The Order

Prelude to Chapter Nineteen

Alternate Earth

 Assuming the corporeal form he used to sire Orophir, Luke addressed his nephilim offspring. He had to admit Orophir was a handsome creature. He also admitted it was vanity on his part to think so. Still young for a nephilim, and petty as most of them seemed to be, Orophir showed potential, already proving useful in introducing forbidden knowledge to The Master throughout various realities.

Luke’s plan was well underway, and Orophir would play a significant role in the next part.

Are you prepared?

Yes, father. I made the objects as instructed and passed the ones on to The Master you specified.  I will wield the last one myself to face those in The Order.

Be sure and use the amulet to full effect. If you do, none of them can stand against you. Without it, you will be overmatched. Remember, you must be careful and not kill the dreamer. He must call for help. Once the Dragon is in play, our success is all but guaranteed.

Surely, they cannot be that powerful? They are half-breeds!

Do not be an arrogant fool! Do as I have instructed, or we will not succeed. Also remember, your identity must remain secret. I take significant risk involving you, but if we are successful thousands of realities will unravel, and in the chaos that ensues, I will assert my dominion. Michael and the others will be so busy facing the fallout they will have no time to focus on me until it is too late.

And your promise to me? I will sit at your side?

Yes. You will be second only to me. I will merge all your incarnations into one, and no one will be able to oppose you. Do as I have instructed and all this will come to pass.

I will await your call.

When his father vanished, Orophir’s hand went to the amulet around his neck, listening to the music in it and feeling its power. The runes taught him by his father were devastatingly powerful and once thoroughly mastered, he might even be his father’s equal.

Even with that thought, Orophir held no desire to overthrow his father or become a rival. His ambition was simply wanting a place among his peers, and the thought of usurping and replacing his father never crossed his mind.

The only thing he truly desired from Luke was love and acceptance, yet every time they met, Orophir parted with a cold, empty feeling in his heart.  It seemed the one thing he needed and desired above all else he would never have; the love and acceptance of a father towards his son.

  

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Chapter Nineteen

Near their breaking point, the eight men merely tried to survive.  Hunted and driven into hiding by an Enemy they knew nothing about, the doctor was taken from them before revealing anything about their antagonist or what they were involved in.

After staging their deaths with the doctor’s help, the men, as couples, made it to the United States and the new lab, and for years lived their lives according to the doctor’s plan. Then, one day without warning, they were attacked. Ken and the others always thought the lab a haven, impregnable, but they were wrong. Ken prayed the doctor still lived, but no one had seen or heard from him since he was taken the day of the attack.

The events of that day were etched in Ken’s mind and heart forever. It was the day Brad was shot down in front of him, the day his heart was ripped from his chest. Lane died in the same fight, sacrificing himself so the rest of them could escape.

Their SEAL training allowed those left alive to escape and go into hiding, but every day was a struggle. The Enemy, whoever or whatever they were, was relentless, always managing to discover their location no matter how careful they were. None of them understood how their movements were tracked, but if they stayed in one place longer than a few days, The Enemy found them. Unable to let their guard down, Ken and the guys stayed on the move non-stop, exhausted mentally and physically.

The things they did to survive… Ken never thought himself capable of such things; none of them did. In the quiet moments of the night, in his deepest thoughts, he wondered if it was worth it. It would be easier to stop fighting and give up, but something in him wouldn’t allow it, a nagging conviction he couldn’t fathom and didn’t understand. He had no idea where it came from, but when his thoughts turned dark, a strange feeling would come over him that wouldn’t let him give up. He hated it, but it was too strong to ignore no matter how hard he tried.

Ken would never let himself be taken by The Enemy, whoever they were, and vowed eventually to find a way to kill himself in hopes of reuniting with Brad in Heaven. Once he figured out how to keep the guys safe with a semblance of normal lives, he would go be with his best friend and lover, but until that time he resolved to stay strong no matter the cost to himself.

Most recently he was worried about Bryan, who was sinking further and further into a dark place. Ken wasn’t in much better shape but forced himself, sometimes minute by minute, to shove the darkness away, or at least hold it at bay so he could function for the sake of everyone else. He had to, to keep them alive. He was their leader, their Captain; they were his brothers, and he couldn’t let them down.

Fuck B, I miss you so much. I always thought we’d be together. I still love you, you know, more than I ever thought I could. One day we’ll be together again, but for now, I need ‘ta keep these yahoos alive. I can’t give up yet, man.  I hope you understand that, but every day without you, I die a little more. It hurts, B. It hurts bad. Fuck, I wish you were here.

Lost in his private thoughts, Ken heard someone softly snoring. After listening carefully, he knew it was Loy from the cadence of his breathing. Kevin was on watch, and Ken saw him periodically as he silently made his way around the house they were in.

Unable to sleep, Bryan sniffed, trying to cover his emotions, but it was clear to Ken’s exceptional hearing. It was a familiar sound he made all too often when trying to sleep, and memories of Lane haunted him.

Moving to Bryan, Ken knelt beside his buddy. It was too warm for blankets, and Bryan was sweating. The electricity in the house wasn’t turned on, but even if it was they wouldn’t run the air conditioner to avoid suspicion. In the moonlight, Bryan’s skin looked silvery from the light sheen of sweat coating his body. Bright tears reflecting the moonlight shone on his cheeks.

Reaching out, Ken put a hand on Bryan’s shoulder giving him a squeeze of comfort. At a loss for words, he didn’t know what to say anymore. He felt the same as Bryan… the hole in him when Brad died was a void that set him adrift, and Bryan felt the same without Lane. Bryan was so stoic and independent Ken never knew what was going on behind the handsome, stony visage he wore these days. Recently Ken noticed cracks in his behavior, and he was worried for his brother and what it might mean to the rest of the guys if Bryan lost it.

Bryan’s voice was so faint Ken barely heard him, even with his heightened hearing.

“Fuck, I miss him, Ken. The little shit’s singing in my head.”

“I know, Bry. Brad’s still in me too, especially at night. When I close my eyes, he’s right there.”

“Fucker had these songs he’d sing to me. Called them his ‘Bryan’s List.’ Sometimes it was cheesy shit, but they were songs that meant something to him about me or us. Why’d the fucker go and get himself killed?”

“Try not ‘ta think about it, Bry. I know it's hard, man. I get it. It’s hard for me, too. I know you don’t wanna forget shit like that, but right now it’s gonna get you, or one of us, killed. We need ‘ta suck it up ‘til we figure out how ‘ta survive and fight back. I need you with us. All the guys do.”

Sniffing, Bryan wiped his face with the back of his brawny forearm. Taking a deep breath to try and center himself, his breath caught on the first try, but after a few deep breaths he seemed calmer.

Patting Bryan’s chest, Ken said, “Atta boy. Now get some rest. We need ‘ta stay sharp.”

Rolling over, Bryan tucked one big arm under his head and closed his eyes, but in his mind, no matter how hard he tried to shut it out, Lane still sang to him. 

<><>  

Managing to doze off, Ken had only been asleep a few minutes when Kevin touched his arm, and he was instantly alert. It was the light touch they used to wake one another, and as soon as Kevin’s three fingers touched Ken’s arm, he knew not to make any noise.

Holding a finger to his lips to indicate silence, he followed with the signal for danger.  Ken nodded, and Kevin continued waking everyone up. Immediately alert, everyone readied what weapons they had and started packing their meager belongings.

Once they left the lab, running for their lives, they hadn’t been able to return, literally leaving with the clothes on their backs.  Trying to go back to their houses, they found them under surveillance, so rather than risk a confrontation with an Enemy they knew nothing about, they went into hiding.

As soon as possible, Darren tapped into a few of the doctor’s smaller bank accounts before they were blocked.  Withdrawing what he could, he started his own stealth accounts to keep them afloat as far as food, clothing, and some firearms, but they didn’t have any of the gear they needed to survive.

Kevin led Ken to a window in the front of the house, indicating one target to the left. A black Escalade sat parked half a block down. The house they hid in was under construction but nearly finished. With the housing market in Atlanta still severely depressed, it sat unfinished and made a good rabbit hole to hide in for a day or two.

Gathering their meager belongings, they were ready to exit when another three vehicles quietly pulled up to the curb with their headlights off.

The last encounter with their unknown Enemy went badly. New agents showed up that were abnormally strong and fast. They didn’t have Ken's or the other bodies' physical density, but they were far too strong for Bill, Loy, or Darren to take on. The last time there had also been another man, very well dressed, and they had no idea how he did it, but he fucked with their minds.

None of them were prepared for anything like that, but once again, their training saved them. Using their empathic abilities, Darren, Bill, and Loy focused on the man with everything they had, trying to induce fear. It didn’t exactly work, but it stopped his attack long enough to put a bullet in his head, and they escaped with no one getting hurt.

Taking a peek through a small slit in the blinds, Ken’s blood ran cold. At least ten of the big muscled guys and three of the ‘suits' got out of the cars. They weren’t prepared for that. It took everything Bill, Darren, and Loy had to stalemate one of those guys the first time.

Giving the hand signals to Kevin to pass on to everyone else what he saw, the plan was to kill the well-dressed men first and then high-tail it out of there.

Suddenly, a split second before giving the order to fire, Ken couldn’t move. None of them could, and a voice filled his mind.

This is it. We finally have you cornered, and you can’t escape. We will get great pleasure in your suffering as you watch your teammates die in front of you. Finally, The Order will be obliterated from this world, and The Master will reign undisputed. Mankind will be ours at last.

Ken had no idea what the guy was talking about. What was The Order, and who was The Master?

Laughing at his confusion, the voice continued: I see! Typical of the doctor to leave you in the dark, not knowing who you are or what you were supposed to be.  It would have been nicer if you knew more so the significance of your deaths would be apparent, but your annihilation will be no less sweet. We will finally be rid of your stench and rule as we are destined to.

Helpless, Ken sweated with the effort of trying to force his muscles to move, and a cold wave of fear ran deep in his gut… he didn’t want any of his buddies to suffer. They didn’t deserve that. He loved them like brothers and would gladly die for them. He felt like he failed them.

You did. You failed them utterly. Prepare to watch them die one by one in front of you. I’m saving you for last.

Take me, you bastard, and let them go! They don’t deserve that!

That’s where you’re wrong. You all deserve to die. You can thank your precious doctor for that. You are abominations. I will take great pleasure in letting him know you are all dead.

You have him!? He’s alive!? Tell me where he is, you fucker!

The only reply was laughter and a cold feeling of dread as they were about to die.

<> 

Frozen and unable to move, Bryan quietly said, “Fuck me! What the hell?”

Ken couldn’t turn to look.

Light filled his peripheral vision, and he knew something was happening but had no idea what. He assumed it was The Enemy, and things were about to end.  Ken’s eyes watered in anger and frustration at being caught in a trap, and fear for what was about to befall his teammates.

<> 

Crouched on the floor and incapable of moving, Bryan listened to the conversation between Ken and whoever spoke in their minds. The fact it was in their heads was frightening enough, but the malice and evil behind the words were terrifying. Bracing himself for the end, Bryan hoped it would be quick.

I love you, Little Buddy. Guess I’ll be seeing you soon.

A few feet from Bryan, two balls of light appeared in the air, hovering and bobbing gently. Breathtakingly beautiful, the orbs emitted a golden light, radiating a warmth like nothing he had ever felt, literally touching his soul. After the emptiness in his heart since Lane died, it was painfully sweet and his breath caught as his eyes teared up.

The orbs rapidly coalesced into the forms of two men, and Bryan’s heart leapt in his chest when he recognized one of them as Lane and the other as Brad.

The Kevlar assault gear they wore looked much more advanced than the suits the doctor designed for them.

“Fuck me! What the hell?”

Brad and Lane assessed the situation in a fraction of a second.  The Enemy surrounded the house, and the guys were held immobile by a ‘suit.’ Unable to mask their auras, they knew the well-dressed men outside would sense them as soon as they raised any significant power.

Brad: Looks like we got here just in time.

Lane: Fuck!  I hate cutting it this close. They’re already freaked out by the mental shit going on. Seeing you and me is going to really blow their minds.

Brad: Okay, we need to take out the agents. They can’t report back to anyone we’re here. I’ll block the ‘suits.’ We’re both charged up enough to handle the protectors. I’ll keep a lock on the guys until the fight is over. I don’t know how they’ll react to us, and I don’t want any of them getting hurt.

Lane: Alright, Brad. We need some fighting music. Airwolf or S.W.A.T?

Brad: I’ll take Robert Urich over Jan-Michael Vincent any day. And Steve Forrest too! WOOF!

Lane: You slut. Does Ken know about that little fantasy?

Brad: He thinks the same thing I do, so don’t even go there.

Lane: Okay, time to rock and roll. You set?

Brad: Let’s go.

Suddenly, the theme from the old TV show S.W.A.T. started playing in the air around them. None of the guys had a clue where the cheesy 70’s theme show was broadcast from, but the song filled the house.

Reaching out, Brad roughly grabbed the minds of the three well-dressed men.

Alright, fuckers! It’s time to show you who you’re dealing with.

Fear and confusion filled the three ‘suits’ as Brad shattered their shields and took over their minds, while at the same time keeping a lock on Ken and the others. The ‘suits’ were astounded at how powerful he was, and even more by the light he wielded.

Lane: You’re such a showoff.

Brad: How about we show them together. Let’s light them up!

Taking Brad’s hand, they merged, becoming one.  Their breath caught at the sudden emotional intimacy, just as profound between them as brothers as it was between their soulmates, different but just as potent. The purity of their souls shone through, and Brad amped up their auras until the ‘suits’ turned to ash, their darkness obliterated by the light in Brad and Lane.

From everything they had been told, their targets were on their last leg and unable to fight back. Unprepared for any retaliation, the protectors didn’t know what to make of what was happening, but fear of failure kept the leader from calling their mission and retreating.

Pointing to two of his men, he said, “You two, leave now. Make sure The Master knows what just happened and send backup. The rest of you, with me.”

His plan was to surround the house and pin Ken and the others down until backup arrived.

Lane waited until the two protectors ordered to go for backup were in their car before he knocked them out with a compulsion.

Brad and Lane could have locked down the remaining protectors with their minds but didn’t, wanting Ken and the others to see them fight and know The Enemy could be beaten.

Lane replaced their current plan with a compulsion to charge headlong into the house.

Grinning, he shouted in their minds: Come on, you fuckers!

Lane and Brad were physically charged up from making love to their Bryan and Ken before performing the ritual that shunted them sideways to the alternate reality. After their collective dream, they quickly gathered, and with the doctor’s input formulated a plan.

Lane and Brad were the only two he felt could safely make the journey because their counterparts were dead… or mostly dead as they hoped to find. The doctor was adamant the entire team shouldn’t go, or the strain on the alternate reality would be too extreme.

Once they found and restored their counterparts, the doctor was confident they could stay for a short while without causing any severe ripples. He was afraid if all of them went the disruption would be more like a tidal wave and upset the fabric of that reality, unraveling it.

On their own world, when Lane died in Taliesin’s construct, Uriel was unable to convey his soul to Heaven because it wasn’t intact. They were banking on the same situation, hoping the souls of their counterparts were in some type of limbo, or perhaps even in Uriel’s keeping.

The plan was to recover their bodies, revive them, and then awaken the entire team at the same time. If they accomplished that task, the doctor was certain events would cascade and flow back into what they should have been all along, a few minor changes notwithstanding.

There was something significant about that particular reality in the multiverse; events were severely out of balance and needed to be put back on track. They didn’t know how or why it was so important, but it was. After the shared dream they knew it to be so, and correcting events there was a keystone in their overall fight against The Enemy and defeating The Master in their own reality.

The fight lasted just over three minutes. Lane and Brad, still physically charged up, were more than a match for the protectors. Their strength, coupled with their training, allowed them to wipe the floor with their attackers while hardly breaking a sweat.

The thump of the last protector hitting the floor coincided with the final beat of the music. Brad and Lane were under orders to take absolutely no chances and kill when necessary. The fate of both realities depended on their success, and they couldn’t afford to be gentle. They didn’t like it but promised Ken; he and Bryan were unhappy enough they couldn’t accompany their partners and wanted to ensure their safety and success as much as possible.

To be sure, Brad and Lane scanned the protectors, and none of them were coerced into servitude. The two in the car weren’t either, so they felt no remorse for killing them.

Surveying the scene around them, Brad took a deep breath.

Now for the hard part.

God, Brad, look at them. They’re barely holding it together.

Compassion filled Brad and Lane for the ragtag group of men around them; the faces they knew so well, yet just saw for the first time. They couldn’t imagine how hard it had been for them to survive, isolated and hunted by a supernatural Enemy without any of the abilities they had become used to.

Brad released his hold over them, and Ken and the others found themselves able to move again. It was clear Ken and Bryan were on the edge of breaking down over their appearance and hanging on by a thread.

Staring intently at Brad, Ken asked, “B? Is it really you? … How?”

Ken’s voice cracked as his throat tightened, and hot tears filled his eyes. His chest felt like it was about to burst.

Bryan rushed to Lane, ready to sweep him up in a bear hug, but stopped as soon as he got a good look at Lane’s face. Lane’s eyes were the same, but his face was older. All the guys from Brad and Lane’s reality aged slightly during the last process that activated their nephilim heritage, and while the age variance wasn’t much, there was a discernible difference.

Shaking, Bryan fell to his knees in defeat. The sadness in his voice crushed Lane’s heart.

“Fucker. You ain’t him.”

Kneeling in front of Bryan, his voice filled with compassion, Lane gripped Bryan’s heavy shoulders.

Loud enough for everyone to hear, Lane said, “I am Lane, you big goof, I’m just not your Lane. I’m here to get him back for you.”

Ken looked questioningly at Brad, who nodded, saying, “I’m sorry, Ken, but I’m not your Brad either. I know how much pain you guys are in. I’m not sure you realize why it’s been so hard for you and Bryan, but we can explain everything.”

Ken shut down, compartmentalizing his pain, having no choice if he wanted to survive. His heart beat so strongly in his chest Brad saw veins bounding in his neck. Floundering, he tried to pull himself together and be the leader and keep everyone safe.

In the last few minutes he mentally prepared for himself and his buddies to die, and then the world he thought lost forever was back, only to be ripped away again.  His heart and mind reeling, in his already exhausted state, the emotional rollercoaster was too much to take.

Looking at their brothers, Brad and Lane were shocked at their haggard expressions and the state of their minds. On their last leg, the smiles and happiness they were so familiar with were absent, replaced by exhaustion and fear.

Loud and clear, Brad said, “Loy, Rick… there are two unconscious protectors in one of the Escalades outside. Bring them in without being seen, and we’ll need to get rid of the bodies and other vehicles.”

Looking at all of them, he continued, “I understand how confusing all this must seem, and I know we need to talk. We’re here to help you and set things right, but we need to get to a safe spot first after we clean up this mess.”

Loy and Rick looked at Ken and got no response.

Rick asked, “Ken?” and got no answer.

He said more sharply, “Ken!”

Slowly, Ken turned to face him with a blank look on his face.

“Are those your orders?”

Ken’s nod of affirmation was barely noticeable. A concerned look passed between Rick and Loy, but they left to perform their task.

Taking a deep breath, Ken said, “Pat, Dar, Bill, and Kev… get rid of the other vehicles. Everybody meet at the back entrance to Little Mulberry Park in the second picnic area on the long hiking trail in three hours.” 

<><> 

While the guys left to perform their tasks, Brad and Lane stayed with Ken and Bryan. The two big men remained silent, not trusting themselves to speak, and Brad and Lane were having difficulty seeing their partners' counterparts so emotionally distressed. Shaking badly, Ken kept avoiding Brad’s gaze.

After a long uncomfortable silence, Brad finally said, “Ken… I know how hard this is for you.”

Ken shot back, “You have no fuckin’ idea!”

Actually, I do, and it’s killing me seeing you like this.

Ken’s eyes widened when he realized Brad’s voice was in his mind.

What the fuck!?

I promise, Ken, we’ll explain everything. There’s nothing I want more than for you to have what I have at home with my Ken. I’m here to make that happen. I know this is painful, but I have some questions for you. It would be easier if I could read your mind, but I won’t do that without your permission. You’ll feel me there, and I don’t want to cause you any more discomfort.

Is this how you took care of those ‘suits’ so easily?

It is.

How the fuck can you be in my head? How can you do this?

Those guys gave us some trouble the first few times we met them, but now they’re a piece of cake for the most part. I don’t know how events went so horribly wrong here, but Lane and I are here to fix things. You’ll be amazed at what all of you will be able to do if we manage to set things back on course.

Fuck me. I want ‘ta hold you so bad I can hardly stand it. I’ve missed you… him… so much... I feel like a part of me is missin’.

That’s part of the problem Ken… I’m guessing the doctor was taken before he told you what he really did to you when you joined the program. I don’t know exactly how different things are here... That’s another reason I want to link with you so I can find out. I imagine Lane and Bryan are having this same conversation in their heads too.

Glancing into the next room, he saw Bryan holding Lane’s hand tightly in his own, crying. Lane cried too but managed a grin and a wink, letting Brad know he was alright.

Fuck, I don’t know what ‘ta make of this.

Please trust me, Ken.

Ken’s hand trembled when Brad reached out and took it. His own body reacting, a cold tightness gripped his chest, an ache for what Ken was going through. Under his Kevlar, Brad’s Avatar glowed as his compassion for Ken and the others shone through. His empathy for them was almost overwhelming, and he had to tone it down before it got out of control.

B… fuck… Brad… I don’t know how you can be here. I’m not sure this isn’t some final trick of those guys who are after us.

It’s not a trick, Ken. If you let me link with you, I’ll prove it. I promise not to go deeper than you can handle. We’ll only share memories… we won’t merge completely. I don’t think I could take that either.

A warmth washed over Brad’s soul, and looking back, Lane’s eyes were white as he looked through Bryan’s memories.

Ken’s eyes widened again.

What the hell is that?

That’s what you should feel all the time with your Brad. That’s part of what I want for you once your Brad is back.  Not just you and him, but all the guys.

Okay, do it.

Brad’s presence wrapped around Ken, a balm to his soul, and the same warmth coming from Bryan and Lane became a part of him, but vastly stronger. The sudden immersion broke the dam holding back his emotions, and he collapsed, wracked with sobs.

Brad’s impossibly strong arms encircled him, holding him tight from behind and comforting him in all the ways he missed. Memories fired off, and Brad’s hands and body against his were the final straw against his meager defenses.

Holding Ken, Brad gently brushed the hair off his forehead, kissing the top of his head as he rocked him, giving him time to get a hold of himself.

Missing everything about Brad - his eyes, smile, touch, friendship - the embodiment of his lover wasn’t just back in front of him, but in his mind, drowning him in every aspect he loved about his partner, and Ken was overwhelmed.

While holding Ken, Brad read his memories back to the beginning of the program. There were a lot of minor inconsistencies, but only a few extreme divergent paths.

For the first time since Brad died Ken let himself relax, leaning his head on Brad’s shoulder, content to live the brief fantasy he was with his lover again. Allowing himself to be held and comforted, he knew in the back of his mind it wasn’t his Brad. Grabbing the hands holding him, he clung with desperate strength, and if Brad wasn’t physically charged up, Ken would have broken his hands.

Even after Brad got what he needed, he continued holding Ken. Brad didn’t make his own memories available; he and Lane needed to be careful with how much they shared. In their reality, it took years to come into their abilities, and in the last two years their development became highly accelerated. He hoped the maturation process of their counterparts was still ongoing even without the doctor’s influence.

Brad and Lane agreed they would hold off on awakening them until they figured out how to bring their Lane and Brad back, and the group was whole again. Their Avatars were too tightly bound together, and the partners dependent on one another, to risk an imbalance.

The last thing Brad did was compel Ken to sleep, and he sent a quick thought to Lane to do the same with Bryan. Emotionally and physically exhausted, they needed the rest, and even though it was only a few hours, their bodies would soak it up.

<><><> 

Hours later, they regrouped at Little Mulberry Park, which closed at sunset but wasn’t patrolled. Ken and Bryan seemed rested and alert, and it didn’t go unnoticed by the others.

They sat, gathered around one of the large covered gazebos with a big picnic table. The picnic tables would break under their heavier weight, so Ken, Bryan, Kevin, Rick, and Pat sat on the ground.

Starting the conversation, Ken asked, “First off, does anyone have anythin’ ‘ta report? Any troubles? No sign ’a bein’ followed?”

They all shook their heads in the negative.

“Alright, guys, it’s time for some answers. I believe these two are who they say they are. I know that’s hard ‘ta swallow, but I trust ‘em. Somethin’ happened after you left that made me believe.”

Turning to Brad and Lane, he asked, “Will you do that again with all of us together? They need ‘ta feel it just as much as I did.”

Nodding, Brad sent his thoughts into their minds.

Don’t panic, guys, this will be natural for you soon enough if we’re successful here.

Surprised, they felt his presence and heard his voice in their minds. Lane was with them as well, and their eyes widened, bright at the sudden feeling of the two friends they had missed so much and never expected to see again. Massive confusion mixed in with all the other emotions running through them.

Lane: Yeah, it’s pretty fucking awesome, right? It only gets better from here, fellas. Hold onto your hats, and don’t run screaming like little girls.

His comment brought smiles to their faces, and even a few tears. Their Lane used to say that all the time on missions and his mischievous grin reinforced memories of their lost brother. To not only see Lane in front of them but to feel his presence was a feeling they weren’t prepared for.

Brad: The first thing we’re going to do is link with you on the surface of your minds… once you’re awake, you’ll fully merge with your partners and each other, and it will be like nothing you’ve ever imagined. It will enrich your lives like you can’t believe. It will also be the source of a lot of your strength. You’ll need it in the fight you’re in, to protect and support one another.

Nodding to Lane, Brad clasped his hand and the two men delved into one another, their eyes turning white.  The sudden immersion took their breath away, and their souls swam in a sea of golden light. Their capacity to love as unfallen men, coupled with the purity of their souls and nephilim heritage was a potent combination, and the profound intimacy was so pure it was almost painful. 

Deep within their hearts time nearly stood still, and they rested in one another, refreshing themselves and bracing each other for what was about to happen.  Taking them back up, Brad gently brought their lost brothers into the link.

The mental aspect of their nature, although latent, was already a part of them, so it was a shock on many levels to not only feel each other but the presence of Lane and Brad. Tears filled their eyes, and their hands instinctively reached for one another.

Reading their minds was painful, not because of the brokenness still residing within them, but seeing the suffering and hardship of their lives over the last years, and the pain of losing their Brad and Lane. There was no reciprocation or sharing of memories or knowledge, but Brad and Lane let their light shine on the men, giving them a glimpse of what was to come.  Through the link, Ken, Bryan, and the rest of the guys felt the truth of who they were and the support they were there to give.

Lane and Brad were also reminded of how far they had come since their own awakenings.  The minds of their lost brothers were barely starting to open, still in the state all humans reside where lies, deceptions, and petty jealousies abound. If anything, it made Brad love them even more, remembering them that way. They were good men, much better than most, but still human at that point with everything that entailed.

Brad: Guys, I’m sorry this is going to seem so rushed. Our awakening was rough and not planned by the doctor in the way it happened. Ken and I almost died. At least we can spare you that part, but once we figure this out we have to get you up and running as quickly as possible. I have an idea on that, but it will have to wait until we have your Brad and Lane back as well as the doctor and Albrecht.

None of them had ever heard of Albrecht and had no idea who he was, and their curiosity was evident through the link.

Lane: We’ll explain later, but he’s a friend and the doc’s partner.  He’s extremely powerful and will be crucial in training you.

The information came quickly, and Brad and Lane were well aware of the mixed emotions at the mention of the doctor and their confusion about them coming from an alternate reality.

Brad: The doc could explain this much better than I can, but the theory is that there are an infinite number of alternate realities, and every choice or decision spins off another one. Events cause ripples, and the further away you get from the point of origin, the more diverse things get. We don’t know why but your reality is at the opposite end of a decision tree from ours, and it’s somehow gotten off track. For us to have any chance of winning our fight against The Master, we need to fix things here.

Lane: It’s confusing as shit, guys, so don’t worry about the details. You’ll know everything you need to before we leave.

Brad: We need to find someplace safe to hole up for a while.

Ken: We have ‘ta keep movin’. If we stay in any place for more than a few days, they always manage ‘ta find us.

Brad: Yeah, they’re scrying you. Lane and I are already blocking that. I’ve felt their attempts a few times tonight. We need to get the doctor back, and I’m not sure what shape he will be in. Ken, I read in your memory earlier tonight where that agent said the doctor was alive. He might have been lying out of cruelty, but if he wasn’t and the doctor is their prisoner, there’s no telling what condition he’ll be in.

Ken: Do you have any suggestions on a place to hole up?

Lane: I say we hide in plain sight… the lab is the last place they’ll look for us. If the building is still intact, it’ll have everything we need in the short term. We can resupply once we’re there and safe. 

<><><>  

A few hours later, crouched and hidden, they were in the bushes at the edge of the lab parking lot. The business housed in the front side of the facility was closed, and the building looked abandoned.

An oppressive force pushed against their shields as soon as they arrived in the parking lot.

Lane: runes?

Brad: That’s my guess… and lots of them. Man, it would be nice to have enough juice between us to power up one or two of the major runes from the book.

Lane: I doubt they’ll be ready for that kind of power for a while, even after their first awakening.

Brad: In the meantime, let’s burn these mothers up and get inside.

Looking at Ken, Brad gave him the signal to stay put and out of sight and then moved forward with Lane, stopping at the door. Clasping their hands together the two men glowed softly, and the same feeling of warmth flowed over Ken and the others. Ken let out a quiet, “Fuck me!” when markings covering the building appeared as they burned up. Bryan, Kevin, Rick, and Patrick, with their enhanced sight, saw it clearly in the dim moonlight. The door panel still had power, and Lane’s security code seemed to work, but the door wouldn’t open.

Fuck! They put a binding on the door. If we break it, they’ll know.

Okay, then we go in the hard way. It’s going to suck with just you and me, but we can power up and take our time. Let’s get Darren, Loy, and Bill in first so they can recon the facility.

Through the part of their Avatars that came from Loy, they reached out for any small animals living in the building. As expected, there were mice in the kitchen area, and looking through the eyes of the small creatures confirmed the lab was abandoned.

Ken and the others briefly panicked when Lane and Brad vanished, but less than a second later, Brad’s voice entered Ken’s mind.

It’s alright, Ken, we’re inside. There’s a binding on the door, and if we break it The Enemy will know, so we’re going to bring you all in a different way.

Looking around the building they called home, it was completely ransacked, with bloodstains still on the floor where Brad and Lane died. A thick coat of dust and cobwebs covered everything. A cardboard container from Long John Silver’s still sat on the doctor’s desk where he had been eating when everything went down. A profound sense of violation hit them over what had been done to the place they thought was a refuge and impregnable.

Lane: Alright, fellas, we’re going to bring you through one at a time; Loy, Bill, and Darren first. Ken, with you and the others we’ll have to go a little slower. Your fat asses wear us out with your extra weight.

Before any of them could even phrase a question, Loy vanished.

It’s okay, guys; we have him.

Bill and Darren disappeared one right after the other.

Bryan said, “Fuck me, Ken. What the hell? Will we be doing shit like this?”

“I don’t know, Bry. They’re bein’ tight-lipped as far as that goes. After talkin’ with B… I mean Brad, I understand their need ‘ta be careful. There are differences here versus where they come from so they don’t wanna say too much and mislead us, but I trust ‘em. I don’t know what woulda happened ‘ta us if they hadn’t shown up. I think we’d be dead.”

Ken, you’re next, and then we’ll have to wait a few minutes between the rest of you to catch our breath.

No, I’ll go last. I need ‘ta be sure everyone else is safe first.

Lane’s eyes turned white, and looking upwards, he sent his soul out into creation. Listening, the music filled him, and he wove a net of power for himself and Brad so it wouldn’t dissipate too quickly and they wouldn’t be as exhausted by each teleport. While calling nearby animal spirits for additional strength, the same thought occurred to each of them, wishing their own Ken and Bryan were there to draw power from the tree.

Darren, Loy, and Bill were startled by the bright flash in the darkness, and to them, Lane and Brad shone so brightly they had to shield their eyes. Ghostly images of animals swam through the air around them, and much to his delight many of the spirits moved through and around Loy. A few tried to nuzzle against him, causing a warm sensation on his skin where they touched or passed through his body, but without his awakened Avatar he didn’t feel them physically.

Brad and Lane looked at one another with relief.

Brad: Well, that’s a good sign.

Lane grinned at the startled expressions on their faces.

It’s all good, fellas, and we’ll explain what you saw in a minute. It’s great you saw that; it means you’re further along than we thought. And Loy, buddy, you haven’t seen anything yet.

Merging, Lane and Brad teleported Bryan to them. It took a few minutes, and by the time everyone was in they were exhausted and sweating. With everyone safely inside, Lane and Brad stripped off their outer Kevlar jackets to cool off. Their tattoos showed clearly on the ball of their muscled shoulders and didn’t go unnoticed.

After a short rest they set their own runes, covering the facility to ward against The Enemy as much as they could. After such an expenditure of power, they needed to take a break and decided it was a good time to explain more to their lost brothers. 

<><> 

Ken called everyone into the conference room. The power in the building was still on, and the room brightly lit. The entire facility had been trashed, but Brad said they would resupply in the morning. The room was dusty and unkempt, the chairs turned over, and a few even broken. In the short time they had been there Loy, and Bill cleaned up the room as best they could and set the chairs upright.

As they settled in, Brad looked at them, so familiar yet different. They were still younger, and their eyes and faces expressed their exhaustion. Looking at their energy flows, it was clear how soul weary they were. The constant stress of running prevented them from eating healthy, and they were thinner than he was used to seeing them.

Through his Avatar, with everything Brad saw, an overwhelming sense of pride on their behalf burned deep within him. They survived against all odds, pitted against a supernatural Enemy they were not equipped to deal with. He was surprised more of them weren’t killed. Even though he didn’t know them, he loved them; he couldn’t help it.

Ken stood at the lectern looking every inch their leader, and nodding to Brad and Lane, he said, “Okay, first off… thank you. If you two hadn’t shown up when you did, we’d be toast. It’s still hard ‘ta believe everythin’, but we’ve known for a while there was more goin’ on than we knew. We just didn’t know what, and you bein’ here is proof of that. I understand your reluctance ‘ta tell us everythin’ but tell us what you can. We aren’t here ‘ta be led like sheep. This is our fight, and it looks like you’re here ‘ta get us back in the game.”

Brad said, “The doctor…” he looked at Lane and nodded, “our doctor, put together something for you. It’s a crash course on the multiverse and how things work. You didn’t have a chance to realize just how great a man he is. He’s been fighting The Enemy longer than you can imagine. The information he prepared isn’t about you or the changes we’re trying to help with, its general information that will help explain more pieces of the puzzle for you.”

Holding out his hand, Brad’s forehead creased slightly as he concentrated, and a small ball of light appeared, hovering over his palm. His eyes turned white, and the ball separated into eight spheres.

Don’t be afraid. These are memories spheres.  They hold information to help explain a few things. It’s not like merging, so you will only feel a slight warmth as it goes into you. It’s a trick the doc and Albrecht taught us, and it saves a lot of time.

Anxious looks appeared when the balls floated over, hovering in front of their foreheads. A few of them nearly went cross-eyed as they tracked the spheres right up to the point where they entered their foreheads. It only took a second, and their expressions changed. Nearly all of them let out a ‘fuck me’ or an ‘oh shit.’

The look in their eyes changed immediately; for the first time since they lost their friends and were hunted, they had reliable Intel and allies they trusted.  They were also getting a glimpse into what they were involved in.

Taking a deep breath, Ken gripped the lectern so tight the muscles in his arms danced, and his eyes contained an optimism not present a minute ago.

“Okay, ladies. Let that soak in, and then we’ll have a Q&A with B2 here.”

Brad grinned at the nickname, knowing his own Ken would get a kick out of it.

Looking at his brothers, Ken searched their faces but didn’t see any questions.

Taking another deep breath, he continued, “Alright, what’s the next part of your plan?”

“Rescuing the doctor.”

Ken’s eyebrows rose, and he said, “But we don’t know where they’re keepin’ him. If we did, we’d have run a SpecOps mission a long time ago.”

“I know. Lane and I have an idea on how to find him, but we’re going to wait until tomorrow to try our plan. There’s something we need to talk to you about first, and we need to get this place re-supplied so we can hole up here comfortably.”

Moving to the side of the lectern, Ken motioned for Brad to take his spot.

Brad blushed and Lane smirked, knowing the topic Brad was about to cover.

Seeing their expectant looks, Brad jumped right in, saying, “Normally, this is something the doc would discuss with you. My Ken and I discovered this on our own, and it got the ball rolling for us.”

Pausing a brief second to collect his thoughts, with a red face he continued.

“So, I know you’re aware of the energy boost you three get,” he nodded to Loy, Bill, and Darren, “when you make out with your partners. We discovered a technique that Rick, Kevin, and Pat can use that makes the effect much stronger and last longer.”

Indicating Bryan and Ken, he said, “Lane and I want to have a private conversation with you two about it.

“Basically, it’s a pairing of your nervous systems, so you share the physical experiences and sensations of one another. It’s not like the linking we’ve already done; it’s on a purely physical level. It’s pretty over the top once you get the hang of it. And I mean hold onto your hats; the sex between you is going to take on a whole new intensity.”

Lane spoke up, “You noticed when Brad and I showed up, we kicked the asses of those protectors. Once you get this trick down, they’ll be much easier to deal with. Hopefully, when the doc is back the ‘suits’ won’t be a big deal either, but in the meantime, once you get the hang of it your mental abilities will start waking up.”

Once again Brad’s eyes flashed white, and he sent the knowledge of how to merge their nervous systems to Kevin, Pat, and Rick.

With a grin and a wink, Brad continued, “I know everybody’s beat. Let’s all turn in and get a good night’s rest. We warded the building, so there’s no need to keep watch tonight. I know you all have more questions, but I think we’ve covered enough for now.”

Ken spoke up, “Alright, ladies, get some shut-eye. Dismissed.”

Bryan and Ken stayed at the conference table while the couples went to the various rooms they picked to sleep in. Knowing the guys, Brad and Lane expected to feel a strengthening of their auras anytime. They both had knowing grins on their faces, remembering when they first learned that trick and how much their libidos went into overdrive once they mastered the technique.

Looking at Ken and Bryan, Brad took a deep breath, and his tattoo glowed softly when he spoke.

“Look, guys. I really do know how hard it’s been for you, and with Lane and me showing up, it’s even harder. We had this talk with our Ken and Bryan back home, and the doctor. The doc assured us that genetically you two are compatible with our versions, but as couples, we decided sleeping with you wasn’t an option. I hope you’re alright with that, but that being said there’s something we’d like to ask, and I hope you’ll be alright with it.”

Ken and Bryan actually looked relieved. Bryan replied before Ken, “Look fuckers, we’re glad you’re here, but as soon as I looked into your eyes, I knew you weren’t my Lane. If you can get my Little Buddy back for me, I’ll owe you… fuck, there isn’t a word for what I’ll owe you. But if you can, I’d be cheating on him if I made out with you. I think Ken feels the same.”

“Yeah, I do, Bry, thanks. So, what’s this favor you mentioned?”

Lane continued, “Well, we agreed we wouldn’t make out with you, but we still need the strength boost while we’re here. It’s safer for you guys and us, so we need you to jack off for us and put it in a cup. Brad and Ken had to do that in our world at one point, so we know it works. The doc showed me how to make the serum Brad used, so I can make a bunch of shots at one time and keep them in the fridge.”

Grinning for the first time since their arrival, Bryan said, “If jerking a few loads is what it takes to get my Lane back, I can deal with that. You need me to do it now or in the morning?”

Brad and Lane chuckled, and Lane said, “In the morning would be great. We’ll need the boost to resupply this place. It’s going to take quite a few hops to get all the food and gear we’ll need.”

<><><> 

As expected, strong auras came from the rooms the couples slept in. Ken and Bryan couldn’t feel it yet, and Brad and Lane regretted their isolation. It also increased their own feelings of being away from their partners.

The next morning Brad and Lane injected themselves with the serum Lane made. They were dubious at first since the guys in that reality weren’t awake yet, but the doctor was confident the changes in themselves were what mattered. He was right as usual.

Once everyone was up, it was evident from the grins on their faces that the three couples made love nearly all night. Lane played the chorus from Addicted to Love by Robert Palmer in the kitchen, and everybody got a laugh out of it. The guys were all surprised to see bags of various biscuits, hash browns, and gallons of sweet iced tea on the kitchen counter. Lane and Brad teleported out early in the morning to get the food.

They left with strict instructions for one particular room to remain unobstructed and unoccupied at all times. Their lives depended on no one or nothing being in that space so they could teleport safely there.

Mid-morning, Brad’s voice entered their minds.

Okay, guys, we’re going to start sending things through. Everybody get to the back corner room so you can clear stuff out as it arrives.

Over the next half hour, box after box of supplies appeared. They had no idea where or how Brad and Lane acquired the weapons and gear and didn’t ask any questions. Huge grins covered their faces at the Kevlar suits and weaponry, and Bryan’s eyes lit up at all the groceries.

Lane assured Bryan that food was not going to be a problem and to cook to his heart’s content. They needed to be in top shape for what was to come, and even though the mentalists didn’t have their metabolisms accelerated yet, the bodies required lots of food.

When Bryan smiled at all the groceries, Lane ruffled his hair, not thinking anything about it. He realized his mistake when Bryan’s breath caught, and he choked.

“Fuck, Bryan, I’m sorry.”

Bryan looked dazed, and when their eyes finally met they were both crying. Lane couldn’t stand seeing the other version of his lover in such pain, and he pulled Bryan against him in a tight hug.

Whispering in Bryan’s ear, he said, “It’s okay, man. I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking. I swear he’ll be back soon, one way or another.”

Bryan only nodded, unable to talk, and Lane rubbed his back until he got himself under control.

Lane knew Bryan was okay when he sniffed and said, “Thanks, fucker.”

Grinning at one another, Lane left to find Brad.

Exhausted by the time they finished, Brad and Lane gave themselves another shot to replenish their strength, and Ken expressed his concern at how hard they were pushing themselves.

“Guys, you need to catch some shut-eye. Grab a few hours’ sleep at least before you do anythin’ else. You need ‘ta be sharp for the doc in case your plan works.”

They couldn’t argue and knew Ken was right, so they napped until early evening. Nothing was said when Brad and Lane went into the same room and shut the door.

Working so closely with the alternate versions of their partners took an emotional toll on them, and they sought comfort in one another. Stripping down they crawled in bed, with Brad spooning Lane. It wasn’t sexual, but they needed the intimacy. Their souls became one, and they fell asleep in one another.

When they woke up, Lane hung shit on Brad for poking him in the back with his piss hard-on and laughingly said next time he would spoon Brad as payback.

<><><> 

Albrecht was in a foul mood. The leash the last remaining leaders of The Order kept on him chaffed at him, Charisa in particular. He wanted to be out hunting The Enemy, but they kept him close, not allowing him revenge against those who took Aaron.

To make matters worse, Taliesin grated on his nerves more than ever. Since Charisa summoned him, he had been petulant and rebellious, and Albrecht was under strict orders to keep an eye on him. The Gift he carried could not fall into the hands of The Enemy.

He dreamed much of late, which always put him in a foul mood.  Curious over Taliesin’s inability to interpret his recent dreams, for once he could tell the brat was telling the truth. Taliesin felt frustrated; he prided himself on his cleverness and intelligence, and the fact that he wasn’t able to figure out a puzzle ate at him.

Albrecht’s mental defenses activated when a light from an unfamiliar mind touched his. It wasn’t an attack, but he heard a voice.

Albrecht? Please, I have to talk to you. I’m a friend of The Order, but not from here. I don’t trust your leaders with the knowledge of my presence. I know you can hear me. My intent is to free the doctor, and I need your help.

Albrecht didn’t respond.

Albrecht, please. This isn’t a trick. The doctor is crucial to saving The Order. He needs to finish his work on the project, and I’m here to help him and restore the balance.

Tense and alert in case it was a trap, he sensed no evil in the mind that spoke; rather, he felt comforting warmth and strength. His defenses tight and strong, Albrecht responded.

Open yourself to me.

Brad was ecstatic that Albrecht was alive and responded. Albrecht was the one person besides the doctor Brad trusted implicitly, and their plan depended on his help.

I will, but I have to warn you. What you see cannot be shared with anyone else except the doctor. It’s imperative, and you have to promise me first. Once you read my mind, you’ll see why it’s so important.

Albrecht’s curiosity was running wild as to who the person was and what knowledge they could have that was so vital. If Aaron’s freedom was their goal, he had no choice, yet he was aware The Enemy knew of his vulnerability where Aaron was concerned, so he was wary.

You have my word, stranger.

Brad knew he was taking a huge chance. Albrecht was a powerful and dangerous man, and by making himself vulnerable Albrecht could kill him, but his intuition told him a show of trust was the right move.

Lane looked on anxiously, and Brad gave him a thumbs up when Albrecht responded. They decided not to contact him while merged to keep exposure minimal.

“Lane, I’m going to open up to him to get his trust. If he’s not the man we know back home, you’ll need to intervene and help take him out if he tries anything. I’ve got defensive triggers set to give you time to react. Are you ready?”

“He can’t be that different, but I’m ready. I’ve got your six, bud, never fear.”

I’m ready.

Entering Brad’s mind cautiously, Albrecht expected a trap but quickly realized Brad meant him no harm and was truthful in his offer of help. After living thousands of years with Aaron as his partner, Albrecht knew the truth behind existence and the multiverse. Once he read everything Brad shared, Albrecht understood the importance of his presence along with Lane and what it meant not only to the world but to his reality.

Brad rarely heard Albrecht swear and laughed at the mental ‘Fuck me!’ that slipped out.

So, you’ll help? Can you help? I see you’re under strict supervision.

I’ve always questioned the wisdom of the current Elders. To rescue Aaron and restore balance to my world, I will go against their wishes. Their timidity and caution vex me, and I was already near the end of my patience before you arrived.

Do you know where the doctor is? We need to free him as soon as we can.

I’m confident I know where he’s held, but the location is nearly impregnable. With your Avatars and abilities you have a good chance of rescuing him, though I’m fearful of his condition once you find him. The Enemy is not kind to those of The Order. Aaron has most likely been tortured extensively and only kept alive for that torture to continue. I’m even more fearful of the state of his mind.

Lane is our primary healer, Albrecht. If we get the doc out, I believe we can help him fully recover. At least I hope so, or our being here is a moot point.

I will join you within a day.

Thank you, Albrecht. With your help, our chances just went up considerably.

Giving Lane another thumbs-up, Brad merged with him to share the conversation.

Lane: I hope to God the doc is alright. There’s no telling what those bastards have done to him.

Me too, Lane. We might still have our work cut out for us getting him back in shape once we have him. First things first, though. Let’s focus on getting him back and then worry about everything else.

<><><>  

With the lab sealed by the binding, they met Albrecht outside in the parking lot. Brad and Lane were shocked when Albrecht showed up and wasn’t alone. Lane’s face darkened when he saw Taliesin, and his eyes flashed white as thunder rumbled across the sky in response to his emotions.

“What the fuck is he doing here?!”

Looking confused, Albrecht apologized, saying, “I’m sorry for bringing him unannounced, but I’m responsible for his safety. As you seem to know something of him by your reaction, you understand why I couldn’t leave him alone to work any mischief in my absence.”

As soon as Taliesin saw Lane, the pieces of the puzzle he was unable to solve slipped into place, and his face paled.

“You carry The Gift! How is that possible?”

“Yes, I do, you bastard! You almost killed my partner and me trying to get me to take it. In fact, I did die! I know you aren’t him, but I know what you’re capable of! I’m warning you now, if you so much as twitch an eyebrow out of place or think about screwing things up for us here, I will come down on you so hard and fast you won’t know what hit you. And if you pull that whiny “I’m an immortal” bullshit on me, I’m here to tell you there are worse things than dying!”

Taliesin looked stunned for a moment, and then his smirk returned.

Brad rarely heard the steely edge to Lane’s voice when he said, “I’m not kidding, you impetuous little bastard.”

Reaching out to the heavens, Lane heard the collision of a giant asteroid in another galaxy. Taking the deep bass sound, one he knew Bryan would love, he filled himself and Brad with its power. Taliesin’s face blanched when his feet left the ground, and he couldn’t speak.

“I’m telling you one more time. Don’t even think about fucking things up, or you will have me to deal with. I’ve already dealt with you once, so I can do it again, and I’m all about sloppy seconds.”

As soon as Taliesin’s feet left the ground, Albrecht moved forward, but Brad held up his hand, speaking to him privately.

It’s okay, Albrecht. Lane won’t hurt him. We’ve dealt with him in our reality, and it wasn’t pretty. We have to get his attention, and this is the best way to set the ground rules.

I can tell you’ve met him before. He has a way of getting under anyone’s skin. Frighten him into submission all you wish as long as you do him no harm. I rather enjoy seeing the smirk wiped off his face.

Brad interjected, “Now that’s settled, let’s go inside. Lane, let him go.”

Landing hard on the pavement, Taliesin retched, clutching his throat.

With the extra power Lane called, he and Brad teleported the four of them into the lab with minimal effort. 

<><> 

Introductions were made, and Albrecht was warm and charming to all the men, fully aware of the hardships they suffered. He petitioned Charisa multiple times to help them, but she denied him every time.

The guys were curious about Albrecht and how he knew of them. As close as they were to the doctor, he had never mentioned Albrecht’s name. Albrecht explained the sentence of their separation, but he always kept an eye on them from afar, especially as it allowed him to keep tabs on Aaron.

At one point, Ken mumbled under his breath, “These Elders seem like real assholes.”

Taliesin replied, “You have no idea.”

Brad took the opportunity to explain more about the conflict they were involved in; The Order and The Enemy, The light and the dark. Recounting everything just as the doctor did to him and his brothers, he told them they would have a chance to refuse moving forward, emphasizing the importance of free will where the battle was concerned.

Their reaction was the same as Brad remembered when the doctor called them together a few years ago and had the same conversation: amazement at learning they were a part of something so big, significant, and secret. He wished the doctor were present to explain everything this time, too, not feeling adequate to do justice to the enormity of the responsibility he put on their shoulders.

If possible, they were even more willing to accept the role Brad described than he and his own brothers. They were tired of being hunted and not knowing why, and now that they had a grip on what was going on, they wanted to push back and push back hard. They had the same feeling of being part of the conflict, and as strange as it all sounded, once they settled down and thought it over, it felt right.

Ken and Bryan were chomping at the bit to move on to a strategy for rescuing the doctor. Having him back was the first step in getting their best friends and lovers back in their lives.

Brad and Lane decided to make the rescue attempt on their own. Albrecht’s knowledge of the doctor's prison was the main piece of information they needed, and he would remain with the team and begin their training while keeping an eye on Taliesin. If Brad and Lane failed and were killed or captured, Albrecht could try again. He would be their last hope at that point. 

<><><>  

Lane and Brad drove two days across country to Oklahoma. Albrecht was sure the doctor was held near the little town of Ketchum, an hour northeast of Tulsa.

Their destination was a small mansion on the shores of Grande Lake, a few miles outside of town, and was one of the most densely guarded strongholds of The Enemy in the United States. They considered teleporting, but with no way to mask their auras they didn’t want to take even the slightest chance of being detected.

It was Lane’s turn to drive, and as they ate up the miles on cruise control, Brad looked over at his buddy.

How are you holding up, Lane? You doing alright?

Yeah, I’m okay. Just missing Bry, but I’m dealing with it. How about you?

Fuck, I miss Ken. I miss him so badly I can hardly stand it. It’s hard being around Ken here. I find myself wanting to reach out and touch him all the time and merge with him. I miss that more than anything.

Yeah, I know what you mean. It’s the same here. Being with Bry is… well, you know.

As much as I want to, I know it would be a disaster. They aren’t awake, and it would be like merging with our guys a few years ago. They aren’t the same guys we know. Oddly enough, that doesn’t make it any easier.

I know… the intimacy isn’t there and the unconditional acceptance. They still have barriers up. The temptation is so strong sometimes, but I think about that, and it helps me hold off for the real thing back home.

Brad pulled them deeper for a few minutes, supporting one another. They missed the warmth and comfort of not just their partners but the entire team. Their guys. Their hugs and friendship, and most importantly, their souls.

As hard as it was for them, they realized how much harder things had been for their lost brothers, but it was still difficult not to feel isolated and alone; no one in the reality they were in was theirs. Lane and Brad wanted to complete their mission and get back home. 

<><>  

Checking in at Shangri-La, a luxurious resort on the lake, they assumed the appearance of two young college kids, crafting a cover story of taking a semester off and staying at the Lake on their parents’ credit cards.

As soon as they arrived, pressure against their shields let them know they were in the right place.  Keeping their heads low, they used as little power as possible.

Lane: Fuck, it would be easier if Ken or Bry were here to mask our auras.

Brad: You got that right. We have to stay sharp and do as much as we can to avoid detection.

Before leaving their room Brad held his hands against his chest, forming a diamond pattern with his thumbs and forefingers. A small ball of light appeared, hovering briefly before shooting through the wall.

Albrecht planned to make his presence known to The Enemy in Atlanta on the night of the rescue. If there were any leaks among The Order, word might have gotten out of his and Taliesin’s absence, and if he were seen in Atlanta there would be less reason for suspicion in Oklahoma of a rescue attempt.

Starting their approach to the house at 0300, they changed into their Kevlar after parking their rental car off the road. The HUDS worked between their suits to monitor each other, but most of the display was blank without a connection back to the lab. Even if the lab in the present reality were fully functional, it still wouldn’t have the upgraded software their doc had developed, another of the many small differences they faced every day.

Hiding in the shadows at the perimeter of the property, they assessed the security of the compound. Well fortified, security cameras covered every square inch of the grounds. Fortunately, the coverage included dogs, and there was a cat inside the house.

Lane: Nice stroke of luck with the animals.

The Enemy was unaware of their presence, and even if they were, they wouldn’t know about their Avatars.

Cold evil permeated the premises. The mansion and surrounding buildings were covered in runes, and echoes of dark rituals hung over the area like a shroud. Reeking of darkness, the place was oppressive to them merely by being present.  Expecting as much, they steeled themselves for what they were about to attempt.

Their eyes turning white, their Avatars began to glow under the Kevlar. Brad sent his awareness into one of the guard dogs on the grounds but bounced back immediately in shock. Something was already in that dog! He wasn’t sure what it was, but it was evil and not of the physical realm. Intelligent, it howled its anger in the spiritual realm as it ran at full speed towards the fence they hid behind.

Sensing Brad’s surprise, Lane plunged them so deeply together that Time nearly stood still.

Brad: Fuck! There’s something in those dogs!

Lane: Well, we need to figure out a Plan B pronto. Once we go back up, we only have a few seconds before that thing is on us.

Brad: Okay, that was a surprise. There’s no way whatever it is can be stronger than one of us, so I’m going to lock it down as soon as it gets on top of us. You read it, and once we know what it is, we can deal with it. Ready?

Lane: Ready!

Lane took them back up, and even then, time seemed to crawl from the adrenaline in their systems. The dog looked like a Rottweiler, but its eyes were black from the malevolent entity possessing it. Slowing his perception of time, Brad waited until the dog was only a few feet from the fence before grabbing its mind and body with all his formidable strength. Physically, the dog was nearly too strong for him to hold telekinetically, but its mind was his, and its muscled body trembled with the effort to move forward and kill him.

 With the animal held, Lane quickly reached out and touched it, reading it, and everything about it became known to him. The entity inhabiting the dog was a lesser spirit from across the veil, and evil. The Enemy nourished it, feeding it putrid ritualized meats to sustain its presence in the physical realm.

Reading the knowledge through Lane, Brad bound the spirit, taking it across the veil, leaving his body for the barest fraction of a second. In the spiritual realm there was no need to mask himself, and the white light of his soul annihilated the evil spirit, and its scream faded to nothing as he ended its black existence. It felt good to cut loose, even if only for a brief moment.

His action brought a grin to his face, remembering his comment to the doc when he first crossed the veil after his awakening, asking what good his ability would be.  He laughed at his comment now; the doctor was always so patient with them, never ridiculing them or making them feel stupid when they asked questions like that. The memory fortified his resolve to rescue the doctor.

After a quick discussion, they decided not to destroy any more of the dark spirits possessing the dogs.  It would be too noticeable and bring unwanted attention. 

With the dog free of the spirit, Brad looked through its eyes, and it went wherever he commanded it to go, reconnoitering the grounds using its eyes and ears. The unbridled happiness in the dog at his presence was a breath of fresh air in the dark place they were in.

While Brad was in the mind of the dog, Lane was in Tristan, a large white Persian male cat in the den of the house. Between the two animals, they ascertained the entire security layout, including the location and visual angle of each camera inside and outside the house.

Further into his exploration of the house, Lane cringed when he encountered The Master’s dark Aura.

Fuck Brad, The Master’s here.

Damn! That’s all we need. Okay, we got this. We just need to be even more careful.

Lane diverted Tristan away from the area of the house The Master resided in. Movement down the hallway turned out to be two protectors coming into Tristan’s view. Under Lane’s control, the cat discreetly followed them as they patrolled the house. Making a quick check of the upstairs, they returned to the main floor at a securely locked rune-covered door.

Extreme pain hit Lane’s mind when Tristan approached the door, and as soon as it opened he had the cat dart through and run down the stairs before the pain became intolerable. Once far enough away the pain receded, but Lane still saw spots.

One of the protectors spat out, “Fucking cat! Get outta there, you little shit! You know you aren’t allowed down there!”

Lane, stay with Tristan. It’ll take two jumps, but I’ll get us into the house. Once we’re close I’ll join you, and it should make it easier. Hang on just another minute, bud.

Lane sweated heavily from the effort of controlling Tristan while fending off the effects of the runes. If he were physically present or more fully immersed in Tristan, the runes would not affect him but keeping his presence light to lessen any chance of detection by The Master or any ‘suits’ made him more susceptible.

Brad’s arms wrapped around him, pulling their bodies close. Lane didn’t detect any movement, but he knew Brad teleported them to the back wall of the house behind the shrubs.

The jingle of dog tags caught his attention as Brad petted the dog he used for their jump spot. The transition when Brad snapped the bond between its body and spirit was sudden and abrupt, but painless, and Lane heard the thump as it fell over lifeless.

Brad hated to break the tether binding the dog's spirit to its body but knew that was a better fate than what awaited it if it was discovered to be free of the entity. The dog’s spirit stood before him, its unconditional love washing over them. Smiling, Brad sent a silent command for it to go and be reborn, and it vanished from the physical realm, safe from repercussion and its imprisonment of the evil spirit.

Hidden beneath a window, with a trickle of power Brad moved the curtains with his mind, looking inside. They were outside the kitchen, and with their night vision HUD’s the dim light from the refrigerator door illuminated the area enough to see clearly. Brad jumped them one more time, putting them in the kitchen hidden from the doorway by a large cooking island.

Brad: We’re inside.

Brad added his presence in Tristan along with Lane, enough to maintain awareness of his own body and stay alert in case anyone came into the kitchen.

Unexpectedly, faint Music tickled the back of their minds, and they both tensed. Taliesin! His touch soft and subtle, they prayed it wasn’t loud enough to alert anyone sensing for power.

Taliesin! What the fuck are you doing!? You’re going to get us killed!

On the contrary, you need my help to succeed. I’ve pieced together enough of this puzzle to know that you must get Aaron out of there. You have to get the Lane Weaver of this world back so he can take this cursed Gift from me as you did in your world. I am not taking the chance of you bungling this. Besides, I’m more useful than you think.

How can you possibly help other than sending a beacon to The Enemy that we’re invading one of their strongholds and rescuing their most important prisoner?

I, too, was once held prisoner by The Enemy and managed to escape on my own. I know how to circumvent the binding they most assuredly have on the door to the room Aaron is in without setting it off.

Brad sent a private thought to Lane: Fuck! That little shit!

Lane: He can’t lie, but he might not be telling us everything. He wants the Gift out of him so bad he can taste it. He likes to brag, too.

Brad: Fuck! Okay.

Brad: Taliesin, share the knowledge with us.

Taliesin: No. Bring me to you. I know you can. I could share the knowledge, but you don’t have the experience I do, and this cannot fail. I need to be the one to do it. You must do it quickly before Albrecht realizes I’m gone. If he compels me to return, I won’t have the concentration to make it work, and if I ask him, he will refuse me.

Lane: If we use enough power to pull you from Atlanta, they might sense it. We can’t risk it.

Taliesin: Then it’s a good thing I’m not in Atlanta. I read the mind of the girl who rented you your car. You mentioned Oklahoma, so I’m not far away. I admit it was difficult getting away from Albrecht, but I haven’t had that much fun in years. You need me.

Brad and Lane knew Taliesin orchestrated events so they felt they had no choice. It was his modus operandi, but if he could bypass a major binding they could use his help, and he had them over a barrel.

Lane: When we get back to the lab with the doc, if Albrecht doesn’t kick your ass I will…again.

Synchronizing their Avatars, Taliesin appeared between them.

Brad: Okay, Taliesin. Follow us and do as we say. One step out of line, and you’re going back.

Taliesin, the ever-present smirk on his face, nodded.

Lane stayed in Tristan as the cat roamed the secure area downstairs. There were a few doors covered in runes, but Lane immediately knew which door the doctor must be behind once he saw it.

Tristan’s hackles rose in reflex to the dark, cold power emanating from the door, and a low guttural growl escaped the cat as he got close. The distraction was all it took for one of the protectors to scoop Tristan up and carry him back upstairs, and toss him none too gently into the den.

Lane and Brad withdrew from the cat as soon as the protector picked him up to prevent a ‘suit’ from inadvertently detecting them. It was unlikely, but they couldn’t be too careful.

Lane: Well, we know where we need to go.

Sweating, Lane had a blinding headache from the runes and rubbed his temples, trying to relieve the pain. Brad’s presence increased softly in his mind, and with a trickle of power Lane’s headache disappeared. With his usual mischievous grin, Lane silently mouthed, “I love you,” winking at Brad, who rolled his eyes and shook his head.

Grinning, he gave Brad a thumbs up, but his grin turned into a scowl as soon as he made eye contact with Taliesin, who raised an eyebrow at their antics. Lane wanted to slap the smirk off Taliesin’s face, but it wasn’t the time. Taliesin was still a challenge for Lane. As a human being Lane loved him, but as a person he detested the man; that would have to be good enough.

Lane: The protectors will be back shortly. We’ll just have to sit tight until they show back up.

Other than Tristan wandering into the kitchen to watch them, no one heard a sound until the protectors returned on their rounds. Under his Kevlar, Brad’s Avatar pulsed softly as he enforced his will on Tristan to stay in the den and be quiet.

When the protectors came back, they finished their rounds of the upstairs and ground level. Brad was sure they would have some form of shield if they were guards for The Master, so he didn’t want to be heavy-handed and alert someone by being a bull in a china shop.

Opting for something simpler, he created an external construct to make them invisible. It would only affect their physical senses and shouldn’t activate any defensive triggers.

Brad: When I give the signal, follow the protectors through the door. They won’t be able to see or hear us but be careful. Don’t touch anything or move anything that will draw attention.

Taliesin: That’s a useful trick.

Lane: Just be careful. If they detect us, we’ll have to take them out silently, using only physical force. Don’t use any power. Got it?

Taliesin returned Lane’s stony stare with his usual smirk.

In a few seconds Brad gave the signal, and the three men moved stealthily towards the protectors as they opened the door. Brad held the construct as delicately as he could, with Lane ready to react in case they were discovered.

Immune to the runes on the door due to their nephilim heritage, Brad and Lane were unaffected; however, Taliesin didn’t have that advantage. His natural aura wasn’t as strong as theirs, and the runes created a barrier he couldn’t cross.

The runes caused Taliesin extreme discomfort, even with phenomenal control over his body and high resistance to pain. Lane, closest to him, reacted quickly, pressing himself against Taliesin and enveloping him within his own shield.

Expanding his shield enough to cover Taliesin brought it into contact with two of the runes on the door causing them to smoke, and he moved them both forward quickly before the rune combusted.

Stopping, one of the protectors turned back to the door, asking, “Hey, do you smell something burning?”

Dissipating the smoke with his mind, Brad hoped it would be enough to keep them from being discovered and he prayed no one sensed the power. Both protectors moved back to the door, causing Brad, Lane, and Taliesin to crouch and press against the wall on either side of the hallway, hoping the protectors wouldn’t brush up against them. Holding their breath, they were ready to react if discovered.

Sniffing, the second one said, “Naw… I don’t smell anything. Maybe it’s Fred’s cigars. He knows he’s not supposed to smoke down here. He’s gonna get busted if he keeps it up. I sure wouldn’t want to be in his shoes if the boss finds out.”

Brad rolled his eyes in relief, thankful the protectors didn’t have enhanced senses. The protectors continued down the hallway, and sighing in relief, Brad signaled to move down the hall away from the door.

Making their way down and around the corner, they came to the corridor where the doctor was imprisoned. Two minutes later the protectors moved back upstairs, and if they kept to their schedule, Brad, Lane, and Taliesin would have twenty minutes before they returned.

Brad: How long will it take?

Taliesin: It depends on the strength of the binding. It might take some time.

Lane: You have twenty minutes, so get cracking.

Brad: Lane, let’s disable the security cameras while he gets started. If we have to stay down here a while, it’ll be less risky than maintaining this construct.

Moving in front of the door, Taliesin sensed the binding already; it was extraordinarily powerful. Preparing himself for the effort, as he found his centering flame, memories of his life with Aaron came to mind.

In many ways, you were a father to me, Aaron. I know you are disappointed in me, but I learned much and have always respected you. You and I are not so different in our pursuits…. our thirst for knowledge and answers. I did love you once, you know. If I hadn’t shut myself off, I still might, but I am angry at you and Albrecht and the rest of those old fools. You knew what the Gift would do to me… you knew the cost I would pay, and you knew no mortal could cope with the longevity. Was I nothing more than a vessel to hold the Gift until Lane Weaver came along? Was I nothing more to you than that?

Bestowing Taliesin with many of the same powers and abilities as an awakened human, the Gift wasn’t powerful in the sense of sheer strength, but in its subtlety and effectiveness. Knowledge is power, and with the Gift, Taliesin garnered considerable knowledge over the centuries. His mastery of constructs and how to get into people’s heads was phenomenal. As Aaron taught him, it wasn’t the strength of a single weave but the layering and manner in which multiple weaves threaded together. Like strands of silk, enough threads woven together become a nearly unbreakable rope.

Shifting his sight, the binding became visible, and he noted how densely knotted it was. Whoever placed it was truly powerful and evil... He had never seen threads so black before, and he was sure he was looking at the handiwork of The Master.

Concentrating, tendrils of power so subtle they were nearly invisible flowed from his fingertips. Drifting like smoke along the edges of the binding, they found the tiniest of cracks to take hold. Just as grass could grow through rock and crack concrete, the flows of energy Taliesin built became a layer underneath the impossibly narrow space between the binding and the door. As the barrier grew, he matched its energy flows to the door's frequency, fundamentally altering the music of the structure to change its makeup. Lane was astounded at the concept and what he might be able to accomplish using that technique.

Creating a resonate buffer between the two, Taliesin’s weave became a new surface the binding would attach to that would allow them to open the door without breaking it. To the binding, it was still attached to the original surface; however, it was a slow process, and the strain soon took its toll. As much as it galled him, he needed help.

While Taliesin began his task, Brad and Lane took care of the security cameras, using the part of their Avatars that came from Darren to create a static image on the camera lenses.

When Brad and Lane returned, they noted Taliesin’s struggle.  Rolling his eyes, Lane listened, and the soft sounds of the night outside the house provided the delicate power necessary to energize Taliesin and minimize the risk of detection. Lane’s hands glowed as wispy tendrils of energy soaked into Taliesin, replenishing him.   His relief was visible as the strain lessened, but Lane didn’t get a thank you and didn’t expect one.

Brad and Lane were impressed with Taliesin’s skill, learning by observation. The technique would prove invaluable in the future, but as impressive as it was, it was taking too long, and the protectors would be back before he finished.

Brad: Taliesin, the guards will be back any minute.

Taliesin’s mental voice was sharp, conveying the strain he was under.

This isn’t something I can stop in the middle of. You’ll have to deal with them.

Lane’s temper flared at Taliesin’s attitude and tone, but he smiled when Brad flipped Taliesin a bird behind his back.

Lane to Brad: Okay, we’re sure there are mental triggers in the protectors. We can overpower whatever’s there but not without a chance of alerting whoever placed it.

Brad: Let’s take them out by hand. I’ll keep up the illusion to cover us, and we’ll take them by surprise. There might be a death trigger, too, so go deep as soon as you can and catch it if there is one. I hate doing it this way… I didn’t want to leave any evidence that we were here, other than the doc being gone.

Lane: I’m with you, but we can’t take the risk.

Like a well-oiled machine, the two former SEALS waited to ambush the patrolling Enemy agents. Snapping their necks as soon as they moved by, they caught the bodies to prevent any noise. As suspected, there were death triggers but whoever set them wasn’t very skilled or powerful, and Lane and Brad dissipated the triggers before they activated.

His thin body tense and drenched in sweat, Taliesin nearly collapsed during the interval of Lane dealing with the guard, and Lane immediately began replenishing him again. No matter what they thought about him as a person, as an agent of The Order, Taliesin was incredibly skilled. They expected no less since most of his training came from the doctor and Albrecht.

Nervous about how long Taliesin was taking, just before Brad said something Taliesin spoke in their minds.

It is done, but I must hold the binding while you enter the room. Be quick, the effort is significant, and I can’t hold it indefinitely.

From his posture, it looked as though Taliesin held something heavy in the air. In their mind’s eye, the binding was visible, with delicate weaves of power coming off his fingertips, supporting it.

Rushing to the door, they found it physically locked. Brad read the mechanism, and with a gentle nudge from his mind, the door clicked and swung inwards.

None of them were prepared for the sight awaiting them. Crouched like a spider to fit in the room sat Istariel, cradling the emaciated and broken form of the doctor in his lap. Istariel immediately realized they could see him and began gathering power.

Istariel, it’s okay! We’re here to rescue him!

Brad Wilson? Lane Weaver? How can you be here?

We’re friends, Istariel, and here to set things right. Please don’t alert The Enemy! We can explain everything, but we need to get out of here quickly. I know it’s hard to understand, but we’re friends where we come from. Please trust us.

You are not from here; I see that. It should be impossible for you to be here, yet here you are, and I sense you are fully awake; again, a paradox. With your counterparts' deaths, I was unable to complete my task of setting them on the path of awakening. I lost hope with your deaths, but if you are here to fulfill that purpose, I feel a spark of renewed hope.

Suddenly tensing, Istariel’s cowled head moved as if he was looking through the walls.

The Innocent is awake. He often comes to sit with Aaron Thomas. In his way, he wishes to comfort him. I cannot assist you with him. If you get the doctor to safety, I will come to you.

Istariel vanished, leaving the doctor sprawled on the filthy cot. Emaciated, with his arms and legs twisted and ill-formed, he barely looked alive. His energy centers were scarcely discernible, hovering close to death, and his breathing shallow and raspy. They must have fed him the barest minimum of food and water to keep him alive.

Fuck Lane, look at him! He’s barely alive!

Between the intense shock at seeing the doctor in such condition and his hatred of The Enemy, Lane couldn’t respond. Tears filled their eyes, and their guts wrenched at the sight of the doctor’s suffering. Unconscious, he was so far gone they couldn’t even sense his mind.

Cradling the doctor in his arms, Brad moved into the hallway but stopped immediately.  At the end of the corridor stood a young boy with Down’s Syndrome, wearing SpongeBob SquarePants pajamas, clutching a worn sock monkey in his hands.  Exhibiting a radiant, innocent smile, Brad was astounded at the strength emanating behind his outward appearance.  The boy’s aura was so blinding that Brad had to shift his sight back to the physical realm to see.

An angry voice from around the corner yelled, “Troy, get back to bed this instant!”

Troy’s smile faded at the sound of the voice but returned immediately when he looked at the doctor.

Behind Brad, the door to the doctor’s prison shut and locked. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Taliesin slowly move in front of the door.

Taliesin: Get us out of here now, or we’re dead! If that boy’s Keeper discovers us, we won’t have a chance!

Taliesin seemed terrified of the boy, clearly knowing something, and if he was that scared, they knew it was serious.

As they picked up on Taliesin’s thought, a man in a silk bathrobe came into view making straight for Troy. Clamping down as hard and tight on his mind as they could, for a brief moment they held him, but he had the power of the Innocent under his control.

Upon gripping the man’s mind, his connection to the boy became clear. It wasn’t a type of link they were familiar with, but it was powerful enough they knew they couldn’t fight him by themselves.

Their distraction was all Taliesin needed. Still holding the binding, he threw it at the man. Held by Brad and Lane, the Keeper was immobile long enough for the binding to reach him, exploding in a torrent of dark energy on impact. Unprepared, he cried out as blackness engulfed him. Troy screamed, too, not in pain, but terrified and not understanding what was happening.

Rushing forward, Taliesin placed his hands on either side of Troy’s head, and as his eyes turned white Troy’s face went slack.

Lane: What the hell did you do to him? He’s just a boy!

Taliesin: I’m buying us time! Get us out of here now!

The cold presence of The Master stirred upstairs. The explosion of his binding alerted everyone in the house that could sense power, and auras all over the house strengthened as ‘suits’ woke up and started probing to find out what was going on.

Brad and Lane’s eyes turned white, and Lane reached out to the heavens, listening and filling himself and Brad with what he heard. There was already resistance as The Master focused on what transpired downstairs, but in a burst of power they broke through the barrier before it fully formed, and the four of them vanished. 

<><> 

The destruction of his binding woke The Master from an already disturbed sleep. Shooting up in bed, he immediately reached for the basement.  In his mind, two bright lights nearly blinded him, and he knew they were the reason for his troubled sleep. Impossible! None of them were awake!

He was promised that as long as Aaron Thomas remained his prisoner, that would never happen. Assurance of his victory over The Order would never be in jeopardy as long as the doctor remained his captive. When the abominations found a way to block their scrying, he became suspicious, but that in itself was not critical. He expected it long before.

Rage nearly overwhelmed his ability to think coherently, and he breathed deeply, attempting to regain his composure. The voice entered his mind, one he hadn’t heard in ages.  The presence that came with it terrified even him, and he trembled as it nearly crushed him.

Summon your Servants from every corner of creation in which I have granted you dominion. Find the abominations and destroy them.

As powerful as The Master was, he was insignificant against The Dark One himself.

Bowing his head, he thought: Yes, Dark One.

<><><> 

Lane and Brad appeared in the lab, where Albrecht anxiously waited at the door.  His eyes widened at the sight of Aaron cradled in Brad’s arms, and multiple emotions ran through his mind, relief foremost, but anger and fear over Aaron’s condition.

Rushing forward, he took his lover's body from Brad, holding him gently against his chest. Neither Brad nor Lane had ever seen Albrecht cry, but his cheeks were wet with silent tears.

Silently he took Aaron to the closest exam room and set him on a bed. By then, Ken and the others realized they were back and rushed in to see what had happened.

The elation on their faces vanished when they saw the doctor. There were many ‘oh shits’ and ‘fuck me’s’ under their breath as their heads hung in concern while tears filled their eyes. Brad understood their fear. They could never have imagined seeing the doctor in such a state and were scared for him.

Trying to reassure them, he said, “Guys, he’s going to be alright. Trust me.”

As Lane moved out of the room to follow Albrecht, he glared at Taliesin.

I did not hurt the boy, Lane. I merely put him in a construct to confuse him. As dimwitted as he is, the construct won’t last long…. It was made from his memories, which are blurry at best.

You’re still a fuckwad Taliesin, but you did do a good job.

Reluctance was evident in Lane’s voice as he thought: Thanks for your help.

They made their way to the room where the doctor lay motionless, his chest barely rising and falling. Bill had started hooking him up to the vital monitors, but Lane held out his hand, saying, “No need, Bill.”

Ken asked, “Are you sure you two are up for this? You look wiped.”

Lane said, “There’s no way in hell we’re going to sit here with the doc in this condition and not do anything about it. It’ll be easier if you help us, and I think it would be a good thing anyway.”

Ken’s voice thick with emotion, he had to clear his throat before asking, “How can we help?”

Brad spoke up, “Even though you aren’t awake yet, you’re still powerful… it’s just untapped inside you. We can borrow some of that to help heal the doc. You’ll be dog tired afterward because you aren’t used to that kind of exertion, but you’ll recover quickly enough.”

“Just tell us what to do.”

Linking everyone, Brad spoke in their minds.

Stay calm and don’t fight what you’re about to feel. I’m going to draw on your energy centers.

Lane: You fat asses will feel it come from your bodies, and after you’ll feel like you just had a hell of a workout. You other yahoos will feel like you just went through the mental ringer. You’ll be bleary-eyed and probably want to go straight to bed. If you have a headache after let us know, and we can take care of it.

Brad: Everybody gather in a circle around his bed and hold hands.

There was no nervousness in any of them, only focused determination and more than a little curiosity. They were trained soldiers and would do whatever was needed to help their surrogate father. Their love for Aaron was palpable in the link, and seeing him so broken ripped their hearts. Mixed in with the other emotions was a deep undercurrent of anger at The Enemy over his condition.

Brad was glad Albrecht didn’t try to join the link. He was a smart man and must have picked up on the fact that the team dealt with energy levels far above what he was used to. Staying in the doorway, his face remained stony while observing what was happening.

Lane opened their minds first, and a brilliant azure thread arced out of their foreheads, encircling them. They had never experienced anything like it before, and the sensation was euphoric. The power flowing through them gave them a glimpse of what was to come.

Next, he opened their core energy centers, and blood-red power flowed out of them, causing a hot wind to blow around them. They became acutely aware of their bodies' physical strength, coupled with a rush of desire, instantly becoming erect.

Controlling the flows as Lane opened them, Brad was careful not to let their minds merge too deeply, restricting that aspect of the stream, knowing they weren’t ready for it. Emotions were still sharp between them, though, and their support for one another as brothers.

Lastly, Lane opened their hearts, the gateway to their souls, and a thread of warm golden light arced out of their chests, adding to the flows of their minds and bodies.

The flows blended into a bright white rope, and the wind blew hotter, moving their hair. Despite the seriousness of the situation, they smiled, their eyes wet from the intensity; what was happening felt right like nothing had in a long, long time.

Brad: I wanted you to see and feel this. You’ll get used to it soon enough, and believe me, it's way better when you’re fully awake.

Opening the doctor’s energy flows, Lane examined them intently. Torture and malnutrition wreaked havoc on his body, and his flows were weak, feeble, and sporadic. The cruelty of The Enemy was not surprising but painful to see nonetheless.

Taking a deep breath, Lane centered himself, setting aside his hurt, pain, and anger.  Healing the doctor required his full, undistracted attention, and he couldn’t afford to miss anything. Brad’s soothing, calming presence flowed into him, backing him up.

I’m with you, bud. I’ll tap into the guys and feed you what you need.

The men watched, amazed at what they witnessed and were taking part in. Loy, Bill, and Darren felt it more acutely as what was happening was already a part of them even though they didn’t have access to it yet. Seeing the energy flows along with Brad and Lane, they intuitively knew what needed to be done, but the information flow nearly overwhelmed them. Their desire to help was clear, but they didn’t yet have the means or the knowledge. However, they did provide power, and Brad made sure they knew how important it was for Lane to succeed.

The doctor didn’t operate on the energy levels they did as nephilim, so the power required to heal him wasn’t as significant, but the extent of the damage made up for that. Minute fractures ran through his entire skeletal system as if he had been repeatedly thrown against a wall, and severe bone calcification was present where his wrists and ankles had been broken and not set properly. His legs and spine were twisted so he couldn’t lie down straight.

Significant muscle atrophy and organ degradation were present from extended dehydration and malnutrition.  Whoever was responsible for his torture was skilled, keeping him on the brink of death.

Lane took everything in, and Brad looked with him. The healing needed to be gentle to prevent further shock to the doctor’s systems. In addition to the physical trauma, his soul was weak from being so close to death for so long. Their version of the doctor taught Lane how to weave a fine net of energy to replenish a person’s soul when Rick almost died, so he knew how to do it.

Sniffing, Lane swiped tears out of his eyes.

Okay, ladies, here we go.

His eyes white, Lane raised his head to the heavens, sending his soul out and taking Brad with him, listening to the music of creation and filling them up. Animal spirits came at their call, lending them power for their efforts. Lane fed the power back into all of them, and then, like conducting an orchestra, he altered the doctor’s energy flows.

Rain, thunder, and lightning rolled in the skies above the city, reflecting their emotions and tears as they corrected the wrong done to their beloved mentor, and the lightning flashes mirrored the white of Lane’s eyes as he worked.

The physical damage didn’t take long to correct, but Lane was puzzled about the state of the doctor’s mind. Aaron’s flows, once strengthened, were stable but something significant was missing. The doctor’s vast intellectual capacity seemed vacant, somehow absent.

Just as Brad tried to repair Ken’s mind when it was shredded by the creature that almost killed them both, Lane had to do his best. Moving on, he finished what he could, finally weaving the soul net, which was the most challenging part.

By the time he finished, the men were about to pass out, sweating heavily with their chests heaving from the effort. Once finished, Lane pushed the net down into the doctor, and his body soaked it up like a sponge.

Sighing heavily, Lane said, “I’ve done all I can. We’ll need to see how he is when he wakes up. I have no idea what was done to his mind. Something’s missing, but I don’t know if he did it to himself or if it was done to him.”

Merely looking at the doctor was a relief, once again appearing like his old self. His body filled back out, his limbs were straight and clean, and Lane effectively gave him a haircut and a shave.

Squeezing Lane’s shoulder in gratitude, Albrecht moved forward and took one of Aaron’s hands in his own. Pulling up a chair, he sat down to wait.

Everyone else went to their rooms and fell asleep immediately, their minds and bodies drained.

<><><> 

The next morning brought no change, and Albrecht, still seated at Aaron’s side, looked tired. Lane and Brad looked again at the doctor's energy centers, which seemed whole and healthy except for the missing gap in his mind.

Rather than have everyone sit around worrying, Ken called them all into the gym. They spent a good deal of time cleaning the lab, and it was ready to be used again.

While running from The Enemy, they did the best they could to keep in shape, but continually moving from place to place took its toll on them, especially Bill, Loy, and Darren.

They went through a rigorous morning of training with Brad and Lane showing Ken and the others some of the advanced fighting techniques Albrecht had taught them.

A few hours later while taking a short break, shirtless and covered in sweat, Bill let out a ‘Fuck me!”

They stared, stunned, at the twenty-foot tall robed figure standing in the center of the gym.

Greetings again, Brad Wilson, Lane Weaver.

Turning to the guys, Brad quickly said, “He’s a friend, guys. No need to panic.”

Everyone but Brad and Lane stood with their jaws hanging open in awe of the being they saw for the first time.

It’s good to see you again, Istariel.

Is the doctor safe?

Yes. We healed him, but there’s something wrong with his mind we haven’t figured out yet.

The doctor, as you know, is a formidable man. He achieved a feat thought impossible to protect himself and keep his vast knowledge from The Enemy. He cast his Intellect out of himself into another human. You must find who carries it.

The Master has called his servants, and they gather even as we speak. The doctor’s rescue caused a reaction I hope you are prepared to withstand. All the power of the dark will descend upon these men in a matter of days to obliterate The Order once and for all. My cousins and I will aid you in their protection, but their fate is uncertain. They must awaken and return to the path.

That’s why we’re here, Istariel. Lane and I will do our part, and if there’s anything we can do to help you let us know.

Glancing at one another, Brad and Lane had the same thought… the corrections were starting to happen. They still didn’t know everything that transpired at their own awakening, other than it was the first time they saw Istariel and his cousins. It was likely they would see a similar occurrence of whatever happened to them.

Fuck Brad, how are we going to find who’s holding the doctor’s noodles?

Let’s talk to Albrecht and see if he might have any thoughts. 

<><> 

“Nothing Aaron does surprises me anymore. No one has ever achieved such a feat… as far as I knew, the mind and intellect are the same, so how he accomplished that I do not know. It had to have been someone close by when he was captured, or someone he was close to. I asked Bryan to try and recover the security footage from the day the lab was broken into, but it was destroyed. That might have given us a clue.”

Lane’s eyes suddenly turned white as his Avatar came to life, and he exclaimed, “Oh shit! Bry! Ken! Guys, get in here!”

Ken and the others rushed in when Lane yelled for them, and Brad immediately brought them into a link.

Guys, don’t panic; just go with whatever Lane says. His Avatar is guiding him, and we need to let him run with this.

Their military training kicked in, and they were immediately focused, sharp, and ready to do what was needed.

Lane: Everybody think and remember… I know it’s a bad memory, but you need to be as precise as possible. Remember the day The Enemy broke into the lab. The day you lost your Brad and Lane, and the doctor was taken. Bill, Loy, and Darren focus on the images from each vantage point where you were at the time.

Brad, coordinate their memories and synchronize our Avatars. It was an emotional day, and this place remembers. Help me read what happened, and let’s reconstruct it in a construct. Taliesin can help … use his experience at building constructs from our unconscious minds. With all of you focused and remembering, plus the imprint that day left on this place, we can go back and see what the doctor did.

Collecting their thoughts, Brad coordinated their memories as they remembered that painful time and images formed in their minds…

<> 

The day started like any other. There were no clients at the security firm that morning, so the guys were at the lab for their morning workouts. Everybody was cutting up, joking, and hanging shit on one another, while the doctor was busy doing whatever it was he usually did on his computer.

Bill and Kevin came in with lunch for everyone. Mostly take out from PF Chang’s and a bag from Long John Silver's for the doctor. They all smiled; every one of them knew his order by heart. A number four platter, add a chicken plank, no slaw, extra fries, sweet iced tea, and lots of ketchup. He made his usual fanfare of undying gratitude to whoever brought him his greasy fish and chicken.

The doctor just finished opening his packets of ketchup when out of nowhere, a man appeared inside the main door. He was a big, powerful man, inhumanly handsome and wearing a black suit. His body thick with muscle under his clothes, he had jet black hair, ice-blue eyes, and a full goatee. Before anyone could react, he put his hand on the security console, and the light switched from red to green. The door flew open, and armed men started pouring in.

The doctor stood, almost calmly, looking straight at the man in the black suit. Both of their eyes turned white, and the doctor raised an arm as if warding off a blow, looking startled. He was shocked when Brad jumped in front of him, taking the bullet meant for him. As Brad fell forward, the doctor caught him with a horrified look on his face. His expression quickly turned to anger. None of them had ever seen that look on his face. His eyes turned white again, and the man in the black suit cried out, disappearing.

Ken, in shock at Brad’s death, started killing anyone within arm’s reach. Shattering bones like toothpicks with his fists, he was a whirlwind of death to The Enemy. Lane was the first to return fire after grabbing a semi-automatic rifle from the weapons locker. Tossing rifles to Loy, Darren, and Bill, he tried to open an escape path. If they managed to get into the hallway, they could seal the door, and it would hold long enough for them to get out through the front of the building.

The doctor, cut off from the others and still holding Brad’s body, shouted over the noise of gunfire, “Flee! Get to safety! I will be fine!”

Bodies scattered everywhere. They put up a good fight, but they were overwhelmed both in numbers and firepower.

Obeying the doctor’s orders, Lane brought up the rear, and as he turned to follow a bullet caught him in his lower spine, and he fell. The door was already closing, and Bryan tried to hold it open and grab him, but it was too late. His hand was almost crushed as the door closed, blocking him from Lane’s body.

The images became fuzzier with everyone gone, but the impressions Brad and Lane read through their Avatars were still visible.

The doctor was surrounded, and the man in the black suit was back.

“Well, well… the mighty Dr. Aaron Thomas has fallen.

“We will take him to The Master, and everything he knows will be ours. I am fully prepared for this moment, doctor; I’ve been planning it for years. If you kill yourself, we will still get what we want. You know we can.”

The doctor didn’t say a word, his face still as stone. Glancing at his desk where his food was crushed and ruined, he casually reached out, picking up an opened packet of ketchup from the tabletop, looking at it. His eyes flashed white, and the images stopped as he collapsed.

<> 

The pain of reliving the memory, raw in all of them but especially Ken and Bryan, had them shaking, their eyes bright, and their breathing harsh and raspy from fresh tension and grief.  

Lane had a strong feeling about the man in the black suit. His looks were beyond human, which begged the question of who or what he was - a rogue nephilim maybe, or perhaps even a fallen angel. Lane’s Avatar told him that man was at the heart of what happened and the critical difference between their two realities.

Loy said, “I hope it was worth it, guys. That wasn’t something I wanted to go through again.”

Darren asked, “What was up…there at the end? That didn’t make any sense.”

Lane said, “I’m not sure yet. The doc must have used the packet as a focus. We still aren’t sure how he separated his mind and intellect, so we’re in uncharted territory. What do you think, Brad?”

Silent for a few seconds, Brad replied, “I think we need to go to Long John Silver’s.”

 <><> 

Brad was confident they were making headway. After talking to the guys about the physical bond with their partners, their minds started unlocking. Loy, Bill, and Darren were now rudimentary telepaths. He was thankful Albrecht was present to help with their training and begin exercises to strengthen and expand their growing abilities.

The doctor was back and physically healthy, but they still had to solve the mystery of his missing intellect. After that, they had to get the Brad and Lane of that reality back and restored. He and Lane had some ideas on that, but they agreed not to do anything prematurely. As Ken always emphasized, one step at a time.

Nearly three years had passed since the lab was broken into, and the doctor did whatever he had done to himself. Three years of their lost brothers hiding and running, just to stay alive.

Long John Silver’s was only a few miles from the lab, and Brad smiled to himself, wondering if that fact influenced the doctor’s decision on the lab's location. One day, he would have to ask the doctor how he managed to eat all that grease, fat, and carbs and still manage to look healthy.

You always have tricks up your sleeve, doc. I guess I will too after I’ve lived thousands of years.

Even without enhanced senses, as soon as Brad and Lane walked in the door the smell of fish and grease hit them. Glancing at the clientele, it was apparent most of them were overweight and unhealthy. Looking at their auras, Lane saw the coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, and other long-term chronic effects on their bodies.

Brad, we don’t really know what we’re looking for. Do you have any ideas?

Whatever happened was almost three years ago. I’m going to scan the employees first and see if any of them have been here that long. If they have, I'll see if they remember anything unusual.

That’s going to be ugly. Do you want me to help?

No, I’ll do it. But I’ll probably need your help after I’m done if you don’t mind.

What kind of question is that?

Smiling, Brad winked at his friend, who wore his usual mischievous grin. It struck Brad at that moment that Taliesin probably used to have that same grin, and over the years as the Gift corrupted him, it turned into the cynical smirk they were familiar with. He prayed that would never happen to Lane, and his thought must have leaked through.

You don’t have to worry, Brad. Not only was Taliesin alone all that time and I have Bry, but I’m wired to handle the immortality, and he wasn’t. I’m surprised he lasted as long as he did. The pity I have for him is one reason I only threaten to kick his ass and not do it. I don’t think he had a chance, and I think the doc knew it.

Preparing himself, Brad sighed and took a deep breath.

Let’s get started.

Lowering his shields, the thoughts and emotions of everyone in the restaurant entered Brad’s mind. As predicted, it was ugly and painful. It had been a while since he had done that, and it made him miss Ken’s comforting, solid presence so much his heart ached. The brokenness in the humans hit him hard, and he paled, physically shaken.

It reminded him of the time at the Mall of Georgia when Drew screamed, breaking his shield, and the ugliness of everyone in the Mall hit his mind simultaneously, and Ken came to his rescue.

Sifting through the memories of the employees, Brad went back to just before the date of the break-in. His heart bled over how lost they were, stumbling around in the dark with their minds closed. The lies and self-deceptions were thick, along with the petty jealousies that instigated those conditions.

There was some good, but it was buried deep, and in only a few seconds his eyes filled with tears as his Avatar reacted and compassion for them nearly overwhelmed him. He wanted so badly to open their minds and hearts and comfort them, to let them know they weren’t alone and make them feel the unconditional love he felt for them; the love humans long for but don’t realize most of the time. Shaking his head, he braced himself and focused on his mission. Knowing what Brad was going through, Lane gripped his shoulder in comfort.

Intervening, Lane hid the light of Brad’s Avatar as it was visible even under his clothes. He didn’t try to interfere or directly help Brad with what he was doing but amped up his own aura, uplifting everyone in the restaurant.

Sniffing and wiping his eyes, Brad murmured, “Thanks.”

A man making his way to the trash bin looked at Brad and was about to ask if he was alright when Lane looked at him and said, “Allergies. He’s fine.”

Smiling and nodding as he walked out the door, the man wasn’t sure why he suddenly felt so positive. Lane would like to think he would have asked about Brad regardless.

Luckily, the Manager had worked there for years and had clear memories of the doctor. Two servers also remembered him fondly; he was the man who always ordered the same thing and treated them so politely, making them feel good when he came in.

The manager always wondered where the doctor was from because of his distinct way of talking. She also wondered if something might have happened to him because one day he stopped coming in.

Brad felt confident he and Lane found the event they were looking for in her mind. A young Hispanic server named Javier passed out in the kitchen the day the doctor was taken. His mother came to pick him up, and he never showed up for work again.

 <><> 

 Brad sifted through the thoughts of everyone in the restaurant, garnering intense pain from their brokenness. Deceiving themselves into believing they were happy, most were so broken it hurt him terribly.

It would be so easy to let them know they weren’t alone and feel a connection with another human being like they had never dreamed possible, the type of relationship they were created for.

Following Brad’s thought processes through the link, Lane thought: Brad, we aren’t here for that. I know it hurts, but we need to focus on our mission. We don’t know the ramifications of interfering here.

It’s not that I forget how they are Lane, or even how we used to be, but when it’s so fresh and present it hurts. I care for them so much… I feel like a parent watching a child stumble around and get hurt when he knows he could prevent it.

Your primary Avatar is compassion, Brad; of course you feel it more intensely. I feel it too, and it’s painful as hell, so I know it’s worse for you, but we have our own world to save. Once we get this one back on track, it will be their Brad’s and Lane’s job to fix this along with the rest of the guys. We need to lay low and stay on track.

Letting out a heavy sigh, Brad closed his eyes.

Yeah, you’re right. Let’s finish up here. You know, you sounded like Ken when you said that.

Smirking, Lane thought: You mean I sounded like a douche?

Brad burst out laughing at Lane’s statement, loving his brother for making him smile while feeling the pain in the humans.

Approaching the counter, Brad asked to speak to the manager. Pulling out his wallet, she saw it as an identification badge from the Department of Immigration Services.

“Ma’am, my colleague and I have some questions about a young man who may work here. His name is Javier Costoros. Is he still employed here?”

She looked a bit frazzled, more from the stunning looks and smiles of the two incredibly handsome men than their badges.

“Oh, my… no. Javier hasn’t worked here for quite a while.”

“Would you happen to have his employee information available?”

“I’m sure it’s probably still on the computer.”

“Why don’t you check, please? And print out whatever information you have for us.”

A compulsion accompanied his words, knowing she wasn’t supposed to give out personal information to anyone without authorization from her home office.

She returned a minute later with a printed copy of Javier’s application and employment file.

“Thank you, Mary. You’ve been a great help.”

Mary’s heart fluttered at his smile. Lane couldn’t help it and enhanced Brad’s smile to the point where his teeth practically gleamed, looking like he stepped straight out of a Mentos commercial. It was too late for him to do anything about it when he realized what Lane did.

You are so going to pay for that. One day when you least expect it, Lane, payback will be a bitch.

Laughing, Lane clapped him on his back as they walked out the door. As always, Lane had a way of lightening a serious mood. It was one of the many things he loved about his brother.

<><> 

With their expertise from TGH Securities over the years and their SpecOps training in the Military, it didn’t take them long to track Javier down. It turned out he was born in the United States, but his parents were immigrants.

Through information gathered from asking basic questions, and of course a little mind reading, Brad and Lane pieced together a surprising but not unexpected story of the last few years.

Prior to his ‘accident,’ Javier was an average student, hoping for a scholarship to get into a local community college.  Currently, he was a straight ‘A’ student at Georgia State University in downtown Atlanta, enrolled in multiple degree programs.

Even though he was still an undergraduate, he enrolled in many graduate-level courses, financing his education through a research grant and multiple scholarships.

Instead of hacking the Student Information System, Brad and Lane decided to take a chance and go straight to the Science Annex where the Molecular Genetics and Micro Biology courses were taught. It wasn’t long before they spotted Javier.

What they didn’t count on was him spotting them. They were careful but assumed he wouldn’t be suspicious or on the lookout for anyone tailing him. As soon as they started making their way towards him, he casually broke away from the group of friends he was talking to, and headed down the hall at a fast pace and ducked into a classroom.

Losing sight of him, they reached for his mind but were shocked when their initial probe slid off a shield they didn’t expect.

Lane: Fuck! Didn’t see that coming.

Brad: Well, he can’t outrun us both. Let’s go!

Quickly following him, they emitted a general compulsion in the area not to pay any attention to them or remember their presence. It was almost like they were invisible, with no one paying them the slightest attention other than to get out of their way.

Labs interconnected many of the classrooms, and Javier knew the building's layout like the back of his hand. His knowledge gave him the upper hand until Lane pulled the same information from a teacher’s assistant in a lab they had run through.

Sharing the information with Brad, they split up. There were only a few routes Javier could take to make it out of the building from the direction he was headed. The building was mazelike, but once they knew the layout, they herded him to a corner room, and Javier panicked as he realized what they were doing.

Catching sight of him a few times, he looked sweaty from running and terrified at being chased. Lane closed the gap enough to lock the doors with his mind, and Javier slammed into the door, expecting it to open. Spinning around with his back against it, his eyes were wide with terror.

I got him, Brad. Room 514B, at the end of the hall.

Holding out a hand in a placating gesture, Lane said, “Javier, it’s okay. We just need to talk. We aren’t here to hurt you.”

Brad came into the room in time to hear Javier ask, “Who are you? What do you want?!”

Lane, “We’re friends, Javier. Calm down. Let’s sit and talk, alright?”

Stammering in fear, Javier asked, “A..are you from Them?”

His question explained why he was so terrified. Their stances softened, and Lane spoke calmly.

“No, we’re not The Enemy, Javier. I’m not even sure how you know who they are, but we’re the good guys. We’re friends of Dr. Thomas.”

“How do I know you’re telling the truth?”

Brad, “Well, for starters we’re talking to you rather than just killing you, and The Enemy can’t do this…”

Immediately an emotional warmth of peace and tranquility washed over Javier as Brad increased his aura, and Javier’s breath caught at the beauty of it.

The relief on his face visible, he said, “Thank God. I was so scared. Who are you?”

“I’m Brad Wilson, and this is Lane Weaver.”

“You can’t be them. You’re dead. He told me.”

“You talk to him?”

“Sort of. He’s a voice inside my head... I know it’s not really him, but I know most of what he does. It’s almost like he talks to me.”

Smiling, Lane said, “Damn. Sounds like Jor-El from Man of Steel. Way to go, doc!”

Laughing, Javier replied, “Yeah, something like that… I mean, I don’t see him, but I understand what I need to know when I need it.”

Shaking his head, Brad exclaimed, “That’s incredible. He never ceases to amaze me.”

“So, you guys are supposed to be dead. How come you aren’t? He saw you die.”

Lane replied, “Well if you know everything he does, this will make sense. We aren’t the ones that died. We’re here from an alternate reality to set things right.”

“Holy shit, this is like an episode of Stargate!”

Brad chuckled and said, “Yeah, it’s not too far off. Javier, we need your help.”

Giving them an astute look, Javier said, “You’re here to take him out of my head, aren’t you.”

Lane nodded, saying, “Yeah, that’s why we’re here. We rescued him and need the piece in you to make him whole. I don’t know what it will mean for you, Javier. We won’t hurt you, but I’m not sure how it will affect you.”

Javier seemed thoughtful as he replied, “He wasn’t sure if anyone would ever come for me. It’s been so cool knowing all this stuff. I have to be super careful all the time, though, and it’s like living a lie. I see it as a Gift but not one I’m supposed to keep. I just got to hang onto it for a while and reap the benefits.”

It was evident to Brad and Lane that it was more than just the doctor’s intellect at work in Javier. Part of the doctor’s character also made an imprint on the young man.

Lane asked, “Do you know how to remove him?”

“Yeah, I do. It’s simple, really, but also nothing anyone would figure out on their own. In a way, it’s going to be a huge relief.  I mean, I didn’t ask for this even though I’m glad it happened. I could have died… he put in… safeguards. If I was ever taken, I know how to kill myself with a thought. He told me I’d have to if I was ever captured. If I die, the part of him in me will disappear and They can’t get what They want.”

Brad’s Avatar started softly glowing under his shirt as he said, “Javier, I think I know why the doctor picked you. You’re a brave young man with a good head on your shoulders. I know the doc will be proud of you when he’s fully recovered, and I’m sure he’ll want to keep in touch.”

Javier asked, “So when do you want to do this? I’m finished with classes for today. I’m not even sure if I’ll be able to come back tomorrow. I might be back at working fast food; even he isn’t sure what’s going to happen to me.”

Lane put a hand on Javier’s arm, giving him a squeeze of comfort, and said, “No matter what, Javier, I promise we’ll make sure you’re okay. One way or another, we’ll make sure of it.”

Looking relieved, Javier said, “Thanks.”

Brad: Albrecht, we found the boy the doc is hiding in. We’ll give you a heads up right before we transfer his intellect back to his body. It should only be a few minutes from now. Be ready.

Thank God you found him. I’m with Aaron and ready.

Lane asked, “Javier, do we need to be someplace special to do this?”

“Yeah, we need to go back to Long John Silver’s in Lawrenceville.”

Chuckling, Brad shook his head, saying, “That doesn’t surprise me one bit.”

Since Brad had already been in Mary’s mind, he quickly found her again and sent a compulsion for her to go into the women’s bathroom and lock the door.

Lane’s mischievous grin appeared, and he said, “Hold onto your hat, Javier. The doc didn’t know we could do this.”

The two big men stood on either side of Javier with a hand on his shoulder. Using Mary’s eyes to get the visual reference, they appeared in the women’s bathroom in Long John Silver’s.

“Holy shit! Fucking beam me up, Scotty! That rocks, but I hope you can get me back; my car is at the parking deck downtown.”

With a wink and a smile, Lane said, “No worries, Javier. I told you we’d take care of you. Full service, and no need to tip the valet.”

“Hey, is Mary okay? She looks funny.”

Brad said, “Yeah, sorry. I used her as a focal point to get us here. I can’t have her remember what just happened. She’s fine; I sort of put her brain in neutral for a minute.”

Brad sent Mary back to work, with a memory of using the bathroom. The three of them exited after her, using the same compulsion for anyone who saw them to ignore their presence.

<> 

Lane asked, “Okay, Javier, what next?”

“I need to order some food. You guys want anything?”

Brad and Lane were sure they knew what Javier was going to order. As a toast to the doctor, they ordered the same thing.

Pulling out his wallet, Lane said, “I’ll buy.”

Thrilled to see Javier again, Mary made a fuss over how handsome and grown-up he looked and gave him his old employee discount as a favor.

Javier ordered a Number Four Platter, an extra chicken plank, extra fries instead of slaw, sweet iced tea with extra ice. He filled half a dozen small paper ketchup holders and got one pack of vinegar. They all got their trays and sat in a corner booth.

Lifting his tea in a toast, Brad said, “Bon a petit!”

Having hyper metabolisms meant they were almost always hungry, and Brad and Lane scarfed down their food in no time. It was also a habit from their days running missions as SEALS. Javier stared wide-eyed at how quickly they inhaled their food.

To help alleviate Javier’s nervousness, Lane kept the small talk going until Javier finished eating. As they ate, Brad and Lane felt something odd, and their intuition told them something significant was about to happen.

Brad asked, “Now what?”

Javier took a deep breath, and they could see how nervous he was, trying to prepare himself for whatever was about to happen.

“Promise if anything happens to me, you’ll take care of my parents, right? I know we didn’t talk about that, but I need to know.”

Reaching over, Brad put a hand on Javier’s shoulder and gave him a reassuring squeeze.

“We promise, Javier. Nothing is going to happen to you, buddy, but we’ll make sure your family is fine, and you too.”

Javier sat up straight, and wide-eyed said, “So long, and thanks for all the fish!”

His eyes turned white briefly, and he slumped over in the booth.

Sitting next to Javier, Lane propped him up, cupping Javier’s chin in his hand. Shifting his sight to look at Javier’s energy centers, his nervous system underwent a significant shock, and he was slightly drained but fine. Lane saw a residual imprint of the doctor in Javier’s mind, and the strength of his mental energy flow was much stronger than a normal human. Sending a small weave of healing into Javier, Lane brought him back to consciousness.

Brad: Albrecht! Is the doctor awake?

Albrecht: He is! And he’s starving! He wants you to bring him some food!

They were overjoyed at the news and relieved that another notch in their mission was completed.

<><>  

A few minutes later, Brad and Lane appeared in the lab with Javier between them and a to-go order from Long John Silver’s for the doc.

Immediately they took off for the doctor’s room. Even though they knew he was awake, when they saw him sitting up and conscious a rush of emotions hit them. His eyes closed, both his hands were clasped tightly around Albrecht’s forearm. A soft nimbus around the two men indicated the depth of their connection, and Brad and Lane tangibly felt the bond between them. It dawned on Brad that none of them knew if the doctor and Albrecht were entirely human, and if they were, how they awakened, became so powerful, and attained immortality.

Sensing their presence, the doctor opened his eyes to see them standing in the doorway. His eyes misted and his face flushed with rarely expressed outward emotion, but he smiled as he said, “Come here. Let me look at you.”

When close enough, he took each of their hands in his own, squeezing them hard.

“The fact you are here is beyond all hope to me. I thought my dreams died the day your counterparts here were killed. How you came to be here is a mystery… one I fully wish to understand.”

Lane smiled and said, “It’s great to see you, doc. When you’re ready, we’ll tell you everything you need to know.”

The doctor looked at Javier, standing awkwardly by the door and not knowing what to do with himself.

“My boy, come in. I must thank you as well. You did not ask for what happened to you, and I apologize profusely for my actions. If circumstances had not warranted, I would never have presumed to use you in such a manner without permission. I think all of us might end up owing you our lives.”

Javier smiled wanly and mumbled, “It was nothing. It’s not like I didn’t get anything out of it.”

“Once rested, I will talk with you at length, Javier. I have a proposition I believe you will wish to consider. For now, though, we need to get you home safely. The Enemy does not know of you or your assistance, so you should be completely safe. I will be in touch soon if all goes well.”

As Brad and Lane were about to send Javier back, Lane suddenly went still. His eyes turned white, and his voice took on an otherworldly quality as the deep voice of The Master came out of his mouth.

Come, my servants! I summon you with all my authority! Gather and stand ready! As soon as those of The Order begin the ritual to awaken their new warriors, we will be aware of them and strike them down! We will obliterate The Order once and for all and rule this plane unopposed!

The men heard Lane’s voice in their minds as well as their ears and the cold chill of The Master’s voice that went with it. They rushed into the room to see what was happening.

Albrecht, who had been silent at Aaron’s bedside, said, “Well, we knew this was coming. Are we ready to face the storm we just unleashed?”

<><><> 

Later that evening, Lane and Brad were in the kitchen with Ken, Bryan, and the others.

Ken asked, “So what’s next? We have the doc back, and other than needin’ some rest he seems ‘ta be in great shape. Even a few days ago I couldn’t have imagined that. You said after we got him back, we’d get our B and Lane back. What’s the plan?”

They knew Ken wasn’t pushing, but he and Bryan were anxious to have their partners back in their lives. The tension in them was visible in their energy flows.

“Lane and I need to make another call.”

“To who?”

“I’m not sure we should say. I’m sorry, but this is another one of those things that could cause quite a ripple if it doesn’t go right. I’m also not sure it’s entirely safe for you guys until the next step in your awakening.”

Bryan said, “I don’t care who you call. You’ve already pulled one rabbit out of a hat with the doc. I trust you.”

Grinning, Lane said, “Thanks.”

Brad said, “Come on, Lane, there’s no time like the present. Guy’s, I’m not sure what you’ll feel or hear in the next little while, but don’t come into the gym. Wait for us to come out.” 

<><> 

Brad and Lane went into the gym. The overhead lights were off except for the spotlight over the sparring ring.

Lane: So, who do you want to call first?

Brad: Raphael and Gabriel since they’re closest to us. We have to include Uriel too, but I’m worried about getting Michael involved. You know how he was before his run-in with Ken.

Lane: I had the same thought. Alright, let’s do this.

Brad: I don’t want to do anything to antagonize them. Let’s keep our shields down. They’ll need to read us to understand why we’re here, and I want their trust.

Looking to the heavens, their eyes turned white, and their Avatars glowed brightly in the darkness of the gym. When they spoke, their voices echoed in unison across the physical and spiritual realms.

Raphael! Gabriel! Uriel!

The gym became deathly silent, and the darkness of the ceiling deepened, transforming into a vision of the heavens. Millions of stars stretched across their sight, filled with brightly colored gas clouds and nebula. As always, the beauty was breathtaking, and they sensed the duality as the gym shifted, existing in both realms.

Three balls of light appeared, growing into the forms of the archangels they were familiar with from their own reality. The archangels looked familiar; Raphael in jeans and t-shirt with a brown leather jacket, Gabriel with his dark red hair tied in a ponytail, wearing a tailored grey pinstriped three-piece suit, and huge Uriel wearing his cloth tunic with animal fur wrappings on his forearms and lower legs. All three were uncannily handsome and charismatic. No words were initially spoken, but Brad and Lane felt their crushing presence that scanned them.

As Raphael pulled back from Brad’s mind, he quietly said, “I see.”

Knowing Raphael read them, Brad asked, “Can you help us? Do you know what happened to the bodies? We need to find them and restore them. I know you weren’t allowed to interfere to save them and technically can’t in this matter, but we need to find them to make things right.”

Raphael asked, “Where is the divergence? Do you know yet why matters here are so drastically different?”

Lane said, “There was a man present when The Enemy raided the lab. We’ve never seen him before, but he was in charge and immune to the runes and protections on the building. So far, he’s the only difference we’ve noticed, but my instincts tell me he’s key.”

Gabriel said, “The fact that he is unknown to us is significant in itself. Someone has gone to great lengths to hide his existence from us. That alone was worth responding to your call. However, I would have come anyway for the chance to restore my grandson.”

Raphael responded, “I as well. However, I don’t know what became of the bodies of the Brad Wilson and Lane Weaver of this plane.”

Looking at his two brothers, he asked, “Do either of you?”

Uriel spoke for the first time, saying, “I was forbidden to take them Home with only half their souls, as you know. I was instructed to put them in a safe place. They reside in Thomin’s vault.”

Brad and Lane noticed the grim expressions of Raphael and Gabriel at Uriel’s words.

Brad tentatively asked, “What’s Thomin’s vault?”

Raphael responded, “Thomin is an archangel whose province is to collect and protect objects of power.  He protects one of our oldest Mandates of keeping certain information outside the hands of humankind or from the dark. He is a bit… eccentric for one of our kind.”

Looking at Brad, Lane asked, “I wonder if that’s the place the doc mentioned. Where the book was stolen from?”

Gabriel asked, “What Book?”

Brad answered, “In our reality, not too long ago, one of my brothers received the Book of Loagaeth. Since then, we’ve used the knowledge to fortify our holdings against The Enemy, but we still don’t know who gave it to us. Our doc was worried if the book was taken, other objects might have been as well. Our team back home might already be looking into it. The doc was very concerned about the ramifications if other items are missing and back into circulation.”

Gabriel said, “The Book of Loagaeth? That is precisely the type of knowledge that should not be in the hands of mortals!”

Raising his voice, Brad retorted, “Yeah, well we aren’t mortal anymore. There’s been interference from at least one of your rogue brothers tipping the balance even further. Whoever left us the book is helping us stay in the fight. Our purpose is to fight The Enemy on Earth, not archangels. Things just keep getting more complicated.”

While he spoke, Brad’s Avatar flared visibly beneath his clothing. Raphael’s face softened, and he said, “We mean no affront, Brad. If you have the book, whoever put it in your possession must believe you have the wisdom to use it.”

Brad sent a private thought to Raphael: Actually, you helped us with input on how to use the runes most efficiently, but that secret will never go further, either in this reality or our own.

Raphael replied: I might need to have a discussion with myself about that. It seems there is more going on than we are aware of.

Lane said, “So the question of the day… how do we get to Thomin’s vault?”

Uriel replied, “I will take you.” 

<><> 

They appeared in a cave on the shore of what seemed to be an underground lake, but it was quickly apparent from the pungent, briny smell that it was ocean water. Two large stone doors stood, covered in intricate bas-relief with torches on either side illuminating the area. The cave was frigid, and the carvings on the door glistened with a coating of ice.

The place was sacred, and their presence disturbed the peace. The quiet of the cave was deafening.

A voice entered their minds, strong and powerful.

You disturb this place. Leave now. You should not be here.

Uriel: They are here by my will.

You are here for the bodies, then. You know the rules, Uriel.

Open the doors and let us pass, Thomin. These men bear the mark.

The paradox you bring is dangerous, Uriel. They should not be here! I can feel the strain by their very presence!

Then let us retrieve what we came for and be on our way. I know the rules. Let us in. Our need is great.

Your cause is not mine. I care little for your war.

Brad and Lane listened to the discussion, not sure if they should say anything. Thomin’s indifference, like Michael’s, was infuriating, and his petulant arrogance ignited Brad’s temper.

Show yourself, Thomin! I want to talk to you!

Uriel’s head snapped around, and he practically hissed, “Do not antagonize him!”

Appearing in front of them, Thomin stood stately, almost elegant looking. Sleighter built than any of the angels they had seen so far, he looked older, with gray in his temples. His skin had an odd sheen to it, but he had the same eyes as all his brothers, ageless and deep. Brad moved forward, tense with anger.

“What purpose does it serve to keep the bodies here? They aren’t ‘objects of power.'  What can you possibly gain by keeping them other than to stroke your overblown ego and make you feel self-important?”

Uriel put a hand on Brad’s shoulder, gripping it firmly as if to try and hold him back.

“Brad Wilson, please…”

“I’m sorry, Uriel, but we went through this same attitude with Michael in our world! This asinine behavior is the reason The Enemy abounds here. You all are supposed to be on the right side of the balance, not tip the scales in the other direction by being assholes.

“In case you hadn’t noticed, things here are looking grim, Thomin. Millions of human lives and souls are at risk while you stand here and bicker with us over whether or not we can retrieve our friends. We appreciate you keeping them safe, but your reality needs them if it’s going to have a chance because if this reality is destroyed, you and all your precious ‘objects of power’ go with it.”

As Brad spoke, building up a head of steam as he vented his emotions, something in him stirred. His Avatar ignited, becoming warm and vibrant, and his tattoo tingled.

“Insolent half-breed!”

Thomin’s face darkened with anger, and pointing towards the water, he shouted, “Be gone!”

Brad and Lane had never experienced anything like what they felt. An immensely powerful wave of something brushed off their shields.

Shocked, Thomin turned to Uriel, shouting, “How dare you!”

Staring intently at Brad and Lane, Uriel replied, “I did nothing, Thomin. I told you they bear the mark. They have the right to retrieve the bodies.”

Practically shaking in anger, Thomin said, “Show me!”

Brad and Lane looked at Uriel with raised eyebrows, and glancing at their shoulders, he nodded.

“Show him your Avatars.”

Lifting their sleeves, they revealed their tattoos. The vibrant and intricate designs glowed brightly, spitting arcs of color, with the runes clearly visible.

“I should never have allowed you to leave them here, Uriel. The paradox is too dangerous. They are the only ones who can pass, but they cannot be here, so the bodies should stay under my protection forever.”

Uriel’s irritation was apparent in the tone of his voice.

“Yet they are here. You see they are random and unfettered. That changes everything. Stop being stubborn and let us pass.”

Thomin still looked furious, but the doors to the vault slowly swung open.

“Touch nothing! And you two… do not touch your counterparts!”

With that, Thomin vanished.

Lane smirked, looking at Brad and shaking his head.

“What is it with you and Ken going head to head with these guys?”

Grinning, Brad shrugged his shoulders.

“Like Ken said, it seemed like the right thing to do. I was prepared to get my ass kicked, but it worked.”

Gesturing to the open doors, Uriel said, “Quickly, before he changes his mind. Follow me.”

Following Uriel, they entered the vault. It wasn’t as large as they thought it would be, but it was full of objects on pedestals. They recognized the Book of Loagaeth immediately among the other artifacts.

When Brad and Lane saw the bodies, they stopped, staring. The lighting was dim, and the vault's interior exuded a light blue aura that washed the color out of everything. In addition, the bodies glowed with a soft nimbus of magic. Standing over the bodies, Uriel glanced back and motioned for them to approach.

“It must be disconcerting to see yourselves. They are in a state of suspension, neither alive nor dead. Their wounds were lethal, as you know. When I release the stasis, you must heal them quickly to prevent further suffering. Let me know when you are ready.”

Uriel spoke the truth; it was difficult to see themselves. Their alternate versions were younger for starters, not yet matured from the activation of their nephilim heritage. Each man noted particular details that struck them. Brad remembered the bloodstained t-shirt that now had a bullet hole in it. It was an old favorite Ken bought him on a whim when they were out shopping one day. Lane noted similar things, and they delved into one another for a brief moment to settle themselves.

Lane, you do the honors. I’ll be with you and back you up.

Moving behind Lane, Brad hugged him, the same as Bryan always did. Squeezing firmly, he expressed his support, letting Lane feel his presence physically and mentally.

Taking a deep breath, Lane opened their energy centers, merging them. As always, their breath caught and their eyes watered from the emotional intimacy as they took solace in one another. It was a comfort to both men as close friends, to show themselves and not be ashamed or judged, but loved and accepted for who they were. Brad loved Lane as much as he loved Ken and the depth of the connection between them was just as profound.

Nodding to Uriel, Lane said, “I’m ready.”

Uriel swept a hand over Brad’s prone body, and the nimbus vanished.

Ready, Lane opened all three energy centers in Brad’s body. A few thoughts went through his mind as he viewed the damage through the energy flows. The first was how easy it was to heal the damage. It was lethal to a human, which the Brad of the alternate reality still was, but for any of them now, fully awake, it was almost trivial. They had come so far in the last few years, but it was also apparent in looking at their own journey how precarious it had always been.

The history of all the guys from their early lives as children, growing up alone in one way or another, to the decisions and experiences that led them to join the Navy and become SEALS, and interviewing with the doctor; it was all a delicately intertwined series of choices and coincidences. If everything hadn’t happened precisely as it had, there was no telling how different things would be for all of them. The only difference in the alternate reality was that someone interfered, tipping the balance.

The black-suited man in the memories of their counterparts was the key. They didn’t know his name or who he was yet, but Lane had his suspicions. Brad had the same thought, but they couldn’t say his name or even think it without proper warding.

Lane found the bullets still lodged in Brad’s body and teleported them into his hand. Then, he knitted the damage back together until the wounds healed, and Brad breathed normally. Lastly, he set a compulsion for Brad to remain asleep.

Nodding for Uriel to continue, in another minute the Lane of that reality was fully healed and sleeping as well.

Brad: Well, that was easy. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but that was much easier than I imagined it would be.

Lane: Yeah, I know what you mean, but I have a feeling the shit’s about to hit the fan. Whoever’s meddling here is going to be pissed we’re here and getting things back on track. We need to move fast.

Brad: It’s going to be tough to watch when we get them back.

Lane: Yeah. I don’t think I’ll be able to. We can make ourselves scarce for a bit.

Brad: Let’s push on and get this over with. We can’t leave until things here are right, and the sooner we do that, the sooner we get back to our own guys. Even though I love everybody here, it’s just not the same. They aren’t ours.

Uriel’s deep, gravelly voice, so like Bryan’s, cut through their thoughts.

I know this is difficult for you. I would not say this to Michael, but I am glad you are outside our rules. You are needed, and I thank you for being here.

Brad: Uriel, can you ward us for a moment? I need to mention something, and it needs to stay private for now… and there’s another reason, but I can’t tell you openly.

The vault is secure.  No one can scry here or hear our thoughts. Thomin has no interest and is not listening.

Brad went on to tell Uriel about meeting Luke at the tree and the warnings of Gabriel, Raphael, and the other archangels of their reality. They had no proof, but they were sure Luke was responsible for everything. Luke would never show himself openly, so they knew the man in their lost brothers' memories wasn’t him, but there was a strong chance he was connected to Luke. Brad shared his concerns about Michael and showed Uriel his memory of Michael and Ken’s confrontation at the lab.

I can force Michael to commune with himself in your reality. We can do that at great need. I must go now. Can you return yourselves?

Sure. Thank you for your help, Uriel. Your grandson is about to be one happy camper.

The corners of Uriel’s mouth lifted in a rare grin. Even though he and Bryan didn’t physically look alike, their mannerisms were identical. Lane smiled but also felt a twinge of sorrow, missing his lover badly.

Follow the light.

With the sound of fluttering wings, Uriel vanished.

<><><> 

Appearing in the gym, each carried the body of the other's counterpart. The compulsion to stay asleep would last another few hours. There were a few reasons… first off, neither Brad nor Lane could take seeing the reunion about to take place. As much as they missed their own guys, it was just something they didn’t want to put themselves through. They also thought it would be a good idea for the first thing they saw when they woke up not to be a doppelganger of themselves from an alternate reality.

Calling the doctor into the gym first, they filled him in on what transpired. The doctor asked Ken and Bryan to perform a few tasks that would keep them busy and allow the doctor to get his charges discreetly into a bed and check them over.

Brad said, “You really don’t need to examine them, doc. Our ability to heal is pretty comprehensive. Once the guys here get their Avatars, you can watch them in action and see for yourself. Speaking of their Avatars, we need to get them through the final process as quickly as possible, and we need to be prepared for a full-on assault by The Enemy when we do. It’s not going to be easy.”

“You are correct, my boy. I must have a frank discussion with you on that matter. If you are willing, having you here and fully awake might alter the procedure I had planned.”

“Okay, doc. Let’s get these guys into bed and reunited with Ken and Bryan first. The Enemy won’t make a move until we start the ritual. They have their forces gathered, but they don’t know where to hit us until we start. We have some time, and I don’t think we’ll be alone. We have allies, whether you’re aware of them or not.”

Raising a questioning eyebrow at Brad’s comment, the doctor looked thoughtful but didn’t say anything.

<><><> 

The next few hours were painful and edgy. Brad and Lane heard the commotion in the lab when the guys realized the brothers they thought lost forever were alive, well, and back with them.

Brad and Lane stayed in the gym, deciding to put themselves through a grueling workout as a distraction. Keeping their shields tight, they didn’t want to feel any overflow of the emotions running rampant just a short distance away.

Having completed their mental disciplines, they were sparring in the ring when the door opened, and Rick, Loy, Kevin, Bill, Darren, and Pat came in.

Moving to the edge of the ring, Loy asked, “Guys, can you come down for a minute? We want to talk to you.”

Brad gave Lane a ‘what’s up’ look, and Lane shrugged his shoulders. Wearing only workout shorts and shoes, their bodies shone with sweat from the intensity of their workout. Their muscles were pumped and swollen, with veins showing across their upper chests, shoulders, arms, and legs.

Loy and the others noticed their appearance, partly at their physicality as gay men. Lane and Brad were amazingly hot and virile, but it was more than that. Ever since their arrival, the guys had been affected by their nephilim heritage and angelic charisma.

Hopping down, while he and Brad toweled off, Lane asked, “What’s up, fellas?”

As soon as Brad and Lane saw their faces, they knew something had changed and had a good idea of what had happened.  Loy teared up when he spoke.

“We want to thank you for bringing our Brad and Lane back to us. You know how much they mean to us, and we never thought we’d see them again. I know we don’t keep score, but we owe you big time.

“While you were gone, we… well maybe we jumped the gun, but I merged with Ricky, and I convinced the other guys to do the same with their partners, and then we did it as a group.”

Brad’s eyebrows rose in surprise, and Lane let out a quiet, “Oh shit!”

“It was rocky and intense… you know… but now we’re better than ever, and we understand more of what you guys are going through without your own partners. If you’ll let us, we want to merge with you. You can block anything we don’t need to see, but it’s something we want to do for you and think you need. What do you say?”

Surprised and touched, Brad’s throat tightened, and for a moment he couldn’t respond.

Rolling his eyes with his typical grin, Lane sighed, saying, “God, Brad, you’re such a pussy.”

They all laughed, including Brad. Still unable to speak, he nodded his head in agreement.

Thanks, guys. I want to. Lane? Do you?

Hell, yeah! I’ve missed our version of these yahoos like you wouldn’t believe.

Loy: Why don’t you start; we’re getting the hang of it, but since you have things we might not need to see, it’s probably best that way. We’re an open book for you and want to give you whatever you need.

Brad’s eyes turned white, followed by Lane’s, and he brought the two of them together first. This time he didn’t bother toning down their auras, and they shone brightly, wanting to give back to his brothers and show them what they had to look forward to.

Smoothly bringing them together, unlike the train wreck he and Ken shared the first time they merged, it was beautiful, powerful, and emotionally intimate. Taking them all deep, they immersed themselves in one another completely. The warmth and support he and Lane missed were back, subtly different, but just as powerful. Surrounding them, they basked in the presence of their friends and brothers as tears fell down their cheeks.

Astonished at Brad and Lane's strength, the guys were reassured that they too would be the same soon enough with training and practice. The personalities and quirks they missed were like an old worn glove; the jokes, the brotherly hugs, and the shit they hung on one another as only best friends could, fit perfectly.

Taking their time, they gently went through the process as though it was the first time, which in a way it was. As deep as Brad took them, no time passed in the gym, but hours passed to their perceptions. None of them were ready to break what they shared, but Brad eventually separated them back into couples and then into their bodies.

Standing for a few seconds, stunned and re-acclimating to their bodies, they already missed the exquisite intimacy that was so painfully beautiful and profound. Then, almost as one, the six men moved forward, physically embracing Brad and Lane. All of them had tears in their eyes as their arms wrapped around them, holding them tight.

Brad and Lane missed the hugs just as much. The warm strength of their bodies pressed together, their arms around each other, faces touching; it was just what they needed after merging. The gift of their touch and love completely refreshed and rejuvenated Brad and Lane.

Thank you, guys. You know how much we needed that and how much it means to us. I can’t wait for you to do that with the ten of you. The others have some catching up to do. In our world, Lane and I were the first two to develop, and here it’s going to be the opposite. I know you’ll break them in gently.

Kevin: Hell no, I’ll finally be able to spank Ken’s ass at something.

They all burst out laughing at Kevin’s comment, breaking their embrace.

Rick: I’m starving; how about we get some chow?

With a grin on his face, Lane thought: Yeah, we can hear that cavern you call a stomach.

Grabbing Lane in a headlock, Rick walked him into the kitchen… just like old times.

<><><> 

The intensity of the auras coming from the rooms Ken, Brad, Bryan, and Lane occupied was blazingly bright. What was happening was no secret and everyone wore smiles on their faces. Not just because their brothers were getting laid, but because they were alive to get laid and back where they belonged. The mood was light and jovial in the kitchen as they decided what to eat for dinner. Bryan was busy, so their fallback cooks were Pat and Bill.

While gathered in the kitchen, the doctor asked Brad and Lane to join him in his office for a few minutes. When they entered, Albrecht was already there and shut the door.

Sitting silently as he gathered his thoughts, after a moment the doctor said, “We are so grateful you are here. Your presence is a miracle of sorts. I was afraid my plans came to ruin that day, and yet you are here, and we are once again on the path. However, I discovered a serious issue tonight.  The harnesses I created for the next phase are gone. The chest containing them is missing along with much of my other equipment.”

Brad asked, “Sir, what was their purpose? To regulate the energy flows?”

“Yes, that was their primary function; to open the individual energy centers and regulate the flows during the awakening.”

“I can do that. We learned to regulate our own flows and each others in our training. I can manage all ten at once if necessary. It might not be a bad idea, given what we know is coming as soon as we start. Lane can help with the defenses while I manage the energy flows.”

“You are sure, Bradford? You know how long it will take.”

“Yes, sir… I’m not saying it will be a walk in the park, but I’m confident I can do it.”

Grinning, Albrecht said, “I told you, Aaron. Brad allowed me to read him when he first contacted me to gain my trust. They are everything you thought they would be, and more.”

Like his angelic grandfather Raphael, part of Brad’s Avatar was intellect and wisdom. After a long debate in his mind, Brad decided to move forward with an idea while he had private time with the doctor and Albrecht.

“Doc… Lane and I merged with everyone in the gym a few minutes ago. We intentionally shielded a lot of information, and they know it. In our world, you’ve stepped back the last few years, allowing us to grow on our own. We haven’t told them anything about the abilities they will gain or the troubles they will face, other than what they have seen us do.

“I want to share with you and Albrecht what we’ve gone through in our world. As long as it’s kept private, I don’t think that will cause too much of a ripple. They’re good men, and tough, but they’re going to need you more than ever in the upcoming fight. I trust your wisdom in how best to use the knowledge.”

A big grin crossed Brad’s face when he said, “You have to promise me not to get too excited at some of what I’m about to share, though. You’re going to be busy as hell once you discover a few things.  It would be easiest to merge.  Would you do the honors?”

The doctor brought the four of them into a link, and again it was like a balm to Brad and Lane. Soothing and peaceful, the doctor’s and Albrecht’s minds were powerful in their own right and far more experienced.  As always, their mentors restricted certain aspects and knowledge in the merge, but the experience was beautiful nonetheless.

Sharing the Avatars of each man and their subsequent awakenings, he also shared his difficulty in coming to grips with his telepathy and the individual journeys of each of his brothers and how far they had come in attaining unconditional love for humans. The doctor did get excited over the new equipment Darren and Pat would help to engineer. Rolling his eyes, Albrecht smiled, winking at Brad.

The doctor was just as apprehensive about the men's ancestry and their archangel relatives as Brad knew he would be. Their unknowing interference in his research infuriated him, but the results stood before him, so he had little choice but to accept it as a good thing. Lastly, they shared with him the contents of the Book of Loagaeth. Of everything they shared, that knowledge stunned him the most.

They won’t be ready for the kind of power it will take to generate those runes for a while, but as soon as they are you need to fortify the lab against the light and the dark. That man who broke into the lab that day … I have a feeling he’ll be here tomorrow. We need to once again make this place a safe haven.

Lane: We still don’t fully know what happened the day of our first awakening. We did see nephilim in the gym at the end of the procedure before we passed out. The leader of the four that helped us is named Istariel. We’re pretty sure he’ll be here tomorrow to help, but beyond that we aren’t sure what’s going to happen. We’ll have to improvise as best we can and figure out how to make it through the procedure.

Aaron: I do not like leaving so much to chance.

Brad: We learned a while back, doc, sometimes that’s all we can do. There are forces at play driving this confrontation. The idea of balance is out the window as far as The Enemy is concerned, but there’s still opposition to Them, and we have allies.

Aaron: I will have everything ready in the morning, but I must speak to them first and give them a chance to return to a normal existence.

Lane: Fat chance of that, doc. You have to ask, but we both know what they’re going to say.

<><><> 

Brad and Lane didn’t look forward to the meeting for a few reasons. Greeting their alternate selves was awkward. What do you say to yourself? Thomin warned them not to touch their counterparts, so they couldn’t shake hands or give or receive hugs of gratitude. The gratitude was sincere, though, and it was evident what their revival meant, not only to their world but to Ken and Bryan.

The closeness between Brad and Ken was apparent just being around them, as well as Lane and Bryan. Glued at the hip as soon as they came out of their room, the looks on their faces said everything. Ken and Bryan were like new men, the zombie-like quality they adopted to survive was gone, and the smiles on their faces made them look like their old selves.

 Calling them together, the doctor gave the same speech he gave in Brad and Lane’s reality a few years prior, telling them about The Order, The Enemy, and why he recruited them. They already heard the basics from Brad but listened intently, and the doctor was much more forthcoming than Brad had been about details of the conflict. As Lane predicted, none of them backed out, eager to continue and take the fight to The Enemy.

<><> 

An hour later, gathered in the gym, they were ready to begin. While waiting for the doctor, Lane pulled his counterpart aside.

“When all of this first started in our world, Brad and Ken almost died. Part of our awakening was a song that came to me in a dream. I’m not sure how applicable it is here, but I think you should sing it. It can’t hurt.”

“I don’t have anything to play it on. The guitar I kept here in my locker was destroyed.”

“Well, hold onto your hat because you’ll be able to do this too, not long from now.”

Lane made a flourishing gesture, and a beautiful guitar coalesced out of thin air. It was the one with the pearl inlay matching the design of his Avatar.

“No one can play this but me, which means you can too.”

Lane held it out for his counterpart to take.

“Give it a try.”

The other Lane took it and put the strap over his shoulder, strumming a chord. The sound was rich and pure, and the grin on his face a mile wide.  Lane couldn’t help but smile at himself. He knew that feeling.

Holding his hands up to his chest in the diamond pattern, a small sphere emerged, floating over and entering the other Lane. When it went into his body, he blinked slightly.

“That’s the song. You all had to cross a river to get to where you are, so I think the metaphor is still applicable.”

They moved over to the rest of the guys, who had questioning looks on their faces.

Strumming the opening chords to the song, immediately their eyes flashed white, as something stirred deep within them. The same door in them opened, a door that could never close.

With the opening chorus, the music pulled them outside themselves, and their souls flew with Lane as the words and meaning became a part of them. By the time he finished their eyes were wide, and the momentum of whatever was building around them apparent.

Thunder rumbled across the skies of Atlanta, mirroring the imminent conflict. Lightning and thunder strummed through their bodies, and Ken had the same thought about how storms followed significant times in their lives.

More and more details were converging, the corrections cascading, and Brad and Lane felt the ripples around them. As instructed, the guys removed their clothing, and the doctor had them get into the sparring ring, sitting as couples with their backs to one another.

As they sat, Istariel and his cousins appeared around the ring, veiled so no one but Brad and Lane could see them.

Brad told the doctor, “The nephilim are here, doc. Things are about to get exciting.”

Albrecht and Taliesin were present as well. Taliesin wasn’t happy about being indoctrinated into the defense of the team, but he also knew he had to do everything possible to save Lane Weaver so he could accept the Gift and take it from him. His attitude all morning was worse than usual, and he was waspish, snapping at everyone.

<><>  

Istariel’s voice entered Brad’s mind.

Are you ready, Brad Wilson?

I think so.

We stand with you. These men must survive; however, the outcome is uncertain. The Enemy is strong and will bring all their power to bear.

Albrecht, Lane, and Taliesin will help. The only part I’m worried about is the man that showed up here at the lab. He’s the key to the divergence and why everything here is cockeyed. We survived in our world with your help, and Taliesin’s as well. This time Lane will be here, and Albrecht, so let’s hope we’ll be enough. I won’t be able to help much if any.

I am glad we met, Brad Wilson. We had doubts about your path… or the path of the Brad Wilson and the others of this world.

Believe it or not Istariel, you and I are good friends in my world. I hope that happens for you here with these men. You’ll need each other in the days ahead.

Glancing over, Brad watched the doctor hand out small sippy cups to the men, distinctly remembering the flavor of his. The icy calm that always accompanied a difficult mission settled in all of them. Everything was now only a few moments from starting.

It’s time, Istariel. I’ll be opening their energy centers momentarily.

Be sure everyone remains within the confines of the ring.

Istariel and his cousins moved over, each standing on one side of the boxing ring. Their long arms stretched out until their fingers touched, and lifting his face to the heavens, Istariel’s voice reverberated through the spiritual realm.

We stand outside Time, in a place not of Earth, joined together as one. By all thy Holy Angels, by the powers of light, we call Thee to guard and defend these men from all perils, O Most High.

Four Corners, I call thee to me!

And so, the ritual began. The darkness in the ceiling became the blackness of space, filled with stars. The four archangels appeared as they were summoned and once present, their ghostly wings stretched out, intertwining and sealing the dome of protection.

Lane watched intently while Brad focused on the men. At the doctor's instruction, Brad opened their minds first. A brilliant blue ribbon of energy came out of their foreheads, intertwining with their partners, forming a loop. Guiding the flows in and around each couple, he carefully kept them separate.

The doctor’s serum unlocked the last of their genetic potential, and their energy flows strengthened as their body chemistry changed. Their latent nephilim DNA activated, and Brad watched the changes in their flows as their nephilim heritage emerged.  Witnessing the birth of a new race of beings was spectacular, and the profundity wasn’t lost on him.

Sudden, extreme danger hit Brad like a punch in his stomach, and he could tell by their faces everyone else felt it as well.

Ken shouted, “Doc! Something’s up!”

“Yes, Kenneth, I feel it as well. Do not concern yourself; it is expected. You must stay still and let us handle whatever might happen. It is imperative you not try to interfere! Promise me! All of you!”

The doctor rarely raised his voice, so they knew he was serious and they reluctantly complied.

Taliesin gasped, and Lane looked up to see a dark cloud in the heavens rapidly approaching. It was the dark, all its servants, and his spine went cold at the sight. The smoky cloud writhed and seethed, guided by the will of The Master. Growing as it approached, the darkness blotted out stars in its immensity.

The dome, nearly invisible before, flared bright white as the first blow struck. The impact shook the building, almost knocking the doctor off his feet. Brad held firm, focused on opening the next energy center in the men, and a warm golden light burst forth from their chests. The threads of energy circling between the partners created a circuit, and as the ropes passed through each man they emerged more potent than before.

One couple at a time, Brad brought the streams together into a bright white rope. Remembering well from his own experience, he was aware of the pressures the men experienced in their minds and bodies.

Relentlessly, the dark cloud struck, sending smoky tentacles lashing out to break through the dome and devour the minds and souls of the men beneath. As powerful as their protectors were, the dark amassed all its servants and power against them, desperate to destroy the last hope of The Order.

Just as in Brad’s reality Taliesin intervened, and with his and Albrecht’s help, the Four Corners along with Istariel and his cousins slowly drove back the darkness. So far Lane had not joined in the defense, not knowing why but trusting his gut instinct not to do so.

With one last push, the angelic protectors scattered the dark cloud, dissipating it. It would reform soon enough, but for that day, The Enemy exhausted itself and was held at bay. The ghostly beings lowered their wings, and the darkness in the gym returned to normal.

Their voices weary, the nephilim breathed a sigh of relief.

We prevailed.

The doctor couldn’t see the archangels still present or the nephilim, but he felt their presence and knew they helped.

Glancing up, he said, “Thank you for your protection. The world could not stand to lose them.”

In a quiet voice, he added, “Or me.”

Albrecht, weary from his efforts in defending the dome, put a hand on Aaron’s shoulder in support and confirmation of their success.

All was quiet as the doctor moved to check on his young charges. Brad fell to his knees exhausted, even as his intuition suddenly screamed something was wrong.  A powerful mental attack struck him, knocking him unconscious. His shields saved him but shattered in the attack, leaving him defenseless.

Sensing the attack, Lane spun around to see Brad unconscious on the mat, and his shields flared, surrounding Brad, breaking the surprise attack against his friend.

A deep voice by the door sounded amused, “You are fast, Lane Weaver. I hoped to kill him quickly. I’ve heard you are powerful, but he seemed easy enough to deal with.”

Lane recognized the man from everyone’s memories, the one who led the attack on the lab that killed the Brad and Lane of this reality.

Lane's face remained stony, but he was furious.

“I wouldn’t expect much less from a chicken shit coward servant of The Enemy. He was exhausted, and you caught him by surprise and from behind. Now you have to deal with me.”

“You have no idea how I’ve longed to pit myself against one of you. All I hear is how strong you are; the hope of The Order. I think you have everyone fooled. After I kill you, I will kill everyone else here.”

“You aren’t killing anyone. I’m not sure who you are, but I intend to find out, and once we know who you’re working with, we’ll bring them down too.”

Lane didn’t know his adversary was Orophir, the nephilim child of The dark One himself. Not knowing who Orophir was or how powerful, at first Lane stayed on the defensive. An immensely strong aura surrounded him, pushing against Lane’s shields.

The first blow was nearly devastating, and Lane’s mind exploded in pain. Reaching out to listen, he was shocked at the silence, and it dawned on him immediately that Orophir, whoever he was, had the same amulet Trenton Ashmore wielded in his reality.

Fuck!

With the amulet in Orophir’s possession, Lane knew he didn’t stand a chance by himself. He would have to delay as long as he could to give the doctor time to get everyone out safely.

“Doc! Get everybody out! I’ll hold him as long as I can! Move!”

The desperation in Lane’s voice was apparent, and the doctor didn’t know what else to do but obey. He had to get his charges to safety, but ever resourceful, he could still help. Holding up his hands in the shape of a diamond, a small ball of light appeared, shooting across the room and into Lane.

Lane absorbed the memory sphere, and the knowledge saved his life. Over the thousands of years the doctor had lived, he honed and sharpened his powers and skills. As nephilim, Lane and the guys were naturally stronger but lacked his experience, experience the doctor just shared with Lane.

Lane suddenly understood how to maximize his efforts with minimal power expenditure, realizing how to deflect Orophir’s attacks so they glanced off his shields. Everything Aaron shared was fundamental physics, and Lane was astounded he and Brad hadn’t applied the knowledge before.

Lane’s mischievous grin appeared, and he yelled, “I love you, doc! Now get out of here!”

Even with his new knowledge, Lane was overmatched, but he could play the mouse and dodge or deflect the majority of the attacks against him. He could tell Orophir was pissed off, and he smiled grimly to himself. He wasn’t planning on sacrificing himself, fully intending to escape, but not until the doctor had everyone safely out of the building.

Orophir quickly became frustrated. His father assured him these men were no match for him while wielding the Charm of Music, yet the half-breed held his own! Realizing the rumors of their strength were true, he hated them for it. He should be that powerful! Maybe then his father would finally give him the love and respect he so desperately wanted.

With the charm absorbing ambient Music, Lane didn’t have the power to go on offense. Reaching further out would take too much time, so he continued his basic strategy, giving the doctor as much time as possible. Even on full defense, Lane was tiring; the amulet gave Orophir so much raw power that even the deflections hurt and drained him. Lane called on the animal spirits but could only draw so much without dissipating them.

The doctor and Albrecht had everyone out but Brad when one attack hit Lane full force, shattering his shields. Nearly unconscious, his mind was on fire.

I have you now. The Order will fall by my hand, and I will take my rightful place above The Master as promised!

Lane knew he and Brad were in big trouble. Unexpectedly, Lane’s Avatar came to life, spitting brightly colored arcs of energy. Images came to his mind, and he delved deep within himself to slow his perception of time.

They realized long before their partners were usually crucial to saving them in dire circumstances. Bryan figured it out and shared his revelation with everyone when Bill was trapped in his own mind, and Kevin’s Avatar was vital in saving him.

Thoughts clicked into place as he slowed the images and realized what information his Avatar, magnified by the Gift, revealed to him. Bryan was vital if Lane was going to get out alive. A great mystery of Yggdrasil and the Dragon were revealed to him, holding the answer to his salvation.

Unsure if his idea would work, it was a last-ditch effort or he and Brad were toast. Lifting his hands to his chest, forming a diamond with his fingers, a small ball of light appeared, bobbing gently in front of him.

Orophir saw it and said, “You won’t send any messages or call for help.”

Holding out his hand, the orb started floating towards him.

Breathing hard, sweat pouring down his face, Lane grinned and said under his breath, “Try and stop me, fucker.”

His Avatar pulsed brightly, and the orb vanished. It didn’t dart off like they usually did; it simply disappeared.

“What did you do!?”

<><><>  

Ken and Bryan sparred in the gym. They spent a great deal of time together while Brad and Lane were away, even sleeping in the same bed occasionally or with another couple if one of them felt particularly lonely. There was no sex, but if one of them needed the intimacy, it was always ready and available with no shit talk or repercussions.

All the guys knew how hard it was for them to be away from their partners and went out of their way to spend time with Ken and Bryan, keeping them company or staying merged with them.

The two big men, their bodies dripping sweat, wore boxing shorts with pads and gloves and had been going at each other for nearly an hour. Bryan was a bit winded trying to keep up with Ken, but loved pushing himself.

“Hey Bry, I was thinkin’, what do ‘ya think about you and me goin’ on a campin’ trip ‘ta the tree while B and Lane are away? It would get us out of everyone’s hair, and it’s one of the few places we can relax.”

“Sounds good to me. We might have to take some meat with us; without one of the sissy fucker’s Avatars to get an animal, we’ll be stuck with what I can grow. Or we can go vegetarian.”

Laughing, Ken said, “Fuck that! I’m a meat-eater.”

Smirking, Bryan said under his breath, “Yeah, that’s what Brad said.”

Their conversation was spaced out between heavy breathing and landing or blocking punches. Their muscles pumped, the sound of gloves hitting their solid bodies echoed in the empty gym. Both men were blindingly fast and inhumanly strong as well as extraordinarily agile and dexterous, and it was a thing of beauty to watch them pit themselves against one another.

Of course, Ken heard Bryan’s comment and smiled as he landed a punch to Bryan’s stomach. Grunting from the impact, Bryan countered with a flurry of punches, all of which were blocked but put Ken on the defensive.

Raising his hand to signal for a break, Ken said, “Speakin’ of food, I’m starvin’. You think there’s anythin’ in the kitchen, or do you wanna run out and grab somethin’?”

“We probably need to grab a shower and go out. I need to make a grocery run and restock. If we’re going camping, I’ll need to get some things anyway.”

“Hey, Bry, if we can’t take anythin’ synthetic with us, what do you think would happen to Velveeta? I love that queso dip you make with salsa.”

Bryan rarely laughed out loud, but Ken’s comment was so off the wall it struck him funny.

“Sometimes I wonder about you, boss man. Where the fuck did that come from?”

Smiling, Ken said, “Brad wonders that, too. Honestly, I just like to say goofy shit sometimes to make him smile.”

“Yeah, I get that. Not to sound mushy, but I love doing stuff like that for Lane, too.”

Putting an arm around Bryan’s shoulders as they walked towards the locker room to shower, Ken gave him a firm squeeze of comfort, knowing how much Bryan missed Lane.

Both men felt a tingling in their gut at precisely the same instant. A powerful sense of something wrong filled both of them. Spinning around, they assumed a back to back defensive posture, scanning the room. The lab was secure with the runes from the Book of Loagaeth, so they couldn’t imagine anything dangerous attacking them there.

A small ball of light appeared in the air, bobbing gently, and they recognized it as a memory sphere. It was still for a moment before darting into Bryan’s body, and Lane’s voice filled his mind.

Bry! I need you! Brad’s unconscious, and I’m getting my ass kicked by the guy who killed Brad and Lane here the first time. We have them back and just finished the ritual to awaken the entire team. I gave the doc time to get everyone out, but I can’t hold on much longer. This guy has the same amulet Trenton Ashmore had in Australia. With it, he’s too fucking powerful to take by myself.

Use the tree to get here, Bry. The roots of the tree grow through all creation; it touches all realities, and you can get here through it. Leroy can provide the power, and the tree is the path. You just have to figure out how to get Leroy’s help without waking him up! If this trick worked, you should have an hour before I start fighting this guy. Any longer, and I couldn’t be sure of it reaching you at all. Please hurry, and I love you!

Bryan: Fuck!

Ken: Bry, what is it?

Bryan’s emotions spiked.  Fear for Lane, anger at The Enemy, and anxiety about responding fast enough to save Lane.  Gripping Ken’s bicep, Bryan merged them deeply together.

Their soothing presence wrapped around each other, and as their souls merged each felt the effect they had on one another. They were brothers, their bonds beyond human. Breathing deeply, Bryan leaned on Ken as he shared Lane’s message, and Ken’s solid presence kept Bryan calm and focused.

Okay, Bry, we need ‘ta act fast. We need Loy’s help and the other brainiacs.

Together, drawing and supporting one another, they had the range to call out to Loy.

Ken: Loy! Get everyone to the gym! 911!

In less than a few seconds, the entire team minus Brad and Lane appeared around them. Training themselves to react fast and merge quickly to support each other, they were becoming the weapons necessary to fight and defeat The Enemy.

Loy took them deep into a construct of the lab, giving Bryan time to share Lane’s message and bring them up to speed. Anxiety and fear ran through them for Brad and Lane, but it was controlled and focused. They were confident and ready to do whatever was necessary to save their brothers.

Bryan: We five can get there on our own and not tire you out, and then you can port to us once we’re there. Loy, you’ll have to keep Leroy calm and asleep after I see him. You know what happens if he wakes up.

Loy: Fuck! No pressure!

Ken: You can do it, Loy, especially with everybody backin’ you up. Bill, send a message to the doc and Albrecht tellin’ them what we’re doin’. They need ‘ta be in the loop and know we’ll be gone. I’m not sure how long it’ll be before Bry and I make it back.

Darren: You know what the doc said about the strain on that reality with Brad and Lane there. With both versions of them plus the two of you, it’s going to be worse. You need to finish up quick and get your asses back here.

Bill: With all four of you there, you’ll have less time than the doc initially accounted for.

Since Michael removed the dispensation on their ability to teleport into the valley, they could go there directly. Ken and Bryan still only wore their workout shorts and shoes and were soaked in sweat from their workout. There was nothing to be done; they didn’t want to take a few minutes to change clothes when their partner’s lives were on the line.

<> 

Moving behind Ken, Bryan wrapped his arms around him in a hug, crossing his arms over Ken’s torso. His eyes turned white, and both his and Ken’s Avatars flared emerald green, the green of the tree and their eyes, and they vanished. Linked with Ken and Bryan, Patrick, Rick, and Kevin clasped hands and disappeared a split second behind them.

<><> 

Appearing at the cave entrance by the roots of the tree, in less than a second the others stood beside them. They took off together, into the cave and down to the chamber where Leroy slept.

They passed through the chamber of the water of life, and a short time later stood at the entrance to the vast cavern where Leroy’s head emerged. The legend of the Midgard Serpent said his body was so large he wrapped around the world. Leroy’s body disappeared into the cavern, and they had never seen anything besides his head, so there was no telling if that legend was true.

Deathly silent, they moved into the chamber. Bryan immediately went to Leroy, stretching out his arms and pressing his body against the creatures soft, leathery hide. To Bryan, Ken, and the other bodies the musky smell of his hide was potent, and it darkened where Bryan’s sweaty body pressed against the great beast.

Bryan was the only one who spoke, and in his deep, gravelly voice, he whispered, “I’m here, buddy. I need your help.”

Running his hands soothingly over Leroy’s hide, Bryan gingerly touched the thoughts of the massive creature. The giant eyelid close to Bryan opened in a tiny slit, revealing the immense golden eye underneath that moved back and forth as Leroy slept and dreamed. Leroy always seemed to be aware of Bryan’s presence, even in slumber.

Ken: Is everybody ready?

Loy: Okay, Bry. I’ll drop you and Ken out of the link as soon as you start. We’ll keep Leroy calm until you’re gone, and then we’ll head out once we know he’s back to normal.

Their brothers were with Bryan and Ken, knowing what was at stake if they failed. Not only would their own Brad and Lane be lost, but their fight against The Enemy as well. They still didn’t know why that particular reality was so important, but failure there meant failure in their own.

Lowering his head, Bryan inhaled, taking a deep breath, and Leroy’s musky scent filled him along with the souls of his brothers.  The comfort of their presence supported and calmed him. Mental things were Lane’s specialty, not his, but he was the protector of Leroy and the tree, tied to them, and the others through him.

It was another part of their birthright as nephilim that the doctor hadn’t expected or planned for; however, it was part of the archangel’s plan; he was sure of that now. They had plans for Bryan and Ken and the others, but their ultimate intentions still remained a mystery.

Stretching out his arms, he pressed as much of his body against Leroy’s soft hide as he could manage, resting his cheek against the Dragon. Leroy's immense strength was evident to Bryan through his enhanced senses, Avatar, and connection as Leroy’s protector. Stilling himself, he listened to Leroy’s heartbeat and the fire churning within him.

The part of his Avatar that came from Pat gave him the Understanding of everything he took in; Leroy’s purpose was to destroy the world and all of creation when called to by God, and everything Bryan felt in the enormous creature was the strength to carry out that purpose.

Bryan knew the world would see Leroy as a hideous monster and creature of destruction. Bryan saw through that and loved Leroy for what he was; a perfect but misunderstood creature. Bryan’s Understanding was the reason his bond with the Dragon was so potent; his unconditional love for something no one had ever loved.

Bryan knew no one in the world would ever feel for Leroy what he did. Maybe it was the fact Bryan was left as an infant when his parents died, alone and friendless in the world most of his life, that enabled his bond with the Dragon… being alone and misunderstood was how he came into the world and something he could relate to.

Bryan’s Avatar came to life as he entered Leroy’s slumbering consciousness. Tremendous rage churned under the surface, and looking into Leroy’s dream was shocking. He devoured the Earth, but it was the Earth from the time of his birth. Man didn’t exist yet, just birds and beasts and rock and lava. He flew around the world, burning it with his fiery breath, melting everything with a hot purifying flame. To him, he cleansed a broken creation, fulfilling his purpose.

Get ready, Ken. I’ve felt this before. The first time it almost got me, and Lane and Brad aren’t here to help us fight it off. It will try to consume you, but you have to control it and not let it get out of hand.

I’m ready.

Reaching out, Bryan pulled Ken into Leroy’s dream with him. Both men needed to tap into his fire and rage and fill themselves with that power to save their partners.

Loy and the others watched as a bright yellow-orange nimbus started flickering over Ken and Bryan. Their eyes, white before, became slitted and golden like Leroy’s. Their expressions hardened and their bodies tensed; every muscle and vein stood out from the effort of barely controlling the rage and power filling them. Nearly consumed by the initial onslaught, they hung on by a thread and only holding thoughts of Brad and Lane as tightly as they could gave them the strength to resist. Ken stood beside Bryan, a hand on his shoulder, his Avatar of will and strength helping to shield them.

Yggdrasil’s roots surrounded them, and Bryan’s Avatar glowed emerald green once again, showing through the fire licking across his body. The two powers, dragon fire and life, did not clash; instead they formed a synergistic bond increasing the potency of both. Soothing life energy enveloped Bryan, lessening the rage, but holding so much power ached, stretching him to his limits.

Ken Understood everything that transpired and realized the danger of holding the dragon fire inside them too long. Knowing how powerful they were, he masked their auras.

Lane’s words about the roots of the tree spanning all creation, even connecting realities, echoed through Bryan’s mind and gripping the big ball of Ken’s shoulder, they vanished.

When Bryan’s Avatar first awoke immediately after drinking the water of life his mind expanded, connecting him to all life in existence in his reality, nearly overwhelming him at the time. Since then he and his brothers had grown physically, emotionally, and spiritually, increasing their capacity to complete the purpose they were born to fill. All the training and experience they garnered so far allowed them to adapt and survive and do what needed to be done at the moment.

To Bryan, traversing the roots of the tree was akin to surfing; he always loved the water, enjoying various water sports when in the Navy. Now he rode the energy of the tree between worlds. Each reality contained a version of himself, Lane, and his brothers, but the one he sought held the other half of his soul, and he focused on finding that spark in an ocean of worlds. Ken focused on finding Brad, his Avatar filling both of them with determination and confidence to complete their task.

Traveling by the roots of the tree took them outside time. They weren’t sure if time was even measurable where they were, and they each had the thought the doctor would probably know and would have to ask him.

Their search seemed to take forever, and Bryan’s anxiety spiked, thinking he wouldn’t make it to Lane on time. Even if time wasn’t passing, they still perceived it to be so, and he was anxious. Sensing Bryan’s anxiety, Ken increased his presence in his brother.

Stay focused, Bry. We’ll get there in time.

Ken’s action helped quell the anxiety rising in the pit of Bryan’s stomach. He would be the rock Lane needed. He and Ken would be enough to save Lane and Brad. They had to be.

<><> 

Nearly finished, Lane was exhausted. Every deflected attack took more out of him. His lungs burned from trying to draw enough oxygen to keep him going, and his body trembled with fatigue as sweat poured off him.

He needed music, but that damned amulet soaked it up as fast as it came into being, and he didn’t have time to reach far enough past the amulets range to get what he needed. His mind was on fire, and each blow against his shield hurt his body as well as his mind. 

<><> 

Orophir won. Per his father’s instructions, he pushed Lane Weaver to his limits without killing him. Whatever sphere the hybrid summoned vanished, a failed attempt to call for help, his opponent so weak his orb faded out of existence.

Thoughts of his father and their interactions kept surfacing in Orophir’s mind. Luke had no respect for his son; in fact, Orophir realized he was just another tool, but even knowing that he longed for acceptance, wanting to be loved as a son.

Was he too obedient? Was his father testing him to see if he had the capacity and initiative to take a place by his side?  Should he destroy Lane Weaver and break The Order against his father’s instructions?

With that thought, a look of resolve crossed Orophir’s handsome features. Yes! He would kill his opponent and prove his worth. Through the charm, he began pulling all the power he could hold into himself, preparing to strike down his foe.

Lane felt the buildup. Bolstering his shields with the last of his strength, he knew they wouldn’t hold but hoped they would lessen the attack enough not to kill him outright. Even those few seconds might be enough.

When trapped in Taliesin’s construct with Bryan, he sacrificed himself for Bryan’s sake, later realizing what a horrible mistake he made by not trusting Bryan in that circumstance. He vowed never to make that mistake again… somehow Bryan would save him. He wouldn’t give up on himself or his partner.

<><> 

As Orophir raised his fist, black smoke dripping from his hand and crackling with dark energy, a hand on his shoulder burned through his shields. He hadn’t detected any other presence and turned, surprised and caught off guard, crying out in pain.

“That’s my boyfriend, you fucker!”

As the words left Bryan’s mouth, his fist connected with Orophir’s jaw in a massive haymaker. The force of the blow, not just Bryan’s physical strength but the added power of dragon fire, sent Orophir flying across the gym to slam into the steel-reinforced wall. The wall shattered, bending the beams into the shape of Orophir’s body from the force of the impact.

With the reprieve against his shields, Lane’s eyes came back into focus, and his relief at Bryan’s presence was staggering. The feeling he missed was back, and there was nothing else like it in the world; any world. Power filled him as he dove into his lover, replenished through Bryan and the fire he wielded.

Lane saw Ken in the boxing ring kneeling over Brad and instinctively brought the four of them together into their ever-familiar link, breathing in the awareness of his two brothers. The two couples were one, and Lane never wanted to be without that feeling again. Bryan and Ken sensed the mischievous grin that appeared on Lane’s face.

Took you guys long enough! That was too close for comfort. Just once, can we not cut things so close?

Ken: Don’t look at me! I just tagged along for the ride! Your boyfriend was the driver this time.

As soon as Ken touched Brad’s unconscious body, his mind reacted and power filled him. It was the barest portion of what Ken held, but rushing into Brad it brought him back to consciousness.

Brad’s voice was private in Ken’s mind.

God, it’s good to see you! I missed you so much!

With everything going on, the embrace they longed for would have to wait, so their minds’ touching would have to be enough.

Immediately aware of the power and rage boiling just below the surface in their partners, through their blending, Brad and Lane saw what transpired with Ken and Bryan to become so powerful and how they traversed the roots of the tree between worlds to find them. They also realized Ken and Bryan couldn’t hold so much power for long, or it would overwhelm them. It was only their love and concern for their partners that held back the damn ready to burst in both of them.

Brad: Ken, Bry, we have to get that amulet away from him.

Taking a split second, Ken leaned over and kissed Brad.  When he did, Brad’s eyes raked over Ken, still pumped and sweaty from working out just minutes before, viewing the perfect physique he was so familiar with. The look on his face showed love at first but quickly turned to lust.  Ken’s aura and everything Brad found desirable about him was magnified by the dragon fire. As close as they were, the heat radiating from Ken along with his scent turned him on. Ken noted his look and winked, and his little kid grin that melted Brad appeared on his handsome face.

You got it, B. Come on, Bry.

Orophir, briefly stunned by Bryan’s blow, was amazed that anything could touch him with his powers magnified by the charm. Somehow, they discovered a way to augment themselves as well. He saw no visible charms and deduced whatever it was must be temporary, while his talisman would sustain him indefinitely. He was still confident of victory, even with the two new additions to the fray.

Leaping from the boxing ring, Ken launched himself, flipping a full three-sixty and landing close to Orophir. Smoky black ribbons flew from Orophir’s hands, but Ken, his fists dripping with dragon fire, swatted them away almost casually.

Orophir didn’t have the physical training of Ken or the others. As a nephilim in physical form, his strength and agility were far beyond human, augmented even more so by the amulet. Still, he didn’t have the fighting experience of a SEAL or someone trained by Albrecht, one of the greatest fighters ever to walk the face of the earth.

He was no match for Ken or Bryan and quickly realized it; he could match their strength and speed with the amulet, but he did not have the fighting skills they boasted. Doubling his attacks on Ken, Orophir momentarily put him on the defensive. Ropes of black power wrapped around Ken’s arms and legs, trying to pin him down. Ken let himself be held for a few seconds while assessing Orophir’s strength and fighting skills.

Ken: Bry, we need ‘ta make this fast. He’s strong, but the power we have from Leroy will go quick if we just fight him. We need ‘ta press him. He’s not a good fighter so take advantage of that. B, Lane, hold back ‘til I say so.

Lane to Brad: Welcome back to the party, blondie. I have a plan; while we’re waiting for Ken and Bry, help me out here.

Sharing his intent with Brad, together they wove fine threads of power.

Lane: Even if this only holds him for a second, that will be all the time we need.

Ken and Bryan worked as one, each movement geared to support the actions of the other. Orophir felt like he fought one person with four arms and legs and his frustration was evident.

Rarely ever challenged, not only had Lane single-handedly held him off but now these two nephilim, somehow enhanced, tested his limits even using the amulet! Their blows against his shields hurt; he didn’t know or understand the source of their increased power, but it was painful and it burned.

Pulling more and more power from the amulet, Orophir bolstered himself to the point where a dark cloud enveloped his body. Aching from his efforts, he pushed through, the fear of failing his father driving him beyond his normal limits.

Managing to get behind Orophir, Ken leapt on his back, scissoring Orophir’s waist with his legs and pinning his arms. Bryan wrestled ropes of black smoke, and it seemed a stalemate for the time being.

Ken: B, Lane now! Hit him with everything you have! When he retaliates, pull everything I have left in me for our shields. Bry, wait for your opening!

Brad and Lane wove chains of white energy as the doctor taught them; tiny individual strands like silk strung together and braided. Each of them took an arm, lassoing Orophir’s limbs while simultaneously attacking his mind.

The tactic caught Orophir off guard, and their concerted attack overwhelmed him. His temper flared in frustration and embarrassment. If Luke were watching, Orophir would look the fool at how easily they were besting him when he was obviously more powerful.

It was a risk, but the Amulet would recharge quickly. Drawing all the existing power from the amulet into himself, Orophir exploded in a ball of darkness. The white chains holding him shredded, throwing Ken against the wall with a loud thud.

Knowing it was enough power to kill Ken, Brad didn’t hesitate. Following Ken’s strategy, he pulled the remaining dragon fire in Ken, using it to reinforce the shield protecting the four of them.

Pressing Orophir to get the reaction he wanted, Orophir’s inexperience played into Ken’s plan. With the last of the dragon fire from Ken, Brad and Lane had enough power to keep them all alive. The explosion stunned the three of them as their shield broke, except for Bryan, who still held Leroy’s fire inside him.

Looking at them, nearly unconscious, Orophir smiled. His chest heaved with the effort of what he had just done, but the charm was already recharging.

He was shocked when Bryan stood up. Fire licking his body, his eyes golden and slitted, his rage showed as he moved like lightning to where Orophir stood. Reaching out, Bryan gripped the amulet. The muscles of his upper body tensed, his arm corded steel, trembling with the effort of his grip. The dragon fire, infused throughout his body, coalesced into his hand.

Bryan’s deep, gravelly voice echoed with the power still in him, “No way, fucker. Not again.”

Orophir’s face expressed his shock, and a split second later he screamed as the charm melted in Bryan’s grip. The molten liquid splashed against his chest, burning through his clothes and into the flesh of his human form.

No longer augmented, Orophir dropped to his knees in pain and disbelief as Bryan’s fists came down on the back of his neck, knocking him unconscious, the floor buckling from the strength of Bryan’s blow.

The rage expended, Bryan’s eyes returned to their usual green. His remaining anger stemmed from displeasure towards the man who nearly killed the other half of his soul, the man he loved more than anything.

Glancing over, Bryan saw Ken helping Brad and Lane up. As much as he wanted to go to Lane, to touch him and know he was alright, he didn’t let his eyes off Orophir.

While Ken, Brad, and Lane recovered, Bryan rolled Orophir face down on the floor, crossing his legs and pulling him back into a reverse cradle. It would be painful when he woke up, but it would keep him immobile and unable to do anything. Orophir’s mind was another story, but Brad and Lane would have that covered before he woke up.

It only took a minute for the others to get back on their feet. With the amulet destroyed, Lane and Brad listened, quickly replenishing their energy, but held off on healing them. Ken and Bryan ached from the strain of holding the dragon fire, and Bryan’s hand was tender from melting the amulet.

Ken: We can wait, Lane. We need ‘ta find out who this guy is and how he fits into all this.

Orophir quickly regained consciousness, realizing immediately he was being held as agony shot through his shoulders and arms, and he growled in pain and frustration. Fear gripped his stomach as he comprehended his failure. Knowing what was coming, tears filled his eyes, running down his cheeks into his goatee. Choking out a sobbing cry, his breath caught in his throat.

 <><> 

 Orophir found himself at the feet of his father. He started to get up, but Luke put his foot in the middle of his back, pushing down hard.

“You imbecile! I trusted you, and you failed! I had to personally intervene at great risk of being discovered.”

“I’m sorry, father. It won’t happen again.”

“You are correct in that, at least. I hope one of your other incarnations turns out to be more reliable.”

Moving in front of Orophir, Luke lifted his face by his chin. Looking into his son’s eyes, Luke saw many things, but one thing he didn’t understand, and it disturbed him, causing a slight furrow on his inhumanly handsome face.

Orophir’s heart leapt in his chest when his father looked at him, sure for a moment he was being given a second chance.  However, what Orophir saw in Luke’s eyes made his blood run cold. The gaze he met was empty and lifeless. His father was The Dark One, and his eyes held no love. Not for Orophir, anyone, or anything.

Orophir knew he was dead. With a sob, he lowered his head, his heart broken.

<><> 

A feeling of wrongness hit them so hard their stomachs knotted, and they were instantly alert. Ken assumed a defensive stance in front of Orophir while Brad and Lane moved back to back, ready to face whatever was about to happen. Bryan sat on the small of Orophir’s back with his four-hundred-pound frame, pulling his captive’s arms back even tighter.

Bryan, in his mind and body, heard Leroy’s roar.

“Fuck!”

Ken, Brad, and Lane perceived Leroy’s cry through Bryan and knew they had to get to him fast. Something stirred his consciousness, waking him up! Brad knew it wasn’t a coincidence, and whoever was protecting their prisoner’s identity was creating a diversion.

Brad only needed to touch the man to read him and discover everything they needed to know. Making eye contact with Orophir, Brad’s Avatar reacted, and he saw the emotional devastation. Even with everything Orophir had done, Brad felt sorry for him.

His Avatar glowed brightly, and he caught a glimpse of the poor, misunderstood creature in front of him. The tears running down Orophir’s face were those of a child, one emotionally terrified and hurt beyond imagining. A fleeting thought crossed Brad’s mind that he and the stranger might have been friends under different circumstances.

Even as Brad moved to read Orophir, a black talon erupted underneath him, throwing Bryan off like he weighed nothing and wrapping around Orophir. Screaming as the darkness consumed him, in a fraction of a second there was nothing left of Orophir for Brad to touch. Whatever malevolent power consumed Orophir was beyond them, telling them what it had to be and most likely who.

As Orophir’s dying cry faded, Bryan’s deep, gravelly voice filled their minds.

We have to get to Leroy NOW!

Even as Bryan shouted, Lane’s eyes flashed white, and his Avatar flared. A vision of Leroy writhing in pain filled his mind, and suddenly Lane understood the significance of why they were there. The entire affair was a setup. He saw the crux between the two realities, and Leroy’s waking would cause a domino effect that would cascade between the two realities, destroying them and every incarnation in between.

Bryan figured out how to draw from the Leroy of their world without waking him, but the Loy of the alternate reality was still unconscious and his Avatar unawakened.  Similarly, the Bryan of this plane wasn’t Leroy’s protector yet, and whoever was behind it all could still succeed if Leroy woke up.

Synchronizing his Avatar with Brad, Lane drew him into the vision to experience everything, witnessing world after world destroyed and billions of people dead as the Leroy of each world fulfilled his purpose. The magnitude of the devastation was unthinkable!

Anger burned inside them at whoever planned and executed what was occurring, and not a little fear that the plan might succeed if they couldn’t stop it.

Fluidly rolling to his feet, Bryan grabbed Ken as his Avatar flared emerald green, and the two men vanished. They were one, and using the image of where Bryan and Ken went through their minds, Brad and Lane blinked out right behind them.

In less than a second, the four men stood at the base of the tree, a few feet from the cave mouth leading down to Leroy. The ground shook as shockwaves erupted from the cavern below. Ken and Bryan were agile enough to stay on their feet, but Brad and Lane were knocked down every few steps.

Brad: Go on, guys! We’ll just slow you down! Get down there, and we can port to you once you’re there!

Taking off with blinding speed, Ken and Bryan ran as fast as they could. Their vision filled with the Understanding of the trajectories, weight, and velocity of the falling dirt and rubble, allowing them to dodge falling boulders and duck or roll with the movement of the cave under their feet. Their agility, strength, and dexterity were pushed to the limits to keep them alive and moving as the cavern collapsed around them.

Ken’s Avatar, synchronized with Bryan’s, glowed brightly, filling them with determination and confidence to stay calm and focused. Thrown against the walls repeatedly, they persevered, rolling and pushing off falling boulders, their sweaty skin covered with dirt, grime, and blood from lacerations as they forced their way down the path. Under other circumstances, their fluid, rippling muscles, their grace and speed, would have been glorious to behold. 

Through Lane’s vision, Ken understood the responsibility resting on their shoulders. There was no way they could let billions of people die, but even beyond that, Bryan’s first concern was Leroy. Living in one another so often Ken knew his friend well and loved him every bit as much as Brad.

For a seemingly simple man, Bryan was incredibly complicated in his friendships and loyalties. Bryan didn’t want Leroy to wake up because he would have to try and destroy the creature to save the world and humanity. His desperation to keep Leroy safe was his goal. As protector of the tree and Leroy, he would carry out his responsibilities to the utmost of his ability and thereby accomplish both goals.

Immediately upon appearing their powers increased, their dual natures fueled by the valley existing on both sides of the veil. Even with the cave collapsing around them, Ken and Bryan made it to Leroy’s cavern in a fraction of the time it would normally take them. Lane and Brad appeared beside them the second they arrived. Leroy’s head and part of his neck were all that was visible as he writhed and twitched.

A brightly glowing rune, one they recognized from the Book of Loagaeth, hovered in the air in front of Leroy. A greater rune, it was incredibly powerful; it had to be to affect a creature like Leroy. Even at such a distance, the rune’s influence affected them as soon as they entered the chamber. It was the rune of pain and suffering placed right in front of Leroy’s snout to wake him up. They were sure they knew who set it, but there was no proof.

Brad and Lane, charged up from being in the valley, teleported them back far enough for their shields to dampen the influence of the rune.

Ken: Fuck me! Even with the boost we get from bein’ here, I’m not sure we can destroy that rune. It normally takes all ten of us ‘ta make or break one.

Bryan: We’ll we’re twice as strong here, so we’re only one short. We have to do something fast. He’s waking up!

Unexpectedly calm, Brad’s voice entered their minds. The timbre of his voice was odd enough for them to turn and look at him. His eyes were white, and he stood tall and still.

We can do it, guys. I know we can.

Ken: B? What’s goin’ on?

Brad: I’ll explain after. You two take care of Leroy, and Lane and I will handle the rune. We can do it. Trust me… you’ll see.

Brad’s energy centers erupted in a blinding flash, and Ken had never felt the strength his partner exuded at that moment. He had no idea what happened, but they didn’t have time to discuss it. It was time to act and save not only that world but also their own and all the worlds between.

Something in Ken’s Avatar unlocked, opening in a way he had never felt before. His Avatar reached out, doing the same to Bryan and Lane, and the four men had never felt so powerful. Strength and conviction flowed into them from Ken, filling them with the confidence and determination to equal the challenge they faced.

Ken: Come on, Bry, we got a dragon ‘ta take care of. B, I can’t wait ‘til this is all over so you can explain what the hell’s goin’ on.

Already moving towards the rune, Brad’s shields shone bright and strong, clashing with the rune's effect. It was an effort, but he was equal to the task. Lane followed, feeling the same; whatever Brad did was allowing them to accomplish the task at hand with just the four of them.

Brad: Lane, we have to generate enough power between us to break this rune.

At the speed of thought, Lane’s soul flew out among the heavens. His intuition and the Gift guided him to be still. Listening, he heard beautiful music all around but knew it wasn’t enough for what he needed.

Casting his senses out, he recognized where he was. It was the place Gabriel took him the night of his first awakening, but he had never had the strength to reach so far on his own. Gabriel explained that place was closer to his own Home than Lane’s, but even then, it wouldn’t be enough.

The doctor always told him to trust his instincts. He was further out than he had ever been in a place filled with the music of creation, yet it wasn’t enough. What did that leave? As with all riddles, the answer seemed simple once known. Lane was a smart man; in fact, he was brilliant. He played dumb with his brothers, but they knew he was a genius.

Lane’s thoughts turned to a memory, the night Gabriel visited him when he and Bryan were trapped in Taliesin’s construct. As they spoke quietly over a small campfire, Gabriel explained to Lane that music was a part of him. With whatever Brad unlocked in him, the pieces of the puzzle fell into place.

He didn’t have to go so far out. What he needed was inside him, or rather him and Bryan, in all of them. His Avatar was a gateway to the music in his soul, the soul he shared with the man he loved more than life itself.

Turning his perceptions inward, Lane listened to the song inside him, the Song that was him. Crystalline in nature and symphonic, it was the most beautiful thing he had ever heard. Now that he knew what to listen for, he heard the song inside Brad’s soul, shared with Ken.

Casting his thoughts across the spiritual realm, Brad called on old and powerful spirits as well as the young ones awaiting rebirth, tapping into their strength, careful not to pull too much and deplete them.

Simultaneously, Brad sensed the power in Lane and knew where it came from. His mind on overdrive, his epiphany about their Avatars, what they meant and how they worked made it possible. Merging the two of them as they moved to the rune, its dark power clashed against their shields, but as strong as it was, at that moment they were not just its match, they were powerful enough to unbind it. 

<><> 

Ken didn’t know how Brad did it, but he felt confident they would succeed. Ken would do whatever was necessary to contain Leroy so they wouldn’t have to kill him. Leroy’s death would crush Bryan, and there was no way Ken would let that happen.

Ken: Bry, we have ‘ta hold him down, or he’s gonna bring the cavern down on our heads!

Bryan: On it!

The heat from the lava around Leroy blistered their skin as fresh sweat covered their bodies. Still clad in their workout shorts and tennis shoes, the two men faced off against the dragon that could destroy creation.

Chains of white energy came out of their hands, wrapping around Leroy’s head and neck as far as they could see, down to where his body disappeared into the cavern. Bracing themselves, the muscles in their backs and legs flexed, tightening, and making every striation visible.

Pulling back, their arms became like steel, and their feet dug in. By the laws of physics, there was no way a man, even one weighing over 400 lbs., could move a creature the size of Leroy, but Ken and Bryan existed on both sides of the veil, and their strength was as much spiritual as physical. The battle took place in a duality of existence, and the physical and spiritual in the valley were one.

The rock under their feet cracked and crumbled as Leroy pulled them forward. Their Avatar’s blazing emerald green, roots from the tree appeared, now tangible rather than ghostly. Roots wrapped around their feet and legs, holding them and stabilizing their leverage, while other, massive roots grew from the rock of the cavern, twining around Leroy, adding to the white bands already around him.

Two primal forces collided: Leroy’s purpose and their Avatars, now unlocked.  Leroy’s power was not only in his enormous body but also in the spiritual power driving his existence. Their purpose was to save mankind, which at that moment meant facing Leroy.

Leroy’s mind was waking, stirring more every second as his body thrashed in pain the rune inflicted upon him.

“Leroy, buddy! Calm down! I’m here! Come on, you big fucker! You have to hear me!”

When Bryan spoke Leroy’s eyes opened, and the golden orbs of his eyes shone bright. His mouth opened, and he belched fire, bellowing so loud the cavern shook even more.

Tears streamed down Bryan’s face, desperation written across his features. The roots tightened, and Ken and Bryan redoubled their efforts. Their bodies rippled and strained as sweat poured off them from the heat and exertion. Their chests heaving, the strain was incredible, but they wouldn’t give up.

Asleep since his creation, Leroy was still groggy, but the rage from his dreams consumed him; the drive to fulfill his purpose and devour everything.

Through the loud din of falling rocks and Leroy’s roar, Ken heard the quiet pain in Bryan’s voice.

“Leroy, no… please buddy… please, I’m begging you. It’s me. I’m here. You don’t have to do this.”

In his peripheral vision, Ken saw the blinding flash of light as Brad and Lane unraveled the rune. Exhausted from their efforts, there were smiles on their faces until they turned to see what was happening.

Throwing their strength into their partners, their comforting presence filled their lovers. All their eyes teared up from Bryan’s pain and resolution. In the past, Leroy always seemed to be aware of Bryan’s presence, comforted on an unconscious level, but the rage prevented him from hearing Bryan. At that moment, he was a primal creature with only one goal, and he did not have the free will to fight against his nature.

Ken: Bry, I’m sorry. You know what we have ‘ta do. We can’t let him outta here. We have ‘ta act quick, or we won’t have a chance.

Leroy continued struggling against the roots and ropes of white power holding him down. His mind still groggy, they knew they would have no chance once he was completely awake.

They were all aware of Bryan’s desperation, especially Lane. He and Bryan stayed deep in one another so often he knew what the creature meant to his best friend. He knew why Bryan felt the way he did, again a complicated emotional bond for what seemed like a simple man, but Lane learned a long time ago that there really wasn’t anything simple about Bryan. His quiet, stoic exterior hid a complicated, caring man underneath, a man with one of the most beautiful souls in existence.

Lane: Guys, hold him a little longer. Brad, help me; we have to get past his rage. We have to make him hear us.

Once again Lane’s instincts along with the Gift guided him.

Raising his hand, power arced out, hitting Bryan square in his chest, opening his heart energy center and making his soul visible in his powerful torso. Lane opened his own heart, weaving the music from the two halves of Bryan’s soul into one song. Lane took it as it was, already as beautiful and perfect as it could possibly be, and used his Avatar to amplify it.

Realizing Lane’s intent, Brad threw his own strength behind his friend. Bracing himself, Brad thrust his awareness into the mind of the dragon. Engulfed in fire, it burned his mind. Bryan and Ken strained to their utmost to hold Leroy and minimize his movement. They didn’t dare pull any strength from their partners to help, or he would break free of the roots and the bands they had around him.

Brad knew he was equal to the task, but he needed to be more than equal. That was his epiphany and the key to their Avatars. They were wrong as viewing themselves only as a weapon against the Enemy; they were more than that. Their abilities expanded with the need to make them equal to neutralize or overcome whatever was needed when on purpose.

Whatever they needed beyond that point had to come from inside them, from who they were as individuals, couples, and men. They were chosen for their strength of character, who they were deep down. Whoever orchestrated their creation knew that, but Brad also knew it was a gamble on their part — being random and unfettered and free to act as they saw fit could ultimately backfire.

Brad remembered the conversation he and Ken had when Luke told them how effective they would be against any of the Higher Order who lost their way. Given what he now understood about their abilities, he realized the truth of that statement and how much the Higher Order must fear them.

Amid his epiphany, Brad heard the music of Bryan’s soul.  Lane did what was needed at that moment, which fit into Brad’s epiphany perfectly.

Looking inside himself, Brad dug just as deep, needing to fight past the rage and fire in Leroy and make him hear the song of Bryan’s soul that Lane amplified. Taking a deep breath, Brad braced himself... he never expected to pit himself against a creature of Leroy’s power and didn’t know what to expect.

<><> 

As soon as Brad’s unconscious mind put together the pieces and understood the secret of their Avatars, it set off a trigger. Raphael, aware of his grandson’s thought, slipped out of time. Sending out a call to the others, even though he was outside time, he rarely felt such urgency.

The other nine archangels appeared in the pocket dimension Raphael created for their purpose.

Looking at them with bright eyes, he said, “Brad has discovered the key to their Avatars.”

Michael’s handsome brow furrowed, and he said, “How could this happen? It’s too soon!”

Gabriel, who usually had the same mischievous grin as his grandson, wore a grim expression as he said, “If he figured that out, it’s only a matter of time until he takes it a step further. The knowledge he gleaned so far is just the beginning. They must not discover our plans for them, for their safety as well as ours.”

Barachiel interjected, “We knew this was a growing risk. We embedded the potential in all of them, but it’s now apparent that there is more at work here than even we are aware of. The wisdom Aaron Thomas expressed in slowing their growth and letting them take their own path is one we share, but now, I think, it is necessary to intervene. We have little choice.”

Uriel, who rarely spoke, interjected, “You all feel it. I know you do. We have come to care for them more than we should. Even we are affected by their Avatars and what they represent. It makes our decision more difficult, but it must be done. The conflict they find themselves in now is only a trial of what is to come.”

Nodding, Raphael said, “I agree, brother. I have come to love Brad very much, and that was not supposed to happen. The fact that I can love him as I do says a great deal, and I am now conflicted in my motivations. Our plan must succeed, and they must be kept safe until the time comes to call on them. This knowledge, what Brad has realized too soon, will bring our plans to ruin. We have no choice but to intervene, but if they discover our interference, I fear they will never trust us again.”

Michael’s face expressed deep sadness, noticed by Raphael and the others. Not long ago he wouldn’t have hesitated to ruthlessly do what was necessary. Now, after his encounter with Ken, he was changed. He wasn’t softer, never that, but he was more compassionate and aware of how the conflict affected others. He was a warrior first, but he was also foremost among his Order, and his new demeanor was surprising, even welcomed by all of them.

With a heavy sigh, Michael said, “I agree, Raphael. I pray they never find out, for all our sakes. We must be in agreement, though. It was your wisdom that saw the need for us to take action, but all of us must share in this decision.”

 He looked at their faces, his brothers who risked everything with him to do what needed to be done. He wasn’t sure what would happen if their plan was discovered, but they believed it worth the risk. They fought for their Home and the parts of it belonging to all humanity.

They looked back at him; Raphael, Uriel, Gabriel, Barachiel, Raguel, Remiel, Saraqael, Selaphiel, and Jegudial. They were but ten, but they were of the Higher Order and bound together by oaths and bonds. Once the Avatars of their descendants became active, they had become connected in ways they didn’t expect, and there was no turning back.

With compassion in his voice, Michael asked Raphael, “Do you want me to do it? I know it is not something you wish to do.”

Raphael replied, “No, I will do it. In some way, it is my fault… Brad’s Avatar comes from my province. We will have to be more diligent than ever to prevent this from happening again. They have advanced more quickly than we ever imagined.”

Gabriel said, “You know why, don’t you? I feel it with Lane as well. It is Luke’s interference. He has advanced his plans, and their quickened maturation is a direct result. They are as much a primal force as we are, and their Avatars are reacting even though they don’t realize why or how. We all pray the final confrontation is eons away, but this is proof that may not be the case.”

Reaching out, Michael placed a hand on Raphael’s shoulder in comfort. Gabriel and the others noticed how much Michael and Raphael looked like Ken and Brad, not physically but in mannerisms. It was a side effect, a backlash they didn’t expect.

Raphael’s eyes turned white as did the others, blending their essence in much the same way Brad and the others did when they merged. Archangels have a different makeup; their minds, hearts, and souls weren’t separate like humans, but their sharing was the same. They were all in agreement, supporting Raphael and sharing his pain over what he was about to do.

Lowering his head, in a quiet voice, Raphael said, “It is done.”

One by one, the archangels disappeared until only Gabriel, Uriel, Michael, and Raphael remained.

Michael said, “This all started when you called the four of us together, Raphael. None of us saw what was coming or how to avoid it. If it wasn’t for your vision and wisdom, all might have been lost. I know how the weight of such things feels on your shoulders. Remember, you are not alone in this. My grandson reminded me of that.”

The four brothers reached out, grasping each other’s forearms, one upon the other, forming a square, standing together in solidarity for a brief moment before disappearing and returning to the appointed tasks of their provinces.

<><> 

Rage and fire threatened to consume Brad’s mind, but he knew he was equal to the task. It wasn’t a cakewalk, and hurt like nothing ever had.  He was going to have a massive headache when it was over.

Mentally bracing himself, as soon as he entered Leroy’s mind, he was surprised at the dragon’s intelligence. Even though Leroy was a primal creature, he was far more than just an animal. However, currently he was driven by his created nature and unable to overcome his base urges.

Brad’s unconscious mind, continually processing and making connections, told him there was no way he could overpower Leroy’s mind… no, the only real chance they had was to inspire Leroy to overcome what drove him. He knew deep down there was an emotional connection between Bryan and Leroy. Linked in a way none of them understood, Brad hoped that connection would be enough.

Taking the song of Bryan’s soul, Brad thrust it into Leroy’s mind. If the situation hadn’t been so dire, it would have been comical. For lack of a better description, Leroy hiccupped mid-belch as fire flew from his open jaws, and his head pulled back like he had been popped on the nose by a rolled-up newspaper. 

His large golden eyes squinted in momentary confusion, and in only a few seconds, he calmed down and started swaying gently as he listened to the song of his protector.  It was so beautiful he lost himself in it as it washed his rage away like a tide. Picking up on a different vibration in the cavern, Ken looked around in alarm for the source.

Bryan’s face broke into a wide grin, and the white ropes of power dissipated as he ran forward, throwing himself against the great beast.

“I knew you could do it, buddy! I knew it! You big fucker, you scared the shit out of me! Bad Dragon! But I love you.”

Bryan’s voice was thick with emotion as he held out his arms like he always did when he seemed to be giving Leroy a massive hug. Tears of relief streamed down his face, and Leroy’s hide darkened again from his sweat and tears.

Chuckling as his white ropes vanished, Ken realized what the sound he heard was, saying, “Fuck me guys, he’s purring like a kitten. Who’d a thunk it?”

Ken’s eyes watered at Bryan’s relief and his own. Moving over, he pulled Bryan into a tight hug.

Whispering in Bryan’s ear, Ken said, “It’s gonna be okay, Bry. We did it. Leroy’s fine, and we just saved countless lives.”

Leroy continued swaying, his slitted eyes slowly closing as his head came to rest on the cavern floor, the vibration of his purring filling the cavern.

The last thing they heard, as Leroy let out a sigh of contentment, shocked them as much as anything else that had happened so far. His voice, deep as the mountain, spoke in the language of creation.

THANK YOU, ABBA. IT WAS NOT MY TIME. WILL YOU SING TO ME A LITTLE LONGER?

Bryan was so choked up he couldn’t answer with his voice, so he thought: Of course, you big fucker. I’ll stay with you until you’re back to sleep. I’ll never let anything hurt you.

Lane continued channeling the song until Leroy once again fell into a deep slumber. Moving up, Lane hugged Bryan from behind, wrapping his arms around his lover’s thick torso and resting his head on Bryan’s shoulder.

I love you, Bry. Uriel said you and I would be the only way to stop Leroy if he ever woke early. I’m not sure we could have done it without Ken and Brad, too.

Ken embraced Brad, pulling him into their trademark full-bodied hug. Brad’s arms reached around his man, too, feeling the strength and power of his body. Inhaling deeply, Ken’s scent was intoxicating, and the feel of their stubbled cheeks was perfect. As two couples, the four men stood a few moments, embraced as partners, lost in relief and their feelings for one another.

With the danger passed their Avatars quieted, and the door inside them shut. With their eyes closed, none of them saw them turn white as Raphael altered their memories.

They were still pumped with adrenaline after everything they had just been through. From Ken and Bryan managing to make their way across multiple realities to get there, their fight with Orophir and his mysterious death, to their journey to the valley of Yggdrasil and taking care of Leroy.

Ken was just drawing breath to say something when Lane’s eyes turned white, and his head snapped up, his mind filling with a vision and a dire sense of urgency.

They had to leave.

The ripples of their involvement were too much, and that reality was about to unravel. Still closely linked, Lane’s vision was clear in their minds, making them aware of the immense wave of pressure caused by their actions. The balance was delicate, and their efforts in saving the world might destroy it!

Reaching across the world for the doctor’s mind, Brad called out to him.

Doc!

Yes, Bradford? Are you and Lane alright!?

Yes, doc. The man Lane fought is dead. Something or someone else killed him, but it wasn’t us. We’re at the tree… it was a close call. Doc, there’s so much more we need to share, but we’re out of time. Your reality is about to start unraveling in the next few minutes if we don’t leave!

Oh my! I was afraid of something like this!

The love and gratitude coming from the doctor warmed their hearts.

My son’s… make no mistake; I think of you just as much as my own; I cannot thank you enough for what you have done. My life, of course, but especially for your counterparts here. What you accomplished for us is beyond hope.

In their minds, they saw his tears and sincerity and were deeply touched. The doctor rarely cried, but the intensity of his emotions was evident through the link.

We love you, too, doc. We always have and always will. You and Albrecht take care. We know the guys are in good hands with you two. There’s one last thing we want to do, but we have to do it fast. It will add to the ripple effect, so we have to do it just as we leave. Take care!

Shifting his vision, Lane cast his mental voice across the multiverse back to where they belonged.

<><> 

Pat and Darren played with Drew in the kitchen. They pushed some tables together to make a large surface and had every piece of racetrack from Drew’s Hot Wheels in use. With Pat’s Understanding, he knew exactly how fast the miniature cars could go without jumping the tracks and how to keep them going the longest.

Darren wasn’t sure, but he thought Pat was having as much fun as Drew. It was hard to keep a smile off his face with the way his partner was acting.

Drew was enraptured with the track they created. He loved it when any of the guys spent time with him, roughhousing and letting him climb on their backs and wrestle with them. He always pinned them and was the champion wrestler in the lab.

Liz and Henry enjoyed their time together when Drew was occupied, and after a knowing grin from the guys, they snuck off to their room for a little afternoon snuggle.

“Can I do the car, Mister Pat? Pweaase?!”

“Sure, buddy! We’re all done, so let’er rip!”

Drew spent an inordinate amount of time, at least for an excitable little boy, in picking out the right car for the job. It was a vintage black Trans-Am that Albrecht gave him as a present.

Pulling up a chair, Drew climbed up so he could reach the starting point. He meticulously placed the car on the track in the over-exaggerated way little boys do when they are being extra careful, his face a mask of serious concentration.

Pat and Darren watched him intently and linked, they shared the same thought. Neither one was sure who had it first, but they grinned at one another like little kids.

Pat: It’s incredible how far he’s come, isn’t it, Dar? The doc’s worked wonders.

Darren: Yeah, it is. He’s like an entirely different kid. After all the abuse he’s suffered I’m surprised, but then again, the doc’s a miracle worker. Henry’s great with him too… I would never have thought that. I think Drew’s been just as good for him as he’s been for Drew.

Drew was still as stone, and after a few seconds, Pat asked, “Drew?”

Slowly turning towards them, Drew had that serious look he sometimes got. After Drew’s initial interaction with Brad and even more so after Istariel, occasionally his mind slipped open. He wasn’t able to control it, and it occurred randomly.

Immediately Pat and Darren tried to bring Drew into their link, but he was shielded, which surprised them. They didn’t push for fear of hurting him.

Drew’s eyes flashed white, and he said, “Mister Brad, Mister Ken, Mister Bryan, and Mister Lane. They’re coming home!”

As Drew shouted, Pat, Darren, Kevin, Bill, Ricky, and Loy heard Lane’s voice in their minds.

Guys! We need you! We’re coming home hot and need you to anchor us!

They were prepared and waiting for that moment. None of them, not even the doctor, knew the time differential between realities. He said it could be hours or even weeks between the time Ken and Bryan left and when they would return home.

With the speed of thought, their minds and hearts became one, and seconds later they were physically gathered in the gymnasium, taking their designated spots at the vector points of their Avatars, leaving the open spots for their absent brothers.

Loy, Bill, and Darren listened, calling on animal spirits, while Ricky, Kevin, and Pat called on the tree. Their eyes flashed white, and the ceiling darkened as stars filled the heavens and the massive ghostly form of Yggdrasil appeared with animal spirits roaming and swimming through its mighty branches. They generated an immense amount of power quickly, and Bill sent back their response.

We’re here, Lane!

Their collective minds reached out like a hand across time and space for Lane and the others to grab hold of. After a brief lag in time, they were once again together, relishing the intimate bonds between them. The comforting presence sent chills down their spines and tears down their cheeks at the emotional intimacy none of them had felt as a group since Brad and Lane first left.

To Lane, Bryan, Brad, and Ken, ghostly images of their brothers appeared around them in the placement of the ritual pattern. To Loy, Ricky, Bill, Kevin, Darren, and Pat, the same thing happened, and they saw ghostly images of the brothers they missed so badly.

Lane: Guys, we don’t have much time, but I need you all to do one thing for me. Things got rushed here, and we didn’t have a chance to talk to the guys here after their awakening. The ritual just happened, and they’re still unconscious. All hell broke loose after that.

They knew what Lane wanted as they heard his thoughts. Their hands came up to their chests, forming a diamond with their forefingers and thumbs, and small balls of light emerged from their chests. The image of Brad held out his hand, and the spheres floated over to orbit the air above his hand.

Brad created two spheres, one for his counterpart and one for the doctor. His forehead furrowed in concentration, and they shot off to find their targets. It was a last parting gift to their other-selves, the experience they would need to fully utilize their newfound abilities and Avatars.

The knowledge would come to them as their subsequent awakenings occurred so they wouldn’t have any foreknowledge that could cause a paradox. The tiny ripples that would occur when the knowledge came to them would be inconsequential in the grand scheme of things.

One last surge of power from Brad and a duffle bag appeared in his hands, containing the Kevlar suits he and Lane wore when they first showed up. Leaving technology from an alternate reality could cause a severe ripple, and the doctor instructed them to leave nothing behind. They stashed their gear in a bag and left it in a locker Brad had imprinted so he could recall it when it was time to depart.

Ken: Alright, guys, pull us in. It’s time we were back where we belong.

Vanishing from the cavern beside Leroy, they appeared in the gym with their brothers.

As one, Kevin and the others thought: Welcome home, guys!

Closing ranks around Ken, Brad, Bryan, and Lane, they embraced them in a big group hug.

Lane: Yeah! The band is back together!

Bryan’s deep, gravelly voice followed: God, I love my nerd.

Once again, the bond between them was complete.

It was perfect.

Mission accomplished!