The Gifts

The Gifts Chapter 15

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

Hello everybody. Time for another chapter! A lot happens in this chapter as well, and I hope you enjoy it. There hasn't been much music lately and there really isn't in this chapter except for a reference that is made a few times.

Give this song a quick listen so you'll have the words in your mind. Hopefully, it will make you laugh. The lyric you're listening for is "I'm sending an SOS to the world"

 The Police - Message in a Bottle

Behind the scenes, things are ramping up. I hope to bring everything to a conclusion by Chapter 20, but a lot has to happen. I knew The Gifts wouldn't be as long as The Order, mainly because there's no `origin' story of the guys Awakening and going through the growing pains of their Avatars.

I'm not going to fill this space with a lot of unnecessary jabber, so as always thanks for sticking with the story and your patience, and stay safe in this crazy world.

Enjoy! 😊 -   Brad

Go #TeamNephilim!

Chapter Fifteen

<> Prelude – God's Throne in Heaven, Early in the Second Creation <>

(The RL's Gift was forged, but the other 10 were not yet complete, so at this point Thomin retained his whole intellect)

The great hall of Heaven, filled with the Father's light, was so bright there were no shadows. Like liquid, His light filled everything, and angels from every hierarchy lined the walls to bathe in it. His throne, crafted by Malachiel, caught the light and condensed it into a golden fluid that flowed down to a fountain. While in his vault, Thomin heard his Father's whisper, "Thomin, my child, come to me," and he instantly appeared in the great hall.  

God said, "Fill the chalice from the fountain. Convey it to the Remnant at his forge. Once he is finished it will be another of your treasures, for it will have held my light and will possess unrealized potency."

Thomin saw the chalice on the lip of the fountain. As one of the few among all heavenly beings able to touch the fountain, he held the chalice under a small flow until it filled, and then he vanished.

<><> 

The Companion alerted Allenor to Thomin's presence. The Gift he crafted required his full attention, so Allenor did not immediately acknowledge Thomin. With no preamble, Thomin announced, "Father bade me bring you this chalice, filled with His light. To what purpose?"

Thomin hoped that in addition to the chalice, Allenor was crafting a treasure that would rest in his vault. Ignoring the archangel until his task was complete, Allenor finally turned and said, "My apologies, angel. Origin forbids me to speak of my tasks."

Allenor could not touch the chalice without being destroyed, so he employed a delicate pair of tongs to take it from Thomin's hands. Slowly he turned, careful not to spill its contents, and poured the light into the Gift that floated over his forge. The brightness was blinding yet Allenor's eyes darkened to allow him to see. Thomin observed quietly and noted that nine other orbs in receptacles around the room were reacting to the one Allenor was working on. To himself, Allenor muttered, "So much yet to do. It is difficult without my brothers, but I must persevere." Once finished, Allenor stood to his full height, and towering over Thomin, he spoke directly to God, "Origin, it is complete." He sounded weary, not only of his body but of his soul.

Still holding the chalice in his tongs, Allenor returned it to Thomin who held it reverently. Turning his back, Allenor said, "I must rest. Farewell, angel."

In the first creation Allenor held the title of "Maker." No word existed in the second creation to convey the true concept of what he did and what he was. Thomin only knew the great being created objects of power for his Father, objects which Thomin coveted as part of his province. Elated by his new treasure he vanished and appeared in his vault to set the chalice on a prominent pedestal so he could observe it. There were not many objects yet, but Father assured him there would be more soon. Beside the chalice sat the puzzle box, the first treasure in his vault.

Thomin never touched the chalice again. Its beauty was enough, and for eons he stared, enamored by it, even after his memories of the Gifts were gone. Over time, tiny droplets of God's light, too small to see individually, trickled down the inside of the chalice to pool at the bottom. This miniscule drop remained in the cup, a drop that would not come into play for billions of years, yet when it did, would save everything.

<> The Void <>

Elegroth impatiently sat on his throne. The imp, a spot blacker than the darkness of the void, flitted about the shadows. To Elegroth's archonian senses, the imp had already regained some strength, but slowly. The Order's actions struck his ally a decisive blow the nature of which Elegroth did not fully comprehend.

A demon lumbered forward and bowed, "Mighty One, she is ready."

Elegroth smiled. As much as it galled him, what was about to happen was the imp's idea. Apparently, as The Master, the imp performed a similar ritual. The human female, Julie Kinsington, was an easy target for his pawns. A suit planted Elegroth's seeds of desire, addiction, and lust in her body, mind, and soul because her infirm body and weak will made her fertile for corruption. The last step was the willing abandonment of her daughter, in whom the suit also planted the same seeds. Julie's soul now resided in one of his prisons where his minions fortified her physical form, transforming her into a golem that could exist in both creations and the void. Once ready, he would implant her soul into the black heart of his new servant.  Her soul was naturally tied to the second creation, and her new form would be powerful enough to use as a connection to breach into it himself. The angels were too crafty and avoided capture, so Elegroth had not been able to enter the second creation physically since Michael's death and Luke's rescue, and his ability to enter the second creation himself was crucial. He went to complete the ritual himself.

There was one way, without doubt, to prevent The Order from ever withstanding him. Their weakness was the corrupted state of their Gifts. If they could never be renewed, The Order would have no chance.

<> Chapter Fifteen <>

Loy knelt in a large pasture where recent rain brought a fresh scent, and the grass left large wet stains on the knees of his jeans. Ricky and Raph stood next to him while the morning fog slowly broke up as the sun transformed the sky from pre-dawn grey to brilliant blue.

Checking his phone, Raph thought: They're almost here.

Loy's thick arms tensed as he pushed off his knees to stand.  Along with his blue jeans he wore his newest "World's Greatest Uncle" t-shirt from Drew.  Ricky wore his as well, and it fit him like a second skin. Glancing at Ricky, with the morning sun lighting his form, Loy's eyes briefly shifted into the feral amber of a wolf.

Raph: I read about Kentucky blue grass but I've never seen it. I'm a city boy at heart, but this is beautiful.

Ricky: I'm glad you pushed to take this step, Loy. I told you everyone would be behind you, especially the doc. I've been worried about you. All the guys have.

Loy: I love you.

Raph raised his eyebrows: What about me?

Loy grinned: I luff you too, Raffie.

Raph chuckled and shook his head. After a short pause, Loy continued: I love the guys too. I'm sorry I was a dumbass. With everything we have – living in one another and sharing each other's problems – well, to quote Ken, "I didn't eat my own dog food."

The three men smiled, and Ricky increased his presence in Loy's heart: Don't worry, I'll always be here to kick your ass. I'm just glad the doc stepped up. Me and all the guys were at that stage too, you know. None of us, especially me, can stand seeing the turmoil in you over the state of the world and how it treats all wildlife.

Ricky didn't want to start anything they couldn't finish, especially in front of Raph, but he hugged his husband to emphasize his love. Then, he placed one hand on the center of Loy's chest and the other at the middle of his back and pressed his hands together. The feeling in Loy that Ricky's action invoked was worth it. An infectious grin crossed Ricky's face, and he said: Maybe your ass can take lessons from Brad's.  His speaks morse code now.

Loy burst out laughing: God, that was classic.

Loy's Avatar and Gift lit up under his t-shirt, and taking a breath he pushed himself into every animal of all species around the globe. The elation and unconditional love they returned brought humble tears to his eyes. In his mind's eye, he saw the spirit nexus above them, spinning with limitless and eternal spirits waiting to be born or reborn into the cycle of life. His heartbeat quickened in a way only matched by what his husband often did to him when they made love. The pressure inside Loy's jeans increased and Ricky winked at him.

Raph quietly listened to his brothers in the link. The men were open and unashamed of their love, expressing it in front of one another or anyone in their family except the children.

Raph: I luff you too, Loy, but please don't make out right now. You'll scare off our prospective employees.

The sound of an approaching van caught their attention. A single-lane dirt path skirted the farmland The Order now owned. The last three months had flown by after Aaron and Albrecht returned from the first creation. Loy, with his perfect memory and recall, relived the events that led to this moment.

<><> 

In the second creation, the thirteen men of The Order sat around the banquet-style table Sally set up for them, and for a moment no one spoke. The only sounds were clanking plates and silverware and nods or grunts indicating someone should pass something needed. Bryan had made prime rib with every conceivable side dish ever known to complement the meat. The children snubbed their noses at the delicacy and instead filled their plates with chicken strips, hush dogs, macaroni and cheese, and ketchup.

The slow cooking aroma tortured Ken's stomach and the sensitive noses of his brothers all day. The hormones controlling their appetite were on overdrive, trying to will the meat to cook faster. Once their plates were full, with smiles and winks at Bryan for his exceptional meal, they dug in as one. After the immediate groans of ecstasy and "VO" (Valley Orgasm) faces, conversation resumed.

Elegroth had gone quiet after the protectors eliminated the demon sent to kill Javier. Ken knew that the demon was a test and that Elegroth intended for it to die, but the protectors still proved their value. He also knew that Elegroth learned more about the second creation and their ability to defend themselves. Javier mourned the loss of Erik but also rejoiced at Uriel's gift of bringing his brother Dante back from Heaven for a short visit. In the backs of their minds each man wondered at their lives and everyday existence. Living as Nephilim with an archon and two new brothers whose minds were open, one of whom shared half a soul with his dead wife... well, what mortals would freak out over was common for them now.

As the children continued their chatter, the thirteen men suddenly stopped talking. As one they rose and rushed to the safe translocation platform to find Aaron and Albrecht wearing only Eschphene-style loincloths waiting for them. Their two mentors were sweaty and smelled manly from not bathing regularly, but the hearts, souls, and minds that their sons had missed so much were back, and amid joyous tears, the men engulfed the two eldest members of The Order. The hugs and tears lasted minutes but even longer in their hearts where time didn't move. It was impossible to realize who merged with whom quicker as all the men delved into one another. Shock existed in both parties at the initial knowledge of everything that happened while they were apart.

Ken: God, we've missed you.

Ken's statement started the mental conversation as everyone expressed what their hearts felt. Sitting together naked, shoulder to shoulder, with arms and legs intertwined, they spent the equivalent of hours resting in one another and expressing their feelings.

<> 

After Aaron and Albrecht showered and dressed they joined their sons at the table where plenty of food still remained. Brad maintained a light merge the rest of the evening and while they slept, and everyone rested better now that they were together again.

The following day, an hour and a half into his sons' workouts, Aaron entered the gym. After merging the previous evening, Ken was aware of the RL's training and their first successful encounter with a large number of Elegroth's forces. The egg seemed safe for the time being, and that knowledge was a huge relief to all of them.

Ken sparred with Lane and Bill and asked: What's up, Doc?

Lane was about to make the same Bug's Bunny joke he always did, but Ken, nearly too fast to see, sent a flurry of attacks that drove Lane back against the ropes before he could say anything.

When Lane recovered, he thought: That wasn't very nice, boss man.

A chorus of various thanks for preventing Lane's old and tired response followed.

Lane: You all suck.

Brad: Yeah, as often as possible. So what's your point?

The mental shit-talk started, and Ken thought: Take five, ladies.

Leaping from the middle of the ring, Ken landed beside Aaron, grabbed a towel and wiped his face.

Ken: So, Doc, what brings you in?

Aaron: I do not mean to interrupt, but I would like to speak with Loy privately.

Lane: Who's Loy Privately?

Darren: Ohhhh, Aslan's in trouble!

Bill: That's what you get for not using the litter box.

Pat: Would you do us all a favor and neuter him, Doc? I think we'd all sleep a little easier.

Loy took their ribbing, but they all noted that his smile faded too quickly. Since his dream and visit to the spirit nexus, he had been off. Darren's eyes flashed white, and the sweat evaporated from Loy's body. Darren winked and tossed Loy his tank top.

Ricky ruffled his husband's now dry hair and kissed his cheek: I love you. Go see what the doc wants and fill me in later.

Loy: I'm all yours, Doc.

Aaron: Come with me, my boy. This might take some time, Kenneth, so best to leave Loy off the rotation for the remainder of the day.

Eyes widened and everyone wondered what the doctor had planned for their brother.

<> 

Loy followed Aaron into his office where Albrecht waited. Aaron sat behind his desk as Albrecht shut the door, and Loy wondered at the doctor's expression.  It reminded him of the time Aaron and Albrecht were separated during their forced penance from Charisa before the first awakening of Loy and his brothers. They didn't know him as well before they were awake, but occasionally a deep thread of sadness from Aaron leaked through in unguarded moments. It was a rare expression for the doctor, and it worried him.

Frowning, Loy asked, "What's wrong?"

Rather than replying verbally, Aaron embraced Loy in his heart and took the three men into an extremely deep merge. Aaron had tears in his eyes when they appeared, and he quietly thought: I am so sorry, my boy. Even though my absence seemed unavoidable, I feel I have neglected all of you here. I saw in the merge upon our return everything that has happened, and the ache in your heart is my own.

The images Aaron spoke of flashed through Loy's mind, making them fresh and poignant. Leaning forward in his chair, Loy put his head in his hands. The memories brought fresh tears, and he ran his hands roughly over his face: Sir... I feel torn. I love everyone here so much, but my Avatar is a weight I can't ignore any longer. You heard my conversation with Raph; I'm having him divert filtered information dealing with animals to me. I have got to pay more attention to my stewardship. Most animals can't defend themselves in the world under the curse; they're my responsibility. I've been doing a very shitty job of it.

Albrecht: No, Loy. You've grown into what you are. Our mission gives you higher responsibilities, and as difficult as it is to say, creation's existence supersedes everything.

Loy: I get that, but I have free time. Instead of goofing off on ZEUS or camping in the valley... I have to be more proactive. It's killing me how much suffering and neglect happens every moment.

Aaron: Firstly, your time on ZEUS is a necessary release. That is why we have it; do not regret your time there. Now, the idea you mentioned to Ricky is an excellent start. I've already created an LLC and diverted funds for property acquisition around the world for the havens you wish to build and there is money for employment and operational facilities.

Albrecht tossed Loy a black velvet pouch: You'll need to empower this one. I made it this morning, but it was easy. I'll make as many as we need.

Loy emptied the contents into his hand, and his eyes watered when he saw the pendant. It was the minor rune of stewardship from the Book of Loagaeth, the passive and lesser version of his Avatar. Anyone wearing it would be safe from animal aggression and have a minor influence on natural creatures of the world.

Loy: Thank you. I don't know what to say.

Aaron: Now that I am back, I will focus on implementing your idea. You will not be so hard-pressed once the land and facilities are operational.

Albrecht: There are two reasons we want you with us today. This was the first. We'll spend the next few hours reviewing plans to create your sanctuaries worldwide and, with Raph's help, hire staff to run them. With something of this magnitude we cannot keep it secret, therefore I think something major is in order. I think you should announce your intent publicly, much like Ken did to the world's governments. Your message must be to the people of this world, who need to know that moving forward there will be consequences for mistreating animals.

The relief in Loy's heart was worth their efforts, and he broke down in tears. Their hands went to his heavy shoulders, and their heads pressed against his while he poured out his gratitude. Once he calmed down, he asked: What about the rest of the day? Is there something else?

Albrecht's smile told Loy it was significant: I have another project, even more extensive than the one Aaron has laid out.  He will help you with the animal sanctuaries, but I have another plan. I lived your dream at the spirit nexus and remember your battle with The Master's amalgam. The Book of Loagaeth contains the runes used to craft that harness. I plan to fashion one similar but on a scale big enough to contain the spirit nexus itself. The primary issue will be finding a spirit powerful and wise enough to guide it.

Loy couldn't help himself and thought: Fuck, me.

Albrecht: We shall save that for your husband, but do you approve? You asked Granny Wolf if you were supposed to remake the harness. Even she does not know. We think you should. It will be a tremendous boon to The Order and an immensely powerful ally against Elegroth in this creation.

Loy was speechless and stared at nothing while his thoughts spun. Visions filled his mind, and his Avatar lit up. He remembered when Ken was dead at the feet of The Master and the white funnel of spirits that Loy called to continue the fight while he and the rest of his brothers were incapacitated. As powerful as that formation was, the nexus itself, focused through a harness of Albrecht's design, would be unimaginable. However, he also remembered how many spirits sacrificed themselves, depleting their essence to non-existence, to help save them.

Aaron: Sometimes sacrifices are necessary, my boy. You know this. We know how keenly their loss affects you and this is not something we propose lightly; however, our creation is at stake, and if Elegroth wins, there will be no spirits. He will destroy the nexus or worse consume it to increase his own strength. You have the insight to use this power wisely and effectively to the best advantage of the spirits, the animals, and our creation.

Loy: How much silver will it take? That many runes and the sheer size of the harness... it will weigh tons.

Albrecht: Once again, Leroy has provided us with a solution. We mapped his tunnels when he vacated his cavern the first time to couple with Eva. Along with the shape and size, the sensors Aaron utilized detected mineral deposits. We know of the largest deposits of most minerals in the planet's outer crust, along with various gems. It will take effort from you and your brothers, Darren in particular, but we can mine what we need rather than purchasing it.

Loy was overwhelmed again at the love and dedication his mentors held for him and his brothers and their cause. I've missed you so much. We all have. I love you both with all my heart.

Aaron smiled gentle love equal to Loy's: Albrecht wishes to share some sketches with you, but we both desire your input. These are your projects, and we will be your assistants. You are the Steward; let your Avatar and Gift guide these processes, and both will be successful.

<><> 

Loy, Ricky, and Raph watched the van approach. The tiny road was more of a path of pot holes and mud-filled gouges, and the people inside the van bounced and lurched. The driver went slowly, so the three men walked to meet the van. The chauffeur, a protector named Jase, parked the vehicle and hopped out to open the sliding side door. Three men and three women of varying ages and ethnicities spilled out of the cramped interior.

Raph fist-bumped Jase and said, "Thanks for getting them here safely."

Turning to the passengers, Raph addressed them, "Thank you for coming. I'd like you to meet my associates, Loy Barton and Rick Crawford."

Raph introduced each person by name and title to Loy and Ricky and continued, "We spoke on the phone, but I don't think you could really grasp the scope and nature of our intent without meeting Loy in person."

A rather earthy looking woman, Virginia Collins, rudely interrupted, "What are your credentials, Mr. Barton? I like to know who I'm dealing with personally, rather than some vague and ambiguous `Order.'"

It was summer, and Loy's hair was partially bleached out. When that happened, Brad always described the transformation of Loy's looks from incredibly handsome to devastatingly handsome and studly. Loy smiled, and his teeth seemed even whiter against his darkly tanned face and the short dark brown beard he currently sported.

Squinting slightly in the sun, Loy responded calmly and evenly, "I'm the steward of the animal kingdom."

Raph: I knew she'd be trouble, but once you win her over she'll be invaluable.

Loy had shaken hands with each person and read them: I know everything about Virginia. I wish I didn't know most of it now, but you're right about her experience, or she wouldn't be here.  You did a great job pulling these people here, Raph.

Virginia sputtered, "What nonsense is that?  What does that even mean?"

Loy's eyes flashed white, and he opened the minds' eyes of the six humans before him. Heightening his connection to the animals all over the planet, Loy held them in his heart. Then, he gently exposed Virginia and the other five animal specialists to what was in him. In order to avoid overwhelming them, they only touched the periphery of what he felt through his Avatar. In addition, as he stood before them, his form shimmered and flashed through thousands of species, taking the form of each for a microsecond before settling on Aslan. He gave one large growl at the humans before shimmering into his human form.

Tears streamed down their faces from their exposure to what resided in Loy. They dealt with animals daily in their own way and loved them, but only as much as a human under the curse can love another being. Their intent was pure but stunted by their inability to see beyond themselves. The animals' unconditional love for Loy touched them deeply and changed them forever.

Loy smiled, "Does that answer your question?"

Momentarily unable to speak, Virginia simply bowed her head sheepishly.

Raph said, "Our intent is to create several large sanctuaries. At least four in the United States, but others on every continent. We need people like you to run them. You will take in all animals that need a home, whether from being abandoned or neglected or driven from their habitats by human action. You will be their caretakers and involve me if it's something you can't handle yourselves. If I can't help you, then I'll involve Loy. However, you will have an advantage normal humans don't have."

Ricky passed a pendant to each specialist and said, "These will help you. Put them on."

Loy said, "I have some friends coming to illustrate how those amulets will help you in your work. They're almost here."

A colony of weasels suddenly scuttled up. Usually, any human would be leery of such a large group of wild creatures, but the amulets allowed them to feel the animals and know they were safe from aggression.

Loy said, "They will comprehend your intent if you focus. You can't control them but you can influence their behavior. The amulets will give you an entirely new insight into the animals you've worked with. You will feel any pain or emotion that they do so that you can understand and aid them."

Ricky: I'm speaking to your minds to help you get used to it. When you deal with us, this is a better way to communicate. It allows no deception, and emotions are conveyed without words which prevents misunderstandings. Not everyone in The Order can do this, but many can. Be aware that we do not read memories or thoughts without permission.

Raph chuckled at the expressions of the six humans. The weasels were crawling all over them, getting into pockets and under jackets and making clicks and whistles of pleasure. The humans were clearly overwhelmed, and Raph thought: We can give them some time to acclimate. I think all of them are on board with us. Aside from Aslan's appearance, the amulets clenched it.

<> 

Loy gave his new employees as much time as they wanted. Ken made it imperative that Loy take the time needed to set everything up and to call on any of his brothers if he needed the slightest bit of assistance. Their care was a comfort that Loy relied on, and he loved them as profoundly as ever.

Jase approached from the van and said, "We'd better get a move on, folks. You all have planes to catch."

Hands were shaken, and commitments made. The six professionals, all top in their fields of expertise, now worked for The Order and needed time to get released from their current positions with their universities and projects and to prepare to move. Loy assured them they would all have housing available at the sanctuary once they were ready to move. As Jase assisted everyone into the van and pulled away, Ricky noticed movement across the field. A man stood looking at them and waved which surprised Ricky. No normal human could see them at that distance.

Suddenly the man stood beside them, and Loy gasped, "Alariel?" as he engulfed his nephilim half-brother in a tight embrace. Alariel hugged Ricky and Raph before Loy asked, "Why are you here?"

Another voice startled them as Barachiel said, "I asked him to be here, Loy."

None of them sensed Barachiel's approach, but now that he was present his aura shone around them. He wore his human attire of blue jeans and snug white t-shirt.

After momentary speechlessness, Loy asked, "Grandfather? I don't understand. Is something wrong?"

Barachiel's wings wrapped around Loy and pulled him closer along with Ricky and Raph as he said, "No. Quite the contrary. Something wildly extraordinary is happening."

Barachiel stretched out his wings, and a heavy fog covered the fields. His eyes glowed brightly, and Loy and Rick felt some profound shift in reality that was nothing like the tears that Elegroth formed to enter from the void. What they sensed was softer. The archangel fluttered his wings gently, and the fog began to disperse.

Ricky saw them first with his enhanced sight. Dozens of forms now filled the fields around them. As a nephilim he recognized his own kind but he had never seen so many gathered in one place. They were dressed simply and not in robes. Giovanni standing among them shocked him even more and made him gasp.

Ricky: Loy! Holy shit...

Ricky took off running, nearly bowling over his old friend, "Giovanni! I can't believe this. How are you?"

Giovanni expressed the happy smile they remembered when he first came to them. His arms went around Ricky, hugging him tightly, "It is wonderful to see you again, my friend. I am well."

Loy was right behind his husband and hugged Giovanni just as tightly. Taking Giovanni's hand, Loy led him to where Raph, Alariel, and Barachiel stood.

Loy and Ricky's eyes were bright with emotion, not only from seeing their old friend but because he was so happy. Loy looked at Barachiel and said, "I don't understand. How can he be here?"

Barachiel replied, "Elegroth's presence has changed many things. These nephilim, and your friend Giovanni, should have stayed in a state of penance for eons to come, but the end times are closer than we know. They are returned to the world to complete their remaining penance by serving your cause."

Giovanni gripped Loy's shoulder, "Thank you, Loy, for taking a stance for the creatures of this world. Use your Gift wisely, and I will find fulfillment in serving you through your cause."

Ricky said, "Aaron and Albrecht will be stoked you're back."

Giovanni replied, "I am stoked to see them."

Raph took everything in and said, "Well, our payroll costs just dropped considerably."

Suddenly Raph burst out laughing, and Loy, Rick, and Giovanni stared at him with amused curiosity. It took him a moment to control himself, and he said, "Sorry, guys, but it just hit me."

Ricky asked, "What?"

Raph said, "When Virginia asks Giovanni `What are your credentials?' and finds out he's Saint Francis of Assisi from 800 years ago, I can't wait to see the look on her face!" He mimicked Virginia's haughty tone perfectly, and they did laugh. The gleam in Giovanni's eyes said he understood the ammunition he had for a wicked joke.

Barachiel watched fondly shaking his head, "I must depart. Giovanni may stay with you, but the nephilim will return to the spiritual realm until you require their assistance."

Seeing Giovanni in front of them, happy and smiling like his old self reinforced for Loy and Rick how much they had missed this dearest of friends. The relief in Loy was especially profound because he felt guilty over Giovanni's sacrifice to bring Alariel back into his life.

Alariel, as if reading Loy's thoughts, unexpectedly hugged Giovanni and said, "The depth of my gratitude for my salvation through your actions runs deep. We now share a connection I wish to explore when time allows."

Loy's heart was bursting with joy over the morning's events, and as he drew from his sources of power to give himself the range to reach the Congo base, Lane's voice filled his brothers' minds: Clutch your knickers ladies – you're not going to believe this.

Lane's physical trembling accompanied his voice, and immediately Loy and Ricky wrapped their souls around him. Something profound must be happening to incite such a reaction in Lane, and they wondered what it could possibly be.

<><> 

With Loy and Ricky out of the rotation for the next few days, Ken rearranged their sparring and exercise regimens. The two men felt guilty over their absence, but Ken was emphatic about their not worrying over missing a few days of training: If `ya manage `ta get fat, lazy, and flabby in three days, then I wanna know how.

Ken pulled Loy into a bear hug and winked at Ricky: Take care of business, and I don't mean sex, fuckers. Call `ta us if you need anythin'.

The Congo base gym sported five full-size boxing rings. In the second ring, Lane sparred against Zack and Patrick. As much of a silly dumbass as Lane often acted, Ken knew he was badass in the ring. Lane's creative flair manifested when focused, and he held his own against his two opponents. They had studied Henry's archonian fighting style and The Quintessential Dance but also incorporated their own moves. Darren started a new style, which he called "Dar-Fu" for the mentalists which involved translocating rapidly to strike an opponent from multiple angles nearly simultaneously. Lane was exceptional at this maneuver, but the only defense against it could badly hurt the translocator regardless of how careful they were. Ken observed his shirtless and sweaty brothers in the ring, often slowing his perception of time to gauge their movements' precision.

Lane: Quit perving on us, boss man.

Ken grinned: Stuff it, punk.

Lane: I'll stuff you any time, but you aren't fooling us. Brad says that's what you're always doing.

Ken: Then B can thank me later.

Bryan: Do I hear an SOS?

Laughter filled the link, followed by more shit talk.

On its own, Lane's perception of time slowed until their laughter stretched out to a single elongated tone and then stopped. His Avatar lit up and spit bright arcs of color that reflected on his sweaty muscled shoulder. His Gift reacted too, making it even brighter, and Lane stood beside himself, out of his body. He watched Pat's fist aiming for his head, and Lane reached over to slightly reposition his physical body to avoid the blow. It was unfair for Pat to land a punch when Lane was distracted.

A piercing screech caused Lane to flinch, and he spun to see a massive grey owl with a wingspan of nearly fifteen feet circling him in the gym.

The owl: Dreamer.

Time stopped, and Lane's astral self turned to watch the giant bird land on the top turnbuckle, balancing and fluttering its wings before settling to stare at him with large golden eyes. The owl, nearly six feet tall, towered over Lane who couldn't help but grin because the first thought that came to his mind was the episode of Gomer Pyle, USMC, where Gomer made a camp in the woods with Sgt. Carter and his warning call was `hooty who, hooty who.' His grin immediately faltered in the presence of the ancient, majestic, and wise spirit. This was the most powerful spirit Lane had ever encountered.

Lane: Why are you here?

The owl: Changes in the physical world endanger my domain. Tell the steward that I wish to guide the nexus in the upcoming battle once the harness is complete.

Lane: Why didn't you go to Loy?

The owl: I cannot perform my duty to the steward until I am unbound from Yggdrasil. Your mate is the scion of the tree and can accomplish this task without harming it. I will then be free to aid the steward.

Lane: Oh shit!

Lane pulled his husband's soul to the realm of dreams: Bry, I need you.

Lane's voice prevented Bryan from panicking when he appeared beside Lane and the owl spirit. Bryan's initial comment was: Da fuck?

Lane: Owl, meet Bry.  Bry, meet owl.

The owl's gaze turned to Bryan's thick forearms, and his tattoos fluttered in response.

The owl: Huginn and Muninn remember me. They remember all life.

Unsure whether to address the owl or Lane, Bryan thought: Lane, what's happening?

Lane cupped Bryan's powerful jaw as he merged with his husband, and Bryan's eyes widened.

The owl: I am the eldest spirit. Over many ages, Yggdrasil swallowed my earthly remains. Huginn and Munnin remember them. My spirit is bound to my bones, and you must free them without harming the tree.

Bryan understood, and Lane did too through his husband, that because the owl spirit could not leave its earthly remains the dream realm was the only way to communicate with it outside the valley.

The owl: Will you free me?

Bryan: Fuck yeah. You deserve freedom over everything else. And if you want to drive Loy's harness, even better.

Lane's Avatar and Gift read the ancient spirit and saw its plight. The owl was powerful, wise, and sorrowful. It was also wild but its love for them was greater than perhaps any other spirit's.

Lane: Hell yeah, Bry.

Bryan: We'll be in the valley soon.

The owl blinked it's acknowledgment, and its large golden eyes reminded Bryan of Leroy. The wisdom staring back at him brought fluttered memories through his tattoos which moved in reaction to the stare. Owls can't smile, but Bryan saw the glint of humor reflected in its eyes, and it launched itself, circling the gym one more time before vanishing.

Lane took them back to their bodies and time started moving again. Pat sensed the disruption of the pattern around Lane when his body shifted position to avoid his punch.

Bryan: Hold up, fuckers!

Empowered by the encounter, Lane spoke to everyone on the team, including Loy, Ricky, and Raph across the planet: Clutch your knickers ladies – you're not going to believe this.

He trembled slightly in reaction to the meaning of his encounter, what it would do for their cause, and what it would mean to Loy.

<> 

After Lane's interaction with the owl spirit Ken called off their training: Hit the showers, ladies. Conference room in ten. Wear your suits. Loy, Ricky, stay put and dial in remote.

Freshly showered with hair still wet, the eleven men of The Order sat around the large table. Sally caught Darren's eye and tapped her temple.

Dar: What's up, sweetie?

Sally: I just placed two large food orders in Atlanta. When they're ready I'll need you or one of the guys to pick them up. Sorry for the inconvenience, but Uber Eats doesn't deliver to the Congo.

Dar winked and his dimples appeared: No sweat. Thanks for thinking of it. You just saved everyone from Ken's angry innards.

<> 

Brad merged them, bringing in Aaron and Albrecht along with Ricky and Loy from the United States. A small seed of how much they had missed Aaron and Albrecht while they were in the first creation still resided in the thirteen warriors. Aaron and Albrecht's sage presence enhanced their bonds: their knowledge and wisdom were a boon.

Loy and Ricky's joy at Giovanni's return existed in the link and became a part of everyone. Aaron and Albrecht were equally elated and stunned by Barachiel's proclamation. Events driving the confrontation with Elegroth were advancing.

Drew's excitement at Giovanni's return surprised everyone, even Henry. When Giovanni appeared on the translocation platform, Drew rushed to meet his friend, the former monk. Giovanni knelt, and Drew nearly knocked him over as he dove against him.

Giovanni smiled, and tears formed because of Drew's reaction and he whispered in Drew's ear, "It is good to be home. I missed you, my friend, and I look forward to a game of `Trouble!'"

When Aaron and Albrecht entered the room they stopped and stared, nearly disbelieving the sight of their old friend. They knew he was back, but seeing him in the flesh after they thought him gone for centuries was traumatic. Their embrace was touching and sent warmth through the hearts of everyone in the base. The heartwarming wave from the safe room touched the men working out, and everyone rushed to engulf Giovanni. Almost instantly he was surrounded by their familiar forms and comfort. Even in the depths of his penance, when his awareness resurfaced, he remembered and missed them.

<> 

After settling Giovanni, The Order's collective soul in the conference room relived Lane and Bryan's experience with the owl. Loy's excitement, in particular, touched them, and he said: I need to be in the valley when you free her, Bry. Ricky and I will hop there when you find her remains, but I need to be present.

Bryan ruffled Loy's hair: You think my ass can't do it on my own?

Loy knew Bryan joked with him, but it still struck a nerve, and he stammered: You know it's not that.

Bryan understood how thin Loy was stretched with everything ramping up, and he pulled his brother into a side headlock and gave him a noogie: I'm just fucking with you. You have to be there.

Loy: If you don't let me up, I'm going to bite off your nipple.

Bryan let him up, but not before pulling their faces together. Lane was about to make an owl joke, but Loy cut him off: No fucking whooty who, and you are not asking her if she knows how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop. Not gonna happen.

Lane's crestfallen expression caused a round of laughter.

Ken: We got a few hours of daylight left in the valley. You wanna go now or tomorrow?

Ricky: We meet with our California group `til 1000 PST tomorrow. Let's wait and do it after that so Bry can have more Leroy time.

Darren: That will give me time to mine some silver for Albrecht. Since we're in a hurry to start on the harness, I'm going to smelt the ore with my Avatar. I made a much larger crucible in his shop.

Albrecht: I have molds of the runes prepared and ready to cast.

A sense of excitement existed that had been absent for a long time. Instead of waiting for Elegroth's demons to breach the second creation, they were proactive with the harness, and everyone wanted to be involved.

<><> 

Brad woke up that night while everyone else in the Congo slept. Ken's Avatar glowed on his shoulder, and the colors of the mosaic were bright enough to light the room. Ken naturally slept hot, but the heat of his body was much higher than usual, and he sweated. Brad and Ken always slept either deeply linked or merged, but they were separate, which startled Brad. He never felt the separation, and that frightened him. Ken slept soundly, his breath shallow, and his face relaxed, exhibiting no sign of duress. The tendrils of light his Avatar emitted drew together and began to form an image. The colors combined into a white light, and after a moment Brad made out Michael's sword.

<> 

Ken appeared naked at night in his coliseum. The sky was filled with bright stars and colored nebula. The place was warm but not hot, and the wind brushing over him emphasized his nakedness. He looked around for Brad but didn't see him and frowned. He wanted his husband with him. Raising his hands to his chest, Ken tried to feel Brad in his heart but couldn't, yet oddly this didn't bother him. Heat lighting flashed in the cloudless sky and a rumble of thunder followed. A glint of light in the center of the coliseum caught his eye. The scene seemed surreal, yet Ken moved slowly towards what he saw as if time wasn't moving normally.

Another flash of heat lighting illuminated a massive, elaborately carved, white marble table that Ken hadn't seen before. Michael's prone form nearly twenty feet long and wearing his armor lay upon it. He gripped his sword with both gauntleted hands over his chest. Crying out, "Grandfather!" Ken leapt, landing on the marble slab near Michael's head. Michael looked asleep, his face peaceful and calm and utterly handsome. Tears spilled down Ken's cheeks as he touched Michael's face. When their flesh touched, a small shock ran through Ken's hand and up his arm, and suddenly Michael was naked, and Ken wore the armor. Unsure if his stature increased or Michael's form shrank, they were now the same size.

Removing a gauntlet, Ken placed his hand on Michael's chest and whispered, "I miss you." Michael's skin was warm, and Ken felt the solidity of his grandfather's body.  Ken started quietly sobbing with eyes clenched shut, "I'm sorry. I didn't know what else to do."

Ken jolted awake when Michael's hand gripped his.

<> 

Brad's intuition told him not to interfere with whatever was happening. Instead, he called Granny Wolf, who appeared beside him.

Granny Wolf: He does not dream. He is somewhere I cannot go, but I smell no evil.

Ken awoke with a quiet, "Fuck!"

As soon as his eyes opened, Ken saw Brad next to him, his Avatar quieted, and the image of Michael's sword dissipated. Brad's eyes flashed white and Ken became enveloped by his husband in every aspect.  Brad's powerful arms held him tightly, and Ken relaxed into the embrace. Brad knew from the merge that Ken was alright. No harsh emotions were present. In fact, they were both surprised that a strange contentment resided in Ken's heart over what just happened. Brad remained quiet, holding his husband to let him process what occurred. Brad had to release his arms when Ken indicated he wanted to roll over and face his husband. At the same time they touched each other's faces and pulled their heads together for a kiss. The unnatural heat still emanated from Ken's body, and it caused Brad to sweat as well.

Ken took them to the coliseum, where it was still night. Their sweaty forms seemed magnificent in the bright moonlight reflecting off their wet skin. The warm breeze caressing their naked forms soothed them both.

Brad: What do you think happened?

Ken: I don't know, but maybe Michael's tryin' `ta tell me somethin'.

Moving a few feet away so Brad wouldn't be hurt, Ken summoned his armor and sword-Michael's armor and sword. Together they walked to the spot in Ken's vision where Michael lay, and through Ken's understanding there was an impression in the dirt where something heavy recently rested.

Ken: Fuck. It was real.

Brad: Granny Wolf said you weren't dreaming, but you were somewhere she couldn't go. But you were with me in bed. The colors of your Avatar blended to white and formed an image of Michael's sword on your arm.

Ken saw the image in Brad's mind and mused: What the fuck's goin' on?

Dissipating his armor, Ken stood naked again, and Brad embraced him from behind. He nuzzled his face against Ken's neck and breathed in his husband's scent.

Brad: I love you.

He ran his hands over the expanse of Ken's back, and every so often his arms would wrap around Ken's torso in a loving squeeze. Ken let Brad soothe him, but it quickly turned sexual.

Ken: I'm sorry, B, I can't help it. When you touch me, it just gets `ta me.

Brad reached around to grip Ken's erection: You mean this? Never be sorry for this.

Ken chuckled: Ok, then sorry, not sorry. Let's go back `ta bed.  I don't wanna get dirty.

Brad: I do.

Ken: There `ya go again. I can't wait `ta read today's paper.

"Reading the paper" was Ken's new phrase for Brad sending him SOS messages with his anal muscles, and Brad burst out laughing.

Brad: Get ready for today's "head" line.

Ken recalled them to their room, where they made love to one another the rest of the night.

<><> 

The next morning Ken had everyone do his PT run. Loy and Ricky ran in California but were in their brothers' souls and a ghostly image of them ran in cadence with the group. The Congo was already hot and humid so the men ran shirtless in the national park. The place's natural beauty inspired them to run outside when possible.

Bill: Sure beats dodging Atlanta traffic at the old base. I miss that place, but I don't miss the traffic.

Instead of firing off a round of shit talk they remained silent in their thoughts, reliving memories of their lives in Atlanta and even further back to Syria before they were awake.

Once they were done, Ken thought: Okay, ladies, valley time. No use showerin'; we can go as we are. Hopefully, this will be done and dusted quick so Bry can have more Leroy time and Loy and Ricky can make their next appointment. Loy and Ricky, you should bring Raph. It'll be good for him `ta get back `ta nature.

The Avatars of the five bodies flashed emerald green, and the entire Order in the second creation appeared amidst the massive roots of Yggdrasil's trunk. For those who came from the Congo the heat and humidity did not change, but to the others it wrapped around them. The sounds of the valley hit their ears, and the life energy of Yggdrasil suffused them. The dual nature of the nephilim was realized, and their auras naturally increased.

Raph appeared with them, excited to be a part of what was happening. He had been to the valley a few times but always was awed. No longer sheepish about removing his shirt, he stripped it off and tied it around his waist.

Ken: Bry? You got any idea how this works?

Bryan: Fuck, no.

Lane and Brad had the same idea and Brad winked at his buddy, indicating for him to proceed.

Lane: Alright, let's get this shindig started. Everyone stand in the formation of Bry's Avatar first, and Bry, you stay focused on finding the owl. Get ready for a rush. I think this is going to be cool as shit. Henry, you might want to keep Raph shielded, just in case.

Bryan's tattoos fluttered in anticipation and whispers from Huginn and Munnin already tickled the back of his mind. Odin's ravens knew their purpose. When everyone was in position Bryan's Avatar brightened to a blinding state. The feathers on his forearms fluttered, and Bryan dropped to his knees from an unexpected rush. He was Yggdrasil's seed, and the remains of the owl were hidden within him. The raven wings on his forearms broke away, and Huginn and Munnin croaked loudly as they launched into the air. Bryan's eyes flashed green, not the sickly green of the void, but the beautiful shade of Yggdrasil's canopy – the green energy of life itself.

Huginn and Munnin flew high, circling the massive tree and Bryan saw through their eyes. His brothers saw through him and became caught up in what was happening. The two giant ravens lit on a thick bough high amid the canopy. Deep within the massive limb at that spot, the owl's remains resided in the tree of life. Along with the knowledge of the location, the thought and memory of the owl itself came to Bryan. In ages past, each animal species had a preeminent member in the hierarchy- the oldest, wisest, and most powerful of nature's spirits. Granny Wolf was a direct offspring of the great wolf, which explained her potency and wisdom.

Rather than recall the ravens, Bryan moved himself to the branch, which was more than twenty feet across, and he knelt to place a hand over the spot. His Avatar's light ran down his arms to his hands allowing him to reach within the tree without harming it and to scoop out the bones he sought. Gently he set them on the bark and separated them into the basic shape of the great bird. Bryan had many grunts in his vocabulary, and the one he emitted clearly stated his surprise and disappointment. Through his understanding Bryan knew a bone was missing. Munnin croaked and a memory of pain hit Bryan. A dark power in ages past performed a horrific deed on this spot, shearing the bark off and killing the owl's physical form. Yggdrasil had healed over time, but the memory of the deed was embedded in the tree itself.

Bryan: I need you, Little Buddy. One bone's missing, and I got no awareness of it.

Loy's anxiety spiked slightly at the turn of events, but Lane put a comforting hand on his shoulder: Don't worry, beastie boy. We're going to figure this shit out.

Lane vanished from the formation and appeared with Bryan high amongst the tree branches. The flow of life energy in the canopy was exhilarating and Lane connected to that power through his husband. His own Avatar ignited and time began slipping around him as he moved his perception backward. Lane experienced the seasons in the valley as he traveled back. Not wanting to miss anything, he expanded his awareness to a large area around the mighty tree. The time of The Master's and Drew's birth became a blip, but the acts of that time were explicit and left a powerful impression for his Avatar to detect. He continued moving through the past until he found what he sought.

<> 

The great owl perched on the limb to surveil the forest. As the wisest of his genus, he ruled over all birds. Before the owl could flee from the sudden evil it felt, a talon of black energy gripped it seemingly from nowhere, and a cold chuckle followed at the casual act of taking his life. The owl's body fell with a thump across scorch marks in the bark caused by the talon.

Luke's thoughts were clear to Lane through his Avatar. The archangel didn't annunciate his thoughts, but the act of taking such a powerful life among the branches of the tree of life brought him great pleasure. Appearing over the owl, the archangel knelt and twisted off the head, "You won't be needing this."

Luke took the skull to add it to his collection of trinkets. It would go well with the skulls and bones of the other alpha animal species. Laughing, he turned into a ball of light and vanished.

<> 

Ken: Fuck.

Brad: At least we can get it from Luke.

Loy: You heard Luke's thoughts at the end of that vision, right? The owl's skull would go well with the heads of the other alpha animals. He fucking killed off the first creatures.

Loy's Avatar and Gift surged with light to empower his will: Come.

The owl spirit, bound to its remains, had been silently with them and appeared at Loy's call.

The owl: Many others cannot come. The Dark One hunted them, and they are bound to their remains as I am. He collected our bones as trophies.

Anger screamed through all of them at the atrocity of Luke's actions, but they weren't surprised, given his nature at that time.

Loy: How did I fucking not know this? I can sense them now that I'm focused. I've got to free them.

Loy's burden and the weight on his shoulders increased with this new knowledge and he berated himself: If my Gift wasn't tainted I'm sure I would have felt them.

Alariel appeared, followed immediately by Istariel, Ruviel, and Telcharan.

Alariel: Brother? What is amiss? I felt your distress from the spiritual realm.

Brad brought the four nephilim into their link to share their recent memory of the owl contacting Lane and their actions up to that point.

Istariel shocked everyone when he said: I know what you seek. I did not know it for what it is, but I have seen it. When I traversed Luke's stronghold to use Elohim's Wyrd to create a duplicate of Orophir's dagger, I saw it. It hangs on a wall in the same room the dagger was in. It is a chain strung with animal bones. I wondered at the time why Luke would have such an item.

Istariel drew them into his memory and they stood in the room where Orophir's dagger resided. Through the memory, Pat understood what the chain was and what it represented, and his Gift showed the interruption of the pattern by its existence.

Loy didn't take the time to intone Luke's name in the first language. His need was too immediate, and he shouted: Luke!

The approach of Luke's fluttering wings whispered in their hearts, and immediately a ball of light bobbed gently in the air between them. The orb grew into the form of Luke, whose perception took in everything. His gaze lingered on the owl spirit, and a tear of light formed in the corner of his eye: I see. There are so many deeds I regret from my time as The Dark One. Leading the hosts against Elegroth leaves little time to rectify my past sins. I am sorry, spirit and Loy Barton.

Luke's wings were not visible, but he encircled everyone with them and Loy's heart eased from the embrace. Loy choked on a sob when the chain appeared in Luke's hand, and he held it out to Loy: Free them.

Loy's throat was so thick with emotion he couldn't speak, and even his mental voice sounded rough: Thank you.

Loy's brothers shared his urgency as they upheld his mind, heart, and soul. Doing everything possible to relieve the pressure Loy's Avatar put on him, Bryan unhooked the owl's skull and set it with the rest of the bones lying on Yggdrasil's bough. Loy was the steward of the animal kingdom, but Bryan's Avatar and Gift were life, and the valley was the heart of his strength. The memory of Bryan fighting Luke to a standstill while Ken lay dying from The Master's blood curse flashed through their memories.

Bryan's shoulders bunched and Yggdrasil's might imbued him so completely it spilled from his eyes and mouth. Green power came from his hands as he placed them over the owl's remains, dissipating the bones to dust and ending the cycle of life that bound the owl to that place. A residual mist briefly hovered over the bones and then flew into the owl spirit as it became corporeal by the light of Loy's Avatar. Screeching its pleasure, the great owl fluttered its wings and took off, flying amongst Yggdrasil's canopy, free once again.

The owl's voice filled all their minds: You have my utmost gratitude, Steward, and I can now honor my task to lead the nexus on your behalf.

The sadness in Luke's voice tore at them when he said: I eradicated the first spirits because they had speech, so I stole it from their offspring, knowing each subsequent generation would become weaker. I cruelly removed another obstacle in Father's creation that stood in my way.

Brad sensed the dichotomy within them over Luke's past actions and the redeemed archangel that stood with them. Anger burned at what he did, yet he was now before them fully restored. Luke wasn't "reset" by Kevin's Avatar or Leroy's fire; he was still the same being, just repentant and redeemed. Their anger burned brightly towards him, but Brad's Avatar drove their unconditional love to the forefront of their thoughts. They could not hate Luke for what he did, and he atoned for his action by giving them the chain and trying to save Michael when they were in Elegroth's prison. He atoned by leading the high hosts against the fallen archon.

Luke sensed their unease and said: I grieve over my past, everything I did, and I understand. I do not wish to make you angry and will depart.

Ken: Luke..., this is weird `ta say, but Michael is proud of you. The truth of Ken's words was clear. Something in Ken stirred when he spoke as if the words came from Michael himself. Luke continued to atone for his previous life, and his actions that day were another step in his new path. Now he nodded almost imperceptibly and whispered, "Though I do not deserve it." In his old manner, Luke vanished, surprising them with his subtlety.

With Luke gone, the owl lit on a nearby branch, and its large golden eyes gazed piercingly at the chain of bones. The wind picked up, blowing the bones and making them sound like an ill-tuned windchime. Needing everyone's Gifts, Darren took them deeper into their merge and sent his thoughts to the Congo to touch Drew and translocated their nephew to them. Henry embraced his son who was afraid of heights: I have you, honey, you're safe.

Drew called the dome, again without the stone, to protect Darren from the imp as Darren expanded himself through his Gift. Pat's Gift ignited, and the second creation appeared around them as it did in the Eschphene high temple. The other bodies magnified Pat's Avatar, and the connections of the bones hanging on the chain to the earthly remains became known. One by one, the remains appeared before them. Many were fossils within rocks. Some were no more, so Lane took them back through the arc of time to grab them before they were destroyed. Tears ran down Loy's face, and his heart nearly burst with joy over his brothers' accomplishment.

In his body Loy knelt, and together with Raph, they removed all the bones from the chain, adding them to the pile that increased in size every moment as Darren found more. Loy's Avatar and Gift, too bright to look at, broadcast his will and unconditional love: Come.

One by one, the first spirits appeared around him and their nearly completed skeletal remains. Instead of flitting about Yggdrasil's canopy as the lesser spirits often did, the great spirits remained stationary around them.

Loy: Forgive me. I didn't know about you or the chain. You've been trapped for so long, but no more. You're free again.

Bryan decomposed the remains of each now complete skeleton, and the unfettered spirits became corporeal through Loy's Avatar. Those that could not fly moved to the wide bough they stood on. Their unconditional love for Loy washed over him, and collectively their voices whispered: There is nothing to forgive, Steward. We are yours and serve you in love.

In the spiritual realm the nexus brightened as the first spirits rejoined it, emboldening its strength. Granny Wolf howled to her sire in greeting. Happy for his guardian, Drew knelt and hugged Granny Wolf, who was corporeal by Loy's Avatar.

The joy and relief in Loy brought them pleasure, and tears of happiness brightened their eyes. In the merge, Ricky, his brothers, and his nephew hugged Loy long and tight. A tremendous burden had been lifted from his shoulders, yet the urgency to complete the harness remained strong.

Loy: Thanks, guys. You're the best. Even you, Lane.

Lane: That hurts, beastie boy.

Loy ruffled Lane's hair and kissed his cheek.

Lane made an exaggerated swipe of his cheek: Ewwww, I've been kissed by dog lips! You gave me cooties!

Finally, Loy thought: I could stay here all day, but Raph, Ricky, and I have a meeting in the Bahamas.

The shit talk started about Loy traipsing around the world to exotic locations, working on his tan, and adding to the list of places he and Ricky have had sex. Loy didn't deny any of it, and his reply was a shit eating grin: Sucks to be me, I guess.  Come on, Raph. Come on, Ricky. We need to get rooms and clean up.

Just before Loy vanished, Drew wrapped his arms around Loy's waist and pressed his face against him: I love you, Uncle Loy. You're the best. I'm happy the spirts are back.

The depth of Drew's emotional understanding for a boy his age continually astounded them. Kissing the top of Drew's head: I love you too, Tiger.

<> 

Silence fell for a moment as the ramifications of their actions sank in. Supporting Loy and his efforts charged them up and gave them a lightness of heart they hadn't felt in a while.

Ken: Ok, ladies, before we start suckin' each other's dicks, let's head back `ta the Congo. There's work `ta be done.

Lane: Fuck, it's usually Brad who's the buzzkill. Can't we enjoy the moment?

Ken: You can enjoy it at the base while I kick your ass in the ring. Don't worry, Bry. B can heal your hubby if I spank him too hard so he'll be in top shape for later.

Huginn and Munnin sat on a nearby branch, and Bryan lifted his arms. The two ravens launched themselves and shimmered as they returned to his thick forearms.

Darren: That is so cool. Did you know they could do that?

Bryan: Fuck, no. There's never been a need.

Lane: I wonder if they can shit when they're in bird form.

Kevin: What is your preoccupation with shit? I don't get it!

Lane: It's called shit talk, Kev.

They all busted out laughing, and it struck a few of them so funny they had tears in their eyes.

Kevin: Fuck! You mean all those shit comments led up to that punch line?

Grinning, Lane retorted: A good joke is timeless and worth the wait.  If I was hair triggered like your sorry asses in bed it wouldn't have been so funny.

Everyone was still chuckling when Darren synchronized their Avatars and took them back to the Congo.

<><><> 

Late one night, Raph woke up startled. He could have sworn he heard the notification sound of a critical email arriving in his inbox, but his room was soundproofed, and his office was down the hall. He checked his phone, which was on silent and showed no notifications.

Raph: I must be dreaming. Peter, Paul, and Mary, I deal with email so much that I'm dreaming about them.

He didn't see Granny Wolf in his room and felt better because if she wasn't involved, then his mind was just playing tricks on him. As soon as he drifted back to sleep he heard it again. It rang through his mind giving him goosebumps, so he slipped into shorts and a t-shirt and went to his office. He had thousands of emails in his inbox but by running that list through a new filter he was developing, a select few floated to the top.

<> 

Phil Chambers jolted awake. He was on duty to watch over the Prophet, but he had dozed off. He quickly checked the audio and video recorders, but they had not gone off while he slept.  Ryan Atkins sat quietly with his white eyes staring at nothing. Since his visit to the doors in Heaven, The Prophet's hair was snow white. His caretakers unanimously decided to let Ryan's beard grow out, but they kept it neatly trimmed. Trying to find humor in their new roles, they thought it would make him more "biblical."

Despite feeding him regularly, Ryan continuously lost weight. The caretakers expressed their concern to Aaron and Albrecht who responded not to worry unless it began to affect his health. Phil's stomach growled, so he made himself some mac and cheese.  His wife Trish hated him eating it, but he loved the flavor, mostly out of nostalgia for his childhood. As he ate, he noticed movement in the mirror that faced the den. Ryan's head turned towards the kitchen. He hadn't moved in weeks, and Phil's heart raced.

He rushed into the den, bowl in hand, to find Ryan Atkins staring at Phil's mac and cheese. Phil said, "Not exactly food fit for a prophet."

He was shocked when Ryan answered, "Why is it not fit?"

Phil turned white with fear. Ryan could not speak unless God spoke through him. Shaking and not knowing what else to say, he asked, "Would you like some?"

Sagely, Ryan nodded, and Phil proffered a spoonful of mac and cheese into his open mouth.

God: Thank you.

Overwhelming joy saturated Phil's heart, and tears spilled from his eyes as he said, "You're welcome." He fed the entire bowl to The Prophet and wiped Ryan's mouth with a damp napkin.

God: You and your family have my blessing, Phil Chambers. Will's Lucy as well.

Phil fell to his knees, unable to speak, basking in God's presence. The prophet spoke for the first time in months. The apartment went quiet and a soft aura covered the room. The sanctity of God's presence was evident.

God: The love of a child with no hope shall rekindle the world.

Ryan's robe brushed against Phil's head as he stood up at the exact time Raphael Martinez read the top email in his list.

<><><> 

In the heart of the new Eschphene high temple, Eleneth meditated, drifting in the balance. He struggled to find peace; there was too much chaos in him that rejected serenity. Németh silently appeared, but Eleneth felt the shift in the air around them. Even more than that, Németh exuded an aura of peace.

Németh asked, "How are you?"

Eleneth sighed, "I do not know. I listen to your words. I hear them. I want to believe you, yet something in me rejects your wisdom. I seem broken, lost, and I cannot find the path you lay before me."

Németh moved beside Eleneth and pulled the young man against him. The show of affection made Eleneth miss Henry's touch. He missed his father and brother and all his extended family. Németh's deep voice calmed him, "Child... there is much conflict within you. You are young and cannot see yourself as I do. You are not a mistake abandoned by Eleleth. He was taken by the creator for some other purpose. That does not diminish his love for you. You were born out of his love for Henry Ross, and he ensured Henry would become the father you needed. Your father's actions that brought you into the world were not a mistake, nor are you. I believe the balance brought you into being, which is miraculous. You are unique, and the one being in existence from both creations."

Eleneth cried silently as he leaned against his massive teacher and whispered, "I want to believe you."

Németh contemplated Eleneth's plight. As a child in a man's body, he did not have the maturity to see past his emotions. Németh felt the pull of Elegroth's impending confrontation and knew Eleneth would be crucial in some way. Like Aaron, Németh thought the best path was to give Eleneth time to grow into himself, yet he did not feel there was enough time. The imbalance in the hybrid archon constantly shifted, and it tore at Németh's heart to see the turmoil in one so young. Listening to the balance, the ancient Eschphene knew he had to intervene on the boy's behalf.

Németh asked, "Do you trust me?"

Eleneth seemed surprised by the question and quickly said, "Yes, of course."

Németh closed his eyes and cupped Eleneth's head in a massive hand, "I wish to share something with you. I have never done this, even with my own children. The scales of balance within you keep swaying, and you must find stability. For this, I wish to share my heart with you."

An element of trepidation shivered down Eleneth's spine, but he desperately wanted to find peace and asked, "What must I do?"

The serenity surrounding Németh increased as he said, "Turn to face me, and open yourself."

Any ripples around them, no matter how small or insignificant, vanished. Eleneth looked on Németh's face, and what stared back at him made him cry. Németh's love and acceptance for him, beyond measure, touched Eleneth. He felt as if he was falling into himself...

...And he appeared naked in a dark place. Németh was also naked and difficult to see with his skin so black, but the bones protruding from his body looked bright as many glowed with orange Eschphene magic. An irresistible peace that Eleneth had never imagined possible surrounded him. His heart matched the beats of Németh's two, and their blood, red and green, flowed together.

Németh: This is the heart of the balance. It exists in all creations, but few find it. You are powerful child. The light of Eleleth, who helped the creator sing the first creation into being, flows in your blood. The love of Henry Ross, a father's love, also flows through your veins. Accept both. It is not one or the other but two equal parts that make you who you are.

Though not in his physical form, Eleneth could not stop his tears. Németh pulled Eleneth into his lap, cradling him like a child. Gently, one large blunt finger wiped the tears from Eleneth's cheeks. Németh's hand moved down, and he placed it over Eleneth's heart. Orange fire flared and Eleneth sucked in his breath as Németh matured the archon hybrid. The human part of Eleneth from Henry caused the imbalance. His brain was not yet developed; however, it would take hundreds of years for him to reach that stage because of his dual heritage. Much like Ken, Brad, and their brothers matured to their perfection at the birth of their nephilim heritage, Németh took Eleneth to that point. He felt different. His thoughts were clearer, less erratic. What he found confusing before he now comprehended with perfect clarity. The heart of the balance now resided within him as it did Németh.

Eleneth: What did you do to me?

Németh: Outside of time, you spent thousands of years within the heart of this place, existing in it. No being has ever done so, but I felt it was the only path for you to find yourself and accept your dual nature.

Eleneth: I feel ... I'm not sure how to describe it. More than content. More than happy.

Németh: Fulfilled?

Eleneth: Yes! Thank you, Németh, for this gift.

Németh: You are something new, Eleneth. You are a bridge between creations, and I believe the hybrid nephilim, even with their Gifts, will need you in the end.

Eleneth: I wish to stay here. Returning to my body will be difficult.

Németh: Yes. This will require adjustment, but you now carry this place within you. Learn to be in both. I can assist with that, but let us return to our bodies to continue your lessons.

Eleneth opened his eyes to see Henry sitting close by, and he burst out, "Father!"

Henry's smile and strong arms surrounded his son, and he kissed Eleneth on the top of his head. Henry's archonian senses saw his son's changes and his power. His strength was different, though its potency was yet to be tested.

Henry looked over Eleneth's shoulder and asked Németh, "Can I borrow my son? He's needed on earth. I'll have him back in a jiffy."

Németh bowed his head in acquiescence and said, "We will continue upon your return. Orophir will keep me occupied until then."

Holding his son at arm's length, Henry looked at the physical changes in him, "My god, you look good. Eschphene food and teaching suit you. We'll have to chat about a few of your changes before I bring you back."

Henry's loving care surrounded Eleneth, and along with the peace residing in his heart, the loving warmth of his father seemed to complete him. He now accepted it without guilt or shame and smiled, "Let us go, Father.  I cannot wait to see Drew and everyone else."

Eleneth saw in Henry everything that was happening and frowned. Unexpectedly he said, "Father, take us to the doors."

<><><> 

Raph read the email three times. How and why did this one come through? Not that it wasn't worthy of attention, far from it, but Raph could not discern anything in the email itself that would cause the filters to flag it. He heard the guys talk about puppet strings all the time but had never encountered any himself, at least that he was aware of. After everything Lane recently went through with the children and his decision resulting in three of them going to Heaven, Raph was reluctant to bring the email up, but he felt compelled, though he would wait until morning.

Raph returned to bed, but sleep didn't come. The mother's words regarding her daughter ... "Her last wish is to meet the man she saw on the news." Lily's description left no doubt that Ken was the one she wanted to meet. Her daughter was terminally ill with no chance of survival. A picture attached to the email showed the little girl, bald with dark circles under her eyes, her body completely hairless and skin so pale it was almost translucent. The general public was unaware of the guys' ability to heal, so as sick as she was, Lily wasn't asking for a cure; she wanted to meet Ken.

Finally, at 0530, Raph stopped fighting sleep and wandered into the kitchen to find Loy and Rick already there. Loy was an early riser, and he and Ricky sat drinking coffee in the quiet morning.

Loy: Morning, handsome.

Raph: Morning.

Raph's flat tone alerted Loy, who immediately linked with his buddy: What's wrong?

Raph: Take a look. It'll be faster than trying to explain it. Raph sighed and in a subdued mental voice, thought: I don't know why things like this get to me.

Ricky: Cause you're a good man, Raph. It's not rocket science.

Loy scanned Raph's memory, and at first he grinned: You dawg, you jacked off twice in the last few hours?

Raph's face reddened, but he chuckled: Yeah, I was willing to try anything to get back to sleep.

Looking further back, Loy found the email and his grin faltered: Fuck, me. That's..., I'm not sure what that is. It's incredibly sad, for sure.

Raph: As horrible as the situation is, her request is the kind of thing that detracts from our mission.

Loy: I'll have Ken call a meeting before training so you can bring it up. There's still three hours to go. Want me to put you to sleep?

Raph: Would you? I have a lot to do today and my tanks are empty. Raph smiled slightly when he realized what he said and who he was talking to.

Ricky and Loy snickered: Third times a charm. I can help with that, too, if you like?

Raph burst out laughing: Um, no, I'll take care of that myself, thanks. Give me ten minutes before you zonk me out.

<><> 

Three hours later, every member of The Order in the second creation sat in the conference room. Brad had the mother's email and picture of Lily on the Ops board.

To whom it may concern:

My daughter, Lily, has Ganglioglioma, a rare form of cancer. She's only seven and the sweetest child. The doctors have given her a few months to live at best with no treatments. Lily and I have discussed this, and we have opted out of what treatments have been offered, as the side effects will make her sicker.

I sit with my little angel every day. We laugh, watch tv, play cards, and read.  She loves to read. The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe is her favorite book. She pretends to be Lucy, the queen of Cair Paravel in Narnia.

All this happens on her good days, which come less often every week. She saw that horrible occurrence in Atlanta on the news, where you brave men fought those creatures. Lily watched, fascinated, as her knights of Narnia fought back the evil attempting to enter our world.

Lily has taken a turn for the worse, which is why I am writing now. I don't know if you will ever see my letter. You must get endless requests, and mine will probably seem insignificant compared to what you are asked to do. She wants to meet the captain of the knights that defend our world before she goes. She wants to give him her blessing, so she can go Home knowing she accomplished that great feat in the fight against evil.

With love and hope,

Anna Freling

Ken stood with his hands clenched on the lectern and even after he cleared his throat he was unable to talk. The email profoundly affected him, and the muscles in his arms from his reaction were clearly visible in the skin-tight suit of Leroy's hide.

Brad: Do you want to go?

His eyes bright, Ken nodded: Yeah.

Bryan: But?

Ken: I don't wanna put her in danger. If I show up, word'll get out, and people may try `ta use her `ta get `ta us.

Darren: Bring her here?

Aaron: Go to her, Kenneth. Brighten the short time she has left in this world. Afterward, Albrecht and I will watch her and take the same preventative safety measures we have employed in the past.

Pat: What if we heal her?

Ken: If we let that cat outta the bag it's gonna cause mass chaos. I think it'll backfire and the public'll turn on us.

Albrecht sighed: I agree. As sad as it is to think that, human nature on a large scale will most likely prove you right.

Brad: We keep it secret. I can compel the nursing staff not to talk about it. I know that violates our premise of free will, but to protect our cause it's an option.

Bill: Why don't we visit her before making any decisions. Start with that and see how it goes. You know we wing this type of thing all the time. Like any mission it will probably go sideways when we get there. With the obvious puppet strings, something big is bound to happen, and we'll have to be ready for anything.

Ken: Fuck, you're right. Wait, Bill, you said we.

Pat: If you go, we go. You know that.

Ken: Who's in charge here?

Brad: You are, but we're going with you.

Ken: God, what am I gonna say `ta her?

Kevin: Just be your usual fuck up self and she'll love you. You're great with all the kids.

Ken grinned and flipped Kevin off.

Aaron: William is correct. There is some supernatural element here that we have yet to discern. Raphael and I examined the email and traced it to its source to confirm this is not an elaborate trap by Elegroth to lure you away from everyone. If you go, I recommend you all go and be prepared for anything.

Ken: B?

Brad: I already scanned the nursing staff assigned to Lily. She's at St. Jude's Children's Hospital and will be in her room all day. By law, we need Anna's permission to see her.

Raph: Do you want me to contact her?

Ken: Naw. I want this `ta be a surprise. She sent the email; she won't say no if we show up.

<><> 

Thirteen men, invisible to the naked eye, appeared in an empty waiting area of St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Brad: Lily's in room 313. Anna's with her. Lily had a rough night, and Anna's exhausted.

Lane kept himself and Bryan tightly shielded, but their Avatars still reacted to the sickness and death of the place. In their hearts, the arms and souls of their brothers tightened around them to help ward off any pain. While holding Bryan and Lane tighter, through their Avatars the men knew the layout of the building and the position of every person.

Ken: I'll go first `ta see Lily. It's gonna be a tight fit for all of us in there.

Darren: Tight like Brad's ass tight? Or just snug like Loy's stretched out bum.

Loy: Hey, my ass is tighter than all ya'll's.

Ricky: Yeah, he keeps breaking the kid's pencils to prove it.

Bryan's gut twinged slightly, and he thought: Hold up fuckers.

Through Bryan they felt Uriel's presence.

Bill: With everything we can do, it's still hard to grasp how Uriel can be everywhere simultaneously when someone dies. We're a lot of things, but multidimensional isn't one of them.

Brad: It makes sense. As sad as it is, many of these children are going to die. I imagine Uriel's here quite often.

The truth of Brad's words stung even though they came prepared. Before things spiraled out of control, Ken became visible and walked down the hall to the nurse's station.

<> 

Blaine glanced up and did a double take. The most perfect man he had ever seen was walking towards him wearing a strange, body-hugging, military-style assault suit. Despite all the porn Blaine watched, he had never seen anyone like Ken. Blaine appreciated the loose scrubs that hid his immediate and painfully hard erection. Ken understood Blaine's reaction and thanked God the nurse was gay. It might make his request easier.

Blaine stammered, "Can... I'm sorry. Can I help you?"

Ken: Lane, if you do that Mentos teeth gleam thing I'm gonna kick your ass. Give the guy a break.

Ken grinned and said, "I'm here `ta see Queen Lily."

Blaine couldn't help his stray thought: My God, even his voice is perfect.

Despite his erection, Blaine followed protocol. However, being on Lily's care team and knowing her infatuation with Narnia, he went along with the story, "Are you part of the royal family?"

Ken winked at the family reference the gay community often expressed and said, "No, but her mom asked me `ta come."

Ken grinned again when Blaine started to stand up but realized there was no hiding his situational erection. He blushed profusely and sat back down but was saved further embarrassment when Anna came out of Lily's room headed to get coffee.

He quickly called out, "Miss Freling!"

Anna hadn't yet noticed Ken, and when she did her hand flew to her mouth. There was no mistaking him. To put her at ease, Ken held out his hands, "How do you do, Miss Freling, I'm Ken. I'm here `ta see Lily. Sorry, her majesty, Queen Lily of Cair Paravel."

Anna smiled through her tears at the honorary title he used.  He understood Anna's stress and the jumble of emotions within her, which brought back the memory of the first time he merged with Brad and their ability to see emotions within each other. Tentatively she took his hands, and his warm strength calmed her.

"It's alright, Anna. Is it okay for me `ta see her? Blaine here says I need your permission." Ken's presence clearly overshadowed the humans. Not only his military appearance and bearing but his aura, amplified by Leroy's hide, overwhelmed them. Making his voice as soothing as possible he asked, "Is she awake?"

Raph appeared at Ken's side and said, "Miss Freling, would you like to get some coffee or a bite to eat in the cafeteria? We can give Queen Lily some alone time with her Knight Captain."

Usually, Anna wouldn't be so trusting of strangers with her daughter, but Ken's will and conviction didn't allow for her fears, and her thoughts cleared. Raph held out his arm and led her down the hall to the elevator.

Raph: It will be easier this way. Sorry if I jumped the shark.

Ken: Thanks. I feel bad for Blaine. His problem isn't goin' away anytime soon.

Darren: Don't look at us. You did that.

<> 

Ken gently knocked on the door as he pushed it open. Lily slept, and he quietly moved to her bedside. One of the aspects of her cancer was that she always felt cold, and Ken's body heat woke her up. The warm comfort of his aura washed over her, and the light of his soul shone on her.

Taking her hand, he kissed the back of it, "You're Majesty."

All pretense of the Narnia persona fell away when she saw Ken and realized who stood before her. Confused, Lily looked around for her mother, but before she panicked, he said, "Your mom went `ta get some coffee with one of my teammates."

Her eyes widened and she asked, "How many are here?"

Ken couldn't help his grin and said, "My entire company. There are thirteen of us here just `ta see you. We didn't wanna overwhelm you, so I came in first."

Lily stretched her arms out and Ken leaned forward to hug her with one arm while his other hand cupped her bald head. She was so small and frail that his hand covered most of her head. He realized she was crying, and he said, "Hey! No tears! Queens don't cry."

Ken held her until she settled, and said, "It's great `ta meet you, Lily. Can I ask `ya somethin'?

She nodded and he asked, "Why did you wanna meet me?"

Ken grabbed a tissue, dabbed her eyes, and gave her his most charming grin. His expression was contagious, and her face lit up despite the bruising and paleness of her body.

Her smile faltered when she said, "I was really sick the day the sky opened. It was on the TV, and I watched the angels fight. I felt them go away when they died. I don't know how, but I did, and it hurt. It was like a part of me went with them. I saw how bright you were, but you and the others weren't angels. It's like I was there. I saw the little boy with you who cried, and he reminded me of Edmund. I want to give you my blessing before I die."

As Lily spoke, something stirred in Ken. Somehow, she had connected to the fight over Atlanta. The part of Michael that resided in Ken drew her in and Ken and Lily vanished.

<><> 

While Ken was in Lily's room, Lane's Avatar lit up, and a powerful surge of something hit him. Pat sensed ripples around them waiting to burst forth. Some type of event was occurring on a major scale. Brad's and Lane's Avatar's, each on their own, told them Drew and Eleneth needed to be present. Henry saw the need through the merge and vanished from the second creation. Darren no longer felt his brother and knew where he went.

<> 

Ken knew he was at the coliseum, but how he got there with Lily was a mystery. His Avatar didn't take them. Ken cradled Lily snuggly and said, "Don't be afraid."

The bright sun and clear sky caused Lily to squint. She hadn't been outside for weeks, but the breeze on her face made her smile. "Is this Narnia?"

Ken said, "Well, kinda. It's a magical place for sure." He tensed slightly when he realized the large marble table was there. Michael, wearing his armor with his arms across his chest and his hands gripping the pommel of his sword lay upon it. His wings wrapped around his shoulders which looked like a white cloud beneath him.

Ken: B? Can `ya hear me?

Ken didn't know what was happening but felt no danger. He knew no time passed in the physical realm while he was there so maybe Brad and the others hadn't realized he was gone yet. Unsure why they were there, he approached Michael with Lily in his arms.

Lily asked, "Who is he? Is he asleep?

The sight of Michael deeply affected Ken and his eyes were bright. His throat thick with emotion, he said, "He's my grandfather. He's not asleep; he died not too long ago. This place was his, and he left it `ta me. He left me his armor and sword too."

Lily rested her head on Ken's shoulder and quietly said, "I'm sorry. I miss my Grandpa too." Lily leaned forward to brush a hand over one of Michael's snow-white wings and said, "They're soft, like cotton."

Ken's Avatar ignited when Lily touched Michael, and his knees began to buckle. Something passed between the girl and Michael, and the archangel breathed again. Ken could now see the gentle rise and fall of Michael's chest. At the same time a soft wheeze came out of Lily and her head lolled off of Ken's shoulder. Her eyes rolled as she tried to focus on Ken and she feebly touched his rough cheek and whispered with what little breath she had left, "My blessing...," and her life spark faded.

Ken: Fuck! NO! This ain't fuckin' happenin'!

Michael's eyes opened to see Lily limp in Ken's arms. Her touch awakened him within Ken's heart, and Michael's deep voice resounded in Ken's heart: The love of a child with no hope shall rekindle the world. Heal her, Ken. Heal them all.

<> 

Aaron and Raph both received an alert on their phones and knew from the notification sound that it was from the prophet's caretakers. An attached video auto played, and Aaron gasped at the words: The love of a child with no hope shall rekindle the world.

<> 

Ken vanished, dropping out of the merge. Simultaneously through their merge, the prophet's words that Raph heard on his phone resounded in their hearts: The love of a child with no hope shall rekindle the world.

Ken reappeared in Lily's room with her lifeless body in his arms after precisely three seconds.

Ken: Fuck! NO! This ain't fuckin' happenin'!

When Ken vanished their Avatars and Gifts ignited in unison. The three seconds he was gone seemed an eternity before he re-entered the merge. They heard Michael's whisper: Heal her, Ken. Heal them all.

<> 

Whatever allowed Michael to be present was within Ken, but when he left the coliseum Michael vanished along with the table, though its imprint remained in the hard-packed dirt. The sky shone brightly with sun and clouds, and a breeze blew through the place. A nephilim appeared, one released from purgatory - one of ten nephilim who paid the price at the direction of their sires. His name was Mikael, Michael's nephilim offspring and Ken's nephilim father.

Raising his voice, he called out, "Father? I sense you. I have returned." Intoning his father's name in the first language of the second creation brought no response, and Mikael wondered why Michael would not speak to him. He must find the others. Perhaps they would know.

<> 

Ken: Guys!

Brad took them so deep time stopped. Everything in Ken became a part of them, and each held Lily in his arms. They heard Michael's whisper from within Ken's heart.

Brad: You're call, Ken. It will change everything.

Lane: God created us to shake things up. Shake'n'Bake baby. Let's do this.

In their merge Drew was surrounded by the towering light of his uncles. He knew Henry left to get Eleneth, and he knew Ken was with the girl Lily, who was very sick. Knowing he would need all his strength for what was about to occur, Drew started to summon but stone but stopped. In a sudden epiphany, he realized the stone had always been a security blanket, and he didn't need it and never had. His strength was his own. The incarnations were him and their power was his.

Drew vanished, and Henry's voice filled their minds: Drew is with Eleneth and me at the doors. Eleneth thinks we're better suited to handle our part of this from here, and I agree.

With his arms around the shoulders of his two sons, Henry thought: Let's show the imp what the Ross boys are made of.

Ken: Bry, if Uriel shows up too soon, you need `ta stall him.

An aspect of Uriel was already present, but they heard the wings of the archangel of death approaching to take Lily Home.

<> 

At the doors, Drew knelt between his father and brother. Henry and Eleneth each placed a hand on Drew's shoulder, and Henry merged them. Father and brother were astounded at the change in Eleneth after his time with Németh. Calm and confident, he exuded peacefulness like Albrecht and Németh. He had found his balance, and he was powerful.

Henry: Get ready. We'll have to hold the dome as long as they need us to.

Eleneth: The imp still hasn't recovered. We will be enough.

Drew wasn't sure what he felt. For three years he thought his brother, The Master, was gone forever and that he was free of him. Drew redeemed his birth father Doug, and wanted to redeem his brother but Luke killed him. Or so they thought. Now, Drew had another chance. It would not occur in this interaction, but that thought gave Drew the strength to do what needed to be done.

<> 

Lily lay cradled in Ken's powerful arms while his tears dripped on her face. In both realms his eyes squeezed shut. Urgency welled in him, but it hit the serene calm of his brothers. Brad's Avatar and Gift ignited, and his compassion and wisdom filled them by functioning as a guiding light that took them to the place in their hearts where they could do what must be done. No matter how difficult, or whatever the cost, their Avatars would make them equal to the task of healing everyone. Not just the children, but they would burn out all current illnesses and diseases in the world. Under the curse, corruption would continue, but they would reset the health of every person on Earth. Loy's plans for the animal kingdom were separate, and he would do something similar, but for this action, as painful as his decision was, he instructed them not to include animals in what they were about to do.

Brad wondered about the recent puppet string for Ken and him to heal Mang Nguyen in the Golden Corral. That puppet string did not come from God, and they wondered about it at the time. Their action that day seemed to herald what they were about to do.

Azure, crimson, and gold power woven into thick white ropes circled them, causing a warm wind. Yggdrasil's gargantuan form appeared around them with animal spirits flitting about. Brad removed the veil. Their power, magnified by Leroy's hide, was blinding. Lily was the focal point, the first receptacle of their intent. Uriel appeared, but their light was too bright and blinded him. Even the light of his wings, ready to take Lily to Heaven, was washed out by their love. The root of their power was their unconditional love for themselves and for all beings. It all started when they fell in love with one another after Aaron changed them, and every step of their journey, with all of the pain and suffering, honed and sharpened them and expanded their hearts.

Ken: Hold on, sweet pea.

With his thought, he cupped her smooth head with a gentle caress. Ken's will drove them, locked their Avatars together, and a healing wave exploded out of them. Their power centered on Lily, whose soul returned to her body, and she woke to see Ken crying over her. Holding her against his chest, he nuzzled the top of her head. Wrapped in Ken's warm strength and conviction where nothing could touch her, she had never experienced such bliss.

Lily reached up to touch Ken's face, and a thick tear fell on her hand. She smiled, her face alit with her inner beauty, and whispered, "I wish all of Narnia could feel this."

The wave encircled the earth in seconds, and every illness and disease vanished. Lane took things up a notch, and from outside the arc of time, he went back to before each person entered the world to see how they were supposed to be before entering the world under the curse. Deformities and birth defects disappeared as if they never were.

The imp went berserk, but Drew, Henry, and Eleneth held him at bay. Not only did Drew hold the dome, but the ripples caused by his uncles, resounding through the second creation, siphoned into the empty seals of the doors, as they did when Lane saved the three innocents. They did not weaken the imp, but the ripples were prevented from causing unintended consequences of the butterfly effect.

Brad heard Lily's whisper through Ken, and his Avatar reacted. An image of the Vitruvian Man came to his mind, and his epiphany coursed through the merge. The dome, by keeping the imp away, would allow him to do what he couldn't before.

Deep within their souls where time wasn't moving, Ken asked: B, are you sure?

Brad: We healed their bodies but not their minds or souls. We can't cure them under the curse, but we can show them how they should be. Drew has shown them a few times, for brief seconds, what existence would be like without the curse, but even then, they were still broken. I want to show them what it would be like to be whole.

Pat: I'm with you, Brad. We can correct the pattern of their individual existence for just a moment.

Bryan: Are we getting ahead of ourselves? Fuck, this could backfire hugely.

Darren: Our mission is to protect them but also to shake things up. Showing them will give them something to strive for. It might give them more impetus to fight the curse.

Loy: The prophet said, "The love of a child with no hope shall rekindle the world."

Ken: Okay, guys, let's light up the world.

Uriel silently listened and observed. Their light, already bright from healing the physical forms of all humans, brightened again. What Bryan and his brothers were about to do would be more far reaching and impactful than healing physical illness. Human bodies often reflected the state of their soul, and the state of their soul also dictated whether they went to Heaven or their own personal hell. Spreading his wings wide, Uriel's aura brightened as well, and in an act of free will, he added his light to theirs.

Through the veil, Brad touched every mind on the planet, awake or asleep - just as he did when the second part of their journey started (before Drew first traveled to the doors). He viewed every aspect of their broken psyche, including each fractured condition the human mind was capable of presenting under the curse, and with their Avatars and Gifts united, he aligned their minds and souls with their newly healed bodies. At that moment, all humans felt the unconditional love of The Order, and for the brief second of freedom from the curse, they became whole in every aspect. Their minds were not open, but they were one step away from being as God originally intended humans to be, and Brad imprinted that moment in their memory. Once Drew released the dome the fumes of the curse would reassert themselves, and the mental and spiritual afflictions would return, but moving forward, everyone would know how they were supposed to be.

Brad drew back into himself, and their collective soul retracted their light. Ken held Lily against him and asked, "How do `ya feel?"

Her smile lit up the room. The paleness was replaced by a healthy glow, and even though she was still hairless, the dark bruising around her eyes was gone.

Brad: We need to get back to the Congo and start monitoring the aftereffects of what just happened.

A frantic Anna appeared in the doorway with Raph, and she rushed to take Lily from Ken. Her tears were thick, but she was elated, not only from her own experience but from knowing Lily was cured. She held out a hand to each of the men and gripped them tightly as she said, "Thank you" to each of them.

Ken: Good job, fuckers. Henry, we couldn'ta done it without the Ross boys.

Eleneth: The brief touch of balance should give people of your world a respite.

Kevin: Lord, we hope so.

Each of the men noted Eleneth's new maturity. He was no longer a boy in a man's body.

Ken: We're proud of you, Eleneth. It looks like your time with Németh is well spent.

Eleneth: Assuredly. I wish to return and learn everything I can from him. He is an amazing teacher.

Henry hugged both his sons: I'm proud of you both.

Eleneth: If I am no longer needed, I will return.

Drew wrapped his arms around Eleneth's waist and hugged him tight: I miss you. Say hi to Mr. Németh.

Eleneth smiled: I miss you too, and I most certainly will. Maybe you can come to visit me? I think you would enjoy seeing where I study.

Drew looked up at Henry: Can I?

Henry: I don't see why not. We'll figure it out. In the meantime, let's get some rest.

In their hearts, the men said their mental goodbyes to Eleneth and reiterated how proud and grateful to him they were. The warmth of their affection enveloped him just as their arms did, and Eleneth vanished with a smile that told Henry his son had found peace and happiness. A deep sadness overtook Henry as he stared at the spot where Eleneth had stood. Drew put his arms around Henry's waist and hugged him tightly: I miss him too, Dad. I want to visit him.

Henry: Me too, Tiger.

The focus of Henry's brothers shifted from Eleneth to him, and they, along with Drew, uplifted him and started their shit-talk, which had Henry laughing in seconds.

Ken sat Lily on her bed and he stole her nose, pretending to put it in one of his many pockets, "Next time I see you, I'll give it back."

Lily, like most children, knew the game and giggled. Shifting to her knees, she reached around Ken's neck and kissed his cheek again. In an adult manner similar to Drew, Lily said, "Thank you, my Captain."

Ken teared up again but managed to say, "Well, Narnia can't be without a Queen, right?"

Uriel bowed to Lily and said, "May it be many years before I see you again, Lily Frelig, Queen of Cair Paravel."

Anna pulled her daughter against her as Uriel glowed brightly, causing the humans to cover their eyes. When the light dimmed, the room was empty except for Anna and Lucy. Anna pondered what happened and how her daughter could be a catalyst for such a monumental event that changed the world. She heard sounds of activity in the hallway and imagined the chaos and confusion that was following. Raising her head to Heaven, Anna said, "Thank you ... for everything."

<><> 

Raph sat with the team at the conference room table, and Ken asked, "What's the fallout?"

Sitting in his chair Raph sighed whimsically and asked, "Do you remember that episode of Bewitched where Endora made copies of Darren so he could get everything done? Can you do that to me?" He gripped his tablet and continued, "Never mind. Big boy pants on. To answer your question, not what I expected. There's some panic, but at least so far, the response is mostly good. The healing seems more impactful than what Bry and Leroy did in North Korea. As much as they want to, the world can't ignore us now."

Brad sighed, "Don't be too sure. Humans have an incredible aptitude to ignore what's in front of their faces when it doesn't suit their ideology."

Lane said, "What's with the Debbie Downer shit? Ken, go make your man happy. We'll watch. I mean wait..."

Brad shrugged, "Sorry, guys. Just keeping it real."

Aaron said, "Unfortunately, Bradford is correct. There will always be those who refuse to admit they are wrong. Stubborn pride is immensely powerful."

Raph said, "I'll keep tabs on everything and let you know. It's only been a few hours, but so far, no nuclear launches or statements from the world powers. On a lighter note, Loy and I are making great progress on the animal sanctuaries."

Lane's eyes widened slightly as his Avatar brightened, and he sat forward in his chair, "Oh shit, guys. Incoming."

Nine orbs of light appeared behind each nephilim except Ken and expanded into the forms of their archangel grandfathers. The sight stirred something in Ken, and Michael's presence pulsed in his heart as the image of Michael lying on the marble table at the coliseum flashed in his mind.

Gabriel smiled, "How joyous to see you all."

His statement and tone calmed their immediate reaction, and all the men stood to embrace their angelic relatives.

Looking into Gabriel's eyes, Lane asked, "What's up, Grandfather?"

Raphael spoke before Gabriel could answer, "We well remember when you discovered our tampering with your memories and the secret of your Avatars. Our pain at your sense of betrayal remains with us, me in particular. I thought I lost you forever, Brad."

For Raphael to bring those memories forth told them that whatever their grandfathers were present for was significant and potentially life-changing. Raphael said, "With the return of Giovanni of Assisi, you are aware that the state of penance many nephilim and angels were in has been lifted." After a short pause, he continued, "It was a joy to see your reunion with Giovanni and all of you happy. I wish all reunions were as bright. We must share something with you regarding Aaron's program and your creation. His brilliance and design were pure and untouched by us. The only part not left to chance, which we disclosed, is whose DNA each of you received."

Raphael paused again and looked around the room, "You have never enquired about your nephilim fathers, and I believe this is no coincidence."

Bill asked, "Why would God not want us to know? Until now, the thought never occurred to me or any of us."

Uriel said, "We do not question Father's wisdom."

Loy asked, "So our nephilim fathers have been in a state of penance? Why?"

Raphael lowered his gaze, "Because we commanded them to intervene in your creation, thus breaking a mandate."

Shocked expressions filled the room, and none of the men knew what to say.

Gabriel continued for Raphael, "Michael's nephilim offspring, Mikail, has already approached me to ask why Michael is not responding to him. I shared what happened to Michael ... he did not take the news well."

Ken asked, "So Mikail is my nephilim father?"

Raphael nodded, "Yes. Our children have not come to us, but they are free from the penitent state and we are aware of them. The enochian runes in your facilities prevent their presence, but when you are away from said protections, they will assuredly contact you, and we are unsure of their intentions."

Uriel sighed, "We predict not welcoming."

Jegudial spoke for the first time, "You are familiar with Istariel and his cousins. They are exceptional among their kind and are allies of The Order. You have also seen the lesser, fickle, and sometimes dark nephilim in the spiritual realm. When we have offspring, we do not nurture them as human parents do. This often leads to capricious behavior, especially among the more powerful children."

Bill looked at his grandfather and said, "So you're saying they are spoiled rich brats and pissed that you made them do this."

Jegudial sighed, "Eloquently stated."

Ken asked, "Why would they be pissed at us? Why not you guys?"

Lane quipped, "Maybe they were mad because they didn't get a reach around. They supplied the DNA without the fun part and went to nephilim jail for it."

Brad said, "Without us, there wouldn't be a price to pay. I also think they are afraid to go after you and think we'll be pushovers so they can take their anger out on us."

Barachiel nodded, "That is quite possible. They do not know or understand your Avatars or Gifts and have no idea how powerful you are."

Aaron sighed, "When children feel slighted and powerless to retaliate, they often take their frustrations out on those they perceive as weaker. Such is the nature of bullies. I fear for their targets."

Ken asked, "Can't you keep `em in check?"

Saraqael said, "Perhaps, but like you, we are hard-pressed and focused on the defense of our creation against Elegroth."

Brad asked, "Outside of those in this room, who in the spiritual realm knows the details of the program?"

Raphael's keen glance at Brad indicated he knew the why behind the question and said, "You are perceptive as always, Brad. Luke became aware before his repentance, and the information was known to his underlings. Elegroth's converted demons were Luke's minions, so perhaps even Elegroth knows."

Brad said, "That puts the doctor at risk."

Raphael nodded, "It is possible."

Bryan's deep voice muttered, "If they fuck with the doc or hurt him in any way..."

 Aaron smiled lovingly at Bryan and said, "Let us hope that does not happen. I will remain under the protection of the runes for the time being and only will travel with your protection."

Albrecht added, "Raph needs to stay alert as well. They may use him to get to us."

Unexpected anger, not his own, swelled in Ken, catching him off guard as Michael's sword appeared in his hand. Michael's voice roared out of him, "They dare not touch any of you!"

Ken's outburst caught everyone by surprise, even the archangels, and the room went quiet with all eyes on Ken. Ken squeezed the sword's pommel so tightly that the leather creaked as he stood breathing heavily in an attempt to quell what happened.

Raphael spoke first, "Ken, has anything like this happened before?"

The sword vanished, and Ken shook his head to clear the surge of emotion, "Not exactly. Not like this, but I've seen Michael twice now, both times at the coliseum. He was on a big table, in his armor. I saw him with Lily a few hours ago. Before that I've felt him, like when Uriel, Henry, and I sparred in the coliseum. I've had a feelin' he's tryin' `ta tell me somethin', but I have no idea what."

Glances passed among the archangels and the team as they tried to fathom what occurred. Michael's voice was unmistakable, yet there was no current sign of his presence. The archangel's eyes turned white as they communed with one another, and Ken felt a slight pull from their action, but nothing significant.

Ken looked directly at Raphael and asked, "What's happenin' `ta me?"

The archangel's eyes dimmed, and Raphael quietly said, "We do not know. When Michael granted you his armor, sword, and the coliseum, perhaps he put something more in you besides his love. This bears consideration."

Lane asked, "Ya think?"

Raphael said, "We will depart. Be cautious and call to us if our children reveal themselves. Walk in the light."

The nine archangels transformed into balls of light and vanished with the sound of their fluttering wings leaving the room in awkward silence.

Ken said, "Meetin's over. Gym in five."

<><> 

As the men filed out of the conference room, each touched Ken in his own way to let him know they were present and behind him no matter what. Brad lowered Ken's head and kissed his temple: I love you. We'll figure this thing out with Michael. At least he's not the imp like I had running around in my mind.

Along with Brad's simple yet truthful statement, tension that he wasn't aware he was carrying flowed out of Ken: Thanks, B. You're my rock.

Bryan: If you're going to make out in the conference room, I call foul, or at least put it on the OP's screen.

Ken laughed as he hugged Brad against him: It's good `ta be the leader sometimes, but I'll put a lid on it `til lunch.

As Ken stepped off the podium, he noticed Drew outside the door and frowned, saying, "What's up, Tiger? Why aren't you in class?"

Drew seemed hesitant and replied mentally: I asked Miss Sally if I could come to talk to you. I heard Mr. Michael.

Ken: I'm fine, Tiger, but I appreciate you checkin' on me.

Drew: I know what it's like to have someone else in you. I can help.

Drew's concern caught Ken off guard, and he teared up. Stepping into the hallway, he lifted Drew by his armpits and embraced his nephew: I love you, kiddo. Why didn't any of your brainiac uncles think of that? You're smarter than all of these ladies.

Drew hugged Ken tighter and smiled at the praise: I guess you won the lotto.

His use of Brad's catchphrase brought another laugh from Ken: With you, I sure did. Tell you what. I'm gonna work out, but let's talk after dinner tonight. Deal?

Drew: Deal.

Drew had stopped giving his wet, sloppy kisses like he did when he was four, but he gave one to Ken, emphasizing his uncle's importance to him. Ken set him down and went to swat Drew's bottom to send him on his way, but Drew executed a gymnastics maneuver and giggled as he ran back to class. Henry had watched and listened, and as Ken approached, he clapped a hand on Ken's shoulder: That's my boy. You're in good hands.

Ken: Fuck, yeah. I am, and that's why I'm not worried like I probably should be.

Henry: I'm with Drew on this. My time with Eleleth might also help. You know I'm here.

<><><> 

The only remaining part of Julie Kinsington was the spark of her existence that tied her to the second creation. Her newly constructed body was a vessel for that spark which was strong enough to allow Elegroth to enter the second creation again. The parts of her that Elegroth didn't require no longer existed.

Her new form was stretched out and chained to the black stone. Eventually, she would meld completely into the stone and be a part of it which would allow Elegroth permanent access to the second creation. His crossing to the second creation caused her pain, but she no longer had a voice to whimper. Still too weak to aid Elegroth, the imp remained nearby, flitting about the blackness of the void. It watched the fallen archon rake a clawed hand over Julie's form, bringing forth green ichor that seeped back into the black stone.

With her mind obliterated, Julie couldn't comprehend his words, "You serve a great purpose - the downfall of the nephilim of the second creation. I see Father's plan, and if they attain their Gifts and restore them, they might defeat me. You, child, will allow me to prevent that and assure my victory. Their newest warriors at the egg fare well against my servants, but I will annihilate them and take the third creation. I was premature in my first attempts, but it still grows, and the longer I wait, the greater my creation will be."

In the deific language of the first creation, Elegroth's once beautiful voice began to chant, building his intent. He hated the sound of his current voice; it was yet something else stripped from him when he was banished to the void. Elegroth helped sing the first creation into being. He fashioned Allenor's people and knew them intimately. In his timeless banishment, Elegroth observed everything. He watched the ending of his creation and how Father saved Allenor and his two brothers to fashion the Gifts. The two brothers rebelled and were destroyed, but Elegroth knew their song. Gazing through the arc of time, he viewed Allenor crafting the Gifts. At the time of the Gifts' creation they were protected, even against him, but the place of their forging was not. Singing the chorus that brought Allenor's race into being, Elegroth assumed the form of Allenor himself. Then, cloaking himself, he vanished from the void and appeared in the forge.

<><> 

The forge's defenses saw Elegroth as Allenor and did not prevent him.

The companion detected him: Welcome. Curious. How can you be? The humans saw you perish.

Elegroth: They saw what I wished them to.

The Companion: Why can I not join with you? Something prevents me.

The forge was shielded but visible as Elegroth cast his senses through the entire facility. The empty receptacles that once held the Gifts stared at him, and he smelled their stench even after billions of years. Elegroth's sword appeared in his clawed hand as he approached the forge.

The Companion: What do you intend?

Exerting his archonian strength, time stopped and Elegroth's blade cut through the shield covering the forge and plunged into the fire. The reaction was stronger than he anticipated, and he had to exert his full strength not to be destroyed as the fire began to consume everything. Allenor stated that the fire, if not contained, would consume nearly a third of the second creation before it burned out.

The companion was a multidimensional construct, and within its core it stepped out of time. The forge was gone, and the companion initiated its self-protection protocol upon ascertaining that the being was not Allenor but an intruder. Too late to save the facility, the companion sought to preserve its knowledge which was the last archive that held the history and knowledge of Allenor's race.

<><><> 

Darren awoke screaming in pain. He embodied the second creation, and through his Gift, the forge's fire ate at his existence, burning him from within. Pat's and his room was soundproof, but his agony broadcast through the group connection, and all his brothers woke with him. Darren's chest heaved, and his body became slick with sweat. An area on his back looked molten and the smell of his burning flesh filled Pat's nostrils. The sheets caught fire but the flame stopped moving as Lane slipped them out of the arc of time. Darren's pain persisted so Brad disconnected the nerve receptors carrying the signals.

Ken: Dar! What's goin' on?

Darren: I don't know! Something's happening. Something big.

Pat's Gift ignited and he understood the connections from the burns on Darren's back by following them as he backed further out. Drew appeared with them, tearful from Darren's pain but supporting him and all his uncles. He summoned the dome to protect Pat, allowing him to back all the way out. Only once had Pat's awareness of the second creation been so complete - when he briefly became God at his Gift's awakening. Stopping shy of that level of awareness, he put the image of the second creation in their minds, like Németh did in the old Eschphene high temple. They saw the fire in his construct, recognized it, and knew its source.

Ken: Fuck!

Henry: I'll go, Ken. You all stay with Dar.

Henry appeared where the forge had stood. Elegroth was gone, but Henry felt an echo of the fallen archon's presence. The emptiness left by the fire was not dissimilar to the void: Oh shit. This is bad. Henry floated in the area where the forge had resided. The only visible remains were the untouched receptacles for the Gifts that somehow were protected from Elegroth. An orb sat on Bryan's pedestal, the one crafted to appear as Yggdrasil's roots. The orb didn't shine with the light of a Gift, but it was bright enough to catch Henry's attention. He sensed neither evil nor power in it and brought it to him. Looking deeper, his perceptions revealed a dormant consciousness, and he realized that he held the companion in his hands. Somehow it survived destruction by encasing itself in an orb designed for a Gift.

Appearing back with his brothers, Henry's expression told them it was bad: The forge is gone, annihilated by the fire. The fire is out of control and spreading, consuming everything. Somehow, the companion saved itself. It's dormant and in an orb casing.

Brad: Allenor said the fire would consume nearly a third of the second creation before burning out. We have to stop it.

Ken: How?

Bryan: Through Dar.

Ken: Pat, do you know how to stop it?

Pat: Yes. It's not really fire, but the principle is the same. We can either smother it or feed it enough energy to burn itself up. Like the Iktomi, if we feed it enough, it will die.

Brad: We have to keep any angels away from it. They're probably trying to help but will end up dead.

Ken: B, send a memory sphere `ta Luke. Guys, power up.

Kevin: Ken, you need to sit this one out. You don't have your Gift yet, and we still aren't sure about what's happening with Michael.  We can't risk an outburst in the middle of this that might put Dar in more danger.

Ken understood Kevin's reasoning, but he wanted so badly to take care of his brothers that it hurt him not to be able to. However, he also trusted them: Alright, you got this. I don't have a Gift, but I'll lock your Avatars. Be enough `ta save Dar and minimize the damage.

Brad's memory sphere shot out of the Congo to Luke, who commanded the angels to retreat and stay away from the fire. Drew maintained the dome over them so that everyone could maximally use his Gift without the imp's interference. Henry and Ken added to their strength to Drew to maintain the dome, even though they had a vague sense that Drew's strength was equal to the task.

Kevin: Get ready, Dar. We're going to fight this through you.

The visage of Leroy appeared in their merge, which had only happened once before with Bryan, and his voice as deep as a mountain filled their hearts: MY FIRE IS YOURS.

Kevin: Lane, Bry, and Leroy focus on healing Dar. The rest of us focus on the fire through Dar. Hitting it on both fronts should put it out.

As one, the nine brothers and the dragon combated a power that would devour a third of the second creation if they didn't stop it. Darren lay face down surrounded by everyone with his back exposed. The wound held its own light, and the forge's fire resisted them. Emerald power from Yggdrasil coupled with Leroy's cleansing fire attacked it while Lane wove pure ropes of healing through his brother. None of their Gifts had acted in unison on such a scale, and they realized even more how the changes God made in them tied them to the essence of their creation.

The burn on Darren's back appeared on everyone merged as the fire tried to consume them. Their power brightened to match the fire which caused it to slow. Darren felt the emptiness inside him from the part of creation that no longer existed, and the pain of that devastating sorrow was nearly as bad as the fire itself. So much life ceased to exist in only a short time.

As they pushed themselves, their training once again became evident. Red fire channeled oxygen into their systems to fuel their minds and bodies. Their Avatars and Gifts were one, and to the fullest extent possible they assumed their place within the second creation to become for the first time the infinite embodiment of their purpose. They couldn't yet permanently maintain that level of awareness, but it was long enough to suffuse the fire and burn it out. Bryan's anger ran through the link because of the loss of life, and the cries of Huginn and Munnin echoed in their souls. Yggdrasil began to glow in the valley, and its emerald light filled the sky. Bryan touched all life through the tree, but simultaneously, as the Seed of Yggdrasil, he was life.

Leroy's slitted pupils were nearly invisible in the bright light. Though seemingly impossible, Leroy smiled, baring his massive white fangs as his fire became liquid. Kevin's Avatar reacted by echoing the raw nature of Leroy's fire. The scope of the power they wielded shocked but also elated them. As one, the nine men through Darren suffused new life into the second creation. The wound on his back healed, leaving no scar, and the emptiness Henry previously witnessed filled with something new. Lane accelerated evolution through the arc of time so that new planets and life blossomed to replace what the forge's fire consumed. Through Leroy's cleansing flame, the decimated part of the second creation became something new and innocent, as yet untouched by the curse.

The imp hissed at their accomplishment, and Elegroth raged. He had underestimated them; however, the destroyed forge would prevent their Gifts from being restored to their full potential. The realization that the forge was gone and what that meant for them and their cause hit The Order. They stopped a catastrophe of cosmic proportions, yet the forge was gone – they had lost it. Not only was their ability to face Elegroth lessened, but their ability to form a new creation was as well. The brief elation of their actions was replaced by a sense of doom. Leroy withdrew from their merge, and their Avatars and Gifts separated while their souls remained one. Brad pulled Ken, Henry, Drew, Aaron, Albrecht, Zack, Adam, and Raph into the merge to face and discuss the consequences of what happened. In the physical realm Henry held the orb containing the consciousness of the companion. No one uttered a word as they maintained their collective light.

Ken's will and conviction upheld them, and eventually he spoke: This isn't the end. It can't be, and we won't let it. We got the companion. Somehow we'll build a new forge or find another way `ta restore the Gifts.

Aaron: Albrecht and I will attempt to awaken the companion safely. Perhaps with its aid restoration will be possible.

Guilt flowed from Loy about taking so much of everyone's time for his projects when they were now needed for something much more important.

Lane: Not so fast kitty cat, not more important-just as important. What you're doing in its own way is equal.

Ken: He's right. It's not a competition anyway; we're all in on all fronts. After a slight pause, he continued: Fuck, I have `ta find my Gift. Do `ya think this thing with Michael might have somethin' `ta do with it?

Pat: I don't think so. I don't see any connection, at least right now. What's happening with Michael is completely separate but significant. The ripples waiting to burst out of you are insane.

Ken sighed: Well, I got that goin' for me anyway.

Drew crawled in Ken's lap, faced him, put his hands on Ken's solid shoulders, and spread his idea through the merge. Uncle Ken, Mr. Németh sent me and my dad into my brother to find the part of him I needed to talk to. Maybe he can do the same and send you, me, and Dad into your mind to find Mr. Michael.

Henry: Drew, that's brilliant.

Pride in Drew flowed through the link, and he grinned shyly as he leaned into Ken to put his arms around his uncle's neck. Drew's love, not only for Ken but for all of them, lit up the merge. The incarnations were present to magnify Drew's love. Tears flowed as they realized how forcefully he had upheld them while the team was concerned about the forge and their Gifts.

Ken nuzzled his cheek against the top of Drew's head: I love you, Tiger.

Aaron: You are a precious wonder, Drew. Kenneth, regarding your Gift - remember that they reveal themselves when the time is right. We must remain vigilant to see it for what it is when that time comes.

Albrecht: In the meantime, we proceed as we have been. Loy and I finish the spirit harness for the nexus, the RL's protect the egg, and we defend our creation.

Brad: We know how paradoxical our existence is, especially as it revolves around free will. At the same time, I don't think Elegroth will make his final move until all the pieces of God's plan are in play. Some things still need to happen. I do think it will be soon, but just like a geological timeline, a tiny pinpoint can be hundreds, if not thousands, of years.

Bill made the "Debbie Downer" sound again, and they smiled.

Ricky: I think your ability to bring us down is a part of your Avatar we never realized. It's either that or you've developed a sadistic streak.

Loy grinned: I hope the latter so you and Ken might learn to have real sex.

Before Brad retorted, Lane played the chorus to Electric Light Orchestra's "Don't Bring Me Down," to everyone's extreme amusement.

Adam: Somehow, Elegroth found a way to enter our creation again. He's either captured more angels or found another way. I'm worried that Julie is somehow responsible.

Kevin: No human is strong enough to provide that connection. He needed Luke or Michael before.

Henry: Don't underestimate Elegroth. He's not that many steps down from God and must have found a way. The imp is probably involved too.

Bryan: You're powerful too, Henry. Eleleth was the strongest of the archons.

Aaron: Henry is powerful, as are all of you, but you all have hearts, a conscience, and know unconditional love. Elegroth knew it at one time but has forgotten and because of that has no inhibitions to limit himself as we do. That does not make him stronger, but it does allow him to be more dangerous to do things that we would never conceive. Also, remember the imp is with him; even weakened, it has the full arcane knowledge and experience of The Master. Together they form an alliance capable of unspeakable atrocities.

Albrecht: I'm afraid, Adam, if Julie became embroiled with Elegroth, as dark as her path was already leading her, there isn't much hope for her survival. We must pray that this is not the case, but if we can find her we will do everything in our power to draw her back to the light.

Adam's eyes were glassy, but he stoically said: I understand. She was always weak-willed and prone to addiction, and if Elegroth put the same darkness in her that Leroy removed from Maddie, she won't want to resist.

Zack: Some willing protectors repented, so it's possible she can, too, even with that.

Adam: She said not to follow or try to find her, but for the sake of AJ and Maddie, I can't abandon her. Let me know if you catch wind of her, and I'll take it from there.

Albrecht nodded, but Adam, as did all the men, knew he himself would never stop searching until they found definitive proof. Silence fell again as everyone drifted in the unconditional love of their collective soul. This became even more critical after Aaron's comment about Elegroth not experiencing that feeling. Zach had stopped petting Mr. Buckle's long enough that the dog let out a pleading whimper for attention and brought everyone back to conscious thought with a smile.

Ken: We all had a big day, so me and "Debbie D" are gonna go read the afternoon paper. Everyone take the rest of the day off. We'll see ya'll at dinner.

As soldiers the men carried their load and compartmentalized their harsher emotions. Their situation became more severe from the forge's destruction, but from their experience, they understood that other paths always seemed to present themselves. Not knowing those paths was rough, but they held faith in many ways – in their mission, their Avatars, and their Gifts, but in each other most of all.

<><><> 

That evening at dinner Raph was conspicuously absent. Before all the food disappeared, Loy asked him: You going to eat?

Raph: Sorry, just too focused. I lost track of time.

Loy: What's up?

Raph: You know that meme that shows the guy sitting at a table in a bar that's on fire, and the caption says, "I'm fine"?

Loy chuckled: I'll be right there.

Darren had listened so put a plate together for Raph and put it in the fridge. To Loy, he thought: He needs a break. Let's go.

Raph looked comically disheveled when Loy and Darren found him in his office.  His hair stood nearly on end from repeatedly running his hands through it in frustration. They linked with him but didn't read his thoughts, just his emotions, and as their warm presence washed over him, he sighed in relief.

Loy: Put on your workout gear and head to the gym.

Raph: I don't have time.

Dar: You say that now but your abs will complain tomorrow that they are going away.

Raph: I don't have abs.

Loy: Sure you do; we just can't see them yet. We're going to help with that.

Raph grinned and shut down his computer. Scrubbing his face, he thought: I'll meet you there in five.

When Raph arrived, Loy and Darren were shirtless and wearing their shorts and footgear.

Loy: Shirt off.

Ken and Drew entered the gym, dressed the same as Loy and Dar, and Raph's eyebrows raised: What's going on?

Ken: I've been thinkin' about this for a while. Your strength trainin' is comin' along great. You're past your newbie gains, and it gets harder after that, so we need `ta shake things up a bit. Startin' tonight, in addition to your weight trainin', we're startin' you on gymnastics. Drew here is gonna be your coach. We taught him with gymnastics how to stay out of trouble with the protectors. He's strong, agile, and fast.

Drew: You need to be a slinky, like me.

Raph: A slinky, huh? Like you? You're ten, and I'm like... old.

Dar: There's a trick we want to show you. It's kind of like your centering flame but different.

Raph: Ok, that's not confusing at all. So what? I'm going to be a centering slinky?

The guys laughed, and Ken thought: Let's get you warmed up. Follow me.

Ken started a slow jog around the gym, and Raph fell in, followed by Drew, Loy, and Darren. Raph's cardio base was still weak so he quickly became winded, but Ken kept the pace manageable.

Ken: I know you're winded. When all you're thinkin' about is how tired you are, it makes it worse. You're lettin' your body tell you how tired it is. Don't listen. Focus your breath so it's in cadence with your pace. Clear your thoughts. Don't listen `ta your body; make it listen `ta you. Focus on the center of my back and don't take your eyes off that spot. Breathe steady and controlled; don't suck in air. Breathe through your nose and exhale through your mouth.

Raph had become a quick study under the tutelage of the guys, and he caught on easily. By the time Ken stopped, all of them shone with sweat.

Raph: That was neat.

Ken: Look at the clock.

Raph: Sweet mother Mary! Half an hour? It only felt like a few minutes.

Drew held up his hand for a high five and Raph complied with a grin.

Ken: We ran at least three miles, bud. You did well. When we aren't here, focus on a spot in the air in front of you where my back would be. Make that your focal point. Now, time `ta stretch.

Raph was always amazed at how limber the guys were for big men.

Dar: Jean Claude Van Damme won't have anything on you when we're done with you.

Ken: Tight muscles snap, loose muscles stretch. I want `ya `ta stretch before every workout, even weights. You've done a slight warmup before liftin' but I wanna escalate that. Stretchin' can build muscle too.

The bonding time with his buddies uplifted Raph more than he expected. He enjoyed their company anytime, but doing things like working out made him happy. When he was on the road doing his job, he was mostly isolated and on edge against danger. Being able to relax and be a guy with other guys was uplifting.

When they finished stretching, Ken thought: Slinky-meister, you're up.

Drew took over Raph's instruction showing him how to fall forward into a handstand and then flip his body over. That was the first maneuver Drew learned, and by the end of their session, Raph was flipping over the outstretched arms of Ken, Dar, and Loy, just as Drew had done.

The honest praise from his buddies made Raph smile. Ken put an arm over his shoulder in a side hug: When we aren't here, Drew will work out with `ya. When we are, we'll carve out some time in the evenin's `ta help. Aside from workin' on your body, we're startin' on your mind. I wanna put in a new rule on your hours – never skip dinner with us. `Ya need the downtime. After dinner, start on Albrecht's reading list he used for us and the RL's. There's always gonna be work no matter how much you do. Don't let it consume you.

Ken stopped and put his hands on Raph's shoulders, looking him square in the eye: You're doin' a fantastic job, Raph. You've carved out your spot in The Order, and we can't live without `ya now. We all want what's best for you.

Ken's physicality in his affections strongly affected Raph. Not just his warm strength but Ken's charismatic leadership style touched Raph, making him want to do his best and be his best for Ken and himself.

Raph teared up a little and lowered his head: Thanks.

Dar: I put a plate of food in the fridge for you. Let's shower and get something in your stomach.

<><> 

Loy was on Aslan duty so Ricky stayed with him, but the rest of the guys joined Raph while he ate. He was ravenous after working out.

Ken: One more thing. Drink at least two and a half liters of water a day. You'll piss like a racehorse at first, but that'll get better. Eight hours `a sleep minimum. Try `ta avoid the late night work sessions. If you can't sleep, read, but don't work.

Raph: You got it.

Bill: So what were you so focused on at dinner? Bry's dinner usually pulls in all the boys.

Raph's mindset shifted quickly, and some of his earlier tension returned.

Lane: None of that tightening up shit. Relax.

A gentle flow of healing entered Raph, and he closed his eyes, sinking into it. Behind his eyelids, the golden light of their souls still surrounded him, and he felt their love for him, unconditional and strong.

Raph: I wonder if Luke or The Master had any hand in creating social media. Now that more time has passed, the world seems to be coming apart at the seams over your mass healing. You won't believe the drama. Some of it's legit, and I'm not sure what to say. You put a lot of big, powerful companies out of business. Hospitals don't have any patients, and no one currently needs medications. The CDC and WHO are telling people not to stop their medications, but no one's buying it. The loss of influence is killing them and they're fighting back. Big Pharma's leading source of income just dried up. The entire health industry just got turned on its head, and the money engine has stopped. No one knows how to sue us, but the threats are there. People will lose jobs and suffer loss of income, and I don't know what to tell them.

Ken: The prophet and Michael both said `ta do it. When Lily was dead in my arms..., healin' her was more important than anythin' at the moment. Aside from the prophet's words, and Michael's, I think we made the right call.

Brad: There was no time to think through the ramifications. We need to be on high alert to make sure no world governments take this as an opportunity to expand and grab resources.

Lane sighed: I liked it better when we were incognito.

Kevin: I get that. We only had a fallen archon and the imp to think about, not all this other stuff, but we can't ignore it. What do you think, Doc?

Aaron: We walk a very fine line. We have shown the world how powerful you are. The fumes of the curse will ignite in the weak-willed and those who seek personal power. Perhaps one way to slow this is to take matters a step further. Place a greater rune of truth in the center of the building of every governing body in the world. Raphael and I can focus on social media posts, but the greater runes will expose lies and prevent intentional misinformation.

Lane: Fact check that, bitches. Oops, sorry, Doc, I couldn't resist.

Ken: That's a tall order, no pun intended.

Aaron: It is. And it is not a solution, only a stopgap until we can determine a better solution. Many people will have no income during this. I will develop an application to subsidize requested funds. We have the resources, many times over, especially with the precious metals and gems that we mine from Leroy's cave.

Raph glanced at his tablet, and his eyes widened: Oh shit. Sorry guys, but this is big. The Pope just declared The Order heretics. He says your healing is false and demonic in origin.

Albrecht rarely expressed anger, but his face burned.

Loy: What?

Albrecht: Organized religion is the root of much evil in this world. The Pope is wrong, yet the concept of Papal Infallibility says he cannot speak untruth. When he is proven wrong it might finally break that institution once and for all. Even though the church is flawed, people still look to it for hope and direction. Much suffering will occur because of his short sightedness.

Brad: I'd be willing to bet that decision wasn't his. Elegroth probably has agents in the Vatican that took advantage of the chaos to cause more chaos.

Bryan: We have to shine brighter so those roaches don't have anywhere to hide and they get exposed for what they are.

Lane: Our healing seems to be the gift that keeps on giving. I'm not complaining. Just saying.

Ken: I think it's time `ta have another chat with the world leaders. This time The Pope needs `ta be there too. I'm callin' off trainin' for tomorrow. Let's hit the ground runnin' in the morning.

<><> 

Ken and Brad appeared in the coliseum, and Ken breathed a small sigh of relief: It's not here.

Brad: Let's go check the dirt.

To Ken's enhanced vision the mark of the stone table was still present, but he felt no inkling of Michael's presence either around him or in his heart. The two men were merged, and Ken felt the intense sense of danger Brad's intuition detected. Ken's instincts alerted him similarly, and they spun back to back with their shields bright and powerful.

A nephilim stood a few yards away, wielding a tall elaborate bardiche. His deep voice sounded cold, "Raphael told me you killed my father."

Ken said, "Mikail. Raphael said he told you what happened. If you know, why are you so upset? Would you want Michael `ta remain a tortured prisoner of Elegroth?  Why don't you calm down, and let's chat."

Brad: I won't intervene unless you want me to.

Ken: I'll try not `ta hurt him.

Brad: He isn't going to see reason. I can already tell.

Ken: Fuck. Then I'll only hurt him a little. We don't have time for this shit.

Ken read Mikail's body language perfectly and was ready for his cowardly surprise attack. Mikail's physical prowess and strength were formidable as a nephilim, especially as a child of a powerful archangel like Michael. Blindingly fast, he swung his bardiche, attempting to decapitate Ken. The clear, sunny sky instantly turned black, and Ken exploded with light, summoning Michael's armor and sword. Lighting filled the skies and came down into his blade as he sliced Mikail's bardiche in half.

Ken said: "That's no way `ta treat your son, dickhead. The archangels said you were an ass, but I didn't think Michael's son, my father, would be a coward. It would have been great `ta get to know you, but I don't see this workin' out."

Stunned, Mikail landed twenty feet away in the dirt, and the two pieces of his weapon landed beside him. Shaking his head, he shouted, "Malachiel himself forged that weapon! You will pay for that!"

Ken grinned, saying, "Yeah, yeah, yeah. I've heard that before. Charge my fuckin' account. Malachiel forged Michael's sword too, which Michael granted `ta me. I think he did a better job with mine. You're such a dick he probably did a shitty job on purpose so you'd get your ass kicked and wouldn't bother him anymore."

In another attempt to surprise Ken, Mikail sent a bolt of power at Brad, trying to catch him off guard. Brad's shield brightened and he didn't feel the blow, but he retaliated with a white talon that lifted Mikail off the ground and slammed him down, pinning him. Thunder rumbled, mimicking Ken's anger at the cheap shot against his husband.

Ken said, "I thought I was a douche, but fuck, now I know where I get it from. I guess it runs in my family. My human father ... fuck, I hate thinkin' about him and what he did `ta my mom. Michael was a total ass when I first met him too, but I grabbed his balls and we worked things out. We became extremely tight. You have no idea what it cost me `ta kill him. I live with his last words in my heart and hear them all the time. I loved him."

Angry at Mikail's shallow immaturity, Brad released his temper. Mikail was a powerful nephilim, but he paled in comparison to Brad's strength. Brad opened Mikail's mind and seared Ken's last memories of Michael into him.

<> 

Elegroth held out his newly formed talon, and Michael's broken form flew from Luke's grasp to land at his feet. Crying out in agony, Michael's hand reached towards Ken, and his deep voice entered Ken's mind: I bequeath my sword and armor to you, my grandson.  You are my only existing descendant, and they are now yours.  If I cannot escape, I must die.  I cannot be the reason this creature overruns our creation.  I would die by my own hand, or yours, rather than see that happen.  You must save everyone and everything you love.

Ken's heart wrenched when he saw Michael screaming in agony and reaching toward him from Elegroth's feet. Michael's sword appeared in Ken's hand and his grandfather's armor over his suit. Not only the sword and armor but the part of Michael that came with them.

Desperation clear in his voice, Ken yelled: No!  That's not happenin'.  We're gettin' you outta here.  We don't leave anyone behind!

<> 

In a unique place within Ken's heart, Michael appeared to him.  They were naked, and Michael's full glory was manifest. His wings shone with exquisite brightness, and his aura washed over Ken.  They both cried, and Michael pulled Ken against him in a powerful embrace.

Michael: I will miss sparring with you.  I have taught you everything I know and have nothing left to give you.

Ken: That's not true!  I learn from you all the time. Please! Fuck, I can't lose you.

Michael: Be strong, Ken.  You are the last of my lineage. Carry my legacy within you, and do what must be done.  Save our creation.  Luke must lead the hosts now.  He will not wish to, but share this memory and tell him he must. Share this with Raphael, Gabriel, Uriel, and the others so they will believe in him and follow his leadership. If they follow him, so will the hosts.

Ken's throat closed as he rested his head on Michael's shoulder and squeezed every iota of his love into his grandfather.

Michael:  You saved me once, Ken, from myself. Only a moment ago, you saved me from Elegroth's imprisonment.  Now save me from being the instrument to destroy our creation.  There is power in threes.

Ken: Fuck!  I hate that sayin'.  Why can't it be two, or four, or...

Michael laughed at Ken's impertinence, loving his grandson's nature.

Michael: There is no time.  Do what must be done.  I wish it to be by your hand, with my sword. There, is honor.

With Michael's last words, Ken's anguish raged within his brothers, and they wrapped him in their unconditional love. Whatever his decision, they would never judge him.  Their collective intellect knew Michael was right; without him, Elegroth could no longer breach the second creation.  But after losing his brother and mother, losing his grandfather was unthinkable, yet it had to be done.  His own Avatar of will and conviction brightened, blinding even Elegroth, and Ken keened his pain.

<> 

Mikail seemed stunned, and tears formed in his eyes. Brad expected him to see reason now that he knew the truth, but he and Ken were surprised at his reaction, "He said you were his last existing descendant. He knew I was in a state of penance, yet he said nothing of me."

Ken sighed, feeling sorry for Mikail. "Look ... Michael changed a lot from the first time I met him. I'm not sure when your part in my comin' into bein' happened, but Michael was a dick then. He shut off his heart after losin' so many of the host `ta Luke over the ages. He became a cold-hearted son of a bitch - what he had `ta be `ta survive. He was a hard ass leader, but later, he changed. He never got softer, but he learned `ta love again. If he met you now, I bet things would be different between you."

Brad released his talon and Mikail gripped the two halves of his broken weapon. Clutching the halves to his chest, he seemed more lost than when he arrived. He still saw things only as they pertained to him and his childish wants and needs. He was sorrier for himself than for Michael. Brad's compassion flared, equal to his anger, but it allowed him to see Mikail for what he was, a petulant child and a threat. They cowed him for the moment, but Brad and Ken both knew he would return for revenge when the opportunity presented itself.

Ken's voice stiffened, "If you wanna talk, come `ta me, but if you attack me or any of my family, I will end you, father or not."

Mikail's eyes widened slightly at the direct threat, and he vanished.

Michael's sword and armor disappeared, and Ken put his hands on his hips: Fuck. My father is a total dick. Both my fathers. Who'd a thunk it.

Brad: On the bright side, you got Ken Jr. and Michael's charisma. Mikail doesn't hold a candle to you.

Ken laughed and the sky returned to clear and sunny: Thanks.

Brad winked: Since time isn't moving here, do you want me to reward your behavior?

Ken's little kid grin appeared, and he retorted: I could reread the paper, sure.

Brad chuckled: Well, we never made it to the comics.

Ken clapped his hands together, rubbing them greedily: Hot damn. Hagar the Horrible or Family Circus? Beetle Baily is off the table.

Brad grinned back: I was thinking more of a Dagwood sandwich.

<> 

Laying naked and basking in the sun and the aftermath of their "that guy" session, Ken grumbled: Fuck, we need `ta get cleaned up. I gotta talk `ta the world leaders again and set some new ground rules. We gotta let the guys know about Mikail too.

Ken stirred a gentle breeze that felt so soothing over their sweaty nakedness that he didn't move for another minute. Brad sat up and turned, running a hand over Ken's upper chest and neck: I love looking at you. I love you all the time, but after we have sex, you're you more than any other time, and I love that for you.

Ken's little kid grin appeared: Then we should make out all the time. I wanna make you happy.

Brad chuckled: I wish we could. I wish it worked that way, but duty calls.

Ken: Okay, Debbie.

Brad: Let's go back to the base quick and shower.

<> 

Ten minutes later, Ken, Brad, and all of The Order except Sally, Tag, Olive, and the kids, stood in the coliseum. The only exception for the children was Drew. While the men wore their dragon hide assault suits for effect, Drew wore khaki shorts, a white t-shirt, and a Marvel ball cap.

Lane: I still feel like I'm wearing jammies. These suits are the bomb.

Bill: A nice change from your underoos, huh?

Ken: Let's cut the chatter. B, do you and Dar have everyone locked in?

Brad: 10-4. I have General Hammond and The Pope tagged as well. Quite a few of them are asleep, so I'll bring their minds. We should give them a minute to acclimate once they're here. Dar will bring everyone awake physically here.

Ken: Roger that. Pull `em here when ready.

Everyone was merged, and their aura's gleamed in the bright sun. Brad's and Darren's eyes blazed white, and the stadium seats suddenly filled with people.

Ken amplified his voice and said, "Don't be alarmed. We need `ta have another chat. `Ta those of you who were here before, welcome back. `Ta those who are here for the first time, there's nothing `ta be afraid of. No time will pass while you're here, so don't worry; you can continue whatever you were doin' once we're done."

Many of the leaders were upset at being taken so abruptly - some out of ego and others out of fear. The Pope didn't know what to make of being taken from his bedchambers by those he considered servants of Satan. The light of the men increased as they spread their unconditional love over the humans. Bill and Kevin saw Sarah who smiled at them. Their loving touch calmed everyone except The Pope, who was in total panic and trying to flee. He was old and infirm but scuttled down to the field level and tried to run away.

Ten orbs of light appeared high in the sky and transformed into Luke and their archangel grandparents. Slowly they descended to alight softly on the ground. Luke landed in front of The Pope and said, "Fear not. You have been led astray by those closest to you." Three of The Pope's closest advisors appeared. Other than a collective gasp, silence fell among the crowd as they watched the archangels.

Luke gestured, "These men serve a different power and have poisoned your mind and heart. Your faith is not lacking. No human under the curse could stand against their subtle influence. There is no shame. Witness the power of the most high and return to the fold."

Lane: Man, I want some popcorn.

The three men hissed as their eyes glowed with green void energy. Luke and the other archangels' auras flashed and the part of Elegroth's servants that belonged to the second creation burned to ash. What remained could not sustain life or the connection to the void, and their clothing, void of life, collapsed. Terrified, The Pope dropped to his knees and began to pray.

Luke bent over and gently touched the old man, lifting him up, "You hold much authority in the human world. Your statement about The Order caused confusion among the holy body of the Catholic church. You must correct that. I am sorry to show you this, but you must see and believe."

The Pope cried out as images of the war between Elegroth and the high hosts seared his mind and heart. It wasn't only images; The Pope felt the light extinguish in all the angels who perished in the battle. Images of Luke's imprisonment, his repentance, and Michael's capture and torture were there, in addition to Michael's demise. The Pope realized who Luke was, The Bright One, who once again shone with the power of God.

"I lead the hosts in Michael's absence. Times of change are upon us, and you must lead wisely, with a clear mind and heart. I send you back with my blessing. Undo the confusion your words have wrought, and support The Order in their conflict with Elegroth."

The Pope vanished, and Luke and the other archangels transformed into balls of light that vanished into the sky. Utter silence fell upon the crowd. Ken and the men with exceptional senses heard the hiss and smelled the remains of Elegroth's minions.

Ken stepped forward and said, "That wasn't part of my plan, but it had `ta happen. Let this prove `ta you how serious things are. Even after the last time we brought you here, many of you have misbehaved. We healed the world of sickness and disease yesterday. It was a oncer. Because of the curse and the shitty food people consume, cancer and other diseases will begin `ta show up again. You can prevent a lot of that if you change your ways.

"Once you've learned `ta live in untruth, it's almost impossible `ta stop. You wallow so deep in lies you believe your own bullshit and think it justifies your actions. We'll be placin' somethin' called a rune in the buildings you lead from. You won't be able `ta lie in the presence of these runes. If you speak, it'll be the truth."

Murmurs arose among the crowd, and the North Korean leader stood and began shouting in Korean, but miraculously, everyone heard his words in their native tongue, "You lie! You want to subjugate all to your will! I will not bow to you!"

Ken switched to mental speech: Simmer down and be quiet. Listen `ta my words, mind `ta mind. When we communicate this way, we can't lie. You can feel it inherently. I'm tellin' the truth.

Brad linked the mind and heart of every person present: What he said is true. Feel it in your heart. The Curse of Eden prevents this type of communication, but I want you to feel it briefly again. You felt what it's like to be whole when we healed the world. Have you forgotten it already? You must remember it! That's what we fight for. It's what everyone should feel all the time. You must overcome your base nature of petty lies, jealousies, and self-protection mechanisms. As humans, you learn them early, and their grip increases as you age. You must fight against them as much as possible. The runes we will place will help, but it's just a start. We are the defenders of our creation. Show us you're worth saving.

In their private link, Lane thought: Damn, Brad, that was a comic book worthy soliloquy if I ever heard one. I'm going to cry.

Loy: He just wants to flex a little to get Ken worked up.

Dar: I think Ken's still worked up. He and Brad made out right here just a few minutes ago. Why don't you show them that?

The men howled with laughter in their minds but kept their expressions staid.

Ken: Shut it, punks, or I'm not gonna be able `ta finish this.

Addressing the crowd again, Ken continued: I know there are serious ramifications `ta what we did by healin' everyone. Ask yourself first if you'd rather have the sickness and disease back before you start bitchin' about what we did. I know a large part of the world's economy revolves around healthcare, and we just put in a huge speedbump that brought that industry to a grindin' halt. We put a lot of people outta work. That wasn't our intent, but it's a side effect of our actions. We will financially assist individuals who were harmed by our actions. Our website will have a new section in the next few days where people can apply for financial assistance. Help us spread the word on this, but also be aware and emphasize this: we will know if someone is lyin' and tryin' `ta scam us. There will be severe consequences for anyone tryin' `ta play us.

Ken paused a moment to let his words sink in, and then he continued: You've all had a big day, so I'm gonna end this now. Remember, no time will have passed when we send `ya back. We'll start placin' runes soon. They'll appear, but you won't see us. If you have questions, send them through our website `ta Raph here, and we'll get back to `ya. Have a good rest of your day.

Brad's and Darren's eyes blazed white again, and everyone in the stands vanished. When the stadium stands were empty Ken turned to Aaron and Albrecht and raised an eyebrow, inviting their comments.

Aaron: You did well, Kenneth. Luke's appearance was a surprise, and the Catholic church's response is still in question, but you made your point well. I pray they listen.

His brothers' voices filled Ken's heart: Good job, Cap.  You still got it.

Their words quickly devolved into shit-talk, and Ken broke out laughing.

Do you know how many of those ladies want to have your babies?

How about some of the guys? I saw the looks.

I saw the chubs. Expensive suits don't hide boners well.

You should have gone all Jack Nicholson and shouted, "You can't handle the truth!"

Admit it, you farted at least twice.

He who smelt it dealt it.

Their camaraderie was always a staple of support, and while they gave him shit, they ruffled Ken's hair, punched his arm, or slapped his back, except Lane who slapped his ass. Drew topped everything off by throwing his arms around Ken's waist and hugging him, "You did great, Uncle Ken."

<> 

After lunch, Ken sat in the conference room with Brad, Henry, and Drew. The contact orb Németh gave them sat on the table.

Ken sighed, "I hope this works. I gotta figure out what's happenin' with Michael."

Drew said, "Mr. Németh can help. I know he can."

Ken picked up the orb, "We'll let's see."

Ken's eyes flashed white and sigils appeared, glowing with the orange color of Eschphene magic. Almost instantly, Németh stood in the room with them.

His deep voice bellowed: Greetings, my friends. Is something amiss? I sense no danger.

Brad: Yes and no. Something has happened, or is happening to Ken. We hope you can help.

Németh: Share this with me.

Németh's mind and heart joined with theirs, and they appeared naked in their unique place. For their protection Németh prevented them from seeing much of his knowledge, but most of his life was open to them. His love for them was powerful, as was his dedication to their friendship. His thankfulness towards Henry was just as deep for his actions in restoring Németh as the rightful ruler of his people.

Németh: Interesting.

Drew: Can you do what you did for me and Dad? Can you send us into Uncle Ken so we can try and find Mr. Michael?

Németh nodded: It is dangerous, perhaps perilous, but I can. If some remnant of the archangel exists in you, Ken, he cannot hide from you in that place. Do you think he wishes to be found? Perhaps there is a reason he keeps himself hidden.

Ken: I don't know. The visions I'm havin' don't really say. The only time he's said anythin' was when Lily was in my arms dead. Every other time I've seen him, he wasn't breathin'.

Henry: I see Michael's legacy in Ken: his armor, sword, and the coliseum. I see that power, but I don't see anything of Michael himself. Do you?

Németh: Your wisdom and perceptions run deep, archon. I sense Michael's legacy as you do, but no more than that.

Ken: Fuck.

Henry coughed.

Ken: Sorry, Tiger.

Drew: It's okay, Uncle Ken.

Németh: Do you wish to do this now? There will be a time differential. Little time will pass in the physical realm while they are within you.

Drew: Granny Wolf was with us before. Can she go with us again?

Granny Wolf appeared beside Drew: I will go. Cavall also will accompany us.

Cavall pawed at the door, and Drew let him in. Drew went to Ken's side and put a hand on his shoulder while his other hand was on Cavall.

Németh: As you wish. The peril increases with the number. If any of you should perish in Ken's mind, you will be gone forever.

Brad: We understand.

Ken: Okay, let's do this. Now is as good a time as any.

Németh traced sigils in the air to form the spell. Brad recognized some of the symbols from the stone when they used it to enter The Master's psyche. When the spell was complete, Németh said: Safe journey and trust the balance. I wish you success in finding what you seek.

The sigils ignited in a bright orange burst of power and the room became empty except for Ken's physical body and Németh, who settled down to wait. The paradox of Ken being in the room yet physically within himself was extreme, but Németh maintained the spell and contained the ripples.

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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