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          All of them were bloody and covered in sweat and bruises; their clothing shredded and tattered.  The fight was not going well; they were losing.  They didn’t see how the Master could possibly be so strong; his Evil was unlike anything they had faced yet.

          The physical bodies of countless Nephelem were broken and torn apart; most were Dark Spirits who fought for Him, but there were also a few who were allies of the Team.  Istariel and his cousins were there among the bodies.

          So many lives; how could it come to this?  What went wrong?

          The ground was littered with corpses of the Enemy’s mortal servants; the muscled protectors and the well-dressed men.   Animal corpses were strewn about; they had come at Loy’s call to join the fight.

          But despite the body count the Enemy kept coming.  The Master’s power was stronger than they ever dreamed possible; he was reanimating servants to fight again after they had fallen. 

          Images started flashing through Lane’s mind; the face of every one of his Team mates, dead and lifeless.  Ken’s broken and twisted body at the feet of the Master; Brad’s corpse nearby, his hand reaching in desperation to save his lover.  Pat and Darren, ripped apart by some dark creatures from beyond the Pale, brought through the Veil by the Master to serve his ends.  Rick and Loy, surrounded by animals that were trying to protect them.  Kevin and Bill, crushed under the weight of dozens of the Enemy.  The last image was of Bryan, his body impaled at the foot of the blacked and charred remains of the Tree.

          Terror and despair flooded through Lane’s mind; his Soul was in agony over what he was seeing.  Not only the loss of his friends and his lover but of the world… and somehow it was his fault.  He missed something crucial that would have prevented all of this.  He felt it with every fiber of his being.

          The Master’s voice echoed in his mind… This is your fate, little Dreamer.  You have no Hope or Chance against me.    YOU failed and are the ruin of your so-called Order.

***************

Lane shot out of bed, every muscle in his body tense as a steel cord.  His chest was heaving; he was drenched in sweat and his whole body was shaking like a leaf.

          Bryan knew immediately that he had had a Dream.  Aside from the physical reaction he saw in his partner, the waves of emotion coming off Lane were almost overpowering.   Lane!  It’s alright! I’m here!

          The pain and despair of seeing his friends and brothers and his Soul Mate die because of his failure was overwhelming.  He desperately reached for Bryan, clinging to him for strength, crying and sobbing like a baby, his body wracked with emotional pain.  Bryan grabbed ahold of Lane and held him tight, mentally and physically trying to soothe his lover as best he could.  For nearly an hour Lane continued to sob while Bryan held him, wrapping him up with his Mind and his strong arms, running his hands soothingly over Lane’s back and shoulders, talking to him so Lane could hear his voice. 

          Bryan was truly afraid for Lane this time.  His reactions to the Dreams were getting stronger and more traumatic each time.  He had never seen Lane this incoherent and incapacitated before and it was breaking Bryan’s heart to see his best friend and lover like this.  Something was going to have to give; if this continued he didn’t see how Lane could stay sane.

Lane walled off everything he experienced from the Dream; it was a box in his Mind that Bryan couldn’t see into.  He was ashamed, but he didn’t want his lover to see and know that he would be the reason the Order would fail in their fight against the Enemy and the Master.

          When Bryan felt the trembling in Lane’s body lessen, he wrapped his lover up in the blanket from their bed, carried him into the den and gently put him on the couch.

          He cupped Lane’s face in his big hands and forced him to make eye contact with him.  Sit still, Lane.  I’m with you and I’m not going anywhere.  I’m going to make you some tea.

          Lane’s Mind and his eyes never left Bryan while he went a few feet away into the kitchen.

          He was finally starting to come back to himself.  He sat still and watched Bryan go through the motions of making him some tea; the simple act of his love and devotion was as comforting as Bryan’s presence in his Mind and Heart and the feel of his big, strong, warm body, and the deep sound of his voice.

          Bryan brought over the tea, sweetened with honey just the way Lane liked it.  He sat down beside Lane and put the cup in his hands, and then he wrapped his arm around Lane’s shoulders and pulled him tight against himself.  Lane leaned into Bryan’s big frame, put his head on his shoulder and closed his eyes for a few seconds.

          Share it with me.  Don’t box it in.  Let me help you carry it.

          It was horrible, Bry.

          Show me.  Bryan was gentle but he probed into Lane’s Mind to the place where he had blocked off the Dream.  He pushed harder until Lane gave in and he relived Lane’s Dream with him.  It affected him as deeply as it did Lane and tears were running down his face as he held Lane close.

          Bryan knew it would be bad from Lane’s reaction but it still affected him deeply.  That was part of the power of the Dream and of Lane’s Avatar.  He didn’t just view the Dream like a movie on a screen; he lived and experienced everything as though it happened to him.  It was necessary for him to get a full understanding; to Bryan it was as much a Curse as a Blessing.

          He pulled Lane closer against him and with one big arm wrapped around his lover he continued to rub his hand up and down Lane’s arm, shoulder, and back.

          It isn’t your fault Lane.  Or wasn’t… or will be… fuck, you know what I mean.

          You saw it, Bry.  You felt it just like I did.  I’ve missed something… or I’m going to, and it’s going to be the reason we fail.

          Bryan felt a light touch on his mind.  Lane felt it too and he instinctively threw up a shield around them both, but the feeling persisted and grew stronger.  Bryan saw a light in the backyard that was coming through the curtains.

          He moved over to the sliding glass doors and pulled the curtains back. 

          Fuck, Lane look!

          Lane moved over and they both looked out into their backyard.  The runes on the Tree were glowing so brightly that the entire backyard was lit up.  The branches of the tree were swaying as though there was a strong wind blowing, but the night was calm and clear.

          Bryan looked at the Tree and how agitated it seemed, and at the light glowing off the fused Rune.

          Bryan seemed a bit gruff and asked, “I wonder why it didn’t protect you earlier?”

          I’m not sure, Bry.  It is now, though.  Look.

          Bryan looked up and he could see darkness at the edge of the light that the Tree was giving off.  Dark tendrils of black smoke were reaching down but the Light was a barrier that the Darkness couldn’t penetrate.  The tree was definitely holding off some sort of attack or influence.

          Seeing that caused a flare of anger inside of Bryan; rage at all that had happened to both him and Lane, rage at the Enemy for coming after them in their home, and for the Avatar his lover had that could cause him so much pain.

          It’s fine, Bryan.  Don’t be mad about that.  I can deal with it as long as you’re with me.  Lane’s eyes were red from crying and a large tear fell down his cheek as he thought: Don’t ever leave me, Bry.

          Never.  The finality of the way Bryan said the word ‘never’ was as comforting as Bryan’s big warm body.  He turned Lane around to face him and brushed the tear away with his thumb.

          Bryan pulled Lane against him.  The blanket fell to the floor and the muscles of Lane’s body showed nicely in the stark light the Tree was giving off. 

          Bryan was aching inside over what Lane was going through.   He lowered both of them onto the carpet and he cradled Lane’s head with one of his arms.  With his other hand, Bryan caressed the features of the most handsome man in the world to him.

          Look at me, Little Buddy.

          Lane looked into Bryan’s eyes and was drawn in; he saw the green of the Tree in Bryan’s eyes and he saw and felt the depth of Bryan’s love for him.  He fell into those eyes and let Bryan’s love fill him up.

          Bryan started running his hand down Lane’s body, rubbing his chest and shoulders and caressing his neck.  Their eyes stayed locked together the entire time.  The tension started flowing out of Lane as Bryan’s hands worked their magic.

          I’m sorry for falling apart on you.  Fuck, Bry what did I ever do to deserve you?

          Bryan grinned and thought: I guess you won the lotto, you little fucker.  And I told you, you little shit, stop apologizing.  I can feel what the Dreams do you to you.  

          Lane opened up their energy centers and they delved into one another.  It was a balm to both of them.  No secrets, their true selves fully revealed, their love for one another wrapping around them both and their Souls combined into one perfect being.  The healing that both of them needed so badly began to take place as they stayed in each other.

          Their bodies reacted to the emotional intimacy and they were both got hard.  They made love to one another on the floor of the living room for hours.  Their bodies clung to one another, muscles straining and sweating.  After their first shared orgasm they were both charged up and they continued, upping the intensity of their passion.  The Light they generated shone out into the Spiritual Realm; it added and reinforced the Light coming from the Tree, and the dark smoky tendrils were driven back.

          They finally wore themselves out, and lay resting together, their bodies still intertwined and sweaty.  Lane had his head on Bryan’s chest, listening to his heartbeat.  It was the most soothing sound in the world to him.  They were totally relaxed but not sleepy, and they talked quietly together for a while, just being together, being best friends and lovers.

          They finally got up and were heading to the bedroom when Lane felt it.  His Avatar flared to life and he felt its grip on his Mind.

          Bryan thought: Fuck!  No fucking way!  Give us a break!

          I can’t hold it back Bry!

          Bryan tightened his grip on Lane’s Mind and Soul, determined not to let him experience whatever was about to happen on his own.

          Lane felt it building inside of him.  His instincts told him it was a response to the Dream he had from the Master.  Lane took him and Bryan out of their bodies and soared into the Heavens and filled them both with the music he heard.  The Milky Way was loud tonight, as if it knew what Lane needed.

          A Song was shaping inside his Soul; a Response to the Evil of the Master and his servants; a Message that needed to be sent.  He had the words and the music; they flowed into his being.  No, not into: from him… the message was in him all along and it was just now coming out.  His Avatar was the doorway that let it out.

          With that realization he understood a little more about his own ability.

Lane knew what he had to do.  He and Bryan were filled with Power but he needed more to make the impact that was needed.

***************

As soon as they walked in the door and set the alarm, Ken took off down the hall for the bathroom.  Brad stayed in the kitchen to get them both something to drink.  There was plenty of beer in the fridge for the upcoming cookout but the refrigerator was also packed with food so he had to rearrange a few things to get to it.  When Ken came down the hall all he could see was Brad’s well rounded ass poking out from behind the open refrigerator door.

          Fuck, your ass looks sexy as hell, B.

          Ken had taken his shirt and shoes off and tossed them in the bedroom before making his way back down the hall.  Brad straightened back up and had a beer in each hand.  He gave the refrigerator door a mental nudge since his hands were full, and the door swung closed.

          When Brad looked up and saw Ken shirtless he got a hungry and excited look on his face.  He never got tired of looking at Ken.  He was perfect in every way, inside and out; it was as if they were made for one another.  The smile that lit up Ken’s face when they made eye contact sent a warm feeling through Brad’s body and his Mind.

          He gave another mental nudge, and the caps on the beers popped off and flew over into the trash can by the door.

          The beers hovered on their own for a few seconds while Brad stripped off his own shirt.

          Ken thought: Damn, B that is so cool.  I wish I could do that.

          Ken moved close and wrapped his arms around his lover, burying his face against Brad’s thick neck and shoulder.  He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, pulling his arms a little tighter.  The warmth of Ken’s breath against his skin as he exhaled felt wonderful.

          The touch of their skin, warm and soft over hard muscle, sent signals down to both their crotches causing them both to get hard immediately.  Ken pulled his head back just enough to start kissing and nibbling at Brad’s neck, causing Brad to let out a low groan of pleasure. 

          Ken got a devilish grin on his handsome face: Just gettin' you ready, stud.

          Fuck, I love it when you do that.

          Why do ya think I’m doin’ it?

          They were already inside each other’s Minds, but Brad opened up their other energy centers and brought them completely together.  The feelings they had for one another flooded through both of them, creating a circuit of love and support between them.  They were completely bonded; inside one another, their Souls merged.  The fulfillment and contentment of being lost in each other was the best feeling each of them could ever imagine.   For those who could see into the Spiritual Realm, the Light between them was so bright it was blinding.

          Brad pulled back just enough to hand Ken his beer.

          A man after my own heart.  Thanks, B.

          Let’s get on the couch.

          They moved over, and Ken sat down in the corner and raised his arm so Brad could lean back against him.  As soon as he was in position, Ken’s arms wrapped back around Brad so he could hold them together.

          Ken started gently licking and nibbling Brad’s neck and shoulder again.  He touched one of Brad’s nipples with the ice cold beer bottle and felt the jolt through his body.

          They both chuckled as Brad thought: Douche.

          Fuck, B this is nice.   After the last few days and nearly losing Lane today... I wasn’t prepared for that.  I hope Bryan and Lane are really OK now. 

          I think they are, at least for now.  Bryan’s mad though, and when the doc and Albrecht find Taliesin I’m not sure what they’re going to do.  Bryan would never forgive himself if he really hurt Taliesin, but I could see the anger inside him and it’s ready to resurface.  He almost lost Lane and you and I both know how that feels; hell, he did lose Lane even if it was only for a few minutes.  It was a miracle that Lane’s back with us.  If Uriel hadn’t intervened, Lane would have really been gone.

          You know, B even after all that I can’t help but think Lane made the right choice.  As harsh as that sounds, if Lane let them both die they’d both be gone and whatever purpose we’re supposedly destined to fill would be broken.  Not that either one of them could have known, but at least by saving Bryan they both ended up surviving and that’s best for everyone.  Bryan knows that even if he doesn’t want to admit it right now.  That’s another reason I want them to relax and be together; they need time to sort through it all.  We’ll give them their space but check in on them to make sure they’re doing OK.

          They sat in silence for a few minutes sipping their beers and resting against one another, loving the feel of their bodies together, and being in each other’s Minds and Souls.  Ken starting running his free hand over Brad’s hard furry chest and abs, slowly circling his nipples and then moving back down to rub his hard dick through his shorts.  Brad closed his eyes with a contented sigh and enjoyed the feel of Ken’s touch.  When Ken’s hand made it down to his crotch he would push up against Ken’s hand and when it moved up to his chest he would arch his back to make the physical contact that much firmer.  When Ken’s fingers circled his nipples his body trembled slightly and he would let out a small groan of pleasure.

          You’re getting wound up, B.  I love it when you get this way. I love makin’ you feel this way.

          Brad felt an unexpected emotional rush.  After what happened with Bryan and Lane, the thought of being forever without Ken popped into his mind and his eyes teared up.

          Don’t go there, B.  I’m here and we’re together.  We always will be and so will Bryan and Lane and the rest of the guys.   We have to believe that. We all have each other’s backs.  We’re taking this fight to the Enemy and we are gonna kick their asses and make this world back into what it should be. We’re gonna keep training and be careful.  You’re a brilliant tactician; it’s scary how smart you are.   With everything we can all do now, if we’re careful—and especially with the doc and Albrecht’s help—I’m confident we can win this fight.

          But tonight, right now, I want things to be about you and me.  Ken finished his beer and set the bottle down, and with both hands he started to undo Brad’s belt and unzip his shorts.  Brad lifted his hips and Ken slid the shorts down.  Brad kicked them the rest of the way off and they fell on the floor.  He was now completely naked and cradled in Ken’s strong arms and powerful legs. 

          Ken used one hand to grab Brad’s dripping hard-on and started stroking him, and with his other hand he continued to rub Brad’s chest and nipples.  Brad could feel Ken’s warm breath on his neck as Ken started kissing and licking his neck again.  The warmth of Ken’s body against his felt incredible.

          Ken wrapped Brad up in his Mind, expressing every ounce of love he felt for his lover through his touch and the connection they shared.  He kept Brad squirming and on the edge a powerful orgasm for nearly an hour.  Knowing it would push him over the edge, Ken lifted Brad’s hips and slipped his eight inch hard on into his ass.  Almost immediately Brad started shooting; he was drenched in sweat and nearly incoherent.  Feeling Brad’s hot body squirming in pleasure on top of him and feeling the heat of Brad’s ass around his dick, Ken had a powerful orgasm and started shooting hot cum into his lover.

          With the onset of Ken’s cum, Brad felt the physical charge rush through his body, allowing him to squeeze his ass hard and milk Ken’s dick for every drop of cum he could.

          Ken held him tight as they both rode out the pleasure, letting his hands continue to roam over Brad’s muscled, sweaty body.  The hair on Brad’s chest was almost completely matted down and his stomach was covered in cum from his orgasm.

          After a minute Ken slid out from under him and got down on his knees and licked the cum off Brad’s furry stomach.  With the first taste Ken felt his mind opening and expanding.

          He crawled back on top, covering Brad’s body with his own, knowing Brad could take his full weight now.  Brad’s wrapped his arms and legs around Ken, reversing their position from earlier, and they started kissing.

          Fuck, I love you Ken.  Everything about you.

          Me too, B.  You’re perfect to me in every way.

          They were both smiling as they kissed.  Brad inhaled Ken’s scent and it was like an immediate recharge to his libido.

          Ken felt Brad’s dick get hard again and said: Damn, B you’re horny tonight!

          After today and everything that happened it makes me appreciate having you in my life that much more, Ken.  I need to feel you.

          Let’s have one more round in the bedroom and then let’s take a hot bath together. 

          Not only yes but HELL yes. 

          They made their way to the bedroom hand in hand and crawled onto the bed.  Brad got on his back and raised his legs.  Ken crawled over him, his hands on either side of Brad’s head.  He had enough muscle control that he positioned the head of his dick and entered Brad without the use of his hands.

As Ken’s dick slid into his lover he lowered his body, putting most of his weight on Brad.  Brad wrapped his legs around Ken’s waist and his arms around Ken’s big shoulders and squeezed as hard as he could, pressing their bodies together.  Their eyes were roaming over each other’s features, both taking in every detail that they loved about the other.   Brad shifted his sight so he could take in not only Ken’s amazing body and handsome face, but his Mind and Soul along with it.  Seeing him like that was such a turn on… seeing the man Ken was both inside and out.   With his sight shifted he saw something he had never noticed before… the edges of Ken’s emerald green eyes were ringed with the brilliant blue of Brad’s.

Ken picked up on the surprise Brad felt through their connection and he shifted his sight and saw the same thing… Brad’s bright blue eyes were ringed with green.

The idea that their connection made them that much more a part of one another sent a chill through each of them.  They both closed their eyes and started a gentle kiss, letting the feeling of being together grow within them.    As they squeezed their bodies together, their hands and fingers caressed and massaged each other.  As tight as their mental and spiritual bond was, they felt the need to match the intimacy with their physical connection.

Ken started to move in and out of Brad.  He knew where Brad’s prostate was and he made sure to touch it with every stroke.  Brad’s eyes squeezed shut and his body literally trembled in pleasure.

Oh fuck, Ken you feel amazing, but you know what I want.

Even with his eyes shut Brad could feel the devilish grin that was on Ken’s face.  And what would that be?  I wanna hear you say it… or think it.

Cut loose.  Don’t hold back.  I’ll be whatever you need me to be so you can go to that place.  Be that guy.

As soon as those words entered Ken’s mind, Brad could feel Ken’s dick get that much harder.  With the extra sensitivity he had from taking Ken’s load earlier, he could literally feel the head of Ken’s dick flare inside of him at the anticipation of what was about to happen.

Ken did what Brad wanted and it took both of them on an incredible wave of pleasure and fulfillment.

Ken was so much stronger than he used to be but so was Brad, and the physical charge he got from Ken was also that much stronger.  Ken cut loose and pounded Brad’s ass for hours, in almost every conceivable position.  In no time they were both drenched in sweat, and it flew off their bodies with every impact of Ken’s thrusting.  The fact that Brad could match Ken physically and be his equal when he needed to be gave Ken the freedom to not hold back, and that act and knowledge excited him beyond words.  Brad had two more hands-free orgasms before Ken started to get tired.  Ken ended up shooting four times himself before he collapsed on top of Brad and let himself be held.   Feeling Brad’s hands, his lover’s hands, roaming over his body and comforting him after such an intimate exertion, holding him tight, put Ken into an emotional and physical state of pure bliss.  He lay there catching his breath, his head buried between Brad’s thick neck and shoulder.  The heat from their sweaty bodies had them both completely relaxed.

Fuck, B… I wanna just stay here like this. I really don’t wanna move.  Your hands feel so good.  Ken’s mental voice was slurred from being so relaxed.

Yeah me too, Ken.  He wrapped Ken up tighter with his arms and legs in another hug.  You know I could stay here like this too.  Do you still want to take a bath together?  Or just stay here and fall asleep?

Ken chuckled, causing his big body to rumble slightly: I don’t know… they both sound so nice.

Ken’s stomach let out a huge rumble.

Brad started laughing: I can’t believe I just heard that! We all had nearly three pounds of steak a few hours ago at the restaurant!

Well… being ‘that guy’ makes me hungry; hungry for you, and for food.  How about we skip out to Waffle House and then come back and revisit the idea of a bath.

**************

          They got up and got dressed.   Ken doused them both with a liberal amount of body spray on the way out the door.

          I know you can take care of it but I don’t want you to have to.  I want you to relax and not have to worry about it.

          Brad appreciated the thought even though it was no bother.  His subconscious could easily keep up the illusion, but he loved the consideration Ken always gave him.

It was just after 3:00 am when they pulled into the Waffle House parking lot.  One of their favorite cooks, Frank, was on shift so they knew their hash browns were going to be just the way they liked them.  Brad always found it funny and endearing how Ken could get so happy over the smallest things.

They played a major role in the cosmic battle between good and evil over the fate of mankind and Ken got excited over how crispy his hash browns were.  Brad laughed and shook his head, more in love with Ken than ever.  Brad felt like the luckiest man in the world and he put his arm over Ken’s heavy shoulders and pulled him in close for a quick kiss on his cheek as they made their way to the steps.

When they first arrived they were the only ones in the restaurant, but it wasn’t long before more customers showed up.  Three different couples came in; all of them drunk and happy after some bar hopping.   The thoughts and emotional spillover coming off them was uncomfortable, so Brad tightened the shield he kept around himself and Ken to block everything out.  

They were both relaxed and enjoying being together, just talking over a cup of coffee and trying to ignore how loud the place had gotten.  Brad was leaning with his back against the window, so he was turned sideways in the booth and he had one leg stretched out.  His other leg was under the table and touching Ken’s legs.  Ken was leaning forward and had one of Brad’s hands in his own.  He was absentmindedly rubbing the back of Brad’s hand with his thumb as they talked.  As the noise got louder, Ken noticed that his tattoo was starting to tingle slightly.

The scene that unfolded was both comic and tragic.  Ken’s Avatar was affecting all of people in the restaurant.  Even though it wasn’t as powerful as Rick’s, the lies and deceptions that all the couples used to get together that night started unraveling.  That, combined with the alcohol, caused the truth to come out about what they were really thinking and what their true intentions were towards one another.

Fuck, B I can’t help it.  There’s no way to turn this off!

It’s fine, Ken.  Don’t feel bad about it in the least… in the long run it’s better for all of them, even if there’s a short term sting. 

I don’t like being the cause of what we’re seein’ though.

You aren’t, Ken.  They are… they didn’t have to lie to one another, or exaggerate, or leave out the fact that they‘re in a relationship and just wanted a one night fling with a hot stranger.  You had nothing to do with any of that so don’t you feel guilty in the slightest.  It was their choice to lie…deep down they knew better.  I don’t know why people think it’s easier to lie… I know that you and I used to do it too.  I don’t want to believe it’s part of human nature to be so naturally deceitful.  I wonder how we fucked things up so bad somewhere in our past to make things like they are today… Albrecht and the doc call it the Curse. 

          You’re making me hard with all this smart talk, B.

          Oh yeah?  Well then let’s get out of here so I can take care of you.

          Brad settled up their bill and they headed out to the parking lot.   As soon as they got back to the Explorer, Brad’s and Ken’s Avatars flared to life, clearly visible through the fabric of their t-shirts.  Their eyes turned white and Lane’s voice filled their Minds.

**************

Guys, I need you!  I’m not sure how long I can hold this back so come in tight! 

At the speed of thought, Brad reached out and brought the entire Team together.  It was abrupt and powerful but they were used to sudden transitions from their training.

Lane said: Bryan and Loy, do your thing.  We’re gonna need all the juice we can muster for this!

Lane filled them all with the Power he was already holding.  Loy took that Power and sent his Will out, gathering free roaming spirits and pulling from animals all over the planet. 

Come, my friends!  I need your help again!

Bryan let his Awareness spread and he connected with the Life Energy throughout Earth and beyond.  Once again, a ghostly image of the Tree started forming around Bryan as he connected with it and channeled from it.

Lane, Bryan, and Loy filled them all up with power; they became one giant vessel with walls of glass that shone through with a light as bright as the heart of a star.   Agents of the Enemy all over the city felt the burn from the Aura they were generating.

Brad, I need you to help me broadcast this.  Even if normals are asleep they need to hear this message.  Things need to change and they’re about to start.  The Enemy started this and the Master broke into the wrong damned rec room tonight!

Everybody felt it when Lane’s Avatar took over.  Lane was there, but he was different.  He was a vessel for the Voice; the Power behind their Avatars.  He was the Grandson of the Herald of the Most High; this time he was the Messenger.

The music started low and quickly built.  For anyone awake they heard it in the back of their minds; for those asleep they dreamed it.  Lane’s voice took on an otherworldly quality, and it echoed through their Minds and Hearts.  Brad broadcast what he heard and felt into the minds and dreams of everyone on earth and through the Veil.  He knew the Enemy could hear it as well and he was ready for any retaliation on their part.

Severance...

the birds of leaving call to us

yet here we stand

endowed with the fear of flight

Overland...

the winds of change consume the land

while we remain

in the shadow of summers now past

When all the leaves have fallen

and turned to dust

will we remain

entrenched within our ways?

Indifference...

the plague what moves throughout this land

Omen signs

in the shapes of things to come.

Tomorrow’s Child is the only Child

Tomorrow’s Child is the only Child

The meaning of the words sank into every person on the planet, conscious and unconscious; the place where humanity is must change.  The influence of the Enemy must be broken if humanity is to continue on its journey.  The apathy and indifference the Enemy had instilled in the minds of mankind must be lifted so they could be free to think clearly and decide their own fate.

They all felt Ken’s Avatar at work, pushing the strength of Will and Conviction of Lane’s Message into everyone so there was no doubt about the Truth of what they were hearing.  Rick’s Avatar was there as well, unraveling bonds inside people that the Enemy had been building for years.  Pat’s Avatar spread the Understanding of the message so there was no question about its meaning. Each of them contributed in some way to the Message that was being sent.

The Master didn’t respond with words, but they felt his anger and hatred directed at them.  They felt his rage wash over their shield like a cold wind.

When all was silent again, they all heard Lane’s voice: Fuck, what did I just do? His mental voice trembled with the anxiety running through his mind.  They all felt his fear and panic and they didn’t understand why.

Brad pulled them all closer and deeper into one another.

Ken asked: Lane, what do you mean?  Where did that come from?  Show us what happened tonight, bud!  We need to understand!

Lane was afraid and all the emotions from earlier resurfaced.  We’re going to fail!  And it’s going to be my fault!

Bryan showed them the Dream that Lane had had; the vision of them all dead and defeated.  They were all shocked at the images and the emotions, but through it all Ken didn’t flinch.  He squeezed Brad’s hand tight and looked deep into his eyes.

That’s not gonna happen, Lane.  I can’t—I DON’T—believe that.

Brad figured it out immediately.  After seeing everything that Bryan shared with them, he said:  Lane, what you saw is a possibility, not a certainty.  There’s no way to tell when that was supposed to be, and you know what the doc said about changing the future.  The Master needs you out of the way, just like he needs Bill out of the way.  The Dreams make it seem real to you bud, but don’t lose yourself in them… don’t lose sight of the fact that you have Bryan and all the rest of us with you and backing you up.  This isn’t just your fight.  I know it might feel that way because the Master singled you out, but it’s not true!  We’re all in this together!

Brad could feel Bryan’s grateful thoughts for trying putting into words what he felt Lane needed to hear.

Brad thought:  Don’t fall for it.  Easier said than done I know, but it’s not going to happen.  It’s just a trick and he knows how your Avatar works.

Ken asked: Why didn’t their Tree protect him from that?  I thought that was its purpose.

Lane’s voice was quiet and filled with remorse: Because it wasn’t an attack.  It was the truth.

Brad responded: One possible truth, Lane; just one of an infinite number of possibilities.  You know the Master can move outside of Time.  He seems to be doing it a lot lately, and I’m not sure how.  Even Michael and the others said doing that takes its toll on him.  What he showed you wasn’t an attack, but it isn’t a certainty by any means.  You know that!

The emotional impact of Lane’s Dream was still fresh inside him.  They all knew what the Dreams did to Lane.  They weren’t just dreams; they were a part of him, infusing him with the reality and understanding of what he was being shown.  They affected him down to every fiber of his being.

Everyone picked up the thought from Ken on what he wanted to happen; with what they needed to do for their Brother.  Even though they were all linked together as a Team, Ken wanted them all deeper.  As Couples first they came completely together, merged fully in Body, Mind, and Soul.  Then they came together again as Brothers, forming the bond they all came to know and rely on with one another; that intimate place where there were no secrets and their true selves were laid bare and open to each other.  No lies, no deceptions; just unconditional Love for themselves and each other.

The beauty of their inner selves, the sense of completeness and contentedness in all of them from being with their Soul mates and their Brothers made them powerful.  What Bryan did for Lane earlier they all did for Lane and Bryan as a couple.

With Bryan and Lane in the center, the others formed a protective ring around them, immersing them in the unconditional love and well-being they felt for one another.   Bryan already had Lane wrapped up inside of him as tightly as he could, and with his Brothers upholding and surrounding them both, filling them with their support and love, it drove out the last vestiges of fear and self-blame Lane experienced from his Dream.

Ken’s voice filled their minds: We have your back, guys.  You two rest in one another and in us; we’re holding you up tonight.  After all you’ve been through; this was the last thing you needed.  We love you and we need you; never forget that.  Nothing else will bother you tonight; we’ll make sure of that. 

Every one of the Team sent their thoughts to Lane and Bryan, reassuring them both, but Lane in particular.  The strength of their combined Avatars drove out the dark seed of doubt the Master had tried to plant in his Soul.

Bryan took Lane back to their bedroom and they got under the covers together.  Lane latched onto Bryan’s big warm body and rested his head on Bryan’s chest.  The warmth of Bryan’s skin and the familiarity of his body were a balm to Lane.  It took a few minutes for his body to stop trembling and the tension slowly drained out of him.  With the peace and support of his Brothers surrounding him, and with the sound and feel of Bryan’s steady heartbeat he fell into a Dreamless restful sleep. 

Bryan kissed the top of Lane’s head and kept running his hands gently and soothingly over Lane’s body as they lay together.  Just after Bryan fell asleep his Avatar glowed softly and, with a steady pulse that matched his heartbeat, it sent out small and delicate tendrils of energy that covered them both briefly before disappearing inside of them.

The Tree in Bryan and Lane’s backyard swayed throughout the night against the probing of the Enemy, but the Tree fulfilled its purpose and protected Lane and Bryan while they slept.

*****************

The next morning Bryan and Lane woke up and felt different right away.  They felt renewed and invigorated, mentally, emotionally and physically.  As they woke up they felt the presence of the rest of the Team around them.  There was almost no better way to wake up than by being surrounded by the loving presence of your family.

Lane’s eyes teared up a little from the knowledge of what his friends and Brothers did for him and Bryan all night.

Thanks, guys.   You’re the best and don’t let anybody ever say otherwise. 

They all gave both Lane and Bryan the equivalent of a tight mental hug and dropped out of the link.

Ken had one last thought he sent before he and Brad dropped out: You guys keep takin’ it easy and chill out as long as you need to.  You know all of us are here for you… if you want to come over and hang with me and Brad, just say the word.

Will do, Ken.  Love you guys.

Love you too, fellas.

***********************

The same night that Brad and Ken and the others kept their watch over Lane and Bryan, the doctor and Albrecht were talking.

They lay in bed together, their naked bodies intertwined; their skin was still damp from the sweat of their love making.

Still no sign of Taliesin, Aaron?

No… I sent the Call out a week ago.  He should have been compelled to come as quickly as he could.  He is resisting the Compulsion and by now he must be in extreme discomfort.

I was hoping he’d just show up.  But he always was incredibly stubborn.  Almost as stubborn as you! Don’t worry, though; I’ll find him.

The doctor’s face broke into an uncharacteristic grin at Albrecht’s teasing.

Do not hurt him, Albrecht.  He has done much mischief, I agree.  But he is not completely responsible for his actions.

Yes he is, Aaron.  Even as twisted as he’s become, he knew deep down that what he did to Lane and Bryan was wrong.  He made the choice to act as he did.  I’m not without compassion for what he’s become, but he’s still responsible for how he’s reacted to his situation.

Be careful, my love.  You know how dangerous he is.

As am I.  And you, Aaron, as much as you don’t want to think so.  But yes, I promise to be careful.  What are you going to do with him?

I am going to let Lane and Bryan decide his fate.  They are the ones who were wronged by him and deserve to meet with him face to face.  My actions will depend on what they decide.  I think they have grown and will surprise us.  I am still concerned about Bryan – his grief was so profound when he thought Lane was gone.   His anger is still very deep, but I think his gentle nature will prevail.

I’m sure you’re right, love.  You always are.

********************

The next afternoon, Loy and Rick were driving home from training, talking as usual.  Loy had his hand on Rick’s thick, muscled thigh and was gently kneading it as he drove.   Rick reached down and covered Loy’s hand with his own and brought it up and kissed the back of his hand.

Loy’s handsome face broke into a smile at the kiss.

Love you, buddy.

Ditto.

Both of them tended to be horny after a good workout and they were looking forward to getting home and getting into bed. 

Rick let go of Loy’s hand and moved his hand over to lift Loy’s t-shirt, gently rubbing his furry stomach.  After a few seconds, he moved his hand up and gently tweaked one of Loy’s nipples and then ran his hand over Loy’s hard furry chest.

Fuck, Ricky you better stop or I’m gonna have to find someplace to pull over!

Fine with me!  I don’t wanna wait ‘til we get home.  I want you right now.

Loy could feel Rick’s grin through their connection.

The flash of images hit Loy from out of the blue; they hit hard and deep like a bolt of electricity through his mind and body.   

The pain and the terror was all consuming and it flooded through Loy’s mind.  He reacted quickly and slammed on the brakes causing the car to slide sideways and screech to a sudden halt.  He instinctively shut out Rick from the sensations so he wouldn’t be overwhelmed; at least until he could get them under control.

Someone was peeling the flesh from her body slowly and painfully while she screamed and thrashed about in agony.   The cruelty was harsh and relentless.   The pain wouldn’t stop!  Why would her owner do this to her?  The lack of understanding made her confusion worse and the emotional pain harsher.

Fuck!

Loy!  What’s wrong?!

Oh God, Ricky!  How could anyone do that? 

Tears were streaming down Loy’s face and his entire body was taut as a wire from the rush of emotions and sensations that he was feeling.

Loy threw the car into park and jumped out, almost falling over in his haste to get out of the car.

He cupped his hands to his mouth and with every ounce of command his Avatar gave him he shouted mentally: DOLLY!  He felt the resistance immediately; something was holding her spirit to her body. 

Loy opened up what was happening to Rick, who had jumped out of the car and grabbed ahold of Loy to help steady him.  Rick held him tight in support and filled Loy’s mind with his own presence to try to help counter what he was feeling.

Shit, Rick!  She’s in so much pain!  Something’s holding her.  Help me call her.  We have to free her!

I’m with you, bud.

Loy felt all of Rick’s strength open up and become available to him.  Loy’s Avatar flared to life, bright and strong, and he focused his Will and shouted again:  DOLLY!  Come to me, girl!

Cars behind them were starting to honk their horns.

Rick thought:  Fuck, I’ll be right back Loy.  I’m going to get the car out of the road.  

Rick jumped in the Explorer and pulled it off the road.  The guy in the first car behind them rolled down his window and yelled, “Get out of the road, you moron!” and flipped Rick off as he sped by.   Rick was normally very easy going, but with what Loy was experiencing and his own empathy for the cruelty of what was being done to Dolly, his temper flared.  The man’s mind was closed and he was only looking at the window of his narrow, single minded existence.  The world revolved around him and his needs and he didn’t have the ability or the desire to see outside of himself.

Rick’s Avatar pulsed brightly and a crack of thunder rolled across the clear sky.  He stared at the man as he sped by, his eyes turning white behind his dark sunglasses, and if anyone had the ability to see with their Mind’s Eye, a bright ribbon of white energy flew from Rick and surrounded the man briefly and quickly disappeared inside him.  The man got a stunned look on his face and he shut up immediately as he drove off.

The man’s name was Keith and most people he knew considered him a total asshole.  His humor was crass and biting and he was often rude and obnoxious.  His life had just changed forever – the people he knew would hardly recognize the man he would become after his encounter with Rick.  A lifetime of emotional knots that he spent building and causing him to be the person he was started unraveling and he realized what a jerk he was and what a shallow person.   From that day forward he was a changed man – he could never explain it to anyone but he started to change for the better and was a much happier person.

Rick’s entire encounter only lasted a few seconds, and he was back with Loy in no time.  Loy was pacing on the side of the road.

Is she coming?

I think so.  We broke whatever was holding her back.  Oh God, Ricky, I just killed her! It was the only thing to do to free her!

The emotional turmoil Loy was feeling from what he had to do was rough.  Rick moved over and pulled Loy against him in a hug.

It’s OK, man.  It was the only thing you could do.  You felt the pain she was in!  You didn’t have a choice.  That’s part of your job now… our job.

She’s here.

They could both sense her spirit through Loy’s Avatar.  Just as he did with the dog Ely, by the light of Loy’s Avatar Dolly became corporeal.

She was a beautiful horse, or had been.  Now her image displayed the torture she had gone through, and it tore them both up to see what had been done to her.

Hot tears started flowing again in both their eyes when they saw what she looked like.  Oh girl!  Who did this to you?

He looked into her mind and the image he saw was a picture of her owner, the man they met in the car wreck the day Loy’s Avatar Awakened.   Except in her mind, his eyes were black and his face exhibited an insane glimmer of ecstasy as he tortured her.  He felt her confusion; the man who took care of her and loved her her whole life was hurting her.

Where’s Burt?  Was he with you?

He saw an image of Burt in a cage, terrified at the sounds of her screaming and the smell of blood and pain.  There were dead animals everywhere and the smell was terrifying.

Loy walked up and put his arms around her neck.  To him her spirit was corporeal and as he hugged her he opened up his energy centers.

Help me, Ricky.

He opened Rick’s energy centers and he plunged the two of them together, taking solace in their own love for one another.  They held each other in their Hearts, Minds, and Souls and comforted one another in their pain and sorrow, and the anger they both felt for what had been done to such a beautiful and innocent creature.

Bright white light came off of Loy’s hands and covered Dolly, and he restored her gentle Spirit.  He couldn’t take away her memories yet but by letting her feel his love for her, pure and unfiltered, the outward view of her Spirit changed and reflected the beautiful image of what she looked like whole and healthy.

She pressed her nuzzle against him, hugging him back in her own way.

Can you take me to the place where this happened, girl?  To who did this to you?  We need to find out what is going on and put a stop to it.  I promise I’ll protect you and I won’t let anything else happen to you.

He saw in her mind that she could return to that place.  He also knew she was terrified to go back there and she trembled with fear at the thought.

It’s OK, girl.  You just need to show me and then you can pass on and be at peace.

He reached out and caressed her neck and her trembling stopped with the comfort of his touch. 

“Let’s go, Ricky.  You should drive so I can focus on following her.”

Without the light of Loy’s Avatar, Dolly’s physical form vanished, but he could still see her spirit, bright and clear before him.  Rick could clearly sense her presence through his connection with Loy.

They drove for nearly two hours, heading south and then east on I20.  Loy had to call her back a few times because she got too far ahead.   They were nearly to Augusta when Loy saw her turn and start to head across country.  There was a closed rest stop on the interstate they passed a mile or two before, so Rick turned around and headed back.  He pulled off and parked the Explorer behind the abandoned  tourist information building to keep it out of sight.

At this point Loy was about to reach out to Brad and tell him what was going on when another surge of powerful images and pain hit him.  He stumbled down to one knee holding his head.

Fuck!  No!  Oh no! We’ll never get to him in time, Rick!

Rick was fully immersed with Loy and felt the anguish he was experiencing.  Whoever was torturing the animals just started on Burt. 

In his anger Loy shouted out with his mind:  I don’t know who you are, you bastard!  You aren’t hurting another living creature!  Burt!  Come to me!  I release you, buddy!  No more pain!

Loy felt the resistance again, but he was ready for it and he steeled his Will.  His Avatar represented the Dominion and Stewardship over creatures of the world.  He felt the tethers holding Burt’s spirit to his body snap from the force of his command.

Immediately Loy and Rick felt a cold presence around them.  They were both shielded, but it surrounded them.

The voice in their minds was thin and raspy sounding: Ahhhh, you are here.  And foolishly just the two of you.  The creatures you have so much feeling for served their purpose well to bring you here.  Before you die I want you to bear witness to what I am doing to your precious animals.  I want you to weep and feel their torment and know despair.

Loy reached out for Brad and he knew immediately that he couldn’t penetrate the barrier that surrounded them.

He looked at Rick and thought:  OK, bud.  Communications are down.

Loy, if we leave now there’s no telling how many more animals he’s going to kill.  And we don’t know what they’re even doing it for.  We’ve been training our asses off to fight the Enemy.  I say we go in and show ‘em who’s boss.

I was hoping you were gonna say that. 

Burt’s spirit showed up beside Dolly.   She was nuzzling against him, happy to see her lifelong friend.

Loy looked at them and said:  Find our friends and bring them to help us.  Can you do that? Loy put the image of the Team and the Lab in their Minds.

As soon as Loy said that, the Voice screamed:  Consume those beasts!  Do not let them leave!

Six black spheres of Darkness appeared around Rick and Loy and quickly grew into vaguely humanoid shapes.  They immediately went for Dolly and Burt.

Loy brought Rick together with himself completely.  Their energy centers were intertwined and they let their love for one another fill each other up.  They felt a resistance they had never encountered before, but they clung to one another and pushed through whatever was trying to keep them apart.  Loy reached out, trying to find other animal spirits nearby that he could get help from, but there were none he could sense.  He wasn’t sure how much the barrier would block his Avatar, but he had a bad feeling about that.

We’re on our own for now, Rick.  We’ll have to be enough for this.

You’re enough for me, Loy, and always have been. 

The emotion Loy felt from the confidence Rick put in him lifted him up and they shone brighter and brighter.  Loy let loose with a bolt of white fire that ran through the creatures.  It burned into their blackness and shackled them at the same time.

Dolly!  Burt!  Run!  Find our friends and bring them here!  Don’t stop ‘til you reach them!

The spirits of the two horses flew away, unable to be pursued while Loy held the creatures in his grip.  It took everything he had to hold all six of them as they struggled to free themselves.

Loy felt the evil of the creatures he was holding and he felt no remorse in killing them.  They were either servants or willing participants in what was going on and they needed to be destroyed.  He went inside himself to the place where he and Rick were one and he let the intimate and powerful love they felt for one another give him the strength he needed.  The two of them glowed with a white hot fire that the dark beings couldn’t stand.   Loy continued his attack until the creatures burned up and dissipated with screams of anguish.

Loy dropped to his knees, his chest heaving with the effort of what he had just done.  Rick was drained as well, but he put one arm around his lover in support even as he was looking around for any additional threat.

Rick said, “We need to find someplace to hole up and rest for a few minutes.  There’s no telling how many more of those things might show up.”

They both felt the cold, dark presence of whoever or whatever the Voice belonged to.  It wasn’t far from where they were; a few miles at best.

We have to find that thing, Ricky, and destroy it.  I don’t know what it is, but it’s responsible for the death of hundreds, if not thousands, of innocent creatures.  I’m not sure why it’s killing them but it can’t be for any good reason.

          It’s our job, Loy.  We’re part of the Order and this is what we do.

It wasn’t long before they both recovered and headed in the direction they felt the presence.  They went slowly and cautiously; Loy still felt no sign of any animals or animal spirits, at least as far as his senses could reach with the barrier over them; it felt wrong.  The area was completely void of any animal presence.  Rick sensed the lack of Life around them as well.  The grass under their shoes was dead and brittle and they saw no sign of insects or any other type of life.

As they got closer, they both felt the presence getting stronger.   It was pressing against their shield constantly; surrounding them and cutting them off from any help. 

Rick saw it first; they were approaching an old abandoned water treatment plant.  There was a high chain link fence that was overgrown with weeds and high grass.  The fence was in bad shape and had a ‘No Trespassing’ sign that was hanging by one corner and was nearly illegible from rust.

Loy knew he couldn’t teleport through whatever barrier the malevolent presence had over this area, but he easily made the few feet to get to the other side of the fence.

Rick’s voice filled his mind: Showoff.

Rick backed up about twenty feet and with a running start leapt and easily cleared the top of the fence.  He sprang up, and flipped over doing a full three-sixty before landing lightly on his feet.

Now who’s showing off?

Now that they were closer they both felt the presence down below them.  Looking around the ruins of the old plant, there were many large empty cement holding tanks that were in the ground.   Rick saw tire tracks where a large truck of some kind had backed up to a ramp; it looked like where they had brought the horses or some other large animals in.

He also caught wind of a strong smell of decay, and his stomach turned when he realized what it was.  Loy picked up on his reaction and his own reaction was twofold; rage and anguish for the huge loss of life it would take to create such a strong smell in a large area.

Rick moved over and put his arm around Loy’s shoulder in comfort, giving him a tight squeeze.

I’m sorry, Loy.  I know how this affects you, bud.  I’m here with you and we’re going to make whoever or whatever is responsible for this pay.  I promise.

They made eye contact and Rick could see Loy’s eyes were bright with unshed tears for all the animals that died in this place.  Loy was beginning to pick up echoes of what happened through the part of his Avatar that came from Bill.  The pain and torture that killed their bodies and then drained their spirits to non-existence was appalling.

This thing is going to be strong, Rick.  It’s been feeding off the spirits of all these animals.  We need to find out if there are any still left alive and either free them or release them.  If there are any left they’re either shielded from me or too weak for me to sense them from here.  It’s going to be just the two of us.

We’ll be enough, Loy.  I told you already; you’re all I need.  We’ll have to be enough.

Damn, Ricky I love you so much.  You’re all I need too; you know that.  You know you’re my world, bud.

Loy pulled the two of them tightly together and merged their Minds and Souls completely.  It strengthened them both and refreshed them. Neither one had realized the effect this place was already having on them; even shielded as they were the constant Darkness in this place was fighting against the very nature of their being.

Let’s head on in.  That thing knows we’re here so there’s no use in trying to hide.   If we’re going to make it out of here we can’t pull any punches or hold back.  Anyone or anything they throw at us, willing or controlled, we have to take out with no hesitation.  Let’s kick some ass.

The two of them moved over to the large doors in the ground that the tire tracks backed up to.  There was a thick steel chain wrapped around the handle of the doors with a large padlock.  Rick quietly twisted the lock until it popped open and then he carefully took the chain off the handles, trying to make as little noise as possible.   Even though the creature knew they were here there was no sense advertising their presence to any human servants that might be nearby and alert.

The two of them moved down the steps into the darkness.

******************

The next morning Ken and Brad arrived at the Lab early to go over some of their new training procedures.  By 07:30 everyone was there but Rick and Loy.  Bryan and Lane were still on R&R so no one expected to see them.

Officially their training didn’t start until 08:00, so no one thought anything about Rick and Loy not being there yet.  About 07:50 Bryan and Lane surprised everyone when they showed up.

They were all happy to see them and everyone all gathered in the break room to visit.  They got a hug and a fist bump from every one of their brothers.  All the guys were happy they were there and gathered around to chat.

Ken asked them, “What’re you guys doin’ here?  I thought you were supposed to be takin’ it easy?”

Lane grinned and said, “Bryan got bored so he started cooking and I’ve been eating nonstop!  I needed to come in and workout before I get flabby.”

Bryan had an innocent look on his face and shrugged his heavy shoulders.

“Well I’m glad you’re here.  I’m odd man out right now for a sparring partner.  Bry you wanna warm up and hit the ring with me for a bit?”

Bryan just grinned and stripped off his shirt and headed to the locker room to get on some shorts.

Lane winked at Brad, “Well, pretty boy, it looks like you’re stuck with me.  Get ready to get your ass kicked, blondie.”

A few minutes later Brad, Ken, Lane and Bryan were paired together.

Ken said, “Alright, let’s get you two ladies warmed up.”

Lane and Bryan’s eyes turned white and a pair of jump ropes appeared in their hands.  Brad raised an eyebrow and said, “I see you’ve been practicing.”  Brad’s eyes turned white and ropes appeared in his and Ken’s hands too.

Lane said, “I hope you two made out this morning.  It’s gonna make this a lot more fun.”  As it turned out Brad and Ken had made out, so they were both charged up; Ken mentally and Brad physically.

Lane’s eyes turned white again and his handsome face broke into his usual mischievous grin.  They felt something building inside of him.

“Ready? Try to keep up!”

They were a little startled that the music they heard wasn’t just in their heads.  They could actually hear it and feel it through their bodies.  It was a quick dance beat that Lane mixed from a few songs he liked.

They started jumping rope to the beat of the song.  Every thirty seconds Lane picked up the tempo of the music.  Ken glanced over at Bryan and grinned and winked as he started an intricate bout of footwork that matched the beat.  Bryan grinned and started the same.  Before the Program, Bryan had been a champion boxer in the Navy and his footwork was amazingly intricate.

Brad and Lane started the same and it became a little competition between them.  Their footwork got faster and more intricate every time Lane increased the tempo of the music.  Kevin, Bill, Pat and Darren all halted their practice and came over to watch and cheer them on. 

After a few minutes, Brad and Lane, even with the physical charge they had going, couldn’t keep up; laughing and out of breath they both dropped to the mats.  Ken and Bryan kept going and their smiles got bigger as the speed and complexity increased.  They were having such a good time they didn’t want to stop.  It was like a scene out of River Dance on steroids; their inhuman speed and agility were beautiful to see; the fluidity of their muscles and the perfection of their movements were breathtaking.

Bryan and Ken were both drenched in sweat after five minutes of the exertion but they were only getting warmed up.  Bryan started throwing in some extra moves with the ropes on top of the footwork.  Ken matched him move for move and when the music finally stopped they both dropped to the mat breathing heavy and soaked in sweat, but laughing hysterically.  It was rare for any of them to get so winded but they had both really pushed themselves. 

After they stopped laughing, they lay on the mat for a minute catching their breath.  Bryan looked over at Ken with a hint of a grin on his face, and in his deep gravelly voice said, “Not bad for a girly man, boss.”  He rolled up on his shoulders and kicked his legs out and sprang up onto his feet.  He held out his hand to Ken to help him up.

Ken just smiled and grabbed his hand and let Bryan pull him to his feet.

Bryan and Lane’s arrival really lightened the mood, especially after the little exhibition that Bryan and Ken put on with the ropes.

“I’m really glad you’re here, guys.  Even if I didn’t need a sparring partner this morning! B and I worked up some new maneuvers we want to start on this morning.  Let’s all keep warming up for a bit and then we’ll stop and I’ll let B do a download on what we came up with.”

It was 08:00 precisely and Brad was just about to reach out to talk to Loy and find out where he and Rick were when they all heard a crash in the lab and a voice shout, “UNHAND ME, YOU BRUTE!”

They were instantly on the defensive, all linked together and shielded and ready to defend the doctor or Albrecht, and they rushed into the lab.  Ken was the first one there and Brad looked through his eyes and thought: Oh shit!  It’s Taliesin!

Taliesin looked disheveled, his clothing dirty and wrinkled, and he smelled.  His long hair was greasy and unwashed and his pony tail, previously kept tight and neat, was a wreck.   He looked like he hadn’t shaved in days.

Once they were in the room they could all feel the shield the doctor had on Taliesin’s mind, while Albrecht forced him to sit in a chair.  His hands were bound behind his back, but even so they knew he was an excellent fighter and Albrecht was being careful.

All in all Taliesin looked horrible.  On top of his clothing being dirty, his complexion was almost grey and he was shaking.

Albrecht said, “Now that you’re here, Tal, you should at least relax and stop trying to fight the Compulsion.  You know you’ll feel better once you do.  You’re already here so what’s the point in continuing to resist?”

Taliesin visibly relaxed and took a deep breath and they could all see his demeanor change immediately.  He looked up and saw the eight large handsome men, well-muscled and sweaty from their workout, all staring at him.  He saw Lane and Bryan among them and a mix of emotions came over his features.  At first it was surprise, then curiosity, and then resignation and sorrow.

“Hello, Dreamer.  I didn’t expect to see you or that other lumbering ox of a partner again.  I know that my plan fell apart.  That rarely ever happens; you should be proud of yourself.”

Everyone in the room felt the tension from Bryan and Lane as soon as they recognized Taliesin.  The light hearted banter they were enjoying moments ago was gone and all the emotions of their ordeal in Taliesin’s Construct came rushing back to the surface.

It was obvious from the look on the doctor’s face he didn’t expect Bryan and Lane to be there.

Bryan’s body, already pumped from his workout turned red as a beet and every muscle was tense.   A wave of heat started radiating off of him and everyone heard with their ears and their minds a low guttural growl come out of him.  The pupils of his eyes became slitted and even before Ken could react Bryan moved forward with a roar and grabbed Taliesin around his throat and lifted him, chair and all into the air and slammed him down, cracking the floor with the impact.

Bryan was on top of him, his face inches from Taliesin’s and he let out another growl.  They were all shocked; the sounds coming out of Bryan weren’t human and they echoed throughout the building.

Bryan was the Protector of the Tree, and Guardian of the Creature under the Tree that he had named Leroy.  Leroy’s purpose was to destroy the world if and when God called for it.  Until that time Bryan was linked with the creature.  The bond between Lane and Bryan was so powerful that the grief Bryan felt when Lane almost died affected Leroy even in the deep slumber he stayed in.  That connection was still fresh and Bryan wasn’t prepared for the primal anger he felt coursing through him.

When Bryan spoke his voice was even deeper than normal, “Tell me, little man, why I shouldn’t kill you for what you did to us!”

Even Lane looked shocked at Bryan’s words and his voice.  Ken made eye contact with Lane and his meaning was clear; I’m giving you the chance to stop him first.

Lane moved over and put his hands on Bryan’s shoulders.  Bryan’s body was so tense it was like putting his hands on granite.

“Bry!  Calm down, man!  You know if you wake up Leroy what’s going to happen!  Taliesin’s not worth it!  I’m here!  Look at me!  Come back to me, Bry!”

Taliesin took everything in, his clever mind spinning and working. “You can’t kill me, you lummox!  I’m Immortal!”

Bryan was breathing heavily, and he looked dazed.  At the sound of Lane’s voice he blinked and shook his head slightly to focus; his eyes returned to normal.

He looked Taliesin in the eye and Taliesin had a smug look to him as though he was in total control of the situation.  Bryan’s anger flared again at the impetuous nature of the man in front of him.  After all he had put Lane and Bryan through… and for him to sit there with such a look on his face…

He head butted Taliesin, shattering his nose.  Taliesin screamed in pain, “You imbecile!  You will pay for that!”

Bryan said, “You say I can’t kill you, little man.  Maybe I can and maybe I can’t, but I have a better idea.  Leroy’s stomach would be a nice place to hide you away until the end of time.  Would you like that?  To be digested in the belly of a dragon?  Forever?  I’m sure you’ll wish you were dead soon enough, fucker.”

Taliesin’s face blanched white as a sheet at that thought.

Bryan stood up and lifted Taliesin with him, and then set his chair back down.  Everybody was staring at him wide eyed in shock.  He got that innocent look on his face and shrugged his heavy shoulders and said, “What?!  He pissed me off!”

They all felt through their connection that Bryan was back in control of himself.  He was still angry but he wasn’t serious about his threat.  But it was apparent that Taliesin didn’t know that.  They were all still alert but the extra tension over Bryan’s reaction went away.

Lane’s eyes were still on Bryan, but he asked, “Hey doc, what are you going to do with him?”

“I think Lane that you and Bryan should decide what to do with him.  I will tell you my opinion if you really wish to hear it but I think you are both wise enough to decide how he should pay for what he did to you.  As long as Bryan is in his right mind?”

“I’m OK now, doc.”

“I want to talk with you, Bryan, about what just happened when this situation is resolved.”

“Yes, sir.”

Lane interjected, “OK guys I want me and Bryan to be alone with this dirt bag for a few minutes.   And I mean privately.”

Lane felt the concern from the doctor and Albrecht and the rest of the Team.  It didn’t make him mad; he knew they had his well-being in mind.  They didn’t think him incapable of dealing with the situation; they were just concerned for him.  Taliesin was dangerous.

“I appreciate your concern fellas but we’ll be fine.  Doc, you can let me take over his shield.”

Everyone went back into the gym followed by the doctor and Albrecht.  Lane dropped himself and Bryan out of the link.

Once they were all alone, Taliesin smiled.

Lane, what’re you doing?  I can’t read you right now.

“It’s cool, Bry.  I’m just being careful.”

Lane moved over and knelt down in front of Taliesin and stared at him.  He reached his hands out and Taliesin jerked back.

“Relax.  I need to set your nose before I heal it.  Bryan’s sorry he broke it.”

“No, I’m not.”

Lane looked over and arched an eyebrow. “OK, maybe a little bit.”

“It’s nothing to be proud of, Taliesin, but I’ve never seen Bry lose his temper like that before.”

“I think that once we’ve had our little chat, you might have wanted to take your chances with him.”

“The Order has rules.  You can’t kill me.”

Lane opened his and Bryan’s energy centers and he brought them completely together.  His hands started to glow and he sent flows of healing into Taliesin, knitting the bone and cartilage in his nose back together.  Taliesin’s eyes went wide; healing was such a rare art back in his day he was impressed, not only that Lane and Bryan were healers but how casually they channeled the power.

“I have something else in mind.  You see, I had a Dream about you.  You still have an important part to play in events.  There’s something you have to do in order for us to win against the Enemy.  And I do, too.  But there’s a problem.  The Enemy has been after you for a very long time… actually they’ve been after what you carry inside you.  To keep you alive I have to make you useless to them so they won’t care about you anymore.”

Bryan’s stomach knotted up when he heard Lane say that.  He realized what Lane was about to do.  “Lane, no!  Don’t, man, please!  You don’t know what it’s gonna do to you.”

“It’s fine, Bry, but get ready.  I’m going to need you very badly here in a minute.”

Lane looked deeply into Taliesin’s eyes and saw that he at least understood part of what Lane was saying. 

“Ask me again; the Question.”

Taliesin’s voice trembled at the sudden turn of events.  When he saw Bryan still alive his hopes were dashed of Lane ever helping him.  Now, suddenly, everything he longed for was back.  His release!

“Do you, Lane Weaver, willingly accept the Gift of the Order? Will you become their Seer and Oracle?”

“Yes.”

Taliesin’s body convulsed and his back arched in shock as a bright ribbon of energy erupted from his chest and poured into Lane.  Lane was ready and his energy centers were already open but it was still an abrupt transition of Power between them.  He didn’t really know what to expect.  His subconscious had put all this together only in the last few minutes, otherwise there was no way Bryan or the others would have let him do this.  But he knew what he had to do in order for them to have a chance in the fight against the Master.  Even with the Master moving outside of Time, this Act of Free Will on Lane’s part would create endless new possibilities for the outcome of the fight.

Lane felt no pain but he did feel extremely disoriented.  Suddenly there were multiple versions of Taliesin and Bryan in the room.  His Mind was seeing the echoes of all the alternate realities spinning off his own based on all the decisions being made around him; from Bryan to Taliesin to the rest of the Team.  This is what the doctor warned him about.  The Gift by itself wasn’t powerful enough to cause such a reaction, but his Avatar complimented and magnified it a hundredfold.  And that was why he had to Accept it.

Bry!

Fuck!  Lane, why’d you do this?  I’m here! 

Lane’s perceptions were going wild and he was having a hard time focusing.  He was lost in all the various realities that were spiraling around him.  His eyes were white and the energies whipping around him were causing a hot wind to blow.

Bryan could feel Lane’s mind slipping away.

You aren’t going anywhere, you fucker!  I’m not losing you again!

Lane could hear and feel the desperation in Bryan’s voice.  He felt Bryan’s strong arms wrap around him, squeezing him so tight until he could hardly breathe.   Their energy centers were already open and Bryan tied himself like a knot around Lane; his Mind, Heart, and Soul were as strong as his Body and he latched on to Lane with all the desperate strength he could muster.   Bryan literally sucked Lane back into himself, forcing them together into the one perfect being they both made.

An idea had been forming in Lane’s subconscious for some time.  He was sure the doctor knew this… the Nephelem are spiritual creatures and are Immortal.  Their perceptions of time were different from a normal human; Bill’s ordeal with the Skull proved that.  It might take a little time… an eternity that in reality would only take a few seconds.  Bryan’s love for Lane created a buffer, and Lane could feel the pressure lessen.  It gave him the control and the stability he needed to carry out his plan.

Bry, come with me. 

There’s no way in hell I’m letting you go anywhere without me, you little fucker!  When we’re back and this is over I’m gonna kick your fuckin’ ass for puttin’ me through this again!

Lane and Bryan left their bodies and became one ball of light.  Just as Brad was able to take Ken with him across the Veil when their Souls were combined, Lane took Bryan with him on a temporal pathway.  Even though the thought just occurred to him, his plan had already been in motion for eons.  His mind was now able to understand the Paradox of the multi-verse and realize how that was even possible.

He didn’t take them forward or backwards; he took them sideways in reality to a branch that was so remote the probability that it even existed was infinitesimally small.  Even though they appeared in the same spot geographically, that world was entirely different.  The Lab didn’t exist there; they were standing in a barren rocky landscape with no buildings or structures in sight.  The sky was grey and overcast and the air was hot and arid.   He wasn’t sure what happened in this reality but there was no life on Earth in this version.  It was a perfect place for this part of his plan.

Once there, they split apart and took the semblance of their physical forms; it was just an illusion but they held hands anyway.

I’m pretty sure the Master has never been here… it’s so far beneath his notice he’s never paid attention to it.  We’re pretty far out.

The part of Bryan’s Avatar that came from Pat gave him the Understanding of where they were.  Bryan was in awe of what Lane just did.  What are we doin’ here?

Solving a problem, I hope. 

Lane looked upwards and sent his voice into the Heavens: Grandfather!

It only took a moment and a small ball of light appeared that quickly grew into the form of Gabriel.  He was dressed in his usual nice grey suit and his red hair was pulled back into a ponytail.

Lane smiled at him and thought: Thanks for coming.

You certainly picked an out of the way place.  You are aware of the Paradox you are creating by this knowledge transfer?  If you were bound to the normal rules this would not be permissible; but I’m sure that was part of the doctor’s intent when he started all of this. I think Raphael is right; you all have to be outside of the rules in order to succeed.

I’ll be very careful, grandfather, and I understand the risks.  Did you bring it?

Gabriel held out his hand and a small box appeared in his palm.  He looked at Bryan and thought: Unlock it.

Bryan looked closely at the small ornate box.  He sensed the Wood immediately and his first reaction was anger that anyone would use even a small piece of the Tree for a jewelry box, but his Understanding kicked in and he knew it was necessary to shield whatever was inside from the Enemy.  He saw the intricate carving of their tattoos overlaid by a five-sided star in the wood. 

When he looked closer he realized the patterns weren’t complete.  There were small gaps in the designs that needed to be filled to complete them.  His Avatar pulsed to life and his hands began to glow with a soft green light.  The Wood of the box started to grow ever so slightly and the patterns filled in.

At the point of each star was a letter and in order they spelled out “I-L-Y-L-B”.  He realized he was the one who made the box… or would make it.  He grinned slightly at the thought and at how clever he had been.  He wasn’t sure there was anyone else in existence that could open it.

Bryan’s grin broadened into a smile and even in the ethereal form he was in he got a warm sensation inside when he realized the key to opening the box.  He knew it would only work if he was the one that said the words.  The timbre and love in his voice was the key as well as the words.  It was magic.

He looked Lane in the eye and spoke the Truth:  “I love you, Little Buddy.”

There was a small pop and the box opened.  A tiny blue ball of wispy energy lifted out and hovered gently.  Lane motioned with his hand and the ball moved over and disappeared into his forehead.  He blinked and his brow furrowed in the cute way Bryan loved when he was concentrating on writing a song.

His mind filled with the knowledge and experience of how to integrate the Gift with his own Avatar; a gift to himself from his future self.

Bryan heard and felt the relief flood through his lover: Bry, it worked!  Hot damn!  I was pretty sure it would but it did!  Thank you, grandfather!

I did nothing but keep a family heirloom safe for a brief time.

When did I give it to you?

You know I can’t answer that.  It would cause too many ripples.  You will know when the time is right, I assure you.   Now I must get back.  Be well, both of you.

Gabriel smiled at both of them as he transformed into a ball of light and disappeared.

Bryan grabbed a hold of Lane and their bodies disappeared; he dropped the illusion but still held Lane close inside himself.

I do love you, Little Buddy.  More than anything, you little shit.  You need to quit scaring me like this; you’re gonna make me go grey!

Well you know that’s not gonna happen… but if it did I think you would look sexy as hell.  Now get ready, I’m taking us back.

*******************

They returned to their bodies in the room with Taliesin; the entire sideways shunt to the alternate reality took a few seconds at best.  Taliesin was barely conscious and still recovering from the massive transfer of power from his body.

Lane leaned over and gave him a few gentle taps on the cheek to try and wake him up.

“Wakey wakey.”

Both Bryan and Lane felt right away that Taliesin’s mind was closed.  All the powers that the Gift bestowed upon him were now gone; he was mortal again, and defenseless against the Enemy.

Taliesin jerked awake.  The emotions running through his mind were an open book for Lane and Bryan.  Now that he was mortal again his plan was to find a painless way to end his life and be at peace.  His saw his life as a tragedy, filled with pain and loss and he wanted it to end.   As smart and as clever as Taliesin was he lacked the wisdom and compassion that he needed to use the Gift wisely.  He had made many bad choices and over time his bad experiences warped his personality into what he had become.

“What are you going to do with me?  I’m of no use to you now.”

“That’s not true.  You’re of immense value.  And I’m afraid I’m not going to be able to let you carry out your little plan.  You need to stick around a little longer.”

They were surprised at his reaction to that.  As soon as he heard the words, instead of getting violent or angry, his eyes watered up.  “I should have known the grand and mighty Order wouldn’t be done with me.  They never truly release their servants; they will bleed your souls dry as they did mine.  Eventually you will see the truth of my words.”

They both felt the pain behind his words and he certainly believed them. 

“I’m truly sorry Taliesin… I can tell you believe what you say.  But your experience with the Order wasn’t always bad.  You’re forgetting many years of happiness.  Maybe now you’ll have the time or inclination to remember those and become the guy you used to be.”

We can’t tell him anything important, Bry.  Just in case the Enemy still goes after him.  I doubt they will but we need to protect his mind to be sure, and set some Compulsions to ensure his survival.  I don’t like doing that but we can’t let him kill himself.  He has a role to play that will be crucial in the Enemy’s defeat… I can’t see it clearly yet but I know he needs to survive.

You’re the boss on this one, Lane.  You know I’ll back whatever decision you make where this guy is concerned.

Lane reinserted himself and Bryan into the link with Brad, Ken and everyone else.   The immense comfort of the presence and Minds of all their Brothers came flooding back into them.  It was apparent that Loy and Rick were still not present.

Lane thought: Where are those goofballs?

Ken thought: I’m not sure, but they’re late and B can’t reach them.  We’re worried about them.

Brad picked up on what Lane had done through their connection.  Oh no! Lane! Why did you do that?!  The doc said it was too dangerous!

He felt the immediate concern in all of them.  Everybody started in on him but he interrupted them all:  Look guys, I heard the doc.  But you know the Dream I had; and yeah it was just a possibility not a certainty.  But I’ve had other visions since.  It was a little risky but I’ve got it under control… well mostly.  But we needed this to up our chances against the Master.

Lane shared his actions with them through the link.  The complexity and risk of what he had done astounded them. 

Brad thought: It could still backfire, Lane.  The Paradox you created… holy shit, bro!  And what about the side effects of what the Gift did to Taliesin?

Yeah, but I have an advantage.  For one, I’m part Nephelem and that alone makes a huge difference.  But on top of that, the Gift is totally complementary to my Avatar.  The combination will let me see and understand things more on my own terms and under my control.  I won’t be at the mercy, or at least not as much, of what my Avatar chooses to show me.

Ken thought: So what about Taliesin? What’s going to happen to him now?

All I know, boss man, is that he has to stay alive.  His role is still important, although I don’t know exactly how yet.  Once I have some time to focus on that I will try to figure it out.  But for now I need your help.  We need to shield him so the Enemy can’t get to his mind.  If they know they can’t get to him that way he’ll no longer be of interest to them.  That’s just a precaution anyway… I’m hoping the doc and Albrecht can hide him so They won’t find him.

Ken thought: OK let’s get this done so we can focus on Ricky and Loy.  I’m getting a bad feeling about them.  Lane, Bry, since Loy isn’t here the two of you will have to power us up.  B, the shield is your shindig.  Hop to it, ladies!

All their practice and training kicked in and they blended together like a well-oiled machine.  Lane reached out and Listened, channeling the music of Creation and filling them all with strength and power.  Bryan channeled the Life Energy of Creation by tapping into the Tree.  The two sources of power filled them and bright white tendrils of energy flowed between and among all of them.  Brad was the focal point and he built a wall around Taliesin’s Mind to protect him, while at the same time laying down the Compulsions that Lane said were needed to keep Taliesin alive.

In case the Enemy made a concerted effort to break through the protection they laid down, Brad built in safeguards to alert them so they could intervene if necessary.

All this took place in the matter of a few moments, as Brad wove the energy flows necessary to realize their needs.

Brad put Taliesin to sleep for the time being.  He had suffered a heavy emotional trauma and at least sleep would give him peace for a short time.

Just as they finished up with Taliesin, Brad, Lane, Darren and Bill all felt the presence of a spirit enter the Lab.  It obviously wasn’t from the Enemy or it wouldn’t have been able to enter the building through their Wards.  It was so weak it had no form left they could discern.  A split second later the Lab’s alarm system chirped and they all felt a tingle in their gut that mean the presence the Enemy.

The doctor was already looking at the monitors.

Ken thought:  Guys, do what you can to protect that spirit!  Doc talk to me!

I am not sure yet what it is, Kenneth.  The Spirit Wards were activated as well as the physical lockdown. 

The doctor shifted his Sight, and his eyes turned white.  The building disappeared briefly from his Vision and he saw the dark humanoid shapes outside.  They were at the edge of the building where the Wards were active.  There were three of them.

They are some form of Dark Spirit.   It seems the Enemy had no wish for that spirit to reach us.  It is obviously not evil since it made it into the building with us.

There are only three of them.    While we’re still all juiced up this should be a cinch.  You four send me and Kev outside, and B you and Bill come in behind us.  Dar, Pat, Lane and Bry, you guys stay in here to protect this spirit and you’ll be our backup in case anything goes wrong.   Stay tight and let’s light ‘em up guys.

It would have been easier with Loy but Darren took the lead and synchronized his Avatar with Brad’s, Lane’s and Bill’s.  A fraction of a second later Ken, Brad, Kevin and Bill were all standing outside the parking lot behind the creatures.

Surprise registered through all of them as their collective Avatars came alive.  As soon as they were close, Brad and Ken recognized what they were.  The creatures were lesser Nephelem from across the Veil!

Ken said, “You’re too late.  The Spirit is with us and under our protection.  You shouldn’t have come here.  Kev, shut them down.  B, Bill, grab them.  Bill, find out why they’re here.”

Kevin focused.  It was a strain because these were Nephelem and Spiritual Creatures, and there were three of them but he set his Will and shut their powers down, trapping them in the Physical Realm so they couldn’t flee.

They were all deeply linked, and Brad guided the energy flows among the four of them.  White bands of power went out from his hands and wrapped around the three creatures, holding them immobile.  These Nephelem were servants of the Enemy.  The power that the Team wielded caused them pain and they screamed in pain and malice.

Bill moved forward and one by one he held out his hands and touched each creature.  As soon as he made contact, the knowledge of what the creature was and what it was doing transferred into Bill’s mind.

Bill let out an, “Oh fuck!  Guys!”

Everything about the facility where Loy and Rick were trapped and the reason behind it, all the knowledge and understanding became clear to Bill, and through their connection everyone else.  The Master had been draining thousands of spirits into oblivion, taking them out of the Cycle of Rebirth, to give him the power to travel outside of Time.  The creature he created, the Presence that Rick and Loy felt, was the focal point of that power, and Loy and Rick were facing it alone.  And the Master knew they were there and was on his way to destroy them in person and break the Order. 

**********************

Inside, Lane and Darren channeled healing energy into the Spirit; it was on the brink of fading from existence.  As it grew in strength they recognized it as the horse Dolly from the day of Loy’s Awakening.

By the light of their Avatars she took on a corporeal form.  They both looked into her memory and were shocked at what they saw.  They saw the images of her torture and of Loy and Rick fighting a number of those dark creatures, and Dolly and Burt fleeing to try to reach the Lab. 

They heard Loy’s voice in her mind: Dolly!  Burt!  Run!  Find our friends and bring them here!  Don’t stop ‘til you reach them!

They saw more of the creatures pursuing Dolly and Burt and Burt sacrificing himself so Dolly could reach them.  The creatures almost caught her and got close enough to drain more of her essence but in a desperate effort she managed to escape and made it to the Lab just before they caught up with her.

**************

Rick and Loy had spent all night making their way through the abandoned facility.  They found chamber after chamber of cages, mostly filled with corpses but occasionally they found some animals left alive.  The door to each room was covered in Runes that masked the presence of the animals from Loy’s senses, so they had to check room by room.  They did their best to heal any animals they found still alive and Loy was able to guide all of the animals they rescued to the outside entrance.  He put a Compulsion on each one; if they were pets to return to their owners and if they were wild to run far away and find a safe place to live.

Rick’s and Loy’s Souls were bound together and their love for one another kept them going… when they started to become exhausted they rested in one another and it helped to refresh them.  But every time the healing took a little more out of them, and they felt themselves getting weaker as the Presence grew stronger.

They found and killed half a dozen muscled protectors who were there as servants.  None of the ones they found were coerced into servitude.  The regret at taking their lives was hard but it was more bearable knowing that the men whose lives they took deserved it.

I think we fucked up, Rick.  We should have tried to reach Brad or Ken earlier.

Maybe; but there’s no way we could have known we’d find this place… and we did try, just too late.  We can’t go crying every time we have a suspicion that something’s wrong.

I’m not sure we’re gonna make it out of here, bud.  I’m really getting worn out.

Fuck that thinkin’, Loy!  You keep pullin’ from me!  As much as you need to!  I’m gettin' tired too, but I got a lot left in me and so do you.  It’s that thing wearin’ on us again.  Come here.

Rick grabbed ahold of Loy and wrapped his arms around him and held him tight.  He let his hands roam over Loy’s back and shoulders and neck for a moment.  The physical contact helped settle both of them. 

He put one hand inside Loy’s shirt in the center of his chest and his other hand on Loy’s back and he pressed his hands together.  He didn’t know why, but Loy loved for him to do that.  He loved doing it because he got to feel Loy’s solid body, but Loy really got a physical charge when he did that.

He heard his lover sigh and he felt him smile.

Fuck, Ricky I love you.  Damn, I love it when you do that.

Loy brought them closer together into the deep and intimate coupling that completed them both.   Their Souls, Minds and Hearts came together like two perfect pieces of a puzzle and they clicked together.  They soaked up each other’s presence and their auras got stronger again.  Aside from refreshing them, it strengthened their shield and they felt the emotional pressure lessen.  The sense of futility and tiredness lifted.

They both had the thought at the same time and it caused them both to chuckle.

Loy thought: Really?  Here?  In the middle of all this?

I think we need to, Loy.  I know it’s crazy but it’ll make us both stronger. 

You know the guys will never let us live this down if we make it out of here, right?

Hell, it’s another good war story.  And you know a good war story makes me hot.

Not exactly the kind of war story I had in mind, you kinky fucker.

Rick smiled and he pulled Loy’s shirt off and over his head.  It was hot and humid down in the facility and they were both sweaty.  The sight of Loy’s body, his muscles shiny and slick with sweat in the dim light lit a fire in Rick.  Rick took a deep breath and took in Loy’s musky smell, the smell of his lover, and he got hard right away.  He stripped off his shirt, revealing his own body.  Their eyes met and they both smiled, knowing and feeling what they did to one another.

They dropped their shorts and stood chest to chest.  Loy put his arms around Rick’s heavy shoulders and jumped up; wrapping his legs around Rick’s waist.   Rick’s arms flexed as he caught Loy’s full weight effortlessly.

There was something about the situation, where they were and what they were doing, that excited them both.  Rick already had a drop of precum leaking out of the head of his dick.  He put both his hands under Loy’s butt cheeks and lifted and spread his ass.  His muscle control was good enough that he moved his dick into position and he lowered Loy down as he pushed up slowly.  He felt Loy tense up just a little and then relax as he slowly entered.

He started slow and after a few minutes he picked up the pace.  He wasn’t trying to hold back and let the excitement of the moment carry him to a powerful orgasm.  As Rick shot hot cum up into his lover, Loy felt his body completely recharge and refresh as new strength coursed through his body.

Loy was on the brink of shooting as well but he managed to hold off.  Rick knelt down in front of him and as soon as he felt Rick’s warm mouth cover the head of his dick he let loose.  Rick felt the fresh energy flood into his mind as he swallowed every drop of his lover’s cum.

They felt the pressure against their shield lessen further as they renewed one another and got stronger.  It was primal and pure and they both felt physically and emotionally better for the release.

With the brief respite they had as they rested in one another, Loy felt a whisper in the back of his mind.  It was a whimper but it was strong and he reached for it.

Ricky!  Just down the hall!  Let’s go!

They both got dressed quickly and stopped for one last kiss and a smile as their eyes met.  They were careful but they moved as quickly as they could.  As they got closer, Rick’s exceptional hearing picked up the sound.  They got to another heavy metal door that was barred and covered in runes.  Some of the runes were smoking and partially burned off… the strong aura they generated during their lovemaking must have burned them off.

Damn, Ricky I should have thought of that earlier.

Well, with the shield that thing has over this place it might not have worked anyway. I’m sure these were affected because we were so close.  And we were hot as hell. They both grinned a little at his comment.  They were both still wound up and could easily go at it again.

True, but it would have been worth a shot.  No pun intended.

Rick rolled his eyes at Loy’s humor.  Both their spirits were lifted again and they felt more optimistic about their chances.

Loy held out his hand and Rick took it.  They both took a deep breath and brought their Souls together for a brief instant.  The white light that shone off them in the spiritual realm was like a small sun.  The remaining runes cracked and burned to ash in seconds.  As soon as the runes were gone Loy felt the presence of animals in the room.

Rick opened the door and they went inside.  The light was dim and the room smelled horrible.  There was one large cage against the back wall.  In the dim light, Loy saw four pairs of eyes shining back at him.  They were wolves, or one of those new wolf breeds that were becoming popular among the breeders. 

They were smart, and with the runes gone they felt the presence of Loy’s Avatar.  They looked at him expectantly, no longer afraid.   Rick snapped the lock off with his hands and opened the cage.  The wolves all moved out and into the room.  They were weak and hungry but otherwise in good shape.  The look in their eyes was clear:  we are a part of your pack now and we’re coming with you.

Rick felt the conflict in Loy over the wolves.

What’s wrong, bud?

We should lead them out like the others, but my gut is telling me to keep them with us.  They’re in much better shape than most of the animals we’ve come across and they are great fighters.  But I’m afraid they’ll just get hurt or even die.

This is their fight as much as it is ours, Loy.  I know we’re supposed to Protect them but we could use the help.  Any friends in this place have to be a good thing, right?

Alright.  Loy looked directly at the wolves and thought: You can come with us, but stay back.  Don’t attack anything unless we attack first.

He knew they understood him.  It was more a matter of his Will than his words.

Continuing down the hall, they found another set of steps leading down.  They felt the Presence more strongly here; it was very close.   The first room they came to was actually a makeshift kitchen for the human servants that kept this place running. It was empty; Rick and Loy were both pretty sure that they had killed all the human servants in this place.   

They did find it odd that an alarm had never gone off, or at least one that they could sense.

I don’t think the thing running this place cares about the human servants.  To it they were disposable and it probably got a kick out of watching us take them out. 

The kitchen was empty but there was a refrigerator and running water.  There was some food in the cabinets.  There was a stash of protein bars that they both dug into and some bottled water in the refrigerator.  They found some bowls and filled them with water for the wolves and fed them some of the protein bars Loy thought would be safe for them to eat. 

They gave the wolves a few minutes to let the food and water get into their systems and continued on down the hallway.  They all felt a lot better with some food in them.

The temperature had dropped considerably when they came down the last set of stairs.  In the cooler air the heat of their bodies quickly dried out their clothing and they would have been cold if not for their extra body heat. 

The hallway was long and dark with occasional dim lights set in the walls near the ceiling to show the way.  They both felt the Presence directly ahead; they were very close now.  They could feel the pressure of the Darkness pushing constantly against their shield.  The wolves let out a low guttural growl and Loy commanded them again to stay behind him and Rick.

The raspy voice filled their minds: So… you have finally come to confront me.  You will find your death here.

There was a flickering of light from an open doorway farther down the hall.  The Presence was in that room.  Hand in hand Rick and Loy moved forward, ready to face it.

          I love you, Ricky.  There’s no one I’d rather have by my side or inside my Soul than the man standing here with me.

          Rick squeezed Loy’s hand and leaned over to kiss his stubbly cheek.  The look in his eyes said everything Loy needed to know, and the emotion and love he felt was shared through their connection.  They strengthened their bond and their shield, glowing brighter as they brought their power to bear in the Presence of the Enemy.

          They moved into the room cautiously.  The wolves followed them in and lined up behind them.

          They had never seen anything like the creature before them.  It wasn’t a creature; it was a construct made from thousands of animal spirits.  The energy filled a harness made of linked runes, giving it a quadripedal form that looked vaguely like a large wolf.  It slowly stood up on all four paws and looked at them.  It didn’t have eyes, just a glow from the holes in the armor where its eyes should be.

          Looking closer at it, Rick and Loy could see the shapes of the animal spirits swirling around inside the armor.  Loy felt the pain and loss of all those creatures which were slain for the purposes of the Enemy, and taken out of the Cycle of Life.   Anger stirred inside of him at the affront.  The clouds in the sky overhead darkened and thunder rumbled loudly in response to the power of his emotion.

          My existence angers you, no?  I am an affront to your sensibilities?  Good… I wish you to feel the same pain and suffering as these pitiful creatures. 

          Rick moved behind Loy and wrapped his arms tight around him; he wanted Loy to feel his support physically as well as spiritually.

          Rick thought: I’m ready. 

The creature crouched aggressively and let out a challenging roar, and when its jaws opened black smoky tendrils belched forth like thick ropes striking their shield.  White light flared as the powers met and Rick and Loy felt the impact; it was strong.

The creature struck again and again trying to break through their shield.  The strain was incredible and after only a few minutes Rick and Loy were both drenched in sweat and their chests were heaving with the effort.

We have to figure out some way to go on the offensive or we’re not gonna make it!

Even as Loy formed those words in his thoughts, the four wolves attacked the creature.  It was made of Spirits but the harness that gave it a physical form could be damaged.

Loy yelled, “No!  Get away!  You’ll die!”

They were ferocious in their attack and gave no heed to their own safety or wellbeing.  Loy knew their intent was to help save him and Rick even if it meant their own lives.  It was the way of the pack.

The creature gave a violent shrug, trying to knock the attackers away.  They were gnashing at the harness with their teeth, instinctively knowing the links between the runes were the weakest points.  But they were normal creatures against a magical construct that was enormously powerful.  With a massive shrug of its body, the creature threw them off and there were yelps of pain as their bodies slammed against the concrete walls. 

Anger flared in Loy and Rick when they saw the lifeless corpse of one of the wolves.  The other three, through their pain, attacked again.  Loy and Rick felt the pressure on their shield lessen as the creature focused on the corpse of the wolf.  Loy realized immediately it intended to capture and drain the spirit of the dead wolf.

Loy steeled his Will and commanded the spirit of the wolf, “No!  Come to me!”

The creature howled in rage as its hold on the spirit of the dead wolf failed, and the wolf’s spirit moved over to Loy.  Loy felt the spirit of the wolf give him its strength and it emptied itself into him before he could stop it.  Tears were streaming down his face at the sacrifice it made for them. 

Over the next few minutes the other three wolves died in the same way, and Loy commanded their spirits to come to him rather than be consumed by the creature.  The leader of the four was the last to die, and as it came over to Loy it took on a corporeal form by the Light of the Avatar.  Loy made eye contact, and through the hot tears streaming down his face, he saw peace in its eyes.  There was no fear or blame, just love and acceptance.  Loy felt its contentment as it gave him the last of its strength.

          Loy and Rick both felt stronger as the spirits emptied themselves and sacrificed their existence for the sake of defeating the construct.

          Loy learned one more thing from the minds of the wolves as their essence became a part of him; they had managed to weaken a few of the metal links on the harness. 

          Rick looked at the harness and his Avatar told him which links were the most damaged.  He Understood how the runes worked and how the harness was crafted, and which link would be the most effective to break first.  Loy used the part of his Avatar that came from Darren and he reached out with his mind, latching onto the link that seemed the most damaged, and began to twist it with all his strength.  Darren was far stronger and without the others backing him up it was like trying to twist off a screw with his bare fingers.  The effort was incredible, but after a minute he felt the metal stretch enough that two of the links popped apart.  That effort took all the extra power they received from the wolves.

          There was a small flare of light and they could see energy leaking out of the opening between the runes.  It was a mere sliver but it was something.  The creature howled in rage.

          That is of no consequence!  You will tire long before I do, and I will consume you!

          In the back of their minds they knew the creature spoke the truth.  They were exhausted, and even though they could feel the power against them weakening, Loy was on the floor leaning back against Rick, who could barely hold them both up.  But they wouldn’t give up.  Defeat wasn’t in their nature and they couldn’t let their Brothers or the Order down.

          The minutes stretched out and seemed like hours as they held on beyond any endurance they thought they had.  Their love for each other was the only thing keeping them alive.  The attacks were far weaker, but their shield was about to break.  Each blow against their shield was now painful to their Body and their Mind and Soul.  They were drenched in sweat and clinging to one another in desperation.   They both knew any second the black tendrils would break through and they would be finished.

          You have done well.

          The attacks stopped immediately when the voice spoke.  They had heard that voice before from Lane’s Dream.  They could feel the cold, dark presence of the Master and He was close. 

          Oh Fuck, Ricky.  Not Him.  Not now.

          Their lungs were burning with each heaving breath; neither one of them had ever felt so drained or tired.  It hurt to breathe; it hurt to be alive.  They were so drained their mental voices were barely audible to each other. And they both knew that if the Master was here there was no doubt that they were done for.

          I love you, Ricky.

          I love you too, Loy.  At least we’re together.  We made a good go of it, buddy. 

          I’m sorry man, I guess I wasn’t enough.

          Fuck that, Loy.  Don’t even go there. 

          We can’t let him kill us, Rick.  I can at least prevent that so we can die clean and of our own Free Will. 

          Rick hugged Loy with all the strength he had left.  He pressed his cheek against his lover, and Loy pressed his face back as much as he was able.

          I guess we’ll see each other on the other side.  We are Immortal.  I wish we had talked to the doc more about what that really means.

          Well it’s a little late now, don’t you think?

          Asshole.  Their bodies were so exhausted they didn’t have the energy to smile but they both felt the laughter in their minds at their banter.

As Loy was preparing to end their lives, they heard footsteps in the hallway.  The click of dress shoes against the wet gritty concrete floor echoed loudly from the hallway.   They felt His presence, one they had felt before from Lane’s Dream.  An icy cold sensation washed over their already weary Souls.  The Master was here for them.   They felt His power building to strike them down.

Even as Loy took a deep breath, steeling himself against what he knew he had to do, they heard the faint sound of music; it was so faint they weren’t sure it was real.  The first few notes were a quiet echo in the back of their minds but by the end of the first bar it was loud and filling the entire abandoned facility. 

The Master heard it too and he hesitated a brief second to assess what was happening.  That fraction of a second was all the Team needed. 

Hello Darkness my old friend

          With the sound of Lane’s voice, relief flooded through both of them.   Immediately they felt the strength of their Brothers flood into them, filling them up.  White fire sprang up around them, shielding and protecting them.  The tears streaming down their cheeks were now from relief rather than sad resignation.

Lane’s voice filled the entire area, echoing in their Hearts and Souls and the Dark Soul of the Master…

          I’ve come to talk with you again

Because a vision softly creeping
Left its seeds while I was sleeping
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains

The footsteps stopped.

They heard Brad’s voice in their Minds: Hey, fellas. 

Ken thought: You two fuckers aren’t going anywhere.  Now get up and kick that thing’s ass!

Shit, guys are we glad to hear you. That was a little too close for comfort!

We got you.  But we’re getting you out of there pronto.  We aren’t ready for a confrontation with you know who just yet.

With renewed strength Rick picked them both up off the floor.  Let’s destroy that thing once and for all, Loy. Their hands tightened together just as their Souls and Minds did, and they delved into one another.  They inhaled one another, relishing the love they shared; the love between them and their Brothers who had just pulled their asses out of the fire.

The creature whipped around when they stood up.  It snarled and attacked them, but it had expended nearly all its strength against them in the earlier fight.  Bright white energy flared from Loy’s hands and struck the creature, tearing it apart and dissipating it.  The harness fell to the floor with a loud clang.  Without the creature’s shield up to protect it, the runes became white hot and turned to ash in the presence of the Love and Power they wielded. 

They felt the rage coming from the Master at the destruction of His servant.

You will pay for that!  The power of His anger hit their shield hard.  If they hadn’t had backup it would have cut through their shield like a knife through butter.  But they were together, as only they could be; along with their Brothers they were enough.

Ken’s voice filled the room: I guess you won’t be toodling outside of Time so much now, will you?  Yeah, I’d be pissed too.  Sorry about that, asshole.

          Just as Loy and Rick vanished, pulled out by Darren and the others, a small ball of light appeared where they had been standing.  It floated through the doorway and down the hall and hovered in front of the Master bobbing gently in the air.

          He seemed hesitant but after a brief second he reached out and took the ball and it vanished.  The visions that Lane sent were of the countless alternate realities where the Master lay defeated and the Enemy decimated.  He knew these were alternate possibilities, just like the one he sent Lane.  When he went outside of Time to find the vision he sent Lane, there were very few timelines in which he was defeated.  Something had changed; there were now far more now than before.  What had they done?

          Lane’s voice echoed in his mind as he saw the visions: Two can play at that game, fucker.

          They felt his anger, even at such a great distance.

**********************

          Loy and Rick appeared on the floor of the gym in the middle of their Brothers.  They were all holding hands and a bright ribbon of power was flowing through them; their Avatars were shining and spitting off colorful tendrils of energy; their eyes were white.  The energy coursing through them was causing a hot wind to blow their hair; Rick and Loy felt it all over their sweaty skin.  They were dirty and grimy and physically exhausted.  Lane and Bryan altered the flows and Rick and Loy felt their bruises, cuts and scrapes disappear and their bodies felt refreshed.

          Emotional relief flooded through their minds, and the two men felt the support of everyone; sympathy and comfort for the loss they experienced, pride for the fight they put up, fear over almost losing them, and even a little chastisement for getting into the mess they found themselves in without letting someone know sooner.

          Rick and Loy both breathed a heavy sigh of relief as they got themselves under control.  The abrupt transition from being prepared to die to being saved was traumatic.   As they held onto one another, glad to be alive and going over everything in their minds they both laughed at the thought that popped into their minds at the same time.

          Really, Lane?  Simon and Garfunkel?

          Lane got that impish grin on his handsome face and he thought:  Hey!  You gotta admit the words were perfect!  How about next time I’ll take a little longer and come up with something original?

          As they both got up off the floor they grabbed ahold of Lane first: We love you, brother.  You’re special.  And we don’t mean short bus special either.  They shook their heads, wide smiles on their handsome faces, and the look in their eyes expressed the feeling behind their words.

          Ken and Brad and the rest of the Team were all there and embraced them.  Once again they had overcome the Enemy by standing together.

          They all laughed as they heard the doctor say, “I am getting too old for this!”

**********************

          That night after Ken and Brad finished making love, as they lay together in bed caressing and holding one another, Brad could tell that Ken was worried.

          What’s wrong, Ken?

          There was a slight pause before his response of: Thanks, B.

          For what?

          For asking me what’s wrong instead of just looking.  I know how easy it’d be for you.

          We aren’t that deep right now.  If we were deeper I couldn’t help but see it unless you really tried to hide it.  The way we are right now it would be like spying, and I’d never do that to you.

          We’ve come such a long way, B.  You remember when I told you the hardest part about adjusting to your new abilities would be to learn restraint?

          Yeah I remember that night  - fun times!  They both laughed at the memories of the struggles they were going through back then.

          Well I’d say you learned it well.

          So you still haven’t answered my questions.  What’s wrong?

          It’s nothing specific… just a feeling.  Against the Master’s flunkies we kick ass.  It would take a major mistake on our part to get taken by any of them now, or we’d have to be mobbed.  I wonder how many of them we could take on as a group if it came to it?  

          Brad knew Ken was thinking about the vision that Lane had.

          I know that’s really not what’s bothering you.  Ken looked at Brad and smiled.  He reached out and cupped his lover’s handsome face in his hand and he brought them together for a kiss.

          After they broke apart Brad repositioned himself so his head was resting on Ken’s chest, and he gently started stroking Ken’s body with his free hand.

          We’ve really gotten the attention of the Master now; maybe sooner than we should have.  We’ve managed to piss him off and we need to step up our game.  It’s not that we’ve done anything wrong so far; in fact I’m really happy with all the progress we’ve made in our training and how far the guys, you and me included, have come along.  He’s always known we were a threat, but now he knows we have a good chance of winning this fight and he’s going to come after us.  A direct confrontation isn’t his style unless he’s sure he can win.  He is going to try and whittle us down, wear us down, any way he can.  He’ll try to separate us like he did with Loy and Rick. We have to be ready for anything he’s going to throw at us.  I think it’s about to get ugly.

          His plan with Rick and Loy almost worked.  That was too close.

          Yeah but we can’t blame them.  They did what we’ve been training to do.  Technically they should have contacted you sooner but at the same time I understand why they didn’t.   But that’s an example of what I’m talking about… we need to be more cautious than ever.  We have to be smart.  Things are escalating; I can feel it. 

On one hand I wish things would slow down.  So much has changed in the last year; it seems like it’s been longer than that.  But at the same time the sooner this confrontation is over, assuming we win, the better off the world will be.

          I wish I could believe that, B.  We’ve got a decision to make.  Once we win, what then?  Do we just step back out of the picture and let humanity stumble forward on their own?  Or do we try to lead them to a better place?  And if we choose to do that how would we do it?

          We should talk to the doc and Albrecht about this.  I’m sure they’ve already thought this through.  The doc’s been taking such a hands-off approach lately, and while I appreciate that I wish he would stay more involved. He has so much experience it’s daunting.

          You know that’s why, right?  He wants us to grow on our own and not follow him.

          I know, but….

          You know he always has a reason.  I think I know why.

          Ken grinned and thought: Are you holdin’ out on me?

          The Order and the Enemy have been fighting for so long it’s crazy.  Instead of things being balanced between the two sides, it’s mostly been one or the other that’s in control.  There’s a final confrontation coming soon, and we’re a part of that.  We’re Random, Ken.  Gabriel told Lane that the rules don’t apply to us… we’re a bridge between the two worlds and we can bring them back together.  I think the doc sees himself as part of the old world that wasn’t successful in winning the fight.  He created us and he feels if he has too much influence over us we won’t be as effective or able to win.  He doesn’t want to hold us back.

          Damn.

          He’s also doing it because he loves us.  As our father he wants us to grow up and be independent.

          But he still has so much to teach us.

          If you think about it, Ken, he hasn’t taught us all that much lately.  After our last two Awakenings he’s really pulled back from actively trying to teach us anything.  Now he’s more of a guide and a moral compass, but only if we seek him out and ask him things.   I’m so glad Albrecht is back in his life.  He’ll always have us but with his pulling back and not being so involved he would have been so lonely.

          If Albrecht wasn’t around we wouldn’t have let him pull back. 

          Ken, can you imagine being together for over two thousand years?

          Not yet, but it’s a good thing I like you otherwise it will seem like a really long time.

          Douche.

          Ken grinned and pulled Brad up so he could kiss him again.

          Brad’s hand moved down and found Ken’s eight inch dick already hard.  He wrapped his hand around it and started stroking it slowly but firmly.

          All this smart talk outta you got me hard again.  Sorry I can’t help it.

          Well if things ever really get boring between us I know how to start your engine.

          Just being with you keeps my engine running, B.  You’re the hottest, sexiest, most handsome man in the entire world to me.

          Brad started kissing Ken’s chest and he slowly worked his way down until he took Ken’s hard dick into his mouth.

          Ken pulled back enough to spin Brad around into a sixty nine.  Ken’s eyes turned white and he opened up their physical connection.  After twenty years together they knew what each other liked and they did their best to please each other.  There was no rush and they took their time.  The goal was to make each other feel good.  

          After a while Brad opened up their other energy centers and pulled them completely together.  Their eyes mixed and they felt the love they had for one another, in one another, fill them up.  Their bodies reacted as their Souls blended, and they let the wave of pleasure wash over them.  Hot cum spurted from each of them and the Light between them got even brighter as they took in the essence of each other.

          Ken pulled Brad back up into a tight embrace and they hugged each other, neither one wanting to separate.  They stayed like that for hours, their bodies totally relaxed, their minds and hearts One.  Brad’s subconscious kept them together and they fell asleep that way; a bright shining Light that was felt for miles around their home.  The love they felt for one another emanated out like a gentle wave, touching the hearts and minds of people all around them.  That night there were no bad dreams or nightmares and anyone who felt that Light touch them experienced a subtle feeling of things the way they were supposed to be.

Ok that’s it for Chapter 15… I hope you enjoyed it! 

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