This is a sexually explicit story (at times) involving homosexuality. By continuing to read, you affirm under penalties of perjury that you are not a minor or in the company of a minor and are entitled to have access to this story.
The following is a fictious story with no real basis or credibility.It is solely for the enjoyment of the reader.Its all just fun. It does not imply anything about the sexual preferences or lifestyle of Justin Timberlake or any other celebrity mentioned in the story.
Previously
Michael walked over to him, kneeling in front of him.
"Fredrick murdered my father, then took his place. He deceived me and my mother, didn't he?"
"Yes, Michael. He deceived all of us. He tried to kill me, but your father saved my life, only to give up his own to do it." Alberto was sobbing, Michael taking him into his arms.
Everything became clear now to Michael, the abuse, the hatred. His father's raping his mother that night.
The man so wanting to kill Michael.
To stop what he knew needed to be stopped.
Michael now believed what he was.
Fredrick wanted to relish the torture, to savor the pain.
Because the man was pure evil.
And Michael was the key to destroying that evil.
Michael held his grandfather, Paulo trying to hug them both. Justin was in tears, Nana hugging him now.
"It's alright, Poppa." Michael said, calling him that to show his love for him.
"It's not your fault, it's his. He's evil, I realized that a long time ago. I just didn't know how evil."
Alberto clung to Michael, not wanting to let him go, this sweet child of his son's love.
"Your father loved you so much, Michael. You're all he talked about when he came home."
Michael began to cry, Justin putting his hand on his shoulder.
Michael looked up at him, seeing his love shining beside him.
"Thank you, grandfather, you don't know what that means to me."
Alberto calmed down after a while, Michael standing up again. He walked to the window seeing the warm sun shining.
He turned and faced everyone.
"I was loved. My father did love me. I was loved."
Michael's tears erupted, his body taken over by sobs.
Justin ran to him, enveloping him in his arms, holding him tight.
They stood there alone, Michael safe in Justin's arms.
Everyone sensed how much this meant to Michael.
He had been loved.
And he could now carry that love in his heart.
Chapter 50
The Story of God's Servant
Everyone remained quiet looking at the two young men.
Nana felt Michael's happiness at now knowing that the man he'd though was his father, wasn't.
But Nana also felt his deeper hurt, the pain of losing his father's love as well as him mother's.
Her grandchild had been robbed of his parents love.
And Nana now knew Michael's uncle had been respondsible for that.
She walked over sitting down beside Alberto, taking his hand in her's.
"You've given Michael something he needed, Alberto. He needed to know his father had loved him. And he now knows that someone else was responsible for his father's, and maybe even his mother's death."
Michael looked at Nana, hearing her words.
Michael knew his uncle Fredrick had abused him and his mother because of what he thought Michael was. What Michael meant to the family. The prophecy.
It always came back to that prophecy.
Michael walked over to his grandfather, Justin following him.
He knelt down again in front of him.
"Grandfather, you said that I had been lost to you, that you couldn't find me."
"Yes, Michael. Your uncle was devious. He moved you around a few times. Never staying anywhere for long. We always seemed to miss you by a few months. Your uncle was good at staying hidden."
"Yes, but it was always because he said he had a better job lined up. Or maybe that was what he wanted us to think."
Alberto nodded at him.
"Where is he now?" Michael asked, sensing Justin's need to know that.
"We do not know, Michael. He was released from prison a while back, dissappearing again off the face of the earth." Paulo said.
"You said that " he " showed you where I was. Who showed you?"
Alberto looked into Michael's golden eyes, eyes so full of love and happiness. But he could see the deep pain, hidden away. Michael was letting him see it. Alberto knew that pain might never heal. He himself carried a similar loss.
"I had been having vivid dreams. And a young man talked to me often in those dreams. He told me where to find you."
Michael looked at Justin, Justin hearing in his mind what Michael needed.
Justin walked out of the room quietly, Michael turning back to his grandfather.
"I think I may know who helped you, Poppa."
Alberto looked at him confused. Paulo was looking at him also.
"I believe it may have been Daniel."
"Daniel? You mean Daniel from your book?" Paulo asked.
Michael nodded.
Justin returned with the photograph, handing it to Michael.
Michael looked at his grandfather, handing him the framed photo.
Alberto looked at the picture, gasping at who he saw in it.
"This is the boy, this is the guardian in my dreams. Who is he?" Alberto looking up at Michael with wonder.
"That's the key word, Poppa. Guardian. He's my guardian angel. Or at least that's what he's told Justin. I haven't seen him since the day he died in my arms."
Michael felt Justin's hand on his shoulder, his comfort close.
Michael quietly explained all about Daniel to Alberto and Paulo, as well as everyone else listening. The story never failed to move people. Everyone could see the pain that Michael felt in talking about Daniel.Daniel had been a special man in Michael's life. And Justin sensed that Daniel was so much more.
"So your guardian angel led me to you, he wanted me to find you, to find my grandson." Alberto said.tearing up again.
"It appears that way, grandfather." Michael smiled at him, brushing away his tears.
"You're a remarkable man, Michael. After all you've endured, after all you've lived, you still go on. I can now see that you're very special." Alberto said.
Michael hugged him again, getting up off his knees and sitting beside him, Nana giving him room.
Michael kissed his grandmother then his grandfather.
"Two side of my life, united together. I'm so happy."
Both grandparents smiled at their grandson, Justin standing in front of them seeing their love for him.
Michael looked up at Justin, seeing his acceptance of Michael's new family.
Then Michael's face took on a somber look. He turned and looked at his grandfather.
"I need to know about my family, Poppa. About the Chosen Ones."
Paulo's head snapped up, staring at Michael.
"The prophecy. How did you know about it Michael?" Alberto asked.
"When I was young, when I first sensed my gifts, I began to have dream or visions. And in these visions a man came to me. He said he was there to help me, to show me the knowledge, the knowledge to master my gifts for the final confrontation."
Alberto and Paulo were stunned.
"He said I was to help the Chosen Ones. The servants of god. They needed me to cleanse their souls, so they could fullfill their duty to god. And he showed me the prophecy. He explained every line to me, every meaning and what the true purpose of the prophecy was."
Alberto had tears flowing down his face, Paulo was crying also.
"Michael, you are the one, the one we've waited for. The one that was foretold to us.For hundreds of years our people, our scholars and holy visionaries, have tried to decipher the prophecy's meaning. Please, my son, what is it's meaning?"
Michael bowed his head, taking a deep breath.
"I'm sorry, grandfather. Only time will reveal that."
Michael got up, putting his arm around Justin. Everyone could see that Justin was deeply affected by this talk of prophecy.
Justin felt Michael's hand slink into his.
"It's okay, Jus. I know you don't like this, but I feel it is my destiny."
Justin looked up at his lover, seeing the love in his eyes, feeling the love in his soul.
"I still don't like it Michael. I still don't like it and what it means for you."
Michael hugged him close, feeling his love and his need for Michael's love.
"No matter what the outcome, no matter what the end may reveal, I am yours forever, my love."
Justin saw the truth in Michael's golden eyes.
Michael turned looking at his grandparents and Paulo.
"I need to know the story, Poppa. I need to know Adrian's story."
Alberto almost collapsed, Paulo grabbing him before he fell forward.
"My god, Michael. How do you know of Adrian?" Alberto gasped.
Michael sat down again beside his grandfather, worried about his sudden reaction.
"It was Adrian who came to me in my dreams. He told me he was the caretaker of knowledge."
Paulo stared at his cousin, lost in the meaning of what he'd just said.
Alberto grasped Michael's hand, looking into his eyes again.
"You saw Adrian? Our ancestor, our holy prophet?"
Michael stared at him, sensing Alberto's wonder.
"He was old, ancient, with long white hair but with a kind beautiful face. His eyes gleamed like golden suns, and he was so gentle and kind. He showed me how to control my gifts and how to use them.He felt like a grandfather to me. I'm sorry I said that."
Alberto smiled, tears in his eyes.
"To look upon Adrian would be to look upon the love of God."
Alberto took a deep breath, settling his emotions to talk with Michael.
"Adrian Tavarro was your ancestor, Michael. You're one of the fiftieth generation of his blood line. Our family began with him. Our destinies began with him."
Fiftieth generation. The prophecy again.
"He who shall be born of fifty souls united."
Paulo quietly looked at Michael. He did know the prophecy.
"Could I have a glass of water. I have a lot to talk about." Alberto asked Justin.
Justin smiled, walking out of the room, returning shortly with a glass. Alberto took it , thanking him and then taking a drink.
"Please, everyone get comfortable, this is an interesting story."
Everyone relaxed, getting comfortable, Justin sitting on the floor between Michael's legs. He looked up at Alberto, smiling.
Alberto liked Justin, he had a lot of love for his grandson and for his well being.
"It is fitting that I should tell you this story, on this day. This day we celebrate the birth of our savior, our lord, Jesus Christ."
Michael smiled at him, feeling a significance in his saying that.
"Your ancestor, Adrian, was blessed. He met Jesus. He met him and gave his life and soul over to him."
Michael was shocked, staring at his grandfather. He felt Justin's shock as well.
Alberto clasped his hands together and began his story
"Adrian Tavarro was a young soldier, captured in Spain, or what stood for Spain at that time. He was sold into slavery after being beaten in battle against the Romans.
He was brought to Jerusalem and sold as a personal servant to a Roman general.
His life was a life of great hardship and suffering. He was beaten, abused and tortured.
And he was raped.
You see, Adrian was an exceptionally beautiful looking man. There are few portraits of him, but I think they couldn't do justice to him.
But one, painted by his own grandson, I believe to be a good likeness.
He was indeed beautiful.
That portrait hangs in my home. I look at it often. To see the faith in his golden eyes. To think that you have met him, moves me so much."
Michael smiled at his grandfather, remaining quiet.
"I now see something new about you, Michael. His life in that way mirrored your own. You were abused, beaten and raped. To think that you went on, like he did, gives me hope in your greatness."
Michael rubbed his grandfather's hand, still remaining quiet.
"Adrian's life went on, he never faultered in his will to live. Every day he was hopeful that his life would get better.
One day he accompanied his general to the city's barracks. On the way his general took ill, stopping to rest an an inn. Adrian was charged with seeking out a healer to heal his master.
Adrian roamed the city streets, not being told where to find the healers.
He walked into a small plaza seeing a group of men clustered around a quiet looking man.
The silent man was seated, eating grapes.
Adrian stared at the man, sensing something different about him.
The man looked up at Adrian, his eyes fixing upon his.
Adrian felt those eyes measuring his soul. The man's faith and love radiated off him.
"Come here my young friend. Sit and rest with us. You look lost. Are you seeking truth or salvation?"
Adrian sat down beside the man, the others staring at both of them. He felt uncomfortable under all those staring eyes.
"Do not be afraid, I mean you no harm. What is it you seek?"
"My master is ill. I am looking for a healer. " Adrian said, not wanting to lie to this man.
"You are a slave to him? Is he Roman?" The man said.
"Yes, a general in the legion commanding Jerusalem." Adrian said quietly.
All the men looked at him with distaste.
The young man looked around at them all.
"Do not hate this man for being a slave. He did not ask for this life, it was thrust upon him. He is free in his heart and soul. He only has to believe that to find eternal peace."
Adrian looked at the man, wonder in his eyes. The man's voice felt like a soothing balm, it soothed his pain.
"Take me to your master, my young friend."
"You are a healer?" Adrian asked shyly.
"I heal, yes. But I heal more than illnesses."
The quiet man rose, waiting for Adrian to show him the way.
The other men gathered around him, trying to talk him out of going.
"I wish to see this man, this man who would keep another man in bondage. Do not fear for me, I am my own salvation."
The man smiled at Adrian, Adrian feeling a deep calmness wash over him.
At twenty three he'd thought he'd seen it all in life. This man somehow surprised him.
He went back through the winding streets.
The man walked beside him, not following but walking with him. Adrian sensed this man was a leader, not a follower.
The man asked Adrian all about his life, where he came from.
Adrian told him everything. He felt no fear of this man. And deep in his heart he felt a hope, a kindled fire burning in him.
They arrived at the inn where his master lodged. The man asked to see him, informing them he was a healer.
The man and Adrian went to the general's room, to find him in great pain.
The man looked down upon the ailing general, looking into his eyes.
The general gazed at him, seeing something strange about this man.
"Slave, you imbecile. What kind of foolishness have you brought to me. This man looks no more a healer than you do." He said swinging a fist at Adrian, hitting him across the face.
He meant to swing a second blow, when the man's hand grasped his.
"Do not hit that man, lest you judge him fairly. I am a healer."
The general stared at this man who'd dare stop him from administering punishment.
"Who are you to stop me, I could have you publicly flogged for daring such a thing." The general throwing his weight around.
"I am the man to control your destiny. I am the man to control your life. You are dying from the plague."
The general's face went white, Adrian looking at the quiet man with wonder.
"The plague? That's impossible, I haven't touched the dead we had buried or burned."
A plague had ravished the northern district of Jerusalem for almost three months, finally being controlled by mass burials and burnings.
The general's legion had been in charge of removal of the corpses.
The man put his hand upon the general's forehead closing his eyes.
The general relaxed feeling a comfort settle over him.
He fell into a deep sleep, Adrian watching with amazement.
"He will sleep for the rest of the day. Tomorrow he will arise feeling all right."
The man walked out of the room, Adrian following him.
The soldiers outside enquired as to their general's health, the man telling them the truth.
The man walked out of the inn, Adrian following behind. Once outside they sat down in a shaded corner of the inn's garden, Adrian lost in thought.
"Could I ask you a question, sir?" He asked shyly.
"Yes, my friend."
Adrian looked into his dark eyes, sensing the deep love there.
"Why did you save that man, when he is the enemy of your people?"
The man looked at him quietly.
"I saved him because of you."
Adrian looked shocked.
"Me?"
"Yes, you have suffered much under this man. He's done things to you, bad things. Things one man shouldn't do to another. I can see it all in your eyes.He has been spared at this time, for a reason. You're that reason, my friend."
Adrian looked at him with awe.
"Are you a holy man, a prophet?"
"I am that I am, nothing more. I am a servant of god, and in such I spread his teachings."
"Then you're a teacher?" Adrian asked suddenly wanting to know all about this man.
The man looked directly at him.
"What is your name, my friend?"
"Adrian, sir."
"My name is Jesus. I am the son of god."
The man got up, seeing his friends coming down the street. Adrian remained frozen in his spot.
Had he heard him right? That wasn't possible.
"It is true, Adrian. God has sent me here to teach and spread his word. I am the light and salvation of his love. Come to me and I will teach you all about his love."
Jesus walked away from him, his friends approaching him.
They all gathered around him, Jesus talking to one of them quietly. The man nodded.
They all took their leave, following Jesus as he dissappeared through the streets.
The one man he'd talked to returned to Adrian.
"Hello, Adrian. Forgive us for our displeasure earlier. We did not know that our lord favors you. My name is Peter."
Adrian shook his offered hand.
"Jesus has asked me to tell you that there is a gathering this evening on the hill outside the city. He wanted you to know."
Peter smiled at him and turned to go.
Adrian grabbed his arm, Peter looking back at him.
"He said he was the son of god." He looked into Peter's eyes.
"He is."
Adrian could see the love Peter had for this remarkable man.
"We are his disciples. All twelve of us have followed him, learning of our father's love."
Peter smiled at Adrian.
"Come tonight and hear his words. They will soothe your heart and soul. No man is a slave if he has a free heart."
Peter walked away, Adrian remaining where he was.
Adrian sat there for a long time, thinking about all he'd seen this day, about the man he'd met. The man who seemed more than a man.
Adrian got up returning to the inn.
He was told the general was still sleeping, that he wasn't needed.
One burly soldier rubbed his cheek, laughing at him.
"You're to have the evening off, sweetie. Be back here at dark to be used."
The other soldiers laughed.
Adrian was in a sense the general's whore. The man and a few of his officers used Adrian for their pleasure.
Adrian had run away from them three times, being caught each time and suffering greatly for it.
He'd given up on any hope of escape.
He walked out of the inn, sitting down again.
The evening was his. And he knew what he wanted to do.
Alberto took another drink of his water, Michael and Justin as well as everyone else quietly waiting.
"To think that Adrian talked with our lord, it's truly amazing." Justin said.
"How do you know all this, Alberto?" Nana asked.
"Adrian wrote it all down in a set of journals. His whole life." The man said proudly.
"They are sacred to our family, each of us knowing the story by heart." Paulo smiled.
Justin smiled at him.
"Please, allow me to continue." Alberto said, smiling at Justin, who had lain his head against Michael's knee..
Adrian arrived early at the gathering, surprised at the multitude already there.
He took a seat about a hundred yards away from the center plateau.
He watched all the people gathering, smiling and laughing. He couldn't understand why they were so happy. They all looked poor and destitute, in some cases disabled and infirmed.
He remained quiet, just watching and waiting.
Within an hour and a half a large group had gathered, Adrian now one of thousands.
He heard a shout go up in the crowd, looking up towards the top of the hill.
There he stood, tall and handsome, Adrian's new friend.
He walked down the hill, followed by his twelve disciples.
He stopped on the level plateau, looking out at the people. A hush fell on the crowd.
"Blessings on all of you, children of faith. You seek a truth known only to the faithful, and I here today wish to show you the truth, the path to god's love and hope."
The crowd was silent, listening to his voice ,which amazed Adrian. Somehow it seemed to carry for a great distance, no one straining to hear.
He spoke for over two hours, deep words of faith and love. Adrian stood still, enthralled by all he said, such deep words of love and hope, of salvation and redempton.
To Adrian it appeared that Jesus was speaking right to him, telling him what he needed to know, to find the happiness within himself. Tears ran down his face as the words entered his heart and soul.
On that darkening hillside, Adrian found his faith, and his salvation.
He sat there until the end of Jesus's talking, and until all the crowd had dispersed.
Then he began to cry, not for himself but for all the people who hadn't heard this man.
Who hadn't found their faith.
He walked back to the inn, his heart full of love, god's love.
When he reached the inn, three drunken centurions were waiting for him. They took him to a vacant room, Adrian knowing what was required of him. He didn't oblige them. He fought with a renewed determination, but he couldn't stem the tide. In the end they used him, like he'd been used before.
But this time he'd fought back, if only to lose. This time he didn't give in to it. He felt the faith still in his heart, he felt the desire to save himself.
The centurions were infuriated by his struggling, two received kneed crotches and scratches. In the end they left him, tired of his fighting.
He was left alone to lick his wounds, as were they. They'd tell the general, he had no doubt about that.
But he'd fight him too, he'd found a new zest for life, for freedom.
Adrian crawled back to his small room, laying on a small cot. He drifted in and out of sleep until someone threw a pail of water on him, waking him up.
"The general requires you, hop to it, sweetie." The burly soldier smirked at him, throwing the pail on the floor.
Adrian got up, his tunic dripping with water.
He walked down to the end room, walking into the general's room.
"There you are boy, it's about time. I want you to polish my armor and ready my uniform. I am to stand ready for a great duty today."
Adrian nodded, picking up the general's suit of armor and tunic.
"I haven't time this morning to ravage you, I heard of your reluctance last night, that will be rectified tonight. Your going to service my whole regiment tonight, slut."
The general back handed him, Adrian not moving.
The general was surprised at his glaring back at him.
"Well, seems my little slut has found his backbone. I can beat that out of you. Go! Bring my uniform to me in twenty minutes, not a second less."
Adrian left, returning nineteen minutes later.
The general dressed while talking to a centurion.
"Who is this Jesus? Why do we have to guard him? What is he on trial for?" The general barked at the man.
Adrian's heart clenched.
"He's a jewish dog, who's inciting the people to believe in miracles and hogwash. Some kind of religious zealot or prophet. Pontius is trying him in front of his own people."
The general laughed, shaking his head.
"These people need more than miracles. They need a warrior not a prophet. Let's go."
The general walked out telling Adrian to follow him as his servant that day.
Adrian walked in a daze, not believing what he'd heard.
They were going to put this man on trial. The man would be executed .
Adrian couldn't believe it. He walked in silence following the general, surrounded by a group of soldiers.
They walked through the streets, heading for the large outdoor square, in the center of the city.
There they came upon thousands of people, all waiting for the prisoner to be brought forth.
The general directed his men to go to the jails to pick up the prisoner.
He waited, Adrian standing at his side.
The general sat down in a chair pulled up by Adrian.
After a few minutes, the group of soldiers returned, Jesus walking in the middle of them. He'd been flogged, beaten and whipped.
His body was covered with dried blood.
The general stood up, looking at the man.
"The healer? I should of know. I knew you wouldn't come to a good end. You may have saved me last night, but you won't be able to save yourself."
Adrian had tears in his eyes looking upon the man.
Jesus lifted his head, not looking at the general, only looking at Adrian.
"My salvation is at hand, I go to meet my father." He said quietly.
A centurion hit him with a wooden staff, Jesus falling to his knees.
"Then go on your knees, bowing to him." The general laughed.
Everyone laughed except Adrian, his heart was breaking.
"Pull the dog up, it's time to march him to his probable death.
They pulled Jesus up, beginning to head for the square.
Jesus took one last look at Adrian, Adrian seeing something remarkable.
Though the man was injured, beaten and hurt, his eyes were full of love and hope.
Adrian's heart filled with their contents, his own hope strengthened.
He followed behind the soldiers carrying his generals requirements.
They walked out into the square, the crowd erupting.
People yelled Jesus's name, Jesus looking at no one.
He was marched to the center of the square, to stand in front of a raised platform.
On the platform stood Pontius Pilate, the governor of Judea.
He looked down at the beaten man, a mere human.
"Who is this man you bring before me? Is this the prophet you fear? He looks no threat to me."
"He is a blasphemer, an idealist. His teaching bring riot and resistance to our people." Said a cleric, standing in a group of about forty.
"Resistance, to what? To Rome?" Pontius said.
"Yes, to its ideals and order. He incites the people to be free." Cried a church official.
"I incite them to be free in their hearts and in their faith in their god." Jesus said looking around.
The crowd had gone silent, listening to this man.
"I am here to spread the word of god, to teach of his love and faith. You are his children, you need his love."
Pontius looked down on him, seeing no threat to Rome, only a heratic prophet.
"Who are you, prophet?"
"I am the son of god." Jesus said, the silence echoing off the stone walls.
The crowd erupted, shouting " stone him, stone him".
Adrian looked out at the mass, seeing some crying, some begging for him. He also saw several of Jesus's disciples, mixed in the crowd.
Why didn't they stand up for him, why didn't they fight for him?
Adrian knew why. He himself stood still. It was the fear of being only one, only one against the world.
He looked up at Jesus, listening to him talk, and for over an hour he talked.
And Adrian realized that Jesus, he was one against the world.
His faith was there in front of everyone, he was standing alone for everyone.
Adrian's heart felt shame, the shame of his silence.
Pontius finally had heard enough.
"I find no fault or evil in this man against Rome. He is a heratic, a prophet of no consequence. What would you have me do?"
"Execute him according to our laws, for blasphemy and insurrection." The heads of the church shouted.
Pontius stood looking out at the crowd, deciding they should be the judges of this man.
"I will let you decide. Guards, bring forth the prisoners from the jails."
Within a few moments, three men were brought out to stand beside Jesus.
Pontius was told their crimes, Pontius informing the crowd.
"You, Barrabus, you are the most guilty of your crimes. I give the people a choice."
"Between Jesus and Barrabus. Who goes free?"
People began to scream names, Adrian yelling Jesus's name. His general turned to look at him, with murder in his eyes.
but Adrian could hear the crowd's voice, hear its denial, its denial of Jesus's faith.
Pontius stood on his platform, staring at the people. They'd pick a murderer over this one man, one man with no hurt in his soul.
"So it has been decided. Jesus of Nazareth, you are sentenced to death by crucifixion. Crucify all three."
Pontius Pilate sat down, shaking his head, the church officials smiling.
Jesus was led away, taken to the jail again, to await the making of his cross. The other two prisoners met the same fate as him.
Adrian walked with his head down, no one seeing his tears. He walked behind his general and behind his soldiers.
Once Jesus dissappeared back into the jail, the general took himself into a quiet room to relax. He ordered Adrian to follow.
Once the door was shut, the general slapped him across the face.
"You slut. You yell his name in public. Do you know what that looks like for me. I am a general, you are my slave. You are silent until asked to speak."
The general picked him up, throwing him over a table.
"I will show you what you are."
He ripped open Adrian's tunic, positioning himself behind him. Adrian kept his legs closed, the man trying to force them open.
"So, you want to resist me too. Okay, then have it your way."
The man grabbed Adrian by the balls, squeezing tight. Adrian screamed into his hands. His legs parted, the man entering him roughly.
Adrian still fought, but he couldn't stop him.
Within a few minutes the deed was done.
The general let him go, Adrian falling to the floor.
"For what you did today, I will see you watch him die. You will stand there and do nothing while your prophet dies."
Adrian crawled back up to his feet, glaring at the man.
The general laughed.
"I like it when you fight back, gives me a challenge. But I will take the fight out of you. Get going!"
Adrian walked out of the room, waiting quietly in the hall.
His heart was filled with anger, anger at everyone, but mostly anger at himself. Anger at not being able to save Jesus.
After a few minutes, Jesus was brought out again, and taked back out into the square. The crowd still stood there, watching him.
Three large crosses were laying on the ground in front of the platform. Pontius was gone.
Jesus and the two other men were stood if front of their crosses.
"All right, pick up your crosses, you'll carry them to your death on Golgatha."
Golgatha was a hill outside Jerusalem, about two miles away.
Adrian watch with all the others as Jesus picked up his cross and walked through the opening crowd.
They walked slowly, dragging their crosses over their shoulders. The soldiers followed behind, Adrian and his general right behind them. The general rode a horse, Adrian on foot.
Adrian followed quietly never taking his eyes off Jesus, seeing his struggle to walk.
His heart felt grief for this man, for this kind, loving man.
He remembered every word and deed that Jesus had done or spoken. They were forever embossed into his soul.
Adrian felt the weight of the cross that Jesus bore. He felt it in his heart. He felt the weight of Jesus's love in his own heart.
And that was when he realized that Jesus was indeed the son of god. He was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. As he had stood as one alone against the world, he now walked as one carrrying the world on his shoulders.
And so they trudged through the streets, the three prisoners staggering along, the crosses heavy under their task.
The crowd followed behind, the shouting beginning to falter at the sight unfolding.
Jesus was beginning to stagger more, the weight too much even for him.
Adrian watched, wanting so desperately to help him.
Jesus slipped on a stone step and collapsed, his strength gone.
The soldiers crowded around him trying to get him up again. He stood then began to fall forward.
"He can't carry the cross any further." The centurion holding him up said to the general.
The general smirked. Jesus sank to his knees.
"Then let his friend do it." The general pointed to Adrian, laughing.
Adrian walked forward, kneeling beside Jesus, putting his shoulder under the cross, looking at Jesus who's head hung low.
"I am here to help you with your burden, Jesus."
Jesus looked up into Adrian's eyes, Adrian still seeing his love there.
Adrian picked up the cross, shocked with its dead weight.
He trudged forward, dragging the cross with him, Jesus following at his side.
No words were spoken between them, but Adrian felt his voice enter his mind.
Thank you, my young friend. In doing this you have showed the hope of mankind's goodness. You are a faithful servant of god. You will be free always.
Adrian's strength rose inside him, the cross feeling lighter, as if god was carrying it with him.
And so the two men walked together, sharing the load.
They came to the Golgatha hill.
The three convicted were stripped of most of their clothing, only their undergarments remaining.
The crosses were laid down, the men laid upon them.
The ironsmith set to his task.
He hammered nails into each of their hands and through their feet, binding their arms to the cross.
And so it was done.The three were crucified to their seperate crosses.
Ten men lifted them into their holes in the ground.
And there stood Jesus in the center, hanging from his cross.
The crowd was silent looking upon the man who'd brought them the truth. The hope for a better faith and life.
Adrian stood looking up at him, seeing him struggling to survive. Even in the center of death he clung to life.
The disciples of Jesus stood alone looking on their lord, feeling their guilt at not standing with him.
Adrian looked at Peter, who had walked up beside him.
"In the end I failed him, I denied him to myself. How can I ever forgive myself."
Adrian put his hand on Peter's shoulder.
"By being his servant, by spreading the truth of his divinity."
Peter looked up into his golden eyes, seeing something new there.
"You seem different, Adrian. You look as if the lord has blessed you."
"I feel different, Peter. I feel god's love is in my heart and soul."
Peter nodded, but remained silent.
They all stood there waiting for him to die.
Adrian stood alone, watching his friend suffer, and inside himself he began to pray. For his friend, and for the world. To pray for their redemption and for their strength.
Adrian knelt in front of the cross, alone but surrounded by his faith.
It took six hours for Jesus to die, darkness having descended on the hill.
And at his final breath he forgave the world for what it had done to him.
"Forgive them father, for they know not what they do."
And he was gone.
The darkness seemed to darken, the world to go quiet, as if a greatness went out of the world.
Adrian knew what it was, it was the leaving of the son of god, and the beginning of the faith.
His general walked up to him, smiling.
"Your task is not done, bury these vile creatures in the shit they grew out of. See that it's done."
He directed some other men to help him, Adrian himself taking Jesus's body off the cross, gently, when the crosses had been pulled down.
He carried him onto a wooden bed, covering his body with a shroud.
The disciples and Jesus's family following them.
And he carried him with the help of other slaves to a secluded cave, entombing him in a private place.
And Adrian was again alone.
He walked back to the city, standing outside it's walls.
Inside was a life of hardship, of loneliness and despair.
He was determined to rise above it.
He walked back to his general's quarters, going silently into his small room.
His sleep was instant, so he didn't hear the general come in.
He awoke to the man spreading his legs apart.
Adrian knew what was coming.
He fought again, the general hitting him. But then something happened.
Adrian's eyes began to glow like two golden orbs.
The general stopped, fear entering his soul.
Adrian picked the man up, throwing him against the wall.
He stood up, grabbing him by the throat.
"I am a man, not a whore. I am free of you and all your kind. I am leaving, right now. If you try to stop me, I'll kill you where you stand."
Adrian threw him down, walking out of the room and the house. He walked back out through the streets, walking with determination and freedom. No man would ever hold him down again, he was free.
He walked out of the city stopping at the hill of Golgatha.
The three crosses laid where they had been left.
Adrian walked up the hill kneeling down beside Jesus's cross. He saw the blood and sweat of his lord still etched in the wood.
He cried tears of sadness and tears of joy.
Sadness at the loss of his friend. Joy in knowing that Jesus was with his father.
Adrian had one thing left to do.
Within moments it was done, and he walked back down the hill.
He walked down onto the road, heading north, in the direction of Spain.
He didn't get far when he heard the horses behind him.
He knew who followed him. The man had made his decision. He would die by it.
Adrian turned waiting for them to come.
Five centurions and the general rode up to him, dismounting and drawing their swords.
"Did you honestly think, I'd let you go, slut."
"Did you think I'd let you stop me." Adrian replied, the men seeing his courage.
"Kill him, but do it slowly." The general smirked.
The men attacked him,swords drawn.
Adrian found a strength he didn't know he had. He moved with cat like precision, hitting them in the face, crotch, legs and chest. Never once did a sword touch him.
The general stood in shock.
Within five minutes the five men were laying on the ground unconscious, two of them dead.
Adrian stood alone in front of the general.
"It is just you and me now, general. Prepare for your final truth."
The general pulled his sword.
"Prepare to die, slut."
The general charged him, throwing his legs out from under him with a quick kick. Adrian went down quickly ,the sword missing his chest by a mere inch.
The general was on top of him, hitting him in the face.
Adrian thrust up, flipping the general over.
Adrian was on his feet in a flash charging at the man.
The general missed his step, stumbling while getting up. Adrian plowed into him knocking him backwards.
Adrian landed on top of him, punching him in the face. The general back handed him across the mouth sending Adrian falling off him.
The general was up in a flash, Adrian slower to get up.The general swung his other arm, his sword slashing Adrian across his lower back, leaving a large gash.
Adrian screamed with the pain, but kept on fighting. He slammed his fist into the general's knee, immediately causing him to fall down.
The general screamed holding his crushed kneecap.
Adrian swung again, his fist connecting with the general's jaw. He went down quickly.
Adrian punched him again in the chest and stomach the man succumbing to the onslaught.
The man was almost immobile.
Adrian struggled to his feet looking down on the man. He knelt down beside him, staring at him as he opened his eyes.
"Leave me alone, or I will kill you next time. I am free from you, free to live my life."
Adrian picked up the general's sword, looking at it in disgust.
"You would wound the world with your steel, but I aim to save it with my love and my faith."
The general spat at him, blood coming out of his mouth.
Adrian didn't notice a centurion struggle to his feet and pick up his sword. The general did. He tried to distract Adrian.
"I will hunt you to the four corners of the earth, I will see you dead, slut." The general struggling to breath.
Adrian put the sword to his throat, looking into his frightened eyes. Adrian's right hand was on top of the general's chest.
"To do so will bring you your death. He saved you that day so I could have my vengeance on you. I've had it. You can't hurt me anymore."
Adrian looked down on the gleaming sword in his left hand, seeing the reflection of the silent centurion above him with his sword coming down.
His quick reflexes saved him. Adrian rolled to the left at the last moment, the centurion's sword slashing by him, going through Adrian's right hand and into the general's heart.
Adrian's left hand brought the sword around, it stabbing into the centurions throat.
The man fell over, the sword still sticking in his throat.
Adrian pulled the other sword out of his hand, staring down at the dead general.
"By your own man, not me shall your judgement be rendered."
Adrian struggled to his feet, ripping part of the general's tunic off to wrap around his wounded hand and making a bandage for his back.
He looked around at the fallen unconscious men.
He walked up to one of their horses, pulling himself up.
He rode off, to his freedom and his destiny.
Alberto sat quietly looking around at everyone, finally resting his eyes on Michael.
His golden eyes still rested on his grandfather's, he'd remained quiet throughout the story.
Alberto saw the tears on his face, sensing the deepness of Michael's faith.
"What happened to Adrian after he escaped?" Christina asked, everyone wanting to ask the same question.
"He returned to Spain. It took him almost a year, through great hardship and determination he returned home.
He spent the rest of his life there, doing the work of god."
Alberto took a deep breath, relaxing against the couch.
"You haven't said much, Michael?" Nana said, putting her hand on his, Justin looking up at him from the floor.
"I wanted to hear grandfather's story before I tell you all what I know." Michael said, Alberto looking at him with concern.
Michael smiled at his grandparents, then looking down at Justin.
"I need to tell this, Justin. Forgive me if it's not what you want to hear." Michael said to him in his mind.
"I love you, Mico. That will never change." Justin said, his own thoughts reaching Michael's mind.
"Adrian told me some of his life's work, grandfather. But nothing about what you said. He never told me about Jesus, although I now sense he did. He always talked about he who had saved him."
Alberto listened to Michael, sensing some deep need to know what this man had learned.
"Adrian spent his whole life trying to do good. To make the world a better place. He did make the world a good place. He instilled in all his children, and he had eight, that goodness and faith went hand in hand.
His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren all dearly loved him." Alberto said.
"He told me he had a vision of god, that god wanted him to spread goodness through everyone he met." Michael said.
Alberto smiled, looking at his grandson.
"Yes, a few years after he settled back in Spain, he had a vision of Jesus. Jesus came to him in his dreams, charging him with the duty of being a servant of god. Adrian spent the rest of his life serving god.
When he was at the end of his life, and all his descendants were learned in the ways of faith, he gathered them all together. He gave them the prophecy and the Stone of Vengeance. It lays in our sacred church back in spain.It waits for the day the messenger of god will reveal it's secret."
Michael bowed his head, as if thinking for a moment.
"I remember every line of the prophecy, every single one. For those of you who don't know it, I will recite it." Michael said finally, looking around at everyone.
And through these final Days of Judgement the angel of god's love shall walk among thy chosen ones.
He who shall be born of fifty souls united.
He who shall be giving of love but tortured of soul.
Through his golden eyes shall god seek our truth.
For he shall bring forth the instrument of our redemption, emtombed in the stone of vengeance.
He who cannot see shall see the final truth.
His spoken judgement shall cleanse the heart of all the generations.
A thousand and seven hundred souls shall glow in god's heaven.
Thee rest shall be consumed in sin's embrace.
And he shall rid the earth of that final sin, that sin against god.
His own sacrifice shall be thy final testament to god's truth.
Into himself shall he draw the weakness of our unworthy souls and he shall show us our commander of truth.
And through his love and self sacrifice shall the chosen prosper through a thousand generations.
Only through the heart and love of a child shall thy angel return to us.
Through innocence and love shall he rise again.
Michael looked at everyone, then finally looking at Alberto and Paulo.
"I am the angel of god's love. Adrian called me that himself."
Alberto began to cry, Paulo taking him into his arms.
"I am of the fiftieth generation of the Tavarro family, born of fifty souls united. I am giving of love but tortured of soul. And I have golden eyes."
Michael looked at Justin staring up at him.
"I'm sorry Justin, but this is my fate, my destiny. I know what I must do, I know what I must give to free the souls of my family, to bring them back to god's love. I pray you don't hate me for that."
Justin got up off the floor, pulling Michael to his feet.
"I love you Michael, I've always known that there is something special about you. Something loving and good. I will stand by you, forever, my love."
Justin kissed him, Michael lost in his love.
Michael looked back at his grandfather.
"It is to happen at the feast of Redemption. When is that?"
Paulo looked up at Michael, his eyes full of tears.
"It the last week of July, Michael. The whole family is gathering to pick the new patriarch of the family. Grandfather has lost his time to guide us, through the evil that's entered the soul of the family."
"I have guided the family for thirty years, Michael. The time has come for a new leader as by Adrian's laws." Alberto said.
"The new leader will be the commander of truth." Michael said looking into his grandfather's eyes.
"Is it you, Michael?" Justin asked, looking into his lover's golden eyes.
"No, Justin. It is not I. I am only the messenger, that man shall rule unchallenged. I am only to proclaim him."
"Has Adrian told you who it will be?" Paulo asked.
"Adrian told me he would come to me again when my own choice has been made, and the confrontation was near at hand. I will learn then probably."
Michael looked around at everyone, sensing a need to close this.
"The future holds many unanswered questions. I know some of what is to come, I will keep that to myself, as I have been asked. When the time comes we will face it together, all of us." Michael smiled at everyone
"Come my friends, and family. This is Christmas day, a day for celebration. I will not dwell on the future, I only want to live in the present. Let's enjoy our company together and have a wonderful dinner."
Michael smiled at everyone, everyone knowing what he was trying to do.
"Michael's right. Lets relax, dinner should be ready shortly." Lynn smiled, getting up to go into the kitchen.
Justin and Michael excused themselves to go spend some time with Becky and Stevie.
Justin picked up Becky, Stevie pulling Michael by the hand out the doorway.
They went with the children upstairs to play with their toys.
Nana and Alberto stood in the doorway looking after their grandson.
"What does the future hold for Michael, Alberto?" Nana asked, almost afraid of the answer.
"The prophecy says he will have to make a sacrifice to show us god's love. I only hope it's not his life he has to sacrifice." Alberto said, Nana putting her arm around him.
"Only through the heart and love of a child shall our angel return to us. That has to mean he'll be saved." Alberto said.
"We can only hope and pray, friend. We can only hope." Nana said, guiding Alberto into the kitchen for a glass of water.
End of Chapter 50
Please believe me when I say this was hard to write. I didn't want to make light of the story of Jesus's death or insinuate any belief of my own.
Before you condemn me or criticize me, I only want to state that I tried to convey the feelings of faith and love that this part of history means to so many different people.
Please do not take umbrage or offense with my story, and any meanings or intent on my part are only meant in love and respect for this part of history
Faith and love are the key elements of Michael's past, present and future.
More to come, back to the present and ongoing love .
Josh and Lance return, as well as New Year's.
Keep the faith, Angel.