The Gifts

The Gifts Chapter 12

The Gifts

Copyright © 2023 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

Chapter Twelve! Hope everyone had a spectacular holiday and New Year. I was busier than usual but we finally `got her done.'

Not really much to say on this one. I'm working on Chapter thirteen and have a decent start. I did take a short break from writing to go back and read chapter's 1-11 to refresh my memory and make sure I wasn't dropping any threads or forgetting to follow up on anything. I'm glad I did, mainly to get back in the mindset of the story. Everything is so complex it's harder to hold the story and allt he details in my mind when I'm writing. Anyhoo ...

My email is at the end of the chapter if anyone decides they want to write.

As always, stay safe in this crazy world.

Enjoy! 😊 -   Brad

Chapter Twelve

* The Master's Psyche - Three Years Prior *

The young Master looked at the irrefutable evidence of his actions as the stone smoked in his hand.  Shame and embarrassment matched the terror in his heart, but the deed could not be undone, regardless of how badly he wanted it to. Wanting so badly to take it back, he could not.  The voice lied to him!  It promised him he would feel powerful! 

The devastation on Henry's face, the tears filling his eyes, also affected the young Master.  His tears mirrored Henry's, and he tried to talk but had no language.  The young Master held out Drew's body as if begging Henry to fix him.  Only loud guttural hoots and hollers issued from his mouth, yet the meaning behind the sounds were unmistakable.

Brother, forgive me!  I didn't mean it!  Come back to me!

His intent echoed not only in his mind but through time, bridging the gap between his young self and his eighty-thousand-year-old self. In the present, emotions bottled up for millennia burst forth, striking through any defenses he had built up.

Simultaneously, The Master of the present mirrored the words of his young self. The words were barely a whisper, but he spoke them, and they were heard throughout the second creation.

"Brother, forgive me!"

The sound of the curse tearing from him resounded across time, and The Master felt it leave him. Excruciating pain ripped at his existence. The curse had bound him nearly his entire life, protecting him, but with his words it fled, leaving him vulnerable to death.

The stunned Master watched events unfold. Trying to comprehend what happened, he stared at his brother's lifeless body with his soul hovering over his chest as Henry cradled him in his arms. Archangels appeared, but their words went unheard, dampened by the fog in his mind.

Uriel knelt, but rather than enfolding Drew's soul in his wings, he cupped the glowing orb, held it aloft, and stared intently at it. The other archangels enveloped Uriel in their wings, and a hot wind blew around them.  The air moved soothingly over Ken and his brothers' sweaty skin, drying their tears and filling them with a wholesome sensation that tightened their chests with a sudden intake of breath.

Tiny sparks arced out of Drew's soul that Uriel held aloft.  At first it was one, then a few more, but within seconds multitudes of them streamed out, swirling around the beautiful orb like fireflies.  The sparks appeared as golden snowflakes, but with their enhanced vision and understanding, The Order saw the flaws in them.  The tiny crystalline lights were the scarred, broken souls of Drew's incarnations.

Uriel and the other archangels pulled the tortured soul fragments out of Drew.  Brad was first to realize what they were, and then everyone through him, and they recognized the ones they met while Drew was learning to control his abilities; Rhavi, Ferguson, and the first version of Drew who had no name.  Those few incarnations were sane, but so many were broken to the point where they were insane.

Uriel and his brothers separated over eleven thousand fragments, leaving Drew's soul intact.  When they were done, Uriel wrapped the incarnations in the comfort of his wings, saying, "Rest now, little ones.  Find the peace you should have had long ago.  There is a special place in Heaven for you all, and you will be joyous and whole there, I promise you."

Gabriel stepped forward and took from Uriel Drew's soul which he held reverently.  Gabriel, the Herald of God, spoke loud and clear, "I hold the soul of the second redeemer, the child whose bravery and compassion are unparalleled among mankind.  Many humans are heroic; all of you here today stand among them.  Drew Ross holds his place as an equal among you and all of the fallen heroes.  Mankind will never know the gratitude owed this child, yet we honor him, and he will always have a place in Heaven when his time comes to leave this realm."

The archangels went down on bended knee to pay homage to Drew and his selfless act. Looking at Brad, Gabriel said, "It will mean more to you if you heal the child yourselves rather than us."

Among their tears and smiles, Henry grasped what was about to happen. In a trembling voice, barely audible, he whispered, "Please!  I can't stand seeing him this way!"

Powerful azure, crimson, and gold ropes erupted from the Avatars of Drew's uncles.  Lane also pulled from Henry as he wove their power into an intricate, delicate healing flow.  Darren concentrated, and the bones in Drew's skull reformed into their proper shape and position.  Their healing entered Drew's frail body, while simultaneously cleansing his blood to fully restore him in the flash of the moment.

Gabriel held Drew's soul, and Uriel gently blew on it and said, "Return and live yet again, Drew Ross."

The soul bobbed over and sank into Drew's chest, and his eyes fluttered open. Cradled against his father's bare chest and in his powerful arms, the first things Drew realized when he woke up were his father's warm strength and the scents he found so comforting: Henry's sweat and aftershave. 

Breaking down in relief, Henry pressed his head against Drew, and his tears fell on his son's face.

Drew drowsily touched Henry's rough cheek and said, "Hi, Daddy.  Why are you crying?"

Pulling back, Henry brushed the hair off Drew's forehead and looked into his eyes.  Swallowing a few times before he could speak, Henry a managed to say, "I'm just glad you're okay, Tiger!"

Drew's next question surprised all of them, "Where's my brother?"

All eyes turned to The Master, who stood alone and apart, still dazed, confused, and out of place.  Noticing their stares, he realized his face and features were visible to them.  He met Drew's eyes, the same color as his own, and his lips pulled back in a snarl. The black nimbus that usually covered his face returned as his dark shields flared.  He was still the first soul and powerful, but without the curse he was now vulnerable.

Ken immediately noticed a difference in The Master; his cockiness and supreme confidence were gone, replaced by an air of wariness. Drew stood and took Henry's hand.  Henry, still shirtless, dirty, and sweaty, wore only his short Kevlar leggings and foot covering.  Drew stood bare-chested as well, wearing his rolled-up jeans, sneakers, and his red hoodie tied snugly around his waist. Darren had cleaned the blood from his flesh, but the smudges and sweat from the humidity in the valley still covered him.

The Master's posture turned defensive, and Ken thought he was about to turn and run.  None of them knew Drew's intent as he approached his brother, but he stopped just out of his brother's reach. With Henry beside him Drew looked small and pale compared to the grotesque, muscular giant.  Henry, still one with his brothers, protected Drew with his shield.

Drew said, "I know the bad man tricked you.  I saw him with you, and I heard what he said."

The Master hissed, "You know nothing!"

Drew, in adult mode, said, "I'm sorry."

"I do not want your pity, Brother.  I wish nothing but your death.  You have won.  The Order has won, but the Dark One is not finished with you - any of you.  The war continues as it always has."

The unmistakable sound of metal sliding through flesh and bone rang out, and The Master's body arched up as his feet left the ground. Luke appeared behind him with one arm around The Master's throat as the other drove the knife through his torso from behind. A black talon shot through The Master's body, consuming him, and Luke stepped back in a confident, defensive posture.

**

Time seemed to stop as the blade pierced The Master's heart, and his eyes widened under his black nimbus. The cold, black talon followed, atomizing his physical body, but rather than pain, The Master felt peace. He felt relief for the first time in the tens of thousands of years of his tortured existence.

Remnants of his soul, the first human soul within the second creation, remained even though his body was gone. Luke's talon continued to devour those remnants until they were gone. However, in the time between breaths, in the dark place within his heart, The Master appeared.

He never felt the curse when it protected him, but now stripped of it, he felt the curse for the first time. Ever alone, the curse had been his only companion. The Dark One was never more than a voice and an occasional presence. After he killed his brother the Dark One treated him differently. Without the need of the guise of friendship, the Dark One treated him as a servant.

The curse still existed, blanketing and touching everything in the second creation, and The Master cast his dark prayer out to it. Longing for it, he yearned to be a part of it again. He missed it and would destroy all his enemies, even The Dark One if he was a part of it.

My life for you. Save me, and I will protect you. I will have vengeance on those who hurt me and who want to destroy you.

Throughout the long years of his life, The Master garnered arcane secrets not meant for mortals. The Dark One had gifted him armies of demons to carry out his rule over the physical realm. Mere moments ago, as he fought The Order, he witnessed Tag and Olive sacrifice themselves to grant Aaron Thomas and his lapdog priest, Albrecht, the power to defy him.

The words of one of Heaven's mandates, spoken by Raphael just before Liz Hastings' sacrificed her soul to save Drew, whispered in the back of The Master's mind.

"A soul, freely given, has a thousandfold power of one taken."

Another mandate speaks of the power of threes. In the war over the second creation, Liz Hasting's was the first mortal to sacrifice herself since the calling of the veil. Tag and Olive sacrificed themselves but were married, and their souls yoked as one. The Master was the third, and the final vestiges of his soul, already mighty, exploded with power and were absorbed by the curse.

In the physical realm where time still moved, a tear in the fabric of reality opened to pull in Luke and the dagger containing Orophir, as The Master became one with the curse.

* The Present *

Long after dinner, with the kitchen clean, Lane sat in the large den of the Congo base strumming his guitar while Bryan remained in the kitchen ready to make snacks for the kids. Drifting in time, Lane moved back a few days to when they told their grandfathers about Michael. Ken's pain was harsh, and the love of his brothers remained tight around him. Always looking for something positive, Lane focused on their appearing in the parking lot of the Atlanta lab.

They hadn't been outside for days, and when they removed their face covering and head gear, sunlight touched their skin. A soft breeze accompanied the moment, drying the sweat from their faces. Lane stopped at that moment to relish the warmth. His fingers strummed, and his brothers recognized John Denver's Sunshine on my Shoulders. Lane always made other artists' music his own, and now through his Avatar he wove the sensation of the sun on their skin into the song. Lane hadn't piddled on his guitar in a long while, and Bryan invoked the memory of the suns touch, and that moment, lasting forever, warmed them.

Bryan: Boss man?

Ken: Yeah?

Bryan: How about call tomorrow off and head to the valley? A day in the sun and swimming with whatever Loy can call up would be good for all of us. What do you say?

With the pressure of everything happening, it didn't seem like a good idea. Ken drove himself and the rest of them to be their best, but even half-angelic nephilim need a reprieve.

Bryan: We're pushing the RL's hard, and they can use a break too.

Brad increased his presence in his husband to encourage the idea.

Brad: We haven't been to the valley in months, Ken. It's been too long since we've been on ZEUS too. We need a break, even if it's only a day.

Each of Ken's grinning brothers started dropping not so subtle hints.

Loy: Ricky and I haven't made out in the ocean in a while.

Ricky: That's my sperm whale husband, always thinking about ... sperm.

Ken couldn't stop laughing.

Darren tugged their shorts down an inch with his mind to show their tan lines. We could all use some sun.

Henry: The boys would love it. Drew could use a break along with all of us. It's one of the few places we can go where he's safe.

Bill: Henry just played "The Drew" card, so you have to do it now, Ken, or you won't be his favorite uncle.

Ken: Okay, okay, we need a beach day. Let's take the next two days and camp there.

Privately to Ken, Brad thought: Thanks. You need this more than any of us. For tacking on an extra day, I'm going to be "extra" good to Ken Jr. tonight, so get ready.

Ken pulled Brad on top of him and wrapped his arms around his husband, nuzzling their faces together, before relaxing and holding him.

Lane: Okay, it's settled.

Bringing his song to a close, Lane thought: Henry?

Henry: Yeah?

Lane: Give us a few minutes, and then come to the gym. Drew, Tommy, Brett – you're up!

*

Drew was nervous because he wanted everything perfect for his dad.

Lane: You got this, Tiger. You can do this in your sleep. He's going to love it and be super proud of you, almost as proud as I am.

Lane cupped Drew's chin and raised his face to look at him and they smiled at one another.

Glancing at Tommy and Brett, he asked, "You rockers ready? I'm proud of you two also. I'm proud of all of you. You're going to nail this."

Tommy and Brett nodded, and Lane noticed how happy Tommy looked. Seeing inside the boy, Lane realized why and admonished himself for not seeing Tommy's creative side sooner.

Lane: Okay, guys, we're ready. Blindfold "The World's Greatest Dad" and bring him in.

Henry didn't need eyes to see any longer, but he went with the flow and made an effort not to see, letting his brothers guide him. Everyone was in the know except supposedly Henry. Brad thought Henry knew, but he was doing such a good job masking that Brad wasn't one hundred percent sure.

Teesha sat beside her mom who held Chloe. Kelly was there for training and to catch up on everything. A few of the guys pulled out mats and arranged them in a large area for everyone to sit comfortably. Raph sat with Sally, and the RL's spread out so everyone could see clearly. Tag and Olive came in and sat beside Henry. Upon entering the gym, everyone saw Bryan's drum set, the one he summoned with his Avatar. Brett's flute sat on a music stand beside Tommy's keyboard. Lane taught Drew how to summon a guitar, and it hung over his shoulder on its strap.

When Loy removed the blindfold, Henry teared up. Seeing the complexity of everything and the effort the boys put into what they were doing struck a chord in him. As an archon, Henry had the ability to change creation through song, so music was now a part of him, and he couldn't wait to hear what they planned for him.

Everyone around Henry patted his shoulder or back as they observed his expression. Olive took his hand, squeezed it, and smiled at him. Lane stayed with the boys to conduct them. Turning to face everyone, Lane's mischievous grin appeared, and he winked.

In a private link to the adults, he thought: Get ready, fuckers. These boys are the shit.

Drew closed his eyes when Lane nodded to him to start. The incarnations were in him because they wanted to be near Henry and to make him happy. Counting to himself – one, two, three – Drew's fingers began to move. Stairway to Heaven is one of the most recognizable songs in modern culture, and everyone there had heard it. Eyebrows rose at the song's length, but they knew Lane had worked with the boys exhaustively in constructs.

Bill sat with Kevin's arms around him; their eyes were glassy at seeing Tommy happy and free of anxiety. Brett looked serious, but they were familiar with his expressions when he concentrated. Lane's Avatar stayed quiet, and this time it was Drew who carried everyone with him. All the lights were off except the one over them, and the darkness of the gym filled with images of the incarnations, and their emotions permeated the air.

Shan nearly squealed when Brett's part started, which he played faultlessly. He had trouble finding his lip at first but she worked with him while Lane was in the first creation, and once he found it, he experienced transcendence. Lane's voice was perfect, and the lyrics carried his family on a journey. Everyone's eyes were bright, especially Henry's and Ken's. The song reminded Ken of Michael, and Brad tightened his arm around his husband and leaned his head to rest on Ken's shoulder. The shirtless Bryan was flawless and helped the boys come together to make something meaningful. Their first effort blew everyone away.

Lane privately to Henry: I can't wait for you to sing with Drew, buddy. He wants that so bad.

Even though Henry knew what was going to happen, the quality and intensity still shocked him. Pride for his son and nephews filled him and the room. When the song reached its crescendo, Bryan's arms were a blur on the drums and Lane's voice carried them. With Tommy's eyes closed, he threw his head back as his fingers flew over the keys – no one had ever seen him so animated. When the song closed, a few seconds of silence followed before the room erupted with joy, which the men pushed into the boys to leave no doubt as to how they felt. Tommy and Brett ran to their dads, and Drew ran to Henry.

Henry couldn't speak verbally, but he pushed his emotions into Drew: As if you weren't enough to come back to, this surprise was worth it! I'm so proud of you I could burst.

Their uncles, friends, and special people in their lives lavished praise on the boys who drank it in. It took a minute for the excitement to quiet, and then Lane said, "This is just the beginning, folks. I can't wait to do more of this and put on a full show for you ladies."

Bryan's deep voice followed, "Playing's hard work. Snacks are in the kitchen, kids. Of course, they're your favorites because who's your favorite uncle?"

The three boys giggled and wrapped their arms around Bryan's waist before they high-tailed it to the kitchen. Teesha and Chloe ran with them, but not before hugging Bryan, who sighed deeply with a grin on his handsome face, relishing the cherished "favorite uncle" position.

Loy: Don't get used to it, Bry. It will change in a few minutes when "Uncle Aslan" shows up to watch some Dragon Ball-Z.

Bryan flipped Loy off in his mind and retorted: No cat treats for you then, fucker. I was going to make you something special, but now you can fuck right off to the cat box.

Sally muttered to herself, "I'm so glad he doesn't shed when he does that. With all the extra kids, this place is hard enough to keep clean."

Brad knew she said it light-heartedly, but it was an oversight on their part. The Congo base was many times larger than the Atlanta base, and he made a point to mention it to Ken. With their Avatars they could chip in and take that load off Sally's shoulders.

Aaron caught Brad's eye, and his expression clearly said, "I am aware, Bradford. Never fear."

Ken's eyes were still bright, and Brad kissed his temple as he pulled them into their signature full-bodied hug. They weren't merged, but Ken's deep sadness over Michael was still evident. Are you okay?

Ken: Yeah. That song hit me. It was perfect, but you know...

Brad: I do know. I promised you I'd be extra good to you tonight, but I can start a little early. Drink some pineapple juice.

*

After Aaron's return from Allenor's forge, he merged more than once with his sons. They had not mentioned it yet, but he saw their concern over Adam in relation to his custody of AJ.

While the children watched TV, Aaron sent a private thought to Adam: My boy, would you come into my office for a moment?

Adam's gut tightened, and his brothers looked at him with concern. In the special place within their hearts, their arms tightened around him. Words weren't needed, but their support surrounded him protectively.

Adam: Sure, doc. I'll be right there.

The door was open, but he knocked on the door frame, and Aaron and Albrecht immediately entered his mind.

Aaron: Come in, Adam. We have much to discuss.

Adam saw multiple stacks of printed documents on Aaron's desk and immediately knew what they were.

Albrecht smiled: Yes, you are correct. These are change of custody forms for AJ. We need Julie's and your signatures and mine as a witness.

Adam appeared daunted by the number of pages.

Aaron: This is my third intervention, assuming Julie gives you no trouble. I am familiar with the process and have reduced it to just your signature.

Adam sighed and hung his head: I expect she will, sir. She'll want money to support her habits. Andrés told me she's completely backslid and is taking Maddie with her. I don't know what to do about Maddie; Julie's brainwashed her against me.

Albrecht: I am monitoring the situation and have "friends" watching over her. She and her mother are unaware of this, but we protect our own Adam, and you are one of us. Let's start with AJ, and then we will determine the best course of action for your daughter. By the way, Andrés fully supports your getting sole custody of AJ; however, he would like unofficial visiting rights. He is very attached to your son, and AJ's opinion towards him has changed. I think it would be a good thing, but that will be up to you.

Aaron: If you are prepared, I will ask Darren and Patrick to take us to Julie's apartment. AJ and Maddie are in school, so we can meet privately with her.

*

Julie lay passed out on the couch with "The Price is Right" blaring on the TV. The neighbors quit pounding on the wall, finally accepting she wasn't going to turn the volume down, and they didn't want the hassle of calling the police again. After knocking on the door multiple times, Darren's eye flashed white, the locks clicked, and the chain slid over.

Darren: I don't want it to seem like we're ganging up on her, so Pat and I will wait outside. We're with you all the way, Adam. Good luck.

Both men gripped Adam's shoulders, expressing their love before they vanished. Opening the door, Adam cringed at the sight awaiting him. The apartment smelled of cigarettes and spoiled food, and Albrecht moved to clear the kitchen table of plates that had sat long enough to grow moldy.

Adam: My God, this is worse than I imagined.

Aaron turned off the television and pulled a syringe from his pocket. Sticking the needle in Julie's neck, he depressed the plunger. His eyes briefly flashed white, and Julie started awake. Groggy, she pulled a pillow onto her lap to cover herself even thought she was fully clothed.

Adam said, "Hello, Julie."

Seeing Aaron and Albrecht, she asked Adam, "What are you doing here? What do you want?"

Aaron: She will be fully coherent and her system free from the narcotics in a moment.

Adam waved his arm, saying, "Good God, Julie, look at this place! This is no way to raise our kids."

Julie glared at him and brushed her hair back off her face. Grabbing a pack of cigarettes, she lit one and exhaled toward Adam. "Well, their father isn't around to help, and Andrés stopped giving me money."

Kneeling in front of her, Adam said, "I understand why you hate me, Julie, but Andrés has only helped you and the kids. How can you disregard him so easily?"

Albrecht interjected, "Andrés feeds Maddie and AJ daily and keeps them clothed. Unfortunately, Julie isn't working and is about to become homeless. Andrés will take the children in, but not you."

Julie muttered, "He's such a fucking saint. Save the kids but throw their mother in the trash."

Adam's face hardened, and he said, "You brought this on yourself. I get that things happened. Because of what happened to me, you were peripheral damage. Lane healed you, though, and we gave you a second chance but you've squandered it. You chose to come back to this, and you're bringing our kids down with you."

Julie's hands trembled, and her eyes were bright, but she looked at Adam and asked, "Why are you here? For AJ?"

Adam sighed, "Yes. I'll be back for Maddie soon. I wasn't planning on taking her today, but I can't leave her here after seeing this place."

Julie didn't flinch at his words and blurted out, "I need money. If I get enough, you can have him. He hates me anyway. He's just like you."

Tears finally showed in Adam's eyes, and with disbelief in his voice, he said, "You're willing to sell your son?"

Julie didn't respond but looked away taking another drag of her cigarette.

Aaron reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a small silver plate the size of a credit card. Careful to keep his expression neutral, he said, "Mrs. Kinsington, this card will provide you with two thousand dollars a month. You may use it for rent, a car payment, gas and insurance, food, and clothing. Any necessities you need. The card will not work for cigarettes, and you cannot use it for any non-prescription narcotic. This is to keep Maddie safe and allow you one more chance to turn your life around - and hers. If the card does not work, look at the items you are attempting to purchase, and it should be apparent what you need to remove."

Adam had no knowledge the doctor was going to provide anything like financial assistance, and he cried inside but kept his face neutral. Thank you, Doc. I didn't expect anything like this.

Aaron: No thanks are necessary, Adam. You are my son as much as the other men, and I am taking care of my family.

The men weren't merged but deeply linked, and Aaron was very aware of Adam's pain at the situation. Hugging Adam tightly in his heart, Aaron continued, "In return for this card, I require your signature on documents that will transfer full custody of AJ to Adam. In three months time we will return to assess your situation. If you squander this opportunity, we will arrange for custody of Maddie to be transferred to either Adam or Andrés Ramos, and you will be on your own. Think of this opportunity as a gift, young lady. I suggest you not waste it."

After a short pause, Aaron said, "I am leaving an email address for you to contact me, if you find yourself having difficulty turning your life around. If you are sincere in your desires, I can help. Keep in mind I will know if you are lying."

Aaron's voice remained firm while gentle and compassionate. Over the thousands of years of his life, he had seen countless lives destroyed by addiction. This time, however, the person was connected directly to one of his sons, and he would use all of his knowledge and skills to help her, so long as she exercised free will and was truthful.

Albrecht handed her a pen and said, "The documents are on the kitchen table. Three copies await your signature and date. I am a witness."

Snatching the card from Aaron and the pen from Albrecht, Julie quickly moved to the table and scribbled her name. Her petulant attitude hurt Adam most of all, but Aaron's voice calmed him: I expected this behavior, Adam, but do not lose hope. She has a long and challenging road ahead of her, even harder if she wishes to recover. We must pray for her recovery and a change of heart.

Adam: It's so hard to see her this way. I keep trying to remember the woman I married. We were so happy before I was kidnapped. I know the Enemy was involved, but it still seems like there's more to it.

Albrecht: Her condition is tragic, Adam. She is not out of reach of redemption, but as much as it hurts to say this, she may be too weak to grasp it. This is the case with most humans under the curse, and why we must love them.

Adam wanted to think the best of his ex-wife, but Albrecht's words rang true, and he was afraid that Julie was too broken and weak to fight against the fumes of the curse smothering her soul.

Addressing Julie, Albrecht said, "One of these copies is for your records. The courts will have these later today, and by tomorrow a judge will have seen and approved them, and Adam will have full custody of AJ."

Taking a final drag on her cigarette and then mashing it in an ashtray, Julie didn't make eye contact and said, "Get out."

**

Adam waited at Andrés garage. Andrés didn't tell AJ that Adam was coming to pick him up, this time for good. He wanted to see AJ's face light up. It was a joy to see the boy smile, mainly because it happened so seldomly.

When Andrés pulled his truck in, he reached over, patted AJ's leg, and said, "There's a surprise waiting for you in my office, amigo. Why don't you run back and see?"

AJ raised his eyebrows. "A surprise? It's not my birthday."

Andrés grinned and ruffled AJ's hair, "No, it isn't, but this is a special day. Go and see."

AJ held his backpack as he jumped down from the tall truck, nearly falling over because it was so heavy with school books. Making his way to Andrés' office, AJ stopped when he saw Adam and said, "Dad?"

Adam was already crying but smiled and said, "Hey, kiddo! I have some great news."

AJ flung himself against his dad, hugging his waist, and Adam knelt to pick him up. Adam hugged him tightly, kissing his cheek, "God, I've missed you so much."

AJ cried, "I've missed you too, Daddy. Does momma know you're here?"

Adam said, "Yes, she does. I met with her before I came to get you. You're coming home with me."

AJ looked stunned and asked, "I am?"

Adam choked on his next words, "For good, buddy. You're coming to live with me."

AJ pressed his face against his dad's neck and shoulder and started sobbing. Hugging his dad with all his strength, AJ couldn't believe what was happening.

Adam rubbed his son's back and whispered in his ear, "Shhh, it's ok, buddy. It's okay. We're together now."

Because they were linked, Adam, Darren, Pat, Aaron, and Albrecht were a part of Adam's surge of emotion. The joy that AJ's arms around his neck brought to Adam's heart was profound and touched them deeply.

Darren sent a private thought to Aaron and Albrecht: Thanks for facilitating this. It needed to happen. We're worried about his daughter though.

Aaron: I am as well, Darren.

A cold undercurrent of concern over Maddie came from their mentors. Under the curse, not everyone could be saved. Sometimes, not everyone wanted to be saved. But Maddie was still young, and there was more hope for her than for her mother.

Albrecht: I believe Maddie's situation will become far worse before it improves, but there is always hope, especially where your Avatars are concerned.

AJ was weighted down by his school bag, and Adam held them both in his arms.

Darren's dimples appeared, and he ruffled AJ's hair, "It's good to see you, little man. We heard a rumor that you're coming to live with us, and your Uncle Bryan's cooking up something special for you."

Adam said, "Uncle Darren will take us to Walmart, and we'll get you a new bathing suit. After we eat, we're going camping, and you can sleep in a tent with Drew, Tommy, Brett, Teesha, and Chloe. We'll get you all new clothes when we return from our trip."

The part of Pat's Avatar that came from Rick was already at work on AJ, and he understood through his own Avatar the relief in the young boy. Even AJ wasn't aware of how relieved he was to be with his dad. Thanks to Granny Wolf, it was all he dreamed about, and his dream just came true; however, he still felt guilt for abandoning his mother and sister.

Darren's Avatar lit up as it synchronized with his brothers across the planet, and he took them to Walmart and then to the Congo base where a spread of fried chicken strips, crispy French fries, macaroni and cheese, and corndogs awaited.

**

Granny Wolf had not been to her den in the dream realm since the steward called and bound her to Drew. Old and powerful, she existed outside the circle of rebirth, and constructed her den as a refuge.

The imp terrified her. It was The Master, yet it wasn't. It spoke with his voice, but it was more than he who had been protected from death by the curse. Somehow he was now a part of it. In order to become the curse, he had to be removed from its auspices. The wolf's wisdom ran deep, and she understood this. Her cub, Drew Ross, sacrificed himself to eradicate the curse over his brother, which had to happen. The archangels withdrew the broken incarnations from him and restored him, reconnecting his soul to his body.

The cleansed incarnations, who had resided in Heaven for three years, paradoxically were in Drew Ross once more, and he was more powerful than ever. Everything was escalating as another confrontation approached, but what form that would take escaped even her wisdom. With The Master back and potentially allied with the fallen archon, their combined might could not be stopped without the remaining Gifts, and even then, the victory of the steward and his brothers was not assured.

She comprehended that every action, every sacrifice by Drew, the steward, and his brothers were necessary to bring about what was happening. The Creator's plan was at work, and she saw more deeply into it than most.

She exhaled as the comfort of her ancient abode wrapped around her. And she howled to call her pack. Drew was not asleep and did not need her protection at the moment. Time moves differently in dreams, and her time away would not be noticed.

Her den rested on a large rock floating near the vortex of animal spirits waiting to be reborn. The entrance to her cave was a portal to the dreams of all mortals. Once the last of her pack arrived, she stood and howled again, drawing them into her to magnify her power.

Steward! Hear me!

*

While the adults packed and readied everything for their camping trip, Loy was a huge furry sleeping mat for the kids. AJ's presence caused quite a stir of excitement among the other children, and after a massive carbohydrate filled lunch, they all passed out on "Uncle Aslan" while they watched TV. Nearly every inch of his body was covered with children, lulled to sleep by his fur and warmth. Ricky sat on the floor with Loy's massive head in his lap to get ear rubs from his husband.

Lane: You're such a pussy. You just want to get out of chores.

Loy: This isn't as easy as it looks, fucker. I can't move, and I have to pee!

Ricky grinned at the usual banter. Most times when Loy assumed the lion form, all sorts of pussy jokes flew around their private link. Loy's large golden eyes, nearly closed in pleasure from his husband's ministrations, widened, and his pupils dilated when Granny Wolf's howl echoed through his Avatar, touching his soul: Steward! Hear me!

If she spoke, it meant she was in the realm of dreams and not in the base with them. Casting out his senses, Loy detected none of her pack either and was curious. Closing his eyes, he slept to enter the realm of dreams.

*

Still in his lion form, he asked: Why do you call me?

Granny Wolf: This is my home, and the imp is not yet strong enough to enter. There is danger to my cub, more than I ever imagined. More than before.

Completely alert after hearing her comments, Loy said: The imp has shown itself twice now. We don't understand how or why the curse is changing or how the imp is a part of it.

Granny Wolf: He has returned.

With her words, the image of her confrontation with the imp formed in the ether around Loy.

*

A scent she could never forget lingered around Drew, and she called her pack. The imp appeared and hissed at her.

Granny Wolf: Leave this place, vile one. How you returned, I do not know, but you will not touch him!

Boldly, the imp moved forward and stared at her. It had no eyes, but two spots, blacker than black, gazed back, sending a chill through her.

The imp: I remember you. I remember him. I told him I would kill him as many times as it takes for him never to return. I have a new ally, more powerful than before. This time I will not be stopped. I cannot be stopped. If you destroy me, both creations fall.

Her pack descended, howling their savage rage to drive him off. The imp fled, but his scent lingered. She noted he did not flee out of fear but by choice. Now she understood the source of its intellect, and fear ran through her heart for her young charge.

*

Loy's dread at what he saw and heard sent a shiver through his soul. The Master was back. As if Elegroth trying to destroy both creations and make his own wasn't enough, The Master was part of everything again, front and center, and potentially allied to the fallen archon.

The absolute worst part was what it might mean for Drew. The Master was now one with the curse and Drew was still the key to everything. By its nature, the curse kept the doors shut which protected the second creation, and Drew was tied to that; he was the crux of the curse because his first death called it into existence. It made sense, in a horrific way, which caused intense anger within Loy at God's plan. Drew would not die again! Loy, Henry, and his brothers would not allow it – they could not allow it.

Loy's sudden and intense emotions touched everyone in the Link, and Brad merged them. Loy appeared as himself but hazy and indistinct while he was in the dream realm. Turning to Granny Wolf, who his brothers saw through his dream, Loy said to her: You have done well, as always. We honor your truth and wisdom. Continue your guard and be more wary than ever.

Lane's eyes flashed white as his Avatar gripped him. Bryan's tattoos fluttered simultaneously as his Gift spoke to Lane's, calling forth the thought and memory of an earlier occurrence. He watched Darren and Pat confront Trenton Ashmore in Australia as another ancient and powerful spirit in the form of a sea tortoise revealed herself to them.

*

Shaman, you have returned to free this Land from the bondage of the dark.  The talisman their shaman wields is too powerful, and you will not win this fight without aid.  I freely give you my essence to power your spells.  Chaos and entropy have ruled here too long; restore balance to this place.

The spirit spoke to them, and Darren commanded her to find Loy and bring his brothers to save himself and Pat.

*

The memory shifted to a short time after the spirit's demise, when Trenton Ashmore lay headless, killed by Pat. Pat and Darren were merged deep within their hearts when Remiel appeared.

*

To Remiel, Darren said, "We're sorry.  Her help turned the tide.  We were shocked when she showed up and even more when she spoke.  I never knew animal spirits could speak."

Remiel responded, "Her speech was my doing.  Ages ago, I gifted her with speech to communicate as a spirit guide to the shaman of this land."

*

Granny Wolf spoke to them in the dream realm but could not in the physical or spiritual realms. With the fight escalating, she needed the ability to communicate more freely with them.

Loy stretched out his hand as he pulled his brothers more deeply into himself, and the seven Gifts merged. I grant you the gift of speech, as the other ancient spirit had. You have been nothing but brave and selfless since I called you and bound you to Drew. With this gift, I remove the binding and ask that you continue your service of your own free will and use your voice to protect him.

Regally bowing her head, she projected in her new voice: You honor me, steward. Drew Ross, as the rest of you, are my pack, and I will protect you all, especially him. Our salvation still rests on his shoulders. I know this to be true. He is more powerful than you know. I spoke those words to The Master, and they still ring true.

Her unconditional love for Drew, Loy, and his brothers washed over their souls, expressing how their presence completes her. Loy still marveled at the feeling and how animals inherently knew of his existence outside of time and waited for him. He no longer questioned its paradox but accepted and even relished it. The purity of their love was different than humans, more innocent, and except for his brothers, more pure. Loy embraced her as he returned to his body.

**

Silence followed as Loy's form solidified when he exited the dream realm. They pondered the implication of their newest revelation. Henry's reaction was anger more than fear, and he exclaimed: I thought that son of a bitch was gone forever, and Drew was safe from him.

Brad: We need to tell Drew, just not right away. We need to be settled when we tell him. We're his rock, especially you, Henry, and if he thinks we're freaked about it, he will be too.

Ken's rage boiled to the surface, and he was angrier than Henry. After losing Michael to Elegroth, The Master's return was more weight added to their already considerable burdens. His Avatar lit brightly on his shoulder, and his will and conviction filled them. In his anger, for the briefest moment outside of time, Michael's armor appeared around Ken, and Michael's sword was in his hand. The light of his Avatar ran down the blade, and everyone's Avatars responded in kind. The wall Henry made himself into to protect his son became stronger, fortified by his brother's strength.

Bill: We need to let our grandfathers know as well. They can affect or at least resist the curse in our creation.

Once the initial anger cooled, fear for Drew resurfaced. The imp seemed to travel freely, even in the realm of dreams. If allied to Elegroth, The Master might be able to reach the egg as well.

Ken: This escalates everythin'. We gotta find a way `ta defend the egg without staying with Eva. We need `ta find a way `ta contain The Master.

Lane: Drew's ability to stave off the curse by using the stone seems compromised now that The Master is stronger.

Henry: By himself, yes, but with either me or Eleneth or both of us backing him up, he should be okay.

Rick: In the meantime, do we want to cancel the camping trip?

Ken emphatically thought: No. We need the break, and the kids do too. The valley's safe. This new intel sucks ass, and we'll have `ta devise new tactics around it. Everybody keep workin' on it in the back of your heads. Like B does, let it incubate so you don't have `ta think about it consciously. We'll hit the ground runnin' when we get back.

**

Oxygen, fresh and newly formed by Yggdrasil, filled their lungs. Their dual nature was realized as soon as they appeared, and they relished it. Each time they visited, the valley felt more natural, and the weight on their shoulders lifted.

A pang of regret over Tag and Olive's absence ran through them, but the old couple declined their offer, preferring to stay at the base. Unless fishing was involved, Tag wasn't a beach person, and neither was Olive. They hugged and kissed everyone, got promises from all the children to be good and have fun, and then retired to their apartment.

Humidity and the warm sun wrapped around them and their tanned skin immediately shone with a light sheen of sweat, accentuating their physiques. They wore bathing suits because of the kids but couldn't wait to take them off later and bask naked in the sun.

Without Michael to grant the children and other guests a dispensation, the beach was as close as they could safely get to the valley. Later, Bryan planned to visit Leroy, as did all his brothers at some point. Darren took them directly to the shore where they always swam, and at once the sea life became aware of Loy. Closing his eyes, Loy rested in the presence of the nearby creatures, from the crustaceans to the whales.

Brad took them deep, briefly merging their minds and souls, and in that timeless place, they spent a small eternity being one in the presence of Yggdrasil. Upon returning to the physical realm, Ken tensed, and Brad embraced his husband from behind, resting his head on Ken's shoulder. What is it? We're here to relax.

Deeply linked but no longer merged, Ken's brothers felt his reaction. Something was different. The valley was always a source of comfort for all of them, their fortress of solitude. Later, it became even more special when they realized its history and significance. Ken's Avatar ignited with emerald energy, as Bryan's did when he called on Yggdrasil, but it acted on its own. Ken's Avatar was the key to locking the others together to create the paradox of becoming more than the sum of their individual selves.

For some reason, Ken felt the valley in a new manner. Every rock, every blade of grass, every root, even the stream leading to the water of life flowed through his veins. He was the valley, and the sudden intense beauty of it caught him off guard.

Ken: Fuck... what's happenin'?

Brad realized it immediately, and even as his thoughts formed, three bright balls of light appeared and transformed into Raphael, Gabriel, and Uriel. Upon seeing only three balls of light, Ken's breath caught, and his eyes watered at the emptiness caused by Michael's absence. There ought to be four balls of light, and Michael should be with the other archangels, wearing his black leather jacket, white t-shirt, and jeans. Raphael approached Ken and glanced at Brad with a smile of acknowledgment as he embraced Ken's head and shoulders, taking him in his arms.

Raphael: Michael did not only grant you his armor and sword, Ken. You carry his legacy, as he said, which includes the valley. Bryan is the protector of this place, but you are one with it. Michael was the Defender of the Gates of Eden, a title held since the world cooled and the valley formed. You are now the valley and can move it as Michael did and control who can be present. What you feel is what Michael felt when he was here.

Ken broke down crying at Raphael's words, and the angels wrapped him in their wings.

Gabriel: Your sorrow is ours, Ken. We grieve every moment of his absence, but consider what you feel a blessing. You carry Michael within you wherever you go. He is now a part of you in a way we did not expect. His love for you was so great he defied one of our first mandates and joined with another not of our kind. He joined with you.

Ken: I'd rather have him than any of this.

Brad's arms tightened, and the souls of his brothers dove into Ken, supporting and holding him. In the place where their hearts and souls were one, their warm, sweaty skin surrounded him with all their strength and love.

Uriel: There is another gift of Michael's legacy, but the time is not yet right to reveal it to you. When you are ready to return home, we will return. For now, let your heart not be troubled.

Bryan's eyes met Uriel's, and the depth of Uriel's anguish over Michael's absence shone back; Lane saw the same in Gabriel. The archangels were lost without Michael even though Luke now led them, and he wondered why Luke wasn't with them. The white lock in Henry's hair caught the sunlight, and he thought: Luke isn't here because he doesn't want to add to Ken's pain. Henry's insight allowed for their understanding.

Gabriel: We will depart now and bid you peace. Enjoy your respite.

With the sound of fluttering wings, the archangels transformed back into balls of light and vanished. Tommy, Brett, Teesha, and AJ looked confused, but Drew and Chloe hugged Ken, wrapping their arms around his waist and legs. Between Brad, Drew, and Chloe, Ken couldn't move, and he started to chuckle. His heart did lighten, and he said, "Guys, I can't move."

Loy: Now you know how I feel when they pile on top of me watching TV. Loy grinned and winked: Pretty damn awesome, isn't it?

With his hands on Chloe and Drew, Ken pressed them tighter against him and smiled, thinking: It is.

Brad released him, and Ken leaned down to pick up his niece and nephew to kiss their cheeks. Unable to talk for a moment, he hugged them, taking in their comfort. Finally setting them down, he asked, "Who wants `ta go swimmin'?"

The resounding cheer from the kids broke the somber mood, and the guys set down the coolers and gear. Each man touched Ken as they moved around him, squeezing a bicep or shoulder or ruffling his hair, expressing their love and support in the casual manner they were accustomed to. Naturally, Lane grabbed his ass.

*

Within an hour, the smells of hamburgers and hotdogs filled the air along with the squeals of the children who all sat in a line on the back of their uncle Loy in the form of a giant sperm whale. They played a game where the kids would shout one of their uncles' names, and Loy would shoot water out of his blowhole to drench whoever was called. Bryan was the only uncle exempt because he threatened them with soggy food if they called his name.

The next few hours were fun and relaxing, filled with laughter, and they were a family spending time together with a short absence of their burdens. Henry smiled as his white lock shone in the sun, and his eyes sparkled as he watched Drew be a ten-year-old boy playing with his cousins. Eleneth seemed awkward, clearly wanting to be a kid but sitting with the adults.

The kids wanted to play chicken, so Tommy and Brett rode on Bill and Kevin's shoulders, Drew rode on Henry's, AJ on Adam's, and Teesha on Ken's. Cavall and Bullet stayed close to Bryan in the hope of catching treats. Even with her uncles surrounding her, Chloe was afraid of the water and didn't like the taste of it when she swam, so she stayed with Kelly and Sally.

As the day wore on, Bill, Kevin, and Adam made a large pallet of blankets for the kids to lie down and rest. The older boys didn't want to but soon succumbed to sleep, and the trunks came off the adults. Sally snuck off with Henry for some alone time which brought no end of shit talking when they got back. By the time the children woke, the area teemed with sea and land animal life called by Loy. He kept them calm to interact with the kids.

Ken: Apparently, I'm more badass than before, and because I'm their favorite uncle, all the kids can now go `ta the valley with us. Why don't we wrap things up here and set up our regular camp at the base of the tree? We can get a bonfire goin' and make smores. Bry, you did bring stuff for smores, right?

Ken's fist pumped the air at Bryan's unamused stare from the audacity of Ken's question.

*

Late that night, the kids slept while the adults, with their backs against logs, sat around a massive bonfire. Sally and Shan had lap blankets to stave off the chill of the night, but the men, with their extra body heat and the warmth of the fire, remained shirtless in their bathing suits. The conversation remained light, and Lane strummed his guitar softly enough not to wake the kids.

Closing his eyes, Ken tightened his arms around Brad who reclined against him. The warm sensation of their flesh touching comforted them in its own way. Each man was merged with his husband, and everyone else was deeply linked, resting in one another.

The valley running through Ken added to everything. The night air and the breeze through the trees, the late night dew forming on the grass and leaves – it permeated his existence, bringing a new element he was still acclimating to. He knew instinctively how to grant the dispensations to Shan and the children. All but Drew required one to be where they were.

A sudden thought brought a frown to Ken's face, and Brad immediately asked: What is it?

Ken: This part of Michael..., he could've prevented Luke from ever comin' back here, but he didn't. Why? After everythin' Luke did and settin' things in motion that brought about the curse. I'd have prevented his ass from ever steppin' foot here again.

Silence fell at his question, and a moment later when Aaron was about to speak Henry beat him to it: Deep down, Michael still loved Luke. He shut his feelings off for billions of years, but they were still there, just buried. I think Michael believed that as long as Luke could still come here, there was a chance he could be saved.

Aaron smiled: Well said, my boy.

Albrecht: Michael was much deeper than any of us first realized.

Lane: Apparently, Henry is too.

A smattering of laughter followed Lane's comment, and Henry flipped him off. Glancing at Sally, Henry winked, and his follow-up comment brought even more laughter: Actually, it's Sally. Thank God.

The look on Sally's face was priceless, and she punched Henry's arm before he pulled her into a hug to share his body heat.

Ken's eyes glinted in the firelight at his thoughts: Yeah, at first Michael came across as an arrogant prick. The cocky jock quarterback in the locker room struttin' his shit around. But later... fuck was I wrong.

Brad: We all were, but I'm glad we were. His love was different than the other archangels but just as profound. You opened that door in his heart again, and it took him a while to find his way back. You led him.

Sniffling, Ken thought: I miss him. I'm gonna miss sparrin' with him.

Bryan: I know it's not the same, boss, but you always got me.

Each of Ken's brothers expressed the same sentiment, and it wasn't shit talk. They would step up and try to fill that gap in his heart any way they could, whenever they could.

Ken: Thanks. You fucker's are the best.

A collective groan followed his variation of Drew's current catchphrase, and the grin that appeared on Ken's face showed he did it on purpose.

**

Darren stood on the rocky shore watching the sky transform from night to pre-dawn grey. The ocean spray wet his naked muscular form. Pat sat not far away, one with his husband. The ocean flowed and surged in Darren, and his Avatar brightened to the point that it formed a rainbow in the mist. His breath swelled the waves, which created a current.

Loy appeared beside Darren and put his arm over his brother's shoulder. Rick appeared beside Patrick and did the same. The four became one, and Loy became one with the sea life. Soon massive numbers of varied species flocked to the area around them to play in the swells.

Loy quelled the predator-prey instincts, and sea lions, seals, orcas, and dolphins rode the waves, flipping and spinning around one another. The love of the animals infused Loy and his brothers through him.

Winking at Darren, Loy thought: That looks too fun.

Crouching down, Loy's quads thickened as he propelled himself off the rocks, transforming into a dolphin just before he breached the frigid water. The ocean's temperature was natural, yet he felt no chill as his powerful form joined the pod.

Pat understood the natural pattern of the morning, and as the sun finally peeked over the horizon, lighting up the waters with its fire, Darren calmed the waters, and the sea returned to normal.

Pat: I wish we could live here.

The truth of Pat's desire was clear to Rick's Gift, and he agreed: Me too. Maybe we can after all this is over. If our creation even exists.

Their eyes met, and after a brief second, Pat made the "Debbie Downer" sound, and the two men burst out laughing.

Pat: I'm hungry. Let's go help Bry get things started.

Darren's Avatar pulsed and the four men vanished from the rocks to appear at their camp smelling of coffee and bacon.

*

Over breakfast, Brad sent a private thought to Aaron: Hey, Doc?

Aaron: Yes, Bradford?

Brad: Have you thought more about my idea to protect Raph?

Aaron: I have, yes. Your plan is sound, except for one issue. Raphael's soul is not strong enough for what you wish to do. He is entirely human, and even if we awakened his mind, it would not be enough.

Brad: We can change that, but would it have any effect on his day-to-day life?

Aaron: No, but he will shine brightly and draw attention from beings who can see such things.

Brad: I understand. If Raph's agreeable, we should contact Luke and have him put the word out that Raph is off limits. Michael kept a tight rein on any dissension among the hosts towards us. I would hope that by now, every plane of existence is aware of Elegroth and that their attitude toward us has changed.

Aaron: By my calculations, you can only bolster his soul so far without destroying or changing him in other ways we have not yet considered.

Brad: We want him to remain human. He's merged with us and we know him; initially, he held some desire for us to awaken him, but he's grown past that. He doesn't want to be immortal.

Aaron: He is wiser than he knows. If you change him as you wish, three runes will be the maximum his soul can comfortably sustain.

Brad: Healing, truth, and protection from the dark.

Aaron: I agree. I see in your thoughts the healing is the minor version that will only affect him personally and not others around him. That is also wise.

Brad: The world doesn't know much about us or what we can do. I don't want our ability to heal to become public knowledge yet. I think that would cause a huge backlash that we can't afford.

Aaron: I agree. I have made a special effort to quell suppositions that lean in that direction on social media.

Brad: You're always on top of things, Doc. Thank you.

Aaron's grin was his "you're welcome."

Brad: I'll talk to Raph this afternoon. It will be easier to make the changes here in the valley if he's amenable.

*

Loy and Bryan sheltered the children from how they got meat for cooking, but they were fascinated watching Bryan grow plants and vegetables. Eleneth became extremely upset by the animals offering themselves as a sacrifice, so Henry took him aside to explain. Eleneth's reaction raised the issue of full disclosure to the children, with the possible exception of Chloe. Drew already knew, but after living eleven thousand lifetimes before supermarkets, he knew many things about the cycle of birth, life, and death.

Bill: Before we come back, Kev and I will talk with Tommy and Brett. They know how fish are caught and filleted. Field dressing an animal is no different in theory.

Adam: I'll talk with AJ too.

Shan: Teesha'll go vegetarian or vegan, but I'm down with that. At least until Bry makes her favorite snacks that aren't either. Don't worry, Bry, I'll take care of feedin' her until she comes to her senses.

A chuckle ran through the link at her comment and the reality that she knew her daughter well.

Brad winked at Raph and thought: While we're talking about lambs being led to slaughter, I'd like to talk to you.

Raph paled a bit, but the presence of everyone increased, and those close to him ruffled his hair. Making a private link, Brad explained his plan to change Raph and what it would mean. Once he finished, Raph seemed pensive but not afraid. He knew they would never hurt him and held his best interest in their hearts.

Brad: The most significant day-to-day change will be not getting sick. Like never again, and you'll be immune to any diseases.

Zack nudged Raph and grinned: You and I can visit the ho's together without worrying about picking anything up.

Zack blushed and frowned and then said to himself: Sorry, honey. It was just a joke.

Everyone laughed, knowing the part of Renee that resided in Zack didn't like his comment.

Brad: You'll age normally, but because of the healing rune, as long as you take care of yourself, you'll probably live longer than most humans. There are pro's and con's, and I've shared the biggest ones with you. We can link deeper and give you all the time you need to think it over.

Raph surprised them by immediately saying: I'm good with it.

Rick knew Raph spoke the truth, but to tease his friend, he thought: We aren't going to make your dick bigger, so don't ask. Or fatter. There is no rune of "Girth" in the first language.

Raph looked crestfallen, and Darren, who sat beside him, put a hand on Raph's back to console him. I'll tell you what. I know you want to start working with Albrecht, and we all think that's a great idea. We'll shave off some body fat and give you a few pounds of muscle to kickstart that. How about it?

Raph: Are you shitting me? For real?

Ken: We normally don't do stuff like that, but you deserve it. You've been through some serious shit because of us, and it's the least we can do.

Raph: Will it hurt?

Brad: No.

Raph: Do I have to be naked?

Lane's eyebrows raised: Do you want to be naked? There's no happy ending here, just to clarify.

Raph looked crestfallen again, but they knew he was joking. I'll give you five bucks.

Everyone laughed again, but Raph quickly became serious again. When?

Henry: As soon as the kids go down for a nap.

Bryan: Afterward, we'll eat because you're going to be ravenous from the changes. Then we'll do the bonfire thing. I got my Leroy time in this morning, so after smores we'll pack up and head back to the base.

Lane: Don't forget the tunes around the bonfire.

**

Raph inhaled deeply and slowly let his breath out, trying to relax. He floated in the air, held aloft by his friends. With his mind's eye open, he saw his friends as pillars of light: warm, strong, and so bright he could barely look upon them. Their loving care wrapped around him, and he closed his eyes, sinking into them.

Brad's soothing voice guided him: Just relax, Raph. You're safe, and we have you.

Behind his eyelids, the liquid golden light of their souls enveloped him; it was a place he never wanted to leave. Tears spilled from his eyes at the intimacy of the moment, not only for his profound contentment but for the feeling he wanted all humans to know and experience.

Ken: One day, Raph, everyone will. Remember, you're helpin' `ta get them there.

Darren: Here we go.

Brad built the image of the runes in his mind, and because they were one, the runes were visible to the other nine nephilim, Henry, their mentors, Adam, Zack, and the RL's. Orophir, Istariel, Alariel, Telcharan, and Ruviel were also present to offer their strength. Surprisingly, Drew and Eleneth appeared with them, and rather than interrupt the ritual, Brad embraced their power and proceeded.

Raph's physical form faded; first his skin, then his vascular system and muscles until only his skeleton was visible to them. Finally, the images of the chosen runes appeared across Raph's bones.

Orophir: Do not merely place the runes on the surface of his bones; grow them within him. If merely branded, they will be less a part of him.

Orophir's intuition and mastery of the runes amazed them, and their collective intellect knew he was right. Raph's energy centers opened, and they looked within the cellular structure of his bones and used Raph's own body to form the symbols. His osteoblasts and osteoclasts accelerated their natural tasks under Lane's direction, and in the space between breaths where time didn't move, the Enochian runes became a part of Raph's skeleton.

Once completed, the symbols ignited as Brad directed their power to vest the runes. The Gifts augmented everything, and instantly the two major and one minor runes became a part of Raph.

True to Darren's words, after the runes were active, Lane reduced Raph's body fat percentage and increased his muscle mass. Because Raph had merged with them, Brad searched his memory for the image of what Raph wanted to look like. They didn't take his body that far because he needed to learn to push himself, but they knew he would be pleased with what they did. It reminded them of their own transformation when their nephilim heritage awakened and they aged slightly into the perfect version of themselves.

Raph felt no pain, but Lane dampened his nerve receptors to prevent any sensation. Their compassion for Raph ran deep after all he had suffered because of his support, friendship, and bravery to their cause. Raph was still human and under the auspices of the curse, but now the fumes were light in him. Raph was so comfortable he drifted to sleep, and Brad deepened his slumber to let him rest until dinner.

Each man put a hand on Raph as he slept, wanting him to feel their physical presence even in slumber. Breathing out a contented sigh, Raph rolled onto his side, still suspended in the air as a blanket covered him. Evenings in the valley were cool, and he snuggled like an unburdened child.

***

Eva sensed Németh's approach. The opening he created from the pocket dimension his people lived in was a paradox touching both creations yet neither. He came more often to sit with her, and she was glad of his presence and friendship.

Eva: Welcome, friend. Why have you come? Are you bored?

The deep rumble of Németh's chuckle was pleasant to her, and as he approached, his large square head peered up so their eyes could meet. His thin, lipless mouth upturned slightly at the edges; it was his best attempt at a smile. Eva's kind did not smile, but she bowed her head slightly to acknowledge him.

Németh: Would it bother you if that was my reason?

Eva: No. I would rather have you here than not, but I have learned your habits.

Németh: Your speech has improved immensely.

Eva: I speak to myself, in my thoughts. You call it practice.

Eva sensed a tension in her friend, and she asked: What troubles you?

Németh: A recent shift in the balance. I can view my creation and yours, but until recently I have not been able to see the balance between the two. I have overcome that barrier, and it bodes ill. A creature of great evil I thought vanquished by my nephilim friends has returned and is allied with the fallen archon.

Eva: So that is what I felt.

Németh: The egg is in greater danger.

Seeing within her friend, Eva was aware of Németh's great sadness as he settled beside her.

Quietly, he said: I miss my friends. Only three years have passed for them, but it has been nearly ten thousand to me. The place my people live is tenuously connected to the arc of time of my creation, and it is unstable. It moves more rapidly than it should.

Eva: It has allowed your people to grow strong again. You told me this.

Németh: Yes, it has, but it has been a long time even for me. I have seen, however, that if I reveal myself and my people too soon into the coming conflict, ruin will come to all. We must remain hidden.

Eva: You can protect the egg.

Németh: I can. My people can, but to do so now would serve the fallen archon's purpose. I have surmised another way that involves not my nephilim friends but allies of theirs. Two new constellations exist, bright in the second creation. One of them reflects the souls of my nephilim friends and the other the young humans they awakened who can guard the egg.

Eva: They are not powerful enough. They have not the strength of the nephilim with their Avatars.

Németh: They do not – yet. Your fire, coupled with Jörmungandr's, can create a substance that can be crafted into weapons able to touch both creations. The fallen archon's demons will feel their bite.

Eva: Show me.

Németh's black eyes glinted, and Eva's pupils enlarged in response as he revealed his intent.

Németh: I cannot be involved beyond passing this knowledge to you. There will be consequences even from that, but with effort and the aid of my sons, those can be quelled.

Eva: Our shells have lain here since our hatching. They contain remnants of our songs. I will miss Jörmungandr's song if the nephilim take his shell.

Németh let out a heavy sigh: I know. It is but one of many sacrifices necessary to protect the egg. The shells are the only possibility I see of defending the egg, and the humans will still need your aid as well as Jörmungandr's.

Eva's voice assumed a teasing tone: You insist on calling Jörmungandr by his proper name, yet the human who loves him so much calls him Leroy.

Németh: Leroy is a crude name unworthy of your mate.

Eva: Yet Jörmungandr likes it. He also likes for Bryan Gunter to call him "you big fucker," although I do not know those words. It is a term of endearment, and that is all that matters. Bryan's gentle heart claimed a spot within Jörmungandr and brought him back to me. Without the influence of the nephilims' Avatars, he would remain lost to me, and there would be no egg.

Németh: The influence of the nephilim also restored my people. Henry Ross, touched by the creator Himself, restored my position among my people. The vortices and ripples surrounding their existence cause change. Not chaos, but change, and when that change settles, balance is restored. Besides my gratitude and friendship, that is why I must support them. Even they do not understand their importance or that of the boy, Drew Ross.

***

The following day was the last in their brief respite, and they planned to return to the Congo base after lunch to resume their regular schedules the next morning.

Ken woke holding his husband. The morning sun shone on their bodies, and Brad practically glowed. His tanned skin and body hair caught the sun, and he looked angelic. He smelled as perfect as he appeared – a mix of sweat, salt water, and his natural scent. Ken stilled himself, calming the valley within him, and focused on the sensation of their skin touching and Brad's steady heartbeat and breathing.

So much pain and tragedy happened recently to Ken; he knew he wouldn't have survived without Brad. Loving his husband beyond words, tears leaked from his eyes as if his love was so great his body couldn't contain it. Hugging Brad more snuggly against him, he moved his head to kiss Brad's cheek.

Even in slumber, Brad was aware of Ken's emotions. He trained his unconscious mind to always be aware of Ken, and his eyes opened softly as he turned his head so their lips met. One hand came up behind Ken's head to hold them together.

Ken's grin appeared: You fucker.

Brad: Not last night.

Ken: Too much?

Brad: Never.

A slight pause followed before Ken thought: I love you.

Brad: I know. You never have to say it.

Ken: Yeah, I do.

Brad: I know.

Ken: Ok, brainiac.

Within the valley, Ken knew the perfect spot where the dew was already dry from the morning sun and the ground warm and soft. He moved them there and made love to Brad, expressing his love for the man in his arms. Brad became "that guy" for Ken and held their minds and souls together as tightly as he could. Their Avatars outshone the sun as their muscular, sweaty forms moved in rhythm. They were gone an hour before Ken returned them to camp. The kids were up and running around, and no jokes about his and Brad's absence were made, at least not yet.

**

Reluctantly, they broke camp and readied what gear they brought with them. Three orbs of light descended with the sound of fluttering wings, and Raphael, Gabriel, and Uriel stood among them once again. The three archangels shone brightly, even in the sun, touching everyone with their wings as a gift. Raphael approached Ken and said, "There is one last aspect of Michael's legacy, Ken. It is not natural, as is the valley, but it is still tied to you."

Glancing around at their smiling faces, Gabriel said, "We will return momentarily."

Ken and Brad vanished with the archangels and appeared in the coliseum Michael created as a private getaway. This was the place he brought Ken to spar and learn "The Quintessential Dance."

Raphael's beatific smile belied the light trail on his cheek as he said, "This place continues to exist because of the part of Michael now in you. It should have dissipated with his death, but it remains and is yours."

Uriel's eyes brightened, and Ken's Avatar responded in kind. "You may return here with a thought and bring anyone you wish. This place is your refuge, as it was Michael's."

Ken didn't know what to say and couldn't speak. Brad hugged Ken tightly from behind and leaned his head on Ken's shoulder. "Ken ... this is badass."

Ken nodded, and when he could speak, his deep voice said, "Thank you. You don't know what this means `ta me."

Raphael cupped Brad's head that rested on Ken's shoulder and placed his other hand on Ken's other shoulder. "We miss Michael, but our hearts are joyous that some small part of him remains in you. If there was ever a time when I could not reach Michael, I would find him here. I will still find him, but now in you."

Through his tears, Uriel said, "I will come to you, Ken, when I miss him if that is alright."

Gabriel said, "I, as well."

Ken's chest tightened at their words, and he said, "I'd be honored."

Brad was so happy for Ken that his emotions wrapped around his husband as snuggly as his arms.

Raphael kissed Brad's forehead, then Ken's, and said, "We will leave you now. Time does not move here, so stay as long as you wish."

Uriel squeezed Ken's shoulder, Gabriel gripped his forearm, and the three angels transformed into balls of light and vanished.

Ken took Brad's hand and walked to the middle of the arena. The sunny clear sky always shone in that place. The warmth and humidity were perfect, and Ken started a gentle breeze to soothe their sweaty skin.

Ken remained quiet as he sat down, pulling Brad with him, his heart still processing that the arena was his in the same way the valley was a part of him.

Brad: So many changes, Ken. This was unexpected but awesome. You're happy, right?

Ken kissed Brad's cheek: Yeah, I am.

Brad: Henry's changes, Rick's Gift, Michael's legacy ... all good things. It doesn't take away from the bad but does balance things out. You know, you can spar with Henry here. He has Eleleth's armor and sword, and you have Michael's. Maybe he can teach you a few moves.

Brad's teasing brought a smile to Ken's face: Yeah, but if he says, "Now I am the master," in a Darth Vader voice, I'll have `ta kick his ass.

They both laughed before falling silent as one. After a while, Ken sighed heavily and thought: Time `ta go back `ta our day jobs.

Brad grinned and used Ken's own words against him: Sometimes, you're such a buzzkill.

Ken chuckled as he stood up: I guess you're rubbin' off on me. Speakin' of rubbin' ...

Brad: Are you serious?

Ken took Brad's hand and placed it on his erection.

Brad: That's serious. Maybe I'll get Lane. I don't know if I can heal that on my own.

Ken: You know what `ta do. You know everythin'.

Brad: You're right. I do know. Okay, let's consecrate this place. We're outside time, so let's make it good.

Ken's little kid grin appeared as his eyebrows rose and he proceeded to act on Brad's command. He made it good for them both, as only he could.

**

The following morning, the entire team filed into the conference room after their PT run. Brad burst out laughing at the large cushion in his chair and thought: Fuck you guys.

Ken shook his head, trying to hold back his grin. Once everyone was seated, he said, "It was a great couple `a days. I'm glad we took the time. Doc? Albrecht? Raph? Any surprises waitin' in your inboxes this mornin'?"

Raph cleared his throat and said, "General Hammond wants an update. He wants to meet with the RL's. His email was short and to the point, and he didn't elaborate."

Ken frowned and lowered his head a moment. His anger and frustration ran through their link, but he said, "Alright. We need `ta cooperate and keep this liaison strong."

Glancing at the RL's he said, "Sorry guys, but you need `ta meet with him. After a few days off, I don't like pullin' you out of trainin', but it's gotta happen. Raph, arrange the details and let me know. I wanna be there too."

Ken didn't note any change in the RL's expressions and none of them reacted strongly through the link. Their job was to be a part of and support The Order and liaise with the United States government, and they were professional soldiers still on the government payroll.

Jacob said, "I'm surprised he didn't call this meeting sooner."

Squaring his shoulders, Ken said, "Ok ladies, you six head into the gym and get warmed up. Start your mental disciplines, and we'll be in soon."

The six RL's exited, and when the door sealed, Ken exhaled and said, "Henry, bring Drew in."

Dread seeped through the link at the conversation that was about to take place. The sight of Henry coming through the door with Drew's arms around his neck and his body hanging behind his dad made it worse. Drew giggled as Henry swung him back and forth before slipping him around. Drew used Henry's body like a pommel and flipped up to twist and land on his feet. Throwing his arms up at his success, his grin wavered when he looked at his uncles. His empathic sensitivity, coupled with the looks they couldn't mask, told him they had bad news.

Henry ruffled Drew's hair and said, "You're awesome, Tiger. You're really getting good at that."

Drew moved to Ken and hugged his waist, pressing his face against Ken's stomach. Ken's hand pressed Drew tighter against him, and he said, "Tiger here's my number one gymnastic student. Take a seat, kiddo; we need `ta talk."

Drew climbed into the seat beside Henry, and before anyone else said a word, Drew said, "This is about him, isn't it?"

Astonishment ran through the link at Drew's question, but to be absolutely sure, Brad asked, "Who?"

Drew's shoulders slumped, and he lowered his head. In almost a whisper, he said, "My brother. He's the one trying to open the doors."

All the men teared up and wrapped their collective souls around Drew. He relished their warmth and their wall of protection. Henry put his arm around Drew and pulled him from his chair against him. "How did you know?"

Before he answered, Drew looked at the faces of his uncles, the men he loved and who loved him beyond words. Seeing the tears in their eyes brought his own, and he said, "Don't cry."

The presence of the incarnations filled the room, and Drew pressed his love magnified over eleven thousand times into his father and uncles. He said again, "Don't cry. I figured it out. When he attacked me, I wasn't ready, but I felt him. We've been connected ever since Dad and I went into his mind with Granny Wolf."

Henry cupped Drew's face, and through his tears he said with as much certainty as he could muster, "We don't know what this means yet, but I'll never let him near you. None of us will. You never need to be afraid of him."

Drew said, "I'm not. I'm stronger now, and so are you. So is he, but we're stronger. We'll protect each other."

Hugging Drew tighter, Henry pulled Drew against him so Drew's head was against his shoulder. Henry said, kissing the top of Drew's head, "I still don't know what I did to deserve you."

Brad merged them and each of his uncles held Drew, expressing the same sentiment. Their warm flesh against him caused him to react, but they quelled his embarrassment with their love. Time wasn't moving, and they held Drew until everyone settled. He was in much better emotional shape than they were. His concern for them was more than the fact his brother was back and a part of the curse.

When Brad brought them out of the merge, Drew hopped down and asked Henry, "Can I go back to my lessons? I don't want to get behind."

Henry glanced at Ken who nodded his affirmation and said, "Just one more thing. High five guys."

Each of his uncles pushed their chairs out and turned them around with their hands out. Drew smiled and circled around the table, smacking his hand against each of theirs. When he made it back to Henry, his dad smacked Drew's bottom as he scooted out the door.

The short silence that followed as everyone resettled was broken by Lane when he said, "Didn't see that coming, but I'm not surprised. He's beyond extraordinary."

Loy interjected, "That's why you relate to him so well, Lane. You're special too – in a short bus kind of way."

Loy's comment started a round of shit talk that broke their somber mood. Ken let them continue for a few minutes before saying in his captain's voice, "Ok ladies, into the gym. The RL's should be warmed up by now."

**

Training was a part of their lives. Their regimen and discipline allowed them to be the weapons they were. It was so much a part of their lives that they missed it even while having fun in the valley or on ZEUS, and their first full day of training after three days off felt like returning home.

However, the time off did them good. The day went quickly, and Ken ad-libbed much of their training, switching sparring partners in the middle of bouts or between weight training and mental combat disciplines. Brad focused on rapidly altering the RL's perception of time by pushing their ability to multitask their physical, mental, and spiritual natures.

Through all of it the bonds between the two groups continued to grow. The moments they were in each other nurtured their ties as men and brothers. The bonds between them were unique and powerful and their comfort unassailable. The RL's quickly learned that with their souls bound together, they weren't sure if they could exist if one of them was gone. It was a primary source of their strength but also their greatest weakness, against which there was no defense.

Brad observed Rich and noted how the white lock in his hair, just like Henry's, would catch the light when he gleaned wisdom or insight into what they were learning. Jacob was their Ken, and Rich was their Henry, and Brad knew the RL's were in good hands.

Ken called their training a few hours before dinner, and the nineteen men, pumped up and shining with sweat, made their way into the locker room to shower and change. Banter and shit talk drove their laughter, and Ken and the primary team noted the increased physical affections between the RL's. Ken saw the same between Henry and Adam which made him happy. He still had concerns about Zack. Even with half of his wife's soul in him, Zack still needed physical, intimate comfort, and he made a point to bring it up to Aaron, Henry, and Brad. Between Brad's Avatar of wisdom and compassion, Henry's wisdom, and Aaron's vast experience with the human psyche, he was confident they would discover a solution.

Ken also noted something about himself. The part of Michael that now resided in him affected him more than he initially realized. It became more apparent as he practiced his own mental disciplines. His wet hair standing on end, Ken donned his assault suit but was still bare-chested. Brad, fully dressed, stopped to look at his husband because he was captivated by Ken's physical grace and magnificent features. His flawless, tanned skin shone with health, and Brad physically felt Ken's warmth. As enraptured as he was with Ken's physicality, Brad's Avatar pulsed softly and, in a private thought, asked: What is it?

Ken: It's this part of Michael...

Ken initiated their merge, and Brad became fully aware of Ken's revelation of the subtle changes he saw in himself.

Brad: Hmmm. I don't see it as a bad thing. It makes you an even better teacher.

Ken: Maybe, but I don't want it `ta turn me into even more of a dick. Part `a my job is `ta push everyone `ta be their best. I know how `ta do that..., it's part of my Avatar. I have `ta allow for a level of ... I'm not sure I'm sayin' this right ... personal interpretation on incorporatin' the moves into each of the guys.

Brad: You don't want to become a tightwad dickhead like Michael. Is that what you're saying?

Ken burst out laughing and thought: Yeah. I was enough of that on my own.

Brad: You know this, but I'm saying it anyway. You love everyone so much that you want to take all their burdens and suffering and bear them yourself. You always have everyone's interest above your own - in training and our mission. You know how to balance pushing them with helping them. Yes, you can be a dick, but only when you have to be; everyone knows that and respects you.

Ken: So, does this part of Michael make me more of a dick?

Brad: I don't know if I can take Ken Jr. being more of a dick. He's all the dick I can handle.

Ken's little kid grin appeared: We'll have `ta test that out tonight. But in the meantime ... do `ya see why I'm worried?

Brad: I do. But you're aware of it. Like you always tell the guys when they go through shit, let it make you stronger. Michael gave you a gift; he didn't intend it to be a burden. He was the penultimate tactician and warrior among all the hosts of Heaven. He gave that to you. Embrace it, but don't let it change who you are. Lean on me for that. You know I'm here for you no matter what. You're my life.

Brad's sudden emotional intensity caught Ken off guard and he pulled Brad against him, burying his face in the crux of Brad's neck and shoulder.

Ken: Fuck, I love you.

After a brief pause, he continued: If you say "I know," I'm gonna spank you.

Brad: You need to finish getting dressed, or I'm going to test Ken Jr. right here right now in front of God and anyone left in the locker room.

Ken tightened his body, making his physique swell as he hugged Brad tighter. I wanna test the Ken Jr. theory after dinner. Be ready.

Brad: I guess I need to keep that pillow on my chair in the conference room.

***

Major Alexander Tidwell no longer existed. After orchestrating Michael's capture, he failed to acquire Orophir or the dagger that could harm his new master. Forced to disappear, he changed his identity. He spent years cultivating his foothold within the Pentagon, and being forced to flee was painful.

Three years prior, only days after The Master's demise at the hand of the Dark One, Alexander fled to Ketchum, Oklahoma, hoping to find refuge in the most powerful enemy stronghold in America. Other "suits" and protectors were there, but, without leadership they bickered and fought among themselves, primarily out of fear of what would become of them.

Alexander was the first to be called by Elegroth and converted. Because of Luke, Elegroth could breach into the second creation, and the three powers – Elegroth's own, the void, and the black rock – altered Alexander, making him mightier than before. Elegroth filled the vacancy of The Master's absence, and Alexander pledged himself to his new master.

Solidifying his position within the Pentagon allowed Alexander to influence matters worldwide and serve his new master's purpose, but for the first time in three years, one of his plans failed. Raphael Martinez was bait, but he did not anticipate the arrival of the newly awakened humans and was forced to flee. As powerful as he was, he could not face all six of them. He did not understand how they were so powerful or how the nephilim abominations altered them, but their souls were far more potent than he expected.

Alexander returned to Oklahoma, seething with frustration and fear over his failure. On his first night there, he dreamed. Typically, he controlled his dreams and bent them to his will, but that night he could not. In his dream he appeared before The Master's throne which was upholstered with the flesh of his enemies throughout the ages. The smell of death, ancient blood, and The Master's stench permeated the room. His breath steamed in the frigid air and he trembled. A familiar chill raked his soul and he dropped to the floor.

Master! How?

A tiny creature of darkness, an imp, emerged from the shadows. It had no eyes, but there were two spots, blacker than black, that Alexander recognized.

Master? How!

He longed to hear his Master's voice again and to be wrapped in the darkness of his presence, but he felt nothing. An image of a familiar door formed in his mind. It was the entrance to a vault where The Master's darkest, most powerful treasures were locked away. The key to the door, a series of runes to be spoken allowed, burned into his mind.

Pain woke Alexander with a start, and he jolted upright in his bed. The image of the runes persisted in his consciousness, blinding his eyes and mind for nearly a minute. Once his vision cleared, he rushed through the tunnels beneath the house to the vault he now knew how to open.

The doors, covered in bas-relief depictions of slaughter, torture, and the death of Enemy victims throughout history, were a horrifically twisted, crude copy of the doors to Thomin's Vault. Intoning the runes from his dream, they became visible on the doors, and with the last one, the doors creaked open.

Smiling, Alexander eagerly entered the chamber to acquire the arcane secrets and objects awaiting him. Applying his new knowledge with time and patience to utilize the relics of great power stored with The Master's vault, Alexander found what he needed to lay his plan.

**

Rich Hampton's parents were gone, and the vision of their being escorted by God into Heaven nearly blinded him; he took days to recover. Jacob and Craig Peterson's parents, Kent and Margorie, were beyond his touch. Kent's death made his blood unusable for Alexander's needs, and his wife's alteration by The Order similarly affected her.

The parents of Guy Caufield, Nathen Cochran, and Caleb Donaldson, although protected by The Order, would provide for his needs. Alexander did not have the time to invoke a full blood curse. Taking or killing these families would bring the The Order's full wrath upon him, so that no matter how careful he was or how powerful he had become, it would find and destroy him.

The spell he intended to craft was not an all-consuming full blood curse, but it would debilitate the awakened soldiers and render them useless. Unbeknownst to the parents, their homes and vehicles were protected by runes. Aaron Thomas and his lapdog priest protected them well and prevented scrying to locate them.

Through his access to The Master's vault, Alexander learned many spells from ancient tomes and gained much arcane strength. Strengthened further by Elegroth and the culmination of artifacts and forbidden spells, Alexander acquired the blood of the Caufields, the Cochrans, and the Donaldsons from their physicians' offices. The nephilim Orophir was beyond his reach, but Alexander could break the circle of young soldiers. The constellation of their souls in the heavens would go dark, and the light of The Order would dim. Both his old and his new master would be pleased, and he would return to their graces.

He needed access to the RL's away from the protections of their bases, so Alexander incapacitated General Hammond's new aid, assumed his visage, and used one of Orophir's amulets to remain undetected. He next planted the compulsion in General Hammond's unconscious mind to meet with the young warriors. With his plan in place, he only had to wait for the meeting to spring his trap.

**

Ken, Brad, Raph, and the RL's appeared outside the Pentagon. Even with their faces covered the government needed a shakeup and the presence of the RL's would be a catalyst.

Brad: One day, if we ever have the time, I want to show up with Ricky in a congressional meeting when everyone is present. I could compel everyone to speak truth, but Ricky's Gift would be far more effective. Lies and deceptions within them would vanish and I wonder what would happen.

Ken: That would be hella fun but dangerous. I doubt the doc would approve. If we were gonna do somethin' like that, it would have `ta be on a bigger scale like one of the summits with all the world leaders. We don't wanna start World War III just yet, so let's keep that idea on the back burner.

Brad: Yeah, wishful thinking I know. The media is already throwing out a ton of shit conjecture about where we're from and "who's side" we're on. Even after seeing the fight over Atlanta with the hosts of Heaven and Elegroth's army going at it, they want to make it about them and gain personal leverage.

Ken's sadness at how mankind looked at everything was evident.

Ken: I know it's the curse, B, but it still sucks. When I think of Liz, Drew, and Dar and all the shit we've gone through for them ... and they keep their heads up their asses.

Ken and Brad's conversation had taken place in a millisecond, and the RL's stood ready as Ken indicated for them to follow. Their appearance had already caused a commotion with armed guards pulling weapons. Brad compelled them to lower their weapons and slipped their minds into neutral. Ken stood with Brad by his side in the foyer, and the RL's fanned out behind them. Raph approached the security checkpoint and said, "Tell General Hammond The Order is here. He's expecting us."

Brad's gut twinged briefly, and he looked around. His Avatar pulsed lightly under his suit and then quieted, leaving him uneasy.

Ken: What's up?

Brad: Not sure yet. Everyone stay alert. Something isn't right.

Ken growled: After all the other shit they've pulled, the powers that be here better not try another stunt. If they do, I'm cuttin' `em off permanently.

A highly decorated officer approached them and held his hand out to Ken. "I'm Major Kincaid. I'll escort you to the general."

Ken shook Major Kincaid's hand. Brad took off his right glove to read Major Kincaid as they made skin contact while shaking hands.

Brad: He's clean. He's a good man and not so caught up in politics.

With no further fanfare, Major Kincaid escorted them to the security checkpoint. Ken, Brad, and the RL's bore no weapons, but their suits were wired and full of the doctor's gadgets that normally would set off the alarms. Brad's eyes flashed white under his face covering, and the security systems didn't react as they walked through.

The appearance of the nine men, eight of whom wore assault suits unlike anything anyone in the building had ever seen, caused quite a stir and people backed against walls until they passed.

The walk was long, but they finally reached General Hammond waiting with his new aid in a conference room. The RL's sharply saluted the general who saluted them back and said, "At ease. Everyone take a seat." None of the chairs would support Ken's weight so he remained standing. When Major Kincaid left and shut the door behind him, Ken indicated for Brad and the RL's to remove their head covering.

Raph cleared his throat and said, "We're here at your request, General. What can we do for you?"

Brad's gut twinged so powerfully that he paled. Something very wrong was about to happen. On instinct, Brad put every person in the Pentagon to sleep unless they were doing something dangerous, in which case he compelled them to finish their task safely and then fall asleep. General Hammond's head lolled back, but his aid, Captain Charon, smiled. Brad instantly shielded everyone with The Order. The RL's training kicked in, and they bolstered Brad's shield with their own.

**

At the Congo base, the eleven men who remained behind worked out in the gym. Adam and Zack bested Bryan and Ricky with moves they had never seen, and Henry grinned at their fist pumps.

Bryan: The fuck was that?

Adam: Ask Henry.

Ricky looked directly at Henry and asked: Elaborate?

Lane interjected: H2C has been holding out on us. Spill it, dude.

Henry: H2C?

Lane: Henry Two Creations! Like duh?

Henry burst out laughing and thought: God, I hope that one dies a quick death.

Bryan: Same, but back to the point. Was that some archon shit?

Henry merged everyone in the gym, and they appeared naked to one another in their souls. Reliving the memory of his conversation with Adam and Zack while the RL's were in the pale and the main team was in the second creation, they became aware of how Eleleth's innate fighting style was now Henry's.

Henry: It doesn't have a name, but his natural fighting style came with everything else. It's hard to explain because it's a part of me now. I just know how to do it.

Loy: Fuck, yeah! This is awesome.

Kevin: Teach me next. I want to spank Ken's ass when they come back from Washington.

Their mirth and excitement were interrupted when a deep mountainous voice filled their minds:

ABBA. I COME. WE GO TO EVA.

Before anyone thought another word, Leroy took the nephilim but left Henry, Adam, and Zack at the base. The breaking of their merge was abrupt and intensely uncomfortable, so the three remaining men clung to one another for support.

**

Before Ken or anyone in the Pentagon conference room could react to Captain Charon's eyes turning neon green, Leroy's voice filled their minds.

EVA CALLS.

Leroy enveloped them and took them from the second creation. Security alarms went off outside the room, and when the guards opened the doors, the conference room was empty.

Security cameras in the hallway caught a partial image of something so large it filled their view, and outside the building an image of Leroy bursting forth from the ground and through the building was seen. There was no destruction, but the sleeping minds of every human in the facility felt Leroy's fire brush against their souls. Wounds on anyone in the area, no matter how severe, healed, and a wholesome feeling lingered throughout the building. However, agents of Elegroth burned to ash, leaving cinders on the floor. Moments later, when the humans awoke, the Pentagon went on total lockdown. In addition to the supernatural disruption, General Hammond was gone.

Alexander screamed in agony as Orophir's amulet melted and the molten metal seared his chest as it burned through his uniform. His glamour broke, unable to withstand Leroy's presence, and his visage returned to normal. Before he could become ash in the conference room, he vanished with the nephilim, the RL's, and General Hammond, all of whom were taken by Leroy to the first creation.

**

Everyone appeared close to Eva, on the island larger than Earth, surrounded by an ocean that was not an ocean. The existence of the first creation was still alien to the men, even those with Gifts, although they could interact with it. The men from the Congo base were shirtless, sweaty, and wore only their workout shorts and shoes, but Eva's protection kept them insulated. General Hammond fell disoriented to the ground, and Brad quickly gripped the general's mind to calm him and prevent an undignified reaction by his body.

Brad: It's alright, General Hammond. You're safe.

Before the general responded, he looked up to see Eva coiled around the Egg as Leroy stared at him. Upon seeing the major, he muttered, "Tidwell? What in blazes are you doing here?"

Alexander knew he had to act quickly to enact his plan. He was dead either way, but if he could cripple the three vulnerable young warriors he would, to honor both his masters. Impossibly fast for such a massive creature, Leroy brought a talon down trapping Major Tidwell in a prison of claws. Bryan had never heard the sound Leroy made, so deep and guttural that it was nearly outside the range of his hearing; however, the sound hit their minds as well as their ears. When Alexander fumbled with the pouch containing the three vials of his spells. Leroy sniffed, smelled them, and roared.

BLOOD. EVIL. I PROTECT.

Leroy's rumble shook the ground and Alexander fell, dropping the vials which shattered on the hard substance under their feet. Glowing red smoke arced towards Guy, Caleb, and Nathan, and the three RL's froze, already feeling the touch of the curse by proximity. As he lifted his talon, Leroy lowered his snout within a few feet of Alexander Tidwell and let loose a blast of fire. Alexander's mouth, soul, and mind shouted simultaneously as Leroy obliterated every aspect of his existence. He purified Alexander's evil and vaporized the clouds of blood-mist reaching for the three RL's.

Those of the first creation were shocked at what happened and moved to Guy, Caleb, and Nathan to ensure they were alright. Avatars ignited nearly as bright as Leroy's fire, so Brad shielded the RL's. When he knew the RL's were alright, Bryan threw himself against the dragon.

Bryan: You big fucker! How did you know?

Eva: The device he wore to shroud himself does not work on our kind. Jörmungandr saw through his deception and perceived his evil intent. The scent of his spells matched the three warriors whom I need to protect the Egg.

Bryan pulled back far enough to look up at Leroy but left a sweaty imprint of his body on the dragon's hide.

Bryan: Jörmungandr? Is that your name, big guy?

Eva: Jörmungandr is his proper name in the ancient tongue of your world, but he prefers your terms of endearment.

Leroy's snout nudged Bryan affectionately, nearly knocking Bryan off his feet. Bryan scratched Leroy's snout as best he could: I love you, buddy. You're the best dragon in the world.

Lane sighed: A Boy and his Dragon. It really hits home, doesn't it?

All the men smiled and shook their heads. The enormity of Leroy and Eva and of the place where they were, coupled with what just happened astounded them, but the entire affair still boiled down to Bryan's unconditional love for the misunderstood creature. Bryan's love, along with their Avatars, altered Leroy, transforming God's original purpose into the miracle now before them.

Eva saw their thoughts and said: Yes. I am grateful for your love for him. It has made greater possibilities, including the Egg.

Brad sensed fear and confusion in General Hammond, but Raph stood nearby, completely unphased by everything, which surprised them.

Loy asked: Leroy? Why did you bring the General?

HE MUST UNDERSTAND.

Leroy's intelligence was never in question, but the subtlety of the dragon's forethought awed them.

Bryan: You don't surprise me one bit, you smart fucker.

Bryan's comment elicited a purred response.

General Hammond pulled himself together and squared his shoulders, asking, "Where are we? What is this place?"

The general's eyes were still wide, taking in his surroundings. He was of the second creation, and if not for Eva's protection, he would be dead; yet he still felt the strangeness of the place where he didn't belong. Ken nodded to Brad whose eyes closed as he gathered into a memory sphere everything needed to convey to the general. It emerged from Brad's chest and shot into General Hammond's forehead. Brad fortified the general's mind to handle the influx of knowledge.

Ken: We need you fully on board, General. Now you know everythin' about Elegroth, the Egg, the curse, and our role in all of it.

Pointing to the RL's, Ken continued: You know their importance.

Eva: As the fallen archon grows in power, and with his new ally, the Egg is in greater peril. The young warriors need weapons to defend the Egg. Gather our shell fragments and lay them before me.

Darren translocated Eva and Leroy's broken shells, keeping them separate. The fragments of music within the pieces were beautiful, and Lane was able to piece many of them together with his Avatar.

Eva: I will miss Jörmungandr's music. Ever has it been a comfort to me while we are apart. Come, my love.

Leroy moved to her, and the two dragons twined their necks. As one, fire burst forth from each, combining their ability to overwrite each creation, and the shell fragments melded together. Their fire transformed the remains of their eggs, and Lane heard new music forming. When their fire quelled, a white substance remained in a single pile.

Eva: Take this to the remnants forge and infuse it into Jörmungandr's hide that they wear. Return to me once completed, and I will imbue the warriors with strength to protect the Egg from the fallen archon's demons.

General Hammond was out of his depth and stayed quiet while Brad continued fortifying the general's mind which allowed him to remain sane.

Lane: Albrecht will have a field day at the forge figuring this out.

Wonder ran through the men at what was transpiring. There was no fear in the RL's over Eva and Leroy's actions, but there was apprehension about further change. Ken pushed himself into the younger men, and his Avatar lit up. Confidence filled them and drove away any apprehension to replace it with eagerness to continue. Ken's little kid grin appeared along with his thoughts: Always remember, no matter how powerful you get, we can still kick your asses.

Jacob thought: We need goals, right sir? Why not set the bar high?

Craig: S_uck up._

Their shit talk normalized the situation as much as possible while standing in the first creation with two dragons and the Egg containing the third. Brad's intellect processed everything that had happened since their arrival, from Eva's comments to Leroy's behavior, and intuition told him he was missing information.

In a private thought to Brad, Ken asked: Everythin' okay, B?

Brad: I'm not sure. I feel like there's something happening that I can't discern. It's nothing bad, it's just...

Ken: You'll figure it out.

Brad: We need to get the general back. There's no telling how long we've been gone in our creation, and his disappearance won't go over well, at least at first. He'll have to settle his people down.

In the primary link, Ken thought: Okay, ladies, gather up whatever that stuff is. We need `ta head back. General, we'll have a quick meetin' `ta answer any questions. We won't leave `ya hangin'.

Raph had remained quietly attentive during the entire affair and seemed unrattled and confident. Ken would talk to him to make sure he was alright once they were back at the Congo base.

Ken: Leroy? Can you take us back?

I WILL.

Bryan: Goodbye, buddy. I'll see you soon. You were awesome, as always. Best. Dragon. Ever.

Bryan's words faded as Leroy untwined his neck from Eva's and took everyone back to the second creation, placing them precisely where he took them from, except Alexander Tidwell who no longer existed.

**

They had been gone a week, and the general's sudden reappearance caused another security lockdown. Brad scanned the minds in the building to ascertain what had happened while they were gone. Some military leaders went so far as to make noise of nuclear strikes against their enemies.

Ken grumbled in their link: I knew this would fuckin' happen. This place is so damn politicized the general's political enemies are gonna claim he's been compromised.

Brad sent his thoughts across the planet to the Congo base and connected to his beloved mentor.

Brad: Doc?

Aaron: Yes, Bradford?

Brad delved into Aaron's mind, relishing his calm strength and powerful intellect. Aaron merged them without Brad asking, and Brad became aware of everything that happened during their absence. Their disappearance from the Pentagon with the general made international news. Inexplicable deaths occurred in the Pentagon, and conspiracy theories ran rampant.

Aaron: I have quelled the worst of the social media rants and continue to monitor events on a world scale. Also consider that the prophet reacted when Leroy took you. He did not speak, but he remained still long enough to worry his caretakers.

Brad: Thanks, Doc. I love you.

Brad refocused on the team: It looks like five Enemy agents, excluding Tidwell, were in the building and turned to ash when Leroy took us.

Ken: Well, we know the buildin' is clean of roaches. B, we need `ta make a statement and pre-empt any bullshit dealin' with the general.

Raph: I agree, Ken. Set the ground rules hard and fast to get their attention. Not that a battle of angels and demons should have already done that, but you know these guys have short memories.

Ken and Brad had made out that morning, so Ken's mind was fully open. With the augmentation of Leroy's hide, Ken sent his thoughts across the planet to the Congo base: Guys, the rest of you suit up. When everyone's geared, Dar, bring everyone here but stay undetectable for now. B, find the leaders of every country. All of `em.

Brad smiled knowing Ken's plan. His husband was pissed off, and Brad was happy about it this time. Every team member itched to push back against the curse ever since the world became aware of them. Loy especially wanted to end the inhumane slaughter of animals for food. The food chain easily could continue without brutality and cruelty.

Kevin: Where do you want to do this?

The image in Ken's mind surprised everyone but also brought them smiles. Kevin ruffled Ken's hair: Perfect choice.

***

Brad: Are you sure about this?

Ken: Ab-so-fuckin'-lutely.

Brad grinned: I don't mean your speech. I mean about getting everyone in the world together. Are you sure you can do that?

Ken: Yup. As long as I can touch `em through you.

Brad: I have them.

Ken took in the sight of his brothers around the conference table. Their long history was present in his mind, especially missions they ran before they were awakened. The RL's rescue was there too, and how the young soldiers came into his life the day Azaziel was restored, a feat thought impossible. Ken's time with Henry and the love they held for one another permeated his thoughts too. Aaron had been present through all of it and Albrecht nearly so. The love his mentors held for him and all of his brothers was a foundation in life which gave him immense comfort and strength. Ken rested in the men before him and took himself deep down in time.

Ken: Henry, I want you, Drew, and Eleneth with us. Are you okay with that?

Henry: No place we'd rather be. Right guys?

Eleneth nodded, Drew smiled, and the incarnations' love for Ken brought brightness to all of their eyes as their love surged through the link.

Kevin: We're with you, Cap. This needs to happen.

Deep within their souls, their arms went around Ken and each other. This time their hands were on Ken's back in loving support. Ken felt one hand slip down to his ass and thought: Lane. The hand went back up, and laughter ran through the link.

Ken: Mask up.

**

With no preamble, hundreds of humans around the world vanished including the President and Vice President of the United States, General Hammond, and every member of the House and Senate. The leaders of every nation across the globe disappeared before reappearing seated in a large coliseum under a bright sun. Standing in the arena were twenty-two people. The primary team and the RL's covered their faces, but the others did not. The nephilim formed a circle, and the RL's another circle within them, and Aaron, Albrecht, Henry, Drew, Eleneth, and Raph stood in the center.

Before any commotion started, Ken's voice filled their minds: Don't panic; you're safe.

Ken: B, hit `em.

Their ten Avatars ignited, and each awakened member of The Order brought his power to bear. The bright sky darkened to night, filled with stars and the vastness of the heavens. Yggdrasil appeared with its mighty branches filled with wraithlike animal spirits glowing brightly among the stars.

Brad opened the humans' minds enough for them to see the spiritual realm as every ounce of love and compassion The Order held for humans pushed into their hearts. Every eye spilled tears and their breath caught at the wonder, majesty, and beauty before them.

Ken: This is what all humans should feel all the time. The Curse of Eden keeps you from feelin' this. It doesn't cause strife and evil in the world but lets it thrive. It lets you treat each other like assholes less than human. The fumes of the curse choke your souls.

We are The Order. By now, you've all heard of us and seen the fight over Atlanta. We're here `ta protect you. All of you.

Our goal is twofold – to lift the curse and then save creation. You saw what happened in Atlanta. That battle was a glimpse of what's comin'. The voice you heard is a bein' named Elegroth. He's a fallen archon from a previous creation – the first creation. Yeah, there was another one before ours. Let that sink in.

We live in the second. The curse keeps the two apart for now, which is the only way our creations exists. We have `ta find a way `ta lift the curse to stay alive. Elegroth wants `ta destroy both creations and make his own. We can't let him do that. A third creation is already waitin' `ta be born. We have `ta figure out how that one and ours will co-exist and whether we can join them without destroyin' everythin'.

But we can't do that while you act like children, piss on your territory over land disputes, and make enemies of each other. We need everyone on board in this fight. One planet, one creation, `ta be with us and `ta fight Elegroth. You've never faced anythin' like this, and we're here `ta defend you, keep you safe, and figure all this shit out.

Movin' forward, all wars stop. Any encroachment upon your neighbors ends now. Believe me when I say we have the power `ta stop you, but we don't need the distraction of bein' pulled away from our focus.

Ken paused to gage the general reaction. Most were expected. The larger countries expressed fear and cunning over how to gain advantage with The Order. Some still wanted to destroy The Order out of fear regardless of Elegroth and what they heard. Only a few were grasping for the light of The Order as if their existence depended on it, which it did. In their link, the men collectively groaned.

Aaron: This is expected. Hold to our purpose, Kenneth, and continue.

Ken: Ricky, you're up.

With the human minds able to see into the spiritual realm, they witnessed the power flowing between the men of the Order. Thick, bright ropes of power poured into Ricky, and the two constellations of their souls in the heavens brightened to the point that they cast shadows on the ground. Ricky's Gift exploded, and a ring of light from him expanded to encompass every person present. The truth of Ken's words sank into everyone, burning out doubts and fears.

Ken: This isn't a trick or a threat. You're bein' forced `ta see the truth of everythin', if only for a moment. Remember this.

In their link, Ken thought: B, imprint this in their minds. Like Raph said, they have short memories. They'll get on social media and start watchin' videos or jockeyin' for positions `ta gain favor with us, and all this will get pushed out of their minds. They can't forget this. We can't allow them to.

Raph fist pumped at Ken's words, and under their face coverings, the men chuckled at his action. Ken nodded to Loy who removed his face covering. Loy's Avatar ignited under his suit as he became all animals on Earth. Joy and pain vied for dominance in his heart, and his brothers wrapped his soul tightly in theirs to hold him in love and support. Lane tickled him and Loy hugged him tighter.

Loy: Humans are stewards of earth in all aspects. The Earth is a gift which you squander every day. The casual cruelty shown to the creatures of our world must stop. We understand the need for food but the curse has twisted it. For now, find humane ways to procure what is needed. I will know if you do not, and my wrath will fall on you. This is not a threat but a promise. Stop polluting the oceans and poisoning the waters. Responsibly harvest what you need for now. When we succeed in lifting the curse, or however our endeavors turn out, we will revisit this, but for now, change your ways.

While Loy spoke, animal spirits swirled around him, comforting his soul. Many branched out and travelled among the humans, and while some humans cowered in fear, some attempted to touch the noncorporeal spirits. Whispers of the pain and suffering of which Loy spoke showed in many spirits, who conveyed their deaths and ill treatment to the humans. More tears fell in the eyes of the audience as Loy's statement sank in.

Unexpectedly, Gabriel's trumpet sounded a perfect note, and from the heavens, lights descended rapidly to the coliseum. Luke and the other archangels, accompanied by a legion of Barachiel's most potent guardians, circled overhead before alighting. The angels struck awe and fear into the humans, but Gabriel's voice announced in their hearts: Fear not unless you harbor hatred and anger.

Ken and all the men removed their face coverings, and the bright auras of the angels reflected in their eyes. Luke approached Ken, and each of the other nine archangels approached his descendant.

Ken's questioning look brought a smile to Luke who rested his gauntleted hand on Ken's shoulder: We come to support you - to open the minds of these humans and to show them you are not alone in this fight, nor they, and to drive home the importance of what they face.

Luke projected his voice for all to hear, and to the wonder of everyone, he perfectly spoke their native tongue and dialect: The leader of the High Hosts, Michael, my brother, protector of the south, defender and keeper of the Gates of Eden, the power of fire, feeling, passion, determination, the flaming one, bright warrior of wild courage and lion-strength has fallen. Since the beginning of our creation, he stood watch against the enemy, of which I was once a part. He has fallen to our new enemy, and to honor his memory, I now lead the High Hosts against Elegroth.

Your part in this fight will not be with the strength of your arms but by your heart. As Ken stated, you must overcome the fumes of the curse and fight in your hearts against it. Do not feed its strength through petty brokenness. Rise above the curse as much as you are able; strive against it with your utmost ability.

Ken: Thanks. I didn't expect this, but I hope it opens their eyes.

Luke: We can only hope.

Another commotion stirred among the humans when a man appeared. The prophet Ryan Atkins stood beside Henry and those of The Order in the center of the coliseum. Holy shit's and fuck me's ran through the link at the prophet's appearance. Every angel not in flight dropped to bended knee to pay homage to the voice of God. A quiet peace that stilled the racing hearts of the world leaders came with the prophet's appearance.

A deafening silence fell within the humans' souls, and in that quiet place of peace and calm they experienced the resounding love of God. Under the curse, few humans ever reached a point of such inner tranquility or entirely cleared their minds of any thoughts – to listen as Lane did through his Avatar to what mysteries creation held for them. Aaron and Albrecht were two such men, but they were awakened and no longer under the curse, thus the inner calm they radiated resulted from their stillness.

Ryan Atkins did not speak but made himself heard in the minds and hearts of everyone: archangel, nephilim, awakened and unawakened. The humans felt The Order's light and their unconditional love, but the presence of the prophet touched them even more profoundly.

*

When the prophet appeared, the men felt God manifest in Michael's tiny pocket realm. He did not physically reveal himself to the humans, but he was there. In the quiet that followed, Bill's Avatar glowed brighter and emitted the spectrum's colors. His attention turned to a woman in the audience who was dressed in native American Indian motif. When Bill laid eyes on her, Pat's Avatar ignited, and a potent connection of lines and vector arcs became visible between Bill and an item she wore under her dress. She expressed a reverence, perhaps more than the entirety of the humans present.

Bill did not move but entered her mind enough to discover her name was Sarah Cetanwakuwa, and she was of the Teton Sioux, the Lakota people from North Dakota. Bill's intuition told him not to interrupt what was happening, so he returned his focus to the prophet and rested in his family, but he intended later to pursue the strange connection.

**

Three minutes passed on Earth before the world leaders reappeared in the precise place from where they vanished. Their disappearance caused a commotion, moreso over their condition when they reappeared. None could speak at first, and tears poured down their faces as they retreated from the public eye without answering questions as they processed their experience.

Aaron and Raph immediately started monitoring the internet.

To everyone else, Ken thought: Conference room in five.

Sally had four urns of coffee waiting for them, and after emptying their bladders, they started filling them up again.

Loy: I'd say that went well.

His deadpan comment brought an outburst of laughter.

Bryan: I should've had Leroy do a fly over.

Lane: He could have dropped a dragon deuce on a few of them.

Their banter and shit talk relieved tension and lightened the mood, but Loy eventually thought: I'm serious. That was the right thing to do, Ken, and I've wanted to convey my message for a long time.

Ken nodded: We'll see. I think you're right, which makes me right. His side-eye at Brad brought another round of laughter.

Ken: I'm worried about a few of the larger countries. They're still gonna turn this into a political dance. Maybe Leroy can make an appearance `ta help reinforce everythin'. We can't let the people of the world down, even if their leadership sucks ass.

Albrecht: Yes.

Ken: Bill, Pat, what happened there at the end?

Bill: My Avatar reacted to someone in the audience. A woman from North Dakota.

Pat: She wore something under her clothing that has a connection to Bill.

Bill: I need to go see her as soon as I can. I think this might have something to do with my Gift.

His comment brought a level of seriousness back to the conversation.

Ken: We gotta get the doc, Albrecht, and the RL's `ta Allenor's forge with those egg shells too.

Bill: Maybe this will break the pattern of me always being last.

Bill joked, but a note of seriousness remained in him about his Avatar being the last to awaken. There was no longer any jealousy or remorse in him over the fact, but it was true. Brad helped him work through his feelings years before.

Albrecht: I believe, Bill, there was a reason - then and now.

Bill: I wasn't serious...

Albrecht was though and responded: If your Avatar ended up changing the pigment of your urine as you joked of early on, it wouldn't have mattered. Each of your Avatars, in its own way, is immensely powerful, but yours, like Darren's, is in a category of its own. The knowledge your Avatar gives you is immensely powerful. It was you who discovered the identity of The Master which led to Greg Rawlins returning from Heaven to reveal the secret of breaking the curse over him. I believe something similar will happen once you receive your Gift, but the pattern isn't ready for that revelation yet. When you have your Gift and can perceive everything of both creations, I think it will show us something unexpected and vital. That alone will be of phenomenal value to us, but we do not know what else it will bestow upon you. It likely will be an augmentation of your Avatar, as most of them are, but in what way remains to be seen. I hope the negative, consequential nature of your Avatar isn't magnified as well.

Bill remained quiet after Albrecht's comments. Objectively, knowledge was power, and his Avatar often revealed crucial information that connected dots in their conflicts. He didn't consider his Avatar the most potent among them, but Albrecht spoke the truth which consoled him. Ken moved to the back of Bill's chair and spun him around. He knelt and held Bill's face in his hands: You remember what I said back in the day about you havin' an Avatar. I was talkin' `ta B, but we've merged, and you've seen the conversation.

*

Brad's words that day came to Bill's mind first: We're your brothers, you big goof. You need to go home with Kevin, share this with him, and realize he couldn't care one iota whether you get another ability or not. He loves you as you are right now, just like I do, and Ken and the rest of the guys, and nothing will ever change that.

The memory accelerated to when Ken said, "Fuck, B, I'm sure he doesn't have anythin' `ta worry about. I agree it'll be hard `ta top Pat and Darren, but this isn't about whose ability is better. It's about filling a need in the group, which he and Kev already do. Anythin' above that is gravy as far as I'm concerned."

*

Ken: Everythin' we both said is still true. But you got your badass Avatar. The Master didn't want you `ta get it so bad that he set you up and tried `ta kill you. You've been pivotal in everything but you're too modest to realize it. That and the downside `ta your Avatar keeps you from seein' it. My heart bleeds for you, buddy, and I'm prayin' your Gift doesn't add to that. I know Kev has your back, but we all do too.

Bill's eyes were wet as Ken's Avatar pushed his emotions into him.

Ken: You aren't last. You never have been.

Lane: You're first in my book!

Bryan lightly slapped the back of Lane's head, and Ken thought: Shut the fuck up, Lane. We're havin' a moment.

Bill grinned which sparked smiles and laughter in all of them.

Bill: It was a good moment. Would be even better with a happy ending.

Kevin: Yeah, but not from him. As soon as we have some privacy.

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

Ken returned to the lectern and gripped the podium. It looks like we're gonna have `ta split ranks. Bill and Kev, you hightail it `ta North Dakota and find out what the deal is with that lady. If it's about your Gift and you need backup let us know. Doc, Albrecht, the RL's, Pat, and Darren will go `ta Allenor's forge to work on Eva's plan. The rest of us'll stay here `ta protect Drew if Elegroth acts up. Or the imp, that little shit. Fuck, I still can't believe he's back.

***

Leroy's hide magnified Bill's inherent power enough to translocate himself and Kevin to Bismarck, North Dakota without Darren's aid. He assumed an external construct of clothing appropriate for the weather which was three degrees and windy, but under their illusions, their suits fully insulated them. Both men wore their headgear against the wind but presented their faces as part of the construct. Armed security surrounded the capital building, and many people trudged about in the heavy snow.

Seeing the activity, Kevin thought: Well, we did kick the anthill. I wonder if it's like this everywhere.

Closing his eyes, Bill cast his mind out to cover most of the United States. He felt Brad doing the same thing and smiled at the warmth of their minds touching.

Bill: Pretty much. Brad's on top of it. Besides security, the only people in the building are aides and interns.

Kevin: I feel like Ken made the right call. Humans need to wake up. The doc wants us to stay isolated from the general public and politics, but the world right now sucks ass and I know how much just walking around hurts you.

Kevin put his arm around his husband as they walked towards the building. Both men employed their Avatar's to make them undetectable.

Bill: Sarah isn't here, but I'm sure one of her aids will know where she is.

Upon entering the lobby, the capital building's history seeped into Bill's Avatar, and he had to shield himself. The building was completed in 1934 and held many secrets he did not want to know. The architecture was magnificent, though, and more than pleasant to look at.

Modern technology interrupted the marble and brass motif and looked out of place as Bill and Kevin approached an LED building directory. On the touchscreen they found Representative Cetanwakuwa's office on the seventh floor. Kevin's understanding told him the strain of his weight on the old elevator wasn't a good idea, so they took the stairs.

Kevin: Sorry.

Bill: I'm not sorry at all. When you go first, your ass will be at eye level for seven floors.

Kevin nearly snorted his laugh and shook his head: You perv.

Bill: To quote Ken, what's your point?

Kevin: Enjoy the show.

In the stairwell, Kevin kept his glutes tight, and Bill nearly tripped twice. Enraptured by the site of Kevin's derriere, Bill didn't notice a few of the steps were worn down with age. Standing on the landing to the seventh floor, Kevin paused to pull Bill into a kiss: I love you.

Kevin's words pushed his presence into Bill, and he wrapped himself around his husband's soul, cleansing any negativity that had built up since their arrival. Bill's Avatar continually read everything around them and the echoes of a century of political bickering and posturing became part of him.

The hallway exhibited beautiful photographs and paintings of North Dakota scenery, and not far from Sarah's office the images switched to depictions of Sioux history. An attractive young man was just exiting Sarah's office and locking the door as they walked up. Both men slipped out of the construct that kept them undetectable, and Kevin asked, "Excuse me, do you work with Representative Cetanwakuwa?"

Kevin pronounced Sarah's name flawlessly, and the young man's eyebrows rose slightly as he held out his hand, saying, "I do, yes. I'm Collin Washta. Representative Cetanwakuwa isn't here. How did you get by security? You shouldn't be up here. Don't you know what happened?"

Bill said, "Yes. We were with her. It's important that we speak to her."

Collin's expression seemed conflicted, but both Bill and Kevin saw fear most of all. Bill spoke in Collin's mind to alleviate any untruths. There's no need to be afraid, Collin. We aren't here to hurt you or Sarah; it's just important that we see her.

Bill and Kevin brightened their auras to shine over Collin, and the young man's eyes closed. His initial fear came from their statement of being with Sarah when she was taken, but he showed no surprise at their voices in his mind.

Collin: How can you do this?

Kevin: That's a long story. I'm sorry, Collin, but we're in a hurry. Will you help us?

Collin: I cannot break her trust or the trust of my people.

Kevin: Will you call her and tell her The Order wishes to speak with her? You can tell her our names, Bill and Kevin.

Collin said aloud, "Give me a minute. Wait here."

Collin unlocked the door and went back into Sarah's office.

Kevin: This is interesting. There's a pattern emerging between Sarah and us through Collin.

Bill: Good. Then I'm not crazy.

Kevin: Just in bed.

Bill: Thanks, Kev.

Sinking into his husband, Bill's emotions washed over Kevin, bringing their souls together for a brief moment. Kevin's unwavering love and support uplifted Bill from the dark turns his mind often took because his Avatar constantly touched the broken world around them. Bill and Kevin had a visible glow about them when Collin came out. His breath caught, and he stared openly as his eyes watered from the love emanating from the two men in front of him.

Collin's asked, "Are you of two spirits?"

Bill and Kevin smiled knowing that was the native American Indian term for being gay and replied, "Yes, we are."

As he answered, Bill clasped and lifted their hands to display their wedding rings.

Collin said, "That's wonderful. I am as well, and you're in luck. Sarah wants to see you. Her grandfather does too, and that's a big deal. She's with him at Spirit Lake. I can take you."

Bill held out his hand to Collin who took it, and everything about the young man became known to Bill and Kevin, including how to get to the reservation and the customs of the Lakota people. Through Collin, Bill found Sarah at the reservation.

Kevin placed his hand on Collin's shoulder and said, "Thanks, Collin. You've been a huge help, but we'll go on our own."

Collin started when Bill and Kevin vanished, but their light lingered in his heart and soul for the remainder of the day.

**

They appeared outside a large wooden cabin. To Kevin, the place smelled pleasantly of wood and smoke. He also smelled leather and spicy chili. Other houses and a few cars sat nearby, but with the temperature close to zero, no one was about. Kevin heard a few voices, a television, and a few people moving around inside.

Bill kept them invisible in a construct at first. As soon as they arrived, he felt the vast difference between the capital building and the reservation. His Avatar pulsed softly as he read the area. They knew right away the area felt differently because the veil was thin where they stood. Not only that, but he felt echoes of the pale, which shocked them.

Kevin: The pale? How the fuck can that happen?

Bill: I don't know, but I feel that and the spiritual realm. It's a bit of a mashup, like three realms co-existing, but I don't feel any evil.

Bill took Kevin's hand, moved to the door, and knocked.

When the door opened, Sarah stared at them, surprised, as she said, "Welcome. I knew you would be here soon, but not so quickly."

Kevin smiled and said, "We travel light."

Backing up, she opened the door and said, "Come in quickly. I don't want to let the cold in. We are about to eat. Please join us if you are hungry and think you can handle Grandpa's famous chili."

Having just brought in a load of firewood, she held out a gloved hand and said, "I'm Sarah; welcome to my home."

Her glove spared Bill from inadvertently reading her as he and Kevin shook her hand and said their names. Kevin understood her nervous behavior but based on her experience in the coliseum and their finding her so quickly, this was understandable.

She said, "Follow me. I want you to meet Neenah and Grandpa."

Upon entering the kitchen, Kevin understood the relationships between everyone. Neenah was Sarah's sister, both granddaughters of the elderly blind man seated at the stove on a stool while stirring a pot of chili. Sarah's grandfather, Ben, heard the two men when they arrived. He also heard them in the spirit realm and saw them, not with his eyes, but his heart. As beings of light, they were so bright in the spiritual realm that they blinded him. For the first time in his life he was blinded in such a manner. Kevin understood what happened, immediately masked their auras, and asked, "Are you alright?"

Ben's reaction to his blindness surprised everyone, and Sarah forced her way between Bill and Kevin to take his hand. "Grandfather! What's wrong?"

Ben ignored her question and reached out to touch the two strangers. "You are flesh and spirit. You are everything my granddaughter said."

Looking into Ben, Kevin understood that Ben's ailments were primarily due to aging. His blindness was caused by cataracts, and his joints were covered with arthritis, yet his soul was brighter than any unawakened human they had ever encountered. Bill saw everything through Kevin's Avatar; he still had not made skin contact with Ben and wasn't sure he wanted to, but seeing Ben's discomfort and struggles with pain and mobility, Bill told Kevin: I want to heal him.

Kevin: Are you sure?

Bill: Yes. My intuition is telling me not to. There will be ripples, but nothing severe enough to worry about.

Bill brought Ben, Sarah, and Neenah into a light link to open their minds' eyes.

Bill: Be still, Ben, and don't be afraid.

Sarah's eyes watered at the sight of the kitchen transforming into a spiritual landscape, just like what happened at the coliseum. The room vanished as Yggdrasil appeared and wrapped them in its life energy. The veil parted so that animal spirits appeared; Bill and Kevin noted a hawk sitting on Sarah's shoulder and an owl on Ben's. A ferret whistling noises of pleasure wrapped around Neenah's neck.

Kevin removed the mask blanketing their light, and the two men shone like stars. Filled with power, Bill channeled healing into Ben which restored his sight, cleansed his arthritis, regenerated his gall bladder, and cured his diabetes. They did not touch his age, but he was now as healthy as possible for his many years on earth.

Ben's wrinkled cheeks still shone with tears as the light dimmed and returned to normal. His eyes were no longer milky and sparkled with wisdom and mischief. Sarah and Neenah hugged one another and then moved between Bill and Kevin to get to their grandfather and hug him. Ben's heart nearly burst from joy at his healing and as he hugged his granddaughters, he mouthed, "Thank you," to Bill and Kevin.

After a moment, he let them go and asked, "Why are you here? You came to see Sarah, not heal an old man."

Sarah let go of Ben and, after sniffing and wiping her eyes, said, "Join us for lunch. We have plenty, and you can tell us while we eat."

*

After the men's five bowls of chili each, plus what Ben, Sarah, and Neenah ate, the pot was empty. Ben lifted it, looked to the bottom, and then at Bill and Kevin who blushed sheepishly. After the first bowl, they said they had had plenty, but Sarah kept refilling their bowls. Ben's chili was as good as Sarah claimed, and Kevin understood the recipe and committed it to memory to share with Bryan.

As Neenah cleared the table, Bill asked, "Sarah, when you were in the coliseum, you wore something under your clothes. My brother Pat couldn't make out what it was, but he saw a connection to me. I'm looking for something very important to help us fight Elegroth, and I think whatever you wore might be related to it. I don't know how yet, but I'd like to see what it was you had so maybe I can discover more."

Sarah glanced at Ben who nodded his approval and said, "What you seek is sacred to our people. It is a bone of the great Iktomi spirit. The Iktomi are trickster spirits, and she wears it as a defense from deception when she is a lawmaker among the white people."

In their private link, Bill and Kevin both exclaimed: Iktomi?

Bill: The pale touches this place in some way..., but Inktomi are evil and would kill any humans.

Ben observed their expressions to read their reactions. Seeing their shock, he said, "You think Iktomi are evil. Many are, but there are those that are not. On our lands rests a sacred cave where they dwell, and we care for them. It is a great secret I do not speak of lightly. You are half spirits, and I trust you will understand not to speak of this."

Kevin said, "Only to our brothers who are also half spirit. Ben, can you take us to the cave? What we seek might be there."

Ben said, "I will call a council, and our decision must be unanimous. Only then can I take you there. I realize you could take the knowledge from me, and that you have not done so speaks greatly of your character."

Sarah returned with a necklace that had an ornamentally carved bone laced with turquoise and silver attached to it. Kevin's understanding went haywire when he saw it, and his vision filled with lines and vector arcs between it and Bill.

Bill asked, "May I hold it? I'll be careful."

Bill: Get ready, Kev. I have no idea what's about to happen.

Bill removed his glove and his Avatar ignited in a storm of light when the necklace touched his flesh. An image of a large Iktomi, many times the size of the largest he had ever seen, skittered toward him. So pale its shell was nearly transparent, he could see partly into its body. Oddly, it reminded him of Allenor.

None of them knew the lifecycle of the Iktomi. Aaron and Albrecht had harvested eggs from a pregnant female to slow The Master's blood curse on Ken. The Iktomi in his vision was larger and more intelligent; he knew she was a queen. His Gift, a bright orb, lay in her nest nearly buried by countless burst eggs sacs and molted shells. Bill sensed no evil in her or her protectors.

The vision Bill's Avatar showed him was peaceful which surprised him. The bone in his hand came from the queen, but he didn't know if she was still alive or what he would find in the cave other than his Gift. He knew through his Avatar that she waited for him, not in the sense of completion that animals felt towards Loy, but for him. Beyond the mystery of that knowledge, his Gift called to him, and he felt an ache where it should reside within his Avatar.

Bill shuddered, and Keven held him tightly, even though he was unaware of what Bill experienced. They merged and Kevin smiled: Fuck yeah, Bill. Your Gift is in that cave!

Kevin said, "Ben, please hurry and do what you can. What we need is in the cave, or it was. It is powerful and was made for Bill at the beginning of this creation. It will help in our fight against Elegroth."

Neenah said, "I will make tea to calm your nerves while we wait."

**

Two hours later, Ben returned with six other men wearing ceremonial garb. They sat in the den by the fire. Bill and Kevin saw them arrive, but Sarah told them to remain in the kitchen.

Soon Neenah came in and said, "Come into the den. Don wants to speak with you."

Kevin took Bill's hand and led them down the hall.

Kevin: What are we going to do if they say no? We have to get your Gift.

Bill: I don't know. I have to believe they will, for the sake of their people and everyone in our creation.

Kevin: You're right. Let's see what happens.

With no preamble, Don said, "Ben says you wish to heal our world and protect it from the dark spirit who spoke in the sky. We felt his evil. What will it mean for us if what you seek lies in the sacred cave of the Iktomi, and you take it?"

Bill said, "I don't know. The Iktomi we encountered before were evil, but we've never seen a queen before. Through my vision, I know she is good, and the other Iktomi that protect her are not evil. I can feel the pale even here, so there must be a portal of some kind that lets them come through, but until we're there we won't know more."

Don said, "You healed Ben. Collin tells us you are two-spirited, and we see you are cojoined spirits. Never have we met anyone so tied to the spirit world. We see no evil in you, and your light shines bright, but I fear for my people if you take what you seek. We live in balance, and removing much power will cause imbalance.

"However, it is also a chance for us to repay an old debt. As the eldest of our council, I hold many secrets of our people. I know of The Order, and my people are indebted to you. Many years ago, one of your brethren saved our greatest spirit walker and taught him to traverse the spirit world safely.

Kevin asked, "Do you know his name?"

Don replied, "He was called Jalaam and was a holy man, not of our land or people, but from across the great water. In the spirit world, distance has no meaning. The spirit walker he rescued was my ancestor, and I would not sit before you if not for Jalaam. I will take you to the cave, and if what you seek is there, it is yours."

Kevin said, "We don't know what will happen. I do know if we don't get Bill's Gift, Elegroth will win and end our creation. Everyone and everything will be gone, or worse, twisted by his song when he makes a new creation as he sees fit."

Bill said, "I promise you we will do our best to help you if there are any negative repercussions. Can we go now?"

Don said, "It will take many hours to drive to the cave."

Bill grinned and asked, "Is anyone else coming? Or is it just you, Kevin, and me?"

"Only the three of us," replied Don.

Bill held out his hand and said, "We won't need to drive."

Bill's glove was still off, and when his and Don's hands met, everything about the Teton Sioux elder became known to him. The story of Jalaam was there with the eighty-six years of his life including an image of the cave of which Don spoke.

Kevin said, "We'll be back soon."

The three men vanished, startling the elders, but Sarah's expression held the hint of a grin. After the coliseum and feeling the love of their light, she knew Don was in no danger.

**

As soon as they appeared, Bill's and Kevin's Avatars brightened under their suits, and Leroy's hide magnified their reaction so that the two men glowed. They stood at a nexus, the eye of a massive vortex where the physical realm, the spiritual realm, and the pale intersected. Don turned his face away so as not to be blinded before Bill and Kevin damped their light.

Bill: It's here, Kev. I can feel it.

The two men stood aside to let Don lead them into the cave. Their auras emitted enough light to see by, and Don confidently moved forward. The cave itself was beautiful, with veins of multicolored ores showing in the rocks. For half an hour Don led them on a slight descent. The air was dry but cool, and many of the walls depicted paintings by the Sioux people throughout their history.

Bill and Kevin were shocked to hear Don's voice in their minds: The chamber and that which you seek are close. I must pay my homage and respect to the guardian when we enter. Do not speak aloud.

Bill: How can you talk in your mind? You aren't awake.

Don: In this place, the elders can spirit-whisper to maintain silence. There are crystals in the cave that resonate sound which disturb her.

Kevin noted the shift in Don's aura and understood what was happening.

Kevin: Bill..., those crystals the doc and Albrecht harvested from Leroy's cave, the ones he made our soul lamps from..., they're here in trace amounts growing on the rock. They're so small they're like powder – not like the fully formed crystals in Leroy's cave, but their presence allows Don to speak to us. The elders must touch the rock enough to get some on their skin, and the crystals became part of the energy of this place, of the three realms. Don calls it spirit-whispering, but he's really talking in the spiritual realm.

Silently, Don took them into a large chamber. The walls reflected the light of their auras, illuminating the area which startled them because of its beauty. The queen sat in the center of the room, and various smaller Iktomi skittered away from the light.

Kevin's Avatar revealed she was old, decrepit, and near death. She had no egg of her own, but Bill saw the orb containing his Gift under the queen who sat on it as if protecting an egg. The queen's relief was apparent to Kevin's understanding – the purpose of her existence and the entire line of her ancestry was coming to fruition.

A few Iktomi appeared, crossing from the pale, and moved to feed her energy they had bled from other creatures. Tied to her lifecycle they kept her alive, but something was happening that Bill and Kevin had never seen. When the queen leeched power from the three energy centers of the smaller Iktomi, the evil within them vanished. She had somehow cleansed them.

Don slowly moved before her and knelt to whisper his prayers in her mind. As she faced him and raised her tail, a tiny portion of the power she absorbed entered Don which put him in a trance. With Don silent, the queen turned to Bill and Kevin, and with her forward appendages she rolled the Gift in front of her knowing why they were there.

Bill: How? How can this be?

Kevin: I don't know. Her lifecycle revolves around your Gift. She's old and understands what's happening. She's going to die when you take it.

Incredible sadness overcame both men. Once again the two-edged sword of their existence cut them – to attain their need and keep balance, a creature of great wisdom and importance had to die. Lesser Iktomi would breed, but there would be no queen to cleanse the evil from them.

Bill resisted his Gift's call. I don't want it this way, Kev. Why does everything related to my Avatar suck!

Kevin didn't have an answer, so he held Bill tighter in his heart: You have to take it. We can't defeat Elegroth without it. I know it hurts, but we don't have a choice.

Bill: We do, but we don't. God made it this way.

Bill sat on the ground, put his head in his hands, and quietly cried. Kevin knelt behind him and put his arms around his husband to soothe him. The queen struggled forward, her aged body trembling with effort, and when she was close enough, four of her arms reached out to touch Bill's face. She wiped away his tears as she forced him to look up at her.

Bill: I don't want you to die because of me.

When her aged flesh touched Bill's, he read her and knew her purpose. She felt only an intense completion of her life and was freely giving it to him. If Bill denied her, she would die of grief rather than fulfillment, and there was no queen to follow her. Her life and all who came before her would become meaningless. She knew Bill was coming, and her time was at an end. The spines on her scorpion-like tail gently gripped the orb containing Bill's Gift, and she lowered it for him to take. Her arms left his face, gripped his hands, and placed the orb in them.

As soon as Bill's flesh touched it, the orb dissipated, and in a blinding flash Bill came apart. Kevin slowed his perception of time, desperately trying to understand what was happening, but he didn't have his own Gift yet and this was beyond his perception. Bill turned to dust, as did the Iktomi queen, and his form dissipated. To Kevin's Avatar and understanding, Bill no longer existed, just like Liz when she sacrificed her soul to save Drew.

***

As soon as Bill vanished, the prophet spoke: Two Gifts remain. One is known, and one is unknown. That which is known will be the last to complete the new Order.

**

Bill's awareness slowly returned, yet he perceived he had no body, mind, or soul.

Bill: What am I? What happened?

The Dove: You are the nothing that came before everything. You are with me.

Bill: Before my creation?

The Dove: Before all things.

Bill: But we're here, and are something.

The Dove: Yes and no.

Bill: So which is it?

The Dove: A paradox. We are both, yet neither. You, Bill, are about to become everything, even me, for a time. You are still finite, so do not try to hold it all, or you will be destroyed. There will be a time when you can see and perceive everything, but not yet. The connectivity you will experience is the heart of Patrick's Gift, but you are the binding. From you every particle will come to be, and you will know what you are at each state as you move from one to another because they come from you. No matter how far out you go, you are still tied to being one and nothing, and through your Gift, you will know everything between the alpha and the omega of what you seek.

Bill didn't know how to respond because The Dove's words terrified him.

The Dove: Have no fear, Bill. This is what you were created for, as your brothers so aptly put it, what you are wired for.

Bill: Be careful what you wish for never sounded legit until now.

The Dove: If you like, I can alter your DNA to modify your urine on demand to any color you wish.

Bill: Instead of everything else?

The Dove: Yes. It will certainly ease your pain for a time.

Bill: But Drew, Henry, and the guys can't win...

The Dove: Correct.

Bill: Then I have no choice.

The Dove: You always have a choice, Bill. This is one you simply do not wish to make. That doesn't mean you don't have one.

Bill: That's shit logic. You know what I mean.

The Dove chuckled, and Bill felt God's presence around him: I do, and I am sorry this falls on you.

Bill: You say that to all the hot guys.

The Dove literally burst out laughing: Thank you for that. I did say it to Drew and to Henry, and now you.

Bill: Last again.

The Dove: No, you are first this time. They do not yet exist.

Bill: Seriously, I'm sorry it falls on all of us. The guys and what they've all been through, what we've been through...

The Dove: I'm very proud of you all. You are all courageous and brave beyond human comprehension.

Bill: But not yours.

The Dove: Or yours, eventually. I love all humans, Bill. I made everything out of love. But I love you and your brothers differently. One day you will see that.

Bill: So what next? I assume it's going to hurt. Are you distracting me so you can snatch off the band-aid?

God did just that, and Bill screamed as he became everything. Every particle and every connection between every particle, and the knowledge of those connections became Bill, who was infinite and lost.

The Dove: Focus, Bill. Look beyond the individual elements to their collectives.

Slowly, Bill became that which formed not only the two creations but all the others that came before - those that no longer existed. He realized now that only the first and second remained. It took untold eons for him to become that which no longer existed and to watch everything perish until he became everything that formed the first. Through his Gift, he perceived it all. The Dove was right, and for a time too small to measure, Bill knew everything. The Dove spoke truthfully that Bill could not yet hold infinity or be infinite. Lost in everything, he followed connections he never knew existed. His Avatar read objects and areas, but his Gift read existence.

Somehow Bill had to become himself again, to travel the connection from nothingness to find himself. Focusing on his own creation, he was "the big bang." He was the dust in space that formed stars and planets. Moving forward in time, he was formed and torn apart countless times through the cycles of existence. As he approached his current incarnation, he slowed his perception of time. Bill adapted and learned to control his Gift and followed his ancestry until he stopped abruptly, not many years from his current life.

*

Bill stood at a graveside and watched a casket lowered into the ground. A marble tombstone read "Frederick Martin 1934 – 1963." Bill knew the man in the casket was his father, born during World War II. Through his Gift, Bill followed Fred's life and watched his father as a boy living through the great depression. He saw Fred's friendships and nearly lost himself following those connections. Still learning, Bill struggled to focus on his father who in 1960 met Gail Crumley, Bill's mother.

Gail was beautiful and loved Fred dearly, and they were happy, but Fred shielded much from his wife. Growing up poor, Fred gambled for money. He wasn't very good but managed to make enough to help his family. Shortly after they married, Gail became pregnant with Bill. On the night of his conception, Bill experienced his soul leaving the Hall of Wings in Heaven and entering the tiny tissue mass that was himself.

Bill remembered being the embryo and feeling the first pulse of his prenatal heartbeat. He grew in the unimaginable comfort and warmth of his mother's womb and heard his parent's voices. Bill was also his mother and father, and his awareness shifted between them. Their thoughts, emotions, motivations, and existence were his because they came from him. Before the end of her pregnancy Gail became sick, so Fred gambled to make money to pay doctor's bills, but he lost everything.

*

Fred was destitute and terrified to tell Gail what had happened. Seeing and living as his father caused Bill much distress as he listened to his father's thoughts: What have I done? How can I face her? What kind of man am I, and what will she think of me when I confess. I can't do that to her. She and our baby will be better off without me.

Fred sobbed hysterically as he pulled out a pistol, held it to his temple, and pulled the trigger.

Forgive me, Gail. I love you.

Emotions surged through Bill at his father's weakness to confess and his abandonment of his wife and unborn son. Gail loved him and would have forgiven him. This Bill knew because he was his mother and knew her heart.

*

Bill sat with Gail while she rocked him to sleep. He felt her arms around him and listened to her soothing voice that he recognized from his time in her womb.

A knock on the door startled Gail, and she set Bill down in a cradle to answer the door. Two nuns entered, and Gail's tears increased because she knew why they were there. Without Fred to help her she had no way to raise her child. The wasting sickness that ate at her body worsened daily, and she did the only thing she could think of to save her child: she convinced the local orphanage to take Bill.

Picking up Bill, she pulled the blanket away from his face and kissed his forehead. Bill felt her lips and warm tears on his cheek. Bill was devastated as he watched and remembered his mother's physical and emotional trauma.

She whispered, "I love you. These ladies will take good care of you."

Raising her eyes, she looked at the dispassionate nuns and asked, "You will, won't you? Take good care of him?"

One of the sisters moved forward and said with no emotion, "Yes, yes. Give him to me."

The sister roughly took the baby, and Bill remembered being torn from his mother's arms and wailing his discomfort. The nuns left without another word as Gail fell on her bed and cried herself to sleep.

*

Bill stayed with his mother while her health declined. Grief from losing her husband and giving up her child accelerated her sickness. A doctor came to see her once out of pity and left a bottle of morphine about which he casually said would be lethal if taken all at once. She understood and thanked him as she saw him out. Bill's heart ached to see her in such a state. Her arms were so thin and her once beautiful face was sunken. Bill knew what she intended, and he cried in his heart: Momma, don't. Please don't.

Her head turned as if she heard him, and she whispered aloud, "Fred? Is that you?"

Numbly yet with purpose, she unscrewed the bottle and swallowed the contents. The bottle dropped from her hand and clinked loudly across the floor as she stumbled to her chair, collapsed with closed eyes, and waited to die.

Unable to stand by any longer, Bill manifested himself, incorporating his body into existence to be with her. As much torment as his heart suffered, he knew that altering history would be catastrophic, but he could comfort his mother at her end. Gail's eyes opened when warm hands took her own. An extremely handsome man with tear filled eyes knelt by her chair.

Bill managed to say, "I'm with you, Momma. It's me, Fred, all grown up."

Confused, Gail asked, "Am I dreaming?"

Bill blubbered, "No, Momma. I'm here. I came to let you know I'm alright."

Bill pushed her pain away as he heard Uriel's wings. Gail's eyes cleared through her grief, and she touched her son's face. Looking at him intensely, she took in every aspect of him and ran a hand through his hair. She saw her eyes and Fred's nose and knew the man in front of her spoke the truth and was her son, somehow present.

She faintly whispered, "How?"

Sniffling, Bill said, "Never mind how. I'm here to be with you, so you won't be alone. You have nothing to be afraid of."

The morphine hit hard, and Gail slumped in her chair, but Bill picked her up. His aura brightened to shine on her soul in her last seconds. Being her and himself, he felt her last breath. Burying his face against her, Bill fell to his knees and sobbed so hard that it hurt. He wanted Kevin; he needed the other half of his soul to help him bear the pain. When Gail Martin died, her soul lifted from her chest, and the room lit up as Uriel appeared.

Confusion showed on Uriel's face, and he asked: How can you be here?

Bill: I'll explain in the future where I belong.

Uriel: I see your distress, but take heart that she is going home.

Bill: Thank you.

Uriel's white wings, blindingly bright, gently wrapped around Gail's soul, and he vanished. Bill sat on the floor and cried inconsolably for nearly an hour, holding his mother's lifeless body. Finally, he took comfort that he was with her at the end and that her passing was peaceful. He wanted to say he missed her, but he was her and would carry her always. That was his Gift. His connection to everything.

At first, his pain came from not knowing her; in a sense, he never spent time with her, ate with her, laughed, or saw her smile. He only got to cry with her, and that would have to be enough. Slowly, Bill's sorrow diminished, and he admonished himself. He was Gail Martin and lived her life. He couldn't have spent more time with her because he was her every moment of her existence until Uriel took her.

Bill: Fuck.

*

Bill was surrounded by the sounds of Miss Lula clanking dishes loudly as she pulled them from the dishwasher. He smelled Frank's hashbrowns, and The Dove sat across the booth from him. Bill's face was a red and splotchy mess from crying so intensely for so long. He hurt, so The Dove reached across the table to caress his cheek which removed his pain. Bill felt Frank, Miss Lula, and The Dove holding him.

The Dove: Are you alright?

Bill wanted to snap, "You know I'm not!" but he didn't. That would be childish, and The Dove didn't deserve it from him, especially after his taste of omniscience.

Bill: No. I miss Kev and the guys. I'm alright here because I'm with you, but I'll be alright because of them when I'm home.

The Dove: Knowledge is power, but too much knowledge can destroy you. Be careful, Bill, with your Gift. Like your Avatar, its nature is both beautiful and harsh.

Bill grinned slightly at a revelation: I bet The Master, or the imp, or whatever we call him now, is pissed.

The Dove: He is. But you still don't exist, and he is unable to touch you.

Miss Lula came over and set two plates in front of him. One with bacon, eggs, and toast, and the other with only hashbrowns. She also produced a cup of steaming coffee.

Trying to smile, Bill thought: Thank you! That took a lot out of me.

A thought occurred to him, and his customary lopsided grin appeared, the one that drove Kevin weak in the knees. An entire plate of hashbrowns; I can't wait to tell Ken.

Bill ravenously tucked into his food, not caring about the paradox of still not existing yet eating with God in the cosmic Waffle House. When he was halfway through his food, Miss Lula returned with a double stack of chocolate chip waffles and a quarter of a chocolate cream pie. "Here ya go, darlin'!"

When Bill finished and sipped his coffee, he continued going over in his head everything that had happened: Kevin's got to be freaked. I need to get back.

Looking up, Bill noticed he was by himself.

I guess this is my cue to head out. Time to head home. I love you, Kev; I'll be there soon.

God's lingering presence was a treasure. The Waffle House held no hint of the curse, which was another reprieve from the downside of his Avatar and now his Gift too. He wondered how much worse his Gift would make things for him, but he had Kevin and his brothers and family, especially Tommy and Brett. He not only had them, he was them.

His Gift and Avatar ignited, and he reincorporated himself into existence.

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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