Benjamin and Me

Author: J. Gardham gardham1@yahoo.com

This story is fiction as are the characters, if you think you see yourself in this story that's cool as long as everyone remembers there's nothing in this story that isn't pure imagination.

"Benjamin and Me"

Chapter 23

After about three weeks of working with Jerry on using his mental abilities along with the wizard mantra to make himself invisible, Jonathan had him stand in front of a mirror and concentrate on seeing his reflection fade away.

Standing before the mirror and reciting the mantra that Jonathan had taught him he saw his reflection begin to fade. His success startled him and he snapped back into solid form.

"I won't get stuck invisible with I?"

Laughing Jonathan said, "no, but that's one of the first questions I asked when I was being taught, all you have to do is picture yourself in your mind and you'll appear instantly".

Smiling Jerry said that was good to know. Standing by the mirror he tried again and this time he was successful.

Startled Jonathan said, "Jerry, being a wizard it still took me longer than it did you to have my first successful experience, you must have really wanted to do this".

"Thanks Jonathan, yes, I'm not sure why but I felt this was very important to learn, almost like it was a need rather than simply something I wanted". "By the way how is this different from teleportation?"

Thinking for a minute Jonathan explained the teleportation moved you from point A to point B but you really weren't invisible, you simply moved your physical form instantaneously. "When you become invisible it gives you free access to places where others are gathered without them seeing or being aware of you". "This is helpful in dangerous situations where you need to gather information without being seen".

"Jerry there is also a very serious responsibility to never use this ability to snoop on loved ones or to gain an advantage for material profit, once you use your ability for the wrong reason it's gone and cannot be regained".

Jerry asked Jonathan if there was a danger being invisible.

Looking a bit shocked before answering Jonathan said, "Yes, there are spirits always looking for those of us using this ability, when we're in this form we can be captured and harmed or even killed". "Benjamin was nearly killed in his spirit form and suffered horrible pain".

Being in spirit or invisible form is much the same and other spirits or others who are also in invisible form can see you, its only those in the physical form who cant see you." "It's one reason Sparkle and I normally go into this form together, we can protect each other". "It's even more dangerous for you since you can't place a protective shield around yourself".

"It's important for you to always remember those you see while using your invisible form are either spirits or others using their invisible forms and many of those entities are very dangerous".

Looking down at his feet Jonathan said, "I should have given this more thought before teaching you this ability Jerry". "I'm afraid I've put you in mortal danger". "Promise me you'll only use your invisible skills when Sparkle or I are with you".

"Jonathan I' can't promise you that without knowing what the future may bring, but I'll do my best to always have you or Sparkle with me".

"Yes I understand Jerry, let's discuss this with Sparkle he may have a better solution".

"Jonathan?"

"Yes".

Looking into Jonathan`s eyes Jerry said, "I asked for this and I want you to know how much I appreciate you teaching me, so don't blame yourself for anything, I believe this was by design and is meant to be".

Putting his arm around Jerry's waist, Jonathan said, "I hope you're right Jerry, I couldn't bear it if something happened to you because of me".

Jonathan telepathically contacted Sparkle who appeared beside them.

"What's up guys?"

"Sparkle I'm afraid I may have done something you will think of as being very foolish and dangerous, and now I need your help".

"I'm sure we can fix it Jonathan don't look so serious, it isn't exactly the first time you or I have done something a bit foolish". "Start out by telling me what you've done".

Jerry interrupted Jonathan before he could continue in an effort not to let him take more blame then he should. "I came to Jonathan and asked him to teach me how to become invisible like you and he can and he agreed to help me and after about three weeks I've successfully managed to do it". "It was something I felt in my mind, spirit, and soul that was important for me to learn, I'm not sure just why it felt so important but the fact is it did and I still feel it is".

"Three weeks?"

"What?"

"You're telling me that after only three weeks you are able to make yourself invisible?"

"Yes, why?"

"It took me over three months and I was born into the realm of the wizards where this is a natural part of our training". "Jerry if you have mastered this skill so quickly than there is a reason for it well beyond your wanting to learn a parlor trick, and I realize that is not why you wanted to learn this skill".

Jonathan interjected that now that Jerry has learned the skill he was concerned for his safety while in the invisible form. "I have asked Jerry to never use his new skill without one or both of us being with him but I realize that was a promise that he could not make considering the things that are taking place in today's world".

"Sparkle is there anything you can think of that we can do to keep Jerry safe should he go invisible when we aren't with him?"

"I'm already working on it Jonathan, you and I are always connected through our love connection, but I think there is a spell we can use to connect us all together through a mutual bond agreement, if Jerry is willing to make that connection with us".

"What exactly does this spell accomplish Sparkle?"

"Once done it will create a bond among the three of us that cannot be broken, other than by a powerful wizard who's aware of it, we'll always know where the other's are at all times, day or night". "You will learn to ignore the connection most of the time but will be instantly aware of any danger that the others may be in and can travel invisibly to that location to give help if needed".

"That sounds like a good thing Sparkle, why the hesitation?"

"Jerry the hesitation is that Jonathan and I have powers to shield ourselves and the person we're trying to help, so we're in a sense safe from harm, unless of course we're overwhelmed by whoever is attacking us". "You don't have the power to shield yourself, or to place a shield around the one you're trying to help so you will be in harms way". "The best this connection can do is to alert all of us at the same time so we can converge together and hopefully protect each other including you".

"I see, so in a way this will put an extra burden on you two if I become involved".

"Yes, possibly but on the other hand your being with us could relieve one or both of us to concentrate on defense while you help whoever was injured".

"Okay, I get your point, it still appears to be a dicey situation that could put you and Jonathan in extra danger".

"How about if I add some zing to Jerry's arsenal?"

Jonathan and Sparkle yelled, "Gabriel..."

Jerry, Jonathan and Sparkle turned around to see the archangel Gabriel leaning against the wall behind them with a big grin on his face. Jonathan and Sparkle of course recognized him immediately and ran giving him a hug. Jerry having never seen Gabriel before wasn't sure just what to do.

"Jerry I'm afraid I'm the guilty one here, I put the thought in your mind to learn the skill of invisibility. As rapidly as events are developing both in the physical and spiritual worlds I wanted Jonathan and Sparkle to have another friend with their abilities to help out".

"The wizards are right, you learned the skill much quicker than anyone could have imagined which means you're not only very intelligent, but very open to realities beyond the three dimensions most people refuse to see past".

"Jerry I'm going to render you unconscious before giving you more powers that any human before has ever been granted". "First you must know there is nothing I can do without your permission, anything that takes place from this moment on can be done only with your consent".

"The powers you will have will not be immediately known to you but will be awaken as the need arises". "What you mind can conjure your powers can do, these powers are awaken and driven by the love you hold for your fellow travelers on planet earth".

"You have been chosen because of the love we see in your heart, spirit, and soul, there are others with this love, but you have an added energy of your own that drives you with an awareness and acceptance that is needed during this time".

"Jerry it's now up to you, do you accept this offer?"

"Yes".

"Where's Gabriel?"

Helping Jerry up Jonathan and Sparkle tell him that Gabriel is gone.

"I thought he was going to give me special powers?"

"Jerry he did".

"When?"

"While you were in a state of unconsciousness".

"I was unconscious?"

"Yes the minute you said yes to Gabriel's offer".

"Really, that was fast, I don't feel any different".

"Angels don't usually waste a lot of time on formalities Jerry, and theres no reason you should feel any difference, but trust Jonathan and I when we say its a done deal".

"Wow!, What now?"

Jonathan and Sparkle looked at each other and then Jerry before saying, "we don't know about you but we're hungry let's go get a sandwich".

"I've just been granted more power than any human before me and you want to go have a sandwich?"

"Yes, aren't you hungry?"

"Yeah, I guess I am come to think of it, let's go".

Six months have passed and life has been fairly normal at the ranch and everyone has gotten into a routine that fit's the needs of the ranch as well as one another.

Jerry, Mike, and Walt have partnered up with Gavin and Brad and their love for each other has grown into something beautiful. Mike and Benjamin and become what could be called Executive Chefs and are proudly putting out some fantastic meals. Walt and Jerry became Ken and Alan's partners in preparing for meals and cleaning up afterwards.

Jonathan, Sparkle, and Jerry haven't mentioned Jerry's new skill and powers, they felt it might be better to just let things develop as they happen and explanations can be given when needed.

Dave and Bill have both been given tenure at the university and are full fledged professors and well liked by their colleagues. Kentucky and Arnold have relaxed into their beautiful apartment and with the million and a half Thomas paid them for their work they and their crew were fairly well set financially for now.

It seemed everyone was living a full and relaxed life right up until Sparkle received a summons from Goldermer to meet with him at his stronghold for an matter of great urgency and he was to come alone.

Jonathan didn't like the idea of Sparkle going alone even if it was to Goldermer's camp, wizards who were partners were rarely if ever separated. Sparkle didn't care for the idea either and looked for Thomas to bring it to his attention, as it turned out Thomas and Benjamin were in town on business.

Sparkle decided since Goldermer's message said the matter was urgent he'd go alone and keep a mind link with Jonathan and Jerry. Jonathan agreed hesitantly and Sparkle opened a door to Goldermer's camp.

As soon as Sparkle stepped though the portal all connection to him was lost. Jerry was at Jonathan's side immediately. Jonathan was terrified, "this is impossible we've never lost our mind link no matter what the circumstances were". "Can you link up with him Jerry?"

Jerry's hands went to him temples and he body jerked as if hit by some unseen force. Without opening his eyes Jerry responded, "yes I can feel his mind, he's frightened and doesn't know where he is, it's dark and cold".

Concentrating Jerry tried to reach Sparkle with enough strength for Sparkle to connect, suddenly Sparkle felt Jerry's connection and said, "Jerry I don't know what has happened, I have no idea where I am, is Jonathan safe?" Choked up a bit from knowing Sparkle's first thought was of his beloved Jonathan even in the dire circumstances he was in.

"Jonathan is safe and with me Sparkle, please don't alarm yourself we're going to get you out from wherever you are, hold tight while I'd do some reconnoitering".

"Be careful Jerry, something powerful is at work here".

"Sparkle I'm going to try to keep a mind link open, don't be alarmed if I lose it now and then, I'm new at this".

Turning to Jonathan Jerry said, "Sparkle is frightened but unharmed, get Thomas and the others and when you do get hold of Goldermer, I want him here and I want him here now"

"Yes Jerry", with that Jonathan disappeared and soon Thomas, Benjamin, and the others started filing in to the ranch".

Jerry was sitting Indian style on the floor hands to temples, eyes closed, Jonathan asked everyone not to disturb him.

Thomas asked, "what's Jerry doing Jonathan?"

"Thomas I'll explain later, it's important that you do not disturb him".

Jonathan opened a tiny portal which he spoke into with such force and anger Thomas and the others were shaken.

"Goldermer I summon you NOW, and I mean NOW as in instantly".

A shimmering door appeared and Goldermer stepped through looking frazzled to say the least, "Jonathan, what on earth has you so upset?"

Facing Goldermer with eyes flashing Jonathan said, "did you or did you not summon Sparkle to meet you alone in your camp for an urgent meeting not forty-five minutes ago?"

"Jonathan I did not summon Sparkle or anyone else to meet me alone or otherwise, what's going on?"

"Sparkle received a direct summons from you telling him to meet you in your camp immediately for an urgent meeting and he was to come alone". "The moment he stepped through the portal he disappeared from our mind link and as you know Goldermer that is damned near impossible without a powerful wizard with a direct connection to both of us forcing a break in that link".

Goldermer was furious at Sparkle and said he wasn't taking anymore of his insolence and attempted open a portal to leave.

Jerry's right hand left his temple only briefly but in that brief moment Goldermer was frozen in a force field that held him prisoner. Goldermer's anger had turned to shock and surprise that someone could imprison him in a force field that he couldn't break out of.

Looking horrified Thomas said, "Jonathan it's time for explanations". "Is Sparkle alright?"

Thomas I could not locate him, but Jerry found him in a dark and cold place and was able to make a mind link with Sparkle, he's frightened but as yet he's still alive". "At this time Jerry is doing a search trying to locate where Sparkle is being held".

"Jerry, how is Jerry doing a search, how did he make a mind link, and how on earth did he imprison Goldermer with a flick of his wrist?"

"I'm afraid there is much to tell you but now is not........

Just then Jerry turned to Jonathan and opened his eyes, they were as green as Sparkles, "Jonathan, I'm alright for now, Jerry is doing everything he can to find me, try to calm yourself, know that I love you with all my heart...."

Jerry's eye returned to his own soft brown as he returned to his concentration.

Jonathan's eyes filled with tears, Thomas wrapped his arms around him, "I haven't any idea what's taking place but we'll find Sparkle if it's the last thing we do Jonathan".

"Why do you think Jerry locked Goldermer in a force field, does Goldermer have something to do with Sparkle's disappearance?" "That's to say nothing of how Jerry locked Goldermer in a force field to begin with".

"Thomas as far as I know Goldermer is the only wizard with enough power to block our mind link and it would have to be a wizard with intimate knowledge of Sparkle and I in order to do that".

"It's hard to believe Goldermer would do anything so hateful Jonathan, but I have to admit I've been on the back side of Goldermer's temper before".

"Thomas I'm not sure why Jerry put a force field around Goldermer, but there was a reason or he wouldn't have done it". If I'm wrong about Goldermer having anything to do with Sparkle's disappearance than I'll apologize, but not until I'm damn sure he had nothing to do with it".

"His attitude was pretty cavalier concerning Sparkle and he was way too quick to clear out of here to suit me considering we just saved Manilon`s bacon".

"I have to admit Jonathan, you've made some good points and he was pretty unconcerned considering how distraught he was about Manilon". "Jonathan I have a gut feeling there's a lot more to this than any of us know at the moment, Goldermer might have been acting out of necessity rather than lack of concern". "What I don't understand is what's taking place with Jerry, and why you seem to know and why nothing has been mentioned about any of this to the rest of us".

"Thomas there's so much that has happened and we've been told by Gabriel that Jerry's power's will manifest themselves when needed".

"Gabriel,..... powers?"

Jerry became animated once again as he told Jonathan that Sparkle was being held deep beneath the Antarctic Ice Cap. "We need to release him soon or he'll freeze to death".

"Jerry how can we get to him quickly enough?"

"You and I will have to go invisible and shoot through the spirit realm to reach him in time, there's great danger from demons who are guarding the entire area".

Hearing this Thomas interrupted Jerry, "Jerry we'll all go together if there's danger I don't want you to go without our help".

"There isn't time Thomas, if we're to save Sparkle, Jonathan and I have to leave now or he'll be dead". "Gather the others especially Bill, Dave, and Walt and fly as close to Antarctica as you can". "We're going to need your united strength to get Sparkle out of the ice cavern he`s being held in and into the plane". "Thomas you must act quickly and without hesitation".

"We're on our way Jerry".

"Thomas".

"Yes Jerry".

"This is a trap that has been set for you and the rest of us".

"Understood".

Jerry took Jonathan's hand as he released Goldermer saying, "we need your help Goldermer, no petty anger or one of your temper tantrums, you're needed to help save Sparkle and you're coming with us, willingly or not".

Taking Goldermer's hand they were gone and almost instantly found themselves in Antarctica in a dark cavern, Jonathan formed a glow light and they found Sparkle slumped over, literally frozen to the wall of the cavern.

Turning to Goldermer Jerry said, "you are to guard this carven with your life". Jerry placed his body over Sparkle and told Jonathan to wrap himself around Sparkle's back. Within seconds warmth was radiating from Jerry and Jonathan into Sparkle`s body, moments later Sparkle roused and blinked his eyes before throwing his arms around Jonathan.

Reaching Bill, Dave, and Walt telepathically Jerry asked how close they were to Antarctica. Bill replied that they were about thirty minutes away.

"Bill, in exactly twenty-nine minutes you'll see a huge explosion of ice blasting upward, when you see that happen fly as close to it as you can, we'll try to teleport into the plane as you pass overhead".

"Bill we're going to need your help in creating protected airspace that we can teleport through to the plane".

"Got ya Jerry, we`ll take care of it from here".

"Thanks and whatever you do make sure Luke and Sam understand that they're to stay low and as close to the ice field as they can and get us as far away as quickly as possible, this place is crawling with demons".

"Understood".

In exactly twenty-nine minutes it looked like a nuclear weapon went off beneath the ice field throwing shards of ice, some the size of oil tankers into the air. Flying like a world war ace Luke with Samuel's help slipped between ice chunks maneuvering like the flying magicians.

Bill, Dave, Walt and the other joined hands and blocked out a section of airspace between the plane and where the explosion had taken place.

With a loud thud Sparkle, Jonathan, Goldermer, and Jerry appeared on the floor of the jet. Just then the plane took a nosedive toward the ice field, which considering they weren't that far above could be disastrous. It was obvious that demons were forcing the plane to crash.

"Excuse me guys I'll be right back". Jonathan disappeared immediately after following Jerry into the spirit realm to fight off the demons who were forcing the plane down. Jerry was casting lightening bolts and fire balls into the demon horde faster than Jonathan had ever seen. Demons were falling like rain drops. Adding his strength to Jerry's bombardment was starting to knock enough demons away from the plane for it to gain a little altitude.

Jerry flew toward the plane while firing lightening charges with both hands as he swept the plane clean of demons before throwing a powerful shield around it protecting it from further damage or interference from the demons.

Creating a mind link with Bill again, Jerry told them to get their butts out of the area as fast as they could, he and Jonathan would do what they could to hold off the demons.

Bill relayed the message to Luke and the others as Goldermer disappeared from the plane to join Jonathan and Jerry in their battle against overwhelming odds.

Bowing his head, Thomas said, "Augustine and Daniel we sure could use your help right about now".

"We're here Thomas, Jerry and they others are in no danger, Jerry can handle anything the demons throw at them he just doesn't know it yet".

"For crying out loud if he doesn't know it how's he going to use it?"

"When the time comes Jerry will find what he needs within himself to obliterate the demons by the tens of thousands". "Thomas he needs to learn to call upon what he needs when he needs it, he's smart and possibly the bravest human I've ever seen considering he's doing what he's doing without realizing the power he has within himself".

"Well don't you think it would have been nice if someone clued him in on what powers he has before he was faced with countless demons trying to kill him?"

"Laughing Augustine said, "Thomas calm yourself Jerry can't be killed no more than you and those in this plane can be harmed". "Jerry has put a shield around your plane so strong that demons haven't enough power to get through it". "He has that same shield around Jonathan, Goldermer, and himself".

Thomas let out an audible sigh.

"Thomas".

"Yes Augustine".

"If it'll calm your nerves any, there are more angels surrounding this battle then you could count if you lived eighteen lifetimes". "Nothing is left to chance when it comes to this exceptional man that has become part of your family".

Putting his arm around Thomas Bill laid his head on Thomas's shoulder. "Thomas, Dave, Walt and I have enough power to wipe out all the demons also, there really isn't any danger".

Slumping back into a seat Thomas said, "it would be nice if someone would clue me in before I have a nervous breakdown rather than after".

Speaking up Daniel said, "Thomas this was all pretty spontaneous, Jerry's actions are nothing but brilliant and his bravery is unparalleled". "You have a very special addition to your family, all will be explained when you're all safe back at your home".

"Augustine, when Jerry linked to Bills mind the message he sent was that this was a trap".

"Thomas it was a trap, it had been set for you and the others using Sparkle as bait".

"What if Jerry hadn't reacted the way he did, Sparkle could have died".

"Thomas, Gabriel would never have allowed that to happen, you must remember Jerry had the knowledge that it was a trap, that was part of his newly developed insight". "His reactions to save Sparkle at risk of his own life was taken willingly, he threw himself into danger to save someone he loved, and that someone also happened to be Jonathan's partner". "Every action Jerry took was the right action."

"For all of you here, it would be better if Jerry never finds out that we were prepared to come to his aide since we will not always be able to do so". "What he did was without knowing we were here and that is how it should stay".

"Jerry has been given his special powers so that he may work closely with Jonathan and Sparkle in their defense of all of you and others who will soon be joining you".

Daniel opened a window into the spirit realm so those on board could see the action taking place as Jerry combined two large fireballs in each hand and slammed them together before throwing it into the throng of demons, the resulting explosion erased every demon in the firmament leaving nothing but a beautiful star filled sky.

Moments later Jerry, Jonathan, and Goldermer were back onboard with smiling faces. Everyone aboard gave them a hero's welcomes, including Augustine and Daniel.

Daniel hugged Jerry and said, "you are totally amazing Jerry, I'm sorry Augustine and I showed up at the end of the battle, but it appears you handle the situation without us".

At that moment none other than the archangel Gabriel appeared and joined in congratulating Jerry and the others for their daring rescue of Sparkle.

Putting his arm around Goldermer, he said, "my beloved Goldermer we need to talk". With that comment both Gabriel and Goldermer were gone.

Benjamin said, "I'd like to be a fly on the wall over hearing that conversation".

"Jonathan, Sparkle, and Jerry simultaneously said, "we wouldn't".

Returning to the ranch everyone was gathered on the balcony including Augustine and Daniel. A full explanation followed and everyone understood the importance of adding more strength to their family as they would be facing more serious attacks in the near future.

Everyone turned and looked at Jerry.

"What?"

Mike and Walt were the first to reach him covering him with hugs and kisses, "we're so proud of you". All the other followed and soon Jerry was bewildered by all the attention.

"I didn't do anything any of you wouldn't have done in the same situation".

With a huge smile on his face Arnold said, "Ah Jerry you just saved Sparkle, fought off a zillion and one demons, put a shield around the plane that saved all of us from crashing into the ice field". "You're our hero kiddo so you might just as well get used to it".

Thomas enfolded Jerry in a loving hug, "you were totally amazing Jerry, thanks for being the man that you are".

To be continued:

Jason Gardham