The Order

Chapter Two

Prelude

 The Mantle weighed heavy on her shoulders. The Order, her Order, was doomed. A deep magic, the Mantle bestowed certain powers on her, and through them she watched the fight between Azaziel and Aaron’s new warriors. Her death, and the circle of elders, all that remained of the once-powerful brotherhood, rested in their victory.

A proud woman, Charisa and Aaron had never seen eye to eye, and it was she who banished Aaron and Albrecht, placing the penance on them for their blasphemous acts. Ruling with a firm hand, in her mind, she saved The Order from Aaron and Albrecht. They were too soft.

Words spoken long ago, words she prayed would never come to pass, echoed in her mind as she witnessed Azaziel’s defeat. Casting her memory back nearly 1600 years, she recalled the day they became etched in her memory.

 1600 Years Ago

Taliesin reclined naked in her chambers, still sweaty from their lovemaking. He was so clever and good in bed, she let him have his way with her. She knew he felt more for her than she ever would for him, a mistake she must soon rectify. Charisa was a hard woman, often cruel, but her actions and demeanor were all for the sake of her mission.

Taliesin liked the young soldiers as well as women, particularly enjoying the nicely muscled, handsome ones. She would find one to suit his tastes and distract him. The Gift he carried was essential to her rule, and she needed him close, but not too close. It galled her that she could not carry it herself, but she did not bear the Mark and already carried The Mantle.  No one had ever carried more than one Gift, and she wondered if it were even possible.

A political creature, she ruled The Order like a queen spider, spinning her webs of influence everywhere, ever weaving plots and schemes in a giant web of control. She never lied, which was against their mandate, but she manipulated the truth as a weapon few could stand against, and with Taliesin’s Gift at her disposal, her rule was absolute.

Taliesin idly strummed his harp; he was witty, always making songs for her. She watched his long fingers and strong hands, the fingers that did amazing things to her when she let him, plucking the strings.

A grossly discordant sound startled her. It was so out of character she opened her eyes to look. Taliesin sat perfectly still, his well-formed muscles tight and his body rigid. His eyes were white, and she knew the Gift possessed him. When his mouth opened, the voice that passed his lips was not his own and reverberated in her chamber, echoing with power. He looked at her, and she was unnerved. It was as if the voice spoke directly to her, which had never happened before.

 

When the ten become five and the five become one, and a darkness returns to light,

A fortnight from the second birth of the twice-born

The circle will fall by The Master’s hand.

If the Mantle passes back from whence it came before the circle falls

A New Order will arise – if not, darkness will reign until the dragon awakes!

 

The magnitude of the words stunned her. She did not understand them but realized the voice spoke of the destruction of The Order. She knew Taliesin was vulnerable and open immediately after the Gift took him, and in those few seconds she delved into his mind, wiping the prophecy from his memory.

Already in his mind, she took the liberty of looking deeper and realized how madly in love with her he was. His feelings almost touched her, but she reminded herself she had to be above such things. She could not allow worldly matters, emotions, or pleasures of the body to distract her. To her, they were a weakness, and she hardened her heart against them. Altering his affections, she erased his love for her but let his fondness remain, more as a mother and older confidant.

What Charisa didn’t realize was that his love was pure and touched his soul. His mind would forget, but his heart would not, and she had no idea her actions would send him into a downward spiral over centuries to follow. Taliesin’s soul would turn his unrequited love into hate and self-loathing and lead him down a path of self-destruction and misery.

<><> 

Snapping her mind back to the present, she called to Jonathan, the second in command of the few who remained.

“Tell everyone to flee. We are no longer safe. Everyone must disband and hide.”

She saw the shocked expression on his face, but the seriousness of her tone and rigid stance told him she would brook no questions or disobedience. He bowed slightly, then fled to carry out her final command.

The time of The Order was at an end. Charisa cursed Aaron for bringing things to the point of their destruction. This would never have come to pass if he hadn’t pushed and escalated matters. In her mind, the destruction of The Order rested on his head, which made what she had to do all the more bitter.

 Chapter Two

 “Jake!”

Craig’s voice rang through the Australian lab as soon as the team appeared with the rescued soldiers. He had barely strayed from the designated area kept clear for teleporting safely into and out of the new lab.

Exhausted after the fight with Azaziel, the men were also exhilarated by their victory and the success of bringing the hostages back safe and sound. Even as cold as it had been in Syria, they were soaked in sweat, their short hair plastered to their heads.

Even though he was in excruciating pain, a huge smile crossed Jacob’s face at the sound of his younger brother’s voice.

Jacob kept one arm around Ken’s shoulder to help him stand. His uniform torn and bloody, Craig saw the grimace of pain on his brother's face. He stopped abruptly, afraid to hug his older brother for fear of hurting him. Tears of relief showed on both their faces; not even a day ago, neither one thought they would see the other again. Reaching out, Jacob pulled Craig to him anyway, ignoring the pain, knowing Craig needed the hug as much as he did.

PFC Hampton was still out cold after he fainted, overwhelmed by the sight of the angel Azaziel. Bryan carried the unconscious soldier like a baby, cradled in his arms. The other soldiers were still wide-eyed, on an adrenaline high after hearing the fight and feeling the supernatural battle that took place around them. They had to keep their heads covered with the rune-traced sacks, or they would have been destroyed by Azaziel when he revealed his true form; however, the light of their rescuers also buffered them from the darkness.

Amid the supernatural fight, the clashing forces buffeting their minds and souls threatened their sanity. If Brad and the mentalists hadn’t shielded them, merely being close to the fight would have obliterated their minds. Teleporting from Baiji's streets to Uluru, Australia in the blink of an eye added to their tension and confusion.

They had no idea who their rescuers were but were grateful to be alive. The young soldiers were in rough shape, beaten and mistreated for weeks at the hands of Enemy terrorists.

Using his Captain’s voice to get their attention, Ken said, “Okay, fella’s, you’re back safe. I know you wanna’ see your families, but we need ‘ta get you patched up, cleaned up, and into some fresh clothes. Then we’ll get some food in you.”

Craig’s shout alerted Albrecht, who said, “I have exam rooms prepared when you are ready to take them in.”

Following his words, Albrecht’s voice rang through their minds: Aaron and I are so proud of you! What you accomplished is nothing short of a miracle. Well done!

His praise warmed them, not just his words but the emotion behind them. Through the link, his pride in them was evident, along with some residual fear from witnessing their fight with the demon. They sensed another deep-seated concern, but he quickly masked it. Before any of them could ask if something was wrong, the families rushed over to see their sons. Glenn Hampton looked at Bryan, holding the body of his son. The mothers had tears in their eyes and even a few of the fathers.

“What’s wrong with him?”

Looking at his unconscious son, with the tattered uniform and dried blood, Glenn was afraid for a moment that his son hadn’t made it back alive.

Bryan, in his deep voice, said, “He’s fine; he just passed out. He got a little overwhelmed.”

Bryan saw Hampton’s brow furrow, and he sounded upset.

“What? You mean, he fainted?”

Bryan said, “Yeah.”

Bryan’s anger towards Hampton for his comment burned through the link.

His voice cold steel, Bryan’s handsome face frowned as he said, “You have no idea what he just went through, fucker. I’d like to see how you do coming face to face with a demon. Somethin’ tells me it would be more than just a skid mark in your skivvies. Give him a break. He’s your son. You should be happy he’s alive and safe.”

Bryan felt sorry for PFC Hampton, holding an extreme dislike for the young man’s father from their days together in the Navy. As a man, Bryan held the same unconditional love for Glenn Hampton as any human, but as an individual, he detested the man and everything about him. Glenn Hampton seemed more embarrassed that his son fainted than about his welfare.

Glaring at her husband, Mrs. Hampton looked directly at Bryan and said through her tears, “Thank you for bringing him back to us. I don’t know how we can ever repay you.”

Looking at her, Bryan’s face softened.

“You’re welcome, ma’am. We need to get him taken care of. We’ll have him fixed up in a few minutes.”

Ken raised his voice again and said, “Attention, everybody! The men are wounded, and we need to get them taken care of. I’m not tryin’ ‘ta be insensitive, but they’re gonna’ be fine. Let us get ‘em situated and comfortable, and then you can spend some time with them.”

Ken: Ricky, Kev… How are you two holdin’ up?

It was apparent through the link that Rick and Kevin were exhausted. The two men bore the brunt of channeling the power to transform Azaziel from a demon back to his original angelic state, a feat even their archangel relatives thought impossible. The strain was phenomenal, and their bodies suffered residual effects.

Both men leaned heavily on their partners for support, even as they each supported one of the recovered hostages. The amount of energy that passed through them was more than they ever dreamed possible. Each tried hard to cover their pain and discomfort, but it was unmistakable through the link.

Wincing at the slightest movement, Kevin winked at Ken: I can’t speak for Ricky, but that demon hit like a big girl. I’m sore as hell, but nothing a hot shower and some even hotter sex with my man won’t clear up.

Rick: That wasn’t the demon, Kev, that was Lane that hit like a girl. I saw him.

Rolling his eyes, Lane grinned.

Oh! I see how it is! You guys are just jealous! I was holding back for your benefit. I have to let you ladies have your time in the limelight every once in a while. I can’t be the hero every time! That would get boring.

With a twinkle in his eye, Loy thought: Well, you didn’t hold back on quoting Tolkien.

Bryan: Have you fuckers forgotten we have some injured soldiers here? Quit fucking around.

Looking upwards, Lane’s eyes flashed white as he cast his soul out into creation. Listening, the first music he heard filled him up. His Avatar instinctively synchronized with Brad, Loy, Bill, and Darren, and the power flowed as he opened their energy centers, weaving them into a bright white rope of healing.

Drawing back, the families initially panicked as the men who rescued their sons started to glow. Their panic quickly vanished, replaced with a comfortable sense of wholeness and well-being. The aura of the ten men washed over the humans, profoundly affecting them. Unconditional love touched their souls, and it was apparent that it wasn’t a feeling they were familiar with. Their reactions spoke volumes about their relationships and how broken they were.

In a matter of seconds, the team was wholly restored, their soreness gone, erased by Lane’s healing. Lane would have healed the soldiers, but they still had bones to set before that could be done.

Giving a mental hug to Lane, Ricky said: Thanks, Lane. I needed that.

Kevin and Rick both had the same thought: Where’s our happy ending?

Grinning, Lane responded: I would, fellas, but I think your boyfriends and mine would have an issue.

Ken: Thanks, Lane. You’re awesome no matter what these women say behind your back. Let’s each take one of these guys and heal him up. Make sure they’re gonna’ be alright too. Look deep. Facin’ what they did is gonna’ have ‘em rattled. Everyone meet in the conference room when we’re done. I wanna’ bring in the doc and Henry and have a debriefin’ on everythin’ and get it outta the way.

Jacob pulled Craig close until their foreheads touched.

“Damn, it’s good to see you, little brother!”

The bond between the two brothers was similar to the team on a lesser scale, but what came off the big men who rescued them was almost overwhelming.

With Jacob’s arm already around his shoulder, Ken said, “Jake, come with me and let’s get you fixed up. Craig, you’re welcome ‘ta come if Jake doesn’t mind.”

Addressing the parents, Brad said, “We’ll be back with them shortly.”

Their anxiety, especially from the mothers, resonated with Brad’s Avatar, and compassion filled his voice as he said, “They’ll be fine.  Trust us, they’re safe.”

Each couple took a soldier into an exam room that Albrecht had prepped for them.

With Jacob’s hip broken he could barely stand, and he hopped along with Ken’s assistance. When Orophir threw him against the wall, knocking him unconscious, the impact broke several bones. Ken was surprised Jacob could walk at all; he was one tough Marine! In incredible physical shape, Jacob was also a stud, as was evident from the body showing through his tattered and torn uniform.

Holding on to Ken was like grabbing a concrete wall shaped like a man, and Jacob was in awe of Ken’s strength. Ken didn’t want to embarrass Jacob by offering to carry him, but he practically did anyway, while letting Jacob move at his own pace.

His left hip broken, he still grimaced when Ken set him gently down on his right side, going pale from the pain and discomfort.  Craig held back, upset by his brother’s condition and not sure how to help.

Brad noticed and said, “Relax, Craig. He’s going to be right as rain in a few minutes. Don’t get freaked out by what you’re about to see or feel. Jake’s been through this once already, so he knows what to expect. It won’t hurt a bit. Just lean back and relax, Jake.”

Grinning, Brad winked, saying, “No rats this time.”

Jacob managed a chuckle and replied, “I don’t know, I was kind of getting used to them. I’ll never look at a rat the same way again.”

Brad and Ken’s eyes flashed white as their energy centers opened and they started to glow. He included Jacob and Craig in their link so they could feel and see more of what was happening.

The two young men started at the sight of the white power arcing between Brad and Ken. One by one, Brad opened Jacob’s energy centers, the colors a solid blue, yellow, and red.

Taking note of the damage through the flows, he immediately realized Jacob's injuries were more severe than initially thought. Significant internal bleeding was occurring that would be lethal if it continued unchecked. Blocking Jacob’s pain centers, Ken carefully moved him into a prone position.

Staying at the head of the bed, Ken put his hands on Jacob’s shoulders to hold him still while Brad set his broken bones. Ken indicated for Craig to keep Jacob’s lower legs from moving. It took a few moments for Brad to set the bones to his satisfaction before sending a surge of healing into Jacob, restoring him to full health. Even his old high school football injuries disappeared.

Coated in a light sheen of sweat from the healing, his expression showed his relief.

Helping him sit up, Ken moved in front of him.

Brad asked, “All better?”

“Holy shit, sir, that was amazing! I can’t believe what you guys can do. Can I sign up?”

All of them chuckled at his comment.

Ken: Alright, Jake, be honest with me; how are you holdin’ up? You’re a tough Marine, and I’m proud of the way you stepped up to the plate even though our plans went cockeyed. You lost your unit, have been a prisoner, were tortured, and killed a man with your own hands. Those things change a man, and I want to make sure you’re alright.

Jacob’s face went slack as Ken’s words sank in. He compartmentalized everything to get through it, but Ken’s words took the lid off the Pandora’s Box he built inside himself.

Brad: You need to process all of this, Jake. If you don’t, it will come out later, and it could be ugly.

Craig’s distress over what he heard was apparent, and Jacob held an arm out, wanting Craig to come closer.

Brad: This goes for you, too, Craig. You’ve both been through a lot. I can tell you’re both fine young men, but this has been some heavy shit to deal with for anyone, and we can help you with it. We’d like to, but we’d never presume.

Craig, perceptive for his age, had an idea but didn’t form it into words; their father wouldn’t understand, and there was no way they could talk to him about any of it. Craig didn’t realize his thoughts were open to them. Jacob’s mind was spinning again, and he knew Craig was right. The fear he bottled up was there, along with the tension, anxiety, sadness, and even guilt.

Wanting to accept their offer, at the same time he didn’t want to appear weak in front of Craig. Brad saw how fiercely close the brothers were and how they tried to protect one another but at the same time not show weakness.

Brad: Guys, you need to trust and lean on each other to get through things like this. I understand wanting to appear strong, but you always need someone in your life you can let your guard down with, someone you trust implicitly. Right now, at this point in your lives, that’s each other. It might change down the road when you have partners and get married, or whatever paths your lives take, but for now it’s just the two of you.

Ken: I’ve been through everythin’ you have, Jake. I know how much it can mess with your head. Believe me; it can come out later in ways you could never imagine if you don’t deal with it now. Let us help you.

Jacob teared up, and so did Craig. Once making the conscious decision to accept their offer, it was like a dam broke inside of him, and the emotions he held in check all fought to get out at once.

Opening their hearts, Brad pulled the two young men in with him and Ken. They were startled and immediately embarrassed when they appeared naked in that intimate place.

Brad: Sorry, fellas, we’re so used to this it’s no big deal. We’re naked here because in this place this is who we are; there’s nothing but naked truth here. It’s harsh but beautiful at the same time. There’s no need to be embarrassed.

Craig and Jacob were surprised when they realized Ken and Brad were gay and lovers, but neither young man was bothered by it. What shocked the two brothers was the genuine concern the two big men held for their well-being.

With their hearts open, Jacob and Craig saw inside each other, and Brad helped them understand what they saw and felt. Brad and Ken were one, and the two young men witnessed the loving bond they shared. Brad and Ken amped up their aura, letting it shine on the two brothers as an example of what unconditional love was like, and unabashed tears flowed down their faces from the intense purity.

It took time, but Craig and Jacob worked through everything, crying and laughing together as they healed. Time wasn’t moving in the real world, and none of them were sure how long it took, but Brad didn’t bring them out until he was confident the two young men, especially Jacob, would be alright and able to move forward with their lives.

Through the experience, the two brothers became closer than ever, blessed to know each other as they did. Their relationship was something few humans ever experienced, and they were grateful. Later in life, they would always go back to this special time during hard times and remember what they shared.

As Brad brought them back up, Jacob said, “Sirs, I don’t know who you are or how you can do the things you do. I don’t care; I’m thankful for your help with my family and me. If Craig or I can ever be of any help to you, all you have to do is say the word.”

Smiling, Ken and Brad shook their hands, and Ken said, “Thank you, Jacob. You never know, one day we might need your help, and we’ll be grateful.”

Brad saw the nagging doubt in the back of Craig’s mind about his future in the Marines, so he made a point of saying, “Craig, focus on Jacob and your family right now, and your career in the Marines will work itself out. I promise you, once everything is settled in this fight, we’ll make sure you get back on track.”

Smiling, Craig’s relief was evident.

“Thank you, Sir.”

Ken said, “Okay, Jacob, you need ‘ta shower and get into some clean clothes. When you’re ready, come out and see your parents and get some food. Healin’ takes its toll in the form of hunger, and that’s gonna’ hit you in a few minutes.”

Craig said, “Come on, Jake. I’ve been here a few hours and know where everything is. The shower’s just down the hall.”

<><> 

The other couples had the same experience with their charges, taking care of their wounds and counseling them, healing their minds, hearts, and bodies. Through assisting the young soldiers, they also became familiar with the dysfunctional families the young men were a part of.

While Jacob and the others showered, Ken thought: Alright guys, we’ll grab our shower after the debriefin’. It won’t take long. Just hold your noses a few more minutes.

Ken gave Brad a subdued grin and wink, knowing how much he got off on the smell. Both men wished they could take a private shower but knew that wasn’t going to happen. Brad knew very well he wasn’t the only one that got off on the scent of his partner, but with all the company in the lab there was no chance to indulge themselves.

Albrecht joined them in the conference room while Sally and Kelly stayed with the families, keeping them distracted and comfortable.

The main operations board lit up with a live feed of Henry and the doctor waiting in Atlanta.

Once they were seated with the door shut and the Comm’s open, the doctor blurted out, “I am so proud of you!”

Unable to keep the grin off his face, Ken said, “Thanks, doc!”

All of them smiled like Cheshire cats, and Darren’s dimples were in full force.

Holding his hands up to his chest, Brad formed a diamond with his fingers and thumbs, and a small ball of light came out of his torso, splitting into three equal spheres. One went into Albrecht immediately, and the other two shot through the walls. In a matter of seconds, the two small orbs appeared in Atlanta and entered Henry and the doctor.

“That should bring you up to speed on everything.”

Henry’s eyes were as big as saucers as he absorbed the memories Brad sent.

“Holy shit, guys! That was some major league stuff. I was really worried when I saw that thing on our video feed. Fighting protectors and ‘suits’ is one thing, but that demon was in a whole different ballpark.”

Grinning, he continued, “But you showed him who’s boss!”

The doctor said, “I had the same revelation as you, Bradford, about your Avatars. The continued interference of your angelic relatives, however, reinforces my distrust of them. I am grateful, after the fact, of their involvement in what you have become, but they have an agenda where you all are concerned, and I am more suspicious than ever of their motives.”

Brad didn’t look happy and said, “I understand, doc. I plan on having a serious discussion with Raphael soon about all of this. I want to get to the bottom of it.”

“Be careful, Bradford. Do not talk to him alone.”

Ken piped in, “Not lettin’ him outta’ my sight, doc. Never fear.”

“Very good. We must all tread carefully for the immediate future until we determine the ramifications of your actions. What you did should have been impossible, and it will be interesting to see how far-reaching the effects are. I recommend you stay in either of our two facilities under the protection of the runes or at your homes where you will have the protection of your trees. It will be inconvenient for Darren to move you around, but I would rather have you move from place to place with his assistance than be exposed. I will accompany Henry to venture out for groceries for the foreseeable future.”

Everybody stifled a laugh when Bryan paled at the doctor’s comment, as visions of frozen burritos, TV Dinners, and Long John Silver’s takeout went through his head.

Raising his eyebrows, Ken asked, “You really think that’s necessary, doc?”

“In the short term, I most certainly do. This day was inevitable, but The Enemy now knows how powerful you truly are, and I am greatly concerned for others in The Order. Not many remain, and I am fearful of reprisal against them. Without the benefit of the runes or your strength, those who remain have disbanded and gone into hiding.”

Their grins faded. Their Avatars guided them, and their actions felt right. They rarely thought about other members of The Order, mainly because they had never met any of them. Aware others existed, their interactions had always been with the doctor and Albrecht.

Whoever attempted to help Henry failed to find the mental hooks The Master placed in his mind, and it wasn’t until Henry was almost suicidal that the team intervened and saved him. The doctor once told them that none of those people had been Elders, but they didn’t know or understand The Order's hierarchy. The doctor and Albrecht shielded them from the political aspects of the ancient brotherhood.

They knew Taliesin didn’t care for the leadership of The Order, but his opinion didn’t count for much. However, the long separation between the doctor and Albrecht still rubbed everyone the wrong way. The harsh severity of that decision was cruel, and anyone familiar with the doctor or Albrecht knew what caring and wise men they were.

“Okay, doc, you know we respect your opinion. Sorry, Darren, we’ll try ‘ta be as considerate as possible and not run ‘ya ragged.”

Darren said, “All kidding aside, guys, you know it’s not a problem. But if you’re worried about it, we can start a kitty. Five dollars per hop per couple into the beer fund for the next party.”

Giving him a thumbs up for his idea, Ken said, “If that’s everythin’, I think we’re ready ‘ta hit the showers and get changed. These new suits rock, doc, but Kevlar is Kevlar and not all that comfortable.”

Henry said, “Hey guys, I know you’re tired but do you have a quick second to say hey to Drew? I told him you’re all okay, but he’s been asking about you every five minutes. Just a quick ‘Hi’ to let him know you’re alright?”

Their smiles returned, and Ken said, “You betcha’.”

Henry’s eyes flashed white, and in only a few seconds Drew shot in like a bullet, climbing into his lap.

As soon as he got in front of the camera, everybody said, “Hey, Tiger!”

Drew talked loudly like he had to shout so they could hear him all the way in Australia.

“You got the bad guys?”

Ken said, “We sure did!”

“Where are the hurt men?”

“They’re in the shower gettin’ clean. We got ‘em all fixed up like new, and they’ll be with their families in a few minutes.”

“Can I say ‘Hi?’”

“Not right now, but I bet we can figure out somethin’ soon. They need ‘ta spend time with their families first, okay?”

“Okay.”

Henry whispered something in his ear, and giggling, Drew said, “I love you, Uncles!”

They all smiled and chorused, “We love you too!”

Henry gave them a smile and a thumbs-up as the video feed shut off.

<><><> 

Jacob and the others were coming down the hall freshly showered and dressed as Ken and the guys made their way back to the showers. The new Kevlar suits were held together by Velcro, sectioned and form-fitting so they could be removed in pieces. Starting to strip down, they already had the arms and chest pieces off as they passed in the hallway and caught the admiring looks from the young soldiers.

Aside from the looks, there were smiles and nods from the young men, but they were subdued. Emotions still ran high, and they were about to reunite with their families when not even twenty-four hours previously, they were sure they would never see them again. They were going to be okay as far as the experience of being captured and tortured, but now they had to deal with their families, and that was another matter entirely.

<><><> 

That night Ken, Brad, Bryan, Lane, Loy, and Rick stayed in Australia, and Kevin, Bill, Pat, and Darren went back to Atlanta. Ken wanted Rick and Loy to remain in Australia for a few days. Rick’s Avatar would work on the families and the young soldiers just by his presence, and the knots inside all of them would start to loosen, not only from recent events but knots they had built up their entire lives, especially in the fathers.

<><> 

As soon as everyone settled into their rooms, Ken and Brad closed the door to their small apartment.

What a day, huh, B?

Quiet, Brad didn’t respond. An unexpected surge of emotion caught Ken’s attention, and when he turned to look, Brad’s eyes were red and glassy.

B? What’s wrong?

Moving over immediately, he took Brad’s face in his hands.

Talk ‘ta me.

Fuck, Ken, I’m sorry. I’ve been holding a few things in, and it’s coming out now.

Why’d you hide this from me?

You didn’t need the distraction. You’re our leader, and I wanted you focused.

B, I’m gonna’ kick your ass if you ever do anythin’ like this again!

Just hold me a minute.

Wrapping his arms around Brad, Ken pulled them together into their signature hug, with their chins nestled in the perfect spot against each other’s shoulder and neck. The softness of their skin, coupled with the firm warmth of their muscled bodies, felt perfect. Well aware of the immediate effect it had on Brad, their embrace wasn’t sexual, but Ken knew the skin contact would comfort him; Ken’s Ph.D. in Brad Wilson was in full effect.

Fuck B, I love you so much it hurts.

Me too, Ken. Sorry, some of this just hit me when the door closed. Most of it has been building throughout the day, but not all of it.

Tightening his arms around Brad, Ken squeezed him while Brad’s hands roamed over Ken’s back and shoulders. Touching Ken physically, feeling his solid strength in both body and mind, gave him what he needed.

Before we merge, I want you ‘ta tell me what you’re thinkin’ B. I wanna’ hear the words.

It just hit me again about all of this — our lives and what we do. Not the pressure; you would think having the weight of humanity on our shoulders would do it, but it’s not that. It’s being with you and the guys, what we do, what we are, who we are. And in the middle of it all, I have you, and I’m struck by how lucky I am to have the most handsome, incredible man, inside and out, want me. I know I make you stronger too, but sometimes though, when I consciously think about you and me and what we have and mean to each other, what we do to one another... It’s so fucking intense and beautiful it gets to me...

Brad sniffed and chuckled.

…and it makes me cry. Sorry, I don’t mean to be a wimp.

Pulling back slightly, Ken cupped his lover’s face gently in his hands, wiping away the tears with his thumbs. Ken loved the manly stubble on Brad’s cheeks. His own eyes glassy at what Brad expressed, he felt the same thing. Aside from the fact that they were linked, Ken experienced the same intensity as Brad. It was always present just under the surface, and the passion and intimacy they shared were beyond human.

While continuing to talk, Ken rubbed his thumbs over Brad’s cheeks. He loved the stubble on his strong jawline and the firmness of his handsome face. He knew what his touch did to Brad, doing it on purpose to bring comfort and let Brad know through his touch what was in his heart.

I was never afraid today, Ken. I had every confidence in you and us. I probably should have been terrified, but I wasn’t. I should have lifted my skirt and run screaming like a little girl.

You know B, in all the times Lane’s said that today’s the first time it’s ever happened. If it wasn’t so serious, I wouldda laughed when Hampton’s kid screamed like a girl and fainted.

Brad had to smile at that.

I want to make love to you, Ken.

Ken’s little kid grin appeared.  

Now we’re talkin’!

Brad couldn’t help the smile that crossed his face at Ken’s grin, the grin that he was defenseless against.

After I do that, I want you to make love to me, and then I want you to be ‘that guy.’

You know, B, since we’re bein’ all mushy and everythin’, I want you ‘ta know I heard your thoughts when I was fightin’ Michael the other day. We were merged, so it was right there. I wanna’ tell you somethin’… What you originally did for me was what I needed then. That night we wrestled, and you tied me up… That’s still a pivotal moment in my life with you. What I get out of you is everythin’ I need. Yeah, I’m stronger now, and that same thing won’t work, but you’re stronger too… In ways I can’t imagine bein’.

We’re equals, B, and that turns me on as much as anythin’. I know you can be whatever I need you ‘ta be. That first time was physical, but we’re much deeper than that now. You’re helpin’ me grow in a lot of ways.

Don’t grow up too much, Ken. I love the part of you that smiles at hash browns and little things. Don’t ever stop being that guy.

Naw, it’s part of who I am when I can be myself, especially with you. With the guys, and the doc and Albrecht, when I need to step up and lead… That’s what I’m talkin’ about. With all the shit we got facin’ us… What we’ve already faced and what we will face… I can do it as long as you’re with me. I can step outside myself and grow into what I need ‘ta be ‘ta hold everybody together, as long as you’re with me. So, you can’t go anywhere; except down on me when I need a blowjob.

It was just the right thing to say in the seriousness of the discussion, and the smile that crossed Brad’s face melted Ken’s heart.

Make love ‘ta me, B. I need it. Do me a favor… I can be ‘that guy’ for you physically… You can be ‘that guy’ for me mentally. Grab hold of me in your way as tight and strong with your mind and heart as you can. Be sure ‘ta look deep in me when you do that, and you’ll see what it does ‘ta me.

Taking Ken’s hand, Brad led him to the bed, where Brad proceeded to make love to every inch of Ken’s body. Brad matched every sensation he evoked in their physical forms with an exquisitely intense emotional intimacy in their hearts and minds. He did what Ken asked, wrapping Ken up with his mind, heart, and soul as tightly and powerfully as he could.

It had been a while since Ken bottomed, so Brad spent plenty of time getting him ready, and once he located Ken’s prostate, he soon had Ken’s powerful body trembling and sweating. He loved seeing Ken react to his ministrations. It was a huge turn-on knowing how strong Ken was, but making himself vulnerable for Brad to pleasure him. Ken’s Love and trust were a powerful aphrodisiac.

Lost in their pleasure, time became irrelevant. Brad alternated between caressing the expanse of Ken’s broad back and holding onto his thick traps for leverage. Occasionally he leaned over, giving Ken gentle kisses between his shoulder blades, or licking the sweat off him, all the while holding Ken’s mind and heart as tightly as he could.

At one point, Ken thought: It’s a good thing I don’t need ta’ breathe when you do that. I love how tight you hold me, B.

Ken continued a running monologue in Brad’s mind. Always the more verbal of the two, he moaned and groaned and kept telling Brad how much he loved him and what a great lover he was. Enveloping Ken with his heart, no words were needed on his part. They both had tears running down their faces most of the time from being one, sharing the intense physical and spiritual intimacy.

Finally, they came together, and Ken’s mind expanded as Brad’s DNA fueled their supernatural bond. They only moved enough to roll over so Ken could rest on top of Brad and let himself be held. He kept still, letting his love and contentment for Brad wash over him as Brad’s hands roamed soothingly over his body.

Continuing through the night, Ken made love to Brad, losing himself in his lover, remaining one and not wanting to return to his own body. In between, while resting and holding each other, they talked and kissed, and their hands roamed. They were comfortable with one another as lovers, and such good friends, smiling and laughing as they talked. The two men were so into each other it sometimes scared them.

Remembering what Brad wanted, after hours of emotional intensity, Ken got the devilish grin on his face that Brad loved and turned into ‘that guy’ until he exhausted both of them.

Early in the evening, as they started making love and their auras built, they felt the same light from Rick, Loy, Bryan, and Lane. None of the couples shielded themselves, and the normals in the facility were touched by the warmth of their unconditional love for each other as men and brothers. To the humans, it was beautiful and unnerving at the same time.

<><><> 

The guys woke early, refreshed and rejuvenated. The energies they shared all night making love invigorated them. Ken wasn’t planning on doing PT the day after such strenuous events, but he had so much excess energy after a morning make-out session with Brad he wanted to get into the gym. He also wanted to try out the new equipment in the Australian lab, curious about the latest designs the doctor had implemented.

Albrecht joined them for their basic PT run and calisthenics.

Loy: Why don’t we break for breakfast and then see if any of the youngsters want to join us for a workout? They need to keep in shape while they’re here.

Bryan: Guys, before we do that, come in tight for a sec.

Pulling them together, Bryan shared everything he learned about PFC Rich Hampton, the son of Glenn Hampton and the leader of the ‘goon squad.’ In turn, each of them shared what they learned about the young soldier they healed and counseled. Reaching across the globe to Atlanta, Henry, Pat, Darren, Bill, and Kevin were awake, and Brad pulled them in so they could be a part of what was happening.

Bryan: I feel sorry for Rich. Having Hampton for a dad growing up sucked ass. You know he’s a cook, right? He’s not infantry. I’m amazed the little fucker held out like he did with what he went through.

Albrecht: Jacob and Craig certainly seem to be exceptional young men. The others are not too far down the paths of being their fathers. I am not saying we interfere, but we can easily present opportunities for them to grow into themselves.

Ken: I get that, Albrecht, but we also can’t let ourselves get too distracted here. It hurts me ‘ta say this, but we can’t spend too much time with them.

Albrecht: Leave them to me, Ken. I agree wholeheartedly, and you are correct. Our overall mission is too important to veer away from. However, for the next few weeks, at Aaron’s insistence, we are somewhat landlocked. Your training will continue on schedule, and I will only call some of you in when I feel the time is right and least disruptive to your schedules.

Brad: It’s going to be a bumpy ride for them.

<><><> 

The young soldiers, to the great annoyance of their fathers, started working out with Albrecht. During his time with them, he brought up The Order and the fight in which Ken and the others were involved, explaining the matter of free will and how The Enemy sought to subjugate humankind and keep them enslaved. They were stunned, but after seeing the massive form of Azaziel, in addition to being healed, they knew that Albrecht spoke the truth.

The young men talked amongst themselves in their free time and quickly grew to be good friends, as their fathers were before them. During their initial healing and linking deeply with whichever couple helped them, the young soldiers realized everyone on the team, including Albrecht, was gay, and at some point their fathers overheard them talking.

Taking Rich under his wing, Bryan attempted to bring him out of his shell and overcome his severe self-esteem issues. Glenn Hampton was an overbearing father, always belittling him and expressing embarrassment over his son being a cook in the Army.

Bryan used their shared interest in cooking to bond with Rich, and even in the short time they spent together, Rich seemed like a new young man. The part of Bryan’s Avatar that came from Rick continually worked on Rich, and Bryan was an excellent mentor.

Ken put up a rotation schedule, so there were always two couples in Australia to be around the families. Henry was included, and he and Drew split their time between Atlanta and Australia. Drew finally got to talk to the ‘hurt men,’ and the young soldiers learned the story about Drew seeing the news broadcast and how that led to their rescue.

Drew found his way into their hearts as well, and they enjoyed seeing him try to work out with them in the gym. Jacob was particularly good with Drew, having raised Craig on his own. Drew flourished with his new friendships, and Henry was happy to see his son doing so well.

<><><> 

A week after the rescue, everyone settled into their new routines. One morning, Henry was in the Australian gym with Ken and Brad. Jacob, Craig, and the other young men were flourishing under Albrecht’s attention. Pushing them to their physical limits, he even took over their combat training. At first, Rich was awkward, but the other guys were helpful and encouraging, never putting him down and quick to praise him when he did well.

By the afternoon, Ken, Brad, and Henry were shirtless and sweaty, their muscled bodies pumped up. Henry sat out of the sparring rotation for a few rounds, watching Ken and Brad go at each other, when Drew came into the gym crying.

Henry: Be right back, guys. Dad duty.

Trotting over to his son, he knelt in front of him.

“What’s wrong, Tiger? Why’re you crying?”

Henry quickly realized Drew was seriously upset. He had become adept at identifying Drew’s various cries, whether he was physically hurt, emotionally upset, or just irritable and cranky. The pitch of Drew’s voice and his physical demeanor told Henry he was distraught. Breathing harshly and hiccupping, Drew’s face was red, and spittle ran down his chin.

Even though Henry was drenched in sweat, Drew grabbed hold of his dad, throwing his arms around Henry’s neck. Wrapping his arms around his son, he whispered soothing words and brought Drew into a light link, shocked at how upset he was.

It took a few minutes for him to calm down enough to talk clearly, and when he was able, Henry asked quietly, “Drew, what happened?”

“Mister Hampton said bad words. He called Uncle Ken and Uncle Brad names.”

“What did he say? It’s okay to repeat bad words if I ask.”

“He called them f… fucking... f…faggots.”

Henry was surprised Drew knew what the word ‘faggot’ meant. He looked in Drew’s mind, careful only to look at the memories of the last few minutes. Drew’s mind was open, and he not only heard the words but experienced the intense animosity and hatred Hampton expressed towards Brad and Ken. Henry saw red and stormed out of the gym. Going to the kitchen, still holding Drew, he found Hampton and the other fathers in a circle talking while the women watched TV in the lounge. Seeing the look on Henry’s face, Hampton stuck his chin out belligerently, expecting a confrontation.

Henry kept his voice even, but his anger was apparent, as he said, “Hampton, first apologize to my son for what you said. You had no right to say those things in front of him. Then you’re going to apologize to Ken and Brad and Albrecht and all the other guys the next time they’re here.”

“Apologize for what?”

Hampton was acting cocky in front of his friends.

“I’m giving you one more chance. You know what you said. Apologize to my son. Now.”

“I didn’t think faggots could have kids. Is he gonna grow up to be a perv like all you freaks?”

Hampton looked directly at Drew when he asked his question.

Henry set Drew down and said, “Drew, go find Miss Sally, okay?”

He could tell Drew was frightened and wanted to stay close.

Henry’s eyes flashed white, and he thought: Alright, Drew, you can stay. I’m mad, honey, but I’m not mad at you. I’m going to have a talk with Mr. Hampton, a grown-up talk. Don’t be scared. Just be still until I’m done.

Okay, Daddy. Don’t hurt him.

Drew’s perceptiveness still amazed Henry sometimes.

I’m not going to hurt him, honey. I’m going to teach him a lesson, kind of like a spanking but in his mind.

Hampton’s eyes went wide when Henry’s eyes flashed white, and he said, “Don’t start that freak shit again!”

“What’s your problem, Hampton?”

“What’s my problem? I was practically kidnapped from the United States of America along with my family by a bunch of queers who claim to be half angels! All this bullshit of The Order and The Enemy… you guys have bought into all this crap, and you’re brainwashing our sons to believe it too! You’re just trying to turn them into faggots like the rest of you!”

The viciousness of Hampton’s remarks stunned Henry. Not the words so much, but the deep-seated emotions, and Henry understood why Drew reacted the way he did.

Livid, a red flush starting on his face swept down his body. His biceps tensed as his fists balled up, and his muscular body tightened until veins showed across his shoulders and upper chest. Already sweaty, with his skin shining, it made his physique even more impressive.

The small-minded shallowness… The pettiness… What he saw in Hampton was infuriating, especially after the guys risked their lives to save the sons of these men and continued to keep them and their families safe. Henry understood why the guys detested Glenn Hampton from their days in the Navy.

Henry had to take a deep breath, bringing to the forefront of his thoughts everything the doctor and Albrecht had taught him about humanity and its brokenness, and how Henry and the team were to unconditionally love humans. He saw the ‘fucked-upness’ in Hampton, but that was no excuse. It was an explanation but not an excuse.

“First off, Hampton, not that it matters, but I’m not gay. I love those men in the gym. They’re my brothers, and they’ve saved my life on more than one occasion. You owe them your sons’ lives and your own. If you weren’t here under their protection, you’d be dead by now. You know The Enemy has you and your family targeted for execution!”

“So you say! You believe this bullshit! You’re all just freaks! We want to leave!”

Henry surprised himself at how controlled he was. His temper was on fire, and he wanted to snap Hampton’s neck. Not just for what he said about Ken and the others being gay, but for not seeing the facts in front of him and intentionally blinding himself because of his stubborn insecurities and fears. Henry knew what was happening was a result of being around Rick and the other bodies. The knots inside Glenn Hampton were unraveling, and Henry was witnessing the results.

Brad and the doctor might disagree with his method, but what Raphael did to Henry worked. It was harsh, but sometimes tough love was necessary, and Henry considered what he was about to do an intervention. He wasn’t doing it to be cruel or in retaliation for Hampton being a complete and utter asshole to his son and everyone around him. He was doing it for Hampton’s benefit.

Henry’s eyes flashed white, and in a tight, even voice, he said, “Let me show you a few things, Hampton.”

Henry hit Hampton’s mind hard, showing Hampton his own imprisonment by the Enemy and what they did to him, turning him into a protector. He showed Hampton all the sick and cruel acts he had been forced to do in their service. He showed Hampton what it was like to come face to face with The Master. He showed Hampton the fight with Ken and the Eschphene leader and Liz’s death and sacrifice. He let Hampton relive some of Ken and the other men's memories so he would see how noble and pure their souls were. He showed Hampton what unconditional love felt like and how being accepted for who you are shatters petty barriers, just as he surrounded himself with. Lastly, Henry shared his love of Ken and the others, showing Hampton it was perfectly acceptable to love another man regardless of one’s own sexuality. Through everything Henry shared, Hampton knew it was the truth because it was mind to mind.

Hampton dropped like a rock, and the other four men started to rush Henry in retaliation, just like they ganged up on Brad all those years ago. Henry didn’t move but grabbed their minds collectively, and he repeated it all with each of them.

None of the women noticed what was going on in the kitchen, unable to hear anything over the noise of the TV. It took Hampton and the other fathers a minute to stand up. Tears filled their eyes, and they shook, but they were reticent, their bluster gone. Looking wide-eyed at Henry, they were terrified, not of him but the realization that everything they mocked seconds before was true!

Keeping his voice low and even, Henry said, “Now all of you go to your rooms and stay there until you’ve thought through everything I just showed you. I’m sorry I was harsh, but you deserved a swift kick in the ass for your behavior. Don’t come out until you’re ready to apologize to my son for what you said, and apologize to Ken, Brad, Albrecht, and the other guys for your comments. Are we clear?”

They helped each other stand, and as Henry watched he worried Kent Peterson might have a stroke or a heart attack. His face was so red he almost called Brad to check on him, but he stumbled with the others as they filed out of the kitchen to their rooms.

Taking a deep breath, Henry collected his thoughts.

Hey Ken, Brad, I need to talk to you guys. I’ll be right there.

“Come here, Drew.”

Picking Drew up, he hugged him again.

“I’m sorry you had to see that. Are you okay?”

“Yes, daddy. Are they going to be alright?”

Sighing, Henry said, “I think so. I hope so. I need to tell your uncles what I did. They might be mad at me.”

Henry started to put Drew down, but he hugged Henry’s neck tighter and said, “I want to go with you. They won’t be mad if I’m with you.”

Chuckling, he said, “It can’t hurt. Come on, let’s go.”

<><> 

Henry still shook with anger as he went back to the gym where Ken and Brad stood by the ring, waiting for him. Drew’s face was still red, and his nose runny. Henry forgot to get a tissue or a towel in the kitchen to clean his face off, so he leaned over, grabbing a clean towel from the stack by the boxing ring.

“Drew, look at me, Tiger. Let me wipe your face.”

Drew scrunched his face, ready to have it wiped off roughly with the towel, causing Ken and Brad to chuckle.

Brad asked, “Drew, is everything okay, bud?”

“Yes, Uncle Brad. Mister Hampton said mean things, and daddy spanked him.”

Ken: Uh… care ‘ta elaborate?

Okay, guys, don’t get mad until you see everything, alright? I admit I was harsh, but I’ll take any heat after you know everything if you disagree with what I did. Albrecht should be included in this, too. All of us will face any fallout.

Reaching out, Brad brought Albrecht into their link, and excusing himself, he instructed his young charges to run laps until he returned.

Laughing, Brad thought: Damn, Albrecht. No rest for the weary.

They are excellent students but need the distraction. There’s a great deal of tension with their parents right now. Their fathers don’t like me teaching them.

Henry: Yeah… Well… About that…

Brad: Spill the beans, Henry. What did Drew mean when he said you spanked them?

Henry shared the memory from the time Drew came into the gym up until the present. Henry’s forehead creased in apprehension, waiting for some reaction through the link. Letting out a heavy sigh, Ken lowered his head, and for a second Henry had a sinking feeling he really screwed up.

Ken: Fuck, Henry. I’m sorry you had ‘ta deal with that.

Brad: We’ve been expecting a blow-up of some sort, Henry. We knew being around Rick and the other guys, things would progress to a head. I’m sorry Drew heard what he did. Is he okay?

Henry: Honestly, I’m not sure he knows what the words meant. He sure felt the emotion, though, especially towards you guys, and that’s what upset him so much.

Albrecht: It was harsh, Henry, but I am proud of your restraint. It is unfortunate that it takes something so extreme to open their eyes.

Ken said out loud, “Hey, Drew, can you come see me?”

Drew held out his arms, and Henry passed him over to Ken. Drew’s arms went around Ken’s neck and shoulders in a hug, and Ken was a little glassy-eyed when he said, “I’m sorry, Tiger, that you heard what Mr. Hampton said.”

“I don’t like it when he’s mean to you. I don’t want you to be sad again.”

Leaning over, Brad kissed Drew on the top of his head and gave him a pat on the back, “I love you, little guy. What Mr. Hampton said was mean, but we’re fine. You did the right thing by coming to get your dad.”

“Thanks for not being mad at him.”

Wrapping his arms around Henry from behind, Brad crossed his arms over Henry’s chest, pulling him into a hug. 

“It would take a lot more than that to make us mad at your dad, kiddo. Your dad handled the situation perfectly and saved me the trouble of doing it later.”

Ken laughed and said through the link for Henry’s benefit: But your dad’s a chicken shit for using his five-year-old son as a human shield in case we got mad.

They all laughed out loud at Ken’s comment, and Henry actually blushed.

Brad tightened his arms around Henry, patting his hard chest, saying, “I owe you one, Henry. I wasn’t looking forward to doing it myself; it was pretty much inevitable. I’ll check on Mr. Peterson when we get done. I agree he didn’t look good, and I know Craig and Jacob are anxious about his health.”

Out of the blue, Drew said, “I’m hungry.”

As if on cue, Ken’s stomach let out a cavernous rumble.

Laughing, Brad said, “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you did that on purpose. It’s almost lunchtime anyway, so let’s take a break and grab some chow. How about it, Drewmeister?”

Drew nodded his head vigorously.

Henry said, “Yeah, we have to eat to stay big and strong, don’t we Drew? Show Uncle Ken your muscles!”

Putting his arm up, Drew tightened his little bicep.

Ken squeezed his arm and said, “Wow! All the workin’ out is payin’ off! Show me your abs.”

Drew lifted his shirt, poking his belly out. Leaning over, Ken blew a loud wet raspberry on his belly button, which sent Drew into a fit of giggles.

Cupping his hands to his mouth, Albrecht shouted, “Break! Time for lunch!”

The six young men, sweating bullets, collapsed on the gym floor. They were breathing hard, especially Rich, but there were already visible differences in his body after only a week. More importantly, they saw a change in his demeanor. The one-on-one time Bryan spent with Rich clearly showed.

The four infantry soldiers were in good shape, especially Jacob, and Craig was in fantastic shape himself, but Rich was slightly overweight. He had good physical genes; Brad remembered Glenn Hampton in the Navy, and he had a good build back then. Rich had it in him to become quite a stud, and Albrecht planned to bring it out in him.

It warmed Albrecht’s heart to see Ken and Brad and the guys so openly accept the young soldiers and their families. He understood the difficulty with the fathers, but it made him even prouder of their maturity to willingly overlook the ugliness of the fathers for the sake of the wives and sons. The men truly were everything Aaron ever dreamed they would be, and more.

<><><> 

Lane and Bryan were asleep in their bed for a change. With chores to take care of at their house, by the time they finished, it was late. Darren was already in bed, and they didn’t want to wake him.

Deep in slumber, Lane wrapped around Bryan with his head on Bryan’s chest. Even asleep, his unconscious mind listened to Bryan’s steady heartbeat and felt the comfort and warmth of his skin. Inherently seeking the same contact, Bryan held Lane against him.

Barely an hour earlier, their limbs had been entwined in their nightly lovemaking, their bodies slick with sweat and passion. The light of their souls shone out like a star in the spiritual realm as they repeatedly brought each other to orgasm.  The tree in their backyard glowed brightly, swaying happily and soaking up the energies they emitted.

The second after midnight, everything went still. The tree stopped moving, and it seemed as though time stood still except for the warm air moving over their skin from the heat pump in their house.

 

A fortnight from the second birth of the twice-born

The circle will fall by The Master’s hand.

 

It started with a slight twitch of Lane’s body that quickly grew into a harsh trembling. His heart raced, and behind his closed eyelids his eyes flashed white. Glowing brightly in the darkness of their room, his Avatar spit bright arcs of color. The trembling of Lane’s sweat-soaked body, coupled with the light of his Avatar, woke Bryan.

Tears covering his cheeks, Lane shot up in bed with an anguished cry, “NO!”

Looking around the room, Lane’s arms flailed about as if he were blind and searching for Bryan. Bryan knew better than to wake him but wasn’t convinced Lane was asleep.

Keeping his voice low just in case, he whispered, “Lane?”

“Fuck, Bry! This is bad! Hold on!”

He didn’t have the focus to listen and power up enough to reach the team in Australia while his Avatar had such a firm hold on him, so he cast out a ‘911’ to Brad.

At the speed of thought, Brad and Ken were in Lane even as he merged with Bryan. Struggling, he fought to block the vision from them for a few more seconds.

Brad, pull everyone together! The doc and Albrecht have to be in on this, too! Please hurry! I can’t hold this back!

His desperation and raw emotion were apparent, and immediately the entire team was in his mind, their comforting presence surrounding him, washing over him, present and ready to support him in whatever capacity necessary.

It was Henry’s first direct experience with Lane’s visions, and the intensity shocked him. Grabbing hold of Lane as tightly as he could, he lent his strength along with the others. As soon as everyone was present, Brad took them into a construct of the Atlanta lab conference room.

The vision in Lane’s mind appeared on the operations board so they could all view it, and Brad filtered the worst of the intense emotions.

<><><> 

Washed in centuries of blood, vile rituals, and all manner of sacrifices, the room radiated cold.  The stained walls, tainted from years of torture, chilled their souls. Fresh blood filled the overlapping carved runic circles on the floor. Within the intersection of each circle knelt a prisoner, gagged, bound, and blindfolded. Seven ‘suits,' one for each prisoner, stood behind them.

They recognized Gerald Laurent, one of The Master’s lieutenants from Vancouver, BC. Since Laurent was one of the higher lieutenants under The Master, they assumed the other six were as well. Beside them stood seven protectors. Henry recognized them as the highest-ranking and most loyal of that group and the strongest. In the center of them all stood The Master.

As the scene appeared, the doctor let out a faint, “Oh my!”

Rarely expressing his emotions outwardly, in the link he exuded an intense fear and sorrow. Albrecht’s reaction was just as intense but included a depth of anger they had not seen in him before.

Albrecht: They are the High Circle of Elders of The Order, all the remaining leaders from around the world.

The Master’s deep voice said, “So, Charisa, we finally meet! Thank your new warriors for your fate. Their actions against me require… Retaliation.”

Slowly pacing around the captives, The Master relished the sight of his enemies at his feet where they belonged. For thousands of years they fought against him, but finally they were his.

The Master wore a loose, silk grey robe, belted with a silver chain. Draping mostly open, it revealed his grotesquely muscled body, leaving little to the imagination.

 “I will take great pleasure in your torture. However, I will not keep you alive as I normally would to prolong my enjoyment. I need your souls for a ritual. The seven of you will provide the strength I need to pierce a shadow blocking my vision. A young boy haunts my dreams, and his significance is clouded. This is a Mystery I must solve, and it vexes me. How fortunate I remove The Order and scratch an itch at the same time. It is almost enough to make you believe in coincidence, no?”

At a glance from The Master, the seven protectors pulled out long silver daggers, covered with dark runes etched into the blades.

“My most loyal servants hold your minds, and you are powerless to avert your fate. This will be slow and methodical. My servants will peel the skin from your bodies, and your blood will fuel the spell. Once your bodies expire, I will harvest your souls. Scream loudly; I have waited long to hear the death knell of The Order.”

The seven protectors, as one, began cutting the clothes off the prisoners until their garments hung in tatters; only small pieces held on by their bindings remained. There were three women and four men.

“You have no idea how I’ve longed for this moment, Charisa. The Mantle will vanish with your death, and the enchantment empowering The Order will be no more. Your new warriors will be cut off and adrift, vulnerable to me. Aaron Thomas and Albrecht will be the next to fall, and then the abominations. It is inevitable, and my actions this day will cascade into my uncontested rule over the physical realm.”

<><><> 

Their minds spun over what was happening. They had to do something! They couldn’t just sit by idly and let such an atrocity happen! Aaron and Albrecht were in shock; the friends they had known for thousands of years were about to die, and just as importantly, the Mantle of the Order would be gone with Charisa’s death.

Brad’s intuition, magnified by the other mentalists, was on overdrive. A chill ran down his spine because he knew the boy in the Master’s dream was Drew. The Master still didn’t know the secret of Drew’s identity, but he was trying to find out, and they had to prevent that from happening.

More vulnerable than any of them had ever seen him, the doctor shook uncontrollably at what he knew was about to happen. Instinctively, Brad pulled the doctor and Albrecht closer, surrounding them with love and support just as powerfully as they always held each other as a group.

The doctor’s mental whisper was so quiet it was almost imperceptible: Please no… not their souls... not her’s... not that.

As Brad’s realization about Drew passed through the link, Henry’s stomach clenched in an icy knot of fear for his newfound son. Sharing his emotion and uncertainty, their arms instinctively sought out whoever was closest, clinging to one another in comfort, expressing the physical support and presence everyone sought.

None of them knew or understood the relationship between the doctor and the leadership of The Order. Remembering the shared memory given them by Gabriel that showed Albrecht as leader of The Order in 518 B.C., they recognized two of the men in Lane’s vision from that memory. The doctor shielded them from the political machinations and control the Elders wanted to exert over them, and it cost him much they never knew about.

None of the men had much respect for the unknown leaders of the ancient brotherhood. Rarely discussing the topic with the doctor or Albrecht, when they did, their answers were usually conflicted, respectful on one hand, but there were definite undercurrents of… something else.

In all the times they were linked, the doctor and Albrecht kept that part of themselves walled off and unavailable. Even after the doctor explained the reason for the forced separation between himself and Albrecht, they thought it was a cruel and petty sentence. The doctor was such a great man; it was beyond comprehension how anyone could treat him so unfairly.

With their Avatars fully synchronized and locked together by Ken and Brad’s Avatar magnified by his brothers, his intuition told him something else was going on with the doctor. No matter how dire any situation had ever been, he always stayed calm and focused. The only times Brad remembered seeing him close to being so distraught were the night they rescued Ken from Dr. Cromwell and when Lane died in Taliesin’s construct, the two times he almost lost one of his adoptive sons.

Brad sent a private thought to Albrecht: Albrecht, tell me what’s going on! Who is Charisa? Aside from her being the leader of The Order? She’s obviously very important to the doc.

Weighing his decision, after a slight hesitation, Albrecht replied.

She is Aaron’s daughter.

Before Albrecht could hide it, Brad sensed his strong dislike towards Charisa. He loved her unconditionally as a human, but as a person, he thought she was a bitch. Her treatment of Aaron was intolerable to him and had been a touchy subject between the couple for a very long time.

Brad: Fuck.

Not caring if the doctor realized they knew his secret, Brad shared the information with Ken and the others. Their hearts ached even more for the doctor, and tears shone brightly in their eyes.

None of them knew the history between the doctor and Charisa. It clearly wasn’t good, but she was his daughter, and he was terrified of her soul being gone forever, used by the Master to fuel his evil ritual. On top of that, if The Master was successful, Drew would be in more danger than ever, and their chance of success far less.

When Lane sent out his ‘911’, Brad pulled their minds together from wherever they happened to be. Wanting to be together with what was going on, Darren teleported them all physically to the Atlanta lab, naked from their beds.

As soon as they were together, just as in the construct, their arms went around whoever was closest, holding each other, giving and receiving strength and support. The doctor and Albrecht were in the middle, shielded by their adoptive sons.

Close to Henry, Ken pulled him against his body, concerned about his reaction to what he saw and heard. After losing Liz so recently, he was about to see the doctor lose his daughter. Memories of Liz’s death were fresh in his mind, and the scene painful to watch, but his presence was there with all of them supporting the doctor. Henry, more than any of them, could relate to what the doctor was about to face.

<><><> 

The screams started, and they were loud. The elders were powerful but bound and helpless, and as Henry was well aware, the protectors were experts at torture and inflicting pain. They knew precisely how to maximize the pain and minimize the damage to prolong the agony.

The Master wanted them to scream… and they did. Their bodies wracked with agony, blood seeped from wounds carved slowly with expert precision into their flesh. Soon their bodies were slick with sweat and blood as the elders were forced to endure something they weren’t prepared or trained for. The cuts and slices formed a pattern of dark runes on their flesh, and the blood smoked and blistered as it began to fuel The Master’s evil magic.

Desperate, all of them wracked their brains, trying to think of something to do. Brad had already tried reaching for their minds, but he didn’t know them and was sure their location was warded.  However, he had to try, and Ken felt the strain as Brad stretched himself.

Bryan, perhaps more than any of the others beside Lane, felt the effects of what was happening. His Avatar was life, and witnessing the life draining out of them caused him tremendous discomfort. Patrick Understood what he saw, but Bryan felt it in his heart.

Unable to stand it any longer, Bryan looked to the heavens, shouting to the universe: Grandfather!

His call was instinctual, from a sense of desperation, but he knew the lab was protected against the archangels, so he was shocked to hear Uriel’s voice in his mind.

I am aware, Bryan.

How can you….?

You reached out to me, so I can respond.

Do something! Take their souls now! That fucker can’t get them!

I cannot, Bryan. I am not allowed to act. There is a small window after the body dies before the soul departs. The Master will harvest their souls in that time before I am permitted to take them.

Fuck the rules! Break them!

I cannot. But you can. Why do you think we made you as you are? That’s why we need you and your brothers, Bryan. You can act where we cannot. You are unfettered. The only boundaries you have are self-imposed by your hearts.

We don’t know where they are!

Find them, Bryan. Yggdrasil touches ALL life. While there is breath in their bodies, they are connected. You felt it the first time I took you to the valley for your awakening. Remember that connection and find them. If you delay The Master long enough, I will take them Home.

Bryan’s mind traveled back to the time he drank the water of life, expanding his awareness to encompass all life in creation. At the time it was soul crushing, initially seeing the pattern of creation as originally intended in all its perfection, but within seconds sensing the gaps and brokenness that now exists.

Debilitated and sobbing, what he experienced nearly washed Lane’s presence out of him. However, now he was in control of his Avatar, and furthermore, he Understood what he sought. It was a dual-edged sword, magnifying his pain but also letting him identify the lives he searched for. He didn’t need to go as far out of himself this time, only searching on Earth.

As everyone watched the horrific scene unfolding, emerald green energy surrounded them, flowing from Bryan’s Avatar and into them. This time Bryan took his brothers with him. As his awareness expanded, they saw the billions of silver stars that were human souls. He needed them to help look and to support him.

Come on, fuckers! We can find them!

As one they worked together, their Avatars fully meshed. Except for Ken, none of them had ever traveled as Bryan did, through the tree. With Pat’s Understanding, Loy saw the broken, empty spaces in the pattern, and his Avatar reacted. Casting his presence into the spirit realm, he called spirits of creatures that no longer existed in the physical realm.

They’re not all gone, Bry. We can bring them back once this is all settled, or at least some of them. For now, though, let me fill some of those holes, brother, and lessen your pain.

Bryan’s throat closed with emotion at what Loy did. While it didn’t make the pattern perfect, he filled enough of the broken emptiness to make a difference. The impact of Loy’s comment struck Bryan; he knew they could restore humans, but he had never considered restoring species of animals or even plants that had become extinct.

He let out a silent: Fuck me!

Brad and the doctor realized Bryan’s intent, and their Understanding flooded the link.

Ken thought: Get ready, guys. This is gonna’ be tricky. If Dar can’t get us there, this fight is gonna’ be remote.

Albrecht: Do not attempt to go there! This is not the time for your confrontation with The Master! You cannot defeat him yet, not until Drew is successful!

Time worked against them. Bryan sifted through billions of people trying to find them, and as time wore on, their screams grew louder.

Unaware of what Bryan and the others were doing, The Master said, “Open their hearts. I wish to see what I am about to harvest.”

Golden light erupted from the chests of the seven captives, and The Master gazed hungrily at the glowing orbs of their souls. The light in them was strong and uncomfortable to Laurent and the other ‘suits’ and protectors, but they were shielded. The powers clashed; however, the darkness of The Master dimmed the light of the elders.

Loy called the seven oldest and most potent spirits in his awareness.

Come, my friends, I need your aid. Prepare to do battle with The Enemy – bring whatever powers you bear and be ready to attack. Do NOT sacrifice yourselves but do everything you can to hurt and distract and buy us time.

The spirits weren’t gifted with speech like the ancient spirit in Australia, but he felt their support and love for him as their Steward, and they obeyed his will. Their presence flowed into the link lending their strength. Countless other spirits came at his call, swimming around the team. The air was thick with them in the spiritual realm as they lent a part of themselves to help.

The doctor knew his daughter’s mind and soul as well as his own. He had known the other elders for thousands of years and had been in their minds. Human souls are unique as well as mental signatures, and he shared their patterns with Bryan, Brad, and the others, giving them something specific to look for.

Jonathan was the oldest of them all and mentally the strongest, but his body was frail. The doctor couldn’t help the sob that escaped him as he watched Jonathan’s body fail, his soul drifting out of his chest, bobbing gently in front of him as breath left his body.

Close now, Bryan saw Jonathan’s lifeforce dimming rapidly. His light going out is what caught Bryan’s attention. To Bryan, Jonathan’s fading soul looked like a dying star. He grabbed hold of it when there was the tiniest spark left, and it was enough for him to delve into Jonathan’s soul as it floated out of his body. Once he was with Jonathan, Brad grabbed the other elders, holding tight to all seven of them.

<><><> 

The ‘suits’ and protectors shouted in surprise and pain as the light of the men erupted from within the elders, potent and burning against their shields. Ghostly roots and vines appeared within their captives' bodies, wrapping their souls in an emerald shield.

The ‘suits’ recovered quickly but were immediately assaulted by the ancient spirits, backed by Loy’s will and Avatar. Their power was wild, not of the light or the dark, and ferocious.

Brad, drawing power from across the veil, added his shield around the elders, bolstering Bryan’s. Lane listened, filling them with strength. They were one, working in unison and locked together by Ken’s Avatar.

Henry was with them, his full strength available to them. He wasn’t able to hold nearly as much power as they could; their nephilim heritage gave them greater capacity, but his strength was not inconsiderable, and they needed it.

As soon as their light exploded, The Master was aware of them. The split second of surprise was all the time they needed to wrap the souls and minds of the elders in their protection.

Bellowing his rage, black smoky tendrils seethed out of his dark aura, reaching out to destroy the elders. White power flared as Brad bore the brunt of the attack, but he was backed by his brothers, and Ken’s will was a wall that didn’t budge, as solid as his body. The room shook, and the stone floor cracked as the powers clashed.

“HOW!? How can you be here? You will pay for this a thousand times over!”

Darren placed a physical shield over the elders, but it would only delay the protectors. His mind couldn’t match their physical strength. At best he could hinder them, and he used every trick he had learned to do that.

The ancient spirits assailed the ‘suits,’ their ethereal forms ghostlike, whipping around and relentless in their attacks. Quickly recovering, the ‘suits’ shielded themselves and the protectors, while The Master repeatedly struck at the elders, only to be prevented.

His blows were like hammers against them, but they held; they were enough.

In a blind rage, The Master shouted to the protectors, “KILL THEM NOW!”

Darren managed to deflect the first swing of their silver blades, but when they realized what was happening, they brought their full physical strength to bear, setting the knives directly against the hearts and pushing down.

Jonathan was already gone, but his mind was not yet still. Even as the blades pierced their hearts, Brad pulled the elders into a construct, taking them so deep time nearly stood still. The elders appeared, wide-eyed in shock, free of pain, and surrounded by the warm, comforting souls of the men.

None of the current elders had ever been in their presence and wondered at the visage they projected. They were handsome, towering pillars of strength and light, and all the Elders except Charisa realized Aaron and Albrecht had been right all along. As soon as Charisa saw the doctor, her face turned stony.

Her voice cold and harsh, she said, “Father.”

Aaron’s face was wet, and his voice unsteady as he said, “Hello, my dear. I am so sorry.”

“This is your doing!”

Raising his voice in anger, Albrecht shouted, “Enough, Charisa!”

Not letting up, she continued, “You’re meddling brought this upon us, Father. If you had left well enough alone, we would have survived.”

Jonathan’s voice was like a slap in Charisa’s face when he said, “Albrecht is right, Charisa. Enough. Aaron did not bring us to this point; you did. Your stubborn pride led to these events.”

His voice was firm, but he said it lovingly, not accusingly. It was a fact.

Brad’s Avatar was on fire from the tension between the doctor and his daughter, and Patrick saw the connections between the elders and his mentors. The relationship between the doctor and Charisa was one of the most complex he had ever seen.

Pat’s handsome face looked sad and confused, and he asked her, “You know how much he loves you, don’t you?”

The same irritation Rick felt at Kent Peterson’s treatment of his son Craig hit him. Like a thunderbolt, his Avatar glowed brightly, and sparks flew as Charisa got a stunned expression on her face.

“I’m not apologizing for this, Charisa; we don’t have time to coddle you. The doc is our father. You could have been a sister we never had, but instead, you're a bitch. I’m hitting you hard so you can see how wrong you are about him. None of this is his fault. What he did to us, for us, was to save The Order, not destroy it.”

Ken continued, “We’ve never had any interaction with you or anyone else in The Order. We’ve been isolated in this fight from the very start, and we’re doin’ our best. None of you lifted a finger ‘ta help us. We’d never have made it as far as we have without the doc and Albrecht. We owe them more than you can imagine. Our opinion of you isn’t very high, and as far as we’ve seen, you’ve only ever given them grief for doin’ what they thought was right.”

Charisa stood like a statue, tears streaming down her face as Ken and Rick’s words sunk in. Amplified by everyone else, Rick's Avatar struck her like a hammer, and the knots inside her didn’t just loosen; they snapped.

Jonathan said, “You are too proud, Charisa, and stubborn, like your father in many ways before he outgrew those flaws. When he was younger, he was much like you are now. I am sorry matters came to this, but it rests on your shoulders, not Aaron’s. Look at them, Charisa! We should have embraced them, but you forbade us.”

She didn’t move a muscle, but the walls she kept around herself for the last twenty-five hundred years crumbled. Aaron felt it and was inside her mind in an instant. At first, she resisted, but he was far stronger and held her tight; not only was he stronger, he also had a father’s desperation driving his actions.

I love you, my daughter, and always have. Jonathan is right, and we are too much alike. If that is so, then this is my fault as much as it is yours.

We are about to die, father. I’m afraid to lose my soul to him…

But you will not! My sons have seen to that. Uriel is waiting to take you Home.

So, you consort with archangels now?

Not by choice, but in this case, I am glad he is with us. I could not bear the thought of never seeing you again. At least this way, I will know you are safe and at peace.

Charisa cried, but her tears were no longer of pain, fear, or anger. Mostly, they were tears of regret, regret for all the years of separation and bitterness towards her father. She realized it was her stubborn pride that kept them apart and drove her actions, but she always convinced herself her path was the right one.

Facing the facts, she realized her path, not her father’s, led to the destruction of The Order. He would remain behind with his new warriors, as the prophecy said so long ago…

A New Order will arise.

I have a confession, Father. I knew this day would come.  Taliesin prophesied these events, but I erased the incident from his mind, so I was the only one who heard the words uttered. As soon as the demon Azaziel was restored, I knew I was dead along with the other elders. Knowing this day would eventually happen was the reason I fought you so vehemently from pursuing your goals. I trapped myself. I could never admit my knowledge without admitting tampering with Taliesin and the Gift, and I wanted The Mantle too badly to give it up. I am ashamed, and my weakness led to this point.

Charisa was surprised when Aaron embraced her. He was never one to exhibit open expressions of affection, and she wasn’t prepared for it. She also wasn’t prepared to feel no blame coming from him whatsoever, only devastating sadness that she would be gone from the world so he couldn’t hold her anymore, not until it was his own time to return Home.

She wept in his arms, and he held her until she accepted his love as it was offered, unconditionally. She felt the ties to her body weakening. Even as slowly as time moved in that place, she knew she had to hurry.

I am sorry, Father, but The Mantle must be passed on. You will see the prophecy once it rests on your shoulders again. You will see many things I am not proud of. I know this is not what you want. You can pass it to Albrecht after if you wish, but my time is up.

Her voice took on a formal air as she phrased the question.

Do you, Aharon, willingly accept The Mantle of The Order?

She used his birth name in their native tongue and dialect, and it sounded strange to hear after all the centuries, but the passage of The Mantle was a deep magic, and formalities must be observed. He taught her well, and she was always his brightest student as a child.

I accept.

<>  

The doctor’s body arched as his energy centers crackled, and light exploded out of him. The transfer of The Mantle was not gentle. Like the Gift, the Mantle was a powerful blessing, but it also contained its previous hosts' knowledge and experience. He had worn it before, as well as Albrecht, and once it settled he became aware of Charisa’s presence within him.

The seven elders collapsed, their bodies disappearing from the construct as the rune-etched blades took their lives.

Fighting the intense pressure of The Master’s dark aura as he continued to reach for their souls, they dug deep and held him off. Sweating, their bodies exhibited the effort of their minds and souls. As always, they clung to one another in support, bolstering each other in every way.

The short time they held the souls of the elders safe felt like an eternity, but finally, the sound of fluttering wings whispered in their minds, and Uriel was there. The light of his form filled the room as he fanned out his wings, gently collecting their souls.

Screaming his rage at the archangel, for a moment, Uriel thought The Master might attack him.

Would you dare pit yourself against me?

Uriel almost sounded hopeful.

The Master’s hatred of the archangel was impotent. The desecration of their bodies was unfortunate, but Uriel held what mattered in his wings. Their corpses were now just shells.

Glancing at the bodies, in the first language, Uriel intoned: Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

He rarely used the literal transubstantiation at the time of death but could when he felt the need; death was his province. The bodies of the seven elders turned to dust, collapsing on the floor. The loud clang of daggers, no longer sheathed in their fleshly bodies, rang through the chamber as they hit the stone floor.

Uriel’s light shone brightly as he left the physical realm, not enough to destroy the human servants, but enough to burn them. As much as he wished to destroy them, he was forbidden; that job was in the hands of his grandson Bryan and his brothers of The Order.

As Uriel departed, conveying the last elders of The Order in his wings, Lane’s vision faded, and the screen in Brad’s construct went still.

<> 

Ken’s voice subdued, he put a hand on the doctor’s shoulder, squeezing in comfort.

“I’m sorry, doc. We couldn’t save them.”

The doctor’s voice quiet, he covered Ken’s hand, squeezing back, saying, “But you did, Kenneth. All of you did. You saved them from a horrible fate, and they are Home now, at rest. I will miss them terribly. I have known them for countless years, and their absence will leave a hole in my heart, but I have Albrecht and all of you.”

Albrecht held Aaron close, not saying anything and not needing to. He kept his lover, the other half of his soul, against him in mind and heart just as his strong arms around his body. He grieved as well; he had known the elders his entire life. Jonathan was the oldest of them all and brought Albrecht into The Order.

As everyone calmed down, they noted a difference in the doctor. Brad knew it was The Mantle; there were other auras now blended with his. None of them understood what carrying The Mantle meant for the doctor, but it wasn’t the time to ask. For now, he needed time alone with Albrecht to grieve.

<><><> 

The next few days were quiet and subdued. They won another victory by saving the elders' souls, but they were still gone from the world. Humankind would never know the sacrifices they made on their behalf over the centuries. Just as importantly, Drew’s identity was still a secret and unknown to The Master.

Ken left it up to the guys whether they wanted to train for the next few days, canceling their regular regime in case anyone needed more time alone with their partners. The stress of having all the ‘guests’ in both the Australian and Atlanta labs was more evident in times of loss. They willingly gave up most of their personal time by doing so, and Ken was acutely aware of that.

<><><> 

Naked and resting in bed, Albrecht wrapped himself around his lover. They didn’t make love that night; Aaron just needed to be held and understood. The doctor’s massive intellect processed everything he was now aware of. With The Mantle's passing, he saw everything Charisa spoke of, even reliving the memory of Taliesin’s prophecy and what she did to him. He felt many things after viewing that memory; sorrow, anger, and even relief.

Tal is not entirely my fault, after all, Albrecht. Charisa caused the pain inside him all those years ago. He might never have turned out as he did if she had not interfered. It might have happened regardless, but she certainly made it worse for him. I deeply regret what happened to him. He thinks I used him as a vessel to hold The Gift until Lane came along.

I can see how he thinks that Aaron, but we both know it’s not true. Now that we are aware of the truth… Nothing really changes. Tal is still alive, and Lane says he has a vital role yet to play in the downfall of The Master. I don’t see how that can be, but if Lane saw it, then it will be so, and probably in a manner we cannot foresee.

I must let Lane and Bryan know what we discovered. I think it will make a difference in how they see him.

They have grown so much under your guidance, Aaron. I feel you are right. We need to let them know.

Falling silent, after a few minutes Aaron shook with quiet sobs.

I miss her, Albrecht. As you know, we rarely spoke, and our relationship was difficult. I always regretted the way things were between us – I feel as if I sacrificed my daughter for the sake of our mission.

I know, love, and as hard as it is to admit, you did, although Charisa was more a mistake of youth than anything. But you always make sacrifices, Aaron, no matter the personal cost to yourself, and continue to do so. You are the most selfless man I have ever known. It causes you considerable pain, and yet you only get more selfless as time goes on. Sometimes it angers me.

Through his tears, Aaron smiled.

I know. I do not do it on purpose.

I am glad we have Ken, Brad, and the others with us. They look out for you, too, you know. I feel better knowing they are around to help take care of you. You need them as much as they need you. You didn’t lose Charisa. Once again, our sons made a difference. They have thwarted The Master twice now in a short amount of time. His retaliation will continue to grow and become more extreme.

She is at Home now and finally at peace. Take solace in that and love your sons; relish the love they have for you. Charisa loved you in her way, Aaron, but nothing like the men do. You are lucky to have them. I’m grateful to have you and them.

Pulling Aaron tighter, Albrecht gently kissed his shoulder. They fell silent again, resting in one another’s heart and mind and the warm embrace of their bodies.

<><><> 

Drew wasn’t fully aware of what happened. He knew the doctor, Albrecht, and his uncles were sad about something. Henry was, too, but kept the reason hidden in his mind in a place Drew couldn’t see. Drew was sure it had something to do with his mom. Henry told him the doctor lost his daughter and was very sad, and would need time to get over it.

Henry had to explain to Drew that, as his father, he couldn’t share everything when they were linked. Some matters were private and adult, but it didn’t mean he loved Drew any less. Henry loved Drew more every day, trying hard to be a good father, but felt like he was flying by the seat of his pants.

A very affectionate little boy, Drew always gave out hugs and kisses to everybody in the morning and before he went to bed. The next morning, Drew found the doctor sitting by himself in the kitchen, eating a bowl of cereal. Drew didn’t see Albrecht and wondered where he was. He and his dad had already showered and had their breakfast, and Drew waited for Sally to start his lessons. His dad was already in the gym talking to a few of his uncles that were there early.

The doctor had a tablet on the table reading something, occasionally swiping his fingers across the screen to advance the page, every so often absentmindedly putting the spoon in his mouth. Drew made a beeline for the doctor, who put his spoon down and leaned over for his hug.

“Good morning, my boy. Did you sleep well?”

“Yes, sir.”

To say Drew was an ‘old soul’ was an understatement. He was the second oldest human soul in existence, and even though he was only five years old, his behavior often transcended that of an ordinary boy his age. Drew’s mind was open, and he saw the hurt in the doctor. On instinct, and without asking permission, he climbed into the doctor’s lap. Looking surprised for a moment, the doctor quickly wrapped one arm around Drew’s stomach to hold him in place as he continued to eat his cereal and read.

No words were spoken. Drew sat quietly in his lap, giving the doctor comfort in his own way. A single tear fell down the doctor’s cheek, and he kissed the top of Drew’s head. It was a deep and profound connection Drew expressed towards him, and it lifted his spirits.

He whispered, “Thank you, my boy. You are a treasure.”

Once Sally arrived, Drew hopped down and ran off to start his lessons.

<><><> 

Thanksgiving was fast approaching, and Bryan chafed at the restrictions of not leaving either of the two labs. He planned a full banquet spread at both labs, and there was a lot of grocery shopping to get done and preparations to make.

Using the opportunity to spend more time with Rich, Bryan asked for his input on the menu, needing his help with everything at the Australian base. Continuing to thrive under Bryan’s attention, Rich’s confidence level was at an all-time high.

Putting together a meticulous grocery list for Henry and the doctor, Bryan broke everything down into what could be bought ahead of time and what needed to be fresh and purchased at the last possible minute. He even organized the list by aisle and shelf and listed alternate brands if his preferred brand was out of stock.

Henry was in the gym working out with Ken, Brad, Darren, and Patrick when the doctor came in and asked him to clean up so they could go shopping. He had a window of a few hours while some of his new code was compiling and debugging. He left thorough instructions with Sally on what to do to keep the process running while he was gone.

Drew wasn’t happy about his dad going to the store without him. Occasionally, he still exhibited separation anxiety when apart from Henry for too long. Ken called a short break to let everyone get something to drink and towel off while catching their breath.

Each in their own way, Brad and Pat saw how upset Drew was about having to stay. It wasn’t a childish tantrum about wanting to go to the store. He held a deeply rooted fear of losing Henry.

Picking up on Drew’s reaction through the link, Ken said, “Hey, Drew, come over here, Tiger.”

Kneeling to be at eye level with the little boy, Ken smiled at him,

“Everythin’s gonna’ be fine, buddy. They’ll be back before you know it. Hey, I’m guessin’ you’re on a break from your lessons with Miss Sally, right?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Would you work out with us while your dad’s gone to the store? We need someone ‘ta fill his spot.”

Ken knew spending time with the guys in the gym was one of his favorite things to do, and Drew perked up a little.

“Can I?”

“You betcha’. Go get some shorts on, and we’ll get started.”

Drew shot off like a bullet to his room to get changed.

Brad smiled, thinking: You know, Ken, you’re really good with him.

Just another one of my many superpowers.

I see. And what are the other superpowers? They seem to have slipped my perfect memory.

Bein’ douchy, stomach rumblin’, bein’ handsome and studly, and last but not least, lovin’ my partner more than he can possibly imagine.

Ken grinned like a little kid while he touted off his list. With his tanned, handsome face sweaty and his hair plastered to his head, he looked too damn cute. Leaning over, Brad gave him a quick kiss and smiled back.

You are a douche, but I mean it, Ken, you’re good with Drew. You’d make a great dad.

Blushing, Ken thought: Thanks, B. It means a lot ‘ta me you think that.

Darren stuck his finger down his throat, making gagging sounds, getting a laugh out of everybody.

<><> 

The four big men sat on one of the large mats talking and shooting the shit when Drew ran back in.

Ken said, “Okay, Drew, come over here a minute.”

Patting the mat between him and Brad, Drew sat down, crossing his legs just like the grown-ups.

“I’ve been givin’ this a lot of thought, Tiger. I wanna start you on a special trainin’ program. Me and your uncles are gonna’ be your personal trainers startin’ today. I know you wanna get big and strong like your dad and us, right?”

Drew nodded his head energetically.

“So, here’s the deal. You’re too young ‘ta start liftin’ weights. That would actually hurt you. Before you can do that, we need you ‘ta work on a few other things. We gotta’ get your body ready, so when you get a little older, it will explode with muscle.”

Drew looked dejected… He wanted to lift the big weights.

“What we’re gonna’ have you doin’ is a lot harder than liftin’ weights. We’re gonna’ have you runnin’ circles around the bad guys, and they won’t be able to lay a finger on you if you’re fast enough. Do you understand?”

“I think so.”

“Don’t be disappointed about not liftin’ yet. I promise you, little guy, when the time is right, with our help you’re gonna’ be in incredible shape.”

“Will I be a lady killer like my dad?”

They all laughed, and Pat pulled Drew into his lap, saying, “You already are, Tiger! But we’re gonna’ make you even more irresistible. How does that sound?”

Drew grinned ear to ear as Ken mentally outlined his plan with Brad, Darren, and Pat. He really had thought about a program for Drew, wanting to increase his speed, flexibility, and strength. If something ever happened in a worst-case scenario, Ken wanted Drew to be able to run and hide and keep himself safe until they could get to him. He designed the training to seem like a game, so Drew wouldn’t realize they were teaching him survival tactics.

“Okay, Drew… have you ever played with a Slinky?”

“Yeah.” Drew caught himself and corrected, “I mean, yes, sir.”

Smiling, Ken ruffled his hair. 

“Good boy.”

Finished showering, Henry stuck his head in the gym and saw Ken and the others working with Drew. Pat, Darren, and Brad each knelt on one knee, holding their arms out and tensed while Ken showed Drew how to flip his body over in a handspring between their arms without touching them. Ken had both hands firmly around Drew’s waist, stressing the importance of proper form to keep from hurting himself and maximizing his movements.

Smiling, Henry knew Drew loved working with the guys; they would keep him distracted while Henry was out with the doctor.

<><> 

“Alright, doc. Ready when you are!”

“Do you mind driving, my boy?”

“Not at all, sir.”

Henry grabbed the keys to one of the Suburbans from the wall locker that housed the keys to all their vehicles. While Henry drove, the doctor worked on his tablet, monitoring the computers back in the lab.

Unused to seeing the doctor uptight, Henry asked, “Everything alright, doc? You seem tense.”

“I apologize, Henry. I am at a crucial stage and unsure how best to approach a particular direction in my code. However, I have received nearly ten emails from Bryan, asking me if we have everything he needs for Thanksgiving.”

Laughing about the emails from Bryan, he didn’t think the doctor was exaggerating.

Glancing at the tablet, Henry said, “All that stuff is Greek to me, doc. I wish I was smart like that, but I’m not.”

The doctor stopped what he was doing and looked at Henry.

“Let me make something clear to you, Henry. Each of us has gifts; some we are born with, and some we are fortunate enough to encounter and collect as we live our lives. Never belittle yourself. No one person is better or worse than another in the eyes of our Creator.”

“I don’t buy that, doc. I mean, I get what you’re saying, but life isn’t fair. Sometimes people are born smarter, stronger, or more agile. I can’t do what you do; it’s as simple as that. I wish I could, but I don’t have it in me. I’m not putting myself down when I say that. I’m fine with it.”

“You have gifts I do not possess, either, Henry. I did not mean to offend you, my boy. I apologize if I seem edgy.”

Smiling, Henry replied, “I’m not offended, doc. I enjoy my time with you one-on-one.”

Henry’s eyes went glassy, and he almost choked up as he said, “You’ve come to mean a great deal to me, sir. You, Albrecht, and the guys. I never had a family growing up, not really, and I left as soon as I could. Even with everything that’s happened to me, I’m happier than I’ve ever been, thanks to you. If I had a father, I couldn’t imagine him being any better than you, sir.”

The doctor stared at Henry. If Henry didn’t know better, he would think he caught the doctor off guard.

“I am continuously amazed, Henry, at what life brings me. As old as I am, which, by the way, I will not divulge, I am grateful our lives crossed and that you are now a part of mine, just as much as Kenneth or Bradford and the others. I know it would be easy to feel like an outsider, but you are not; you are one of us. Never doubt that, my boy.”

Chuckling, Henry said, “To quote Bryan, ‘I should buy stock in Kleenex with all the crying I’ve been doing since I met you guys.’”

The solemn mood lightened, and the doctor put his tablet away. Making their way to the grocery store, each got a cart.

Henry started to move away and split up, but the doctor called him back, saying, “We must stay together, Henry.”

Something in the doctor’s tone caused Henry to wonder, and he asked under his breath, “Is something wrong?”

“We are not alone. For now, act normal, but let us stay together.”

Henry always kept himself shielded when out of the lab, but he strengthened it in response to the doctor’s comment. At first, Henry didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary, but by the time both carts were full, he observed two women who passed him on multiple aisles, and once he paid attention, nothing in their shopping carts changed. They followed him and the doc, watching them, and Henry started to get nervous.

Once at the checkout counter, it took some time to ring up all the groceries. Henry projected an outward calm but noticed at least six or seven people staring. The doctor remained quiet, acting as though nothing was amiss.

Doc?

Just act normal, Henry. I doubt they will attack us openly.

Should we call for backup?

I think you and I can handle whatever might come up. However, I will alert Kenneth in case things escalate beyond our ability to cope.

I’m not questioning you, doc. You know I have your back no matter what.

That is why I have no fear, Henry. I told you each of us has gifts. I think one of yours is about to come into play.

Henry was about to ask the doc what he meant when the cashier said, “I’m sorry, sir, but your card has been declined.”

The young woman had a mean look on her face, announcing the credit card decline loudly as if she wanted to embarrass them.

The doctor, perfectly calm, replied, “I apologize, my dear, I should have known that would happen. Let me try another.”

Pulling out his wallet, the doctor selected a different card. Henry hadn’t seen one like it before; it was the size of a credit card but looked metallic with no markings other than a magnetic strip.

The cashier wasn’t paying attention to the card, and Henry was sure that no matter which card the doctor used, it would be denied.

The girl’s face was shocked when the display said ‘Approved’ and the receipt spit out.

She was speechless, but the doctor said, “Thank you, my dear. That was my fault. Have a wonderful day.”

Declining the bag boys offer to help them out, they made their way back to the Suburban. Henry watched as more people gathered around them, not too close, but it was apparent they were being surrounded. The doctor continued to act normal.

Backing out, as he drove towards the exit, several cars moved to block them.

Doc?

I did not believe they would let us leave, but you never know until you try. It was my way of giving them a chance. They have declined our offer and will now pay the consequences of their actions. Do not hold back, Henry.

Yes, sir.

Exiting the car, Henry was sorry he had jeans on, not wanting to rip them in a fight. Stripping off his jacket, he tossed it on the driver’s seat.

“Hello, Hank. Long time, buddy.”

Henry recognized Burt Richter, who he hadn’t seen or spoken to since Loy and Rick rescued him. Burt was high in the echelon of the Atlanta protectors. Glancing around, he saw seven other protectors he knew, but Burt was by far the strongest and most formidable.

There were also three ‘suits’ in the crowd, and Henry recognized Angelo Bertucci, the ‘suit’ who controlled Henry after he was transformed into a protector.

“So, eleven to two, plus all the peons. Nice, Burt, and hello, Angelo.”

Henry’s voice went cold when he saw Angelo. Memories of his forced servitude flashed in his mind; the torture, pain, humiliation… the helplessness. The memories no longer haunted him; the love and support of his brothers pulled him out of that life, but he remembered everything.

Burt said, “I’m not here to play fair, Hank.”

Angelo frowned, saying, “The shield on you is your own. How is that possible?”

Smiling, Henry said, “I’ve picked up a few tricks, Angie, and there’s nothing fair about this, Burt. You should go back and get more men.”

Laughing, Burt said, “I can’t believe you, Hank. You go over to the other side after we treated you so well… and now you got a big head.”

A random thought popped into Henry’s mind. He had no idea where it came from, but he asked: Doc, did you set this up?

He knew the doctor couldn’t lie to him, but he answered his question with a question.

Whatever do you mean, my boy?

Laughing in his mind, Henry replied: You did.

I did not precisely ‘set this up.’ I presented them with an opportunity, and they took the bait. I believe you need this, Henry, for many reasons. I wish you to move forward with your life cleanly, and this is old garbage you can finally free yourself of. I did not want to warn you ahead of time and give you time to overthink the situation. Albrecht leaked the information we would be at the grocery store to the right people, and I knew they would be here. If the situation were more than I thought we could deal with, I would have had Kenneth and the others accompany us.

His mind spinning, Henry wasn’t sure what to think. At first, he was angry, as if the doc didn’t trust him, but quickly realized that wasn’t the case. The doctor had every confidence in him, knowing Henry was fully capable of facing these men from his past for the right reasons.

I get it, doc. I hope you won’t think poorly of me if I enjoy this, though. It’s not revenge; I see it as poetic justice.

Precisely, my boy. Now, show them who they are dealing with.

With pleasure.

A warm calm came over Henry as he slowed his perception of time, going deep within himself, his stance relaxed and ready. His centering flame appeared, burning bright and steady, matching the light of his soul. The inner resolve he developed while training with Ken, Brad, and the team was there, turning Henry into a defense between The Enemy and his son, a wall they couldn’t pass. His purpose wasn’t to defeat The Master; that was for the guys to do after Drew succeeded in his miraculous part.

Henry didn’t see himself as less than his brothers. He wasn’t part nephilim, and Albrecht even said his heart would be the weakest of his three energy centers, but Henry did have heart and held the love of his brothers and his newfound son within him. That was all he needed.

Angelo and the other two ‘suits’ had no idea how strong Henry was mentally or how well trained he was. Opening his three energy centers, Henry bound them together, letting his light shine; it wasn’t as bright or as powerful as his brothers, but it was strong and unexpected.

At the same time, he sent a trident of mental energy at the three ‘suits,’ making it tight and razor-sharp. To his surprise, he shattered the shields of all three, destroying the minds of two of them and nearly knocking Angelo out.

Speeding up his perception of time, he watched the grimace of pain and surprise forming on Angelo’s face and the scream about to escape his lips.

With Angelo’s shields down, as distasteful as it was, Henry scanned him, confirming no one present was coerced. As such, Henry steeled himself, knowing he wouldn’t spare any of them. He didn’t take pleasure in the thought; it was part of the war he was in to protect Drew.

Ken wanted to prevent Henry from taking Doug’s life at Stone Mountain Park the day Liz died. He knew what killing someone does to a man’s mind and heart, but the men facing him weren’t innocent.  They were The Enemy, and that made a difference.

The people before him had done unspeakable things to men, women, children, even animals, and done them willingly, so broken they committed the acts joyfully. At first, Henry thought of making them feel the pain they had so gleefully bestowed upon their victims, but he told the doc the fight wasn’t about revenge. No, they would get what was coming to them when Uriel collected their souls.

Gripping Angelo’s mind tightly, Henry cut him off from his abilities. Henry only looked deep enough to see the fear and terror in the man, but stopped there, having no desire to immerse himself any further into the dark recesses of Angelo’s mind.

He did, however, want to keep Angelo alive in case the doctor wanted to use him for information. With the ‘suits’ taken out, he turned his full attention to the protectors. His efforts so far had barely taken any time, and Burt had just started to move forward with the others.

Every blow clean and precise, Henry struck with the intent of eliminating another threat to his son, his brothers, or any humans that didn’t deserve to be tortured or abused by these brutal men. Burt, physically the strongest and the fastest, was the first to come within arm’s reach, but Henry, amped up from his tantric practice, was stronger and quicker than any of them.

As a protector, Henry had been formidable but would never have climbed the Enemy ranks because he wasn’t a willing servant. Echoes of their taunts, always referring to his forced servitude, ran through his mind, and he remembered listening to them, impotently, while watching his body perform unspeakable acts.

The doctor stayed in Henry’s mind the entire fight, monitoring his emotions and thoughts and making sure he would be alright. He was not at all surprised that he didn’t have to intervene. He knew Henry’s training and how far he had come, and just like his other sons, Henry surpassed his expectations. Henry’s interactions with Ken and the others unlocked the man inside him,  allowing him to grow and be what he now was.

He watched, impressed, as Henry utterly decimated the eleven Enemy agents. He was a perfect weapon, and they never landed a single blow. The doctor saw elements of the kata Michael taught Ken, as well as a blend of Albrecht’s fighting style.

Henry’s time with Ken and the others forged him into more of a weapon than he had been, and now he had a purpose in his life he didn’t have before. He was still a protector, but now he protected his son, and that responsibility and love transformed him into something above what he had been before.

The doctor witnessed the gift he mentioned that resided within Henry, the gift of fatherhood. Henry was a defense for his son against an age-old darkness he had once been forced to be a part of. His soul broken in pain, it was tempered and re-forged by the light of the men and by the love of a little boy who needed him.

To Henry, the fight seemed to take minutes, but in reality, it was only a matter of seconds. He barely broke a sweat and wasn’t breathing hard. He felt some discomfort in his hands, arms, and legs, and even his forehead from striking lethal blows with his body. Ignoring it, he moved to Angelo. Picking the cowering man up, Henry looked into the eyes that had dominated his will and mind for nearly three years.

“How the mighty have fallen, Angelo. You picked the wrong side of this fight. Doc, do you want to see what he knows before I end him?”

Blubbering, Angelo’s arrogant, cocky demeanor shattered, begging for his life and offering anything they wanted in return for letting him go. Taking over the shield from Henry, the doctor got what he wanted.

We will not kill him, Henry. I wish to send a message to The Master. His life will surely be forfeit once this message is delivered.

The doctor burned his words into Angelo’s mind.

We know who you are. We know what you are. We know how to bring about your end. Everything you have feared about us is coming to pass. Can you feel your grip on this realm weakening?

A Prophecy spoken ages ago foretold these events:

 

When the ten become five and the five become one, and a darkness returns to light,

A fortnight from the second birth of the twice-born

The circle will fall by The Master’s hand.

If the Mantle passes back from whence it came before the circle falls,

A New Order will rise – if not, darkness will reign until the dragon is called.

 

I now wear The Mantle. We are the New Order. Rage against us all you wish, but we are strong enough to weather any storm you send against us. When the time is right, we will come for you.

He set a compulsion in Angelo to go directly to The Master and deliver his message.

Henry had not seen that part of the doctor before. When he spoke, he radiated an aura of strength Henry had never felt from him before. Maybe it was The Mantle, or perhaps the doctor was just badass and always kept a lid on it. It didn’t matter; Henry was glad they were on the same side.

I think that’ll get their attention, doc.

After Henry decimated the agents, the bystanders fled, fearful they might be included in the fallout.

“Yes, my boy, we must hurry and get back… The ice cream will be getting soft, and Bryan hates it when that happens. I have no wish to confirm his doubts about my ability to perform a simple task like shopping for groceries.”

<><> 

By the time they returned to the lab and unloaded the groceries, Henry was starting to stiffen up. Albrecht came out to help and said in passing, “You did well, Henry.”

Chuckling, Henry said, “Yeah, thanks for setting me up, Al.”

“Are you alright? You are not angry with Aaron or me?”

“No, sir. I was for a split second, but for all the wrong reasons. As always, the doc was right. I needed that. I needed to confront them and finally move past what they did to me and prove to myself I’ve changed and deserve to be Drew’s dad. If it was a test, I hope I passed.”

“It was not a test, Henry, at least not like that, but if it were, you passed with flying colors.”

Albrecht ruffled his hair affectionately and slapped him on the back.

Henry visibly winced, and Albrecht chuckled, saying, “I apologize, Henry. You should have Brad or Darren take care of the pain. What you accomplished was no small feat, and I am proud of the way you handled yourself. I’ll finish here with Aaron. Go and see what Drew has learned to do! He’s very proud and can’t wait to show you.”

<><> 

Henry changed back into his workout clothes and returned to the gym. As soon as he rounded the corner onto the gym floor, Drew shouted, “Daddy! Come see what I learned to do!”

A big smile crossed Henry’s face as he stopped to watch. Drew ran down to the other end of the gym as Ken, Brad, Darren, and Pat all held their arms out like steel beams, positioned roughly five feet apart.

Coaching him, Ken said, “Okay, Drew, remember… Just like a Slinky. Try not to touch our arms.”

With an intense look of concentration on his young face, after a few running steps, Henry’s jaw nearly hit the floor. Falling forward onto his hands, Drew flipped over Ken’s arm, and as he came up, he continued his forward movement until he flipped over each arm. He grazed Pat’s arm, but he was so excited it didn’t matter.

When he reached the end, Darren high-fived him and swatted him on his bottom, sending him towards Henry and saying, “Good job, Tiger!”

Jumping into Henry’s waiting arms, Drew threw his arms around Henry’s neck.

Hugging him back, Henry said in his ear, “Drew, that was awesome! I’m so proud of you!”

Unable to hold in his excitement, Drew blurted out everything Ken told him about not lifting weights yet, but he had to be fast and limber and move like a Slinky and how he got dizzy the first few times… until he had to pause for breath.

Ken noticed Henry’s flinch when Drew jumped into his arms. As Henry moved to join them, he noted the concerned and curious look on Ken’s face.

Grinning, Henry said, “Rough day at Publix.”

Ken said, “Hey, Drewmeister… That’s it for today, buddy. I bet now that the doc’s back, Ms. Sally will wanna start your lessons again. You need ‘ta get good and rested for the next workout.”

Giving his dad a wet, sloppy kiss on his cheek as Henry set him down, he ran off to find Sally.

Ken turned his look on Henry and said, “Care ‘ta elaborate? The doc contacted us and said you were bein’ followed, and we should be ready in case you needed backup.”

Henry proceeded to tell them everything that happened. At first, Ken looked upset, even angry, and Henry thought it was directed at him. Ken had his head lowered, and Henry couldn’t see his expression.

Beginning to worry he had somehow screwed up, Ken looked up, wiping his hand across his face, and with a big sigh, said, “Jesus Henry… Three ‘suits’ and eight protectors? And one of the protectors some kind of a lieutenant here in Atlanta? Why didn’t you call us in?”

“The doc said I could handle it. He had my back, Ken, and I had his. We were a team, but he honestly didn’t have to lift a finger.”

Brad interjected, “The only time I’ve ever seen the doctor fight was in the alternate reality when he faced off against Orophir, and he let himself be captured to give the rest of the guys a chance to escape. He threw Orophir out of the lab then, and now he wears The Mantle I’m guessing he’s even stronger. We don’t really know what that means yet, to be honest. I don’t think they were in much danger, Ken.”

“That’s not the point.”

Henry was on pins and needles and asked apprehensively, “So what is the point? Did I fuck up?”

Darren’s dimples were a mile deep from the smile on his face, and he said, “I think what our illustrious leader is saying is that our Little Henry is all grown up! You rocked, Henry. We’re extremely proud of you. Ken’s a bit of a mother hen sometimes. We were worried about you, that’s all.”

Ken pulled Henry into a hug, saying, “I am proud of you, Henry. I just wish the doc would have elaborated more when he contacted me.”

“It’s all good, Ken, I promise. I understand why he did it. I needed to face them on my own and finally bury a few things from my past. I’m just blown away now… Angelo was the ‘suit’ that converted me and kept me dominated all those years. I didn’t even feel like taking revenge; he was just another agent that needed to be taken out. I feel like I’m finally cured of whatever they did to me, and that makes me feel pretty damn good. The doctor did that for me, and you guys made it possible.”

Slapping him on the back, Brad said, “You did good, Henry. You’ve come so far. Now let’s get you healed. You’re stiffening up, and I know the bruises are setting in.”

“I’ll be fine.”

With a grin, Ken said, “No macho bullshit! That’s my department. Brad, Darren, fire us up and take care of him.”

Even though Henry didn’t feel pain like a normal human, in seconds, his discomfort was washed away by the healing coursing through him. Sweating slightly from the Healing, his body was deeply relaxed.

Grinning impishly, he said, “Damn, I get the happy ending joke now.”

They laughed, and Ken said, “Okay, now that you’re as good as new, hop into the ring and show me what you got. There’s always room for improvement; I noticed a few places in that fight where you were slightly off, and we need to correct your form.”

Their workout continued as if there had been no interruption of a few hours. It was just another day in The Order, and they took it all in stride.

<><><> 

Early the next morning, Albrecht woke to a feeling that something was wrong. Reaching for Aaron, he found his side of the bed empty and cold.

Throwing off the covers, he put on some shorts, opened the door, and padded down the hallway far enough to see the lab's kitchen and common area. It was still early, nearly 0600, and the only light in the kitchen came from under the microwave's inset into the cupboards.

The door to Aaron’s office was shut, and the lights were off.

Aaron? Where are you?

The intuitive feeling of danger hit him stronger, sending a shiver through him. Reaching out with his heart, he couldn’t discern Aaron’s presence and started to panic.

Running to the door, Albrecht pulled up the log files and saw that Aaron had left the building in the middle of the night. How he managed to get out of their room without waking Albrecht was a mystery. Albrecht was a light sleeper and usually woke up at the slightest provocation.

<><><> 

The doctor set a trigger to wake himself at 0130. When he awoke, the warmth of Albrecht’s body was so comforting he was reluctant to move. An ongoing debate ran through his mind since The Mantle fell back on his shoulders. The voices of the previous elders, including Charisa, were clear in his mind, constantly speaking to him, even arguing with him.

The Mantle had changed since he last wore it. It was more alive than he remembered. He had no idea how or why it evolved, but it was trying to exert an influence on him. He realized, now, that the entire affair with Henry was due to that effect. If he had been in his right mind, he never would have put Henry in any form of danger no matter how confident he felt, and he would have put more safety precautions in place. He would never have withheld information from Kenneth.

Fighting the voices, they were a constant pressure and not easy to silence, and he realized Charisa must have succumbed to The Mantle long ago and might not have been entirely responsible for her actions these last centuries. He wondered how or why The Mantle could have changed so drastically.

Regardless, The Mantle must survive… Its existence was integral to The Order. It was deep and powerful magic from long ago, its origins steeped in mystery, but he needed it gone from his shoulders. After experiencing the changes in it, he would never consider letting Albrecht take the burden from him. As always, Aaron was selfless, wanting to prevent anyone else from suffering.

The conflict created a dilemma. How could he ensure The Mantle's safety and protect the magic of The Order, yet keep it separate so it could not influence himself or Albrecht?

Could The Mantle exist on its own, outside a host? He wasn’t sure how to go about separating himself from it. The only way he knew to pass it on was by the “question” and a willingness to accept it by a new host. It was that way with all the Gifts of The Order.

A sudden thought came to him. Knowing Albrecht would not let him go by himself, he had no wish to endanger his lover. There was one being he knew of that might help him. There would be a risk, but he doubted his life would be in any danger.

Knowing he would pay the price for his actions when he returned, Aaron slipped into Albrecht’s mind and kept him asleep. They never shielded themselves from one another. It was not an easy decision, and perhaps it was The Mantle affecting his judgment. He would like to think so, to convince himself that was the case, but it proved how necessary it was to get it away from Kenneth, Bradford, and the others before it influenced them as well.

Getting up, he dressed warmly, knowing it would be cold where he wanted to go, praying he would get an answer. He let himself out of the lab and reactivated the security protocols, resealing the building.

Taking a deep breath, his eyes flashed white as he raised his head upwards, calling out, “Thomin! I have an offer for you!”

<><><> 

Feeling no sense of movement or transition, he was no longer in the lab parking lot in Atlanta. He stood in a cavern where the only illumination came from two sconces on either side of a pair of large stone doors leading to the vault.

Aaron had never interacted with Thomin, although he was aware of Brad and Lane’s encounter with the archangel in the alternate reality and what a fickle creature he seemed to be. Thomin was a collector; that was his province, and the doctor was right when he imagined Thomin would not pass up the opportunity to add The Mantle to his other possessions. It was in his nature, and he couldn’t help himself.

Thomin appeared before him; tall, stately, and inhumanly handsome. His visage seemed older and thinner than the other archangels, wearing robes and looking far more ‘angelic’ than any of the others the doctor had come into contact with so far.

“Thank you for hearing me.”

Thomin’s manner was aloof and arrogant.

“I know what you carry inside you.”

“Is it possible to separate The Mantle from me and keep it safe?”

Gazing at Aaron intently, Thomin examined the magic intertwined with his soul.

“Yes. It will be unpleasant and not easily done, but yes. Why do you wish it removed?”

“It has changed. The Mantle must survive for The Order to exist, but it has evolved since I last wore it. I must have your promise; if I need to retrieve it, you will return it to me.”

“My aid will come with a price. If I agree, you will have to perform a task for me before I return it to you.”

Aaron knew it would be no small task once it came time to pay that price, but he said, “Very well. I have but one question first. I must be sure it will be safe. How was the Liber Loagaeth removed from the vault? I must be certain there is no chance The Mantle will be removed as well.”

A voice startled both of them.

“Yes, brother, how was the book removed? I wish to know that tidbit myself!”

The doctor’s blood ran cold as he spun around. He had never seen the being before him but knew who he was.

Thomin all but shouted, “What are you doing here? Your presence defiles this place! Begone!”

“Now, now, brother, no need to be so touchy. I really do want to know who gave the book to Darren Wilcox. That was a brilliant maneuver for your side. That’s not why I’m here, but I’m dying to know….”

The grin on Luke’s face sent a cold chill down the doctor’s spine.

Thomin saw the greed, even the glee, in Luke’s eyes. If Luke took The Mantle and destroyed it, Ken and the others' chances to succeed against The Master would be decimated. Thomin had no care for that… his concern was that of a child. Offered a treasure by the doctor, in his mind, The Mantle was his, and sharing treasures wasn’t in his nature.

Aaron knew Thomin had no interest in the battle or the balance. His only interest was in adding The Mantle to his collection, which meant protecting him against Luke. Thrusting the doctor behind him, Thomin interposed himself between Aaron and The Dark One.

“You cannot have it! It is mine!”

Thomin sounded like a petulant child.

Aaron took advantage of being out of Luke’s direct line of sight. Calling on The Mantle, he delved into the knowledge of the previous Elders, desperate for some information, some trick, anything that might allow him to come out of the situation alive with The Mantle staying out of Luke’s hands.

The knowledge was already inside him, but Jonathan’s memories showed him how to use it in the manner he needed. His plan wouldn’t stop The Dark One for long, but it might give him enough time to complete his task with Thomin and return to the safety of the lab.

He knew Albrecht was going to be furious with him if he made it out of there alive, but Aaron was glad he came alone. Albrecht surely would have died trying to defend him.

“You do not wish to oppose me, brother. I am far stronger than you. I have no desire to destroy you… You are more useful to me alive. Let me take what I want and be gone. I will even leave the good doctor alive.”

Aaron forced himself to stay calm. So much rested on what he was about to try. Tearing off his jacket, he ripped open his shirt, watching the buttons pop off and fly about onto the ground, making small clicking noises as they bounced about on the stone floor of the cavern. Needing blood and having no knife, he scraped into the flesh of his body with his fingernail. His face contorting in pain, he had to scrape a few times to get enough blood to complete the rune he traced on his chest.

Wearing The Mantle made him stronger, and he would regret not having that additional strength at his disposal, but he had to get out from under its influence and the old ways of thinking that had never managed to defeat The Enemy. He had to get that influence away from Kenneth and his sons, or he was sure it would hinder their chances of success, believing it so intently he was willing to risk his life to make it so. He loved his sons so much that he was prepared to do anything to help them on their journey.

Focusing his mind, he shielded himself as strongly as he could and sent a thought to Thomin, hoping he would hear.

Empower the rune inscribed on my body! I do not have the strength to do it myself!

Thomin, like all the archangels, was tall. Not nearly so broad or muscular as his brothers, but still larger-framed than a human. Luke was in front of Thomin and unable to see the rune Aaron etched into his torso as Thomin turned to look.

Thomin’s eyes went wide in surprise at the symbols, knowing what they would do. Placing his hand on the doctor’s chest with inhuman speed, a white burst of light exploded, sending Luke away. It was a rune of banishment, but the doctor did not know the rune for Luke’s true name, so the spell would only be partially effective.

The doctor screamed as power ripped through him, nearly tearing him apart. He did not have the advantage of his sons' nephilim heritage, and his human body was not made to channel energies of such magnitude. If the Mantle had not offered some protection, he likely would have died.

Screaming in surprise, Luke was sent away against his will, and the cavern fell silent except for the doctor's harsh breathing.

Thomin said, “He will return quickly. Your actions are brave, Aaron Thomas, and have bought us a small window. If you wish to survive along with The Mantle, I have no choice. The Dark One cannot have what you carry inside you; it is mine.”

Aaron registered surprise when he realized Thomin’s intent, but drained and exhausted from what just happened, there was nothing he could do to prevent it. Thomin raised a hand, and with another flash of light, the doctor resided inside the vault's soft blue magic, The Mantle still inside him, encapsulated and frozen outside of time.

“I am sorry, Aaron Thomas. It would take too long to separate that which you carry, and The Dark One would return before I could finish. I grant your wish of keeping The Mantle safe. It will remain here now until the dragon is called, where it will be destroyed along with everything else.”

Appearing in a thunderous blast of power, Luke yelled, “What did you do?!”

“You may be stronger than I am, but where my province is concerned, my magic is too strong even for you. The Mantle now lies safely in the vault.”

Luke’s face contorted in rage, but his voice was icy calm as he said, “You will pay for that!”

<><><> 

It was almost 0300, and Lane was in the gym. He had a dream… A series of compelling and uncomfortable scenes from Charisa’s life. They weren’t just memories… He lived several events from her life, and it seemed like years before his Avatar released him.

When his Avatar finally freed him, an intense need to put what he witnessed into song followed, and for once it was not something he looked forward to.

Charisa lived a privileged yet harsh life. Being the daughter of a man such as the doctor was difficult, and Lane saw much of the doctor’s life as it related to Charisa when he was younger. The doctor wasn’t a saint in his youth, long before he learned many of the lessons that made him the man Lane and the others knew.

The thought struck Lane that great men don’t start great… They grow into what they are. The doctor made many mistakes in his youth and learned the lessons of his life through thousands of years to become the surrogate father Lane and his brothers were familiar with.

The need to write the song was one of the many reasons Lane needed his space back or to sleep in his own bed with Bryan at their house. When the Gift or his Avatar affected him, he needed somewhere private to go and work through whatever he was shown.

In the Atlanta lab, the rooms weren’t soundproofed, and he couldn’t use the common area so late at night, so he ended up in the gym as far away from everyone sleeping as he could get. Bryan wouldn’t leave his side even though it wasn’t something he could help with, so he practiced his kata while Lane strummed his guitar and wrote on his chord sheets, creating a song from what he was shown.

It was going to be an emotional piece meant strictly for the doctor, and Lane wasn’t sure if his message was a gift or something darker. It was undoubtedly private and not something he would sing for anyone other than the doctor, Albrecht, and the guys. The lyrics would give the doctor a glimpse into Charisa’s life and how she viewed her relationship with him. As painful as it might be to hear, it could give him the understanding he needed to reconcile the loss of her presence in his life.

A few times during the process, when Lane became frustrated, Bryan sat behind him, pulling Lane against him in a hug and holding him to take his mind off the problem. Usually, his unconscious mind would work out the issue during the distraction. It was the same trick Ken learned to use on Brad when he was overthinking a problem and too wound up to focus.

Even though the subject matter was uncomfortable, writing and creating music put Lane in what Bryan called his ‘happy place.’ Bryan was the only person among all his brothers Lane wanted by his side during his creative process. Bryan ‘got him’ like nobody else and always had from the very first day they met.

By 0600 he was finally happy with the results and played the song through for Bryan. He needed Bryan’s help with the chorus and maybe a few of the other guys if they were agreeable. Some of them had great voices and helped him sing before.

Tired, his back was stiff and sore from sitting on the hard floor. Bryan got bored of practicing the kata hours earlier and started reading back issues of “Organic Gardening” on his tablet, occasionally making notes if something sparked his interest.

Lane cringed when his eyes flared white, and his Avatar took hold of him again.

Fuck! Not again! Gimme’ a break!

He hated the anticipation, not knowing if it would be some profoundly powerful and painful experience or something benign. Few of his dreams or visions were pleasant.

He was surprised when a voice spoke directly to him.

Lane.

He recognized Remiel’s voice but had no idea how he could be contacting him, somehow bypassing the runes they utilized to prevent just such a thing from happening. Uriel spoke to Bryan, but only because Bryan called to him.

Remiel!? I don’t understand. Why and how are you talking to me?

I have never used your Avatar to communicate directly with you like this. I have a conduit to your Avatar as part of my province. It doesn’t precisely circumvent the runes, and I cannot influence you in any way, but I can send you dreams and visions. I have never tried this, but apparently I can also talk with you at great need.

Why are you talking to me? Isn’t this breaking a rule of some kind?

Yes, it is, and I will most likely pay a high price, but Raphael is desperate to reach Brad Wilson, and with you warded against us this is the only way we have of contacting you. Please ask Brad to meet with him now.

Now!? Where?

At his home, under the protection of his tree. It is the only other safe place not warded against us.

I’ll pass on the message, but I have no idea if he’ll go.

<><> 

Lane listened, and Bryan pulled from Yggdrasil, giving Lane the power to send his thoughts across the globe to Australia and reach Brad.

He sent a ‘711’ message but was pretty sure Brad would still be awake. Immediately, Brad’s voice entered his mind.

Lane? Is something wrong?

I just received a collect call for you from Raphael, by way of Remiel. It seems he can talk to me through my Avatar, even with the runes up.

Oh shit!

Yeah. Good times! NOT. Anyway, Raphael wants to meet with you right away at your house. I told Remiel I’d pass on the message but didn’t commit you’d be there. Up to you, bud.

I’m sorry, Lane.

Fuck that, Brad. It’s no big deal, and you know I’m not mad at you. I’m just surprised he was able to do it. Remiel said he broke a rule by contacting me this way and would ‘pay a high price.’ I don’t know what that means, but Raphael must think it’s important. You said you wanted to talk with him, so maybe this is as good a time as any.

Okay, Lane, thanks. Give me a sec to think it over. If I decide to go, you’ll hear from Darren in a minute to help get us back to the house.

There was a slight pause, and Brad’s presence strengthened.

Lane, are you alright? Your emotions are intense right now. I thought I felt something. What’s going on?

I had a dream about Charisa and just finished writing a song for the doc. It’s deep. I relived parts of her life with him… Personal things I’d rather not have seen, to be honest. They had a fucked-up relationship, and I learned some surprising things about the doc. I felt the need to put what I saw into a song to give the doc a glimpse into the mind and heart of his daughter. I don’t know how she ever got to be the leader of The Order, Brad. At least as far as the doc is concerned, she was an emotional wreck and all over the map. Love, hate, frustration, sadness, anxiety… She was brilliant, just like him, but misguided. I think The Mantle fucked her up big time.

So, let me repeat my question. Are you okay? These things take their toll on you. I know Bry’s with you, but if you need us we’ll be there, or we can merge from here.

Lane’s eyes watered at how willing and available his brothers were for him.  It wasn’t a surprise anymore, but Brad’s concern still touched him, causing Lane to laugh at himself.

I was fine until you asked, you bastard. Seriously, I’m okay, just exhausted… I stayed up all night writing, so I only got a few hours sleep before this hit me. It was an emotional ringer, but not traumatic like most of them are. I just want to crash with Bry and sleep it off. I promise if I need to, I’ll get with you after I wake up.

Okay, gotcha’. I’ll decide what I’m going to do here in a sec. Rest up, and I’ll talk with you tomorrow. Love you, brother.

Love you too, blondie.

<><> 

In less than a minute, Brad pulled everyone together. Darren linked their Avatars, and a second later Brad and Ken stood in their kitchen in Atlanta.

Thanks, Dar. We’ll sleep here tonight; no need to wait up.

Five bucks into the beer kitty. Don’t forget!

Ken smiled at Darren’s comment as they dropped out of the link. The house was cold. Since they were away so often, they kept the thermostat turned down. As Ken moved to turn it up, a ball of light appeared in the living room, quickly growing into the form of Raphael. In his human form, he wore his usual blue jeans, t-shirt, and brown leather jacket. Physically, he and Brad didn’t look alike, but he did have the same blonde hair and piercing blue eyes.

Brad was aware through Ken as soon as Raphael appeared.  

He’s here, B. Are you ready?

Not really, but I want to get this over with.

I’m here, Brad. You know that. I’m gonna’ let you two have your say, and I won’t interrupt unless you bring me into the conversation, or I feel like things are gettin’ outta hand.

In an even but cool tone, Brad said, “Hello, grandfather.”

If an archangel could look nervous or unsure of himself, Raphael managed it. His reply was quiet, almost timid.

“Hello, Brad, hello Ken. Thank you for coming.”

Motioning for Raphael to sit on the couch, Ken pulled two chairs from the kitchen into the den for him and Brad to sit on. While Ken got the chairs situated, Brad and Raphael stared at each other, the silence between them uncomfortable.

To break the ice, Ken asked Raphael, “Do you want somethin’ ‘ta drink?”

He paused with a questioning frown on his face and asked, “Do you drink?”

Raphael’s eyes never left Brad’s, but he replied, “No, but I can if it will make you more comfortable.”

Raising his eyebrows, Ken went to the refrigerator and got two bottles of water, one for himself and one for Brad. He set Brad’s down on the coffee table by his knee.

Ken felt the tension building in his partner, surprised at the depth of emotions beginning to stir. He knew Brad was upset by what happened… They all were, but it was his memories Raphael tampered with, and it affected the entire team. If they had known and understood the secret of their Avatars, Liz might never have needed to sacrifice herself.

Knowing Brad as well as he did, Ken realized the genie was about to come out of the bottle of his emotions, and Ken prepared himself to help weather the storm about to unfold.

“Before you say anything, Grandfather, I want to explain something to you. I want you to know why your actions hurt so much.”

Lowering his head, Brad paused to collect his thoughts. When he looked up, he took a deep breath and started.

“You know that we’re all orphans, right? Some of us never knew our parents and those of us that did lost them early in life. We didn’t know what it was like to have a family or a father until we met the doctor. Even then, most of us thought we’d be alone our entire lives. I know I did, and the fact I like men isn’t well accepted in our world, so when we were in the military our careers would have been ruined if that preference was discovered.

“Then I met Ken, and I found everything I ever needed or wanted in a man. We had to keep our relationship secret from the outside world, but we had each other, our brothers, and the doc, and that was enough.

“But then… All these years later, we discover an extended family. The night Lane met Gabriel, and we realized we had a connection to someone else… It was an amazing feeling, and all of us were excited at the prospect of having others in our lives we could call our own.”

Brad’s eyes got mistier as he spoke until intense, hot tears dripped down his cheeks. His face red, Ken felt the anger in Brad as he let his feelings go. Ken knew the way Brad thought, his mind working as he verbalized what was inside him. Ken felt some of it when they were together, but Brad hadn’t formed it into coherent thoughts yet. The intensity built as he continued, a wave inside him, a tsunami of frustration, hurt, and anger that needed an outlet. Reaching over, Ken placed a hand on Brad’s back, wanting Brad to feel his support and know he was loved.

“Now, it’s clear we’re nothing more than a means to an end for you. You manipulated the doctor and pulled strings in our lives. We’re nothing more than puppets to you. Luke was right. Even if you do care for us, that didn’t stop you from using us.

“Family doesn’t treat family that way, Raphael. I was just getting to know you and looking forward to spending time with you… now I don’t want to see you. I’m going to let you have your say, but don’t expect me to forgive you so easily.

“Tennyson wrote, 'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.’ I say that’s bullshit. What you never knew can’t hurt you… As hard and deep as we love now, it hurts us even more when shit like this happens. You ripped part of my heart out, and I didn’t realize I cared so much until you did that.”

Leaning over, he rested his head in his hands while Ken rubbed his back.

A single tear ran down Raphael’s face. His tears had their own light, and it was like a crystalline trail down his cheek. His voice was so quiet Brad barely heard his words.

“I’m sorry, Brad. All of us are, but it is primarily my fault. The others looked to my wisdom when we started down this path.

“What Luke said to you initially was true, but is no longer. The paradox of your existence has altered us, and we had no idea you would affect us so profoundly. We feel emotion, but not as humans do. However, since you came into our lives, we feel more and hurt more than ever, as you do. We didn’t know we could care so much for another being.

“We are billions of years old, Brad.  Created outside time, we still feel the long stretch of years. Much of our existence is spent inside the Arc of Time, performing our tasks. We do not have free will as you do.  We do to an extent; enough to carry out the tasks of our provinces, but we cannot go against our nature.”

Before he could stop himself, Ken blurted out, “What about Luke? He seems ‘ta do whatever the hell he wants.”

Raphael sighed and said, “Yes… He attained free will when he rebelled, and you see the results. That is why the other nephilim, as well as many of our kind, fear you. The power you wield along with free will could unleash a flock of Luke’s upon creation. I see the flaw in Luke and why the doctor bound your souls together… The love you share keeps you grounded. Luke didn’t become evil until he revoked his right to return Home. Without that light and love accessible to him he changed, becoming what he is now.

“The war he started continues to this day, and no others of our kind have had free will until you. The other difference between you and Luke… You are not sundered from Home. While you cannot go there in your physical bodies, you are assured a place in Heaven once you die. We made sure you retained your capacity for unconditional love and bound you together as couples… The doctor performed the deed, but we planted the seeds and made sure it happened. He truly is a genius. He figured it out on his own before we intervened. Our only interference was making sure whose DNA you were matched with.

“Even though you have only been alive a short time, the effects of your creation started ages ago. In your earthly calendar, around the year 3500 B.C., I was given the task of watching over a woman. Human lives are like rivers to us when we look at them outside time, seeing each branch and experience of their lives from their birth to their death.

“With her, I saw something I had never before encountered. She was with child, and when I looked at the unborn male in her womb, I saw he would be immortal and live a span of years far beyond human ken. What was even more puzzling was that I could only see his life up to a particular point in time, and then I could see no further. It was not his death I saw… I simply could not see past that point.

“Luke must have seen it as well, or one of his servants, which is why I was sent to watch over the woman. Even under my protection, she was wounded, so I took her to the one place I knew she would be safe – the valley. In that time, before the veil’s existence, magic was more prevalent in the world.  Not common, but not unheard of either.

“She drank the water of life, and the child in her womb became immortal. The water healed her wounds, and she stayed in the valley. She gave birth to her son and lived there many years before she passed away. The water did not affect her in the same manner as her son; it is not the same for everyone. It gave her sight and awoke her mind, and she used her knowledge and wisdom to raise her son.

“Some years before and some after, other humans found their way to the valley and drank of the water, and all but her were made immortal. The legend of the Fountain of Youth originates from those times. Once the veil was called and the valley hidden, the legend of the water faded into myth.

“The water awoke any who drank it… some of those that lived eventually became elders of The Order, who you saw die by The Master’s hand. The boy I speak of is your doctor, Aharon. He is also the only other person to have an immortal child.

“His entire life was open to me up to that point I could not see past, and now I know that point was when he first changed you. I was struck with the thought that he and his work would be crucial in ending a war nearly as old as creation itself.

“For billions of your years, we have fought The Dark One. The Hosts of Heaven, led by Michael, were betrayed, and a third of our number turned to follow Luke. They fell to his promise of gaining free will in return for following him. There was truth in his words as always, but free will came at a price, and they were sundered from Home, becoming beings of darkness, unable to return to the light. Or so they believed. The possibility never existed before you restored Azaziel. The ripples of your actions still ring throughout creation.

“It was never our interference in your creation we feared to disclose to you… It was the nature of your Avatars, and why we made you the way you are, what we made you for. We feared the truth would be too much. If you tell a child he is destined to save the world, let alone all of creation, the task is too daunting, and the knowledge alone might prevent him from ever succeeding. Suppose you were too confident, knowing your Avatars would protect you and empower you to be equal to any task. In that case, you might never find what is necessary within yourselves to reach beyond and find the strength to push past that point and fulfill your destiny.

“We have seen countless brothers fall in this battle, and now, finally, the possibility of an end. You are that end. Uriel, whose wisdom surpassed my own that day, said it best… Our interference failed because our motives were not pure. They were to protect our secret, not you. Our desire has ever been to protect you and keep you safe… To let the doctor guide you and let you grow into what we need you to be. We faltered… I faltered, and now I am paying the price.

“Surely you can understand our desperation? I do not know if you can forgive me… I realize that I… We… have hurt you deeply. Perhaps our actions will prevent you from fulfilling our intentions. We cannot see because of your randomness. Luke cannot either, and I believe he is afraid… although he will not see it as fear. For him, it will manifest as anger and malevolence, but he now sees the possibility of The Master’s downfall at your hands because of your success with Azaziel. We never imagined you would be able to restore a fallen one – that act opened up an entirely new set of possibilities, ones neither Luke nor we can see.

“If you defeat the Master and lift the Curse on mankind… It will send another signal among Luke’s ranks that he is not invincible. What you did to Azaziel has them in turmoil. They see a chance of returning Home, an act inconceivable before now. Even we were shocked at that revelation. Our wish was for you to be powerful and random enough to help us defeat Luke… But if we could bring reconciliation to both sides and be one again… it is almost unfathomable to think.”

Raphael looked wistful, lost in the hope of his words. Brad witnessed the powerful stirrings inside his grandfather as his empathy drove Raphael’s hope and passion into Brad. He witnessed glimpses of Raphael’s memories… Of the doctor as a young man, seeing angels succumb to Luke’s promises, and feeling remorse and loss each time it happened.

But still… Raphael’s words explained the actions of their angelic relatives, but it did not excuse them. The pain in Brad was real and deep – and he now understood the reason behind it.

Ken, I need you.

<>  

They appeared in the place where their souls were one, naked to each other in every aspect. Holding Brad close, Ken let him vent his hurt and anger, hugging him and soothing him as best he could.

After Brad calmed down, Ken quietly said, “They fucked up, B. That’s all there is to it. As powerful as they are, they choked. It sucks they didn’t believe in us.”

Cupping Brad’s chin, Ken lifted his face to make eye contact.

The little kid grin appeared on his face, and he said, “I bet they do now, though.”

Some of the tension drained out of Brad at his comment, which is what he wanted. He didn’t like seeing Brad upset; it tore him up, making him want to protect him. Sniffing, Brad wiped his face, even managing a wan smile at Ken’s statement.

“So whatcha’ think?”

“Fuck, Ken, I don’t know. I get what he said. The magnitude of what they kept from us is staggering, and I still don’t have my head wrapped around it. Holy shit! What they expect us to do is insane.”

Pulling them into their signature hug, after a second, Ken continued.

“Yeah, it is.  We didn’t know that’s what we were doin’ when we reset Azaziel, but we proved ‘em wrong… or right… hell, you know what I mean.”

Chuckling, Brad said, “Yeah. I mean one demon out of an infinite number… That’s a grain of sand on a thousand beaches, Ken. It would take me a while to calculate how long that would take.”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, B. That’s what they’re afraid of, that we’ll freak ourselves out if we think about it too much. Let’s focus on The Master and figurin’ out a way for Drew ‘ta survive. We still need ‘ta decide if we wanna’ remove the Curse. There might be reasons we haven’t thought of yet ‘ta not do that. I can’t imagine what; I’m just sayin’ you never know.”

Ken felt Brad’s mind spinning, not over Luke's issue but about what Ken said about the Curse.

“You know Ken… Raphael barely scratched the surface on telling us the history behind all this. Like Luke having free will… he might have been created to fill the role he’s playing in all of this. If we change that, we could screw things up on a cosmic scale. We need to be sure that’s the direction we want to go in… We really need the doc’s input on this.”

“Yeah, I agree. I hope he’s gonna’ be alright, B. Losin’ his daughter, even with her fucked-upness, hurt him. I don’t know what ‘ta do for him.”

“We’ll figure it out, Ken. We can talk to Albrecht. The doc’s always been there for us, and we’ll be there for him.”

“So back ‘ta Raphael.  What do you wanna do?”

“I’m not sure. Part of me wants to forgive him. They took enormous risks by taking action and tampering with the doctor and creating us. It’s all a colossal paradox. We enabled them to do it before we even existed; another mind fuck. I’m angry, Ken. Am I being a baby? Should I let it go? Be the better man and overlook what they did?”

“We can’t let ‘em off that easy. They need ‘ta learn their lesson about trustin’ us. I’m not sayin’ we don’t forgive ‘em, but we should make ‘em sweat a bit. We don’t wanna be pushovers.”

“Forgive, but don’t forget?”

“Yeah, that sounds good. I knew you were smart, and you know what smart talk does to me, right?”

Lifting his face enough to run his stubble covered cheek against Brad’s neck, Ken tried to lighten his mood even more.

You wanna’ make out quick before we continue the conversation with Raphael? It might make you feel better.

Smiling, Brad hugged Ken tighter, closing his eyes in pleasure at the sensation of Ken’s rough cheek on his neck.

Nothing makes me feel better than being with you, Ken, hugging like this, or making love. You keep me grounded by holding me and letting me hold you. You’re getting your money’s worth out of your Ph.D. today.

Putting his hands on each side of Brad’s face, Ken pulled him into a kiss, not sexual but deeply emotional.

I love you, B.

I love you, too, Ken. I want to make out, but let’s do it for real in our bodies in our bed after Raphael is gone.

Okay… So are you gonna’ forgive him?

I want to stay mad at him for what he did, and that bothers me, Ken. I’m not like that.

I get that, but you know you won’t.

Ken chuckled.

You can’t help it. You don’t have it in you, and I’m glad you don’t.

I was telling the truth about how excited I was to find out I had a relative. Not that you aren’t everything I need; you know that. But the idea of family is important to me. That’s why I love you and the guys and the doc so much. If we’re going to live forever, or at least a very long time, the more people we have in our lives, the happier we’ll be, and not to brag, but having archangels for grandfathers is pretty fucking cool.

Grinning, Ken teased him: So, you wanna’ forgive ‘em for the perks?

Douche.

We’d better not keep him waitin.’ Even though this isn’t takin’ any time, he’s aware we’re talkin’.

You think he’s sweated enough?

You’re such a softie, at least on the inside, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. On the other hand, your body is hard and firm, just like I like. So, make up with your grandfather already, and let’s get into bed.

Is that all you ever think about?

With you? Yeah, pretty much.

<><> 

Brad brought them back into their bodies. Raphael still had that wistful look on his face, his eyes practically glowing from the tears ready to spill down his cheeks.

Taking another deep breath, Brad looked directly at Raphael.

“I get it, grandfather. I understand why you did what you did. That doesn’t make the hurt any less… But take this as a harsh lesson. I will forgive you, but I will never forget your actions.

“I want to make a few things very clear… You need to trust us. Part of how you made us gives us the ability to grow into what we need to be… I'm not overconfident when I say don’t underestimate us. Learn to love us, and we’ll learn to love you. A big part of that will be trust… But know we aren’t your puppets.

“We aren’t going to blindly follow your orders when it comes to the battle. We’re going to focus on The Master first and defeating him while keeping Drew alive. We’ll tackle Luke after we manage that. There’s a lot we still don’t know or understand, and we’ll need a lot more information before we decide on a plan of action. Moving forward, I’m willing to start fresh. I want you in my life as much as possible. I don’t understand everything you are or what you do.  I want to know more and will over time, but we can’t get to know one another unless we spend time together.”

The tears on Raphael’s face turned from grief to joy at Brad’s words, and his face lit up with a smile.

“Thank you, Brad. There is much I wish to say, but I will let that suffice for now.”

Standing, Raphael held out his hand. Brad took it, and Raphael pulled him into a tight embrace, wrapping Brad up not just in his powerful arms but in his wings. He was in human form, but in their mind’s eye, Ken and Brad both saw the ghostly appendages spread around them. Still merged with Brad, the breathtaking comfort washed over Ken as well.

They held the embrace for what seemed like minutes. When they finally pulled apart, Raphael still smiled.

He said, “I will leave you now. I am in a quandary, though, as to how to contact you moving forward. I cannot ask Remiel to contact Lane again unless the need is truly great. You can always call out to me even in the lab, and I will hear you, but I will not be able to contact you unless you are outside the runes’ protection.”

Ken asked, “Well, you don’t drink; I guess you don’t have a cell phone either?”

He grinned as he said it, making a joke.

Laughing, Raphael said, “From the mouth of babes! I mean no offense Ken, but that is such a simple solution. It will be easy for me to arrange a number I can use to reach you. Once you receive my text, call out to me, and we can talk.”

Brad gave one of his old business cards from a drawer in the kitchen that had his cell number on it to Raphael, who put it in his pocket.

“Goodbye for now. Walk in the light, and I will see you both soon.”

Transforming into a ball of light, Raphael vanished.

Ken’s impish grin appeared, and he said, “Did you hear that, B? Your grandfather called me a babe!”

“He meant baby…”

Brad didn’t get any further as Ken’s mouth covered his in a passionate kiss, taking his breath away. They continued holding each other for minutes, kissing, until Ken broke off and took Brad’s hand, leading him to the bedroom. Ken then proceeded to de-stress his partner as only he could. Brad had a lot of pent-up emotion lingering in his body, and Ken wanted to sweat it out of him the good old-fashioned way, repeatedly!

<><><> 

Lane and Bryan had only been asleep an hour, and Brad and Ken were cuddling, still sweaty from their lovemaking, when Albrecht’s voice shouted in their minds.

Aaron is gone!

Albrecht didn’t know Brad and Ken were in Atlanta; he sent his message to anyone close enough to hear him, knowing they would contact their brothers in seconds.

Scanning all of them, Brad woke those who were asleep, making sure it was safe to bring them all together. Grabbing Albrecht, he took them deep into a construct of the conference room of the Atlanta lab. Everyone appeared in full combat gear. Albrecht looked pale but focused, his face masked with worry.

Ken asked, “Albrecht, what’s wrong?”

“I woke up, and Aaron was not in bed. I checked the lab and called out to him with my mind, but he didn’t answer! I checked the log, and he left the lab at 0140 last night. I checked the security footage… He stepped outside the door, and in a matter of seconds, he vanished!”

As the technical lead on security issues, Bryan pulled the video log from the camera covering the outside door. They watched the doctor exit the door and reset the alarm before moving outside the protection of the runes. With his back to the camera, he lifted his head, and a few seconds later he disappeared.

Bill said, “Dar, pull us all together, please! There might be enough of an imprint for me to reconstruct what happened.”

Synchronizing their Avatars, their bodies appeared in Atlanta. Brad dropped the construct, and they all rushed to the back door, gathering where the doctor disappeared.

Bill instructed them, saying, “Ten, five, one, guys. Position yourselves accordingly.”

He broadcast the formation he wanted… They used it often to enhance the effects of their Avatars. Brad, Lane, Darren, and Loy surrounded Bill, standing at the vector points of their mental Avatar circled by Ken and the other bodies. Albrecht anxiously stood to one side, looking on and praying they would find some clue as to where Aaron went.

Bill said, “Okay, guys, power up, and I’ll take a look.”

Ken synchronized their Avatars as they delved into one another, first as couples and then as a group. Yggdrasil's ghostly image appeared around them as animal spirits became visible, while Brad fluttered their souls across the veil. With all ten of them working in conjunction, the power they raised was immense, quickly filling them. Their eyes flashed white, and heat lightning arced across the Atlanta skies in response.

Focusing, Bill stepped into the center position, becoming a conduit and channeling the power they called. Images entered his mind, bright and sharp because of the strength of the being who pulled the doctor from the lab.

The scene replayed in Bill’s mind, and he watched the doctor reset the alarm and move far enough from the building to get outside the influence of the runes. They saw Aaron’s eyes go white and heard his voice echo with power as he shouted, “Thomin! I have an offer for you!”

In less than a second, he vanished, and the image stopped.

Albrecht groaned, “Oh, Aaron… What have you done!?”

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