  Luke’s offspring, the nephilim Orophir, devised a weapon that could touch him.

Major Tidwell, one of his new servants in the second creation, delivered Michael and planted the seed of his plan to attain the dagger.  He would destroy it and the one who made it, so no other could be crafted.

Casting his gaze from the void, he pierced the arc of time to view the second creation.  It was difficult, so he drew from the black stone in his weakened state.  He saw a woman, the mother of Eleleth’s child on a craft surrounded by water, speaking with Orophir, but the dagger was not present.  He saw six awakened humans who now shared their souls cavorting with the one Major Tidwell infected.  The infected one was close to death.

Suddenly, all the humans under his scrutiny vanished from his sight.  Even bearing his full and complete attention, he could no longer find them.

Impossible!

**

The RL’s, along with the unconscious Raph, appeared in a cave.  They were immediately defensive and moved back-to-back, forming a circle around Raph to protect him.

Sally’s familiar voice said, “It’s alright, guys!  You’re safe!  We’re with Orophir.  Eleneth brought us all here.”

Rich asked, “Where is here?”

Sally grinned, “Well, you can now say you’ve been to another plane of existence.  This is the pale, where Orophir used to live.”

Orophir said, “I am pleased to make your acquaintance.  I am Orophir.  These are my cousins, Istariel, Telcharan, Ruviel, and Alariel.”

Their stares at Alariel caught his attention, and he said, “Yes, I bear a strong resemblance to my half-brother, Loy.”

Orophir turned to Sally and continued, “I have not been idle since my rescue.  Using the principles of how I modified the spirit jars to contain a piece of the black rock from the void, I have warded this place similarly.  While in this cave, Elegroth should not be able to perceive us.  If he ever discerns our location, he can send his new demons, but he cannot see or hear us.  Please move your friend onto the table; he does not have much time.”

Raphael was diaphoretic, and his suit was soaked through with sweat.  Veins showed all over his body and visibly grew more pronounced, laced with the green energy of the void.  Caleb and Nathan gently moved Raph onto the empty table by Orophir.

In the excitement, the soldiers hadn’t realized the nephilim were all naked and soaking wet.  Telcharan especially drew their eyes – her body was absolute perfection.  Noticing their glances, the corner of her mouth rose almost imperceptibly, and her robes appeared.  Seconds later, robes appeared on the other nephilim as well.

Orophir withdrew the dagger from his sleeve, and their eyes shifted to the weapon.  The dagger, its form perfect, glowed with a soft nimbus of light.  As military-trained fighters, each soldier noted the beauty of its simplicity. The gem in the pommel shone brightly, swirling with white and green energy.

Orophir looked upon Raph with sympathy.  He perceived within Raph the foreign power that was tearing apart his existence.  Using the dagger, he slashed open Raph’s shirt.

“Pull his shirt open.  The gem must touch his flesh.  Keep him still.  This will be painful.”

Caleb and Nathan pulled the shirt to reveal most of Raph’s torso.  Just as he had done with Sally, Orophir held the dagger with the gem down and placed it over Raph’s stomach, close to his naval.  As soon as the dagger came within inches of his flesh, the green-laced veins in Raph started drawing towards the gem, and he screamed.

Sally paled remembering how the dagger felt when it drew the energy out of her, and tears filled her eyes over what her friend was experiencing. Sally also noted that Raph was not nearly as out of shape as he let on.  He wasn’t lean and ripped like the guys, but he was in much better shape than she expected based on his self-castigating comments.

Raph’s mouth flew open and emitted some of the most varied and flavorful cursing any of the soldiers had ever heard.  None of them had heard him use that language before and were surprised, but Sally knew his past. In less than a minute that seemed forever, the dagger extracted every bit of the void energy from Raph’s body.  The brutal process left him so drained and weak that he lost consciousness, and none of the guys could heal the enormous damage to his body.

**

Michael had never experienced such agony.  In addition to the physical pain, Elegroth shredded his existence nearly to the point of destroying him, yet when thrown into the prison, he didn’t cry out as the impact wracked his frame. Some relief followed when the demons withdrew – their presence burned him.

Silence fell as he lay on the ground breathing heavily.  Embracing his pain, he used it to push back.  I shall find a way to escape. 

In his pain-clouded mind, the realization hit him that his wings were severed.  He could still feel them, but they were no longer there.

How will I escape if I cannot fly?

That fact nearly broke him, and tears of sorrow made his eyes bright.  Unexpectedly, hands pulled him into a lap, and a familiar voice attempted to soothe him. Accompanying the voice were caring hands whose touch helped fan the hopeful spark within Michael in such a dark place.

Michael’s swollen eyes opened, and he saw a face he hadn’t seen in billions of years.  He was familiar with the glamour of it but not its true form. Confusion added to his pain.  Surely Luke’s visage was another attempt by Elegroth to torture him.

Luke: It is I, Michael.  Rest now and recover your strength. We must be ready when the time comes.

Michael: Bright One?

Michael didn’t understand.  Luke cried, and Michael knew the tears were for him, for his pain.  Luke’s loving hands attempted to take away the agony.  Luke was so beautiful that he was difficult to look upon, so Michael closed his eyes and rested in his brother.  Beyond all hope, somehow, Luke was no longer the Dark One but the Bright One once again - the brightest of them all.  The darkness of the void dimmed his light, but it was there, in the prison with them, and it shone on Michael, allowing him to rest.

Michael: I cannot fly, Bright One.  My wings….

Luke: I will carry you, my brother.  As you, Raphael, Uriel, and Gabriel fought for me through the eons, I will now fight for you.  My wings will carry us both.

***

Ken and the team appeared in the Atlanta gym.  After the heat of Leroy’s cave, the air felt cool on their sweaty faces.  Immediately upon their return, Brad entered the link maintained in the lab.  Adam and Zack became aware of them, and with inhuman speed, the two men ran to the gym.

As soon as Ken saw the relief on their faces, he knew something was wrong.  Pulling Adam and Zack into a merge, everything that happened – and continued to happen - became known to them.  Taking them deep so that time stood still, the twelve men appeared physically and emotionally naked to one another. Sitting in their customary circle, pressed against one another with arms and legs intertwined, each man simultaneously and paradoxically held the other.

Adam: Thank God you’re back!

As they embraced one another, taking comfort and resting in their unconditional love, Adam and Zack’s eyes widened over the encounter with Elegroth, meeting Eva and discovering that the egg was the third creation.

Raph’s encounter with Major Tidwell created a strong surge of anxiety. Major Tidwell disappeared after their first run-in with him, and his reappearance as one of Elegroth’s altered “suits” shouldn’t have surprised them.  Far more powerful than before, Tidwell orchestrated Michael’s capture and infected Raph to lure Orophir to help to capture the dagger.

Ken trembled over Michael’s situation and intoned his name in the first language: Michael!

The lack of response chilled him, and Brad held him closer.

Ken: Fuck! He’s not answerin’!

Raph and Sally’s absence caused another spike of anxiety.  Brad cast his mind to ZEUS and found no one present.  Expanding his mind to cover the earth, he didn’t sense them anywhere.  Folding the veil, he physically looked at ZEUS and saw no one.

Brad: I can’t find them!

An escalating rage ran through Ken over fear for his angelic grandfather.

Bryan intoned in the first language: Uriel!

Uriel’s presence surrounded them, even as deep as they were.  The archangel was stoic, but Bryan knew him well and realized how upset he was.

Uriel: Michael has been taken, Ken, to a place we cannot go.  The trap was well laid, and we could not reach him in time.

Ken: Fuck!

Uriel: Due to the nature of the void, we cannot travel there.  If Michael has any hope of rescue, assuming he still lives, it lies with you.

Bryan: We’ll do our best, Grandpop. We swear to your Father!

Uriel brushed them with his wings to lift their spirits as his presence withdrew.

Loy: Jesus, everything hit the fan as soon as we left!  Where the hell could Raph and Sally be?  And how do we get to Michael?

Darren: We know Orophir’s a genius. He hid from Luke to stay alive.  I bet he’s figured out a way to hide from Elegroth too.  Eleneth is with Sally and Raph, along with Orophir, so we have to assume Istariel and his gang are with them as well as the RL’s.  They’re capable of putting up a strong defense if anything goes wrong.  My guess is they’re safe, but we can’t just wait for them to come out of hiding.

In their bodies, they heard the gym doors open as Drew, Tommy, and Brett rushed in.  Bill translocated Tommy and Brett into his and Kevin’s arms.  Both boys cried, but Tommy was much more upset.

Pushing their presence into the boys, Bill and Kevin told them: We’re back and safe.

Tommy’s emotions leaked into the merge through Kevin and Bill, and all the men hugged the boys and whispered into their minds and souls that their dads, and all of them, were safe and with them.

When the boys burst into the gym, Drew paused at the door.  At first, he hoped that Henry was with them, and his expression turned sad when he realized that wasn’t the case.  After a second, he approached Ken and held his arms up, wanting to be picked up.  At his age he didn’t do that very often; usually when he was upset and wanting comfort, or in this case, to comfort someone else.

Ken absentmindedly picked Drew up and held him tight, seeking comfort through the hug.  Drew kissed his cheek and then rested his head on Ken’s shoulder.

Drew: I’m sorry about Mr. Michael, Uncle Ken.  I know how you feel.  I want to help get him back.

Drew’s actions snapped Ken out of his haze, and he teared up: Thanks, buddy.  I love you so much. We’ll have to make a plan and see how it goes.

Ken was still coming to grips with the news about Michael, so Brad took the lead.

Brad: Bill, Kev, go get Tommy and Brett settled.  Take as long as you need.  Everyone else, let’s get showered and changed and meet in the conference room.

Brad dissolved the merge but maintained the link as everyone left the gym.  Zack took the initiative to launch Sally’s food database and ordered a few rounds of food for delivery over the next few hours.

Unexpectedly Drew merged with Ken.  The incarnations were active in him, and the strength he exhibited was incredible.  He isolated Ken, Brad, and himself from everyone else and pushed forth his love and compassion for his uncle, encompassing Ken’s mind and heart.  Ken hugged Drew tighter, fell to his knees, and allowed the ten-year-old to comfort him.

Drew: It’s going to be okay, Uncle Ken.  Dad will come back, and he can help me and Eleneth get Mr. Michael back.

Brad stayed quiet in the merge, present, but letting Drew comfort Ken in his unique way, but even he was shocked at the power in Drew and how it seemed to increase every day.  Drew placed his hands on Ken’s rough cheeks, looked into his eyes, and pushed Ken’s worry and grief over Michael to a manageable place.  He pushed Ken’s concern over Sally, Orophir, the other nephilim, and the RL’s back as well, giving Ken’s heart a reprieve to breathe and recover his balance.

Ken’s eyes lost their glassiness, and he pulled Drew tighter against him.

Ken: Thanks, kiddo.

Smiling, Drew thought: You’re welcome, Uncle Ken.  I love you.  You’re the best.

Brad affected a hurt tone and asked: What about me?

Drew smiled and leaned over for Brad to take him from Ken.  You too, Uncle Brad.

While they were so deep, a thought occurred to Brad, and he asked: Drew, why didn’t Teesha come with you, Tommy, and Brett into the gym?

Drew: She’s scared and ran to her room to be with Miss Shan.

Ken’s stomach rumbled loudly and Drew giggled.  Ken grinned and thought: Time for me ‘ta get cleaned up, and we can all get some food.  Let’s go.

***

Freshly showered and changed, the twelve men ate in the conference room while discussing everything that had happened.  Bill and Kevin were worried about Tommy, but there was nothing to be done about their concern at the moment.  His fears about losing them and returning to the orphanage seemed to be getting worse, regardless of all evidence to the contrary.

Brad sent a memory sphere to Aaron and Albrecht to bring them up to speed and to ask them to investigate some way of protecting the egg from Elegroth. They had no way of contacting Sally, Raph, the RL’s, and the other nephilim and would have to wait until they came out of hiding.

**

That evening after dinner, Ken and Brad retired to their apartment in the lab.  They had already packed their personal belongings, so the room was stark and plain.  Undressed, they crawled into bed, and Brad took the opportunity to admire Ken’s body.

Ken: Perv.

Linked, as usual, the depth of love between them was clear and present.  Ken initiated sex, and Brad became “that guy,” holding his husband tightly in every aspect.  Ken needed his support, and Brad gave it to him in full measure.  After receiving his physical boost from Ken, Brad became more aggressive to allow Ken to physically work out his emotions.

Hours went by, and with each orgasm, Ken felt better.  Brad did, too, as he matched Ken “shot for shot.”  Ken’s motto of “there isn’t much in life a good fuck won’t cure” was true, and after hours of passionate, sweaty sex, the two men temporarily satiated themselves.

Snuggling against Ken, Brad thought: I love you.

Kissing the top of Brad’s head that was nuzzled against his neck, Ken thought with a grin: I love you more.

Brad: Oh, God.  Let’s not start that game.

Ken: I love it when Drew does that.

Brad: He’s the best!

Ken burst out laughing: Yes, he is.  Aside from you, of course.

Brad: You never have to clarify that with me.  You know that.

Ken: Thank God.  I’ve said it a million times, B….

Before Ken continued, Brad finished: You couldn’t do any of this without me.  We’ve been over this.

Ken: It’s true.  Don’t be a bitch.

Lifting his head up, Brad stared into Ken’s eyes.  He stared long enough for Ken to raise his eyebrows in question.

Brad: First of all, I can’t stop looking at you.  You’re too damned handsome.

Ken: It’s a curse.

Their conversation paused as Brad heard and felt Ken’s thoughts churning along with his emotions.

Brad: Besides Michael, what are you worried about?

Ken’s eyes teared up, and he replied: You … and Loy and Ricky, and Lane and Bry, and Bill and Kev, and Dar and Pat. Henry, too.

Brad: What about Adam, Zack, and the RL’s?

Ken: Them too, but not as much as us.

Brad: Why?

Ken: Our role in all this.  Our Gifts.  The egg … where’s all this goin’ B? God has somethin’ planned, and we’re in the center of it.  Drew is too. And Henry.  Aaron, Albrecht, Zack, Adam, and the RL’s are with us, but they aren’t a part of it like we are.

Brad knew Ken was forming his thoughts as he spoke, so wanting him to get everything out, he didn’t interrupt.

Ken:  I’m tired, B…. Of our hurt and pain.  Each of us bears so much … Loy is probably the worst.  When he puts himself into animals and feels them … yes, there’s love, but the hunger, the cruelty of humans, the abandonment and experimentation….  It eats at him.  He bears it well, but it’s there.  His soul is scarred from it.  I almost think his Gift was tainted on purpose ‘ta make it more bearable. You, too … what’s in humans does the same ‘ta you.  Lane and Bry… they can barely walk into a hospital, but even walkin’ around humans with all the sickness and disease hurts ‘em.  It’s not subtle, and most people don’t even realize they’re sick, but Lane and Bry see it.

Bill, too… his Avatar doesn’t turn off, and he feels the echoes of humanity and the effects of the curse.  The world revolves around lies and deception, and Rick has ‘ta walk around in that – his Avatar is truth and freedom, and the world is anythin’ but…. You see where I’m goin’?  The downsides to our Avatars have always been harsh.  We didn’t know it at first, but as we’ve grown, it’s gotten worse.  Our capacity to cope has grown with it, but all of us hurt.  The RL’s don’t have Avatars so they don’t see it…. They see into humans but not like we do. What Drew did for me today … he’s just like we are.  He’s growin’ too, and he’s in the middle of all this.  Henry as well…. Every time we merge, B, we see the pain in each other; we just don’t talk about it anymore.  There’s no need, really, 'cause there’s nothin’ ‘ta be done about it until all this is over. We support each other and soldier on.

Brad: So, what’s the hardest part?

Ken: Forgiveness.  I don’t mean forgivin’ each other.  Lookin’ back, that’s the easy part.  Acceptin’ forgiveness is the hardest.  Acceptin’ our affections and love for each other is the hardest, even after all this time.  We share our burdens even though we don’t want to … because we don’t want ‘ta cause any of us more pain.

Brad grinned: You always surprise me.  You’re so much smarter than you let on.

Ken’s grin appeared: It’s you rubbin’ off on me.

Brad: No, I’m serious.  That’s why you’re our leader, Ken.  Our Captain.  You know all this naturally and intuitively.  I know you want to take it all … carry our burdens and pain.  You would if we’d let you, but we’re a team.  We’re more than a team.  We’re one, but still us at the same time.

Ken: Yeah, it’s a mind fuck.  I just don’t know where all this is goin’.  When we get the rest of our Gifts, what then?  We stop Elegroth from stealin’ the egg and destroyin’ everything. But that egg is made ‘ta hatch.  What happens when it does? 

Brad: Good question. We have too many pieces of a puzzle and not enough intel to get a clear picture of where it’s going.  But that’s down the road. 

Ken: I wanna find Michael.  Leroy said he can get us ‘ta the void.  The suits’ll protect us.

Brad: I think Pat can get us there too, or Eleneth, but he’s MIA.  We have options.  We also need more Gifts.  Aaron said he figured out where the information was stored on the Gifts in the forge.  Let’s talk with him and Albrecht again tomorrow and see if they’ve uncovered anything new that can help us.

Ken: There’s still so many details ‘ta keep track of.  Findin’ lost protectors, suits…, hell, even demons.  We set all that up, and Adam is keepin’ it goin’ pretty much on his own.  Zack’s steppin’ up with Sally gone ‘ta keep the kids occupied and learnin’. Shan’s still findin’ her place with us, but she’s helpin’ too.

Brad: One step at a time, like you always say.  Let’s focus on finding more Gifts and the safest way into the void to do some recon so we can get Michael out of there.  Luke’s there too.  We need to figure out what we’ll do with him if we come across him.

Ken exhaled a heavy sigh: Just like Rosanne Rosanadana said, “It’s always sumthin’.”

Brad: Enough talk.  More sex, please.

Ken’s little kid grin grew, as did Ken. Jr., and he raised his eyebrows: Is my dick all you ever think about?

Brad: With you?  Yeah, pretty much.  Haven’t you figured that out by now?

Ken: We have all this shit goin’ on, and you think of my dick.

Brad: What can I say?  Ken Jr.’s the best!

To be continued...

Posted: 09/02/2022