The Order

Beyond the Pale

Sitting alone in his cave, Orophir replayed the memory Brad shared with him of his death in the alternate reality. The pain and anguish on the face of his other self, the tears in his eyes, brought home the knowledge that he was merely a tool for his father to be discarded once his usefulness was complete. It was a harsh realization that he meant so little to his father. No… not even ‘so little’; he meant absolutely nothing. There were no words to describe the ache in his heart over that comprehension.

Orophir’s own foolish naïveté astounded him, and he understood that Luke had raised him in isolation not only to keep his existence a secret but also to control him. He feared his father now, but underneath his fear ran a strong current of anger. His only wish was to be accepted by the being who gave him life and loved as a son. Was that so inconceivably difficult? Apparently so.

Brad Wilson opened his eyes. Orophir was young for one of his kind, and although brilliant, he was immature with limited life experience. So, he set out to educate himself. Using his knowledge of the runes Luke shared thus far, he created powerful charms and matrices. Luke always provided meticulous instructions on what to craft and how, but moving forward, Orophir would use the knowledge for his own gain…

… But he was lonely, and his isolation tragic. He found fulfillment in serving his father’s ends when his existence meant something, but now he felt adrift and his life meaningless. Orophir didn’t know any others of his kind and couldn’t reach out to them even if he did, afraid it would not go well. Because of who he was, who his father was, he had few options for companionship. His father’s identity was still a secret and would have to remain so, or he would be destroyed by Luke himself or his father’s enemies.

So, Orophir remained hidden, his presence undetectable even by his father as he watched and observed, witnessing Luke’s behavior and actions. Luke rarely stayed in one place for long, but Orophir had become familiar with his recent haunts. He trod carefully. Luke was powerful, and even though he couldn’t detect his son’s presence, he still seemed to sense something amiss if Orophir eavesdropped too long.

When not watching his father, Orophir kept hidden in the far reaches of the Pale. Discovering a cave where he felt at home, he crafted his amulets and rings and performed his rituals. He devised potent combinations of matrices and charms through much experimentation, spending an exorbitant amount of time and energy to make his dwelling invisible and undetectable.

Noticing his spirit jars were nearly empty, he would soon have to harvest additional lesser spirits to continue his craft. Planning and creating his trinkets kept his mind busy, and he needed the distraction. If he stayed idle too long, his mind drifted back to the memory of his death.

Luke hadn’t called him since Azaziel’s rebirth, and he expected a summons soon. He would continue to play along, for a time at least, until deciding on a course of action. Almost as if his thoughts triggered the summons, he heard his name.

Orophir.

He had no choice but to obey; however, now under a charade of obedience. Donning a ring to conceal his thoughts, he removed the amulet that veiled his presence. Immediately he felt exposed and vulnerable, but he knew there would be risks. Once he left his cave, his father would be able to find him.

Appearing before his father in the physical realm, Orophir was shocked to see an archangel chained to the floor, tortured by his father’s servants while Luke observed.

“You will give me The Mantle, Thomin! I will have what I want. We can do this for eternity if you wish.”

Thomin’s response was his continued screams, his body writhing in pain. Recognizing the runes on the chains, they bound Thomin in his physical form, allowing his torture. His skin blistered and bubbled where the silver chains touched him, burning his flesh and his mind. The agony must be nearly intolerable, but Luke was relentless, and Orophir knew Thomin, whoever he was, would break, and probably soon.

As soon as Orophir appeared, Luke asked, “Where have you been?”

“Awaiting your call, father.”

“Why did you let Azaziel fall?”

“I was there to observe at your behest, Father. I did move to intervene when I saw the possibility of Azaziel’s defeat, but unexpected allies of the half-breeds were present. I could not stand against Istariel and his cousins and aid Azaziel. They still do not know who I am, although they have seen me now. I did not wish to betray our secret.”

Luke was in a foul mood, but he was patient. The warriors of The Order proved to be stronger than he gave them credit for. He underestimated them, and that would not happen again. He had to admit Orophir showed good judgment in keeping his identity a secret. Not that he cared for his son’s well-being, but he was a useful and obedient tool.

“Remain here and make sure Thomin does not escape, and make sure they do not destroy him yet. If he says anything before I return, call to me.”

“Yes, Father.”

“The hoods you fashioned to keep the human hostages bound… were they taken?”

“Yes.  The one named Darren Wilcox holds them.”

Smiling, Luke said, “Stay until I return.”

“Yes, Father.”

<><><> 

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

Realizing what the doctor attempted, they stood speechless.

Uriel took Brad and Lane to Thomin’s vault in the alternate reality, where Brad confronted Thomin before he and Lane retrieved their counterparts' bodies. Thomin turned out to be a fickle and eccentric creature for an angel.

Looking at Darren, Ken asked, “Brad and Lane were there. Can you use their memory of the place ‘ta take us?”

With a trembling voice, Albrecht fought to control himself, saying, “No, Ken! First of all, I do not think it would work. The vault is warded, and Uriel took them the first time. Secondly, even if Darren’s Avatar allowed him to get there, teleporting into an area he’s never seen would be far too dangerous, and I will not permit you to put yourselves at that kind of risk. Drew needs you… the world needs you.”

Ken didn’t know how Albrecht could stay so calm. If Brad were missing, he wasn’t sure he could remain as composed or rational.

His frustration evident, Ken pushed back, “But this is the doc! We have ‘ta get him back. There’s no tellin’ what kinda’ trouble he put himself in, and we don’t even know why!”

Brad sighed, saying, “I think I do.”

Looking at him shrewdly, Albrecht said, “Me too, Brad.”

Raising his eyebrows, Lane asked, “Someone feel like sharing? What the hell’s going on?”

Albrecht kept silent, so Brad continued, “It’s The Mantle. I think the doc was trying to get it out of him.”

“I believe you are right, Brad. I sensed a difference in Aaron. Even after losing Charisa, Jonathan, and the others, Aaron was not himself after assuming it.  I intended to talk to him about it, but apparently, whatever was going on was worse than I thought. In his selfless manner, he wished to spare any of us from whatever was happening. The Mantle must survive, and I believe he wanted Thomin to take it from him and keep it safe.”

Deep concern showed on all their faces, and Lane exclaimed, “Fuck! That Thomin guy is a whack job and a half. How could the doc think he’d just do what he wanted?”

Smiling wanly, Albrecht said, “Aaron can be very persuasive when he wishes to be. He was not entirely himself, but would never attempt something with no chance of success. Something must have gone wrong since we haven’t heard anything.”

Ken asked, “How can we get ‘ta him? Do you know where the vault is?”

“Yes, I do. You are probably the only people on the planet capable of getting there alive. It lies at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean in the Mariana Trench.”

All of the men were Navy SEALS, exemplary divers, and knew about the trench. It was the deepest known area on the planet, nearly seven miles down in the deepest known part of the Ocean.

Frustrated, Ken rubbed a hand roughly across his face, muttering, “This just gets better ’n better.”

Darren spoke up, “Ken, the place might be warded against me from teleporting there, but I bet if I was there, I could pull all of you to me if we were linked. I’ve learned a lot about the way these things work and that aspect of my Avatar. We operate outside the normal bounds of magic enough, I’m confident of that.”

Bryan said, “That’s a fucking deep dive. Me, Ken, Pat, Ricky, and Kev could do it with the right equipment, but no offense, guys, I don’t think the rest of you could. Even for us, the pressure will be tough.”

As they talked, they all moved back to the conference room, and Brad pulled up a map of the Pacific Ocean for a visual reference. Brad looked at Albrecht, his Avatar glowing as his voice filled with compassion. 

“Albrecht, you know the doc is like a father to us. We’ll get him back. If he’s with Thomin, or worse case, trapped in the vault, there’s really no place else on earth where he’s safer if you think about it. We’ll have to figure out a way to get him back once we get there, but I doubt he’s in any immediate danger.”

“You are right, Brad. It doesn’t make me miss him any less, but thank you for stating that so bluntly. If he is in the vault, he is indeed safe.”

Loy said, “That doesn’t mean we aren’t going to bust ass to get him back. We know how to organize a dive of that magnitude. We’ll have to charter a boat and get the gear together.”

Loy paused, and with a grin, added, “And I have a few friends who might come in useful!”

Lane said, “Go, Doctor Doolittle!”

Ricky glared at him, and he corrected himself, saying, “I mean, go Beastmaster!”

Ken said, “Okay, we’re on mission status, guys. Let’s plan what we need and execute.”

<><> 

A strong sense of urgency ran through them, and by early afternoon nearly all the necessary gear was located and reserved; however, Rick still waited to hear back from the Charter Company.  They needed a big boat, possibly even a Yacht, and a fast one, to get them in position as quickly as possible.

Drew was terribly upset when Henry explained the doctor was missing. Brad talked to Sally and the Keenans and filled them in. Darren and Pat teleported to the Australian base to explain to Kelly, and she volunteered to remain there and look after the soldiers and their families.

Albrecht received a touching SKYPE call from the young soldiers offering their assistance in any capacity with no questions asked.

<><><> 

With everything in motion, it would take a few days for all the details to come together. The type and quantity of equipment were unusual, and the Dive Shop didn’t carry everything on hand, so some things had to be sent in from a few different locations. The guys didn’t share where they were going with the shop owner, only telling him they were making a deep salvage dive, and it was time-critical.

Everyone was on pins and needles, so to keep them focused and work off some of the tension, Ken continued their training schedules for half days. The rest of the time was needed to plan and run errands to get everything ready for their time away.

The plan was for Albrecht to stay in Australia with Kelly while they were gone and for Henry to stay in Atlanta with Sally and the Keenans so Drew could remain on his school schedule uninterrupted.

It was a testament to how much everyone cared for the doctor to see how intensely upset and sad they were. Drew cried when Henry told him the doctor was gone, and he was more affectionate than usual with all the men when they were in the lab, sitting in their laps whenever he could, especially Albrecht.

Once the Dive Shop called, letting them know the equipment was available to be picked up, Darren and Pat drove one Suburban, and Rick and Loy drove the other. Since they had no idea how long they would need the equipment, the reservation was open-ended, requiring a considerable security deposit.

Rick commented, “It’s a good thing the doc is basically a multi-billionaire. Between this gear and the boat, we’re spending a small fortune.”

In addition to his other talents, the doctor was a financial genius, using his own custom algorithms to play the stock market and monitor and seek out numerous investments. None of them had personal income, sharing in accounts the doctor set up via his unique debit cards, but they were financially set for life.  Over their years with the doctor, he taught them fiscal responsibility, trusting them to use the money wisely and rarely questioned anything they purchased.

The Dive Shop, as it was so aptly named, came through in a big way. The owner, impressed by their knowledge and Navy background, went out of his way to prep everything for them personally. The business was in an older shopping plaza, which also housed a large fabric store. Darren studied the hoods used on the hostages, noting the runes were meticulously embroidered with what appeared to be silver thread. Silver was often used in runes and alchemy and he wanted to experiment, so when they left to pick up the diving gear, he grabbed a hood to take with him, wanting to ask someone in the store about the thread.

While Rick, Loy, and Pat loaded the gear, Darren said, “Guys, I’m going to step into the fabric store a sec.”

Pulling out the hood, he continued, “I want to see if they might know anything about the type of thread used in this thing.”

The entire storefront of Fabric World was glass and easily visible from the parking lot, and they were tightly linked, so none of them were worried about anything happening. Neither Darren nor Loy felt any Enemy presence or had any sense of danger.

<><> 

The woman working behind the counter was stunned when Darren walked through the front door. He was so incredibly handsome, she was speechless.

His dimples made her weak in the knees as he walked up to the register, saying, “Hi there. I was wondering if you could help me?”

Darren didn’t have to be a mindreader to know her thoughts.  Her face said everything, and he blushed, which made him even more adorable in her eyes.

“What is it you’re looking for?”

She was hoping he would say he was single, looking for a wife, sweep her off her feet, and go start making babies. Blinking when he picked up on her thought, he grinned and winked at her. He liked to flirt, but he also wanted information, and with his angelic charisma on top of his devastating smile and dimples, he knew how to get it. Holding out the hood, he turned it inside out to show her the embroidery.

“Can you tell me what kind of thread this is? It looks like silver. Do you sell real silver thread? Or other metals?”

Setting her bifocals on the end of her nose, she tilted her head to see the detail. To look more carefully, she pulled out a small magnifying glass.

“I do have some, but it depends on the quality you’re looking for. This looks very expensive, and whoever did this was extremely talented. The stitching is immaculate. I would definitely have to order something like that, but the answer is yes, it’s available. Most of what I carry is just for looks, but I can order specialty items. Would you like me to get you some?”

A man Darren hadn’t noticed, standing right behind him, said, “Funny, I lost a hood just like that not too long ago.”

The voice was unmistakable, and even as Darren formed the thought, black chains of energy wrapped around him.

Agonizing pain shot throughout his body as Luke smiled and said, “You’re coming with me, Darren.”

<><> 

In the lab, Lane's eyes suddenly turned white, and he shouted, “DAR!”

Cold fear hit Lane hard in his stomach, and he doubled over, overcome with dread and anxiety - something horrible was happening to Darren! He saw Darren wrapped in black chains surrounded by demons. A man was present whose identity remained clouded, but Lane knew who he was.

“Fuck!”

<><> 

When Darren vanished from their link, it struck Pat like a physical blow.

Shouting, “DAR!” at the top of his lungs and mind, he took off with blinding speed towards the fabric store as the windows across the storefront exploded, sending splinters of glass flying everywhere.

Pat threw an arm up to protect his face as shards of glass made dozens of deep lacerations all over his body, slicing through his clothing and embedding in his skin. Instinctively his body tensed, his tissue density so great the shards weren’t able to penetrate deep, but they did cut into flesh until hitting muscle.

Grabbing all of them through their link, Loy plunged them so deep that time barely moved.  Attempting to grab Darren, he hit a black shield and sent a white spear of light against it, but it was made by The Dark One, and Loy by himself could not penetrate it.

Pat saw the demons in the store, with Darren wrapped in smoky chains of darkness. Darren’s scream was loud in his ears, and Pat watched the other half of his soul struggling to free himself. Spreading their massive wings, the demons flexed their grotesquely muscled forms as they exploded through the roof of the building, collapsing much of it onto the woman behind the cash register and the other shoppers. Shooting into the sky, dragging Darren with them, they were in the clouds and out of sight in seconds.

Rick, Loy, and Pat were in shock, trying to wrap their heads around what happened.

Brad: Pat!? What's going on with Darren!? We heard you and Lane shout his name!

Pat couldn’t respond. Falling to his knees, doubled over in pain, he was so scared for Darren he could barely breathe. Unable to sense Darren at all, the sudden and abrupt emptiness in him was cold and debilitating, leaving him stunned.

Loy: Brad, Darren’s gone! He was just a few feet from us… we were careful. He was at the fabric store in plain sight, and we didn’t feel any danger or sense any Enemy presence. Demons appeared from nowhere and grabbed him! The store is practically destroyed.

Brad: Fuck! We’ll be right there. You and Rick take care of Pat; I can tell he’s in shock.

It was an effort to get everyone together without Darren, taking more power without his Avatar, but a few seconds later the rest of the team stood in the parking lot with them.

Immediately Ken went to Pat, hugging him. Covered in blood, Pat absent-mindedly plucked shards of glass out of his skin. Lane listened, and the slivers disappeared as he healed Pat.  The only evidence of his physical wounds were the tears in his clothes, the blood covering his body, and a light sheen of sweat caused by the healing.

Mostly unresponsive, Pat managed to put a hand on Ken’s forearm wrapped around him from behind as his big frame trembled and a cold shiver ran through his soul.

I’m here, Pat. We’re with you, and we’ll figure this out. You have ‘ta stay calm for Darren. I know it’s hard but lean on me, lean on all of us, as hard as you need to. You aren’t alone, no matter how you feel right now. We’ll find Dar and get him back.

Pat didn’t say anything but squeezed Ken’s arm in gratitude. Ken’s conviction pushed into him, but Pat didn’t trust himself to speak. He still reeled at how suddenly Darren was ripped away from him, from all of them, and there was nothing anyone could have done about it. The other half of his soul was just… gone.

Loy moved about the wreckage of the fabric store where the women inside were trapped under the rubble. They were alive, but it was dangerous to try to dig through to them. With Brad, Lane, and Bill helping, he teleported the women out of the debris, blurring their recollection of the event.

Brad looked in their minds, but their thoughts and memories were incoherent. Aside from the explosion and their physical injuries, the presence of the demons nearly drove them insane. Fortunately, as humans, the women were beneath the demons' notice; their minds could have been so easily obliterated, and it was clear the focus was on Darren and not them.

The Dive Shop owner came over trying to be helpful, but Loy slipped his mind into neutral so they could work uninhibited.

Ken stayed with Pat, but he couldn’t hold still, pacing and distraught once he started moving. The tension in his body was incredible, and his tears non-stop.

Ken, I saw him! They had him wrapped in black chains… He was screaming in pain.

Pat! Listen ‘ta me and try ‘ta calm down. We’ll figure this out, I promise. I know how hard this is… Try ‘ta focus and help us find him.

Focusing on Pat with their Avatars, Ken willed Pat to believe everything would be alright, while Rick unwound the worry and stress as much as he was able, preventing it from building up too much.

Ken: B, let’s get this wrapped up ASAP and get back ‘ta the lab. We need ‘ta figure out what happened. Do what you need ‘ta do with the cops, firemen, and EMTs.

Brad: On it.

None of them liked tampering with memories, but in light of what happened, Brad reconstructed the memories of the witnesses, erasing whatever he didn’t want them to remember.

Modifying the Dive Shop owner’s mind, he now thought they picked up the equipment earlier in the day. For the time being, the explosion would remain an unsolved mystery. The first responders were there, and Brad orchestrated their memories to have no recollection of their presence. Simultaneously, Bryan wiped the physical memory devices of any security cameras in the area.

Twenty minutes later, they were back in the lab. Brad coordinated the synchronization of their Avatars to teleport most of them back while Loy and Bill drove the Suburbans back with Rick and Kevin. Once they were all back, Ken called everyone into the conference room so they could try to piece together what happened and formulate a plan.

<><><> 

Darren passed out seconds after the black chains wrapped around him. It wasn’t just the pain; with his mind overwhelmed, his shields shattered before he could rally a defense. There were too many demons to face by himself, and Luke was with them.

He woke in a dim, oddly lit cavern to the pungent, briny smell of saltwater. The intricately carved stone doors with torches in sconces beside each one told him he was at Thomin’s vault, recognizing it from Lane and Brad’s memories.

The cave was frigid. Condensation dripped down the stone walls from the freezing depths of the ocean, nearly seven miles of unyielding pressure pushing relentlessly down on that place. Albrecht said the magic of the vault altered the pressure, but Darren felt some of it. He knew what deep pressure felt like from his diving experience.

Aching from the after-effects of the black chains, his mind still on fire, he felt horrible but pulled himself up into a sitting position and looked around.

“So, you are awake. You are strong, Darren Wilcox, you and your half-breed brothers. I will give you that.”

Recognizing the voice, he returned Luke’s stare with a blank look. Luke’s inhumanly handsome face and angelically charismatic body were a glamour, his exterior perfection masking the vilest being in all creation.

Darren, like his mentalist brothers, was a genius and knew he was outmatched. The being addressing him was as old as creation, existing outside of time, and Darren, no matter how smart he was even with his nephilim heritage, was a fleshly being and knew his limitations. He wasn’t going to try and match wits or power with Luke in a senseless struggle or game of banter.

After a moment Luke smirked, and said, “What? No false bravado? No demands to be set free?”

Staggering up, Darren looked around, ignoring Luke for the moment. He moved to the vault doors, knowing the doctor was most likely inside.

“The doctor cannot help you, Darren. Yes, he is in the vault and safe for now, but I will have the doors open soon enough. This will be a good day for me… I will have The Mantle and you. You see, I am most displeased with you and your brothers resetting Azaziel. That was unexpected, and an Act of that magnitude requires a response.

“Killing you would be too easy. I could atomize you with a snap of my fingers. No, that would be far too simple… I have something better in mind, something to take the wind out of the sails of not only your brothers but also Michael and the rest of the Hosts.

“A message! An eye for an eye. You converted Azaziel, therefore, I will convert you. Your actions tipped the cosmic scales when you did that, you know. The ripples are still being felt. I usually relish that kind of chaos when I am its cause. I nearly felt a pang of jealousy at your actions; it was a masterstroke on your part, and I am still managing damage control over your accomplishment.

“No, Darren, my plan for you will be extremely painful, and I will make it slow… Oh, so slow. Fight all you wish, but I will have you as one of my servants. I will drain you of every ounce of light and fill you with my own darkness, leaving the tiniest shred of memory of who you were so you will feel the torment of what you will be. After a few millennia, I might take pity and let you forget… Or not. My taste for vengeance is long, and it will depend on how much pleasure I take in your misery and suffering.

“Eventually I will have all of you, you, and your little band of half-breeds. I wish to see the look on Michael and Raphael's faces and the others when they realize I have brought their plans to ruin. You are their end game, and I sense Raphael’s wisdom in your creation. I admit the blindness you cause by your very existence excites me, but like all things, I can turn it to my advantage and use it against them. There is much I still don’t know because of the brilliance of that act, but I will discover everything in time.”

Holding the embroidered hood in his hands, Luke continued, “Orophir did his job well. The hoods served the purpose of keeping you from rescuing the hostages too soon… But I was confident your curiosity would get the better of you, and you would take them to study. I was right, and that is why you didn’t detect our presence in the store. As with all my plans, there was more than one layer of deception. You never suspected there were two sets of runes stitched into the fabric. Seeing as you are curious about their creation, I will give you a lesson on how to stitch runes to get the desired results.”

Luke gestured, and a fine silver chain appeared, piercing Darren’s shoulder. The pain was so sudden and intense he cried out, clutching his shoulder as blood spurted from the wound. The chain shot through his body into the doors of the vault, with the other end anchored in the ceiling.

Darren’s legs buckled from the intense shock in his weakened condition, but the chain kept him from falling over. The pain was incredible as his full body weight bore down on it. Another chain appeared each time Luke gestured, impaling Darren and trapping him in a web so thick the chamber appeared hazy. Luke continued, forming a pattern with Darren at its heart, his clothes and body soaked in blood.

Masterfully, the chains missed any major organs, lodging between bone, muscle, and tendons, suspending his body like a puppet on strings. With the first chain he cried out, and his screams scaled louder with each subsequent impalement. He broke out in a heavy sweat from the pain and mixing with the blood, it made him a horrible mess. For reasons of his own, Luke spared Darren’s handsome face. Aside from the pain, Darren felt something else… The runes etched into the chains leeched the light out of him, draining his strength. Darren’s Avatar glowed brightly as his shields solidified, digging as deeply as he ever had inside himself. His Avatar made him equal to the task, barely, but he already felt himself slipping.

Laughing, Luke said, “How long can you keep that up, Darren? Your light is spilling out of you. I am learning about your Avatars… Whoever designed them was brilliant. Their existence blinds me to the outcomes I am so very fond of seeing. Once you are mine, I will delve into their mystery and learn how they work so the others will fall to me even easier.

“The vault is warded against Michael and the others, so there is no hope of rescue. They will eventually break through my protections, but you will be mine long before then, and if your half-breed brothers try to teleport here, they will join you like flies in a web as their bodies materialize inside the chains.

“I must leave you for a time to personally oversee Thomin’s questioning and persuade him to open the vault. I trust you will be comfortable while I’m gone. I will give you this piece of advice, Darren… The longer you shield yourself, the faster the chains will drain you. Now, I leave you in your pain and torment to think about your fate as you fade.”

When Luke vanished, the cave's bitter cold became normal, but Darren still shivered over what he faced. Through the fog of unbearable and relentless pain, the magnitude of his predicament struck him. While Luke taunted him, Darren’s mind listened, taking everything in. Even as agony wracked his body, Darren’s unconscious mind did what he had trained it to do; observe and remember everything.

With no need to put on a brave front, his tears changed from pain to fear and despair, even anger. There was no way for the guys to rescue him, and Luke warded the cave against the archangels. As the light of his soul seeped out of him, he slipped in and out of consciousness. The effort of strengthening his shields, even briefly, was more than he could stand. Luke spoke the truth, and keeping them up would only drain him faster.

Pat! God, I love you so much! I know you’ll try to save me, but I don’t see a way out of this! Not against Luke! I’ll hold on as long as I can, but I don’t know what to do… Please be okay without me!

Knowing it was futile, Darren attempted to teleport and bit back a scream as black fire licked over the chains, blocking him. As words formed in his mind, he lost consciousness and his body sagged. The pain from the chains supporting his body briefly woke him, but after a few minutes, he succumbed to unconsciousness and exhaustion. Darren hung, suspended like a broken marionette, while the light of his soul was slowly consumed.

While his conscious mind was unavailable, Darren’s unconscious processed everything happening to him. The disciplines he practiced every day with Brad and the other mentalists functioned for his benefit and well-being. Just as Bill shored up and hid his own mind away before the skull of General Mstislav overcame him, Darren’s mind worked on his behalf.

It took a tremendous amount of energy in his weakened state, but a small ball of light emerged from his chest, bobbing softly for a few seconds as it gathered the image of his body before shooting into the water.

Memory spheres were mental, not spiritual, and either beneath Luke’s notice or Luke counted on Darren sending one. The vault was warded by Thomin and further by Luke so no one could reach him, but a memory sphere was one way his unconscious mind attempted to reach his brothers. If Darren held any hope of being rescued, his brothers would find it, but he had to warn them of the trap and what was happening to him.

His mind collected and recorded everything that happened since the fabric store and sent those memories to the other half of his soul.

<><><> 

The doctor and Darren were gone. How could things fall apart in such a short time? It was like the balance exerted itself… after winning two significant victories against The Master, two of their own were gone.

Pat resided tightly in their minds and hearts as he and Loy shared their memories of everything that occurred, reliving the event from both perspectives.

Once it was evident what had happened, the situation seemed unavoidable. There was no blame … They were stunned Luke would make such a bold and open move. They expected repercussions but nothing so exposed, and certainly nothing directly from Luke.

Now that they realized they could call out to their angelic relatives inside the lab, Ken, not knowing what else to do, cast his mind out to his grandfather.

Michael!

We are aware, Ken. The Dark One prepared well. Thomin is missing, and we fear he is a prisoner. His presence is hidden from us, and we search for him even now. If The Dark One is successful in persuading Thomin to open the vault and its treasures are made available to him, it will wreak havoc and surely sway the battle in his favor.

For now, we are pressed to our utmost. Remiel is aware and distraught over Darren’s capture, but you must try to find Darren on your own. Remember, there are no rules for you; that is your strength.

Michael’s presence vanished, and Ken closed his eyes, lowering his head and frantically trying to come up with a solution.

<> 

Brad pulled Ken so deep into his heart that time stopped. Appearing naked to one another in that special place they held each other tight, each taking solace in their signature hug. As always, the warmth and comfort of their bare skin and the feel of their unshaven cheeks touching helped calm them, even in the midst of what was happening.

Fuck, B. How can this be happenin’?

A wave of power came out of Brad as he established a ward, allowing them to talk freely.

I know, Ken. Everything is escalating. We’re pinned down, which is precisely what Luke wants. He doesn’t want Darren dead, and that scares me. There’s no telling what’s happening to him. He only needs one of us gone to keep us from completing our Avatars, so if Darren is taken, I’m sure he’ll be used against us instead of killing him. Luke is never simple or obvious; we know that.

Seein’ Pat like this is killin’ me.  You’n I have felt that before. God, the thought of you bein’ gone like that is almost more than I can take.

I’m here, Ken. We’re both here.

Squeezing Ken tighter, Brad reinforced his physical presence even as he grabbed Ken with his full, formidable mental and spiritual strength. Wrapping them up, he let Ken lean on him.

Staying together for a long while, Ken drew strength from his partner. The soothing touch of Brad’s hands across his back and shoulders, rubbing his chest and neck, filled him up in a way nothing else could. Before his thoughts turned sexual, which was inevitable with Brad’s hands on him, he pulled back, staring into Brad’s blue eyes.

Fuck I love you so much, B. Thanks for bein’ my rock.

I love you, too, Ken. You make me strong too… Always remember that.

He wanted to add ‘I’ll always be here,’ but they both knew after what happened with Darren that statement might no longer be true. Any of them could be gone at a moment’s notice the way events were proceeding. They couldn’t live in fear or let it rule them, but they would continue to take precautions and be as extreme as necessary to prevent anything like that from happening again.

<><> 

Ken and Brad came back to themselves, and Ken moved behind the lectern. As he took a deep breath to collect his thoughts, a small ball of light shot into the room, stopping in front of Pat and bobbing slowly before moving forward and sinking into his forehead. Pat’s eyes flashed white, and a loud groan escaped him. Fresh tears filled his eyes as he sobbed at the images now in his mind.

“Oh, God! Dar! No!”

Brad had them tightly linked, and everything Pat witnessed became a part of them. A vision of Darren filled their minds, suspended like a marionette, his body riddled with holes as fine rune-covered chains supported his weight. The pain and agony of his light slowly draining was apparent through the memory sphere. The images came from his unconscious mind, with no words from Darren. The trap was plain.

The clarity of Darren’s memory sphere was good enough to use as a teleport spot, but the chains were so thick there wasn’t enough space for any of them to fit. They were too large. Luke’s monologue played in their minds about the cave being warded against Michael and the other archangels and his intent to transform Darren into one of his servants while coercing Thomin into opening the vault to destroy The Mantle.

There were a smattering of “Oh shits” and “fuck me’s” under their breath as they experienced everything happening to Darren. His suffering broke their hearts, and they agonized with him, wishing somehow to take it upon themselves and relieve him.

Pat’s Avatar glowed as he Understood what the rune-covered chains were doing to his partner and how the precise placement of the links intentionally caused pain and suffering while avoiding fatal damage. He Understood the cruelty behind the runes and how they drained Darren’s light, his soul, while burning into his mind, slowly leeching away everything that made him Darren.

Pat knew Darren wouldn’t last long without some type of intervention; less than twenty-four hours, but probably half that. Based on their calculations, it would take at least three more days to get the boat and the equipment in position over the Mariana Trench. They planned on going anyway to try and free the doctor, but now their timetable had escalated and seemed impossible.

There seemed no way to get to Darren in time, and tears filled their eyes. Henry, closest to Pat, placed a hand on his shoulder, trying to give him even the smallest bit of comfort. Henry didn’t share a soul with another person like his brothers, but he had relived parts of their lives and knew what their bond felt like. He longed for it himself, until times like the present when he knew how much pain Pat and Darren were in, and knowing their separation magnified what both men felt.

<> 

Sally didn’t know any details other than Darren and the doctor were missing. To keep Drew distracted, she kept him in the common area, working on his lessons using the interactive whiteboard. She tried to act normal and not clue Drew in that something was wrong, but he was perceptive and realized she was upset.

Sally gave him an extended reading assignment to occupy him, went to her computer, and phoned in a large food order for delivery.

Intent on their discussion and supporting Patrick, they didn’t see her trying to get their attention, so writing a note to Brad, she used her code to enter the room. Seeing how visibly upset everyone was, comprehension dawned that whatever was happening was more serious than she first thought.

His head down on the table, Pat trembled with a combination of stress and quiet sobs. Sally had never seen him so upset; his whole body was flushed and sweating from the emotional strain.

Moving behind him, she pulled him up by his shoulders, which was no small feat for a woman of her stature and Patrick’s muscled solidity. Cradling his head against her for a moment, she kissed his cheek, whispering, “I love you, Pat, and I’m here. I don’t know what I can do, but I want you to know that. I’m here for Darren, too.”

That was all she could manage to get out before her own throat tightened to the point where she couldn’t talk anymore. She kissed the top of Pat’s head while gently brushing his short, sweaty hair off his forehead in a gentle caress of comfort. Remembering his mother doing that same thing when he was upset as a child, her gesture touched him deeply

Unable to speak, he thought: Thanks, Sally.

Brad sent her a private thought: Thanks for thinking of the food, Sally. We have to eat, even though no one feels hungry at a time like this. It would have hit us in a little while. You take good care of us, and we appreciate it.

Brad felt her gratitude at his words, and she left quietly to let them continue their meeting. As uncomfortable as it was, Brad put the image of Darren on the operations board. They needed to view it from every angle and explore every option.

When the food arrived, Sally went to the door to meet the driver. Double-checking the security monitors before unlocking the door, Brad’s presence increased in her mind, shielding her until she was back inside and the lab again secure. It took a few trips to get all the food into the kitchen, and while occupied arranging everything, she didn’t notice Drew slip out of his chair.

Usually a well-behaved boy, Drew was curious and still did things he wasn’t supposed to do, like changing the TV channel when Henry wasn’t in the room. Curiosity ate at him about what was happening in the conference room, and he couldn’t resist the temptation to find out.

Sally left the conference room door unlocked, assuming she would be bringing the food in before long. Drew saw the green light on the door mechanism and knew it was open, so he waited until Sally was distracted and snuck over to the door.

It swung open silently, and he stared wide-eyed at the image of Darren, unconscious and suspended by chains, covered in blood. Drew’s mind flashed back to his own abuse by Doug, the cigarette burns and broken bones. His eyes went to the empty chair his Uncle Darren usually sat in. He loved all his uncles, and each of them was special to him in their own way. Darren always played a game with him where he would levitate a ball around and have Drew try and catch it. It was a game where Darren worked on Drew’s reflexes but Drew never realized it because Darren made it so much fun. Hot tears fell down his cheeks as he saw Darren, his body riddled with holes and hanging almost lifeless. No one heard him until he sniffed loudly and started to cry.

Henry was the first to move, exclaiming, “Drew! What are you doing in here? You know you aren’t supposed to come in when the door is shut!”

He picked Drew up, who immediately latched onto his dad with his legs around Henry’s middle and his arms around Henry’s shoulders. Burying his face against his father’s neck, Drew launched into a wailing cry.

Mumbling, “Sorry guys, I’ll be back,” Henry left the room.

Drew was crying even louder by the time they got to the kitchen on the way to their room. He was so upset he couldn’t talk, and it took a few minutes to calm him down. Continuing to hold and comfort him, Henry whispered soothing words in his ear and rubbed his back until his breathing was under control.

When Drew was calmer, Henry said, “I’m sorry, honey, you weren’t supposed to see that.”

“I... I’m sorry, Daddy. Som… Something’s wrong. Everyone looked sad, and I… I wanted to find out why. Is Uncle Darren going to be alright?”

Still blubbering, it took him longer to get the words out.

“We don’t know yet, honey. Your Uncle Darren is hurt very bad.”

“Why can’t you go get him?”

“The people who took him made it so we can’t, honey.”

“Is he going to die like Mommy?”

Drew’s anxiety levels spiked as he asked his question. Drew still had severe separation anxiety with Henry, but Henry didn’t realize it extended so much to the guys. In Drew’s mind they were invincible, just like Iron Man, and for one of them to be taken and hurt was unthinkable to him.

“I don’t know, honey. We’re trying to figure out a way to get him back, but so far we don’t know how.”

Henry wasn’t giving details but felt he had to be honest.

“Can I help?”

“You can help by being brave for your uncles and me. Are you going to be okay if I go back with them now?”

Sniffing and wiping his eyes, he said, “Yes, sir.”

“Good boy. You need to tell Miss Sally you’re sorry for what you did. I’m sure you scared her when she didn’t know where you were. Let’s go back out, and I’ll come find you when the food’s ready.”

“Okay, Daddy.”

“Give me a hug and a kiss first.”

Drew gave him a wet sloppy kiss on his cheek and hugged him tightly. Drew loved the smell of Henry’s aftershave, and breathing deeply, it made him feel better. His new dad always made him feel safe and better when he was sad.

Henry carried him back to the kitchen, where Sally organized the food. Sally’s eyes were bright with thoughts of Darren and the doctor, and she seemed upset with herself over letting Drew out of her sight, even for a second.

“I’m sorry, Henry, I didn’t even see him slip away.”

Henry looked at Drew, who looked at Sally and held his head down as he quietly said, “I’m sorry, Miss Sally.”

“It’s alright, honey; I was just worried. Are you ready to get back to work?”

“I want to help.”

“You need to let the guys and your dad deal with this, Tiger. You and I need to work on your lessons.”

Thanks, Sally. Keep him distracted. He saw Darren on the ops board, and it rattled him. He’s afraid Darren’s going to die like Liz.

Oh, no! Poor thing!

Taking a deep breath, Henry made his way back to the conference room, where he apologized again. Everyone assured him it wasn’t a problem, and they were all concerned about Drew and what he saw.

Brad: Is Drew okay, Henry?

Henry sighed: He’s really upset about seeing Darren like that. He’s still not over Liz being gone, and the chance he might not see one of his uncles again has him in knots. He wants to help.

As soon as Henry said those words, Brad’s mind formed an image of Drew in the cave. Drew would be small enough to teleport into that tiny space by the water’s edge, where all of them were too big. Any of them would materialize with the chains inside their bodies and be in the same predicament as Darren, but if Drew were scrunched up tightly, he would fit. That thought hit everyone in the link at the same time, and Henry balked.

Ken quickly thought: Wait, Henry! It’s just a thought. You don’t have our background from the Navy. When we plan missions, all cards are on the table, no matter how crazy they sound. It doesn’t mean we’re doin’ it, but we have ‘ta cover every option available, even if it’s just ‘ta rule them out.

Uncomfortable ripples ran through the link at the image in Brad’s mind. Pat’s heart leapt in his chest, imagining Drew could somehow help Darren, but also realized neither he nor Darren would risk a hair on Drew’s head, even if it meant Darren’s life. The fleeting hope evaporated, sending Pat back down the path of despair and the probability they would be too late to save Darren.

Henry reeled at the idea of sending Drew into such a violent and volatile situation. He was only five years old! Henry’s inner thoughts battled, completely conflicted. He was Drew’s dad and had to protect him, yet Drew wanted to help, even though he had no idea what was really going on. Drew had to survive to confront The Master, and if Luke showed back up while he was there with no one to protect him, everything they were working for would be for nothing. However, if they lost Darren, ultimately their goals were lost too.

Not shielding his thoughts, they were clear to everyone, along with Pat’s fear and guilt.

Ken acknowledged Henry’s reasoning… If Darren was lost to them, their chances against The Master weren’t impossible, but the likelihood of their success went down considerably, and their ability to revoke the Curse would be gone for good.

Pat groaned in his mind… A life without Darren was too painful to think about. The separation would be unbearable. Darren wouldn’t be dead; he would be something else under Luke’s dominion. If they ever found him they could reset him, but he wouldn’t be Darren anymore. His fate and their ability to undo whatever Luke was doing to him were unknowns. Already together, Brad pulled them tighter, merging them as one. Time nearly stopped, and his thoughts entered their minds.

Let’s take a breath, guys, and hold each other up. Rest in one another.

Immediately the warmth of their souls washed over them. Merging didn’t take the pain away but did soften it, and feeling the love, concern, and support of everyone helped tremendously. None of them felt isolated when they were one, and their deep compassion for each other made it clear none of them suffered alone or more than the others.

Giving Brad the equivalent of a mental hug, Ken thought: We aren’t gonna’ fight, guys. We’re gonna’ figure this out. We have ‘ta figure out how to get Dar and the doc both back in one piece. The situation is bad, but we'll make it through if we keep calm and stick together.

Ken emphasized to Pat that while Darren was in a bad way, he was strong and not done yet, and Pat had to hold onto the hope they would find a way.

Their eyes were closed, but the bodies heard the door open as Sally came back in. Their soul-warming aura touched her, and fresh tears fell on her cheeks as her breath caught at the sudden, intense feeling. No matter how many times she felt that it was still like the first time with Darren and Pat the night they merged with her. The beautiful intensity was both exhilarating and exquisitely intimate. She was almost afraid to talk, as if it would be irreverent to break the silent peace between them.

Ken’s eyes opened, and she moved over to him and said as softly as she could, “I’m sorry, Ken. I have everything ready in the kitchen, and it would be easier for everyone to go in there. I know you might not feel like it, but you all need to eat and keep your strength up.”

His mental voice echoing with power from the merge, Ken kept it as gentle as possible.

Thanks, hun, you’re right. We’ll be right there.

Guys, let’s break for food.

Everyone’s eyes opened and they quietly stood, heading to the kitchen. Pat remained seated with a blank look on his face.

Sally sat beside him, taking one of his big hands in her own.

Her other hand rested on his shoulder, and she said, “Come on, Pat. You have to eat. I know you’re a bottomless pit.”

Leaning in, she said very quiet and conspiratorially, “I saved the best pieces of chicken for you, but don’t let on. I don’t want to start a riot.”

Managing a grin, Pat hugged her, saying, “Thanks, Sal. I love you.”

Keeping hold of his hand, she led him into the kitchen.

Sally set up the food buffet style, and the mood was subdued as their plates filled. The Keenans joined them, adding their own words of encouragement. The older couple had a peaceful and comforting way about them; their faith was strong, especially in her ‘boyz’ as Olive still liked to call them.

Sally excelled at taking care of her surrogate brothers and the other ‘guests.' She didn’t think of herself as a ‘guest’ anymore… She was one of the team and carving out her place among them. Sally had always been successful in dealing with their clients at the security firm because of her attention to detail, just like she excelled in helping the doctor with his various projects.

She knew their favorite foods and idiosyncrasies, and in stressful situations she knew small things could make a world of difference. Ordering everybody’s favorite sides and desserts, she labeled each one with post-it notes, even the biscuits, rolls, cornbread, and the different kinds of butter each one liked. Her sweet iced tea was famous in the lab, so she spent extra time making gallons for them.

Sally’s skill at taking care of them was similar to Bryan’s knack for cooking. She had a flare about how she took care of them, making it look effortless, while she put so much effort into it. It was how she expressed her love and support to the men who came to mean so much to her. She didn’t see it as paying them back for saving her life. Now a part of the team, they didn’t keep score.

While plates filled and the guys started eating, Drew watched everybody with that adult-like look he often got. His eyes darted between his dad and his Uncle Pat, and with his mind open, he saw the tension and sadness in them.

Drew didn’t understand what being ‘gay’ meant. He heard Mr. Hampton use the word ‘faggot’ towards his uncles, feeling the hatred and fear behind his words. He also remembered his dad saying he wasn’t ‘gay’ and was curious about the words.

He wanted so badly for his dad and his mom to be together. He saw how happy they were as a couple, and it made him happy too. He also saw how his uncles were happy together. He felt the love between all of them, and he knew what they felt for him and what he felt for them.

Some underlying need in Drew wanted the people in his life to be happy. Scooting his chair back, Drew left his plate, moving around to Pat. He didn’t ask permission as he grabbed one of Pat’s big hands and lifted his arm up, snuggling against him and crawling into his lap. Lifting him, Pat set Drew on his lap and wrapped an arm around Drew’s waist to hold him, and Drew settled in against his big uncle. Pat’s throat tightened, and he had trouble swallowing his food. With Drew’s mind open, his love and concern for Pat and Darren added to what Pat felt from all his brothers.

Kissing the top of Drew’s head, he said, “I love you, Tiger. Thanks for sitting with me.”

“Is Uncle Darren going to be okay?”

“I don’t know, Drew.”

Hot, silent tears dripped down Drew’s face, and letting his intuition guide him, Brad brought him into the surface of their link. Drew’s desire to help was strong, and underlying that was a powerful fear of losing Darren. Drew knew how sad it would make his Uncle Pat and the rest of them, and he needed to prevent that from happening. He was happiest when everyone was together and whole, and something inside him strived to create that situation.

Noticing Drew’s half-eaten plate of food, Pat nodded to Kevin, who sat beside Drew’s empty seat, and they passed the plate down along with his silverware.

Pat said, “You have to eat too, kiddo. We have to keep strong.”

Rearranging everything to make room, Pat kept his arm around Drew, holding him snuggly in place. Drew’s presence was a comfort, and he needed it. Drew was far more astute than any of them realized. With his mind open at his age, he was more empathic than telepathic, picking up on emotions more than thoughts.

Terrified, Henry felt trapped between his fear for Drew and Darren and was unsure what to do. While they ate, Darren hung suspended and tortured from chains draining everything out of him that made him Darren. It made him sick to his stomach, and he lost his appetite.

He had to remind himself that things were already set in motion. The boat charter was being expedited, but it was still hours from being available. Even if they left immediately, they would just be waiting somewhere outside of the runes’ protection and more vulnerable. So far, they had no options. The cave was warded against the archangels. Luke left the cave open to the team because it was a trap, the worst kind of trap, designed to catch them like flies in a web.

It seemed like such a simple solution to send Drew in to free Darren, but they had no idea when Luke would return. It depended on how long Thomin resisted Luke, and then, once Thomin broke and opened the vault, the doctor would most likely die as well.

Looking at Ken, the glazed look in Henry’s eyes faded as he focused and asked quietly, “Ken… I’m just asking. If you send Drew there, can you get him back?”

After a short pause, Ken replied, “Not right away. The cave is protected, Henry. If Darren recovers enough since he’s there and inside, he could reach us, and we could use him as an anchor to get him and Drew out.”

“But it will take you too long to get there. Whatever Luke is doing to him will finish before you can get there in person.”

“Yeah.”

“So, if Drew were there, he’d have to keep Darren alive long enough for one of you to reach him. What if Luke comes back before then?”

Ken didn’t answer, not wanting to scare Drew, but Henry had his answer from the silence.

Henry continued… “What if there was a way to make sure Luke didn’t get back right away. It wouldn’t have to be forever… Just long enough for you to get there and get Drew and Darren out.”

Nodding, Ken said, “Yeah, that would work for Darren. The doc would still be trapped though, and maybe lost.”

Bill interjected, “Ken, there’s a good chance if we can get into the cave, I’ll be able to see what happened with the doc and Thomin. We might be able to find out where they took him so Michael and the others can rescue him.”

Ken sounded angry, not at anyone in particular but at the situation.

“Whatever we do, we’re goin’ full throttle with the intent of gettin’ Dar and the doc back!”

Bill said, “If we rescue Dar, our chances of getting the doc back or at least keeping him safe, go up significantly. I get what you’re saying, Ken, but one might preclude the other.”

Swallowing hard, Henry lowered his head.

“Drew has no idea what he’s getting into, guys. You know that! He doesn’t understand the danger!”

Looking at his dad for a second, Drew said calmly, “I do, Daddy. The bad man took Uncle Darren and wants to hurt him. Not the bad man from the basement but the other one. He’s meaner. He scares me, too. He wants to hurt everybody.”

Their eyes widened, and it was evident through the link that Drew knew what he was saying. Somehow, he knew about Luke!

Finally breaking down, Henry voiced his real fear. Aside from the world and their mission, aside from defeating The Master and resetting the Curse and restoring mankind… Henry was willing to face all those things and do what he needed to do to help his brothers and the cause of The Order. He was brave enough to face all that, but after losing Liz, he couldn’t face losing Drew, too. Henry’s eyes watered, and his face flushed a deep red as his voice quivered.

“I can’t lose you, Tiger. I couldn’t take that after losing your mom. It would destroy me.”

The emotion was so thick it was tangible. Drew got down slowly from Pat’s lap and made his way to Henry, who had his head down, quietly sobbing.

As soon as Drew got close, Henry grabbed him, pushing his face into Drew’s chest. Drew’s arms wrapped around his dad’s head instinctively, and he said, “I love you, Daddy. You’re the dad I always wanted. You never hurt me and make me feel safe. I can be brave for Uncle Darren and help him. I’m fast and strong, and I know how to hide against the bad man. Don’t cry.”

Drew cried softly as well, caressing Henry’s head as he spoke, just like Henry did to him sometimes.

Wide-eyed, Brad asked, “How do you know how to do that, Drew?”

“Sometimes, I know things. I remember things. When I hear inside people like I do now, I remember before. From the other me’s. Especially since Mommy’s gone.”

An image came to Brad’s mind of the stone orbiting Drew’s body when the Eschphene leader had him trapped and floating under the dome. The stone reacted to Drew, and he dreamt of his first death at the hands of The Master. Something that day must have unlocked more inside Drew than they realized.

Ken’s voice, calm and compassionate, said, “Henry, it’s your decision about Drew. We know it’s dangerous and what the stakes are. It seems like a no-win situation either way. We’ll do everythin’ we can ‘ta speed up gettin’ there, so he’ll be there as little time as possible, but I need ‘ta know your answer soon. Darren’s runnin’ outta time, and if Drew goin’ isn’t an option, we need ‘ta try ’n figure out another way.”

“I can do it, Daddy. I know I can.”

Brad’s voice filled with compassion.

“I know it’s not fair, Henry. This decision sucks, but know that you’re our brother, and we love you no matter what you decide. No one will judge you.”

Henry’s mind reeled. What kind of a father would put his son in that kind of danger? But, at the same time, Darren was most likely gone from their lives if Drew didn’t go. How could this decision come to rest on his shoulders?

Looking around at them, they all looked back, their faces supportive and caring. They Understood the pressure, and each of them was available to him in any capacity he needed, even Pat, who had as much to lose as Henry. The little voice in the back of his mind told him even in the middle of this entire situation, he was blessed to be a part of a group of such men.

Looking at Brad, he asked, “What does your gut tell you, Brad? Intuition is your thing... Or you Lane… What do you see?”

Brad replied first, saying, “I don’t have a bad feeling, Henry. I’m nervous as hell, but my Avatar isn’t giving me any particular vibe one way or another.”

Lane said, “Mine either, Henry. It’s actually strange… I don’t see anything. I’m not sure what to make of that. It’s like everything is undecided.”

Speaking for the first time, Bryan said, “Henry, trust Drew. I know that sounds crazy, sending a kid into something like that, but sometimes doing batshit crazy stunts is the best thing to do. He loves Darren and wants to help, so I say let him. He’s as much a part of our family as any one of us. Family helps family; it doesn't matter he’s young. He’s willing and doing it out of love. That has to count for something.”

Brad followed up, “It’s certainly batshit crazy, and I don’t think Luke would expect it. Drew, what did you mean you know how to hide from the bad man? What do you remember?”

“I can make him not see me.”

Lane interjected, “Holy shit! I thought it was just a rudimentary shield, but it’s more than that! Guys, the day I gave Drew a haircut and fixed his foreskin, he was hiding in the bathroom. My intuition told me someone was in the room, but I couldn’t sense him, and it was confusing. Until I laid eyes on him hiding in the stall, I didn’t know he was there!”

Henry said, “That doesn’t make me feel any better. There won’t be any place to hide. He’ll be in plain sight.”

Brad replied, “That’s true, Henry, but Luke won’t have any idea Drew is there either, so he won’t be alerted to get back to the cave sooner.”

Ken said, “If we do this, Henry, we’ll let Michael and the others know. No details, but if they can do anythin’ ‘ta delay Luke gettin’ back, they will.”

Putting his hands on Drew’s shoulders, Henry held him at arm’s length.  

“Drew, you have to promise me if I let you do this, you’ll be as careful as you can be. You have to come back to me.”

“I promise, Daddy. I’ll be careful.”

Sighing, Henry lowered his head, his voice barely audible as he said, “Okay.”

Moving behind Henry, Ken knelt, putting his arms around him. 

“I know this isn’t easy, Henry. We’ll do everythin’ we can ‘ta make Drew safe. We need ‘ta get crackin’ so we can get him to Darren ASAP.”

<><><> 

Scrunching himself up as tightly as he could, Drew practiced the maneuver in a construct of the cave over and over until he had the position and timing down perfectly. Henry was adamant about not looking at Darren when he first arrived. He wanted to badly but promised he wouldn’t. Henry didn’t want him to see Darren and get upset. The first few minutes were crucial to getting everything set up, and he needed to focus and get into a safe position so they could send supplies through.

As soon as Drew appeared, he maneuvered between the chains while counting. To him, it was like a game of limbo, and he did his best not to touch any of them. If he moved a chain that was inside Darren, it would hurt him. He touched a few accidentally and heard Darren groan from even the small bit of tension and movement.

Counting to thirty, the first box appeared, and he realized he was on his own until his uncles got there or somehow contacted him. The cave was deathly quiet except for the sound of his breathing and Darren’s occasional moans. The water sat still and dark like a black mirror, and it smelled.

Pushing the first box aside, he waited for the next one, which he would have to place partially in the water, but the boxes were waterproof. The last one would be too heavy for him to move and remain where it appeared, and it had to be out of the water.

He worked in a tiny area beneath the chains at the water’s edge his uncles carefully measured based on Darren’s memory sphere. The boxes, along with Drew, would fit as long as everything was positioned correctly.

Even in his sweater and new Iron Man hoodie, Drew shivered in the freezing cold of the cave. The lighting seemed funny… The torches emitted some light, and the silvery chains glittered in the flickering torchlight, but a soft blue glow emanating off the doors to the vault washed out most of the color except for right around the torches.

Reaching for Darren’s mind, Drew felt him, but he was unconscious. Fresh tears filled his eyes once he finally looked at his uncle. Darren’s clothes were dark from a mix of frozen blood and sweat, and his body shivered. He only wore shorts and a t-shirt, and his usually tanned face was pale and washed out in the blue light.

Drew recalled Henry’s words in his mind.

Okay, Drew, remember everything step by step. You have to make your way to Darren a little at a time. Cut any chains that aren’t attached to his body first. That will help clear the area and give you more room to move.

Spending the equivalent of days in a construct learning everything, each skill was drilled into him by repetition. His hands were cold, but he couldn’t wear gloves yet. He opened the box containing the portable plasma cutter Kevin and Pat converted for him. Half the space was taken up with high capacity batteries to drive the plasma cutter, making it far too heavy for him to move by himself, but the cord was extra-long so he would be able to reach anywhere in the cave and still have excess for maneuverability.

He practiced and practiced with the plasma cutter so he could cut as many chains as possible before the batteries drained. It was a tool only used by experienced welders, and he knew it could seriously hurt him if he wasn’t careful.

He unpacked everything meticulously: food and water for him and Darren, saline and blood plasma packs, an adrenaline shot, blankets, his own iPad, and an iPod Nano from Lane. Separating everything like he had been shown, he placed things needing to stay cool away from things that needed to stay warm.

Brad told him if Darren were unconscious to talk out loud and not push into his mind unless absolutely necessary. If Darren regained consciousness and linked with Drew, that would be fine, but Drew was NOT to try to link with his uncle unless things got really bad.

“Uncle Darren? Are you awake?”

He got no response, but Brad said that was expected. Darren’s unconscious mind would still hear him, and Drew’s voice and presence would comfort him.

“I’m here to help. I’m going to cut the chains.”

Connecting the plasma cutter hose to the base unit, he flipped the switches like his Uncle Pat showed him and rewound the cord to make sure it had no kinks in it. In only a few minutes, Drew prepared everything correctly. Donning the modified sunglasses for the glare, he pulled the trigger on the plasma cutter; it was just like a ray gun. He cut the chains embedded closest to the water’s edge that weren’t connected to Darren first, the ones in the general area to keep anyone from Teleporting in. The plasma cutter melted through them like butter, and he was careful not to let any molten silver splatter on him.

The chains were taut and whipped back as the tension released. The first one caught his cheek, stinging badly, and he felt a trickle of blood. Something happened when he cut the first chain. Luke had a secondary trap set in case they managed to get into the cave. Wards activated to prevent anyone else from entering or leaving the cave by magic. Drew didn’t understand it, but he knew it was bad. Brad expected it, warning Drew of the possibility. Darren could still bypass the magic if he were conscious and strong enough, or his uncles could once they reached the cave physically.

Working meticulously, Drew applied the problem-solving skills the doctor taught him, quickly identifying which chains to cut to clear the largest area. In a little less than twenty minutes, he was close enough to touch Darren.

Bracing himself, he needed Darren’s help for the next part. This was the most challenging part to learn and the most uncomfortable. His fingers ached from the cold, and he put his gloves on for a few minutes, sticking his hands under his armpits to warm them up.

Opening the small medical kit, Drew swabbed the back of Darren’s hands with an alcohol wipe. Tearing the paper wrapping off two catheters, he took a deep breath.

Albrecht spent an exorbitant amount of time with Drew in a construct with a model of Darren’s hands, teaching him how to place the catheters. He knew where Darren’s veins were and the exact shape and size of his hands. Scrunching his face up as if he felt the sting himself, he inserted a needle into the back of each hand. Nervous, he messed up once and had to re-stick Darren’s hand, feeling horrible about it.

“I’m sorry!”

Drew cried, upset with himself, knowing he had caused Darren more pain, even though it was slight. He got it right the second time and breathed a sigh of relief. Tearing a piece of medical tape with his teeth, he secured the catheters in place along with a gauze pad. Taking one of Darren’s big hands in his two small ones, he squeezed gently, wanting Darren to know he was there to help.

Using the lid of the first box to stand on, he reached up, placing a small harness around Darren’s neck. Hanging one saline IV pouch and one blood plasma pouch from the harness, he attached the tubes to the catheters. Turning the stopcocks, he watched the liquids snake down the tubing into the back of Darren’s hands.

The Saline was a unique mixture the doctor explicitly used for his uncles, rich in vitamins, antibiotics, and electrolytes suited to their enhanced physiology. Bill also added a potent painkiller and stimulant. Drew needed Darren lucid to help him, and once the mixture entered his body, it should help bring him back to consciousness.

Backing up far enough, Drew looked at the face of his strong, handsome uncle he loved so much. Henry told him he had to give the medicines time to take effect, so he tried to wait patiently. Now that he slowed down, Drew looked at his uncle. The physical torture done to Darren was shocking, and Drew started crying again. He wanted to hug Darren so bad but knew he couldn’t without hurting him more.

The worst part was looking at Darren through his mind’s eye and seeing how dangerously weak his soul was. Darren’s usually bright and powerful aura was dim and Drew watched what little light was left leeching into the chains.

An observant little boy, Drew watched his dad, uncles, and even the doctor and Albrecht all the time. When his mind opened, he saw things they did. He was careful not to let on, unsure why he kept it secret but thought he might be in trouble if they knew how much he learned.

He listened in the gym when they thought he wasn’t paying attention. They dropped way more ‘F-bombs’ around him than they were supposed to. He knew that was a bad word, and he occasionally slipped one out, and his dad told him about using bad words, especially in front of Miss Sally and Auntie Olive.

Drew didn’t have an Avatar and wasn’t part nephilim, so he couldn’t heal his uUncle, but his mind was awake, and he was the second oldest human soul in existence, incredibly powerful, even if raw and unchanneled.

Darren wasn’t waking up; the chains were draining him faster than they thought. There was only one adrenaline shot, and Drew couldn’t use it yet. As Darren continued to hang unconscious, Drew felt desperate and scared.

With a pleading note in his voice, Drew cried, “Please, Uncle Darren, wake up! You have to wake up for the next part so you can help me!”

In the past, Drew witnessed his uncles helping each other if one was hurt or weak after a fight. It wasn’t healing; he couldn’t do that, but he could give Darren some of his own energy.

Taking off his gloves so he could see his fingers, he concentrated, and wispy tendrils of energy seeped out of his hands. If he got too close the chains absorbed what he emitted, so he directed the tendrils into Darren’s chest, into his heart. Finding a spot where more went into Darren than the chains, he pushed hard and immediately felt dizzy. Drew wasn’t used to that kind of transfer, and he sent quite a surge of power into his uncle. Groaning, Darren’s eyes blinked open. His voice was so slurred at first that Drew could barely understand him.

“Drew!? What the fuck? How are you here? How could they let you do this? You have to get out of here!”

Darren’s words were fuzzy and drawn out, but he was awake! He seemed agitated Drew was there.

“I’m here to help! I was the only one who would fit. Daddy and Uncle Ken and everybody else are coming to help, but I had to come first and help you!”

“Oh, God, no! You need to get out of here! He could come back any minute!”

Uncle Pat told him Darren would try to make him leave, but he knew he couldn’t even if he wanted to.

“I can’t leave now. Something happened after I started cutting the chains.”

Wiping the tears from his eyes, he continued, “I need your help, Uncle Darren. I cut as many of the chains as I could that aren’t holding you up. I have to get you down, but I’m not strong enough to hold you, so you have to stand until I get them cut.”

“Fuck, that’s gonna hurt.”

“Daddy said no F-bombs.”

Through his pain, Darren tried to smile at Drew’s comment.

Fuck you, Henry! It fucking hurts, and I’ll say fuck as often as I fucking feel like!

Hearing Darren’s thoughts, Drew giggled through his tears.

Daddy said you owe five dollars to the kitty for every F-bomb. He said my ears are delicate, and I’m not supposed to hear things like that.

It hit Darren again how much older Drew sounded, talking like a young adult and not a child. Maybe something happened, but he couldn’t worry about it at the moment. Drew was stuck in the cave helping him until Ken and the others arrived. If trouble showed up, the stronger Darren was, the better their chances of making it out alive. Through everything, Drew’s words made Darren smile, knowing the message was supposed to make him laugh, and he loved Henry for it.

“Okay, Tiger, give me a minute.”

Darren breathed harshly. The pain killers helped, but even the slightest movement hurt like hell. He knew pulling the chains out would be excruciating, and he didn’t have enough strength to block his pain centers. He was barely conscious as it was and fighting hard to stay awake for Drew’s sake.

The chains were so taut he knew they would whip as soon as the tension was cut, but they might not make it all the way through his body if they got lodged in muscle or bone.

“Drew, come here.”

Moving in front of Darren so they could see each other, Darren saw Drew’s tears. Anger filled him at how Henry or the guys could send Drew to do this. Living so often in his brothers Darren knew their thought processes, but he was in the middle of a fucked-up situation with a little boy he loved deeply, who was being forced to do something no child should ever experience.

Darren cried too, trying to come to grips with the emotions running through him. As Darren spoke, it took him time to form the words. His breathing ragged and vision blurry, he wondered how he was going to survive to help Drew.

“Drew, listen to me very carefully. I’m pretty bad off. Even with the medicine you brought, I might not make it through this. I’ll try to stand as long as possible and give you time to cut through the chains. Some of them will pull through my body, and some won’t. You’ll have to pull the ones through that stay in. I’m going to scream at you, honey… I won’t mean to, but I don’t think I’ll be able to help myself. The pain is going to be more than I can take. No matter what I say, you have to promise me you won’t stop until all the chains are out. I might scream at you, but I won’t mean it. I’m not trying to scare you, honey, but… It’s just the way it is. I’m sorry... do you understand?”

Drew’s tears continued as Darren spoke, and resting his little hands on Darren’s thighs, he blubbered, “I… I understand.”

What Drew didn’t say was Ken explained all that to him beforehand. Ken had been captured and tortured beyond his ability to cope years before and knew what Darren would go through with the physical pain. Ken was careful to make sure Drew understood whatever Darren said or yelled, it was the pain talking and not Darren.

Steeling himself, Darren said, “Okay, do it.”

Drew got into position.  He had traced all the chains remaining in Darren’s body and would cut them from the top down, leaving his legs last. The one in his shoulder was first.

Putting on his glasses, Drew pulled the trigger on the plasma cutter and the tiny blue flame cut through the chain. Darren’s body jerked from the friction of the chain whipping through the wound, yanking and shredding nerves around the muscle, and he cried out in excruciating pain.

Darren’s cry, already loud in the small cave, echoed and reverberated, making it even louder. Jumping from the sound, Drew forced himself to continue. Darren held on as long as he could, screaming obscenities and calling Drew all kinds of names Drew had never heard before. The words didn’t hurt him, but the sound and feeling behind them did. He was hurting his Uncle, but he had to! He wanted to stop but couldn’t! He was trying to be brave, but it was harder than he ever thought it would be!

Flinching every time Darren twitched or thrashed in pain, Drew cut as fast as he could, but it seemed so slow compared to when he started. Darren still had more than a dozen chains going through his abdomen and legs when he passed out, and he fell forward, limp. Some chains in his arms and torso hadn’t pulled through and rattled as he swayed back and forth.

As long as the metal remained in his body it continued to drain him, and the trauma was sapping what was left of his strength.

Frantic, Drew cut as fast as he could, and after what seemed like forever, Darren was on the ground curled up in a fetal position, his body covered in fresh sweat and blood. He continued to twitch as his body screamed at him. Drew was smart, cutting the chains still in his body closer to him so there would be less to pull through, but even the smallest movement was agonizing.

Drew could barely see through the tears in his eyes. He was so scared for Darren, shaking as much from knowing how much he hurt his beloved uncle as from the cold. Darren’s voice was raw from screaming by the time he passed out, and Drew thought the veins in Darren’s neck and upper body were going to pop.  His body was nearly purple from the strain.

Repeating, “I’m sorry!” over and over, Drew’s words were barely discernible. He pulled the remaining chains out as gently as he could, but a few stuck, and he had to pull hard. Once the chains were out, Drew managed to roll Darren onto his back and straighten his arms and legs. Darren was a big man like his dad and Uncles, at 5’10” and weighing 235lbs of muscle. Drew was small for his age and thin, but his training helped, and he managed.

Darren shivered as much from shock as from the cold, but the chains were finally out of him. The catheters pulled out when he fell, so Drew got them re-inserted and set the IV pouches on the lid of the box he used as a footstool… It was the highest he could get them, but the liquid still seemed to flow. The bags were nearly empty, but there were two more of the clear and four of the red.

Drew worried about the amount of blood loss. The wounds from the chains bled profusely. Brad and Lane showed him how to apply pressure to help stop the bleeding, but there were so many holes he didn’t know where to start.

Bill prepared cotton swabs soaked in a unique clotting factor, and after a few minutes Drew noticed the worst of the bleeding stop. With the doctor's genetic enhancements, Darren’s body, like all the guys, was hyper-efficient, and the clotting cascades in his body kicked in immediately.

Tender and careful in trying to help, Drew was terrified that everything he did wasn’t enough or that the damage he caused by helping would end up killing him. Crying in frustration, Drew was angry at himself because he was so young and couldn’t do more. If he were an adult, he would know what to do.

Darren felt feverish and his big frame trembled. Drew left his hands on Darren’s chest for a moment, warming them. Lane packed small towels, and Drew wet them in the freezing water, using them to wipe the sweat off Darren’s face and to clean up as much blood as he could. As cold as it was, Drew took off his Iron Man hoodie, rolling it up and putting it under Darren’s head, and tucked the blankets around his body to hold in the heat.

Drew continued wiping Darren’s face gently and rewetting the towel when it dried out. His heart clenched in fear when Darren stopped trembling. He leaned over, putting his ear against Darren’s chest, and didn’t hear or feel a heartbeat. Drew could hardly breathe himself, and his eyes filled with tears when he realized Darren had stopped breathing.

The situation triggered Lane’s words in his mind.

Drew, the adrenaline shot is for an emergency. If Darren’s heart stops, this will start it again. The needle is sharp, but you have to jab hard.

He practiced on a dummy in the construct until he could do it, but it was scary. All of the things they showed him for emergencies were happening. Hot tears spilled down his cheeks, and he hiccupped, but he focused.

The desperate pitch of his voice was high, and his words were barely legible as he screamed, “Uncle Darren, you can’t leave me! Not like Mommy! You have to stay! I won’t let you leave me!”

Terrified, Drew’s hands shook as he pulled out the adrenaline shot. Unzipping the black case, he looked at the long needle and plunger. He didn’t hesitate, though; he practiced hundreds of times in the construct until he knew how to do it perfectly. He had to be strong and brave for Darren.

Drew swung as hard as he could, using both hands, jabbing the needle through Darren’s hard muscles and chest plate.  With both hands on the plunger, he used his body weight to press it down. Darren convulsed as he sucked in air, sitting upright as the adrenaline went directly into his heart. Not caring if he hurt Darren anymore, Drew threw himself onto Darren’s body, sobbing.

He kept crying over and over, “You can’t leave me, Uncle Darren.”

Drew begged him, and Darren, through the fog of pain and disorientation, heard him. One of Darren’s arms slowly wrapped around Drew, pulling his little body against him. His fingers could barely move, but he stroked Drew’s back soothingly, comforting him. Darren couldn’t speak aloud, and even his mental voice was barely discernible:

I love you, Tiger. I’m with you. I’m going to pass out again, but I’m here. Be brave, little man.

Darren’s hand stopped moving, but he breathed again. Crawling under the blankets with him, Drew held onto him for warmth and comfort. Exhausted and traumatized by everything, Drew fell asleep.

Snapping awake sometime later, he had no idea how long he had slept. The IV bags were empty, and he got up quickly to change them, realizing they were the last ones. Checking Darren over, the bleeding stopped, but the blanket was frozen and crusty. His clothes were covered in caked blood, and Drew wondered if the blanket even helped anymore. Darren looked paler than ever, but he still breathed.

Staring at the water, he hoped to see the figures of his uncles coming out, but it stayed black and still. Moving around to warm up, he roamed the cave and examined the doors. The stone was covered with intricate carvings, but Drew didn’t understand what they were. If his uncles were right, Doctor Aaron was inside and trapped. Drew pushed on the doors, but they were cold and hard, remaining closed.

After a few minutes, Drew moved back to Darren. Scooting forward, he managed to get Darren’s head in his lap. He held Darren’s face, brushing his short hair back off his forehead like his mom used to do to him when soothing him. Darren was still hot from the fever, and the warmth of his skin felt good on his hands. The feel of Darren’s rough cheeks, just like his dad’s, was also a comfort.

Drew coaxed Darren awake long enough to take a drink and then he passed out again. Darren remained incoherent and seemed unaware of what he was doing, but he was thirsty and swallowed the water without coughing.

Keeping Darren’s head in his lap, Drew continued gently stroking his face and hair even though he was unconscious, hoping to make him feel better. After a while, Darren’s eyes fluttered open. He was awake but so weak he could hardly move. Looking up at Drew, who was hunched over so his face was right over Darren’s, he smiled weakly and tried to talk but couldn’t.

Drew linked with him since he was awake. Darren noticed Drew shivering, and his face was pale, but he smiled.

Darren’s mental voice was weak, and he sounded far away: Drew…

I’m here, Uncle Darren. I’m with you.

Darren’s eyes watered… The enormity of what Drew risked and what his brothers risked to help him was overwhelming. What Drew was going through to help him was staggering, and he saw how scared Drew was. Drew’s hot tears fell onto Darren’s cheeks as he knelt over his uncle.

Yes, you are Tiger, in more ways than you can imagine, little guy. You’re doing great and being so brave. I’m proud of you, kiddo.

Are you hungry? Uncle Bryan made us food. I gave you some water, but you only drank a little. You had some, though. Uncle Lane said if you woke up to give you a present.

I’m starving, but I don’t know if I can keep food down.

Gingerly moving Darren’s head off his lap, he got the food. Darren couldn’t see him but heard him moving around. A minute later, he returned, repositioning Darren’s head onto his lap again so his head wasn’t lying flat.

Drew held something up to his mouth, and when he opened it, the most exquisite thing he ever tasted filled his mouth. Bryan made small oatmeal banana balls with organic almond butter and honey, mild on his taste buds and loaded with protein, fat, and carbs; exactly what his body craved to help him recover.

They were small, and he managed to eat four or five before he felt nauseous and told Drew he had enough. Thirsty for something besides water, Drew had some Capri Sun Apple Juice pouches; again, Bryan knew him well! Apple Juice was his favorite, but it was tart in his parched mouth, making his jaw clench on the first sip. Holding the straw from the bag to his lips, Darren drained the pouch.

With the intake of food and liquid, Darren faded again as his body absorbed the nutrients. Still dehydrated, the saline bags and juice helped, but he had lost an enormous amount of blood and was perilously close to death. As he drifted on the edge of sleep, Drew put earbuds in Darren’s ears and pushed play on the iPod Nano Lane sent.

With the opening chords of the song, Darren’s eyes watered. The words to the first song Lane ever dreamt, the one that unlocked their powers, filled his mind. The memories were powerful, touching him deeply, and his heart warmed. Lane altered the song just for Darren, and he could almost see Lane in his mind playing it for him. He enjoyed watching Lane play… The look of joy and concentration on his face as he made music was evident in every aspect of his expression and posture.

When the song finished, Lane’s voice came on in a recorded message.

<> 

“Hey, Dar! I hope you like that version of the song. I put it together just for you, so I hope that makes you feel special! Not short bus special, but hey, you’re always welcome to ride the short bus with me, buddy. Sometimes it gets lonely being the only special guy in the middle of all you losers.

“You have to hang in there and stay strong, Dar! Drew’s with you now, and I know that scares the hell out of you. Us too, by the way. Henry is a wreck, but Drew was our only option to get you back. The little fucker wanted to help you so bad… he loves you, Dar, just as much as we do. That has to make it alright and count for something.

“I don’t want to hog up all the space here, so I’m going to let these other ladies say a few things. I saved the best for last, so hold onto your hat and don’t go crying like a little girl when Pat has his say, okay?

“Alright, brother… I love you so fucking much, Dar. All of us do. We’re on our way to get you, so hang in there, and we’ll be there as soon as we can.”

After a slight pause, Ken’s voice came on, followed by Brad and others. Every one of his brothers, including Henry, sent him their own personal message. There were tears in a lot of what Ken said and even though it hurt, Darren chuckled when Ken choked up. For such a big macho stud, Ken could be such a crybaby sometimes. Ken’s throat tightened with emotion, struggling to get the words out as he told Darren to be strong and how much he meant to him. A few of them used humor, and others were so serious that it tore his heart out to hear the pain and fear in them.

Pat was last, and although he was in pain, Darren knew what he went through.  He felt the same, longing to touch the other half of his soul. What they did touched him deeply, and even as his mind slipped back into unconsciousness, he was surrounded by the sound of their voices.

Drew kept gently stroking his head as he fell in and out of a coma, although Drew didn’t know the difference. The damage to Darren’s body and soul were severe, and he teetered on the edge of death the entire time.

Drew lost track of how long Darren stayed that way but was determined to stay awake in case his uncle woke up and needed him.

<><><> 

As soon as Drew disappeared, Henry collapsed on the floor.

What the fuck did we just do?

Ken: He’s gonna be okay, Henry. He’s an amazin’ little boy, and he knows how ‘ta do everythin’ we showed him. He wants ‘ta do this.

I know, Ken. But fuck, he’s just a kid, and he doesn’t know how hard it’s going to be when he sees Darren in front of him.

Bryan: He’s tougher than you give him credit for, Henry. It’s going to be rough, but he’s going to save Darren. He loves Dar, and he’ll rise to the occasion.

Everyone held Henry close in the link, but Pat came up behind him, pulling him into a tight embrace.

Thanks, Henry. I know it’s scary as hell, but he’s Dar’s only hope.

Henry: I know, Pat. You know how much I want Darren back, too. I’m just worried.

Pat: Me too, brother. I want you to know that I Understand how hard the decision was for you to make, and I love you for it. Drew’s going to save the other half of my soul. In my world, it doesn’t get much bigger than that.

Brad: I wonder how Michael and the others will react when we tell them what we did.

Lane grinned, thinking: Pissed as hell is my guess.

Ken: Alright, guys, I’ll talk to Michael in a sec. Everybody get hoppin’. Bill, contact Albrecht and fill him in on everything we’re doin’. There’s no need ‘ta stop in Australia with the gear. Ricky, where are we with the boat? Any update?

Rick: I hated to have to do it this way, but our best option wasn’t available, so we had to intervene.

Grinning at Ken, he continued: Your boyfriend is badass, in case you didn’t know. With Brad’s ‘help,’ the family renting the Yacht had a sudden change of plans, and the boat is now available. It’s a Mangusta 165 Superyacht, and it’s incredible. I estimate it will take us about 40 hours at top speed to get in position over the trench, but once we’re on board, we can make some modifications and cut that down a good bit. The company wasn’t happy about us not using their crew and Captain, but money talks. The security deposit was steep because of it, but the Yacht is ours for as long as we need it.

Ken: Good deal. Bry, once we get there, you’re in charge of supplies. Everybody can take care of their own gear and clothes. Lane, help Henry pack.

Lane: Sure thing, boss. Henry, come with me and let’s get you sorted. I’m a master packer. No jokes.

It took Henry a second to catch what Lane said, and he actually laughed. Lane had a way of lightening the mood, and as he chuckled, Lane put a hand on Henry’s shoulder, guiding him back to his room to gather what was needed.

While everybody efficiently prepared for the trip, Ken went to the conference room and shut the door. His eyes flashed white, and he looked up to the heavens, his deep voice resonating with power.

Michael!

I hear you, Ken.

Ken went on to explain that Drew was in the cave at the entrance to Thomin’s vault to help Darren and that they were on the way. Ken wasn’t in the mood to put up with any archangel attitude, and he pre-empted Michael’s outburst as soon as it started.

We know the risks, grandfather! We’re between a rock and a hard place here, and you know it! Luke can be back there anytime, so if you can, we need you ‘ta keep that from happenin’ until we get there. Once we’re there and have Darren, we might be able to get information to help you find Thomin. We won’t know until we’re there, but Bill can see if he can pick up on any left-over imprints. We can’t get the doc back without Thomin, so we’re motivated.

Michael: We will surround the vault. It is warded against us, but Barachiel can send his legions to help protect the area. It is not certain. The situation is dire, and we are stretched thin at the moment, but it will help. The Dark One planned well.

Ken: Thank you, grandfather, that’s all we can ask. Good luck with everythin’ you have on your plate. We all need it. I love you, and be careful.

Ken couldn’t see the look on Michael’s face when Ken told him he loved him. It touched Michael deeply, warming the depths of his ageless eyes.

You as well, Ken. The light will see us through. Be strong and remember who you are.

Ken smiled, shaking his head. Michael’s parting comment was his way of reminding Ken whose grandson he was. Ken wasn’t sure if Michael would ever understand Ken’s humility over that and how funny he thought it was.

<><><> 

A few hours later, and with some effort because Darren wasn’t with them, they stood in Manila, the Philippines, with all their gear. Brad piggy-backed off the mind of the representative of the charter company, using him as an anchor to jump to.

A smattering of ‘fuck me’s and ‘holy shits were heard when they appeared on the dive deck of ‘ZEUS.' It was one of the most impressive vehicles they had been on outside of a Virginia-class nuclear submarine, except the Yacht was a luxury cruiser and totally decked out. Fifty meters in length, the craft customarily housed a crew of eight with room for twelve guests, so there was plenty of room for all of them.

By the time they arranged for the rest of their supplies and had everything stowed and prepped, it was almost nightfall. All of them had extensive boating experience, but to be safe, Brad read the Captain's mind, pulling from his knowledge and experience with the craft.

The Captain reluctantly relinquished ZEUS over to their hands. He wasn’t happy about turning ZEUS over to anyone, but some of his apprehensions were alleviated when he saw how capable and comfortable they were as they maneuvered around the deck. The men collectively shared their memories and experiences with Henry, so he was able to help with the preparations.

A few hours later, Brad took them masterfully out of the harbor, and they were underway. Going below deck, Pat assessed the engines. The Yacht's top speed was rated at thirty-seven knots, which was already impressive and faster than most submarines. Anything they could milk out of the engines beyond that would get them in position faster.

Standing on the deck, Loy overlooked the water. He loved the ocean as much as all of them, but with his Avatar it was even more special. Sealife was blissful to him, to Bryan as well, but in a different way.

Meditating, Loy communed with a pod of Blue whales, who were ecstatic at his presence and playfully swimming in exotic gyrations while making giant air rings. Asking Henry to be with him, Loy wanted him to feel that part of creation. Loy knew the beauty of it would help take his mind off Drew, and it helped.

Smarter than he ever imagined, Henry was shocked at the intelligence of the enormous creatures. The females sensed the hurt in him, thinking of Drew as Henry’s ‘calf’ and expressed an empathic concern for his well-being. The fact that they understood family dynamics was a shocker in and of itself, but their expression of concern for him blew him away.

Loy took Henry deep inside the majestic creatures, allowing him to experience their grace and power as they glided through the water. Being inside another creature, especially one of such stature and strength, gave Henry a view into the world he never imagined.

Loy: Pretty amazing, huh, Henry? There’s so much in the world that humans just don’t get. Intelligence takes many forms; who cares that they don’t have opposable thumbs and can’t make cars or computers? They’re thinking, caring creatures with their own society. I can’t wait to share more with you once all this nastiness is behind us.

Loy had been with the whales for an hour when suddenly his eyes flashed white, and his mind filled with images. What he received was more a vision than a waking dream, but it gripped him forcefully. As soon as it started Rick rushed to his side, and all of them felt anxious, praying it wasn’t another catastrophe adding to their already considerable burdens.

Oddly, Lane didn’t seem concerned. Not out of ego, but as the Seer and Oracle of The Order, his Avatar was primary for dreams and visions, so if it was something catastrophic, he was sure it would have affected him. While Pat and Bill worked on the issue of nursing more speed out of the engines, Loy sent a thought to everyone.

Guys, I’m going to need your help in a few minutes. I think our plans might have changed just a little.

He had a big grin on his handsome face.

<><>  

His Avatar glowing brightly on his shoulder, Loy sent his awareness south to Antarctica, putting his presence into every creature. When he allowed himself to do that, he felt more alive than any other time except when he and Rick were one and making love. It didn’t take him long to find what he looked for: a colony of Emperor Penguins. Scanning the colony, he found the five strongest divers among them.

Come, my friends. I need your help for a little while. I’ll have you back to your mates and your offspring soon.

Synchronizing his Avatar with Brad, Bill, and Lane, Loy drew power from Henry and everyone else, and five Emperor Penguins appeared on ZEUS's deck, flapping their flippers and squawking quietly. They were giant birds, all over four feet tall and weighing upwards of eighty pounds each.

Setting his will on them they remained calm and relaxed, willing servants of their steward. The birds exuded the same sense of completion and contentment that all creatures felt towards them as unfallen men, but Loy even more so.

As original men, the animal kingdom fell under their dominion, but Loy most of all with his Avatar of stewardship. He was their primary caretaker, and there was no fear in them, just curiosity and unconditional love for Loy and his brothers. Henry didn’t have an Avatar, but the doctor said he was now an original man like the others, and he was amazed at the part of him he hadn’t been able to explore yet.

Brad sent Henry a private thought: You know, Henry, when all this is over, and we’ve won, you can get Drew a puppy. With that part of you now, it will be easy to house train, and it will make having a dog even more fun and fulfilling. I bet Drew would like that.

Henry’s eyes misted at Brad’s optimism for their future and the idea of getting a dog for Drew. Drew mentioned wanting a dog early on but living in the lab made it impossible for all kinds of reasons.

Ken waited patiently with Brad while he piloted the craft. Brad maintained a deep link among them, and while he and Ken stayed up top, the rest of the men gathered in the main lounge or with Bryan in the galley while he cooked dinner. The only things missing were Darren and Drew; Darren, trapped at the bottom of the ocean seven miles underwater, cold and hurt while the light drained out of him, and Drew, the little boy who touched all their lives in ways they could never have imagined, fighting to save one of their own.

The Pacific was humid, and even with the ceiling fans the air was hot and sticky, and it didn’t take long before everyone was shirtless. They wore deck shoes for better footing – as agile and dexterous as they were, wet boats were accidents waiting to happen, and the shoes allowed them to maintain a better grip.

While waiting for dinner, Pat explained his idea to modify the engines, consisting of a two-pronged approach. The first part would be enhancing the fuel, and the second would be adjusting the engines to take advantage of the new formula. Altering the fuel's chemical composition would have been easier with Darren, emphasizing his absence. It would require all of them working in tandem, and Ken suggested they do it right after they ate, when their energy levels peaked.

The Penguins stayed on the deck, quiet and still under Loy’s influence, content to be close to them. At some point, all of the guys went out to visit them. Loy called a small school of baitfish and had Brad stop ZEUS for a brief moment to collect the fish. There were small nets stowed with the emergency rafts they used to scoop them up. The Penguins were in heaven while Lane enjoyed feeding them, talking to them and making sure their bellies were full.

Bryan threw together his own garlic Alfredo sauce with Linguini and fresh sea scallops, making a Greek salad and fresh garlic bread to go along with it. Bryan mastered using his Avatar to quickly activate and grow yeast and produce fresh bread and rolls with ease. Using heavy cream, he made fresh salted garlic butter for the rolls. The smells made everyone’s stomachs rumble, especially Ken’s. Brad wasn’t surprised he could hear Ken’s stomach rumbling over the noise of the engines.

After seeing Loy call baitfish to feed the Penguins, Bryan had a discussion with him about calling fish for additional meals. Loy viewed the situation the same as in the valley of Yggdrasil; he didn’t mind calling sea creatures for food if necessary, as long as he could free their spirits first and make it painless. Many of the smaller creatures like scallops didn’t have spirits, yet still responded to his Avatar. They were alive, and Bryan felt them as much as he did. He was sure either the doctor or Albrecht would have an opinion on the matter and made a mental note to talk to them once everyone was safely back in the lab.

Once they sat down to eat, they devoured the food until they were bloated, even Henry, who at first said he wasn’t hungry. The food tasted so good they couldn’t stop eating. The fresh air and being on the water made them hungry, and they reminisced about their days in the Navy while they ate, keeping the conversation light. Lane managed to get Henry laughing and somewhat relaxed with his stories of a few of their antics from that time in their lives.

Ken knew that having Pat focus on the engine problem would help keep him distracted. Nothing could erase his worry over Darren, but it lessened it. He planned on putting Pat on task regardless, but it was still a good move. Pat’s Avatar was best suited to address the issue, and it gave him a purpose that would directly affect how quickly they could get to Darren, Drew, and the doctor.

As they finished eating, Bill and Kevin cleared the dishes. Lane excused himself, and once everyone was ready and settled, Ken turned things over to Pat.

“Alright, guys, this shouldn’t take long, but it will take a good bit of energy.”

Pat set a mason jar of fuel in front of him. While he looked at it, his eyes flashed white, and his Avatar glowed softly. Understanding it, he shared the fuel's chemical composition with Brad, Lane, Loy, and Bill. Loy was best at chemistry, but all of them had the equivalent of advanced degrees after working with the doctor for so long. Brad, Lane, and Darren were better at Physics and Math, and Loy and Bill were better at Chemistry and Biology, but they were all geniuses.

“With Bill’s help, I came up with this. Loy, take a look and see if you agree with the changes.”

Sharing the new formula with them, it only took a few seconds for Loy to work through the changes. He was impressed and confident that the enhanced formula would work great.

“That’s going to kick ass, fellas.”

Brad commented, “The potential kinetic output of those changes is phenomenal. We’ll have to be careful in tuning the engines to utilize it. If anything, we’ll have to cut back to keep the engines from blowing apart.”

Pat added his ideas about modifying the cooling system, which would also help. With their Understanding, Pat, Ken, Bryan, Rick, and Kevin monitored the engines for the first few hours, ensuring everything stayed within safe parameters. Pat’s primary concern was the higher vibrational output; basically, the engines or the boat tearing apart.

Brad seemed confident the craft's structural integrity could handle it, but they would cover all the bases and be as safe as possible. There was no way they would risk becoming stranded in the Pacific Ocean and leave Drew, Darren, or the doc hanging.

A few hours later, the engines seemed to have handled the increase in power with no issues. The enhancements equated to just over a twenty-five percent increase, boosting their speed by ten knots and putting them in position eleven hours ahead of their original plan.

When they were comfortable the engines didn’t need monitoring so closely, Ken called everybody into the lounge. Brad engaged the autopilot, locking in their course so he could join them in person. The onboard radar showed no vehicles in the area, so he felt comfortable leaving the helm for a short time. He also maintained a mental scan with his unconscious mind, monitoring for any people within miles of their location so he would have plenty of warning even before the radar alerted him with a proximity alarm.

Ken started, “Okay, Loy, fill us in. Somethin’ about a change of plan? You were smilin’, and now there’s Penguins hangin' around so…”

Loy’s eyes flashed white, his tattoo glowed softly, and the five Emperor Penguins comically waddled in from the outer deck. Kevin snickered when he saw them… Each had a green military issue bandana with a name on it around their necks like a scarf. Tack, Jolly, Tow, Puck, and MB were the call signs for Lane, Bill, Brad, Darren, and Loy from their days in the Navy.

Henry remembered Lane was Tack from when Lane and Bryan were trapped in Taliesin’s construct. The half of Lane’s soul belonging to Bryan took on the form of a small white kitten that Bryan, even though he had amnesia in the construct, instinctively named Tack.

Brad sent Henry a private thought, filling him in: Jolly is Bill because he’s so tall… It stands for Jolly Green Giant. I was Tow because I’m Towheaded… In the Navy, being outside all the time, my hair stayed bleached out even more, and it was almost white. Darren was Puck because he was the shortest and the widest of us like a hockey puck, and Loy was MB, which was a bit risky back in those days, but it stands for Muscle Bear because he’s so hairy and studly.

Grinning, Henry shook his head at Lane’s antics. Bryan did a facepalm and shook his head as well, but the corners of his mouth were tilted up. Loy looked at Lane with raised eyebrows, and Lane didn’t bat an eye saying, “Hey, I got a pretty good idea why they’re here. There are five of us, including Dar, and five of them. Go ahead and ’splain yourself and see if I’m right.”

“Alright, you’re on track. What I saw, Ken, was these guys diving for us. No sea creature, mammal or otherwise, can dive as deep as we need to go. The bottom of the trench is 6.8 miles at the lowest known point. There are shrimp that live that far down, but they don’t have eyes we can use as a reference to teleport, and their tiny bodies couldn’t begin to channel the amount of energy we’ll need to get down there.

“Penguins have an amazing ability to regulate the oxygen in their systems to go deep, and their bodies compress with the pressure. With us inside them, guiding and healing them as they descend, they can get to the bottom of the Trench in about an hour. Even at the fastest rate of descent, you guys couldn’t make it that quick.

“It won’t take any significant energy for us to keep them fully functional on the way down. These guys can get into the cave, and it will be like us being there. Remember what Dar said about his Avatar working even through wards? We’ll be inside them, and we pull our bodies there along with you guys. If something goes wrong, we still have the gear as backup.”

Grinning, Ken said, “Loy, if I wasn’t already with B, I’d kiss you. You guys are awesome, and I couldn’t be prouder. Between the time we’re savin’ with the speed boost and these fella’s helpin’ us out, we’ll be there even sooner… Pat and Henry, we’ll be there before you know it, and Dar and Drew’ll be safe. Then we get the doc situated, and we’re back on track.”

Ken’s Avatar pushed his positive attitude and optimism into all of them. Things were coming together, and they had a good feeling… And while Pat and Henry were both still worried for Darren and Drew, they felt more at ease with the way things were progressing.

<><><> 

Drew was worried. Darren looked even paler, and his breathing was so shallow Drew could barely discern the rise and fall of his chest. The adrenaline shot was gone, so if Darren stopped breathing again, Drew had no idea what he would do and started to panic.

Darren’s head rested on Drew’s lap, with Drew hunching over him, his small body rocking with worry. His tears fell on Darren’s forehead, and he kept wiping them off. His anxiety levels were high, and an icy knot of fear gripped his stomach, thinking Darren was dying and there wasn’t anything he could do about it.

Through his mind’s eye, Drew saw that Darren’s soul was dimmer than just a short while ago. He removed all the chains from Darren’s body, so he didn’t understand why Darren continued to weaken. His Uncle Brad and daddy told him not to look into Darren’s mind unless it was an emergency. He didn’t know what else to do, and in his desperation, he merged with his uncle.

Drew was inexperienced but powerful, and Darren’s shields were practically non-existent, so Drew broke through easily. He tried sharing his own energy with Darren again, but something prevented him… Darren rejected it.

Crying loudly, Drew said, “Don’t leave me, Uncle Darren! Don’t leave me!”

Repeating the words like a mantra, he hoped Darren would hear him, but he was so far gone Drew didn’t think it was possible.

He felt it when Darren stopped breathing. The cave was deathly quiet, and he didn’t hear anything, but some unidentifiable difference told him Darren was gone. It only took a few seconds, but what was left of Darren’s soul slowly lifted out of his chest.

Drew screamed, “NO! YOU CAN’T LEAVE ME! YOU CAN’T GO! YOU HAVE TO STAY!”

His tears were so thick he could barely see, and he instinctively reached his hands out, clutching desperately at the small orb floating over Darren’s chest. He felt it in his hands, and he scrambled around, putting both hands on it, pressing his body down and trying to push it back into Darren’s chest. It was slippery, and he had to keep changing his grip. It didn’t want to go back in, and that scared him.

Looking into his uncle’s mind, he tried to see anything that might help. Drew idolized his dad and Ken and the other men, thinking they had answers to everything. Drew still operated under the premise that adults knew everything, and so far, they had never proved him wrong.

Unlike his cold and damaged body, Darren’s mind felt comfortable and warm. Drew saw so many things… Darren’s entire life stretched out before him. Most evident was Darren’s love for Pat… and Drew saw what they did when they were naked together. He didn’t understand it, but he felt the love they shared when they were together and did things to one another that made them feel good.

Drew saw Darren’s time in the Navy and growing up as an orphan and how Darren and Pat helped Miss Sally when her boyfriend Carlo was killed. He saw many things, but nothing that would help.

Then Drew saw something about him. Everything Darren knew about Drew was there, locked behind a barrier. Darren was so weak Drew opened it easily, and his eyes widened in shock.

Drew had a brother! The bad man who almost killed them in the basement of that house was his brother! How could that be?

Everything about the Curse and how he died every seven years was there. With the realization of his recurring deaths, something in the back of Drew’s mind, deeply hidden, unlocked. He recalled memories of being killed… Not just the first time, but over and over. The terror of each death came fresh to his mind. He thought they were dreams, but they were memories… of a stone, and blood, and pain.

Before the terror of the memories washed him away, Drew saw something else… Something Darren was terrified of. Besides being lost forever and separated from his Uncle Patrick, Darren was frightened for Drew and what he faced. Drew would have to confront his brother, and his brother would have to ask Drew’s forgiveness for killing him. If Drew did that, then Darren and his uncles could fix the world.

All of them were terrified of losing Drew again and were desperately trying to come up with a way to save him. Drew realized many of the games they played with him were to teach him things… The new Slinky game in the gym was one of them, and catching the levitating ball. They were helping him, trying to protect him, and make him stronger and prepare him for what he would have to do.

Drew realized his dad knew all of it but hadn’t known for very long. He saw how much Darren loved his dad as a brother, and he saw everything Henry suffered through… the horrific pain of his dad’s transformation from a normal man into a protector of The Enemy and all the vile things he had been forced to do. Darren had merged with Henry before and shared all his memories, and Drew saw how hard Henry’s life had been, how much he loved Liz, how devastated he was at losing her, and how much he loved Drew.

Many of Darren's feelings were adult emotions, and Drew didn’t fully comprehend them; his empathy gave him an awareness of their strength, but not an intellectual understanding.

Drew’s young mind reeled, his world rocked by everything he learned, and he was scared. He had seen the bad man and knew how powerful he was. How could he possibly fight an adult, especially one as dark and powerful as The Master? He now knew that’s what his uncles called his brother.

Unexpectedly, another pair of hands covered his own. They were rough and ruddy, with sharp fingernails. Drew’s head shot up, and he looked into the face of a boy… At least he thought it was a boy. He looked strange… His skin was darker, and he was naked, with a light coating of hair covering his body. His teeth were funny, and he breathed loudly through his mouth. Something about his eyes looked familiar.

“W… who are y… you?”

The boy didn’t say anything but nodded at their hands, and together the two of them pushed Darren’s soul back into his body. They each got on one side of Darren and kept their hands pushing down, holding his soul in his body and keeping him alive. His chest started slowly rising and falling again.

The desperation to save Darren overrode everything he saw in his uncle’s mind. He cried over everything, but saving Darren mattered more to him than what he learned about himself. Darren’s soul kept pushing to leave his body, and Drew didn’t know what to do. He didn’t see anything in Darren’s mind that would help. Drew needed Lane and his other uncles to heal Darren and make him better. He would have to hold on until they arrived.

He had no idea how long he had been in the cave. He fell asleep twice but didn’t know how long he slept, but it seemed like it had been a while. He was exhausted and freezing. He wanted his dad. He wanted Darren to wake up and be alright. He wanted Miss Sally and Doctor Aaron and Mr. Albrecht…

He knew his uncles were on the way, but he had to be brave and keep Darren alive until they could get there no matter what. The other boy looked at him. Sniffing, Drew leaned his head down to wipe the tears out of his eyes on his shoulder. He was shivering and wanted to put on his hoodie, but it was rolled up as a pillow under Darren’s head.

Between his shivering and crying, Drew stuttered but managed to say, “Th… Thanks for h... helping. Wha…what’s your name? I’m Drew.”

The boy made a grunting sound but didn’t say anything. It dawned on Drew that the boy was naked, but he didn’t seem to be shivering. The hair over his body wasn’t thick, but it was coarse and long. He squatted, flat-footed with his knees up like a frog, which looked funny to Drew.

“How did you get here?”

Again, there was no response.

Drew didn’t like that the boy wouldn’t say anything, only grunting and sucking air through his crooked sharp teeth. There was still something disconcerting about his eyes that made Drew uncomfortable.

Drew’s arms shook with the effort, and his tears returned. He had to be strong enough! He had to be! His dad was strong enough; all his uncles were strong enough! He had to be, too! It didn’t matter that he was young; he had to pull his own weight! He heard Miss Sally talk about that with the Keenans when she didn’t know he was listening, how she needed to be as much a part of the team as any of the guys.

He had never been strong enough to defend himself or his mom against his real dad, Doug. Doug made him feel weak, useless, and stupid. Henry and his uncles made him feel strong, safe, and smart. He had to make them proud of him! He had to be worth something to them! After all the abuse from Doug, Drew finally started having a sense of self-worth. After years of being put down and verbally and physically abused by Doug, he felt safe and loved. They loved him.

Drew saw in Darren’s mind how much he loved Drew. Not because he had to or because he was trying to make up for his mom being gone. Darren loved Drew because they were friends, and Darren enjoyed spending time with him. He saw deep down that Darren was as proud of Drew as if he was his own son. All of the guys were. He couldn’t lose that. He couldn’t lose Darren. He had to be enough!

The other boy stared at his tears, and understanding came to Drew. He was staring at his own eyes! The boy was him! The first him, the one killed by The Master. He wasn’t really there, he was inside Drew, and Drew was hallucinating, but his presence somehow made Drew stronger and helped.

A loud crash startled Drew out of his thoughts, and he stared as a large grotesque body smashed into the back wall of the cave. It looked like a naked man with dark bluish-purple skin with hooves instead of feet and leathery wings on his back. Wounds covered his body like he had been in a fight, and he breathed heavily. His dark skin glistened in the torchlight, wet with sweat and black blood dripping from multiple wounds.

Shaking his head, the demon looked around as he slowly rolled up. As he stood, Drew got a good look at his massively muscled body. The demon looked much bigger than his uncles, and his wings couldn’t fully spread out in the cave.

When the demon saw Drew, he stopped, noting the tattered chains and realized that somehow the half-breed he was sent to retrieve for his Master had help. Michael and the others had taken an interest in protecting the vault, and Luke didn’t want a direct confrontation between himself and Michael, so he sent countless underlings to break through their defenses. Most of them died. They fought fiercely, but Michael himself led the vault’s defense along with Barachiel.

The half-breed was nearly dead, his soul wanting to leave his body, yet the boy kept him alive. The demon’s mouth spread wide in a smile showing his sharp yellow teeth and black tongue. His voice was so deep that Drew barely understood him.

“You should never have come here, boy. I will take you to The Dark One along with the half-breed. He will enjoy playing with you.”

Drew knew from Darren’s memories the man named Luke was The Dark One. Neither Luke nor The Master knew who Drew was, and he knew that was important. From Darren’s mind, Drew knew his identity must remain a secret.

The boy, the other him, frantically motioned with his hands, cupping them together like he was holding something, and an image of a stone came to Drew’s mind. The stone was connected to Drew… It was the weapon his brother used to kill him. It was old, and powerful, the instrument of his death that brought the Curse into being.

Appearing in Drew’s hands, the stone was rough and a little bigger than his fist. As soon as it touched his skin, memories of all his other deaths welled up in his mind. On instinct, Drew squeezed his eyes shut, willing the stone to be quiet, and the memories stopped. The boy took the stone from Drew. How could he touch the stone if he wasn’t real?

Interposing himself between Drew and the demon, the boy thrust the stone above his head in a defiant gesture. A dome like the one the Eschphene leader put up appeared over Darren, Drew, and the boy.

Looking surprised, the demon said, “Resourceful, but foolish. You will not forbid me!”

The Demon started forward, but one of his legs collapsed as black blood oozed from a gaping wound. Bellowing his rage, the demon forced himself up as a black bolt of power shot out of his clawed hand, striking the dome. Drew felt the blow against his mind, but he held. He had to be enough!

He crawled on top of Darren, thinking he must be hurting Darren with his weight on the wounds, but he didn’t know what else to do. Putting his hands over Darren’s chest, Drew held down his soul, bracing his hands under his knees. He trembled, shaking with effort, fear, desperation, and the freezing cold of the cave.

Another blow struck the shield, and Drew cried out. Another hit. Another. And another. Drew swayed, his vision blurring as he started to lose consciousness. All the power in his untrained mind was drained. The image of the boy vanished, and the stone fell to the floor. The echo as it hit sounded loud in the cave as it rolled a few feet away.

As Drew’s vision faded and he fell across Darren still trying to protect him, he noted movement. Something stood over him, leaning down and looking at him. Five somethings; they were black and white with long slender beaks. One of them squawked at him and there was an explosion of light as he passed out.

<><><> 

All of them were on pins and needles; the calm they managed to find in the evening was gone. Brad and Lane, in particular, had a strong sense that something was wrong. Unable to hide it through the link, their thoughts sent Pat and Henry into a tailspin.

Ken: Hold on, guys. We’re less than an hour from the drop point. Once we’re there, we won’t have ‘ta prep the gear, so the birds can high-tail it down. No matter what’s goin’ on, we’ll get there in time.

Ken didn’t just say the words, he believed them, and through his Avatar his belief flowed into them. Ken’s strength of character and optimism were a part of him Brad loved even before receiving their Avatars. Ken had a way about him from before the doctor's changes, one of the many reasons he became their leader.

Casting his awareness into the sealife for miles around, Loy sent away any natural predators that might go after the penguins. He, Brad, Lane, and Bill were ready. They spent several hours blended with the penguins earlier, becoming familiar with the feel of their bodies and metabolisms.

Healing would begin at roughly two thousand feet, just less than half a mile. The pressure would work to their advantage as the penguins' bodies would compress as they went deeper. The oxygen in their systems would last longer, but once past their normal limits, the guys would have to keep them from imploding. Each of them would pull strength from their Avatars and partners, who in turn would draw power from Yggdrasil. They would descend as one, their Avatars synchronized, but Ken couldn’t lock them together without Darren.

Loy summoned multiple pods of whales, dolphins, and porpoises to stay in the area and sing so Lane could tap into their music, and Brad fluttered their souls across the veil. Loy drew upon nearby animals he summoned and animal spirits in the area waiting to be reborn.

They discussed it and felt the strain of supporting the penguins would be minimal. Their concern was for the penguins as vessels, but that was why Loy picked such large birds. Aside from their unique ability to regulate their oxygen levels, they were large and robust and could handle a considerable amount of power channeled through them, much more than the rats in Syria they used to heal Jacob.

Loy discovered another trait about his new friends that was a surprise. The penguins trapped air in the soft feathers of their body that when released, produced bubbles that reduced the density of the water surrounding them. Releasing the air enabled them to glide through the water at much faster speeds than expected, especially in short bursts.

Using the part of their Avatars that came from Darren, the mentalists induced a basic form of electrolysis, pulling oxygen from the water to replenish this supply. The process would be minimal and wouldn’t cause any excess drain over what they were already expecting.

<><> 

As soon as ZEUS arrived at the location, Brad cut the engines, and the craft swiftly slowed until it was drifting. Without the noise of the engines, a peaceful quiet fell. Hot and humid, all of them were shirtless with a light sheen of sweat covering their bodies. Their handsome, muscular forms practically glowed in the sunlight.

Brad initiated the GPS stabilizers and small water jets activated to keep ZEUS in position. Only a few hours of daylight remained, but it didn’t matter as the rays of the sun would only penetrate two-thirds of a mile below the surface. Once past that point, the penguins’ senses, as well as their own, would guide them.

Loy sensed the tiny shrimp at the bottom of the trench… There was an area where they wouldn’t go, and based on Albrecht’s input, that was most likely near the tunnel leading to Thomin’s vault.

The penguins stood on the dive deck off the back of ZEUS, and even before the Yacht came to a stop, they plopped into the water, taking off like bullets into the dark depths with Loy and the other mentalists inside them. Their eyes were white, and their Avatars glowed on the balls of their muscled shoulders, visible even in the late afternoon sun.

Each couple was one inside the vessels of the large birds. Henry and Pat were with them as well, carried and wrapped tightly in the warmth of their brothers’ souls. Loy controlled the fifth bird named Puck. Puck wasn’t needed, but it seemed appropriate to take him; five mentalists and five birds. It just seemed right. Puck represented Darren, and they were going to bring him home.

If the mission weren't so critical or stressful, it would have been fun being inside the giant birds. Their bodies, awkward on the deck of ZEUS, were graceful and agile in the water.

Experiencing the changes in the penguins was incredible… how they adapted to their environment as it changed and the way they controlled their bodies. Nature was intricate and beautiful, and the experience gave them an even greater appreciation and view into a mystery humans were mostly unaware of.

If anyone in the ocean could see with their mind’s eye, five brightly glowing balls of light surrounded the birds, supplying them oxygen and supporting their bodily structure against the ever-increasing pressure.

Entirely at ease and content, the penguins loved the presence of the men inside them, playing as they made their descent, flipping and twisting around each other. It didn’t slow their progress, so the guys let them have their fun.

Henry’s anxiety levels were high, not knowing what they would find in the cave once they arrived. The plan was to use the penguins as anchors and if Drew had the area cleared of the chains, to teleport everybody there immediately and heal Darren.

In just under an hour, they reached the bottom of the trench. Only a handful of humans in specially designed submersibles had ever been so deep, and even then, only for a short time. The pressure at the bottom of the trench was a crushing eight tons per square inch.

Guiding them to the area where the shrimp wouldn’t go, when they got close the penguins became afraid, sensing something they didn’t want any part of. Loy and the other mentalists set their will on them to continue and remain calm.

Using his Avatar to generate sound, Lane listened, mimicking sonar, and located the cave mouth in seconds. As they crossed the threshold, the magic of the cave lessened the pressure. The tunnel was long and winding, and the light from the cave seemed bright after the ocean's dark depths.

The last few minutes of the descent were tense for all of them. Brad and Lane’s intuition told them something was wrong, forming an ice-cold ball in the pit of their stomachs. As they got closer, the others felt it as well.

Ken: Alright, everybody, be ready. We don’t know what ‘ta expect, so we have ‘ta be ready for anythin’. Keep calm, and we’ll be whatever we need ‘ta be. Remember who we are and what we’re trained for. We got this.

On the dive deck of ZEUS, in their physical bodies, Ken had an arm around Pat’s shoulder, and Loy did the same with Henry. Ken’s conviction flowed into them, staving off the anxiety and keeping them focused. No matter what they saw or felt, they were prepared and ready to do whatever was necessary; Drew, Darren, and the doctor depended on them.

In the tunnel, the anxiety in Brad’s stomach became clear. It was the presence of darkness, of The Enemy, inside the cave! With an adrenaline-induced burst of speed, the penguins shot out of the water, passing through the barrier protecting Drew and landing on their feet within inches of Drew and Darren, looking down on them.

The scene waiting for them induced a wide range of emotions, fear first and foremost. Darren was on the floor, covered in blood-soaked blankets. A dome of energy covered him and Drew, just like the one the Eschphene leader summoned. Drew lay across Darren’s chest with the stone in his hand in the process of passing out. In their mind’s eye, they saw the dim light of Darren’s soul under Drew.

A Demon, covered in black blood, attacked the dome protecting Drew and Darren. As the penguins burst out of the water, the dome shattered and Drew lost consciousness, the stone falling from his hand.

They were already one, but Brad pulled them deeper so time nearly stood still. Filled with power, their light was as bright as ever. The only thing missing was their brother Darren to make them even brighter.

Henry was frantic when he saw Drew fall unconscious on top of Darren, having no idea how Drew could have gotten the stone or what had transpired. As Drew collapsed, rolling to one side, Darren’s soul lifted out of his body, and it was so dim they could hardly see it. They had no idea how, but there was still a tiny spark of life in Darren. Somehow, Drew kept him alive!

Lane had the same thought as he had on previous missions.

Why the fuck do we always have to cut it so close?

White light exploded from the birds, and the guys materialized in the cave. Even with the secondary trap Luke set when Drew cut the chains, with their presence inside the penguins, their Avatars circumvented the magic and let them through.

Drew did his job well and the chains were down, scattered across the floor of the cave. Recoiling in fear and pain, the Demon was confronted by a light he hadn’t felt since he had sundered himself from Home.

They didn’t have time to try and reset him, and they couldn’t let him escape and return to Luke. Holding out both hands, Brad sent chains of white light wrapping tightly around the demon, binding him, and he writhed in pain as their power burned him. Brad didn’t pull enough power to destroy him yet. As full as they were, he wanted to make sure Lane had plenty to draw from for Darren and Drew.

Simultaneously, Lane sent white ropes of healing into Darren and Drew.  In a dilemma because Darren was so weak, he looked through Pat’s Avatar and knew just how far he could push it and minimize the trauma to Darren’s weakened body. Drew was weak, too; whatever he had done to form that shield and help Darren drained him to a dangerously low state.

As the white rope entered Darren his body arched up, nearly throwing Drew off him. Consciousness returned, and he instinctively wrapped his arms around Drew, holding him tightly as his brothers healed them both.

Darren’s presence flooded into the link. Tears streamed down their faces, and Darren’s relief was immeasurable. Not just his body and mind, but his soul was restored, and even more important to him the presence of Pat and his brothers within him.

Shielding the penguins, Loy commanded them to get in the water and out of the way. It was as much for their safety as it was for more room; the cave was crowded with all of them present. The birds could stay underwater for nearly twenty minutes before having to come back up. As long as they remained in the area where the pressure was altered, they would be fine.

Pat: Dar! God, I thought I lost you!

Even though Darren’s body was healed, the experience of everything was fresh and present inside him. Pat’s arms surrounded him, and his brothers wrapped their hearts and minds around him, but he was hurt. His emotional and spiritual trauma was harsh and he needed time to recover. Pat held him with desperate strength, seeing and Understanding the hurt in him. Trying to merge with Darren, Pat was shocked when Darren rebuffed him.

No! Pat! Not yet! I…I’m sorry, but I need… time. You know I love you, but I’m not ready. There’s too much I don’t want you to see.

Pat’s pain, the shock of not being allowed inside the other half of his soul was mind-numbing, adding to Darren’s damage. As difficult as it was to articulate, Darren couldn’t and didn't want to forget everything he just went through. He didn’t want to make it as if it never happened, and he didn’t want to flood Pat and his brothers with his brokenness. Even knowing they meant well, he held everything back, not ready for them to see what Luke did to him and not wanting it to spread to them by merging with them.

The discomfort at the barrier he erected was palpable. Through the link, their soothing presence washed over him on the surface, but it didn’t begin to touch the ugliness of what happened inside him.

Pat’s Avatar glowed brightly in the cave as he looked at the man he loved more than anything. Pat saw the turmoil in Darren, but it rocked him down to his core that Darren would shut him out. After his desperation to reach Darren and finally make it, only to be rebuffed, was like a kick in the nuts.

Rushing forward, Henry lifted Drew into his arms, making a conscious effort not to squeeze him too tightly. Tears of relief filled his eyes as he cradled Drew against him. He had no idea yet what Drew had gone through, but it wasn't good based on the scene waiting for them.

Trapped by Brad and howling in pain and rage, the demon twisted, straining to break free.

Ken?

Bill, read him. I’m bettin’ he knows where Thomin is.

As Bill moved forward, the demon screamed his defiance. His loyalty was to The Dark One, and with that loyalty came a willingness to sacrifice himself rather than betray his Master. Knowing his existence would end, he turned his black power inwards, destroying himself to protect his Master’s secrets.

Bill: Fuck!

The Demon’s howling shriek faded as his essence and corporeal form were obliterated.

Darren’s clothes were stiff and dark with dried blood, and he looked a mess. He trembled, and his face exhibited a blank expression they weren’t used to seeing.

Stepping forward, Ken pulled Darren into a hug, and Darren’s arms wrapped around Ken, squeezing as hard as he could

Ken: Are you ready to get out of here, Dar?

Darren: Not only yes, but hell, yes! Henry, is Drew alright?

Henry: I don’t know yet. He’s still unconscious, but he doesn’t look hurt.

Brad viewed everything through his Avatar. Darren's emotional trauma was so intense it was painful to look at, and Pat wasn’t in much better shape. Brad’s mind was on overdrive thinking of the best approach to handle what happened to Darren. Moaning, Drew’s eyes slowly fluttered open. Seeing Henry, his eyes immediately filled with hot tears.

“Daddy! I’m sorry!”

Henry and all of them were shocked, and Henry hugged him tighter. 

“Drew? Sorry for what, honey?”

“I tried to save him! I tried so hard! I pushed and pushed, but I wasn’t strong enough!”

Drew’s words were barely discernable, and some of what he was saying didn’t make sense. It dawned on them that he thought Darren was dead. Drew was tightly shielded at the moment, and neither Brad nor Henry wanted to try and force him into a link. He didn’t have enough control yet, and as distraught as he was, it might hurt him.

Moving over immediately, Darren cupped the top of Drew’s head, saying, “Hey, Tiger! Drew, look at me! It’s Uncle Darren, buddy! I’m fine! I’m alive because of you!”

Drew’s eyes went wide when he heard Darren’s voice, and Henry nearly dropped him as he spun around, reaching for Darren. Darren put his arms around Henry and Drew at the same time, and Drew cried, sandwiched between the two big men.

Henry continued his soothing dialogue, “It’s okay, Drew, Uncle Darren’s fine! You saved him, Tiger. You did it!”

Crushing his face against Darren’s neck, Drew hugged him as tightly as he could, crying, “I thought you died!”

Darren’s eyes filled with tears, too, and his throat tightened up. He laughed at himself for calling Ken a crybaby when the same thing happened to him. Darren’s voice was quiet and intense. he had one arm wrapped around Henry, and with his other hand, he pulled Drew’s cheek against his own, giving him a kiss.

“You saved me, Drew. No one else in the world could have, but you did. I owe you my life. You’re the bravest little boy in the world. I love you, Tiger.”

Emotions were high, yet Pat watched everything from a few feet away, feeling like an outcast. He wanted Darren in his arms and to merge with the other half of his soul. His own experience wasn’t nearly as traumatic as Darren’s, but the separation from his lover had taken its toll on him.

While they were still filled with power, Bill looked with his Avatar, stumbling against Kevin as the intensity of everything hit him. Much of what happened to Darren and Drew became a part of him, and he realized more had happened than they were aware of, which explained some of Darren’s odd behavior. He saw another boy in the cave with Drew, which shocked him. His mind recorded and stored it all, but he pushed further back in time. Kevin’s arms wrapped around him from behind, supporting him physically as well as in his mind and heart.

You aren’t alone, Bill. I’m with you through all of this. We’ll watch it together and share everything.

Bill’s love for Kevin rose to the surface, and wrapping his hands around Kevin’s forearms, he leaned his head back against Kevin’s shoulder, resting his cheek against Kevin’s neck. Focusing, he saw the doctor appear in front of Thomin.

<> 

“Thank you for hearing me.”

Thomin’s manner was aloof and arrogant: “I know what you carry inside you.”

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

Thomin gazed at him intensely, looking at the magic intertwined with his soul.

“Yes. It will be painful 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 much since I wore it last. I will need your promise that if I need to retrieve it, you will return it to me.”

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

The doctor replied, “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 for The Mantle to be removed as well.”

They both spun around in surprise as Luke appeared a few feet from them.

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

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.

“You cannot have The Mantle! It is mine!”

Thomin sounded like a petulant child.

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

The doctor tore off his jacket and ripped open his shirt. He heard buttons click on the stone floor as they popped off. The doctor grimaced in pain as he cut into his body with his fingernails, using his own blood to trace a rune on his body.

The doctor’s eyes flashed white as he sent a private thought to Thomin. Thomin’s body shielded the doctor from Luke’s line of sight, preventing Luke from seeing what he had done. Thomin’s eyes widened in surprise when he saw the rune torn into the flesh of the doctor’s body.

With inhuman speed, Thomin placed his hand on the doctor’s chest, and a white burst of light exploded. Empowering the rune, Thomin sent Luke far away. It was a Rune of Banishment, but the doctor did not know the rune for Luke’s true name, so the spell was only partially effective.

The doctor screamed as the power ripped through him, nearly tearing him apart.

Luke screamed in surprise as he was banished against his will. Suddenly, the cavern was silent once again except for the harsh breathing of the doctor.

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

Aaron’s face registered surprise. Thomin raised his hand, and there was another flash of light, and suddenly the doctor was inside the vault with The Mantle still inside him, encapsulated in the soft blue magic, frozen and outside of time.

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

Luke appeared in a thunderous blast of power, “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 is in the vault now and safe from your hands.”

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

Demons appeared around them, and black chains of energy wrapped around Thomin.

“Open the vault, Thomin! Do not defy me!”

“The Mantle is mine! He gave it to me! Not you! You cannot have it!”

“You are a child, Thomin, for all your age. I will enjoy this.”

Luke motioned to the demons and said, “Bring him. We will see how long he lasts before he changes his mind.”

They all vanished.

<> 

They knew what happened to the doctor, but they still had no idea where Luke took Thomin.

Ken: Fuck!

Bill: Sorry, Ken, there’s nothing else to see.

Ken: I know, Bill. We know more than we did, thanks to you. I’m just pissed we still don’t know what ‘ta do about the doc. He’s just a few feet away behind those doors, and he might as well be a million miles away!

Lane: We should take down the wards Luke put up while we’re here. If Dar is up for it, we can do it.

Darren: No problem. I’m with you.

Glancing at Darren and then Pat, Brad asked: Are you sure, Dar?

Darren: Yeah, let’s do it.

Henry: I’m with you guys, but I want to get Drew out of here ASAP. If one demon made it through, more can. I know you can deal with them, but he doesn’t need to be exposed to anything else.

Ken: You’re right. B, fire us up.

Brad’s eyes went white as he pulled everyone together. Darren still kept a place inside him inaccessible to any of them, and it was painful and uncomfortable, not just for everyone but also for him.

Henry: Pull from me, Brad, if you need to.

Drew said out loud, “Me too, Uncle Brad. I want to help.”

They hadn’t shielded their discussion and didn’t realize Drew was listening.

Opening their energy centers one at a time, Brad wove the three flows into a bright white rope of light. Now they were together again, Ken bound their Avatars, and the runes on their shoulders transformed into the master rune. Brad pulled from Henry and lightly from Drew so he would feel included.

Their power clashed with the protections Luke placed. They dug deep, but Darren single-handedly provided them with the extra power needed. The strength came from the place he kept hidden, and it was shocking how powerful he was. In a matter of minutes, the only wards on Thomin’s vault were the ones Thomin incorporated into the cave originally; any influence from Luke was gone.

It was an effort, and they all sweated, breathing heavily when it was done. Still shirtless, the freezing cold of the cave made itself felt.

“Very impressive. I see why you are continuously underestimated.”

The deep voice surprised them, and they spun around to see Orophir standing by the water’s edge.

“When the protections lifted, I slipped in.”

Standing before them, he was invisible to their senses. Pat’s Avatar revealed the connection between the many rings and the Amulet he wore and their inability to sense him.

Ken stepped forward, asking, “What’re you doin’ here? We aren’t in the mood to be fucked with, so get ‘ta the point.”

Ken grimaced when he realized he used the f-bomb in front of Drew.

Henry couldn’t help but grin when Drew piped up, “That’s two bad words, Uncle Ken.”

Lane snickered: So hard to look the fearless leader and be all impressive when a five-year-old calls you out on your language in front of the bad guy, huh?

Whispering to Drew, Henry said, “I’ll talk to him later, honey. Be quiet, and watch.”

Orophir looked around the room, at the chains on the floor and the equipment Drew used to cut them … And his eyes landed on the stone. He didn’t know what it was, but he recognized an object of power when he saw one.

Vanishing, the stone appeared in Darren’s hand.

Brad asked, “What is it you want, Orophir?”

He seemed hesitant, taking a deep breath. His handsome face looked strained, but he said, “I wish to help you. I owe you, Brad Wilson, for what you showed me. I know where The Dark One holds Thomin. He is close to breaking, and you must hurry if you wish to rescue him.”

Looking at him intently, Brad asked, “Who are you, Orophir? We appreciate the help, and we’re grateful, but why? Is this a one-time thing, or have you had a permanent change of heart?”

Conflicted, Orophir said, “My identity must remain a secret for now. As for a change of heart, I do not know. I take great risk in helping you, but I have taken precautions. What you showed me opened my eyes in many ways, and I have learned even more. Please keep the source of Thomin’s location to yourselves. It would not go well for me if it were discovered I am the one who aided you.”

Ken pushed, “Like Brad said, we’re grateful for your help, but without more ‘ta go on we can’t trust you. If your help pans out, we can talk more.”

Spreading his hands in a gesture of goodwill, Orophir said, “I can ask no more.”

A memory sphere appeared over his hand and floated over to Ken.

“That is Thomin’s location.”

With that, he vanished back across the veil.

Stating the obvious, Lane said, “Didn’t see that coming.”

Looking at Brad, Ken asked, “How long should we wait?”

“If he’s across the veil, he could be anywhere by now. I say go ahead.”

Ken’s eyes flashed white, and he looked upwards. Their Avatars glowed in conjunction, and Ken’s voice echoed with power.

Michael! We have Thomin’s location. The protections around the vault are gone.

With a sound of fluttering wings, Michael appeared in front of them along with Raphael, Gabriel, Barachiel, and Remiel.

They had never seen Michael in his battle regalia, wearing a full set of rune-covered armor so bright they could hardly look at him. They had seen his sword the first time they met him but never his armor, and he was imposing. The other angels wore similar armor, with each set unique to the wearer.

Holding out the memory sphere, Ken said, “Here you go. There isn’t much time.”

Michael, Raphael, Gabriel, and Barachiel vanished.

Remiel remained, moving to Darren. His voice intense and quiet, he asked, “Are you alright?”

Lowering his head, Darren said, “No, I don’t think so. Not yet.”

Remiel seemed at a loss for words, but he embraced his grandson. 

“I am here for you, Darren. I can help you if you let me.”

“Maybe soon, grandfather, but not yet. I have some things to sort out first.”

“Know you are loved. Patrick loves you dearly, as does everyone here. I can see it. Do not suffer needlessly, Daren. I will make myself available anytime you call.”

Darren blushed a deep red, but with the barrier up it was unclear if it was from anger, embarrassment, or shame.

His eyes glassy, he said, “Thanks. You should go. They might need you.”

“Very well. Walk in the light, Darren. You are filled with it still, even if you do not think you are. We will talk soon.”

Remiel vanished.

Silence fell over the cave for a moment. To break the silence, Loy summoned the penguins out of the water.

As soon as Drew saw them, he got a wide-eyed look on his face and practically yelled, “Daddy, look! Penguins!”

Shooting out of the water, they landed on their feet, waddling over to Loy. Drew scrambled down from Henry’s arms and moved over to them. They were taller than him, and he wasn’t sure what to make of them. Getting on his knees, staring wide-eyed, he looked up at them.

Loy said, “Go ahead and pet them, Drew. It’s safe.”

Even though Drew’s mind was open, it was unclear if he was considered an original man yet or not. The doctor told Henry Drew would continue to grow until he reached ‘the perfect age’ and then he would be immortal like the rest of them, assuming he survived his seventh birthday. Loy lessened his presence in the giant birds until they were aware of him, but he wasn’t controlling them in any way, wanting to see how they felt about Drew.

The Penguins didn’t exhibit the same sense of completeness or contentment with Drew that they did towards Henry or any of the guys, so that wasn’t a part of Drew’s nature yet. Re-exerting his influence to make sure they didn’t become aggressive, they sat docilely and let Drew pet them.

Ken said, “Okay, guys, let’s get back ‘ta the boat. Drew, you’re gonna’ love ZEUS. It goes really fast. The penguins are comin’ with us, at least for a bit, but we have to send them home soon.”

Loy left a command for a small pod of dolphins to stay near ZEUS, and looking through their eyes he shared a clear picture of the dive deck for them to teleport to.

Dar, you want to do the honors? It’s been a chore hauling the fat asses around without you.

Darren’s blank expression changed, and one dimple showed in a lopsided grin.

“I can’t believe you sissies. Now that you know how valuable I am, my rates are going up!”

Synchronizing their Avatars, it felt perfect for all of them to be together, except for the gulf between Pat and Darren and the wall Darren kept inside himself.

Ken wanted to address it soon, but Brad sent him a private thought: Ken, you’re the only one of us who has personal experience with what Dar went through. You know how it messed with you… He’s going to need time to get over this, even with our help. We can’t just merge and make all our problems go away. He needs to get back with Pat first, and once they work things out, everything else will follow. We need to be available to both of them, Pat as much as Dar until this situation is resolved.

You’re right as always, B.

I love you, Ken Habersham. Situations like this just drive it home.

I love you too, B. Now let’s hope Michael and the others rescue Thomin so we can get the doc out of the vault.

<><> 

They appeared on the deck of ZEUS. Darren teleported the penguins with them, but there wasn’t enough room for all of them plus the giant birds, so he had them appear over the water, repositioning them to dive beak-first. He exerted enough influence to make them aware of the change, so they weren’t scared. The Penguins thought the change great fun, and Loy’s handsome face broke into a smile.

After the biting cold of the cave, the warmth and humidity of the open-air felt wonderful. Everyone cleared the dive deck, making their way to the main lounge while Brad went up to the control room to check on things.

<><> 

As soon as they appeared on the Yacht, Ken heard Michael’s voice in his mind.

We were in time. Thomin is alive. I will let you know something soon about Aaron Thomas. Be at ease, Ken.

Relief flooded through all of them. The doctor was still trapped in the vault and safe, but now they knew he would be back with them soon.

<><> 

Once back and safe, Darren’s first thought was to have a shower. Hanging back by the door to the dive deck, each of his brothers touched Pat as they made their way into the lounge, knowing how upset he was. After Darren rebuffed him, Pat was unsure if he should follow, so he stood awkwardly by himself.

Stopping, Darren looked back, holding out his hand and asking, “You coming?”

Relieved, Pat’s eyes misted. Darren dropped himself and Pat out of the group link, forming a private one. His guilt over hurting Pat in the cave was painful, and he kept their conversation light while they walked down the hallway.

Damn, Pat, this boat is something else! Where’s the shower on this tub?

Acutely aware of Pat’s confusion, once they stood in the master suite Darren saw the redness in Pat’s eyes as he struggled with his emotions.

Darren said, “Hey, Pat, come here.”

The two big men nearly rammed each other in their eagerness to embrace, the muscles in their arms tightening from the strength of their grip on one another.

I’m sorry about earlier, Pat. I really am. There’s something inside me right now I don’t want you to see. You mistook that for rejection, and I’m sorry; that’s my fault. It was harsh, and I’m so, so sorry.

I get it, Dar; it’s okay. It shook me, but yeah, I get it.

I know I smell pretty bad. Will you help me out of these clothes and get cleaned up?

You smell perfect to me, Dar. You smell alive.

Neither man moved, continuing to rest against one another for a few minutes.

Pressing his face against Pat’s chest, Darren inhaled his lover’s scent; the comfort of their bodies touching was a balm to both of them. Choking up, Pat started sobbing and squeezed Darren tighter.

I’m sorry, Dar. I thought you were gone, and I would never see you again, and I don’t know what’s going on with you right now. I see a lot of things inside you, more than you think. You’re not letting me in, and I don’t know what to make of that. I thought we could share anything.

Is the shower big enough for both of us?

We’ll make it work. I need to feel you against me. I need to take care of you. I need you in my heart. You need me in yours, too. Why won’t you let me in?

Even for a luxury yacht, the shower was huge and big enough for a small group of average adults. There was plenty of room for the two big men, although they both wished it was smaller so they could press tighter together.

Pat stripped Darren’s clothes off carefully. His body was healed, but the dried blood stuck to his skin in numerous spots. Darren could have teleported out of his clothes but wanted Pat to help him. He wanted Pat’s hands on him, and Pat wanted to touch him.

Once naked, they stepped under the steaming spray, and Pat started washing him. Pat’s firm but tender touch started Darren crying again. After a few minutes Darren completely broke down, and Pat grabbed him, holding him close as the water cascaded over their muscled bodies, letting him cry as long as he needed to.

They held each other as if their lives depended on it, and they did, but Pat didn’t push deeper than Darren was willing to let him. He knew Darren better than anyone, and with his Understanding he saw Darren’s pain but not the cause or meaning.

I’m with you, Dar. Now and always, I’m here. I’ll be whatever you need me to be, you know that. Don’t be afraid for me, and don’t be afraid of me.

Pat held Darren until the water turned cold, and after drying each other they moved to the master bedroom. With mirrors everywhere, it was apparent the room was designed for sex. No matter where they looked or at what angle, they could see each other. Their naked bodies looked hot to one another, and it started the fires of their physical desire.

Crawling onto the bed, Pat spooned Darren. It was warm and muggy, and even with the fans on they were sweating lightly. They looked incredibly handsome and beautiful to one another as their skin shone with the glow of health in the dim lighting.

Please show me, Dar. Let me carry whatever’s inside you. You’ve never kept anything from me; you know you don’t have to. I’ll accept it no matter what it is, you know that.

I don’t want you to see that part of me, Pat. It’s ugly. I don’t like it, and I’m afraid of it.

Nothing about you is ugly, Dar. If it’s a part of you, I want to see it. Don’t you get that? If the tables were turned, wouldn’t you want me to share whatever it was with you?

Even with Darren’s back to him, Pat saw Darren’s dimples in the mirrors.

That’s different.

Pat laughed, and Darren loved the feeling of his hard body moving against him. The warmth of Pat’s skin, slightly slick with sweat, glided against his own. The firmness of his body, coupled with the softness of his skin and the sensation of his laughter and body hair, sent impulses Darren couldn’t control straight to his groin.

Reaching down, Pat gripped Darren, holding him in his hand. There were few things in their lives together Pat loved more than the feeling of how hard Darren got for him. He knew precisely how and where to touch Darren to get him going. He loved the velvety foreskin now there, and fascinated by it, he retracted it.

Shivering in pleasure, Darren started leaking immediately. After everything he experienced, Pat wanted to give him comfort and pleasure and let him know how loved he was. Amping up his aura, Pat literally wrapped Darren up in his arms, body, and soul while his hand worked its magic.

Darren needed the release badly, and they both knew it, so instead of prolonging and edging him like he sometimes did, Pat focused on getting him off. With Pat’s heightened sense of touch, he felt Darren’s heartbeat against his chest and through his manhood.

Pat held Darren tighter as his body tensed and fresh sweat broke out across his muscled frame.  Pat’s erection pulsed hotly against Darren’s lower back as Pat spooned against him, and he thrust his hips slightly, grinding himself against the small of Darren’s back.

Darren didn’t last long. Overwhelmed, he let himself be held and pleasured by his lover, and within seconds his release covered his tight stomach.

Holding Darren until his trembling subsided, Pat then rolled him over to lick up every drop of his discharge, expanding his mind as Darren’s DNA fueled their supernatural bond. He continued kissing and licking his way down, finally taking Darren into his mouth. Darren never went soft, and within a few minutes, he released another load into his lover’s warm mouth and throat.

Tears spilled nonstop down Darren’s face from the love wrapped around him. He realized his brothers were with him too. Brad was sometimes too subtle and must have brought Pat and Darren into a light link while they made love. Not enough to intrude, but enough to let their love and care for him add to Pat’s.

Darren chuckled and looked at Pat.

I bet we start feeling them in a few minutes. I know those horndogs too well… What we just did will set them off.

Pat grinned too, although his thoughts turned slightly melancholy.

Poor Henry. He’s all alone and doesn’t have this like we do. He’ll be all horned up and by himself, and he has to take care of Drew. I wish there was something we could do for him.

Darren: This isn’t really the time to bring it up, but if Henry ever wanted to join us for a threesome, I’d be up for it. I don’t think he ever would, but if you didn't mind, I wouldn’t either. You know I love you, and nothing will touch that, but I’d do it for him to bring him comfort. I bet most of us would.

Pat: If the timing is ever right, we can ask him, or he’ll see this conversation at some point when we merge with him. I don’t think he’ll be offended, even if he doesn’t want to do it. To be honest, I think he’d be flattered.

Their conversation lapsed as Darren and Pat rested in each other, but that place was still inside Darren he kept locked away.

After a while, Darren rolled over onto his stomach.

I want you in me, Pat. I need to feel you in me, just like your heart and your arms around me.

Cupping Darren’s chin, Pat brought his face around so they could kiss again. Caressing Darren’s face tenderly, he ran his fingers through Darren’s short, sweat-dampened hair. Their eyes met, and Darren shifted their sight so they could see the change in their eyes, Darren’s piercing green ringed by Pat’s dark brown and vice versa. For the next hour, Pat proceeded to make love to Darren, making him feel safe and loved just like he wanted and needed.

When they were done, Pat reclined on his back with Darren partially draped over him, running a hand slowly over Pat wherever he could reach. They didn’t talk most of the time; they were simply together. Pat felt better about both of them, and Darren sensed it.

I’m sorry, Pat. I still don’t want you to see what’s inside me, but I’ll share it with you. You’re right. I need you with me on this. I don’t want to show it to the guys yet. I know I’ll have to eventually, but not yet. Help me make them understand.

Of course, Dar. I’m here when you’re ready.

Taking the barrier down, Pat saw everything Darren held back. He was shocked at first, and Darren mentally flinched, but Pat pulled him closer.

You’re right, Dar, it’s not pretty, but it’s a part of you, and like I said, I want to know every part. What do you think unconditional love is all about? You were hurt. Luke hurt you in a way we didn’t think possible. The rage and hate in you towards him… well, we should talk to the doc when he’s back with us, but I’m not sure Luke falls into the category of unconditional love. He’s not human for one thing, and what he did to you was beyond cruel. If he succeeded, and you were still alive but something else I could never touch again … I’m not sure I could have survived. I feel some of the same things you do, just not as strongly.

You were so brave, Dar. None of us knows how we’ll react to something like that until it happens to us. But you were strong. You didn’t give him anything. You made him take everything from you and didn’t give an inch. I knew you’d be furious at us for sending Drew, but we didn’t have a choice. He was there for you, not you for him, even though I knew you wouldn’t see it that way.

 I don’t like feeling like this, Pat. It’s not who I am. He pushed me past what I could take, and now what I’m feeling is what’s left. I’m in damage control. The hate and anger… it’s there. It’s a storm inside me, and I don’t know what to do with it. If I hold it in, I’m not sure what it will do to me or us, but I don’t know how to let it go. I don’t want to just let it go. He can’t get away with what he did to me as if it never happened. It happened to me.

Darren cried as they talked, and Pat continued to hold him. Crying with the other half of his soul, Pat took the rage and hate, making it his own. He made sure Darren knew how unshakable their love was, despite everything. Strong enough for his lover, Pat became what he needed to be.

As the emotional trauma caught up with them, they fell asleep. Brad kept them tightly together, wrapped in the net of support while they slept. Their unconscious minds were aware of it, and their hearts were comforted.

Waking a few times during the night, they made love each time. Insatiable, Darren needed it, needing to feel safe and fulfilled. By morning they were fully rested, but now they both had a place inside them they held back from their brothers.

<><><> 

As soon as they got back to ZEUS, Henry took Drew to their cabin. So wound up when they first arrived, he couldn’t stop talking. He was exhausted and running on adrenaline, and Henry needed to get him clean, warm, and in bed.

Except for the master suite, every two cabins on ZEUS shared a bathroom with a large shower. Knowing Pat and Darren were in the master suite, Henry picked a room furthest away, hoping the hot water would last long enough to get Drew warm and clean.

Hopping under the water with his son, he washed him from head to toe. Unable to help himself, periodically he stopped just to hold Drew against him, his relief at having his son back and safe almost too much to take. Every time he stopped, Drew’s arms went around his neck, loving his dad and feeling safe again.  Drew’s own compassion for his dad was evident, as he instinctively knew what his dad needed.

Once the excitement wore off and he was clean and warm, Drew faded fast. Henry laid down with him until Drew fell asleep, staying with him while his own tears came. Not wanting Drew to see him upset, he kept himself in check, but once Drew was asleep, Henry sobbed hard for a few minutes as he cradled Drew’s small body. He looked so pale Henry was worried. Lane healed his body and restored his energy levels to normal, but something didn’t seem right. He would let Drew sleep himself out and see how he felt when he woke up.

Even though he was overjoyed at Darren being back safe, he still didn’t know what Drew went through. Somehow the stone was there, and more happened than any of them knew. Drew even faced off with a demon! He had been so brave, but Henry was afraid of the cost. What would happen when he woke up and remembered everything?

He railed again at the injustice of it all and the weight of the Curse that rested on the shoulders of a little boy, one he loved so much. Henry recalled his own epiphany about what mattered most to people, of being known and understood. Liz was taken from Drew, and she was a significant source of what mattered to him. There is nothing like a mother’s love for her child, and Henry needed to find a way to replace that, but felt woefully inadequate. He loved Drew with all his heart but knew it wasn’t the same. Not wanting to be alone with his thoughts, he made sure Drew was comfortable and left him to sleep peacefully. Henry was too wound up to sleep and knew if he stayed there, his thoughts would tailspin.

He went back to the lounge area to see who might be around. Bryan piddled in the galley and Lane was with him, chattering as usual. Brad and Ken were above deck in the control room.

Loy, Rick, Bill, and Kevin were swimming with the penguins and dolphins.

When Bryan saw Henry, he asked, “How’s Drew? Is he okay?”

It was apparent Henry had been crying, and Bryan moved over, pulling him into a tight hug.

He asked quietly, “Are you okay?”

Coming up behind him, Lane put his arms around Henry from behind, so he was sandwiched between the two big men. Their embrace started the tears flowing again, but he needed comfort, and he wasn’t ashamed anymore to admit it.

“I’m sorry, guys. Thanks.”

“Fucker, you never need to say you’re sorry. All of us were afraid for Drew; we get it. But you’re his dad, and a great dad too. Drew’s a lucky little fucker.”

“Thanks for saying that, Bry.”

“Just the truth, Henry.”

Bryan pulled back and said, “I’ll have some chow ready in a bit. Some of the guys are out swimming if you want to join them. I’ll be out as soon as I get things in the oven.”

“That sounds great. I think I’ll join them. Lane, you coming?”

Glancing at Bryan, Lane asked, “You need my help?”

Rolling his eyes, Bryan said, “Go. I’ll be out in a sec.”

With his mischievous grin, Lane put an arm around Henry’s shoulders and went with him out onto the deck.

<><> 

Henry took off his boat shoes and was just about to dive into the water when Loy shouted, “Whoah! What do you think you’re doing?”

Dumbfounded, he said, “Uhhh… Going swimming?”

All the guys wore huge grins, and Loy nodded to the end of the dive deck. Henry looked, and there was a pile of everybody’s shorts and shoes.

Laughing, Henry shucked off his suit and said, “My bad. I should have known if there was a chance to be naked, you pervs would take it.”

Kevin laughed, saying, “You know you love it too, Henry. It feels great, so why not?”

Smirking as he looked at Henry’s long flaccid dick, Loy said, “Don’t worry, Henry, I’ll keep the big fish away. If they see that thing they’ll get hungry, and some of the fish around here have teeth!”

“Very funny!”

About that time, Ken’s deep baritone shouted, “CANNONBALL!” and his big body came sailing from the control deck at the top of the Yacht, landing right in the middle of everybody.

A second later, Brad appeared naked in the air about thirty feet up, doing a perfect dive right after Ken.

Looking on in wonder, Henry sheepishly asked, “You think I could try that? It looks hella fun.”

Bill said, “You don’t have to be bashful about asking Henry. Not only are we used to seeing you naked now, but you’re one of us. What’s ours is yours, and what’s yours is ours… if that makes sense.”

Before Henry could even think of a witty retort, Lane pushed him off the deck.

“Quit showing off and get your ass in the water!”

That started a round of laughter and splashing. Henry had never swum with dolphins before and was amazed at how they felt and how strong they were. Loy called a whale, and they all got on its back. Henry wished Drew was awake to be a part of it.

Picking up on his thought, Brad said, “We’re still waiting to hear on what’s happening with the doc, Henry. We’re in no rush to leave, and once the doc is safe, we can hang out here a few days and take advantage of this amazing boat. We’ll make sure Drew has a good time. We still need to find out what he went through when he wakes up.”

Henry’s expression turned serious, and he said, “I don’t know what to make of the stone being there. How could that happen?”

Lane said, “We don’t know yet, Henry, but we’ll figure it out.”

Coming out, Bryan stripped off his shorts, saying, “Food’ll be ready in about an hour, fuckers.”

Grinning, he cannonballed, splashing everybody. Henry got his wish when Brad, Lane, Bill, and Loy teleported him high up in the air so he could dive or cannonball to his heart’s content. Since he didn’t have the extra density Ken and the others did, it wasn’t any effort for the four of them to do it without Darren.

Suddenly, Pat and Darren’s auras washed over them as they made love to one another.

Chuckling, Lane said, “Here we go! Up periscopes!”

They all laughed at the old Navy joke about having a hard-on while swimming. None of them could help it; the energy enveloped them through the link Brad set up, and it hit them hard and fast. Henry wasn’t embarrassed about his erection, but he did feel awkward being the only straight, single man there, making him the odd man out. If he wasn’t there, the others would be more open to taking care of each other.

Brad’s Avatar clearly saw Henry’s discomfort over the situation. The others became aware of it too, and Henry blushed a deep crimson.

Chuckling, he said, “Sorry guys, I don’t mean to cramp your style.”

Lane retorted, saying, “None of these ladies have any style to cramp, Henry.”

Brad winked at Ken, who continued, “The question is what are we gonna’ do about it. Drew’s asleep, and Pat and Dar are doin’ their thing, and we’re all stuck out here. There’s no real privacy on this tub. It’s too small for us not ‘ta bump into each other.

“We’d never ask ‘ya to do anythin’ you’re uncomfortable with Henry, but we feel bad you’re by yourself, and we don’t like that. You’re straight, so we’re not askin’ you to play around with any of us. Well, at least me and B aren’t, but if any of these other horndogs want to, that’s up to them. For now, though, I say we take care of business and put matters into our own hands. I’m gonna’ jerk off. If you or any of these other ladies wanna join me, that’s cool. After what they’re puttin’ out, my dick’s not goin’ down without some attention, and since I can’t disappear with B, the only option is out here. We don’t usually do stuff like this, but I don’t want you ‘ta feel left out, so I’m hopin’ everybody’ll join in, includin’ you. Hell, after mergin’ and bein’ naked around each other, what’s the big deal?”

Henry thought about it for a second. The part about being naked and merging was really the point. He had bared his soul to these men whom he considered his brothers. They were all guys and had needs, and there was no embarrassment about that. He had never jerked off in front of another guy before Albrecht taught him his tantric practice to boost his own strength and mental powers. He also remembered how turned on he had been at the thought.

Grinning, Henry said, “I’m game if you guys are!”

Smiling back, Ken said, “Atta, boy!”

It was no big deal, and they kept it toned down for Henry’s sake, so no one helped each other out. Everybody took care of themselves and didn’t put on a show. The freedom of being naked in the ocean and in the fresh air was a bit of its own aphrodisiac for many of them, and it was over in a few minutes.

After everyone finished, Lane said, “I’m glad there’s a strong current here. I hope you fat asses didn’t kill any fish!”

They all laughed, but Loy steered all the sea life away for a few minutes just to be safe. The DNA from Ken, Ricky, Kevin, and Bryan could kill a normal person if ingested, but they had no idea about other mammals, and the idea set off a whole string of sheep jokes that had them in tears.

More relaxed afterward, they treaded water while talking. Henry wasn’t as strong a swimmer as the rest of the guys; their SEAL training was evident. He wasn’t winded and had the leg strength, but his legs began to cramp. He started to get out of the water but didn’t really want to. The water was the perfect temperature in the heat and humidity, and he admitted to himself being naked outside felt damn nice.

Laughing at himself, he thought: I could easily become a nudist.

Calling him back, Kevin said, “Henry, get back here. Guys, circle up! Henry, this is a maneuver we used to do in the Navy.”

Everyone got in a circle with their arms around each other’s shoulders, forming a ring to help support one another as they treaded water.

Next to Henry, Ken coached him on the proper form to maximize his efforts and minimize his physical output. Even though Henry appeared older than the guys by a few years, they were decades older calendar-wise. They accepted him as one of them but had more experience and always coached him in little ways without ever patronizing him or making him feel inferior or embarrassed.

Ken was a natural leader, especially when it came to physical teaching. He had a natural charisma that made Henry want to follow him and make him proud. Swimming next to him with an arm around Henry’s shoulder, Ken gave him a squeeze in approval when he adjusted his kick and immediately felt the difference. Lane sent a light trickle of healing into Henry’s legs to stop his cramps, and he continued with ease.

He had a brief, sad thought about wishing he had grown up with brothers like these as a young man. His family was broken, and he lost touch with his parents as a teenager when he left home after high school.

Continuing to talk, they kept the conversation light. Christmas came up, and ideas were thrown out on how they would handle presents for each other. Bill brought up the orphanage, asking for opinions on something to do for the kids there.

Henry voiced a concern that had been on his mind for a while.

“Guys, this Christmas is going to be rough on Drew. Liz told me how much he’s into the holiday, and her not being around is going to hit him hard. I’ve got to come up with something special for him. I have no idea what, but be thinking about it, okay?”

Knowing how important Thanksgiving was to Bryan, and with the Holiday almost on top of them, Ken brought up the idea, depending on the doctor's situation, of having it on ZEUS. With Darren’s help, it would be easy if Bryan wanted to do it.

A few minutes before the timer in the kitchen was due to go off, Brad got a tingling in his gut, and everybody was instantly alert. Michael appeared on the dive deck along with Raphael, Gabriel, and Uriel, in their usual attire. Michael didn’t look happy, and Ken had a sinking feeling in his stomach.

He asked, “What’s wrong? Where’s the doc? We thought he’d be with you?”

As usual, when Michael was upset, Raphael answered for him.

“Thomin is back but refuses to free the doctor. He said they had an agreement, and he is being petulant. He knows the doctor cannot fulfill the agreement while he is in the vault. We are at a stalemate.”

Incredulous, Brad blurted out, “What the hell? After everything we just went through, he’s going to pull that shit? We just saved his ass from the fire!”

Gritting his teeth, Michael said, “The vault is his province. We cannot interfere, but I do not condone his behavior.”

“Can’t you pull rank on him?”

Gabriel sighed, saying, “If it were only that easy.”

Ken said, “Everybody out, guys. Let’s get our shorts on and have a meetin’ in the lounge.”

A few minutes later they were all inside. They were still wet with their hair on end, and Bill grabbed some towels so they wouldn’t drip all over the furniture. The sun was down, and the lights in the lounge were on.

Turning to Michael, his voice cold steel, Ken asked, “Can you make Thomin come here? I wanna talk ‘ta him.”

Raphael interjected, “You cannot force him, Ken. Brad knows from the alternate reality that Thomin is eccentric for one of our kind.”

Rarely showing anger, Lane’s face was red, and he said, “Just get that bastard here.”

Gabriel said, “You must promise to keep calm. If you agitate him, it will not go well.”

Glaring, Ken said, “We’re not gonna’ coddle him. He’s a fuckin’ archangel for cryin’ out loud. He’s acting like a baby, so we’ll treat him like one.”

Closing his eyes, Uriel shook his head, knowing the situation was going to be difficult.

The archangels' eyes flashed white, and Michael’s voice echoed with power as he called out, “Thomin!”

Nothing happened. Michael’s face turned purple with anger, and he took a deep breath as if he was about to cut loose with a bellow that would shake the world.

Putting a hand on Michael’s heavy shoulder, Raphael said, “Wait, Michael. He’s been terribly hurt. We do not know the full extent of his torture, but you saw him when we arrived. We must be compassionate. If we force him to appear, it will only add to his suffering.”

Raphael’s words were like a slap in the face to Ken, and he felt remorse for not taking into account Thomin’s torture at Luke’s hands. Putting his hands on Ken’s shoulders, Brad gave him a squeeze.

Fuck B, I feel like a heel.

Raphael’s right Ken, but don’t feel bad. You’re focused on getting the doc back, but we need to keep in mind that Thomin suffered as much or more than Darren.

You’re right.

Looking at the situation through Brad’s Avatar, Ken’s eyes misted over. His brothers were with him, sharing his anger, but their attitude softened with the new perspective.

Ken’s eyes flashed white, his throat tightening as he looked upwards. His own voice echoed with power as he called, “Thomin, please! I’m beggin’ you. I know you were hurt, but one of us was hurt just as bad, and the doc means everythin’ ‘ta us.”

After a slight pause, Thomin appeared before them, not looking well. His physical wounds were healed, but he had a gaunt, haunted look about him. His body exhibited his inner suffering, and they Understood the extent of his torture.

Ken’s voice was almost a whisper, “I’m sorry, Thomin, for what that bastard did ‘ta you, but you have no right ‘ta keep the doc from us.”

“I have every right! I was hurt!”

Sounding like an injured child, he practically screamed at them.

Brad sent a private thought to Raphael.

Why is he so obstinate?

For all his power, Brad, he is a child. I believe his nature is that way because of his province. I admit I do not fully see the wisdom of it, but I am not one to question our Creator.

Henry felt Drew’s hand take his, and in a sleepy voice, he asked, “Daddy, who are all these people?”

Thomin’s yelling woke him, and he wanted to see what was going on. He tiptoed so quietly, none of them heard him come into the lounge. Henry picked him up, and Drew’s arms immediately went around his neck. Not knowing who any of the strange men were, he was apprehensive because Thomin was yelling.

All of them were caught off guard when Michael, Raphael, Gabriel, and Uriel went down on bended knee facing Drew, lowering their heads in homage to the little boy, the bearer of the Curse who held the key to mankind's redemption.

“Drew, these are the grandfathers of some of your uncles.”

Standing, Michael moved close to Drew, saying, “It is a great honor to meet you, young Drew.”

Michael held out his hand, and Drew tentatively took it; his hand looked tiny in Michael’s. Raphael and the others similarly greeted Drew, and surprised curiosity ran through the link at the archangel's unexpected reverence.

Drew, not knowing what to make of their behavior, stayed quiet, looking to Henry for direction. After merging with Darren, Drew knew who they were, but their significance was lost on him.

Henry whispered in his ear, and Drew said, “Hi.”

Looking around, he asked tentatively, “Where’s Doctor Aaron?”

Henry said, “He’s still in the cave, Drew. Come on, let’s get you back to bed. You need to sleep.”

“Can’t I stay for a few minutes? Please? I’ll be quiet, I promise.”

Henry didn’t want more of an interruption, so he let Drew stay. Drew rested his head on Henry’s bare shoulder, quietly watching.

Looking at Thomin, Ken said, “We know what happened, Thomin. We heard the entire conversation you had with the doc. You promised to separate The Mantle from him and keep it safe, and we know you came ‘ta an arrangement with the doc ‘ta get it back. But he can’t honor that agreement while he’s stuck in there. Why won’t you free him?”

“I do not wish to. The Mantle is safe, and so is he. It is mine now, and that is all that matters.”

Michael gave Ken an ‘I told you so’ look of frustration.

Brad asked, “Why? What purpose does it serve? You’re keeping a very important person out of our lives, our father, and we need him. Keep The Mantle but give him back to us.”

“No. I do not wish to. Your concerns are not mine. I am weakened by the torture and do not wish to separate The Mantle from the host. I want to be left alone.”

Uriel said, “We will help you, brother. Separating The Mantle with our aid will be trivial.”

Agitated, Thomin shouted, “NO! I am leaving now. Do not call me again!”

Vanishing, he left them speechless.

His face red with anger, Ken said tightly, “That son of a bitch! Get him back here NOW!”

Putting a hand on Ken’s arm, Brad quickly said, “Ken, wait. If they force him back now, it’s just going to make matters worse. We need to let him calm down. Remember what he just went through, too. We’ll get the doc back, but he’s still safe for now.”

Raphael nodded his acknowledgment of Brad’s words, but Michael looked as furious as Ken.

Lane said, “I have Déjà vu in a bad way. He’s just as much of a prick here as in the alternate reality. We need to find a way to reach him.”

With no mirth in his tone, Gabriel mumbled under his breath, “Good luck with that.”

Loy ran his hand roughly over his face, saying, “We could really use the doc. We need a child psychologist, and Thomin’s basically a child.”

Uriel responded, “He is, and his wounds and hurt are deep. However, he is not human, so do not make the mistake of thinking he is. He only cares about things, not people.”

Michael said, “We will leave you now, Ken. You all did well today. The vault is safe, and its contents secure because of your efforts. You rescued your brother, and he is safe. The day went well. Call us at need.”

Transforming into balls of light, the four archangels disappeared. The room fell quiet, and the breeze coming through the open doors felt warm and fresh. The moon sat above the horizon, lighting the ocean. To Ken and the bodies, it was like daylight outside.

Everyone took a seat and continued to talk, throwing out ideas on approaching or dealing with Thomin. Bill mentioned trading the Book of Loagaeth for the doctor, but with the book still attuned to Darren, they weren’t sure if they could. More than likely, the book would return to them, and there was no telling what Thomin might do if he thought they double-crossed him.

No one knew how he did it, but Bryan managed to produce another round of snacks while they talked. Broiled mushroom caps stuffed with deviled crab and lobster with a sprinkling of garlic buttered parmesan. For Drew, he made ‘pigs in a blanket out of cut-up hot dogs wrapped in dough. Of course, they had little squares of American cheese in them and were the perfect size to dip in ketchup.

Reclining on Henry’s chest, Drew listened to them talk. His stomach full, he was too tired to fall asleep right away, and the sound of their voices soothed him. Henry’s warmth and his strong arms around Drew were incredibly comforting.

Henry worried about filling the gap in Drew’s heart caused by Liz’s absence, and while nothing could replace a mother’s love, Henry filled a place in Drew he could never have imagined.

Drew found so many things comforting about Henry, aside from making him feel safe and loved. Henry wasn’t used to being around children, so he often treated Drew as an adult. The love and care Henry expressed for him… The way he showed Drew how to clean his foreskin after Lane regenerated it, the smell of Henry’s aftershave, the combination of sweat and deodorant after he had been working out all day, the way he made Drew feel safe… Drew loved everything about his new dad. He worshiped the ground Henry walked on, and Henry didn’t need to worry about the place he held in Drew’s heart.

They thought he was asleep, but he listened. In that twilight place between wakefulness and sleep, their voices lulled him into a state of total safety and relaxation. He was surrounded by the best group of men he could imagine, who all loved and cared for him. He saw how much in Darren’s mind and knew how afraid they were for him.

Brad had Drew in a light link with all of them, and his contentment was apparent. The link wasn’t deep enough to hear his thoughts, but they felt his emotions.

Drew’s mind wandered to The Master and what he now knew he had to do. He wondered more about the boy, the other version of himself he saw in the cave. Then he remembered the stone, now in his room, wrapped in a t-shirt in his bag.

<><> 

Drew never woke up when Henry took him to bed. He was warm and relaxed and content to sleep on his dad’s chest. Later in the night, he woke to Henry’s light snoring. Drew loved that sound; it made him sleep better. He had to pee badly, and it took him a few seconds to remember they were on a boat and where the bathroom was.

Henry felt him moving and asked sleepily, “Drew? Are you okay?”

“Yes, Daddy. I have to pee.”

“I shouldn’t have let you drink so much after dinner. Do you need any help working the toilet?”

“No, sir. I can do it.”

“Okay, honey. Come straight back.”

“Yes, Daddy.”

A heavy sleeper, Henry’s words were slurred during their short conversation, and rolling over, he immediately went back to sleep. Drew moved to the bathroom, sliding the door shut. ZEUS gently bobbed in the ocean… the craft was so large the motion was barely noticeable, but it did take some getting used to. His Uncle Lane told Drew he needed to find his ‘sea legs.’

He used one arm to steady himself once he pulled his underwear down and pulled his foreskin back. A sigh of relief left him as the pressure on his bladder immediately lessened. Concentrating so hard on keeping his balance and not making a mess, he woke himself up. He had no idea what time it was other than it was still dark outside. He liked the boat, but he missed the air conditioning of the lab. On the other hand, it was fun being only in shorts with his dad and all his uncles. He had never been in such a warm climate before, or on the ocean, and it felt great to run around mostly naked.

As he pulled his underwear up a thought struck him, and his eyes widened. He knew he should wake up his dad and talk about it, but after the way Thomin acted, he didn’t want his dad or any of his uncles getting into a fight.

Drew was still too young to realize his own significance and role in everything. Even seeing it in Darren’s mind, he didn’t understand how important he was, though he did know how frightened they were for him. Sneaking back to their cabin, it took him a few minutes to find what he needed in the dark. He moved slowly and quietly, not wanting to wake Henry. Henry wasn’t snoring but Drew heard his steady breathing.

Taking the stone, Drew went to the dive deck. The sliding glass doors leading to the back deck were open to catch any breeze that might come up. Neither Henry nor any of his uncles realized Drew couldn’t swim, and being so close to the water made him nervous.

His birth father Doug thought swimming was a waste of time and wouldn’t pay for a YMCA membership to attend classes. Liz kept an inflatable baby pool in their yard for him to play in, but it was only a few inches deep. He loved the water but never learned to swim.

The penguins stood on the deck, asleep. He wanted to pet them but needed to focus on his plan first. Unwrapping the stone, he held it in his hand, staring at it. Immediately, the memory of his first death wanted to come back to him, but his eyes flashed white, and the stone went quiet.

His eyes still white, he looked out over the ocean and said quietly, “Mister Thomin. I have something for you.”

Drew vanished from the deck. 

<><> 

Drew jumped as he appeared in the cave. He felt no transition, but he was suddenly in the cave again and freezing. He forgot to get dressed, so he was in his underwear and slightly sweaty from the humidity and heat on ZEUS.

Thomin towered in front of him. He was so tall he loomed like a giant, and in the dim light of the cave with the flickering torchlight he looked scary. Drew noticed the cave floor was clear of all the chains he cut to free Darren.

Drew started shivering right away and hunched down in a ball trying to stay warm, clutching the stone to his chest. Looking up at Thomin, their eyes met. Thomin had strange eyes. They were deep, and Drew saw stars in them… he also saw pain.

“I’m sorry, Mister Thomin. I know the bad man hurt you. I wish he hadn’t. Are you better now?”

Thomin was taken aback. Not a single one of his archangel brothers, or even the nephilim hybrids, expressed the concern for him that Drew did. Michael and the others rescued him and healed him, but not even Raphael understood how hurt he was on the inside. None of them bothered to look within him and see that.

Angels weren’t supposed to feel things like humans, but Thomin was more of a child than an angel. He became that way, because it was necessary to fulfill his role. He cared for the objects themselves and felt a need to keep them safe but never desired to use them for his own purposes.

Thomin’s face went slack as he slipped into the recent memory of his torture and how Luke ravished his mind and body, trying to force him to give up his treasures. Thomin was created to collect and keep those treasures safe, and his obstinate innocence is what allowed him to defy Luke’s efforts as long as he did. He had been very near the breaking point when Michael and the others rescued him.

Snapping out of the memory, he looked back at Drew. He was not better, and Drew saw it. He might never be the same again, and somehow the child before him understood that. Thomin looked, perceiving Drew’s pain as well as the concern for his well-being. Drew was a very caring little boy and his question was sincere.

Thomin almost cried as he said, “No child, I am not alright. The Dark One had no right to do what he did to me.”

“My uncles can help you feel better if you let them. They helped my dad, and they helped me before, too.”

“They didn’t help your mother.”

His words hit Drew hard, and Thomin immediately realized he had hurt the boy. He didn’t mean to. His interaction with humans was extremely limited, and he didn’t mean to be cruel, but his bluntness shocked Drew, hurting his feelings. Drew’s eyes watered, and he shivered as much from the hole in his heart where the memory of his mom still lived as from the cold.

The pitch of his voice went high as he cried, “They tried! It wasn’t their fault. Uncle Ken almost died, too!”

“I cannot see that part. The men you call your uncles are closed to me. I do not like that.”

“Th…They’re the best. S…So is my d..daddy. They can help you if you l…let them.”

Shuddering from the cold, his words came out stuttered.

A sudden warmth spread over Drew. He wasn’t sure if he warmed up, or the cave did, but he no longer felt cold.

“Thanks.”

“You are welcome, child.”

“My name’s Drew.”

Thomin remained silent, staring at him.

Holding out the stone, Drew said, “I want to trade this for Doctor Aaron.”

Looking at the stone, Thomin’s eyes lit up with excitement. His province allowed him an awareness of objects of power. Similar to Pat and Bill, he Understood what the stone was, seeing its history and significance. The magnitude of what the stone represented, aside from its power, was tantalizing to him.

So excited, he couldn’t contain himself and blurted out, “Yes!”

Snatching the stone from Drew’s outstretched hand, Thomin vanished. The cold returned immediately and Drew was upset, thinking Thomin might have lied to him. There was nothing he could do about it if that were the case, and he fumed. After a few minutes, he was sure Thomin tricked him, and he started to cry.

Hearing a groan behind him, he spun around to see the doctor on the cold stone floor, his clothing in tatters and his torso covered in dried, bloody scratches. He was barely conscious.

“Doctor Aaron!”

Drew rushed to his side, frightened at how bad the doctor looked.

His voice was so weak it was barely discernible.

“Drew? My boy, is that you? However in the world did you come to be here? What have you done?”

“I traded Mister Thomin my rock to get you back. I didn’t know what else to do!”

“Oh, my.”

“You’re hurt!”

“Yes… He was not gentle when he took The Mantle from me. It was excruciating, and I was already drained from the encounter with…”

“The bad man. Uncle Bill made it so we could see.”

The doctor’s voice faded, and he passed out. Drew was so afraid the doctor was dying he started crying again. At that moment, his mind wasn’t in the mode of acting and sounding older.

He was a scared five-year-old boy, overwhelmed and not knowing what to do to help the doctor. His Uncle Darren almost died in this same spot the day before, and Drew had the feeling the same thing was going to happen to Doctor Aaron. Sitting on his knees he shivered and sobbed, his hands impotently resting on the doctor’s chest.

Completely distraught, on pure instinct, he cried out, “Mommy! Help me!”

Drew unconsciously called to Liz, and it made his pain worse that she not only couldn’t come to comfort him, but she never would again. She didn’t exist anymore, not even in Heaven. Thomin just reminded him of that.

The sound of fluttering wings echoed in the cave, and through his tear-filled, blurry vision Drew saw a white bird light on the ground. It was a dove, beautiful and so white in the cave's soft blue light it almost glowed.

A calm presence surrounded Drew, enveloping him and making him feel safe, just like Henry’s arms. The words he heard were barely a whisper, but they echoed with a power so immense that Drew felt like he would wash away if the voice spoke any louder.

I am with you, Drew. I always have been and always will be. Even when you can’t feel me, I am with you.

Doctor Aaron is dying!

He sleeps, but needs help soon.

Relieved the doctor was only asleep, the stress and fear of the cave still brought more tears. Memories of his life with Liz and Doug, his father's abuse, Henry coming into his life, the loss of his mother, finding out he was The Master’s brother and dying every seven years over eighty-thousand years; it all hit him hard. His five-year-old mind became overwhelmed with it all, and he wanted to forget. He wanted all of it to go away.

Finally, the words came: I want my mommy!

I know you do. You have suffered so much through the ages, and I have been with you each and every time. The absence of your mother in this life was not supposed to happen and was an unintended consequence.

I don’t understand.

Your father is frantic with worry, Drew. He woke and cannot find you. He cannot reach you here, but you can reach him. Call to him.

Who are you? I’m not supposed to talk to strangers.

The voice laughed, a rich, comforting laugh, not mocking but happy.

I am not exactly a stranger, Drew. You have met my son, Istariel. He cares for you greatly, you know. He misses you. Go now, Drew. Call to your father, and remember I am with you always. You can talk to me whenever you wish, and even if I do not answer, know that I hear you.

Drew’s face was red and splotchy from crying, and his nose ran both from the chill of the cave and his tears. Wiping at his eyes, when he opened them, the dove was gone.

The desperation in his voice hit Henry like a hammer when Drew shouted with all the power in him.

Daddy!

Drew? Oh, my God, honey, where are you!? I can’t find you!

I’m in the cave with Doctor Aaron.

Are you alright, honey!? Are you hurt!?

I’m cold, and Doctor Aaron is hurt. He’s asleep. Please come get me, Daddy! I don’t want to be here anymore! I’m scared.

<><> 

As soon as Henry realized Drew hadn’t come back to bed, he got up and searched the boat. He thought Drew might be down with the penguins, but he wasn’t. He had crawled into bed with most of the guys at some point, so he was probably fine, but he had to be sure. Henry gently wrapped his knuckles on each of the cabin doors asking if Drew was with them.

It was apparent after a few minutes that Drew wasn’t on the boat, and Henry’s stomach went cold with fear that maybe Drew had fallen overboard and drowned.

Shaking uncontrollably with worry, Ken, Brad, and all the guys were up and around Henry, holding him tight. Brad called Drew repeatedly in his mind, casting his voice all over the planet. There were only two possible explanations: he was somewhere warded against them, or he had fallen into the water and was gone.

None of them heard a splash, though, and the penguins were undisturbed. Loy sent his awareness into the nearby sea life, commanding them to search for Drew. If his body was in the water they would find it soon enough, but he hoped and prayed that wouldn’t be the case.

Henry’s head snapped up as Drew’s shout entered his mind. They all felt it through the link, and their relief was tangible. Drew was alive and with the doc!

Ken: Dar, can you pull them here?

No can-do, Ken. We’ll have to go get them. I’ll have to use them as an anchor to get to them through the wards and then use you guys to get back.

Reaching out to the heavens, Lane listened, filling them with power. Brad fluttered their souls across the veil, and Bryan drew on the life energy of Yggdrasil. The urgent and powerful light they filled themselves with lit up the spiritual realm like a star.

Bright white ropes of energy arced and crackled around them as Brad opened their energy centers, weaving them into one thick flow. Darren had more than enough power but didn’t disappear. He stood, wide-eyed and  not moving. As soon as he visualized the cave through Drew’s eyes, he froze. The memory of his pain and torture came fresh into his mind, and into theirs through the link.

Brad’s Avatar glowed brightly, and he knew why Darren hesitated. Seeing the turmoil in his brother, he realized how difficult it was for Darren to go back to that place. His heart hadn’t healed yet, and they were asking him to step back to a horrible place.

Brad: Fuck, Dar, I’m sorry. We’ll handle it.

No! I’ll do it, guys. I’m sorry.

Darren’s shame and embarrassment over hesitating when Drew and the doctor needed him were evident, but he felt no blame from his brothers, only loving support. Steeling himself, with Pat’s arms around him, Darren, Pat, and Henry disappeared.

The second they materialized, Henry rushed over with inhuman speed, grabbing hold of Drew. The emotional damn in Henry broke at seeing Drew in his underwear, shivering with cold and his face red from crying.

His own tears were thick, and he started rambling, “Oh God, you’re okay. I was so worried. Don’t ever do that again, Drew! Please!”

He kept repeating himself as he held Drew against him for warmth. Drew felt Henry trembling with emotion and snuggled against him, basking in his warmth and pushing his face against his father’s neck and warm, solid body. After a few seconds, Henry got hold of himself and started rubbing and chaffing Drew’s skin to warm him up.

Darren stood in a fog… As soon as they materialized, the memories came rushing back. It wasn’t just his memories; the part of his Avatar that came from Bill read the echoes of the violent and tragic events, pushing them into Darren, forcing him to relive it all.

Even in the cold he sweated, his body tense, with striations in his muscular body visible. The chains impaled him repeatedly, and in his mind he hung limply while they drained the light of his soul.

Pat saw the doctor on the ground with his clothes ripped open and dried blood covering his torso. He was unconscious and breathing shallow, but Pat saw he was alive.

Pat was torn… Understanding the fear and turmoil in Darren and how weak the doc was. He also Understood how damaged the doctor was on the inside… Whatever Thomin did to separate The Mantle from him was brutal and nearly killed him. The Mantle was literally ripped out of his soul.

Pat and Darren had made love numerous times through the night, so Pat’s mind was fully open. Casting his mind back up to Brad, the rest of the team entered the link. Their presence was like a hot wind in the freezing cave, and Pat drew strength from them, wrapping Darren tightly in his mind and heart, attempting to shield him from the memories of the pain and torture.

Kneeling down, he scooped up the doctor as if he weighed nothing. Then moving to Darren, he leaned against him. In a flash, Darren’s arms were around him and the doctor both, clutching them tightly.

I’m sorry, Pat. I thought… I didn’t know it would be this hard.

I’m with you, Dar. We all are.

Henry moved beside them, and without another word Darren synchronized their Avatars, and they appeared back in the lounge on ZEUS.

Darren collapsed, debilitated, stuck in the memories of what happened. No one was sure how Drew knew what to do, but he squirmed out of Henry’s arms and rushed to Darren. Holding Darren’s face in his hands, he pushed the memories back, bringing his uncle back to them. All of them were wide-eyed at what Drew did so effortlessly and the fact he knew how to do it. His little arms went around Darren’s neck, squeezing as tightly as he could and he kissed Darren on his cheek.

<><> 

With Drew and the doctor back, relief filled them. The stress and emotional rollercoaster of the last few days left them drained. Darren and Pat still held a place hidden inside them, but everyone gave them their space. Each man made it clear to Darren and Pat they were available in any capacity at any time, unconditionally.

After healing the doctor, they took him to Australia to be with Albrecht, and their reunion was both heartwarming and painful to watch. The two men shared their souls for thousands of years, and the depth of their relationship was profoundly intricate and powerful. Albrecht assured them he would take good care of Aaron and thought it would be a good idea if the guys remained on ZEUS to relax.

The next morning they had to make a run to replenish food supplies for ZEUS and the Atlanta and Australian labs. Rich took care of everyone in Australia with Kelly’s help as far as food and welcomed the new supplies. He had been forced to get creative with the dwindling food options.

Brad never heard Kelly laugh so hard when she told him the faces everyone made when she served Vegemite on toast for breakfast. She literally had tears in her eyes from laughing and ragged on her American mates that they were total wimps when it came to a traditional Aussie staple.

Once the errands were done and everyone back on ZEUS relaxing, Ken called Bryan aside while floating in the water enjoying the morning sun.

Hey, Bry? I got somethin’ I wanna run by you. I know how important Thanksgivin’ is ‘ta you. We’re all lookin’ forward ‘ta the feast we know you’re plannin’, so I’m just throwin’ this out there. I’ll leave it up to you on whatever you wanna’ do, but how about we postpone Thanksgivin’ for us for just a few days. I want you ‘ta relax and join in on the sun and fun and not be inside cookin’ an entire day. I know you love it, but it would be great to just kick back for a few extra days and not have to deal with that. What do ya’ say?

Yeah, Ken, I can definitely go for that. Rich has everything he needs for the Aussie bunch. It’d be nice to just chill out with you fuckers for a few days. We can have it the first night we’re back in Atlanta. I’m still on duty here cooking for you pansy assed bottomless pits, but I want to do Thanksgiving right, and it’ll be easier in Atlanta than here. It would be hard as fuck to cook four turkeys in the oven on this tub.

Good deal, Bry. I’m glad you’re okay with it.

Thanks for being so concerned, fucker. You’re a good friend. I think I’ll keep you a while longer.

While they talked, Ken moved over beside Bryan, so they were close. As Bryan thanked Ken for his concern, his big hand popped out of the water and dunked Ken. Ken sprang out of the water, laughing.

Big mistake! It’s on now!

The two big men proceeded to have a water wrestling match and only stopped because they laughed so hard they were out of breath.

Roughly mid-morning, Henry showed up with Drew in tow. They slept in and came out on the deck together to find all the guys in the water.

Henry called out, “Morning, fellas! I need your help with something!”

Drew seemed nervous, holding tightly to Henry’s leg, so everyone swam over to see what he needed.

“It’s come to my attention that this wonderful, brave little boy can’t swim! It took me a while to talk him into coming out with me. I figured since you were SEALS, who better to teach him than you guys? Can you help us out?”

Casting his awareness out to the pods of dolphins, porpoises, and whales in the area, Loy made them available to guard and protect Drew with their lives while he was in the water.

Grinning, Henry said, “Thanks, Aquaman!”

Lane piped up, “Aquaman’s badass, not like Loy at all.”

Loy sent a wave of water into Lane’s face with his mind.

Laughing, Ken said, “First things first. We have a few rules, Drew. Since you’re a newbie ‘ta swimmin’, you have to wear a life vest at all times. You understand?”

“Yes, sir.”

“The second rule is you have ‘ta be naked, just like us. You okay with that?”

Giggling, Drew said, “Yes!”

“Then get those shorts off, put on plenty of sunscreen, and get your life vest on. We’re gonna have you swimmin’ like a fish in no time, right guys?”

They were now on a mission, and everybody added their comments and encouragement. Drew’s nervousness was evident through the link, but he knew he was safe with them. Watching his dad and uncles swim around having so much fun, he was envious and wanted to join in.

Scanning deep into their collective minds, Brad pulled memories of learning to swim as kids and later in the Navy. Boiling it down to the essentials, he formed a memory sphere and sent it into Drew.

“This will help for starters, Drew, and teach you what you need to know, but we need to practice with your body so it will learn too. Swimming is another great way to make you stronger and faster.”

A small voice in the back of Drew’s mind thought: I’m going to need that, but he kept it behind a wall, so no one heard it.

Once the memories were a part of him, Drew was entirely on board. The guys formed a large circle, and he swam from man to man. They kept him swimming drills, and his reward for making it to the next uncle was hugs and kisses.

Their bodies were so solid he could kick off their chests to make it to the next one. Loving the attention, when he got tired and had to rest they held him. He had a life vest on, but he loved being held.

Later in the afternoon the penguins swam with them, entertaining everybody with their aquatic acrobatics and speed. Over the next few days, Drew rode on dolphins and porpoises and even on the back of a whale. After riding the whales, Lane and Loy sat side-by-side on the edge of the dive deck, resting. Their legs dangled in the water as they leaned back, enjoying the warm sun on their naked bodies and kicking their feet slowly in the water.

All of the guys were tanning nicely, the bodies because their skin literally healed as the sun hit them, and if the mentalists got too much sun, they healed themselves, so after a few days none of them exhibited any tan lines.

Loy’s dark brown hair was showing highlights, and Lane had always been jealous of that. Loy was already handsome, but when his hair started bleaching out naturally in the sun, it gave his devastatingly handsome looks something extra.

Out of nowhere, Lane’s mischievous grin appeared, and he said, “Hey Loy, call the whales over for a sec. I want to try something.”

Loy knew perfectly well Lane could have called the whales, so he wondered what was up, but he saw the grin and figured he’d let Lane have his fun. The pod of humpback whales wasn’t large, with two males and three females, or cows. The whales formed a circle around ZEUS, slowly circling the Yacht at Loy’s instruction. Lane summoned a set of bass bongo drums and started to play what could only be described as “brown chicken, brown cow” porn music.

Loy’s eyebrows rose, and he asked, “Lane, what the fuck are you doing?”

“I want to see if the humpbacks like porn music. You know… ‘hump,' ‘porn’… there might be a connection.”

Not even twenty seconds into the music, the closest whale blew a large stream of water out of her blowhole, drenching Lane’s face and torso. Loy caught some of the overspray but broke out into raucous laughter.

Lane looked stunned as Loy reached over and put a hand on his shoulder, saying, “Sometimes you are such a dumbass man. You totally deserved that!”

The other guys cried from laughing so hard when the closest whale hit Lane with the stream of water.

“Okay, okay, I get it! My bad!”

Apologizing to the whales, the drums disappeared to be replaced by a beautiful violin.

“Here you go, guys, maybe this will make up for it. Sorry about the porn music. Who knew humpback whales wouldn’t like some good old-fashioned humping music?”

Lane did his best to play a whale song, hitting the highest notes possible on the violin. Some of the notes were so high they were outside the range of normal human hearing, but the bodies heard it all and were stunned at the sound and beauty Lane pulled out of his instrument.

Breaking off, the whales gyrated their enormous bodies in the water, playfully breaching and splashing the guys. That time, Lane spoke to them in a way that made them happy.

Leaning over, Loy put his arm around Lane’s shoulder, pulling him close and kissing his cheek, saying, “Lane, sometimes you blow me away. One second you pull some goofy-ass stunt like playing porn music to whales, and then you flip and do something so amazingly touching and beautiful it makes me want to cry. I love you, man. Don’t ever change.”

Lane was touched. He was just playing around but felt Loy’s real love for him as a brother. Trying to keep the mood light, he grinned and said, “Never fear, Loy. I’ll always keep an extra seat on the short bus warm for your furry ass.”

Laughing, Loy pushed Lane off the deck.

<><><> 

On the third night, after everyone was stuffed with another fantastic meal from Bryan, they lounged around talking and relaxing. Lane held his guitar, idly strumming, but wasn’t in full-fledged ‘music mode’ yet.

Henry had waited for the right moment to talk to Drew and figured it was as good a time as any. He needed to get ‘the talk’ over with, so he stood, picking Drew up to go back to their cabin.

“Hey, Tiger, come with me. We need to have a talk.”

Drew’s eyes got big, immediately thinking he was in trouble.

Smiling, Henry hugged him, saying, “Come here, kiddo. I love you, and you aren’t in any trouble.  We just need to have a talk.”

“Okay, Daddy. What do you want to talk about?”

“It’s been so nice here with you and all the guys. The last few days, we haven’t had a care in the world.”

“I wish Mommy was here.”

“Me too, Tiger. More than anything, except you.”

Tickling Drew when he said that, he got a giggle to keep things light, at least to start with.

“Drew, I’ve not merged with you, honey, to find out what happened in the cave with your Uncle Darren, but I need to know. Mainly because I’m your dad and you’re my responsibility, but also because I love you so much and I want to help you through the bad things. You never, ever need to be afraid to share anything with me, Drew, no matter what it is, how big or small. I’ll be really upset if you fret about things and don’t come to talk to me. Do you understand?”

A serious look crossed his face, and he said, “Yes, Daddy. What’s fret mean?”

“It means worry.”

A short pause followed while Henry settled Drew on his lap before starting the conversation.

“Okay, Tiger… Tell me what happened. I want to know everything from the time you got there until we showed up. If you want, you can show me with your mind. That would be good practice for both of us, but only if you want to. If you would rather just tell me, I’m fine with that.”

Drew had been dreading ‘the talk.’ Neither his father nor his uncles were aware he knew about his relationship with The Master and his Curse. He was sure his Uncle Darren didn’t know either. Darren was so close to death when Drew merged with him, even his unconscious mind was unaware of what happened.

Henry wasn’t surprised when Drew started to cry, but once their minds blended, he was shocked at the reason behind the tears. Henry panicked when he saw everything that happened. The trauma Drew went through was nothing any child should ever have to deal with. Every emergency they trained him for came to pass, but he rose to the occasion just like Bryan said he would, and Henry was so proud of him he could burst.

A chill ran through Henry when he realized Drew knew everything about his Curse. He saw Drew merge with Darren, desperate to find something in Darren’s mind that would help him save his uncle, and it was apparent Darren didn’t know Drew had merged with him while he was unconscious and dying.

What surprised Henry was why Drew was crying. He was ashamed that he held it back and didn’t tell Henry sooner. He knew he should have, and he was upset, thinking Henry would be disappointed in him. Drew was very sensitive, and the thought of Henry not loving him or being disappointed in him was killing him on the inside. A deep-seated fear that Henry would leave him was somehow still there. Pulling Drew against him, Henry started crying.

Oh my God, Drew, I’m so sorry, honey! I had no idea what happened. You should have told me sooner! I’m not mad or upset. I just don’t like that you carried all that by yourself these past few days. You were a hero, and you saved Darren’s life! How could I be mad over that?

Drew’s tears turned from embarrassment to sadness and a little fear. Mainly the unknown of what he faced, but also not understanding the full implications of everything, and knowing it was important and he was in the middle of it. Drew saw The Master in the basement and knew how evil he was. How he could have a brother like that didn’t make sense to him, and what he had to do seemed impossible.

As Henry moved forward through his memories, he saw the last few days and everything that happened with the doctor. Henry reeled from everything he saw, especially the other boy who appeared with the stone, the first version of Drew.

In the middle of everything, Henry saw in his son, underlying all of it was the love Drew had for Henry and his uncles. Seeing it from Drew’s perspective was pure and straightforward, and just as much, understanding how Drew saw Henry was humbling and fulfilling at the same time. That such a great little boy could look up to him the way he did and love him made Henry cry like a baby. It was just something he never could have imagined.

To Henry, the most worrisome unknown in Drew’s experiences was the voice that spoke to him when he rescued the doctor. When the dove appeared… Henry wasn’t religious, but anyone knew that the dove was a sign of peace and represented God in religious art. Was it God? Was the Creator of the universe talking to his son?

The immensity of that thought scared him beyond anything else. He didn’t know who it was for certain; the voice said Istariel was his son, so that was a shocker. Henry hoped the voice might be some powerful archangel none of them had ever met or heard of.

The big question at the forefront of Henry’s mind was: Why? Why couldn’t Drew be a normal boy and live a normal, everyday life with Henry? Why did he have to be the focal point for the Curse on mankind? His heart ached for the little boy in his arms. Now that Drew knew everything, Henry needed to be stronger than ever for his son. Henry needed to become whatever Drew needed to help him prepare for his encounter with The Master… in whatever form that might take.

Brad’s voice entered Henry’s mind.

Henry? Is everything okay? Your emotions are all over the map.

Brad, I just merged with Drew to find out what happened in the cave. He knows everything!

At the speed of thought, Brad pulled Henry into a private merge, his steady presence wrapping around him and helping him calm down.

Henry, how!?

Take a look. It’ll be easier if you see it straight from Drew.

Henry pulled Drew gently into the merge he and Brad shared.

Brad’s voice was compassionate and gentle as he thought: Drew, let me see what you just shared with your dad.

Brad was just as shocked as Henry once he saw everything that happened. Darren wasn’t consciously aware of much of what went on in the cave. Brad needed to know what was behind the wall inside Darren. With him holding back, pieces were missing that Drew just answered, but it also raised more questions.

Brad was sure Darren was unaware of what Drew saw, and he knew Darren would be devastated to know that Drew found out everything because of him.

His first concern was Drew, who seemed far more upset about disappointing Henry than about the Curse and what he had to do. His reaction to The Master being his brother was strange, seeming more sad than scared. Henry’s response was far more severe than Drew’s. His whole body trembled and shook, and his anxiety levels were through the roof.

Brad sent a private thought to Henry: Henry, you need to calm down. I know this is tough, but you’re his rock. If you fall apart, he won’t know what to do. He seems oddly okay right now, but he might resonate off your reaction.

I’m sorry, Brad. God, how can this be happening!? He didn’t need this!

It was inevitable he would find out, and this definitely wasn’t the way to do it, but it’s no one’s fault. He had to be told at some point, and we’ve been preparing him even though he didn’t realize it. Now that it’s out in the open, it will make it easier to help him. He’s a smart little boy, and at some point would have asked questions anyway.

What about that voice?

I don’t know Henry. Whoever it was gave Drew comfort. We can ask Istariel about his father the next time we see him.

What about the other boy? The first version of Drew?

Again, I don’t know, but we can figure it out. I definitely want the doc in on that one. I think giving Thomin the stone was not a good thing. I’m glad the doc is back, but Drew seems to be able to summon it, and if he does that, it’s going to piss Thomin off.  He was just trying to save the doctor and didn’t think about that.

Brad… God, I’m so worried about him. I’ll get my shit together; I have to. I’ll be strong for him, but it’s tearing me up over what he’s got facing him.

You love him, Henry; it’s that simple. Remember what Raphael said about you being in Drew’s life for a reason? What you went through gives you an insight into The Enemy we never had before; it gives you a perspective you can share with Drew and help him understand. He’s already a very compassionate little boy. We have to grow that inside of him until it's big enough to do what he needs to do. He won’t physically fight The Master; that’s our job once Drew does his, and you’ll be right there with him. Drew worships the ground you walk on, Henry, and I can see why. You’re a good man, and I believe what Raphael said. In this cosmic game we’re all wrapped up in, you’re here for a reason, and I take great comfort in that. I know that might sound fucked up to you. You might wish you had never met any of us when all this is said and done.

No… I’d never think that, Brad. I’m beginning to see what you’re talking about. I’m not as smart as you or the doctor, but it’s sinking in. Even with everything I’ve been through, I wouldn’t have it any other way, except for Liz. She’s the only regret I have in all of this, that she can’t be with Drew and me.

The voice said she wasn’t supposed to die. That’s disturbing, and again I want the doc and Albrecht to help us figure that out.

There was a pause where Brad held Henry tightly in his heart. In a private link so deep that time barely moved, Brad helped Henry work through the worst of his anxiety and fears until he was calmer. When he was ready, Brad brought them back up with Drew.

Feeling better, Henry looked into Drew’s mind. Drew was still open to him, and he saw Drew’s life. He saw all the little lies Drew told Miss Sally during his lessons, and lying to Bryan about not having snacks so he could get more, and other little white lies that all little boys told…

But Drew wasn’t all little boys. He was the second-oldest soul in existence, and his mind was open. Drew was aware of everything Henry saw in him, and he felt embarrassed and ashamed. He knew right from wrong.

Henry realized why the doctor didn’t want adults merging with Drew. He felt he had to do it in this case, and Drew already merged with Darren, but Drew’s mind was still developing, and he was now exposed to many things he shouldn’t be at his age. He would have to help Drew deal with those things and would need the doctor’s help.

Drew wasn’t prying, but he was now aware his dad had to jack off a few times a day to increase his own powers. He saw Henry and Liz making love and how good they made each other feel. He saw the same in Darren’s mind in the cave, so the cat was already out of the bag as far as sex was concerned, but those were the types of things the doctor didn’t want Drew exposed to. Seeing those things could hyper-sexualize Drew at a young age before he was physically and mentally mature enough to process them and cause problems later.

Brad was confident they could handle it. If ten half-angel gay uncles, an amazing father, and the doc and Albrecht, who were both thousands of years old, couldn’t help a little boy, then no one could.

Henry made sure Drew knew he was loved and accepted regardless of the lies, and there was no need to be embarrassed. Holding Drew close, his mental arms around him just like his arms hugged his little body, he explained again how unconditionally he loved his son and how proud he was of him. He shared with Drew, in the simplest terms he knew, what Brad and the others shared with him the first time they merged; there was no need to lie anymore. With their minds open and able to be in one another, they were above lies, and they would hurt moving forward.

As Henry looked deep within his son, he was shocked at much of what he saw; Drew's mistreatment by his real father Doug, the memories he had of Liz, Henry, and even his first death by The Master wielding the stone. He saw glimpses of other deaths, too, but not clearly. Drew didn’t see them clearly either.

Tears ran down Henry’s face as he clutched Drew against his chest, holding him and rubbing his back. Drew cried, too, knowing his dad saw everything about him. The tears were cathartic for both of them and helped wash away the worst of the initial sting of their pent-up emotions.

With Drew’s cheek resting against Henry’s bare chest, he felt the strength in his dad. Not only his body but inside him, the barrier Henry made himself between Drew and what he faced. Drew felt the protection his dad offered against everything coming his way, and it was the most comforting thing in the world. He never had that before. Drew loved his mom, but she was never able to protect him against Doug. She tried but always got hurt, or Drew ended up bearing the brunt of her actions. Henry was like an immovable wall, and it scared Drew that Henry would so willingly give his life up to protect him and keep him safe.

Henry reassured Drew he was never going to leave him and that no matter what he faced or how the confrontation with The Master occurred, Henry would be at his side every step of the way. His uncles would be there as well, all of them were there for him, and he would never be alone.

Through their sharing, something in Drew stirred. What he didn’t realize was in every life he lived since his first death by his brother’s hand, he never had a father like Henry. Part of the Curse was pain and suffering, and while not all his fathers had been as bad as Doug, none of them were good, and many had been far worse. The short years of each life he lived were always filled with pain, misery, and sadness.

The shards of his other lives, existing deep in his soul, felt what Henry was for Drew, and they found comfort in him as well. Rushing forward, they pushed to become a part of Drew so they could feel Henry’s arms and strength around them. In the pain of their lives, they finally found a father strong and brave enough to care for them like a father should, and Henry would have to find the strength for all of them.

Drew didn’t understand the wave of pressure in him. Occasionally he heard a voice, or an echo of a voice, crying out and yearning for love. Henry’s heart was big enough to hold them all, but they were still locked away. Drew’s mind made the connection, and Henry and Brad felt it; the stone was a gateway to all his other lives and their power.

Drew, if he wasn’t strong enough, could get washed away by them. Drew’s past incarnations would all fight to come out of that well of darkness to be the one in Henry’s arms. They also wanted revenge for their deaths, but right then, they hit the wall of Henry’s love. Keeping the bad parts away from his son, he would figure out a way to bring out the good parts.

Seeing what was going on, Brad lent Henry his own formidable strength, helping him face everything.

I’m glad you’re here, Brad. You guys needed to see this anyway, and now everyone will have access to it through you.

Brad’s cheeks were wet from everything he learned and went through with Henry. In the middle of it all, Brad had a fleeting wish that he had a father like Henry growing up. None of his foster parents were good dads either, and he wondered how much of a difference it would have made in his life.

Blushing, Henry took the compliment the way Brad intended. It bordered on embarrassment, and they both laughed about it.

Brad quickly realized the futility of his ‘what if.’ If he really wanted to know, he could look into an alternate timeline, but the reality was, Brad was who he was because of his past. He might never have joined the Navy, or met Ken, or become who he was if his wish were true.

Brad still felt the tug of that wish when he felt Henry’s arms around Drew, and how deeply it affected the little boy, just like Ken’s arms around him, holding him and supporting him. The feeling of Ken’s strength and love sent Brad to another place, and there was nothing else like it.

In the lounge, Ken looked over, seeing the tears on Brad’s face. He knew Brad, Henry, and Drew were linked and didn’t want to intrude. Each of them wanted to go to Henry when the initial wave of fear and confusion came through the link, but it was unspoken among them that Brad, because of his Avatar, was the best suited to find out what was happening.

Even as Brad had those thoughts, Ken’s arms wrapped around him, holding him. Ken’s shirtless, warm, solid body pressed against him, giving him comfort and strength. Ken knew his lover well, giving Brad what he needed without making it sexual, and trusting Brad to bring him or the other guys into the issue when the time was right.

Brad felt blessed to be a part of what passed between Drew and Henry. He felt the same for Ken, but with the added sexual element. If he separated his intimate physical relationship with Ken, what he felt from Ken’s arms around him was the same as what Drew felt towards Henry. The connection, that profound sense of unconditional love and care, was so encompassing and powerful it hurt. Strangely it was almost orgasmic, at least in the intensity of the sensation and how overwhelming and overpowering it was.

Brad remembered the first time he and Ken shared their souls. They had already merged their minds, but when the doctor took them through the last change, opening their hearts to one another so their souls could join as well as their minds and bodies… He remembered wanting to lose himself in Ken and never go back into himself. He could have stayed there forever, in Ken and his love, until he died of starvation.

Drew had a sense of that with Henry now. The dynamic was different because it was his father’s love he was immersed in, but the overwhelming intensity and vast comfort were still there.

Drew saw Henry’s concern about filling the gap inside him, his inadequacy of being able to fill the hole of a mother’s love for her child. Crying, Drew reassured him, not in words but with emotions and how tight his arms squeezed around his neck, that Henry was more than enough. Drew missed his mom, but he had never been in her mind or heart like he was with Henry. Loving his dad beyond anything Henry could ever have imagined, Henry felt humbled.

The merge only took a few seconds, and Ken’s arms wrapped around Brad on the tail end of everything. Bringing them all back up, time started moving again.

Henry, we need to bring everyone in on this. I know it’s fresh and raw for you and Drew, but it would be better to get this done now than to bring it up again later.

We’ll be right there.

Henry stood up with Drew still in his lap, his legs wrapped around Henry’s stomach and his arms around his neck and shoulders. He felt the wetness of Drew’s tears against his bare chest as his son snuggled against him.

<><> 

The ten big men, handsome and shirtless, their muscled forms shining in the heat and humidity and dim light of the cabin, waited. Lane’s guitar disappeared as soon as Brad opened his eyes. They kept their conversation low-key and quiet so as not to disturb Brad while he was with Henry. A few seconds later, Henry came out of his cabin with Drew, both still crying. Bryan put a box of Kleenex on the coffee table in the middle of the pit.

Pulling his arms back slightly, Ken kept Brad close, still touching him.

With a deep breath, swiping at his eyes, Brad said, “Okay, guys, we have some news for you.”

Slight trepidation ran through the link, but everyone was present and available, already holding Brad, Henry, and Drew as tightly as the link would allow.

The anticipation was high, and there was a pregnant pause before Brad said, “Drew knows everything.”

Taking them all deep, everyone merged. Brad kept Drew on the fringe, not entirely with them. Drew had already seen Darren and Pat together, and Henry with Liz, but he didn’t need to see everyone else as well.

Darren went white as a sheet when he realized Drew had discovered everything from merging with him in the cave. Even Darren’s unconscious mind had no recollection of the occurrence. The pain and trauma Drew went through to save Darren were there, and his desperate attempt to merge with Darren, looking for some way to save him.

Darren abruptly vanished but was still present in the link. For a split-second Pat panicked, thinking he left.

The sound of Darren retching his guts out into the water came from the dive deck. Rushing out, Pat saw him hunched over, vomit still dripping from his mouth. The physical reaction to what he learned had taken over his body. He was sweating and tense, and Pat soothingly rubbed his back while he continued heaving. Darren’s fear and shame at discovering Drew learned everything from him hit Drew in the link.

In a total panic, when Darren finally stopped throwing up, his bloodshot, watery eyes looked into Pat’s.

I have to get out of here. I can’t face him, Pat. It’s my fault. Fuck, what have I done!?

When Darren teleported onto the dive deck, he stayed in the link but pulled back to the surface. Everyone felt his reaction and tried to pull him back in, but he resisted.

Pat: You aren’t going anywhere, Dar! Don’t you dare leave me!

Pat, I can’t be here. I can’t go in there and face Drew and Henry or the guys!

Yes, you can, Dar. This isn’t your fault. You didn’t do anything wrong or intentional. It happened because of… You know who.

They weren’t warded, and Pat didn’t want to think Luke’s name.

Henry’s voice entered Darren’s mind.

Darren? Please come back in. Drew’s upset and thinks you’re leaving because of him. Don’t do anything rash, buddy. Neither me nor Drew blames you in any way. The situation just sucks, plain and simple. He had to find out eventually… this wasn’t planned, but it might make it easier in the long run. Please don’t beat yourself up. Come back in with us. We love you.

Ken was on the verge of intervening with Darren when he saw Henry’s eyes flash white, and Ken knew he was talking with Darren.

Darren was a wreck. Pale and shaking, his nerves shot, his stomach was in knots. Even with the last few days of relaxing, everything he bottled up was still present and hidden from everybody but Pat.

As soon as Darren and Pat stepped through the sliding glass doors, Drew scrambled off Henry’s lap, making a beeline to Darren. Drew was so upset and crying so loudly Darren couldn’t make out what he was trying to say. Darren’s gut wrenched even more, knowing he was the reason for Drew’s distress. Darren got down on one knee and Drew launched himself into his uncle’s arms. Darren was so tense and sweaty that Drew almost slipped out of his arms, but they both clung to one another desperately.

Darren finally made out Drew’s frantic words. 

“Uncle Darren, you can’t leave me! You can’t!”

In his desperation, Drew merged with Darren, holding him with all the strength in his soul.  Darren saw what happened in the cave and how courageously Drew fought to keep him alive, defiantly crying, “NO! YOU CAN’T LEAVE ME! YOU CAN’T! STAY WITH ME!” The emotions behind Drew’s words hit Darren like a Mack truck.

Drew’s intense love for Darren and the rest of the team was shocking. They knew Drew loved them, but none of them had ever merged with him, and realizing how profoundly deep and significant his love for them ran, astounded them.

It all went back to that day in the food court at the Mall of Georgia when Brad and Ken rescued Drew and Liz from Doug. That was the seed that grew into what they felt inside him now, and it was powerful.

Brad’s unconscious mind sent him an epiphany about Drew and the depth of his emotions. The reason Drew’s love for all of them, including Henry, was so powerful related directly to the Curse. The memories of each one of his previous incarnations lived inside him, and similar to the creature that resided in Brad a few years ago, they were real. They weren’t memories; they were entities, sharing Drew’s love for Henry and all of them. After the pain and misery of their lives, they saw a light and gravitated towards it like moths to a flame, magnifying the intensity and depth of Drew’s emotions thousands of times over.

The significance of Ken, Brad, and all the guys' lives in Drew’s was more profound than they imagined, and just like Henry, they were humbled. Drew wasn’t part nephilim, but with his mind and heart opened this last year, just like his uncles, his capacity for love expanded. His ability to be hurt expanded as well, but he was only five years old. He didn’t understand any of it, but he felt it.

They realized the doctor knew all of this and had been working with Drew, preparing him emotionally. Now that they saw everything in the little boy, they realized how deeply he cared for the Doctor and Albrecht, too, and they for him.

Drew’s innocence made it even more special. He lived a hard life and experienced horrible atrocities but still had a straightforward yet profound way of loving. To him, it was all or nothing, with none of the complexity adults use to turn black and white matters gray.

Darren was so choked up he couldn’t speak. Swallowing, he kept trying to find his voice but couldn’t. The wall was still there, but he opened the rest of himself to Drew.

I’m so sorry, Drew! I never meant to hurt you!

It’s okay, Uncle Darren. But you can’t leave me! Promise! Please!

I promise, Tiger. I’ll always be here for you, no matter what.

<><><> 

Thanksgiving came and went. Bryan checked in, and with Darren’s help showed up for the feast in the Australian lab, but he made sure Glenn Hampton knew his son Rich was responsible for all the hard work and effort that went into everything.

Bryan noticed more changes in the young soldiers. Under Albrecht’s tutelage, they gained more muscle and trimmed down even further. Rich was beginning to look like the stud he had inside of him all along, and Bryan made sure Rich knew how proud he was of him before returning to ZEUS. He made a point of telling all the young men how proud he was of them and their hard work.

They stayed on ZEUS for another five days. Drew was turning brown as a nut with their help… He was naturally fair-skinned, but they healed his sunburn a few times a day. His light brown hair lightened, and as short as he had it, Brad wanted to call him Tow after his own call sign in the Navy.

Lane played his guitar most evenings, and they swam every day. Other than a few trips for food and supplies, they never left ZEUS. Bryan went crazy with different fish recipes, but he quickly ran out of dairy and vegetables with as much food as everyone ate. The refrigerator on the boat wasn’t large enough to accommodate the hyper appetites of eleven men and a little boy. Since they didn’t fish, Bryan commandeered the built-in coolers throughout the craft as food storage, which eased the need for daily trips.

<><><> 

Once back in Atlanta and settled into their training routines, life returned to normal, or as normal as it could get for ten half–nephilim hybrids, a former Enemy protector, and his son.

Per his conversation with Ken, Bryan put on a Thanksgiving feast that blew everyone away the first full night they were back in Atlanta. They pulled all the tables in the kitchen together to make a large banquet-style presentation, and Sally helped with the table settings.

She was so relieved to have them all back – she had gotten an immense amount of work done for the doctor in their absence, but she missed their smiles and hugs and teaching Drew.

The entire lab smelled of slow-roasting turkey all day… Bryan had four large turkeys, stuffed with his special cornbread dressing seasoned with fresh celery, Vidalia onions, and mushrooms. Using organic chicken bone broth for stock, he made mushroom giblet gravy from the drippings.

He made his famous mashed potatoes with eggs, flour, cream cheese, and onion rings, had chilled jellied cranberry sauce, fresh asparagus, and more fresh yeast rolls than they could shake a stick at. He even made salted creamed butter for the bread, and of course, dessert was homemade strawberry ice cream. He wanted something more traditional like pumpkin or apple pie, but Drew’s pleas wore him down, and he caved on dessert. It was worth the hugs and kisses.

The legs on the tables practically shook from the weight of so much food, but there were hardly any leftovers by the time they were done. Looking at the devastation of the food, Sally wondered where in the world it went, convinced even with their hyper metabolisms the guys had hollow legs.

Bryan cooked two extra turkeys for sandwiches and snacks over the next few days.

None of them were big wine drinkers, but Lane produced two bottles of a nice rosé. Drew made a face when he tried it, so Henry poured him grape juice instead, but he drank it out of a wine glass so he felt like he was drinking with the grown-ups.

<><><> 

The Friday night after their first full week back, Loy and Rick appeared in the kitchen at their house. They were still jumping around with Darren’s help, under strict orders from the doctor about traveling by conventional means only when absolutely necessary.

It was safe in their houses as the Trees protected the entire property and even a little way out into the surrounding homes.

They had been gone so long, the food in their refrigerator needed to be thrown out. While taking out the trash, Loy noticed Will, his neighbors' teenage son, sitting on the curb with his head down on his knees. Loy’s stomach tingled with an intuitive sense that something was wrong.

It was dusk, but still light enough to see easily, and there was very little traffic on their street.

Walking over, Loy asked, “Hey, Will. Is everything okay?”

Looking up, Will’s eyes were red from crying. At sixteen, he was at a very awkward stage. He hadn’t heard Loy approach and was embarrassed to be seen crying.

Swiping at his eyes quickly, he said, “Hey, Mr. Barton. I’m fine, thanks.”

Sitting down beside him, Loy said, “You don’t look fine, Will. What’s going on?”

Tearing up again, Will said, “It’s Lucy, our dog. She’s not doing so well, and we’re taking her to the vet in the morning to put her down.”

Loy’s compassion swelled, and he asked, “What’s the matter? I know she’s getting older. Is it that, or is something else wrong?”

“Her legs and hips are giving out, and she fell down the stairs. She didn’t hurt herself, but she can’t get up. I’ve been carrying her into the yard today so she can go to the bathroom.”

“I’m so sorry, Will. How old is she?”

“She’s fifteen. Dad says she’s old for her breed.”

Ricky, I need you.

Putting an arm around Will, Loy pulled him close. Will hesitated for a second and then leaned in, accepting the hug. Loy ran his hand soothingly over Will’s back.

Rick came out and saw the two of them sitting together, with Loy’s arm around Will’s shoulder. With his enhanced vision, he saw Will’s bloodshot eyes from across the street and knew he was crying.

As he approached, Loy looked up and said, “Lucy isn’t doing very well, Rick.”

Rick heard Loy’s tone of voice.

Are you sure you want to get involved? You of all people know it’s the natural cycle of life. I know it’s sad and it hurts, but…

Yeah, ‘but’… With everything Drew and Darren just went through… I don’t know Ricky… I want to push back. I know it’s not natural, but we don’t have to follow the rules either. Michael said that to Ken.

I’ll follow your lead, Loy. You know that.

Loy asked Will, “Will you take me to her? I’d like to see her.”

“Sure, Mr. Barton. Hey, Mr. Crawford.”

Holding his hand out, Rick pulled Will to his feet.

“Hey, Will, and don’t worry. Everything is going to turn out okay.”

“Yeah, that’s what my parents keep saying, but it’s not. She’ll be gone. I’ve known her my whole life. My mom got her for me when I was only one. She’s my best friend.”

The hurt in his voice was painful to hear, and he started crying again when he said she would be gone. At sixteen, in his mind, the pain he felt would never go away. Will didn’t yet have the life experience of losing a loved one. Loy sensed that, but he didn’t want Will to learn such a lesson just yet.

Will led them to his house, entering through the garage door. When they walked in, Will’s parents were in the kitchen, and Loy and Rick both said hello.

“Hey Phil, hey Trish.”

Phil Cambridge held out a hand to both Loy and Rick, but he wasn’t overly pleased to have them in his kitchen. He knew they were gay, and his church didn’t approve, but they were good enough neighbors and always nice to Will.

Trish’s eyes were red and puffy from crying, but her smile was genuine, and she offered them some iced tea.

Loy said, “Thanks, but we’re good. If you don’t mind, we’d like to see Lucy.”

Will went into the laundry room and picked her up. A medium-sized lab mix, she weighed around sixty pounds, and Will struggled a little carrying her.

Setting her down on the kitchen floor as gently as he could, she sat funny with her hind legs splayed out. She seemed calm, and Will rubbed her head, saying, “Good girl.”

Lucy looked at Loy expectantly, and under his t-shirt, his Avatar glowed softly. Loy observed Lucy in both worlds; her aging physical body was giving out, but she smiled at him, happy to be in the presence of her family, especially Will, Loy, and Rick. In mild pain, her mobility was all but gone, but her spirit was bright, and in his mind’s eye, her foggy eyes still sparkled.

Loy did something he had never done before; he asked her through his Avatar: Lucy, do you want to stay with these people? Are you happy, and do they take good care of you? Or are you tired and want to be released from this world?

He knew she didn’t understand his words, but she comprehended the intent of his question. Searching her spirit and memories, she was neutral about Phil but liked Trish, and she adored Will. She was his and loved him more than anything and wanted to stay with him.

Loy’s eyes teared up at the well of love in her, the unique love dogs and other animals have, unconditional and pure.

Rick: Are you sure you want to do this? If you do, how are we going to handle the family?

I’m not. I’m going to tell them the truth. I’m tired of having to cover up everything. My gut isn’t telling me not to.

Taking a deep breath, Loy asked, “Will… if you had a wish right now, what would it be?”

Sniffing loudly, he said, “I want her to be happy and free of pain. I don’t want her to go, but I don’t want her to suffer.”

Putting his hand on Will’s shoulder, Rick squeezed him gently in comfort, “Good answer.”

Trish, concerned for Will’s emotional state, asked, “What are you getting at Loy? I don’t want to see Will hurt.”

Phil was tense, but so far hadn’t said anything. Loy knew Phil was intimidated by them. He was a small man, and their physical presence overshadowed him.

Loy said, “Okay, here’s the deal. I’m going to make you an offer. In return, all I ask is that you keep what happens here in your kitchen to yourself and never tell another living soul. If you promise, I’ll fix Lucy.”

Sounding upset, Trish said, “Loy, that’s cruel. I think you need to leave!”

Rick took Loy’s hand and Loy brought them together, unshielded. Delving into one another, they became one, and the light of their souls washed over the Cambridge family.

Loy looked at Trish, with his angelic charisma enhanced by their auras.

New tears fell as the most profound feeling penetrated their hearts. They had never felt anything like it.

Loy’s voice echoed with power, and he said, “I can make it happen, Trish. I’m not teasing Will. I would never do that. Don’t ask any questions but understand that I will know if you’re telling the truth about not talking about this to anyone. If you do that, I will take care of Lucy, and she can stay with you for another full and happy life. It’s up to you as her keepers. I know she loves you, Will… She told me so, and you too, Trish. Phil, you need to do some work there. She doesn’t have any feelings for you one way or another.”

Rick almost laughed at Loy’s comment but kept his Avatar focused on them, keeping them calm.

With a look of disbelief on his face, Phil whispered, “How?”

“I told you, no questions. Just accept that I have the power to help Lucy and make this situation right, but I need your answer.”

Will blurted out, “Yes! Mom, Dad, please?! Say yes!”

Trish managed a barely audible, “Yes.”

Phil didn’t say a word but nodded his head, wide-eyed, with an almost panicked look on his face. What he witnessed and felt from Loy and Rick clashed sharply with his beliefs.

Looking into Lucy’s eyes, she smiled at Loy in her way with the goofy lab face he remembered on Ely and other dogs. She panted heavily with her tongue out, not in fear but in excitement.

Okay, old girl, let’s fix you up.

Pulling deeply from Rick, their auras brightened even more. Loy flitted their souls across the veil and listened, filling them with power while Rick drew from Yggdrasil. The Cambridge family felt something happening around them but had no idea what. Loy shielded them from any hurt; the amount of power he and Rick pulled could burn a human out if they weren’t careful.

Loy pulled Phil, Trish, and Will into a light link, enough to see with their mind’s eye. They saw the energy centers on the two large, handsome men open and watched the brilliant ropes of crimson, gold, and azure energy weave into one bright white arc. The light was so pure it was beyond white, and their souls tingled from the strength and power of it. The two big men in their kitchen became shining towers of light.

Bending over, Loy gently pulled Lucy against him. She leaned into him, and he directed the flows through his hands into her aged body. As if seeing the two men lit up like angels in their kitchen wasn’t enough, Lucy started to change, growing younger before their eyes. Her muscles filled out, she trimmed down, and the teeth she lost grew back, white and fresh. Her eyes lost the green fog of cataracts, returning to a dark brown that sparkled with love for Will and her people.

In less than a minute, she was back to a year old. Loy didn’t want to take her much further back. Her training and memories remained intact; she was Lucy, just young again.

Her butt wiggled so fast she almost knocked herself over in excitement as she jumped against Will, trying to lick his face. Trish and Phil’s eyes were so wide they were about to pop out of their heads. Will was on his feet, crying like a baby, trying to hug the gyrating Lucy.

The light around Loy and Rick faded, and Loy sweated slightly, but he wasn’t exhausted. In fact, he felt exhilarated and horny as hell.

Looking intently but kindly at Phil and Trish, Rick said, “Remember, guys, never say a word about this. I can’t tell you how important it is, both for our safety and your own. We could make you forget this happened, but we don’t want to do that. I want you to remember miracles happen, and good things still occur in the world.”

Loy almost fell over when Will threw himself against him in a hug. Will wasn’t a jock or an athlete, he was a nerd and not in good physical shape for a boy his age, but he threw himself against Loy with everything he had.

Crying so hard he could barely talk, he managed to say, “Thank you, Mr. Barton! I don’t know how I can ever pay you back!”

“Consider this an early Christmas present, Will. Just take care of Lucy. She has another full life in front of her with you. Keep making her happy.”

Winking at him, Loy said, “She’ll tell me if you aren’t, so I’ll know.”

Loy turned his gaze on Phil, silently reminding him he needed to do better with Lucy.

Rick took Loy’s hand, and they left the Cambridge house, going back across the street to their own home.

Once back in their kitchen, Rick turned, kissing Loy passionately as their arms found their way around each other’s shoulders.

Damn, that felt good, Ricky.

What? Hugging me or taking care of Lucy?

Loy laughed.

Both, you fucker.

Rick moved one hand under Loy’s shirt, around to the middle of his back with his other on Loy’s chest, splaying his fingers out. Pressing Loy’s body between his hands, he gently clawed his fingers into his lover’s hard furry chest. It was still a mystery to Rick why Loy found that so hot, but it never failed to start his engine.

Fuck I love you, Loy. What you did was amazing. We’ll tell everyone what we did, but I don’t imagine anyone will have a problem with it. You made Will one happy young man. I hope we gave Phil something to think about, too.

All that energy going through me completely energized my dick. Let’s go make out like animals for a few hours. What do you say?

<><><> 

That same night Lane went in search of the doctor. He was in the Atlanta lab, and Albrecht was in Australia for a few days.

“Hey, doc, you got a minute?”

“For you, my boy, always! What is it you wish?”

Lane went into the doctor’s office and sat down.

“So, how are you, doc?”

“I am fine. Fully recovered with your help and Albrecht’s tender care.”

“I know your body is fine, doc, but I’m worried about up here.”

Lane tapped his temple when he said that.

Looking at Lane shrewdly, the doctor wondered where he was going and replied, “My emotional state is fine, Lane. I still grieve over Charisa, but I have accepted it. It is a comfort to know she is in Heaven and at peace. I appreciate your concern, but I am guessing there is more to your question?”

Looking a little sheepish, Lane said, “There is, doc. I mean, we were all scared shitless when Thomin took you, and your face off with Luke was almost more than we could take. That took some major cajones.”

Chuckling, the doctor said, “I am glad my cajones came through intact. I think Albrecht is as well.”

It took a second for Lane to catch what he said, and then he burst out laughing.

After a short pause, the doctor asked again, “So what are you getting at, Lane? I am curious as to your line of questioning.”

“I had a dream, doc. I lived parts of Charisa’s life with you and some without you. The Gift was involved, and I wrote what I experienced into a song. It’s deeply personal, and I’m trying to figure out if you’re ready to hear it. I hate to be that blunt, but I know I can’t pull the wool over your eyes.”

“I see. Well, there is no time like the present. Do you wish to sing it here or somewhere else? I am eager to hear it.”

“It might be uncomfortable. That’s why I asked how you’re doing.”

“If it allays your concerns, I will ask Darren to bring Albrecht here to be with me.”

“Okay, how about the gym in a couple of minutes? I need to round up a few of the guys to help with the chorus. The harmonies are tricky, but I think they can pull it off with my help.”

<><> 

A few minutes later, the doctor entered the gym with Albrecht in tow. Lane brought in chairs from the kitchen, and Ken, Kevin, and Bryan were with him. Their deep baritones would be perfect for the harmony of the chorus. Lane didn’t want Brad or Bill singing, so they stood off to the side to listen.

Lane spent the equivalent of an hour with them in a construct, teaching them the lyrics and the song. He wanted it to be perfect. Lane was rarely nervous about singing one of his songs, but he was tense, and Bryan moved behind him to massage his shoulders and whisper in his ear.

“You’re going to kill it, Little Buddy. You always do. This one’s deep, but it’s fucking beautiful too.  It’s going to be hard for him to hear, but you’re doing it out of love. He knows that.”

“Thanks, Bry.”

Ken and Kevin both gave him a pat on the back as they sat down.

There were chairs for the doctor and Albrecht, and they took their seats.

The doctor could see how nervous Lane was, so out of character for him, and he said reassuringly, “There is no need for nervousness, my boy. If the Gift is involved, and your own incredible talent, I know it will be wondrous. I also think it will be difficult based on what you told me, so do not mistake my reaction towards you if it is upsetting. I love you as my own son, and I know you only have my best interests at heart.”

Grinning sheepishly, Lane replied, “Thanks, doc. There’s a lot I wanted to say before I get started, but I changed my mind. Hopefully, I did a good enough job on the lyrics that you’ll get the metaphors.”

His grin turned impish, and he said, “Besides, I know you’re a really old man and hung out with Plato and Socrates, and God knows who else, so you could probably write circles around me if you put your mind to it.”

The doctor raised an eyebrow at his comment, and Albrecht chuckled. Ken and Kevin stifled a laugh. With a flourish, Lane summoned his guitar. This one was shaped slightly different but had the same mosaic pattern of his Avatar.

Bryan didn’t summon his drums, intending to produce his sound through Lane.

Glancing at Bryan, Ken, and Kevin, he asked, “Ready, guys?”

They nodded, and he tapped his hand on the guitar casing lightly, “One, two, three…”

The chorus started immediately with the first chord.

Once again, Lane used the metaphor of life being a river, but this time it was a barrier Charisa was unable to cross. Her feelings towards Aaron, conflicted, her entire life vacillated between loving and hating him, blaming him for leaving her when her heart still needed him, before she was an adult.

Her heart cried her whole life while outwardly exhibiting an icy demeanor. Eventually, her frosty exterior became real, holding him responsible for it. The child in her always under the surface, she waited for her father to come save her from the life she built without him, but the man she wanted and needed never returned. The memories Lane invoked played in the doctor’s mind, and his hand unconsciously reached for Albrecht’s. Albrecht put his arm around Aaron’s shoulder, pulling him tight and holding him as the song progressed.

The pain and uncertainty of Charisa’s life were present, and her tumultuous relationship with him. As Albrecht stated, Aaron sacrificed his relationship with her for the sake of The Order and his mission of saving the world. She was collateral damage from a time in his life when he was less wise and caring.

He learned much over the centuries, but as he grew and changed into the man before them, Charisa was an issue he could never address. Part of it was she didn’t want to reconcile with him, and after wearing The Mantle, Aaron saw why. They did love one another, but there was also an active thread of dislike between them that was difficult to overcome.

Lane’s summoned guitar sounded electric, needing it for many reasons, partly for the close of the song. The lyrics were harsh but straightforward, evoking and illustrating images and feelings shown by his Avatar and enhanced by the Gift. The sound of the guitar continued briefly when the lyrics were over and then abruptly cut off, just like the relationship between the father and daughter.

Silence filled the gymnasium. The doctor stared at nothing, his eyes wide while tears ran down his face, slow and steady. Squeezing his hand, Albrecht held him tightly in his mind and heart.

After a moment, the doctor managed to say, “Thank you, Lane. That was profoundly poignant. Your talent never ceases to amaze me. What you put to music is what I needed to face. It brings clarity and a deeper understanding of the pain in her life and what I feel.”

Lane, his voice filled with compassion, asked, “Are you okay, doc?”

“Yes, Lane, I am. You and your brothers enrich my life in so many ways. Sometimes life is unbearably painful, but you all manage to turn it into something beautiful. You are a blessing.”

He looked at Ken, Kevin, and Bryan, who were glassy-eyed as well.

“All of you are. I have no idea what I would do without you. You made my life bearable during my separation from Albrecht and mean the world to me.”

In a rare show of affection, he moved forward, hugging Lane and the other men. Then, taking Albrecht’s hand, he left the gym, pondering the memories and thoughts of his daughter and her tragic life without him in it.

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A quick author's note

I have a playlist that inspired much of The Order. The main song is "The Humbling River" by Pusicer. The song Lane wrote for the doctor in this chapter is based on "My Love Took Me Down To The River To Silence Me" by Little Green Cars. It might add some flavor to the story if you want to listen to them. 

The Humbling River

My Love Took Me Down To The River To Silence Me

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