The Gifts

The Gifts Chapter 5

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

My apologies again for the long pause between chapters. I have another new person helping me and passing the file back and forth and making edits it taking longer than expected. However, I think the result is worth the wait (at least I hope you find it so!)

There's no music in this chapter, but lots of other cool stuff that I won't mention here and ruin the surprise.

Thank you again to all of you who have reached out to me via email. Aside from my gratitude, it lets me know someone is still reading lol.

This chapter is hitting the week of Christmas in the real world. Time in the story isn't matching time in the real world like it did when I wrote The Order, so the holiday season, if I even address it, will be in later chapters. With all the kids showing up in the Lab, I think it will be a fun thing to do, but I'll have to see.

Enough from me this go round. Sit back and buckle up, and on to Chapter Five...

-   Brad

Chapter Five

Appearing in Leroy's cave, Bryan couldn't believe his eyes. The colossal head that always filled the cavern was absent, and the vast tunnel his body extended into was vacant.

On top of Leroy's physical absence, the presence Bryan was so accustomed to was gone. Attuned to the Dragon after his second Awakening, Bryan was always aware of Leroy in the back of his Mind. Lane's Christmas present to him years earlier, a ring fashioned by Albrecht depicting Leroy, added to the effect. Albrecht had imbued Leroy's Fire into the stones, increasing what already resided within Bryan.

Using his husband's eyes to see, Lane appeared beside him less than a second later, and he, too, couldn't believe the sight of the empty cavern. What surprised both men even more was what remained. A collapsed, empty casing of the Dragon, his molted hide, rested in his place. It lay on the rocky ground, shimmering in the light of the surrounding lava, and Leroy's lingering musky scent emphasized the missing Dragon, bringing tears to Bryan's eyes.

Crying out, Bryan said, "Oh, God, Lane, he's gone! I can't feel him!"

From across the planet, Brad's presence entered their Minds. Lane!? Bry!? What's going on?

Lane: Leroy's not in his cave!

Using Lane's eyes, Brad merged with his two friends and brought all thirteen men into One Collective Soul. Their calming presence surrounded Bryan, but even their Spiritual touch couldn't quell his panic. If Leroy awakened, was he destroying their Creation? Was he out, somewhere in existence, either ending or resetting everything?

Bryan: Loy! Please, man, get here. You and I might be able to find him through the Tree.

Per protocol, Henry, Aaron, and Albrecht remained in the Lab, but Bryan's nine other Brother's appeared around him, translocated by Darren. Arriving straight from their beds all of them were naked, and the intense heat of the cavern instantly created a sheen of sweat on their skin.

Loy: I'm with you, Bry.

Residing in the First of all Realities, their world spearheaded the infinite decision branches throughout the Multiverse, each one a ripple and reflection of theirs. Since his second Awakening, Bryan was also attuned to Yggdrasil, the Tree of Life, which touched all Life in all realities.

Their Avatars, bright on their shoulders since their arrival, shone brighter, reflecting on the slick skin of their muscular bodies, accentuating their angelic heritage. His eyes turning White, through his Avatar and Gift, Lane looked into the nearest alternate realities, seeing Leroy still in the cave. The Paradox of that confused them, and they wondered at it. Further out from theirs they might expect that, but the alternate realities closest to theirs should be nearly identical.

Suffused in Yggdrasil's mighty Life energy, Bryan expanded his Awareness. Loy's Avatar as Steward of the Animal Kingdom and its Spirits allowed him to sense Leroy as well, if not better than Bryan, and together as One, the two men cast their perceptions outward through the Tree. Knowing what was about to happen, Brad removed Henry, Aaron, and Albrecht from their merge to protect them. Without Avatars, the Power Bryan and Lane employed could destroy them.

Taking Loy with him, Bryan looked through the Tree, and for a brief moment, because they were One, the ten men became Aware of all Life in existence in their reality, but Leroy wasn't present.

Rick: Could he be Shielding himself?

Brad: We don't know what he's capable of. He's intelligent and has spoken to Bry a few times, but even if he could Shield himself, why would he?

Bryan's heartbroken whisper, the pain in his voice, echoed through their Hearts: Why would you do this, Buddy? Why would you leave me?

Among his emotions, Bryan felt guilt. His gut had been telling him to check on Leroy, and he felt if he had done so, maybe Leroy would still be with him.

Brad: Don't think that, Bry. Don't "what if" yourself into blame.

Ken's Avatar, synchronized with the other Bodies, pushed Brad's words into Bryan before he worked himself into a tailspin.

Using perfect form, in the First Language, Ken called out with his Mind: Michael!

Michael: I hear you, Ken.

Ken: Leroy's gone, and we can't sense him. Can you?

Michael's immediate tension was evident in his Mental voice: No, I cannot. I will call the Hosts to search for him, but you must realize if he is awake, we cannot stop him from fulfilling his Purpose.

Ken: I understand. We just wanna find him.

After a slight pause, frustrated, Ken thought: It doesn't make sense, Grandfather!

Michael: Should we find him, I will let you know immediately.

Abruptly Michael's presence vanished, as he was already taking action.

Their greatest fear was Leroy fulfilling his Purpose, and the end of everything was beginning, but they didn't see how that was possible in God's Plan. Eleleth intervened through Henry to save Drew and keep Luke from destroying everything, so why would he eradicate everything now?

Bryan: No! He's not doing that. I don't believe it. He's changed...

Bill: If he is, there's nothing we can do if we can't find him. We also have no idea how long it will take him.

Loy: I'm with Bry. My gut tells me that's not why he left.

Closing his eyes and embracing his Avatar more fully, Rick's Avatar brightened as he tried to sense Leroy through it. Ricks ability to reset objects and beings either came from Leroy's Fire or shared the same source, and he felt nothing.

Ricky: Somehow, I think I'd know if he was using his Fire on such a vast scale. Maybe not, but I don't sense it.

Wrapping his arms around Bryan, Loy thought: He'll be back, Bry. I'm betting on it. We'll just have to be patient and wait it out.

Gripping Loy's forearms, Bryan squeezed them, acknowledging his buddy's loving support. The ache in Bryan wasn't as extreme as if Lane were gone, but the Dragon's absence still left a hole, and his Brothers were doing their best to fill it. To lighten the mood, Lane thought: Get your stomachs ready, guys. Bry's going to cook non-stop until Leroy comes back. Hell, we might even catch a break from Ken's angry gut for a change.

Even Bryan smirked, and a ripple of laughter ran through the Link. Lane's comment might seem frivolous to someone who didn't know him, but he knew his husband well and knew what he needed and when. Ken did too and winked at Lane in approval of his tactic. Then, closing in on Bryan, they hugged him, pushing their confident reassurance into him that everything would be alright. Their sweaty skin, warm from the cavern's heat, coupled with their Hearts and Souls, surrounded him, and he sank into it, letting it lift him up.

Bryan: I love you, fuckers.

Ken: That's what I wanna hear.

Ruffling Bryan's hair, Ken kissed his temple.

Ken: It's gonna work out, Bry. He'll be back. Trust him.

Reaching down, Darren picked up a piece of Leroy's hide to examine it. It was thinner than he expected but as soft as always. It felt strange in Darren's hands, so he shifted his Sight, and the hide shimmered more brightly in the Spiritual Realm.

Bill's eyes flashed White, and synchronizing with the other Mentalists, he Read the entire area. They had practiced using their Powers together to fuller effect, and Lane took their Awareness back in time to when Leroy still slept in the cave. This allowed Bill to Read the cave more effectively by experiencing whatever occurred when it actually happened rather than by an echo in the present.

Through Bill's Avatar, Bryan watched the great beast sleep and he teared up.

<> 

Back in time, they sensed their own presence in The Valley and knew it was the night they made smores with the children.

They saw Leroy's head jerk up and his eyes slowly open. Groggy, he sniffed and his eyes widened in recognition. They had no idea what he saw or sensed, but it caught his attention, waking him from his sound sleep.

His color off, they saw his hide molting and already separating. As Leroy yawned the hide split off, and he shook his head to rid himself of the remnants. Larger, he filled more of the cavern than before. Bryan and Lane noticed that on their last visit and wondered at it.

Flexing his body sent a ripple which stretched and shredded the rest of his hide. It took a few times, and he seemed irritated, as if it itched. Then, twisting himself slightly, he rubbed against the rock walls to remove the last of it. His movements weren't enough to shake The Valley, and their past selves remained unaware of what happened while they sang songs around the campfire with the children asleep on Loy.

Moving forward, Leroy simply vanished after a few yards, leaving the cavern empty except for the remnants of his hide.

<> 

The temporal aspect of his Avatar and Gift gave Lane a distinct understanding of Time. Seeing the two events in the past, his Mind synchronized everything, giving him a clearer picture of when events occurred.

When merging with Henry after their get-together, his experience with Sally that night became a part of their memories. Looking into Henry's Mind and Heart, Sally's and his pleasure resurfaced as they had fun getting each other off. They all realized that the moment Leroy awakened was the precise moment Eleleth touched Henry's Soul, inadvertently creating the Nephilim Child within Sally.

A collective muttering of "holy shits'' and "fuck me's'' followed. Seeing the sequence of events, they knew what happened when, but still had no Understanding of how any of what they witnessed caused Leroy to awaken.

Once their Avatars quieted, Brad brought Henry, Aaron, and Albrecht back into their merge, wanting their experience, input, and wisdom.

<> 

Appearing naked together in their special place, they took comfort in one another as always. Bryan, especially, they sought to soothe.

Aaron: Bryan, Leroy is alive and well, wherever he is. Yes, he is awake, but he did not come to consciousness in a rage. Instead, he had a purpose and seemed focused on finding something that caught his attention.

Aaron's calm assertions lessened Bryan's anxieties, and he said: Thanks, Doc, you're right. I just can't stand him not being here. I'm supposed to protect him...

While they were One, Bryan's thoughts were clear. Leroy wasn't a pet; he was wild and free, a unique being who was born misunderstood. Born into the world under similar circumstances created a unique bond between Bryan and Leroy. Bryan's fears came from his protectiveness towards the Dragon, loving him and caring for him like no one else had in the history of creation. Besides his love for the great beast, Bryan considered him a friend and was scared for him.

Boiling everything down in the simplest of terms, Loy thought: We miss him too, Bry. I get it. We all do, but you most of all. We have to trust him, just like we trust one another. He's one of us in his own way, and we have to let whatever's happening run its course. Besides, he's a big boy. I can't imagine anything could hurt him.

Taking in Aaron and Loy's words and the unconditional love and support of everyone else uplifting him, he knew they were right.

Letting out a heavy sigh, Bryan thought: I love you fuckers.

Smirking slightly, he glanced at the doc and winked.

Bryan: I'll do my best not to let it get to me. I just hope he doesn't stay gone too long.

With a hand on Bryan's muscled shoulder, Ken thought: Us, too, Bry. Us, too.

Albrecht wasn't able to entirely mask his apprehension before quelling a sudden thought.

Ken: What is it, Albrecht?

Albrecht: We can discuss it later. I don't wish to upset Bryan.

Bryan: You won't, Albrecht, I promise. What do you want to say?

Still looking uncomfortable, Albrecht continued: We should collect as much of Leroy's hide as we can before he returns.

Bryan: Why?

Albrecht's eyes lit up like the guys rarely saw. A poet and craftsman at heart, he loved making things for them. They still used the stone knives and footwear he gifted them with for their first trip to The Valley, and he cast their wedding rings and made the Soul Lanterns as wedding presents, which they treasured. Amazingly skilled, the chance to work with a magical substance like Leroy's hide pulled at Albrecht.

Albrecht: I wish to see what I can make with it. It is uncharted territory - no craftsman has ever had such hide to work with. It may be unworkable, but my instincts tell me otherwise. There is no telling what I can make with it once we examine its properties.

The wistful expression on his face transformed to embarrassment and then to guilt.

Albrecht: I am sorry, Bryan. I do not want to be insensitive to your feelings.

Bryan's reaction was the exact opposite of what Albrecht expected. Incredibly proud of the great beast, the idea that something of Leroy's could touch the world and make it better resonated with Bryan. Just like the incense Albrecht used at Sally's bedside or the granular crystals he harvested to make the Soul Lanterns, the same crystals that saved Taliesin, bringing another Brother into their lives at their wedding. Leroy, just by existing, touched their lives and made the world a better place.

His face breaking into a smile, Bryan thought: Knock yourself out, Albrecht. I think it would be kickass if you can make something cool with it. Besides, I love the smell of his hide. I'll stay and work on gathering it up.

Ken: I wish we could all jump on this, but Javier's still at the Lab, and Kev, I know how much you need `ta find your nephew. We're gonna have `ta divide and conquer here. I wish Adam could help us; it might take his mind off his troubles, but I don't wanna keep askin' Michael for dispensations. Doc, Albrecht, you should stay at the Lab. Kev, you and Bill try `ta find Zack, and call in any of us if you need help.

Underlying everything going on, Kevin's anxiety over the news of his nephew was apparent. Just before he snapped the bond that held his brother Archie's Soul to his body, Kevin vowed to find Zack and rescue him from The Enemy. The memory of his actions that day was etched on his Soul, a scar he would carry for eternity.

All of his Brothers held Kevin closer in their Hearts, and Ken squeezed his shoulder in comfort, letting him know his issue was important to all of them. They were One and family, and Zack's wellbeing meant as much to all of them as it did to Kevin. Bill, especially, held his husband tight in his Mind and Soul.

Albrecht: I expect to hear back from my contact about approaching Adam's family soon as well. Depending on the news, Henry, Adam, and I might have to take a short trip.

Once again, with things ramping up, they felt stretched thin. There was so much going on, and none of them wanted anyone or anything to fall through the cracks. The pressure they put on themselves, Ken most of all, was extreme. Aaron and Albrecht taught them not to take everything so personally because it could destroy them over time, but given who and what they were and their Purpose in Creation, it was difficult not to feel the pressure.

Sally's deterioration loomed over it all, a shroud overlying their Hearts and Minds, and they still needed to find a way to save her.

<> 

Sighing heavily in his Mind, Ken recounted a counseling session with Aaron years prior. His mentor, so wise and caring, knew the pressure Ken put on himself. His natural instinct as their leader was to take on their problems, but he often lost detachment.

"Kenneth, you must learn to disassociate yourself to some degree. You are not personally responsible for everything. You cannot be, or you will drive yourself mad. To be blunt, you must release your ego."

Ken's eyebrows shot up, and he almost sounded angry, "My ego?!"

Gently, Aaron continued, "Yes, your ego. You are a very humble man in many ways, Kenneth, but it is extremely egotistical to try and carry everything yourself and be responsible for everyone and everything. You wish to take things from your Brothers to help them, but in doing so you deny them the chance to grow and learn on their own. I understand your motivations, but you must learn to let go of these things and discern when and what to carry. Albrecht helped me learn this same lesson ages ago."

The memory flashed through Ken's Mind, as clear as the day the conversation happened. He smiled internally, not out of ego or conceit, but because learning that lesson allowed him to later help Brad overcome his own ego and accept his full Powers and abilities.

Hugging Aaron and Albrecht mentally, he sent a silent thanks to his two beloved mentors and prayed one day he would be as wise as the two of them.

<> 

Getting back to the topic of collecting Leroy's hide, Aaron thought: I do not think you realize the full scope of Leroy's size. I will have to procure a secure place to store it.

Aware of Aaron's intent through the merge, Darren thought: I'll be right back.

Translocating to the Lab, Darren quickly grabbed the large cases containing the drones they used to map Allenor's cavern in the Congo. Appearing naked in the lab, the cooler air caused goosebumps over his sweaty skin as he raced to the storeroom in the gym. Henry, Aaron, and Albrecht sat at the kitchen table, their eyes closed while their Hearts and Souls were with their Brothers in Leroy's cave.

Adam and the boys still slept. He saw no sign of Cavall, Bullet, or the Wolf-Spirit and assumed the dogs were in bed with the boys.

Brad and the others who were wizards at physics grinned. They always wondered how large Leroy actually was, and with the cavern vacant, they could use the drones to map it and acquire a model of his size and shape.

More "holy shits'' and "fuck me's'' followed the grins that spread across their faces, excited at the potential revelation.

<> 

An hour later, freshly showered and in the Conference Room, the men anxiously awaited results from the drones. Darren worked furiously on his laptop, converting the files into his CAD software.

Finally, he said, "Alright, gents, hold onto your hats!"

An image of the earth appeared on the main display. The original location of The Garden of Eden no longer existed after Michael moved it to protect it from The Enemy. Currently, it rests in a bowl in Mount Elgon in Uganda and Kenya. Humans believe the volcano there is dormant, but the lava beneath the range is where Leroy's cave resides.

Darren said, "It's good news, bad news, fellas. The doc is right; Leroy's a LOT larger than we realized. Unfortunately, we still don't have a full picture because the drones hit lava a few hundred miles below the cave."

Their eyes large, it was Albrecht who continued, saying, "The myth of the Mid-Gard Serpent claims he wraps around the world, biting his tail. Projecting the size we now know, it is actually quite possible he is that large. It's unfathomable to think that, but he is also a divine creature and beyond the scope of anything we know."

Lane, "So, Dar, what's the bad news? This is cool as shit!"

Darren said, "From Leroy's cave, we can go down roughly 200 miles to the aesthenosphere. We might be able to go a little further down with some special gear, but the heat past that point is too much.

"I'm guessing here, but I don't think his body went much deeper. The aesthenosphere is mostly liquid to allow for the movement of the tectonic plates, but below that, it's more solid."

Brad said, "We have no idea how big he was when Luke sired him, or even how he did. Did he hatch from an egg, or was he just brought into the world, and how much has he grown. Did he make the tunnels, or were they made for him?"

Kevin said, "Maybe we can ask Luke one day, or God, but for now, we still have a few hundred miles worth of hide. Can we gather that much? Doc, you said you'd have to find someplace. Not only will it have to be huge, but we'll need to secure it and ward it with Runes. Somewhere remote would be even better. We have no idea how, or if, that amount of a supernatural substance could affect the environment or any nearby humans."

Ken interjected, "I'll draw up a rotation schedule. We need `ta jump on this and get as much as we can before Leroy comes back. It's gonna take weeks `ta cover that much ground, so we'll have `ta forgo trainin' in the meantime and do our best with everythin' else goin' on."

Bill said, "I hope Luke stays quiet while we do this."

<><><> 

The next few weeks were exhausting. Aside from gathering the hide, once Aaron secured a remote warehouse, they empowered several Runes to protect the facility from the Light and the Dark and to Shield the facility to contain any supernatural influence within the walls.

While the guys worked tirelessly, Sally continued teaching the boys, allowing Henry to join the harvesting rotation. Not being Awake, Adam was unable to join them, so he worked out by himself using Ken's structured workouts tailored for him. Trying to make himself useful, he took to doing chores around the Lab.

Aaron and Albrecht remained in Atlanta, continuing their many projects and keeping things moving while counseling Javier, who declined their initial offer to stay in the Lab, preferring to live in his apartment and continue his life.
After Javier'sglimpse into the world of The Order, Aaron felt sure Javier would keep in touch.

Aaron and Albrecht discussed Javier exhaustively and held many conversations with the young man, but they would remain patient for the time being, giving him time to grow into the ideas they presented to him. Something in Javier was unique; he exhibited far less Brokenness than most humans still under The Curse, and this bore further exploration.

Although Adam, Tommy, and Brett weren't permitted in The Valley without a Dispensation from Michael, Drew was allowed because of who and what he was. Henry limited his son's visits to avoid jealousy between the boys, and although Drew tried to help, he was mostly in the way. Bored, he took to wandering the caves, eventually ending up in the chamber of the Water of Life. He didn't like the noise of the waterfalls cascading over the giant roots of Yggdrasil, but still he was drawn to the cave.

The Stone had rested in the lake for tens of thousands of years after The Curse came into existence, and Drew felt a strange kinship with that particular place. His eyes flashing White, he found his Centering Flame and quieted his external sense of hearing. He couldn't Listen like his uncles, but he learned control of his body through his Energy Centers.

Finding some loose rocks on the floor, he picked one up. Polished smooth by the water, it fit nicely in his hand. Having merged with Henry and Darren, Drew held many of their memories and those of his other uncles through them. An image of the River from his uncle Brad's childhood filled his Mind. It was the same place he visited recently when The Curse tried to take over Brad; it was the first Construct Brad created when his Powers were first developing and he almost died. Pushing the bad memory away, he focused on Brad's childhood of skipping rocks across the water.

The stone in his hand seemed perfect for it, and drawing from Brad's memory and experience, he expertly threw the rock and watched it skip nearly nine times before sinking. Excited at his success, a smile broke out on his face; however, his smile faded as other thoughts encroached. Sexual thoughts from his father and uncles hovered in the back of his Mind, especially since merging with Henry after his father made love to Miss Sally.

Rubbing the sudden tightness in his pants, he let his Mind wander, seeing all his uncles making love as couples, how they got each other off as men, and how Henry and Sally did as well. But, even more, he felt their emotions, riding their waves of pleasure and fulfillment. Their attraction to one another was powerful and pure, and seeing their combined Souls, he realized their sadness for Henry. Crying, Drew missed Liz, wanting to talk to her and bring her back to be with Henry so they could be a family. Sniffling and wiping at his eyes, he thought: I miss you, Mom.

Drew hadn't thought about Liz in a long time, and a deep sadness hit him over that realization. Grasping the rings under his shirt, he remembered, sinking into her presence. Appreciating the gift his father and uncles made for him more than ever, he sat and cried, wondering about himself and if he would ever meet anyone and fall in love. His love for Henry and his uncles was beyond human; living in their Hearts was the best place to be, but his maturing began changing everything. Physically he wanted to be with them and experiment, but he knew it wasn't allowed. The wisdom of his eighty-thousand-year-old Soul told him the difference between loving someone and being in love with them, and his uncles would never experiment with him because of their love and respect for him. They would protect him as they always did. He loved them back for that, but it didn't change the fact there was no one for his dad or him.

As emotionally mature as Drew was, he was still ten years old, and his problems felt unsurmountable. His personal situation didn't allow anyone to be with him, which made him sad for himself. Sinking further into the memories and experiences of his father and uncles' lovemaking, he shuddered as a powerful orgasm hit him. His body was too young to produce semen, but the euphoric feeling consumed him, and he almost fell over in surprise. This was the first time it happened to him, although he already knew what it felt like through his memories of Henry and his uncles.

The icy cold Water of Life kept the cavern cool, and Drew shivered. Wrapping his arms around himself, he noticed the difference in the waterline, nearly a foot lower than usual. Worn smooth over the millennia, the waterline was distinct, formed by the current created by the waterfalls.

Thinking about the current, he had an idea. On his next visit, he would bring paper to make boats. Lane taught him how to fold origami boats, and he could make a small navy and skip rocks to sink them. Excited about his idea, he ran out of the cavern towards Leroy's cave.

<><><> 

Curious about his mother, Eleneth remained Veiled and watched Sally, finding her pretty. She often taught three young boys, and he thought she must be very intelligent. At first, being in the Second Creation was uncomfortable, but it became easier every time he visited. Acclimating between the two was difficult and took time, but he gradually became used to the differences.

His father, Eleleth, was unsure whether Eleneth should move freely between the two Creations. Eleleth belonged to the First, but his child's mother was of the Second; however, she was human and should not have influenced his existence. He supposed Henry was the reason, since touching Henry's Soul created Eleneth within Sally.

It was all unknown, yet Eleneth often looked upon his mother. Forbidding him to interact with her, Eleleth said it was dangerous and might harm Sally, so Eleneth simply observed her.

Seeing the toxic energies within Sally, Eleneth knew her time was limited. A heavy sorrow dwelt in his Heart over that, knowing he was the cause. Every time he visited, the toxins spread further throughout her existence. If he got too close to Sally, the energies affected him, causing discomfort. They nearly killed him before he was born, so he was careful, but he wanted so badly to help her, touch her, and talk with her.

Nephilim rarely interacted with the human hosts who bore them, but Eleneth wasn't a true Nephilim. He, too, was a new being, a Child of Two Creations: never had there been anyone like him, so Eleleth watched him closely.

<><><> 

That evening everyone sat around the Lab's dining table to eat an incredible spread of food cooked by Kelly. Amidst her training with Aaron and Albrecht, she spent a good part of the day in the kitchen, knowing Bryan was busy harvesting hide in Leroy's cave.

While Sally taught the boys, Chloe sat with them working on her letters and numbers, giving Kelly a break and allowing her to cook and attend her Mental disciplines. Albrecht expanded her training to include yoga, general fitness, and even martial arts. All the guys, especially Darren, were incredibly proud of how Kelly had grown into a responsible mother. They were also sad that her relationship with Jacob didn't flourish and were afraid she would backslide, but she quickly recovered and dove into everything Albrecht offered to teach her. The biggest complement to Kelly was the lack of any remaining evidence of her remarkable dinner. The empty plates on the table looked so clean they could be put back in the cupboard.

Looking at Sally, Kelly raised her eyebrows at the sight, and Sally replied, "Hollow legs, Kelly. It's the only explanation."

Henry asked, "So what are you boys doing tonight? You're on the last season of Lost in Space. Are you going to watch a few more episodes?"

Tommy and Brett responded enthusiastically but Drew said, "I want to make some boats. Uncle Lane, could you help me?"

Henry: Drew, honey, you should stay and watch TV with Tommy and Brett. They can't go to The Valley and might feel left out.

Drew: But I want to do the boats before the water's gone.

Immediate tension ran through the men's Link at his comment, and Bryan asked: What do you mean, Tiger?

Drew: The Water in the cave with the waterfalls is lower than before. I want to make some paper boats and sink them with skipping rocks before the water's gone.

Brad: Drew, would you show us?

Time stopped as Brad drew them into their Hearts. It wasn't a full merge, but it was deep, and Drew's clear and sharp memories became Open to them. Forgetting to Shield what happened personally, everything else that occurred - looking into Brad's memories of the River to learn how to skip rocks, all of them making love - it was all there, including Drew's physical reaction.

Henry paled knowing he should have discussed Drew's physical development before now. Putting it off with everything else happening, he felt he still neglected his son, and his self-beratement was clear.

Brad compartmentalized their reactions to protect Drew from any embarrassment or adverse reaction, and they focused on the image of the waterline. Panic at the vision filled them, Bryan most of all. The Water of Life was crucial to the health and well-being of Yggdrasil, and if it was draining, there was no telling the long-term ramifications.

An instant later, Bryan and the other nine men stood at the edge of the lake formed by the Water of Life, and as they saw in Drew's memory, it had receded. Looking back in Time, they realized the recession started with Leroy's disappearance.

Bryan: Fuck! Leroy must have shifted something when he left!

Patrick, his eyes sparkling, intentionally synchronized the Bodies' Avatars, looking with his complete Understanding, seeing how much Water was absorbed by the roots. The majority was consumed by Yggdrasil, but new currents created by a rift that occurred when Leroy left were draining the lake.

The rift seemed impossible to get to because it was so far down and surrounded by roots of the massive Tree. Moreover, there was no visible way to move the roots without damaging them, which they refused to do unless all other attempts failed.

<><><> 

Three days passed, and the water level continued dropping slowly. While many of the guys continued gathering hide, they neared the end of the accessible tunnel. The heat was almost unbearable as they reached the aesthenosphere, nearly two hundred miles below the surface of the fringe of the harder mantle.

Meanwhile, Bill and Kevin found evidence of Zack's whereabouts just as Albrecht's contact arranged an initial meeting between Adam, his wife Julie, and Andrés Ramos, Julie's new husband and stepfather to his children.

<><> 

Bill and Kevin kept an eye out for Javier while they waited at the entrance to a distinctly malodourous alley near the town square in Lawrenceville. The two men maintained a powerful Compulsion making them invisible and inaudible to any humans or Enemy Agents. Adding to the Compulsion, Kevin masked their Auras. Without The Master augmenting them, none of the "suits" should be able to see through their glamour, although Luke's new servants were an unknown.

Bill: Javier's here, Kev. He just pulled into the parking garage.

Nervously awaiting Javier's arrival, Kevin hoped they would get Zack's actual address this time. In another few minutes, Javier stood right beside them, still unable to see them until Bill touched his shoulder, bringing him into the influence of their Compulsion. With his touch, Bill also Read the young man to make absolutely sure nothing had happened since he left the Lab.

Javier nearly jumped out of his skin, saying, "Geezus! You scared the ever-loving shit out of me!"

Bill said, "Sorry, but we aren't taking any chances. No one can see or hear us, so we can speak freely."

Kevin paled as soon as Bill Read the young man; he and Bill were One, and everything Bill Read became part of Kevin as well. Zack was staying in a homeless camp not far from where they stood.

Astutely, Javier saw the expression on Kevin's face and said, "You know, don't you? Did you read my Mind? The doctor said you wouldn't do that without my permission."

Bill replied, "Honestly, no, I didn't. My ability is completely different, and it's not something I can turn off, so I apologize. I needed to touch you to make sure you haven't been under any Enemy influence since you left the Lab."

Shaking his head, Javier's lips pursed. He looked harder than the Javier from Brad and Lane's memories in the alternate reality. That reality was distant, though, and far enough away for the differences to be more extreme.

Javier paled a little at Bill's answer and asked, "So, am I clean? Of any influences, I mean. I never do drugs, and I don't drink. You know why if you know everything about me."

Bill replied, "I do, and I'm sorry."

Bill's Avatar glowed softly under his clothes, his Compassion deep and bright for the young man in front of him. Javier was a good Soul, but his brightness came from many dearly bought hardships.

Looking directly at Kevin, Javier said, "I want to come with you."

Kevin said, "I don't think that's a good idea."

His eyes hardening, Javier said, "I don't care what you think, and I don't care what this guy you're looking for did to me. He needs help, and you wouldn't have found him without me, however messed up the circumstances. I'm grateful you guys Healed me, but I feel he's my responsibility too. He needs help, and I want to make sure he gets it. Not that I don't trust you..., but I don't."

Bill and Kevin's eyes widened a little at Javier's conviction and honesty, both rare in Unawakened humans. Then, deep from within Bill's unconscious Mind, he recalled a conversation between Brad and Ken immediately after their first Awakening.

<> 

Ken looked up, making eye contact, and said, "B, I thought I was happy bein' with you before, but now... I don't know... I feel like we were stumblin' around in the dark. I don't know how normal people make it day in and day out bein' closed off from each other."

Brad continued brushing the hair off Ken's forehead and rubbing his chest while they talked.

"Don't think too much about it, Ken, at least not right now. I have a feeling the doc planned this from the beginning. It would be an entirely different world if there were no lies; if there couldn't be any lies. It would still be harsh and sad, and people would still be assholes, just honest assholes, but I think if everyone felt what we do, it would bring humanity up to a new level and give us a real chance at a future."

<> 

Kevin said, "Alright. Well, you know how dangerous he is. Stay behind us."

Javier smirked, "No problem on that. I know how hard he hits. This time I'll have two brick walls in front of me."

Bill: He's putting on a good front, but he's nervous. He really does care about Zack, though, and wants to make sure he gets help.

Smirking, Kevin replied: I Understand his need to take care of Zack and why he's callous towards us, but maybe if things go well with Zack, he'll trust us more and drop the attitude.

Sounding impatient, Javier said, "You know where we're going. I'll follow you."

Their Compassion and Unconditional Love for Javier ran deep, and they saw past his self-protection mechanisms, seeing his Soul and his potential. Yet, as hard as he wanted to come across, Javier was fragile in many ways, and as always, the doctor's wisdom in letting Javier come to his own conclusions and decisions was clear.

<> 

Two blocks away from Zack's location, Javier said, "He should be in the green and blue tent if he's here. If not, we'll have to wait."

Kevin's sense of smell was on overdrive, and he had to engage his Core Energy center to dampen his olfactory receptors. The smell of the area was extreme to Bill, a mix of human excrement and urine, human body odor, and rotting food, so he knew how bad it was for Kevin.

The place was difficult for Bill to be in. The impressions of the area and the people weren't pleasant, emphasizing the Brokenness of both. The tragedies, the addictions, the hunger, even a few deaths – it all lingered like a shroud for his Avatar to Read. It reminded him of the bubble he and his Brothers lived in, away and isolated from such things, and times like this made him think they should be out in the world more.

However, the doctor didn't encourage it, saying they needed to protect themselves and stay strong to be more effective. Sighing, he remembered Ken's words after he and Kevin became entwined with Tommy and Brett at the orphanage.

<> 

Bill suddenly asked, "Guys, did I do the right thing?"

It was a heavy question, and it was Ken who answered first. He and Brad had discussed this privately and extensively in a Construct.

"Yeah, Bill, you did. Those kids needed saving. B and I still have our suspicions about what led you to find them. I'm not sure it was coincidence that you and Kevin ended up there. It could be entirely coincidental, and we have no proof other than B's gut feelin', but that's a feelin' I'm comin' `ta appreciate more'n more.

"But here's the deal. When situations like this land in our laps, we can't ignore `em. We have our abilities, and we're fightin' for mankind, whether it's against their nature under The Curse or The Enemy. But we can't go lookin' for things like this yet. If we do, it'll bog us down, and we'll lose sight of our primary goal of defeatin' The Master.

<> 

Zack practically landed in their laps, along with Javier. The puppet strings were too obvious to ignore, so their mission to find Zack was more than a coincidence. Aside from how important it was to Kevin, there seemed to be more to it than they yet knew.

They didn't look like undercover cops, and many people recognized Javier from the food pantry and soup kitchen where he worked, so there was no panic at their arrival, but there was a lot of curiosity. Bill and Kevin wore casual clothes but were still upscale for a homeless camp. Their images blurred slightly, and their appearance changed, making their clothes more threadbare and faded.

Javier said, "Nice trick."

Approaching Zack's tent, Bill and Kevin knew he was there. The flap was tied back and Zack was clearly visible, lying on a cot. Similar to Adam, his hair was long and unkempt, and he hadn't shaved in weeks. Bill had Read Archie before Archie's death, and he recognized Zack despite his dishevelled and unhealthy appearance. Zack had been married to Renee, Archie's daughter. The Master's Protectors took Zack in a separate vehicle when they captured Archie and him, and the men were unable to trace Zack despite their efforts.

The Master's servants imprisoned the Minds of Archie's wife Amanda, his children, and their spouses, and Bill and Kevin were unsure how much Zack was aware of. All the other family members were killed, literally torn apart by the Protectors, except Zack, who they took to create a coerced Protector.

Kevin smelled his nephew even through the overpowering stench in the area, and through his Understanding, he saw the connections between himself and Zack. He also saw the horrendous damage Zack had done to his body through drugs and malnutrition. Aware of the Triggers in Zack's Mind, their plan was to pull Zack into a Construct to avoid any outright violence and danger to anyone else around.

Turning to Javier, Bill said, "You want in on this, so I'm giving you a heads up. What you are about to see and hear will seem strange, but Kevin and I will be with you, and you'll be safe."

Javier's driving need to help Zack despite being nearly killed by him was clear. His own suffering and the loss of two brothers which drove him to help others like Zack, hardened him and matured him. It pained Bill and Kevin that someone so young could already be so hurt, yet Javier's response was the opposite of most humans under The Curse. As if his pain Shielded his Soul from The Curse in some unfathomable way, Javier was definitely a unique young man.

The tightness in his face showed Javier's resolve to continue, and he flatly said, "Do whatever you're going to do. I'm ready."

Hunching down at the mouth of the tent, Bill reached in and gripped the lower part of Zack's leg, touching his exposed flesh. Kevin's and his eyes flashed White, and their Avatars ignited as Bill pulled the four of them into a Construct of the camp, with no one else present.

Zack cried out as the Triggers in his Mind tried to activate, only to be shattered by Bill. Then, once the Triggers were gone, Bill took them deeper into their Hearts, where they appeared naked to one another. In that place, Zack's body was whole and healed, glowing with the muscular strength and power of a Protector. Bill gave Zack the hair and short beard he sported before his abduction, and he was stunningly handsome.

As soon as Bill touched Zack's skin, everything about him from the moment of his conception to the present became a part of him. One with Kevin, it all became a part of him as well, and their Souls flinched. The things Zack was forced to do for the pleasure and entertainment of The Enemy were more perverted than anything they had seen before, and it was because of his connection to Kevin.

As painful as the memories were, Bill compartmentalized them, shunting them away into the back of their Minds so they could focus on helping Zack, although knowing everything Zack did, they wondered if saving him was even possible. Kevin's heart broke even further, but his desperation and drive kept him moving forward.

Bolting upright, Zack looked around confusedly and shied away from them. Then, realizing he was naked, he moved his hands to cover himself. Javier stood quiet, shocked and amazed at what just happened despite Bill's warning, but his shrewd Mind captioned onto the metaphor of being naked. The Openness he experienced was extreme and uncomfortable, and he knew Bill and Kevin saw him as he truly was. They weren't merged, but Javier's awareness of catching onto the metaphor of being in that place impressed them,.

Zack shouted, "Who are you?"

Holding his hands out placatingly, Kevin said, "Calm down, Zack. You're safe. We aren't going to hurt you. We aren't the ones who took you."

Kevin's emotions were like a taut wire. His last living relative stood before him, and he wasn't sure how Zack was going to react.

His eyes tearing up, Kevin said, "I'm here to help you, Zack. I'm your uncle. My name's Kevin."

Having had no father of his own, Archie accepted Zack into his family as a son-in-law, loving him as his own, and Kevin was stunned at how much Zack sounded like Archie when he asked, "You're Kevin? Not Keith?"

The similarity to the conversation Kevin had with Archie as The Master held a clawed fist around Archie's throat hit Kevin hard, and he responded as though the scene were playing out again, saying, "I'm Keith, but I go by Kevin now. I had to change my name in the military."

Zack's body flushed deep red, and every muscle in his impressive physique tightened as tears started pouring down his face and he cried out, "You did this! My wife, Amanda, Jerry, and Laura..., I watched them get torn apart because of you! Archie and I had to watch, helpless..., and then they took me and changed me! Made me do horrible things... They liked to make me tear others apart, knowing what it did to me!"

Gently, crying as heavily as Zack, Kevin said, "I know, Zack. I know everything, and I ... I'm sorry."

Zack blurted out, "Sorry!? You killed Archie! They told me you did ... after losing everyone else and seeing what those monsters did to my family ... what they made me do ... and you're sorry!?"

Kevin didn't know what to say, so Bill intervened on his behalf, saying, "There's a lot you don't know, Zack. You know the Evil of the people who took you. You know they lie and torture for pleasure. Don't believe anything they told you."

Suddenly, unexpectedly, Bill's Construct changed, and they sat in the den of Archie's house in Arizona. Bill stood in the kitchen doorway with Javier beside him, and Kevin sat on the couch where he and Archie talked in Brad's Construct as his Mind slowly unraveled.

Kevin: Bill!? What the fuck?

Bill: I didn't do this, Kev! I don't know what's going on!

Three balls of Light appeared, one glowing brightly, one smaller with the beautiful blue nimbus of a human Soul, and a tiny one that zipped around the others, clear to their Avatars an Animal Spirit. The orbs expanded into the forms of Uriel, Archie, and Mr. Buckles, who Archie held in his arms. As soon as Mr. Buckles saw Zack, he started wiggling in happiness, wanting to go to him. Setting him down, the dog literally leapt onto the couch, attacking Zack's face with his tiny tongue. Zack was always Mr. Buckles favorite among all the family. No one knew why, but his lap was the place Buckle's would be whenever they gathered.

Bill: Uriel? What's going on?

Uriel: Watch and Listen. Hopefully, my actions will be enough.

Zack's hands instinctively gripped the tiny ball of white fluff, actually smiling amidst his tears, but he held the wriggling form far enough away to look in wonder at his father-in-law. The scene was surreal with the four naked men, the Archangel, the Soul, and the Spirit. Archie appeared fully clothed in his usual attire, as though he had just arrived home from the University.

Archie said, "Hi, Zack. I'm so glad they finally found you."

Still holding the wiggling Mr. Buckle's, Zack moved to Archie blindingly fast, engulfing him in a desperate hug. His large body tense and flushed, Zack was sweating from his extreme emotions. Holding his sobbing son-in-law, Archie hugged him back, trying to soothe him, saying, "It's alright, Zack. Oh, how I've missed you; we all have. Everyone sends their love, especially Renee."

Javier stood speechless while Bill and Kevin remained quiet, holding each other tighter in their Hearts and Souls, tears spilling down their own faces at the scene unfolding.

It took some time for Zack to stop sobbing, but his tears never stopped. Finally, pleadingly, he asked, "Can I come and be with you? I ... It hurts, Archie. I don't want to be here anymore."

Kevin: Fuck! This is killing me!

There was nothing to say, but Bill wrapped himself tighter around Kevin in every way imaginable. Seeing Kevin's pain, Uriel's Wings wrapped around Kevin, offering him comfort, strength, and support.

Leading Zack to the couch, Archie sat down and patted the cushion next to him, saying, "Sit with me and let's talk. Buckles will feel better if he has your lap to sit on anyway."

During Zack's sobbing, Mr. Buckles had stopped wiggling, but he never stopped licking Zack's face, trying desperately to make him feel better. As a Spirit, he saw the hurt within his human, occasionally whining in his attempts to make the pain go away.

Motioning to Kevin and Bill, Archie said, "Come and sit, please. You, too, Javier."

Confused, Javier didn't know who Uriel or Archie were, what was happening, or how Archie knew his name. Bill said things might be weird, and he felt no fear, although his awe of Uriel's presence was unnerving. As soon as Zack sat, Buckles curled up on his lap, content to be held.

Continuing, Archie said, "Bill is right. There's a lot you don't know, and the people who took you do lie. What happened to our family was horrible ... beyond words. I didn't believe in Good or Evil before any of that happened, but there is no denying the Evil of the creatures who took you and me. Kevin is my brother, but we can't blame him. He and his friends tried to save us, and what he ended up doing for me was a blessing."

Turning to Kevin, "I know how much it hurt you to kill me, Kevin. My last words were true; I don't blame you. I finally understood everything at the very end, thanks to Raphael. You weren't aware of him, but he was there. He was with our mother in the hospital all those years ago, too, granting her lucidity so that in her final moments, everything became clear to her. Raphael isn't here today, but he's partly responsible for Uriel bringing me to talk to you."

Switching his attention back to Zack, he reached out, brushing Zack's hair back off his forehead. When he did, a Light touched Zack, and all of Archie's memories up to the point he entered Heaven were known to him. In the time between breaths, deep, deep within Zack's Soul, the events of that day played out, but more than that, he truly knew the story of The Master and Drew and the long history of the Battle between the Light and the Dark, The Order and The Enemy.

Wrapping his Soul around his nephew, Kevin held him as everything was revealed, crying with Zack and for him, and though unnecessary, he begged for Zack's forgiveness. In addition to Uriel's Wings, Bill was a pillar of strength for his husband, holding him up, bolstering him, and making him stronger.

No time passed in the Construct, and as Archie withdrew his hand, Zack's expression changed. He seemed calmer, although the brightness in his eyes didn't lessen. He sat stunned by the revelations as he took everything in.

Smiling, Archie said, "You have a choice, Zack, and know that no matter which direction you choose, you are loved Unconditionally. Not just your uncle and me, but by God."

Trying to crack a joke to lighten the mood, Archie added, "I can't speak for Javier, though; you might have to work on him."

Smiling, Zack looked questioningly at Archie, asking, "What choice? What do you mean?"

Softly, Archie replied, "To stay and help Kevin and The Order, or to come Home with me."

Turning to Kevin, Archie said, "You won't have to do it, Kevin. If Zack chooses to come with me, Uriel will take him painlessly."

With a confused expression, Kevin looked at Uriel, raising his eyebrows.

Uriel: Zachary Fairbanks has been granted a Dispensation of sorts. I am allowed, by his choice, to take him Home before his death if he so wishes. If not, he will live on Earth for the remainder of his days.

Looking back to Zack and resting a hand on his heavy shoulder, Archie said, "I know you're tired. I see it. Your Soul is exhausted and scarred; however, you're safe now, with Kevin and his friends. They can Heal your body and cleanse the drugs from you. If you stay, they won't be able to take the memories away, but you can be a force for Good and maybe prevent anything like what happened to our family from happening to others. Just know that Renee and the rest of us are safe and happy and waiting for you. We want what's best for you, but only you can make that choice."

Still looking lost, Zack choked up. Finally, his neck thickened, and sobbing, he managed to say, "I want both."

Laughing, Archie said, "You always did want the best of all worlds, but not this time. There is no right or wrong, just right – what's right for you. I'm glad my students never heard me say that; they'd never believe it!"

Chuckling through his tears, Zack noticed Javier, who had been trying to remain inconspicuous. His expression turning severe and his voice choked with regret, Zack said, "I'm really sorry I hurt you, Javy. I..."

Javier cut him off, saying, "I understand, Zack. I don't hold it against you. I came between you and your addiction, and my timing sucked. If I had waited until you weren't as high, you wouldn't have done what you did."

Shrugging his shoulders, Javier continued, "Besides, these guys Healed me. I'm not going to lie; I don't ever want to be on the receiving end of something like that again. I knew you were strong, but now I understand better ... a good friend of Kevin and Bill explained everything to me. Seeing all this has been an eye-opener. I think we've both been thrown into a world we didn't know anything about. You definitely got the shorter end of the stick, so I count myself lucky."

Trying to come to grips with the scope of everything, Zack still seemed hesitant to make a decision, asking Archie, "Are you sure you won't be disappointed in me if I choose wrong?"

Wrapping his knuckle gently on Zack's head, Archie said, "McFly! McFly! You aren't listening! I'm proud of you, Zack. I always have been. Renee never could have found a better husband. Mr. Buckles never could have found a better lap! I think he missed you more than any of us, and that's saying a lot!"

Tearing up, Archie continued, "You survived something that would tear most humans apart. You proved how strong you are to endure such an ordeal. I'll be proud of you no matter what you choose to do."

With no hesitation, Archie pulled Zack into a hug, holding him tightly. By the time Archie released him, Zack's expression had changed, showing a determination Archie was used to seeing before everything started.

Zack said, "Dad..., I think I have to stay. I want both like I said, but I can make a difference if I stay. If I go with you, there's no doubt I'll be happy, but I'd be sad to learn of anyone killed by The Enemy that I might have prevented."

Once again running a hand through Zack's hair, Archie's eyes brightened as he said, "I can see the scars in you, Zack. Let Kevin and his friends help you so you can help them."

Unable to speak, Zack nodded as he glanced at Kevin and Bill, his eyes showing the determination to follow through with his decision.

Uriel's deep voice echoed in all their Minds: Archibald Ferris, it is time to depart. Thank you for your intervention.

Turning to Zack, Uriel continued: Be well, Zachary Fairbanks. Let my grandson and his Brothers Heal you and forge you into a weapon of Light as well as a Shield against the Darkness.

Unsure how to address the Archangel, Zack simply said, "Thank you for bringing Archie and Buckles."

Lifting Mr. Buckles up, Zack kissed his head and said, "It was great to see you again, you little runt. Be good up there. You know, in Heaven, dogs still get spanked if they poop on the floor. I don't want to find any presents on the carpet once I finally join you."

Still trying to lick Zack's face, Mr. Buckles transformed into a tiny ball of Light and started zipping around Uriel. Archie became transparent for a moment before he, too, turned into a beautiful blue orb of a human Soul. Javier watched, dumbfounded, with tears on his cheeks.

The magnitude of everything he witnessed was sinking in, and the Light of Uriel, Archie, Bill, and Kevin surrounded him the entire time. He was never scared, but awestruck, and knew most humans never got to see such interactions.

Kevin: Thank you, Uriel. I was afraid Zack was beyond our ability to help, but Archie reached him in a way I never could have. Now, I have a new family member, even if it is by marriage.

His expression turning serious, Uriel spoke directly to Kevin and Bill: Tell Bryan we have not found the Dragon. We are unsure how he remains hidden from us, but there is no indication he is carrying out his initial Purpose. It is a quandary to all of us.

Removing his Wings from around Kevin, Uriel transformed into a golden orb of Light, vanishing, with Archie and Mr. Buckles.

<> 

Taking them out of the Construct, Bill returned them to their bodies. With his hand still on Zack's leg, he delved into Kevin, and the two men called on all their sources of Power. Still lightly Linked with them, Javier saw powerful arcs of crimson, azure, and gold energy blend into a thick white rope of Healing which Bill directed into Zack, cleansing his body of the drugs and restoring him to full health.

In addition to seeing the ropes of Power arcing between them, the massive, ghostly form of Yggdrasil loomed over them, its mighty branches filled with wraithlike Animal Spirits waiting to be reborn. He sensed the Aura of the two men increase, palpably feeling their Spiritual strength as they embraced their Heritage as Unfallen, Original Men and Nephilim.

The Healing was deep, and even though he was still unconscious, Zack's back arched, and a fine sheen of sweat covered his face and his exposed lower leg.

In the special place within their Hearts where Time didn't move, Bill asked: Javier, do you want to come back with us?

Javier: What about my car?

Chuckling, Kevin thought: Don't worry, we'll send you back to to your car if you want to come with us.

Javier's reaction to everything churned within him, and he felt off-balance. Even after Aaron and Albrecht explained everything to him, being confronted with an Archangel, seeing a human Soul return from Heaven, seeing Zack Healed, and Yggdrasil looming over him had him rattled. He even felt the Compassion from the two big men, especially Bill, whose Avatar glowed softly on his muscled shoulder.

Putting a warm hand on Javier's shoulder, Kevin gently squeezed him, thinking: I think you should. You've seen a lot. At least come back for dinner, and we can talk things through. Please?

Javier's first reaction was to say no, he would be fine. Fiercely independent, he didn't like leaning on anyone, but he knew Kevin and Bill's loving intent and care for his well-being in their Hearts. Trying to cover his emotions, he nonchalantly verbalized, "Sure, I never pass up a free meal, but I have one condition."

Kevin asked, "What's that?"

Smirking, Javier said, "Everyone has to wear clothes. I've never been naked so long with other guys, and it was getting a little uncomfortable."

Laughing, Kevin said, "I think we can handle that."

Reaching out to Darren, Bill thought: Dar? Four to beam up.

<> 

While Kevin and Bill were with Javier searching for Zack, Albrecht sought out Adam, finding him cleaning and mopping the floor in the kitchen.

Smiling, Albrecht said, "Thank you, Adam, for what you are doing."

Shrugging his shoulders, Adam replied, "Just trying to pull my weight, such as it is. There's not much for me to do right now after working out. I want to make things easier on Sally, too."

Inclining his head, Albrecht said, "That is very compassionate of you. When you have finished, would you please come to my office?"

Wringing out the mop in the sink, Adam said, "I'm pretty much done with the floor. Let me put everything away, and I'll be right there."

After a slight pause, a hopeful look crossed his face, and he asked, "Is it about Julie and the kids?"

Albrecht responded, "Yes, it is. Come in when you are ready."

<><> 

Nervous, Adam felt like he was about to vomit as they pulled up to the garage and service station owned by Andrés Ramos, Julie's new husband and step-father of his children. Deep within Adam's Heart, Henry held him closer, and his words echoed in Adam's Mind: Breathe deep, Adam, and stay calm like we practiced. Stay positive, and let's hope for the best. No matter what happens, I'm here, and so are Aaron and Albrecht.

The sounds and smells of a busy garage surrounded them, and as they got out of the Suburban, Albrecht said, "Andrés agreed to meet us. He filed for divorce but still lives with Julie for the sake of the children. AJ and Maggie are here as well, but we will meet with Andrés first to see how things progress."

Henry kept an external Construct of their appearance in his Mind, dressing them in business casual clothes. Their "cover" was Aaron and Albrecht were Adam's legal counsel, and Henry was a friend lending moral support.

Seeing them arrive, Andrés stopped what he was doing and motioned for one of his employees to take over his task. Then, wiping his hands on a rag, he made his way to them, his expression hard to read. He wasn't smiling, but he wasn't hostile either; he seemed guarded or even resigned.

Holding out his hand, he introduced himself, "I am Andrés Ramos."

Shaking his hand, Adam said, "Adam Kinsington. This is my friend Henry, and these two men are my legal counsel, Aaron, and Albrecht, who helped set up our meeting."

Henry, Aaron, and Albrecht were deeply Linked and kept Adam with them in a peripheral Link. Reading Andrés' surface thoughts, they sensed his conflict. He loved Maggie and AJ dearly, but he was no longer in love with Julie. Her addiction was too much for him, and her continued lies and betrayal of his trust drove him to the point where he no longer had feelings for her.

Andrés said, "Let us go into my office to talk. It is quieter there."

On the way, he offered them coffee or water, which they declined. The men expected Andrés to be younger than middle-aged. His hair showed much grey. He was short and stocky but looked strong, like a man who had worked hard his entire life.

Not expecting so many people, he had to pull two additional chairs into his small office. It was cramped, and his desk was covered with papers, a computer terminal, and a regular PC monitor. In addition, a series of small monitors attached to his security system sat on one wall, where he could watch nearly every part of his shop both inside and out.

Andrés shrewdly looked at Albrecht who was casually taking everything in. Albrecht kept his expression blank, but Andrés nodded to the security displays and said, "Some of the people I hire have difficult pasts, and not all are honest. Most of them are, and I give them a chance, but if they steal anything other than food from the vending machines, they are out."

Albrecht had learned much about Andrés from his contacts, and it matched with everything he knew about him so far. Leaning back in his chair, Andrés looked hard at Adam, who also kept his expression blank. Then, after a short pause, he said, "Why did you leave Julie and the kids? How could you do such a thing? Was it drugs? Or something worse?"

Before Adam could reply, Henry spoke up, saying, "What happened to Adam definitely falls into the `something worse' category. He was taken and held prisoner by some very evil people."

It sounded preposterous, and Andrés scoffed, saying, "Do you really expect me to believe that? If we were in another country, I might believe you, but those things don't happen here. Not to big strong men like you and him."

His jaw clenching, Andrés continued, "Tell me..., was it really you that Julie saw? If so, why did you say nothing!?"

Sweating but keeping himself in check, Adam said, "Yes, it was me, and what Henry said is true."

Andrés started to angrily blurt out, "I think you...," but stopped, frozen and unable to move as Henry's eyes flashed White, gripping Andrés Mind, Compelling him to sit perfectly still, unable to speak or move.

Angry on Adam's behalf, Henry said, "That is how they took him, Andrés. Against his will, he was imprisoned in his own Mind. I only did this to prove a point."

Henry: I'm sorry for doing it this way, but I don't see him believing us without some proof.

Neither Aaron nor Albrecht were angry, but they were surprised at Henry's actions. However, neither of them, based on Reading Andrés' surface thoughts, disagreed. Henry gently released him after a few seconds, and Andrés crossed himself, turning white as a sheet. Then, bringing him into a light Link so he would know they had no ill intent, Andrés' eyes widened even more at the loving presence of the four men in his Mind.

Aaron spoke for the first time, saying, "Andrés, there is Evil in this world about which most humans know nothing. As a religious man, you know the Evil of which we speak. Adam was taken by those we name The Enemy, held captive in his Mind for seven years, and made to perform unspeakable acts against his will. Henry only made you sit still for a few seconds, but imagine seven years of that with Evil intent controlling you. Adam did not abandon Julie or his children – he was taken from them."

Suddenly, a cold chill ran down their spines, and Henry, Aaron, and Albrecht felt the presence of The Enemy.

Albrecht said aloud, "They are here! This is a trap!"

Henry, Aaron, and Albrecht's Shields flared brightly, and because Adam and Andrés were Linked they saw the White Power of the three men surrounding them. Also, because they were Linked, Adam and Andrés felt the cold Evil approaching. To Adam, it brought back memories, but rather than reacting in fear, his hot anger ran through the Link.

The thought of The Enemy still intruding on his life, disrupting his chance to regain what he lost, set fire to his emotions. But, knowing his Mind was now protected by his friends, he was free Protect his family.

Knowing Julie, Maggie, and AJ were down the hall waiting in another room, Albrecht said, "Andrés, go to Julie and the children and stay with them."

Handing him a black velvet bag containing Orophir's Amulets, Albrecht said, "Put one of these on, and the other three on them. These will protect your Minds. We will tell you when it's safe."

There was no indication yet that The Enemy's presence had anything to do with Luke, and they prayed it remained that way. Looking at the security monitors in Andrés' office, they saw bodies strewn about the garage, but it wasn't clear if they were dead or unconscious.

Glancing at Aaron, Albrecht received a nod of agreement, and a memory sphere shot out of his hand and through the wall. Henry was aware, and Adam saw it but didn't know what happened.

Moving down the hallway, Henry took the lead, and he, Aaron, Albrecht, and Adam fanned out to confront their adversaries. The garage was littered with Andrés' employees, who appeared unconscious rather than dead, and a small sigh of relief filtered through the Link.

The "suit" facing them was a lieutenant in The Master's ranks, dressed in black and carrying a silver wolf's head cane carved with runes. Four Protectors were with him, Shielded by him, but it was uncertain if they were coerced servants or free-willed. The "suit" did not look well - his skin was pale, his face haggard, and his suit, while clean, was wrinkled and unkempt.

The runes on his cane glowed with a dark nimbus that spread tendrils out, attaching to the Souls of the unconscious humans. His Aura was Powerful, drawing on the human Souls. Prepared, he faced them confidently, even knowing who they were.

Glancing at Adam, his expression turned curious, and he asked, "How are you here? Where is Finch?"

Henry, his voice steady and even, said, "I killed him. He was changed by The Dark One and abandoned Adam."

"So..., that's where they went."

Uncomfortable looks passed between the Protectors at Henry's words.

Aaron: Something is wrong here.

Albrecht: I sense it, too.

Henry asked, "Why hasn't Luke changed you? Are you not worth his time?"

Anger, as he expected, was the response. One constant with "suits" of The Enemy was that their egos were their greatest weakness.

Henry asked, "Why are you here? To what purpose? You know you don't stand a chance against us, even with your little stick."

Grinning evilly, the "suit" replied, "You are wrong, Betrayer. With my Master gone I have access to his vault and spells he kept hidden to keep any of us from challenging him are now mine. With my knowledge, I plan to replace him. It was simple to orchestrate your presence here."

Glancing at Albrecht, he said, "Your `contact' was most helpful and divulged everything to me before I killed him. With my new knowledge, I have resisted The Dark One's Call, but I need more Power to..."

A voice like grating rocks filled all their Minds: Strike!

Henry slowed his perception of Time and took Adam down with him to prepare for whatever might happen. They saw the Protector closest to the "suit" start to move, but rather than move towards them, his hand closed around the neck of the black-suited man, snapping it clean. The Protector on the other side of the "suit" grabbed the glowing cane, bringing it down over his knee and snapping it in half.

Immediately the Shield over the Protectors vanished, but before Henry's Light burned into them, a much stronger, Demonic Shield replaced it. The Protectors dropped to their knees, holding their arms up and out, assuming a non-aggressive posture.

The one that snapped the black-suited man's neck quickly said, "Don't attack! Please! Listen to us! We need your help!"

His voice stern and uncompromising, Henry said, "What's going on? Where's the Demon? We'll burn you fuckers to ash!"

A questioning look crossed the Protectors faces, unsure if Henry was bluffing. He wasn't a Nephilim and shouldn't have the Power to carry out his threat, but the steely look in his eyes and the glowing white lock of hair emitted an aura they didn't expect. The confidence and lack of fear in Aaron, Albrecht, and Adam, even knowing a Demon was present, surprised them.

Bowing his head, the elected spokesman for the Protectors lowered his eyes, and in a quiet voice said, "Please... Listen, and let us explain."

Around them, Ken, Brad, Ricky, Loy, Pat, Darren, Bryan, and Lane materialized with no fanfare of bolts or lightning. They were Shielded but undetectable, their Aura's masked by the Bodies.

Folding his arms over his chest, Ken said, "We're listenin'."

Brad and the others moved in and about Henry, Aaron, Albrecht, and Adam, their Shield enveloping their Brothers and mentors. Immediately upon their arrival, Brad brought everyone into a deep Link, merging everyone but Adam into One Soul.

Albrecht's memory sphere had alerted them, and through the merge they knew what transpired in the previous few seconds. The Enemy might have heard their Mental call to Ken and the others, so Albrecht's prepared memory sphere reached the Lab almost instantly from this short distance.

Nervously, the Protector continued, "Things are different. Once our Master was killed, everything changed for us. Well..., most of us. We pledged our Souls to him, and while he lived, he was a part of us. We served willingly. None of us are good, but over the years, his presence ... it was relentless, and while we weren't exactly coerced, there was no way out until he died. The worst of us kept on going, and most of them are dead by your hand. Some of us though... Well, like I said, we aren't good, but we don't want to be like that anymore."

At the Protector's words, Brad's Avatar ignited. Compassion and Empathy lit up within him at the tiredness of the Souls before him. They were weary, exhausted from pushing back against the remnants of The Master's Will, yet they fought on, hoping to find some way out. It wasn't redemption they sought, not even forgiveness, just an end to their suffering that would allow them to continue living.

Pointing to the dead "suit," Brad asked, "Why were you here with him? How did you keep what you're telling us a secret?"

The Protector seemed afraid but found his courage and said, "Look... Before I explain, promise me you won't kill us outright. At least find out everything before you decide what to do with us."

Deep within their Hearts, a smattering of "fuck me's" and "holy shits" were heard.

Lane: This is going to be good, whatever it is. My stomach's doing flip-flops.

Loy: Mine too.

Brad: Same.

Darren: Ditto.

Lane's Avatar, especially augmented by his Gift, showed that they stood at a Powerful Nexus. Some event was occurring, and their response was about to send powerful Ripples bursting out into Creation. The Mentalists anxiety stemmed from the buildup of the cause about to be released by their decision.

Pat's eyes sparkled, seeing the building tension through his Understanding but not knowing the cause. One of Orophir's Amulets clanked onto the floor, thrown by someone from the oil changing pit, and immediately the origin of the Demonic Shield was revealed, only a few feet away and beneath them!

Azondriel: Do not attack. I mean you no harm.

As his deep voice filled their Minds, his cold presence pushed against their Shields. Fully prepared for an attack, Ken thought: Show yourself, now!

The large metal grates covering the pit pushed up, and the Demon crawled out. As soon as the grates started moving, everyone in both parties moved back to make room. Ken and the guys assumed defensive postures, their bodies igniting with red fire from their Core Energy Centers, oxygenating and loosening their muscles and preparing for a fight. Their physiques swelled, and a light sheen of sweat covered all of them as they took in the opening stance of the Quintessential Dance, ready to vanquish the Demon Azondriel and the Enemy Protectors if they detected even the slightest untruth.

Azondriel was large and squatted down with his wings folded around himself. His posture was entirely non-aggressive, perhaps even meek if a Demon could ever be considered as such.

Azondriel: To prove I speak the truth, I will Open myself to you.

Knowing Bill and Kevin were dealing with Zack, Brad didn't include them in the Link. He knew something significant was happening with his two Brothers when he felt Uriel's presence with them. The Archangel's attendance assured their safety, though, and Zack was too important to Kevin to distract him. If things went south in the garage, Darren could have Bill and Kevin with them instantly, so they proceeded without them. However, without Bill, one of the other Mentalists would have to Read the Demon to discern its true intent.

Darren: I'll take the hit on this one, guys.

Loy and Lane were about to say the same thing, but Darren beat them to it. There was still a deep concern and protectiveness towards Brad after his ordeal with The Curse. As One they all knew it, and Brad acquiesced, accepting the love of his Brothers as intended. A little shit talk ensued while Time didn't move, but the seriousness of the situation brought them quickly back to the fact a Demon sat only a few feet away asking for their help.

Ken: Careful, Dar. I know I don't need `ta say it, but I am. This looks like a SNAFU waitin' `ta happen.

Darren: I'm good, and Lane, before you say anything, I'm ready to lift my skirt and run if he even twitches.

Lane: Now that's what I'm talking about. Good job.

Holding their Shields bright and powerful, Brad kept them coordinated and ready. Waiting until he was within touching distance, Darren lowered his Shield, and reaching out, made skin contact with Azondriel. He paled as everything about the Demon became known to him, from his joy at being created by God, listening to Luke, joining the Rebellion, and up to the present.

Just as it was with Azaziel, living the birth of an Angel and experiencing the separation from Heaven was traumatic, touching them deeply in their Souls. The tears that fell were a mix of the joy, pain, and tragedy of everything Azondriel had done. It was worse to them because now they knew none of it was necessary. Luke deceived every Angel that rebelled with him, not telling them about the First Creation or The Doors. He alone was exposed to the energy at The Doors that Corrupted him, but his decision was about his pain and what he felt was his betrayal by God.

Darren: Fuck me.

Buffering everything until he knew it was safe, Darren released to his Brothers all the knowledge gleaned through his touching Azondriel.

Azondriel: I speak the truth. You see that now.

Three years prior, when Luke was sucked into The Void between creations, his servants thought him gone forever. Much infighting ensued amongst his ranks, and the most powerful Demons drew followers, lobbying for and forming power bases much like the remnants of The Master's servants on earth.

Many killed each other, and the war continued until a year ago. Then, unexpectedly, rifts opened across all the Realms as Luke called his old followers to him. It wasn't just a call – it was a Command they could not resist. Not knowing what was happening, the ranks across all Demondum scattered as more and more of them disappeared into the rifts.

More recently, word of God's granting Free Will to Raphael and some of the other Archangels spread. The angel Azaziel, whom Ken and the others reset three years prior, was among them, and the Demons saw Free Will was possible without Rebelling. Similar to some of the "suits" and Protectors losing their way after The Master's death, many Demons felt the same with Luke gone and the changes occurring in Heaven.

Once again, the Ripples of their actions touched all of the Second Creation in ways they were unaware of.

There seemed no way to resist Luke's Call – with the True Names of all his servants, he Compelled them to come to him. Those who returned to the Physical Realm were altered to be far more powerful, but they were not themselves. Whatever Luke did to them, the changes were far-reaching, and a new power ran through them like a consuming cancer, corrupting them even more, overwriting all knowledge of their former selves. None of them retained any knowledge of ever being an angel, so all hope for returning Home was lost to them.

Fearing Luke's Call, Azondriel and many others sought a way to resist, but so far to no avail. Their only hope lay in the Avatars of the Warriors of The Order.

Azondriel: It is only a matter of time before The Dark One calls those of us who remain. Bartemus Tan, The Master's former lackey who lies dead at our feet, was a means to an end. He wished to kill you all to prove his worth to The Dark One when his Call eventually comes. So we let him orchestrate this meeting and killed him to prove our intent to you.

Responding out loud, Ken asked, "What's your intent? Evil eats itself. Killin' one of your own doesn't prove anythin'."

The Protector responded, "We want you to reset us, or whatever it is you do. We know you can. You've done it twice we know of, once here in Atlanta and the other time in Australia."

Nodding to Azondriel, he continued, "We also all heard what you did to Azaziel, so you can do the same for him."

Aaron: This is unexpected.

Azondriel: Your decision must be made soon. The Dark One's Call could come at any moment.

Lane: Yeah, I'd say this qualifies as one of our greater "OH SHIT" moments.

Deep within themselves, Brad pulled everyone into their Hearts. He merged Adam with Henry, and the rest of them, using Henry as a bridge to Adam.

Ken: To quote Lane, "Didn't see this comin'.'' This is a tall order.

Brad's Avatar was still bright after hearing what the Protector said. Seeing the Protector's Brokenness was painful, because of what they were, what they had done, and now their desire to change.

Pat: They can't change, though, Brad. I Understand that. Resetting them is the only way out for them. I want to say it would have been easier if they attacked us, so we could have just burned them up and shredded Azondriel.

Loy: I don't see how we can say no. You're right, Pat, but asking for our help changes everything.

Rick: Azondriel will be tough, but we can do it without Bill and Kevin if he doesn't resist like Azaziel did. The Protectors won't be an issue.

Ken: Why didn't he just go to Michael? Or Raphael, or one of the other Archangels?

Albrecht: The Archangels could not help them, Ken. Firstly, they do not have your ability to "reset" beings, and secondly, Luke is still imperceptible to them, and he knows Azondriel's True Name. There's a Paradox here, and it shows the Demon's cleverness. Your Avatars will make him new again, and he will be Nameless. We still refer to Azaziel by the name we knew him, but he is essentially a new being. Your Avatars didn't simply convert him back to an Angel; you created a new Angel from the Demon he had become.

Henry: I think resetting them is the right thing to do. It doesn't change anything they've done, but it's the only path to keep them alive and out of Luke's influence. It also takes more evil out of the world by performing a good act.

Ken: If we do this, it's gonna piss Luke off even more.

Lane: Is that even possible?

His anger evident, Adam thought: I know some of them. They're monsters, and now they want a "get out of jail free card"? It's because of people like them my wife and daughter are drug addicts and my children don't know me!

Adam's anger was nearly as challenging as the Brokenness in The Enemy standing before them. He was right, and from his perspective as an Unawakened human, they didn't deserve what they asked. It would come across as terribly condescending to tell him, "You'll understand when you're more enlightened like we are" even though it was the truth.

Gently, Henry thought: We can't deny them a new life if they want to change, Adam. Yes, they did horrible acts, and yes, I also recognize a few of them, but Adam, The Order doesn't take lives out of revenge. We do it when it's justified, and if they were unwilling to change, they would be ash by now.

Brad took Adam and Henry even deeper in a private Link. Appearing with them, he thought: I know this is hard, Adam. Everything is still so fresh for you. You've started down a new path... A good path. I want to share something with you I hope will help.

Cupping Adam's neck and shoulder in his hand, Adam saw through Brad's Avatar of Compassion and Empathy, along with Ken's Avatar of Will and Conviction. Then, Brad continued, one by one, including insight from the Avatars of each of his Brothers who were present. It took much time in the place where time didn't move, but Brad revealed to Adam how they saw the situation. It was overwhelming to take in, but Adam saw their perspective.

Henry: One of the hardest things we have to do is hold unconditional love in our Hearts, Adam. It doesn't apply to Evil and those who serve it willingly, but Azondriel and these men are no longer willing. No, it doesn't change their past or what they've done, but it changes their future, and by doing this, if word spreads among them, more may seek us out for the same thing, and we deprive Luke of more servants. To me, that's Protecting Drew in another way and making things safer for your own family.

Resting in the unconditional love expressed to him, Adam tried to grasp everything Brad showed him. It was like trying to drink from a fire hydrant, but they gave him plenty of time in the place where Time didn't move.

Eventually, Adam quietly thought: I'm sorry. All of this... It's just so exhausting. Maybe you should reset me, too, when you reset them, and all this will go away.

His words brought tears to their eyes, and Adam felt their sorrow for him, but it only emphasized how Broken he still was. Shame and guilt were just as intense in him, and at that moment, he wanted it all to end.

<> 

In the backroom, Andrés huddled on the couch, holding his family, even Julie. He rocked them, bravely trying to comfort them while they cried. Before he put the Amulets on them, they felt the Evil of The Enemy and it terrified them.

A sound of fluttering wings touched their Hearts, and the voice of The Dove whispered to them: AJ, go to your father. He needs you.

The warmth of the Voice enveloped them, changing their tears from fright to joy. As a religious man, Andrés couldn't deny the Light that touched him and whispered to his Heart, and taking his arms from around Julie and the kids, he knelt in front of them. Then, looking at AJ, who sat wide-eyed and crying, he cupped the boy's chin and said, "Go," as he nodded towards the door.

Julie and Maggie didn't seem to understand, or perhaps they didn't hear the Voice through their numbed emotions, but Andrés and AJ heard it clearly. Running to the door, AJ opened it, but he looked back. Andrés smiled at him through his tears, but his mother and sister didn't seem to care what was happening.

Andrés loved AJ and tried so hard but could never connect with the boy. AJ was angry at him for not being Adam and fought him at every turn, but he saw Andrés' tears and knew they were for him, and he saw the love in his eyes. Andrés loved him enough to let him go, to be with his birth father.

Turning, AJ darted out the door, shutting it behind him, and Andrés' heart broke.

<> 

Through their collective Soul, the decision to reset the Demon and the Protectors was unanimous. There was no discomfort in any of them over the decision, except for Adam, and they were deeply concerned about him but would not reset him. He wasn't ready for what was happening, and they couldn't shield him from that pain.

Wrapping Adam in their Light, he felt it, but his Brokenness created a barrier within him, a numbness that pushed him further away. Henry, in particular, cried for Adam, and he prayed when this was over he would find the words to reach his friend.

Ken: B, take us up. Let's do this.

As soon as they returned to their bodies, a little boy's voice behind them asked, "Dad? Is it you?"

Adam was stunned. He knew AJ's voice from their shared Dream when they played catch, and his breath caught as his chest tightened to the point he could barely breathe. Fresh tears, so thick he could hardly see, spilled down his cheeks and into his beard.

His voice cracking with emotion, he asked, "AJ?"

AJ stopped, his eyes wide and terrified, when he saw the Demon, while a ripping sound filled the garage as a tear in Reality started to open. Slowing their perception of Time allowed them to react.

Ken: Pat! Lane! Loy! Do what you can to stop that tear! Ricky, hit Azondriel NOW before Luke can Call him!

With their perception of Time so slow, Luke's voice sounded even more bass and garbled than the first time they heard him at the ball field, calling for the Demons to kill Drew. Their Avatars lighting up, the eight men drew on all their sources of Power, while Aaron, Albrecht, and Henry added to them even more.

Luke's voice came from The Void between Creations, a mix of both, and Lane's Gift allowed him to Listen to each. Taking the sound and Luke's Compulsion, he inverted it, making it his own and canceling it out. The effort was extreme, at the limit of his Power, but he dug deep to become more than equal to the task.

Seeing what Lane was doing, Loy added to it, helping his Brother. His Avatar synchronized with Lane's, and while his Gift could not, his effort still made a difference. Pat's eyes sparkled, and he altered the area of the tear, weaving it back together. The tear itself was unnatural and against the Balance, but closing it was natural, taking far less effort.

Azondriel took a defensive posture, spreading his wings and knocking cars off the lifts. AJ jerked in fright when Azondriel sent the cars flying, but Adam ran to him, kneeling and wrapping himself around his son. Henry followed, his arms around both of them, ready to keep them safe, wrapping the three of them in his own Shield for extra protection. Because AJ wore the amulet Andrés put on him, his Mind and Soul were protected from the forces buffeting around them, but it did nothing for the terror of what he saw.

Already bright, Ken's Avatar ignited, and his Will and Conviction hit the Demon: Azondriel! Stay! We got this!

Their combined Light was blinding in the Spiritual Realm, and if the Protectors weren't Shielded they would have burned to ash. Lane, Loy, and Pat focused on countering Luke, but Brad, Bryan, Ken, and Darren poured themselves into Ricky.

Rick: I'm sorry, Azondriel, but this is going to hurt!

Their Light turning liquid, Ricky focused on the Demon and started pouring their combined Light into the creature. Azondriel screamed, but Ken's Will and Conviction pushed into him, helping him overcome the agony he experienced.

Another tear opened, but Pat managed to close it. Two more opened and started to close but slower.

Pat: Fuck!

Through his Understanding, Pat saw the terror amidst AJ and Adam's Brokenness. Focusing on his son allowed Adam to push his own pain aside, and his need to protect his son consumed him. Pat Understood AJ was the gateway to Adam's recovery, and through his Gift, he saw the remnants of God's voice in AJ and wondered at it.

Puppet strings.

Seeing it all gave Pat what he needed to push beyond his limit. His Soul One with his Brothers, his Understanding spread through them, giving them what they needed to push beyond equal to the task of resetting Azondriel. The Demon screamed, shaking the building as their Single Soul obliterated the Darkness within him as if it never was. His dark purple skin lightened, and bright White feathers appeared on his leathery wings.

Ken: Hold on!

In addition to Azondriel, Ken focused on the Protectors who scattered when the cars fell off the racks, but by pressing his Conviction into them, they didn't flee when the tears started forming.

Brad sent his own Compulsion into them: Trust us!

In a final burst of Light, Azondriel collapsed, his form once again angelic and shining. The Protectors looked on in disbelief. For years under The Master they heard rumors of the Strength and Power of the new Warriors of The Order, but now they witnessed firsthand what The Order was capable of.

Directing his thoughts to the Protectors, Rick yelled into their Minds: Get ready!

In a burst of Power, Brad shattered the deeply embedded Triggers placed in the Protector's Minds, preventing what was about to happen from killing them. Steeling himself, Rick shifted his focus to the Protectors. Even with The Master's alterations and enhancements, they were still human, and the effort to reset them was far less when compared to a Demon. Their pain was no less, but with Azondriel unconscious, Brad and the Mentalists held them. At first, even Shielded, the Light of the Nephilim burned their Souls, but as Rick's Light filled them to the point of spilling out of their eyes, mouths, noses, and ears, their pain ultimately shifted to comfort they had never known as all knowledge and existence of their former lives faded. Finally, with all ties to The Master gone and their Darkness obliterated, their Souls shone with an innocent Light as if they just entered the world from the Hall of Wings in Heaven.

Breathing heavily and drenched in sweat, all the guys dropped to one knee to catch their breath. With Azondriel beyond his reach, Luke stopped his efforts. One tiny rift opened, and Luke's voice echoed through, "You will pay for that, abominations, but I will have the rest, and the boy will fall to me!"

When silence fell in the garage, looking frantically into his eyes Adam cupped AJ's face in his hands. "Are you alright? Are you hurt?"

Instead of answering, AJ threw his arms around Adam's neck, pressing his face against his dad's warm strength, his arms shaking from his grip. "I knew you'd come back. I knew it. I love you, Daddy."

Moving to Rick, Ken put his arm over his buddy's shoulder: Are you alright?

Rick: I'm fine, Ken. That was rough, but it's all good.

Moving to Pat, Lane, and Loy, Ken hugged each of them long and hard. The strain in all of them was evident, but his pride in their efforts uplifted them.

Ken: You guys are badass, each and every one of `ya. Even Lane.

Laughing, Lane flipped Ken off just before he got his hug.

Ken: I'm proud of us, but we need `ta clean this situation up before any normals show up. Let's call the Archangels `ta collect the big fella here.

Through Brad, Bryan knew Uriel was somehow with Bill and Kevin, and abstained from calling him. In perfect form, the other nine men sang the song of their Angelic grandfather's names in the language of the Second Creation, and immediately, nine orbs of Light appeared. Selaphiel and Jegudiel, Bill and Kevin's grandfathers, were called by Raphael to join them. As soon as they appeared, seeing Azondriel, their eyes brightened in wonder.

Grinning, Brad thought: He came to us, Grandfather. He asked us to reset him to keep Luke from calling and converting him. These other servants of The Master helped him and asked the same thing.

Lane interposed: "The times, they are a'changin'."

Raphael, more than any of the other Archangels, realized the underlying significance of Azondriel's request. It was a direct result of the Ripple that started three years prior when Azaziel was reset in Syria.

Lifting his head off his dad's shoulder, AJ stared wide-eyed at the tall men who appeared from balls of Light. Adam stared, too, knowing who and what they were. Trying to normalize the situation even a small amount, Henry put a hand on Adam's other shoulder and said, "We should go back and let Andrés know it's safe."

Standing up with AJ wrapped around him, Adam said, "God, it's so good to see you, AJ. I've missed you so much! AJ, this is Henry, my good friend. Let's go back and talk to your mom and Andrés, okay?"

Aaron and Albrecht were rarely with their adoptive sons in their confrontations with The Enemy. The most prominent fight they witnessed was three years prior when The Master died. Their eyes and Souls shone with pride at what their sons were capable of; the forces their boys dealt with were beyond anything they imagined so many years ago when they started the Project.

Ken moved to his mentors to make sure they were alright, and once assured they were unscathed, he thought: You should probably go back with Henry and Adam. We'll get things wrapped up out here. I hope none of this mess interferes with Adam's situation.

Aaron: We will know momentarily.

Before Albrecht moved to follow Aaron, he put his hand on Ken's neck and shoulder, squeezing him in affection. His other hand moved up to ruffle Ken's hair as he winked, saying everything through his touch and his eyes.

<> 

Less than an hour later, the garage looked like nothing had happened. Brad wakened Andrés' employees, who he had kept unconscious, and modified their memories so they had no awareness of anything unusual happening. Ken and everyone else gathered in the parking lot, keeping themselves invisible with an external Construct while Henry, Adam, Aaron, and Albrecht spoke with Andrés and Julie.

Aaron: Lane, would you and Bryan come in please?

The reason was apparent, and hopeful smiles appeared on their faces.

Lane: Coming, Doc.

Lane dropped himself and Bryan out of Brad's Construct, but remained merged with everyone as they made their way down the hallway, tapping on the door as they became visible.

Andrés' voice called out, "Come in."

Henry said, "Andrés, this is Lane and Bryan."

Swallowing, Andrés nodded to them and said, "Thank you for keeping my family safe today. Aaron shared with me everything that happened."

Lane's Avatar glowed softly, and he didn't try to hide it. Wearing a sleeveless workout shirt, it was clearly evident. Andrés' eyes widened as he saw further proof that everything Aaron told him was true.

Andrés' conflict, especially his fear, was visible to Lane and Bryan in different ways through their Avatars. Bryan Understood the turmoil in the man while Lane felt it, and it was difficult to look at. Julie and Maggie were equally difficult to look at. Their addictions were strong, driving the Brokenness in both of them to a deeper level than in most humans.

Bryan, in his deep, gravelly voice, said, "You're welcome. We're glad everyone's safe."

AJ sat in Adam's lap, with Adam's arm around him, just like he sat with Drew on the couch when they watched TV together. The bond between them was strong to Bryan's Understanding. Pat saw the remnants of God's voice in AJ just before the confrontation with Azondriel, and Bryan witnessed the result. It was more than a puppet string, and he wondered at it. One with his Brothers in the parking lot, a smattering of "fuck me's" and "holy shits" followed.

Lane: I think we're going to have to surgically remove AJ from Adam. He's holding on like his life depends on it.

Henry: I think it might, for both of them.

Andrés said, "Aaron says you can cure Julie and Maggie of their addiction. Is this true?"

Replying, Lane said, "Yes, we can, if that's what they want. We can anyway, but I won't do it if it's against their wishes, for whatever reason."

Julie sat, almost despondent, her eyes shining with unshed tears. She held Maggie, who looked indifferent, against her. To Lane and Bryan, it looked as if emotion had been burned out of the mother and daughter, replaced by drugs, making them numb. Maggie was only twelve, and Bryan Understood she was already sexually active. Probably following her mother's example of trading sex for drugs.

Getting on his knees in front of Maggie, Lane looked directly at her and said, "Hey, Maggie. I'm Lane, and this is my husband, Bryan."

Looking at Julie, he said, "Hi, Julie. What Andrés said is true. Is it what you want?"

Sniffing, Julie nodded, saying, "Yes, it is. We talked about it, and Maggie and I want to be clean."

Lane said, "Then take my hands."

Albrecht's contact told them Julie saw Adam and because of her reaction an Enemy Agent did something to her Mind. Their hands were cold, and Lane's hands seemed hot but comforting. Through the skin contact, Lane Read them both, and with great effort, he didn't flinch at what he saw, although he couldn't help the glassiness in his eyes.

One with Lane, not only Bryan but all the guys learned everything that happened to Julie. The entire lives of the mother and daughter became known to them from the time of their conception to the present. The scars on their Minds and Souls were tragic, Maggie's even more so because she was so young.

Smiling, Lane said, "Don't be scared, but you're going to see some weirdness. Know that everything you see is for your benefit and wellbeing."

There was no need to scare the humans with the visage of Yggdrasil or the Animal Spirits, so Lane prevented them from seeing any of that. Instead, bringing Andrés, Julie, Adam, AJ, and Maggie into a light Link, he Opened their Minds and Hearts enough to see the Light of the Souls around them.

Even though Ken and the others were in the parking lot, eleven orbs of Light encircled Adam and his family. In the Lights, the humans saw the image of each member of The Order, their Nephilim Heritage fully apparent. Even though Henry wasn't a Nephilim, after being touched by God his Light was just as bright. Tall, powerful, and shining with a Light that took their breath away, the men wrapped the Souls of the humans in a cocoon of warmth and comfort. Adam had seen and felt it all before, so he hugged AJ a little tighter to reassure him.

Their Avatars synchronizing, Lane called on their collective Power and sent a gentle flow of Healing into Julie and Maggie, washing the damage from the drugs and addiction away. The Triggers placed in Julie's Mind by The Enemy shattered, and she jerked slightly as the numbness clouding her Mind dissipated.

The entire affair only lasted a few seconds in the Physical Realm, and as their Light dimmed, Lane lightly touched his finger to the end of Maggie's nose and said, "There you go, Beautiful. All better! That didn't hurt a bit, did it?"

Andrés crossed himself again, crying at what he saw, especially the Light of the men whom he saw in the Spiritual Realm.

Aaron: Albrecht, Henry, and I can take it from here, my boys. Thank you for yet another miracle.

Henry: With Julie and Maggie clear and Andrés knowing everything we're about to tell him is true, we can have an honest conversation. Well, the first of many, probably. Somehow, some sort of reconciliation needs to occur, and this family will have to figure out how to function. This is going to take a while, so we'll stay here. You all should head back to the Lab to see how things turn out with Kevin and Bill.

Brad: Good luck with what's about to happen. They couldn't' be in better hands. Call us if you need any backup.

After hugging each other tightly in the place where their Souls were One, Brad separated them, taking them back to their bodies as Darren translocated them to the Lab.

<><><> 

Minutes after the eight men appeared in the Lab from Andrés' garage, Kevin and Bill contacted them, joining the Link they had been absent from most of the day.

Bill: Dar, four to beam up.

Smiles spread across their faces as the news of Zack filtered through the Link. They weren't merged, but Kevin's elation was evident.

Brad: I sensed Uriel with you earlier, so something big must have happened.

Appearing in the lounge, Zack looked overwhelmed while Javier looked unnerved. Kevin still had his arm over Zack's shoulder as he said, "Guys, this is my nephew, Zack. He's going to be living with us."

Brad merged everyone but Zack and time stopped, as once again, deep within their Hearts, they appeared naked to one another in all aspects. The events of the day became a part of all of them, and Kevin and Bill were just as shocked as the rest of the guys at what happened as they absorbed each other's experiences.

Uriel bringing Archie back from Heaven was mindboggling, and so was resetting Azondriel. Still on an emotional high, the Spiritual adrenaline strong in all of them, they closed their eyes as their flesh pressed together. Sinking into the liquid Golden Light of their combined Soul soothed and calmed them, allowing them to relax and refocus. Legs intertwining and arms over shoulders, they held one another as they assimilated the events, going over everything in minute detail.

Something happened to AJ they didn't understand. Some kind of nudge from one of the Trinity happened, and although Pat saw its remnants, they weren't sure what really happened. The fact that Azondriel, and perhaps other Demons, wished to be reset to avoid Luke's Call was an eye-opener. The Protectors with Azondriel were only slightly less of a surprise. Now, in addition to searching for coerced Protectors who were abandoned by their handlers, willing Protectors who wanted to change were now on their list of things to deal with.

Their Purpose was still unclear - were they supposed to find Luke and somehow bring him Home? Or was he now beyond their ability to do that because he was changed and altered into something apart from their Creation?

As Brad had mentioned to Ken, he didn't think their Gifts were weapons against Luke, so hopefully, more of their meaning would become apparent as they located the other Gifts. In the meantime, they would be proactive where they could be and reactive to everything else.

Sally's decline still weighed heavily on their Hearts, and Leroy's absence was a massive unknown. The hurt in Bryan over Leroy was deep. He masked it, but everyone knew his distress and held him tight in their Hearts.

<><><> 

The next few weeks went smoothly for everyone but Bryan. His worry over Leroy ate at him, and he felt he had let the great creature down. However, his Brothers held him tight, and Lane went out of his way to be a buffer against Bryan's distress. Ken did, too, pushing Bryan when he knew it was right and backing off when it wasn't.

Because Zack was safe with them, Kevin exuded excitement. Like all coerced Protectors of The Enemy forced to do horrific deeds, the scars on Zack's Soul were thick and numerous, but his Healing started with his decision to join The Order.

Aaron and Albrecht spent much time with Adam and Zack, and when Henry wasn't training, he attended the counseling sessions to add his wisdom and experience. Adam and Zack supported each other, quickly forming a strong kinship after being released from their shared horror.

With Darren's help, Adam was able to bring AJ to the Lab two days a week after school and every other weekend. Maggie didn't want to come, which hurt Adam deeply, but he didn't press her. He and Julie met twice a week to work on their relationship and to move forward with Andrés in the picture.

The more time Adam spent with Andrés, the more they liked each other and became good friends. Julie was adapting to being free of her addiction and was torn between her love for the two men in her life.

At the end of his latest counseling session, Adam said, "There's something I'd like to bring up."

Aaron raised an eyebrow, inviting him to continue.

"Henry and I merged early on. I'd like to do that with the rest of the guys."

His statement brought a smile to Henry's face, and he said, "I'm happy to hear that, Adam. Unless Aaron has any reservations, I'll talk to Brad and let him know."

Aaron actually smiled and said, "That is wonderful news, Adam. You have grown so much already. It will be a significant step for you, but one I think necessary. You and all the men will benefit from it."

<><><> 

That night, off the rotation, Lane and Bryan slept at their house. After another huge feast at the Lab and cleaning up, the two men left after Mental and physical hugs.

Bryan's state of Mind was slowly declining, and he felt guilty for bringing everyone else down. Bryan noticed Ken's worried looks when Ken thought he wasn't looking. Those looks were coming more frequently from all his Brothers, and every time Bryan saw them, he masked his feelings, pushing them into a box. Lane and Brad saw the `box' nearly full, but there was nothing to be done at the moment.

After their nightly lovemaking, Lane sat up, straddling Bryan's waist while running his hands over his husband, putting his therapeutic skills to work massaging Bryan's torso. Deeply merged, Lane became "that guy" for Bryan as Brad so often did for Ken, squeezing his Soul so tightly, and pushing his love into every iota of Bryan's being so intently, Bryan almost physically felt it.

Tearing up, Bryan whispered, "Thanks, Little Buddy."

Voicing his concern, Lane said, "I don't know what to do for you, Bry."

Barely audible, Bryan asked, "What if he never comes back, Lane? What if Luke has him, or he's hurt? Maybe he's lost and can't find his way back..."

Lane truthfully answered, "I don't know, Bry. I can't imagine he's hurt or lost. Honestly, I don't think Luke has anything to do with him being gone. I've tried to Dream about him, but so far nada. I think the doc is right... Something caught his attention. Maybe God threw a giant ball, and he's out chasing it... Who knows? All we can do is wait, and I know it's hard."

Smirking, Bryan glanced down at his erection and said, "Yeah, it is. Sorry, but when you touch me like this I can't help it."

Giggling, Lane said, "Well, regardless of anything else I contribute to this relationship, I'm glad I affect you this way."

Gripping Bryan firmly, he said, "I'm going to draw this out, so get ready."

<> 

Hours later, the two men finally slept. Moonlight coming through the curtains in their bedroom cast a silvery sheen over their sweaty skin. There was no breeze, and the heat of their bodies kept out the chill in the house.

The light through their bedroom window changed, brightening slightly and moving. The Tree from Yggdrasil's seed in their backyard began swaying gently, emitting its own Light and moving shadows against their house.

Yggdrasil touched its Child, one of the five who Protected Bryan and the others. Another Seed, the Heart of the Great Tree, was about to crack open and needed its host. Like trees in nature, changes occur at certain times of the year with weather changes. Chlorophyll withdraws to store energy for the winter, leaving the bright colored leaves of autumn.

The season upon the world wasn't related to weather. Instead, events and Ripples triggered a response in Yggdrasil. New growth, planned since the beginning of Time, was about to happen.

Bryan's Avatar captured the moonlight and came to life in a gentle pulse of emerald green. A soft nimbus covered the two men, and Lane rolled onto his side, curled up under the covers, his slumber deepening.

Through its Child, Yggdrasil sent its Call, and Bryan disappeared.

<> 

The sudden transition from the warmth of his bed and Lane's body to the chill stone floor of the cavern woke Bryan with a start. The Life Energy of Yggdrasil pushed into him, and he breathed deeply, infusing himself and fulfilling his dual nature as an Unfallen, Original Man, and a Nephilim. Knowing he was in The Valley, Bryan didn't panic but wondered what happened and how. Mentally reaching for Lane to let him know he was alright, he sensed Lane's slumber.

Do not awaken him.

The admonition wasn't in words but rather an intense intuition. Yggdrasil had never spoken to him before, and it shocked him as much as the first time Leroy spoke to him.

Why am I here? Why did you bring me?

With his enhanced hearing, a gentle creaking from the lake of the Water of Life caught his attention. He noticed the waterline was much further out, and looking down, he almost panicked as he saw the water receding.

Come.

Wading into the icy water, Bryan increased his body temperature while lowering his sensitivity to the cold. Wide-eyed, he watched the massive roots of the Tree slowly move, making a woody, splintering sound. Then, like tentacles, the roots withdrew, revealing an opening.

An emptiness inside him, one he wasn't aware of, became known to his Understanding. The pull was irresistible, and he didn't want to fight it even if he could. Something far below, something deep within the earth, waited for him.

Naked and cold, even after calming his nerve receptors, he moved further into the Lake. Holding his arms around him, he chaffed his skin as best he could. His nipples were so hard they hurt, and his balls had never drawn up to tightly, begging for warmth.

Unexpectedly, he laughed at himself and his reaction. Something about what was happening filled him with contentment he hadn't felt in a long time. Lane was still there, in his Soul, ever-present and a comfort. His Brothers were too. Leroy's absence was still an ache, but his worry lessened, pushed back by The Tree. Red fire from his Core Energy Center licked over his body, not only heating him but oxygenating his body.

"Fuck, here goes nothing."

Calmly, he moved forward, sinking beneath the Water, and by the Light of his Avatar he saw the tunnel for his descent. Occasionally the massive roots would move to make room for him, but eventually the passage widened. As far down as he was, the pressure should have been immense, and he was prepared to alter his body, but his Understanding told him the magic of the Water would keep it at bay.

Headfirst, he swam, continuing his journey for miles. It felt good to exercise his muscles which felt no fatigue, and he enjoyed the flow of the Water over his skin. Between the magic of the Water and Yggdrasil's Life Energy constantly pushing into him, he felt as if he could burst. Hours went by, and he had no idea how far he swam.

Seeing an orange light ahead, Bryan realized it was lava. The walls of the passage tunneled through the molten rock of the earth's crust, but the Water cooled it, keeping his way clear. Not even the lava warmed the Water, but after acclimating to it and insulating himself, the Water soothed his body's constant exertion.

Through his Understanding, he realized Time was moving differently, slowing more and more as he descended into the depths of the earth. As Protector of The Tree and attuned to its energies, he hadn't felt an Awareness of Life so acutely since the night Uriel brought him to The Valley for his second Awakening.

Finally, the tunnel turned sharply, and after a short distance his head broke water. Air from the roots of Yggdrasil, warm and pleasant and smelling of freshly tilled loam in the sun, kept him alive. A heartening, soft yellow glow permeated the small cave, and the source of everything he felt resided in a Seed, the Heart of Yggdrasil, nestled on a pedestal of roots.

He knew it immediately – his Gift Called to him.

The Light emanating from the Seed was too bright to look at, and he lifted a hand to cover his eyes. The Gifts in Lane, Loy, and Pat were tainted and marred by exposure to The Curse through hosts, but not the Seed. Waiting for him since the beginning of the Second Creation, it remained untouched, an uncorrupted purity never before seen or touched by anyone or anything but Allenor.

Reverently, he looked upon it and trembled in anticipation. Through his Understanding, he knew the Seed required him to thrive and grow, and he, in turn, required it. He wasn't complete without it, so he inched forward, gazing at its beauty. Gently wrapping his hands around it, he marveled at the smooth texture. It was beautiful.

Open it.

Tightening his grip on the outer shell caused it to crumble, and he cried out, dropping to his knees, as what lay within infused every essence of his being. As his Avatar ignited on his strong shoulder, the Light from the Seed arced into it, at once expanding his consciousness. Yggdrasil touched all Life in all Realities, and now, Bryan did as well. Wherever there was Life, he had Awareness.

Albrecht's comments about Mugin and Hugin were partially correct. Thought and Memory of all Life were now a part of Bryan, and Raven Wing tattoos appeared on his forearms, becoming the focal point of his new Awareness. His eyes sparkling just like Pat's as Life of the Second Creation became a part of him, Bryan was now the Heart of the Tree.

More than Awareness, he was Life and Death – a Balance. Holding out his palm, a sphere of Life Energy formed, and he couldn't contain the smile that spread across his face. Ken often thought how handsome Bryan was when he smiled. His outward visage was usually stoic, but Bryan never looked more handsome or radiant than in that moment.

His naked body shone with Life; he exuded it and became as beautiful as any of the Archangels. Resting in the moment, he took in the utter completeness of what now resided within him, feeling whole in a way he never knew he needed, even with Lane's and his Brothers Souls a part of him. His Gift magnified it all, elevating it to a level he hadn't known possible. However, his smile faltered as he looked deeper into Creation, at The Curse and how it affected Life. Doubling over in pain, he cried out at the Brokenness. It felt like the night of his Second Awakening, but this time Uriel wasn't present to push it back as he did before.

Fuck!

Bryan.

As he recognized the voice, hands touched him, soothing him, and through his tears, he saw The Dove. Bryan was barely able to speak, and with tears pouring down his face, he asked, "Why?"

Rather than answering, The Dove enveloped Bryan in his Unconditional Love, embracing him and pushing back the pain, giving him a reprieve.

You now see all Life, Bryan, as I do, and the pain won't stop until The Curse is gone.

Bryan: But The Curse...

Yes, I know.

Bryan lashed out: Your Plan is fucked up!

God's Light surrounded him, infused him, and brightened until he passed out. When he woke on the floor, The Dove was gone. What he felt before... The Curse and how it affected Life... It was there but pushed back, and he realized it was the Balance. If he focused solely on one side or the other it was extreme, but he found Peace in the center, much like the Centering Flame he learned from Aaron and Albrecht. He wanted again the feeling of Life he first experienced, but knew he never would until The Curse was gone.

With the Seed now rooted in him, the Magic that kept it safe slowly faded, and the chamber began heating up. Hot and humid, he began to sweat. Looking at his new tattoos, he marveled at their detail, and his eyebrows rose when the feathers moved slightly. Thought and Memory... Staring at the new markings, echoes and whispers of Life and Death ran just under the surface of his Mind.

Expanding his Awareness, Bryan felt Lane and his Brothers. Sensing them, when he focused he could see them in his Mind. Searching for Leroy again, the great beast was absent, which meant he was no longer in the Second Creation or was somehow dead. Shaking his head and applying his discipline, Bryan stopped the direction of his thoughts, not allowing "what ifs" to take over.

He's alive, damnit! He's fine and will come home soon!

His forearms glowed softly along with his Avatar when he called on his Awareness, and with his enhanced sight, he noticed a glimmer on the back wall. Creating bio-luminescent moss to light the chamber, it became like daylight to his enhanced vision. Then, focusing on where the Seed rested, he realized the pedestal of roots it had rested on were stone, carved so lifelike he almost couldn't tell the difference.

Reaching out to touch the pedestal, he noted his thickly muscled forearms coated in sweat. Veins showed clearly even through the tattoos, and in the soft glow of the chamber he realized he was living Lane's Dream. The Dream wasn't about his Gift as Lane surmised; rather, it foretold what was about to happen.

Through his Understanding, now augmented by his Gift, Bryan realized there was another chamber behind the one he was in – a much larger cave invisible to him before because Power from the First Creation protected it.

Understanding the mechanism, he twisted the pedestal, and part of the wall became translucent and noncorporeal. Stepping through it with no fear, Bryan felt that he entered another world. The chamber was enormous, with huge-sized furniture and what might be tools. In the center of the room, set on the floor, a fire burned. Realization dawned, and he didn't need his Understanding to know he stood in the place where Allenor forged the Gifts.

Ten recessed areas were embedded in the walls of the circular chamber, one of which he stepped through. His disappointment ran deep at seeing the empty spaces instead of the other Gifts.

Yeah, it would be too fucking easy if they were all just here, waiting for us. Another part of the fucked-up Plan. This shit is getting old.

Stopping, he felt embarrassed about his attitude, and a tear came to his eye. Yes, everything was fucked up, but maybe the fucked-up part wasn't really part of God's Plan. Maybe the Plan is to fix everything. Without the Plan, even if he and Lane found each other, they wouldn't share their Souls, and he wouldn't trade that for anything.

Raising his head up, he thought: I'm sorry. I'm being a dick.

Another thought hit him, and a smile crossed his face, once again lighting up his features. The doc is going to get a bigger boner than Ken when he sees this place.

The Power surrounding and protecting the chamber was still there, but to his Understanding, the interior where he stood was entirely of the Second Creation – except the Fire in the center. He assumed it was the "forge" Allenor used to create the Gifts, and it must be immensely Powerful and dangerous. It, too, had a nimbus around it, keeping it isolated. He knew he could touch it with his Gift, but he also realized it would be monumentally stupid to do so without further study.

<><> 

Lane woke with a start thinking Bryan had touched him, but he realized Bryan wasn't in bed when he sat up.

Calling out, "Bry?" he got no response and panicked, especially because they were no longer merged. After making love, the two men had fallen asleep with their Souls intertwined as they always did, and Lane never felt their separation. However, even though Bryan's Soul wasn't with him, Lane still felt a vague sense of his husband. It wasn't anything close to what he felt when they merged, but somehow they were still connected with a feather-light touch. The touch was enough to keep him from the usual debilitating panic from separations he felt in the past – what any of them felt when the other half of their Souls were absent.

Fuck! Not again!

Far more Powerful than he was the first time Uriel took Bryan to the Tree, Lane Listened and fluttered his Soul across the Veil, giving him the Mental strength to cast his Mind to The Valley. With Michael's permanent Dispensation, The Valley was no longer Shielded from them, but Bryan wasn't there.

Focusing, his Avatar came to life, and Lane cast his Mind to the Ether, Opening himself to any knowledge or indication of where Bryan might be. Again, he felt no sense of panic or wrongness – in fact, he felt positive, which confused him.

Lane: Brad?

Triggers in Brad's Mind activated at Lane's call, and he instantly became awake.

Brad: What's up, Lane? Is something wrong?

Lane: Bryan's gone again and I can't find him, but I don't have any sense of dread. I actually feel him in an odd way, so I think he's alright, but he isn't here.

Brad: Get to the Lab. We'll be right there.

Sending out a Mental "911," Brad hit Triggers in everyone, waking them.

Brad: Everyone to the Lab, pronto! Bryan's missing!

On instinct, Darren synchronized their Avatars no matter where they were, and they appeared naked in the Lab straight from their beds. Before Ken addressed them, Bryan's presence wrapped around them as though he stood in the room with them. Deeply powerful, it was as if his arms and Soul were around each of them.

Lane: Bryan?

Ken, Pat, Rick, and Kevin heard Bryan's voice in their Hearts: Guys? Can you hear me?

The Bodies' Avatars came to life, glowing with the bright emerald green of the canopy of Yggdrasil, and Bryan's voice spoke to them through the part of their Avatars they shared with him.

Ken: Bry? Are you okay? Where the fuck are you?

Bryan: I'm fine. You won't believe where I am or what just happened. I don't know if Dar can see to get here, but I bet Lane and Loy can. You all need to be here.

Bryan was right and Darren couldn't see through his eyes. The protective barrier prevented anyone without a Gift from seeing or sensing the cavern. However, they practiced using each other's Avatars in their training, so Darren synchronized their Avatars while Lane and Loy used the visual from Bryan's Mind, and they vanished.

<> 

As soon as they appeared, Lane leapt into Bryan's waiting arms, and Time stopped for a moment as they came together, their Souls combining as their warm solid bodies pressed against each other. The rest of the guys surrounded Lane and Bryan in a group hug, and within their Hearts they held them even tighter than their arms.

While merged, through his Avatar and Gift, Bryan put himself into them. The other Bodies felt it more acutely, and the Mentalists experienced it through their husbands. As the Heart of Yggdrasil, Bryan was now One with the Tree, and the Life Energy he exuded pushed into them, taking them with him into all of the Second Creation.

Lane and Bryan were now the only couple to both have Gifts, and when they merged, their Gifts touched on a more profound and private level. When Pat, Lane, and Loy merged at The Doors with Eleleth, their Gifts spoke to one another, and even though Lane's Gift was stunted, tainted by its human hosts, it didn't lessen the effect of his merge with Bryan.

Now, with both men plugged into the Second Creation, their Gifts didn't synchronize as their Avatars did, but they did join, enjoying and communicating with one another. Lane's Gift, both the temporal aspect and his ability to Listen to the Music of Creation, added to Bryan's Awareness of Life. Seeing through Time, Bryan touched Life from the present and the past, and the further back they went, the less Brokenness there was because species missing in Bryan and Lane's time were no longer extinct.

The Paradox of their existence fully apparent, Lane and Bryan were simultaneously One with their Gifts, each other, and their Brothers, and the added element Bryan brought made them even more than the sum of their individual selves. Tears fell as their breath caught. The energy Yggdrasil pushed into them in The Valley always charged them up, but now it was a part of them through Bryan, and they didn't have to be in The Valley to experience it.

With their warm, muscular bodies pressed together, the Power they raised ignited within them, expanding their capacity of love for one another, physically and Spiritually. Becoming aroused with no embarrassment, they expressed their love to one another.

Everything that transpired since Bryan called them happened in the Time between breaths, and although they spent a small eternity in one another, acclimating to the newest change amongst them, hardly any time passed in the Physical Realm. Their love and devotion to one another stronger than ever, they didn't want to separate and rested in each other.

Finally, coming down off the new high, they appeared together within their Hearts, circled as usual with their arms around each other's shoulders and their legs intertwined. This time they were all still erect, but again with no shame or embarrassment. The Power running through them went straight to their libidos, and they couldn't help the physical reaction.

Sitting next to Bryan, Ken pulled his buddy closer, kissing his temple and ruffling his hair.

Ken: Geezus, Bry. This was a shock.

His eyes wet with tears, chuckling and crying, Bryan thought: You horny fuckers, I love you guys.

Knowing everything that happened, they wondered at it, and Bryan's comment about the Gifts finding them seemed more accurate than ever.

His eyes flashing White, Lane's Avatar pulsed at a realization, and his thought became One with them. If Leroy hadn't left his cave, Bryan would never have received his Gift, and they wouldn't be where they were.

Puppet strings.

Brad: This has to be Allenor's cave.

Bill: I can't Read the cave. Maybe when I get my Gift I'll be able to. If I can, we might figure out how the other Gifts were taken or where they are.

Darren: With our luck, you'll be last to get one, and it won't matter.

A loud, collective chuckle followed Loy's comment: Don't be a Debbie Downer!

Reaching over, Pat gripped Darren's erection and thought: There's nothing down about him right now!

Darren slapped his hand away playfully: No touchy! Bry's got all of us on the edge, and I don't want to waste it by giving you pervs a show.

Ricky: From what I hear, it wouldn't be much of a show, Mr. Dribbler.

Darren_: Dribbler my ass, I can dot your eye from five feet!_

The conversation deteriorated for a minute while shit talk and bragging ensued, but they quickly refocused. The thought of where they were and what it could potentially mean for them was too much to put off.

Bill: Well, whatever my Gift is, I hope it's better than changing the color of my piss.

Another chuckle ran through them at Bill's reference to his insecurity when he was the last to Awaken.

Ken: I think the doc needs `ta be here, and Albrecht. I hate it for Henry, but I don't want him or Drew here until we know more. Anything dealin' with the First Creation scares the hell outta me where those two are concerned.

Brad: I agree. I'm not sure what we'll find here or if we can even figure out anything. Allenor is an enigma. He told us God took the three best crafters of his people, and this does sort of look like a workshop, but was it only for the Gifts, or did he make other stuff?

Lane and Loy each tried to Read the cave and look into its past, but like Bill, something prevented them or the cavern was cleansed of any imprints.

Rick: Albrecht is the craftsman; I bet he'll geek out way more than the doc over this place.

Darren: We know squat about the First Creation other than our interaction with Allenor, which isn't much. He mentioned how weird we were compared to his people.

Lane: Correction, Dar... he called Loy and me "fascinating."

Darren continued: So yeah, like I was saying, he said how weird we are. He said they didn't have emotions like us and they were more logical. I bet the differences are far more extreme than we think. Take the incompatibility of the Energy between the two. I think that's just the tip of the iceberg. I wonder if any of us will be able to make heads or tails out of anything here.

Rick: Pat, is he always this negative at home?

Laughing, Darren flipped Rick off.

Brad: You're probably right, Dar. Your Avatar is most in tune with the Physical Realm, so I trust your Intuition and judgment.

Darren: Thanks, Brad! I feel vindicated.

Ken: Dar? Are you sure you can get us back here?

Darren: While you sissies have been sitting around playing with yourselves, I've been working. I imprinted this room already.

Dropping out of their merge, Darren vanished, translocating himself back to Atlanta, reappearing a few seconds later.

Grinning, he said: No problem, Ken.

Pat: You know, guys, if we ever need another base, this would make a great spot.

His eyes sparkling, Pat backed his perception out and manifested an image of the earth in the air before them.

Pat: We're hundreds of miles below the surface, and the magic Shielding this place is unique and Powerful. The enchantment covering the smaller chamber Bry's Gift was in broke when he accepted it, but the rest of this place is still Shielded. My guess is, this place is "Luke proof."

Ken: One more thing to think about! Let's all head back `ta bed, talk `ta the doc and Albrecht about all this first thing in the mornin', and then decide a plan of action.

Putting his arm around Bryan's shoulders, Ken continued: More than anythin' I'm glad Bry's safe, and now apparently more badass than ever. We got a lot `ta figure out – every time one of us gets a Gift it changes our fightin' routines.

Deep within their Hearts they heard and felt Bryan's thought: If Leroy had to leave so all this could happen, I hope he'll be home soon. I'm still worried about him.

Squeezing Bryan's shoulder and giving him a little shake, Ken thought: Us, too, Bry. Us, too, buddy.

<><> 

Time moved differently at The Doors, and while Ken and Brad and all the guys were in the hospital with Tanner Rawlins, Eleleth sat with his new son.

Curious about everything, Eleneth tested even Eleleth's patience in answering his questions. As an Archon, Eleleth and his fellow Luminaries were created by God with the knowledge necessary to sing the First Creation into being. Eleneth was not born with any such knowledge, and he wanted to know everything. Knowledge without wisdom could be dangerous, so Eleleth remained patient, doing his best to nurture his new son and give him both.

"Father, you said The Doors are the only way into the First Creation, but I found another."

Eleleth's brow furrowed, and he asked, "What!?"

"Yes... I saw a great beast, a winged serpent who went there."

Greatly concerned, Eleleth said intently, "Show me!"

Taking his father's concern as anger towards him, Eleneth became fearful.

Sharing his memory, Eleleth watched as the Dragon of the Second Creation left his home. There was no passage; the creature simply vanished, appearing in the First Creation. Knowing the reason, Eleleth's worry vanished, replaced with a mix of other emotions – hope, anticipation, and longing. Perhaps he would be with Henry Ross after all!

Seemingly staring at nothing, Eleleth's Mind and Heart dreamed of what was now in motion. He went so still Eleneth wondered, and still fearful, he asked, "Are you angry with me, Father? I did not mean to do wrong."

The fear in Eleneth's voice brought Eleleth quickly back to himself, "No, Son, I am not angry. The creature you saw and the other like it in the First Creation do not need The Doors. They are unique, and what you witnessed portents great change."

Understanding what Leroy's actions meant, Eleleth suddenly felt tired and weary. Was an end in sight, and possibly a new beginning? The culmination of many recent events raced through his Mind, and the long years of his life weighed heavily on him.

Emboldened by his father's reaction, Eleneth boasted, "I've seen many things, Father. In The Void, I found a being imprisoned inside an object. I spoke with him because he seemed lonely. He is trapped and doesn't belong anywhere. He is like me."

Overwhelming guilt hit Eleleth at his son's words. A Child of two Creations, Eleneth did not truly belong to either, and he was pulled towards both.

"He asked me to find a Nephilim named Istariel."

With a tear trail of Light spilling down his cheek, Eleleth asked, "Will it make you happy to help this being?"

"His name is Orophir, Father. He is the Nephilim child of The Dark One, the one in The Void trying to open The Doors and bring an end to all."

After a slight pause, Eleneth continued, "Yes, it would make me happy to help him. It would also make me happy to know and talk with my mother. I watch her often, but I cannot get too close. The corruption within her is painful to me. Orophir tells me he knows how to make her well again, so I can be close to her."

Concerned, Eleleth was afraid his son's innocence might make him susceptible to dishonesty and asked, "Are you sure he is not deceiving you? He might only be telling you what you wish to hear, so you free him."

Abruptly, angrily, Eleneth shouted, "You do not trust my judgment!" and vanished in a fit of anger.

Sighing, Eleleth looked through Henry Ross's memories, searching for wisdom to deal with the growing pains of his son. Eleneth, while still a child emotionally, was Powerful, and could unintentionally wreak much havoc. Eleleth walked the fine line of being a parent and a friend, yet felt he was failing at both.

<><> 

After dinner, everyone settled in for the night. Pat, Darren, Ken, and Brad were on rotation to stay with Henry and Drew in the lab. Bill and Kevin, along with the boys, stayed in the Lab to be with Zack, and AJ was with Adam for the night.

AJ fit right in with Drew, Brett, and Tommy but stayed by Adam's side no matter where he went, overwhelmed by his friends and where they lived. The big men were so nice and interacted with him in a profoundly different manner than he was used to. The following day, he didn't want to go back to his mother. Aaron and Brad knew why and had prepared Adam for it, but it was still difficult.

<> 

After their nightly lovemaking, still sweaty and holding one another, Lane shifted their positions so he could cradle Bryan's head and shoulders in his lap. Caressing his husband, or often just holding him, he took Bryan out into Creation, Listening to Music.

Filling them both with gentle, soothing songs, he took them so far out they felt how close they were to Heaven. Bryan's worry over Leroy still ran deep, and Lane did everything he could to support and distract the other half of his Soul.

Knowing what Lane did, Bryan loved his husband all the more, and he pushed his worry aside to focus on how much he loved Lane and was grateful to have such a man in his life. Wherever Lane took them, Bryan sensed the Life around them. There was so much Life in Creation, and humans were ignorant of most of it.

Still touching the Souls of their Brothers, Lane and Bryan felt their love surrounding them. Each was distinctly different but deep and Powerful. Sinking into all of it, Bryan drifted, carried and comforted in a way no human could possibly imagine.

Suddenly, within Bryan's Heart, a voice as deep as a mountain, a voice he hadn't heard in years, spoke to him.

Abba, I come...

Email: Brad Townsend - bookofloagaeth@gmail.com

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

(I'm no longer on Facebook)

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