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**WARNING- THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS SOME VERY GRAPHIC SCENES**

All characters are copyright and belong to Kyell Gold", "writing": "Kory was sound asleep when he was startled awake suddenly. The otter looked around. Unsure at first of where he was, he then recognized that he was at the church where he had been attending services for so many years now. Being in his church normally brought fond memories of his past, when he would worship in peace and sing hymns with his family and neighbors, this time however was quite different.\n\n``I must have fallen asleep during the service.'' He mused, but when he looked around and saw no one else in the church, he began to worry. \n\n``Perhaps everyone else already left and are greeting Father Joe by the alcove.'' He said, but when he walked over to the alcove, he found the doors closed and locked and Father Joe was nowhere to be seen. \n\nKory turned and looked all around but still saw no one. Suddenly a sound caught his attention, and he swiveled his ears around, trying to locate which direction the sound was coming from. He stopped and listened until he heard the sound once more. It was muffled but it seemed to be coming from somewhere near the altar. Kory started walking towards the altar, his eyes looking upon the podium where Father Joe held his sermons, then past it to the red drapes with their gold accents on the wall, then over to the large crucifix which was hanging in an ornate sacristy to the left of the podium. \n\nKory stepped up onto the altar, still trying to pinpoint the source of the sound. He listened carefully until the sound came once again, this time he was certain it was coming from somewhere in the back of the altar. The otter approached the draperies on the wall and ran his paws along the fabric, pressing his paws against the draperies until he felt what seemed to be a hidden doorway. The otter found an opening in the drapes, where he pressed his paws onto the wall and found a doorway that he never knew was there. Kory noticed the door was slightly ajar and a dim light was coming from inside. Once again, the sound emanated from inside the room, it was much louder now but still difficult to make out. It sounded like a voice. A voice that was somewhat familiar to him, but he still could not identify who it was or exactly what they were saying. \n\nKory hesitated briefly while he decided if he should enter this mysterious room that he never even knew existed before this moment, or if he should seek out Father Joe and tell him about the sound. His curiosity got the better of him and his paw pushed the door open slightly, allowing him to peek inside but remain safely hidden behind the door. His eyes tried to adjust to the difference in the light, but he saw someone kneeling on the floor to the right of the doorway. As he pressed his head further into the opening, he was able to make out some other figures off to the left, further into the center of the room. Kory was convinced that this was where the sound was coming from now. Just then he heard the sound again, clearer this time. ``Kooorrrryyyyyy'' \n\nThe otter froze in his tracks and went wide eyed. Someone in there was calling out his name. He still was unable to recognize who it was. The voice sounded strained but somehow familiar. Kory gulped and pushed the door open further, pressing his head into the opening. His nose picked up the scent of old wood and paper, burning candles, and ... fox. His paws started to tremble at the familiar scent of Samaki filling his nose. ``Why would Samaki's scent be here?'' he thought to himself as he sniffed the air again to confirm that it indeed was his fox. \n\n``Koooorrrrrryyyyyyyy.'' Emanated from behind the door once again, louder and clearer this time. Kory pushed the door open fully and stepped inside. His eyes slowly adjusted to the dim light coming from several candles around the room. He looked over at the figure kneeling on the floor to his right, and when he squinted, he saw that it was another male otter, completely naked, his paws covering his face, and he saw what appeared to be blood on his thighs, staining and matting down the fur.\n\nKory stepped toward the figure and lightly placed his paw on the otter's shoulder. ``Are you all right?'' he asked. The otter moved his paws from his face and Kory recognized that it was Nick, his younger brother. Nick's fur was matted on his face, obviously from crying. As Nick looked up at Kory, he tried to speak, his mouth moved but no sound came from him. Kory was frightened but he knelt beside his brother and saw that the blood was coming from around his crotch, still trickling down his legs. Kory's eyes followed the blood and saw that he was bleeding from a large open would under his sheath. ``Oh god Nick, what happened?'' Kory said as Nick started to cry again. \n\nKory noticed movement to his left, drawing his attention away from Nick and over to the center of the room. He saw a figure there, surrounded by lit candles, against what appeared to be a large wooden cross. Kory gasped as he saw black fur and splotches of white on the figure's chest and groin. Kory then realized it was Samaki, naked and bound to a cross like a crucifix. \n\nSamaki strained his voice, calling to him. ``Kooooorrrryyyyyy.'' Kory stood and started to move toward his fox when a figure emerged from behind the cross. Kory froze and looked at the figure, trying to identify who it was. He squinted his eyes and saw it was a Dall sheep in a cloak. \n\n``Father Joe? Is that you?'' said Kory. ``What is going on here? Why is Nick bleeding? Why is Samaki tied up?'' Father Joe looked at Kory with empty looking eyes, not the usual cheerful eyes of the Father he had known for so many years, but empty, lifeless, almost totally black. The sight scared Kory to his core, but he looked back over to Samaki, his friend, his love, the one person that he gave up everything in his life for. \n\nA different voice sounded from the other side of the room, a much more familiar sounding voice. Kory looked over to his left and saw his mother standing there, staring at Kory and clutching a bible across her chest. ``Kory, you have left us no choice but to force repentance from Nick, Samaki, and you. We tried to help you see that your ways had gone against what God had laid out. We tried to show you that the path you have chosen was one that led to the devil himself, one you each willingly took despite the teachings of the church. This path has led you all to tarnish your souls with ill repute and sexual debauchery. We tried to save their souls by offering repentance, but none of you could willingly cast away the demons within.''\n\nKory looked at his mother with a shocked expression on his face. ``What are you talking about? I am Kory, your oldest son. This is my boyfriend, Samaki, and Nick, your youngest son. How could you hurt your own children?''\n\nKory's mother spoke coldly at him. ``I no longer have any children. My children were taken from me by the devil and are deceased to me. We determined that Nick needed to be released of the temptation of sexual perversion, so we removed his ability to procreate and pollute the world with his sinful ways.''\n\nKory went wide eyed and looked down at Nick, looking closer at his wound he was horrified when he realized that Nick's testicles had been cut from his body, leaving an open, bleeding wound and leaving Nick in so much agony he could not even utter a word.\n\n``How could you do this?'' Kory screamed. ``His adult life hasn't even begun yet, he has yet to marry and start a family of his own. How could you take away his future? Are you so desperate to control him that you took from him the one thing that you couldn't control?''\n\nKory's mother ignored Kory's outburst and stepped over to Samaki now. ``The fox.'' She said coldly. ``The one who brought the most sinful perversion into my house. The one who used his homosexual agenda to poison your mind against me and defile my house, turning you against the teachings of the lord. He must be dealt with properly.'' \n\nFather Joe stepped up to Samaki, a shiny metal object in his paw glimmered in the candlelight. Kory recognized that it was a scalpel and Kory realized Father Joe was going to hurt Samaki. Kory started moving towards Samaki but was set upon by several paws from behind, holding him in place. \n\nKory struggled against the unseen people holding him in place and screamed at his mother and at Father Joe. ``Please! Stop it! You can't do this!'' Kory said tearfully. Father Joe ignored Kory and reached his paw across Samaki's stomach, gripping the fox's sheath tightly in his paw, making Samaki wince painfully. \n\nKory struggled against the paws holding him to no avail, as Father Joe lifted the scalpel up to Samaki's crotch and pressed the blade into the flesh at the base of the fox's sheath. Samaki threw his head back, crying out in pain and unable to move as the scalpel sliced into his sheath from the base to the opening. Bright red blood trickled down Samaki's thighs, staining the pristine white fur. As Father Joe released the skin, the incision parted and allowed Samaki's flaccid penis fall out into the open, the furred skin of his sheath unable to hold the organ in place anymore. The Dall sheep then reached down further and gripped Samaki's testicles tightly, pulling them forward, followed by the Fox's penis, and slid the blade of the scalpel quickly across the flesh. Blood spurted onto the floor as the fox's manhood was sliced away from his body and dropped onto the floor at Kory's feet. Samaki convulsed in pain yet was unable to utter a sound from his gaping muzzle. Tears ran openly down the fox's face and pooled on the floor, mixing with the blood streaming down his legs. \n\nKory bawled openly while he started hyperventilating from fear and shock, his eyes as wide as saucers, looking over to his mother and screaming. ``You fucking bitch! Why did you do this? He did nothing to you to deserve being tortured like this!''\n\nKory's mother motioned to Father Joe, who now cut the bindings away from the cross. Samaki collapsed into a fetal position on the floor, his paws clutching what remained of his crotch while involuntarily convulsing in extreme pain. Kory openly cried while he fought against the paws restraining him, twisting and shifting himself, trying to get the paws to release him. He needed to be with Samaki, to help him somehow, but the paws would not budge. \n\nHis mother stepped over to Kory, speaking to him face to face. ``Now Kory, we will cast away the demons seeded within you and save your soul.'' Kory fought with the paws as they tore his clothing away from his body, stripping him completely naked and dragging him towards the cross. Kory screamed and cried for help, flailing his arms against the paws dragging him.\n\nKory Struggled and writhed around violently, trying to get away, as he fell onto the floor, and everything went dark.\n\nKory slowly regained his senses and panted heavily, his eyes still closed as he felt paws gripping his shoulders. He started to struggle again but heard a voice calling his name. \n\n``Kory! Kory! Wake up Kory!''\n\nKory opened his eyes and saw the face of Samaki, his fox, his love, looking down at him with a worried look on his face. \n\n``Kory! Snap out of it! You're having a nightmare!''\n\nKory froze, gasping for air as Samaki held him, the otter trying to figure out what was happening, he looked at his surroundings and slowly realized he was still in his dorm room, laying on the floor beside his bed with Samaki kneeling over him.\n\nSamaki was still trying to reassure the otter. ``It's all right Kory, you're having a bad dream.'' \n\nKory stopped flailing and tried to make sense of what was happening around him as his senses started to re-orient him to his environment. He looked up at the fox with tears streaming from his eyes, and wrapped his arms around his boyfriend tightly. Samaki returned the embrace and they held each other tightly while sitting on the floor beside the bed. Kory bawled heavily into Samaki's shoulder, soaking his fur with endless tears of fear and relief. The pair sat there, holding each other. Samaki cooing into Kory's ear to calm the otter and help him relax. Kory gently pulled himself away from Samaki's shoulder and looked into his violet eyes, tears still streaming down his face as his body started to contort painfully. A look of fear washed across the otter's face, as he struggled to get to his feet which were now carrying him towards the bathroom. Kory made it to the toilet and emptied his stomach of its contents, while wrapping his arms around the cold porcelain. \n\nSamaki followed Kory into the bathroom, holding the otter and reassuring him. Letting him do what he needed to do but supporting him. Kory gasped for air and collapsed onto the floor; his body completely drained of energy now. \n\n``Kory, are you OK?'' Samaki asked. ``Should I call 911?'' \n\nKory shook his head, which set off another wave of sickness. Samaki helped Kory up onto his knees and placed his head in position over the toilet, holding the otter in place while his body heaved again and again. Samaki reached over to the sink and doused a washcloth with cold water, wiping Kory's head and face gently with the cool rag. \n\n``I'm going to call for help.'' Said Samaki.\n\nKory shook his head, gentler this time. ``No. I'm OK.'' Kory said as he held onto the cool porcelain. \n\n``No, you're not OK.'' Samaki said as he stood.\n\nSamaki left the cool rag on Kory's head and went inside to retrieve his phone, he dialed a number and placed the phone against his head. ``Krystal? I need your help right away. Something is wrong with Kory.... Yes... in our dorm room... OK... see you in a bit.'' Samaki hung up the phone. ``Krystal will be here in a minute.'' Kory moaned and sat up weakly, leaning against the bathroom wall. Samaki sat next to Kory and held him, a look of genuine concern on his face. \n\nA knock on the door a few minutes later forced Samaki to his paws. Opening the door and letting Krystal into the dorm room and leading her into the bathroom to find Kory slumped with his back against the wall, naked and panting heavily. \n\n``What's wrong Kory?'' asked the panther as she knelt down on the floor next to the otter. ``Are you sick? Is there something else happening?'' \n\nKory tried regaining his composure and spoke slowly while fighting the queasy feeling in his body. ``I had a horrible nightmare and it really scared me.'' \n\nSamaki and Krystal helped Kory to his feet and sat him on to the couch, A sheet was draped over his shoulders to give him some form of modesty. Samaki and Krystal sat beside the otter, caressing his shoulders while Kory told them about his nightmare in full detail. \n\nKory had to stop his explanation several times as his emotions overtook his ability to speak. Tears were streaming down his face as he rehashed the nightmare again. The cramping in his gut returning but he continued explaining it to Krystal and Samaki. \n\nKrystal and Samaki were visibly horrified by the depth of the nightmare Kory had. Samaki held Kory tightly and cried into Kory's neck fur. Krystal was equally moved to tears at the description of the events in Kory's dream. She held her paw over her mouth in visible shock, tears streamed down her cheeks as she tried to find words to console the otter. \n\n``Kory, I'm so sorry. That dream was one of the worst I have ever heard anyone describe. The fact that the response turned physical after waking up again concerns me greatly. I don't know how to make this better for you.''\n\nKory looked at Krystal with a look of sorrow and despair. ``I don't know what it means. Why my mother and Father Joe? Why hurt Nick, and Samaki, in such a horrible way?'' \n\nKrystal shook her head slowly. ``I really don't know hon.''\n\nKory looked at his feet. ``Father Joe told me once that dreams are messages from God to help us think about part of our lives, even though they may not always mean what they show on the surface. I cannot imagine what this kind of dream could possibly mean. We were always told that God loves us and wants us to love one another. I love Nick and Samaki very much and would do anything to protect them, but I could not protect them in my dream. ``Kory fought back more tears and held onto Samaki. \n\nSamaki kissed Kory's cheek lovingly. ``It was a horrible dream hon, but it still was just a dream. I cannot imagine your mother or Father Joe doing something like that to anyone. It's just not rational.'' Samaki thought for a minute. ``Do you still have Jerry's number?''\n\nKory nodded. ``In my phone. Do you think I should talk to him about this?''\n\nSamaki nodded. ``I can't think of anyone better to talk to. I'll call him for you and ask him to come over right away.''\n\nKrystal nodded in agreement. ``I think that's the best thing we can do right now.''\n\n``I could use some clothes then hon.'' Kory said.\n\n``Aww do you have to?'' Krystal said giggling.\n\nKory smirked at Krystal and stuck his tongue out at her.\n\nSamaki went into the bedroom and returned with a set of clean clothes and Kory's cell phone. Samaki searched through the phones stored numbers and called Jerry, explaining the situation and asking him to come over right away. Jerry agreed to come over and arrived at the dorm room in less than ten minutes.\n\nKory rehashed the dream for Jerry all over again, his emotions were still raw and caused a tearful reaction to the memories. Jerry listened quietly and paid close attention to every detail, interrupting only to ask a few questions as Kory continued. Once Kory was finished, Jerry sat in silence and pondered the situation for several minutes. \n\n``Kory, this could be a serious issue. The fact that your mother and Father Joe were causing harm to those you love could have a significant meaning. I am not saying you have to fear anything happening from either of them, but what they represent is obviously at the heart of the issue. Your mother could represent acceptance from society in general based on your lifestyle choice. It appears that she also has help, since you described several others holding you back. It could mean there is resistance from an organization she belongs to. Father Joe could be represented as your faith as you know it and how it looks upon your lifestyle. Because it seems he is taking direction from your mother and her organization, it appears that society and religion are holding judgement against you and those you love. I am a bit concerned about how you saw Nick though. He was already harmed when you found the room and could not warn you of the danger. This could be from the separation you have from him now, since you are in college, and he is back home. Your subconscious may feel he may be more susceptible to being hurt without you there to protect him.''\n\nKory nodded in understanding. ``How can I protect any of us from something like this? I have not spoken with my mother in years now, since she shut me out of her life. I do not know of any organization she could belong to, much less one that would hurt those I love.\n\n``it's nearly impossible in this case since there's too many unknowns at work here.'' Said Jerry. ``I feel that it's more likely the representation is causing issues within your subconscious. Have you ever told Father Joe that you're gay?''\n\nKory nodded. ``Yes, he knows. He met Samaki and was very cordial towards him. He told me that even though the church will not promote homosexuality, his views were more that God loves everyone equally, as long as love is true and equal it shouldn't matter.''\n\nJerry nodded. ``Father Joe seems to be rather nice. I wish more priests were as open minded.''\n\n``He was very nice with us, and he offered his support after Kory's mother refused to accept our relationship.'' Said Samaki. ``He even tried to get Kory's mother to see that she should be less critical of our relationship and at least talk with Kory.''\n\nKory nodded sadly. ``She refused to even talk with us. She told Nick I was dead to her. Now she feels we are both dead to her since Nick moved out against her wishes.''\n\nJerry nodded and pondered. ``Kory, I have to suggest that you go see Father Joe and tell him about this nightmare, maybe you need to bring Nick as well. I feel that he may have some more insight to a cause of this dream and what you can do to relieve your subconscious of the issue.''\n\nKory looked at Samaki and pondered. ``What do you think hon? Would you be willing to come with me?''\n\nSamaki nodded. ``I think Jerry is right. I'll get dressed and we can go right away.''\n\n``I'll have to call Nick and Father Joe to make sure they are available.'' Kory said.\n\nKory got up from the couch and thanked Jerry and Krystal for everything, giving them both tight hugs and promising to let them know what develops, before showing them out. Kory picked up his phone and made a call to Father Joe. \n\nFather Joe picked up his phone and greeted Kory with his usual friendly demeanor. Kory explained that he needed to meet with him right away and he agreed to meet them in his office as soon as they could arrive. Kory then called Nick who agreed to meet them at Father Joe's office.\n\nKory and Samaki arrived at the church in a little over an hour, finding Nick waiting for them in the parking lot. Nick greeted them as they exited their car and give them both tight hugs. \n\n``I'm glad to see you guys but it sounded like something is wrong'' Nick said. ``I don't know what's wrong, but I hope it's not bad.''\n\nKory nodded at Nick and started walking down the side pathway to Father Joe's office. ``I'm not sure Nick, it really wasn't something good, but it may be nothing. I'm hoping Father Joe can help make sense of it all.''\n\nSamaki knocked on the door to the office and heard the jovial voice of Father Joe bidding them entry.\n\n``Well, Kory, it's good to see you. I hope college has been good to you.'' Said Father Joe smiling.\n\nKory smiled back. ``It's been demanding that's for certain but not much more than was expected.''\n\nFather Joe then greeted Nick and Samaki. ``Well, this is a surprise, it's good to see you both again. I am not sure what brings you to see me but it's still good to see you all in good health. What can I be of assistance with?''\n\nKory looked at Samaki and they all found seats around the desk. Nick looked at his brother with a puzzled look on his face but kept quiet as Kory spoke. Kory held Samaki's paw tightly as he went over the details of the nightmare for Father Joe and Nick, explaining everything in detail and apologizing to Father Joe for being so graphic.\n\n``It's all right Kory.'' Said Father Joe as he listened intently. ``Under the circumstances you need to describe everything as best as you can, since details may be important.''\n\nKory looked over to Nick, who had tears running down his cheeks and looked like he was going to be sick. ``Nick, are you all right?''\n\nNick nodded and took some tissues that were offered by Father Joe and wiped the tears from his face. ``My god Kory, that is such a horrible dream. I can see why you wanted to see Father Joe right away.''\n\nFather Joe interjected. ``Yes Kory, this was an unusual dream, but you remember what I told you about how God sometimes used dreams to show us problems in our lives?''\n\nKory nodded. ``Yes sir, and I understand how dreams may not mean what they appear to.''\n\nFather Joe smiled. ``I'm glad you remember my teachings, Kory. It makes me happy that I was able to reach you, and that you are also reaching out to me for help.'' Father Joe looked at Samaki, who was sitting in silence showing his emotions on his face. ``Samaki, do you have any idea of what may be causing Kory to have such vivid dreams?'' \n\nSamaki shook his head. ``I'm afraid not. I know that I would do anything to help Kory feel happy though, and he would do the same for me.'' \n\nKory nodded and squeezed Samaki's paw, then reached his other paw over to his brother and held his paw also. ``It was very disturbing how the two most important people in my life were represented in my dream. I love them both and would have sacrificed myself in order to save them from harm, but I was held back and couldn't do anything.'' Kory looked down in sadness and let tears fall from his eyes.\n\n``Kory?'' Father Joe smiled. ``Hearing this from you shows just how sincere you are and how much you truly love Nick and Samaki. I am also certain that they both love you just as much as you love them, otherwise they would not have come here with you. This shows me that God has helped form a strong and caring relationship between the three of you. As far as the meanings from this dream, I have to tell you something that I honestly did not desire to, but under the circumstances I think you should know.''\n\nKory, Nick, and Samaki looked at one another then back at Father Joe.\n\n``Your mother has been a member of this congregation since before I was blessed to be assigned to lead them. She was always an active member of my flock, and one that others looked up to. After that Christmas, a few years ago when I met Samaki, she seemed to change. She became distant and distrusting, unwilling to speak to me or anyone else in the congregation about what bothered her, even though it was obvious something was disturbing her. Then, she stopped attending mass and other members of the congregation started to approach me expressing their concerns for her as well. I took it upon myself to visit her at home one day shortly after, just to see if she needed anything from the church, or just wanted to talk. When I arrived at her house, she was hosting a meeting with several people from a group called Families United. When I asked if she wished to speak with me, she became very cold towards me and told me that I was just as responsible as the rest of the church for allowing a homosexual to destroy her family.'' \n\nSamaki grimaced at hearing this and held Kory's paw tightly but said nothing. \n\n``She told me that she had found another congregation that helped families to save the souls of children polluted by the devil, and she would be offering her assistance to them from now on and asked me to leave. I had not heard of this group before, so I did some research and became rather disturbed in the type of assistance they offered to families. By seeing the type of literature from the organization, and the various reports I have discovered online, they seem to have some unethical methods for forcing families to believe that homosexuals have some kind of agenda to take advantage of children and offer some very unorthodox methods for cleansing the souls of the children.''\n\nKory and Samaki squeezed each other's paws, while Nick formed an expression of anger on his face. \n\n``That's just insane.'' Nick exclaimed. ``How can she feel that someone falling in love could be wrong? She was always unwilling to listen to reasoning and believed that the bible held all truths regardless of what anyone told her. This was what Kory and I had to deal with after our father left.''\n\nKory looked at Nick with a shocked expression. ``Nick? Please, don't.''\n\nNick looked at his brother. ``Kory, you don't know what she did after she threw you out. She pressed me every day when I came home from school, expecting me to confess that I was taking drugs or experimenting in sexual debauchery behind her back. She even demanded that I quit the swim team because she did not approve of wearing swimsuits in public, nor did she want me and my teammates showering with one another. I never told you just how bad it was because I did not want you to worry. I could not stand seeing how she just threw you out of our life like you never existed, and she demanded that I do the same. I told her I could never give up loving my own brother no matter what she thought. She threatened to send me away to a religious camp after school was over to fix my unholy attitude. This was why I decided that I had to leave that house.''\n\nKory looked at Nick sadly. ``Nick. I am sorry. I had no idea you were put through so much. I would have done anything to protect you if I had known.''\n\nNick hugged Kory tightly. ``Kory, it's not your fault. I do not hold you responsible for anything. If anything, you helped me see that there is always hope for love and the freedom to live life happily.''\n\nSamaki started crying openly. ``I'm afraid this is my fault. I should never have pressed Kory into falling in love with me. Then his mother wouldn't have thrown him out of the house and caused him so much grief.''\n\nKory held Samaki's paws and looked into his violet eyes. ``Samaki, my love. You did not pressure me into anything I didn't already want. As a matter of fact, I think I fell in love with you before you fell in love with me. I would have had to leave that house sooner or later, but I wouldn't have been able to get through life without you.''\n\nSamaki looked into Kory's eyes and smiled before leaning in to give him a gentle kiss. ''Thank you hon. I don't know what I would have done without you either. I love you so much.''\n\nFather Joe smiled. ``I can see that you both love each other very much. Not just a surface love, but a much deeper, heartfelt love. A love that I think God approves of also. This may be why you had this dream Kory. I think he was telling you that your mother has deviated from the ways of the church, either to warn you or to fill you in on that part of your life that you felt you were missing.''\n\n``But why was Nick in my dream also?'' Kory asked.\n\nFather Joe pondered for a second then continued. ``I think Nick may have seemed more vulnerable according to your subconscious. You feel like you needed to protect him more than you could, even though you did not know what your brother had to deal with after you left, but he was able to take matters into his own hands and keep God's love in his heart. The events of the dream seem to validate your love for one another in that each of you would willingly sacrifice themselves to protect the ones they love, even if it meant going against your own mother or the ideals of the church.''\n\n``I think I understand.'' Said Kory. `` There is no doubt that I would do anything I could for Samaki and Nick. They are both so important to me, I don't know what I'd do without them. I know that God loves each of us in his own way and that comforts me knowing that he is looking over us.'' \n\nSamaki nodded. `` I feel the same way. Nick and Kory are important to me, and I would do anything for either of them. Even my own family has accepted them openly and we accept God's will also. \n\nNick smiled. ``You can count me in that statement also. Samaki is just as much my brother as Kory is. I love them both more than I could ever express.''\n\nFather Joe laughed. ``I can see that You each feel for one another very strongly. I am incredibly pleased to see this firsthand. I have seen many families that fall apart and lose their faith in God and one another. It appears that you have each overcome some incredible hardships and come out on the other side stronger than before, because of your love and support for one another, and your love in God. I want to tell you that I have always held faith in each of you to succeed and overcome the hardships you faced. I want you to know that I will be here for you should you need anything. I am sorry to say that your mother on the other hand, well, she has made her own choices and I just hope that God will look over her and help her make the right choices. I will keep her in my prayers.''\n\n``I hope so too.'' Said Kory.\n\n", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "Kory was sound asleep when he was startled awake suddenly. The otter looked around. Unsure at first of where he was, he then recognized that he was at the church where he had been attending services for so many years now. Being in his church normally brought fond memories of his past, when he would worship in peace and sing hymns with his family and neighbors, this time however was quite different.

``I must have fallen asleep during the service.'' He mused, but when he looked around and saw no one else in the church, he began to worry.

``Perhaps everyone else already left and are greeting Father Joe by the alcove.'' He said, but when he walked over to the alcove, he found the doors closed and locked and Father Joe was nowhere to be seen.

Kory turned and looked all around but still saw no one. Suddenly a sound caught his attention, and he swiveled his ears around, trying to locate which direction the sound was coming from. He stopped and  listened until he heard the sound once more. It was muffled but it seemed to be coming from somewhere near the altar. Kory started walking towards the altar, his eyes looking upon the podium where Father Joe held his sermons, then past it to the red drapes with their gold accents on the wall, then over to the large crucifix which was hanging in an ornate sacristy to the left of the podium.

Kory stepped up onto the altar, still trying to pinpoint the source of the sound. He listened carefully until the sound came once again, this time he was certain it was coming from somewhere in the back of the altar. The otter approached the draperies on the wall and ran his paws along the fabric, pressing his paws against the draperies until he felt what seemed to be a hidden doorway. The otter found an opening in the drapes, where he pressed his paws onto the wall and found a doorway that he never knew was there. Kory noticed the door was slightly ajar and a dim light was coming from inside. Once again, the sound emanated from inside the room, it was much louder now but still difficult to make out. It sounded like a voice. A voice that was somewhat familiar to him, but he still could not identify who it was or exactly what they were saying.

Kory hesitated briefly while he decided if he should enter this mysterious room that he never even knew existed before this moment, or if he should seek out Father Joe and tell him about the sound. His curiosity got the better of him and his paw pushed the door open slightly, allowing him to peek inside but remain safely hidden behind the door. His eyes tried to adjust to the difference in the light, but he saw someone kneeling on the floor to the right of the doorway. As he pressed his head further into the opening, he was able to make out some other figures off to the left, further into the center of the room. Kory was convinced that this was where the sound was coming from now. Just then he heard the sound again, clearer this time. ``Kooorrrryyyyyy''

The otter froze in his tracks and went wide eyed. Someone in there was calling out his name. He still was unable to recognize who it was. The voice sounded strained but somehow familiar. Kory gulped and pushed the door open further, pressing his head into the opening. His nose picked up the scent of old wood and paper, burning candles, and ... fox. His paws started to tremble at the familiar scent of Samaki filling his nose. ``Why would Samaki's scent be here?'' he thought to himself as he sniffed the air again to confirm that it indeed was his fox.

``Koooorrrrrryyyyyyyy.'' Emanated from behind the door once again, louder and clearer this time. Kory pushed the door open fully and stepped inside. His eyes slowly adjusted to the dim light coming from several candles around the room. He looked over at the figure kneeling on the floor to his right, and when he squinted, he saw that it was another male otter, completely naked, his paws covering his face, and he saw what appeared to be blood on his thighs, staining and matting down the fur.

Kory stepped toward the figure and lightly placed his paw on the otter's shoulder. ``Are you all right?'' he asked. The otter moved his paws from his face and Kory recognized that it was Nick, his younger brother. Nick's fur was matted on his face, obviously from crying. As Nick looked up at Kory, he tried to speak, his mouth moved but no sound came from him. Kory was frightened but he knelt beside his brother and saw that the blood was coming from around his crotch, still trickling down his legs. Kory's eyes followed the blood and saw that he was bleeding from a large open would under his sheath. ``Oh god Nick, what happened?'' Kory said as Nick started to cry again.

Kory noticed movement to his left, drawing his attention away from Nick and over to the center of the room. He saw a figure there, surrounded by lit candles, against what appeared to be a large wooden cross. Kory gasped as he saw black fur and splotches of white on the figure's chest and groin. Kory then realized it was Samaki, naked and bound to a cross like a crucifix.

Samaki strained his voice, calling to him. ``Kooooorrrryyyyyy.'' Kory stood and started to move toward his fox when a figure emerged from behind the cross. Kory froze and looked at the figure, trying to identify who it was. He squinted his eyes and saw it was a Dall sheep in a cloak.

``Father Joe? Is that you?'' said Kory. ``What is going on here? Why is Nick bleeding? Why is Samaki tied up?'' Father Joe looked at Kory with empty looking eyes, not the usual cheerful eyes of the Father he had known for so many years, but empty, lifeless, almost totally black. The sight scared Kory to his core, but he looked back over to Samaki, his friend, his love, the one person that he gave up everything in his life for.

A different voice sounded from the other side of the room, a much more familiar sounding voice. Kory looked over to his left and saw his mother standing there, staring at Kory and clutching a bible across her chest. ``Kory, you have left us no choice but to force repentance from Nick, Samaki, and you. We tried to help you see that your ways had gone against what God had laid out. We tried to show you that the path you have chosen was one that led to the devil himself, one you each willingly took despite the teachings of the church. This path has led you all to tarnish your souls with ill repute and sexual debauchery. We tried to save their souls by offering repentance, but none of you could willingly cast away the demons within.''

Kory looked at his mother with a shocked expression on his face. ``What are you talking about? I am Kory, your oldest son. This is my boyfriend, Samaki, and Nick, your youngest son. How could you hurt your own children?''

Kory's mother spoke coldly at him. ``I no longer have any children. My children were taken from me by the devil and are deceased to me. We determined that Nick needed to be released of the temptation of sexual perversion, so we removed his ability to procreate and pollute the world with his sinful ways.''

Kory went wide eyed and looked down at Nick, looking closer at his wound he was horrified when he realized that Nick's testicles had been cut from his body, leaving an open, bleeding wound and leaving Nick in so much agony he could not even utter a word.

``How could you do this?'' Kory screamed. ``His adult life hasn't even begun yet, he has yet to marry and start a family of his own. How could you take away his future? Are you so desperate to control him that you took from him the one thing that you couldn't control?''

Kory's mother ignored Kory's outburst and stepped over to Samaki now. ``The fox.'' She said coldly. ``The one who brought the most sinful perversion into my house. The one who used his homosexual agenda to poison your mind against me and defile my house, turning you against the teachings of the lord. He must be dealt with properly.''

Father Joe stepped up to Samaki, a shiny metal object in his paw glimmered in the candlelight. Kory recognized that it was a scalpel and Kory realized Father Joe was going to hurt Samaki. Kory started moving towards Samaki but was set upon by several paws from behind, holding him in place.

Kory struggled against the unseen people holding him in place and screamed at his mother and at Father Joe. ``Please! Stop it! You can't do this!'' Kory said tearfully. Father Joe ignored Kory and reached his paw across Samaki's stomach, gripping the fox's sheath tightly in his paw, making Samaki wince painfully.

Kory struggled against the paws holding him to no avail, as Father Joe lifted the scalpel up to Samaki's crotch and pressed the blade into the flesh at the base of the fox's sheath. Samaki threw his head back, crying out in pain and unable to move as the scalpel sliced into his sheath from the base to the opening. Bright red blood trickled down Samaki's thighs, staining the pristine white fur. As Father Joe released the skin, the incision parted and allowed Samaki's flaccid penis fall out into the open, the furred skin of his sheath unable to hold the organ in place anymore. The Dall sheep then reached down further and gripped Samaki's testicles tightly, pulling them forward, followed by the Fox's penis, and slid the blade of the scalpel quickly across the flesh. Blood spurted onto the floor as the fox's manhood was sliced away from his body and dropped onto the floor at Kory's feet. Samaki convulsed in pain yet was unable to utter a sound from his gaping muzzle. Tears ran openly down the fox's face and pooled on the floor, mixing with the blood streaming down his legs.

Kory bawled openly while he started hyperventilating from fear and shock, his eyes as wide as saucers, looking over to his mother and screaming. ``You fucking bitch! Why did you do this? He did nothing to you to deserve being tortured like this!''

Kory's mother motioned to Father Joe, who now cut the bindings away from the cross. Samaki collapsed into a fetal position on the floor, his paws clutching what remained of his crotch while involuntarily convulsing in extreme pain. Kory openly cried while he fought against the paws restraining him, twisting and shifting himself, trying to get the paws to release him. He needed to be with Samaki, to help him somehow, but the paws would not budge.

His mother stepped over to Kory, speaking to him face to face. ``Now Kory, we will cast away the demons seeded within you and save your soul.'' Kory fought with the paws as they tore his clothing away from his body, stripping him completely naked and dragging him towards the cross. Kory screamed and cried for help, flailing his arms against the paws dragging him.

Kory Struggled and writhed around violently, trying to get away, as he fell onto the floor, and everything went dark.

Kory slowly regained his senses and panted heavily, his eyes still closed as he felt paws gripping his shoulders. He started to struggle again but heard a voice calling his name.

``Kory! Kory! Wake up Kory!''

Kory opened his eyes and saw the face of Samaki, his fox, his love, looking down at him with a worried look on his face.

``Kory! Snap out of it! You're having a nightmare!''

Kory froze, gasping for air as Samaki held him, the otter trying to figure out what was happening, he looked at his surroundings and slowly realized he was still in his dorm room, laying on the floor beside his bed with Samaki kneeling over him.

Samaki was still trying to reassure the otter. ``It's all right Kory, you're having a bad dream.''

Kory stopped flailing and tried to make sense of what was happening around him as his senses started to re-orient him to his environment. He looked up at the fox with tears streaming from his eyes, and wrapped his arms around his boyfriend tightly. Samaki returned the embrace and they held each other tightly while sitting on the floor beside the bed. Kory bawled heavily into Samaki's shoulder, soaking his fur with endless tears of fear and relief. The pair sat there, holding each other. Samaki cooing into Kory's ear to calm the otter and help him relax. Kory gently pulled himself away from Samaki's shoulder and looked into his violet eyes, tears still streaming down his face as his body started to contort painfully. A look of fear washed across the otter's face, as he struggled to get to his feet which were now carrying him towards the bathroom. Kory made it to the toilet and emptied his stomach of its contents, while wrapping his arms around the cold porcelain.

Samaki followed Kory into the bathroom, holding the otter and reassuring him. Letting him do what he needed to do but supporting him. Kory gasped for air and collapsed onto the floor; his body completely drained of energy now.

``Kory, are you OK?'' Samaki asked. ``Should I call 911?''

Kory shook his head, which set off another wave of sickness. Samaki helped Kory up onto his knees and placed his head in position over the toilet, holding the otter in place while his body heaved again and again. Samaki reached over to the sink and doused a washcloth with cold water, wiping Kory's head and face gently with the cool rag.

``I'm going to call for help.'' Said Samaki.

Kory shook his head, gentler this time. ``No. I'm OK.'' Kory said as he held onto the cool porcelain.

``No, you're not OK.'' Samaki said as he stood.

Samaki left the cool rag on Kory's head and went inside to retrieve his phone, he dialed a number and placed the phone against his head. ``Krystal? I need your help right away. Something is wrong with Kory.... Yes... in our dorm room... OK... see you in a bit.'' Samaki hung up the phone. ``Krystal will be here in a minute.'' Kory moaned and sat up weakly, leaning against the bathroom wall. Samaki sat next to Kory and held him, a look of genuine concern on his face.

A knock on the door a few minutes later forced Samaki to his paws. Opening the door and letting Krystal into the dorm room and leading her into the bathroom to find Kory slumped with his back against the wall, naked and panting heavily.

``What's wrong Kory?'' asked the panther as she knelt down on the floor next to the otter. ``Are you sick? Is there something else happening?''

Kory tried regaining his composure and spoke slowly while fighting the queasy feeling in his body. ``I had a horrible nightmare and it really scared me.''

Samaki and Krystal helped Kory to his feet and sat him on to the couch, A sheet was draped over his shoulders to give him some form of modesty. Samaki and Krystal sat beside the otter, caressing his shoulders while Kory told them about his nightmare in full detail.

Kory had to stop his explanation several times as his emotions overtook his ability to speak. Tears were streaming down his face as he rehashed the nightmare again. The cramping in his gut returning but he continued explaining it to Krystal and Samaki.

Krystal and Samaki were visibly horrified by the depth of the nightmare Kory had. Samaki held Kory tightly and cried into Kory's neck fur. Krystal was equally moved to tears at the description of the events in Kory's dream. She held her paw over her mouth in visible shock, tears streamed down her cheeks as she tried to find words to console the otter.

``Kory, I'm so sorry. That dream was one of the worst I have ever heard anyone describe. The fact that the response turned physical after waking up again concerns me greatly. I don't know how to make this better for you.''

Kory looked at Krystal with a look of sorrow and despair. ``I don't know what it means. Why my mother and Father Joe? Why hurt Nick, and Samaki, in such a horrible way?''

Krystal shook her head slowly. ``I really don't know hon.''

Kory looked at his feet. ``Father Joe told me once that dreams are messages from God to help us think about part of our lives, even though they may not always mean what they show on the surface. I cannot imagine what this kind of dream could possibly mean. We were always told that God loves us and wants us to love one another. I love Nick and Samaki very much and would do anything to protect them, but I could not protect them in my dream. ``Kory fought back more tears and held onto Samaki.

Samaki kissed Kory's cheek lovingly. ``It was a horrible dream hon, but it still was just a dream. I cannot imagine your mother or Father Joe doing something like that to anyone. It's just not rational.'' Samaki thought for a minute. ``Do you still have Jerry's number?''

Kory nodded. ``In my phone. Do you think I should talk to him about this?''

Samaki nodded. ``I can't think of anyone better to talk to. I'll call him for you and ask him to come over right away.''

Krystal nodded in agreement. ``I think that's the best thing we can do right now.''

``I could use some clothes then hon.'' Kory said.

``Aww do you have to?'' Krystal said giggling.

Kory smirked at Krystal and stuck his tongue out at her.

Samaki went into the bedroom and returned with a set of clean clothes and Kory's cell phone. Samaki searched through the phones stored numbers and called Jerry, explaining the situation and asking him to come over right away. Jerry agreed to come over and arrived at the dorm room in less than ten minutes.

Kory rehashed the dream for Jerry all over again, his emotions were still raw and caused a tearful reaction to the memories. Jerry listened quietly and paid close attention to every detail, interrupting only to ask a few questions as Kory continued.  Once Kory was finished, Jerry sat in silence and pondered the situation for several minutes.

``Kory, this could be a serious issue. The fact that your mother and Father Joe were causing harm to those you love could have a significant meaning. I am not saying you have to fear anything happening from either of them, but what they represent is obviously at the heart of the issue. Your mother could represent acceptance from society in general based on your lifestyle choice. It appears that she also has help, since you described several others holding you back.  It could mean there is resistance from an organization she belongs to. Father Joe could be represented as your faith as you know it and how it looks upon your lifestyle. Because it seems he is taking direction from your mother and her organization, it appears that society and religion are holding judgement against you and those you love. I am a bit concerned about how you saw Nick though. He was already harmed when you found the room and could not warn you of the danger. This could be from the separation you have from him now, since you are in college, and he is back home. Your subconscious may feel he may be more susceptible to being hurt without you there to protect him.''

Kory nodded in understanding. ``How can I protect any of us from something like this? I have not spoken with my mother in years now, since she shut me out of her life. I do not know of any organization she could belong to, much less one that would hurt those I love.

``it's nearly impossible in this case since there's too many unknowns at work here.'' Said Jerry.  ``I feel that it's more likely the representation is causing issues within your subconscious. Have you ever told Father Joe that you're gay?''

Kory nodded. ``Yes, he knows. He met Samaki and was very cordial towards him. He told me that even though the church will not promote homosexuality, his views were more that God loves everyone equally, as long as love is true and equal it shouldn't matter.''

Jerry nodded. ``Father Joe seems to be rather nice. I wish more priests were as open minded.''

``He was very nice with us, and he offered his support after Kory's mother refused to accept our relationship.'' Said Samaki. ``He even tried to get Kory's mother to see that she should be less critical of our relationship and at least talk with Kory.''

Kory nodded sadly. ``She refused to even talk with us. She told Nick I was dead to her. Now she feels we are both dead to her since Nick moved out against her wishes.''

Jerry nodded and pondered. ``Kory, I have to suggest that you go see Father Joe and tell him about this nightmare, maybe you need to bring Nick as well. I feel that he may have some more insight to a cause of this dream and what you can do to relieve your subconscious of the issue.''

Kory looked at Samaki and pondered. ``What do you think hon? Would you be willing to come with me?''

Samaki nodded. ``I think Jerry is right. I'll get dressed and we can go right away.''

``I'll have to call Nick and Father Joe to make sure they are available.'' Kory said.

Kory got up from the couch and thanked Jerry and Krystal for everything, giving them both tight hugs and promising to let them know what develops, before showing them out. Kory picked up his phone and made a call to Father Joe.

Father Joe picked up his phone and greeted Kory with his usual friendly demeanor. Kory explained that he needed to meet with him right away and he agreed to meet them in his office as soon as they could arrive. Kory then called Nick who agreed to meet them at Father Joe's office.

Kory and Samaki arrived at the church in a little over an hour, finding Nick waiting for them in the parking lot. Nick greeted them as they exited their car and give them both tight hugs.

``I'm glad to see you guys but it sounded like something is wrong'' Nick said. ``I don't know what's wrong, but I hope it's not bad.''

Kory nodded at Nick and started walking down the side pathway to Father Joe's office. ``I'm not sure Nick, it really wasn't something good, but it may be nothing. I'm hoping Father Joe can help make sense of it all.''

Samaki knocked on the door to the office and heard the jovial voice of Father Joe bidding them entry.

``Well, Kory, it's good to see you. I hope college has been good to you.'' Said Father Joe smiling.

Kory smiled back. ``It's been demanding that's for certain but not much more than was expected.''

Father Joe then greeted Nick and Samaki. ``Well, this is a surprise, it's good to see you both again. I am not sure what brings you to see me but it's still good to see you all in good health. What can I be of assistance with?''

Kory looked at Samaki and they all found seats around the desk. Nick looked at his brother with a puzzled look on his face but kept quiet as Kory spoke. Kory held Samaki's paw tightly as he went over the details of the nightmare for Father Joe and Nick, explaining everything in detail and apologizing to Father Joe for being so graphic.

``It's all right Kory.'' Said Father Joe as he listened intently. ``Under the circumstances you need to describe everything as best as you can, since details may be important.''

Kory looked over to Nick, who had tears running down his cheeks and looked like he was going to be sick. ``Nick, are you all right?''

Nick nodded and took some tissues that were offered by Father Joe and wiped the tears from his face. ``My god Kory, that is such a horrible dream. I can see why you wanted to see Father Joe right away.''

Father Joe interjected. ``Yes Kory, this was an unusual dream, but you remember what I told you about how God sometimes used dreams to show us problems in our lives?''

Kory nodded. ``Yes sir, and I understand how dreams may not mean what they appear to.''

Father Joe smiled. ``I'm glad you remember my teachings, Kory. It makes me happy that I was able to reach you, and that you are also reaching out to me for help.'' Father Joe looked at Samaki, who was sitting in silence showing his emotions on his face. ``Samaki, do you have any idea of what may be causing Kory to have such vivid dreams?''

Samaki shook his head. ``I'm afraid not. I know that I would do anything to help Kory feel happy though, and he would do the same for me.''

Kory nodded and squeezed Samaki's paw, then reached his other paw over to his brother and held his paw also. ``It was very disturbing how the two most important people in my life were represented in my dream. I love them both and would have sacrificed myself in order to save them from harm, but I was held back and couldn't do anything.'' Kory looked down in sadness and let tears fall from his eyes.

``Kory?'' Father Joe smiled. ``Hearing this from you shows just how sincere you are and how much you truly love Nick and Samaki. I am also certain that they both love you just as much as you love them, otherwise they would not have come here with you. This shows me that God has helped form a strong and caring relationship between the three of you. As far as the meanings from this dream, I have to tell you something that I honestly did not desire to, but under the circumstances I think you should know.''

Kory, Nick, and Samaki looked at one another then back at Father Joe.

``Your mother has been a member of this congregation since before I was blessed to be assigned to lead them. She was always an active member of my flock, and one that others looked up to. After that Christmas, a few years ago when I met Samaki, she seemed to change. She became distant and distrusting, unwilling to speak to me or anyone else in the congregation about what bothered her, even though it was obvious something was disturbing her. Then, she stopped attending mass and other members of the congregation started to approach me expressing their concerns for her as well. I took it upon myself to visit her at home one day shortly after, just to see if she needed anything from the church, or just wanted to talk. When I arrived at her house, she was hosting a meeting with several people from a group called Families United. When I asked if she wished to speak with me, she became very cold towards me and told me that I was just as responsible as the rest of the church for allowing a homosexual to destroy her family.''

Samaki grimaced at hearing this and held Kory's paw tightly but said nothing.

``She told me that she had found another congregation that helped families to save the souls of children polluted by the devil, and she would be offering her assistance to them from now on and asked me to leave. I had not heard of this group before, so I did some research and became rather disturbed in the type of assistance they offered to families. By seeing the type of literature from the organization, and the various reports I have discovered online, they seem to have some unethical methods for forcing families to believe that homosexuals have some kind of agenda to take advantage of children and offer some very unorthodox methods for cleansing the souls of the children.''

Kory and Samaki squeezed each other's paws, while Nick formed an expression of anger on his face.

``That's just insane.'' Nick exclaimed. ``How can she feel that someone falling in love could be wrong? She was always unwilling to listen to reasoning and believed that the bible held all truths regardless of what anyone told her. This was what Kory and I had to deal with after our father left.''

Kory looked at Nick with a shocked expression. ``Nick? Please, don't.''

Nick looked at his brother. ``Kory, you don't know what she did after she threw you out. She pressed me every day when I came home from school, expecting me to confess that I was taking drugs or experimenting in sexual debauchery behind her back. She even demanded that I quit the swim team because she did not approve of wearing swimsuits in public, nor did she want me and my teammates showering with one another. I never told you just how bad it was because I did not want you to worry. I could not stand seeing how she just threw you out of our life like you never existed, and she demanded that I do the same. I told her I could never give up loving my own brother no matter what she thought. She threatened to send me away to a religious camp after school was over to fix my unholy attitude. This was why I decided that I had to leave that house.''

Kory looked at Nick sadly. ``Nick. I am sorry. I had no idea you were put through so much. I would have done anything to protect you if I had known.''

Nick hugged Kory tightly. ``Kory, it's not your fault. I do not hold you responsible for anything. If anything, you helped me see that there is always hope for love and the freedom to live life happily.''

Samaki started crying openly. ``I'm afraid this is my fault. I should never have pressed Kory into falling in love with me. Then his mother wouldn't have thrown him out of the house and caused him so much grief.''

Kory held Samaki's paws and looked into his violet eyes. ``Samaki, my love. You did not pressure me into anything I didn't already want. As a matter of fact, I think I fell in love with you before you fell in love with me. I would have had to leave that house sooner or later, but I wouldn't have been able to get through life without you.''

Samaki looked into Kory's eyes and smiled before leaning in to give him a gentle kiss. ''Thank you hon. I don't know what I would have done without you either. I love you so much.''

Father Joe smiled. ``I can see that you both love each other very much. Not just a surface love, but a much deeper, heartfelt love. A love that I think God approves of also. This may be why you had this dream Kory. I think he was telling you that your mother has deviated from the ways of the church, either to warn you or to fill you in on that part of your life that you felt you were missing.''

``But why was Nick in my dream also?'' Kory asked.

Father Joe pondered for a second then continued. ``I think Nick may have seemed more vulnerable according to your subconscious. You feel like you needed to protect him more than you could, even though you did not know what your brother had to deal with after you left, but he was able to take matters into his own hands and keep God's love in his heart. The events of the dream seem to validate your love for one another in that each of you would willingly sacrifice themselves to protect the ones they love, even if it meant going against your own mother or the ideals of the church.''

``I think I understand.'' Said Kory. `` There is no doubt that I would do anything I could for Samaki and Nick. They are both so important to me, I don't know what I'd do without them. I know that God loves each of us in his own way and that comforts me knowing that he is looking over us.''

Samaki nodded. `` I feel the same way. Nick and Kory are important to me, and I would do anything for either of them. Even my own family has accepted them openly and we accept God's will also.

Nick smiled. ``You can count me in that statement also. Samaki is just as much my brother as Kory is. I love them both more than I could ever express.''

Father Joe laughed. ``I can see that You each feel for one another very strongly. I am incredibly pleased to see this firsthand. I have seen many families that fall apart and lose their faith in God and one another. It appears that you have each overcome some incredible hardships and come out on the other side stronger than before, because of your love and support for one another, and your love in God.  I want to tell you that I have always held faith in each of you to succeed and overcome the hardships you faced. I want you to know that I will be here for you should you need anything. I am sorry to say that your mother on the other hand, well, she has made her own choices and I just hope that God will look over her and help her make the right choices. I will keep her in my prayers.''

``I hope so too.'' Said Kory.

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