The Gifts

The Order Chapter 13

The Order

Copyright © 2018 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.

Chapter Thirteen

Taliesin found the perfect girl. She had raw musical talent, but by the time he was through with her she would be a genius. Her parents started her on violin lessons when she was very young while still living in China, so she had some rudimentary skill. Born to an affluent family who had high hopes for her musical education, and they spared no expense in her childhood lessons. She could not have been more perfect for his needs.

Taliesin, in looking for a hook to draw Lane in, knew Lane had expressed interest in learning to play the violin. He had mentioned it to the music store clerks on more than one occasion so the girl would play her part flawlessly in capturing his attention.

Bao, the young girl, would be ready soon enough. He also needed to work on his Binding for Lane's friend Bryan. Most of Taliesin's attempts to learn anything about Lane and Bryan had failed. Aaron and Albrecht warded them well, but no matter how well protected they were Taliesin was a master of subtlety, and he was patient and clever. He thoroughly scanned the memories of anyone he found that came in contact with Lane or Bryan and learned as much as he could from each person. He found it interesting, but not surprising, that no one seemed to know anything significant about either one of them. Aaron and Albrecht had trained them well.

Taliesin knew Lane and Bryan would sense danger from him, but Bao was innocent and would have no conscious awareness of her part in his plan, so they should not detect any inherent risk from her. He could not be too careful though and would use glyphs to make doubly sure that neither of them would sense anything.

Based on the pattern of Lane's visits in the past he was due back to the music store soon, even if it was just to browse. A sense of urgency churned in Taliesin's gut for the first time in many years, knowing the relief he longed for above all else might be near at last; his own death.

In preparing Bao, Taliesin entered her Mind, visiting her childhood memories and altering her life to suit his needs. He became her childhood instructor and spent years in a Construct within her Mind, driving her until she was nearly as good as himself.

The Binding for Bryan was more difficult. From what little Taliesin discerned Lane was incredibly strong Mentally, so he assumed Bryan must be as well. They both looked physically imposing and incredibly hot, but he wasn't planning on fighting or sleeping with either one of them.

Taliesin learned from Aaron a long time ago that raw strength didn't always matter. Enough weavings spun together were nearly unbreakable, and he was a master weaver with his plots, schemes, and his Powers. The threads of his Binding were of another world, one he would send Bryan deep into, built on his own memories, and he would never return unless Lane did as Taliesin wished... accept the Gift and free him to die.

Bryan might not return regardless. Taliesin was, perhaps, a little overzealous in his Binding, but at that point it didn't matter. Once Lane said `yes,' Taliesin didn't care what happened after that, as long as he got what he wanted.

<><><> 

After recent events with Bill and Kevin and the fight with the black-suited man, the guys were on overdrive. Their training schedules were heavier than ever, and they stayed on high alert. Brad and Ken and all the guys left the Lab tired each night but feeling good about their progress.

That evening, Ken and Brad were talking in their kitchen. While Brad cooked, Ken sat on the counter sipping a beer and keeping him company.

You know B, I was thinkin'...

Brad smirked.

Oh no...

Laughing, Ken retorted: Shut it punk. We need `ta have another get-together with the guys, doc, and Albrecht. We haven't had one in a while and with everythin' that's been goin' on it would be nice `ta kick back as a family for a night. Whatch'ya think?

You had me at `I was thinkin'...'

Brad put the lid on the skillet and set the timer.

Dinner will be ready in half an hour.

Brad moved to the sink to wash his hands, and as he dried them Ken reached over and grabbed Brad's bicep, pulling him close.

Come here a sec, B.

Brad moved over, positioning himself between Ken's outspread thighs. He put his arms around Ken's solid shoulders as Ken's hands went to his waist, pulling him in tighter. Once Brad was close, Ken hooked his legs around Brad's waist, trapping him. They looked into each other's eyes, crystal blue into emerald green. Brad inhaled Ken's scent, and his heart beat a little faster. He smelled the heat coming off Ken's body, and it turned him on.

God, B, you're one handsome fucker.

Ken moved his hands from Brad's waist and untucked his t-shirt. He slid one arm up inside Brad's shirt and around to the middle of his back and moved his other hand under Brad's shirt up to the center of his hard, furry chest. Spreading his fingers out, Ken gently rubbed his hand through the hair on Brad's chest.

As soon as Ken's hands touch his skin, Brad got hard. He leaned forward until their foreheads touched and with a contented sigh, Brad closed his eyes, losing himself in the touch of his lover. The feeling of Ken's hands bracing his body, the warmth and pressure of Ken's hands against his bare skin sent Brad to another place. Ken continued caressing him for a minute, wanting him to relax and feel good.

They were already Linked Mind to Mind, but Brad Opened their energy centers one by one and then brought them together until their Souls were One, letting Ken feel the effect of his touch.

After a minute Brad pulled Ken's shirt off, and then his own. They felt the heat of each other radiating against their bare skin. Holding each other close, they pressed their bare torsos together, tightly wrapping their arms around one another. The roughness of their cheeks rubbing together sent a thrill through both of them that went straight to their dicks.

Fuck B, you feel so good.

You know, you feel kinda good against me too.

The corners of Brad's mouth rose up in a smirk.

Yeah, kinda. Okay, maybe just a little.

Ken smiled as he pulled back far enough to make eye contact. Emotions ran deep between them, and the comfort of their Mind's and body's touching was exquisite.

Brad put his arms back around Ken's shoulders and moved one hand to the back of Ken's head. Running his fingers through Ken's short hair, he guided their mouths together to start a deep, passionate kiss. As soon as their tongues touched it was like an electric shock went through them, and they both drew in a sharp breath.

They were both hard, the outlines of their erections clearly visible through their jeans. Brad already had a small wet spot visible from his excitement. Ken nimbly slid off the counter so they were both standing and started to take Brad's jeans off. He managed to undress them without breaking the kiss, both of them smiling and laughing at his efforts until he finally succeeded.

Once naked they returned to a full-body press, hugging one another tight and kissing passionately. Their dicks stood straight up, trapped between them, and they both made small grinding motions with their hips, smearing their precum between them.

Ken grabbed a small bottle of extra virgin olive oil on the counter, took off the top and poured some into the palm of his hand. He liberally coated his dick and reached around and spread some on Brad's opening. Lifting Brad up effortlessly, Ken lowered him onto his waiting erection. Brad grabbed hold of Ken's shoulders, wrapping his legs around his waist, helping Ken to guide himself in.

They both sighed with pleasure as Ken's full length slid inside his lover. Brad shuddered with pleasure as Ken's shaft rubbed across his prostate.

Oh, fuck. Damn, Ken, you feel so good inside me.

With their Souls One Ken knew what Brad meant, and the emotions behind his words. The feeling of fullness, of Ken being inside him, sent Brad to another place not just physically but emotionally. Ken's own emotions were just as powerfully intimate as he felt himself inside his lover, connecting their bodies just as their Minds and Hearts were.

Ken walked them to the couch and lowered Brad onto his back, thrusting slowly and steadily. Dinner would be ready soon, so they didn't try to prolong things too much. Ken gradually built up speed, and within ten minutes they were both sweating and breathing hard and clinging to one another.

Ken, always the more verbal of the two, kept up an intermittent commentary of how hot Brad was, how great a lover he was, and how good his ass felt. Brad expressed his emotions through their Link and touching Ken's body, running his hands over Ken's chest, shoulders and arms, and through his hair.

At the last minute Ken amped up their physical bond, and it drove them both over the top. Brad felt the physical rush from taking Ken's load, and Ken was aware of the change immediately, knowing it was safe to lower his full weight on Brad and let himself be held as they both rode out the pleasure of their orgasms.

Brad loved it when he could take Ken's full weight, and kept his arms and legs around Ken, running his hands soothingly and lovingly over Ken's broad muscled back.

Ken's Mental voice sounded totally relaxed.

I love you, B. You're the most amazin' man, and you're mine.

I love you too, Ken. We're amazing together. We belong with each other, to each other. Damn, I could stay with you like this forever.

I expected somethin' more smart-assy.

I'm taking it easy on you.

Ken knew the timer was about to go off in the kitchen so he lifted himself up, kissing his way down Brad's chest licking up as much of Brad's cum that had smeared between them as he could. The rush of his Mind Opening more fully was intense.

Ken: I'll get a warm towel. Let's eat dinner naked and have another round after we eat. How about it, stud?

Brad smiled and thought: I can't wait.

Brad checked on dinner while Ken got a warm damp towel for each of them. He loved wiping Brad down with the cloth, and by the time he was done Brad was hard again, and they both chuckled. Ken wiped himself off while Brad set the plates, and naked, they sat beside each other and ate their dinner.

They continued idly chatting in their Minds, staying deeper than normal while they ate.

This is great B, what is it?

It's from one of those meal cards from the grocery store. It looked good, and it's pretty healthy and easy to make. I want to show it to Bry and see if he can add any tweaks to make it better. Before you ask, I'm not putting Velveeta in it.

Ken had to laugh because that was his first suggestion. Between the two of them, they devoured the entire pan of chicken and even had a little ice cream for dessert.

Ken: It's startin' `ta get cold in the mornin's. We should probably cover the pool tomorrow and get it winterized. It's supposed `ta be cool this weekend too, so we'll need 'ta get some wood for the fire pit for the party with the guys. And, we definitely need to get stuff `ta make smores.

Brad: Sounds good. I'll talk to Bryan tomorrow about the menu, I'm sure he'll want to do the grilling. You know what my favorite part of winter is?

Ken: Gettin' `ta snuggle with me? `Ya know now that you put off as much heat as I do, that works both ways.

Ken got that little kid grin on his face.

You can keep my feet warm now.

When they finished eating they both got up to clear off the table and put everything in the dishwasher. After, they went into the den and got on the couch together. Ken laid down first, then pulled Brad back against him, wrapping him up snugly in his arms and legs, making sure the blanket and the remote for the TV were within easy reach.

It's still kinda early, B. Do you wanna get straight to it or do you wanna watch some TV or a movie for a bit? I know we have some stuff on the DVR we need `ta watch before it gets too full.

Brad rested his hands on Ken's forearms that were wrapped around his waist and leaned his head back on Ken's shoulder and chest.

As much as I want to watch TV, I think I'd just rather stay here with you and talk for a bit if that's alright.

You know it's more'n okay with me. Bein' with you like this, in our heads, is better than anythin', except feelin' your sexy body against me... so when I get both, I'm one happy camper.

Brad twisted around put his head on Ken's chest. They atayed quietly together letting their hands roam, loving the feel of their naked bodies touching.

After a few minutes, Brad raised his head high enough to look at Ken's face. Their eyes met, and they smiled. Brad stared intently, his eyes roaming over Ken's handsome face, taking in every detail. After a minute, Ken's brow furrowed with a curious look on his face.

B, what are you lookin' at?

You.

Why?

Because I never get tired of looking at you.

The smile on Ken's face warmed Brad's heart, and Brad knew Ken felt the same way. Ken ran his hands through Brad's short hair, caressing his head and occasionally rubbing his ears.

I love you, B. I'll never get tired of sayin' it, so I hope you never get tired of hearin' it.

There was another long pause where neither one of them said anything. After a minute Ken's body started to shake, and it took Brad a second to realize Ken was laughing.

What's so funny?

We are. When did we get so mushy? Not that I'm complainin'.

We got mushy when we learned to do this.

Putting his hand over Ken's Heart, Brad Opened the doorway to their Souls and a bright golden light arced between them. Their Souls, Minds, and Hearts blended together and they briefly became One. Brad slipped them back apart after a few seconds, but their eyes were wet from the intimacy and the emotional rush.

Ken continued chuckling softly, and his eyes had a twinkle in them.

You fucker. You know I can't resist you when you do that. Look what you did to me.

Brad felt Ken's dick pressed between them, now fully hard and throbbing.

That was the plan.

<><><> 

Lane and Bryan left the Lab along with the rest of the guys. After a long day of training they were both tired but feeling good about their progress.

After sparring with Ken, Bryan was stiff and sore. With Ken so much stronger and physically tougher after his last Awakening, it hurt more when they practiced. Bryan, being the quiet, stoic man he was, didn't say anything about it and never complained. Ken was the best fighter among them, and Bryan liked to push himself when he and Ken were in the ring together.

When Bryan took off his shirt as they changed clothes, Lane saw the stiffness in his body and the bruises. After all their years together and keeping Bryan in good physical condition Lane could read his body like a book.

Lane crawled on the bed on his hands and knees towards Bryan.

Bry, come over here.

When Bryan looked over and saw Lane on the bed a hint of a smile crossed his handsome face. He popped the top button of his shorts as he moved over to the bed.

Turn around and sit down.

Bryan did as he was told and sat down with his back to Lane.

Lane looked down at Bryan's thickly muscled back and shoulders, his flawless tanned skin, and immediately got hard. Physically, Bryan was so handsome and perfect Lane could hardly stand it, but Bryan's looks coupled with his Mind and Soul made him irresistible. For all his size and strength, Bryan was the gentlest man Lane had ever met.

I can tell how sore you are, you big lug.

It's nothing.

No, it's something, to me anyway. You know I don't like it when you hurt.

Lane's eyes turned White, and small tendrils of Healing began emanating from his hands, soaking into his lover. He massaged Bryan's stiff body, using his hands to guide the flows, and rubbed away the soreness and bruises. Lane loved touching Bryan's body so much he took his time and continued for nearly half an hour.

Bryan closed his eyes, leaning his head back in pleasure as Lane's hands worked their magic. After the Healing, Lane's hands felt so good Bryan didn't want him to stop. With their energy centers Open Lane's emotions flowed into Bryan along with his touch and he was struck as always by how much Lane loved him, by how much they loved each other. Regardless of what the doctor did in binding their Souls together, there was more to it than that. Bryan believed with all his Heart that he and Lane were destined to be together, and even without the Program or The Order, they would have found each other. It wouldn't have been as good if they weren't in each other's Minds and Hearts as they were right then, but it still would have been great.

Lane's mischievous grin returned.

Alright. Now we can have some fun.

The glow around Lane's hands shifted from White to a brilliant red, and sexual energy traveled through his fingertips into Bryan's body wherever he touched. Immediately Bryan's skin flushed, his breath deepened, and blood rushed to his core making him rock hard.

Lane's body, his hard chest pressed against Bryan's back, added to his pleasure. Lane knew Bryan's body intimately; every ridge and dip, and striation of muscle. Lane played Bryan's body like he did any finely tuned instrument, strumming his pleasure centers with long practiced ease.

Bryan loved having his chest rubbed. It was a huge turn on for him, and Lane paid a lot of attention to his hard chest, outlining his muscles, rubbing his nipples, running his hands through the sparse but perfect hair, and cupping and kneading his solid pecs. Bryan's breath caught and he arched his back, pushing his chest out against Lane's hands. The red tendrils soaked into Bryan's body, turning him on and stoking the hot fires stirring in him with an even more powerful and immediate sense of sexual urgency. Lane took him to the brink of shooting so the slightest touch would have been enough to push him over the edge and start ejaculating.

Bryan's eyes turned White as he turned on their physical connection, and he chuckled at Lane's sudden intake of breath.

Two can play at that game, Little Buddy.

Lane was naked in no time, and when he pulled off Bryan's shorts it gave Bryan the small break he needed to recover his control. Lane crawled over him, looking down at his handsome face, incredible body, and his throbbing erection. He leaned over and grabbed the lube from their nightstand and in a few seconds, he slid down onto Bryan's waiting manhood.

After a minute Bryan turned them over and Lane wrapped his legs around Bryan's waist, and they made hot, hard, passionate love for nearly an hour. Each of them came multiple times before finally collapsing together on the bed in a big sweaty muscled heap. Lane kept their Hearts, Minds, and Souls tightly bound around each other the entire time their bodies were together.

Using his fingers Lane scooped up his cum covering their bodies and fed it to Bryan, Opening his Mind completely.

Lane snuggled close, resting his head on Bryan's chest so he could feel and hear his heartbeat. His fingers unconsciously mimicked the rhythm of Bryan's heartbeat on his abs.

Bry, I don't want to move.

Yeah, me either.

It's going to be getting cold soon. I think we both need to grow our beards out.

The only thing that can make you any better looking to me is you in a goatee.

You just like how it feels on your balls. You aren't fooling me one bit, you big perv.

Bryan chuckled and had a smile on his face, but he didn't disagree.

And you, you big fucker, look handsome as shit in a full beard.

If you say so, but you aren't fooling me either.

They stayed in bed a while longer, reluctant to pull apart. Lane kept his body draped over Bryan's, and Bryan kept his arms around Lane, holding him tight. After their stomachs growled for the third time, they decided to get up.

Bryan: You get the water hot in the shower, and I'll pull something out for dinner.

Naked, Lane went into the bathroom, and Bryan went down the hall towards the kitchen.

Just as Lane was pulling out a couple of towels to put in the warmer Bryan's presence disappeared. The cold, empty feeling hit Lane abruptly, causing him to stumble as he took off for the kitchen.

"Bryan!"

Lane ran through the house, looking around frantically in the kitchen, the garage, and back to their bedroom, but Bryan was gone. The house was sealed, so none of the doors could have been opened without the alarm system going off.

Lane's chest was tight with fear. There was no way the Enemy would get away with this if they were responsible! On top of his anxiety, anger quickly followed. There was panic as well but he pushed it down, not allowing it to affect his thinking. He needed to focus on finding Bryan.

Lane's eyes turned White as he cast his Mind and Soul out into the Heavens. Listening, he took the first sound he heard and let it fill him up. He would take in as much Power as he needed until he was as strong as he needed to be to reach Bryan, no matter where he was.

Lane's Mind expanded as Power built within him, and he pushed outward until his thoughts covered the entire city, searching for Bryan's presence. He had never tried to Shield against so many people before, and the noise and emotional overspill physically hurt. Lane continued pushing outward, desperation pushing him beyond his normal limits. He filled himself with so much Power his body ached. He was breathing hard, shaking and drenched in sweat. Tears ran down his cheeks, but his face was hard and determined. He wouldn't stop until he found Bryan or died trying.

Lane groaned in pain and clutched at his stomach as the brokenness of so many humans pushed against his Shields, but he continued.

Lane, stop.

A familiar voice filled his Mind, cutting through the pain and noise. The presence along with the voice soothed him somewhat, acting as a barrier against what he felt.

I can't! Bry's gone, and I have to find him!

He is safe. Stop, before you hurt yourself.

If he's safe why can't I feel him?

He's at the Tree, Lane. The Valley is protected, and you cannot reach him there.

Lane collapsed on the floor and released the energy. A hand gripped his shoulder and Lane opened his eyes to see the red-haired man with the ponytail kneeling over him.

"Are you alright?"

"Fuck no! Did that other guy take him?! The one who was with you before?"

"He did."

"Then why the fuck didn't he say anything?!"

"What Bryan is doing must be kept secret. I'm sorry you are so distressed. I came as soon as I was able but I was very far away, even for me. At least I stopped you before you shouted for the entire world to hear. That would have been a disaster."

"Why did you take him? What's going on?"

Brad's voice, tinged with concern, entered Lane's Mind.

Lane!? What's wrong? What are you doing?

"Damn. Brad felt what you were doing, which means others might have as well. Come with me."

Gabriel's hand tightened on Lane's shoulder and they disappeared.

<><><> 

Brad and Ken were still naked on the couch, wrapped around each other after their last bout of lovemaking. They lounged, recovering and resting in each other when Brad felt a powerful Mental surge. With Ken's Mind Open, he felt it too.

Immediately alert, Brad probed back and realized it was Lane. He knew Lane's Mind as well as his own after all their training together.

Lane!? What's wrong? What're you doing?

A few seconds after sending his thoughts the surge stopped, but Lane didn't respond.

Brad and Ken were both tense and alert, and as they were getting up off the couch Lane appeared on the floor with Gabriel leaning over him.

Lane was naked and sweaty, his eyes red and bloodshot. He looked confused for a second, then saw Ken and Brad and realized where he was.

Ken moved in front of Brad when they appeared, his first reaction to protect him, and he also started to reach towards Lane.

Gabriel calmly stated, "Be at ease, Ken. You have no reason to fear me."

Lane sounded angry and said, "Why the fuck did you bring me here?"

Ken asked, "Lane, is this the guy you told us about?"

"Yeah."

Ken and Brad moved over to Lane, and Gabriel stepped back as they protectively knelt by their friend. Lane was visibly upset, and Ken pulled him up into a sitting position, wrapping an arm over his shoulder and around his chest, pulling Lane back against him.

Ken's deep voice was filled with concern as he asked, "What's wrong, Lane?"

"Bry's gone. They took him."

Ken's handsome brow furrowed in anger, and he looked at Gabriel as he said, "Oh really?"

Ken let go of Lane and stood up aggressively.

"All of you need to calm yourselves. I apologize for the way things have gone this evening. None of this is happening as I would have liked. I can explain, but you should gather together, either here or at your Lab. I assure you Bryan is safe and will be back later tonight."

Looking at Gabriel, Brad asked him, "Who are you? And what's your connection to us? You told Lane you were our Protectors. What exactly does that mean?"

Two balls of light appeared in the den, startling Ken, Brad and Lane. Gabriel held up his hand in a placating motion and said, "They are friends."

The orbs quickly grew into the forms of two men. As with Gabriel, they were inhumanly handsome and charismatic. Both were dressed in nice but casual clothes and each wore a leather jacket, one black, and one dark brown.

Gabriel asked them, "Are we safe?"

Michael, the one in the black leather jacket, said, "I had to silence a few minions, but we are safe now. No alarm was given. We're fortunate Lane's little outburst didn't make more noise than it did."

Lane rarely got angry but his face went red, and he all but shouted, "Wait a damn minute. One of you kidnapped my boyfriend out of our house, and you expect me to be quiet about it?"

Lane's energy centers didn't just Open they ignited, and he started to glow as his eyes turned White. Thunder rolled through the clear, cloudless skies over the city.

Michael stared at Lane, but it was obvious he spoke to Gabriel, "Keep him under control. We cannot afford any childish tantrums."

Raphael, the man in the brown jacket, spoke for the first time.

"Lane, the timing of events tonight is crucial, and we have a very small window of opportunity in which to act. Our brother took Bryan because he had to... there was no time to explain. You will understand more soon. Our intent wasn't to cause you, Bryan, or any of your Brothers any distress. Please believe that."

Michael said, "Unless you wish to go naked, I suggest you get some clothes on. Alert the others to gather at your Lab. It is imperative the Enemy not be aware of our actions tonight so make sure everyone is careful."

He spoke with authority and turned his back on them, expecting obedience.

Brad brought Lane into the Link with him and Ken, then took them deep. With Ken's Mind Open, Brad pulled from them both and created a Shield he was sure they couldn't listen through.

Lane, are you okay?

Not really, but I will be. I'm sure they're telling the truth and Bry will be back soon. I just panicked when he disappeared. When our connection severed...

Yeah, I know man. I don't think they know what that does to us.

Brad and Ken both gave Lane the equivalent of a tight Mental hug.

Ken: The one guy is actin' like an asshole, but the other two seem okay. If they're our `Protectors,' I'm sure they don't mean any harm, but I get the impression the one guy doesn't like us or have much respect for us. We don't know what they can do or what they're capable of, so for now I say we go along with them. We need `ta learn as much as we can. Lane, stick close `ta me and B until Bryan is back.

Thanks, guys.

No problem. Now let's go get some clothes on and B can send out the word for everyone `ta meet at the Lab in an hour. Include the doc and Albrecht.

When Brad brought them back up Michael seemed furious, but Raphael smiled. He looked at Brad and said, "Well done. You're learning."

Ken said, "We'll go back and get dressed and send the word out for everyone `ta meet us in an hour."

<><><> 

An hour later all the guys minus Bryan sat at the conference table at the Lab. The doctor and Albrecht were there as well, and the doctor did not look happy.

Everyone wondered who their so-called `Protectors' were. The doctor knew they were not part of The Order, which begged the question of who they were and who sent them. He had his suspicions but held his thoughts closed, not wanting to convey his concerns to his charges.

The nine men stayed tightly Linked, supporting Lane and sharing their thoughts about what was happening. Brad was sure it had something to do with their next Awakening. It seemed evident since two of the strangers were directly involved in Lane and Bryan's last Awakening.

As they talked among themselves in their Minds, three balls of light appeared in front of the Ops board and quickly grew into Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel. As soon as they materialized Michael looked at the doctor and Albrecht and with a frown asked, "What are they doing here?"

Ken didn't like his attitude and spoke up, "We want them here. Is that a problem?"

The doctor moved in front of Michael and looked up at him, directly into his eyes. Michael seemed a giant compared to the doctor, but Aaron was not intimidated in the least.

"Before we proceed, I wish to know who you are and what your intentions are."

"I do not answer to you."

"Here, tonight, you will, or you will leave. These men are under my protection."

Michael's face darkened, and the air around him crackled with energy. The doctor seemed unaffected and continued to stare at Michael unflinchingly. Albrecht was tense and ready to go to his partners' aid if needed. Ken and the rest of the guys were prepared to intervene in a heartbeat if the man in the black leather jacket laid a finger on the doctor.

"You were unable to protect them the night of their Transformation. If we had not been there all of you would be dead."

The man in the brown jacket spoke up, "Michael, behave. This is their home. We should be courteous."

Looking at the doctor the man in the brown leather jacket said, "My name is Raphael, and my rude brother here is Michael. Lane has already met Gabriel, and Bryan is with our Brother Uriel."

The tension in the doctor skyrocketed at the mention of the names. His outward demeanor didn't change, but inside he was a taut wire.

"Thank you, Raphael. Many things now make sense."

"There is no need for concern, Aaron. We are here to help and Protect your charges. There is much we cannot tell you, and much we are not permitted to do, but we are here to assist you as we can and as we have been instructed. I must say Aaron, you have made our job far easier than it could have been. You have done a remarkable job, and I commend your efforts. These men are fortunate to have you in their lives."

"What are your intentions here tonight? For what purpose was Bryan taken to the Tree? Why did Uriel take him so secretly?"

Raphael replied, "Bryan must retrieve something for all of you."

Michael interjected, "The War between The Order and The Enemy has escalated. The rules that govern your engagements are broken and The Enemy has disregarded them. We are not a part of your conflict on Earth, however we are your Protectors. We are forbidden to match Power for Power in your Realm for fear of destroying what we protect. As much as it galls me, we must act in secret to avoid direct retaliation.

"The Master has felt fear for the first time in ages and sees something he never thought possible... his potential downfall at your hands. He is becoming desperate to destroy you and has slipped out of Time, looking forward, trying to find an outcome that suits his desires. We are taking advantage of his absence and are going to perform the Ceremony of your final Awakening as well as a ritual that will offer you additional protection against his perceptions and his minions. What we are going to do has not been attempted for nearly two thousand years, and if he were aware he would try to stop us."

The doctor asked, "If he is outside of Time as you say, how is it he will not see our actions tonight?"

Gabriel spoke with a hint of a smile on his face.

"While he is absent from his body we moved it forward in Time. This will delay his return and create a blind spot he will have difficulty seeing through, giving us enough time to complete our tasks tonight without interruption."

The doctor asked, "What is this ritual you wish to perform?"

Raphael answered, "We should wait until Bryan returns. You of all people Aaron know that words have Power. The less we speak of it, the better."

Brad piped up, "Well if it's going to be a long night I'm going to put on some coffee."

Brad's next comment was for Ken alone: Holy shit...

<><><> 

Ken moved over to Michael and said, "Thanks."

Michael glanced at him and turned away with a scowl on his face. The way Michael dismissed him, dismissed all of them, struck a chord of anger in Ken.

"Okay, Mikey, what's your beef?"

Michael spun around with a look of disbelief on his face and loudly said, "MIKEY!?"

"Well, if you're gonna act like a baby I might as well use your baby name. What is it with you guys? First, those Nephilim assholes with the attitude, and now you. I expected more."

Michael's face darkened as Ken spoke.

"Your arrogance..."

"My arrogance? Holy shit, Mikey, I'm surprised your head fits on this fuckin' planet! Look, bub, if you don't wanna be here, ask for reassignment from whoever gave you this job. We're thankful because the way I understand it none of us would be here if it weren't for you and your friends. But if your help isn't genuine, I'd rather not have it. I don't trust anyone who's bein' paid `ta watch my back."

Raphael and Gabriel listened to the conversation, quietly observing. Raphael looked concerned, but Gabriel had a hint of a smile on his face.

Michael turned to face Ken, his face a mask of anger.

Ken got right up in his face and said, "Go ahead, Mikey. I bet you hit like a girl... or worse yet, a mortal."

Michael was breathing heavily, his nostrils flaring in anger, but he restrained himself. In his human form, Michael stood nearly six feet five inches, towering over Ken at five foot ten, but Ken stared him down and held his own, not moving an inch.

"What's the matter, Mikey? You know, I saw a movie once where guys like you didn't have any balls. Is that true?"

Ken reached down and cupped Michael's crotch.

"Well fuck me, it is true!"

A sword appeared in Michael's hand, his knuckles white from the tightness of his grip.

Concern for Ken flashed through their Link when the sword appeared in Michael's hand. Brad was in the kitchen and didn't see it but sensed the surprise and anxiety in everyone. All of the guys in the room jumped to their feet, alert and ready to defend Ken.

Ken, what the fuck!?

It's okay, guys. I know what I'm doin', or at least I think I do. This is probably gonna hurt but stay out of it for now. Just be ready `ta back me up.

"A sword, Mikey? Seriously? Afraid of gettin' your hands dirty?"

"Do you wish to die, Kenneth Habersham?"

Raphael was about to intervene when Ken grabbed Michael's jacket with both hands, lifting him up and slamming him against the wall of the conference room so hard the concrete cracked exposing the reinforced steel beams in the wall. A crack of thunder filled the Heavens from the impact. Ken got right up in Michael's face, their noses almost touching.

"What I want Michael is for you `ta open your eyes! First off, I want you `ta know we aren't afraid of you. I want you `ta stop being a dick and get past whatever attitude you have! I don't give a rat's ass who you are, or where you're from or how high and mighty you think you are! Our lives are on the line here, my Brother's lives, and the man I love more than anythin'. The lives of countless people are at stake in this, and you think none of us matter or are worth your effort. Well we do, and we are, fucker. If you can't see that, we don't need or want your help. There are no little people, Michael! Everyone matters!"

As soon as Michael hit the wall Ken's eyes turned White, and his Avatar came to life on his shoulder. It was like a crack of thunder hit the room. Michael's eyes went wide and he gripped Ken's forearms, and he looked even more surprised when he couldn't pull Ken's hands away.

Ken's arms were steel beams, his muscles tight with veins clearly visible from the strength of his grip. The Light from Ken's Avatar was bright, running down his arms and into Michael. The Conviction in Ken's words ran deep, stirring thoughts and emotions in Michael's Heart that had been suppressed for eons.

The anger faded from his eyes, and when it did he removed Ken's hands effortlessly. Ken's eyes went back to their emerald green and as he stepped back, Michael released his grip.

Raphael glanced at Gabriel, murmuring, "I think their Awakening was not our sole reason for being here."

Turning to Michael, Raphael said, "Welcome back, Brother."

Michael straightened his jacket and held out his hand to Ken, who took it. When their eyes met this time, Ken saw a depth in them that astounded him. The being in front of Ken was older than Creation, the history of his existence evident in his eyes. In Michael's countless years, stretched over time, he had been mostly alone and had lost many Brothers in the cosmic battles he fought. He had become jaded and arrogant, coming to think of himself as better than mortals, and even his Nephilim offspring. Ken's Avatar touched him, rekindling the characteristics that made Michael the leader he used to be, reminding him of who he was.

"Not many have dared to touch me in that manner, Ken, and lived. I commend your bravery and your commitment to your Brothers and the people of this world. Their faith in you is well placed. Even in their ignorance, the mortals of this realm owe you an enormous debt as a champion on their behalf."

He matched Ken's stare and said in a quiet voice, "I would expect nothing less with your lineage. Thank you."

Ken grinned and asked, "So we're good?"

"Yes, we're `good.'"

"Whew. I was afraid I was gonna get my ass kicked there for a minute."

Michael smiled, but he said, "Well if you call me Mikey or grab my balls ever again, I will atomize you."

Ken had no clue whether Michael was joking and decided to change the subject.

<><><> 

After the interchange between Ken and Michael, while waiting for Bryan and Uriel to return, Gabriel watched Lane, noticing how close his friends stayed to him. They comforted him, often keeping a hand on his back or shoulder, or ruffling his hair when they walked by. Gabriel saw their bonds and the love they held for one another, although they learned quickly how to Shield themselves even from him.

Everyone looked up when Gabriel entered the kitchen, and the verbal conversation stopped, but he was sure they continued talking in their Minds.

Gabriel looked at Lane and said, "I'd like to talk with you if you don't mind."

Ken moved over and put his hands on Lane's shoulders in a protective manner.

Lane looked curious and said, "Sure."

"Come with me to the gym."

Lane was aware of everybody's concern and said, "It's alright, guys, I trust him."

Gabriel led the way and as they passed the entrance to the locker room he casually said, "Why don't you get the guitar you keep here?"

"I don't feel much like playing right now."

"Please, humor me."

Lane retrieved the guitar he kept in the locker room. Gabriel raised an eyebrow when he saw it.

Lane looked a bit sheepish and said, "Yeah, I know. I keep meaning to bring in a better one. This one was with me during the war though and has a lot of memories with it. It deserves its own medal after all its been through. I want to get it re-finished."

"There is something I wish to show you, Lane. The last time we were together I taught you how to Listen, and you learned that lesson well. The music you shape from what you hear is inside you. You could share it with others, but you seldom do. It would be easy with your Brothers, Mind to Mind, but I'd like to show you another way. Sometimes you want to make music outside yourself for others to hear."

Gabriel held out his hand and a beautiful guitar coalesced out of the air. He strummed a few chords and the sound was rich and perfectly tuned.

His eye's wide Lane blurted out, "How did you do that? Is it real?"

Gabriel held it out for Lane to touch and said, "For all intents and purposes it is. You can touch it and feel it, but only I can play it. When you learn how to do this only you can play the instruments you create."

"Show me."

Lane quickly mastered the technique, and once he had his guitar he and Gabriel played together. Lane lost himself in the challenge as Gabriel pushed him to his limits.

Gabriel accomplished his goal of distracting Lane from his worry over Bryan. He did not like seeing his grandson distressed, but he also wished to show Lane another of his talents. A grandfather needed to have bragging rights among his peers, after all!

<><><> 

A few hours later Michael and Raphael returned, and Gabriel was called away to talk with them. Lane released his guitar but couldn't wait to show Bryan what he'd learned to do! Even as thoughts of Bryan filled his Mind their connection returned, so abrupt and intense it was almost overwhelming, causing Lane's breath to catch.

Ken heard his reaction and knew something just happened. He glanced over just in time to see Lane taking off at full speed back to the main Lab.

"Oh, fuck! Bry's back!"

Bry!

Lane flew into the Lab and saw Bryan standing with Uriel. When Bryan disappeared he was naked, but apparently Uriel provided him minimal clothing. What he wore looked more like wrapped animal skins than pants. Bryan was still naked from the waist up, and his tanned, muscular body slick with sweat, and his hair plastered to his head. There was a leather strap over his shoulder and chest attached to a satchel across his back.

The sight of Bryan's handsome face and muscled body strongly affected Lane. Even more, it was the stoic presence of his lover that was in him again, connected to his Soul. To Lane, Bryan never looked hotter or more handsome than in that moment. He literally threw himself against Bryan, and his momentum was so strong Bryan actually moved back half a step as he caught Lane in his arms.

Neither of them had any coherent verbal thought for nearly a minute, delving into one another with their energy centers Open and knotted together. Bryan was still filled with Life from the Tree and Lane was charged up from playing earlier with Gabriel. Their Power and love for one another permeated the Link and emanated out like a hot fire.

Michael, Raphael, Uriel, and Gabriel were shocked at what came off Bryan and Lane... it felt like Home. More importantly, it felt like Home on Earth, which had not occurred for thousands of years. Looks passed between them, surprised at their own reaction. It ignited Hope in them... Hope they didn't even realize was missing until it was once again present. Their grandchildren were teaching them lessons they didn't realize they needed.

Raphael made his voice heard to his Brothers: We have fallen further than we thought. I've missed this feeling on this Plane. It is another sign of coming changes and how far reaching they will be.

The rest of the guys gave Bryan and Lane a minute before coming forward to touch Bryan in welcome. Even though they were Linked, each of them felt a need to touch him and reaffirm his presence. Everyone grabbed him in a hug, or an arm or patted his back or squeezed his shoulder along with their Mental and emotional affirmations.

Bryan was touched, and even though he knew it in his head, the freshness and depth of their emotions warmed him deep inside.

When Lane pulled back and looked, he realized Bryan's body was covered with small lacerations and bruises, and he had dark smudges of dirt all over him. To Ken, Rick, Kevin, and Pat there was also an odd smell to him, a musky, leathery smell.

Bryan was aware of their curiosity and thought: I had to check on Leroy while I was there.

Brad thought: Leroy? You named the creature that can destroy all of Creation `Leroy'?

Yeah. What's wrong with Leroy?

Sometimes you scare me, Bry.

A ripple of laughter went through the Link, and Bryan's face broke into an uncharacteristic grin.

Alright, Fuckers. I have to pee something fierce, then I'm going to jump in the shower. Lane, I need you and Dar to make a quick trip to the house and get something out of the garage while I clean up. It's a little leather pouch I have stashed in a small cooler. The cooler is under some bags of manure I have piled in the corner close to the water heater. Get that pouch but don't open it.

While Bryan passed on his instructions, for the second time that day Lane wove flows of energy that washed through Bryan, restoring him. The soreness of his muscles from climbing the mountain and all the tiny cuts and scrapes Healed over, scarless. Even though Lane was still amped up, everyone `chipped in' with Bryan's recovery.

Bryan closed his eyes and took a deep breath as their touch spread through him. He was a very independent man in many ways, but the attachment and love he held for his Brothers and especially for Lane was the most important thing in his life. All of them felt his emotional response and his appreciation, not only for what they did but for their presence in his life.

Darren took Lane back to the room with the video feeds and teleported the two of them to Lane and Bryan's garage. Rather than getting dirty and smelly by lifting the bags of manure, Darren raised them with his Mind. He retrieved the small cooler and took the lid off, and the leather pouch floated up and over into Lane's waiting hands.

When they got back to the Lab Bryan was just coming out of the locker room, his hair still wet but now clean, dressed in jeans and a t-shirt. He grinned at Lane and winked when he saw they were back and had the pouch. The look in his eyes was all Lane needed to see.

While Lane and Darren retrieved the pouch and Bryan showered, Raphael pulled the doctor and Albrecht aside to ask for their help. The three of them went to the gym to make preparations for the upcoming ritual.

<><><> 

A short while later Michael's voice entered Ken's Mind.

Gather everyone together. You must disrobe for the ritual and meet in the gymnasium. It is time to begin.

Ken relayed the instructions: Alright, ladies, take off your clothes and head to the gym. Sorry Bry, I know you just got dressed, but them's the orders.

As soon as everyone exited the locker room, they noticed two tables covered with plain white tablecloths. Five small silver chalices, a large silver bowl, a silver pitcher, and a small dagger sat on each table. Five kneeling cushions were also set on the floor a few feet out from each table.

Michael, Uriel, and Albrecht stood at one table and Raphael, Gabriel, and the doctor at the other.

Ken, Bryan, Pat, Rick, and Kevin heard Albrecht's voice in their minds: Come and kneel on the cushions by me.

Brad, Lane, Darren, Loy, and Bill heard the doctor's voice in their minds: Come and kneel on the cushions before me.

Raphael sent his thoughts out to everyone: Still your Hearts and Minds. Center yourselves and raise no Power until called to do so.

Michael, Uriel, Gabriel, and Raphael began to glow, emanating a powerful aura. They could not assume their True forms without destroying Albrecht and the doctor, but they unveiled their Power normally kept hidden.

Their voices rose in unison and were heard in the Minds and Bodies of the men.

We stand outside Time, in a place not of Earth, joined together as One. By the powers of Light, we Guard and Defend these men from all perils, O Most High.

One by one the Archangels intoned the ritual.

I, Uriel, Protector of the North and of the Nether Shores, Announce my Presence in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. I bring with me the powers of Life, Death, Patience, and Strength, and I place the Blessings of Earth upon these men and on this place.

I, Raphael, Protector of the East, Announce my Presence in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. I bring with me the powers of Healing, Wind, and Tempest, Intellect, Thought, Intuition and Imagination, and I place the Blessings of Air upon these men and on this place.

I, Michael, Protector of the South and Keeper of the Gates of Eden, Announce my Presence in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. I bring with me the powers of Fire, Feeling, Passion and Determination, and I place the Blessings of Fire upon these men and on this place.

I, Gabriel, Protector of the West, Herald, and Voice of the Most High, Announce my Presence in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. I bring with me the powers of Water, Emotion, Love and Intervention, and I place the Blessings of Water upon these men and on this place.

As soon as their voices intoned the opening of the ritual the room changed, taking on an otherworldly quality. The Light emitted by the four Archangels spread out, forming a dome over all of them, keeping out any dark influences that could interfere with what was about to take place.

Albrecht moved to his table and poured water from the pitcher into the bowl. His voice entered the Minds of Ken, Bryan, Pat, Rick, and Kevin.

The time of transference is at hand, the final Awakening upon you. Invoke the Power of your Avatar and add your blood to the chalice. Let the five Bodies become One, bound by Blood, Eternal Brothers. Share your essence and complete the Avatars you were born to fill.

Albrecht motioned for Ken to stand and approach him.

Take the knife and cut your hand, and let your blood, your life essence, join with the Water of Life.

Ken took the dagger and cut his hand across the palm. As soon as his blood dripped into the bowl a fine mist formed on the surface of the Water. His blood mixed with the silvery water, increasing its potency, and a glowing image of his Avatar appeared, hovering over the bowl and lighting the mist seeping over the edge onto the table. Albrecht handed him one of the empty silver chalices and motioned for him to return and kneel.

One by one, Bryan, Pat, Rick, and Kevin followed, and as each man added his blood to the Water, their Avatars appeared until all five Runes were together. It became apparent after the first two that their Avatars were shaping a larger Rune. Once all five men were again kneeling, and the Rune nearly complete, Albrecht took the bowl and moved in front of Ken.

Drink and be One with your Brothers.

Ken dipped his chalice into the Water, filling it. He expected it to be red from their blood, but it was clear and pure and shone with its own silvery light. He drained the contents of his chalice in one gulp, like a shot of whiskey. Immediately his eyes turned White, and his Avatar came to life on his muscled shoulder. A rush spread through his Body and his Understanding of what was happening became clear as part of Pat's Avatar Awakened in him. Bryan's, Rick's, and Kevin's Avatars become a part of him as well, not as powerful as theirs but potent nonetheless. It was like pieces of a puzzle falling into place, filling spaces he didn't even know were there until they became a part of him.

As the dormant forces in Ken Awoke his Body trembled, and he broke out in a heavy sweat. His Avatar was now fully Awake and his Body more alive than ever. His skin and senses, even his Soul, tingled from the effects of the changes.

Albrecht smiled and put his hand on top of Ken's head, tracing a Rune of Blessing on Ken's forehead with his thumb.

The Ritual continued until Bryan, Pat, Rick, and Kevin all partook of the Water. Once Kevin swallowed the contents of the chalice and his Avatar completed, a final surge spread through the five men. In a silent flash of Light, the glowing Rune hovering over the bowl melded into a new Rune, an intricate combination of them all.

Once they were finished Albrecht nodded to the doctor, and he began the other half of the ritual with the Mentalists.

The time of transference is at hand, the final Awakening upon you. Invoke the Power of your Avatar and add your blood to the chalice. Let the five Minds become One, bound by Blood, Eternal Brothers. Share your essence and complete the Avatars you were born to fill.

Brad was first, and the order continued with Lane, Darren, Loy, and Bill. As Bill drank, the Avatar over the Water flared and melded into a new Rune.

Gabriel and Uriel moved to stand between the two groups of kneeling men. Albrecht held the bowl with the Physical Avatar and Michael cupped his hands under the floating Rune, lifting it out. It hovered over his hands as he moved to Uriel.

The doctor held his bowl and Raphael cupped his hands under the Mental Avatar, lifting it out and carrying it to Gabriel.

In unison, the four Archangels intoned: Let the two Runes become One and Complete the Pattern. May the Properties of these Avatars guide your Hearts, Minds, and Souls, and Bind you to the Light.

Gabriel and Uriel added their touch, and the four Archangels brought the two Runes together. There was a blinding flash as White Power erupted from the new Rune, spreading across the ten men. The tattoos representing their Avatars shone brighter than ever and began to change. Ken, Bryan, Pat, Rick, and Kevin had the new Physical Rune and Brad, Lane, Darren, Loy, and Bill had the Mental Rune.

Together, the four Archangels intoned: It is done. Amen.

As soon as their words finished echoing in the Minds and ears of everyone, the sense of otherness in the gym disappeared, returning to normal and the dome protecting them dissipated.

The men immediately got with their partners to see the changes. Instinctively they merged as couples, and then as a group. As soon as their three energy centers were fully intertwined and shining with a bright White Light, their tattoos transformed into the new single complex Rune. While they were together, Lane sent a wave of Healing through their Link and the cuts on their hands closed over.

Aaron and Albrecht merged as well, to share their thoughts and experiences of what had just happened.

Aaron: I was right about the Pattern of their Avatars.

You were, love. You are seldom wrong about such things.

It still frightens me. Our Sons do not, but what they can do does. They now possess the ability to overwrite the Curse and make the world whole as it was meant to be, to remove the barriers put on Man and Creation. I do not think the world is ready for such an abrupt and drastic change.

You will continue to guide them Aaron, as you always have, until they are ready and the world is ready. You and I will love them, and they will grow with and in each other. Nothing has changed in that respect.

Raphael's voice entered into their thoughts: My apologies for eavesdropping, but you are correct, Albrecht. They now have abilities far beyond their Nephilim cousins, and while they have some wisdom for their age, they lack experience. They will need your guidance and your strength in the trials to come. They are something new and Random in Creation. To have such power combined with Free Will is... daunting. If they ever decide to turn from the Light, we will not be permitted to oppose them, just as we cannot directly oppose The Enemy on Earth. They need you two now more than ever.

Michael's voice entered everyone's thoughts.

It is time for us to depart. We must make sure your second task goes uninterrupted. Bryan and Lane will instruct you and share what is to be done.

Ken approached Michael and held out his hand.

"Thank you, Michael... all of you. We appreciate what you've done for us. It seems silly `ta say this, but if you ever need our help, all you have `ta do is ask."

Michael looked long and hard at Ken, and the barest hint of a smile crossed his handsome face as he shook Ken's hand and said, "Earlier tonight, Ken, I would have scoffed at your offer. I also appreciate what you did for me. You owe us nothing. Family has no debts."

The four Archangels transformed into balls of light and vanished with no more fanfare.

Everyone was quiet for a moment, looking at the spot the four Archangels vacated and wondering at Michael's comment.

<><><> 

Wanting to break the mood and bring things back to a semblance of normality, Ken said, "Okay, ladies, let's get some clothes on and meet in the conference room in five."

He got that little kid grin on his face and said, "Last one there's a rotten egg!"

He took off for the locker room as fast as he could, catching everyone by surprise.

All of them laughed and scrambled after him.

Darren's simples appeared and he sent his thoughts out to Brad, Lane, Loy, and Bill.

Alright, guys, let's show `em what we got! Follow me!

They Linked with Darren and disappeared before anyone but Ken had taken a few strides. They needed to see where they were teleporting to and had to piggyback three jumps to get to the locker room, but they were there in less than two seconds.

Bryan, Kevin, Rick, and Pat yelled, "Shit!" at the same time and took off laughing.

The doctor and Albrecht looked at one another shaking their heads, amazed at how quickly grown men could become little boys. Albrecht had a smile on his face, and the doctor's eyes expressed his humor at their antics.

The locker room was frantic as clothes were thrown on, some t-shirts backward, and shoes put on with no socks. Darren's eyes went wide when he tried to teleport and didn't go anywhere.

"Hey no fair, Kev!"

Kevin, fully dressed, patted Darren on the shoulder and with a smile on his face said, "Sucks to be you!"

Laughing, Kevin took off for the conference room.

Everyone was breathing hard from laughing and pushing their buddies out of the way as they rushed into the conference room to find their seats, no one wanting to be last. With Darren's and the others' ability to teleport blocked by Kevin, the Physical partners made it in first but it was so close among the others Ken couldn't tell. They all got a good laugh out of it, just like they used to back in the early days of the Program, and that was what he wanted.

Ken stood at the lectern in front of the room. He looked at all the guys; his buddies, his Brothers, his Soulmates... and pride washed over him at who and what they were. Ken couldn't imagine any men in the world he'd rather have at his side in the fight they found themselves in.

Ken's emotions were evident through their connection, and Brad smiled.

You know that's the way we feel about you too, right? You're still our Captain Ken, and even after everything all of us will follow you to the end of this fight. We, but especially me, are all proud of you, too.

Ken's eyes turned glassy at Brad's words and the emotion behind them.

Fuck, I love you, B. I wish we were alone right now.

Brad quickly took them both deep to that special place where their Souls were one, and they appeared naked to one another.

Brad smiled, his blue eyes twinkling.

I know it's not what you really want, but it's better than nothing.

Ken looked at him intently and after a few seconds pulled Brad close into their signature full-bodied hug. They were both hard as their arms tightened, pulling their bodies firmly together. The warmth of their skin and the hardness of their muscular bodies was a balm to both of them.

Thanks, B.

Ken's smile was on his face but also in his eyes, filled with love beyond measure for the man he was with. He Opened their energy centers and sank into Brad for a few moments. Brad still had one arm around Ken's shoulder, and with his other hand he cupped Ken's cheek. Closing his eyes he sank into Ken, while his thumb gently rubbed over Ken's stubble-covered cheek.

I want to stay in you like this forever, B.

Me too.

Ken grinned, and asked: Do you mean in you, or in me?

Douche.

There's my B.

Ken hugged him a little tighter.

Alright, as much as I want to stay here let's head up and find out what part two of tonight is all about.

<><> 

Ken looked at Bryan and Lane and asked, "Okay, guys, which one of you wants `ta go first? It looks like you two are in charge of whatever's next."

Lane stood up and said, "I'll go first. There's something Gabriel and the others want us to see. Some of it's been inside a few of us for a while. You remember that first night we met Albrecht?"

"How could I forget the night B kicked the ass of that black suited stooge that showed up?"

"Yeah, that was great. Well... If you remember, Albrecht did something to us that night. He made those little balls of light that went into our heads. Gabriel saw that and sort of added to what Albrecht already put there."

Lane held up his hand and his eyes turned White. Spreading his fingers the small balls of light popped out of Brad's, Ken's, and Bryan's foreheads. He caught them in the palm of his hand and they merged together and then soaked into his hand.

Lane pulled everyone into a Link and thought: Okay, guys, I'm going to show you a memory Gabriel gave to me. He said he wanted us to see this and it will relate to what Bryan is going to follow up with.

<><> 

What they saw was different from a Construct. They were spectators in what Lane showed them and couldn't interact with the environment or the people. They observed the memory but did not re-live it.

The night was dark and cold, the sky filled with stars. It felt like a Dream. A bright star shone in the sky and grew brighter as I watched. It started to move and fell down from the heavens. It struck the ground near me but didn't explode or make any noise. There was just a bright flash of Light, and when it dimmed, a man cloaked in Power stood before me.

"Who are you, stranger?"

I was afraid, but only because of the oddness of what was happening. I felt no fear of the man himself.

"I am a messenger," he replied. "I am here to show you something. Follow me."

The man led me a short distance down into a bowl between two hills, to a grove of myrtle trees. There was a man on a red horse nearby, and other men not far away on various colored horses; some white, some red, some brown, and some dappled. The men looked different; tall and strong. There was an air about them I could not place, but it was otherworldly.

"Who are these men?"

"These are the men sent to patrol the Earth and protect the four corners of Creation from The Enemy."

The leader of the men, the one on the red horse, came forward speaking in a rich, deep voice.

"We have gone throughout the Earth, and for now all is peaceful and at rest."

The man with me told them, "You have done well, and He who sent me is most pleased. Take your rest now, until you are called upon again."

The man on the horse bowed in his saddle and turning, rode back to the other men. He rode up to one in particular and took his arm in a familiar greeting, and although he was far away, I could make out his words, "Finally, my heart, after all these years we can rest."

<><> 

As the Vision ended, Lane's eyes turned back to their usual dark brown, and they were wide with surprise. The leader of the men was Albrecht, and the man he rode up to was the doctor!

Brad's voice was barely audible as he asked, "Doc, when was that?"

The doctor's voice, subdued, responded, "518 BC."

The impact of his words sent another ripple of shock and surprise through the Link.

"Istariel said you were a good man, and far greater than we knew. Raphael said the same thing tonight. I knew they're right, doc, but..."

"It is of no consequence, Bradford. I am not important. Whatever his reasons, I wish Gabriel had not shown you that memory."

A scowl crossed Albrecht's face when the doctor said he was not important. Aaron's humility was a virtue, but sometimes Albrecht wished he would stand up and accept acknowledgment of his role in the world and what he had accomplished and sacrificed.

Brad moved over with Ken was right behind him, and they pulled the doctor into a tight embrace.

Ken said, "You are important, doc. Never say or think otherwise. You're one of the most important men who has ever lived, and no one knows. Except for Brad, you're the most important man in my life, in all our lives. Well, we know, and it matters to us. You matter to us."

All of the guys stood up quietly and moved over. The enormity of who the doctor was and how long he had been fighting The Enemy and his role in keeping Mankind free was staggering. Their tight embraces told him how much he meant to them.

Albrecht's eyes were bright with pride and a smile covered his face, both for what the men expressed to Aaron and for knowing how touched Aaron was by them. He was surprised when Ken and Brad embraced him after they let go of Aaron.

"You too, Albrecht. You've been with the doc all this time, and we're glad you came into our lives. Don't think we don't know you're the `Hero of The Order' who killed General Mstislav. You're badass, and we don't know what else you've done or sacrificed but we appreciate it."

Every man on the team was a former Navy SEAL and fought in Desert Storm. As soldiers they knew the meaning of sacrifice and their words were not mere platitudes to the doctor and Albrecht. They might not yet be able to comprehend the thousands of years their mentors fought The Enemy, but they truly could appreciate what they did.

After everyone was re-seated and quiet Ken said, "So Bry, it looks like you're up."

Bryan stood, his face flushing, but he was getting better about speaking up. The support and encouragement his buddies expressed made it easier.

"The first time I went to the Tree, on the way back Uriel told me to pick up five seeds and hold onto them. He said I'd be told what to do with them after our next Awakening. Tonight, I brought back two skins of Water, one for the ritual we just went through, and a second one in the fridge for the seeds."

"Uriel told me each couple is supposed to plant a seed in our backyards and use the Water on it. There's one more thing we're supposed to do before the seed will sprout, and we have to have this done by sunrise. Uriel and the others are going to make sure the sky is clear so we'll get the first rays of sunlight."

Looking at him expectantly, his face flushed a deeper red and his head lowered in embarrassment.

Ken asked him, "Bry?  What else do we have `ta do?"

"Uriel said we have to consummate the spot where the seed is planted, and we have to be completely merged when we do it. He said it was imperative. He said the more times we do it, the better it will be."

Ken grinned and asked, "So we need to plant the seed, use the Water of Life on it, and then fuck ourselves silly over that spot?"

"Yeah."

"Well, that sounds easy enough. Doc? Albrecht? Does that make sense to you?"

"It does, Kenneth. I believe the main reason Gabriel modified the memory Albrecht gave you was to show you the grove of myrtle trees. What you saw were the Warriors of The Order of that era. Albrecht was our leader at the time, and the trees were integral to our abilities. We were bound to them before the Veil separated the Physical and Spiritual Realms. That type of magic hasn't worked since the Veil was Called into existence, but now that you are bound to the Tree and its Power, and the Tree being on both sides of the Veil, I can see how this will offer the Protection Michael spoke of. It is immensely powerful.

"The act of making love with the two of you merged will nourish the seed along with the Water of Life and empower it to grow on this side of the Veil. It will be attuned to your energies specifically as the ones who vest its growth."

Ken chuckled and said, "The only issue I see is how chilly it's gettin' in the mornin's. We need `ta get our stuff ready and head out just to be safe. Sunrise'll be in a few hours."

Albrecht managed to come up with five leather pouches for the seeds, and the doctor produced five small empty leather wineskins for the Water, which had to be kept in a natural container. Uriel explained that the Water would destroy any synthetic container or non-organic substance it came into contact with.

"Alright guys, everybody head home, and plan on meetin' back here late afternoon an hour or two before dinner. Any last words doc, before we take off?"

The barest hint of a smirk crossed the doctor's face, and he said, "Drink plenty of liquids before and between, take double doses of your vitamins, and drink a protein shake as soon as you get home."

<><><> 

On the drive home, Ken held Brad's hand and rubbed his thumb over the back of it.

"B, this is incredible. I don't see as deep into things as Pat does, but all this stuff I look at makes sense `ta me now. All the things Bry, Kevin, and Rick can do are there too. I can feel all of it. This is gonna take some gettin' used to."

"Me too, Ken. I already have a ton of ideas in the back of my Mind for your training and ours. Like you said before, I couldn't imagine things getting better and then something like tonight happens. By the way, you scared the shit out of me with that stunt you pulled with Michael. I'm glad it worked out, but that was risky."

"I did what I needed `ta do. Michael was bein' a jerk, and we need his willin' support, not his `I'm helpin' you because I have to" bullshit. I was shocked my Avatar worked on him, `ta be honest. I noticed it only worked when I was on target... once he was back in his right Mind, he handled me like I was a baby."

"Well, that's not hard. I handle you like you're a baby all the time."

Ken grinned and said, "Oh yeah? You are so gonna pay for that in a few minutes. That seed isn't gonna know what hit it once I get you all juiced up."

"Promise?"

A few minutes later they stood in their backyard. It was cold outside so they both wore a light jacket while deciding where to plant the seed. Between Ken's new Understanding and Brad's Intuition they picked a perfect spot in the back corner of the yard, far enough away from the pool that the roots shouldn't be an issue.

It was still dark out, so Brad stayed in Ken's Mind and used his enhanced vision to see by. They grabbed a small garden spade out of the garage and dug the hole. Bryan instructed them to plant the seed roughly six inches below the surface and not to pack the dirt tightly. They both held the skin of Water, pouring it over the seed before covering it.

Ken said, "The ground's gonna be cold."

"We'll warm it up quick enough. You know what I want, right?"

Ken grinned and pulled Brad close, putting his hands inside Brad's shirt and running them up and down his back.

"I have a good idea."

Brad put his arms around Ken, and they started to kiss., and were hard in seconds. Stripping off their jackets they pressed their bodies together for warmth. Ken lowered them onto the grass with Brad on top. He wanted to warm up the spot for Brad before he turned them over.

Brad Opened their energy centers and brought them together. Powerful emotions in each of them stirred and blended together as they became One. Their movements grew more frantic as their passion built and they managed to get their shoes and jeans off before Ken flipped Brad over on his back on the warmed-up patch of grass. Ken was leaking precum like crazy, and he reached down to spread it over his dick before entering Brad.

Brad smirked and thought: Warm enough in there for you big guy?

Fuck B, you feel so good. If you were any hotter, I don't think I could stand it.

Ken expertly positioned himself so his thick shaft would rub against Brad's prostate. He reached down and started stroking Brad in time with his thrusts, and feeling how hard Brad was increased his own excitement. In less than five minutes they both came hard in a fast but intense orgasm. Ken's dick convulsed as his hot cum spurted into Brad, his muscular body tense and sweating. The physical rush from taking Ken's seed swept through Brad and the White Light they emitted in the Spiritual Realm brightened even more.

Brad shot into Ken's hand as Ken massaged and milked him of his own load. Ken lifted his hand up and licked Brad's load off, and his Mind Opened even more.

Ken leaned down and put his sweaty forehead against Brad's, and they stared into each other's lust filled eyes.

Okay, stud, are you ready?

Brad clenched himself around Ken in response.

Ken grinned and gave Brad a quick kiss and then flipped him over onto his stomach. He rested across Brad's big frame and put all his weight down, knowing Brad could take it now that he was charged up. He could also keep Brad warmer that way.

Ken started slowly, his arms around Brad's torso so he could squeeze his pecs and nipples and had his legs spread wide. He wanted to cover Brad's body with his own and feel them against one another.

After a minute Ken really amped things up and became the guy he knew turned Brad on more than anything. For the next hour and a half they had hard passionate non-stop sex, with both of them cumming multiple times. Their muscles tensed and flexed and they were drenched in sweat from the intensity of their passion. Steam rose off their bodies from the heat and sweat of their bodies in the cold pre-dawn air.

Ken noticed the slight change in the color of the sky as the sun began making its way up. There were a few clouds, but in their Minds they heard the sound of fluttering wings and the clouds were gone in minutes, leaving the morning sky crystal clear.

To keep warm they snuggled together, with Ken spooning Brad. They were breathing hard and pressed tightly against one another after their last shared orgasm. The little mound of dirt lay in front of them and they stared at it intently.

Brad chuckled, thinking of the old adage `a watched pot never boils,' but Ken soon distracted him. Ken and Brad didn't go through BUDS together in the Navy but learning to share body warmth for survival was a part of their training. Ken took that knowledge, but with Brad he made it fun. He certainly kept them warm!

With the first ray of direct sunlight, the soil moved as the seed sprouted. They watched in wonder at its accelerated growth, and in less than a minute the seedling stood nearly a foot tall.

The sapling was Bound to their Souls and they were attuned to its growth, tied by the energies they provided from their lovemaking the last few hours.

It was cold enough they stopped sweating and cooled off quickly. They got dressed but stayed together with Ken holding Brad from behind, watching the little Tree grow in the morning sun.

By 0800 it towered over their fence, and the trunk was so thick they could barely touch their fingers stretching their arms around it.

Each of them intuitively felt its needs as it grew.

It needs water.

Their tie to the tree was strong, almost as if it was an extension of themselves and they had an intuitive sense of its health. Ken pulled the garden hose across the yard and soaked the ground around the base of its trunk.

It was oddly beautiful; an amalgam of Oak, Rowan, Ash, Maple, Elm, Myrtle, Birch, Pine and many other species. The bark shifted across the branches, and the leaves and foliage varied. The Life in it pulsed in their Hearts, and its Protection covered them, even extending slightly beyond their property.

Tom, their next-door neighbor, was getting into his car to leave for work and Ken took a quick peek into his Mind to see if he noticed the tree. Ken was shocked to find that to Tom the Tree had always been there and saw it as a big Oak tree.

As the Tree neared the end of its growth an image of their co-joined Avatars shaped into the bark. Ken was the first to notice it forming. The pattern was amazingly detailed and looked like a highly skilled woodcarver formed the grooves. Even the coloring of their tattoos was evident. As the image completed it flared with Light, but instead of fading it remained a beacon, emitting a soft, warm glow. The Tree uplifted them, and their Avatars tingled when they were close to it. It was part of them now and would be forever.

Ken and Brad stood closer inspecting the glowing Rune, and the warmth of its Power was comforting. Brad stood behind Ken with his arms around him, hugging him and kissing the back of his neck. He rested his chin on Ken's shoulder and they stayed still for a few minutes, staring in wonder at what they witnessed and were a part of.

As usual Ken's stomach interrupted their peace and quiet.

Brad laughed and lowered his hands, rubbing Ken's firm stomach.

Time to get something to eat. I'm starving too. Let's go in and get some food, and then we can crash until it's time to head in for the meeting.

They walked inside hand in hand, and Brad put on a pot of coffee and made them breakfast. Before long they were wolfing down toasted BLTs on sourdough. After the long night, the hours of sex, watching the tree grow, and their stomachs full, they were ready for a good sleep.

Ken put the dishes in the sink and led Brad to their bedroom where they undressed and crawled under the covers. Ken draped one arm over Brad with a hand on his chest holding them snuggly together. As soon as their warm bodies touched Brad rested his Mind in Ken's and was asleep in seconds. In the fraction of a second before falling asleep he set a Trigger to wake him up in time for the meeting.

Ken remained awake a while longer. He loved being naked with Brad, holding him, and feeling his chest rise and fall slowly as he breathed. Ken relished quiet times with Brad when he could hold him, feel him, smell him, and even listen to the sounds of his body.

Ken's eyes became bright from how much he loved the man in his arms. Often, in the quiet times when Ken could simply hold his lover, emotions would well up inside him. He laughed at himself because he wanted to squeeze Brad and show him how much he loved him. Instead, he tightened his arms slightly and let Brad's heartbeat lull him to sleep.

Just before he drifted off into a peaceful slumber, he kissed Brad's shoulder.

I love you, B.

<><><> 

Everyone gathered back at the Lab later that afternoon and shared a similar experience as far as their Tree went. No one was sure if the Archangels altered the memories of their neighbors or if it was part of the magic of the Trees. Any human looking at one of the Trees saw it as a healthy tree common to the area they lived in and as far as they knew it had always been there.

The Protection they offered faded a short distance from the house. The purpose of the Protection was to give them a safe haven to live in free from any influence of the Enemy, a place to be themselves with no fear of attack or worry.

Over the next few days, Ken and Brad worked with the doctor and Albrecht designing new training exercises based on their fully Awakened Avatars. It was going to take a lot of practice to get acquainted with their new abilities and to see what they could accomplish when working together.

The weekend came soon enough, and all the guys looked forward to the cookout at Ken and Brad's house Saturday afternoon. Brad and Ken hit the grocery store early Saturday morning to get the food. Pat and Darren said they would bring wood for the fire pit as they had a tree down in their backyard from a storm earlier in the summer that Pat had cut up and split. Bryan would take care of the cooking, and Lane would take care of the music.

<><><> 

Saturday morning, Lane and Bryan woke early and went for their usual run but planned to skip weight training for the day.

"Hey Bry, we don't need to be over at and Ken and Brad's until mid-morning. Would you Mind if we ran down to the music store before we head over to their place? It's been a few weeks, and there are a couple of new albums I want to pick up."

Bryan came up behind Lane, wrapping his arms around him, and whispered in his ear, "I was hoping to have a few more hours in bed before we leave."

Bryan pressed his crotch against Lane so he could feel how hard he was through his jeans.

Lane leaned back into Bryan's solid warm body and laughed.

"Damn... with that Tree the yard, you're going to have perma-wood!"

Bryan grinned, kissed Lane on the cheek, and chuckled as he cupped Lane's firm ass cheeks.

"Well, that's nothing new. I can hold it. Let's head out so we won't be late."

"Thanks, Bry. I'll make it up to you later tonight."

They hopped in their Explorer and headed down to Little Five Points. It was a beautiful Saturday morning, bright and sunny with the temperatures in the upper forties. Winter in Atlanta had definitely arrived.

The streets were crowded, filled with people hanging out and talking. Lots of people had their dogs with them, and Lane noticed the animals in a new light. He inherently felt their emotions through the part of Loy's Avatar that was now Awake in him.

Bryan picked up on Lane's thoughts and smiled, happy for the new part of his lover they were both discovering.

Lane made their way to his favorite music store, and Bryan waited outside. Lane could browse for hours, and Bryan liked to people watch while Lane did his thing. Bryan was still attuning himself to the new parts of his Avatar that were Awake. His Understanding of everything and seeing the connections and emotional knots in of people was taking some getting used too. He didn't let what he saw dampen his spirits, staying tightly Linked with Lane.

While he waited, Bryan heard someone playing a violin down the street. With his enhanced hearing he had no trouble picking it up over all the street noise. Whoever was playing sounded amazing, and he knew Lane would want to hear it too.

Lane took about half an hour but finally came out with a few new CDs in hand. He bounced down the steps with the happy look on his face he always got when he was in his `music mode.' Bryan loved to see how excited Lane got when he found new artists or bought new albums he had been waiting for.

"Alright man, let's head out."

"Hang on a sec. Let's head down this way. Someone's playing I think you'll like."

Bryan led the way, and after half a block Lane heard it too. A street performer was playing the instrument with extraordinary skill. He recognized the piece from The Last of the Mohicans soundtrack. As they moved closer Lane noticed the artist was a young Asian girl. Her eyes were closed and she seemed entirely lost in her music. He knew that look well and didn't often see it in normals.

Lane had a thought in the back of his Mind of how pretty she would be without all the Goth makeup and multi-colored hair.

When she finished the song Lane and Bryan clapped along with the small crowd of people gathered around her.

When her eyes opened and she came back to herself, she immediately noticed the two big handsome men in the crowd listening to her.

Lowering her instrument, she seemed ready to take a break, so most of the crowd began to disperse. Lane stepped forward and said, "Hi! You play beautifully!"

She seemed shy and lowered her eyes, acknowledging his comment with a mumbled "Thanks."

"My name's Lane, and this is my partner, Bryan."

"I'm Bao."

"That means `Treasure' right? You certainly are. You have quite a gift."

Bao was struck by the handsome man talking to her. His smile melted her heart and made her feel warm inside.

"Yeah, I guess. I don't remember much Chinese."

"Well, it's a beautiful name, and appropriate. Would you Mind if we stayed and listened for a few minutes? I'm pretty good on the guitar and keyboard, but I don't play the violin. I've always wanted to learn. You just inspired me so now I'm definitely going to fix that."

Lane's smile was infectious, and Bao grinned back at him.

"Are you going to play some more?"

Bao picked up her bow, running her finger along the hair. She reached into her bag and pulled out a small box of rosin, but it was empty.

"Crap! I meant to get some more. Guess I'll pack up for the day. Sorry, Lane, but I guess I'll head out."

"Wait a sec. Don't pack up! I'll run and get you some. You just sit tight. Bry, I'll be right back."

Before either Bryan or Bao could say anything, Lane ran back to the music store.

Bryan smiled at his enthusiasm and told her, "He really wants to hear you play. Me too."

While Bryan continued chatting with Bao, he noticed some little paper bracelets in her violin case. They were brightly colored and looked intricate.

"What are those?"

"They're friendship bracelets. I make them."

She leaned over and picked one up. As soon as she bent over Bryan felt a small twinge in his gut and immediately became alert.

Lane, something's up. I don't know what, but something's not right. Be careful. I'm heading to you now.

Bryan's instincts sharpened, and he scanned the area looking for anything unusual or out of the ordinary. His extensive military surveillance training kicked in, and his newly Awakened abilities filled his senses. He paused slightly as all the information and connections filled his vision.

In the few seconds it took him to look around, Bao stood up and said, "Here you can have two, one for you and one for Lane."

Bao wrapped the paper bracelet around Bryan's wrist, and as soon it clipped together Taliesin's trap sprang, casting a net over Bryan's Mind. It happened so fast he had no time to react or reach out to Lane. He felt like he was falling into himself...

<> 

Lane felt his connection with Bryan sever and ran out of the music store in a panic. He would have thought it was Uriel again except Bryan said he felt something wrong. Lane pushed through the crowd until he was close enough to see Bryan standing with Bao. He didn't think twice and teleported the last hundred feet, appearing beside Bryan who stood still as a statue.

Bao was looking at Bryan with a questioning look on her face. She nearly jumped out of her skin when Lane appeared out of nowhere right in front of her.

"Bry! What's wrong?!"

Lane grabbed hold of Bryan but he was completely unresponsive. His eyes were vacant and empty, and he didn't seem to register Lane was there. His handsome face was a blank mask, expressionless.

Lane looked at Bao and asked, "What happened to him? Who did this?"

"I don't know! I was talking to him and showing him my bracelets and he went still! Is he having some kind of seizure?"

Lane tried to merge with Bryan now that they were touching but there was nothing there. He felt empty inside, and a cold ball of fear hit him hard in the stomach.

"I can help him, Lane."

Lane spun around to see a man standing a few feet away. He was of medium height, and thin but muscular. His face bordered on gaunt and he had long hair pulled back in a tight ponytail.

One of the first things Lane did when Bryan sent out his warning was Shield himself. He tried to probe the man and was surprised to find he was Shielded.

"Who are you?"

"My name is Taliesin."

Lane's stomach clenched. Albrecht and the doctor mentioned Taliesin and warned Lane to stay away from him if he ever showed up.

Lane's brow furrowed in anger.

"Are you responsible for this?"

"Yes. I need you to listen..."

Before Taliesin could finish his sentence, Lane's eyes turned White and a crack of thunder ripped through the sky so loud many nearby windows shattered. The wind picked up and Lane reached out with his Mind, grabbing Taliesin by the throat and lifting him off the ground.

Taliesin's eyes went wide in shock. He wasn't prepared for the physical Power Lane exhibited. Never in all his years had anyone ever had Power over the Physical Realm!

"You will undo whatever you've done to him right now! I'm not asking you! DO IT NOW!"

Bao screamed, falling to the ground in agony.

Taliesin managed to squeak out, "Put me down or I'll kill her, and you will never get Bryan back!"

Lane released Taliesin and he fell to the ground, holding his neck and sucking in air.

Bao stopped screaming but continued to sob, curled up on the ground.

People on the street were staring, and a few ran away, startled by the thunder and terrified at seeing Taliesin's body lift into the air.

Guy's! I need you!

Lane sent a crystal clear image of where he was along with his call to his Brothers. In another second they appeared beside him, Shielded and glowing brightly. All of them were Linked with their partners and joined Lane as they appeared. Bryan's absence was apparent immediately to all of them.

Taliesin looked surprised again. Events were not going according to his plan. The men that appeared with Lane... he recognized their faces. He had seen their images circling Aaron in his Dreams.

"All of you stop right now if you ever want him back! No Mind talk among you!"

Brad was about to pull them down together to talk but stopped. He didn't know who Taliesin was or what was going on, or what he was capable of.

Lane's voice was steely cold, and he asked, "Why did you do this? What is it you want?"

"I need your help."

"You have a funny way of asking. The doctor and Albrecht warned me about you."

"Yes, I'm sure they did, and I might warn you about them as well. They have you completely under their spell, and you don't even know it. Regardless, I need you to do exactly as I say, or you will never get your friend back."

"What do you want from me?"

"I need you to answer a question."

"Fuck, no. I don't trust you. The doctor said you're a schemer and not capable of telling the truth. There's no way in hell I'll believe anything you say. Even if I answer your damn question, I don't believe you'll free Bryan. I'm going to free him from whatever you've done, and once I do, I'm going to hunt you down and find you so we can have a little chat on my terms."

"Brave talk, Lane. You're welcome to try, but you will find soon enough that not even you can rescue him. When you've tried and failed, and have no other recourse, Aaron and Albrecht will know how to reach me. When you are desperate beyond reason to get your friend back, you will beg me to ask my question."

Taliesin glared at Bao, who was still curled up on the ground sobbing.

"Get up, bitch."

Bao's face went blank and she stood up.

"Get your things and come with me."

They watched the girl put her violin in its case and gather her things. She was like an automaton, entirely under Taliesin's control.

He looked back at Lane and the others and said, "If you even think of following me her death will be on your hands."

He turned and walked away.

Lane's anger left him, replaced with fear for Bryan as Taliesin disappeared into the crowd with Bao. His hands started shaking, and he grabbed hold of Bryan again.

With Taliesin gone, Brad took them deep into a Construct of the conference room. After a few seconds, the doctor and Albrecht appeared along with everyone else except Bryan.

Lane's fear and anxiety ran through the Link.

Brad: Lane, show us what happened. Show us everything.

Lane shared his memories of the morning up until he called them.

Ken moved behind Lane, putting his hands on Lane's shoulders.

"It's gonna be alright, Lane. We're gonna get Bry back, and we're gonna kick that skinny guy's ass once we do. Don't worry, you'll get first crack at him."

Brad looked at the doctor and Albrecht, "So who is this Taliesin? He seems to know you two and more than I like about us."

The doctor said, "Taliesin was once a member of The Order and an excellent warrior in his time. He is both clever and smart and a gifted musician. His skill with weapons is exemplary. He rose quickly through our ranks in a time when men like him were sorely needed, and his deeds caught the attention of our leadership at the time. Even more importantly he was marked as someone who could receive a particular Gift. By accepting this Gift, he became the Seer and Oracle for The Order and was made Immortal for as long as he carries it inside him.

"Over time the power of the Gift and the abilities it bestowed upon him began to corrupt his Mind and personality. It was many years before we discovered he had been using his powers for personal gain at the cost of human dignity and in many cases lives. He was expelled from The Order and bound as a servant as penance. He must answer the Call and use the Gift on our behalf when we have need, but it is a forced servitude as atonement for his actions.

"The Gift can only be carried by one person at a time, so until a successor is born who is able to receive it he cannot pass it on, and until that time he cannot die. I believe he wishes to pass that Gift on to you, Lane."

"Me?"

"Yes. I believe your Avatar would make you a suitable host for it."

"Well doc, if that's all it is, as pissed off as I am, I can just say `yes' and get Bryan back!"

"I do not think that is a good idea Lane, for a number of reasons. One, above all else I do not trust Taliesin. His Mind is warped, and there is no guarantee he will free Bryan. Secondly, I witnessed how the Gift changed him over all those years. He was once a great man. Your Nephilim Heritage might make you immune to the effects the Gift had on Taliesin, but there is no way to be sure.

"You know how difficult some of your Dreams have already been. Think of those magnified not only in intensity but in frequency. You would see multiple outcomes and could become lost in the threads of Time and all the possible realities created every time a decision is made. I do not wish that upon you, my boy."

"I'd be willing to take that on for Bryan's sake."

Ken sounded adamant, "No, Lane. Don't say that. Bryan wouldn't want `ya too and neither do any of us. Let's hold that as an option only if there are no other alternatives and all other avenues have failed."

Lane looked at the doctor and Albrecht, "Do you know what he's done to Bryan?"

"Yes."

"How do we undo it?"

"I am not sure yet. Albrecht and I have done our best to protect you from Taliesin. He has been Scrying all of you for many months now but we have blocked his attempts. Everything he knows about you he learned from others, which is virtually nothing. He has no knowledge of your bond with Bryan or the fact that you share a Soul. Get Bryan here as quickly as you can and I will begin to work on it. Albrecht and I handled much of Taliesin's training and are familiar with his methods. I will begin working on how to resolve this immediately."

Darren said, "I have an idea about getting Bry back here."

Ken said, "Alright, guys... get Bryan back `ta the Lab, and then the rest of you get back `ta us. I don't like us bein' separated. Everyone make it `ta the Lab as quick as possible."

<><><> 

Lane's hands were still shaking... a combination of anger, fear, and anxiety over Bryan. Once back in their bodies Brad put his hands on Lane's shoulders and gave him a firm squeeze.

"We're going to figure this out, Lane. I know it's hard but try not to worry."

Brad turned to Darren and said, "Okay, hot shot, what's this idea you were talking about."

"If you guys back me up, I think we can teleport Bryan to the Lab without breaking a sweat. I'm not talking about just powering up like Lane helped me with before. I'm talking about joining our Avatars now that we're all active. My ability is strongest as far as teleporting, but I think with all of us working in concert we'll magnify one another."

"Alright, take the lead since this is your idea."

"Okay guys, let's all go at once and take Bry with us. It's easiest that way."

Brad reached out to the crowd that formed around them and altered the last few minutes of their memories, removing the fight with Taliesin and what happened with Bryan. The broken windows would have to remain a mystery.

Darren waited until Brad was done and then brought everybody into his Mind as a focal point to get the image of his safe spot in the Lab. Their Avatars matched his and he instinctively synchronized them.

"On my mark, guys. We're going back to my safe spot in the Lab. On three... one ... two..."

<><><> 

"Three..."

All of them appeared along with Bryan in the lab with virtually no effort or drain involved. Darren grinned and winked at Brad in an `I told you so' manner.

Good job, Dar. That just opened up a whole can of worms as far as training ideas. If that same concept works for our other abilities, it's a bit scary.

"Lane, let's get Bryan into a bed so the doc can take a look at him. The rest of you get back to your guys and then head here as soon as you can."

Bryan was completely docile. Lane took his hand and had to pull him, but Bryan moved and walked with him into the exam room. Brad and Lane stripped him down to his underwear and got him into bed.

The doctor and Albrecht came in just as Brad was about to head back to Ken and started hooking Bryan up to his equipment for testing.

Lane sat in a chair watching, silent, his mischievous grin gone and his expression stony and hard. Lane was usually a happy and upbeat guy, and it was disconcerting to see him in such a state. Brad moved over and put one arm around Lane's chest and the other on the top of his head, pulling his buddy back against him physically at the same time as he pulled Lane deep inside his own Mind and Heart along with Ken.

Inside, Lane was crying and in pain. Without his connection to Bryan, half his Soul was cut off and he felt lost. Lane was also furious at Taliesin and wasn't used to feeling that way. His anger was physically affecting him making him nauseous and cold, and his body trembled in Brad's arms

We're with you, bud. We'll get Bry back, but in the meantime, stay merged with us. We love you, and we're in this together.

Lane knew when Brad physically disappeared but the feeling of his arms around him didn't go away, and Brad's presence stayed firm in his Mind and Heart along with Ken's. The rest of his Brothers were with him as well, surrounding him in that place where their Souls were One, holding him tight.

<><><> 

A little less than an hour later all the guys arrived back at the Lab. Every one of them made their way straight to Lane to check on him and Bryan.

It wasn't long before the doctor's voice entered their Minds.

Everyone, please come to the conference room.

They all filed in and sat down, their faces serious, focused, and supportive of Lane, ready to do whatever necessary to get Bryan back.

The doctor came in and stood at the lectern.

"Albrecht and I confirmed our initial thought. Taliesin has trapped Bryan's Mind in a Construct. Bryan, for the time being, is safe and living another life inside himself."

Brad spoke up, "Well that sounds easy enough, doc. We can just go in and break it."

"No, we cannot. Simply making the attempt would kill Bryan, and even if you manage to get in, Bryan's Mind is tied to the Construct and its destruction would take Bryan's Mind with it."

"How could he have done something like that?"

"Taliesin has thousands of years of experience, and the Bindings he weaves are powerful and complex. While any one of you five is more powerful than he is, his experience and subtlety more than balance the scales in his favor. He had much time to prepare this trap, and it is most likely foolproof in its design and implementation."

Lane's voice sounded flat as he asked, "So if we can't get inside to break it, how can we get Bry back?"

"Taliesin knows many things, but he does not know much about all of you. Albrecht and I have made it difficult, if not impossible, for him to learn much about you. What he has learned is from reading the Minds of people you have come into contact with, so he does not know about your Nephilim heritage or much about your abilities. He definitely does not know that you and Bryan share your Souls.

"In the same manner Kenneth was able to traverse the Veil with Bradford, I believe that you can enter this Construct with little risk to Bryan. The danger lies after that. Once inside you will be trapped along with Bryan, and you will have to find a way to free you both.

"There is no telling what you will find once you are inside. Bryan will most likely not be himself or have any memory or knowledge of us. The rules of the Construct will be as Taliesin created them, and he will most certainly have made Bryan a normal human in that world. As such, once inside the same rules will apply to you.

"Also, knowing Taliesin, there will be traps. He will allow for the possibility that we might find a way into Bryan's Mind, however unlikely, and he will have provisions to try and stop anyone that makes it that far. It will be dangerous.

"Knowing all of this will allow you to go in and remain who you are, even if you will not have your abilities. I will say this... I do not know how your Avatars will react in this situation. They operate outside the normal Spiritual Laws. Kenneth's interaction with Michael proved this. I do not know if this will be helpful or cause you more difficulty."

Lane replied, "So I'm going in, I'll have to find Bryan, he won't know who I am, and I'll have to figure out a way to break out of the Construct with no powers or abilities. Does that cover it?"

Ken stood up and walked over to Lane. He spun Lane's chair around and knelt in front of him, looking into his eyes.

"Lane, I know this is difficult, but I want `ta remind you of a few things. First and foremost, you're badass. You're a Navy SEAL. You fight like a mother fucker and you're smart as hell. I know you pretend `ta be a dumbass sometimes, but you've never fooled anyone in this room; you're a fuckin' genius. Put your brain `ta work on this.

"You might not have your powers, but you have your trainin', and if your Avatar works in there you'll be able `ta Heal and Dream. You're probably the only one of us who has a chance of pullin' this off. Be confident. Don't doubt yourself. I don't doubt you one bit. None of us do. You said once you want `ta be more than a battery for us... I'm tellin' you right here, right now, you are so much more than that.

"Show him, guys."

Brad pulled everybody tighter and their energy centers flared to life, blending into a White ribbon coursing through all of them. Deep down Lane knew it but their confidence filled him, reminding him of who and what he was. He saw himself from their perspective and the stony look on his face softened as he shed his fear and anxiety, but he kept his anger towards Taliesin and let it smolder. He would hold onto that and use it to drive him to rescue Bryan.

It was difficult to see but Brad felt it... Ken's Avatar was at work on Lane. He also knew Pat, Rick, and Kevin fed into the effect whether they were aware of it or not. It wasn't false bravado they fed Lane; they were reinforcing what was already inside him, and Brad watched Lane's Will steel itself for what he needed to do to be successful.

"Alright, doc. How do I get into the Construct?"

"Bradford, you and Lane come with me, please."

They followed the doctor into Bryan's room.

"Pull another bed over so you can be next to Bryan. It will be important for you to be touching him."

Lane got as close as he could, taking Bryan's hand and intertwining their fingers, squeezing tight. The familiarity of Bryan's warm, rough hand was comforting, but the fact that Bryan didn't squeeze back was painful.

"To be safe, because Taliesin always operates on multiple levels of deception, Bradford will help in getting you into the Construct. We are going to mask the half of your Soul that is you along with your Mind, so the trap will only see you as Bryan. At that point, it should literally draw you in with no effort on your part. Separate yourself from everyone and drop out of any active Links except for Bradford."

"Now Bradford, show Lane how you hid yourself and Kenneth when you traversed the Veil. That technique should work for masking Lane against the Binding. Only invert the part of you that is Lane, and not Bryan."

Lane closed his eyes and took a deep breath. As he exhaled his Mind and Soul lifted out of his body, hovering for a moment while Brad showed him how to invert his energy flows. It only took a moment for him to master the technique and to Brad and the doctor Lane's presence disappeared. To their perceptions, they only sensed Bryan floating before them.

Okay guys, here goes nothing.

He floated over and sank into Bryan's chest, vanishing from their perceptions.

As soon as Lane sank into Bryan the trap sprang, and he felt like he was falling into himself...

The End of Chapter Thirteen

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