The Order - 5. Chapter 5

Brad knew where he was right away. At the River, out of his body and inside his Mind, he was healthy and whole. The bubbling sound of the water and the cool evening breeze enveloped him. He expected Ken to be beside him, but when he opened his eyes, he was by himself.

Anxiously looking around, Brad saw a bonfire across the river with Ken sitting beside it.

No! He was on the wrong side!

Brad went numb with fear as he saw Ken on the far bank of the river in the cove that led to the fort. He rushed forward but slammed into an invisible barrier at the edge of the water.

He desperately started pounding his fists against it, yelling, “Ken, you stupid idiot, get out of there! You don’t understand! It’s too strong! Kennnnnnnnn!”

Brad kept yelling, terrified of what was about to happen and helpless to do anything about it. The creature was already strong enough to manipulate their separation and prevent Brad from reaching Ken, and he knew Ken didn’t stand a chance.

 

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A horrific scream cut through the woods sending a chill down Ken’s spine. He knew it was the creature because it was his voice.

The presence of the creature was on the edge of Ken’s awareness, barely discernible, but there. He also sensed its need and desire to return home, in him.

Ken cupped his hands to his mouth and yelled as loud as he could, “Alright you bastard come and find me!”

The creature, recognizing Ken’s voice and sensing him near, screamed in rage and hunger. A loud crash followed the sound of splintering wood, and Ken knew it finally broke free of whatever prison Brad kept it trapped in.

Fuck, B I wish you were beside me. I know together we could kick this thing’s ass.

Ken pulled a large log out of the bonfire. The end of it glowed bright orange, and flames licked along its length past the tip at least a foot high. He swung it a few times making sure it was sturdy and then moved back to the water’s edge facing the woods. He knelt down to wait, wanting to draw it into the clearing and away from the cover of the trees.

Crashing noises through the underbrush let Ken know it was getting closer and suddenly it emerged from the woods and stopped, knowing he was there. Their eyes met, and Ken felt like he was staring into his own green eyes, but that’s where the resemblance ended. Ken was stunned by its appearance.

Fuck, is that how I looked when they found me?

The creature’s muscles gleamed in the firelight, covered in slick, wet blood. Its arms and legs were broken, with splinters of bone penetrating through its skin at various points. Burn marks covered its body, and large patches of skin were missing, showing exposed muscles and tendons. Its face was swollen and bruised… but it had his eyes. As damaged as the creature appeared to be it moved blindingly fast. There was nothing but rage and madness in its expression.

Ken was prepared, but even so, the creatures speed surprised him. It lunged, moving across the cove from the edge of the woods with blinding speed. Ken dodged to the side and barely managed to avoid getting hit by a blood covered fist. He twisted around and with both arms swung the log as hard as he could, cracking it across the creatures back. The wood split from the strength of his blow, and the creature stumbled forward as sparks flew from the end that was still on fire. It let out another blood-curdling scream, but Ken wasn’t sure if it was from pain or annoyance.

It whirled around and was on him again before he could react. Ken never saw the blow that sent him reeling through the air. Sand softened his landing, but the hit was so hard it stunned him long enough for the creature to jump on him while he was on the ground recovering. Ken had never been struck so hard.

Fuck! Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea!

He rolled, scrambling away as the creature took another swipe at him. Its fingers scraped across his back, ripping his shirt and scoring deep cuts into his flesh. Ken yelled in pain, arching his back as he twisted away. The creature was on him again immediately, not giving him any time to recover, relentless in its aggression and hatred. It straddled his waist and struck back to back blows across his face. Ken’s head snapped back and forth and he saw stars, unable to focus.

It paused for a brief second watching Ken’s eyes glaze over. Reaching down it grabbed the front of Ken’s t-shirt, ripping it off and throwing it aside. Ken’s chest heaved, sucking in oxygen as his sweaty muscular torso stood out in the sharp shadows cast by the bonfire.

The creature placed one hand high up on Ken’s chest above his collarbone and stretched its bloody fingers out until they wrapped around the base of his neck. It pressed down hard enough to cut off Ken’s oxygen supply. The creature looked at its other hand, and with an almost beatific smile on its face it licked some of the blood off and then slowly brought its palm down, fingers splayed out stiffly, onto the center of Ken’s chest.

As soon as its hand touched his chest, Ken’s eyes went wide and his mouth flew open in a silent scream. Pain tore through his Mind and body, and every muscle, vein, and cord stood out from the strain. His combat instincts took over in a gut reaction to the pain and coupled with the adrenaline in his system he struck the creature so hard it flew ten feet into the air and landed in the fire, sending a mass of sparks high into the night sky.

As soon as its hand touched his chest the memories and experience of his torture and suffering flooded back into Ken’s Mind, and he knew if the creature touched him like that again he was done for.

Shit that hurt!

 

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Brad watched the fight across the water as he beat his fists against the invisible barrier. As strong as Ken was the creature was stronger. It wasn’t just driven by rage and insanity, it was rage and insanity. The only intelligence it had was the drive to return to Ken and devour his Mind. It was a creature of thought and malice, given physical form in that Constructed place within Brad’s Mind, but its strength came from the pain and torture that destroyed Ken’s Mind the first time.

At that moment, Brad was sure he and Ken were going to die, but damned if he was going to let Ken die alone! At least Brad could lessen Ken’s pain. With no thought towards what it would do to his body or Mind, Brad Opened the place within him he had been so desperately holding shut to protect Ken.

The pain hit him hard, and he fell to the ground clutching his head as Ken’s torment and suffering ripped through his Mind.

You son of a bitch, give me all you got! The more you give me, the less you have for him!

 

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Ken was aware the moment Brad Opened himself to the creature.

No, B! No! Fuck!

Ken knew Brad was trying to save him but he also knew the creature was too strong, and now that it was free they were both going to die. He didn’t understand how it could be so strong. How had Brad held it trapped? The memory of his conversation with Brad came back to him:

“What the fuck are you talkin’ about bro? You’re the strongest person I know! Oh my God man, how can you say that? You have no idea, do you? For someone so smart you can sure be a dumbass sometimes!”

The creature screamed again, sensing someone else, the one who had kept it prisoner, was interfering again. It spun, clotheslining Ken and knocking him back down onto the sand. It moved so fast there was no stopping it. As strong and fast as Ken was, with all his combat training, skills, and genetic enhancements, he was a little boy fighting a grown man, and had no chance.

The creature’s hand plunged into Ken’s chest. There was no blood, its hand simply disappeared into his body, and it sighed in pleasure as it fulfilled its purpose.

As Ken’s sanity slipped away, through the blinding fire of pain and agony, two unrelated thoughts came to his Mind. The first was how much he loved Brad and wanted nothing more than to be in his arms.

The second was an epiphany about the Project, the doctor, and his work. The Vitruvian Man. The man in a circle and square by Leonardo da Vinci the doctor used as a symbol for the Project. It was also referred to as the Proportions of Man; The Body, Mind, and Spirit.

The pairing of Ken and Brad and the others became clear. Ken was the Body, Brad was the Mind, and their Spirits, their Souls, were One; two Souls transcended by Love into One. How could science do that? There was more to the doc than they ever realized.

You clever, clever, man, doc.

Ken’s sudden understanding gave him the strength to face his end with grace. He stopped fighting and welcomed the missing part of him back home.

Ken lay still, his breath shallow. The blank stare on his face reflected the fact that his Mind was gone. The creature faded into nothingness as the very essence that gave it form returned to Ken where it belonged.

Brad fell to his knees across the river, barely conscious with his breath coming in ragged gasps. He wanted to let go and stop the pain. If he let go it would all stop, but something pulled at his Mind, refusing to let him rest. A song… getting louder. It sounded vaguely familiar. It was beautiful… and powerful. He knew as long as the music played, he wouldn’t be able to let go and be at peace.

He wouldn’t be able to find Ken in Heaven.

 

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The hands of the many must join as One

And together we'll cross the River

 

The tempo of the song was slow, and it was a little over five minutes before Lane and Bryan brought it to a close. Ken and Brad were both unconscious, their breathing shallow, with Ken’s arms still wrapped tightly around Brad. Bill knelt beside them, holding Ken’s wrist to feel his pulse. It was slow and sporadic.

In a subdued voice, he said, “Guys, this doesn’t look good. Maybe we should call the doc.”

The silence was deafening. Lane’s song still resonated in their Hearts and they knew something profound was happening. Each of them felt an icy calm that always accompanied a difficult mission.

Ken’s arms fell to his sides and his head rolled back. Brad’s body slumped further down, draped over Ken. Their faces were relaxed, almost peaceful, and they stopped breathing.

Bill’s throat tightened, choking out a sob as he lowered his head, cupping a hand on Ken’s shoulder. All their eyes were bright, and tears unabashedly fell down their faces

Lane’s voice cut through the silence.

“Fuck this shit! This isn’t how it was supposed to go down! I know it! I can feel it! We’re missing something! There’s no fucking way they’re dead!”

Bryan’s deep, gravelly voice cut through the sadness that threatened to overwhelm them and said, “Guys, we’re idiots. The words were telling us what to do all along. The lyrics said, ‘the hands of the many must join as One.’ Lane, start playing Little Buddy, I don’t think we have much time!”

Lane started the song again, forcing himself to keep his hands steady, but his face expressed the desperation he and everyone else felt. As soon as he began singing the lyrics, the words fell into place in their Minds. Kneeling around Ken and Brad, they formed a circle, gripping their hands tightly together.

Bill was on one end touching Ken and Darren was on the other touching Brad. Lane had to play, so they put their hands on his shoulders. As the first cord rang out their eyes flashed White, and the music carried them to the place within them that was waking up. In the back of their Minds, they heard the bubbling sounds of the River.

The eight men focused as One on helping Ken and Brad, willing them to breathe and sending them strength to fight a battle none of them understood.

 

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Even the slightest movement caused excruciating pain, but Brad knew he had something else to do before the music would let him go. It stirred something in him, and even through the pain it gave him a strange sense of well-being and belonging and something else he couldn’t quite figure out yet. The pain didn’t lessen, but the music helped him to punch through it.

Brad heard Lane’s voice, and along with it he felt the love and support of his friends. Their presence was overpowering, wrapping him up and bolstering his Soul. Whatever stirred inside him his friends were somehow taking part in it and making it stronger. The song, the lyrics his Brothers focused on, carried him across the River.

He opened his eyes and saw Ken next to him.

His voice was barely a whisper, “Ken?”

How did I get here?

Brad felt no sense of movement, but he was now across the River, beside his lover.

The aid of his Brothers, their Will, Opened something inside of him, not his Mind but his Heart.

Is this what it’s like to die?

Brad had just enough strength to crawl over and rest beside Ken. He rolled his body over and laid his head on the chest of his best friend and lover. Brad wanted the last thing he felt to be Ken’s warm body and heartbeat.

Beneath his closed eyelids, as Brad lost consciousness, his eyes flashed White.

 

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Something was different. He was warm and safe. Brad’s brain finally registered that the pain was gone! His senses started asserting themselves and he realized he was naked. Ken’s arms were wrapped around his stomach and chest, holding him, and he leaned back against Ken’s torso. Ken was naked too and seemed to be asleep. His chest rose and fell with slow, steady breaths, and Brad felt Ken’s warm body and steady heartbeat against his back. Ken’s chin rested in its usual spot in the crook of Brad’s neck and shoulder. Ken’s thighs were spread wide to make room for Brad to recline against him and his calves and feet wrapped around Brad’s lower body. Ken’s dick, warm and soft rested against his lower back.

Brad had no idea where they were. He assumed he and Ken were dead and in some transitionary stage to wherever it was they went after. To Brad, it was enough like Heaven to be in Ken’s arms with their bodies against one another, neither one of them in pain and their bodies whole and healthy.

Yeah, I could spend eternity like this.

Brad put his hands over Ken’s and squeezed. Ken’s arms tightened around him in response, and his chin lifted up.

Ken sounded relaxed and sleepy, and his deep voice whispered in Brad’s ear, “About time you woke up, fucker. I thought you were gonna sleep forever.”

Ken rubbed his cheek against Brad’s in the way he knew drove Brad crazy. He moved one arm up and cupped Brad’s chin bringing his face around so they could press their lips together in a tender kiss. Smiling, Ken kissed him a few more times and then pulled back slightly so they could stare into each other’s eyes. Brad not only saw Ken’s love for him, he felt it.

His face drew back in surprise.

“Yeah, I can feel it too. I always knew you were one hot fucker on the outside, but the inside is a thousand times better.”

“Ken? What’s happening? Where are we?”

“You tell me, B. I’m pretty sure you’re the one who brought us here.”

“I’m not sure where here is. Lane’s song… I think it was a key of some kind. I felt the guys inside me, in me… they got me to your body, and I knew you were dying. All I wanted was to die with you, but the music held me back... and now we’re here.”

Ken eased his grip, and pulling his arms back he stood, lifting Brad with him. There seemed to be a floor, and they could see each other clearly, but everything around them was blackness.

Brad’s forehead wrinkled in concentration as he looked around and said, “I remember this place. I had a dream, or thought it was a dream. I saw you on a table, tortured and broken. I couldn’t reach you at first. Some kind of barrier kept us apart.”

Ken’s eyes widened in surprise, and he said, “Oh shit! I remember that! I mean I didn’t, ‘til just now. I was at the end of my rope, and you told me ‘ta hang on, that you knew where I was and how ‘ta find me. It gave me enough hope ‘ta keep goin’.”

There was a short pause, and then Ken continued, “But ‘ya know B, I think by hangin’ on it fucked things up worse.”

Brad felt the truth of Ken’s statement, and his words cut like a knife into his heart. The hurt in Brad was palpable to Ken, and he felt like a jerk.

Brad spun around to face Ken and asked, “What was I supposed to do? Let you die?!”

“It was selfish, B. But you and I both know I would’ve done the same thing. We can’t lie to each other about it. Not here, in this place.”

Brad paused as Ken’s statement sank in.

“What do you mean?”

“Because I can’t lie to myself. Believe me B, I tried. I lie to myself all the time in little ways. Hell, everybody does. I think it’s part of bein’ human. Somethin’ about this place rejects that, or doesn’t permit it. I’m not sure which.”

“How did you figure that out?”

“Because while that creature was flayin’ my Mind away a piece at a time and the pain was more than I could take, and I wanted so badly to just die and put an end to it all, I tried ‘ta blame you. I tried ‘ta blame you for everythin’ B. For makin’ me hang on beyond my strength, and creatin’ this impossible situation because you were too selfish, or too weak, ‘ta let me go.”

A cold sliver of fear crept down Brad’s spine at Ken’s words. It was overpowering, and his chest tightened to the point he could barely breathe. He fell to his knees, his shoulders slumped, shaking with quiet sobs as tears filled his eyes. The harsh truth of Ken’s words cut into him.

Ken sat beside Brad, pulling his knees up to his chest. He rested his chin on one of his big forearms, and his other hand reached out to grip Brad’s shoulder.

“I’m sorry B, I know that hurt and I know you’re mad at me. It’s okay if you wanna clock me. I know I’d want to if I were you. I’m not tryin’ ‘ta be a bastard. This place is harsh, but it’s also kinda’ beautiful.”

Ken had been awake in that place longer than Brad. He wasn’t sure how time moved where they were, or if it moved at all, but Ken seemed to have been there hours before Brad woke up. Ken’s senses were much more acute than a normal human but in that place it was like they were on steroids. Brad’s emotional pain was so palpable Ken could see it. When he looked deep and sifted through the emotions running through his best friend, he saw anger along with everything else.

“I know you’re pissed at me, I can see it.”

It took Brad a few minutes to get himself under control.

“So, tell me B, what are you mad about?”

“What am I mad about!?”

As soon as Brad allowed his anger to surface, it quickly boiled over. It had been building for over a month. Spinning around he faced Ken.

“You stupid shit! What am I mad about!? Because all of this is your fault, that’s fucking why! You’re the one who had to switch jobs with Kevin that night. You’re the one who was lazy and let his guard down and got himself captured! And then you sit here and tell me this is all my fault! God! You are so fucking conceited I can’t even begin to tell you how pissed that makes me! I love you more than anything you fuck-head, even my own life, and I was willing to sacrifice myself to save your sorry ass, and then you turn this around and say it’s my fault!?”

Brad yelled so hard spit flew from his mouth. In his anger, his face and upper body flushed, and veins showed on his neck, across his chest, shoulders, and his arms.

Ken stared at him, taking in Brad’s beautiful, muscular, naked form.

“God B, you are one sexy fucker when you get fired up.”

Brad stopped abruptly, surprised by the sudden shift in the argument. His anger came back quickly and he continued, “You always do that! When things get too hot for you, you always crack a joke and try to change the subject! You…”

Ken held up his hands in surrender and started to chuckle.

“Damn Brad, chill out for a minute.”

Brad was breathing hard and starting to sweat from the tension, anger, and all the other emotions running through him. He had a bad temper and usually kept it in check, rarely letting it lose. When he let it go, he always had a hard time putting a lid back on it.

“And to think that just a few minutes ago I sat there in your arms thinking I could spend eternity with you?! What the fuck was I thinking?! I’m an idiot! I want to spend eternity with a total dick! How fucking idiotic is that?!”

Ken couldn’t hold it in anymore and started laughing while Brad glared at him.

“Oh man B, if you could see your face!”

It took a moment for Ken to stop laughing. Tears ran down his face from laughing so hard, but he finally got himself under control and moved behind Brad, putting his hands on Brad’s thick shoulders and massaging them.

“I’m not laughin’ at you, B, I’m laughin’ at us. You know I love you more than anythin’ in the world man, even my own life. How couldn’t I, after what you did for me? After everythin’ we’ve been through together? You’re my life.”

Ken turned Brad around by his shoulders to face him.

Brad couldn’t help himself, and even as angry as he was when Ken started rubbing his shoulders he got hard as a rock. Ken’s hands always affected him that way. When Ken turned him around, Brad felt Ken’s dick brush against his own.

Ken whispered in his ear, “Come here, B.”

He pulled Brad into the tight full-bodied hug they both loved and started a kiss. Their eyes flashed White, and they lost track of how long they stayed together. They were breathing hard and slowly grinding against each other. At some point, Ken lowered them both to the floor.

Their bodies pressed together, arms and legs wrapped around each other, and they held each other tight. They continued grinding against one another until they both shared an orgasm so intense it was almost painful. All the pent-up emotions of the last month, everything leading up to that point in time seemed to shoot out of them, leaving them content and peaceful.

Ken loved Brad’s warm breath on his neck. Ken was on top and lifted his head to look into Brad’s eyes and with a cocky grin he asked, “Now are you sure you wouldn’t want to spend eternity with this dick?”

Brad couldn’t help but smile. Ken was too cute when he had that look on his face.

Brad replied with, “You are such a fucking douche,” but he laughed, hugging Ken tighter against him.

After a short time holding each other Brad said, “Well it looks like I might not have a choice unless we can figure out where we are and how to get out of here.”

Ken slid off Brad and onto his side, propping his head up on one hand. Brad did the same, so they were facing one another. Both of them enjoyed that position after making out so they could continue to touch each other and talk about whatever came to mind. It was always an intimate emotional time that matched the physical intimacy shared moments before.

They were both quiet for a few minutes as their hands roamed over each other’s body, tenderly caressing each other.

Ken finally broke the silence with another grin, “About that...”

Brad chuckled and said, “You, shit. I knew you were holding out on me.”

“Well, B, I’m not sure, but I think I figured somethin’ out about us, and it might help us get outta here, or at least explain some things.”

“Well, I’m not going anywhere so you better start talking or I’m going to take matters into my own hands.”

Brad reached down and fondled Ken playfully when he said that.

“Have you ever wondered B, how the doc knows so much? How he knows so much more than anyone else on the planet about genetics, and computers, and almost every other field of science out there?”

“I think we all have at one time or another.”

“Well, he said somethin’ today that didn’t make sense. When I told him what I planned ‘ta do he said he couldn’t be with us tonight. When I questioned him about it, he said he wasn’t permitted to be with us or to say more than he did.”

Brad’s eyebrows rose in surprise and he exclaimed, “Holy shit!”

“Yeah, as far as any of us know he doesn’t work for anyone. So, there’s obviously more to him than meets the eye. I mean even more than we thought. That and a lot of other things clicked into place in my brain as I was dyin’. I had an epiphany.”

“Whoa big fella, don’t use words you don’t understand.”

Ken laughed and retorted, “Shut the fuck up and listen, I’m about to enlighten your sorry ass.

“So, as I was sayin’… you know the symbol the doc uses for the Project, right? The Vitruvian Man drawin’ by da Vinci? It’s also called the Proportions of Man. It represents the three parts of Man that make him whole; the Body, Mind, and Spirit.

“I could be crazy, but I think the doc fashioned the Project with da Vinci’s idea as the drivin’ concept. When he enhanced us, I think it was for some higher purpose, and he hasn’t gotten around to tellin’ us what it is yet. I think he somehow Linked our Souls together, knowin’ we’d love one another.”

“How could he have possibly done that?”

“I don’t know, I’m still thinkin’ this through. It just makes sense. I know I’m physically stronger than you, but you’re much stronger than I am in every other way. You’re smarter for sure, and more compassionate, and you’re more emotionally mature than I am. Take that creature; as tough as I am that fucker kicked my ass like I was a baby, but you kept it trapped for weeks. You even created the place to trap it in.”

“I don’t like what you’re saying Ken. You are physically stronger than me yes, but don’t make me out to be more than I am. You make me a better man. I want to be a better person because of you. You deserve as much credit for those characteristics in me as I do.”

“Okay, B, maybe that’s true, or maybe not. But don’t you see? I still think it’s all by design. We complement each other like two sides of a coin, and we’re bound together because we share our Soul.”

“Alright. I’m not saying I agree with you, but I can see where you’re going.”

“Well, for one thing, I don’t think we’re dead. I think you brought us here, wherever here is, maybe somewhere in our Minds. I think time is movin’ slowly because all this is in our heads. It’s like we’re in a dream inside the dream world where the creature was. I think our bodies are dyin’ in the backyard.

“The problem is I’m not sure what’ll happen if we do get outta here. That creature shredded my mind, and you, you dumb shit, probably don’t have much of a noodle left either after you tried ta help save me; again! I think what you and I are, here in this place, are our Souls. When our bodies finally stop breathin’ I’m not sure what’ll happen to us here. I think though, that if we have any chance of gettin’ outta here it lies with you, B.”

Brad chuckled at Ken’s comments and said, “Yeah, no pressure though.”

Ken stopped talking to give Brad time to think, process, and focus on what he said. They were both quiet for a long while. Ken was calm, almost serene, having every confidence in his lover. He continued intimately touching and caressing Brad the entire time in ways he knew Brad liked.

After a while Brad got up and started pacing, and Ken gave him his space, but he could tell Brad was becoming frustrated.

Ken motioned for Brad to come back over to him.

“Hey B, come back over here.”

“We don’t have time to cuddle. I need to figure this shit out.”

“B, shut ‘yer trap and get your ass over here.”

Brad moved over and stood looking down at Ken, who sat up and spread his thighs.

“Turn around and sit down.”

Ken patted the space between his legs.

Brad sat down with a heavy sigh of impatience.

“What you need ‘ta do, Mister Wilson is relax. That’s one thing I learned in sniper school back in the day. You need ‘ta relax so you can focus on your mission.”

Ken started rubbing Brad’s shoulders and upper back. It took a minute, but Brad finally leaned his head forward and let Ken’s warm, strong hands work their magic. Brad had a thought that made him laugh.

“You know, for someone who doesn’t have a body you sure give a good backrub.”

“Yeah, B, well for someone who doesn’t have a body you sure have nice hard muscles I can’t keep my hands off of.”

Ken knew Brad was hard. He expanded the range of his hands and wrapped them around the solid core of Brad’s abs and torso and started rubbing his hands through the hair on Brad’s chest and across his nipples. Ken kept it up, knowing from all their years together how far he could go before he pushed his lover over the edge.

Ken moved one hand down and cupped Brad’s balls, rolling them in his fingers for a minute before moving up to grab his throbbing shaft. When he did Brad moaned and leaned back, opening his thighs. He kept his hands on the floor with his arms and chest flexed from holding himself up. With his right hand Ken started stroking Brad with long, steady strokes. With his other hand, he palmed Brad’s right pec with his fingers spread out so his middle finger could rub over his nipple. Brad loved that position, being wrapped up by Ken. He always felt safe and protected when Ken’s powerful arms were wrapped around him. Ken kept stroking, steady and relentless, using the copious precum Brad produced to slicken his shaft. Brad was sweating, a clear indication of how close he was to shooting.

Ken leaned his face down, so Brad could feel his hot breath on the back of his neck and said, “B, you’re so fuckin’ hot. I love it when you get all sweaty for me. Don’t hold back, man.”

Ken kept whispering loving, encouraging words in Brad’s ear, knowing it would excite him and push him over the edge. Brad started moving his hips to the motion of Ken’s hand. Brad arched his back unable to hold back and pushed himself out as far as he could with each contraction, his muscled frame tensed in pleasure. Once he finished, he lay back against Ken, relaxed and breathing heavily.

Ken kissed his cheek and with a small chuckle said, “Fuck yeah, B that was hot.”

Ken moved his hands back up to Brad’s upper chest and shoulders, gently rubbing and stroking and occasionally circling his nipples. He let Brad ride out the pleasure as long as he wanted to, keeping him relaxed.

Brad rested in Ken’s arms, the place he never wanted to leave. Ken’s hard chest against his back, and the feel of Ken’s hands rubbing his chest and shoulders soothed him. As Ken planned, Brad reclined against his warm naked body in the afterglow of his orgasm, tranquil and calm.

Brad knew what Ken did and why. Aside from the pleasure, it achieved his goal of making Brad more at ease. While he relaxed in Ken’s arms, Brad continued processing their discussion. Everything they said, everything they were… Body, Mind, and Soul. Ken was the Body, Brad was the Mind, and they shared their Souls.

If I’m the Mind, I need to stop thinking in physical terms.

The words from Lane’s song echoed in the back of his mind, instructing him.

 

Open your Heart and Hands, my son…

 

Brad made a fist and held it up in front of his face. He inhaled deeply and as he slowly exhaled he opened his hand, envisioning his Mind and Heart opening with it, like a flower in bloom. In his Mind, he bound the images together metaphorically. As his hand opened, Brad felt a slight sensation of falling outside of himself.

Son of a bitch! I can feel it!

His Mind Opened, expanding out of his body. He went still, letting himself acclimate for a moment. He still sensed Ken, and if he concentrated he could feel their skin touching.

Brad had to focus to move his body, but he quickly adapted to what was happening. He reached for Ken’s hands and intertwined their fingers, and he pulled Ken’s arms down around his waist, squeezing his hands over Ken’s.

The paradox of Ken and Brad having physical bodies while the place they were in was some sort of Mental or Spiritual Construct was not lost on him. He assumed his Mind translated their interaction into terms that they could both grasp and understand.

Okay, here goes nothing.

 

<><>

 

The part of Brad outside himself dove into Ken. It was a strange sensation, almost like swimming in thick air. Inside Ken’s Mind, Brad sensed his surprise.

Brad?

Yeah … this is amazing!

What the hell did you do?

I’m inside you! Hold on to your hat. I know what I want to do, but I’m not sure how to do it. I don’t know how this will feel.

Brad brought their Minds completely together. Everything was new to him, and he was acting on instinct; the merge was not gentle. It was more like a head-on collision at 60MPH. Their blending wasn’t physically painful just startling and highly uncomfortable emotionally. Neither man was prepared for the brutal honesty between them, and the lack of deception was overwhelming and frightening.

From birth humans are deceitful, learning to lie to get what they want. Children manipulate parents and kids are cruel and lash out because they are insecure… and those habits along with so many others become ingrained into them as adults. Even good, honest men like Ken and Brad are full of self-deception, petty jealousies, and lies. All their buffers, lies, and self-protection mechanisms were stripped away, leaving them genuinely naked to each other for the first time in their lives.

The awareness both men had of each other on every level imaginable caused a flood of emotions; fear, resentment, embarrassment, anxiety, shame, and more. Thoroughly immersed in each other, coherent thought eluded them. Brad was shocked at how insecure Ken was about some aspects of their relationship. He saw all the things Ken wanted to say to him but never found the courage, all the things he wanted to try in bed but was afraid to ask, and even how afraid Ken was the first time they made love. Ken discovered the same types of things about Brad. He was just as shocked by the fact that Brad always felt inferior to him and deep down believed he didn’t deserve Ken’s love.

The reality of the myriad discoveries was traumatic and caused a significant amount of hurt, sorrow, and grief, but at the same time their underlying love for one other was a cushion that softened the harshness. Ken and Brad thought they were in love, and they were, but only as much as they were able to love one another in their bodies with their Minds closed off from one another.

With everything about each other exposed and laid bare Brad and Ken realized that to some degree they were total strangers. They began to connect with each other on a level they could never have imagined before, delighting in new discoveries and realizations about each other. They found themselves both forgiving and asking for forgiveness for trespasses and transgressions neither realized they made. They apologized for any hurt they ever caused one another and inconsiderate actions usually made unaware but sometimes made out of jealousy or anger.

The longer they stayed together and the deeper they went in each other, the more their love grew. The connection they built was far beyond anything they ever experienced or imagined.

The merge happened at the speed of thought and what seemed like hours, or even days, occurred in the blink of an eye.

With no secrets between them, Ken knew what Brad planned to try. It would never have been possible without the connection they now shared and the knowledge they gleaned and put together of the doctor’s intent.

Brad had to force them apart, and as painful as their connection was at first the thought of being separated was now even more painful.

 

<><>

 

Their eyes opened at the same time. They were still together with Brad reclining against Ken’s body, one hand holding Ken’s forearm and the other held before him where he opened his hand and Mind. Tears streamed down their faces and their breath caught in their chests as their bodies reacted to the emotional intimacy they now shared.

They were silent for a second and then blurted out a “Fuck me!” at the same time which caused them both to laugh, and Ken’s arms tightened around him.

“My God, Brad, you’re so fuckin’ beautiful. I always thought you were amazin’ on the outside, but damn, what the hell did I ever do to deserve such an incredible man in my life.”

“We deserve each other Ken, and now you know I feel the same way about you. There can’t be any more secrets between after this. Assuming we live we can be together like that as often and as long as we want.”

Ken laughed and said, “I’m gettin’ a mental hard-on, just thinkin’ about that.”

“Well, technically, everything up to now has been Mental, which leads us to the next part of getting out of here.”

“Yeah. I understand what you’re gonna try. I hope it works. I can’t imagine us comin’ this far along and then crappin’ out at the last second.”

“I’m still not sure what I’m going to do. I’ll have to improvise when I get back to the River. All these different levels are confusing. Whatever we are here, I’m pretty sure our Minds are at the next level up where you fought the creature, and our bodies are still in the backyard with the guys. Who knows how much time has passed since all this started.”

Brad wasn’t sure if his plan would work. Sensing the part of him with Ken on the beach, Brad took a deep breath, leaned against Ken to relax, and imagined his Mind Opening like a fist. He rose up out of his body and hovered for a moment.

His focus was on getting back to the beach. If he was going to have any chance of saving Ken, he had to get back to the River. He saw the beach and the night sky in his Mind’s Eye and imagined the heat from the bonfire on his skin and the cracks and pops of the burning wood.

 

<><>

 

Brad’s body went slack in Ken’s arms and he remained still for a few minutes, enjoying the physical pleasure and sensation of their naked bodies touching. Ken closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and suddenly Brad was gone, the weight of his body vanished. He hoped that was a good sign.

Looking up into the darkness Ken said, “Good luck, B. If anyone can do this, it’s you.”

Ken sat down and crossed his legs to wait, already missing the other half of his Soul.

God, B, I miss you already.

 

<><>

 

There was no sensation of movement, however the connection to his body continued to increase in strength until Brad was suddenly back on the beach with their bodies.

The hurt and brokenness in both he and Ken were tangible to his new senses.

Brad dove into his body, fighting briefly to maintain control and prevent merging back where he belonged. Brad knew the damage to his Mind wasn’t as severe as Ken’s, but it was still significant. The creature did a job on both of them.

Alright, I got here by visualizing where I wanted to be. Maybe that will work to fix what’s wrong too.

Brad spent a few moments studying the damage and creating a visual image of what he needed to accomplish. The damage was Mental, not physical, so he looked at their energy patterns. An inherent sense of how his Mind should be healthy and whole gave him the blueprint to start.

Satisfied with the basic understanding of what needed to happen, Brad began knitting the tatters of his Mind back together starting with the less damaged areas first. His efforts seemed to work, but the task was slow and arduous. He still wasn’t sure how time worked in the Constructed Reality within his Mind, so he just kept at it, seemingly for hours. Periodic exhaustion forced him to stop and refocus his efforts. If he had been in his body, his chest would be heaving with exertion. Finally, there was nothing left to fix.

Exhausted, Brad merged back into his body, and his perceptions immediately changed. Even though he knew he was in a Mental Construct, it seemed to operate as though it was a physical place. The pain and stiffness in his body returned, and Ken’s warm skin and hard body under him drove home a sense of urgency. He wanted Ken back more than anything so they could be together.

Opening his eyes, he rolled off Ken and sat up. Brad looked at Ken’s face, his expression vacant and staring at nothing.

Repairing the damage to his Mind took its toll and Brad was exhausted, but he realized the worst was yet to come. It took a lot of effort because of his fatigue and the density of Ken’s body, but Brad managed to lift Ken’s head and shoulders onto his lap. He sat for a few minutes staring at Ken’s face, caressing his forehead and pushing his hair back lovingly, drawing strength from the simple act of touching his Soulmate.

Brad already missed the newfound bond he and Ken shared and felt like half of him was missing.

Brad took a deep breath to brace himself and whispered, “Well Ken, let’s get this show on the road.”

With those words Brad put his hands on either side of Ken’s head, holding him firmly. Brad’s handsome brow furrowed as he focused and entered Ken’s Mind.

He immediately bounced back into himself, recoiling in horror.

Fuck! How could it be so much worse?

The damage wasn’t anything like what Brad repaired in his own Mind.

Fear gripped him; fear that there was no way he could fix the devastation he witnessed. He started to cry, holding Ken’s head in his lap, rocking slowly as his tears dripped onto Ken’s forehead. His prevailing thought was he should have taken more. If he had only taken more… but then they would both be gone which might have been better after all.

Fuck! How is this possible!?

Brad braced himself and plunged into the desolation of what remained of Ken’s Mind.

The connections in Ken’s Mind were so shattered and disconnected it was like finding ten thousand needles in a thousand haystacks. Brad had to hunt and sift through every shred until he found a match and there was enough to repair. Brad was about to pass out from the effort and had barely scratched the surface.

 

<><><>

 

As the song came to an end, the backyard fell silent again.

Kevin broke the silence asking, “Now what?”

Lane replied, “We wait. Whatever we did helped, I just hope it was enough.”

Bill, monitoring both Brad and Ken, said, “They’re breathing again, and their pulses are weak but steady. Let’s give them time. If they get worse, we’ll call the doc.”

After a long, tense five minutes Brad’s pulse started racing.

Bill said, “Guys, something’s happening.”

Brad’s body broke out into a heavy sweat, and he started breathing in harsh, rasping gasps like he was exerting himself. His face flushed and the veins in his forehead, temples, and neck stood out as tears leaked from the corners of his eyes.

While Brad exhibited signs of extreme exertion, Ken’s pulse continued to weaken, his breathing barely discernible.

 

<><>

 

Brad was desperate. Exhausted from his efforts, he was barely making any progress, and a new sense of urgency hit him as if he was running out of time.

Near collapse, he had to stop and rest again.

Okay, Brad. This isn’t working. Think, dumbass! Think!

A thought tugged at the back of his Mind but whatever it was kept eluding him. His thoughts were racing out of control, and he was beginning to panic in his desperation. Just a short time ago Ken helped him to relax. Ken forced him to stop and slow down, even giving him a hand job to get him to relax.

Ken always knows what’s best for me.

Brad used the phrase like a mantra repeating it over and over, using it to slow his Mind and focus. As soon as he calmed down, he heard it… the haunting, beautiful song Lane sang. The one from his dream. The one he wrote at the River!

Fuck! Lane has been to this place! Lane can help!

After a short rest and encouraged by the thought of help he focused and tried to make contact with Lane. He visualized Lane in the backyard with everyone. He formed the picture, holding it firmly in his Mind’s Eye and Mentally shouted as loud as he could.

 

<><><>

 

Lane and Bill huddled on either side of Ken and Brad. After finishing his song, Lane set his guitar down and moved close. He held one of Brad’s hands and kept his other hand on Brad’s chest, feeling his heartbeat. Bryan stayed at Lane’s side holding onto his shoulders.

Out of the blue, Brad’s voice shouted in Lane’s mind.

Lane!

Lane’s head snapped up in surprise, and he would have fallen over if Bryan wasn’t holding onto him. Lane’s eyes widened, and everyone saw them turn White.

Brad!?

Lane! Thank God you can hear me. Fuck, man, I need your help. I can’t do this by myself!

Brad, you and Ken aren’t looking so good. We can tell something’s happening, but we don’t know what to do. How the fuck are we talking in our heads?

Lane, I don’t have time to explain. This might hurt, and I’m sorry, but…

Lane groaned and grabbed his head as Brad shoved the information into his Mind to show him how to help. It felt like a white-hot spear and he was unprepared for it.

Brad deeply regretted the pain he caused his friend. Instinctively, Brad knew he needed to keep his communication with Lane as much on the surface as possible. He didn’t want to merge with Lane as he had with Ken. That would be too much too soon.

As Lane’s Mind assimilated the information, the understanding Ken and Brad realized about the Project and what the doctor did to them became clear, and Lane let out a mental: Oh shit!

Damn, that hurt like a son of a bitch!

I know, and I’m sorry. This is all new to me too, and I’m learning as I go. Do you think you can help? Please, Lane, I don’t think Ken has much time.

Not only yes, but hell yes. You know you don’t have to ask, you dumbfuck. Give me a sec, I need to talk to these ladies before they pee their pants.

 

<><>

 

Lane was so focused on talking with Brad he didn’t hear Bryan shouting at him.

“Lane! Talk to me! What’s wrong?”

Bryan was shaking Lane, trying to get him to respond.

“I'm all right, Bry. Help me up.”

Bryan stood up, lifting Lane with him.

“Guys, we don’t have much time. I know it’s weird but Brad’s talking to me in my head, and he needs our help. Ken’s in bad shape and Brad’s not much better. Bill, Darren, and Loy come over here. Bry, Kev, Ricky, and Pat, if they stop breathing again do whatever you need to do to keep them alive and give us as much time as you can.”

Turning back to Bill, Darren, and Loy, he continued “Guys we should sit down for this. I don’t want you knuckleheads falling like sissies and splitting your skulls open. Everybody face me and join hands.”

Their military training kicked in, and everyone followed Lane’s commands. The act of following orders gave them something to focus on that was normal in the middle of the chaos and uncertainty.

 

<><>

 

Brad?

Yeah, I’m here.

I’m bringing company, buddy. Hold tight!

Lane didn’t have time to be gentle, and he yanked Bill, Darren, and Loy out of their bodies. He figured they were wired for it, just as he and Brad were. He didn’t want to give them time to overthink the situation, and he let their instincts kick in. The doc told him to have faith in himself and go with his gut…

Lane grinned and couldn’t help but think to himself: Fuck, yeah! I could get used to this shit!

 

<><>

 

Bill, Darren, and Loy felt like they just got hit with a two by four on the back of their heads. The sensation hit them hard and fast as Lane pulled them out of their bodies.

Alright guys, take a breath and settle down.

No longer in the backyard of Ken and Brad’s house, they found themselves standing on a beach under a clear night sky beside a roaring bonfire. Brad was crouched over Ken, holding his head in his lap seemingly unaware of them. Blood from the wounds in Ken’s back covered Brad’s shorts and legs.

Alright, Brad, I’m here with Bill, Dar, and Loy. We’re with you and Ken on the beach. Guys, I know this is all new and sudden, but you’re going to have to learn how to do this on the fly if Ken has a chance of making it out of this. Ken’s Mind was shredded, and Brad’s trying to piece it back together before their bodies give out. All this Professor X bullshit is taking its toll, and we have to give Brad whatever he needs to finish the job.

Shit Lane, you brought the cavalry. Thanks, guys. I don’t know if this is going to hurt or not. I’m not even sure it won’t kill some of us. If anyone wants to back out, now’s your chance and no hard feelings if you do.

Through the Mental Link Brad’s raw emotions and thoughts behind his words were clear; his desperation to save Ken, his gratitude they were there, and his sincerity about giving them a chance to back out.

They wondered briefly at the strangeness and transition between their bodies and their Minds but their military discipline, and even more importantly their support of Ken and Brad exerted itself, and they focused on the present, pushing all other thoughts and questions aside.

Their voices were loud and clear in his Mind, and not only did he hear their words, he knew the intent behind them.

Loy: I’m in.

Bill: Take whatever you need, Brad.

Darren: No way these sissies are outdoing me. You know I’m in.

The emotions behind their words deeply affected Brad, and their bonds as best friends for over twenty years were evident, filling him with warmth in the middle of his worry and anxiety over Ken. Even though they weren’t touching, he felt their hands on his shoulders and back supporting him.

Lane moved behind Brad, placing his hands on Brad’s head. He wasn’t sure if it mattered, but it couldn’t hurt.

Guys, get behind me and put your hands on my shoulders.

Bill: Take your shirt off Lane. The doc’s always talking about the importance of skin contact. Your hands are touching Brad, and his are touching Ken. It might not matter, but why take a chance?

Grinning, Lane quickly stripped off his t-shirt.

I’m sure you just want to cop a feel, but whatever.

Even with the seriousness of the situation, Lane could always lighten the mood. Brad felt the camaraderie between them all and loved them for it. The love and support all the men held for each other ran deep, forged in their time in the military as SEALS and depending on each other for survival. They were Brothers and would do anything for one another with no questions asked.

Their warm hands firmly gripped Lane’s heavy shoulders as his hands held Brad’s head.

Alright, guys, I’ll be the conduit. I’m going to channel all of us together and Brad you just pull what you need.

Brad was surrounded by their comforting presence and support. To his Mind’s Eye, they were bright White lights, standing with him and lending him their warmth and strength. He was unprepared for the amount of Power that hit him, and it nearly overwhelmed him.

Lane: Sorry! I’ll dial it back a little.

No! It just was more than I expected. You guys are badass! I’ll need it all before we’re finished.

Bolstered by their support, Brad dove back into Ken. With the backing of his Brothers, Brad moved much faster but there was just so much damage. At the halfway point they started to falter. They were breathing hard and sweat poured off them.

Their handsome faces were intense, their jaws clenched with effort. They were unused to Mental exertion and didn’t know how to conserve or maximize their efforts. They simply pushed full throttle with everything they had in them.

Brad: Guys, how are you holding up?

Brad heard the mental equivalent of them gritting their teeth, but they all said they were fine. They couldn’t lie Mind to Mind, and he knew the truth behind their words. They were tiring but would not give up, not when Ken needed them.

Lane, can you manage to talk to Bryan and see how Ken is doing topside?

Lane was silent for a few minutes while he spoke to Bryan. The time differential took a while, and when he came back, his voice was filled with worry.

They just started CPR on you and Ken. Your hearts have stopped. Kevin’s calling the doc.

Fuck! Okay, guys don’t panic. There’s a significant time differential, so we’re still alright for a bit. I know you’re tired, but if we can hold out just a little longer…

Their effort surged again, but Brad had no idea how long they could keep it up. Brad worked as quickly as he could, becoming more adept at finding and repairing connections. The overall damage lessened as he learned how Ken’s Mind worked, enabling him to see patterns where Ken’s unconscious Mind tried to protect itself and minimize the damage. Despite their efforts, Brad had an intuitive sense that something more profound was going on, but he didn’t have any idea what to do about it, so he continued as best he could, hoping and praying it would be enough.

Brad realized they weren’t going to finish in time and focused on making as many essential connections as he could find and left the rest incomplete. If there was an initial connection, Ken’s Mind could attempt to build off those links and Heal itself.

Within seconds of one another, his friends dropped out of the Link. Darren passed out first, then Loy, and then Bill. Lane was still with him but hardly had anything left to give. Brad was holding on by a thread, himself.

Lane, I still need to get Ken back into his body. I have to save what strength I have left for that, or all this won’t mean anything.

What do you mean you need to get him? Where the fuck is he?

It’s hard to explain. We were together, somewhere, and I came back here to do this.

Can I help?

No Lane, you’ve done more than enough. You’ve all done more than Ken and I have a right to ask.

That’s bullshit, and you know it. Alright man, I'm gonna bounce. I think I’m going to sleep for a week!

See you topside.

 

<><>

 

Brad steeled himself and plunged back down to Ken. The blackness seemed colder and longer returning to Ken, as if he were much further away.

As he appeared Brad barely squeaked out, “Hey, man” before he collapsed.

Ken moved fast enough to catch him before he hit the ground.

“Brad!”

Ken strong arms cradled Brad against his chest. Brad didn’t have the strength to form words, so he sank into Ken, merging their Minds.

Immediately, Ken became aware of everything Brad and his Brother’s had done up to that point. He was stunned at how much danger they put themselves in for him and angry at Brad for asking them and allowing them to do what they did, but at the same time he saw their love and intent. His anger turned to acceptance, and even pride in their efforts. He was humbled by what they were willing to sacrifice for his sake.

With tears in his eyes from the emotional intensity of everything he learned, Ken thought: So, what now, B?

Ken, I’m not sure if what we did was enough. I tried so hard, we all did, but it was so much worse than I imagined.

Ken wrapped his presence around Brad in the equivalent of a mental hug.

I know you all did your best. How could I ever ask for more than you’ve already done?

Being with Ken even that short time made Brad feel better, but he was still near the end of his endurance. Both men soaked in the intimate comfort of their muscular naked bodies pressed together. They assumed their signature hug with their chins resting on each other’s shoulders and their arms wrapped around each other tightly. The physical touch soothed them even more with their Minds blended, and with Time barely moving they held their embrace, not wanting to let go.

They knew they were putting off the inevitable and eventually Ken broke the silence.

B, you gotta promise me if we make it back and it didn’t work… Well, I don’t wanna live broken. Promise me you won’t try ‘ta keep me around if I’m too far gone.

It tore Brad’s heart out, but he reluctantly agreed.

First things first. We need to make it back to the beach, then I need to get us back to our bodies. Let’s go.

 

<><>

 

Brad expected it to be more difficult, but there was no strain. It took longer than he expected, and just before he panicked, thinking they would be lost in the darkness forever, they appeared on the beach.

Brad gently pushed Ken into his body and then went back into his own.

He opened his eyes looking down at Ken’s face. Ken went back into himself but didn’t wake up. His eyes were closed, and his face now looked peaceful rather than vacant.

God, I hope it was enough Ken. You have to be alright.

Brad muttered to himself, “Alright. Step one completed. I don’t know what to expect when we get back to our bodies. No matter what, I love you.”

He leaned over and kissed Ken’s forehead, putting all his love into the gesture.

Closing his eyes, Brad gathered the last of his strength and willed them out of that place and into their physical bodies in the backyard. The River was a Construct in Brad’s Mind, a place he needed to hold the creature prisoner. With the Construct no longer needed it shattered into non-existence as Brad and Ken left it for the final time.

 

<><><>

 

Bryan and Rick monitored Ken while Kevin and Patrick watched Brad, keeping tabs on their vital signs. The four men occasionally stole nervous glances at their partners to make sure they were alright. The events of the night were like nothing they had ever experienced even with their enhancements and abilities. There was an edge of nervousness they were unaccustomed too. Together, particularly as a Team, they had yet to encounter anything they couldn’t overcome.

Bryan’s deep voice tensed as he said, “Ricky! Ken stopped breathing!”

They immediately started CPR with Bryan blowing air into Ken’s mouth while Rick put his hands together and started chest compressions to maintain oxygen perfusion to Ken’s brain and heart.

Seconds later Brad stopped breathing, and Kevin and Patrick started CPR on him. Rick set his phone down and hit the doctor’s number on speed dial, putting it on speaker. The call went straight to voicemail, and Rick hit the pound key to bypass the doctor’s greeting message and yelled towards the phone, “Doc! We have multiple 911’s here! We need you now!”

Rick kept shifting his eyes to Lane and the others, watching for some sign of what was happening. He had no way to signal them and let them know what was going on with Ken and Brad.

It wasn’t long before Lane, Loy, Bill, and Darren started breathing hard, outwardly exhibiting the strain of what was occurring in their Minds. All four of them were sweating heavily, and after a minute Darren fell over unconscious followed by Loy, then Bill, and finally Lane, all within the space of a few seconds.

When Darren collapsed Patrick gave a frustrated, “FUCK!”, and rushed over to check on him but it was quickly apparent Darren and the others were okay and breathing normally.

Pat quickly said, “I think they passed out. They seem fine, just exhausted.”

He leaped back over and resumed chest compressions on Brad.

Kevin was about ready to call it when Brad’s eyes popped open. His body jerked upright, and he inhaled deeply. He looked around briefly with a confused look on his face and promptly passed out.

A split second later Ken’s body jerked and went still, but he was breathing on his own.

Rick’s phone dinged with a text message from the doctor.

“The doc says get everybody to the Lab, ASAP!”

 

<><><>

 

It took a few trips to get the six unconscious men loaded into their Explorers without the neighbors seeing anything, and then they took off for the Lab.

The doctor was waiting for them at the door. He seemed agitated which added to the strangeness of the night. The doctor was always so even-keeled, and even when they ran missions in Syria he never panicked even when someone was hurt and seeing him rattled was unnerving.

Kevin, Bryan, Rick, and Patrick got everyone inside and into a bed, and helped the doctor hook everyone up to the monitors.

Bryan seemed to have the best grasp of what was going on and didn’t seem overly concerned. Kevin noticed and asked him about it, and he replied, “It’s hard to describe Kev, but I just know Lane is okay. We’ve been using that trick Ken and Brad discovered, and ever since that first night we’ve been more in tune with one another. Then Lane started having these dreams, which were all a part of this. I’m not sure what’s happening to us, and I know it looks like a disaster tonight, but I can’t help feeling that everything is fine. I just wish the doc would tell us more.”

Kevin looked thoughtful but didn’t reply.

Not long after their conversation the doctor came in and told them, “William, Loy, Darren, and Lane are all stable. They are merely exhausted. None of them are familiar with exerting themselves in this new manner. The Mind can be thought of like a muscle, and they will need to exercise their new abilities over time to gain strength and endurance. What they did was remarkable, and you should be very proud of them.”

Bryan asked, “What about Brad and Ken?”

“I am not sure. I believe Bradford will fully recover, but we must wait until Kenneth is awake to assess his condition.”

 

<><>

 

Later that night the doctor stood between the beds where Brad and Ken lay recovering. Lowering his head in a brief prayer for both his young charges the doctor let out a heavy sigh. How could events have gotten so out of control so quickly? The timing of Ken’s abduction just as he and Brad experienced one of their first Awakenings… He felt another hand at play amidst events, but whose?

Ken had no outward sign of any injuries, but the Doctor wasn’t sure about what state his Mind would be in when he woke up. The temptation to find out himself was almost unbearable but after all this time he had not broken his Oath, and for the sake of the other young men in his care he could not now.

Brad and the others were heroic in their efforts to save Ken, even at significant risk to themselves. All of them would recover with rest, but the doctor had an uneasy feeling about Ken.

As he went back to his office, it dawned on him how quiet the Lab was. He looked around and noted Bryan, Richard, Patrick, and Kevin were fast asleep. He thought it odd, but with the stress of the evening they were most likely exhausted. The only sounds in the Lab were occasional chirps and beeps from the equipment.

The doctor was monitoring Ken’s brain activity from his office when there was a sudden massive spike on the monitor. He rushed into Ken’s room, but there was no outward sign of what happened. Brad and Ken were fast asleep. He turned on the small reading lamp on the nightstand beside Ken’s bed so he could see better. As he reached for Ken’s hand to check his pulse, he noticed a rolled-up piece of parchment sitting on the nightstand with a wax seal on it.

The doctor’s heart nearly faltered when he saw the seal. With trembling hands, he picked it up and looked more closely. Yes! He hadn’t seen that seal in nearly a century but he would recognize it anywhere; two quills crossed, each with a drop of ink on its tip.

He looked around the Lab almost frantically for some sign of the man he knew left the note.

Disappointing, but not unexpected.

Letting out a deep sigh the doctor returned to his office.

Once back at his desk, his hands shaking with nerves, he broke the seal and unrolled the parchment. It was written in an elegant flowing script, in a language few people in the world could read.

 

<>

 

Aaron, my heart,

How I yearn to see you again after all the long years that have separated us. I begged to be the one to bring this message so I could at least be near you even for the briefest of seconds.

It seems you are doing well. I have had news of your mission, and those higher in The Order are pleased. Pleased enough to right a grievous wrong of which you are most likely unaware. It seems one of our brethren betrayed The Order to The Enemy. He is the one ultimately responsible for the deception and kidnapping of Kenneth Habersham, orchestrating the entire affair with a former colleague of yours, General Burgess.

I am sure you found it curious that two of your charges, and now possibly others, have experienced their first Awakening. This is no coincidence. Nephilim have shown themselves recently but we are unsure what their presence means, and there are ripples everywhere.

Because of the direct interference of The Enemy, we are allowed to act, and I have been sent to restore Kenneth Habersham. As brave and heroic an effort as Brad Wilson and the others made, their efforts were not enough. The damage to young Habersham’s Mind was not natural, and even with full training and at the height of their abilities it might not have been possible. Fortunately for us, the zeal of our Enemy was their undoing. Their transgression has allowed us an opening to right this wrong. With a Blessing from The Mantle, I finished what Brad Wilson and the others started.

In the morning, Ken Habersham will awake Healed and whole and can continue on his path of discovering his Awakened Talents along with your other charges.

Aaron, after Reading Ken and the others I believe we were right all along! The others must see it even if they are too stubborn to admit it. These young men will be our salvation!

It is my fervent prayer that you and I will be united once again before too many years come to pass. Until then, my love, I wish you well and safe journey and continued success in your mission.

With all my love,

Albrecht

 

<>

 

Knowing Albrecht had been in the Lab, so close but unable to communicate with him in person was heartbreaking. He and Albrecht were paying the price for a transgression many years ago. Even in the joy and relief of knowing that Ken would fully recover, in a rare show of vulnerability, the doctor wept silently in the quiet of the Lab, holding the scroll in his hands and trying to envision the face of the man who wrote it.

The doctor decided he would not tell his young charges what happened. It might be some years before he brought it up. They needed time to recover and grow into themselves. He was so proud of each and every one of them. He found over the years that if he gave them enough room, they grew better and stronger without being pushed.

It was late, so the doctor checked on his charges one more time and then went to his bed to dream about Albrecht, the love of his life and the other half of his Soul.

 

<><><>

 

Early the next morning, everyone except Ken was up and moving by 0600. No one was in the mood to do PT, so a few of the guys went out to get breakfast for everyone and brought it back to the Lab. The doctor, not an early riser, didn’t come out of his room until nearly 0930.

When he finally emerged from the room he slept in, the doctor found nine impatient men waiting for him. He shuffled over to get some coffee, which they politely left for him, and then sat down to work on his breakfast. He made a show of being deliberately slow, which caused the men to fidget. He had a hard time not smiling at their impatience.

Once he finished, he turned to them and said, “So I take it you are all feeling better?”

Everyone nodded their confirmation.

“And you Bradford, are you sure you feel well?”

“Just a little tired, doc. Other than that, I feel better than I have in over a month. With that thing out of me, I feel as good as new.”

“It pleases me to hear that, however I wish to run some tests to be sure. We must be absolutely positive your body suffers no lasting damage.”

Brad asked impatiently, “Doc, Ken’s still asleep. Do you know if he’s going to be okay yet?”

“Well, I have some good news and some bad news as far as Kenneth is concerned. Which would you like to hear first?”

Brad was about to burst and needed to hear something good, so he blurted out, “Good first!”

“Well, my boy, the good news is that Kenneth is going to make a full recovery.”

He didn’t get any further before Brad let out a “WHOOP!” and jumped into the air. Everyone else let out cries of ‘alright!’ and ‘I knew it,' and there were hugs and high fives all around. Every one of his friends felt the need to give Brad a strong hug and a backslap at the good news. The smiles and tears in their eyes expressed how much the news meant to them. It took a minute for everyone to settle down and even then, none of them could wipe the grins off their handsome faces.

Brad’s eyes were bright, relief visible on his smiling face. He felt as if the weight of the world lifted from his shoulders and his voice trembled slightly in relief as he said, “Okay, doc. Let’s get the bad news out of the way.”

“The bad news is that you will have to contain yourself for a few more days. I have Kenneth in an induced coma to give his Mind time to mend more quickly. I am assisting his recovery as much as I am safely able to do but it will still take a few days. The Mind is very complex, and the damage was severe, but you all did an exceptional job and should be extremely proud of yourselves.”

The doctor disliked bending the truth, but the time wasn’t right to reveal what happened. He made his decision to induce a coma in Ken to make the cover story more convincing.

Brad rushed over and picked the doctor up in a bear hug, whispering in his ear, “Thank you so much, doc. I don’t know what I would have done if I lost him.”

The doctor gave Brad one of his rare smiles and patted him on the back saying, “Me too, my boy, me too.”

Everyone else let out another round of exuberant hoots and hollers. They were all smiling, and the tears of relief continued. They were going to get their friend, their Brother, their Captain back!

 

<><><>

 

With the assurance that Ken was going to be alright everyone but Brad left the Lab. The only rule the doctor kept in place was that no one was permitted to go anywhere by themselves. They had to travel in pairs to the security office, or shopping, or wherever they needed to go. It would make life more difficult, but everyone could cope with that and after Ken’s abduction, they saw the necessity from a tactical and safety perspective.

Each couple asked Brad at one point if he wanted them to stay and be with him while he waited, and he was touched deeply by their offers but he declined, knowing they needed their rest and recuperation after all the stress. They hugged him long and tight or cupped his neck or shoulders with firm squeezes of comfort before they left, making sure he knew how important he was to them, as well as Ken. Brad soaked it all in, and their love and support along with knowing Ken was going to be alright gave him a sense of inner peace and strength to wait patiently. He promised to let all of them know as soon as Ken woke up.

The doctor used the last of the prepared syringes on Brad to ensure his body’s full recovery. His organs did exhibit signs of minor distress but by the following morning, with the increased potency of the serum, his body completely regenerated.

Brad stayed in the Lab as before with the doctor going home at night. Brad put two beds together so he could sleep beside Ken and even though he knew Ken was going to be alright he hardly ever left his side. He sat and held Ken’s hand while he watched TV or slept.

Without being asked the guys took turns dropping by anyway to visit and make sure Brad and the doctor were well fed.

The doctor didn’t tell Brad he scheduled the induced coma to stop the morning of the third day.

 

<><><>

 

Brad had a strange sense of being watched, and it woke him up out of a deep sleep. He slowly opened his eyes to see Ken on his side with his head propped up on one hand. His muscular body, full of health, was stretched out on the bed and Brad drank in the sight. He started at Ken’s feet and worked his way up until their eyes met, crystal blue to emerald green.

Ken looked at him, smiled, and said, “Hey, handsome. What’s a fella gotta do around here ‘ta get some food? I’m starvin’!”

Even knowing Ken was going to be alright, when Brad saw him awake and heard his deep voice he was overcome with emotions. Brad threw himself on Ken, wrapping his arms around him. He pushed his face against Ken’s big warm chest and bawled like a baby, sobbing so hard his throat closed up and he couldn’t talk. Ken cried too, while he held Brad and let him cry, one hand cupping the back of his head and the other rubbing his back in comfort.

Brad finally managed to say, “Fuck, Ken, I love you so much. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t made it.”

Ken’s throat was tight too, but he managed to whisper, “Shhhh B, it’s okay. I love you too! I’m right here, and I’m not goin’ anywhere.”

After a slight pause Ken chuckled, and hugging Brad even tighter he said, “I was about ‘ta say more than you’ll ever know but that’s not true anymore is it?”

Brad pulled back and looked into Ken’s eyes. Ken was right, and now that he was awake they were both aware of the connection between them. All they had to do was concentrate to bring it to the surface. Ken reached up and gently wiped the tears from Brad’s face with his thumbs.

Brad sniffed and said, “Shit, this is going take some getting used too. We won’t even have to talk if we don’t want too.”

Putting that thought into action Brad spoke in Ken’s Mind.

Alright, you hot fucker. I know you were posing when I woke up, and now it’s time to pay the piper.

Ken mentally laughed: You know me too well. Guess I’m busted. If you know so much, you know what I need from you right now. Get those clothes off fucker before I rip them off.

Brad lifted his t-shirt up and off slowly, causing his lats to flare. When he brought his arms down his chest settled back into big slabs of tight muscle. Brad unbuckled his jeans, kicked off his shoes, and pulled his pants off one leg at a time.

Brad felt Ken’s eyes on him and saw the lust stirring as he got turned on by Brad’s muscular physique. Brad was as turned on by Ken as he ever had been. They both needed what was about to take place; to feel each other physically as well as Mentally and emotionally - Body, Mind, and Soul.

Ken somehow managed to produce a small bottle of lube and handed it to Brad, and he realized Ken planned what was about to happen.

With a grin he thought: You douche.

Ken grinned back and thought: You’re just jealous ‘cause I’m one step ahead of ‘ya. Early bird gets the dick! You slept too long.

Brad covered Ken’s erection liberally with lube and crawled on top of Ken.

Ken guided himself into Brad and both men groaned.

Both of them thought: Oh, fuck that’s amazing, at the same time, and they both laughed. The shared intimacy of their Minds and Bodies consumed them, and they held still while Brad squeezed Ken as tightly as he could.

The moment seemed to take forever, and it might have as deeply as they were in each other. The two big men couldn’t deny the urgency of their bodies forever, and Ken eventually started thrusting in and out of his lover.

Their orgasms built quickly and hit them hard. They hadn’t been together in the Physical Realm in weeks. Even after shooting his load into Brad, Ken remained hard and continued to press his sweaty muscled body against his lover, nibbling and kissing his shoulders, back, and neck, while pumping in and out for another twenty minutes.

Ken kept muttering his love and encouragement to Brad through their act of lovemaking. Brad wasn’t as vocal, but Ken was aware of his love through their connection. Ken wanted to get on his back before he shot again, and he flipped over. They wanted to see each other’s faces and be able to look into each other’s eyes and see more of each other’s body.

Brad placed his hands on Ken’s chest for support and squeezed tight, rubbing Ken’s nipples with his fingertips. Ken tightened his chest to support Brad’s weight, and his chest felt like steel under Brad’s hands. Ken's hands roamed over Brad’s corded arms, shoulders, and chest while he slowly thrust into him. Everything about the other turned them on physically, and the new emotional rush behind their touch added depth and intensity like never before.

Ken started stroking Brad, and with their connection he knew what felt best; how tight to squeeze, when to twist his grip, when to speed up or slow down. It was the perfect hand job and coupled with Ken inside him he was quickly on edge again. Ken’s orgasm, both physical and Mental, sent Brad over the edge at the same time and they clung to one another through the contractions.

When their orgasms finally subsided Brad lowered himself onto Ken, their sweaty muscled bodies pressed tightly against one another. Both of them were still breathing heavily. Ken reached around Brad’s thick shoulders and pulled his head down so they could kiss.

It started as a few tender kisses, while they looked into each other’s eyes, but it soon built into a long passionate kiss that neither one wanted to break. Brad held Ken’s head in both his hands, running his fingers through Ken’s short sweaty hair with one hand while tenderly brushing the hair back and caressing Ken’s forehead with his other hand. Occasionally they would break their kiss to catch their breath and smile at one another, and Ken would rub his stubbly cheeks against Brad’s.

All of a sudden Ken’s stomach let out the biggest rumble of hunger Brad had ever heard. Both of their eyes bulged wide in surprise, and they both laughed. Brad put his hands back on Ken’s chest to push himself up, getting in a last squeeze of his rock-solid body.

Brad said, “Okay stud, let’s get you something to eat. I need to feed you.”

Ken sat on the edge of the bed, wrapping his arms around Brad before he could move away. He pulled Brad back against him for one more hug and kissed his back. With his face pressed against Brad’s back his voice was slightly muffled as he said, “Yeah, B, seriously, I can’t believe you put your selfish need ‘ta get off before my well-bein’. I’m gonna have ‘ta talk ‘ta the doc about the hired help.”

Brad just laughed and replied, “Alright mister, get your ass off that bed. We need to throw the sheets into the washing machine and grab a quick shower. I want to take you someplace nice, and while I have the utmost appreciation for how you smell right now, I’m not sure the general public does.”

 

<><>

 

Neither one of them stated the obvious because now they could both feel it, but they were relieved to have all the nastiness behind them and to be back to normal. Well, mostly normal. The fact they heard and felt each other’s thoughts wasn’t exactly normal and would take some getting used to. It was nice to relax with each other and be themselves.

Now there were no barriers between them, they thought they were perfect together before all of their changes but now with their Minds laid bare to one another it was both liberating and frightening, but also beautiful, and neither of them would change it for all the world. To know each other so completely was something neither of them had ever imagined.

They knew the doctor wanted to talk to them, but for the time being he gave them space and time to themselves. There were some big adjustments ahead, and Brad had a lot to learn on how to control his new abilities.