The Order

Taliesin found the perfect girl. Born with a modicum of musical talent, by the time he was through with her she would be a genius. While still a child and living in China, her parents started her on violin lessons, so she had some rudimentary skills. Her family affluent, and with high hopes for her musical education, they spared no expense in her instruction.

Taliesin discovered Lane expressed interest in learning to play the violin, mentioning it to the music store clerks on more than one occasion.  Suiting his needs perfectly, Bao would play her part flawlessly in capturing his attention.

The girl would be ready soon enough, but he also needed to construct his binding for Lane’s friend Bryan. Aaron and Albrecht warded them well, and most of Taliesin’s attempts to learn anything about either man failed.  However, no matter how well protected they were, Taliesin was patient, cunning, and a master of subtlety.

Thoroughly scanning the memories of anyone he found who had come into contact with Lane or Bryan, he learned something from each person. He found it interesting, but not surprising, that no one seemed to know anything significant about either one of them. Aaron and Albrecht trained them well.

Knowing Lane and Bryan would sense danger from him, Bao was innocent with no conscious awareness of her role in his plan, so they should not detect any inherent risk from her. Never too careful though, he would use glyphs to make doubly sure neither of them would sense anything.

Based on the pattern of Lane’s visits in the past, he was due back at the music store soon. A sense of urgency churned in Taliesin for the first time in many years, knowing the relief he longed for above all else might be near at last; his own death.

In preparing Bao, Taliesin entered her mind, visiting her childhood memories and altering her life to suit his needs. Becoming her childhood instructor, he spent years within a construct in her mind, driving her until she was nearly as skilled as he was.

The binding for Bryan was more difficult. From what little Taliesin discerned, Lane was remarkably strong mentally, so he assumed Bryan must be as well. Both men looked physically imposing and were strikingly handsome, but he wasn’t planning on fighting or sleeping with either one of them.

Early in his training, Aaron taught Taliesin that raw strength didn’t always matter. Enough threads woven together, like silken strands, became nearly unbreakable, and he was a master weaver with his plots, schemes, and his powers. The filaments of his binding were of another world built from Bryan’s memories, and he would never return unless Lane did as Taliesin wished… accept the Gift and free him to die.

Bryan might not return regardless. Taliesin was, perhaps, overzealous in his binding, but he no longer cared. Once Lane said ‘yes,' Bryan’s fate was of no consequence. 

<><><> 

After recent events with Bill and Kevin and the fight with the black-suited man, the guys were on overdrive. Their training schedules were heavier than ever, and they stayed on high alert. Brad and Ken and all the guys left the lab tired each night but feeling good about their progress.

That evening, while Brad cooked, Ken sat on the kitchen counter, sipping a beer and keeping him company.

You know B, I was thinkin’…

Brad smirked.

Oh no…

Laughing, Ken retorted: Shut it, punk. We need ‘ta have another get-together with the guys, doc, and Albrecht. We haven’t had one in a while, and with everythin’ that’s been goin’ on it would be nice ‘ta kick back as a family for a night. Whatch’ya think?

You had me at ‘I was thinkin’…’

Putting the lid on the skillet, Brad set the timer.

Dinner will be ready in half an hour.

Moving to the sink to wash his hands, as he dried them Ken reached over, grabbing his bicep and pulling him close.

Come here a sec, B.

Shifting over, Brad positioned himself between Ken’s outspread thighs and placed his arms around Ken’s shoulders.  Ken’s hands went to his waist, pulling him in tighter, and once Brad was close, Ken hooked his legs around Brad’s waist, trapping him. Looking into each other’s eyes, crystal blue into emerald green, Brad inhaled Ken’s scent, and his heart beat a little faster. Smelling the heat coming off Ken’s body turned him on.

God, B, you’re one handsome fucker.

Moving his hands from Brad’s waist, Ken untucked his shirt and pulled it off. Placing a hand in the center of Brad’s back to brace him, he put his other hand in the center of Brad’s chest, splaying out his fingers through the hair. 

As soon as Ken’s warm hands touched his skin, Brad got hard. Leaning forward until their foreheads touched, he let out a contented sigh and closed his eyes, losing himself in the touch of his lover. Ken’s hands, bracing his body, sent Brad to another place with their warmth and pressure against his bare skin.

Already linked, their minds touching, Brad opened their energy centers one by one, bringing them together until their souls were one.  In one another, being one another, Ken became fully aware of how his touch affected Brad.

Brad pulled Ken’s shirt off, and the heat between them increased even more.  Pressing their bare torsos together, their arms wrapped snugly around one another. The roughness of their cheeks rubbing together caused a thrill that went straight to their dicks.

Fuck B, you feel so good.

You know you feel kinda good too.

The corners of Brad’s mouth rose up in a smirk.

Yeah, kinda. Okay, maybe just a little.

Ken smiled, pulling back far enough to make eye contact. Emotions thickened between them, and the comfort of their minds and bodies touching was exquisite.

Returning his arms to Ken’s shoulders, Brad moved one hand to the back of Ken’s head. Running his fingers through Ken’s short hair, he guided their mouths together to start a deep, passionate kiss. As soon as their tongues touched, it was like an electric shock went through them, and they both drew in a sharp breath.

Both of them hard, Ken nimbly slid off the counter and started to take Brad’s jeans off. Smiling and laughing at his efforts, he managed to undress them both without breaking the kiss. Knowing they had less than half an hour, Ken moved them to the couch and proceeded to bring Brad as much pleasure as he could.  At the last second Ken joined their nervous systems, driving them over the top together. Immediately aware of the physical change in Brad from taking his load and knowing it was safe, Ken lowered himself onto his lover, wanting to be held.

Brad loved it when he could take Ken’s full weight, and kept his arms and legs around Ken, running his hands soothingly and lovingly over Ken’s muscled back.

Ken’s mental voice sounded totally relaxed.

I love you, B. You’re the most amazin’ man, and you’re mine.

I love you, too, Ken. We’re amazing together. We belong with each other, to each other. I could stay with you like this forever.

I expected somethin’ more smart-assy.

I’m taking it easy on you.

Ken knew the timer was about to go off, so he lifted himself up, kissing his way down Brad’s chest, cleaning up most of Brad’s discharge, and the rush of his mind opening even more fully was intense.

Ken: I’ll get a warm towel. Let’s eat naked and have another round after dinner. How about it?

Smiling, Brad thought: I can’t wait.

Brad checked on dinner while Ken got a warm damp towel for each of them. He loved wiping Brad down with the cloth, and by the time he was done Brad was hard again, and they both chuckled. Ken wiped himself off while Brad set the plates, and naked, they sat beside each other, eating their dinner.

Continuing to chat in their minds, they stayed deeper than usual while they ate.

This is great, B, what is it?

It’s from one of those meal cards at the grocery store. It looked good, and it’s pretty healthy and easy to make. I want to show it to Bry and see if he can add any tweaks. Before you ask, I’m not putting Velveeta in it.

Ken laughed because that was his first suggestion. Between the two of them, they devoured the entire pan and followed up with ice cream for dessert.

Ken: It’s startin’ ‘ta get cold in the mornin’s. We should cover the pool tomorrow and get it winterized. It’s supposed ‘ta be cool this weekend too, so we’ll need ’ta get some wood for the fire pit before the party with the guys. We definitely need to get stuff ‘ta make smores.

Brad: Sounds good. I’ll talk to Bry tomorrow about the menu, I’m sure he’ll want to do the grilling. You know what my favorite part of winter is?

Ken: Gettin’ ‘ta snuggle with me? ‘Ya know now that you put off as much heat as I do, that works both ways.

Ken’s little kid grin appeared, and he winked.

You can keep my feet warm now.

Finished eating, they got up to clear the table and put everything in the dishwasher. After, they went into the den and got on the couch together. Ken laid down first, then pulled Brad against him, wrapping him up snugly in his arms and legs, making sure the blanket and the remote for the TV were within easy reach.

It’s still kinda early, B. Do you wanna get straight to it or do you wanna watch some TV or a movie first? I know we have stuff on the DVR ‘ta watch before it gets too full.

Resting his hands on Ken’s forearms wrapped around his waist, Brad leaned his head back on Ken’s shoulder and chest.

As much as I want to watch TV, I’d just rather stay here with you and talk for a bit if that’s alright.

You know it’s more’n okay with me. Bein’ with you like this, in our heads, is better than anythin’, except feelin’ you against me… so when I get both, I’m one happy camper.

Twisting around, Brad rested his head on Ken’s chest, and while staying quietly together, their hands roamed, enjoying the physical intimacy of being naked together.

After a few minutes, Brad raised his head high enough to look at Ken’s face. Their eyes met, and they smiled. Staring intently, Brad's eyes roamed over Ken’s handsome face, taking in every detail. After a minute, Ken’s forehead furrowed with a curious look on his face.

B, what are you lookin’ at?

You.

Why?

Because I never get tired of looking at you.

Ken’s smile warmed Brad’s heart.  Sometimes Ken just felt the need to touch his lover and ran his hands through Brad’s short hair, caressing his head and occasionally rubbing his ears.

I love you, B. I’ll never get tired of sayin’ it, so I hope you never get tired of hearin’ it.

Another long pause followed where neither of them said anything. After a minute Ken’s body started to shake, and Brad realized he was laughing.

What’s so funny?

We are. When did we get so mushy? Not that I’m complainin’.

We got mushy when we learned to do this.

Putting his hand over Ken’s heart, Brad opened the doorway to their souls, and a bright golden light arced between them. Their souls, minds, and hearts briefly merged, becoming one. Brad slipped them apart after a few seconds, but their eyes were wet from the intimacy and the emotional rush.

Ken continued chuckling softly, his eyes twinkling.

You fucker. You know I can’t resist you when you do that. Look what you did to me.

Brad felt Ken between them, now fully hard and throbbing.

That was the plan.

<><><>  

Lane and Bryan left the lab along with the rest of the guys, tired after a long day of training yet feeling good about their progress.

After sparring with Ken, Bryan was stiff and sore. With Ken so much stronger and physically tougher after his last awakening, it hurt when they practiced. Bryan, being the quiet, stoic man he was, didn’t say anything about it and never complained. Ken was the best fighter among them, and Bryan liked to push himself when he and Ken were in the ring together.

When Bryan took off his shirt, Lane noted the bruises and stiffness in his body. After all their years together and keeping Bryan in good physical condition, Lane read his body like a book.  Bryan’s accelerated natural healing would have him back to normal within an hour, but Lane couldn’t wait.

Crawling on the bed on his hands and knees, Lane thought: Bry, come over here.

Looking over, Bryan saw Lane on the bed and a hint of a smile crossed his face as he popped the top button of his shorts as he moved over to the bed.

Turn around and sit down.

Doing as he was told, Bryan sat with his back to Lane.

Looking at Bryan’s thickly muscled back and shoulders, his flawless tanned skin, caused an immediate reaction in Lane. Physically, Bryan was so handsome and perfect Lane could hardly stand it, but Bryan’s looks coupled with his mind and soul made him irresistible. For all his size and strength, Bryan was the gentlest man Lane had ever met.

I can tell how sore you are, you big lug.

It’s nothing.

No, it’s something, to me, anyway. You know I don’t like it when you hurt.

His eyes turning white, small tendrils of healing emanated from Lane’s hands, soaking into his lover. Massaging Bryan’s stiff body, Lane used his hands to guide the flows, rubbing away the soreness and bruises. Lane enjoyed touching Bryan so much he took his time, continuing for nearly half an hour.

Closing his eyes, Bryan leaned his head back in pleasure as Lane’s hands worked their magic. After the healing, Lane’s hands felt so good Bryan didn’t want him to stop. With their energy centers open, Lane’s emotions flowed into Bryan through his touch, and he was struck as always by how much Lane loved him, by how much they loved each other.

Regardless of the doctor binding their souls together, there was more to it than that. Bryan believed with all his heart that he and Lane were destined to be together, and even without the program or The Order, they would have found each other. It wouldn’t have been as good if they weren’t in each other’s minds and hearts, but it still would have been great.

Lane’s mischievous grin returned.

Alright. Now we can have some fun.

The nimbus around Lane’s hands shifted from white to crimson, and sexual energy traveled through his fingertips wherever he touched. Bryan flushed, his breathing deepened, and blood rushed to his core, making him rock hard.

Lane’s body, his hard chest against Bryan’s back, added to his pleasure. Lane knew Bryan’s body intimately; every ridge, dip, and striation of muscle. Lane played Bryan’s body like a finely tuned instrument, strumming his pleasure centers with long-practiced ease.

Having his chest rubbed was a significant turn on for Bryan, and Lane paid a lot of attention there, outlining his muscles, rubbing his nipples, running his hands through the sparse but perfect hair, and cupping and kneading his solid pecs. His breath catching, Bryan arched his back, pushing his chest out against Lane’s hands.

The red tendrils soaked into him, turning him on and stoking a powerful and immediate sexual urgency. Lane expertly took him to the brink of orgasm, so the slightest touch would have been enough to push him over the edge.

Bryan’s eyes turned white as he turned on their physical connection, and he chuckled at Lane’s sudden intake of breath.

Two can play at that game, Little Buddy.

Lane was naked in no time, and pulling his shorts off gave Bryan the short break needed to recover his control. Lane crawled over him, looking at his handsome face, incredible body, and his throbbing erection. Reaching over, he grabbed the lube from their nightstand.

For the next hour they made love, their hearts, minds, and souls tightly bound around each other.  Lane used the energy they produced to refresh their bodies, and when they finished, Lane rested his head on Bryan’s chest, listening to his heartbeat. 

His fingers unconsciously mimicked the beat of Bryan’s heart on his stomach while they stayed quiet, each being the other.

Bry, I don’t want to move.

Yeah, me either.

It’s going to get cold soon. I think we should grow our beards out.

The only thing that can make you any better looking to me is you in a goatee.

You just like how it feels on your balls. You aren’t fooling me one bit, you big perv.

Smiling, Bryan chuckled but didn’t disagree.

And you, you big fucker, look handsome as shit in a full beard.

If you say so, but you aren’t fooling me either.

They stayed in bed a while longer, reluctant to pull apart. Lane stayed draped over Bryan, and Bryan kept his arms around Lane, holding him. After their stomachs growled for the third time, they decided to get up.

Bryan: You get the water hot in the shower, and I’ll pull something out for dinner.

Naked, Lane went into the bathroom, and Bryan padded down the hall towards the kitchen.

Just as Lane put a couple of towels in the warmer, Bryan’s presence disappeared. The cold, empty feeling hit Lane abruptly, causing him to stumble as he took off for the kitchen.

“Bryan!”

Running through the house, Lane looked around frantically in the kitchen, the garage, and back to their bedroom, but Bryan was gone. The house was sealed, so none of the doors could have been opened without the alarm system going off.

Lane's chest tightened in fear. There was no way The Enemy would get away with this if they were responsible! On top of his anxiety, anger quickly followed. There was panic as well, but he pushed it down, not allowing it to affect his thinking, needing to focus on finding Bryan.

Casting his mind and soul out into the heavens, Lane’s eyes turned white. Listening, he took the first sound he heard, filling himself with power. He would take in as much as he needed until he was strong enough to reach Bryan, no matter where he was.

His mind expanded as power built within him, and Lane pushed outward until his thoughts covered the entire city. He had never shielded against so many people before, and the psychic noise and emotional overspill physically hurt.

Ignoring the discomfort, Lane continued pushing outward, desperation pushing him beyond his normal limits. Filled with so much power his body ached, breathing hard, he shook and was drenched in sweat. Tears dripped down his cheeks, but his face remained hard and determined, unable to stop until he found Bryan or died trying. Groaning in pain, he clutched at his stomach as the brokenness of millions of humans pushed against his shields, but he continued.

Lane, stop.

A familiar voice filled his mind, cutting through the pain and noise. The presence accompanying the voice soothed him somewhat, acting as a barrier.

I can’t! Bry’s gone, and I have to find him!

He is safe. Stop before you hurt yourself.

If he’s safe, why can’t I feel him?

He is at the tree, Lane. The valley is protected, and you cannot reach him there.

Collapsing on the floor, Lane released the energy. A hand gripped his shoulder, and he opened his eyes to see the red-haired man with the ponytail kneeling over him.

“Are you alright?”

“Fuck, no! Did that other guy take him?! The one who was with you before?”

“He did.”

“Then why the fuck didn’t he say anything?!”

“What Bryan is doing must be kept secret. I’m sorry you are so distressed. I came as soon as I was able, but I was very far away, even for me. At least I stopped you before you shouted for the entire world to hear. That would have been a disaster.”

“Why did you take him? What’s going on?”

Brad’s voice, tinged with concern, entered Lane’s mind.

Lane!? What’s wrong? What are you doing?

“Damn. Brad felt what you were doing, which means others might have as well. Come with me.”

Gabriel’s hand tightened on Lane’s shoulder, and they disappeared.

<><><> 

Brad and Ken, still naked on the couch, wrapped around each other after their last bout of lovemaking. While lounging and resting in each other, Brad detected a powerful mental surge. With Ken’s mind open, he felt it too.

Immediately alert, Brad probed back and realized it was Lane. He knew Lane’s mind as well as his own after all their training together.

Lane!? What’s wrong? What’re you doing?

A few seconds after sending his thoughts, the surge stopped, but Lane didn’t respond.

Tense and alert, Brad and Ken were getting off the couch when Lane appeared on the floor with Gabriel leaning over him.

Naked and sweaty, his eyes red and bloodshot, Lane looked confused for a second, then saw Ken and Brad and realized where he was.

Moving in front of Brad when they appeared, Ken’s first reaction was to protect him, and he also started to reach towards Lane.

Gabriel calmly stated, “Be at ease, Ken. You have no reason to fear me.”

Lane sounded angry and said, “Why the fuck did you bring me here?”

Ken asked, “Lane, is this the guy you told us about?”

“Yeah.”

Ken and Brad moved to Lane, and Gabriel stepped back as they protectively knelt by their friend. Lane was visibly upset, and Ken pulled him into a sitting position, wrapping an arm over his shoulder and around his chest, pulling Lane against him.

Ken’s deep voice was filled with concern as he asked, “What’s wrong, Lane?”

“Bry’s gone. They took him.”

Ken’s handsome brow furrowed in anger, and looking at Gabriel he said, “Oh, really?”

Letting go of Lane, Ken stood up aggressively.

“Calm yourselves. I apologize for the way things have transpired. None of this is happening as I would have liked. I can explain, but you should gather together, either here or at your lab. I assure you Bryan is safe and will be back later tonight.”

Looking at Gabriel, Brad asked him, “Who are you? And what’s your connection to us? You told Lane you were our protectors. What exactly does that mean?”

Two balls of light appeared in the den, startling Ken, Brad, and Lane.

Holding up a hand in a placating motion, Gabriel said, “They are friends.”

The orbs quickly grew into the forms of two men. Inhumanly handsome and charismatic, both were dressed in nice but casual clothes, and each wore a leather jacket, one black, and one dark brown.

Gabriel asked them, “Are we safe?”

Michael, in the black leather jacket, said, “I had to silence a few minions, but we are safe now. No alarm was given. We’re fortunate Lane’s little outburst didn’t make more noise than it did.”

Lane rarely got angry, but his face went red, and he all but shouted, “Wait a damn minute! One of you kidnapped my boyfriend out of our house, and you expect me to be quiet about it!?”

Lane’s energy centers didn’t just open, they ignited, and he started to glow as his eyes turned white.  Thunder rolled through the clear, cloudless skies over the city in response to his emotions

Michael stared at Lane, but it was clear he spoke to Gabriel.

“Keep him under control. We cannot afford any childish tantrums.”

Raphael, wearing the brown jacket, spoke for the first time.

“Lane, the timing of events tonight is crucial, and we have a very small window in which to act. Our brother took Bryan because he had to… there was no time to explain. You will understand more soon. Our intent wasn’t to cause you, Bryan, or any of your brothers any distress. Please believe that.”

Michael said, “Unless you wish to go naked, I suggest you clothe yourselves. Alert the others to gather at your lab. It is imperative that The Enemy not be aware of our actions tonight, so make sure everyone is careful.”

Speaking with authority, he turned his back on them, expecting obedience.

Brad brought Lane into the link with him and Ken, then took them deep. With Ken’s mind open, Brad pulled from them both, creating a shield he was sure they couldn’t listen through.

Lane, are you okay?

Not really, but I will be. I’m sure they’re telling the truth, and Bry will be back soon. I just panicked when he disappeared. When our connection severed…

Yeah, I know, man. I don’t think they know what that does to us.

Brad and Ken both gave Lane the equivalent of a tight mental hug.

Ken: The one guy is actin’ like an asshole, but the other two seem okay. If they’re our ‘protectors,' I’m sure they don’t mean any harm, but I get the impression the one guy doesn’t like us or have much respect for us. We don’t know what they can do or what they’re capable of, so for now I say we go along with them. We need ‘ta learn as much as we can. Lane, stick close ‘ta me and B until Bryan’s back.

Thanks, guys.

No problem. Now let’s get dressed, and B can send out the word ‘ta meet at the lab in an hour. Include the doc and Albrecht.

When Brad brought them back up, Michael seemed furious but Raphael smiled.

Looking at Brad he  said, “Well done. You’re learning.”

Ken said, “We’ll get dressed and send the word out for everyone ‘ta meet us in an hour.”

<><><> 

An hour later all the guys minus Bryan sat at the conference table at the lab. The doctor and Albrecht were with them, and the doctor did not look happy.

Everyone wondered who the beings claiming to be their ‘protectors’ were. The doctor knew they were not of The Order, which begged the question of who they were and who sent them. He had his suspicions but kept his thoughts closed, not wanting to convey his concerns to his charges.

The nine men stayed tightly linked, supporting Lane and sharing their thoughts about what was happening. Brad was sure it had something to do with their next awakening. It seemed evident since two of the strangers were directly involved in Lane and Bryan’s last awakening.

As they talked among themselves in their minds, three balls of light appeared in front of the Ops board, growing into Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel. As soon as they materialized, Michael looked at the doctor and Albrecht.

Scowling, he asked, “What are they doing here?”

Ken didn’t like his attitude and spoke up, “We want them here. Is that a problem?”

Moving in front of Michael, the doctor looked up at him, directly into his eyes. Michael seemed a giant compared to the doctor, but Aaron wasn’t intimidated in the least.

“Before we proceed, I wish to know who you are and what your intentions are.”

“I do not answer to you.”

“Here, tonight, you will, or you will leave. These men are under my protection.”

Michael’s face darkened, and the air around him crackled with energy. The doctor seemed unaffected and continued to stare at Michael unflinchingly. Albrecht tensed, ready to go to his partners’ aid if needed. Ken and the others were prepared to intervene if the man laid a finger on the doctor.

“You were unable to protect them the night of their transformation. If we had not been present, you would all be dead.”

The man in the brown jacket spoke up, “Michael, behave. This is their home. We should be courteous.”

Looking at the doctor, the man in the brown leather jacket said, “My name is Raphael, and my rude brother here is Michael. Lane has already met Gabriel, and Bryan is with our brother Uriel.”

The tension in the doctor skyrocketed at Raphael’s mention of the names. His outward demeanor didn’t change, but inside he was a taut wire.

“Thank you, Raphael. Many things now make sense.”

“There is no need for concern, Aaron. We are here to help and protect your charges. There is much we cannot tell you, and much we are not permitted to do, but we are here to assist you as we can and as we have been instructed. I must say, Aaron, our job has been far easier than it could have been because of you. You have done a remarkable job, and I commend your efforts. These men are fortunate to have you in their lives.”

“What are your intentions here tonight? For what purpose was Bryan taken to the tree? Why did Uriel take him so secretly?”

Raphael replied, “Bryan must retrieve something for all of you.”

Michael interjected, “The war between The Order and The Enemy has escalated. The rules governing your engagements are broken, disregarded by The Enemy. We are not part of your conflict on Earth; however, we are your protectors. We are forbidden to match power for power in your realm for fear of destroying what we protect, so as much as it galls me, we must act in secret to avoid direct retaliation.

“The Master has felt fear for the first time in ages and sees something he never thought possible… his potential downfall at your hands. He is becoming desperate to destroy you and has slipped out of time, looking forward, trying to find an outcome that suits his desires. We are taking advantage of his absence to perform the ceremony of your final awakening, as well as a ritual that will offer you additional protection against his perceptions and minions. What we are doing has not been attempted for nearly two thousand years, and if he were aware he would try to stop us.”

The doctor asked, “If he is outside of time as you say, how is it he will not see our actions tonight?”

Gabriel spoke with a hint of a smile on his face.

“While absent from his body, we moved it forward in time. This will delay his return and create a blind spot he will be unable to see through, giving us enough time to complete our tasks without interruption.”

The doctor asked, “What is this ritual you wish to perform?”

Raphael answered, “We should wait until Bryan returns. You of all people Aaron know words have power. The less we speak of it, the better.”

Brad piped up, “Well, if it’s going to be a long night I’ll start some coffee.”

Brad’s next comment was for Ken alone: Holy shit…  

<><><>  

Moving over to Michael, Ken said, “Thanks.”

Barely glancing at him, Michael turned away with a scowl on his face. How Michael dismissed him, dismissed all of them, struck a chord in Ken.

“Okay, Mikey, what’s your beef?”

Spinning around with a look of disbelief on his face, Michael loudly said, “MIKEY!?”

“Well, if you’re gonna act like a baby, I’m gonna use your baby name. What is it with you guys? First, those nephilim assholes with the attitude, and now you. I expected more.”

Michael’s face darkened as Ken spoke.

“Your arrogance….”

“My arrogance? Holy shit, Mikey, I’m surprised your head fits on this fuckin’ planet! Look, bub, if you don’t wanna be here, ask for reassignment from whoever gave you this job. We’re thankful because the way I understand it, none of us would be here if it weren’t for you and your buddies here, but if your help isn’t genuine, I’d rather not have it. I don’t trust anyone who’s bein’ paid ‘ta watch my back.”

Raphael and Gabriel listened to the conversation, quietly observing. Raphael looked concerned, but Gabriel had a hint of a smile on his face.

Turning to face Ken, Michael’s face clouded in anger.

Ken got right up in his face and said, “Go ahead, Mikey. I bet you hit like a girl… or worse yet, a mortal.”

Michael breathed heavily, his nostrils flaring, but restrained himself. In his human form, Michael stood nearly six feet five inches, towering over Ken at five foot ten, but Ken stared him down, holding his own and not moving an inch.

“What’s the matter, Mikey? You know, I saw a movie once where guys like you didn’t have any balls. Is that true?”

Reaching down, Ken cupped Michael’s crotch.

“Well, fuck me, it is true!”

A sword appeared in Michael’s hand, his knuckles white from the tightness of his grip.

Concern for Ken flashed through their link when the sword appeared. Brad was in the kitchen and didn’t see it but sensed the spike of anxiety in everyone. All of the guys jumped to their feet, alert and ready to defend Ken.

Ken, what the fuck!?

It’s okay, guys. I know what I’m doin’, or at least I think I do. This is probably gonna hurt, but stay out of it for now. Just be ready ‘ta back me up.

“A sword, Mikey? Seriously? Afraid of gettin’ your hands dirty?”

“Do you wish to die, Kenneth Habersham?”

Raphael was about to intervene when Ken grabbed Michael’s jacket with both hands, lifting him and slamming him against the wall of the conference room so hard the concrete cracked, exposing the reinforced steel beams in the wall. A crack of thunder rolled through the heavens from the impact. Ken got right up in Michael’s face, their noses almost touching.

“What I want, Michael, is for you ‘ta open your fuckin’ eyes! First off, I want you ‘ta know we aren’t afraid of you. Stop bein’ a dick and get past your attitude! I don’t give a rat’s ass who you are, where you’re from, or how high and mighty you think you are! Our lives are on the line here, my brother’s lives, and the man I love more than anythin’. The lives of countless people are at stake in this, and you think none of us matter or are worth your effort. Well, we do, and we are fucker. If you can’t see that, we don’t need or want your help. There are no little people, Michael! Everyone matters!”

As soon as Michael hit the wall, Ken’s eyes turned white, and his Avatar came to life like a crack of thunder. Michael’s eyes went wide as he gripped Ken’s forearms, and looked even more surprised when he couldn’t pull Ken’s hands away.

Ken’s arms were steel beams, his muscles tight with veins clearly visible from the strength of his grip. The light of his Avatar blinding, it ran down his arms and into Michael. Ken’s conviction drove like a spear into Michael, stirring thoughts and emotions suppressed for eons.

Anger faded from his eyes, and once absent, he removed Ken’s hands effortlessly. Ken’s eyes went back to their emerald green, and he stepped back when Michael released his grip.

Glancing at Gabriel, Raphael murmured, “I think their awakening was not our sole reason for being here.”

Turning to Michael, Raphael said, “Welcome back, brother.”

Straightening his jacket, Michael offered his hand to Ken, who took it. This time when their eyes met, Ken saw a depth in them that astounded him. The being in front of him was older than creation, with the history of his existence written in his eyes.

Michael’s life, countless years stretched over time, was mostly solitary, and he lost many brothers in the cosmic battles he fought. Over time, the losses jaded him, making him arrogant, and he came to think of himself as better than mortals, and even his nephilim offspring. Ken’s Avatar touched him, rekindling the characteristics that made Michael the leader he used to be, reminding him of who he was.

“Not many have dared to touch me in that manner and lived, Ken. I commend your bravery and your commitment to your brothers and the people of this world. Their faith in you is well placed. Even in ignorance, the mortals of this realm owe you an enormous debt as a champion on their behalf.”

Matching Ken’s stare, he said in a quiet voice, “I would expect nothing less with your lineage. Thank you.”

Grinning, Ken asked, “So we’re good?”

“Yes, we’re ‘good.’”

“Whew. I was afraid I was gonna get my ass kicked there for a minute.”

Michael smiled, but said, “Well, if you call me Mikey or grab my balls ever again, I will atomize you.”

With no clue whether Michael was joking, Ken decided to change the subject. 

<><><> 

After the interchange between Ken and Michael, while waiting for Bryan and Uriel to return, Gabriel observed Lane, noticing how close his friends stayed to him. Comforting him, they often kept a hand on his back or shoulder or ruffled his hair when they walked by. Gabriel saw their bonds and the love they held for one another, although they learned quickly how to shield themselves even from him.

Everyone looked up when Gabriel entered the kitchen, and the verbal conversation stopped, but he was sure they continued talking in their minds.

Looking at Lane, he said, “I’d like to talk with you if you don’t mind.”

Moving over, Ken put his hands protectively on Lane’s shoulders.

Lane looked curious and said, “Sure.”

“Come with me to the gym.”

Aware of everybody’s concern, Lane said, “It’s alright, guys, I trust him.”

Gabriel led the way, and as they passed the entrance to the locker room, he casually said, “Why don’t you get the guitar you keep here?”

“I don’t feel much like playing right now.”

“Please, humor me.”

Lane retrieved the guitar from his locker, and Gabriel raised an eyebrow when he saw it.

Looking a bit sheepish, Lane said, “Yeah, I know. I keep meaning to bring in a better one, but this one was with me during the war and has a lot of memories with it.  Hell, it deserves its own medal after all its been through. I want to get it re-finished.”

“There is something I wish to show you, Lane. The last time we were together I taught you how to listen, and you learned that lesson well. The music you shape from what you hear is inside you. You could share it with others but seldom do. It would be easy with your brothers, mind to mind, but I’d like to show you another way. Sometimes you want to make music outside yourself for others to hear.”

Holding out his hand, a beautiful guitar coalesced out of the air. Gabriel strummed a few chords, and the sound was rich and perfectly tuned.

His eyes wide, Lane blurted out, “How did you do that? Is it real?”

Gabriel held it out for Lane to touch and said, “For all intents and purposes it is. You can touch it and feel it, but only I can play it. When you learn to do this, only you can play the instruments you create.”

“Show me.”

Lane quickly mastered the technique, and once he had his guitar he and Gabriel played together. Lane lost himself in the challenge as Gabriel pushed him to his limits.

Gabriel accomplished his goal of distracting Lane from his worry over Bryan. He did not like seeing his grandson distressed, but he also wished to show Lane another of his talents. A grandfather needed to have bragging rights among his peers, after all!

<><><> 

A few hours later Michael and Raphael returned, calling Gabriel away. Releasing his guitar, Lane couldn’t wait to show Bryan what he’d learned to do! Even as thoughts of Bryan filled his mind their connection returned, overwhelming in its abrupt intensity and causing Lane’s breath to catch. Ken heard his reaction and glanced over just in time to see Lane taking off at full speed back to the main lab.

“Oh, fuck! Bry’s back!”

Bry!

Lane flew into the lab to see Bryan standing with Uriel. When Bryan disappeared, he was naked, but Uriel provided him with minimal clothing. What he wore looked more like wrapped animal skins than pants. Still naked from the waist up, his tanned, muscular body shone with sweat, and his hair was plastered to his head. A leather strap over his shoulder and chest attached a satchel across his back.

The sight of Bryan affected Lane, but even more, it was the stoic presence of his lover in him again, connected to his soul.  Literally throwing himself against Bryan, his momentum was so strong Bryan actually moved back half a step as he caught Lane in his arms.

Neither of them had any coherent verbal thought for nearly a minute, delving into one another with their energy centers open and knotted together. Bryan, still filled with life from the tree, and Lane charged up from playing earlier with Gabriel, their power and love for one another permeated the link, emanating out like a hot fire.

Michael, Raphael, Uriel, and Gabriel were shocked at what came off Bryan and Lane… it felt like Home. More importantly, it felt like Home on Earth, which had not occurred for thousands of years. Looks passed between them, surprised at their own reaction. It ignited hope in them… hope they didn’t even realize was missing until it was once again present. Their grandchildren taught them another lesson they didn’t realize they needed.

Raphael's voice was only for his brothers: We have fallen further than we thought. I’ve missed this feeling on this plane. It is another sign of coming changes and how far-reaching they will be.

The rest of the guys gave Bryan and Lane a minute before coming forward to touch Bryan in welcome. Even though they were linked, each of them felt a need to touch him and reaffirm his presence. Along with their mental and emotional affirmations, everyone hugged him, or patted an arm, his back, or squeezed a shoulder. Their response touched him, and the freshness and depth of their emotions warmed him deep inside.

When Lane pulled back and looked, he realized Bryan was covered with small lacerations, bruises, and smudges of dirt. To Ken, Rick, Kevin, and Pat, he also exuded an odd musky, leathery smell.

Aware of their curiosity, Bryan thought: I had to check on Leroy while I was there.

Brad thought: Leroy? You named the creature that can destroy all of creation ‘Leroy’?

Yeah. What’s wrong with Leroy?

Sometimes you scare me, Bry.

A ripple of laughter went through the link, and Bryan’s face broke into an uncharacteristic grin.

Alright, Fuckers. I have to pee something fierce, then I’m going to jump in the shower. Lane, you and Dar need to make a quick trip to the house and get something out of the garage while I clean up. It’s a little leather pouch I have stashed in a small cooler. The cooler is under some bags of manure piled in the corner close to the water heater. Get that pouch, but don’t open it.

While Bryan passed on his instructions, for the second time that day Lane wove flows of energy, washing away Bryan’s sore muscles from climbing the mountain and healing the tiny cuts and scrapes. Even though Lane was still amped up, everyone ‘chipped in’ with Bryan’s recovery.

Closing his eyes, Bryan took a deep breath as their touch spread through him. He was a very independent man in many ways, but his attachment to Lane and his brothers, the sense of family they shared, was the most important thing in his life. His emotional response and appreciation, not only for what they did but for their presence in his life, was clear to them.

Darren took Lane back to the room with the video feeds, teleporting the two of them to Lane and Bryan’s garage. Rather than getting dirty and smelly by lifting the bags of manure, Darren raised them with his mind, retrieving the small cooler. Taking the lid off, the leather pouch floated up and over into Lane’s waiting hands.

When they got back to the lab Bryan was just coming out of the locker room, his hair still wet but now clean, dressed in jeans and a t-shirt. Grinning at Lane, he winked when he saw they were back with the pouch, and the look in his eyes was all Lane needed to see.

While Lane and Darren retrieved the pouch and Bryan showered, Raphael pulled the doctor and Albrecht aside to ask for their help, and the three of them went to the gym to make preparations for the upcoming ritual.

<><><> 

A short while later, Michael’s voice entered Ken’s mind.

Gather everyone. You must disrobe for the ritual and meet in the gymnasium. It is time to begin.

Ken relayed the instructions: Alright, ladies, take off your clothes and head to the gym. Sorry Bry, I know you just got dressed, but them’s the orders.

When everyone exited the locker room, they noticed two tables covered with plain white tablecloths. Five small silver chalices, a large silver bowl, a silver pitcher, and a small dagger sat on each table. Five kneeling cushions sat on the floor a few feet out from each table.

Michael, Uriel, and Albrecht stood at one table and Raphael, Gabriel, and the doctor at the other.

Albrecht’s voice entered the minds of Ken, Bryan, Pat, Rick, and Kevin.

Come and kneel on the cushions by me.

Similarly, Brad, Lane, Darren, Loy, and Bill heard the doctor’s voice in their minds.

Come and kneel on the cushions before me.

Raphael’s thoughts were heard by everyone: Still your hearts and minds. Center yourselves and raise no power until called to do so.

Michael, Uriel, Gabriel, and Raphael began to glow, emanating a powerful aura. They could not assume their true forms without destroying Albrecht and the doctor, but they unveiled their power normally kept hidden. In unison, their voices rose and were heard in the minds and bodies of the men.

We stand outside Time, in a place not of Earth, joined together as One. By the powers of light, we Guard and Defend these men from all perils, O Most High.

One by one, the Archangels intoned the Four Corners ritual.

I, Uriel, Protector of the North and of the Nether Shores, Announce my Presence in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. I bring with me the powers of Life, Death, Patience, and Strength, and place the Blessings of Earth upon these men and on this place.

I, Raphael, Protector of the East, Announce my Presence in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. I bring with me the powers of healing, Wind and Tempest, Intellect, Thought, Intuition and Imagination, and place the Blessings of Air upon these men and on this place.

I, Michael, Protector of the South and Keeper of the Gates of Eden, Announce my Presence in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. I bring with me the powers of Fire, Feeling, Passion, and Determination, and place the Blessings of Fire upon these men and on this place.

I, Gabriel, Protector of the West, Herald and Voice of the Most High, Announce my Presence in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. I bring with me the powers of Water, Emotion, Love and Intervention, and place the Blessings of Water upon these men and on this place.

As their voices intoned the opening of the ritual the room changed, taking on an otherworldly quality. The light emitted by the four archangels spread out, forming a dome over all of them, preventing any dark influences that could interfere with the ritual about to take place.

Albrecht moved to his table, and as he poured water from the pitcher into the bowl, his voice again entered the minds of Ken, Bryan, Pat, Rick, and Kevin.

The time of transference is at hand, the final awakening upon you. Invoke the power of your Avatars and add your blood to the chalice. Let the five bodies become one, Bound by blood, eternal brothers. Share your essence and complete the Avatars you were born to fill.

Albrecht motioned for Ken to stand and approach him.

Take the knife and cut your hand, and let your blood, your life essence, join with the water of life.

Taking the dagger, Ken cut his hand across the palm.  Squeezing his fist, blood dripped into the bowl and a fine mist formed on the surface of the water.  His blood increased its potency, and a glowing image of his Avatar appeared, hovering over the bowl and illuminating the mist seeping over the edge onto the table. Handing him one of the empty silver chalices, Albrecht motioned for him to return and kneel.

One by one, Bryan, Pat, Rick, and Kevin followed, and as each man added his blood to the water, their Avatars appeared over the water until all five runes were together. It became apparent after the first two that their Avatars shaped a larger rune. Once all five men were again kneeling, and the rune nearly complete, Albrecht took the bowl and moved in front of Ken.

Drink and be one with your brothers.

Ken dipped his chalice in the water, filling it. He expected it to be red from their blood, but it was clear and pure, shining with its own silvery light. Draining the contents of his chalice in one gulp, like a shot of whiskey, his eyes turned white, and his Avatar came to life on his muscled shoulder.

A rush spread through his body, and Understanding of what was happening became clear as Pat’s Avatar awakened within him. Bryan’s, Rick’s, and Kevin’s Avatars became a part of him as well, not as powerful as theirs but strong and potent nonetheless, like pieces of a puzzle falling into place, filling spaces he didn’t know were there until they became a part of him.

As the dormant forces in Ken awoke his body trembled, and he broke out in a heavy sweat. With his Avatar now fully awake, his body felt more alive than ever. His skin and senses, even his soul, tingled from the effects of the changes.

Albrecht smiled, placing a hand on Ken’s head and tracing a rune of blessing on Ken’s forehead with his thumb.

The ritual continued until Bryan, Pat, Rick, and Kevin all partook of the water. Once Kevin swallowed the contents of the chalice and his Avatar completed, a final surge spread through the five men. In a silent burst of light, the glowing rune hovering over the bowl melded into a new rune, an intricate combination of all five.

Once they were finished, Albrecht nodded to Aaron, and he began the other half of the ritual with the mentalists.

The time of transference is at hand, the final awakening upon you. Invoke the power of your Avatars and add your blood to the chalice. Let the five minds become one, bound by blood, eternal brothers. Share your essence and complete the Avatars you were born to fill.

Brad first, the order continued with Lane, Darren, Loy, and Bill. Following the same pattern, as Bill drank, the Avatars hovering over the water flared, melding into a new rune.

Gabriel and Uriel moved to stand between the two groups of kneeling men. Albrecht held the bowl with the physical Avatar, and Michael cupped his hands under the floating rune, lifting it out, and it hovered over his hands as he moved to Uriel.

The doctor held his bowl, and Raphael cupped his hands under the mental Avatar, lifting it out and carrying it to Gabriel.

In unison, the four Archangels intoned: Let the two runes become one and complete the pattern. May the properties of these Avatars guide your hearts, minds, and souls, and bind you to the light.

Gabriel and Uriel added their touch, and the four Archangels brought the two runes together. There was a blinding flash as white power erupted from the new rune, spreading across the ten men. The tattoos representing their Avatars shone brightly and began to change. Ken, Bryan, Pat, Rick, and Kevin had the new physical rune and Brad, Lane, Darren, Loy, and Bill had the mental rune.

Together, the four Archangels intoned: It is done. Amen.

As their voices finished echoing in the minds and ears of everyone, the sense of otherness in the gym disappeared, returning to normal and the dome protecting them dissipated.

The men immediately went to their partners to see the changes, instinctively merging as couples and then as a group. As soon as they became one, their tattoos transformed into the new single complex rune. While together, Lane sent a wave of healing through their link, and the cuts on their hands vanished.

Aaron and Albrecht merged as well, sharing their thoughts and experiences of what had just happened.

Aaron: I was right about the pattern of their Avatars.

You were, love. You are seldom wrong about such things.

It still frightens me. Our sons do not, but what they can do does. They now possess the ability to overwrite the Curse and make the world whole as it was meant to be, to remove the barriers put on man and creation. I do not think the world is ready for such an abrupt and drastic change.

You will continue to guide them, Aaron, as you always have, until they and the world are ready. You and I will love them, and they will grow with and in each other. Nothing has changed in that respect.

Raphael’s voice entered into their thoughts: My apologies for eavesdropping, but you are correct, Albrecht. They now have abilities far beyond their nephilim cousins, and while they have some wisdom for their age, they lack experience. They will need your guidance and strength in the trials to come. They are something new and random in creation. To have such power combined with free will is… daunting. If they ever decide to turn from the light, we will not be permitted to oppose them, just as we cannot directly oppose The Enemy on Earth. They need you two now more than ever.

Michael’s voice entered everyone’s thoughts.

It is time for us to depart. We must make sure your second task goes uninterrupted. Bryan and Lane will instruct you and share what is to be done.

Ken approached Michael, holding out his hand.

“Thank you, Michael… all of you. We appreciate what you’ve done for us. It seems silly ‘ta say this, but if you ever need our help, all you have ‘ta do is ask.”

Looking long and hard at Ken, the barest hint of a smile crossed Michael’s handsome face as he shook Ken’s hand, saying, “Earlier tonight, Ken, I would have scoffed at your offer. I also appreciate what you did for me. You owe us nothing. Family has no debts.”

Transforming into balls of light, the four archangels vanished with no more fanfare.

Everyone stood quiet a moment, looking at the spot the archangels vacated and wondering at Michael’s comment.

<><><> 

Wanting to break the mood and bring things back to a semblance of normality, Ken said, “Okay, ladies, let’s get some clothes on and meet in the conference room in five.”

His little kid grin appearing, he said, “Last one there’s a rotten egg!”

Taking off for the locker room as fast as he could, he caught everyone by surprise.

Laughing, all of them scrambled after him.

Darren’s dimples appeared, and he sent his thoughts out to Brad, Lane, Loy, and Bill.

Alright, guys, let’s show them what we got! Follow me!

Linked with Darren, they disappeared before anyone but Ken had taken a few strides. Needing to see where they were teleporting, they piggybacked three jumps to get to the locker room, but they were there in only a few seconds.

Bryan, Kevin, Rick, and Pat yelled, “Shit!” at the same time and took off laughing.

The doctor and Albrecht looked at one another, shaking their heads, amazed at how quickly grown men could become little boys. Albrecht had a smile on his face, and the doctor’s eyes expressed his humor at their antics.

The locker room was frantic as clothes were thrown on, some t-shirts backward, and shoes put on with no socks. Darren’s eyes went wide when he tried to teleport and didn’t go anywhere.

“Hey, no fair, Kev!”

Kevin, fully dressed, patted Darren on the shoulder and smiling, said, “Sucks to be you!”

Laughing, Kevin took off for the conference room.

Breathing hard from laughing and pushing their buddies out of the way, they rushed into the conference room to find their seats, no one wanting to be last. With Darren’s and the others’ ability to teleport blocked by Kevin, the physical partners made it in first, but it was so close among the others Ken couldn’t tell. They all got a good laugh out of it, just like they used to back in the early days of the program, and that was what he wanted.

Standing at the lectern, Ken looked at his buddies, his brothers, his soulmates… and pride washed over him at who and what they were. He couldn’t imagine any men in the world he’d rather have at his side in the fight they found themselves in. Ken’s emotions were evident through their connection, and Brad smiled.

You know that’s how we feel about you, too, right? You’re still our Captain Ken, and all of us will follow you to the end of this fight. We, but especially me, are proud of you, too.

Ken’s eyes turned glassy at Brad’s words and the emotion behind them.

Fuck, I love you, B. I wish we were alone right now.

Brad quickly took the two of them to the special place where their souls were one, and they appeared naked to one another.

Smiling, Brad’s blue eyes twinkled.

I know it’s not what you really want, but it’s better than nothing.

Looking at him intently, after a second Ken pulled Brad into their signature full-bodied hug. The warmth and firmness of their bodies was a balm to both of them, and their arms tightened, pulling them more snugly together.

Thanks, B.

Ken’s smile was on his face and in his eyes, filled with love beyond measure for the man he was with, sinking into Brad for a few moments. One arm around Ken’s shoulder, Brad’s other hand cupped Ken’s face. Closing his eyes, he rested in Ken, while his thumb lightly rubbed over Ken’s stubble-covered cheek.

I wanna stay in you like this forever, B.

Me too.

Grinning, Ken asked: You mean in you, or in me?

Douche.

There’s my B.

Ken hugged him a little tighter.

Alright, as much as I want to stay here, let’s head up and find out what part two of tonight is all about.

<><> 

Looking at Bryan and Lane, Ken asked, “Okay, guys, which one of you wants ‘ta go first? It looks like you two are in charge of whatever’s next.”

Standing, Lane said, “I’ll go first. There’s something Gabriel and the others want us to see. Some of it’s been inside a few of us for a while. You remember the night we met Albrecht?”

“How could I forget the night B kicked the ass of that black-suited stooge that showed up?”

“Yeah, that was great. Well…. If you remember, Albrecht did something to us that night. He made those little balls of light that went into our heads. Gabriel saw that and sort of added to what Albrecht already put there.”

Holding up his hand, Lane’s eyes turned white. Spreading his fingers, the small balls of light popped out of Brad’s, Ken’s, and Bryan’s foreheads. Catching them in the palm of his hand, he combined them.

Pulling everyone into a link, Lane thought: Okay, guys, I’m going to share a memory Gabriel gave to me. He said he wanted us to see this, and it relates to what Bryan will follow up with.

<><> 

Different from a construct, they became spectators in what Lane showed them, unable to interact with the environment or the people, observing the memory but did not relive it.

<> 

The night was dark and cold, and the sky filled with stars. It felt like a dream. A bright star shone in the sky, growing brighter as I watched. Starting to move, it fell from the heavens, striking the ground near me.  There was no explosion or noise, only a flash of light, and when it dimmed, a man, cloaked in power, stood before me.

“Who are you, stranger?”

I was afraid, but only because of the oddness of what was happening. I felt no fear of the man himself.

“I am a messenger,” he replied, “here to show you something. Follow me.”

The man led me a short distance down into a bowl between two hills, to a grove of myrtle trees. There, a man sat on a red horse nearby, and other men not far away on various colored horses; some white, some red, some brown, and some dappled. The men looked different, tall and strong. There was an air about them I could not place, but it was otherworldly.

“Who are these men?”

“They are guardians, sent to patrol the Earth and protect the four corners of creation from The Enemy.”

The leader of the men, the one on the red horse, came forward and spoke in a rich, deep voice.

“We have gone throughout the Earth, and for now, all is peaceful and at rest.”

The man with me told them, “You have done well, and He who sent me is most pleased. Take your rest now, until you are called upon again.”

The man on the horse bowed in his saddle and turning, rode back to the other men. He rode up to one in particular who took his arm in a familiar greeting, and although he was far away, I made out his words. 

“Finally, my heart, after all these years we can rest.”

<><> 

As the vision ended and Lane’s eyes turned back to their usual dark brown, they were wide with surprise. The leader of the men was Albrecht, and the man he rode up to was the doctor!

Brad’s voice was barely audible as he asked, “Doc, when was that?”

The doctor’s voice, subdued, responded, “1518 BC.”

The impact of his words sent another ripple through the link.

“Istariel said you were a good man, and far greater than we knew. Raphael said the same thing tonight. I knew they’re right, doc, but….”

“It is of no consequence, Bradford. I am not important. Whatever his reasons, I wish Gabriel had not shown you that memory.”

A scowl crossed Albrecht’s face when the doctor said he was not important. Aaron’s humility was a virtue, but sometimes Albrecht wished he would stand up and accept acknowledgment of his role in the world and his accomplishments and sacrifices.

Brad moved over with Ken right behind him, pulling the doctor into a tight embrace.

Ken said, “You are important, doc. Never say or think otherwise. You’re one of the most important men who has ever lived, and no one knows. Except for Brad, you’re the most important man in my life, in all our lives. Well, we know, and it matters to us. You matter to us.”

All of the guys stood up, quietly moving over, surrounding and embracing the doctor. The enormity of who he was and how long he fought The Enemy and his role in keeping mankind free was staggering. Their tight embraces told him how much he meant to them.

Albrecht’s eyes were bright with pride, and a smile covered his face, both for what the men expressed to Aaron and for knowing how touched Aaron was by them. He was surprised when Ken and Brad embraced him after letting go of Aaron.

“You too, Albrecht. You’ve been with the doc all this time, and we’re glad you came into our lives. Don’t think we don’t know you’re the ‘Hero of The Order’ who killed General Mstislav. You’re badass, and we don’t know what else you’ve done or sacrificed, but we appreciate it.”

Every man on the team was a former Navy SEAL and fought in Desert Storm. As soldiers, they knew the meaning of sacrifice and their words were not mere platitudes. They might not yet be able to comprehend the thousands of years their mentors fought The Enemy, but they could appreciate what they did.

After everyone retook their seats, Ken said, “So, Bry, it looks like you’re up.”

Bryan stood, his face flushed, but he was getting better about speaking up. The support and encouragement his buddies expressed made it easier.

“The first time I went to the tree, on the way back Uriel told me to pick up five seeds and hold onto them. He said I’d be told what to do with them after we were all awake. Tonight, I brought back two skins of water, one for the ritual we just went through, and a second one in the fridge for the seeds.

“Uriel told me each couple is supposed to plant a seed in our backyards and use the water on it. There’s one more thing we’re supposed to do before the seed will sprout, and we have to have it done by sunrise. Uriel and the others are going to make sure the sky is clear, so we’ll get the first rays of sunlight.”

Looking at him expectantly, his face flushed a deeper red, and his head lowered in embarrassment.

Ken asked him, “Bry?  What else do we have ‘ta do?”

“Uriel said we have to consummate the spot where the seed is planted, and we have to be completely merged when we do it. He said it was imperative. He said the more times we do it, the better it will be.”

Grinning, Ken asked, “So we need to plant the seed, use the water of life on it, and then fuck ourselves silly over that spot?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, that sounds easy enough. Doc? Albrecht? Does that make sense to you?”

“It does, Kenneth. I believe the reason Gabriel modified Albrecht’s memory sphere was to show you the grove of myrtle trees. What you saw were the warriors of The Order of that era. Albrecht was our leader at the time, and the trees integral to our abilities. We were bound to them before the veil separated the physical and spiritual realms. That type of magic hasn’t worked since the veil was called, but with you bound to the tree and the tree existing on both sides of the veil, I can see how this will offer the protection Michael spoke of. It is immensely powerful.

“The act of making love while merged will nourish the seed along with the water of life, empowering its growth on this side of the veil. It will attune to your energies specifically as the ones who vest its development.”

Chuckling, Ken said, “The only issue I see is how chilly it’s gettin’ in the mornin’s. We need ‘ta get our stuff ready and head out just ‘ta be safe. Sunrise’ll be in a few hours.”

Albrecht produced leather pouches for the seeds, and the doctor five small empty leather wineskins for the water, which had to be kept in a natural container. Uriel explained that the water would destroy any synthetic container or non-organic substance it came into contact with.

“Alright, guys, everybody head home, and plan on meetin’ back here late afternoon a few hours before dinner. Any last words doc, before we take off?”

The barest hint of a smirk crossed the doctor’s face, and he said, “Drink plenty of liquids before and between, take double doses of your vitamins, and drink a protein shake as soon as you get home.”

<><><> 

On the drive home, Ken held Brad’s hand, rubbing his thumb over the back of it.

“B, this is incredible. I don’t see as deep into things as Pat does, but all this stuff I look at makes sense now. What Bry, Kevin, and Rick can do is there too. I can feel all of it. This is gonna take some gettin’ used to.”

“Me too, Ken. I already have a ton of ideas in the back of my mind for your training and ours. Like you said before, I couldn’t imagine things getting better and then something like tonight happens. By the way, you scared the shit out of me with that stunt you pulled on Michael. I’m glad it worked out, but that was risky.”

“I did what I needed ‘ta do. Michael was bein’ a jerk, and we need his willin’ support, not his ‘I’m helpin’ you because I have to” bullshit. I was shocked my Avatar worked on him, ‘ta be honest. I noticed it only worked when I was on target… once he was back in his right mind, he handled me like I was a baby.”

“Well, that’s not hard. I handle you like you’re a baby all the time.”

Grinning, Ken retorted, “Oh yeah? You are so gonna pay for that in a few minutes. That seed isn’t gonna know what hit it once I get you all juiced up.”

“Promise?”

A few minutes later they stood in their backyard. It was cold outside, so they both wore light jackets while deciding where to plant the seed. Between Ken’s Understanding and Brad’s Intuition, they picked a perfect spot in the back corner of the yard, far enough away from the pool that the roots shouldn’t be an issue.

It was still dark out, so Brad stayed in Ken’s mind, using his enhanced vision to see by. Grabbing a small garden spade out of the garage, they dug a hole. Bryan instructed them to plant the seed roughly six inches below the surface and not to pack the dirt tightly. They both held the skin of water, pouring it over the seed before covering it.

Ken said, “The ground’s gonna be cold.”

“We’ll warm it up quick enough. You know what I want, right?”

Grinning, Ken pulled Brad close and put his hands inside Brad’s shirt, running them up and down his back.

“I have a good idea.”

Wrapping his arms around Ken, Brad started a kiss, and they were hard in seconds. Stripping off their jackets, they pressed together for warmth. Ken lowered them to the grass with Brad on top of him, wanting to warm up the spot before he turned them over.

Opening their energy centers, Brad brought them together. Powerful emotions stirred as they blended together, becoming one. Their movements grew more frantic as their passion built, and they managed to get their shoes and jeans off before Ken flipped Brad over on his back on the warmed-up patch of grass.

Knowing what Brad wanted, Ken became ‘that guy,’ driving them both to insane levels of pleasure.  Before long, even with the chill of the morning, their muscled bodies were slick with sweat from the intensity of their passion.  They were so hot, steam rose off their bodies in the cold pre-dawn air.

Ken noticed the slight change in the color of the sky as the sun made its way up. There were a few clouds, but a whisper of fluttering wings echoed in their minds, and the clouds were gone in seconds, leaving the morning sky crystal clear.

Snuggling to keep warm, Ken spooned Brad, breathing hard and sharing their body warmth after their last shared orgasm. The little mound of dirt lay in front of them, and they stared at it intently.

With the first ray of direct sunlight, the soil moved as the seed sprouted. Watching in wonder at its accelerated growth, in less than a minute the seedling stood nearly a foot tall.

The sapling was bound to their souls, and they were attuned to its growth, tied by the energies they provided from their lovemaking the last few hours.

It was cold enough they stopped sweating, cooling off quickly, and they dressed but stayed together with Ken holding Brad from behind, watching the little tree grow in the morning sun.

By 0800 it towered over their fence, the trunk so thick they could barely touch their fingers stretching their arms around it. Each of them intuitively felt its needs as it grew.

It needs water.

Their tie to the tree was strong, as if it were an extension of themselves with an intuitive sense of its health. Pulling the garden hose across the yard, they soaked the ground around the base of its trunk.

Oddly beautiful, the tree was an amalgam of oak, rowan, ash, maple, elm, myrtle, birch, pine, and many other species. The bark shifted across the branches, and the leaves and foliage varied. Its life pulsed in their hearts, and its protection covered them, extending slightly beyond their property.

Tom, their next-door neighbor, was getting into his car to leave for work, and Ken took a quick peek into his mind to see if he noticed the tree. Ken was shocked to find that to Tom, the tree had always been there, seeing it as a big oak tree.

As the tree neared the end of its growth, an image of their co-joined Avatars shaped into the bark. The pattern highly detailed, it even included the vibrant coloring of their tattoos in the designs. As the image completed, it flared with light, but instead of fading it remained a beacon, emitting a soft, warm glow. The tree uplifted them, and their Avatars tingled when close to it. It was part of them now and would be forever.

Standing closer and inspecting the glowing rune, they found the warmth of its power comforting. Brad stood behind Ken with his arms around him, hugging him and resting his chin on Ken’s shoulder. They stayed still a few minutes, staring in wonder at what they witnessed and were a part of.

As usual, Ken’s stomach interrupted their peace and quiet, and laughing, Brad lowered his hands, rubbing Ken’s belly.

Time to get something to eat. I’m starving too. Let’s go in and get some food, and then crash until it’s time to head in for the meeting.

Walking inside hand in hand, Brad put on a pot of coffee and made them breakfast. After the long night, hours of sex, watching the tree grow, and their stomachs full, they were ready for a good sleep.

Ken put the dishes in the sink and led Brad to their bedroom, where they undressed and crawled under the covers. Draping one arm over Brad with a hand on his chest, Ken held them snuggly together. As soon as their warm bodies touched, Brad rested his mind in Ken’s and was asleep in seconds. In the fraction of a second before falling asleep, he set a trigger to wake him in time for the meeting.

Ken remained awake a while longer. He loved being naked with Brad and feeling the slow rise and fall of his chest, relishing the quiet time when he could hold him, feel him, smell him, and even listen to the sounds of his body.

Ken’s eyes brightened from how much he loved the man in his arms. Often, in the silent times when Ken could simply hold his lover, emotions welled within him. He laughed at himself because he wanted to squeeze Brad and show him how much he loved him. Instead, he tightened his arms slightly and let Brad’s heartbeat lull him to sleep.

Just before he drifted off into a peaceful slumber, he kissed Brad’s shoulder.

I love you, B.

<><><> 

At the lab later that afternoon, everyone shared a similar experience regarding their tree. No one was sure if the archangels altered the memories of their neighbors or if it was the magic of the trees, but to any human they appeared as a healthy tree common to the area they lived in, thinking it had always been there.

The protection they offered created a sanctuary for them to live in, free from any influence of The Enemy, a place to be themselves with no fear or worry of attack.

<><><> 

In the following days, Ken and Brad worked with the doctor and Albrecht to design new training exercises based on their fully awakened Avatars. It was going to take a lot of practice to get acquainted with their new abilities and to see what they could accomplish when working together.

The weekend came soon enough, and all the guys looked forward to the cookout at Ken and Brad’s house Saturday afternoon. Brad and Ken hit the grocery store early Saturday morning to get the food. Pat and Darren said they would bring wood for the fire pit as they had a tree down in their backyard from a storm earlier in the summer that Pat had cut up and split. Bryan would take care of the cooking, and Lane would take care of the music.

<><><> 

Saturday morning, Lane and Bryan woke early to go for their usual run but planned to skip weight training for the day.

“Hey Bry, we don’t need to be at Ken and Brad’s until mid-morning. Would you mind if we ran down to the music store first? It’s been a few weeks, and there are a couple of new albums I want to pick up.”

Coming up behind Lane, Bryan hugged him from behind and whispered in his ear.

“I was hoping to have a few more hours in bed.”

Leaning back into Bryan’s solid warm body, Lane laughed.

“Damn… with that tree in the yard, you’re going to have perma-wood!”

Grinning, but not disagreeing, Bryan kissed Lane on his cheek and chuckled.

“Well, that’s nothing new. I can hold it. Let’s head out so we won’t be late.”

“Thanks, Bry. I’ll make it up to you later tonight.”

Hopping in their Explorer, they headed down to Little Five Points. Winter had definitely arrived in Atlanta.  It was a beautiful Saturday morning, bright and sunny with temperatures in the upper forties. The streets were crowded, filled with people hanging out and talking. Lots of people had their dogs with them, and Lane noticed the animals in a new light, inherently feeling their emotions through the part of Loy’s Avatar now awake in him. Picking up on Lane’s thoughts, Bryan smiled, happy for the new part of his lover they were both discovering.

Lane made his way to his favorite music store, and Bryan waited outside. Lane could browse for hours, and Bryan liked to people-watch while Lane did his thing.

Bryan was still adjusting to the new parts of his Avatar that were awake as well. His Understanding of everything and seeing connections and emotional knots in people was taking some getting used to. Not letting what he saw dampen his spirits, he stayed tightly linked with Lane.

While waiting, Bryan heard someone playing a violin down the street. With his enhanced hearing, he had no trouble picking it up over all the street noise. Whoever was playing sounded amazing, and he knew Lane would want to hear it too.

Half an hour later, Lane finally came out with a few new CDs in hand, bouncing down the steps with the happy look on his face he always got when he was in ‘music mode.’ Bryan loved to see him excited when he found new artists or bought new albums he had been waiting for.

“Alright man, let’s head out.”

“Hang on a sec. Let’s head down this way. Someone’s playing I think you’ll like.”

Bryan led the way, and after half a block Lane heard it too. A street performer was playing the instrument with extraordinary skill, and he recognized the piece from The Last of the Mohicans soundtrack.

As they moved closer, Lane noticed the artist was a young Asian girl. Her eyes closed, she seemed entirely lost in her music. He knew that look well and didn’t often see it in normals.

Lane had a thought in the back of his mind of how pretty she would be without all the Goth makeup and multi-colored hair. When she finished the song Lane and Bryan clapped along with the small crowd gathered around her. Once her eyes opened and she came back to herself, she immediately noticed the two big handsome men in the crowd listening to her. Lowering her instrument, she seemed ready to take a break, so most of the crowd began to disperse.

Stepping forward, Lane said, “Hi! You play beautifully!”

Shy, she lowered her eyes, acknowledging his comment with a mumbled “Thanks.”

“My name’s Lane, and this is my partner, Bryan.”

“I’m Bao.”

“That means ‘Treasure,’ right? You certainly are. You have quite a gift.”

Struck by the handsome man talking to her, his smile melted her heart and made her feel warm inside.

“Yeah, I guess. I don’t remember much Chinese.”

“Well, it’s a beautiful name, and appropriate. Would you mind if we stayed and listened for a few minutes? I’m pretty good on the guitar and keyboard, but I don’t play the violin. I’ve always wanted to learn. You just inspired me, so now I’m definitely going to fix that.”

Lane’s smile was infectious, and Bao grinned back.

“Are you going to play some more?”

Picking up her bow, she ran her finger along the hair. Reaching into her bag, she pulled out a small box of rosin, but it was empty.

“Crap! I meant to get some more. Guess I’ll pack up for the day. Sorry, Lane, but I guess I’ll head out.”

“Wait a sec. Don’t pack up! I’ll run and get some. You just sit tight. Bry, I’ll be right back.”

Before either Bryan or Bao could say anything, Lane ran back to the music store.

Smiling at his enthusiasm, Bryan told her, “He really wants to hear you play. Me too.”

While Bryan continued chatting with Bao, he noticed brightly colored paper bracelets in her violin case.

“What are those?”

“They’re friendship bracelets. I make them.”

Leaning over, she pulled one out of a side compartment that Bryan couldn’t see, and as soon as she bent over Bryan’s gut twinged, making him instantly alert.

Lane, something’s up. I don’t know what, but something’s not right. Be careful. I’m heading to you now.

Bryan’s instincts sharpened, and he scanned the area looking for anything unusual or out of the ordinary. His extensive military surveillance training kicked in, and his newly awakened abilities filled his senses. He paused slightly as all the information and connections filled his vision.

In the few seconds it took him to look around, Bao stood up and said, “Here you can have two, one for you and one for Lane.”

Bao wrapped one of the paper bracelets around Bryan’s wrist, and as soon as it clipped together, Taliesin’s trap sprang, casting a net over Bryan’s mind. It happened so fast he had no time to react or reach out to Lane.

He felt like he was falling into himself….

<>  

Lane’s connection with Bryan severed, and he ran out of the music store in a panic. He would have thought it was Uriel again, except Bryan said he felt something wrong. Pushing through the crowd until he was close enough to see Bryan, he teleported the last hundred feet, appearing beside Bryan, who stood still as a statue.

Looking at Bryan with a questioning expression, Bao nearly jumped out of her skin when Lane appeared in front of her.

“Bry! What’s wrong?!”

Lane grabbed hold of Bryan but he was completely unresponsive, his eyes vacant and not registering Lane was there. His handsome face was a blank mask, expressionless.

Looking at Bao, he asked, “What happened to him? Who did this?”

“I don’t know! We were talking and I was showing him my bracelets, and he went still! Is he having a seizure?”

Lane tried to merge with Bryan, but there was nothing there. He felt empty inside, and a cold ball of fear hit him hard in the stomach.

“I can help him, Lane.”

Spinning around, Lane saw a man standing a few feet away. He was of medium height and thin but muscular. His face bordered on gaunt, and he had long hair pulled back in a tight ponytail.

One of the first things Lane did when Bryan sent out his warning was shield himself. Trying to probe the man, he was surprised to find him shielded as well.

“Who are you?”

“My name is Taliesin.”

Lane’s stomach clenched. Albrecht and the doctor mentioned Taliesin and warned Lane to stay away from him if he ever showed up. Lane’s brow furrowed in anger.

“Are you responsible for this?”

“Yes. I need you to listen…”

Before Taliesin finished his sentence, Lane’s eyes turned white, and a crack of thunder ripped through the sky so loud many nearby windows shattered. The wind picked up and, reaching out with his mind, Lane grabbed Taliesin by the throat, lifting him off the ground.

Taliesin’s eyes widened in shock, unprepared for the physical power Lane expressed. Never in all his years had anyone exhibited power over the physical realm!

“Undo whatever you’ve done to him right now! I’m not asking! DO IT! NOW!”

Bao screamed, falling to the ground in agony.

Taliesin managed to squeak out, “Put me down or I’ll kill her, and you will never get Bryan back!”

Taliesin fell to the ground, holding his neck and sucking in air.

Bao stopped screaming but continued to sob, curled up on the ground.

People on the street stared, and a few ran away, startled by the thunder and terrified at seeing Taliesin lift into the air.

Guy’s! I need you!

Lane sent a crystal-clear image of where he was along with his call to his brothers. In another second, Brad, Loy, Darren, and Bill appeared beside him, shielded and glowing brightly. All of them were linked with their partners and joined Lane as they appeared. Bryan’s absence was immediately apparent to all of them.

Taliesin looked surprised again. Events were not going according to his plan. The men that appeared with Lane… he recognized their faces, from images circling Aaron in his dreams.

“All of you stop right now if you ever want him back! No mind talk among you!”

Brad was about to pull them down together to talk but stopped. He didn’t know what was going on, or what Taliesin was capable of.

His steely voice cold, Lane asked, “Why did you do this? What is it you want?”

“I need your help.”

“You have a funny way of asking. The doctor and Albrecht warned me about you.”

“Yes, I’m sure they did, and I might warn you about them as well. You are completely under their spell, and you don’t even know it. Regardless, I need you to do exactly as I say, or you will never get your friend back.”

“What do you want from me?”

“I need you to answer a question.”

“Fuck, no! I don’t trust you. The doctor said you’re a schemer and not capable of telling the truth. There’s no way in hell I’ll believe anything you say. Even if I answer your damn question, I don’t believe you’ll free Bryan. I’m going to free him from whatever you’ve done, and once I do, I’m going to hunt you down so we can have a little chat on my terms.”

“Brave talk, Lane. You’re welcome to try, but you will find soon enough not even you can rescue him. When you’ve tried and failed, and have no other recourse, Aaron and Albrecht will know how to reach me. When you are desperate to get your friend back, you will beg me to ask my question.”

Taliesin glared at Bao, still curled up on the ground sobbing.

“Get up, bitch.”

Bao’s face went blank, and she stood up.

“Get your things and come with me.”

Watching the girl put her violin in its case and gather her things, she was an automaton, entirely under Taliesin’s control.

Glancing back at Lane and the others, he said, “If you even think of following me, her death will be on your hands.”

Turning, he walked away.

Lane’s anger left him, replaced with fear for Bryan as Taliesin disappeared into the crowd with Bao. His hands started shaking, and he grabbed hold of Bryan again.

With Taliesin gone, Brad took them deep into a construct of the conference room, and after a few seconds, the doctor and Albrecht appeared along with everyone else except Bryan.

Lane’s fear and anxiety ran through the link, and Brad thought: Lane, show us what happened. Show us everything.

Lane shared his memories of the morning up until he called them.

Moving behind Lane, Ken put his hands on Lane’s shoulders.

“It’s gonna be alright, Lane. We’re gonna get Bry back, and we’re gonna kick that skinny guy’s ass once we do. Don’t worry, you’ll get first crack at him.”

Brad looked questioningly at the doctor and Albrecht. 

“So, who is this Taliesin? He seems to know you two and more than I like about us.”

Replying, the doctor said, “Taliesin was once a member of The Order and an excellent warrior in his time. He is clever, smart, and a gifted musician. His skill with weapons is exemplary. He rose quickly through our ranks in a time when men like him were sorely needed, and his deeds caught the attention of our leadership. Even more importantly, he was marked as someone who could receive a particular Gift. By accepting this Gift, he became the Seer and Oracle of The Order and was made immortal for as long as he carries it inside him.

“Over time, the power and abilities it bestowed began to corrupt his mind and personality. It was many years before we discovered he had been using his powers for personal gain at the cost of human dignity, and in many cases, lives. Expelled from The Order, he was bound as a servant as penance. He must answer our call and use the Gift on our behalf when we have need, but it is a forced servitude as atonement for his actions.

“The Gift can only be carried by one person at a time, so until a successor is born who is able to receive it, he cannot pass it on, and until that time he cannot die. I believe he wishes to pass that Gift on to you, Lane.”

“Me?”

“Yes. I believe your Avatar would make you a suitable host for it.”

“Well, doc, if that’s all it is, as pissed off as I am, I can just say ‘yes’ and get Bryan back!”

“I do not think that is a good idea, Lane, for several reasons. One, above all else, Taliesin cannot be trusted. His mind is warped, and there is no guarantee he will free Bryan. Secondly, I witnessed how the Gift changed him over all those years. He was once a great man. Your nephilim heritage might make you immune to the effects the Gift had on Taliesin, but there is no way to be sure.

“You know how difficult some of your dreams have already been. Think of those magnified not only in intensity but frequency. You could become lost in the threads of time, and the infinite possible realities created every time a decision is made. I do not wish that upon you, my boy.”

“I’d be willing to take that on for Bryan’s sake.”

Ken sounded adamant, “No, Lane. Don’t say that. Bryan wouldn’t want ‘ya too, and neither do any of us. Let’s hold that as an option only if there are no other alternatives.”

Looking at the doctor and Albrecht, Lane asked, “Do you know what he’s done to Bryan?”

“Yes.”

“How do we undo it?”

“I am not sure yet. Albrecht and I have done our best to protect you from Taliesin. He has attempted to scry all of you for many months now, but we have blocked his attempts. Everything he knows about you he learned from others, which is virtually nothing. He has no knowledge of your bond with Bryan or the fact that you share a soul. Get Bryan here as quickly as you can, and I will begin working on it. Albrecht and I handled much of Taliesin’s training and are familiar with his methods. I will begin working on how to resolve this immediately.”

Darren said, “I have an idea about getting Bry back to the lab.”

Ken said, “Alright, guys… get Bryan ‘ta the lab, and then the rest of you get back ‘ta us. I don’t like us bein’ separated. Everyone make it ‘ta the lab as quick as possible.”

<><><> 

Lane’s hands still shook… a combination of anger, fear, and anxiety over Bryan. Once back in their bodies, Brad put his hands on Lane’s shoulders, giving him a firm squeeze.

“We’re going to figure this out, Lane. I know it’s hard, but try not to worry.”

Turning to Darren, Brad asked, “Okay, hotshot, what’s this idea you were talking about?”

“If you guys back me up, I think we can teleport Bryan to the lab without breaking a sweat. I’m not talking about powering up like Lane helped me with before. I’m talking about joining our Avatars now that we’re all active. My ability is strongest for teleporting, but I think with all of us working in tandem, we’ll magnify one another.”

“Alright, take the lead since this is your idea.”

“Okay, guys, let’s all go at once and take Bry with us. It’s easiest that way.”

Reaching out to the crowd around them, Brad altered the last few minutes of their memories, removing the fight with Taliesin and what happened with Bryan. The broken windows would have to remain a mystery.

Darren waited until Brad was done and then brought everybody into his mind as a focal point to get the image of his safe spot in the lab. Their Avatars matched his, instinctively synchronizing.

“On my mark, guys. We’re going back to my safe spot in the lab. On three. One … Two…” 

<><><> 

“Three….”

They appeared in the lab along with Bryan with virtually no effort or drain involved. Grinning, Darren winked at Brad in an ‘I told you so’ manner.

Good job, Dar. That opens up a whole can of worms as far as training ideas. If that same concept works for our other abilities, it’s a bit scary.

“Lane, let’s get Bryan in a bed so the doc can take a look at him. The rest of you get back to your guys and then head here as soon as you can.”

Completely docile, Lane took Bryan’s hand and had to pull him, but Bryan moved, walking with him to the exam room. Brad and Lane stripped him down to his underwear and got him into bed.

The doctor and Albrecht came in just as Brad was about to head back to Ken, and started hooking Bryan up to his equipment.

Lane sat in a chair watching, silent, his mischievous grin gone and his expression stony and hard. Lane was usually such a happy and upbeat guy, it was disconcerting to see him in such a state.

Putting one arm around Lane’s chest and the other on the top of his head, Brad pulled his buddy against him physically while at the same time pulling Lane deep inside his own mind and heart along with Ken.

Inside, Lane cried, his pain palpable. Without his connection to Bryan, half his soul was cut off and he felt lost. Also furious at Taliesin, Lane wasn’t used to feeling that way, and his anger made him nauseous and cold.  His body trembled in Brad’s arms

We’re with you, bud. We’ll get Bry back, but in the meantime, stay merged with us. We love you, and we’re in this together.

Lane knew when Brad physically disappeared, but the feeling of his arms around him didn’t go away, and Brad’s presence stayed firm in his mind and heart along with Ken’s. The rest of his brothers were with him as well, surrounding him in that place where their souls were one, holding him tight. 

<><><> 

A little less than an hour later, all the guys arrived back at the lab, and every one of them went straight to Lane to check on him and Bryan. It wasn’t long before the doctor’s voice entered their minds.

Everyone, please come to the conference room.

Filing in, they sat down with serious expressions, focused, supportive of Lane and ready to do whatever necessary to get Bryan back. The doctor came in and stood at the lectern.

“Albrecht and I confirmed our initial thought. Bryan’s mind is trapped in a construct. For the time being, he is safe and living another life inside himself.”

Brad spoke up, “Well, that sounds easy enough, doc. We can just go in and break it.”

“No, we cannot. Simply making an attempt would kill Bryan, and even if you manage to get in, Bryan’s mind is tied to the construct, and its destruction would take Bryan’s mind with it.”

“How could he have done something like that?”

“Taliesin has thousands of years of experience, and his bindings are powerful and complex. While any of you five is more powerful than he is, his experience and subtlety more than balance the scales in his favor. He had much time to prepare this trap, and it is most likely foolproof in its design and implementation.”

His voice flat, Lane asked, “So if we can’t get inside to break it, how can we get Bry back?”

“Taliesin knows many things, but he does not know much about all of you. Albrecht and I have made it difficult, if not impossible, for him to learn much about you. What he does know comes from reading the minds of people you have come into contact with, so he has no knowledge of your nephilim heritage or much about your abilities. He definitely does not know you and Bryan share your souls.

“In the same manner Kenneth traversed the veil with Bradford, I believe you can enter the construct with no risk to Bryan. The danger lies after that. Once inside, you will be trapped along with Bryan and must find a way to free you both.

“There is no telling what you will find once inside. Bryan will likely not be himself, with no memory or knowledge of us. The rules of the construct will be as Taliesin created them, and he will most certainly have made Bryan a normal human in that world. As such, the same rules will apply to you.

“Also, knowing Taliesin, there will be traps. He will allow for the possibility we might find a way into Bryan’s mind, however unlikely, and will have set provisions to try and stop anyone making it that far. It will be dangerous.

“Knowing all of this will allow you to go in and remain who you are, even if you will not have your abilities. I will say this… I do not know how your Avatar will react in this situation, or Bryan’s. They operate outside normal spiritual laws. Kenneth’s interaction with Michael proved this. I do not know if this will be helpful or cause you more difficulty.”

Lane replied, “So I’m going in, I’ll have to find Bryan, he won’t know who I am, and I’ll have to figure out a way to break out of the construct with no powers or abilities. Does that cover it?”

Ken stood and walked over to Lane. Spinning Lane’s chair around, he knelt in front of him, looking into his eyes.

“Lane, I know this is difficult, but I wanna remind you of a few things. First and foremost, you’re badass. You’re a Navy SEAL. You fight like a mother fucker, and you’re smart as hell. I know you pretend ‘ta be a dumbass sometimes, but you’ve never fooled anyone in this room; you’re a fuckin’ genius. Put your brain ‘ta work on this.

“You might not have your powers, but you have your trainin’, and if your Avatar works, you’ll be able ‘ta heal and dream. You’re probably the only one of us who has a chance of pullin’ this off. Be confident. Don’t doubt yourself. I don’t doubt you one bit. None of us do. You said once you wanna be more than a battery for us… I’m tellin’ you right here, right now, you are so much more than that.

“Show him, guys.”

Brad pulled everybody tighter, and their energy centers flared to life, blending into a thick white thread coursing through all of them. Deep down Lane knew it, but their confidence filled him, reminding him of who and what he was. Seeing himself from their perspective, the stony expression on his face softened as he shed his fear and anxiety, but he kept his anger towards Taliesin, letting it smolder. Holding onto it, he would use it to drive him to rescue Bryan.

It was difficult to see, but Brad felt it… Ken’s Avatar was at work on Lane. He also knew Pat, Rick, and Kevin fed into the effect, whether they were aware of it or not. It wasn’t false bravado they fed Lane; they reinforced what already resided within him, and his will steeled itself for what he needed to do to be successful.

“Alright, doc. How do I get in?”

“Bradford, you and Lane come with me, please.”

They followed the doctor into Bryan’s room.

“Pull another bed over so you can be next to Bryan. It will be important for you to touch him.”

Lane scooted as close as he could, taking Bryan’s hand and intertwining their fingers, squeezing tight. The familiarity of Bryan’s warm, rough hand was comforting, but the fact that Bryan didn’t squeeze back was painful.

“To be safe, because Taliesin always operates on multiple levels of deception, Bradford will assist in getting you into the construct. We are going to mask the half of your soul that is you along with your mind, so the trap will only see you as Bryan. At that point, it should draw you in with no effort on your part. Separate yourself from everyone and drop out of any active links except for Bradford.

“Now, Bradford, show Lane how you hid yourself and Kenneth while traversing the veil. That technique should work to mask Lane against the binding. Only invert the part of you that is Lane, and not Bryan.”

Closing his eyes, Lane took a deep breath, and as he exhaled his mind and soul lifted out of his body, hovering while Brad showed him how to invert his energy flows. It only took a moment to master the technique and to Brad and the doctor Lane’s presence disappeared. To their perceptions, they only sensed Bryan floating before them.

Okay, guys, here goes nothing.

Floating over, Lane sank into Bryan’s chest, vanishing from their perceptions.

The trap sprang, and Lane felt like he was falling into himself…