The Order

Bloody, covered in sweat and bruises, their Kevlar suits hung on their bodies, shredded and tattered. The fight was not going well; they were losing. The Curse was unlike anything they imagined.  How could The Master be so strong?

Bodies of countless nephilim in human form lay broken and torn apart, most dark spirits who fought for The Master, but also allies of The Order, including Istariel and his cousins.

So many lives…

How could it come to this?

What went wrong?

Corpses of The Enemy’s mortal servants, both the muscled protectors and the well-dressed men, littered the ground. Carcasses of animals, called by Loy to join the fight, were strewn about, scattered among The Enemy.

Each man fought with everything in him… all the hours of training Ken put them through… They were perfect weapons, but despite the body count they inflicted, The Enemy kept coming. Stronger than they ever dreamed possible, The Master, under the Curse, was just too powerful.

The faces of every one of his brothers’, dead and lifeless, flashed through Lane’s mind.  Ken, his neck broken and body mangled, at the feet of the Master… Brad’s corpse nearby with his hand reaching in desperation to save his lover… Pat and Darren ripped apart by dark creatures from beyond the Pale… Rick and Loy surrounded by animals trying to protect them… Kevin and Bill crushed under the weight of dozens of the Enemy… and finally, Bryan, his body impaled at the massive trunk of the blackened and charred remains of the tree.

Agony and despair filled Lane over what he saw. Not only the loss of his friends and lover, but the world… and somehow it was his fault. He missed something crucial that would prevent it all. He felt it with every fiber of his being.

The Master’s voice echoed in his mind…

This is your fate, little dreamer. You have no hope or chance against me. YOU failed, and are the ruin of The Order! 

<><>  

Shooting out of bed, every muscle in Lane’s body was taut. Drenched in sweat, his chest heaving, he shook violently from the intensity and depth of his dream. Bryan knew immediately what happened. Aside from his physical reaction, the powerful waves of emotion churning through Lane overpowered his ability to think rationally.

Lane! It’s alright! I’m here!

The vision of his friends, brothers, and soulmate dead because of his failure was too much. Reaching for Bryan, Lane clung to him with desperate strength, crying and sobbing, nearly nonfunctional in his emotional distress.

Holding him mentally and physically, Bryan attempted to soothe him.  For almost an hour Lane cried while Bryan held him, surrounding him with his soul and his strong arms, running his hands over Lane’s back and shoulders and talking to him so Lane could hear his voice.

For the first time ever, Bryan was genuinely afraid. Lane’s reactions to the dreams were increasing and becoming more traumatic. He had never been so incoherent or incapacitated before, and it broke Bryan’s heart to see him in such a state. Something had to give; if the situation continued, he didn’t see how Lane could stay sane.

Once Lane regained a semblance of control, he compartmentalized the experience, walling it off in his mind so Bryan couldn’t see it. Shame filled him, and he couldn’t bear the thought of Bryan or the other’s knowing he would be the reason The Order failed in their fight against The Enemy.

When Lane’s trembling finally subsided, Bryan wrapped him in the blanket from their bed and carried him to the den, setting him on the couch.

Cupping Lane’s face in his hands, he forced eye contact.

Sit still, Lane. I’m with you, and I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to make you some tea.

Lane’s mind and eyes never left Bryan while he moved about the kitchen.

Finally, he started coming back to himself while watching Bryan go through the motions of making his tea. The simple act of Bryan’s love and devotion was as comforting as his presence, and the feel of his solid, warm body, and the deep sound of his voice.

Bryan brought him the tea, sweetened with honey just the way he liked it. Sitting beside Lane, he put the cup in his hands and then wrapped an arm around Lane’s shoulders, pulling them snugly together. Leaning against Bryan’s big frame, Lane rested his head on Bryan’s shoulder, closing his eyes for a few seconds.

Share it with me, Lane. Don’t box it in. Let me help you carry it.

Lane’s mental voice was still barely audible.

It was horrible, Bry.

Show me.

Gently, Bryan probed to the place where the dream was walled off. He pushed harder until Lane gave in and relived the dream with his lover. It affected him nearly as much as it did Lane, and tears ran down his face as he held Lane close, his powerful body shaking.

Bryan knew it would be bad from Lane’s reaction, but it still affected him profoundly. Exactly how it impacted Lane, and the manner in which it did was the strength of the dreams and the potency of his Avatar. He didn’t merely view dreams like a movie on a screen, he lived and experienced everything as though it happened to him. It was necessary to gain a full understanding of what he was shown.  To Bryan, it was more a curse than a blessing.

Pulling Lane closer, he continued rubbing his hand up and down Lane’s arm, shoulder, and back.

It isn’t your fault Lane. Or wasn’t… or won’t be… fuck, you know what I mean.

You saw it, Bry. You heard The Master. I’ve missed something… or I’m going to, and it will be the reason we fail.

A light touched the periphery of Bryan’s mind. Lane felt it too and instinctively shielded them both as the feeling persisted and grew stronger. Bryan noticed light in the backyard coming through the curtains.

Moving to the sliding glass doors, he pulled the curtains back.

Fuck, Lane, look!

Lane moved over and they stood together, gazing at the tree in their backyard. The runes glowed so brightly the entire yard lit up. The branches of the tree swayed as though a strong wind blew, but the night was calm and clear.

Looking at the tree with his Avatar, Bryan Understood its agitation, and the infused runes were brighter than he had ever seen.

His voice gruff, Bryan asked, “I wonder why it didn’t protect you earlier?”

I’m not sure, Bry. It is now, though. Look.

Bryan saw the darkness at the edge of the light emitted by the tree. Dark tendrils of black smoke reached down, but the light was a barrier the darkness could not penetrate. The tree was definitely holding off some sort of attack or influence.

Seeing such a blatant attempt on them stirred Bryan’s anger as few things could; rage towards everything that happened to both himself and Lane, rage at The Enemy for coming after them in their home, and for the Avatar his lover had that caused him so much pain.

It’s okay, Bry. Don’t be mad about that. I can deal with it as long as you’re with me.

Lane’s eyes were red from crying, and a large tear fell down his cheek as he quietly thought: Don’t ever leave me, Bry.

It killed Bryan, hearing the tender desperation in Lane’s voice.

Never.

The finality in Bryan’s voice, in the way he said ‘never,’ was as comforting as Bryan’s warm body. Turning Lane to face him, Bryan brushed the tear away with a thumb. Pulling Lane against him, the blanket fell to the floor revealing Lane’s muscular body, stunning in the stark light shining from the tree.

Aching over what Lane was going through, Bryan lowered them to the carpet, cradling Lane’s head with one of his arms. With his other hand, Bryan caressed the features of the most handsome man in his world.

Look at me, Little Buddy.

Lane looked into Bryan’s eyes, falling into them, seeing the green of the tree along with the depth of Bryan’s love for him. Bryan’s hand trailed down Lane’s body, over his chest, shoulders, and neck, soothing his lover while their eyes remained locked. Finally, the tension flowed out of Lane as Bryan’s hand worked its magic.

I’m sorry for falling apart on you. Fuck, Bry, what did I ever do to deserve you?

Bryan grinned.

I guess you won the lotto, you little fucker, and I told you, you little shit, stop apologizing. I can see what the dreams do to you.

Lane opened their energy centers and they delved into one another, their souls a balm to each other. No secrets, their true selves fully revealed, their unconditional love for one another surrounded them as their souls blended into one perfect being, and the healing they needed so badly began to take place.

Reacting to the emotional intimacy, they became aroused and made love to one another on the floor of the living room for hours, their bodies clinging to one another, muscles straining, rippling, and sweating. Their first shared orgasm charged them up, and they continued with increased intensity and passion. The light they generated shone into the spiritual realm adding to and reinforcing the light from their tree, driving back the dark smoky tendrils.

Finally worn out, their bodies still intertwined and sweaty, Lane rested his head on Bryan’s chest, listening to his heartbeat. The sound and rhythm of Bryan’s heart was the most calming sound in the world to him. Relaxed but not sleepy, they talked quietly as best friends and lovers.

Eventually they got up, and while heading back to their bedroom Lane’s Avatar came to life, gripping his mind.

Bryan: Fuck! No fucking way! Give us a break!

I can’t hold it back, Bry!

Bryan tightened his grip on Lane’s mind and soul, determined to prevent whatever was about to happen.

Lane felt the buildup within him, his instincts telling him it was a response to the dream The Master sent. Lane shot out of his body, taking Bryan with him, soaring to the heavens and filling them both with the music he heard. The Milky Way was loud that night as if it knew what he needed.

A song shaped in his soul, a response to the evil of The Master and his servants; a message that needed to be sent. The words and the music flowed into him. No, not into, from him… the message was in him all along, and his Avatar a portal to that place residing in his soul. Lane knew what he had to do. Filled with power, he still needed more to make the impact required. 

<><><>  

As soon as Ken and Brad walked in the door, Ken set the alarm then headed to the bathroom while Brad stayed in the kitchen to get them something to drink. There was plenty of beer in the fridge for the upcoming cookout, but the refrigerator was so packed with food, he had to rearrange a few things to get to it.

Ken took off his shirt and shoes, tossing them on the bed before making his way back down the hall. When he came back, all he could see was Brad’s well-rounded ass poking out from behind the open refrigerator door.

Fuck, your ass looks sexy as hell, B.

Brad straightened up with a beer in each hand. Since his hands were full, he closed the refrigerator door with a mental nudge.

Seeing Ken shirtless, a hungry, excited expression appeared on his face. He never tired of looking at Ken. Perfect to Brad in every way, inside and out; it was as if they were made for one another, and the smile that lit up Ken’s face when they made eye contact elicited a warmth through Brad’s body and mind.

Another mental nudge sent the caps on the beers popping off and into the trash can by the door. The beers hovered on their own while Brad stripped off his shirt.

Damn, B, that is so cool. I wish I could do that.

Moving closer, Ken put his arms around his lover, burying his face against Brad’s neck and shoulder. Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, he hugged Brad a little tighter. The warmth of Ken’s breath against his skin as he exhaled felt wonderful.

The heat and feel of their solid bodies sent signals straight to their libidos.  Ken’s head moved back enough to nibble Brad’s neck, evoking a low moan of pleasure, and Ken’s devilish grin appeared.

Just gettin’ you ready, stud.

Fuck, I love it when you do that.

Why do ‘ya think I’m doin’ it?

Already linked, Brad opened their energy centers, and they poured themselves into each other, creating a circuit of emotion. With their souls one, the fulfillment and contentment of losing themselves in each other was the best feeling either of them could ever imagine. For anyone who could see into the spiritual realm, the light between them was blinding.

Brad pulled back far enough to hand Ken his beer.

A man after my own heart. Thanks, B.

Let’s get on the couch.

Ken sat in the corner, raising his arm in an invitation for Brad to lean back against him, and as soon as he was in position, Ken’s arms closed around him. Ken resumed gently licking and nibbling Brad’s neck and shoulder, and touched one of Brad’s nipples with the ice-cold beer bottle sending a jolt through his body, and they both chuckled.

Douche.

Fuck, B, this is nice. After the last few days and nearly losin’ Lane... I wasn’t prepared for that. I hope Bry ‘n Lane are really okay.

They are, at least for now. Bryan’s mad though, and when the doc and Albrecht find Taliesin, I’m not sure what he’s going to do. Bryan would never forgive himself if he really hurt Taliesin, but I saw the anger in him and it’s ready to surface. He almost lost Lane, and you and I both know how that feels. Hell, he did lose Lane. That hour he was dead was the longest I’ve ever spent. It’s a miracle Lane’s still with us. If Uriel hadn’t intervened, Lane would really be gone.

‘Ya know B, even after all that I can’t help but think Lane made the right choice. As harsh as it sounds, if Lane let them both die they’d be gone, and whatever purpose we’re supposedly destined ‘ta fill would be broken. Not that either of them could have known, but at least by savin’ Bry they both ended up survivin’, and that’s best for everyone. Bry knows that even if he doesn’t want to admit it yet. That’s another reason I want ‘em ‘ta relax and be together; they need time ‘ta sort through it all. We’ll give ‘em their space but check in on ‘em ‘ta make sure they’re doin’ alright.

Sitting in silence for a few minutes, they sipped their beers and rested in and against one another, being each other. Setting his empty bottle on the floor, Ken’s hands starting roaming sensually over Brad’s body.

An unexpected emotional rush hit Brad out of the blue. After everything that transpired with Bryan and Lane, the thought of being without Ken popped into his mind, and his eyes teared up.

Don’t go there, B. I’m here, and we’re together. We always will be, and so will Bryan and Lane and the rest of the guys. We have to believe that. We all have each other’s backs. We’re takin’ this fight ‘ta The Enemy, and we’re gonna kick their asses and make the world back ‘ta what it should be. We’re gonna keep trainin’ and bein’ careful. You’re a brilliant tactician; it’s scary how smart you are. With everythin’ we can do now, if we’re careful, and especially with the doc’s and Albrecht’s help, I’m confident we’ll win this fight.

But tonight, right now, I want things ‘ta be about you’n me.

Wrapping his soul around Brad, Ken expressed his love through his touch and the connection they shared, and the next few hours were spent pleasuring each other.  After the emotions of the day, neither one became ‘that guy,’ instead they slowed things down.

Earlier in the night they merged with all their brothers and later with Lane and Bryan separately. The emotional aftereffects were still with them, their energy centers strong, and even after a few hours of sex they were wide awake and refreshed.

With Ken still on top, their eyes roamed over each other’s features.  They were both sweaty and their hair messy, as handsome as ever to the other.  Brad shifted his sight, so he could take in not only Ken’s incredible body and handsome face but his mind and soul along with it.

Seeing him like that was such a turn on… the man Ken was inside and out. With his sight shifted, Brad saw something he had never noticed before… the edges of Ken’s emerald green eyes were ringed with the brilliant blue of his own.

Picking up on Brad’s surprise, Ken shifted his sight and saw the same thing… Brad’s bright blue eyes ringed with green.

The idea of their connection making them even more a part of one another sent a chill through each of them.  Lowering his head against Brad’s neck and shoulder, Ken lay still again.  The heat from their bodies had them both completely relaxed.

Fuck, B… I wanna just stay here like this. I really don’t wanna move. Your hands feel so good. You feel too good.

Ken was so relaxed even his mental voice sounded slurred.

Yeah, me too.

Tightening his arms and legs around Ken, Brad hugged him.   

You know I could stay here like this too. I could run a bath.  We haven’t done that in a while. Or just stay here and fall asleep?

Ken chuckled, causing his body to rumble slightly.

I don’t know… they both sound nice.

Ken’s stomach let out a massive rumble, and Brad laughed out loud.

I can’t believe I just heard that! We each ate nearly three pounds of steak a few hours ago!

Well… hours of sex with you makes me hungry; hungry for you, and for food. How about we skip out to Waffle House and then come back and revisit the idea of a bath. 

<><><> 

They dressed, and on the way out the door Ken doused them with a liberal amount of body spray.

Brad was just about to say something regarding the body spray when Ken cut him off.

I know you can take care of it, but I don’t want you ‘ta have to. I want you ‘ta relax and not have ‘ta worry about it.

Brad appreciated the thought even though it was no bother or effort. His unconscious mind could easily maintain the illusion, but he loved the consideration Ken always gave him.

It was just after 0300 when they pulled into the Waffle House parking lot. Frank, Ken’s favorite cook, was on shift, so he knew his hash browns were going to be perfect.  Brad always found it funny and endearing how Ken could get so happy over the smallest things. The two men, along with their brothers, played a major role in the cosmic battle between good and evil over the fate of mankind, and Ken got excited over how crispy his hash browns were. Laughing, Brad shook his head, more in love with Ken than ever. He felt like the luckiest man in the world and put an arm around Ken’s shoulders, pulling him close for a quick kiss on his cheek as they made their way to the steps.

The place was empty when they first arrived, but it wasn’t long before more people showed up. Three different couples came in, all drunk and seemingly happy after bar-hopping, but their thoughts and emotional spillover were uncomfortable, so Brad tightened his shield to block everything out.

Relaxed and enjoying each other’s company, Ken and Brad talked over a cup of coffee while trying to ignore the increasing noise level. Leaning forward, Ken took one of Brad’s hands, absentmindedly rubbing the back of his hand with his thumb as they talked. While chatting, as the noise got louder, Ken noticed his tattoo tingling.

The scene that unfolded was comic and tragic. Ken’s Avatar affected the people in the restaurant, and even though it wasn’t as powerful as Rick’s, the lies and deceptions used by the couples to get together that night started unraveling. Between the alcohol still in their systems, combined with the effects of Ken’s Avatar, the truth about their thoughts and intentions towards one another came out.

Fuck, B, I can’t help it. There’s no way ‘ta turn it off!

It’s fine, Ken. Don’t feel bad… in the long run it’s better for all of them, even if there is a short-term sting.

I don’t like bein’ the cause of what we’re seein’ though.

You aren’t, Ken. They are… they didn’t have to lie to one another, or exaggerate, or leave out the fact that they’re in a relationship and just wanted a one-night fling with a hot stranger. You had nothing to do with any of that, so don’t feel guilty in the slightest. It was their choice to lie…deep down they knew better. I don’t understand why people think it’s easier to lie. I don’t want to believe it’s human nature to be so naturally deceitful. I wonder how we fucked things up so bad somewhere in our past to make things like they are today… Albrecht and the doc call it the Curse.

You’re makin’ me hard with all this smart talk, B.

Oh yeah? Well, let’s get out of here so I can take care of you.

Settling their bill, they headed out to the parking lot. As soon as they got back to the Explorer their Avatars flared to life, clearly visible through the fabric of their t-shirts. Their eyes turned white, and Lane’s voice filled their minds.

<> 

Guys, I need you! I’m not sure how long I can hold this back, so come in tight!

His eyes blazing white, Brad brought the entire team together at the speed of thought. His action was abrupt and powerful, but they were used to sudden transitions from their training.

Lane: Bryan and Loy do your thing. We’re gonna need all the juice we can muster for this!

Lane filled all of them with the power he already held, and Loy took that power, sending out his will to gather free-roaming spirits and drawing from animals all over the planet.

Come, my friends! I need your help again!

Casting out his awareness, Bryan tapped life energy throughout Earth and beyond, and once again a ghostly image of the tree formed around him.

Lane, Bryan, and Loy filled them with power, and they became one vessel with walls of glass that shone with a light as bright as the heart of a star in the spiritual realm. Agents of the Enemy all over the city burned from the Aura they generated.

Brad, help me broadcast this. Even if normals are asleep, they need to hear this message. Things need to change, and they’re about to start. The Master started this, but he broke into the wrong damned rec room tonight!

Everybody felt it when Lane’s Avatar took over. Lane was present but different, now a vessel for the voice, the power behind their Avatars. He was the Grandson of Gabriel the archangel, Herald of the Most High, but this time Lane was the messenger.

Starting low, the music quickly built. Anyone awake heard it in the back of their minds, and for those asleep, they dreamed it. Lane’s voice took on an otherworldly quality, echoing through their minds and hearts, and everyone on earth and across the veil heard him.

Knowing The Master heard it as well, they were ready for any retaliation on his part. The lyrics were short but potent, and their meaning sank into every person on the planet, conscious and unconscious. The apathy and indifference instilled in mankind by The Enemy must be lifted to free them to think clearly and decide their own fate.

Ken’s avatar, his will, and conviction drove the meaning of Lane’s message into everyone. Rick’s Avatar drove home the truth of the message, not allowing self-deception to take hold and alter the connotation. Pat’s Avatar spread Understanding, so there was no question about its meaning. Each of them contributed in some way to the message being sent.

The Master didn’t respond with words, but his anger and hatred brushed against their shield like a cold wind.

When the song ended silence fell, and as Lane came back to himself he panicked.

Fuck, what did I just do?

His mental voice trembling with fear and anxiety, Lane’s alarm was evident, and none of them except Bryan knew why.

Brad pulled them deeper into one another, and they surrounded Lane. Mentally and in their hearts their arms were around him, hugging him tightly or ruffling his hair in affection.

Ken: Lane, what do you mean? Where did that come from? Show us what happened tonight! We need ‘ta understand!

Lane’s fear and all the other emotions from his dream resurfaced.   

We’re going to fail, and it will be my fault!

Bryan shared Lane’s dream, the vision of them dead and defeated, and the images and emotions were shocking.

As their leader, Ken’s confidence and trust in them would not allow the thought of failure.  Deep where their souls were one, Ken gripped Lane’s shoulders, pulling him into a tight embrace.  Ken unflinchingly faced the dream, and even though he spoke to Lane, all of them heard his voice and the echo of his conviction.

That’s not gonna happen, Lane. I can’t, I DON’T, believe that.

Brad figured it out immediately.

Lane, what you saw is a possibility, not a certainty. There’s no way to tell when that was supposed to be, and you know what the doc said about changing the future. The Master needs you out of the way, just like he needs Bill out of the way. The dreams make it seem real to you, but don’t lose yourself in them… don’t lose sight of the fact that you have Bryan and the rest of us with you, backing you up. This isn’t just your fight. I know it might feel that way because The Master singled you out, but it’s not true! We’re all in this together!

Bryan’s gratitude towards Brad was clear for putting into words what Lane needed to hear.

Brad: Don’t fall for it. Easier said than done I know, but it’s not going to happen. It’s just a trick; he knows how your Avatar works.

Ken: Why didn’t their tree protect him? I thought that was its purpose.

Lane’s voice was quiet and filled with remorse.

Because it wasn’t an attack. It’s the truth.

Brad responded: One possible truth, Lane.  Just one of an infinite number of possibilities. You know The Master can move outside time. He seems to be doing it a lot lately, and I’m not sure how. Even Michael and the others said doing that takes its toll on him. What he showed you wasn’t an attack, but it’s also not a certainty. You know that!

The emotional impact of the dream still fresh inside Lane, his buddies knew how severely he was affected. His dreams became a part of him, infusing him with the reality and understanding of what he was shown.  He felt their deaths and the ramifications to the world over their failure.

Everyone picked up on what Ken wanted to happen, what they needed to do for their brother. In the place where they were one, Brad tightened their souls even more. The beauty of their inner selves as men, brothers, and teammates, the sense of completeness and contentment pervading their existence, made them powerful. They took comfort in each other, and the warmth of their naked minds and bodies pressed together. 

What Bryan did for Lane earlier, they did for Lane and Bryan as a couple.  Surrounding their brothers, the eight men formed a ring around them, protecting them.  More than the sum of their individual selves, they sealed Lane and Bryan within themselves, and would not allow anything else to affect or touch them for the remainder of the night. In the center Bryan held Lane, and surrounded by the love and protection of their brothers, the last vestiges of Lane’s fear and self-blame were driven out. 

Ken’s voice filled their minds: We got your backs, guys. Rest in one another and in us. We’re holdin’ you up tonight. After all you’ve been through, this was the last thing you needed. We love you, and we need you; never forget that. You’re a part of us we can’t live without. Nothin’ else will bother you tonight. We’ll make sure of that.

In the physical realm Bryan took Lane back to their bedroom and crawled under the covers. His tension and trembling gone, Lane relaxed in the comfort of Bryan’s arms and warm body.  Bryan’s hands continued soothing him, and Lane fell into a dreamless sleep to the steady sound of Bryan’s heartbeat.

Bryan stayed awake for a short time, surrounded by the souls of his extended family.  Just before he fell asleep, he kissed the top of Lane’s head.  Once sleep took him, his Avatar glowed softly with a steady pulse that matched his heartbeat, sending small tendrils of light, covering the two men before soaking into them.

The tree in their backyard swayed throughout the night against the probing of the Enemy, but it fulfilled its purpose, protecting Lane and Bryan while they slept. 

<><><>  

The next morning Bryan and Lane woke, renewed and invigorated mentally, emotionally, and physically by the presence of their brothers still around them. There was no better way to wake up than encircled by the loving presence of your family and the souls of your brothers wrapped around your own.

Lane’s eyes teared up over what the guys did for him and Bryan all night.

Thanks, guys, you’re the best.  Don’t let anybody ever say otherwise.

Lane and Bryan received the equivalent of a tight mental hug from all of them before they dropped out of the link.

Ken sent one last thought before he and Brad dropped out.

You guys keep takin’ it easy and chill out as long as you need to. You know all of us are here for ‘ya… if you wanna come over and hang with Brad and me, just say the word.

Will do, Ken. Love you guys.

Love you too, fellas. 

<><><> 

The same night, Brad, Ken, and the others kept watch over Lane and Bryan, the doctor and Albrecht spoke quietly together in their minds.

In bed, their naked bodies intertwined, their skin was still damp from the sweat of their lovemaking.

Still no sign of Taliesin, Aaron?

No… I sent the call a week ago. He should have been compelled to come as quickly as he could. He is resisting the compulsion and by now must be in extreme discomfort.

I hoped he would just show up, but he always was incredibly stubborn. Almost as stubborn as you! Don’t worry, though, I’ll find him.

The doctor’s face broke into an uncharacteristic grin at Albrecht’s teasing.

Do not hurt him, Albrecht. He has made much mischief, I agree, but he is not entirely responsible for his actions.

Yes, he is, Aaron. Even as twisted as he’s become, he knew deep down what he did to Lane and Bryan was wrong. He chose to act as he did. I’m not without compassion for what he’s become, but he’s still responsible for how he reacted to his situation.

Be careful! You know how dangerous he is.

As am I. And you, Aaron, as much as you don’t want to think so. But yes, I promise to be careful. What are you going to do with him?

I am going to let Lane and Bryan decide his fate. They were the ones wronged and deserve to meet him face to face. My actions will depend on their decision. I think they have grown and will surprise us. I am still concerned about Bryan though. His grief was so profound when he thought Lane gone. His anger is still fresh and deep, but I think his gentle nature will prevail.

I’m sure you’re right, love. You usually are.

<><><> 

The next afternoon Loy and Rick drove home from training, talking as usual. In much the same manner as Ken played with Brad’s hand, Loy gently kneaded Rick’s thick, muscled thigh as he drove. After a few minutes, Rick covered Loy’s hand with his own, bringing it up and kissing the back of it.

Loy’s handsome face broke into a smile at the kiss.

Love you, buddy.

Ditto.

Both of them tended to be horny after a good workout and looked forward to getting home and crawling into bed.

Letting go of Loy’s hand, Rick moved his hand under Loy’s t-shirt rubbing the hair on his stomach. After a few seconds, his hand strayed upwards, gently tweaking a nipple and then rubbing his chest.

Fuck Ricky, you’d better stop, or I’m going to have to find someplace to pull over!

Fine with me! I don’t want to wait until we get home. I want you right now.

Rick’s grin was apparent through their connection.

Out of the blue, like a bolt of electricity, a flash of images hit Loy through his Avatar.

Sudden pain and terror threatened to consume him and he reacted quickly, slamming on the brakes and causing the car to slide sideways and screech to a halt. Instinctively, he shielded Rick so he wouldn’t be caught up in whatever was happening, at least until he got it under control.

 

<> 

 

Her flesh was being peeled from her body, slowly and painfully while she screamed and thrashed about. The cruelty harsh and relentless; the pain wouldn’t stop! Why would her human do this to her? Her lack of understanding made her confusion worse, magnifying the trauma.

<>  

Fuck!

Loy?! What’s wrong?!

Oh, God, Ricky! How could anyone do that?

Tears filled Loy’s eyes, and his body tightened in reaction to the rush of emotions and sensations his Avatar pushed into him. Throwing the car into park, he jumped out, nearly stumbling in his haste. Cupping his hands to his mouth, his Avatar bright, Loy shouted his command verbally and mentally across Earth and the spiritual realm.

DOLLY!

An unknown power contested his will, resisting him and holding her spirit to her body.

Now that he had more control Loy shared what was happening with Rick, who jumped out of the car, grabbing Loy to steady him. Rick’s physical and mental support surrounded Loy, helping him deal with what was happening. Dolly’s suffering was unimaginable!

Shit, Rick! She’s in so much pain! Something’s holding her. Help me call her. We have to free her!

I’m with you, Loy! Pull what you need from me!

Loy’s Avatar flared to life, bright and strong, fueled by both of them as he drew from Rick.  Focusing the full force of his will, he shouted again.

DOLLY! Come to me, girl!

As steward of the animal kingdom, her protector, Loy’s will would not be denied, and the tether binding Dolly’s spirit to her body snapped.

They were blocking traffic, and cars behind them started honking their horns.

Fuck, I’ll be right back, Loy. I need to get the car out of the road.

Hopping in the Explorer, Rick quickly pulled it off the road. A man in the first car behind them rolled down his window, yelling, “Get out of the road, you fucking moron!” flipping Rick off as he sped by.

Rick was usually an easy-going guy, but with what Loy was experiencing plus his own empathy over the cruelty of Dolly’s torture, his temper flared. The man’s mind closed, he only looked at the world through the window of his narrow, single-minded existence. The world revolved around him and his needs, and he didn’t have the ability or the desire to see outside of himself, becoming outraged over the simple act of having to slow down a few seconds.

Rick’s Avatar pulsed brightly, and a crack of thunder rolled across the clear sky. Staring at the man as he sped by, Rick’s eyes turned white behind his sunglasses. In the spiritual realm white energy arced from Rick’s shoulder, surrounding the man and quickly disappearing inside him. A stunned look crossed his face, and he shut his mouth as he drove off.

His name was Keith, and most people who knew him considered him an asshole. His humor crass and biting, he was often rude and obnoxious. In his brief encounter with Rick, Keith’s life changed forever, and from that day forth, people he knew hardly recognized him.

Emotional knots within Keith, knots he spent a lifetime building didn’t just unravel, they snapped. With sudden clarity, Keith realized what a jerk he was and how shallow, and from that day onward, he became a different man. For the remainder of his life, he could never explain his life-altering change to anyone, but he was a much better and happier person.

Rick’s encounter with Keith only lasted a few seconds, and he was quickly back with Loy as he anxiously paced along the side of the road.

Is she coming?

I think so. We broke the hold of whatever held her. God, Ricky, I just killed her! It was the only way to free her!

Loy was upset over what he did to free Dolly, and Rick pulled him into a hug.

It’s alright, Loy. It was the only thing you could do. You felt the pain she was in… there was no choice. That’s part of your job now… our job.

Dolly arrived; her spirit invisible in the physical realm.

She’s here.

They sensed her spirit through Loy’s Avatar, and just as he did with the dog Ely, by the light of Loy’s Avatar, Dolly became corporeal.

A beautiful creature in life, her spirit displayed the torture she experienced, and it tore them up to see what had been done to her, and hot tears filled their eyes at the sight of her.

Oh, girl! Who did this to you?

Looking into her mind, Loy saw an image of her owner, the man they met in the accident the day Loy’s Avatar first awakened. In her mind his eyes were black, and his face exhibited an insane glimmer of ecstasy as he tortured her. Her confusion was evident; the man who took care of her and loved her was brutally hurting her. With Rick’s Understanding they knew it wasn’t her owner but someone assuming his guise.

Where’s Burt? Was he with you?

An image of Burt in a cage came to Loy’s mind, terrified by the screaming and odor of blood. Animal corpses were strewn about, and the smell was terrifying.

To Loy, Dolly’s form was corporeal, and his arms went around her neck, hugging her as he opened their energy centers.

Help me, Ricky.

The two men delved into one another, taking solace in each other while sharing their pain, sorrow, and anger over the torture of an innocent creature.  Rick’s arms joined Loy’s around Dolly, and their eyes closed as they pressed their foreheads against her fur.

Strengthened by Rick, white energy arced off Loy’s hands, covering Dolly and restoring her gentle spirit. He couldn’t take away the memories of her suffering yet but through his love, pure and unfiltered, the outward visage of her spirit changed, reflecting the beautiful image of what she looked like whole and healthy.

Nuzzling her face against Loy and then Rick, she hugged them back in her own way. Breathing deeply, they took in her natural scent and smiled now she was whole again.

Can you take me to the place where this happened, girl? To who did this to you? We need to find out what’s going on and put a stop to it. I promise I’ll protect you. I won’t let anything else happen to you.

He saw in her mind that she could, and he also knew she was terrified to go back, trembling at the thought.

It’s alright, girl. You just need to show me, and then you can pass on and be at peace.

Loy continued rubbing Dolly’s neck, and her trembling ceased with his touch. Loy was her steward, and she trusted him implicitly and would obey him.

“Let’s go, Ricky. You drive so I can focus on following her.”

Without the light of Loy’s Avatar Dolly’s physical form vanished but her spirit was visible, clear and bright before him. Shifting his sight, Rick saw her as Loy did in the spiritual realm.

They drove nearly two hours, heading south and then east on I-20. Loy had to call her back a few times because she flew too far ahead. When they were near Augusta, Dolly altered her course, heading across country.

They passed a closed rest stop on the interstate a few miles back, so Rick turned around at the next exit and pulled off, parking behind the abandoned tourist information building to keep their vehicle out of sight. Loy knew he should have checked in with Brad sooner, and was about to do so when another powerful surge of images hit him.  Just as harsh as the images of Dolly, this time it was Burt, and he stumbled to his knees, holding his head.

Fuck! No! We’ll never get to him in time, Rick!

Immersing himself in Loy, Rick shared his lover’s pain, trying to buffer him against it. Furious, Loy shouted out with his mind.

I don’t know who you are, you bastard, but you aren’t hurting another living creature! Burt! Come to me! I release you, buddy! No more pain!

Again there was resistance, but Loy was prepared and steeled his will. His Avatar represented the dominion and stewardship over creatures of the world, and the tethers holding Burt’s spirit to his body snapped with the force of his command.

A whispery voice entered their minds, and along with it a cold presence against their shield.

Ahhhh, you are here… and foolishly just the two of you. The creatures you care for so much served their purpose to bring you here. Before you die, I want you to witness what I am doing to your precious animals. You will weep and feel their torment.

Checking his phone he had no signal, so Loy reached for Brad and knew right away he couldn’t penetrate the barrier surrounding them.

Looking at Rick, he thought: Okay, Rick. Communications are down.

Loy, if we leave there’s no telling how many more animals will die. We don’t know what they’re even dying for. We’ve been training our asses off to fight The Enemy. I say we go in and show them who’s boss.

I was hoping you’d say that.

Burt’s spirit appeared beside Dolly and she moved to him, happy to see her lifelong friend.

Looking at their spirits, the two horses stared back expectantly.

Imprinting the image of the team and the lab in their minds, Loy thought: Find our friends and bring them to help us. Can you do that?

As soon as Loy spoke, the voice screamed. 

Consume those beasts! Do not let them leave!

Six spheres of darkness pierced the veil, appearing around Rick and Loy, quickly growing into vaguely humanoid shapes, immediately going for Dolly and Burt.

Already one, Loy and Rick opened their energy centers, twining them even tighter, and their love and support for one another filled them up. Sensing a resistance they had never encountered before, the two men clung to one another, pushing through whatever tried to keep them apart. Reaching out, Loy searched for nearby animal spirits to draw from, but there were none he could sense. He didn’t think the barrier could affect his Avatar and had a bad feeling about that.

Rick reached for the tree, but he too was blocked.

We’re on our own, Rick. We’ll have to be enough for this.

You’re enough for me, Loy, you always have been.

Taking them back to their bodies, time started moving again, and the emotion and confidence Rick put in Loy lifted him up, and together they shone brighter. Loy let loose with a rope of white fire that ran through the creatures, burning into their blackness and shackling them at the same time.

Dolly! Burt! Run! Find our friends and bring them here! Don’t stop until you reach them!

The two spirits dashed away, unable to be pursued while Loy restrained the creatures. It took everything he had to hold the six beings as they struggled to free themselves.

Their evil was evident, willing participants in what was going on.  They needed to be destroyed, and Loy felt no remorse in killing them. The two men blazed with a white light the dark beings couldn’t stand. Loy relentlessly continued his attack until the creatures burned up and dissipated, their screams fading with their existence.

Dropping to his knees, Loy’s chest heaved from the effort of what he had just done. He drew heavily from Rick, who breathed hard but put an arm around Loy in support even as he looked around for any additional threat.

Rick said, “We need to find someplace to hole up and rest a few minutes. There’s no telling how many more of those things might show up.”

The cold, dark presence of the voice continued pushing against their shields. It wasn’t far from where they were, a few miles at best.

We have to find that thing and destroy it, Ricky. I don’t know what it is, but it’s responsible for the death of hundreds, maybe thousands of innocent creatures. I’m not sure why it’s killing them, but it can’t be for any good reason.

It’s our job, Loy. We’re part of The Order, and it’s what we do.

Recovering quickly, the two men headed in the direction of the presence. Moving forward cautiously, Loy still felt no sign of any animals or animal spirits. As far as his senses could reach with the barrier over them, everything felt wrong. The area was completely void of any animal presence.

Similarly, Rick’s Avatar detected no life around them. Even the grass under their shoes was dead and brittle. Shifting their sight, the surrounding landscape appeared muted, with no signs of life, not even insects or bacteria in the soil.

As they moved closer the presence behind the voice increased, incessantly pushing against their shields, surrounding them and isolating them from any help.

Rick noticed the structure first, as they approached an abandoned water treatment plant. A high chain-link fence, overgrown with weeds and tall grass surrounded the old facility. The fence was in bad shape, with a ‘No Trespassing’ sign hanging by one corner, nearly illegible from rust and dirt.

Loy knew he couldn’t teleport through whatever barrier the malevolent presence kept over the area, but he effortlessly made it to the other side of the fence.

Rick: Showoff.

Backing up about twenty feet, with a running start Rick leapt, easily clearing the top of the fence. Vaulting up, he flipped in a full three-sixty before landing nimbly on his feet.

Now, who’s showing off?

Now they were closer, they felt the presence below them. Looking around the abandoned facility, there were four huge cement holding tanks in the ground, drained of water. Rick noticed deep tire tracks where a large truck backed up to a ramp, most likely from bringing the horses or other large animals in.

Rick caught wind of a strong stench of decay, and his stomach turned when he Understood what it was. Loy picked up on his reaction, and a surge of rage and distress ran through him from the loss of life necessary to create such a strong odor in that large an area.

Rick perceived the tension in Loy; the muscles in his arms, shoulders, and back were tight. Moving to his partner, he put an arm around Loy’s shoulder, giving him a tight squeeze.  Pulling Loy’s head close, Rick kissed his temple.

I’m sorry, Loy. I know what this does to you. I’m here, and we’re going to put a stop to it. I promise.

The brightness in Loy’s eyes from unshed tears for all the animals that died there was heartbreaking.  Echoes and whispers of the violence and death of the place touched Loy through his Avatar. The pain and torture that ravaged the animals and drained their spirits to non-existence were horrendous.

Rick, this thing, whatever it is… it’s strong. It’s fed off the spirits of all these animals. We need to find out if there are any still alive and either free them or release their spirits. If there are any left, they’re either shielded or too weak for me to sense from here. It’s going to be just the two of us.

We’ll be enough, Loy. I told you already, you’re all I need. We’ll have to be enough.

Damn Ricky, I love you so much. You’re all I need, too. You know that. You’re my world.

Pulling them tightly together, Loy merged their minds and souls, strengthening and refreshing them. Neither man realized the adverse effect being in the area already had on them. Even shielded, the constant darkness of the place fought against their nature, dimming their light.

Rick: Let’s head in. It knows we’re here, so there’s no use in trying to hide. If we’re going to make it out of here, we can’t pull any punches or hold back. Anyone or anything it throws at us, willing or controlled, we have to take out with no hesitation. Let’s kick some ass.

The two men approached the large doors on the ground, where the tire tracks converged. A heavy steel chain wrapped around the handle of the doors, secured with a large padlock, served to keep any trespassers out. Twisting the lock in his hands until it popped open, Rick removed the chain, trying to make as little noise as possible. Even though the creature knew they were there, there was little sense advertising their presence to any human servants that might be nearby and alert.

The two men, warriors of The Order, moved down the steps into the darkness, ready to face the evil that awaited them.

<><><> 

The next morning Ken and Brad arrived at the lab early to go over some new training procedures. By 0730 everyone was there except Rick and Loy, which was odd because they were usually the first to arrive. Bryan and Lane were still on R&R, so no one expected to see them.

Officially training didn’t start until 0800, and most of them stayed in the kitchen drinking coffee and talking while they waited. At 0750 Bryan and Lane surprised everyone when they walked in the door.

Happy to see them, everyone gathered in the break room to visit, giving their buddies hugs and fist bumps.

Ken asked them, “What’re you guys doin’ here? I thought you were supposed ‘ta be takin’ it easy?”

Grinning, Lane replied, “Bryan got bored and started cooking, and I’ve been eating nonstop! I need to come in and workout before I get flabby.”

With an innocent look on his face, Bryan shrugged.

“Well, I’m glad you’re here. I’m odd man out for a sparrin’ partner. Bry, you wanna warm up and hit the ring with me?”

Grinning, Bryan stripped off his shirt and headed to the locker room to put on some shorts.

Lane winked at Brad, saying, “Well, pretty boy, it looks like you’re stuck with me. Get ready to get your ass kicked, blondie.”

A few minutes later, Brad, Ken, Lane, and Bryan were paired together.

Ken said, “Alright, let’s get you ladies warmed up.”

Lane and Bryan’s eyes turned white, and a pair of jump ropes appeared in their hands.

Raising an eyebrow, Brad said, “Somebody’s been practicing.”

Brad’s eyes turned white, and ropes appeared in his and Ken’s hands too.

Lane said, “I hope you two made out this morning. It’s going to make this a lot more fun.”

As it turned out Brad and Ken had made out and were both charged up, Ken mentally and Brad physically.

Lane’s eyes turned white again, and his handsome face broke into his usual mischievous grin as power built inside him.

“Ready? Try to keep up!”

Ken and Brad were surprised when the music they heard wasn’t in their minds. A quick dance beat Lane mixed from a few songs he liked filled the area around them.

They started jumping rope to the beat of the song, and every thirty seconds Lane increased the tempo. Glancing at Bryan with a grin and a wink, Ken started an intricate bout of footwork matching the beat. Bryan smirked back and matched his movements. Before the program Bryan had been a champion boxer in the Navy, and his footwork was amazingly intricate.

Brad and Lane joined in, and it became a competition. Their footwork became faster and more elaborate every time Lane picked up the tempo. Kevin, Bill, Pat, and Darren halted their practice, moving over to watch and cheer them on.

Before long Brad and Lane couldn’t keep up and laughing and out of breath, they dropped to the mats. Ken and Bryan continued, their smiles widening as the speed and complexity increased, having such a good time they didn’t want to stop.

It was like a scene out of River Dance on steroids, and their inhuman speed and agility, the fluidity of their muscles, coupled with the perfection of their movements were breathtaking.

Bryan and Ken were drenched in sweat after five minutes but were only getting warmed up, and Bryan added additional rope work on top of the footwork. Ken matched him move for move, and when the music finally stopped they dropped to the mats, breathing heavy but laughing like kids.

Resting on the mats while catching their breath, Bryan looked at Ken with a hint of a grin on his face and said, “Not bad for a girly man.”

Rolling on his shoulders and kicking his legs, Bryan sprang onto his feet and held out a hand to pull Ken up.

Smiling, Ken said, “I’m glad you guys’re here, even if I didn’t need a sparrin’ partner. B and I worked up some new maneuvers we wanna start on this mornin’. Let’s keep warmin’ up for a bit, and then B can download what we came up with.”

At 0800 precisely Brad was just about to reach out to Loy when a loud crash came from the lab, and a voice shouted, “UNHAND ME, YOU BRUTE!”

Instantly defensive, linked, and shielded, they were ready to protect the doctor or Albrecht as they rushed into the lab. Ken was the first one there, and Brad looked through his eyes.

Oh shit! It’s Taliesin!

Completely disheveled, Taliesin looked a mess. His clothes were dirty and wrinkled, his face unshaven, hair greasy, his ponytail, previously kept tight and neat, was a mess. All of the guys smelled him as soon as the doors opened.

Once in the room, they felt the doctor’s shield over Taliesin’s mind while Albrecht forced him to sit in a chair. Taliesin’s hands were bound behind his back, but even so he was an excellent fighter, and Albrecht was careful.

Albrecht said, “Now that you’re here, Tal, relax and stop fighting the compulsion. You know you’ll feel better once you do. You’re already here, so what’s the point in continuing to resist?”

Taliesin perceptibly relaxed, taking a deep breath, and his demeanor changed immediately. Glancing up, he saw the eight large handsome men staring at him, muscled and already sweaty from their workout. Seeing Lane and Bryan among them, a mix of emotions crossed his features. At first surprise, then curiosity, and finally resignation and sorrow.

“Hello, dreamer. I didn’t expect to see you or your lumbering ox of a partner again. I know my plan failed. That rarely happens; you should be proud of yourself.”

Everyone in the room felt the tension in Bryan and Lane as soon as they recognized Taliesin. The light-hearted banter enjoyed only moments before vanished, and all the emotions of their ordeal in Taliesin’s construct rushed to the surface of their minds. It was evident from the look on the doctor’s face he didn’t expect Bryan and Lane to be there.

Bryan’s body, already pumped from his workout, flushed deep red as every muscle tensed. A wave of heat radiated off of him, and everyone heard a low guttural growl come out of him with their ears and their minds. The sound wasn’t human, and it startled them. The pupils of Bryan’s eyes became slitted and before Ken could react Bryan moved forward with a roar, grabbing Taliesin by his throat and lifting him, chair and all, into the air. Bryan slammed him down so hard, the floor tiles cracked with the impact.

On top of him, his face inches from Taliesin’s, Bryan let out another growl. They were all shocked as the sounds coming out of Bryan echoed throughout the building.

Bryan was the protector of the tree and the guardian of the creature under the tree, whom he named Leroy. Leroy’s purpose was to destroy the world and all of creation if or when God called for it. Until that time, Bryan was linked with him. The bond between Lane and Bryan was so powerful that the grief Bryan experienced from Lane’s death affected Leroy even in his slumber. That connection was still fresh, and Bryan wasn’t prepared for the primal anger coursing through him.

Bryan spoke, his voice unnaturally deeper than usual.

“Tell me, little man, why I shouldn’t kill you for what you did!”

Even Lane looked shocked at Bryan’s words. Ken made eye contact with Lane, and his meaning was clear.

I’m giving you the chance to stop him first.

Lane moved over, putting his hands on Bryan’s shoulders, and his body was so tense it was like touching granite.

“Bry! Calm down! You know if you wake up Leroy what’s going to happen! He’s not worth it! I’m here! Look at me! Come back to me, Bry!”

Taliesin took everything in, his clever mind spinning and working.

“You can’t kill me, you lummox! I’m immortal!”

Bryan, breathing slow and deep, looked dazed. At the sound of Lane’s voice he blinked, shaking his head, and his eyes returned to normal.

Looking Taliesin in the eye, he saw the smug look on his face as though he was in total control of the situation. Bryan’s anger twitched again at the impetuous nature of the man in front of him. After everything he put Lane and Bryan through… and for him to sit there with such a look on his face…

Headbutting Taliesin, Bryan shattered his nose.

Taliesin screamed in pain, “You imbecile! You will pay for that!”

Bryan said, “You say I can’t kill you, little man. Maybe I can and maybe I can’t, but I have a better idea. Leroy’s stomach would be a perfect place to hide you away until the end of time. Would you like that? To be digested in the belly of a dragon? Forever? I’m sure you’ll wish you were dead soon enough, fucker.”

Taliesin blanched white as a sheet at the thought, and the smirk left his face.

Bryan stood up, lifting Taliesin with him, and set his chair back down. Everybody stared at him, wide-eyed in shock.

Glancing at his buddies with an innocent look on his face, Bryan shrugged and said, “What?! He pissed me off!”

Leroy’s presence was gone from the link, and they knew Bryan was back in control of himself. He was still angry but not serious about his threat; however, it was apparent Taliesin didn’t realize that. They were still alert, but the extra tension over Bryan’s reaction went away.

Lane’s eyes were on Bryan, but he asked, “Hey, doc, what are you going to do with him?”

“I think Lane, that you and Bryan should decide what to do with him. I will tell you my opinion if you wish to hear it, but I think you are both wise enough to decide how he should pay for what he did to you. That is, as long as Bryan is in his right mind?”

“I’m okay now, doc.”

“I want to talk with you, Bryan, about what just happened when this situation is resolved.”

“Yes, sir.”

Lane interjected, “Alright, guys, I want Bryan and me to be alone with this dirtbag for a few minutes. I mean privately.”

The doctor and Albrecht’s concern, along with the rest of the guys, was clear. Knowing they only had his well-being in mind, it didn’t make him mad. They didn’t think him incapable of dealing with the situation; Taliesin was dangerous, and they cared about him.   

“I appreciate your concern, fellas, but we’ll be fine. Doc, you can let me take over his shield.”

Everyone went back to the gym followed by the doctor and Albrecht, and Lane dropped himself and Bryan out of the link.

Once they were alone, Taliesin’s smirk returned.

Lane, what’re you doing? I can’t read you right now.

“It’s cool, Bry. I’m just being careful.”

Kneeling in front of Taliesin, Lane stared at him, and after a moment reached his hands out, but Taliesin jerked back.

“Relax. I need to set your nose before I heal it. Bryan’s sorry he broke it.”

“No, I’m not.”

Looking over at Bryan, Lane arched an eyebrow.

“Okay, maybe a little.”

“It’s nothing to be proud of Taliesin, but I’ve never seen Bry lose his shit like that. I think once we’ve had our little chat, you might have wanted to take your chances with him.”

“The Order has rules. You cannot torture me.”

Lane opened his and Bryan’s energy centers, merging them deeply. His hands glowing, he sent flows of healing into Taliesin, knitting the bone and cartilage in his nose back together. Taliesin’s eyes widened in surprise; healing was such a rare ability he was impressed, not only that Lane was a healer but how casually he channeled the power.

“I have something else in mind. You see, I had a dream about you.  A few dreams, in fact, and you still have an important role to play in events. There’s something you have to do in order for us to win against The Enemy. I do too, but there’s a problem. The Enemy has been after you for a very long time… actually, they’ve been after what you carry inside you. To keep you alive, I need to make you useless to them.”

Bryan’s stomach knotted when he realized what Lane was about to do.

“Lane, no! Don’t man, please! You don’t know what it’ll do to you!”

“It’s alright, Bry, but get ready. I’m going to need you very badly here in a minute.”

Looking deeply into Taliesin’s eyes, Lane saw he understood at least part of what Lane said.

“Ask me the question.”

Taliesin’s voice trembled at the sudden turn of events. When he saw Bryan alive, his hopes of Lane helping him crumbled. Now, suddenly, everything he longed for was back!

“Do you Lane Weaver, willingly accept the Gift I carry inside me? Will you become the Seer and Oracle of The Order?”

A long drawn out pause followed while Lane stared intensely at Taliesin. He saw so many things; a lifetime of thousands of years, much of it miserable. He decided he felt sorry for Taliesin after all.

“Yes.”

Taliesin convulsed, his back arching as a bright rope of energy erupted from his chest, arcing into Lane. Lane was ready with his energy centers open, but it was still an abrupt transition of power, and he didn’t know what to expect. His unconscious mind put everything together in the last few minutes, otherwise there was no way Bryan or the others would have let him do it.

After The Master sent Lane the dream of their defeat, he knew what he had to do. Even with The Master moving outside time, Lane’s act of free will would create new possibilities for the outcome of the battle.

There was no pain, but Lane became extremely disoriented. Suddenly, multiple versions of Taliesin and Bryan were in the room, echoes of every alternate reality spinning off his own as each decision was made around him, from Bryan to Taliesin to the rest of the team. It was the effect the doctor warned him about. The Gift by itself wasn’t powerful enough to cause such a reaction, but his Avatar complemented it, magnifying it immeasurably, and that was why he had to accept it.

Bry!

Fuck! Lane, why did you do this? I’m here!

Lane’s perceptions went wild and he couldn’t focus, lost in the various realities spiraling around him. His eyes went white and the energies whipped around him, causing a hot wind to blow as he stood at the center of a vortex of new realities cascading from where he stood.

Bryan felt Lane slipping away. Not just his mind and soul but his existence, being drawn apart by the various realities he touched.

You aren’t going anywhere, you fucker! I’m not losing you again!

Bryan’s desperation resounded through the link, and his strong arms wrapped around Lane, squeezing him so tight he could hardly breathe. Their energy centers were already open, and Bryan bound himself to Lane’s heart, mind, and soul.

Those parts of him were just as strong as his body, and he tied himself around Lane like the roots of the tree, with all his might. Bryan’s Avatar exploded as brilliant green life energy from the tree channeled into him, tethering Lane to him even tighter.

Ghostly images of roots formed around them, holding them together, preventing Lane from being pulled away, anchoring Lane to himself and their reality, and forcing them together into one perfect being.

An idea formed in Lane’s unconscious mind.  Lane knew nephilim were spiritual creatures and immortal. Bill’s ordeal with the skull proved their perceptions of time differ from humans. What he planned might take a little time… an eternity that, in reality, would only take a few seconds. Bryan’s actions created a buffer and the pressure in Lane lessened, giving him the control and stability necessary to carry out his plan.

Bry, come with me.

There’s no way in hell I’m letting you go anywhere without me, you little shit! When we’re back and this is over, I’m gonna kick your ass for putting me through this again!

<><> 

Lane and Bryan left their bodies, becoming one ball of light. Just as Brad was able to take Ken across the veil when their souls were combined, Lane took Bryan with him on a temporal pathway. Even though the thought just occurred to him, Lane's plan had been in motion for eons. His mind was now able to understand the paradox of the multiverse and realize how that was even possible.

He didn’t take them forward or backward; he took them sideways to a branch so remote the probability it existed was infinitesimally small. They appeared in the same spot geographically, but the Earth of the side reality was entirely different. The lab didn’t exist there, and they stood in a barren rocky landscape with no buildings or structures in sight. The sky gray and overcast, the air was hot and arid. Lane wasn’t sure what happened, but there was no life on that version of Earth. It was perfect for his plan.

Once there they split apart, taking the semblance of their physical forms. It was just an illusion, but they held hands anyway.

I’m pretty sure The Master has never been here… it’s so far beneath his notice he’s never paid attention to it. We’re pretty far out.

Bryan Understood where they were, and he was in awe of Lane’s accomplishment.

What are we doing here?

Solving a problem.  I hope.

Looking upwards, Lane sent his voice into the heavens, careful to send his voice through the same pathway he took to get them there. He needed the Gabriel of his reality.

Grandfather!

It took a moment, but a ball of light appeared, quickly growing into the form of his angelic grandfather, dressed in his usual gray suit with his dark red hair pulled tight in a ponytail. Lane smiled when their eyes met.

Thanks for coming.

You certainly picked an out of the way place. You are aware of the paradox you will create by this knowledge transfer? If you were bound by our rules this would not be permissible, but I’m sure that was part of the doctor’s intent when he started all this. I think Raphael is right, and you have to be outside our rules to succeed.

I’ll be careful, grandfather, and I understand the risks. Did you bring it?

Holding out his hand, a small box appeared in Gabriel’s palm.

Glancing at Bryan, he thought: Unlock it.

Studying the small ornate box Bryan sensed the wood immediately, and his first reaction was anger that anyone would use even a small piece of the tree for a jewelry box.  On further inspection his Understanding kicked in, and he knew it was necessary to shield whatever was inside from The Enemy.

The box was beautiful, covered in intricate carvings of their Avatars overlaid by a five-sided star, but on further inspection, he realized the patterns weren’t complete. Small gaps in the designs needed to be filled in to finish them.

Pulsing to life, his tattoo and his hands glowed with a soft green light, and the wood grew, filling in the patterns.

At each point of the star was a letter spelling out “I-L-Y-L-B,” and Bryan realized he was the one who made the box… or would make. Grinning at his own cleverness, his mouth widened further into a smile.  No one else in existence could open the box without destroying it.  It would only work if he were the one that said the words, but just as important, the timbre and love in his voice were crucial.  It was magic.

His eyes bright, Bryan looked Lane in the eye and spoke the truth. 

“I love you, Little Buddy.”

With a small pop the box opened, and a tiny blue ball, a memory sphere, lifted out and hovered. Lane motioned with his hand and the ball moved over, disappearing into his forehead. Blinking, his brow furrowed in the cute way Bryan loved while concentrating on writing a song.

Absorbing the sphere, Lane’s mind filled with the knowledge and experience to integrate the Gift with his Avatar. It was a gift to himself from his future self.

Bryan saw the relief in Lane through his body language, and felt his own relief when he Understood Lane was now in control of the Gift and no longer being pulled apart.

Bry, it worked! Hot damn! I was pretty sure it would, but it did! Thank you, grandfather!

I did nothing but keep a family heirloom safe for a time.

When did I give it to you?

You know I cannot answer that, it would cause too many ripples. You will know when the time is right, I assure you. I must get back. Be well, both of you.

Gabriel smiled as he transformed into a ball of light and disappeared.

Bryan hugged Lane, and their bodies disappeared as Lane dropped the illusion, but Bryan still held Lane close inside himself.

I do love you, Little Buddy. More than anything, you little shit. You need to quit scaring me like this. You’re going to make me go gray!

Well, you know that’s not going to happen… but if it did, I think you’d look sexy as hell. Now get ready, I’m taking us back.

<><> 

Returning to their bodies, Taliesin still sat in the chair, barely conscious and recovering from the massive transfer of power. The entire sideways shunt took no time in their reality.

Leaning over, Lane gave him a few gentle taps on his cheek to wake him up.

“Wakey, wakey.”

Bryan and Lane knew right away Taliesin’s mind was closed, and all the powers the Gift bestowed upon him were gone; he was mortal again, and defenseless against the Enemy.

Jerking awake, the emotions running through Taliesin’s mind were an open book to them. Mortal once again, he planned to find a painless way to end his life and be at peace. Viewing his life as a tragedy, filled with pain and loss, he wanted it to end.

“What are you going to do with me? I’m of no use to you now.”

“That’s not true. You’re of immense value, and I’m afraid I can’t let you carry out your plan. You need to stick around a little longer.”

Taliesin’s reaction surprised them. Instead of getting violent or angry, his eyes watered.

“I should have known the grand and mighty Order wouldn’t be done with me. They never truly release their servants, and they will bleed your souls dry as they have mine. Eventually, you will see the truth of my words.”

Taliesin’s emotional state and suffering were evident, and the fact he believed what he said made Lane’s choice uncomfortable.

“I’m sorry, Taliesin… I know you believe what you say, but your experiences with The Order weren’t always bad. You’ve forgotten many years of happiness. Maybe now you’ll have the time or inclination to remember those times and become the man you used to be.”

We can’t tell him anything important, Bry, just in case the Enemy still goes after him. I doubt they will, but we need to protect his mind and set some compulsions to ensure his survival. I don’t like doing that, but we can’t let him kill himself. He has a role to play that will be crucial in The Enemy’s defeat… I can’t see it clearly yet, but he needs to survive.

You’re the boss on this one, Lane. I’ll back whatever decision you make where this guy is concerned.

Lane reinserted himself and Bryan into the link with Brad, Ken, and everyone else. The comfort and presence of their brothers flooded back into them, except Loy and Rick.

Lane: Where are those goofballs?

Ken: I’m not sure, but they’re late, and B can’t reach ‘em. We’re worried.

Brad realized the difference in Lane as soon as he was back in the link.

Brad: Oh, no! Lane! Why did you do that?! The doc said it was dangerous!

The immediate concern of all the guys filled the link, and all of them started in on him, but he interrupted them.

Look, guys, I heard the doc! I get it! But you know the dream I had, and yeah, it was just a possibility, not a certainty, but I’ve had other visions since. It was risky, but I’ve got it under control. We needed this to up our chances against The Master.

Lane shared what he had done, and the complexity and danger of his plan astounded them.

Brad: It could still backfire, Lane. The paradox you created… holy shit! And what about the side effects of the Gift on Taliesin?

Lane: Yeah, but I have an advantage. For one I’m half nephilim, and that alone makes a huge difference. On top of that, the Gift is entirely complementary to my Avatar. Now that it’s settled, it fits like a glove. The combination will let me see and understand things more on my own terms and under my control. I won’t be at the mercy, or at least not as much, of what my Avatar chooses to show me.

Ken: So, what about Taliesin? What’s gonna happen ‘ta him now?

Lane: All I know is that he has to stay alive. His role is vital, although I don’t know how yet. Once I have time to focus, I‘ll try to figure it out, but for now I need your help. We need to shield him so The Enemy can’t get to his mind. If they can’t get to him that way, he’ll no longer be of interest to them. That’s just a precaution … I’m hoping the doc and Albrecht can hide him so They won’t find him.

Ken: Okay, let’s get this done so we can focus on Ricky and Loy. I’m gettin’ a bad feelin’ about them. Lane, Bry, since Loy isn’t here the two of you will have ‘ta power us up. B, the shield is your shindig. Hop to it, ladies!

Their practice and training kicked in, merging together like a well-oiled machine. Listening, Lane channeled the music of creation, while Bryan directed life energy from the tree into them. The two sources filled them, and bright white energy arced and flowed between them. Brad was the focal point and built a wall around Taliesin’s mind to protect him while Lane set compulsions necessary to keep him alive.

As a precaution in case The Enemy made a concerted effort to break through their protections, Brad built safeguards to alert them so they could intervene, and if necessary, teleport him to safety.

Physically exhausted from fighting Albrecht’s compulsion, Taliesin also suffered from the power transfer of the Gift.  His emotional state over not being able to end his life was traumatic, so Brad put him to sleep, hoping to give him peace at least for a short time.

They just finished with Taliesin when Brad, Lane, Darren, and Bill sensed the presence of a spirit enter the lab, so weak it had no discernible form. A split second later, the lab’s alarm system chirped, and a tingle in their gut indicated the presence of The Enemy.

Before Ken could ask, the doctor was already looking at the monitors.

Ken: Guys, do what you can ‘ta protect that spirit! Doc, talk ‘ta me!

Aaron: I am not sure yet, Kenneth. The spirit wards were activated as well as the physical lockdown.

Shifting his sight, the doctor’s eyes turned white. The building disappeared as he looked in the spiritual plane, seeing three dark humanoid shapes at the edge of the wards in the parking lot.

Aaron: They are some form of dark spirit. It seems The Enemy did not wish that spirit to reach us.

Ken: There are only three of ‘em. While we’re still juiced up this should be a cinch. You four send Kev and me outside, and B and Bill come in behind us. Dar, Pat, Lane, and Bry stay here ‘ta protect the spirit, and you’ll be our backup in case anythin’ goes wrong. Stay tight and let’s light ’em up, guys.

It would have been easier with Loy, but Darren took the lead, synchronizing the mentalist’s Avatars. A fraction of a second later, Ken, Brad, Kevin, and Bill stood in the parking lot behind the creatures.

As soon as they appeared, Brad and Ken recognized the entities as lesser nephilim from across the veil! In fact, Brad identified them as part of the band that tried to interfere with rescuing Bill.

Ken said, “You’re too late. The spirit’s under our protection. You shouldn’t have come here. Kev, shut ‘em down. B, Bill, grab ‘em, and find out why they’re here.”

Kevin focused. It was a strain because the creatures were nephilim and there were three of them, but with the backing of his brothers he set his will and shut their powers down, trapping them in the physical realm so they couldn’t flee.

The four men deeply linked, Brad guided the flows among them and white power arced from his hands, trapping the three creatures and holding them immobile. The nephilim were servants of The Enemy, and evil, and screamed in pain from the light he wielded. 

Bill moved forward and, one by one, held out a hand, touching each one, his Avatar glowing brightly as he read them.  As soon as he made contact, everything about each of them became known to Bill.

Bill’s stomach clenched, and he cried out.

“Oh, fuck! Guys!”

Everything about the facility where Loy and Rick were trapped and the reason behind it, all the knowledge and understanding became known to Bill, and through their link, everyone else. The Master was draining thousands of animal spirits into oblivion, taking them out of the cycle of rebirth to give him the power to travel outside of time. The Amalgam he created, the presence Rick and Loy felt, was the focal point of that power and Loy and Rick faced it alone. To top it all off, The Master knew they were there and was on his way to destroy them!

<><> 

In the lab, the spirit was on the brink of fading beyond recovery, and Lane and Darren restored it through the part of their Avatars that came from Loy. As it rejuvenated, they recognized it as the horse, Dolly, from the day of Loy’s first awakening.

By the light of their Avatars, she took on a corporeal form, and looking into her memory they were shocked at what they found; images of her torture, of Loy and Rick fighting a number of those dark creatures, and she and Burt fleeing to try and reach the lab.

Loy’s imprinted command echoed foremost in her mind.

Dolly! Burt! Run! Find our friends and bring them here! Don’t stop until you reach them!

Dolly’s memory showed more creatures pursuing her and Burt, and Burt sacrificing himself so she could reach them. The dark nephilim nearly caught her, coming close enough to drain more of her essence, but in a desperate effort she escaped, making it to the lab seconds before they caught her.

<><><> 

Rick and Loy spent all night working their way through the abandoned facility, uncovering chamber after chamber full of cages. Most were filled with corpses, but occasionally they discovered animals still alive.  

Runes covered the door of each room, masking the presence of the animals from Loy, so they checked room by room, healing any animals still alive.  Those they saved, Loy escorted to the exit, adding a compulsion; if they were pets return to their owners, and if wild, run far away and find a safe place to live.

Rick and Loy kept their souls bound together, and their love for one another kept them going… when exhausted, they rested, refreshing one another, but each healing took more out of them, and they grew weaker as the presence grew stronger.

Encountering half a dozen muscled protectors operating the facility, Rick and Loy killed them. None of The Enemy servants were coerced and while regretting the loss of life, that knowledge made their actions bearable.

I think we fucked up, Ricky. We should have tried to reach the guys earlier.

Maybe Loy, but there’s no way we could have known we’d find this place… and we did try, just too late. We can’t go crying every time we have a suspicion something’s wrong.

I’m not sure we’re going to make it out of here, bud. I’m really getting worn out.

Fuck that thinking, Loy! Keep pulling from me! As much as you need to! I’m tired too, but I have a lot left in me, and so do you. It’s that thing wearing on us again. Come here.

Taking Loy in his arms, Rick held his partner, squeezing tightly. After a minute, his hands roamed over Loy’s back, shoulders, and neck, and the physical contact helped settle them both.

Rick snaked one hand inside Loy’s shirt to the center of his chest and his other hand moved to Loy’s back, and he pressed his hands together. To that day, Rick didn’t know why, but it was one of Loy’s favorite things for him to do. Rick loved doing it because he got to feel Loy’s solid body, but Loy received an indescribable rush from the action.

Loy sighed, and Rick smiled at the sound.

Fuck, Ricky, I love you. Damn, I love it when you do that.

You remember the first time I did this? We had just met, and I was helping you keep good form while you were doing curls in the gym and you popped a boner.

Smiling at the memory, Loy merged them, and like perfect pieces of a puzzle they clicked together. Resting in the intimacy, their auras strengthened, and aside from refreshing them, it reinforced their shield, lessening the emotional pressure and sense of futility. Both had the same thought at the same time and chuckled.

Loy: Really? Here? In the middle of all this?

I think we need to, Loy. I know it’s crazy, but it’ll make us stronger.

You know the guys will never let us live this down if we make it out of here, right?

Hell, it’s another good war story, and you know a good war story makes all the guys hot and bothered.  Fuck, Ken’s already hard and doesn’t even know it yet.

Loy literally laughed out loud at Rick’s comment about Ken because it was probably true.

Still smiling, Rick pulled Loy’s shirt off.  The facility hot and humid, they were both sweaty and the sight of Loy’s bare torso, his muscles shining in the dim light, lit a fire in Rick. Taking a deep breath, he inhaled Loy’s musky scent, the smell of his lover, and got hard right away. Stripping off his own shirt revealed Rick’s muscular body, and their eyes met, glinting with growing lust, knowing what they did to one another.

Dropping their shorts, they stood chest to chest. Putting his arms around Rick’s heavy shoulders Loy jumped, wrapping his legs around Rick’s waist. Rick’s arms flexed as he caught Loy’s full weight effortlessly.

What followed certainly was an act of love, but with Loy’s Avatar their lovemaking often took on a primal aspect.  Their coupling was rough, and they sweated even more as they flexed and strained together, their movements hard and powerful. In the dark place they were in, and in the spiritual realm, they shone like the core of the sun as they held each other, their grips tight, expressing their emotions.

After each of them came, fully empowered, Loy’s feet dropped to the floor.  Their sweaty foreheads touching, they smiled while catching their breath, not needing words to express their feelings for each other.  They were one and more than the sum of their individual selves, naked to one another in every way imaginable.

The pressure against their shields lessened as they became more potent, and they both felt physically and emotionally better after the release. With the brief respite, as they rested together, Loy heard a whimper in the back of his mind.

Ricky! Just down the hall! Let’s go!

Quickly dressing, only stopping for a brief kiss and a smile as their eyes met, they carefully moved down the hall.  Rick’s enhanced hearing picked up the sound through a heavy metal door, barred and covered in runes.  Many of the symbols were smoking and partially incinerated by the powerful aura they generated during their lovemaking.

Damn Ricky, I should have thought of that earlier.

Well, with the shield that thing has over this place, it might not have worked. I’m sure these were affected because we were so close. That, and we were hot as hell.

Grinning at his comment, they were both still wound up, and if not for the severity of the situation could easily go at it again.

True, but it would have been worth a shot.

Rick’s eyes rolled at Loy’s overused pun. Regardless of how it happened, their spirits lifted, and they felt more optimistic about their chances. Loy held out his hand, and Rick took it. Breathing deeply, they brought their souls together again for a brief instant, and their light burned the remaining runes to ash. As soon as the runes were gone Loy became aware of the animals in the room.

Opening the door and going inside, the smell of urine and feces was almost overpowering, especially to Rick.  In the dim light, Loy made out a large cage against the back wall, with four pairs of eyes shining back at him. They were wolves, and Rick saw dried blood on their muzzles.

Highly intelligent, without the runes they were aware of their steward, no longer afraid and looking at him expectantly. Rick snapped the lock with his hands, and the wolves moved into the room, weak and hungry but otherwise healthy.

The look in their eyes was clear.

We are a part of your pack now, steward, and we’re coming with you.

Looking into their memories Loy saw them viciously fighting protectors. One of the protectors killed a pack member and then, in turn, the protector was killed by the presence. After, the remaining wolves were locked up and left to starve.

Loy’s conflict over the wolves was apparent.

What’s wrong, Loy?

We should lead them out like the others, but my gut tells me to keep them with us. They’re in much better shape than most of the animals we’ve come across, and they’re great fighters, but I’m afraid they’ll die if they stay with us.

This is their fight as much as ours, Loy. I know we’re supposed to protect them, but we could use the help. Any friends in this place are a good thing, right?

Letting out a heavy sigh, Loy thought: Alright.

Looking directly at the alpha, Loy held his gaze.

You can come with us but stay back. Don’t attack anything unless we attack first.

Loy’s command was more a matter of will, but they heard his words, understanding them, and would abide by his direction. Continuing down the hall led them to another set of steps leading down. The presence was more substantial there; it was close. The first room they came to was a makeshift kitchen for the protectors that kept the place running, empty now that Rick and Loy had killed them.

I don’t think the thing running this place cared about the human servants. To it they were disposable, and it probably got a kick out of us taking them out.

The kitchen was mostly empty, but it had a refrigerator and running water. Looking in the cabinets, Rick found a stash of protein bars, an odd assortment of snacks, and the fridge was full of bottled water.  Neither man had eaten in almost twenty-four hours and were ravenous, devouring most of the protein bars.  Loy filled the sink with water for the wolves and fed them what was safe for them to eat.

After resting to give the food and water time to settle into their systems, they continued down the hallway. Rick, Loy, and the wolves all felt better with something in their stomachs.

The temperature dropped as they moved down the last set of stairs. In the colder air the heat of their bodies quickly dried their sweaty clothing, and they would have been cold if not for their extra body heat.

The hallway long and dark, occasional dim lights set in the walls near the ceiling illuminated the way. The presence lay directly ahead, very close. Its darkness pushed, constant and unyielding, against their shields. The wolves emitted low guttural growls, and Loy commanded them again to stay behind him and Rick.

The whispery voice spoke in their minds.

So… you come to confront me. You will find your death here.

An odd light flickered from an open doorway farther down the hall. Whatever they were about to face was in that room. Hand in hand Rick and Loy moved forward, ready to face it.

I love you, Ricky. There’s no one I’d rather have by my side or in my soul than the man standing here with me.

Squeezing Loy’s hand, Rick leaned over to press their heads together in a show of affection. The look in Rick’s eyes conveyed everything Loy needed to know, reinforcing the emotion and love they shared as one. Strengthening their shield, glowing brighter, the two men brought their light to bear in the presence of The Enemy.

Moving into the room cautiously, the wolves followed, fanning out behind them, their ferocity and protectiveness apparent. With fangs bared and hackles high, low guttural growls came from deep inside their chests.

The creature was unlike anything either of them had ever seen or imagined. It wasn’t a living creature; it was an Amalgam made from thousands of animal spirits filling a harness crafted of armored plates and linked runes. The shape of the harness gave it a vague wolf-like quadrupedal form, and it stood on four paws, looking at them. It didn’t have eyes, only a glow from holes in the armor where its eyes should be.

Looking closer, Rick and Loy saw the animal spirits swirling, contained in the armor. Loy ached over the loss of so many animals, drained and taken out of the cycle of life. His anger stirred at the affront and the sky overhead darkened as thunder rumbled in response to his emotion.

My existence angers you, no? Am I an affront to you? Good… I wish you to feel the same pain and suffering as these wretched creatures before I take you as well.

Rick moved behind Loy, wrapping his arms tightly around his partner, supporting him physically and spiritually.

I’m ready, Loy.

Crouching aggressively, the Amalgam let out a challenging roar. When its jaws opened, black, smoky tendrils belched forth like thick ropes striking their shield. White light flared as the powers clashed, and Rick and Loy felt the impact. lightning and thunder ripped through the skies overhead, reflecting the confrontation.

The creature repeatedly struck their shields, trying to break through. The strain was incredible, and after only a few minutes Rick and Loy were both drenched in sweat, their chests heaving with the effort of maintaining their defense.

We have to figure some way to go on the offensive, or we’re not gonna make it!

Even as Loy formed his thought, the four wolves attacked. The Amalgam consisted of spirits, but the harness gave it a physical form that could be damaged.

Loy yelled, “No! Get away! You’ll die!”

As their steward the wolves should have obeyed him, but their overriding need to protect him took precedence over his command, and he couldn’t spare the energy to compel them. Ferocious in their attack, they gave no heed to their own safety or well-being, intending to save him and Rick even if it cost them their lives.

Gnashing and biting at the harness with their teeth, the wolves instinctively knew which links were weakest, but they were worldly creatures against a magical construct of enormous power. Shrugging its massive form, the Amalgam knocked the attackers away, and there were yelps of pain as their bodies slammed against the concrete walls.

Anger flared in Loy and Rick at the sight of the lifeless corpse of one of the wolves. The other three, despite their pain, attacked again. Loy and Rick sensed a lessening of pressure against their shield as the Amalgam focused on the corpse, and Loy realized it intended to capture and drain the spirit of the dead wolf.

Steeling his will, Loy commanded the spirit of the wolf, shouting, “No! Come to me!”

The Amalgam howled in rage as its hold on the spirit failed. The spirit gave Loy its strength, emptying itself before he could stop it, and tears filled his eyes at the sacrifice it made for them.

Over the next few minutes the other three wolves died in the same manner, and Loy commanded their spirits to come to him rather than be consumed by the creature. The same as the first wolf, they gave their essence to Loy, fading out of existence.

The alpha was the last to die, and as its spirit came to Loy, it took on a corporeal form by the light of his Avatar. Making eye contact, through the tears streaming down his face, Loy saw peace in its eyes. There was no fear or blame, only love and acceptance, unconditional, and its contentment washed through him as it gave him the last of its strength.

Loy and Rick, angry at the situation and need for the sacrifices, also realized the strength the wolves gave them allowed them to survive and continue the fight.   

As their spirits became a part of him, Loy realized they managed to weaken a few of the metal links on the harness.

Looking at the harness, Rick Understood which links were the most damaged, as well as how the harness was crafted and which link would be most effective to break first.

Using the part of his Avatar from Darren, Loy reached out with his mind, latching onto the most damaged link, twisting it with all his strength. The effort was incredible, but after a moment the metal stretched and the links popped apart.

A small flare of light appeared as energy spit out, leaking from the tear between the runes. The damage was minor, but it was something, and the Amalgam howled its rage.

That is of no consequence! You will tire long before I do, and I will consume you!

They knew it spoke the truth. They were exhausted, and even though its power was weakening, Loy was on the floor leaning against Rick, who could barely hold them up.

However, defeat wasn’t in their nature, and they couldn’t let their brothers or The Order down. They wouldn’t give up!

Minutes stretched into what seemed like hours as they held on beyond any endurance they thought they had. Their love and fierce protectiveness for each other were the only things keeping them alive. Each a defense for the other, they reached deeper into themselves than they thought possible.  Somehow, they were enough.

The attacks against them became weaker as the creature’s essence drained, but their shield was about to break. Each blow painful to their bodies, minds, and souls, drenched in sweat, the two men clung to one another in desperation, knowing any second the black tendrils would break through and finish them.

Unexpectedly, a new voice entered their minds.

You have done well.

They knew the voice from Lane’s dream, and the cold, dark presence of The Master brushed against their failing shield.  He was close. The Amalgam’s attacks stopped as soon as The Master spoke, giving them a slight reprieve.

Oh, fuck, Ricky! Not Him! Not now!

Their lungs burning with each heaving breath, neither of them had ever felt so drained or tired. It hurt to breathe. It hurt to be alive. They were so depleted their mental voices were barely audible to each other, and they knew The Master’s presence meant they were done for.

I love you, Ricky.

I love you too, Loy. At least we’re together. We made a good go of it, buddy.

I’m sorry, Rick, I guess I wasn’t enough.

Fuck that, Loy. Don’t even go there.

We can’t let him kill us, Rick. At least I can prevent that so we can die clean and of our own free will.

With what little strength he had left, Rick hugged Loy, pressing his cheek against his lover, and Loy pushed back as much as he was able.

I guess we’ll see each other on the other side. We’re immortal. I wish we had talked to the doc more about what that really means.

Little late now, don’t you think?

Asshole.

They didn’t have the energy to smile but still laughed in their minds at their banter. Even if they met their end, at least they were together, and that mattered. As Loy prepared to end their lives, footsteps echoed in the hallway. The sound of dress shoes against wet, gritty concrete resounded in the tunnel just outside the room. The Master’s presence, the same as in Lane’s dream, brought a cold sensation to their already weary souls. He was there, gathering his power to strike them down.

Even as Loy took a deep breath, bracing himself for what he had to do, music touched the back of their minds. At first, so quiet they weren’t sure it was real, by the end of the first bar it was loud and filling the entire facility.

The Master heard it too, and he hesitated a brief second to assess what was happening. That fraction of a second was all the guys needed.

Hello Darkness my old friend…

 The sound of Lane’s voice brought unexpected relief, filling them with the strength and presence of their brothers. White light erupted around them, bolstering their shield and forming a wall between them and their Enemy, and the tears in their eyes changed from resignation of their deaths to unimaginable relief.

Lane’s voice filled the area, echoing in their minds and hearts and the dark soul of the Master. The scene was surreal. The Amalgam stood still, its light dimming as the energy that gave it life leaked out into the room. The Master stood in the hallway mere feet from the door, and Lane’s voice singing Simon and Garfunkel’s ‘The Sound of Silence’ filled the facility.

The footsteps stopped.

Brad: Hey, fellas.

Ken: You two fuckers aren’t goin’ anywhere. Now get up and kick that thing's ass!

Loy: Shit guys, are we glad to hear you. That was a little too close for comfort!

Ken: We got your backs! But we’re gettin’ you outta there pronto. We aren’t ready for a confrontation with you know who just yet.

With renewed strength, Rick picked them both up off the floor.

Let’s destroy that thing once and for all, Loy.

Their grip on each other tightened along with their minds and souls, and they delved into their brothers and each other. Inhaling one another, they relished the love between them and their brothers who just pulled their asses out of the fire.

When they stood up the Amalgam snarled, whipping around and attacking with all its remaining power. White light arced from Loy’s hands, striking the creature and tearing it apart, dissipating it. The harness fell to the floor with a loud clang, now empty of spirits. Without the Amalgam’s shield to protect it, the dark runes turned to ash in the presence of their light.

Rage radiated from The Master over the destruction of his servant.

You will pay for that!

The Master’s anger hit their shield, and if Loy and Rick weren’t backed by their brothers, his attack would have killed them. However, they were together, as only they could be, and along with their brothers, they were enough.

Ken’s voice filled the room: I guess you won’t be toodlin’ outside ‘a time so much now, will you? Yeah, I’d be pissed too. Sorry about that, asshole.

Loy and Rick vanished, pulled out by Darren and the others, and in their place a small ball of light appeared. Bobbing through the doorway and into the hall it stopped, hovering in front of The Master.

The Master hesitated, but after a brief second reached out and took it. The vision Lane sent included alternate realities where the Master lay defeated and the Enemy decimated. He knew they were possibilities, like the one he sent Lane. When he traveled outside time to find the vision he sent Lane, there was only one timeline in which he was defeated. Something changed, and there were now more. What had they done?

Lane’s voice entered his mind along with the visions.

Two can play at that game, fucker.

Even at such a great distance, his cold anger touched them. 

<><><> 

 The eight men holding hands formed a circle, as a bright stream of power flowed through and around them.  Their eyes shone white, and their Avatars were like stars on their muscled shoulders, spitting off colorful tendrils of energy.  A hot wind blew around them, moving the hair on their heads and bodies.

Loy and Rick appeared in the center of their circle, surrounded by their brothers and the white power they wielded.  Dirty and grimy, the wind soothed their sweaty skin.  Lane and Bryan altered the flows, and all the scrapes, cuts, and bruises on Loy and Rick vanished, refreshing them.

Emotional relief hit them along with the support of everyone; sympathy and comfort for the loss they experienced, pride for the fight they put up, fear of almost losing them, and even chastisement for getting into the mess they found themselves in without letting someone know sooner.

Rick and Loy breathed a heavy sigh of relief as they came to grips with it all. The abrupt transition from preparing to die to being saved was traumatic. As they held one another, glad to be alive and going over everything in their minds, they laughed at the thought that popped into their heads at the same time.

Really, Lane? Simon and Garfunkel?

Lane’s impish grin appeared on his handsome face.

Hey! You gotta admit the words were perfect! How about next time I’ll take a little longer and come up with something original? I’m sure The Master wouldn’t mind waiting!

Getting off the floor, Loy and Rick grabbed Lane first.

We love you, man. You’re special, and we don’t mean short bus special.

Shaking their heads with broad smiles on their faces, the look in their eyes expressed the feelings behind their words. Ken, Brad, and the rest of the team moved forward, embracing them. Once again, they overcame The Enemy by standing together.

They all laughed as they heard the doctor say, “I am getting too old for this!” 

<><><>  

That night after making love, while Ken and Brad rested in bed caressing and holding one another, Brad sensed worry in Ken.

What’s wrong, Ken?

A slight pause followed before Ken responded.

Thanks, B.

For what?

For askin’ what’s wrong instead of just lookin’. I know how easy it’d be for you.

We aren’t that deep right now. If we were, I couldn’t help but see it, unless you tried to hide it. The way we are right now it would be like spying, and I’d never do that to you.

We’ve come a long way, B. You remember when I told ‘ya the hardest part about adjustin’ to your new abilities would be learnin’ restraint?

Yeah, I remember that night. Fun times!

They laughed at the memories of their earlier struggles.

Well, I’d say you learned it well.

So, you still haven’t answered my question. What’s wrong?

It’s nothin’ specific… just a feelin’. Against The Master’s flunkies we kick ass. It’d take a major mistake on our part ‘ta get taken by any of them now, or we’d have ‘ta be mobbed. I wonder how many of them we could take on as a group if it came to it?

Brad knew Ken was thinking about Lane’s dream.

That’s not what’s bothering you.

Looking at Brad, Ken smiled and reaching out, he cupped his lover’s face, bringing them together for a kiss. After they separated Brad repositioned himself, resting his head on Ken’s chest.

We have The Master’s attention now, maybe sooner than we should have. We’ve managed ‘ta piss him off, and we need ‘ta step up our game. It’s not that we’ve done anythin’ wrong. In fact, I’m happy with the progress we’ve made in our trainin’ and how far the guys, you and me included, have come. He’s always known we’re a threat, but now he knows we have a chance of winnin’ this fight, and he’s gonna come after us. A direct confrontation isn’t his style unless he’s sure he can win. He’s gonna try and whittle us down, wear us down, any way he can. He’ll try ‘ta separate us like he did with Loy and Rick. We have ‘ta be ready for anythin’ he’s gonna throw at us. I think it’s about ‘ta get ugly.

His plan with Rick and Loy almost worked. That was too close.

Yeah, but we can’t blame them. They did what we’ve been trainin’ ‘ta do. Technically they should have contacted you sooner, but at the same time I understand why they didn’t. But that’s what I’m talkin’ about… we need ‘ta be more cautious than ever. We have ‘ta be smart. Things are escalatin’. I can feel it.

On one hand I wish things would slow down. So much has changed in the last year, it seems like it’s been longer than that, but at the same time the sooner this confrontation is over, assuming we win, the better off the world will be.

I wish I could believe that, B. We’ve got a decision ‘ta make. Once we win, what then? Do we step back and let humanity stumble forward on their own? Or do we try to lead them to a better place? And if we choose ‘ta do that, how would we do it? We should talk ‘ta the doc and Albrecht about this. I’m sure they’ve already thought this through. The doc’s been taking a hands-off approach lately, and while I appreciate that, I wish he’d stay more involved. He has so much experience it’s daunting.

You know that’s why right? He wants us to grow on our own and not follow him.

I know, but….

You know he always has a reason. I think I understand why.

Ken grinned.

Are you holdin’ out on me?

The Order and The Enemy have been fighting for so long it’s crazy. Instead of things being balanced between the two sides, it’s mostly been one or the other in control. There’s a final confrontation coming we’re a part of. We’re random, Ken. Gabriel told Lane the rules don’t apply to us… we’re a bridge between the two worlds, and we can bring them back together. I think the doc sees himself as part of the old world that wasn’t successful in winning the fight. He created us, but he feels if he has too much influence on us, we won’t be able to win. He doesn’t want to hold us back.

Damn.

He’s also doing it because he loves us. As our father, he wants us to grow up and be independent.

But he still has so much ‘ta teach us.

If you think about it, Ken, he hasn’t shown us all that much lately. After our last two awakenings, he’s pulled back from actively teaching us anything. Now he’s more of a guide and a moral compass, but only if we seek him out and ask him things. I’m so glad Albrecht is back in his life. He’ll always have us, but by pulling back and not being so involved he would have been so lonely.

If Albrecht wasn’t around, we wouldn’t let him pull back.

Ken, can you imagine being together for thousands of years?

Not yet, but it’s a good thing I like you, otherwise it would seem like a really long time.

Douche.

Grinning, Ken pulled Brad up and kissed him again.

Brad’s hand moved down and found Ken already hard. Wrapping his hand around Ken’s solid shaft, he started stroking him slowly but firmly.

All this smart talk outta you got me hard again. Sorry, I can’t help it.

Well, if things ever get really boring, I know how to start your engine.

Just bein’ with you keeps my engine runnin’, B. You’re the hottest, sexiest, most handsome man in the entire world ‘ta me.

Kissing Ken’s chest, Brad slowly worked his way down until he took Ken in his mouth.

Ken pulled back enough to spin Brad around into a sixty-nine, and his eyes turned white as he started their physical connection. After twenty years together, each man knew what the other liked and did their best to pleasure the other. Taking their time, there was no hurry; the goal was to make each other feel good.

After a while, Brad opened their other energy centers, merging them. The colors of their eyes mixed and the love they held for one another, in one another, filled them up. Their bodies reacted as their souls blended, and everything between them intensified.  The light between them brightened as they took in the essence of each other.

Once they got each other off, Ken pulled Brad back up into a tight embrace and they hugged, neither wanting to separate. They stayed like that for hours, their bodies relaxed, their minds, hearts, and souls one.

Brad’s unconscious mind kept them together and they fell asleep that way, a light shining for miles around their home in the spiritual realm. The love they felt for one another emanated like a gentle wave, touching the hearts and minds of humans around them. That night there were no bad dreams or nightmares, and anyone who felt their light experienced a subtle feeling of things the way they were supposed to be.