Awakenings
This is a continuation of the Joshua and Joel story. Hope this one goes over as well as the last one. Enjoy
- * * Joshua & Joel Awakenings Two months passed since Jasper was banished from Freehaven. He was brought before the tribal council to atone for his crimes against Joel and the clan. It was decided by them, that Jasper was to leave the planet until they called for his return. It was asked of Joel to donate his shuttle for this Jasper's rehabilitation and Joel agreed. When he was to return, the council would decide if he would be readmitted to his tribe. The hardest one's to be convinced; however, would be Joshua and Joel, that was not going to be an easy task. Joel's rehabilitation process was a slow one at first, but with the help of the tribe, he started to trust again. It was not going to be an overnight success by any means. They were very patient with him and expected nothing from him in return. When the time was right, he and Joshua would be joined as life-mates. The clan had accepted him unconditionally and with the full love that their hearts contained. Adin was fighting with his own inner demons. He had taken Jasper's words to heart, "Too Little, Too Late," was what he had said. It had cut through his heart like a knife and maybe he was right. So to deal with his own issues, he decided to leave his clan on his own accord. Much to the objections of them all. He left the same morning as Jasper. His whereabouts unknown to them. Everyone was worried about the young ,heartbroken ,and confused lion, everyone hoped and prayed that he wouldn't do anything foolish in his confused state of mind. Nobody knew that Joel worried more than the rest, as he felt that he was to blame for the state of mind that Adin was in. *** The gray clouds settled over the town of Uriah like a shroud. It started to gently spatter rain along the vacant streets. Jessie fastened her robe, then made her way to the kitchen to brew a pot of coffee, she reached into the cabinet and removed a cobalt blue mug. Just as she was to pour her first cup of the morning, her communications monitor chimed in. Jessie flicked a switch and the face of Isabelle, a friend and fellow shopkeeper appeared on the screen. "Mornin' Jess." She smiled. "Hey Bell, giving me a wake up call are you?" Grinning. She laughed, "Just wanted to see if you were up yet." "You know me, I'm up when the first rooster crows. What's up?" "I was wondering if you wanted to have lunch with me this afternoon?" "Sure, I don't think we're going to be to busy today." Looking skyward. "I think it's the curse of the rainy season." Belle laughed. "Yeah, great for the flowers.....but sucks for business." Jessie sighed. *** About this time, Joel was emerging from his tent. As he stretched, his gaze turned to the gray clouds of the morning sky. His thoughts drifted back to a time when he was living on Aries IV Space Station, never did he think that he'd be living on some remote planet in the middle of nowhere, but he had done some serious growing up within the last several months. The meeting of Joshua and his love for him had swayed his decision to make his life on Freehaven. Joshua had left two hours before Joel awoke. He wanted to find Adin, to convince him to come back. Joshua held no anger and placed no blame on the young lion. In many ways, Jasper used him just as he did Joel. He wanted to tell Adin this, but he disappeared before he could do so. As Joel made his way to the stream to wash up, his thoughts had once again turned to Adin. How he blamed and tortured himself, thinking of how he could've stopped Jasper when he first saw him, but he ran away. Joel thought, " If only Adin would realize that things happen for a reason and that he was not responsible for Jasper's thoughts and actions, then all would be fine." Joel knew that Joshua was worried about the young lion and cared deeply for him, as Joel too had been getting to really like Adin as well. He knew that a strong bond had been starting to grow between them and that Adin couldn't deal with his emotions as of yet. Joel softly spoke aloud to himself, " If anyone can convince Adin that he had acted bravely and was not at fault; then it would be Joshua." He uttered a soft prayer to the Gods to lead Joshua to Adin swiftly and safely and to help Joshua convince him to come back home. Joel shook his head as he splashed the cool water over his face, thinking to himself, "Adin you did come through, I just wish you could see that." *** Joshua had started tracking Adin earlier that morning. He knew that he really didn't want to be found, considering how well he covered his tracks. Joshua had taught him well, but there was still a lot the young lion had to learn. He wasn't sure of his state of mind, maybe all he needed was that little bit of reassurance. Who knew what was going on in his current condition. His loyalties between his clan and Jasper was tearing him apart. Joshua hoped that he wouldn't try anything stupid. The young lion didn't realize that he was coming into his own finally and that with more training from Joshua he was destined for great things in the future. He happened upon another encampment just outside of Uriah. Joshua recognized many of the inhabitants, though there was no sigh of Adin. He asked around, but the last time anyone had seen him was two days ago. There was talk that he was heading towards the highlands, others had said he was heading back to Point Valley, but there was nothing conclusive. Joshua thanked them, but decided that he may have better luck in Uriah, more people knew him there and they may give him a better chance of leading him to the wayward tribesman. *** Adin, however was in neither the highlands nor Point Valley, and he completely bypassed Uriah, he knew way to many people there. He just didn't want to talk to anyone, so he decided to head to the Flatlands instead. People kept more to themselves there. A person could lose himself much easier in the Flatlands than either of the other two areas. Shane was sweeping the dust from his sidewalk, when he noticed young Adin coming into town. He thought to himself, "Odd that he'd be this far north." Shane stopped what he was doing and watched him for awhile. Adin seemed to withdraw into himself, not really making eye contact with anyone. Shane shook his head, "Poor boy, so much weight for such a young soul." He put his broom aside and started towards him, calling out, "Adin?" Adin spun around facing Shane's direction. "Adin, it is you. What brings you out this way?" He shrugged, "Nothing just walkin'." "Walking? You're quite a ways from home." He shook his head, "Hadn't really noticed." Shane smiled, "Flatlands isn't exactly around the corner. Come on, why don't you join me for lunch, it looks like you could need it." "I really don't want to be any trouble." He began to walk away, but Shane grabbed him by the shoulder, "Ain't no trouble, really." *** A few minutes later, they were both sitting at Shane's counter. He poured Adin another glass of juice and himself a cup of coffee, looking at it jokingly, "This stuff is gonna be the death of me someday, but I just can't get enough of it." Adin smiled, but didn't speak. Shane continued, "You never really told me why you're so far from home." Adin picked at his food, "I'm surprised that you haven't heard, good news usually travels so fast." He grimaced at his last comment. "What news?" "You know about Jasper, right?" "Yeah, but what has that got to do with you?" "I feel partially to blame for what happened." "You? There was nothing that could've been done." "I don't think that's entirely true. I could've stopped him before things went too far." Shane shook his head, "Adin, you did do something. You went for help, there's no telling what Jasper would have done if you hadn't. Or what he could have done to you if you had tried to stop him by yourself." "I ran like a coward Shane, a shameful coward." Shane placed his paw over Adin's, "That not how I hear it told." He looked up at him, "What do you mean?" "I heard that you came through. What you did in the end was not the makings of a coward, you proved yourself and that's all that matters. I'm most certain that both Joshua and Joel are thankful for what you did. You had the courage and the strength to overcome your fears when it truly mattered." Adin shrugged, "I guess." "I'm not the only one who thinks so. Now are you gonna go home to people who respect and honor you, or are you gonna become a bitter hermit who blames himself for something that wasn't his fault?" "I--I guess I'm going home." "Good boy, but you need to rest now. So, why don't you head upstairs and get yourself cleaned up and take yourself a nap." "Thanks Shane." "You don't have to thank me. I think you just heard what you needed to hear is all. And what your heart has been trying to tell you. But have been too confused to let yourself hear." *** Upon reaching Uriah, Joshua started asking around about the whereabouts of Adin; to no avail. No-one had seen the young lion in several days and had no idea where he could be. Joshua was beginning to get more worried, then thought he would check the Flatlands, if he couldn't find him there then he would have to resort to metaphysical searching. Since he knew Adin's signature well it wouldn't be hard for him to seek him out. While Joshua was starting out for The Flatlands, Adin was upstairs at Shane's taking a long, soothing ,hot bath. Which was very relaxing for him and made him realize exactly how mentally and physically exhausted he really was. He was very glad that Shane had advised him to clean up and rest before starting back home. A nice soft bed would be very much in order now to relieve his tired muscles. When he felt his eyes starting to drift closed for the fourth time in five minutes he decided he'd better get dried off and into bed, before he fell asleep in the bathtub. He slowly rose to a standing position in the tub, stretched, then stepped out, reaching for the huge, fluffy towel that Shane had given him before he had started his bath. He dried himself carefully, reveling in the feel of the fabric against his fur. As he finished drying off he looked into the other room at the huge bed awaiting him with big fluffy pillows and the soft looking comforter on it. Hanging the towel carefully on the towel rod to dry, he reached for the soft , fluffy bathrobe Shane had loaned him. He slipped it on, then padded over to the bed, turning down the blankets. He was mildly surprised to see that there were silk sheets on the bed. For a moment he thought, "Why would Shane use silk sheets?" But the pull of the bed was strong and his exhaustion was getting the best of him, so he thought no more about it. Instead he took off the robe, laying it over the back of the chair by the bed and slowly crawled into bed. He sighed as the silky coolness of the sheets enveloped his naked body, seeming to caress him all over. The combination of the softness of the featherbed and the silk sheets soon had him drifting deeply into a well-earned sleep of the soul-weary. Knowing all the shortcuts to the Flatlands combined with his ground-eating stride, it only took Joshua about three hours to reach Shane's store. If anyone in The Flatlands would know of Adin's whereabouts Shane would, thought Joshua as he casually strode through the door. Shane hurried out of the back room as he heard the front door swing shut, seeing Joshua standing there he smiled and asked if there was anything he could do for him. Not wanting to seem overly concerned, Joshua casually asked if he had seen Adin by any chance. "Not as much as my old heart and eyes would enjoy seeing of him, but yes, I saw him about three and a half hours ago." Shane stated with a lascivious grin on his face. "Why you old devil you." laughed Joshua, "I never realized you were attracted to Adin." " I admire all things of beauty no matter where I see it, and how is that striking little wolf I last saw you with?" Shane came back with. " He is doing much better now, most of the trauma he suffered at Jasper's hands have been resolved, but he is very worried about Adin as we all are. And Adin's leaving hasn't lessened his worry over him." " Well he can start to relax now, I know where Adin is. Come with me and be as quiet as you can , I'll take you to him." As Joshua followed the old storekeeper into his home, he thought of how much time and worry could have been avoided if he had followed his instincts and came here first when he started his search. But then he realized if he had came here first he would have missed Adin and would probably still be searching for him. When they reached a door upstairs Shane put his finger to his lips as he opened the door softly. Looking in they saw Adin sound asleep on the bed, he had kicked the blankets off onto the floor and lay there completely exposed for all to see. His sinuously, well-shaped, youthful body lay sensuously on the bed, with the sun's rays shining off his sleek fur that it emphasized his youth and innocence. Shane and Joshua carefully went back out so as not to wake the young lion, softly shutting the door so not to disturb him. Once they were back downstairs they started to talk about how little self -esteem Adin had and how much Jasper had influenced it. Carefully avoiding the thoughts they both were having at seeing Adin as he lay asleep totally unaware that he was being watched. About thirty minutes later a well rested Adin came down the stairs, he was surprised to see Joshua and Shane sitting at the table drinking coffee and tea. Shane of course had his huge mug of steaming coffee, while Joshua sipped a hot mug of green tea with a touch of honey and ginseng in it. As he entered the room, Shane asked him if he'd like something to drink. Adin said he'd like a cup of something to help him wake the rest of the way up. Joshua told him a nice hot cup of tea made from rose-hips with a touch of chamomile would be just what he needed. Adin thanked him and admitted that would be perfect, so Shane hurried to steep him a good-sized mug of it, sweetening it with a touch of clover honey. As they drank their respective drinks, Adin turned to Josh asking him about Joel,. Joshua replied that Joel was doing much better, but was very worried about how he was doing.. He told Adin that they had talked long into the night about him and that they had decided Joshua needed to find him. Adin lowered his head and apologized for making them worry, he admitted that Shane had made him see that he had been wrong about himself and that he had to go home to try to set things straight. Joshua turned to Shane asking if he could use his vidphone to let Joel know he found Adin. Shane said that was fine, showing Joshua to the vidphone then going back to the kitchen to give him privacy as he made his comunicae. Joel was delighted to hear he had found Adin and that he was returning with him, but was a little saddened when Joshua told him he had to make a side trip to Sacred Canyon to talk with his grandmother. He was a little confused as to how Joshua knew she needed to talk to him until he explained that she always communicated with him telepathically. This he understood since he had found out that since being with Joshua he too had telepathic abilities that he never knew about or used before. Joshua had been teaching him how to use them and how to strengthen these abilities since learning that Joel had them, even though they had lain dormant all his life. Joshua also knew about all Joel's other powers and abilities that as of now Joel was blissfully unaware of. When Joshua returned to the kitchen to thank Shane for the use of his vidphone, Adin was again thanking him for the use of his tub and guest bedroom and also for the advice. Once he had finished, Joshua told them that they should get started back as they needed to make a side trip to Sacred Canyon. Shane became very excited upon the news and asked Joshua to extend an invitation to his grandmother to come visit him sometime. Adin was a little nervous about visiting Joshua's grandmother, knowing that she was an extremely powerful oracle of the clan that rarely asked for visitations from anyone. Joshua quickly explained that she specifically asked him to bring Adin with him when he saw her. Adin was even more confused and nervous at this bit of news. And proceeded to try to get Joshua to explain further, but he refused , saying that she hadn't explained to him yet why either. That they would both learn her reasons together. Meanwhile back at home, Joel was given a message that Joshua's grandmother wanted him to come see her also. She had sent a messenger to bring him to her, telling him that he would arrive about the same time as Joshua and Adin. So he quickly got ready for the trip to Sacred Canyon. Unbeknownst to any of them she had also sent a message to the leader of the clan, telling him that Joshua, Joel, and Adin would be spending some time with her, possibly a few moons. Depending on how things went, it could be a longer time or less. It was all up to the Gods and Goddesses. *** As Joshua and Adin arrived at the trail leading into the Sacred Canyon, they saw two people coming from the West toward them. As they got closer they recognized Joel, Joshua's heart beat faster as he saw the young wolf. Adin felt a momentary sense of nervousness that was quickly over shadowed by a feeling of intense warmth and caring. Joel when he recognized them took off running toward them to grasp Joshua then Adin in a heartfelt bear-hug for each of them. Telling them how glad he was to see them both. Adin couldn't understand the feelings he was having, Joel was Joshua's mate, why did he feel like he was his also? What would Joshua do if he found out how he felt? But then too, how would Joel react to the feelings he was having about Joshua? He decided not to say anything and pray they never found out until he could understand this new turn of events. Once the greetings were over they started on their way again, Joel was asking why Joshua's grandmother sent for him since he had never met her before. Adin told Joel that she had asked for him to be brought to her also and that he didn't know why either. Poor Joshua was as confused as they were because she hadn't told him anything else other than to bring Adin, he was as surprised as the two young males beside him as to why she wanted to see the three of them. Try as hard as he could he couldn't read her at all. She was completely closed to his probes. This only served to confuse him more as she had never before blocked him from reading her thoughts. What could she have in mind for the three of them? He knew they were all involved since she was keeping him in the dark so to speak. When they came in sight of his grandmother's house, Joshua realized the young lioness that had led Joel to the canyon was no longer with them. It was also then he remembered that she had not came with them as they descended down into the canyon at all. Thinking that her job had been to lead Joel there safely he thought no more of it, and continued on to the house. As they mounted the steps to the porch the front door was opened by the same young lioness that had led Joel there. It was then he realized that it was his grandmother, since the lioness was smiling gleefully at him and suddenly announced in his mind, " You see, I still have a few surprises up my sleeve that even you don't know yet! " She led the three males into a rather sumptuously decorated sitting room and told them to wait there. As she left the room she said that Madam Moira Monet would call for them when she was ready to see them. At the same time telepathically telling Joshua to make the younger ones feel at home. She would explain everything in a few minutes. All Joshua could do was stand there agog as she left, to get ready to talk with them. He walked over to the antique sideboard where a large frosty picture of iced tea was sitting and several trays of delicious smelling sandwiches were. He asked Joel and Adin what they would like to eat. They came over to look at the various foods, choosing what they wanted. They then sat down in the soft , comfy chairs and proceeded to talk. The two young ones asked Joshua how she could have known what their favorite foods were since the sandwiches were made of each of their most enjoyed foods. Joshua explained that she had searched their minds to find out what foods they liked best so they would feel more welcome. This did not surprise Joel as he was learning more every day about things that he had read about, but till now always thought was fiction. Adin wasn't surprised either since he was raised on stories about Madam Moira's powers. A few moments later Madam Moira entered the room, asking them if they were comfortable. Joel couldn't help but be surprised to see the very statuesque lioness that looked like she could have been Joshua's sister instead of his grandmother standing there. She smiled at him and told him that she came from a line of very long-lived people that aged very slowly. She also told all of them that she had two reasons for wanting them there. One was that she had seen a vision that must be shared with them, and that they must spend some time with her to learn what the vision meant. The second reason she wanted them there was to celebrate her birthday with her as it was that day. They all wished her a happy birthday, each one secretly wondering how old she was that day. She chuckled and told them that she could read their thoughts, causing both Adin and Joel to blush deeply. She went on to explain that she wasn't bothered that they wondered at her age, and that if they truly wanted to know she would tell them. Sheepishly both Adin and Joel said they would like to know. She smiled and said, " Today I am 235 years old, yet don't feel a day over 100. " *** After the birthday celebration was over, Moira told the three of them to please follow her to the other room. She led them to a windowless room, lit only with candles. The walls were covered with heavy velvet drapes from which various symbols were embroidered on, in the center of the room was a large round table with a dark blue velvet cloth trimmed with gold stars, moons, and suns on it. In the center of the table was a large book bound in hand carved leather surrounded by three candles, a large white candle, a large red candle, and a large black candle. A rather unique pentacle made out of braided hair with precious stones of different colors attached at strategic points lay in front of the candles, with small incenses burning placed at each point of the star symbol completed the tables decorations. Moira walked to a large carved oak chair, upholstered in red leather which was placed behind the open book and sat down. she motioned for them to sit in the remaining chairs, Joshua on her left, Joel to her right, and Adin directly across from her.. Once they were all seated, she said she was ready to begin. Joel and Adin looked at each other nervously, Joshua looked very calm and relaxed. Moira started to speak, saying that the Gods had given her a sign that the three of them were uniquely tied to each other and that they would be very much a part of their world's future. They each had to be taught the full extent of their powers and how to use them, also they had to learn how to combine their powers when it was needed. She looked at Joel and Adin, asking them if they had any questions so far. They both said that they did, so she asked Joel to ask his first. He asked what powers she meant, that as far as he knew he had no powers. Adin readily agreed saying that he had no powers either. She looked at them and smiled, saying; " Yes, you both have very strong powers, but you have not been told about them. You Adin, was to have been told when the time was right, which was to have been when you turned twenty-one. But at that time you were under a strong bad influence, so they were not revealed to you at that time. And you, Joel, were not told because your culture didn't stress the importance of these powers and most people of your culture don't know how to tell who has strong powers, your parents may not have even known you had them, so don't feel bad about not knowing." "Joshua has been raised knowing his powers, but we didn't tell him of the rest because we didn't want him wasting his life trying to seek out the ones that were to be the twining strength to both his and their powers. He had to learn the rules that his powers set in place for him first. Once the bad influence was gone, then the gods said it was time to bring you all together. Each of you have grown stronger because of the trials you each have suffered. And each of you have worried about the others more than yourselves. Which is how it was meant to happen. Each of you was attacked in different ways by the same force of evil, making all three of you care for each other in ways you didn't understand." "Joshua, you felt like you were betraying your love for Joel when you saw Adin sleeping in Shane's house , by the way your body and mind reacted to what you saw. Joel. you felt you were being disloyal to Joshua, by the intensity of your worry about Adin. And last but not least, Adin, you felt confused, about the feelings you have for both Joshua and Joel, making you afraid that they would turn against you if they were to learn of them. Am I correct in all of these observations?" All three of them were very red-faced as they looked at each other and slowly said in unison that she was completely correct. "There is nothing to worry about from the feelings you have as the three of you are bound together as one and have been since each of you were born, even though not one of you knew it. The feelings each of you have toward the others make your powers all that much stronger when near each other. As you learn the extent of your powers you will grow to be able to tap into each others strength even if you are miles apart, and also will be able to communicate with each other telepathically up to great distances apart also." " Each of you will grow to feel each others emotions, desires, pains, and joys even when your separated, or asleep. You will slowly become as one unit that doesn't feel whole unless you are together. Do you understand what I am telling you?" As they each looked at each other they could hear what the others were thinking, and knew she was right; which made them feel all the better for this knowledge. And that the love they felt for each other was right and not something twisted or wrong. "Now I must ask you a very important question that I want you to think about very deeply before you answer me." continued Madam Moira. " Do you feel that you are ready to be joined as one in the eyes of the Gods and Goddesses, or do you need more time?" "You can converse amongst each other, I will close my mind to your thoughts so you have privacy." The three males looked at each other and without uttering a word aloud, heard the thoughts and fears of the others. Which helped to ease each other's fears as they talked it over mentally, slowly they realized that Madam Moira was again correct and that they were ready for the next step in their future.