The Order

Heading to Grady Hospital, they met outside the parking deck near the main entrance. Lane’s guitar case happened to be in Bryan’s Explorer, and once they arrived at the hospital his intuition told him to take it with him, so he strung it over his back before entering the building.

Ken said, “Ricky, Loy, go in and meet Tag’s wife, and the rest of us’ll spread out on the fifth floor. There are multiple waitin’ rooms, so fan out ‘ta not be so conspicuous. Everybody stay linked, and if you see anythin’ outta the ordinary, or feel anythin’ in your gut that doesn’t seem right, let everyone know STAT. Let’s enter in pairs every couple of minutes, so we draw less attention to ourselves.”

As soon as Brad entered the lobby, an oppressive compulsion pushed against his shield. Glancing around, he noticed no one smiling, and most people had blank looks on their faces.

Guys, something’s going on. There’s some kind of oppressive broadcast happening. Lane, Bill, Loy, and Dar, amp up your emotional push. Everyone needs to be on the same page for maximum effect, so let’s all go for happy and content. I have a feeling we’re going to alert The Enemy as soon as we do this, so be ready.

Concentrating, Brad emitted the desired emotions, which strengthened as the others joined him.  Within seconds people throughout the building started shaking their heads as if they were waking up or shaking off cobwebs.

Loy and Rick went directly to room 584, knocking softly on the door as Loy pushed it open.  Poking his head around the small alcove just inside the door, he saw Olive at Tag’s bedside holding his hand. 

“Mrs. Keenan? It’s Loy and Rick.”

When she stood, they were surprised at how small she was. In heels, she was barely five feet tall, wearing a blue flowered dress, probably her best church outfit, with a matching hat on a nearby chair. Her dress seemed dated but suited her perfectly. Her eyes red, she held a crumpled Kleenex in her hand, but even crying, Olive radiated an inner strength, one not held by current generations.

“Thank you for coming Mr. Barton. I’m so sorry to bother you, but the doctors don’t seem to be able to do anything. Tag spoke of you often... I just didn’t know what else to do.”

Fresh tears filled her eyes when she spoke. Her voice matched her stature, reflecting her quiet inner strength. Exhausted, she almost stumbled, putting a hand on the bed to steady herself, and Loy rushed forward to support her.

“Ma’am, I can’t tell you how sorry we are about what’s happened to your husband, but I think we can help.”

“You do? Are you doctors?”

“No, ma’am. It’s difficult to explain, and things might seem a little strange, but if you trust us, and will let us, I think we can help him.”

“The doctors don’t know what’s wrong wit him. He OD’d, and it did terrible things to his body, but something else is happening they can’t explain. He keeps getting weaker, and they say he don’t have much longer.”

“Ma’am…”

“Please, Mr. Barton, call me Olive.”

“Okay, Olive, but it’s Loy, not Mr. Barton.  I can’t tell you how I know this, but someone did this to Tag. He didn’t go back to using drugs on his own.”

“I don’t know how you know that, but I believe you. He was getting better. He had his bad days, sure, but he was tryin’ hard to make things work. He finally found himself agin, and even managed to get a job. I ‘bout gave up on him, and when he came back I almost didn’t let him in the door, but something about him was changed. I saw it in him, in his eyes. I can’t thank you enough for what you did for him, whatever it was. He never told me what you did, or why, but whatever it was, for some reason, this time, it stuck wit him.  I have no idea why you’d do this for him or me, but I’ll take whatever help you offer.”

“Part of how I know, Olive, is the reason Tag was targeted. He helped us find a friend of ours a few months ago who was missing. That’s when we met him. We had no idea anything like this would happen, but we’re going to do everything in our power to make this right and get him back to you.

“Olive, I’m not sure what’s going to happen in the next few minutes. It’s possible the people who did this to Tag might show up. We’ll protect you if they do, but I want you to know you might see some strange things. Just know that whatever you see is necessary to help Tag, and is for your safety and his, okay?”

“Mister, you’re scarin’ me, but if it’ll help my husband find his way back, you can spin on your head upside down and I won’t care.”

Smiling, Loy patted her arm gently, trying to reassure her.  

“That’s the spirit, Olive. Tag’s a lucky man.”

Rick moved to guard the door, and Loy went to Tag’s bedside. Resting a hand on Tag’s forehead, Loy reached for his mind but immediately grabbed his head, doubling over as excruciating pain seared through his mind.

Everyone in the link felt it too, although Loy took the brunt.

Brad: Loy, what the hell was that?

There’s some kind of barrier protecting Tag’s mind. Fuck, that hurt like a son of a bitch!

I’ll be right there.

From the waiting room they were in, Ken followed Brad to Tag’s room.

When they entered, Rick said, “Olive, these are friends of ours, Brad and Ken. They’re here to help. Guys, this is Olive, Tag’s wife.”

Ken and Brad both took her hand, and Ken told her, “Pleased ‘ta meet you, ma’am. We’re sorry about your husband, and I want you ‘ta know we’ll make this right and do whatever it takes ‘ta fix this.”

Olive didn’t know what to make of the big, handsome men who came to help, but somehow their presence reassured her. Her mood lightened, and she felt hope for the first time since Tag was admitted to the hospital.

When Ken took her hand and told her everything would be alright, she believed him, not only hearing his words but the conviction behind them.  His solid presence gave her comfort, and any lingering doubts about the strange men vanished. Brad was the only one who noticed Ken’s tattoo briefly pulse as he spoke to her.

Moving to the opposite side of the bed from Loy, Brad spoke aloud rather than through their link. Even though most of their conversation wouldn’t make sense to Olive, hearing their voices and knowing they were trying to help might give her comfort.

“Loy, let's shift our sight and take another look.”

With Olive’s mind closed, she couldn’t see, but to Ken and Rick, beautiful blue energy arced from Brad and Loy’s foreheads.

With their sight shifted, what Loy and Brad saw was horrifying. To the naked eye they were invisible, but in the spiritual realm grotesque creatures clutched over Tag’s energy centers, digging into his body and feeding off his energy. They were semi-transparent, dark and foggy, and in some areas solid black, with spiked shells emitting tendrils of black, smoky energy.

Casting his thoughts across the city, Brad called out: Doc! Albrecht!

The soothing, gentle strength of the doctor and Albrecht immediately entered their link.

Yes, Bradford, we are here.

Do you know what these things are?

Alarm registered from Albrecht as he looked through Brad’s eyes.

They are spirit creatures called Iktomi. They are vile, evil creatures of the Pale, and will feed off his life force through his energy centers until he is dead. This is very bad.

How do we get rid of them?

Once attached, there is little to be done. Certain crystals can be charged with energies they find distasteful, but depending on the strength of whoever bound them, that might not work.

Can we kill them?

Iktomi die when they are full. Think of them like ticks, except once bloated with the energies from their host, they both die. If you try to remove them or destroy them by force, they will kill the host, so you must be careful.

Alright, we can take it from here. If they want food, we’re going to give them more than they can handle.

Be careful, Bradford.

Always, doc.

Turning his thoughts back to the hospital and the link with the team, Brad thought: Lane, Bry, I need you in here.

On our way.

Darren: Guys, we have activity. We have muscle goons getting off the elevators. So far, I count five.

Bill interjected: Make it ten, five more just got off the elevator by me.

Ken: Okay, guys, hold ‘em off and do your best ‘ta keep any civilians from getting’ hurt. Don’t take any risks. I don’t want any of us gettin’ hurt either. Holler if you need me or Rick to come back you up.

Seconds later, the door opened, and Rick said, “Olive, this is Lane and Bryan.”

Lane introduced himself, saying, “Hello ma’am, pleased to meet you.”

Bryan, the gentle giant he was, smiled and nodded his greeting, touching her shoulder with a gentle squeeze of his big hand.

Olive nodded to them, her eyes wide.

“How many of you are there?”

Ken said, “The rest of the team’s close by, Olive. The people who did this ‘ta Tag are here, and they aren’t happy. If things get excitin’, stay behind us. We won’t let anythin’ happen ‘ta you.”

Pulling his guitar from its case, Lane settled the strap on his shoulder.

Brad told him, “Lane, these things are feeding off Tag’s energy. The doc and Albrecht say they’re like ticks, but when they get full, they die. I want you and Bry to power up and stuff them so full they explode. I think Tag is trapped in a construct where he’s back in Afghanistan, and we can’t get him out until we get rid of these things. He might need additional healing once they’re off, so be ready. I know this is a lot to ask, but you and Bry are our best chance to get this done as fast and safe as possible.”

In his deep, gravelly voice, Bryan said, “No problem.”

Lane smiled at Bryan while he strummed his guitar, warming up his fingers, thankful for Bryan’s confidence and trust.

“I have the perfect song for this.”

Addressing Olive, Lane said, “Ma’am, I’m going to play a song twice. After I’m done the first time, you need to take Tag’s hand. I’m not sure what you’ll see when you do that, but hold him tight and let him know how much he means to you. Can you do that?”

“I have no idea what you all are doing or how this will help my husband, but I can do that.”

Loy turned to Olive and said, “Olive, you’re doing great. Anyone else would have thrown us out by now. Please believe me, however unorthodox this seems, it’s to help Tag.”

A loud crash sounded in the hallway, and Pat, Darren, Bill, and Kevin shouted over the link.

Incoming!

Brad, Loy, and Lane felt the power coming from Bill and Darren as they started their part of the fight, and Brad gave Ken a knowing smile that their efforts and training were paying off.

Bryan got behind Lane and put his hands on his shoulders, ready to support him. Whispering in Lane’s ear and not over the link, he squeezed Lane’s shoulders as he did so.

“Take what you need from me, Little Buddy. I’m with you.”

Glancing over his shoulder, with a confident smile, Lane winked at him.

<><> 

Olive started when Lane and Bryan’s eyes turned white. When their tattoos lit up, spitting small colored tendrils, her eyes widened. When they began to glow, her hand went to her mouth.

At first, she was terrified, but the looks on their faces soothed her fears. Something radiated from them; it felt like… love? It was warm and beautiful, and soaked into her soul, bringing her emotions for Tag to the surface of her mind.  Hope filled her heart, and amid all the chaos and uncertainty, joyful tears spilled down her cheeks.

The song Lane chose was on his iPod, but his intuition told him he should sing it rather than listen to it. The part of him that loved music preferred making it rather than hearing it, even if it was a song he didn’t write himself. His instinct proved right, and the music carried him and Bryan further outside themselves than before.

Brilliant blue, yellow, and red energy crackled from their centers, swirling around them, and Lane wove them into a single white ribbon that was almost too bright to look at.

Occupied, Lane didn’t notice the soft brush across his mind, but Brad and Loy turned to see the giant form of a nephilim crouched in the corner of the room, with a cowl covering most of his face. Even though his features were mostly obscured, he seemed entirely focused on Loy.

Quietly but intently, Brad said, “Ken, Rick, look!”

Turning, Ken and Rick saw the giant figure calmly observing them.

Lane and Bryan, lost in the music, were oblivious to the presence of the nephilim. Lane played loud and hard on his guitar, his soul flying high with Bryan by his side, his energy flows strengthening as the song continued, stirring a hot wind around them. Sensing a more potent source of food nearby, the Iktomi squirmed.

Since Lane’s hands were occupied, Bryan focused the power Lane generated, arcing the energy into the first Iktomi attached to Tag’s forehead. Instantaneously the creature exploded, unable to absorb the amount of power Bryan directed into it. No evidence of the creature remained other than a darkly glowing blue spot on Tag’s forehead where it had been attached.

Moving the ribbon down to Tag’s chest, the second creature vaporized. One by one, in a matter of seconds, the Iktomi were destroyed, leaving small, slightly glowing spots at each energy center on Tag’s body.

Bryan’s voice, echoing with power across the link, was almost deafening as it vibrated with the power flowing through him.

Brad, get him out of the construct so we can finish.

With the creatures gone, Brad threw himself into Tag’s mind, appearing in the middle of a street in Afghanistan. He quickly looked around and saw Tag, but bullets flew everywhere, and even as his combat instincts took over and he ducked for cover, a stray bullet ripped through his left shoulder. The impact knocked him off his feet, and he hit the ground hard, doubled over in agony.

In Tag’s hospital room, Brad’s shoulder erupted in blood, splattering everyone around him as he dropped to his knees.

Ken shouted, “Brad!”

Grabbing him, Ken delved into the construct, appearing in the street beside Brad, who lay on the ground clutching his shoulder. Reaching out, Ken pulled Brad against him and rolled them against an overturned vehicle to get under cover.

“Ken!? What the fuck!? What are you doing here!? Get out of here, man!”

“Fuck that! I’m here to help!”

Trying his best to ignore the pain, Brad concentrated on breaking the construct, but it was much stronger than expected and too powerful to break by himself.

Breathing heavily, he rasped, “Fuck, it’s too strong! I can’t break it!”

Over the gunfire, Ken shouted, “Take what you need from me ‘ta rip this shithole apart and get us ‘outta here! We can do it together!”

Wrapping Brad in his strong arms, mind, and soul, Ken made all his strength available for Brad to draw from. 

I’m with you, B.

Brad drew so heavily from Ken, even braced, he almost passed out. The construct, powerfully built, took everything they had, but it shattered like a broken mirror, sending them and Tag back to the real world.

Once back in their bodies, they collapsed on the floor, semi-conscious.

Olive watched Tag so intently, looking for any sign of him waking, she jumped when Lane’s voice resonated in her mind.

Take his hand, Olive. Talk to him. Make him hear how much you love and need him. Lead him back.

Too amazed to be afraid anymore, Olive took Tag’s hand, kissing the back of it, and repeatedly whispered, “Oh baby, come back to me! Lord, bring him back to me!”

The second time through the song, Bryan focused their energies into Tag, restoring what the Iktomi had drained. Bryan was as gentle as he could be, but to Tag, it was like drinking from a fire hydrant, and his body arched from the influx.

The damage done to Tag was clear, and while Bryan altered the flows to re-energize him, Lane healed the physical damage from the drug overdose. When Lane stopped playing, the glow around them lessened, and he and Bryan fell to their knees, exhausted. With Ken, Brad, Bryan, and Lane down and semi-incapacitated, Rick and Loy rushed to check on them.

Tag’s eyes fluttered open, and the first thing he saw was Olive’s tear-streaked face smiling down at him. Her hands gripped his so tight it hurt, but he smiled at her.

His voice weak and raspy, he managed to squeak out, “Hey momma! What you cryin’ for? I heard you callin’ me, sweetie!”

“Oh, Lord! Thank you!”

Crying her heart out, Olive rested her face on his chest, and Tag wrapped his arms around her, hugging her as tightly as he could manage.

Sounds in the room caught his attention, and looking over, he saw Rick and Loy hovering over four men, one of them bloody.

“Hey fellas! What’re you doin here?”

Through her tears, Olive said, “I called ‘em baby! I didn’t know what else to do! I thought you was gonna leave me.”

There was still a significant amount of noise coming from the hallway; people shouting, sounds of crashing and breaking glass, and even a few gunshots.  Muffled because the door was shut, the noise was still loud enough to cause concern.

Tag asked, “What’s goin’ on out there?”

After a few additional crashes, the hallway fell silent.

Rick quickly assessed Ken, who seemed dazed but okay, so he focused on Brad’s shoulder.  Pulling up the blood-soaked sleeve of his shirt, he exposed a large bullet wound on the ball of his left shoulder, bleeding profusely.

Rick broke into the emergency supply cabinet in the room, and cutting off the sleeve of Brad’s t-shirt, started wrapping his shoulder.

<><> 

Fighting to stay conscious, knowing Brad was shot sent a surge of adrenaline through Ken’s system. In seconds his vision cleared, and he sat up to see Rick wrapping Brad’s shoulder. Brad was conscious but pale. Reaching for Brad’s mind, Ken unexpectedly hit a shield and realized Brad was blocking him to prevent any spillover of the pain.  It pissed him off, and he punched through.

Fuck! B, are you alright!?

Yeah, I’ll be okay. It just hurts like a motherfucker.

Take what you need from me ‘ta heal that right now.

I’m not sure, Ken… we need to get Tag and everybody out of here safe. I already took so much from you to destroy the construct I’m not sure it’s safe. I can wait.

Fuck that! The guys have things under control, and Tag’s fine for the moment. We still have a few minutes before we need ‘ta make it outta here. Do it, B. I can deal with you bein’ in pain if I have to, but I don’t like it. I don’t like you shuttin’ me out either, so let’s fix this, together.

Alright. Scoot over in front of me.

Ken moved over, so they faced one another. Brad, sweating from the pain, lifted his shirt to wipe his face. He looked pale, and the tight, haggard expression on his face told Ken how bad it was.

I’m not sure if this will make a difference, but put your hand on my tattoo.

Ken placed his hand on the ball of Brad’s right shoulder, and Brad did the same to Ken. Like colorful flares, their energy centers came to life, and their eyes turned white. With Ken’s mind now fully open, he helped Brad control the flows.

Their tattoos warm and pulsing, the energies flowed between them like water, bringing a euphoric sense of well-being as their love and support for each other fueled their connection. After observing Lane and Bryan, Brad used Ken to focus the colors together into a single white ribbon. It wasn’t nearly as bright or intense as Bryan and Lane’s, but it was powerful, and holding his hand over the wound, he directed the flow into his shoulder, healing the damage.

<> 

As soon as Ken and Brad moved together, Rick patted Ken’s shoulder in support and backed off to let them do their thing.  He joined Loy in checking over Bryan and Lane, who were exhausted but quickly recovering. After killing the Iktomi, re-energizing Tag, and healing his physical trauma, they were severely drained.

Rick glanced apprehensively at the nephilim, not saying a word or making any movements, sitting with his hands on his knees, his face shrouded in the shadows of the cowl except for his lips and strong square chin.

Looking closer, Rick did a double-take. Something about the nephilim seemed familiar… his chin and mouth… Rick could swear he knew him but couldn’t see enough of his face to place him. At Rick’s questioning look, the nephilim smiled, inclining his head in acknowledgment, and vanished. 

The door opened and Rick spun around to see Pat, Darren, Bill, and Kevin standing at the door looking disheveled, but other than some torn clothing, a few scrapes and minor bruises, they all looked fine.

Kevin asked, “Are you ladies done in there? We did all the heavy lifting out here. We need to evac ASAP.”

Stepping into the room, Kevin saw Ken and Brad on the floor facing one another, glowing brightly, their tattoos spitting arcs of color under their hands and Brad’s shirt covered in blood. Bryan was helping Lane to stand, and they both looked alright but exhausted, and Tag was awake, holding Olive.

“It looks like you guys had your own fun in here. I can’t wait to hear about it. Is everyone good to go?”

As Kevin finished talking, the glow around Ken and Brad faded, and they slumped together, breathing heavily, their sweaty foreheads touching but with smiles on their faces.

“You two lovebirds can make out later. We need to leave.”

Ken and Brad laughed, and cupping his hand behind Ken’s neck, Brad pulled him into a brief kiss, whispering, “I love you, Ken. Thanks!”

Unwrapping the blood-soaked gauze, the bullet wound was gone, and Brad’s shoulder appeared smooth and healthy. Whereas he felt tired, Ken looked pale, and his body trembled with exhaustion.

Moving to Tag, Loy said, “Tag, you and Olive need to come with us. We can keep you safe until we figure this out.”

“Git my leg, it’s in the closet wit my clothes.”

Loy retrieved Tag’s prosthetic leg and quickly helped him get it on, and once it was secured, he grabbed the small bag containing Tag’s clothing, saying, “You can get dressed in the car.”

Those who had been in Tag’s room had no idea what occurred in the hallway, and when they exited the room heading for the stairwell, the hospital looked like a war zone. There were no civilians in sight, but unconscious muscled servants of The Enemy lay everywhere. Most of the furniture was overturned, carts were on their sides, and papers and medical supplies were strewn about the floor.

Together, they made their way down to a side exit of the hospital on the ground floor. As they were leaving, Ken remembered the security cameras, exclaiming, “Fuck! We need ‘ta erase the security cameras before we leave.”

Smiling, Pat said, “No worries, boss man. It’s taken care of.”

Relieved, Ken said, “You’re awesome, Pat.”

Pat winked, and with a grin said, “Yeah, well, somebody has to be with all you losers around.”

By the time they exited the building, Bryan, Lane, Ken, and Brad were functioning better. They were exhausted and not up for another fight, but they could drive. Loy and Rick took Tag and Olive with them, and everybody else made it to their vehicles to head to the lab. As they pulled out of the parking deck, a swarm of Atlanta Police cars screeched up to the front entrance of the hospital.

On the drive back, Ken held Brad’s hand, playing with his fingers, but once on the Interstate, Ken’s grip went slack, and Brad realized he fell asleep.

Holding Ken’s hand in turn, Brad quietly said, “God, I love you, Ken Habersham.”

Taking a moment, he studied Ken’s face. Asleep and completely relaxed, Ken looked even more handsome; his straight nose, strong jaw, and his day-old growth of beard... breathing deeply, he took in Ken’s unique scent, and unable to help himself, as tired as he was, he became aroused.

As a testament to how exhausted Ken was, he didn’t wake up even when Brad pulled into the parking lot of the lab. Unbuckling his seatbelt, Brad leaned over and brushed the hair off Ken’s forehead, kissing him softly on the lips. Ken’s lips curled into a smile and his mouth opened, lightly grabbing Brad’s tongue. Ken breathed deeply and stretched, then put one arm around Brad and pulled him close in a hug.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean ‘ta pass out on ‘ya. That healin’ shit’s exhaustin’.”

“Yeah, it is. I can’t wait to get Tag and Olive settled and get you home. I want to take care of you so bad right now.”

“Well, shit, let’s get this show on the road!”

<><><> 

Once in the lab, Loy and Rick settled Tag and Olive in a guest room, while the doctor and Albrecht examined Bryan, Lane, Ken, and Brad.

“I am most impressed with today’s outcome.  The Keenans are safe, and you did an exemplary job of healing Bradford’s shoulder, though I will stress that doing that in the field is not recommended if the injury is not life-threatening.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry, doc. I know I should’ve waited, but I couldn’t stand seein’ him in that much pain.”

“I understand, my boy. What I say is far easier said than done. If it were Albrecht, I would feel the same way.”

Smirking, Albrecht interjected, “Don’t let him fool you, Ken, he says that, but he always lets me suffer.  It’s happened more times than I can count.”

Ignoring Albrecht’s comment, the doctor continued examining the men.

Lane, Bryan, Ken, and Brad still had their shirts off when Rick walked in, covering his face in mock horror and exclaiming, “My eyes! My eyes!”

Laughing in response, the four men shot Rick a bird.

Rick asked, “So, are we going to tell the doc about the elephant, or should I say nephilim, in the room?”

The doctor’s eyebrows raised in question at Rick’s comment.

“Yeah, doc, during most of the entire episode in Tag’s room, a twenty-foot-tall robed guy in a cowl sat in the corner watching us.”

“Interesting.  He did nothing to interfere? No actions of any sort?”

“No, sir. Right before he disappeared, he smiled at me and nodded. The only thing visible were his chin and lips, and I swear he looked familiar, but I couldn’t see enough of his face to place him.”

“Hmmm… It is possible you may have met him before. They seem to have taken an interest in all of you and can assume human form when it suits them. His silence is not surprising as they rarely communicate directly, having their own rules that dictate such things.”

While the doctor spoke, Rick glanced around and didn’t see Henry.

“Doc, where’s Henry?”

“Henry is no longer here. Others in The Order wish to discover what was done to him, and how he was changed. He is safe and will not be harmed.”

“Will he be back?”

“That will be up to him. Although we do not like to do so, occasionally we resort to removing or altering memories to help individuals overcome trauma. Henry will be treated well and counseled, and if he wishes to remember and move on with his life, he can. It is also possible he might choose to have the bad memories removed.”

“Wow, what a choice.”

“Yes. It is a heavy burden.  I deeply regret what happened to him and the consequences he will bear, regardless of his choice. However, if I am any judge of character, I think Henry will choose to remember, and we might see him again.”

“Now, all of you get dressed. I need to examine the others, as well as our new friend, Mister Keenan. You four,” he pointed to Ken, Brad, Bryan, and Lane, “go home and rest. You will probably sleep heavily for the next twenty-four hours.”

Ken and Brad changed into clean clothes stored in their lockers and headed home. Both stayed quiet on the drive, and Ken held his hand as usual. Ken wore his sunglasses with his head leaned back, but Brad knew he was just tired and not asleep.

Halfway home, Brad asked, “Are you hungry? We should get food if we want to just go home and crash.”

Before Ken replied, his stomach rumbled loudly.

Chuckling, Brad said, “I’ll take that as a ‘yes.' How does Chinese sound?”

“The only thing better is sittin’ next ‘ta me.”

“Flattery will get you everywhere, bud. You better watch it.”

With a lazy grin, Ken mumbled, “I’m countin’ on it.”

Brad called in their order, and they swung by to pick it up.  As exhausted as they both were, especially Ken, he doubled their usual order.

By the time they arrived home and ate, Ken had dark circles under his eyes and practically inhaled his food. Brad was tired too but knew Ken used a great deal of his own energy to heal Brad’s shoulder on top of what Brad took to break the construct. Brad loved him for it but also felt guilty for being the source of his exhaustion.

When they finished eating, Brad pulled a light blanket out of the hall closet, and a small hand towel from the bathroom.

“Hey, Ken, strip down.”

Barely awake after eating, Ken was on autopilot and did as he was told without asking questions. Standing in the den, he dropped his shorts and underwear and stripped off his t-shirt on the spot.

Shedding his own clothes, Brad got on the couch first, setting the blanket on the floor within easy reach.

“Come here, and put your head in my lap.”

Brad started massaging Ken’s forehead and temples, occasionally going lower to rub his neck and upper chest. Brad loved the weight of Ken’s head and shoulders resting on him, the solidity of his body, the soft warmth of his smooth skin, and the feel of his short hair.

Ken’s deep voice was barely a murmur as he moaned, “Fuck, B, that feels so nice.”

“Shhhh, be still and relax.”

Brad’s hands roamed over his entire body, and it dawned on Ken there were too many hands touching him.

His voice slurred, he mumbled, “B, you shouldn’t be doin’ that. You’re tired too.”

“Hush, and don’t be a douche. Relax and enjoy.”

So relaxed, his voice barely audible, Ken said with a lazy smile, “I love it when you call me a douche.”

Brad continued his efforts, but after a few minutes, he realized Ken fell asleep.  He planned to get Ken off and would definitely tease him about that at some point, but it was a testament to how exhausted he was.

Pulling the blanket up, he draped it over Ken.  The last thing he did was open their energy centers and start a gentle flow between them, wrapping them up in each other, and sharing their essence.  There was no better feeling in the world, and Ken let out a contented sigh.

Brad whispered, “Sleep now, Ken, and rest. I love you.”

Even in slumber, Ken murmured, “I love you too, B.”

<><><> 

That night, a nephilim watched them sleep, his massive body hunched down to fit in the room. Just before dawn, he reached out and touched their Avatars, causing them to glow brightly for a brief second.

With the first light of morning coming through the curtains, the nephilim vanished back across the veil, sure Brad could now see him, and most likely Ken. He could still conceal himself if necessary but did not want to make the effort. He accomplished what he came to do.

<><><> 

Ken woke after fourteen hours of deep, restful sleep. He loved waking first if nothing more than to watch Brad sleep. Stretching, he repositioned himself, trying not to wake Brad. Resting his head on his arm, he placed his other hand on Brad’s chest, feeling his heartbeat and the slow rise and fall of his torso.

In the quiet peace of that space, he took in everything about his partner with all his enhanced senses. Ken relished the texture and warmth of Brad’s skin, the hair patterns on his body, his unique smell, the sounds he made, his incredible physique, and handsome face relaxed in sleep. He marveled at everything that made Brad unique, and the knowledge the man in bed with him was his and loved him sent Ken to another place.

It was almost another hour before Brad started to wake. His eyes opening sleepily, the first thing he saw was Ken’s handsome face, inches from his own, looking at him. They both smiled, and Brad lazily stretched, rolling over so he was half on top of Ken, staying quiet.

Now that Brad was awake, Ken wrapped his arms around his lover, slowly running his hands up and down Brad’s back, letting him wake up at his own pace.

Even Brad’s Mental voice sounded sleepy as he thought: Morning.

Mornin’, B.

Placing a hand behind Brad’s head, Ken pulled him into a quick good morning kiss and hug.

I love you, Brad.

I love you, too, Ken.

They remained still, enjoying being naked and together.

After a few minutes, Brad broke the silence.

Ken, are you blown away by all this? Thinking back on the last year and how much has changed, it’s almost too much to take in.

Repositioning himself, Brad got up on one elbow so he could stare into Ken’s eyes, and they touched each other’s faces, running fingers over noses, cheeks, ears, jaws, and through their short hair while they talked.

Yeah, B, it’s over the fuckin’ top, but I wouldn’t have it any other way, especially bein’ with you. We could have made it work, I know we would’ve, but to know you like I know you now is what blows me away. You are the sexiest, most beautiful Soul in existence.

Aside from you.

Grinning, Ken replied: Yeah, okay, I’ll give you that.

Their eyes twinkled with laughter at their running joke.

Nuzzling his head in the crux of Ken’s neck and shoulder, Brad closed his eyes, and Ken instinctively held him tighter.

Brad took them into a construct of the den so they could be together as long as they wanted. Ken realized what he did and why, and they stayed for hours, naked, discussing events of the previous day and ideas for training with the guys, and what the presence of the nephilim might mean.

In the physical realm, only a few seconds passed, and when Brad brought them back to their bodies, they got up and dressed for their morning run.

<><> 

Ken waited for Brad in the driveway, feeling great and ready to go for a run before heading to the lab for his workout.

Come on, slowpoke!

Hold your horses, I’m downing the last of my coffee. Be right there!

As Brad came out of the house, Ken was literally bouncing on the balls of his feet. Shutting the garage door, he set the alarm before heading down the driveway to start their run.

Right off the bat Ken took off, setting their pace.  Some days he pushed harder than others, but that morning it took everything Brad had to keep up with him. After two miles Brad was heavily winded and sweating, and it had only been eight minutes since leaving the driveway.

What’s the matter, B? You aren’t gettin’ soft on me, are ‘ya?

Do you have any idea how fast you’re going? We just beat the world record by forty seconds.

Are you shittin’ me? I’m sorry, I’ll tone it down. I got a lot of excess energy this mornin’, and it feels like we’re movin’ in slow motion.

The next three miles were better, but Brad still had to push to keep up.

When they got to the lab, each of them went to their separate areas. Brad hit the regular weights, while Ken worked out in the designated zone the doctor set up for him and the other physical partners. Their weights were magnetic, with resistance controlled by a computer, and as long as they stayed within the designated area, they could program the amount of weight they wanted on any of the straight bars, easy curl bars, dumbbells, benches, or racks. Shortly into Brad’s workout, he felt a high level of frustration in Ken.

What’s wrong, Ken?

Somethin’s not right, B. Maybe the controls are messed up. It’s set ‘ta my regular profile, but everythin’ feels too light.

Let me take a look.

Moving to the console that controlled the equipment, Brad double-checked the settings, and everything looked correct.

“Okay, Ken, get on the flat bench and hold up the bar.  I’ll manually adjust the weight until it feels better, and we’ll see how far off the calibration is. If it’s not too bad, I can take care of it for now, and the doc can fix it later.”

Reclining on the bench, Ken effortlessly lifted the bar into position for a flat military press. Brad never tired of watching Ken workout, the beauty of his body and form, seeing the cords and muscles tensed; he was just… breathtaking.

“Damn, you were already pushing it… it’s set for 900lbs.”

“Yeah, I told you I feel really good this mornin’. I figured I’d take advantage of the extra energy. We didn’t make out this mornin’, so it has ‘ta go somewhere.”

Smirking, Ken glanced at Brad when he made his comment.

Laughing, Brad said, “Somehow, I knew this was going to be my fault. Okay, I’m going to take it up 50 lbs. at a time and let me know how it feels. I wish one of the other guys were here to spot you. I’ll be quick to turn it off if those skinny little arms of yours give out.”

Before long, Brad frowned, wondering if the hardware was completely dysfunctional. He continued cranking up the weight, and Ken lifted it effortlessly, only slowing down at nearly two thousand pounds.

“How am I doin’, B? It’s finally getting’ close. I was hopin’ ‘ta try a max lift this mornin’, but I’m not sure it’s gonna go high enough the way it’s actin’. What’s it at now?”

“Take a break, Ken… You need to anyway after all those reps if you want to do a max check. Let me run a diagnostic on the system while you take a breather.”

Brad ran the self-test on the hardware and the self-diagnostic on the software. It took a few minutes to complete, and the results showed both working correctly.

Brad waited an extra couple of minutes to give Ken a longer recovery time, not wanting to mention the settings to see how he handled it.  They weren’t deep enough to read each other’s minds, so Ken shouldn’t pick up on it.

Brad quickly realized something was going on with Ken. After their run, and the oddity with the weights, he was sure Ken was undergoing some kind of change. Brad knew he should probably call the doc, but nothing traumatic was happening, and his intuition told him it was safe to continue, so he cranked the weight up to twenty-five hundred pounds.

“Try that, Ken. I’ve got my hand on the switch, so go to failure, and I’ll turn it off when you run out of juice.”

Back on the bench, his form perfect, Ken took a few quick breaths. Raising the bar, Brad knew he felt the weight when his arms, shoulders, and chest tightened beautifully as the bar lifted.

“Oh yeah, this is more like it.”

He got three full reps and managed a fourth before putting the bar back on his own without Brad reducing the weight. Brad noticed the bar bending under the current load and turned down the power. He wasn’t sure the doc spec’d the equipment for that much weight and wanted to check with him before Ken lifted anything else that heavy.

“Whew! Okay, B, that felt good. What’d I do?”

Breathing heavily and sweating mildly, Ken’s body was pumped, with veins showing on his arms, shoulders, and chest.  Brad couldn’t stop staring at him and noticed Ken’s tattoo glowing softly.

The colorful energy pattern enraptured him, and as he stared, a pulsing beat filled his mind.  It dawned on him it was Ken’s heartbeat, and he went perfectly still, listening to it, as the noise and colors filled his ears and mind, growing louder.

Sudden disorientation hit him, and he fell out of his chair, feeling like a giant hand was pressing his body down and to one side.  Things started moving in slow motion, and he watched Ken rush to catch him before he hit the floor.

Beyond his control, Brad’s mind expanded outside himself, further than he had ever been.  Panicking, in desperation, he reached for Ken with his arms and mind, but couldn’t. His eyes turning white, his vision faded, and as Ken’s arms wrapped around him, Brad’s chest exploded in pain.

<><><> 

Brad had no idea where he was or how much time had passed. He wasn’t in his body, and not in the place he and Ken and the guys go when their souls merge.

Voices at the fringe of his awareness caught his attention, and he instinctively wanted to move towards them. With no sense of motion, the voices increased in volume as he focused on them, and when he got closer, all but one fell silent.

Greetings, Brad Wilson.

Drawn to the voice, his intuition wasn’t warning him of any danger, so he didn’t resist, and wasn’t sure if he could have even if he tried. The force that moved him, while gentle, seemed extremely strong.

Hello? Who are you?

A friend. You have nothing to fear, but you should not be here.

Where am I? How did I get here?

Ah, I see. It is fortunate you came to us first. There are others here who would not be pleased to see you. Not many, but some. You have crossed the veil, my friend. We were not sure if you would be able to, at least so soon. This is a dangerous place for you, unlearned as you are. You are powerful and will be even more so, but right now, you are a babe and should not be here unescorted.

Can you teach me?

I could, but am reluctant to do so. My open support of you and your brothers is unpopular as it is. Many here fear you and what you will become. I have already sacrificed much by helping you.

I remember you! You were in the lab the morning of our last procedure.

Yes. That was a memorable day.

Thank you for your help. I don’t understand everything that happened, but we appreciate whatever help you gave us.

Whether we did right remains to be seen. It is my hope you will not fail us. You have been here long enough. Your physical body was not ready for this crossing, and through no fault of his own, your partner has injured you. Your wounds are not life-threatening, but your body is drained and needs to recover.

Can you help me get back? I don’t even know how I got here.

Brad felt himself moving further away, and the voice receded.

Farewell, Brad Wilson. Now that you can cross, I am sure we will meet again soon enough. Be well and keep the light.

<><><> 

Brad’s eyes shot open as he returned to his body. He tried taking a deep breath in surprise from the sudden transition, but a sharp pain in his chest and ribs prevented him.  Calming himself, he breathed shallow, and while bearable, it was still difficult.

Ken, his voice frantic, shouted, “Doc! He’s awake! B?! Can you hear me!?”

Brad tried to sit up but found the movement too painful, so he stayed put.

“Ken?”

Ken leaned over him, and Brad saw the brightness in his eyes from worry and stress.

“Oh fuck, B! You scared the shit out of me! Are you okay?!”

“What happened, and why does it hurt when I breathe?”

Ken’s voice cracked, his distress and regret obvious.

“God, I’m so sorry, B! When you fell… I grabbed you… fuck…I didn’t mean to hurt you, but I squeezed too tight.”

<><> 

The tremor in Ken’s voice was painful to hear, and Brad pulled their souls together. The anxiety in Ken over his actions was apparent, and he was distraught and beating himself up. They appeared together in the place where their souls resided, naked in mind and body.  In that place, Brad was healthy and whole, and he took Ken in his arms.

Shhhhh, Ken, it’s okay.

Brad wrapped Ken in his heart, mind, and soul to show him there was nothing to forgive. Looking in Ken’s memory, he realized they each had an awakening, and both of them were now far stronger than before. Ken didn’t realize it, and his sensitivity was off, so he inadvertently cracked Brad’s ribs and bruised his chest by grabbing him too tightly.

In his body, Brad heard the doctor come over and ask, “How are you feeling, Bradford? Can you tell me what happened?”

Brad wanted to talk to the doc, but he wanted to speak to Ken more and make sure he was alright, so he plunged them both deeper to give them time to talk.

Pulling back and taking Ken by his shoulders, Brad saw the tears in his eyes.

Come here.

It hurt to see Ken so upset, and Brad pulled him back into a hug, but Ken’s arms remained by his sides, afraid of hurting him again.

Don’t be afraid, Ken, you can’t hurt me here.

Hesitantly at first, Ken’s arms wrapped around him, and then squeezed him tightly, almost desperately, still trembling from the anxiety over hurting his best friend and lover.

Fuck, B. I love you so much. If I had seriously hurt you, I’d never forgive myself.

But you didn’t. In fact, I don’t think you could. I think you would have stopped yourself. Besides, I’ll be as good as new in no time. As soon as I talk to the doc, we’ll heal me up.

Brad continued holding Ken until he stopped shaking, soothingly running his hands up and down Ken’s back and shoulders, giving him all the time he needed. For Brad, there was nothing to forgive, but it still took time for Ken to forgive himself.

Once Ken calmed down, Brad pulled back enough to initiate a kiss. It wasn’t sexual, but it was emotionally charged, expressing everything they felt towards one another.

Between the kiss and their souls so deeply intertwined, they had trouble separating, the feeling of completeness so profound it was almost overpowering. Neither of them was sure how long they stayed like that. It felt like years, and it might have been in that place where time barely moved.

Eventually, they parted, and the white ribbons that had twined them together slowly unwound, returning to their original colors of blue, yellow, and red, and then slowly faded. Brad knew Ken felt better, and he smiled, holding Ken’s face in his hands, cupping his cheeks and running his thumbs over the stubble. The thanks in Ken’s eyes and his relief was evident. Finally, Ken broke the silence.

So, tell me what happened, B.

Grinning, Brad thought: Ken, you aren’t going to believe this!

Brad shared his experience of meeting the nephilim across the veil, reliving it with Ken.

Oh Shit!

And Ken, as soon as I’m healed, we’re going to get you comfortable with your changes, too. I know exactly how to do that now. You’re unbelievable! Do you realize you can lift our Explorer? Fuck, I’m getting hard just thinking about that.

Pressing their foreheads together, staring into each other’s eyes, they smiled as Brad took them back to their bodies.

<> 

“I feel fine, doc.”

“You and Kenneth both had an awakening. I see you are aware of this. Can you share what happened?”

“I crossed the veil, doc, and spoke with a nephilim! Luckily, I stumbled onto one of the ones that helped us.”

“Oh, my!”

Brad rarely heard fear in the doctor’s voice, but when he looked, the doctor’s expression mirrored the emotion in his voice.

“Bradford, promise me not to try that again until we have studied this more!”

“Yeah, I know it’s dangerous, doc. I’m still not sure how I even got there… I sort of found myself there after I passed out.”

“That is remarkable! That ability is among the rarest, and you are only the second member of The Order ever able to do so!”

“Even though it seems amazing, at this point I’m not sure how useful it will be.”

“You will be astounded Bradford, once you have a better understanding. There was a member of The Order, centuries ago, who was able to cross. I will find his journals, and Albrecht can help you translate them.”

“Thanks, doc.”

“I set the bones while you were still unconscious, so you and Kenneth take care of your ribs and bruises. Lane and Bryan are not here at the moment, and it will be good practice for you.”

 

The Night Before

Bryan and Lane crawled into bed, and after an hour of passionate sex drifted off to sleep, Bryan with Lane’s head on his chest and Lane’s arms wrapped around Bryan. To Lane, there was no better way to fall asleep than to the steady rhythm of Bryan’s heartbeat and warm, solid body.

In the middle of the night two spots of light appeared, hovering at the foot of their bed. The shining orbs bobbed softly for a few moments, conversing quietly to each other. As soon as they appeared, Bryan’s and Lane’s tattoos glowed in response, and little sparks of color lit the darkness in the room. The orbs grew, taking the semblance of winged humans, and when the light faded, two men stood at the foot of the bed.

They were both tall and thickly built, but one towered over the other and was much larger. The two beings were uncannily handsome, their features more than human. The shorter of the two had long, dark red hair pulled tight in a ponytail and wore a gray tailored suit with a vest, while the larger one dressed in an archaic style with a tunic and belt, his thick arms sleeveless. Rather than boots, his legs and feet were wrapped in animal skins bound with leather strips.

The red-haired man, Gabriel the archangel and one of the Four Corners of Heaven, spoke a Proclamation, his voice echoing in their minds as well as their ears.

“Lane Weaver, Bryan Gunter, awake.”

Bryan started at the unexpected sound, and his reaction woke Lane. Sitting up, Bryan positioned himself protectively in front of Lane.

Gabriel held his hands up in a placating gesture, saying, “You have nothing to fear. We are not here to harm you.”

His deep voice hard, Bryan asked, “Who are you? How did you get in here?”

“Your security system is not at fault. It is, in fact, quite good and serves its purpose well against The Enemy and ordinary intruders. We are your protectors, and entered by a route accessible only to us.”

Lane asked, “Why are you here? What do you want with us?”

“Our task tonight, Lane, is to guide you and Bryan in another step on your journey. You are to come with me, and Bryan is to accompany my brother.”

Bryan’s voice, still hard, asked, “Why should we trust you?”

“An excellent question, Bryan. Listen to your hearts and see if they give you any insight.”

Lane realized right away that neither his intuition nor Bryan’s instincts indicated any danger to either of them.

Putting a hand on Bryan’s shoulder, Lane said, “I think we can trust them, Bry.”

Still hesitant, Bryan said, “Alright. So where to?”

Addressing Bryan, the stocky man said, “The first part of our journey will be warm and the second cold and damp. Dress as you see fit.”

His words seemed curt, as if he were used to solitude and unaccustomed to speaking; however, his expression and body language were polite.  With a small grunt of acceptance Bryan crawled out of bed, padding naked to their closet to get dressed.

Looking at Gabriel, Lane asked, “What about me?”

“We aren’t taking your body, so you are fine as you are. We will be gone some hours, so assume a comfortable position. Let me know when you are ready.”

Nervous and anxious, Lane reached for Bryan, and each settled the other, calming their nerves.

Taking a deep breath, Lane said, “Okay. I’m ready.”

<><> 

Lane felt no sensation of movement, but his perceptions changed immediately. No longer in his body, and not used to being only a consciousness, he had to reorient himself.

Where are we?

That question is both simple and complicated; closer to my home than yours is the short answer. We are in a rare place that exists on both sides of the veil and as close as I am allowed to bring you to home. You and your brothers are not permitted there yet, but I wanted to bring you here. It is the perfect place to teach you.

Teach me what?

To listen. What you learn tonight will be crucial in your fight against The Enemy if you and your brothers are to be successful. It pleases me to be the one to teach you, Lane. I have an affinity for music myself.

Even though he didn’t have a body, the mischievous smile that often accompanied Lane’s humor was evident, and his guide sensed it.

I should have brought my guitar. We could have jammed together.

Gabriel couldn’t say anything yet, but had no greater wish than to do just that.

You have a gift for music, Lane. It is part of your soul, your essence. What you have done with it so far on Earth is commendable, but trifling compared to what you can truly accomplish. As a human your capacity was limited, but after coming into your nephilim heritage, that is no longer the case.

There is another part of creation you can hear if you are open.  Understand, Lane, there is music available at all times no matter where you are if you listen. That is why I brought you here… so close to home, the music is louder and more varied. It is relatively quiet near Earth, but even there it is present.

What are you talking about? I don’t hear anything other than your voice.

That’s because you aren’t listening. Be still, quiet your mind, and open yourself to what is going on around you. There is music everywhere, Lane. Every time a particle collides with another, it makes noise.  Pulsars pulse, white dwarves strum, strings of dark matter vibrate… make these sounds your instruments, and you will create music unlike anything you have ever imagined.

Excited at Gabriel’s words, he would have taken a deep breath if he had a body. Instinctively he reached for Bryan but couldn’t feel him, and admonished himself.

Okay, Lane, get your shit together. Don’t be a wuss. You can do this.

Finding his center, Lane opened himself, casting his awareness out. As his perceptions expanded, his unconscious mind began translating an image of where they were. Looking in wonder, at first unable to believe it, he floated in deep space, surrounded by stars, galaxies, and brightly colored nebulae.

Shit! No wonder we couldn’t bring our bodies!

As Lane traveled further out, faint noises tickled the back of his mind, and the more he heard, the more he wanted to hear. His curiosity insatiable, he hungered to listen and understand the new sense awakening through his Avatar.  He started recognizing what he heard as his natural affinity for music kicked in, and began forming and shaping the sounds into something of his own making.

Lane lost himself in what was happening, exploring and experimenting, letting his talent guide him. The power running through him was much stronger than when playing his guitar or listening to his iPod. The energy was a rush, filling him until he was about to burst, painful yet exquisite at the same time. His joy and pleasure at being a conduit for such forces were incredible, and above all, what was happening felt right.

Excellent Lane. I knew you would learn quickly. It runs in your family.

As the significance of Gabriel’s comment registered, Lane abruptly let go of the music, and the sudden quiet seemed deafening.

My family? What do you mean? I don’t have a family. I mean, I have Bryan, my brothers, and the doc, but my parents died when I was a child, and I never knew them. As far as I know, I have no blood relatives.

You don’t have a human family, but you forget what the doctor did… The part of you that is not human.

Wait! Do you know who that part of me comes from?

Yes, I do. Very well, in fact. That is why I wanted to be the one to teach you tonight.

Tell me! If I have a family, I want to know!

All in good time, Lane. For now, it is enough to know there are others who care for you. There is a reason you cannot know yet.

Fuck that! Why not?

Gabriel laughed, thinking: Impertinence runs in your family. Enough, Lane, I cannot tell you, and that is that. Be patient, and trust you will know when the time is right. Now, calm yourself and continue.

Excited to know he had a family, even if they weren’t human, it took Lane a moment to settle himself and refocus. He couldn’t wait to tell Bryan and the others! The knowledge lifted him up, and he formed a chord that resounded through the heavens.

The first song his Avatar revealed to him came to mind, The Humbling River. That song not only unlocked his own mind and those of his brothers, but the metaphor was appropriate to what was happening to him. Playing the song on a cosmic scale, even the choirs in Heaven briefly stopped to listen. Gabriel smiled to himself, proud of his grandson.

<><> 

When Bryan came out of the closet, Lane was unconscious and the red-haired man gone. Pulling on shorts and a t-shirt, he strapped a gym bag over his shoulder containing sweatpants and a jacket. On a hunch, he put on his hiking boots rather than tennis shoes.

Moving to the bed, Bryan looked at Lane, taking in the sight of his handsome face and body. Sitting on the edge of the bed, Bryan placed his hand over Lane’s heart, feeling it beat as his chest slowly rose and fell. Rubbing his thumb through the light dusting of hair on Lane’s chest, he took comfort in the warmth of Lane’s skin and the tightness of his body.

I love you, Little Buddy. Be safe wherever you are. I’ll be back soon.

Leaning over, he kissed Lane’s forehead and then stood up.

“I’m ready.”

The big man held out his hand, and Bryan took it. There was no sensation of movement, but sudden warmth and humidity surrounded him, and he stood on a large rock. It was night, the sky overhead bright with stars, and to Bryan’s enhanced eyesight, the spiral arm of the Milky Way was breathtaking.

Uriel, the Archangel of Death, another of the Four Corners of Heaven and Bryan’s protector, moved quickly, calling over his shoulder, “Come!”

Letting out a small grunt, Bryan tried to take in what was happening. The place felt strange, and his senses were going haywire. To Bryan, the air felt alive and vibrant, and he wanted to stay still a moment and just breathe it in.

Frustrated that his guide was quickly moving out of sight, Bryan knelt, launching himself through the air and rolling to his feet, closing the distance by a good margin. Picking up his pace, he closed the gap and easily kept up.

An hour later, the stars began to fade as the sky transitioned to a light pre-dawn gray. The entire time they headed towards a mountain range as the terrain became more challenging. Bryan couldn’t discern any obvious path, but Uriel seemed to know precisely where he was going, and Bryan followed in silence.

The air hot and sticky, both men sweated heavily, and Uriel, who seldom took human form, enjoyed the exertion. Bryan wondered who his guide might be as they approached what appeared to be a dead end. The base of the mountain was a sheer rock facing, coming straight out of the ground well over a mile high. Never good at geography, Bryan speculated where on Earth they might be but decided not to worry about it and to just go with whatever the stranger had planned for him.

Reaching the wall, Uriel barely slowed down.  Climbing the sheer facing at a fast pace, his hands and feet found any small crack or foothold for leverage.  Grunting his acceptance, Bryan followed suit, and after securing the gym bag over his shoulder, he began to climb.

With the first bunching of his thick shoulders, as Bryan’s hands gripped the rock, his Avatar began to glow. The higher he climbed, the brighter it shone, and for the first time, Bryan saw a new color in the sparks: a beautiful, emerald green.

After ninety minutes of supporting his four-hundred-pound frame, his arms, shoulders, and hands were on fire.  The heat and humidity, coupled with his exertion, had him drenched in sweat, and any exposed skin shone in the morning sun.  His clothes were soaked through, and his eyes stung from the sweat dripping into them.

Pausing a second to shake the sweat out of his eyes, when he looked up, he no longer saw his guide and nearly panicked until Uriel’s head popped straight out from an outcropping only a few feet above him. 

As soon as Bryan got close enough, Uriel reached for his hand, pulling him up and setting him on a ledge forming the mouth of a tunnel leading into the mountain.

 “Take a moment and rest.”

Sliding the gym bag off his shoulder, Bryan stripped off his t-shirt, wringing out the sweat, then sat with his back against the wall. Taking a few deep, controlled breaths, the vibrancy of the air soaked into his body, and in less than a minute his breathing returned to normal, and the ache in his shoulders, arms, and hands faded. He put his shirt back on, knowing his body heat would dry it quicker.

Taking advantage of the rest, Bryan focused for a moment on where he was, not the cave but the place. His Avatar shone bright, and his body tingled, bringing a grin to his handsome face.

I like this place.

Uriel seemed impatient, so Bryan stood and nodded, indicating his readiness to continue. The tunnel was pitch black, and even with Bryan’s exceptional vision, it was impossible to see, but by pulling up the sleeve of his t-shirt, the light of his Avatar was more than enough to see by. Already bright in the darkness, as they continued down the tunnel, it became even more radiant.

The further in they went, the more pervasive the life energy became, pushing into Bryan. The tingling, which before was pleasant, grew painful to the point of debilitation, overwhelming him. Stumbling, Bryan fell to his hands and knees. Similar to when he and Lane merged deeply, he had the same sense of being overcome, but Lane wasn’t there to hold onto and he floundered. While painful, the life energy was so beautiful and all-encompassing he wanted to lose himself in it. Bryan reached for Lane, but there was nothing…

“Lane? ... Oh, fuck…”

In his desperation, Bryan didn’t realize he had called Lane’s name aloud.

With a touch on his forehead, Uriel’s voice filled his mind.

My apologies, Bryan. I did not realize how sensitive you would be to the energies of this place. It is a testament to your strength and the depth of your soul that it affects you so profoundly.

The pressure receded, still present, but held at bay by Uriel’s touch. Bryan’s chest heaved as tears leaked from the corners of his eyes, and he stayed still a moment. Bryan rarely felt fear, but he was scared, terrified of losing himself so completely in that place that Lane’s existence would be washed away like a rushing tide.

As the pressure rescinded, he got a grip on himself, bracing his mind and heart as best he could, and using his love for Lane as a shield and anchor.

After a moment, he felt able to continue and mumbled a heartfelt, “Thanks.”

Holding out a hand, Uriel pulled Bryan to his feet, and they continued. It wasn’t much longer before a light appeared ahead, and as soon as they stepped out of the tunnel, the sight awaiting Bryan took his breath away. They stood in the bowl of a valley ringed by a massive mountain range, with the sun just peeking over the rim of the barrier.

The most massive tree Bryan had ever seen grew in the bowl, its trunk at least a quarter of a mile across at the base, and Bryan knew, without doubt, the tree was the source of everything he felt. Ancient beyond belief yet healthy and vibrant, it called to him, and his tattoo responded, pulsing with an emerald light that matched the canopy of the enormous tree in the morning sun.

A huge grin crossed Bryan’s face, and he closed his eyes, taking a deep breath and literally smelling the life energy. He wanted Lane with him so badly to share this experience!

His deep voice barely a whisper, Bryan asked, “What is this place? How can this be here?”

“The valley intersects both sides of the veil, Bryan, existing on my side and yours. There are few places in creation where this is possible. Lane and my brother are at another such place, while we are here.

“The valley and the tree are sacred, and when the veil was called to separate the physical and spiritual realms, we hid this place. As you see, it is difficult to get here even when you know the path, and guardians protect it from those who try to enter without permission. You and I are permitted to be here, and after today you will be able to return as needed.

“Simply knowing this place exists and its location is dangerous, Bryan. I realize you will share this with your brothers, but you must impress upon them the importance of keeping it secret. The Enemy knows of this place and would like nothing more than to destroy it, but they no longer know how to find it. If they discover you hold this knowledge, they will stop at nothing to get it.

“Now, let us go down. You have a task to complete, and there is someone you must see.”

<><> 

Moving closer, the immensity of the tree became even more staggering. The overall shape was squat, but the crown was broad, reaching half a mile high, if not more. Aside from the sheer size of the tree, the power emanating from it was stunning, and if Uriel were not shielding him, it would have been crushing.

Uriel led them to the base of the trunk, where its enormous roots intertwined, making it difficult to navigate. Bryan loved the texture of the bark under his hands; he wanted to stop and listen and feel the life under his fingers, but Uriel would not wait. Grunting in frustration, Bryan ran to catch up. Working their way around the massive trunk, they came to the opening of a tunnel, and Uriel paused.

“You should change clothes. It will be cold and damp below.”

Opening his gym bag, Bryan pulled out his sweatpants, slipping them on over his shorts and donning his jacket.  His jacket blocked any light from his tattoo, but shifting his site, the life energy of the tree lit the cave.  The temperature dropped immediately and continued to lower as they went further down, making Bryan grateful for his jacket.

The path, twisted and uneven, made their progress slow. Most of their movement consisted of crawling over roots, rocks, and loose soil. Eventually, the ground transitioned into rock, forming a natural tunnel that was easier to navigate. With the path smoother they made better time, and soon the tunnel opened into a large cavern.

The sound of running water, faint at first, became louder as they approached the center of the room. A beautiful waterfall cascading over the roots of the tree formed a small underground lake. The water emanated its own power, emitting a soft silvery light.

Stopping at the water’s edge, Uriel said, “This is the water of life, and the next part of your awakening is to drink from it. Imbibing the water will bind you to the tree and its energies for the rest of your life. I am unsure what you will experience when you drink. It is different for everyone.”

With no hesitation, Bryan knelt, cupping his hands and lowering them into the frigid water. Under his jacket, his Avatar flared when his skin touched the water, tingling against his skin, but more than anything, it felt right, and bringing his hands up, he swallowed.

He stood, expecting to feel something right away, and after a moment wondered if anything was going to happen. He smirked at the thought that popped into his head… If Lane were there, he would be humming the Jeopardy “Think” music.

Finally, as he turned questioningly to Uriel, something tickled the back of his mind, and his eyes widened, turning white. Initially, it was an awareness of grubs and earthworms in the nearby soil, even bacteria… fish in the lake, and the stream aboveground followed.

His awareness continued to escalate, including flora and fauna around the tree and throughout the valley. His perception, like a wave, moved out, picking up speed as it continued, filling his mind with the awareness of life and its interconnectedness throughout Earth. Expanding beyond Earth and into the Universe, it stretched him to the point where he felt he was about to pull apart.

For a brief moment, Bryan witnessed the mind of God and how every natural thing in existence was supposed to be, in perfect form and harmony with everything else. The beautiful pattern of life in creation was laid out before him in all its complexity and glory.

Then, pain struck as the flaws and brokenness of the curse became evident. The wrongness of it all seared his heart and mind, and he cried out in physical and emotional anguish at the gaps from species that no longer existed. So many beautiful things… flowers, plants, people, and animals were no longer connected as intended. Their bindings severed or extinct, the groaning and agony of creation became his. It was soul-crushing, and he tried to retreat, but the awareness was now part of him, and he could not escape it.

Falling to his knees, Bryan doubled over in pain, his arms gripping his body tightly, every muscle taut and flexed in trying to fight off the agony. Tears streamed down his face from the tragedy of how things are, compared to how they were supposed to be.

Out of desperation, or perhaps instinct, Bryan reached for the one thing he knew could save his sanity; the other half of his soul. He knew Lane couldn’t feel him, but in that brief moment of touching everything, Lane was part of it, as well as Brad, Ken, and his brothers, and he focused on Lane in the midst of everything else.

The other half of his soul was a beacon even at such a great distance, and it gave him the strength to hold on. Plunging himself into their connection, he used it as a shield, putting it between himself and everything he felt. It didn’t reduce the ache, but it helped him fight through it and not be destroyed.

Uriel watched Bryan, his eyes white and body wracked with pain, feeling sorry for what his grandson experienced. It was necessary, but there was still much beauty in the world, and he would have to remind Bryan of that. Part of Bryan’s job was now to protect and preserve that beauty, along with the free will of mankind. It was a delicate balance, and Bryan would learn many harsh lessons; he was learning the first one now.

Bryan had no idea how much time passed. It seemed hours, but in reality, it was only a few minutes. His pain so deep he still bent over, his breathing harsh and eyes clamped shut, he shook from the trauma, and even in the chill of the cave, he was drenched in sweat.

Eventually, Uriel knelt, putting a hand on Bryan’s shoulder and quietly asking, “Are you alright?”

Slowly recovering and coming back to himself, Uriel’s touch helped him to focus, bringing his awareness back to his body. The knowledge now filling him was there but receding from conscious thought. The connectedness was now a part of him, even the painful gaps, and if he concentrated he could bring it to the surface, but still too raw, he let it stay in the background.

His voice trembling, Bryan mumbled, “Fuck, that was intense.”

Standing, Bryan swiped at the tears in his eyes. He felt the tree now, but not in the crushing manner as before. A part of him now, and he of it, the warmth and beauty of its energies soothed him. Breathing deeply, he rested in it, letting it restore him.

“I know what you saw, Bryan. I am sorry it was so difficult… yours is the most extreme awakening I have ever witnessed.  Even many of my brothers have not seen what you have and are now a part of.”

For some reason, Bryan didn’t want to exhibit weakness to his guide and straightened up, saying, “I'm alright.”

“If you are sure, then follow me. There is something else I must show you.”

Grunting his acceptance, Bryan rubbed his hands roughly over his face, taking a breath to steady himself. Exhausted, he wanted to keep moving and get the next step over with so he could get back to Lane.

Uriel led him through the cavern to another tunnel. The way was easy and smooth, and a few miles further down an orange light appeared ahead of them, and the temperature increased.

As they approached, Uriel spoke in his Mind.

We must be utterly silent here. It is vital we do not wake him. The consequences would be dire.

Sniffing, Bryan smelled something musky… and old. It wasn’t unpleasant at all; in fact, Bryan found it pleasing. With his new awareness, he sensed something powerful as well, but it seemed… Quiet? Asleep?

As they entered the vast chamber, Bryan stopped and stared, his mouth open for a moment before a huge grin spread across his face. Before him lay the head of an enormous creature, asleep, its hot breath washing over him as it exhaled.

It was beautiful! A perfect creature created before the fall sat before him, untouched. The scale of the beast was unimaginable, its head filling nearly all of the cavern he could see and more.

Its body long and going further into the tunnel than he could see, Bryan had never seen or read about anything like it. There were tips of cartilage that might be wing joints, but they were folded and barely visible. Its hide, smooth and flawless, flowed over a tightly muscled frame that looked powerful even at rest.

He’s beautiful!

Bryan’s awe was apparent in his mental voice.

Yes, he is. He is unique, awaiting his purpose, asleep until called upon to fulfill his role in creation. He is another reason you must keep this place secret. If the Enemy were to awaken him early, it would be… bad.

What do you mean bad?

It would bring about the end of not only the world but all creation. The Lord holds this creature as a means to destroy everything when the time is appropriate.

Fuck me.

If he should ever wake before his time, you and Lane will be the only chance to stop him. That is something else the Enemy must never know.

How?

I do not know, Bryan. I only know that is the case.

Bryan could not take his eyes off the creature. He was so… perfect! He looked savage but natural… and flawless. Drawn to its presence, before Bryan realized what he was doing, he found himself moving forward. Like the tree, the creature called to him through his Avatar.  He couldn’t explain why, but he needed to touch it and have it feel him. Uriel tensed as Bryan moved forward, but didn’t want to take any sudden action that might wake the creature.

Bryan, stop!

Raising his hands, Bryan slowly moved forward, approaching the great beast. Gently, reverently, he rested his hands on it and then pressed his body against it, closing his eyes, spreading his arms out and caressing its hide while inhaling the smell of it. Its hide darkened wherever Bryan’s sweaty skin came in contact with it, leaving an imprint of his body. The huge eyelid facing Bryan twitched slightly, and cold fear gripped Uriel. Its eyelid started to open, just the tiniest sliver, and an enormous golden eye shone through.

Bryan looked up and spoke aloud in his deep, gravelly voice, “It’s alright, buddy. I’m here. You’re safe. I just had to say hello and have you hear my voice. Don’t wake up, just hear my voice, and sleep.”

He continued gently rubbing the soft hide with his hands, quietly whispering, “Shhhhhh. There you go.”

Bryan continued caressing its hide and making soothing noises until the eyelid closed. The cavern shook slightly as it exhaled in a contented sigh, continuing its slumber.

Once he was confident the creature was still soundly asleep, Bryan turned to Uriel with a massive grin on his face, mouthing, “He’s awesome!”

Bryan was either oblivious to the look on Uriel’s face or chose to ignore it, and once back in the cavern of the water of life, Uriel grabbed Bryan’s shoulder, spinning him around.

What were you thinking!? Did I not say waking him was dangerous!? You could have destroyed everything!

Chill out, man. Everything is fine! I did what I felt I had to do. You brought me here for a few reasons, and he was one of them. For the record, I don’t think you understand him at all.

It is not my task to understand him!

But it is mine! I thought you knew that when you brought me here! To understand him, this place, and the tree.

Uriel had no answer to Bryan’s statement because he was right, but Uriel’s anger at being caught unaware still smoldered in his eyes, directed at himself, not Bryan.

We should head back. There is one small task remaining, and then I will return you to your home.

<><> 

The journey out was quicker than the trek in, and before long Bryan and Uriel stood at the base of the tree.

Before we return, collect five seeds from the ground. Keep them safe and hidden. Once your brothers have had their awakenings, you will be told what to do with them.

Gathering the seeds, Bryan put them in a small leather pouch Uriel provided.

As Bryan secured the pouch, Uriel rested a hand on his shoulder.

Farewell for now, Bryan. You did well, and I believe you will shoulder this burden well.

It’s not a burden if you love it. Don’t you get that?

Uriel was proud of Bryan, even if he did scare him out of his wits. He had to laugh at himself over his reaction; he hadn’t had such a scare in a few millennia, and he forgot how alive it made him feel. Uriel squeezed Bryan's shoulder, and again, there was no feeling of transition.

<><> 

Bryan stood in his bedroom where Lane was still on their bed, unconscious. For a moment he wondered if everything that happened was a dream, but he smelled the beast on him, and he was dirty and sweaty.

Taking a deep breath, he already missed the vibrancy of the air in the valley of the tree.  The air in the house seemed stale and dead in comparison. 

Undressing, Bryan dropped his clothes on the floor, and just as he had before he left, leaned over and kissed Lane's forehead, quietly saying, "Hurry back, Little Buddy."

After the events of the night and almost having Lane's presence washed out of him, he didn't want to leave Lane's side, even to take a shower. Climbing into bed with his soul mate, he needed to feel Lane against him. He repositioned Lane, spooning him and holding him in his arms, waiting for him to come back.

<><><> 

Ken and Brad linked, healing Brad’s broken ribs and the bruising in his chest. The damage wasn’t severe, just painful, and didn’t take much out of either of them. Ken bore the brunt, using his own energy, and since he controlled the flows, Brad didn’t have a say in it. Brad’s irritation bled into the link, but Ken was prepared for it.

I’m sorry, B, but it was my fault. It’s the least I can do.

The pain gone, his body relaxed and healthy once again, Brad got off the bed, covered in a light sheen of sweat from the healing. Hugging Ken in gratitude, Brad was surprised when Ken didn’t hug him back and realized Ken’s fear of hurting him again.  Ken’s thoughts churned, going back to his initial adjustments, and what a long and arduous process that proved to be.

It's okay, Ken, hug me.  You aren’t going to hurt me.

Brad hugged Ken tighter, encouraging him, and tentatively, Ken brought his arms up, squeezing gently. Aware of the emotional reaction it incited in Brad, he tightened his arms a little more.

Fuck, I love you B. I don’t know what I’d do without you.

They stood still, holding each other for a few minutes, taking comfort and solace in each other. The doctor saw them and smiled, and realizing what was going on, he went back to his office to give them a bit of privacy.

After a few minutes, Brad broke off their hug.

Okay, Ken, let’s get you situated. I never want you to be afraid to touch me again. 

<><> 

Merging their souls, they appeared in that special place where they were one, naked to one another in all aspects and so deep in one another time barely moved. 

“Alright Ken, we have all the time in the world to get you squared away. I’ve wanted to try this, but the chance hasn’t come up yet. When we’re finished, you’re going to have more control than you dreamed possible.”

Sitting, Brad patted the space between his spread legs.

“Get down here and put your head in my lap.”

Grinning, Ken said, “Mmmm, my favorite place to be… between your legs.”

A thread of nervousness still existed in Ken, and he was making light of the situation to cover it.

“Don’t be nervous.  I’m with you.”

Once he was comfortable, Brad started rubbing Ken’s forehead and temples as he loved to do, brushing Ken’s short hair off his forehead. He continued for a time, to relax and soothe Ken, but touching Ken like he did also relaxed him.   

Finally breaking the silence, Brad kept his voice low and calm, “Alright, Ken, I’m going to guide you through some exercises. Albrecht and I talked about this, and he said it would help you, Bry, Kev, Ricky, and Pat. Once we’ve done this, we can help the other guys do the same thing.

“You know the basics, but we’re going to take it to a whole new level. We’re going to isolate every muscle, tendon, and ligament in your body one at a time, and then in their related groups, relaxing them and bringing them to full tension and every stage in between. With my help, at every point, you’ll know your limits and sensitivity.

“I want you to unlearn the control you’ve had all these years. It served its purpose, but it was never a part of you, always taking conscious effort. What we’re doing will become natural and instinctive, and you won’t have to consciously think about it again. My role is to focus and guide you; you’ll be doing all the work.”

Once they started Ken caught on quickly and, as he did with any physical challenge, excelled at it.  Brad knew he would master the technique, and they were so comfortable in one another, they lost track of time and how many times they went through every muscle in Ken’s body.

The last vestiges of Ken’s emotional duress faded as his mastery increased, and his appreciation of Brad for his love and support in making something that would take months in the real world take mere seconds was evident.

Even after they were finished, the two men stayed still, content with the intimacy of being one.  Brad continued touching and caressing Ken, moving lower where he could reach. After a while, Ken’s little kid grin appeared, and he looked up.

“Hey, B?”

“Yeah?”

“I think there’s one more muscle I need ‘ta check.  You know… just ‘ta be sure.”

With no fear of hurting his lover, Ken took the initiative, showing Brad just how much control he now had.

<><><> 

The next morning, while toweling off after their shower, Ken said, “We need ‘ta get the ball rolling for the party, B.”

“Yeah, let’s skip PT so we won’t be so rushed.”

“Alright. We can do double tomorrow. What do you wanna do for breakfast?”

“We don’t have time to go out, so why don’t I start cooking for you and me, and you can start marinating the ribs and chicken.”

Brad?

Tapping his temple with a finger, Brad said, “Just a sec, Ken.  It’s Lane.”

Hey buddy, what’s up? How are you two feeling? All rested up?

Yeah, we’re doing great! We just had fantastic morning sex, and I think Bry’s still a little beat. We both had some bizarre shit happen last night, though. We had visitors, and I can’t wait to share with you, Ken, and everybody what happened. Get ready to have your socks blown off.

Visitors? That sounds interesting but makes me nervous. I can’t wait to hear about it. You guys want to come on over and join us for breakfast? I’m just starting things, so the timing would be perfect, and we can take all the time we need to share. Ken and I had some exciting developments yesterday, too!

Yeah, that would rock. We’ll be over in about twenty minutes. I know Bry will want to help with the cooking.

Ken is about to start prepping the ribs and chicken for later and can use the help. Don’t forget your speedos!

Oh, shit, that’s right! Anything for our girl!

“Alright, that was Lane. He and Bry will be here in about twenty minutes to join us for breakfast, and Bry can help you with the food prep. Lane said they had visitors last night and have some news for us, but didn’t elaborate. He wants to wait until they get over here.”

“Visitors? I don’t know what that even means anymore! I’m glad they’re comin’ over though; Bry does a much better job on the meat than I do.”

“Don’t sell yourself short Ken, your meat is awesome.”

Brad’s statement hit them both at the same time, and they burst out laughing.  For some reason, it struck Ken as extra funny, and by the time he stopped laughing, he had tears in his eyes. He milked the ‘my meat is awesome’ joke all morning, even making up a little dance to go with it.

Ken got busy pulling everything out of the fridge, and Brad started cooking breakfast. With Bryan and Lane joining them, he needed more food and decided French Toast would go great along with everything else he had planned, so he pulled out extra eggs and an uncut round of sourdough.

Looking at the spread Brad was putting together, Ken said, “Damn, B, you aren’t pulling any punches. We need to do triple PT tomorrow.”

“Yeah, but it’ll be worth it!”

Brad was cutting onions for the hash browns when the security system chimed, indicating someone was in the driveway. Ken unlocked the door and opened the garage to let Bryan and Lane in. Bryan came in first, and immediately Ken pulled him into a bear hug.

“Hey, big guy. I didn’t get ‘ta tell you how awesome you and Lane were the other day healin’ Rick, and at the hospital with Tag. You guys fuckin’ rock!”

Bryan turned red as a beet, blushing from the praise and embarrassed by the compliment. Ken hugged Lane too, giving him a few firm pats on his back.

Bryan said, “All in a day’s work, man, no big deal.”

Looking exasperated, Lane said, “No big deal, my ass, you big goof! You’re a fucking studly hero, so get used to it. Guys, would you please convince him he’s a fucking studly hero? He won’t listen to me.”

Brad and Ken, in unison, said, “You’re a fucking studly hero, Bry!”

Smiling at Bryan, Lane proudly said, “See?”

Not wanting to crowd the kitchen, Lane moved out of the way. Bryan noticed Brad’s eyes were red and teary from cutting the onions and said, “Hey Brad, do you have any vanilla?”

“Yeah, sure, but what do we need vanilla for?”

“Two things. One, I’m going to show you a trick to use when cutting up onions, and two, since we’re having French toast, a little vanilla in the eggs with a touch of salt makes them taste better.”

Brad pulled a bottle of vanilla out of the cabinet and handed it to Bryan. He took off the top and put his finger over the opening and shook it a few times. Cupping Brad’s face in his big hands, he said, “Look up like you’re going to put a drop in your eye.”

Bryan smeared a strip of vanilla below each of Brad’s eyes like a charcoal smudge football players use to protect against glare.

“There you go. Now finish cutting those up. When you’re done, wipe off the vanilla so it won’t be sticky.”

Brad noticed the difference right away and said, “Holy shit, Bry, thanks! Where’d you learn that?”

“When I was little, I used to sit with my granny and watch her cook, and she always put vanilla under her eyes when she cut up onions. It evaporates and makes a shield over your eye that blocks the fumes that make you cry.  It works most of the time.”

Lane went back through the kitchen into the garage, returning with his guitar case and a paper bag which he tossed on the counter.

“Here’s your stuff from the car, Bry.”

Opening the bag, Bryan pulled out a rolled-up apron and a large Ziploc bag filled with tiny plastic pouches of herbs and spices from his garden.

As if he was still in the barracks, Bryan stripped down completely, putting on his speedo, and then the apron over it. 

Smirking, he asked, “What do you think?”

Ken and Brad busted out laughing at the apron, which touted a Charlie Brown-style penis and pubic hair drawn on the crotch. Putting his arms over his head, he did a pelvic grind, getting hoots and hollers from Ken and Brad.

Ken and Lane put on their swimming trunks, took off their shirts, and went into the backyard to set up the new volleyball net and get the pool ready.   The day was already warm, and they were both a little sweaty by the time breakfast was ready.

Brad filled the table with two dozen scrambled eggs, a loaf of buttered sourdough toast, two pounds of bacon, a pound of sausage links, a massive pan of crispy hash browns with onions, and a whole loaf of sourdough French toast with soft butter and warm syrup. He even managed a fresh pitcher of sweet tea, orange juice, milk, and fresh coffee. He called in Ken and Lane, and as they came in to sit down, Bryan was washing his hands from prepping the meat.

As everyone sat, Brad laughed and stripped off his shirt, saying, “Man, I feel overdressed.”

“Alright guys, dig in. We need to make this last until the cookout.”

Focused on filling their stomachs, the first few minutes were silent except for the clanking of plates and silverware as everybody piled food on their plates, passing what they couldn’t reach.

Once his plate was full, with the first bite, Ken exclaimed, “Oh my God, B, this is good. You outdid yourself. I’m glad we skipped PT for this.”

Bryan and Lane lifted their glasses to Brad, and Bryan said, Good job, Brad.”

Lane, his mouth full, managed to mumble ‘mmm-hmm’ in agreement.

Ken said, “Hey guys, I know I said this when you got here, but you two really rocked the other day. I’m not sure what we would’a done without you two. We might ‘a figured out somethin’, but it would’a been a lot more difficult and probably not nearly as safe.”

Nodding at Lane with a grin, Bryan said, “Thank the Energizer Bunny over there. He’s the amazing one.”

Lane shot back, “No way it’s all me, remember you’re the fuckin studly hero. As a matter of fact, I’ve got a special song for you tonight before we leave. It’s going to embarrass the shit out of you, so be prepared.”

Bryan blushed but knew Lane would figure out a way to sing it regardless of his efforts to distract him. Brad and Ken couldn’t keep the smiles off their faces at the banter between their buddies.

Brad said, “Hey guys, there’s something we need to share with you, and Lane said something happened to you last night, too. I’d like to take a minute and let you two know what happened to us and vice versa before everything ramps up for the day.”

Gently, Brad brought the four of them together. There was no sting, just love, support, fulfillment, and closeness at being so open and intimate with one another. As one their experiences from the previous day and night became known to each other. As always, their breath caught and their eyes misted, as they instinctively reached for one another, grasping hands or shoulders, craving the physical touch, mirroring the contact of their minds and hearts.

Returning to their bodies, Ken sniffled, exclaiming with wide eyes, “Holy shit, guys! That’s unbelievable!”

Lane said, “Yeah, it’s over the top. To think yesterday I was floating around space making music with a nephilim or God knows what, and today I’m having breakfast with my man and two of my best friends. The transition is just… I don’t know… weird, to say the least.”

“You don’t think those guys were nephilim?”

“I don’t know. If they were, it’s the first time they haven’t pulled the big gray robe trick. The doc said they can take on human form, so who knows. The red-haired dude said they were our protectors, but didn’t elaborate. Maybe the doc or Albrecht will have an opinion.”

Ken piped in, “Guys, this is a little scary. Brad crossin’ the veil, and what you two can now do… what’s becomin’ a part of us or what we’re becomin’ a part of. With me, it’s just my body, but you guys are gettin’ so powerful… Fuck Bry, you could have destroyed everything yesterday. I mean, how much bigger does it get?”

Looking intently at Ken, Bryan said, “It’s not just your body, Ken. A lot more happened to you yesterday than just getting stronger. I can feel it in you now. I don’t understand it, but something else is there. You got stronger in ways I don’t think you can imagine yet.”

Lane asked, “Guys, what’re we turning into? I mean, it seems incredible, but I feel like we’re getting too far away from who we started out as. I don’t want to lose that part of us.”

Brad said, “I couldn’t agree more, Lane. We have to hang on to that part of us and help each other to do that. I think that’s another part of the doc’s plan and why we’re bound together as couples and brothers. It grounds us emotionally, and we need to hold on to that, or we’ll be lost. I think that’s what the nephilim are afraid of. That’s why days like today, this party, are so important. It might seem mundane, but we can’t stop doing stuff like this.”

Ken said, “We need ‘ta share what happened ‘ta us with the rest of the guys, and the doc and Albrecht. Let’s have the party and ask the guys ‘ta hang around for a few minutes after Sally takes off. I’m not sure how, but it might help ‘em get ready for their own changes. Since it already happened ‘ta us, I’m sure they aren’t far behind.”

<><> 

Ken and Lane cleaned the table and washed the dishes since Brad cooked breakfast, and Bryan worked on food prep for the party. There was still a lot to do, so after the cleanup they all chipped in to get things moving.

By noon, the other guys started showing up, and Sally arrived a little after 1230, thrilled everybody brought their Speedos.  Even if they weren’t wearing them initially, after an hour of drinking beers and basking in the hot sun, all the guys changed into them.

Sally had a blast, as only a straight girl can with a bunch of hot, gay men. It quickly became a ‘party thing’ that every time one of them walked by her chair, they would bend over and either flex a bicep or tighten their ass so she could cop a feel. The guys loved it, putting up with it because they genuinely loved her like a sister.

Sitting around the pool waiting for the food to get ready, Brad asked her, “So Sally, how are things with Carlo?”

“Oh, baby, let me tell you! My instincts were right; he’s the one. He’s still a little rough around the edges, but nothing I can’t fix with a little southern charm and womanly wiles.”

“That’s awesome! He’s one lucky man. If you guys tie the knot, can we all be in the wedding? We can be brides’ butlers!”

“I heard about that! A friend of mine got married, and her best friend was a guy, so he stood in place of the maid of honor and that’s what they called him. That would be so sweet!”

<><><> 

Sally couldn’t remember having a better day, enjoying the attention and the eye-candy of their bodies shining in the hot sun.  They all looked so handsome in their sunglasses, dark tans, and solid muscled bodies, but even more than that, she was genuinely attached to them and would miss their faces and friendship. 

Lane played music from his iPod through the sound system in the house but not so loud that everyone couldn’t talk without yelling. Brad and Ken were very considerate of the neighbors and liked to keep things peaceful.

Mid-afternoon, Ken, Bryan, and Rick heard the chirp of the security system even with the music playing. Not wanting to startle Sally, Ken got up, grabbed a towel, and quickly went into the house, wrapping the towel around his waist and signaling Bryan and Ricky to stay with Sally.

B?

Yeah, Ken, what’s up?

The alarm just chimed. Probably nothin’, but I’m checkin’ it out. Just bein’ cautious.

Brad hopped up and went into the house, telling Sally, “Pee break!”

Grabbing his trunks, he slipped them on over his speedo and went to find Ken in their garage, crouched beside their Explorer.

What is it?

There’s a car parked across the street in front of the Taylors’ house. The driver’s around the side of our house with a camera and a telephoto lens, and he’s tryin’ ‘ta take pictures of our backyard.

Any idea who he is?

Yeah, I think it’s Carlo checkin’ up on Sally.

Oh, fuck.

How do you wanna handle it, B?

Let’s get him in here so Sally doesn’t see him. We need to have a little chat.

Ken and Brad silently moved around to the side of their house and saw Carlo in the hedges trying to find a slit in their fence wide enough to take pictures through.

Ken, get ready to grab him so he doesn’t fall and make any noise.

Brad sent a compulsion putting him to sleep, and before Carlo started to slump, Ken caught him, effortlessly lifting him into a fireman’s carry and taking him into the garage.  Brad scanned the area, making sure their neighbors didn’t see anything, especially the nosy one.

Closing the garage door, Brad opened the rear of the Explorer, and Ken dumped Carlo into the back of the vehicle. Brad took the camera from around his neck, wiped the internal memory, and handed Ken the external memory card, which he crushed to powder between his fingers. Brad and Ken were already sweaty from being out in the sun, and the heat in the garage was stifling.  In the dim overhead light, their bodies shone, accentuating their physiques.

Ken lightly slapped Carlo’s face to wake him up. Carlo was a pretty big guy, and handsome. He seemed to keep in good shape, but it was hard to tell with the clothes he wore. He came to quickly, starting at the sight of the two big men hovering over him.

“What the fuck!? Who are you?”

Using his Captain's voice, Ken said, “I think the question is, who are you, and why are you tryin’ ‘ta take pictures of a private party in our backyard?”

Carlo knew he had been caught, and to his credit, he fessed up right away.

“The woman in the backyard is my girlfriend.”

Ken continued, “And you’re checkin’ up on her why?”

“She wouldn’t tell me where she was going today. She made a big deal of it and said it was personal. It was suspicious, so I used the GPS on her phone to track her.”

Brad crossed his arms across his chest, squeezing his pecs together to make himself look bigger and more intimidating.

“So, you don’t trust her, and you’re checking up on her. That sounds like a great way to start a relationship, Carlo.”

“How do you know my name?”

“Sally told us all about you, Carlo. She thinks you’re ‘the one’ and possibly marriage material. What do you have to say about that?”

“Well, what the hell is she doing with you guys? I mean, look at you! She’s partying with a bunch of nearly naked strippers in Speedos and keeping it a secret. What am I supposed to think?”

Laughing, Ken looked at Brad.

“Well, I gotta say we are kind’a hot. I can see why you thought we’re strippers, but you’re blowin’ it big time, Carlo. We’re the guys from TGH Securities Sally worked with. This is her goin’ away party, and we’re dressed like this at her request.”

“What?!”

“I’m sure Sally never said anythin’ ‘ta you about our personal lives. She’s discreet and knows we like our privacy. Carlo, we,” Ken pointed to himself and Brad, “and all the other guys in the backyard, are gay. She likes to party and wanted to cut loose with us one last time. This is between her and us, and she has no idea you’re here. Should I go get her? It’ll ruin her day and maybe your relationship.”

“Fuck, no! Don’t tell her!”

B, should we intervene?

As much as I want to, Ken, I’m going to say no. This is something they need to work out between them.

“Alright, Carlo. Take off, and we won’t mention this ‘ta Sally. But I’m tellin’ you she’s an incredible catch, and you’re workin’ hard ‘ta fuck things up with her. You need ‘ta learn ‘ta trust each other, or it’s never gonna work.”

Breathing a sigh of relief, Carlo said, “Thanks for not saying anything. Hey, how did you knock me out?”

Grinning, Brad said, “Trade secret.”

Ken said, “Carlo, we’re gonna keep tabs on you and Sally. She’s been a good friend ‘ta us. I don’t wanna hear you made her unhappy or broke her heart. Do you hear me?”

Brad got a kick out of Ken playing the role of protective older brother but kept his face serious and intimidating. Taking a look at the surface of Carlo’s mind, he seemed to be an okay guy. His feelings for Sally were genuine, but he was jealous and hot-headed. It struck Brad again how lucky he, Ken, and the guys were to have their minds and hearts open. Carlo was stumbling around in the dark, doing the best he could, and wanted to make things work with Sally. He also wanted kids with her but was shy about getting married. Ken handed Carlo his camera back.

Carlo nodded and said, “Yeah, man. I want to make her happy. I let things get a little out of hand in my head, you know? I thought she was keeping something from me.”

Ken said, “Well, she was, but it wasn’t anythin’ for you ‘ta worry about. How are you gonna handle Christmas and birthdays if you can’t handle this? If you love her, have enough confidence she loves you too, and trust her ‘ta have your best interest in mind. I know her pretty well, and if she loves you, she’ll be devoted ‘ta you until you give her a reason not ‘ta be. Now get outta here, and don’t give me a reason other than a weddin’ ‘ta come find you.”

Carlo took off with his tail between his legs, and as soon as he was out of earshot, Brad started laughing. Ken shut the garage door, and the stifling heat returned in seconds.

“Look at you, going all Dr. Phil! I love it when you play the overprotective big brother. It’s hot!”

 Looking at the tent in Brad’s shorts, Ken grinned lewdly.

“I see that.”

Moving behind Brad, Ken wrapped his arms around him, pressing their bodies together. Snaking a hand down, he boldly stuck it into Brad’s shorts, gripping him. 

“Damn! Look what I found!”

Ken, his voice husky, said, “Fuck B, you’re so hot. We need ‘ta make this quick before we’re missed.”

<> 

On a blanket they spread out in the back of their SUV, Ken spooned Brad as they caught their breath. They were so sweaty their bodies made loud squishing sounds, which made them laugh. They spent another few minutes kissing and cuddling but stopped before they got hard again. Pulling his Speedo back on and Brad his swim trunks, they headed back to the party. Rick had a good idea of what they had been up to from the looks on their faces when they came back out. Shaking his head with a grin, he sent a thought to both of them.

You horndogs! In the middle of Sally’s party, you guys go make out? Nice!

Ken couldn’t keep the grin off his face.

We had a little run-in with Sally’s jealous boyfriend, Carlo. I was so studly Brad got excited, which got me excited, and well... you know…

Brad shrugged his shoulders with a, ‘I couldn’t help myself look’ and laughed.

Laughing, Rick replied: Sadly, I do ‘know.' So, Sally’s boyfriend showed up?

Yeah, but he’s gone, and she doesn’t need ‘ta know.

Ken went all Dr. Phil on him! It was hot!

The next hour was filled with great conversation and great food. The guys joked with Sally as she continued flirting with them, asking their opinion of this actor or that actor, and who was hotter, this guy or that guy. After they ate, she insisted on a group photo of them holding her up like a showgirl while flexing a bicep.

As the afternoon moved along, Lane broke out his guitar and started taking requests.

Sally didn’t want the day to end, but when it started getting dark, she began gathering her things, saying she had to go.

Lane said, “Alright, Sally, just stay for one more song. I have a special one I’m going to sing, and I’d like you to hear it.”

Bryan groaned, already turning red, but resigned himself to it. Lane started strumming his guitar and tuning it up, putting on his sunglasses so Sally wouldn’t see his eyes turn white.

Humming the first bar, he started singing in a loud, clear voice, “Annie’s Song” by John Denver.

<><> 

As soon as Lane started playing, his mind and heart traveled beyond Earth. Listening to the Milky Way, he shaped the sounds into what he wanted, projecting them through his mind and soul to Bryan and his brothers. They heard the words, as did Sally, but the music and emotion in his soul were beyond profound.

He had done it before on a smaller scale with just his guitar or iPod, and that was amazing to them, but the depth and power of what he currently did left them speechless. Wrapping Bryan in the lyrics, and then his brothers, he made the song for all of them, knowing they felt for each other what he felt for Bryan. In response, they instinctively merged, first as couples and then as a group… ten men, five couples, one soul, becoming more than the sum of their individual selves;  a paradox.

The intimacy of their love and friendship brought tears to their eyes, and their breath caught in their big chests. The feeling, indescribable, was almost too much to bear, yet none of them wanted it to end. Arms and hands reached for each other, gripping a knee, a thigh, or a shoulder, craving the physical touch along with the emotional connection.

In the spiritual realm, they shone like a star in the backyard, and they were so powerful their Aura’s became visible even in the bright sun of the physical realm. Brad intervened, altering Sally’s vision so she wouldn’t see the glow about them, and softened the feeling of love they emanated, although not as much, so Sally would unconsciously feel it. Hearing the song and the lyrics, she simply thought it a beautiful song Lane sang for his boyfriend. When Lane finished, silence fell for a few seconds.

Sally cried, “Oh my God, Lane, that was beautiful!”

Getting up, she hugged Bryan, who was teary-eyed.

“You are so lucky to have each other. I hope Carlo and I can be half as happy as you guys! I love you all so much, and I’m going to miss you!”

Even if they weren’t linked, Ken knew how shocked the guys were by the looks on their faces over what Lane just did.

After Sally takes off, I’ll explain, guys. Believe me, it’s all good.

Everybody stood, and Sally made her rounds hugging and kissing them on their cheeks, still managing to squeeze a few butts and biceps on her rounds. When she was done, she fanned herself and, in her Southern Belle accent, said, “Oh my! You boys have me so worked up, I’m going to have to go home and rape my poor boyfriend!”

Laughing uproariously, they let out a few catcalls.

“Tear him up, Sally!”

“Show him who’s boss, girl!”

Sally gathered her things, blew them a final kiss, and took off for home.

A few minutes later, Ken hollered, “Alright, ladies! I got somethin’ I need ‘ta talk ‘ta you all about, so get your asses over here!”

Since Ken and Brad had just made out they were charged up, Ken mentally and Brad physically, and after their recent awakening, the effects were more potent than before.

Okay guys, I wanna do this in our heads ‘ta avoid any pryin’ ears. B, would you put up a shield just in case?

Kevin asked: What’s up, Ken?

There’s been a little development we wanna share with you all. Me, Brad, Bry, and Lane had another awakenin’ yesterday. We wanna share with you what happened and what we can do now, and I hope this’ll get you ready for your own. I have a feelin’ it won’t be long before the rest of you have yours.

As a group, they merged again, and it wasn’t lost on the guys that Ken maintained the link and not Brad. Just like when they met in the conference room in the lab, Ken took the time to focus on every one of them through their connection.

Fuck, you guys are awesome. When we do this, and I see who and what you are, I am so fuckin’ proud of you all it makes me wanna burst.

They rested again in each other, relishing the bonds connecting them beyond friendship, and as their souls merged, their arms went around the shoulders of whoever was closest to them.

Over the next few minutes, they shared what happened. The prevalent reaction was awe and amazement, but there was also a little trepidation. The scale of what happened with Bryan, Lane, and Brad was shocking.

I understand any apprehension, guys. Not knowin’ what’s gonna happen, or when, is a pain in the ass. Just know you aren’t alone in any of this. It’s a little unnervin’ at first. One thing I wanna stress, and we talked about this earlier today, is we can’t lose sight of who we are and where we come from. As we gain all these amazin’ abilities, we can’t forget who we are, and we need ‘ta maintain our humanity or all ‘this’ can destroy us, as individuals and as a group. We need ‘ta make a habit as couples of stayin’ close and merge often as a group. We have ‘ta be here for one another as we grow.

But, the first person who grabs my ass besides Brad is gonna get a black eye.

The ripple of humor lightened the mood Ken sensed was getting heavy.

That’s all I have ‘ta say. Let’s finish off the beer and chill out for a bit.

As Ken dissolved the link, all of the guys had tears in their eyes. Their bodies always reacted to the emotional intimacy of merging so profoundly with each other. Each of the couples stayed close and touching the rest of the night, either arms around shoulders, holding hands, or reclining against one another, even more than usual. As Ken intended, they took solace in each other and shored each other up for the changes they knew were coming.

Ken’s instincts were telling him times were soon going to take a turn for the worse. The Enemy, aware of them, was surely planning something, and they would have to keep their eyes and hearts open for whatever might come.

<><><> 

Shortly before, as Lane reached beyond Earth, shaping the music of creation to his own purpose, a nearby agent of the Enemy felt it. Assigned to watch and observe Ken Habersham and Brad Wilson’s house, there was someone like him watching each couple that was now part of The Order.

As the song continued and the warriors of The Order became one, their love for one another radiated outward, and as Brad altered Sally’s perception, the man started screaming in agony. Their white power was a hot fire against his black soul, and he fled before it consumed him. The Master must know of this!