The Gifts

The Gifts Chapter 2

The Gifts

Copyright © 2021 by Brad A. Townsend

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

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

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

Introduction

So... Chapter Two. I hope you enjoyed Chapter One enough to make it here. A lot happens in this chapter so, as Lane would say, "hold onto your hats and don't go screaming like little girls!"

Just one quick Link to give you a better visual/audio of the scene with Henry and Sally when Lane plays this song in the air around them for a laugh: Amii Stewart's Knock on Wood (the chorus around 2 minutes in is what he played).

My email contact is at the end of the chapter if any of you wish to write me with questions or comments.

-Brad

<>< Chapter Two ><>

Synchronzing their Avatars Darren translocated everyone back to the Lab and they filed into the Conference Room for a full debriefing.

Playing video games with Drew, Tommy, and Brett in the lounge on the big screen, Henry heard the guys talking as they came down the hall.

Handing the game controller to Drew, he said, "Finish my round, Tiger. I need to hop into a meeting. You guys can keep playing until lunch, okay?"

A round of `yes, sir' followed as Henry got up and made his way into the Conference Room. Aaron and Albrecht were already there, so Henry shut the door behind him and took his seat.

As usual, Ken stood at the lectern, and Brad initiated a deep Link. Immediately everybody sank into the familiar presence of each other.

"B, why don't you merge us. It'll be easier than tryin' `ta rehash everythin.'

Collectively, their breath caught in their chests and their eyes watered at the intense emotional intimacy that accompanied being One. Instantly, Henry, Aaron, and Albrecht were aware of the discussion with Raphael and their meeting with God billions of years in the past.

Aaron and Albrecht's eyes widened at The Dove's comment to tell them hello. A personal message from the Creator of the Universe was mind-blowing to them, even after meeting and interacting with other Nephilim and the Archangel relatives of their adoptive sons.

Separating their Souls but staying deeply Linked, to get things started, Ken stated, "So, Raphael's onboard with us at least. We have no idea when Michael or the others will be... or not."

Aaron said, "The implications and ramifications of The Dove bestowing Free Will on Raphael are an enormous unknown."

Brad said, "I'm still worried about him. For a being that existed before Time, it really caught him off guard, and he doesn't know how to handle the freedom. He still has his Province's, but there's no telling what he'll do in addition to those now."

Smirking, Lane said, "Yeah, he could eat birthday cake every day now if he wants."

Darren rolled his eyes, retorting, "Angels don't eat, asswipe!"

Faking a hurt tone, Lane mumbled, "I'm glad Bry gets me. You guys suck."

Bill interjected, "So back to the meeting...We know what The Doors in Drew's vision represent, but we still don't know who the figure fighting Allenor is. I'm guessing when Allenor said he was prevented, it was that guy keeping him from opening The Doors to return home."

Bryan sounded sad when he said, "Even if he got through them, based on what we know there should be nothing left, but I still get him wanting to be there, even if it was to end his life. His entire life and being here still sticks in my craw, even if it's part of the so-called `Plan.'

Henry spoke up, saying, "Guys, this thing with The Doors scares the hell out of me. Drew has seen them a few times now. Just being close to them corrupted an Archangel enough to cause the entire Rebellion in Heaven. To top it off, when he goes to them in his Dreams, the Wolf-Spirit can't get to him."

Silence fell after his statement. Henry's deep concerns were shared by all of them, and the implications to Drew were a complete unknown, maybe even unthinkable.

He followed up, saying, "Allenor said Drew has to survive, that he's the `Crux' and without him our Creation will fall... that he's keeping us safe. Safe from what?"

Brad's unconscious Mind had been processing everything, and it shot his reply to the forefront of his thoughts.

Sitting up in his chair, he blurted out, "The Door's opening! That has to be it! The two Creations aren't compatible, and The Doors keep them separate!"

The doctor's eyes widened as he realized Brad's train of thought, and he quietly said, "Oh my."

Brad continued, "Guys, you know how The Curse Protected The Master from Death? It literally locked him into his existence and unable to change. After Reading him, we know how much he hated his appearance. He even tried to have his teeth and legs straightened years ago, but The Curse always returned him to his original state as a fully grown, mature adult.

"With The Master gone, Drew is now the focal point of The Curse because it originated with his first death. The Curse must be keeping The Doors shut, or it's keeping our Creation from being destroyed! I'm not sure which yet, but it makes sense!"

Darren interjected, "Then why does Luke want Drew dead? Does he literally want all existence to end?"

Albrecht said, "Luke's goal is an unknown and doesn't make sense, but I believe you are on the right track, Brad."

Rick said, "Well, that totally blows our goal of removing The Curse over mankind out of the water! If we do that, everything ceases to exist!"

Their Minds spinning from the magnitude of everything, Brad felt the heaviness on their Hearts. Once again, the weight resting on their shoulders was beyond comprehension. Before Ken asked him, Brad returned everyone into a full, deep merge.

Appearing together naked in the place where their Souls were One, they rested in each other, arms around shoulders, legs intertwined, each holding the other and settling themselves. Then, closing their eyes, they rested in the liquid Golden Light of their combined Souls as Time stood still.

In that place, the world stopped. Their Avatars combined, locked by Ken, and with Henry, Aaron, and Albrecht joining them they were even more than the sum of their individual selves.

The collective intellect, Minds, and Hearts of all thirteen men blended, and the unconditional love between them overwrote their worries, calming them.

Speaking to Henry primarily, Ken thought: Like always, Henry, Drew's our first priority in all of this. We don't know that any of what we're talkin' about is fact yet, although B's hardly ever wrong.

Pat thought: Ken's right. We don't know everything. There's definitely a Pattern in all of this, but I can't back out far enough yet to see it yet. We need to focus on finding additional pieces of this puzzle, and I'm sure we'll start seeing more of the picture.

Returning to their bodies, the meeting resumed.

Ken had devised multiple contingency plans if any Demons showed up again and covered basic fighting strategies based on their first encounter and how to get Drew to safety.

Darren, frustrated about his ability to translocate being so readily blocked, came up with several maneuvers to counteract or circumvent that issue and asked Brad to work with him in the gym later.

After much discussion, stomachs started grumbling, especially Ken's, so he called their meeting for the day.

"It's Sunday, guys, and we've gone over enough. I feel good about the new strategies; we'll just have `ta see how well they work and make adjustments as we go. Dar, your ideas sound awesome and I can't wait `ta work on `em.

"As of right now, our safety protocols are back in place on travel until further notice. Let's try `ta enjoy the rest of the day. Do your PT in the mornin', and we'll only do half a day in the gym. Tomorrow afternoon will be free time `ta make up for today."

<><><> 

Monday started out normal. Lane and Bryan showed up early because Bryan wanted to smoke some BBQ for dinner that night.

After things were resolved with The Master and security measures lightened up, Sally had moved out of the Lab. Very independent, she wanted her own space, and the doctor set her up in a lovely house not too far from the Lab that suited her perfectly. Of course, the downside to that decision was her time with Henry.

Henry still practiced his tantric ritual every morning and afternoon to keep his Powers at their peak, and while she often helped him in the afternoons, she was rarely at the Lab early enough to catch him in the mornings.

That morning she went in early to start some processes for the doctor. Never an early riser, he could come in but it made him grumpy, so she offered to take care of it and let him sleep in.

Sitting at her desk, she noticed Henry walking through the kitchen in his underwear, headed to the locker room shower. Looking tired and sleepy, he was adorably cute with his hair messed up. He was so handsome, just like all the guys, sometimes he just took her breath away.

Henry stopped dead in his tracks when he saw her, not expecting her to be there so early.

"Hey Sal, good morning."

Smiling, she replied, "Good morning, Henry. I came in early to do a few things for the doctor."

"Yeah, I wondered."

She noticed immediately that his skin-tight underwear was filling out.

Glancing down, she smirked and said, "Do you need some help? I have things rolling here, so I have the time."

Looking down at himself he actually blushed, but grinning, he raised his eyebrows, exhaling and saying, "Well, since you're here... do you mind?"

Coming through the kitchen, Lane saw them, and his mischievous grin appeared at the sight of Henry in his underwear sporting a hard-on and Sally looking at him.

Suddenly in the air around them, Amii Stewart's voice singing "Gonna knock knock knock on wood" filled the room.

Henry and Sally busted out laughing as she stood up, taking Henry's hand and leading him back to an empty exam room.

Lane heard her as they disappeared down the hallway, saying, "I'm going to do a whole lot more than knock on it."

<><><> 

Drifting in and out of consciousness, Raph felt horrible. His entire body was on fire, and severe vertigo made him want to throw up.

Someone slapped his face, saying, "Wake up."

Tunnel vision overtook him and as he slipped back into darkness, but he heard someone say, "He's still out of it."

Raph woke in a panic, sitting in a chair in a small room with plain grey walls. His mind still fuzzy, he heard rattling and looked down to see his hands handcuffed and chained to the table.

A large mirror covered most of one wall, and he knew he was in an interrogation room. He had been in one years before and would never forget it.

How did I get here?

Going to work that morning on his usual delivery route, it was a hot day in Georgia and he sweated a lot. The last thing he remembered was gulping down a bottle of water he pulled out of his cooler. After it was empty he noticed a slight aftertaste, and glancing at the bottle questioningly was the last thing he remembered.

<> 

The door opened, and a stern-faced man entered wearing a military uniform. Raph didn't know the difference in the uniforms between the branches, but his nametag displayed "Col. Bauer."

Setting a briefcase on the table, Col. Bauer opened the lid, pulled out a manila folder, and set it on the tabletop. The sound of the locks flipping up reverberated in the stark, empty room.

Unable to contain himself and scared out of his wits, Raph practically yelled, "Why am I here? Did you drug me? You can't just abduct me!"

Ignoring Raph's outburst, Colonel Bauer calmly looked at him and asked, "You are Raphael Joseph Martinez?"

"Yes!"

"Six years ago, you were in a gang and hired to kill two men. An anonymous 911 call was made to the Atlanta PD, and upon arriving at the crime scene, they discovered two dead bodies and your entire gang unconscious with multiple bone fractures, some severe... except for you. You were bruised but unharmed."

Pulling photos from the envelope, he spread them out. Looking at them brought back the memory of his encounter with Loy and Rick very clearly. He saw his buddies splayed out unconscious but didn't know who the two big men were or how they died.

The photo brought back bad memories, even sad ones. Four of his best friends died over the next few years trying to get away from the people who hired them. People he now knew were of The Enemy.

Raph and a few others made it out, but the rest never did. He still thought about how much he owed Loy for setting him on a path that led him out of that life.

Terrified of his situation, kidnapped and interrogated by the United States military... he knew enough to know his situation didn't look good.

His mind drifting back, Raph remembered picking up Tag and Olive Keenan as the old couple hitchhiked in the summer heat of Alabama on Interstate 65. They said they needed to get to Atlanta to help some friends, and when his truck broke down he offered to have them stay in his hotel room.

Over a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken, they started talking and discovered a shared connection to Loy and Rick. Tag and Olive revealed an entire world to him he didn't know existed, one overlaying his own.

They explained the Battle between the Light and the Dark, between The Order and The Enemy, and how Rick and Loy were Nephilim, half-angels, and Warriors of The Order; the last Protection mankind had against subjugation by The Dark.

In addition to all of that, as if it wasn't enough of an eye-opener, they spoke of a little boy named Drew, who held the key to mankind's redemption from the Curse of Eden. The boy, they told him, was the second oldest Soul in existence, and his brother, The Master, the first. The two brothers were essentially Cain and Abel, but part of a very different story than what was told in the Book of Genesis.

While driving Tag and Olive to meet Loy and Rick and the other men, Raph was put to sleep by a worldwide Compulsion from Brad, and when he woke, Tag and Olive were gone.

Loy was there with Rick and the rest of their buddies, and when Raph asked where Tag and Olive were, Loy told him they had sacrificed themselves to save everyone. Their sacrifice changed the course of the fight against The Master, giving The Order enough time to win. Raph, by helping them, helped save the world. Loy called him a hero.

His memory of that day, those final moments, were etched in his mind clear as a bell...

<> 

Raph's eyes reddened and he sniffed, looking overwhelmed.

Nodding, Loy said, "It's all true, Raph.  After today the world will be more aware of at least some of it.  You can be a voice of reason in the craziness about to follow."

"I don't know what I can do."

"Tell the truth.  We have to go, but if things get too rough, think back to that morning when we first met and you'll know how to reach me.  You're a good man, Raph.  I knew it then, and you proved me right."

Holding out his hand, Raph took it warmly and firmly, and Loy pulled him into a hug. 

<> 

Pointing to the two dead Protectors in the picture, Colonel Bauer asked, "Who are they?"

Raph honestly replied, "I don't know. They must have shown up after I was all knocked out."

"Their bodies disappeared from the morgue less than twenty-four hours after arriving. You have no idea how that could have happened?"

"No! I just told you I have no idea who they are!"

Putting a finger to his ear, Colonel Bauer said, "You're lying."

Raph groaned. He was smart, realizing Colonel Bauer probably knew everything about him, even down to the hairy mole on his left butt cheek. He didn't know how but they had some type of lie detector checking his responses.

"Look, Colonel. Quit playing games and tell me what you want to know. I'm sure you know everything about me. You know everything I said after the `event.' It's all public knowledge, and I got dragged through social media hell because of it. As a result, I lost my job, and my family are pretty much the only people who still talk to me. I was barely able to get the job I have now, and thanks to you, I've probably lost that too."

Sighing heavily, Raph said, "I don't know those men, in that I don't know their names, but I do know who they worked for."

"The `so-called Enemy' you spoke about."

"Yes."

"The two men you were hired to kill by `The Enemy.' What are their names?"

"Rick and Loy."

"Who are they?"

"Again, cut to the chase. I don't know their last names. They're part of The Order and Nephilim, which means they're half-angel. They saved my life, especially Loy."

"How did they do that?"

With another sigh, knowing he wouldn't be believed, Raph told Colonel Bauer how Loy walked with him through his memories, showing him the consequences of his decisions towards himself and his family, which ultimately convinced him to turn his life around.

That memory was so vivid Raph's eyes watered at the recollection.

"Do you have any way of contacting them?"

Dropping his head and shrugging his shoulders, Raph said, "Maybe. I've never tried it, but Loy told me how. I won't do it, though. I won't betray them to you. The entire way you've handled this tells me you want to find them and probably take them out. You consider them a `threat' when they're the only thing standing in the way of the world being gone forever.

"Do whatever you want with me. I figure I'm not getting out of here. You aren't going to just let me go after this."

Colonel Bauer stared at Raph long and hard before saying, "I see. I'll be back shortly."

Getting up, he left the room.

Major Mitchell waited on the other side of the one-way mirror, recording everything and monitoring Raph's responses.

Colonel Bauer said, "He's telling the truth, but he's too tight-lipped. He's already confirmed what we knew and revealed he knows much, much more. We need to learn everything he knows, by any means necessary."

Major Mitchell responded, saying, "I understand, Sir. I'll go grab a cart."

Colonel Bauer smirked, saying, "He's putting on a brave front, but he'll cave quickly once we start."

"Yes, Sir, I'll make sure he does."

<> 

Truly scared, Raph didn't know what to do. He would not betray his friends, regardless of what the Colonel threatened to do to him. He couldn't imagine they would actually torture him, but after seeing the look in Colonel Bauer's eyes, he wasn't so sure.

God, I don't know if I'm up to this!

Alone and scared, tears spilled down Raph's face.

Recalling the memory of shaking Loy's hand and Loy pulling him into a hug, he heard Loy's voice in his Mind and felt his arms around him.

...if things get too rough, think back to that morning when we first met and you'll know how to reach me. 

<> 

Suddenly, Raph was back in Atlanta six years ago and standing over his unconscious body, surrounded by his unconscious buddies.

Time seemed to move in slow motion as he looked around. Looking down at himself, he wore his work uniform from that morning, which didn't make sense, but suddenly it all clicked, and he knew he was in his memory. He had never had such a lucid, waking dream.

He noticed an old payphone on the street corner. Most of them were gone these days, and it stuck out to him. He didn't remember it being there the morning he met Loy and Rick. He jumped when it started ringing.

Still moving in slow motion, he walked towards it. The ring was loud but garbled, sounding deeper and more bass because it was slowed down.

Picking up the receiver, he put it to his ear...

<> 

Loy, shirtless and sweaty, dodged and parried Henry's flurry of strikes. Their arms, hands, and legs were barely visible they moved so fast. Turning the tables, Loy went on the offensive but didn't manage to land any blows.

Henry: Girl!

Loy: Girl!

Henry: Shit! Woman!

Laughing, Loy retorted: Fuck! Cougar!

Henry: Girl!

Lane had started the game of calling out `girl!' when someone hit like a girl. Blocking a harder strike became `woman!' and a solid hit became `cougar!'

The sounds of their solid bodies hitting each other echoed in the ring and around the gym, adding to the same sounds coming from the other two rings.

Slowing their perception of Time, each man used every bit of skill, trying to break through the other's defense.

With time slowed, they saw the droplets of sweat flying off their skin and the wave of force across their muscled bodies with each impact.

As aggressive as they were, each man grinned, thoroughly enjoying pitting themselves against one another. On the floor outside the ring Ken watched them, observing their form and technique.

Their fighting style was unique, a mix of Albrecht's training, The Quintessential Dance taught to them by Ken's grandfather, the Archangel Michael, and their own skills developed over the last few years.

Blending it all together, they were extremely formidable. Along with their skill, each man was fully Empowered physically, Loy by his sex with Rick and Henry through his tantric ritual.

Occasionally their grins turned into outright laughter as they taunted each other in their Minds, hanging shit and insults on one another amidst calling out their strikes. It was always a competition to see who could out shit talk the other during their sparring.

Ken: Okay, guys! Take five. Damn, you're both in good form today.

Turning to Ken, Henry and Loy flexed at his complement and high-fived each other.

Shaking his head, Ken laughed and thought: I meant your asses. Your technique sucked ass.

Turning their backs to him, they lowered their shorts, mooning him and flipping him birds.

Ken: Now that's what I'm talkin' about!

Stretching the middle rope, the two men ducked through and hopped down to grab their water bottles and towel off.

Sweating profusely, they emptied their water bottles and refilled them. Standing so close, they felt the heat of each other. With the intimacy of living in each other's Souls so often, the concept of personal space was almost nonexistent between the guys.

Ken added: All kiddin' aside, guys, your form was spot on. I'm proud of you.

Being so physically close, they didn't shy away from each other when their shoulders or arms touched. In fact, when they stood so close, it wasn't unusual for one to have their hand on the other's shoulder or even ruffle the other's sweaty hair. It was a constant act of bonding, and they were perfectly comfortable with it, even craving it. There was nothing sexual about it, except occasionally between the husbands, but they kept that to a minimum and only on breaks.

When in training mode, they were Warriors and Brothers and couldn't be more serious or focused on their goals, even if they had fun doing it.

Ken thought: The rest of you ladies take five too. I want `ta do one more rotation with Bry and me and Kev and Rick. Then I wanna focus on that new technique Dar and B came up with. We need `ta test a few things and get it down before we actually try it with Drew.

With his hand on Loy's shoulder, Henry felt the sudden tension in his Brother. Glancing over, he saw Loy's eyes were White. His Avatar wasn't reacting, so he didn't think it was a Dream or Vision.

"Loy?"

<> 

Raph was shocked when Loy's voice came through the receiver.

"Raph? Is something wrong?"

"Oh, God! Loy! I had no idea... I just remember you saying if things got too rough to think back on this morning and I'd know how to reach you!"

The Trigger Loy placed in Raph's Mind initiated a Link between them, and Loy felt how frightened his young friend was.

Deepening the Link, Loy scanned Raph's recent memory and let out an `Oh shit!' once he saw everything.

"I'm sorry, Loy. I don't know what to do. You said to tell the truth, but these guys mean business. They kidnapped me. They have the police pictures from the morning I first met you. They're asking questions, and they want to get to you and Rick and your buddies... I'm afraid, Loy. I don't think I'm gonna get outta here."

Raph's safety and well-being overrode any concern of the consequences of Loy's reaction.

<> 

Raph appeared in the gym, beside Loy and Henry.

Shocked and wide-eyed, Raph didn't know how to react.

Loy's eyes flashed white, and the sweat evaporated off his body as he pulled Raph into a hug.

"Nothing's going to happen to you, Raph. You're safe now."

Raph's tears turned from fear to relief, and he kept repeating, "Oh, God."

When Raph finally pulled back, he saw the concern in everyone's eyes. They had closed in, and he couldn't help the `Fuck me, look at you guys' that slipped out.

Clad only in shorts and workout shoes, except for Loy their bodies shone with sweat and their muscles were fully pumped, with veins showing across their shoulders, chest, arms, and legs.

Their angelic charisma, on top of their ultra-masculine appearance, hit him.

Loy pulled everyone into his Link and Raph, and suddenly Raph was surrounded by the presence of the other ten men in addition to Loy.

Loy had been in his Mind before but Raph had never Linked with any of them, and the touch of their Minds and Hearts overwhelmed him.

In a private thought to Ken, Loy said: I'm sorry, Ken. I wasn't going to let him stay there another second. You can see how scared he is.

Ken: You did the right thing, Loy. I agree one hundred percent.

To everyone, Ken thought: Okay guys, I'm callin' it for today. Everyone shower, change, and get in the Conference Room.

Unsure of how long their meeting would take, Brad sent a private thought to Sally.

Hey Sal?

What can I do for you, handsome?

Grinning, Brad continued: As soon as you get a minute, can you order two rounds of food? We need something fast and then something more filling. Bry's doing BBQ for dinner, so that's covered.

You got it. Did plans change? I thought you were training until noon?

Yeah, something's come up. Thankfully, not with Drew this time. This is something new and potentially problematic, but we aren't sure yet. As soon as we know more we'll fill you in. Include food for the doc and Albrecht too, we'll need them in on this, and one extra for a new guest.

I'm on it. Leave everything to me.

Giving her a mental hug, he went into the locker room to shower.

<> 

When Ken was originally captured and held captive by Dr. Cromwell, they discovered three top-secret DOD bases in Atlanta. Once the base that held Ken was compromised, it was abandoned, decommissioned, and eventually leveled.

There was no indication the other two bases had been uncovered, and Colonel Bauer was using one of the other two as his base of operations.

Seconds after leaving Raph alarms went off, and racing back, he found the interrogation room empty.

A cold chill went down his spine. The ones he sought must be much more powerful than he ever imagined if they could take a prisoner out from under his nose in a secure facility.

Reviewing the camera footage from the room showed Raphael Martinez simply vanish seconds after Colonel Bauer left the room.

Going back to his desk, Colonel Bauer stared at the other photos on his desk. Satellite footage captured the image of a monstrous winged creature in a Gwinnett County Park. The still images caught ten men fighting it. Two of those men he was sure were Martinez's friends Rick and Loy.

Backing up the timeline, the images showed several adult men and three young boys playing baseball in the few minutes before the winged creature appeared.

In the past, any clues or images he found leading to the identity of the men Raphael named `Loy and Rick' disappeared. No matter the strength of the encryption of their computer systems, the images they gathered vanished almost immediately.

The systems he built in his new facility had a section unconnected to the internet. Very carefully, with a specialized team devoted to the single task, he started collecting images and social media posts with comments that might pertain to his persons of interest.

A window of about thirty seconds existed before the images or comments disappeared, so his team grabbed them and shunted them to external storage devices unconnected to the Internet. Even then the images were rushed to the containment facility.

He didn't have many images, but he had collected a few. None of them were over-revealing except the last one. The early images included two men leaping off the top of Stone Mountain Park, but they were too far away in the picture to identify.

Three years ago, pictures of a brutal sword fight in downtown Atlanta spread across social media, and his team managed to attain two clear images before they disappeared. Bodies and body parts had littered the entire area, but there was no trace that anything had occurred when the first responders arrived, not even blood stains on the concrete.

The picture of the winged creature scared him the most, and it rocked his entire world view even more. Seeing the Demon confirmed his belief in everything Raphael Martinez expressed. A world existed, right under their noses, that threatened the existence of the human race.

Nearly six years ago, an event triggered his entire investigation. General Theodore Burgess, a high-ranking retired general, suffered some type of mental breakdown. It was a passing comment by his wife that indicated a lapse in his memory.

Colonel Bauer dug deep and called in many favors to find a few small pieces of evidence tying General Burgess to a top-secret research project at one of the facilities in Atlanta.

On further investigation, the research team General Burgess assembled wasted billions of taxpayer dollars on an irrelevant project about the flight speed of birds, even referencing a quote from a Monty Python movie! The project was shut down and completely covered up, more out of embarrassment than anything else.

No one else seemed to know or care how something like that could happen, so he couldn't draw too much attention to it and didn't want to, lest more evidence disappear.

His initial fears of the beings Raph mentioned... Nephilim, he called them... in the Bible, they were evil creatures God destroyed in the great flood. He wasn't a religious man, but even thinking of the concept that such creatures existed scared him to death.

He thought they were evil based on what he knew... until the picture of the winged creature they fought. He couldn't get the image from his mind, and Martinez insisted his friends were protecting mankind.

With his only witness and connection to finding Loy and Rick gone, Colonel Bauer knew his targets now realized he was investigating them.

Calling out, "Major Mitchell!"

Entering the room, the Major snapped to attention, saluting him and saying, "Yes, Sir?"

"Put the facility on complete lockdown until further notice."

"Yes, Sir!"

<> 

Loy Read Raph as soon as they hugged, getting updated on everything about him, even his food preferences.

Sending Sally a small memory sphere, he let her know what to get for Raph in her food orders.

In the Conference Room, Ken stood at the lectern with everyone else in their usual seats. Raph sat in Ken's chair looking out of place.

All the guys worked hard to put him at ease, but he was still wound up after his scare.

Ken said, "Okay, ladies... it was bound `ta happen eventually. The timin' of this sucks, but that's the way it goes. Doc, was this on your radar?"

"Not this particular operation, Kenneth, no. Many variations have shown up over the years, but I have always shut them down. It seems someone has learned to work around our new systems and software, at least to some small degree."

Lane asked, "Do you think we could take this as an opportunity to establish contact within the Government? Dumbledore always had a way to contact the current Prime Minister in the Harry Potter books. Something like that?"

A collective groan was heard around the table, and a few of them crumbled up pieces of paper from their notepads and threw them at Lane.

Bryan just shook his head, putting a hand over his face.

Everyone was surprised when the doctor said, "Your idea has merit, my boy. Enough, at least, to warrant a discussion."

Excited and encouraged by the doctor's comment, Lane shifted gears, saying, "We could pull the Colonel into a Link, like in the X-Men movie! Read him and find what he knows!"

Brad pipped up, "That's actually not a bad idea. Reading him, that is... to find out how big his operation is and what he really knows or suspects. My guess is he sees us as a threat.

"On the other hand, this could present a nice career advancement opportunity for Craig, Jacob, and the other guys. If we place our own people, it could be a great source of Intel for us. Getting into their computers isn't an issue, but having people on the inside, attending meetings and training... that could give us an even greater edge if and when we need it."

Darren interjected, saying, "That's a great idea, but logistically how could they ever really help us. Our conflicts are usually so spontaneous they would never be able to get to us in time to help. They'd be at a huge risk of getting injured, and we'd have to Shield them to keep their Minds and Souls safe. Especially with these new Demon's of Luke's, we need everything we have to hold our own."

The conversation continued as everyone bandied about ideas, listing pros and cons, while Raph sat and listened, out of his depth but fascinated at the same time. Much of what he heard didn't make sense, but he was smart and picked up on quite a bit.

When Sally brought in food for them, and he was surprised everything on his sandwich was what he usually ordered.

After a few hours, they had talked out the situation.

Ken said, "Okay... we really can't move forward without Readin' Colonel Bauer. B, You're up."

<><> 

Colonel Bauer stood in his Situation Room, staring at an enlarged high-resolution digitally enhanced photo of the fight with the Demon.

Suddenly, Colonel Bauer and the other five men in the facility stopped moving, their Minds held and slipped into neutral by Brad.

Looking through the Colonel's eyes, Brad gave Darren the visual and eleven men appeared around him.

There was no need for Henry or Albrecht to be involved but the doctor wanted to accompany them, and seeing no real danger Ken agreed.

The week before when Brad scanned all the humans across the Earth, he touched Colonel Bauer, but that knowledge was boxed off, and after the ordeal with the Entity from The Curse, he didn't want to reopen it.

With the Colonel oblivious to their presence, Bill walked up to him and took off his right-hand glove. Then, touching the Colonel's temple, Bill's eyes blazed White and his Avatar lit up under his Kevlar as everything about the Colonel from the time of his conception up to that very moment became known to him.

Flinching at the unpleasantness, Bill thought: It's okay, guys. That wasn't very pretty, but he's not associated with The Enemy.

After a slight pause, his voice quiet and sad, Bill thought: He's very, very Broken. Just damn.

With Bill's statement, Brad merged them into One, and everything Bill just Read became a part of them. Kevin moved behind his husband, crossing his arms over Bill's chest and hugging him, immersing himself and trying to buffer the fucked-upness Bill exposed himself to in the Colonel.

All of them shared Bill's pain, holding each other tighter in the time between breaths where their Souls were One, and he felt their arms around him as tightly as Kevin's, comforting him.

Surprised that Brad was affected as profoundly as Bill, Ken moved over, embracing Brad the same as Kevin did Bill. Brad was fully recovered, but his Soul was still bruised from everything he endured, and he was more sensitive than usual. Aside from that, his Avatar of Compassion always made him sensitive to the effects of The Curse in people.

Based on what they discovered within Colonel Bauer, Ken sounded sad, thinking: I'm not surprised, but I was hopin' for better.

Colonel Bauer saw them as a catastrophic threat, not only to the United States but the world. The Demon changed his thinking, but still unsure, his plan was to continue gathering information, let the guys and the Demon's battle it out, and then wipe out whoever was left.

Aaron: His thinking is typical of the military mindset. I hoped for better as well.

Pulling out his tablet, he continued: Bryan, my boy, would you accompany me, please?

The doctor hesitated for the briefest of seconds, which was very uncharacteristic, before he continued: Bradford, I would suggest you let Lane, Loy, Darren, and William modify the memories of the soldiers. You are certainly capable, but I believe it would be best for you not to participate this time.

Ken: I agree. B, sit this one out.

Brad rankled slightly but quickly got over it, knowing all of his Brothers had his best interest in their Hearts. No one thought any less of him, and even Brad laughed when Lane expressed the age-old joke... "Doc, it hurts when I do this," and the doctor replying, "Then don't do that!"

The Mentalist's eyes lit up, and going deep for the Time differential, they modified the memories of Colonel Bauer and his men within a few seconds.

After Reading Colonel Bauer, they had all the passwords and protocols for the facility, and the doctor and Bryan took over both computer systems, the one not connected to the Internet and the one that was. Sending his image virus into the DOD archives, the doctor erased the orbital images of the building.

Erasing everything Colonel Bauer collected, including his backups, the doctor then activated protocols to show the base compromised and decommissioned, along with personnel reassignments for the Colonel and his men. Now that the facility was flagged as decommissioned, the satellites would no longer take pictures.

Aaron: I will follow up with any necessary adjustments as they arise, but as of now, this base no longer exists and these men were never here.

Lane placed a Compulsion in Colonel Bauer and his men to get in their cars and go home and report to their new duty assignments in the morning, which had been arranged by the doctor.

Ken: Bry, Lane, you're point. Power up, fellas.

Bryan and Lane's Avatars lit up, followed by everyone else's. Bryan accelerated the rate of decay and Lane condensed Time in the area, and within a minute the facility was gone, turned to dirt and dust.

<> 

While Henry, Albrecht, and Raph waited in the Lab, to distract Raph, Henry had Drew, Tommy, and Brett break out their Wii to play games. Bullet, remembering Raph, went crazy, running zoomies for a full minute before settling down for belly rubs from his old friend.

Cavall took to him right away as well, seeing inside Raph and knowing his discomfort.

<> 

Henry and Albrecht heard Ken's voice in their Minds: Guy, were headin' back now. Bring Raph into the Conference Room with you.

Raph's eyes bugged again at seeing the guys in all their gear. Looking like they had been poured into their high-necked Kevlar assault suits, they were even more intimidating than being shirtless in the gym.

Once everyone settled, Loy addressed Raph, saying, "The gist of things, Raph, is that you're safe. To the outside world, that facility is gone. The Colonel and his men have been reassigned and have no knowledge or recollection of you or us, so you're safe to go back to work tomorrow and continue your life."

Handing Raph a card, Loy said, "The Mind trick you used to reach me still works, but here's my cell number if you need to reach me for non-emergencies. I'll handle things with your boss about your absence today."

Raph still had trouble taking everything in, but his relief was evident.

"I don't know what to say. Thanks doesn't seem to cover it, but I'll say it anyway."

Smiling, Loy said, "No thanks are needed, Raph, but you're welcome. You were targeted because of us, so it's the least we could do. I'm glad it all worked out. We can't promise this won't happen again, but if you have even the slightest hint that something isn't right, call me immediately."

Hanging his head, Raph said, "I'm sorry, Loy. I've been wanting to tell you that for a long time but didn't want to bother you."

After Reading Raph, Loy knew what he meant and planned to address it in the future.

"I mean, after everything that happened a few years ago when you said I could be a voice of reason in the craziness that was about to follow... well, I guess I didn't try hard enough. I feel like you picked the wrong guy, and I'm sorry I didn't do better."

When Raph looked up, he was shocked to see tears in the eyes of the men around him.

Sniffing, Loy cupped his hand on Raph's cheek and neck.

Smiling through his tears, he said, "You didn't let us down, Raph. If anything, I let you down. I should have stayed in closer contact with you. You did exactly what I asked. It's this fucked up world and the Brokenness in humans. I'm extremely proud of you. You tried, and that's all I could ever have asked."

When Loy touched him, through his Empathy, Raph felt the care and sincerity of his words. Not used to such open and honest feelings and communication, Raph started crying and swiped at his eyes.

The doctor said, "I would like to have a discussion with you soon, Raphael, about your future. I have a few ideas that might interest you."

Knowing Raph was embarrassed, Loy wanted to lighten the overall mood.

"Hey Raph, Bry's making his famous BBQ for dinner. Why don't you stay and eat with us, and I'll get you back to your car after dinner. You haven't lived until you've had his BBQ."

Henry clapped Raph on his shoulder, "Come on, let's get back to the boys and finish our game."

The rest of the afternoon, Raph hung out with the New Warriors of The Order.

In his mind, he couldn't help but think about who they were and what they could do... fighting Demons and saving the world... but they were also really cool guys and fun to be with. Sitting around joking and hanging shit on one another reminded him of his youth with his buddies... minus the drugs and violence.

<><><> 

Bryan fought as well as ever in the ring, but Ken knew his friend well. Better in fact than he knew himself. Better than probably anybody but Lane.

Coated in sweat, their bodies moved with grace and speed beyond human. Yet, as muscular as they were, they moved fluidly, every action precise, controlled, and with purpose.

Sweating from their exertions, neither man was tired in the least. They had learned over the years how to keep a constant flow of oxygen channeling into their systems through their Core Energy centers.

In the ring Bryan was as focused as ever, but something was eating at him and Ken knew what the issue was.

Ken: Hold up, Bry.

Literally mid-swing, Bryan's thick arm stopped.

Bryan: What's up?

I'm pullin' you and Lane outta the rotation for the next two days. Why don't you get cleaned up, gather your stuff, and head `ta see Leroy. You mentioned checkin' on him with everything startin' up again. Now is as good a time as any.

Looking at his buddy, it still amazed Ken how Bryan, the beast of a man standing in front of him, a focused warrior and one of the fiercest in their group, could turn into a teddy bear at the drop of a hat.

Bryan held the gentlest Soul among them, and his love and care of Leroy, the Midgard Serpent who could destroy or transform all of Creation, clearly proved it.

His expression of focused intensity softened in a heartbeat, transforming into a genuine smile that lit up his face, and Ken couldn't help but smile back. Bryan was so fucking handsome, especially when he smiled; it warmed his heart to see his buddy's reaction.

Grabbing Ken in a bear hug, Bryan squeezed the life out of him, and Ken's arms went around Bryan's shoulders in return.

Thanks, Ken. I've been worried about him.

I know, bud.

I only have one question, though.

Oh, yeah? What's that.

Who's going to kick your ass while I'm gone?

Genuinely laughing, Ken retorted: Somehow, I think there's a line of people here waitin' for that opportunity.

Darren: And not in the way you like, either, boss man.

Ken chuckled, shooting back: You say that all the time, Dar, and it keeps not happenin.'

Darren: Yeah, but it's true, so it bears repeating!

<><> 

A few minutes later, in the locker room getting ready to jump in the shower, Lane thought: Hold up on the shower, Bry.

Why?

Well... do you want to stay with Leroy in his cave or check in on him and camp up in the Valley? If we're going to stay in the cave, we'll be sweating non-stop until we head back, so there's no need to shower.

Looking in his husband's Mind, Lane saw the answer, which he had pretty much predicted even without using his Avatar.

Do you mind, Little Buddy?

Of course not, Bry. I know how much staying with Leroy means to you.

His voice chiding, Lane continued: You know that, fucker.

Grinning, Bryan pulled Lane against him and started a kiss.

The heat of their bodies, still warm and dripping sweat from working out and sparring, felt so good it started their libidos and they both became instantly hard.

Darren: Fuck!

Pat: Fuck!

Kevin: Fuck!

Bill: Fuck!

Ricky: Fuck!

Loy: Fuck!

Ken: Fuck!

Brad: Fuck!

Henry: Fuck!

Lane and Bryan started giggling and laughing so hard they cried.

Lane: Sorry, not sorry, guys! We'll just leave all you lovebirds alone... in the middle of working out... with hard-ons...

Bryan kept a bag in his locker with the stone dagger Albrecht made for him as a present years ago, his portable grille and skewers, a cotton blanket, water skins, and a pouch of seeds.

Lane grabbed his own bag and thought: Ready when you are, big guy.

Bryan's Avatar pulsed Emerald Green, the same green as his eyes and the canopy of Yggdrasil, the Tree of Life, and in a flash, he vanished.

Lane followed a fraction of a second behind, using his husband's eyes as his vantage spot to translocate too.

<><> 

For dinner that evening, it ended up being Pat and Darren, who were on duty, Henry and Drew, and Aaron and Albrecht.

Bryan and Lane were in the Valley with Leroy, and the other guys all had errands to run and chores to do at their houses.

Without Tommy and Brett to play with, Drew begged Darren to `play ball' with him after dinner. That was Drew's name for the game they played where Darren levitated one or more balls around him while Drew tried to catch them. Drew cottoned on to the fact it was reflex and agility training and had gotten quite good at it.

Darren: Do you mind, Pat? He's bored without Tommy and Brett.

Pat: Of course not! I've got my book, and I can perv on you when you aren't looking.

Coughing to cover his reaction, Darren said, "Okay, Tiger. One hour and then we'll see if there's anything on TV. That's all I have in me tonight."

"You're the best, Uncle Darren."

"You aren't fooling anybody, Tiger; you say that to all of us."

Giving Darren a cheeky grin, Drew said, "But it's true. All of you are the best!"

Shaking his head, Darren said, "Go get your ball and meet me in the gym."

Observing the entire exchange, Henry smirked, saying, "He's got you guys wrapped around his little finger."

Interrupting their banter, Albrecht stuck his head around the corner from his office and asked, "Henry, may I have a word, please?"

Running by with his baseball, Drew stopped and wrapped his arms around Henry's waist, giving him a hug. Henry noticed that Drew had put on his uniform and felt a pang of sadness. He wanted so badly to play ball outside, and with Luke's reappearance it just wasn't possible.

"I love you, dad."

Putting his arms around his son, Henry patted his back and said, "I love you too, Tiger, but just one hour. Don't pester him for longer."

"I won't, dad. Promise."

As Drew scooted away, Henry tried to swat him on his butt, but he wriggled away, giggling.

Stepping into Albrecht's office, Henry asked, "What's up?"

"Close the door, please."

Wondering what in the world was going on, Henry closed the door and sat down.

"Where's the doc?"

Smiling, Albrecht replied, "Tinkering with his computers, as usual.

"Something has come to my attention, Henry, that I think will interest you. Even if it doesn't, I'd like your help."

With a curious look, Henry said, "Go on. You have my attention."

"Even after Charisa and the other Elders passed, I maintained my contacts throughout the world. When I moved in with Aaron after our penance was lifted, I made new acquaintances in Atlanta. I always ran the more clandestine operations in The Order, or spy networks if you prefer the term."

Henry interjected, "I remember my little shopping trip with the doc years ago when I ended up fighting the `suits' and Protectors at the grocery store. On the way home, he told me you leaked information that he and I would be there, and The Enemy took the bait.

Grinning, Albrecht said, "Yes. I remember that well. In my years with The Order, it has always been beneficial to have multiple contacts to gather or disseminate information, not only to The Enemy but to humans in general.

"One of my contacts here in Atlanta brought something to my attention that warrants looking into. I would like to go and see for myself, and I'd like you to come with me."

"Me?"

"Yes. If my suspicions are correct, it might inadvertently involve you. I don't want to say too much, partially because I really don't know anything for sure, and it's all conjecture at this point. We will travel together per our safety protocols. If you agree, I'll notify Ken we will be out of pocket for a few hours.

"I know you don't like leaving Drew, but he will be safe in the Lab with Aaron, Darren, and Patrick, and we shouldn't be gone long."

Henry's Mind spun with questions. He and Albrecht weren't Linked, and he wasn't sure if Albrecht was telling him everything. Of course, he trusted Albrecht with his life, so there was no doubt or mistrust, but his curiosity was on fire.

"I should tell Drew I'll be gone. He still gets upset if he doesn't know where I am."

"Of course. I'll get the keys to one of the Suburban's and wait for you in the parking lot."

<> 

It had been raining all afternoon, so Henry grabbed a jacket on his way out, and climbing into the passenger seat he buckled up.

Albrecht noted the look on his face and said, "Drew wasn't happy, was he." It was a statement and not a question.

"No. I owe Darren and Pat. They promised to keep him distracted while we're gone."

"I'm sorry, Henry..."

Henry cut him off, saying, "It's fine, Albrecht. I know you wouldn't ask me for anything that wasn't relevant or important. Drew and I are still working on our mutual separation anxiety. Even after three years, we were so close during the buildup to the confrontation with The Master... it's hard to be apart. He only started sleeping in his own room in our apartment last year, but we slept with Loy and Ricky the night everything started up again."

Patting Henry's leg, Albrecht said, "I do understand. After my separation from Aaron for nearly a century... well, I'm still recovering in many ways. Aaron and I both are. Thank God we have all of you to help us. We're all in this together, Henry."

Trying to lighten the mood, Henry groaned, asking, "Do I need to have Bryan send us a box of Kleenex?"

Both of them laughed, and Albrecht said, "To quote Ken, `no more waterworks.'"

Digging into his pocket, Albrecht pulled out two small black velvet pouches and handed one to Henry.

"We should put these on."

Henry's eyes widened when one of Orophir's Amulet's dropped into his palm.

"What the hell?"

"Just a precaution, Henry. This doesn't have anything to do with our trip other than general safety. There's no way to test and see if these keep us from Luke's perceptions any longer, but they certainly can't hurt."

More curious than ever, Henry remained patient, waiting to see why Albrecht wanted his company.

Making his way to the Interstate, Albrecht took them south past Spaghetti Junction and inside the perimeter, exiting on Cheshire Bridge Road. Henry knew the route well because a few of the gay bars the guys frequented were close by.

"We aren't going pole dancing or anything, are we?"

Laughing, Albrecht said, "No, at least not tonight."

A minute later, they pulled into the parking lot of a very dingy-looking Seven-Eleven, and Albrecht pulled around the side by the dumpster.

It had rained heavily in the last hour, and the pavement was dark and wet, reflecting the bright neon lights of the convenience store. The many small potholes in the road and the parking lot were filled with water, and moreover, the area had a particular smell to it Henry didn't care for. It was an old part of town and not particularly safe.

Turning to Henry, Albrecht said, "I don't know the man we're looking for, but I think you might. My contact is afraid of him and couldn't give me a name. He's homeless and seems to stay in this area. We can start under the overpass."

"Why would you think I know whoever this is?"

"I think he is a Protector, Henry, or was. I believe he was coerced, like you, and whoever controlled him has been killed in one of your raids or abandoned him for some reason."

Henry was interested before because Albrecht asked for his help, but the revelation as to why they were there changed everything.

"Okay, let's go."

Watching Henry's facial expression change and hearing the new intensity to his voice, Albrecht knew he made the right choice.

<> 

Walking half a block to the Interstate on-ramp, they found a man and a woman, both homeless, camped under the overpass.

"Stay here a moment, Henry."

Albrecht approached them, and after a short discussion, he returned.

"Anything?"

"He slept here two nights ago, but they haven't seen him since. They don't know his name, and he doesn't talk much. They said he's usually strung out on meth, alcohol, or both and not very coherent. I can tell they are frightened of him."

Henry said, "It would be faster to split up, but we need to stick together because of the safety protocols."

After a slight pause, Henry continued, "There's one more thing, Albrecht. You probably know this but just in case, all Protector's, coerced or not, have Death Triggers implanted very deep in their unconscious Minds. So if or when we find him, if we ask the wrong questions, those Triggers will fire, and we need to be `Johnny on the Spot' to catch them in time, or his Mind will wipe and he'll stroke out."

"I understand and will be ready."

Henry said intensely, "Fuck! We need to find him, Albrecht. There's no telling what's going on in his head if his handler cut him off or abandoned him.

"Did you get an image of him from those two you talked to?"

"Not a very clear one, but yes."

Brad discovered by accident that memory spheres were not blocked by the Amulets, and with a flick of his finger Albrecht sent a tiny sphere into Henry's forehead with the image.

It never ceased to amaze Henry how skilled Albrecht and the doctor were. Given their age and how long they had to perfect their skills, it shouldn't surprise him. The image Albrecht sent him included the body odor of the man they were looking for.

A man on a mission, Henry moved quickly down the street, looking and searching. Unfortunately, the rain picked up, and even wearing jackets they were quickly soaked.

Most of the streetlights were burned out, and with the low and heavy cloud cover the streets were dark. The sidewalks were in bad repair, uneven and cracked, and frequently looking down to avoid tripping made their search slower and more difficult.

Even in the weather, a few people were out and about. Across the street, Henry saw a middle-aged man holding an umbrella and walking his dog.

I hate to do this, but we need help. Neither of us knows the area well enough, and between the uneven sidewalks and the darkness, it's too easy to miss him.

As Original, Unfallen Men, Henry and Albrecht both had influence over animals. Not as much as Loy or the other Mentalists who shared a part of his Avatar, but enough for what they wanted to do.

Putting his Awareness into the dog across the street, Henry placed the image and odor of the man they sought into it. As soon as his presence entered the dog, Henry's eyes watered at the unconditional love she expressed back to him. Hitting him amidst his intense focus on finding the man they were looking for, it stopped him in his tracks.

Help me find this man!

Immediately the dog started sniffing and pulling her owner, straining to move faster, and they both smirked at the exasperated comment that blurted out of the man.

"Kiki, slow down! You already went!"

It was evident by his affected lisp the man was gay, which didn't surprise them given the area of town they were in.

Pulling away and slipping her collar, Kiki darted down the street. Henry stayed in her Mind to make sure she was okay and avoided cars. She was quickly out of sight, and her owner became distressed.

Frantic, her owner started yelling, "Kiki, come back!"

Not wanting to draw attention, Albrecht sent a Compulsion into the man's Mind.

Stay calm and wait here. Kiki is safe and will be back with you soon.

Sniffing franticly, Kiki occasionally backtracked, but two blocks away on a small side street on the porch of a condemned house, she found him.

Prancing and excited, Kiki jumped on Henry as soon as he approached.

Kneeling to pet her, he thought: Good girl! Now go back to your owner!

Her tail wagging so fast it was almost invisible, Kiki shot off to her owner.

It was so dark it was difficult to see, but Henry made out a pair of feet in the shadows of the front porch. Approaching cautiously, it appeared as though the man had passed out while trying to break into the abandoned house.

Even soaking wet, he still smelled. His clothes were mismatched and threadbare, and his shoes coming apart at the seams. What soles remained were nearly worn through.

Taking off his Amulet so he and Albrecht could speak freely in their Minds, Henry indicated for Albrecht to do the same.

As soon as the Amulets were off, Henry initiated a deep Link.

How do you wish to handle this, Henry?

What Loy did to me worked. I'm going to create a Construct and take all three of us in. If he is a Protector, we can take care of any Triggers and break any hold or Compulsions still in place.

And if he is not a Protector?

Then we'll take him to a homeless shelter. There are a few nearby.

If he is?

We'll take him with us. I won't... I can't leave him to deal with the wash-up on his own, Albrecht. I know what he's going through, and he'll need all my help, but, even then he may not want to live. Worse case, Rick can reset him and we can give him a new life.

Putting a hand on Henry's shoulder, Albrecht thought: I'm very proud of you, Henry.

Grinning, Henry replied: Well, I have some pretty good mentors and Brothers who helped me along the way. I can't take all the credit.

Concentrating, Henry spent a moment building his Construct before pulling the man and Albrecht in with him.

Appearing in an alley filled with cardboard boxes and bags of trash, Albrecht immediately knew where they were. It was the alley where Henry had been ordered to kill Loy and Rick.

Henry shrugged, thinking: The image of this alley is burned into my Mind. It's the place Loy freed me, the place where my life ultimately turned around, so maybe it'll be the same for this guy.

The entire situation stirred memories in Henry of his own struggles and the first time he met Drew in the basement of the house where they were imprisoned. When Drew's little arms went around his neck, hugging him and letting him know how sorry he was for everything Henry went through... it still brought tears to his eyes.

Henry needed to be `the hug' for this man and try to let him know his life was worth saving.

Including street lamps in his Construct, they were able to get a good look at the man on the ground at their feet. It was also early morning, warm and dry, just as it was in his memory.

Let's get a look at this guy, and be ready.

Under the baggy and loose-fitting clothes, the man's body was solid muscle. His hair long and matted, a thick, scraggly beard covered his face. Pulling the hair away exposed his features, and Henry's stomach lurched.

You know him?

Yes. His name is Adam. I was never paired with him, but I definitely remember him.

Gently reaching into Adam's Mind, Henry thought: Wake up, Adam.

It took a while. Adam was severely malnourished, dehydrated, and hung over, and still suffering the effects of numerous drugs.

Tearing up, Henry thought: He's in bad shape. I can't imagine the abuse he's done to himself to reach this stage... to try and forget or bury everything he was forced to do. Even as a Protector, another week or two of this and he'd be gone.

Albrecht rested a hand on Henry's shoulder, squeezing him in comfort.

I think we need to take this a step further, Albrecht.

I agree. I'm ready.

Henry and Albrecht merged, settling into one another. Their eyes watered at the intense sting of the emotional intimacy between them, and their breath caught. Naked together in all aspects, their Minds One, Albrecht knew what Henry had planned.

Merging would be too much too soon for any Unawakened human, but Opening Adam's energy centers one by one, Henry pulled him into their Hearts.

Appearing naked with them, in that place his body was whole and healthy. His upper body rested in Henry's lap, and Albrecht sat beside them.

With a gentle Compulsion, Henry thought again: Wake up, Adam.

Adam's eyes fluttered open slowly, and he panicked, trying to sit up.

Gripping him tightly, Henry said, "You're alright, Adam. You're safe. Calm down."

Overwhelmed at the warmth surrounding his Soul, Adam stopped moving, looking up at Henry's face leaning over him.

It took a moment and his expression changed from fear to curiosity and then confused recognition.

"I... I remember you."

As soon recognition hit, the Triggers in Adam's Mind fired off, but Henry and Albrecht were ready, catching them and removing them completely. Then, seeing the other deeply rooted Compulsions that kept him under The Enemy's control, Henry shattered them.

Adam's eyes opened wide in wonder and disbelief, then filled with tears as he whispered, "Oh, God... they're gone..."

Adam's relief was so great he started sobbing hysterically in Henry's arms. Albrecht's arms went around him as well, and rocking him like a child, they stayed with him, surrounding him with their unconditional love and letting their combined Soul shine on him until he settled.

There was no telling how long they comforted him in the space between breaths where Time didn't move.

After eight years of his Mind being utterly dominated and unable to even think without permission to suddenly being free... oddly, he didn't want to think. He wanted to be still and empty, with no memory of his servitude, and rest in the Light shining around him.

Eventually, when Adam could talk, he whispered, "How?"

Smiling through his own tears, Henry said, "Don't sweat the details. The important thing is you're free of them now and forever."

"... but the things I did... what they made me do..."

"I know Adam, but that wasn't you. You know that. I remember everything too, and it takes time, but we can help you work through all that."

Looking around in the dark place they were in and realizing he was naked, he asked, "Where are we?"

Chuckling, Henry responded, "Well, this might be hard to believe, but we're in each other's Hearts right now, deep inside our Minds. I had to get you out of your body so we could talk. It's not going to be pretty when I put you back."

"Can we stay here? It's been so long... I remember everything, but here it's manageable. I don't want to go back. Can you make it all go away?"

Albrecht responded, "The simple answer, Adam, is yes, but that comes with consequences as well. You may not want to. You cannot make such a decision until you are physically well, so let's get you out of here."

Henry helped Adam sit up, and he turned to face them, looking at the two men in whose Heart he rested.

Henry said, "I've been through this, and I know how tough it will be. I can't make the decision for you, and everything will still be a part of you... but you can learn to be happy again if you want it bad enough."

"What about the others?"

Albrecht's brow furrowed, and he asked, "What others?"

"There are a few more if they're still alive. At first, we didn't know what to do. Suddenly being able to think and move again... and remembering everything... our handlers disappeared. We don't know what happened to them, but they were suddenly gone. There were two others... I don't know their names. We decided to split up, thinking we'd be safer. I'm not sure how long it's been... I've been in a haze, trying to bury the pain."

"We'll try to find them too, Adam, but for now I want you to come with us. Will you do that?"

Hearing what they offered didn't seem possible, but Henry was living proof it could happen. The question was, did he want it to happen? He wondered if he could find his son and daughter, and if he did, would they even want to talk to him? How could he explain his disappearance and absence in their lives? To them, he abandoned them.

Hearing Adam's thoughts because of where they were, Henry and Albrecht also felt his trepidation.

Gently, Henry said, "You'll never know the answers to those questions unless you stick around."

"You're right."

"To quote a goofy-ass friend of mine named Lane, `Let's blow this pop stand."

Albrecht interjected, "When we go back up, Adam, I am going to keep you asleep. Everything that happened here is real, and you will remember, but your body is in terrible shape. We will get you back to our Lab, and rejuvenate your body before you come to."

"You can do that?

"Henry's Brothers can do many things. I think you'll like them once you meet them."

Grinning, Henry said, "Just like my son says, `they're the best!'"

<><> 

Pulling the Suburban around, Albrecht drove while Henry rode in the backseat with Adam's head in his lap.

Henry remained silent most of the drive, and it struck Albrecht odd how bright the white lock in Henry's hair looked in the darkness of the car. When lightning flashed his hair practically glowed.

Arriving at the Lab, Henry carried Adam into the building and put him on an exam table. Albrecht had alerted Aaron of their situation, and he was ready and waiting for them.

Pat and Darren were already at the Lab, but Henry was surprised to see Ken, Brad, Ricky, Loy, Kevin, and Bill.

The boys were watching Lost in Space episodes, and while Tommy and Brett expressed little interest in the stranger Henry carried in unconscious, Drew's curiosity was on fire.

Adam's last and final test was whether the Runes would react to him, and they did not. As an Unawakened human, even though he was enhanced, he was neither of the Light or the Dark and invisible to the Runes.

As soon as Adam's head hit the pillow, Brad pulled Henry into a deep merge, and he appeared with his Brothers and two Mentors in the place where their Souls were One.

Everything became known to them, and Henry realized Aaron gathered the guys together for Adam. His eyes filling with tears, Henry couldn't help it; the love and care his Brothers held for him never ceased to amaze him. He returned it in full measure, but it always amazed him when he was on the receiving end.

Henry felt Lane and Bryan, Linked through Brad but not part of the merge, in The Valley.

Brad's Avatar glowed softly on his shoulder as he thought: We know how much saving Adam and others like him means to you, Henry. Us, too. We're behind you one hundred percent.

Henry: God, I hope he makes it. He didn't have Drew's arms around his neck like I did to crack open that door inside him. Once you Heal and cleanse his body, there's still so much devastation in his Heart.

Aaron: I believe, Henry, that you have already cracked that door within him. You are unaware of your effect on others around you.

Ken: If anyone can help him, Henry, it's you. You're livin' proof he can make it.

Kevin: I know Time isn't moving, but it's painful seeing Adam like this. Let's go ahead and get him Healed and cleaned up.

Kevin's Avatar was reacting to Adam's Brokenness, and it was intensely uncomfortable for him. Holding him closer in their Hearts, they hugged him, their warm, strong bodies surrounding him and pressing in on him. Bill held him so tightly he could hardly breathe, and most of them ruffled his hair.

Taking them back to their bodies, Ken said, "Alright, ladies, everyone knows what `ta do. Let's patch him up."

Still One, collectively their Energy Centers erupted, and bright ropes of azure, crimson, and gold came out of them, combining into one thick arc of White Light. A warm wind generated by the swirling White Power moved between and around them, blowing the hair on their heads, arms, and legs.

Opening Adam's Energy Centers, his Mind and Heart were much dimmer as expected, but his Core was strong.

Locking their Avatars together, the Runes on their shoulders shifted into the combined Master Rune. The Bodies accelerated the rate of decay, and Adam's clothing dissolved into dust, which Darren collected with his Mind and sent to the trashcan.

A Powerful White Rope of Healing arced into Adam as they fully regenerated and cleansed the effects of his malnutrition, the drugs, and alcohol. Moving forward, neither his Mind nor his Body would suffer from any Mental or physical addiction.

With his organs and internal systems restored, his external form started filling out. His atrophied muscles grew, returning to their full shape and size, and his hair, fingernails, and toenails retracted.

Reading him and knowing every detail of his life, they knew his preferred grooming habits prior to becoming a Protector and left his hair longer and kept a neatly trimmed short beard and mustache. Lane darkened his skin slightly into a nice summer tan with no tan lines.

Adam's penis was above average in length and circumcised, and Lane left it alone, but he did trim his pubic hair, the same as beard, knowing how he used to keep it.

His dark auburn hair shone in the Light surrounding him, and with his dark brown eyes and strong features, he was an extremely handsome man.

To top it all off, most of the guys found Adam's body hair patterns perfect. A beautiful coat of the same auburn hair covered his chest, abs, arms, and legs.

Adam's transformation back to full health took less than a minute, and his muscular body shone with a light sheen of sweat from the Healing.

When everything was complete, Aaron said, "I prepared Tag and Olive's old room for him to stay in. The bed is made, and the room provisioned. Of course, Adam is welcome to stay as long as he likes, and we will all help him on this journey.

<><> 

Sounds and images haunted Adam's Dreams, and a savage snarl woke him with a start. Sitting upright, he looked around frantically for whatever made the noise but didn't see anything.

With Adam's Dreams driven back, remaining hidden, the Wolf-Spirit returned to Drew's room, settling on his bed in her usual spot.

His heart racing, Adam was drenched in sweat. Moving to the edge of the bed, he put his feet on the floor, holding his head in his hands.

His encounter with Henry and Albrecht came back in a flash, and tears filled his eyes, partially from relief and partially from... he wasn't sure what the rest of it was, but it was intense. There was so much jumbled together he couldn't sort it out.

Standing, he realized he was naked. A nightlight near the door let him see well enough to navigate to the nightstand next to the bed with a lamp on it. Turning it on, the room filled with a warm, soft light. The doctor only used old incandescent lightbulbs that emitted a more natural light, making the room seem comforting.

A handwritten note taped to the door told him clothes were in the dresser, and a map followed with written directions telling him where the locker room was located for going to the bathroom and showering.

A cursory search through the drawers and closet revealed everything he needed; towels, soap, shaving gear, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.

Looking in the mirror over the dresser he stopped, stunned at his reflection and barely recognizing himself. Running his hands over his chest and arms... he felt strong and healthy again.

His stomach rumbled and he realized he was ravenous, and he had to piss so bad it was borderline painful.

Throwing on a pair of underwear, shorts, and a t-shirt, he quietly opened his door and followed the directions to the bathroom.

<> 

Drew woke up. Looking at the clock, it read 3:34am. He had to pee, so he slipped on his underwear and quietly left their apartment. Henry's soft snoring didn't change and he was glad; he didn't like waking his dad up.

It seemed like every time he did, it was because something was wrong and he always felt bad.

The Wolf-Spirit jumped off his bed, following him as he went down the hallway. He was still sleepy enough to touch her, and he rested his hand on her back to keep his balance as she walked with him.

He stopped as soon as he saw the stranger his dad brought into the Lab that night. Earlier, he was a mess and Drew was sure he was homeless. Smelling him from the TV lounge when he came in, his clothes were gross and nasty.

His hair had been like a bird's nest, all matted and tangled, covering his face. Now he had a short-trimmed beard with medium-length hair. He was large, handsome, and muscular like his Dad and Uncles.

Coming out of the bathroom entrance closest to the lounge, Adam stopped like a deer in the headlights as soon as he saw Drew.

<> 

When Adam released the hold on his bladder, he feared he'd wake everyone in the facility. His stream was so strong, the sound reverberated off the ceramic tiles of the empty room. It was so quiet in the building, the echoes sounded extraordinarily loud.

Finally relieved, he shook himself, tucked himself back in his underwear and shorts, and went back out the way he came in.

As soon as he stepped out he saw a young boy, probably aged nine or ten, coming down the hall. He only wore underwear and was thin but darkly tanned with short dirty blonde hair. His underwear was brightly colored, with comic book characters on it.

Seeing Drew, thoughts of his own son filled Adam's Mind. AJ, short for Adam, Jr., would be about the same age. Thinking of AJ and the years of his captivity, everything he missed, every horrific deed he performed... it all came rushing back, clear and present in his Mind.

Before Drew even said hello, he saw the man's eyes water, and tears started pouring down his face. Falling to his knees, Adam started sobbing, his powerful arms wrapped around himself.

Drew acted instinctively. Compassionate beyond his years, the oldest human Soul in existence, he looked into the surface of the man's thoughts and saw Adam's pain.

Adam's chest was so tight he could hardly breathe as Drew ran over to him.

"It's going to be okay, mister."

Putting his hands on Adam's cheeks, Drew eyes flashed White as he pushed the chaos in Adam's Mind back, walling it off. It wasn't gone but Drew boxed it up for a brief time.

His breath catching, Adam looked stunned, and he stammered, "Wh... what did you do?"

Drew's arms went around his neck, hugging him tight, and Adam's arms unconsciously responded in kind. For a brief second, he lived the fantasy of holding his own son.

"I pushed everything back for a while. One of my Uncles needs to help you. They're better at it than I am. My boxes don't last as long."

Staying on his knees, Drew continued holding him.

Finally, embarrassed, Adam cleared his throat and said, "Thank you. I feel better."

Hearing Adam's stomach grumble, Drew giggled, "My Uncle Ken does that too when he's hungry but way louder. Do you want something to eat?"

Adam only nodded as he stood up.

"Do you want cereal? Or a sandwich? I know how to make macaroni and cheese if you want that? Well, the microwave kind."

Following Drew's casual but intense affection, unbearable relief washed over Adam. Drew showed no fear of him, expressing only kindness to a stranger in his house.

"A sandwich, but I can make it if you show me where everything is."

"No, I'll make it. Uncle Bryan showed me some tricks. If you're really hungry I can make you a gut-buster."

"A gut-buster?"

"Yes, sir... triple meats and the kitchen sink. That's what Uncle Lane calls it."

Smiling, Adam said, "It sounds awesome."

Adam sat at a table while Drew opened the pantry and refrigerator, pulling everything out.

Drew stopped all of the sudden and turned, asking, "Do you want coffee? My uncles all drink it, and my dad, doctor Aaron, Mister Albrecht, and Miss Sally, but if you want a coke instead, we have lots of flavors, or water, but who likes that."

"Coffee would be perfect."

"I don't really know how to make it, but Miss Sally keeps the machine ready."

Moving over, Drew pressed the button to start the coffee brewing.

While Drew chattered away, Adam was still in a haze.

Is this what a normal life is like? Do I deserve one? Do I deserve this? Can I come back to this after all these years?

Drew's voice faded in and out as Adam struggled with memories and thoughts.

The sound of the plate setting down in front of him jarred him out of his reverie.

"The coffee's almost done, but you can go ahead and start."

Looking down at his plate, an enormous sandwich sat on it staring back at him and his stomach rumbled again. Drew set down a squeeze bottle of mayonnaise and mustard with a knife and then sat down at the table.

"I'm Drew, by the way."

"I'm Adam, Drew."

Drew held out his hand like an adult and Adam shook it.

"My dad says you can tell a lot about a man by his handshake. A firm grip and three full pumps is the way to do it."

"This looks amazing, Drew. Thank you."

While Adam dug into his sandwich, Drew went over to get his coffee but couldn't reach the coffee mugs.

"Mister Adam, can you get a mug? I'm not tall enough."

Getting out of his chair, Adam grabbed a large coffee cup. He was amazed at the collection of mugs; there had to be two full cabinets worth.

"Do you like it black? Strong and black? Or WAP?"

"WAP?"

"That's what my Uncle's call it if you like cream and sugar like Miss Sally. They actually use bad words if I'm not around, but I'm not supposed to say those."

As Adam turned to go back to his chair, he noticed some pictures on the refrigerator doors held on by magnets. One of them was Henry wearing a t-shirt that said `World's Greatest Dad,' and a younger Drew.

The picture of Drew fired off a memory, and he froze, saying, "Oh my God."

Turning to Drew, he said, "You're him. You're `the boy.'

Drew stopped, and his face changed into one of his adult-like expressions.

"You're a Protector, aren't you, Mister Adam? Well, not anymore, but you used to be one, right?"

Adam could only nod. He started shaking again and set his coffee down before he broke the mug or spilled it.

"My brother told you to kill me, didn't he?"

Again, Adam could only nod. He remembered the image of Drew The Master put into his Mind nearly three years ago when Drew was seven years old... the same as the picture on the fridge.

Sitting down, Adam put his hands in his face again and started crying. Moving to him, Drew put his arms around Adam's shoulders again, holding him tight.

"My brother's gone, Mister Adam. He was mean and strong, but he's gone, and he can never hurt you or anyone else ever again."

Pausing a second, Drew continued, quietly saying, "My Uncle's helped fix you, but your Heart still hurts."

Drew turned, addressing the Wolf-Spirit, but to Adam he spoke to empty air, saying, "Can you help him? Like you helped Dad and Uncle Kevin?"

Looking upwards, he spoke to the `birdman,' saying, "You too. Can you please help Mister Adam?"

Adam didn't know what to make of Drew's odd behavior and had no idea who he spoke to, but Drew's arms around him helped ground him.

Suddenly moving away, Drew said, "I almost forgot, I have to pee."

Scurrying off to the locker room, Adam sat alone. Without Drew's chatter, the room fell quiet, and his thoughts seemed loud.

Still unable to see her, the Wolf-Spirit sat watching him, ready to protect Drew if the need arose, but also to help Adam. She already woke him earlier, driving off his nightmares.

Done with his sandwich, Adam sipped his coffee until Drew came back out.

Seeing the empty plate, Drew asked, "Do you want another one? My dad usually eats at least two and sometimes three. All my Uncles do. Miss Sally says they have hollow legs."

Seeing his hesitancy, Drew said, "It's fine. There's plenty of food. Wait until you try Uncle Bryan's spaghetti. He's the best cook, and it's the bomb."

"If you're sure it's alright. I'm starving."

"Uncle Lane says when he Heals people it makes them hungry and you were hurt pretty bad. I saw you when dad carried you in."

Talking with Drew as if the world and his existence were normal settled Adam. His thoughts were still there but somehow Drew pushed them back, and his company kept Adam from going into a tailspin.

After Adam finished, he helped Drew clean up and put everything away.

His stomach full, Adam was wide awake.

He told Drew, "You should probably get back to bed."

Drew was sleepy, but he could tell Adam didn't want to be alone, so he said, "I'm good. Hey, do you want to play a game? I know some card games, or I have some board games in my room. Or we could watch TV?"

Adam hadn't watched TV for pleasure in nearly eight years. As a Protector he was often around TVs when the willing Protector's watched movies or the news, but Adam was always instructed to stand aside or stay in his room, often the butt of jokes or verbal abuse.

"TV sounds good. You pick something."

"I want to watch Lost in Space, but I'm not supposed to without Tommy and Brett. Have you seen any of the Marvel movies?"

"You mean the comic book movies?"

"Yes, sir."

"No."

"Really!? No way! That's crazy!"

Drew's genuine surprise made Adam laugh, and he said, "Well, you obviously think so. I'm sure you've seen them all, though... don't you want to watch something else."

"No... this is important. You have to see them and start from the beginning. We'll watch Iron Man first.

"Okay, if you say so. You're the boss."

<><> 

At 0615, Henry woke to Darren's voice.

Hey Henry, wake up.

Is it important? I have fifteen minutes before I'm supposed to be up. You're robbing me of precious sleep.

You have to see this.

Throwing on his underwear, Henry glanced in Drew's room and realized his bed was empty. It had been slept in, and they were in the Lab, so he wasn't worried, but now he was curious.

Pat and Darren, wearing only the illusion of underwear, stood at the end of the hall leading into the lounge. The room was mostly dark except for the light of the television.

Darren held his fingers to his lips indicating silence and motioned for Henry to come and look.

Henry put two and two together quickly and wasn't surprised at the sight before him.

Adam, in shorts and a t-shirt, lay sprawled on the couch, with Drew against him, both sound asleep. Adam's arm draped around Drew, keeping them together. The Wolf-Spirit was on the carpet in front of the couch, in her usual position near Drew, along with Cavall and Bullet.

The sight brought a tear to all their eyes.

Henry: I might have known. He never ceases to amaze me.

Darren: Adam's in good hands.

<><><> 

Appearing at the giant, gnarled roots of Yggdrasil, The Tree of Life, Bryan immediately breathed in the Life Energy of the place. Pushing into him, the Power flooded his senses, increasing everything about his nature as an Original, Unfallen Man and a Nephilim.

Lane appeared beside him less than a second after he materialized, and the dual nature of The Valley made its effects known on him as well.

Still sweaty from working out, the heat and humidity of the place wrapped around them, and the moisture of the air moving across their skin tingled.

Both still aroused, the nature of the place hit them and they dropped their bags, pulling each other into a full-bodied embrace. Shedding their shorts, they made love to one another in the Heart of Bryan's Power.

Listening to the song of his husband's Soul while in his arms and joined to his body, especially in The Valley, took Lane so far out of himself it was difficult to come back. Bryan was with him, and their presence and Awareness permeated all the plant and animal life around them.

Animals around The Valley felt Lane's Avatar when he appeared, and those closest moved towards him, gathering around the two men.

With the energies of the place infusing them, their release came quickly, and laughing about it, they lay side by side, still touching.

Propping himself up on his elbow, Bryan thought: Fuck, I love you, Little Buddy.

Giggling, Lane retorted: You're just saying that because I have a hot ass.

Smiling, Bryan said: Well, yeah, you do, but that's only part of why I love you. I love you for a million other reasons, too.

Only a million? Damn, I'm slipping.

Shut the fuck up.

Turning to face Bryan, Lane took in the sight of his husband. Running his hands over Bryan's sweaty muscles felt soothing to both of them. Glancing around and seeing all the animals made Lane chuckle.

We have an audience. It's a good thing Loy isn't here, or they might be in trouble.

Bryan couldn't help the laugh that burst out of him. Loy was the butt of so many animal jokes now, but all of them were funny. Loy laughed with them, playing it up, but they would stop immediately if he ever tired of it.

I'm anxious to see Leroy.

I know, me too. Do you want to spend a few minutes and make some food first? I know you're hungry, but we'll just have to come back up here to eat. We should fill up and take snacks down so you can spend more time with him.

I hate it when you make sense. What sounds good?

Casting his Awareness into the fauna, Lane found a few cows still nursing their young.

There are two nursing cows, so we have milk, cream, and butter. We'll have meat and can make broth from that too. You can grow wheat, so I can make flour. You have onion seeds, and there are mushrooms all over the place. Together, we can make beef stroganoff. It'll be a cinch.

Okay. Let's get this show on the road.

<> 

In less than an hour, Bryan mixed in the sour cream for the finishing touch. Then, while everything simmered, he made jerky out of all the leftover meat from the small deer that presented itself to them as a sacrifice.

Using his Avatar to cure the hide, Bryan rolled it up to take it back to Albrecht, who always wanted more hides for his leatherwork. In fact, Loy wanted a new harness for his upcoming birthday, so Bryan and Lane tucked the knowledge of the hide away in their `Present Box' to keep it hidden safely in their Minds.

Between the two men they devoured the entire pot of stroganoff, and after cleaning their gear and stowing it in the bags they were ready to go. Lane put the jerky in an extra food bag he brought for snacks. They would need the salted meat after sweating so much in Leroy's cave. Bryan planned to fill their water-skins at the underground Lake on the way down; the magic of the Water kept it near freezing even in the heat of Leroy's cave.

Bryan was so anxious to see Leroy, instead of a leisurely crawl and hike through the tunnel, Lane translocated himself by line of sight, flitting rapidly down to the cave with the waterfalls.

In The Valley, Lane was strong enough to translocate both of them, and he pulled Bryan to him. Then, after filling their water skins, he translocated through the larger tunnel quickly; it was straighter so he could see farther, so in another few minutes they stood in the mouth of Leroy's cave.

Moving forward quickly but quietly, Bryan gently pressed himself against the body of the massive beast with his arms spread wide. It was the closest he could ever get to a hug, and Leroy's soft hide darkened from the sweat of Bryan's skin, leaving a momentary imprint of his body.

The contentment in Bryan when he was One with Lane and his Brothers in The Valley and visiting Leroy was unfathomable. To him, it was the perfect existence, and he missed his absent Brothers, but he was so happy to see Leroy it was almost as good.

Arranging their small camp in area by the crux of Leroy's neck, Bryan settled against the great Beast while Lane played softly on his summoned guitar, singing lullabies to the Dragon and a few of Bryan's favorite songs. He sang quietly, but even in slumber Leroy started purring, and Bryan's Heart nearly burst.

As Lane predicted they sweated fiercely in the cave. Surrounded by lava pools, the dimly lit cavern did not look inviting, but to them it was home away from home.

Spending two days with the Dragon assured Bryan he was alright. Through his Understanding Bryan could see Leroy's Fire was fully regenerated and he was in full health. In fact, he was slightly larger than their last visit, and Bryan wondered at it.

He had been so drained after giving Bryan and Lane access to his Fire during the fight with The Master, Bryan had worried about him. It took nearly the entire three years to regenerate, but he seemed back to normal.

Reluctantly, Bryan hugged Leroy goodbye, and the two men translocated back to the Lab and their daily lives.

What they didn't see, and couldn't because Leroy's body was so far down into the cave system, was the discoloration and tears in his hide as he was starting to molt.

<><><> 

Appearing in the airconditioned Lab, after the heat of Leroy's cavern the place felt freezing.

Goosebumps appeared all over them, and Lane shivered, saying, "Fuck, my nipples could cut glass right now."

Still wearing the workout shorts and shoes, the two men left the saferoom to stow their gear and hit the showers.

Bill and Kevin were on duty and greeted them with hugs and fist-bumps as they walked through the lounge. It didn't bother them in the least how sweaty their buddies were – hugs needed to happen to reaffirm they were okay.

Tommy and Brett threw themselves against their Uncles, who leaned over to kiss the tops of their heads and hold them briefly.

Kevin said, "Welcome back, guys! How's Leroy?"

Bryan responded, saying, "He's great. Back to normal and all good. I think he's hitting a growing spurt."

"Well, he can't get much bigger, or that cave won't hold him!"

Scratching his head, Bryan said, "Yeah, I know. I'm going to ask the doc if he has any ideas on that."

Brad had maintained a passive Link with Bryan and Lane the entire time they were in The Valley, enough to keep an awareness of one another but not deep enough to talk, so they were unaware of Adam's presence.

Bill thought: Hey guys, we have a new guest.

Before Bill said anything else, Adam walked out of the bathroom. Seeing the two men shirtless and sweaty, he stopped.

Waving him over, Bill introduced them, saying, "Bry, Lane, this is Adam."

Adam seemed a bit shy but moved forward to shake their hands. Lane's eyes flashed White briefly as he Read Adam with the skin contact.

Bryan's eyes flashed White as well, as Lane brought their Souls together for the briefest of seconds, and everything about Adam became known to him as well.

Adam said, "It's nice to meet you both. I've already heard a lot about you."

Just then, Drew came running into the room, saying, "Mister Adam..." but he got no further when he saw Bryan and Lane.

"Uncle Bryan! Uncle Lane! I didn't know you were back!"

Launching himself, he jumped, and Bryan caught him. Drew's arms flew around his neck and shoulders while Lane put a hand on his back and kissed his cheek.

Lane said, "We missed you, Little Man. Did you take care of everybody while we were gone?"

"Yes, sir."

Looking around with his impish grin, Lane said, "Well, the building is still standing, so I guess you did."

Hearing Drew's outcry, Henry came out and hugged his Brothers as well.

"Welcome back, guys."

Lane's eyes flashed White again as he pulled Henry into a complete merge with himself and Bryan. He Read Adam, but he now knew the entire story of Henry and Albrecht's trip downtown and how Adam came to be with them.

Lane: Damn, I'm glad you found him, Henry.

Me too. Adam said there are at least two others he knows about, but so far we've come up empty on finding them.

I know the guys are all over it, but now we're back, I'll help too.

Thanks, Lane.

Out loud, Lane said, "Okay, guys, we have to hop in the shower. I've been sweating non-stop for two and a half days and want to clean up."

Still acclimating to the sudden changes in his life, Adam looked a bit awkward amid all the chaos of Lane and Bryan's welcome.

Before Henry could say anything to try and put him at ease, Drew piped up, "Mister Adam, I have the board set up, and we have time for at least one game before dinner."

Taking Adam by his hand, Drew physically started pulling him down the hall to his room for a game of Monopoly.

Chuckling, Henry said, "Adam, you're doomed. It's never just `one game.' We'll send food and water."

Bill said, "Seriously, if the boys get to be too much and you need a break, use the word `Pineapple' in a sentence, and we'll save you."

<><> 

With Lane and Bryan back from their short trip everyone showed up for dinner that night. Sally moved the tables together banquet style and it was a loud and boisterous event.

Adam didn't know what to do between the shit-talk, three excitable boys, and fifteen adults carrying on multiple conversations. He teared up a few times, and no one brought attention to it for fear of embarrassing him. Usually, whoever sat by him put a hand on his shoulder briefly, or someone at the far end of the table would wink, letting him know everything was going to work out.

He ended up laughing for the first time since he could remember.

Ken announced that the following weekend, for anyone who wanted to join, he wanted to get together on ZEUS. Anyone off duty with free time often went to stay on the Yacht, and it was kept well stocked. The pool in his and Brad's backyard was always an alternative, but when you can spend time on a luxury yacht in the south pacific... well, there was no comparison.

Sally's industrial-sized coffee maker was on overdrive trying to keep up with after-dinner coffee. Moving to the TV, the boys watched a few episodes of Lost in Space before their pre-bed reading time, and the doctor and Albrecht retired to their room early, after jibes from some of the guys and a few `Boom Chicka Bow Wow's.'

Sally begged off cleaning duty because she wanted to get home and continue a small renovation project in her house. Her safety was a concern, but she was adamant about not moving back into the Lab unless things escalated further, so Brad or one of the Mentalists stayed deeply Linked with her whenever she traveled to and from the Lab. If anything happened they could translocate her to them, and once home with her house in `vault-mode' she felt safe.

With the noise level down significantly, Ken moved to sit beside Adam, and his comfortable and easy way with people helped put Adam at ease.

"Adam, I'm just askin' so don't feel any pressure, but why don't you start workin' out with us in the gym? It sure beats bein' bored, and if you let `em, the boys, or Drew if the other two aren't around, will hound you `ta death. I know it's fun for a bit, but it can get old quick."

"I'd like that, Ken. I'll definitely hit the weights. Even before... you know... I was into bodybuilding. That's how They found me.

"I don't know about sparring, though. I've watched you guys a little today, and I don't want you wasting any time on me. I don't want to be a distraction and hold you back."

Darren interjected, "You're a huge distraction, Adam, so you'll have to get over that."

Ken laughed at Adam's expression because he didn't know how to respond.

"He means your ass, Adam. You'll discover pretty quick, most of these ladies are big pervs."

Adam blushed ten shades of red, and Darren said, "I'm sorry, man. That might be too much too soon. It's just shit talk. Let me make this perfectly clear to you... you won't be any distraction. It would be really cool and a nice change for most of us. When Henry first joined us we fought for the chance to spar with him because we get bored fighting each other all the time."

"Well, If you're sure... I'd love to."

Ken said, "I'll add you to our rotations. You can join whoever's on duty for PT and then show up in the locker room at 0800. We do physical weight trainin' in the mornin's and spar in the afternoon. We have some Mental exercises you won't be able `ta do, but I'll have somethin' for you `ta do while we do that. Sound good?"

"It sounds great. Thank you."

Lane groaned, "God, not another one! You're going to have to get over the `thank you' bullshit. We still fight Henry on it."

Adam said, "There's nothing wrong with good manners."

Lane didn't have an immediate retort, and Henry laughed, interjecting, "I should have thought of that response years ago."

Privately to Ken, Henry thought: Thanks, Ken.

For what?

For including Adam like you did me. More importantly, in the short term, he's agreed to work out with us. That tells me, even if he doesn't realize it consciously yet, he wants to keep living and move forward with his life. It seems small, but it's a huge, huge step.

You're welcome, Henry.

Smirking, Henry continued: You knew what you were doing when you asked him. I know you did. You're good with people, Ken, and know what they need and how to give it to them. I used to think Brad was the smart one, but you hold your own in other ways that are just as important. I really love you, Brother. As my son says, `you're the best!'

Ken: Hey, B, Henry says I'm smart!

Brad: Oh, lord.

Ken: You know what smart talk does `ta me right?

Laughing, Brad thought: Thanks, Henry. That was all the foreplay he needed. I owe you one!

<><> 

That night, shortly after Adam fell asleep, the nightmares started again. The worst things The Enemy forced him to do, the lives he took, slaughtering or torturing innocents... yelling and screaming in his Mind, he cried out to God begging to be set free. For the entire eight years, he wanted to die and end his pain and the pain he was forced to inflict on others.

A deep guttural growl caught his attention. This time rather than waking him it held him, and the images and emotions stopped. A Wolf appeared, but he was unafraid, and her form shimmered, taking on the aspect of a beautiful woman.

There is no need to fear me, Adam Kinsington.

Moving up to him, she brushed the hair back from his forehead in a comforting gesture. Tense and sweating, her touch soothed him, not just his body but his Mind and Heart.

I see your conflict and pain. Here, your Dreams are Open to me. I wish to show you something.

With her touch rational thought returned, his thoughts formulating and becoming more coherent as she pushed back the chaos consuming him.

Henry and Drew and all the other guys... they've been so kind...

...but your hurt runs deep... Henry Ross suffered as you do. I was called to Protect Drew Ross, but Henry was before my time with them. He learned to live again on his own. His cub, young Drew, helped him beyond measure.

I have a son. He was only two when I was taken. My daughter was four. She might remember me, but I doubt my son will.

Your son dreams of you often.

Adam started crying uncontrollably at her statement, unable to believe it.

He... he does? I want to find him... hold him... but he won't know me, and if he knew what I've done he would be terrified.

He has no need to know of those things. He only needs you. Come, let me show you...

<><> 

Even after all the times they made love in The Valley while staying with Leroy, Bryan and Lane still managed to do it a few more times. It was a nightly ritual, and neither slept well if they didn't merge their Souls and express their physical love for one another.

Still filled with excess energy from The Valley, their exertions were more intense than usual, but finally sated Bryan rolled to his side, pulling Lane back against him and wrapping but his arms around his husband.

Damn, Bry, it's a good thing I can Heal myself. Fuck, my prostate is on life support right now.

Bryan couldn't help the chuckle that escaped, and he held Lane tighter.

Sorry, Little Buddy. You're too damn hot.

So, it's my fault?

Unexpectedly intense, Bryan thought: No, it's my fault for sure, but Lane...what you mean to me... sometimes deep down I'm still terrified of you being gone, and every time we make love, way in the back of my head, I think it could be the last time, so I want it to be the best time ever.

Turning over and facing his husband, Lane put his hand on Bryan's cheek, running his thumb over the day's growth of beard.

Every time with you is the best time ever, Bry.

Not sure where Bryan's deep thoughts came from, Lane wanted to lighten his mood. Bryan could `go dark' as he called it at the drop of a hat, and one of the reasons he loved Lane so much was because he could pull Bryan out of that place with a simple look or a touch.

His grin turning mischievous, Lane thought: You know, I really feel bad for Leroy.

Bryan's brow furrowed, and he asked: Why?

He'll never get laid. He's a boy Dragon, and there's no girl Dragon for him to shack up with. Or even if he's gay like us, there's no other boy Dragon. I wonder what Dragon dick looks like? We've never seen the rest of his body but stuck in that cave, he can't even lick his own balls for some relief.

The absurdity of Lane's ramble struck Bryan so funny he ended up with tears in his eyes by the time he stopped laughing.

Fuck, I really do love you, Lane.

After a short pause Bryan gave him a sideways glance and thought: All that talk of Leroy getting some action kinda turned me on.

Fuck no! The entrance is closed until 0600 tomorrow!

Alright, let me just set my alarm...

Kissing Bryan goodnight, Lane turned over and Bryan pulled him back into their original spoon position.

Goodnight, Little Buddy. Sweet Dreams.

Goodnight, Bry. Ditto.

<> 

A short time after Lane fell asleep his Avatar lit up, spitting small arcs of color. The covers were pulled up over his shoulder, so its Light wasn't bright enough to wake Bryan.

Running as fast as he could, Németh's presence calmed him, ordering the evacuation. So many Eschphene died when the new Demons attacked before Németh drove them off with his Magic. He was heavily wounded, though, and everyone feared for him.

Struggling under the weight of his belongings, he looked from side to side, seeing the same effort of those around him... the survivors. Németh guided them to a safe place, but it meant abandoning their home and the Temple, the High Seat of Eschphene Power and strength. The Heart of the Balance.

Németh said their strength was within them and not buildings, but it was all they ever knew.

No! The tearing sound again! More Demons came forth...

<> 

Lane had never lived the life of an Eschphene before, and it was disturbing. Not just the fear and experience of their plight, but their Minds were vastly different. He felt Németh... the connection was incredible. Loving and nurturing, it was a rock of strength and wisdom. He offered safety, but the fear of losing him was profound.

Németh was the last remaining member of the Royal Bloodline, and if he died their existence would end. There would be no more children, and when those currently alive finally ended, their race would fade.

Waking with a slight start, his movement woke Bryan.

Lane, what's wrong? Did you have a Dream?

Yeah, I did. Bry, something terrible is either happening or already happened to the Eschphene. The time difference between here and The Pale makes it hard to tell. It might not have even happened yet, so we need to jump on this.

Lane wasn't sweating like he sometimes did, but his body trembled harshly for a minute from the alien fear and emotions he experienced.

Sending out a Mental `911' hit the Triggers of the other Mentalists, Henry, and the doctor and Albrecht, and in less than a second Brad pulled them deep into a Construct of the Lab, merging them at the same time.

In the Construct they wore their assault suits, while in the place where their Souls were One, they were naked to one another, pressed together and holding one another.

The duality was typical anymore, and the way they often lived.

<> 

Boxing off his Dream at first, Lane didn't want its harshness to hit them unexpectedly.

He felt pressured, but time wasn't moving, so he explained the gist of his Dream before sharing it.

Similar to Lane, the experience of being an alien creature was extraordinarily disorienting and uncomfortable, on top of the urgency.

After viewing it, Ken quickly said, "Suit up, guys. Henry, doc, and Albrecht, you're stayin' here.

"It looks like there's a good chance more of Luke's new Demon's might be there or show up, so we go in hot and see what we find."

<> 

A few minutes later, the five couples stood in the gym. Based on their first and only encounter with the new Demon and their ability to affect it limited, the doctor devised new ammunition for their high-caliber rifles.

Their bodies had been their weapons for so long along with their Avatars, it felt strange to use the gear, but they needed every possible advantage to keep themselves safe and take out their Enemies.

Ken: Power up.

Immediately the Spiritual Landscape shifted as they called on their sources of Power. Henry, Aaron, and Albrecht stood to the side watching them, and Henry lent them his Power for their journey, Mentally hugging all of them.

Ken: Lane, Dar, take us there.

Lane's Avatar lit up, synchronizing with the other Mentalists, and he cast his Awareness across the Realms to The Pale. Once he had a visual reference Darren tapped into their collective Power and they vanished...

<> 

... appearing in The Pale, a few miles outside the Eschphene city, in the location Lane had memorized for Darren to translocate them. The city and the High Temple radiated robust magical protections and alarms, and Németh suggested the spot for their own safety.

After Henry killed Németh's delusional descendant, restoring him as the rightful Leader of his people, they had been on good terms with the alien race. In the Physical and Spiritual Realms the Light and the Dark had battled for ages, but the Eschphene's Purpose revolved around keeping Balance in all Creation.

It always struck them odd that the race of beings whose purpose was to keep Balance and Equilibrium in Creation resided in the most chaotic Realm of all.

Immediately tiny pebbles floating in the air gravitated to them like gnats and Darren set up a field around them, pushing them away.

Taking off at a pace faster than any human could manage, they made for the Eschphene High Temple.

The few outlying homes they remembered had been reduced to rubble, and as they got closer they realized the city had been all but leveled. Smoke rose from a few structures still on fire, and it became apparent Lane's Dream was only minutes old, an hour or two at most.

They noted immediately that the magical Dome at the High Temple was active, and pieces of a few Demons lay on the ground around it.

Once close enough to see, Patrick Understood they looked at the remains of five Demons. They also recognized the corpses of the Temple High Guard among the body parts.

Ken: Each couple, fast recon. No more than a hundred yards. Make sure there are no survivors that need help.

Weapons at the ready, each couple did as instructed. Brad paired with Ken, and like spokes on a wheel they fanned out, but the destruction was so severe there was no place for survivors to hide.

With their enhanced senses and the vision of the Bodies, on top of their Understanding and Avatars they found numerous Eschphene corpses, mostly in pieces.

Bill's Avatar synchronized with the other Mentalists, and in their Minds the impressions of the fight formed. Except for Lane and Loy, the other Mentalists could still only see part of the fight, unable to perceive the parts of the Demons that came from the Void between creations.

Regrouping, it was Loy who asked: What now, Ken? Do you want to track them? The one Lane dreamed of was running...

Pat kept staring at the Dome. It was semi-translucent, and the memory of them watching Henry's fight with the previous Eschphene Leader where he briefly died was clear and present in his Mind.

In each of their encounters with the Eschphene he learned more about their Sigil's and Magic. It was Potent against the Light and the Dark, but their Avatars operated outside the bounds of Nephilim magic, and they learned how to reject the effects of most Eschphene Magic.

Backing his perceptions out, Pat noticed three sigils not illuminated.

Noting Pat's distraction, which was very unlike him, Ken thought: Pat? You got somethin'?

I don't know, Ken. There are three sigils not active, but all of them were lit when we were here before. The previous Leader invoked half the Dome and Németh the other half, and all the sigils were lit and active during Henry's fight.

Brad: The doc mapped out the Sigil's used on The Stone when they set that trap for Drew, and then the ones Németh used as a trap for The Master.

Being so close to the other Bodies, Pat's Avatar magnified exponentially, and he knelt to examine the closest of the unlit Sigils more closely.

This one is new. Someone carved it quickly. My guess is Németh... it looks like his `handwriting' based on how close it is in style to the others.

Moving to the other two he saw the same thing.

Kneeling beside Pat, Bill focused intently through his Avatar.

Whoever set these new Sigils wiped the impressions and did a pretty good job. Unfortunately, there's very little for my Avatar to pick up on other than that. Someone didn't want us or anyone else to know who set them.

Reaching down, Pat traced the Sigil with his finger and felt an extreme shock flow from the Sigil into his Avatar.

Crying out, "Son of a bitch!" he jumped back, shaking his hand.

Looking down, the Sigil now glowed.

Wide-eyed, Pat said, "It put something into me."

Unsure what was happening, Brad tightened their Shields as a group, and each Mentalist strengthened the Shield around themselves and their husband.

They weren't merged but they were deeply Linked, and whatever Pat felt should have echoed at least minimally through their connection, but none of them felt a thing.

Looking into Pat's Mind, Brad saw what looked like a memory sphere, but it was orange, the color of Eschphene Magic.

Seeing it through Brad, Pat's Understanding kicked in and he said, "It's a message... or part of one."

Moving to the next Sigil he knelt, staring at it.

Ken asked, "Pat, are you sure? We don't know if it's safe."

"It's just a memory, Ken."

Lane replied, "Tell that to Bill after he touched General Mstislav's Skull."

Pat pushed back, almost challenging Lane, "Do you get any feeling one way or the other about me touching either of the other two Sigil's?"

Turning to Brad, he asked, "Or you?"

Brad shook his negative and Lane shrugged his shoulders, saying, "It's your finger. If you blow it off, I'll grow you a new one."

His comment broke the ice some and a few of the guys smirked, including Ken.

Tentatively, Pat traced the Sigil, and it flared, lighting up. Ready for the sensation that time, it didn't seem as bad.

Going to the third Sigil, he mumbled "Third time's a charm," and traced it.

<> 

Németh carefully observed the Nexus of Balance in the Eschphene High Temple.  Balance and Equilibrium were the Province of his People, and being their Leader, he followed events leading up to the Conflict, attuned through the High Temple to everything transpiring.  Ambling slowly through the mystical representation of Creation floating in the air around him, he observed everything.

Following the myriad intricate threads, he knew who and what each one represented.  He saw Drew and Henry and the Wolf-Spirit inside The Master's Psyche.  His own Magic made that possible, and he sent a silent prayer to the Balance for the boys' success.

He was surprised to see the bright threads of the Hybrid Nephilim, the brightest of any he had ever seen, brighter even than the Archangels who sired them.  Typically hidden from him, the culmination of events made their threads too bright to hide.

He witnessed The Master and all his servants, especially the massive Vortex of intertwined Darkness Bryan and Lane fended off in the Valley of Yggdrasil.

He watched Aaron and Albrecht in Atlanta, and Tag, Olive, and Raphael as they drove towards The Master.  There was something attached to Tag and Olive he had never seen before and would have to ponder.  Touched by something he was unfamiliar with, it was gravely disturbing.

Seeing the Dragon awake in his cave, Németh's heart lurched.

Watching Ken's Thread snap, his heart lurched again, but one thing he learned in all the long years of his exile was not to rush to conclusions.  The ripples of the Hybrid Nephilim were so Random and far-reaching there was no way to predict any outcome.  He would remain patient and wait for events to unfold, yet he still prayed for Ken Habersham.

The Tapestry was brought to life by the Sigils embedded in the stone floor of the Temple and The Heartstone, which lay beneath it.  The same Temple where the human Henry Ross recently killed Németh's last descendant, restoring his rightful place as Leader of his People.

Eschphene Magic was potent, and the High Temple one of their crowning achievements, allowing Németh to see anything related to the Balance. Observing all the events coinciding, he noticed minute gaps.

His knowledge and wisdom ran deep, and he knew there was at least one piece still not in play. Tiny gaps in the threads existed, and frays needed to be woven back in.  The forces keeping the Balance swayed so long towards the Dark resisted with all their might.  Németh's thin lipless mouth smiled as his thoughts formed.  He would patch the visible frays, not to sway the Balance in favor of the Light, but to give the Light an equal chance.

Reaching out, he plucked the brightest of the seven tiny threads, watching the vibrations lead back to their Source. Plucking the others, they led back to the same place. There was something odd about two of the threads in particular.  Once present, he was confident he could discern the reason.

His Mind called forth Sigils to take him to the Physical Realm, and he vanished as his Magic took him to the humans whose threads he touched.

<> 

Pat's Avatar surged as Németh's memory filled his Mind. Suddenly the Dome flickered and went out, and the stone area of the middle started dropping in a spiral pattern, forming steps down.

Putting a hand on Pat's shoulder, Ken asked him, "You okay, Pat?"

Still a little stunned, Pat blinked and nodded, saying, "Yeah. It's a memory of Németh's from when we fought The Master. He was in a room, down under the Temple where he could see everything."

His eyes flashing White, Pat shared the memory with all of them, and there was a collective groan of `fuck me's' and `holy shit's.'

Ken said, "Stay sharp, fellas."

Taking point, Ken went first followed by Brad. After them, Pat and Darren followed, then Bill and Kevin, then Lane and Bryan, and Loy and Ricky brought up the rear.

The steps were large and wide to accommodate a creature of Németh's stature. Halfway down it became clear the lower chamber was huge but even more surprising and shocking was Németh, unconscious and on the floor in a large pool of blood.

Yelling, "Fuck!" Ken rushed forward.

With their Understanding they saw he was alive but severely wounded, with every breath taking him closer to death. A strong acidic odor permeated the area from his black, oily blood. The Bodies grimaced, tasting a metallic taint in the air from the blood.

Eschphene physiology is vastly different from human, but the idea of primary organs and their functions still existed. Focusing intently, Pat Understood the lethality of the wounds and knew their friend would be dead in a matter of hours if they didn't intervene.

Lane, you're point!

On it, Ken.

Everyone knew their positions and moved to stand at the vector points of their Avatars. The runic symbols on their shoulders came to life under their Kevlar, and Ken locked them into the Master Rune.

Merging them into One, Brad and Lane had the same thought; Lane would have to perform the same Healing he used on Drew.

Opening Németh's Energy Centers, they blazed bright Orange, Purple, and Green, the secondary colors of their Avatars. While Németh had two physical hearts, he only had One Spiritual Heart, and Lane brought him in with all of them.

Appearing naked with them, Németh's great form rested on the floor, and Lane sent Powerful but gentle flows of Healing into his Mind, Heart, and Soul.

As Nephilim, Healing themselves took far more energy than Healing a human, and it was similar with Németh.

Seeing the neon green energy of the Demon in his energy flows Lane and Loy eradicated it, and once it was gone the rest of the Healing became much easier.

All of them sweated from the amount of Power it took to Heal their friend, and while Eschphene didn't sweat like humans, his skin resumed its smooth, oily black complexion.

His eyes opening, Németh took a deep breath through the slits above his lipless mouth. Then, raising his large, blocky head, he smiled as much as his anatomy allowed.

Relief washed through all of them at seeing their friend restored and hearing his deep, rumbly voice say, "I knew you would come."

With no effort, Németh took them back to their bodies. Darren's eyes flashed White, and all the blood vanished.

"Thank you, Nephilim. You have saved my people twice now."

Ken asked, "Németh, what happened?"

"We were attacked with no warning by the creatures you saw above."

Ken interjected, "We fought one recently. It came through a tear into our Reality. We heard Luke's voice, ordering the thing to kill Drew."

"So, The Dark One was not destroyed and has found a way strike at us. Why would he want the Child dead?"

Ken: B, take us down quick.

<> 

The ten men appeared naked together, their Souls One, and Ken's question was immediately apparent to all of them.

Brad: I feel like we have to tell him about Allenor and the First Creation. Németh is older than The Master, and next to our grandfathers probably the most powerful being we know. He's wise, our friend, and my Intuition tells me he needs to know this. Full disclosure, including The Gifts. I'm not sure why but that's what I feel.

Bill: There's no telling how he'll react.

Bryan: Hell, he might already know, or at least some of it. He wandered God knows where for eighty fucking thousand years learning and gathering knowledge.

Taking a quick vote, it was unanimous to tell Németh what they knew.

<> 

Németh's people were still in danger, so rather than have a lengthy discussion, Brad created a memory sphere and held it out for Németh to take.

"This will explain much."

Taking the sphere, they saw Németh's body react in shock, but his response wasn't what they expected.

With a heavy sigh, his massive body slumped, and his words barely audible, even to the Bodies.

"I see."

He was quiet for nearly a full minute, pondering the knowledge they shared.

Finally, in a sad voice, he said, "There can be no Balance between the two Creations. It seems our purpose holds no meaning and perhaps never has. The Curse must remain, or all will cease to exist."

Lane interjected, saying, "Now don't go all `Debbie Downer' on us, Németh. We don't know everything yet. Allenor said once we find the rest of The Gifts `only then will we see' which makes me think there's a way out of this SNAFU."

"You are right, Lane Weaver. My apologies for a moment of weakness. Your comment only strengthens my resolve to go through with my intent, although it doesn't make it any less painful."

Thinking his intent was to save his people, Ken asked, "Are your people safe? Can we help you get to `em?"

"They are safe, and I will join them after we finish here."

Kevin asked, "How can you be sure you'll be safe from Luke? With his new Demons, they can rip a hole through Reality and come out wherever they want."

"My people now reside outside Reality. You encountered such a place and destroyed it, which caught the attention of my descendant. I know of a few such places because they are part of the Province of my people. We will be safe from The Dark One there and be beyond his reach.

"My Magic is strong, and I fended off the Demon's that attacked, but all of my personal guards sacrificed themselves. My people will be slaughtered if we are attacked again, and I cannot fight them all by myself.

"It will be up to you to find a way to stop The Dark One and solve the Paradox of the Two Creations."

Pausing, he closed his eyes as if listening.

"I feel the Balance in my actions already, based on the knowledge you shared."

Turning to Pat, he said, "The memory you saw after tracing the Sigils was for you alone, Patrick Manning. The others would not be able to see it.

"When you fought The Master and I stood here beneath the High Temple, I watched and observed the threads of everyone related to the conflict. I saw your threads, bright and clear, brighter even than your angelic relatives. I was curious but thought you so important in the Conflict your presence became visible through the Ether.

"Your invisibility to the Higher Powers is one of your most Potent abilities, and even the High Temple should not have revealed your threads to me. Now I understand why I could see your threads."

Moving to the center of the room, Németh held out his hand, invoking a spell in the native tongue of his people. An opening appeared on the floor and a pedestal rose, with a glowing orb hovering over it.

Cupping it in his hand, Németh turned to Pat and said, "It is my belief that the Heartstone of the High Temple belongs to you, Patrick Manning. This is your Gift."

Email: Brad Townsend - bookofloagaeth@gmail.com

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

(I'm no longer on Facebook)

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