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Chapter 22

<>< Prologue ><>

The Mantle of the Order wore heavy on her shoulders. The Order, her Order as she saw it, was doomed.  The Mantle was a Deep Magic; it bestowed certain powers on her, and through them she watched the fight between Azaziel and Aaron’s new Warriors.  She saw her own death in their victory, and the death of dear friends – the Circle of Elders and all that remained of their once powerful Brotherhood.

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

          The words she heard long ago and prayed would never come to pass replayed in her Mind as she witnessed Azaziel’s defeat.  She cast her memory back nearly 1600 years to the day those words were etched in her Mind.

<><> 

Taliesin reclined naked in her chambers, still sweaty from their love making.  He was so clever, and good in bed, that she let him have his way with her.  She knew he felt more for her than she ever would for him – it was a mistake she would have to remedy soon.  She was a hard woman and could often be cruel, but she did it for the sake of her mission.  Taliesin liked the young soldiers as well as women.  He particularly enjoyed the nicely muscled handsome ones – she would find one to suit his tastes and distract him.  She needed him close but not too close – the Gift he carried was essential to her rule.  It galled her that she could not carry it herself.

Charisa was like a queen spider and spun her webs of influence everywhere.  She ruled The Order as a political creature, ever weaving her plots and schemes in a giant web of control.  She never lied, that was against their mandates but she used and manipulated the Truth as a weapon that few could stand against.  With the Gift at her disposal her rule was absolute.

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

Suddenly he struck a grossly discordant sound – it was so out of character for him she opened her eyes to look.  His body was taut as a wire – his well-formed muscles tight and his body rigid.  His eyes were white and she knew the Gift had possessed him.   When he opened his mouth the voice that passed his lips was not his own and reverberated and echoed with Power.  He looked directly at her, and she was unnerved – that had never happened before.  It was as if the Voice spoke directly to her.

When the Ten become Five and the Five become One, and a Darkness returns to Light,

A fortnight from the second birth of the Twice Born

The Circle will Fall by The Master’s hand.

If the Mantle passes back whence it came before the Circle falls

A New Order will arise – if not, Darkness will Reign until the Dragon is called.

She was stunned at the magnitude of those words.  She did not understand them, but she realized the Voice spoke of the destruction of The Order.  She knew Taliesin was vulnerable and open immediately after the Gift took ahold of him – in those few seconds before he came back to himself she delved inside him and wiped the memory of those words from his Mind.  While she was there, she took the liberty of looking deeper and saw how madly in love with her he was.

It almost touched her, but she reminded herself she had to be above such things.  She could not let worldly matters, or emotions of the body rule her.  She saw them as a weakness, and hardened her heart against those feelings.  She altered his affections towards her, erasing his Love but letting his fondness for her continue – more as a mother and older confidant.

What she didn’t realize was the Love he felt for her was pure and touched his Soul.  His Mind would forget, but his Heart would not, and she had no idea that her act that day would send him into a downward spiral over the centuries to follow – his Soul would turn his unrequited love into hate and self-loathing and lead him down a path of self-destruction and misery.

<><> 

          Her Mind snapped back to the Present.  She called Jonathan, the second in command of the few who remained, to her side.  She gave him his instructions, “Tell everyone to flee.  We are no longer safe.  Everyone must hide and disband.”

          She could see the look of shock on his face but the seriousness of her tone and the steely rigid stance of her posture told him she was serious and would brook no questions.  He bowed slightly and fled to carry out her final command. 

          Their time was over.  She cursed Aaron for bringing things to this point.  If he hadn’t pushed and escalated matters this would never have come to pass.  In her mind the destruction of The Order was on his head, which made what she had to do all the more bitter.

<>< Chapter 22 ><>

          “Jake!”

          Craig’s voice rang through the Australian Lab as soon as the Team appeared with the five young soldiers they had just rescued.  He had barely strayed from the designated area that was kept clear for teleporting safely into and out of the new Lab.

          Everyone was exhausted after the fight with Azaziel, but also exhilarated by their victory and the success of bringing the hostages back safe and sound.  As cold as it had been in Syria they were all soaked in sweat from their efforts, their short hair plastered down on their handsome heads. 

          Even though he was in excruciating pain, a huge smile broke across Jacob’s face when he heard his younger brother’s voice call out his name.

          Jacob had one arm over Ken’s shoulder to help him stand.  His uniform was torn and bloody, and Craig could see the grimace of pain on his face.  He stopped, afraid to hug his older brother for fear of hurting him.  There were tears of relief on both their faces – not even a day ago neither one of them thought they would ever see the other again.  Jacob reached out and pulled Craig to him anyways, ignoring the pain.  He knew Craig needed the hug as much as he did.

          PFC Hampton was still out cold – he had fainted, overwhelmed when he saw the huge form of the Angel Azaziel in the market in Baiji.   Bryan carried the unconscious soldier like a baby cradled in his big arms.  The other men were still wide eyed, on an adrenaline high after hearing the fight and feeling the supernatural battle that took place around them.  They had to keep their heads covered, or they would have been destroyed by Azaziel when he revealed his true form, but they felt the Light that came off their rescuers.  Being so close to an intensely powerful supernatural battle had its effect on them – the clashing forces buffeted their Minds and Souls like nothing they had ever felt.  If Brad and the Mentalists hadn’t kept them shielded simply being close to the fight would have obliterated them.  Teleporting from the streets of Baiji to Uluru, Australia in the blink of an eye added to their tension and confusion.

          They had no idea who their rescuers were but were grateful to be alive.  All of the hostages were in bad shape – beaten and mistreated for weeks at the hands of the Enemy terrorists.  The Team managed to heal Jacob only to have him injured again when Orophir threw him against the cell wall where the soldiers were held captive.

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

          Albrecht had come over as soon as he heard Craig’s shout and said, “I have exam rooms prepared when you are ready to take them in.”

          Ken nodded in acknowledgement as the rest of the families came rushing over.  There were tears of relief from their mothers and even a few from the father’s.

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

          His praise warmed them – the words as well and the emotion behind them.  Through the Link they felt his pride in them and residual fear from witnessing their fight with the Demon Azaziel.  They felt an underlying tension and a heavy concern over some other matter, but he quickly masked it.

          Before any of them could ask what that was about, the families came rushing over to see their sons. Glenn Hampton looked at Bryan, holding the body of his son and asked, “What’s wrong with him?”  He looked on the form of the unconscious young man in Bryan’s big arms - with the tattered uniform and all the dried blood he was afraid for a moment maybe his son hadn’t made it back alive.

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

          Bryan saw Hampton’s brow furrow, and he sounded upset, “What?  You mean he fainted?”

          Bryan said, “Yeah.”

          Through the link, the rest of the team felt the anger coming off Bryan at Hampton’s comment.  Bryan’s voice went like cold steel, and his handsome face frowned as he said, “You have no idea what he’s just been through, fucker.  I’d like to see how you do coming face to face with a Demon – somethin’ tells me it would be more than just a skid mark in your skivvies.  Give him a break.  He’s your son.  You should be happy he’s alive and safe.”

          Bryan felt sorry for PFC Hampton – he had such an extreme dislike for the young man’s father from their days back in the Navy.  As a man, Bryan could find the same unconditional love for Glenn Hampton as any other human, but as an individual, he detested the man and everything about him.  Glenn Hampton seemed more concerned that his son fainted than he did for his welfare.  He seemed embarrassed.

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

          Bryan looked at her and his face softened and he said, “You’re welcome ma’am.  We need to get him taken care of.  We’ll have him fixed up in a few minutes.”

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

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

          Rick and Kevin were clearly exhausted – it was apparent through the link.  They bore the brunt of all the Power they channeled to transform Azaziel from a Demon back to his original state of an Angel – a feat that even their Arch-Angel relatives thought impossible.  The strain on them was phenomenal, and they were feeling the residual effects.

          Both men were leaning heavily on their partners for support even as they each supported one of the recovered hostages.  The amount of energy that passed through them was more than they ever dreamed possible, and the physical strain was evident. They were trying hard to cover up their pain and discomfort, but through the Link it was unmistakable.

          Kevin winced at the slightest movement but he winked at Ken and thought:  I can’t speak for Ricky, but that Demon hit like a big girl.  I’m sore as hell, but nothing a hot bath and hours of sex with my man won’t clear up.

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

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

          Loy had a twinkle in his eye as he thought:  Well you didn’t hold back on quoting Tolkien. 

          Bryan:  Have you fuckers forgotten we have some injured soldiers here?  Quit fucking around.  His voice sounded gruff, but they knew he was just joining in on the banter.  They were all coming down off their adrenaline high from the battle, and the comradery they shared was as tight as it ever had been.

          Lane’s eyes flashed white, and he looked upwards, casting himself out into Creation.  He Listened and let the first Music he heard fill him up.  He instinctively synchronized his Avatar with Brad’s, Loy’s, Bill’s and Darren’s.  The power flowed through all of them as he opened their energy centers and wove them into a bright white ribbon of healing energy.

          The families drew back, at first panicked, as they saw the men who rescued their sons start to glow.  The panic quickly vanished and was replaced by a comfortable sense of wholeness and wellbeing.  The Aura the Team emitted washed over the humans, and it was apparent that it wasn’t a feeling they were overly familiar with - it spoke volumes about their relationships and how broken they were. 

          In a matter of seconds, the Team was completely restored, and all the soreness was gone from their bodies, completely erased by Lane’s healing flows. Lane would have healed the soldiers, but they still had bones to set before that could be done.

          Ricky gave a mental hug to Lane and said:  Thanks Lane.  I really needed that. 

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

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

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

          Jacob pulled Craig’s head against his own, their foreheads touching. 

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

The bond they had between them was similar to what they felt from the Team but on a lesser scale – what they felt coming off their big handsome rescuers as they stood there was almost overwhelming.

          Each couple took one of the young men with them into the exam rooms Albrecht had prepared.  Ken already had Jacob’s arm over his shoulder so he said, “Jake come with me, and let’s get you fixed up.  Craig you’re welcome to come too if Jake doesn’t mind.”

          Brad looked at all the parents and said, “We’ll be back with your sons shortly.” The anxiety, especially from the mothers was high, and to Brad’s Avatar it was clear.  Compassion filled his voice and he said, “They’ll be fine, trust us.  They’re safe.”

          Jacob could barely stand – he was pretty sure his hip was broken and he hopped along with Ken’s assistance.  When Orophir threw him back against the wall and knocked him unconscious, the impact broke a number of bones.  Ken was surprised he could walk at all – he was one tough Marine!  He was certainly a stud as was evident from the body showing through the tattered and torn uniform – he was in amazing physical shape.

          Jacob felt the strength in Ken’s body – holding on to him was like grabbing onto a concrete wall shaped like a man.  Ken didn’t want to embarrass Jacob by offering to carry him, but he practically did anyway.  Ken let him move at his own pace down the hall to the exam room.

          The other men disappeared into the rooms Albrecht had ready for them.  Ken could tell that Jacob’s left hip was the one giving him problems so he laid him down gently on his right side, but he still grimaced– he was white as a sheet from the pain and discomfort.  Craig stayed back, but was obviously upset by his brother’s condition.

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

Brad grinned at him and said, “No rats this time.”

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

          Brad and Ken’s eyes both flashed white as their energy centers opened.  Brad controlled the flows between them, and they started to glow.  He brought both Jacob and Craig into a Link so they could feel and see more of what was happening. 

          The two young men were startled as they saw the bright white ribbons of power arcing between Brad and Ken.  One by one Brad opened up Jacob’s energy centers – they weren’t nearly as bright, but the colors were strong – blue, yellow, and red.

          Brad took note of the damage to Jacob’s body through his energy flows – the injuries were more severe than they initially thought.   There was heavy internal bleeding, that would have been serious in another few minutes if it continued unchecked.  Brad blocked all the pain centers in Jacob’s body, and Ken had him lay down flat.

          Ken stayed at the head of the bed with his hands on Jacob’s shoulders – even with the pain blocked, he had to hold Jacob still while Brad set the bones before they could be healed.  Ken indicated for Craig to hold Jacob’s lower legs so he would feel like he was helping.  It only took a few minutes to get the bones set to Brad’s satisfaction, and then he sent a surge of healing energy into Jacob that completely restored his body to full health.  Even his old high school football injuries disappeared.

          Jacob was sweating slightly when it was over, and they could see the relief on his face.

          Ken helped him to sit up and moved around in front of him. 

          Brad asked, “All better?”

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

          They all got a chuckle out of his comment.

          Ken continued in their minds:  Now Jake.  Be honest with me – how are you holdin’ up?  You’re a tough Marine, and I’m proud of you for the way you stepped up to the plate even though our plans went a little cockeyed.  But you’ve lost friends in your unit, been a prisoner, been tortured, and had to kill a man with your own hands.  Those things change a man, and I want to make sure you’re alright. 

          Jacob’s face went blank as Ken’s words sank in.  He had compartmentalized everything so far to get through it, and Ken’s words took the lid off the Pandora’s Box he built inside himself where he hid the trauma away.

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

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

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

          Craig, perceptive for his age, had the idea, but didn’t form it into words – their father Glenn wouldn’t understand, and there was no way they could talk to him about any of this.  What Craig didn’t realize, was that even though he didn’t form the words his thoughts were still open to them.

          Jacob’s mind was spinning again, and he knew Craig was right.  The fear he had kept bottled up was there – the tension and the anxiety and the sadness, even some guilt. 

          Brad knew that Jacob wanted to accept their offer, but he didn’t want to appear weak in front of his younger brother.  Brad saw how tight the two young men were; how they wanted to protect one another but at the same time not show weakness.

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

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

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

          Brad opened up their Hearts and pulled the two young men in with him and Ken.  They were startled and immediately embarrassed when they appeared naked in that dark place. 

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

          Craig and Jacob were both surprised when they realized that Ken and Brad were gay and lovers.  It didn’t bother either one of them in the least – the current generation didn’t seem to be as hung up over things like that for the most part.  They also could feel the true concern for their well-being that came from the two big men.   

          With their Hearts opened up Jacob and Craig could see the feelings inside one another.  Brad helped them to understand what they saw and felt.  Brad and Ken were merged completely, and the two young men felt the loving bond they shared – they amped up their Aura and let it shine on the two brothers as an example of what unconditional love was like.  There were unabashed tears flowing down their faces from the intensity and purity of the emotions they felt.

          It took some time, but they worked through all their pain, fears, doubts, and sadness – even the guilt.  They cried and laughed and healed.  Time wasn’t moving in the real world and none of them were sure how long they were there, but Brad didn’t bring them out until he was sure the two young men, especially Jacob, were going to be alright and able to move forward with their lives.

          The two brothers, through the experience, were closer than ever, and would remain so for the rest of their lives.  They felt blessed to know each other in the way they did – it was something few humans ever experienced, and they were truly grateful.  In difficult times to follow in their lives, they would always come back to that day and remember what they shared.

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

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

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

          Craig smiled and the relief was clear on his face, “Thank you, sir.”

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

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

<><><> 

          The other couples had pretty much the same encounter with their charges.  They took care of their wounds and counselled them, healing their minds as well as their bodies, helping them get over the trauma of everything they had experienced.  They also learned a lot about the dysfunctional families the young men were parts of.

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

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

          Albrecht joined them in the Conference room while Sally and Kelly stayed with the families, trying to keep them distracted and comfortable.

          The main Operations board was lit up with a live feed back to the Lab in Atlanta. Henry and the doctor were waiting for them when they filed in.

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

          Ken couldn’t keep the grin off his face and said, “Thanks doc!” All of them were smiling like Cheshire cats – Darren’s dimples were in full force.

          Brad held his hands up to his chest, forming a diamond with his fingers and thumbs and a small ball of light came out his torso.  His handsome brow furrowed in concentration and the ball split into three equal spheres.  One shot over and into Albrecht immediately, and the other two shot through the walls.  In a matter of seconds the two small spheres appeared in the Lab in Atlanta and everyone saw them go into Henry and the doctor.

          “That should bring you both up to speed on everything that’s happened.”

          Henry’s eyes were as big as saucers as he absorbed the memories Brad sent.  “Holy shit guys!  That was some major league stuff.  I was really worried when I saw that thing on our video feed.  Fighting Protectors and ‘suits’ is one thing, but that Demon was in a whole different ballpark.”

          Henry grinned at them all and said, “But you all showed him who’s boss!”

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

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

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

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

          “Very good.  Now we must all tread carefully for the immediate future until we determine the ramifications of your actions.  What you did should have been impossible, and it will be interesting to see how far reaching the effects are.  I recommend you stay in either of our two facilities as much as possible where you will have the protection of the Runes or at your homes where you will have the protection of the Trees.  It will be an inconvenience for Darren to move you around, but I would rather have you move from place to place with his assistance than be out driving and exposed. I will accompany Henry to venture out for groceries for the next few weeks.”

          Bryan paled when the doc said that.  Visions went through his head of frozen burritos and TV Dinners and everybody had to stifle a laugh.

          Ken raised his eyebrows, “Do you really think that’s necessary doc?”

          “In the short term I most certainly do.  This day was inevitable but you have shown The Enemy how powerful you truly are. I am greatly concerned for others in The Order.  There are not many left, and I am fearful of the Enemy’s reprisal.  They do not have the benefit of the Runes we have in the Lab or your strength to protect themselves.  Word has already been sent out for those who remain to disband and go into hiding.”

          The grins on their faces dimmed at his words – they hadn’t considered the consequences of their actions with Azaziel.  Their Avatars guided them, and what they did felt right.  They rarely thought about the other members of The Order mainly because they had never met any of them.  They were aware the others existed, but their own interactions had almost always been with the doctor and Albrecht – once at Waffle House after they had reset an Enemy ‘suit’, some people in a van showed up to take him away.  There were some who had tried to help Henry early on, but didn’t do a very good job – the mental hooks the Enemy had placed in his mind went unnoticed by them; and it wasn’t until later, when Henry was almost suicidal, that the Team intervened and saved him.  The doctor had once told them that none of those people had been Elders, but they didn’t know or understand the hierarchy of The Order.  The doctor and Albrecht kept them shielded from the political aspects of the organization.

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

          “OK doc you know we totally respect your opinion.  Sorry Darren – we’ll all try to be as considerate as possible and not run you ragged.”

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

          Ken gave him thumbs up for that idea; and said, “OK if that’s everythin’, I think we’re all ready to hit the showers and get changed.  These new suits rock, Doc, but Kevlar is Kevlar, and not all that comfortable.”

          Henry said, “Hey guys just a sec.  I know you’re tired, but do you have time to say a quick hello to Drew?  I told him you were all gonna’ be fine, but he’s been asking about you every five minutes.  Just a quick ‘Hi’ to let him know you’re alright?”

          Their smiles brightened back up and Ken said, “You betcha’.”

          Henry’s eyes flashed white and it was only a few seconds later when Drew shot in like a bullet and climbed up in his lap.  As soon as he got in front of the camera everybody said, “Hey Tiger!”

          Drew said loudly like he had to shout so they could hear him all the way in Australia, “You got the bad guys?”

          Ken said, “We sure did!”

          “Where are the hurt men?”

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

          “Can I say ‘Hi?’”

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

          “OK.”

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

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

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

<><><> 

          Jacob and the others were coming down the hall, freshly showered and in clothes that Albrecht had set out for them, as Ken and the guys made their way back to the showers.  The new Kevlar suits were mostly held together by Velcro and they were sectioned and form fitting so they could be removed in pieces. They were starting to strip down and had the arms and chest pieces off as they passed in the hallway - they caught the admiring looks the young soldiers gave their bodies as they moved by in the hall.

          Aside from the looks, there were smiles and nods from the young men, but they were mostly quiet– their emotions were still running high as they were about to be reunited with their families, when not even 24 hours previously they were sure they would never see them again.  They were all going to be OK as far as getting over the experience of being captured and tortured – now they had to deal with their families, and that was another matter entirely.

<><><> 

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

<><><> 

          As soon as everyone was settled into their rooms, Ken and Brad closed the door to the small mini apartment they were sleeping in.

          What a day, huh B?

          Brad was quiet and didn’t respond.  Ken felt an unexpected surge of emotion from his partner, and he looked at Brad intently.  Brad’s eyes were filling with tears.

          B?  What’s wrong? 

          He moved over immediately and took Brad’s face in his hands.  Talk to me.

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

          Why’d you hide this from me?

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

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

          Just hold me a minute.

          OK but first... 

          Ken pulled Brad’s shirt off over his head and removed his own. 

          Now come here.

          He wrapped his arms around Brad and pulled their bodies together into their signature hug – their chins found the perfect spot against each other’s shoulder and neck.  The warmth and softness of their skin, and the hardness of their muscled bodies, felt perfect together; and Ken was well aware of the immediate effect it had on Brad.  It wasn’t sexual but Ken knew that it would comfort him – his Ph.D. in Brad Wilson was in full effect.

          Fuck B, I love you so much it hurts.

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

          Ken tightened his arms around Brad and squeezed him while Brad’s hands started roaming over Ken’s strong back and shoulders.  Touching Ken’s physical presence, feeling how solid he was, in both his Body and his Mind, was giving him what he needed.

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

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

          Brad laughed a little and sniffed.  Ken pulled back slightly and cupped his lover’s face gently in his hands and used his thumbs to wipe away the tears.  He loved the feel of the stubble on Brad’s cheeks – it was manly.  His own eyes were glassy at what Brad was expressing, and he felt it too.  Aside from the fact they were Linked he felt what Brad was talking about.  It was always there just under the surface.  The intensity and intimacy they shared was beyond human.

          As they continued to talk Ken stared rubbing his thumbs over Brad’s cheeks.  He loved the feel of his lovers face in his hands – the stubble on his strong jawline, and the firmness of his handsome strong face.  He knew what his touch did to Brad – he did it on purpose to bring comfort and to let Brad know through his touch what was in his Heart.

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

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

          Brad had to smile at that.

          I want to make love to you Ken.

          Ken got that little kid grin on his face and thought:  Now we’re talkin’!

          Brad smiled and thought:  And after I do that I want you to make love to me.  And after that I want you to be ‘that guy.’

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

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

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

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

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

          Make love to me B.  I need it.  And do me a favor… I can be ‘that guy’ for you physically… you can be ‘that guy’ with me Mentally.  Grab ahold of me in your way and hold me as tight and strong with your Mind and Heart as you can.  Be sure to look deep inside me when you do that, and you’ll see what it does to me.

          Brad took Ken’s hand in his own and they moved over to the bed.  Brad proceeded to make love to every inch of Ken’s incredible body.  He matched every sensation he could cause in their physical forms with an emotional intimacy that was exquisitely intense in their Hearts and Minds.  He did what Ken asked and he wrapped Ken up with his Mind and Heart as tightly and powerfully as he could.

          It had been a while since Ken had bottomed for him, so he spent plenty of time using his fingers to loosen him up and get him ready.  He used his fingers and his tongue.  Once he found Ken’s prostate he soon had Ken’s powerful body shaking and sweating.  He loved seeing Ken’s big body tremble and sweat from his ministrations.  One thing that really turned Brad on was knowing Ken let himself be vulnerable so he could do these things to him, and that Love and trust turned him on even more.

          Once he had Ken loosened up and ready he rolled him over onto his stomach and Brad lay down across his big muscled frame.  Ken lifted his ass with his chest pressed down on the bed and Brad slipped into him and became ‘that guy’ for Ken.

          He made love to Ken and lost track of time.  After a while Ken lifted his body up and Brad had to scoot back, but Ken was able to push back and meet his thrusts easier.  Brad was still amped up from earlier in the day so Ken didn’t worry about how hard his ass clenched down.

          Brad caressed the expanse of Ken’s broad sweaty back and leaned over occasionally giving him gentle kisses between his shoulder blades, or licking the sweat off him - all the while holding Ken’s Mind and Heart as tightly as he could.

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

          Ken continued a running monologue in Brad’s Mind.  Always the more verbal of the two he moaned and groaned and kept telling Brad how much he loved him and what a great lover he was.  Brad enveloped Ken with his Heart, and no words were needed on his part.  They both had tears running down their faces most of the time from the intensely powerful and complete intimacy they shared on all levels.

          Finally they came together – Ken felt his Mind expand as Brad’s DNA fueled their supernatural bond, and Ken shot into the sheets under him.  They only moved enough to roll over so Ken could lay down on top of Brad and let himself be held even as he held his lover.  He lay there for a while, letting his love for Brad and his contentment wash over him as Brad’s hands roamed soothingly over his body.

          They continued most of the night.  Ken made love to Brad and got lost in him and took them back to the place they went when they were One.   In between, while they rested and held each other, they talked and kissed and let their hands roam.  They were so comfortable with one another, and such good friends as well as lovers; they smiled and laughed as they talked.  They were so into each other it sometimes scared them.

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

          Early in the evening as they started making love, as their Auras built in strength and power from their intimacy they felt the same thing coming from Rick & Loy and Bryan & Lane.  None of the couples shielded themselves that night, and all the humans in the facility felt the warmth of the unconditional Love the men felt between them wash over the entire facility.   To the humans it wasn’t sexual – it was beautiful and unnerving at the same time.

<><><> 

          The guys got up early – instead of being worn out from making love all night they woke up completely refreshed and rejuvenated.  The energies they shared with their partners invigorated them.

          Ken wasn’t planning on doing PT the day after such strenuous events, but he had so much excess energy, even after a morning make-out session with Brad first thing, he wanted to get into the gym.  He also hadn’t had a chance to try out the new equipment in the Australian Lab and was curious about the new designs the doctor had implemented.

          Albrecht joined them for their basic PT run and calisthenics.

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

          Bryan:  Guys come in tight for sec.

          Bryan pulled them all together and shared with them everything he learned about PFC Rich Hampton, the son of Glenn Hampton, the leader of the ‘goon squad.’ 

          Each of them in turn shared what they learned about the young soldier they had healed and counseled.

          Brad reached across the globe to Atlanta – Henry, Pat, Darren, Bill, and Kevin were awake and he pulled them in so they could be a part of what was happening.

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

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

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

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

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

<><><> 

          The young soldiers, to the great annoyance of their fathers, started working out with Albrecht.  Over the time he spent with the young men he explained to them most of what was going on.  He told them of The Order and the fight that Ken and the others were involved in.  He explained the matter of Free Will and how the Enemy wanted to subjugate mankind and keep them enslaved.  They were stunned, but after seeing the huge form of Azaziel, on top of their experiences with being healed, they knew it was all true.

          The young men talked amongst themselves in their free time and quickly grew to be good friends in much the same way their fathers were.  They all realized that everyone on the Team including Albrecht were gay, and at some point their fathers overheard them talking. 

          Bryan took Rich under his wing and tried to bring him out of his shell.  He had some serious self-esteem issues to overcome.  Glenn Hampton was an overbearing father, always belittling him and embarrassed that his son was a cook in the Army.  Bryan used their shared interest in cooking to bond with Rich, and even in the short time they spent together he seemed like a new young man.  The part of Bryan’s Avatar that came from Rick was constantly at work on Rich.

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

          Drew wormed his way into their hearts too, and they enjoyed seeing him try to work out with them in the gym.   Jacob was especially good with him, having practically raised Craig on his own.  Drew flourished with the extra friendships, and Henry was really happy to see his son doing so well.

<><><> 

          A week after the rescue everyone seemed to be settling into a routine.  Henry was in the gym in Australia along with Ken and Brad.  Jacob, Craig and the other young men were flourishing under Albrecht’s attention.  He pushed them physically to their limits and took over some combat instructions.  Rich was awkward at first but the other guys were very helpful and encouraging, and never put him down and were quick to praise him when he did well.

          Ken, Brad, and Henry, by the afternoon, were shirtless and sweaty and pumped up.  Henry was out of the sparring rotation for a few rounds and was watching Ken and Brad go at each other in the ring when he saw Drew come into the gym crying. 

          Henry:  Be right back guys. Dad duty.  I’m sure it’s nothing.

          Henry trotted over to his son and knelt down.

          “Hey Drew, what’s wrong Tiger?  Why’re you crying?”

          Henry immediately saw that Drew was seriously upset.  He had Drew’s various cries identified by now – he had a different cry when he hurt himself physically, when he was upset by something, or when he was just irritable and cranky.  This was the upset cry, and he was breathing harshly and hiccupping.  His face was red, and he had some spittle running down his chin.

          Even though Henry was drenched in sweat, Drew grabbed ahold of his dad, and threw his arms around his thick neck.  Henry wrapped his arms around his little boy in comfort and whispered soothing words.  He brought Drew into a light Link and was surprised at how upset he was.

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

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

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

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

          Henry was surprised that Drew knew what the word ‘faggot’ meant.  He looked into Drew’s mind and was careful only to look at the memories of the last few minutes.  Drew’s Mind had slipped open, and he not only heard the words, but he saw the animosity and hate behind them.  That was what set him off.

          Henry saw red and stormed out of the gym.  He went into the kitchen, still holding Drew, to find Hampton and the other four fathers in a circle talking.  The women were watching TV in the lounge.

          Hampton saw the look on Henry’s face right away, and he had his chin stuck out in a belligerent manner like he was expecting a confrontation.

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

          “Apologize for what?”  Hampton was acting cocky in front of his friends.

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

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

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

          He could tell that Drew didn’t want to leave his side.  He was frightened and wanted to stay close.

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

          OK daddy.  Don’t hurt him.

          It hit Henry how perceptive Drew was sometimes. 

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

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

          “What’s your problem Hampton?”

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

          Henry was stunned at the voraciousness of Hampton’s remarks. Not the words so much but the deep seeded emotions he was feeling.  He understood what Drew felt and why it affected him so deeply. 

          Henry was livid, and his whole body tensed – a red flush started at his face and went down his whole body.  His biceps tensed as his fists balled up, and his muscular body tightened until veins started showing across his shoulders and upper chest.  He was already sweaty, and with his skin shining it made his physique even more impressive.

          The small minded shallowness… the pettiness… what he saw in Hampton was infuriating.  After the Team risked their lives to save the sons of these men – and were keeping them safe even now.  Henry understood more why all the guys detested this man from their days in the Navy with him.

          Henry had to take a deep breath.  He remembered everything the doctor and Albrecht taught him about mankind and their Brokenness and how Henry and the Team were to unconditionally love humans.  He saw the ‘fucked-upness’ in Hampton; but that was no excuse.  It was an explanation but not an excuse.

          “First off Hampton, not that it matters, but I’m not gay.  I love those men in the gym – they’re my Brothers, and they’ve saved my life on more than one occasion.  You owe them your sons’ lives and your own – if you weren’t here under their protection you’d be dead in no time.  You know The Enemy has you and your family targeted for execution.”

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

          Henry was surprised at the control he had – his training was progressing quickly.  His temper was on fire, and he wanted to reach out and snap Hampton’s neck for what he said.  Not just for what he said about Ken and the others being gay, but for not seeing the facts in front of him; intentionally blinding himself because of his own stubborn insecurities and fears.  He knew this was a result of being around Rick – the knots inside Glenn Hampton were unraveling, and his conscious mind was unraveling with it, and Henry was seeing the results.   

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

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

          Henry hit Hamptons mind hard – he showed Hampton his own imprisonment by the Enemy and what they did to him, turning him into a Protector.  He showed Hampton all the sick and cruel things he had been forced to do in their service.  He showed Hampton what is was like to come face to face with The Master.  He showed Hampton the fight with Ken and the Eschphene leader and Liz’s death and sacrifice – he let Hampton relive some, not all, of the memories of Ken and the other men so he would see how noble and pure their Souls were.  He showed Hampton what Unconditional Love felt like on the inside and how being accepted for who you were shattered petty barriers like he had surrounded himself with. Lastly, he shared his own love of Ken and the others – he showed Hampton it was perfectly acceptable to love another man regardless of one’s own sexuality.  Through everything that Henry shared Hampton knew it was the Truth because it was shared Mind to Mind.

          Hampton dropped like a rock and the other four men started to rush Henry in retaliation – just like they ganged up on Brad all those years ago.  He didn’t move but he grabbed their Minds as well and showed them all the same thing. 

          None of the women had noticed what was going on in the kitchen – they hadn’t heard anything over the noise of the TV.  They were watching The View and Henry could hear Whoopi Goldberg’s voice blaring from the TV.

          It took them a minute to stand up.  There were tears in their eyes and they were all shaking – and totally quiet.  The bluster was gone.  They looked wide eyed at Henry – and were terrified – not of him, but the realization that everything they mocked seconds before was true!

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

          The men were helping each other up – their faces covered in tears.  Henry was worried that Peterson might have a stroke; his face was so red he almost called Brad to check on him, but he stumbled up with the others and they filed silently out of the kitchen and went to their rooms.

          Henry took a deep breath and thought:  Hey Ken, Brad, I need to talk to you guys.  I’ll be right there.

          “Come here Drew.”

          He picked Drew back up and gave him a hug, “I’m sorry you had to see that son.  Are you OK?”

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

          Henry sighed and said, “I think so.  I hope so.  I need to go tell Uncle Ken and Uncle Brad what I did.  They might be mad at me.”

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

          Henry laughed and said, “It can’t hurt.  Come on let’s go.”

<><><> 

          Henry was still shaking in anger as he went back into the gym.  Ken and Brad were out of the ring waiting for him.

          Drew’s face was still red, and his nose was running. Henry had forgotten to get a tissue or a towel in the kitchen to clean his face off.   He leaned over and grabbed a clean towel from the stack they kept by the boxing ring.

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

          Drew squinted his eyes, ready to have his face wiped off roughly with the towel.  Ken and Brad chuckled at the sight.

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

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

          Ken: Uh… Henry care to elaborate?

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

          Brad reached out and brought Albrecht into the Link.  He excused himself, instructing his young charges to run laps until he returned.

          Brad laughed and thought:  Damn Albrecht.  No rest for the weary.

          Albrecht smiled and thought:  They are excellent students.  They need the distraction.  There’s a lot of tension with their parents right now.  Their fathers don’t like me teaching them.

          Henry:  Yeah… well… about that…

          Brad:  OK spill the beans.  What did Drew mean when he said you spanked them?

          Henry shared the memory from the time Drew came into the gym up until the present.  Henry’s forehead was crinkled with worry and apprehension, waiting and feeling for some reaction through the Link.

          Ken let out a heavy sigh and lowered his head, and for a second Henry had a sinking feeling in his stomach that he had really screwed up.

          Ken:  Fuck Henry.  I’m sorry you had to deal with that.

          Brad:  We’ve been expecting a blow up of some sort, Henry.  We knew that being around Rick things would progress to some kind of a head.  I’m sorry that Drew heard what he did.  Is he OK?

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

          Albrecht:  It was harsh Henry, make no mistake, but I am proud of your restraint.  It is unfortunate that it takes something so extreme to open their eyes.

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

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

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

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

          “Thanks for not being mad at dad.”

          Brad wrapped his arms around Henry from behind, crossing his arms over Henry’s big chest pulling him back into a hug and said, “It would take a lot more than that to make us mad at your dad, kiddo.  Your dad handled the situation perfect and saved me the trouble of doing it later.”

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

          They all got a laugh out of that, and Henry actually blushed.

          Brad patted his hands on Henry’s chest and said, “I owe you one Henry.  I wasn’t looking forward to doing it myself – it was pretty much inevitable.  I’ll check in on Mr. Peterson when we get done.  I agree he didn’t look good – I know Craig and Jacob are really worried about his health.”

          Out of the blue, Drew said, “I’m hungry.”  As if on cue Ken’s stomach let out a huge cavernous rumble. 

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

          Drew nodded his head vigorously.

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

          Drew put his arm up and tightened his little bicep.  Ken squeezed his arm and said, “Wow!  All the workin’ out with us is payin’ off!  Show me your abs.”

          Drew lifted up his shirt and poked his five year old pot belly out.  Ken leaned over and blew a big loud wet raspberry on his belly button which sent Drew into a fit of giggles.

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

          The six sweating young men stopped running – they were breathing hard, especially Rich, but even after nearly a week they could see a difference in his body.  More importantly they saw a huge difference in his demeanor.  Bryan was spending a lot of time with Rich one-on-one when he was in Australia, and all of the other soldiers were encouraging him, and it showed.

          The four infantry soldiers were in good shape, especially Jacob, and Craig was in amazing shape himself, but Rich was slightly overweight.  He had good physical genes – Brad remembered Hampton back in the Navy. and he had a good build back then, but never followed a good cardio program, so he was all muscle and no stamina.  Rich had it in him to become quite a stud – and Albrecht planned to bring that out in him. 

          It warmed Albrecht’s heart to see Ken and Brad and the Team so openly accept the soldiers and their families.  Taking them under their wings to protect them – he understood the difficulty with the fathers, and it made him all the more proud of their maturity that they were willing to overlook the ugliness of the fathers for the sake of the wives and the sons.  They truly were everything Aaron ever dreamed they would be, and more.

<><><> 

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

Lane’s body was wrapped around his lover with his head on Bryan’s big chest.  Even asleep his subconscious mind wanted to hear Bryan’s strong, steady heartbeat and feel the comfort and warmth of his skin.  One of Bryan’s arms was wrapped around Lane’s shoulders as if he too wanted to hold his lover’s body against him even in sleep.

          Barely an hour earlier, limbs had been entwined in their nightly love making, their bodies slick with sweat and passion.  The Light of their Souls shone out like a star in the Spiritual Realm as they repeatedly brought each other to orgasm.  The Tree in their back yard glowed brightly, swaying gently to the energies they emitted, as if it was happy.

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

          It started with a slight twitch of Lane’s body that quickly grew into a harsh trembling.  His heart began racing, and behind his closed eyelids his eyes flashed white – his tattoo flared brightly in the darkness of their room, spitting bright arcs of color.

          The light woke Bryan, and he felt Lane’s trembling sweat-soaked body against him.  Tears streamed down Lane’s cheeks, and he had an anguished look on his face as he cried, “NO!” and shot up in bed.

          He looked around the room, flailing his arms about as if he was blind, searching for Bryan.

          Bryan knew better than to try and wake him up, but he wasn’t convinced Lane was asleep.  He kept his voice low just in case and asked, “Lane?”

          “Fuck Bry!  This is bad.  Hold on!”

          Lane cast his Mind out with a ‘911’ to Brad.  He didn’t have the focus to Listen and power up enough to reach the Team in Australia while his Avatar had such a strong hold on him.

          At the speed of thought Brad and Ken were inside him even as he pulled Bryan in with him.  He struggled and fought to block the Vision from them for a few more seconds.

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

          His desperation and raw emotion were apparent, and immediately the entire Team was in his Mind.  Their comforting presence washed over him, and they were all there to support him in whatever capacity necessary.  Henry was present with them – it was his first direct experience with one of Lane’s Visions, and he was shocked at the intensity.  He grabbed ahold of Lane as strongly as he could, lending his strength along with the others.   As soon as everyone was present, Brad took them into a Construct of the conference room of the Atlanta Lab. 

          The Vision in Lane’s Mind appeared on the Operations board so they could all view it, and Brad blocked the worst of the intense emotions that went with the Vision.

<><><> 

          There were seven overlapping runic circles carved into the stone floor – the walls of the room were dark and stained with blood from hundreds of years of torture and sacrifice.  Inside the intersection of each of the circles was a prisoner, gagged, bound, and blindfolded.  There were seven ‘suits’… they recognized Gerald Laurent from Vancouver, BC as one of them. Since Laurent was one of the higher lieutenants under The Master, they assumed the other six were as well.  Beside them were seven Protectors.   Henry recognized all of them… they were the highest ranking and most loyal of that group, and the strongest - in the center of them all stood The Master.

          Fear and sorrow overtook the doctor and Albrecht as the scene appeared before them.  The doctor let out a faint, “Oh my!”

          The look on Albrecht’s face turned from sorrow to anger as he sent his thought out to them:  That is the High Circle of Elders of The Order.  Those are all the leaders left from around the world.

          The Master’s deep powerful voice said, “So Charisa, we finally meet!  You can thank your New Warriors for this fate.  Their actions against me require… retaliation.  I am going to take great pleasure in torturing you.  I will not keep you alive, however.  I need your Souls to perform a ritual – the seven of you will provide me with the strength I need to see through a cloud that is blocking me – there is a young boy I see in my Dreams, and his significance is clouded.  This is a Mystery I must solve, and it vexes me.  How fortunate that I remove The Order and scratch an itch.  It is almost enough to make you believe in coincidence, no?”

          The Master motioned and the seven Protectors pulled out long silver daggers, covered with dark runes etched into the blades.

          “My most loyal servants hold your Minds; you are powerless to do anything to avert your fate.  This will be slow and methodical – the flesh will be peeled from your bodies, and your blood will fuel the spell… and when your bodies expire, I will harvest your Souls.  Scream loudly – I have waited too long to hear the death cries of The Order.”

          All seven Protectors, as one, started cutting off the clothes of the prisoners until their garments hung in tatters, only small pieces held on by their bindings were left.  There were three women and four men.

          “You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this moment, Charisa.  The Mantle will vanish with your death, and the magic that empowers The Order will be no more.  Your new Warriors will be cut off and adrift and vulnerable to me.  Aaron Thomas and Albrecht will be the next to fall, and then the Warriors.  It is inevitable.  The actions this day, the obliteration of The Order, will cascade into my uncontested rule over the Physical Realm.”

<><><> 

          Their Minds were spinning – they had to do something!  They couldn’t just sit by idly and let such an atrocity happen!

          Aaron and Albrecht were in shock – the friends they knew for thousands of years were about to die, and just as importantly the Mantle of the Order would be gone with Charisa’s death. 

          Brad’s Intuition, magnified so strongly by the presence of Lane, Darren, Loy, and Bill was on overdrive.  A chill ran down his spine – he knew the boy in the Master’s Dream was Drew.  The Master still didn’t know the secret of Drew’s identity, but he was trying to find out and they had to prevent that from happening.

          The doctor was more vulnerable than any of them had ever seen.  He was shaking uncontrollably at what he knew was about to happen to the Circle.  Instinctively Brad pulled the doctor and Albrecht closer, surrounding them with Love and support just as strongly as they always held each other as a group.

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

          As Brad’s realization about Drew made it into the Link, Henry’s stomach turned in icy knots of fear for his newfound son.  They all shared in the emotion and uncertainty – their arms instinctively sought out the shoulders of whoever was closest to them.  They clung to one another in comfort and expressed the physical support and presence everyone sought.

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

           Ken, Brad, and the Team didn’t have much respect for the unknown leaders of The Order – they rarely discussed the topic with the doctor or Albrecht; their answers were always conflicted, respectful on one hand but there were strong undercurrents of… something else.  In all the times they were Linked, both the doctor and Albrecht kept that part of themselves walled off and unavailable.  Even after the doctor explained the reason for the forced separation between himself and Albrecht, they thought it was a cruel and petty sentence.  The doctor was such a great man – how anyone could treat him so unfairly was beyond them.

          Their Avatars were fully synchronized – as soon as they were all together, Ken’s own Avatar locked them into One Power on instinct.  Brad’s Intuition was telling him something else was going on with the doctor.  No matter how dire any situation had ever been, he had always stayed calm and focused.  The only time Brad remembered seeing him even close to being distraught was the night they rescued Ken from Dr. Cromwell – the night he almost lost one of his sons.

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

          There was a slight pause as Albrecht weighed his decision to reveal his information.  After a brief hesitation he thought:  She is Aaron’s daughter.

          Brad was so deeply Linked with Albrecht he could tell there was a strong dislike for Charisa in him.  He loved her unconditionally as a human, but as a person he thought she was a bitch – the way she treated Aaron was intolerable to him and had been a touchy subject between the couple for a very long time. 

          Brad:  Fuck.

          Not caring if the doctor realized they knew his secret Brad shared the information with Ken and the others.  Their hearts ached even more for the doctor with that revelation and tears shone bright in their eyes.  None of them knew the history between the doctor and Charisa; it obviously wasn’t a good one – but she was his daughter and he was terrified of her Soul being gone forever, used by the Master to fuel his evil ritual – and if he was successful, Drew would be in more danger than ever, and their chance of success to defeat The Master would be far less.

          When Lane sent out his ‘911’ to Brad, Brad pulled their Mind’s together from wherever they happened to be.  With what was happening they wanted to by physically together, so Darren sent out the thought to prepare everyone the second before he pulled them all physically together in the Atlanta Lab.  Most of them were still naked from their beds when they appeared. 

          As soon as they were together, just as in the Construct, their arms went around each other – whoever was closest.  They held onto each other, both giving and receiving strength and support.  The doctor and Albrecht were in the middle, shielded by all of them.

          Ken was close to Henry and pulled him close, concerned about his reaction to what he was seeing.  He had lost Liz so recently – when she had to sacrifice her Soul to save Drew – and now he was about to see the doctor’s daughter lose hers as well.  The memories of Liz’s death were fresh in his Mind, and the scene was painful for him to watch – but he was there with all of them supporting the doctor.  Henry, of all of them, could relate to what the doctor was about to face.

<><><> 

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

          The Master wanted them to scream – and they did.  Their bodies were wracked with pain as blood seeped from the wounds carved slowly and with expert precision into their flesh.  They were soon slickened down as the sweat from the pain mixed with their blood; forced to endure something they weren’t prepared or trained for.

          The cuts and slices were forming a pattern of dark runes on their bodies, and the blood smoked and blistered as it began to fuel the evil magic.

          Each member of the Team was wracking their brains, trying desperately to think of something they could do.  Brad had already tried to reach for them – he didn’t know them so it would be difficult, and he was sure the location they were in was warded against him, but he had to try.  Ken could feel the strain as he stretched himself.

          Bryan, perhaps more than any of the others besides Lane, felt the effects of what was being done.  His Avatar was Life, and witnessing the Life being drained out of them as it was caused him tremendous pain.  Patrick Understood what he saw, but Bryan felt it down deep inside.

          Inside his Mind and Heart, Bryan looked up and, outside of the Link with the others, shouted out into the Universe:  Grandfather!

          He did it on instinct, but he knew that the Lab was now protected against the Arch-Angels so he was shocked to hear Uriel’s voice in his Mind:  I am aware Bryan.

          His shock was apparent:  How can you….?

          You reached for me so I can respond.

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

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

          Fuck the Rules!  Break them!

          I cannot.  But you can.  Why do you think we made you this way?  That’s why we need you and your Brothers, Bryan - you can act where we cannot. You are Unfettered – the only boundaries you have are self-imposed by your Hearts.

          We don’t know where they are!

          You can find them Bryan.  The Tree of Life touches ALL life.  While there is breath in their bodies, they are connected.  You felt it the first time I took you to the Valley for your Awakening.  Remember that connection and find them.  If you can delay The Master long enough, I can take them Home.

          Bryan went back to the time he drank the Water of Life causing his Awareness to expand and encompass all Life in Creation.  It was Soul crushing – initially seeing the Pattern of Creation as it was originally intended in all its perfection and then sensing all the gaps and brokenness that now existed.  It had left him debilitated and sobbing on the floor – he also remembered how powerful it was and how it almost washed Lane’s presence out of him.  But he was in control of his Avatar now, and further he had part of Patrick’s Avatar which would give him an Understanding of what he was looking at.  That was a dual edged sword… it would magnify the pain, but it would also let him identify the Life he was searching for.  He didn’t need to go so far out of himself this time… he only needed to look on Earth.

          As everyone looked on the horrible scene unfolding before them, they felt Bryan reach out for the Tree.  His tattoo flared emerald green, and Life energy start to flow in them.  He took them all with him this time – as his Awareness expanded, they felt the connections through him.  He needed them there – to help him look, but also to support him. 

          Come on fuckers!  We can find them!

          Loy saw the broken empty spaces in the pattern and his own Avatar flared sending his Awareness out into the Spirit Realm.  There were spirits that had been the creatures that were now gone – he called them and thought:  They aren’t all gone Bry.  We can bring them back once this is all settled, or at least some of them.  For now though, let me fill some of those holes, Brother, and lessen the pain.

          Bryan’s throat closed with the emotion – what Loy did was incredible, and while it didn’t make the pattern perfect, he filled enough of the Broken emptiness that it made a difference.  The impact of what Loy said struck him – he knew they could restore humans, but he never considered restoring species of animals or even plants that had disappeared.  He let out a silent:  Fuck me!

          Brad and the doctor both realized what Bryan was doing and their understanding flooded the Link.

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

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

          Time was working against them.  Bryan was looking through billions of people and creatures trying to find them, and as time wore on, their screams became louder.

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

          Yellow Light erupted from the chests of the seven captives, and The Master gazed hungrily at the glowing balls of Light that were their Souls.  The Light was inside them, as if their bodies were transparent; it was strong and uncomfortable to Laurent and the other ‘suits’ and Protectors, but they were shielded.  The powers clashed, however the Darkness of the Master was strong and dimmed their Light.

          Loy sent out a call to the seven oldest and most powerful Spirits in his Awareness.  Come my friends, I need your aid.  Be ready to do battle with the Enemy – bring whatever powers you bear, and be ready to attack.  Do NOT sacrifice yourselves, but do everything you can to hurt and distract and buy us time.

          The Spirits weren’t gifted with Speech like the Ancient Spirit in Australia, but he felt their support and Love of him as their Steward, and they obeyed his Will.  Their presence washed into the Link lending their strength.  Countless other Spirits came at his call, and they swam around the Team – the air was thick in the Spiritual Realm with them and they lent a part of themselves to help.

          The doctor knew his daughter’s Mind and Soul as well as he knew his own.  He had known the other Elders for thousands of years and been in their Minds – human Souls are unique as well as Mental signatures.  He shared their patterns with Bryan and Brad and the others giving them something more specific to look for.

          Jonathan was the oldest of all of them – Mentally he was the strongest, but his body was frail.  The doctor couldn’t help the sob that escaped him as he saw Jonathan’s body failing – his Soul drifted out of his chest and bobbed gently in front of him as the breath left his body.

          Bryan was close, and he saw Jonathan’s Life force dimming rapidly – the Light going out is what drew his attention; it looked like a dying star.  He grabbed ahold of it when there was the tiniest spark left – it was enough for him to delve into Jonathan’s Soul as it floated out of his body.  Once he was with Jonathan, Brad grabbed the other six Elders and they held tight to all seven of them.

<><><> 

          The ‘suits’ and Protectors shouted in surprise and agony as Light erupted from all of the Elders; powerful and burning against their shields.  Ghostly roots and vines appeared inside the bodies of their captives, wrapping around their Souls in Protection, forming an emerald shield.

          The ‘suits’ recovered quickly, but were immediately assaulted by the ancient Spirits - Spirits backed by Loy’s Will and Avatar. Their Power was Wild, not of the Light or the Dark, and ferocious.

          Brad, drawing Power from across the Veil, added his own shield around the Elders bolstering Bryan’s.  Lane Listened and filled them all with strength.  They were One, working in unison, locked together by Ken’s Avatar.  Henry was with them, lending his full strength and making it available to them. He wasn’t able to hold nearly as much Power as they could and never would be – their Nephelem Heritage gave them a greater capacity - but his own strength was not inconsiderable, and they needed it – his presence and support bolstered them.

          The Master felt their presence as soon as the Light exploded.  The split second of surprise was all the time they needed to wrap the Souls and Minds of the Elders in their Protection. 

           He let out a bellow of rage, and black smoky tendrils seethed out of his Dark Aura, reaching out to destroy the Elders.  White Power flared as Brad bore the brunt of the attack, but he was backed by all his Brothers and his lover, and Ken’s Will was like a wall that didn’t budge – it was as solid as his Body.  The room shook and the stone floor cracked as the powers clashed.

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

          Darren had a physical shield over the Elders, but it would only delay the Protectors – he was strong but he couldn’t match their physical strength; at best he knew he could delay them, and he used every trick he had learned to do that.

          The ‘suits’ were assailed by the ancient Spirits, their ethereal forms ghostlike as they whipped around, relentless in their attack.  The ‘suits’ quickly recovered and shielded themselves and the Protectors, while the Master struck again and again at the Elders only to be blocked.

          The Master was incredibly strong, and his blows were like hammers against the Team but they held – they were enough. 

          The Master in his blind rage shouted to the Protectors, “KILL THEM NOW!”

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

          Jonathan was already gone, but his Mind was not yet completely still.  Even as the blades were piercing their hearts, Brad pulled the Elders into the Construct with them and went deep so time nearly stood still.  The Elders were in wide eyed shock as they appeared in the Construct – free of pain and in the warm comforting presence of the Team.

          As soon as Charisa saw the doctor, her face turned to stone and her voice was harsh as she said, “Father.”

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

          “This is all your doing!”

          Albrecht raised his voice in anger and practically shouted, “Enough Charisa!”

          She wouldn’t let up and continued, “You’re meddling brought things to this point father.  If you had left well enough alone, we would have survived.”

          Jonathan’s voice was like a glass of icy water in Charisa’s face when he said, “Albrecht is right Charisa.  Enough.  Aaron did not bring us to this point.  You did – your stubborn pride is what led to these events.”

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

          Brad’s Avatar was on fire from the tension between the doctor and his daughter.  Patrick could see the connections between all the Elders and the doctor and Albrecht.  The connection between the doctor and Charisa was one of the most complex he had ever seen.

          Pat’s handsome face looked sad and confused, and he asked her, “You know how much he loves you right?”

          The same irritation that Rick felt at Len Paterson’s treatment of his son Craig hit him.   Like a thunderbolt his Avatar flared – the sparks flew and Charisa got a stunned look on her face.

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

          Ken continued, “We’ve never had any interaction with you, or anyone else in The Order.  We’ve felt isolated in this fight from the very start, and we’re doin’ our best – you’ve never lifted a finger to help us.  We’d never have made it as far as we have without the doc and Albrecht.  We owe them more than you can possibly imagine.  Our opinion of you isn’t very high… as far as we’ve seen, you’ve only ever given them grief for doin’ what they thought was right.”

          Charisa was like a statue.  Tears streamed down her face as Ken’s and Rick’s words sunk into her.  Rick’s Avatar, amplified by everyone else, hit her like a hammer and the knots inside her didn’t just loosen they snapped.

          Jonathan said, “You are too proud, Charisa, and stubborn – like your father in many ways before he outgrew those flaws. When he was younger, he was much like you are now.  I am sorry that all of this has happened, but it rests on your shoulders, not Aaron’s.”

          She didn’t move a muscle but the walls she had kept around herself for the last twenty five hundred years fell – Aaron felt it, and he was inside her Mind in a flash.  At first she resisted him, but he was far stronger than she was and he held her tight – not only was he stronger, but he had a father’s desperation driving his actions.

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

          We are about to die father.  I am so afraid… to lose my Soul to Him…

          But you will not… my sons have seen to that.  Uriel is waiting to take you Home.

          So you are consorting with Arch-Angels now father? 

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

          Charisa was crying still – but now the tears were not of pain or fear or anger. Mostly they were tears of regret – regret for all the years of separation and bitterness towards her father.  She realized it was her own stubborn pride that kept them apart and drove her actions – but she always convinced herself that her path was the right one.  Facing the facts, she realized her path was what led to the destruction of The Order, not her father’s.  He would remain behind with his New Warriors – like the prophecy said so long ago… a New Order will arise.

          I have a confession father.  I knew this day would come - Taliesin prophesized these events.  I erased the event from his Mind so I would be the only one who heard the words uttered.  As soon as I saw the Demon fall, I knew I was dead along with the other Elders.  Knowing this day would eventually happen, it was another reason I fought you so vehemently from pursuing your goals.  I trapped myself - I could never admit my knowledge without admitting my tampering with Taliesin and the Gift, and I wanted The Mantle too badly to give it up. I am ashamed, and my weakness has led to this point.

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

          She wept in his arms, and he held her until she accepted his love as it was offered – unconditionally.

          She felt the ties to her body weakening.  Even as slowly as Time was moving in this place, she knew she had to hurry.

          I am truly sorry to have to do this to you father, but The Mantle must be passed on.  You will see the Prophesy once The Mantle is upon you again.  You will also see many things I did that I am not proud of.  I know this is not what you want.  You can pass it to Albrecht after, if you wish, but my time is up.

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

          She used his birth name in their native tongue and dialect – it sounded so strange to hear again after all these centuries, but the passage of The Mantle was a Deep Magic and formalities must be observed.  He had taught her that.

          I accept.

<><><> 

          The doctor’s body arched and his energy centers crackled as Light literally exploded out of him.  The transfer of The Mantle was not a gentle thing – The Mantle, like the Gift, was a Powerful Blessing and contained the knowledge and experience of all the previous bearers.  He had worn it before for a short time as well as Albrecht – and he felt Charisa’s presence inside him once it settled and became a part of him again.

          The seven Elders collapsed and their bodies disappeared from the Construct as the rune etched blades took their lives.

          The Team felt the intense pressure of The Master’s Dark Aura as he continued to reach for their Souls, but they dug deep and held him off.  They were sweating, their bodies exhibiting the effort that their Minds and Souls were exerting.  As always, they clung to one another in support, bolstering each other in Mind, Body, and Soul. 

          The short time they held the Souls of the Elders safe felt like an eternity, but finally they heard the fluttering sound of wings, and Uriel was there.  He fanned out his wings and gently wrapped them around the bodies, collecting their Souls to take them Home.

          The Master could see him – he screamed his rage at the Arch-Angel and for a moment Uriel thought the Master might actually attack him.

          You would dare to pit yourself against me?  Uriel’s voice almost sounded hopeful.

          Uriel felt The Master’s hatred, but it was impotent.  The desecration of their bodies was unfortunate, but he held in his wings what mattered – their corpses were now just shells. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.  Uriel rarely ever used a literal Transubstantiation at the time of Death, but he could when he felt the need – Death was his Province.  The bodies of the seven Elders turned to dust and collapsed on the floor.  The loud clang of the daggers rang through the stone chamber as they fell to the floor no longer sheathed in their fleshly bodies.

          Uriel let his Light shine brightly as he left the Physical Realm – not enough to destroy the human servants, but enough to make them feel the burn.  As much as he wished, he was not allowed to destroy them – that job was in the hands of his Grandson, and his Brothers of the Order.

          As Uriel left with the Souls of the last Elders of the Circle of The Order in his wings Lane’s Vision faded, and the screen in Brad’s Construct of the Operations board went still.

<><><> 

          Ken’s voice was subdued as he put a hand on the doctor’s shoulder, squeezing in comfort, “I’m so sorry doc.  We couldn’t save them.”

          The doctor’s voice was quiet, and he covered Ken’s hand with his own, “But you did my son; all of you did.  You saved them from a horrible fate, and they are Home now and at rest.  I will miss them terribly – I have known them all for countless years and their absence will leave a hole in my Heart.  But I have Albrecht and all of you.  That is what matters.”

          Albrecht had both arms tight around Aaron, holding him close – not saying anything and not needing too.  He held his lover and the other half of his Soul against him in his Mind and Heart just as his strong arms were around his body.  He was grieving as well – he had known the Elders their entire lives, and Jonathan all of his own.  Jonathan was the oldest of all of them.

          As everyone calmed down, they all felt something different about the doctor.  Brad realized it was The Mantle – there was a difference to his Aura now.  None of them really understood what that meant, and now wasn’t the time to ask.  The doctor would tell them what they needed to know.  For now, he needed his time alone with Albrecht to grieve.

<><><> 

          The next few days were quiet, and everyone was subdued.  They won another victory of sorts over the Enemy.  They saved the Souls of the Elders, but they were still gone from the world – mankind would never know the pain and sacrifice they had made over the centuries on their behalf.

          Ken left it up to all the guys whether they wanted to train for the next few days – he cancelled the regular regime in case any of them needed more time alone with their partners to deal with everything.  It was stressful having all the ‘guests’ in both the Australian and Atlanta Labs.  They did it willingly, but all of them were giving up a lot of personal time by doing so, and Ken was very aware of that.

<><><> 

          Albrecht and the doctor were naked and in bed together – Albrecht had his strong arms wrapped around his lover.  They didn’t make love that night, Aaron just needed to be held and understood.

          The doctor’s massive intellect was processing everything he was now aware of – when Charisa passed the Mantle back to him, he saw the things she spoke of.  When he went back and relived the memory of Taliesin’s prophecy, he saw what Charisa had done to him. 

          He felt many things when he viewed that memory – sorrow, anger, and even a little relief.

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

          I can see how he thinks that Aaron, but we both know it’s not true.  Now that we know this… nothing really changes.  Tal is still alive, and Lane says he has an important role still to play in the downfall of The Master.  I don’t see how that can be, but if Lane saw it then it will be so – probably in no way we can imagine or foresee.

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

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

          They both went silent for a time, and after a few minutes Albrecht felt Aaron’s body shaking with quiet sobs.

          I miss her so much Albrecht.  As you know we rarely spoke, and our relationship has been a difficult one.  I have always had regrets about the way things have gone between us – I feel as if I sacrificed my daughter for the sake of our Mission. 

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

          Through his tears, Aaron smiled and chuckled:  I know.  I do not do it on purpose.

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

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

          He pulled Aaron tighter against him and gently kissed his shoulder.  They fell silent again resting in one another’s Heart and Mind, and the warm embrace of their bodies pressed together.

<><><> 

          Drew wasn’t completely aware of what happened.  He knew the doctor, Albrecht, and his Uncles were sad about something.  His dad was too, but kept the reason hidden in a place Drew couldn’t see in his Mind – Drew was sure it had something to do with his mom.  Henry told Drew that the doctor had lost his daughter and was very sad, and he would need some time to get over it.

          Henry had to explain to Drew that as his father he couldn’t share everything with him when they were Linked or merged.  There were adult things that were private – and it didn’t mean he loved Drew any less.  Henry loved Drew more every day, and was trying so hard to be a good father, but he felt like he was flying by the seat of his pants most of the time.

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

          The doctor had a tablet on the table and was reading something, occasionally swiping his fingers across the screen to advance the page, absentmindedly putting the spoon in his mouth every so often.

          Drew made a beeline for the doctor, who put his spoon down and leaned over for his hug, “Good morning my boy.  Did you sleep well?”

          “Yes sir.”

          To say that Drew was an ‘old soul’ was an understatement.  He was the second oldest human Soul in existence, and even though he was only a little over five years old, he had a way about him that often transcended a normal boy of his age.

          His Mind was open, and he could sense the hurt in the doctor.  On instinct, and without asking permission, he climbed up into the doctor’s lap.  The doctor was surprised for a moment, but quickly wrapped one arm around Drew’s stomach to hold him in place as he continued to eat his cereal and read.  The doctor’s mind was incredibly disciplined, and he was an amazing multitasker. 

          With no words being spoken, Drew sat quietly in his lap, but it was his way of giving the doctor comfort.  A single tear fell down the doctor’s cheek, and he kissed the top of Drew’s head – it was a deep and profound connection Drew expressed towards him, and it lifted his spirit immensely.

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

          Drew didn’t say anything; he sat quietly in the doctor’s lap until Sally came in to start his lessons.

<><><> 

          Thanksgiving was approaching, and Bryan was chaffing at the restrictions of not leaving either of the two Labs.  There was a lot of grocery shopping to get done and preparations to make.  He wanted to put on a banquet spread for both locations. 

          He used the opportunity to spend more time with Rich and asked for his input on the menu and said he would need his help with everything at the Australian base. Rich continued to thrive under Bryan’s attention, and his confidence level was at an all-time high.

          Bryan made a meticulous grocery list for Henry and the doctor – he broke it all down into what could be bought ahead of time, and what needed to be fresh and purchased at the last possible minute.  He even had the list organized by which aisle in the store each item could be found in, and had alternate brands listed in case something he listed was out of stock. 

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

          Drew wasn’t happy about his dad going to the store without him – he still had some separation anxiety when he was apart from Henry for too long.

          Ken called a short break for everyone to get something to drink, and to towel off and catch their breath.

          Brad and Pat both, each in their own way, saw how upset Drew was about having to stay.  It wasn’t a childish tantrum about wanting to go to the store.  He really had a deep rooted sense of fear about losing Henry.

          Ken said, “Hey Drew, come over here, Tiger.”

          He kneeled down to be at eye level with the little boy and smiled at him, “Everythin’s gonna’ be fine buddy.  They’ll be back before you know it.  Hey, I’m guessin’ that you’re on a break from your lessons with Miss Sally right?”

          “Yes, sir.”

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

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

          “Can I?”

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

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

          Brad was smiling and thought:  You know Ken you’re really good with him.

          Just another one of my many super powers.

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

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

          Ken grinned at him like a little kid when he said that. With his handsome tanned face all sweaty and his hair plastered down on his head, he looked too damn cute.  Brad leaned over and gave him a quick kiss and smiled back.  You are a douche.  But I really mean it Ken – you’re good with Drew.  You’d make a great dad.

          Ken actually blushed and thought:  Thanks B.  That means a lot to me that you think that.

          Darren stuck his finger down his throat and made a gagging sound, which got them all to laughing.

<><><> 

          The four big men had caught their breath and were sitting on the floor facing each other and talking when Drew ran back in.

          “OK Drew, come over here a minute.”  Ken patted the floor between him and Brad.

          Drew sat down and crossed his legs just like the grownups.

          “I’ve been givin’ this a lot of thought Drew.  I want to start you on a special program.  Me and your other Uncles are gonna’ be your personal trainers startin’ today.”

          “I know you want to get big and strong like us and your dad, right?”

          Drew nodded his head vigorously.

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

          Drew looked a little dejected… he wanted to lift the big weights.

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

          “I think so.”

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

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

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

          Drew was grinning ear to ear as Ken mentally sent out his plan to Brad, Darren, and Pat.  He really had been thinking about this.  He wanted to increase Drew’s speed and flexibility and his strength.  If something ever happened in a worst case scenario, he wanted Drew to be able to run and hide and keep himself safe until they could get to him.  And he wanted the training to seem fun like a game, so Drew wouldn’t even realize they were teaching him survival tricks.

          “OK Drew… have you ever played with a slinky?”

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

          Ken smiled at him, “Good boy.”

          When Henry was finished in the shower, he stuck his head back in the gym and saw Ken and the others working with Drew.  Patrick, Darren, and Brad were on one knee holding their arms out and tensed and Ken was showing Drew how to flip his body over in a handspring between their arms.  The goal was to not touch their arms if he could.  Ken had both hands holding firmly onto him and was stressing how important his form was to keep from hurting himself and to maximize his movements.

          Henry smiled knowing Drew loved working with the guys - they would keep him distracted while Henry was out with the doctor.

<><><> 

          “OK doc.  Ready when you are!”

          “Do you mind driving my boy?”

          “Not at all, sir.”  Henry grabbed the keys to one of the new Suburbans – there was a wall locker close to the door where they kept the keys to the two Suburbans plus an extra set for everyone’s Explorers in case they were ever needed.

          While Henry drove, the doctor was working on his tablet, monitoring the computers back in the Lab.  He seemed very antsy.

          “Everything alright doc?  You seem uptight.”

          “I am sorry Henry – I am at a crucial point, and have been stuck on how best to approach a particular direction in my code.  However I have now received nearly ten emails from Bryan asking me if we have everything he needs for Thanksgiving.”

          Henry laughed about the emails from Bryan.  He didn’t think the doctor was exaggerating one bit on how many he got.  He glanced down at the tablet in the doctor’s lap and said, “All that stuff is Greek to me doc.  I wish I was smart like that but I’m not.”

          The doctor stopped what he was doing and looked at Henry intently, “Let me make something perfectly clear to you my boy.  Each of us has Gifts – some we are born with, and some we are fortunate enough to encounter and collect as we live our lives.  Never belittle yourself – no one person is better or worse than another in the eyes of our Creator.”

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

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

          Henry smiled and said, “I’m not offended at all, Doc.  I enjoy my time with you one-on-one.”  Henry’s eyes got a little glassy, and he almost choked up as he said, “You’ve come to mean a lot to me, sir.  You and Albrecht and all the guys.  I never had a family growing up, not really.  Even with everything that’s happened to me, I’m happier than I’ve ever been thanks to you.  If I ever had a father, I couldn’t imagine him being any better than you, sir.”

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

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

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

          The solemn mood lightened and the doctor put his tablet away.  They made their way to Publix and each got a cart.  He started to move away and split up but the doctor called him back saying, “We must stick together Henry.”

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

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

          Henry always kept a shield up when he was out of the Lab, but he strengthened it in response.

          At first Henry didn’t see anyone, but by the time both carts were full he noticed two women that passed him on a few different aisles – it struck him, now that he was paying attention, that nothing in their shopping carts changed. They were watching him and the doc, and he started to get a little nervous.

          When they got to the checkout counter, it took some time to ring up all the groceries.  Henry was on edge but tried to stay outwardly calm – he now noticed at least six or seven people who were staring.  The doctor was perfectly calm and acted as though nothing was amiss.

          Doc?

          Just act normally Henry.  I doubt they will attack us openly.

          Shouldn’t we call for backup?

          I think you and I can handle whatever might come up. I will alert Kenneth and have them ready in case things escalate beyond our ability to handle.

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

          That is why I have no fear, Henry.  I told you some of us have Gifts.  I think one of yours is about to come into play.  That is why I am not concerned.

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

          She had a smart look on her face, sassy, and mean spirited.  She said it loudly so other customers would hear, as if she wanted to embarrass them.

          The doctor was perfectly calm and said, “I apologize, I should have known that would happen.  Let me try another.”

          He pulled out his wallet and selected a different card.  Henry hadn’t seen a card like it before – it was the size of a credit card but looked completely metallic with no markings other than a magnetic strip.

          The cashier wasn’t paying attention to the card – Henry was pretty sure no matter what card the doctor used it would be denied. 

          The girl’s face was shocked when the display said ‘Approved’ and the receipt started spitting out.  She was speechless, but the doctor simply said, “Thank you my dear.  That was my fault. Have a wonderful day.”

          They declined the offer of assistance from the bag boys to help them out, and they made their way back to the Suburban.  Henry was watching as more and more people started gathering around them, not too close, but it was obvious they were being surrounded.  The doctor continued to act normal.

          They got in the Suburban, and Henry backed out, but as he moved towards the exit a number of cars moved to block them.

          Doc?

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

          Yes sir.

          They both exited the car.  Henry was sorry he had jeans on – he didn’t want to rip them in a fight.  He stripped off his jacket and tossed it into the driver’s seat.

          “Hello, Hank.  Long time, buddy.”

          Henry recognized Burt Richter’s voice – he hadn’t seen or spoken to Burt since he was rescued by Loy and Rick; Burt was high up in the echelons of the Atlanta Protectors.  He saw seven other Protectors he knew, but Burt was by far the strongest and toughest.

          He also saw three ‘suits’ in the crowd.  He recognized Angelo Bertucci as one of them – the man who controlled the process of mental domination over Henry when he was transformed into a Protector. 

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

          Henry’s voice went cold when he saw Angelo.  Memories of that time came back to him – the torture, pain, humiliation… the helplessness.   The memories no longer haunted him – the Love and support of his brothers pulled him out of that life; but he remembered everything.

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

          Angelo had a frown on his face, “The shield on you is your own.  How is that possible?”

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

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

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

          He knew the doctor couldn’t lie to him, but he answered his question with a question.  Whatever do you mean my boy?           

          Henry laughed:  You did. 

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

          Henry’s Mind spun quickly, and he wasn’t sure what to think.  At first he seemed angry about it, as if the doc didn’t trust him, but he quickly knew that wasn’t the case.  In fact, he realized the doctor had every confidence in him, and that he was fully capable of facing these men from his past for the right reasons. 

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

          Precisely my boy.  Now let them know who they are dealing with.

          With Pleasure.

          Henry felt a warm calm come over him, and he slowed down his perception of Time.  He went deep inside of himself – he found the centering flame Albrecht had him focus on when he meditated.  He was relaxed, yet ready.

          The inner resolve he had been building while training with Ken and Brad and the Team was there – he was a Defense between The Enemy and his son.  He was a wall that they couldn’t pass.  His own purpose wasn’t to defeat The Master – that was for the guys to do after Drew succeeded in his own miraculous part.  He didn’t see himself as less than his Brothers – he wasn’t part Nephelem like they were, and Albrecht had even said his Heart would be the weakest of his three energy centers.  But he did have Heart – he had the love of his Brothers inside of him and the Love of his newfound son.  That was all he needed.

          He knew Angelo and the other two ‘suits’ had no idea how strong he was Mentally, or that he had the training he did.  He would hit them hard first and hope he got lucky with at least one or two of them.

          Henry opened up his three energy centers and bound them together.  He let his own Light shine – it wasn’t as bright or as powerful as his Brothers, but it was strong and unexpected.

          At the same time, he sent a trident of Mental Energy at the three ‘suits.’  He made it tight and razor sharp.  To his surprise it shattered the Shields of all three, destroying the Minds of two of them and nearly knocking Angelo out. 

          Henry sped up his perception of Time slightly and he saw the beginnings of Angelo’s movements – the grimace of pain and surprise crossing his face and the yell that was about to escape his lips.

          With Angelo’s Shields down, as distasteful as it was, Henry quickly scanned him and confirmed that no one present was a coerced Servant to The Enemy.  He steeled himself, because he knew he wouldn’t spare any of them.  He didn’t take pleasure in the thought - it was part of the war he was in.

          These people had done unspeakable things to men, women, children, even animals, and done them willingly – and they were so Broken they took pleasure in what they did.  At first he thought of making them feel at least some of the pain that they had so gleefully bestowed upon all their victims in the past – but he had told the doc this wasn’t about revenge.  No, they would get what was coming to them when Uriel collected their Souls and took them to their Hell.

          He gripped Angelo’s Mind tightly in his own Shield cutting him off from his abilities – he felt the fear and terror inside the man but stopped there.  He had no wish to immerse himself any further into the dark recesses of Angelo’s Soul.

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

          Henry was clean and precise and struck each blow with the intent of eliminating another threat to his son, his Brothers, or any other humans that didn’t deserve to be tortured or abused by these brutal men.

          Burt was the first one to come in arms reach – he was also the strongest physically and the fastest.  But Henry, when he was amped up from the Tantric practice that Albrecht had taught him, was even stronger and faster than the fastest of them.  He had been formidable himself as a Protector but he would never have climbed Their ranks because he wasn’t a willing servant – he remembered their cruel taunts in reference to his forced servitude, and he had always heard them in his Mind, and could only scream impotently inside while he watched and felt his body do whatever it was they commanded him to do.

          The doctor was with Henry the entire fight – inside his Mind through their Link.  He monitored Henry’s emotions and thoughts and made sure he would be alright.  He was not surprised that he didn’t have to intervene.  He knew Henry’s training and how far he had come – and just like his other sons, Henry surpassed his expectations.  His interactions with Ken and the others had unlocked the man inside Henry and allowed him to grow and be what he now was.

          He watched, impressed, as Henry completely dominated the eleven Enemy Agents.  They never landed a single blow – he was a perfect weapon.  The doctor saw elements of the Kata that Michael had taught Ken as well as a blend of the fighting style that Albrecht had taught him.  His time with Ken and the others had forged him into more of a weapon than he already was – and now he had a purpose to his life he didn’t have before.  He was still a Protector – but now he protected his son, and that responsibility and Love transformed him into something above what he had been before.

          The doctor was witness to the Gift he mentioned that Henry carried inside of himself - a Gift of Fatherhood.  Henry was a defense for his son against an age-old Darkness that he had once been forced to be a part of – his Soul had been Broken in pain but tempered and reforged by the Light of the Team and by the love of a little boy who needed him.

          To Henry, it seemed the fight took minutes but in reality it was a matter of seconds.  He barely broke a sweat and wasn’t breathing hard – he felt pain in his hands, arms, and legs, and even his forehead from striking lethal blows with his body.  He ignored the pain and moved over to Angelo.

          He picked the cowering man up and looked into his eyes – the eyes that had bored into him and dominated his Will and Mind for nearly three years.

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

          Angelo started blubbering, his arrogant cocky demeanor shattered – he started begging for his life and offering them anything they wanted in return for letting him go.

          The doctor took over the Shield from Henry and he got what he wanted.

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

          The doctor burned these words into Angelo’s Mind:

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

          There was a Prophecy spoken ages ago of these events:

When the Ten become Five and the Five become One and a Darkness returns to Light,

A fortnight from the second birth of the Twice Born

The Circle will Fall by The Master’s hand.

If the Mantle passes back whence it came before the Circle falls,

A New Order will rise – if not Darkness will Reign until the Dragon is called.

          I now wear the Mantle.  We are the New Order.  Rage against us all you wish but we are strong enough to weather whatever you send against us. 
And when the time is right we will come for you.

          He set a Compulsion in Angelo’s Mind to go directly to The Master and deliver his message.

          Henry had not seen this part of the doctor before – when he said those words he radiated an Aura of strength that Henry had never felt from him before.  Maybe it was The Mantle.  Or maybe the doctor was just badass and always kept a lid on it.  It didn’t matter – Henry was glad they were on the same side.

          I think that’ll get their attention doc.

          All the bystanders had fled right after Henry decimated the Agents, fearful that they might be included in the fallout.

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

<><><> 

          By the time they returned to the Lab and were unloading groceries Henry was beginning to stiffen up.  Albrecht came out to help and said in passing, “You did well Henry.”

          Henry chuckled and said, “Yeah thanks for settin’ me up Al.”

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

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

          “It was not a test – not like that.  But if it was you would have passed with flying colors.”

          Albrecht ruffled his hair affectionately and slapped him on the back.  Henry visibly winced and Albrecht chuckled but said, “I apologize Henry.  You should have Brad and Darren take care of the pain.  What you accomplished was no small feat and I am proud of the way you handled yourself.   I’ll finish here with Aaron – go and see what Drew has learned to do!  He’s very proud and can’t wait to show you.”

<><><> 

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

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

          Ken was coaching him, “OK Drew, remember… just like a slinky.  Try not to touch our arms.”

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

          When he got to the end Darren high fived him and then swatted him on the butt, sending him towards his dad and saying, “Good job Tiger!”

          Drew ran and jumped up into Henry’s arms throwing his arms around Henry’s thick neck.  Henry hugged him back and said in his ear, “Drew that was awesome!  I’m really proud of you!”

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

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

          “Rough day at Publix.”

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

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

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

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

          He was really starting to worry he had somehow screwed up when Ken looked up at him – he wiped the sweat off his face with a big sigh and said, “Jesus Henry… three ‘suits’ and eight Protectors?  And one of the Protectors some kind of a lieutenant here in Atlanta?  Why didn’t you call us in?”

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

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

          “That’s not the point.”

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

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

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

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

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

          “I’ll be fine.”

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

          Their energy centers all opened up and in seconds Henry felt completely refreshed as all the pain and discomfort in his body was washed away by the healing flows of energy that coursed through him.

          He was sweating slightly and his body was now totally relaxed.  He grinned and said, “Damn I get the happy ending joke now.”

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

          They picked up on their workout as if there had been no interruption of a few hours.  It was just another day in the Order and they took it all in stride.

<><><> 

          Early the next morning something woke Albrecht up – it was an intuitive feeling that something was wrong.  He reached for Aaron, and found his side of the bed empty and cold. 

          He threw off the covers and put on some shorts, opened the door, and padded down the hallway far enough to see into the kitchen and common area of the Lab.  It was still very early, nearly 6:00am and the only light was coming from under the microwaves inset into the cupboards.

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

          He reached out with his Mind: Aaron?  Where are you?

          The Intuitive feeling he had of danger hit him stronger, and it sent a shiver through his body.  He reached out with his Heart and couldn’t feel Aaron’s presence and started to panic. 

          He ran to the door and pulled up the log files – and saw that Aaron had left the building hours earlier in the middle of the night.

          How he could have gotten out of their room without waking Albrecht was a mystery.  Albrecht was a light sleeper and usually woke up at the slightest provocation.

<><><> 

          The doctor set a trigger to wake himself at 1:30am.  He felt the warmth of Albrecht’s body against his own, and he was reluctant to move.    

          He had been having an ongoing debate in his own mind since The Mantle fell back on his shoulders.  The voices of the previous Elders, including the voice of his own daughter – Charisa – were clear in his Mind. They constantly spoke to him, even argued with him.

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

          He was fighting with the voices… he could not easily silence them, and they were a constant pressure.  He realized that Charisa had probably succumbed to The Mantle long ago and she might not have been completely responsible for her actions these last centuries.  He wondered how or why The Mantle could have changed so drastically.

          Regardless, The Mantle must survive… its existence was integral to The Order.  It was a Deep and Powerful magic from long ago – but he needed it gone from his shoulders. After experiencing the changes in it, he would not consider letting Albrecht take the burden from him.  As always he was selfless – wanting to shoulder the burden on his own to prevent anyone else from suffering.

          The conflict put Aaron in a dilemma – how could he ensure the safety of The Mantle and protect the magic of The Order, yet keep it separate so it could not influence himself or Albrecht?

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

          One possibility struck him.  He knew Albrecht would not let him go by himself, and he had no wish to endanger his lover.  There was one being he knew of that might help him – there would be some risk but he doubted his life would be in any danger.

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

          He got up and dressed warmly.  He knew it would be cold where he wanted to go - he prayed he would get an answer.

          He let himself out of the Lab and entered his code on the outside panel to reactivate all the security protocols and reseal the building.

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

<><><> 

          He felt no sense of movement but he was no longer in the parking lot of the Lab in Atlanta.  He was in a cavern – the only illumination was from two torches on either side of the large stone doors into the Vault.

          He had never had any interaction with Thomin.  He knew of Brad and Lane’s encounter with him in the alternate reality and what a fickle creature he seemed to be.  Thomin was a Collector – that was his Province and the doctor was right when he imagined Thomin would not pass up the opportunity to add The Mantle to his other possessions.  He couldn’t help himself – it was in his nature.

          Thomin appeared before him, tall and inhumanly handsome.  His visage was older and thinner than any of the other Arch-Angels the doctor had seen, and in robes.  He looked far more ‘angelic’ than any of the others the doctor had come into contact with so far.

          “Thank you for hearing me.”

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

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

          Thomin gazed at him intensely, looking deep inside at the magic that was now intertwined with his Soul.

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

          “It has changed.  The Mantle must survive for The Order to exist but it has evolved much from the time I bore it before.  I will need your promise that if I need to retrieve it you will return it to me.”

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

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

          A voice startled both of them, “Yes Brother, how was the Book removed?  I wish to know that tidbit myself!”

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

          Thomin all but shouted, “What are you doing here?  You’re presence defiles this place!  Be gone!”

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

          The grin that spread across Luke’s face sent a cold chill down the doctor’s spine.

          Thomin saw the look in Luke’s eyes – there was greed and even glee there.  If Luke took The Mantle and destroyed it, it would decimate the chances of Ken and the others to succeed against The Master.  Thomin had no care for that… his concern was more like that of a child.  He had been offered a treasure, as he saw it, by the doctor, and in his mind The Mantle was now his – and sharing treasures was not in his nature.

          Aaron knew that Thomin had no interest in the Battle or the Balance – he was only interested in adding The Mantle to his collection, but that meant protecting him against Luke.  Thomin thrust the doctor behind him interposing himself between the doctor and The Dark One.

          “You cannot have it!  It is mine!”  Thomin’s voice sounded like a petulant child.

          The doctor took full advantage of being behind Thomin and out of Luke’s direct line of sight.  He called on The Mantle – delving into the knowledge of all the previous Elders, desperate for some information, some trick, anything that might allow him to come out of this situation alive with The Mantle staying out of Luke’s hands.

          It turned out the knowledge was inside him already, but it was Jonathan’s memories that showed him a way to use it in a manner he had never imagined.  It wouldn’t stop The Dark One for long, but it might give him enough time to complete his task with Thomin and get back to the safety of the Lab.

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

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

          Aaron forced himself to be calm and not shake.  So much rested on what he was about to try.  He tore off his jacket and ripped open his shirt – watching the buttons pop off and fly about onto the ground, making small clicking noises as they landed and bounced about on the stone floor of the cavern.  He needed blood and he had no knife so he scraped into the flesh of his body with his fingernail. 

          His face contorted in pain, and he had to scrape a few times to get enough blood and complete the Rune he traced on his chest.

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

          He focused his Mind tight and shielded himself as strongly as he could and sent a thought to Thomin, hoping he would hear:  Empower the Rune I have inscribed on my body!  I do not have the strength to do it by myself!

          Thomin, like all the Arch-Angels was tall– not nearly so broad or muscular as his brothers, but still larger framed than a human.  Luke was in front of Thomin, so he was unable to see the Rune Aaron etched onto his torso as Thomin turned to look.

          Thomin’s eyes went wide in surprise as he saw the symbols - he knew what they would do.  With inhuman speed he placed his hand on the doctor’s chest and a white burst of Light exploded.  The Rune exploded with Power, sending Luke far away.  It was a Rune of Banishment, but the doctor did not know Luke’s true name so the spell would only be partially effective.

          The doctor screamed as the Power ripped through him – it nearly tore his body apart.  He did not have the advantage of the Nephelem heritage of his sons, and his human body was not made to channel energies of that magnitude.  If the Mantle did not offer some protection he would most likely have died.

          Luke screamed in surprise and pain as he was sent away against his will.  Suddenly the cavern was silent once again except for the harsh breathing of the doctor.

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

          Aaron’s face registered surprise – he realized what Thomin was going to do, and there was nothing he could do to prevent it.  He was drained and exhausted from what just happened.  Thomin raised his hand, and there was another flash of Light – and suddenly the doctor was inside the Vault with The Mantle still inside of him encapsulated in the soft blue magic – frozen and outside of Time.

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

          Luke appeared in a thunderous blast of Power, “What did you do?!”

          “You may be stronger than I am, but where my Province is concerned, my Magic is too strong even for you.  The Mantle is in the Vault now and safe from your hands.”

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

<><><> 

          It was almost 3:00am, and Lane was in the gym.  He had a Dream… it was a series of powerful and uncomfortable scenes from Charisa’s life.  They weren’t just memories… he lived a part of her life, and it seemed like years before his Avatar let go of him. 

          When it finally released him, he felt an intense need to put what he witnessed into a song – it wasn’t something he looked forward to doing.  She had a privileged yet harsh life.  Being the daughter of a man such as the doctor was difficult – and Lane saw much of the doctor’s life as it related to Charisa when he was younger.  The doctor wasn’t a saint back then – it was long before he learned many of the lessons that made him the man that Lane knew.

          The idea struck him that great men don’t start out great… they grow into what they are.  The doctor made many mistakes in his youth and he learned the lessons of life through thousands of years to become the man Lane and his Brothers knew now.

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

          In the Atlanta Lab the rooms weren’t sound proofed… and he couldn’t use the common area so late at night...  so he ended up in the gym, as far away from everyone sleeping as he could get.  Bryan wouldn’t leave his side, even though it wasn’t something he could directly help with, so he practiced his kata while Lane strummed on his guitar and wrote on his cord sheets, trying to create the Song from what he had been shown.

          It was shaping up to be an emotional piece, and it was meant for the doctor… he wasn’t sure if it was a gift or not.  It was certainly private, and it wasn’t one he felt he would sing for anyone other than the doctor and his Brothers – it definitely wasn’t for public consumption.  But he felt it would give the doctor a glimpse into Charisa’s life and how she viewed her relationship with him.  As painful as it might be for him to hear, it might give him an understanding that he needed to reconcile his own loss of her presence in his life.

          A few times during the process, when Lane was particularly frustrated, Bryan came over and sat down behind him and pulled Lane against him in a hug.  He would hold him a few minutes and try to take his mind off the problem.  Usually his subconscious would work out the issue during the distraction.  It was the same trick that Ken had learned to use on Brad when he was overthinking an issue and let himself get too wound up to focus.

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

          By 6:00am, he was finally happy with the results and played the song through for Bryan.  He needed Bryan to help with the chorus, and maybe a few of the other guys as well if they would agree to it.  Some of them had great voices and had helped him sing before.

          He was tired and his back was stiff and sore from sitting on the hard floor.  Bryan got bored of practicing the kata hours earlier was now on his Kindle Fire HD reading back issues of organic gardening and occasionally making notes if something sparked his interest.

          He cringed when his eyes flared white and he felt his Avatar taking ahold of him again.

          Fuck!  Not again!  Gimme’ a break!

          He hated the anticipation, not knowing if it was going to be some profoundly powerful and painful experience, or something benign.  Very few of his Dreams or Visions were pleasant.

          He was surprised when he heard a voice speaking directly to him.

          Lane.

          He recognized the voice but had no idea how he could be contacting him – somehow bypassing the Runes they had to prevent just such a thing from happening.  Bryan had been able to talk to Uriel but that was because he called for him.

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

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

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

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

          Now!?  Where?

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

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

<><><> 

          Lane Listened and Bryan pulled from the Tree, giving Lane the Power he needed to send his thoughts across the globe to Australia and reach Brad.

          He sent a ‘711’ message, but was pretty sure Brad would still be awake.  Immediately Lane heard Brad’s voice in his Mind.

          Lane?  Is something wrong?

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

          Oh shit!

          Yeah.  Good times!  NOT.  Anyways, Raphael wants to meet with you right away at your house.  I told Ramiel I’d pass on the message but made no commitment or insinuation that you’d be there.  Up to you, bud.

          I’m sorry Lane.

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

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

          There was a slight pause and Lane felt Brad’s presence inside his Mind strengthen slightly.

          Lane, are you OK?  You’re emotions are really strong right now.  I thought I felt something. What’s going on?

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

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

          Lane’s eyes watered from Brad’s comments.  How willing his Brothers were to be there for him was not a surprise anymore, but Brad’s concern still touched him deeply.

          Lane laughed and thought:  I was OK until you asked.  Seriously I think I’m fine.  I’m exhausted… I stayed up all night working on this song so, I only got a few hours of sleep before this hit me.  It was an emotional ringer in its own way, but not traumatic like some of them have been.  I just want to crash with Bry and sleep it off.  I promise if I need to, I’ll get with you after I wake up. 

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

          Love you too blondie.

<><><> 

          Not even a minute later Brad briefly pulled the entire Team together.  Darren linked their Avatars, and Brad and Ken were standing in their kitchen in Atlanta a few seconds later.

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

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

          Ken smiled at Brad over Darren’s comment as they dropped out of the Link.  The house was cool… they had turned the thermostat down before they left.  As Ken moved to turn it back up to normal a soft ball of light appeared in the living room and quickly grew into the form of Raphael.  In his human form he wore his usual blue jeans, t-shirt, and brown leather jacket.  His features didn’t look like Brad’s, but he did have the same blonde hair and piercing blue eyes.

          Brad felt Ken’s reaction as soon as he saw the glowing sphere:  He’s here B.  Are you ready?

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

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

          Brad’s voice was even, perhaps even a bit cool, as he said, “Hello Grandfather.”

          If it was possible for an Arch-Angel to look nervous or unsure of himself Raphael managed it.  His reply was quiet, “Hello Brad, hello Ken.  Thank you for coming so quickly.”

          Ken motioned for Raphael to sit on the couch and he pulled two chairs from the kitchen into the den for him and Brad to sit on.

          While Ken got the chairs situated, Brad and Raphael stared at each other intently and the silence between them was deafening.

          Ken, trying to break the ice, asked Raphael, “Do you want somethin’ to drink?”  He paused with a questioning frown on his face and asked, “Do you drink?”

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

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

          Ken could feel the tension building inside of his partner… he was surprised at the depth of emotions that were beginning to stir.  He knew Brad was upset by what happened… they all were, but it was his memories that had been tampered with, and it affected the entire Team.  If they had known and understood the full secrets of their Avatars, Liz might never have needed to sacrifice herself for Drew. 

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

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

          He paused slightly to collect his thoughts.  His lowered his head looking down at his lap and with a deep breath asked, “You know that most of us are Orphans right?  Some of us never knew our parents, and those of us that did lost them early in life.  We didn’t know what it was like to have a family or a father until we met the doctor.  Even then most of us thought we’d be alone our entire lives.  I know I did – the fact that I like men isn’t well accepted in our world, and when we were in the military our careers would’ve been ruined if that preference was discovered.”

          “Then I met Ken, and I found everything I would ever need or want in another man – we had to keep our relationship a secret from the outside world, but we had each other, our brothers, and the doc - and that was enough.  But then all these years later we suddenly discovered we had an extended family.  The night Lane met Gabriel for the first time, we realized we had connections to someone else… it was an amazing feeling, and all of us were excited at the prospect of having others in our lives we could call our own.”

          Brad’s eyes got mistier as he talked, until hot tears were falling on his cheeks.  His face was red with emotion, and Ken felt the anger inside Brad as he let his emotions go.  He knew the way Brad thought - his mind worked as he verbalized what was inside him.  Ken had felt some of this when they were together, but Brad hadn’t formed it all into coherent thoughts yet.  The intensity built as he continued – it was a wave inside him, a tsunami of frustrated hurt and anger that needed an outlet.

          Ken reached over and put his hand on the back of Brad’s neck, wanting Brad to feel his physical presence along with his emotional support and know he was loved.

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

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

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

          Brad leaned over and put his head in his hands.  Ken moved his hand down and started rubbing his back soothingly.

          Raphael had a single tear running down his inhumanly handsome face; his tears had their own light and it was like a crystalline trail down his cheek.  His voice was so quiet Brad could barely hear his words, “I’m so sorry Brad.  All of us are, but it is primarily my fault.  The others looked to my Wisdom when we started down this path.”

          “What Luke said to you was originally true, but is no longer.  The Paradox of your existence has altered us as well.  We had no idea when we began all of this we would be affected by you so deeply.  We feel emotion, but it is not the same as with humans.  Since you came into our lives we also feel more, and hurt more than ever before – we didn’t know we could care so deeply for another being.”

          “We are billions of your years old, Brad.  Even though we were created outside of Time we feel the stretch of the years.  Much of our existence we spend inside the Arc of Time performing our tasks.  We do not have the same Free Will that you do… we do to an extent – enough to perform the tasks given to us under our Provinces, but we cannot go against our nature.”

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

          Raphael sighed and said, “Yes… he was granted Free Will, and you can see the results.  That is why the other Nephelem – and many of our kind – fear you. The power you wield along with Free Will could unleash a flock of Luke’s upon Creation.  But I believe I see the flaw in Luke, and that is why we bound your Souls together… the Love you share and experience keeps you grounded.  Luke didn’t truly become Evil until he revoked his right to return Home.  Without that Light and Love accessible to him, he changed and became what he is now.

          “The War he started continues to this day… no others of our Kind have had Free Will… until you.  The other difference between you and Luke… you are not sundered from Home.  While in your physical bodies you cannot go there, once you die you are assured a place in Heaven.  We made sure you retained your capacity for Unconditional Love, and bound you together as couples… the doctor performed the deed, but we planted the seeds and made sure it happened.  He truly is a genius – we seldom interfered with his work.  It seemed as though he had it figured out on his own before we intervened.

          “Even though you have only been alive a short time on Earth, I felt the effects of your creation thousands of years ago.  In your earthly calendar, around the year 3500, I was given the task to watch over a woman.  Human lives to us are like rivers when we look at them outside of Time – we see all the branches and experiences of their lives from their birth to their death.

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

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

          “She drank the Water of Life and it made the child inside her Immortal.  It healed her wounds, and she stayed in the valley.  She gave birth to her son, and lived there many years before she passed away.  The Water did not affect her in the same way as her son – it is not always the same for everyone.  It gave her the Sight and Awoke her Mind and she used her knowledge and Wisdom to raise her son.

          “In time, other humans found their way to the Valley and imbibed of the Water… and all of them but her were made Immortal.  The legend of the Fountain of Youth springs from those times.  Once the Veil was brought into existence and the Valley hidden, the legend of the Water faded into myth.

          “The Water Awoke the other humans who drank the water… those that lived eventually became the Elders of The Order that you saw die by The Master’s Hand.  The boy I speak of is your doctor, Aharon.  He is the only one to have a child of his own who was also Immortal.

          “His entire life was open to me up to one point I could not see past – and now I know that point was when he first changed you.  I was struck with the thought – he and his work would be key in ending the War we had been in nearly from the time of our Creation – nearly as old as Creation itself.

          “For Billions of your years we have fought with The Dark One.  The Hosts of Heaven, led by Michael, were betrayed and half their number turned to follow Luke.  They fell to his promise of gaining Free Will in return for following him.  There was truth in his words, as always, but Free Will came at a price, and they were Sundered from Home.  They became beings of Darkness and cannot return to the Light.

          “Or so they believed.  The possibility never existed before you restored Azaziel.  That struck an unprecedented blow to their side.

          “It was never our interference in your creation that we feared to disclose to you… it was the nature of your Avatars and why we made you the way you are, what we made you for.  We feared the Truth would be too much too soon and you were not ready.  If you tell a child he is destined to save the world, let alone all of Creation, the task is too daunting, and the knowledge alone might prevent him from ever being successful.  If you were too confident, knowing your Avatars would protect you and empower you to be equal to a task you might never find what is necessary inside yourself to reach beyond and find the strength within you to push past that point and fulfill your destiny.

          “We have seen countless Brothers Fall in this Battle… and now finally, we see the possibility of an end… you are that end.  Uriel, who’s Wisdom surpassed my own that day, said it best… our interference failed because our motives were not pure.  They were to protect our secret, not to protect you.  Our desire has ever been to protect you and keep you safe… and to let the doctor guide you so you could grow into what you need to be to become what we need, but that day we faltered and are now paying the price.

          “Surely you can understand our desperation?  I do not know if I will ever receive your forgiveness… I realize that I… we… have hurt you deeply.  Perhaps our actions will now prevent you from fulfilling our intentions.   We cannot see because of your Randomness.  Luke cannot either, and I believe he is afraid… although he will not see it as fear.  For him it will come out as anger and malevolence, but he now sees the possibility of the downfall of The Master at your hands because of your success with Azaziel.  We never imagined you would be able to restore a Fallen One – that opens up an entirely different set of possibilities.  But they are possibilities we cannot see and neither can Luke.

          “If you defeat the Master and break the Curse on Mankind… it will send another signal among his ranks that he is not invincible.  What you did with Azaziel already has them in turmoil… they see a chance of returning Home… an act they never conceived of before now. Even we were shocked at that revelation.  Our wish was for you to be powerful enough and Random enough to help us defeat Luke… but if we could bring reconciliation to both sides and be One again… it is almost unfathomable to think.”

          Raphael had a wistful look on his face… lost in the hope of his words.  Brad felt the powerful stirrings inside his Grandfather.  The Empathy that was part of his Avatar let him feel everything Raphael was saying as passionately as if Brad were feeling it himself.

          He got glimpses of Raphael’s memories… of the doctor as a young man, seeing his Brothers succumb to Luke’s promises, and feeling the remorse and loss each time it happened.

          But still… all his words explained the actions of their Angelic relatives, but it didn’t excuse them.  The pain Brad felt was real and deep – and he now understood the reason behind it.

          Ken I need you.

<><> 

They appeared in the place where their Hearts were One… naked to each another in every aspect.  Ken held him close, and let him cry out his anger and hurt, holding him and soothing him as best he could.

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

Ken cupped Brad’s chin and lifted his face so they could make eye contact.  He got the little kid grin on his face and said, “I bet they do now though.”

Ken saw some of the tension go out of Brad, which is what he wanted to happen.  He didn’t like seeing Brad so upset – it tore him up inside and made him want to protect him.  Brad sniffed and wiped his face and even managed a wan smile at Ken’s statement.

“So what do you think?”

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

Ken pulled them together into their signature hug, their chins resting on each other’s shoulders.  “Yeah it is… we didn’t know that’s what we were doin’ when we reset Azaziel… but we proved ‘em wrong… or right… hell you know what I mean.”

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

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

Ken could feel Brad’s Mind spinning… not over the issue of Luke but about what he just said about the Curse.

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

“Yeah I agree.  I hope he’s gonna’ be alright B.  Losing his daughter, with all her fucked-upness, still hurt him.  I don’t know what to do for him.”

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

“So back to Raphael… what do you want to do?”

“I’m not sure.  Part of me wants to forgive them.  They took huge risks by taking action and tampering with the doctor and creating us the way we are.  It’s all a big Paradox.  We enabled them to do it before we even existed - another Mind fuck.

“But I’m still really angry Ken.  Am I just being a big baby about it?  Should I let it go?  Be the better man and overlook what they did?”

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

“Forgive, but don’t forget?”

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

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

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

Brad smiled and hugged Ken tighter.  His eyes closed in pleasure at the sensation of Ken’s rough cheek on his neck.

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

Ken put his hands on each side of Brad’s face and pulled him into a kiss – not sexual but deeply emotional.  I love you B.

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

OK… so are you gonna’ forgive him?

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

I get that, but you know you won’t.  Ken laughed:  You can’t help it.  You don’t have it in you, and I’m glad you don’t.

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

Ken grinned and teased him: So you wanna’ forgive them for the perks?

Brad grinned back and thought:  Douche.

We’d better not keep him waitin’… even though this isn’t really takin’ any time, he’s still aware that we’re talkin’.

You think he’s sweated enough?

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

Is that all you ever think about?

With you?  Pretty much, yeah.  What’s your point?

<><> 

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

          Brad took another deep breath and looked directly at Raphael, “I get it Grandfather.  I understand why you did what you did.  That doesn’t make the hurt any less… but take this as a harsh lesson.  I will forgive you, but I will never forget your actions.

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

          “We aren’t going to blindly follow your orders when it comes to the Battle.  We’re going to focus on The Master first and defeating him while keeping Drew alive.  We’ll tackle Luke after we manage that.

          “There’s a lot we still don’t know or understand – we’ll need a lot more information before we decide on a plan of action.

          “But moving forward… I’m willing to start fresh.  I do want you in my life, as much as possible.  I don’t understand everything you are, or what you do… I want to know more, and will over time… but we can’t get to know one another unless we spend time together.”

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

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

          Raphael stood up and held out his hand.  Brad took it and Raphael pulled him into a tight embrace.  He wrapped Brad up not just with his powerful arms but his wings as well – he was in human form, but in their Mind’s Eye Ken and Brad both saw the ghostly appendages spread out and wrap around them.  Ken was still completely merged with Brad and felt the comfort wash over him – it was breathtaking.

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

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

          Ken asked, “Well you don’t drink… I guess you don’t have a cell phone either?”  He grinned as he said that, making a joke.

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

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

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

          He transformed into a small ball of light and then vanished.

          Ken got that impish look on his face and said, “Your grandfather called me a babe!”

          “He meant baby…”  He didn’t get any further as Ken’s mouth covered his own in a passionate kiss that took his breath away.

          They continued to hold each other for a few minutes, continuing the kiss until Ken broke it off and took Brad by his hand and lead him back to the bedroom.

          Ken then proceeded to de-stress his partner as only he could – Brad had a lot of pent up emotion lingering in his body, and Ken wanted to sweat it out of him the good old fashioned way - repeatedly.

<><><> 

          Lane and Bryan had only been asleep for an hour, and Brad and Ken were cuddling together, still sweaty from their love making when they heard Albrecht’s voice in their Mind’s:  Aaron is gone!

          Albrecht didn’t know that Brad and Ken were in Atlanta – he sent his message out to anyone who was close enough to hear him, knowing they would contact their Brothers in seconds.

          Brad scanned all of them, waking up those who were asleep, and making sure it was safe to bring them all together – he grabbed Albrecht and took them deep into a Construct of the Conference Room of the Atlanta Lab.

          Everyone appeared in full combat gear.  Albrecht looked pale but focused, his face a mask of worry.

          Ken asked, “Albrecht, what’s wrong?”

          “I woke up and Aaron was not in bed.  I checked the Lab and called out to him with my Mind but he isn’t answering!  I checked the log, and he left the Lab at 1:40am last night.  I checked the security footage… he stepped outside the door and in only a few seconds he vanished!”

          Bryan was the technical lead on security issues and he pulled the backup from the camera covering the outside door.  They all saw the doctor exit the door and reset the alarm.  He had his back to the camera, but they saw him lift his head and a few seconds later he disappeared.

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

          As Darren synchronized their Avatars and their bodies appeared in Atlanta, Brad dropped the Construct and they all rushed to the back door where the doctor left.

          Everyone gathered in the parking lot near the door.  Bill instructed them, “Ten, Five, One guys.  Position yourselves accordingly.”

          He sent the image of the formation he wanted… they used it often to enhance the effects of their Avatar’s.  Brad, Lane, Darren, and Loy all surrounded Bill, standing at the vector points of the combined symbol of their Mental Avatar.  Ken and the other Body’s made a circle around them.  Albrecht stood off to one side looking anxiously on what they were doing – he knew how it worked, and he was praying they would find some clue as to where Aaron went.

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

          Ken synchronized their Avatars as they delved into one another, first as couples and then as a group.  The ghostly image of the Tree began to appear around them as animal spirits became visible.  Brad pulled from across the Veil – with all ten of them working in conjunction the power they drew was extreme.  It flowed into them – their eyes flashed white and heat lightning flashed across the skies of Atlanta in response.

          Bill focused and stepped into the center position and let all the built up Power channeled through him.  The image he received was clear – the imprint was strong because of the strength of the being that pulled the doctor away from the Lab.  The scene replayed in Bill’s Mind as though he was a direct witness - they saw the doctor reset the alarm, then move down the steps a few feet from the building to get out of the influence of the Runes.  They saw his eyes go white and heard his voice echo with Power as he shouted out, “Thomin!  I have an offer for you!”

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

          Albrecht groaned and said, “Oh Aaron… what have you done!?”

<><><>… to be continued

Ok that’s it for Chapter 22… I hope you enjoyed it!  Now to get started on Chapter 23!  Man there's still so much ground to cover .... a lot of lose threads to tie up.  Where do I start? lol

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