The Gifts

The Order Chapter 26

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 Twenty-Six – Prologue

A.D. 1200

The peaceful quiet of the Monastery shattered with the sunrise. Sounds of war filled the morning and continued until all that remained of the stone structure was rubble. The nearby village of Assisi saw the smoke and heard the screams but did not come to the aid of the Monks. The villagers were terrified of the Darkness that descended upon their town the evening before and huddled in their homes, terrified, praying it would not visit them. They felt the presence of General Mstislav of The Enemy, come to destroy the outpost of The Order.

The bodies of the Monks were strewn about the carnage. With the last death, an eerie quiet settled over the area, and only occasional sounds of settling rubble broke the silence. The smell of smoke and death permeated what remained of the once peaceful, humble structure. Dark clouds hung over the area in the otherwise bright and sunny day.

Hours passed, and the silence remained unbroken as the Darkness seemed to retreat. The sound of fluttering wings broke the quiet as a sparrow hawk alighted on what remained of a window sill. After a moment the bird flitted about as if searching for some sign of life.

Another hour passed with no movement or sign of life save the bird. It flew here and there, searching for something or someone.

Finally, the sparrow hawk glided down into what was once the nave of the little Church. A few feet off the floor, it shimmered, and with a small flash of Light transformed into a man.

He stood lean and handsome, wearing simple robes, his face streaked with tears over the carnage before him. The lifeless bodies of his Brothers, many in pieces, littered the floor, their faces masks of pain and horror.

He knelt to pray, his shoulders shaking in quiet sobs.

I was beginning to think you fled like a coward, Giovanni.

Giovanni's head whipped around, his posture immediately defensive.

You will pay for this! I swear it! God will strike you down!

The deep voice laughed at his empty words.

Giovanni, as badly as he wanted to retaliate, knew he must flee and warn Charisa. The few remaining strongholds of The Order were at risk if The Enemy acted so boldly and outside the Balance. It was a Dark time in the world, and the Light of the Order dim.

The General reached for Giovanni's Mind whose Shields flared, but the monk was not counted strong among The Order. His powers came from a Gift he carried, which allowed him to assume the form of animals, as well as rudimentary Mental and Spiritual abilities. It was not a Gift of War, but Life and Spirit.

The General stepped out from behind a broken wall, appearing almost demonic in his ornate armor. The sword he carried was nearly as long as his body. The center of the sword was hollow, filled with mercury so the liquid would collect and add weight when swung. It was an Executioners sword, and the General was known for cleaving bodies in two with it.

Giovanni threw a bolt of Power at the General as a distraction as his form shimmered, taking flight to try and escape. However, the General had been waiting and laid his traps well. Triggers activated and Giovanni became caught in a net of Dark threads.

Giovanni knew the Gift he carried could not fall into the hands of The Enemy. As with all of the Gifts, it was a double-edged sword. The danger of this particular Gift was the risk of losing himself in the wildness of the animal whose form he took. If he ever lost himself that way, his Mind would be gone, forever trapped and the Gift would become useless.

Similar to the Gift Taliesin carried, Giovanni was Immortal while he carried it. He used it wisely, more for the benefit of nature and animals than for The Order, resisting Charisa's efforts to turn it into a weapon and often acting against her wishes.

Giovanni joined The Order as a young man when Jonathan discovered him in the tiny village of Assisi where he grew up. Jonathan became a mentor and surrogate father to him, eventually bringing him to the attention of Charisa. Taliesin had Dreamed of Giovanni years before his birth, and Jonathan tracked him down. He was born with a Mark that allowed him to receive the Gift, just as Taliesin was.

The General's Dark Aura surrounding him told Giovanni he was too late. To hide himself and protect the Gift, he did the only thing he could and intentionally lost himself in the sparrow hawk.

As General Mstislav reached to devour Giovanni's Mind, he was surprised when Giovanni's Mental presence disappeared with no trace left to destroy.

Lightning fast, the General caught the bird mid-flight as it tried to flee. The bird was now merely a bird, and terrified. Its small form wriggled and writhed in panic, trapped in his gauntlet covered hand.

The General was about to crush the insignificant creature into oblivion when a voice behind spoke him.

"Let him go."

Albrecht's voice was steady and calm, but his heart was torn. He knew the bird was Giovanni and what he had done to protect the Gift, aware of the cost his friend paid.

Albrecht rarely felt such anger, but he remained in control as always. In his Mind, his centering flame burned bright and steady.

The General turned to him, saying, "So, you finally dare face me."

"I'm going to stop you once and for all."

Storm clouds gathered, and lightning filled the sky, reflecting the Battle about to take place.

The two men faced one another, each representing one of the two Powers.

The little sparrow hawk managed to squirm free and bolt away. The General, focused on Albrecht, missed his second swipe to catch and crush what remained of Giovanni.

Albrecht's Mental voice was sad, but Giovanni could no longer hear him.

I'm sorry, my friend. You will not be forgotten, and I will avenge you and your Brothers.

Chapter One

The Realm of Dreams

I know who you are. I do not know how you came back, but I will destroy you again, this time forever! I will eat your Soul, and with it, I will be unstoppable. I will kill the Betrayer, Henry Ross first. You will watch the life leave his eyes, and then I will kill everyone else you care about. The Order will fall, and you will be responsible. You cannot stand against me brother; you are a child and nothing compared to me!

You cannot hide behind them forever. I will find you, and when we meet again you will be mine!

<><> 

Drew, drenched in sweat, thrashed about in bed as The Master's voice invaded his Dreams. The anger and hatred in his brother's voice terrified him, piercing his young Mind and Heart. The black voids where The Master's eyes should be gripped Drew, sucking him in, and he was unable to escape them. Drew screamed for his dad or his Uncles to protect him.

He shot up in bed, screaming in terror. Henry was a heavy sleeper and didn't feel his son moving about, but Drew's scream brought him instantly awake. Henry grabbed his son immediately, wrapping his strong arms around the boy and holding him tight against his big muscled body.

Henry was shocked at how harshly Drew was shaking, shivering so violently he couldn't talk.

"It's okay, Drew! I've got you! I'm right here. You're safe, honey."

Henry learned how best to soothe his son when he was upset or scared, but this time Henry could tell something was different.

Reaching out with his Mind, Henry sensed Drew needed more than just his arms around him. Henry didn't like prying into Drew's thoughts and memories unless there was need, but his instincts told him something was terribly wrong.

What Henry saw in Drew stunned him and explained why his son reacted so severely. All the incarnations in Drew were on the surface of his Mind, each of them as terrified as he was. Drew was their focal point and channeling the emotions of thousands of them. Drew was barely discernable to Henry amid the ocean of voices, all screaming in terror within his son, and Drew was drowning in them.

Henry hugged Drew tighter and his arms wrapped around Henry's shoulders as he sobbed hysterically, pressing his face against Henry's neck. His little arms shook with the desperate grip around his father, and his high-pitched cries were like a knife in Henry's Heart.

Loy and Rick were on duty that night, and Loy's voice entered Henry's Mind.

Henry? What's wrong? Ricky heard Drew scream. Is it just a Dream, or is something wrong? My stomach's doing flips right now like something's not right.

I'm not sure, Loy. Drew's terrified, and it's not only him. Whatever happened affected the Others inside him. They're all feeding their emotions into him, and I'm not sure why. Fuck, it's killing me seeing him like this!

Be careful, Henry. If you try to Link with him you might get overwhelmed. Hold tight, and we'll be right there.

Henry continued rubbing his hand up and down Drew's back while he waited for Loy and Rick. Drew's sobbing wasn't getting any better, so Henry tightened his Shields and forced himself into a Link with Drew, wary of what he might find especially after Loy's warning.

Immediately thousands of tiny arms were around Henry's neck, just like Drew's. He slowed his perception of Time to give himself more time to react. Henry could see every child in his Mind, each terrified, and he did his best to comfort every one of them.

Henry was the father none of them ever had, the one man strong and brave enough to love them like they needed and wanted. Strengthening his resolve, Henry gave them what they needed, becoming the Wall against their terror and fear while loving and protecting them. Each of them was a part of Drew, his newfound son, whom he had come to love and care for so much, and he could do no less for them.

Henry was aware when Loy and Rick entered the room but remained focused on calming Drew and the thousands of other boys. Henry focused on Drew first and foremost and felt guilty for doing so, but Drew was the host for all of them and more importantly, his son. The rest of them were memories; no... they were more than memories, each of them profoundly etched into and a part of Drew's Soul. Somehow, they existed as separate entities within his son. That scared Henry to death when he thought about it, and he didn't understand how that could be or what it meant for Drew.

Loy and Rick moved to either side of Henry and wrapped their arms around him and Drew. The comfort, warmth, and strength of their bodies added to Henry's, and Drew felt it. The extra hands rubbing his back and whispered words of encouragement eventually helped calm him. Even with the added the presence of their Minds, Hearts, and bodies, it took nearly fifteen minutes for Drew to stop sobbing enough to talk.

Rick got up and grabbed a damp washcloth to wipe Drew's face off once he was ready.

Drew was still hiccupping badly, but his eyes had lost their glazed, unfocused look. He rested his head on Henry's shoulder, exhausted, content to be quietly held.

Henry finally asked him, "Are you okay now, Drew? Feeling better?"

His voice was barely discernible except to Rick, as he whispered, "Yes, Daddy."

Henry's eyes were red and bloodshot, evidence of his emotional distress in trying to comfort so many Minds and Hearts.

"You want to show me the Dream? I know it was scary honey, but I think I need to see this one. This was more than a Dream, and we need to find out what happened. I'm with you, and so are Uncle Loy and Uncle Ricky."

Drew started to tear up again, fresh fear in his Mind.

"He wants to hurt you, Daddy! And you!"

Drew looked at Loy and Rick when he said the last, and they knew he meant them.

"Drew... You're safe with your Uncles and me. Here in the Lab, nothing can hurt you. We're with you, and we'll protect you, honey. I know it's hard, but we need to take a look. Can you be brave and show me?"

Drew didn't look up but he nodded his head. Henry looked at Rick and Loy.

Guys, this scares me. How could The Master do this here in the Lab? The Runes should stop anything like this from happening.

Loy: I'm not sure, Henry. The Master once sent a Dream to Lane, but it was more a memory from an alternate reality.  Somehow he circumvented the Tree in Lane and Bryan's backyard, but He's never done it since. We don't fully understand the connection between Drew and The Master, so maybe he's found a way. Let's take a look and see if we can figure it out.

Henry took the three of them into Drew's Mind, and they re-lived The Master's message to Drew. The Master's powerful Aura gripped them, and just like Drew, they were sucked into the void where his eyes should have been. Even though they were voyeurs, it affected them as powerfully as it had Drew.

The three men were sweating and trembling when it was over, even being on guard against it.

Rick: Fuck. How the hell did he do that? No wonder Drew was so freaked out.

Loy and Rick felt the anger in Henry. Henry kept himself tightly Shielded so Drew wouldn't feel it, but it was evident to them.

Along with his anger, Henry had a pleading look in his eyes.

Is there anything we can do to keep this from happening again? Drew's going to be a basket case if this keeps happening.

Loy's eyes flashed White as his Avatar gripped him, glowing brightly on the ball of his muscled shoulder. For a moment his eyes took on a faraway look, and his expression became almost feral for a brief second. When his eyes turned back to their regular dark brown, his handsome face broke into a grin.

Looking at Drew, he said, "I think Uncle Loy might have just the thing!"

Loy looked to the Heavens, casting his Awareness out, searching for the Spirit in his Vision. Loy wasn't sure if his Vision came from Remiel or the Ether but it didn't matter, his Avatar showed him what he needed.

He found the Ancient Spirit and called her.

Come! I need your help!

A wave of Power flowed out of him as he exerted his Dominion as Steward of the Animal Kingdom and their Spirits.

"Don't be scared Drew."

Looking at Henry, Loy laughingly thought: You either.

They felt the Spirit when she entered the room. By the Light of Loy's Avatar, she became corporeal. A large she-wolf sat by the door looking at them. She was a Spirit but appeared solid, and her eyes gazed at all of them with intelligence far beyond that of an animal.

Thank you for coming. The boy needs protection. Our Enemy invades his Dreams. I need you to guard his Dreams and let nothing touch him.

The Ancient Spirit wasn't gifted with speech, but the look in her eyes was entirely clear to Loy.

I will protect the cub as my own. Nothing will reach him.

She seemed to add: I will do this for you, Steward, and the boy. I know who he is.

Drew's eyes went wide as the wolf appeared in the room. Henry looked at Loy with a `holy shit, bro' look on his face.

Loy held out his hand and gestured for the wolf to approach.

Make yourself known to the boy while you are here, or to any of us, but stay hidden from all others.

Loy shared an image of everyone the Spirit could reveal herself too.

The wolf approached and put two paws on the bed, leaning forward to lick the tears off Drew's face.

Drew giggled and said, "That tickles!" as he reached a hand up to pet her.

"She's wild Drew and not a pet. She's here to guard your Dreams, so `you know who' can't send you any more bad ones. She won't bite you, but you need to be nice to her. It's okay to pet her, and you need to keep her close to you."

Henry: She can do that?

Loy: The Master can raise no real Power here under the protection of the Runes. I'm still not sure how he connected with Drew, but this Spirit is old and powerful, and very wise. She can guard his Dreams while Drew stays here or in Australia, or on ZEUS. If The Master attacks him outside the Runes she won't stand a chance, but she will sacrifice herself to try and stop him and give us time to react. I hope it won't come to that.

The she-wolf permitted Drew's touch, but with Henry it was different. With his Mind Awake as an Original Man, she would obey him as well. Drew wasn't an Original Man yet, so Loy bound her to Drew, and she would tolerate his touch and do her duty happily and willingly.

Henry almost teared up again at the look on Drew's face. He had asked for a dog months before, but there was no way Henry could get him one while they lived in the Lab. When it was time for the Spirit to go, he knew he would have a fight on his hands.

"Okay, kiddo; let's let your Uncles get back to sleep."

... Or whatever it was they were doing.

Loy chuckled and thought: You know us too well. We'll stay up for a while in case Drew needs us, or you, Henry. Don't hesitate to reach out to us; you got that? You aren't alone in this.

Thanks, guys.

They gave each other the equivalent of a Mental hug, while Loy and Ricky both got another hug out of Drew. He giggled when he hugged both men, especially Loy. Loy and Rick were the two hairiest of the guys, and their body hair tickled him.

As Drew snuggled back against Henry, his hands gripped the wedding rings around his neck; Henry's Christmas present to him. Focusing as he was taught, his mother's presence enveloped him. She brushed the hair off his forehead and took his fears away. His mother's touch coupled with the warm strength of his father protecting him, and now the presence of the she-wolf, let him enter a deep, peaceful sleep.

Drew wasn't aware of it, but the incarnations were comforted by Liz's presence as well, and they stayed on the surface of his Mind wanting to be near Henry.

<><><> 

The gentle sound of the water lapping against the hull of ZEUS was relaxing. Brad watched Ken's face, peaceful in sleep, and incredibly handsome. They had been on ZEUS for two days, at Brad's insistence.

Ken told the doctor he would give himself a day to recover from everything that happened, but the doctor and Brad joined forces and overruled his decision, convincing him to take a week. He'd found his mother and a brother he never knew he had and lost them both within hours. The emotional impact was substantial, more than he wanted to let on, but Brad was in him, with him in his Heart and Soul, sharing his pain and supporting Ken through it all. Brad was taking care of his best friend, lover, and soon-to-be-husband. In this matter, he ignored Ken's position as their leader and ordered him to relax.

In retrospect, Ken was glad he let himself be overruled. He and Brad had ZEUS mostly to themselves during each day. They were in the Pacific, still close to the Marianas Trench and isolated from civilization. Bryan and Lane showed up each evening, and Bryan worked his magic in the galley making Ken's favorite foods.

Bill and Kevin were at the Australian Base staying with Craig, Jacob, and their mother in the aftermath of Kent Peterson's death. Brad made sure he and Ken received regular updates from the rest of the guys, and each and every one of them, including Henry and Drew, and the doctor and Albrecht spent time with Ken in a Construct of Brad's design. He even brought Kelly and Chloe in so Ken could hold Chloe in his arms.

Each night, one of the other couples would come with Bryan and Lane to spend time with Ken. Nothing was talked about of his ordeal with the Curse; they just wanted to be with him as buddies. It was a relaxing time, and they joked, swam, and hung shit on one another like the old friends they were. It was the best medicine and made Ken thankful all over again for how lucky he was to have them in his life.

Brad loved watching Ken sleep. The slow, steady breathing of his muscular body was relaxing. He wanted to reach out and caress his lover and hold him tight but restrained himself. He wanted to be a barrier between Ken and what happened. He knew Ken was a strong man, but Brad still ached over the emotional turmoil Ken went through and was still processing.

Brad also wanted to reach out for selfish reasons, wanting nothing more than to touch the man he loved more than life itself. He wanted to run his hands over Ken's flawless skin, soft but tight over his lean, thick muscles. Brad's desire was as much emotional as physical with the bond the two men shared.

Eventually Ken woke, unconsciously realizing he was being watched. He opened one eye to see Brad's handsome face looking at him. Ken looked so cute with his sleepy face and the cowlick in his short hair he always woke up with Brad could hardly stand it.

Brad grinned and muttered, "Finally!" and let his hands start to roam.

Even with the ceiling fans and the in-cabin air conditioner, the room was warm and humid. Both men slept with only a sheet, which Ken kicked off sometime during the night. The warm, gentle air moving over their slightly sweaty skin gave their bodies a healthy glow. They were already deeply tanned, and neither one of them wore shorts or swimming trunks on ZEUS most of the time.

As soon as Lane and Bryan showed up, they were naked in no time as well. It not only felt terrific, but it was easier to jump in the water to cool off and not have to deal with a wet bathing suit when they got out.

Ken stretched as he woke up, tightening his big physique, his face reddening with the effort and veins popped on his shoulders, arms, and upper chest. He put on a show for Brad, knowing how much he loved the sight, and it got both of them started on a long, languid morning of hot sex aboard their private Yacht.

There was no rush, and they spent a few hours pleasuring each other as only they knew how to do. Eventually, the rumbling of Ken's stomach caused them both to laugh, and they got up to start breakfast.

Bryan and Lane came into the galley shortly after Ken and Brad, both naked. They all gave each other a good morning hug, and Brad said he'd help with breakfast.

While Brad started breaking eggs to make omelets, he mentioned, "You know guys, Drew's birthday is in a few weeks. Why don't we have it here on ZEUS? You know he'd love that. We can have him here with us for a week, and all of us can rotate each night to have someone with Henry and Drew. Sally can come and do half-day lessons for him. I hope the doc and Albrecht would want to come too."

Ken smiled at Brad's idea saying, "That's a great idea, B. I want `ta make this birthday something he'll remember. Maybe Bill'n Kevin can arrange for Tommy and Brett `ta come for a sleepover. Drew's never had a sleepover, and I bet he'd love that."

The guys continued their conversation and planning over breakfast, and Brad made mental notes of everything to go over with Henry. They greatly respected Henry's guidance as Drew's father and never wanted to overstep their bounds.

The rest of the afternoon was spent swimming and lounging with a small pod of humpback whales, eating almost non-stop, and sunning themselves. What little tan lines they had quickly disappeared as their skin darkened all over from being nude nearly the entire time.

Ken and Brad got dark fast, especially Ken, and Brad's hair got even lighter as the sun bleached it out. Sally was in awe of ZEUS when it was her turn to stay on board, and the doctor and Albrecht enjoyed it immensely. It was fun to see their two mentors in a more relaxed environment, and how Albrecht was able to bring out the lighter side of his partner's personality, which they rarely witnessed.

The doctor managed to `let his hair down' as Lane put it, and have fun. Henry was apprised on all the plans, and his only request was to make the birthday presents minimal. They spoiled Drew at Christmas, and Henry wanted to teach Drew the value of the experience and privilege of being with his Uncles on ZEUS was just as much of a present as a wrapped gift. Of course there would be presents, just nothing over the top.

Loy had an idea that struck him out of the blue and ran it by Henry. It fell into the category of `over the top,' but it was so incredible Henry couldn't say no. They kept it a secret from everybody else just like they did at Christmas.

Under the auspices of `Birthday Presents,' Loy cleared it with Ken and the others to have a day or maybe more to himself with Rick to prepare his surprise for Drew. Loy's excitement was evident in the Link, and they all wondered what he had planned. Henry had a big smile on his face, so they were confident it must be something good.

Ken insisted that no matter where they went, Loy and Rick maintain a Link with Brad. Brad promised not to `peek,' to see where they were, but Ken wanted a connection regardless for security reasons.

Two days before Drew's birthday party Loy and Rick powered up and disappeared. Darren would have been more than happy to send them wherever they wanted, but it was all a part of the surprise.

<><><> 

Full of Power, Loy cast his Awareness across Earth, letting the presence of all the animals on the planet fill him up while at the same time putting himself into them. He became One with them, or they became One with him; he still wasn't sure which way it worked. Regardless, they were with each other, in each other, and Loy basked in the feeling. Their wild, savage innocence and purity were exhilarating. He saw the patterns in all of them between predators and prey and experienced all aspects of both sides of that part of Creation. He saw how the Curse affected them and wondered how their natures would change if, or when, the Curse was lifted.

Rick was with him the entire time, proud of Loy and his Avatar, and he made sure Loy knew it.

Loy filtered his Awareness down to a herd of elephants on the Serengeti Plains in Africa and using the eyesight of an older cow, took himself and Rick there in the blink of an eye.

<><><> 

As soon as Loy appeared in the Serengeti, Barachiel became aware. Triggers placed long ago activated, alerting him to his grandson's presence in that place.

Barachiel knew Loy's presence there was inevitable; the Serengeti could be considered the `Heart' of Loy's power, just as the Tree and the Valley were Bryan's. The life cycle there was stronger than anywhere else on Earth.

Barachiel wasn't able to intervene or influence Loy's presence there in any way, but he prayed his earthly grandson would find the strength to break the Darkness that rested in that place. Casting his thoughts out, he called his other grandson.

Alariel.

Moments later Alariel, Loy's Nephilim half-brother appeared.

Yes, grandfather?

It was rare for Barachiel to summon him, and Alariel was curious.

Watch over your brother. You cannot intervene any more than I, but I will feel better if you are close.

Alariel bowed and vanished across the Veil to find Loy. He knew the danger his half-brother would be in and would be ready if there was an opening for him to step in.

<><><> 

Bill and Kevin pulled into the Orphanage on Friday afternoon to pick up Tommy and Brett. They had arranged with the administrators to have the two boys for the entire weekend. As official `Big Brothers' of the two boys, it was allowed and encouraged.

Bill and Kevin went down to their knees when they saw the two boys come out of their dorm and as soon as Tommy and Brett saw them, they took off running like bullets, throwing themselves into the arms of the two big men. Bill and Kevin grabbed the boys, hugging them tightly, and kissed their cheeks.

Bill was all smiles as he said, "Hey, fellas! You're looking great! It's only been a week, but I think you both grew at least an inch!"

Kevin groaned loudly as he picked up Brett, the younger of the two, saying, "Man, you're gettin heavy, kiddo!"

Bill's Avatar glowed softly under his clothes, and he Read Tommy inadvertently as soon as they hugged. His ability updated him on everything that happened since the last time they saw the two boys, and it hit Bill hard how much Tommy and Brett had come to love him and Kevin. The bond grew stronger with each visit, but it was like a glass of cold water in their faces at how fiercely the boys loved the two big men and wanted them to be their dads.

The suddenness and strength of the emotional impact rattled Bill, and he instinctively merged with Kevin, going so deep Time nearly stood still. Bill and Kevin appeared naked to one another in the place where their Souls were One and tears showed in their eyes as their bodies embraced, mirroring their Souls. They hugged, tight and powerful, even a bit desperate, reflecting their emotional upheaval.

What Tommy and Brett felt for them... Kevin and Bill saw it in Drew towards Henry, and they knew how Drew felt about them as his Uncles, but they never thought any little boys would ever feel that way about them. Tommy and Brett wanted Kevin and Bill as their dads more than anything in the world.

It took Bill and Kevin some time to get their emotions under control. What the boys wanted was impossible. With The Master and The Enemy and the fight they were in to save Drew for the fate of mankind... They just couldn't. The danger to the boys just being around them would be too much. It didn't stop Bill and Kevin from wanting it just as much or soften the ache in their Hearts.

When Bill Read Tommy, he became aware of issues in the dorm with some of the older boys, but Tommy and Brett were generally happy and treated well; no matter what, their current situation was far above what it used to be. The boys interviewed with a couple the previous day but were confused... They thought being adopted was what they always wanted, what they had dreamed about, but the boys were scared Bill and Kevin wouldn't spend time with them anymore or want them in their lives.

Once Bill and Kevin got control of themselves, Bill brought them back up. They remained deep in one another but dampened their Auras so the boys wouldn't be overwhelmed.

Kevin said, "Boys, let's head over by those trees for a minute so we can talk before we head out."

Bill took Tommy's hand and Kevin picked Brett up, lifting him onto his shoulders. Bill Read Tommy's trepidation and fear, wondering what they wanted to talk about. He was afraid it was time for the `talk' that eventually came with every adult he ever cared about; the talk that always occurred right before the adult disappeared from his life.

Once they sat down, Bill pulled Tommy into his lap, saying, "Come here, kiddo."

Wrapping Tommy up in his big arms, Bill hugged him tightly. He knew the warmth and strength of his body made Tommy feel safe, but the walls in Tommy were already building.

Kevin set Brett on his lap and did the same, ruffling Brett's shaggy hair and kissing the top of his head. Once they settled, Kevin looked at Bill to start. Bill gave him the `you chickenshit' look, and their eyes glinted with laughter. It was a look they often shared when one or the other of them needed to take the lead in a conversation, but each held off wanting the other to start.

Bill took a deep breath and said, "Okay, guys. Before I say anything else, I want you to know how much Kev and I have come to love you two. We mean that, and I wish more than anything we could be your dads. As hard as this is to say, and as hard as it is for you to hear, that can't happen. There are all kinds of reasons why that you can't understand yet, and I know it sucks. It hurts us as much as it does you."

Both boys started crying, their eyes welling up.

Kevin hugged Brett tighter, "It's okay to cry, little man. I'm crying too. We want you to know something, and we promise, cross our hearts and hope to die, we will be in your lives as long as you live. There are just too many things you need that we can't give you."

Kevin stopped, sniffed loudly and grinned before continuing, "You're stuck with us, whether you like it or not. We'll spend as much time with you as we can. We want to find out more about the couple who saw you yesterday. If they're nice, you need to give them a chance. You both need a good home where you can grow up together."

Bill continued, "We aren't going anywhere guys, so don't be sad, and don't be afraid we're going to disappear on you. I know how many promises have been broken to you, but we can prove it to you if you'll let us."

Tommy's eyes got big, and he knew what they were talking about. The first time Bill and Kevin visited Calvary Children's Home the boys felt their Auras, and most of the children thought they were angels. The two boys knew Bill, Kevin, and the rest of the guys could know their thoughts if they wanted to. On Christmas morning Kevin revealed his Aura to Tommy, proving there was magic in the world.

Bill had placed a gentle Compulsion on all the children not to openly talk about what they saw and felt that day to other adults, but they were free to talk about it among themselves. The boys knew there was something different about Bill and Kevin and their friends. Ken and Brad and the rest of the guys spent a lot of time at the Orphanage when they could, and their presence magically uplifted the children.

Tommy was nervous, but he nodded. Bill brought the two boys into a Link with him and Kevin. It wasn't a merge, but suddenly the emotions and intent of the two big men were evident, along with their sincerity and the love they held for the two boys. Fresh tears streamed down all their faces, and Bill and Kevin let the boys rest in the comfort of the Link for a few minutes until the last of their fears were gone.

To break the somber mood, Kevin perked up and said, "Hey, we got a big surprise for you two. We're having a birthday party for Drew on our boat. How does spending the weekend on the water sound?"

The boy's reaction wasn't what they expected. Neither one seemed as excited as they expected them to be.

Bill had Read both boys and searched his memory. Their apprehension was over the fact that neither boy could swim, and Tommy had almost drowned when he was Brett's age. An older boy in one of the dorms held him underwater in a bathtub. He was afraid and didn't want to show it in front of Bill and Kevin.

The other issue was that neither boy had any money to buy Drew a birthday present. Most kids their age didn't have much of a concept of money but growing up in an Orphanage with nothing they knew it was another thing they didn't have.

Kevin held his emotions in check, but his heart ached for the two boys. They were typical of most of the children at the orphanage, having been mistreated and abused in one form or another all their young lives. The unfairness of it all caused by the greed and insensitivity of human adults hit them again.

Anger burned in Bill and Kevin, and sadness at what the boys had experienced so far in their young lives. The emotions weren't directed at them, and Tommy and Brett were surprised that any adult would feel so much for them. In their Minds they didn't deserve it, even though they longed for it.

Bill's Mind shivered, and he retreated into Kevin for a brief moment. He didn't bother Shielding them that time, wanting the two boys to feel the warmth of their Auras.

Bill hugged Tommy tighter and gently said, "I'm sorry, Tommy. There's no need to be afraid, buddy. We know what happened, and it was horrible what that boy did to you. Kev and I will be with you and teach you how to swim. And if you can keep a big secret, I'll tell you something else. I was going to surprise you with this, but maybe this will help make you look forward to it more."

Both boys looked at him expectantly, their eyes big, wondering what he was going to tell them.

"There are going to be whales and dolphins to swim with. Maybe other animals. Last time we had penguins with us too."

Tommy and Brett were used to being lied to and didn't believe them.

"You know we'll never lie to you. I'm telling the truth. I bet you'll have more fun than you can possibly imagine if you come with us. But if you don't want to, it's okay. We can take you to our house for the weekend."

It was Brett that said, "No! I want to go! Come on, Tommy! It'll be fun!"

Tommy wanted too but was afraid.

Bill rubbed his cheek on the top of Tommy's head.

"You'll be safe, Tommy. I promise. We'll teach you to swim. Drew didn't know how to swim either, and we showed him. All of us guys were in the Navy and know how to scuba dive. We can show you that too if you want.

"There's nothing wrong with being afraid, Tommy. I want you to know that. You need to learn to face your fears, and me and Kev will be there with you every step of the way. Every one of the guys will be, and Drew too. He can tell you how we taught him. How about it?"

Tommy looked into Bill's eyes, searching. He saw and felt that Bill was telling him the truth, and tentatively nodded his head. Bill's handsome face broke into a grin, and he said, "Atta boy!" as he ruffled Tommy's hair.

"We need to hit Wal-Mart or Target and get you guys some swimsuits, and let you pick out a birthday present for Drew."

The two boys already had their backpacks with them with their toothbrushes and extra clothes and pajamas, so they were ready to go.

Brett said, "We don't have any money for a present."

Kevin said, "Don't sweat it, little man, we have you covered. That's what Big Brothers are for! Leave the money to us. Hey, are you two hungry? You want to stop on the way and get something to eat?"

They both practically shouted, "Wendy's! Can we get chocolate Frosty's?"

Bill and Kevin couldn't help but laugh at how loud and enthusiastic their response was to the food.

"I think we can handle that. Now let's hit the road. In a few hours, you'll be on a Yacht and having the time of your lives."

The boys ran to the car and climbed inside.

Kevin: Bill...

The dam of emotions Keven held back broke loose.

Those two... It still gets me what shitty lives they've had. When their faces lit up when they saw us... God, I wish we could take them as ours.

Bill wrapped his Heart and Mind around his best friend, lover, and soon-to-be-husband.

I know Kev. I do too. Right now, we both know it's not possible. I hate to be brutally honest, but how painful would it be to watch them grow old and die while we stay young? I think it would be worse if they were our kids. I'm not sure we could handle that. It's going to be hard enough with friends like Sally and the Keenan's, but if we had our own kids? I'm not sure I could take that.

We'll have to be enough for each other, and the guys. We're a family, and it's enough. It'll have to be enough. But we can watch over these boys like our own, and make sure they have good lives. I want to meet the family that interviewed them yesterday. I want to make sure they deserve those two boys and aren't just another shitty foster family that wants two extra checks a month.

Damn straight. Now let's go to Wendy's. I haven't had a Frosty in ages.

<><><> 

Ken laid back, floating in the water with Styrofoam noodles under his legs, arms, and neck. In the initial modifications to his body when he joined the Program, the oxygen levels in his system were substantially increased not only to fuel his muscles but to help with buoyancy and offset the increased density of his muscles and bones. With hardly any effort, he oxygenated his body with a trickle of Power from his Core energy center to help assist the noodles.

Brad, Bryan, and Lane floated nearby. Brad and Lane used their Minds to keep the four of them physically close if the wind caused them to drift apart.

The hot sun beating down on their naked bodies felt wonderful. Out of the blue, intense emotions struck Ken; Brad and the doctor told him that might happen. His unconscious Mind was processing the emotional trauma he experienced from the loss of his mother and brother. As the emotional wave hit, he sucked in his breath and his abs tensed, forming tight, deep ridges the water ran through.

Brad's Mental presence increased, as though wrapping his arms around Ken.

Ken let out a quiet, "Fuck me!" and flipped over in the water. He swam to the back deck and climbed up the ladder.

Brad, Lane, and Bryan were with him and Bryan and Lane started to withdraw, but Ken held them tightly. He wanted... No, he needed them there with him along with Brad.

Ken went into the main galley and grabbed a beer for everyone. When he came out, Bryan was sitting on the back deck with his legs dangling in the water. Brad and Lane were still floating.

Sitting beside Bryan, Ken handed him a beer and tossed one each to Brad and Lane.

Ken popped the can open but as soon as he raised it to his lips, his throat tightened and he choked up.

His first reaction, which he knew sounded stupid, was to say, "I'm sorry, guys."

Bryan's big arm wrapped around his shoulder and pulled Ken close.

Let it out, buddy.

The solid comfort of Bryan's presence, his strong arm over his shoulder and the depth of his love and concern caused a different reaction in Ken.

The emotions that hit Ken were strong, and it wasn't only grief over losing his family. What everyone did for him while he was incapacitated was there too, in particular Bryan, who faced off against Luke to save him.

It was so humbling, and Ken leaned into Bryan, hugging him back and resting his head on Bryan's shoulder, not ashamed of his open show of emotions or his need.

Thanks, Bry. I don't know what `ta say about what you did for me and B.

It was nothing you wouldn't do for any of us, fucker.

Ken sniffed loudly.

Nothin' my ass! You're gonna take my thanks, and you are gonna like it! That's an order!

All of them chuckled, and it broke the seriousness of the mood.

Lane's mischievous grin appeared.

Bry just wanted to cop a feel.

Oh really? You wanna ditch the nerd and run away with me Bry?

There was more laughter, and Bryan surprised Ken by rolling them off the deck, dunking them both.

<><><> 

Loy and Rick appeared on the plains of the Serengeti beside the large female elephant. He moved to her, rubbing his hands across her skin, careful not to rub too lightly so he wouldn't tickle her. As rough as it looked, elephants have sensitive skin and too light a touch irritated them. He smiled at her contentment over his presence. Bringing her trunk around she nuzzled him, covering him in slobber and making him laugh.

The sky was overcast, and the temperature in the high-eighties. It was the rainy season, the humidity off the charts, and both men broke out into a heavy sweat.

They took off their shirts, tucking them into their shorts. Ricky never tired of looking at Loy's muscled hairy chest. He was the perfect muscle bear with big balled shoulders, big arms, and chest. Loy didn't have a gut like most bears did; his body was lean, thick muscle, with perfect hair patterns. Loy kept his body hair trimmed, not liking hair on his shoulders and back, so Ricky helped him shave, but his arms, chest, and legs were thick with dark brown hair. The hair on his head held light brown highlights from bleaching out in the summer sun, and it changed Loy's looks from incredibly handsome to devastatingly handsome in Ricky's mind.

Loy had the same admiration for Rick's body. They grinned at one another, fully aware of the effect they had on each other. Ricky hugged Loy to him, chest to chest, and kissed him. The feel of each other's sweat slickened bodies was blissful, and as expected it turned them on.

Through Loy's Avatar, the love and lust the two men had for one another broadcast to the surrounding animals. The elephant let out a huge bellow, flapping her ears in pleasure.

Rick pulled back from the kiss and pressed their sweaty foreheads together. They stared into each other's eyes, smoldering with intense emotions as their hands started to roam over their muscular bodies. Rick was mildly surprised but realized he should have expected Loy's reaction to the animals. This was their first time in the Serengeti, and he knew Loy would get a rush from it.

Loy chuckled. The feelings he got from animals, especially the more intelligent species, was difficult to describe. Loy received the same sense of completion they felt around him but also felt their intense, unconditional love for him. They were a part of him through his Avatar, making him more than he was originally. Even sharing his Soul with Ricky wasn't the same. With Ricky, it was more powerful and deeply profound, but the presence of the animals and their Spirits was something else on top of his bond with Rick.

Loy let his Awareness loose, and just as it was with Bryan at the Tree, in that place, it wasn't so much letting loose as it was letting it in. The presence of the wildlife on the plains pushed into him, and he rode the wave with Ricky at his side.

"Fuck Loy, you feel so good against me."

Rick cupped Loy's face in his hands, running his thumbs over Loy's stubbly cheeks while their bodies pressed together. Loy's arms rested around Rick's solid shoulders, and they brought their faces together again into a tender kissed.

The kiss started tender, but passion ignited in both of them; being nearly naked in the humid heat on the wild plains of Africa set their libidos on fire. They loved outdoor sex, and something about the situation got both men charged up.

Rick lowered Loy onto the soft grass. Tugging off their shorts they continued to make out, arms and hands roaming over each other frantically.

In the Spiritual Realm, they shone brighter than the sun, their forms filled with the Light of their powerful Souls, with Rick's blue eyes ringed with the dark brown of Loy's and vice versa.

Staring intently into each other's eyes, their passion and lust built and they noted it was wilder than most times. The animals and surrounding Spirits made themselves felt inside Loy, and it bled over into Ricky. Their movements, following their emotions, became hot and wild.

The feeling of their tight muscled bodies rubbing against one another, slick with sweat and shining in the hot sun, drove their already overactive libidos over the top.

In the back of Loy's Mind he smiled, knowing how many young animals would be born because of what they did.

A light breeze across their hot, sweaty skin emphasized their nakedness in the fresh humid air. The two men writhed against one another, and Ricky laughed because he knew Brad was with them and just popped a boner.

With a grin, Rick sent Brad a private thought.

Ken can thank us later.

Rick felt Brad's mirth, and his presence started to retreat, but Ricky stopped him. He and Loy liked being watched. It turned them on, so Brad, on ZEUS, brought Ken into the Link.

Knowing their Brothers were with them drove Loy and Rick over the edge. The overpowering sense of wildness and freedom of the Animal Kingdom pressing into them, being naked on the plains of Africa in the humid air, letting their libidos run wild, added the spice that made their climaxes far beyond ordinary.

Back on ZEUS, Ken exclaimed, "Holy shit!" as he and Brad mimicked the movements of their Brothers, caught up in an animalistic rut. They rarely shared so much sexually between couples, but it was hot, and they got off with each other across the planet. The four men merged completely, their Souls One, lost in the powerful, painfully sweet intimacy of each other.

Once finished, both couples rested in the aftermath of the animal lust that gripped them, basking in the presence of the others until their breathing returned to normal.

The two couples slowly separated from one another. Loy and Rick were aware of the love Ken and Brad had for them as men, friends, and Soulmates. None of them could imagine their lives without each other, now they were so often wholly intertwined. What Loy and Rick just did helped Ken a few more steps down the long road to recovery.

Ken: That was hot guys. I love you both. What the fuck are you doin' in Africa?

Loy chuckled: Sorry, Ken, I got carried away by being here. I'm here to find a surprise for Drew's birthday party. Keep the fact we're here under wraps okay? I want it to be a surprise for as many of us as possible.

Ken: You got it, man. B'll stay with `ya. Hey, if you wanna do that again later, feel free.

They laughed at Ken's remark, and Loy and Rick sensed the expression on his face and the double eyebrow raise he did as he said that.

Loy and Rick pulled back until Brad's presence was barely discernable, present in the back of their Minds but not intruding.

Loy sighed, saying, "Damn, I hate what Ken's going through."

Ricky pulled Loy closer against him, wrapping both his big powerful arms around his lover.

"Me too. We'll need to find a way to make sure that can't happen to any of the rest of us. Not just for us but for any of our relatives that might still be alive. I'm sure the doc is on it, but we can't be too careful."

The warm breeze continued to blow over their skin, and it felt so soothing they both drifted off to sleep for a short time.

Not long after they were asleep, Loy's Avatar glowed brightly on his shoulder, and behind his eyelids, his eyes turned White.

<><> 

Loy slipped into the Realm of Dreams, guided by his Avatar. His unconscious Mind told him he was asleep, and he wondered at that. He sensed no movement at first but slowly began to experience a sensation similar to when he traveled in the Spiritual Realm across the Veil.

The temporal aspect of his Avatar that came from Lane asserted itself, and Loy realized he was moving back in time to nearly a year before. Images around him stabilized, and he stood in the Atlanta Lab. The skull of General Mstislav sat on the countertop in the Lab. Bill was trapped in his own Mind, and they were desperately trying to find a way to help him.

The empty sockets of the skull stared at Loy from across the room, drawing him in. Unable to stop what was happening, Loy vanished into the depths of the evil residing in the skull.

Just as it was with Bill, Loy relived the lifetime of Evil that resided in the skull. Every atrocious act of violence and bloodshed General Mstislav performed became a part of Loy. Years upon years tore at his Mind and Soul, and he cried out for Ricky, but in the Dream he was alone and separated from the other half of his Soul.

Year after year, Loy lived the life of one of the vilest men in history. Even though the skull was destroyed, Bill Read it at the Awakening of his Avatar, and Loy merged with Bill often, and the memories and experiences were a part of them now.

The River of memories washed over him like whitewater, buffeting him and threatening to wash him away. The experiences raged against his Heart and the Light inside him, burning him.

Suddenly the flow stopped, and he stood inside the rubble of a Monastery. A small bird of prey, a sparrow hawk, flew into the room and dropped towards the ground. Loy instinctively knew what he watched was the Purpose of his Dream. He also knew through his Avatar that the sparrow hawk was not a bird. Its tiny form shimmered, and suddenly a man stood amidst the rubble.

The pain on his face was apparent as he witnessed the devastation of his home and his slain Brothers. Loy knew the man was of The Order, seeing inside him as if he was a glass filled with beautiful Light, with strength beyond an ordinary man.

Tears of grief flowed down his face as he knelt to pray for the Souls of the slain monks.

A chill ran down Loy's spine, and he turned to see General Mstislav. He must have been masking himself, hiding in the rubble, and Loy heard the General's voice in his Mind.

I was beginning to think you fled like a coward Giovanni.

The monk's head whipped around, and his posture turned defensive.

You will pay for this! I swear it! God will strike you down for this!

The deep voice laughed at his empty words.

Loy witnessed the short struggle. The man, Giovanni, was of The Order, and powerful, but no match for the General.

The conflict within Giovanni was clear to Loy. He wished to avenge his fallen Brothers but was overmatched, so he made the tactical decision to flee and warn Charisa. What Giovanni didn't know was the General laid his traps well.

Dark threads of Black power spread over Giovanni like a net as his form shimmered back into the small sparrow hawk as he attempted to fly away.

The General snatched the bird out of the air, and Loy saw a look of surprise on the General's face. He wasn't sure what happened, but Giovanni was gone, and the sparrow hawk was now just a bird, or so he thought... Loy knew through his Avatar in the Dream that Giovanni was still inside the small creature, lost in the Gift that gave him the ability to change his shape. He knew Giovanni would never find himself again on his own.

As the Generals gauntleted fist started to squeeze the life out of the bird, a familiar voice said, "Let him go."

It was Albrecht, and his voice was like cold steel.

Albrecht's expression was grim, and grief shone in his eyes, knowing what Giovanni had done to save the Gift from falling into the hands of The Enemy.

Albrecht's stance was perfect; relaxed and ready.

The General turned to him and said, "So you finally dare face me."

"I'm going to stop you once and for all."

Storm clouds gathered, and lightning filled the sky, reflecting the Battle about to take place.

The two men faced one another, each representing one of the two Powers.

In his distraction, the little sparrow hawk managed to squirm free and bolt away. The General, focused on Albrecht, missed his second swipe to catch and crush what remained of Giovanni.

Albrecht's mental voice was sad, and Giovanni was no longer able to hear him.

I'm sorry, my friend. You will not be forgotten, and I will avenge you and your Brothers.

Loy felt a thrill of excitement... He was about to witness the defeat of one of the most powerful Enemy leaders in history at the hands of his beloved mentor, but as Albrecht moved forward the torrent returned, and Loy was once again washed away in the River of Time.

<><> 

Loy was buffeted by scrambled images, memories, and emotions that didn't make sense. Scenes flashed so quickly through his Mind he couldn't make them out. It was like a strobe light of memories, sensations, and feelings, and he was helpless in the grip of what was happening to him. One thing was evident; there were no happy scenes or good sentiments in what he was being subjected to. A pervading sense of cold Evil ran through it all.

Suddenly it all paused, and he knew he was closer in Time to where he existed. It was some years earlier, but not many. Loy, like his Mentalist Brothers, had a temporal sense through his Avatar and he knew when he was.

He stood in a jungle in the dark of night, where a full moon cast a silvery glow over dense foliage. A bright flash of lightning illuminated the form of a young boy, or perhaps a small man. He was slender and naked, his skin so dark brown it was almost black, but he covered himself in a light grey mud that dried over his skin. The clay was cracked and powdery making his skin look diseased. The pattern and coloring on his face formed the visage of a skull.

With a flash of lightning, a silhouette became visible, overshadowing the boy, of a large muscled form with small horns and a forked tail, and a cold chill ran through Loy. He knew the boy was possessed by whatever he saw.

In the clearing where the boy stood, a small wicker cage swung from a branch in the night breeze.

A deep voice like grating rocks spoke in Loy's Mind.

You cannot have it Nephilim.

<><> 

Loy's eyes snapped open. He was back in Rick's arms lying in the grass, and he looked right into the bright golden eyes of a lion less than two feet from him.

As the Dream came back to him he shivered, but his heart warmed at the sight of the lion and the love the creature exuded for him; that and being held tightly by his lover. An entire pride had surrounded Loy and Rick while they slept, protecting them.

Rick held Loy in his arms, waiting for him to wake up. The trembling of Loy's body woke him hours before, and he realized Loy was Dreaming.

Rick's handsome face looked worried as he ran his hands through the hair on Loy's chest.

"Was it bad?"

Loy instinctively deepened the Link between them.

A little. Most of it was weird. I'm not sure why I was shown what I was.

Well, that's nothing new.

They both chuckled softly at his comment.

Want to share it with me?

As Loy shared his Dream with Rick, the young lion moved up, nuzzling his huge head against Loy's chest and licking the salt off his sweaty skin with its sand-papery tongue.

Instinctively Loy entered the Mind of the big feline, looking at his energy flows. Like any wild animal, he had some scars and mites. He was young and in good health for the most part, but Loy sent a gentle flow of Healing into the feline, restoring him to perfect health.

The young lion plopped down on top of Loy, causing him to let out an "Oomph!", but he laughed and hugged the big head of the cat against his chest, scratching his ears. He inhaled the very distinct smell of a large cat and couldn't help the thought: Fuck this is nice. We need to come here and camp out sometime.

It only took Rick a few seconds to assimilate everything Loy experienced in his Dream, and he had a serious look on his face.

You can't have it? What the fuck does that mean? I wish you'd seen Albrecht take down the General. We need to talk to him and find out who that Giovanni guy was.

After the Dream, Loy knew they were in Africa for a reason, even though his idea for Drew's birthday surprise seemed random.

I feel the puppet strings, Rick.

Yeah, me too.

Brad's presence was still in the back of his Mind, connected but barely there. He reached for his Brother across the planet, but nothing changed. He was surprised, and his Aura flared brightly as he brought more Power to bear to connect with Brad, but Brad's presence didn't change.

Fuck Rick, I can't reach Brad.

Rick was immediately more alert and on edge.

Not again!

<><><> 

Alariel watched the trap pull the two men in as they slept. Per Barachiel's instructions, he didn't intervene. Alariel was frightened for his half-brother, but also knew how strong Loy and Rick were.

He would watch over their bodies while their Minds were imprisoned. He managed to create a tunnel into the Construct before the trap was sprung, careful not to get sucked into it, and he would be able to observe them there as well.

Alariel watched as Loy Dreamt and the lions surround them, innately sensing the need to protect their Steward.

<><><> 

Loy and Rick stayed tightly bound in each other, Shielding themselves. For some reason, Loy heard the words inside his head again.

You cannot have it, Nephilim.

His conscious and unconscious Mind worked on the problem, as did Rick's.

Rick looked at Loy and said, "Man, Ken is gonna be pissed. So, why are we here? This can't be Luke, and there's no way The Master could have known we'd be coming here."

Loy let out a heavy sigh, "Fuck Ricky. Just like Rosanne Rosannadanna used to say; it's always something!"

Rick chuckled at the old Saturday Night Live reference and replied, "That it is, buddy."

"Well, we aren't going to find out anything by sitting here."

While they talked, Loy absentmindedly scratched the ears of the young Lion draped across his naked body.

"Sorry fella, but I have to get up."

The young lion looked at him and sighed, then nuzzled against him, growling low in his throat.

Loy laughed and said, "I'll scratch you later, so no attitude. Up and at 'em!"

The young lion rolled off him and stood up, shaking his entire body in the process. Rick stood, holding out his hand for Loy, pulling him to his feet as though he weighed nothing. His eyes raked over Loy's handsome naked body one more time.

Loy noticed the hungry look and grinned.

Yeah, you do the same to me. Let's figure this shit out so we can get back to what we do best.

The grin on Loy's handsome face made Rick's heart skip a beat.

<><><> 

Loy tried one more time to reach Brad but wasn't successful. Brad was there, but the connection seemed inert; there, but not there. He hadn't encountered anything like that and wondered if Brad felt the same thing on his end. He guessed Brad would only realize something was wrong if he tried to reach for them and felt the same thing.

Rick asked, "Do you know where we are exactly?"

"Not specifically... All I know is we're in the Serengeti Plains. Most of this land is a National Park and game reserve, but I'm not sure we're even in the Physical Realm right now. I think this is a Construct, so I have no idea what to expect."

Lowering his head, Rick groaned, letting out a quiet, "Fuck me!" under his breath, shaking his head.

There was nothing for it but to move forward and find out why they were there, so hand in hand they began to walk.

Any chatter between them was in their Minds as they moved silently forward. They were in `mission' mode, and their demeanor changed, keeping communication short and precise, reverting to their SEAL training. Other than the nearby lions, Loy sensed no other wildlife.

Rick opened his Avatar to the Life in the general area and immediately knew something was wrong. There was Life directly around them, like a bubble that moved with them. Instinctively he reached for the Tree and realized he couldn't.

He let out another: Fuck.

When Loy realized that, he Listened and barely heard anything. Similar to the Life Energy, the only Music was directly around them, and what was there was quiet.

It confirmed Loy's suspicions about them either being in a Construct of some kind or perhaps something else they hadn't encountered yet. It put both men even more on guard.

Loy called the pride of lions closer, and as the two men moved silently, the lions surrounded them, adding their perceptions to his and Rick's.

After two hours of walking, it dawned on Rick he wasn't the least bit hungry, and he chuckled as he wondered if Ken's stomach would still rumble if he were with them.

Rick kept his heightened senses alert to any sounds or movement, but other than an occasional slight breeze rustling the grass or tree limbs they didn't hear anything.

Later in the evening when it started to get dark, they gathered dead wood and started a fire. It took some concentration but no real effort for Loy to start a spark with his Mind in some kindling, and he soon had a small campfire going.

Rick sat beside him and held his hands out towards the flames. Grinning at his partner, he said, "You're kind of handy to have around. I think I'll keep you a while longer."

Loy rolled his eyes at the same old joke and put an arm around Rick's shoulder. He snuggled against his lover, sharing their body heat and taking comfort in the intimate closeness. Neither man said much, each lost in his thoughts but still deeply together. It was the norm now for them to keep their Hearts and Minds close, and to touch whenever they could. They were completely comfortable with each other physically and had come to rely on each other's touch and presence. Neither man could imagine being apart anymore for any length of time.

When they finally got ready to sleep a few of the lions moved against them, sandwiching them in between their bodies. Even with their increased body temperature, the animals felt nice and warm. They only had their shorts and t-shirts and the night was cold.

In the middle of the night, Rick's eyes opened. Like Ken, he was combat trained to wake at the slightest provocation. He stayed perfectly still, but his enhanced senses were fully alert.

He heard the sound of fluttering wings as a bird alighted on the branch of a nearby tree.

Loy.

Triggers Loy had placed in his Mind activated, and he was instantly awake.

What is it?

A bird. It's the first sign of life other than the lions since we got here. Wherever `here' is.

Loy's eyes were still closed, but he reached for the bird with his Avatar and felt nothing. He looked deeper and still felt nothing other than Rick and the lions.

That's not a bird.

Loy's eyes flashed White, and for a brief moment he saw the silhouette of a man perched on the limb of the tree where the bird sat. He was thin and dressed in brown robes like a Monk. It was the man, Giovanni, from his Dream.

He blinked, and it was just a bird again.

Holy shit, Ricky! That's Giovanni!

A deep voice like grating rocks entered their Minds.

You cannot have it!

There was a roar so loud the ground and nearby trees shook violently, making the sparrow hawk dart away in a panic.

Rick: What the hell?

Loy shouted in his Mind: Enough with the cryptic bullshit! Show yourself, whoever or whatever you are!

You came here for it, but now you are mine as well, and you can never leave.

In a private Link with Ricky, Loy thought: We need to figure out who or what that thing is, and the rules of this place. This seems like more than a Construct, but I can't put my finger on it yet.

Rick didn't go back to sleep. He stoked the fire and held Loy while he slept. The presence of the lions helped calm Loy but didn't do anything for Rick. He felt protective of his lover and best friend, knowing they were in trouble, and not knowing anything yet about who, or what had them imprisoned, or why.

<><> 

Alariel watched Loy and Rick move through the pocket Reality. He feared for them; the pocket dimension was unique, and unlike anything they had encountered before. There were few such places left in existence; it was a `bubble' left over from the time of Creation and the being that occupied it just as old. Inside the fabric of that space the creature was all-powerful. It was a form of Djinn but far stronger, and while inside the `bubble,' like a Genie in its bottle, it was nearly omnipotent within his domain. It wasn't of the Enemy or The Order, but it was Evil.

Alariel tensed at the sound of fluttering wings and the Presence that came with them, one he rarely felt.

Alariel.

He dared not speak but turned to the dove on the ground nearby.

I am sorry, Alariel.

Alariel broke his silence.

Did Barachiel know this when he sent me here?

No, he did not. You know what is at stake, and your action must be of your own volition.

How long will I be gone?

A long time, but I promise you will see your brother Loy again.

Alariel trembled, knowing the price he was being asked to pay.

His words were a whisper, but the dove heard him. He heard all things.

"Grant me strength."

The Presence filled him, holding him tight, and then it was gone. Alariel's shoulders bowed from the burden that now rested on him, and the sadness that it would be Millennia before he would see his half-brother again. They had barely gotten to know one another, and he would miss Loy as well as Istariel and his cousins.

Just like Istariel, Alariel had been deeply affected by his interactions with Brad, Ken, and the rest of the guys. Emotions he never felt before were now a part of him, and at times like the present, he found them painful.

Alariel wanted to call out to Barachiel but knew that would be a mistake. It would put his Grandfather in the middle, and it would be unfair to do so. He also thought it would be unwise.

Alariel turned his attention back to Loy, waiting for what he knew would come.

<><><> 

Loy woke in Rick's arms, his favorite place to be. Loy didn't have any more Dreams, and the presence of the lions was soothing. More than anything, he slept like a baby because he was with Rick and woke fully rested.

Loy realized Rick hadn't slept and felt a twinge of guilt but understood why Rick did it and loved him for it, and more importantly, Rick didn't begrudge Loy the rest.

Rick smiled and brushed the short hair off Loy's forehead.

Morning, handsome.

Loy sleepily smiled back.

Morning.

Rick: Giovanni never came back. I know what direction he took off in, though. Unless you have a better idea, I say we head after him. He seems to be the key to why we're here.

Loy: I don't have a better idea, and I agree anyway. I wish we knew more about whatever the thing is that controls this place, and how we got here. Our abilities seem to work, but we're cut off from our primary sources of Power. It's back to the old me'n'you, buddy.

Rick: Speaking of `me-n-you,' we need to stay amped up as much as possible.

Loy smirked: Strategically speaking, you're right. But even if it wasn't the strategic thing to do, I still want you to fuck me.

A broad grin broke across Rick's handsome, face and he thought: Okay, once we're out of this mess, we need to move to Africa. If being around all the wildlife is going to turn you into a slut; well, I'm all for that!

Loy crawled on top of his lover and aggressively took their clothes off. On guard, Rick dampened their Auras; there was no point broadcasting their location to the creature controlling the Construct.

The pride of lions surrounding them also watched, protecting their Steward and his soon-to-be-husband.

<><><> 

Brad: We need to get our shorts on, Ken. Everyone will be here in a few minutes.

Ken groaned and swam to the ladder. Brad couldn't help but admire Ken's tanned, muscular body, dripping wet and shining in the bright, hot sun. He started to get hard and had to put a lid on his libido.

Damn Ken, I've gotten so used to being naked and making out whenever we want, we're going to have to be on good behavior with the boys around.

Ken got that little kid grin on his face.

Yeah, I know what `ya mean.

As he passed by Brad, Ken grabbed him, pulling them both into a full-bodied hug.

Thanks, B.

Brad teared up, knowing how deep Ken's `thanks' ran. The hole in his Heart was still raw from the loss of his brother Rich and his mother Gladys, but the worst was behind him. In the last few days, Brad spent the equivalent of weeks in Ken's Mind, helping him work through it all.

Having the guys around helped just as much. Ken was a resilient man, and with everyone's help he moved forward, leaning on his Brothers and his soon-to-be-husband.

Darren's voice entered their Minds, breaking up their hug.

You ladies decent? I'm about to bring us over.

Brad: Give us thirty seconds.

Darren laughed, and Lane played the Jeopardy `Think Music' in the background of the Link.

Ken and Brad pulled apart, laughing, quickly running to their cabin to grab dry swimming trunks.

Ken felt the air pressure change slightly when Darren and everybody appeared in the main den of ZEUS.

Immediately Drew's voice shouted out, "Uncle Ken! Uncle Brad! Where are you?!"

Ken was barely out of the small hallway when Drew launched himself into his arms, clinging to his uncle like a spider. He squeezed his arms around Ken's neck as tightly as he could for a few seconds and then gave him a big wet sloppy kiss on his unshaven cheek.

Brad watched with a smile on his face; he loved seeing how much Ken and Drew cared for one another. While Drew hugged Ken, Brad knelt, putting his arms out, and Tommy and Brett threw themselves at him.

"Hey, guys! It's great to see you!"

There were muffled, "Hey, Mister Brad" and "Hey, Mister Ken" as Brad and Ken switched kids so they could all get hugs.

Bill and Kevin had the boys' backpacks and said, "Let's go get you guys changed so we can get out in the sun!"

Henry's smile was a mile wide watching Drew so excited. He followed Bill and Kevin down the short hallway. The three boys were all going to share a cabin, or at least that was the plan, but Henry, Kevin, and Bill thought that might change at least the first night.

After the rest of the guys got their greeting hugs, Bryan went straight to the galley with Darren, who teleported a few big coolers of food, drinks, and snacks Bryan prepared that morning.

Seconds after everyone appeared, the presence of the Wolf-Spirit entered ZEUS. She didn't reveal herself to Tommy or Brett, staying hidden.

Within fifteen minutes everyone was shirtless and either in the water or on the dive deck. Bill and Kevin explained the situation with Tommy and Brett, and the guys took extra care of the two boys. Brad did the same thing he had done with Drew, sending them the same memory sphere he used before. There were plenty of floats and life jackets, and soon the two boys were having a fantastic time.

It was quickly apparent to everyone how attached Tommy and Brett were to Bill and Kevin. To Brad's Avatar their emotions were plain as day, and the Bodies could see it through the part of their Avatars that came from Patrick. Brad didn't want to bring it up and spoil the moment, and he was sure Bill and Kevin were aware of it, but he wanted to make sure his Brothers were alright. He loved to see how Bill and Kevin interacted with the two small boys. Sighing to himself, Brad put those thoughts away before they leaked out to Ken or anyone else in the Link.

Darren had to go back to the Australian Lab to be with Pat, who was staying with Craig, Jacob, and their mother. The young soldiers would make an appearance the next day to surprise Drew on his actual birthday. Pat was still trying to convince Craig to join them. Jacob said he wanted to but would stay in the Lab if Craig did to support his younger brother. Craig was not coping well with his father's death, and still expressed a lot of anger and resentment towards the Team. It was another dark spot on recent events, along with everything that happened to Ken.

ZEUS was equipped with a large gas grill on the upper deck, and before long the smell of grilling hamburgers and hot dogs filled the air, making everyone hungry.

Brad missed Loy and Rick. Their presence was still in the back of his Mind, so everything seemed fine. He was apprehensive about their isolation but felt them through the Link, and his Intuition wasn't telling him anything was wrong. He decided to give them until dinnertime, and if he hadn't heard anything by then he would check in with them.

<><><> 

Loy and Rick headed in the general direction Giovanni flew off in. It was a bit of a long shot... As a bird, Giovanni could be anywhere in the Construct since last night, but it was an action and kept them moving. Neither of them felt like waiting for trouble to find them, or at the worst being stuck wherever they were. They were men of action, and their gut instincts told them they weren't getting out of the Construct without some kind of confrontation with the creature that trapped them, so they needed to find it.

As soldiers neither man was scared, they were confident in their training but not cocky; however, there was an edge of nervousness that kept them alert. They learned their lesson with the Amalgam; however, the current circumstances were different.  This time they hadn't charged into a situation they knew nothing about.  This time they were trapped and unaware of the transition from the Physical Realm to where they were with no chance to call for help.

They made good speed. The weather was beautiful with the sky a clear blue filled with bright, dense clouds. In the Physical Realm, it was the rainy season in the Serengeti, and Rick Understood the same patterns in the weather around them, knowing there would be a downpour later in the afternoon.

It felt strange not to eat or get hungry. Loy was curious why they needed sleep but not food or water, but didn't think he would get that question answered.

After noon, when the sun was high in the sky and the humidity almost unbearable, Rick saw a forest in the distance. As they got closer, Loy was sure it was the place in his Dream where he saw the silhouette of the creature standing over the young man.

The words of the creature rang fresh in Loy's Mind, an echo of his Dream: You cannot have it, Nephilim.

As they walked, Loy watched the thick muscles of Rick's sweaty back. He watched Rick's calves and hamstrings flex with each stride and wondered again, like so many times before, how he could be so lucky to have such a man in his life. Besides being his best friend and Soulmate, Rick was one of the most stunning physical specimens of a man Loy had ever seen.

Aside from making him horny, it was a good idea for them to refresh each other so their powers would be at full strength.

"Hey, Ricky."

Rick knew that tone of voice, and stopped, turning around with a lopsided grin.

He winked at Loy and said, "Yeah, I think so too. Great mind's think alike. Or dicks."

Looking around, Rick couldn't keep the grin off his face.

Aside from being Linked, I know you too well. Plus, it's the right thing to do, tactically speaking. Not that I want to objectify what we're about to do.

Loy released the raw lust he was holding back, and the male lions growled. Neither of them wore t-shirts and shed their shorts in record time.

Instead of being wild and frantic like the night before, this time the sex between them was intense and controlled. Rick was the aggressor, and he lowered Loy to the ground, taking his time and letting the passion build.

Loy looked at Rick's heavily muscled body arched over him, taking in the incredible musculature of his thick shoulders and upper body, the hair pattern on his chest, now matted down with sweat that dripped onto Loy, and his thick arms, corded with muscle, holding his body up and over his lover. Rick often leaned down to kiss Loy as he thrust into him, and when he wasn't kissing him, Rick pressed himself against Loy wherever he could. The feeling of their tight, hot bodies together was bliss and sent waves of pleasure through both of them.

There was a different element to their lovemaking that time, unspoken but there. It could be their last time together depending on how things turned out. They were confident in their abilities and training, but they also knew sometimes they faced Powers beyond their own.

Their orgasms built for nearly an hour before they came together. Rick released in Loy and Loy between them, and Rick licked every drop off Loy's sweaty stomach. Sharing their seed ignited their Powers and their passion for another few rounds.

After, as they held each other, Rick sensed sadness in Loy. Propping himself up on an elbow, Rick put a hand on Loy's chest. Loy was tense with emotion, but Rick knew it wasn't about the danger they faced.

Loy, what's wrong?

Loy was thinking of the wolves that sacrificed themselves when they faced the Amalgam.

It's the lions, Ricky. I want to make them stay here where it's safe.

I'm not sure anywhere here is safe.

Yeah, but if they come with us, they'll sacrifice themselves for us if it comes to a fight. It kills me sometimes, what animals will do for me and us. I don't feel worthy.

You are worthy, Loy. I think you are, and the guys do too. I know it's humbling, but you're blessed beyond belief to have the Avatar you do. You're perfect for it. You're perfect to me too. You're perfect for me.

Rick chuckled, and after a slight pause he continued.

I'm not sure I expressed that very well.

A tear fell down Loy's cheek as he turned his head to look into Rick's eyes. They stared at one another a moment, seeing their Souls, and Loy brought them together as One.

We're staying together until we die, or we get out of here.

I wouldn't have it any other way. About the lions... This is hard to say, but I think they need to come with us. We have to get out of here for Drew and the rest of the guys. If we need to use the lions to do that... I know it sucks, but they'll do it willingly. That doesn't make it any easier, but it's true.

As a last resort only.

Of course.

So just like the last mess we got ourselves into, we'll have to be enough for one another.

Alright, let's do this.

The two men got up, put their shorts back on, and hand-in-hand went towards the forest. The pride of lions went with them, surrounding them, filling them, and protecting them.

<><> 

Alariel watched Loy and Rick as they made love. He wasn't uncomfortable watching; in fact, he felt more curious than anything about the emotions he felt after his interactions with his new cousins and half-brother.

Above all else, he felt a pervading sense of sadness, mostly for himself. He had never known love like he witnessed between Loy and Rick. He wasn't in a physical body as he watched them, but still felt a stirring at what he witnessed. He wished such a connection for himself, but now that wouldn't happen for countless years.

Alariel watched and prepared himself for the moment he would have to act. There would only be a small window in which to reveal himself to his half-brother.

<><> 

The jungle was thick and humid, with no clear path, but as soon as they entered the woods Rick knew where to go. With his Understanding, he saw the vector lines and arcs leading to a cave.

They didn't have machetes to clear a path, only their hands and the strength of their arms. For Rick it wasn't an effort but he sweated in the humidity, and before long he was covered with small cuts and lacerations from the thorny vines blocking their path.

Loy: I'm not sure if it's testing us or trying to keep us away. Either way, it's annoying.

Rick stopped, putting his hands on his hips and expressing his frustration.

Fuck this.

His tattoo glowed, and emerald green sparks spit off the big ball of his shoulder. The jungle was part of a Construct, and Constructs followed laws. Based on the weather patterns and the vegetation, it seemed to function normally within an area around them, except for them not needing to eat or drink.

Rick cast his senses out, looking around with his Understanding. Life energy was limited and subdued, but it was present in the trees and plants. He pulled from it and bent his Will upon it as he had seen Bryan do in the Valley... Part of the Cycle of Life was decay.

The trees and vines withered in front of them, degenerating as he condensed the life cycle down to a matter of seconds. He pulled enough Power from the surrounding area that he wasn't exerting any of his own strength or drawing from Loy to make it work.

Nice, Ricky.

Rick grinned and nodded, continuing to concentrate as they moved forward.

Once they got close enough, Rick made out a rock formation forming the mouth of the cave going down into the ground. The rocks were covered in bright green moss and well camouflaged making it difficult to see, but to his enhanced eyesight it was clear.

The area around the mouth of the cave was open and unobstructed, but just inside it was too dark for Loy to see, so he used the eyes of the lions along with the new spacial awareness technique Brad and Darren had taught all the Mentalists. There was just enough light for Rick to see with his enhanced sight.

Rick held a hand behind his back, and Loy gripped it. Their hands squeezed together in love and support, and the two men moved forward.

No words were spoken between them, and none were needed; their Souls were One and their Shields strong.

The cave wasn't deep, and in less than fifty feet it turned sharply, opening into a small chamber. The area was filled with objects and crude furniture. A fire illuminated the room, and the smoke vented through a small opening in the ceiling. The cage from Loy's Dream hung from a pole, and they both recognized the sparrow hawk inside it as Giovanni.

Crouched by the fire was the small man, his body caked in light grey mud, and his eyes completely black. His voice filled their Minds.

So, you have come.

They discussed the possibility of leaving with no confrontation, and although it seemed unlikely, they wanted to try.

Loy: We want to leave this place and take the man Giovanni with us.

You cannot have it!

What use is he to you? We don't want to fight you. Let us take him and leave peacefully.

You cannot challenge me. My Power here is absolute!

They were ready, but the attack that hit their Shields was stronger than anything they had ever felt. The being, inside its Domain, was nearly all-powerful. Its attack shattered their Shields, and neither one of them had ever felt such intense Spiritual pain.

The ferocious growls of the lions attacking filled the small cave, echoing loudly off the stone walls. Loy shouted at them, Compelling them to obey his Will.

No! Run!

As Loy and Rick were thrown against the rock wall, Rick managed to roll in the air and wrap himself around Loy so his body absorbed most of the impact. His body was tensed from fighting off the incredible pain running through his Mind, Body, and Soul, and he felt his shoulder shatter as they slammed into the wall. They lost consciousness, and Rick didn't feel the impact as they hit the floor, with Loy still wrapped in his arms.

The sparrow hawk, from inside its cage, looked down at their unconscious forms. There was no recognition or glint of Giovanni in its eyes; there hadn't been for over eight hundred years.

<><><> 

The day was perfect. Drew, Brett, and Tommy had a blast, and the sounds of their laughter and splashing around uplifted everyone's spirits. All of the guys stayed in the water with Tommy and Brett, and after Brad imparted the knowledge of how to swim, they were no longer apprehensive and took to it like fish. Smiling and laughing they swam from man to man, and when they grew tired, they rested on the shoulders or back of whoever was closest, which usually happened to be Bill or Kevin.

Brad watched Bill and Kevin closely. They were Linked, and he didn't pry, but he knew his Brothers intimately. He saw the expressions on their faces, especially Bill's when he watched the boys. Bill's Avatar was often harsh in nature with the raw emotions it put into him, and when he found sources of comfort and happiness that gave him a respite from the Brokenness in people and their cruel acts, he gravitated to them. Brad knew it was more than just that though; Bill and Kevin had come to love the two little boys deeply.

They used lots of sunscreen but the tropical sun was intense, and Lane, without the boys even knowing, Healed their skin throughout the day, and with a little `help,' by evening they were well on their way to nice tans.

Bryan outdid himself with dinner for the adults, and for the kids he made macaroni and cheese and corn dogs. With the excitement of the day and their tummies full, it wasn't long after dinner that the three boys crashed hard. Henry, Bill, and Kevin took them back to their cabin and put them to bed.

As they were tucking the boys in, Henry smiled and said, "You two are naturals at this. Tommy and Brett are lucky to have you guys."

Henry didn't have enhanced vision, but he was Linked with them. He didn't see Bill's eyes tear up but was acutely aware of the emotional rush in Bill and Kevin from his comment.

Henry was a smart man and watched all day as his Brothers interacted with the two young boys. He saw the signs and remembered how Drew affected him at first even though he wasn't his flesh-and-blood son.

Keeping his voice low, he said, "Hey guys, come with me."

Henry led them past the main cabins and up the small stairs to the aft upper viewing deck. It was quiet there, the only sounds the lapping of water against the hull and the occasional laughter of their Brothers horsing around in the water. The moon was nearly half full and the water bright and the night beautiful.

Henry sat in one of the lounge chairs and motioned for Bill and Kevin to do the same.

"Okay, fellas, I think I know what's got you so uptight. Those two boys worship you guys, and rightfully so. You pulled their lives out of a proverbial Hell and turned them around. I can tell how much you care for them. I get it. I'm not sure anyone else on this boat would agree with me, but I say fuck the danger, or whatever other obstacles you see standing in the way and adopt them. Don't make excuses. I have to make it work every day with Drew and you can too... And it's worth it."

Kevin was astounded at Henry's insight into what was going on in their heads and his bluntness in just putting the topic out there, but he brought up the one thing he and Bill couldn't get past.

"Henry... Even taking the constant danger out of the equation... Bill and I talked about this... I don't think we could handle seeing them grow old and die while we stay young. Drew's going to be Immortal, but Tommy and Brett won't be."

"Sorry guys, but I call bullshit! That's an incredibly selfish way to look at it. Are you telling me that you'd give up their entire lifetimes of a wonderful relationship and the chance to be dads because you're afraid of losing them to old age? What about their lives? And they're going to grow old whether you're their dad's or not."

Bill and Kevin opened their eyes in surprise at how angry Henry seemed to be.

"Look, guys, it's your decision. I'm sorry I'm mad... You know I love you. But I saw all day how much you love them and how much they love you. Make it work. You know everyone on the Team, including the doc and Albrecht, will help you make it work. I think if you don't, you'll regret it for the rest of your lives, and being Immortal, that's a hell of a long time. What about them? Do you really want to give up their lifetime of happiness?"

Before the conversation could continue, Brad's voice entered their Minds along with a deep-rooted feeling of concern.

We have trouble guys. I can't reach Loy and Ricky!

<><><> 

With the boys asleep the noise level dropped, and the water was so nice for swimming most of the guys stayed in. Also, once the boys were in bed, the swimming trunks came off!

Ken cuddled Brad tightly against him while they floated. They were Linked with everyone but were One with each other, enjoying the closeness of their Souls as much as their bodies and Minds.

Both of them were semi-hard from the sensations of being together and naked in the warm water. The water was calm, and they were totally relaxed; Bryan, Lane, Darren, and Pat floated close by and to keep the noise down they spoke in their Minds, joking, laughing, and hanging shit on one another.

Brad missed Loy and Ricky and wished they were with everyone on ZEUS. It was time to check in with them anyway, so he reached into the back of his Mind and strengthened his Link with them.

He was confused at first; the Link was there, and he felt their presence, but it was static.

He pushed harder: Loy!? Ricky!?

When neither of his Brothers responded, a cold chill hit his stomach. He tightened the Link with everybody on ZEUS and thought: We have trouble guys. I can't reach Loy and Ricky!

<><><> 

Loy had never felt such pain in his life. Whatever that creature hit them with tore at the very fiber of their beings, not just their body's, but their Minds and Souls as well.

Loy's thoughts were sluggish as he struggled to regain consciousness. As the fog cleared, he realized Rick was against him. The heat of Rick's body and the movement of his breathing let Loy know Rick was alive but unconscious.

Something rough rubbed against his face, and Loy grinned through the pain and as he opened his eyes. The young male lion was licking him. Loy's hands found the big cats ears for a quick scratch, and he was grateful the feline was still alive.

Ricky?

Loy stifled a groan as he sat up. The man was gone, at least for the moment. The sparrow hawk fluttered in its cage, and the young lion was with him. Grief hit when he saw the bodies of two lions on the cave floor. His Avatar glowed and their Spirits became visible, still in the cave, and he wondered at that.

Go and be reborn! Do not stay here!

When the Spirits didn't leave, he realized they couldn't move on from the Construct. They were trapped there as well.

Opening Rick's energy centers, Loy immediately saw the damage to Rick's shoulder.

Fuck!

Loy blocked Rick's pain centers and borrowed strength from the lion Spirits to wake Rick up.

Rick's eyes darted open, taking in the situation.

It's alright, Rick. He's gone, at least for the moment.

Emotions between the two men were intense; relief at seeing each other alive first and foremost.

Rick stay still. Your shoulder's broken.

Loy shared the last minute of his memories since he woke up.

Sorry about the lions, Loy. Shit, this guy is strong. I'm not sure we can take him.

We don't have a choice, Rick. We have to get out of here. There's too much at stake for us to just stay here trapped for God knows how long. We were also sent here for a reason.

Loy glanced at the sparrow hawk with his comment.

There has to be a way for us to get out of this situation with Giovanni. I don't believe in no-win scenarios. Not anymore, after all we've been through.

Loy chuckled: Okay, Kirk.

Rick managed a grin: Think Kobayashi Maru.

Okay, but if that idea pans out we can never tell Lane, or we'll never hear the end of it.

I'd settle for some Simon and Garfunkel right now if it meant his crazy ass was here to help.

I wish he was here too; I need to Heal your fat ass. If we're going to fight, we need to be ready.

Neither man had been unconscious for long and was still fully empowered from the sex they had earlier. Loy brought them more tightly together and their breath caught in their big chests, and their eyes teared up from the intense emotional intimacy. The comfort and completeness they felt in one another never ceased to amaze them, reinforcing how perfect they were for each other.

Their energy centers Opened and a thick white ribbon of Power arced between them. Loy helped Rick sit up, and looked inside his partner's flawless body, using a combination of his Mind and his strong hands to set Rick's fractured scapula and clavicle. When he was satisfied, a gentle flow of Healing followed and the bones knit back together. The nerves around the damaged area regenerated as well, and in a few seconds Rick was as good as new.

Both of them were sweating; Loy from the effort and Rick from the Healing. They looked so handsome to one another Rick couldn't help it and twisted his fully Healed body around and started a kiss.

Thanks, Loy. I love you. Now let's get ready for when this thing comes back. We felt how powerful he is, so we'll need to dig deep. We know how our Avatars work.

We do Rick, but we've never been cut off from our sources of Power before. This is going to hurt no matter what.

Rick put a hand on Loy's shoulder and gave him a firm squeeze of comfort. Along with the gesture, he thought: We'll be enough, love. We have to be for Drew and the guys.

<><><> 

Everyone gathered in the den, their handsome faces masked with concern for their two missing Brothers.

Once they were all in the same room, Brad took them deep so time stood still.

Okay guys, Loy and Rick were in Africa the last I spoke with them. Loy had an idea for Drew's birthday tomorrow, and he wanted to do a little preparation. He wanted it to be a surprise and asked us not to say anything.

A twist of guilt from Henry shot through the Link at Brad's words, and it was immediately quelled by all of them. There was no blame or fault tied to Drew's birthday and Henry giving Loy the go-ahead for his surprise.

Lane: Why didn't you feel anything through the Link? That doesn't make sense.

Brad: I have no idea. I've never felt anything like this before. I can still feel them, but the Link is inert; it's there, but not there.

Bryan: Maybe I can find them through the Tree.

Ken: Try that first Bry. Everybody Power up. Dar, can you get the doc and Albrecht here? Henry, we need you `ta stay here with them and watch over Drew'n the boys. You'll be the first line of defense while we're gone.

Another emotional surge followed, this time from Bill and Kevin over leaving Tommy and Brett. It was concern for their safety and reiterated their reservations about having such close ties to them.

Henry: You got it, boss.

While they spoke, their Power built. Lane Listened and channeled Music into all of them. Brad fluttered their Souls seamlessly across the Veil. In the middle of the Pacific Ocean a ghostly image of Yggdrasil, the Tree of Life, appeared with ZEUS at its base. In the Spiritual Realm the Ocean lit up for miles around. Brad, Lane, Darren, and Bill filled in for Loy's Avatar and pulled from nearby Animals Spirits. Most were sea life, and before long the sky filled with ghostly images of whales, dolphins, porpoises, tortoises, and various other sea creatures swimming amongst the branches of the Tree.

Bryan's eyes flashed emerald green as he Opened his senses to the Life Energy of the planet. He knew the Souls of Loy and Rick as intimately as he knew his own, and everyone else's in the Link with him.

It didn't take long before he found them.

Gott'em.

A huge sense of relief pervaded the Link at his words.

Through Bryan, Brad skimmed Minds across the surface of the Earth, and once he got closer, he scanned the Minds of animals.

Brad found the female elephant Loy used to see through. In fact, Loy's enduring presence was still in her Mind.

While Brad searched, Darren Linked with the doctor and Albrecht. They were in bed asleep, but Darren activated a trigger placed for emergencies, and they were instantly awake.

Brad took everyone back up, and time started moving again. In less than five minutes the doctor and Albrecht were on ZEUS and Ken, Brad, and the others, minus Henry, were on the Plains of the Serengeti.

<><><> 

Rick and Loy held each other tightly, Body, Mind, and Soul, filled with one another and feeding off the unconditional love that was the heart of their Power. They focused on their training and on memories that stirred strong emotions; love, anger, or anything that would help fuel the adrenaline they needed to build their Power.

Rick masked their Auras, hoping for some small element of surprise.

They were surprised but ready when the man appeared out of thin air. Their Avatars flared, spitting bright arcs of color off the balls of their muscled shoulders. A thick bright bolt of White Power shot out of Loy and struck the creature, sending it flying back against the wall of the cave. His trajectory caused him to hit the post that held the birdcage, and it went flying as well.

The man and the birdcage hit the wall of the cave. The birdcage shattered, and the sparrow hawk took off, flying out of the cave in a panic.

The creature turned to face them with a furious expression on his face.

<><> 

Alariel watched and knew the time was right to intervene. Loy and Rick, even with their Avatars, could not stand against the Creature on their own. He had hoped they would be able to but realized that cut off from their sources of Power, they would die. They needed access to the Physical and Spiritual Realms, and he would have to be the bridge for that to happen.

Taking a deep breath, Alariel stepped across the Veil, entering the Physical Realm.

There were no humans around to see the twenty-foot tall cowled form appear next to the unconscious bodies of Loy and Rick and the pride of lions surrounding them.

<><> 

Brother?

Alariel?

Use me as a bridge!

Loy didn't know how or why Alariel could be talking to him, but he didn't have time to wonder. He Linked with his Nephilim half-brother, and all the Power they were used to became available to them. Somehow Alariel was using himself as a conduit between the Pocket Dimension and the Physical and Spiritual Realms outside.

<><><> 

Darren and the rest of the Team appeared beside the elderly female elephant. The Mentalists eyes turned White, and their stomachs lurched in unison, indicating great danger. Miles away, they saw a brightness in the Spiritual Realm and knew it was Loy and Rick.

There were animals close to the Light and Darren used their eyes to see, taking the men to the heart of the Light.

They were surprised to see Alariel in his Nephilim form, towering over Rick and Loy who were on the ground unconscious. Nine lions, male and female of varying ages were around them, motionless as well.

Alariel stood tall and rigid, seemingly oblivious to their presence.

<><> 

Alariel? How can you be here?

There is no time! Open yourself to me, Loy! Please!

Loy trusted his half-brother and was in no position to question him. Alariel shared his knowledge of the creature and the pocket reality they were trapped in.

Inside the `bubble' the creature was all-powerful and could not be defeated. Loy, like his Brothers, was a genius and realized why Alariel shared the information. He also knew Alariel must be breaking some type of Rule; no Nephilim had ever intervened or helped so directly before.

Rick was only a thought behind his partner. Their memories went back to the week prior when Michael helped stave off the Blood Curse that threatened to devour Ken and the Tree. Raphael shielded Michael, so the Power he exerted didn't rip a hole in the fabric of Creation.

If the creature was all-powerful inside the `bubble,' they would burst the `bubble' and see how he fared then.

<><> 

Alariel was shocked when he heard Ken ask, "Alariel!? What the hell's goin' on?"

Alariel didn't answer in words; instead he reached out to his hybrid cousins, inviting them into the Link to share everything he relayed to Loy and Rick inside the pocket reality.

Alariel's emotions in the Link were mixed. On one hand, he felt a deep sense of relief for Loy, but there was also a profound sense of grief.

Brad didn't fully understand the connection yet, but Alariel was acting as a bridge between Loy, Rick, and the rest of them.

A vast sense of relief overcame Rick and Loy as the presence of their Brothers surrounded them. They didn't understand how or why the guys were there, but it didn't matter.

Brad wanted to take them down deep to talk, but there was a Time differential between the pocket reality and the Physical Realm that wouldn't allow it.

Loy: I have no idea how you guys are here, but you arrived in the proverbial nick of time! No time to explain guys! Power up! We have to defend ourselves and rip a hole in this place if we have any hope of making it out of here.

Almost as an afterthought, Loy said: Oh yeah, if you see a bird fly out of this place grab it! It's important!

As everyone drew Power the sky darkened, and thunder rumbled in the distance. Lighting flashed, mirrored in their White eyes as the humid wind blew the hair on their handsome heads.

Their faces set, jaws firm, their angelic heritage fully apparent; they shone brightly as they defended two of their own that were somehow trapped and needed their help.

With Loy's connection to the Physical realm re-established, and the Mentalists calling on the animals and their Spirits for Power, the fauna of the plains sensed their Steward and began to gather and move towards the image of the Tree that was visible to them.

<><> 

The Creature turned to face Loy and Rick with a furious look on its face.

On the heavily muscled balls of their shoulders, their Avatars glowed brighter as they drew Power from the Realm of their creation. Rick and Loy went full defensive at first. Rick put his arms around Loy, squeezing the two of them tightly together as if he wanted their bodies to merge just like their Souls.

Pain struck not just Loy and Rick but everyone in the Link when the attack hit their Shields. Every muscle in their bodies tightened in response to the effort of defending themselves and fighting off the pain.

Lane: Fuck, this thing is strong!

Ken: So are we! Hold `em, guys!

An unexpected and powerful wave of fury came from Ken. He was as angry as Brad had ever seen, and the intensity in him lit a fire in all of them. Images and feelings from the pain and loss they had suffered on their journey so far were clear and fresh in his Mind - his own recent loss of his brother and mother, Darren's capture and torture at the hands of Luke, Loy and Rick's near demise by the Amalgam of The Master, Bill's self-imprisonment because of the Skull, Lane's death in Taliesin's Construct, Greg Rawlins's death at the hands of The Master, Drew's capture and abuse by his father Doug, and Liz's ultimate sacrifice to save her son - Ken pulled it all out of them and embraced it, using it to build a Wall that his Will and Avatar pushed into them, fortifying them against the pain.

They Understood how their Avatars worked now, making them equal to the task. Surprise showed on the creature's face, but it quickly returned to anger as he struck again and again at their Shield. No one had ever resisted his Power inside his Domain!

Loy: Okay, we've been his punching bag long enough. Brad, Lane, Dar, and Bill, you're with me; Full Defense. The rest of you help Ricky Unravel this Construct. I'm not sure what will happen to the creature once that happens; he might go with it. Regardless, his Power will be broken, and we'll be free.

Ken: You're point, Ricky. We're with you.

Ken's incredibly strong presence was in Rick; all his Brothers were, and it was as if their arms wrapped around him, just as his own arms encircled Loy.

Kevin's Avatar was Primary for what needed to be done, and he synchronized them all, locking them together. Rick became the focus of their Power and Will within the `bubble.'

Rick met the eyes of the creature and said, "Alright, you fucker. You had your chance to let us go. We tried to play nice, but now we're tearing this place apart."

A wave of Light burst from Rick, expanding outward. Everything it touched blurred and dissolved into nothing.

The anger on the creature's face quickly turned to panic as it realized what was happening and it stopped attacking them, throwing all of its Power into protecting itself and its Domain.

The wave of Light coming off Rick slowed and stalled. The strain showed on his face and body, with every muscle flexed in the effort. Sweat poured off his body, but his determination and resolve didn't waver. When the creature pushed back, Rick pushed harder.

In the Physical Realm on the Plains of the Serengeti, sweat poured off Ken and the rest of them in the humid air. They only wore their swimming shorts and boat shoes, and the Light of their Power and Avatars reflected off their wet skin, emphasizing the musculature of their bodies.

Loy heard the seams tearing in Rick's shorts as his massive legs thickened with corded muscle. Loy had to tense his own body because Rick was holding him so tightly. Reaching up Loy gripped Rick's arms around him, feeling the strength of his lover.

They all dug deep, but the creature fought them with a strength born of desperation, knowing their success meant its demise. It continued to match them Power for Power, and the conflict escalated.

The minutes stretched on, and none of them had ever been pushed for so long. Their training and conditioning were evident, but every time they dug deeper, somehow the creature matched their effort.

Lane's Avatar, either from the Ether or Remiel, showed him a Vision and as tightly linked as they were, everyone saw it.

As Ken lay dying in the Valley of the Tree and Michael fought to keep the Blood Curse at bay, Drew used the Stone against the Curse. It was a Deep Magic and Powerful.

Ken: No! We're not involvin' Drew in this!

<><> 

The boys were tired, exhausted after hours of swimming and laughing in the hot sun of the Pacific. Henry let them have a snack and tucked them in for a nap.

He knew it would take a while for them to fall asleep. Even through his worry over what was happening with Loy and Rick, Henry smiled as he slid the cabin door nearly closed. He left it open enough so he could hear them if they needed anything.

As Henry moved down the hall back to the main cabin, he heard the boys whispering excitedly together. Drew was in heaven having two friends close to his own age to play and talk with. The three boys had a lot in common; they all lost either one or both of their parents, they loved Iron Man and Marvel, and they had difficult lives to be so young. Bonds quickly formed between them as they talked and got to know more about one another, and it didn't take long for the empathy between them to grow. It was rare they got to laugh and giggle and be free to have fun with no repercussions.

After fifteen or twenty minutes, the boys were out like lights, all piled on the bed together. The She-Wolf curled up at the foot of the bed, vigilant in her duty.

Calmly, she turned her head at the small flash of Light in the tiny cabin, not alarmed in the least at the arrival of the Dove.

Drew.

Drew slept heavily, but the sound of someone calling his name woke him up. It was a Voice he had only heard a few times, and the comforting Presence was with it.

He sat up in bed, rubbing his eyes sleepily. Brett and Tommy were sound asleep. He saw the Dove at the foot of the bed looking at him.

Your Uncles need you. Go to your father.

It wasn't stated, but Drew thought he heard a sense of urgency in the deep Voice.

Drew quickly crawled out of bed and ran down the hall to find Henry in the lounge talking with the doctor and Albrecht. They looked serious.

A tightness gripped Drew's chest out of fear for his Uncles. If the bird-man said they were in trouble, it must be bad, and he was crying by the time he got to Henry.

"Drew? What's the matter, honey?"

"I have to help them, Daddy! They need me!"

"Who honey? Is everything alright with Tommy and Brett?"

"My Uncles!"

The doctor and Albrecht raised their eyebrows.

Aaron got a chill down his spine at how Drew could know what was happening. On ZEUS and under the Protections of the Runes, he should be immune, and the Wolf-Spirit was Protecting him.

Henry picked Drew up and set him on his lap. The Wolf-Spirit became visible, growling low in her throat.

Drew's eyes turned White, and he pulled Henry into a Link. Drew had never done that before and it shocked Henry. He didn't try to resist but made sure they didn't go too deeply together.

Immediately, Drew's anxiety was evident and Henry heard the words of the Dove in Drew's memory, spoken moments ago.

Henry was Linked with the doctor and Albrecht and shared it with them.

Henry was aware of the wellspring building inside Drew. The incarnations were rushing to the surface. His anxiety agitated them, and Henry was afraid of what might happen if Drew lost control.

Drew! Listen to me, honey! Focus!

Drew shouted in his Mind as loudly as he could: Uncles!

As Powerful as they were at that moment, even focused and straining in their struggle against the creature, they heard Drew's cry across the planet.

Panic hit them first thinking something horrible must be happening for him to call out to them. Brad pulled Drew into their Link and felt Henry with him.

Drew?! Henry?! What's wrong?!

I have to help you! He said so!

Ken was about to intervene, but Brad sent him a private thought.

Ken something's happening. He knows something, and we could use his help. He's powerful but unchanneled, but he and Henry could be the edge we need to end this and save Loy and Rick.

Fuck B! I don't like it... I don't want him in any danger!

It looks like he's in this, whether we want him to be or not.

Ken made a split-second decision.

Dar, get them here.

Henry and Drew vanished from ZEUS and appeared beside Ken and the others. With their Minds Open, Drew and Henry saw everything and were nearly blinded by the storm of Power surging around them.

Drew's face was serious, and his young jaw set. Tear trails ran down his cheeks, but stoically he held out his hand, and the Stone appeared. His other arm was around Henry's neck and shoulder.

Henry groaned when the Stone appeared, but realized it was inevitable.

The She-Wolf appeared by Henry's side, pressed against his bare leg, leaning into him letting him know she was present.

Henry pushed his misgivings aside; he loved his son, and he loved the men in front of him.

Henry whispered in Drew's ear, "Okay Drew... let's show them what we got!"

Drew squeezed the Stone so hard his hand shook, and the Stone began to smoke. Henry was impressed by the surge of Power coming from his son... raw and uncontrolled, but incredibly powerful. Drawing on his own formidable strength, Henry channeled his and Drew's energies, joining with his Brothers.

The creature screamed, and the hatred and anger in its voice turned to panic.

The nimbus around Rick started moving again. It was slow, but the movement, proof of their efforts, gave them what they needed to dig that much deeper. Henry and Drew made the difference.

None of them had ever felt such a strain, not even when they reset the demon Azaziel to his original Angelic state of being.

With his Understanding and perspective from inside the `bubble,' Rick saw tears forming. With each tiny rip, the creature's power lessened.

Rick: One last push, guys!

All of them pushed in one massive surge with everything they had left in them, and the pocket reality shredded. It was unclear where the mass and energy of the bubble went; it simply ceased to exist. Brad and a few of the guys were wizards at physics and wondered what happened.

With the dissipation of the pocket reality, Alariel staggered to one knee. He was the bridge for all the energy that ran through Loy and Rick and the rest of the Team.

Everyone else dropped to their knees in relief, clinging to one another as their chests heaved from their effort. Rick and Loy, on the ground with the lions, woke up with a start. Even as their eyes opened, a small sparrow hawk appeared in a panic and started to fly off.

Remembering Loy's comment about a bird, Darren teleported the tiny creature into his hands. His hands trembled with fatigue, and he was careful not to injure it. The part of his Avatar that came from Loy told him it wasn't a bird. He had no idea what it was.

The Spirits of the two lions that died attacking the creature appeared along with the sparrow hawk. Loy's last command to them had been to go and be reborn, but their bodies were freshly dead. In the Physical Realm their bodies were undamaged so Loy, still filled with Power, reconnected their Spirits and they stood up.

Henry was on his knees, cradling Drew against him.  The Stone fell to the ground as Drew went limp in his arms. Henry scanned his energy centers and realized Drew was simply exhausted and passed out.

Henry whispered, "You did great, kiddo. I'm so proud of you," as he kissed Drew's forehead and hugged him tighter.

Ken's strong arms encircled Henry and Drew, pulling them into a protective embrace.

"Thanks, Henry. How's Drew?"

"He's exhausted, but he'll be fine. He's getting stronger Ken. All the work you guys help him with, and the training is paying off."

"You and Drew made the difference, but how did he know? What the hell happened?"

Henry locked eyes with Ken and took a deep breath, his eyes watering as his emotions began to run loose.

"It was the Dove, Ken. It spoke to him again. It woke him up and told him you needed help."

Ken saw the concern on Henry's face and heard the catch in his voice. He cupped his hand behind Henry's thick neck and squeezed firmly. Henry's voice cracked when he said, "Fuck, Ken. I'm so scared for him. Who or what is it that's talking to my son?"

"I don't know, Henry. But we'll figure it out, you have my word."

Ken wrapped both arms around Henry and Drew, hugging them protectively and saying, "It's gonna be okay, bud."

While Ken was with Henry and Drew, Brad moved to Loy and Rick. Their eyes opened, and they looked up to see Brad's sweaty, smiling face.

"Welcome back, ladies. I swear every time you two run off together, you get into trouble! You're under curfew from now on!"

They grinned and laughed as Brad held his hands out, pulling them to their feet.

As usual, humor covered the intensity of the moment, and Brad pulled Rick and Loy into a tight embrace. His relief and concern were clear in the strength of his hug and how grateful they were Rick and Loy were okay.

Once Brad let them go, the rest of the guys followed in hugging them. Loy laughed as once there was enough room the young male lion jumped up, putting both paws on Loy's shoulders and licked his face.

Lane was just opening his mouth to make a `big pussy' joke when Loy looked right at him and said, "Don't you dare!", and everybody burst out laughing.

Alariel's form shimmered, shifting into his human visage. His cowl was thrown back, and once again they were reminded how much he looked like his half-brother.

Loy moved over to him and pulled him into a tight embrace.

"Thanks, Alariel. You saved my ass, and Rick's. We owe you big time."

Everyone heard the sound of fluttering wings as Barachiel appeared. Tear trails covering his face glowed with their own light. Ignoring everyone, he addressed Alariel directly with soul-wrenching intensity.

"I told you not to intervene!"

Alariel met Barachiel's gaze, his face sad and grim as he quietly replied, "I had no choice."

Alariel cupped his hand behind Loy's neck and shoulder and said, "I am sorry Brother, but my actions must be accounted for. I do not regret what I did. You, and the others, the boy... you are too important. We will see each other again, but it will be a long time, even as we reckon it."

He glanced again at Barachiel and said quietly, "I was promised."

Barachiel raised his head to the Heavens and shouted, "WHY!?"

There was no answer as his voice echoed through the Physical and Spiritual Realms.

Loy had a panicked look on his face, asking, "Wait! What do you mean? Where are you going?!"

Alariel looked into his half-brother's eyes, saying, "Do not fail," and he vanished. He didn't Cross the Veil; he just vanished.

Loy spun around to ask Barachiel what was going on, but he too was gone.

Loy fell to his knees, and the realization of what his half-brother did for him hit hard. He had just started to get to know him, and now he was gone, and Loy had no idea when he would see him again. Loy's chest was tight with emotion, and he felt short of breath.

Rick and Ken were at his side in a heartbeat. Rick wrapped his arms around his lover and said, "I'm sorry, Loy."

Ken put his arms around both his brothers but didn't say a word. He knew full well what Loy was going through, and he expressed his regret and sorrow through the strength of his arms.

The She-Wolf raised her head and howled in the Spiritual Realm, expressing her sorrow for Loy and her acknowledgment of Alariel's actions. She knew how strong pack-bonds were and the pain of absence.

Still deeply Linked and filled with Power, thick White ribbons of Energy coursed between them, fully visible in the Spiritual Realm. Lane tapped into the Energy and sent flows of Healing into all of them, replenishing their physical bodies and Healing the strain and stress of their conflict with the creature.

Ken said, "Guys, let's get back to ZEUS. We're safer there, and we can try `ta piece together what just happened."

Henry looked down and realized the Stone was gone. No one felt Thomin's presence, but he must have retrieved the Stone.

<> 

No one saw or sensed the black-skinned creature a short distance away hidden behind the dense foliage, holding the Stone in his hand. His Magic wrapped him protectively, Shielding him from their senses. With the Stone in plain sight at their feet, he was able to Summon it, and his thin lipless mouth curved slightly in a smile at the fortunate turn of events.

The thick musculature of his arm tensed as he squeezed the Stone until it started to smoke the color of blood. Drawing on its Power, he masked its presence from the Archangel Thomin, whom he knew would try to Recall it soon.

His unnaturally deep voice was quiet, and he uttered, "I will avenge you soon, my son."

The actions that drew him there, the destruction of the pocket reality, he interpreted as Nature correcting and balancing itself. There were few such pockets left in existence, and such abnormalities were monitored by his people as a part of their Province.

He turned to the guard next to him and said, "Stay here but remain hidden. Alert me immediately if they return."

The leader of the Eschphene vanished back beyond the Pale to make his preparations.

<><> 

Henry put Drew back in bed with Tommy and Brett. Henry was still wound up, and his eyes watered again as he leaned over to kiss Drew's forehead, saying, "Sleep tight, honey. You have a big day tomorrow."

With a heavy sigh, Henry thought: Like you didn't have one already.

Henry glanced nervously around the room as if he expected to see something. The She-Wolf, seated at the foot of the bed guarding Drew, made herself visible. Henry nodded to her and left, sliding the door nearly shut. He kept it open enough so that any of the guys could hear Drew or the boys if they woke up.

He went back to the den where nearly the entire Team was gathered. Sally was still in Atlanta with Kelly, Chloe, and the Keenan's. At least for the night, the soldiers and their families in Australia were alone.

Bryan asked, "He all tucked in?"

"Yeah, he's still out like a light."

Henry glanced at Bill and Kevin and said, "Tommy and Brett are fine. They never woke up as far as I can tell."

They were all lightly Linked, and Brad pulled everyone deeper. Darren's eyes turned White briefly, and with a small surge of Power, the heavy sweat covering all of them evaporated in a few seconds. Their hair was dry a few seconds later, as well as their clothes.

Darren sat on the end of the sectional by Ken, who reached over and patted Darren's shoulder in acknowledgment and thanks. Darren held the sparrow hawk in his hands, but he had put it to sleep with his Mind rather than the part of his Avatar that came from Loy. He didn't know what to make of that but figured he would learn soon enough.

Ken: Alright guys, first off Loy, you and Rick share everything with us from the time you arrived in Africa.

Loy's and Rick's eyes flashed White, and the memories of their entire experience became a part of their Brothers. The doctor and Albrecht were in the Link, and their faces paled as everything was shared.

Albrecht: It cannot be! He cannot still be alive! It's been over 800 years!

Loy: We have no way of knowing how long he was trapped in that `bubble.' While he was in there, he was safe for all intents and purposes. There were no predators to go after him, and he didn't need food or water.

Albrecht moved over and gently took the small bird from Darren and held it in his hands.

His voice quivered with emotion as he said aloud, "Oh my friend... all these long years!"

Tears fell down Albrecht's cheeks as he looked at his old friend, trapped in the animal form he witnessed the day he defeated General Mstislav.

Lane's eyes turned White, and his Avatar gripped him in a brief but intense Vision.

Everyone looked at him apprehensively, worried that after everything that had already transpired that day, something else was about to happen.

Lane's voice still had that other-worldly quality, and it echoed with Power as he whispered, "We can free him, guys. We need to. That's why Loy and Rick found him."

<><> 

Silence fell among them as the magnitude of events sank in. In retrospect the puppet strings were evident - Loy's sudden idea for a surprise at Drew's birthday party, getting trapped in the pocket reality, where `just by chance' a member of the Order who carried a Gift and was thought to be dead for hundreds of years happened to be trapped.

Loy's emotions were all over the map. His body shook with anger, and his rage stormed through the Link.

Alariel is gone for God knows how long... So, we could rescue Giovanni?

Loy sat forward and hung his head while Rick ran his hand over Loy's back, trying to calm him.

I'm sorry, Albrecht, that came out wrong.

I know what you meant, Loy. No offense taken.

Through their Link, Loy's emotions and intentions were clear. He was angry at the situation and at whoever was responsible and not Giovanni.

Aaron moved over and knelt in front of Loy. He put one hand on Loy's solid shoulder, and with his other hand he lifted Loy's chin, forcing eye contact. The loving comfort of the doctor's presence was a balm to Loy's heart and Mind.

Loy... it hurts me to see you in such a state. I am not advocating the methods of whoever is behind all of this, but Alariel is alive, and you will see him again. That is small consolation at the moment I know, and I am not belittling your grief or your brother's actions. However, I am grateful you are alive, and Richard, and all of your Brothers. In addition, you brought an old friend back to us that we thought lost forever. Your actions and the actions of your half-brother brought Giovanni back into the world. If whoever is pulling strings desired that to happen, it must be more significant than we yet realize.

Loy's eyes were wet, but his anger lessened at the doctor's words.

I'm not angry at Giovanni, doc.  It just chaps me how casually my brother was used to further the goals of whoever is pulling our strings.

My guess, Loy, is whoever is behind Alariel's actions is also grieving over his absence. I have learned in the many years of my involvement in the Battle how difficult decisions can be, especially when others face the consequences of your choices. That is part of the Battle of Free Will and why it is so important. Try to take comfort that you will see Alariel again.

Also - he stopped to look around at all his young charges - now you are Immortal, you will feel the passage of time differently. Time will move faster, and it will not seem as long. The years have a way of lessening the pain.

While the doctor spoke all the men wrapped Loy in their Hearts, sharing his anger and grief and being there for him to lean on. Their arms were around his shoulders in the place where their Souls were One just as Rick's were physically.

Loy, embarrassed to be the center of attention, swiped the tears from of his eyes and said, "Thanks, guys. I'm okay. Let's focus on the mission."

Bryan got up to go to the galley, and as he walked by he ruffled Loy's hair in affection, leaning over to kiss the top of his head, whispering, "Love you, Bubba."

Ken brought everyone back to focus, "Alright, doc, Albrecht, is there anything more we need `ta know about Giovanni before we proceed?"

Albrecht replied, "Giovanni was a great member of The Order, much to the chagrin of Charisa. He always used his Gift to help either man or animal, staunchly refusing her attempts to use it as a weapon. After his disappearance, tales of his kindness continued to spread throughout Europe. As is often the case, memories made him greater than he was in life. The Catholic Church eventually canonized him, bestowing Sainthood. If you have ever heard of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Animals; I hold him in my hands."

There was a smattering of `holy shits and `fuck me's at Albrecht's statement. All of them had heard of St. Francis.

Albrecht looked directly at Rick, saying, "If we can bring Giovanni back, you're Avatar, Rick, will be key. He has been lost in this tiny form for centuries. If anything remains of his Mind, you will have to unravel it. It won't be the same as when Bill trapped himself. Giovanni's Mind is not separated and inside of himself, walled off as Bill's was. If you can separate his Mind from that of the sparrow hawk, then Brad can grab hold of it. Even if you can do this, I'm not sure he will be himself. There may be nothing left of him."

Ken, keeping everyone on track, asked, "Anything else?"

"Nothing pertinent to the attempt."

Ken got that little kid grin on his face and looked at Rick saying, "Okay, Ricky. This is your shindig."

As Rick stood, his Avatar came to life on his shoulder. All of them noticed, especially Loy, how tall and handsome he looked as he stood. It was the look all of them took on when fulfilling a Purpose.

Rick's eyes flashed White, and he sent an image through the Link of where he wanted everyone to stand; Brad and Pat with him at the center, and everyone else at their vector point forming the master Rune of their combined Avatars.

He masterfully pulled everyone deeper into their Link as he gently removed the doctor and Albrecht. The feeling of their Souls coming together settled them. As always, their breath caught in their big chests, and their eyes watered from the intense emotional intimacy.

Power up, fellas.

For the second time that day a ghostly image of Yggdrasil, the Tree of Life formed in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Lane Listened, calling on the songs of whales, dolphins, and porpoises in the region. Brad fluttered their merged Souls across the Veil, and Loy called on Animal Spirits, both in the surrounding Ocean and from the Spiritual Realm.

The Power streaming through them, thick and White, felt perfect. Henry was with them in the Link but on the periphery. He lent them his Power, but without an Avatar he wasn't able to participate directly; however, he was with them Mind, Heart, and Soul.

Ken's Avatar shone brighter for a brief second as he locked them together and the Runes on their shoulders transformed into the Master Rune.

With the barest trickle of Power Darren teleported the small bird from Albrecht's hands to Rick's.

A hot wind blew their short hair off their foreheads as they stood, tall and Powerful, forged into the Warriors of the New Order.

Rick looked through Pat's Understanding to gaze at Giovanni. It was subtle and apparent how none of them saw it at first; the threads of Giovanni's Mind and Soul were intertwined tightly with tiny delicate threads to that of the sparrow hawk. Rick held the little bird out and Bill touched it, Reading Giovanni. It was an animal, but also Giovanni, and Bill caught glimpses throughout the years where Giovanni's consciousness tried to assert itself. Those attempts were more frequent in the years following his transformation, but after a few decades they faded altogether.

However, Bill's Avatar was Powerful, especially when he was One with his Brothers. He Read Giovanni's entire life as a human before trapping himself, as well as all the long years of his imprisonment inside the pocket reality. Through the part of his Avatar that came from Lane, he looked through the years, Reading Giovanni thoroughly, and everything about the monk, from the time of his conception inside his mother's womb to the present, became a part of Bill.

Small, delicate tendrils of Energy seeped out of Rick's Aura and into the little bird. It took massive concentration and before long Rick's body shone with sweat from his effort.

The interwoven threads between Giovanni and the sparrow hawk were fine and delicate, each one a piece of Giovanni's Mind and Rick had to unravel them without breaking them. The minutes stretched out, and the strain on Rick evident. Lane channeled mild flows of Healing into Rick and all of them, relieving the stress and tension from their bodies. He regulated their body homeostasis and muscle tone, keeping them all at peak efficiency.

Brad glanced at him, and Lane winked back, sending a private thought: I've been practicing!

Ken filled with pride at how all of them worked as a Team, fully supportive of one another and acting in precise unison.

As time went on a small orb of light appeared between Rick's hands, slowly growing larger, made of the threads Rick unraveled from the bird; the ball was Giovanni.

Nearly three hours later, Rick breathed a sigh of relief.

Alright, ladies. This is it. Brad get ready, I have no idea what's about to happen.

He separated the last thread between everything that was Giovanni and everything that was the sparrow hawk. The sparrow hawk shimmered, and the small bird transformed into the man from Loy's Dream.

Brad was in Giovanni's Mind instantly, calming the panic and fear threatening to overwhelm the monk. Brad was a buffer and walled off Giovanni's Mind, putting him into a deep sleep and catching Giovanni in his arms before he could fall.

Brad went so deep in Giovanni's Mind time nearly stood still, and pulling from his Brothers, he rebuilt the man. Most of Giovanni's early memories were lost, but Bill Read him and his life was known to them, even what Giovanni no longer remembered or was unaware of during his transformation. Brad put the memories of his life back in place rebuilding his Mind but also leaving intact everything from his sacrifice up to the present. It was a part of him, and even though it would be difficult, Brad felt the need for it to be there.

A fraction of a second passed, and Brad was done. He looked over at the doctor and Albrecht and nodded.

"We've done all we can. I think a few familiar faces would help calm him when he wakes."

Albrecht and Aaron moved over and knelt beside their friend, their faces hopeful and eager. They had thought him gone forever, dead the last eight hundred years, and now he was about to come back into their lives thanks to their young charges.

"Oh yeah... he'll speak modern English when he wakes. I figured it would be easier than archaic Church Latin or Italian."

Lane muttered, "Showoff," and Brad grinned, shrugging his shoulders.

<><><> 

Albrecht took one of Giovanni's hands, holding it tightly. He never thought he would see his old friend again. Aaron was with him, his hands on both of theirs. With the gentlest of connections, Aaron woke him up.

Giovanni's eyes slowly opened and remained unfocused for a few seconds. His brow furrowed in confusion, and then he started to panic and tried to sit up, but Albrecht put his other hand on Giovanni's chest and held him down.

"It's alright! Aaron and I are here."

"Albrecht? Aaron? Where am I? What happened?"

"It's a long story, my friend."

Ken said, "Guys, let's go swim for a bit and give them some time."

Giovanni stared, looking around the room at the muscular, handsome men around him, glowing softly with a Light that filled his Soul with warmth and comfort. They smiled at him, and he relaxed as the soothing peace emanating from them washed over him.

Lane winked at him and said, "Welcome back!" as they all moved out to the dive deck to give the doctor, Albrecht, and Giovanni some privacy.

<><><> 

Shedding their trunks, they dove into the relaxing water.

Within a minute everyone had all the floats and noodles in the water, and they were situated in a ring facing one another.

Brad broke the silence, "I don't envy the doc and Albrecht right now."

Ken rubbed the back of Brad's hand with his thumb, just like when they drove. His emotions ran deep at the moment, and he said, "Yeah, but it's great he's back in their lives. Everyone from The Old Order is dead now except the doc, Albrecht, and Taliesin. Havin' someone come back into their lives they've known for so long has gotta be a great feelin'."

Lane muttered, "Yeah, and this guy isn't an asshole!"

Trying to lighten the mood, Bryan said, "It's hard to imagine knowing someone for thousands of years. I mean I've only known most of you fuckers for twenty-something years, and it seems like fucking forever already."

Everybody chuckled, and a few of them splashed him.

They continued to float, chatting quietly and cracking occasional jokes or hanging shit on one another when out of the blue, a surge of Power from inside ZEUS shocked them, followed by a scream of pain.

Darren felt the doctor's presence in his Mind, and he looked through Aaron's eyes. Darren synchronized their Avatar's and teleported everyone out of the water and into the den in the blink of an eye. The eleven men, soaking wet and naked, appeared around the doctor and Albrecht. Giovanni writhed on the couch, screaming in agony.

His energy centers were chaotic and fluctuating wildly as his form shifted and changed uncontrollably.

Ken: Doc! Talk to us!

Loy's eyes flashed White, and his Avatar glowed brightly and wildly in tune with Giovanni's fluctuating energy flows. He staggered briefly but quickly got himself under control. Loy held out his hand, Linking with Giovanni, his Avatar acting instinctively as he exerted his Will, calming the energy flows in both of them.

Giovanni slumped in relief, breathing heavily. He was drenched in sweat from the pain and tension of whatever was happening.

I am not sure Kenneth. We were talking, and suddenly he was in massive pain and discomfort. Looking at him I would say the Gift he carries is rejecting him. That has never happened with any of the Gifts I have been witness too.

Giovanni's voice was deep and gentle. He had a hint of a smile on his face as he breathed heavily in relief. Looking at Loy, he said, "I am sorry, my friend. It wants to go to you. I can feel it. I am broken, and it no longer wishes to stay with me."

Pat looked with his full Understanding. One with Ken, Kevin, Rick, and Bryan, their Avatars synchronized, his Understanding magnified exponentially. The connection between the Gift and Loy's Avatar was clear, and it seemed as though they were made to go together. It was the same with Lane and the Gift he carried.

Brad: How can that be? The Gifts, from what we know, are ancient, and our Avatars are new. Doc?

I do not know Bradford. It appears to be yet another Paradox... Your existence is hidden because of your randomness, and even those in the Highest Order cannot see your paths. How this could be is a mystery.

Is it safe for Loy?

Before anyone could say a word, Loy looked at Giovanni intently and said, "Ask me."

Loy's voice held an echo of Power and almost didn't sound like his own.

Even with all of them crowded in the room, it seemed only Loy and Giovanni were present, the moment intensely private between the two men.

Giovanni held his hands up to his chest, his brow furrowed in concentration. A brief moment passed, and a memory sphere emerged from his body.

Through his discomfort, Giovanni grinned, saying, "While I still can."

The memory sphere floated over and entered Loy's forehead.

Rick sent a private thought to Loy: Are you sure about this Loy?

The two men were merged, and Rick felt the feral yearning inside of his lover.

The only thing I'm more sure about is spending my life with you, Rick. I love you more than anything. This is something I have to do; it's calling me. I'm not sure I could resist it even if I wanted too, and I'm not sure I should.

Albrecht said, "Loy, drop all Links before you do this. The energy transfer will be dangerous to anyone not the recipient. I'm sorry Rick, but you too, at least until the transfer is complete."

Loy's presence vanished the Link. They were so used to being together, his absence left a hole inside of them. Henry's eyes suddenly watered; he was still getting used to the intense intimacy of being merged with everyone, and Loy's sudden and abrupt absence created a brief hurt in him.

Kevin, closest to Henry, put a big arm around his shoulders and pulled him tight, knowing what Henry felt. In a private thought to Henry, Rick said: It never stops feeling that way, Henry, but you get used to it over time.

Giovanni looked directly at Loy and asked, "What is your name, my friend?"

"Loy Barton."

"Do you, Loy Barton, accept the Gift I carry of your own Free Will?"

There was no hesitation on Loy's part as he replied steadily and evenly, "Yes."

A silent explosion of Light erupted out of Giovanni. His body arched as his energy centers ran wild. A thick White band of Light arced out of Giovanni, hitting Loy on the ball of his shoulder directly on his Avatar.

Loy's eyes widened as the Gift entered him and it was like a well-worn glove fitting around him, but one he had never worn. The Gift felt right and established a connection with his Avatar in a new manner. Through his Avatar, Loy lived connected to animals and their Spirits. He knew what it felt like to fly inside an eagle or swim with a whale, but now he could become them, and he knew there was no danger of losing himself as Giovanni did. Instinctively he knew the Gift was made for him. Loy had no idea how that could be but knew it to be true.

All of his Brothers stared at him. He stood still for a moment, his chest heaving in the aftermath of the energy coursing through him seconds before.

Rick pushed to reunite with him, and Loy let his partner in, wanting to share what he now felt with his Soulmate. The presence of all his Brothers returned to him as well.

A grin spread slowly and widely across his handsome face and, he muttered, "Oh, hell, yeah!"

Rick grabbed Loy from behind, crossing his arms over Loy's thick muscled torso. Ken moved in front and put his hands on Loy's shoulders.

Ken's concern was evident; he had experienced too much loss recently and never wanted to risk a hair on anyone's head. He needed reassurance from Loy that he was alright.

Loy looked directly into Ken's eyes and smiled, "I'm more than alright, Ken."

Loy took one of Rick's hands and quickly moved out to the dive deck. He pulled Rick along with him and everyone followed, feeling Loy's excitement.

"Time for a test drive!"

Lane wore his usual mischievous grin and said, "Show us what you've got, Beast Master!"

Loy crouched on the edge of the dive deck, his thick thighs and calves flexed, and he launched his body into the air. His form was perfect, his arms stretched out with hands together, and it appeared as though he was diving, but as his body sailed through the air his form shimmered, and in a small flash of Light he transformed into a dolphin, entering the ocean without a splash.

After seeing the memories of Giovanni transforming into the sparrow hawk, they had an idea of what to expect, but this was Loy, their Brother, and they shared his exhilaration. He now knew what it felt like to be another creature, not just being inside them or have them inside of him, but to actually be the animal.

His sleek, powerful body glided through the water. He wondered at the strength of his form and how he was aware of everything around him for miles. He was fully Loy and yet fully a dolphin, a Paradox, and there was no danger of losing himself. He was the Steward of the Animal Kingdom, and now he was also a part of it.

He dove down and then shot out of the water, showing off for his Brothers. His form shimmered again, and he became an Australian Gannet, spreading his wings and taking to the sky. He laughed inside from the joy at what he was now able to do.

I'm flying!

His brothers stared in awe, their mouths agape, and their eyes wet as they shared Loy's emotions.

Brad's Mind was in overdrive; he was a wizard at math and physics, but he was witnessing Magic. His inquisitive Mind wanted to know how much mass Loy could change.

Loy picked up on his thought: Let's see!

He spun and circled, and thirty feet over the water his form shimmered, shifting into a massive humpback whale. He twisted his enormous body and dove nose-first into the water, splashing all of them.

Brad: Holy shit! How?

Loy: I don't know, and I don't care! This is amazing!

His form shimmered into a sea otter, and he wildly flipped and gyrated as he swam blindingly fast towards the dive deck. He popped out of the water, his form shimmering again, and Loy landed lithely on the deck in Rick's arms.

Immediately, everyone reached out to touch him and hold him against them, sharing his emotional high.

<><><> 

In the cabin, Albrecht looked on the face of his old friend; the features he was so familiar with, but now with a haunted look to them. Albrecht had no idea what his friend had been through and didn't want to ask him to merge so soon.

"Are you alright?"

"I do not know. I have so many questions.  I feel strange. I am Mortal again. How long was I gone?"

"Eight hundred years."

"My God! How did I survive? What of the General? The last thing I remember was trying to flee..."

Giovanni's eyes teared up at the fresh memory of the bodies of his Brothers, torn apart. To him, it was only moments ago.

"I will ask Darren to send us back to the Lab in Atlanta. It will be more private, and we can spend as much time there as you need. The world has changed much Giovanni. Some of it you will like, and much of it you will not. We still fight The Enemy."

Aaron interjected, "I think it no coincidence you have come back now. We are on the brink of finally winning or losing the Battle forever. You are Mortal and can no longer protect yourself. We have three Sanctuaries; one of them is this craft."

Giovanni looked around at ZEUS as Aaron spoke. The ultra-modern craft with all its technology was almost inconceivable to him.

Albrecht pulled Giovanni to his feet and embraced him. Aaron put his arms around the two of them. Another member of the Old Order was with them again, one they thought lost to them forever. The profundity of that did not go unnoticed by either the doctor or Albrecht, and they needed time to ponder the situation and all the ramifications of what it might mean.

It might only be that the Gift was needed for Loy and whoever was manipulating them saw Giovanni as a means to an end, but Aaron didn't think it was that simple. Whoever it was, and he was beginning to have his suspicions, he was sure there was more to it than Loy receiving the Gift.

For the night, however, they needed to comfort their old friend and make sure he was going to be alright.

The doctor's eyes flashed White, and he thought: Darren? Would you be so kind as to send us back to the Lab in Atlanta?

<><><> 

Jacob was worried about Craig. His younger brother had withdrawn into himself since their father died nearly a week ago.

Rich, Guy, Nathan, and Caleb tried their best to engage him and encourage him to stay active, but he stayed in his room with the door shut. Jacob, on the other hand, was a tough Marine and his way of dealing with the situation was to work his emotions out physically.

He pushed himself in the gym harder than ever, driving himself to exhaustion and then pushing even more until he had no energy left to grieve.

Regardless of his exhaustion, Jacob looked in on his younger brother often. Jacob wasn't close to his mother and didn't know how to talk to her, so he left her in the care of the other mothers. She was forced to cope without the use of sedatives, as she had used up everything she brought with her, and Albrecht wouldn't allow her more.

It was late, and Jacob showered, getting ready for bed. He padded down the hallway in just his shorts to his brother's door and pushed the call button. He tried the door but it was locked. He pushed the button again, and again until Craig finally opened the door.

Craig's eyes were red, and it was apparent he had been crying.

"Hey bro, can I come in?"

Craig didn't answer but moved back to plop face down on the bed, leaving the door open for Jacob to enter. Jacob paused and was at a loss for words. Craig didn't look good at all. He was pale, and his hair was a mess.

Not knowing what to say, Jacob finally blurted out, "You need to eat... You weren't at dinner."

"I'm not hungry."

Jacob moved over and sat on the edge of Craig's bed. He put a hand on Craig's bare shoulder and started to rub his back soothingly like he did when Craig was little and upset after their parents fought.

"It doesn't matter. You need to keep your strength up, or you're going to start losing the muscle you've worked so hard to build up. Besides, all the guys miss you bro, especially me."

Jacob gripped Craig's bicep and squeezed it, emphasizing his comment about Craig's muscles.

"I don't care."

"You say that now, but you will."

Jacob didn't want to push Craig to talk about their father.  His younger brother needed to work through a few things on his own, so Jacob shifted the conversation to Drew's birthday party.

"So, what about tomorrow? Drew's going to be upset if we don't show for his birthday party."

"Go without me."

"I told you, that's not happening. I'm not leaving you alone."

"I'll decide in the morning."

"Hey, Craig..."

The hesitation in his brother's voice caused Craig to look up. Jacob's eyes were bright with emotion.

"What?"

"Would you mind if I slept in here tonight? Like we used to when we were kids? I don't want to be alone."

"Yeah, I'd like that. We haven't done that in ages."

Jacob stood, and Craig moved over. The beds were single width, and both men were tall and broad-shouldered. Jacob was thicker and more muscular than Craig from his training, but Craig was well on his way to catching up, and the two men filled the bed.

Jacob pulled Craig against him and draped an arm over his brother. Their warm skin felt comforting to both of them. For a time as they fell asleep, they were once again two little boys watching out for each other.

As Jacob held his younger brother, he cried inside for Craig, still wanting to protect him and make things right. He didn't let his tears fall outwardly, not wanting to appear weak; he needed to be a man.

They slept better that night than they had since their father died.

<><><> 

Kent Peterson wasn't sure of the passage of time. He was so utterly alone and miserable his Mind couldn't focus on anything but his wretchedness. One of the worst things about being wherever he was, is he didn't get hungry, and even if he did there was nothing to eat or drink. He missed food so badly. He also didn't need to sleep. He tried at first, but he couldn't. He realized that was part of the point of the place he was in... to relentlessly ponder his situation with no reprieve, for eternity.

At first, his preoccupation with food kept Kent from realizing how lonely he was. It wasn't just missing his wife and buddies; it was more than that. Kent wasn't a religious man, but he felt adrift from anything meaningful, and he wondered if it was God he missed.

His detachment wasn't superficial, or his loneliness simple isolation. His Soul was no longer connected any of the Realms, and the detachment from everything was Soul crushing. His Mind, at first, went numb.

He cried and raged, blaming everyone for his predicament except himself. He was outside Time, in his Hell, and to him he had already been alone for years. He looked for ways to kill himself, and only cried and raged even harder when he realized, stupidly, he was already dead.  

His wretchedness and isolation consumed him. He would occasionally call out in desperation, begging Uriel to come back, if not to take him back then just to talk, but his cries went unheard as he faced the consequences of his actions in life.

<><><> 

Drew woke up early, his bladder full, and he had to pee. He saw Brett's eyes already open and said a sleepy, "Good morning."

All of the Bodies woke up when they heard the boys whispering loudly, trying to stay quiet. Most of them smiled, knowing how excited Drew was about his birthday.

The boys got along exceptionally well. Drew was the youngest of the three, missing Brett by only a few months, and Tommy was two years older than both of them.

They built a fort out of pillows and sheets so they could have a war between The Avengers and Ultron, and even though they meant to be quiet, they made quite a bit of noise. No one thought anything of it and enjoyed the sounds of the boys having such a good time together.

Since the boys were up, Ken decided to wake Brad for a quick bout of morning sex to start the day. Bryan, Kevin, Rick, and Patrick all had the same idea, and before long they felt each other's Auras strengthening.

Darren, ever thoughtful, Powered up and sent his thoughts across the planet to Atlanta where Sally was waiting. He pulled her to ZEUS, where she snuck down to Henry's cabin to wake him up in her special way. The guys smiled when she appeared, knowing Henry was going to have his own hot morning sex along with the rest of them.

While the boys repeatedly destroyed Ultron and his minions, the adults onboard made intense love, strengthening themselves and enhancing their Powers in the process.

Within a few minutes of one another, the couples emerged from their cabins looking smugly happy and grinning from ear to ear. There was no embarrassment anymore; they spent almost as much time merged as apart, and there were no secrets. The freedom to be themselves, accepted for who they were with all their faults was immensely liberating and made the bonds between them unbreakable. They loved each other as men, Brothers, and best friends and could no longer imagine living any differently.

Ken's stomach rumbled loudly as he and Brad arrived in the galley, which caused a small string of laughter and jokes.

Bryan started breakfast with the help of Bill and Rick. Kevin went down the hall and knocked on the boys' cabin door. He heard a muffled, "Come in" and was shocked when he slid the door open. The small cabin looked like a hurricane had gone through it. They had stripped the bed and strung the sheets up to make a fort and used their t-shirts and drawers to anchor the corners.

The boys looked as happy as he had ever seen them and he smiled at them. He shared the image of what was going on through the Link; it was a Mental Kodak moment they would carry with them forever.

Henry clued Sally in, and she dove for her phone, managing to get a few photos. She was the `picture queen' and self-designated chronicler and scrapbook master.

Once Sally got her pictures, Kevin said, "Okay boys, up and at 'em! Come in and say good morning and let's get some food in our bellies. We have a long day ahead of us!"

The boys ran down the hallway, greeted by a chorus of, "Happy Birthday, Drew!"

Drew's grin was a mile wide as he made his way around for good morning hugs. Bill and Kevin grabbed Tommy and Brett for their morning hug, and then passed them around from guy to guy for a hug and a good morning kiss.

Tommy and Brett were ecstatically happy but didn't know what to make of such open displays of loving affection; it wasn't something they were used to. The Mentalists, especially Brad, were acutely aware of it and whenever possible, the guys sat the boys on their laps and held them. They had such little physical affection in their short lives it hurt the guys to think about it, and they made it a mission to counteract their deprivation with as much love and as many hugs as they could manage and not freak the boys out.

Ken picked Drew up after he made his rounds and Drew had his arms around his Uncle's solid shoulders. Ken got that little kid grin on his face and said, "So how old are you today, Drew?"

"I'm six!"

Ken got a wide-eyed look of wonder on his face, "Six, huh? Alright! You know what that means, right?"

Drew looked back, just as wide-eyed and shook his head.

"We have a tradition in the Navy on how we say Happy Birthday. `Ya see, normal folks just spank your bottom once for every year, but us Navy guys have a special way of sayin' it!"

Drew moved his hand down to cover his bottom, which Ken predicted he would do. With both his hands under Drew's armpits, Ken lifted him up and forward and blew six loud wet raspberries on Drew's belly button. The first one surprised him, but Drew started squealing and giggling with delight, squirming to get away but loving every second of it.

When he finished, Ken pulled Drew in for another tight hug and said, "Okay, every one of us gets `ta do that before the day is over."

After the giggling stopped, Drew was short of breath, and Bryan took advantage of the momentary pause to ask, "Alright boys! Cereal, or eggs and toast?"

Tommy and Brett looked sheepish, timid about letting anyone know what they wanted. They typically ate what was put in front of them, rarely ever getting to choose.

Rick looked at Bill and thought: You've Read them, what's their favorite cereal?

Bill kicked himself for not thinking about it before.

Brett's is Frankenberry, and Tommy's is Count Chocula.

Rick knelt beside the boys sitting at the table and said, "It's okay to let us know what you want, guys. It's your choice. I think we have your favorite cereals here somewhere."

Rick sent a private thought to Darren.

Hey Dar, I'm sorry man, but you can help out here?

On it.

Darren said, "I think the cereal is still packed in one of the boxes in the storeroom. I'll be right back."

As soon as Darren was out of sight, he vanished, appearing halfway around the planet in his kitchen. There was a Kroger open 24/7 a few miles from his house, and he quickly skimmed Minds in the area until he located the store. Throwing on a t-shirt, he appeared at the grocery store. It was late in the evening in North America, so the store wasn't crowded, and he trotted to the cereal aisle and grabbed the boxes. Using his Mind, he entered the barcodes into the self-checkout register and his credit card information.

In less than four minutes he was back on ZEUS, across the planet, pulling off his t-shirt and hollering, "Found 'em!"

Entering the galley, he set the cereal boxes on the table in front of the boys.

Bill and Kevin both hugged Darren.

Thanks, Dar.

Hey, today is all about making it fun for the boy's, right? No sweat guys.

Drew wanted cheesy eggs and cinnamon toast, and once the three boys ate they wanted to swim. Henry said he would watch them, and Loy, Bill, and Brad joined them.

The morning flew by, and it couldn't have been more perfect. The weather was hot and humid, but they stayed cool in the Ocean. Loy didn't flaunt his new ability, but he did call all sorts of sea life for the boys.

At first, Tommy and Brett were frightened due to the size of the whales, but once Bill and Kevin got on with them, they overcame any fear or hesitancy.

Bryan, with help from a few of the guys, cooked nonstop. He had snacks for the boys, lots of Capri Sun juice bags to keep them hydrated and energized, and food for the hyper-metabolized adults.

Bryan noticed Darren sipping a Capri Sun Apple Juice and winked at him. Darren's eyes watered as he sent a mental hug and a thumbs up to his Brother. When Darren was dying in Thomin's Vault, Bryan sent the Apple Juice bags with Drew knowing they were his favorite.

Everyone Mentally embraced Darren over the memory; it was the dark times that made days like Drew's Birthday that much more precious.

Later in the morning, the guys put on a dive show for the boys. Darren synchronized their Avatars and teleported the men high in the air so they could cannonball or flip and splash into the water. The boys were too scared to do it themselves but squealed with delight as they watched Bill and Kevin and the others do it.

Henry had to be the party pooper and force the boys to take a short nap. To stop the grumbling, he promised them a surprise when they woke up. As soon as their heads hit the pillows, they fell asleep. They had been playing non-stop for hours already.

The adults enjoyed the quiet time to float peacefully without their trunks and drank more beer.

About half an hour went by when Henry heard Drew's voice in his Mind.

Daddy?

Drew sounded sleepy, but there was a strong undercurrent of worry in his son.

Drew? What's the matter, honey?

Tommy's crying. He's pretending to be asleep, but he's not.

I'll be right there, buddy.

Henry didn't say anything yet to Bill or Kevin, so he got out of the water and went inside, grabbing a towel and wrapping it around his waist on his way to the cabin.

He listened a few seconds before opening the cabin door, and heard Tommy crying softly. Sliding the cabin door open, he saw Tommy on the bed with his back to the door facing the wall. Brett was sound asleep, and Drew was sitting up in bed.

Do you know what's wrong?

No Daddy. He won't talk to me. I asked him, and he rolled over.

Brett was a heavy sleeper, and Henry gently moved him over. Drew got out of the way, and Henry squeezed his big frame in between the boys so he was snugly against Tommy.

Henry put his hand gently on Tommy's shoulder and asked, "Tommy, what's wrong, honey?"

Tommy's voice was muffled in the corner. His reply was a distorted, "Nothing."

Henry reached his arm around and put his hand on Tommy's chest and pulled him snuggly against his own warm body. He knew the skin on skin contact would be comforting.

"It doesn't sound like nothing. Come on, honey, roll over and give me a hug and tell me what's wrong."

It took a moment, and Tommy cried harder, but he rolled over and wrapped his arms around Henry as best he could, burying his face against Henry's neck.

Henry held him and stroked his back until Tommy calmed down.

Once most of the tears stopped, Henry said, "Tommy, look at me."

Henry looked into his sad eyes and said, "There's nothing to be afraid of. Everybody here loves you, especially Bill and Kevin. You can tell us anything, and it's private, just between us. Can you tell me why you're crying?"

Henry thought he might have a good idea. He had learned a lot from the doctor in the last year about being a dad and how Drew's Mind worked, and he was sure it would be the same with Tommy.

Tommy said, "I don't know."

There were definite advantages to being a telepath. Henry learned how painful and uncomfortable most human Minds were, but children usually weren't that bad. He thought he should call Bill and Kevin in, but his gut was telling him `not yet.'

Shielding himself, Henry brought Tommy into a Link, letting Tommy feel his warm, loving presence and concern.

Tommy's emotions were all over the map, but Henry had learned how to sort through everything with Drew. The fact was, Tommy didn't know what he felt and was overwhelmed. Being around Rick and the other Bodies affected Tommy's Mind and Heart, and barriers he didn't even know he had were breaking down. Stifled emotions were welling to the surface, confusing him.

The most prominent feelings, which didn't surprise Henry at all, were shame and guilt. In Tommy's Mind, he didn't deserve what was happening to him. He was having too much fun with no consequences. In Tommy's limited experience any time he found happiness it was short-lived, and something horrible nearly always happened to counter it. He eventually got to the point where he didn't want to be happy because it was easier just to get by.

When Bill and Kevin came into his life, everything changed. The days when the two big men spent time with him were different, but when they left the Orphanage he would go back to the mundane life of being a boy nobody wanted. Brett was the only constant in his life, and he was terrified deep down of being separated from his brother.

Henry's eyes teared up over what he saw in Tommy. He had gone through the same thing with Drew.

Henry hugged Tommy tightly against him and thought: I understand Tommy. I get it. You don't have to say anything.

Tommy, through the Link, knew Henry was telling him the truth and it made him more ashamed that Henry knew.

No! Tommy, don't feel that way! You deserve to be happy! You do! I'm so sorry, honey, for the shitty life you've had, but that's not normal. I hate it for you, but don't let that stop you from having a good time. You're with people who care about you.

Drew's voice entered the Link, and his voice took on the adult-like quality he sometimes showed.

I care Tommy. I'm your friend.

I don't want to go back!

The words blurted out of Tommy like an explosion, and all the pent-up emotions inside him were in his words.

<><><> 

Bill rested against Kevin, floating and letting the hot sun beat down on his body. Being naked in the water with his lover and his Brothers was so relaxing. He rested in Kevin's Mind and Heart, just like he rested in Kevin's arms, and all the guys relaxed in each other.

Kevin loved to hold Bill; he did it at home when they slept. Bill needed comfort more than ever as his Avatar constantly bombarded him with information and images often difficult or painful to see.

Bill's stomach suddenly lurched in the way that told him something was wrong. It was just a twinge, but enough to get his attention. Intuitively, Bill noticed Henry still hadn't come back. At first, he thought maybe it was an extended bathroom break but to be sure he thought: Henry? Everything alright?

No, Bill, not really. I was just about to call you. Drew asked me to check on Tommy because he was crying.

Bill pulled Henry into the private Link he and Kevin shared and gently merged the three of them.

Henry's breath caught in his chest as his eyes flashed white. Tommy felt the reaction in Henry's body and looked at his handsome face, inches from his own, and saw fresh tears flowing out of Henry's White eyes. He reached up and held his hand against Henry's rough cheek.

Bill took them deep so Time nearly stood still. Henry shared the last few minutes with his Brothers. He expected them to be upset, and he was there to soften what he knew they would feel.

Their first reaction was guilt for not seeing or realizing what Tommy was going through.

It's okay, guys. If anything, I should have seen this coming. I went through it with Drew. There's not an instruction manual on dealing with kids, and I know you aren't used to having them around. Don't feel like you let them down. I'm going to take Tommy and meet you on the upper deck away from everyone else. I'll get Drew back to sleep, and he and Brett can finish their nap. I'll be right there.

Is Tommy going to be alright, Daddy?

Yes, honey. I'm going to take him to talk to your Uncle Bill and Uncle Kevin. Can you stay with Brett and go back to sleep? He might not want to be by himself if he wakes up.

Yes, Daddy.

Henry leaned over, still holding Tommy, and kissed Drew on the top of his head.

I love you, Drew. You're a good son, and I'm proud of you.

Drew grinned and laid back down.

<><><> 

Henry made his way to the upper deck where he had talked with Bill and Kevin the night before. He saw the anxiety on their faces as he came up the steps.

Tommy was calmer, but they heard him sniffling. Henry transferred Tommy to Bill, and the young boy desperately clung to Bill's torso, his arms around his neck and shoulders and his legs as far around Bill's waist as he could reach. Kevin put his arms around both of them, so Tommy was between the two men.

Do you guys want me to stay?

Thanks, Henry, but we'll take a stab at this.

I'm only a thought away if you need me, alright?

Kevin pulled off, hugging Henry, and whispered, "Thanks, bud. You're awesome."

Henry grinned and said, "Remember what we started to talk about last night? You can make this work."

Henry put his hand on Tommy's shoulder, his face gentle and voice compassionate and said, "You're gonna be fine kiddo. I promise."

Henry left them alone, and silence followed. Neither Bill nor Kevin knew what to say. With all their training and Powers, this wasn't something they were prepared for. Henry made it look so easy with Drew, and they had a newfound respect for their Brother.

On instinct the two men merged, becoming One. They knew the dangers of merging with such a young Mind, but Bill Opened Tommy's Heart and took him down with them to the place where their Souls were One.

The three of them appeared naked together, and they wrapped Tommy up in their Hearts until his tears stopped.

Bill looked at Kevin, who shrugged his shoulders, and Kevin looked back.

Bill: I started last time!

Both men chuckled, and Tommy looked up at them. Their laughter in that place was tangible to him. He knew they could see in him, and they let him look in them as well. It wasn't a merge, but they were deeply Linked.

Kevin's Avatar worked on Tommy, even more so because he loved him so much. The part of his Avatar that came from Rick started unraveling the knots in Tommy, and his Avatar of Truth was working as well.

Kevin reclined on his back with Tommy straddled across his stomach, and Bill sat beside his lover, pressed tightly against him with an arm around Tommy. The warmth of their muscular, solid bodies comforted him, and their Souls shone on him.

Tommy finally felt worthy of their love, and a surprised look appeared on his face. This time the tears were of happiness.

Bill and Kevin both heard the echo of Tommy's words to Henry a few minutes ago.

I don't want to go back!

<><><> 

Henry made his way back to the guys, swinging through the galley to grab a snack on his way.

Brad asked him, "Everything okay, Henry?"

Henry wasn't sure what to say. He wanted to give Bill and Kevin their privacy to deal with Tommy, but at the same time, there were no secrets. He started to open his mouth and shut it again.

Ken asked, "That bad, huh?"

"Sorry fellas, this is one of those situations I'm still getting used to dealing with."

Loy asked, "What's up, Henry?"

Henry masterfully shared the memory of what transpired with Tommy as well as his conversation with Bill and Kevin the night before.

A smattering of `fuck me's and `holy shits' followed, and Henry chuckled, saying, "Yeah."

Brad shifted the conversation Mentally: I've been watching Bill and Kevin with Tommy and Brett. I knew this was coming.

Pat chimed in: Me too. I can't believe how strong the connections are between them already.

Bryan, always more perceptive then most people realized, shrewdly looked at Henry.

I want to hear what you think.

Henry looked uncomfortable.

Me?

Yeah, you.

Henry looked at Bryan and then Ken, who stared back. Henry couldn't read Ken's facial expression, and the Link wasn't strong enough for him to read deeper.

Ken raised his eyebrows questioningly, beckoning Henry to continue.

Henry took a deep breath and sighed heavily.

Okay. Well, you already know my opinion. I think Bill and Kev should adopt those boys. I think not doing that would be tragic for all of them. I know the risks. I live with them every day with Drew, and it's not easy. But the way Drew has enriched my life... I want that for all of you guys too. And... Well... you're all into guys, so having kids isn't as much of an option for you. I know the timing of this couldn't seem worse, but fuck it. You know what I say to that? So fucking what! That's what!

Henry, once he started, built up a head of steam and almost sounded angry.

Even when the situation with The Master is over, you've already said you're going after Luke. When is the danger ever going to stop? The risks we all live with every second of every day... We can't let it paralyze us from having lives. If you keep something like the joy of being a dad out of the equation, in my opinion anyway, you're crippling yourselves.

Everyone looked at Henry with a variety of expressions. He was obviously passionate about his opinion and more than aware of the danger. It sounded like he had thought through the issues.

He continued: You saw what's inside Tommy. I'm sure it's inside Brett too, but he's younger and probably more confused about what he's feeling. Those boys will flourish with Bill and Kev in their lives, and I think Bill and Kev will thrive as dads too... And all of you through them until the day comes when you might adopt kids of your own... or not.

Ken played devil's advocate.

It's not just their decision, Henry. It'll affect all of us, not just Bill and Kev.

Henry lowered his head.

I know, Ken. But as their Brothers, it's our job to help them make it work if that's what they want. Do any of you want to stand in the way of the love they already have for one another?

Henry said it as a challenge. None of them had seen him so emphatic in sharing his opinion before, and it was nice to see. He was becoming more independent in his thinking, which added to his contribution to the Team.

Ken got that little kid grin on his face.

Don't mince words, Henry, tell us what you really think.

Henry's eyes opened wide, and he exhaled, not even realizing he was holding his breath.

Ken winked at him, and his grin widened.

It's a good thing Sally's not here yet. You're one sexy fucker when you get fired up, just like B.

Henry's mouth opened and then closed again, flustered by Ken's response, and everyone busted out laughing. Bryan moved over and put an arm around Henry's shoulder, pulling him into a hug.

He winked and said, "Good answer."

They all got a laugh out of his discomfort, but he thought it was funny too and flipped Ken off which caused another round of laughter.

Bill and Kevin came out onto the dive deck and rejoined the Link, the emotional turbulence evident in both of them. The presence of all their Brothers was comforting, and Brad pulled them tighter.

Before Henry could ask, Ken beat him to it.

How's Tommy?

Bill teared up.

I think he's going to be okay. Guys... We don't know what to do.

Loy interrupted: Let's be clear. You know what you want to do, but you're afraid of doing it. Are we right?

Lane interjected: That's pretty much what Sam said about Frodo before he took off to Mordor on his own.

Rick dunked him, and they all laughed.

Kevin dove into the water to hide his tears. He surfaced by Lane, who said, "Come here," and reached out to embrace him, his mischievous grin present.

You chickenshits. You know you're not alone in this. Henry already has your life mapped out for you, and us too. What's the big deal?

Both men looked a little chagrinned, and Bill responded.

I know it's the right thing to do, or at least we think it is but is it fair to them? Kev and I are still not sure how to handle them growing old in front of us. Aside from that, we're exposing them to a world they aren't equipped to handle, and we can't just Open their Minds. There are a lot of questions. We need to talk to the doc.

Ken nodded: Yeah, you should, but listen up, both of you. That's an order!

His grin took the sting out of his words.

Henry made a great case for why you should. It's clear `ta all of us how much you love `em already, and how much they love you. You know we'll back you up one thousand percent no matter which way you choose `ta go. We love you guys, and we're here for `ya.

Brad: You know I'm supposed to be the smart one, right?

Ken grinned: Guess you're rubbin' off on me.

Brad: Speaking of rubbing... The boys are taking a nap so...

Ken: Alright, guys, gotta go! To each his own!

They all smiled and laughed as they got out of the water, and each of them gave Bill and Kevin a hug as they moved into the galley towards their cabins.

Loy: Part two of the birthday plan will start when the boys wake up, so don't you ladies take too long.

Darren had sent Sally back after her morning round of sex with Henry, but he knew she was ready to come back for the main party. He contacted her and pulled her back to ZEUS so she and Henry could have their own fun; again!

<><><> 

Craig changed his mind at the last minute, deciding to go to Drew's birthday party.

Drew's face lit up like a Christmas tree when he woke from his nap and realized all his Australian friends were there for his birthday.

Shouts of, "Happy Birthday, Drewmeister!" rang out, and the young soldiers lined up so Drew could run down the line getting high-fives from each of them.

The young soldiers were aware of the `Africa' plan and brought their baseball gloves, caps, bats, and a small bag of balls. They also brought along Drew's extra gloves so Tommy and Brett could play too.

An hour and a half after everyone got out of the water, the entire Team plus the young soldiers from the Australian Lab, the Keenans, and Kelly and Chloe were in Africa. The doctor and Albrecht decided to stay in Atlanta with Giovanni.

They set up a campsite quickly and efficiently in the Serengeti. Bryan had his portable cooking grates and the accouterments he used in the Valley, and before long the smell of grilling hamburgers and hotdogs had everyone's mouths watering and Ken's stomach rumbling.

Bryan made an `Iron Man' cake, stored in a cooler of dry ice. He spent a good deal of time on it with Lane's help. He also had homemade strawberry ice cream prepared and packed in ice, sparing no effort for his adopted nephew.

The boys were excited when they awoke, knowing Uncle Loy said there was a surprise. Little did they know it would mean teleporting further around the globe to Africa. The boys didn't appreciate or understand how far away Africa was, but they had seen enough on Television to know it had lots of wild animals.

The afternoon was relaxing and fun. Tommy seemed happy, although he occasionally needed a little reassurance from Bill and Kevin. All the guys were extra sensitive with Tommy and Brett, unobtrusively hugging them or giving them pats on their backs. Brett and Drew ran around like wild men, and the young soldiers ran around with them.

A game of flag football was played, letting the boys win. The young soldiers were great with them, especially Jacob. After football, they played a short game of baseball with most of the adults in the mix. None of the boys had any clue how to play, but all the guys coached them, even picking them up to run the bases.

They laughed so long and so hard their stomachs hurt. Sally enjoyed the eye candy of the muscular men, all so handsome, sweating in the open air without their shirts on. Wearing their ball caps and sunglasses made them look extra cute to her.

Loy called a small herd of elephants, and the boys got to ride on the backs of some of the younger and smaller ones. The pride of Lions that were with Loy and Rick in the pocket dimension was close by, and he called them so the boys could pet them. He called Giraffes, Cheetahs, Leopards, Zebras, Hippos, and even a few Rhinos, which were very rare.

It was like a day at the zoo for the boys, but they got to touch and interact with all the animals. Loy Commanded the animals to stay calm and directed the unconditional love the animals had for him as their Steward towards the boys. Loy found another nearby pride of lions that had some young cubs and called them so the boys could play with them.

With Henry being an Original Man, the animals obeyed him as well, and it was an incredible day spent with the wildlife. Brad, in particular, thought how beautiful and pure it was to deal with the creatures of the planet over the humans they were trying to protect. He didn't dwell on the thought, not wanting to bring anyone down.

The day was perfect. They hiked, the boys ran around and played, and all the food Bryan cooked was devoured. By late afternoon Drew had gotten raspberries blown on his stomach by everyone including the young soldiers.

Craig's mood was better than Jacob had seen since their father passed. Jacob didn't bring it up, but he was happy to see it. There was still a strong undercurrent of depression in Craig, and all the men tried their best to interact with him, but Craig kept the majority of his dealings with the boys and the other soldiers.

Lane summoned his guitar and played `Happy Birthday' for Drew and everyone sang along. The Iron Man cake was a huge success, and Drew launched himself into Bryan's arms and gave him a thank you hug and kiss. Even in the heat and humidity, Darren kept the ice cream chilled to perfection.

Lane continued playing while everyone ate and started to wind down the day.

Out of the blue, Guy, one of the young soldiers, asked Lane to play something more upbeat.

"What do you have in mind?"

"Do you know `Sandstorm' by Darude?"

"Of course! It's a bit `electronic,' but not bad for clubbing. I like it for cardio."

Lane had an extended dance version of the song memorized. His eyes flashed White, and the song started playing in the air around them.

Everybody was surprised when Nathan, Guy, and Caleb stood up and started street dancing to the music. At one point Guy moonwalked, and the boys loved it. With minimal encouragement Drew, Tommy, and Brett stood up and tried to dance. They mostly just jumped around, but they were having a blast, laughing and giggling the entire time.

When the song was over they were all laughing, and the young soldiers high fived the boys, telling them what great dancers they were. They were winded and sweating in the humidity, and all went to get something to drink.

Loy said, "Not bad! But we need to show them how us old-timers do it. Come on fellas!"

Loy looked at Rick, Bill, Kevin, Darren, Patrick, Lane, Henry, and Ken. Bryan wasn't into dancing, and neither was Brad.

In honor of the Gift Loy now carried, Lane played `Animals' by Martin Garrix. The only vocals in the song used an `F-bomb,' but the voice was highly modulated, and Lane blurred it.

The young soldiers were impressed and laughed. Watching the big studly men, so dexterous and agile, showing off their dance moves was both impressive and hilarious. They looked like strippers dancing without poles.

By the end of the song their bodies shone with sweat, and they were breathing heavy. The humidity was so thick it was like swimming in the air. It was unconscious on their part, but the weather often reflected their emotions; the skies all afternoon were crystal clear and sunny, and even though it was the rainy season there wasn't a cloud in the sky.

It had been a while since all of them had such a good time, and their happiness was evident through the Link. The back of Ken's head hurt from smiling and laughing so hard.

Brad took full advantage to rub his hands through Ken's short, sweaty hair, channeling a bit of Healing energy to relax the tension.

The young soldiers, full of bravado, challenged the big men to a `dance-off.' Brad and Bryan agreed to be impartial judges.

Lane's eyes flashed White, and a song came to mind. The two groups faced off, and Lane grinned as Madonna's `4-Minutes' started to play. It was great dance music, and when the lyrics `grab a boy and grab a girl' played Henry grabbed Sally, Jacob grabbed Kelly, and Guy, Caleb, and Nathan each grabbed one of the boys. Olive held Chloe so Kelly could dance.

There were loud `whoops!' fist-bumps, and a few hugs as everyone looked at Bryan and Brad for their verdict on who was the winner.

Brad was just about to start talking when the air shimmered. Everything went slightly out of focus for a moment, and when it came back, colors were muted. The area around their camp took on an other-worldly feeling, and the Intuition of the Mentalists and the instincts of the Bodies screamed danger.

The last time they encountered such a change was in the presence of the Eschphene in Stone Mountain Park in Atlanta. The other-dimensional race of creatures had tried to kidnap Drew to use him to stop The Master and bring Balance back to Creation.

Ken reacted instinctively, locking their Avatars together and forming the Master Rune. Their Avatars shone brightly on the big balls of their muscled shoulders, rejecting the Eschphene Magic.

Darren attempted to teleport Drew and the boys back to the Australian Lab but wasn't able to.  Somehow the Eschphene blocked him.

They're blocking me, Ken. I don't know how, but I can't get anyone to safety.

Brad immediately pulled everyone into a Link including the boys, Jacob, and the other soldiers.

Ken's voice entered loud and clear in everyone's Minds.

Henry get Drew and the boys, the Keenans, Sally and Kelly, and stay with `em in the middle. Jacob, you and the others form a ring around them. We'll be outside of that.

Brad set up a separate tactical Link with just the Team.

Because they were Linked, the young soldiers, the Keenans, Sally, Kelly, Tommy, and Brett saw everything through their Mind's Eye. Drew had seen it all before and Sally on a few occasions, but all of their eyes widened as the ghostly form of Yggdrasill, the Tree of Life, formed around them. Animal Spirits appeared, some running on the ground and others swimming amongst the branches, lending their strength and protection. The She-Wolf, Drew's Protector, became visible, crouched in front of him and snarling deep in her throat at the black forms approaching.

Ken and the guys, including Henry, shone with a blinding Light, and the comfort of that Light touched their Souls. The warmth and Power the men protecting them wielded was evident. The soldiers remembered the day of their rescue, and what they were witnessing was a fresh reminder of who their friends were, and what they were capable of.

Ken and the Bodies watched the Eschphene appear, and the Mentalist sensed the Magical shift as the beings from Beyond the Pale entered the Physical Realm.

The Leader of the Eschphene was big, much larger than the one Ken fought the first time in Atlanta. Ken also saw the Stone in his hand and surprise ran through the Link. It had disappeared the day before, and they assumed Thomin had Summoned it back.

Unsure of what was about to transpire, Loy's Avatar glowed brightly as his voice rang out across the animal kingdom and the Spiritual Realm.

Come!

His Will was manifest, and large herds of all the varied species that lived on the Serengeti heeded his call and began moving towards him. Free Spirits waiting to be reborn came to him through the Veil, swimming in the air around him.

Protect the boy!

Deep-Seated anger ran through Henry, and not a little fear. The last time he encountered the Eschphene was the day Liz sacrificed her Soul to save Drew and left their lives forever.

Tommy and Brett were confused and scared, not knowing what was going on. Henry knelt, putting his arms around all three boys and whispered, "I've got you boys, and I won't let anything happen to you. Stay with me no matter what happens!"

He kept his voice calm and steady.

Bill and Kevin looked at the terror on Tommy's and Brett's faces, so happy only seconds ago. The two men, already fully merged, sent a private thought to the two boys.

Stay with Henry! Everything will be alright!

Pat: Ken there are hundreds of them here, maybe over a thousand. Way more than last time.

Ken's Will became a Wall inside them.

It doesn't matter. There still aren't enough. Everyone do what you have `ta do, but they aren't layin' a finger on Drew or anyone under our protection.

The Leader was close, and Ken moved forward, stopping about twenty feet away. He was impressive; his slick black body thick with muscle, and bone spikes protruded all over his frame. Many of the spikes had Sigils etched into them and glowed with their own light.

His voice was deep as he looked at Ken, saying, "So... You are the one who killed my son."

"Your son was insane. If you're here `ta finish what he started, forget it. Drew is under our protection!"

"My son was misguided, but his goals were pure. We will take the Boy and use him to bring Balance back to Creation. You cannot stop us. I know you are strong, but you cannot face us all."

Drew saw the Stone in the Leader's hand, smoking with Power. It was different somehow, calling to him.  Afraid for his dad and his Uncles, his young brow furrowed in concentration and he Summoned the Stone to him.

Ken saw the Stone disappear and shouted: No! Drew! No!

As soon as the Stone appeared in Drew's hand, the Eschphene Sigils now carved onto the Stone awoke the thousands of incarnations within him. An Ocean of voices screamed inside him, overrunning his Mind. It was a trap, and Drew fell for it.

Henry was with him and reacted instinctively, Shielding the part of his son that was only Drew. There was no time to say anything; he Merged with his son and threw all his strength into his Shield. It was the only thing he could think of to Protect Drew.

Anxiety and shock ran through them when Henry and Drew disappeared from the Link. They were physically present, but their Minds vanished.

Brad: Fuck!

Ken: B! Can you find them?

Brad: I don't know! Maybe through the Veil like with Bill...

Ken: Go! We'll take care of everythin' here.

Brad was reluctant to leave Ken's side; together, as One, they were far more powerful.

Ken embraced Brad in the place where their Souls resided as One. Brad inhaled Ken's scent, strong and musky from sweating all day in the bright sun. The warmth and hardness of his body were soothing.

I love you, B. I'll be what I need `ta be for you, Drew, and Henry. Go find `em.

Brad moved beside Henry, who held Drew, Tommy, and Brett protectively against his chest and put his arms around his Brother and the young boys.

Brad closed his eyes, torn between his love of Ken, Henry, and Drew. Beneath his eyelids his eyes shone White, and his Avatar matched the glow. His unconscious Mind solved his dilemma, and a smile crossed his handsome, sweaty face as his Mind and Soul left his body, Crossing the Veil in a desperate attempt to find them.

<><> 

To Henry, everyone around them disappeared. His Brothers, the young soldiers, the Animal Spirits, the Eschphene; everyone. He held Drew against him, and surprisingly the She-Wolf appeared, pressing against his leg protectively. He knew they were in a Construct of some kind, and it was powerful.

Henry's Shields were bright, his strength bolstered by the Wolf-Spirit. Raising his head, he looked around. The landscape matched the Serengeti where they spent the day, but the sky was dark with thunderclouds, and a cold wind whipped his hair.

His Shield was a beacon of White in the darkness of that place. He stood up, still holding Drew in his powerful arms. The wind chilled the sweat on his skin and Drew shivered.

"Daddy, where are we?"

"I don't know, honey."

"I'm scared."

"I know, but I've got you."

"I can hear them."

"Who?"

"The voices in me. They're here, and they're mad. The big black man did something to my rock. They feel different now. I think they want to hurt me."

"You know I won't let that happen."

Henry was in a quandary. He wasn't sure where they were.  He was merged with Drew, so they were most likely in a Construct in Drew's Mind. The Eschphene leader used those blasted Sigils and did something to the Stone to cause all this.

Henry had been unconscious during the fight when Ken almost died – the day Liz died and was lost to him and his son forever – but Raphael showed him what happened, and he knew the Eschphene wanted to use Drew. They planned to change him into something that could defeat The Master, and Henry knew if they succeeded there would be nothing left of his son. There was no way he could let that happen; if he failed, he would be failing not only Drew, but it would make Liz's sacrifice meaningless.

"Daddy, look!"

Drew pointed, and off in the distance, small forms moved in their direction. They were all the other versions of Drew; in the Construct they had life, even though each of them had died horribly, killed on their seventh birthdays. The incarnations were enraged; somehow the Eschphene had taken the wild, raw hatred inside them, the desire to kill their Brother in revenge, and brought it to the surface.

The little boys that held their arms around Henry's neck when Drew had his nightmare were gone. At that moment they were a mob of fractured, vengeful shards of Drew's Soul, and Drew and Henry stood in the way of their only desire.

Henry might be able to calm them down one on one, but there were over eleven thousand of them, and he knew any attempt to do that would be futile.

They were still far away but moving towards the light of his Shield. Henry dropped his Shield and set Drew down. Taking Drews hand, Henry said, "Come on, Drew! Run!"

Father and son, followed by the Wolf-Spirit, took off running across the stormy landscape in Drew's Mind, trying to outrun the incarnations intent on killing them. Henry needed more time to think and to give his Brothers time to figure out what happened.

<><> 

Ken was aware as soon as Brad Crossed the Veil, but his lover's presence didn't fade as expected. Ken knew Brad was powerful, but his lover still surprised him; he found a way to keep them together and be in both the Physical Realm and the Spiritual Realm simultaneously. It was a Paradox of his Avatar, now fully unlocked.

God B, I love you so much. You're badass.

Ken also felt the strong presence of his Brothers. He was their leader, their Captain, but he was their Brother first and foremost. They would all die for each other; the bonds they shared, their merged Souls, the unconditional Love not only for each other but for all Mankind... It was the heart and center of their strength, and it filled them, making them powerful.

A tiny thread of fear ran through them, concern for each other in what they faced, but at the same time confidence in their abilities and training. Ken helped forge them into the weapons they were, and they would face the Eschphene and stop them from harming Drew.

Each of them had grown so much and in so many ways in the last year. Every trial they faced as individuals or as couples made them stronger. Ken had a fleeting thought that whoever was manipulating them knew that and was the cause. Each trial and tribulation they faced pushed them and made them grow. One day, Ken would have a reckoning with whomever or whatever was behind it all. His anger was evident; even with the results and the pride and love he felt for the men he called his Brothers, none of them deserved the tragedies they faced to get them to this point. His mother and brother didn't deserve to die!

Ken embraced his anger, letting it feed his centering flame. Each of them held the flame and took the opening stance of the Quintessential Dance. Michael was unable to interfere, but he looked upon Ken and smiled, wishing nothing more than to join the Battle with his grandson and fight by his side.

The Eschphene Leader's voice rumbled across the plans of the Serengeti, "Kill them! Take the child!"

A brief silence fell after his words, and even the wind calmed momentarily. Lightning flashed across the Heavens, reflected in the White of their eyes as they held Power inside them, ready to do whatever was necessary to protect Drew and their charges.

The young soldiers didn't know what to make of anything they saw. Jacob broke them out of their trance by yelling, "No one touches Drew! You got that? Just like Mr. Habbersham said, form a circle. If any of those things get through them, they have to make it through us, too!"

Kelly was terrified, but Jacob's solid, brave presence, along with Ken and the others was reassuring. Linked with Chloe, she drew strength from her infant daughter, bolstering her Shields and extending her protection around the young soldiers.  Kelly wasn't as strong as the guys, but her Power was not insignificant, and she was ready to defend her child and her friends.

She mumbled under her breath, her Australian accent prominent, "No one touches my mates!"

In the brief pause, Ken and the other Bodies heard a deep rumble and felt a tremor in the ground beneath their feet. Loy and the Mentalists felt it through their Avatars; it was the wildlife in the area rushing to fight at Loy's command. Herds of Elephants, Wildebeests, Gazelle, Buffalo, Lions, Cheetahs, Leopards, Giraffes, Black Rhinos, Hippos, and wild dogs raced to their aid, responding to the call of their Steward. With the lightning in the sky and the animals rushing to their aid, it was as if Nature itself rose up against the Eschphene.

With one loud cry, the Eschphene attacked in unison. They came as a wave... and hit the wall Ken and the others formed around Drew, Henry, and their charges.

As One, the men slowed their perception of Time, their movements precise and minimal, optimizing their efforts and focus. Their inhuman agility and grace were apparent as their bodies and limbs twisted and gyrated to prevent impalement by the bone protrusions covering the Eschphene. The fluidity of their muscular forms, perfection in motion, was wondrous; they became what they needed to be.

There was no `fighting fair.' They fought to stop their enemy no matter what that meant. Darren and the Mentalists used their Minds to slice limbs and cause lacerations. The Bodies' vision filled with vector arcs, seeing every possible angle and trajectory, knowing instinctively how to break bones and cause the most damage. They saw how, when, and where the bone protrusions inside their enemy could harm them and avoided them.

None of them enjoyed inflicting pain and destruction on their enemy, but they were determined to stop the Eschphene at all costs to protect the Hope of Mankind's Redemption.

Ken and the Leader faced off, and the creature seemed arrogant and overconfident. After facing the son, Ken thought long and hard about how to fight these beings should they ever reencounter them. His knowledge was now a part of everyone and put to good use.

Attempting to catch Ken off guard, a large bone shard shot out of the Leaders forearm as it lunged, trying to impale Ken through his abdomen. In one fluid movement, fully prepared, Ken grabbed the bone shard with one hand and brought his elbow down with all his strength, breaking it off. Ken lithely whirled around and stabbed the jagged bone shard, covered with glowing Sigils, into the lower back of the enormous creature.

The Leader screamed, more in outrage than pain, although Ken saw the damage and the subtle change in his movements. It swung around, and Ken engaged, his Avatar glowed brightly on the ball of his muscled shoulder in response.

"Your son was a dick too. I see where he got it."

And so, the taunts began. Ken had a knack for pissing people off when he put his mind to it, and his jibes and insults enraged the Eschphene Leader. Like his son, he wasn't used to being challenged, and anger soon overtook reason, giving Ken a further advantage.

All of them were Grace in motion, their masculine bodies glorious to see, but they were severely outnumbered. The sheer number of the Eschphene were overrunning them. Blows landed, and even as they rolled with the punches or struck back with devastating Kumite techniques inflicting more damage than they received, they were getting pummeled slowly, but surely.

Eschphene Magic subdued the Music of Creation, so Lane Listened to the Music of their Souls, using it to source his Power. He kept a constant flow of Healing in all his Brothers as he fought. They supported one another, often using each other as weapons, working off one another's bodies as they learned to do in their training. They were One, and it felt right.

In minutes they were covered in blood and sweat. The first seconds of the fight were frantic, almost desperate. Without Brad and Henry, there were nine of them against a thousand, yet they met the army head-on, and true to their Avatars they were enough; barely. A wall of Eschphene corpses soon built around them, making it more difficult for the ones behind to get close.

Animals arrived, attacking with their natural savagery. Razor-sharp claws ripped flesh and bone, and made their presence felt; however, the animals often sacrificed themselves.

Each death hurt Loy to his core as the bonds between their bodies and spirits severed. The animals ignored the pain, inflicting as much damage on their enemies as possible before life left their bodies; however, once dead, their Spirits continued fighting by adding their strength to the men.

As his pain grew, Loy's face took on a feral aspect, and his form shimmered into a Great White Rhino. His body enormous and densely muscled, his hide thick and armored, he impaled any Eschphene around him, often cleaving their bodies in half. Soon his massive horn was slick with blood, but he shone with a Light in the Spiritual Realm as he led the creatures of nature against an enemy not of Earth.

The air smelled of blood from the animals and the Eschphene. The Bodies could smell it... Eschphene blood was more acidic in nature, corroding whatever it touched, and burning their skin.

Just as he had done in the junkyard the day they faced Luke, the skies reacted to Darren's emotions, and this time his feelings were shared and magnified by his Brothers. Lightning rained down on the Eschphene, incinerating the ones that were hit.

The young soldiers looked in awe at the fight around them. Never in their lives could they have imagined being witness to such a battle, let alone taking part in one. Jacob kept them focused and a few times due to sheer numbers, an Eschphene broke through the ranks.

Whenever that happened, the soldiers attacked in unison, using every bit of knowledge and skill they learned from Albrecht. They grappled and struggled to detain the creatures until one of the men could intervene. Eschphene were far stronger normal humans, and the soldiers didn't have the strength to hurt them, but together they made enough of a difference. They were often injured in the process, but Lane Healed them as needed, and undaunted they continued their duty.

Amid everything, Henry knelt with his arms around Drew, Tommy, and Brett. He was like a statue, while his Mind and Heart were with Drew in the Construct. Brad's arms stayed wrapped around all of them while his Mind and Soul were across the Veil, frantically searching for them.

Brett kept his face hidden against Henry's neck and shoulder, but Tommy watched, morbidly fascinated yet terrified. His eyes never left Bill and Kevin, and, as the fight drug on a strange look passed over his face. His expression turned from terror to anger.

All his young life, everyone or everything he had ever cared about except his younger brother had been taken away from him. He finally believed he deserved to be loved by the two big men who came into his life, and he saw the possibility of them being ripped away by whoever these otherworldly creatures were.

Tommy broke away from Henry and grabbed the only thing he could see to use as a weapon, the Stone in Drew's hand. He grabbed it, and the anger and turmoil of the thousands of incarnations in Drew filled Tommy's Mind. His own anger and surge of emotion were enough to prevent him from being swept away, and he wasn't even aware of how he did it, but he embraced it all, and broke away, running towards Bill and Kevin.

He was small enough the soldiers didn't see him right away. Craig was the first and yelled, "TOMMY! GET BACK!"

Craig's perception of time slowed as adrenaline rushing to his heart gave him clarity on many fronts. He saw the bone spike of an Eschphene hurtling towards Tommy who was now out in the open and vulnerable.

Craig's own grief, the pain of losing his father, and his anger and resentment towards Patrick and Darren and all the other members of the Team welled up inside of him. He ranted against them in his Heart for not doing anything about his dad's health sooner, and for not being able to bring him back.

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

Craig's legs moved of their own accord, and he sprinted, launching himself and throwing his body between the hurling bone shard and Tommy. Craig's eyes went wide as the shard impaled his lower back and spinal cord. It punctured his body and went partially into Tommy as well, and its velocity threw them both back.

Jacob turned when Craig screamed Tommy's name and watched helplessly as Craig launched his body and was impaled by the bone shard. The look on Craig's face, his eyes wide in pain and blood spurting from his mouth stuck in Jacob's mind.

Just as Jacob saw Craig and Tommy fall to the ground, with Craig's body covering Tommy's, the Eschphene Leader bellowed an incantation, and a fresh wave of Eschphene materialized.

Jacob rushed over, grabbing Craig, afraid of what he was going to see. There was resistance as the shard pulled out of Tommy. The boy was unconscious, but his hand still gripped the glowing Stone tightly.

The bone shard, covered in steaming blood and pulsing Sigils, went completely through Craig's body. Jacob looked into Craig's eyes, bloodshot and filled with tears. Craig feebly tried to reach up and wipe away the tears on Jacob's face.

Jacob hugged Craig against him fiercely and tried to say his name, but his grief was too overpowering at the moment.

Craig struggled to talk, but his mouth filled with blood, and Jacob lowered his head to try and hear him.

With the din of the battle raging around them, Jacob could barely make out Craig's words, "I... I'm go... ing to g.. get...him.. b... back..."

"Shhhhh Craig, don't talk buddy. Stay with me, Craig. STAY WITH ME!"

Craig and Tommy dropped out of the Link, their presence gone and it felt like a hole ripped out of their chests.

The entire scene only took a few seconds to play out.

The Bodies, with their enhanced hearing, heard Jacob's cry. Bill and Kevin, knowing the young soldiers were protecting Tommy and Brett, cringed inside. Kevin managed to glance over and saw Craig and Tommy impaled by the glowing shard. Time seemed to stop for Kevin and Bill as the cold reality hit them Tommy was dead, and so was Craig.

Ken and the rest of the men wailed in their Hearts, and Kevin and Bill were the loudest. They were too hard-pressed to Physically react. The Eschphene reinforcements had to be stopped, and they were already at the limit of how many they could engage.

Lane felt the anger in Bryan at the sight of Tommy and Craig, just as intense as the pain inside all of them. It was the push he needed to dig even deeper. The Dragon Fire Agates in his ring flashed red, and Bryan's eyes became slitted. Dragon Fire belched from his mouth, incinerating dozens of Eschphene.

Lane felt the pain in his partner, but the one blast was all Bryan could risk pulling from Leroy without waking the Dragon. Bryan channeled the remaining Fire through the Link and into all of them. It gave Lane the extra Power he needed, and a thick White rope of Healing whipped out of him, directed at Tommy and Craig, forking as it got close to them.

Neither branch hit its target. Similar to when Ken was under the Blood Curse, the Healing faded before it hit them.

Lane: Fuck! The Stone is keeping me from Healing them!

Jacob watched as the light left his Brother's eyes, and the vacant stare on Craig's handsome young face would stay etched in his memory forever. Hot tears dripped down his face as he held his baby brother's lifeless body against him. Jacob shook with grief, blocking out everything around him. It wasn't the soldierly thing to do, but Jacob no longer cared. His grief was too overwhelming, and his gut-wrenching scream was washed away by the sounds of the fight going on around them.

Guy, Nathan, Caleb, and Rich, his best friends, surrounded him. They were stunned but kept their wits. Rich knelt over Tommy and felt his neck for a pulse. His voice was quiet through the Link.

Tommy's gone too.

Rich's words were like daggers in all of them but especially Kevin and Bill. Tommy and Brett were under their Protection, and Tommy was dead. Craig was under their Protection, and he was gone too, sacrificing himself to try and save Tommy. As difficult as it was they embraced their pain as Ken taught them and used it to fuel their efforts to face their adversaries. They had learned years ago as SEALS to compartmentalize emotions when necessary to make it through a mission. As badly as Kevin and Bill wanted to break ranks, they knew if they did others would most definitely die as well. Brett was still alive and had to be protected along with Drew, Henry, Brad, the Keenans, Sally, Kelly, and Chloe; even the young soldiers.

They were so much more than the Navy SEALS they started out as. Now they were part Nephilim and Original Men, and as their capacity for Love increased, so did their capacity for hurt and pain; even hate. The well inside them, where their emotions existed, was a raging storm.

They supported one-another emotionally and physically through all the hurt and trauma in their lives. Tears flowed down their handsome faces, even as their jaws set, and they held tight to one another in their Hearts, focusing on the fight even through the anguish in their hearts.

<><> 

Henry and Drew kept running. When Drew couldn't run anymore, Henry picked him up and carried him. Henry wasn't sure how long they could outrun what followed them, but he would keep moving as long as he had strength. The Wolf spirit never left his side.

They seemed to run for hours, and as they moved the landscape slowly changed. Henry had a strange feeling about where they were headed. He didn't realize it, but they were running further and further into Drew's unconscious Mind, through the memories of all the children. Eventually, they ran so far they ended up in the Valley, the place of Drew's original birth and death.

Henry stopped by a small stream against the rock wall. Even in the cold he sweated, and Drew had trouble holding onto his bare skin. Henry went to grab his t-shirt from where he had tucked it under his belt, but it was gone. He hadn't felt it drop, and he cursed under his breath.

His big chest heaving, Henry knew they could go no further and would have to face the mob.

Kneeling down to catch his breath, Henry gently gripped Drew's thin shoulders and said, "We can't run anymore, honey. I'll keep you safe. Just stay behind me. Can you be brave for me?"

"Yes, Daddy. I'll be brave. I can help."

Henry teared up as he cupped Drew's face in his big hands. His green eyes were bloodshot from the sweat, and his short dirty brown hair plastered to his head.

"I don't know what I ever did to deserve such a great young man in my life. I love you, Drew. No matter what happens next, always remember, I love you."

Drew was crying too, and he hugged Henry's neck as tightly as he could.

"I love you too, Daddy. I wish Mommy were here."

"Me too, honey."

When Drew mentioned Liz, the wedding bands appeared around his neck.

"Get behind me honey, but hold onto me."

Henry knelt on one knee. Drew moved behind him and looked at his father's thickly muscled back. Henry was strong; in Drew's Mind, he was as strong as his Uncle Ken and all his other Uncles. He rested a hand on his dad's shoulder, feeling the rock-hard muscles. Henry's warm, sweaty skin gave him comfort. The Wolf-Spirit leaned against Henry, adding her strength to his and her presence made him feel better.

With his other hand, Drew gripped the wedding rings and taking a deep breath, he remembered. Suddenly, Liz's presence surrounded both of them. Henry's breathing quickened in his chest, and he glanced around to see Drew holding the rings.

Henry ruffled Drew's short hair and smiled at his son. Drew smiled back, with one of those adult-like looks on his face, almost serene. He was confident in his dad.

Henry watched the mob approaching and right before they arrived, his Shields flared White and powerful, bolstered by his son, the second oldest Soul in existence. The Wall Henry forged himself into held firm as thousands of tiny fists and Minds beat against it.

His shoulders bunched as his Body felt the strain, but he would hold as long as he needed too. He was Drew's Protector and nothing... NOTHING... was going to get to Drew while Henry lived.

<><> 

In the midst of the battle raging around him, Jacob was nearly blinded as Uriel appeared in front of him.

Jacob saw Craig's Soul, a small orb of beautiful Light, lift out of his brother's chest. His eyes were wide as he realized what was happening.

"No... please..."

I am sorry, Jacob Peterson, I have no choice.

Uriel's eyes widened in surprise when he heard Craig's voice.

Take me to my father. Wherever it is you took him, take me there.

Jacob lost consciousness as Uriel's form became too bright to look at.

<><><> 

The fight continued, and the slaughter was monumental. Over a thousand Eschphene corpses and countless animals lay strewn about the ground. The air was thick with the smell of blood. The Team was covered in it, some of it their own, as they courageously continued to fight.

Even with all the deaths, the fighting didn't stop. The Eschphene Leader summoned more of his kind.

Ken shouted encouragement to all of his Brother's, sometimes in private thoughts and sometimes through the Link. Their thoughts were One, and they held each other tightly in their Hearts and Minds, coordinating their attacks and watching each other's backs.

There were no reinforcements for them. Eschphene Magic was powerful enough to block Nephilim magic so they couldn't call on Istariel for help. Ken wasn't even sure Istariel would come after Alariel's absence.

Tactically, Ken knew they had to take out the Leader and prevent him from Summoning any more of his people, or they would eventually be overrun, and there would be more casualties among their charges.

Ken's thoughts were clear through the Link. Everyone was hard pressed, but they had to figure out a way. Even across the Veil while Brad searched for Henry and Drew, his Intellect was with them, helping to strategize, taking their experiences and helping to formulate some kind of plan.

They were pressed to their utmost. If any of them were pushed further than they could take at a particular moment, one of his Brothers uplifted him. If one of them needed a slight reprieve to recover from some near inconceivable exertion, they shifted and supported one another. Ken's Will and Conviction, strengthened and magnified by the other Bodies, was a Wall behind their backs that wouldn't let them fail.

They ached and hurt and Healed, only to start it all over again. The amount of Power they channeled was unimaginable. The landscape of the battle, with the ghostly image of Yggdrasill, the Animal Spirits, and the dark sky filled with lightning, was surreal. Unseen, but just as Powerful, was the Music of their Souls.

<><> 

Henry shook with exhaustion, his arms pushed out defiantly, and every muscle in his body strained as he Physically and Mentally held the thousands of incarnations at bay. Sweat poured off his body as they relentlessly hammered against his Shield. Drew was with him, but his son was weakening too.

Through his efforts, Henry held the image of Drew in his Mind and Heart, refusing to give in. His chest heaved, but he persevered. He had to... he had to be a Wall between the entities and his son.

Every blow hurt, and finally a small crack appeared in his Shield. He felt it and screamed in rage and frustration at his perceived weakness. With a tremendous effort, the crack sealed, and he continued to hold.

The push cost him much, and his vision blurred. Just before he was overrun a familiar voice and presence slipped into him.

Brad: Gotcha!

Brad's powerful presence appeared in the Construct, inside Henry's Shield with him and Drew and his Power added to theirs. Henry's Shields strengthened, and relief flooded through him.

Brad's arms wrapped around him and Drew both, and he said, "Hey guys! Sorry, it took me a while to find you. They didn't make it easy."

Drew shouted, "Uncle Brad!"

Henry sagged against his Brother in relief.

Am I glad to see you! I wasn't sure how much longer I could hold out. I'm not sure what's going on Brad... whatever that guy did to the Stone woke the incarnations in Drew, but they're wild and vengeful. I can't reach them.

Through his own emotional turmoil, Henry felt tension and pain in Brad.

In a private Link, he asked: Brad, what's wrong?

Brad's Mental voice sounded flat.

Craig and Tommy are dead.

Oh my God!

Henry's heart ached for all of it... for Brett, who would be all alone now, and for Kevin and Bill. He knew how devastated they would be, and Drew when he found out. He didn't know what to think about Craig being gone as well. Their family just recently lost Kent, and Jacob and his mother would be crushed. As difficult as it was to do, Henry shielded his reaction from Drew.

Fuck!

Yeah.

Holding each other tighter, Brad and Henry rested in one another. Brad put all his formidable strength into Henry's Shields, and they flared brighter than ever. The pressure was immense... the tide of eleven thousand incarnations pushed and beat against them, but Brad felt Ken's arms around him even where he was, supporting him, and he would be equal to the task of protecting Henry and Drew until the others figured out a way to stop the Eschphene.

<><> 

Sally watched in awe, and not a little fear, as Uriel appeared. She heard the exchange between Craig and Uriel, and Jacob's gut-wrenching scream. Kelly's hand gripped hers tightly; Sally knew Kelly had feelings for Jacob.

Uriel wrapped Craig's Soul in his Wings, and Sally's heart broke for Jacob and Kelly as she watched. She saw the strain on her Brothers, the men who took her in and protected her, and the bravery of the young soldiers doing their best to protect the Keenans, her, and Kelly and Chloe, even Henry, Drew, and Brad, who were immobile.

Everything was so chaotic and happening so fast, but her world stopped when she made eye contact with Uriel. Their Ageless Depth pulled her in; not like The Masters who were filled with Darkness, despair, and pain, but rather Unconditional Love. Sally's tears turned from grief to joy from what she saw in Uriel.

Uriel's voice, like a mountain inside her, spoke: It is not young Thomas's Time. Save him, or I will have no choice but to return and take him as well. Make haste Sally Bisel!

His Wings expanded, stretching across the battlefield, collecting Eschphene Souls in one massive sweep, and he launched himself into the air and was gone.

Sally stood for the briefest second and jumped when the deafening noise around her started again as suddenly as it stopped.

"Tommy! Kelly! Help me!"

Sally rushed to Tommy's side, and there was blood everywhere, a mix of his own and Craig's. Brett, who still had his head pressed against Henry's shoulder, looked up when she shouted his brother's name.

Brett saw Tommy on the ground covered in blood, and his world shattered.

Sally had trained with the doctor and Albrecht and all the guys in various disciplines; she wasn't certified, but she knew CPR as well as an EMT or Paramedic. Taking charge, she began barking orders.

"Guys, give me your shirts!"

Guy, Caleb, Rich, and Nathan had their t-shirts tucked into their shorts. Nathan grabbed them and knelt down with her.

Lifting Tommy's t-shirt, she saw the hole in his stomach where the bone shard impaled him. His intestines and stomach were visible, and she almost retched, but she forced herself to stay calm. She knew if Tommy lived Craig really had saved his life... the damage would have been far more severe if Craig hadn't interposed himself.

She placed one of the t-shirts over his wound and told Nathan to keep pressure on it.

"Kelly, talk to him! Reach his Mind and talk to him! Keep him with us!"

All of their Minds were Open from the Link with Brad and the Team, and they saw the small blue ball of Light that was Tommy's Soul float gently up and out of his chest, bobbing softly.

Chloe was only weeks old, but her Mind had been Open for nearly six months. She had established connections with Darren and most of the guys at one point, including Drew. Her Mind took in the emotional turmoil around her, her Empathy sensed their anguish and grief, not knowing or understanding it but recognizing it as pain.

While Kelly held her, Chloe's eyes looked at Tommy with unnatural awareness for a newborn. Tiny tendrils of energy seeped off her small body and floated over to wrap around Tommy's Soul. Even as young as she was, she understood and wanted him to stay, and she helped her mother anchor him.

Kelly touched Tommy's Mind, and she and her Daughter held him tightly, not letting go while Sally and Nathan performed CPR to keep oxygen flowing to his brain.

<><><> 

The cycle seemed unending. Ken saw the frustration in the Eschphene Leader too. They had thwarted his every move strategically, and well over a thousand of his people lay dead.

Ken was sure after observing the Eschphene they shared some kind of `hive' mentality or consciousness. It was subtle, but he saw it; it was natural on their part and buried in a mountain of other information Patrick saw with his Understanding. They were incredibly complex beings and even with Pat's Avatar there was much to sort through.

The Eschphene people were an extension of the Leader's Will to some degree, and he took control of a number of them in the front. The Leader unexpectedly moved back, disengaging from Ken as others moved in. Before Ken could follow, he was forced to defend himself.

Fuck! He's up to something.

Loy: I'm on it, Ken! Guys fill in!

Loy be careful! He's a fuckin' brute!

Ken's concern was evident. It wasn't out of ego or conceit that he wanted to be the one to take on the Leader... He was physically the strongest of them, and it was logical for him to do so. He knew Loy wasn't a match for the Leader one-on-one as far as strength.

Loy's form shimmered as he transformed into a Peregrine Falcon, the fastest bird on the planet for diving speed. He was small and blindingly fast as he took to the air. The Eschphene had no idea of the Gift and were caught off guard; their big blocky hands weren't dexterous enough to catch him.

He flew into the air and saw others forming a circle around the Eschphene Leader about fifty yards back. It looked like he was about to start another Ritual of some kind.

Loy dove with all the speed he could build up, nearly two hundred miles per hour.

Lane, get ready to Heal me!

Ken was close to Lane and gave him the reprieve he needed to react.

As he descended at full velocity, Loy's form shimmered into an enormous Gorilla. He had experimented with the Gift and found the enhanced strength he received from making love to Rick translated into whatever form he took. The way his Avatar blended with the Gift he was truly the animal and the animal truly him, unlike Giovanni or another human host.

He slammed feet first into the Eschphene Leader's torso at full velocity. He felt bones snap in the Eschphene, and he was sure he had fractured a few bones himself. The impact was severe, but Lane and Darren were ready. Lane blocked his pain centers, Darren set his bones, and a massive rush of Healing blasted through his system.

The Eschphene were caught by surprise, and their Ritual was interrupted. The dozen followers immediately surrounding the Leader seemed to be in a trance with their Leader dazed and unfocused.

Loy didn't expect that, and his form shimmered into a giant Anaconda, nearly fifty feet in length. He coiled around the Leader, constricting with all his enhanced serpentine strength.

He was aware of the bone spikes and even being careful a few dug into his body, but his reaction to the pain caused him to constrict tighter. He felt one shoulder and arm in the Leader snap.

Pressing relentlessly, his form shimmered into a Black Rhino, and he gutted the Leader on his horn, picking his body up and smashing him to the ground. The Eschphene Leader was critically wounded, and Loy took everyone deep down in their private Link so Time nearly stood still.

Loy: Do you want him dead, Ken?

Ken paused, and a small mutter of surprise went through everyone as he finally thought: No. I want him hurt bad, but not dead.

Time started again, and Loy impaled the massive creature one more time, and he bucked, sending the Leader flying into the air. The ground shook with the impact as his massive body smashed down.

Ken's Avatar flared and his voice, echoing with Power, reverberated above all the noise: STOP! OR WE WILL KILL YOUR LEADER AND ALL OF YOU!

The battle stopped, and absolute quiet fell.

The Leader, gravely wounded, managed to stand with difficulty. His Magic was potent, and his wounds were already healing, but it was obvious he was in extreme pain.

He hobbled slowly over to Ken, "Why Nephilim!? Why did you spare me?"

Ken looked him straight in the eye, standing tall and proud saying, "I should probably have had Loy kill you. Back off the boy Drew Ross, or the next time you won't be so lucky. We'll prove to you our way will work. We'll restore the fuckin' Balance, and the boy will live through it."

"You will fail!"

"No, we won't! We could have used your help, but like all you dickheads, you think your way is the only way! Go! Leave, and don't come back. If we catch wind of you bein' here, we'll hunt you down to extinction. Do you understand me?!"

"You have won, and I will honor your demands... unless you fail. If Drew Ross dies on his seventh birthday and the Curse is not rescinded, we will return."

"Get your ugly asses outta here."

The entire area blurred, and the color in everything returned to normal. The Eschphene corpses were gone, but the animals remained, their Spirits hovering by their bodies.

Loy's voice and Will filled the area in the Spiritual Realm.

Stay.

Sally called out, "Guys! Help me!"

With the Eschphene gone, Darren's ability to Teleport was restored. The Stone disappeared out of Tommy's hand and onto the ground away from where everyone stood.

<><> 

Brad's head was splitting with the effort, but his Will was strong. Drew had fallen unconscious moments before and sweat dripped off Henry and Brad from the strain of their combined effort.

As soon as Darren teleported the Stone out of Tommy's hand, the Construct vanished.

Henry, Drew, and Brad returned to their bodies and collapsed, exhausted, but alright.

<><><> 

With the Stone out of Tommy's hand, Lane sent Healing energy into him and this time it worked. His little body arched and Nathan and Sally had to hold him down, but in seconds he was Healed and his little body whole again. Sally watched in awe as the damage regenerated and his body was restored to full health. The Healing wasn't gentle, but he was alive.

Bill teleported to Tommy's side, pulling him into a tight embrace. Tears streamed down his face, and his gratitude filled the Link.

Kevin rushed over and picked up a wailing Brett, who still thought Tommy was dead. Kevin held the little boy close, whispering in his ear that everything was alright and Tommy was okay.

Jacob regained consciousness and held Craig, sobbing his heart out. He looked pleadingly at Lane and begged, "Please! Heal him!"

Ken knelt beside Jacob and put a hand on his shoulder. With tears in his eyes, Ken said, "We're sorry Jake. It's too late."

Ken's throat was so tight he barely managed to get the words out.

"Why the fuck is it too late!? You're always too late! You could have saved my dad too, but you were too fucking late!"

Jacob screamed at the top of his lungs, his emotions intense and hateful and directed at them. The pain in his voice was like a punch in the gut.

Jacob surprised everyone when he launched himself at Ken.

Ken easily caught Jake's hands, grabbing him and hugging him tightly. Jacob continued to beat his fists against Ken until he was exhausted, crying the entire time.

Brad added his arms to Ken's around the young man. His Avatar glowed brightly as his Compassion flowed into Jacob.

<><><> 

Ken wanted everyone back under the protection of the Runes as soon as possible, so Darren teleported everyone to the Lab in Atlanta.

They appeared, sweaty and bloody with tears still on their faces. The decimation and loss of the day were clearly visible on their faces and the slump of their shoulders.

The doctor let out a quiet, "Oh my," when he saw them. He saw Jacob carrying Craig's body, and blood all over Tommy.

Brad shared everything with Aaron and Albrecht in the barest fraction of a second.

Jacob silently carried Craig's body to the showers while everybody watched, not knowing what to say.

When he heard the water running, Ken went in and saw Jacob washing the blood off Craig as best he could, but it still seeped from the massive hole in his brother's body. He finally stopped trying and stooped his shoulders, fresh sobs wracking his body as he held Craig desperately.

Ken moved over and said quietly, "I know Jake. I'm so sorry... all of us are."

Jacob slapped Ken's hand away, his voice icy cold, and said, "Don't touch me. And don't you dare say you're sorry! Leave us alone!"

Ken backed off, his heart aching, but he knew Jacob needed time. As Ken left the showers, Albrecht stood by the door waiting.

"Should I go to him?"

"He wants `ta be alone. He's mad Albrecht, and has every right `ta be."

"Very well. You did well Ken, all of you did. It's a wonder there weren't more casualties."

Ken said quietly, "There shouldn't have been any."

"Aaron would not want me to say this, but I think you should visit Michael again soon."

Albrecht squeezed Ken's shoulder as he moved away. He saw grief lines in Ken's face and realized how deep his hurt ran.

<><><> 

Henry, Drew, Tommy, Brett, Bill, and Kevin appeared on ZEUS. Jacob was in the shower in Atlanta, and they needed to get the kids cleaned up, so Henry asked Darren to send them to ZEUS.

After they stopped crying, neither Brett nor Tommy had said a word. Brett still seemed in shock, and Kevin held him close. Brett's grip was like iron around his neck.

Tommy was quiet and subdued but seemed more aware. He was crying, but not hysterically, and held onto Bill.

Henry sent them both a thought.

Let's get them clean and dry. When they're warm and in bed, they'll be out like a light. We can talk with them about everything when they wake up. For now, keep the conversation normal like everything is fine.

The two men followed his advice. Once the three boys were clean, the guys put them in their cabin. Brett didn't want them to leave, so the three men, as cramped as it was, stayed with the boys until they fell asleep.

<><><> 

It didn't take long for Brett to wake up crying. He was in an unfamiliar place and still scared. Tommy woke up when he heard Brett crying, but Drew stayed asleep.

Henry, Bill, and Kevin sat in the lounge resting in one another and had fallen asleep to the gentle rocking of ZEUS and the soft sound of the water lapping against the hull. Even with their bodies Healed by Lane, they were emotionally exhausted.

Kevin started from a deep sleep, immediately alert and surprised to see Brett and Tommy standing next to him, hand-in-hand and crying.

Bill, wake up.

"Hey, guys. Are you alright?"

Bill was instantly awake. Both men, through different parts of their Avatar's, saw the inner turmoil in the boys.

Kevin leaned forward and lifted Brett up under his armpits, resting him against his bare torso. Brett reclined on the big man, instantly snuggling against Kevin's warm body, his tears falling on Kevin's chest. Brett was small for a six-year-old and thin and Kevin's large hands nearly encircled his entire body. He moved his hands up and down Brett's back soothingly and talked to him softly, "It's okay, Brett. You're safe now. I've got you."

Bill pulled Tommy on top of him the same way, "Come here, kiddo. I got you." Tommy draped himself over Bill's big, muscled frame the same as Brett.

Henry, like Drew, remained asleep, lightly snoring a few feet away.

Tommy and Brett, within seconds of being held, fell asleep, resting on the warm, solid bodies of Kevin and Bill. The comfort and safety of the two big men drove away their fears.

Neither Bill nor Kevin went back to sleep, staying deep inside each other and wondering what in the world they were going to say to the boys when they woke up.

An hour later Henry got up to pee. He looked at Tommy and Brett on top of his two Brothers and smiled.

"Told you. You're naturals. I'm going to go sleep with Drew and leave you lovebirds alone."

Just before he disappeared down the hallway, Henry paused slightly as if hesitating and said, "It's never easy guys, but it's totally worth it."

It hit both of them like a Mack Truck what Henry said and why. Even after everything that happened, and with Tommy almost dying, he still thought they should adopt Tommy and Brett and would make great dads.

It gave them a lot to think about while the boys slept.

<><><> 

For the first time in his existence, Uriel was unsure of what to do. Craig Peterson sacrificed himself to save the boy Thomas but also killed himself in an attempt to get to his father. Craig's Soul spoke to him when it should not yet have been able to.

Kent Peterson had been granted a Dispensation but refused his second chance, and Uriel had taken him to his eternal isolation, his personal Hell, where he now resided and should for all eternity.

There was no precedent for the situation.

Uriel Opened himself, seeking Guidance, but received no response. The silence was confusing, and he wondered greatly at the current turn of events.

It was unprecedented, but he decided to do as Craig asked.

<><> 

Kent was on his back, the area around him colorless, rocky, and uncomfortable. He reflected over the years of his life... in that place, his memories were clear and accessible, and he realized that was the intent. All he had time to do was think and suffer, and he hated it, but it forced him to reevaluate his life.

He remembered Uriel's words about his Heart being filled with Hate. It took years as he perceived the passage of time, but he finally began to admit, in small steps, the possibility Uriel was right.

Tiny cracks in his pride let regret take root, and as more years passed, he ultimately came to the conclusion he was an asshole. He was a horrible man and an even worse father. For a time he couldn't stop crying, regretting who and what he was, and begged God, or Uriel, or someone to hear and forgive him. He wanted to make things right.

He thought of all the things he wanted to do over with Marge and the boys and his tears were filled with remorse, knowing he would never get the chance.

There were no mirrors or reflective surfaces in his prison, so at first he was unaware of the physical changes in him. Out of boredom, he started exercising. At first, he couldn't even do one pushup. His stomach was too weak and soft to do sit-ups; he had to leverage the weight of his legs just to sit up if he was lying down.

Similar to when Bill was trapped inside his Mind in a prison of his own making, Kent's outward appearance mirrored his inner feelings and his body slowly began to change.

His clothes hung loose, and his arms grew big again.

He couldn't eat or sleep, so when he wasn't exercising, he spent time mulling over his life. He realized what jerks he and his buddies were and remembered the time they all ganged up on Alan Whetherson in the gym.

My God, what were we thinking? We could have killed him!

Kent was outside Time, but still perceived Time in his isolation and lost track of the years. His most prominent regrets were his family, especially his two sons. He was so proud of them, yet never once told them. He was ashamed of what they must think of him, and of what they must say to each other behind his back.

He was a total embarrassment and knew it. Marge used to be supportive, but eventually his caustic attitude drove her to use sedatives to dull her own emotional pain. Kent was convinced he was the source of her substance abuse.

He remembered when he and Margie were in love and wondered how he could have let them drift so far apart. It was his fault; she was a beautiful wife, and he drove her into a depression she wasn't able to deal with.

Occasionally, in his isolation, Kent's Mind played tricks on him. He heard things and would race around looking, desperate to find anyone or anything. He figured it was another part of where he was, designed to make him feel lonely and separated.

After more than a century, Kent was Soul weary. He longed for real Death... to go to sleep and never wake up. He begged God, or whoever could hear him, for forgiveness. He cried and wailed and ranted... And repeated it all, yet he knew no one was listening. He had pissed away the chance Uriel offered him and knew he was responsible for his fate.

Kent wallowed in depression, but deep within him, a voice told him he deserved everything happening to him. He had thrown away any chance of happiness... but also realized he never would have changed. Uriel was right, he had been too lazy.

"Guys like me don't deserve a second chance."

"Dad?"

Kent didn't even open his eyes, just shouting, "GO THE FUCK AWAY! YOU AREN'T REAL!"

Someone sniffled.

"Dad. It's me..."

Kent's eyes flew open and standing there, a few feet from him was his son, Craig!

Breath left his body as tears so thick they blinded him filled his eyes.

Craig stood there, shirtless and sweaty, his lean body tightly muscled. He looked so... so studly. The first thing in Kent's mind was that he never told Craig or Jacob how good they looked or how proud he was of them.

Kent's face showed his confusion, not believing Craig was really there.

"Craig?! How can you be here? If you're here that means you're dead!"

"I came to be with you dad. I came to bring you back."

Craig turned to Uriel, only a few feet away and asked, "Can you take us back?"

Uriel sounded uncertain when he said, "I do not know. This has never happened before. I will return for you at least, you do not belong here."

His wings spread, and he vaulted into the air, vanishing.

Kent slowly approached his son, inch by inch, looking at him and taking in every feature and nuance; his stud ROTC Marine son he had treated so horribly.

Craig finally got a good look at Kent, staring at his father's face that looked familiar yet so different. Kent looked younger, but haggard. When Craig finally tore his eyes away from his father's face, he noticed how fit he looked. Kent's huge belly was gone, and now his arms and chest stretched the fabric of the material rather than his stomach. He looked like the old pictures in his mother's scrapbooks except for the haunted look on his face.

The dam inside Kent broke, and he pulled Craig against him, hugging him tightly as he cried, "God, I'm so sorry, Craig. I love you so much! Please forgive me! Please!"

He choked up, repeating "please" over and over as he hugged his son, begging forgiveness.

Craig didn't know how to react. He couldn't remember the last time his father told him he loved him, let alone hugged him. He started crying too, hugging his dad back, and saying, "I love you too, Dad. I always have."

They stayed that way for minutes until the tears finally subsided.

Craig pulled back and said, "Dad... I don't understand any of this..."

"It doesn't matter, son. You're here, and I have to say some things to you that I never had the courage to say before. I have to say them before he comes back to get you..."

"But Dad, I came to get you... You're going back with me!"

"I don't think I can Craig. I deserve to be here. But you don't! I know you don't! I'll make him take you back!"

"I'm not leaving without you, Dad! If you can't leave, I'll stay here with you!"

"Don't say that Craig. Please don't... look before he comes back... I need to say some things to you. Please, don't interrupt. I don't know how much time we have."

Kent sat down, and so did Craig. Craig noticed a lot of things different about his father aside from the change in his appearance. For starters, he looked directly at Craig, right into his eyes. He rarely ever did that.

Craig sat and listened and couldn't believe what he heard. He occasionally tried to defend his father's actions, but Kent always waved him off, saying, "No, I was an asshole!"

Tears came and went through Kent's diatribe, and he went on for hours until he finally stopped.

"Now it's your turn. I need you to tell me anything I missed. Anytime I slighted you or Jacob or your mother that you remember."

"Dad, no... You've said enough. I can't do that."

<><> 

Uriel sat beside them, Unseen and listening, wanting to hear everything Kent Peterson said. He was pleasantly surprised but didn't know if it would make a difference. Dispensations were unique and short-lived, and Kent Peterson had been dead for weeks in the Physical Realm. Yet, in the weeks of his absence on Earth, he lived the equivalent of lifetimes by his own reckoning. Perhaps that was enough...

<><><> 

There was plenty of food still on ZEUS, so Kevin made something for himself, Bill, and Henry. He made macaroni and cheese for the boys and let them have a bowl of their favorite cereal too.

While they were eating, Kevin said, "Okay guys, we'll spend the night here and head back in the morning. We need to get you back to Cavalry by early Monday morning, and with the time difference we'll be cutting it close."

Tommy slowly put his spoon down and stopped eating, whispering, "I don't want to go back. Please let us stay with you."

Kevin, with his enhanced hearing, heard the words clearly and his throat tightened.

Brett piped in, "Me too!"

Bill started, "Guys... You saw what happened at Drew's Birthday party! We couldn't protect you! Tommy, you almost died... and we can't promise that won't happen again. It would kill us if anything happened to you!"

Tommy pushed his bowl away. Crossing his arms, he put his head down, hiding his face, and started to cry.

Drew said, "Don't cry, Tommy."

Brett looked at them with big eyes but didn't say a word.

Henry tried to keep the scowl off his face but glared daggers at the two men.

Bill started to intervene, "Boys..."

Tommy stood up and moved around the table. Taking Brett's hand, he said, "Come on, Brett. They don't want us," and led his little brother out of the room. Kevin heard the door to their cabin slide shut.

Drew had tears running down his face, and Henry went over and picked him up, hugging his son.

"I don't understand, Daddy."

Henry looked at Bill and Kevin and said, "Me either, honey."

He got up and left the room with Drew, going out to sit on the dive deck by the water, leaving his two Brothers alone.

<><><> 

The next week was rough for everyone. Jacob and the other soldiers returned to the Lab in Australia with Kelly and Chloe. He refused to talk to any member of the Team except for Albrecht, and only then for lessons and workouts. Other than that, he stayed in his room.

Nathan, Caleb, Guy, and Rich tried their best to support him and pull him out of his self-imposed exile, but he isolated himself even from their friendship.

In Atlanta, Ken resumed their training, but Bill and Kevin were heartbroken, having decided it was too risky to keep Tommy and Brett so close to them. Tommy and Brett stopped talking to them and told the new Director at the Orphanage they no longer wanted to be in the `Big Brother' Program. The whole situation was tragic for everyone.

The hole in Bill and Kevin effected the entire Team. When they merged as a group, there was tension. Henry was angry but acknowledged the decision was theirs. He still loved them, but he didn't understand it.

Giovanni was present and began to get to know everyone. He had centuries of knowledge to catch up on. He was brilliant and would be alright in time but had no idea what he wanted to do with his life moving forward. He was devastated to find that Jonathan and Charisa and the other Elders were dead, and all that was left of his Old Order were Albrecht, Aaron, and Taliesin, whom he had never liked much anyway.

<><><> 

Ces, the new receptionist at Calvary Children's Home, looked up when the bell rang as the door opened. A nice looking man, very well dressed, approached her desk saying, "Good afternoon Miss..."

"Ces will do, thanks. Short for Cecily. Cecily Clement."

She seemed flustered and stammered over her name.

"Thank you, Ms. Clement. I am here to see the Executive Director."

"Oh, I'm sorry! She's currently in an adoption meeting and is tied up for the rest of the day."

"I believe she will want to see me. My visit pertains to the adoption in progress. Please tell her I am here."

"We weren't expecting anyone else. May I tell her your name?"

"Aharon Jochebedson."

The doctor absentmindedly used the archaic pronunciation of his name and realized she didn't have a clue what he said. He hadn't used his last name since his mother died in the Valley and wondered why it popped out now?

With a slight furrow of his brow, he corrected himself.

"Aaron Thomas."

"Oh! Just a moment, Mr. Thomas."

Aaron tilted his hat, blocking his eyes as they briefly flashed White.

"You can go right in."

"Thank you, my dear."

Aaron entered the office, where a couple sat across from Heather Draper, the new Executive Director. Mrs. Draper and the couple, Tom Graham and his wife Janet, all looked at him, surprised at the interruption. He meticulously removed his overcoat, and as he turned to hang his coat and hat on the coat rack, his eyes flashed White again.

"I'm sorry, but this is a closed meeting. You'll have to make an appointment with Ces."

"I believe I am in the right place. You are signing the final adoption papers for one Thomas Billingsley and his younger brother Brett?"

"Well, yes, but how did you know that?"

Mrs. Draper looked at the couple sitting across from her desk and asked, "Do either of you know this man?"

The couple looked wide-eyed and shook their heads in the negative.

Aaron sat in another of the high-backed chairs, crossing his legs.

"I have information pertaining to Tom and Janet that you might be unaware of. I am surprised your screening did not uncover certain behavioral abnormalities in the Graham household. Issues not conducive to raising two small boys."

Aaron looked directly at Tom and asked, "Do you wish to tell Mrs. Draper, or shall I?"

Tom panicked. His bald forehead broke out into a sweat, and he said, "The deal's off! We're no longer interested in the boys!"

Aaron's eyes flashed White, and in a stern voice he said, "Sit, and be silent!"

Aaron kept his anger in check but was not exactly gentle. He rarely used his powers so overtly and would make the proper memory adjustments when the matter was over, but two of his sons needed his intervention as much as the two small boys he was saving. He prayed he was doing the right thing, but he would risk it for William and Kevin.

Tom sat down as if he was jerked into the chair.

Aaron looked at Mrs. Draper and continued, "I have an amicable solution to this entire affair I think you will find most agreeable."

He looked at Tom and Janet, and his face went stern again, "You will go home now and call the police and confess everything you have done to the children placed in your care. Everything... And give the police the digital recordings you have hidden as evidence of your debauchery."

Turning back to Mrs. Draper, he said, "It is fortunate I discovered their deviancy in time to save young Thomas and Brett. I have two charges in my care who would like to adopt Thomas and Brett, and they will have a wonderful place to live. They will be loved and nurtured as never before."

Aaron's eyes flashed White again, as he made the appropriate alternations to Mrs. Draper's memory. When he was done, Mrs. Draper had Ces draw up the paperwork, and less than an hour later Aaron left with Tommy and Brett. In her Mind, Heather Draper agreed Bill and Kevin would make perfect fathers. She had met both men as Big Brothers to the two young boys and had always been impressed with them.

Albrecht waited in the Suburban, and he welcomed the two boys with hugs. Tommy and Brett looked confused, but he had a long talk with the two young boys. He took them into his Heart, along with Aaron, and shared with them the pain Kevin and Bill felt over their decision, and how much the two big men truly loved them and needed them in their lives. There were many tears shortly into the discussion. Albrecht looked deeply into each boy and saw their Hearts' desire, and it made him warm that deep down, under the protective mechanisms they had already learned, the two small boys loved Bill and Kevin and wanted them to be their dads.

Aaron preferred to take them to Long John Silver's to celebrate, but Albrecht insisted they go to Wendy's instead.

His only comment was, "I've never had a chocolate Frosty, and I think it's time I rectified that mistake."

<><><> 

That evening, Ken had Brad send out an 811 Mental Alert, and in seconds everyone was gathered in the Atlanta Lab.

There were no details, and Brad kept a tight Shield on himself and Ken. Ken had a serious look on his face.

Brad: You should have been an actor!

Ken: Don't make me laugh, or I won't get through this!

Ken struggled to keep his poker face on.

Everyone in the Conference Room, pronto.

Everyone filed in and settled into their customary seats. The room never seemed as large with all the broad shoulders around the table.

Ken stood at the lectern, his hands gripping the edges firmly, and he looked at the handsome faces staring back at him. The faces of his Brothers he knew so well, the men who were a part of him who he loved dearly.

Two of his Brothers were hurting badly, and it hurt all of them when that happened.

"It's been a rough week, guys. Drew's birthday was a bust. We managed to get Giovanni and the Gift, but we also lost another friend with Alariel, at least for a while. We lost Craig, but saved Tommy, and Drew made it through again."

Henry spoke up, "Drew's fine, Ken. He took the whole thing in stride, other than what happened to Craig. He's been exposed to so much there is no normal anymore. He really had a great time, and still talks about the animals and being on ZEUS. He really misses Tommy and Brett though."

"B, put the newsfeed on the Ops Board."

The giant board came to life and split into four screens. One was Fox News, one was CNN Headline News, on the bottom were 11 Alive, and Fox 5, two local Atlanta TV Stations. Each screen displayed a `Breaking Report,' and showed mugshots of a man and a woman.

The scrolling text across the bottom said, "Tom and Janet Graham turned themselves in to Atlanta Police tonight, confessing to the molestation of children currently under their care as foster parents. DVD's of child pornography were handed over willingly by the couple. It's unclear why they turned themselves in. The children currently under their foster care have all been removed by Child and Family Services and placed in temporary homes and are receiving counseling."

Everybody looked confused, and Lane asked, "What's going on? That's terrible, but what does that have to do with us?"

The doctor stood and said, "Those two were the couple about to adopt young Thomas and Brett."

Bill and Kevin went pale, and both men sat up in their chairs.

Ken held up his hand and said, "It's alright, fellas."

He moved behind his two friends, placing a hand on either of their shoulders. Their eyes were wet as they looked up at Ken. They both looked confused and distraught.

"We all know what a tough decision it was for you two with Tommy and Brett. No one blames you; you truly had their best interest at heart. I also know you guys really well... All of us do. Sometimes we all need a push in the right direction. I hope we aren't oversteppin' our bounds but know that we're doin' this because we love you. You're our Brothers, and we want what's best for you."

Ken couldn't help the grin that crossed his face, and he said, "Sometimes, your Brother's know what's best for you."

Bill and Kevin were short of breath. Bill was pretty sure he knew what was going on, and Kevin caught on right behind him.

Ken called out, "Albrecht!"

The door opened, and Albrecht escorted Tommy and Brett into the Conference Room, a hand on each of their shoulders. The boys looked anxious, and a bit scared.

Albrecht gently nudged them forward, and with a smile said, "Go say hello to your new fathers."

Kevin and Bill burst into tears. There were tears all around the table at what everyone witnessed, but Bill and Kevin let the floodgates loose. They could hardly breathe, and their emotions were all over the place; relief, gratitude, and thankfulness the most prominent.

Kevin looked at Ken and managed to squeak out, "How!?"

Ken said, "We have your back, Kev. You should know that by now. The doc's already taken care of the paperwork. You two are officially dads. We're proud of you, and we all support you a thousand percent."

Henry, with a shit-eating grin on his face, said, "Welcome to the club, fellas!"

Tommy and Brett ran across the room and threw themselves into the arms of their new fathers, crying hard.

Drew came flying into the room... Sally had filled him in, and he was extremely excited!

Brad: It's nice to see some smiles. You're right, this week has sucked. We've been getting pounded lately and needed something like this.

Unexpectedly, the security chime went off, and a hush fell over the room.

It was the proximity alarm in the rear parking lot. It was too late for deliveries, and no one was expecting anyone.

Brad and the Mentalists didn't feel any danger, and neither did Ken or the Bodies.

The doctor moved to the closest security monitor, his eyes went wide, and he let out an, "Oh my! Darren, get Jacob and Marge Peterson here immediately!"

His voice held a sense of urgency they rarely heard.

"Come, everyone!"

He rushed out of the room to the back door, and in his haste swiveled the monitor on its base as everyone followed.

When the back door flew open, and each of them saw who was there, their jaws dropped.

In the back of the parking lot, just out of range of the Runes stood Uriel, and at his side were Craig and Kent Peterson.

It was cold outside, and Craig was still wearing the shorts he had on in Africa. With a big grin on his face, Craig hollered, "Anyone got a blanket? It's friggin' cold out here!"

Uriel's voice was loud and reverberated in their Minds.

I leave them with you. There is no precedent; another sign of changing times.

He transformed into a ball of light and shot into the sky.

Everybody was so stunned they all just stared.

"Uh... little help guys!? I'm freezing!"

Darren enlisted Brad's help in contacting Jacob. Jacob felt Brad's presence in his Mind and the next thing he knew, he was in the parking lot in Atlanta with his mother.

Craig jumped when his brother and mother appeared. Kent still hadn't said anything. The physical changes in him were apparent to all of them. To Ken, Brad, and the others, he looked just like he did back in the early 1990s when they first knew him. His face no longer had the haggard appearance Craig first saw.

Craig, his teeth chattering, smiled nervously and said, "Hey, Bro. Hey, Mom."

He did a horrible Poltergeist impression and said, "Weeee're baaaaaack!"

That cracked the ice, and Jacob rushed forward, enveloping his younger brother, sobbing and shaking so hard he couldn't talk.

Ken looked at Brad, his eyes wide.

Holy shit, B! Can this night get any weirder? Or better?

Ken moved over and embraced his partner from behind, nuzzling the back of Brad's neck with his unshaven cheek.

Brad: I don't know about weirder, but if you keep that up, it might get a little better, at least for Ken Jr.!

Brad was happy and saw happiness inside Ken that had been absent too long. Looking in his partner, it was like the sun broke through a cloudy day. They were in dark times, but what they just witnessed proved things could change and that not all the weirdness was Evil or bad.

Ken used his Captain's voice to get everyone's attention.

"Let's take it inside, everybody! Someone get Craig a blanket!

Sally said, "Coffee coming up!"

The smiles were wide, and everyone's spirits were lifted by the events of the night.

<><><> 

That night as Drew finally slept, exhausted from the excitement of having his friends Tommy and Brett in the Lab with him and Craig and his father's return, The Master reached for Drew's Dreams. He had discovered a connection between their Souls that bypassed the Runes through the Realm of Dreams.

He traversed the Realm once before, bestowing a Dream on Lane Weaver, but the cost was high, and he never did so again. It was different with his brother, and he was able to contact him occasionally. He intended to do so as often as possible, to break him down with fear and terror before their next encounter.

Cautiously, he made his way through the Realm. While nothing there could kill him, there were beings that could harm him, and he could feel pain.

Finally, he stood at the foot of Drew's bed, waiting in anticipation at the terror he was about to inflict on his sibling. As Drew's Mind began to Dream, The Master reached out with a clawed hand but stopped at the sound of a deep guttural growl. The Wolf-Spirit made herself known, and in the Realm of Dreams she was far more Powerful than The Master. Her pack accompanied her, and they circled Drew's Dream, protecting him.

As The Master turned to flee, he screamed as her teeth sank into his muscular backside. She commanded her Pack to hunt him down until he was back in his body.

In his Sanctuary, on his Throne, The Master's eyes opened wide, and he screamed his rage as a trickle of blood seeped down his leg where there was now a small bald spot on his muscled but very hairy buttocks.

<><><> 

Loy woke when the Wolf-Spirit entered his room. She seemed pleased with herself.

He sat up when she approached and dropped something out of her mouth on the bed.

Loy looked at a patch of thick, coarse hair with blood on it.

Loy picked it up, Reading it, and knew immediately who it belonged too. His smile was grim.

Well done.

Loy settled back, snuggling against Rick's warm solid body, putting one arm around him and pulling them tighter together.

Rick sighed in contentment and fell into a deeper sleep, feeling his lover's arms around him, and Dreamed a happy dream.

   The End of Chapter Twenty-Six

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