The Gifts Chapter 13

The Gifts

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is entirely coincidental, or also used fictitiously.

Content warning: This story contains adult situations, language, and consensual sex between adult men. If said content is illegal in your state or country, please leave now and do not continue.

Introduction

Thank you for sticking with the story and being patient. I know it's been a while, so I hope you haven't forgotten everything leading up to Chapter Thirteen 😊

Things are ramping up more and more towards some type of resolution with the guys, the egg, and God's ultimate plan. Speaking of God's plan, He reveals a little more of his `plan' in this chapter. Coincidence? Puppet Strings? Hmmmm ... Also, our good buddies the Eschphene show up and we find out they share some things in common with the RL's.

There is some food for thought in this one, as well as some humor. In some ways, as the real world seems to be falling down around our ears, this story is getting more difficult to write. The guys could step in and fix so many things... but then there's always that stickler about `free will.' I wonder at what point Aaron would step in and say `enough' and push the guys to intervene? Even I'm not sure about that one! Sorry to be a downer (insert Lane making the Debbie Downer sound effect).

On that happy note, please enjoy Chapter Thirteen

My email is at the end of the chapter if anyone decides they want to write.

As always, stay safe in this crazy world.

Enjoy! 😊 - Brad

Chapter Thirteen

Lane never tired of watching Bryan or living in his soul. He wanted to be with Bryan wherever and whenever he was, so Lane sat on the kitchen counter observing his husband prep dinner. Bryan's features and gentle nature, wrapped in a beast of a man's body, made him irresistible. While Bryan stood in his grey sweat pants and "World's Greatest Uncle" t-shirt, he mesmerized Lane. His scruffy face often appeared stoic to those who didn't know him, and it melted Lane's heart. His mannerisms and habits, from how he rolled his socks into balls to how he cut up vegetables just added to his perfection.

Lane purposefully sat in front of the cabinet which contained most of the items Bryan needed so that each time Bryan went to grab something, Lane was in the way. Lane's mischievous grin showed and Bryan sighed in mock irritation as his eyes twinkled.

Lane: Entry will cost you two kisses.

Bryan: The price keeps going up.

Lane: That's not all that's going up. If the kids weren't around...

Lane widened his thighs to make room, and Bryan pushed up against him, placing a hand on either side of Lane's head. With a hint of a smile and a slight thrust of his hips, Bryan leaned in and kissed Lane twice. His action caused a visible outline in his sweatpants, and while Lane's reaction was less visible in his jeans, to Bryan's enhanced sense of touch, the firmness was undeniable.

Lane glanced down and grinned as Bryan's powerful body, warm to the touch, engulfed him. Bryan wrapped his arms around Lane and Lane's legs locked around Bryan's waist, and he effortlessly lifted his husband out of the way while maintaining their kiss. He dexterously opened the cabinet with one hand and got what he needed before depositing Lane back on the counter. His raven wing tattoos softly fluttered as the husbands separated, instilling their thought, body memory, and effect on one another.

Breathing heavily, Lane asked: Can't you take a short break? I want to take care of you.

Bryan's full erection showed in his sweats: Fuck, look what you did, Little Buddy. No, I can't. Not if we want to eat tonight.

Lane felt badly: I'll make it up to you after dinner and will stop distracting you. I'm hitting the hot yoga room to get rid of my own little problem.

Bryan winked: You little fucker. By the way, that's not a little problem; it's a perfect problem.

Bryan ran his hand through Lane's hair, brushing it back off his forehead, before caressing Lane's rough cheek and leaving a smudge of flour. As Darren walked through the kitchen he saw his brothers turned on and laughed: Mmmm, tube steak, my fave. Can I watch you make chutney?

Bryan and Lane: Fuck off, Dar.

Darren's dimples showed as he mentally hugged his two brothers and tweaked their nipples. Accelerating his pace, he exited the kitchen before a wet dishtowel snapped his ass.

Lane disrobed, entered the hot yoga room, and winked at his partial erection: I'm glad you aren't a small problem.

He poured water over the hot rocks so that moist heat filled the room as he assumed the lotus position. With perfect posture and awareness of the mechanics of all his organs and systems, he monitored his body's homeostasis. Controlling his breath, he dove into himself as he exhaled to embrace his mental disciplines while the steam enveloped his naked form. His body already glistened with a heavy coat of sweat, and he relaxed as the heat penetrated his muscles. Lane enjoyed the strength of his fit body. He learned from Aaron years ago that meditation was much better naked than clothed. With no distraction of material against his skin, the sensation of the air around him and the heat of the sauna magnified his awareness of his body. He dimmed the lights with his mind as his Avatar and Gift reflected off his wet skin. With so many things happening, the team badly needed intel and direction, so Lane opened himself to Remiel and the ether to receive visions or dreams. Azure energy flashed like static behind his closed eyelids. He had learned not to chase the colors or images but to let them come. An odd sensation took Lane somewhere else, someplace dark and quiet without the curse...

Lane stood just inside the doors to the cosmic Waffle House, but the lights were out. The sounds and smells his brothers described when coming here were absent. Dressed in his "World's Greatest Uncle" t-shirt (the original one from when Drew was six), cargo shorts, and sandals, he was afraid to move and break the silence. Blinds covered the windows, but headlights from cars speeding along Buford Drive in front of the Mall of Georgia shone through.

Equally curious and unsure, he sat in a booth to wait. Time wasn't moving, so he rested in the calm serenity of the curse-free environment which reminded him of the temple doors in Heaven. Through his Avatar and Gift, echoes of past discussions whispered in his mind – Henry, Ken, Ken's brother Rich, Glenn Hampton, and most surprisingly, Bill. Bill's resonance unnerved him because it hadn't happened yet, and Lane, fearing for his brother, was unsure of what God's calling him to that place might mean.

Lane jumped at the sound of the door unbolting and turned to see Frank coming in. Frank's slight hesitation upon seeing Lane spoke volumes. How could God be surprised?

The swinging door from the manager's area burst open, and Miss Lula entered wearing her uniform but with her apron folded over her arm. She hadn't braided her hair yet and Lane had no idea it was so long... it fell well below her bottom. Her eyes widened slightly at seeing Lane before she shifted her gaze to Frank.

Setting her purse and apron on the counter, she said, "Darlin', you're early. We aren't open yet."

Apprehensive and unsure how to respond, Lane raised his eyebrows and asked, "I thought Waffle House was twenty-four-seven?"

Frank guffawed and shook his head as he donned his apron and fired up the grill. The lights flickered on, and when Lane looked back, Miss Lula's hair was braided and she wore her apron. Miss Lula and Frank went about their business of opening the restaurant while Lane felt out of place. He had never visited the cosmic Waffle House, but every time someone did, they didn't get there on their own.

Lane felt like an intruder and asked, "Why am I here?"

Lane jumped when The Dove appeared across from him and answered, "For something very important."

Lane exclaimed, "Jesus!" but then realized the inappropriateness of his comment. Chagrinned, he blushed and said, "Sorry." He didn't know whom among the three incarnations was The Son. He was sure The Dove was the Holy Ghost, which left The Father and The Son for Frank and Miss Lula. Frank chuckled and shook his head again while Miss Lula went about setting three plates, silverware, and water on the counter. From the small refrigerator she took plain milk, chocolate milk, and apple juice boxes. After placing them, she wiped her hands on her apron and manifested her radiant toothless smile which faltered when she tapped her forehead as if she had forgotten something. She filled three medium-sized glasses with orange juice and set them on the counter.

She looked at her place settings and grinned at no one in particular, saying, "That should do it."

Lane's forehead creased, and he asked, "Are you expecting someone besides me?"

The Dove stared at him solemnly and said, "Yes, but whom is for you to decide."

In the hot yoga room, Lane, covered in sweat, opened his eyes. The lingering peace of God surrounded him along with the moist heat. When he glanced at the digital clock over the door, his eyebrows rose as he realized that an hour had passed. The Waffle House was outside of time, and usually no time passed in the physical realm whenever one of his brothers had gone there.

<><>

Brad watched Bill and Kevin vanish to North Dakota. Their auras lingered like a scent, and he breathed them in through his Avatar. He already missed them, and Ken, aware of Brad's emotion, cupped a warm hand on the back of Brad's neck, gently massaging it: I get it. I swear, every time we're apart it gets harder. And they're not even that fuckin' far away.

Brad: As things escalate, the ties between us are growing stronger. They have to, I guess... In one way it's better than ever, but...

Ken: Yeah ... but. There's always a but. But I don't mean butt butt either, so don't go thinkin' about my hot ass in a towel.

Ken's comment brought a smile and a tear to his husband. With Ken's hand on Brad's neck, Brad's empathy bled through their physical connection. Ken put his arm around Brad's shoulders and pulled him close to kiss his temple: Love you.

Ken's kiss interrupted Brad's train of thought as he sifted through its deeply profound implications. He and Ken had discussed this from multiple perspectives, and Ken knew the bonds between everyone in The Order were a weakness even though they were their greatest strength.

Brad mused: I wonder how much stronger our love can grow?

Ken's little kid grin appeared, and he stretched his arms out like Drew did when he said: This much?

Ken didn't want Brad following his dark path any further and asked: Speakin' of growin', wasn't there some theory about testin' Ken Jr. you wanted `ta try? About me being' more of a dick `cause of Michael's legacy?

Brad's eyes gleamed and his heart beat instantly increased. With a wink, Ken took Brad's hand and led them to their quarters. Darren passed them in the hall and affected a shocked expression: Really? With all the shit going on? First Lane and Bry and now you two. Everyone's getting some but me. I'm going to find Pat.

Darren had to chuckle when Brad's and Ken's hands went behind their backs to flip him off.

<><>

Darren continued to the gym where Aaron, Albrecht, and the RL's awaited him. His dimples appeared: Remember, kids, no blowing up creation. We don't want to do Elegroth's job for him.

Albrecht smiled, and even Aaron's expression lightened.

Darren: Does everyone have what they need?

Albrecht: We don't know how long this will take so I've asked Bryan to replenish our food containers and send them later tonight.

Darren: Roger that. Well, you youngsters hold onto your hats and fasten your seatbelts. You haven't been to the forge yet. Be on your best behavior, drink your milk, and do everything your elders tell you. I mean elders in like I lost track of how many thousands of years old they are...

As Darren spoke, his Avatar ignited, synchronizing with his brothers no matter where they were. In North Dakota, Bill felt the brief kiss of their souls as his Avatar lent Darren a portion of his strength. When the five mentalists' Avatars synchronized, translocating the team became effortless, but with Leroy's hide augmenting them, he had power to spare. His beloved mentors and the RL's blinked out of sight to appear at his imprinted location in Allenor's forge. Darren slowed his perception of time and giggled to himself as Aaron's eyebrows rose in reaction to the age comments just before he vanished.

Pat: That was funny, but you'll pay for it. The doc has an iron trap of a memory.

<><><>

While Bill and Kevin were in North Dakota, and Aaron, Albrecht, and the RL's were in Allenor's forge, the prophet spoke in Lane's mind: To weaken the Curse of Eden, The Dreamer must choose six innocents. Three will live by his hand; three will not.

<><>

In the shower, hot water rinsed off Lane's sweat. The prophet had spoken directly to him, and he staggered as his soul shivered from the message. The image of Miss Lula setting three plates in the diner and The Dove's comment about his having to make a decision ... how could he be responsible for the fate of six children?

Bryan sensed his husband's emotional surge: What's wrong?

Bryan rushed from the kitchen to find Lane sobbing on the shower floor. He turned off the water and wrapped himself around Lane. Brad and Ken heard Bryan's mental shout and arrived immediately behind Bryan. Lane's emotional state confounded them because his thoughts were so scrambled. For Lane's emotions to be so jumbled, whatever was happening had to be significant.

Rick, Loy, Darren, Pat, Adam, Zack, and Henry arrived and Brad merged them. In the same manner Ken used to lock their Avatars, he quieted Lane's, and the bright light on his shoulder dimmed to a soft pulse. Lane's Avatar fought Ken's which had never happened before, so he had walled off what happened so no one could see the source of his distress.

Lane: Oh God. I can't...

Bryan's solid presence, accompanied by his twelve brothers, surrounded Lane. Drew unexpectedly, with the stone, appeared in their merge and summoned the dome around their collective soul: Uncle Lane!

Through their physical connection, Bryan slowed Lane's breathing and calmed him. With the strength of the incarnations, Drew pushed back the source of Lane's distress and built a wall around the box in which he hid his vision.

Relief didn't come though. The image of the three plates burned in his mind, and prophet's words repeated in his isolated soul: To weaken the Curse of Eden, The Dreamer must choose six innocents. Three will live by his hand; three will not.

Lane sank into Bryan's arms and the souls of everyone around him. The last time he had been so debilitated was when he dreamed of their defeat by The Master, but this was different... this wasn't a dream or a vision of an alternate reality. This was a prophecy spoken by God through Ryan Atkins about something Lane had to do.

Brad's Avatar reacted so profoundly to Lane's emotional distress that it nearly overwhelmed him, but Ken anchored him. Bryan's helpless, heart-wrenching expression was also difficult to see, but their souls held him along with Lane.

Drew didn't know how to react to seeing two of his uncles in such a state. He pushed back Lane's emotions, but it wasn't enough, and he didn't understand what he saw in Lane's mind. The dome shielded them, preventing Bill and Kevin from sensing Lane's distress, and in North Dakota they continued to explore their lead on Bill's Avatar.

Brad: Bry, I'm going to put him to sleep.

Bryan's distress turned to anger: Fucking goddamn! God! Leave him the fuck alone! He doesn't deserve this – not from you, you fucker!

Brad quieted Lane's mind and the images of his distress, still unseen by his brothers, faded as he fell asleep in Bryan's arms. Bryan's demeanor shifted when Lane went limp. Holding Lane tighter, Bryan pressed his face against his husband and quietly cried. Bryan sweated from the extreme emotions, and the tension in him made his body hard to the touch. To Drew, Bryan's hot flesh felt hard as stone, and he wrapped his arms around Bryan's head.

Drew: It's okay, Uncle Bryan. We'll fix him. Whatever's wrong, we'll make it better.

One of Bryan's arms encircled Drew to hug him tighter. Ken's arms were around them all, the same as his Avatar, pushing his will and conviction into them to fortify every aspect of their nature. Henry's wall was there with Ken, and Bryan leaned into their strengthened oneness.

Ken: Bry, let's get him `ta bed, and you stay with him while we try `ta make sense of everythin'.

<><><>

As soon as Bill and the Iktomi queen dispersed into nothing, the prophet went rigid, and his knuckles turned white from the strength of his grip on his armchair. His voice whispered in the early morning quiet: Two Gifts remain. One is known; one is unknown. That which is known will be last and will complete The Order.

Ryan Atkin's caretaker for the morning, Alton Clemming, had drifted to sleep on the couch, so the prophet's words went unheard and unrecorded.

<><><>

The men filed through the kitchen to fill coffee mugs on their way to the conference room. Brad kept them one as Lane slept, and he put Lane's mind in neutral to keep him from processing his distress. Bryan lay beside his husband, holding him but unsure how to help. Everyone lived the events leading up to what happened, but the wall in Lane kept them from hearing the prophet's proclamation.

Bryan: What the fuck is it? He said there's something he can't do.

Ken: We won't know `til we wake him up. B, contact Bill and Kev and find out what's goin' on with them. I want us all together.

At the exact moment when Brad reached for Bill and Kevin, Bill vanished. Bill wasn't one with them or merged, but his existence was tied to them, and they blanched when it snuffed out. Kevin's reaction shot physical and spiritual adrenaline into him, and his assault suit nearly exploded with light as he shouted: BILL!

<><>

Kevin slowed his perception of time, desperately trying to understand what was happening, but what occurred was beyond his ability to perceive. Bill and the Iktomi queen turned to dust, and their forms dissipated. Bill no longer existed according to Kevin's Avatar and understanding, just like when Liz sacrificed her soul to save Drew.

Dan was speechless as the Iktomi Queen disintegrated. The aged queen had struggled to reach Bill and interacted with him as if she knew him. She presented him with the orb that she and the queens before her nurtured and protected. Wailing his grief, Dan started singing the calming song he was taught to soothe the queen, her protectors, and himself. The smaller Iktomi remained motionless, yet even in his grief, Kevin understood they were not aggressive.

Kevin continued shouting with all his might: BILL!

Across the country, except for Lane, each of his brothers' Avatars felt Bill's absence. His presence surged for a millisecond before he was gone, and then Kevin's shout reached them. Brad pulled Kevin into a separate merge with everyone but Drew, and Kevin appeared naked with them. Every moment from Bill and Kevin's arrival in North Dakota up to the present became a part of them.

Kevin's devastation became theirs, which emphasized Ken and Brad's concerns about their ties. Brad and Pat had felt the emptiness before when Ken and Darren respectively died at different times. Kevin's mental voice trembled as he thought: Oh, God. He can't be gone!

Even through his sudden grief, Kevin was aware of Lane's condition and saw him sleeping in Bryan's arms. The eleven men were shocked by the impact of what happened to Lane and Bill only moments apart. As the embodiment of the second creation, Darren searched within himself for any sign of Bill. Brad also sensed through the veil, but Bill didn't touch it in any capacity that Brad could discern. Bryan's tattoos fluttered and reached for Bill's life through Yggdrasil, but he wasn't present, at least not in the second creation.

As distressed as Lane had been, he needed to know what happened with Bill so Brad brought him back to consciousness, and in the paradox of their single soul, Lane held Kevin as tightly as Bryan held him.

Shocked and lost, Kevin stammered: What... what will I tell Tommy and Brett? The boys have been afraid of this, and it wasn't even a fight with Elegroth or his demons that caused it...

Henry's wisdom, backed by Ken's conviction and his own archonian strength, thought: We need to wait, guys. We don't know what happened to Bill. You watched him take his Gift from the Iktomi queen. His Gift wouldn't destroy him, so he has to be somewhere. There's more going on here than we can perceive.

Henry held Kevin snuggly in his arms and soul. As an archon, his senses were completely new and different, making him much more like his brothers. He could taste and smell things he never had before. Kevin's trembling from the emotions running through his body was apparent. Henry put himself into Kevin more fully which gave him a different kind of comfort. Henry's eyes glinted with the awareness of both creations as he searched the first for Bill. We have to wait. I can't believe God would do such a thing.

As Henry pushed his words and existence into Kevin to soothe and calm him, anger surged through Lane at Henry's statement: He doesn't have a fucking problem telling me to kill children! His words stunned them, but Lane still held the wall around his visit to the Waffle House and the prophet's words.

In his captain's voice, Ken thought: Show us, Lane. We have `ta know what's happenin' with you and Bill. I don't fuckin' care what it is; we can't help you carry it if we don't know. We love you. Fuck this macho bullshit, and let us in.

Brad's Avatar ignited on his bare shoulder as his compassion wrapped around them. They would only survive as one, sharing the good and the bad, and Ken's conviction pushed Brad's sentiment into them.

Brad: Ken's right, Lane. Show us. What's happening with Bill might even be related. We don't know, but we never will with pieces missing.

Lane's eyes reddened and he choked. Still trembling, he unlocked the box containing his experience so that everyone became aware of what happened and of the prophet's words: To weaken the Curse of Eden for a time, The Dreamer must choose six innocents. Three will live by his hand; three will not.

Henry's eyebrows rose in surprise: Frank seemed surprised you were there?

Lane sniffled and nodded.

Henry: That's as disturbing as the prophet's words.

Ken: Dar, get Kev back here with us, and get Dan back `ta his cabin. We can follow up with him after we figure everythin' out.

Kevin physically appeared with the bodies sitting around the conference room table. Brad kept them merged, and their collective soul kept a tight grip on Lane and Kevin. Drew stayed in the first merge with them so that his dome kept shielding them from the curse. The paradox of the two merges allowed them greater comfort, and Drew's strength and presence were a boon. More and more, Drew became an integral part of the team.

<><>

Bill materialized in the cosmic Waffle House but still didn't fully exist, and realized he needed to be there to transition back to the second creation. Ravenously, he tucked into his food without caring about the paradox of still not existing yet eating with God. Halfway through his food Miss Lula returned with a double stack of chocolate chip waffles and a quarter of a chocolate cream pie. "Here ya go, darlin'!"

Bill: Man, it's a good thing I don't have to worry about my blood sugar.

When Bill finished, he sipped his coffee as he mulled over everything that had happened: Kevin's got to be freaked. I need to get back. I need him and the rest of the guys.

Looking up, Bill noticed he was by himself. He wasn't sure when the noise of Miss Lula washing dishes stopped, but the place was now utterly silent.

Bill: I guess this is my cue to get going. Time to head home. I love you, Kev; I'll be there soon.

Bill took a last look around, but there was no sign of Miss Lula, Frank, or The Dove. Knowing they would hear them, he thought: Thank you.

God's lingering presence was a treasure. The Waffle House held no hint of the curse, which was another reprieve from the downside of Bill's Avatar and now his Gift. He wondered how much worse his Gift would make things for him, but he had Kevin, his brothers, and family, especially Tommy and Brett, to hold him together. He not only had them, he was them.

His Gift and Avatar ignited, and he reincorporated himself into existence.

<><>

Sally had the boys on a snack break in the kitchen when Bill appeared. Tommy and Brett knew their dads were on a mission but didn't know any details; regardless, when Bill appeared, they ran to him as if they hadn't seen him in days.

Their chorus of "Dad!" affected Bill deeply. Dropping to his knees, he outstretched his arms to embrace them. The boys kissed his cheeks and squeezed him back. Sally couldn't read Bill's expression when he said, "Hey, Sal," but she knew something significant was happening.

She asked, "Are you alright?" After kissing the tops of Tommy's and Brett's heads he answered, "I am now. I'll be even more alright in a sec."

The bodies' exceptional hearing picked up Tommy and Brett's shout, but even more than that, Bill's presence returned to them. That unidentifiable connection they shared was whole again. Even before Ken arrived, Kevin appeared in the kitchen, desperate to see and touch his husband.

Brad pulled Bill into both merges so Drew could experience his return to full effect. Bill still lingered in the effect of being with God, but the magnitude of his Gift quickly returned. His relief mirrored in the physical realm and in both merges, and he sighed, presenting his lopsided grin, "Hey, fellas. I'm sorry about the scare, I'm not used to not existing..."

To Pat's understanding, Bill still wasn't completely with them... he wasn't entirely whole yet, but he was more himself every second. Because of that, they still didn't see everything through the merge.

The brothers looked into Bill's eyes, and while they saw the second creation, they saw something else they couldn't identify. Henry's white lock of hair glinted as he whispered, "Bill ... oh my God." As an archon, Henry saw what happened to Bill, and his understanding became part of them. None knew how to react. Bill didn't need a reaction; he needed them. Reading Lane's turmoil was painful, and Bill's Gift brightened to become Lane. To the bodies, but especially to Henry, Lane was with them twice.

Within himself, Lane asked: Bill?

Bill: I'm here. I'm you.

Lane: How? This is freaky!

Bill chuckled: Yes, it is. It's so much easier when it's just you or the guys. I got lost for a while when I became everything and nothing at the same time.

Lane: When I was in the Waffle House, I heard an echo of you talking with The Dove, but it hadn't happened yet. Our reality is first, so how's that even possible? Did God help you?

Bill: Yes. I was Him, too, for a short time, but I'm not ready for that and it almost killed me. The Waffle House isn't a part of our creation, or any creation. It's kind of like Michael's coliseum – separate but also to be used by God for His purpose.

Lane: Fuck me.

Bill: Not me, but I can have Kev fill in for Bry sometime if you like.

For a brief moment Lane laughed and was distracted by Bill's comment, but the prophet's words were too prominent in his mind.

Bill: I don't know what to make of that Lane. You know we're with you. We'll figure it out. You know how these things work ... it's probably more of a riddle, and your immediate reaction was to take the words literally.

Lane: God, I hope you're right. Saving kids is no problem, but not saving them on purpose, I don't think I can do.

Bill: Like Drew told Bry, we'll figure it out.

Bill increased his presence in Lane, making himself even more of his brother. It was different than being one soul. Merging was nearly indescribable, but what Bill's Gift allowed was different... beyond merging souls, he became everything.

Lane: Fuck, Bill, you're giving me an emotional hardon. How can you do this?

When Bill returned to himself naked in the merge, he thought: Give me a second, guys. I'm not used to reincorporating myself.

Lane: Reincorporating yourself? Fuck! Your new nickname is Dr. Manhattan.

Bill laughed: You just want to see my dick turn blue.

Lane: Well... yeah! That's one step closer to changing your piss color.

Bill: Damn! You're right. I hadn't thought about that.

Eye rolls accompanied their laughter as their arms and souls tightened around Bill and Lane even more. Brad wondered what interaction Bill and Lane just had outside the merge... it should be a part of them but it wasn't, at least not yet.

Bill: It's hard to explain, Brad.

Bill briefly became all of them in their souls where time didn't move. He didn't go back far enough to catch the attention of The Master, but he became his brothers and lived their lives. Their love was indescribable to him, and he breathed it in, not just for him but for everything. With no effort he could go further back and become their parents, but he would never presume. He only would if any of them wished it.

Bill: I love you guys.

Henry had the best grasp of Bill's Gift and its potency. The rest of the guys seemed speechless, but their hearts and souls took over where words failed them. After they settled and believed there was no further danger to Bill, their focus returned to Lane and his predicament. Ken's Avatar, magnified by Leroy's hide and the other bodies who shared his Avatar, drove his words into Lane: Don't act on anythin' yet. Whatever you decide, you'll do so with all our input, and you won't do it alone. We're with you, no matter what, no matter how much of a pain in the ass you are. Don't be a douche and try `ta sneak off.

Ken's words and the love of his brothers, especially Bryan's, infused Lane and pushed back his initial reaction. Henry was right; they needed to analyze the prophet's words, and get Aaron and Albrecht's input. There was no discernable timetable associated with the prophecy, and Lane let his anxiety go.

Eventually, Lane's impish grin showed and he asked: Am I really that much of a pain in the ass?

Loy: Shouldn't you be asking Bry that? You top him so seldom that every time you break him in all over again.

Shit talk ensued and before long, tears showed in their eyes again from laughing so hard, and Lane's pain was held at bay. As usual, unconditional love was the heart of their strength and allowed them to survive their pain.

<><><>

Aaron, Albrecht, and the RL's appeared in Allenor's forge which was warm, dry, and well lit.

Aaron: Please place the shell residue on the floor near the fire.

He pointed to an area in the air that seemed frozen in time, like a paused flickering white flame. A metal ring on the ground encircled the fire, and a barely visible shield that reminded Rich of his grandmother's antique dome clock covered the forge.

Albrecht squeezed Aaron's hand firmly as their souls became one, and their single mind called to the companion. After connecting to the entity the first time, they no longer had to touch Allenor's workbench to initiate the bond. The warmth of its presence brushed against their thoughts with a feather-light touch expressing happiness at their return.

Albrecht said, "We can control the temperature but the current heat and humidity are set to optimal levels for the forge. Aaron and I usually wear only shorts." As he spoke, he and Aaron began to disrobe.

Guy's expression caught Aaron's attention, and he asked, "Is something wrong, Guy?"

Sheepishly, Guy said, "No Sir, not at all. I'm curious, but I don't want to offend either of you. You've been so good to us I'd be really upset if I hurt your feelings."

Aaron already knew his question and to put him at ease, he responded, "You will not offend us, my boy. We will tell you honestly if you ask something we do not wish to disclose. You have learned to live open and honest lives and have matured far beyond normal humans of any age. Now that you are immortal, this will continue... and I presume this is a part of your question?"

Guy said, "Yes, Sir. Looking at you two mostly undressed... you're both in amazing shape. You only seem a few years older than us, but I know you've lived a long time. Don't worry; Darren joked about it, but I don't care how old you are other than to give you mad respect for your lives. It just seems strange for you to look so young and be in such great shape after such a long time..."

Albrecht smiled and said, "I was older than Aaron when I imbibed the Water of Life to become immortal, but I was thirty-two when I stopped aging. Aaron was born immortal due to circumstances with his mother. In Aaron's case, like Drew will, he stopped aging at the pinnacle of his physical maturity, which for him is twenty-nine."

Caleb asked, "We're all younger than you in that respect. Will we get any older?"

Aaron nodded, "Most likely, but the changes will be gradual. The point you stop aging will be unique for each of you. It was different for Kenneth and his brothers as well. When their nephilim heritage unlocked and they received their Avatars, it prematurely aged them to that perfect point."

Albrecht said, "You will never stop working on your health and well-being. You are no longer under the curse and are immune to disease and aging, but you can get fat and out of shape. You have learned the mind-body connection well; I'm extremely proud. What you have learned so far will carry you forward. Eventually, it will become so much a part of you that you won't remember a time without it. As warriors you must always strive to keep your body strong, fit, and hard for battle."

Nathan snickered, "We sure aren't having a problem with the hard part. I feel like I'm fifteen again."

Albrecht laughed, "Yes. That will improve as well. You are still learning and adapting to the sexual nature of your changes. Remember that Aaron and I are always here to talk. If you ask, we will share much experience with you, and we will never judge. That is unconditional love. Be patient with each other and yourselves. You will know what is right for all of you with your souls connected as they are."

The white lock in Rich's hair reflected light from the forge, and his eyes watered at the emotion surging through the six of them. "Thank you, Sirs, for everything. We appreciate you beyond words."

Aaron's eyes turned glassy, and he responded, "We appreciate you in the same manner. Now, as Kenneth is fond of saying, it is time to shut off the waterworks. We have much to do."

Once the RL's stripped to their shorts, Albrecht gave them a tour of the forge. Now that the companion was active, the place was hospitable.

<>Aaron to Albrecht Privately <>

Aaron: These are such fine young men. The Order needs them, but my heart breaks for what they will endure.

Albrecht: I know, love. Mine too. The years weigh heavily on our shoulders, knowing the hardships that await them. However, they are young and resilient, which is why they were chosen by God to be with us. We experienced this with our first sons and will continue to do so with these young men. There is no telling what changes they are about to encounter.

Aaron: I am anxious to see what lies next. Once we infuse the shell residue into their suits, I wonder at Eva's intent? It is not that I do not trust her, but she is a dragon, and she may have no care for their wellbeing other than making them defenders of her egg. What cost will they pay?

Albrecht: I do not know, but we will be here for them, as will our other sons. Perhaps it will be a simple adjustment. Let us find out.

Aaron to the companion: Please analyze the substance on the floor near the forge.

The dome that protected the forge and kept it inert lifted and white flame began to flicker.

Albrecht to the RL's: Don your suits.

Aaron and Albrecht observed the RL's quickly suit up, helping one another to quicken the process. They looked magnificent in the suits tightly molded to their bodies. Aaron connected his tablet to the suits and the vitals of the six men registered. The looks between them, hands touching and lingering longer than necessary..., the undercurrents built as their affections and love grew every moment they were together. Aaron surmised the emotional bonds were developing more slowly than the bonds between Kenneth, Bradford, and their other sons because now six souls were involved rather than two. The ramifications were extraordinary.

Albrecht: Merge yourselves and form a ring around the forge. Keep your gloves off and hold hands tightly for the skin contact. The companion is still analyzing the shell residue and will need to analyze you as well.

With no hint of nervousness, the RL's did as instructed and waited patiently. Aaron and Albrecht sensed happiness in the companion as it listened to the music of the shells, piecing together the choruses and anthems. Images of Eva and Leroy formed in the fire as their music played, and everyone looked on in wonder.

The forge brightened, and its light expanded into the RL's, touching and warming them in a way they had not yet experienced. The light touched every particle in their bodies, analyzing them as the companion regarded the purpose of each. Closing their eyes, the men leaned their heads back, tightening their grips on one another as they sank into the feeling. The song of their collective soul became audible, and the companion wove their music into the anthem from Lane's vision. Their images added to Leroy's and Eva's in the fire causing their suits to react and magnify everything. In the heavens, their constellation shone brightly enough to become visible in daylight. To Aaron, it was reminiscent of his sons' awakening nephilim heritage.

Suddenly everything, except Aaron and Albrecht, was frozen in the forge. Every particle around them, no matter how minute, halted motion. A voice from behind startled them, and they turned to see Allenor.

The immensity of his form dwarfed them as they took in the strangeness of his race. They could fully perceive him wearing a smith's apron over his nakedness. Lane had drawn illustrations of Allenor, but seeing him in the flesh was shocking. His skin was translucent and revealed his muscular systems and connective tissues.

Allenor: I see you.

Aaron: Allenor?

Allenor: I am an imprint of the one you call Allenor, left behind by Origin.

Albrecht: What is happening? Why are you here?

Allenor: The presence of the young humans brought me forth. Before the ten nephilim Gifts, Origin bade me make a first one. These humans are the collective vessel of that Gift.

Aaron and Albrecht grasped the immensity of God's orchestrating the creation of another Gift before the arc of time came to be, for the need to save everything.

Aaron: The companion does not sense you.

Allenor: It is unable. I am hidden within the forge as a precaution and safeguard against my kin. The ten Gifts were autonomous and could not be assailed, but this Gift is vulnerable for it is not yet empowered. It requires three sources to activate. The fire of the forge is the first. The other two come from the fire of the great beasts. Once active, the Gift will be unlike any other: a weapon within both creations.

Albrecht to Aaron: The forge knew we would be here. God planned this, just as he did the creation of our first sons. Aaron... this frightens me.

Aaron: I as well. What choice do we have but to continue? We are out of our depth, love. We cannot perceive the first creation, therefore how can we help guide them?

Allenor: I hear you.

A harsh tingle ran through Aaron and Albrecht. Their nipples hardened and every hair on their bodies stood on end. They gripped each other to steady themselves and keep from falling to the ground.

Aaron: What did you do to us?

Allenor: To guide the young humans, you must perceive and interact with the first creation as if it were your own. You can now exist there.

Aaron: We fear for our young charges. These changes are beyond anything we imagined.

Allenor: I do not understand your fear. If something must happen, it must. To not do something that must be done defies logic and reason.

Albrecht: We fear for them because we love them.

Allenor's image regarded them and looked into them as the companion looked into the RL's. He came to the same conclusion his actual self did billions of years after his creation. Their emotions, love in particular would either break or save them.

Allenor lumbered to the forge and cupped a massive hand over the fire. The flames began to move and flicker, now unfrozen from whatever held them inert. The RL's remained unmoving, but the music of their collective soul echoed along with Leroy's and Eva's in the flames. Tears formed as Aaron and Albrecht heard the new song from a culmination of the three. Leroy and Eva were becoming a part of their young charges. There is power in threes; such things matter.

The creature before them was not Allenor but a construct of his people's technology, yet he was real enough to perform his purpose and seemed content to achieve that resolution. A sudden sadness gripped Aaron. His intellect grasped what the creature before them was, and he wondered: When his purpose is complete, he will cease to exist? Such a beautiful being ... does he have a soul?

Albrecht: Look at him, love. We know Allenor's kind did not have emotions as we do, but he seems content and at peace with what is happening. He seems alive to us but is a construct of a technology we do not comprehend.

Aaron: I am not so sure, love. We do not know the extent of their technology. If he is more than a construct, I dislike the notion that another being will perish seemingly with no need.

Albrecht: These are issues to ponder another day. We must stay focused on our youngest charges and assist them in fulfilling this unanticipated Gift.

Aaron let out a heavy sigh: You are correct.

Aaron and Albrecht jointly wondered if more Gifts lay waiting to be discovered.

Allenor: There are no more. This was the first, which is now the last, and Origin's plan is complete.

After a pause, Allenor continued: Thank you for the concern you express for my welfare, but put your hearts to rest. I am far more than what you see and only an infinitesimal part of this place. I am simply an interface to something greater.

Aaron: I wish to learn how all of this is accomplished.

Allenor: I mean no offense, but you lack the capacity, and only discerning small parts would be dangerous and counter to my purpose. No harm must come to you; therefore, I cannot allow it.

Before Aaron or Albrecht had further thoughts, Allenor said: My purpose is complete. The two beasts must finish empowering the Gift for it to awaken.

Whatever stasis Allenor implemented to keep everything completely and utterly still lifted, and everything began to move again. The RL's breathed deeply, caught up in their alteration. They felt the incomplete Gift within them, and they stumbled. Their arms reached to support and steady one another, and when they regained their footing, their collective love shone brightly as they turned to look at their mentors.

Jake: What happened?

Albrecht: Something entirely unexpected. How do you feel?

Rich: Weird. There's something inside us now, but it feels empty. Well, not empty, but definitely not full. Or finished.

Aaron and Albrecht were merged and connected to the companion which prevented them from safely merging with their young charges. However, Aaron pulled them deeply into their hearts, and the eight men appeared naked to one another, pressed closely together. Their warm flesh felt exquisite, and their hands, whether touching a shoulder, arm, or thigh next to them, tightened slightly. Rich's lock of hair shone brightly, and he addressed Aaron and Albrecht: You're rattled.

Aaron's and Albrecht's eyes were bright. So many emotions ran through them, but they suppressed what they could to ensure their charges were alright.

Craig: It's alright, Sirs. Share it with us.

Rich: We're here for you as much as you are for us. You know this.

Aaron: My boys... Rare tears spilled down his cheeks. You received a Gift. The first one ever created, before the Gifts of Kenneth and the others. You have received it last, and Allenor says it is the last Gift, and God's plan is complete now that you have it.

Albrecht: It takes three sources to awaken what is now inside you. The forge was the first, and Leroy and Eva will be the last. We spoke with a construct of Allenor, the creature who built this place. He told us that once empowered, your Gift, unlike any other, would be a weapon to wield in both creations.

Excitement ran through the RL's. The Gift is what they were meant for! They felt as Ken and his brothers did when they learned of their purpose and everything felt right. An overwhelming sense of completion washed through them.

Rich understood his mentor's fears, and in the paradox of where they were, he put his arms and heart around both of them: Don't be afraid for us. We're meant for this, just like Ken and the others. We love you for your care and concern, but this is why we exist. It's clear, and we're not afraid.

Aaron: I know, my boy, but I cannot help myself. Albrecht and I have a much longer understanding of the ramifications of situations like today. At this moment, you are caught in the exhilaration of change. When that fades and years pass, you may feel otherwise. You will need each other more than ever, and you will always have us.

Each soldier held his mentors tightly in his arms and heart, uplifting them as only they could.

<><><>

Raph, staring at his computer screen, tried to fathom the changes in the world. Everyone and everything seemed split, with half the world openly committing to The Order and half not. He realized those countries going into isolation against the wishes of The Order were because of their governments and not the people. He watched a live internet feed in horror as the North Korean military openly killed citizens who were peacefully protesting in support of The Order.

Many smaller countries openly vowed their support, and Raph wondered why. Was their loyalty true or due to fear? Once again, Raph felt out of his depth. Answering emails and handling press releases was one thing, but managing what he saw in front of him was daunting.

Realizing his coffee was cold, Raph went to the kitchen where Shan was cleaning the counters after making lunch for herself, Sally, and the children, and she saw he was upset. When Tag and Olive wandered in for lunch, Olive leaned against Raph and squeezed him with an arm that barely reached halfway around his body.

Her quiet voice, always soothing, asked, "What's wrong, sugar?"

Her question brought everything to the forefront of his mind, and his eyes filled as he mumbled, "I..., I don't know what to do. Ken really kicked the anthill with his speech to all the world leaders. Some of the larger governments ... I just watched hundreds of innocent civilians get mowed down."

Olive's hand went to her mouth, and she whispered, "Lord, have mercy!"

Raph looked at Tag pleadingly and said, "I'm not sure what to do."

Drew came through the kitchen from the direction of his bedroom and heard Raph's comment. Hugging Raph's waist, he said, "I'm sorry, Mister Raph. It's not your fault."

Hugging Drew back, Raph said, "Thanks, buddy."

Drew continued, "The people who do that stuff are like Doug. My brother will use them and they need to be stopped, or they'll keep hurting the world until there's nothing left."

Drew's eyes turned white while he spoke, and his aura increased to the point that he glowed. The stone appeared in his hand and in the hand of each incarnation within him. For three seconds, the stone smoked in Drew's shaking fist, and the dome that protected them from the curse appeared around the Earth. Every human, awake or asleep, felt free of the curse during those three seconds. The fumes of it lifted, and every soul briefly found clarity and peace.

The amount of power Drew called was phenomenal and Henry appeared by his side. "Drew! Are you okay? What did you do?"

Drew sighed. He looked tired after such an expenditure of power and held the stone out in his palm until it disappeared, recalled by Thomin to the vault. He looked at Henry and started to cry, "I'm sorry, Dad. Mr. Raph saw something bad and needs help. The people he saw need help. They need to see what everything will be like without my brother."

Henry's eyes sparkled as he looked at the world briefly, and while Drew's act did cause turmoil, the residual effect was far more beneficial than negative. "How did you know to do that? You need to talk to your uncles or me before you do something like that again. It's too dangerous right now with the imp running around."

In response to Drew's action, the imp pushed against the doors, and Eleneth materialized to add his power to his brother and father. In their hearts, the combined might of the Ross family held the doors until the pressure passed.

Ken and the rest of Drew's uncles, wearing their assault suits, appeared in the kitchen and the heat in the room increased. Brad merged the eleven of them and included Drew, Tag, Olive, and Raph to discover what happened. Once naked and together, Raph thought: I'm sorry, guys. This is my fault....

Ken: That's bullshit, Raph, and you know it. This reeks of puppet strings.

The image of the army opening fire on civilians burned in their collective mind, and outrage ensued, but more so in Bryan than any of them. He was the gentlest of them all until a loved one, or in this case, innocents, were harmed or put in danger. Bryan's ring, Lane's present depicting Leroy, glinted on his finger as the fire-agate eyes lit up. His eyes turned yellow-orange and became slitted like Leroy's, and his chest rose and fell as he controlled his rage.

His voice a deep growl, Bryan muttered: Ken...

Immediate retaliation needed to happen to quell more incidents. Ken had told the world leaders there would be consequences if they acted out. Making a snap decision, Ken thought: Go, Bry. You know the rules.

Bryan would take no life other than Enemy agents who were beyond redemption. Bryan's brothers were one with him, but only he would be physically present. Before Darren could translocate him, Bryan's deep, steely voice thought: I got this, Dar.

Emerald fire erupted from Bryan's Avatar and Gift as his raven wing tattoos fluttered beneath his suit. Through his Gift of Yggdrasil's seed, Bryan was life. Death was also part of his Avatar, and when he embraced the thought and memory of what he witnessed through Raph, he knew where to go. He also felt Uriel collecting their souls. To Lane, he thought: I love you, Little Buddy. Stay here until we figure out what's going on with you.

Before Lane could protest, Bryan physically vanished. He was no longer bodily with them but was still in them, and they embraced him with their immeasurable strength and love. Across the Earth, their arms held him, and their hearts warmed him.

<><>

Amidst a sea of tanks and jeeps that formed a barricade along the border between North Korea and China, cracks appeared in the ground as enormous roots and vines burst through the dirt, rock, and pavement. The sky darkened as Yggdrasil's canopy took form over a mile high, with lighting raging among its highest bows. Bryan appeared at its base and watched chaos unfold.

The army didn't know how to respond, so it discharged weapons randomly at the roots, but none struck the ghostly image. Through Bryan's enhanced senses and Gift, he smelled blood and lingering death. Having already collected the souls, Uriel's light faded as Bryan appeared, but his grandfather's wings brushed him as a parting gift.

Bryan's rekindled anger slowed his perception of time. Images from his SEAL days when innocent people were brutally killed returned fresh and poignant in his mind. Animals lay among the bodies, pets that people took with them as they tried to flee. More tears formed in his slitted eyes, and his body became hot with the fire of his emotion. Leroy's suit magnified everything which caused Bryan to glow.

Through Bryan, Loy instilled his will upon the spirits of the slain animals, commanding them to lend Bryan their strength before returning to the great nexus to be reborn. The spirits glowed brighter when their Steward touched them, sending him their unconditional love.

Bryan's perception of time returned to normal as thousands of bullets flew at him. At first, some hit but bounced off his suit, but Leroy's fire suffused him, and the bullets vaporized before they struck him. Any metal within inches of his body liquified.

A voice as deep as mountains entered Bryan's mind: ABBA, I COME.

Bryan: Leroy! What?

Leroy: YOUR RAGE IS MINE.

Within Yggdrasil's green life energy, Leroy's fire erupted as his full form burst forth from the image of the tree. His savage magnificence filled the sky and Bryan, gripping a spine to steady himself, appeared on Leroy's head.

Bryan: I love you, you big fucker!

Leroy: AND I LOVE YOU, LITTLE FUCKER.

Amidst the destruction and gunfire, Bryan's laughter echoed through the air, and his heart lifted above his rage because of the dragon's love for him.

Leroy knew Bryan wished no death among the humans and sensed no true evil among them. Swooping down, Leroy's enormous maw opened to spew fire for miles around. Terrified, the panicked soldiers threw up their arms as if they could protect themselves from the fire, but no heat touched them other than the searing of their souls as they were made new. Anything metal, however, vaporized in the heat so quickly that it didn't have a chance to burn flesh. When the fire cleared, the empty vessels of the bodies whose souls Uriel had already collected were gone, burned to ash, but the soldiers stood as newborn children with wide-eyed innocence. Fighter jets screamed through the air, descending upon the dragon and firing missiles, but vines shot forth from Yggdrasil's limbs to grip and break them apart. Bryan sent a powerful compulsion to the pilots: Eject!

Because he spoke mind to mind, they understood his word, and obeyed. Leroy breathed again, and the planes and missiles vaporized while the pilots' parachutes deployed.

Ken and his brothers were merged with Bryan, so they heard and felt Leroy's appearance. All of them were awed by Bryan's performance and guffawed when Leroy called Bryan Little Fucker.

Leroy landed, coiled around Yggdrasil, and lowered his head so Bryan could jump down. He rubbed his affection into Leroy's snout before stepping away. Calling out with his mind, Bryan shouted for the entire country and the surrounding territories to hear.

Bryan: Any person who wants to leave and follow The Order can do so. Anyone seeking sanctuary where our tenets are accepted and supported may do so. Any government or military leader who attempts to stop them will end up the same as those here today. If that happens the third time, there will be no mercy. The Order is here to save the world, not play your games. Thanks to my nephew, a few minutes before I showed up, you felt what the world will be like out from under the curse. Remember that feeling because it's what we fight for. It's what all of you should be fighting for. Stop fucking around, put on your big boy pants, and do the right thing by your people, you fuckers, or I'll be back, not just with my dragon, but the rest of my brothers.

Bryan pressed himself against the dragon's shoulder: Time to go home, you big fucker. Thanks for the backup.

Leroy: ALWAYS, LITTLE FUCKER.

Leroy surged forward and vanished, returning to his cave under the Valley of Eden.

Bryan: Dar, I'll take the return trip.

Darren: I don't know. You blew me off getting there; you can get back home on your own.

Knowing Darren loved his queso almost as much as Ken, Bryan thought: Alright. No queso for you tonight...

Darren's Avatar glowed, and Bryan appeared with the team before he finished his sentence. As he settled between Lane and Loy, Darren's dimples appeared and he fist-bumped his brother. Loy ruffled Bryan's hair: Fuck me, Bry. I think that got their attention.

Ken: Damn, Bry, you are one hot fucker when you get riled up. Almost as hot as B!

Lane: I think Leroy should have dropped a deuce for good measure.

Kevin: What is it with your preoccupation with shit? Leroy's deuce, Elegroth's bathroom... there's something seriously wrong with you.

In the paradox of that place, Ken hugged Bryan tightly and thought: Good job, Little Fucker, I'm proud of you.

Pat: You know there's power in threes. There's Little Fucker, Little Buddy, and we know Lane has a Little Dick. All part of God's plan.

Pat's comment started even more shit talk that had them crying from laughter in no time. Raph took it all in and Drew smiled, loving to see his uncles safe and happy, and Tag and Olive relished the presence of their loved ones.

<><><>

That evening, Lane took Bryan's hand and led him to their apartment. Bryan knew Lane was still preoccupied with the prophet's statement. The worst of his anxiety was gone thanks to Brad and his brothers, but enormous apprehension remained.

As soon as the door closed, Bryan stripped off his shirt, increased his body temperature, and pulled Lane against him. Bryan did this for his husband to emphasize everything about himself that turned Lane on. Eyes immediately bright, Lane knew what Bryan was doing and went along with him. Golden fire arced between their chests as Lane brought their souls together and rested his head against Bryan's neck and shoulder. His own shirt vanished and appeared on a chair because he didn't want to miss even the slightest second of touching his husband.

Bryan: Fuck, I love you, Lane. It tears me up when this shit happens...

With Lane's arms around Bryan, his hands gripped Bryan's thick back. Immersing himself in his husband, his worries vanished for a time. The wall of Bryan held back everything except their love for one another. Lane's legs lifted and wrapped around Bryan's waist, and Bryan walked them to the bedroom.

Bryan: Just breathe, Lane.

Bryan caressed Lane's face so gently that Lane cried. The hands that could rip metal yet could touch him so softly moved Lane in an inexplicable way and always had from the beginning of their relationship. Lane was sure Bryan would initiate sex, but he didn't. Instead, he remained a wall around his husband: Sleep, Little Buddy. No dreams tonight; I'll make sure. Rest up, and we'll tackle all this fucked up shit tomorrow.

Lane couldn't help but smile: You have such a way with words. Fuck comes out of you more than anyone I know and in so many ways. It's fucked up, but one of the many things I love about you.

Bryan chuckled: Now that's fucked up.

<><><>

After receiving their partially empowered Gift, ravenous hunger hit the RL's. As if on cue, there appeared a memory sphere and five large coolers stocked with food from Bryan.

Bryan: There's plenty of your favorites, so eat up and enjoy, fuckers. Send me a memory sphere back if you need anything else.

Aaron and Albrecht watched their young charges voraciously consume the entire contents, minus what Bryan sent specifically for his mentors, which was two to-go boxes from Long John Silver's.

Jake: So, Sirs, how will we get to Eva?

<><>

Eva watched the RL's at the forge. Her nature allowed her to pierce both creations and perceive anything necessary to fulfill her purpose. Németh contentedly sat with her in quiet companionship. His head snapped around when Eva's coiled body tensed.

Németh: He comes again?

Eva: Yes, and the younglings are not yet ready.

Eva's concern was evident to her friend.

Németh: Call Jörmungandr!

Across creations Eva called her mate, and Leroy's eyes widened as fire burst forth in his cavern. Leroy looked to Bryan who was still one with Lane. All of The Order was with Bryan as something severe occupied their attention - something Leroy knew needed to happen. Instead of calling to Bryan, he masked his rage over what initiated Eva's call, and Leroy surged forth from his cave under Eden, vanishing from the second creation.

Jake: So, Sirs, how will we get to Eva?

Before Aaron or Albrecht could respond, they vanished along with the RL's. Leroy took them to the first creation, appearing by Eva who was coiled about the Egg. Before they appeared, Németh cloaked himself in a flash of Eschphene magic. Jörmungandr appeared with them and entwined his neck with Eva's. She wondered why the entire Order wasn't present but didn't question her mate. If they weren't present there was good reason, one potent enough to keep them from saving the egg. He brought the younglings though, and she heard her music within them along with Jörmungandr's and their own. She recognized the Gift within the humans; she remembered it.

A massive tear appeared above the island as big as Earth, surrounded by an ocean that wasn't an ocean. The imp was present, and Eva hissed: No! We cannot avert the fallen archon, his legions, and the imp without the full might of The Order.

Jörmungandr: ABBA CANNOT COME.

Németh sighed knowing the time had come to reveal himself. In another flash of Eschphene magic, he wove sigils in the air and spoke in his native tongue: Come, my children! The balance calls us to re-enter the conflict. Let the fallen archon see the might of the Eschphene!

Runes etched into bones protruding across Németh's body glowed brightly and began to smoke as sigils he wove in the air expanded to create a portal. Three Eschphene stood on the other side, armored in the manner of their people, wielding strange weapons that glowed with their magic. Like their father, their own bones smoked with power. Németh's three sons, the only triplets ever born among his people, aged over ten thousand years and nurtured by their father, the mightiest and wisest Eschphene to ever live, stepped through the opening. Before the portal closed, Aaron and Albrecht caught sight of a beautiful city teeming with life.

Aaron: Németh!

Németh: Greetings, my friends. Ten thousand years have passed for me since we left the pale. The sight of you warms my heart.

Németh turned to Eva and thought: Complete the Gift. My sons and I will delay them.

Albrecht: There are only four of you...

Németh's thin lipless mouth curved in a smile: We will suffice. We have grown strong again, and our time to re-enter this conflict has come. The balance calls. The third creation is unfinished and must not be possessed by the fallen archon.

A small female Eschphene appeared by Németh's side, a child, and her resemblance to Németh was unmistakable: Go, Jayléth, while his focus is on us. Be brave but careful.

In a subtle flash of orange power, she vanished. Németh glanced upward at the host of demons that filled the skies. Elegroth's eyes appeared in the rift, but he had not yet entered the first creation.

Németh: We must draw him out. Your sister cannot perform her task if he remains in the void.

Positioning themselves behind their father, Németh's sons forged a wedge and fed him their power. Besides Henry, Eleneth, and Drew, Németh was the only being powerful enough to confront Elegroth, and similar to Henry, he had his sons with him. Raising his blocky hands, Németh traced a sigil in the air, and the fiery symbol hovered as he channeled power into it. Once completed, it flew like a spear slicing through any demon it touched until it struck Elegroth's right eye. His scream of rage and pain shook the island, but Németh's plan worked because Elegroth appeared outside the rift.

While Németh and his sons confronted the fallen archon, the RL's gathered before Eva and Leroy. Aaron and Albrecht stood back, not fearful but apprehensive about what was to happen. Leroy sensed their concern for the RL's and themselves. They had no protection against any of what was happening.

Leroy: I PROTECT YOU, SIRES OF ABBA.

Eva: Younglings, steady yourselves to embrace our fire. Let it fill and make you our offspring.

The implication of her words stunned them, but they had no time to react as fire burst forth from the enormous maws of the two dragons. Instead of being incinerated or reset, their Gift welcomed the fire - an adamant, unyielding threefold fire of life, death, and rebirth. The RL's eyes blazed white. So much fire filled them that it spilled from their mouths and eyes. The men gripped one another as the fire infused not only their Gift but their suits, and they became an anthem constructed of a threefold chorus of the songs of Eva, Leroy, and their own collective soul. Leroy's hide became part of them in the process, bonding to their flesh. The suits vanished as their skin became like dragonhide yet appearing as human flesh.

Eva and Leroy's fire consumed the men for nearly a minute, fashioning the transformation and awakening their Gift. That minute lasted an eternity for the RL's who became lost in a sensation they never wanted to end. To be embraced by the fire was exquisite beyond explanation, and when it stopped, they stood shoulder to shoulder, breathing heavily with wide eyes. They had to help one another stand as the fully empowered Gift completed them.

During the RL's transformation, Németh and his sons defended the egg, Aaron, and Albrecht from interference by Elegroth and his minions. The power of the Eschphene was staggering. Németh was older than The Master and had gathered knowledge and wisdom of the second creation his entire life. He spent the last ten thousand years garnering secrets of the first creation, and in a paradox, he now wielded both. The two creations were thought to be incompatible, but the balance knew otherwise, and Németh learned the secret of utilizing the two simultaneously.

Such an expenditure of power effectively exhausted the Eschphene. Appearing before Németh, Elegroth's sword dripped green energy, and with it he broke the wedge between the father and sons with a mighty blow.

Jacob: Guys! They're fucked if we don't do something fast!

Nathan: We don't know what the hell we're doing.

Rich: It doesn't matter, focus on Elegroth and hit him with everything we have. We can touch him now. We'll learn to control whatever this is in us, but for now just swing the hammer and give Németh time to recover.

The six soldiers, now children of Eva and Leroy, focused their power and sent a burst of something that Elegroth was unprepared for. To Elegroth, the fact they touched him was a surprise, but the strength of their attack and the pain it brought was greater as it threw him back.

As one, the RL's mentally whispered, "Oh shit," before they fell unconscious. Raw and untrained, they expended too much of their new strength. Aaron and Albrecht rushed to check on their charges, unsure how to help but willing to sacrifice themselves to protect the RL's in their vulnerable state.

From the ground beside Németh, Jayléth appeared in an orange flash.

Németh righted himself and looked at his daughter: Did you acquire that which we need?

Jayléth held out her hand, and a small vortex appeared over her palm. From the vortex, a black rock appeared, small and jagged, and it dropped into her hand. She had acquired a piece of the void stone. Németh smiled and gently caressed her head: You have done well. All of you have. You and your brothers leave now. I will remain to protect the egg and the young humans. Keep the balance.

The triplets and their sister disappeared in an orange flash. Elegroth glared at the Eschphene leader: I thought you destroyed. You should have stayed hidden because now, I will wipe you from creation. You cannot oppose me.

Németh: You are wrong, fallen one.

Németh's blocky fist closed, crushing the black rock of the void, and green fire infused him, mixing with the red-orange fire of his own magic and sigils. He cried out in pain but stood firm, and a sword similar to Elegroth's grew from his closed fist. Elegroth swung, and the two blades collided causing Németh's sword to explode. He fell back, but it also hurt Elegroth. If the fight were only between Elegroth and Németh, Németh's words would be true, but the imp was present and exerted its influence. The curse within Németh was a doorway for the imp, and the curse strengthened within the Eschphene.

Eva and Leroy breathed fire upon Elegroth and he screamed in his weakened state. The mated dragons forced the fallen archon to flee with his minions, and the tear across the sky sealed. Németh lay unconscious with green void energy pulsing through him. The void energy, consuming him rapidly, overtook the red-orange fire in his bones and sigils. His magic fought, but he was severely injured and close to death and could not overcome the toxin on its own.

Aaron yelled: Leroy! Can you take us home? Orophir's dagger can draw out the poison, but we must act quickly. Leroy untwined his neck from Eva's and surged forward, taking Aaron, Albrecht, the unconscious RL's, and the dying Eschphene leader back to the second creation.

<><>

Lane woke in the comfort of Bryan's arms. For a moment he was untroubled, and his mind was free to simply love his husband and brothers. Everyone was with him, a part of him, not like Bill, but in his soul. A tear leaked down his cheek from the upwelling emotion of their presence and love. He tensed when his mind returned to current events. That tension woke Bryan whose arms tightened around his husband. During the night, Lane's unconscious mind churned over God's statement during his visit to the cosmic Waffle House. He needed everyone's help, especially Brad's and Bill's. God didn't say he couldn't get help, just that the decision must be his.

Bryan rolled them over so that he was on top and lifted himself with his arms. Lane loved seeing Bryan over him and lovingly rubbed Bryan's chest and shoulders. He knew what was coming and brought his legs up and around Bryan's waist. For a while, Bryan held the inevitable release at bay by making love to Lane and doing everything he could to bring his husband pleasure. This was one of those rare times when his brothers were with them as their warm bodies pressed together sexually. The feeling caught him off guard even though they were one. With them were Henry, Adam, and even Zack. For hours, where time didn't move within their souls, they loved Lane physically and emotionally, making it all about him, shoring him up for what was about to come.

Afterward, Bryan made Lane's favorite breakfast of eggs in a basket on sourdough toast, and that morning, for the first time ever, his hashbrowns rivaled Frank's. Long before, Brad asked Bryan how he made food taste better and he had shrugged his shoulders because he was unsure how. For his husband, Bryan had figured out how to put his love into the food.

Ken: Man, what a gut buster, Bry. You outdid yourself.

Bryan: It's nothing.

Darren: Nothing, my ass. Someone get a wheelbarrow and take me to the conference room.

Bryan blushed at their comments and appreciation as he often did, loving their shit talk, yet that morning the ribbing held a different tone. It was the same feeling that accompanied a difficult mission, one they knew would be painful.

Ken: When everyone's ready, head `ta the conference room with Dar's ass in the wheelbarrow.

Once they were seated with Ken at the lectern, they turned serious.

Ken: Lane, this is your shindig.

Brad: We're all here for you in whatever capacity.

Lane: I figured out last night what I want to do, at least to start. Things may change. My gut tells me that once I start this, I can't stop until these fucked up decisions are made, no matter how long that takes or what happens. Even with the time differential, this is going to take a while.

Ken: Loy, let Raph know we're gonna be outta pocket a while. The RL's'll have `ta protect the egg if Elegroth acts up. I hope they're alright.

Ken's concern for the younger soldiers ran deep and was shared by all of them. They faced unknown changes, but Aaron and Albrecht were there to guide them. Loy's eyes briefly flashed white as a memory sphere emerged from his chest and shot through the wall to find Raph at his desk. Raph's eyes widened and he felt a bit anxious. He would be the only available member of The Order for an undetermined amount of time. Taking a deep breath, he dove back into his work. Raph felt Loy's hands squeeze his shoulders and pat his back to encourage and comfort him.

Loy: You'll be fine. You're a big boy now. The conference room is on lockdown while we're occupied. If anything goes sideways, have Sally call Eleneth and get Istariel and his posse to help.

Raph: You got it. Good luck with whatever you're doing.

Loy was one with his brothers, and they heard his conversation with Raph.

Loy: You got this too, Lane. We're with you.

The corner of Lane's mouth rose, but his usual grin was absent. Now that he was ready, his centering fame burned brightly and steadily. His brothers' flames added to his own, becoming one, just like their souls.

As Lane did in the hot yoga room, he drew a deep breath, focused on his breathing mechanics and homeostasis. The room around them vanished as their perceptions shifted to the spiritual plane. The ghostly form of Yggdrasil formed around them with animal spirits flitting about its branches. The heavens appeared in the sky filled with stars and the vastness of space. The spiritual landscape transformed as their Avatars ignited and they embraced their nephilim heritage. Their Gifts merged as their Avatars synchronized, bringing new elements to their power. Only two gifts remained to complete them, and they couldn't wait to acquire them. Their constellation and that of the RL's burned brightly in the heavens.

Lane: Brad, please connect me to all the children.

Brad's eyes flashed white as his mind expanded across the planet. The curse wasn't so strong in children, but Brad touched so many that it drew the imp's attention.

Ken: Henry, Drew needs `ta be with us. We can't take a chance on the imp interferin' with this.

The white lock in Henry's hair reflected the light of their centering flame and he nodded at the wisdom of Ken's request. The stone's protection and the incarnations Drew brought with him might afford Lane a different perspective. Drew appeared between Henry and Ken and knew why he was there. With no instruction, he called the stone from Thomin's vault, and the dome formed around them. The imp's presence vanished.

The age of the children Lane sought was indeterminate, and he allowed his Avatar to choose. The children were unaware of Brad's touch on their minds, and despite Drew's protection, his heart suffered with those who experienced illness, hunger, pain, and longing. Many were healthy and happy, but he touched all of them. Lane's intuition connected him to the first child, an infant in South America.

Lane: Bill, please become that child. Then me.

Lane's intent spread wonder through them. Bill's Gift ignited, and he became the child named Adriana. Lane was the girl through Bill, and his Avatar lit up as he went back to the moment of her conception. He watched her soul carried by an angel from the Hall of Wings. Fresh and pure, her soul entered the world and immediately fell under the auspices of the curse. Even so, she thrived, and Lane lived every second of her life.

In the mother's womb, Lane was safe, and warm and could hear her heartbeat along with the muffled ambient sounds of the world. The trauma of birth was extreme as Adriana entered the world and took her first breath. She was healthy and well cared for throughout her infancy.

Next, Lane's Gift drew from the other eight, and he did the impossible. Their reality was first, so technically no future existed because all other alternate realities spun off theirs. In a paradoxical act that sent a massive tsunami like ripple throughout the second creation, Lane pierced through time that didn't yet exist, and he lived Adriana's future. Their combined Gifts created the future she would live, and he walked through her life: marriage, having children, and eventual death. Adriana lived an everyday life that would leave no consequences in the world other than love for her children.

Lane next became Manish, a young boy in India. Again, Lane started as Manish's soul in the Hall of Wings and entered the boy at his conception. Through Bill, Lane was Manish and lived his life. Another ripple burst forth when he passed the temporal barrier of Manish's current life. He grew to manhood, became a scholar, and made significant contributions in math and science that would change mankind's existence. Lane was Manish until Uriel carried his soul to Heaven.

After Manish, Lane found Hao, a male child in China. Hao's heart did not develop properly, so he was born with a rare condition called the Tetralogy of Fallot. Lane lived Hao's past before piercing the arc of time, which created another ripple. Hao lived another two years before succumbing to death despite numerous surgeries by the finest cardiologists in China.

At the end of Lane's third life, another ripple burst forth causing the other three ripples to rebound. Patrick's Gift reacted to quell the ripples, but before he caught them, Lane said: No, Pat. Let them go. Before I'm done, creation will be filled with them, and they have to be bouncing around when I make my decision.

In their apartment, Tag and Olive felt the three ripples and their eyes turned white. Lane's actions generated the disturbances lifetimes apart, but he was so far into the arc of time the ripples appeared simultaneously. The three ripples resounded in the old couple who then vanished.

Lane continued becoming child after child, living each life from conception to Uriel's final call. He became hundreds of millions of children and lived every aspect of their lives as each brother gave him love and strength to continue. Drew and the incarnations were with them, loving his uncle over eleven thousand times while the stone kept the curse at bay.

Sick children, particularly terminally ill ones, were nearly unbearable for Lane. He desperately wanted to heal them, and his heart railed at God for mankind's condition under the curse. What purpose did it serve? When Pat received his Gift, he saw God's pattern briefly but could not maintain his perception. Bill became omniscient when his Gift awoke, and it almost destroyed him. He felt that each of them was incrementally becoming a part of the second creation and God himself, and they all wondered.

The tragedy of Lane's plight was his ability to heal all the children. Nothing stopped him from doing so other than the tenets of The Order and himself. He leaned desperately on Ken's will and conviction while his soul keened inconsolably. Michael's essence stirred within Ken, and unexpectedly, other voices entered their collective soul.

Gabriel: We are here, Lane. Father sent us. He knows how difficult this is.

Raphael, Uriel, Gabriel, Raguel, Barachiel, Saraqael, Remiel, Selaphiel, Jegudiel, and Luke spoke to him and wrapped him in their wings. Tag's and Olive's voices joined the chorus, and they appeared with eyes shining white. The forms of the elderly couple stuttered and flashed amidst the crescendo of ripples that Lane caused.

Olive: We is with you, son. Hold tight `ta your heart. It knows what `ta do.

Tag squeezed Lane's hand to emphasize his love and Olive's wisdom.

Everyone was outside the arc of time, yet they spent nearly half a billion years as one in that space. Periodically, when Lane nearly broke, his brothers would start shit-talking.

Bill: Are we there yet?

Darren: Fuck, I have to pee.

Pat: We'll you're going to have to hold it; we got a few billion years left.

Darren: I had to pee after the first one.

Loy: Sucks to be you. Pee in your wheelbarrow.

Rick: Speaking of sucking...

Brad: Do you remember this one time at band camp...?

They didn't stop until Lane grinned slightly, giving his heart a reprieve.

Ken's hands always tightened on Lane's shoulders in those times, ruffling his hair and whispering into his soul how great he was doing, emphasizing that among all of them, Lane was the only one who could accomplish this.

Brad's Avatar magnified Lane's natural compassion for the children. Henry's insight added even more, and after nearly half a billion years, Lane held the names of six children in his heart. They were the three whose lives would have the absolute least effect on the second creation and the three who would affect it the most.

The six children, innocent and pure, appeared with all of them to sit in wonder while surrounded by the light of The Order and the angels. Paradoxically, each man held each child in his lap, and the children felt no fear. Tears filled the men's eyes because three of the children would leave their earthly lives, and three would remain. Lane's tears were the thickest, but his decision was made.

Uriel: Be not sad. Their place already exists in Heaven. Any sorrow in your hearts should go to those who will miss them.

The three children who would change the world the most would leave the world, and the three who would affect the world the least would remain. Doing so would change the future, and the least of the children would become the greatest by having fulfilled the prophecy.

The abrupt transition from the serenity of his brothers' souls to the loudly clanking of plates and smell of grease startled Lane. His brothers were still with him, in his soul, but he was at the Waffle House. Uriel sat at the counter beside the three children Lane chose to remove from the world, and he wondered again because the infants were now old enough to sit at the bar with their legs dangling.

In the background, Lane's song, The Humbling River, was just ending, and The Byrd's song, Turn, Turn, Turn, began to play.

Frank called out, "Order up!" and Miss Lula stopped washing dishes, dried her hands, and miraculously filled her arms and hands with all the various plates. She set them down before the children, smiled her toothless grin, and said, "Here `ya go, darlin's! Hot off the grill. Mister Frank cooked this just for ya'll. All your faverts. Save room for pie!"

The Dove appeared, and this time He sat beside Lane rather than across from him in order to give Lane a side hug. "You did well, Lane. I'm sorry this fell on you. I'm proud of you, though. Remember, to everything there is a purpose."

Lane choked out, "Why?"

Stroking Lane's hair gently, The Dove replied, "Listen to the lyrics. You will see in time. You and your brothers will all see."

The Dove glanced at the children with food already on their faces whose legs swung from the high barstools. "Look how happy they are, how innocent, content, and pure. Miss Lula is good with them."

Lane asked, "All of this to make them happy? What about all the sick children who will die?"

The Dove quietly responded, "The curse is a terrible thing, and why you must win. Not only to remove the curse but to make a new creation of your design. One in which you will choose if there is pain, suffering, or evil. You know what Elegroth wishes. I see both his and yours. You decide how they shall differ."

Lane sat in stunned silence: We aren't ready to make those decisions.

The Dove chuckled: No, you are not. But you will be. What you did today will help you down that path. Nothing worthwhile is easy, Lane. What is happiness with no cost?

Lane: I still feel like shit. I'll never feel like I made the right choice.

The Dove: You took something that was least and made it the greatest. That is no small accomplishment. And you know these children here with us now will be in Heaven, safe from Elegroth and the imp, happy and content. The three who remain are unaware they are chosen.

Lane: But... I know.

The Dove grinned: Yes, you do, and that makes a difference, doesn't it? Knowledge and awareness are both terrible and glorious.

A hint of Lane's mischievous grin appeared: Yes, Sensei.

After a slight pause, Lane thought: I want Bryan and those other yahoos. Not that you aren't awesome, but I need to be with them.

The Dove: Of course you do.

Lane called to Frank loudly enough to be heard over the din of Miss Lula washing dishes, "Hey Frank, Bry figured it out. His hashbrowns rivaled yours for the first time ever! Yours are still divine, though."

Frank didn't say a word, but he faced Lane and clicked his heels together three times as he tipped his hat in acknowledgment. As soon as Lane vanished back to his brothers, the children turned into balls of light, and wrapped in Uriel's wings they went to Heaven where they would be blissful for eternity. The Dove, Frank, and Miss Lula looked at one another as their eyes sparkled with everything.

Frank slowly turned off the grill, removed his apron, folded it, and set it on the counter. His visage was both happy and sad. Bryan's new knowledge of how to infuse love into what he made seemed inconsequential, yet it shook the foundations of everything. Taking off his hat, Frank scratched his scalp and tossed it on his apron. As soon as it landed, He was no longer there, never to return to that place.

Brad's touch on all the children caught the attention of the imp, and again he attempted to enter Brad's soul, but Drew prevented him. Hissing his hatred at his brother, the imp pushed harder, relentlessly driving to obliterate The Order and open the doors.

The first ripple that Lane caused, though powerful, seemed inconsequential. The imp was aware of it but gave no notice. However, as Lane became each child, lived their life, and pierced the arc of time to create a future that did not yet exist, the ripples birthed a new, chaotic force. Half a billion of them burst forth from Lane's actions, resounding against the imp and buffeting him. The Seals in the doors, filled with the paradox of something impossible, lit up and captured them. The only Seal untouched was Henry's, but the others lit up once again as brightly as when the archons first resided within them at the height of their power. The prophet's words rang true – the imp was driven back, weakened, and the doors strengthened.

<><><>

Leroy conveyed Aaron, Albrecht, the RL's, and Németh back to the second creation, depositing them in the Congo base gymnasium, and then returned to his cave beneath the valley. He saw Bryan and the others and the ripples they produced, but he did not disturb his Abba.

Upon materializing, Aaron cast his thought out to anyone awakened in the base: We have returned with urgent need! Németh is near death.

Surprised when he got no response, he scanned the base to find Raph and Shan in their offices and Sally teaching the children. Drew was not with them.

Aaron: Raph? What is happening?

Raph: Sweet Christmas, you scared the shit out of me!

Aaron pulled Raph into a merge with himself and Albrecht, and the three men appeared naked to one another in all aspects. Everything happening became known to Aaron and Albrecht, and Raph became fully aware of the changes in the RL's and their confrontation with Elegroth.

Raph: The guys have been in the conference room for nearly a week. It looks like Orophir's dagger is Németh's only chance.

A memory sphere from Albrecht appeared and entered Sally's forehead: Sally, I apologize for the abrupt intrusion. Aaron and I do not have the range to reach Orophir on ZEUS or in the pale. Please have Eleneth bring him here immediately.

<><>

Sally called out, "Eleneth! Honey, we need you!"

Rather than Eleneth appearing in the classroom, Sally vanished, called by her son to ZEUS where he swam with the nephilim. The look on his mother's face alarmed him, and he appeared beside her, naked and dripping water. "Mother? What's wrong?"

Keeping her wits after the unexpected transition, Sally said, "Németh was badly hurt fighting Elegroth. If he has any chance, Orophir and the dagger are it."

Another transition came instantly as Eleneth took himself, his mother, and the nephilim to the Congo base gym. The nephilim arrived dry and wearing their traditional robes. Eleneth wore one as well, which surprised Sally.

Raph was there with the unconscious RL's and the massive form of Németh. The green energy pulsed brightly through the Eschphene's body consuming what little orange remained. Orophir appeared by his side, dagger drawn, and he placed the gem against Németh's obsidian flesh. The gem in the pommel brightened as the white and green energies swirled brightly within it. The amount of void energy was so great that it overpowered the white and Orophir screamed in pain as the dagger siphoned his own life energy to match it. Istariel and the other nephilim rushed forth, but Orophir said, "Do not touch me or attempt to help. You may perish if you do."

Eleneth saw the two energies and was aware of both because he was a child of each creation. As he matured, his strength grew. He was untrained – there was no one to teach him because he was unique – but he saw the imbalance and could not endure seeing his friend in pain. Regardless of his well-being, Eleneth's eyes blazed with power that he sent into Orophir. In the same manner that Lane looked at energy flows in someone hurt to understand what needed to be healed, Eleneth saw the imbalance in Németh.

Eleneth could not directly help the Eschphene, but he could help Orophir and Németh by proxy. The power within the gem stabilized as Orophir stood firm. There was so much energy within Németh to siphon off that Eleneth was nearly spent by the time Németh was clean.

Silence fell briefly before Sally grabbed her son, "Honey, are you alright?"

His mother's hands and the concern in her voice warmed Eleneth and helped him to recover. "Yes, Mother. I will be fine."

Sally kissed his cheek and hugged him, saying, "I'm so grateful and proud of you."

Németh moaned as he slowly stood up. Once upright, he bowed to both Orophir and Eleneth. His eyes widened when he looked upon Eleneth and exclaimed softly, "A Child of the Balance! How can you be?"

Orophir stood unsteadily on his feet as he asked Németh, "Are you well? This has never happened before. I must study this."

Moans from the RL's caught everyone's attention, and Raph and all the nephilim, except Orophir, moved to them. Jacob was the first on his feet and asked, "Is the egg safe?"

Aaron and Albrecht, who had observed everything without interfering, replied, "Yes. Németh, his sons, and his daughter saved us all. Németh weakened Elegroth to the point that Leroy and Eva's fire drove him off."

Moving in front of the great Eschphene, Aaron said, "I cannot tell you how happy I am to see you alive and well. I have wondered how you and your people fared since you left the pale. So much has happened here that you will wish to know."

Németh's thin lipless mouth smiled, "It is good to see you, too, my friend. I know most of what has transpired. I often visit the dragon of the first creation whom you call Eva. I taught her your language, mine, and many others. She has become a dear friend and tells me much."

Aaron placed a hand on Németh's and asked, "Are you sure you are well? What happened to you was extreme."

Németh replied, "I am thanks to Orophir and the Child."

Eleneth rankled and said, "I am not a child."

Németh bowed his head and said, "I mean no disrespect. I use the term to indicate that you are an offspring of both creations. You are a perfect balance between the two, a paradox I wish to understand. I owe you a great debt, as do my people." Turning to Orophir, he said, "And you."

As Eleneth nodded his understanding, Németh asked the RL's, "Are you well? The changes the two dragons wrought in you are so deep that they altered your nature. That was not easy to endure."

Jacob said, "I feel kind of wiped but other than that I'm good."

Németh nodded, "Fatigue is expected after such an ordeal. You will need training to understand and hone your new power. I offer the services of the Eschphene to do this. My sons will stay with you at the egg to train you. Now is the time for the Eschphene to openly oppose the fallen archon."

Albrecht asked, "How have you grown so strong in such a short time?"

Németh smiled again, "The place where my people reside lies outside this creation and has a tenuous grip on the arc of time. For you it has been three years. For us it has been nearly ten thousand. I have missed you and the other nephilim greatly. I wish to visit everyone."

Németh faced the direction of the conference room and cast his senses through the wall. "Drew Ross protects them from the curse, but I see their actions, purpose, and results. They continue to be a paradox – through chaos they achieve order."

By merging with Raph, Aaron and Albrecht knew what transpired during Lane's visit with God at the Waffle House and the prophet's words that followed. Their hearts groaned over what Lane and their sons were called to do.

Raph said, "They've been in there nearly a week with no food or water."

Németh nodded, "They are nearly finished. I will wait to speak with them."

<><>

Back with his brothers, Lane thought: It's done, guys. Fuck... it's done.

Tears still filled their eyes, Lane's the thickest of all, and their arms and souls wrapped him in comfort and support. The revelation of God's words sank in as another glimpse of their purpose was revealed.

Ken's stomach let out a massive rumble which broke the gravity of the moment. He looked chagrinned, and paradoxically they all patted Ken's stomach.

Lane: Your tummy is just speaking truth. We've been in here for days with nothing to eat.

Still surrounded by Yggdrasil's ghostly form and animal spirits, Lane drew power to send a flow of healing through them that restored their bodies and removed their hunger. No trace of the extended lack of food remained in them.

Darren: It's cool we can do that, but I'd rather eat. My brain wants taste.

Ken's stomach rumbled in agreement which made everyone laugh. Holding Lane tighter in his arms, Ken asked: Are you really alright?

Lane hesitated a second which spoke to how deeply affected he was: Yeah. Or I will be.

Bryan pulled Lane against him and kissed the top of his head: I hate this for you, Little Buddy. I hate it for all of us.

Pat: It's all necessary. These events... our decisions... our actions... it's all part of the pattern.

Henry could tell Drew was exhausted and thought: You can take the dome down now, Tiger. You made all this possible.

Ken ruffled Drew's hair: You were awesome, kiddo.

Ken saw Drew's fatigue, although he smiled contentedly for participating with his dad and uncles helping and making a difference. Ken also registered how powerful Drew was becoming. He maintained the dome for nearly a week in the physical realm and for millions of years outside the arc of time. Throughout the merge, everyone was awestruck.

Looking through the base to see what transpired while they were occupied, Henry started: Németh's here! Oh my God, the RL's...

Seeing through Henry, Brad took them back to their bodies, and they rushed from the conference room to the gym where Németh stood waiting for them. The RL's sat on the floor mats, and Sally, Raph, Eleneth, and the nephilim stood nearby.

Németh's face broke into the most radiant smile possible for one of his race, and his arms stretched out: My friends. My hearts warm to see you again.

Drew, along with all the men, rushed to hug the giant Eschphene, gripping him in welcome wherever they could reach. As soon as Ken released his hold on Németh, he turned to embrace Aaron and Albrecht.

Ken: I'm glad you're safe. There's so much goin' on.

Ken's eyes watered in concern for his beloved mentors, and Aaron gripped the back of Ken's head to pull him down to touch foreheads. It was an expression of love he often used with Albrecht but rarely with anyone else. Aaron pulled Ken into his heart, merging with his son and partner to share everything that transpired.

Everything became known to all of them. The immensity of the changes was astounding, yet everyone was physically alive and well despite the emotional turmoil. While Ken was merged with Aaron and Albrecht, Henry and Drew continued to embrace the Eschphene leader.

Németh: You are changed, Henry Ross. You were great before, the savior of my people, and now you are even greater as an archon. The balance is with you. Are you the father of this Child of Balance?

Henry: Eleleth is Eleneth's father, and Sally is his earthly mother. Eleleth sired him through me, so he's partially mine, and I love him as my own.

Németh: His aid saved me. He is brave like his fathers.

Henry: Drew taught Eleneth to rise above his fears to help others. I'm proud to be their father.

Németh: As you should be. I am likewise proud of my daughter and sons. Eschphene only ever have one offspring at a time, yet I have three sons - triplets. Never before in the annals of my people has such an event occurred.

Henry: Your children will be great friends and allies if they are anything like their father. I can't wait to meet them. Sneaking into the void to take another piece of the black rock was no small feat.

Németh: Jayléth is sly, that one; too clever for her own good, and capricious. I spend much energy keeping her out of mischief.

Henry laughed: I bet she has you wrapped around her little finger.

Németh: You mentioned the black stone. I am cured, but the memory of its vestige remains within me. It is a key element of Elegroth's power. He will be greatly weakened if we find a way to destroy the stone and return its energy to the void. The void is the crux which allows balance between the first and second creations. The fallen archon has upset that balance, and it must be righted.

Henry: Speaking of the fallen..., are you aware of what happened with Luke and Michael?

Németh sighed heavily: I felt Michael's demise. He was a significant part of the balance whose burden now lies with Kenneth Habersham. Luke's redemption and acceptance of Michael's role kept the balance and was a pleasant surprise.

Németh's and Henry's conversation took place in only a few heartbeats, and as Orophir and the other nephilim were preparing to return to ZEUS, Németh called out, "Child of Luke, I wish to speak with you."

Heads turned, and everyone wondered at the tone in Németh's voice. It bordered on stern, which surprised them. Orophir came to Németh's side and bowed his head in acknowledgment, "What do you wish?"

Németh's deep voice rumbled, "You also are a child of balance. Not in the same sense as Eleneth, but you are. Your knowledge of the runes from the Book of Loagaeth is paramount. Light and dark run through your veins, yet I see unrest in you. You are not comfortable with who you are and have yet to find yourself."

Orophir's eyes widened, and he replied, "I am content. The nephilim hybrids are dear friends and gave me sanctuary against my father to keep me alive. Istariel and my cousins have also accepted me, and I have learned to love them."

Németh said, "Your contentment will not last because you do not love yourself. Like the power within the dagger you crafted... the two powers work in unison, yet they are forced to do so. I wish to give you a gift in exchange for saving my life. The sigils of my people, the Sigils of Neutrality, will complete your knowledge. I will teach you how to find balance within yourself and the dagger so that the powers will work in unison rather than opposition. I pray you peace."

Brad observed everyone and noted the various expressions and reactions to Németh's words. Aaron seemed intensely interested in learning more about the Eschphene sigils. Albrecht's slight smile mirrored Istariel's and the other nephilim. Németh offered a far greater gift than just the knowledge of the sigils. Ken's expression mirrored Michael's when he was alive, and there was a sense of relief that the knowledge would help their cause militarily, yet even more, it might save everything.

Németh continued, "If you come with me, I will teach you, as my sons will teach these young warriors. It is time for the Eschphene to rejoin this war and make ourselves known. As the leader of my people, I vow to add our strength to yours to combat the fallen archon."

A glassy-eyed Ken said, "Thank you, Németh. You've been a great ally. We're happy you're back and more badass than ever. Are you gonna stay where you are or go back `ta the pale?"

Németh said, "After much thought, we will return to the pale but not to our old city. It represents a part of our history. Patrick Manning holds the heart of our temple as his Gift. It was a great part of our power for so many years, but without it we were forced to learn new methods, and it has brought us an even greater knowledge and relationship with the balance. I wish to leave the temple as a relic from which to learn, but we have evolved, and I do not care to return there."

Aaron said, "Well said, my friend. You show great wisdom."

Németh's mouth rose in the closest thing to a grin he could accomplish, but it matched the gleam in his eye when he replied, "Thank you, Aharon Jochebedson. As you know, with great age can come great wisdom, and yours honors me."

Németh's comment about Aaron's age brought snickers around the room. Aaron seemed slightly affronted but covered well.

The RL's had remained silent as they recovered, but Craig asked, "Sir? Is your name really Aharon Jochebedson?" Craig's pronunciation of his name was like fingernails on a chalkboard to Aaron and Albrecht, but he said, "Yes, my boy."

Craig grinned and said, "You need something more modern. Aharon Jochebedson is old school. From now on, how about A A Ron?"

Laughter burst out of all the men at the look on Aaron's face. Albrecht was nearly in tears as he asked, "Would you like me to fashion you some heavy gold jewelry, A A Ron? Your modern name requires a modern look."

The indignity of it all was too much, and Aaron left the room, followed by Albrecht, who winked at them.

<><>

After packing personal effects and toiletries, the RL's were ready to go with Németh. They would set up a camp near Eva and the egg to immediately begin training with his sons. Ken asked Németh his sons' names.

Németh: Héneth is the eldest, named in honor of Henry Ross. Kéneth, my middle child, is named in your honor Kenneth Habersham. My youngest is Déreth, named after Drew Ross. All of you are held in the highest esteem among my people for your aid. If not for yourselves, Henry and Drew Ross, my people would no longer exist.

Ken teared up, and immediately shit talk started in their private link.

Loy: Oh God! We are NOT calling you Kén-eth!

Brad: I wonder if both Kéneth's stomachs rumble as loud as yours?

Lane: Never mind about his stomach; I wonder if Héneth's dick is as big as Henry's.

Bryan: You perv.

Kevin: Lane, you get rooted by a branch of Yggdrasil multiple times a night. Why do you care about an Eschphene dick?

Lane: Eschphene have two dicks you know. The real one comes out of the first, like the teeth in Alien.

Bill: When the second dick cums, it's "game over, man!" I wonder if their cum eats through metal, like in the movie.

Darren: We're never going to hear the end of this.

Pat: I smell a pattern here. Kén-eth, did you fart?

Rick: Every conversation we have boils down to dicks and farts. Every damn time. We're supposed to be saving creation, but I ended up in pervert Romper Room.

Trying to keep a straight face, Ken thought: I'm honored, Németh. I don't know what `ta say.

Németh: Your young soldiers will be well cared for. They wield great power now, and we will hone them into the weapon and the defense necessary to protect the egg from Elegroth.

Ken: In the meantime, if you need us you know where `ta find us.

Németh held out a blocky hand, and a swirling smokey vortex appeared from which a small orange crystal fell into his palm. This, he extended to Ken: Take this. If you need me, empower this crystal and call my name.

Orophir waited patiently nearby with Istariel, Ruviel, Telcharan, and Alariel. Eleneth, looking awkward, appeared beside them.

Henry asked: Are you alright?

Eleneth seemed distraught, and Henry hugged him: What's the matter?

Tentatively, Eleneth thought: I wish to go with Orophir and Németh.

The white lock in Henry's hair caught the light, and he intuited why. Addressing Németh, Henry asked: Will you take my son as well? You, more than anyone else, can help him find himself.

Németh bowed his head: I will be honored to mentor him.

Taking his son by his shoulders, Henry thought: I'm putting you in his care for a time. Do as he says, but always remember Drew and I are here along with the rest of your family. Come be with us as often as time allows if you miss us, but I bet you'll enjoy your time with the Eschphene so much you won't miss us.

Pulling Eleneth closer, Henry kissed his forehead and hugged him again. I like the robes, by the way. They suit you.

Eleneth blushed: Thank you, Father. This is something I must do.

The RL's fist bumped the rest of the team, got hugs from Drew and the other children, and said their goodbyes. Then in a flash of Eschphene magic, Németh, Eleneth, Orophir, and the RL's vanished. Silence fell but was broken by Ken's stomach. Brad smiled and tried to lighten the mood: Eight less for dinner means more for us!

<><>

The kid's lessons were finished for the day, so Drew went to the kitchen with Bryan and Lane to help cook dinner. With the unexpected private time, Henry winked at Sally and nodded towards his room. She blushed as she took his outheld hand, and they retired for some fun until dinner. Kevin and Bill took over watching and keeping the kids occupied. As badly as Loy wanted to make out with Rick, he caved at pleas for some Aslan time in front of the TV. Pat and Darren went to their room, and Ken and Brad went to theirs.

Once the door was shut, Ken exhaled, "Ayyyy Karumba. What a day. Hell, what a week. What the fuck did we do, B?"

Ken initiated their physical bond as he took off his shirt. Lying down, he patted his hand on the bed for Brad to join him. Brad stripped off his shirt, looked at his husband with his disheveled hair and green eyes, and immediately got as hard as Ken.

Ken: Get over here. I wanna hold you.

Brad: I hope you want to do more than that unless you mean my dick.

Ken embraced his lover and sighed at the simple pleasure of their warm, bare flesh pressed together. Brad snuggled him, nuzzled his face against Ken's neck, and contentedly settled into being held.

Ken: So, we're down eight people, just like that, for God knows how long.

Brad: They're in good hands. Not as good as yours, but still good.

Ken tightened his arms slightly and kissed the top of Brad's head.

Ken: The only thing that bothers me is the RL's. I wanna talk `ta the doc and Albrecht after dinner. We merged, so I know what happened, but we gotta get a better handle on their changes and how they'll defend the egg.

They lay in silence for a few minutes before Brad shifted them so that Ken was on his back with his arms behind his head and Brad straddled Ken's waist. Looking at his husband's incredible physique, Brad's hands roamed, unable to resist touching and loving his husband. Ken exhaled pleasure and closed his eyes. Every time Brad's hands rubbed over Ken's nipples he felt Ken's erection flex in his jeans.

Brad: Let's get naked. I don't want you to rip your jeans.

Brad's eyes flashed white, their clothes appeared by the closet door, hovered briefly, and fell into the hamper.

Brad: We wore those for a week, so they probably need a good wash anyway.

Ken: B, I wanna get us off quick. Well, maybe not quick...

Brad: And then?

Ken: I wanna talk. I need `ta talk all this through and have you listen and make sure I'm not forgettin' anythin'.

Brad: So, what are you waiting for?

Ken took Brad's comment as a challenge, and his little kid grin appeared.

Brad: See? My mad seduction skills are at work again, and you fell for them as usual.

Ken's revenge was being "that guy" overwhelming his husband and taking him to heights of pleasure they could only attain together. There was nothing quick about it, and they missed dinner. Ken caught his breath while on top of Brad, while Brad's hands roamed over the expanse of his sweaty back. Ken's stomach eventually reminded him who was boss.

Ken: Fuck.

Brad: Well, we did skip dinner. Let's see what's leftover in the kitchen and then we'll talk.

It was late in the lab, and all the children should have been in bed, but just in case, Brad put the illusion of boxers on them as they made their way to the kitchen. A post-it note in Bryan's handwriting on the microwave read, "You fuckers. I made extra for your horny asses. XOX, Bry."

Ken: Fuck, he's amazin'.

Bryan: I know. There's garlic bread in the oven.

Lane's presence wasn't with Bryan and they wondered at it.

Brad: How's Lane?

Bryan: This whole thing really fucked with him. I wore him out, and he's asleep. We're with Leroy for the night. I thought the valley was a good place to be for him. Sorry I didn't ask, but you were busy and I didn't think you'd mind.

Ken: Good thinkin'. I want everyone `ta do their PT in the mornin', but I'm callin' off trainin' tomorrow so we can do a deep dive on what happened and go over the changes in the RL's. Me and B are gonna feast on this awesome lasagna and then talk it over so I have it all straight.

Brad: We love you guys. I know you're taking care of Lane, but if you need us, we're here.

Bryan: As if I didn't know that, but yeah, thanks fuckers. Eat up; I'm about to fade here myself. Love you.

Ken: Give Leroy a chin scratch from us.

They were aware of Bryan's grin as his presence increased briefly before they were alone again.

Brad: He talked to us through Yggdrasil. That is so cool.

Ken's angry gut demanded attention, so Brad quickly warmed the food.

<><><>

The next morning after PT, freshly showered and filled with coffee and breakfast, Ken called everyone but Sally, Shan, Tag, Olive, and the kids into the conference room. His brothers made a special effort to hug Lane, ruffle his hair, or touch him as they came in. His expression told them he still was unsettled by his ordeal.

When everyone was seated, Ken said, "Lane..."

Before he got any further, Lane said, "I'm alright, Ken. Everything's history at this point. I don't feel qualified to make the decision God wanted me to make. I basically took three children away from their families and loved ones. No one but us knows it was me, but I did that."

Aaron gently interjected, "God thinks you are qualified, my boy, or He would not have tasked you. Your humility says as much as His choice."

Lane looked at the doc a moment and asked, "You know what grinds me most? God said I made something that was the least, the greatest. I never considered those children `the least.'"

Henry interjected, "Neither does God, Lane. He didn't mean it like that."

Lane sighed and said, "You have no idea how scared I was that one of our kids would be involved. Chloe and AJ are in that age group. Did you leave them out on purpose, Brad?"

Brad raised his eyebrows, "Now that you mention it, I don't know why."

Lane mumbled, "Fucking puppet strings."

Brad replied, "Yeah, but that's one I don't mind."

Lane switched to talking through their link to avoid any miscommunication: Guys, I'm alright. I'm upset, but it'll pass. Bry's being super great to me, and all of you are too. I couldn't do this without you. There's nothing that can be done, so let's move on to the RL's.

Ken: Okay. You know how much we love you, bud. Everyone's here if anything changes. So on to the RL's. Doc, Albrecht, we saw what happened to the RL's through the merge, but what the hell did Eva mean when she said: "Younglings, brace yourselves and embrace our fire. Let it fill you, and become our offspring."

<><><>

Orophir, Eleneth, and the RL's appeared in the new Eschphene high temple. Fearing their magic would see through his matrices, Orophir had never visited the Eschphene city in the pale. Before Németh returned, the Eschphene were in league with his father, Luke, and they might have betrayed him. Quietly he observed everything around him and noted that while the architecture held elements of the old city, it was vastly different.

Németh noted Orophir's expression and said, "Without the heart of the temple, much changed for us. In retrospect, I am even more pleased that I presented Patrick Manning with his Gift. It brought about new possibilities that I did not foresee. The results surround you."

To the RL's, he said, "I will call my sons and send you to the egg. There you will build a place to live while learning to control what resides in you. You are now children of Evaléth and Jörmungandr, or more appropriately the fire they wield. You are unique in all creations: a new power much like the nephilim hybrids. A significant amount of time will pass in the creation of your birth, but even more so while you are with the egg."

Jacob asked, "I mean no disrespect, Sir, but what can your sons teach us? What experience do they have to help us if we're something new?"

Németh smiled, "The balance touches all things, and in all things there is a balance. Once this is realized, endless possibilities exist. My sons will help you find the balance within yourselves to unlock all that is in you."

Jacob said, "I'm not sure I understand that, but we're grateful, and we'll do our best."

Németh's three sons, Héneth, Kéneth, and Déreth entered the room wearing only loin cloths and enormous packs on their backs. The RL's were unfamiliar with Eschphene physiology and were struck by how thick and muscular their bodies were with their black skin shining like oil over dense muscle. Multiple protrusions of bone covered their bodies as if they were living statues.

Héneth spoke in their native tongue but caught himself. "My apologies. I have only recently learned your language. I am rude to speak my native tongue in your presence."

Guy said, "It doesn't bother us as long as you're not talking about how small our dicks are."

Héneth blinked, shocked at first but then a deep rumble came from him. It took a second for the guys to realize he was laughing. Héneth's brothers laughed as well, and Németh sighed, closed his eyes, and shook his head.

Héneth's deep voice, directed at Guy, said, "If they are truly small, beware of our sister, Jayléth. She likes the tiny ones."

Kéneth and Déreth laughed harder, and Németh said, "Go! I see that you will get along well. Call me at need."

In a bright flash of orange Eschphene magic, Németh's three sons and the RL's vanished.

Németh called out, "Jayléth!," and his daughter appeared. "Escort Orophir and Eleneth. Make them comfortable and attend to their needs. After they are accommodated bring them to me."

<><><>

Ken, Brad, and Henry appeared in the coliseum. With his new senses, Henry perceived more about the place Michael created. The peaceful quiet reminded Henry of his Seal at the doors. He said, "I like it here."

Ken grinned, "Me too. We didn't get very far in our meetin'. I don't like not havin' a grip on everythin' and this place helps clear my head." A frown creased his forehead and he put his arms around Brad. "You know what I mean. You help me more than I can ever repay `ta keep my mind and emotions straight."

Brad kissed Ken's forearm that crossed his chest. "I know, and that's what I'm doing. Henry can push you right now, just like Michael could. You do your best thinking when your mind is disengaged and your body takes over. It's a subtle part of your Avatar I figured out a long time ago. And while you guys go at it I get to perv on you both, so be ready later."

Ken said, "We need `ta stretch and warm up. Here, I like `ta do it the old-fashioned way."

Ken started removing his clothing, and Henry followed. Brad, true to his word, admired his lover and one of his best friends. Henry was built differently than Ken, and Brad perved on the differences. Henry had more body hair for one, and while they were the same height and physical size, Ken's pecs were more square and Henry's slightly rounder. Ken's hair was darker, but they had the same green eyes. Henry's skin tone, naturally lighter but very tan, gave him a golden sheen. Ken's skin tone was more Mediterranean and also well tanned.

As the two friends helped each other stretch under the bright sun, the light sheen of sweat accentuated their physiques to a different level. Once warmed up, Ken began the kata, The Quintessential Dance. Their forms were beautiful to behold and their movements flawless perfection. The three men were merged, and Brad shared the pleasure and contentment of their souls as Ken and Henry exerted their bodies.

Eleleth's innate fighting style now existed in Henry, and the second time they began the kata, Ken began incorporating movements from Henry's archonian fighting style. The differences were subtle but exceedingly effective.

With his husband in every aspect, Brad watched and observed Ken's subconscious and noted the connections forming. Ken's purpose was being realized as he sparred with Henry, and his troubles vanished as his subconscious sorted everything out.

For hours the two men grappled, loving the physicality of their actions. Sweat flew from their bodies upon each impact. Dirt stuck to their forms, and before long they were filthy, but fresh sweat rinsed most of it off. There was no need to eat or drink in that place, so there was no need to pause. Their core energy centers channeled oxygen into their bodies to fuel their muscles, and while they breathed heavily, neither man was fatigued.

A light caught Brad's attention, at first seeming like a second sun in the sky, but it descended and transformed into Uriel. Worry immediately hit, but Uriel's expression calmed Brad's initial concern.

Uriel's deep voice resounded through the arena, "I hope my presence is not offensive."

Brad responded, "Of course not. What brings you?"

Ken and Henry stopped and moved to Brad and the archangel. Uriel seemed hesitant, much like Bryan when he had something personal to convey, before saying, "I miss Michael."

A tear trail of light dripped slowly down Uriel's cheek, and Ken pulled Uriel into a hug as he teared up and said, "Me too."

Uriel continued, "You gave consent to visit you here."

Ken's eyes still were wet when he said, "You're welcome `ta be here. I'm glad you came. Wanna spar with us? Henry's showin' us some new moves. We're improvin' The Quintessential Dance. We can give you a leg up on the other archangels and some major street cred."

Henry chuckled, "I'm not sure street cred is the right phrase for an archangel."

Uriel grinned, "Being here and sparring with you will ease my heart. That is all I need; however, learning these `new moves' will also help the hosts. I will enjoy besting Luke while I teach him."

Ken laughed, "Hell yeah!"

Brad watched Ken and Uriel while Henry sat beside him. The heat coming off Henry, even on the warm day, was intoxicating. The smell of Henry's sweat and aftershave hit Brad, and he knew why Drew found it so comforting. With no embarrassment, Brad put his arm around Henry's solid shoulders and said, "I love you, Henry."

Brad caught Henry off guard, making him emotional, "I love you too, Brad. I'm so glad I'm a part of your life, and Drew's."

Brad stood and moved behind Henry to look down on his thick back. "You're all wound up. Let me loosen you up some." Brad put his therapeutic skills to work, popped Henry's neck and spine, and massaged the tightness from his muscles. Brad's empathy was in full effect as he gave and received emotions through their skin contact.

Ken knew Bryan better than anyone but Lane, and with the similarities between Bryan and his angelic grandfather, Ken used his knowledge to make Uriel feel better. He joked as they sparred, and Ken subtly instructed Uriel in the new techniques Henry had taught him. Brad watched Uriel open up and become himself rather than only the "Angel of Death," and he realized that they thought of their grandfathers too much by their provinces instead of individual beings. Especially now that the archangels had free will, personalities that were subdued began emerging. To help Uriel, Ken embraced the part of Michael within him to become who Uriel needed and missed.

Ken called a halt and said, "Okay, I wanna try somethin'."

Ken waved Henry over and winked, saying, "I saw my husband's hands all over you. Thanks for gettin' him worked up. I imagine you're worked up too, so Sally can thank me later."

Henry shocked Ken when he said, "Actually, Adam can thank you. I've kept this under wraps because it's just sex with Adam. I know he'd like it to be more, and maybe that will happen down the road. When I get worked up like now, Sally's too fragile and I'm afraid I'll hurt her. Sometimes I want to cut loose in ways I can't with her. We've talked it over and she's fine with it. Personally, I think she'll be hooked."

The grin on his face at his last comment was cocky but likely accurate. Ken and Brad were wide-eyed at the revelation but happy for all parties involved. Adam's loneliness weighed heavily on Ken, and what Henry shared at least would be a short-term solution.

Henry winked and groped his crotch as he listened to Ken's thoughts, "I think you mean `long term.'"

Ken burst out laughing, "You fucker."

Once he stopped laughing, Ken said, "Okay, Uriel and Henry, armor up and weapons out. I want you two `ta hit me with everythin' you got. It's me and Michael against you two."

Thunder cracked across the sky and boiling clouds covered the sun. A rainless wind blew as their armor materialized glowing brightly in the subdued light. Ken moved to one end of the arena and Uriel and Henry to the other. Brad watched intently with a high level of excitement and not a little anxiety. The weapons they wielded were real and could slice demons to shreds.

Ken: No worries, B. They won't hit me and I won't hurt `em. This is gonna be fun.

Brad knew Michael spoke through Ken, but regardless he thought: I love you. Be ready for what comes next because I'm already hard.

Ken raised his sword bringing lightning from the sky which he threw at Uriel and Henry who blocked it with their weapons. The ensuing fight was unlike anything Brad had ever imagined. Henry's archonian fighting style was fully incorporated, and Ken, by himself, not only matched an archangel and an archon, he bested them. The clangs of weapons against armor and grunts of the combatants rose above the wind, and Brad often had to slow his perception of time to see their movements because they were so swift.

Brad was one with his husband through it all but remained quiet. Ken was in that place Michael often took him - where his mind was detached and his physical prowess took over. Ken's Avatar, adding to his already brilliant light, shone through Michael's armor. Per Ken's instruction, Uriel and Henry gave Ken no quarter as they pitted themselves against him. Brad had never seen such an expression on Uriel's face. He was truly happy, and his sorrow over Michael's absence was displaced. Bryan held the same expression when his love for Lane shone through his stoic visage.

Finally, Uriel and Henry struck Michael's sword in unison. Ken was ready, but the resounding explosion of power knocked all three of them back. Henry and Ken landed on their backs, but Uriel broke his fall with his wings, and the sound of their laughter carried over the wind.

Michael's armor and sword vanished as did Uriel's and Henry's when Ken rushed to embrace his brother and the archangel. Without their armor, even Uriel was naked, and Brad drank in their forms.

Ken yelled out, "That was hella fun!"

When Ken saw Uriel's tears, he hugged him again even tighter. Uriel's deep voice whispered, "Thank you, Kenneth. You have given me an unimaginable gift: I know Michael is not truly gone. We cannot do this often, but I already look forward to our next time."

Ken cupped Uriel's heavy shoulder and said, "Me too. You know I'm always here."

With no further words, Uriel turned into a ball of light and swept into the sky. The clouds dissipated quickly, and the sun returned to enhance Ken's and Henry's virile bodies shining with sweat.

Henry winked and said, "You need to install some showers."

<><><>

Ken ended the meeting after an hour because neither Aaron nor Albrecht had insight into Eva's comment. Since there was no training for the day, Ken asked Henry to go with Brad and him to the coliseum. The rest of the men broke up to do their own things.

When Sally brought the kids' lessons to a close, they retired to their rooms to do homework before dinner. With Henry and Eleneth gone, Drew, after his homework was finished, stayed by Bryan's side. There wasn't much he could do to help, but Bryan asked him to flip the steaks and then grate cheese and crumble bacon for the baked potatoes. They produced another meal of grilled steaks, thrice-baked potatoes (Bryan's unrevealed secret), and salads of fresh fruits and vegetables topped with homemade dressings he created with Drew's help. He made apple cobbler for dessert, and Lane made vanilla ice cream.

Brad, Ken, and Henry returned in time for dinner. Naked, pumped, and sweaty, Ken and Henry immediately hit the showers. Drew needed to shower before dinner, and joined his dad under the spray. No one paid attention when Drew sprouted an erection, but Henry noticed that Drew was rapidly growing in size. Doug was well endowed, and it seemed he passed those genes on to his son. This made Henry happy because it made Drew feel more like his real son.

<><>

Once the kitchen was cleaned after dinner, Lane wanted to go with Bryan to their room. His usually cheerful demeanor was still subdued, and he wanted them to be alone. Bryan, ever attentive and in tune with Lane's emotions, was present and supportive but careful because Lane hated to be babied.

Lane was surprised when he heard Drew's voice in his mind: Uncle Lane?

Lane: Hey, Tiger, what's shaking?

Lane felt a level of trepidation in his nephew and was immediately alert.

Lane: Is everything alright?

Drew: Can I come see you?

Lane: You didn't answer my question. And yes, you can. Our door's always open for you.

In less than a minute, Drew entered Lane and Bryan's apartment. His eyes were obviously red and puffy from crying. Drew moved to the bed, and Lane sat up to embrace him. Lane and Bryan had been naked but Lane put the illusion of shorts on them when Drew was on the way to their room. Lane scooped Drew up and flipped him over so that he was between his uncles. The warmth of their bodies enveloped him, bringing him their unique comfort that he so loved and needed.

Bryan: What's wrong, Tiger? Why're you crying?

Drew seemed hesitant to talk now that he was present. His face held the adult like quality he often now expressed, and his uncles knew his issue was serious. Unsure where to start, Drew thought: I'm sorry, Uncle Lane, for what the birdman made you do.

Lane kissed the top of Drew's head and hugged him tightly: Thanks, buddy.

After a brief pause, Drew continued: I get why you're sad. More than anyone else, I think. Over all my lifetimes, now that I remember them ... well, I did some good things and bad things like I made people die. Not always on purpose but sometimes times I did. I helped a few people, and they lived because of me. So... I sort of get it, even if it's not exactly the same. Being responsible for someone living or dying just hurts. The living part can be happy, and it helps... but it can still blow.

Neither Bryan nor Lane knew how to respond. Drew's wisdom was eons beyond a ten-year-old boy. But Drew had lived over eleven thousand lives since his first birth, and none of his uncles knew the full wisdom or pain he carried inside him, even after merging. Lane teared up at what Drew shared and started crying hard. Bryan put a hand on his shoulder, and Drew rested his head on Lane's chest.

Drew: I wrote something for you, Uncle Lane. You teach me so much; you both do. You all do, you're all the best. It's hard to explain. I just hurt when you're sad. After everything you do for the world and the pain you feel because of my brother... the older I get the more I realize how great you are.

Lane: Drew...

Drew: Can I play you a song? This time I want to sing one I wrote for you.

Unable to speak, Lane nodded. He and Bryan moved apart so Drew could sit between them with his legs crossed. His guitar appeared, summoned from the ether as Lane had taught him.

Drew: It's not very good. I'm not as good as you at writing songs, but I'm learning. And I want to be the best songwriter ever, so you'll be proud of me.

Smiling because Bryan said they were already, Drew strummed a few chords. Lane didn't recognize the simple yet elegant music with the modulation Drew used to create a mood.

My dad came and found me

And took me from my hell

But you opened my heart

With the music in your well.

You see the world so different

And taught me to see it too

I wish I could express all

The love I have for you.

You taught me peace

You taught me love

You taught me how to sing

And all that's in my soul

I now can sing to you.

You're feeling down and sad

But this time let me play

The song in me for you

To lift your heart

With all the love I have for you.

Drew's guitar vanished when he finished and he shyly thought: The last part's flubbed up, but I didn't want to wait. Maybe you can fix it.

Bryan's tears were as thick as Lane's as they slowed time for the eternity it took to reign in their emotions. In the present they merged with Drew, embracing him with all their angelic strength.

Lane's thoughts were a whisper: It's perfect, Drew. I wouldn't change a thing. My God, it's beautiful. Thank you...

Lane smiled through his tears, and Drew saw a glimmer of Lane's old self. He knew it would return in time, but he wanted to bring it back sooner, and he did. Drew's return smile held the light of all his incarnations and the love of each. Now that they were sane and had resided in Heaven for three years, their light was brighter than ever.

Bryan: You did great, kiddo. I'm proud of you too.

Drew: You're not alone, Uncle Lane ... I mean ... You know what I mean. You share your soul with Uncle Bry, my other uncles, my dad, and Mr. Aaron and Mr. Albrecht, but I don't mean it that way. When you know someone else understands something in you, it makes a difference. That's why you and Uncle Bry love each other so much. You understand each other.

Once again the two men were blown away by Drew's understanding of their relationship. He grasped the emotional foundation of their love that many adults never realize.

Drew hesitated again and then continued: You and Uncle Bry, all my other Uncles, and my dad saved me. You always make me feel smart and brave. You always have the right answer and help me when I need it the most. You make me feel better when I'm sad. I just ... I want to do that for you this time. I hope some day I'll find someone. Maybe whoever it is is in the egg waiting for me. And for Dad too. Do you think Mom is in there? Do you think the birdman takes the people who sacrifice themselves and sends them there?

Bryan and Lane were silent for a time before Bryan thought: There's no way to know, Tiger. I hope for you and Henry it's true, but you have to be prepared that she might be gone forever. No reason to stop hoping though.

Drew: Well, I hope she's there.

Lane: Will you stay with us tonight?

Drew: But don't you want to do the big nasty? That's what Uncle Loy calls the beast with two backs.

Their tearful laughter lasted until they could calm down.

Bryan: We do, but you're more important. We'd rather have you with us.

Drew smiled: Thanks. I want to, but I have to tell Dad. Maybe he can stay with Miss Sally and Mr. Adam.

<><><>

While Elegroth remained quiet, the lives of those in The Order returned to a small sense of normality. Raph met with General Hammond to explain the absence of the RL's. He was anxious about the trip, but it went smoothly. Loy stayed in Raph's mind and heart the entire time, and by proxy the rest of the team did too. This solidified Raph's returned love for his new brothers' care and protection.

There was no word from the RL's, but Ken didn't want to travel to the first creation to find out their progress. With the time differential, there was no telling how long they would be gone, and he didn't want to leave the second creation unattended unless the RL's experienced something catastrophic.

Once a week, Ken took the team to his coliseum to train. It was a welcome change for the guys, and Sally brought the children when everyone broke for lunch. Although they lived the illusion of peace, the awareness of their mission was never absent from their minds. Aaron taught them not to pressure themselves needlessly on a daily basis but rather to live in the moment.

A few weeks after Lane's decisions, the men were in the locker room changing for their training. Most were naked and those who weren't were nearly so. They were full of coffee, caffeine, and high spirits. Lane sat on the bench in front of his locker unfolding his suit when behind his back, Loy glanced at Bryan and nodded. A glimmer appeared in their eyes because Brad had hidden their intention from Lane. With their backs to him, they circled around to show him their asses. In the perfect acoustics that all tiled bathrooms have, the deep, base voices of the bodies started the lyrics, "Uka chaka uka chaka..."

Lane's head snapped up, and he realized he was surrounded by twelve flawless asses. He giggled because he recognized every one of them. In perfect chorus, his brothers broke into Blue Swede's Hooked on a Feeling. After the opening, they turned and made cheesy seventies dance moves while singing their hearts out and doing helicopters in his face. Lane couldn't help himself and laughed tears, and soon the song fell apart as all of them lost it. They hadn't had a moment this good in a long time. Lane knew Loy was the instigator and hugged him first.

Lane: Thanks. I needed that.

Loy: What? My furry ass staring at you?

Lane howled: No – winking!

Effecting the voice of the guy from the seventies Budweiser beer commercial, Lane extolled: I love you, man! He continued around the room: And you, and you, and you...

Each hugged him, kissed his cheek, and ruffled his hair or patted his back. His smile told them he was himself again. Drew's song did most of the work, but their antics chased off the last vestige of his sorrow.

When the laughter died down, Ken said: Know what, guys?

Darren: You're hungry?

Bill: You farted?

Rick: Brad's pregnant?

Ken replied: Yes, yes, and no, but to my point. Let's take today off and hit ZEUS. Istariel and his bunch are there; let's go swim with the nephilim and work on our tans. No offense to the parents here, but it will be a kid free zone, so no trunks and no tan lines.

Silence fell and everyone stared at him as though something was wrong. Eventually Ken asked: What?

As one, their chant started again: Uka chaka uka chaka as they stowed their suits in their lockers. They stood ready wearing only sunglasses. Darren crossed his arms like Barbara Eden in I Dream of Jeanie and blinked as his Avatar lit up on his shoulder which took them to the dive deck on ZEUS.

The afternoon was sheer relaxation, and after the hot sun, swimming, and mountains of food, the guys settled down to snooze. Darren brought the kids late in the afternoon. Sally went to Henry's cabin and decided to take the plunge with Adam as well.

<><><>

The RL's, in the first creation, with the encouragement of their Eschphene mentors, took their physical relationship to the next level. Balance was needed in their bodies, minds, and souls for them to be fulfilled – each a Vitruvian Man. There was no shame or guilt, only love, acceptance, and patience as the RL's learned to give and take pleasure from one another. Their constellation in the sky of the second creation brightened, and the men who were out swimming late saw it and wondered.

Bill and Kevin got Tommy and Brett settled for the night and then relaxed naked with one another in the master cabin. Whenever the entire group was on ZEUS, they drew straws or played rock, paper, scissors for the master cabin. Everywhere Bill looked, he saw their reflection in mirrors, and the sight of Kevin on top of him, coupled with feelings both emotional and physical, made their lovemaking more fulfilling than usual. Once finally sated, Kevin spooned his husband, cuddling and nuzzling his face against Bill from behind.

Kevin: I love you.

Bill: I love you, too. It's so nice here. I wish we could come more often. By the way, you were in top form tonight and your form is tops too.

Kevin: Just horny for my stud husband. You're so damn perfect sometimes I just can't stand it. Everything about you intoxicates me.

Bill's Avatar lit up, brightened by his Gift, as momentarily he became Kevin and knew his husband's words were true. He was blown away by what Kevin felt for him and what they felt for each other; this truth was the same with every one of his brothers.

Kevin's breathing changed as he fell asleep, and the cadence of his breath sent Bill into slumber as well until his Avatar and Gift woke again, and Granny Wolf took him to the realm of dreams. He appeared at her abode, the large floating rock close to the swirling nexus of animal spirits waiting to be reborn. Loy and Lane were there as well. The three brothers looked at one another with uncertainty about what was happening.

Loy: Why did you bring us here?

Granny Wolf: A spirit, one touched by the Steward, seeks help. Glancing at Bill, she said: And you.

Lane: Then why am I here?

Granny Wolf: There is power in threes and you are needed to solve her problem.

Granny Wolf howled, and the spirit she spoke of appeared. Upon seeing the spirit, Bill's Gift ignited.

<><><>

The next morning, under a vivid azure sky, the thirteen men of The Order appeared at Spirit Lake Reservation in North Dakota. The cold did not affect them while they wore their assault suits, but Brad put the illusion of blue jeans, sweaters, and parkas over them. Lane wore a large, heavy satchel over one shoulder and a hefty red cooler appeared on the ground beside them. With the temperatures well below freezing, no one was outside to notice their arrival. Bill knocked on the door to Ben's cabin. Neenah answered and smiled at Bill but was awed when she saw the rest of the team outside her door, "Come in! Come in! Get out of the cold. I'll tell Ben you're here."

Bill said, "Thanks, Neenah. It's nice to see you again. These are the rest of my brothers I told you about. I want to introduce them to Ben and give him a gift."

The cabin was invitingly warm, and the bodies smelled a strong scent of burning wood. Neenah disappeared but quickly returned with Ben, who said, "Is something wrong? I didn't expect to see you again. Sarah isn't here."

Kevin shook Ben's hand and said, "We're here to see you and Dan. But first, we have a present for you."

Bryan opened the cooler to reveal two large sealed pots. After shrugging off his satchel, Lane took one and Bryan took the other. Bryan's deep voice said, "These're hot, so we'll take them to the kitchen."

While Bryan and Lane were out of the room, Bill started introductions. Ben repeated everyone's name and shook their hands with both of his, saying, "You bring honor to my home, brothers of Bill and Kevin."

Neenah called from the kitchen, "Ben - come see what they brought!" as the smell of spicy chili filled the air.

Shaking Ben's hands, Bryan said, "I'm Bryan and this is my husband, Lane. Kev told me about your chili, so I made it with a few extra touches. I hope you like it."

Ben looked confused and said, "But I didn't give him the recipe. He and Bill just ate the whole pot."

Bill winked at him, and Ben grinned, saying, "Ahhh, I see. That would be a useful trick. I'd win the chili cookoff every year."

Bill said, "I hope you enjoy it. Since we ate all yours, I figured I'd ask Bry to make some for you. We actually came to see you and Dan. Is there any chance you can ask him to come over?"

Neenah said, "I'll put on more coffee while we wait."

Ben said, "Make yourselves comfortable while I go talk to him. To be sure, this is about what happened in the cave?"

Bill nodded, "Yes, Sir. You lost something very special because of me and what I now carry, but we have an idea. I don't want to do anything related to the cave without Dan's permission."

Ben nodded, grabbed his parka, and with a grin said, "The cold doesn't bother me much now. No arthritis," as he wiggled his fingers.

When the door shut, Neenah said, "In this weather, I'd rather go myself, but Ben enjoys nature now that he can see again. Eternal thanks for the miracle."

Ken and Loy's conversation skills made Neenah comfortable with so many strangers in her house. She told them stories of the Sioux, her tribe, and of growing up with Sarah. Forty-five minutes and three pots of coffee later, Ben returned with Dan and the other elders. Neenah stoked the fire in the den, added more wood, and apologized for not having enough seats.

Bill assured her, "Don't worry. It's no bother to sit on the floor."

When the elders got settled, Ben introduced Dan to The Order. Dan looked haggard, which worried Bill, who asked, "Sir, are you alright?"

Dan sighed and said, "It seems part of my spirit departed with the Iktomi queen. I feel a great sadness from her absence that I cannot explain."

Glances passed between the guys, and the bodies understood a disruption in Dan's energy centers. His soul did look weaker than it should - not significantly but noticeably.

Dan said, "When you were here before, matters were rushed. Now they are not, and I wish to know more of you and your story. Would you share more about who you are?"

Ken: B, a memory sphere?

Brad: Already making it.

Brad addressed the elder's mentally, and his warm presence brushed over their minds and hearts: Sirs, it will be easier to share everything in our hearts.

One of the elders, Tony, asked: Who taught you this way of communicating?

Brad: We have two elders who are our mentors, who have fought evil in this world for thousands of years. Nearly thirty years ago, one of our mentors, our surrogate father, changed us. We were two-spirited before, but Aaron split the souls of each partner, and now we each share half of the other. He also bound the DNA of archangels to ours, and there was a ceremony where our heritage awakened, and we received our Avatars. What I'm telling you is very abridged, but I'd like to share with you a more detailed account of our lives, our journey, and our war against the curse of Eden and those allied with it.

Holding his hands up to his chest and forming a diamond pattern, a large memory sphere emerged and floated into the center of the room. The elders gasped and Bill said: Don't be afraid. This sphere holds memories we want to share with you. Any of you who visited the cave before and have spoken mind to mind know that there can be no deception. That is another reason we wish to share this knowledge about us in this manner.

Brad split the sphere into seven which bobbed and entered the forehead of an elder. Through the link Brad already shared with them, the brothers felt the wonder and awe of the elders learning truths of which very few humans were aware. Brad left out personal details that the elders did not need, but he included Leroy, Eva, the doors, and the first creation. He further included Drew and The Master, who was now the imp, and their first long struggle against The Master and Luke.

Silence fell as the elders sat in deep thought, and no one rushed them to respond. After a time, Ken said: That was a lot `ta take in. Any questions? Comments? Criticisms?

Dan: You are far greater than we suspected, and are honored to know you and your history. Stories define us, and yours is powerful. Why do you wish to return to the cave? There is nothing there now. A few Iktomi remained for a time but now are gone. Without their queen to take their evil, they fled to the pale. This is good because they are dangerous since the calming song no longer works.

Bill looked to Loy who said: We want to bring back the queen. Not physically but her spirit. I spoke to her; she doesn't want to return to her body, but she misses you and the purpose she served. She cries for her lost children and wants to continue purifying them. I can bring her back and bind her to the cave, and you can continue to commune with her and tend to her children.

Trembling silently, tears spilled down Dan's weathered face: You can do this?

Loy smiled: Not only can we but we want to. We've thought about bringing life back to the world that was extinguished long ago. This is a start in that direction. Will you allow us into the cave to do this?

Dan nodded as he looked at the other tribal elders: The sacred mother will be with us again. The balance will be restored.

Ben: How long will you be there?

Ken: We aren't sure. We got a plan and want `ta do this right. A few days, maybe a week? We just need `ta make sure no one enters the cave while we're there.

Dan: No one will intrude. I assure you.

Bryan: Enjoy the chili. There's plenty for everyone. I'll get the pots later.

<><>

Bill and Kevin had been to the cave, so Brad used their memory to acquire a visual for Darren. With no fanfare or bolts of lightning, the thirteen men vanished from Ben's cabin and appeared in the dark cave. Darren ignited molecules in the air to produce light and heat.

The bodies smelled the musty remains of Iktomi carcasses and molted shells as well as their feces and urine. The remains of the Iktomi queen showed little decomposition because of the caves dryness. She looked old and tired even in death. In addition to the smell, the men felt the duality of the cave and its connection to the pale. Pat's understanding showed the connections and paths the Iktomi traveled to come through. Bryan's Gift came to life, and the queen's remains, along with all of the Iktomi shells and refuse, decomposed to dust. The remaining musty smell reminded Bryan of Leroy. The Iktomi, too, were as misunderstood as his great friend.

The men spread out to examine the cave and determined the flat rock the queen sat on was the best spot for their intent. Lane unslung the heavy back he wore and set it on the ground.

Lane: I'm ready, Bry. You're up first, then me.

Under his suit, Bryan's raven wing tattoos fluttered and his Gift ignited with the warm light of pure life. Holding out his palm, the light condensed to form a seed, another seed of Yggdrasil, like those that grew as protection in their backyards.

Bryan smirked: No making out this time, guys, sorry, but lets all chip in to make this little fucker grow.

In the spiritual realm, the men lit up like stars as their souls became one, and they fed their light to the seed. Its shell cracked as it sprouted to immediately dig its roots into the rock.

Bryan: Dar.

Within Darren, as the embodiment of the second creation, lay the Water of Life in the Valley of Eden. He channeled the water along with their light to spring up beneath the sapling to nourish it. Bryan controlled its growth, and rather than branches, it formed a large stump, three feet in diameter and nearly fifteen feet tall. No bark covered the wood, and it shimmered in their light – a smooth and hard amalgam of all trees on Earth. The tree formed to Bryan's direction, and he sighed contentedly, viewing the new life he created with his brothers' help.

Lane: Ok, guys. There's not much any of you can do for this next part other than give me endless moral support and maybe an occasional hand job.

Their laughter echoed in the cave, and thought Ken: Yeah, right, like that's gonna happen.

Lane gave an exaggerated sigh: At least I know Bry loves me. You guys are missing out though ... those feathers on his arms feel amazing when he uses them on my...

Bryan: No need to share that, Little Buddy.

Kevin: It's not like it's a secret when we're merged you pervs.

Lane opened his pack and took out various bundles of bound canvas: Albrecht lent me these. I've not done much wood carving but he shared a lot with me.

Pat: You know it's going to be awesome, so don't play like it's not.

Lane: You guys take the fun out of everything.

Lane put on his favorite head wrap and took a deep breath. His eyes turned white as he embraced his Avatar and Gift. He breathed in his brothers' love, camaraderie, and endless support. He breathed in Drew's love and the song he recently wrote for Lane. He breathed in the love of Tag, Olive, Sally, Shan, Raph, Aaron, and Albrecht. Finally, he channeled all the love of the children who pile onto Aslan to be guided by his Avatar.

For his Sioux friends, Lane carved a totem to house the spirit of the Iktomi queen. The wood of Yggdrasil would be her home, and he masterfully crafted its outward visage. He had studied pictures of Sioux art and totems and incorporated this imagery with his own. He next took the images from the soul lamps, the ones Albrecht crafted for them as wedding gifts that housed tiny pieces of their souls. He had no images yet of Adam or Zack, but the ten men plus Henry and Drew were represented, uplifting the Iktomi queen as she purified her children. Lane took three days to finish carving the totem to perfection before breaking out his pigments. Rather than using a brush, he used his mind to dye the wood.

Bryan collected the wood shavings and took them to the valley. While there, he cooked food to take back to his brothers. Leroy was in sleep recovery after North Korea and transforming the RL's, so Bryan didn't wake him.

Lane's totem looked magnificent, but he shrugged: I guess it'll pass, but I wish I had more time to practice.

Ken lightly smacked the back of Lane's head: It's fuckin' perfect you knob, and you know it.

Lane's mischievous grin appeared, and he winked back: I love it when you do that. You're so easy to fuck with. I've done my part. Oh great Steward of the Animal Kingdom, you're up.

Loy's Avatar and Gift lit up under his suit, and his aura brightened with power as he asserted his will and sent out his thought: Come.

The Iktomi queen spirit instantly appeared accompanied by Granny Wolf.

Loy: Welcome home. Per your wish, I bind you to this totem made from the Tree of Life. Your children may come and go as before, and you can cleanse them to keep your race alive. Your spirit will shine here so long as this totem exists. The Sioux elders will come as before to converse with you. I therefore grant you speech, as I did Granny Wolf, to share your wisdom with them. Let your sadness depart and your communion be filled with joy and love instead.

Iktomi Queen: I thank you, Steward, for the gift of my race. They wither and would have died without your intervention. Bless you and your gift of speech to commune with those who visit me.

Granny Wolf didn't say anything but looked pleased and howled her pleasure in the spirit realm, calling home the Iktomi. Instantly, the men heard skittering scorpion like bodies climbing over rock as they traversed the veil between worlds, returning from the pale to nourish their queen.

Iktomi Queen: Come, my children. Thanks to the steward and his brothers, I have returned. Come- cleanse yourselves and be free of evil.

The men of The Order looked on joyously at what took place before them. Once again, something evil turned to good, and they felt great contentment in their soul.

Ken: We did good.

Rick: Some of you did. Some of us just stood around, ate, and farted.

Ken: You're killin' the moment, punk. Shut yer piehole.

Darren: He's not wrong.

Ken: Okay, okay. Some of you did good. The rest of us sat around bein' studly and handsome.

Darren: Again, you aren't wrong.

Ken: B, did you hear that? He's sayin' I was right.

Brad: Not being wrong doesn't make you right.

Ken: Damn. Well, no dick for you tonight.

Brad: Okay, maybe this one time.

Bryan: You sissy fuckers. Someone get Dan here and take me to get my pots.

Darren: I guess you mean me.

In the next hour, Loy reintroduced Dan to the Iktomi queen. The tears he shed were proof their intervention was the right choice. The shroud of Dan's unhappiness lifted when he saw the totem, and the queen spoke to him.

When Bryan collected his pots, Ben raved about the chili and begged to know what Bryan did differently.

Bryan said, "Love. Love what you do and the ones you do it for. Like unconditional love, it sounds easy, but it's not. Took me decades to figure out."

Email: Brad Townsend - bookofloagaeth@gmail.com

Twitter: BATownsend_Author @BookofLoagaeth (this is my official `author' Twitter, but the one I use every day is Brad A. Townsend (@Southguy49). It's an 18+ NSFW Account as you can imagine, but that's where I hang out. It's my only social media presence at this time other than TikTok, but I only watch videos there and don't post anything.)

(I'm no longer on Facebook)

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