The Gifts

The Order: The Gifts Chapter 7

The Gifts

Copyright © 2022 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

I haven't posted any music in a while, and in this chapter Lane has a little fun with Henry and Sally. He plays the chorus to this song:

Boogie Fever.

I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy. The world is getting crazier and crazier it seems, and I often wish `the guy's' were real and could intervene. There are a lot of open plot threads and not all of them get attention in every chapter, but rest assured I haven't forgotten about any of them. I want to give a special thanks to Tom and Jonathan, who are helping me edit and proof the chapters. I hope you can tell a difference – I sure can! With their help the chapters seem much more polished. It does take a little longer between chapters, but I think the wait is worth it. I hope you do to! As always send me feedback if you have questions, comments, or criticisms. My email address is at the end of the chapter.

Enough from me ... on to Chapter Seven that starts with some very important historical context 😊

-   Brad

Chapter Seven - Prelude

<>< Allenor's Forge ><>

Shortly after the Second Creation was formed

Using all four limbs, the being known as Allenor pulled the last Gift from the forge. The orb containing The Gift of The Veil hovered over one hand, and after setting down his tools with his other hand and his feet, he placed the orb in the last remaining alcove. It glowed as brilliantly as the nine other Gifts residing in their receptacles waiting for their hosts - hosts who would not be born for billions of years. Already The Gifts Called to the Avatars they would be paired with.

The Dove stood nearby, and Allenor faced him to ask, "I have done as You wished, what now will become of me?"

"You are free to go."

Returning his tools to their proper places, Allenor sighed, wondering if he had done the right thing. His logical mind told him it was prudent to follow the wishes of Origin, but he wondered at the rebellion of his two companions. It was unlike anyone of his race to act in such a disobedient manner.

Allenor was old even for one of his kind, and he was counted wise. The Creation he was born to, the First, had devolved into Brokenness. Prophecies spoken for millennia came to pass, and he knew the time approached when Origin would intervene and wake the Dragon. The Fall of the First Creation happened so gradually that it was difficult to see while living through it, but it seemed inevitable in retrospect.

The Prophecies led Allenor to do as Origin wished. As the best craftsman among his people, his artistry and skill allowed him to leave a meaningful legacy and touch a part of something new and fresh. In his own manner, he prayed that the Second Creation would not fall as his did.

With a gesture, Allenor sealed his forge for preservation and safety. Other than The Gifts, the forge was his highest achievement - Perpetual Fire from his Creation - but also dangerous to the Second Creation. If let loose, it would destroy a significant portion of the Second Creation before burning itself out.

Allenor sighed in resignation as he looked around the cave that had been his home for some time. His true home no longer existed, and he thought perhaps he should stay in the cave and forsake his companions, but his desire to be among others of his kind was too strong. He felt that the three remnants of his kind should be together at the last.

His forge lay in a site created by Origin, outside the Arc of Time for Allenor to craft The Gifts. The Earth was not yet formed, still only a collection of cosmic dust, various gases, and clumps of ice. Eventually, it would form a sphere but remain molten and unable to sustain life for billions of years. Once it cooled, Origin would place the cave for Bryan to find countless millennia later.

Allenor faded as he left the cave to seek the last two survivors of his kind. After Allenor departed, a tear trailed down The Dove's cheek because He was aware of the treachery awaiting Allenor. But it needed to happen.

<> 

Moments after Allenor left, The Dove summoned Thomin, one of His First Children of the Second Creation.

Tall and stately, Thomin appeared before him and bowed. With reverence he said, "I am here, Father."

"You have a special purpose, my Child. Something vital... a task that will carry through the entirety of the Arc of Time. Take these Gifts and keep them in your Vault, and once the Earth is completely formed, hide all of them but one."

The Gift of the Veil appeared above The Dove's hand, hovering over his palm. It was the last Gift Allenor crafted and was still hot from the forge. "This one, you must keep with you. Millenia from now, a human will bear a Mark given him by the child of an Archangel and a mortal woman. When the Mark appears, you will know, and you must give its bearer this Gift."

"Yes, Father."

Thomin gathered The Gifts as instructed and kept them safely in his Vault until the Earth formed. Once Earth could sustain life, Thomin cleverly hid them in places no one would ever find. As he placed each one, he did not notice, in fact he could not notice, a portion of his Intellect remained with each, and he became more childlike. The part of his Intellect that endured with each Gift held the memory of its location, so Thomin himself no longer remembered where they lay. To Thomin, unaware of the changes to his Intellect, it was as if his actions never happened.

Finally, only the Gift of The Veil remained, and with the Mind and Heart of a child, Thomin returned with it to his Vault, fulfilling his purpose as a collector and curator of objects of Power, keeping them safe from humans and The Enemy. His naïve innocence protected him from any desire to use the objects or to be distracted him from fulfilling his Purpose. Occasionally God visited him and took an item, but always He left something in return.

<> 1 BC <>

One Being, The Trinity, sat on Their throne in Heaven. Under The Curse, Earth had changed and evolved as They knew it would. Another significant part of Their Plan needed to occur, so They called The Veil into existence to separate the Physical and Spiritual Realms.

Magic stopped working in the Physical Realm that day, and many creatures of myth and legend became trapped behind The Veil no longer able to manifest in the world of men. The time had come for man to enter an era of faith. God saddened knowing Their Second Children would fail, but it was necessary for Their Plan to come to fruition. Their First Children of the Second Creation, the Archangels, angels, and various hierarchies of Heaven, did not question Their actions; however, as Luke served his purpose, he tried to find some manner of using The Veil to his advantage.

Within the confines of Thomin's Vault, the last Gift in his keeping brightened perceptibly when The Veil appeared. The Archangel smiled and laughed, knowing the object had become more significant and important. Taking it from its pedestal, he rolled it between his hands like a child staring into the beauty of its depths. Becoming aware of a human granted the Mark his Father spoke of, Thomin took the last Gift to seek the human.

<>< 702 AD ><>

Western shores of Wales – Penmon Priory

Brother Jalaam led a simple, monastic life. A pious and kind young man, he fit in well with the benevolent order that served the people along the coast of Cardigan Bay. The name Jalaam means "in him it will be hidden" in ancient Hebrew, which brought much teasing from his brothers. Good-naturedly, he laughed with them and joked back.

One night in the deep of winter, a treacherous storm brewed. Superstitions among the common folk spoke of lightning in snow storms bringing evil spirits to catch anyone out and about by themself. Regardless of whether the tales were true, people stayed behind locked doors on those nights. Unnerved by the lightning, Brother Jalaam dreamed as he huddled under the pile of skins on his bed ...

A figure, robed and cowled, stood in his room. The figure wasn't in his room, yet it was. It was a Spirit come to visit him. Shivering, Jalaam realized he was naked in the dark. His powerful body muscled from hard work, exploded in pain when the figure reached out and touched the ball of his shoulder. Lightning flashing through his small window cast stark shadows in his tiny room, and a Mark on his shoulder glowed softly when the chamber returned to darkness.

Jalaam crossed himself for protection as the figure stood for a moment before bowing, and it vanished with a shimmer in the air.

... Waking with a start, Jalaam's shoulder ached. Standing up, he pulled his tunic off his shoulder and was shocked to see the symbol there. Terrified, he had no idea what happened or what it might mean. He collapsed and crawled back under his bedding before passing out exhausted.

<><> 

Unsure what to make of the Mark, Jalaam kept it hidden. He was frightened by not only what it might mean but also by the entity that branded him with it. The Mark was easy to hide in the cold stone monastery where he rarely went unclothed. He didn't bathe in a tub often, preferring to wash his body with a cloth in the privacy of his tiny cell.

Weeks after Jalaam received the Mark, visitors arrived requesting to see Abbot Curig, the head of Penmon Priory. Travelers were rare, especially in the winter, and all the Brothers wondered who they might be. Jalaam was outside milking cows when an excited looking Brother Duncan approached.

"Jalaam! The Abbot sent me to fetch you! I'll finish the cows. Clean up and go! Quickly!"

Jalaam nervously changed into a fresh robe so as not to smell of the barn. He noted the strangers' horses tethered to the outbuilding. The beasts looked noble and well cared for – their barding of fine leather and blankets of thick, heavy wool.

Jalaam knocked on the door to Abbot Curig's office, and upon entering, two men he had never seen before turned to look at him. One was elderly with a kind, gentle face covered by a long white beard. The other was lean but muscular, young and handsome, with a short beard and ponytail, and he held an exquisite harp in his lap.

Abbot Curig said, "Shut the door, please, Jalaam, and sit."

Curious and nervous, Jalaam sat on a stool to the side.

Jonathan glanced at Taliesin and spoke in his Mind: Is he the one you Dreamt of, Tal?

Taliesin: He is.

Abbot Curig said, "Jalaam, these two men are Jonathan and Taliesin. They have traveled far to meet you and have grave matters to discuss."

Jalaam's eyes widened in fear, but Jonathan covered Jalaam's hand in comfort and said, "You have nothing to fear from us, young man; however, what we wish to discuss is another matter."

Jonathan's eyes flashed White as he warded the room against eavesdroppers, and Jalaam crossed himself as he nearly fell off his stool in shock.

Taliesin smirked, "Well, isn't this going to be fun."

Giving Taliesin a reproachful look, Jonathan said, "Show us the Mark on your shoulder, Jalaam. Do not be afraid."

Jalaam trembled, pulling his tunic down to reveal the Mark on his muscled shoulder while he looked away in fear and shame. Confused and still frightened despite Jonathan's words, he wondered how they knew of the Mark. Abbot Curig seemed altogether befuddled.

Jonathan touched it, tracing the runic symbol with his finger, and in a gentle, caring voice said, "You have been blessed, Jalaam, like few others in this world. We have come to help you discover what this means and bring you into our Order. We have much to tell you. Ours is a long tale, so perhaps food and drink are called for."

Abbot Curig, clearly showing deference to Jonathan, left the room to fulfill the request, and soon a small table was brought in and set with food far better than what Jalaam was accustomed to. He rarely ate lamb stew or drank good ale, and the taste was delightful.

While Jonathan revealed to Jalaam the existence of The Order and the Battle between the Light and the Dark and the role he now would play, Taliesin plucked his harp quietly, humming a soft tune. It seemed Jalaam didn't have a choice, but his good and simple heart wouldn't allow him to deny the call of The Order and what it stood for. Abbot Curig embraced these Divine revelations, and was Compelled by Jonathan not to speak of anything he heard with anyone not of The Order.

<><> 

After training for many years with Jonathan, Taliesin, and other Elders of The Order, Jalaam mastered the Mark. He learned the Entity that bestowed it upon him was a Nephilim, yet why the Mark was given to him remained a mystery. Charisa only cared that the Mark was another tool in her arsenal against The Enemy.

The Mark, called an Avatar, allowed his Soul to cross The Veil between the Physical and Spiritual Realms. Certain places in the world existed where The Veil thinned, which allowed easy passage for Dark Spirits to enter the world of men. Charisa tasked Jalaam with finding such places and closing them. It took him years of searching, asking questions, and sifting through local legends to find only a few such junctures.

Leading a lonely life, Jalaam wandered the known world, hunting for clues and food when the hospitality of villages was absent. As a skilled healer with herbs and poultices, he bartered his craft in civilized areas in exchange for food and shelter. He kept a journal in which he wrote nearly every evening of his sojourns across The Veil. Finding the places he sought was easier in the Spiritual Realm, but with no physical correlation between the two Realms finding them remained difficult.

Traveling in the Spiritual Realm was dangerous, but he learned to cloak himself and travel with a modicum of safety. Occasionally he encountered creatures able to see through his protections which forced him to flee or lose his life.

After years of studying and searching, he found bits and pieces of a legend called "The Crossroad," which sounded like an open portal between the Realms. He had discovered how to "knot" The Veil to close the lesser openings, but he had no clue if this would work on an opening described in the legend.

Jalaam sent a message by carrier pigeon to Jonathan asking for guidance. For weeks he heard nothing, until one night when Charisa and the Elders entered his Mind while he slept.

<> 

Although feeling awake, Jalaam knew he was Dreaming. He sat at a campfire with his back against a large log. The fire was warm and comforting as he stared at Jonathan, Charisa, Taliesin, and other Elders of The Order he had never met.

Jonathan smiled, and Jalaam heard the Elder's voice in his Mind: You have done well, Jalaam. There are tomes in our vault that reference the place you mention, but they provide no factual information. If you have discovered "The Crossroad," it must be closed, for The Enemy will use it to bring much evil into the world.

With no introduction or preamble, Charisa thought: Get close to it. I will come to you if it is the place we seek, but I cannot travel with you. We must be sure. If it is the place we seek, I will help you close it, but I must travel to you. We must both be present to accomplish such an undertaking.

Taliesin_: It's been a few years, my friend, and I'm glad you are well. You've come a long way from the frightened monk I once knew. Be safe and smart. You know The Enemy is clever and will seek to trap you. You must be smarter than they are._

Jonathan_: Be well and keep safe, Jalaam. May the Light protect you._

Waking, Jalaam knew his Dream spoke truth. Shuddering in the cold of the night, he rolled to his side, drawing his cloak tighter around him. He was aging, and the years fell heavily on his shoulders that night. Dreams and portents were Taliesin's Province, but Jalaam had a dreadful feeling about "The Crossroad" and wondered if finding it would mean his demise.

<><><> 

Nearly a year after his dream, Jalaam found himself in a small village on the northern tip of Scotland and knew he was close to "The Crossroad." Spending a week in the village, he plied his craft by healing villagers, and he bartered his horse in exchange for a small boat. Leaving his horse was hard because he had been Jalaam's only loyal friend and companion for years. The innkeeper promised to keep his horse safe and trade him back if Jalaam returned. 

Standing on the shore, the wind bit at his face as he viewed islands at the edge of his sight. According to the villagers, those isles held many evil Spirits. Occasionally when ships passed by, the Spirits would hide in them and make it to shore. Jalaam felt certain "The Crossroad" was on one of the isles, but he must be absolutely sure before summoning Charisa.

He wanted one more night's sleep before making the trek in the little boat with his meager supplies. He hoped it was the place he sought so that he might end his travels and settle back into a life in the monastery - assuming he lived. He missed the quiet life of gardening and tending animals.

Shortly after falling asleep, a ball of Light appeared in Jalaam's room, and he shot out of bed. He felt no fear so didn't grab his staff because no Dark Spirit could exude the aura he felt, and he considered whether another Nephilim had come to visit him. The ball of Light expanded into the form of a tall man wearing robes. Inhumanly handsome and charismatic, his skin had an odd sheen in the candlelight.

His voice steady, Jalaam asked, "Who are you?"

"I am Thomin."

Reaching out, Thomin put a finger at the seam of Jalaam's tunic near the neck and tugged it down to reveal the Mark.

"Yes, you are the one. I have a Gift for you."

Reaching into his sleeve, Thomin pulled out a glowing, translucent orb containing a swirling Light. Breathtakingly beautiful, it was mesmerizing to look at.

"You must keep it safe and let no one know if it."

Jalaam accepted the orb into his cupped hands. The swirling Light called to his Mark, and he was so enamored by it he didn't notice Thomin blink or his expression change as another piece of his Intellect vanished when The Gift fell into Jalaam's hands.

Glancing towards the islands, Thomin said, "I do not like that place. It reeks of Darkness."

"Do you know what lies there?"

Thomin's expression hardened as he became impetuous and said, "I no longer wish to be here. Farewell!"

Thomin vanished leaving Jalaam holding the orb. Within seconds of the Archangel's departure, the orb began to shimmer. The swirling Light within it increased in speed, and Jalaam felt a slight tremor in it. With no warning, the orb cracked, and the Light arced into the Mark on his shoulder. The Power transfer was extreme, catching Jalaam off guard, and he fell to the floor gasping. He felt no pain, but the transference jarred him, and he passed out.

The candles were unlit when he came to, indicating he had been unconscious for hours. Closing his eyes, Jalaam sensed The Gift within him. It felt strange, like an ill-fit glove, and he wondered why Thomin gave it to him. He wondered even more why beings such as Thomin and Nephilim took an interest in him.

Through his tiny window, Jalaam saw predawn grey changing the sky. High winds brought rough waves to the shore, and he knew his journey to the island was not going to be pleasant.

Jalaam gathered his belongings and visited the common room of the inn to eat before leaving. As he looked around the room, brightly lit by the fire, lanterns, and candles, he began to see through The Veil. Turning towards the islands, in his Mind's Eye, he saw a Darkness in the islands and shivered. Blinking repeatedly, he tried to clear his vision.

Whispers in his Mind frightened him, and he wondered if it was an attack by The Enemy. When he closed his eyes to pray, the voices quieted and the Mark tingled, exuding a comforting warmth. Thomin referred to the orb as a Gift. When studying with Taliesin, Jalaam learned the Bard carried one as well, and knew it Opened Taliesin's Mind.

Without training or guidance Jalaam knew that using The Gift could be dangerous. He would travel to the islands and ascertain the nature of the Darkness, whether it be "The Crossroad" or some other evil The Order needed to tend to. Once sure, he would send another missive to Jonathan and also inform him of The Gift.

Soon after launching his small craft, the wind picked up and lightning ripped the skies. Rain mixed with sleet pelted him, and he huddled under his cloak as best he could while holding the rudder.

The current propelled him towards his destination. His vision shifted between the Realms, and a fell sense of doom such as he had never known crept into his heart. Jalaam knew he would not return. The Darkness he faced controlled the weather and the waters. How that could be he did not know, but he was sure of it.

The currents sent him between and around the smaller, outer isles, and he was nearly frozen by the time his boat beached on the largest of the islands. Abandoned stone structures stood along the shore. A few still had some thatch offering partial shelter from the weather.

He found dry wood in a few of the houses and made a fire in the hearth of the one most intact to warm himself and make tea. The wind howled through the house which was missing sections of walls, but it was better than complete exposure.

Fell voices carried on the wind terrified him. Even if "The Crossroad" was not on the island, The Order needed to eradicate the Darkness that dwelled here. Huddled in front of the hearth, he slept fitfully.

Jalaam woke at dawn to the sound of seagulls screeching and waves crashing on the shore. He sent a prayer of thankfulness for the clear and bright skies that followed the storm. The temperature was bitingly cold, but he was familiar with that. Stoking his fire, he warmed himself and ate some food, reluctant to leave his meager shelter. Finally, with a heavy sigh and knowing the center of the island held his destination, he set off in that direction.

Shortly into his trek, he came across an old roadway which made his way easier. He saw more empty structures but still no inhabitants. There were no bones or evidence of recent habitation, and he shuddered, wondering at the cause. The Darkness in his Mind deepened as he neared the island's center. Two other roads converged, leading to a forest in the direction he traveled.

His feeling of doom strengthened as he realized he would not retire to the life he wanted. Brother Jalaam, who started as a pious and kindly young man, a tender of animals and gardens, had grown much while in The Order. Exposed to truths about reality and witnessing horrible atrocities by humans who followed The Enemy, he was hardier and braver than most. The Brokenness in the world saddened him, and he had dedicated his life to working against it.

Approaching the woods, he perceived "The Crossroad." The Veil was thin and became thinner with every step towards the forest. With this confirmation, he turned to leave, but the sight of many men stopped him. He hadn't heard or sensed them, but they blocked all three roads behind him. Unsure if they were men or the Lost Souls of the island's inhabitants, they sent a chill down his spine.

With no way out, he braced himself. Charisa said it would take both of them to close "The Crossroad," but she did not know of The Gift he carried. He knew The Gift wasn't for him – from the moment it entered the Mark, it never felt comfortable or right. It was made for someone else, and he wondered if Thomin made a mistake. However, it strengthened his Avatar even without training, and he would attempt to "Knot" "The Crossroad" on his own. At the very least he hoped to find a way to hide what he carried and prevent The Enemy from acquiring it.

Moving at a brisk pace, Jalaam entered the forest along the path. The way forward remained clear and allowed him to stay ahead of the men who followed.

They aren't following me; I'm being herded like a lamb to slaughter.

Before long, Jalaam saw the mouth of a cave. Normally it would be too dark for him to see inside, but with his Mind's Eye seeing through The Veil, he traversed the cave easily, descending into its depths.

The Veil was so thin that Jalaam cloaked himself as he would on the other side and was glad he did. Once he laid eyes on "The Crossroad," he was astounded at its size and by the dark, malevolent entities that flitted about.

"The Crossroad" wasn't a thinning like the other places he found; it truly was an open portal to the Spiritual Realm, and a Guardian hovering at the opening waited for him.

You cannot hide from me, mortal. We know you are the one who has hindered us. Your tricks are useless here and will not save you. The Order is foolish to think of closing this door.

Dropping his cloak, Jalaam stood naked and exposed before the Guardian in the Spiritual Realm. From everything he learned and studied, being physically within the Spiritual Realm was impossible, yet in that place, he was. The Mark, along with The Gift, shone brightly in that Dark place, and the Guardian drew back in surprise.

What is this!?

Jalaam knew he had but a fleeting moment to act. Reaching out through The Gift, he gripped pieces of The Veil from outside the forest where it wasn't as thin. Praying there was enough to work with, with tremendous effort, he twisted those pieces into a "Knot" around himself, the portal, and the Guardian...

Chapter Seven

<>< The Void ><>

Eleneth held The Stone in one hand and wore Drew's baseball glove on the other, keeping himself hidden as he watched and listened. He faced his fear as Drew taught him, determined to get a piece of the black stone so Orophir could save his mother.

Being in The Void was painful. When Luke was sucked into it, Elegroth buffered him so he would not be destroyed, and that protection still remained over the dagger. While in the gem with Orophir, Eleneth did not feel the pain as he did now, and it would be excruciating once he got close enough to strike the black rock.

He attempted to take the dagger and save Orophir before, but the power buffering the dagger prevented him from picking it up; however, he was confident that with Drew's Stone he could remove the buffer and take the dagger with him to the Second Creation once he secured a piece of the black rock.

His timing had to be precise, and he was nervous. Elegroth was not always at the black stone, and Eleneth did not know where Elegroth went within The Void. Eleneth wasn't sure if it was patience or fear of being caught that allowed him to wait until Elegroth left.

The utter silence following Elegroth's departure terrified Eleneth, but he knew his chance had come. The Stone fit in his fist perfectly, just as it had in The Master's when he struck down Drew's first incarnation, and gripping it, he rushed forward crying out in pain from the aura of the black rock.

Eleneth's first blow shook the foundations of The Void, and a crack appeared in the black rock. Green veins within the rock pulsed as their flow was disrupted, and Eleneth's pain increased. Steeling himself, he struck again, deepening the crack. Finally, as Eleneth neared the end of his ability to fend off the pain, on his third blow a piece of the black rock broke off.

Because of his tie to the black stone, Elegroth felt each blow and cried out in rage. He had never felt such Power, and it stunned him long enough for Eleneth to scoop up the fragment in Drew's glove and send it into the gem.

<> 

As the son of Luke, Orophir wasn't sure if God would hear his prayers, but as Orophir watched Eleneth, he prayed for his success. His eyes widened at the sight of Eleneth's hand holding The Stone of the Second Creation, and Orophir was knocked from his feet as the entire Void shook when Eleneth struck the black rock.

Two more blows quickly followed, and suddenly the black stone fragment he needed appeared in the gem. Orophir had spent much time layering Spirit Traps to form a container capable of holding the fragment, and his trap ignited with the green Power of The Void, but it held.

Orophir's Mastery of the Runes was unparalleled, and once again he managed what should be impossible. He devised a weapon that could be used in the First and Second Creations and The Void between them.

<> 

As soon as Eleneth sent the fragment into the dagger, the White Light of the gem briefly turned green as the two Powers within it clashed. The result wasn't a blend of the two; rather, the two Lights swirled around one another.

Elegroth's cry of pain and anger reverberated throughout The Void, and he materialized in Luke's body.

What have you done?

He reached out to destroy Eleneth, who held The Stone aloft, using its Power to form an unbreachable dome. When Elegroth touched the dome, a discordant sound echoed throughout The Void and he was hurled back.

Terrified, Eleneth cried out, "I am saving my mother and my friend Orophir!"

Orophir lives!?

The area within the dome was protected from The Void, and Orophir appeared with a hand on Eleneth's shoulder.

"You have done well!"

Picking up the dagger and facing Elegroth, Orophir said, "If there is anything left of my father in you, know that I will return to save or destroy him."

Orophir knew better than Eleneth how Powerful Elegroth was. He was an Archon first and foremost, but he also held the power of the black rock, and now contained the power of one of the mightiest Archangels of the Second Creation.

Eleneth's actions caught Elegroth by surprise, but he and Orophir had to leave quickly before the Archon could bring his full power to bear against them. Orophir was unsure if The Stone could withstand Elegroth's might once he focused his full attention on them.

"Take us home, Eleneth! Quickly!"

The son of Eleleth and the son of Luke vanished from The Void, and silence fell as Elegroth raged. Splinters of the black stone lay scattered, pulsing with green threads.

Elegroth waved his hand, restoring the stone except for the empty cleft left by the fragment that now resided in the gem of Orophir's dagger.

Elegroth wasn't afraid, but now he knew a weapon existed that could touch him, and he would make the upstart Nephilim pay. Having sensed Eleleth's Light, he realized that Eleneth was Eleleth's child. How that could be was a mystery, but regardless, he would destroy Eleleth and his child for revenge.

<><> 

Henry woke when Drew shook him. Thinking Drew wanted to crawl into bed with him, he lifted the covers. When Drew didn't move, Henry yawned, "Is something wrong?"

Henry sat on the side of the bed to better look at his son. Drew wasn't crying, but his eyes were bright, and Henry cupped his son's face in his hands.

"Talk to me. What's going on?"

Drew reached up in return, cupping Henry's strong face in his hands. The roughness of his cheeks and the warmth of his skin calmed Drew's anxiety.

Dad, I did something.

Drew sent Henry a memory sphere of his encounter with Eleneth that happened just moments before. Concern for Drew was foremost in Henry's Mind, and aside from the importance of what happened, he asked: Are you alright?

Once again, Drew's adult-like nature was in full effect. I'm scared for Eleneth, but I don't want Miss Sally to die, and I didn't know what else to do. Did I do the right thing?

The implications of sending Eleneth with The Stone to The Void were staggering, but within Drew's memories, Henry saw his son's intentions and how he handled the situation better than any of the adults would have - Drew's compassion allowed Eleneth to succeed.

Gently ruffling Drew's hair, Henry thought: Honestly, I don't know, Tiger. We have to trust Eleneth. I'm proud of how you treated him, but sending The Stone with him ...

Drew: Are you mad?

Henry pulled Drew against him, wrapping his son in the warm strength of his body. Pulling Drew into his Heart, Drew knew Henry wasn't mad but was scared of the unknown implications of Drew's actions. If Eleneth were successful, Luke's retaliation would be severe and probably swift.

I'm not mad, honey. I couldn't be prouder, but we need to get your uncles, Dr. Aaron and Mr. Albrecht in on this immediately. We have to be ready to face any repercussions.

Henry's anxiety and fear were evident, and Drew was upset, knowing his actions were the cause. Deep within his Heart, Henry feared Luke's reaction. If it was extreme enough to force Henry to merge with Eleleth again ... the pull was still there, and he doubted his ability to separate from the Archon should they ever become One again.

Bill and Pat were on duty, and Henry thought: Bill? I think we have a 911. Get everybody to the Lab pronto.

<> 

In seconds anyone not on Lab duty appeared in the Conference Room. Not wanting to waste time dressing, most were naked but held the illusion of clothes.

Ken: Bill? What's happenin'?

Bill: Not sure yet. It's Henry's 911.

Henry Shielded his thoughts, wanting to let everyone know at the same time once they were physically in the Lab. A serious-looking Drew was with him.

At the lectern, Ken said, "Henry? What's goin' on?"

Henry looked at Drew and thought: No one's mad, honey. Just show them what happened.

The incarnations were stronger in Drew than ever before, magnifying Drew's inherent Power. As casually as Brad often did, Drew pulled his uncles and mentors into his Heart and shared his encounter with Eleneth.

A smattering of "fuck me's" and "holy shits" ran through the men, and Aaron responded with an "Oh my." Henry shared his follow-up conversation with Drew so everyone would be up to speed.

The fact that Orophir was alive shocked them, and a surge of happiness ran through them at the knowledge of his survival. How he still lived was a mystery because they saw his body atomize when his essence was drawn into the gem to activate the Curse to kill Luke.

Brad: It must have been Istariel and the other Nephilim. Remember how they acted strangely during that encounter, preventing us from helping Orophir? We should call Istariel and find out more about what happened.

Aaron: With the time differentials between the First and Second Creations and The Void an unknown, there is no way to know how quickly Eleneth will attempt his breach of the rock.

Drew's worry about having done the wrong thing reverberated through their Hearts, and Ken physically moved Drew against him, cradling an arm over his shoulder and pressing them together snugly.

Ken: You didn't do anythin' wrong, Drew. You made a snap decision like we have `ta do all the time. Involvin' us could `a been a problem for Eleneth, and he might've chickened out. You showed him how `ta be brave and selfless like the hero you are, Tiger. I'm proud of how you handled it. The `but' here is we don't know what's gonna happen. There are so many unknowns, and you might `a kicked an anthill that we have `ta be prepared `ta handle. But you did what had `ta be done.

Brad: We'll stay on high alert until we know something. God, I hope Eleneth's alright. If whatever he has planned works, we can save Sally and get Orophir back!

Albrecht: Ken is correct, and we must remain vigilant and ready to act at a moment's notice should Luke retaliate. I fear his reprisal will be heavy, and you may have to call on your Heavenly relatives for assistance. In the meantime, I wish to show you something that might help. I've kept this Shielded because I wasn't sure it would work, but the initial results have exceeded anything I imagined.

Looking at him curiously, they saw within Albrecht's Mind "the box" where he kept many of his projects secret.

Come with me to my workshop.

They returned to their bodies and followed Albrecht to where he crafted things for them. They had expanded the space for his shop when they renovated the Lab and often heard strange noises and clangs behind the closed doors. He rarely invited them to his private sanctum where only Aaron was allowed to visit him regularly.

Another smattering of "oh shits" and "fuck me's" escaped their mouths when they entered the room. Two life-sized mannequins stood upright wearing newly designed combat suits. Albrecht had body casts of each of them for precise measurements, and the two before them were Lane and Bryan. The biggest shock came through their Understanding, when they realized the suits were made from Leroy's hide.

Albrecht: In honor of Bryan and Lane, I made one proto-type for each, one for the Body and one for the Mind. It was challenging to find a black dye to bind with his hide, but once again, Leroy himself answered that mystery. The same lichen from Leroy's cave that I use to make Sally's incense worked.

The combat suits looked far less bulky than their standard Kevlar ones, even with the extra gear. In awe, Bryan moved up to run his fingers over the material, and a huge grin lit up his face. "Fuck me, it feels just like him. It smells like him too."

With a rare grin of pride, Albrecht said, "You will be amazed, Bryan, at the properties of the suit. You and Lane put yours on. There is one final test which requires the suits to be against your skin."

With Albrecht's help they donned the suits from the mannequins. Despite the urgency of everything happening, smiles covered the faces of everyone because the look on Bryan's face and his emotions running through the Link were priceless. Bryan's eyes were bright in pride for Leroy and what Albrecht made from the Dragon's hide.

When Bryan only had the pants on, monitors on a nearby table lit up and Albrecht uncharacteristically fist-pumped the air. He rarely got so excited and said, "I was sure this would work but to have it verified is rewarding. The hide reacts to the electromagnetic field around your body, Bryan. You power the suit by wearing it."

The men were astounded, and Ken moved up to help Bryan finish putting his suit on while Darren and Bill helped Lane with his. Their old Kevlar suits were held together by Velcro straps, but the new suits were more like leotards with a top and a bottom.

Ken ran his hand over Bryan's solid back, feeling the soft and supple hide. "It looks comfy." The new suit fit Bryan's body like a second skin, accentuating his physique.

Bryan grinned, "You have no idea, boss man. It feels like I'm wearing PJs!"

The various accouterments, pockets, and gadgetry were still there, although some were in new places. Mini defibrillator and EKG patches were attached to the inner lining. Bryan and Lane's full panel vitals displayed on the monitor - blood oxygen levels, core body temperature, respiration, heart rate, and many other stats. Such information was limited in their previous suits, but now it was as if they were on a hospital bed hooked up to every device the doctor ever used on them.

Albrecht continued, "My ballistic tests so far go up to 50 caliber ammunition, which the hide easily resists. It withstands sharp edges, and I have yet to find anything that will puncture it. The hide is very breathable, and if I'm correct, you can easily channel oxygen through it as you do before a fight or in water to sustain your bodies. It is thermally neutral so your extra body heat will be invisible to infrared. I've only scratched the surface, as with everything going on I've not had much time to experiment, but I feel the need to expedite my timetable."

Bryan and Lane stood outfitted except for the headgear, which consisted of full head covering (except the face), and the HUD device with earpieces.

Lane said, "I can't believe how comfortable this suit is compared to our Kevlar ones. No offense, Doc, but `woohoo!' on no more Velcro!"

Aaron remained quietly proud of Albrecht and his accomplishment. He had some input, but the ideas and work all came from his partner. In one sense, within their relationship, Albrecht was the Body and Aaron the Mind, even though they were not designed like the men. Albrecht focused more on martial studies and fighting techniques, while Aaron was more the Mental and Spiritually oriented of the two. However, after living together as One for thousands of years, they were equals.

Clearing his throat to get everyone's attention, Aaron said, "There is one final test I wish to try. Bryan, Lane, for now, please drop out of any and all Links with everyone and merge deeply with one another. I wish to see how the hide reacts."

They knew the look on Aaron's face well ... the look that said, "I know what's going to happen, so hold onto your hats!"

Doing as he asked, Bryan and Lane delved into one another, and none of them, not even Aaron, were prepared for the explosion of Light that erupted. The suits magnified their Aura's to a degree that Aaron couldn't have anticipated. In the Physical Realm they glowed more brightly than ever, but in the Spiritual Realm they were so blinding that the men threw their arms up to shield their eyes.

In their Mind's Eye's, they saw White Arcs of Light flowing over Bryan and Lane, licking their bodies and exuding a powerful Shield, far more potent than their natural ability. The suits exponentially multiplied everything about them, and as strong as they were before, this was on an entirely new level.

Out of the blinding Light, they all heard Bryan extoll, "Leroy, you big fucker! You're amazing!"

Laughter ensued, and as Bryan and Lane dimmed their Auras, they swept Albrecht up into a hug out of their thanks, pride, and love for him.

<><> 

On full alert status, no one would leave the Lab until they knew something about Eleneth and Orophir. Tension was high, and the men burned through coffee and food. Darren logged into Sally's food database to order their meals. He laughed when he read the comment fields for each of them, and it drove home how much she cared for them.

"Ken – she has `spicey wimp' for you and `asbestos undies for Bill."

Rattling through the comments had them all laughing and shit-talking for a few minutes, but it didn't stave off their worry.

Henry went to check on Sally, and a few seconds later, he said in their Minds: Guys, she won't wake up.

Even his Mental voice choked up, and his tears were obvious. Numerous "Fucks!" ran through their Link. Those who had their Gifts saw the toxic energy from the Void had nearly consumed her. She would not wake up, and in a short time, hours or a day at the most, she would perish.

Within their Single Soul, resting in their Hearts, they cried. They pulled Sally in with them, and her unconscious form lay in the middle of them. Henry brought Drew into their merge, and he cried with them. Tommy and Brett were with them in their Hearts. The boys loved Sally and deserved to be with her. Zack and Adam were with them also, but AJ was with his mother for the day.

The unknown of the time differential confounded them. It varied so much that seconds in one Creation might take days or weeks in another. There was no correlation Aaron could fathom to track the differences, so all they could do was wait and pray that Eleneth would be successful and show up before Sally ran out of time.

<><> 

Later in the afternoon, while the boys watched TV in the lounge, Brad went into the Conference Room and turned on the satellite feed to scan the news. What he saw on the screen shouldn't have surprised him, but it did.

The image showed their angelic grandfathers glowing brightly with their wings outspread rising through 12 Stone Baptist Church, while a lightning and hail storm reduced the building to rubble. The shaky recording was taken on a phone, and the sound nearly inaudible due to the wind.

When the archangels vanished and the sky cleared, the phone angle dropped to the parking lot where Brad and all the guys stood with Billy, The Prophet, and the former church elders. Luckily, or by God's intent, water got on the camera lens, and the image was too blurry to make out their faces.

Ken! Guys! You have to see this!

While they watched, the image switched to the local studio where the top reporter for the station started a commentary regarding whether the video was a hoax. Another `oh shit' escaped Brad when the text scrolling across the screen read, "Coming up next ... an interview with a man who might have some answers – Raphael Martinez."

Immediately Loy reached out to Raphael: Raph!? We just saw the news ... are you alright?

Raph: Loy!? Holy shit, am I glad to hear from you! I don't know how they found me again. I mean, it's not like I'm hiding, but they want to ask me questions and see what I know. I'm not sure what to tell them! You know your secret is safe with me. Was that you guys at the end? Were you there? What the hell happened?

Loy: Yeah, that was us. Things have been busy, as you can see. You should have contacted me about this. I told you, you aren't bothering me. To protect you, I have to know what's going on.

Raph: Alright, alright. I get it. I'm sorry. Stuff with me seems so trivial compared to what you deal with ... I don't know; I just didn't want to bother ...

Loy: What did I just say?

Chuckling, Raph thought: Alright, I promise to be more in touch. Hell, I might have to if I get scraped over the coals again. Last time they called me a liar and an opportunist and pretty much ruined my life. Now apparently, my status is `Expert Analyst.' Go figure!

Loy: As long as you're okay with this, Raph. Like I told you before, tell them the truth. Tell them what you know. You know we have your back and won't let anything happen to you. In fact, we have a job proposition if you're interested. Things are extremely hot for us right now, but I'll be in touch once our current situation calms down.

Raph: Okay, buddy. Good luck with whatever's going on. I'm being called into makeup for the interview. Apparently, I have a shiny `T-spot' on my forehead.

Loy: Fighting Demons I can deal with, but you're on your own with that.

Raph: Are you kidding me? You'd leave a bro hanging out to dry?

Raph felt a warmth run through his forehead as Loy channeled a tiny bit of Healing to lower the oil excretion in Raph's pores.

Loy: Don't say I never did anything for you.

With a look of wonder on his face, Raph exclaimed: I was joking! But thanks!

Loy: Knock `em dead, Raph. We'll be watching, so don't be nervous.

<> 

"Our next guest claims to know the people in the video we just watched. Raphael Martinez became a short-term phenomenon after the inexplicable world event that took place three years ago when he claimed to know the reason behind it all. Welcome, Raphael Martinez."

Raph looked decidedly nervous as the camera panned back to show him sitting with the female anchor, Pam Hickens.

"Hello, Raphael."

"Hello, Pam. Please call me Raph."

"Alright, Raph. First of all, you claim the video we watched is real and not a hoax. What proof do you have?"

"Well, Pam, I didn't claim that. In fact, I didn't know for sure until a few minutes ago. I can now confirm that video is not fake, and those events happened."

"You received confirmation?"

"Yes, I just spoke with one of them."

The host absolutely wasn't taking Raph seriously, and he became flustered, but within seconds his expression hardened. Raphael changed after meeting Tag and Olive, being present at the end of the fight with The Master, and his abduction by the US Military. He had grown up. He was aware of a world overlapping the everyday existence of humans and how they blissfully, often willingly, ignored it. People only seemed to care about entertainment and self-indulgence in whatever forms they took.

Raph looked Pam dead in the eye, and in a steady voice, he said, "You don't believe me. Just like the first time, you invited me here for ratings and not the truth."

Raph took a deep breath to order his thoughts and in a firmly confident voice, said, "Let me tell you something, Pam ... you and every other person on this planet have no idea how close Evil came to winning that day three years ago. If not for the sacrifice of an incredibly brave elderly couple who gave their lives so the men I now call my friends could succeed, you'd be slaves to a creature so Evil you can't even imagine."

The look on the anchor's face clearly showed she was patronizing Raph ...

<> 

Brad and the guys watching knew when Raph got angry. They also knew Raph was right, and the station had no intention of taking him seriously. Their friend was about to get dragged back into the limelight because he was only doing what they asked of him.

On their own, the Avatars of the men woke up, and softly glowed. Surprised looks showed on all of them. Something was happening - Raph's interview was another catalyst ... more Puppet Strings foretelling change coming to the world ...

Loy felt most responsible for Raph because his actions brought Raph around by showing him the truth, and his life had suffered every day since. Still hurting after visiting the kill shelter, Loy's temperament, usually calm and easy-going, was brittle. His temper rose at what he saw, and he looked at Ken.

"I am not leaving him out to dry this time, Ken. I can't."

Ken pulled Loy into a tight hug. "I know, Loy. Raph's been a part of The Order for a while now, whether he knows it or not, and we don't leave our own hangin'..."

<> 

"We have to take a short break, and we'll be right back with our guest, Raph Martinez, who is just made an outlandish claim."

Loy: Raph, get ready. I can't watch this and let it all happen to you again ... it's time we take a step into the limelight, Brother.

A shudder ran down Raph's spine. It was the shudder he often got while watching a movie when the good guys show their power and fight back. His eyes watered as emotions stirred within him, and he felt not only Loy's arms around him but all the other guys, along with Aaron, Albrecht, and Drew.

Thunder rumbled so loudly in the sky that the building shook, and thick bolts of lightning struck the ground for miles around. The camera lights turned back on autonomously.

Shocked, Pam asked, "What's happening?!"

His eyes bright, Raph smiled, "There are no commercial breaks with Evil, Pam. Three years ago, my buddy told me to tell the truth about everything I learned, and that's what I've done from the very start, but you and all your little media friends treat this like a game and me like an idiot. With you, it's never about the Truth; it's about how you can leverage information for ratings and money or push some agenda. You're living the Brokenness my buddies fight against. I think they just got tired of it, and I'm glad. I don't know what's about to happen, but everyone watching needs to see this."

Shouts and cries from the engineers talking over one another echoed around the sound stage. "We can't turn off the cameras!"

<> 

A thread of excitement ran through the men. Aaron and Albrecht claimed times of change were upon them. A Prophet now existed, which hadn't happened in thousands of years. Their Archangel grandparents razed a building in anger. The threat against the Second Creation was greater than ever and on the doorstep of mankind, and the wake-up call the world needed was about to happen. The role of humans in the Battle is to fight against The Curse with everything in them. If only that would happen, it would make a difference.

Ten men, five couples, One Soul, and in that Soul, Henry, Drew, Aaron, and Albrecht also resided. Adam and Zack were with them in their Hearts but not merged.

Their Avatars, already glowing softly, ignited, and the four Gifts spoke together, strengthening each other. Across the world every television, tablet, and smartphone turned on, displaying what was happening in the studio with Raphael Martinez.

Their Avatars, locked by Ken and working in concert, exerted their control and influence across the earth. In the studio, fifteen men and a boy appeared glowing brightly.

Raph's eyes bugged and a "Holy shit!" escaped his mouth.

Loy motioned to Raph, indicating for him to join them, and as soon as he was within arm's reach, Loy embraced him. Raph saw tears in Loy's eyes, in all their eyes, and knew they were for him. Of course, it was more than just that, but he was the focal point, the impetus for what was happening.

"I'm sorry again, Raph."

Ken, in his Captain's voice, said, "You're one of us, Raph, and we take care of our own. I'm sorry things have gone so far, but with humans and this fucked up world, I can't say I'm surprised."

Pam and all the stage crew stood silent, wide-eyed and quiet at what was happening. The aura of Love and Warmth blanketing their Souls when the strangers appeared was unlike anything they had ever felt. Any initial fear was driven out of them, so they didn't panic but stood silent and watched.

With his arm over Raph's shoulder, Loy led him back to stand before Pam.

"Everything Raph has said about what happened is true. We're the ones in the video, and we were present that day three years ago. The Order has existed for thousands of years to protect mankind from the Enemy, and we won a major fight that day. The worst is yet to come, though, and we need everyone on this planet to wake up and realize there's more to their lives than social media and video games. Every race, every color, every gender ... everyone's life is at stake in this fight. Evil uses your differences to separate you and keep you fighting one another while its grip on your Souls increases until you choke. You must fight back. Listen to what Raph says. Take in his words ... but if anyone comes after him, know that they come after us too."

While Loy spoke, their Avatars pushed the Truth and Conviction of his words throughout the world, driving home the need and urgency to change. Brad was the only one of them who ever used his Power on a worldwide scale, but each of them now did so in unison, and it felt right.

Ken said, "Listen carefully. We are not your enemy. If anyone in the military, government, or wherever comes after us we will come down hard. We never take lives out of vengeance, but anyone who comes after us will regret it. Get your act together; quit playin' like children and pissin' away your territory. Petty wars over land boundaries need `ta stop. Our onus revolves around Free Will, and we will not force anythin' on you, but know that if you continue down the path you're on, and The Enemy comes, you'll be on your own. That's not a threat but a reality."

Brad said, "The fumes of The Curse lay heavy in your Souls. Love one another, hold one another, be kind to one another. Find unconditional love within yourselves, for yourselves, and for each other – that's the only way out of the mess you've made of this world."

Aaron: I am so proud of you, my sons. Not long ago, I would have balked at such an open statement or display, but again I am forced to rethink the old ways. With The Prophet now on Earth and Luke's escalation and what we fight for ... this is a proper response. I am proud of you too, Raphael. I will approach you soon to discuss the proposition Loy mentioned.

Their Avatars shone even brighter, and a Powerful Compulsion from the Mentalists, focused through Brad, erased the image of their faces in all humans. With Pat's Understanding, Darren blurred the electronic images of every recording device, so no one would see their faces clearly.

The one thing they didn't erase was the feeling of Unconditional Love they pushed into all humans. Enemy Agents across the planet cried out as it burned their Souls, but it brought comfort and tears to humans. The same feeling happened once before, on Christmas Eve three years prior.

So deep within their Hearts where time stood still, their collective Soul accomplished everything that needed to happen. Exerting themselves so fully and pushing back felt good. Not out of ego, but a sense of righteous judgment ... even if they were acting because of the Puppet Strings.

With no flash of light or further fanfare, the men vanished and appeared back in the Lab. Raphael remained in the studio, but Loy was still in his Mind: We're still with you, Raph, never fear.

<> 

Immediately everything started working again, and the studio regained complete control of the broadcast. Another world event had just occurred three years after the last one.

There is Power in Threes – such things matter.

Raph smirked at Pam, asking her, "So, Pam, what was your question again?"

<> 

Quiet fell among the men as they experienced a powerful sense of fulfillment. Raising his eyebrows, Ken asked, "So what do ya'll think?"

Lane blurted out, "I think Loy should have gone Aslan on them!"

His comment brought them back to themselves, and they burst out laughing. Even Aaron laughed and said, "Oh my! That would have been a sight!"

Shit-talk followed but didn't last long as Ken's question reasserted itself.

Albrecht said, "I need to finish your new suits as quickly as possible."

Aaron followed, "Kenneth, I have applications that monitor world media outlets. I will alter the parameters to track responses around the globe to what just occurred."

Ken felt confident in their response, but Brad still said, "You made the right call, Ken. You felt the Puppet Strings ... even if we fought against them, somehow it would have happened anyway."

Pat's eyes sparkled, and his Avatar and Bill's still glowed softly in response to the Ripples generated by their actions.

Pat said, "Brad's right, Ken, and to be honest, it felt good. Sort of like coming out in a way – our identities are still hidden, but the world now knows about us."

Albrecht said, "Many will still refuse to believe. Aaron and I have witnessed firsthand for many centuries the ability of humans under The Curse to selectively deny what makes them uncomfortable. It's sad for them because those who embrace change usually grow."

Albrecht's mood turned oddly melancholy, and he headed for his workshop.

<><><> 

The quiet before the storm increased their anxiety, and Ken held half-day training to help them work through their emotions. Henry sat with Sally, and Drew sat with Henry, exhibiting his maturity by sitting still to be with someone he loved.

Kelly and Chloe were in the Lab, and strangely, Chloe wanted to sit with Sally as well. Awakened before birth, Chloe often exhibited strange characteristics for a child. Like Drew, she matured before her age, and her insights were sometimes astounding.

Bryan kept food flowing for all of them while he helped Aaron monitor worldwide social media. Certain countries censored what their citizens could see on the internet, but the doctor's software tore through those filters, opening the world up unfiltered.

As Darren helped them, he caught Bryan's eye and they grinned at one another. Aaron was in his element, behind the scenes, changing and protecting humans without their knowledge as he had for thousands of years. Many cyber terrorists tried to take advantage of the upheaval, but Aaron shut them down as quickly as they appeared.

Chuckling, Darren said, "Doc, remind me never to play you at `Whack-a-Mole,' – you're vicious!"

Aaron responded, "I enjoy the challenge, my boy. Like you, using our resources more aggressively feels good. It also reminds me of how incredibly proud I am of you and Patrick for helping me build the technology that allows this."

Darren blushed, "Thanks, Doc, but it's your code that makes the new systems dance. I've learned a lot, and I can follow your apps, but I'm still not up to the point of writing anything as sophisticated as what you can dish out in your sleep."

Walking by, Lane impishly said, "It must be those thousands of years of practice."

Darren couldn't help the laugh that burst out of him because of the look on Aaron's face from Lane's comment.

<> 

Brad told Ken: We need to add Orophir to the Rune Matrix here in the Lab. If he and Eleneth come in hot, he'll need to be here for protection.

Ken: Let's make it permanent, so he can stay here or on ZEUS.

Brad: Speaking of ZEUS, I want to go there for a few minutes. Istariel, Telcharan, and Ruviel are on the Rune matrix there. I want to ask Istariel about what happened to Orophir when Luke disappeared with the dagger.

Ken: Let's get Loy and Ricky `ta come with us.

<> 

A few minutes later, on the upper observation deck of ZEUS, Brad sent his voice across the Spiritual Realm: Istariel!

Istariel usually responded quickly, and when he didn't appear after a few minutes, a worried look crossed their faces.

Brad: Telcharan! Ruviel!

The two Nephilim appeared before them within seconds, and relief crossed the men's faces.

Ken said, "Thanks for comin'. Where's Istariel?

Telcharan: We do not know. He has been absent for some time and is unresponsive to us. We fear something has happened to him.

Brad said, "This complicates things. If you can't reach him ... I hope he's alright."

After a slight pause, Ken continued, "Look ... we recently found out Orophir's alive. We wanted `ta talk with you and find out what you know. Did you have anythin' `ta do with that?"

Relieved, Telcharan thought: He lives!? We hoped he would survive but were unsure if our efforts sufficed. Istariel altered the dagger, creating a Spirit Trap to hold Orophir once his essence entered the gem. Our intent was to retrieve the dagger and Orophir with it, but the wings of Michael and the other Archangels prevented us. When Luke fell into the rift with the dagger, we feared they both perished.

Ruviel: How have you learned of his survival? The place they went to should not exist. How is it you know this?

Running a hand roughly over his face, Rick said, "Yeah, well, about that ..."

Brad interjected, "When we first met, and you were trapped in the Amulets, we promised we'd always be truthful with you. We've recently learned ... things ... that changed everything we knew about our Creation. We want to tell you, but the knowledge is dangerous, and we don't want to hurt you."

Telcharan: Does this knowledge pertain to the recent bestowal of Free Will on Michael and the other Archangels?

Loy replied, "Yes, it does, but there's more to it ... what we learned is also responsible for Luke's Fall. That's how big it is and how far back it goes. That's why we're hesitant to tell you everything."

Brad reiterated, "It's not that we don't trust you; we just don't want you hurt."

Ruviel: Since our first encounters with you, before you were aware of your Heritage, we have learned from you. Istariel, Alariel, and we two were instructed to watch over you while you were still human, years before Aaron Thomas changed you.

Telcharan: We realize now that the Ripples of your Avatars, even though it would be decades within the Arc of Time before you received them, affected us even then. The changes were subtle and slow to come; only in retrospect do we understand how far-reaching the changes have been.

Ruviel: After Orophir trapped us in the Amulets, and you wore them to keep us company ... we never imagined friendship as you showed us. The Unconditional Love expressed between yourselves extended to us, and it changed us.

Telcharan: We were saddened at the thought of Orophir ceasing to exist, and now Istariel's absence frightens us. We also miss Alariel as much as you, Loy Barton.

Ruviel: Your concerns touch us, but we will risk the knowledge. How did Orophir survive? Where is he?

Ken, Brad, Ricky, and Loy, merged, conversing privately in their Hearts.

<> 

Ken: My gut is sayin' we tell `em everythin'. What do you guys think?

Ricky: I agree, Ken. We have to trust them. Their initial reaction will probably be to freak out, but based on what they've said ... well, we'll see how far the changes have really taken them.

Brad: You know, I'm not sure they'll freak out as much as we think. I understand how our grandfathers were shaken by learning of a previous Creation. It wasn't out of arrogance, but they've existed billions of years thinking they were God's First Children. They're more tied into this Creation, so I see how it rattled them.

Loy: Well, they are God's First Children, just within our Creation.

Brad: Exactly. The concept that they weren't actually `first' shook them and deep down, Luke felt betrayed. Our grandfathers handled it better because of the same changes Telcharan and Ruviel spoke of.

Ken: It freaks me out that our Avatars could do that before they even existed.

Loy: It freaks me out how tied into our Creation our Avatars are, and The Gifts even more so. There's so much to all of this we can't see, but we're front and center in the thick of it all, whether we want to be or not.

Brad: The Nephilim are a step removed from the Archangels, and I don't think they'll feel any sense of betrayal. It will be a shock, but I think they might even take it in stride, sort of like we did. It will be an `oh shit!' moment, but in reality, it won't change anything for them once they settle down and think about it.

Ken: Ok, B, why don't you make a memory sphere with all this. It'll be easier and faster, and then we'll help `em deal with the fallout if there is any. That'll explain how we know about Orophir and hopefully him showin' up soon with Eleneth. Then we need `ta find Istariel.

<> 

In their bodies no time passed, and Brad put his hands to his chest, amassing the information to form his memory sphere. Drawing the memories out tangibly, the orb emerged from his body and split in two.

Taking a deep breath, he said, "Here you go."

Ken always had been good at reading body language and he noted their reaction. The men were sure the two Nephilim spoke privately and gave their friends time to assimilate the revelation of what Brad had just shared.

After a few moments, Telcharan and Ruviel said almost in unison: I see.

Telcharan: We understand the Archangels' reaction to this revelation. It is ... profound.

Loy asked, "You don't seem upset?"

Ruviel: It changes little for us, but there is much to ponder. We do not question God.

Brad said, "The Rift Luke was pulled into is The Void between the two Creations. Orophir has been trapped there, safe in the dagger but unable to leave. We aren't sure if Nephilim is the proper term for Eleneth ... his father is an Archon, and his mother is our friend Sally Bisel. Eleneth is unique – he's from both Creations, which is a Paradox and isn't supposed to be able to happen. He can move freely between the two as well as The Void. He's attempting to rescue Orophir and bring him back, but it's very dangerous."

Ken interjected, "We're permanently addin' you two and Istariel `ta the Rune Matrix in our main Lab along with Orophir, so he'll have a safe place `ta live, and you'll be able `ta be with him."

The two Nephilim seemed touched by their gesture, and both responded: We are honored by your trust in us, and thank you. Orophir is misunderstood in our world, but he is a valued friend and has come to mean much to us in our short time together.

Ricky asked, "So what about Istariel? With the information about Orophir out of the way, what do you think we should do?"

Ruviel: We are uncertain. We have searched the Spiritual Plane for him, and unless he hides intentionally from us, he is not there. The Physical Realm is more difficult to search. Perhaps The Dreamer can attempt to locate him...

Ken responded, "We'll ask Lane `ta try and we'll let you know if we discover anythin'."

<><> 

<>< Weeks Earlier ><>

In the Spiritual Realm across The Veil, Istariel rested in the place he called home. With no physical structures, Nephilim and other Spirits created areas for themselves to rest and find comfort. Drawing energy from the Spiritual Plane itself, Nephilim didn't eat or sleep but occasionally rested if weary.

In Meditation, Istariel also Listened, open to any calls by his friends, the Archangels, or even his Father. He was the eldest Nephilim, son of The Dove. Not the Trinity, but only The Dove, which was a Paradox because all three were One.

Unaware of the First Creation or The Void between the two, Istariel perceived neither. However, as he Listened, he heard as much as felt a difference in The Veil. When Luke's Demons tore a Rift into the Physical Realm, their claws rent The Veil as well, and while he could not perceive the Demons, he perceived the effects of their actions.

Moving towards the oddity concerning The Veil, Istariel observed a small rip. Places existed where The Veil was thin, and there were a few places where the two Realms were One, like The Valley of Yggdrasil, but Istariel witnessed something different.

The edges of the tear were thick and unnaturally woven as if someone had tied pieces of The Veil together. What he saw should not be possible. Peering through the small opening, he viewed what appeared to be a cave.

The Veil wanted to Heal itself and the tear was closing, so in a split-second decision, Istariel Shielded himself and traversed the tiny opening. He was glad he did, for as soon as he appeared in the cave, black talons of Dark Energy hit his Shields, but they were weak and ineffective against his protection.

Istariel knew immediately where he was and wondered how it could be so. Two giant monoliths crafted in stone covered with Enochian Runes formed what used to be deemed "The Crossroad." The location in the Physical Realm was never discovered because the portal somehow closed and was lost centuries earlier within The Arc of Time. How "The Crossroad" closed was a mystery that had never been solved.

Istariel also recognized Imamiah, the Nephilim who attacked him. Imamiah was purely Evil and served The Enemy. Istariel realized Imamiah's attacks were weak because the cave was separated from both Realms, wedged within The Veil itself.

Once a powerful Nephilim, Imamiah had expended much of himself since he was trapped, and without access to the replenishing Spiritual Realm, he was fading. Most of his remaining essence went into his attack, making him barely discernable to Istariel's perceptions.

Imamiah: Istariel?! How are you here?

Ignoring Imamiah, Istariel inspected the cave. A human skeleton sat with its back against the stone wall. His clothing had rotted away over time, but most surprising was a pulsing and swirling Light shining within the remains.

Imamiah: You cannot touch it!

Kneeling to examine the remains, Istariel reached out his hand, but it passed through the Light with no sensation. He could see it but could in no other way perceive it.

Istariel: How did you come to be here, Imamiah? The Spiritual Realm thinks you dead.

Imamiah: That wretched human came to close "The Crossroad." I could not allow the atrocity and lured him into the cave to destroy him. I do not know how, but he wrapped this cave and both of us in it within The Veil. He lived a short time but perished from lack of sustenance. I do not know how he came to carry that Light within him, but it is what separated the cave, closed "The Crossroad," and trapped us here.

Imamiah was responsible for much evil and death in both Realms before he vanished, and Istariel held no compassion for such a creature. As he told Brad Wilson and Ken Habersham shortly after they freed his cousins and him from Orophir's Amulets, justice in the Spiritual Realm is harsh.

With a gesture, Istariel destroyed what was left of Imamiah. If he was trapped in the cave, Istariel did not wish to be kept company by such a wretched, Evil creature.

With no idea what caused the opening that allowed him to enter the cave, he could only wait for another breach. Time seemed to move normally within the cave, and he knew that eventually his absence would be noted.

<><> 

<>< The Present ><>

When Ken, Brad, Ricky, and Loy returned from talking with Telcharan and Ruviel on ZEUS, Ken called the team together to make the changes in the Rune Matrix. It needed to happen as quickly as possible in case Eleneth was successful.

While his Brothers did that, Henry sat at Sally's bedside holding her hand. Drew pressed against his dad with an arm around him in loving support. Father and son were deeply Linked, not merged, but profoundly together in their Hearts. Neither spoke aloud or Mentally; they simply waited together. Chloe sat with them, adding her own sense of comfort without saying anything.

After completing the changes to the Rune matrix, the men periodically checked on Sally and them. Bryan regularly brought in plates of snacks, which emptied quickly.

The room became crowded as time passed, and they talked among themselves, laughing at stories related to Sally. They recounted the many tales of her ex-boyfriends and her search for "the one." They relived their sadness, and hers, when she finally found Carlo and got engaged before he was killed by Enemy Protectors.

As One, they lived through the memory of Pat and Darren merging with her the first time, when she was having trouble coping with Carlo's death, and her revelation that they weren't entirely human. Sally was a strong woman, and she touched their lives for the better. Her relationship with Henry made them laugh and Henry blush, but it still brought smiles and then tears when they realized she might be gone from their lives forever if Eleneth didn't return in time.

A few hours later, Drew tensed, bolting upright. Deep within him, where his tie to The Curse resided, he shuddered when The Stone connected with the black rock, shaking the foundations of The Void.

Henry: Drew! What is it?!

Drew: Dad! It's happening!

Another shudder, and another, all three equally powerful, ran through him when The Stone connected a second and third time. The incarnations came to the forefront of Drew's consciousness, not pushing as they used to, but to be with him. Feeling The Stone connect with the rock distinctly reminded him of the three times his Brother struck him with The Stone.

Seeing the effect in Drew, Henry held him tighter in his Heart. The White Lock in Henry's hair brightened, and he whispered into Drew's Mind: I'm with you, honey. You're safe.

At the same time, Henry urgently projected his voice: Guys! Get ready!

Unexpectedly, Sally groaned and trembled violently when Eleneth and Orophir appeared in the lounge. Eleneth wore Drew's baseball glove on one hand and held The Stone in the other, and Orophir held the dagger whose gem now glowed with a mix of White and green pulsing energy.

Henry didn't want to leave Sally's side in case something happened, but he told Drew: Go, Tiger! Get The Stone back from Eleneth!

When Drew and his uncles made it into the lounge, Orophir's relief was extreme, as though he didn't believe where he was. After all his time and frustration trapped in The Void, he often wondered if he would ever escape. Ken was the first to reach Orophir, pulling him into a tight embrace.

Ken: We didn't know you were alive!

Orophir: My friends! It ... I am relieved to see you ...

Drew rushed into the room, smiling at the sight of his friend, and he ran to Orophir, throwing his arms around his waist.

Kneeling to embrace Drew, Orophir thought: You've grown! I have missed much in my absence.

Smiling and nodding, Drew noticed Eleneth standing awkwardly to the side. Moving to him, Drew hugged him as well and asked, "Are you alright?"

Orophir interjected: His bravery saved us both. We escaped because of The Stone, but I fear retaliation, and soon. I have much to tell you.

To Eleneth, Drew whispered, "I knew you could do it!"

Intently looking at Orophir, Eleneth asked, "Can you help my mother?"

Yes.

Drew held out his hand and Eleneth returned The Stone, but when he took off the baseball glove, Aaron blurted out, "If that glove came in contact with the black stone, it must be destroyed. I am sorry, Drew, but we will get you a new one."

A piercing scream from Sally startled all of them, and through Henry's eyes they saw her writhing on the bed, still unconscious but in agony. The toxic energies within her spiked when Orophir and Eleneth appeared. Similar to when any of them crossed the Veil, the brief opening allowed more energy through.

A large Rift opened from The Void in the sky overhead, and Luke's voice resonated throughout the Earth. Malice and anger accompanied his words, and humans everywhere felt it – the opposite of the Light Ken and the men expressed before.

You will pay for your insolence! I will destroy the child of Eleleth for his thievery and kill the Second Redeemer. The Doors will open and bring about the end of your Creation!

Genuine fear hit most people for the first time in their lives, while stray servants of The Enemy embraced the Voice, calling out to it in their Black Hearts.

Ken: Suit up!

Darren translocated all the men, including Henry, Adam, Zack, Aaron, and Albrecht into the locker room. In only seconds they were wearing the new assault suits crafted from Leroy's hide.

The Rift unexpectedly closed. Confused, they were all alert and ready to call on the Archangels for backup, but no Demons came through the Rift before it closed.

Eleneth appeared frantic with worry by Sally's bedside when she screamed. Calling Orophir, he thought: Help her! Please!

Drew grabbed Orophir's hand and tugged, leading him to Sally's room. As soon as he saw her, he discerned what was happening.

Orophir: Drew, use The Stone to create a barrier over us. It will buffer her from the effects of any Rifts that might open.

With his arm raised, Drew's squeezed his fist, making The Stone glow brightly. In his Heart, each incarnation also held the Stone, mimicking his gesture, and the Power of The Stone increased exponentially. The Dome appeared; the same one he had called before but much more potent.

Sally went silent and stopped moving, barely breathing. She looked awful and Drew cried knowing she was on the brink of death. In the brief time the Rift was open, her pallor changed, and her skin became pasty and diaphoretic.

Holding the dagger with its tip pointing up, Orophir said to Henry, "Open her garment. The gem must touch her flesh."

Henry literally shredded Sally's gown in his haste to open it.

Orophir said, "The piece of the rock Eleneth retrieved absorbs Void energy and stores it. It will draw out what is in her and allow her to recover fully."

Lowering the dagger, the green glow in the gem increased as it neared her skin. Orophir touched Sally in the center of her body, above her navel, and she responded as though a defibrillator had gone off. Her body arched, bowing her back, and her eyes flew open wide. Tiny green arcs of what resided within her jumped to the gem which glowed brighter as it absorbed the energy. The transfer was obviously painful for Sally, and Henry reached to grab her when Orophir quickly said, "Do not touch her!"

Chloe squealed in fear, and Drew went to her, holding her tight.

The toxic energy absorbed into the gem in seconds.

Glancing at the Dome, Orophir nodded to Drew: Well done, my friend. You have grown stronger as well as taller.

Smiling, he continued: I cannot wait to play a game of `Trouble' with you and Istariel again. I practiced much in my Mind to pass the time, and I believe I will finally win!

Removing the Dome, Drew held The Stone in his palm and said, "Mr. Thomin, you can have it back now. Thanks for letting me borrow it."

With no fanfare, The Stone vanished, returning to its pedestal in Thomin's Vault. With the immediate threat of Luke and the Demons gone, Aaron rushed to Sally's room and took in the situation.

Orophir noted Aaron's expression and said, "I have removed what resided in her, but there may be lasting damage. Lane Weaver and the others must restore her."

Aaron said, "Clear the room, please, everyone. Drew, my boy, would you take Chloe to her mother? She is in the yoga room meditating."

Drew replied, "Yes, Sir," and took Chloe's hand. "Come on, Chloe."

Eleneth stared at Sally and frowned, asking, "Is she better? Why won't she wake up?"

Henry said, "She'll be awake soon, Eleneth. She's very weak and we still need to Heal her, but without you and Orophir our Healing wouldn't save her. We're grateful to you both."

Ken and the guys packed into the room, surrounding Sally's bed while Henry stayed at her side, holding her hand.

Lane: You heard what Orophir said. Power up, guys. Ten, five, One, plus the usual suspects.

Albrecht smirked at Lane's reference, and Bryan rolled his eyes at yet another nerd reference from his husband. Like a well-oiled machine, the men sank into one another, first as husbands and then as a group, and Lane brought in their mentors and Henry. Drew appeared with them, too, and Adam and Zack were in their Hearts.

With Adam and Zack's Minds Open through the Link, they witnessed the ghostly form of Yggdrasil and the Animal Spirits flittering in the air around them and the branches of the Tree. With their new suits, the Aura's of the men brightened to the point that even in the Physical Realm they shone powerfully.

Leroy's hide added a new element to their Power, soothing yet wild like Leroy, and it gave them a rush of Spiritual adrenaline. Smiles broke across their handsome faces as they rested in each other relishing the change.

White Healing arced out of Lane's hands into Sally, restoring the damage to her body. The Healing was extreme – every cell in her body had been corrupted, and she was near the point of death. Her cells seemed sluggish to respond, but through his own Gift and those of Loy, Pat, and especially Bryan, new Life flooded into her on all levels. Rejuvenating her weakened body and Soul, they bolstered it and brought her into their Hearts as she returned to consciousness.

Waking naked in that special place, she knew where she was, surrounded by their warmth. Paradoxically, each of her Brother's held her, hugging her and expressing their thanks she was safe and whole again and with them. She saw how deeply their fear ran over potentially losing her, and her tears thickened.

I love you all so much. Thank you.

Through the merge, she saw how Drew convinced Eleneth to save her, free Orophir, and bring the dagger that allowed her to live.

Hugging Drew against her, she thought: You are the most special young man, Tiger. I understand what you've done for me, and you know how grateful I am.

I love you, Miss Sally.

Kissing the top of his head, she thought: I love you too.

They stayed together until Sally settled, and the worst of their emotions ran their course. Just before they went back to their bodies, Henry blushed: Sorry, but I trashed your favorite gown. I'll get you a new one.

Grinning impishly, Sally thought: I'm sorry, Henry, but I don't trust a man to pick out my sleepwear. I know how you can pay me back, though!

As usual, humor helped them recover from their extreme emotions.

Loy wisely rubbed his chin: The python. Damn, Henry, she's hooked.

Henry blushed even deeper but grinned.

Sally unashamedly thought: You're right, Loy. Honestly, though, I was never this way until I met you guys!

Lane: Who knew hanging around a bunch of whores and pervs would be contagious? If you want, Sal, I can Heal that.

Laughing, Sally thought: Not on my life!

<> 

Brad returned them to their bodies, and as the men exited Sally's room, still laughing and shaking their heads, Eleneth entered looking decidedly nervous and flustered.

"Are you better?"

Taking one of his hands, Sally said, "I am, thanks to you."

"I feared for you, and I did not know what to do. I watch you often ... I hope you don't mind ..."

Before he could continue, Sally interrupted, "I don't mind. I'm glad you do, or I might not be here!"

"But it was because of me you became sick ... I feared you would hate me."

Squeezing his hand gently, Sally caught his eyes, "Listen to me. What happened was not your fault. The circumstances that brought you into this world were ... well, a miracle, I guess. From what we know, it should not have happened, but here you are. I'm glad you're here, and I'd like to get to know you."

Reaching up, she brushed the hair out of his eyes, and Eleneth smiled. The joy her touch – his mother's touch – brought him was indescribable. Henry knew that look well and realized how young and naïve Eleneth was at heart. He was even prouder that Drew could reach Eleneth in a way that allowed him to understand loving sacrifice, overcome his fears, and help Sally.

Eleneth's smile brightened even more, and he said, "I would like that."

"You can visit as often as you like, but wait until I'm not teaching the boys." Sally went on to set boundaries about when Eleneth could visit. She realized his ability to move freely to any place at any time while remaining undetected could cause embarrassment.

Still in an emotionally heightened state after fearing she would die, and then being Healed, Sally was unsure about how she felt being a mother. She wanted a child with Carlo, but he was killed before they married. To have a recently born son who was only part human and in a man's fully grown body, but with the mind and emotions of a child ... well, it was something she never could have conceived of - even living with ten Nephilim and belonging to an age-old Brotherhood that fought Evil on mankind's behalf. Aaron walked by her room and nodded to her with a wink when he saw her with Eleneth.

Privately to Albrecht, Aaron thought: Eleneth is an unknown. He is immensely powerful but has had no guidance. I fear for Sally's safety should he become angry or jealous.

Albrecht: I agree. We must speak with Sally about the danger, but she is also best suited to teach him. We shall bring our concerns to Ken and the others and tread lightly where Eleneth is concerned.

Aaron: Drew has already shown he will be helpful. His ability to touch people, much like our sons, brings out the best in them. Orophir is another example of that.

Albrecht: Would you ever have believed we would be dealing with beings such as these, Aaron? Our world used to be so simple ... sometimes I miss those days; however, I would not change anything.

Aaron: Nor I. Having our sons, all of them, in our lives is what I never could have imagined. I could live without the threat of Creation being destroyed, though ... the thought of no more Long John Silver's is devastating.

<><> 

The next day, Ken resumed their regular training schedules. With Brad's input Ken created new rotations for Adam and Zack; without their Minds Open, they couldn't partake in the regime that included Mental disciplines. However, with their Core Energy centers active and developing, there was still much for them to learn.

Zack dove into the workouts and enjoyed learning to fight. He started bodybuilding as a young teenager, though he never held any interest in fighting. The way his Uncle Kevin and the other men approached training by incorporating fighting brought an entirely new perspective to Zack. His skills became an extension of his body which brought him a new discipline to delve into.

Zack's tutelage from Albrecht dealt with his spiritual and philosophical development. Zack was intelligent and quickly discovered the Mind/Body connection and its importance to his overall health and well-being.

Kevin watched his nephew, as did all Kevin's Brothers. Outwardly Zack seemed to be handling everything well, yet his counseling sessions with Aaron showed that Zack still had issues coping with the death of his wife and family. His issues were more about being forced to witness their mutilation as much as their absence from his life. However, he found great fulfillment in his training and being Linked with the other men – more and more, he wanted to merge with Kevin and the others. He hoped it would stave off the sadness that crept up on him at night when he was alone in his room. Reading Albrecht's books was a distraction from his emotions, but his entire world had been rocked, and he was still dealing with the aftershocks.

<> 

Unable to sleep, Zack, wearing only boxer briefs, went to the kitchen to find something to eat. After hearing a toilet flush, he saw Drew come out of the locker room exit near the kitchen.

Smiling, Drew sleepily said, "Hey, Mr. Zack."

"Hey, Drew."

Drew's Empathy and Compassion showed him the underlying sadness in Zack. His emotions were clear to Drew, just like the first time he met Henry in The Master's basement, and he felt compelled to help.

Unable to stop his tears, Drew said quietly, "I'm sorry, Mr. Zack."

Caught off guard and confused, Zack asked, "For what?"

"For everything. I'm sorry ... I'm not reading your Mind, but sometimes I see into people, and I see how sad you are. Mr. Adam is the same way. I don't mean to... it just happens."

Knowing who and what Drew was, Zack was still surprised, and he teared up as well. Drew moved forward unexpectedly and tightly hugged Zack's waist.

Cavall, seeing everything in Zack that Drew did, moved up and nuzzled Zack's hand for a pet. The Wolf-Spirit was present but Veiled, and Bullet was still asleep on Drew's bed.

Cavall's touch sparked more tears in Zack, and he knelt, putting one arm around the hound and the other around Drew. He needed the comfort they offered and mumbled, "Thanks."

Drew noticed Zack's reaction to Cavall, and through merging with his uncles, he knew that Mr. Buckles was the miniature Pomeranian who belonged to Archie and always stayed in Zack's lap. An idea came to Drew, but he kept it from Zack in case it didn't work out.

"Do you want me to make you a sandwich?"

"Thanks, Drew, but you should go back to bed. It's late."

"I don't mind. I make really good ones. Uncle Bryan showed me a bunch of tricks."

Seeing Drew's eagerness to show off his sandwich-making skills, Zack smiled as he sniffed and wiped the tears out of his eyes and said, "Okay, knock yourself out."

Zack took a seat at the closest table, and Cavall pressed against him for head rubs while Drew, chattering just like Lane, went to work. He was astounded at how Drew seemed to know what he needed and so naturally gave it to him. Zack was witnessing the effects of the unconditional love that surrounded Drew every day, and a quick tear dropped as he wished his wife, Renee, was with him to experience it. He also wished Mr. Buckles was in his lap.

Zack's eyes widened as he snapped back to himself at the sound of a plate being put on the table. A delicious looking turkey and roast beef sandwich cut in half stared back at him. Drew proceeded to set every conceivable condiment on the table and a bag of chips. Knowing through Kevin that Zack didn't like soft drinks, he set a cold bottle of water on the table.

Sitting across from Zack, Drew grinned and said, "Dig in! I'll make another one if you're still hungry."

For the next little while, Drew prattled on, talking about Iron Man and the Avengers movies, distracting Zack and pulling him out of his dark emotions. What the other Mentalists could have done with their Minds, Drew did by being human and caring.

Feeling decidedly better and enjoying his time with Drew and Cavall, Zack ate one more sandwich. Drew glanced at Granny Wolf and knew the look in her eyes. She would make sure Zack had good Dreams and would help him further on his journey to Heal his Soul.

After cleaning up, Drew hugged Zack one more time and said, "Goodnight, Mr. Zack. Sleep tight, and don't let the bedbugs bite!"

<> 

Drew waited until Zack's door was shut before he went into the gym. He didn't want to wake Henry. He disliked waking anyone up. His uncles needed their sleep, but he also needed help, and the best person for what he wanted to do was Loy.

Uncle Loy?

Sleepily, Loy thought: Drew? Is something wrong?

Loy felt no sense of urgency in Drew's thoughts, but he did sense intense emotions.

I'm sorry to wake you up, but it's important. Uncle Loy, I need your help. Well, it's really Mr. Zack that needs your help, but he doesn't know it, so I wanted to ask you first in case you can't do it.

Appearing deep within their Hearts they hugged, and Drew relished the warm comfort of Loy's body. He started to get hard and felt embarrassed.

Taking Drew's face into his warm hands, Loy thought: Don't worry about that, Drew. It's going to happen a lot while you're going through this stage. Don't be embarrassed.

With a sigh, Drew replied: Thanks, Uncle Loy. It just seems to happen all the time, and I can't stop it.

Smiling, Loy thought: I was the same way, kiddo. All of us were. If the wind blew, I'd get a boner. So, what did you wake me up for? What's going on with Zack?

Pulling Loy further into a merge, Drew shared his encounter with Zack. Loy was no longer surprised at Drew's Compassion but was astounded at his emotional sensitivity and intelligence. Loving compassion allowed him to sacrifice himself to lift The Curse over The Master. Drew's compassion, sensitivity, and intelligence seemed to grow with his Power as he aged.

Pulling Drew more tightly against him, Loy's eyes brightened at Drew's idea. Although simple, it probably would break some Rule that the Archangels would get into a hissy fit over. For that reason alone, Loy would act on Drew's idea.

I'm proud of you, Tiger. You're one amazing young man. I might have to fight Henry so you can come live with Ricky and me.

Drew giggled: Uncle Bry says the same thing.

Then I'll fight both of them!

Kissing the top of Drew's head, he thought: Leave it to me, Tiger. Now go back to bed, it's late, and you need your rest.

Goodnight, Uncle Loy. I love you.

I love you more.

No, I love you more.

Smiling at each other, they returned to their bodies.

<><> 

Zack Dreamed the most amazing Dream. His life was perfect: he and Renee were together with a houseful of kids. Another white miniature Pomeranian, Ms. Suzie the daughter of Mr. Buckles, ran around with the kids.

His contentment was indescribable, and he lived years in his Dream while his Psyche Healed. Granny Wolf was there, driving away his sadness and guiding his life.

A tickle on his face woke him up, and Zack brushed at his nose. His hand met something soft and fuzzy, and when he inhaled, he smelled tuna and Frito's. Only one thing in the entire world smelled like that– Mr. Buckles' bad breath!

His eyes shot open, and Mr. Buckles was curled up against his neck, licking his face.

"Buckles?! How!?

Mr. Buckle's wiggled and squirmed now that Zack was awake, whining and whimpering to get Zack's hands on him. No one petted him like Zack.

Knowing Drew was somehow involved, Zack's tears fell as Buckles licked them away. Rolling onto his side, Zack snuggled the little dog against him, smelling him. He had no idea how Buckles could be there, but at the moment he didn't care. The tiny dog's unconditional love was a comfort, and another piece of Zack's heart Healed.

With a contented sigh, he fell back asleep holding his beloved little dog.

<><><> 

Within the cave, Istariel periodically sensed tiny fractures in The Veil, but they happened quickly and were so small The Veil sealed itself before he could react. He knew eventually a fracture large enough to let him escape would open. However, Imamiah had been trapped for centuries ...

To pass the time, Istariel attempted to discern how the cave became wedged between Realms, between layers of The Veil itself and tied off as if it was a large knot. Imamiah said the human accomplished this feat. Examining the skeletal remains, Istariel discovered a patch of flesh on his shoulder that had not decayed. He gently stretched the contorted and shriveled skin. Not only was it an Avatar, it was the Primary Avatar Brad Wilson bore on his shoulder!

Part of the puzzle was solved, at least how the human came to traverse The Veil. Istariel pulled forth from his memory recollections of a human centuries ago in The Order who could Cross.

Knowing a little about how the man came to be there, he thought the Light within the skeleton had to be tied to what happened. It was most disconcerting to have no sense other than the visual Light. Istariel had never come across anything like it in all the long years of his existence.

<> 

Months passed before Istariel sensed another opening. It was larger than the one he came through, but he couldn't exit. The manner in which The Veil was "knotted" only allowed for entry.

He asked the skeleton: What did you do, my friend?

Realization dawned – the man came to close "The Crossroad," and when faced with Imamiah, who would have been beyond his ability to combat, he created the trap to close the portal and contain Imamiah.

Very clever. I am sorry for your sacrifice, but your actions saved countless lives. I honor your bravery and sacrifice.

Istariel knew the Light within the corpse was how the man did it, but where the Light came from and what it was required answers which he would pursue once he was free.

Istariel's only chance was to contact Ruviel, Telcharan, or his friends in The Order. The rift was already closing, so he quickly formed a memory sphere and attempted to send it through. Memory spheres have no substance, and he prayed it would get through the Rift.

The closing rift sliced the sphere in half, with one piece making it out and the other remaining in the cave. His message would be jumbled, but his friends would know enough to search for him.

<><> 

When Zack woke up, Buckles, having stayed the night, lay curled against his neck, watching over him. As soon as Zack was awake, Mr. Buckles' tail started wagging, and he attacked Zack's face with kisses.

"You're still here ... I wondered if you were part of my Dreams too."

Zack had to pee badly, so he padded down the hall and through the kitchen to the locker room with Mr. Buckles at his heels. When he came out, Loy and Ricky were there. When Loy saw Zack, his Avatar pulsed softly, and Zack knew more was happening than he realized.

"Good morning, Loy. Morning, Rick."

Both men said, "Good morning, Zack. Sleep well?"

Tearing up, Zack approached Loy and put a hand on his shoulder, "Is Buckles your doing?"

Grinning, Loy said, "Yes, but it was Drew's idea, and I wish I would have thought about it sooner."

Choking up, Zack said, "Thanks!" and pulled Loy into a tight hug. Loy hugged him back, and Rick gave Zack's shoulder a comforting squeeze. Looking into Zack with their Avatars, they saw how much the little dog meant to him and helped him, and unexpectedly, how much the Wolf-Spirit Healed him through his Dreams.

Zack laughed as they parted, "Sorry. I don't mean to get all emotional; it's just ..."

Smiling, Rick said, "You never have to worry about that with us. The way we're in each other all the time, it's natural."

"It's going to be so awesome having him around."

Smirking, Loy said, "There's one huge plus to him being a Spirit, too."

"What's that?"

"No surprises on the carpet."

Zack literally laughed out loud, picked the tiny dog up, and held him to his face. "Yeah, he was such a little shit about that!"

Rick said, "We'd better get ready, everyone's going to be here for training, and I need coffee."

Zack went to his room to change, and Rick gave Loy a look that conveyed everything he felt about his husband and what Loy did for Kevin's nephew.

Loy shrugged like it was no big deal, which to him it wasn't, but it didn't make it any less special, and the warmth of Ricky's emotions was just as affirming as seeing Zack happy.

<><> 

Ken: Alright ladies, that's it for today.

Their bodies pumped and dripping sweat, the men halted their actions and moved to the hydration station and to wipe themselves down. Sally's cure was an immense relief, but Ken wanted them to work off any remaining anxiety.

They were in a holding pattern, waiting for further action from Luke after what Lane referred to as his "Soliloquy of Doom." The doctor was busy monitoring world communications and reactions to their appearance on national television. Raphael was due the next day to visit the Lab and talk about the doctor's proposition. Javier was coming as well which clued them into the direction the doctor was going.

Through the Link, Brad and Henry felt hesitancy from Adam.

Ken, alerted by his Brothers, read Adam's body language and knew he wanted to say something but was hesitant. Putting his arm over Adam's shoulder, Ken said, "Spill it, Adam. What's on your mind?"

Ken's easy-going physicality disarmed Adam, and there was no tension in him other than his muscles from working out. Henry's lock of hair glinted in the bright lights of the gym, and knowing what was coming, he winked at Brad.

"Ken, while everyone's together, before we break up ... um, can I take the next step with you guys?"

Everyone moved closer, and Adam saw the support on their faces. They each reached out and patted his shoulder or back or ruffled his sweaty hair. He was used to their touches now and even started craving their casual affection. He never had it growing up, and it was another barrier that broke down through spending time with the guys. It also made a huge difference in how he treated his son.

Adam continued, "I mean, every time you guys merge, I'm on the fringe. I don't feel left out or anything, but I'm dedicated to our cause, and I'd like to be closer with all of you. I actually feel like I'm hampering you. I'm sure you don't see it that way, but I do. I still can't believe how much you've done for me, and I want to contribute more..."

Henry said, "You've come so far, Adam. If we're taking a vote, I say yes. I think all these yahoos will benefit as much as you."

Raising his eyebrows, Ken said, "For the record, Adam, I voted yes too, before you brought it up. We all did. We've wanted this `ta happen for a while, and the timin' just hasn't been there ... but it's here now."

Kevin to Zack: I don't want you feeling left out here, Zack. I just want you to merge with me first and then Bill and me together. Soon. Maybe after this if you're up for it. Doing it one step at a time makes it easier on you.

Zack: I don't feel left out at all, Uncle Kev, but thanks for saying that. To be honest, I can't wait. Just the glimpse I've gotten by being with you and the rest of the guys has made me want it more too. But like Ken said, timing is everything.

Grinning, Kevin thought: Good man!

He pulled his nephew into a tight hug and Zack hugged him back just as tightly.

To keep things light, Bill said, "Hey Zack, he's taken!"

His comment started some shit-talk that had everyone laughing.

You mean he likes to be taken.

He may be taken, but he's still a whore, so ...

Glancing at Zack, Kevin said, "See what I have to deal with?"

Winking, Zack replied, "Don't worry, Uncle Kev, I got your back!"

Ohhhh, looks like Zack's a top!

More shit talk ensued, and Zack just shook his head, chuckling as he made his way to the shower.

"I'm going to get my shower while there's hot water with no pervs."

After laughing, their eyes were bright, and Ken guided Adam over to the mats and sat down with him. Henry sat on the other side of Adam, and the rest formed a circle around them.

Drew scampered in and sat beside Henry, taking his dad's hand on one side and Bryan's on the other. They unanimously decided not to have Aaron and Albrecht merge with anyone other than the men, Henry, and Drew. The guys would have to Shield that part of them from anyone else; there was too much arcane knowledge, much of it from Evil sources, that they didn't want shared.

Even though Adam wanted what was about to happen, he was still nervous. Baring your Soul and every detail of your life is just as daunting as seeing the same in someone else, and he was about to do that with ten men and Drew.

Adam had grown as a man since Henry and Albrecht pulled him back from a precipice where he was unconsciously trying to take his own life. They helped him get AJ back and started a path back to his wife and daughter.

He wondered at Drew's presence, and Henry gave Adam's hand a firm squeeze: You'll see why soon enough, Adam.

Brad guided everyone into their Hearts first, and Adam saw them in his Mind's Eye as they were in the Spiritual Realm: pillars of Light and naked to one another in all aspects. The Nephilim heritage of the guys was in full effect, and their Auras shone brightly. Drew and Henry shone just as bright. Adam's Heart and Mind were dim compared to everyone else's, but his Core was powerful, glowing a deep crimson.

With their energy centers open and flowing, Brad blended their energy into a thick White Arc, creating a circuit through them. A hot wind that soothed their sweaty skin blew around them. Bryan and Pat's eyes sparkled, and Bryan's Raven Wing tattoos fluttered on his forearms. All of the men's Avatars ignited, and when Ken's locked them together, Adam felt the intangible "something extra," Paradoxical aspect of their existence.

Adam sat, surrounded by their collective Soul and their masculine warmth enveloped and calmed him. Henry, already One with him, thought: Here we go, Adam.

Whatever Adam thought merging with the group would be, it was so much more. Adam's breath caught and tears poured at the intimate sting of their Souls becoming his. Everything about them became known to him, and the same happened in reverse. He was exposed, just like he was with Henry, and he felt no judgment, only unconditional loving acceptance.

The things he saw, their sexual preferences, their bonds, how they cared for one another – he longed for it all. What shocked Adam, and all of the men, was seeing that deep within Adam's exposed, unconscious Mind, he was bi-sexual. He had buried his desire for men out of fear long ago. He also realized why he reacted so negatively when Henry first touched him, and he cried, asking Henry's forgiveness, even though he realized he was already forgiven.

Adam to Henry: You knew?

Smiling, Henry replied: I saw it, yes.

Adam was about to ask Henry why he didn't say anything but knew immediately why. This deepened and increased the profundity of Henry's support of Adam who now felt and better understood Henry's love.

During his abuse and torture by The Enemy, Adam was often raped, used as a sex toy by Protectors, and was forced to do things that pushed him towards insanity. He was Compelled to walk unwillingly and partake in the darkest side of human nature under The Curse.

Henry, Albrecht, and now the rest of the guys set him free to be himself. His epiphany and self-acceptance sent another wave of emotional euphoria through Adam, and the Healing of his Soul allowed him to acknowledge these things. His Soul was scarred, as was Henry's, but it shone all the brighter among them as he rose above his past and learned to love and be loved unconditionally.

All the men cried holding Adam in their arms and Hearts. Drew's arms were there too, and Adam felt the thousands of incarnations within Drew reaching out to support him as well. They had resided in Heaven the last three years, and the Light they basked in all that time shone forth through Drew.

The merge was so glorious that Adam, and the men were awed. Adam was with them before, but now he was One of them, and their lives were better for it. Their joy at having another Brother in their lives was apparent.

Adam's hurt was devastating from seeing Drew's abuse by his birth father when he was a baby, until Brad and Ken rescued him and his mother, Liz. Then, Adam experienced Liz's sacrifice as her Soul was obliterated, to give her son a chance to grow into what he was becoming. He burst into fresh tears when he grasped who and what Drew was and how he sacrificed himself to lift The Curse from The Master. He knew Drew was The Master's brother reborn, but he hadn't seen the ramifications of The Curse and Drew's death every seven years through tens of thousands of years. The world he stepped into with this courageous and humble group was bigger than he imagined, even with his exposure to The Enemy.

Because Adam had known them only for a short time, there was no history to bridge and forgive as the others did for each other. When the men first merged, they had been together for decades, Unawakened and still Broken under The Curse. With them, there had been more to forgive and be forgiven between them, unlike with Adam.

The entire event occurred in the blink of an eye. There was hardly time for tears to flow before it was done, and they sat as One. Because he was now merged with them, Adam saw the ghostly form of Yggdrasil and the Animal Spirits flitting about its mighty branches. He saw the Power within his new Brothers as their Souls fluttered back and forth across The Veil, fueling their dual nature as Original Unfallen Men and Nephilim.

Smiles broke out on all of them as they stood and embraced Adam with their hot and sweaty physical bodies. Adam, still in awe, enjoyed their embrace with a new awareness of his sexuality.

Ken smiled: Welcome aboard, Adam; you're truly One of us now. You're more than we expected.

Brad: Much more. You're incredible, Adam.

Lane: They're just saying that because you have a hot ass, Adam. Don't be fooled.

Lane's comment caused a burst of laughter that started the shit-talking which broke the emotional intensity of the moment. Adam enjoyed the banter but was often unsure how to respond.

Henry: You'll learn fast, Adam. You have to if you want to survive around these pervs. They're like piranha – if you show any weakness, they'll eat you alive.

By the time they all got their jabs in, Adam's hair was a mess from all the ruffling, but his face showed only love.

Ken said, "Alright ladies, let's see if Zack left us any hot water."

Drew was fully dressed and didn't need to shower, so he ran back to the lounge to watch TV with Tommy and Brett.

In the locker room they all stripped, washed, and continued shooting the shit in the comfortable way they had with each other. Adam, still caught in the "after-glow" of the merge, knew it would fade over time, but he hoped the deep-seated comfort he felt would never leave. He felt like he had a home again and people to share his life with, and he prayed AJ would be a part of it. He prayed that Julie, Maggie, and even Andrés would be too.

<><> 

The following day Henry's trigger woke him at his usual time. He went naked to the locker room to relieve his bladder and then to the exam room to perform his tantric ritual.

He grinned when he flipped the light on – Sally's post-it note in all caps read, "COME GET ME!"

Hey Sal, you awake?

Sounding sleepy, she replied: You bet. Is it time?

It is, but shouldn't you stay in bed? You need your rest.

Henry felt her coyness: So, you're saying you don't want my help this morning?

Blushing and laughing, Henry thought: No! You know I love it when you help me. Your hands are magic ... I'm just worried about your overdoing it.

I feel fine. All I did was sleep the last few days. I'll be right there.

The door opened in less than a minute, and Sally entered, trying to be quiet. She wore a sleeping gown, and her hair was pulled back. Henry liked seeing the "morning" Sally before she got all dolled up because she was equally beautiful without makeup.

She said, "Sorry, my hands are cold."

A grinning Henry was already hard, and he nodded to his erection and said, "Well, warm them up!"

Leaning back on his elbows, he made himself available to her. Her hands were cold, but the heat of his erection warmed them up quickly.

Henry hadn't had any help in weeks, and Sally's eagerness made his excitement greater than usual. Deeply Linked, Sally knew what he wanted, and she expertly clamped down in the right spot to prevent his ejaculation.

Sally never tired of seeing Henry's body react when his powers strengthened. He was so virile and handsome, and when his body flexed, blushed, and broke out in a light sheen of sweat ... he was magnificent, and it turned her on.

Just then, Lane's voice entered their Minds, singing:

She's got the boogie fever

She likes to boogie down

Boogie fever

I think it's going around...

After he finished the chorus from the Sylver's Boogie Fever, he thought: Don't mind me. Carry on, kids.

Henry and Sally laughed and shot Lane a bird towards his room.

Sally mewed, "Lane's right! Do you have time for more?"

"If you're sure you're up for it.

"I've missed this, Henry. I want to catch up."

Pulling her into a hug and tearing up, Henry said, "I've missed this too. I'm so glad you're still with us."

Both Sally and Henry looked towards Lane's room and said, "No!"

Lane, about to start another song, giggled, and Bryan rolled his eyes.

<><> 

That morning, Ken and Brad showered together in their home, washing each other as they often did. They never tired of their ritual expression of care for each other. As they exited the shower and helped dry each other, Brad thought: Put a towel around your waist.

Ken smirked, knowing why. Ken humored his husband, because he knew Brad chubbed at the sight of his ass in a towel after they showered.

Ken: Ok, get your perv on Mr. Wilson.

They shaved side by side and talked about changes to their rotation and training. Ken liked to shift things around every month to prevent boredom, and he always ran his ideas by Brad.

Wiping the tiny flecks of shaving cream off each other's necks, the two men walked to the kitchen for coffee, but both stopped in their tracks at the sight of Telcharan and Ruviel standing in their den.

The two Nephilim wore their usual robes, but their cowls were pulled back to reveal their faces. Once the men learned the names of the Nephilim, they exposed their faces regularly. The odd cultural aspect among the Spiritual beings to initially keep their faces covered and withhold their names lasted until a certain level of trust was achieved.

Telcharan's eyes briefly glanced over Ken and Brad's nearly naked forms as they moved out of the hall and stopped in surprise. They had been nude with the Nephilim many times on ZEUS, so there was no embarrassment, just unexpected shock at unannounced beings in the house.

Ruviel: We apologize for intruding, but we have news. It is urgent, and we need your help.

Ken: Is it Istariel?

Ruviel: It is, and it is disturbing.

Telcharan opened her hand to reveal half a memory sphere floating above it. We received this moments ago. It is from Istariel.

Brad touched the sphere with his finger to Read it. He had never seen a partial memory sphere and wondered how it could have been severed.

Brad blinked at the jumbled images, but he saw Istariel next to a human skeleton leaning against the stone wall of a cave. A Powerful shudder ran through Brad at the sight of the Light within the human remains.

His Avatar ignited, and his eyes turned a bright White. Brad's breath caught and his chest tightened as the hair on his neck and arms stood up and his skin tingled. The Light, his Gift, called to him through the broken memory sphere.

Ken exclaimed, "Oh, shit!"

<> 

Istariel's head shot up as the Light within the skeleton brightened and pulsed a few times before returning to a quieter state. One corner of his mouth rose in a smile.

His only hope now was that his cousins could locate his cave trapped between layers of The Veil and not discernable from either Realm unless another tear opened. He had no idea why the Rifts occurred or how often, but he was confident in his cousins' ability to locate him with the help of Ken, Brad, and the other men. The Paradox of their existence would allow their success.

Returning to his meditative state, Istariel drifted in memories spanning thousands of years. He wasn't sure why, but the memory of playing the board game "Trouble" with Drew and Orophir on ZEUS three years prior entered his thoughts, and he smiled.

<> 

Istariel's verbal message was fractured, but Brad distinctly made out the words "cave," "crossroad," and "Imamiah." His forehead creased as Brad repeated the words and asked: Do those mean anything to you?

Ruviel: Many centuries ago, a Portal named "The Crossroad" existed ... an opening through The Veil to the Physical Realm. We know where it resided in our Realm but never surmised its location in yours. How or why "The Crossroad" closed remain a mystery. It simply ceased to exist one day.

Telcharan: Imamiah was a vile Nephilim dedicated to The Master. He used "The Crossroad" to bring evil from our Realm into yours. He vanished at the same time as "The Crossroad," and we assumed he was no more. But for Istariel to say his name ... it is unclear.

Brad sounded tense and gripped Ken's shoulder so tightly his knuckles were white. Ken, it's Calling me. Just seeing it in that vision – now that I've seen it, my Avatar wants it.

Ken looked concerned for Brad and said, "Thanks for the info. We need `ta talk `ta the doc and Albrecht. They were alive back then and might know more."

Brad almost whispered, "Istariel is with my Gift, so if we find it, we find him. He seemed alright in the memory sphere, but there's no telling what else is in that cave or if that other Nephilim is there."

Telcharan: Call to us if you need our aid or when you find Istariel.

Ken said, "Will do. Thanks for comin' `ta us. We're on it."

The two Nephilim vanished, and Ken and Brad rushed to the bedroom to get dressed.

Brad: Doc? Albrecht? Darren?

All three men, within seconds, responded: Yes?

Brad: Dar, please pull Ken and me to the Lab pronto. Doc, Albrecht, we need to talk with you and all the guys immediately in the Conference Room.

No matter where the Mentalists were, their Avatars responded to Darren's as he synchronized them. After Reading them to know if they were safe to translocate, he brought everyone to the Conference Room.

<> 

Deeply Linked at the Conference Room table, Brad's perfect memory shared the fractured images and words of Istariel's memory sphere. The yearning within Brad was palpable, and Bryan, Pat, Loy, and Lane understood his uncomfortable longing as his Gift Called to the place within Brad's Avatar that had been dormant until now.

Because of Brad's inability to reach his Gift they wrapped their Hearts and Souls around him in a protective cushion.

Ken asked, "Doc, Albrecht, what do you know of "The Crossroad?""

Albrecht answered, "We know it existed. It is referenced in too many ancient texts not to be true, but its location was never discovered."

Aaron followed up, "Brother Jalaam was the monk who received an Avatar allowing him to Cross The Veil. His journal allowed Bradford and Kenneth to Cross and find William when he was imprisoned in his own Mind. Jalaam was tasked by Charisa to search for thin or weak spots in The Veil. Taliesin Dreamed of Jalaam's Avatar a year before he received it. Jonathan and Taliesin recruited Jalaam into The Order and became his mentors.

"I can only surmise, Bradford, that the human remains in Istariel's message are Brother Jalaam. Somehow, he received your Gift, discovered "The Crossroad," and closed it with himself inside."

Albrecht said, "The name Imamiah is disturbing. Ancient texts refer to him as a Fallen Angel, or perhaps a Nephilim. His name literally translated is `Fallen Angel who governs voyages.'

Aaron sounded sad when he surmised, "Brother Jalaam was under strict instruction from Charisa to contact her if he located it so they could close the Portal together. We know through Charisa's chronicles that Jalaam was close to discovering its location. However, we never heard from him again, and rumors of "The Crossroad" faded over time."

Brad asked, "What did he do?"

Lane's eyes flashed White as he cast his Mind and Soul into the Ether, seeking knowledge of the location of the cave or Istariel. Pat's eyes sparkled as he sought for clues within the Pattern, and Bryan's Raven Wing tattoos fluttered as he looked for Istariel through Yggdrasil. Nephilim don't have Souls, but they lived and were tied to Bryan's Gift just as humans were.

Albrecht mentioned, "Jalaam hailed from a small monastery on the western shores of Wales, and his travels were contained to the modern-day UK, Europe, and Ireland. The last time Jonathan and Charisa contacted him was through a Dream, and he was in the north of Scotland. Perhaps we should start our search there?"

Something in the back of Brad's Mind told him they were on the wrong track. He glanced at Lane and saw the same expression.

Lane said, "I think we're going about this wrong. Give me a minute..."

Lane's eyes flashed White, and images flashed through his Mind – the Pylons of "The Crossroad" covered in Enochian Runes and Brother Jalaam standing naked before them, glowing brightly and facing a Nephilim. Pulling Brad into his Vision, together they realized Jalaam was physically in both Realms, something that should not be possible. He also saw Istariel searching for something, detached from his physical form in the Spiritual Realm. Lane and Brad watched as Istariel found a tear in The Veil and went through it. They recognized the tear ... it was the same in appearance as the ones Luke opened – more of a shredded hole with uneven edges.

Even with these images, something was missing. Ken's arms went around Brad to comfort him and help him focus. Brad's Mind raced as it sometimes did when he overthought issues, and Ken always knew how to slow the pace of his thoughts to allow him to focus.

Talking aloud to himself, Brad said, "There's no correlation between locations in the Physical and Spiritual Realms. We don't know where "The Crossroad" existed in our world, other than possibly somewhere in Scotland.

"Telcharan and Ruviel told us of "The Crossroad" ... they know where it was in their Realm. We need to go there."

The looks of the men expressed their agreement. Aaron and Albrecht's eyes shone with pride knowing Brad was on the right track. Ken's arms tightened around him, and he kissed the top of Brad's head, "You rock, B."

Brad called out: Ruviel! Telcharan!

With their names now inscribed on the master Rune matrix, the two Nephilim appeared in the Conference Room.

Telcharan sounded hopeful: Have you found Istariel?

Brad: Not yet, but I think I might know how. You spoke of "The Crossroad" ... do you know where it was in your Realm?

Yes.

Can you take us there?

Both Nephilim nodded, and Ruviel thought: Cross with us.

Only the Mentalists who shared Brad's Avatar could Cross. Their husbands could go with them if they were One, but Henry, Aaron, and Albrecht could not go. They sensed Henry's disappointment, but Aaron and Albrecht were content, knowing such journeys were what their sons were created for.

Henry to Brad: I'll be with you in spirit, Brad. Be careful, and good luck.

Henry knew even if he could go with them, he had to stay with Drew as part of their safety protocols. Anytime the men were away, Drew's Protection became his first priority, as well as protecting Aaron, Albrecht, any guests, and the Lab in general. All their arms went around Henry in their Hearts, holding him tight as they merged first as couples and then as One before leaving their bodies. Their single Soul floated above the Conference Room table, and they vanished with the two Nephilim across The Veil.

<><> 

Distance had no meaning, only direction, and they appeared with Telcharan and Ruviel near the place "The Crossroad" used to be. It was also very close to Istariel's home. None of them had been in that area before, and it felt oddly quiet.

Ruviel sensed their curiosity and thought: Istariel spends much of his time here, in what you would consider his home. He enjoys solitude and isolation when he wishes to meditate.

Bill: Guys...

Bill's Avatar brightened, picking up impressions. With all of them together his Avatar's potency increased, and seeing back in Time, they felt the same tear in The Veil that Istariel did. Through Lane's Avatar, they knew it correlated to when the Demons nearly killed Henry, and Pat received his Gift from Németh in The Pale.

They followed the impression of Istariel as he moved closer to the disturbance, perceiving everything he did. Seeing the anomaly, a rent in The Veil, they watched Istariel traverse the opening into a cave visible on the other side.

Brad again felt an irresistible pull through the brief opening while only observing past events through Bill.

To Ruviel and Telcharan, Brad thought: Is this "The Crossroad?"

Both responded: This is where it used to be. Yes.

Patrick said: Something isn't right here. This place ... it's like a wrinkle or a fold in The Veil. It's definitely not natural. When that small tear opened, it was because of the Rift Luke created in our Plane. When the Demons tear through, it must affect The Veil in some way we don't know about.

Darren: Not good.

Patrick: The Veil healed itself. I don't know how ... right after Istariel went through it didn't just close up; it re-wove itself. Fuck! There's so much about this I don't know.

Bill replayed his vision, halting it after Istariel went through but before the tear closed, and he moved forward to interact with the opening. It was the same as physically touching it, and he realized Pat was right. The Veil wanted to be whole, and it Healed itself. It wasn't exactly alive, but some force wanted it to remain intact, and he instinctively thought Brad's Gift was responsible.

Brad: We need to cause a tear. Not a big one, but we need to create another one to see what happens. Right here, in this place, I bet we'll see the cave with Istariel in it.

Patrick: I don't know what will happen if we do, but it can't be too bad because Luke has opened quite a few.

Ken: How do we intentionally open one?

Pat: I can change the Laws here to allow it, but it won't be a tear; it will be more like a window. I've never done it, but I know I can. Ken? It's your call, but I think it's our best chance of rescuing Istariel and getting Brad's Gift.

Telcharan and Ruviel remained silent, listening and watching them interact.

Ken: Okay, Pat. Just do a small one first, so we can gauge the reaction.

Pat's Soul sparkled as he brought his Gift to bear by altering the Laws of the Spiritual Realm in a tiny area. The opening he created was small enough that the Unbalance was minimal and didn't cause any adverse effects.

What they didn't expect was for Brad to disappear as soon as it opened. It was not his doing, but as soon as the window opened, Brad's Gift brightened and pulled him into the cave with Istariel.

Before anyone could react, the window closed just as they had seen it do through Bill's Avatar. Brad's presence vanished, his Soul suddenly absent from the place it resided within them. They all staggered, especially Ken, who felt a part of himself rip away.

Ken: B!

<> 

Disoriented for a brief second, Brad stumbled as he appeared in the cave in a semblance of his physical body. The presence of Ken and the others ripped away when he passed through the window, which created a gaping hole within him.

Istariel: Brad!

Rushing to his friend, Istariel gripped Brad by his shoulders to stabilize him.

It is good to see you, my friend. I hoped part of my message would make its way to you. Are you well?

Brad: Shit! Ken!? Guys!? What the fuck? I didn't do this. Ken and the others are outside, in the Spiritual Realm. I can't feel them ...

His efforts to reach Ken with all his strength proved fruitless.

I am sorry, Brad, but this place is sealed away. It touches neither Realm yet is trapped between the two.

Before Brad could respond, the Light within Brother Jalaam's remains arced into Brad's Avatar, and his body exploded so brightly that Istariel had to shield his face. The transfer was quick, and The Gift settled immediately. Breathing harshly and sweating, Brad calmed himself using his Centering Flame.

Istariel: Are you alright?

Brad: Yes ... that was abrupt, but yes, I'm fine.

The Gift perfectly established itself just like the other Gifts did, and Brad's eyes sparkled as his Avatar expanded. Like Bryan and Pat, his awareness didn't stop as it stretched outward towards infinity. It was a wave he couldn't stop even if he wanted to until his awareness stretched so thin he felt as if he were about to rip apart. Quickly, his intellect absorbed and processed what was happening, and he accepted it. Even without Pat's Avatar, he Understood what his Gift was.

He was The Veil.

It was a part of him like an extra limb, and it embraced him even as he embraced it. Its warm comfort was only matched by what he felt when he and Ken were One Soul, with Ken's arms around him and their warm bodies touching.

Brad was unsure what would happen to the physical remains of Brother Jalaam if he untied the "knot," so he held Jalaam's skeletal hand in his. As soon as his flesh touched the bones, he Read everything about Jalaam and again wasn't prepared for what he discovered.

Jalaam was a remarkable man, greater than anyone knew. His Soul was kind and gentle; he cared for the world and the people and the creatures in it. Far less Broken than most humans, he was chosen to bear the same Primary Avatar Brad had on his shoulder.

The beauty and tragedy of Jalaam's life hit hard, and Brad's tears spilled at Jalaam's final act of bravery in closing "The Crossroad." The one piece of information that was totally unexpected was Thomin giving Jalaam The Gift! As far as the men knew, Thomin was unaware of The Gifts.

Istariel: Can you get us out of here?

Brad unraveled the "knot" with barely a thought, and he and Istariel appeared with Ken and the others. The semblance of Brad's physical form vanished from the cave as his presence returned, quelling their panic over his sudden absence. He delved deeply into Ken and his Brothers, needing them after what occurred and what he learned.

Ken: B! Fuck, are you okay? When you disappeared ...

With all of them One again, Ken knew Brad was not only okay but better than before. His Gift, fully established within his Avatar, shone brightly and his Soul sparkled. The Paradox of being One outside their bodies allowed their nakedness to form within their Hearts and press together, and they relished the intimate bond that was fractured momentarily when Brad disappeared.

Each time one of them was removed from their merge, it affected them more harshly. Ken was most affected by Brad's sudden disappearance, and he squeezed Brad so tightly it hurt, but it was a beautiful hurt because they were back together.

Privately to Ken, Brad thought: I'm glad I don't need to breathe right now! I love you, Ken. Sorry about the scare; to quote Lane, "I didn't see that coming."

Ken: Why'd it happen, B? How could your Gift do that? None of the others did.

Brad: Bill or Pat can confirm this, or maybe Lane, but I think it was because my Gift was outside its casing. So far, The Gifts have either already been in someone waiting for a willing transfer or were encased in the orb Allenor made to hold them. Mine was inside Jalaam's remains which became nothing more than a vessel to hold it until I got there.

With Brad back again, his knowledge from Reading Jalaam became a part of them, and "oh shits" and "fuck me's" flowed at seeing Thomin give Jalaam Brad's Gift nearly 1300 years ago. Their shock was nearly as much as Brad's Gift itself. He was The Veil!

Brad: I don't have my Mind wrapped around this yet. I can feel it – it's kind of like Yggdrasil ... The Veil is infinite and touches everything, or everything touches it ... like Bryan, all I have to do is concentrate, and I can sense what's happening anywhere ... maybe I can even go there. It's like a part of me is everywhere simultaneously.

Ken: You aren't goin' anywhere without me!

Smiling, Brad told him: Never... at least not willingly. I have to admit that scared me ... when you and the guys disappeared from my Soul ...

Their eyes brightened at the fresh memory of how severely his abrupt absence affected them, and it reaffirmed how fragile they were in that way. As Powerful as they were becoming, they could not take separation.

With very few exceptions, like the bubble outside reality where Németh took the Eschphene, there were no places they were aware of that Bryan couldn't touch through Yggdrasil or Brad through The Veil, so now they should never be alone. Distance didn't matter, only direction, so Paradoxically, they could be on the opposite ends of eternity and still be One.

While the men spoke within their Minds and Hearts, Istariel reunited with Telcharan and Ruviel, and the relief in all three was palpable. They missed Alariel more than ever, and the thought of another of them being gone was unthinkable.

Ken: We're glad you're safe, Istariel.

Istariel: Thank you, Ken. Thank all of you.

Brad: Istariel, things happened so fast ... there's a lot to catch up on. We shared something with Ruviel and Telcharan.

Telcharan: We will disclose everything to him, Brad Wilson.

Brad: Okay, but there's one more thing you two don't know yet. Orophir's back with us and safe. Everything else with Istariel came up, and we were focused on that ... Come back to the Lab with us and you can see him.

Istariel seemed stunned, but the three Nephilim faced one another and blended themselves. Brad and the others had gotten used to the Nephilim speaking to one another in front of them and didn't think it rude. Like the Archangels, Nephilim don't have Souls, but they learned to combine their essence and intellect into something like a merge.

Shaken, Istariel said: I see. That is much to take in.

Ken: Are you okay? I know it's a lot ...

Istariel: I will be fine. As my cousins surmised, the knowledge, while extreme, does not affect us as it does the Archangels, though it is astounding.

Brad: We have one other bombshell to hit you three with, but let's head back to the Lab. It's safer there, and I know you want to see Orophir as soon as possible.

<><> 

To give the four Nephilim some privacy, Brad led them to an unoccupied apartment in the Lab. Take all the time you need, and come find me when you're ready.

In the kitchen drinking coffee with a few of the guys, Ken held out a cup for Brad when he came back down the hall and said, "It's Nephilim Central here today. Maybe we should give them that apartment `ta use. They're on the Rune Matrix, and it might be better for them `ta have a place `ta come and go."

Darren replied, "That's a pretty good idea. Did Brad think of it?"

Ken nearly did a spit take and flipped Darren off. They all got a chuckle out of it, but Darren followed up, "It really is a good idea."

Lane piped in, "That reminds me - I haven't heard from Shan or Teesha. I need to get in touch with them. I feel like they need to be here, especially now the world is aware of us."

Ken asked, "You mean you got a `feelin'' feelin'?"

Lane nodded, and Ken's brow furrowed. "Shit."

The boys were watching TV, and while most of the guys were in the kitchen and lounge, Henry was with Sally in her room.

Loy smirked, "I think she's making up for lost time. Henry's a lucky boy."

Lane grinned and said, "You're jealous Sally gets to play with the python."

Loy put his arms around Ricky and said, "My man here is all I need. Yes, it would be fun, and honestly, I wish Henry would join us at some point, for him as much as us. He knows it, and he knows we know it, so the offer is always there. We just worry about him."

The conversation took a turn they didn't expect, and their deep-seated thread of concern for Henry surfaced briefly. Henry's potential loneliness still weighed on their Hearts. Lane made the "Debbie Downer" sound to lighten the mood, and they all chuckled.

After an hour, the four Nephilim emerged with their cowls thrown back, stunningly attractive in their human forms.

Istariel said, "Thank you for the time to reacquaint ourselves, and of course, for my rescue."

Ken said, "We talked it over, and that apartment you were in is yours for the foreseeable future. All of you can stay here or on ZEUS and come and go as you please. You always have a safe place with us, so don't be strangers."

Istariel said, "You mentioned something you wish to share? Something serious?"

Ken replied, "Yeah, we do. Why don't we go `ta the gym. The Conference Room isn't big enough for all of us. B, would you ask the doc, Albrecht, Henry, Adam, and Zack `ta join us?"

Bill, Kevin, Darren, and Pat went in first to pull mats together to make for more comfortable sitting. When everyone was seated in a large circle, Brad held his hands up to his chest, forming a diamond pattern. A memory sphere emerged hovering over his palm. He replicated it and sent one each to Henry, Aaron, Albrecht, Adam, Zack, and the four Nephilim.

This is an image I acquired when I Read Brother Jalaam's remains. I don't know what to make of it.

<> 

A ball of Light appeared in Jalaam's room, and he shot out of bed. He felt no fear and didn't grab his staff, but he wondered at it. No Dark Spirit could exude the aura he felt, and he considered whether it was another Nephilim come to visit him. The ball of Light expanded into the form of a tall man wearing robes. Inhumanly handsome and charismatic, his skin had an odd sheen in the candlelight.

His voice steady, Jalaam asked, "Who are you?"

"I am Thomin."

Reaching out, Thomin put a finger at the seam of Jalaam's tunic near the neck and tugged it down, revealing the Mark.

"Yes, you are the one. I have a Gift for you."

Reaching into his sleeve, Thomin pulled out a glowing translucent orb with a swirling light within it. Breathtakingly beautiful, it was mesmerizing to look at.

"You must keep it safe and let no one know if it."

Cupping his hands, Jalaam accepted the orb. The swirling Light Called to his Mark, and he stared at it, enamored. He didn't notice Thomin blink or his expression change as another piece of his Intellect vanished when The Gift fell into Jalaam's hands.

Glancing towards the islands, Thomin said, "I do not like that place. It reeks of Darkness."

"Do you know what lies there?"

Thomin's expression hardened, turning impetuous, and he said, "I no longer wish to be here. Farewell!"

Thomin vanished, leaving Jalaam in his room holding the orb. Within seconds of the Archangel's departure, the orb began to shimmer. The swirling Light within it increased in speed, and Jalaam felt a slight tremor in it. With no warning, the orb cracked, and the Light arced into the Mark on his shoulder. The Power transfer was extreme, catching Jalaam off guard, and he fell to the floor gasping. He felt no pain, but the transference jarred him and he passed out.

<> 

Istariel and the other Nephilim sat quietly pondering what they saw.

Brad said, "As far as we knew, Thomin has, or had, no knowledge of our Gifts."

Pat's eyes sparkled, and through his Gift, he Understood the change within Thomin. His realization passed through the Link as he said, "Look at the expression on his face when he gives Jalaam Brad's Gift. He blinked, and something changed ... a piece of his Intellect vanished, almost like what the doc did in the alternate reality to keep his knowledge from The Enemy."

Darren said, "Maybe we should see if he'll talk to us? Or get Drew to call him?"

Henry said, "I'd rather not involve Drew unless we absolutely have to. He and Thomin have a special relationship, and I don't want to risk that unless it's a last resort."

Bryan asked, "But what if Thomin knows, or did know, the location of the other Gifts? If Bill Reads him, even if Thomin doesn't remember, his Avatar might pull that out."

Excitement ran through them with Bryan's question. If the location of the remaining Gifts was possible to ascertain, it would be a huge boon for them.

Kevin asked, "So should we try to call him? He may not come, and even if he does, we have to be careful with him. What can we tell him if he wants to know why?"

Istariel spoke for the first time. "Thomin, as you know, is fickle and childlike. We always assumed he was created that way to fulfill his purpose. We know now that he may not always have been as he is today. Perhaps my Father changed him for a purpose. Uncovering this mystery might be dangerous; however, I see the importance if it allows you to find your other Gifts quickly."

Lane's impish grin appeared, and he said, "`Ask not the elves for advice because they will tell you both 'yes' and 'no.'"

All eyes turned to him with blank looks, except Henry who read The Lord of The Rings specifically to understand Lane's endless references. Henry grinned and shook his head, and in the ensuing silence, Bryan said, "That's my nerd."

Istariel seemed confused, and Lane said, "Sorry, Istariel, it's a quote from one of my favorite books. I'm not making fun of you."

Ken said, "I think we should take the chance and ask Thomin here. We can tell him the truth – we wanna know if he knows the location of the other Gifts. We don't have `ta tell him about what we saw."

As Henry watched and listened, the sound of fluttering wings whispered in the back of his Mind. Brad drew breath, his diaphragm expanding to cause the pressure variant to move air into his lungs. Henry's perceptions slowed of their own accord, but before he could react, as Brad's mouth, tongue, and lungs together began forming Thomin's name...

Brad: Th ...

<> 

Henry jumped. Suddenly, he was surrounded by the loud clanking of plates being dumped into the washtub behind the counter at Waffle House. Miss Lula bent over the tub, scrubbing plates and silverware in the sudsy water.

Frank stood at the grill as he pulled down eggs and dropped hash browns onto the grill. Potatoes sizzling in hot grease spread a comforting aroma through the small restaurant.

The Dove sat across from Henry. Smiling, he said, "Hello, Henry. It's wonderful seeing you again in person."

Henry wore his "World's Greatest Dad" t-shirt, his favorite worn blue jeans, and sandals. As much as being in the greasy diner with the Triune God, Henry was more surprised to see Thomin sitting by himself in another booth, smiling and eating a piece of chocolate cream pie. Seeing the stately angel, taller but thinner than most of the Archangels, in the greasy Diner looked entirely surreal.

Not knowing what else to say, Henry said, "Hello, Sir. It's nice to see you too." He felt foolish for calling God "Sir," but he thought addressing him any other way would sound ridiculous.

"That's alright, Henry. There's no need to stand on pretense, especially considering our history together."

Miss Lula took a break from washing the dishes to refill Thomin's tea before coming over to Henry's table, "Hey darlin'! What'll `ya have?"

Food was the last thing on Henry's mind, but suddenly his stomach rumbled nearly as loudly as Ken's, and he felt famished. Picking up a menu, he noticed it was old and still had the ribeye breakfast steaks that were discontinued the last few years.

Grinning, he said, "My usual, with coffee and water, please."

Stepping behind the counter, Miss Lula loudly called out his order to Frank. As Henry glanced across the street through the window, he noted the Mall of Georgia and the typical crazy traffic on Buford Drive. Memories of Drew and his entering The Master's psyche while in the parking lot immediately returned to him.

"There's no need to go there, Henry. That's in the past. I am still incredibly proud of you, though, for how you handled that situation. Drew never felt fear when you were with him – he still doesn't to this day."

Abruptly, Henry asked, "Why am I here?"

"Before I get to that, let's chat..."

The tension in Henry eased as God's Unconditional Love surrounded him while they chatted. God asked him how Adam was doing, mentioned how grown-up Drew was looking, and how well the boys got along in the Lab. God seemed interested in the most trivial details, but Henry felt the sincerity in His questions even though God knew everything.

Henry found himself laughing genuinely with God at so many small things, and he felt free and alive as when he rested in his Brother's Souls – free to be himself with no repercussions, ramifications, or judgment. He felt that God truly liked him and was interested in every aspect of his life.

"I am, Henry. I always have been. I love you very much – and Drew, and all your Brothers and the people in your life, old and new."

While they spoke, Miss Lula covered the table with plates, and Henry devoured three steaks, six eggs, three orders of toast, and three orders of crispy hashbrowns covered with grilled onions and American cheese. He found two packs of grape jelly for the two triangular pieces of toast he always saved for "dessert." The food was perfect.

With his stomach full and the plates cleared off, a slight lull in their conversation followed. Henry sipped his coffee, waiting for God to bring up why he was there.

Nodding towards Thomin, God said, "Look at him, Henry. He's happy – truly happy. Thomin is unique and was not always as he is now. I created him as I did all the Archangels, but Thomin had a unique task. He has served me well and still has another role to play – a very crucial role.

"I am intervening this time, Henry. For the first time in this Creation, I am asking you and your Brothers not to call Thomin or talk to him about The Gifts. It will serve no purpose other than to upset him, and I do not wish that for him. Bill will not be able to Read him to discover the locations of the remaining Gifts. The pieces of Thomin that left him with the placement of each Gift were not only his Intellect. He does not know about them, and it would be better if he did not, or he would try to find them himself to store in his Vault.

"I will not force you, Henry, or any of your Brother's to do my Will in this, but I ask you not to call him."

Henry sat across from God with a stunned look on his face. "May I ask a question?"

"Of course."

"Why did you bring me here? Why not Ken, or Brad, or all the guys? Why me?"

"Because, Henry, of all of your Brothers, even Aaron and Albrecht, you have the wisdom to make this decision. Brad is wise for his years, and Aaron and Albrecht have gleaned wisdom far beyond most humans during the thousands of years they have lived ... but you, Henry, surpass them all. I am not talking about the lock in your hair, although that helps. No, Henry, you are the most qualified person within your family to see and understand the nature of my request. That doesn't mean you have to comply. I will not, nor will I ever, force you to make a decision. You have Free Will, and I will not be disappointed if you choose not to do as I ask."

Henry suddenly had a thought that caught him off guard. He wished Drew was with him, knowing he would want to see the "Birdman" again. The thought of his son and how much he loved Drew unexpectedly thrust to the forefront of Henry's Heart and Mind, and his eyes watered.

An epiphany hit him, and he felt stupid for not realizing it before. The being across the table from him created everything. He loved each of his children the way Henry loved Drew. Just like Henry didn't want Drew to grow up and lose his innocence, at least faster than he already was, God wanted the same for Thomin, and He was asking as one father to another. The entire situation was deeper than that, but Henry boiled it down to the simplest terms.

"I wish Drew were here too. Give him a hug from me. I love him as much as I do you – I love all of you."

With tears in his eyes, Henry choked as he said, "I'm sorry."

Henry's words encompassed his epiphany of knowing how much pain God dealt with every moment of his existence. Henry had no wish to add to that pain and would prevent Brad from calling Thomin.

"Thank you, Henry."

<> 

Brad began to call out, "Th ..." when Henry yelled in his Mind: Stop! Don't call him!

Ken and the bodies suddenly smelled grease and food on Henry's clothes, and only one place matched that particular odor. Henry's eyes were filled with tears, and his Heart was distraught.

Henry: Please ... don't.

Aaron: Henry, my boy, what has happened?

Henry's words brought silence among them: The Dove asked me not to.

Albrecht: He asked you?

Henry: Yes.

The implications of his statement took a moment to sink in, and Henry Opened his Heart to his Brothers, sharing his encounter with God at Waffle House. Henry's emotions while he chatted with The Dove, his epiphany, his desire to have them and his son with him – it all culminated into a powerful barrage of emotions.

Istariel said: Remember, my Father never does anything without reason.

Henry sniffled and replied: This time, I'm not so sure. Not in the way you mean anyway. I think He wants to protect Thomin, just as I want to protect Drew. It's more than that, but that's His underlying intent.

Darren said with a heavy sigh: So, we're back to square one on finding the other Gifts.

His disappointment was evident. He wanted to find his Gift, not just to fulfill his own Avatar, but to be fully One with Pat again. He wanted the same for Ken, Ricky, Kevin, and Bill.

Remnants of Bill's trouble when he was the last to Awaken ran through them, and to lighten the mood, Bill said: I bet mine's going to be glorious - I'll be able to shoot my piss like a rainbow across Creation.

His comment broke the intensity, and they sat together, deep within their Hearts, pondering not only Henry's encounter with God, but the state of the world, their exposure, The Prophet, and dealing with the everyday threat of Luke opening up a Rift for hordes of Demons to come through.

Another day in the life of The Order ...

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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