Are We There Yet2

Title: Athena & The Cyclopes – Are we there yet? (Keepers of Balance Book 2) ©Copyright Karen Cottle 2010 Cover Art by Karen Cottle ©Copyright July 2010 This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental. All rights reserved. Should you wish to copy portions of the work please acknowledge the author when doing so. Published in 2010 by Karen Cottle, United Kingdom. Warning: This book is suitable for adult readers only.

Keepers of Balance Book 2

ATHENA & THE CYCLOPES
Are we there yet?

Karen Cottle

Dedication

To Delaney who believed in my writing and encouraged me; and to my husband, Greg, who lovingly supports my dream, makes sure I have hours of uninterrupted writing time and feeds me when I need it.

Foreword

Various mythologies and spiritualities have been intertwined to create this fantasy. Known characters have been borrowed and moulded to fit my storyline. It is possible to read this book on its own even though it is part of a series. Read Athena & The Cyclopes – New beginnings… (Keepers of Balance Book 1) should you wish to know the background. I have tried to the best of my abilities open the world of spirituality and tantra to the ordinary person. This world is not only reserved for the weird and wacky. It forms part of our normal day. Life can be filled with fun, happiness and love if you so choose. We are our own worst enemies and our emotions tend to hold us back, giving a foothold to those unsavoury aspects of life which most of us wish didn’t exist. It has been a pleasure to write and I thank you for joining me.

Chapter 1 Present day A jolt of electricity ran through her body as her awareness connected with Mars. Athena’s eyes were closed as she stood in the middle of her bedroom in Zeen, very different to her palace in Olympus, the crystal sun shining as brightly as it did in Olympus, the sound of birds singing outside. Life had taken on a simple cast, as evidenced by her minimalist bedroom containing only a large bed. She relished the freedom from clutter and revelled in the pleasure of being herself and making changes at her will rather than because she had to. Athena felt Mars’s energy enter the room, a masculine voice behind her saying, “I could sense and smell you.” She smiled and waited. She felt him move close behind her enough to feel the heat radiating off his body. “What took you so long?” she murmured as his hands came around her waist and she lent back into him. “Some of the defences needed strengthening, which I was focused on until you, distracted me,” he griped. “But when the Goddess of War calls she must be obeyed or suffer the consequences.” She arched her eyebrow and smiled slightly as she turned to look at him, her eyes drinking in the sight of him. Lord Mars, Roman God of War, a well built muscular man with a bull neck, three inches taller than her 5 foot nine inches. His black hair was always worn very short and he had thick brows over eyes of caramel with green flecks changing colour depending on his mood. His was not a face of beauty but emanating from him was a sense of power and strength and he created the impression of being larger than he was, a commanding presence wherever he went.

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Smiling inwardly with pleasure she remembered the change when Ares adopted his Roman persona of the God of War, Mars, also the God of fertility and agriculture as he thought it far more fitting. Her father, Zeus had been appalled when the Cyclopes community had first been set up. As his favourite daughter she’d released a spear of hurt with her defection and she’d never had the chance to explain to him the reason for stealing the Cyclopes. Despite Zeus relenting later on and sending Ares to persuade her to come back to Olympus, she’d chosen to refuse. She smiled as she remembered Ares returning again and again, with the excuse he was trying to persuade her to return. He admitted later, he was intrigued with the idea of the Goddess of War turning her back on violence and destruction and embracing love as an alternative. How had they discovered their love for each other? Athena’s memory of this was blurred but she well remembered the pain of letting him go back to Olympus, both of them believing it would be best if she concentrated on her mission. He’d spent his time moping around Olympus his bloodthirsty days over. The tug of his love for her had been so strong he’d finally succumbed and asked her if he could stay permanently. Her delight knew no bounds. She remembered discussing it in detail with the Cyclopes. With everyone agreeing he’d settled into life in Zeen, their love affair starting. Their love and passion for each other had grown and never seemed to peak, which surprised her, as she’d believed love was finite Focusing on the present Athena noted Mars’ eyes were dark with desire. “What’s so important for you to interrupt me?” “If that’s how you feel,” she said turning away from him with a shrug, “maybe I should find someone else willing to meet my needs.” “What needs are those?” he enquired coming up once again behind her, sliding his hands around her waist, one hand moving up to gently cup a breast.

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“I’m not sure you’re the right man for the job,” she replied enjoying the sensations of his fingers moving in circles on her belly, while a thumb teased her nipple, his erection nudging her back. “Not the man for the job, eh?” he chuckled kissing the side of her neck. Heaviness pooled between her legs as the energy started to move around her body. Her chakra points opened wider and connected with Mars in whom she could sense the build up. The ion-filled air in the room danced around them. Energised and giddy with desire, she darted away from him throwing over her shoulder, “Prove it.” He grinned and flashed in front of her reaching out to grab her. Dissolving she sped to the other side of the room. “No cheating by dematerialising, let’s see you use your muscles.” “That kind of game is it?” he said sauntering towards her with the grace of someone used to practising and playing hard in sport and war. His face taking on the mask of a predator sighting its prey, he came to a standstill, his eyes hooded, his nostrils flared scenting her. She shifted her sight resulting in a kaleidoscope of colour bombarding her. Sensations ran rampant through her at the sight of him in hunting mode. She felt anticipation building ready to leap into action at the slightest move from him as her breathing became jagged. She knew she didn’t have the speed or strength to outmanoeuvre him. He’d let this game go on, with her evading him until he’d had enough and would casually grab her with no effort whatsoever. He was exceedingly fast and strong and knew she loved to watch him in action. He feinted to the left and she moved to his right as he threw his arm out to catch her. She ducked and laughingly escaped. This was one of the reasons she loved an empty room; there was space to move. The energy moved up, ions surged into the room, colours swirling. The energy vibrated faster creating a hum of desire. Little red sparks of pheromones rushed around.

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She stood her ground as she watched him through slitted eyes, her head thrown back as she laughed in happiness. He stalked towards her growling in mock anger. The heat between her legs spiked creating moisture and she rubbed her thighs together enjoying the reaction. He suddenly shot forward, galvanising her into action as she jumped on to the bed, running over it and off the other side. “What now?” she wiggled her eyebrows, “You don’t seem to be able to get me, very shameful.” “I’ve plenty of patience, remember I’m a warrior and we often have to wait,” he countered. The sacral chakra below her navel made a whooshing action. Her lungs expanded drinking in his scent. His eyes dilated becoming darker as he flicked his wrist and their clothes disappeared. He stood with his well muscled legs splayed apart and his desire plain to see. She noted the play of muscles over his body as he flexed them waiting for her next move. “Come on big boy, you should be able to take down a gazelle or are you getting old and slowing down,” she taunted him, breathless with the shiver running over her at the words she uttered. It was like a red rag to a bull. He moved so fast it was a blur and before she could move he had a hold of her. She squeaked in surprise wondering why she repeatedly underestimated him. Ah yes – she loved this man beyond reason and took such pleasure in watching his reflexes, prowess and strength. “You’ve had your fun and now I’ll have mine,” he murmured as he pulled her into his arms lowering his head to kiss her. Her nipples rubbed against the hair on his chest, his erection between them. She became oblivious to all around her but this man and his lips and tongue. Waves of energy moved through them as he probed her mouth and nibbled her lips. She pressed herself up against him, his armed tightened. The air around them vibrated. The earth’s life force moved up her legs and through her body.

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“I love you, Mars,” she murmured in between kisses, her hands moving all over him. He stopped and looked down at her. As their eyes locked she felt herself drowning. “You don’t even need to touch me and I’m filled with desire. I could orgasm with one of your looks.” “I’m aware of that, but it’s so much more fun to touch you,” he smiled. “I can’t keep my hands off you.” “It goes for both of us,” she murmured. She slowly started kissing her way down his chest stopping at each nipple to suck and taunt it with the swirl of her tongue and nip of her teeth. Mars groaned, a corresponding energy rushing up and down her spine. She flicked his nipples with her thumbnail and lightly scoured her nails down his chest and stomach feeling the ripple of muscles underneath his skin. Her mind opened to his and he invaded it overwhelming her with the sensations she was creating in his body. Her hand cupped his balls as she knelt in front of him looking up into his face. He watched her take him into her mouth, the sensations running from him to her. The headiness pushed their shared energy to greater heights. They became as one. Each movement Athena made with her lips, tongue and mouth she could feel in her own body. When he finally couldn’t take any more and the tingling sensations had them teetering on the edge she sent one last blast of energy into him with her mouth making him tense for a split second. A rush of pressure burst out of the tip and into her mouth as he roared his release. The depth of his emotions pushed to her heights of pleasure and as she drank the energy pulsing from him she orgasmed creating a symphony of bliss and ecstasy. As they both trembled in the aftermath of the orgasm, the healing energy rushed around their bodies, every cell singing with pleasure. Each slight movement made by either of them set off minor orgasms exploding all over their bodies. It took quite a while to come down off the high.

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****

Restlessness and nostalgia had Athena up and out of the warm bed as dawn was breaking. She glanced back at the bed to see Mars sprawled across it the sheet barely covering him. Deciding to take a very early morning walk through Zeen, she transported herself to the city centre. She gazed around with contentment, drinking in the curious mixture of old and new buildings dotted along the meandering road with high-rise apartments built from the deep ochre coloured sand in the style of a pyramid. Each apartment had a wrap around balcony forming the roof of the apartment below and was covered in lawn, a profusion of plants and trees creating a tropical garden. Here and there snuggled in between were small cottage-like buildings with thatched roofs or narrow three storey Victorian buildings, small amphitheatres of marble where concerts or markets were held. The meandering roads of the city had a network of trams linking the roads from one end of the city to the other each street lined with fruit trees. On the outskirts many citizens either lived in cave-like dwellings set into the sides of hills or in huge tree houses in the massive forests. Glancing up at the sky she acknowledged the crystal sun. Every dwelling whether in buildings, caves or trees had their lighting supplied by smaller versions of the large crystal sun which provided light and solar energy. Athena sighed with happiness; life here was good, no-one ever wanted for anything. She grinned as she remembered the initial desire of the one hundred Cyclopes men and women to have as much as possible, which created ridiculous scenarios. Eventually the craziness faded people reverted to simplicity. She ruefully observed the Cyclopes had reproduced with enjoyment. The population had grown until they’d reached the current three hundred thousand, with most of the original Cyclopes still alive.

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As she continued walking she thought about the make-up of the Zeenan citizens. Apart from the Cyclopes community swelling with births there had been the rare human who’d joined them but mostly the soldiers’ ranks had increased with the influx of demons, shapeshifters and some vampires. It’d taken a long time to integrate them but with sheer determination, lots of humour and love it had been achieved. The shapeshifters were an asset in tracking and defending against both seen and unseen entities and the vamps were used for their ability to read minds and powers of persuasion. The demons were masters of violence, pain and destruction. What better way to keep out unwanted elements than to use the know-how of these beings? Athena recalled their surprise when the first of the supernaturals had approached them for asylum, ready to settle for a more harmonious life and make a contribution to change. Once the Cyclopes had overcome their wariness they’d welcomed them with open arms, remembering their own violent beginnings and the reprieve they’d received, tolerating any mistakes made as no irreparable harm ever came out of the odd slip-up. But in the scheme of things, thought Athena as she strolled through Zeen, these additions were a drop in the ocean. Moving their community out into the open world above would be very hazardous because humans outnumbered them by millions and therefore the potential for destruction and violence far greater exposing them to Lucifer. Looking up at the granite cliff where the entrance to Zeen was situated she could see the buildings where security, Communications and the warriors worked making sure nothing came in or out of Zeen without their knowledge. Mars was in charge of this. Most of their security was created through the use of energy but they also had help in the form of computers, cameras and foot patrols. Anyone wandering into Zeen’s entrance wouldn’t be hurt, but repelled with the odd notion there was danger and a desperate need to leave.

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Coming back to herself Athena felt a nudge from St Germain. She responded by opening her mind. Athena, the Masters would like to have a meeting with you. Sure, she said, when? Now if you are available? he answered. Where? I will be there shortly to collect you as Metatron would like to be at the meeting as well. He broke off the connection. Athena transported herself back to the dwelling she shared with Mars who was still lying in the bed, half-asleep. “The Masters and Metatron want to meet with me,” she said to him as she clothed herself. She wore a long white low-cut pleated flowing dress with, gold rope wraparound detail under the bust, gold bangles on her upper arms and wrists and flat gold sandals wrapped around her lower legs to the knees. Her dark hair with a white streak was French braided around the sides of the head and joined in the back leaving the rest long and flowing, gold ribbons and white flowers scattered in between. “I wonder what it’s about.” “Do you want me to accompany you?” he asked. “No, thank you.” “You look like a goddess,” Mars said appreciatively. “Thank you, I was hoping to create that impression,” she smiled in thanks. “Athena, you could wear rags and the entities you’re meeting now will know what’s in your heart. Clothing won’t make them value you any more,” Mars threw back the covers and stood up. Athena studied him with pleasure as he moved toward her. He lowered his head to kiss her deeply, a spark igniting between them as it usually did without fail. As she wound her arms around him she became aware of St Germain’s presence outside their dwelling.

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Sighing she kissed Mars goodbye and walked out to meet the Master.

****

She greeted St Germain with a curtsy. “Good morning,” he said smiling, “you are looking very regal.” “Mars said something similar. Do you think I’ve overdone it?” “No, the clothes fit the part. Close your eyes,” he warned taking her hand and whisking her away to where the meeting was being held. Travelling to the higher realms could be disorientating. Athena opened her eyes once St Germain let her know they’d arrived. There were thirteen Masters present. She greeted each of the Masters with a curtsy and murmured, “Peace be with you.” The structure the Masters’ had created for their meetings was a small gazebo surrounded by a beautiful garden filled with singing birds producing an atmosphere of peace and love. There were fourteen comfortable chairs placed in a circle inside the gazebo. “Fourteen chairs?” Athena enquired of St Germain. “Yes, Metatron will be here in human form,” he explained. She blinked in surprise. St Germain led her to the chairs saying, “It is time,” and as she sat down she became aware of a hum of power around her. “Close your eyes, open your mind and follow our lead,” St Germain said settling in the chair next to hers as each Master sat down with one chair going spare. Athena closed her eyes and opened her mind to meld with the Masters, as the hum of power grew stronger. The growing pressure in her head wasn’t painful but not pleasant either. A whisper of a voice passed through her mind as something settled in their midst, the power gradually lessening until her head felt less full. An image formed in her mind of a glowing man his essence larger than the body he inhabited. The image muting down until at last the man seemed ordinary.

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She became aware of her shallow breathing and the tension running through her body. Taking a deep calming breath Athena ordered her body to relax which it did gradually. She felt a touch on her hand and she took it as a signal to open her eyes. Before her in the previously empty fourteenth chair was a man whom she assumed was Metatron. His face changed constantly with every human visage running over it. He smiled with such love and peace she instantly felt tears of joy and sadness prick her eyes; sadness at being separate from the Universal Being and joy because of the happiness surrounding her and the potential to be part of it. “A pleasure to see you again, Athena,” said Metatron. “Thank you, the joy and pleasure is mine,” she bowed her head, “and the sadness,” her voice wavered, her eyes glistening with tears. Compassion emanated from Metatron, whilst sadness grew within her until she broke down and cried with great sobbing gulps. Every rejection she‘d ever experienced walloped her for added emphasis. The gentle silent Masters held her energetically, supporting her until she felt more in control. With a shuddering in-breath she opened her eyes. Angels of all colours and descriptions surrounded them, serenity on their faces. She felt the love from everyone and settled into a cocoon of bliss enjoying the comfort of not being in charge. There were times when she wanted to run away from her responsibilities. She knew it was her own perceptions making her feel that way and once she had purified, cleansed and taken time out she could carry on. St Clare leaned forward to touch Athena’s hand. The Masters had walked on earth as a human and once having mastered all aspects either retired to beyond the earthly world in a bid to help unseen from behind the veil or stayed to help in physical form. “We all understand what you are going through now, all of us having had the same reaction when we were in human form.”

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Athena smiled through her tears in acknowledgment. “Thank you,” she said simply knowing all would understand those simple words contained her heartfelt appreciation. She took a sip of water from the glass handed to her by St Germain, took a deep breathe, wiped her tears away and waveringly said, “Now I’ve done my purging I’m ready for the meeting to continue.” “You will be pleased to learn we have managed to close off the portals to the dark effectively cutting Lucifer off from his source,” Metatron started, his voice vibrating with power. Athena smiled with happiness at hearing this. “Finally we can start moving forward.” Metatron nodded, “This will weaken him further allowing us to ramp up the amount of light being sent to earth. Humanity has moved on in leaps and bounds even though it might not seem like it. The worst case scenario has been by-passed due to the tirelessly hard work of all concerned. The trickle of human lightworkers being born on earth has increased tenfold over the last hundred years thus ensuring changes are made in the right direction. We are busy working on the dark areas the portals were connected to but this is not a concern of yours. “We wished to let you know about the portals so we could discuss the idea of the Cyclopes revealing themselves to humanity. As this has never been done before we are not sure how fast Lucifer’s strength will wane and how humanity will react. Can you ask your agents out in the field to keep a wary eye open? The Masters will monitor humanity as they have been doing for centuries but I have asked them to spend more time monitoring Lucifer. We have discovered our strength grows since the portals were closed. We are thus able to remote view him and his minions without any of them being aware of it.”

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Chapter 2

Athena waivered between panic and euphoria. “That is good news. Everything has been in place for a while so we’ll start working on the above ground community now.” “You will have the support of the Masters should you need to call on us for help,” Sananda sympathetically smiled at her. “I am sure the Archangels and their angels are more than ready to supply any help you need. But this you can ask them yourself.” He waved his hand and seven seven-foot large angels stepped forward into the circle with Athena once again experiencing pressure around her head as they muted their energy and became ordinary men and women albeit with wings. Each Archangel has a male and female side to them so even though they appear as either male or female they encompass both. Dark-blonde Archangel Michael stepped forward the flaming Sword of Truth strapped to his side and said, “I speak for all the angels when I say we are here to be of service to both you and humanity. You know of course, we have been performing these services for millennia. It goes without saying it is now more important than ever that use is made of our abilities as you move forward with the lightworkers of the world. It was and still is a great heartbreaker to all of us when Lucifer took it upon himself to be the bad guy and we are waiting for the day when he returns to his rightful place.” Athena started in surprise, “What do you mean?” “Lucifer means bearer of light. He sheds light upon hidden aspects of self and held a position equivalent to Metatron. We are ever hopeful with the change in the energy he will remember where he came from and return to his natural self,” Michael replied. Metatron nodded, “We are not sure but we believe he has forgotten who he really is. The Universal Being and all of us are waiting for the day when he returns to us.”

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“The Universal Being would forgive him after what he’s done?” Athena’s mind boggled. “Yes,” Metatron said simply the word itself seeming to contain much and echoed around her. Everyone nodded. Athena realised she was gaping in astonishment as she tried to get her head around this twist. “But how? Won’t he be punished?” a frown formed on her face. “He’s been wordlessly evil.” “He has been forgiven since the day he left,” Metatron replied. “We were never sure how this would play out but it has been experience for all involved.” Now she really gaped, experience indeed she thought as she looked at every entity around her. Each one reflected the same peaceful countenance to her. She opened her mind up to them hoping she would better understand what they meant. The vast mind flooded in and she was filled with understanding from their perspective. She felt the love binding the world together despite being surrounded by darkness, everything having a purpose whether it’s to teach a lesson, understand an emotion or state of being. Every being involved including the humans had given their consent to be part of the change in Consciousness. She observed humans incarnate into different bodies and situations, not remembering anything about where they come from or their spark of divinity. She saw instances where the energy of love was changed to a negative energy needed by someone to experience a certain situation or emotion, entities changing from good to bad out of love for another. She observed the tears of sadness as Lucifer gave up his status of “good” to play the “baddie”, and as she did so Athena felt the love every single one of the entities felt for his sacrifice. Now she realised why the Universal Being had specified no demonic entity was to be killed, only outwitted. Understanding flooded into her as she realised everyone involved in this experiment had

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consented to be a part of it, the time having now come for everyone involved to remember who they were. With returning awareness Athena was astounded and overwhelmed by the amount of information in her head. “Do you understand now?” Metatron asked her his compassion weaving through her as she came to terms with what she had learnt. She nodded her head wondering how she would break the news of this “experiment” to all involved without them getting angry. How could they not get angry? Each one of them was involved in something they couldn’t remember and their whole reality was going to take a major shift which was enough to make anyone, no matter who they are, go through the range motions starting with disbelief, fear, frustration, resentment until finally they were angry. She sincerely hoped the love binding them together was strong enough to deal with the resulting fall out. Everyone continued to quietly watch her while she sorted through the furious thoughts tumbling around in her head. Finally she said, “I’m sorry but this revelation has been so unexpected it’s thrown my balanced state of mind and emotions completely. How come I’m only learning about this now?” she asked trying not to sound angry. “How effective would you have been if you had known who Lucifer really is?” Metatron gently asked her. “I don’t know, but surely you could’ve given me an inkling?” she asked futilely knowing deep down her mission would have been half-hearted if she had known. “Athena, it is okay to be angry about this. No-one is holding a gun to your head expecting you to be Miss Perfect in your reaction. We knew it would throw you once you found out. If you need time to come to terms with it you will get it without any question from us.” Michael said, his serene countenance making Athena want to punch him, if only to see something different. He

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smiled at her thoughts and she felt herself redden slightly remembering days gone by when she’d had the same reaction to him. “You know,” she said rubbing her forehead in perplexity, “if I, who am the soul of discretion and balance, react in this way, how do you suppose others will react?” “Tell them on a need to know basis,” replied St Germain. “With the changes in Consciousness people will eventually stumble on the truth themselves when they are ready to hear it.” Athena nodded not knowing what else to do. She felt a desperate need to get away and work her way through the negative energy insinuating its way through her body. St Germain seeming to know what she wanted, took her hand whilst all around her the entities responded with a brief, “Peace be with you until we meet again” and whisked her away back to Zeen. Of course guilt shot up into her psyche at her rudeness even though she knew they’d understand and were giving her the space she needed. St Germain disappeared with “Namaste” and a bow, leaving her in the company of the tall silent black and white angels of balance. Athena felt completely ungrounded and wandered around her dwelling unsure what to do with herself as she re-played over and over again in her mind what she’d learnt at the meeting. Mars must have felt her return and agitation, as a short while later he appeared next to her. He observed her wordlessly as she gave in to her obvious distress ranting and crying at the same time. He supported her with his energy creating a cocoon of safety without distracting her. As time passed Athena felt calmer, Mars moved in to hold her, gently manifesting a glass of water for her saying “drink” in her mind letting her know he would wait until she was ready to talk. She nodded silently in thanks and taking his hand walked to the bed to lie down silently imploring his company without words as exhaustion overtook her and she slept.

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****

Athena had no idea how long she slept for but when she woke she felt refreshed and better able to deal with matters. Mars wasn’t in the bed with her but she knew he was in the vicinity, his energy vibrating strongly. She wandered out into the sunlight and saw him sitting with his back against a rock at the edge of the ledge. Her heart expanded at the sight of him so relaxed and peaceful. He looked up as she walked towards him holding his hand out and pulling her into his lap as she opened her mind to his and shared with him the meeting she’d had. She heard his sharp intake of breath and waited for his explosion of anger, but Mars was quiet for a while after. She didn’t interrupt his contemplation even though she was curious about how he felt about the revelation. She could, if she wanted, merge her mind with his but respect for his privacy had her waiting patiently. A while later Athena asked, “How come you’re so quiet and not jumping around in a rage as I’d expect from you?” He stilled as he arranged his thoughts and then replied, “I’ve always had a suspicion there was something more behind your mission. I could never put my finger on it and as the centuries went by nothing changed I assumed I was being overly cautious. But in the back of my mind there was a slight niggle, a feeling I couldn’t shake. “I’m not angry simply because it’s a relief it’s now in the open, even though I’m sure you’ve not been given the full picture. I’m a soldier and we always work on a need to know basis. It doesn’t make the entities involved nasty or bad; they know how much they can tell you so it doesn’t cloud the picture for you. Metatron is right when he asked how effective you’d have been if you’d known who Lucifer is.” She nodded knowing she could be a bleeding heart at times. She kissed Mars saying wryly, “Thank goodness I have you to steady me when I go off at a tangent.”

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“Tomorrow we can discuss it further, right now we’re going to have a swim at the pools and take your mind off the meeting,” as he transported them to the pools in the forest.

****

That night Athena contacted St Germain asking if she could meet with him to which he agreed arranging to see her at her home. The crystal sun was still quite bright as it moved toward twilight when he arrived. The two of them walked in companionable silence along a winding path taking them through beautiful rolling hills with wide panoramic views of grasslands strewn with wild flowers, aloes, proteas, orchids and different species of heath. Scattered around were outcroppings of rock and in the distance were forests of tall towering trees. Athena could hear streams of water tumbling over rocks, the silence broken every so often by the call of a bird or animal giving glimpses of fluttering wings or fur. Finally, Athena stopped walking and looked out over the beautiful view. Taking a deep breath she said, “I apologise for my reaction yesterday at the meeting. I’m normally quite level headed.” St Germain nodded, “I know what you heard was a shock to you, but I see within yourself you have come to understand why we omitted to give you all the information.” Athena smiled, “Yes I have. Strangely enough what steadied me the most was Mars’s reaction as I expected him to be angry but he took it all in his stride.” St Germain waited patiently while Athena tried to formulate in her head the questions teeming there. “I realise nothing has really changed as far as our mission is concerned. What’s changed though is my perception,” she started. St Germain nodded, encouraging her to go on. “If I’m correct in my assumption it was hoped the energy would change for the better eventually, like a spiral starting at one point moving

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around and up.” She sighed, “Then surely if this is the case then humanity on its own could have made a difference. Why did you need us?” “Nothing is ever certain when it comes to Consciousness. You remember when you met the Universal Being the first time he showed you the potential for destruction?” he asked. Athena nodded. “Well, this is not the first time this cycle has happened. There were two occasions in the history of earth where destruction was reached. We are now attempting for the third time to make sure the cycle reaches the true potential. The two occasions I am talking about are Lemuria and Atlantis. There was total destruction and it all had to start over again.” Athena frowned. “Does it matter if there’s destruction once again? Our souls can never be destroyed only the physical body.” St Germain stared out over the valley before saying, “Originally Consciousness had never experienced anything but being love and in love. It became curious to know something different and so it made the first division into two and then another two and so on. Each one of us is a tiny part of the divine spark. Everything existing is part of the same Consciousness. Pictures were forming in Athena’s head as he spoke. She saw the division until there were hundreds of sparks of life all living in a paradise filled with love, peace and happiness. These divine sparks danced around each other creating a beautiful kaleidoscope of colours and vibrations. Every so often when two sparks fused showers of bright golden energy emanated from their union and when they finally parted a third spark had been formed. The peace and happiness was tangible and filled Athena with longing to part of this wonderful tapestry. St Germain continued. “Galaxies and universes were created from this love of life until there were hundreds of millions of entities existing. In order to experience far more than loving, Consciousness created duality. Created sounds odd as though Consciousness thought this through

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and had a plan. But Consciousness does not plan anything, it just is. Every entity was tapped into the same vast mind of Consciousness and became aware of a pulsing need to experience more.” She felt a subtle change in paradise and observed as the divine energy morphed into duality and earth was created as a living library. Entities from all over the universe came to earth to experience what it was like to be separate from Consciousness and understand a wide range of emotions. “Next came the need to create physical bodies in order to truly experience the separateness and hundreds of entities volunteered to take part. It took a long time to perfect the human body. All was going well until there was a shift in energy and Lucifer took a different path creating more than positive energy.” Athena felt as though she was inside Lucifer experiencing his deep need to get to know and understand energy, emotions and the physical body. His reaction to Consciousness’ pulsing was not expected and completely selfless, his love for all being his greatest motivation. With tears in her eyes Athena saw Lucifer “fall” into darkness taking with him those volunteers who were willing to experience it with him. St Germain stopped, emotion coating his voice as he struggled to compose himself. “It is for this reason the Universal Being and the light beings cannot hold a grudge against Lucifer even though he has caused so much pain, death and destruction. He is fulfilling the pulse Consciousness had created.” Taking a deep breath to centre himself. “Unfortunately we haven’t been able to get out of the cycle of destruction, hence the need for us to have you and the Cyclopes to assist humanity. There are thousands of human lightworkers who are doing a good job and continue to do so but we needed to tip the energy in the right direction, but in a way not too disturbing. A bit like gently tugging on the tail of a tiger to make him aware of you rather than yanking it and making him attack.

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“We heaved a sigh of relief during the seventies when it became obvious we were bypassing the destruction reached in Lemuria and Atlantis. Human time is linear whereas in universal time everything is happening continuously. So to humans it is taking a very, very long time but to the Universal Being it is the blink of an eye.” Athena was standing still completely absorbed in the visions St Germain was forming in her head so she took a while to become aware he’d stopped talking. Turning to St Germain she asked, “What you’re saying is we’ve helped tip the balance?” “Yes, you together with every other entity has been focused on this challenge as well as all the lightworkers who have agreed to be born on earth in the last one hundred years. But do not forget that humanity themselves by the vast majority have also helped even though they aren’t aware of it. Everyone has been working together.” “Despite what’s happened Lucifer’s a good guy?” she asked. “Yes, underneath he is. But don’t let it fool you because until he is transformed things could go horribly wrong. Even when he is transformed there is the strong possibility his minions will not believe it and continue to wreak havoc. It is difficult to change the habit of lifetimes, but having said that nothing, of course, is impossible. It takes a lot of faith and flexibility to achieve the impossible.” St Germain held his hand out and a tiny bird settled on his finger looking at him. “You, of course, will get ridicule and anger because no-one, as you discovered yesterday, likes to have their world and their beliefs shaken. What is one man’s truth is another man’s poison. So you will have your work cut out for you when you emerge. Although,” he stopped looking thoughtful, “with the way Consciousness is moving maybe not. Time will tell.” “A lot of humanity are fixated on the 2012 date about the world either coming to an end or paradise being created,” Athena said. “I know it’s a date the Mayan’s have in their calendar, but it seems to either be creating paranoia about the end of the world or on the flipside those believing in

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paradise being created feeling they don’t need to do anything because it’s going to happen anyway. The paranoia is a given in the world we live in, but what we can’t fight against is the complacency. Surely if they stay complacent and do nothing this will have the effect of tipping the balance back to the dark?” “Yes, we need to guard against this wave of “let us sit back, wait and see”. “Fence sitting” creates nothing. A choice has to be made either way and so we need to encourage humanity to get off their fences,” St Germain agreed. As they’d been talking more and more birds had surrounded them watching curiously from branches of trees and bushes, hopping around their feet on the ground or landing on St Germain and Athena. “It seems we are surrounded,” he pointed out to a startled Athena who took a look around her. She nodded. “This happens to all of us here when we’re deep in meditation or contemplation and filled with peace. It seems to draw the animals and birds in almost as though they enjoy basking in the love.” As if to emphasise her words a white tiger appeared out of the brush behind her slowly padding his way to her side. He nudged her hip with his head asking her to stroke him. None of the birds seemed alarmed at his appearance and continued to watch them expectantly with bright eyes. “I’d forgotten what it’s like to walk in human form and commune with nature,” said St Germain delighted with the turn of events as he looked around him. “I should come here more often to do this,” he said contemplatively. “You’re welcome any time,” replied Athena tickling the tiger under his chin. “It’s not possible to do this outside of here. The energy in the world above is so erratic and unpredictable it doesn’t take much to set the predators off on a hunting spree.”

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St Germain nodded in agreement and looked speculatively at Athena, the tiger standing blissfully unaware of anything but her scratching fingers. “You and the Cyclopes have created a wonderful paradise here. I don’t think any of us beyond the veil have ever really shown our appreciation.” Athena was startled by this declaration. “Thank you. It’s been a pleasure for all of us even through the hard times.” She smiled and batting her eyelashes teasingly said, “Are you getting sentimental, St Germain?” He laughed a deep infection gut laugh, which rolled out across the valley sweeping Athena away with it and making her laugh until tears rolled down her cheeks. The birds were startled into flight and the tiger turned to look at him, disturbed from its blissful state. St Germain finally spluttered out, “I suspect it is the change in the air, I am losing my caustic edge.” “If you spend too much time with us you’ll become soft and squidgy,” Athena agreed wiping her eyes and cheeks. St Germain chuckled. “That is hard to imagine.” They walked back along the path to her cave chatting until they reached her cave. Mars came out to greet them and St Germain departed with a bow, “Namaste” and disappeared. “Have you two made up?” Mars enquired. “I heard you laughing.” She opened her mind to Mars and filled him in on the conversation.

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Chapter 3

Lucifer sat in his palace, eyes completely devoid of any expression as he focused on the conversation he was hearing. Lately he’d been quite edgy and had difficulty settling. In all his millions of years alive he had always been supremely confident nothing worrying him. He loved chaos and terror. Maybe love was too soppy a word. Could a devil love? Adore was a word that didn’t encompass the pleasure he received from terrorising. Adore, pleasure, love, what was going on with him? These words had never perplexed him before. “I suppose I’m getting bored with life and need to think up new and delicious−” delicious! What in the name of the hell was going on? He became aware of his hand gently holding a delicate flower He stared at it puzzled. It was a replica of a flower a young human woman had handed to her best friend who was dying of cancer. This was the conversation he’d been listening to. The young woman sat with her friend at the hospice and they were talking about God and life after death. It was a difficult subject for both of them but they seemed determined to continue. The cancer victim had had an epiphany of some kind, the kind Lucifer rolled his eyes at, and this is what they were discussing. Lucifer tuned into the conversation again and heard the young cancer victim say with conviction, “I know there’s life after death. I’ve such a deep certainty I can almost taste it.” Lucifer focused on her friend who observed her with concern, aware she didn’t want to dismiss what she’d said. Lucifer scoffed at the deep knowing the cancer victim had all will be well. Her friend’s face crumpled. “I’m sorry, Lillian, I meant to be so strong for you,” she sobbed. “I know I’m being selfish but I can’t deny my sadness.”

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Lillian looked at her friend with tears in her eyes. “Bethany, I know I’m going to a better place,” she said, “and even though I’ll miss you so much, I’m sure we will meet again in heaven.” Lillian lifted her emaciated hand to touch her friend’s face. Lucifer sat watching this slightly disorientated. What was going on? Why had he fixated on this conversation? This was going on all around the world. He loved – there is that word again. He had a strange sensation where his heart was. Abruptly he became angry and crushed the flower in his hand. He dismissed the scene before him and stalked off with the intention of bothering a few humans with some really nasty stuff. As he walked down the hallway he noticed a demon was genuflecting on the floor a distance away as though hoping he would notice but not intrusive enough to irritate his boss. Lucifer felt a flare of temper and shot a bolt of lightning at him not wanting to be distracted from his mission. The demon screamed in pain but held his ground. Lucifer finally came to a standstill and growled at it impatiently. The demon bowed deeply and squeaked out, “The portals seem to be closed.” Lucifer glared at him getting angrier by the minute, “What do you mean closed?” The demon was so disturbed by his attention he was trying to make himself disappear into the floor. “I’m not sure, my Lord. Lord Agadon asked me to pass this message on to you.” Lucifer dismissed him with a flash of fire. He spun on his heel, screams echoing after him and made his way down to the dungeon of the palace. On his way he was aware of entities scuttling out of his path and this made him even angrier. By the time he reached the dungeon he was literally smouldering with smoke pouring out of his ears, nose and mouth. He knew his eyes would be blood red. “Agadon,” he bellowed as he flung the door open. “What is the meaning of the message you sent me?”

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Agadon stood by a cauldron, tall and straight with dark hair flowing down his back and his eyes glued to the young demon writhing before him on the floor. Lucifer stopped in his tracks watching the same young demon who seemed to flicker in and out of being itself and something else. He’d seen demons changing form before so it didn’t interest him for long. He scowled at Agadon who looked up from the floor and casually waved his hand stating, “The portals have closed and when some demons tried to use them they came back in this form. They don’t seem to be able to settle on any one form. I’m not quite sure why as none of them are able to speak.” Lucifer stared at his second-in-command in incomprehension. “The portals are closed? It isn’t possible. These young idiots are using an excuse because they are incompetent.” “I don’t think so,” Agadon shook his head. “I despatched one of the commanders and some older more experienced demons to have a look at a portal and despite using the same methods to go through the portals as we always have, each demon trying to enter the portal was shot out in this flickering form. The commander has thoroughly combed the area and can’t find any reason as to why it’s doing this.” Lucifer’s lips curled in derision as he transported himself to one of the closer portals to look. This is so typical, he thought, I’m surrounded by incompetents and always land up having to do things myself. I can’t get any good help these days. Where are the days when demons were strong and able? Huh, strong and able? How come he hadn’t noticed the deterioration in all the demons driving him insane with their stupidity, incompetence and lack of strength? Well, yes he had but hadn’t really paid much attention, had he? He stood staring at the portal. He couldn’t see anything different. As he walked towards it he noticed a subtle shift in the energy. Hello, what’s this?

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He reached out his hand and felt static electricity flowing over his hand as it touched and passed through something intangible. His hand changed shape and colour, no longer tinged with red. Ugh! He jerked his hand back and it reverted back to its normal colour of dark red. Actually, he thought as he shoved his hand back through, it’s quite nice. I have a normal hand. Aargh!! His hair stood on end. Where did that come from? I don’t want to be normal. I enjoy being demonic and twisted. He looked around wildly hoping there was no-one to witness his weak thoughts. Well, there was that possibility but we all know no-one wants me around. Huh? Bloody hell, I am sickening for something, feeling sorry for myself. I need to go to the bowels of hell for a holiday. He flashed himself back to hell and sat there gloomily whilst all around him there was chaos and screams.

****

Mars sat brooding, not focused on the screen before him. Something didn’t seem quite right. He did a brief scan of the perimeter both inside and outside Zeen in their land above stretching for over 100,000 square metres while confirming with the patrols outside all was well with the invisible fence created by sensors and energy. He knew the cameras and sensors had been disguised so well they’d never been noticed by anyone or anything passing through the area which was mainly migrating animals. Their soldiers patrolled daily hidden by the use of energy keeping an eye on the perimeters, cameras and sensors and were equipped with taser-like guns stunning rather than killing in accordance with the stipulation of the Universal Being.

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Blazes knew, he thought as he scratched his chin, it’d made our job all the more difficult. He tuned into the psychics currently on patrol as they sent out their awareness to check the boundaries both underground and above ground. Even though his soldiers were armed with tasers they seldom used them rather using light energy to overwhelm non-physical and physical entities alike. Mars grinned in satisfaction as Lucifer had never been able to pinpoint or locate where Zeen was. Restless he decided to check up on the three regiments in the outside world headed by Arend, Leandra and Luis who co-ordinated the soldiers and reconnaissance agents working in the outer world collecting information, guarding and protecting. He transported himself to London to their main base of operations hidden beneath the building of the research company headed by Arend who ran the regiment of recces or information gatherers. Arriving in the basement of the building Mars intended to cast an eye over operations running from here. Something was nagging at him and he planned to find out what it was. Greeting Luis and Arend who were standing staring intently at the screens before them he asked where Leandra was dread filling his stomach as Luis told him she hadn’t reported in lately and they hadn’t been able to contact her. With worry etched into his face Luis swung back to the screens before him. “She left this morning to check up on a disturbance and all seemed well until approximately ten minutes ago when we lost our link to her. I’ve tried contacting her through the mind-meld but it’s silent, almost as though she’s disappeared.” Anxiety marred his voice making it thick. Leandra was his committed partner and they’d been together since the beginning. They had five children born centuries apart, all now fully grown and each a soldier. “She took a squad with her. I know she’s a seasoned soldier and I shouldn’t worry because she’s disappeared before and come back unharmed, but…” words failed him as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

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“Do you know where she went?” “We’re not sure of the exact location of her disappearance. I’ve despatched some soldiers to see if they follow her energy trail but so far they haven’t had much luck.” Mars nodded his heart clenching in sympathy as he remembered the occasions Athena had disappeared. The gods know she’d given him a few heart-stopping moments in her confrontations with Lucifer over the years. Thank the gods she’d taken a back seat and left the battles to him and his soldiers her mind distracted by the new phase in their lives. Any time someone was in danger it affected the whole community. “Give me the last known co-ordinates and I’ll search for her myself.” Relief filled Luis’s face. “We all know it’s better if you don’t get involved. I recognise it’s difficult for you but you know the drill.” Luis nodded. They’d found over the years when a committed partner went missing, their soul-mate seemed to make the search worse rather than help which seems at odds with soul-mates having a strong bond to each other it should’ve made it easier to find them but panic tends to cloud matters.

****

Taking look at the co-ordinates Mars then closed his eyes as he scanned for Leandra whilst transporting himself to the last known sighting. Opening his eyes on arrival he became aware of a smell of sulphur. Definitely demons, thought Mars as he contacted the soldiers sent to find Leandra. They’d moved a few miles away following her signature. While transporting himself to meet up with them he read the energy after shifting his sight. He could see the remnants of the fight which had occurred. It seemed that Leandra and her soldiers had walked into a trap, which surprised Mars as Leandra was very good at what she did. What had happened to make her let her guard down?

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One of the soldiers greeted him when he arrived. “A portal was opened here where Leandra and the squad’s signatures abruptly end.” Mars nodded. “Have you looked around to see if anyone was left behind?” “No-one at all.” “Right, let’s open this portal and see where it goes,” indicating to the two psychics who were with the soldiers to do so. Everyone was psychic but the psychic soldiers had special training to hone their skills. They cast the protective shields around the others or the community, closely guarded by a partner whilst they did so. Mars concentrated intently as the two psychics began to unravel the weave closing the portal. Almost as one they stopped and stepped back warily, one of them saying, “There’s a link to something beyond the portal. We need time to study it before continuing with the unravelling. I suspect it’s linked to Leandra. Normally the portals are primed to target whoever opens it but this one’s different as we can sense some of Leandra’s essence. If we open it in the normal way it could trigger something to destroy or hurt Leandra and her squad.” Frustration came through the mind-meld as Luis heard what was being said. “Luis,” Mars said sharply. In the background he felt the soothing energy Arend used to help Luis calm down. This was no time for sympathy. While the psychics slowly unravelled the weave of the portal Mars paced up and down aware he should let Athena know what was happening but loathe to do so as he knew she’d get involved. With a sigh of relief the psychics completed the unravelling. Before opening the portal everyone drew energy from the earth. It took seconds to do so. From a distance Mars opened the portal slowly aware anything could be waiting on the other side. Experience had taught them it was best not to send their awareness out without a body. They had lost two Cyclopes in the early years

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when they’d done so, only to be captured and destroyed by Lucifer who’d been waiting on the other side, their bodies disintegrating before the horrified eyes of the waiting soldiers. A baffled Mars frowned as he realised the portal had opened into a building of some kind. Cautiously they moved through the hole fanning out until all were through. The two psychics motioned the direction of Leandra’s signature of energy and they quietly slipped down the dark corridor. They came across no-one. Mars wondered where they were even as he ran his eye over the cloak of protection and invisibility covering them before he stopped outside a door where the signature seemed to end. One of the psychics examined the door and nodded all was clear. Mars gestured to one of the soldiers who quietly closed his eyes became mist sliding under the door to check what was on the other side. Minutes ticked by before he returned. “Leandra and her squad are inside. There are about ten demons guarding them. They don’t seem to be hurt but are unable to move. Agadon’s signature energy is surrounding them. Do you think this is Lucifer’s palace?” Surprise rippled through all, as none of them had ever been able to find out where Lucifer’s palace was despite years of searching. Not even the Masters could give them any ideas. Wondering why on earth Lucifer would bring Leandra here and not hurt or maim her in any way was a riddle to be solved later. One by one Mars and five soldiers dissolved into mist and slipped under the door leaving the others to stand guard. Making sure they were cloaked each one remained misted as they took note of their surrounds. Keeping the communication channels closed for the time being the mindmeld of the community came to the fore allowing each to experience what the other was thinking. Because of this mind-meld Leandra and her soldiers were aware the others were here to rescue them.

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No-one moved as one of the psychics studied the bands wrapped around them. He sent pictures to the other four soldiers letting them know they should follow his movements to unravel the bands. Underneath the noses of the slouching demons who every so often squabbled amongst themselves to alleviate the boredom, the soldiers quietly and patiently worked. Mars kept his eye on them as he projected the images to Luis and Arend. Once they were finished Leandra and her soldiers gently created images of themselves still tied up as they slowly dissolved into mist before they all quietly slipped under the door and sped down the corridor to the opening of the portal. Behind them one of the psychics erased their energy signatures with efficiency denoting years of practice. As the final soldier stepped through the portal the psychics closed it re-weaving the energy in place, as it had been, leaving no evidence they’d tampered with it. Satisfied, they transported themselves back to the underground base in London. Luis’s relief and joy at seeing his partner sent energy zinging around the basement while the others looked on in pleasure at their reunion. Leandra began her story once the commotion had died down. “When we arrived to investigate the disturbance we noticed the energy of the demons seemed slightly different.” She frowned, clearly puzzled. Bryan, one of the psychics picked up the story. “We were at a loss to explain it, but in the meanwhile the demons hadn’t noticed our arrival and were talking amongst themselves. They planned on trapping us and taking us back to Lucifer’s palace. We withdrew some distance away and discussed allowing ourselves to be captured in order to get inside Lucifer’s palace. This was an opportunity not to be missed as no-one had ever discovered where Lucifer’s palace is.” Leandra angled her body toward Luis. “I’m sorry, my love, but I had to do it without telling you. I knew you’d stop me but we had to act fast. We returned to the disturbance making some noise so they would notice us. Once they captured us they opened a portal which Bryan is able to replicate. We now have access to Lucifer’s palace.”

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“I assume the closing of the portals to darkness has contributed to their weakening. Well done to all of you, your quick thinking has given us an advantage.” Luis eyed his wife nodding reluctantly before asking, “Do you mind if we return to Zeen?” Grinning broadly Mars waved them away. Once they had disappeared he spent time with the psychics going over everything in detail the morning’s happenings until the afternoon shift arrived. In the change over information and visions were exchanged via the mind-meld bringing all up to date.

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Chapter 4

Lucifer’s retaliation was swift and harsh. The alarm pulsed through Zeen and all of their outlying bases calling all to duty. Every soldier and psychic available gathered at the area of disturbance cloaked in invisibility as they decided on a plan of action, Athena and Mars being the last to arrive. The genocide being committed reminded her of the horrors of the Second World War albeit on a much smaller scale. The hatred between these two tribes had been simmering for sometime and had now erupted into full on war. Unaware of the underlying powerful force orchestrating their hatred shouting armed men, some as young as 12, were herding a group of people mainly women and children from a village into a corral and executing them in front of the captured men who were weeping openly. Everywhere were shadows laughingly egging the warring horde on dancing in delight as each group was executed and the despair and grief of the captured fathers and husbands billowed in size. The scavenging shadows were feeding lustily growing fat with the dark energy flowing from the scene. Houses were being set on fire and cattle herded away. How best to deal with this situation without causing more retaliation by Lucifer had always been a difficult question to answer. The best they could do on most occasions was to heal and help the survivors. Tears filled Athena’s eyes as she remembered the countless times they’d had to stand by helplessly watching this death and destruction without interfering. When they’d first started they’d clashed with Lucifer and his demons only to learn the hard way. Each time they helped people resist, more and more wars were created until finally they were stretched so thin they were exhausted. Lucifer had a countless number of demons at his disposal

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whereas the Cyclopes were too few in numbers to protect all of humanity at any one time. Ultimately they learnt to be more secretive in their dealings. Turning to Mars Athena asked, “Do you think it’s possible to actually start fighting them now they’re weakened and we’re growing in strength daily? They can’t replenish their energy as efficiently as they could before.” Considering this he nodded curtly then smiled grimly. “I’ve been waiting for this for centuries. Time for pay back.” “So have I, Mars, so have I.” Remembering her confrontations with Lucifer, one in particular when she’d lost her temper resulting in a streak of white in her otherwise dark hair. “Be careful, my love.” Gesturing to Luis and Leandra closer he discussed the possibility of actually engaging in battle with the demons. They moved off to let their soldiers know St Germain appeared anticipation on his face. “I hear you are having a barney. I’m keen to join in.” He and Athena cloaked themselves in protection and rose into the air to examine the area. Seeing there were a few tribesmen on the outskirts guarding those inside they let Luis and Leandra know and they despatched some soldiers to deal with them and those who were corralling the locals. The others waited, as they knew Lucifer would arrive once he sensed their interference. Some soldiers efficiently attached themselves to the shadows holding them in place while their partners worked on the human. The shadows were slowly detached from the human as the dark energy was cleared out and replaced it with love. Once this was done a cloak of protection was placed around the human and the shadow surrounded by a glowing net which kept them imprisoned and helpless. Most humans were unconscious once the shadows were detached and would wake with a slight headache and a change of attitude.

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A high-pitched screech reached their ears as the rest of the Cyclopes tensed themselves for battle with Lucifer. Hordes of demons poured out of the portal grinning in eagerness. Behind them came Agadon and Lucifer both looking smug as the Cyclopes revealed themselves. “I see you haven’t learnt your lessons. Do you really think you’re able to fight us?” Agadon sneered flicking his hand as the demons sprang into battle against their soldiers. Lucifer’s handsome face flickered with surprise as he noticed St Germain. Over the sound of the battle Athena heard him say mockingly. “Well, well. The whole cast of goody two-shoes are here.” Disdainfully he unleashed a bolt of energy, which in the past would’ve had them all tumbling like tenpin bowls. This time however it was a gentle wave to which they merely undulated as if it was a gentle breeze. Puzzlement crossed his face and he flicked his hand again. Nothing happened. Looking up he snarled and locked eyes with Mars a split second before the two of them sprang at each other clashing mid-air in a shower of sparks. Athena knew Mars still preferred to fight one-on-one in the old way with his armour, shield and sword even though he didn’t need them. Through their mind-meld she was aware of the bloodlust taking over his body as it moved with a familiarity borne of years of fighting, his battle roar rolling out strengthening his warriors and thrilling Athena who hadn’t seen him fight in this manner for a while. “I suspect I am redundant, “said St Germain with an ironic twist of his mouth. Luis and Leandra had joined in the battle and were parrying with Agadon who was looking baffled as he stumbled in weakness. Athena, still watching Mars and Lucifer, sighed. “I feel like a woman from the 18th century sitting on the hill and watching her man ride into battle.” “Maybe our time would be best used helping those people walking around in a daze, not sure what is happening.”

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The two of them manifested some water vats and food and as St Germain handed it out, Athena contacted some healers in Zeen and asked them to help. Every so often she looked up into the sky to watch the battle. Engrossed in the work of healing those who’d been hurt in the human war it took a while for Athena to notice the sounds of battle were dying down as the squeals of pain increased. Frowning, she looked up to see all the demons were being held by the soldiers in bands of light. Luis and Leandra had done the same to a snarling Agadon. Her heart stopped when she couldn’t find Mars and Lucifer. “St Germain,” she said panic in her voice. “Where are Mars and Lucifer?” She tried to find him through the mind-meld but the panic inside her clouded her vision when she realised she seemed to have lost her link to him. St Germain soothingly laid his hand on her arm forcefully bringing her back, the strength of which disorientated her. Taking a deep breath she centred herself aware the large black and white angels of balance had appeared to help her. St Germain acknowledged them with a nod of his head before vanishing leaving an agitated Athena surrounded by astonished and gaping humans. The panic amongst the humans took Athena’s mind off the search for Mars. She knew St Germain would find him and bring him back. Mars can be such a hothead and has been chafing at the restrictions. The energy of the angels surrounded her as the Earth responded by sending warmth up her legs helping her to appease the humans who’d quietened down. In the meanwhile Leandra, Luis and the soldiers were draining the energy of the demons and Agadon as much as possible without harming them before setting them free to make their way to the portal. The portal closed and they were left with the groans of the wounded humans. They set about clearing up as much of the destruction as possible, creating houses to replace those burned down and herding the cattle back. Once they were certain they’d done as much as possible they all returned to their posts.

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Athena heavy of heart transported herself back to Zeen to wait for St Germain and Mars.

****

Tears in her eyes, she sat on the ledge overlooking the valley, as she remembered the many confrontations with Lucifer over the centuries and hoping Mars would be around to share in their joy now things were finally swinging their way Berating herself for being so negative she stood and was about to move inside their home when St Germain and Mars appeared. Bleeding and breathing heavily, Mars smiled triumphantly as he grabbed Athena and kissed her. “I’ve not had a fight like that for years. The adrenaline rush is amazing.” His glee was infectious as he swung her around before putting her down and doing a little dance. “A happier man I have not seen in ages.” St Germain’s long face had a sardonic smile on it, warring with the compassion in his eyes. “Where did you go?” Athena said slightly miffed at her worry while he’d been having the time of his life. “I found them in another dimension. How they got there is beyond me. It took a while to figure it out.” St Germain looked at Mars enquiringly who grinned and shrugged. “I was having so much fun I didn’t notice where we were.” “Hmm. I decided to step in when I heard you asking him if he knew how to eat through a straw. If I had left them there they would have carried on fighting for the sheer pleasure of it. Lucifer had a smile on his face I found quite disturbing. Despite being enemies when I brought an end to the fight they both rounded on me which,” he scowled at Mars, “would have completely defeated the object of you being part of our army.” Grinning, Mars bounced from foot to foot, “Come on St Germain, it could’ve been fun.”

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Scathingly the Master said, “Fun for whom? Take this reprobate Athena and dunk his head in some ice cold water.” Shaking his head with a slight smile on his face St Germain bowed and vanished. Relief made Athena giggle as she watched Mars. “I never realised how much you missed doing proper battle.” He grabbed her and took her on a whirling dance around the ledge laughing with excitement, their minds melding as she “saw” the battle and the exhilaration running through Mars. Lucifer did look like he’d been enjoying himself after the initial shock at having no energy to use. Close combat wasn’t something Lucifer had had much to do with but the smile flitting across his face every so often made her realise he’d taken a great deal of pleasure in it.

****

The following day Athena sat across the table from Mars who was glowering at her, his black brows beetling over his angry caramel eyes. “I’m aware of your reservations, Mars, but the time’s right for us to make this move. I had a meeting with the Masters and they confirmed this. The portals to darkness are closed and therefore it’s a lot safer than it was when they were open,” she said. “I know what they said but we’re opening our whole community up to the outside world. Are you aware of the logistical nightmare this will create for security?” “But Mars we’ve been preparing for this for centuries and if not now, when? We could wait forever because it’s never the right time.” She asked spreading her hands. She felt his agitation as she sat and scrutinised him. She knew of his deep concern for all, always needing to protect and not to put anyone at risk unless it was his soldiers whom he knew could look after themselves.

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“You know we’ll have the Masters’ support and help as we have always had. Imagine it is going to be like the early days of Zeen. Not easy but you’ve always enjoyed challenges. Besides we’ve a lot more help than we had in those days. We have far more warriors than when we started. We’re a force to be reckoned with and with you to lead then we’ve nothing to fear.” Brand, one of the commanders and right hand man to Mars, smiled behind his hand as he winked at Athena whilst watching them thrashing it out in argument. Athena smiled slightly at his display of support. Mars didn’t suffer fools gladly and was a hard man and once his mind was made up it was nigh impossible to get him to change it. It was well known he allowed her to sway him and get him to see the other side of the story. Everyone had treated Athena like a goddess in the early days of Zeen. It had taken her a while to get the citizens to stop treating her with awe and see the person underneath. It seemed to surprise them she could be caring and kind. Together with the angels of balance she created balance around her, giving each person the opportunity to step back and assess the situation without his or her emotions colouring everything. A play of emotions ran over Mars’ face. He would eventually cave in, warning he wasn’t happy but would do it. Compassion had her reaching across the table to touch Mars’s hand. “Think of the changes we can create in a world of chaos. We’ve so much to offer and hiding here at Zeen won’t promote the changes we’ve worked so hard toward. The world needs us now, not tomorrow.” “Athena, we’ll be exposed on top of the earth. Down here we’ve perfected our abilities together with the help of the earth and her crystals to create harmony and peace. Up there we have to start over again and will be infiltrated by good and bad entities exposing our people to all types of negative energies.” “We’re not leaving Zeen. We have eager volunteers to help set up the sanctuary thereby not exposing all. The volunteers will come back here to purify their essence and replenish their energy.

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In fact, we’ll do things on a rota basis everyone working short shifts and then retiring inside Zeen to recuperate as our agents and soldiers do. We can employ humans who live outside and are used to the chaotic energies out there. We may slip up a few times but you know we’ll learn and adapt from one experience to another as we did before.” Mars suddenly looked tired and scrubbed his hands over his face. “You’re right of course. I’m being careful.” “Careful?” Athena’s eyebrows shot up. “More likely stubbornly pessimistic,” she said. She hid her smile when Brand snorted in amusement pulling Mars’s brooding glance to him. “You, of course, young man won’t let on to anyone how much this woman can twist me around her finger,” Mars glowered at him. “Yes, sir, it goes without saying nothing leaves these four walls,” said Brand in mock seriousness, eyes twinkling. “I gather we are finished with this meeting?” Mars nodded curtly. As Brand shut the door behind him Athena said smugly, “I do believe this calls for a celebration.”

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Chapter 5

Mars lifted his head to look at her, his eyes dilating when he caught sight of her. She had changed her clothes in an instant from a business suit to a leather cat suit so tight not even a bead of sweat could find space to exist. It covered her from neck to foot hugging her tall willowy frame. Athena sashayed towards Mars around the table slowly pulling the zip of the cat suit down from the throat to the navel, exposing milky white skin and the slight swell of her cleavage. “Well now my dear, I think you’re resorting to underhand tactics to get your way,” drawled Mars. “Really?” asked Athena,” I thought you’d caved already and I’m rewarding you and celebrating the outcome.” She sat on the edge of the table in front of Mars as he pushed his chair back. “I’ve always wanted to seduce the help and I think now is as a good time as any.” “Hmm,” Mars leaned back in his chair sinking deeper, legs stretched out on either side of her, “this might be difficult for you as I’m deeply in love with a beautiful woman.” His eyes gleamed in anticipation as Athena stood over him slowly starting to move her hips from side to side running her hands up her sides to cup her breasts. She groaned as she felt the energy from Mars spike up in interest and the ions starting dancing around her. Her hooded eyes gazed at him as she continued to sway flicking her thumbs over her nipples. He sat gripping the arms of the chair hanging on as though his life depended on it, one leg pulled up the other still stretched out. Athena moved to sit on his leg rubbing herself over it, her lips parted and she flicked her tongue over them and as she did so he smiled like a lion about to eat a bird. Her heart leapt and expanded in a whoosh rocking her to the core. How did he do it? It didn’t take much to get her going. He was the only person she’d ever met who could create this never-

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ending need in her and then willingly sate her. His eyes were dark and locking gazes with him sent energy running from her head down to her toes curling them with desire. She stood, willing music to play a beat so deep she experienced it in her feet moving up into her groin creating a corresponding throbbing. She felt full and heavy between her legs as she drifted away from Mars. The ions in the air danced around her. She did a sultry shimmy of her hips and then bent over to look back at him over her shoulder. Mars’s energy reached out to touch her all over and she felt their chakras connect, widen and spin faster. She felt energised and aroused extending her senses out to him and allowed her imagination to take over as she danced with her eyes closed. She imagined herself as a being of light moving over to him touching and kissing him. In her mind’s eye she unbuttoned his shirt and spread it open to expose his chest covered in dark hair, his copper nipples beaded in desire. She brushed his mind with her own and opened up to him. He immediately filled her head with his essence and she felt part of him. She focused on taking off his shirt and then undoing his belt and the zip of his trousers. Athena opened her eyes stopped dancing and faced Mars, her heart skipping when she saw his face and felt his desire beating at her as he languished in the chair. With a flick of her wrist she willed their clothes away leaving them both naked. He instantly stood and was next to her before she could blink his erection pressing up against her stomach. She felt moisture building between her thighs as she throbbed in time to the beat of the music. She lifted her hands to touch him, running her fingers over his hardness, sending shivers through both of them as she felt his reaction through their shared connection. It notched up the vibration calling to the earth whose energy erupted into their feet running up their legs into the spine. It created a high for both of them and Athena felt herself starting to float on a cushion of love and desire her insides vibrating with intensity even though Mars had yet to touch her with his hands.

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As he stood next to her his breath touched her face. She opened her eyes staring at his mouth, his thoughts running through her head. She felt herself blush from head to toe at his thoughts and was having difficulty breathing. She lent forward to kiss his mouth gently, her heart filling with love as she felt his reaction. Athena started to glow with the energy pouring in through the crown on her head. She knew without a doubt she was loved body and soul by Mars. Sometimes it was only a look or the touch of his fingers on her arm and she would be transported to a wonderful place filled with love, desire and happiness a double whammy with each feeding the other in a loop of emotions. Mars’s arms came around her gently pulling her against him. The music changed to soft and gentle as he transported her from the office to their bedroom where the muted lighting was created by candles. Deep pleasure and gentleness had replaced the earlier frenzy of desire and they swayed to the music as the flame within their shared mind grew. Mars was rubbing her back as he kissed her during the swaying dance, delight filling her as she experienced this side of him seldom seen by others. The tingles running up and down her spine started to seep into her body then moving out into the air around them encasing them in a headiness of pulsing energy. Mars moved his thigh between hers brushing against her intimately sending her into a gentle orgasm bouncing from her into him with a whispered sigh of his name as her body rippled. As the orgasmic surge slowed Mars lifted her and placed her on the bed. He knelt next to her looking into her eyes running his hands up and down her arms. She shivered in anticipation. He sat back on his haunches and looked at her a smile on his face. “You’re so beautiful, you take my breath away. I love every part of you. I’m the luckiest man on earth. Thank you.” Athena’s eyes filled with tears at the sincerity in his voice. Her heart felt full.

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“Thank you for making me aware of my beauty, for loving me and being my ever present rock and anchor.” Her throat constricted and she couldn’t get any more words out. She knew he would understand because with their mind share he’d experience what she felt. He kissed her forehead as his hands lightly touched her neck followed by his lips as they made their way with feather-like touches down along her collarbone to the sides of her breasts. He lifted his head and traced his fingers down her waist and up to her rib cage across her flattened stomach. She gazed him, his eyes flicking up briefly to catch her glance. He smiled deprecatingly and said, “I could spend the whole day looking at you, touching and loving you and never get bored. Am I a sappy sod or what?” She reached up and touched his cheek then his lips with love her heart doing a slow flip as he kissed her fingertips. Her eyes moved over him lovingly as he sat back on his haunches, the muscles of his chest and arms flexing slightly as he stroked her belly. It never ceased to amaze her that this powerhouse of strength and speed was reduced to a “sappy sod” around her. He wasn’t an easy man in no uncertain terms. He was powerfully built and not many could best him as far as sport was concerned. He played every game immersing himself completely taking no prisoners and flattening most opponents. As for his soldiering he did it with the same single mindedness, earning a great deal of respect from even the most hardened solders, his tongue sharp and cutting, a no holds barred sort of man. Many were wary of him and when he was around she’d no need of protection because he was like a rottweiler. His long beautiful fingers continued their movement his big hand slowly moving up to cup her breast whilst his thumb flicked the nipple followed by his full-lipped mouth. The energy in her heart responded as he started to suckle. He pulled the nipple deep into his mouth between teeth and tongue, her womb contracted with pleasure as moisture seeped. The air around them danced, filled with the vibration of pink and green swirling colours tinged with the passionate colour of red. The energy started to move between them faster and faster

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as his fingers found her other nipple and started to play with it. He slid it between his thumb and finger and then slowly ran his thumb over the top creating a corresponding flare of heat between her legs as she arched into his mouth. He moved his mouth and hands down her ribcage to her navel and started tonguing and sucking it, driving her insane with pleasure. She was completely oblivious of anything around her, focused on his mouth and fingers and the sensations they were causing in her body. As the energy built she sensed the edge of another orgasm. Her legs parted and he moved to settle between her thighs, his hands running over her hips leaving tingling sensations in their wake. His fingers then moved to her core and gently ran a finger over the outer delicate, silken area and through the moisture created by her desire. Gently he stroked her with his thumb while moving a finger inside her finding the sensitive g-spot and with a swirling movement ran his finger over it. The sweet ecstasy filling her lifted her off the bed as she was racked with convulsion after convulsion. He continued until there was an explosion of emotions the energy pouring out of her body into his. Mars gently entered her body and filled her, then stopped and held still looking into her eyes while the two of them felt the beauty and tenderness of the moment. He held her hips thrusting into her, circling again and again over the very sensitive spot until her body tightened around him, tipping them over the edge as they once again felt wave after wave of the orgasm running between them. A note filled with such purity and love erupted from her, causing Mars to respond with his deep masculine voice. The vibrations and energy bounced around in a confusion of light and colour until it left them in waves, moving out into Zeen bathing everyone in the love. Athena floated in a sea of ecstasy and pleasure, her body pulsing with healing as the orgasm slowed down. It started up again at the slightest movement made by either of them setting the tremors off bathing them in the tingling sensation of love. Her heart had opened wide. The energy

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continued to whoosh out at a fast rate as it joined the waves moving out into Zeen. She and Mars became a conduit of unconditional love filling everyone with a sense of wellbeing and happiness.

****

As Brand walked through the centre of Zeen the first waves of the love created by Mars and Athena pulsed out forcing him to stop in his tracks as the strong energy filled him with bliss. Whenever this happened it not only filled up the citizens with an all-encompassing bliss and love but also had an effect on the plants, buildings, animals and earth. Brand noted with pleasure the air becoming clearer. The buildings almost took a deep breath and settled stronger than before, while the animals and birds going about their business seemed to smile, the plants standing up straighter and the blossoms smelling headier, their colours brighter. The trees danced in the breeze and seemed to sigh with delight. Athena and Mars’ regular creation of love and pulsating energy continually replenished and flowed through Zeen and surrounds creating over the centuries an area of harmony around and beyond the city limits. It wasn’t only the two of them contributing to this harmony, he thought smilingly as his years of practising tantra flashed through his mind. He recalled the pleasure he’d derived from the art, as had every Zeenan citizen. Shaking his head in amazement as he remembered where they’d started thousands of years ago. A vaguely remembered previous existence of terrorising and eating humans, a violent and bloodthirsty life as a giant one-eyed Cyclops. How difficult the transition had been for all as most of them including Athena were used to living with death and destruction. Brand shook himself out of his memories grateful those awkward times were behind them and they now lived in harmony. He strode toward the meeting he’d set up with the heads of the teachers, agricultural sector, gardeners, healers, wildlife experts and the construction workers to discuss the final preparations of

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setting up the community above ground. Well, they called them heads but essentially everyone had pretty much the same position, it made it easier to spread the word and co-ordinate when there was someone officially in charge. Not all the senior Cyclopes held head positions as each position was rotated so everyone had a chance to head a team which isn’t as horrifying as it sounds because of the community mind-meld. Once he’d finished these meetings and everyone had been apprised of the situation, the elders would gather together, with the intention of sending out the clarion call to the world. It would be felt by those humans ready to respond who’d be drawn to the Zeen above ground community without realising why. Passing by the school temple Brand saw the teachers with their students working in one of the squares sitting in the sunshine concentration etched on their faces as they opened their third eye. The Cyclopes had received their name because of the eye in the centre of their forehead, which wasn’t always visible and only opened when needed to see visions, vibrations, waves and entities. From a young age the Cyclopes were given a chance to develop their third-eye, telepathy, levitate, heal, manifest and manipulate energy, their schooling very different from those of human children. All of the above encompassed the alchemy of quantum tantra energies. Not everyone had the same abilities but no child or adult was made to feel inadequate for their lack. Further on he passed another square where the birthing pools were situated greeting the pregnant women chatting amongst themselves while they waited for the midwives. Zeenan women ovulated when they chose to create life in agreement with her committed partner and as yet Brand hadn’t had this pleasure, as he wasn’t committed to anyone. Like most male adults he wouldn’t ejaculate with his orgasms unless he and his partner wanted to create a child. He’d watched for centuries with awe as each child was born on the wings of ecstasy of the mother and love of the father; the midwives, healers and the community welcoming it with peace giving each child a welcome of being cherished. Brand had yet to see a child traumatised by their birth.

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Respect and love is paramount, he mused and any differences are dealt with swiftly and efficiently before it descends into the disharmony earmarking his previous existence. Brand remembered his first sight of Zeen as he’d stumbled from the cave and the difficulties facing them when they’d first started. There would be pitfalls in starting this new project and being a soldier he had the same reservations Lord Mars had but was more pragmatic believing it was possible with everyone pulling together. He knew their security was finely tuned and their healers and gardeners were more than efficient at creating the harmony and peace they wanted to spread. Walking down the main street he plucked a peach off the nearest fruit-laden tree, took a satisfied bite as the plump fruit and sweet juice filled his mouth, content in the knowledge the earth surrounded them created a nurturing cocoon of warmth and healing. Everything produced from the earth contained the highest nutritional content his body needed. Once he’d finished eating he placed the large pip in the vats placed along the road for planting or mulching at a later stage, and moved to wash his hands in the water flowing from one of the drinking fountains, finally taking a long cool drink. He took a deep breath to clear his mind and to focus on the meeting ahead. It would be hard to replicate this kind of lifestyle above the ground.

****

Athena stood on the ledge in front of her and Mars’s cave home set into the cliff towering above her overlooking the valley where Zeen nestled basking in the heat and light created by the crystal sun shining down. She loved this place and the people with all her being and despite Mars’s reservations she was excited at the thought of the future. To create heaven on earth and bring the world peace had long been an ambition. Tonight they were celebrating new beginnings with a fancy

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dress dance and dinner, her heart filling with pleasure and anticipation at the thought of the celebrations for tonight. She decided it was time to prepare for the evening’s festivities and willed herself to one of the pools set in the forest. In a community of three hundred thousand it was possible to find places of peace and tranquillity, the forested pools being such a place. Pools ranging from hot to cold staggered down the hillside dotted in between huge trees, each feeding into the next one cooler than the previous. The spring feeding the top pool came from the core of the earth containing the highest concentration of minerals leaving the body cleansed and purified. The pools were made of clay and crystals. The crystals amplifying the healing properties of the water were mainly quartz and citrine but here and there mixed in between were a rainbow of colours of gems and crystals all mined from the ground around Zeen. The Zeenan sands were made up of ground down crystals and therefore everything was amplified to an intense degree. Over the years in the sanctuary the Cyclopes had practised every aspect of quantum tantra from alchemy to sexual and they’d been taught how to change base metals to gold, how to manifest what they needed and how to create sexual highs through love, bliss, peace, pleasure and joy. The water in these pools was the purest possible and left the skin silky. When Athena arrived she noted there were many people filling up the pools as they cascaded down the hillside. Pleasure filled her as she spotted one of the original Cyclops, Tierra a short petite woman with red hair and large green eyes, her pale skin covered in a smattering of freckles. Her partner, Teim was nowhere in sight. As Athena made her way towards Tierra who was sitting on the edge of one of the pools she called out greetings to those around her. The excitement over tonight’s celebrations was palpable, the young girls squealing with delight in the water of one of the lower cooler pools. Nudity was not an issue in Zeen and none were body conscious. Athena, settling on the edge of the pool next to

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Tierra, was as naked as the next. She leant forward and hugged Tierra and asking her “Where’s Teim?” “He’s with Brand. They’re finishing off last minute preparations with regard to the security of the outer perimeters. You know how agitated the dark entities become when our pleasure levels spike en masse and they’re worried about an invasion during the celebrations with the intent to cause chaos and violence. The psychics are making doubly sure the wall of energetic protection is completely solid and strong. Unfortunately not all will be able to take part in the celebrations tonight as we need patrols on duty,” she replied. Athena nodded with a grimace. “I’m glad to see you’re not on duty tonight and are joining us for the celebrations.” “I wouldn’t miss this for the world. It’s been a while since we’ve been able to dress up on as grand a scale as this. The preparations for the creation of the Zeen above ground have been exhausting and time consuming to say the least so a break would be most welcome.” She sighed and looked at Athena. “All of us really believe in what we’re doing but sometimes there’s a slight worry it could go horribly wrong. I know having this thought could throw a spanner in the works by manifesting it, but unfortunately, it’s the waiting whilst everything is put into place and the fret we haven’t thought of everything spurs it on. And yes, I know we’ve done this before and survived by being able to adapt quickly.” Tierra looked doubtful but then a beaming smile suffused her face as she continued, “But you know what? Despite this I’ve a smile on my face whenever I think about the potential of what we’re doing.” Athena nodded in agreement. “I feel the same way. After centuries of learning and preparing it’s now finally here and I find myself stopping and gasping at the enormity of the task but at the same time feeling the excitement. We’re in for a rollercoaster of a ride and we’ve no idea what’s in store for us.”

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Athena slowly lowered herself into the warm water sighing as it soothed away any stresses leaving her content and blissful. She hooked her arms over the edge of the pool, looking at Tierra with a grin who smiled back nodding as she acknowledged the excitement of the new beginnings with her dear lifelong friend. Athena ducked under the water and opened her eyes looking around at the clay base and walls of the pool in front of her as they sparkled with crystals of all shapes and colours. Some of these crystals purified, others amplified the nourishing content whilst others literally pulled any discordant energy out of the body and the beautiful rose quartz filled the body with healing love. There were citizens who looked after the pools and made sure the crystals were in working order, the work done by everyone was contributed willingly because it was for the good of all. Nothing was done out of duty but out of love for yourself and others, the underlying thought was if you looked after yourself and treated yourself with love and respect then you had space in your heart to treat others the same. Athena was not checking on whether the pools were being maintained but was looking with awe at the beautiful crystals and thanked them for their help in maintaining the balance here at Zeen. She felt a pulsing response from them and finally surfaced feeling blessed. Tierra was still sitting on the side of the pool a faraway look on her face so Athena left her and swam around the pool. She relished the stretching of her muscles and enjoyed the sensation of the water on her skin, while her body literally absorbed all the health and vitality it needed until she was full to bursting. She floated on the surface for a while basking in the warm glow from the crystal sun above. All in all she felt a deep contentment at her lot in life. As she swam back to the edge where Tierra still sat she noticed Teim walking up the hill with Brand at his side both looking tired and in need of a revitalising swim in the pools. Teim was a tall lanky blonde man with striking blue eyes whereas dark skinned Brand was shorter and stockier

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in stature with dark hair and chocolate brown eyes. Both Teim and Brand were very good friends as well as working colleagues, each commanding a regiment both of them reporting to Mars. Tierra and Teim had been together since the beginning, a committed couple. Brand, on the other hand, had had many partners over the centuries and had yet to find his soul-mate. He didn’t seem too perturbed by this fact although lately on the odd occasion Athena had seen him watching committed soul-mates together with a wistful look in his eyes. Was this a sign he was ready to commit? It’s possible his soul-mate had been born in the last 20 to 30 years amongst the humans. Time would tell. Athena wondered how many of the humans would be pulled to Zeen, the soul-mates for those Cyclopes who weren’t committed. Committing took place when two soul-mates found each other and a ceremony was performed over the large crystal at the centre of Zeen before all in witness of their love for each other. When an outsider was discovered to be a soul-mate they heard a vague gong-like sound and were tattooed with the symbol of balance at the base of their spine. Each Cyclops was a Keeper of Balance and automatically had the symbol for balance was tattooed at the base of their spine to help them retain their balance from the day they were born. Teim had reached Tierra by the time Athena had pulled herself up from the pool to sit on the edge. He smiled at Tierra who stood and kissed him whilst he pulled her into a warm allencompassing hug. She breathlessly laughed as she pulled away from his mouth and with laughter in her voice said, “Wow that’s a greeting worth waiting for.” “Mmm. Were you waiting for me or have you been in yet?” he asked looking at the water still hugging her tightly. “I was waiting for you. I could sense you were close by and was hoping you were on your way here. The sun’s still quite high so I was in no rush.” She moved out of his arms and slipped into the water swimming to the centre of the pool and waited for Teim, who stripped down and

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dove in, swimming effortlessly underwater toward her. He grabbed her around the legs and pulling her under and kissing her before releasing her. She came up spluttering.

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Chapter 6

Brand regarded them with amusement on his face before he said to Athena. “I see you’ve been in already. Mars should be along shortly. He’s busy going over everything in detail with those on duty tonight. You know what a perfectionist he is,” he said with a smile. “How many are working tonight?” Athena asked curiously. She never interfered with this aspect of life in Zeen, trusting Mars and his men and women to know what to do. “We’ve two different shifts working tonight made up of volunteers from various regiments. One of the junior officers is in command for the whole night.” he replied. “Who’s that?” she asked. “Merrick. Do you remember him? He’s been living here for a century and is one of the new additions to Zeen. He’s committed to Anthea, the head gardener.” Athena did remember him. He was a young werewolf who’d found his way to them. He’d fitted in very well and was a great asset to the community working very hard. Another soul-mate for one of the Cyclopes found outside. Once they moved out into the open they’d be growing at a rapid rate with new additions to their small community. Funny, she’d never imagined when they first started they’d be embracing all manner of species and interracial breeding would be quite prolific. She knew the shapeshifters, the demons and the vampires could be pretty volatile and their experience gained in helping them to integrate would be invaluable above ground. Athena was pulled out her reverie when Brand dove into the lower pool where she’d seen the young girls. He swam several lengths aware of the attention he was receiving and his response was to plough his way through a group of young girls who squealed in fright. He stopped halfway

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treading water, instantly creating a hum of electricity in the air as the girls watched him with bated breath. Athena teased him about his popularity. The boys enjoyed his wicked sense of humour and good-natured teasing and the girls because he was a good-looking uncommitted man each one secretly hoping one of them would get to spend the night with him at some stage. Athena wondered whom Brand would be taking with him to the dance tonight as she looked at the women surrounding him. Each one looked to be 18 years of age, would therefore have graduated after two years of education in the delights of tantric sex and would be looking to find an experienced lover who’d further educate them. Smiling briefly, she remembered her own two years of initiation with Jezebel even though she wasn’t 16 but thousands of years old. The same education she’d received then had since been given to the initiates most of whom were eager to start. Each were assigned a male or female “teacher” who then showed and practised with them the delights of making love, their education spread out over two years. On graduation they were able to make a choice of their lovers. There was never any choice for me, she thought wryly. Mars was there the whole time and the electric energy built until both of us were mindless. Eyes unfocused, she remembered some of the moments between them. Her thoughts were interrupted by a touch on her shoulder and she looked down to see Mars’s long fingered hand caressing it. “What has you in such deep thought?” he asked. “You and me,” she replied, “I was also wondering who Brand’s considering taking to the dance. Do you know?” “I believe he’s leaving it open and will possibly choose someone tonight at the dance,” Mars looked speculatively at the gaggle of girls surrounding Brand in the pool. “Possibly one of them?” he enquired turning to look at Athena.

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“Maybe. Seeing them made me remember our initiation into tantra and then the first 16 year olds born in Zeen being assessed by the high daka and dakina setting in motion the same pattern for each 16 year old since then. You and I had a tough time learning how to control the energy when we were both so jazzed with love.” She laughed. “Nothing has changed much has it?” As she looked into his eyes her heart fluttered. He took her hand and planted kisses on her knuckles. “Long may it continue,” lifting his head to look at the graduate-initiates. “I wish them the same happiness you and I have found.” They smiled at each other. “Have you finished your swim or would you like to go in again?” he asked as he started undoing his shirt. Before she could reply Athena felt rather than heard a deep tremor from the earth. She stilled instantly and closed her eyes as she sent her senses out to find out what had caused it, another deep tremor following on the footsteps of the previous one. She wove a protective egg of energy around her sensing as she did so the disturbance seemed to be outside the perimeter of Zeen’s defences. Moving past the safety of Zeen’s boundaries there was rumble of movement so brutal it buffeted her protection causing it to strain and stretch as it rippled around her. She, Mars and some of the Cyclopes linked together energetically and created a powerful circle of shelter around their group as they moved forward to investigate the unseen threat. Athena noticed sickly green sparks indicating radioactive energy tinged with dark red and angry purple and felt the intense heat and violence as another tremor erupted with a high pitched scream of agony penetrating all the cells in her body still sitting at the pool edge. The light and pulsing energy was overpowering and all around she saw jagged bits of rock and earth tinged with red almost as though it was bleeding. Deep agony filled her body as she viewed the destruction. She realised the screaming was coming from the earth as though she was in

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pain, her shock evident in the energy pulsing around the area in sickly green waves. Athena eyes filled with tears as she viewed the physical and energetic destruction of the surrounding earth. Mars, Brand, Teim and a few other Cyclopes deftly broke away from the protective bubble and moved to see what was beyond the jagged edges whilst the others waited patiently until they returned and then together they withdrew back through the perimeter defences of Zeen back to their bodies. Athena’s eyes opened and looked at Mars in horror remembering the pain and agony she’d witnessed. Mars pulled her up from the side of the pool and flashed them to the security headquarters where everyone would be meeting to discuss what had happened. Athena was feeling ill, her body shaking uncontrollably when her feet touched down on the floor of the meeting room. Whenever something happened to the earth they all felt it in varying degrees but Athena and those who worked with the earth felt everything far deeper than most others because they were so attuned to the earth. She clung to Mars as both of them thought about what they’d seen. “What was that, Mars?” she asked him shakily. “If I’m not mistaken I think it was a nuclear explosion, a small one but nonetheless very destructive. The others will be here soon and we can discuss what we’ve seen and hopefully with everyone’s input we can get a better idea.” Athena shuddered acutely aware of the hard work ahead of them in repairing the battered earth. “The dark aren’t aware of our plans are they?” “I don’t think so. It has to be a coincidence,” he looked worried. “We’ll send out a scouting party to check and process the earth around the area where it happened and the psychics who go with them can read the energy field hopefully picking up some identifying signatures of who has caused this explosion.” He glanced at the door as the first of the elders filed into the room. These were the original Cyclopes who had joined Athena and Mars in the creation of Zeen. They’d started

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out with one hundred of them but sadly over the years had lost a few. The elders oversaw all aspects of life at Zeen. Athena and Mars greeted each one of them as they entered, their faces filled with sadness at the reason they were gathered together. After the high this afternoon at the pool when everyone was looking forward to the celebrations this was going to be painful. Of course, they’d been expecting some kind of confrontation but now it’d happened it left them all shaken but Athena felt the strong resolve of all gathered which pleased her. Once everyone was seated Mars stood up and with a grave look at all said, “Did you all have a look at the destruction? My first thought is it’s a small nuclear explosion.” Brand and the other warriors nodded. Anthea, the head gardener shuddered as she said, “It’ll take months of hard work to clear the negative energy out of the earth and repair her. A team of volunteers and I will start work on the repair immediately. We’ve enough helpers to stay here at Zeen and tend to the everyday needs of the community. We’ll also create a barrier around the area destroyed which must contain the radioactive waves.” Athena asked her, “Do you need my help at all?” “No, thank you. Your plate’s full already with the new community to organise. If things get too tough for us I’ll call you but I’m sure we’ll be okay. What I would ask is if some psychics could come with us to contain the energy at the site. I’d prefer to work at the site in physical form, so is it possible Mars, to have some protection in the form of warriors?” Mars nodded and looking at Teim said, “It goes without saying. I’ll leave it in Teim’s capable hands to arrange.” Teim nodded in agreement and said, “Before coming to the meeting I despatched a group of scouts to analyse the area and a few psychics have gone with them so they can form a protective barrier of energy around the site to contain the damage. They pinpointed the area by computer and

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found it’s approximately 100 kilometres away thankfully not too close to Zeen. We’ll set up a camp on the perimeter of the destruction hidden from human eyes.” There was general discussion about whether it had affected the water, soil and air of Zeen whilst a few of the Cyclopes went into trance looking at Zeen’s vibration checking whether there had been an infiltration of negative energy or not. There was a knock on the door and a young soldier poked his head in saying “We’ve received word from the psychics, there’s no breach in the protective boundary of Zeen. The patrols are still checking the cameras and fencing.” There was a huge sigh of relief as Mars thanked him and the Cyclopes who’d been in a trance murmured in agreement with the young soldier’s announcement. “I wonder what fanatics the dark elements infused with hatred for this task,” Athena murmured to Mars. “On my way over I stopped off at Communications who are currently watching local TV to see if they pick up anything on the news but I’d have thought they’d notice if it was fanatics,” Brand announced as Arend appeared in the room. The head of the reconnaissance regiment looked grim as he confirmed they had no further information. “My network of spies haven’t heard or seen anything to indicate what caused this explosion. I’ve no doubt this is Lucifer’s work his love of chaos is something we’ve witnessed time and again over the years. What I don’t understand is why create an explosion in the middle of nowhere that wouldn’t affect anyone. It doesn’t fit in with his agenda of divide and conquer through fear and chaos causing confusion as people split up into groups so focused on hate they never see the larger picture.” Pausing he enquired with a grimace. “Does he know where we are?” Consternation greeted this question. Mars frowned. “I don’t believe so. If he did he’d have made a move against Zeen itself.” Quiet descended on the room as everyone thought about the possibility.

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With worry evident on their faces the meeting drew to an end, everyone dispersing to attend to the celebrations this evening or get ready to leave the sanctuary.

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Chapter 7

Despite the nastiness of the explosion in the afternoon the dance was a huge success everyone thoroughly enjoying themselves. The grand ballroom was an old building made of pink marble having been built along the same lines as Greek temples with tall columns creating a foundation for the roof made of terracotta tiles. The ballroom had no walls, as the weather in Zeen was temperate. With the initial groundwork laid by the Masters, Archangels Michael and Gabriel the construction of Zeen started, the earth moulding herself to their specifications, protecting them and in return they looked after the plants, water, animals and trees. Creepers had been encouraged to grow in time for the dance by the gardeners each one a profusion of blooming colours their scent filling the air surrounding the ballroom. Fireflies and orbs filled with fairies danced above the revellers and created muted lighting in the semi-dark night. The crystal sun never completely went out, dimming to moonlight for four hours every night and then flared gradually until it reached full sun by midday. Platters with vegetables were placed on tables in a large room off the ballroom where people could sit and chat whilst eating and drinking, vats of juice and wine were spotted around the room whilst outside fruit trees and bushes laden with all kinds of fruit dotted the land outside. Food was not a necessity for Zeenans, most eating through sheer pleasure. The Zeenans absorbed all the nutrients their bodies needed through the air, water and the soil. Their lungs and chakra system pulled the outside energy into their bodies, which in turn converted it to something akin to food and this was then carried around the body by the blood, lymph and meridian lines. If there were any blocks in the body caused by negative thoughts or energy it resulted in stagnation until it finally manifested as disease. As a result everyone realised the necessity of

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looking after all aspects of their body from their mind to their body to the spirit and the subtle energy fields surrounding them. If one citizen was slightly out of sync they were all aware of it being connected as though they were small parts of a large mind body and spirit. Therefore it was of the utmost importance whatever was taken into their bodies was of the highest and purest nutritional content possible. This of course was something far from everyone’s minds as they ate, danced and drank into the early hours of the morning. The Cyclopes loved and embraced the human way of life enjoying all the creative aspects such as dancing, art, literature and music. The women were dressed in long flowing ball gowns and the men in top hat and tails, most of the clothes being modified to make them far more comfortable than the originals. It was a beautiful sight filled with swirling dresses of all colours dotted with dark suits of the men, the hum of conversation, a great deal of laughter and breathless happiness heard over the magically enhanced band of instruments playing. Brand together with the other uncommitted Cyclopes, as usual, had a bevy of initiategraduated youngsters surrounding them teasing, dancing and joking their way through the night. Brand was aware he could have the pick of any girl but felt strangely reluctant to do so. There was no law forcing him to have a sexual partner every night but abstention wasn’t something he’d thought about much over the centuries. Whenever he felt the need to be with someone he’d follow it and had had more than his fair share of willing partners. Without realising it, he stared at Teim and Tierra smiling into each other’s eyes, dancing around the floor in a waltz, their subtle bodies entwined and pulsing with love. He felt a sudden twinge of longing as a stray thought entered his mind wandering what it was like to be committed mind body and soul to someone. He’d been in a few long-term relationships over the centuries and had enjoyed every one of them but had never felt the very deep soul connection with any of them

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indicating a soul-mate. The ending of each relationship had been by mutual agreement with no antagonism and two of his ex-partners had gone on to find their soul-mate and were committed. Pushing these thoughts out of his head, he glanced around the group of initiate-graduates and catching the eye of Cara smiled and bowed deeply asked her for the next dance, which she gleefully accepted. He placed his hand in the small of her back as he guided her through the crowd to the dance floor and as he did so he ran his eyes over her with pleasure seeing the deep burgundy dress contrasting with her pearly white skin and dark luscious hair. Taking her in his arms he looked down into her slightly flushed happy face and decided she was the one tonight he’d spend time teaching a thing or two about love. Having held back until he’d made the decision his body now responded and the charge of energy rushing through him and into the young girl jerked them both, her startled eyes jumping up to meet his, her mouth an O of amazement. He smiled with satisfaction, as there’s nothing better than taking a raw young initiate-graduate, building on the education she’d received pre-graduation and watching her grow in confidence. As he whirled her around the room holding her close in his embrace he remembered as an initiate-graduate being unsure of himself despite the two years of learning. Unfortunately, there were no tantrikas around then to further their education and theirs had been a difficult road to understanding. He and others were aware of the one unspoken rule, only the “teacher” of the initiate under 18 taught sex education to the chosen pupil. Each teacher treated this part of the education with the sacred respect it deserved and as such, neither Brand nor any other adult had ever violated the sacred trust. He had first hand experience of the power of the orgasm. It’s one of the strongest energies possible, like an explosion pulsing out from the couple or person with the power to create or destroy. Making love was literally – creating love.

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One of the reasons everyone treated lovemaking with the awe and respect it deserves, he thought, regardless of the fact it’s a mind-blowing pleasure. Brand looked down at Cara reaching out with his mind to hers and she opened to him with no hesitation, the mind-meld allowed them to move together always anticipating each other’s moves in perfect harmony. Her face flushed with pleasure, as she became aware of his thoughts. She became thoroughly immersed in the sensations running through him, her body pressed against his, her softness, her smell and his satisfaction. He, in return, was aware of her awe at his hard muscular body pressed against her, his confidence, his chocolate coloured skin and her curiosity at what he was going to do. They stopped dancing when there was a slight break in the music. A few professional dance couples moved on to the floor amongst the dancers. Each couple opened themselves to the vast mind of dance as they melded together with the lead couple in synchronised moves around the floor. The confidence of the professional couples filled the mind of the other couples on the floor allowing them to follow without hesitation, their muscles automatically responding as though they were professional too. Eventually Brand and Cara left the dance floor to have something to eat and drink both breathless with exertion. Cara’s cheeks were flushed, her eyes sparkling in anticipation, Brand aware she was as excited about the end of the evening as she was about the evening itself. They moved towards the group standing by the wine vats made up of older and younger Cyclopes all laughing at a shared joke, Athena’s green eyes sparkling with mischief as Mars scowled. Brand motioned to Cara to stand next to Athena who was dressed in an emerald green ball gown. She winked at him as he came up behind Mars and clapped him on the back with a grin drawling, “Well, don’t you look happy?” Athena snorted behind her hand as she covered her mouth, Mars turning toward him, eyes narrowed as Brand danced nimbly out of the way before Mars could grab him.

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“I’m not sure what’s going on but I can happily irritate you some more,” Brand offered. Athena snorted once again, a high pitched giggle escaping as she gave in to her laughter and bent over double, tears of laughter glistening in her eyes. Teim wryly announced, “It’s not difficult to do under normal circumstances. You know it doesn’t take much to get him going.” Him pivoted to look scathingly at Teim about to let rip with a biting remark when Athena flung herself into his arms with force. She spluttered at him, “Come on Mars, let’s put that energy of yours to some use and get your hips and legs gyrating as we move around the dance floor. Think of the fun we can have later channelling all your pent up frustration.” He looked down at her, as she grinned up at him batting her eyelashes. His face softened as he murmured “I live to serve, my lady,” before allowing her to drag him off to the dance floor. “What was that all about?” enquired Brand his arm around Cara, who’d been watching the whole exchange wide-eyed. Cara knew Mars and Athena as everyone did but she was a little in awe of both of them and more specifically slightly terrified of Mars who had a notorious reputation as the bogeyman. “Athena arrived home earlier this evening to squeals of terror from half a dozen fairy children flying away like the devil was after them and a sopping wet Mars cursing under his breath.” Teim stopped, his amusement getting the better of him. Giggling, Tierra took up the story, “You know Mars has a reputation amongst the fairy children of being an ogre, the ultimately bogeyman?” Brand nodded. “It seems the younger fairy children couldn’t believe “Lady” Athena stayed willingly with the ogre. She had to be under some enchantment, as were most of the adults who couldn’t see him for the monster he is. They’d planned over the last few weeks to expose him but were unsure how

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to do this without the help of an adult. Because their magic isn’t in full flux they decided to shock him into his natural state thereby allowing Athena to “see” him,” she said dissolving into giggles. “How brave of them,” gasped Cara, “I’d never have the courage to do it.” With a twinkle in her eye, Tierra continued, “They hid inside Mars and Athena’s dwelling waiting for them to come home having split into three groups; two in charge of the bucket of ice and water, two in charge of the ferret and two to set off noisy alarms. The alarms were to distract Mars while the bucket of water was poured over him and as he was gasping and staggering around from the cold, the ferret was to be ridden in between his feet so he tripped and fell over. This was supposed to shock him so much he wouldn’t be able to hold his current form and revert to his real demonic self with Athena watching. “But luck wasn’t on their side and Mars arrived alone. This so frightened them their plan went a little awry. All that happened was Mars was drenched with ice cold water whilst the terrified but unnoticed ferret sat glued to the floor for a short while before being galvanised into action by the two fairies riding him, their screams of terror following hot on the heels of the others.” By this time all listening were in convulsions of laughter. Teim continued, “Needless to say their parents were mortified and each child has been set the task of annoying Mars even further by having to dance in attendance on him and Athena in their home so they can get to know him better. I’m not sure who is being punished here, but Athena’s enjoying the whole situation much to Mars’s discomfort.” “Ouch, it’s going to make him excessively grumpy,” observed Brand with a grin. “I’m going to have fun poking him.” “You’ve a death wish baiting the tiger,” Tierra smiled, “But if anyone can get away with it, you can. But please be careful, because Athena isn’t always around to soothe him.” They all watched the “ogre” and his beloved moving around the dance floor, aware Athena would be ramping down Mars’s anger to acceptable levels, as she always did.

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After eating and drinking Cara and Brand returned to the dance floor enjoying the sensations running through their bodies with the atmosphere slowly changing until the last portion of the evening became more sensual, the music building electricity around the dancers. The tantric energy pulsed around the large ballroom moving from couple to couple, each one oblivious to those around them until finally all the couples had melted away to find privacy. At varying times throughout the rest of the short night there were orgasmic waves rushing out into Zeen.

****

Anthea had made preparations the afternoon before to leave Zeen with twenty gardeners, two healers and four psychics together with a platoon of soldiers headed by Teim and his officers. She’d also arranged for several of the Cyclopes to help the psychics set up the containment barrier and they were also going to be part of the party leaving today. Being aware not everyone was able to flash to the scene she’d spent a few hours down at the second hidden entrance organising and packing five Landrovers with tents, food and drink. This entrance was solely used for the vehicles, which the patrols sometimes used, but in the main they were thought to attract more attention than needed. As far as Anthea was aware the remaining soldiers, psychics and Teim had already flashed themselves to the site of the destruction. Running through everything in her head once again, she checked she’d finalised everything including the rota of four-hour shifts. Anthea, the two healers and twenty gardeners would be the first shift to arrive. When everyone was ready they transported themselves to the scene of the destruction patiently waiting as the psychics and volunteer Cyclopes built a stronger protection barrier at the same time cloaking the area so their tents and vehicles weren’t noticeable, each individual already

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cloaked with invisibility. A portion of the soldiers were already erecting the tents the rest fanning out along the protective barrier scanning the area with their third eye checking for any further odd energy or entities. It was still a puzzle as to whom or what had set off the explosion. No signature had been picked up energetically and there was nothing on the news. Neither of their agents in the city of Windhoek had come across any rumours or a trail leading to the creators of the destruction. Standing waiting patiently Anthea became aware of Merrick, her committed partner, jogging toward her. Her breath still hitched in her chest whenever she saw him. His large muscled body moved with agility, his long shaggy auburn hair touching the colour of his uniform. Pleasure blossomed inside her as he loomed over her gently lowering his head to kiss her. “I’m going to change and do a swift recce of the area. Maybe I can see something in wolf form the others can’t.” “Hmm,” was all she could get out as she hung on to him her legs wobbling, wondering why he never seemed to be affected. He opened his mind to hers letting her know how he felt, a wry smile on his face as he studied her. “You cover it very well.” She grinned. “I have to be in control as a soldier.” Despite being together for a century they were still discovering things about each other and she never tired watching him shift into his other shape. He moved away stripping out of his uniform as he did so. Anthea tried to focus with great difficulty on the job at hand. Almost instantly Merrick shifted gracefully from human to wolf. Leaping away, he covered the ground fast, his massive body stretching into a long run as he sniffed the air, his head moving from side to side. Anthea had learnt over the last few years how to shift her body into a wolf but still struggled. She cast her mind back to when Merrick had first caught her attention. She’d been part of the team healing ravaged areas of the earth. It hadn’t always been possible to do this kind of work

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because Lucifer always seemed to find them. On this occasion fate had a hand in making sure they could do so without Lucifer noticing. Anthea had been preparing for her shift of healing when she’d become aware of something watching her and turning around had come face to face with a large red furred wolf. Damping down her fear she’d stilled herself and waited patiently while keeping her eyes downcast conscious she shouldn’t provoke the animal. Briefly she’d looked into its eyes and had been mindful the eyes seemed too knowledgeable for an animal. Sending her awareness out she gently tried to probe the mind of the wolf before her in the hope she could gauge its intentions. Imagine her surprise when she entered the mind of what seemed to be a human. Drawing in a sharp breath she looked up into the laughing eyes of the wolf standing with its mouth open, tongue hanging. She couldn’t help but smile in return. The wolf had disappeared into the bushes but had returned every day thereafter watching her intently as she worked. Finally one day she felt a nudge in her mind and opening was surprised to find the wolf in her head. Gentle healer, I find myself intrigued by your work. Who are you and why are you doing this? Wondering how much she should reveal, she’d shrugged. The earth cries out for help and I’ve responded. He nodded, sitting back on his haunches, head tipped to one side as he studied her face. Some of your party are soldiers? Yes, we need protection. Bafflement crossed his face. Protection from? Wondering how she could convey evil to a wolf she sat down in front of him. Evil walks the land in the form of demons. He shifted on his haunches. Do you fight them?

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No, we protect and heal. Intrigued, he stared at her and as she looked into his eyes she wondered why this wolf was so intelligent. She’d been around wolves before and none of them had seemed human. They continued to spend time together exchanging information. It was weeks before he was comfortable enough to reveal his shapeshifting ability. She remembered her awe, knowing shapeshifting was a special gift not many had. After he’d shown his human form to her their fascination with each other blossomed into love until finally they’d become a committed couple. Coming back to the present, Anthea realised Merrick had finished his recce, had shifted to human form and was dressing. He shook his head saying he’d seen nothing pointing toward what had caused the trauma. Finally, Anthea and her team of gardeners and the healers were able to start working. Each of them within their own protective barrier, made their way slowly down into the crater formed in the ground, the radioactivity crackling in the contained area. They decided not to flash themselves there because the strong negative energy would have a detrimental effect on them when their molecules rearranged themselves back into a physical body. As they were making their way down Anthea noticed quite a lot of strange looking rocks scattered around the crater. She took a closer look at one piece with her third eye open and was perplexed by the signature of a rock she’d never seen before, the energy pulsing from it battering her protective layer. She stopped picking her way carefully down to the bottom of the crater and telepathically asked all the gardeners to have a look at the pieces of strange rock scattered around before they settled down to start the healing. Despite their combined knowledge no-one seemed to know what the strange rocks were. They’d seen nuclear explosions before but none of the destroyed sites they’d cleared had had any of these rocks. It was decided, before they proceed, they’d need to identify what they were facing.

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Anthea called on St Germain hoping he would have some answers for them. She opened her mind sending forth her awareness to find him, instantly receiving an acknowledgement. A few short minutes later he appeared next to her, as puzzled as she was, having gleaned as much information from her mind as he could on his way over. He picked up one of the rocks and sent his awareness into it trying to see if there was a memory of some kind they could tap into the rock which was some sort of crystal but not one that was common to earth. He came out of his trance and said to Anthea, “I think we need to collect as many of these rocks as possible. The information I have from this one seems to be a small part of a puzzle.” She nodded and opened her mind to her gardeners, the healers, the soldiers, Cyclopes and the psychics asking them to carefully collect any pieces they could find and then they could piece together what had caused the explosion and appearance of this strange rock.

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Chapter 8

On her way back from the hospice Bethany was in a daze as she walked into the supermarket. Her eyes were red from crying and even though she didn’t feel like eating she decided she needed to be anywhere but by herself at home. Home, a word she’d loved until now. Home was a place she and Lillian had shared for three years. They’d decided to move to London as an adventure and had been living there for two years when their neighbour next door had died and her flat had come up for auction. Bethany and Lillian scraped together every penny they had for a deposit, raised a mortgage and bought it. It might seem to be a strange thing to do when you were best friends rather than lovers but they’d come to an agreement if one of them met someone and got married the other would stay on paying out the other’s share of the flat’s worth. Of course living in London had done nothing to help them meet any fabulous men. They bemoaned this fact most weekends and were extremely grateful they had each other. Lillian was very outgoing and attracted a lot of attention with her flamboyant clothing and loud manner. Bethany was the opposite quiet, mousy and extremely clumsy. She didn’t set out to create chaos wherever she went it seemed to be drawn to her. Lillian maintained she was quiet and mousy because if she were louder than she was the chaos she’d attract would be overwhelming and probably flatten their London suburb. Lillian said her chaotic lifestyle made up for the quietness of her personality and she was therefore always fun to be around. It was all very well for Lillian she was loud and boisterous and causing chaos wouldn’t present a problem to her. Bethany would rather hide away and not be noticed but chaos with capital C followed her everywhere. She still cringed with embarrassment at the thought of one recent occasion when she went in to the local library with the intention of joining. Everything was fine until she arrived at the desk

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waiting for her turn to check out some books. She was feeling triumphant at the fact she’d passed an hour in there without some catastrophe occurring. She looked down and noticed her bag had fallen open baring its contents for all to see. Her tampons had fallen out of the small toiletry bag and one was sitting precariously on the edge of her bag about to fall out. She’d twitched in horror and watched it fall in slow motion to the ground, aware of the queue behind her. Someone snickered startling her into lunging for the tampon forgetting the books in her hands. As she tried to stop the books falling she lost her balance and staggered forward slipping on the tampon. The books went flying and she continued her stagger toward the upright stand-alone bookshelf lining the queuing area. Luckily, it was well fastened to the floor and didn’t tip over but the jolt with which she hit it catapulted her into a bookshelf on the other side knocking her feet from under her. She landed on her back on the floor several dislodged books falling on top of her. She lay in a heap on the ground covered in books her face an alarming colour of red wishing the earth would swallow her. Everyone at the library was of course very kind and concerned she was all right but every so often she caught someone looking away trying not to laugh. She was mortified but offered to help clean up the mess which the head librarian waved away with her hand stating there were enough of them in the library to do the job and she was to sit on the chair with a cup of tea and relax. Bethany finally escaped without the books she’d planned on reading and had never been back. Not all catastrophes were large, most actually being quite manageable. Bethany wandered along the aisles not really seeing anything sunk in misery. The prognosis for Lillian was dire, possibly two weeks to live. Lillian had always been a healthy person so when she’d been diagnosed with breast cancer after being admitted to hospital for something else it was a blow. How could someone so young and healthy who didn’t drink much or smoke be so unlucky? She and Lillian had been friends since kindergarten. How was she going to live without her? Tears threatening once again she grabbed a cereal pack and some milk paid for it and left.

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As she walked home past the park she became aware of a strange sensation of being watched. She shivered and walked faster. She looked over her shoulder nervously but couldn’t see anyone watching her. There were quite a few people still out on the streets at this time of night. The eeriness followed her until she reached the block of flats where she lived. She unlocked and opened the door to the lobby shutting it behind her with a loud clang and stood looking out through the glass. She couldn’t see anything out there causing this odd sensation. Something tickled the back of her neck and she shot around in fear but there was nothing there. She berated herself and with her back stiff and her shoulders squared walked toward the lifts with shaking legs. When the lift arrived she had the distinct feeling something brushed past her going into the lift. She stopped dead in her tracks alarmed. She hesitated for so long the lift doors closed and she stood undecided about pressing the button to open the doors or if she should climb the stairs. “Look,” she muttered, “this is ridiculous I could be standing here all night. Pull yourself together.” She pressed the button for the lift doors to open and stepped inside pressing the button for her floor. As she stood staring at the lift doors the hairs on the back to her neck stood up and by the time they opened on her floor she was almost hysterical. She ran to her front door and with shaking fingers managed to get the key in the lock, open the door and fall inside kicking the door shut behind her. It was dark inside and she fumbled around trying to find the light switch. Something brushed her hand and she screamed loudly. “Shut up,” hissed a male voice. Bethany’s heart stopped as did her breathing and she passed out.

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****

On her way home Athena stopped outside the cave she and Mars called home thinking about how she and the gardeners and farmers years ago had decided to find a way of feeding their population as it grew in size. Despite most Zeenans not needing to ingest food, their agents working in the outer world needed physical sustenance. Hence the need for the gardeners and farmers who worked with the earth energy to grow and cultivate vegetables and fruit of the highest nutritional content. The gardeners maintained the forests and parks, the farmers growing vegetables and fruit trees in between. Together they worked with the rangers who kept an eye on the wildlife. Originally when the community had been small each one of them had infiltrated the human world. How things have changed dramatically since then. We had so much to do in the early days we stretched ourselves thin. Sorrow filled her heart as she remembered the five Cyclopes they’d lost. Now they had people strategically placed in every aspect of human life from the medical profession through to charities, each of them cloaking themselves in obscurity by lowering their frequency to fit in. They worked tirelessly, slowly but surely helping those around them. There were many human lightworkers in the world helping humanity. The Cyclopes assisted these humans without their knowledge. Now the Cyclopes were able to come out into the world the challenge was to get humanity to accept another world existed. She shuddered as she remembered the taunts he’d used over the years undoing their hard work by making healers into ‘quacks’ or psychics as ‘weird’ creating doubt and resentment. The Universal Being was right when he said it would be slow and frustrating. How do we convince humanity to stop feeding the dark side with their negative emotions so Lucifer and his cronies weaken?

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She and the Cyclopes had learnt over the years true unconditional love coming from the heart provided protection from all kinds of negative energies whether physical, emotional or energetic. Grimly thinking about the dark forces weakening at the rate they were, she knew it would be easier for them to provide all needed by humanity to assist conscious changes at will. I’m sure there will of course be those in humanity who preferred to take a hard stand and concentrate on the power of money and greed rather than what they believe was a weak stance of love. She thought about the new cycle of life they would be entering when she and Mars together with the dakas and dakinas would provide the teachings in tantric sex at the sanctuary to couples or individuals who wished to learn these techniques. Even though Mars was a strong tough being he was open-hearted when it came to love-making which hadn’t always been so. She recalled his aversion to love being the bloodthirsty God of War and given to bouts of rage completely cut off from his heart and compassion. It had taken him many centuries of loving, acceptance and tolerance by her to bring him to a place of beauty within himself. The dark energy was still there but he’d become adept at channelling it to create something beautiful rather than violent. Deep in thought she entered the cave not noticing the room she’d entered was filled with muted lighting provided by scented candles and a fire in the large fireplace in the middle of the room. She tripped over a thick wool rug placed on the floor surrounded by pillows. A large hand reached out to steady her, a familiar voice saying, “We’ve obviously been together for too long and I’ve become part of the furniture.” Startled, Athena looked around her taking in the romantic atmosphere created by Mars her heart softening and filling with love. She placed her hand gently on his cheek and smiling softly said, “Mars, you romantic. You certainly know how to take a girl’s mind off any worries she has.” He held out a beautiful white rose to her saying, “I’d do anything to see you happy and smiling. You’ve been looking quite anxious lately.”

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“I’ve been distracted. What do you have in mind?” she asked smelling the rose the heady scent filling and relaxing her body. He swung her around to face a large tub placed to one side in the large room filled with steaming bubbly water. “I’m going to worship at your temple, pampering and loving you.” “Sounds heavenly.” Looking around with a frown she asked, “Where are the fairy children?” “I’ve sent them home early,” he said with a small smile playing around his lips. “We’ve had an interesting morning together planning what I’d do to make you happy. There were a few of their suggestions I had to endure with a straight face. Such as the one where I should declare my love by putting a slug in your bed and then when you squealed in horror I could rescue you from its slimy presence.” He snorted with amusement as he looked at her. “Or possibly the one where I wrestled you in a mud bath because girls apparently, I am told with great authority, really like that kind of thing!” “Sounds like you had a productive morning,” she shook her head in wonder. “You know, we’re getting along famously and I find myself enjoying their company the longer they hang around. The last thing I heard as they left was the girls arguing they don’t really like mud and the boys gagging at the thought of kissing a girl.” He huffed in laughter, “Little do those kids know when they hit puberty all those yucky things will become quite yummy.” Taking the rose from her he placed it in a small vase on a table with a platter of chopped fruit and a vat of wine and water. “Enough about the fairies, it’s time to implement the well laid out plan.” Gently he undressed Athena and taking her hand led her to the bubbling bath into which she stepped. As she sat in the water she sighed with pleasure her body relaxing. Mars joined her in the bath gathering her into his arms the two of lying quietly in the water enjoying the peace and each other’s company listening to the soothing music playing in the

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background. They automatically started to breathe together in and out visualising their seven chakras from the crown to the base connecting, the energy moving from one to the other creating poetry of motion as their hearts opened to the tender power flowing between them. The soothing waters remained warm as Athena moved to face Mars and with a flick of her hand brought the table laden with fruit, wine and water closer, two full wine glasses moved through the air toward them. She gently caught them and handed one to Mars. They toasted each other and took a sip from each other’s glass the wine creating a symphony of taste in their mouths. The grapes grown at Zeen were imbued with the most extraordinary properties, as were all the edible fruits and vegetables. A platter of fruit moved to hover next to them Mars reaching out to take a piece and offer it to Athena the taste of which filled her mouth her head tilted back in ecstasy as she chewed. They fed each other licking the juice off each other’s fingers kissing in between. The sexual energy slowly built in and around them as they ate and drank. Finally neither of them could hold off and they started to kiss passionately, Mars nipping and sucking Athena’s upper lip, setting off a corresponding throb and rush of energy her core. He tasted her mouth enjoying the flow of energy between them both of them focused on the sensation running through their bodies their minds melding together, the depth of their feelings for each other pushing them towards an orgasmic high. Unhurriedly the orgasm rippled through her body flowing into Mars both of them riding the sensations of ecstasy. Athena opened her eyes to look into Mars’s eyes and as she did so a bubble of joy and happiness erupted from her and she started giggling. Mars stared at her briefly a smile hovering on his lips. Eventually he joining her with a deep gut filling laugh, their laughter healing and cleansing. As the laughter died down, the remaining stress streamed out of their bodies into the water.

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The laughter had shaped a new form of energy, high in vitality and vibrancy. It surged through them carrying them from the bath to the rug on the floor before the fire. They enthusiastically embraced the emotions, kissing and nipping their way down each other’s body. Locked together in heady rush of pleasure and enjoyment, Mars’s thrusting body filled hers so they were flying in the arms of rapture.

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Chapter 9

Bethany slowly came to, awareness entering her mind. She didn’t open her eyes feeling extremely tired and not wanting to wake. She felt the comfort of her bed underneath her and the warmth of her duvet over her. Even though her eyes were closed she saw through her eyelids a dim light shining. Slowly she slitted her eyes open wondering what had woken her. Suddenly she remembered the terror she’d felt before blacking out. She shot up, eyes wild and looked around her. Nothing was out of place, her bedside lamp shining and she could see it was dark outside. She listened carefully but couldn’t hear anything except the rapid beat of her heart. She remembered as a child being terrified of the night and monsters under the bed. Those fears came back to flood her mind and she felt like a child again. The fear started to recede and she felt herself relaxing. What on earth had happened? She remembered frightening herself into thinking she was being followed and then remembered something touching her when she entered the flat and the voice telling her to keep quiet. She glanced at her clock beside the bed and saw it was 5 in the morning. She still had another hour to sleep before the alarm went off but she was too hyped up to go back to sleep. She cautiously slid out of bed and noticed she was wearing her pyjamas her clothes neatly folded over the chair. Now she was even more confused. When had she changed and was her mind playing tricks? Maybe it was the grief. Bethany moved to her bedroom door, which was slightly ajar and looked out into the dark passage listening for any movement. As all was quiet she slowly reached out to find the passage light and switched it on. She took a deep breath and looked up and down the lit passage. Nothing out of place and everything seemed normal. She slid through her bedroom door turning right to go to the bathroom at the end of the passage. Standing outside the bathroom door she plucked up her

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courage to reach in and switch on the bathroom light. Her heart pounding she extended her hand and found the string hanging from the ceiling activating the light switch. She pulled it and light flooded the room. She looked around saw it was clear and stepped inside looking behind her into the passage to make sure she was still alone. In the bathroom she stared at her face in the mirror as if trying to see the answers to the questions running around in her head. Moving out of the bathroom she walked into the open plan lounge after switching on the light looking around and cautiously inching forward to look behind the counter separating the lounge from the kitchen. She walked back up the passage to Lillian’s room but found nothing there either. Puzzled, she went back to the bathroom and with a shake of her head at her silliness, she switched the shower on. Hopefully it would make her feel better and she might eventually remember all the missing pieces. She stepped inside the shower and sighed in relief at the heat of the water soothing her tight cold muscles. After the shower Bethany walked back to her bedroom intending to change into her sweats as she had plenty of time before having to prepare for work. Once she was dressed she looked for her mobile in her handbag next to the bed. Strange, she never left her bag there. I suppose with the way things are going for me nothing should be a surprise, she thought. She dialled the number of the hospice so she could speak to one of the nurses and find out how Lillian was doing. After chatting to the nurse who advised Lillian was pretty much the same as yesterday she asked the nurse to let Lillian know she’d be visiting again after work. Bethany looked around her room her heart aching at the thought of losing Lillian. Whatever had happened last night had given her some respite from the overwhelming grief she experienced. Maybe it was her mind’s way of protecting itself.

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****

As Brand was off duty, he decided to join in the game of hide and seek with his soldiers and hundreds of other outside agents who belonged to Leandra’s regiment. He smiled in anticipation of the game everyone loved especially the agents, soldiers and Communications officers because it honed their senses and gave them the satisfaction of imparting their knowledge and experience and helped the juniors to become attuned to each other. When he arrived the two teams were put together each one a mixture of adults, teenagers and children, four hundred people in all playing, a few of the teachers joining in and acting as referees. Brand found himself in the group seeking and together with everyone else in the team were placed in quarantine by the referees whilst the others went off to hide. As there were many youngsters playing their first game the amount of adults and teenagers to little ones was approximately four adults to each child. The child Brand was helping was five years old and as this was his first game his mother and father were included in the group. The mother opened her mind to the child letting him see one team who would do the searching would be placed in quarantine cutting them off from the world around them whilst the other team hid themselves away. The team hiding would use all their abilities to make themselves invisible, cloaking their scent, their aura and essence, while the team searching would use their awareness to find them. The two teams would mind-meld with each of their team mates thus using their combined knowledge to either find or hide. The referees would keep tally of those found. The three referees mind-melded as soon as the game started and Brand’s team were taken out of quarantine, their small group mind-melding the mother gently helping the child to open its mind and accept the other adults. Brand and one of the agents, Ryan led the way in showing the little boy how to hone in on those hiding.

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At first the child was hesitant unsure what to do but as he got the hang of it his mind scurried away searching for the slightest spark, his enthusiasm far outweighing his lack of ability. His mother was in his mind constantly guiding and encouraging him whilst his father, a soldier with a great deal of experience in the outside world, stood in protection of both of them as Brand and Ryan created gateways for the little boy and his mother searching out his quarry. Through the community mind-meld it was agreed those hiding would make it as enjoyable and easy as possible making many slip-ups. They all knew the children would grow in confidence with each game and as they did the game would get harder pushing their skills. The abilities the children learnt here in the game would stand them in good stead out in the world where they’d have to hide from humanity and Lucifer. As each child found someone they were hoisted on shoulders everyone whooping in joy including the referees. The smile on each child’s face was priceless as they glowed with happiness at their achievement. When the game ended one hundred very sleepy but happy little children were taken home for their afternoon sleep. As the little ones grew and learnt at such a rapid rate their bodies needed to rest as much as possible. Once the younger children had gone the teenagers and adults started another game. This was very different from the previous one as the youngsters involved were far more in tune and experienced. The soldiers and agents had their work cut out for them in trying to find, hide, guide or protect. There were quite a few teenagers who were extremely good and most of them were keen to join the regiments of soldiers and agents becoming the next generation to fill the ranks. It made for a tight knit community when everyone took part in the education of the youngsters.

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****

The following day Athena was taking time out in preparation for the meditation in the evening and was dancing in the middle of the huge ballroom with music playing. Completely focused on her body, Athena moved in time to the music. The music entered every cell in her body and creating a dance of headiness and delight. Her chakras opened and were spinning rapidly and as her hips and legs moved in a sinuous movement. As her muscles warmed the energy flowed and with each movement she became more supple and fluid. She loved dancing as it created a wonderful tapestry of emotions inside her and she lost all focus on the world outside herself. Through the years at Zeen, she and everyone else had developed an uncanny ability not to invade each other’s personal space even though they were so focused inwardly they couldn’t see around them. Dancing encompassed the feelings of joy and happiness and therefore most Zeenans loved dancing. The music created a symphony of colour and vibration swirling around them with orbs of light dancing in between. Every positive creative action strengthened the basis of peace and harmony in the world they lived. Zeenans being aware of this contributed as much as possible by living each day to the full filled with pleasure and love rippling out to embrace all. She felt a strange tug and came to herself focusing with clarity. The slightly familiar tug came again. Sifting through her memories she came to the conclusion it was a signal from Lucifer. She’d met with him over the centuries and each time had been more unpleasant than the last. He mocked her constantly flaunting his power and trying to reduce her to a blithering idiot. So far he’d not succeeded. Her faith was so strong he couldn’t find any chinks in her armour. The last time she’d met with him it’d been a formality. He’d almost reduced her to tears at his sadistic harming of humans in his captivity. Through each meeting she’d remained strong in

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order to thwart him, not giving in to her fear. The last time she’d decided enough was enough and never again would she look on his face or hear his voice until he was defeated. What on earth could he want now? She ignored the tug and started to dance again. As the afternoon wore on Athena moved from the dance hall out into the gardens. As she walked she communed with nature loving the interaction with animals, insects and birds. The tugs from Lucifer got stronger and more desperate making her more and more curious as to the nature of his desperation. Lucifer was the last person she’d expect to be desperate. She eventually sat down and allowed his thoughts in to see what he wanted. Athena! she heard in her head. Yes, Lucifer. What can I do for you? she asked politely. I was wondering if you would meet with me, he sounded desperate like the tugs. Why on earth would I do that? I’m not your entertainment. There was silence for so long she thought he’d given up. I need some help, he finally whispered, as she was about to close her mind. Lucifer, I‘m quite sure the help I give won’t be what you’re looking for, she answered puzzled. I know we are not on good terms but– his thoughts petered out. She waited for more but as nothing further was forthcoming she took a deep breath, Sorry, there’s no way I’m subjecting myself to your sick jokes any more, Athena said sighing with sadness. You’re not my idea of fun. She closed her mind off and continued with her walk wondering if she’d made the right decision. She was slightly sceptical even though the Masters seemed convinced Lucifer would change. She still hadn’t made a decision whether to let everyone know what the Masters had told her at the meeting about Lucifer.

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She and Mars hadn’t really discussed the situation any more since the meeting she’d had with the Masters. She was aware he was giving her breathing space and Metatron had let her know she was under no obligation to inform them. Being a leader can be very difficult, she thought, especially when you don’t know what’s right or wrong.

****

Later in the evening all the elders were gather in the huge amphitheatre to send out a call into the world. At the centre was a huge rose quartz crystal six metres in diameter, set ten metres deep into the earth the tip of the crystal rising above the ground by one metre. It was surrounded in concentric circles by purple fluorite and silver hematite radiating out along the marble floor. These crystals connected with all the other quartz, hematite, fluorite, aventurine and ruby crystals strategically placed all around the borders of Zeen and together created the barrier of protection. The ninety-five elders were century’s old friends used to working together for the good of all. Each one moved to the large quartz crystal glowing in the centre touching it briefly with their eyes closed the crystal pulsing in acknowledgement finally moving away to settle themselves comfortably on the cushions on the floor, some lying, others sitting. Through deep meditation the vibration of their intentions would pulse out in waves to those humans ready who’d react to this without knowing why. Athena and the elders were aware the dark forces would try to intercept this or distort it but if it only got through to a handful it was better than nothing and was a good start. Athena and Mars were seated next to each other and as the huge central crystal started to pulse strongly they closed their eyes along with everyone else. She felt tingling as each border crystal started to pulse in time together with the central crystal. Athena slowly starting to relax warmth filling her, her mind becoming clear and focused aware the Masters in their physical form

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surrounded them and closed the circle contributing to and amplifying the atmosphere of relaxed anticipation. Her mind remained blank, accepting the peace and quiet as each muscle relaxed and her body became weightless. In sync with everyone she was conscious of the thought forming in her mind creating the intention with waves of energy running through her body picking up the thought and taking it to the centre where the large crystal pulsed. She focused on the love coating the intention until it was alive and heavy straining to be unleashed and wend its way out into the world above. The elders held it there as it grew and grew until finally the tension was too much and with a ping it was released. There was a whoosh and then an easing as each of them settled down with a sigh into the all-encompassing bliss watching from a distance as the energy made its way through the world touching here and there on unsuspecting humans. Every so often a human would sense a brush of something and react with a shiver or a startled look. As though a gong had sounded, awareness returned to each elder and they started to move, stretching and yawning removing the kinks from their body from remaining in the same position for hours. The amphitheatre began to fill with those who’d been outside watching, joy in the air. The wheels were now moving and the future set in motion.

****

Brand stood at the entrance of the place he called home. At the foot of a pale coloured boulder was an obscure entrance difficult to find unless you knew where to look. Most humans would never find it as it’d been disguised and anyone looking at it would only see the boulder. Even if a human stumbled upon it by mistake they couldn’t get inside unless their energy vibrated with

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the same pattern as the entrance. He looked at the land around him. His heart soared with pleasure and love at the sight around him. Namibia. Brand loved the country, its north teeming with water, swamps and wildlife to the wide open flat shimmering grasslands land dotted with thorny acacia trees leading to the barren glimmering golden sands of the south and along the coast. Scattered here and there were huge boulders some as high as three-story building rising out of the flat landscape like towering silent sentinels. This harsh land was filled with the wildness of Africa and yet underneath there is a warm pulsing healing beat. Below this barren land we’ve made our home, the sanctuary we escape to whenever we need to centre ourselves and replenish our depleted energy. This harsh beauty has surrounded us and kept us safe for centuries. We’ve much to be grateful for. Pursing his lips as he thought over the days of re-training to love, nurture and protect, very difficult but necessary. What a rare opportunity to give back. He felt Athena touch his arm. “The new phase is making most of us think of the years gone by. Each of us is reminiscing and wondering how much will change in the future.” He nodded. “It’s taken us years to change the energy surrounding our home to one of peace, our sanctuary from the world outside. For many years we ventured out using our skills to help humanity in small ways.” He ran his hand through his hair as he blew out a breath. “The world is now ready for change, humans are fed up with the way things are going and as yet have no idea how to change it. This is where we come in. Humanity’s imposed suffering is ending. I find my stomach quivering anxiously at this daunting task at the same time looking forward to the challenge.” Athena nodded in sympathy. “Change is difficult. What I’m looking forward to is how many Cyclopes will find their soul-mate amongst the humans. After all,” she glanced at him, “we are all about love.”

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Brand stood still as he pondered this, the strong longing taking him by surprise. Briefly Athena hugged him moving away to join the others. Brand pushed the feeling aside and followed Athena, Mars, Deez construction head and the gardener Hail. The Master, St Germain joined them. They wanted to replicate what they had below the ground in Zeen. They’d concentrate on growing fruit and vegetables for consumption in the outer world as well as a sanctuary for those who wished to learn a different kind of lifestyle. As the portals for the dark side had closed and they were unable to replenish their energies except through the use of human emotion they’d start to weaken and therefore the Cyclopes now had a chance to start spreading light with the help of the Masters. The excitement they all felt was palpable, even the sharp-tongued St Germain was looking pleased. “Lucifer is in dire straits at the moment,” said St Germain with a slight smile on his face. “He is desperate to get things back the way they were and is unsure what is happening since the portals closed. This therefore will make everybody’s job a lot easier. We are also finding it easier to track what they are doing.” Athena gazed at him with a contemplative look on her face. “I was contacted by him yesterday and he sounded desperate. He wanted to know if I’d help him with something. I cut our conversation short so I’ve no idea what he wanted.” Mars looked like he was going to explode. “Why didn’t you let me know he’d pestered you? He has no right after what he’s done to all of us,” almost shouting by the time he had finished his face suffused with red and his eyebrows drawn together in a scowl. “Mars,” said Athena, “It’s okay and he hasn’t contacted me again.” “It’s not the point, Athena,” spluttered Mars, “it’s my job to protect and I can’t do it unless I know what’s going on.” He stopped looking at her in surprise. “How did you keep this from me?” “I didn’t keep it from you. You’ve been so busy lately your head filled with so much we haven’t mind-melded,” she soothed.

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St Germain sharply intervened, “Mars, Athena this is a minor issue. It only indicates Lucifer is concerned about something but this is not our problem. Our immediate concern is to get moving now the door is open for us.” Mars huffed before taking a deep breath and nodding.

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Chapter 10

They continued with their tour of the property, throwing ideas around. They agreed the first thing needing to be done was to prime the land for the changes to occur. “Anthea, the gardeners and I have negotiated with Mother Earth making sure her needs as well as the needs of our community are met. We seem to have a mutually satisfying arrangement with her. Anthea and I enjoy these negotiations with Mother Earth,” she paused. “She has a huge heart despite what she’s suffered at the hands of humanity and the dark side. Her capacity to love the humans who live on her is limitless. Understandably every so often she gets angry at the disrespect and violation she received. “Ignorance is our greatest enemy. The more in the dark humanity is the greater their fear, their ignorance fuelling their fear of change. We all know despite most humans being miserable they would rather live as they are than face unknowns.” The others nodded in agreement. After a moment of contemplation Athena continued. “Our Communications experts and lawyers have been in negotiations with several farmers in the immediate vicinity slowly acquiring more land to create a larger wildlife sanctuary. Since we’ve a lot of experience from years of setting up nature reserves all over the world it’s going very smoothly.” Athena stopped and taking a look around said, “As you are aware underneath our feet there are flowing rivers criss-cross the length and breadth of Namibia’s dry land. Mother Earth has agreed to channel one of these for our use above ground at the sanctuary to fill the pools and our drinking vats. Our soldiers will patrol the land as usual, but we need to employ some human rangers to guard against poaching which is an ever present problem for all sanctuaries.”

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St Germain gestured at the land around. “Harmony will eventually be created but will take a lot of hard work to infuse it into the land. The small communities of Cyclopes healers who specialise in drawing out negative energy and transforming it have gained a lot of experience in the last few years and will be a strong asset in creating the harmony you seek.” Athena nodded in agreement thinking about these communities set up around the world in remote locations working without interference and under protection of the psychics and soldiers. These healers had been working on drawing this energy out from the world and replenishing with healed energy almost like drawing out pus from a boil. Areas such as Europe where there was trauma created by the World Wars still soaked the earth, filtering into the every day life of those living there. Once they’d concluded their tour and had discussed as much as was possible, Deez and Hail returned to Zeen to start finalising the preparations. Brand, Mars, Athena and St Germain stood at the entrance to the underground world of Zeen looking out over the land and discussing the possibilities of finding soldiers and rangers who had slightly developed psychic abilities among the humans. It would make their defences far better if the humans they employed were able to build on the abilities they were aware of. “I’ve spoken with Tierra this morning. She advises adverts for jobs at the sanctuary are being posted next week in different newspapers all over the world,” Mars said. “Obviously until we know exactly who responds to these adverts we’re going to be very careful. I’m sure Lucifer will notice them so we have to be on our guard.” Athena nodded. “We have offices for the interviews at different locations throughout the world. Once we’ve a better idea of numbers we can start setting up interview dates. The psychics are in the process of protecting the interview locations. I’ll oversee this process but I’d be grateful for some help from the Masters as well as your presence at the interviews?” St Germain nodded, “Of course.”

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“Thank you,” said Athena. “We all have a stake in this, and now the time is right we need to make sure all entities are on board with this process.” St Germain looked at them. “We have been monitoring Lucifer’s movements and he has been spending an inordinate amount of time watching a young human woman. We are not quite sure what his motivation is. This young woman has a friend who is dying of cancer. It is safe to assume he is enjoying her pain, but” he pursed his lips, “there is something in his demeanour not ringing quite true and he seems puzzled and almost fighting with himself about something. It is a riddle but we are keeping an eye on him in case he makes a move on this young woman.” “Is it possible the change to the portals is confusing him somehow?” Brand asked with a snort, “Like giving him a conscience?” “Hmm,” said St Germain deep in thought, “we are not sure. Nothing like this has ever happened before. In fact everything to do with this situation is new to all of us. Not even the Universal Being knows the answer. The future changes with each new move made so this is pretty much like being faced with a blank page. Who knows which way the energy will flow and what kind of reactions it will cause? “As you know we can create a collective intention for the world but until the positive mindset of humanity reaches critical mass nothing is certain. Up until thirty years ago humanity was on a collision course with destruction but so far they have astounded us all by-passing that scenario and frustrating Lucifer no end. His power has been waning since then and now with the portals closed he is completely cut off. I wonder if would change him.” St Germain stood with a far away look in his eyes as though listening. “The Masters agree this could change Lucifer. We must remember, before he became the entity he is he was an angel and therefore still has the potential to return to that state. We can but hope this is the case.”

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Athena felt the blossom of hope in her heart at his words. “Wow, imagine the change. There’s the possibility as the light increases it’ll interfere with his circuits and he’ll be ingesting more good than bad and it could change him.” Mars ever the pessimist, scowled, “Highly unlikely as he’s addicted to fear and the lack of food would kill him. I can’t say many would be sorry if happened.” “Mars,” Athena berated gently, “Lucifer has done much damage over the years but I see him as a lost soul. I know I sound like an eternal optimist but if I wasn’t then I wouldn’t be able to do this job.” Mars looked at Athena a small smile on his lips, “I know how optimistic you are, and I sincerely pray he doesn’t disappoint you. I’d forgive him for that alone.” They locked eyes. Brand groaned and turning to St Germain said, “I’m out of here before these two start getting gushy. Namaste,” and bowed before disappearing. St Germain laughed in delight at the look at Brand’s face, before he said, “I would say someone is envious of the two of you. Athena, Mars I will love and leave you until the next time we meet. If anything new crops up about Lucifer I will let you know. Namaste,” and with a slight bow he disappeared. “Alone finally,” said Mars standing in the sun enjoying its heat on his skin and the harsh strong energy of this land pulsing through his body making him vibrant and horny filling his mind with all kinds of ideas of what he’d do with Athena. He felt her beating at his mind and he opened up to her and she flooded into his head, winding her body around him as she did so. His arms came up and held her around the waist to him. “What a perfect place for fast and urgent sex,” she murmured into his ear as she nibbled his earlobe. “We’re supposed to be changing this area what better way of starting it off?” she enquired moving her hands down his chest opening his shirt as she did so spreading the shirt wide so she had

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access to his nipples. Idly flicking them she lent back looking into his face “What say you?” she asked her eyebrows arched. He pulled her to him and kissed her with hunger letting it flood their minds and sweep them away, ripples running up and down their bodies with intensity. They both felt a deep pulsing from the land entering their feet, the primal beat of this beautiful primitive land filling them with a sacred high of pleasure and love. The urgency of what they were feeling overtook them and in a frenzy of activity their clothes disappeared leaving them both naked and exposed to the sun. Mars’s mind almost exploded at the sight and sound of Athena, which was mirrored in Athena’s mind and flowing back to him pushing both of them closer and closer to the edge of an orgasmic high of pleasure. Touching wasn’t necessary, their thoughts and emotions creating the high they felt. Pressing her back against the huge boulder, Mars lifted Athena’s legs and wrapped them around his waist and plunged into her with savagery, both of them crying out in ecstasy. Sheer joy of their union flowed through their bodies pushing them both over the edge, the energy flowing through their bodies feeding and growing until they exploded out into the universe seeing the smiling faces of the angels around them singing their love to the heavens. The unconditional love of the Universal Being touched and surrounded them, the edges of who they are blurring and becoming one with the universe. Finally, bit by tiny bit coming down from the high, they squeezed back into their panting bodies drenched in sweat. Satisfied and happy they grinned at each other like maniacs. All around the ions danced in response to the waves pulsing through and out of them into the surrounding area. They collapsed in the shade of the boulder, staring out over the parched land in a haze of satisfaction and peace. “I think we might have let Lucifer know where we are as he’ll recognise our energetic signature,” murmured Athena.

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Before Mars could answer Brand, two soldiers and one of the psychics stepped out from the boulder. “You don’t say?” Brand asked wryly. “Could you two not have waited until we were sure the area was secured and protected?” “Why?” asked Athena without self-consciousness, “we know this place is secure and always has been otherwise we’d never have had our tour out here today. The only difference is now the energy of love is spreading out there instead of inside Zeen and you know he can’t attack inside the protective barrier. He’s going to find us anyway now we are coming out from the ground. At least this way we spread the love energy before he can do anything to stop it.” Brand looked at Mars who shrugged his shoulders, “She’s right, of course.” Brand raised his eyebrows, “You’d agree with Athena after she’s given you a ride to heaven and back.” “Hey I object to that, pal. What about me giving her the ride to heaven?” Mars muttered. Both soldiers and the psychic grinned rolling their eyes before moving off to scan the area. “We all know who gives who pleasure,” Brand replied wriggling his eyebrows and leering at them. “Now would you stop flaunting yourselves out here and please move inside.”

****

Lucifer was in a foul mood once again. Nothing was going right lately. He also felt out of sorts with all kinds of strange emotions bombarding him. He’d found himself thinking twice before sending of demons to wreak havoc amongst humanity and as a result it drove him to be more malicious than he’d been before. Unusually he’d enjoyed the battle with Mars and now had a grudging admiration for him, which irked Lucifer no end as Mars headed the community which had been a thorn in his side for centuries.

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And to crown it all, that damned woman was constantly in the fore of his mind distracting him. After the disaster of almost giving himself away when he followed her home that dreaded night he’d distanced himself and hadn’t contacted or even remote viewed her. The problem he should be concentrating on was the portals. He had a suspicion the light side had managed to outwit him and closed the portals to the darkness. This presented a problem and had him cursing and throwing things around. This of course, was devastating, as when Lucifer had a tantrum he created earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and tsunamis creating chaos, grief and destruction. If the light had closed the portals as he suspected, he had to create more chaos and fear in order for them to feed. Of course letting go and having a tantrum was an effective method. The despair, grief, fear and anger spreading out from the areas of disaster were pouring into the palace and making him stronger with each passing minute although not getting as much from this as he’d expected. Agadon walked into the large draughty dark hall heading in his direction. He casually glanced at him walking across the floor, dread in his stomach from the look on Agadon’s face. “What now? I hope you don’t have any more bad news to deliver,” he groused. Agadon nodded seeming to delight in Lucifer’s discomfort, “I’ve been doing some remote viewing after your comment the energy wasn’t as strong as it should’ve been and there seems to be something eating the negative emotions. I couldn’t quite find out what. You know how we have various areas we concentrate on as they’re more prone to destruction. None of them are delivering the vast amounts for feeding they normally do. So I checked them all to find the same phenomenon. It seems there are five areas spaced all over the world sucking this energy out and then replacing it with − love.” He looked horrified. Lucifer jumped as if stung. “What?” he roared. “Have you done something about it?”

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“No,” Agadon admitted. “I thought I’d talk to you first. It seems we some competition. Whatever is doing this is very well protected and I can’t worm my way in. I’ve despatched demons able to shape shift and become human to try and infiltrate these areas. Until I hear from them there’s not much we can do but keep an eye on things.” As he finished talking a huge wave of energy hit them flinging them both to the ground. The hall instantly lit up with an eerie glow and dancing orbs briefly, then all went quiet. Lucifer felt disorientated as he lifted his head to look around him. Agadon was lying on the floor very still. Lucifer’s concern for his friend had him crawling over to him, his body shaking uncontrollably as he moved. Agadon looked quite peaceful and almost happy. Frowning Lucifer stood up and sent his awareness out into the world to find out what was happening. He honed in the on the source of this energy and found…Athena! He should’ve guessed the witch would be involved with this somehow. Happiness made him itchy and grumpy and his anger spiked at the sight of it spreading out over the world. He heard a movement behind him and pivoted around to see Agadon sit up rubbing his forehead. “What happened?” he asked groggily. “Athena,” snarled Lucifer. “The stupid bitch has sent out the energy of love and happiness pulsing through the world and the stupid buggers are lapping it up like manna from heaven.” “Which it is,” Agadon said wryly watching Lucifer pace up and down. “This is intolerable. She must pay for what she is doing. The grief at her demise would be so great we could live off of it for decades. I want you to take a couple of hundred thousand demons to where the emotion started and demolish everything in sight. I do not care how much devastation there is, I want the bitch dead,” he said through gritted teeth. “I’m on it,” said Agadon and disappeared to carry out the orders.

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Lucifer focused his awareness on the many tugs from his minions on earth demanding his attention. Those he’d placed in power all around the world maintaining the web of control around humanity. The secret government had a finger in every single pie from politics to medicine to religion. They kept a finger on the pulse of the world moulding events to fit in with Lucifer’s agenda of chaos.

****

Bethany felt surprisingly happy and peaceful despite Lillian’s deterioration. Lillian seemed almost euphoric, which could of course have been the effects of the morphine but Bethany didn’t think so. Since she’d arrived for her nightly visit, Lillian had been filled with excitement and had a far away look in her eyes as though she was seeing something else. They didn’t talk much but Bethany felt peaceful sitting there holding her dear friend’s hand. She had the distinct impression this was the last time she’d see her alive and wanted to make the most of their time left. As the night wore on Lillian’s breathing became more and more erratic the nurses coming in quietly every so often to check on her friend, the compassion in their eyes as they looked at her and Lillian making the lump in her throat grow until Bethany couldn’t swallow very well. In the early hours of the morning Lillian’s eyes opened and looked directly at Bethany with a smile of wonderment on her face and said, “I love you and thank you for your friendship. Remember the good times.” Her breathing became more laboured until there was a slight gurgle and silence. It was almost as though one minute Lillian was there and the next minute her spirit had flown. Bethany stared at her for a while not quite comprehending her friend wasn’t going to take another breath. A nurse entered the room and checked Lillian’s vitals shaking her head sadly at

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Bethany who broke down. She cried out all the pent-up emotions she’d kept inside her whilst trying to stay strong for her friend during her illness, unaware of the nurses moving around the room. Finally spent, she lifted her head stood and kissed her friend’s cheek choking out, “God speed dear one and may we meet on the other side.” “We’ll leave you with Lillian for as long as you need the time with her,” one of the nurses said quietly. Bethany nodded and they left her alone shutting the door behind them. She looked out the window noting the first traces of dawn were staining the sky. She held her friend’s hand and stood watching the sun slowly rise seeing the beauty of the sunlight spreading across the sky. Her heart started to soar as she imagined Lillian in heaven surrounded by a greater beauty than this and knowing how exuberantly happy her friend would be, a small tornado rushing through heaven as she looked in wonder at everything around her. She sincerely hoped the angels were indulgent and would delight in Lillian’s enthusiasm. At the thought of it she started to laugh, slightly hysterically, wishing she was there to see the laughing chaos Lillian would cause up there. “Dear God,” she whispered with laughter tears in her eyes, “please forgive her overenthusiasm and look after her.”

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Chapter 11

The Cyclopes had worked tirelessly at the site of the destruction, shifts rotating endlessly as they collected all the pieces of the strange rock, the psychics constantly strengthening the protection barrier, as the strange rocks’ energy seemed to eat away at it. As a result more and more psychics were needed until eventually there were twenty psychics together with twenty-five Cyclopes all volunteering at any one time to keep the protective barrier strong. Because of the vast area sprayed by the nuclear blast it had taken almost a week to collect all the pieces. Many were found outside the crater but there was nothing past the protection barrier. The whole area covered approximately 50 square miles. St Germain scanned each piece brought in, deciding they needed help in accumulating the memories and asked for one of the crystal skulls to be transported to the area from the Communications room where the crystal skulls were kept. There were 40 of them altogether each one made from a different crystal and used to store information like a mini-computer. Every single memory since earth had been formed was stored in these crystal skulls, the vast history astounding and nothing like the history found in humanity’s books. Finally, all the pieces they could find were in a pile to one side of the crater having been scanned by the crystal skull and the information stored. The skull being used was made of blue kyanite as it could transmit and receive very high frequencies. Because each piece was a confusion of memories from the blast it was felt this crystal could cut through any confusion and get to the core of the memories. The energies coming off the pile of rock was extremely strong now they were all together and it was decided to contain it further calling upon the Masters to help them to do so. St Germain and twelve other Masters arrived to help the psychics with this and stood in a circle around it hands

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outstretched as they faced inward. The elders and psychics stood on the outside of the ring of Masters lending their energy in support and outside of this were the dakas and dakinas who started chanting as the energy swirled out from the hands of the Masters. The crystal skull had been placed to one side away from the pile. As they chanted it started to glow in response pulsing in time to the chanting, a corresponding pulse from the pile of rocks in the centre. The energy built with each pulse, the air almost alive with shards of lightning shooting between it and the skull. Anthea standing on the outside with her gardeners was aware of the static electricity in the air as everyone’s hair stood on end and she felt shivers running up and down her skin in time to the pulsing. Just when it felt unbearable there was a split second of stillness as though everything had stopped breathing, waiting in anticipation and then there was a huge blinding explosion as a final shard of lightning shot from the crystal skull into the pile. The explosion knocked those surrounding the pile back, flinging them through the air. Anthea covered her eyes to protect them from the blinding light. After a few seconds of quiet she cautiously opened her eyes and looked through her fingers not knowing what to expect. The rocks were gone but the crystal skull was still in the same place pulsing with the glowing energy. She looked around at those blasted by the explosion and started moving toward them to see if they were okay. Teim, Merrick and some of the soldiers were running towards her, concern on their faces as they took in the scene before them. They checked each person including the Masters and found they were unconscious but fine. Whilst the healers moved around giving healing, Anthea and her gardeners searched to see if they could find the scattered rocks. They hunted for hours but couldn’t find anything resembling the strange rocks but what they did find was an extraordinarily large amount of green calcite she was sure hadn’t been there before.

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Despite being blown twenty metres into the air those affected by the blast were in good spirits. The thirteen Masters had taken their leave once it was made sure everyone was injury free.

****

“Uh oh,” Voël, a voluptuous dark skinned woman with exotic features, mumbled as she leaned forward to look at the monitor before her. “Something wrong?” asked Tierra turning to look at her seated in the middle of the Communications room surrounded by screens. “Yes, I think we’re being invaded by…something,” she ended lamely as she pressed a button and a warning pulse went out into Zeen. “There’s a strange swirling movement above ground close to the boundary of our protected land. Those on duty above ground noticed it and have been watching it for a few minutes from inside the protective barrier. I can’t quite make out what it is. Merrick has contacted me saying they have no clue what’s going on.” Mars, Teim and Brand appeared at the same in the Communications room with the word, “Problem?” Tierra nodded and pointed to the monitor Voël was watching intently. All three observed with a frown, the swirling seemed to grow in size dwarfing the soldiers watching it. Mars commanded Brand, “Go and check it out, please.” He nodded and disappeared reappearing a second later on the monitor with the soldiers before the swirling mass of sand. Gradually, the whirling stopped. As the sand settled they could make out a group of indistinct figures, the size of the group swelling as more figures poured out of a rift in the air. Finally all was still and they were able to get a good look at whom or what was confronting them.

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A familiar figure stood slightly forward of the others. Mars squinted at the screen trying to figure out whom it was when he heard Brand shout in his head Oh shit, Agadon! sounding appalled and gleeful at the same time. “Well, well, this should be interesting,” said Mars, “Teim, please stay here. I’m going to join Brand out there.” Teim nodded grimly as Mars left the Communications room and materialised next to Brand, facing Agadon across the barrier. “What an unexpected pleasure, Agadon. What brings you this side of the world?” Mars asked. Agadon smiled evilly. “We’ve come to teach you a lesson or two.” “Really?” asked Mars. “How are you planning to do that?” Agadon grinned looking pleased with himself. Mars felt doubt enter his head as St Germain appeared next to him gently touching him on the shoulder and the doubt dissolved. “Nice touch, Agadon,” said St Germain, “placing doubt in a believer’s mind. Doubt would certainly undermine the effectiveness of the barrier.” Agadon snarled at St Germain, “Stop interfering you do-gooder. Nothing will stand in Lucifer’s way. It doesn’t matter how many demons we lose we’ll crush you all and feed off the pain and despair for eons to come. You also forget what we can do to your precious humans while we wait for you to let us in.” He flicked his wrist and the army of demons parted to show a terrified elderly lady being shoved forward by a towering demonic hulk. Agadon gestured and the hulk pressed a knife to her throat nicking the skin slightly so some blood oozed out. The elderly lady whimpered and fainted. The hulk held her effortlessly by her arm as she dangled from his hand as though she was a doll.

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“What are you going to do to save this precious human now?” Agadon laughed and all the demons smirked nastily. Mars tensed his muscles in anger and St Germain touched his shoulder again. “Mars, rash moves will not help.” He indicated they should walk away. Mars followed St Germain placing his temper under icy control. “Some interesting ploys don’t you think?” St Germain asked calmly. Mars stared at him. What on earth was he doing talking pleasantly as though nothing was happening? He glanced over to where the others stood at the boundary watching Agadon. The elderly lady was now lying in a crumpled heap on the ground, Agadon tapping his fingers against his thigh in impatience. “Do you have a plan or are we going to stand here passing the time of day?” Mars asked tightly. “We do have a plan. Do you remember the other day I mentioned it was possible the other side were weakening?” “Yeees,” said Mars hoping this was going somewhere fruitful. “Well, we have since discovered it is possible to get past their defences,” St Germain smiled. “As you know we do not want to harm anyone, so if we can rescue the lady rather than kill any demons off we will do so. Our protection is so much stronger than theirs at the moment, so it is possible to get in and out without them noticing. Their reflexes seem to have slowed down whereas ours are growing faster with the influx of light.” Mars smiled smugly as he faced Agadon, who was now pacing up and down. “Who’s going to attempt this marvellous feat?” he asked frowning. “We’ve not had any training in the new energy. As you know until we’ve attempted it a few times in practice we could become disoriented.”

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St Germain smiled and turned to look at the demons indicating with his hand, “Watch, Mars,” he said. As Mars watched the elderly lady disappeared and reappeared on their side in a split second, too fast for the demons to notice. As Agadon spun around to pace back to the human he realised she was missing. The expression on his face was priceless. Initially he looked surprised, incredulous and then suspicious as his eyes moved up to look at Mars who was facing him with a huge smile spreading across his face. Agadon then noticed the elderly lady on their side and started screaming at the demons around him who were looking at the ground where the elderly lady had being lying, confusion and disbelief etched on their faces. Slowly it sunk in and they all started to look fearful jabbering at Agadon who was beside himself with anger. The soldiers and Brand stood looking slightly bemused at the quick change in circumstances. “Mars, open your third eye and look at what is around the elderly lady,” St Germain told Mars. Mars felt the slight shift in his head and as he looked past the swirling energies and colours, he saw the elementals. There were fairies around her body gently stroking her forehead, arms and legs crooning and soothing her. He could see her energy changing from stressed out grey to peaceful pale blue. Surrounding her was a mixture of elves and pixies grinning broadly as they danced a little victory dance. To one side stood a tall glowing beautiful being with long pale hair and a compassionate smile on her face enjoying the little peoples’ triumph. St Germain and Mars strolled back to where the others were standing. Mars gestured to the elderly lady when Brand looked at him with an enquiring raise of the eyebrow, saying, “Use your third eye and have a look at the elderly lady.” Brand did so a few seconds later exclaiming in amazement, “The little people did that? How? And since when are they powerful?”

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Before Mars could answer there was an explosion of massive proportions outside the barrier blinding him. He shut his third eye quickly before he became too disoriented, concentrating on the area where the explosion had taken place. Agadon’s anger had reached such epic proportions he’d thrown a huge bolt of fire at some of the demons reducing them to a sizzle of ash as the other demons shrank back in fear waiting for their turn. Agadon looked slightly drained as he attempted to send another bolt at the next lot. The fizzle leaving his hands wasn’t as strong as the first and as the next portion of demons turned to ash Agadon staggered, looking down at his hands in puzzlement. Ranting he shot another bolt out but it only succeeded in burning a few of them. He stood panting from exertion staring at his handiwork then slowly turned to face Mars and the others his mouth working at trying to get words out but his anger was such he produced no sound. He turned and stalked off into the portal not saying a word. His demons stood around looking a bit lost and then slowly one by one they started to follow him, until they were all gone and rip closing quietly behind them. “You’ve got to feel sorry for the poor bastards,” said Brand with concern. Merrick started shouting orders at the soldiers and psychics who spread out and started checking the barrier was solid. Brand walked over to the elderly lady and greeted the little people and the glowing being. St Germain and Mars joined him shortly after. St Germain did the introductions, “Mars, Brand it is my pleasure to introduce you to the Diva of the elementals, Lady Gwendolyn.” Lady Gwendolyn stepped forward her hand outstretched to take first Mars’s hand and then Brand. “Finally, after years of living in fear we are now coming out into the sun and reaching our former potential. We are finding the return of our strength and power is creating a bit of a high for all of us,” her voice tinkled as she smiled indulgently at the little people milling around her feet. “We are not quite to our full potential but as the dark weakens our power strengthens and we are available to help you in your endeavours whenever you need us.”

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“That’s an offer we gratefully accept, my Lady,” said Mars bowed respectfully. “Is there any way you can teach us what you did then as we can’t always expect you to rescue any humans while we stand around watching. It’s our job to protect and any new learning would be welcomed.” Lady Gwendolyn nodded. “I have discussed this with St Germain already. The elementals and I were not sure how fast our power will grow and what we were capable of doing. Today has given us a good idea.” A pixie flitted, up his tiny voice triumphant as he settled on her shoulder, “It was such an incredible feat for us we’ll be celebrating for weeks! There are several of us who’ve been discussing in advance joining forces with you, as we knew you’d ask once you had seen what we could do. We’d like to volunteer to train the Cyclopes’ soldiers,” he shook his little body, grinning. “We’d also like to volunteer to permanently join your ranks now we’re stronger. We’re small packages of dynamite.” He looked slightly wistful. “It’s been so long since we were at our full potential I’d almost forgotten what it felt like. This is truly exciting.” Lady Gwendolyn reached up to gently touch his foot in sympathy. “Are you sure about this, Lund?” she asked gently. “Yes. We’ve been waiting for this day for so long and are eager to see in the changes instead of standing to one side helpless. We remember when earth was a paradise. How can we stand around letting others do the work. Our returning power needs to be put to some use.” Lady Gwendolyn inclined her head before asking Mars, “Are you in agreement?” Mars and Brand exchanged glances then both nodded. Mars bowed to Lund and said, “Welcome aboard. When can you start?” Lund lent forward eagerly and shouted, “Now!” Lady Gwendolyn laughed and held her hand out for Lund. He stepped onto her palm. A glowing orb surrounded him and he seemed to grow in stature. “I place you in charge of the volunteer elementals. Look after your people well, Lund.”

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Lund saluted and flitted to the ground still glowing, as Lady Gwendolyn turned to Mars, St Germain and Brand. “I will leave you. Call me if you need my help. Namaste.” She gave a slight bow and disappeared. “Well Lund, gather your volunteers and come with us into Zeen,” said Brand. “How many are you bringing?” “So far there are one thousand but maybe more once they hear of our triumph,” Brand whistled in surprise. “We knew there were elementals around but were not sure how many because you were always so shy.” “We hid because we were so weak and the dark took a great deal of pleasure in destroying us when they found us,” Lund shrugged, “We’ve been reproducing at a rapid rate away from their prying eyes.” “Are you not depleting your numbers by coming here? What about your community’s protection?” Mars asked frowning. “Nah, we’re fine. We’re bulging at the seams,” replied Lund. St Germain had been standing patiently to one side watching the interaction with keen observant eyes. “I think you will all get along fine. I must leave, something else requires my attention. But before I go I will take the elderly lady back to her family. Namaste,” he bowed, picked up the elderly lady and disappeared. “I’d like to know how to access Zeen in order for our volunteers can get in without problem. Once you tell me I’ll be able to go home and round up the volunteers and bring them back,” Lund said flitting up to sit on Brand’s shoulder. Mars looked around noticing all the elementals had disappeared with the exception of Lund. He nodded and moved forward to the hidden entrance of Zeen. “Watch my energy carefully as I pass through the barrier placed here,” he replied. “Once you have done it the first time you should be able to flash in and out without having to physically walk in.”

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They spent some time doing this until Lund was confident enough he would be able to pass through in the correct manner. Once inside they took him to the Communications centre where they introduced him to everyone on duty there. They then arranged for Lund and his volunteers to be met by some of the Communications’ staff.

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Chapter 12

A short while after returning the elderly lady to her family St Germain arrived back to investigate the excess amount of green calcite and find out what the crystal skull had to offer them as far as the memories were concerned. He and Anthea retired with the crystal skull to the Communications room in Zeen and with the help of Tierra were now extracting the information the skull had collected. In the air before a blank wall, the skull was displaying the memories, which were quite astounding, and all of them were becoming more and more incredulous the longer they viewed it. It seemed Lucifer had taken healing green calcite and transformed it to a stone pulsing out negative energies of doubt, anger, resentment, frustration and jealousy to earth where it bred amongst humans allowing Lucifer and his minions to draw on this amplified energy. When the portals had closed these crystals became unstable as the portals were their main source of negative energy and kept them in the state Lucifer needed. These stones were placed strategically around the earth creating the quarantine barrier set up by Lucifer. One of the stones had fallen like a meteor out of the sky hitting the ground breaking into three pieces and causing nuclear-like explosions.

****

When Athena arrived in Zeen in the large Communications room she was confronted with a sight she’ll never forget. Covering every conceivable part of the room perched or hovering were tiny foot-tall entities with rainbow wings. She stared around her in wonder, a smile slowly widening as her brain came to terms with what she was seeing.

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“Elementals,” she cried in delight clapping her hands. “Oh how wonderful. Where did you come from?” Everyone turned as one to look at her in surprise. “I knew there was a community on earth but because they were so shy I never had an opportunity to actually meet and talk to one except those I brought with me,” she smiled around at the little people. “I’m so pleased to see you. Do any of you know the elementals on Olympus?” Lund flew up to hover in front her face. “Lund at your service, my lady,” he said with a flourishing bow. “This is my army,” he said waving his arm to encompass the room. “We know the elementals who lived on Olympus. Not all of them survived and those who did are now living in our community away from the world.” Sadness filled Athena’s face. “Who was lost?” “Brewster, Milly, Wendy, Ariel, Jester and Savannah,” he answered. “Zeus was so angry he destroyed your palace without any warning. Unfortunately, those six were still there tending after your garden. None of us have ever returned to Olympus since the gods were banished by Lucifer as it’s difficult to get there without drawing attention to ourselves.” replied Lund. “We did discuss whether they were safe without me there but they were determined to stay. I’d always hoped that they were safe. How stupid of me to believe that Zeus would accept my defection without repercussions,” Athena said brokenly tears in her eyes. “Please accept my deepest sympathies to your community for the loss. I had no idea.” She stood hugging herself as though cold. Mars came up to her worry etching his face as he took her in his arms. The elementals crowded around Athena and Mars sharing in the grief she felt. The fairies kept touching her with reassurance and love and soon enough her tears slowed enough for her to lift her head and smiling shakily said, “Thank you, dear ones.” The fairies sighed and moved away leaving Athena to circle

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around in Mars’s arms and survey the elemental army. Anxiety clouded her face as she asked Lund, “Army? Surely the fairies don’t fight? They don’t have a mean bone in their bodies.” “No,” Lund replied, “They’re the healers with us in case anyone is hurt.” Athena nodded in relief and turning to Mars she kissed him silently sending him thank you to his mind. “Did I interrupt something?” Mars nodded, “We were discussing where the elementals would set up home. They’ve agreed to live with us and help in any way they can. This morning there was an altercation with Agadon and his demons and the elementals came with Lady Gwendolyn, their diva and St Germain to help. It seems with the influx of light their power and strength is growing as is ours. Agadon did look weakened and not at his full potential, as he has been in the past. The closing of the portals as evidenced this morning is definitely taking its toll. The elementals were invaluable in the rescue of an elderly human whom Agadon had kidnapped and was using to convince us to open the barrier to let them in.” Mars explained the scene from the morning to Athena. “We’re not sure how long it’ll take for Agadon to replenish his energy levels. Without this weakness he would have continued torturing humans until we gave in. So we have a breather until he returns. He promised to destroy us completely but who knows what happens next and when,” he shrugged. A sand elf appeared and flitted forward to whisper in Lund’s ear who bowed excusing himself saying more elementals had arrived outside the Zeen entrance and he’d like to escort them in. He vanished in a flash, the sand elf and two pixies following him. “More?” Athena asked bemused. “How many are coming here?” “Originally Lund estimated one thousand but he seemed to think once the elementals heard the news about this morning’s confrontation the number will increase. Those here now planned to come anyway. So I guess the ones outside are the extras he was talking about.”

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Brand grinned saying, “No-one in Zeen knows anything about the elementals joining us as it’s happened so quickly. Want to join us as we break the news? I suspect there’ll be a celebration tonight, anything for a party.” Athena looked at the fairies and light-heartedly said, “We have three fairy couples living here with us who came with me when I left Olympus. They’ll be pleased to see all of you. It’s been pretty lonely for them although they each have huge families. The parents have been worried none of their children have been able to meet fairies outside these three families. I can’t wait to see their faces when you lot walk in.” Athena gestured to one of the young fairies closer to her, “Could you tell me your name?” The young fairy came forward hovering in front of Athena saying, “Jessie.” “Jessie, would you introduce me to the fairies while we are waiting for Lund to return?” she held out her hand for the fairy to land on. Jessie nodded and stood on the palm of Athena’s hand introducing each of the fifty fairies. “It’ll take me a while to remember all the names. Welcome all of you and we’re grateful for your healing expertise.” She gestured to the elves. A young male elf leapt up on to her hand and bowed, “My name is Styx,” he said proudly and proceeded to introduce all the two hundred elves. Next came the gnomes, slightly grumpy looking but nonetheless eager to be part of the changes. There were three hundred of them. Finally she was introduced to the pixies of which there were approximately four hundred and fifty. Lund arrived with five hundred more, a mixture of elves and pixies and it was agreed it was time to go into Zeen and get them settled as soon as possible.

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****

It had taken a day or two to settle the elementals. As envisaged everyone was amazed and happy at the new additions, especially the three fairy families who had lived at Zeen for centuries, Wesley still the head of the clan. The elementals made their homes in every conceivable part of Zeen. The tree pixies and elves at home in the forests, the water pixies and elves at the lake’s edge, the sand elves in caves in the hills and the fairies amongst the gardens. Not all the elementals were part of the fighting unit. Some were here to take up their rightful place tending to the water, trees, plants and soil as they had in the distant past. The Cyclopes who had adapted their abilities to focus on creating a harmonious environment had handled most of this. There was great excitement amongst the Cyclopes at the influx of new knowledge and abilities amongst all the elementals and little knots of Cyclopes and elementals dotted the landscape as they exchanged information and ideas with great gusto. The fairies were greatly in demand by the healers and gardeners. The gnomes had found a forest of toadstools to live amongst and seemed happy enough although it was difficult to tell as gnomes tended to be a little aloof, not because they felt superior but due to their shy natures. They were hard workers tending the land using their skills to coax fruit trees, bushes and creepers to fruit and would be an invaluable asset to the farmers. There were budding romances already amongst the fairies. The three families who were already living at Zeen had forty-two children between them. The addition of fifty more fairies created a furore amongst the youngsters and a flurry of romantic activity ensued, viewed indulgently by the parents who seemed pleased with the new blood being introduced to the families. Lund had told them some more fairies were planning on making the trip to Zeen to live but wasn’t sure when or how many.

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The training by the elementals had begun in earnest once everyone had settled into their new homes.

****

Cara was breathless with anticipation. She’d gathered with the others to play a ball game, which could get extremely competitive. They’d been split into two teams by the referee and Cara found herself part of the defending team. She was one of the newly graduated youngsters joining this game. The head referee, Menta, called Cara and her fellow initiate-graduates over. “As you three are newbies we will make this a coaching game rather than the hardcore game experienced players would normally play. I believe the three of you are hoping to find a position in one of the regiments?” They nodded. “It will test your abilities. Wiggling out of tight spots is great fun and will give you a chance to test how you’d react in the outside world. “The ball in this game represents a situation. If you join the military wing you will be guarding humans. But, remember, when facing Lucifer and his minions there are no rules. It will be tough with no holds barred.” Menta indicated that they should join their teams. Cara warmed up, using stretching and yoga moves, aware that a few spectators were watching. As her body became supple, music started to play. Having been a spectator for many years she knew it was a signal to start harmonising with her body as well as with the team mind. The more she moved in time to the music, the deeper she went until she was in sync with all her team members.

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A ripple of energy moved through the air as the referee decided it was time to start the game. The ball would be released to the Cara’s defending team who would tune themselves to the ball. It would be masked by each defending team member so the opposing team never knew who had the ball. The defenders would start running as one covering each other, one of their team holding the ball, racing for the basket on the other side of the field. Most of the players in this game were soldiers and communications agents, so the game was always hard and tough regardless of gender. The game pitted men and women against each other despite size or strength, cunning and agility playing a big role. The excitement was tangible as everyone readied themselves, the ball waiting to one side with one of the referees. On each side were ten team members dressed in their team colours. Each member wore a suit made of silk, which moulded to the body and had the ability to stretch and protect as all their clothes did. As the whistle blew the seasoned players of the defending team threw up their protection barrier. Cara tried desperately to follow them but found she was so excited that she kept losing the ball. She saw the ball arc its way to them as they stood in readiness at one end of the field. The attacking team was between them and the basket. As she was one of the front runners of the defending team, she jumped up and caught the ball. As fast as she could, she imagined herself disappearing in the twinkle of an eye and appearing at the far end of the field by the basket. Triumphant, she lifted her arms to lob the ball into the basket, only to be thrown off balance by one of the attacking team who grabbed her. The ball flew out of her hands, caught by another attacker who disappeared. The head referee blew a whistle and the teams stopped to look at him. Menta indicated that they should gather around. “Cara, you played well but you let us know at the end where you were. Your signature exploded with pleasure and you lit up the entire pitch.”

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He grinned at her. “I understand your happiness, but,” he became serious, “should Lucifer find out what you’re doing, the retribution to humanity would be devastating. We always operate under the radar using stealth. Remaining inconspicuous allows you to get on with your job of protecting without interference.” He suggested they start the game again and this time Cara, Wim and Hun had to follow the lead of the more experienced players. The whistle sounded and as the ball was lobbed to the defending side, one of the more experienced players grabbed it, cloaking it so it disappeared. The protection shields were up and as a result it was difficult for the attacking team to find the ball. Cara watched in bewilderment as each attacking player shifted their sight, their third eye opening. The defending team members were running towards the basket at the end of the field, swerving around the attacking players, who scanned for the ball. Cara was confused and followed everyone trying to get a fix on the ball. The referee blew the whistle again and the game stopped. As the shields dropped and she could see the ball was still at the back of the field. Menta explained, “Each member of the defending team has to be tuned into the team mind as well as the ball. Once the ball disappears from sight all they have is their connection with the team and the team member who has the ball. Please show them.” The defending team members cloaked themselves and the ball again, while the referee asked Cara and her fellow graduate-initiates to try and find out where the ball had gone. She tried to follow it with her senses and to her frustration wasn’t able to do so, bringing a delighted grin to the defenders’ faces. Menta stopped the game once more and took them through the steps of firstly, sensing the ball, then tuning into it. All three of them watched what happened when the ball was cloaked by protection trying to follow it once it left the hands of a player. They kept doing this move until Cara, Wim and Hun had a better idea of what to look for.

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Finally they carried on playing. As they cloaked themselves in protection and the ball disappeared from view, Cara, Wim and Hun followed their experienced defence player. Cara, following Rhona her mentor, found it difficult to keep the ball in view, and be aware of the attacking players taking them down in an effort to find the ball. This in effect, for her as a newbie, was a sensory overload of extreme proportions. In a distracted moment she was tackled with force. Cara and her attacker flew threw the air and landed in a heap, a whoosh of air leaving her lungs. A grateful thought flashed through her stunned mind, Thank goodness I can’t be hurt too badly. I need to be aware and have eyes in the back of my head! Cara lay still trying to get air back into her lungs as her muscles groaned from the impact. She finally stood up, taking a deep breath. As the game was still going she flung herself into the fray trying to find where the ball had gone. Warily she kept an eye on the attacker stalking her. As she was tackled again, she dissolved leaving the attacker grabbing thin air, laughing in delight at her abilities as she appeared a short distance away. Her laughter turned to a squeal when she was grabbed from behind and fell forehead first into the ground knocking her out for a few seconds. The whistle blew and the game stopped again, Menta explaining, “Never lose sight of the ball or take time out to express any emotion. Lucifer and his demons would pick up on this. Being tackled to the ground and winded would then be the least of your problems.” Again he stressed the need for stealth, cunning and agility. As the whistle went, the ball was thrown to Cara who cloaked it with invisibility, moving with her experienced player, who knew she had the ball. She tried to act as though she was supporting someone who had it by looking around and ducking her head. She feinted left and right mirroring her mentor, Rona. The two of them slowly made their way to the basket with her senses heightened, trying to remember the proximity of each attacker.

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She knew she was doing very well but groaned inwardly when she realised the joy of making it to the basket had overtaken her. Rhona hissed a warning she’d started to glow like a beacon, signifying possession of the ball to the attackers. Before she realised what was happening, she was attacked from all sides by blasts of stunning energy. While she was rooted to the ground in shock, one of the attackers slipped in and grabbed the ball from her bewildered hands. Again the referee blew the whistle and they gathered for instruction. She felt like an idiot, but at the same time was grinning like a maniac with the rush of adrenalin. Everyone smiled congratulating her on nearly completing the task. Menta patted her on the back and said gently she’d done very well. They decided to call it a day and everyone to retired to the pools to freshen up and replenish their energy.

****

Cara, glowing with achievement, sat naked on the edge of the pool with her mentor, one of the more experienced psychic soldiers, Rhona. She was teasing Cara who caught sight of Brand strolling up the hill. As he headed their way Cara’s heart did a little flip. She watched him with pleasure. Rhona nudged her. “Is that a sigh of a satisfied woman I hear?” Dreamily Cara answered, “You have no idea. She and Brand had been together since the celebratory dance. Since then she’d been immersed in a world of sensation and love, with him at the hub. She knew this wasn’t a committed relationship but they really enjoyed each other’s company.

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Brand had a lot to teach her and she soaked up the knowledge at every opportunity. She was eager to get out into the world and start working with humans. But until she was more experienced, she’d be locked away inside Zeen. Jumping up she bounced over to meet him flinging herself into his arms. He swung her around before dipping his head to kiss her deeply. Her toes curled as his tongue invaded her mouth gently stroking the inside. Her insides melted with lust. It was strangely titillating to stand naked in his arms in the sun while he was fully dressed. Breathless she broke away. “I’m so revved. You’re putting me into overdrive.” He laughed, “Something to savour later on?” She nodded eagerly. “I’ve had the most fantastic day.” Eyeing him she said coyly, “I’m sure it could get better.” He wiggled his eyebrows at her, saying, “That I can promise you.” Slinging his arm around her shoulders he guided her back to where Rhona was sitting. Cara babbled excitedly, “I really enjoyed every moment of the game. Even being blasted by stunning energy, and, wow being tackled without restraint was certainly a new thing for me,” she enthused looking no worse for the experience. “I could do some work with you if you’d like to experience one-on-one what it would be like to work as a runner,” Brand offered. Rhona barked out a laugh, “I remember when Glad offered it to me, and eventually finding out exactly what it meant.” She and Brand exchanged glances of amusement as Cara stared at them in confusion. “What are you two talking about? Are you teasing me?” she frowned, “Is it something nasty?”

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Both Brand and Rhona laughed so hard they had tears streaming down their cheeks. Rhona’s partner, Glad appeared next to them, an enquiring look on his face. Cara sat feeling silly whilst Glad was brought up to date by them, his laughter joining theirs. “What are you lot going on about?” she asked crossly. “Wouldn’t you like to know? I’d love to see your face when you find out. The initiation of the innocent,” hooted Rhona slapping her leg before standing and hugging Glad, who kissed her. Glad, short for Gladstone was one of the vampires who’d joined forces with them a few hundred years ago. After a long and hard time he’d finally settled into life with the Zeenans. He and Rhona were committed to each other, both working on the same regiment for Teim. Rhona had only graduated twenty years ago and therefore still had much to learn. “Fine,” said Cara, “Whilst you lot laugh at my expense, I’m going to have a swim.” She stalked off to the other end of the pool muttering. She dove into the water and started swimming lengths angrily slapping the water as she did so. Who did they think they were, laughing at her and keeping secrets. She was over 18. What right did they have to treat her like a child. She’d graduated, hadn’t she?

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Chapter 13

Early morning meditations reinforced the beauty of their surrounds. Each Cyclopes took turns to take part in this meditation to give thanks to the earth and send her love. Athena and Mars were sitting on the edge of the ledge outside their home getting ready to take part in the thanks giving. The air was misty and clean, their weather rangers having produced a thunderstorm in the early hours of the morning creating the negatively charged air, the rain washing everything it touched. The plants were heavy with raindrops each carrying the essence of beauty and love. Athena reached out and shook a branch of a sapling next to her, the water raining down upon her and Mars as each drop touched them the energy from the plant moved into their bodies. Plant, flower, animal, earth, wind, thunder, lightning essences were highly prized in Zeen because each drop of water absorbed the energy of whatever they touched. As the body was made up mainly of water, whatever it was in contact with or ingested influenced it. Whenever there was a thunderstorm with rain, everyone was out collecting the water or drinking it straight from the plants. Most of it ran into the ground filling up the underground rivers replenishing their lake and pools so they’d eventually get the benefit anyway. As they waited for the signal to commence the meditation Athena shifted over to sit between Mars’s legs, both their legs dangling over the cliff. He wriggled to get comfortable and with a sigh leant back against the warm rock behind him, Athena leaning back against him enjoying the sunshine and the contentment of being with him. “Mars,” she said slowly, “should we think about starting a family?” Mars opened his eyes in surprise and stared at the back of her head. Athena had never expressed any longing or intention to have children, always focusing on her mission joking the

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Cyclopes were her children. They’d been together so long and were so comfortable with each other’s company it had never crossed his mind to change it. She twisted to look at him. “Don’t look so surprised. Even though we’ve never discussed it doesn’t mean I haven’t thought about it. I didn’t want to bring children into this world but now things are changing I’m allowing myself to consider the possibility. Think on it and we can chat about it further at some stage.” He nodded. While they sat waiting, he mulled over her words finding he was not averse to the idea. In his previous existence as Ares, he’d fathered children with his mistress Venus and several other women but had never really been involved with them except for his sons Phobos and Deimos. I’d probably make a far better father now than I did then. I’m less prone to acting without thinking these days and more likely to have patience. Anyway he knew with the balanced Athena he’d be able to undertake the path of fatherhood and enjoy it, the comfort of having community support made the idea a lot easier. Many would think having the constant mind of the community monitoring them would be an invasion of privacy but it wasn’t. If you wished to block it out you could and it remained a slight knowing in the back of your mind. Private moments were possible. They were aware of each other in the community but no-one invaded where they weren’t wanted and if someone was in a bad mood or angry everyone went about their business aware of the disturbance but accepting and tolerant, not interfering. The person was given the space to clear whatever was causing the mood but if it spiralled out of control it was dealt with by the dakas efficiently. The more Mars thought about it the more he realised he was charmed with the idea of having a child or children and here was the perfect place to raise them. Before he could carry on with his line of thought he felt the communal mind pulse and settled into meditation mode allowing his mind to open to the tug of peace created by the dakas.

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****

When Agadon had returned from his aborted mission, he looked and felt terrible. He’d never experienced this kind of exhaustion before and was terrified. Lucifer stared at him for a long time after he arrived back and then abruptly stalked off and he hadn’t seen him since. Agadon couldn’t take his frustrations out on anything, as he was too weak and the more he tried to rant the worse he felt. He could do nothing but rest in the hope it would help him but as the amount of negative energy pouring into the palace was quite low he had no way of completely replenishing and regaining full strength and so it was slow going.

****

Lucifer in the meanwhile was sulking in his palace, not taking any interest in the world outside. He was vaguely aware of his army of demons waiting nervously, silently moving around the palace hoping he wouldn’t notice them but desperate to keep the palace running because he’d let fly with his temper if he came out of his sulk and all wasn’t as it should be. How well they knew him. He was a hard taskmaster and could destroy them in a fit of pique. They seemed puzzled by Agadon’s recent display of weakness. He’d always been extremely powerful and had ruled them through fear. Lucifer heard them whispering amongst themselves about the changes they’d witnessed in the world, with him and Agadon and wondering what was going on.

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****

It had been a week since Agadon had appeared at the perimeters of the property with his army. Merrick was on patrol with one squad, Brand with another, two of the psychics checking the esoteric boundary while the soldiers checked the cameras and sonar beams. Brand stood quietly to one side and sent his awareness out into the countryside to see if he could pick up any potential danger. As he scanned he noticed a strange knot of energy approximately 5 miles away carrying an energy of sliminess, similar to demonic energy. He opened his eyes and walked back to the squad where the two psychics were standing with third eyes open checking the boundary surrounded by the soldiers who were scanning the area. He tapped on the shoulder of one of the soldiers, Zul, a demon who’d been living with them for fifty years. Zul was a large man with bulging muscles but a surprisingly gentle nature. When he’d first arrived at Zeen, seeking asylum, they were all dubious at the idea of giving safe haven to a demon. Athena spent time chatting with him and after discussions with St Germain and the Masters she’d asked Zul whether he wanted to transform or remain as he was. She explained to him that the transformation meant his negative energy would be changed into positive but it might be a very difficult transition for his body. Once his energy was cleared he’d find it easier to live in Zeen and his demonic side would be tamed and easier for him to handle. He’d mulled it over for a short while and then decided that if he was going to live on the side of good he might as well embrace everything they offered and agreed to the transformation. The high dakina and daka had taken him under their wing and slowly the transformation had taken place. It hadn’t been easy as his circuits lived on negative energy and the conversion was painful but through sheer determination and the support of the whole community he managed it.

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They’d initially placed him in an area of confinement whilst he went through the transformation in order to protect him. If he was exposed to too much positive energy it could have weakened and killed him. When Zul was released from confinement he was very worried about his temper. As a result he kept himself to himself in the hope he wouldn’t hurt anyone before his transformation was complete but the Zeenans good-humouredly embraced him and his flares of temper. He eventually relaxed enough to start to mingle with the community without fear of hurting anyone. As the transformation went deeper the more his features changed from the huge scaly green creature with horns and tusks until he was a man, a very, very large man but a man nonetheless with green eyes and black hair no tusks or horns in evidence. He’d become an invaluable member of the fighting regiment because of his knowledge of Lucifer and the demons. His memories weren’t quite as sharp as they had been, a protection against his past, which could have made him experience guilt. Zeenans believed everyone went through what they needed to go through to get where they needed to be and not every path was a happy one. If you could forgive yourself for what you’d done in the past was what counted instead of allowing your pain and guilt to fester like a pus filled sore. What is past is past. What you do from now on is more important. The Universal Being loved everyone no matter what he or she had done and Athena maintained he’d forgiven Lucifer. A handful of demons had since then defected to their sanctuary the invaluable experience the Zeenans had gained from Zul contributing to their slightly easier transformation and they’d settled in very well, in fact so well two of them were committed to Zeenan women. Zul had an enquiring expression on his face. “There’s a strange demonic-like energy approximately 5 miles away. Could you have a look at it and tell me what you think?” Brand asked gesturing to the east.

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Zul nodded and closed his eyes concentrating for a few minutes, a far away look on his face. He finally opened his eyes frowning. “Definitely demonic. Shall I go there in person to find out?” “Yes,” Brand answered, “I’ll accompany you.” Brand briefly informed one of the soldiers where they were going and asked him to contact Merrick and let him know. Zul and Brand then disappeared and appeared a short distance from the strange knot of energy. At first they could see nothing until Brand opened his third eye and made a startled noise. “What the hell is that?” “Looks like demons in trouble,” Zul rumbled. What they saw were ten demons flickering between demonic and human form. They stood watching for a few minutes at a loss what to do. The demons looked desperate and one of them reached out to Brand and Zul. “I think we’d best confine them to this area to protect them as well as others who might stumble across them.” Brand shut his eyes and contacted Merrick filling him in quickly and asking for two psychics to create the confinement. When he opened his eyes the two psychics were there already, staring at the demons with their mouths open. “Wow,” said one. “Are they in arrested transformation?” Brand stared at him in surprise. “Quick thinking, Bryan,” Brand said, “it never crossed our minds.” Zul nodded watching intently as the demons kept going through their quick transformations sympathy in his eyes as though he remembered his own difficult transformation. “Poor buggers,” he rumbled. “They have no idea what’s going on. But I wonder why they’re here in the middle of nowhere. Could it be a trap?” Brand shook his head. “I’ve scoured the area and can’t find anything else related to demonic activity. Lucifer might be remote viewing from a distance but we can’t leave them here

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unprotected.” He gestured to the two psychics who nodded closed their eyes and started to weave a protective layer around the group of demons. Brand contacted Mars to let him know what was going on. Mars agreed to let Athena and the high daka and dakina know and ask a few of the elders to come help with the protective barrier the psychics were weaving.

****

Within ten minutes the amount of people around the demons had grown to twenty and included Mars, Athena, several dakas and dakinas as well as the high daka and dakina and a further two of the transformed demons. Athena stared in fascination as the demons in the protected circle continued to waiver between their demonic and human form. Sending her senses out together with the dakas and dakinas to see if they could touch on the minds of the demons and find out what was going on, she felt the agonising pain they were going through as they flickered between each state of being. Entering the mind of one of them and opening herself to the community mind-meld she found the demon’s memory of trying to enter the closed portal and being flung out in its current flickering form. The demons had come to the conclusion Lucifer or Agadon were too weak to help them and the only ones who could were the Zeenans. Once Athena had gleaned enough information she withdrew as did each daka and dakina who’d entered the minds of the others. “The closed portals created this,” she said in amazement. She closed her eyes and contacted St Germain giving him a vision of what was happening. He appeared next to her a worried look on his face asking, “Are they wanting asylum in Zeen or only wanting you to stop the constant form changing?”

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Athena stared at the demons thoughtfully. “I’m not sure. I suppose we could go through each mind and find out exactly what they’re wanting from us.” Agatha, the high dakina nodded and said, “Even if they only want us to help them stop flickering between each form and not asylum we’ll help them. What do you think Max?” she enquired of the high daka. “Of course,” said Max turning away to discuss it with the other dakas and dakinas, each of them agreeing to enter the mind of a demon to find out what they wanted. As they were busy with this task Athena discussed with the others the implications of Lucifer and Agadon being so weak. “Our five centres are doing really well at drawing in the negative energy and transmuting it to positive. With the portals closed and the barrier falling apart there’s no way they can replenish to the extent they were able to.” Gesturing to the flickering demons she said, “This is evidence of how weak they’ve become.” “Now that we are able, we have been watching Lucifer constantly. We find he is sulking and doing nothing to counteract the work we are doing. Agadon is so weak he cannot get up and their demons are talking amongst themselves about their weakness and are unsure what to do. We were not aware these demons had been flung out by the portals when they tried to enter,” a frowning St Germain said. They were interrupted by the arrival of a few of the elders their added energy gratefully accepted by the psychics who were straining to keep the protective layer around the demons. The demons were so confused by what was going on they had no clear idea of what they wanted. So it was decided the dakas and dakinas would transform them back to their demonic form and once they’d recovered could then decide what they wanted to do. Discussion then ensued about where to do the transformation. It wasn’t a good idea to keep them at Zeen because then they would be able to access it any time despite being in demonic form

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and then of course Lucifer could get in. It was decided to set up a separate area outside of Zeen to complete the work. The dakas and dakinas together with the psychics would create a holding zone for the demons and work with them inside the zone but away from Zeen. St Germain went off with Agatha and Max to find a good place while the remaining dakas and dakinas added their energy to the psychics to keep the protective barrier around the demons strong. Mars returned to the security centre to update Teim and ask him to send out a call for a few psychics and soldiers to come and help with setting up the holding zone. Athena lent her support to keep the protective barrier, constantly aware of how vulnerable everyone was outside Zeen. Once Agatha and Max had decided on the area for the holding zone they requested more psychics to help them set it up. The numbers surrounding the demons swelled with the addition of more psychics and soldiers, everyone worried Lucifer would become aware of them and hurried their preparations. The psychics, elders, dakas and dakinas linked together to transport the demons to the area where the holding zone would be built. It was to be on the outskirts of the boundary of Zeen above the ground. They travelled the 5 miles to the boundary and once there started to work on the holding zone, creating a protective barrier strong enough to keep out unwanted elements. The elders manifested a wooden structure within which to house the flickering demons whilst the protective barrier was being built. Athena had noticed some of the demons flickering seemed to be women, which surprised her as she’d always believed demons were male. Talk about sexist, she thought wryly, evil is not always masculine in form. Finally once the barrier around the holding zone had been created and strengthened the dakas linked hands creating a circle around the wooden structure, the dakinas on the inside with the

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demons huddled in the centre. The elders, St Germain and the psychics together with Mars and Athena surrounded the dakas. The soldiers formed an outer circle standing guard. The men started to chant their deep voices creating a flow of strong masculine energy intertwining with the protective barriers and moving through the structure creating a swirl of flowing strength and a deep pulsing beat from the earth. After a few minutes Athena and the women started chanting as well, their high-pitched voices imbuing the flowing weaving energy with flexibility and love. The chanting continued unabated for an hour the shimmering energy constantly moving reinforcing strengthening and protecting until finally the last chant died away leaving stillness as everyone gradually became aware of the world around them. Mother Earth had responded to their chanting and weaving pushing to the surface around the wooden building eight crystalline structures six foot high between the chanting beings and the soldiers who were on the outside. Athena became aware of a strange panting sound coming from the centre of the wooden building where the demons had been huddled. A strong healing crystalline energy moved around the circle and eight purple-tinged angels surrounded them, deep purple energy moved out from their raised hands in waves to the centre of the circle. She saw Agatha and Max exchange glances then close their eyes as did the other dakas and dakinas their healing energy joining the purple energy of the angels and the crystals creating a spinning vortex around the demons. Athena and the elders added their energy to the flow of change, trusting all was fine even though the transformation of demons had never having taken this form before. St Germain stood to one side observing. He let the elders know, despite the demons being confused about what they wanted, their consciousness had a very good idea and had drawn to them the transforming and healing energy surrounding them now.

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Athena’s heart opened and started drawing the negative energy from the demons transmuting it through a flame of white fire and returning to the demons as a beautiful healing energy. This continued for a while until everything quietened down and she opened her eyes. Where the wooden structure had been was now a temple with gleaming white marble columns and in the centre lying on the ground were ten naked, unconscious men and women. The angels hovered around the edges, a smile on their serene faces as St Germain strode forward to the centre where the ex-demons lay. He moved amongst them touching each one on the forehead, a far away look on his face. Satisfied, he stood with a smile and spread his arms, “Transformation complete. Well done to all of you.” Together with the others he bowed and thanked the angels. Silently they gave thanks to the earth for her part in this transformation and smilingly hugged each other. “These demons, uh, sorry people, are going to be disorientated when they regain consciousness. St Germain what do you suggest we do?” enquired Agatha, not abashed at showing her ignorance on how to deal with the situation. None of them seemed to have any ideas so it seemed easier to ask St Germain. “I would suggest waiting until they regain consciousness and ask them what they would like to do. Post a guard around this place and have a few dakas to keep an eye on them until they wake. I suspect what we witnessed today is going to be the first of many occurrences so I think it is best to keep this place separate from the rest of Zeen.” Whilst he was talking a new patrol appeared led by Teim as it was the end of the two current squads’ shift. He’d been kept informed of the progress being made with the demons and had brought with him two more of the transformed demons. They could interact with the newly transformed lot in the hope it would make them more comfortable to have some of their own kind near.

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Brand, Merrick and their squads returned to Zeen except Zul, who expressed his desire to stay on. A handful of soldiers stayed to guard the new zone and the rest of Teim’s two squads split, patrolling in different directions. Zul and the four demons stayed behind at the temple in case the unconscious entities woke up. A new batch of dakas and dakinas arrived to relieve those who’d been part of the transformation and everyone settled in for the night to wait.

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Chapter 14

Cara had been persuaded by Brand to let him give her one-on-one tuition as a runner. He’d insisted on preparing by sitting together in the yab-yum position, naked and breathing so that they could be “in sync”. This was usual in their tantric practices but she wasn’t sure how this fitted in with practising to be a runner. Anyway, she thought, as she moved the breath and her energy up her spine, I’m enjoying this interaction with Brand despite having no idea what’s going on. Focusing on her breath she opened her mind to Brand who’d been requesting access whilst she was locked in her thought processes. He invaded her mind showing her what was going to happen. Her body shivered in anticipation. With a laugh she realised why everyone had been amused by Brand’s offer. With expectation she starting running the energy up her spine to her heart and out into his. It ran down his spine into his lingam, into her yoni and once again ran up her spine, all the while breathing. How exciting her time with Brand was. She’d learned so much in the few weeks she’d been with him, how much more was there to know? Once they were as one, the two of them moved out on to the playing field. She kept looking back over her shoulder at Brand who stood to one side of the field, a smile playing over his lips as he waited for Cara to reach the centre. Anticipation built in her gut as she admired his coffeecoloured skin glistening in the faint moonlit glow of the crystal in the sky, his eyes hooded. Turning fully to face Brand, she was surprised at the speed with which he’d suddenly appeared and reached out to grab her. She dissolved into mist and sped across the field to the goalpost, but to her astonishment he was there already. His muscles flexed as he flung himself at

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her. She tried to sidestep before he caught her, but she was too slow. She tripped, taking him with her and they both landed on the ground. Cara’s body hummed with energy as she flashed herself out from underneath him, heading for the goalpost. She ran into a wall, bounced back and landed on her backside where she sat stunned, struggling to get the breath into her lungs. Invisible arms wrapped around her and she soared into the air. Giggling at the silliness of it she twisted to face him. Floating above the field they kissed, the excitement of the game zinging between them. Nothing in her education had prepared her for the depth of feelings she’d experienced since she’d become Brand’s partner. She was constantly in a state of arousal. It didn’t take much to get her going. I’m making the most of this before it’s time to move on. They’d both acknowledged it was a fling, the two of them yearning for the deep connection of a soul-mate. Cara had been in the minds of her committed parents and she wanted a similar type of relationship. She valued her friendship with Brand and knew he enjoyed teaching her. This was so good it was hard to imagine what it would be like with soul-mate. Twisting out of his arms she streaked across the pitch heading for the basket, laughing in delight as she felt the energy he sent out to capture her. As it moved to bind her in place, she built a coat of protection around herself, shot out of the cocoon of binding, performing the most intricate of evasions she’d practised many times over with the teachers at school. Thoughts of her school education popped into her head as she remembered the delighted indulgence of the teachers as the children flexed their magical muscles trying to outwit them. Her childhood had been one of fun and laughter, filled with love. It seemed her adult years would be the same. She’d never been in the outside world and had no idea what it was like. She’d heard stories of the pain and suffering but had no comprehension of what it meant.

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The distraction of her thoughts cost her. She found herself surrounded by an impenetrable wall of blue. Cara’s feelings soared with excitement as she experienced what he was thinking, her body quivering. She tried to duck and move away but her body was pinned, her mind filled with the visions Brand was sending her. The overload of sensation was almost too much. She couldn’t see where he was, but he was caressing her body, leaving her breathless as the invisible fingers moved over her. Lips followed the fingers leaving a trail of kisses running down her body to her toes making them curl in desire. Gently she floated in the air surrounded by kissing lips and caressing fingers. She wanted to touch a body but the word relax had her letting go and enjoying the experience. There was a mild jolt as her chakras connected with Brand. The electric energy moved through their bodies creating a swirl of passion, red tinged with pink. Gently those invisible fingers began to massage her, starting at her toes. The sensual fingers moved over her feet, creating little eddies of desire. Brand’s mind filled hers as she experienced his delight in her soft skin with toned muscle underneath. His lust blew her mind. Her core expanded, as moisture filled her, pushing her to the edge. Patiently the hands and fingers moved up her legs to her thighs then stopped. Her mind screamed as she waited in breathless expectation for the next move. When he finally touched her it was to massage both her hands gently. She vaguely wondered how he’d managed to split himself. The hands moved up her arms to her shoulders, their warmth circled her back and chest. She gasped as a warm mouth closed over one nipple sucking it in. It seemed to touch her deep within her womb as it tightened. He pulled deeply on her nipple, his teeth scraping gently as he tongued it. Her body jerked in response as streaks of desire hit the walls of her yoni and her labia engorged. Her juices gathered to have a party. Running his hand down her ribcage and over her hips he gently cupped a buttock all the while paying loving attention to each breast. Her yoni screamed for his touch as she twisted trying

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to get closer to him. He rumbled a laugh causing a vibration in her breast, once again heading for her yoni. Still invisible he continued to plunder parts of her body, she never knew where he would assault next. A finger lightly touched her hairless pubic mound before moving down into the moist slit. Awareness flooded her mind as he let her experienced what he felt with his fingertips. Soft, warm, moist, silky. It never ceased to amaze her how much the walls of her labia and yoni changed when highly aroused. The finger relentlessly moved in and out, swirling around the outer walls spreading the moisture around before plunging in again, a smooth flow in and out, swirling, plunging in and out, swirling. Cara squirmed as he continued until finally her whole focus was on that one finger. Almost at the point of explosion he stopped. Cara held her breath briefly before letting all the air out of her lungs slowly, trying to relax herself. Two fingers framed the sensitive nub on the outside while a moist tongue lapped at it. Overwhelmed she pulled away. He followed her not giving her a chance to protest, invaded her with two fingers. Her highly sensitive yoni convulsed around his fingers stopping him from moving. Sighing she relaxed her muscles. His tongue continued to lap at her clit while the two fingers framing it massaged. The orgasm started to build while his other fingers caressed her inside. The double assault on her already engorged sensitive body was thrown into overdrive when a further pair of hands and lips attacked her mouth and nipples. He seemed to be everywhere at once. His pleasure coupled with hers and the onslaught on her body had her flying over the edge into a full-blown storm of emotions. She screamed her pleasure, wave after wave bombarding her. Invisible hands were placed over her sacral chakra below the navel, one at the back and one at the front. He pushed energy into it, which had her seeing orange as it exploded with a force that had her breath stuttering as her body tried to cope with the influx of power that zoomed around

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inside her. She cried out in astounded ecstasy, every cell in her body orgasmed. She felt like firecracker, her mind shutting down with the force of the energy. Cara floated mindless, her body pulsing. Her aura and energy had expanded and she seemed to encompass the universe. Her heart felt too big for her body. Gradually she became aware Brand was holding her. Their bodies were channelling the energy between them. She felt it building as more desire than she thought was possible filled her. I’ve died and gone to heaven. She gave her consent vaguely as Brand entered her, gently filling her. Slowly and repeatedly he moved in and out, in and out. Stopping he made himself visible and looked at her. Their eyes locked his framing desire and love. Continuing to watch her, his movements became faster and stronger, his lingam rubbing over her clit and g-spot. She was aware of his intense pleasure at the tightness of her yoni. Her breath hitched as her muscles convulsed with pleasure that spilled out from her g-spot invading the rest of her body. She expanded in sheer bliss until she felt herself erupt as she peaked again. Brand joined her, the energy of his orgasm exploding into her tipping her over the edge again. It wasn’t like anything she’d ever experienced before. A high note toned from her throat as his deep bass voice joined it, hazily aware of the power as she peaked again. Floating in a sea of love Cara felt Brand smile as she thought, I have definitely gone to heaven. She moved slightly and as she did so both of them felt the tingle of energy rush through their bodies in a mini-orgasm. Not sure how much later, Cara became aware she was sitting in one of the pools, Brand sitting behind her, holding her. “We need to ground you,” he said sounding slightly smug. Cara nodded mutely, aware of her tingling body trying to rearrange itself to accommodate the strong energy. Manifesting a clothe he wiped her face. She looked at him in puzzlement.

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“You’re crying.” She gaped at him in astonishment. “Why am I crying? I loved it.” He shrugged. “Women are the carriers of the creative energy and each time you have a mind-blowing orgasm it blows your circuits a bit. Your body needs to adjust to the changes and crying seems to be the way it makes the adjustment. When a woman cries after an orgasm, you know as a man you’ve hit the jackpot. The power of the orgasm feeds us men too, so everybody wins.” Looking at her puzzled face he said, “You don’t feel sad do you?” “No, only blissed out.” He nodded. “What you learn from the daka isn’t always understood until you experience it yourself.” Cara sighed with pleasure and leant back against Brand’s chest as they floated in the soothing water. Could it get any better?

****

Agadon was slowly recovering his strength aware things were falling apart around him. Lucifer had slunk off to sulk and he hadn’t seen him for ages. His commanders had reported to him that some of the stones they’d placed around earth to create the quarantine barrier were unstable. Since the portals had closed he was helpless to prevent it happening and Lucifer was of no use, ignoring repeated requests for his input. Agadon wasn’t sure why Lucifer had lost interest so spectacularly in his project. If everything changed how would they survive? It was almost as if Lucifer was depressed.

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****

Agadon didn’t know how close to the truth he was. Lucifer was so sunk in depression he hadn’t noticed the passing of time, his mind focused on wallowing in self-pity. His years of unlimited vampirism of energy were coming to an end and he was helpless to change it. He’d been doing this for so long he’d forgotten anything previous to this state of being. He couldn’t remember how it all started. Lately he’d had a slight niggle in the back of his mind as though there was a memory struggling to make its way to the front. He was so tired, so very tired of the struggle to maintain his position of supremacy, instilling fear and manipulating others. He’d always felt such a high at the chaos he caused until recently and now he only felt drained, exhausted and confused. Thankfully those on earth in the secret government knew what they had to do thereby leaving him alone. An idea forced itself to the front of his mind. Maybe Athena would help him. Being such a goody toe-shoes she wouldn’t turn him down and wouldn’t gloat. He mulled the idea over for a while and then gathered his strength to contact her. He sent out his awareness to find her but despite his nudging she ignored him. He then tried to remote view her without success, his frustration at each unsuccessful attempt mounting until he fell asleep, completely drained of energy.

****

St Germain contacted Athena requesting a meeting with her. She’d been about to flash to one of the remote areas where their agents were busy changing the negative energy into positive. It wasn’t urgent and could wait until she’d heard what St Germain had to say.

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He appeared before her within a few minutes. “You are aware of the phenomenal discovery made at the site of the explosion?” he asked her. She nodded. “It is amazing how he kept it from us for thousands of years. Two more of these stones have dropped out of the sky. So far they have been in areas not too densely populated. As we are not sure where these stones are placed it is difficult to know where the next one will fall and if it will be into a densely populated area or not.” Athena was aware of all this. She also knew Anthea and her gardeners, the psychics and soldiers were stretched thin trying to contain and clean the destruction caused. Two more kyanite crystals skulls had been used to clear the distorted calcite stones and further valuable information gained from their memories. St Germain continued, “We have an experiment in mind to see if it can highlight where the rest of these stones are placed. We are not sure whether it will work. But are very hopeful Consciousness might reveal what we are looking for. We have enlisted the help of the Archangels and their angels, the Elohim, all the Masters, and as many other beings of light as we can. What we need the Cyclopes to do is to hold the energy here on earth. Obviously you need to keep your protection up to maximum level but as many as you can spare would help greatly.” Athena knew St Germain wouldn’t ask for their help unless he was pretty certain it was needed. She agreed to talk to all the elders as soon as possible and would contact him once she had the answer.

****

The amphitheatre at Zeen surrounding the huge crystal was jam packed with people waiting to hear what Athena had to say. She’d discussed the proposal put forward by St Germain with all the elders and now wished to approach everyone else who lived and worked in Zeen, whether

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Cyclopes or not. More than half of the Zeen community was here, the rest were out in the world on various assignments some tuned in to the discussion, others to be filled in later. Hail and some of the gardeners had been in meditation with Mother Earth about the situation, as her support was needed. Athena spoke to them about the proposal from St Germain each one of the citizens being aware of the stones Lucifer had created and the situation surrounding them. There was no hesitation from anyone as they were aware of the catastrophe should one of the stones fall into a densely populated city. Athena then called on St Germain who appeared before them and spoke in detail about what they were planning to do. The Masters’ request to the Zeenans was to allow themselves to be conduit for the searching energy amplifying it with the intention of finding all the stones creating the quarantine barrier. In order to do this the Zeenans needed to distribute themselves evenly across the face of the earth thus allowing as much as possible to be covered in the search. St Germain explained this had never been done before and as had been seen lately it was never known what form the energy would take and how it would react so they’d need to be as flexible as possible and go where Consciousness dictated. Due to the urgency it was decided they’d attempt it that night. Everyone not on duty was keen to be part of history and it was with great excitement they divided up into groups arranging who was going where and how they would be protected whilst they did the work.

****

By midnight everything was in place, everyone where they should be with the protection they needed. At the designated time minds were opened and connected to St Germain who in turn linked them to all the beings of light taking part. The vast unified mind was calm, peaceful, filled

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with strength and resolve, the intention to search and find all the stones placing earth in quarantine foremost. The angels started singing about the stones calling to them. As the vibrations from their throats filled the unified mind, holding the intention, the energy grew powerful and purposeful. Those on the ground were floating in a bliss-filled cocoon, waiting to become the conduit for the searching energy. The beautiful song was hauntingly sad, the strength of which most entities would be hard pressed to ignore. As the stones themselves were infused with the energy of an entity who existed in its own right, it was hoped it would respond from a deep memory held within. The song swelled and grew, infusing the intention with poignant memories of what had been before, supported by the peaceful strength and resolve of the light beings creating the intention. Finally, coated with the song the intention broke free, soaring out into the night. It exploded into hundreds of sparks each diving down to the ground to the waiting conduits, who sang out in ecstasy as the flow of music raced through them, reinforcing the intention to find the missing stones and return them to their former glory. The grief at the loss of the stones touched one and all the intention ran through. Their tears poured to the ground lighting up Mother Earth who moaned in longing and sadness. Each Cyclopes danced a slow dance of sorrow picking up in speed as the song reached its eclipse of love, joy and happiness at the return of the stones to their natural state, the flow of energy getting faster and faster, searching until each spark reached the speed of light. One by one each spark found a stone and as it did so there was a firework of explosions as the intention ran straight into the stone smashing the false power, the song soaring in beauty and love surrounding the stone and its entity. Each entity in the stones started singing in response to the poignant song of separation, ending on a high note of joy at the reunion. As the stones responded to the truth in the song there was a shimmering response from inside, sparking a change and each gem began to glow with their true colour lighting up the sky

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with luminous pale green light. The angels and an Archangel surrounded each semi-precious stone lit up, carefully cutting it free releasing it from its holding position and gently returning it to earth. In reaction to the collapse of the quarantine barrier, a sparked rumble of electric light sped between each, as it was released from its false truth. The bond of energy between the vast unified mind and the Cyclopes flowed unendingly with love and healing energy to the precious stones creating a rainbow of colours illuminating the sky. Rays of joy, happiness and love pulsed out, embracing all and carrying them to heights of pleasure at the return of those quarantined entities to their true form. For hours the display went on and the humans below observed with awe the night sky filled with dancing fluid light beyond anything ever seen before. Even the waning moon seemed brighter than it’d ever been. Athena and Mars made love under the immense starry sky of Namibia, within the protective barrier to strengthen the energy of love and peace created earlier on.

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Chapter 15

For the next week following the beautiful display the newspapers were filled with stories of the amazing scene in the sky. Scientists and astrologers explained it as meteor showers and aurora lights created by an unknown phenomenon they were investigating. By and large most humans were entranced by it. But there were those who were filled with fear at the unexplained occurrences, many stating the end of the world was nigh due to the sins of man. Fanatics came out and stood on their soapboxes ranting at the sinners of the world, whilst terrorist and criminal activity took a stark turn and increased. The Cyclopes met with the Masters to confer about the radical reactions. Most of those out in the world had seen extremes of response from the New Agers embracing the idea heaven on earth was finally arriving to those trying to make a quick buck at the panic, playing on the fear and pushing their inventions. Despite these extreme reactions the majority of humans seemed to have accepted the love pulsing around and into the earth. Many carried on as though nothing had happened but beneath the greyness surrounding them, their divine spark was glowing stronger, bit-by-bit creating a change in their mental and emotional aspects. The changes were very subtle, the unaware human making them without realising what it was happening. Lucifer’s minions were in frantic meetings trying to figure out how to counteract this change spreading without any effort. The power base was changing and their control of humanity was slipping. Hence the decision to create more political tension, wars, and illness, egging on fanatics and terrorism until it affected everyone. The secret government created by Lucifer had to take back their power with aggression. Politicians were threatened into forcing certain legislation to be passed putting humanity under

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tighter control. Destructive viral illnesses were to be released thereby forcing the governments to use the vaccinations in which Lucifer had a vested interest. The fear and panic was to be created through the media, a perfect conduit for their vicious intentions. Unfortunately, the Cyclopes and Masters knew the change that had been set in motion wouldn’t be a smooth transition and there would be death and destruction. But out of this would arise the paradise everyone had been working so hard toward whether supernatural or human. They’d do their best to protect as many as they could but the war was now finally out in the open. The Cyclopes’ introduction to the world would be made via the media when Athena would make a speech to the world. It would throw everything into chaos but the Masters felt the time was right and the glow of divine spark quite strong in humanity and they’d take the revelations in their stride. Of course there’d be suspicion cast by Lucifer’s minions but no matter how they approached this, it would happen. That night as Athena stood with Mars stood looking out over Zeen watching the glowing crystal’s light dipping toward moonlight, she hugged herself both in anticipation and worry wondering what the future held in store for them.

****

Here ends Athena & The Cyclopes – Are we there yet?

Keepers of Balance Book 2

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Dictionary Namaste an acknowledgement of the soul in one by the soul in another literally means or "I bow to you” or “offering my respects to you” Diva - derived from the Italian word diva, a female deity, divinity or goddess Chakras – Tantra Alchemy of tantra – psychic energy centres of wheels or disks a sanskrit word meaning ‘woven together’ to be in the moment with your divine spark weaving love through the tapestry of your life with reverence and respect Safe space – a protected area created by a person or group of persons energetically so that there can be freedom of expression without receiving harm to oneself or harming another Elohim – Daka – creator gods a highly trained male priest versed in many disciplines such as healing, yoga, sexuality, philosophy and metaphysics Dakina a highly trained female priestess versed in many disciplines such as healing, yoga, sexuality, philosophy and metaphysics Initiate – Tantrika – a student until graduation when they become a graduate-initiate a person who practices the art of moving sexual energy to reach states of bliss

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About the Author Having been born in Zambia to British parents who continually moved restlessly between there, South Africa and Namibia, I laid down temporary roots with my husband in Cape Town, only to be lured by the adventure of returning back to my British roots hence the move to London. During my last years of school in Namibia my parents were friendly with an archaeology professor and I was lucky enough to take part in several archaeological digs. As I was a tall gangly, decidedly clumsy, big-footed teenager (despite having done ballet since the age of 5), my mother believed joining a modelling school would help with my poise and elegance. This seemed to give me the opportunity to do a bit of ramp and photographic modelling. My working career as a legal secretary started in Cape Town, continued in London and spanned twenty years until we moved out of London to live in East Grinstead, West Sussex. Fate had a hand in placing me in the right place, at the right time and I landed with “my bum in the butter” (as we say in South Africa). I was offered the position of trainee sleep technician, diagnosing and treating sleep disorders at a NHS sleep disorder centre. During 2007 I appeared in a TV documentary for the BBC on sleep disorders our centre treats. My diplomas in Phytotherapy and Vibrational Medicine have stood me in good stead helping me to treat family illnesses over the years. The study and practise of tantra has strengthened my marriage. I used to teach relaxation and creative visualisation and as this is my main hobby writing seems to be an extension of this imagination. I’ve run several meditation workshops during 2007/2008 at the request of Breast Cancer Care for their members. Much of what I have learnt over the years has been poured into this fantasy story. Visit me at my website http://karencottle.com