The Gifts

The Gifts Chapter 19

The Gifts

Copyright © 2024 by Brad A. Townsend

All rights reserved. This story or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author (Brad A. Townsend).

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is entirely coincidental, or also used fictitiously.

Content warning: This story contains adult situations, language, and consensual sex between adult men. If said content is illegal in your state or country, please leave now and do not continue.

Introduction

Hello everyone. It's been a long pause between chapters this time, and I'm afraid most people have given up on the story. I hope those that have stuck around will enjoy this chapter. Just one more to go, and I've got a start on it, so it won't be nearly so long. I apologize for the tardiness. There are all kinds of reasons, but they are in the past and now we are moving forward to finish this story.

If you've been following the story I don't think there will be many surprises in this chapter. Okay, maybe a few, but the clues for everything lie in previous chapters, and if you followed those breadcrumbs, most of what happens will be self-evident. If not, then enjoy the surprises 😊.

There is only one song referenced in this chapter, as usual by Lane. It's just a passing reference to a lyric, but it is one of my favorite songs so I'll include a link in case any of you want to listen to it.

Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald by Gordon Lightfoot

The music in the story is transitioning to the music underlying the two creations and the souls of the guys, which is obviously not available on YouTube! Everything is transitioning in the story as the guys evolve along with their Gifts and fulfill their various purposes. My brain hurts trying to keep tabs on it all 😊. I've stated this before, but by the end of Chapter 20, I want you to be satisfied with the ending and leave with a sense of completion. We'll see if I can pull that off.

At the time this chapter posts it's early December, and I wish everyone a joyous holiday. Remember the theme of unconditional love, and remember Aaron's words to Ken and Brad in The Order – the answer is simple but very hard to achieve. I know how divisive the world has become, so be kind to one another and remember we are all broken in some way. Let compassion shine and let's start healing each other and the planet.

With those words I'll go quiet and let you get started. Everyone stay safe in this crazy world. Enjoy chapter nineteen 😊

-  Brad

#TeamNephilim

#TheNewTrinity

Chapter Nineteen

* Prelude – Early in the First Creation *

God's song and the chorus of the Archons ended, and so the first creation came to be. There had been other creations long before but in another place. This one was new and unique, and God observed everything. He knew then of Elegroth's eventual fall and everything that would come to pass, but that was still far off.

He foresaw the end of his first creation, and before it came to ruin, He brought the second into being, entirely different from the first, yet it would fall too – because of free will. He placed many agents of change in both creations to bring about His plan of redemption; however, that redemption still rested upon the providence of free will. One such agent, perhaps the most important one besides His third children, was Thomin.

Thomin was unique, with capacities far deeper than other archangels. His special nature was necessary as the keeper of the vault. In particular, his ability to touch God's divinity and not be destroyed, which allowed Thomin to convey the chalice, filled with God's light from the fountain of heaven, to Allenor, who placed that light in Ken's Gift – the Mantle of Divinity. Thomin never touched the chalice again. Its beauty was enough, and for eons he stared, enamored, even after his memories of the Gifts were gone. Over time, minuscule droplets of God's light, too small to see individually, made their way down the inside of the chalice to pool at the bottom. The remnant of God's light remained in the cup, and would not come into play for billions of years, yet when it did, it could save everything.

For most of the second creation Thomin existed without any memory of the Gifts, but much would rest upon his shoulders when Ken's third death would open the puzzle box, and his memories were returned.

* Prelude - Within Lane's Gift *

While Lane's body slept in Bryan's arms, everything else that was him was elsewhere. He observed the second creation from outside – neither a part of it nor anything else, including the void. The immensity of his perception saw the paradoxical boundaries of the first and second creations, the void, and the place where the third creation would be. He could see everything because he was the culmination of all the Gifts and Avatars – except Ken's.

He viewed each infinite creation in its entirety. Bryan appeared next to him, and then the rest of his brothers, one by one, except for Ken. With Bryan's presence came Yggdrasil, and the creations rested among her branches like shining jewels. Hugin and Munnin flew from Bryan's forearms to bring the thought and memory of everything to The Order. But not everything ... something was missing. Ken was not with them, and his absence prevented the perfection of what they saw. He was the last piece that would complete everything.

The majesty and beauty of what they witnessed changed. Without Ken, the vision would come to ruin, for it could never come to be. Without Ken everything would vanish, and their hearts would be struck a blow from which they could never recover. The three jewels would vanish should Elegroth be victorious, replaced by a single, dark gem that would rest among the withered branches of the tree. The brightly lit cosmic Waffle House, the last shining gem, sat among the boughs of Yggdrasil. Miss Lula and The Dove watched from within the diner while Frank stood just outside the door. As Elegroth's song came to completion, the lights of the Waffle House dimmed to blackness, and Lane's song, The Humbling River, stopped mid-verse, went quiet, and the light of The Order extinguished.

Lane's eyes opened, and he saw only darkness and despair. Desperately he clung to his husband, his rock, as he quietly cried himself back to sleep.

* Six months later *

Jayléth lay in her bed, breathing but unmoving. Her body lived due to Németh's mastery of Eschphene magic, but everything that was her was trapped in the Balance. Jayléth's brothers stood vigil by her side so she would never be alone. Orophir sat with her often but split his time in study, attempting to discover a means to bring her back to herself. The love between him and Jayléth was new, yet the pain in his heart was fierce. Németh approached Orophir in the library and sat with him. Amidst Orophir's pain, Németh's calming aura helped him focus. As Orophir began inscribing Eschphene sigils in the air, Németh gently covered his hands and the sigils faded. "Child..."

Orophir choked, his voice raspy with pain, "I shall not give up. I cannot."

Németh's sadness was painful to hear. His mentor's voice was deeper than usual from grief as he said, "I fear she has been gone too long. There is little hope. Even if she returns to us, I am unsure she will wish to remain. There may not be enough of her left."

Orophir raised his voice in anger, saying, "I was taught by The Order that unconditional love is the most powerful force and the meaning behind everything. Is that a lie? Is our love so worthless? So powerless?"

*

Eleneth felt sorry for Orophir. The two had become close while living and studying with Németh. Each had grown in his own way to become who and what he was destined to be. Seeing his friend's pain and unable to do anything about it, Eleneth went to meditate in the Eschphene high temple where he found his own balance when Németh took him within his hearts, and then physically matured him to the point that the human part of him could comprehend and accept himself.

Eleneth understood Jayléth's anguish. Once he found the balance within himself, he wanted to stay there. He carried it with him, and the bliss of resting in it was only comparable to the unconditional love of his earthly father, Henry, his brother Drew, and the other men of The Order. The issue was that Németh's daughter rested in the infinite balance itself, not simply the balance of her own existence.

Eleneth's robes vanished as he sat on a warming stone. The touch of the fabric against his skin was a distraction and he preferred his natural state. The warming stones were another of Németh's creations – perfectly balanced in the material they consisted of, their shape, size, and temperature. Exhaling, Eleneth fell into the balance within his heart. He released the emotions hidden within his physical body into quiet solitude. After each breath, as he exhaled, he traveled deeper within himself. He did not drop out of time but stilled himself to the point where his body did not move. His heart stopped and his physical brain ceased activity. He paused his existence and rested. He had expressed his desire to go deeper, but Németh explained that under the curse it was not possible. Németh's pride in Eleneth was clear – no pupil, even his own offspring, could go as deep into the balance as Eleneth.

The curse was a barrier Eleneth could not cross which prevented him from reaching his heart's desire. His only sibling, Drew Ross, was the crux of the curse. Drew's first death at the hands of the imp, born as The Master, brought the curse into being. Thoughts of Drew persistently pushed into his peace. Gently, he released them, but the balance returned them. An image of Jayléth asleep followed, and the paradox of his own conception – Henry and Sally coupling in the valley of Eden, and Eleleth within his brightly glowing Seal at the doors in the High Temple of Heaven. The Seal was Henry's now because he carried Eleleth's legacy within him. Henry's love suffused Eleneth, warming him. He loved how Henry held him, hugged him, and cared for him as a son. He also loved when Drew hugged him. Images and emotions of Henry, Drew, and Jayléth persisted, so he listened. He listened the same way Lane listened to the music underlying creation. Realization struck him, and he vanished from the pale.

*

A slightly sweaty Eleneth appeared before Drew who was in his lessons with Sally. His appearance startled Sally and Shan. The kids giggled at his nakedness, but Drew's eyes lit up, and he launched himself against his brother, crying out, "Eleneth!"

Eleneth knelt and hugged Drew back, saying, "Greetings, little brother. I have missed you." Seeing the look on Sally's face, he continued, "My apologies, Mother, but my task is urgent. Drew must come with me."

There was no word for what Eleneth was. He was most like a nephilim, but he was more. He was a combination of two creations from the pairing of the mightiest archon through Henry, an awakened human, and Sally, a human woman. There is power in threes, and Eleneth was unique to both creations. As he hugged Drew and spoke to Sally, he also spoke to Henry in his mind: Father? It is urgent I speak with you.

*

Henry, shirtless and sweaty, dodged multiple blows from Ricky, Kevin, and Bryan as Ken observed their sparring. Their forms were masculine perfection, and Ken admired them as much as he critiqued their skills. His love and pride for them washed through the link catching him and his brothers off guard, and their eyes became teary.

Bryan: Who ordered the fucking waterworks?

Ken grinned: It's part of your trainin'. If you can cry'n fight at the same time, I've achieved my goal.

Kevin: It's a new distraction technique?

Ricky: No it's just sappy.

Ken: Fuck you, junior. I'm not sappy. I just love you guys.

Henry: We love you too, but when it comes to training, we don't trust you.

Ken: That hurts.

Kevin: Don't make him cry for real.

Eleneth's voice spoke privately to Henry: Father? It is urgent I speak with you.

Amidst their banter, Eleneth, still naked, and Drew appeared beside Ken. Henry thought with equal urgency: What's wrong?

Eleneth: I know how to reach Jayléth.

A stunned reaction ran through their link and Brad merged them. Within their hearts, they all appeared naked and open to one another in all aspects. Eleneth basked in their love, as powerful as the balance, but warmer. The liquid, golden light of their souls wrapped around him and he realized how much he missed it. His plan became known to them through the merge and was followed by many "fuck me's" and "holy shits."

Eleneth: The curse prevents my going deeper. I know that with the three of us as a family, I can find her and bring her back.

The white lock in Henry's hair brightened in the light of their souls, and he smiled as he pulled his son against him. He saw Eleneth's confidence, so different from the unsure, immature young man whom he sent to live with the Eschphene.

Henry: I'm proud of you. I believe this will work.

Eleneth: We must go to your Seal. Drew can protect us from the curse, and free of it, especially in that place, I will be able to find her.

Brad: What Németh told Orophir might be true. She may not wish to return. There may not be enough of her left...

Eleneth: She is strong, and I believe she persists. The balance showed me. It must be her choice, but I believe I can persuade her. I must do this for Orophir and her family. I know now how painful losing any one of you would be. I must do this for Németh, his sons, and Orophir.

Ken wondered at the danger. From a tactical perspective, The Order could not afford to lose Henry, Drew, or Eleneth. Aware of Ken's thoughts, Eleneth responded: There will be no danger. I would not risk my father or my brother. I simply need their aid to reach her.

Brad's Avatar and Gift lit up, and he masked his Gift to prevent any discomfort to Ken: Németh called you a Child of Balance. You can go there with no danger. He can do it, Ken. No one else in existence can.

Henry put his arms around his two sons: Once again, the Ross boys are on the case.

*

Henry: This is going to be difficult boys. When we enter my Seal, we'll blend together. Drew knows what it's like, but Eleneth, you've never experienced this.

Eleneth: I have, with Németh. It is how I came to be who I am. You, Mother, and Eleleth made me what I am, but Németh made me who I am.

Henry: No, he helped you find yourself. You were already you. He just quickened the process. I'm so proud of you and Drew. I couldn't ask for better sons.

Eleneth: Nor we a better father.

Drew hugged them both, basking in their presence. To Drew, Eleneth was what The Master should have been, and it made him sad to think about his blood sibling. Before Drew became upset, Henry thought: Let's do this.

With his words Henry carried his sons into his Seal within the doors of the High Temple of Heaven. The light of the Seal, Henry's light, suffused his sons, and likewise their light suffused him. Drew had the incarnations with him, and Henry was an archon, but surprisingly Eleneth's light was equally bright. In their purest forms, they rested in the blessing of their unconditional love. Time didn't pass, and they didn't know how long they stayed together, but eventually Eleneth thought: Let us begin. Father, separate us as much as you are able. I cannot take either of you with me, or you will risk the same fate as Jayléth.

It was easier than Henry thought. He and Drew had blended once briefly, but he had never blended with more than one person in his Seal. He was unsure if it was Eleneth's nature, or the fact it was three of them, or perhaps some other reason, but as much as they were in one another he was able to do as Eleneth asked. Eleneth fell into himself, into his own balance and felt as blissful as being one with his family. Henry and Drew shared his bliss.

Eleneth: I am as deep as I can go on my own. Protect me, brother, from the curse.

Drew felt the imp more acutely at the doors and within Henry's Seal. As the crux of the curse, Drew felt the pressure of keeping the two creations apart. Without calling the stone, Drew enveloped Henry's Seal in his protection. Eleneth felt the freedom immediately and smiled. They had no bodies, but Henry and Drew were aware of his expression. Taking the equivalent of a deep breath, Eleneth fell further into himself than ever before. His personal balance was a gateway to the realm of balance, if it could be called that. This wasn't a realm like the realm of dreams or of time, but an underlying condition that existed in creation that was cut off by the curse, and Eleneth was drawn to its heart. The force was too powerful to resist, and he didn't try. He knew intuitively that Jayléth was there.

*

Németh immediately felt Eleneth cross the barrier of the curse. Casting his perceptions to the temple doors, he saw Henry and Drew, and Eleneth's physical form within Henry's Seal. There was no time to physically move to the temple, so in a small flash of Eschphene magic, Németh traveled to the heart of his people's most sacred place where he went within himself as far as he could go – as far as the curse allowed, the place he had taken Eleneth. Emptying himself into the balance, he prayed for Eleneth's success.

*

Eleneth had no form, and neither did Jayléth, so he took her into his heart where they appeared naked to one another in physical form. Jayléth seemed asleep as she slowly faded and he realized how much of her was already gone. He understood that she was overcome and unable to form coherent thought. Once she dissipated, she would become a part of everything, and nothing would remain of her individuality.

Eleneth: Jayléth, awake.

Eleneth cradled her essence. His only chance to reach her was to take her deeper within herself, as Németh had done for him. If he could help her achieve her own balance, they might be able to communicate. Closing his eyes, Eleneth exhaled, going to the place within himself where he was strongest. Once there, he merged with Jayléth. She resisted, but he was the son of an archon, and mighty in his own right. Gentle but unyielding, he drew her in and tied their existence together to anchor her. Exerting his full might brought every part of her into harmony to achieve an equilibrium she could not attain on her own. Like him before his quickening to adulthood, Jayléth was too young, so he aged her. Eschphene mature slower than humans, so he aged her hundreds of years though her outward visage hardly changed other than becoming more beautiful.

When Eleneth opened his eyes, she was staring at him: I... know you.

Eleneth: It is Eleneth. I've come to bring you home.

Her mind still struggled to consciousness, and he gave her time.

Jayléth: I remember... were we victorious?

Eleneth smiled: Yes. Your action allowed your father and brothers to defeat Elegroth's incursion. The fallen archon was thrown back, and the egg is safe. Your father and brothers, but especially Orophir, grieve your absence.

Jayléth: How long?

Eleneth: Many months by Earth reconning. Nearly three outer cycles in the pale.

Jayléth closed her eyes and faintly thought: I do not wish to leave. I do not think I can.

Eleneth: I cannot force you, but if you stay, you lose yourself entirely. You are already much faded.

After a long pause, Eleneth continued: I understand your desire to stay. After being here, going back will be different. Humans in the physical realm who have been to Heaven express the same struggle. Once you have touched divinity and become a part of it, all else is broken and fractured. Love can overcome this to a degree. Enough to make it bearable and, over time, to reacclimate. Please come with me. Return to your family. Orophir has barely left your side. He only leaves you to find a way to bring you back. He does not know I am here. None of your family does. I did not wish to give them false hope should you refuse.

Jayléth: How can you be here?

Eleneth: Your father names me a Child of Balance, born equally of two creations. I found my own balance with his help and carry it within me. I realized that the Curse of Eden prevented me from being here, so my earthly brother, Drew Ross, is protecting me so that I can be here with you. My body is with my father, Henry, in his archonian Seal in the High Temple of Heaven, at the doors that separate the two creations. My family is tied to that place.

As Eleneth spoke, Jayléth also looked inside him. He was open to her and she experienced the love he held for his family, and also the love her family held for her. The clarity sparked memories and emotions, and tears formed in her eyes. She also experienced the love of The Order - powerful, unconditional, and equal in strength to what held her where she was. This gave her clarity and fortitude.

Jayléth: You said we were victorious?

Eleneth smiled: Yes, but there is strife between your brothers and your father over your condition.

A glimmer of Jayléth's precociousness appeared: Father asked me, but it was my choice. My brothers think me a child.

Eleneth: They love you. To them, you will always be their younger sibling. I call Drew my little brother, yet he is older than I. We perceive those we love in the manner of our affections. It is a thing of joy.

Jayléth: I will return, if for no other reason than to never let them forget I allowed their success. And now that I am older, they must do as I say.

Eleneth grinned: Whatever the reason, I am glad you will return with me. You have made your choice, and I do not wish to tarry. Our return will be harsh. Prepare yourself.

*

Only a second had passed after Drew called the dome over Eleneth when a memory sphere emerged from Eleneth's chest and bobbed gently before darting into Drew's forehead.

Eleneth: Cease your protection, little brother. That will draw me back. Jayléth will return to her body, so I will take us to her immediately. Be ready to protect her again, until she acclimates.

Henry listened and observed everything, proud of his sons. They had achieved something even Németh thought impossible.

***

In the void, Elegroth sat on his throne, orchestrating his final victory and rehearsing the song of his new creation when a light appeared that pushed back the darkness of the void.

Elegroth: Impossible! What light is this?

Eleleth: I bid you greeting, brother.

Another light appeared, and another, until twelve orbs hovered before Elegroth. As soon as Eleleth spoke, the orbs transformed into the eleven Archons of the first creation. Eleleth spoke in the language of the first creation, a language of heart, mind, and love. Never had that language been spoken in the void, and the nature of the void shuddered. The other archons approached to stand in a semicircle around Elegroth, and each spoke similar words.

Elegroth: Did Father send you?

Eleleth: No, but He allows our presence to beseech you one last time to forgo your plan and return Home. You have forgotten that peace and love once reigned in your heart, and it has made you what you are. Our hearts are void without your presence.

Not since Elegroth's first betrayal had the thirteen archons been together. For a brief moment, a spark ignited within Elegroth in response to their call, but the darkness of the void devoured it. The imp appeared, perched on the back of Elegroth's throne, and hissed at the archons. Their light was painful, but Elegroth's dark aura protected him.

Elegroth: You think to persuade me? Fools! I will lay Father's plan to ruin. By his own law, he cannot stop me. I will become Him, yet more powerful.

Eleleth: If that is your true desire why do you shed a tear?

Elegroth was unaware of the droplet slowly trailing down his cheek, yet when he realized it, all vestige of the tear vanished. His eyes hardened as his gaze drifted across the faces of his siblings. He stood as he drew his sword and slashed through them. The power of the black rock seethed across his blade, and as it passed through each archon, their forms became wisps of light that reformed, untouched by his power. Their eyes stared at him beseechingly.

Eleleth: Please, brother, do not forsake us. Do not forsake yourself.

Elegroth: I forsake nothing. I claim what is rightfully mine. Leave me, and never return.

Eleleth looked upon his brother, then lowered his head in sadness: I love you, brother, whether you wish it or not. I shall not abandon you, not even now.

Eleleth began to sing, and the voices of the other archons joined him. They sang the glorious words that were Elegroth's part in bringing the first creation into being, and the words carried him back before his fall. The chorus was a part of his being, and despite his effort to resist it, his own song brought him immeasurable pain. This time, the imp protected Elegroth by whispering to his mind and heart, twisting and corrupting everything through the curse. The archons reached the crescendo of Elegroth's song, and his bellowing rage blanketed their music. Their voices stopped, but the echo of his rage continued and emphasized the emptiness of the void.

After moments of silence, Eleneth, his voice filled with sadness, said: We leave you now, brother, but you always have a place at our side. Forgo this madness and love again. I beg you.

Elegroth laughed: Hearing you beg is sweet nectar; however, your voice will grow hoarse before you beg enough.

Eleleth and the archons vanished, leaving the darkness of the void again uncontested. Elegroth's voice returned to him through an echo of his bellow, a reflection of many things. There should be no echo, for there was nothing within the void to reflect sound. What he perceived was the reflection within his heart, and he heard something in his voice even he was not aware of – profound regret.

***

Orophir sat holding Jayléth's hand at her bedside. Her brothers maintained their vigil and refused to leave her side. Németh came less often because of the tension his presence brought. His sons' anger pierced his hearts as much as the loss of his daughter. Suddenly, Henry, Drew, and Eleneth appeared there with Drew's dome. Jayléth's eyes fluttered open to see Orophir's tear-filled eyes. Speechless at her sudden change of state, Orophir at first seemed dumbfounded, but overcome with emotion he quickly pulled her to him.

Orophir: How?

Jayléth seemed unable yet to speak, and Eleneth said: I will share everything, but for now we must tend to her. Drew's dome eases her separation. She returned with me willingly, but once Drew releases his protection the draw to return will be powerful.

Jayléth's brothers pushed against the dome to be with her, but Drew did not take it down, even for the briefest of moments. Eleneth, who could move freely between the creations, translocated them within the dome so they could touch her. Overwhelmed, Jayléth cried, but her tears were a mix of joy, regret, and fear, and she clung to Orophir while also reaching for her brothers.

Jayléth: Where is Father?

Within the temple Németh felt their arrival and rushed to the door, where he stood silently watching everything with a mixed expression of profound joy and grief, knowing what his daughter still faced.

***

Sitting before a congressional hearing, Raph had difficulty not rolling his eyes, thinking to himself: God, will they ever change? General Hammond sat beside him, and Raph could smell the starch in his uniform. In front of the room, a large illustration board listed the statements made by Elegroth.

"I come for the second redeemer and the child of Eleleth. Give them to me along with what was taken, and you will perish quickly with no pain. Defy me, and there will be no end to your torment and suffering, and whatever concept of hell you hold will be a thousandfold worse."

Many digitally enhanced pictures of Elegroth's first incursion over the skies of Atlanta were displayed beside them. Raph saw more posters waiting to be viewed, but he could only make out the first few words – "The end is nigh. Choose the light or the dark..."

Loy's presence brought a smile to Raph's face, and he thought: Thanks, I need it.

Loy: Anytime, bud. I just wanted to check in and see how you're doing.

Raph: I'm fine. Well, mostly. I just can't get over how they're acting. The more I deal with them the more I realize how far they are from where they need to be.

Loy: That says more about you and how far you've come.

Raph chuckled: Ouch. Yeah, that's what keeps me from blowing a gasket. Everything okay with you and the guys? Any trouble at the sanctuaries? I'd rather be dealing with those animals than these.

It was Loy's turn to chuckle: I'm sure. By the way, a little bird told me that Bry's planning on cooking something special for you when you get back. Something about Nana's enchiladas?

Raph: That little birdie didn't happen to be one of two six-foot tall ravens did it?

Loy: I plead the fifth.

Raph sighed: I wish I could do that.

General Hammond nudged Raph and whispered, "Son, you're up."

Raph: Gotta go. Love you and everybody.

Loy increased his presence in Raph's heart as a parting hug and his eyes watered from the unconditional love that washed over him. Before he could respond Loy quieted their connection. As a favor, the last thirty seconds that went on around him entered his memory, so he knew the question he was being asked. Raph cleared his throat, turned on the table microphone, and said, "Thank you, Congressman, for the question, but what isn't clear? All the evidence at this point is self-evident. And, I might add, if this hearing were held in the regular chambers, there would be no doubt of truthfulness. As it is, you've opened yourselves up to all the traditional games and political theater that have driven this country and a great part of the world to where we're at."

Raph knew he had pushed a button and held back his mirth when the committee chair smacked the gavel down multiple times and shouted, "The US Congress will not be lectured. If you continue commenting about the change of venue, you will be held in contempt!"

A congresswoman asked, "Mr. Martinez, who are the `second redeemer' and the `child of Eleleth?' Who is Eleleth? And what was taken and by whom?"

Raph was told that full disclosure was necessary, so he responded, "The second redeemer is a young boy, a very special boy and a good friend." One corner of Raph's mouth rose in a smile as he said, "He's also my training partner in the gym. His name is Drew Ross. As to the `child of Eleleth' that's a bit more complicated. With all due respect, there's so much about creation you don't know, my answer may not make sense. The simple answer is, at the time those words were spoken, the `child of Eleleth' is Eleneth. Eleneth is a type of nephilim but not like those in The Order. He has two fathers, one of whom is an archon from the first creation, and his mother is a human from our creation. As to what was taken, Eleneth brought back a small fragment of a black stone that has been used to save a few lives, mine included."

One of the religious zealots who represented Alabama shouted, "Blasphemy! You mean he's the spawn from some satanic ritual!" As the house speaker started smacking his gavel again to maintain order, Ken and Brad appeared wearing their assault suits. Brad knew the answer but asked Ken one more time: You're sure about this?

Ken: I can't stand listenin' `ta this shit anymore. They're babies and they need `ta be spanked.

Brad laughed: Well, their diapers are really going to need changing in a second. Here we go!

Brad's Avatar brightened, and the minds of everyone in the chamber except Raph and General Hammond merged. The connection he created was so deep that time barely moved, and everything about each and every member of congress became known to the others. The level of "fucked-upness" was unbelievable. The shame, pain, and embarrassment were excruciating and even more uncomfortable to Brad and Ken than they were to the humans because their self-delusional protection mechanisms were still present. The exposure and intimacy were a shock, but Brad held them in the compassion and unconditional love within his heart. Their reaction also sparked Brad's perfect memory, shared by Ken, of the first time they merged when they were nearly dead - the beautiful trainwreck when their minds first touched and the sweet sting of the most profound intimacy they had ever experienced up to that point in their lives.

Every face expressed something different, running the gamut of expected responses. In the midst of their reaction, Ken spoke: If you act like babies, you get treated like babies. Your arrogance and contempt for anyone other than yourselves needs `ta come down more than a few notches.

Panic set in as love affairs and lies were exposed – all the behind-closed-doors meetings to gain power, the backstabbing, the intentional sabotaging of political opponents, insider trading to gain wealth and power – as it all culminated into a cesspool of their fallen nature.

Brad: You asked for this. You heard God. The end is nigh. What do you think that means? Within your lifetime, everything you know will change. Even we don't know exactly how much yet, but our creation – every star, planet, moon – everything – will end and be made anew. God said you have to choose, not hold hearings and scrape Raph over the coals yet again, or General Hammond. If The Order wins, we decide what happens next, but if we lose, Elegroth decides, and something tells me that none of you will be a part of his plan.

Ken: You'll be lucky if he just wipes you out so you don't exist, because if he decides `ta keep `ya around, you can't imagine how bad things'll be.

Michael: Ken.

Ken: Grandfather?

Michael: Stand ready.

Ken: Holy shit.

Brad and Ken remembered when the archangels razed the church where Ryan Atkins preached. Eleven orbs of light appeared, hovering over the chamber, so bright they washed out everything else. When the light dimmed, their grandfathers along with Luke, hovered before the humans, naked and glorious, the perfection of physical beauty. Brad released the minds of the normals so there could be no impropriety or accusation of manipulation.

Ken: They'll try anyway, B. You know they'll twist this.

Rather than Michael, Gabriel spoke as the Herald of God: Be not afraid. Rest in His light for a moment and calm yourselves.

The room remained silent except for the sound of human tears. Every face was wet as they looked, trembling in fear and awe at the archangels. Ken also smelled the distinct odor of urine and feces.

Ken chuckled: Nothin' like peein' or shittin' your pants `ta get the point.

Michael: The last spoken words of the prophet were "A human soul birthed in Heaven will mark the end-time. Let creation tremble, for that child now rests in the womb of a woman who suffered a horrible fate. The time comes when all My children will be called Home." Renee Abrams has felt her first contraction.

Ken: Fuck, me. I still don't have my Gift.

Raphael: All will unfold, Ken. God's wisdom is foolishness to man.

The blanket of Brad's compassion, coupled with the light of God's warmth, softened the reactions of the merge and the sudden appearance of the archangels.

Brad: You now know what lies in the hearts and the minds of your fallen brothers and sisters. You know that you are just as sinful, if not more so, than the person beside you. I did this not to give you ammunition to go against your opponents, but to show you how alike you are under the curse. You live under the Curse of Eden, but you can fight it. Think long and hard about this moment before you make your choice. You must be sincere.

Lane's voice sang privately in Ken and Brad's minds: `Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours?' I'd say the US government is having a rough morning. You want Bry to whip up some milk and cookies? The sugar might help.

Ken and Brad smiled, and Ken replied: No, but I could use a beer.

Brad: Why that song?

Lane: I'm helping the doc teach the kids lyrical composition, and this morning we're talking about ballads and story structure. I'm using `The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald' as an example, and the lyrics are fresh in my brain. They seem appropriate. Now, the kids and I are going to discuss the lyrics and how they relate to what's happening there and why I think the lyrics work so well.

Ken: The shit those kids learn...

Lane: Any of our kids could talk circles around the assholes you're dealing with. After all the lessons with Sally, the doc, Albrecht, yours truly, Loy, and Pat... hell, they are so far beyond most PhDs it's crazy. Anyhoo, I'll let you get back to spanking the world leaders. Don't get boners or you'll really terrify them.

As Lane's presence receded, Ken thought: I can't believe he didn't make another shit joke.

**

Elegroth listened throughout the first and second creations. The wyrmling's prevented the egg from sending out more tendrils, but what they did not know is by doing so they interfered with the cycle of maturation. Their ignorance of the object they protected would be the undoing of The Order, and perhaps everything.

The physical form of Julie Kinsington was no longer visible in the black rock, yet her bones, etched with the language of the first creation, thrummed with purpose. A tremble in the rock occurred as she performed her task, perhaps for the last time. Legions of demons surrounded Elegroth, all but his personal guard, ready to fly forth. His taloned hands stretched out and he ripped a tear from the void into the second creation.

Elegroth: My time is nigh. Annihilate The Order. What remains of them, if anything, I will unsing.

**

Németh put his daughter to sleep to ease her suffering. Drew maintained the dome the entire time, but everyone knew he could not keep it up indefinitely. It was nearly effortless, but he was young and would need sleep.

Once Orophir's emotions settled, his mind churned, working on a solution to help the woman he loved. Eleneth's existence gave him an idea and he turned to Németh: Master, I believe I know how to protect her.

Withdrawing his dagger from a fold in his robe, he gripped it just below the swirling gem: This gem holds the power of both creations and the void. Within the gem, they are balanced and do not tear each other apart as their natures should dictate. I can craft her an amulet of like manner, but we must get another piece of the black rock within the void.

Eleneth paled but said: I will go. I braved the void the first time, when Drew taught me the meaning of love and sacrifice. I am older now, and not so afraid. I will need the stone again, brother, with your permission.

Németh: There is no need. Jayléth retrieved another shard which allowed me to confront Elegroth. It was your dagger, Orophir, that saved me after that encounter.

Orophir: But the shard Jayléth acquired was destroyed.

Németh held out his hand and a small, smokey vortex formed above it. A pouch fell from it into Németh's hand, which he held out to Orophir: The shard shattered, but splinters and powder remain. I gathered them to study.

Orophir opened the pouch and peered inside. What remained was more powder than splinters, but enough to make a nugget if melded together. Henry spoke for the first time. He observed everything while supporting Drew and Eleneth, and realized a solution through his archonian perception: Kevin's Gift can do what you want.

Németh smiled as much as his face would allow: Yes. Kevin Ayers wields the Gift of Binding. He can combine the splinters into a single piece.

**

While Kevin melded the powder and fragments of the black rock into a single pebble, Drew maintained his dome over Jayléth. Henry didn't like doing it, but when Drew got tired he infused his son with a trickle of his core energy to enervate him. The mentalists used the same technique, but the effect was purely physical and after a few days Drew was mentally exhausted. A week after Jayléth returned with Eleneth, Orophir completed his amulet and Drew was able to ease his protection over her.

As Henry prepared to leave, Németh said, "Once more, Henry Ross, you and your bloodline have saved us. Your deeds already have been scribed into the annals of your obelisk in the high temple. I cannot sufficiently express the extent of my gratitude."

Henry smiled and said, "You're welcome, but this time Drew and Eleneth did all the heavy lifting."

Németh replied, "Greatness runs in your family. May your bloodline never fail."

While they spoke Drew lay asleep, cradled in Henry's arms, and Németh ever so gently caressed his head, saying, "Sleep now, young Drew. May your slumber bring you rest and contentment."

Henry said, "Eleneth is going to stay here a while longer, unless we need him. I can't thank you enough for helping him."

Németh said, "The balance drew him here. It was inevitable. I see him as one of my own, and care for him deeply. I count myself blessed to be in his life."

Henry said, "He's in with Orophir and Jayléth. Tell him goodbye for us and we love him."

Spreading his arms, Németh intoned an Eschphene blessing in his native tongue. When he finished, he nodded with a smile to Henry and in a flash of orange Eschphene magic he sent Henry and Drew back to the Congo base in the physical realm.

**

Exhausted after helping with Jayléth, Drew dreamed, and Granny Wolf, ever vigilant, guarded those dreams. He dreamed often, and frequently his dreams would have been nightmares if not for her intervention. The age of his soul, the thousands upon thousands of lifetimes he had lived, each broken and abused in horrific ways, allowed for fears that normal mortals could not comprehend. Even surrounded by the love of his father and uncles, he still had fears. He was terrified of losing any of those he loved, yet his ever-willing nature to sacrifice himself to save them never wavered. Aaron and Albrecht called him the oldest living soul, but deep within Drew's being, he knew the soul of his brother remained tied to the curse and had become the imp.

Granny Wolf's head snapped up as she emitted a deep guttural growl. Cavall heard her and his hackles rose as he saw ripples and vortices forming around Drew. She looked into his dreams, ready to protect him, but the sound of fluttering wings calmed her. Cavall bowed his head as The Dove alit on the corner of Drew's bed. Even in The Dove's presence Granny Wolf feared for her charge whose suffering rent her heart. In The Dove's presence she became corporeal, and Cavall, wise in the ways of war, nuzzled against her. Part of Bao's prophecy whispered in her spirit as Drew entered the dream realm to relive three specific memories.

Three powers of light oppose three of darkness. One will shatter the balance and allow the second redeemer to vie against the curse and seek its salvation.

Drew was one of those three powers of light, and his brother, the personification of the curse, was one of the powers of darkness...

**

The Master stopped, deathly still, recognizing the sound echoing through the physical realm; he had suppressed it for eighty thousand years, locking it away in the darkest and deepest well in his mind. However, Henry tore the lid off that well which established a connection between his past and present mind. The Master's agony, pain, and guilt, felt in the seconds after killing his brother resided in that well over the long span of years. Occasionally trying to break free when The Master dreamed and heard his brother's screams, he pushed them down behind the chains and locks into the darkest corner of his mind and heart.

The doctor knew and explained to all of them the danger of bottling up emotions which had a way of magnifying when suppressed, often coming out stronger and changing forms when finally emerging. A crack of thunder filled the skies, and then a second one, and The Master nearly flinched but was paralyzed with emotion. He fought it, but the dam was broken and opening wider as emotions from eighty thousand years ago rushed forward through time to the present. The last crack of thunder hit, mirroring the third blow of the stone, and he heard echoes of The Dark One's laughter in his memory and in the present. 

The stone appeared in his hand, just as it did in the memory before he fled to cast it into the water of life, but now he saw the smoke seething out of it.  The weight and smell of it drove the memories into him, and he saw his brother's face, crushed and barely recognizable.

Henry appeared, bloody and beaten, cradling Drew and wailing his pain and agony. The Master saw Drew in his original form and his mind was transported back through the centuries to when he was only nine years old and deceived by The Dark One into killing his only brother whom he loved. Their minds and hearts were bound together, but The Dark One planted seeds of jealousy, nurturing them until they took hold, and in a premeditated attack, he struck his brother with the stone; once, twice, three times, caving in his skull.

As a boy, the young Master didn't have speech of the tongue, but his heart wailed over his deed.  Seeing his brother's lifeless body, he innately sensed the finality of his act.  Though he wanted to take it back, he couldn't, and he cried.  He cried with the purity of a young boy who didn't realize the consequences of his actions beforehand, only to have them mercilessly thrust upon him.

The Master's first memory wailed and howled his meaning.

Brother, forgive me!  I didn't mean it!  Come back to me!

The Master of the present voiced the words, echoing the thoughts and intent of his first self.   His eyes, which hadn't shed a tear in eighty thousand years, spilled tears over his ruddy, rough cheeks, and the words escaped his lips, mirroring what was happening in his mind. The words themselves were barely a whisper, but he spoke them, and they were heard throughout creation.

"Brother, forgive me!" ...

Granny Wolf watched as the first dream from the perspective of The Master transitioned to Drew's...

...The comforting sounds of the valley surrounded the two brothers. Quietly, with utmost care, they used crude spears to stalk and stab fish in the stream. The version of Drew who had no name looked up to his older brother, the young Master who was older and stronger, but Drew was equally smart.

Drew forced the imp to relive the last year of their life together and the months when The Dark One corrupted the young Master. Drew's love never wavered, and the imp hissed. The memory sped up and Drew relived the unbearable pain of his brothers brutal attack which crushed his skull until he was unrecognizable...

...Thunder and lightning filled the skies.  Rain poured as the Heavens wept.  Creation groaned, and the laughter of the Dark One echoed through the valley, the universe, and the Heavens. Even though it prolonged his pain, Drew slowed his perception of time.  It was hard, the hardest thing he'd ever done, but he held on because he had to, just like Henry. He had to, in order to say the words he needed to say in his brother's mind, to let him know he had been tricked by The Dark One.

Y.. You didn't have to d...do th...this.  I always l... loved... you.  You al.. always... were, a... and... always...will... be the br ... other... I... love.

Increasing his perception of time, Drew steeled himself for the final blow. Reliving Henry's last thoughts as his dad lay dying in the fight with the Eschphene leader, how courageous and stoic Henry was, gave Drew the bravery to push through, matching Henry's courage and that of his uncles.  Seeing it in them, he could do no less.  As they fought so hard to save him, he fought to save them.

I...it's okay.  Y..you...didn't h..have ... to.. do ..this.  Y..you.. were... tricked.  The v..v oice lied.  I...love... you...

The Master heard his brother's words, this time not as feelings and emotions but as words, just like the voice.  He understood them because they were mind to mind and from Drew's heart. The young Master felt his brother's love in his words, and he realized again how wrong he had been. He had been tricked, and the agony of that realization again slammed into him. The young Master cradled Drew in his arms and wailed.  Drew's last thought, not in words, brought him comfort.  With his brother's arms around him, Drew knew he wasn't alone at the end as he thought. 

He was with his brother...

Granny Wolf watched Drew's dream transition a third time. Cavall watched with her, his stoic presence comforting her as she watched over her charge. There is power in three's, such things matter.

...Drew watched his brother's initial reaction. The paradox of Henry and Drew's presence in the memory three years prior had altered the past when the young Master asked Drew's forgiveness. Drew held the stone at the doors in the physical realm as his brother held it in the memory. Both versions of the stone were bathed in Drew's blood. The doors were an epicenter of a massive paradox. All the ripples Lane caused by his decision to save three innocents while letting three more pass on to heaven resounded within them. Those ripples empowered the doors and weakened the imp, who embodied the curse. Because of where they were and who Drew and the imp were, Drew managed the impossible. In the memory, he reached out and slashed his brother's arm with the stone which drew blood. Their blood mingled, and Drew's memories entered the imp. While the imp experienced the unimaginable physical and emotional pain he inflicted on his brother, the imp was alone while Drew had over eleven thousand incarnations to support him.

Grimacing, Drew thought: I can save you. You can come back. Let me help you. Please...

The imp: I have no wish for salvation, brother. I AM the curse. I have no desire to return.

Drew: When my uncles win, you'll be destroyed. I don't want that.

The Imp: You are an ignorant, selfish child.

The violence of the imp's words stung, and Drew let his brother go. The imp hissed loudly and fled back to the void.

*

The third dream ended, and Drew returned from the Realm of Dreams. His young mind still churned but now his thoughts were a memory and not a dream.

Their conversation halted as father and son drifted back to sleep; however, as soon as Drew crossed that barrier, he opened his eyes and was elsewhere. He had never been to the cosmic Waffle House before but knew it from the memories of his father and uncles. The Dove sat smiling across from him.

Drew grinned and said, "Hi. Why am I here?"

Miss Lula set down a glass of chocolate milk, "Here `ya go, darlin'. What'll `ya have?"

A laminated menu that doubled as a placemat rested in front of him, and he pointed to a picture of "The All-Star" special. Miss Lula's partially toothless grin widened and she said, "Excellent choice."

As if Frank were there, she loudly called out the order, then proceeded to put oil on the grill and drop hashbrowns, bacon, and eggs on the hot surface. The aroma that followed the sizzle made his stomach growl.

The Dove said, "You follow after your Uncle Ken. That is a wonderful thing."

Drew smiled but asked again, "Why are we here?"

The Dove replied, "To talk." The stone appeared on the table, and The Dove continued, "You know about what."

Drew's eyes watered and his head lowered, "I want to save him. I figured out what I have to do, but I can't. Not without ruining everything."

The Dove asked intently, "What do you wish for your brother?"

Drew quietly said, "For him to be happy, the way we started. To grow up with a dad like mine, and be real brothers..."

The Dove sadly smiled. He did not like to see Drew anguished or upset, not after everything he had done and gone through, even though it was all necessary. Gently, He said, "Do not be sad, Drew. I will not tell you how, but there is a way without ruining anything, one you must find in your own time."

**

Drew woke and sat up in bed. He hiccupped and sniffled from his tears and the memories of his brother. Often after a dream, when he was still half asleep, Granny Wolf seemed corporeal to him. She and Cavall pushed against him and he clung to them. He didn't realize The Dove was present and that's why Granny Wolf was solid.

Granny Wolf: We are here, my cub.

Calling his centering flame, Drew relived his dreams again and again, and the memory of his conversation with The Dove in the cosmic Waffle House. The stone was present in each one, like an observer. It was the instrument of his first death, which brought the curse into being. Early on, the stone was a gateway to the power that slept in Drew, but as he matured and his inner strength blossomed, he no longer needed it, at least until now. Drew's deep wisdom, accumulated over eleven thousand lifetimes, coalesced in his dreams and he knew what to do.

*

Granny Wolf: Henry Ross, awake.

Even in his heavy slumber, comfortably entwined with Sally and Adam, Henry woke. His eyes remained shut but his mind was alert: What is it? Is something wrong?

Granny Wolf's concern was evident: Our cub has gone to the place I cannot follow.

Henry: The Doors?

Granny Wolf: Yes. With the stone.

Henry's eyes shot open: What?!

Granny Wolf: He summoned it before he left.

Henry wondered at her tone. Her voice, while concerned, seemed serene, and looking deeper, Henry felt the lingering presence of The Dove in her and cast his awareness to The Doors where he saw Drew. A clear image in his mind showed Drew standing before Henry's Seal with tears on his cheeks. Without a word, Henry vanished.

Sally felt Henry's absence but figured he had to use the restroom. Granny Wolf's eyes gleamed in the dark of the room. Sally could not see her, but her mind entered a comforting dream of her making love with Carlo. In her dream, Carlo was alive and they lived a fulfilling life together. Despite the love she lived with her surrogate brothers and family, she still missed Carlo and felt cheated by his death without ever once indulging in self-pity. Granny Wolf was powerful, particularly in the realm of dreams, and was aware of Sally's deepest desires. The one gift she could give Sally was a glimpse of what might have been, an alternate reality where she wasn't a part of The Order and Carlo never died.

Cavall appeared at the wolf's side, observing, and nuzzled his head against hers in approval. In her own dreams, Granny Wolf and Cavall were corporeal mates living their lives naturally in the world. Her deepest desire was that after everything became settled, the steward would reward her with that life.

**

Henry appeared by Drew's side, who now sat with his legs crossed. He wore his ball glove and repeatedly threw the stone into it with a loud smack. Other than Drew's glove, they were naked, and Drew relished his father's warmth as Henry's arm pulled him close. Kissing the top of Drew's head, Henry asked: What's going on?

Drew released a heavy sigh: I can't stop thinking about him. I want to save him. The birdman told me there's a way if I can figure it out. But whatever I thought of would ruin everything.

Henry sighed: You know, sometimes I want to follow your Uncle Bryan's advice and punch The Dove right in the kisser.

Drew swiped at his tears with his forearm and giggled. Henry glanced at the stone. It was different since Drew's and The Master's blood co-mingled when Drew confronted him. Unexpectedly, Drew's arm went around Henry and he leaned his head against Henry's shoulder: I love you, Dad. Drew was in one of his adult modes and Henry was careful not to treat him as a child: I love you, too.

Drew: I wish I knew Eleneth better. He's been away so much, but it was nice helping him save Jayléth.

A short quiet fell as Henry held his son against him before he chuckled.

Drew: What?

Henry: All I've ever wanted is for you to be a normal kid. Play ball, run around, have friends, go to school ... yet here we are in the great temple of Heaven, talking about missing your brother who's currently living in another plane of existence.

Drew: Yeah, fucked up, isn't it?

Henry's eyes widened and he was about to admonish him when he saw Drew's mischievous grin so like Lane's.

Drew: Gotcha.

Henry's laughing heart nearly burst with joy. Drew's capacity was so unique, surpassing even the guys, and Henry was so thankful Drew was in his life, and that he had the privilege to call him son.

Drew reached up and cupped Henry's face: It's my privilege to call you Dad.

Drew sighed and his emotions shifted. Fresh tears flowed and his next thought was a whisper: I figured it out.

***

Zach fell asleep with his book on his chest. He missed Mr. Buckles snuggles and faux kisses. He missed the smell of Fritos and tuna on his breath but not his presents. He dreamed of his beloved dog and playing fetch with a small rubber ball in the backyard of Archie's old house.

Archie's voice called from the kitchen, "Zack!? Can you come in for a moment?"

Scooping up his favorite white fluff of fur and tucking him under one arm, he said, "Come on, Buckles, let's go see what Archie wants."

His dream shifted and everything but the kitchen turned to darkness, just as it had when Archie's mind unraveled before Kevin mercifully separated his soul from his body.

Quietly, Zach asked, "What's going on?"

With his hair wispier than ever, Archie said, "I need you to come with me."

Archie noticed the concern on his son-in-law's face and reassuringly grinned, saying, "Nothing's wrong but I think you'll be quite overwhelmed."

When Archie opened the kitchen door leading to the garage, light flooded into the room washing away the darkness. Zach felt the transition and lack of the curse immediately as a lightness of heart gripped him. He expected to see the liquid golden light of his brothers of The Order around him, but they were not present. Instead, he directly was surrounded by God's love, and a tear of utter joy dripped down his cheek.

Zack couldn't see, so Archie pulled him forward, "Don't dally. She's anxious to see you."

Zach's heart leapt when he realized Archie meant Renee, his wife who was pregnant in heaven and whose child, his child, would mark the beginning of the final confrontation with Elegroth. Renee sat on the edge of a large couch and reached for him. Rushing to her side, he said, "What's happening? Am I really here?"

Renee dabbed at her tears and said, "You are. The baby's coming, and I need you here. I hope you're not upset. Once our baby is born, you can go back."

Getting on his knees in front of her, Zach set down Mr. Buckles and took in everything about her. She already looked radiant, and her smile made her more so. Gingerly he placed a hand on her stomach and felt the baby moving. A smile that widened his eyes spread across his face as they stared at one another. He covered her hand with his own when she touched his face and he whispered, "Michael said you were in labor, and I wanted to be here more than anything, but I didn't know how."

Renee replied, "I know. That's why I asked. I want you here to see our baby, and then you can go back and fight. The guys will need you."

Worry crossed his face and he asked, "What about the time differential? How long will I be gone?"

Archie answered, "A while, but Ken will be made aware. Don't worry. You will be back when you are needed."

The dream version of Mr. Buckles faded when Zach set him down, but the real one appeared as a small orb of light zipping about his head. Laughing, Zach caught the light which transformed into a squirming white fluff ball and said, "Buckles, you rascal! I've missed you, you little shit. Have you behaved yourself up here?"

Renee smiled and said, "He stays with me since we came back. He's protecting our baby." Just then Renee groaned and her arms went around her stomach. Zach panicked but she held out a hand, "The contractions are still far apart."

Zach asked, "What can I do?"

With a wry grin, Renee said, "Just be with me. And don't faint."

Zach waited with her and made her laugh between groans. He told her stories and jokes his brothers played on him and of his retaliation. He shared their everyday camaraderie to bring her into that circle. Only a few hours passed for Zach before he held his newborn son. Renee was exhausted but well, and he held them both. The entire Ferris family was present, along with Mr. Buckles, celebrating the birth of Zachary Kevin Archibald Ferris. Zach hadn't seen his mother-in-law, Amanda, or Laura and Jerry since their deaths, so this was an emotional time.

Before Zach was prepared to leave, Archie said, "It's time for you to head back. You're needed."

Zach smiled at his father-in-law and said, "I'm a dad, Archie."

Archie pulled Zach into a hug and said, "And I'm a grandfather! I'm so proud of you. Be careful."

Zach appeared in his bed with the book still on his bare chest. He tapped his phone to wake it up and check the time and date. He missed Heaven already, but he was a soldier. He had two families now and considered himself blessed.

"Damn. A month to the day."

Running his hand through his buzzcut, Zach re-entered the link that Brad maintained at the base and was immediately surrounded by the warmth of his brothers.

***

The beginning of the Omega, the end of everything, for good or ill, was now upon both creations. A stillness, the calm before the storm, washed over everything. Ripples waited, ready to form, as life in both creations was about to change forever.

*

The warm summer night above Phoenix was filled with stars comprising the spiral arm of the Milky Way. A tremble, not in the physical realm but across the veil, stilled the nightlife as Elegroth's immense claws ripped open the sky from the void allowing his legions to pour forth.

Darren's eyes popped open from a sound sleep, and his cry hit mental triggers in his brothers: Breach!

The Order, thirteen shining beacons of light filled with power, materialized to face the demons they were born to oppose. Their light, by its very nature, burned against the demonic evil. Drew, ready to defend himself and his family, stayed with Aaron and Albrecht. He was strong enough that Ken didn't feel that he needed immediate protection, but if he did, they could either call him to them or translocate him to safety.

Ken: Stay tight and ready. Dickhead's up `ta somethin'.

Brad: The doc's letting the RL's know what's happening in case this is another distraction.

The demons flew into organized patterns as their numbers grew.

Bill: This is the most we've seen yet. If we don't cull their numbers it'll get out of hand fast.

Brad: Elegroth hasn't come through himself, so we have a short window with our Gifts.

Ken: Kev, you're up. Ring of fire.

Lane: I still think Preparation H is a better code word.

Brad wove their souls together and their aura brightened as Darren shifted them into the pattern of Kevin's Avatar. Ken's Avatar flashed with the emerald green of Yggdrasil's canopy and he vanished to appear at the base of the tree while simultaneously dropping from their merge.

*

Privately to Ken, Brad thought: I hate this.

Ken: It sucks but it works, at least for now. Dar'll bring me right back.

*

Ken: On my mark.

From across the planet, Ken's shout filled their minds: Now!

His Avatar shone like a star on his shoulder as the might of the valley filled him and he pushed his power into them remotely. His strength of will, his conviction, and his unwavering love pushed into their souls from afar.

*

A sphere briefly formed around them with Kevin at its heart before it exploded, pushing out and through the demons. He wielded his Gift of Binding, and unbound the existence of the demons his light touched.

Lane: It would be so much cooler if you yelled "You shall not pass!" Ken could have said "Fly you fools!" just before he recalled himself to the valley.

Henry: Still living the Tolkien dream I see.

Lane: Come on - it would be cool.

Henry: So I guess I wield the Flame of Anor with my sword?

Lane: Oh my God! I never thought of that! Yes!

Darren: What a strange little man you are, Lane.

Pat: You know Gandalf didn't say "You shall not pass!" in the books right? Just the movie. You're slipping.

Ricky: Two points to Gryffindor for Pat.

Elegroth protected those closest to the rift, but tens of thousands of demons ceased to exist and his scream of anger rang out from the void. He appeared, hovering in the second creation, to protect his minions.

Ken, recalled by Darren, appeared with them and re-entered the merge.

Ken: Badass, Kev.

While vanquishing their evil, Kevin felt a strong sense of fulfillment—as they all did when wielding their Avatars and Gifts to their purpose in creation—yet a powerful sense of sorrow lingered in his heart. The demons he vanquished had once been angels and could have returned to Heaven. All of Kevin's brothers held him tighter in their souls, their hands on his back or shoulders, whispering to him and fortifying him. None of them took joy in killing, even if evil was vanquished.

Ken: Okay, that thinned them out. Stay tight.

Lane: As tight as your ass?

Kevin: Maybe not that tight. How about as tight as Loy?

Loy: Hey my ass is tight! Just ask Ricky.

Lane snickered: Yeah or all those number two pencils you keep breaking to keep your ass in shape. Sally has to put in bulk orders for school supplies cause the kids run out of anything to write with.

Darren: Okay, pick an ass. There's thirteen here.

Bill: It can't be Henry's. He has the biggest dick, and it would be cosmically unfair if he had the tightest ass too.

Pat: You know, Lane started this ass thread as another shit joke. I see the pattern.

Lane: Aww, Patty Poo, you ruined it!

Brad: It's a good thing no time is passing.

Ken: B, let's take it up. Asses and all.

*

Loy's Avatar brightened as he summoned the Spirit Nexus to the fight. Come, my friends. We need your might. The owl spirit heard him as Brad folded the veil to bring the spirit harness from Africa to the skies above Pheonix. The massive harness, under the guidance of the oldest and wisest of the original prime spirits entered the fray. Each man controlled his personal perception of time after Brad brought them up, and they became the warriors they were trained to be. Their bodies were weapons filled with light. Henry and Ken wielded their swords and armor, and the rest of the men used white talons and ropes of power. They all knew there was no defeating the fallen archon without Ken's Gift as a part of them.

Ken: Unless dickhead wants a direct confrontation, don't engage him.

They fought in the air to prevent as much destruction as possible. Leroy's hide magnified their inherent strength enough that each mentalist was able to translocate himself and his husband wherever they needed to be and Henry translocated Adam and Zach. The bodies leapt from demon to demon using the creatures to keep them aloft. Often, the spirit harness became a vehicle to carry them. The harness fulfilled every part of Loy's vision to become a weapon to aid them, and it shredded demons with its silver talons and white light. The owl knew to steer clear of Elegroth without Loy's direct command and fought on the outskirts to disrupt the formation of the demonic ranks. As they fought, more demons poured through the rift which spread the fight wider across the skies of Pheonix. Military jets appeared circling the battle, but their armament was ineffective against the demons and became easy prey.

Brad: Ken, General Hammond on line two.

Brad connected Ken and the general telepathically and Ken thought: General, get those planes outta here! Don't engage! They don't stand a chance!

The planes veered away as the battle intensified. The men held their own but to what purpose remained a mystery. Brad's gut twinged: Ken! Guys! Somethings up!

The demons, as one, formed new ranks, encircling and separating each member of The Order. Before being overwhelmed Darren translocated the entire team higher in the sky, hovering above the demons. An immediate hole ripped at their hearts when they realized Zach wasn't with them. Not only was he gone physically, but was absent from their merge.

**

Archie visited Malachiel in his smithy while the massive archangel wielded his hammer, forming a new blade. Malachiel's smithy was much like Thomin's vault filled with wonderous objects of power he had crafted over millennia. Mr. Buckles was with them, flitting about as an orb of light, and Malachiel kept shooing him away like a fly.

Archie admonished the little dog, "Buckles! Leave him be, you're distracting him. Come here."

Mr. Buckles got the attention he wanted and settled into Archie's arms for pets as the two friends talked. Their conversation often lapsed due to the noise of Malachiel's hammer and resumed when he pumped the great bellows to reheat the forge. During the next pause in their conversation, Archie looked upon Zach to see how he fared, and fear struck him at the sight of Zach surrounded by demons.

*

Zach, cut off from his brothers, cried out. He reached for them with all his strength, but Elegroth's full attention upon him prevented it. Buffeted about, the demons moved him as they flew in a tight arc like a prison. Their talons could not pierce Leroy's hide, but he felt the impact of their blows. When he was close enough, Elegroth reached out and gripped Zach within his claw. The fallen archon's stature was many times that of a human, and Zach only filled his hand. Brutally squeezing him, Elegroth said, "You are the father of the child born in Heaven."

Fear hit Zach that somehow Elegroth would find a way to hurt Renee or his newborn son. Elegroth's voice projected to The Order, "His life for that of the child in Heaven. Choose."

Zach attempted to channel oxygen into his body to stay conscious but Elegroth prevented even that simple expression of power, and he wavered in a fog, unable to do anything but feel terror for his son.

*

Kevin: Zach! No!

Ken: Fuck!

Within their hearts, they appeared without Zach, with Kevin in their center. Bill held him the tightest of all while attempting to discorporate Zach, but Elegroth prevented him. Once again, without Ken's Gift, and all of the Gifts fully restored, they could not stand against him. Henry could confront him, but not before Zach died. Before any further conversation, Loy felt the presence of a tiny spirit, and his heart fell as he whispered through his Avatar: No! Buckles, come to me!

*

In Heaven, Mr. Buckles saw everything Archie did. At the time of his demise on Earth, he was too scared to defend his humans. In his limited capacity, he still remembered hiding under the bed and trembling until his heart burst. However, as a spirit, he had lived with his steward along with Cavall and Granny Wolf. He was not that same terrified creature but was brave enough to attack the monster holding his human.

*

A tiny orb of light appeared before Elegroth and took on the form of a miniature growling Pomeranian with bared fangs prepared to pit himself against a fallen archon for the love of his human. Snarling, he darted about, and Elegroth laughed.

*

Archie cried out, "Buckles, no! Zach! Malachiel, do something!"

The archangel quieted all noise in the forge. His gaze pierced from the heavens to see the situation, and in a sad voice, he said, "We are not allowed to move against that evil. He is not of our creation and beyond us. I am sorry, my friend, but I cannot. I wish with all my heart I had the power to save your son, but your grandchild must live."

Tears spilled down Archie's face, and he didn't know what to do. Feeling such anguish in Heaven should be impossible. He was about to watch his beloved Zach and his precious Buckles die.

In life, Archie was an avowed atheist. He never believed in God, evil, or magic until The Master's servants and then The Master himself confronted him. They forced him to helplessly watch his family be mutilated while he was trapped in his own mind. Their cruel laughter still echoed in his memory. After Kevin snapped the bonds holding his soul to his earthly body, Archie was sent to Heaven. Even though he didn't believe in God, any soul touched by The Master or his servants was granted a dispensation for Uriel to carry them Home. Archie had never spoken directly to any incarnation of the Trinity, but now he did. Falling to his knees he sobbed and prayed, "Help me! Help Zach," and whispered, "Help Buckles. I beg you don't let them die! My grandson needs his father."

A sudden warm light surrounded Archie and drove away his pain. Raphael appeared and wrapped Archie in his wings. He felt as if he were drowning in the direct love of the archangel who whispered to him, "Malachiel and I do not have the power to act, Archibald Ferris, but you do. There is a way to save Zachary, but only at great cost to yourself."

Archie saw Raphael and Malachiel looking upon him with tear trails of light on their faces. He thought it odd to see a being as physically imposing as Malachiel cry. Fighting to talk through his tears, Archie asked, "How? What can I do?"

Raphael intoned the ancient mandate he had spoken only twice before. He had said the words to Elizabeth Hastings to allow her to save her son, Drew, and again to Taggart and Olive Keenan who were married with their souls equally yoked to count as one. This would be the third time he spoke the words to a mortal, and he prayed this would be the last: A soul, freely given, has a thousandfold power of one taken.

Malachiel reached out with his wings to enfold Archie along with Raphael's. His massive hand that could crush diamonds and wield the hammer of heaven gently cupped the head of his friend. He said no words, but his presence along with Raphael's surrounded Archie. He watched, frozen in time. The memory of his helplessness while watching his family torn apart was clear and present, and his chest tightened. Amanda's screams were burned forever in the scars of his soul, and Zach's demise would be a pain he could not bear. The seed of strength that lay deep in Archie rekindled. It had once before when he sat in the desert at The Master's feet with a clawed hand around his neck. He remembered throwing sand in The Master's face and kicking him in the balls.

With no hesitation, Archie thought: Tell my family I love them. Thank Kevin for saving me. Tell Zach not to be sad for me. I couldn't do this for my family the first time, but I can now and will not sit by and watch another loved one die. My daughter needs her husband and their son needs a father.

A short pause followed and he whispered: I'll miss being a grandpa.

Archie's wispy hair blew gently from the hot air in the forge, and his face hardened: I, Archibald Ferris, freely and willingly give my soul to save my son, my grandson, and my brave, precious Buckles.

Raphael and Malachiel locked their tear-filled eyes as Archie vanished. Together they said: Your sacrifice is accepted, Archibald Ferris. Amen.

*

Zach's eyes turned white under his eyelids as lucidity returned to him. Power filled him, divine power, more than he had ever held. Time stopped as he opened his eyes and witnessed Mr. Buckles ferociously attacking Elegroth. A brief moment of fear hit him but he heard Loy's voice: No, Buckles. Come to me!

Time started moving as Buckles, called by the steward of the animal kingdom, vanished. Knowing his cherished dog was safe, Zach let loose with an explosion of power that blinded and burned Elegroth enough that the archon cried out. A bright white talon flew from Zach's hands to grip the archon and he shouted, "You won't have me or my son, fucking bastard!"

Those present in the first fight with The Master knew what happened, although they did not know whose soul was sacrificed. They braced their hearts against the loss they would feel when their identity was revealed. Kevin was sure already but prayed he was wrong. They also knew that while incredibly powerful, Zach's might was temporary, and no match for Elegroth. It did, however, allow him to escape the fallen archon.

Ken: Dar! Get Zach while you can!

Zach appeared with them physically and returned to their merge. They remembered the power he wielded. Aaron and Albrecht had been imbued with it during their fight with The Master. The power had no vessel when Liz Hastings sacrificed herself, but it obliterated the Eschphene dome over Drew and brought his plan to ruin. Zach's initial euphoria deflated upon his return to their hearts because he felt Kevin's grief, and he realized Archie was responsible. Mr. Buckles flew from Loy's hands into Zach's arms and his white eyes filled with tears. The sudden sorrow hit him hard, and he fell to his knees with his uncle's arms around him.

Zack: No... he can't be gone. How can I face Renee?

Kevin pressed his forehead against Zach's and gripped his nephew's face tightly in both hands: You are NOT responsible.

Ken: Because of him, your son has a father, and your wife a husband. Honor his sacrifice, as much as it sucks.

Privately to Brad, Ken thought: I'm fuckin' tired'a losin' people, B.

Time wasn't moving, but an army of demons led by Elegroth was still before them.

Brad responded: Me too. We all are.

In the merge, Brad thought: Elegroth's pissed. I can feel it from here. We have to be ready for his retaliation.

Ken surrounded Kevin and Zach in his will and conviction: Be strong fella's. Turn your anger into strength and let's kick his ass back `ta the void. Zach, you get first crack. Everybody focus through him.

*

Though no time moved, the owl spirit listened through Loy's Avatar, learned their pain, and put her will upon the Spirit Nexus to change their intent.

To Mr. Buckles, the owl respectfully thought: Prepare yourself, little one.

*

Archie's sacrifice filled Zach with enough power to allow him to be the focal point of The Order's might. Without an Avatar or a Gift, normally channeling that amount of power was beyond Zach or Adam, but Archie's sacrifice made him a thousandfold more powerful.

Zach's aura had never been so bright and light literally spilled from his eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. Ken whispered to him through his Avatar: We're with you Zach. I know what losin' family does `ta ya and so does Kevin. Take it all and make it yours and kick that fucker's ass.

The love of his brothers upheld him. They crawled into the anguish of his soul and carried him through it like they had with so many others. The raw emotion in all of them tore at their hearts, but it also made them powerful. A white talon aimed at Elegroth burst forth from Zach's entire body at the same time the owl released a spirit funnel with Mr. Buckles at the forefront. The image of the tiny dog magnified in size and with the full might of the nexus, he attacked alongside his beloved human.

Darren sent Ken away so the proximity of their Gifts wouldn't hurt him, but his will and conviction were still in them, his hands on their backs and shoulders, and most of all, his love. Elegroth screamed his outrage while holding up his sword as a shield against the two simultaneous attacks. There was so much light it consumed him, and when the light dimmed, he was gone.

Kevin: Where'd he go?

Henry's gaze pierced both creations and the void: To the doors!

Darren brought Ken back with them. Elegroth was gone, but his army remained. Countless demons swarmed over Pheonix, and Ken said: Henry, can you, Drew, and Eleneth get `ta the doors and hold him? We gotta deal with this mess.

Henry: The Ross boys are on it. Count on us.

*

Drew felt the pressure and cried out when Elegroth struck the doors from the first creation.

Sally, "Drew!? What's wrong?"

Before Drew could reply he vanished, pulled by Henry to his Seal: I've got you, honey. Are you okay?

Drew: Yes, sir. He hits hard.

Henry: Eleneth! We need you!

Eleneth appeared immediately, and the collective power of Henry and his sons pooled into one: I am with you Father. You too, little brother.

Drew sniffled and swiped at his eyes. Henry knew why and held his son tighter.

Drew: My brother is with him.

Henry: We have to hold the doors.

Drew's sadness surprisingly turned to anger, and the incarnations manifested in the temple. Over eleven thousand versions of Drew, all his former lives, appeared. Each was seven years old and wearing the garb of whatever era he had lived. Their eyes shone as brightly as the temple, and the doors held against Elegroth's repeated blows. Henry felt the blows against the wall he built inside himself, the wall he became to protect his son. Henry alone could not defeat Elegroth while the imp and the black stone augmented the fallen archon, but he could hurt him. Henry knew that regardless of his protection, Drew felt the attacks, and his own anger flared. Manifesting himself just outside his Seal, Henry appeared in Eleleth's armor and wielded his sword.

Even before receiving Eleleth's legacy, Henry held his own light. Touched by God, his white lock of hair, hidden under his helm, glowed as he pulled the light of the incarnations and the temple itself into his sword. Eleleth's purpose, and the purpose of the other archons, was to keep the doors sealed. He was tied to the doors in a primal way, and he attacked Elegroth through them with all his might, and The Order struck Elegroth another blow. Again, when the light of Henry's attack dimmed, Elegroth was gone, but the imp remained, alone and isolated against three of the most powerful members of The Order. Elegroth was pleased.

*

The egg, singing loudly, woke Rich. The pitch of her song was different, faster and more frenetic than he had yet heard, and he knew it was about to open.

Rich: Eva!

Eva: I hear her. The Fallen One will surely hear her as well. Ready yourselves.

Leroy appeared beside his mate, his fire hot and ready.

*

Huginn and Munnin fluttered their wings on Bryan's tattoo, cawing loudly, alerting him to what was happening. Lane and Brad felt it as well. The culmination of their purpose was upon them - the egg was opening. Simultaneously, Bryan's eyes became slitted as Eva's voice entered his mind: Jörmungandr!

Yet Ken still didn't have his Gift.

*

The RL's power awakened on its own as soon as Elegroth manifested. This time there was no rift, he simply appeared along with his personal guard – immense demons grafted with the flesh and power of a thousand demons of the second creation. Rich quietly thought: Oh no. Sadness lay on his heart at what he saw. The demons were fallen angels of the second creation and already outcasts, but what Elegroth did to them magnified everything. The white lock in his hair glinted with the light emanating from the egg as he realized what they faced.

Jacob: No mercy, guys. This is it. The main team is fighting on Earth, so it's just us, Eva, and Leroy...

A bright flash of orange magic brought Németh and his sons - Héneth, Kéneth, and Déreth. Jayléth was not with them, though Orophir came, wielding his dagger.

Jacob: ...and our friends. Thanks for coming.

Németh: We must hold the fallen one. The nephilim are the only ones who can truly defeat him, yet they lack the final Gift. We must survive and give the balance time to manifest its plan.

Elegroth: The Eschphene speaks truth. You have no hope of defeating me. Give me the egg and you will have a place in my creation. Oppose me, and it will be as though you never existed.

Nathan: What about our Gift?

Nathan's question resonated in Rich's mind. What about their Gift? It was the first Gift, made by Allenor before the others as part of God's divine plan. The first time they faced Elegroth's demons their Gift reacted, and with each successive encounter their power had grown, yet only once, on the day they received their Gift, had they faced Elegroth directly. Untrained and newly awakened, on that day they still struck him a blow that sent him back to the void.

Jacob: Guys, even if what he says is true we don't have a choice. We defend the egg. It's our job and we can't let The Order down. With the time differential who knows how long they have to find Ken's Gift and make it here.

Jacob's words drove their resolve. They stood firm in their unquestioning bravery and the unconditional love of their shared soul shone brightly.

Jacob: Fuck you. Bring it on.

Elegroth: I expected no less from witless idiots. There is nothing but false hope in the Gift Father put in you. His plan is failing. I fractured The Order. If you all stood against me with the fully restored Gifts of the nephilim, you might have had a small chance, but separated as you are, there is none.

**

Elegroth was gone when the light of Henry's attack faded, but even Henry didn't hear his last words to the imp: Stay. Detain them, and we will be victorious.

The imp, fully recovered from Lane's decision to save the innocents, savagely attacked the doors as Elegroth asked though unaware he was being sacrificed. Elegroth needed the imp gone and the curse free of his influence, so as The Master sacrificed Drew to bring about the curse, Elegroth would sacrifice the imp.

*

Henry and his sons stood before the doors that were so tall the top of them faded into light. Drew looked tiny and vulnerable standing before them. He called his dome, powerful and translucent, over the three of them while the imp continued its assault.

Drew: Dad...

Henry: Are you sure?

Drew: Yes. I know how to save him.

Eleneth: The time is ripe. If Drew succeeds, the scales of the balance will move one more step towards equilibrium.

Drew: I know what to do, but he has to be here, on our side.

Henry: Elegroth is at the egg and not focused on us. I can pull the imp to us through my Seal... but what if this is what Elegroth wants? Something isn't right.

Eleneth: Without the imp the curse will go back to being a primal force in the second creation. Perhaps Elegroth wishes to remove the imp's influence and ability to guide the curse.

Henry: Or he thinks the imp will betray him.

Eleneth: Either path works towards balance.

Drew sniffled and swiped at his eyes: I just want to save him.

Henry and Eleneth knelt on either side of him and placed their arms around him. Drew deepened their merge and they felt his sorrow and desperation, his driving need to save his brother. The wellspring of empathy in Drew that made him care so much for others sprang from that need. Henry smiled and kissed Drew's cheek. Drew looked at Henry's face, so close he felt his father's warm breath, the heat of his body, and the mix of his sweat and aftershave. He felt the power of Eleleth's legacy, but even more he felt the wall in his father that was built before Eleleth. Henry had always been his protector and still fulfilled that role.

Henry: Then that's what we'll do.

Eleneth tightened his arm around Drew and thought: I am with you, little brother. Let us save him.

Drew: There's one more thing.

While his uncles still engaged the demons over the skies of Arizona, Drew touched their souls. Their steadfast presence and unconditional love entered him, and he shed fresh tears. Because of the time differential, he could not bring them into a merge, but he physically brought Tag, Olive, Aaron, Albrecht, Kelly, Chloe, and Raph to the doors. As soon as they merged, everyone knew what was about to happen, and their love for Drew expanded his heart even more.

Tag and Olive's memories of their sacrifice returned fresh and poignant. Similar memories surfaced in Aaron and Albrecht who wielded the power gained from the elderly couple's selfless act. The pain of accepting that sacrifice was still heavy on their souls. The two mentors of The Order also remembered how strong The Master was with the full power of the curse invoked, but they trusted Henry and his sons and knew how important The Master's redemption was, not only to Drew but to all of the second creation. Chloe clutched Mrs. Beasley close, and the power of the innocent, magnified in the sanctity of the temple, poured into Drew. The thoughts and emotions within each of them coursed through the merge, as did the epiphany of how the events of their lives led to this point. The realization brought peace and the quiet sanctity of the temple seemed deafening. The holiness of the place, where not even the archangels of the second creation were allowed to go, was manifest. Drew's centering flame burned bright, brighter than it ever had, fed by the love of his family. His only sadness was that his mom wasn't with them.

*

Drew: I'm ready, Dad.

The white lock in Henry's hair glinted in the light of the doors when he looked within his son. Henry saw the wall that he had built within himself residing in Drew, who now expressed a serenity that Henry had never seen before. Henry, Ken, and all of Drew's uncles taught him to be that wall, one that Drew used to protect everyone in his life so that no one would ever have to sacrifice themself for him as his mother had done.

Henry: I love you. He's strong, but your brother and I can hold him long enough for you to do your part.

Eleneth wrapped himself around his father, pouring his strength into him. The last archon and his unique hybrid offspring combined their might and Henry pulled the imp through his seal. As soon as it appeared its piercing scream echoed throughout the temple. It was a creature of shadow and malice, personifying corruption, and the nature of the temple burned it. The screaming imp attempted to flee but could not move because he was trapped in a cage of light emitted by Henry's sword. Drew stretched out his hand and the stone appeared bringing the acrid smell of their co-mingled blood. Memories of the dreams and nightmares both brothers experienced throughout their tortured lifetimes came with it. Drew's tears intensified, but everything hit the wall within him, and he bore the pain to save his brother.

Drew: You asked forgiveness for killing me. I know you regret it, but you convince yourself you don't. I want you to be happy, like when we were boys. Come back, so we can be together.

The imp: Fool! I am beyond you. There is no coming back from what I am.

Breathing heavily, Drew hiccupped: I love you. You loved me once. Go back to that version of you. You don't have be this.

The imp: My hatred for you is eternal. I may have loved you as a boy, but that was a fleeting time in eternity. You cannot destroy me. If you do, you will bring an end to everything.

Drew: I'm not going to destroy you. I'm going to save you.

Bringing all his power to bear, Drew focused it on the stone. Objects of power, especially one so significant to an entire creation, are not easily destroyed. Bound in the arc of time, the stone existed in all times simultaneously. For a moment nothing seemed to happen, but Drew was relentless. The incarnations appeared around him, each holding the stone. At first, a small mote of dust flew off the stone, but soon, more and more appeared like fireflies lit up by the light of the temple, and the stone turned to dust. Ripples burst forth by his action – the myriad and paradoxical implications of it no longer existing. The curse itself was immutable, but the stone was not, and many things tied to it ceased to exist.

The imp: What have you done!?

Dust from the stone whipped and swirled around the imp, forming a vortex fueled by the ripples of the stone's destruction. Slowly, the dust revealed its reshaping into a new form. The Trinity appeared standing to the side to watch everything but did not intervene. Their smiles held sadness, and a tremor ran through everyone. Drew focused on his brother and spoke to his heart: Come back to me.

The dust continued to swirl, revealing the struggling form of The Master who lay before Drew on the floor with his back against the doors.

Disbelief filled The Master's voice: What have you done to me?

The curse still existed, surrounding them, as powerful as ever, but in its original state without intellect or consciousness and no longer tied to The Master. The curse's purpose was its nature – to corrupt the second creation.

Tears flowed over The Master's ruddy cheeks, and he breathed heavily. The rank smell of his grotesquely muscular form filled the area. He was a primitive man again, and the oldest human soul in existence; powerful in his own right and filled with arcane knowledge.

The Master: I will kill you brother, once and for all.

Drew: No, you won't.

Turning to the Trinity, Drew asked: My uncles aren't here. Would you reset him? Please?

The Master: No!

The Dove: If he wishes it, yes.

Drew begged: Please! Say yes! I want you to be happy. You're miserable.

Eleneth spoke for the first time directly to The Master: You are difficult to look at. I do not mean your outward visage. The turmoil in you is harsh. You have suffered as much as my little brother. You know this to be true, although you twist the truth in an attempt to deny it.

Luke's unexpected voice filled the area around the doors: Father, may I approach?

The Trinity: You may.

An orb of light appeared and expanded into the form of Luke, The Bright One. Tear trails of light rolled down his cheek as he looked upon The Master. Kneeling before the grotesque creature, he took The Master's hand: I am responsible for what you have become. I betrayed your innocence and corrupted your heart. The curse never would have come into being had I not manipulated you. You did not wish this life you lived, and I am sorry for it. I beg your forgiveness.

The Master's glare softened as Luke's words sank into his heart.

Luke: I betrayed you again, driving you to offer yourself as a sacrifice to the curse. You have endured so much pain. You are tired, and your soul, while mighty, is exhausted. I know because I lived that very way for eons. I, also, wish you peace and happiness. Accept your brother's offer. He has forgiven you. Forgive yourself, and accept Father's love.

All of Drew's family witnessed what was happening, and in their hearts, one with Drew, they prayed for The Master's redemption as he slumped against the doors as though defeated, and closed his eyes.

Eleneth: For my brother, I will do this for you. For a fleeting moment, you will feel whole and at balance within yourself. Make your decision based on that feeling, and not what you feel presently or have in the past.

The Master's eyes widened in shock as Eleneth brought his existence into perfect equilibrium. In that fleeting moment the immeasurable weight of his pain vanished. He had not been happy since he killed Drew and had forgotten what it felt like. The barriers around his heart lowered and he experienced the light of the temple. For the first time ever, he felt God's love and bathed in it. His anguish returned, choking his soul, and he cried out with a pitiful sound of longing in his mind and heart: Take this pain from me.

*

When the Master opened his eyes, he saw Drew and was unafraid. His first experience in his new existence was love, and he knew it was for him. He smiled, showing his crooked yellow teeth, and his eyes filled with happiness. Henry glanced at the Trinity and intuited the sadness behind their smiles. Drew's first incarnation, the boy with no name and no speech of the tongue, appeared. He took The Master's other hand and held it to his face, then looked at the Trinity. Moving before them, he made a series of gestures, communicating in his way to make his desire clear. He wanted them to make The Master young again like he was.

Henry: Drew, he wants to de-age The Master. He's pure now and can go to Heaven. He wants to take your brother with him so he'll be happy, and they can play and be together.

Drew fell to his knees. That wasn't what he planned. Henry embraced him: I've got you, Tiger. I'm here.

Drew: Dad...

Henry: I know this isn't what you wanted, but think about it. He'll be happier there and safe from Elegroth. If he stays with us he'll still be under the curse.

Drew: I thought he'd be with me. Part of our family.

Eleneth: I understand your grief, brother, but you must think of what is best for him. I love you and will stay with you, and try to be enough.

Henry picked Drew up, and Drew wrapped his arms and legs around his father.

Henry: I know it hurts but Eleneth is right. You need to do what's best for him.

Henry's arms around him, his essence and everything about him, protected Drew as much as he could. He couldn't protect him from sadness, but the onus of his strength, his powerful body pressed against Drew allowed him to make his decision free from judgment.

Drew, with newfound stoicism, conveyed to the Trinity: Please make him young so he can go to Heaven.

Henry: I know how hard that was, and I'm proud of you. Your brother and I and all your extended family are here for you.

Once again, Drew was only a ten-year-old boy, who needed the comfort of his dad. He indicated he wanted to get down, and moved over to The Dove: Will you make sure he's happy?

The Dove: Most assuredly. There always has been a place for him and your first incarnation in Heaven. They will hunt in safety, play in the river, and know only eternal bliss.

Drew: Will I ever see him again?

The Dove smiled: Yes, Drew, I promise you will.

Drew smiled and swiped his tears away: Thank you.

Thomin appeared, looking outraged: You destroyed it! That was not part of our agreement! It was mine!

The Dove raised a hand placatingly: Do not upset yourself, Thomin, for it was necessary. I will replace it with something else.

Thomin's expression changed immediately, like that of a child who gets what he wants.

Thomin: I must prepare a new pedestal!

He vanished as quickly as he appeared, and another sad smile crossed The Dove's face. Henry remembered his conversation with The Dove at the cosmic Waffle House about Thomin, and the white lock in his hair shone with the light of the doors. The sadness Henry perceived in The Dove's expression ran deep. Touching his lock of hair, Henry remembered Istariel's words: My Father never does anything without a purpose. Thomin seemed thrilled when The Dove said he would replace the stone with another object, yet The Dove expressed sorrow. Henry deduced that Thomin had another role to play - one that was significant and secret, and one that would break his innocence. The layers of God's plan were nearly infinite in their subtlety and complexity, and Thomin was another layer that was yet to be revealed. Thomin did not remember his role because his memory faded with the placement of each Gift. What would happen when Ken attained his Gift? When he made eye contact with The Dove, Henry knew that whatever role Thomin had yet to play would involve sacrifice. God's plan always demanded sacrifice.

Drew moved back to Henry, wrapped his arms around Henry's waist, and pressed his face against his father's stomach. So much happened, but Henry's priority was his son who had just experienced another unexpected loss. Drew saved his brother only to lose him again, and for Drew's sake Henry controlled his anger. He knew God was aware, and when he looked up from Drew, the Trinity was gone.

*

Ken and his team fought the demons over Pheonix. Their numbers seemed endless, even without Elegroth's presence and Kevin using his Gift to cull their numbers. Drew had touched his uncles' souls briefly which ignited their love for him in all their hearts. Brad also became aware as soon as Henry took most of the adults in the Congo base to the doors.

Ken: What the fuck's goin' on?

Brad: Tag, Olive, Raph, Aaron, Albrecht, Kelly, and Chloe are at the doors. Elegroth fled again and is at the egg.

Ken: He's not runnin', he's movin'. He's got a purpose and we gotta figure it out. He's bouncin' from place `ta place...

Lane: I have a bad feeling.

Brad: Me too, but I can't discern anything specific.

Ken: He wants us separated.

Brad: It's more than that. The egg is opening and whatever his endgame is, this is it.

*

On the other side of the doors, in the darkness of the first creation, the black rock sat at the base of the massive structure. Elegroth warded it with his most cunning magic to shield it from the perceptions of Henry, the dragons, and the Seer and Oracle of The Order. Green, smokey tendrils seeped out of it to corrupt and weaken the doors. A small contingent of converted suits sang to the rock to reinforce the ward and direct its power. Three at a time, the suits performed their task until the stone utterly absorbed them, only to be replaced by three more. Hundreds of The Master's former suits were there, enslaved by Elegroth and coerced into servitude, just like the original protectors. It was a small irony, but one that gave the fallen archon pleasure.

While Ken and the main team fought the demons in the physical realm of the second creation, the RL's fought Elegroth and his personal guard at the egg in the first. Elegroth's pride distracted him from understanding that the egg had become flawed by both his attempt to influence it and the RL's opposing actions. The music of both sources mingled within the egg, but they were not sources the egg sought out naturally thereby stunting its maturation. Although the egg's time had come for it to open, the shell would not break, for the music within it was not strong enough.

*

Still at the doors, Henry, Drew, and Eleneth were knocked off their feet as the temple shook. The sanctity of the holy place shattered when the black rock exploded. The weakened doors burst open and began crumbling apart. Drew cried out because he was pinned by the crushing pressure of the two creations straining to touch. A ten-year-old boy alone was the only thing keeping all existence from annihilation.

Henry sent everyone but himself, Drew, and Eleneth back to the Congo base for safety. He and Eleneth poured their combined might into Drew to give him enough strength to hold. He could not afford enough power to shield his human friends and family, needing everything he had for his son and everyone's survival.

*

The destruction of the doors sent a shockwave throughout both creations, and The Order knew what had happened. The energy released by the black rock destroyed the doors and broke Henry's Seal. Terror for Drew, Henry, and Eleneth filled the men and Brad shouted with all his strength: Henry! Drew! Eleneth!

Henry: We're here. I don't know how long we can hold, but for now Drew's keeping the two creations separate.

Ken: Fuck!

Without the doors the time differential lessened, and Jacob's voice entered their minds: Sirs? Something's wrong with the egg. It's not opening!

Ken: Fuck, Fuck, FUCK!

Lane: The egg has to absorb the energy when the creations touch. We're screwed if we can't figure out a way to get it open.

Ken: Jake, you have `ta hold Elegroth long enough for us `ta figure this out!

As Ken spoke, thousands more rifts appeared in the skies over Arizona and millions more demons poured forth. A third of the infinite host had rebelled with Luke, and those that survived, except for the few The Order had restored, were corrupted by Elegroth. The twelve men watched the skies fill with too many of them to count, so many that they could no longer see the stars overhead.

Brad threw all their power into a shield to cover them. Their Avatars shone brightly, becoming equal to the task of protecting them. Simultaneously as one, the nine Gifts pulsed on their own and sent something into Ken who groaned loudly and started to collapse. As Bryan grabbed him, Ken vanished not only from his arms but from their souls, leaving a hole in them. Brad's shield nearly broke from the sudden loss. Everything seemed to be falling apart around them: the doors were gone, the egg couldn't open, and their captain was missing. The words of Bao's prophecy came to the forefront of Brad's mind, and through their merge, they all heard it.

Three doors bar the way but one with no key or handle is the path to the last Gift. The Mantle cries, but cannot rest until the captain's third death, when it will drink with the other Gifts and be pure again. Only then can the breath of three dragons open the shell, a vessel waiting to be filled by the song of one power or the other.

Brad: As hard as it is, we have to trust the words.

Brad's brothers embraced his heart. They all suffered from Ken's absence, but Brad most of all; however, fiery anger raged in Bryan, the gentlest of all the men but the fiercest in protecting his loved ones. His eyes became slitted and Leroy's fire burst forth from his mouth burning a swath through the demons. Without having to shield Ken from their Gifts, their full might became unimpeded even though their Gifts were tainted, they were more powerful than ever.

Bryan: Light these fuckers up.

Kevin: For Ken, wherever he is. We have to give him time.

Lane: He'll be back, Brad.

Brad: He has to.

Bill's Gift brightened and they became one another. Yggdrasil appeared, and Huggin and Munnin flew from Bryan's forearms. Brad wielded the veil as a weapon. Pat saw the pattern of everything, and through him, they all knew precisely when and where to act to the greatest effect. Loy leapt upon the spirit harness and empowered the nexus while protecting it from harm. They were The Order, fighting to give their captain time to attain his Gift. As always, the banter started and their spirits lifted even in the midst of the greatest battle of their lives.

Darren: Ken better not be eating hashbrowns at the Waffle House. Just saying.

Bill: How the hell are we going to restore our Gifts?

Kevin: Debbie Downer has a question.

Lane: Maybe there's a divine can of spinach in Thomin's vault and we all get godly Popeye forearms to smash the shit out of Elegroth.

Ricky: You have your shit down to an art form.

Brad didn't join in the banter, but it did help. In the back of his mind, he desperately prayed for Ken's safety and return. He knew that Ken's disappearance was related to his Gift. They had to be ready when he came back dead in order to revive him and figure out a way to purify not only Ken's Gift but theirs which was the only way to put an end to Elegroth and make a new beginning for everything.

Privately to Ken, wherever he might be: I love you. Be strong, and come back to me. You are my soul. You have to come back.

**

Brad's faint voice woke Ken: You are my soul. You have to come back.

Ken's stomach heaved and he vomited out what little food was in it. He felt wretched from whatever the other Gifts did to him, and the absence of Brad and his brothers made it worse. With the thought of them fighting without him, panic hit, not out of ego but love. Glancing around he saw stars and nebula and knew he was at the door again. Another wave of nausea hit him, so powerfully he nearly lost consciousness. Fuck, I gotta get my shit together.

He stumbled to his feet and leaned on the door. It was exactly as he remembered – beautifully carved from the wood of Yggdrasil but with no handle. The keyhole stared at him, and he heard jumbled whispers in the back of his mind but could not make out words. The more he concentrated, the louder they got, and out of frustration, he yelled, "Shut the fuck up!" and they fell silent.

Ken: Huh.

He pulled off his face covering and his short, sweaty hair stood on end. After his first two episodes related to his Gift, Aaron put extra epinephrine shots in his suit and he pulled one out and jabbed it into his arm. His enhanced physiology drank it in and he felt better immediately.

Ken: Thanks, Doc. I don't suppose you hid a key somewhere in one of these pockets, too, did `ya?

Time wasn't moving but he still felt pressed. His soul mates and all his extended family were fighting for their lives and all creation and depending on him. Even knowing where it was, his Gift always seemed out of reach because its corruption would kill him as soon as it bound to his Avatar. How could he do it alone?

Ken: I can fuckin' `what if' myself `ta death. Cut it into manageable parts. Step one: open this fuckin' door.

Ken rubbed his hand over the stubble on his chin and cheek while he thought, but the texture and sound of it only brought images of Brad and how much they loved the feel of their faces touching. He looked down to admonish his swelling dick: Stop fuckin' with me.

Ken didn't have Brad's perfect memory and recall, but after years together and training his mind, he knew how to relive unconscious memories. Aaron taught them early on that their minds would always work in their favor if given the freedom. Closing his eyes and exhaling, Ken thought: Show me somethin' useful. I need a key.

The first memory to surface was when The Order met The Dove where he now stood.

*

The Dove: As my third children, this door is another part of your heritage. Whether you open it will determine the course of the third creation. It has stood waiting for you in this place since I brought it into being. It can only be opened once and only one of you is the key.

A thread of shared anger over the perpetual cryptic nature of everything they dealt with sparked in their collective soul.

Brad: Have you ever made a creation without strife? Where there was only peace, joy, and love?

The Dove: Yes.

Ken: I'm guessin' it didn't go so well.

The Dove: Such a place, with no sadness, grief, or pain lacks free will in the truest sense. You have felt agony in your trials. Would your love for one another, for the humans whom you protect in the world, be as meaningful? Would it touch you the way it currently does?

Bryan: I get that, but there has to be more to it. If everything is circular, why have any creations at all? Is all this for you?

The Dove met Bryan's eyes, and for a moment Bryan became lost in them. God's love stared back at him unflinchingly, and that love pierced him more beautifully than any other time including his love for Lane and his brothers.

Bryan's epiphany overcame him: It's for us.

The Dove embraced them all with His light and was gone. His divine touch left them stunned and embracing each other, they basked in the mix of God's love and their own.

Loy: Will we ever love like that?

Ken: Yeah. Might even be the end goal.

Lane: One day we're going to snatch that damn pebble from his hand, and walk on the rice paper without leaving footprints.

Everyone burst out laughing and Darren said: Caine only hated one man ... the man who stole his shoes.

More laughter followed, and when it died down, Kevin thought: Well, if nothing else came out of this, we have another TV show for the kids.

*

Ken: Okay. He said, `It can only be opened once, and only one of you is the key.' So, somehow, I'm the key. Well, my dick's too big `ta fit so that's not it. Gimme somethin' else.

*

A memory not his own, but a part of him through merging with Lane and Bryan crystalized. Ken choked on the harsh emotions within the memory of Lane sacrificing himself to save Bryan from Taliesin's construct.

The explosion blew the crowd away from Lane's body. As he lay still, his body lifeless, an orb lifted out of his chest. It was beautiful, hovering for a brief second before floating over to Don. He stared at it, mesmerized, as it approached. Without stopping it entered his chest, and he felt... something... fill him up. The lunchbox in his hands popped open, and glancing down he saw an old skeleton key. It was the key from Lane's Dream, but whole and intact, the two halves of Bryan's Soul back together.

*

Ken: Fuck me. My soul is the key.

Kneeling so his chest was level with the keyhole, Ken opened the gateway to his soul. The golden light of his aura blazed around him and arced from his soul to the keyhole, yet the door remained locked. Going over the memory again, Ken felt as if he had been gut-punched. The key in Taliesin's construct only became whole when the two halves of Bryan's soul were intact. The part that was Lane had to be stripped away.

Ken: Fuck me twice. If I can get this damn door open I'm gonna die, and God wants `ta make sure I'm alone, with no trace of B and his comfort. Fuckin' sadist!

Ken seethed in anger over the sacrifices he and all of them made to bring God's plan to fruition, but he was a soldier, the captain of The Order, and he had to find a way no matter the personal cost. He knew someone who would be willing to do what was necessary regardless of how hard. Raising his face to Heaven Ken intoned Michael's name in the first language of the second creation. Instantly, an orb appeared that grew into Ken's angelic grandfather: I am here.

Michael saw the torment in his grandson while he was alone and isolated in a place that had been hidden from Michael since his creation.

Ken: This door leads `ta my Gift, but I need your help `ta open it. I think I figured it out and it one hundred percent sucks, but it's the only way. Drew can't hold out much longer, even with Henry and Eleneth. B and the guys are bein' overrun by Elegroth's demons. The RL's are holdin' off Elegroth at the egg, which isn't openin' for some damn reason. The shit show has started and they need me.

Michael: What shall I do?

Ken: Take the half'a B's soul that's in me and bring back my half that's in him. My soul has `ta be whole and intact `ta open the door. After that I go in and find my Gift, but it's gonna kill me, so I'm not sure what'll happen after that, but I want you with me `ta do what's necessary. God only knows what that is cuz I fuckin' don't.

Michael knelt and embraced his grandson: I love you, Ken, with my entire being. You saved me and I shall save you. I regret that this will hurt.

Michael's hand went into Ken's chest and withdrew the half of his soul that was Brad's. Ken's pallor turned ashen without half of Brad's soul in him, and Michael felt his pain: I will make haste. Be steadfast.

Ken heaved and whispered in his mind: B! Oh fuck, you're gone. You're gone.

Michael vanished with the sound of fluttering wings and Ken, practically gasping, lay with his back against the door. His eyes were glassy and his stare vacant from missing the other half of his soul in the most profound way possible, and he fought severe depression. His Avatar, equal to the task at the moment, raged against the negativity and upheld him.

Ken: You know how much I rely on you, B. I don't know how I'm gonna do this without you. It's gonna suck for you too, not havin' me in you but we both gotta suck it up. The guys will be with you. Lean on `em.

**

Although surrounded by millions of demons, Brad and his brothers protected themselves. Their battle was glorious to behold as their full power was brought to bear, yet no matter how many demons they destroyed, more came through the rifts. Bill kept the brothers a part of one another through his Gift, and Brad kept them merged. His pain, and his brothers' pain over Ken's loss was magnified, but so too was their love and adamant support of one another. Within their hearts, where they lay naked together, arms around each other, shoulders and legs intertwined, an orb of light appeared, and suddenly, Michael was with them. Lane halted their perception of time to eliminate distractions.

Michael: Greetings.

Brad: Michael! What's happening? Why are you here?

Michael: My task is urgent. I am sorry, Brad. This is the only way.

In his hand, Michael held half of Brad's soul, and all of them recognized it. It brought fresh tears to all of them because they immediately knew what it meant.

Brad sobbed and thought: Oh God, please, no...

Michael: Ken's soul must be whole and intact to open the door. He is aware of the pain this will cause you because he already feels it. I witnessed it when I took your half from him.

Bryan growled: God, you sadistic fucker!

Michael winced at the ferocity of Bryan's words: We have no time for judgment, Bryan. I am sorry Brad.

Michael reached his powerful arms out and when his hands entered Brad's torso to take Ken's soul and replace it with his own, Brad's eyes widened. He sucked in his breath at the sudden, devastating loneliness and isolation when Ken disappeared from within him. Before any more words were thought, Michael vanished, leaving Brad nearly unconscious. Yet through Bill's Gift their love deepened even more to counter the loss.

Brad: Ken...

Lane's Avatar ignited with a vision from Remiel, and he saw the soul lanterns of each couple. Ken's and Brad's were paramount, but he wanted all of them.

Lane: Dar...

Darren experienced the vision and summoned the souls from within them. Five orbs of light appeared, small but bright. Brad sensed Ken in his and his throat closed with emotion. Even the smallest part of Ken would suffice over his total absence, but Brad's thoughts were with Ken, and how he was truly alone. He could not share in what they were about to do, or he could not open the door, and would die. This is so fucking fucked up.

Through his Gift, Bryan placed the orbs within himself and his brothers, even placing a small portion into Adam and Zack. It was as if Ken was with them again, and they felt his arms on their backs and his words of encouragement in their ears: You got this fellas. He wasn't there, yet he was, and a fresh spark of encouragement flamed within them.

Brad returned them to their bodies, and with renewed vigor, Elegroth's army felt the sustained power of The Order. Thoughts of Ken and his suffering made them more than equal to the task, and they were a swath of death against the demons.

**

Jacob: Leroy, Eva, and Németh are the egg's last line of defense, but we make sure nothing gets through. No one goes one-on-one with Elegroth, if possible. We have to take his guards out first.

Héneth: Spread out, bait the guards, and my brothers and I will eliminate them. They are slow-witted, so we can eliminate some before we must change tactics. Father, please lend your protection to the egg.

Guy: All while dodging that fallen bastard.

Héneth smiled: Yes. But we trained you well. Your Gift is strong; become one in balance with it, and it will guide you.

Craig: Do you know something we don't?

Déreth: We do not know, but we suspect. Except when your Gift was newly awakened, you have never faced the fallen archon directly. Be vigilant and open, as we have taught you.

Nathan: Nothing like on the job training.

The RLs' power was manifest in the presence of demons. Their eyes were slitted, their fingernails and toenails became like dragon talons, and their hide became impenetrable. Going back up in time, Jacob said: You heard Héneth, bait the guards and let them do their thing. We whittle away his defense, but we will not engage him unless we have no choice.

The first few demons fell for their tactic but Elegroth took direct control of them, and they became much more difficult to fight. Attacking in concert, like the demons did with Zach, they isolated Jacob, imprisoned him in a cage of talons, and took him before Elegroth. The other demons were persistent in their offense and keeping Jake's brothers at a distance.

Elegroth: You will be the first to die. Let the other wyrmling's view your fate - the one you all share.

Jacob: I said bring it, dickhead, and I meant it. Give me your best shot.

Craig: No! Jake!

Elegroth's sword appeared, dripping with green void fire, and he swung, intending to cut Jacob in half. Craig slowed his perception of time and the memory surfaced of Drew's sixth birthday in the Congo. His father was dead, taken by Uriel to his personal hell. He remembered the Eschphene attack by one of Németh's insane descendants. Craig and his brothers were human then, yet they still did their utmost to protect Henry, Drew, and Brad when they all were trapped in a construct and protecting the other humans.

*

Tommy broke away from Henry and grabbed the only thing he could see to use as a weapon - the stone in Drew's hand. The anger and turmoil of the thousands of incarnations in Drew filled Tommy's mind when he grabbed it. His own anger and emotional surge were enough to prevent him from being swept away, and he wasn't even aware of how he did it, but he embraced it all, breaking away and running towards Bill and Kevin. He was small enough that the soldiers didn't see him right away.

Craig was the first, yelling, "TOMMY! GET BACK!"

Craig's perception of time slowed as adrenaline rushed to his heart, granting him clarity on many fronts. He saw the bone spike of an Eschphene hurtling towards Tommy, who was now out in the open and vulnerable. Craig's own grief, the pain of losing his father, and his anger and resentment towards Pat, Darren, and the other men welled up inside him. He ranted against them in his heart for not doing anything about his dad's health sooner and for not being able to bring him back.

To Craig, the bone spike was a means to an end. He knew his father was an asshole but still loved him. Jacob remained baffled by it, but Craig saw something in his dad no one else did. His mother saw it when she was young and in love, but even she, after years of Kent's slovenly churlish nature, had given up on him, but Craig hadn't.

With his legs moving of their own accord, Craig launched himself to interpose his body between the hurling bone shard and Tommy. His eyes went wide as the shard impaled his lower back and spinal cord. It went partially into Tommy as well, and its velocity threw them both back. Turning at Craig's scream, Jacob watched helplessly as his brother was impaled by the bone shard. The look on Craig's face, his eyes wide in pain and blood spurting from his mouth, stuck in Jacob's mind. The Eschphene Leader bellowed an incantation summoning a fresh wave of his people just as Jacob saw Craig and Tommy fall to the ground. Jacob, afraid of what he was going to see, rushed to grab Craig. There was resistance as the shard pulled out of Tommy who was unconscious, but his hand still gripped the glowing stone tightly. The bone shard, covered in blood and pulsing sigils, was completely through Craig's body. Jacob looked into Craig's eyes, bloodshot and filled with tears, while Craig feebly tried to reach up and wipe away Jacob's tears. Jacob hugged Craig fiercely and tried to say his name, but his grief was too overpowering.

Craig struggled to talk with his mouth filled with blood, and Jacob lowered his head to hear him, but the raging battle made it nearly impossible. "I... I'm go... ing to get...him.. b... back..."

"Shhhhh, Craig, don't talk just stay with me. STAY WITH ME!"

Craig and Tommy dropped out of the link, which felt like a hole was ripped from everyone's chest.

*

Craig watched Elegroth's sword descend upon his brother, which replayed the memory of the bone projectile racing to impale Tommy. This caused a surge of adrenaline, and with an impossible burst of speed Craig broke through the demons and interposed himself between Jacob and the sword.

At Drew's birthday party, the bone shard had impaled Craig's spine and partially entered Tommy; however, this time Craig felt an exploding surge within him – his brothers felt it too. Their shared Gift reacted to Elegroth's sword. Jacob caught his brother, terrified and convinced he was going to see Craig impaled again, but that didn't happen. When Elegroth's blade touched Craig, yet another surge exploded within them in addition to the hidden power Déreth spoke of. The blow hurt Craig, but like flames licking a hot branch, Leroy and Eva's combined fire enveloped him, allowing Jacob to grab his brother. The flame spread, magnified by their touch.

Jacob: Whoah! WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT? Craig, you alright?

Craig: Just a bruise. It's already healing.

Guy: Whatever you did, can I have some more? I felt it all the way over here.

Nathan: Me too. More, please.

Caleb: Ditto.

Rich: Héneth, can you and your brothers occupy the last of the guards?

Héneth: We can. With their numbers reduced, we will suffice. Your Gift is fully awakening.

Jacob: Why the hell didn't you say anything about this before?

Déreth: We were uncertain and did not want the concept to interfere with your training. If you sought to awaken it, you would have focused primarily on that. We had confidence that once you attained your current state of balance, if it was within you then it would awaken when needed. This is the true Heart of your Gift. You are not a weapon against Elegroth. Your purpose is not to defeat him but to provide a defense from him. His demise is the purpose of the nephilim.

Jacob: Roger that. Gather round, gentlemen.

Caleb: Gentlemen? That leaves us out.

Rich: Well, `fuckers' is taken; that's Bryan's go-to.

Nathan: Ladies is taken: that's Ken's.

Craig: Asswipes or dickheads are still open, or any derivatives. Dickwads, asshats, shitheads...

Jacob: Okay, Roget, pick one.

Rich: We don't need a thesaurus, we need the Urban Dictionary.

Guy: Maybe we could gross him out so bad he barfs.

Caleb: Just feed our illustrious mentors some smores, and they can belch in his face. That's nastier than a Tom Selleck.

As they bantered, the RL's moved with blinding speed to assemble around Elegroth with his dumbfounded expression. He viciously sliced, attempting to cut them all in half but his blade only left a green trail of power around him. The light of the RL's increased to match the green and though his blow knocked them back, they were untouched by his power.

Rolling to their feet they encircled him again, and Jacob thought: Don't attack, only defend. We have to hold him until Ken and the rest of the guys get here.

Elegroth: Do not think, wyrmlings, that this changes anything.

Rich: It changes enough.

Elegroth vanished and appeared by the egg; however, Eva, Leroy, and Németh were ready. They engulfed him in the combined fire of the two dragons and Eschphene magic. Elegroth's voice rang out from within the maelstrom, and one clawed talon tore a hole in reality. The RL's saw through the rip and terror gripped them. Collectively, their minds shouted: NO! As they watched, all of their power directed at Elegroth drove him through the rift to collide with Drew, Henry, and Eleneth at the doors.

**

Henry and Eleneth held Drew in their arms to support him and pour all their strength into him. The doors were destroyed when the black rock exploded and the two creations pushed towards one another to expand through the opening. Henry and Eleneth heard the tearing sound, but could not react without Drew being crushed between the two creations.

Henry: Hold on, Tiger.

Eleneth sensed the fragility of the balance in what they did. They had a choice to save Drew or let him be destroyed. Saving him would give Elegroth access to the power to shape a new creation.

Henry: He still doesn't have the egg.

Eleneth: He will sing his song regardless. I cannot see the outcome.

Drew couldn't speak, but he heard everything. All the incarnations were with him but one. His first self was in Heaven with his brother. The absence of that one small fragment within his soul diminished his power ever so slightly, and he was losing the fight. His centering flame began to waver. Tears covered his face as he replayed so many memories. Because in the past, he had merged with his father, his uncles, and Aaron and Albrecht, he remembered the struggles of each as his own desire to be enough grew. When Darren was trapped in the cave outside Thomin's vault, Drew chastised himself for not being strong enough to save his beloved uncle. He remembered all his uncles in their struggle against The Master while he let himself be killed again. All their acts of selfless sacrifice, all out of unconditional love for one another, ran through him.

Through the merge, Henry was aware of Drew's thoughts and cried out: No, Drew. You will not sacrifice yourself again. Not again. If you go, we all go.

Eleneth was a part of everything as well. He had not lived through the struggles of his family, but those struggles were still a part of him through the merge. Traveling deep within himself, he entered the peace of his own balance. Drew's act of keeping the two creations apart protected them from the curse, just as it had in Henry's Seal before the doors were destroyed.

Eleneth: Father, remove us from the arc of time.

Henry: But Drew...

Eleneth: His struggle continues either way. Little brother, our father is right. We three, as a family, will go together, but not in the manner you think. Cease your effort, and let go your pain. Trust me.

Embracing Henry and Drew, Eleneth took them bodily to the place he found Jayléth in the heart of the universal and all-encompassing balance. Henry, Drew, and Eleneth vanished. Without Drew keeping the two creations apart they collided, and everything began to unravel. Elegroth laughed as he began his song, and The Dove smiled.

***

As soon as the Ross family vanished, the two creations touched, and just as Luke's laughter echoed through the valley upon the creation of the curse, Elegroth's laughter was heard throughout both creations. With his laughter came the sound of the two creations colliding, and The Order, deep within their hearts, knew that Drew failed. Both creations began to unravel, and their released energy fueled Elegroth's song. With time the two creations would be destroyed, and the process could not be stopped.

Kevin: Fuck! The egg?

Without the doors the arc of time in each creation touched which meant there was no longer a time differential. Jacob's voice filled their minds: The egg still isn't open. Elegroth opened a tear to the doors and we inadvertently pushed him through, but the egg is here and safe.

Bill: Henry, Drew, and Eleneth are gone. None of us can sense them in any way.

Terror filled the RL's that they might be responsible for the death of Henry and his sons.

Rich: Oh, God!

*

Every ward of every type on the Congo base shattered and set off alarms. Sally and Shan had the kids watching TV to distract them, but the noise scared them. Aaron, Albrecht, Tag, Olive, Kelly, Chloe, and Raph appeared, stunned by what happened at the doors and the abrupt transition. Sally and Shan had fear in their eyes, and Sally whispered to Aaron, "I think this is it."

Aaron simply nodded; Shan started shaking and, with a trembling voice, asked, "What do we do?"

As calmly as she could, Sally said, "Brett, honey, go get your flute. Hurry."

Tommy grabbed Brett and took off running to their room to get his harp as well, and he said, "Get Bumblebee, too." The boys quickly returned and Sally saw Bumblebee and the flute in Brett's arms.

Albrecht said, "Everyone gather close, and don't be afraid. Trust in Ken and the men, the RL's, and Henry, Drew, and Eleneth.

Aaron followed, "I thought we had more time, but do not fear. We will be protected."

Chloe, Tommy, Brett, Maddie, AJ, and Teesha were calmer than Sally and Shan. Tag, Olive, Kelly, Raph, Aaron, and Albrecht showed no sign of fear, and their lack of reaction helped. Other than the sounds of the alarms, the base seemed ordinary. There were no tremors and no news stations were broadcasting any cataclysmic events, but Sally knew everything was about to change and her heart went out to the world. She asked Brett, "Do you know what to do?"

Brett nodded and said to Bumblebee, "Please make sure my dads and everyone else are safe," then he blew the special note on his flute. In Heaven, at Malachiel's forge, amidst the clanging of hammers and anvils, the archangel heard Brett's prayer followed by the note. Malachiel stopped, and every hammer quieted. He repeated Brett's prayer to his Father, and called out to his nephilim daughter in the first language of Heaven: Telcharan!

In the physical plane at the Congo base Telcharan appeared along with Istariel, Alariel, and Ruviel. Aaron raised an eyebrow, and Telcharan said, "My father is not on your matrix and sent me to collect you. I am to take you now to my father's forge. Be still and unafraid. There is no safer place for you."

Wonder hit Aaron and Albrecht. Telcharan's angelic father was Malachiel himself, the greatest artisan and smith in Heaven. She had never spoken of her heritage, but it explained why she was so powerful. The four nephilim surrounded the humans and stretched out their arms. As soon as their fingertips touched, they vanished to Malachiel's forge.

**

Ken sat with his back against the door. He felt adrift without Brad as a part of him. Slow, deep tears fell over the stubble on his cheeks. His mind wandered in memories of their life together and all the times they shared – the good and the bad. He relived the weeks of first meeting in the doctor's program, and his encounter with Glenn Hampton and the "goon squad."

Many of the memories made him smile, but not all. He remembered when Brad nearly died from the creature spawned from Ken's unconscious mind, and the exquisite beauty and pain of the first time their minds merged. He remembered how much better it was when they learned to merge their souls as well to become one, and even later after Bill received his Gift when the ten of them all could become one.

The shit we can do.

God's words also echoed in his memories about how none of it mattered without the struggle of pain and loss. As he wondered about that, the sound of fluttering wings snapped him back to himself.

Michael: I have returned.

Ken saw the other half of his soul in Michael's hand. He knew what it represented and the weight of everything came crashing back down upon his shoulders.

Michael noticed the look on his face: You are my grandson. You carry not only my strength but your own. You are stronger than I in many ways.

Ken: I'm not as strong without Brad.

Michael: You must be. Your Avatar will make you so.

Ken: Is that why they work the way they do? So I'd be able to do this? And all the other bullshit we faced was a side hustle that led to here?

Michael: I know not, but I do not question Father.

Ken: I do all the time. I can't help it.

Michael: It is the part of you that is human. Perhaps another necessary part of Father's plan.

Ken: It's always a part of the fuckin' plan. Like that's supposed to make it easier.

Michael pulled Ken to his feet and thought: This will be uncomfortable.

Michael placed the other half of Ken's soul within him and Ken felt any last vestige of Brad leave him. He stumbled and grimaced: Fuck!

Michael: I am sorry, Ken.

Michael surrounded Ken in his wings and his powerful arms. For a second Ken rested his head on Michael's shoulder, but only for a second. He heard his brother Richard's voice from a distance: Suck it up, buttercup!

Ken steadied himself by gripping Michael's shoulders: Thanks. I need `ta get on this.

Michael: I am ready.

Kneeling before the door so his Avatar was level with the keyhole, Ken opened the gateway to his soul and a bright light arced from his Avatar to the door. With his soul now intact, he heard the same small pop that the Book of Loagaeth made when Darren opened it the first time. He placed his hand against the door and pushed it open.

Ken glanced at Michael and his little kid grin appeared: Let's get the fuckin' party started.

*

The light from his Avatar allowed Ken to navigate the stairs which he cautiously descended. The doorway was large enough that Michael did not have to duck or turn sideways as he followed. After a few hundred steps the temperature dropped quickly, and Ken smelled the pungent, briny odor of seawater. It was faint, but he was intimately familiar with the smell. Further along, his enhanced eyesight detected a distinct blue aura, and he knew he was in Thomin's vault. The Dove said the doorway led to the last Gift, and although they knew it was in Thomin's vault, he didn't expect the route to be so direct. As he and Michael entered the rear of the vault a powerful wave of nausea hit him and his Avatar began to pulse. Across the room he saw the floating orb that was his Gift and it called to him. He instinctively knew that the pedestal it floated over kept it in place. Ken dropped to one knee and Michael steadied him.

Ken: Grandfather, when I move closer it's gonna jump into my Avatar whether I want it to or not and it's gonna kill me. I don't know what, but somethin's gonna happen, and you'll have `ta be ready for whatever that is.

Michael: I am prepared. I do not sense Thomin. It is best he is not here or he would attempt to prevent you.

Ken: Here goes nothin'.

The vault was cluttered, but with Ken's enhanced dexterity and agility, he leapt up and twisted his body to land beside the pedestal. It took all of his control to perform the maneuver and he would have collapsed if he wasn't gripping the pedestal. The blue light washed out all other color except for Ken's green eyes that no longer showed any blue now that Brad was no longer a part of him.

Ken whispered, "Come on, you son of a bitch, let's get this over with. Come to papa."

The Gift, so close to Ken's Avatar, arced into it and Ken cried out as he fell to the ground.

*

Barely conscious, Ken knew he was in his heart, and he was not alone. An incarnation of every previous host of his Gift and their knowledge was now within him. Even through the unyielding agony he endured, their love helped to sustain him, if only for a moment.

As Aaron cried and caressed Ken's forehead he said, "Oh, my dear boy. I am sorry. We never realized that bearing The Mantle would cause this. We have doomed you, and perhaps our creation."

Ken opened his eyes and saw Aaron, Albrecht, Jonathan, Charisa, Mikail, Phaygyen, and Akhan-Itzal gathered around him. They were the reason The Mantle was so corrupted. The Order had existed for thousands upon thousands of years to fight The Master and The Enemy, and The Order would have perished had they not done what they did, but their actions also led to this doom.

The anguish in Aaron's voice, even though he wasn't real, tore at Ken's heart and he managed to whisper, "It's okay, Doc. None of `ya could've known. It's all part `a God's fucked up plan," and then began convulsing.

In the vault, Michael cried at witnessing the torment within his grandson. Within Ken, Mikail cried too, and when Ken went unconscious, the last thing he saw were his nephilim father's tears.

Mikail took Ken's hand and said, "You redeemed me, though I did not deserve it. For the brief moment your Avatar was within me, I became aware of your true self and everything about you and realized how wrong I was. I was everything you said – a petulant child of Michael. It pains me to see you in such agony. You must let go. Prolonging your life serves no purpose. Go, with all my love, my son."

Albrecht added, "With all our love, Ken, become what God intends."

Each former bearer touched him, and Ken stilled as breath left his body. Michael watched intently, and though he cried, his expression remained placid. Ken's soul then left his body, and its heavenly light reflected in Michael's eyes.

A small pop echoed in the vault and Michael's gaze caught an opened puzzle box resting on a nearby pedestal. A memory sphere emerged from it and bobbed gently over the box. The vault's warding prevented Uriel from sensing Ken's soul, so Uriel did not come; however, Thomin appeared. He reacted in anger at Michael and Ken's presence, but before any outburst, he saw the memory sphere and stopped cold. The puzzle box was his first treasure, given to him by his Father when the vault was created, and he had cherished it throughout his entire existence.

The memory sphere entered Thomin's forehead with blinding speed and he went rigid as each memory returned. Not only the memories of placing the Gifts and the purpose of each, but also a conversation he had with his Father.

*

Moments after Allenor left, The Dove summoned Thomin, one of His first children of the second creation. Tall and stately, Thomin appeared and bowed. Reverently, he said, "I am here, Father."

The Dove smiled to say, "You have a special purpose, my child. Something vital... a task that will carry through the entirety of the arc of time. Take these Gifts, keep them in your vault, and once the Earth is completely formed, hide all but one."

Thomin bowed and said, "Yes, Father."

The Dove said, "There is one more thing, child..., these Gifts are a mechanism to save creation. You will place them, and eventually they will be found. Some will be found by those not intended for their use, and they will become corrupted. One Gift, in particular, will become so corrupted that it will destroy its intended host. When that time comes, you must choose whether to restore the Gifts to their purest state while protecting the vault and its treasures."

Thomin asked, "How must I accomplish this?"

The Dove said, "You must sire a nephilim. Like you, your child will be uniquely able to guide, without being destroyed, one of my most precious treasures. You and your child, together, can accomplish the tasks necessary to save creation."

Thomin seemed unsure, but his visage calmed as The Dove removed the memory of their conversation and placed the first memory in the puzzle box.

*

Thomin nearly stumbled as all the memories within the puzzle box returned to him. His innocence was taken with their return, and Michael wasn't sure of the expression on his brother's face. Michael felt sorrow for his brother, but Ken's fate and all of creation rested in the next few moments.

"Thomin," he whispered, "we must act with haste."

Thomin cried out, "Ruviel! Come to me!"

Ruviel reacted to the voice and knew Thomin's memory had returned to him. For his entire existence, Ruviel kept his father's identity a secret. Even Istariel and his cousins did not know, lest Luke or another power destroy him, or worse, use him against his father. Relief and trepidation filled him as he appeared before Thomin, saying, "I am here, Father."

Thomin saw Ken on the floor with his soul hovering over his chest. He had seen Ken's soul which had been a combination of his own and the half-nephilim Brad Wilson. It was different now, and his Avatar and Gift warred with one another. He remembered the day he helped Allenor create the Gift of Divinity...

*

The great hall of Heaven, filled with the Father's light, was so bright there were no shadows. Like liquid, His light filled everything, and angels from every hierarchy lined the walls to bathe in it. His throne, crafted by Malachiel, caught the light and condensed it into a golden fluid that flowed down to a fountain. While in his vault, Thomin heard his Father's whisper, "Thomin, my child, come to me," and he instantly appeared in the great hall.

God said, "Fill the chalice from the fountain. Convey it to the Remnant at his forge. Once he is finished it will be another of your treasures, for it will have held my light and will possess unrealized potency."

Thomin saw the chalice on the lip of the fountain. As one of the few among all heavenly beings able to touch the fountain, he held the chalice under a small flow until it filled, and then he vanished.

*

The Companion alerted Allenor to Thomin's presence. The Gift he crafted required his full attention, so Allenor did not immediately acknowledge Thomin. With no preamble, Thomin announced, "Father bade me bring you this chalice, filled with His light. To what purpose?"

Thomin hoped that in addition to the chalice, Allenor was crafting a treasure that would rest in his vault. Ignoring the archangel until his task was complete, Allenor finally turned and said, "My apologies, angel. Origin forbids me to speak of my tasks."

Allenor could not touch the chalice without being destroyed, so he employed a delicate pair of tongs to take it from Thomin's hands. Slowly he turned, careful not to spill its contents, and poured the light into the Gift that floated over his forge. The brightness was blinding yet Allenor's eyes darkened to allow him to see. Thomin observed quietly and noted that nine other orbs in receptacles around the room were reacting to the one Allenor was working on. To himself, Allenor muttered, "So much yet to do. Difficult without my brothers, but I must persevere." Once he finished pouring the light and sealing the Gift, Allenor stood to his full height. Towering over Thomin, he spoke directly to God, "Origin, it is complete." He sounded weary, not only of his body but of his soul.

Still holding the chalice in his tongs, Allenor returned it to Thomin who held it reverently. Turning his back, Allenor said, "I must rest. Farewell, angel."

In the first creation, Allenor held the title of Maker. No word existed in the second creation to convey the true concept of what he did and what he was. Thomin only knew the great being created objects of power for his Father, objects which Thomin coveted as part of his province. Elated by his new treasure to guard he vanished and appeared in his vault to set the chalice on a prominent pedestal so he could observe it. There were not many objects yet, but Father assured him there would be more soon. Beside the chalice sat the puzzle box, the first treasure in his vault.

Thomin never touched the chalice again. Its beauty was enough, and for eons he stared, enamored by it, even after his memories of the Gifts were gone. Over time, tiny droplets of God's light, too small to see individually, trickled down the inside of the chalice to pool at the bottom. This minuscule drop remained in the cup, a drop that would not come into play for billions of years, yet when it did, it could save everything.

**

The chalice containing a single drop of God's light sat a few feet away from Thomin, and he knew what had to be done. He embraced Ruviel and with contrition, said, "Forgive me."

Despite everything going on, Ruviel felt an elation and belonging he had never known. God had spoken to him after his birth and told him this day would come, but to keep the knowledge private. With bright tears of joy, Ruviel said, "There is nothing to forgive. What must I do?"

Thomin went to another pedestal where a book rested. He had never opened it, for there had been no need, and while he was so innocent, there was no desire. The Book of Fate, containing the knowledge of both creations, was on the pedestal. Opening the book to the last few pages, he read the language of the first creation which chronicled everything in existence. The blank pages filled as he read, and he became aware of everything that had happened in the last days up to the present, which continued to unfold as he watched.

Thomin said, "You must take Kenneth Habbersham and the chalice to his brothers. The chalice shall restore their Gifts. Once they are again whole, he can be resurrected."

Ruviel asked, "But what of you? Can you not come with me?"

Thomin said, "I must remain to protect the vault. The egg is not opening, yet Elegroth still sings. If he can attain enough power he still can destroy everything and bring forth a lesser creation of his own making. He knows there is power to accomplish this in these treasures and I must stand against him. I will give you time to complete your endeavor."

*

Ruviel could not carry Ken and hold the chalice, so he called out to creation: Istariel, Alariel, Telcharan, Orophir... I need you! Make haste!

Istariel, Alariel, and Telcharan appeared and saw Ruviel's tears. Istariel asked with concern: Are you well, cousin?

Ruviel smiled: I am. My father is returned to me.

Telcharan, to Michael: The earthly family of The Order are in Heaven with my father. They are safe.

Orophir appeared and took in everything. He had never been in Thomin's vault, only in the cave outside its doors. To him, the objects were wondrous, and he sensed their power. Among the objects, he saw the unawakened duplicate of his dagger.

Thomin saw disbelief in his gaze: It has been waiting for you.

Istariel interjected: The gem cannot be awakened without Orophir sacrificing himself, and I shall not allow that to happen again.

Thomin: There will be no need for sacrifice.

From within his sleeve Thomin withdrew Elohim's Wyrd: Give me the awakened dagger. The Wyrd will recognize the differences and bring them into harmony. Orophir and the daggers must remain with me to fend off the fallen archon. The rest of you follow Ruviel.

Thomin spoke purposefully with no trace of his childlike innocence. To Ruviel, he thought: Go, with my full blessing.

With the sound of fluttering wings Michael vanished, returning to Malachiel's forge in Heaven, where he found Gabriel, Uriel, and Raphael awaiting him. Ruviel, holding the chalice, and Istariel cradling Ken in his arms, vanished along with Alariel and Telcharan, to appear amidst the chaos of The Order combating a third of the infinite host that made up Elegroth's army.

*

Glowing like a sun amidst the army of darkness, The Order held. Their Avatars made them equal to the task. Adam and Zach, without Avatars, fed their power to their brothers, making them more than the sum of their individual selves. Though more powerful than ever before, they still were not enough without Ken to annihilate Elegroth's army nor the fallen archon should he return. They could hold him off but not defeat him. Forming a circle, back to back, the eleven men fought, enhanced faintly from Ken's presence in the soul lantern. Their forms were glorious to behold as they acted against this previously inconceivable evil. From nowhere, their nephilim cousins appeared within their circle. They nearly faltered at the sight of Ken with his soul hovering above his chest, cradled in Istariel's arms.

Brad: Ken!

Anger raged in Brad, mostly at God, but he also feared for his husband. Ken's face looked pale but peaceful, and in that state Brad found him more glorious than ever. Although they cried in their hearts for their captain whom they knew had died, they were soldiers created for this war. Ken's third death was a part of Bao's prophecy, setting into motion powers that had slept for nearly the entire arc of time. Istariel gently lay Ken down, and Ruviel set the chalice beside him.

Istariel: Greetings, cousins.

Kevin: What's the plan? We can't let up!

Ruviel: Hold but another moment.

Ruviel sent a private thought to Istariel, who smiled: Yes. It shall end as it began. Come, cousins, let us begin.

Remiel sent Lane an image of the morning Ken and Brad came into their nephilim heritage.

*

Ken and Brad knew something was about to happen; their instincts screamed `danger' as loudly as ever. They couldn't yet see the giant robed figures standing outside the boxing ring. Even standing on the floor, the top rope of the ring only came to the waist of the tall figures.

Istariel: It is time.

Ruviel: We must hold.

Telcharan: Against a third of the infinite host?

Alariel: We will not be alone. We must prevail.

Istariel: The doctor's protections will help, but even he is unaware of what is about to descend upon us.

Each of the nephilim stood on one side of the ring, their long arms outstretched with their fingertips touching.

Istariel: Let us begin.

Bowing their heads reverently, the chorus of their mental voices began the age-old incantation.

We stand outside Time, in a place not of Earth, joined together as One. By all thy Holy Angels, by the powers of Light, we call Thee to guard and defend these men from all perils, O Most High.

The leader of the four sent his thoughts out to the Universe, his voice loud and clear.

Istariel: Four Corners, I Call Thee to me!

*

Raising his head, now looking to the Heavens, Istariel intoned: Hail, Mighty Uriel, Archangel and Protector of the North. Angel of Death, Protector of the Nether Shores, Power of Earth, Life, Patience, and Strength, I greet you now in perfect Love and perfect Trust. Changeless power of unending change, in steadfastness and strength, I bless the element of Earth and call upon you to gather here with me.

As soon as the nephilim started the ritual, the sky over Pheonix changed. The night shifted subtly to reveal bright stars and the vastness of the heavens.

Ruviel continued: Hail, Mighty Raphael, Archangel and Protector of the East! Healer, Guardian of Wind and Tempest, Power of Air, Intellect, Thought, Intuition, and Imagination, I greet you now in perfect Love and perfect Trust. As you carry the seeds of life across the land, as you bring the moisture of the storms to the shore, join me in all your gentle and powerful ways. I bless the element of Air and call upon you to gather here with me.

Alariel continued: Hail Michael, Mighty Archangel, and Protector of the South. Defender, Keeper of the Gates of Eden, Power of Fire, Feeling, Passion, and Determination, I greet you now, in perfect Love and perfect Trust. Flaming One, Bright Warrior, Wild courage, Lion-strength, I bless the element of Fire and call upon you to gather here with me.

Lastly Telcharan finished the incantation: Hail, Mighty Gabriel, Archangel and Protector of the West. Herald and Voice of the Most High, Power of Water, Emotion, Love, and Intervention, I greet you now, in perfect Love and perfect Trust. Water, soft and yielding, formless and flowing, you are the blood coursing through our veins. I bless the element of Water and call upon you to gather here with me.

Their nephilim voices, resonating in unison between their minds and the first creation, intoned: Amen.

The four archangels, protectors of Ken and Brad and the entire team, wrapped and intertwined their wings to form a shield around the men as they fought. The Four Corners of creation could not touch the second creation; however, Elegroth's demons were a mix of the two, and could not cross their barrier. This shield also dampened the noise so that quiet fell among the men. Brad took Ken from Istariel and held his limp form.

Kevin: Again, what's the plan?

Ruviel: Restore the souls of your brothers to their former state.

Lane: On it. Bry...

The sight of Ken's soul, whole and intact, affected them. They had not been alone since their souls were originally split by Aaron over forty years ago, and through Bill's Avatar, they felt Brad and Ken's isolation. It was the same isolation Brad felt all those years ago when Ken had been imprisoned by Dr. Cromwell, but now much stronger.

*

Bryan's Gift sparked emerald power as Huginn and Munnin fluttered their feathers across Bryan's forearms. Lane shone brightly as he listened for the song of Ken and Brad's combined souls. Drawing from the life energy Bryan called, Lane altered the music within his two brothers and Brad felt the familiar comfort as Ken's presence once again became a part of him.

Ruviel: Combine your Gifts. They are all present and strain to be together, even amongst their corruption.

Brad: What about Ken?

Ruviel: Once the Gifts are restored, you can heal him.

Within the protection of the Four Corners of the second creation, the ten Gifts created by Allenor at God's behest became one. Lane recoiled from the discordant sound they made proving their corruption. The desecration within Ken's was so extensive it began spreading to the others, but Ruviel upturned the chalice, and the combined orb pulled the remaining single droplet of God's Divinity to itself.

Everything went white.

***

The Trinity watched events unfold.

Henry, Drew, and Eleneth were at the center of everything. The Gifts were being restored, yet the egg was still not open, and the doors were gone—the two creations touched and were destroying one another.

The arcs of time were unraveling, rivers were roiling and branches were shattering, and through it all the words of Lane's song, The Humbling River, the first song given to him by his Avatar, were heard throughout both creations. Lane's song and Bao's prophecy held true - God's plan was in motion and could not be stopped.

When the Ten become Five and the Five become One, and a Darkness returns to Light,

A fortnight from the second birth of the Twice Born

The Circle will Fall by The Master's hand.

If the Mantle passes back from whence it came before the Circle falls

A New Order will arise – if not, Darkness will Reign until the Dragon awakes!

The New Order prevailed yet the Curse of Eden subsists, held at bay by the second redeemer.

While lost memories stir, the remnants of the first creation hold the seed of a third, protected by the children of dragons.

Three doors bar the way but one with no key or handle is the path to the last Gift. The Mantle cries, but cannot rest until the captain's third death, when it will drink with the other Gifts and be pure again. Only then can the breath of three dragons open the shell, a vessel waiting to be filled by the song of one power or the other.

Three powers of light oppose three of darkness. One will shatter the balance and allow the second redeemer to vie against the curse and seek its salvation.

If the light prevails, a new Trinity will arise, or else darkness will swallow all.

Email: Brad Townsend - bookofloagaeth@gmail.com

Twitter: BATownsend_Author @BookofLoagaeth (this is my official `author' Twitter, but the one I use every day is Brad A. Townsend (@Southguy49).  It's an 18+ NSFW Account as you can imagine, but that's where I hang out.  It's my only social media presence at this time other than TikTok, but I only watch videos there and don't post anything.)

(I'm no longer on Facebook)

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