A Ticklish Thriller - 8. The Power Of Family

At The Hospital

Adam got in front of Dakota, and opened the back door of his Grand Cherokee. Dakota gently placed Mikey on the seat, and closed the door. He turned, giving Adam, and the rest of the family a hug, and kiss. “I’m gonna get Mikey comfortable at my place.”

“We’ll go by Mikey’s and pick up some clothes, and toiletries.” Jai offered.

“Thank you Dakota, for being here for Mikey. The boys told us about you standing up to our headstrong boy. You’re just what he needs.” Max stated, with the collective parents nodding their agreement.

“A lot of good it did. He still did his own thing. I can’t believe he’d put himself in jeopardy like that.”

“Kota, when I got to the crash site, Mikey told me he was about to call you, when Janice threw the brick through his window.” Lance said, rubbing Dakota’s back.

“What stopped him?”

“According to Mikey, I did.” Lance solemnly stated, and hung his head in tears. Instantly, the younger man was wrapped up in a strong hug. “He told me I called him, just as he was starting to dial your number. He said that’s when he forgot all about himself, and completely focused on me, except for getting his window fixed while he was gone.”

“It’s not your fault, kiddo. Hell, it’s not even Mikey’s fault. It’s Janice’s, and as soon as we can pick her back up, she’s not getting out on bail again.” Tony approached his son, and Dakota giving them both a hug.

“Lance, I’d like to be with Mikey, do you mind driving us back to my place?” Dakota asked giving everyone a parting hug, and open invitation to his place.

“Sure thing bro.” Lance giggled as Adam and Jai tickled his sides.

“We’ll take you back to your apartment, when we bring Mikey’s things.” Adam said. Everyone stood together, and waved as Lance drove off.

“No, he’ll be fine. Thanks for calling Helen, we’ll be sure to tell Mikey you called.” Adam ended the call, and placed his phone in his pocket. “Guys, that was Helen. She called to check on Mikey.”

“That was nice of her.” Well, we’re gonna head back to work. Call us, if you need anything.” Bryan said. The two sets of parents hugged and kissed the two men, then headed for their respective jobs.

Mikey, Dakota, & Lance

Mikey woke, and realized he wasn’t anywhere he recognized. Blinking, the brunette looked around in awe, and wonder. Instead of streets, and houses, he saw bright green fields, and multiple waterfalls. There were beautiful streams, with walking bridges over them. Trees of all kinds, adorned with ripe luscious fruit, and vibrant green leaves. “Where the hell am I?” He softly said to himself.

“We can assure you, this isn’t hell. However, it’s not heaven either. You’re in the peaceful valley, where spirits come to reach the living.”

Mikey gasped, and turned to face the speaker. His eyes widened. There, standing before him were two of the most beautiful souls he’d ever seen. He could easily tell the man was Dakota’s father, and assumed the woman was his mother.

“You’re Kota’s parents, aren’t you. I remember you two from the library. Umm, I’m sorry you had to leave your physical bodies. I know Dakota misses you, very much. I can feel it in my heart.” Tears streamed down Mikey’s cheeks. Suddenly, his heart, and soul was filled with warmth. The couple lovingly embraced the young man.

“We knew you were the right one to send our son. He’s been through much trauma, and our deaths only added to the heartache. He’s never fully healed, but with your love, it won’t be long before his heart and soul are whole again.” Dakota’s Mom gently took Mikey’s hand, and led him to a wooden bench. The three of them sat, facing one of the waterfalls.

“Y...You sent me to Dakota?” Mikey looked at the couple in confusion.

“Yes, the very first day we met you in the library, we could tell you were the perfect man for our little Kotie. We started thinking of how to get the two of you to meet. Then, when we died, we passed the task on to the Commissioner.”

The nickname Dakota’s Mom used, caused Mikey to giggle. “I’ll have to remember to call him that. Kotie’s an adorable nickname for such a big burly cop guy.”

The couple chuckled. “We hoped you’d pick up on that. It’s our way of assuring Dakota knows where this message came from.”

“What message?” Mikey felt a darkness growing, in the pit of his stomach.

“Mikey, there are forces beyond the earthly realm, dark forces. You’ve got an incredible inner strength, and unending love. However, the darkness is seeking to drain your strength, and love. You must not let it. You’ve got to fight to keep your light, and love. Dakota, will have to assist you in this. He has the knowledge in him, it’s just locked away. You’re the key to unlocking it.”

“Why is this happening, and how do I help him unlock his knowledge?”

“Everyone has a purpose in their life. You inspire others, with your love, and giving nature. If the darkness can drown you in enough despair, and sorrow it will upset the delicate balance. The world needs this balance. The light is needed, to know what dark is. On the flip side, darkness is needed, to appreciate the light. Without sorrow, you wouldn’t know what joy was. We need sorrow, to release the feelings that build up in our hearts, and souls. We need joy, for that same reason.” Dakota’s father placed his hand on Mikey’s. “Son, you need to remind Kotie he’s the offspring of a Shaman, and Wiccan high priestess. In life, we were shunned by our bloodlines for the love, magic, and power we held. Dakota received that love, power, and knowledge in lessons we taught throughout his childhood, and part of his adult years.”

“Mikey, even though we’re not on the earthen plane, we know our strong warrior talks to us. We do answer, when truly needed. Make sure he continues doing that, it helps him work out his problems, and concerns. Also, if you’re comfortable with the idea, we’d love to hear from you as well. We will help, if we can. Even if it’s just a warm feeling in your heart. Please, know that Dakota loves you, and we love you. Through that love, we’ve come to know you, you’re so loving. We have, and will continue to watch over you. We’ve already claimed you, as our son.” Dakota’s Mom kissed Mikey’s cheek.

Mikey was overcome with emotion, and love. “A warm feeling in your heart, goes a long way. Especially, for someone who’s suffering. Thank you, Mom, and Dad. I promise to do my best, to make you, and Dakota proud.”

“We have no doubt, that’s true. Please, be more careful in the future, we’re not the young Witch, and Shaman we used to be. It took a hell of a lot of energy, bringing up the memory of your Papa Tony’s lesson. Then, getting you to see the break in the trees. And finally, helping you calculate the space, versus the size of your front end so quickly. That’s a hell of a lot of work for two spirits, who lie around paradise, eating pomegranate seeds all day.” That statement cracked Mikey up so much, he snorted while laughing.

“Thank you, for using the energy it took to save my life, Mama, and Daddy. I will speak with you again, and look for your answers when needed.” Mikey wiped his tears. He got up, and embraced the couple. “I will pass your message, as well as your love along to my brave warrior.”

“Don’t forget, we love you also, Mikey. Stay safe.” With that, the couple’s spirits drifted away in the breeze.

Mikey woke up. He noticed he was in the back seat of a moving car, and knew he was being cradled by his love. He shifted, and smiled angelically at his powerful, and strong warrior.

“You must’ve been having an amazingly peaceful dream, Angel Boy. Your smile was so bright, I swear it was glowing.” Dakota leaned down, kissed Mikey’s nose, and lightly brushed his hair.

“It wasn’t a dream. I was in the Peaceful Valley. I wish you could’ve seen it. You’d have loved the beauty all around, I hope you get to visit there one day, my sweet Kotie.”

Dakota gasped. “D...Did you just call me Kotie?” Tears began streaming down the man’s cheeks.

“Your parents brought me to the valley. They had a message for us.” Mikey grunted, and sat up. He faced Dakota, placed his hands on either side of his cheeks, and stared directly into his mate’s eyes.

“Kota, Mom, and Dad love us both very much. I met them, before they died. They used to come in the library, and talk with me. They want you to know, they hear your conversations with them, and want you to continue doing that. It helps you work through things. They’ve also asked that I do the same, which I fully intend to do.” Mikey paused, and lovingly kissed Dakota’s lips.

“I..Is that the message they sent?”

“There’s more. Your parents were already trying to bring us together, when they died. That’s when they passed the task on to Papa Tony. They also used their power, to help me remember Papa Tony’s driving lesson, bringing my attention to the break in the trees, and they also helped me quickly calculate the space, and size of the Explorer. Mom, and Dad saved my life. They told me, they’ve claimed me as their son, and love me. Dakota, I got to hug them, I felt so loved and at peace.” Mikey stopped, wiped his tears, and put all his loving energy into the hug, and kiss he gave Dakota.

“I’m so happy, you got to meet them, or at least their spirits. I can’t express the joy I feel, knowing they’re protecting you, as well as me, and that they love you.” Dakota said.

“There’s even more my sweet Kota. Darkness is trying to upset the balance, by taking the strength of my light, and love. Your Dad said you have the knowledge, and power to protect me from that. He told me, you’ve locked the teachings away, and I’m the key to unlocking them.” He paused again to collect himself. “Dakota, you need to remember, you’re the son of a Shaman, and Wiccan High Priestess. It’s time to reach inside yourself. Pull that power, and knowledge from the dungeon your pain has locked them in. Together, we can heal ourselves.

Dakota closed his eyes, and softly chanted in his father’s Cherokee tongue. Once he finished, he started a Celtic chant. The half Cherokee spoke in Gaelic, his mother’s birth language. Instantly, he felt a surge of strength, and power. It grew, and radiated from his heart, spreading through his veins. Upon opening his eyes, Dakota gasped. He could see the light surrounding his angel boy, was already dimmer, than when they were at Barefoot. In fact, it was definitely weaker than when they first met. Tears filled Dakota’s eyes. He wondered just how long the darkness had been attacking his Mikey’s energy. Suddenly, he heard a soft whisper.

“Don’t wonder, Mikey must start taking some time for himself. As he rests, his inner strength will again build up, and the light will brighten. Once that happens, when you’re both ready, work together to heal each other’s pain, and sorrow. We love you, our sweet, and strong Kotie.”

“Thank you Mom, and Dad. I love you.” He whispered back, and felt his heart fill with warmth.

Lance was hearing bits and pieces of the couple’s conversation. He perked up, hearing the words Shaman, High Priestess, and darkness draining his brother’s love, and light. Lance made a mental note to himself, to talk with Dakota about what was going on.

As soon as they got back to Dakota’s place, Lance helped Mikey out of the car, and handed him his crutches. The three men entered the spacious three bedroom apartment. After removing their shoes, Dakota helped Mikey take his off, and helped him to the couch. “Baby, we need to talk about what Mom and Dad said to you.” He looked over to Lance. “I know you picked up on a few words baby bro, and have questions. I’ll be glad to answer them, but not right now. Just know, neither my parents or I have any evil, or dark intentions. Will you trust me, to help Mikey?”

“Kota, I’m a pretty good judge of character, with the exception of Janice. I can tell, you only want to heal Mikey, and yourself. I did pick up on some words, and yes I’ve got questions. However, they’re more out of curiosity.” Lance leaned down and kissed both Mikey, and Dakota. “I’ll help, with anything I can.”

“Thank you baby bro. Right now, I need you to sit with our angel boy. Please, keep him still, and calm. I need to prepare some herbs. I’m making an all natural salve. It will lessen Mikey’s pain, but not fully take it away. I’m also making him an herbal tea, to help him sleep, so he can recharge his energy.”

“Why don’t you want to take all the pain away?” Lance asked, as he lightly smoothed Mikey’s hair.

“Because, the pain killer they gave me, is too strong. If all the pain is taken away, I might forget my ankle’s badly sprained.” Mikey said, in a soft raspy voice. “Lance, thank you for trusting Kotie, he’s going to help heal us both. And, I’m limiting the nickname Kotie, to just me.” Mikey softly chuckled seeing the expressions on Dakota, and Lance’s faces.

“Why can’t I call him Kotie? It’s so cute.” Lance giggled, and squirmed when Dakota’s fingers wiggled, and gently dug into his ribs, and sides.”

“I might do more damage if I try doing things before I’m healed. I like Kota’s salve, and herbal tea ideas. When I spoke with them, his parents told me I needed to take care of myself, something I haven’t been doing. I realize now, I’ve been exhausting my body, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Kotie’s the nickname his parents gave him as a baby. I’m the only one who gets to use it.” Mikey smiled, and playfully tapped the end of Lance’s nose.

“I’ll be right back, you two.” Dakota smiled, and kissed the younger men. He got up, went in his bedroom, and opened a trunk he’d hidden in his closet. The half Cherokee, took a deep breath, and wiped his tears. He then stripped his clothes off, and chanted while dressing in his native attire. After getting dressed, Dakota went to the third room, a room he hadn’t entered since his parents died. He took his tree of life pentacle, and slipped it over his head. Dakota, then stepped up to the eastward facing altar. He raised his hands, bowed his head, and in Gaelic, asked the guiding spirits to assist him in his healing endeavors. While standing there, he also took the time to thank the God, Goddess, and his parents for watching over him, and his Mikey. When he finished, Dakota gasped. While giving thanks, he was gifted with a premonition of a possibly devastating storm, on the horizon. He knew, he had to work fast to build up Mikey’s resolve, and inner strength.

In the living room, Mikey could feel Dakota’s anxiety from the other room, and despite being weak, started sending all his love, and positive energy to his boyfriend.

Dakota felt the surge of love, coming from the bond that was growing between him, and Mikey. Quickly, he gathered the herbs needed, and he sprinted to the kitchen. He placed the items on the counter, and started brewing the tea. Then, while that was working, he began crushing the herbs for the salve. He looked over at his mate, and brother. The older man smiled, he loved seeing Lance being so affectionate, and protective over Mikey. It was then, he realized, he’d made the right choice in asking Lance to drive them. Out of his three siblings, Lance was the one with the strongest bond to Mikey. “Here, drink this my angel boy. It will help calm your mind, and relax your body. That way, your soul, and energy can build it’s resources back up.” The half Cherokee said, as he brought the tea to his mate. “Lance, I’ve made a separate one for us, for when we talk.” Dakota smiled, and kissed both Lance, and Mikey’s cheeks.

With Lance’s help, Mikey sat up. He smiled, and accepted the steaming liquid. The brunette closed his eyes, deeply inhaled the fragrant aroma, and sighed in content. “Thank you, my brave warrior.”

Dakota gently placed the younger man’s feet in his lap. “Baby, I’m warning you now, this will tickle like crazy. I promise, I’ll only enjoy it slightly.” The three of them started chuckling, and Mikey wiggled his toes in anticipation. “It’s also gonna be slightly painful, because I have to touch the wounded area. Be strong, my sweet angel.” Dakota chanted in his native Indian tongue, and began applying the salve. He worked very hard, not to get distracted by Mikey’s feet jerking, and his cute boyish giggles.

Lance watched in amazement, he could feel the healing energy course through the entire living space. He could even feel his own energy strengthening, and a sense of being renewed. Without another thought, the young man bowed his head. He silently prayed for Dakota’s remedy to be successful, that Mikey would be healed, and for his brother to be stronger than the forces that are draining him.

Dakota could feel the added positive energy coming from his newly acquired brother, and inwardly smiled. Finally, the slave, and tea worked. Mikey was at last in a peaceful, deep slumber, with his thumb in his mouth. Both Lance, and Dakota softly kissed the sleeping angel, and embraced each other.

Lance looked at Mikey, and gasped. “Kota, I don’t know if it’s me, but, I swear, it looks like Mikey’s got a warm soft glow surrounding him.”

The older man smiled, and kissed his brother’s cheek. “It’s not you, baby bro. It’s the protection of the herbs, Mikey’s own inner strength, my parents, me, and your prayer. When you prayed, I felt the positive energy you released. You were the third element needed to lift the darkness.”

“Why me?”

“You know why, just look inside your heart, and soul.”

“We’re bonded together. I can feel his end, beginning to strengthen. I love you Kota.”

“I love you too Lance. C’mon, we’ll have some tea, and talk.”