This is a work of fiction – a bit of science fiction and fantasy mixed together in fact.  None of the characters, names or personalities, are based on real people.  Any resemblance to a real person is entirely coincidental and not intentional.  I do live in the Atlanta area and use a lot of places I’ve been in the story. 

If you are offended by sex between adult men don’t read any further. 

If you are not of legal age don’t read any further. 

If this type of story is illegal where you live, for whatever reason, don’t read any further.

This story is copyrighted to me and cannot be reproduced without my express written consent.

 
Also please remember that nifty.org needs your donations to keep providing all these cool and wonderful stories!  You can donate at:

http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html

Nifty Erotic Stories Archive            Over 180000 documents spanning 4.2GB.

          Sally couldn’t sleep.  She wasn’t able to get comfortable and just ended up tossing and turning.  She never slept well outside her own bed and she missed Carlo’s warm body—even his snoring.  The hospital bed in her room at the Lab was much firmer than she was used to and it was making her stiff and uncomfortable, and that in turn made her irritable.

          Her mind kept going over everything that happened to her in the last week.  First of all, Carlo was dead.  She wasn’t able to attend his funeral service and as far as she knew the police and her family still thought she was dead or missing.  She realized that the men she used to work for were not completely human—in fact she still didn’t have a clear answer as to what they were.  She loved them like younger brothers but now she was a bit apprehensive…. She wasn’t frightened of them at all but she felt like she never really knew them to start with.  Two of the foundations in her life, her friendship with the guys and Carlo, were both gone and she felt a little adrift.  And if that wasn’t enough, the evil of the man who was responsible for kidnapping her… that was something she was still having nightmares about.

          She also felt angry and scared.  Caught up in some type of supernatural battle, she realized that many of the things she never believed in were in fact real and in the world around her.  The guys were giving her space to work through all this and while she appreciated that she needed someone to talk to.  She missed Carlo fiercely.  Of all the things she ever imagined Carlo being good at, a great listener wasn’t one of them; he turned out to be a great listener and he had a very level head.  He had a way of helping her make sense out of whatever might be troubling her.

          It was late, about 2 a.m.  She got up and wandered into the kitchen to see if she could find something to snack on.  Sure enough, there was ice cream in the fridge.  Her favorite, too; the guys knew her well and they were doing their best to make things easy on her and the other ‘guests.’

          She was in her nightgown and robe.  Some of the guys had gone to her house and brought back a few clothes and her toiletries.  Getting a spoon out of the drawer, she heard some noises coming from the gym so she went to see who else was up so late.

          She stuck her head in the door and saw Pat, shirtless and sweaty over on a weight bench.  She wandered over as he was finishing a set.  Her eyes went wide when she saw the digital readout; he was benching 700 lbs. like it weighted nothing!   She couldn’t help but marvel at his physique.  He was so…. perfect!  Like all the guys, his skin was flawless… he had no moles or blemishes, and it practically glowed with health.  Pat was hairier than almost any of the guys except Loy, and he was a stunningly handsome man.  Again… like all the guys.  She wondered how she never picked up on that detail before.

          Pat heard the door open and he saw Sally in his peripheral vision.  He benched the weight he was lifting and said, “Hey girl!  What’re you doing up?”  He wasn’t winded but he was breathing deeply.

          “Can’t sleep.  I thought maybe some ice cream would help.”

          “Did it?”

          “No, not really.”  Her eyes started watering up a little with the emotions running through her.  Trying to keep a grip on herself and divert Pat’s attention away from her tears she asked, “So where’s Darren?  And why are you guys here so late?”

          Pat nodded his head up towards the roof.  Sally looked up and saw Darren hanging from the one of the heavy support beams from the ceiling.  He was wearing only shorts and workout shoes.  He was covered in sweat and his body looked magnificent.  He was nearly as heavily muscled as Pat … a little shorter but more broadly built.

          “Watch this… I love it when he does this.”  Sally could hear the admiration and pride in Pat’s voice for his lover when he said that.

          Darren looked down and he noticed Sally talking with Pat.  One corner of his mouth quirked up just a bit in a smile and he decided to put on a show for them.  He let go of the beam and did a one eighty, so he was facing the floor as he dropped.

          Sally’s hand went to her mouth in shock and surprise, frightened that he was going to hurt himself.  The ceiling had to be at least fifty feet high.

          His form was perfect; like he was diving off a cliff into water.  Just before his hands would have touched the floor his image blinked and his trajectory reversed.  His velocity slowed as he gained altitude and he lowered his arms to his sides in a fluid motion as he slowed; it was almost like a ballet move.  He was beautiful to watch; incredibly graceful and in control; it was like he was swimming in the air.  For a split second he came to a stop before starting to drop again.  He did another one eighty and repeated the maneuver one more time.

          Wanting to reach terminal velocity he started teleporting in a loop, going back to the ceiling so he could continue to drop, and then just before reaching the floor he would disappear and reappear back up by the ceiling.  Using the speed he had built up he started jumping around and doing flips and twists in the air; his speed and flexibility were amazing. 

          Sally and Pat both stared in awe at what he was doing.  Sally at the fact that he was actually teleporting; Pat’s face was filled with love for his partner, and something else... it was like he was with Darren; she found it difficult to interpret what she was seeing.  There was also a bit of lust on his face… when Darren showed off like he was it really got Pat horny.  That and looking at his well-muscled body, warmed up and sweaty… Pat didn’t want to get hard in front of Sally so he clamped down on his libido.

          Darren kept this up for a few minutes until he started to tire.  He finished his exercise with an extremely elaborate set of twists and jaunts and then he appeared just off the floor moving horizontally.  He landed on his butt and slid across the floor coming to a stop a few feet from Sally and Pat.  He had a big grin on his handsome face.  He was breathing hard and drenched in sweat.  To Darren teleporting was much like lifting weights – the strength and amount he could lift with his mind came from his body and the stronger he was the more he could do. 

          Sally clapped her hands and for the first time in a week she smiled.  “Bravo!”

          Good job Dar… that’s the first time I’ve seen her smile since she’s been here.

          “I don’t know what to say about you guys… the things you can do.”

          “I know it’s hard to take in Sally.  It’s nice to see a smile on your face.  You know we’re here for you.”

          The compassion she saw in their eyes hit her hard and she started to cry again.  She wrapped her robe tighter around her, pulled her feet up on the bench, and put her arms around her knees.

          Darren’s eyes turned white and the sweat evaporated off his and Pat’s bodies.    Darren moved over beside Sally and put his arm around her and pulled her close.  “Come here sugar.  You’ve been holding too much in this week.  I think we’ve given you a little too much space.”  The part of Darren’s Avatar that came from Brad was filling him with Compassion for what she was struggling with and he could feel her hurting inside.

          Pat moved over on the other side of her so she was sandwiched between the two large men.   Pat took one of her hands in his and held it.  The gym was a little chilly and Darren’s body was so warm she snuggled up against him.  “You’re both so warm.”

          Darren smiled and said, “Yeah that’s another one of the changes.”

          “Sally talk to us.  Tell us what you’re thinking.  We don’t like to see you in pain or upset.  I know it’s gonna take some time to get over Carlo, and absorb what you’ve seen, but we wanna help you.”

          Sally used the sleeve of her nightgown to wipe the tears from her eyes and said, “I hardly know where to start.  What I’ve seen this week… it’s changed everything I knew.”

          Darren looked directly at her.  He used his other hand to lightly cup her chin and turn her face so she could look into his eyes.  His voice was gentle and compassionate as he said, “I have an idea but I’ll only do this with your permission.  We can share most of what you want to know but that kind of communication takes some getting used to.”

          “Brad said something about that.  He said you all go much deeper and I wasn’t ready for that yet.  What did he mean?”

          “Well, when we merge, that’s what we call it, there are no secrets.  You can’t lie for one thing, and you see the other person for who they truly are.  There are different levels… at the deepest level it’s so pure it’s almost painful.  You have to get past all the hang-ups you have about yourself or the other person.  It can be harsh and brutal at first but once you get past that it’s incredibly liberating.”

          “Don’t laugh but it might be easier because Pat and I are gay.  You’ll see a lot about us and our relationship that you might not want to know and didn’t expect but it’s who we are.  If you’re up for it, once we can merge like that sharing information isn’t like talking… you’ll see our experiences like they’re your own.”

          “It sounds scary.”

          That’s why I’m asking your permission.  If you don’t want to, or aren’t ready that’s fine.  We aren’t trying to pressure you.  But I think most of your questions would be answered best if we could do that.   If you aren’t then we’ll put on a pot of coffee and take as much time as you want to talk.

          Wait!  You’re in my head!

          Yeah but just so we can talk.  This is like the lightest level of merging, and you can’t lie mind to mind either.  It’s just like talking but you get more of the emotion and intent.  It’s really helpful to keep misunderstandings from creeping up.

          Can you read my mind?  Are you now?

          Yes we could but we would never do that without your permission unless it was an emergency of some kind.  That’s an invasion of privacy and we’d never do it unless it was absolutely necessary. And honestly it’s not all that pleasant most of the time with most people.

          Alright.  My curiosity is piqued now.  I’m scared witless but now I can’t say no.

          Darren and Pat both smiled at her.  Pat squeezed her hand gently and Darren tightened his arm around her a little more.

          Just one more thing… when we do this time passes differently.  The deeper we go the slower time moves.  Just a heads up because what would normally take hours of conversation will only take a few seconds this way.

          Wow… I like it already!  You know how we women like to talk… this will just give me more time!

          They could both tell she was trying to use humor to cover how scared she was, but they also felt her determination.

          Ok Sally, Pat and I are going to merge first.  We have a special bond you’ll learn more about in a few seconds.  To you we’ll almost seem like one person, but we’ll both be there.

          Sally was comforted by how gentle and caring Darren and Pat were being with her.  She could actually feel that they had her best interest at heart and she trusted them.  She realized they could feel her trust in them as well.

          Darren and Pat merged completely, Mind, Heart, and Soul.  Their eyes turned white and to Sally they started to glow softly.  She felt that powerful warmth and feeling of love she remembered coming off them before.  It was warm and beautiful and incredibly comforting.

          Ok Dar I hope you know what you’re doing. 

          I think she needs this and the sooner the better.   I’m having a hard time seeing her like she is right now.

          Me too.  OK bring her in.

          Ok Sally here goes.  Don’t panic and we’ll take this as slow as you want.

          Sally felt like she was submerged into a pool of warm, golden, liquid light.  The Love she felt was overwhelming at first.  Her mind ran through a gamut of emotions; curiosity, embarrassment, fear, and even anger.  She realized that Pat and Darren could see everything about her as if she was naked; physically and emotionally; everything about her, all her quirks and habits; her true self.  She was both terrified of what they would think of her and mortified that they could see it all.  All the times she had told them little white lies, or even big ones, or made gay jokes with her straight friends… all of those things were there, even her sexual preferences with Carlo and what she liked for him to do to her.  Her face went beet read at all that; they even know how she liked to get herself off when she masturbated.

          It’s alright Sally.  There’s nothing to be ashamed of.  We’re all people and we all went through this the first time too.  It’s much worse with a complete merge for the first time.  One step at a time.  You’re doing great.  You’ll learn that all those little lies and jealousies tend to go away after a while once you get used to this… you kind of grow past them.  Eventually even the thought of a lie is extremely distasteful.

          They let her process the emotions and felt her mind and personality at work.  She was human, and had many of the same hang-ups as every other person, but not as many as most.

          She felt Darren and Pat with her; supporting her.  It was like they had their arms wrapped around her but in a purely emotional way.  It felt amazing and quickly took away her fear and discomfort.  She was seeing them in the same way and they had long gotten over the self-consciousness about exposing their inner selves to someone else.  She realized and knew now that they did this with the rest of the guys on a regular basis.

          Darren thought: Look through our memories Sally. 

          Darren and Pat opened up to her and she looked and saw their childhood memories.  They were both orphans and had been fostered.  Darren’s parents had been killed in a car accident and Patrick never knew his.  She saw their time through high school as teenagers and what led them to join the Navy and become Seals.  She saw them get recruited by Dr. Thomas and join The Program and begin the Process back in 1992. 

          She realized they were part Nephelem and now knew what that meant.  She saw their Transformations and their various Awakenings and the growing pains of learning to use their new abilities.  She was in awe of that and what they could all do now.  The Enemy and The Master terrified her and she was scared for the guys and the purpose they now had of leading the fight against Them.  She saw how brave and selfless they all were, how beautiful on the inside and how perfect. 

          She realized how humble they were and how much they credited the doctor for what they were, but she also saw that they were good to start with.  She realized how recent many of the changes were and that even at the time of her going away party they didn’t have all the abilities they had now.

          She saw everything about their personal lives, their sexual preferences with each other, and not only how much in love they were with each other but how much they liked each other as best friends, and how close they were to the rest of the Team.   The intimate Love and friendship they all shared was unique and powerful and she was extremely jealous of the relationships they all shared with one another.  She realized that all of the couples shared their Souls and what a powerful bond that made between them.  She wanted that for herself more than anything. 

          She wanted it with Carlo but that wouldn’t happen now and that knowledge cut deep into her heart.  But she now had it with Darren and Pat and soon she would have it with Brad, Ken, Lane, Bryan, Bill, Kevin, Loy, and Rick.  The feeling of security and fulfillment that she was experiencing was overwhelming.

          She heard Darren’s voice through her emotions: It’s beautiful, isn’t it?  As human beings we’re meant to be with someone.  People were created to be together… something happened a long time ago that changed the way things started out.   I’m glad you can have this with us Sally and we hope you can find it with another man when you’re ready.  But in the meantime you have us and we’ll always be here for you.

          She also got a question answered that had been burning inside of her this last week.  She realized that they couldn’t bring Carlo back.  When she saw Greg Rawlins come back to talk to his father, deep down she hoped that they could bring Carlo back so she could talk to him.

          The sorrow she felt at that realization was hard and powerful.  They comforted her and held her tight, warming her heart and Soul, being her Brothers.  She leaned on them and cried inside until there were no more tears.  They helped her deal with her grief and loss; she loved Carlo and always would but they helped her get through the pain until all that was left were bittersweet memories.

          By the time she worked through everything Sally felt so comforted and comfortable that she fell asleep in Darren’s arms.  She hadn’t felt safe since before the night Carlo died and she felt completely safe wrapped up in Darren’s arms, between their big strong warm bodies, and their Minds and Hearts. 

          Darren carried her back to her bed and tucked her in. 

          Pat was changed and back in jeans and a t-shirt when Darren came out of her room.

          That went really well.

          It did.  She’s an amazing person.  I hope she’ll still be ok will all this in the morning.

          We’ll check in first thing with her in the morning and make sure.  Do you want to do any more work tonight or head on home?

          Darren’s handsome face lit with a knowing smile.  You know what I wanna do.

          Yeah I was hoping you were gonna say that.  Seeing you show off for Sally really got me going.  Let’s head home.

          They locked up the lab and activated the security protocols and went home.  Bill and Kevin were there on ‘guest’ duty and would be around in case anything happened.

          The entire drive home, just to make sure Pat stayed in the mood to fool around, Darren gently caressed Pat’s erection with his mind.  Pat was nearly a blithering idiot by the time they got home and in bed.

          The next morning Ken woke up first.  To a normal person the house was quiet but he could hear the clock in the kitchen, and the coffee maker at work.  He inhaled and could smell the coffee and the sheets where he and Brad had made love last night.  His dick twitched a little at the memory.

          Ken could hear Brad’s slow breathing and if he concentrated hard enough he could hear and feel his heartbeat as well.  Ken lay there, content to watch Brad sleep, his handsome face relaxed and peaceful.  Brad was a heavier sleeper and Ken snuggled up against his lover, wrapping one of his arms over Brad’s body and pulling him close.  Brad shifted slightly but didn’t wake up, unconsciously snuggling back against Ken’s body.  His head ended up on Ken’s chest and under his chin. 

          The mornings were getting colder and they both kept each other nice and warm under the covers.

          He felt Brad’s mind waking up through their connection.  Brad had set a trigger to wake himself up just before the alarm was supposed to go off.  He felt a tiny surge of power and heard the slight click as Brad turned the alarm off about a minute before it would have gone off.

          His very sleepy mental voice said:  Mornin’.

          Mornin’ B.  Now that Brad was awake Ken let his hands roam a little over Brad’s body in soothing, comforting caresses.  Brad snuggled closer and wrapped one arm around Ken, pulling himself closer.

          They allowed themselves a few minutes of cuddling before they got up and crawled out of bed. 

          The rest of the morning followed their normal routine.  They got dressed, went for a run, drove to the Lab for their workout, and went back home for breakfast and a shower.

          While they were eating breakfast Ken said, “So, B… I was thinkin’ about Tony last night.  I really don’t want him gettin’ back on the radar of the Enemy.  If we do anything too overt and they associate our presence there with him it could cause him no end of trouble.  With things escalatin’ the way they are and what all our other friends just went through we need to be careful.”

          “Yeah I was thinking the same thing.  I think we need to go in incognito as potential members.  I can make us look like anyone we want and you can help mask our auras in case they have any of the suits there.”

          “If we’re gonna do this we’ll need to carve out a little extra time, at least three to four days a week, to go there.  It’ll take some patience but I think it might pay off.  We might be able to pick up some really useful information on top of helping Tony.”

          “You know we might need to wait until we get back from our camping trip.  We can go this morning to look the place over but not join until we get back.  We can tell them we want to think things over once we hear their spiel.”

          “Yeah that sounds good.”

          On the way back to the Lab, they stopped by Brad’s old Gym, with Brad disguising them as two young college students who wanted to join together as workout partners.  It was obvious to both Ken and Brad that the employees there were now Protectors of the Enemy; there was no one left that Brad knew from the time he spent working out there.  They left with a promise they would be in touch in the next few weeks to make a decision on what membership plan they would go with. 

          When they got to the Lab they went to let the doctor and Albrecht know what they found out.

          The doctor almost seemed excited.  He looked thoughtful and said, “This is an excellent opportunity for us to try out some of the new technology that Patrick, Darren and I have been developing.  When you return from your trip I will have everything ready and let you know how we can proceed.  In the meantime go have fun.  You have all certainly earned it.”

          As they were leaving the doctor’s office they noticed Sally over in the kitchen.  They could tell right away something was different; she seemed more like her normal cheerful self.  She was cleaning and scrubbing the sink and the countertops.

          She was intent on what she was doing and didn’t notice them come over and she jumped a little when Ken said, “Hey Sally!  Good morning!  What’re you doing?”

          She blew some suds off the end of her nose and said, “You guys might be half angels but you are still guys and therefore partial pigs when it comes to being clean.  This place is a wreck!  I bet this kitchen hasn’t been cleaned properly in forever.”

          Ken and Brad both laughed.  Brad said, “Well obviously not by your standards.”

          Ken reached out and put his hand on her shoulder and turned her to face him.  She made eye contact with him and then with Brad and he asked, “I’m really glad to see you doing better.  We’ve been worried sick about you.  I don’t want to pry but did something happen since yesterday to change your outlook on things?”

          “Actually yes.  I merged with Darren and Pat last night.”

          Brad said, “You what!?”

          She continued, “I couldn’t sleep and I was really upset and I found them still here.  They were in the gym working out.  We started talking and Darren explained to me what it meant and that my questions would be easier to answer that way.” 

          Her eyes teared up a little but it was from the good memory of the experience and not sadness.

          “It was beautiful.  They are both beautiful men, inside and out.  They helped me work through the worst of my feelings over Carlo and helped me to understand all about you guys; who and what you are and what you do.  Don’t be mad at them.  They were so incredibly supportive and kind and gentle… I don’t think I’ve ever felt anything like that; or that safe.”

          They both gave her a big long hug and Ken said, “We’re happy for you sweetie.  Really we are.  I wasn’t sure you were ready for that, but I’m so glad it happened.”

          “When can I do that with you two?  I want to do it with everyone.  I feel like I need to, even though it’s mortifying, at least at first.”

          They both laughed, and Brad said, “Yeah you should have been there the first time Ken and I did that.  It was a beautiful train wreck.  We fell in love with one another all over again.”

          “Well I can’t wait.  I’m not putting you on the spot but I want you to know I want to know you guys that way more than anything.  It’s strange but somehow I feel like it’s something I have to do.”

          Brad said, “We’ll talk to the rest of the guys on the camping trip and we can do it after we get back if that’s all right.  I know it only takes a few seconds but it’s still not something you just want to spontaneously surprise someone with.”

          “I understand.  Now I can really say that I do understand.  Oh by the way you really need to find Drew and say goodbye to him before you head out.  He’s worried he isn’t going to get to see you before you leave.”

          Ken replied, “Thanks for the heads up.  How are Liz and Henry and the others doing?  Have you talked with them much?”

          “The Keenan’s seem to be doing the best out of everybody.  They’re really tough, and they have each other.  I think the fact that they knew something about all this before made a difference too.  Henry’s hard to read, but I think he’s falling for Liz.  You do have some competition with him as far as Drew goes.  Drew is really taking a liking to him… but I think Henry’s really scared.  He’s still hurt over whatever was done to him, but I can see how he acts around Drew and Liz.  He’s really conflicted though so I’m not sure how that’s going to turn out.”

          “Thanks for all that Sally.  You’re a great judge of character and we appreciate your take on this.  Brad I have an idea about Henry before we head out but we’ll need Lane and Bryan.”

          Ken and Brad both gave Sally another long comforting hug.  Ken whispered into her ear, “I’m so glad you are ok, sis.”  She just squeezed him a little harder and she laughed, “Squeezing you is like squeezing a rock.  It’s a good thing your man here is strong.”

          Ken smiled at Brad and said, “Stronger than you know sweetie.  He’s amazing and keeps me in line.”

          Sally went back to cleaning and Ken and Brad went over to the main part of the lab to find the doctor.

          Ken and Brad talked with the doctor and Albrecht and Ken explained his idea about Henry. 

          The doctor said, “I will leave the decision to you, but I think what you intend to do is a good thing.  Henry has been so deeply hurt I do not think any traditional means of coping can ever get him to where he needs to be to have a healthy relationship.  I think it would be prudent to have Lane do what you suggest… Bradford could do it but the main focus of Lane’s Avatar makes him best suited to the task and there is no reason to take even the slightest risk with Henry’s mind and heart in our attempt to help him.”

          “Thanks doc.  I was hoping you’d agree and not have a good reason not to do it.  First of all we want Henry to recover, but on top of that I take it as another small victory for our side if we can help him.  The agent of the Enemy that left him with us did so knowing how troubled he would be for the rest of his life.  The sheer cruelty of that still astounds me and pisses me off.”

          “Yes my boy.  It angers me as well… but it is not new.  Their cruelty knows no bounds.  Through all the time I have fought them, they ever try to maim and cause suffering in whoever they do not outright destroy.  For the first time in all the long years, we now have a means to bring an end to all of this.  Henry can be a first and it will be a true joy to see him fully recovered with his memories and Soul fully intact.  I could have altered his Mind but this will be more effective and much deeper and will not change who he is.”

          Brad thought:  I know what you want to do.  I think it has a good chance of working as long as Henry doesn’t break.  My gut tells me he’s strong enough but it’s still not a sure thing.  We can give him a choice… if he really doesn’t want to get past this we can have Kevin reset him.  I think we should have everyone here for this Ken and not just Lane and Bry.

          Ok.  I trust your gut.  Everyone should be here for training in a few minutes anyway.   Let’s slip into one of the spare bedrooms for a quickie.  We both need to be fully charged up.     

          As the rest of the guys started showing up, all of them felt the aura Ken and Brad were generating during their ‘quickie.’  When the door opened and they came out, the rest of the team were standing in a semi-circle outside the door and started applauding.  They all got a big laugh out of it.

          After everyone stopped laughing Ken thought:  Ok fellas, me and B are gonna’ go chat with Henry for a few minutes.  We want to try and help him if he’ll let us.  If he will we want everybody in on it.  Lanester, I have an idea that you’ll need to take the lead on if he’s willing.

          Lane: Just let me know boss.   I’m with you.

          Ken:  Alright we’ll be back in a few.

          Henry was in his room with the door shut.  Liz was in the kitchen helping Sally clean and Drew was playing with his Hot Wheels on one of the tables.  Drew stopped to watch Ken and Brad as they walked over to the door to Henry’s room.  Drew had one of those rare adult looks on his face like he knew something was about to happen.

          Henry heard the knock on his door but he didn’t answer.  He was lying on the bed, lost in his thoughts, struggling with his feelings for Liz and Drew.  They deserve so much better than me.  I’ll just end up hurting them.  If they knew anything about what I did they’d think I was a monster and hate me.

          Brad and Ken both knew he was awake and in fact Brad picked up on Henry’s last thoughts.  He wasn’t trying to pry; he skimmed enough of Henry’s mind to find out if he was asleep or not.

          Not good Ken.

          Ken swiped his keycard and put in the override code and the door unlocked.  Henry was on the bed with his back to the door.

          “Henry bud I know you’re awake.  We need to talk.”

          Henry didn’t say anything but he sat up on the edge of the bed.  He ran his hands roughly over his face.  He hadn’t shaved in a few days and his handsome face was covered with stubble.  

          Brad and Ken both moved in and shut the door.  They pulled up chairs and sat down in front of him.

          Henry didn’t make eye contact with either one of them and mumbled, “I’ve been waitin’ for somethin’ like this.”

          Brad said, “We just want to help you Henry, but you need to let us.”

          “Why don’t you just fix me?  That would be the easiest thing.”

          “That’s not the way we work man.  That’s the way They work.    You have to want to get better.  It looks like Liz and Drew care a lot about you.  Don’t you want to get better for them?”

          Henry didn’t answer right away.  His eyes turned red and he sniffed loudly, “They deserve better.  If they knew half the things I’ve done they’d never want me near ‘em again.  They’d be terrified to be in the same room with me.”

          “We’ve told you before Henry, that wasn’t you.  You had no choice; They had your Mind under their control and you weren’t responsible.”

          “Yeah but I lived through all of that and I felt it all like it was me.  I didn’t volunteer for what They turned me into but I wasn’t a saint before that either.”

          “Henry come with us into the gym.  If you’re willing we want to try something.  It’s gonna hurt emotionally but we’ll be there with you.”

          “It can’t be worse than what I feel every day.  I’m about ready for it to be over one way or another. I want to be with Liz but I don’t know how.   When Drew looks at me and puts his arms around my neck it’s almost more than I can take; I don’t deserve it and I’m not worth it.”

          Ken said, “That’s where you’re wrong Henry, and we can prove it to you.” 

          Ken reached out and put his hand on Henry’s heavy shoulder and gave him a comforting squeeze. 

          Henry got off the bed and followed them out of the room.

          As soon as Henry stepped through the door into the gym he hesitated.  He saw the other eight men waiting for him.  He felt both Brad and Ken’s hands on his back.  He looked at all of them and saw the compassion and support in their faces; and while it made him feel good deep down inside it also brought the personal pain and all the negative feelings to the surface.

          Brad pulled Henry into the surface link with all of them and they all felt his emotional turmoil.

          Their voices flooded into his mind, gentle and caring and comforting.

          Tears filled his eyes and dropped down his cheeks.  What do you want me to do?

          Lane had put a mat down on the gym floor and moved over and sat down.  Come sit with me Henry.  You too Brad.  Everyone else will be close around us.

          They could all feel Henry’s apprehension and nervousness and they all sent him support and strength.

          Brad thought:  It’s going to be ok Henry.  We’re going to be with you every step of this process.

          Henry:  So what exactly are you going to do to me?

          Brad: We’re going to show you how to forgive and love yourself.  We’re going to show you how to see yourself the way we see you. 

          Henry was silent but they felt his fear; the turmoil that was always lurking just under the surface of his mind and heart.

          Lane scooted over behind Henry and spread his legs so he could pull Henry back against him.    He wrapped his arms around Henry from behind and pulled him tight against him.  Brad got behind Lane and put his arms around both of them.

          Lane could feel the tightness in Henry’s body.  He was starting to sweat from nervousness.  Lane shifted his Sight and he could see the all the various levels of tension in Henry through his Energy flows and he sent a trickle of white energy into Henry to help relax his body.

          To Henry it felt like he was naked and in a warm bath.  His skin felt warm and flush and he leaned back into Lane with a sigh.

          Brad: Ok Henry we need to go back to when the Enemy first took you.  This is going to be uncomfortable and some of this will be like reliving what happened to you.  There are parts you might not even remember that your brain has hidden from you to help you cope.  We need to see all of that… remember buddy we’re with you, you’ll feel us there.  Once we start we won’t stop until we’re back up to the present.  Are you ready?

          Unable to speak Henry just nodded.

          Everyone else had formed a tight circle around Henry, Lane, and Brad.  They were all holding hands, with Ken and Bryan on the two ends of the circle holding onto their partners.  Brad opened up all their energy centers including Henry’s.  Henry’s eyes went wide as he saw the bright colors of energy coming out of all of them, even his own body.  Theirs were much brighter and stronger except for the red ribbon… his was much closer to theirs, indicative of the changes the Enemy had made in him.

          Brad wove all of them together into a bright white cord… it was a torrent of energy passing through all of them.  To Henry’s cold Soul it was a hot wind… he felt the Love surrounding him and moving through him.

          Here we go!

          Henry felt like he was falling into himself but he knew he wasn’t alone.  He felt all of them with him, as if their hands were all holding onto him.  Lane squeezed his arms around Henry’s stomach and torso so he would feel the physical sensation; proving he was still anchored to his body.

          Brad and Lane took him back to when he was abducted and put through the Process that changed him.  He didn’t know or understand what the Enemy did to change him other than it was extremely painful and it took weeks and it almost killed him.  Once the physical process was complete the well-dressed man that he was forced to work for took over his mind, trapping him inside himself.

          He was a prisoner in his own mind for just over three years, and he relived every second as he did whatever it was the Enemy commanded him to do.  He hurt countless people, usually killing them or leaving them for dead.   He killed women and children, and on occasion even pregnant women because the Enemy needed the fetuses to fuel their Dark spells.   With every death, he was screaming inside his own mind and his Soul was dying a little with what he was forced to do.

          But this time, Brad and Lane and the others were with him, making him see the anguish and pain he felt as he was helpless to stop or prevent his actions.  They found barriers in his mind that were placed by the Enemy to suppress those memories.   They were deep and subtle and had escaped the notice of those in the Order that had previously tried to help Henry.  But to Brad and Lane and the others, as deeply bonded as they were with Henry, those barriers were easy to detect.  It angered all of them and Brad shattered those barriers and put his own up to keep anything like that from ever happening to Henry again.

          As those barriers broke, and Henry finally realized that his actions weren’t his fault, a sense of relief flooded through his Mind.   They collectively pulled him deep into themselves so he could feel the unconditional Love they had for him, to let it heal him like nothing else could.  He had never felt anything like it in his life.  For the first time in his life he felt worthy of Love and was able to accept it.

          After the barriers were shattered Lane thought:  Henry, I think now we know what your answer will be but just in case I’m going to show you something.  Your life has been miserable for years but I’m going to show you how happy you can be.  This isn’t an absolute but I’m going to show you the most probable future you have with Liz if you want to be with her.

          Henry felt like he was falling forward as Lane pulled all of them into a Temporal Rift forward in time.  Henry saw an image of himself, much older, smiling with Liz by his side.   They were standing on the front porch of a nice house and he had his arm around her.  The feeling of contentment and happiness that he saw in that version of himself was overwhelming.

          The one thought that was prominent in his mind was:  I want that.

          They were all elated for him.  As everyone came back into themselves and settled back into the present, Henry felt tears of relief falling down his cheeks.  Lane and Brad both gave Henry a tight hug, and the others all made it to his side and touched him in a comforting embrace in one form or another.

          “I don’t even know what to say guys, or how to thank you for this.  I never thought in a million years I could feel this way.”

          Brad replied, “We’re really happy we could help you Henry.  You’re still on an emotional high in the moment so some of this will fade.   If you have any ill effects find the doctor or Albrecht immediately, but I think you’re going to be fine.  Liz and Drew will be thrilled you want to be with them, and their support will be the best medicine.  There’s nothing like the arms of a lover or a little boy to make you feel good.  You can be the father that Drew needs.”

          Lane helped him stand and as he got to the door of the gym he turned and looked at all of them one more time.  “You know if there’s ever anything I can do for you or your cause you just have to name it.  I know more than anyone how evil the Enemy is and why they should be stopped.  I’m with all of you no matter what.”

          With that he turned and went into the kitchen to find Liz and Drew.

          As he opened the door they all heard Drew running over to Henry and throwing his arms around Henry’s waist.  Henry picked him up and Drew’s arms wrapped around his neck and he gave Henry a big kiss on his cheek, making a face at the feeling of his whiskers.

          “Hey there little man.  Let’s go have a talk with your mom ok?”

          The door shut and everyone felt a warm sense of having done the right thing for a good friend who was hurting.

          Ken quietly said, “One day the whole world will feel like that.”  Brad put his arms around Ken from behind and rubbed his chest in a loving gesture.

          “OK ladies… time for training.  You know the drill… now hop to it!”

          They all made their plans and got their camping gear and supplies together.   Since their last and final Awakening, after drinking the Water from the Tree of Life, they were all attuned to the Valley and the Protections lying over the area.  They couldn’t teleport directly to the Tree; the protections over the area prevented that.  Uriel taught Bryan how to Recall himself to the rocky plain where he appeared on his first trip there with Uriel.  From there Brad could contact him and use him to get a visual for Darren to get everyone else there.  As far as Bryan knew, his ability to get there was a one way trip, so without Lane and the others he would be stuck there.  

          They were all excited for a few reasons.  First none of them had taken any kind of real trip since they first started Awakening and they were looking forward to it, but mostly they were excited to see something that was a part of their Nephelem Heritage.  They were going somewhere on the planet that was ancient and powerful and humans weren’t allowed or permitted to go.

          The doctor and Albrecht assured the Team that all their guests would be in good hands during their absence.  Communications would be impossible while the guys were in the Valley, so once a day one couple would have to make the climb back down and contact the doctor.  Ken insisted, over the objections of the doctor, that they do this and everyone on the Team agreed.

          Late that afternoon, as everyone was winding down from the day’s training, two balls of light appeared in the middle of the gym.  Pat and Rick saw them first and alerted everyone through their link. 

          All of them were shirtless, wearing only their shorts and tennis shoes.  They had been working out hard and were all drenched in sweat and breathing heavily.  They all stopped to look and see who it was.

          One of the balls grew into the form of Uriel and the other man was a stranger they had never seen before.  Like Uriel and the other Arch-Angels he was inhumanly beautiful and perfect.  He was not as heavily muscled as Uriel but he was still a large and thick man.  He had rich brown hair and dark brown eyes and his skin was deeply tanned.  He was wearing blue jeans and a tight white t-shirt that fit his form perfectly. 

          Bryan’s expression was solemn as he moved over to meet his Heavenly grandfather.  Nearly every time Uriel showed up it meant some kind of trouble.

          His handsome brow was slightly furrowed as he questioningly said, “Grandfather?”

          “Hello Bryan.  There is no need to fear my presence this time.  There is some information my Brother and I need to impart to you.”

          A high level of excitement was running through all of them.  They were all tightly linked and Brad brought them deeper as soon as the balls of light appeared.  The prevalent thought was that this other being with Uriel might be one of their Heavenly relatives.

          “Allow me to introduce my brother, Barachiel.”

          The man didn’t speak but he nodded to all of them.  His eyes moved over all of them and they could see and feel the aura of strength and nobility that radiated off him.  It was unconscious on his part and his face displayed no hint of arrogance.

          When his eyes locked with Loy’s his face broke into a smile.

          “Hello Loy.  I’ve come a long way to meet you.”

          Loy was stunned and his heart started racing.  He felt the support and excitement that all his Brothers had for him.

“Are you …?”

“I am.  Many times removed but yes; you are of my lineage.  I have wanted to meet you and when Uriel informed me of your recent plans it was a perfect opportunity.”

“I… I don’t know what to say.  I’ve wanted to meet you ever since I found out about you but now…”

“You need not say anything.  I realize this is a surprise.  I have managed to follow your actions to some small degree and I am not displeased.  Far from it.  Come let us talk.”

Loy held out his arm in a gesture of inclusion towards Rick and nodded his head.   When Rick hesitated Loy thought:  Come on Rick.  I want you with me.

Barachiel held out his arm as well and said, “Please join us Richard.  If half of my Grandson’s Soul and all of his Heart belongs to you I wish to meet you as well.”

Rick and Loy moved over away from everyone and dropped out of the link so they could talk privately.

Everyone was extremely happy for Loy, and even a little hopeful that someone else’s relative might show up.

Uriel put one of his big arms over each of Lane’s and Bryan’s shoulders and led them over into a corner so they could talk as well.  It was strange to Lane because he could now see the resemblance between Bryan and Uriel, not so much physically even though they were both big men with similar builds, but in mannerisms.  Uriel was even more stoic than Bryan, but now that he was warming up to them it was nice to see more expression on his face and in his eyes.   Bryan had won over his Grandfather’s heart just as he had won over Lane’s long ago, and it made Lane happy for his partner.  His own relationship with Gabriel was already much stronger as well and it felt nice to have a family connection that none of them had grown up with.

While Uriel and Barachiel spoke with Bryan, Lane, Loy, and Rick, everyone else went into the locker room to take a shower and change clothes.  It was near the end of the day anyway, so Ken called it.   They all gathered in the kitchen to wait and see what they could find out.  The doctor, who always seemed to know a lot about everything, paled a little at the mention of Barachiel’s name.

He let out an, “Oh my!” but didn’t say anything further.  Brad realized the doctor knew something about Loy’s angelic relative and it must be significant, but as usual the doc didn’t elaborate.

It wasn’t long before Loy, Rick, Bryan, and Lane came into the kitchen.  They were still wearing their workout gear and had no shirts on.  Darren was closest to the refrigerator and pulled out four PowerAids and tossed a bottle to each of them.

Everyone was looking at Loy expectantly but he made a show of opening the bottle and taking a big swig.  Brad pulled the four men back into the group link and everyone could feel Loy’s excitement.  His eyes were a little watery as he thought:  Fuck me fellas.  I have a grandfather.  I mean I knew it, after what we learned about Michael and the others but still…. He’s amazing! 

Rick came up behind Loy and wrapped his arms around Loy from behind, crisscrossing his arms over Loy’s chest and pulled him into a tight bear hug.  He kissed Loy on the cheek and held him for a second before letting go.  Loy couldn’t keep a smile off his handsome face and it seemed to be contagious.  It seemed like it had been a while since something really nice had happened to any of them so they all relished in what Loy was sharing with them.

Ken:  I can’t tell ya how happy we are for ya Loy.  So what did he have to say man?  He said something about some information?  Fuck I hope it’s good news for a change.

Loy:  Thanks guys.  He seems really nice… that feels weird to say, knowing what he is and now a little about him, but he is.  He used our trip as an excuse to come see me.  Uriel could have told us everything we need to know through Bryan.  That makes it even more special that he came to see me… 

Brad: So what is it about our trip to the Tree that’s so important that two of the big guns for the Higher Order felt the need to come talk to us about it?  It’s just a camping trip.

Bryan interjected:  Well not really.  The place is a little more special than we realized.  I mean we know what the Tree is and that Leroy is there; that alone makes the place special.  But there’s a little more to it.  It’s also the place where the Master was born.  He doesn’t know that but it’s the place where the first human Soul came to be.  The place is sacred and it exists on both sides of the Veil.  There are some rules we have to follow if we’re going to be there.  That’s what they wanted to let us know.  We’re privileged to be able to go there, and it’s our right, especially as Protectors of the Tree, but we need to honor that privilege by following some rules.

You all probably noticed that when Grandpop shows up he’s usually wearing animal skins.

Brad interjected: Wait a sec.  Did you just call Uriel ‘Grandpop’?

Yeah what’s wrong with that?

For cryin’ out loud Bry he’s the Angel of Death.

So?  He asked me what I wanted to call him.

Ok!  I guess if you can name a Dragon Leroy you can call the Angel of Death Grandpop!

Bryan got a rare grin on his face.  He felt their humor through their link and laughed with them.

So anyway, you notice how he’s always wearing animal skins and the last time I went he gave me the same thing to wear.  We aren’t supposed to take anything unnatural with us… nothing synthetic.  Makes perfect sense to me, so we might need to repack some things.  I’ll save the rest of my part for after we hear what Loy has to say.

Loy: Ok, Barachiel said we can’t take anything to eat or drink with us.  The Valley and the Tree will provide everything we need while we’re there.   As part of the natural order of things, an animal will present itself to any of us as a sacrifice so we can have meat.   We free its Spirit and take its Body to nourish us.  We burn everything we don’t use or eat.   I totally balked at that but after he explained it to me it makes a weird sort of sense. With our Avatars there will be no pain or fear on the part of the animal.  The creatures there are serving a purpose.

Bryan: Uriel said not to be squeamish about it.  It’s a very pure thing in a sacred place.  I can take seeds with me for any fruits or vegetables we want and grow them there.  Things work differently in the Valley and in close proximity to the Tree.  Our powers will be much stronger there so it’ll take some getting used too.  On the good side it’ll make the trek in much easier without having to carry all that food and our tents.   We just need some cotton or wool blankets if we want for sleeping.   

The next morning they all met at the Lab at 6:00 a.m.  The doctor and Albrecht were staying there as long as Sally and the other guests were still with them, so they were able to see the Team off.  Everyone else was still asleep so they tried to keep things quiet.  Ken and Brad made sure to say their goodbyes to Drew the night before.

They gathered in the gym.   As a parting gift, Albrecht had made some special items for all of them; leather footwear that would work well for hiking and climbing over the rocks, and stone knives.

The guys were floored and extremely appreciative.  The craftsmanship was exquisite and he even had their Avatars carved into the bone handles and died to match, so each one was unique to the one he made it for.

Bryan:  OK are all you sissies ready?

He felt everyone’s response through their link.

OK.  Here goes nuthin’.

Bryan closed his eyes and concentrated.  A bright green emerald flash of power emanated from his Avatar and he vanished.   Brad was ready and could still feel him in the link but his presence was very far away.   

Bryan appeared on the large rock where he always did.  Immediately he felt the hot sun on his face and the thick humidity in the air.  He started sweating right away so he stripped off his shirt and tucked it into his belt.    He closed his eyes and let his senses roam… he could already feel the Tree calling to him.  He took a deep breath… the air here was so pure and clean as if it was fresh and new and had never been breathed by anyone or anything before.

He jumped down off the rock and walked a few minutes until he found a good clearing for everyone to use as a jump spot.

The big difference with this visit is that he was still linked to Lane and all his Brothers.  That made the feeling here even more perfect.  He couldn’t wait for everyone to see the Tree in person and not just though his memories… and he couldn’t wait for them to see Leroy.  They would have to be careful there but it was important to Bryan for everyone to see Leroy in person.  He wasn’t sure why, but he felt it was something that needed to happen.

Ok fuckers I found a good spot.  Head on over.

Bryan felt Brad’s presence increase slightly in his Mind so he could get a clear image.

A second later Lane and all his Brothers appeared in front of him. 

Bryan got a knowing grin on his handsome face and gave them a minute to take in their surroundings.  The feel of this place was like nothing they had ever experienced before.  He wanted to be a good guide and maximize their experience, so he gave them time to soak it all in.

Each of them took in something slightly different.  Even though there was no noise except for the sound of a slight breeze, to Lane this place was beautifully harmonic.  It was Old and Pure and untouched by Time, and the Music he heard here was breathtaking.  To Loy the Spirits here were old and powerful.  There were no animals in their direct sight but he could feel the strong presence here and a huge smile came across his face as he felt them calling to him.  His eyes watered up with joy at what he felt here.

Fuck Ricky… this place is amazing!  Can you feel them?  They’re everywhere!

Rick moved behind his lover and pulled him back into a tight embrace, merging completely with Loy so he could feel and experience everything through his partner.  The joy that Loy felt was almost beyond belief… almost as powerful as the joy they felt together when they were One and making love to one another.

Bill’s senses were on overload.  His Avatar was reading the Power here and his Mind was buzzing while he was taking it all in. Pat Understood what this place was, and to a lesser extent so did Ken, Rick, and Kevin and their partners through them.  They were all sharing these experiences through their Bond, which as Bryan said was much stronger in this place. 

They all felt it as soon as they appeared; the bright sun, the freshness of the air, the Life of this place, and the thrumming of their Avatars.  They felt like they belonged here.

Bryan gave them as much time as they each needed to take this place in and wrap their minds and hearts around the experience.  Like Bryan, they all stripped off their shirts and tucked them into their belts.  The place was like a sauna, especially compared to the cooler weather they came from in Atlanta.  In only a few minutes their bodies were all shining with a light coat of sweat and the breeze felt wonderfully soothing when it blew across their bare skin.

Ok ladies, we still have a hike ahead of us and everything you’re feeling only gets better as we get closer.

It took them an hour to reach the sheer face of the mountain barrier that hid the Valley.

Ok everyone take five and then we’ll start the climb. 

Darren was looking up but he couldn’t make out the ledge he knew they were headed for.

Bryan saw him and thought: You can’t see it ‘til you are on top of it Dar.  I don’t think you can jump there… according to Uriel, the Protection over this place covers the ledge.

Yeah but I still think I can make it.  It’s worth a shot and will only take a sec to try.

Pat knew what Darren was going to do and he had every confidence in his partner.

Up to you.  The climb is a bitch for the five of us, and even with you all being amped up it’ll be hard. 

A cocky grin spread across Darren’s handsome face and he thought:  Piece of cake.  I’ll be back in a minute.

He took off the makeshift backpack he was carrying for his attempt. 

With their exceptional eyesight Ken, Bryan, Pat, Kevin, and Rick all looked up to see what Darren was about to do.  Bryan knew where the ledge was even though it wasn’t visible from the ground.

Darren vanished, and just like when he was showing off for Sally in the gym he appeared high up in the air.  He immediately started free falling but he had plenty of time to spot the ledge he was making for.  He jumped three more times to get the right velocity and trajectory to land safely on the ledge.

They knew he made it when he dropped from the link.  They heard the echo of his ‘WOOO HOOO!” and a few seconds later he appeared a few feet off the ground and easily landed in a crouch to absorb the last few feet of his fall.  His mind came back into the link as soon as he appeared.  The smile on his face was a mile wide and everyone gave him a slap on the back or shoulder or a high five or a fist bump.

The pride they felt for him at his accomplishment filled the link and the wonder at the implications of what he could do if he put his mind and ability to work.  Pat’s Avatar of Understanding helped at first to give him the knowledge, but Darren was a wizard at math and physics just like Brad and he had a natural instinct that seemed to go with his Avatar as far as how to time and place his jumps to do what he wanted.

Piece of cake guys. 

Bryan’s mental voice sounded hesitant:  Hey Dar…

Darren:  No worries Bry.  I know what you’re going to say.  I just wanted to see if I could do it.  If we ever need to get there in a hurry I know how, but I think we need to go the long way.  I was just giving you ladies time to rest.

Bryan: Going in is part of the process… at least the first time.  It’s hard to explain but it’s a part of the order of this place.  You’ll understand once we get into the Valley.

All of them had made out before heading to the lab, so everyone would be as strong as possible.  Bryan told them the climb was hard and to make sure they were ready for the effort.

Ok are you fuckers ready?  It’s best to just push through ‘til we make it to the ledge.  There’s no place to stop and rest.

Bryan felt everyone’s acknowledgement through their link, so he moved forward and started to climb.  His thick arms and heavy shoulders bunched up as his fingers found handholds as he started pulling himself up.  The leather boots Albrecht had made them were perfect to grip against the rock and they were nimble enough to let them find small cracks where only their toes would fit.

As soon as they started to climb their tattoos began to glow, and as they got higher the brightness increased.    Everyone was quiet as they concentrated on the effort of climbing, and feeling the strangeness of this place; the only sound was their heavy breathing from the effort of the climb.  On Bryan’s first visit, before his second Awakening, the strength of the Valley and the Tree overwhelmed him and Uriel had to shield him.  They were all Awake now and their Avatars were in tune with this place… they felt the power thrumming through their Avatars like a pulse beat.

It took them nearly two hours, and the last fifteen minutes or so was a struggle for Brad and the other Mentalists, even with the physical charge they had from their partners.  Their arms were shaking and their shoulders ached and their breathing was labored.  Ken was the only one who wasn’t winded or tired and he kept encouraging everyone as needed, and occasionally he would shift himself to give a small push of assistance or just a comforting hand of encouragement.

Bryan made it to the ledge first and Ken was right beside him.  They reached over and helped to pull everyone up as quickly as they could.

Bryan:  Ok fuckers the hard part’s over now.  You all did great.  No surprise there.  Let’s take a few minutes to rest up.

Brad and the others collapsed on the floor of the cave mouth they found themselves in.  Their lungs were on fire and their chests were heaving, but they were all in such good shape it only took a few minutes for their breathing to return to normal.  Something about the air, or perhaps the energy their Avatars were in tune with in this place seemed to replenish their strength more quickly than normal.  They all did some stretches to work out the soreness from their aching muscles and were quickly ready to keep going.

Taking the lead from Bryan they all shifted their Sight and let the extra light from their Avatars illuminate the cave so they could see.

As soon as they emerged from the cave they collectively caught their breath at the sight before them.  They had all seen the Tree through Bryan, and even felt his experience with it through their connection, but seeing it in person was still a shock.   The scale of the Tree was unbelievable, making even the giant redwoods of Muir Woods in California look like twigs.

Bryan paused for a minute to let them take in the sight.  As he was standing there Lane came up and pressed his body against Bryan’s and put his arms around him from behind, hugging him tight.

Oh my God Bry; even seeing it through you before didn’t prepare me for this.   This place is amazing.  I wish we had come here sooner.

Yeah I wish I’d brought you here sooner too.

Each couple was together and holding on to one another, taking in and sharing the experience.  The Life energy of the Tree was so strong and vibrant it was like they were swimming in it; every breath they took in filled them even more.  Bryan was right when he said their powers would be stronger here.  All of them felt a rush like they had never known.

This place existed on both sides of the Veil and Brad’s Sight kept shifting between the two.  He felt the pull of both sides and it was disorienting.  He knew that here, in this place, he could cross over in his Body, which should be impossible.  He had no idea what would happen if he did and the idea scared him.  Ken knew that something was wrong immediately and everyone else felt it too.

B!  What’s the matter?  Ken wrapped his arms around Brad and pulled him tightly against him.

I’m not sure; this place exists on both sides of the Veil and I feel like I’m being pulled in two different directions.

Lane:  Brad use Ken as an anchor!   Bry show Ken how you do it when I need you to do that for me. Brad focus on Ken!  Don’t slip away!

Bryan pulled Ken deeply into himself and showed Ken how he had learned to anchor Lane to himself when he was being pulled by the Gift or his Avatar into different time lines or alternate realities.

Lane did the same with Brad, showing him how to hold onto Ken in a way he had never needed to before. 

Everyone gathered around, lending their strength and support, their concern evident through the link they were sharing.  Brad held onto Ken, not just with his arms and Mind, but with his Soul.  Ken wrapped him up, a strong solid presence; immovable.

The relief going through Brad was palpable. Thanks Ken. 

I love you B and you aren’t goin’ anywhere while I’m here to hold onto you.  I’ll never let you go.  Hold me as long and as tight as you need to.

It took him a minute to get oriented and start to relax some.

Sorry guys I didn’t expect that.  I’ll get used to it and it won’t be an issue.

Brad and Ken both felt the strength from everyone else fill them up and hold them, surrounding them and holding onto Brad.

With the Paradox of the two Realms co-existing here, yet still being completely separate, something clicked in Brad’s mind.  He knew he could free Istariel and their cousins from the Pendants here.   The others felt and Understood his realization. 

Ken thought:  Ok then tomorrow, you and me and Dar and Pat will make the run out to check in with the doc and Albrecht.  We can get the amulets and bring ‘em back.

With all the extra time each of them had spent with their cousins, the Nephelem, they had grown much closer.  Freeing them from their imprisonment would be a huge boon to all of them.

It didn’t take long before Brad felt OK to continue.  His subconscious quickly picked up on how to maintain his hold on Ken as an anchor.   He was confident that in a short time it would be second nature to him and not be an issue.

Ken thought: You’re badass B.  Fuck I love you so much it hurts.

Brad’s response to Ken was physical and emotional.  He pulled their bodies tighter together, enjoying the feel of Ken’s warm sweaty skin and hard body.  He nuzzled his face in the crook of Ken’s thick neck and heavy shoulder and breathed deep, inhaling the scent of his lover.  They both got hard.

Bryan thought:  Ok you horny fuckers; there’ll be plenty of time for makin’ out soon enough.  Let’s keep moving.

Brad and Ken smiled and pulled apart.

You sure you’re ok now B?

You bet.

Bryan led then down into the valley and to the base of the Tree.  There was a perfect clearing he remembered among the roots near the cave entrance they could use as a base camp.

They didn’t have much with them other than some rolled up blankets, their clothes, cooking and eating utensils, and some personal effects.  They were used to roughing it from their days in the Navy and brought as little as possible. 

Bryan said they could have a fire as long as no wood from the Tree was used.  There would be plenty of fallen branches around, so they all did their collective chores of filling water bottles and gathering wood.  They did bring some large canvas bags to store their things in in case it rained.  Albrecht had shown them how to make the fabric water resistant naturally.

Bryan had made some all natural protein bars for them to use as snacks and he passed some out. 

Enjoy these while they last fuckers.  I know you bastards are bottomless pits.  I’ll get some food started shortly.  Why don’t you all go exploring and I’ll send out the word when I have some food ready.  Loy I’ll need you for just a minute before you take off.

Bryan to Loy:  Ok bud.  I’m not sure how this is going to work exactly.  We need some meat to cook.  I know any of you five could probably do this but your Avatar is the main focus for that part of all of you.  I think you should be the one to start things off.

Loy didn’t say anything.  He knew what Barachiel said about this place providing for them.  It was new and different but he was confident.  His eyes turned white and he cast his thoughts out gently:  come.  He didn’t try to focus on finding a specific animal… he let this place choose.

A moment later a deer walked out of the woods and came up to him.  It wasn’t afraid and nuzzled its soft head in his hand.  He looked into its eyes and mind; it knew why it was here.  It was fulfilling a purpose and it felt… content.  It felt Loy’s love wash through its mind.  Its little white tail fluttered when it felt Loy’s love for it… its dark brown eyes looked into Loy’s with an Understanding so profound it took his breath away.  There were no words but Loy knew that the creature was trying to comfort him as it fulfilled its Purpose.

Loy’s Avatar flared to life, and he gently snapped the bond between its Body and Spirit.  Its Body fell to the ground, lifeless, but its Spirit stood before him.

Go little one… go back and be reborn.  You have our thanks and gratitude for what you’ve done.

Loy was a little teary eyed even though he knew what to expect.  He felt Bryans hand on his shoulder in comfort and Bryan pulled Loy against him in a brotherly hug.

You ok?

Yeah.  Sorry man.  I knew what to expect and she didn’t feel any pain.  In fact she felt that same sense of completion that all animals feel around us.  It’s just so… humbling I guess, that a creature would so willingly give itself up for us.

Bryan knew what Loy was saying.  It was incredibly humbling to have been chosen to be who and what they were now.  It was all a cosmic gift, and even though they all still felt like pawns sometimes, Michael and the others said they were Random and unfettered like the other Nephelem.  They were something new.

To break the seriousness of the mood, Bryan used his arm around Loy’s shoulder to pull him down into a side headlock and give him a noogie.   They both laughed and Bryan let him go.

Go find Rick and head out for a bit bud.  I’ll take it from here.

You sure?

Yeah it’s cool.  Take Lane with you… I want him to see this place too, and I don’t want him gettin’ in my way while I’m cookin’.

Lane:  I heard that.

Bryan laughed and thought: You were supposed to. 

Lane:  There’ll be plenty of time for me to explore but I want to be with you.  I’ll hang back and stay out from underfoot.  I can play some tunes while you’re cookin’.

Ken and Brad had been gone for about an hour, taking in everything about this place.  Deep inside one another as always, they shared their wonder and excitement with one another.  They hadn’t felt so relaxed in a long time and were enjoying the time together.

They both had the thought about getting back to Bryan at the same time.

Laughing, Ken thought:  Yeah B sorry but I don’t want Bryan doing all the work while we are out strollin’ around.  Not that I don’t love watching your hot ass in front of me on the trail.

Next time you go in front so I can watch your ass.

You can watch my ass anytime at home, what’s so special about it here?

You know how hamburgers taste so much better when you cook ‘em out while camping?  Well it’s the same thing.  Being out here, in this place, it just makes things better like that.  I didn’t think your ass could get any hotter but it’s taking all my control not to jump your bones right here and now!

Oh!  I like it when you get aggressive B!  You want my ass?  I want yours but we can take turns.  We haven’t done a flipflop in a long time.

As they were talking, Ken turned around with a devilish grin on his face and he pulled Brad tight against him, pressing their sweaty bodies together.  One hand wrapped around Brad’s back and the other went down to squeeze his ass.  Both of Brad’s hands went down to into Ken’s shorts to cup and knead his firm ass cheeks.

They put their foreheads together and looked into each other’s eyes.  They stayed like that, feeling each other for a minute.

Brad chuckled and thought:  I think this place is getting to us.  All this extra charge is going straight to our dicks.

What’s wrong with that?

Well you know there’s nothing I’d rather do than make out with you, but I feel bad that Bry is left doing everything by himself.  We can work off all this excess energy later in private but for now let’s head back.

Yeah, man, you’re right.  That’s no way to treat one of our own.  I love you B.

Love you too.

Reluctantly they pulled apart, and hand in hand walked back to the camp.  Ken heard Lane playing his guitar before they got there.  Once they arrived in the clearing they were floored.  Bryan had a nice firepit assembled and he had brought a collapsible grate for cooking.  He had potatoes roasting on the fire, and steaks and ribs cooking, and fresh asparagus.

Holy cow Bry how did you do all this?  We came back to help but it looks like you got everythin’ under control!

Lane:  He’s something isn’t he?  I can tell he’s been planning this for a while.

Bryan:  It’s no big deal.  This place is like a giant grocery store in its own way.  

Ken:  Is there anything left for us to do?

Bryan:  Yeah man gimme a sec and you can take the fruit down to the water so it can chill while the rest of this stuff is cookin’.

Bryan took a couple of seeds from a pouch he brought and tossed them onto the ground.  His Avatar flared green and the seeds sprouted and in less than a minute they had full grown Cantaloupe and Honeydew Melon vines waiting to be picked.  He had a small cotton net he filled up with the melons and tossed to Ken.  He had a grin on his face at the look of astonishment on Ken and Brad’s faces.

There’s a small stream just a minute’s walk that way.  Bryan pointed to indicate the direction.

As soon as Ken and Brad disappeared down the trail, Bryan focused and the plants continued to age until they crumbled into dust and completed their cycle of life. 

Ken and Brad started down the small trail Bryan indicated.  Sure enough Ken heard the sound of running water as they got closer.   As they got to the edge of the stream, they were both startled to see a man kneeling down washing his hands.   He was wearing a simple outfit of a white cotton tunic and wraps on his legs, much like Uriel.

The man looked at them and smiled, “Hello Ken.   Hello Brad.  Sorry if I surprised you… I’ve been wanting to meet you two and this seemed like as good a time as any.”

He stood up and held out his hand in greeting. 

Neither Ken nor Brad felt any danger, and they were sure that the Enemy wasn’t allowed here, so this man shouldn’t pose any threat.

Ken moved forward and took the man’s hand.  “Pleased to meet you…”

“Well you probably couldn’t pronounce my real name.  Why don’t you just call me Luke.”

“Ok Luke.”

Brad reached out and took Luke’s hand and shook it as well.

“Here let’s get your fruit in the water.”  He reached out his hand to take the netted bag from Ken and placed it in the water and fastened the cord around a rock to anchor it.

“As cold as this water is it won’t take long to get them chilled all the way through.  But I’m surprised you didn’t just do it yourselves.  What’s the point of having all your amazing abilities if you don’t use them for yourselves once in a while?”

Ken asked him, “So Luke, I don’t mean to be rude but who are you?  We didn’t expect to see anyone else here.”

“Well that’s a hard question, and one that would take longer for me to answer than you would probably care for.  I’m a friend, or I hope to be one.  As I said, I’ve been wanting to meet you two especially, and your Brothers of course.  I know that Bryan and Lane are nearby.  The others are all still off wandering around.”

Luke gestured towards a fallen tree and said, “Why don’t you sit down so we can chat for a few minutes?  The reason you are here is to relax is it not?”

Ken took Brad’s hand and led them both over to the log where they sat down.

Luke’s eyes focused briefly on their hands as he said, “I love this place… some of my fondest memories in ages past took place here.  I can’t tell you how long it’s been since I’ve been back.”

There was a pause in the conversation as Luke went silent, seemingly caught up in the memories he spoke of.

Brad asked him, “So Luke, why did you want to meet us and what is it you want to talk about?”

“There is a lot of talk among those in the Higher Order about you.  Whether you’re aware of it or not you have drawn much attention to yourselves and are being heavily scrutinized.  There are many that do not like the freedom you’ve been given.  I’m here to offer my friendship and advice, if you should ever need it.”

Ken said, “I don’t know why any of the Higher Order you mention would need to be concerned with us.  We’re practically insignificant compared to any of them.”

“That, my friend, is not true at all.  The word spread when you bested Michael, however briefly, in your encounter with him.”

“But that was a special circumstance; probably a once in a lifetime occurrence.  Compared to normal humans, we’re pretty powerful but compared to beings like Michael… well we aren’t even in the same ball park.”

“Again not true.  Your humility is becoming, but you need to realize you all now have a place among them.  You should not let any of them bully you or force you into doing something against your will.”

“But none of them would ever do that.”

“That is what I am here to tell you Ken.  There are those that will, and will soon if I’m not mistaken.  There are many of the Higher Order, like Michael, who have forgotten their way.  Against them you would be truly powerful, and with my help you could be invincible.”

Brad spoke up, “I can’t believe any of them would ever do that.  We trust them.”

“No offense Brad but you are terribly naïve.  If you think they aren’t already using you, you are sadly mistaken.  Your faith in them is commendable but it is misplaced.  Such beings don’t care for you… and even if they did, their affections for you would not stand in their way of using you however they thought necessary to accomplish their goals.” 

“You, Ken, said… and I quote… ‘so much for a higher order of being.  I expected more…’”

“How do you know I said that?”

“I told you many beings have been keeping tabs on you since your final Awakening.  It was easy to come by that information.”

“But those were two-bit Nephelem hoodlums, not Arch-Angels.”

“Do you really think they are that much different?  As Brad said to Istariel… they aren’t wired for emotion.  It’s not in their nature.    In dealing with these beings you should consider them sociopathic… they do not feel as you or I do.  It’s not in their nature.”

Ken didn’t hear anything and was totally surprised when he heard Michael’s voice behind him.

His voice was steely cold and intense, “Not another word.”

Ken and Brad both looked around and were astonished at what they saw.  There were ten men around them all intently glaring at Luke.  They recognized Michael, Uriel, Gabriel, Raphael, and Barachiel, but had no clue who the other five were.  They were dressed in all manner of clothing, from blue jeans and jackets to animal skins to white cotton wrappings to nice tailored suits.  All of them radiated an immensely powerful aura and their eyes were bright white.

Luke’s only response was, “I see.  I should have known you would show up Michael.”

Michael was breathing harshly and the anger was clear on his face, “You will say no more to any of these men.” 

Michael looked at Ken and said, “Ken, call your Brothers here immediately.  The dispensation on your ability to teleport is lifted.”

Raphael looked at Luke and said, “You shouldn’t be here.”

“I have every right to be here Raphael, you know that.”

Raphael retorted, “Technically yes, but you being here is an affront to this place.  You were warned never to return.”

Brad kept up a surface link with everyone and immediately sent a clear image of where he and Ken were:  Guys teleport here on the double.  Come in hot.

With everyone so much stronger in this place the other Mentalists had enough power to teleport both themselves and their partners to where Brad and Ken were.  It was a strain but they all managed it.

They all appeared around Brad and Ken and immediately a bright white ribbon of power connected all of them as they filled one another up and put a shield over all of them.  Their Avatars were all bright and spitting bright flares of color.

As soon as they all appeared, each one of the Angels moved over to stand close to their Nephelem descendant.  The five men that no one recognized went to Kevin, Pat, Darren, Bill, and Rick. 

Luke rolled his eyes and said, “Stop being so melodramatic Raphael.”

Barachiel spoke up, “These men are under our Protection.  You are never again to approach them or have any communication with them.  The consequences will be severe if you disobey.”

“Well they could hardly be more severe than what’s already happened so that’s not much of a threat.  But for now I’ve discovered what I came to learn and accomplished my purpose here.  I have one additional small task to do and then I will grant your wish and leave… for now.”

Uriel spoke up, “Stay away from the beast!”

“I have no intentions of waking him up Uriel; that would be quite counterproductive.  Cannot a father look upon his sleeping child?”

Luke smiled at Brad and Ken, seemingly unaffected by the anger and intensity of all the Arch-Angels directed at him.  “Remember what I’ve said.  My offer of help stands should you feel inclined to accept.  We’ll see each other again soon I’m sure.”

With a sound of fluttering wings Luke vanished.

There was a short silence that followed after he disappeared and then Ken turned to Michael and asked, “Can you tell me what just happened?  Who is he?”

Michael remained silent, his fists still clenched, and his face a mask of anger.

Raphael answered, “He has many names, none of which should be spoken.  Even the name he gave you here.  I cannot express to you how dangerous even talking to him is.  You must trust us on this matter.”

Michael interjected, “He was once our Brother.  He is the one who seduced the Master into slaying his brother thus bringing about the Curse on Mankind; all for a whim and his amusement.”

Ken and Brad and the others were stunned at this revelation.

Gabriel said, “The layers of his deception are endless.  He never does anything without purpose, even if it seems as simple as saying hello.  I wish it were as simple as staying away from him, but now that he has taken an interest in you he will try to insert himself, however subtly, into your lives.  You must be on your guard at all times.  We will do our best to keep him from reaching you but he is very clever and powerful and will try to find ways to communicate with you and circumvent our Protection.”

Barachiel said, “I will double my Protection over you all as a precaution.  Remember if you have the slightest inclination that he is watching you or attempts to communicate with you call one of our names.  We will all be Listening and one of us will always be nearby.”

While their faces still showed some tension, Raphael glanced around at the other Arch-Angels and said, “Since you are all here, you should all say hello to your Nephelem Children.  It’s a shame that your meeting came about as it did, but as with all evil deeds we must attempt to turn this into something good.”

Pat, Darren, Bill, Kevin, and Rick all looked excited.  As their eyes scanned the Heavenly beings with them, as they made eye contact with their Angelic relative, they felt the connection as they received a smile.  They all greeted each other warmly but tentatively.  While they were all looking forward to this happening, now that it was here they didn’t know what to say.

While their brothers were getting acquainted with their new found relatives Ken, Brad, Bryan, and Lane gathered with their own while Loy stayed with Rick to share in his excitement. 

Ken looked at Michael and asked, “So how worried should we be?”

Michael looked pensive and again it was Raphael who answered, “I suppose it was inevitable that he would involve himself in the Conflict once again.  Now that the Master has seen his potential downfall at your hands it was only a matter of time.  Our fallen Brother doesn’t care one whit for the Master – he would gladly sacrifice him in favor of a better option.  If we have done our jobs and he has no other options then he is now being forced to involve himself to protect his current investment.  Now that the Rules have been thrown out the window the situation is more dangerous for you than ever.”

Brad asked, “Do you think it was he who showed the Enemy how to make the amulets that imprisoned Istariel and the others?”

“Most assuredly the information came from him.  Probably through an untraceable means but you can be sure he orchestrated the knowledge getting into their hands.  There is quite a bit of information that has been hidden from mankind for good reason.  If he’s willing to break that Mandate then there are seriously troubled times ahead for all of us.”

Michael finally spoke, “Unfortunately we must have absolute proof before we can act.  We cannot break the rules on an assumption.  That is where you all can aid us.  You said, Ken, if we ever needed your help to ask.  If, in your fight with the Enemy on this Plane, you can find proof that our Fallen Brother is responsible then we can act quickly and decisively.  He’s clever enough that I doubt you will ever find it, but if you do find proof call on us immediately.”

After the excitement passed and the Angels disappeared Bryan went back to the camp and finished cooking the food.  The rest of the team were in awe of what Bryan put together.  It was just like in his kitchen at home – nothing was left undone.  Between Bryan and Lane and their Avatars, with their abilities amplified in this place, there wasn’t anything they didn’t manage to replicate.

While Bryan put the finishing touches on everything, the guys were chattering excitedly among themselves about getting to meet their Angelic ancestors.  They all had big smiles on their faces; they had all been looking forward to this time.

After dinner was finished and the leftovers stashed for a later snack, Bryan asked, “So do you fuckers want to go see Leroy now?”

Ken and Brad had picked up on how important it was for Bryan to share his bond with the creature with all of them.  Ken made sure he let Bryan know through their Link how proud he was of what Bryan had managed to accomplish with the food, and what an excellent guide he’d been so far.  He felt everyone’s gratitude for his efforts and they felt how happy he was to do it.  Cooking was a joy for him and a way he showed his love for his brothers.

Everyone picked up on Bryan’s excitement and they all got up and followed him.

Not far from their camp at the base of the Tree was the cave that Uriel originally led Bryan down to find the Water of Life.  He followed the same path, leading them carefully and warning them of any bumps or roots on the path until the floor turned to stone and they reached the cavern with the Water.

They were mesmerized by the soft silvery glow of the Water of Life as it cascaded down in little waterfalls over the giant roots of the Tree, forming the small lake.  They could feel the Power of the Water just by standing there.

The cavern felt old and powerful and no one said anything for a few minutes, afraid to break the reverent silence.

When Bryan finally spoke it was in a quiet soft voice that echoed slightly in the cavern, “Ok guys everyone be quiet from now on… keep any chatter in our heads just in case.  I’m not sure why, but Leroy is a bit agitated.  Now that I’m close I can feel it but as long as we’re quiet it will be fine.”

Bryan led them further down the path until they were once again in a small tunnel that led steadily downward.  It was getting warmer the deeper they went and not long after they all started to see the fiery glow of the cavern.

OK fuckers hold onto your hats.  This is going to be like nothing you’ve ever seen before.

They could all sense Bryan’s grin when he thought those words.

Even though they all had looked through Bryan’s memories and shared his emotional experience they were still unprepared for the strength and majesty of the creature Bryan had named Leroy.  The scale of his immensity was astounding. With all of their Avatars linked, between Bill’s, Pat’s, and Loy’s abilities, they saw and understood just what he was and how powerful he was.  They saw his Purpose and his Nature.  Loy saw him in much the same light as Bryan… a  Perfect and Pure creature of nature. 

Bryan had them all stay just inside the entrance to the cavern for a few minutes to take in the sight before them.  Then he quietly and slowly moved forward and motioned for them to follow.

He laid his hands on the leathery hide, caressing him in a soothing manner, and quietly said, “I’m here buddy.  I brought some friends to meet you.”

Very slightly, Leroy’s huge eyelid opened ever so slightly, revealing the huge golden eye underneath.  Bryan felt his consciousness stir enough to know that Leroy was there and he was shocked at what the creature felt.

Deep inside, Leroy’s mind was on fire.  He felt anger and hatred and in his Dreams he was Devouring the world, as he would one day be called upon to do.  Bryan had never felt that before.

Bryan was tense and distraught at what he felt, wanting desperately to soothe the massive creature and bring him some peace.  Everyone felt his emotions through their link.

Brad:  I’m sure this is no coincidence Bry.  I bet our visitor had something to do with this.

Bryan:  He’s never been like this before. I don’t know what to do for him.  What did that fucker do?!

Leroy was starting to tremble and twitch, like animals do when they dream, but he was so immense and powerful that his movement was starting to shake the entire Valley.

A plan popped into Brad’s mind and he immediately sent out his thoughts:  Guys I have an idea; ten, five, one

They had practiced this so many times it was now second nature to them.  The partners delved into one another and then as brothers they all came together. 

Brad sent an image of where he needed everyone to be.  Lane was at the center with Ken and Loy right beside him.  Everyone else took positions around them as Brad indicated, at vector points of their combined Avatars.

          Brad:  Lane sing something soft and soothing.  A lullaby if you know one.

          A beautiful guitar coalesced out of nothing into Lane’s hands.  He immediately started to strum a song he remembered from his childhood, but he slightly modified the words to suit his need here.

          All their Avatars flared with bright colors amidst the bright white ribbon connecting all of them together.  Lane saw what Brad had in mind, and his Will shaped the Power, pulling mostly from Loy and Ken but also minor aspects from the rest of them.

          Loy’s Command over natural creatures, being amplified in this place and by their merging, set the stage.  Ken’s Conviction would drive the words into Leroy’s Mind along with Loy’s Command to be calm and go into a peaceful sleep.

Golden slumbers kiss your eyes,
Smiles await you when you rise.
Sleep,
Pretty baby,
Do not cry,
And I will sing a lullaby.

Cares you know not,
Therefore sleep,
While over you a watch we’ll keep.
Sleep,
Pretty darling,
Do not cry,
And I will sing a lullaby.

          Within seconds Bryan could feel Leroy’s mind calming down as the rage inside of him subsided.   The Love Leroy felt from Bryan and the others through Lane’s music calmed him almost immediately and he gave a heavy contented sigh and lay still, and slept peacefully once again.

          Bryan moved over to him and pressed his body against Leroy’s hide, holding his arms out wide and caressing the leathery hide like he was trying to give him a giant hug.  He closed his eyes and breathed a sigh of relief.

          “Everything’s alright now buddy.  Guys come up one at a time with me.  I want him to know your touch.”

          It was thrilling to each of them as they approached and touched the immensely powerful creature before them.  His hide smelled musty but not bad, and it was softer than they expected, and warm.  Through Bryan they each felt a connection to him now. 

          The next day after another great meal from Bryan they all decided to go for a swim.  It was quite a hike back out of the mountain range to get to the shore, but Ken, Brad, Pat, and Darren had to make the trek anyway to check in with the doctor and Albrecht, and to get the Amulets.  Everything was fine at the Lab so everyone was able to enjoy a day at the beach.

          Loy called some nearby orcas and dolphins and everyone was blown away at riding on the backs of the magnificent creatures and playing with the dolphins.  The intelligence of the creatures astounded everyone but Loy and Rick, who had spent time with them when they went away to train with the doctor and Albrecht.

          It was fun for Darren and the other mentalists to teleport high up into the air and do flips on the way down to dive in the water.  With their abilities magnified in the valley they all sent the heavier guys up and they had a cannonball contest.  It was an amazing day in the hot sun and cool waters. 

          When they got back to their camp, after they had all eaten dinner, Brad sent his thoughts to all of them:  OK guys, it’s time to see if we can free Istariel and the others from the Amulets.  As soon as we got here I knew we could do this.  I’ve been thinking about this place, and while I think the Tree is partially responsible for making us stronger I think it’s more than that. This place is on both sides of the Veil, and we are now Physical and Spiritual beings; this place fuels both sides of our nature.

          Brad held up the Amulet that Istariel was imprisoned in and thought:  Pat can you look and tell me what you see through your Avatar?

          Patrick’s eyes turned white and his handsome brow furrowed just slightly in the way Darren found irresistible.  The Understanding Pat had of the Amulets and how they functioned flooded into the link.   They were incredibly powerful and intricate in nature.  They were a matrix of Runes that none of them had ever seen before.  Brad made a mental note to share the information with the doctor and Albrecht.

          Thanks Pat.  That confirms what I was guessing at.  This is actually going to be rather easy.  This place being on both sides is what will let us free Istariel and the others from the Amulets.  It’s a Paradox to be in two places at the same time, but here it’s possible.  I can take the Amulets across the Veil physically and once I’m there all I have to do is break the Rune that seals the matrix.  They should literally be able to leave at will once that’s done.

          Just to be safe I think we should all go and be a part of it though.  Not just for safety but to show our support for our cousins and the help they’ve been to us.

          Ken:  I think that’s a great idea B. 

          Alright; ten, five, one.

          Like so many times before now, as couples they merged first, and then as a group.  Here it was much deeper and more profound and they all took extra time to adjust to the intimacy and potency of the bonds between them.

          Their Souls and Minds left their Bodies as glowing balls of light.  Ten balls became five.  Brad held the Amulets with his mind and they floated between them.

          Since Brad’s Avatar was the Primary for crossing the Veil, he synchronized the others and they felt the subtle shift.  Before, when he and Ken had crossed over, they had no body and there was no visual perspective to draw on.  This time it was as if a haze covered the Physical Realm; it wasn’t as if things were out of focus but everything looked softened.

          Darren I’m going to let you do the honors.  I don’t think whoever made these Amulets could have imagined that they could be physically taken to the Spiritual Realm. 

A Physical act in the Spiritual Realm should be impossible, but as the doctor had surmised with his charges, there was very little that was beyond them when worked in harmony with one another and to the Purpose of their existence.

Everyone felt the surge from Darren as he broke the binding rune on the matrix.  Immediately four balls of light arced out from the Amulets and hovered in front of Ken and the others and grew into the forms of the tall robed figures they had come to know and recognize as their Nephelem cousins.

Brad brought everyone back across the Veil and they went back into their bodies but stayed tightly merged.

They could all hear the gratitude in Istariel’s voice as he thought:  Thank you my cousins.  I knew you would not fail us.

Ken:  I’m sorry it took us so long.  I hope you’ll be safe; I know this happened because you helped us.  If there’s anything you need or anything we can do for you don’t hesitate to ask us.

Brad: Do you know who was responsible for your imprisonment?

Istariel didn’t reply immediately.  He turned to face the other three and it became obvious that they were talking among themselves.  The three other Nephelem vanished and Istariel turned back to face Ken, Brad, and the others.

Yes we do.  If you had done as I asked Brad Wilson, this would not have happened, however I am glad events turned out as they did.  Our imprisonment taught us much, and it gave us the opportunity to strengthen our bonds with you, our cousins.

Brad knew immediately what Istariel meant.  He felt Ken arrive at the same conclusion and Brad was about to speak when the three Nephelem reappeared with a black sphere hovering between them, held by chains of light.

Brad and Ken both recognized the sniveling voice as the ring leader of the lesser Nephelem they encountered when they crossed the Veil to try and find Bill.

          Istariel and the other three Nephelem all radiated a powerful aura of anger. Istariel raised his arm and a whip of white Light lashed out and added to the bonds already holding the black sphere, and the screaming they all heard in their minds got even louder.

          Ken:  What are you going to do to him?  I think I know your answer but I want to be clear.

          Istariel:  He is going to pay for his betrayal with his existence.  Justice in the Spiritual Realm is different than what you are used to.  He has given himself to the service of your Enemy and ours.  He can no longer help himself and cannot change.  I never thought it would go so far, and it saddens me but there is no alternative. 

          Some kinds can never be forgiven once they are in the service to the Enemy.  You know this.  I have seen you kill servants of the Enemy.  The unconditional love your doctor has taught you does not apply to beings like this.  As you said, Love is not in our nature as it is with yours.  We are learning and are grateful to you for how we have already changed.  But this creature no longer has that option.

          To show you that we are not as heartless as you still might think I would ask a favor of you.

          Ken:  If it’s within our ability you know we will try.  What are you asking?

          Istariel:  I would ask William Brennan to employ his Avatar on our behalf on this creature rather than torment him to find out what we need.  We have no wish be cruel but it is necessary for us, in this War, to find out who he has been in counsel with and what alliances he has formed in our Realm.

          Ken looked over at Bill and nodded.  Not wanting any secrets in this, he openly sent his thoughts to Bill:  Bill buddy, are you ok with that?

          Bill:  My pleasure boss man. 

          Merged as deeply as they now were Ken could see that Bill was ok with what Istariel was asking.  It wasn’t about getting revenge on one of the beings that caused Bill so much grief while he was imprisoned.  This was about supporting their cause and their fight for The Order.  Ken’s chest filled out with a surge of pride for his brother.

          Bill stepped forward and stretched out his hand.  Remembering his experience with the Skull, he paused for the briefest second and steeled himself for what he was about to learn.   But he was in control of his Avatar now and that would never happen again.

          As soon as Bill’s hand entered the dark sphere his Avatar flared to life.  Bright colors flashed and sparked off his shoulder as everything about the creature’s existence flooded into Bill’s mind.  It took a minute to absorb everything because as a Nephelem the creature had existed a very long time.  The more he learned the darker Bill’s face got; Ken and the others could feel the emotional surge of anger coming off of Bill through their link as his Avatar fed him everything there was to know about the creature.

          Once he had everything Bill looked Istariel and said, “I have everything you want to know.”

          The white chains that Istariel and the other Nephelem held their captive with sprouted razor sharp edges and they all yanked hard and the black sphere shredded apart with a horrific scream.  Everyone stood in silence, unsettled by the violent act of their cousins.

          Istariel, sensing their discomfort thought:  I apologize if our actions disturb you.  You are unfamiliar with the ways of the Spiritual Realm and how the war in your Realm has spilled over to ours.  It is a true War and every enemy we remove is one less we have to deal with in the future.  You know this to be true… we saw it in your military actions all those years ago.

          Brad: It’s not that we don’t understand Istariel.  We’ve had to kill agents of the Enemy.  In fact we did so not long ago.  But we don’t have to like it and it is a last resort.  I only hope your actions were not out of revenge.

          Istariel:  I will admit to a certain amount of…. Satisfaction at what we did.  But have no fear Brad Wilson, our actions are in support of the struggle we are both involved in, not as a personal vendetta.

          Bill:  Ken you won’t believe some of the information I got from that thing.  We’ll have to act fast if it’s going to be of any use to us. 

          Ken:  Ok Bill.  Give what you have to Istariel.  Istariel you and your crew can mop up things on your side of the Veil.  If you need our help you know all you need to do is ask.  We’ll start working on things on our side.  We go home in a couple of days so we’ll just hit the ground running. When we check in with the doc and Albrecht tomorrow we can go ahead and share what you found out so they can start assimilating the information.

          While all of the guys were a bit on edge at what they just witnessed, there was also an underlying current of excitement.  They were on the offensive against the Enemy and it looked like they just had some incredible intel land in their laps.

          Bill held out his hands and concentrated for moment; a small glowing sphere appeared between his outstretched hands.  It split into four separate spheres and they gently bobbed over to float before Istariel and the other Nephelem.

          The giant robed figures held out their hands and cupped the spheres.  The orbs disappeared as they absorbed the knowledge that Bill had sent them.

          Istariel:  We leave you now cousins.  Thank you again for our freedom.  Walk in the Light.

          With that the four Nephelem vanished.

          The next few days were extremely relaxing for all of them.  Ken and the other guys practiced growing the food and helping Bryan, and Loy and the others took care of getting the meat every day.  There was hardly ever anything left over but Uriel had instructed them that any remains needed to be burned to ash.  Bryan taught them all how to make jerky from the leftover meat that they could use for snacks.

          Two nights before they were due to head back home, Bryan woke up when he felt Lane’s body trembling.  Lane’s tattoo was glowing and he realized immediately Lane was having a Dream.  While Lane was trembling slightly it didn’t seem to be bad… he wasn’t sweating or thrashing about like he often did.  Bryan put his hand on Lane’s chest and rubbed it in gentle circles, hoping that subconsciously Lane would feel his touch and it might calm him some, but still careful not to intentionally wake him up.

          After a minute Lane woke up; it seemed like the first time ever he didn’t wake up screaming or traumatized.  Bryan was watching him when his eyes opened; for a brief second they were unfocused and then he saw Bryan looking at him and he smiled.  His face lit up like always and it melted Bryan’s heart to know that his presence had that effect on his lover.

          “Bry… shit man that was an amazing Dream.”

          “OK that’s different.  Tell me more?”

          “I will in the morning.  Right now I want to listen to your heartbeat and cuddle with you and drift back to sleep.”

          Bryan tightened his arm around Lane’s shoulders and pulled their minds together at the same time.  He wanted Lane to feel safe, loved, and protected.  Within a minute he could feel the difference in Lane’s breath against his chest as he fell into a deep contented sleep.

          Most of Lane’s Dreams had been so traumatic Bryan was really curious to hear about this latest one.  He leaned his head down slightly and kissed the top of Lane’s head and whispered, “I love you Little Buddy.  You’re everything to me you little fucker.”  With that he closed his eyes and fell asleep feeling Lane’s warm strong body against his own and his warm breath on his chest.

          The next morning everyone woke completely rested as they had every morning since they arrived in the Valley.  It was going to be difficult for all of them to return to the Lab and their regular routines after being in such a perfect place.  It was like they belonged in the Valley, so close to the Tree.

          After another amazing breakfast, they all packed up some food and headed back for another relaxing day in the ocean.

          Lane shared with Bryan everything about his Dream from the night before.  Bryan smiled with pride at his partner once he knew what was going to happen that evening.

          That night after they finished eating they built a large bonfire.  Each couple was sitting with their backs against a tree, in their favorite lounging position with one another.  Brad was leaning back against Ken as always with his head resting on Ken’s chest and Ken’s arms wrapped around him.

          No one spoke out loud, but they were all quietly chatting together in their heads, joking around and ragging on one another in the way that brothers do.  The feeling of contentment that came from all of them spread through their link.

          It was getting late and the moon was rising over the lip of the valley.  Lane got up to take a leak and when he came back he stood over by the fire.

          Lane:  You guys want to listen to some tunes?

          The response was unanimous and Lane grinned, happy that his music could make Bryan and all his best friends excited. 

          Lane made a grand flourish of his arm and a guitar coalesced out of thin air.  It was beautifully ornate and had the pattern of his tattoo on it.  Lane looked a little startled at it; it wasn’t the usual one he summoned.  He took it in stride, knowing it must have something to do with his Dream and song he would be playing for all of them a little later.  His instincts told him it wasn’t quite time yet.

          I had a Dream last night guys, and there’s another Song I need to sing for all of us tonight.  It’s not quite the right time yet so I think I’ll play a few of the songs that have become part of our journey and have been important to us.

          Bryan’s handsome brow furrowed slightly and a pair of bongo drums appeared in his lap.  Similar to Lane’s it had Bryans tattoo as a design on it.

          Lane started playing The Humbling River, the first song he Dreamt and the one that initially unlocked their Nephelem Heritage and set them on the road they were currently on.  He played Annie’s Song, the song he sang for Bryan the night they first met Albrecht.  He played Bring Me to Life, the song he played in Tag’s hospital room the day they broke him free of the mental prison the Enemy had trapped him in.  He played Home, the song he wrote for Greg Wilson, the man who died at the hands of The Master after Brad, Ken, Loy, and Rick had helped him and kept him from committing suicide.

          As everyone listened they shared the memories the music invoked.  Images and deep emotions ran through their minds and hearts and were shared over their link.  They all hugged each other a little tighter while they smiled and cried a little over the journey Lane was taking them on. 

          The light from the bonfire warmed their faces and had them relaxed.  Their stomachs were full and the feeling of being together with their soul mates and their Brothers was perfect.

          As Lane finished the last song, the night was quiet except for the crackling of the fire and an occasional pop of the coals.  They all felt a slight change at the same time… that otherworldly shift they had felt before when powerful forces were being invoked around them.

          The moon, which earlier had been only half full, was now full and bright and huge in the night sky.  There was a red glow, like the last rays of sunset around the rim of the valley as a heavy mist formed on the peaks.  It formed a surreal image and lit the valley with a warm glow, but with a jet black night filled with the moon and bright stars.   

          They all knew what they were seeing was impossible and yet it was there all around them.  And as strange as it all looked, it felt right.  In this place, for a brief time, the Veil was lifted.  Instead of one place being on both sides at the same time, the Valley was complete and one with both aspects of reality.  Tonight they knew nearly anything was possible.

          Ok guys.  Tonight is going to be a little different.

          They all laughed a little when Lane thought that.

          He glanced up and looked up to the sky and laughed himself.

          Yeah well there is that!  What I mean is the Song I Dreamt is a little different.  We’re all a part of this one… and you all will be singing parts of it with me.  Don’t ask me why just yet but it’s important.  Bry and I will sing it through once, and then four of you will help with the chant and four of you will help me with the chorus.   We’ll be singing the song three times total.  I’ll be changing instruments at least once and Bry will cover the drums as usual.  I’ll guide you for your parts so don’t worry.  And get ready ladies because this is gonna be awesome!

          Lane’s eyes turned white and he lowered his head for a few seconds getting everything in order in his mind.  With the first sound they heard, with both their ears and their minds, they felt Power stirring in the very air around them.

Far over the Misty Mountains rise
Leave us standing upon the heights
What was before, we’ll see once more
Our Kingdom a distant Light

Fiery mountain beneath the moon
The words unspoken, will be there soon
For Home a Song that echoes on
And all who find us will know the tune

Some folk we never forget
Some kind we never forgive
Haven’t seen the back of us yet
We’ll fight as long as we live
All eyes on the hidden door
To the Lonely Mountain borne
We’ll ride the gathering storm
Until we find our long-forgotten Home

He lay under the Misty Mountains cold
He slumbers Deep in caverns Old
We must Awake, our lives to make
And in the Darkness a torch we hold

From long ago when lanterns burned
For this day our Hearts have yearned
His Fate unknown a Heart of Stone
What was stolen must be returned

We must Awake and make the day
To find a Song for Heart and Soul

Some folk we never forget
Some kind we never forgive
Haven’t seen the end of it yet
We’ll fight as long as we live
All eyes on the hidden door
To the Lonely Mountain borne
We’ll ride the gathering storm
Until we find our long-forgotten Home
Far away from Misty Mountains Old.

          The first time through everyone picked up on the lyrics, and Lane directed Brad, Loy, Bill, and Darren in their part with him and Ken, Bryan, Rick, Kevin, and Patrick in the chant.  For the chant the deep baritones they all shared was perfect, and even with no practice, but with Lane’s guidance, Brad, Loy, Bill, and Darren all kept in tune and stayed in pitch with him.

          The Song encapsulated the past, present, and future revolving around them.  Images flooded their minds as some of the lyrics were made clear, and others they had no clue about and could only imagine that it pertained to future events or occurrences.  They saw the doctor and Albrecht, and Leroy, Greg Wilson, the dark Nephelem that was vanquished by Istariel and their other cousins, and themselves.  They felt the power and importance of the Song through their entire being.  References to a hidden door and something stolen were meaningless at this time but they were confident that eventually they would figure it all out.  On top of the lyrics, the melody was beautiful; simple and elegant.

          Lane shifted from his guitar to a violin for the middle verses.  His eyes were closed the entire time, lost in the music.  He was channeling a Song that was given to him by a Higher Power and he was the perfect vessel… the grandson of the Herald of the Higher Order.

          The Song was a Gift and an Affirmation of their existence and the task that was set before them.  Once the song started for the second time, Ken’s Avatar flared and synchronized Bryan’s, Kevin’s, Patrick’s, and Rick’s.  A strong feeling of well-being and confidence filled them… they were left with no doubt that they were on the path set for them and fulfilling the roles they were destined for.  The feeling was almost euphoric – they knew they had the free will to go against that path but there was absolutely no desire to do so.  The drive and fortitude they all had as men was present when the doctor first found them – maybe he knew even then; it wouldn’t surprise any of them what the doctor knew or was capable of.

          As the song came to a close for the third time they were all glowing like stars.  Their energy centers were open and a hot wind blew around them from the ribbon of Power coursing between all of them; the wind was fanning the bonfire and making it brighter and hotter.  They could feel the heat on their skin and the wind felt soothing.  With their dual natures of Physical and Spiritual completed in this place the power coursing through them was beyond anything they had experienced so far.  They could feel it stretching them and enhancing their capacity in some way.

          As always the love they felt for each other as partners and as Brothers filled them; it was so powerful and intimate it was nearly overwhelming.  Tears were freely flowing down their handsome faces even as they were smiling, unable to contain the joy they were experiencing.  When the music finally stopped each couple immediately held one another in a close and tight embrace.  The energies were still hot inside them and a third of that energy was of the Body and it made their desire for each other incredibly intense.

          Lane’s face lit with his mischievous grin as he thought:  Pretty cool, eh?  I don’t know about you fuckers but I’m going to take Bry out into the woods and rip his clothes off.  See you guys in the morning!

          He took Bryan’s hand and they went back under the giant roots of the Tree and made love.  All the other couples, hand in hand, went far enough away for some privacy.

          Ken:  B, I don’t know how I can keep saying this but I love you more than ever.  And I’m not talking just horny for my stud boyfriend.  I’m hungry for you in a way that only you can fill; all of you.  That song… it did something else to us. 

          Brad:  I feel it too Ken.  It wasn’t an Awakening but it was something.  We can sort it out later.  Don’t ever feel like you can’t say you love me.  I love to hear it even though I know it beyond any doubt.  Some capacity inside of us just got bigger.  The place you hold in my heart just got bigger… I didn’t think that was possible but it happened.  I want you inside me so bad it hurts.  Not just your dick but your mind and heart too. 

          They had moved off into a small clearing not far from their camp.  Ken had a cotton sheet he had brought and lay it down over the soft grass.

          He looked at Brad’s handsome face in the bright moonlight.  In the light of the moon his tanned skin looked like silver.  He cupped Brad’s face lightly in his fingers and leaned in and started a soft and gentle kiss.  Brad brought his arms up and wrapped them around Ken’s heavy shoulders, and pulled them tightly together.

          Just that contact jumpstarted Ken’s libido and he whispered out an intense, “Fuck!” and he closed his eyes tightly and pressed his forehead against Brad’s.  They were both breathing heavy.

          Ken took a few deep breaths to get control of himself.  He wanted tonight to be special and literally send Brad over the moon with pleasure.  Brad brought the two of them completely together and they both had a sharp intake of breath at the sudden intimacy and love they were immersed in with one another.  Tears filled their eyes from the powerful emotional bond between them.

          Ken reached down started to lift Brad’s t-shirt up and over his head.  Brad raised his arms up to let him, and Ken felt his dick jump at the sight of Brad’s furry muscled body shining in the moonlight.  With his enhanced sight Ken was seeing Brad almost as though it was daylight and when he saw his partner’s big chest and wide lats flare out from the motion his dick twitched.  He let his eyes rake over every inch of Brad’s muscled body and used his fingertips to lightly trace where his eyes roamed.  With a feather light touch he ran his fingertips over the hair on Brad’s chest, causing a light tickling sensation.

          At the first touch of Ken’s fingers Brad was lost in pleasure.  Ken’s touch had always affected him that way; his lover’s hands.  The way Ken looked at him; the hunger, lust, and love in his eyes was fuel to the fire that was starting to burn in his groin.  Brad put his arms out slightly, his muscles tensed and chest pushed out from the sensation and not wanting the feeling to end.  He wanted to feel Ken’s touch on his body like this forever.  He closed his eyes and threw his head back with a soft moan of pleasure.

          “Fuck Ken, your hands feel so good.”

          Brad wasn’t sure when Ken stripped off his own shirt but the next thing he felt was Ken’s warm, rock hard body pressing against his own.  Ken wrapped his arms around Brad and pulled their bodies together, chest to chest, and he squeezed his powerful arms around his lover, knowing that made Brad feel safe and loved.

          For a few moments they held their favorite pose… the full bodied hug with their chins resting in the crest of each other’s neck and shoulder.  They could feel their unshaven cheeks and necks against each other, and Brad inhaled Ken’s distinct smell.  Even that was stronger and more potent in this place.

          Ken pulled his head back enough to start moving his mouth down Brad’s thick neck, alternating between light, gentle kisses and licks.  He worked his way slowly down Brad’s shoulders and upper chest, and made his way down to Brad’s left nipple.

          After being together for more than twenty years he knew exactly how and where to touch Brad to get him going.  He worked on Brad’s chest and nipples for a few minutes, knowing exactly how much pressure to use with his tongue or just a hint of teeth.  Brad’s arms came up and he put his hands behind Ken’s head, running his hands through the short hair and pushing his face harder against his body.

          As Brad started squirming in pleasure under his ministrations, Ken moved one of Brad’s arms up so he could move his mouth up and over and start eating out his lover’s armpit.

          Oh fuucccckkkkk...

          I’m just gettin’ started loverboy.  My goal is to turn you into a quivering pile of muscly goo.  By the time I’m through with you there won’t be any cum left in that beautiful dick of yours.

          The thought of that turned Brad on even more.  Ken was feeling it through their connection, but he was intentionally masking his own pleasure so he could keep control and do his best for Brad.

          Ken lowered them both down onto the sheet.  Once he had Brad safely down he got more aggressive with his mouth and tongue all over Brad’s body.   One of his hands reached down and started undoing Brad’s belt and shorts; within seconds he deftly had them completely off.

          The sensation of being completely naked, outside in this place with Ken excited Brad even more.  Feeling the warm fresh air over his bare sweaty skin as well as Ken’s body touching his and Ken’s hands and mouth knowing just where and how to touch him had his dick painfully hard and leaking.

          The way Ken was slowly building Brad’s pleasure caused his entire body to be aroused; not just his dick.  As Ken’s fingertips ran lightly over the muscles on Brad’s upper chest and shoulders, it caused as much pleasure as if he was masterfully stroking his dick.

          Brad was sweating heavily, causing his skin to shine even more in the intense moonlight.  Seeing and smelling Brad let Ken know he was on track.  He could feel the trembling in Brad’s body, the tension of his muscles, his accelerated breathing and heartbeat.

          Ken was playing Brad’s body like a finely tuned instrument, knowing just how far he could go without pushing his lover over into an orgasm.  Brad’s muscled thighs were wide apart giving Ken full access to his dick and balls.  He also had his arms over his head, leaving the broad expanse of his chest and nipples open and defenseless to Ken. Ken had him on the verge of an orgasm within minutes.

          I want you to simmer for a while B.  Just ride the edge buddy.  I’m going to make you feel so good you might pass out.  And once you shoot I’m going to fuck you until you shoot again and again.

          Ken had his fingers on one of Brad’s nipples and his mouth on the other.  Occasionally his hand would leave the nipple and roam over Brad’s quivering body.  Ken was using only one fingertip on Brad’s dick, just below the head at the nerve center.  As the precum leaked out, Ken would lightly smear it around the head and upper shaft and then put his finger back to that spot, running it in a slow soft tight circle.  The torture was exquisite.  Brad felt his orgasm building in his entire body, but Ken wasn’t letting him cum.  He was on the brink and wanted nothing more than to start thrusting his hips up to get more friction from Ken’s hand.  Ken knew this and just kept him on the brink of shooting. After nearly an hour Brad was barely coherent.  He was drenched in sweat and his eyes were rolled back into his head.  Ken couldn’t make out any coherent thoughts from his lover… his body was on a sensory overload; twitching slightly with uncontrolled spasms of pleasure.

          Do you want to cum B?

          Brad was so lost in the sensations he was feeling he couldn’t even answer in his mind. 

          I don’t know B.  I like you like this. We’re going to have to do this again. But for now I think you got a lot more in you than you think.  Let’s just keep this going for a while longer.

          The only answer Brad could give was a low moan of pleasure and frustration. His entire being was focused on Ken’s fingertip gently running little circles on that spot just under the head of his dick and Ken’s mouth and other hand on his nipples.  Every so often Ken would move his hand down to lightly run his fingers over Brad’s tight balls or lightly tickle the hair on his inner thighs or rub his hand over his chest and shoulders.

          Ken kept it up until he knew Brad couldn’t stand much more.   The control over his strength and senses was complete, and that coupled with the part of his Avatar that came from Pat gave him the Understanding of just how much additional friction to apply to the head of Brad’s dick to start him down the path of no return.

          Brad had been on the brink of an orgasm for nearly two hours.  His body was tense, every muscle taut; his entire body was aroused beyond anything he had ever imagined or experienced.  He felt the slight change in pressure of Ken’s finger and he arched his back, instinctively thrusting his dick up to try to get even more friction.  Ken kept full control and continued to let Brad’s orgasm build.  Brad’s breathing was ragged and his head was thrashing from side to side and his moans were incoherent.

          To Brad it seemed like time was standing still, as if they were so deeply merged that time had nearly stopped.  He was frozen in that painfully exquisite moment on the edge of shooting.  His dick was beet red and had never been so solidly hard.   As soon as the first shot of white hot cum flew from the head of his dick he let out a loud scream.  The first shot was so strong it flew over both him and Ken and landed on the ground some feet away.

          Ken wrapped his warm strong hand around Brad’s dick and stroked him through his orgasm.  He had to move his hand from Brad’s nipple to the center of his chest and hold his body down as he bucked wildly and thrust his dick frantically into Ken’s stroking hand.  His balls were so tight they had almost disappeared.

          Brad’s orgasm lasted for nearly a full minute, and his body continued to twitch and spasm in pleasure.  Ken continued to stroke his dick, milking every last drop of cum, but made his motions gentle now and loving.  He leaned over and put most of his weight on Brad’s body and put one arm behind Brad’s head and started to lick his neck again and kiss him softly.

          As Brad’s mind came back from where Ken had sent him, he had tears in his eyes.

          Fuck me Ken that was intense.  I’m not sure I’ve ever been so turned on before and that’s saying something with you lover.  Fuck I love you so much it hurts.  But just so you know, payback is gonna be hell.

          Love you too B.  And now I’m gonna prove it to you again.  I got you all worked up and even after that impressive blowout you just had your dick is still hard.  Hard for me; and that gets me off more than anything.  I’m going to make love to you now and then the rest of the night I’m going to be ‘that guy’ for us both. 

          Ken continued to stroke and comfort Brad’s big body letting his lover recover for a few minutes.  Once he felt like Brad was ready to continue he moved his body back over on top of Brad and started another slow passionate kiss.

          He lifted Brad’s legs up and put them on his shoulders.  He entered Brad slowly and as he did he removed the block on his own pleasure.  His entire body tensed with the pleasure as the tight silky warmth of Brad’s ass gripped his dick.

          For the next hour he make love to Brad with all the emotion and passion in his heart.  They were completely together in Mind, Body, and Soul and the pleasure transcended anything they had ever experienced before.  Being in the Valley seemed to magnify everything about them including their sex drives.

           By the time they came again they were both drenched in sweat and clinging to one another with a desperate passion.  Their eyes never left each other the entire time and while Ken held his body up by his powerful arms Brad let his hands roam all over Ken’s physique, caressing and squeezing everywhere he could reach.  He wanted Ken to feel the love he had for him on a physical level too and bring him as much pleasure and contentment as he could.

          They put their sweaty foreheads together and smiled, breathing heavy.

          Fuck B.  You never cease to amaze me.  You are so hot sometimes I can hardly stand it. 

          You too Ken.  I love you more than I ever thought possible.

          It’s been so great here… being with the guys and especially you.  It’s going to be hard to leave in the morning and get back to the real world.

          Yeah I hope we haven’t gotten too spoiled.  But you know what?

          What?

          We have about six hours for you to be ‘that guy’ so hop to it.  I want you to be in me every second possible while we’re still here.

          I thought you’d never ask.

          Douche.

          Ken just smiled as he started picking up the pace, and true to his word he was ‘that guy’ for the rest of the night.  They lost count of how many orgasms they each had.

          The next morning they woke early to the smell of bacon.  Bryan, Lane, Rick, and Loy were all back at camp and had things moving.  As soon as Ken and Brad made it back, all the guys had smirks on their faces.

          Brad:  Mornin’ fellas! 

          Ken:  Mornin’ guys!  What’s everybody smiling about?

          Loy:  Nothing much bro.  We all just had a bit of a surprise last night is all.

          Ken:  Yeah that song blew me away too!

          They all burst out laughing when Ken said that.  Brad blushed and lowered his head but had a smile on his face.

          Loy:  Yeah the song was amazing but that’s not what we’re talking about.  We’re talking about that wild animal we all heard last night.  I don’t think we’ve ever heard Brad scream like that before.  It was hot!

          Ken:  Fuck!

          Rick:  Yeah you certainly were!  Everybody did but you two made some serious noise last night.  I think Darren and Pat really got off on hearing you.  I think they’re still going at it.

          Darren:  I heard that you fuckers.  So what’s your point?

          Bryan:  If you sissy fuckers don’t get your asses in gear there won’t be any food left. 

          They were all laughing and cutting up over the next half hour as the rest of the guys showed up.  They were all closely linked and kept ribbing one another, especially Ken and Brad.

          Once they were all finished and had everything packed it was time for the trek out.  Ken decided, and everyone agreed that they would hike back out of the mountain range to where they teleported in, rather than just leaving from the camp.  Now that Michael had lifted the dispensation on their ability to teleport into the valley they could easily come and go, but something about taking the easy path all the time didn’t sit well with them.

          It took a few hours but eventually they were all back in the rocky area where Bryan first appeared.

          Bryan:  Just want you guys to know what a great time I had with you fuckers.  Couldn’t ask for a better bunch of fuck ups for my brothers.

          There was no direct response verbally but Brad deepened their link and brought all their minds and souls together.  Bryan was right; this place was special.  They weren’t sure if it was designed for them or if they were designed for it, but everything seemed perfect here.  It was like their own Fortress of Solitude.  They all felt rejuvenated and they let the love between all of them fill them up.  They all rested in one another for a few minutes before Ken thought:  Ok guys let’s head out.  I hate it but we need to get back to our day jobs.  Darren would you do the honors?

          Darren’s eyes turned white and his tattoo flared brightly.  Immediately Brad’s, Lane’s, Loy’s, and Bill’s Avatars responded.  Darren had them each stand at the vector points of his Avatar and felt the power wash through him.  He directed it effortlessly and they all vanished.

          Back in the clearing where they had made their main camp Luke appeared.  He glanced around and took in a deep breath.  He could sense traces of all of them still.  They had grown truly powerful and would suit his purposes perfectly.  It might take a while but they would be his one way or another.

          He heard the fluttering of wings.  He knew Michael and the others were keeping an eye on this place.   Barachiel probably had legions of his subservients all over the area.  With a contemptuous grin on his face he vanished.

          The last week the Master had been having fitful Dreams.  He dreamt of when he was a young boy and the events that led him to where he was.  He hated those memories and had managed to block them out of his consciousness for tens of thousands of years. 

          He knew what it meant; they were in the Valley.  He didn’t know where it was or how to get there.  He wished fervently he could find it and destroy that place but it was very well protected, and not just by The Order.

          It made his hatred for them all the stronger.  He was careful to channel his anger and not let it consume him.  He could not be killed but they could.  Well their bodies anyway.  And if he destroyed their bodies they would not be allowed to stay in this Realm and continue to fight against him.

          It would only take one or two of them dead to break their precious circle.  They would still be powerful but the higher combinations of their Avatars would no longer be possible.

          Unable to sleep he got up and went into his study.  Sitting in his favorite chair, covered with the soft flesh of his enemies throughout the ages, he started formulating his next move.

          He had hidden a few of his more powerful servants around the globe.  It was risky, but he decided to bring the Innocent and his Keeper out of hiding.  It was time to start another battle in this War. 

          The Master smiled to himself as his plan began to develop.    

Ok that’s it for Chapter 17… I hope you enjoyed it!  I've already got a good start on Chapter 18 :)

Also please remember that nifty.org needs your donations to keep providing all these cool and wonderful stories!  You can donate at:

http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html

Nifty Erotic Stories Archive            Over 180000 documents spanning 4.2GB.