Chapter 32

 

 

Throughout lunch, Alex watched the shelter’s residents and drop-ins eat and socialize with one another. There were more people there that day than she had seen before, and Alex knew the cooler autumn temperatures were bringing in many who might have otherwise made their beds outside wherever they could find a spot.

“Gaius, is there enough room here for the growing number of people?” she asked him quietly. “We’re sure to get more drop-ins as winter sets in.”

He looked down at her and she saw his lips press together slightly before he answered. Gaius set his fork down and answered her truthfully.

“Sweetheart, there are always more souls to help than we have facilities to house them. It has always been this way as long as I have lived, because mankind often does not look after their neighbor as they should.” He lifted a hand to tuck a lock of Alex’s hair behind her ear, letting his fingers lightly caress her skin. “Nathan and the other directors we employ, work with the surrounding shelters and churches to try and help as many as they can. None of the mortal based agencies will ever know that they are working with Nephilim, but together we can reach so many more.”

“I remember Archimedes and Isha’s words, that the mission work we endeavor to engage in, truly is like the small waves in the ocean,” she whispered aloud.

“And the small waves can become much larger ones at the shore. They got those words from you, love. It was your soul who taught them that,” Gaius smiled, as he nodded slowly. “We do what we can for the souls currently in need, while we also try to adhere to our financial plan so we can help future generations who will cry out for relief and assistance, too.”

“I understand,” she inhaled.

And she did, because Alex had come to learn about the billions upon billions they spent around the globe each year trying to make a difference and rescue those who were ready to ask for a change. They leaned into one another’s sides, and then resumed eating. Wallace winked at her from across the table and Alex chuckled at him, acknowledging the fact that he had just listened to their entire conversation.

“Gaius, if there’s time, perhaps we could talk this evening about a few problem areas in Africa?” Wallace asked. “My organization has identified several new quarries in our fight to stop conflict diamonds from entering the global market. The more I think about the mines, which use forced or slave labor, the more I’ve felt compelled to seek your input.”

Gaius took a moment to chew his food as he considered Wallace’s words, and then he nodded slightly.

“We most certainly can have a discussion about the topic. But can you tell me if you are seeking my opinion about the areas, or perhaps hoping for a planned mission to the various regions?” he asked Wallace quietly.

Alex noted that both Conner and Jack had stopped speaking, and were now listening in on their discussion, too.

“Honestly, Gaius, I want the atrocities stopped,” Wallace admitted. “And I don’t know of any other organization in the world like yours, who could go in under the cover and camouflage you have at your disposal, and save so many without causing more bloodshed and violence.”

Gaius watched Wallace’s eyes for a moment, then he steepled his fingers in front of his face while he pondered his brother-in-law’s request.

“Wallace, the topic begs for a greater number of our brethren to be included in such a discussion. We have no issue with entering any situation to rescue souls who are being abused, neglected, or sorely mistreated. But,” he qualified, “we never, ever become involved in political power struggles or regime changes. To delve into mankind’s affairs to such a degree, would go against everything we have ever been taught, and might possibly endanger our ability to remain on Earth. The Lord would not abide us, if we sought to overpower or dominate our fellow man,” Gaius told Wallace gravely.

Wallace’s eyebrows rose significantly over Gaius’ statement. He drew a deep breath in and nodded. “I understand. And I appreciate you listening and bringing the topic before a larger gathering. By no means, though, do I want any of you placed in a situation which might call your right to exist into question. I hope that by bringing up the issue, I’ve not overstepped,” Wallace said solemnly.

Gaius smiled reassuringly at him and shook his head. “Do not worry, because helping where help is needed most is what we do best. Let’s table the discussion until dinner at our home tonight,” he suggested, and Wallace inclined his head in agreement.

He looked at his sister, and Alex winked back at him to let him know all was well.

 

After they had helped to clean the dining hall and kitchen with some of the shelter’s residents, they drove to the center dedicated to soldiers and military personnel. Different members of their group broke off into various rooms, but Alex and her mortal family chose to assist in the rehabilitation room initially.

She brought Cara in, but calmly explained that she was not allowed to run within the room and endanger anyone who was attempting to walk on prosthetic limbs. Alex soothed the puppy with her aura for several moments before she placed Cara on the floor by her feet.

Alex moved forward and found Lydia and Keri both there working through the paces of their daily practice. She began to lend a hand to Lydia, while Helen and Emily offered Keri their assistance. Alex massaged Lydia’s leg before they attached the prosthetic lower limb, then stood by in case she was needed as Lydia gained her balance on her own. Alexandria softly praised her, and the two ladies smiled proudly at each other.

Lydia was about to suggest they move over to the treadmill, when she saw Justin approaching. He had told several people at the center of his hope to surprise Alex the next time she came to help, by making his way to her on his own. He was walking up behind her and had his hand raised to tap Alex on her shoulder, when Gaius, Rohan, and Jack looked up from where they were working and realied what was about to happen.

“Oh, damn!” Jack whispered and looked to Gaius.

But Gaius was already connecting with Alex’s mind to sound the warning, just as Justin’s hand touched her shoulder. She gasped and turned so quickly, that the movement startled him. Justin lost his balance and began to topple backwards.

Alex stepped forward before he could blink and grabbed him, holding Justin firmly around his waist. She righted him once more, so he did not injure himself, and they stared at each other silently for several moments.

Justin raised his hand and cupped Alex’s cheek, as she breathed through the fright she had just felt run rampant through her whole body. He recognized the look in Alex’s eyes all too well, and he slowly shook his head in regret. She felt tears gather in her eyes as she read Justin’s pained expression while he stared intently back at her. He hugged her with his remaining arm, and Alex continued to hold him so he was not in jeopardy of falling.

“I should have known better, Alex. I am so, so sorry,” he whispered in her ear.

Alex shook her head in denial of the apology. She stepped back a little, but kept her hands on his waist to anchor him.

“Shhh. It’s just something we have to deal with, isn’t it, friend?” she whispered and smiled slightly, as she tried to reassure him she was okay. Her smile widened a bit as she angled her head and looked down at his legs and then back up into Justin’s face. “Look at you. Are you trying to impress some girl at the center by strutting around so?” she teased, and he laughed a little at her question, the tension dissipating between them.

They continued to gaze at one another for a few more silent moments, until they each drew in a deep breath and silently nodded at their recognition of shared pain. Alex invited him over to the treadmill where she and Lydia were headed, and he quickly agreed. He took her hand in his and they made their way over to the line of machines to exercise. Once she positioned herself between Justin and Lydia, Alex looked across the room and met Gaius’ eyes.

“Thank you, Gaius, for trying to protect me,” she mentally told him. “I’m alright, sweetheart.”

He watched her eyes from his seat for a few seconds, and then inclined his head, saying nothing more.

 

A few hours later, Justin and several others began to take their leave from their rehabilitation room, headed for one of the afternoon support sessions.

“Do you want to come with us, Alex?” Justin asked, pausing beside her.

“Thank you, Justin, but I think I’ll decline the offer today. Perhaps sometime within the week I’ll be ready to participate. But I need a few days away from the stories, if possible,” she replied, and gently touched his hand.

Justin lightly squeezed her fingers and said, “I get it. But thank you for helping me again, Alex.”

She surprised him by giving him one last hug before he left her side. His countenance brightened when she released him and he grinned, then shook his head. Alex gave him a perplexed look, wondering what was running through his mind, but not wanting to look inside for the answer. So, she asked him aloud.

“What are you thinking?”

“I’m thinking, I had better get out of here before Gaius has words with me for hugging his wife twice in one afternoon,” he said, as he smirked.

“Oh, Justin. You’ve nothing to fear from my husband,” Alex reassured him and laughed aloud.

“I know. I was just joking,” he grinned. “I’ll catch up with you later, Alex.”

She watched him walk away using crutches to assist his balance, and she bent to lift Cara who had meandered over to her side. Alex snuggled the puppy and closed her eyes while she laid her head against the little one’s fur. She felt Gaius’ hand settle on the back of her head, and he quietly suggested that they take Cara outside for a few minutes. Alex nodded and walked by his side out of the building and across the street to a small park.

He guided Alexandria over to a bench and took Cara from her arms. Gaius told the puppy she could stray no further than four meters from where they sat and spread his aura over Cara to convey his meaning. He placed her on the ground and she played right before them, but did not run away or venture into the street.

Alex took Gaius’ hand in hers once he was seated on her right, and she began to play with his fingers while she gazed at Cara. She could feel their auras dancing together without having to see the Light display, and it made her sigh. Her mind began to wander and eventually her thoughts centered on their Christmas plans. She looked up at Gaius and studied his profile before she spoke aloud and broke through the peaceful moment they were sharing.

“Gaius, do you think Ganymede and Haniel would like to be included in my family’s Christmas festivities?”

He smiled down at her, relieved to hear that her thoughts were leading her in the direction of positive events. “I am sure they would accept the invitation, love. And I like the idea of including them very much.”

“I do love you so,” she said softly.

Gaius wrapped an arm around her shoulders and firmly anchored Alex near his heart. She continued to play with his fingers and wedding band for a while, just soaking up the peace and harmony that she always found when they were near one another. Cara moved closer to them and stretched out by their feet, watching the other people and animals in the park.

“I think we’re in bliss right now,” Alex whispered.

She felt Gaius’ chest rumble slightly from his laughter and then he dropped a kiss on the top of her head.

“I agree, my love,” he murmured.

 

They stayed outside for a little while longer, and then returned to the center to work alongside their family for a few more hours. When they began to head for their Escalades, Gaius talked with Rohan and Elrick privately before he took his place behind the wheel. Alex raised an eyebrow at him as he merged with traffic, wanting to know what the men had talked about.

“I was telling them about Wallace’s suggested dinner topic, and of a stop I want to make before we go home for the evening,” he whispered into her mind.

“Where are we going?” she questioned mentally.

“It is a surprise, but a small one,” he answered, smiling as his eyes watched the road.

“I like your small surprises,” she played back, then relaxed against her seat to look at the traffic ahead of them.

Alex soon realized Gaius’ intended destination was a pet supply shop. They meandered around the store with her parents, Jameason, and Cara, adding items to their cart, until finally Jameason called a halt to the amount of supplies Alex was selecting. She grinned indulgently, but realized he was telling the truth. She had gone overboard for her newest little friend.

 

When they returned home, Rohan came out to help bring their purchases inside. His eyebrows rose over the sheer number of bags, and he looked from Gaius to Alex.

“All of this, for one little dog?” he asked in disbelief.

“She’s a puppy, Rohan. She’s going to grow and be as big as Dudley,” Alex countered.

“And you let her buy all of this?” he chuckled, looking back at Gaius.

“Let? Rohan, even you know better than that,” Gaius grinned. “Happy wife, happy life. Isn’t that what they say nowadays?”

“I suppose,” Rohan sighed in mock exasperation, though his chest began to shake from his laughter.

Alex mumbled for him to hush as she walked into the house after her family. She took Cara to the courtyard and then she returned to the kitchen, intent on finding a snack for them both. After she had placed a dish of food on the floor for Cara, Alex leaned against the island eating an apple. She trailed an index finger along the stone countertop while she let her mind wander.

She knew that the discussion they would have that night, spawning from Wallace’s desire to see human suffering put to end, was an important one. And she agreed with her brother and husband, that they could help like no other group in the world. But Alex felt a small amount of hesitation, and that pause concerned her greatly. Why would rescuing hundreds, if not thousands, of people make her feel cautious, she asked herself?

Alex sank down next to Cara and crossed her legs, allowing the puppy to move over between her legs and make herself comfortable. She closed her eyes and ventured into her mental Library, entering through the courtyard where she most often meditated. Alex moved forward to walk along the endless shelves of scrolls and documents which held the world’s history.

Her aura began to surge around her and cocoon her body. She felt a shift within her soul, which she now recognized as the Lord’s Light preparing her for what was to come. Alex called upon the access she had to all moments of the past, and asked the ability to give her the memories of how her soul dealt with such mass abominations and abuse when she lived as Arianna. She inhaled deeply as she steeled her heart and mind for what she was willingly about to bear witness to.

Alex felt a slight wind pick up around her and smelled the salty ocean breeze. She smiled, feeling Ganymede close to her. He walked up to her within her Library and held his hand out to take hers. Alex immediately placed her palm into his, and the archangel squeezed her fingers in greeting.

“Good evening, Alexandria. Will you walk with me?” he asked, smiling radiantly down at her.

“Good evening, Father. I would love to walk by your side,” she grinned in return.

“Very well,” he chuckled. “Come along, then.”

Ganymede took her on a slow, meandering route through many stacks and shelves until they stopped in an expansive, vaulted room which was open on one end. It reminded Alex of the restaurant she and Gaius had dined at during their honeymoon, because it opened to a small terrace with a curved edge and overlooked her eastern ocean of power. The tides were utterly still and shining so brightly. Alex understood her aura was reflecting the increased amount of Light, because the Lord was bolstering her as she sought answers.

She and Ganymede walked out to the terrace’s stone railing, and they gazed at the power before them for many minutes before he turned to face her. He lovingly smoothed a lock of hair behind her ear and smiled at her. Alexandria nodded her head to indicate she was ready to journey into the memories with him. The breeze played with her white, linen dress and Ganymede turned her back towards the shelves which lined the room’s three solid walls.

“My daughter,” he began, “I am so very proud of you this evening. To have reached this point, you are demonstrating that you are truly ready to be the leader of the Lord’s Nephilim that you were created to be. You have come so far, so very fast. The unrest you are experiencing within your heart, mind, and soul at the moment is warranted, and should indeed give you pause. Yet Wallace was also correct to raise this issue to you and Gaius, because it weighs heavily on his heart.”

Alex’s smile grew wider as she listened to him. She had come to learn Ganymede’s all-encompassing knowledge of time, gave him a unique and unparalleled perspective about all things and all subjects. She could feel the stillness and trust he had in the Lord radiating out from his being, and it further calmed her soul, too. Alex nodded her understanding.

“Father, on the day my fellow Nephilim and I were seeking the memory of how Arianna perished, you pulled me away from my body for a time and counseled me,” she said, thinking back to that most important of days.

“And when I said that I wanted to make the right choices for everyone, you told me that such an endeavor was not always possible. After my very first mental training session with Archimedes and a few others, I came to understand the dangers of looking too heavily into the future and trying to manipulate current events to shape the outcome I wish to see come about. I know, Father, that I cannot use my aura or abilities in such a way. I am not God, nor will I ever seek to control my fellow man in that way.”

Alex’s mind flashed back to the memory of herself telling that very truth to Kronis on the cliff, and she sighed heavily as she looked back up into Ganymede’s soulful blue eyes. He slowly shook his head with regret, and in agreement to her thoughts and statement.

“No, Alexandria, you can never do that. You, nor any of the other immortal children, can ever choose and plot the course of human events, and then willfully coerce mortals into the path which you select for them. Every soul has free will, and the right to choose a course in the Light or one removed from Him in the darkness. It may be the most difficult truth for immortals to learn. Especially when you ponder the kind of atrocities and abuse Wallace was speaking of earlier today,” Ganymede said gravely.

A thought occurred to Alex that had not until that very moment, and she looked at Ganymede with real worry painted on her features.

“Ganymede, is that what I did to the human men in the warehouse, where we rescued the women who were being held in bondage? I told them to remain on their knees until the authorities came, and that they were to ponder their sins throughout their incarceration. After what happened in India, I thought I was making the correct choice – letting the police deal with them instead of me and my sword. But did I still go too far?”

Ganymede immediately stepped closer and took Alexandria’s other hand in his. He sent his aura flowing over and through her, so she could be reassured all was well.

“Do not fear, my child. You did not cross over a boundary that night. You demanded that they be held accountable for the terrible crimes they were committing, and if you remember, you told them to search their hearts and souls so they could come to understand how they had gone so far astray. Alexandria, you offered them the choice to repent, but you did not force that choice on any of them that night.”

“You showed them the right path, and then you and your brethren stepped back so each of the mortal men had the freedom to seek the Lord when it was the appropriate time in their journey. You did very well that night, Alexandria. I was with you, and I watched each second of the entire event unfold,” he said, smiling proudly at her with his luminous eyes shining brightly.

“But now, you and the other immortal children are about to ponder a large-scale infiltration of many areas where war, terror, slavery, and abuse run rampant, and your mind is wondering if such an undertaking is the correct choice,” Ganymede stated, and waited for her words to come.

“We are, Father. I came here first tonight, because I know my soul has faced this more times than it ever should have. And I know that Gaius and the others have dealt with this too throughout the ages, but I wanted to be here with the Lord initially to consider what was to come. I wanted His input and His direction, so I could help lead my brethren and my mortal family.”

“I remember you telling me before our battle with Rangor, that I should always listen to the Lord before any undertaking. You said that His Light would give me perspective and patience in such times as this, and that I should always use caution and listen for the Great I Am to guide me. Ganymede, you said if I followed His path, I would never fail.”

Alex drew in a deep breath and asked him the question that she had come to the Library seeking an answer for. The question that was burning its way through her heart, mind, and soul.

“But how do I not reach out to my fellow man, when they’re hurting so? How can I not try, Father, to save them all?”

And to Alex, her voiced sounded much smaller than she had meant it to, as the words tumbled from her lips.

“Ah, my sweet child,” he whispered, and pulled her into his arms, holding Alex snuggly against his heart.

Alex felt his aura enfold her, just as his arms were, and she held to the peace and gentleness flowing from the angel. He rocked her for several moments, before he pulled back slightly and smoothed both of his palms across her temples and hair.

“You will always want to save them all, Alexandria. But you will never be able to reach each and every soul who knows hurt, strife, and torment. Even with your long life and vast power, you cannot reach them all. Come, my child, let me show you,” he said solemnly.

Ganymede turned Alex back towards the scrolls housed on the three walls before them. He stood behind her as he had when she transitioned, and he raised his arms with his palms facing the heavens. Her father asked her to do the same and rest her arms and hands atop his.

“Remember, that you do not need to breathe here, nor can you come to harm within your own soul and mind, for the Lord lives here and you are safe,” he reassured her.

“I understand, Ganymede. I do.”

“Now, keep your eyes open, Alexandria, and take this journey with me as your guide. Set your mind free and let us fly,” he whispered in her ear, and Alex felt her consciousness take flight.

They soared through the scrolls within that room, and then her mind dipped and turned with his around the corner into the next area. Alex gasped loudly as she beheld how many souls cry out for help and deliverance each moment of each day around the globe. She watched the thousands upon thousands of Jews who cried out for deliverance in ancient Egypt, under duress and forced servitude, until Moses led them out. Once free, they doubted their rescuer and struggled for decades in the desert as they found their way.

She watched the millions who had begged for Hitler to end his reign of terror, and the throngs of people lined up to meet their end in his camps of destruction. Alex saw the infiltration of North America by Europeans, and the systematic annihilation of the native groups and tribes of people, who wanted nothing more than to be left alone, so they could preserve their way of life and their families. And she bore witness to the entire nations which the Empire of Rome sacked and laid waste to. Their women, children, and young men made slaves, and their men murdered or placed within the arena to die for the entertainment of the mob.

Alexandria felt tears running freely down her face as she experienced the overwhelming need for the Lord’s intervention and deliverance from all peoples, in all places, and in all times throughout history. The memories were so heavy and thick, that Alex began to feel greatly weighed down by them, and she feared she would falter. But Ganymede and the Lord were still there with her, and her angelic father began to help her turn the tide.

She felt her mind travel onwards, and it began to venture into the moments she and her brethren provided water, shelter, and food for those who had no resources and nowhere to lay their heads at night. She watched Gaius lay his hands on child after child, and heal their bodies and broken little spirits for millennia. And as her husband had told her, future generations would come from those he touched and find their way into the Light.

Alex witnessed Benen saving an entire family from a burning house, and how he remained with them until he had helped to build a new structure they could call their own. She saw Sabina rescuing slaves in Persia, Ahadi ministering to malnourished children in ancient Egypt, and Archimedes taking orphans in from the street in southern Italy after the last great world war.

Little by little, the Nephilim were helping in the ways in which they were permitted. Ganymede showed her the thousands who benefited from their most recent trip to Darfur, and the thirty-four rescued ladies’ peaceful slumber achieved only under the protection of her immense aura. And then he took her mind outside the Library and they soared up into the atmosphere and hovered over the world which the Great I Am created. Alex inhaled and looked down with her angelic father, waiting to see what he would show her from such a great height.

“Alexandria, this distance will give you perspective. Watch as those who are crying out, praying for help, or seeking the Lord’s guidance are shown in this one moment in time,” he instructed.

Alex gasped again to see what he was allowing her to witness. At first, she began to make out green points of light which continued to multiply until she could no longer find much land or space between the dots. On every continent and strip of land, there were so many who needed relief or guidance, in just that one breath in time.

“Now, witness the souls who are endeavoring to help their fellow man and love their neighbor as they would themselves,” he said, smiling and nodding beside her ear.

Suddenly, there were white columns beside many of the green points of light, and they were shining just as brightly as her aura did, when the Lord was fully in command of her and she was following His path. The columns also began to multiply and Alex smiled with Ganymede as she watched all of the good that was taking place around the world in that same moment in time. She held her lower lip with her teeth, but a small chuckle worked its way out as she felt the love emanating from the white columns.

“These lights show you how much there truly is for us to do, Alexandria. It is more than any one soul can endeavor to undertake, even if you have been given forever. You cannot be all things, to all peoples, in any given moment; nor can I or my brothers in Heaven. Only the Lord can address so much need and uplifted prayer,” Ganymede said softly.

“You must do as you, and the other immortal children, have always done. You must look at each possible situation and decide if you can truly help to relieve suffering and rescue the downtrodden; but not at the risk of letting the world know you exist or suppressing your fellow man’s free will. Alexandria, you are also free to choose whom you will bless with your abilities and aura, and as long as you seek a peaceful and loving path, your work will continue.”

“If tonight, you all feel that rescuing some of the people Wallace will talk about is the correct course for you to follow, then by all means, go and ease their plight. But if going to an unstable region and placing yourself in the middle of a civil war, or possibly creating even more instability in an already volatile country is a possible end result, then pray to the Lord and let Him help you decide if it is His will that you do so, or just your heart telling you to go save them all. Always, always pray and meditate before you act, Alexandria, and then you truly will not fail, for you will be on His path. Just as you were when we faced Rangor, my child,” he wisely advised her.

“I understand, Ganymede. I do,” she whispered in awe and wonder of all that he was allowing her to observe.

He turned his head and kissed her cheek, then asked her to follow his consciousness back to her Library. Once there, he invited Alex to come with him back to her body, and he hugged her as she felt herself dissolve within the place he had created within her mind. Alex exhaled deeply and opened her eyes to see Gaius and his father, Haniel, before her in their kitchen, along with her mortal and immortal family.

Ganymede smoothed his hand over her head and she looked up from where she and Cara still sat on the kitchen floor. They smiled at one another, as they stared into each other’s eyes. He winked at Alex before he turned back to the large group before them. Alex felt the intensity of the Light within her aura begin to soften a bit, and her power began to roll back within her body, so she was no longer sitting in a column of Light on the kitchen floor.

Alex watched as Ganymede walked over to her family and he embraced each person, giving them words of love and encouragement. Gaius stepped forward and helped Alex to her feet, and she saw a look of unadulterated love and admiration in his eyes as he gazed down at her. She placed Cara back on the floor so the puppy could move freely about, then put her arms around Gaius’ waist and hugged him tightly. She felt him chuckle slightly and then he whispered his love to her.

When Ganymede came to Conner, Alex saw him hold her brother for an extra few moments and pour his restorative energy over him. Conner registered the contact immediately and he inhaled deeply, then thanked Ganymede. The angel pulled back only slightly as he cupped Conner’s face with one hand.

“You will live a long and happy life, Conner. Your sister has addressed the illness completely, I assure you,” Ganymede said, as he smiled gently into Conner’s face. Conner’s eyes grew moist and he nodded, trying to quell the emotion which was preventing him from speaking. Ganymede patted his skin and moved over to Alex’s side once more.

Alex invited both angels to remain for dinner with them that evening. They immediately agreed and looked moved that she had welcomed them to their table. Alex left Gaius’ hold and gave Haniel a hug too, gently patting his back. He smiled and smoothed her hair before he released her.