Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2010 09:10:56 -0700 (PDT)
From: Jason Gardham <gardham1@yahoo.com>
Subject: "Benjamin and Me"   Chapter 23

Author: J. Gardham
gardham1@yahoo.com

This story is fiction as are the characters, if you think you see yourself
in this story that's cool as long as everyone remembers there's nothing in
this story that isn't pure imagination.

"Benjamin and Me"

Chapter 23


After about three weeks of working with Jerry on using his mental abilities
along with the wizard mantra to make himself invisible, Jonathan had him
stand in front of a mirror and concentrate on seeing his reflection fade
away.

Standing before the mirror and reciting the mantra that Jonathan had taught
him he saw his reflection begin to fade.  His success startled him and he
snapped back into solid form.

"I won't get stuck invisible with I?"

Laughing Jonathan said, "no, but that's one of the first questions I asked
when I was being taught, all you have to do is picture yourself in your
mind and you'll appear instantly".

Smiling Jerry said that was good to know.  Standing by the mirror he tried
again and this time he was successful.

Startled Jonathan said, "Jerry, being a wizard it still took me longer than
it did you to have my first successful experience, you must have really
wanted to do this".

"Thanks Jonathan, yes, I'm not sure why but I felt this was very important
to learn, almost like it was a need rather than simply something I wanted".
"By the way how is this different from teleportation?"

Thinking for a minute Jonathan explained the teleportation moved you from
point A to point B but you really weren't invisible, you simply moved your
physical form instantaneously.  "When you become invisible it gives you
free access to places where others are gathered without them seeing or
being aware of you".  "This is helpful in dangerous situations where you
need to gather information without being seen".

"Jerry there is also a very serious responsibility to never use this
ability to snoop on loved ones or to gain an advantage for material profit,
once you use your ability for the wrong reason it's gone and cannot be
regained".

Jerry asked Jonathan if there was a danger being invisible.

Looking a bit shocked before answering Jonathan said, "Yes, there are
spirits always looking for those of us using this ability, when we're in
this form we can be captured and harmed or even killed".  "Benjamin was
nearly killed in his spirit form and suffered horrible pain".

Being in spirit or invisible form is much the same and other spirits or
others who are also in invisible form can see you, it`s only those in the
physical form who can`t see you."  "It's one reason Sparkle and I normally
go into this form together, we can protect each other".  "It's even more
dangerous for you since you can't place a protective shield around
yourself".

"It's important for you to always remember those you see while using your
invisible form are either spirits or others using their invisible forms and
many of those entities are very dangerous".

Looking down at his feet Jonathan said, "I should have given this more
thought before teaching you this ability Jerry".  "I'm afraid I've put you
in mortal danger".  "Promise me you'll only use your invisible skills when
Sparkle or I are with you".

"Jonathan I' can't promise you that without knowing what the future may
bring, but I'll do my best to always have you or Sparkle with me".

"Yes I understand Jerry, let's discuss this with Sparkle he may have a
better solution".

"Jonathan?"

"Yes".

Looking into Jonathan`s eyes Jerry said, "I asked for this and I want you
to know how much I appreciate you teaching me, so don't blame yourself for
anything, I believe this was by design and is meant to be".

Putting his arm around Jerry's waist, Jonathan said, "I hope you're right
Jerry, I couldn't bear it if something happened to you because of me".

Jonathan telepathically contacted Sparkle who appeared beside them.

"What's up guys?"

"Sparkle I'm afraid I may have done something you will think of as being
very foolish and dangerous, and now I need your help".

"I'm sure we can fix it Jonathan don't look so serious, it isn't exactly
the first time you or I have done something a bit foolish".  "Start out by
telling me what you've done".

Jerry interrupted Jonathan before he could continue in an effort not to let
him take more blame then he should.  "I came to Jonathan and asked him to
teach me how to become invisible like you and he can and he agreed to help
me and after about three weeks I've successfully managed to do it".  "It
was something I felt in my mind, spirit, and soul that was important for me
to learn, I'm not sure just why it felt so important but the fact is it did
and I still feel it is".

"Three weeks?"

"What?"

"You're telling me that after only three weeks you are able to make
yourself invisible?"

"Yes, why?"

"It took me over three months and I was born into the realm of the wizards
where this is a natural part of our training".  "Jerry if you have mastered
this skill so quickly than there is a reason for it well beyond your
wanting to learn a parlor trick, and I realize that is not why you wanted
to learn this skill".

Jonathan interjected that now that Jerry has learned the skill he was
concerned for his safety while in the invisible form.  "I have asked Jerry
to never use his new skill without one or both of us being with him but I
realize that was a promise that he could not make considering the things
that are taking place in today's world".

"Sparkle is there anything you can think of that we can do to keep Jerry
safe should he go invisible when we aren't with him?"

"I'm already working on it Jonathan, you and I are always connected through
our love connection, but I think there is a spell we can use to connect us
all together through a mutual bond agreement, if Jerry is willing to make
that connection with us".

"What exactly does this spell accomplish Sparkle?"

"Once done it will create a bond among the three of us that cannot be
broken, other than by a powerful wizard who's aware of it, we'll always
know where the other's are at all times, day or night".  "You will learn to
ignore the connection most of the time but will be instantly aware of any
danger that the others may be in and can travel invisibly to that location
to give help if needed".

"That sounds like a good thing Sparkle, why the hesitation?"

"Jerry the hesitation is that Jonathan and I have powers to shield
ourselves and the person we're trying to help, so we're in a sense safe
from harm, unless of course we're overwhelmed by whoever is attacking us".
"You don't have the power to shield yourself, or to place a shield around
the one you're trying to help so you will be in harms way".  "The best this
connection can do is to alert all of us at the same time so we can converge
together and hopefully protect each other including you".

"I see, so in a way this will put an extra burden on you two if I become
involved".

"Yes, possibly but on the other hand your being with us could relieve one
or both of us to concentrate on defense while you help whoever was
injured".

"Okay, I get your point, it still appears to be a dicey situation that
could put you and Jonathan in extra danger".

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"How about if I add some zing to Jerry's arsenal?"

Jonathan and Sparkle yelled, "Gabriel..."

Jerry, Jonathan and Sparkle turned around to see the archangel Gabriel
leaning against the wall behind them with a big grin on his face.  Jonathan
and Sparkle of course recognized him immediately and ran giving him a hug.
Jerry having never seen Gabriel before wasn't sure just what to do.

"Jerry I'm afraid I'm the guilty one here, I put the thought in your mind
to learn the skill of invisibility.  As rapidly as events are developing
both in the physical and spiritual worlds I wanted Jonathan and Sparkle to
have another friend with their abilities to help out".

"The wizards are right, you learned the skill much quicker than anyone
could have imagined which means you're not only very intelligent, but very
open to realities beyond the three dimensions most people refuse to see
past".

"Jerry I'm going to render you unconscious before giving you more powers
that any human before has ever been granted".  "First you must know there
is nothing I can do without your permission, anything that takes place from
this moment on can be done only with your consent".

"The powers you will have will not be immediately known to you but will be
awaken as the need arises".  "What you mind can conjure your powers can do,
these powers are awaken and driven by the love you hold for your fellow
travelers on planet earth".

"You have been chosen because of the love we see in your heart, spirit, and
soul, there are others with this love, but you have an added energy of your
own that drives you with an awareness and acceptance that is needed during
this time".

"Jerry it's now up to you, do you accept this offer?"

"Yes".

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Where's Gabriel?"

Helping Jerry up Jonathan and Sparkle tell him that Gabriel is gone.

"I thought he was going to give me special powers?"

"Jerry he did".

"When?"

"While you were in a state of unconsciousness".

"I was unconscious?"

"Yes the minute you said yes to Gabriel's offer".

"Really, that was fast, I don't feel any different".

"Angels don't usually waste a lot of time on formalities Jerry, and there`s
no reason you should feel any difference, but trust Jonathan and I when we
say it`s a done deal".

"Wow!, What now?"

Jonathan and Sparkle looked at each other and then Jerry before saying, "we
don't know about you but we're hungry let's go get a sandwich".

"I've just been granted more power than any human before me and you want to
go have a sandwich?"

"Yes, aren't you hungry?"

"Yeah, I guess I am come to think of it, let's go".

Six months have passed and life has been fairly normal at the ranch and
everyone has gotten into a routine that fit's the needs of the ranch as
well as one another.

Jerry, Mike, and Walt have partnered up with Gavin and Brad and their love
for each other has grown into something beautiful.  Mike and Benjamin and
become what could be called Executive Chefs and are proudly putting out
some fantastic meals.  Walt and Jerry became Ken and Alan's partners in
preparing for meals and cleaning up afterwards.

Jonathan, Sparkle, and Jerry haven't mentioned Jerry's new skill and
powers, they felt it might be better to just let things develop as they
happen and explanations can be given when needed.

Dave and Bill have both been given tenure at the university and are full
fledged professors and well liked by their colleagues.  Kentucky and Arnold
have relaxed into their beautiful apartment and with the million and a half
Thomas paid them for their work they and their crew were fairly well set
financially for now.

It seemed everyone was living a full and relaxed life right up until
Sparkle received a summons from Goldermer to meet with him at his
stronghold for an matter of great urgency and he was to come alone.

Jonathan didn't like the idea of Sparkle going alone even if it was to
Goldermer's camp, wizards who were partners were rarely if ever separated.
Sparkle didn't care for the idea either and looked for Thomas to bring it
to his attention, as it turned out Thomas and Benjamin were in town on
business.

Sparkle decided since Goldermer's message said the matter was urgent he'd
go alone and keep a mind link with Jonathan and Jerry.  Jonathan agreed
hesitantly and Sparkle opened a door to Goldermer's camp.

As soon as Sparkle stepped though the portal all connection to him was
lost.  Jerry was at Jonathan's side immediately.  Jonathan was terrified,
"this is impossible we've never lost our mind link no matter what the
circumstances were".  "Can you link up with him Jerry?"

Jerry's hands went to him temples and he body jerked as if hit by some
unseen force.  Without opening his eyes Jerry responded, "yes I can feel
his mind, he's frightened and doesn't know where he is, it's dark and
cold".

Concentrating Jerry tried to reach Sparkle with enough strength for Sparkle
to connect, suddenly Sparkle felt Jerry's connection and said, "Jerry I
don't know what has happened, I have no idea where I am, is Jonathan safe?"
Choked up a bit from knowing Sparkle's first thought was of his beloved
Jonathan even in the dire circumstances he was in.

"Jonathan is safe and with me Sparkle, please don't alarm yourself we're
going to get you out from wherever you are, hold tight while I'd do some
reconnoitering".

"Be careful Jerry, something powerful is at work here".

"Sparkle I'm going to try to keep a mind link open, don't be alarmed if I
lose it now and then, I'm new at this".

Turning to Jonathan Jerry said, "Sparkle is frightened but unharmed, get
Thomas and the others and when you do get hold of Goldermer, I want him
here and I want him here now"

"Yes Jerry", with that Jonathan disappeared and soon Thomas, Benjamin, and
the others started filing in to the ranch".

Jerry was sitting Indian style on the floor hands to temples, eyes closed,
Jonathan asked everyone not to disturb him.

Thomas asked, "what's Jerry doing Jonathan?"

"Thomas I'll explain later, it's important that you do not disturb him".

Jonathan opened a tiny portal which he spoke into with such force and anger
Thomas and the others were shaken.

"Goldermer I summon you NOW, and I mean NOW as in instantly".

A shimmering door appeared and Goldermer stepped through looking frazzled
to say the least, "Jonathan, what on earth has you so upset?"

Facing Goldermer with eyes flashing Jonathan said, "did you or did you not
summon Sparkle to meet you alone in your camp for an urgent meeting not
forty-five minutes ago?"

"Jonathan I did not summon Sparkle or anyone else to meet me alone or
otherwise, what's going on?"

"Sparkle received a direct summons from you telling him to meet you in your
camp immediately for an urgent meeting and he was to come alone".  "The
moment he stepped through the portal he disappeared from our mind link and
as you know Goldermer that is damned near impossible without a powerful
wizard with a direct connection to both of us forcing a break in that
link".

Goldermer was furious at Sparkle and said he wasn't taking anymore of his
insolence and attempted open a portal to leave.

Jerry's right hand left his temple only briefly but in that brief moment
Goldermer was frozen in a force field that held him prisoner.  Goldermer's
anger had turned to shock and surprise that someone could imprison him in a
force field that he couldn't break out of.

Looking horrified Thomas said, "Jonathan it's time for explanations".  "Is
Sparkle alright?"

Thomas I could not locate him, but Jerry found him in a dark and cold place
and was able to make a mind link with Sparkle, he's frightened but as yet
he's still alive".  "At this time Jerry is doing a search trying to locate
where Sparkle is being held".

"Jerry, how is Jerry doing a search, how did he make a mind link, and how
on earth did he imprison Goldermer with a flick of his wrist?"

"I'm afraid there is much to tell you but now is not........

Just then Jerry turned to Jonathan and opened his eyes, they were as green
as Sparkles, "Jonathan, I'm alright for now, Jerry is doing everything he
can to find me, try to calm yourself, know that I love you with all my
heart...."

Jerry's eye returned to his own soft brown as he returned to his
concentration.

Jonathan's eyes filled with tears, Thomas wrapped his arms around him, "I
haven't any idea what's taking place but we'll find Sparkle if it's the
last thing we do Jonathan".

"Why do you think Jerry locked Goldermer in a force field, does Goldermer
have something to do with Sparkle's disappearance?"  "That's to say nothing
of how Jerry locked Goldermer in a force field to begin with".

"Thomas as far as I know Goldermer is the only wizard with enough power to
block our mind link and it would have to be a wizard with intimate
knowledge of Sparkle and I in order to do that".

"It's hard to believe Goldermer would do anything so hateful Jonathan, but
I have to admit I've been on the back side of Goldermer's temper before".

"Thomas I'm not sure why Jerry put a force field around Goldermer, but
there was a reason or he wouldn't have done it".  If I'm wrong about
Goldermer having anything to do with Sparkle's disappearance than I'll
apologize, but not until I'm damn sure he had nothing to do with it".

"His attitude was pretty cavalier concerning Sparkle and he was way too
quick to clear out of here to suit me considering we just saved Manilon`s
bacon".

"I have to admit Jonathan, you've made some good points and he was pretty
unconcerned considering how distraught he was about Manilon".  "Jonathan I
have a gut feeling there's a lot more to this than any of us know at the
moment, Goldermer might have been acting out of necessity rather than lack
of concern".  "What I don't understand is what's taking place with Jerry,
and why you seem to know and why nothing has been mentioned about any of
this to the rest of us".

"Thomas there's so much that has happened and we've been told by Gabriel
that Jerry's power's will manifest themselves when needed".

"Gabriel,..... powers?"

Jerry became animated once again as he told Jonathan that Sparkle was being
held deep beneath the Antarctic Ice Cap.  "We need to release him soon or
he'll freeze to death".

"Jerry how can we get to him quickly enough?"

"You and I will have to go invisible and shoot through the spirit realm to
reach him in time, there's great danger from demons who are guarding the
entire area".

Hearing this Thomas interrupted Jerry, "Jerry we'll all go together if
there's danger I don't want you to go without our help".

"There isn't time Thomas, if we're to save Sparkle, Jonathan and I have to
leave now or he'll be dead".  "Gather the others especially Bill, Dave, and
Walt and fly as close to Antarctica as you can".  "We're going to need your
united strength to get Sparkle out of the ice cavern he`s being held in and
into the plane".  "Thomas you must act quickly and without hesitation".

"We're on our way Jerry".

"Thomas".

"Yes Jerry".

"This is a trap that has been set for you and the rest of us".

"Understood".

Jerry took Jonathan's hand as he released Goldermer saying, "we need your
help Goldermer, no petty anger or one of your temper tantrums, you're
needed to help save Sparkle and you're coming with us, willingly or not".

Taking Goldermer's hand they were gone and almost instantly found
themselves in Antarctica in a dark cavern, Jonathan formed a glow light and
they found Sparkle slumped over, literally frozen to the wall of the
cavern.

Turning to Goldermer Jerry said, "you are to guard this carven with your
life".  Jerry placed his body over Sparkle and told Jonathan to wrap
himself around Sparkle's back.  Within seconds warmth was radiating from
Jerry and Jonathan into Sparkle`s body, moments later Sparkle roused and
blinked his eyes before throwing his arms around Jonathan.

Reaching Bill, Dave, and Walt telepathically Jerry asked how close they
were to Antarctica.  Bill replied that they were about thirty minutes away.

"Bill, in exactly twenty-nine minutes you'll see a huge explosion of ice
blasting upward, when you see that happen fly as close to it as you can,
we'll try to teleport into the plane as you pass overhead".

"Bill we're going to need your help in creating protected airspace that we
can teleport through to the plane".

"Got ya Jerry, we`ll take care of it from here".

"Thanks and whatever you do make sure Luke and Sam understand that they're
to stay low and as close to the ice field as they can and get us as far
away as quickly as possible, this place is crawling with demons".

"Understood".

In exactly twenty-nine minutes it looked like a nuclear weapon went off
beneath the ice field throwing shards of ice, some the size of oil tankers
into the air.  Flying like a world war ace Luke with Samuel's help slipped
between ice chunks maneuvering like the flying magicians.

Bill, Dave, Walt and the other joined hands and blocked out a section of
airspace between the plane and where the explosion had taken place.

With a loud thud Sparkle, Jonathan, Goldermer, and Jerry appeared on the
floor of the jet.  Just then the plane took a nosedive toward the ice
field, which considering they weren't that far above could be disastrous.
It was obvious that demons were forcing the plane to crash.

"Excuse me guys I'll be right back".  Jonathan disappeared immediately
after following Jerry into the spirit realm to fight off the demons who
were forcing the plane down.  Jerry was casting lightening bolts and fire
balls into the demon horde faster than Jonathan had ever seen.  Demons were
falling like rain drops.  Adding his strength to Jerry's bombardment was
starting to knock enough demons away from the plane for it to gain a little
altitude.

Jerry flew toward the plane while firing lightening charges with both hands
as he swept the plane clean of demons before throwing a powerful shield
around it protecting it from further damage or interference from the
demons.

Creating a mind link with Bill again, Jerry told them to get their butts
out of the area as fast as they could, he and Jonathan would do what they
could to hold off the demons.

Bill relayed the message to Luke and the others as Goldermer disappeared
from the plane to join Jonathan and Jerry in their battle against
overwhelming odds.

Bowing his head, Thomas said, "Augustine and Daniel we sure could use your
help right about now".

"We're here Thomas, Jerry and they others are in no danger, Jerry can
handle anything the demons throw at them he just doesn't know it yet".

"For crying out loud if he doesn't know it how's he going to use it?"

"When the time comes Jerry will find what he needs within himself to
obliterate the demons by the tens of thousands".  "Thomas he needs to learn
to call upon what he needs when he needs it, he's smart and possibly the
bravest human I've ever seen considering he's doing what he's doing without
realizing the power he has within himself".

"Well don't you think it would have been nice if someone clued him in on
what powers he has before he was faced with countless demons trying to kill
him?"

"Laughing Augustine said, "Thomas calm yourself Jerry can't be killed no
more than you and those in this plane can be harmed".  "Jerry has put a
shield around your plane so strong that demons haven't enough power to get
through it".  "He has that same shield around Jonathan, Goldermer, and
himself".

Thomas let out an audible sigh.

"Thomas".

"Yes Augustine".

"If it'll calm your nerves any, there are more angels surrounding this
battle then you could count if you lived eighteen lifetimes".  "Nothing is
left to chance when it comes to this exceptional man that has become part
of your family".

Putting his arm around Thomas Bill laid his head on Thomas's shoulder.
"Thomas, Dave, Walt and I have enough power to wipe out all the demons
also, there really isn't any danger".

Slumping back into a seat Thomas said, "it would be nice if someone would
clue me in before I have a nervous breakdown rather than after".

Speaking up Daniel said, "Thomas this was all pretty spontaneous, Jerry's
actions are nothing but brilliant and his bravery is unparalleled".  "You
have a very special addition to your family, all will be explained when
you're all safe back at your home".

"Augustine, when Jerry linked to Bills mind the message he sent was that
this was a trap".

"Thomas it was a trap, it had been set for you and the others using Sparkle
as bait".

"What if Jerry hadn't reacted the way he did, Sparkle could have died".

"Thomas, Gabriel would never have allowed that to happen, you must remember
Jerry had the knowledge that it was a trap, that was part of his newly
developed insight".  "His reactions to save Sparkle at risk of his own life
was taken willingly, he threw himself into danger to save someone he loved,
and that someone also happened to be Jonathan's partner".  "Every action
Jerry took was the right action."

"For all of you here, it would be better if Jerry never finds out that we
were prepared to come to his aide since we will not always be able to do
so".  "What he did was without knowing we were here and that is how it
should stay".

"Jerry has been given his special powers so that he may work closely with
Jonathan and Sparkle in their defense of all of you and others who will
soon be joining you".

Daniel opened a window into the spirit realm so those on board could see
the action taking place as Jerry combined two large fireballs in each hand
and slammed them together before throwing it into the throng of demons, the
resulting explosion erased every demon in the firmament leaving nothing but
a beautiful star filled sky.


Moments later Jerry, Jonathan, and Goldermer were back onboard with smiling
faces.  Everyone aboard gave them a hero's welcomes, including Augustine
and Daniel.

Daniel hugged Jerry and said, "you are totally amazing Jerry, I'm sorry
Augustine and I showed up at the end of the battle, but it appears you
handle the situation without us".

At that moment none other than the archangel Gabriel appeared and joined in
congratulating Jerry and the others for their daring rescue of Sparkle.

Putting his arm around Goldermer, he said, "my beloved Goldermer we need to
talk".  With that comment both Gabriel and Goldermer were gone.

Benjamin said, "I'd like to be a fly on the wall over hearing that
conversation".

"Jonathan, Sparkle, and Jerry simultaneously said, "we wouldn't".

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Returning to the ranch everyone was gathered on the balcony including
Augustine and Daniel.  A full explanation followed and everyone understood
the importance of adding more strength to their family as they would be
facing more serious attacks in the near future.

Everyone turned and looked at Jerry.

"What?"

Mike and Walt were the first to reach him covering him with hugs and
kisses, "we're so proud of you".  All the other followed and soon Jerry was
bewildered by all the attention.

"I didn't do anything any of you wouldn't have done in the same situation".

With a huge smile on his face Arnold said, "Ah Jerry you just saved
Sparkle, fought off a zillion and one demons, put a shield around the plane
that saved all of us from crashing into the ice field".  "You're our hero
kiddo so you might just as well get used to it".

Thomas enfolded Jerry in a loving hug, "you were totally amazing Jerry,
thanks for being the man that you are".

To be continued:


Jason Gardham