ã€ŠThe Order &amp; The Watchers: Book II: Prophecyã€‹


 Chapter 1: Homecoming

    The room was dark, dimly lit by the small flashlights running rampant around the room. Glass cases full of diamonds and godly stones. Footsteps scuttered across the floor, light on toes. As shadows in the darkness bounced around the room. Clingy and clamoring hands across the showcase as jewels were being pulled quickly. Lingering scents of cleanliness filled the air. Their bodies radiated in dark energy. The spirits were obnoxious, as were their minds filled with greed and excitement. Unfortunately, someone could hear them.

    A string doll blew in the soft breeze, attached to a belt loop. Gabriel and David stood on the roof, Gabriel dawning his blue cloak. Five slashes on his pauldron commemorating his accomplishment in finishing his second to the last trial. Both stood confident against the white moon casting onto their skin. David¡¯s eyes fluttered a viridian green as he looked over, smiling at Gabriel as he grinned on the city below. ¡°So, the Brotherhood has resulted in robbery?¡± Gabe chuckled under his breath. Gaiter necks pulled over their noses. Leaving only their eyes exposed.

    David turned around, heading for the door in the back. Plugging his PDA into a keypad. ¡°I think these are just some outcasts looking for a quick buck,¡± David said, pressing a button on the screen as it gave a green checkmark. Gabriel turned away from the busy city, hand on the hilt of his sword still holstered on his belt. ¡°What¡¯s with you wanting to switch partners again?¡± Swinging the door open and heading down the staircase. Neither of them worried about being loud.

    ¡°Oh, yeah,¡± Gabriel said, following him down the dark stairwell. ¡°So, get this, I have had a great time with Allie on being her partner. However, when I suggested getting some time with you before you had to leave. She gets upset with me.¡±

    ¡°Were your intentions clear?¡± David asked Gabe.

    ¡°I¡¯m not following.¡±

    ¡°You have never been one to speak clearly with what you mean.¡± David opened a door, searching for an elevator shaft to the bottom floor. A quick route to their targets before they had the chance to escape. ¡°What exactly did you ask her?¡±

    ¡°Well, I asked if she was interested in spending time with Eve instead of me,¡± Gabriel explained, following his brother to the elevator shaft. David just turned around, glaring at him, his eyes telling him that he was wrong. David pressed the button to call the elevator with his black-gloved hand. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re an idiot,¡± David said as the elevator ignored his call. ¡°Guess they cut the power in here when they broke inside. Either the door didn¡¯t work, or they must be running off a separate power source.¡±

    ¡°Does that mean I can take off this mask if the power is out?¡± David shook his head, disapproving of the idea. ¡°Right, can¡¯t risk being seen inside an expensive jewelry store.¡±

    ¡°We can either walk down thirty floors, or we can repel down the elevator shaft,¡± David said, pulling out a bundle of paracord. Gabriel pulled out his sword, prying open the locked elevator doors. David ran the chord from the staircase¡¯s handrail. Setting up the counterweights.

    ¡°Looks good to me.¡± Gabriel said, ¡°Now, I understand why you told me to bring the rescue eight.¡± Gabriel took it off his belt loop, securing the carabiner to his chest rig. David did the same, though he was prepared with his climbing harness. ¡°Now, back to the important thing, why am I an idiot?¡± Gabriel asked his brother.

    ¡°You made it sound like you didn¡¯t want to be her partner numb nuts.¡± David hooked up the rescue eight to the paracord, dropping it down the elevator shaft. Waiting to hear the thunk on top of the elevator¡¯s roof. Brushing his shaggy hair to the side, raising his ear. There was a quiet sound as the weight hit bottom. ¡°Sounds good to me.¡± Taking a step backward, one hand as his break and the other as his lead. Leaning back as if he were taking a seat, knees locked, feet planted on the ledge.

    ¡°Who made you an expert on girls?¡± Gabriel asked. Drawing his eyes to the string doll that Eve had given him. It had all felt like a lifetime ago, but it was only December. The Order had relaxed, undergoing many reworks with the Roundtable to make a better time. Though Master Hawkins was granted the rank of Grandmaster for his efforts in stabilizing the region. Many reformations took place to keep the Brotherhood activity to a standstill. The Watchers¡¯ jobs became easy, dealing with a random dark adept or petty crime. It had felt like a vacation. David wants to push for better use of their time. However, still awaiting approval to combat human trafficking and drug lords. If he couldn¡¯t find evidence of dark adepts, the council wanted to stay out of it. Rightfully so, wishing not to risk the discovery of their secret society. It was barely May of 2022. So much has changed since then. ¡°So, Eve made you an expert on women, is that what you talk about together on shift?¡±

    ¡°Not really, we honestly don¡¯t talk much. It¡¯s more or less talk about each other''s week or training.¡± David shrugged, ¡°I¡¯m just observant in how she responds to words not chosen wisely. Plus, it doesn¡¯t take a genius to understand that your delivery with that suggestion would make someone upset, let alone your girlfriend.¡± David repelled down the elevator shaft, decisive and controlled. Looking down below. Gabriel shook his head, waiting for his brother to send the signal for his turn.

    David reached the floor, unlatching himself from the paracord, shaking it rapidly. Gabriel hooked up, charging down the rope the same way. Though less controlled due to his neglectful mind forgetting to bring his repelling harness. David caught him, knowing he was going to need the help touching down. ¡°Thank you,¡± Gabriel said as his brother let go of him. David nodded, pulling out a tool kit to remove the vent for them to climb through. ¡°Someone came prepared.¡±

    ¡°Have to when you¡¯re trying to leave this place exactly how you found it,¡± David said. Ratcheting off the bolts, taking his time. The enemy was as well, collecting their bounties. ¡°How do you plan on apologizing?¡± David asked his brother. Gabriel looked down in disbelief.

    ¡°Why should I have to be the one apologizing? I didn¡¯t do anything wrong.¡±

    ¡°What did she say when you asked her, y¡¯know after you finished explaining yourself?¡±

    ¡°She agreed,¡± Gabriel said, lifting up the grate and setting it to the side as David jumped inside. His eyes tuned to the darkness as night vision. Gabe followed right behind him, looking for the doors.

    ¡°Now, did she agree? What did she say specifically?¡± David asked as he found the door, taking his sword to pry it open.

    ¡°She said, fine.¡± Gabriel looked at his brother, shaking his head. ¡°What did I say? She agreed, and we are supposed to be fine.¡±

    ¡°You guys are far from fine.¡± David threw his body against his sword as the doors opened to the dark hallway leading to the jewelry hall.

    ¡°Why would she say fine if it didn¡¯t mean we were fine?¡± Gabriel asked, ¡°I¡¯m starting to think you¡¯re crazy.¡± David scowled at him. ¡°Let¡¯s just focus on the mission; we¡¯ll talk about this later.¡±

    ¡°Sounds good to me,¡± David said, stepping out of the elevator, holstering his sword. Noticing the flashlights turning off. ¡°Guess our partiers didn¡¯t know they invited guests.¡±

    ¡°I really hope they don¡¯t surrender.¡±

    ¡°They think they have the upper hand because there¡¯s six of them.¡± David and Gabriel walked briskly into the main room. As the men in balaclavas stood around. Bags of their prizes in one hand and their swords were drawn in the other.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± One of them asked. He stood tall, dressed all in black.

    ¡°I got this,¡± Gabriel said, patting his brother¡¯s chest as it thudded. ¡°Wow, someone¡¯s been working out,¡± Gabriel said sarcastically. He walked to the center of the room. ¡°Alright, guys, don¡¯t be alarmed. We¡¯re the Watchers.¡± Gabriel spread his hands outwards. ¡°You can surrender now.¡±

    They stood around, looking confused. Not sure the thieves were surprised by Gabriel¡¯s cockiness or to feel bad for his foolishness to walk where he was surrounded. ¡°The what?¡± One of them asked.

    ¡°Man, I really hate these new guys.¡± Gabriel looked at David; their reputation on the streets had died along with the Legion. David just shrugged at his brother. ¡°Okay, look, I¡¯m trying out this whole negotiating thing. I¡¯ve grown tired of killing newbies, so, please. Just put your hands up.¡±

    They all laughed at Gabriel. ¡°You¡¯ve never faced anyone like us before; I suggest you two leave while you can.¡± He sneered. Preparing to attack the both of them.

    ¡°You¡¯ve never faced anyone like us.¡± Gabriel mocked, dancing around in a circle with his hands to his head. Waving his fingers around, sticking out his tongue at them. ¡°Do you know how stupid you sound?¡± The group split up, three attacking David and the other three at Gabriel.

    In an instant, Gabriel drew his katana, slashing one¡¯s legs as he collapsed to the floor. Screaming in pain as his friends picked up the assault. Gabe blocked them both without effort. ¡°You guys make it so hard to be nice!¡± He yelled at them.

    David drew his sword, not taking the time to infuse his blade. He parried two off as one charged with an undisciplined thrust. David moved around him, spanking his back with the side face of his broadsword. David continued evading and blocking their attacks, almost toying with them to give them the chance to grow tired and give up. The less blood spilled, was less work for the cleanup crew. Stepping back, David was creating space between himself and his opponents. ¡°Look, guys, I¡¯ve perfectly parried every single one of you. Give up now, or I¡¯m going to have to hurt you.¡± They refused to listen to him. Keeping up their assault.

    ¡°You have to admire their persistence,¡± Gabriel said, interlocking blades with one and kicking the other to the side. Knocking him off balance, Gabe fell backward, still interlocking edges. ¡°David!¡± He called out, looking towards his brother.

    ¡°Little busy,¡± David said, grabbing one, twisting his body around to become a captive to David¡¯s sword.

    ¡°I was wondering.¡± Gabriel continued, ¡°Maybe I am wrong; Allison might have taken it as me wanting to take a break from her. We have been getting into arguments being around each other so much.¡±

    ¡°Is that really what you¡¯re thinking about right now?¡± David asked, knocking out the man in his hold with a bash with his hilt. Casting him to the side to engage his last two opponents.

    ¡°It¡¯s important to me, okay?¡± Gabriel kicked the man''s knee in, breaking it against his black boot. Recovering back to a stand, taking a defensive stance waiting for the inevitable attack. Their patience was just as lousy as their fighting.

    David swung his sword with a heavy swing, knocking a sword out of the other¡¯s hands. Sending it onto the floor. Looking over to see Gabriel quickly stab their buddy in the foot to keep him in place. Turning to look at each other and nodding. Running towards the staircase. ¡°No spells, Gabriel.¡± He looked at his brother, who began to conjure an element. David pulled out two small knives, throwing them. Flying through the air downwards, flipping to the sides as they tore through both of their Achilles tendons.

    ¡°Man, I¡¯ve been practicing the fire element.¡±

    ¡°I know; can''t risk the fire alarm going off.¡± David walked over to the two lying on the ground in pain. Kneeling down next to them. ¡°I would¡¯ve let you guys go free. However, you twisted my hand on that one.¡±

    ¡°Go to hell.¡± One said to David, trying to get back up. Gabriel walked overstepping on the hand, reaching for the dropped sword. He screamed at the weight of the boot.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to kill us, aren¡¯t you? The other asked, looking up at David¡¯s eyes. His face is still covered by his mask.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m not going to kill you.¡± David said, ¡°What¡¯s your name, kid?¡± He could tell he was younger than him. Probably only recently discovering his powers thinking he was invincible. Gabriel released the man¡¯s hand. Kicking the sword away.

    ¡°Jason.¡± He said, he looked panicked, not even sure what he was or why he was there.

    ¡°I¡¯ll call Virgil to call the police,¡± Gabriel said, walking away to get all the bodies together in one area. He looked at the one who has still held his sword in his foot. ¡°Thanks for watching my sword for me.¡± Gabriel pulled it out and punched him swiftly up the nose. Knocking him out cold against the tile floor.

    ¡°Jason, do you know who you are?¡± David asked, squatting down next to him, pulling off Jason¡¯s balaclava. His hair was black, along with his skin. His eyes were innocent and yellow in color to them. ¡°This sword looks like it was cheaply made, and I can tell you¡¯ve never used one in your life before tonight.¡±

    ¡°I was just here to make some money to help my family,¡± Jason said.

    ¡°He¡¯s not lying.¡± Gabriel said, ¡°The rest of them are part of that gang; what do they call themselves?¡± He asked his older brother as he applied tourniquets to the thighs of the legs he had previously removed.

    ¡°Wolfpack.¡± David said, ¡°Jason, have you heard of the Order? The Brotherhood? Anything like that?¡±

    ¡°No, sir,¡± Jason said, almost frightened, looking back and forth at Gabriel and David.

    ¡°Tell me about your family life,¡± David told him, peering down at him.

    ¡°I uh¡± He hesitated. ¡°I have a mother and sister. My mother has fallen ill, working two jobs to support my sister and me.¡±

    ¡°Where¡¯s your father?¡± David asked him.

    ¡°He walked out on us.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± David said, ¡°I can help you. You just need to help me.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean you can help me?¡± Jason asked.

    ¡°Obviously, you came here with good intention. I admire that, to say the least. You¡¯re young, and I think you have potential.¡± David said.

    ¡°And what do you want from me?¡±

    ¡°You have information in that head of yours, the information I need to help suffering people.¡± David said, ¡°You¡¯re not going to be rich, but you and your family will be safe and taken care of. Your mother can get the best medical treatment on the planet.¡± Taking off his glove, David¡¯s hand radiated a green aura. Placing it on his foot as the wound began to close.

    ¡°You sure about this?¡± Gabriel asked him, finishing with the gathering of bodies against a wall. Wiping his forehead of sweat.

    ¡°You ask me that every time.¡± David said, ¡°And I prove you wrong every time.¡±

    ¡°And last time blue has been nothing but trouble.¡± Gabriel joked. As his phone buzzed in his pocket. ¡°Kid, I suggest you accept the offer; five-o is here.¡±

    ¡°How did you do that?¡± Jason asked, looking at his ankle.

    ¡°I can¡¯t tell you unless you accept my offer,¡± David told him, standing up. David put his glove back on his scarred hands. Jason looked up at them, wondering where he had gotten them. David reached out his hand to him. He accepted, grabbing it as David lifted him up.

    ¡°If you promise my family¡¯s health and safety?¡± Jason asked.

    ¡°That and more.¡± David told him, ¡°I must warn you, the old life you once had will be left behind.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Jason told him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t call me that; it¡¯s weird.¡± David still disliked the title, even though Jason didn¡¯t know he was a knight. Or anything at all. He could hear the guardians repelling down the elevator, coming to make their arrests and clean any damage to the building to appear as if nothing had happened.

    They had all entered the room, one armored to the teeth. ¡°Sir David.¡± Said the man reaching his hand out. David met him halfway. ¡°Sir Jorge.¡± He looked around.

    ¡°You¡¯re the newest knight, right?¡± David asked. The Order had begun to promote people faster, needing new knights to run outposts that had been destroyed by the Legion in the war.

    ¡°That I am,¡± He said smiling, ¡°I always admired the work that the Watchers did. Always hearing stories but never seeing it for myself, you live up to your name.¡± Jorge was impressed with how many that only two of them were able to defeat without killing any.

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    David looked at his watch on his wrist. ¡°As much as I would love to talk, my shift is almost over, and I have a busy day tomorrow.¡± David turned around, pointing at the bodies. ¡°Some blood over there, and some injured. Bags full of jewels to go back in their cases.¡±

    ¡°Six we¡¯re arresting?¡± Jorge asked.

    ¡°Five.¡± David said, ¡°This one is coming with me.¡±

    ¡°Watcher¡¯s taking recruits?¡±

    ¡°What the Watcher¡¯s do isn¡¯t any of your business.¡± Gabriel intruded, walking over to him.

    ¡°Watch your tongue, Guardian.¡± Jorge grew annoyed.

    ¡°This guy serious?¡± Gabriel asked his brother, smiling. ¡°Come on, Jason, you ever rode on a helicopter? Of course not.¡± Gabriel started up the staircase, passing by the group of Guardians as they got to work. Jason quickly followed him.

    ¡°Your guardian is undisciplined,¡± Jorge said.

    David just shrugged, paying him no mind. ¡°That¡¯s why we do all the dirty work.¡± David bowed his head to the new knight, heading up the stairs. Jorge shook his head, annoyed; he would put this in his report hoping that something would be done about it. It wouldn¡¯t.

    Once at the top of the stairs awaited the Silver Arrow, hovering just on the side of the building waiting for David and Gabriel. Walking onto the roof, Gabriel continued over to the ramp. The hair blew heavy against the wind, looking back. Jason stood petrified, unbelievable at the site. ¡°What¡¯re you afraid of? Let¡¯s go.¡± Gabe waved his hand as he stepped onto the ramp.

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid of heights.¡±

    ¡°No, you¡¯re afraid of falling.¡± Gabriel said, ¡°We have the best pilot; as long as you strap yourself in, I can almost guarantee you won¡¯t fall.¡±

    ¡°Almost?¡± He questioned.

    ¡°You want your family to get better?¡± David asked, appearing behind him; he couldn¡¯t even hear him walk up. ¡°You will get on that ship.¡± David walked past him. ¡°Or stay here, and you can go back to crime and possibly meet us again. I¡¯m not on shift every night; the other guys aren¡¯t as forgiving as I am.¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah, the girl with her hair bobbed, eyes looking like she hates the world. She¡¯ll tear you apart because she could.¡± Gabriel said, smiling. Jason took in a deep breath, running over to catch up to the Silver Arrow, jumping aboard.

    ¡°Sit there.¡± David pointed at the chair in the corner closest to the cockpit door. ¡°Where do you live?¡± He asked him, handing him a tablet to enter his address. Jason took it and began typing in his address.

    ¡°How busy is it around this time?¡± David asked him.

    ¡°It¡¯s the ghetto, probably a little busy. Some drugged up guys on their porches.¡± Jason said.

    ¡°Good enough for me.¡± David walked into the cockpit; Virgil sat his hair long brushed back. ¡°You have gorgeous hair,¡± David told him, handing him the tablet.

    ¡°I¡¯m cutting it now that you said that.¡± Virgil grabbed it, looking at it. ¡°We pick up a new recruit?¡± He asked.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± David told him, ¡°We¡¯re not going to move him today, I have to get approval from the council first.¡±

    ¡°So, we¡¯re getting approval to do things now?¡± Virgil joked as he punched in the coordinates into the computer.

    ¡°I like being on their good side until it¡¯s time for us to do something crazy.¡±

    ¡°Why do I get the feeling we¡¯re planning to do something crazy soon?¡±

    ¡°Because you¡¯d be right.¡± David walked back into the Silver Arrow bay as it began to lift off the roof. Jason braced himself, afraid of the shaking in the VTOL in the air.

    ¡°Take this,¡± Gabriel told him, handing Jason a phone-like device.

    ¡°What is this?¡± He asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s a phone you can contact us, and we can contact you.¡±

    ¡°So, I¡¯m not joining you guys today?¡± Jason asked, shoving the phone into his pocket.

    ¡°We have to handle some business first.¡± David said, ¡°We¡¯ll have someone by tomorrow to help with your mother.¡± Jason seemed confused by all of this. ¡°How much money do you need to pay this month''s rent and food?¡± He asked.

    ¡°I have money for this month,¡± Jason told him. Not wanting him to take any money.

    ¡°That¡¯s not what I asked.¡± David sat down next to him. ¡°Let us help you out.¡±

    ¡°Three thousand,¡± Jason told him. Looking down at his feet, feeling ashamed. David put a hand on his shoulder as he nodded at Gabriel. Grabbing a bag, Gabe opened it pulling out three stacks of hundred-dollar bills. The Silver Arrow began to land on the street.

    ¡°Only call us in an emergency,¡± David told him yawning, he was tired from the long night. The sun was beginning to take rise in the East. Jason nodded at him, not sure what to say. ¡°We¡¯ll be back around twelve o¡¯clock.¡± David walked him out.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be here,¡± Jason said.

    ¡°Yeah, you will,¡± Gabe said, tossing him the bundle of dollar bills. ¡°Don¡¯t get into trouble till then.¡± Gabe smiled at the kid. The Silver Arrow quickly lifted off and jumped into the sky. Jason stood around, looking at the broken-down street. Sighing to himself before heading through his chain-linked fence. Yard was overgrown, concrete leading into his old home. He opened the security door, heading back inside.

    ¡°Seems like a good kid,¡± Gabriel said as he stood in the cockpit as David was sitting with his hands behind his head. Feet kicked up on the dashboard. His eyes closed.

    ¡°Too bad we¡¯re going to have to kill him,¡± David said. Gabriel and Virgil both looked at him with confusion and concern. Not sure what to make of that statement. David opened one eye to see them both glaring at him. ¡°I was joking.¡± He grinned.

    ¡°It¡¯s too early for this,¡± Virgil said as he went back to piloting the Silver Arrow back to their home.

    <hr>

    Eve opened her deep blue eyes, staring at the roof. The sun breaking through in the early morning window. Yawning deeply as she stretched her arms outward. Missing the fresh air of the Sanctuary, though not missing the anxiety of the looming threat she had back then. Everything was calm, peaceful. She sat up, dressed in her oversized t-shirt. Stretching out her legs, wiggling her toes over the bedside. Her room was simple, unlike her room back at the Sanctuary. She had been living there for months but still felt like a stranger in Allison¡¯s house.

    She hopped out of bed, walking over to the window to open it. Letting the stuffy air flood out of the room, Eve looked outside, taking in a deep breath. Inhaling the warm sun. She missed the winter; now California was hot. Eve hated the heat, blowing up at her bangs as they danced up out of her face. Watching the energy lift off the grass in the yard. Everything was alive, never failing to fascinate her eyes. Grabbing her towel from her closet and a pile of clothes from her drawer. Still as unorganized as ever.

    Opening the door, the house was silent. Allison and her mother were still asleep, Eve started getting into the habit of starting her day early. That way, she could have more time to study, train, or meet with everyone else to hang out. Eve walked into the bathroom, looking at herself in the mirror. Smiling at herself, not even a year had passed, and she was happier than she could ever be with herself.

    The smell of bacon tickled Allison¡¯s nose, waking her up instantly. Feeling excited, she rushed out of bed, throwing open her door. She hurried into the kitchen, finding Eve dressed and clean. She had been cooking breakfast. A toaster dinged, shooting up waffles out next to a bowl of steaming scrambled eggs and a plate of bacon waiting to be eaten. Allison¡¯s mouthwatering, ¡°Eve, have I ever told you that I love you?¡± She asked, walking over to the cabinet to fix herself a plate.

    ¡°Only when I make breakfast,¡± Eve said, smiling as she turned off the stove to move the last of the cooking bacon onto her own plate. Sitting down at the table, putting her hands together. Allison finished as well, sitting down perpendicular to Eve as she opened her eyes.

    ¡°You know, it¡¯s bizarre to see you pray,¡± Allison said as she began eating.

    ¡°Some of the guys do; I just think it¡¯s respectful.¡± Eve said, ¡°Even if there isn¡¯t someone listening.¡±

    ¡°Seeing David that night, and you still don¡¯t believe that there¡¯s something out there?¡± Allison questioned her in disbelief. ¡°Okay, sis.¡±

    ¡°Do you really want to talk about this right now?¡± Eve asked her, smirking.

    ¡°Not really,¡± Allison said to busy enjoying her food. ¡°I¡¯m still thinking about Gabe¡­¡±

    ¡°You want to talk about this more?¡± Eve asked; she wanted to enjoy her night off last night. However, spent all night listening to her complain about Gabriel.

    ¡°It¡¯s bothering me, okay?¡± Allison told her, taking a bite of her bacon and scowling at the wall in front of her.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to say this. I think you¡¯re being selfish.¡± Eve said, taking a drink of her orange juice.

    ¡°I¡¯m selfish?¡± Allison said, ¡°Says the one who forced herself on David!¡± Eve stopped drinking, looking at her with annoyance. The glass cracked as her eyes glue brighter. Setting the glass down and taking a deep breath. ¡°I apologize.¡±

    ¡°Gabriel wants to spend more time with David before the council sends him to work with the CIA,¡± Eve said, closing her eyes. ¡°After that, you¡¯ll have Gabe all to yourself.¡± She stood up, throwing the rest of her food away.

    ¡°It¡¯s just the way he said it,¡± Allison said to her.

    ¡°You know Gabriel sucks at talking.¡± Eve put her plate in the sink. ¡°He is your boyfriend, after all.¡± Allison was silent. Eve had listened to her all night. Guessing Eve had gotten tired of hearing the issue. ¡°Maybe you should try talking to him; you¡¯d be surprised what wonders communication can do in a relationship.¡± Eve grabbed her shoes from the cubby, sitting down to put them on.

    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Allison asked her.

    ¡°Away from you crazy.¡± Eve said, ¡°I¡¯ll go talk to Gabe since you¡¯re too scared to do it.¡± Eve stood up and headed quickly out the door.

    ¡°I¡¯m crazy?¡± Allison launched out of her seat, charging for the door as she watched Eve walking down the driveway. ¡°Says the one who broke a good cup!¡± Eve walked away, flipping her off as she started down the sidewalk. Heading to the Locklear home smiling.

    <hr>

    James, Richard, and Ethan were inside the garage in front of the house, working with saws and drills. David and Gabriel were inside sleeping, having to catch up on lost sleep from their long night. Though not sleeping for too long to mess up their sleep schedule for the day. David did his best to only nap for a few hours; that way, he could have the rest of the day to work. Still being able to get a full night¡¯s rest the next day after his shift.

    Ethan turned around, looking down the sidewalk, seeing the sun reflect off the blue-haired Eve walking. ¡°She¡¯s coming.¡± He said.

    ¡°Dang, we were just starting to make some progress.¡± James said, ¡°Alright, close it up.¡± He told Richard as he headed over to controls on the garage door. Eve looked on as the garage quickly shut from afar. Suspicious at their hurried figures moving outside rapidly. James was wiping his grease-stained hands as Eve started up the driveway, noticing David¡¯s truck in the driveway and James BMW next to it. David was simple, not needing anything fancy or beautiful. James, on the other hand, liked to ride in style.

    ¡°Hey blue, what brings you here so early?¡± Richard asked her, walking up to her giving her a hug as she returned the embrace.

    ¡°Allison was driving me crazy. What¡¯re you guys up to?¡± Eve asked, looking at them as all three were dirty. Covered in wood shavings and oil. She went to hug Ethan as he hugged her back.

    ¡°Just helping fix up the garage,¡± James said, walking up to her to hug her as well. He still hasn¡¯t lost his warm fatherly smile.

    ¡°Do you guys need help? I¡¯m not busy.¡± Eve offered.

    ¡°No.¡± All three of them said in unison. ¡°I mean, it¡¯s not a big deal. We were actually about to take a break.¡± James said.

    ¡°It¡¯s no mind to me, I would be more than happy to help.¡± Eve pressed again, what were they hiding?

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Mija, did you eat already?¡± James changed the subject as he led her inside the house.

    She decided it was best not to continue with trying to find out what they were hiding. Though she would remain curious, as she always was. ¡°Yeah, well, I didn¡¯t finish my food.¡±

    ¡°Thank God, we were waiting for him to make some more chorizo, but he kept telling us to wait for Gabe and David,¡± Ethan said, smiling.

    ¡°Fine, I can¡¯t keep my customers waiting for too long,¡± James said, leading her to the front door as the other two followed close behind. Eve had only been inside the house a few times. It was a small three-bedroom home with a den in the back. As she stepped inside, she could see the living room ahead of herself; to the left was the kitchen mixed with a dining room. If she had continued down the hall, to her right would be the hallway that led to the bedrooms.

    James went to the fridge, grabbing a carton of eggs, a gallon of milk, and a stick of chorizo. ¡°Eve, you¡¯ve had some before, right?¡± He asked.

    She was leaning her shoulder against the wall. ¡°No, I don¡¯t think I have; at least I don¡¯t remember.¡±

    ¡°Of course, you have; they look like red scrambled eggs,¡± Ethan said to her as he took a seat in one of the chairs across from Richard.

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s what that is?¡± Eve asked, ¡°I have seen them at the Sanctuary, but they looked gross to touch.¡± She joked.

    ¡°Woah, don¡¯t disrespect James¡¯ cooking like that again. Or we will fight.¡± Richard said, pointing his finger at her. The burritos had been known as a delicacy to those who had eaten them. James ensured that all of those who ate his food were met with more than satisfaction.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll try them today,¡± James told her as he turned on the stove. A small flame ignited under the pan. Dancing along the bottom.

    ¡°I guess we will see.¡± Eve smiled at James as she sat down with the other boys as they began to talk about Allison and Gabe. Along with how bored they had been lately. Strange that Eve had felt the desire of battle again. The adrenaline she had felt back then was intoxicating. Though James ensured them to appreciate the time they had to relax, never knowing when things were going to be dire once more. ¡°I get that we should appreciate the peace; there¡¯s just something about feeling like you¡¯re serving a large purpose. The rush feels good.¡±

    ¡°Even when it means losing someone close to you?¡± James asked. Eve lowered her head, thinking about those they had lost that night. Carlos¡¯ smile still burned inside of her mind. And what had happened to him? Both images were polar opposites. She couldn¡¯t help to think about one without the other. ¡°Fights can be fun, I understand, but things are better left to be at peace.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Richard said.

    James turned around, looking at all three of them lowering their heads, faces drenched in grim. ¡°Do you think Carlos would want you guys being sad right now?¡± He smiled as they looked up at him. ¡°Speaking of, has anyone heard from Jasmine?¡±

    ¡°Not really. She keeps to herself mostly.¡± Richard said, ¡°She works with Kevin on shifts, and even he says she¡¯s not talkative.¡±

    ¡°That says a lot coming from Kevin,¡± Eve said, scratching at the table with her other hand supporting her head.

    ¡°She¡¯s mourning it can take some time, but she¡¯ll come around,¡± James said as he kept cooking.

    ¡°That¡¯s what we thought about Liam,¡± Ethan said, looking at the wall in front of himself.

    ¡°Jasmine isn¡¯t selfish like him,¡± Richard argued.

    ¡°Alright, that¡¯s enough of that,¡± James said, ¡°always so damned negative all the time.¡± Eve just smiled; it was rare when James had cursed. David swore he was like a sailor, but she has never seen it. Thinking David was a liar.

    In walked Gabriel, wearing a loose tank top. The top of his head was unkempt and long, wearing gym shorts and bags under his eyes. Rubbing one eye and yawning with his mouth wide open. ¡°Mijo, did we wake you?¡± He asked.

    ¡°No, David did.¡± Gabe walked past Eve, looking down at her. ¡°I didn¡¯t hear your thoughts; why are you here?¡± He put his hand on her blue head.

    Eve swiftly slapped his hand away. ¡°Some of us take care of our hair here.¡± Annoyed, she looked up at him, ¡°Maybe you didn¡¯t hear my thoughts because your brother taught me how to block you out.¡± She grinned from the side of her cheek, fixing her hair.

    ¡°Thank God, because you¡¯re so annoying.¡± Gabriel walked over to the cabinet, pulling out a bottle of room temperature water. Eve just made a face at him and flipped him off. Gabriel returned the finger, only to be met with James¡¯ hand slapping it. ¡°Hey, what the hell?¡±

    ¡°What did I tell you about that in my house?¡± James scolded him.

    ¡°She did it first,¡± Gabriel argued.

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk back to me. If she jumped off a bridge, would you follow her?¡±

    ¡°Probably.¡± Gabriel took a drink of water.

    James sighed, ¡°Where¡¯s your brother?¡±

    ¡°Sleeping still,¡± Gabriel said, walking past him to take a seat next to Richard.

    ¡°You said he woke you up,¡± Eve told him, confused.

    ¡°Yeah, he was having a nightmare, again.¡±

    ¡°Again?¡± She hadn¡¯t heard about his nightmares. This was news to her.

    ¡°Yeah, he said not to tell anyone.¡± Gabriel was tired, staring into the distance. His eyes sagging, then shot open. Eve stood up from her seat and walked away from the table into the hallway. ¡°Eve, wait!¡± He yelled out, chasing her.

    ¡°I just want to see if he¡¯s okay.¡± Eve said, ¡°If their repeated nightmares, then it could be something with the spirits.¡± She continued.

    Gabriel grabbed her wrist to keep her from going to his door. ¡°No, don¡¯t,¡± he pleaded.

    ¡°Let go of me,¡± Eve told him; he shook his head at her. ¡°Gabe, I will punch you in the face.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll hit you back,¡± Gabriel said. As she ripped her wrist from his grip, although it hurt, it didn¡¯t bother her. ¡°Alright, I¡¯m not responsible for anything that happens.¡± He said, knowing his brother was going to be upset with him. Not that he feared David, he would rather not receive the condescending talk with him.

    Eve knocked on the door, twisting the door nob slightly. Peeking into the darkroom, a black blanket covered the window to keep any light from coming in. A small glimmer of light illuminated the room from the cracked door. Eve could see the green and yellow energy filling the room like a room filled with smoke. It had to be coming from David. She opened the door a bit more to see him lying in bed. He wasn¡¯t there, the blankets and pillows scattered around his mattress. An outline of sweat was left from his body. Only growing more concerned, she opened the door, even more, looking around to see where he was. Looking down at the floor, David laid, his arm tucked under his head acting as a pillow. He was sweating profusely, drenched, and jolting his body slightly. ¡°David?¡± She said, her voice heavy in concern. As she stepped into the room, she could hear him mumbling in his sleep. ¡°David?¡± She asked once more. Stepping closer to him lightly, her foot made a noise as it dragged across the carpet.

    David opened his eyes, one green, and the other yellow. Reaching over to his sword. Gripping it tightly and swinging it at Eve. She jumped back in fear, never had seen him act in anger before. He wasn¡¯t himself; she could tell from the look in his eyes. They weren¡¯t David¡¯s. Gabriel jumped between them, blocking David¡¯s swing. Locking his Katana with his. Gabriel pushed him back into the wall. Knocking him out as he hit his head against the wall.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with him?¡± She panicked.

    ¡°I did warn you,¡± Gabriel said, holstering his sword.

    ¡°How long has he been like this?¡± Eve was petrified, unsure if she should tend to him or if she was too afraid to get next to him.

    ¡°Awhile,¡± Gabriel told her, not wanting to tell her it had happened frequently when it was after his shift. Ever since the battle of the Sanctuary. He shoved her out of the room.

    ¡°We need to get him help!¡± Eve got into Gabriel¡¯s face as he shut the door behind himself.

    ¡°Do you think I haven¡¯t thought of that already?¡± Gabriel asked her, ¡°He nearly killed me the first time.¡±

    ¡°Why haven¡¯t you?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°He refuses to get help,¡± Gabriel said. ¡°No matter how much I plead with him about it.¡±

    Eve looked down; she was going to do her best to talk to him about it. David had helped her many times before; she wasn¡¯t just going to sit back and watch as he keeps having these nightmares. For all she knew, it could be doing more damage to David than he would ever admit.

 Chapter 2: Nightmares

    David opened his eyes, staring at the black room. Rubbing his sweat-covered face with his dry hands. Smacking his lips with his tongue, feeling as groggy as usual. Looking down noticing his sword sitting on the carpet next to his hand. Why was his sword drawn? Questioning himself if he had drawn it out before he slept. Now just realizing he had been sitting up against the wall, remembering he had laid on the floor in the middle of his rest. He looked up at the roof; where was his mind? David hated waking up, not understanding the dreams he was having. Feeling as if he had no one to go to about them. They didn¡¯t make any sense to him. How would he even begin to communicate it himself?

    Picking himself up from the floor, he walked over to his dresser, placing his hand on the wooden drawer. Pulling it open, he grabbed a fresh pair of clothes not covered in his wrenched sweat. David¡¯s hand shaking uncontrollably. Taking a deep breath to bring his mind at ease. Brushing his long hair with his fingers. The anxiety from his dreams prevented him from easing himself. Looking down at his hands, they were covered in blood, suddenly no more. His vision flashed back and forth; his breathing picked back up. Heart racing, he could hear the blood rushing into his ears. Ringing, everything was becoming unreal. Feeling himself detached from reality. Looking around, feeling himself being watched. Turning around, taking sight of a menacing shadow in the corner. Feeling petrified. A voice broke out, ¡°David.¡± Liam¡¯s voice shouted from the emptiness. Everything faded away. David was now at perfect calm. Taking a deep breath once more, he grabbed his clothes and headed for the door.

    Eve was sitting at the table, mute while the others continued to talk. Gabriel looked up towards the hallway, hearing David¡¯s door open. Immediately following the entrance to the restroom shut. Eve jumped her head up, looking towards the hallway as well. ¡°He¡¯s taking a shower,¡± Gabe said.

    ¡°So, am I supposed to keep quiet about it?¡± Eve asked. Not sure if she could bring herself to that. ¡°What if he¡¯s going crazy and he¡¯s refusing to ask for help?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s exactly what he¡¯s doing,¡± Richard said. ¡°We need to give him a vacation.¡±

    ¡°Little hard for us to do. He¡¯s a workaholic.¡± Eve said, concerned for her friend.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure he¡¯s more concentrated on taking down that human trafficking ring,¡± Gabriel said, scratching at the table. James walked over, placing a plate of burritos in front of Eve.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I can eat right now.¡± Eve looked up at him.

    ¡°Want to pretend that nothing is wrong?¡± James asked, ¡°You need to eat.¡± She shrugged, picking up one of the burritos in her hand. Forcing herself to take a bite, her eyes gleamed, as did her taste buds.

    The steaming water crashed onto David¡¯s head. His hand pushed against the wall as the water ran down his body. He stood there, waiting to feel the pain of the scolding shower. His body was still numb. Growing tired of having to face what seemed like to be every morning. Wanting nothing more than to feel his mind at ease. Desiring to feel genuinely happy again.

    His skin began to boil in pain; gritting his teeth, David grabbed onto the handle. Swiftly changing it to a cooler temperature. Finally, he could start thinking about what mattered. Discarding his thoughts on his mental condition. On his mind was the next mission in finding the Wolfpack to bring a halt to their operations. He continued to clean himself off, preparing for the day.

    Eve and the others continued to eat. ¡°Who was that kid you guys found last night?¡± Ethan asked Gabe. His mouth was full of food.

    ¡°Jason? David thinks he can help him out. As well as finding the Wolfpack.¡± Gabriel replied, taking a drink of his milk.

    ¡°He¡¯s always good at finding outcasts, isn¡¯t he?¡± Richard asked. Eve peered at him; her eyes filled with annoyance. ¡°It was a joke.¡± He laughed.

    ¡°So are your advances with Sir Janice.¡± Eve fired back at him. Gabriel shot milk out of his nose onto the floor, covering his mouth laughing. Richard squinted at the both of them as Ethan was fighting his desire to laugh.

    ¡°That¡¯s a good one,¡± David said, walking into the kitchen, his hair still slightly wet. Dressed in a white t-shirt and jeans. Eve almost shot out of her seat, scared. Not noticing he had finished showering.

    ¡°You look well-rested,¡± Eve told him.

    ¡°Something like that,¡± David grabbed a plate before he noticed his father had already prepared him one.

    ¡°Good morning Mijo,¡± James handed him the plate.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± David said, accepting it and smiling at him. ¡°Good morning Dad.¡± David didn¡¯t feel like sitting down. Setting the plate on the counter and beginning to eat. Gabriel was still trying to control his laughter. Still looking at the ground.

    ¡°You¡¯re up earlier than I had thought,¡± Eve said to him.

    ¡°You¡¯re at my house earlier than I thought.¡± David continued to eat, looking out the window into the neighborhood.

    ¡°Allison was driving me crazy.¡±

    David looked at Gabriel, ¡°Reminds me of someone.¡± His brother awkwardly smiled at him. David smiled back, walking to the fridge to pour himself a glass of milk. ¡°How is it coming along, Ethan, Richard?¡± He asked.

    ¡°Still working out some small kinks, but she¡¯s almost done,¡± Ethan said as Richard remained quiet, still eating.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go take a look at your small kinks here in a bit.¡±

    ¡°What are you guys talking about?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s more of a need-to-know thing,¡± David told her.

    ¡°So, a nice way of saying, none of my business. Got it.¡± Eve said, knowing that if she needed to know, he would have told her. However, feeling left out.

    ¡°Pretty much,¡± Gabriel said, standing up to wash his dish. ¡°We calling Virgil to fly us to LA?¡±

    ¡°I was thinking of driving. Just need Allison; anyone who wants to come as well is free to join.¡± David continued to finish his food.

    ¡°I hate the city, so Eve can take my seat.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do the dishes,¡± James said, eating. Gabriel stared at him in the eyes, using his peripheral vision to continue washing his dishes. ¡°If you guys are going to LA, on your way back, can you pick up some carne asada from that one spot?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± David told him, ¡°Can I take the Beamer?¡± James just laughed, walking over to sit down where Gabriel was previously. ¡°I¡¯ll take that as a no.¡±

    <hr>

    David was in the driver¡¯s seat of his truck; Richard was sitting on the passenger side. Trailing behind them was Allison¡¯s car; sitting with her was Eve in the passenger seat, Ethan in the back, and Chris next to him. Eve wanted to ride with David; His music choice was always better than Allison¡¯s. It was for the best that she didn¡¯t. Otherwise, she would¡¯ve ended up telling him about what had happened while he slept. Eve continued to stare out the window, aloof from the conversation in the car. Watching all the cars pass by them, so many people. Living ordinary lives, wondering where they were going or coming from, without worrying in their hearts about the world around them.

    ¡°Eve,¡± Allison said, turning down the radio. Eve ignored her, ¡°Eve!¡± She yelled.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Eve said, coming back to reality. She looked at Allison as she drove.

    ¡°Pretty sure David already told you. The neighborhood we¡¯re going to, it''s dangerous, so do your best not to use your powers.¡±

    ¡°Right, if things get dire, we¡¯ll use our guns.¡± Chris said, ¡°Oh, here.¡± Chris reached into his backpack, pulling out a subcompact Glock 19. ¡°We were supposed to give this to you a long time ago.¡± Eve reached out as she grabbed it. Never having to hold a firearm before.

    ¡°You know how to use that blue?¡± Ethan asked.

    ¡°Pull the trigger?¡± Eve asked sarcastically. Looking at it up to her face.

    Allison reached her hand out, pulling Eve¡¯s arm down to her waist. ¡°Can you at least be a little more discrete about it?¡±

    ¡°Is this going to fit in my pockets?¡± Eve asked, wondering where she would put it.

    ¡°Put it in your waistband.¡± Chris said, ¡°Never put your finger on the trigger, only when you intend to shoot.¡± Eve sat forward so she could comfortably put in her pant line.

    ¡°This is uncomfortable,¡± Eve said, sitting back down.

    ¡°You get used to it,¡± Ethan told her; she just accepted it. Never had liked guns; she preferred her sword. Understanding that she couldn¡¯t go around waving around a sword in a gunfight without her powers.

    David was driving, watching both the road and his phone for directions. ¡°Do you ever see things in your dreams?¡± David asked Richard. Richard reached out and turned down the radio.

    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    ¡°What kind of things?¡± Richard asked.

    ¡°Things you can¡¯t explain,¡± David said.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to have to elaborate; most dreams are like that.¡±

    ¡°Like, nightmares.¡±

    ¡°Everyone has nightmares, David. Are they realistic?¡±

    ¡°I keep seeing Liam, the fight between us. Almost every night.¡± David said, his fingers shaking slightly; this was the first time he talked about his nightmares with anyone.

    ¡°Does it affect you harshly?¡±

    ¡°I wake up feeling paranoid, I know I¡¯m awake, but it doesn¡¯t feel like the nightmare has ended. Sounds crazy, right.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like post-traumatic stress,¡± Richard said, growing in concern for David.

    ¡°Don¡¯t pin that on me.¡± David didn¡¯t want to be labeled with a disorder. He felt as if the dreams meant more than just trauma.

    ¡°It¡¯s not something to be ashamed of; it¡¯s expected of for people like us. Hell, sometimes I dream about the people I¡¯ve killed.¡± Richard said, ¡°I think you should take some time off, David.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible,¡± David said. ¡°The world is a mess; we can make a difference more than what involves the Order.¡±

    ¡°The world is always going to be a mess.¡±

    ¡°And if we can help out as many people as we can, it will be better than it was.¡±

    ¡°Not if it continues to tear you apart.¡± Richard looked at him. David knew he was right; Richard always told him that he needed a vacation. ¡°Plus, right now, you should be enjoying whatever freedom you have before you have to go work for the government.¡±

    ¡°I suppose you¡¯re right.¡±

    ¡°Have they even told you your assignment yet?¡±

    David knew the first half, but the rest of his mission still remains undecided. He wouldn¡¯t tell anyone out of fear to worry them. ¡°No, not yet,¡± David said.

    ¡°Just make sure you come back home to us in one piece,¡± Richard told him, not wanting to press David anymore than he was comfortable to. David veered off to the exit of the highway, Allison following close behind. Driving into the inner city of Eastern Los Angeles.

    David reached over to his center console, pulling out a two-way hand radio. ¡°Rubber ducky, this is poop stain. Over.¡± He smiled.

    Allison rolled her eyes as Eve grabbed the radio, turning down the music in the car. ¡°I¡¯m not calling you that,¡± Eve said into it.

    ¡°Sorry, can you repeat your last? Over.¡± David said.

    Eve pressed the antenna to her forehead, slightly annoyed. Trying not to give in and laugh. ¡°I¡¯m not calling you that. Over.¡± Emphasizing the last word.

    ¡°Roger, blueberry pie, I can now hear you loud and clear. Break.¡± David said, looking around as he drove. ¡°We¡¯re one mile out from our destination. Rubber ducky, and you will come with me inside. Wannabe Viking, teddy bear, and Ethan will stay outside to stand guard. Over.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t I get a nickname?¡± Ethan asked, sounding hurt.

    ¡°Roger ankle breaker, that¡¯s a good copy. Over.¡± Eve said.

    ¡°Ankle breaker?¡± David looked at Richard, confused.

    ¡°Because you can¡¯t ice skate or ride a skateboard,¡± Richard smirked.

    David keyed, ¡°That¡¯s hurtful.¡± Eve laughed as they continued to follow him into the neighborhood. There were a couple people out walking down the streets and sidewalks. The houses were old and run down, seeming as if they were never taken care of. The yards were overgrown with grass. Eve had never seen streets like this before. Being fortunate enough to never have to grow up in a place like this. The others seemed unphased.

    ¡°How do people live like this?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°Because they have to.¡± Allison said, ¡°Or they feel like this is the most they can achieve.¡±

    ¡°People should help them,¡± Eve said, looking around.

    ¡°They live off the government''s money, all brainwashed to think to think it¡¯s societies fault.¡± Ethan chimed in.

    ¡°I think that¡¯s unfair to blame the government,¡± Eve said.

    ¡°Think about it; if people live off the government, they will continue to vote for the people who promise to give them more money. And in return, the corrupt politicians stay in power.¡± Chris said.

    ¡°Yet you serve the Order the same way,¡± Eve said to him.

    ¡°Glad you understand the irony,¡± Ethan said as David began to park. Allison parked right behind him on the side of the road.

    David stayed inside of his truck, pulling out his phone to call Jason. The phone continued to ring, looking around at the neighborhood, a man¡¯s eyes from across the street locked on him. David starred at him, watching. ¡°This guy keeps looking at me.¡±

    ¡°I mean, we¡¯re a bunch of white people who just pulled up in their neighborhood,¡± Richard said, looking at the man as well. ¡°He probably thinks you¡¯re cute.¡±

    ¡°Can you blame him?¡±

    ¡°Sure, let''s put it that way.¡± Richard looked away and brought his eyes to the house. David put the phone down without an answer. ¡°Didn¡¯t pick up?¡±

    ¡°Guess not.¡± David said, ¡°Pass me, my baby.¡± He pointed at the glove box. Richard reached over, grabbing the handgun from the glovebox passing it to David. A P320 with beautiful etchings along with the slide of random swirls and flowers. The grip had a templar cross on it. David snatched it and slid it into his waistline. Grabbing the hand-mic and pressing the button. ¡°He didn¡¯t answer; I¡¯m going alone.¡±

    ¡°We should go with him.¡± Chris said, ¡°I don¡¯t like this place.¡±

    ¡°Relax, it¡¯s not Syria. He¡¯ll be okay.¡± Allison said, turning off her car as David stepped out of his truck, shutting the door behind him. Eve watched as he waved at the man starring at him; David¡¯s kindness was not returned.

    David shrugged it off, walking in front of the truck up the house. Passing the chain-linked fence into the walkway. Looking around, it was a small home with only two windows in the front with a security door in front of the old oak door. There were a few toys in the yard, including a bike with its tires deflated. The grass was recently cut, seeming as if it was one of the few yards taken care of. Stepping onto the patio, the wood creaked as he walked past a bench with an ashtray. One of the cigarette buds was freshly placed. Someone had to be awake. David reached for the door, taking a deep breath. Knocking against the screen door. As it rattled open against his fist. Looking down at the doorknob, it had been crushed and pulled free. David closed his eyes, reaching out to the spirits. Feeling nothing but the sense of dread. There was a void inside the house. He knocked again without an answer.

    Turning around, David waved at the others to come to his position. Everyone got up out of the vehicles. Rushing over to his call. David opened the door to the house; the stench burned the hairs in his nose. Drawing his handgun, keeping it lowered. ¡°Hello!?¡± He screamed out. Beginning his search, he found himself inside the living room, Eve close behind him. They moved in pairs. Richard with Ethan moved down the other side of the hall.

    ¡°Is anyone here!?¡± Richard screamed out as Ethan followed close behind him. The rotting stench was heavy, almost unbearable. No response was given, the group began to grow in desperation. Eve could see a hint of energy trails coming from a sliding door. Tapping on David¡¯s shoulder, pointing in the direction of the source.

    David whistled sharply as Richard and Ethan returned to him. Standing on the outside of the sliding glass door, guns raised to it. David gestured with his head towards the handle. Chris, with Allison behind him, reached over, grabbing it tightly. Waiting for the signal from the others that they were ready. David and Richard nodded, sliding the door open with heavy strength. David charged in first with Richard behind them. They funneled into the room. Turning his body to the left as Richard turned right, zippering into the den.

    Petrified, Eve stopped and looked up at the wall. Three bloodied and grotesque bodies were crucified upside down. Hands and feet drilled into the wall. David lowered his firearm. His heart was heavy in his chest. How could this have happened? Who would do such a thing?

    ¡°Oh my God,¡± Eve muttered as she lowered her handgun as well. Black energy radiated off of the horror scene. David looked at the bodies. Walking up to them. He reached his hand out.

    ¡°Don¡¯t touch them,¡± Allison said as she snatched his hand away.

    ¡°Why?¡± Richard asked, looking at them. ¡°Why would someone do this?¡±

    ¡°Jason had information,¡± David said under his breath, unsure how to feel. Both despair and anger waged in his mind.

    Eve looked closer at the bodies. ¡°They were pumped with corruption until their bodies were destroyed.¡± David turned around quickly and walked back into the house, out of the front door. Throwing up onto the patio his breakfast. Coughing sporadically never had witnessed such cruel action against someone. He had failed them; they should have taken the family immediately.

    ¡°Find the phone we gave him.¡± Richard said, ¡°Ethan, follow me. There have to be clues here somewhere that we can use to find out who did this.¡± He walked out of the den and back into the house as they began their search. Eve kept looking on at the bodies; there was nothing left of their spirits other than darkness. A void within the souls. Nothing but shells of their former selves.

    ¡°Can you see anything?¡± Allison asked Eve. They couldn¡¯t take their eyes off of the bodies. ¡°Maybe anything to hint at who might have done this?¡±

    Eve tried, no matter how much it pained her to look. Nothing revealed itself, not even the vaguest of clues revealed themselves to her. ¡°Nothing.¡±

    David looked up from the mess of the floor, wiping his eyes from the tears left from the relief of his bowels. His eyes drew from the floor and into the sky. Saying a silent prayer, wishing for their rest now. Taking a moment to watch as the clouds slowly danced across the veiled blue sky. They began to lower to the house across the street. He looked at the man who had previously been watching him. Still looking on at David, smiling. David bit down on his jaw, eyes glowing green. Clenching his fingers into a fist. Knuckles white.

    Screeching tires slid around the corner, two black SUVs came flying down the street. Slamming on their brakes as David ran inside the house. ¡°Get down!¡± He yelled out as the cracking of gunfire came from the cars. Everyone in the house dropped to cover, drawing their firearms. The bullets weren¡¯t tearing into the house. However, they broke through David¡¯s truck and Allison¡¯s car. Popping the tires and destroying the windows. Bullet holes littered all over the vehicles. David peeked out the doorway as they shifted their fire in his direction.

    ¡°David!¡± Eve yelled out, pulling him back behind the wall. Richard jumped to his feet, summoning a shield in front of the house. The gunfire stopped as soon as they realized their bullets couldn¡¯t pass through his security. Hearing one of the doors slam, immediately after the SUVs sped off back down to the intersection.

    David leaped to his feet, running as fast as he could to the center of the street. Reaching into his back pocket, he pulled out a small device. His hand glowing green with hints of white energy. Throwing with all his might, the machine flew the air like a football. Ethan behind him added a push of power from the palm of his hand, launching the device further until it landed on one of the vehicles. Sticking to it with its adhesive bottom. ¡°Is anyone hurt?¡± He asked, turning to his friends.

    ¡°We¡¯re all good here,¡± Allison said, turning to her car. ¡°My cars not.¡± She walked over and opened her car door. Reaching inside to gather her things. David pulled out his phone to call his brother.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get all your stuff out of the truck,¡± Eve brushed her hand across the top of his back. It was a shame that both of the vehicles had been destroyed. David just nodded at her as she walked over to his backpack in the trunk. Gathering all his belongings from all the compartments.

    Gabriel answered the phone. He had his feet propped up on the table, a bag of chips on his lap. Sunglasses on his face. ¡°What¡¯s the word?¡± He asked nonchalantly.

    ¡°Jason and his family were killed. Need everyone on my position. Bring all of our equipment.¡± David said. ¡°Tell the Order to send a crew to clean up the scene. And have the mechanic crew pick up our cars.¡±

    Gabriel sat up, ¡°No kidding?¡± He asked. ¡°I¡¯ll have everyone bring their cars.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s hunting season,¡± David said before hanging up and turning on his tracker. Eve handed him his backpack, David accepted it. Putting it on his back and buckled the front clip.

    ¡°We¡¯ll get them.¡± Eve said, ¡°It¡¯ll be okay.¡±

    ¡°Tell that to Jason and his family. Let¡¯s go; cops are on the way.¡± David could hear the sirens in the distance. The group began to walk down the sidewalk, getting away from the scene.

 Chapter 3: Hunting Season

    In the Silver Arrow, David filled with anger and spite. He had never seen such torture committed on a human being, let alone it being three of them. Even the Brotherhood or Liam¡¯s Legion had the honor to deliver death by the edge of a sword. The images were still burned into his eyes. Recalling Jason¡¯s face being black and red, pulsing veins breaking from his skin. Growths of purple puss fell from the tears in his skin. Blood turned midnight flowing from every crevasse in his body. Hanging upside down crucified, nothing left but torment in his eyes.

    Eve placed her hand on his shoulder, ¡°Hey,¡± She said. David jumped from his trance. He had been staring into his compartment. His armor had been sitting carefully placed. Scratched and cracked from the battle of the Sanctuary. ¡°You okay?¡± Eve asked him.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± David said, unsure if it were true or not. ¡°I just don¡¯t think I can unsee it all.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ever get it out of my either,¡± Eve admitted. ¡°They¡¯ll pay for it.¡± Eve reached into the compartment pulling out David¡¯s breastplate.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to help,¡± David told her, ¡°I can just pull it all together.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Eve said, still pressing it against his chest. Buckling the pieces together on him. David looked down on her, helping her adjust himself to each piece placed against himself.

    Kevin sat in the co-pilot seat alongside Virgil. ¡°Few more miles.¡± Kevin said, ¡°Seems like they¡¯re in a warehouse at a city¡¯s oasis.¡±

    ¡°Thinking we just land on the roof and go from there?¡± Virgil asked him. Steering the Silver Arrow into a slight bank. All the guardians were dressed in their chest rigs and cloaks attached to the single pauldrons.

    Gabriel sat near the ramp, looking out the window, watching the clouds pass by them. Allison, next to him, pushed her hand under his. Both gripping tightly. Gabriel held her hand in return. Turning his head from the window to stare into a more exciting view. Her green eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± They both said.

    ¡°No, I was being selfish,¡± Allison told him, pressing her lips together into a scrunch.

    ¡°I should¡¯ve communicated better.¡± Gabe said, ¡°I just wanted some time with my brother.¡±

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be sorry for that,¡± Allison said, ¡°When he leaves, I¡¯ll still have time with you.¡± She rested her head against his shoulder, ¡°I¡¯m going to miss seeing them together.¡± She nudged her head towards David and Eve. She was still dressing the young knight in his armor.

    ¡°As much as I hated the idea of them, it is bittersweet seeing them like that,¡± Gabe admitted.

    ¡°Do you still have that horn?¡± Allison asked.

    ¡°I do, but when I try to sound it, nothing comes out.¡±

    ¡°Maybe it was a one-time deal,¡± Allison said. ¡°Yet you still carry it, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Ever since I found it in the river, yes,¡± Gabriel told her.

    Eve finished clipping David¡¯s cloak to the neck protector on his back. ¡°Helmet?¡± She asked him. David shook his head no. ¡°Okay,¡± Eve said. She still felt scared of him from the morning. Starring up into his brown eyes, admiring him. Missing the kiss he had given her that night on the battlefield.

    ¡°What?¡± David asked, looking down on her still. Finding himself guarding his heart like a wall against a flood. ¡°Why are you staring at me like that?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t look at you?¡± Eve asked him, smirking slightly.

    ¡°Not like that,¡± David commanded.

    ¡°Can you guys get a room?¡± Stephen snarked, sitting in the corner, headphones in his ears.

    ¡°Shut up Stephen, I wanted to see how far it went this time,¡± Chris said, throwing his head back. Rubbing his temples with his fingers from one hand.

    Kevin entered from the cockpit doors, ¡°That¡¯s going to have to wait.¡± He pulled up his tablet, swiping away at a map.

    ¡°What do we got?¡± David asked as Kevin made one last swipe as a hologram appeared in the middle of the bay. Everyone looked at the slow-rotating warehouse building.

    ¡°Seems like our wolfpack is held up in their den here,¡± He pointed.

    ¡°Looks like an oasis for supplies.¡± Richard stood up.

    ¡°Oasis?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°Where shipments are distributed to companies in the surrounding areas.¡± David said, ¡°Trucks will stop there to drop off or pick up shipments to take to a business.¡± David walked over to the hologram. Looking over the building, looking at various possible entrances.

    ¡°Virgil thought we land on the roof and insert into the windows along the north and west side,¡± Kevin said, pointing at the respective areas of the building.

    ¡°No.¡± David said, ¡°That gives them time to escape from the first floor on the ground.¡± David looked it over.

    ¡°Alright, boss, what are you thinking?¡± Gabe asked. ¡°We just can¡¯t walk in and start swinging our swords.¡±

    ¡°Virgil will land on the roof, Allison, Stephan, and Ethan will stand guard on the roof with the Silver.¡± David walked over, dropping their tags on the hologram. ¡°Jasmine, how are you feeling on blinking everywhere?¡±

    ¡°Not today,¡± Jasmine said. ¡°I¡¯m not angry enough.¡±

    ¡°Jasmine, I want you to disable all their vehicles, keep them from leaving. Especially the shipping trucks. Kevin, Chris, and Rich will insert from the roof¡¯s door and make their way down to the second floor.¡± David dropped their tags on the map.

    ¡°Where does that leave Eve and me?¡± Gabe asked, looking at the last three tags.

    ¡°You two will downgrade to your normal clothes. Draw their attention by talking to whoever is at the front desk.¡± David dragged and dropped their signatures on the map.

    ¡°Great, I hate talking,¡± Gabriel said sarcastically.

    ¡°Where does that leave you?¡± Kevin asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to find my way inside and find their boss.¡± David said, ¡°I¡¯m getting answers.¡± David dragged and dropped his tag inside the building.

    ¡°What¡¯s our rules of engagement?¡± Ethan asked, looking at the armored David.

    ¡°Don¡¯t hurt civilians. I¡¯m assuming this is where they house their human trafficking operations.¡±

    ¡°I was asking more about kill or no-kill.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care. These wolves have stained this world for too long.¡± David said. Eve looked at him, concerned. David has always held close to his belief of only injuring and taking prisoners. Never had he held so much animosity towards someone. She was unsure that he was the same man she had longed for. ¡°Any questions?¡± Everyone stayed quiet, looking at each other, some with their arms crossed. ¡°Wait for the word, then we will begin our assault.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Gabriel said, taking off his gear.

    ¡°Good, Virgil, begin the descent quietly,¡± David said to him in the cockpit. Virgil nodded, flipping switches as the lights in the bay turned red. The stealth systems were now engaged. David sat down in his chair, taking Eve¡¯s string doll, tucking it inside of his arm brace. Eve sat down in her chair as well, taking a deep breath. Wishing she could figure out what was wrong with him. If only they could get away from it all.

    <hr>

    Gabriel and Eve were dressed casually. Eve in a black hoodie and jeans. Her hair was tied back into a ponytail. Gabriel was dressed in a red flannel and cargo pants. ¡°Let me do all the talking,¡± Eve said to him as they walked to the front of the building. Lights are still on in the front entrance. The rest of the lights were out or dimmed.

    ¡°David really sent the two most unconvincing people, didn¡¯t he?¡± Gabe said sarcastically, chuckling underneath his breath. Eve laughed with him before they started up the steps to the warehouse. ¡°David, we¡¯re entering now.¡± He said into his earpiece before taking it out and shoving it into his pocket.

    Jasmine and David were sitting on the roof across the way, ¡°You have the explosives you need?¡± He asked her as he stood up. Stretching his arms out, the armor on his body clinking.

    Jasmine nodded, ¡°I¡¯ll make do.¡± She stood up as well next to him. ¡°You think you¡¯re going to sneak in there with all that armor?¡±

    ¡°Sneaking in isn¡¯t necessarily the plan.¡± David said, ¡°Just be ready for my signal, don¡¯t blow up anything with civilians in it.¡±

    ¡°That goes without saying.¡± Jasmine stood on the edge of the roof, her toes hanging off.

    ¡°I¡¯ll spare you the essay. It¡¯s been hard if I¡¯m honest.¡± Jasmine said, looking at the sky. ¡°I still feel horrible for the way I treated him. I just wished that I could wake up hearing his TV being too loud in the mornings one day. Now it¡¯s just silent.¡±

    ¡°I know what you mean. Though, I wouldn¡¯t know what I would do if I had lost Gabe.¡± David said, ¡°He can be a pain sometimes, but he¡¯s my pain. You¡¯re stronger than I am.¡±

    Stolen story; please report.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think that I will ever forget him. The only thing I can do is remember him, all of our fights, all of our laughs. I think that¡¯s the best I can do. Do my best so that when the time comes, he¡¯ll be proud of me.¡±

    ¡°Carlos is proud of you.¡± David placed his hand on her shoulder, ¡°I know it.¡±

    ¡°We should get back to work. Happy hunting, David.¡± She said; David just nodded. Releasing his hand off her shoulder. He walked away, heading to the north side of the building to climb down the ladder. ¡°David.¡± He stopped and turned his head before grabbing onto the ladder. ¡°Thank you.¡± He smiled.

    ¡°Happy hunting, Jasmine.¡± David grabbed onto the ladder, sliding down to the ground. Jasmine took a deep breath through her nose, exhaling from her mouth. Her eyes glowing yellow.

    ¡°How may I help you, ma¡¯am?¡± The secretary at the front desk asked Eve to enter the front door. ¡°We weren¡¯t expecting visitors today.¡± Eve looked around the room; there was only one door that leads to the rest of the warehouse. The door was full of energy behind it, pain intertwined with malice.

    ¡°Yes, my name is Ms. Roberts, and this is my colleague, Mr. Larry. We¡¯re here from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. We¡¯re coming through to inspect all the warehouses to make sure everything is up to code.¡± Eve said to her, walking over to the front desk. Gabriel following her, he could hear all the cries from all around. There was no doubt between the both of them. This was the center for human trafficking.

    ¡°Strange, we¡¯ve never had an inspection at this time of night.¡± The secretary said, ¡°I can get the paperwork, but you don¡¯t mind me asking for identification or some paperwork, do you?¡± Eve swallowed the pit in her throat. It was a good cover until then.

    Gabriel began to pat around at his pockets, ¡°Ah man, don¡¯t tell me. I left it in the car; I¡¯ll go grab it.¡± Eve was thankful for the save. Gabe turned around and headed outside the doors.

    ¡°Mr. Larry is always forgetful,¡± Eve said as she leaned on the front desk. ¡°I apologize for the wait.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s okay, I must say. You both look incredibly young to be inspectors.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a new program to train newbies like us to inspect buildings on our own. Tomorrow an evaluator will come to make sure we inspected everything.¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± The secretary began typing away at the computer in front of herself. Warning that the inspectors were there. Eve just smiled.

    ¡°You don¡¯t mind if I start in here?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll print out our documents as well to speed this up.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am.¡±

    Gabriel was outside, out of view. ¡°Guys, I need paperwork for an inspection and fake IDs for OSHA.¡±

    ¡°You guys are idiots,¡± Virgil said as he began typing away at his computer.

    ¡°Considering that we didn¡¯t have a plan in the first place, I think we¡¯re doing just fine,¡± Gabriel said.

    David was walking to the back, finding a door that leads into the basement. Striding quickly as he grabbed onto the lock. Manipulating the gears on the inside to release. Opening the door slowly, it was a dark room. His eyes began to glow, drawing his sword. Igniting the blade, a viridian green. Stepping down into the underground, trying to make out anything with his eyes. It was pitched black. A slight whimper tickled his ear. Turning to the wall to his direct left, a woman sat on the floor dressed in ragged clothes. Tattooed in handcuffs and a blindfold. Her lips were chapped and withered.

    A sharp pain came onto his heart. This must¡¯ve been where they held all their prisoners. He turned. There were rows of them, some close together for warmth in the cold basement. ¡°Please don¡¯t hurt us.¡± A younger voice said a little girl no more than fourteen had noted in the center. David said nothing, wanting to ensure their safety, but did not want to risk them being excited or loud in fear. Knowing they would not believe him. She brushed her head against the ground, the blindfold lifted from her eyes just enough for her to look up at him. ¡°You¡¯re not one of them. Who are you?¡± to her, he appeared like a knight in shining armor to rescue her.

    David placed his index finger against his lips. The hatred in his heart was heavy, pressing onto his earpiece. ¡°V, how long until police can get here?¡± He asked. The Watchers on the roof looked at each other in concern.

    ¡°Thinking this a police job?¡± Virgil asked, looking at a map of the area. ¡°At least twenty minutes, maybe thirty.¡±

    ¡°Call them.¡± David said, ¡°We have fifteen minutes to clear this place of all hostiles.¡±

    ¡°Roger that, I¡¯m calling them now.¡±

    ¡°Wait for my signal,¡± David said as he turned off his earpiece. Walking over to the steps up into the building. Gripping his sword tightly, his sword burning ever hotter. His anger amplified his strength. He stopped just before the door.

    ¡°David.¡± He heard Eleazar¡¯s voice from the darkness. ¡°I know what is in your heart and your mind. You must not give into anger; you are better than this.¡±

    ¡°They deserve whatever comes to them,¡± David said, his teeth pressed tightly together.

    ¡°Do not give into wrath, be better than them.¡± His voice faded. David relaxed his jaw, inhaling deeply. His lungs expanded and tightened. His heart still pounding in his chest. He had to make a choice between vengeance and justice. He grabbed onto the door handle, twisting it slowly. It was locked. The door swung open, there stood a man. His eyes widened, looking at David, reaching for a handgun on his hip.

    David was quick to act, swinging his sword swiftly. Removing the hand from the man. Pushing him into a shipping container, sending a loud thud throughout the building. David charged into the room, his eyes burning green. The room was filled with men. All eyes were on him. Silence, all waiting for him to make the first move. Never had they seen such terrible power in a man. His armor alone was enough to strike the fear inside of the mere men. ¡°Intruder!¡± One cried out as the rest of the men drew their swords. David knew that they had understood their fatal mistake of charging towards him and not taking the time to escape.

    ¡°That¡¯s our queue,¡± Kevin said as Richard pressed the detonator. The breaching charge exploded at the door lock. Reviving from the blast, Chris kicked the door open. Charging down the steps from the roof into the building below.

    ¡°Sounds like a party,¡± Eve said to the secretary. She looked panicked, reaching underneath her desk. Eve quickly drew her sword from her waist. Extending it out to the woman¡¯s throat. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t do that if I were you.¡± Eve¡¯s smile faded into one of seriousness. Gabriel opened the door, unsheathing his sword as he started for the door. Nodding at Eve as he passed her. ¡°Now, I need everything on that computer on this.¡± Tossing a flash drive out on top of the desk in front of the woman.

    David was facing each opponent, nearly breaking a sweat. Blocking one before cutting off his leg. The next charged into him, each in waves. David dodged his attack, delivering a swift kick to his stomach into the wall to the left. David was pushing ever closer to the stairs that head leads to the primary office. Multiple explosions were chained from outside. Jasmine had set them off before blinking up to the window, smashing it open with her elbow, leaping inside to join the battle.

    Kevin, Richard, and Chris battled in the hallways on the second floor. Making a mess of blood and sweat all over the waxed floors and walls. Chris sent a bolt of lightning, punching through the chests of three men who had been charging towards him. Richard formed a shield behind Kevin before a blade came down on him. Kevin turned around. Richard lowering the security. Kevin thrust his sword outwards, drawing it to the left removing the hand of his attacker.

    Gabriel was surrounded by four men. Pushing his palm out as it glowed a light blue, generating a fireball. It had failed, spitting a flame no more significant than an ember from a campfire. They laughed at him, ¡°It was worth a shot.¡± Gabe said before leaping at one of them, thrusting his sword into his throat. He engaged the other three, staying on the defensive, waiting for an opening to take advantage of.

    David was now at the top of the stairs. ¡°Don¡¯t let him get to the boss!¡± One yelled of the half a dozen men¡ªall taking an undisciplined defensive on the catwalk staggered.

    ¡°Do you know who I am?¡± David asked as he stood before them. He could feel their fear. They wore it like cologne, burning David¡¯s nose. They stood silent. ¡°I am the voice in your head that fills your soul with doubt. I am the hammer of justice against your nail of treachery. I am the light in your shadows of fear.¡± His eyes began to burn from green to a soft white. ¡°You stand before me as nothing more than mere pawns in my game of vengeance." One charged at him. In no time was he lifted from the ground. David grabbed him by the throat before he could think, starring into his eyes. ¡°I can see what you did to them. You are a monster.¡± David scrunched his hand into a fist, punching a hole through the cavity into the man¡¯s chest. The others can see David¡¯s bloodied fist covered in a bright red from the other side of the man.

    ¡°Who else is stupid enough to stand before the iron might of heaven? I was once peasant, I slew Goliath, now I am a King!¡± David commanded dominion of the room, filled with anger and wrath. Taking the now dead man in his hand, casting him off the rails down into the ground.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to die.¡± One said.

    ¡°Cowards!¡± The man in the back charged at David. His head was removed from his shoulders. David had drawn his sword at lightning speed. The others took no time to take their chances by leaping off the sides back down to the warehouse floor. Rather, taking their chances with Jasmine and Gabe, another fatal mistake. Gabriel and Jasmine were making quick, decisive actions on clearing out any stragglers left behind. David¡¯s eyes turned back to viridian, gasping for air. What had come over him to make such violence. His heart, heavy in pain. Now was not the time to stop. He had to bring an end to the leader of the Wolves.

    David walked over, breathing heavily to the door, kicking it open. Breaking off the hinges where the door sat. The room had a single computer. A large man sat at the desk. ¡°You are coming with me,¡± David said, voice filled with anger. Pointing the tip of the blade at him.

    ¡°Is that how you introduce yourself, Mr. Locklear?¡± He asked. ¡°My name is Harrison Dunford.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care what you¡¯re name is. You¡¯re coming with me.¡± David stood still. He stood with purpose.

    ¡°Not even curious as to how I know your name?¡± Harrison asked, confused. ¡°So be it.¡± Harrison leaped from behind his desk, pulling out an ax. David stepped to the side, dodging his first attack, removing his hands from his arms. The man screamed in pain.

    David walked over to the computer as the man bled out on his brown carpet. ¡°Allison, I need a POW healed,¡± Removing his finger off the earpiece. David sat down in the chair, typing away at the computer. Searching through files for evidence. Plugging in a hard drive from his chest plate.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you kill me?¡± Harrison cried on the floor.

    ¡°It¡¯s always interesting that people like you, big and powerful, now that your empire is crumbling from a teenager. You cry and muster in your failure. Don¡¯t worry, the Order¡¯s prisons are horrible.¡± David snarked. ¡°Maybe you¡¯ll get to eat. Who knows?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t know what you¡¯ve started, kid.¡± He said, laying his back on the wall. ¡°I¡¯m going to make you wish you never messed with me.¡±

    ¡°So, the main branch is in Japan, I see.¡± David was reading a dozen emails. ¡°I knew it would be too easy to assume this was the center of operations. At least it is for the west coast.¡±

    ¡°You are messing with a mighty man.¡± Harrison said, ¡°He will break you in two.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t wait to meet him,¡± David said as Allison, Gabriel, and Kevin entered the room. ¡°Don¡¯t waste your energy on him. Just throw on some tourniquets and take him to the Silver Arrow.¡±

    Allison nodded, dropping her medical kit on the ground. Gabriel held the man down from flailing at her. He was now under Gabriel¡¯s control. Kevin walked over to David, whispering, ¡°David, are you okay?¡±

    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I be?¡±

    ¡°You punched a hole through a man.¡± Kevin said, ¡°That¡¯s nothing like you.¡± Kevin was looking over his shoulder. His attention was focused on the screen. There were pictures, dossiers on each of the Watchers. ¡°They¡¯ve been watching us?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, for a while now,¡± David said. ¡°We¡¯ll look at everything later; for now, we need to get out of here. Police should be here any moment now.¡±

    ¡°Right,¡± Kevin said as he went over to the boss. Lifting him up, ¡°Everyone to the Silver Arrow.¡±

    The police broke into the building, firearms drawn. Clearing the empty front office, opening the door, they checked their corners, searching. There were corpses everywhere. Men knocked out or dead. Blood had littered the room. Never had they seen so many dismembered. Swords arranged into a path to the door in the back. One officer followed them, coming across the door opened. Turning on his flashlight, stepping down slowly into the basement. He found no more than fifty or so men, women, and children. Blindfolded and handcuffed. ¡°Oh my God.¡± He muttered.

 Chapter 4: Becoming the Hunted

    Everyone sat in the back of the Silver Arrow. Harrison sat near the closed ramp, handcuffed and legs chained to the chair in which he sat. Eve was picking at the calluses on her palms, watching David from afar as he cleaned his blood-dried hand. Looking down at his fingers, David thought about his actions. Was there anything that would keep the dreams from affecting him the way they were? He thought to himself, raising his head. Catching Eve staring at him from afar. Though they had just saved those in captivity, he couldn''t help but feel shame. Eve looked away from him, looking towards the back of the osprey, thinking to herself. Knowing that he needed help, he was standing right in front of her but might as well have been on a different planet.

    "No midflight snack?" Harrison said, looking around, even he could feel the tension in the bay. "This is the worst service I''ve had on a flight." Gabriel looked at him, sitting across. Rolling neck cracking it, Gabriel stood up and walked over to him. "Finally, some service." Gabriel took no brake, hesitating, to deliver a swift punch to Harrison''s mouth. It had filled with blood quickly.

    "Gabe!" Allison jumped from her seat, leaning over to him. Putting herself between the two of them, "He''s already going to get his." She said, shoving Gabriel back away.

    "He deserves everything coming to him, David. Why don''t we spare the Order the time and just put him down like the dog he is?" Gabriel shouted to his brother. "He disgraces the Silver Arrow and the Earth''s air."

    "He has answers that we need," David said, walking over to his brother to make him relax.

    Gabriel pulled out his sword, "We can get the answers from him now. All I need is for his mind to break, and we can learn everything." Gabriel said, "You should hear the disgusting thoughts he''s thinking of the girls in here." David looked back at the man. Watching his smug smile filled David with anger.

    "Virg," David called up to the cockpit.

    "What''s up?" Virgil asked.

    "Drop everyone off at home," David said.

    Richard walked over to David, speaking into his ear. "You can''t be possibly serious. What you are considering is wrong."

    "He lost his rights the moment he deprived others of theirs," David said in contempt. "Plus, the Order will just wait until he''s ready to speak. I''m not waiting for others to be hurt while we wait for him to talk."

    "I will follow you anywhere, David, but maybe this is too far."

    "Then you can go home," David told Richard.

    "You¡¯re not the David I know,¡± Richard told him as he walked away, sitting back down in his chair. David looked at his friend from afar. Feeling as if he was in the right, Gabriel and he will have to do the dirty work.

    <hr>

    David, Gabriel, Kevin, and Virgil had left with their prisoner, dropping off the others at the Locklear house. Eve was sitting on the front porch with Richard, Jasmine, and Allison. Ethan and Chris had left back home. Stephen had run home alone. The night was quiet. A slight overcast was forming overhead¡ªa blanket of grey filling the sky full of stars.

    ¡®Think it¡¯s going to rain?¡± Eve asked, trying to break the silence in the group. Everyone remained quiet. There was definitely fear in the air around each of them.

    ¡°We need to get David away from here,¡± Richard said.

    ¡°He won¡¯t leave,¡± Jasmine told him, looking up at the sky.

    ¡°Gabe won¡¯t make it easy either,¡± Allison said she had been weaving Eve¡¯s hair into a braid.

    Eve felt a pit in her throat. ¡°He¡¯s not the same.¡± She said, ¡°Something is seriously wrong with him. I started to notice weeks ago when we were on watch together. He stares into the nothingness and spaces out.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve caught him talking to himself. Actually, that wouldn¡¯t be the word for it. He seems like he¡¯s having a conversation with someone who isn¡¯t there.¡± Richard admitted. ¡°He told me not to tell anyone. Now I think his pride is less important than his mental health.¡±

    Eve pulled out her phone, trying to call David. The phone kept ringing, there was no answer. She wanted to do something, but he had blocked her out. Wanting to save him from this spiral down to the darkness, she could feel him falling.

    ¡°There¡¯s no use in waiting for them to change their minds. Go home everyone, I¡¯ll talk with David in the morning.¡± Richard pushed off the fence, turning towards the group. ¡°Does anyone want a ride?¡± He asked.

    ¡°Yeah, I just want to get home and go to sleep,¡± Eve said, ¡°I don¡¯t feel like existing right now.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say things like that,¡± Jasmine said, lifting herself off of the grass. ¡°Tomorrow can always be better.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s hope so,¡± Eve said as she followed Richard to his car. Climbing into the back seat with Allison following behind her.

    <hr>

    David walked over, pressing a button lowering the ramp, a fire in his eyes. Just above the tree line, the Silver Arrow hovered. Gabriel grabbed Harrison from his chair, undoing the chains on his legs. David held him, lifting him swiftly from the chair. Harrison struggled against them. Despite his effort, David was both physically and spiritually more assertive than he. Harrison headbutted David¡¯s jaw, only to be met with Gabriel lifting him in the air. Slamming his back against the grip on the ramp. His head ricocheted from the impact.

    ¡°You kids have no idea who you¡¯re messing with.¡± Harrisons said David recovered. Placing his knee against his open palm. Grinding his knuckles against the ground. Harrison gritted his teeth in pain. Gabriel grabbed the man by his throat.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to tell me everything,¡± Gabe said. Harrison spat in the teen¡¯s face. Gabriel now with blood on his cheek. David slammed his fist into Harrison¡¯s stomach. Gabriel pulled him to the edge of the ramp. His head hanging off the ramp, Kevin came out from the cockpit. A small smile from the corner of his cheek.

    ¡°Do whatever you want. I¡¯m not telling you a damned thing.¡± Harrison yelled out to the two of them.

    Kevin took the pommel of his sword, slamming it into the man¡¯s calves, breaking his shins. Harrison let out a blood-hurtling cry. These were no ordinary kids that he had thought. David grabbed his legs, shoving him off the edge, holding his grip as Kevin joined him. Each holding on a portion. The pain was excruciating; Gabriel jumped onto the ledge, looking at Harrison scream in pain. ¡°Break!¡± Gabriel called out, his eyes glowing a bright blue. Harrison reached over, grabbing onto Gabriel. The weight was too heavy for both Kevin and David. Gabriel yanked his weight forward as David and Kevin released Harrison to the forest floor. Gabriel rotated, throwing Harrison off of him. Gabriel landed on the ground, falling to a roll. Harrison plummeted into the ground, his back taking the blow from the Earth.

    Virgil lowered the Silver Arrow as David was comfortable to leap down. Harrison was attempting to crawl away, not knowing how much more he could take. ¡°What do you want?¡± He called out as Gabriel ambled over to his body. ¡°Money? I can make you all rich beyond your imagination.¡±

    ¡°I want to break your will,¡± Gabriel said, his voice rattled in Harrison¡¯s mind. Harrison¡¯s eyes widened, the voice repeated as an echo in a cave. David stood over Harrison, looking down at the broken man. Drawing his sword.

    ¡°I will give you anything you want!¡±

    ¡°Good.¡± David extended his blade, stabbing it into his palm, sticking it into the soil beneath, pinning Harrison in place.

    At his breaking point, Harrison could not focus on feeling Gabriel out of his mind with his body in extreme pain. Gabriel knelt down next to him. ¡°You know, I would feel sorry for him if he wasn¡¯t such a terrible person.¡±

    ¡°Get it over with,¡± David told his brother.

    ¡°Right.¡± Gabriel grabbed his head, transferring his consciousness into Harrison¡¯s mind. Harrison screamed at first, soon fell to silence. Gabe was now in control of his very being.

    Flashing images, men, women, and children being beaten. Words of a horrible fate met with selfish terrible men. Pictures that will never leave Gabriel¡¯s mind. Fates met worse than death, Gabriel mustered in absolute anger. Images of boats in a harbor, slaves being stored in shipping containers, people who will never see their homes again. Gabriel bringing all these dark memories to light. Absolute Evil that plagued the world. Scenes of Sakura blossoms on a mountain. A beach in the distance, a dense city on the other side. More flashing trauma into his mind, Harrison had committed to women and children.

    Gabriel released himself from Harrison¡¯s head. Sweat covered his face, rolling down off his chin. ¡°What did you see?¡± David asked. Gabriel screamed out in anguish, slamming his boot against the man¡¯s face. Breaking his nose.

    ¡°You monster!¡± Gabriel screamed out, slamming his boot again. Harrison was now broken, ¡°I¡¯m going to kill you!¡± David pushed Gabriel back, holding onto his brother. Gabriel shoved his face into David¡¯s shoulder, tears rolling down his face. Wrapping his arms around his brother, screaming into his armored chest plate.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± David said, ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± He repeated, trying to calm his brother down. ¡°Leave him to suffer.¡± David released his brother, returning to Harrison to grab his sword. Both began to walk away to where the Silver Arrow had landed.

    Harrison coughed out blood, ¡°Evelyn Taylor.¡± David and Gabriel stopped in their tracks. ¡°She will be the death of the world.¡± David had heard Liam tell him the same thing. David would not dare look at Harrison. Gabriel showed the same judgment. ¡°That is why she will die tonight.¡±

    ¡°What did you just say?¡± Gabriel asked him. Turning around, David reached out his arm to stop his brother¡¯s advances.

    ¡°The plan was already in motion,¡± Harrison laughed between his blood-filled coughs. ¡°All I needed to know where she was. And you brought her to me.¡± He looked at David, ¡°She might already be dead-¡°

    Gabriel charged at him with lightning speed, removing his head from his shoulders. His eyes were red. ¡°Gabriel!¡± David called out. ¡°Breathe!¡± Gabriel took in a deep breath and released it through his nose. Eyes shifting back to a blue. ¡°Hurry up. We need to get to Eve and Allison.¡± David sprinted back to the Silver Arrow, with Gabriel following closely behind.

    <hr>

    Eve laid in her bed, looking at the roof, questioning all things that had been going on recently. A single light from the streetlamps shined through her open window. Her chest hurt, feeling like she was losing David like he had lost Liam. Is this what it felt to be hopeless of something out of her control? She had done her best to fight her fear, but this was impossible. She had talked him out of using corruption on his body, but was this inevitable? David was always strong with his philosophy and spirituality. What was making him sink into his madness?

    The wind outside picked up, blowing her curtains sporadically. Knocking over an oak acoustic guitar. Eve pulled herself out of bed, becoming aggravated by the gusts. She walked over to the window, feeling the breeze against her face. Her blue hair blew behind herself, some getting caught in her mouth. She spat them out as she slammed the window shut against the wall. Locking it. Turning around to pick the guitar off of the ground. As she grabbed it, she remembered having asked David if she could borrow it. He was reluctant at first, then allowed her after her negotiation. Holding onto the neck, she smiled. It was more like her begging; David just wanted to hear her stop. Taking a seat on the ground, gripping the guitar, holding it as if she was going to play. Pressing her fingers against the strings with her left hand, plucking softly with her right. The sound was horrible to her ears. Nonetheless, she continued as if she was playing what was in her heart. A single tear kissed her cheek.

    Eve continued to play until she heard a small creek on the floor from across her room. She looked up. In an instant, a hand reached from the darkness. Wrapping around her throat before she had a chance to react. Attempting to scream, but the grip was as tight as a snake. Lifting her from the ground, slamming her head against the window. Doing nothing but struggle, flailing her legs against the figure. Looking in front of her was a man with black eyes. Half of his face was visible from the ridge of his nose and up. Veins purple around his face. He was full of corruption. Eve yelped with a bit left of her breath, tucking in her legs. Lifting her core to his arms, wrapped her knees around his arm. Gripping tightly, swinging her body to the left into her closet. Breaking the door off its rail, sending a crash through the house. Eve fell to the ground, trying to regain her breath. Coughing heavily into the carpet. Forcing herself up to find her sword. The man forced the broken door off of himself. Eve grabbed her sword from the edge of her bed, swinging it behind herself, blocking the two knives. He dropped one lower, regaining his grip. He turned at Eve¡¯s waist, she jumped back in desperation.

    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Allison swung the door open, her sword in hand shining green. Striking at the man before he rotated backward. Eve looked at him, leaping forward at him. Feeling a sharp pain in her stomach, she looked down at herself. A jagged dagger had pierced her just below her lung. Gasping, not having seen him retaliate. He took no time in a swift kick to Allison¡¯s face, breaking her nose.

    Eve mustered in absolute anger. This was not how she was going to die. Not here, not now. She screamed out, a great shake in the earth below her as the spirits flowed inside of her. Releasing a shattering pulse of energy against him. Sending the Assassin flying into the wall, along with the furniture in her room. Eve collapsed to her knees; Allison had hidden behind the wall, grabbed onto Eve¡¯s arm. Allison had no chance of defeating him alone. Lifting Eve, raising her arm around her neck to support her. ¡°Common baby girl,¡± She said in desperation. Pulling her to the hallway, Allison¡¯s mother was standing in the hallway.

    ¡°What is going on?¡± She asked in a panic.

    ¡°Mom, get to the car, hurry!¡± Allison yelled. Dragging Eve with her down the stairs. ¡°C¡¯mon, Eve, don¡¯t do this to me right now.¡±

    Eve full of adrenaline was trying to pick up her pace but felt herself becoming more and more unbalanced as she walked. The pain in her stomach grew as her pain tolerance was relieved from her body. Stumbling as the blood ran down to her leg. Leaving a trail behind herself. Her vision was shaky. Everything was hazed.

    Allison felt her ponytail being pulled. The man forced her back, slamming Allison into the ground behind herself. Eve collapsed without Allison¡¯s support, tumbling down the stairs. Allison rolled her body to the right, missing the stab with his dagger. Pushing him back into the counter, a vase crashed down next to himself. Allison took no time in jumping over the loft railing into the ground below. Eve had been crawling up the stairs, her sword in hand. ¡°I¡¯m right here, Eve.¡±

    Eve took a sigh in relief, followed with heavy gargled breathing. Allison picked her up in her arms, rushing out the door. Her mom was waiting with the car started in the street. Her mom, seeing her daughter carrying a weakened Eve. She got out of the car, quickly opening the back door for Allison. Taking no time, Allison shoved Eve into the backseat. Allison jumped in the back with her, placing the seatbelt on her friend.

    ¡°Mom, go!¡± She screamed before a hand smashed through the window, grabbing Allison¡¯s neck. He looked at her in the eyes before he could drive his dagger forward into her face. Her mom slammed on the gas, knocking off his grip on the teenaged girl. Catching her breath. Conjuering an electric current in his arms. ¡°Sharp right! Or Left!¡± Allison screamed as her mom kept a serpentine movement away from his shot.

    He was now charged, sending a storm of lightning from his arms towards the car, missing. He grunted, charging up again. This time he understood the pattern in which they were driving. He was prepared to fire his next burst. His ear¡¯s tingled, jumping forward as Ethan swung his blade from behind the man, he leaped into the air. ¡°Too slow.¡± He said before being tackled midair. Stephen had launched himself from the roof of Allison¡¯s house, slamming him into the ground below. Swinging Stephen off of his body, he threw one of his daggers. Ethan blocked it with his sword. The Assassin was left with his blade on his hip and his dagger. The odds were not looking well for him. ¡°You got anything better to do than fight little girls?¡± Ethan taunted him.

    ¡°She has a high price on her head.¡± The Assassin said. Stephen had recovered, having no ounce of patience to talk. Charging swiftly at him as Ethan joined him on his flank. He was agile, not an average dark user. His skill was precise and trained intensely. Locking his blade against Stephen¡¯s. Looking deep into his eyes. ¡°Regardless, any head of a Watcher is enough to last me a few years.¡±

    Eve was staring out the window, agonizing pain filling her stomach. Blood and green energy covered Allison¡¯s hand. Struggling to heal her friend. ¡°Eve, hold onto me.¡± She looked at her head. Eve looked at Allison, seeing double. Her skin was growing cold, two heavy drops of blood dripped from the corners of her lips. Eve¡¯s teeth were a bright red. ¡°I got you, hold on,¡± Allison said. Eve turned her head, looking at the overcast ahead. A car passed by, Richard was driving with Chris and Jasmine.

    ¡°Tell them I am sorry, I failed,¡± Eve said in her gargled breath.

    Allison slapped her in the face. ¡°You are not dying on me!¡± Allison screamed out. Lifting her shirt to expose the wound. It was black. The blade must have been poisoned with corruption. ¡°I need David here.¡± She prayed, ¡°Where the hell are you two?¡±

    The Assassin dodged the oncoming car. Jasmine leaped from the sunroof, landing on her feet on the man¡¯s other flank. Drawing her Katana, a bright yellow in the darkness. He was going to miss a chance to escape. Severely overestimating the Watcher¡¯s ability to react. Richard was now in the circle, Chris as well. Completely surrounded, understanding he was going to lose this battle. Reaching into his back pocket, he pulled a pin on a grenade. Popping smoke all around himself. Stephen had jumped out of it with lightning speeds. The Assassin had jumped onto the roof, running from the fray. Hoping to catch back to his target. Stephen hesitated, was it best to wait for the others or pursue the attacker. Not wanting to risk him catching Eve and Allison, he sprinted to the roof. Chasing after him.

    The smoke settled, the Watchers stood in a circle, running to their cars. Richard, Chris, and Jasmine ran back to his car. Ethan joined them, not having the keys to Stephen¡¯s van. ¡°Stephen, where are you?¡± Richard asked as they peeled off to catch up to Allison.

    ¡°I¡¯m in pursuit. Update when I can. Hard to breathe,¡± Stephen was running as fast as he could. The man was quick as well. Though Stephen could run faster, the leaps between buildings slowed him down.

    ¡°Can we get ahold of the Silver Arrow?¡± Richard asked Ethan.

    ¡°I tried to call a dozen times on the way over, they didn¡¯t answer.¡±

    ¡°Looks like we¡¯re on our own,¡± Richard said as he pulled up behind Allison. Pulling next to them and rolling down the windows.

    ¡°Is she okay?¡± Jasmine called out to her, fearful.

    ¡°Do you have purity on you?¡± Allison screamed out.

    ¡°In the trunk,¡± Richard said.

    ¡°Move,¡± Jasmine commanded Ethan, grabbing onto the latch pulling down the seat.

    ¡°Black bag,¡± Richard said.

    ¡°They¡¯re all black. It¡¯s dark!¡± Jasmine yelled as she searched.

    ¡°Pull over!¡± Allison yelled.

    ¡°No!¡± Chris yelled, ¡°That dude is chasing us!¡±

    ¡°Find that bag!¡± Richard yelled.

    ¡°I think I got it!¡± Jasmine replied.

    ¡°Shit!¡± Richard slowed down, falling behind the other car. An oncoming vehicle passed, honking his horn.

    ¡°Can you keep the damned car still!¡± Jasmine screamed at Richard.

    ¡°I¡¯m trying!¡± Richard yelled back.

    ¡°Found it!¡± She said, pulling out a flask with a cross on it. Jasmine took a deep breath. Blinking herself inside Allison¡¯s car. Looking at Eve¡¯s head resting on the inside of the door. Blood everywhere, black and red.

    ¡°David?¡± Eve asked, looking over.

    ¡°Not this time,¡± Jasmine said, handing the flask over to Allison.

    ¡°No, tell him I¡¯m sorry,¡± Eve said softly, feeling her life fade from her body.

    ¡°How about you tell him that yourself.¡±

    Stephen kept running. If he didn¡¯t catch up soon, the Assassin would catch up to them. Reaching onto the back of his belt, drawing a small throwing knife. Swinging his arm, throwing. Completely missing the target. Two more. Stephen focused his energy into his feet, striding himself ever further to him. Throwing the second knife, barely missing his legs. Last one. Stephen¡¯s vision became foggy, stressing his spirit. Closing his eyes, remembering what his late Master Eleazar had told him. Never to overexert himself unless he was prepared to die. Opening his eyes, a deep blue stream followed from his eyes like a fighter jet broke the air in the sky. Gaining onto the chase. Closing the gap even more than before.

    Leaping onto a tree trunk, squatting horizontally on the side. Pushing himself off like a rocket, Stephen flew through the air just above the rooftops. Breaking the bark off the tree. Grabbing onto his last throwing knife, sending it true in front of himself. Stabbing into the leg of the Assassin. The man tumbled on the roof, pulling the blade from the back of his thigh. Dropping it to the ground. Continuing his run as Stephen fell to the ground, not having any more energy left in his body. Gasping for air.

    ¡°We can¡¯t keep up this chase,¡± Richard said.

    ¡°If we stop, he can kill Eve,¡± Ethan said. ¡°We can trap him.¡±

    ¡°Ms. Barber!¡± Richard called out to the other car. ¡°Stop!¡±

    ¡°Are you crazy!¡± She was full of panic.

    ¡°I know you¡¯re scared,¡± Richard yelled out. ¡°But we can¡¯t let him get away.¡±

    Eve screamed in pain; the purity began its battle inside of her body. Kicking her legs in agony. Allison did her best to stay on of Eve, assisting with the purification. A jolt of electricity hit the street beneath the car. The blast lifted the vehicle into the air as it rolled into an empty intersection. Eve was thrown from the car with Allison at her side. Jasmine managed to blink herself and Ms. Barber from the impact, tumbling them both across the street. Richard pulled over in desperation. Chris hopped out of the car, engaging the man in a battle from a distance. Jolts of electricity passed each other. Chris leaped around to dodge each attack.

    ¡°I¡¯m finished playing these games.¡± The Assassin leaped onto the street below. His eyes glowing black, shadows from the ground lifted from the darkness. Multiple figures, taking different shapes. Empty abysses of darkness.

    Richard drew his sword with Ethan and Chris. They were outnumbered. Never had seen the power of necromancy. Looking back, Allison was bleeding from her head. On her knees healing Eve. No tears from her eyes dissociated from the situation. Gritting his teeth, he formed a defense around the four. The shadows drew in closer. The Assassin drew his sword from his sheath. A katana made of black steel; smoke radiated off of its blade.

    Richard attacked. First, the shadow parried his attack. Leaping backward, dodging the second¡¯s attack. Their speed was unprecedented. Ethan blocked heavily, failing as one slashed at his leg. He stumbled backward. Chris sent a jolt of electricity passing through the shadow without an effect. It was hopeless. Richard¡¯s body radiated high energy. The fear in his body took shape. His spirits projected themselves.

    A transparent blue scorpion leaped from where his heart sat onto the floor in front of himself. Was this what Carlos had told him about. His eyes were a bright blue, the spirits lifting around him. Richard bellowed out his scream of encouragement. They were not going to die here. Forming a massive shield around himself and the others. A tail grew from the back of the scorpion. He was motivated to keep his guard impenetrable.

    Along with the tail on his spirit animal, one formed from behind the shield, along with a large stinger. His most outstanding defense was now his most significant offense. The stinger struck at the shadows. Filling one with blue light as it swung its sword at the shield. Richard¡¯s protection was now retaliating. He held firm against the shadows. But for how long?

    ¡°How are you doing that?¡± Ethan asked. Looking back, the cut in his leg was closing. A stream of blue energy fell from the top of the shield into his body, as well as the others who had taken injury. Eve was now breathing steadily. Allison sighed in relief.

    ¡°Gabriel, please,¡± Allison said softly. ¡°Where are you guys?¡±

    More and more shadows were being summoned, attempting to overwhelm the shield faster than the tail could strike. The Silver Arrow lowered to the intersection. Out the ramp, David, Gabriel, and Kevin leaped into the fray. David struck down two shadows immediately; Kevin and Gabriel engaged the rest. Wave after wave.

    David looked over at Eve; he could see her covered in blood along with Allison. His heart was full of malice once again. This time, David had lost all sense of reason. Eyes glowing red, he waked over the Assassin, the ground cracking under each foot. Fearing that the woman he loved was now passed from the Earth.

    The Assassin saw how quickly David was advancing, his shadows having no effect on the armored man. Not knowing which was more apparent, his power or his hatred. Attempting to flee from the battle, he jumped to the roof of the building. David reached out, pulling his leg back down the ground. The Assassin¡¯s body fell with it. Drawing his Katana once more, attempting to duel David. Only to be met with a perfect parry.

    David said no words. His eyes spoke enough to drive fear into the Assassin¡¯s heart. ¡°You¡¯re the light-bringer!¡± He said, trying to distance himself from David. ¡°Look, I can tell you everything.¡± He swung again; David dodged. The duel began, ¡°So be it.¡± He said, attacking David again. David continued to step forward. Parrying once more, kicking him square in the cavity. The Assassin jumped backward, feeling the wind being knocked from his lungs. His rips cracked from the energy David had placed into the kick. The two traded swings and dodges. Neither of them landed a strike with their respective weapons.

    Once all the shadows were gone, Gabriel charged into the shield. Patting Richard on the shoulder, ¡°We got here as fast as we could.¡± Running past and dropping to a knee near Allison. ¡°How is she?¡± He looked at the bloodied Eve.

    ¡°Stable,¡± Allison said. ¡°I need David to help with the purification.¡±

    ¡°Right,¡± Gabriel said, looking back at his brother, knowing he was toying with the Assassin. Eve opened her eyes, lying on her side. She could see David, her eyes full of tears. She could see the shift in his energy tracing. He was red, no longer green that she had known.

    David dodged the stab from the Assassin by taking a step to the side. Bringing his sword up, cutting off the hand of the man. He cried out in pain. David kicked him again, jumping on top of him. The Assassin was now fighting for his life. Placing his hand against David¡¯s face. Pushing against his face, sending tiny shocks through his palm. David grabbed his wrist, locking the Assassin¡¯s elbow out. Pushing harder backward. ¡°No, please!¡± He begged. David snapped his arm backward, falling into a ragdoll. David grabbed his sword. Looking at the string doll covered in blood that wrapped around his grip. Looking to his side, seeing Eve lying on the ground. He could feel her pain, everything that had happened to her. David¡¯s stomach hurt as well. As if there was corruption in his very own body.

    Eve looked at David, no strength was left in her body to stop him.

    The Assassin chuckled, smiling at David. ¡°There will be more of me.¡± He said, ¡°Just you wait, I will be avenged!¡± David frowned heavily. Looking down on him and back at the string doll.

    ¡°So, will she,¡± David said to him, grabbing the hilt of his sword like a baton. Bashing the handguard against the man¡¯s face. Breaking his skull, repeated again and again. The strikes continued, breaking the man¡¯s face apart. Shattering every bone in his face. Eve reached her hand out to David, tears rolling down her face.

    ¡°Please, stop.¡± She said under her breath. ¡°Stop.¡±

    David continued, screaming in absolute anger. Wrath and rage-filled his mind, lusted by the violence. The Assassin¡¯s face was now unrecognizable as if a jar of jelly had splattered onto the ground. Skull fragments left of the pavement blood-covered David¡¯s face as it splashed back onto him.

    ¡°Stop.¡± Liam¡¯s voice broke out.

    ¡°Stop it!¡± Gabriel grabbed onto his brother, pulling him away from the scene. Kicking David¡¯s sword from his hand. David rolled on top of Gabriel, grabbing his collar. Roaring into his little brother¡¯s face. Tears broke from the shells of his eyes. Gabriel shouted back into his brother¡¯s face. Embracing him with his arms around his brother¡¯s armor. David cried into Gabriel¡¯s shoulder, screaming in pain.

    ¡°Kill me,¡± David muttered. ¡°Please.¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Gabriel yelled at him, ¡°Don¡¯t you ever say that again!¡± Gabriel released his brother. ¡°Not while I still love you, and she does too.¡±

    Eve was starring at David from afar, her face scrunched into sadness. Her face was red, and her mouth could no longer contain her desperation. Reaching her hand out to David still.

    ¡°We need to get out of here. The sun is starting to rise.¡± Kevin told Richard. ¡°Where is Stephen?¡±

    ¡°On the roof.¡± Richard could barely talk; the new defense had taken everything out of him.

    ¡°Load the wounded, fall back to the sanctuary!¡± Kevin yelled out as the Silver Arrow began to prepare for departure. Virgil sat in the cockpit, hand on his head. Had seen the entire ordeal through the rearview camera. Grabbing his phone to call the cleanup crew.

    Gabriel picked up his brother, who had passed out from his exertion. Loading him inside the bay of the Silver Arrow. Richard laid Eve next to him. Eve did nothing but stare at him, wishing that they had met in a different life. This one was filled with too much pain.

 Chapter 5: Back Home

    Eve was standing on an island, the sun beaming from overhead on her skin. The waters were calm, radiating a blue kiss on her cheeks. The coarse sand between her toes, rubbing together as she wiggled her toes. Wearing her white skater dress, that she had yet had a reason to wear. Her eyes were a deep blue as if they were projecting the ocean in front of her. Looking to the horizon, a figure stood. She called out. Not a single noise came from her throat. There was pure silence, absolute peace. Attempting to call out to the figure once more, the hooded figure turned. His eyes black, the center iris a pure white. David. Reaching her hand out to him, he turned the rest of his body towards her direction. Stepping softly against the surface of the waters.

    Noticing that with every step that David had taken, sent out waves of shadow. Turning the water around him an abyssal black, void of any light. The horizon mirrored behind David. Eve¡¯s hand lowered back to her side. Filling her heart with doubt and fear. Attempting to step away, her legs remained petrified. As if the sand beneath her was consuming her feet. Locking her in place, all she could do is watch¡ªa shadow following David, a tidal wave of darkness. Eve attempted to scream at him. Nothing. The shadow was thick, the sun unable to break through the sky. What had seemed to be a paradise was now a place of terror.

    ¡°Wake up,¡± Gabriel¡¯s voice broke out.

    Eve opened her eyes, staring at the roof of her room inside the Sanctuary. She was now where she felt like she was home. The IV in her arm, along with her body neatly tucked beneath the blanket. Her hair spread out across the pillow, looking to her side. Gabriel was sitting in her desk chair. ¡°Every time I think I am going to die, I wind up here.¡±

    ¡°I think we need to keep you here. The real world keeps trying to kill you,¡± Gabriel said, standing up to hand her a bottle of water. She accepted it.

    ¡°You¡¯re a lot nicer now,¡± Eve said, twisting the cap off of the bottle. She sat up, feeling the cool breeze on her body. Looking down, Eve was wearing nothing but a sports bra. Instantly covering herself. ¡°Get out so I can get dressed.¡±

    ¡°I have something important to ask you. Plus, I¡¯m not interested in planks,¡± Gabriel said rudely, taking a seat back near her desk.

    ¡°You insult me and then want something from me?¡± Eve asked, ¡°Glad I know I¡¯m not dreaming.¡± Eve pulled the blanket up over her body, hiding it from his eyes.

    ¡°They wanted me to let you sleep longer, but I got tired of waiting.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s so important that you needed to wake me for?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s been confirmed that you have a large bounty on your head. We know that much.¡± Gabriel looked at her. Eve looked out the window, confused as to why someone would want her dead. She was just a girl, not even the dangerous one of the Watchers. If anything, she would imagine the price being on the brother¡¯s heads. ¡°Which is why we are planning to send you out of the state to lay low for a while.¡±

    ¡°Right, get rid of the problem so you guys can continue business as usual,¡± Eve offended.

    ¡°For a little while, so we can investigate why they want you dead and put an end to it.¡±

    ¡°Where does that bring in you needing something from me?¡±

    ¡°One of us is going to go with you. As a bodyguard.¡±

    ¡°I choose Jasmine.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why I need you to pick David,¡± Gabriel said, ¡°He needs to get away from all of this.¡±

    Eve looked at Gabriel; he could tell she felt uneasy. The way David had been recently having made her uncomfortable. ¡°Doesn¡¯t David want to do the investigating?¡±

    ¡°He does. I believe if he does, he will continue down the path he is currently going.¡± Gabriel stood up, walking over to the window. ¡°I know this makes you uneasy, but he¡¯s my brother. I¡¯m worried.¡±

    ¡°If he doesn¡¯t agree?¡±

    ¡°Say he¡¯s the only person you trust to protect you alone,¡± Gabriel said. ¡°I¡¯ve been studying your ability. I think you could help him with your energy manipulation.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t even understand how it works,¡± Eve admitted, ¡°I just know I can move someone¡¯s spirit from their physical body.¡±

    ¡°Regardless, if you can help him or not. Getting David away from all this can do us all some good,¡± Gabriel continued, ¡°He loves you, Eve. He won¡¯t admit it. Did you see what he did last night?¡±

    ¡°I did,¡± Eve was still speechless. She had never thought that David was capable of so much hatred.

    ¡°He did that because he had thought you were dead,¡± Gabriel said. Eve looked down at her hand, biting her tongue. ¡°I was able to hear his thoughts at that time. He was too enraged to block me out. This is what I feared of him. If he continues like this, he could turn into another Liam.¡±

    ¡°What if that happens?¡±

    Gabriel scrunched his hand into a fist, ¡°I would kill him before I let that happen.¡± Eve remained silent, fearful of a fate similar to Liam to take shape within his destiny.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I don¡¯t feel safe with him. I still very much love your brother. But that¡¯s not the same David I had fallen in love with.¡± Eve picked at her nails. ¡°I will think about it, but I can¡¯t promise anything.¡±

    Gabriel turned around and started for the door to the hallway. Opening the door, Eve watched as he prepared to leave. ¡°If you don¡¯t, I can¡¯t promise that I can save David.¡± Gabriel left the room, shutting the door behind himself. It pained Gabriel to say such things, feeling hopeless in himself. Never would admit anything like this to Eve, but with David¡¯s life at stake, he had to swallow his pride.

    Eve stayed in bed, looking at her feet beneath the blanket. She was unsure, confused, and worried. Having relied on David to teach and guide her as a guardian. Now it was he that needed guidance; Eve felt as if she had nothing to offer him. Feeling hopeless due to overwhelming fear of the man he was becoming.

    Pulling herself out of bed, removing the IV from her arm. Placing the cotton on her wrist and wrapping with gauze. She sighed, ¡°I hate always being the one that needs help. Lord, if you¡¯re there or whoever is there. Please grant me some courage this one time.¡± Looking around the room, standing up. Still feeling her anxious mind weigh heavy on her legs. ¡°Guess not.¡± David had talked to her a few times about religion. Only when she asked. As if he was reluctant to give her answers, not ashamed. Probably sensing that Eve didn¡¯t care. Briskly walking over to the mirror. Looking for her scars, nothing. Allison¡¯s healing ability had always left some sign of wear. Which only meant that David was the one to heal her. The use of his own purity to cure corruption had always left David damaged. As if he was taking the wounds from Eve and bearing them himself.

    Scrunching her hand into a fist, knuckles turning white. Punching the wall next to the mirror. Tears streamed from her face, her hair in her face, as she lowered her head to the ground. David knew that she hated when he did that. Why must he always hurt himself to save her along with the others? Turning around, aggressively walked to her closet to throw on some clothes. Wanting to wear her hoodie but knowing the sun was shining brightly through her window. Grabbing a tank top and her favorite pair of light blue shorts.

    Fixing her hair in the mirror. Storming back to her door, on the way, grabbing her hilt off of the desk. Gripping the door handle, she needed to relax her nerves. Inhaling deeply through her nose. ¡®David, I hate you,¡¯ She thought to herself. Exhaling through her mouth, opening the door, and heading into the hallway. Walking with haste to the elevator. Pressing the button to call for her ride. The light blinked on, her leg shaking. Growing impatient, she pressed the button repeatedly. Restless, she started for the door to the left. Resorting to taking the stairs. Why did the girls have to live on the top floor? Probably because the boys used to wrestle and stomp around. Allison had grown tired of it, forcing them to switch floors.

    Eve heard the elevator reach their floor. However, she was too fixated to turn around. Maybe the stairs would give her more time to think of what she would say to David. Why was he always so complicated to her? Never respecting her wishes for him to take care of himself. His unselfishness drove her crazy. How can he be so selfish?

    James was walking in the courtyard, Richard and Ethan were sitting in their usual spot near the tree. Waving at them, ¡°Good morning, boys!¡± They waved back, cigarettes hanging on the tip of their lips. ¡°Those are going to kill you one day.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the plan,¡± Richard smiled. James chuckles and continued on his walk towards the elevator. Eve swung open the door, storming out, not paying attention to where she was heading. Bumping into James.

    ¡°Woah there, someone is in a hurry,¡± James said, grabbing her tiny shoulders and pushing her away.

    ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to hit you,¡± Eve was full of embarrassment. ¡°I¡¯m looking for your spawn.¡±

    ¡°Which one, the cute one or the smart one?¡± James asked laughing, his grin was broad.

    ¡°I said your spawn, not me,¡± Eve couldn¡¯t help but smile. His presence was always fatherly. Seeing him as her own.

    ¡°Oh right,¡± James looked around, ¡°The crazy one or the other one.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s both of them. Where¡¯s David? I¡¯m done playing these games, sir,¡± Eve said, knowing how much it annoyed him when people called him that.

    ¡°David is down in the cavern,¡± James answered.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Eve walked over to the elevator.

    ¡°Now tell me, why are you so desperate to talk to him?¡±

    ¡°Who said I was desperate?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°Your hand is shaking, and you¡¯re not wearing shoes.¡± James looked down at her bare feet.

    ¡°Shoes are just prisons for feet,¡± Eve looked down at her feet. Ignoring that, she had blatantly forgotten them.

    ¡°Do you even know what you are going to say to him?¡± It had occurred to her that she was just going to blow upon him. Not thinking what she was going to say. ¡°Perhaps it is best to think about what you¡¯re going to say to him before you say something unwise that will only further damage your cause.¡±

    Eve sighed deeply, looking at the ground beneath his feet. ¡°David needs help.¡± She admitted. ¡°I don¡¯t know if there is anything, I can do for him, but for some reason, I feel like I am the only one who can.¡±

    ¡°I believe David and you share a special bond; you have more effect on him than you understand.¡±

    ¡°I never told anyone, but the night he almost died, it felt as if I were dying too.¡± Eve always felt comfortable speaking with James. It was as if he knew exactly what to say or the best advice possible, regardless of the situation. ¡°What do I say to him?¡±

    James looked away from her, remaining quiet. Fearing for his son, knowing that he could lose his son like he had lost many of his friends in the past. Starring at the trees in the distance. ¡°I wish I had known what it was that was making him act the way he is.¡±

    ¡°So, you don¡¯t know either?¡±

    ¡°Gabe told me everything last night. I think his plan to get him away from all of this, is the best thing to do. Spending alone with him could bring you closer to figuring out what is in his mind.¡±

    ¡°If this were a few weeks ago, I would have jumped on the idea. Now I feel scared.¡±

    ¡°Eve, did you ever feel afraid when joining the Order or the Watchers?¡±

    Eve looked up at James, ¡°of course I was.¡±

    ¡°Sometimes, God allows fear to enter our lives so that way we can prove that we can be brave.¡± James looked back at her.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been trying to pray for courage to him. I still don¡¯t believe, sometimes I hope something is out there that can grant me that courage.¡±

    ¡°Now you blame yourself for this situation,¡± He chuckled. Eve looked back at him confused. ¡°When you pray for strength, courage, or things like that. God doesn¡¯t give it to you, he sends you a challenge that achieves that goal.¡±

    ¡°I really wish David would have told me that.¡± Eve said annoyed, ¡°I swear I¡¯m going to strangle your son.¡±

    ¡°David probably thought you could use some challenge.¡± James laughed. ¡°You¡¯re not supposed to swear either.¡±

    The elevator opened, Richard and Ethan slipped past the two. Putting his hand in front of the sensor, ¡°Eve, you coming?¡± Richard asked. She hugged James.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Eve said, releasing him quickly. She headed inside the elevator with the rest of the boys.

    ¡°Anytime, Mija.¡± James watched as the elevator closed. Once he was alone in the hallway, he sat down on the cobblestone wall. Drawing his eyes down from the wall in front of himself, rubbing his hands on the cracks in the rocks. Created from the battle of the Sanctuary, after Gabriel had sounded his horn and awoke David. Tears rolled down his face. Resting his head in his hands. Feeling as if he was a terrible father for bringing them into a world that had brought all three of them relentless pain.

    <hr>

    David was standing over the table in the center of the room, along with Kevin by his side and Gabriel across from him. Leaning his weight against his arms, pressing against the edge. Both were distraught and tired. As if they hadn¡¯t slept through the night. ¡°We narrowed down the information to Japan,¡± Kevin said, pointing at the freshly printed papers in front of David.

    ¡°Sweet, I¡¯ve always wanted to go to Japan.¡± Gabriel squatted down, resting his jaw on his arms supporting himself on the table.

    ¡°It¡¯s outside of our jurisdiction,¡± David explained, ¡°The Order of Japan wouldn¡¯t take so kindly to us just strolling into their territory without ordinance from our council. Even if they approve of it, it could take weeks.¡± Gabriel¡¯s excitement turned to disappointment. ¡°Unless we call it a vacation.¡±

    ¡°The minute our cover is blown, we¡¯d be screwed,¡± Kevin opposed, ¡°Getting away with doing things against our council¡¯s wishes is lucky enough.¡±

    ¡°The second they get a glimpse of David, our cover would be blown.¡± Gabe stood up, ¡°Which is why I think you should stay here.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not staying here while everyone else goes on a mission.¡± David objected. ¡°My place is-¡°

    ¡°Among your team, I get it.¡± Gabriel cut him off, ¡°Honorable but maybe it¡¯s for the best.¡±

    ¡°Not this again.¡±

    ¡°It is this again. Don¡¯t act like there¡¯s nothing wrong with you.¡± Gabriel locked eyes with his brother.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with me.¡±

    ¡°I watched you bash a man¡¯s face into jelly. Not even I am like that. Let alone the interrogation, we were both bad cops, we never play that game.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not true, remember what happened two years ago?¡±

    Gabriel looked up, ¡°Oh yeah, I forgot about that. Weird day.¡± Locking eyes with his brother once more, ¡°That still doesn¡¯t negate the fact that you¡¯re different.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going, and that¡¯s final. I am the knight here, what I say goes. Unless you would like to challenge the mantle again?¡± David stood up, crossing his arms.

    ¡°Never once have I heard you have to remind one of us that you are a higher rank. We¡¯re a team, not some type of hierarchy.¡± Both glared at each other, annoyance in their eyes.

    The elevator door opened; Eve stepped out looking at the two brothers. Kevin stood off to the side, not wanting to be caught in the middle of their argument. Richard and Ethan stepped out behind Eve as all three made their way to the center of the cavern. ¡°You both are acting like children.¡± Kevin said, ¡°Gabriel, David is our captain. What he believes to be right, we should follow.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± David turned to his friend.

    ¡°David, Gabriel is your brother. He only wants to see you healthy, consider his advice. Gabriel is wiser than he acts most of the time.¡±

    ¡°Thank you?¡± Gabriel was unsure how he should feel about the insulting compliment.

    David turned towards Eve, hoping for her to be on his side on the matter. ¡°Eve, can you tell these two that I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡°I should be punching you instead.¡± Eve let her words fall from her tongue.

    ¡°What?¡± David was confused why she was upset.

    Eve¡¯s face turned a bright red. She took a deep breath. ¡°Take off your pants.¡±

    ¡°Okay, now I¡¯m confused as well,¡± Richard said.

    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

    ¡°Show me your waist,¡± Eve demanded of David. Standing right in front of him.

    ¡°Why?¡± David asked.

    ¡°You transferred my injury to yourself didn¡¯t you?¡± Eve asked, ¡°Don¡¯t you dare lie to me.¡±

    ¡°No.¡± David lied. Eve took no hesitation, throwing her hands at David¡¯s shirt. David retaliated, pushing her hands back. It was enough for his shirt to raise slightly, revealing the black scar under his stomach.

    ¡°What the hell did I tell you about that?¡± Eve shoved him, Kevin pushed himself between the two. Her fiery eyes pierced into David¡¯s heart. ¡°I don¡¯t want you hurting yourself to save me!¡± She shouted. David remained silent. ¡°We already lost you once, do you want to die again?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s enough Eve,¡± Richard pulled her back, ¡°David saved you.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t need him to save me all the time!¡± Eve yelled in Richard¡¯s face.

    ¡°This is how you thank me?¡± David asked, feeling as if he wasn¡¯t appreciated.

    ¡°David, you are falling apart. And it seems I¡¯m the only one here that cares enough to say something to you.¡±

    ¡°I feel healthier than ever.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t look healthy.¡± Eve said, ¡°I¡¯m not the only person who sees it am I?¡± Everyone remained quiet. The others had noticed it but had only hoped it was just temporary.

    ¡°Your skin is pale, and there are bags under your eyes,¡± Gabriel said, it was time he had confronted David.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t rested in a day.¡±

    ¡°If you tossing, turning, and crying in your sleep. Is what you call to rest, then you are dumber than I know you are.¡± Gabriel looked at him. ¡°You are not going on this mission.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t tell me what to do.¡± David pointed at Gabriel, his heart racing.

    ¡°No, he doesn¡¯t but I can.¡± Sir Janice appeared from the shadows.

    ¡°How long have you been standing there?¡± David asked as she walked out from the dark path to the underground rail.

    ¡°Long enough,¡± Janice told him, dressed in her armor. Her blue cloak draped over her chest and neck. ¡°You are not going on this mission.¡±

    ¡°Last I checked, you have no jurisdiction over the Watchers.¡± David defended.

    ¡°That¡¯s true, but I don¡¯t think the Templars would act too kindly to your condition.¡± Janice stepped up to the table. One hand resting on her sheathed sword.

    ¡°Don¡¯t threaten me in my home.¡±

    ¡°I have far too much respect for you David. I would never threaten you in your own home. I can make promises, however.¡±

    ¡°You forget yourself.¡±

    ¡°I am Sir Janice, running  for head of the Knights of the Roundtable,¡± Janice smirked. ¡°You can either take your vacation or you can be forced on one. And trust me, you won¡¯t like the forced one.¡± David remained silent, now backed into a corner. ¡°Get out, have fun. Do some soul searching. I have absolute trust that the Watcher¡¯s can operate well on their own.¡±

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± David asked resting himself against the table.

    ¡°Evelyn has a large price on her head. I¡¯ve been ordered to take her to the council to ensure her protection.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to go,¡± Eve said, shaking Richard¡¯s hand who was holding her arm. To keep her from lashing out at David again.

    ¡°Which is why I can¡¯t force you to come if you¡¯re not here.¡± Janice said, ¡°If, for some reason that both you and David could not be here when I came, there¡¯s nothing I can do.¡±

    ¡°But you are here,¡± Ethan said. Janice rolled her eyes at him. ¡°Never mind, I get what you¡¯re saying.¡±

    ¡°So, I¡¯m just supposed to leave?¡± Eve asked, ¡°Where am I going to go from here?¡±

    ¡°Anywhere, just out of the eyes of the Order,¡± Janice said.

    ¡°And why do I have to be gone?¡± David asked.

    ¡°The council doesn¡¯t like the stunt you guys did last night at the shipping facility. They want to question you. Look, I¡¯m trying to help you out. I don¡¯t know if you guys have seen the news, but they are wondering why there¡¯s a bunch of dead bodies by swords in a building.¡±

    ¡°That does look bad.¡± Kevin said, ¡°David, take Eve and both of you can go on a vacation. Not only do you have to face the wrath of the council, but you can also get away and heal.¡±

    David looked down at the table. He didn¡¯t understand why everything was happening so fast. He looked up at Eve, she turned away from his eyes. Not bringing herself to look at him. ¡°What do you think Eve?¡±

    Eve remained quiet, not wanting to speak to him. She looked at Gabriel, he locked eyes with her. As if he was pleading to her like a puppy. Rolling her eyes to look at Janice. ¡°Have you ever slept in the guardian quarters at the Order? The beds are terrible and you share a room with three other people.¡±

    ¡°Fine.¡± Eve said, ¡°Where do you want to go David?¡±

    David looked at the map, all the places in the world he wish he could visit but never had the chance. The furthest he had been from home was Hawaii the day Katlyn had died. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°Can I bring you to Seattle?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°Seattle?¡± Gabriel asked, ¡°What¡¯s in Seattle?¡±

    ¡°Home,¡± Eve muttered. ¡°That way we¡¯re not too far from here. Plus, I think you would like it.¡±

    David looked at her once more, it seemed smart. If they had to return home, they would only be a quick flight away. ¡°Okay.¡± He hated the idea. ¡°Kevin, pick two others to stay here. Gabriel will take the rest on the mission.¡±

    ¡°So, everyone gets to go on vacations, and I¡¯m stuck here. Seems fair,¡± Kevin snarked jokingly, ¡°I¡¯ll hold down the fort.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t let you down bro,¡± Gabriel reassured him. Smiling from his teeth.

    ¡°You wanted a chance at leadership. Now you have it.¡± David told Gabe.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to know what the Watchers are up to. And I don¡¯t care to know.¡± Janice said, ¡°I¡¯ll stay in contact with all of you.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Kevin said to her.

    ¡°Hurry up and get out of here, before I change my mind,¡± Janice told them all.

    David nodded, ¡°I should pack.¡±

    ¡°I guess I should too,¡± Eve said grabbing her bicep and walking away. Uncomfortable with the situation. What would she do if David has another episode? Maybe getting him away from everything that had reminded him of Liam would help. She hoped so.

    ¡°Hurry up, you need to see your late birthday gift.¡± Richard said to her, ¡°Let¡¯s show her before she leaves.¡±

    ¡°Good idea,¡± Ethan said as he joined Richard on their way to the elevator.

    David looked at Gabriel, ¡°We¡¯ll talk later.¡± He told his younger brother. Gabriel bowed to him mockingly.

    ¡°Yes, sire,¡± Gabriel said, turning to Janice. Speaking to her through her consciousness. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t make me regret lying for you,¡± Janice told him before she turned around and headed back from where she came. Gabriel watched her from afar, she paced with purpose. David started from the elevator door after everyone had left. Wondering if there was really anything wrong with him. He felt different but felt as if he was normal. Was something taking control of him? Manipulating him into thinking otherwise.

    <hr>

    The group walked into the garage, ¡°You guys bought me a van?!¡± Eve gasped, bringing her hands to her mouth. Her face turned bright pink, looking on at the sprinter van, outfitted into a camper. She turned to hug Allison quickly. ¡°You guys didn¡¯t need to do this. How did you guys know I wanted a camper van?¡±

    ¡°It was David¡¯s idea. The boys are the ones who put it all together.¡± Allison said embracing her back. Eve released and began giving side hugs to each one of the boys. She had remembered telling David on one of their watches. He had asked Eve what she would have done without meeting them.

    ¡°Thank you boys¡­ so much,¡± Eve thanked them each.

    ¡°It¡¯s the least we could do. Not being able to give you a proper birthday gift last year,¡± Richard smiled. ¡°Well, are you going to see the inside?¡±

    Eve nodded, grinning. Running to the van, sliding the door open. Revealing an alder wood finish on the floor. Shifting her head to the left was a full-sized bed, pillows lined against the back doors. Like a kid in a candy store, Eve looked around. Although looking plain, ¡°You guys could have decorated it. It¡¯s still awesome though.¡± Along the wall were a propane camping stove, a sink, and cabinets. A black curtain blocked the front seats for privacy.

    ¡°We didn¡¯t want to intrude on your style,¡± Ethan said.

    Eve drew her eyes to the roof on the inside. An American flag was pinned to the top. ¡°But you still put the flag?¡± She smiled; the group gathered around the door. Needing to witness Eve¡¯s ecstatic behavior.

    ¡°No home is a home without an American flag,¡± Gabriel nodded with his eyes closed. Arms crossed over his chest.

    ¡°You think it might be a little sensitive,¡± Eve said sarcastically. Knowing that if she said that, would get Gabriel riled up. Opening his eyes, he scowled at her. She laughed at him to her success.

    ¡°Just leave already,¡± Gabe waved his hand at her.

    ¡°I¡¯m just messing with you. But thank you guys, so much. I love it.¡± Eve said bringing everyone in for a hug. Gabriel refused, trying to back away from her. ¡°C¡¯mon Gabe, who knows when it¡¯s going to be the next time, we will have a chance to hug each other?¡± Gabriel had hated Eve from the beginning. Growing from despising her to almost loving her as a sister. Though he would never admit it to her.

    ¡°I think I can live with it,¡± Gabriel laughed. Standing at a distance from the group. Eve was released from the rest of the group. ¡°Just focus on our deal,¡± Eve remembered that the purpose was to get David out of the house. If an opportunity had arisen, to help him fight his nightmares.

    Virgil walked out into the garage, ¡°I did the most work on the stuff that actually matters. And I didn¡¯t even get to see her initial reaction. Go figure.¡± He said offended.

    ¡°Oh, should I reenact my reaction?¡± Eve asked. Clearing her throat as she brought her hands down, wiping her body clean. Eyes closed, springing back open. ¡°You guys got me a van?!¡± She screamed out once more, exaggerating her jumps around the open door. She jumped into a run towards Virgil, arms wide open.

    ¡°You know I don¡¯t like hugs,¡± Virgil said. Eve was well aware, stopping in her tracks as he raised his hand. Out of fear of a repulse from his palm.

    ¡°You¡¯re no fun,¡± Eve said turning around. ¡°Let me guess, you worked on the engine and all that boring stuff.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t expect a simple mind like yours to appreciate the more important things of a vehicle,¡± Virgil crossed his arms. ¡°James and I put a lot of hard work into that engine. I would tell you what we did to it but I don¡¯t expect you to understand.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I will, regardless. Thank you for your hard work,¡± Eve smiled. Reaching her hand out to him. Virgil met her halfway, shaking her hand firmly.

    ¡°You should get back to packing,¡± Gabriel said breaking the silence. ¡°Knowing David he¡¯ll be done already.¡±

    ¡°David can learn to be patient for once,¡± Eve argued. She looked down at the ground, ¡°I just have this weird feeling.¡±

    ¡°What are you feeling?¡± Allison asked her.

    Eve felt a pit in her heart, a sharp pain. Digging into the very heart strings themselves. ¡°It¡¯s nothing, I¡¯m just going to miss you guys. A lot.¡± Her eyes turned pink, welling with a slight tear.

    ¡°It¡¯s only going to be a few months, we¡¯ll find that wolfpack and you¡¯ll be home before you know it,¡± Richard smiled, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. ¡°Enjoy some freedom for a change.¡±

    Eve wrapped her arm around his back, ¡°Promise me you all will come back safe.¡± She commanded of them.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry little Eve,¡± Gabe said, ¡°I¡¯ll be in charge.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s exactly what I¡¯m afraid of,¡± Eve smiled at him. Lunging at him, forcing a hug out of Gabe. He reluctantly returned the hug.

    David walked into the garage. The bags under his eyes weighed more than the duffle bag under his arm. A half-smile cocked to the right cheek. ¡°I see you guys are starting to get along.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s like a sister at most,¡± Gabriel let go of her.

    ¡°You keep getting more and more nice with me,¡± Eve smiled warmed by his admittance.

    ¡°Like the kind of sister, you wish dad had smothered after birth,¡± Gabriel laughed. Eve punched him in the shoulder. Getting a slight grunt from Gabe. ¡°Rude.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the one to talk,¡± Eve said. David walked over to the van, placing his duffle bag at the entrance.

    ¡°You should go pack; I have to talk with my father before. The sooner we leave, the sooner the Watcher¡¯s can get to work,¡± David said. Eve felt a welt of sadness in her heart once more. ¡°We¡¯ll still have to say later before we leave.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eve said heading to the door. She could already tell that being around David was going to be hard for her. How long until he would lash out at her again?

    ¡°Wait for me, I¡¯m going to help you,¡± Allison ran catching up to Eve. Both left to the courtyard.

    ¡°Everyone else,¡± David said. ¡°You are not to be messing around in Japan. Find the Wolfpack, take off Eve¡¯s bounty, come home. That¡¯s it. Any developments, I want to know about it. Understood?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m staying here, so that seems like a them problem,¡± Virgil said pointing at the others. Kevin and Stephen were staying as well. Charged with the protection of the district, with plans to ask Sir Janice for a detachment of guardians.

    ¡°Understood.¡± Richard, Jasmine, Chris, Ethan, and Allison said together. Gabriel remained quiet.

    ¡°Gabe?¡± David looked at his brother in front of him. Gabriel stared at the wall aloof to what David was saying. ¡°Gabe,¡± David said sternly.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah, don¡¯t worry about us. Just enjoy your vacation with the misses,¡± Gabriel said. ¡°Remember to use protection, shields aren¡¯t just things to block swords y¡¯know.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m serious.¡± David scowled.

    ¡°So am I. Did you know that teen pregnancy is at an all-time high? You¡¯re both eighteen, but still.¡± Gabriel said, noticing a slight smile from David. ¡°I promise I¡¯ll keep you updated with anything important. Focus on getting some rest, you look like a zombie.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best,¡± David said. ¡°I have to go talk to dad.¡±

    ¡°Last I saw, he was cleaning the kitchen,¡± Gabriel said. ¡°Did you tell him?¡±

    ¡°No, did you?¡±

    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t. This is going to be all of a sudden for him.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s dealt with worse.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think he¡¯s had to be apart from both of us longer than a month,¡± Gabriel said. ¡°Well you were gone for two years before.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± David said as he started walking away. ¡°Take the Van to the courtyard. I¡¯m not done saying later to you guys yet.¡±

    ¡°You got it, boss,¡± Chris said as he jumped into the driver¡¯s seat.

    Chuckling to himself, David continued into the halls of the Sanctuary. Chris drove the van of the garage onto the path, heading towards the front gate. The others followed David out.

    ¡°I just think I should be with you guys,¡± Eve said grabbing a shirt out of the dresser. Throwing it into a duffle bag lying on her bed. Allison sat, looking at the crumbled shirt landing. Grabbing it herself, Allison folded the shirt properly.

    ¡°David may be acting strange lately, but I think he still has the best intentions to keep you safe.¡±

    ¡°Maybe, maybe not,¡± Eve continued to take bundles of clothes from her drawers. ¡°I¡¯m tired of him worrying about my safety all the time.¡±

    ¡°You know how many women would give to have someone care for them the way David cares about you,¡± Allison stood up from the bed, pacing towards Eve. ¡°Maybe I should pack for you, you¡¯re wrinkling all your shirts up.¡±

    ¡°Getting him alone like I¡¯m about to would be a perfect fantasy if it were just a few months ago, now all I feel is terror,¡± She muttered. Leaning against the top of the dresser. ¡°Now everyone tells me I have to do this. As if I don¡¯t have a choice, or as if no one cares what I think.¡±

    ¡°Blue, of course, I care about what you feel. However, David needs help. I believe you¡¯re the only one who can help him.¡± Allison put her hand on Eve¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°What if he kills me, then what?¡±

    ¡°Now you¡¯re overreacting. When Liam and Kaitlyn had died, David stayed the same compassionate man that you knew him as. He still is that way, I don¡¯t think he could ever bring himself to hurt you.¡±

    ¡°And if you¡¯re wrong.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡±

    ¡°How do you know?¡±

    ¡°Because I¡¯m never wrong,¡± Allison reassured her friend. Eve stared as if she could see through the wall in front of herself. Perhaps she had been looking at the situation wrong. Eve wasn¡¯t the one in danger, David was. She is the only one who could save David from himself.

    <hr>

    Gabriel threw the last of David¡¯s bags into the back of the Van, ¡°So, you¡¯re not taking any armor with you? Because those bags were too light compared to what I was expecting.¡± He turned to David staring at him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that, it was your idea for me to go on the vacation,¡± David grinned from the corner of his lip. ¡°Even getting Janice to lie for you.¡±

    Gabe widened his eyes. ¡°Did she tell you?¡±

    ¡°No, you did.¡±

    ¡°When?¡± Gabriel scrunched his eyebrows. Having no recollection of telling his brother of his own deception.

    ¡°Just now,¡± David said, bringing his voice to a whisper. ¡°I should be thanking you.¡±

    ¡°Why are you whispering, you can literally talk to my brain.¡±

    David continued to whisper aloud, ¡°I haven¡¯t been myself lately, I¡¯ve been impatient and harsh towards you.¡±

    ¡°There has been no difference of harshness towards me, you¡¯re the same ass to me.¡± Gabriel joked.

    ¡°I¡¯m being serious. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s been going on with me, but I plan to figure it out.¡±

    ¡°I hope so, I can¡¯t be the responsible one of us two. It¡¯s tough work keeping both of us on a leash.¡± Gabriel looked to the side, Eve was walking down the path with Allison. Both carrying a bag each. ¡°I made sure to put your guitar inside, if I come back from Japan and I¡¯m not an uncle, I am going to be upset.¡± David punched him in the shoulder. ¡°In all seriousness, be safe out there. Something tells me your vacation isn¡¯t going to be all sunshine and rainbows. Come back to us as what you were, not as you are right now.¡±

    ¡°I intend to.¡±

    ¡°Bring my sister back unharmed.¡±

    ¡°Bring back the Watcher¡¯s alive.¡± David said, ¡°I¡¯m placing more faith in you than I have before.¡±

    ¡°It must be agonizing.¡± Gabriel embraced David. His older brother returned the love.

    ¡°Be safe.¡±

    ¡°I will.¡±

    Eve and Allison walked up to the two of them. David took the bag from Eve, he forced a smile up to him. David knew it was fake, or at least not intentional to cause him offense. ¡°Where is everyone?¡± Eve asked. David set her bag inside the van, Gabe did the same with the bag Allison was carrying.

    ¡°Preparing for their flight,¡± Gabriel said.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t get a chance to say goodbye,¡± Eve frowned, directing the disapproval towards the walls of the Sanctuary.

    ¡°Good, because we don¡¯t say goodbye,¡± Gabe hugged her with one arm.

    ¡°Bring them back alive,¡± Eve pointed at Gabe.

    ¡°Jeez, does no one have faith in me?¡±

    ¡°Gabe is going to go lone wolf on us as soon as we land, I can call it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m sending Richard along with him,¡± David joked. ¡°No, you got this Gabe, I believe in you.¡±

    ¡°Glad someone does.¡±

    Eve looked around at the trees. She had wished she could speak with everyone one more time before they would be separated. Each of the Watcher¡¯s had become her best friend in their own special way. Though, it was normal. Slowly becoming used to having to do what was for the best before pleasure. Everyone had to focus on their duty before their friendships. One thing was for certain, she knew deep within her heart, she would see each one of them once more.

    ¡°Are you okay, Eve?¡± Allison asked.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± She paused, ¡°I¡¯m just going to miss this place.¡±

    ¡°Kevin and Virgil will keep this place exactly the way you left it,¡± David said. The wind began to pick up along the mountainside. ¡°We should get going.¡±

    Eve gave one final hug to Allison and Gabriel together. David did the same, hugging them both after Eve had been released. ¡°Memento Mori.¡± He told Gabriel.

    ¡°For death remembers us. God be with you big bro.¡±

    ¡°He always is, as he is with you.¡±

    ¡°For both of our sakes.¡± Gabriel smiled. ¡°Now hurry up before the winds pick up.¡±

    David nodded, Eve jumped into the passenger seat, closing the door behind her. If she had stayed any longer, she would find herself in tears. David closed the sliding door, before making his way to the driver¡¯s seat. Starting the van, he buckled his seat belt. Eve¡¯s eyes stayed locked on the tree line, following her pupils across the top that lead up to the peak as bristles on a canvas. Where one of her friends rested. David began to pull the van through the front gate. Eve closed her eyes, taking a mental image of her home. The one she had just found and claimed as her own. For once in her life, without a doubt.

    ¡°You will be back, I promise Eve.¡±

    ¡°I will hold you to that David.¡±

 Chapter 6: Ishin-Denshin

    Gabriel sat in his room, staring up at the draped American flag. Its red and white stripes interweaved with precision. The blue square filled with stars, carefully placed. Gazing into the stars reminded him of Christmas night. A stabbing sensation in his heart. The trembling fear that he had felt once his brother had become a surreal entity of both aspiration and terror. Gabriel had no recollection of when the trumpet had come to him. Bringing his eyes down to the table, where the small trumpet lay. Seven cracks deep into the polished outer layer. Though it remained sustained, no matter what Gabe had tried, the same earth-shattering sounds would never again be produced.

    David had sworn to him that Gabriel had found it in a river, but the memory held no recollection to him. For all that Gabe had known, David could have made the whole story up. Gabriel remained confused; the entire night made his brain hurt. What had bothered him most was that he had no clue where the trumpet had found its way in his pocket. Questioning his sanity.

    There was a sudden knock at the door; the handle turned just as his eyes shifted to look at the wooden door. Allison¡¯s green eyes poked out from the other end. ¡°Are you decent?¡± She asked him.

    ¡°Yeah, don¡¯t worry,¡± Gabriel said, ¡°Is everyone ready to head out?¡±

    ¡°Usually, it¡¯s the captain¡¯s job to make sure everyone is ready for an operation,¡± she said, wearing a sarcastic smile.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m not the captain, and it¡¯s not an operation. Think of it as if we¡¯re on vacation.¡±

    ¡°Ah, because fighting a dangerous crime ring and trying to keep our friend from being assassinated is considered a vacation to you?¡± Allison walked up to him.

    ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to visit Japan, you know that as much as I do.¡±

    ¡°You have to remember, babe, this is more important than being a tourist,¡± Allison began tracing her fingers in his palms. ¡°David trusted you to complete the mission. All of us are depending on you now to lead us. This is completely different than your usual lone wolf activity.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Gabriel answered.

    ¡°Promise me, you will stay focused on the mission.¡±

    ¡°What exactly does that mean?¡± Gabriel joked.

    ¡°This is always a joke to you, isn¡¯t it?¡± Allison asked. ¡°Eve and I could¡¯ve died, and you¡¯re making jokes. So whoever it is we are after, we have to make them pay.¡±

    ¡°I joke because that¡¯s the only way I know how to deal with things.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not a lone wolf anymore. You¡¯re the acting captain. Empathize just a little bit, for me?¡±

    ¡°I promise I will stay focused on the mission,¡± Gabriel said, grabbing onto her wrists.

    ¡°Good, now let¡¯s hurry up. We have a flight to catch.¡±

    <hr>

    The van rolled down the 101 highway, trees passing by with the smell of the salty ocean breeze breaking in through the open driver¡¯s window. The sun prepares to set, kissed David¡¯s cheek as the winds blew through his brown hair. Eve was asleep in the back. Laying on top of the comforters. Wearing her white tank, hair tied into a ponytail. It had been too hot for her in the California summer to keep her blue hair loose with the chance of it suffocating her face. David had done his best to keep his eyes open. Not sleeping for days was becoming apparent not just on his physical body but also on his ability to concentrate. Fighting Californian traffic was just as problematic as fighting the Brotherhood at this point. Meanwhile, attempting to avoid potholes and heavy stops or swerves to let Eve sleep more comfortably.

    David brought his hand up to his eyes, rubbing the corners hoping it would help wake him up. Reaching for the cupholder to his right, slightly lifting the energy drink. There was a slight splash within the can. David shook it, hoping for more than just a sip. Though his hope was met with nothing more than disappointment. He sighed, just enough to awaken the sleeping Eve in the back. Opening her eyes, looking out the side window, shivering from the cold beach air. This was the weather she had missed dearly. However, she had not expected to grow used to the California heat enough for her to shiver from the cold.

    Eve looked forward to the cab, seeing the back of David¡¯s head. His hair was messy. Clumps of brown hair rose in random. She could tell he had been tired. His energy moved throughout the van with flutters. Falling into rest and jumping sporadically from himself, trying to force himself awake. Eve arose from bed, not wanting to interact with him. She also didn¡¯t feel like getting into a car crash before they had even left the state. Standing up, the forces of the road drove her off balance. Quickly she moved to the front, jumping into the passenger seat before she was thrown to the floor.

    ¡°Good afternoon, sleepyhead,¡± David quickly glanced at her. Long enough for her to notice the black bags under his eyes.

    ¡°Right back at you, sleepyhead,¡± Eve forced a slight smile from the corner of her lips. Unrolling a hair tie from her wrist, Eve tied her blue hair into a ponytail. The wind from the open windows had been throwing her hair around like a tornado. ¡°You should pull over. Let me take the helm.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m alright,¡± David refused.

    ¡°David, pull over. You need sleep; I¡¯m not going to argue with you.¡±

    ¡°I promise, I¡¯m okay. Just enjoy the view.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t wait to enjoy the view from the pavement when we slam into the median,¡± Eve rolled her eyes. David could taste her disdain from her tongue.

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t sleep if I wanted to. Plus, I¡¯ll get there faster if I stay driving. Time will fly,¡± David admitted.

    ¡°I¡¯m not asking you to sleep. I¡¯m telling you to pull over right now,¡± Eve commanded. David remained silent. Eve sighed, ¡°I once knew a guy who told me never to put myself in danger unless it was a life-or-death situation.¡± David realized he had told her that, chuckling to himself. ¡°I understand that you can¡¯t die. I still can, so please. Pullover.¡± Eve¡¯s voice was now a panicked serenity to David¡¯s ears.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll pull over.¡± David drove to the shoulder of the highway.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Eve said, unbuckling her seat belt. Once parked, David stood up. Releasing a bellowing grunt as he stretched. Standing up, it felt as if the Earth was moving below his feet. Driving for so long, he had grown used to the road. Raising the armrest. David moved out of the driver¡¯s seat. Eve quickly switched to the driver¡¯s seat, feeling how warm it had been on the leather seat. David jumped into the passenger seat, comparatively colder.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯m short. I have to fix everything on this thing,¡± Eve played with the switches on the side of the seat. Along with the rearview mirrors to fit comfortably for herself. ¡°Okay, are you ready?¡±

    ¡°You have your driver¡¯s license, right?¡± David asked.

    ¡°Of course, I just never driven anything large before.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve chopped a soul in half; I¡¯m pretty sure you can handle driving a van.¡± David grinned.

    ¡°How does it feel to put your life in someone else¡¯s hands for once?¡± Eve laughed.

    ¡°Terrifying,¡± David smiled out of fear towards her, ¡°But I trust you.¡± Eve felt warm. David was friendly for once in the past months. Maybe being away from everything was leaving him less stressed, or he was so tired. He didn¡¯t care to suppress his emotions. ¡°Plus, if we die in a fiery explosion on the highway, we don¡¯t have to worry about assassins anymore.¡± Never mind.

    ¡°Guess you¡¯re right,¡± Eve switched from park into drive. Waiting for cars to pass for an opening when she can get back onto the road.

    ¡°If you turn on your blinker, cars will be more convinced to get in the other lane.¡±

    ¡°These are Californian drivers; they would rather die than let anyone merge,¡± Eve found an opening. Jumping into the lane and continuing the trip on the highway. David reclined his seat, throwing his hands to the back of his head. Taking in a deep breath of fresh air. Eyes growing heavier. Eve bore a glance at him. She smiled heavily. Glimpses of the old David still show to her now and then; she hoped she would see him return to whole once again.

    <hr>

    Gabriel stood at security in the airport. Allison stood beside him. Richard, Ethan, Chris, and Jasmine stood behind them, patting themselves down to ensure a weapon didn¡¯t actually slip. Having all thrown their swords in checked bags. ¡°No one has anything, right?¡± Gabriel asked. Everyone remained silent, looking at each other. ¡°I¡¯ll take that as a no then.¡± It had been weird for him to be in charge of everyone.

    Chris raised his hand. ¡°I have a knife.¡± He admitted.

    ¡°Of course, you do,¡± Richard said, grabbing the knife from his hand and taking it to the nearest trashcan in the corner.

    ¡°Hey, that was worth two hundred dollars!¡± Chris chased after him.

    ¡°Chris, we told you to put all your knives in checked bags.¡± Allison rubbed the sides of her nose¡¯s bridge.

    ¡°But this one is my favorite,¡± Chris said, snatching it back from Richard¡¯s grasp. ¡°I¡¯ll just persuade the TSA.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not associated with you.¡± Allison took Gabe¡¯s hand as they charged into the security checkpoint. Jasmine followed behind them. Chris put the knife in his pocket.

    ¡°You know you¡¯re not good with mind-dominant abilities. You¡¯re just a human taser.¡± Richard told him.

    ¡°Strong enough taser to blow this entire airport,¡± Chris said.

    ¡°You can¡¯t just say that here, man.¡± Ethan told him, ¡°Dude, just give it to me. I¡¯ll get it past them.¡± Chris handed it to him.

    ¡°Thanks, buddy.¡± Chris said, ¡°This still doesn¡¯t mean you get the window seat.¡± Ethan immediately handed Chris the knife and walked away. ¡°Dammit.¡± Chris put it in his back pocket.

    Gabriel walked through the x-ray machine right behind Allison without any issues. Gabriel looked to the left and saw one of the security agents smiling at the monitor. ¡°What in the hell are you laughing at?¡± Allison swiftly grabbed his arm and pulled him the conveyer belt to grab their things. ¡°Why¡¯d you do that?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe David put you in charge,¡± Allison shook her head. ¡°I swear if I have to babysit you this entire time.¡±

    ¡°They were being disrespectful.¡±

    ¡°Who cares? Stop worrying about what other people think about you.¡±

    ¡°Their thoughts were about you,¡± Gabe said to her.

    Allison looked up at the security agents. ¡°Hold this.¡± She handed Gabriel her backpack. Walking over to the gate.

    ¡°Ma¡¯am, please go back over there. You can¡¯t be over here.¡± The man looked at her briefly before returning his eyes to the monitor.

    ¡°I know what you¡¯re doing back there.¡± She pointed at him. ¡°I just wanna let you know it is purely disrespectful. I hope you¡¯re prepared to answer to God for everything you¡¯re doing.¡±

    ¡°Ma¡¯am, I do not want to have you removed from the airport.¡±

    Gabriel grabbed her from behind and walked back to the common area. ¡°Why did you do that?¡±

    ¡°If I have to babysit you the entire time, this is not going to be a fun trip.¡± Gabriel reversed her words back on her.

    ¡°Touche.¡±

    Chris watched the interaction from afar, smiling. He planned to get back at the agent for Allison. Placing his items on the conveyer belt, Chris swallowed the spit. Walking into the scanner, putting his feet in the yellow footprint outlines. The scanner began to move around him. Flicking his wrist. Sending an electric shock through the system and into the monitor, enough to zap the man slightly. Hitting his spine, shocking his nerves just enough for the man to release his bowels into his black steam-pressed pants. The man nodded at the other agent before springing from his chair and sprinting into the back room. Chris walked through the machine, spreading his arms and legs to be scanned by an agent with a hand metal detector. Bleeping at his back pocket.

    ¡°Sir, can you remove what¡¯s in your back pocket.¡± She commanded. Chris began to sweat slightly.

    ¡°Uhm¡­¡± He let out.

    ¡°He wears metal-lined panties,¡± Ethan said, flicking his wrist around.

    ¡°Metal-lined panties?¡± The lady asked, confused but persuaded by Ethan¡¯s mind dominance. ¡°You can carry on with your day, sir.¡± She said as Chris sighed in relief.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Chris told Ethan.

    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    ¡°Of course, can¡¯t wait for that window seat.¡± Ethan grinned, grabbing the rest of his things.

    ¡°Are we done?¡± Gabriel asked everyone once they got through.

    ¡°We¡¯re off to a great start,¡± Jasmine sneered. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to get there so I can start doing all the work.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not going to be like that,¡± Gabriel said, ¡°Allison will be there to help you.¡± He laughed before heading to their gate.

    <hr>

    David opened his eyes. It was now night. Having the first restful sleep he had in a year. Turning to his left, Eve was sitting back on her phone. ¡°Good morning, sleepy,¡± Eve brought her eyes up from her phone, taking a quick glance at his raggedy hair. ¡°Sleep well?¡±

    ¡°I think so,¡± David¡¯s voice hoarse. ¡°How long was I out?¡±

    ¡°Long enough for me to get to the border of Oregon. Thought it would be good to relax for a while.¡± Eve put her phone down into the cupholder in the center console.

    ¡°I think I¡¯m good to drive now,¡± David stood up, stretching his arms. Bellowing a groan from his chest. Feeling sore from his constant fighting the past week.

    ¡°We could just relax. Enjoy the view, y¡¯know?¡± Eve pointed out the windshield, David followed her finger. Looking out, he could see the hill running down in front of them and into the beach below. The view captivated him. Luna¡¯s light bounced off of the waves crashing onto the sand of the beach. They sat in silence for a while; the smell of wet salt filled the van. Ever since the night of the battle, David had longed for the beach. Wishing he had stayed, only then would David finally be at peace. Turning his head, to stare at the reflection of Eve in the side view mirror. He changed his mind.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go for a walk,¡± David unbuckled his seat belt. Giving Eve no time to speak, climbing from his seat into the back of the van. Grabbing his hoodie from the ground, sliding it over his body.

    ¡°That¡¯s the best idea you¡¯ve had in a while,¡± She opened her door. Once David had finished dressing, he jumped out of the stationary vehicle. Parked on a small rest stop of dirt and rocks. His shoes crunching the small stones beneath his feet with every step. Eve stood at the front of the van; her eyes saw more than David. The waves gave off a bright neon blue. The trees were a mixture of all the colors of the spirits except for red. There was nothing but serenity here, unlike the Sanctuary. Its walls still held scars of pain in the floor and walls of brick. David stood by her side.

    ¡°What do you see?¡± David asked her.

    ¡°This place has not seen a day of pain. Unless it had all been washed away.¡±

    ¡°I wish I could see it.¡±

    ¡°Me too,¡± Eve empathetically said, knowing the jealousy in his voice. ¡°Come on.¡± She ambles, treading the rocks towards the sand below. David followed reluctantly by her side. Coming to a closed gate. Eve began to read the sign posted next to it. ¡°No trespassing. Beach closed from 8:30 PM to 6 AM.¡± David continued anyways, climbing over the gate. ¡°David? Breaking the rules?¡± She gasped.

    ¡°What are you, the fun police?¡± David smiled, ¡°My taxes pay for this beach; I can do what I want.¡±

    ¡°David, we don¡¯t pay taxes.¡±

    ¡°Are we going to argue over the concept of taxes, or are you coming with me?¡± David asked. Eve smiled from her cheeks. Following his lead. Raising one leg onto one bar; sitting on the next. David stepped off the other side. Raised his hand to her. Eve hesitated.

    ¡°I¡¯m a big girl,¡± Eve said promptly before stepping down to the floor below. Stumbling, David grabbed her sleeve.

    ¡°Yeah, big girl, alright.¡± David laughed as she caught herself with his help.

    ¡°Shut up,¡± Eve retaliated, ¡°Now let go of me so we can enjoy our walk.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m already enjoying it,¡± David smiled before letting go of Eve¡¯s sleeve. She crossed her arms, walking down the trail to the sands.

    <hr>

    The airplane was crowded. Filled with people from the front to the back. Guessing everyone had decided to go on vacation at the same time. Gabriel was just happy he could be seated next to Allison and Richard. Chris, Ethan, and Jasmine were sitting behind them. He would¡¯ve been glad that screaming kids weren¡¯t sitting behind him if they hadn¡¯t acted as kids themselves. Gabriel took his hand to his temples, rubbing them with his index and thumb.

    ¡°You alright?¡± Allison asked him.

    ¡°So many people on this plane, and they all thinking about useless nonsense,¡± Gabriel said.

    ¡°Just shut it off,¡± Allison asked.

    ¡°But I¡¯m so bored sitting here. I just want to land already so we can go touring.¡±

    ¡°You mean, working?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, sure.¡±

    ¡°Want me to read to you?¡± Allison asked, pulling out a book on the fall of the Roman empire.

    ¡°Ah yes, the Romans,¡± Gabriel looked at the book. ¡°A bunch of people who got too comfortable with life to realize they were falling apart.¡±

    ¡°Alright, no reading,¡± Allison put the book away back into her satchel.

    ¡°Sorry, I just have a lot on my mind,¡± Gabriel sighed.

    ¡°I was beginning to wonder if anything happens up there,¡± Allison joked.

    ¡°I know right,¡± Gabriel chuckled, ¡°It¡¯s just Eve.¡±

    Allison sighed, having had this conversation countless times. ¡°She¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°What if-¡°

    ¡°It¡¯s not going to happen; David made the right choice. She¡¯s become our friend. She is what David needs in his life.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s too loose and fun; David needs stable.¡±

    ¡°David is stable. What he needs is someone to bring him out of his comfort zone. Eve needs stable her life hasn¡¯t been the greatest. Kinda like how you¡¯re dumb, and I¡¯m smart. Opposites attract.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re the smart one, then what is David¡¯s real name?¡± Gabriel sneered.

    ¡°What kind of question is that? It¡¯s David Locklear,¡± A look of confusion draped her face. Gabriel just smiled. ¡°Wait, what?¡±

    ¡°I think they¡¯re finally about to serve food,¡± Gabriel said.

    ¡°Gabe, don¡¯t make me hit you,¡± Allison smacked him with the back of her hand against his chest.

    ¡°That was redundant,¡± Gabriel covered himself from her volley.

    ¡°Are you telling me his name is not really David?¡± Allison¡¯s voice filled with panic. ¡°I¡¯m so tired of all this secrecy. First everything with Eve and now David?¡±

    ¡°What do you think they¡¯re doing right now? Probably just Eve doing something dumb and careless, while David is trying to keep her from doing something to hurt herself.¡±

    <hr>

    The foam of the water glided atop the sands. Washing away past footprints David and Eve had left behind. Eve walked at his side, taking a few glances between him and the moon¡¯s light reflecting the dark blue ocean. ¡°Something is bothering you,¡± David broke the long silence.

    ¡°Why are there people trying to kill me?¡± Eve asked, her voice low. ¡°Is it the same reason the council wanted you to?¡± David remained silent, not sure how to answer the question without revealing the truth.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how to answer that,¡± David said. He couldn¡¯t lie to her. However, being sworn to secrecy didn¡¯t help. His loyalty and integrity battled within him. ¡°I don¡¯t believe you understand just how powerful you are.¡±

    ¡°You tell me multiple times,¡± Eve reflected on the many nights they have spent together on watch. As well as when Gabriel had seen the same vision she had.

    ¡°The council wanted me to kill you because of how powerful you were. Not being a part of the Order made you an outlying danger. Me being able to recruit you and train you convinced them to drop the charge.¡±

    ¡°I bet that didn¡¯t make you very comfortable. Anything I would do would make you liable.¡±

    ¡°If I¡¯m honest, no, it didn¡¯t make me comfortable.¡±

    ¡°Then why did you do it?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t right. If Liam was right about anything, it was they trained us to be assassins, but we aren¡¯t. We choose our own paths. I choose to protect and help the helpless.¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯re calling me helpless?¡± She dropped to a scowl.

    ¡°Maybe that wasn¡¯t the right word for it,¡± David smiled.

    ¡°I¡¯m teasing. I was a wreck before I met you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m glad we agree,¡± David chuckled before she slugged him in the shoulder. Eve giggled, ¡°I don¡¯t think I deserved that.¡± He rubbed his shoulder, relieving the pain.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been through worse.¡± Eve rubbed his shoulder as well. Grazing his hand. ¡°And the Brotherhood? They want me dead because the Order has me?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± David said under his breath. Stopping in his tracks to stare at the water. Silence overcame him, clenching his fist. Eve took his side, watching the waves with him. ¡°I hate it,¡± the ground beneath David¡¯s fist shifted. Eve could see his green energy jumping to a sporadic fire. The sand broke into a slight tremor.

    Eve broke his fist with her hand, sliding her fingers between his. ¡°Hey!¡± She said. ¡°Relax, it¡¯s okay.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not okay.¡± David released himself from her hand, throwing his arms back in a dramatic fashion. ¡°You should hear how they speak about in meetings. They talk about you as if you¡¯re some type of trophy, a weapon!¡±

    ¡°Let them speak about me however they wish!¡± Eve countered, ¡°I couldn¡¯t give a shit how they speak about me. Living with the parents I¡¯ve grown up with taught me how to not care what people think or speak of me.¡± Eve¡¯s hands clenched in a fist as well. She brought her hand up to David¡¯s chest, poking at his heart. ¡°But you know what? The only f¡¯ing words I care about are yours, the Watchers. I have not once been spoken to as an equal or a friend by you. Gabriel speaks to me as if I¡¯m beneath him. You are leagues above every single one of the Watchers. And you speak to me with grace, passion, like a damned king who treats everyone with kindness. Hell, I want to be you.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t call me a king,¡± David said to her. ¡°I struggle just as much as you, just as much as anyone else.¡±

    ¡°You have struggled more than anyone I have ever known,¡± Eve said, stepping away from him. ¡°I see it, don¡¯t think you can¡¯t hide it from me.¡±

    ¡°What am I supposed to do? Show you everything that aggravates me? Everything that tears me apart inside?¡± David yelled.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eve argued.

    ¡°There are too many people counting on me, counting on me to fulfill some type of destiny that I don¡¯t even believe I am capable of. Every single damned person on this Earth is counting on me. I don¡¯t have time to be worrying about things that hurt me.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t count on you, David,¡± Eve said, lowering her tone. ¡°I love you.¡±

    David stopped looking past her, looking at the stars in the distance. ¡°Then I am so terribly sorry for you. I can¡¯t be that for you.¡±

    ¡°You think I want to go on dates with you? Like a stupid teenager? Have a white picket fence and raise kids with you? That¡¯s not the life that was chosen for us. I want to be by your side every step of the way, every step of the way.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t put your dreams for the future to the side just for me,¡± David commanded her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t give me that tone, don¡¯t tell me what to do with my life. My dreams for my future are standing right in front of me,¡± Eve sneered. ¡°I choose you. We were born on the same day for a reason. Whatever your destiny is. It¡¯s mine too.¡± Eve began to realize, the colors of his spirit did not change color. He wasn¡¯t being controlled throughout the entire night. Everything he said was from his heart. David¡¯s spirit.

    David looked into her eyes. ¡°I love you too.¡± Eve closed her eyes, lowering her head to him. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°You are an absolute idiot if you don¡¯t think I didn¡¯t know that,¡± Eve¡¯s eyes began to well with tears of joy.

    ¡°How?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re kidding me, right?¡± Eve chuckled, ¡°You have done everything to make me the better person I am today. Let alone died for me.¡±

    ¡°If I admit, I wanted to die.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± Eve walked over to him, both taking each other in their warm embrace. ¡°I don¡¯t know what is affecting you or why.¡± She slides her head under his neck. ¡°I want to help.¡± David remained silent, closing his eyes. Pulling her tight underneath his arms.

    Remaining quiet, enjoying the moment within each other. Time escaped them. ¡°David.¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡± He asked, unsure what more she had to say.

    ¡°I know this is strange to ask right now. The question just came into my head,¡± Eve laughed, embarrassed, not wanting to ruin the moment. ¡°Where did this power come from?¡±

    ¡°You were born, and the spirits took an interest in you. They decided to join with your spirit.¡±  David said. ¡°Something like that.¡±

    ¡°Not that, like where do they originate?¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± David said, ¡°There are many theories on it. No one knows for sure.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Eve craved more than just that. ¡°You¡¯re telling me when the angels took over you. They didn¡¯t give you a lick of knowledge?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s forbidden,¡± David said.

    ¡°So you¡¯re not going to tell your own girlfriend the answer?¡± Eve teased. David let go of her, stepping back. ¡°I¡¯m only messing with you. Code and honor forbid it.¡± Eve laughed.

    ¡°Sit down.¡± David laughed, ¡°I¡¯ll tell you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re going to break your oath with the Order to tell me? First, you tell me you love me. Oh my God, I must be dreaming.¡± She sat down in the sand as he joined her. He wrapped his arms around his legs.

    ¡°You can¡¯t tell anyone,¡± David commanded.

    ¡°My lips are sealed.¡±

    He took a deep breath. ¡°In the beginning, God created the heavens and the Earth.¡±

    ¡°I read that part.¡±

    ¡°Are you going to let me speak?¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Eve zipped her lips with her hands.

    ¡°In the Garden of Eden. Once Adam and Eve ate the apple. Sin descended upon the Earth. To battle with sin, angels came down to battle with it, to protect humanity. There were few angels who didn¡¯t understand the purpose, seeing themselves better than God¡¯s command. Humanity was weak, and they couldn¡¯t wrap their heads around why they would die fighting for them.¡± David took in another deep breath, remembering his own terrifying battle with a creature of sin. ¡°The angels began taking into lust with humanity, spawning the Nephilim. Taking lordship of the Earth.¡±

    ¡°So, we are spawns of Angels.¡±

    ¡°Not quite.¡± David answered, ¡°God saw this, sending a flood to destroy the Nephilim. Giving the Earth a fresh start. The creatures of sin cowered beneath the Earth. The Nephilim were all killed. In a spite of Vengeance, God¡¯s head angel, Lucifer retaliated against Heaven. He and the Archangel battled in a civil war. Lucifer taking the power of light, the gift of dragons. Michael stood no chance. God gifted Michael the sword of Excalibur to destroy the fallen angels. God stripped the Fallen angels of their power, casting them into hell. God stored all the power into crystals to remain dormant.¡± Eve looked down at her crystal necklace. Things were beginning to make sense to Eve. She felt more potent when she wore it.

    ¡°And the crystals give us that power from the angels?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but the crystals remained dead for a time. It wasn¡¯t until Jesus came to the Earth, dying on the cross for humanity. The release of his grace and strength awoke the crystals. The spirits were set free. I¡¯m not sure if that was intended.¡± Eve, still unsure to believe or not. Though David spoke as if he knew every part of the story without hesitation.

    ¡°I think I understand,¡± Eve said with a lack of belief within her voice.

    ¡°You still don¡¯t believe, do you?¡± David asked her.

    ¡°What if whatever brought you back just told you to believe that?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°Then whatever possessed me is the same thing that possessed Kings Arthur, David, and Alexander, even Charlamagne.¡±

    It finally occurred to Eve, ¡°David¡­ King David? Wait a minute. David, what is your destiny?¡±

    David looked down at the sand, ¡°I don¡¯t know, I hear destiny this, destiny that. I just want to be free to forge my own.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Eve told him. She chose not to question him further. ¡°Whatever happens, I just want you to know. I am glad I get to experience it with you.¡±

 Chapter 7: Hotels and Threats

    Gabriel and Allison departed their plane, stepping onto the catwalk into the terminal. Strolling with the heavy traffic of passengers. Holding Allison''s hand tightly. Both were dressed for warm weather. As to give themselves an appearance as tourists. Gabriel wearing a Hawaiian shirt and cargo shorts. Allison wore a lime green collared shirt tucked into her khaki high waters. "Tokyo. Never thought this dream would become a reality," Gabe said excitedly. Having always been a fan of Japanese culture since he first wielded his obsidian katana.

    "All it took was for someone to decide to kill us," Allison''s sarcastic remark agitated Gabe.

    "C''mon, can''t you just look at the brightside?" Gabe defended, "We get to go on vacation, no more late nights dealing with the brotherhood."

    "The most action we have seen was a petty crime. The Brotherhood is gone. David made sure of that."

    "Don''t give him all the credit. It was whatever had possessed him that night." Gabriel rolled his eyes. "Look, no one expects us to be here; we can take our time."

    "How about we come here to handle what we need to handle. And then we can have our fun," Allison commanded. "I won''t be able to relax as long as Eve is still a target."

    "For all, we know it was all just a ruse," Gabriel said, "This whole thing was just a plot to scare us into hiding." Allison stopped in her tracks, shaking her head at him. "What?" Allison walked ahead of him.

    "I need to go to the bathroom," Allison stormed off by herself. Remembering how terrified she was the night the assassin broke into her home. Eve had been so close to death, Allison was barely strong enough to keep her alive.

    "I don''t understand," Gabriel said, "I thought this would be a good time for us, and all she is worried about is Eve."

    Richard stood at his side, "Wow, David is right about you."

    "Right about what?"

    "Oblivious," Richard told him, "You¡¯re not focused. We came here for a reason, you know that, right?¡±

    ¡°Everyone just seems grim. Maybe some time relaxing is what we need.¡± Gabriel continued to defend himself.

    Jasmine stepped into the conversation, ¡°I think we can get some time to relax when we finish. Do you think David and Eve are relaxing? What about the rest of our guys at the Sanctuary?¡±

    <hr>

    Back at the Sanctuary, Virgil was sitting on top of the Silver Arrow. Staring at a file laying upon his lap. ¡°Who¡¯s file is that?¡± Stephen came from behind him. Taking a seat next to Virgil.

    Virgil took a sip from his water. ¡°Miss Evelyn M. Taylor.¡± Setting the water down. ¡°This thing has more black ink than the Library of Congress.¡± He flipped through the pages, ¡°Even her birthday is blacked out.¡±

    ¡°Where did you get that?¡± Stephen asked, ¡°Were you snooping?¡±

    ¡°This was from David¡¯s office. Records are free to be looked at,¡± Virgil flipped through a few more pages.

    ¡°She¡¯s only been with us for almost a year. How are there so many papers? There are fewer documents in my file,¡± Stephen curiously offended.

    ¡°Good question.¡±

    <hr>

    Allison left the women¡¯s bathroom, stepping towards Gabriel. Hiding her feelings towards him, keeping a straight face. ¡°Ally, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m inconsiderate,¡± Gabe handed her a box of candy he had in his pocket the entire flight. She looked down at it, not saying a word to him. Snatching the box from his hand tearing the box open.

    ¡°Now that¡¯s settled, where to now?¡± Ethan asked, looking around.

    ¡°I may have the answer to that question, gentlemen,¡± A man spoke with a heavy accent from behind a newspaper. Dressed in a tight-fitted black suit.

    ¡°Who are you, the man sitting mysteriously from behind a newspaper?¡± Ethan asked.

    ¡°Yeah, who still reads newspapers?¡± Chris asked.

    The man closed the newspaper. His young face ridden in scars and stress looked up at them. Bearing yellow eyes. Standing up from the leather couch. ¡°I am agent Hasegawa. When we got word that the Watchers were on this flight.¡± He stepped in front of the group. Measuring their stature. ¡°I had to see it for myself. Tell me did the light bringer come to bless our nation with his presence.¡±

    ¡°No. He stayed back.¡± Gabriel told him.

    ¡°I was looking forward to his meeting.¡± Hasegawa looked at Jasmine and back to Gabriel. ¡°What brings you to our nation?¡±

    ¡°Just vacation.¡± Gabriel was careful not to raise any hostility.

    ¡°How rude of me, I am with the shadow family. Our Order has worked tirelessly to establish peace here,¡± Hasegawa handed him a card. ¡°If you need to get into contact, you can reach us here.¡±

    ¡°There is no brotherhood here?¡±

    ¡°Not unless you have brought it with you. Please, enjoy your vacation here. Do not cause me to have to meet you again.¡±

    ¡°Was that a threat? I¡¯m not sure if you notice, but we outnumber you here.¡± Gabriel whispered to him. ¡°We can be friends; I don¡¯t understand the hostility.¡±

    ¡°Gabe,¡± Allison tried to keep Gabriel in check. They weren¡¯t in their home territory anymore.

    Hasegawa raised his hand; the lobby fell to silence. Everyone that the Watcher¡¯s thought was once bystanders now had their hands at their hips. Prepared to draw their weapons. Lowering his hand, the lobby returned to acting as if nothing had happened. Hasegawa bowed to the Watchers. The Watchers gave back their courtesy. ¡°Have a good day, Watchers.¡± The man walked away.

    ¡°I think I need to go change my pants,¡± Chris said, terrified.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here,¡± Gabriel said quietly, looking around himself paranoid. A single man in the corner cracked a smile at the boy.

    ¡°Why haven¡¯t we done something like that?¡± Richard took the first step to leave. The rest followed.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just grab our bags and get to our hotel,¡± Gabriel scuttled with the group. ¡°We¡¯ll figure it out from there.¡±

    Chris lingered behind, taking a deep stare into the bonsai tree. Carefully cut to careful beauty. Taking lament of his best friend. ¡°You would¡¯ve loved it here,¡± he said softly. Captivated by its green bushes. Carlos¡¯ face appeared in a vision to him. Smiling before his very eyes. Then nothing.

    ¡°Chris, let¡¯s go,¡± Jasmine called to him. Wiping away his smile before turning swiftly to rejoin with the others.

    <hr>

    The van was parked in a shadow of a tree. A curtain blocking the cab from strangers wanting to take a peek inside. Eve slept with her arms pulled tight around a pillow. David sat on the wood floor, staring at Eve breathing. Unable to find sleep, he debated on if he should drive or not. However, David didn¡¯t want to risk Eve getting hurt from a crash or waking her from a bump in a road.

    David pulled his sword out, along with a small whetstone. He had nothing better to do than to keep up on the maintenance of his equipment. Unsheathing his sword, the blade was stained still with the blood from the other night. The black and red splotches riddled down the middle crevice. He shook his head; David was always telling Eve and the others to clean their weapons. Here he was a hypocrite.

    ¡°Is that what¡¯s become of you?¡± A voice said from his side. Liam was kneeling next to him. Nothing but a vision of a memory. David tried to ignore him. ¡°Silent treatment?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not real,¡± David whispered. Taking the cloth to the blade, wiping away at the old blood.

    ¡°If I¡¯m not real, then what am I?¡± Liam asked, squatting and looking around.

    ¡°Just an apparition of my own regret,¡± David continued to whisper. Careful not to wake up Eve from her sleep.

    ¡°I only have a little bit of time,¡± Liam said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry you are this way.¡±

    ¡°Like what?¡±

    Liam grabbed David¡¯s arm, raising it from David¡¯s sword. David was confused. How could a vision feel so natural to him? Liam pulled back David¡¯s sleeve to reveal a glyph made of black. ¡°You have to get rid of that. It¡¯s breaking you down.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± David snatched his arm away from Liam.

    ¡°I heard those words from myself once. We both know how that turned out. Stop blaming yourself for what happened to me. I shut everyone out; Lord knows you tried to help me.¡± Liam reconciled. David just looked up at the roof. ¡°She needs you, just as much as you need her. I¡¯m happy for you.¡±

    ¡°How do I get rid of this then?¡± David asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I embraced it, and it destroyed me. In time I know you will figure it out.¡± Liam glanced at Eve, ¡°I hope what they say about her is wrong.¡±

    ¡°I know it¡¯s wrong.¡±

    ¡°Just be careful.¡±

    ¡°I plan too,¡± David said, ¡°How is everyone¡­.¡± David turned his head to reveal to Liam was no longer next to him. Taking a deep breath, David felt alone. Half of him wanted help; the other half wanted a way out from his own mind. His mind grew more restless with every thought. David continued to clean his sword. If only he could wipe the negative thoughts from within himself like they were his own blade.

    ¡°Who are you talking to?¡± Eve asked. She had awoken from his voice, her deep blue eyes staring at him from the bed.

    David locked eyes with her for a second before staring down at his sword. ¡°I was just talking to myself.¡±

    ¡°Anything you want to talk about?¡± Eve asked, upon taking a view of his aura. Green and red energy were flowing throughout the van.

    ¡°I¡¯m alright,¡± David said, knowing well she was being lied to.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eve said, ¡°I¡¯m all ready to leave if you are.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, just give me a minute. I¡¯m just cleaning this up.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not a bad idea,¡± Eve grabbed her sword from her bag on the bed next to herself. Hopping out of bed excited. Wearing only a tank and briefs. David had been staring at her, quickly lowering his head to give her privacy. ¡°Sorry, I forgot I was basically naked.¡± Eve panicked. Grabbing her sweatpants from the floor. Throwing them on. ¡°Alright, you¡¯re safe to look. She turned to David, his face red. His energy was beating like a heartbeat. Taking a seat on the floor across from him, crossing her legs. David kept his eyes on his sword. ¡°I don¡¯t mean to make this awkward for you. It¡¯s embarrassing for me too.¡±

    ¡°What do you have to be embarrassed about?¡± David asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m not used to living with a boy.¡± She grabbed a whetstone and cloth as well from her bag. ¡°Plus, I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re thinking.¡± Eve wasn¡¯t sure to be embarrassed having David see her like that or more self-conscious about her body.

    ¡°You look nice,¡± David said, taking the stone to his blade to ensure its sharpness.

    ¡°Thank¡­you?¡± Eve didn¡¯t know how to take the compliment; it felt half-hearted from him. Deciding not to pursue the subject further. ¡°I think we should play a game.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not playing truth or dare,¡± David laughed.

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ever play that again,¡± Eve laughed too. ¡°This or that.¡±

    ¡°Cats or dogs?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a hard one; dogs are loyal. Cats are independent and cool.¡± Eve answered, ¡°What about you?¡±

    ¡°Dogs, no competition,¡± David answered.

    ¡°I understand your choice.¡± Eve giggled, ¡°Books or movies.¡±

    ¡°Depends on the book or movie,¡± David thought. ¡°Like the Star Wars books and movies, both amazing.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re such a nerd,¡± Eve laughed, ¡°And both are garbage.¡±

    David dropped his stone on the floor for dramatic effect. ¡°I¡¯ve ended friendships faster. And plus, I bet you haven¡¯t even seen them.¡±

    ¡°How do you know if I haven¡¯t seen them?¡± Eve offended.

    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    ¡°Because the only people who don¡¯t like Star Wars are one, never seen them. Or two, the worst people on this planet.¡±

    ¡°And how do you know I¡¯m not the second one?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°Because you¡¯re a cool person,¡± David said.

    ¡°Alright, you got me. I haven¡¯t watched them,¡± Eve said. ¡°Here, I¡¯ll make you a deal. If I watch Star Wars, you have to owe me one.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t like being in debt to people, but for you, I¡¯ll make that deal,¡± David brought out his hand to seal the deal.

    ¡°You want me to shake on Star Wars?¡±

    ¡°This is far more serious of a deal than getting you to Washington to me,¡± David joked. Eve chuckled.

    ¡°It¡¯s a deal,¡± She met him halfway. Shaking his hand with enthusiasm. Eve smiled at David, releasing his hand, ¡°Next question. Sweats or no sweats?¡± She flirted jokingly.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯m ready to go,¡± David sheathed his sword and placed it back inside his bag. Jumping to his feet to prep everything to begin driving. Eve smiled at him as she finished cleaning her sword, putting everything back accordingly, and making the bed.

    Meanwhile, when all was happening inside the van. Outside the van, David¡¯s eagle and Eve¡¯s owl were chasing each other around the bushes. Attempting to fly, the wingless birds found themselves crashing into the ground. The owl would laugh at the eagle. The eagle would chase the owl in retaliation, biting her tail. The sound of the engine started in the van. The two birds panicked, running towards the closed sliding door. The two-phased in through the door. Eagle climbed up David¡¯s arm as he sat in the driver¡¯s seat. ¡°What were you doing out?¡± David asked, looking down at him. ¡°You poor little mess, one day we¡¯ll get you some wings, drumstick.¡±

    ¡°Did you just call your spirit a drumstick?¡± Eve laughed.

    <hr>

    Gabriel and the Watcher¡¯s got out of the large cab. Richard handed money to the driver thanking him. Grabbing their bags from the trunk. ¡°This place is beautiful,¡± Gabriel commented, gazing at the city of Tokyo. The sun was still high, and their tiresome bodies grew weary. ¡°Can¡¯t wait to see what she looks like at night.¡±

    ¡°The faster you grab your bags, the quicker we can go to bed,¡± Jasmine snarked at Gabe.

    ¡°What makes you so angry all the time,¡± Ethan asked Jasmine. She glared at him, remembering the words David had spoken. She continued to blame herself for Carlos.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Jasmine said, ¡°This place makes me think about him more than home.¡±

    ¡°He wouldn¡¯t want you to continue to mourn him.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Jasmine grabbed her bags and started for the hotel.

    Gabriel went to the back and grabbed his bag along with a pelican case. ¡°Did you have that when we got on the plane?¡± Allison asked him.

    ¡°Yeah, just in case,¡± Gabe said, pulling his stuff out of the trunk waiting for Allison to grab her luggage. The streets were jam-packed with people. The towers nearby kissed the white clouds. The city was outclassed by the giant that was Mount Fuji. Gabriel stared at it for a brief moment. As if the mountain was calling his name.

    ¡°You alright?¡± Allison asked him.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine. Tired, I think.¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s get our room so you can get some sleep.¡± Allison leads the way inside the small dingy hotel.

    ¡°Gabriel,¡± The breeze tickled his ear. He shook it off. Blaming it on his weary mind. He followed Allison inside.

    On the outside, the hotel was nothing significant. On the inside, the lobby was only large enough for two people to pass in the hallway. A single desk at the front, along with an old vending machine in the corner. Jasmine rang the bell at the show, waiting. Captivated by a Makeki-Neko statue. Wondering how the arm waved forward and backward. Thinking too hard on it, she looked away from it. An older lady was standing before her. Almost as if she was a ghost.

    ¡°How may I help you?¡± She asked in her heavy West Kanto accent. Her grey hair pulled tight into a ball on the back of her tiny head.

    ¡°How did you get there so fast?¡± Jasmine asked her.

    ¡°I am here, I am there,¡± She smiled from her wrinkled face.

    ¡°Uhm, okay,¡± Jasmine said, ¡°The knight has taken the round table.¡±

    ¡°And at my table is a seat for her,¡± She said, ¡°I was wondering how much longer it would take for you to arrive.¡±

    ¡°You were expecting us?¡± Richard asked her.

    ¡°Yes, friends of the Watchers I am,¡± She continued, ¡°Where is Gabriela? James? Montague? Daniel? Isaiah? Maria?¡±

    ¡°They have all passed away, except for Isaiah and James,¡± Richard said.

    ¡°Has it really been that long?¡± She asked, her face growing in concern. ¡°I see. Which one of you is Gabriel?¡±

    Gabriel looked up from the ground. ¡°That would be me.¡±

    ¡°Welcome home,¡± She nodded with a smile upon her face. ¡°Now, if you all follow me, I will show you to your rooms.¡± She went through the side door. The group glanced at Gabriel; confusion drenched his face heavier than the others.

    ¡°What did she mean by that?¡± Allison asked him.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Gabriel said. ¡°I was born at the Sanctuary.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Chris asked.

    ¡°There are even pictures. I was born in the Sanctuary,¡± Gabriel defended.

    ¡°You should ask her,¡± Allison said.

    ¡°I will when I get a chance,¡± He continued, ¡°How did she know the last group of Watchers?¡±

    ¡°Sounds like there¡¯s something we haven¡¯t been told,¡± Chris said.

    They followed her up the stairs to an even smaller hallway, just enough room for one person to walk down. She leads each person to their rooms. First, in the hall being Jasmine followed after Richard. Ethan, Chris, Allison, and Gabriel at the last room. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I never caught your name?¡±

    ¡°I am Mrs. Ogawa,¡± she said humbly with a smile still on her face.

    ¡°Mrs. Ogawa, what did you mean about ¡®welcome home?¡¯¡±

    ¡°Oh, it still hasn¡¯t passed, has it?¡± Ogawa questioned. She remained quiet and walked away.

    ¡°What?¡± Gabriel continued to question her, ¡°What hasn¡¯t passed?¡±

    ¡°In time.¡±

    ¡°Time for what?¡±

    Ogawa continued away to the end of the hall. ¡°In time.¡± She waved him off before disappearing back down the stairs.

    ¡°Crazy lady,¡± Gabriel shook his head and opened the door to his room. The room was minuscule compared to his room at the Sanctuary. Plopping himself down on the bed, removing his shoes. Throwing his back on the twin-sized mattress. Taking a deep breath while he ran his hands through his long brown hair. Finding himself to ponder on the questions. It seemed like all he did was think ever since he got on the plane. He just needed to relax, until he fell into a deep sleep.

    <hr>

    ¡°Driving in Portland is hell,¡± David said, being stuck in traffic. Cars jammed on the highway. Selfish drivers would rather die than let someone merge. ¡°You really wanted to see the city didn¡¯t you?¡±

    Eve was sketching on a pad of paper, ¡°You know, we flew into California when I moved there; I didn¡¯t get a chance to experience a road trip. I understand now that road trips through cities are not the best idea.¡±

    ¡°Every city is the same, filled with stupid people and tall buildings,¡± David became more agitated over time. ¡°I¡¯m starving, and these idiots won¡¯t let me get to my exit!¡±

    ¡°Do you want some of my candy?¡± Eve set down the pad of paper on the dashboard. Hunching over in between the two seats. Shifting through a paper bag. She smiled; both of them seemed to have a better time at gas stations and beaches.

    ¡°No thanks, I want actual food,¡± David said. The blinker had been clicking for the past ten minutes. Checking his rearview and right-side mirror. ¡°That¡¯s it, I¡¯m pulling a Californian maneuver.¡±

    Eve checked the side view mirror, ¡°Uh, David.¡± A car was attempting to push bumper to bumper. As if their goal wasn¡¯t to let the van in. Eve¡¯s blood pressure raising. David began merging anyways. ¡°Oh my God.¡±

    Honking picked up; David was now closer in the lane he needed to be. ¡°See, we¡¯re fine.¡±

    ¡°You completely cut that dude off,¡± Eve began laughing, ¡°You¡¯re lucky he didn¡¯t hit you!¡± David looked at her and smiled. Her laugh warmed his broken heart.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just go eat.¡± The honking continued behind him, ¡°Yeah, yeah. Cry some more.¡±

    Eve couldn¡¯t take it anymore; she lifted her arm. Smelling her armpit, sticking her tongue out, and gagging. ¡°And can we please find a place to shower?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s more important to you?¡± David asked, ¡°I¡¯ve been smelling you for the past couple hours. You¡¯ll get used to it.¡±

    Eve reached over, hitting David with the back of her hand against his shoulder. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say anything?¡± Her voice cracked.

    ¡°Because I knew you would start acting like this,¡± David merged onto the off-ramp into the city. ¡°There¡¯s a motel up here, you can wash your stinky self, and I¡¯ll go get us something to eat.¡±

    ¡°A seventy-dollar shower?¡± Eve asked, ¡°You really don¡¯t care for money, do you?¡±

    ¡°Not really. I think I¡¯m more worried about someone saying something to the Council?¡±

    ¡°They don¡¯t know about this? What about the others in Japan?¡±

    ¡°We are allowed to do whatever we want theoretically. The Council likes to have their dirty noses in things.¡± David explained, stopping at a red light, ¡°What are you hungry for?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking pizza.¡±

    ¡°You just read my mind.¡± David drove down the street, entering into the parking lot of a motel. Parking into one of the many open spots. ¡°You want to get your stuff together, and I¡¯ll get the room.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like a plan, captain,¡± Eve saluted him.

    ¡°Please, stop.¡± David climbed down from the seat and outside, shutting the door behind himself. Deciding to smell his armpit. Coughing from the attack on his nostrils. Hoping Eve hadn¡¯t noticed his stench. Opening the entrance to the front office to secure a room for the two for a few hours.

    Eve looked at her sketch on the pad of paper. Smiling to herself before quickly closing it and placing the notebook under her seat. Climbing into the back of the van, ¡°I won¡¯t need a full duffle bag for a shower,¡± She said to herself. Unzipping the black bag to grab her shower kit with a set of clean clothes. Shoving it all inside of her backpack. Looking back, David was still inside the office. A vision flashed before her eyes. An explosion inside of a city, destroying everything around herself. A titanic spire, surpassing the clouds above. A figure with enormous white wings standing over herself. Eve sat down on the bed, rubbing the temples of her head. ¡°What the hell?¡± The door opened behind her, David looking up at her. Eve jumped, looking at him from inside.

    ¡°You alright?¡± David asked.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine. Just stood up too quickly, I think.¡± Eve grabbed her backpack, slinging it over her shoulder.

    ¡°We¡¯ll get some food in your stomach.¡± David said, ¡°I was able to get us a room for two hours for a discount.¡±

    ¡°Awesome. What room?¡±

    ¡°The one right behind me,¡± David said, tossing her the keys. ¡°I¡¯ll be in right behind you. I gotta grab my stuff.¡±

    ¡°What about the pizza?¡± Eve was now thinking about food. Knowing her need for it more than ever.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to order it, duh.¡± David climbed into the back, lifting his duffle bag onto the bed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t duh me,¡± Eve said, jumping out of the side door. ¡°I¡¯ll try to be quick.¡±

    ¡°I know that¡¯s a lie,¡± David laughed.

    Eve put the key in the door, unlocking it. Opening the door to a standard room. A single bed to her right, with a sink in the back. A T.V. on an old desk to her left. Unzipping her bag, grabbing her shower kit. Opening the door to the shower, not a single towel in sight. Eve pulled out her phone to call David.

    David answered, ¡°You know I¡¯m literally right outside the door, right?¡±

    ¡°Can you bring in some towels?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°Yeah, anything else, princess?¡± David laughed.

    ¡°Ew, that¡¯s what my dad used to call me. That didn¡¯t sound good coming from you,¡± Eve hung up the phone. Setting it on the back of the toilet.

    David walked in, stopping at the door to the shower. ¡°You still have clothes on, right?¡±

    Eve walked out, ¡°No, I¡¯m completely naked with the door open.¡± Sticking her hand toward him. ¡°Towel.¡±

    ¡°Damn, no, please or thank you?¡± David asked, handing her the towel.

    ¡°Thanks, slave.¡± Eve laughed before heading inside the room, closing the door. David shook his head, smiling.

    Heading back to the van to gather his things. David¡¯s phone vibrated. He looked down at the screen. It was Leonora calling him, thinking to himself. ¡®Great, what now?¡¯ He answered the phone, lifting it to his ear.

    ¡°Locklear?¡± She asked. ¡°Where are you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m on vacation, master,¡± David went inside the van. Shifting for clean clothes and his hygiene kit. ¡°There hasn¡¯t been anything of going on with the brotherhood.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Leonora said, changing the bandages on her hand. ¡°You understand you have to be back at the end of the month for your assignment with the CIA?¡±

    ¡°I understand that. I will be back in time.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Leonora continued, ¡°I just wanted to let you know; I apologize for past grievances. I have been looking through pictures.¡± David sat down on the bed, ¡°I was too forward with my own ambitions to realize how much you and your friends have sacrificed to protect the Order.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just doing my job, master,¡± David said. Not understanding this side of Leonora.

    ¡°I was close friends with Eleazar, along with your mother and father. They would be proud of you. I will attempt to push for more funding and recognization towards the Watchers initiative. As well as send you new members.¡±

    ¡°Th-That would be much appreciated.¡±

    ¡°You made the right choice with Ms. Taylor. I look forward to her progress with your training.¡±

    ¡°I do as well, master.¡±

    ¡°How are you doing?¡± She asked him.

    ¡°This vacation has been good for my stress,¡± David admitted.

    ¡°Good, take this time to continue to relax,¡± Leonora continued, ¡°I¡¯ll let you get back to it. If you need anything, let me or Master Hawkins know.¡±

    ¡°Yes, master. Thank you,¡±

    Leonora hung up and looked up at her door as a knock pounded from behind it. ¡°Come in,¡± she said as the door swung open. Master Hawkins walked into the room.

    ¡°How is David?¡± Hawkins asked as he entered the room.

    ¡°He¡¯s doing well. Have we found the location of the assassins in Japan for the Watchers?¡±

    ¡°Not yet. Our spies are searching.¡± Hawkins took a seat in front of her desk. The room was beautifully decorated. Banners along the walls between the bookshelves filled to the brim and carefully cataloged. ¡°It¡¯s good to know that the Watchers are doing well with new leadership. Taylor shows promise.¡±

    ¡°As does David. Eleazar knew what he was doing when selecting him.¡± Leonora said.

    ¡°We have lost many heroes these last couple of years. He was right not to choose Keira.¡± Hawkins looked at the Watchers banner hanging on the wall next to the Council¡¯s flag. ¡°I see you did some moving around with the banners.¡±

    ¡°I must admit, I was jealous of the bias towards them. Since I came from the Swords of the West. After reading through their books, I¡¯ve come to realize just how important they are. I guess you can say I hold a new appreciation for them.¡±

    ¡°I was fortunate enough to come from the Watchers. We put those kids through hell.¡±

    ¡°I know now we don¡¯t do it because we don¡¯t like them. We do it because we know they can do it. I think we should become less reliant on them.¡±

    ¡°I wish we could; they have the most casualties out of the rest of the houses in the Order.¡± Hawkins sighed, ¡°We can push for less use of them.¡±

    ¡°Or we can send them more members.¡± Leonora said, ¡°I¡¯ve been looking through some files. There are potential members who can meet their demands in training.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s if the Grandmasters would meet our requests.¡± Hawkins looked at the stack of files on her desk.

    ¡°I think they will; we can make some trades from our guardian corps.¡±

    ¡°And if the candidates don¡¯t meet the standards of the Watchers?¡±

    ¡°Then we tell David we tried.¡± Leonora sat back in her chair. Rubbing her bandaged covered hand.

    ¡°Climbing accident?¡± Hawkins asked.

    ¡°No, I cut my hand open when I was working on a new sword type,¡± Leonora said.

    ¡°You are never going to replicate that sword,¡± Hawkins laughed.

    ¡°I have to try.¡± Leonora laughed.

    <hr>

    David hung up the phone with the pizza, his stomach rumbling. Standing up from the bed. Climbing out of the van''s side door, grabbing his bag from the floor of the van. From the corner of his eye, a black leather guitar case sat underneath the bed. Raising an eyebrow, he grabbed the case and shut the sliding door. This would give him something to do while Eve showered.

 Chapter 8: Motels and Streetlamps

    Crashing like a waterfall against the rocks below, Eve¡¯s lightly sun-kissed face ran down with steaming water. Having lost track of time to the embrace of her burning skin. She felt alive, even more so now than before. She had time to think. These past few days have been overwhelming for her young mind. Girls her age would be focusing on all the good things in life. Being hunted by boys instead of being hunted for by assassins. Fighting for a new job, instead, she is fighting for her life. Eve wondered what it would be like if she had an everyday life. The sounds of a guitar-strumming heavily and melodically filled her ears. She thanked whoever was listening to her for the life she has now. Feeling so alone growing up felt worth it in these moments.

    Turning off the water, Eve slid the curtain open. Grabbing the khaki towel from the rack, drying herself. The room was filled with steam but didn¡¯t stop the deep green spirits from passing under the locked door. Whenever David had played the guitar, the spirits danced around him. Captivated by how gentle yet loud he had been able to compose beauty to the ears. Eve grabbed her clothes, a pair of shorts, and a sports bra. Throwing them on quickly, thinking how David was in dire need of a shower. Sliding her black tank top over her torso. She cracked the door slowly, careful not to distract David from the plucking of his fingers against its bronze strings.

    The steam quickly rolled out of the door; Eve could now hear the music clearly. The strums were slow and deep. From how little she knew, David was in drop D. Her heart sank; she knew the song. ¡°Dear my closest friend,¡± David¡¯s hoarse voice sang. As if he was pleading to the inevitable. Eve put her back against the wall, sliding down slowly till she sat on the ground. Her knees to her chest, she wept. Eve never could comprehend the loss David had gone through in his life.

    Along with the world, he carried a smile on his face. He confessed his love for her the night before. She questioned if that was just for him to grasp onto what he feared of losing again. Or if he had genuinely meant it. How could a man so great love a wretch like her? Lord only knew how much it was killing the young man inside.

    The strumming ended; Eve quickly picked herself up from the ground. Dusting her eyes off from whatever tear had escaped heavy eyes. David laid the guitar¡¯s back against the top of the bed where he sat. David took a deep breath, looking up. Eve was walking out of the bathroom. Not hearing the door open, too oblivious to realize she had been listening to him terribly sing. No, she would have said something to him. David stretched his arms out, groaning. ¡°Did you leave any hot water?¡± Eve couldn¡¯t bring herself to answer his question. Instead, she just nodded. ¡°Pizza should be here soon; I¡¯ll try not to take as long as you,¡± David laughed, grabbing his clothes. Standing up and treading over to the bathroom. He stopped at the door; Eve was drying her hair in the mirror. Staring only at herself, ¡°Are you okay?¡± David asked.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Eve¡¯s voice cracked. Quick to clear her throat, ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± David didn¡¯t believe her. He never trusted when a woman said that she was fine. One of the wisest things his father taught him, he thought. ¡°I¡¯ll be quick.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eve said, ¡°Take your time.¡± Once David shut the door behind himself, Eve rested her hands on the tabletop around the sink. Her heart collapsed beneath the weight. All her tears fell from her eyes. Gritting her teeth, Eve punched the fake marble top. Sending cracks throughout, Eve looked at her fist. Her breakdown fell to a sudden halt. In disbelief at her own strength. Eve took a deep breath, ¡°Please, let me help him.¡± She muttered to herself.

    <hr>

    Gabriel opened his eyes to his room. The light from the street broke in through the open window. Stretching his legs out, letting a small grunt from his throat. Gabriel sat up, looking around the darkroom. Taking in a deep breath from his mouth and out through his nose. Checking his phone, reading a dead battery. Resulting to the electronic watch on his wrist. It read two in the morning. Gabriel sighed, hoping for a whole night''s rest before he started work.

    Walking over to his pelican case, pulling out his keys. Setting the box on the top of his bed, cracking it open. His folded cloak lay on top of his gear, pulling it out revealing the deconstructed rifle. A pistol sat in the corner, carefully in its holster. He grabbed the holster, placing it in his waistband. Gabriel pulled out the Glock 19 and began loading his magazine. As he put every bullet onto the feeder, he thought to himself. Why didn¡¯t they use firearms more? It would make their jobs that much easier. David always saw it as less honorable than a sword. While Gabriel agreed, honor wasn¡¯t going to protect everyone.

    Before he could forget, Gabriel slapped his charger into the wall outlet. Glad that Japan used the same wall outlets as in America; otherwise; he wouldn¡¯t be able to charge his phone at all. Plugging in his phone to call David to let him know they made it without problem to Japan. Gabriel continued to put his gear together. Deciding to change his clothes for something he hadn¡¯t sweated in his sleep. Taking off his shirt and throwing it in the corner.

    Digging through his duffle bag for a clean shirt, ¡°America hito wa numek te iru. Kanpeki desu ne.¡± Gabriel had no clue whose thoughts he was listening to. Nor what they were saying. Not knowing Japanese made him realize that his ability was going to be useless on this mission. Staying still, he attempted to listen for any footsteps. Nothing but silence. Trying his best to remain silent as well, Gabriel walked over to his window, looking high and low. Still nothing. Starting to find himself anxious, he closed his eyes. Taking in a deep breath, the voice came from the hallway. Gabriel walked to the door opening it slowly.

    A sword dived through the crack in his door, Gabe dodged to the left. Kicking the door back shut with heavy force, smashing against the attacker¡¯s arm. Breaking the stranger¡¯s forearm. Gabriel grabbed the door, swinging it open. The attacker let out a yelp, jumping back away from Gabe. Switching his katana to his right hand. ¡°Who are you?¡± Gabriel raised his hand, attempting to generate a flame in his palm.

    The stranger was dressed in black, from head to toe. Only his eyes could be seen behind his solid black kabuki mask. He remained calm despite Gabriel threatening to set him ablaze. ¡°Don¡¯t make me ask you again.¡±

    ¡°Watashi wa anato wo osore te I nai,¡± the attacker spoke peacefully.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think we¡¯re going to get anywhere,¡± Gabriel released the flame built up in his hand. The assassin prepared to dodge. The flame fell to a puff of a lighter, quickly to a spew of smoke. The attacker stood confused, raising one eyebrow. ¡°I was really hoping that wasn¡¯t going to happen.¡±

    The assassin reposted his attack stance; Gabriel shifted his eyes to where his sword lay on the bed. The stranger prepared to attack. The door to his right shattered, his fellow assassin flew through the door. Richard had thrown him through the solid wood door, sending chips crashing against the floor. Jasmine blinked into the hallway in a matching set of Christmas pajamas. Her sword was drawn.

    ¡°Glad you can all help me. I¡¯m going to grab my sword now.¡±

    ¡°Good idea,¡± Richard told him.

    ¡°We haven¡¯t even been here for twenty-four hours, and we¡¯ve already pissed off the ninjas. Way to go, guys,¡± Jasmine said, standing in her defensive stance. Watching the men stand up to regather their senses. Both of the assassins stared at each other, nodding. Quick to engage Jasmine. She had just woken up, not mentally prepared for a fight. Too tired to teleport around the room. Richard drew his claymore, engaging one of the men.

    Chris opened the door quickly, ¡°Guys, I¡¯m trying to sleep.¡± He closed his door swiftly, oblivious to the situation around him. Jasmine engaged her attacker with a stout defense. Gabriel jumped into the fray with his obsidian sword glowing a hot blue.

    ¡°You can¡¯t even put on a shirt?¡± Jasmine yelled at Gabriel. He ignored her criticisms.

    Allison¡¯s scream could be heard from behind her door. Jumping from the fight, Gabriel attempted to twist her door handle. Locked from the inside, ¡°I got this,¡± Ethan said from behind him. Smashing the door open with his zweihander. Gabriel pushed his hand through the hole, unlocking the door. He charged into the room. Falling to an immediate stop.

    ¡°I¡¯ll handle this, help Richard and Jasmine,¡± Gabriel said as he brought his eyes on Allison stood with a knife to her throat.

    ¡°I think I dropped the ball on this one,¡± Allison said, struggling against her captor. ¡°What the hell do you want?¡± Allison asked the man.

    ¡°Drop your sword, or I kill her,¡± The rich voice from behind the jet-black kabuki mask.

    ¡°Don¡¯t do what he says,¡± Allison yelled at Gabriel.

    ¡°Alright, alright,¡± Gabriel said, releasing his palm as his katana collapsed to the wooden floor. ¡°See? We can talk about this. What do you want?¡± Gabriel attempted to fight his first instinct to kill the man threatening the life of Allison.

    ¡°Where is the one you call Eve?¡±

    ¡°Is that an American accent?¡± Gabriel asked.

    ¡°I will cut her throat. Where is the girl?¡±

    ¡°She didn¡¯t come with us; I don¡¯t know where you get your information, bozo,¡± Gabriel said. Putting his hands on his hips. ¡°Last I heard. Her and my brother were on the border of California to the north.¡±

    ¡°Gabe!¡± Allison yelled at him again, not understanding why he would give up information so readily.

    ¡°Interesting,¡± The assassin commented. ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to check there. Without the Watcher¡¯s there to protect her- ¡°A deafening bang snapped through the quiet night. Allison watched as the man collapsed to the floor. Blood spurting from a hole in the kabuki mask.

    Vapors floated from the tip of Gabriel¡¯s pistol. He had drawn the firearm quickly not even Allison could see what was happening until it was already over. ¡°I really wish you would warn me!¡± She yelled as Gabriel put his pistol in his waistband behind his back.

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t without alerting him,¡± Gabriel argued, then paused thinking it over. ¡°I guess I could have tapped into your mind.¡±

    Allison charged closer to him, raising her fist. Slugging him in the shoulder. Ethan ran into the room, his brown face drenched in a steaming sweat. ¡°I hope I¡¯m not interrupting, but these two are way too damn fast.¡±

    Gabriel¡¯s shoulders raised in a shrug. Retrieving his sword off of the wooden floor. Allison shook her head, taking a knee next to her now dead captor. Inspecting the body, confirming his heart stopped instantly after the gunshot. Allison reached to his mask, grasping it firmly. Pulling lightly facing resistance, she pulled with force. Mask refused to leave the man¡¯s face. Tugging harder, the mask tore from his face. Having an American face, Allison could only catch a glimpse before it crumbled into ash. Letting out a gasp, she jumped back to her feet. Her hands covered her mouth. What kind of magic was this? She wondered.

    In the hallway, Gabriel rushed to Jasmine¡¯s aid. Richard held his defensive stature for some time. Though the quickness of their opponents disallowed them to find an opening to exploit. With no hesitation, Gabriel joined the fray. Putting up a relentless assault to the rear. ¡°Brother, he¡¯s already gave us the information. We must retreat.¡± One of the assassins said.

    Gabriel opened the back of the shorter one¡¯s shirt. Slashing at his back, leaving a small red gash. ¡°I was thinking the same thing, these ones are not important,¡± The other agreed, dropping smoke grenades from their pockets. A plume of black smoke filled the hallway, the squad began coughing heavily. Gabriel held his breath, closing his eyes to focus on their thoughts and which direction they were headed.

    The two assassins jumped out of the window. Launching themselves towards the roof next door. One being instantly vaporized by a bolt of lightning. Ashes blowing in the wind. Gabriel launched out the window, catching a glimpse of Chris taking a seat on a nearby dumpster, panting heavily. Rain began to fall from the sky. The lightning caused a sudden shift in the clouds to release its precipitation below.

    Gabriel landed on the roof across the way, shirtless, sprinting across the growing slick wood. The last assassin running with precision. Stumbling at the crest of the roof, regaining his footing. Gabriel was in pursuit, admitting to himself that giving out the information was detrimental to the mission. If he couldn¡¯t catch up to the man, he would have to tell David that he and Eve would be in danger.

    Refocusing on the mission, Gabriel continued. Careful of his footing not to slip to the ground below. Eyes glowing a hot blue in the middle of the night. Light from the city in the distance reflected off his face. He could see the assassin¡¯s silhouette, even if he couldn¡¯t catch up. He would do everything he could to keep his eyes in view of the man.

    ¡°Where did Gabriel go?¡± Allison jumped out the window, landing on the concrete alleyway where Chris had been sitting.

    Chris fighting to catch his breath. Having spent all his energy to concentrate his electric blast into a single funnel to prevent collateral damage. Panting, ¡°Rooftops. Going North,¡± Chris looked up to the sky, sticking out his tongue to catch whatever water he could.

    Allison looked up at Jasmine and Richard, ¡°He went North; on the rooftops!¡± She shouted to them above. Allison began healing Chris, resting her hand on his shoulder. Jasmine and Richard nodded. Jasmine blinked onto the roof adjacent. Richard ran back to provide himself momentum to leap across. Ethan remained inside to clean the damage in the hotel.

    Gabriel remained in pursuit. Slowly gaining up to him, channeling his energy into the balls of his feet for a further leap. Why hadn¡¯t they brought Stephen with them? His foot slipped, he had to focus. His stray thoughts were causing him to lose sight of the mission. Gabriel was now a rooftop away from the stranger. How could his older brother think and fight at the same time? Especially with all the distractions. Gabriel slipped just before he could gain the advantage. Tumbling to the floor below, Gabriel reached out. Grabbing onto window-ceil with his left hand. His feet dangling, breathing heavily from his mouth. ¡°Dammit,¡± He pulled himself up, climbing up the wall. Looking for anything exposed enough for his hands to clasp onto.

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    Gabriel continued his pursuit once on the roof, before suddenly stopping. The assassin was being lifted in the air, another large man was standing before the assassin. Hands gripping around his neck. Gabriel drew his sword swiftly.

    The assassin choking with no chance to escape. The stranger dressed in a black trench coat, katana at his hip. Gabriel was unsure if this stranger was a friend or foe. Remaining on the defense. The stranger removed the mask of the assassin, throwing it to the ground. His red eyes widened before fading to ash, just as the one before.

    Throwing the left-behind clothes to the wet floor. Gabriel could now get a better view of the man. A black hood over the man¡¯s head, a soft, well-maintained grey beard poking from the shadow over his face. Gabriel couldn¡¯t help but feel warmth in his heart in his presence. As if it were a reunion with an old friend. Holding his sword tighter. Gabriel remained defensive. ¡°Who are you?¡±

    ¡°Gabriel Locklear,¡± His heavy hoarse voice spoke. ¡°I remember you were just a boy, well, you still are it appears.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to ask again,¡± Gabriel said, ¡°You better start giving answers.¡±

    ¡°I was in shame to hear of my brother¡¯s passing. But happy to hear his own students brought an end to the Legion.¡± The man removed his hood. Gabriel found himself in shock, his white hair was long and braided. His eyes were the same, blue with heavy scarring on his white face. A spitting image of Gabriel¡¯s late master Eleazar. Even the same straight face.

    ¡°Is this some type of trick?¡± Gabriel asked, tightening his defense ready for a fight.

    ¡°Montague was never one to speak on his own family. It was tragic how he was so easy to distance himself from everyone,¡± He said, ¡°My name is Aiden Eleazar. Older brother to your old master.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re lying,¡± Gabriel spoke, ¡°I think he would¡¯ve told us if he had a family. We were his family.¡±

    Aiden reached out his hand, a burning weapon appeared from thin air. Gabriel dropped his defense. Eleazar had the same ability, the ancient art of the shadow weapon. Though Aiden¡¯s wasn¡¯t just a shadow, it held a flame within it. Gabriel had remembered being told the ability was exclusive to the Eleazar bloodline. Regardless of how many times David had tried and failed to learn it.

    ¡°Are you here to help us?¡± Gabriel asked, ¡°We¡¯re hunting for the wolfpack.¡±

    ¡°I owe my brother a favor,¡± Aiden closed the distance between him and Gabriel. ¡°He had come to me in a dream. Feeling regret over not training you as attentively as he had trained your brother. He has asked me to help you complete your training.¡±

    Gabriel stood confused, having always felt left out from training. Not being the primary focus of his master, left him feeling outcasted. Though he was glad not to be as tired as David. His mind was still on the wolfpack. ¡°We have an important mission we have to deal with.¡±

    ¡°I understand. If you change your mind, you will find the Temple of the Dawn near Mount Fuji,¡± Aiden said.

    ¡°Gabe!¡± Jasmine called out to him as she jumped to the roof where he had stood. Gabriel turned around, as she landed before him. Richard soon followed just behind her. ¡°Did you get him?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s dead,¡± Gabriel said. ¡°Guys, I want you to meet-¡° He stopped, Gabriel turned around to see Aiden had disappeared like a shadow. No where to be found.  ¡°He¡¯s gone.¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s gone?¡± Richard asked, ¡°We only saws you up here.¡±

    ¡°You won¡¯t believe it,¡± Gabriel decided to spill the beans. ¡°Master Eleazar¡¯s brother!¡±

    Jasmine and Richard eyed each other strangely. ¡°I think the rain is making you sick.¡± She said, ¡°Let¡¯s get you inside before you freeze to death.¡± Gabriel just realized he was still shirtless.

    Richard walked over to the mask on the floor, ¡°Well at least we know their weakness.¡± Lifting it off the floor to take it back to his room.

    Gabriel stood looking around, not sure how Aiden had escaped without leaving behind a thought in a splash of water. ¡°Let¡¯s go, we need to call David. This mission is getting complicated,¡± Jasmine said blinking to the ground below.

    Richard stood on the ledge. ¡°Gabriel?¡± He asked turning over to him. ¡°You alright?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Gabriel walked over to the ledge next to Richard. Both jumping at the same time to the ground. The three began walking back to the hostel. Gabriel¡¯s body shivering, his eyes fixed on Fuji in the distance. Could they afford to place the mission on hold or do both at the same time? Perhaps they would be safer there while they did their mission. He would discuss it in the morning with David and the rest of the team. For now, what everyone needed was sleep.

    <hr>

    David whipped his face with the towel, cleansing the mirror in the bathroom to see his face. Black and white cracks littered his face like shattered glass. Closing his eyes, David focused his energy to hide them underneath his tanned skin. Sighing, it had felt good to relax in the heat of the shower. Now was back to hiding what was underneath.

    Opening the door slightly, to get some air. David threw on his clothes, ready to continue their trip, hoping for another day without danger. Stepping out of the bathroom, Eve was lying on the bed. Eyes closed; she must have fallen asleep. A slice of pizza half eaten left on top of the box. David walked over to the box next to her. Reaching down to open it. Eve¡¯s hand snatched his wrist. David held still, looking down at Eve. Her eyes looked up at his face. There was a heavy silence between them.

    Locking eyes, David knew what was on her mind. Eve felt the same in him. ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± David muttered from his lips.

    ¡°You were thinking it first,¡± Eve¡¯s voice cracked. She released her grip.

    ¡°I know,¡± David said. Opening the pizza box, to grab himself a slice. ¡°I thought you were hungry; you only ate half a slice.¡±

    Eve remained lying admiring him from below, ¡°It didn¡¯t feel right to eat without you.¡±

    ¡°Since when have you started having manners,¡± David laughed.

    ¡°I think you¡¯re starting to have an effect on me,¡± Eve sat up to continue eating. David joined with her. The two enjoyed their meal together. David¡¯s phone began to vibrate on the nightstand near Eve. David blew air from his nose, rolling his eyes. ¡°Have you ever thought of just turning it off?¡±

    ¡°My job doesn¡¯t let me,¡± Eve reached for the phone. Reading Gabriel¡¯s name as the incoming caller. Eve slid the answer tab.

    ¡°Hello?¡± She asked, putting it on speaker.

    ¡°Hey bro, your voice got lighter. You should get that checked out,¡± Gabriel said.

    ¡°You sound tired Gabe, you sound like you need some sleep. I know David hasn¡¯t been there to help you make a bedtime,¡± Eve smiled.

    ¡°Hi, Eve!¡± Allison yelled from across the room into the phone.

    ¡°Just give the phone to my brother,¡± Gabriel said.

    Eve put her finger to her mouth, signaling to David to stay quiet. ¡°He¡¯s not here right now. He went to the store to buy some lingerie for me.¡± The call dropped. ¡°Gabe? I think he hung up.¡±

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not what happened,¡± David sat the pizza down on his lap.

    The began vibrating again, ¡°It¡¯s Allison calling this time.¡± Eve answered the phone, ¡°Allison?¡±

    ¡°Gabriel fried his phone, please tell us that it was a joke,¡± Allison said.

    ¡°It was a joke; David is right here. You¡¯re on speaker.¡± Eve handed the phone to David.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± David asked. ¡°How is everything?¡±

    ¡°Ah man, you guys should have come with us,¡± Gabriel started, ¡°That way we can protect Eve and your virginity together.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m still a virgin, Gabe,¡± David smiled.

    ¡°Loser,¡± Chris said from the background.

    ¡°Moving on,¡± Gabriel¡¯s tone lowered, ¡°We got attacked by three assassins in our sleep.¡±

    David frowned, ¡°Is everyone okay?¡±

    ¡°Only thing we lost was sleep.¡±

    In a sigh of relief, David cracked his neck, ¡°Did they find anything out?¡±

    Gabriel looked at Allison, she nodded at him, to tell the truth, ¡°Some information slipped, just to be safe I would get out of Oregon.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± David placed the phone on the bed. ¡°Call Kevin or Virgil after this to put the sanctuary on high alert.¡±

    ¡°Way ahead of you,¡± Gabriel said.

    ¡°If that¡¯s it, we need to start packing.¡± David slipped his shoes on. Eve jumped out of bed to gather their things.

    ¡°There¡¯s one other thing,¡± Gabriel said, ¡°No one believes me, but Master Eleazar¡¯s brother made contact with me.¡±

    ¡°Eleazar didn¡¯t have a brother.¡±

    ¡°I thought the same thing, but you have to trust me on this.¡±

    ¡°Gabriel, I¡¯m your brother, I already trust you. Spit it out.¡±

    ¡°His name is Aiden; I was thinking we move our operation to his location. It would be safer for us and maybe I can learn more about him,¡± Gabriel said.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to ask me permission, just be careful. Let me know if he¡¯s the real deal.¡±

    ¡°He definitely is, he showed me his shadow weapon ability.¡±

    ¡°Alright, if it¡¯s safer there. Then go for it, leave first thing in the morning. The wolfpack knows where you guys are at.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s what I was thinking,¡± Gabriel said. ¡°I¡¯ll let you guys get going. Also one more thing. Stay safe, I love you both.¡±

    Eve stopped what she was doing, looking over at David. ¡°I love you too Gabe.¡± She called out.

    ¡°Wish you would¡¯ve said I was on speaker,¡± Gabriel said, ¡°Let me know if you need anything.¡±

    David picked up the phone, ¡°I love you too bro. Stay safe. Let me know when to hop onto a plane over there.¡±

    ¡°I will,¡± Gabriel said before hanging up the phone.

    ¡°He sounded worried,¡± Eve said to David. Putting her bags near the door.

    ¡°Those assassins must have been able to put up a fight.¡± David shoved clothes into his bag. ¡°I should be there.¡±

    ¡°I know you feel that way, I wish we all could be there,¡± Eve walked over to him putting her hand on his back. ¡°Everyone is at risk to keep me safe.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± David said zipping his bag closed. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    David and Eve spent the next couple of minutes packing the van back to how it previously was. Eve brought in the box of pizza, setting it on the dashboard. They hadn¡¯t had a chance to finish a single slice. David slammed the sliding door shut. ¡°Washington?¡± He asked her.

    ¡°Washington,¡± Eve said, ¡°My friend Jessica is having a party at her place in the next couple of days.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t do well at parties,¡± David admitted.

    ¡°I met your friends, I think it¡¯s only fair you meet mine.¡± Eve smiled at him.

    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it,¡± David said. A bell rang near them, throwing David off guard. Reaching for his sword in the back of the van. His heart and blood pumping. Eyes glowing a deep green.

    Eve jumped, excited, ¡°Dude, Ice cream.¡± David relaxed setting the sword back down on the floor. Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves. David was on a high level of stress.

    ¡°Scared the hell out of me,¡± David laughed. Telling himself he needed to relax.

    ¡°You¡¯re too on edge, I think it can take a load off your mind with some,¡± Eve said to him. It was an older man, taller than both of them. Pushing an ice cream cart with stickers littered all over the white box. A longer beard down to the upper chest. Couldn¡¯t be older than sixty. A baseball cap covered his long hair that touched his ears.

    ¡°Hey there, would you kids like some of Uncle Willy¡¯s ice cream?¡± The man said, ¡°Only a dollar a scoop.¡±

    ¡°Oh, hell yeah,¡± Eve turned to David with pleading eyes. David was a fool for her deep blues. Pulling out his wallet. Walking over to the man, Eve followed close behind him.

    ¡°What flavor can I get you both?¡± Willy asked as he opened the top of the cart.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to have to go with chocolate,¡± Eve said with ecstasy in her eyes. Peering down into the bay of flavors.

    ¡°What about you sir?¡± Willy asked. David had spaced out, looking in the distance. Voices like children tickling his eardrums. ¡°Sir?¡±

    David snapped back to reality. ¡°Sorry, I¡¯ll just go with the cookies and cr¨¨me.¡±

    ¡°You alright?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°Yeah, just tired.¡±

    ¡°Where are you guys headed?¡± Willy asked the two, scooping the tubs of ice cream. Laying them on the cone.

    ¡°Just hermits,¡± David told him.

    ¡°Careful when you head north, especially when camping,¡± Willy handed Eve her cone. She thanked him and immediately began eating.

    ¡°What¡¯s north?¡± David asked.

    ¡°Everyone calls me crazy but I¡¯ve seen them,¡± Willy started on David¡¯s ice cream.

    ¡°Them?¡± Eve asked, Half of her scoop already diminished.

    ¡°Some of the boys and I call them Nephs. They live in the forest, practicing witchcraft. Creating magics, defiling the will of God,¡± Willy started on a Rant. Eve noticed how David¡¯s demeanor changed from lighthearted to one of annoyance. ¡°People like that deserve to die for desecrating God. They¡¯re witches and they must face judgment.¡±

    ¡°Probably just some hippies in a forest,¡± David countered. Tired of this conversation, wishing for it to end.

    ¡°No. Here, I have a pamphlet,¡± Willy handed it to David with the ice cream cone. ¡°I¡¯m with the Church of Light to Darkness.¡±

    David pulled out his wallet, taking out two dollars. Swiftly handing him the money. ¡°Thanks, sir.¡± David began to turn around.

    ¡°You think I am crazy don¡¯t you?¡± Willy is annoyed at David¡¯s refusal to learn more. ¡°You will see, son. When they decide to take over, your privilege won¡¯t save you!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure they will,¡± David said. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Eve instinctively follows.

    ¡°Young lady, help him find the truth!¡± Willy shouted once more. Eve looked back at him, eyebrow raised. Unsure what had just happened. What seemed to be an innocent ice cream cart, turned into a hostile street preach. She climbed into the passenger seat, David jumped into the driver¡¯s seat. Dropping his ice cream cone into the plastic bag they used for trash.

    ¡°I would¡¯ve eaten that,¡± Eve said trying to break the ice.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want anything that man had,¡± David said. Looking at the pamphlet.

    ¡°What was that all about?¡± Eve asked, ¡°Nephs?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a racist term against people with abilities like us,¡± David told her, throwing the pamphlet on the ground. ¡°The Cult of Light to Darkness.¡±

    ¡°That says, Church.¡± Eve kept trying to make David laugh. Though her attempts failed, ¡°Look at me.¡± David turned his head, rolling his eyes. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s reason to believe that this cult is responsible for the deaths of many spirit users,¡± David said. ¡°There¡¯s nothing we can do about it, because if their entire cult just disappeared. Then many would suspect them to be right.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why we never do anything alone,¡± It had occurred to her. ¡°Why when they capture one of us, they just don¡¯t fight back?¡±

    ¡°Loyalty and selflessness. If even one video leaked, it could mean the end of the Order.¡± David said.

    ¡°And there¡¯s nothing the government can do about it?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°No, they¡¯re good at covering their tracks. Which is why it¡¯s all speculation to the country, but we know what is true.¡± David slammed the keys into the ignition.

    ¡°I think we should check out those hippies in the forest,¡± Eve suggested, putting on her seatbelt.

    ¡°You just read my mind.¡± David knew who these people were, but wasn¡¯t sure if he was ready for Eve to face the truth of everything between here and him.

 Chapter 9: Hidden Things

    Gabriel handed the phone back to Allison, shaking his head slowly. ¡°I have a really bad feeling,¡± he muttered from his dry lips. ¡°How did Aiden know where to stop the assassin? Him showing up at that exact moment couldn¡¯t have been just coincidence, right?¡± Gabriel¡¯s mind began to spin.

    ¡°None of us saw him, I think your mind just might be playing tricks on you, babe,¡± Allison touched his back. Gabriel shook her off, walking to the window to stare at the left-over raindrops on the window¡¯s face. ¡°Master Eleazar never told us about any family members of his.¡±

    ¡°He did, to David and I, but they were all killed, at least that¡¯s what he told us,¡± Gabriel admitted.

    ¡°You two were his favorites,¡± Jasmine stood up from her seat. Leaving Chris to feed himself the bottle of water.

    ¡°Aw, I like it when you take care of me,¡± Chris grasped the water bottle himself.

    ¡°Not favorites,¡± Gabriel¡¯s mind peered back to the amount of abuse David, Kaitlyn, Liam, and Gabriel received. Tough love, he had thought of it, to only think of it now as child abuse. ¡°If we were to start looking for the wolves, where would we even start?¡±

    ¡°I was thinking with the Order branch here,¡± Allison sat down. Sliding her phone back into her pocket. ¡°But it seems like we¡¯re not on the best of terms with them already.¡±

    ¡°The only thing that makes sense is to pursue this Aiden guy,¡± Richard stood near the door, arms crossed over his big chest.

    ¡°That would be crazy,¡± Ethan said, ¡°Let¡¯s say he is who he claims to be, there has to be a reason Master Eleazar never told us about him. For all we know is he could be some type of psychopath.¡±

    ¡°David would know what to do in this situation. This is our first large mission without him.¡± Allison said brushing her hands through her brown hair.

    Gabriel clenched his fist, hating how no one felt confident in his actions or plans. ¡°David¡¯s not here!¡± He yelled, ¡°If none of you want to do anything, fine. Just sit here and figure it out. At first Dawn, I¡¯m going to go find Aiden and finish this mission by my damned self,¡± Gabriel turned around heading out the door.

    ¡°Gabe!¡± Allison yelled for him to stop. Gabriel heard her but didn¡¯t listen. He slammed the door behind himself. Heading back into his room to gather his gear.

    ¡°You¡¯re not going to stop him,¡± Jasmine said, ¡°Gabe is too stubborn, once he sets his mind on something he¡¯ll do it.¡±

    ¡°So, we¡¯re just going to let him go alone?¡± Allison questioned.

    ¡°Without Gabriel, the strength of our team is going to drop twenty-five percent,¡± Richard pushed himself off the wall.

    ¡°Wow, you have a lot of confidence in all of us,¡± Ethan said, ¡°Where am I in that bracket?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hurt your feelings?¡± Richard opened the door. Ethan laughed it off, knowing he was right.

    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Jasmine asked.

    ¡°Getting some sleep. If Gabe is leaving at dawn, that¡¯s going to give me about four hours to sleep to leave,¡± Richard left the room.

    ¡°Well, there goes our defense.¡± Chris said, ¡°Guess we all have to go now.¡±

    ¡°Agreed,¡± Ethan sat up to follow Richard. Allison stood up without a word.

    Jasmine shook her head. ¡°Get out of my room,¡± she told the stragglers.

    ¡°I take it you¡¯re not coming?¡± Allison asked.

    ¡°If I¡¯m not outside by the time you leave, you¡¯ll know my answer.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Allison said no more. She wasn¡¯t one to motivate or inspire others to change their minds. Jasmine watched as the others left her room. Sitting down at the foot of her bed, putting her hands together. Interlocking her fingers to pray.

    <hr>

    David sat in the passenger seat, trying to nap. Eve drove carefully, this was her first road trip, realistically the first time driving a vehicle. Her parents had never given her, her own car let alone let her drive. The deal was if Eve had no incidents with her powers, they would have bought her a car. Eve¡¯s longest streak was five weeks. A tear rolled down her cheek. Would they have been proud of her if they could see how far she had come? Or use it to insult her in some manipulative way?

    She smiled softly, proud of herself. Her friends were proud of her and that was enough for Eve. Remembering one time Eve had snapped at the fact that one of her dolls had gone missing. Resulting in the destruction of her mother¡¯s makeup box. Eve laughed to herself, not feeling an ounce of regret. She deserved it.

    David¡¯s phone began to ring, Eve quickly wiped her eyes. Out of fear of him seeing her cry. ¡°God, why can¡¯t anyone let me relax!¡± He cried out.

    ¡°Let it go to voicemail,¡± Eve suggested to him still lying on his back.

    ¡°It¡¯s Leonora,¡± David let out a deep breath to prepare himself for an interaction with her.

    ¡°Definitely let it go to voicemail,¡± they both laughed. Though regardless of David¡¯s wants, he still had to be responsible.

    David answered the phone, ¡°Memento Mori, you have kids we¡¯ll abduct ¡®em, we¡¯ll train them. This is David how can I help you?¡± Eve¡¯s eyes widened in heavy confusion.

    ¡°Let me start off with apologizing for doing that to you kids,¡± Leonora said, ¡°I-¡°

    ¡°Master, It¡¯s fine. I was just making a joke.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps not make jokes like that?¡± She asked.

    ¡°As the last surviving member, I think I have earned that right,¡± David argued.

    ¡°Right,¡± Leonora chose not to argue any further, ¡°Have you had a chance to look over the dossiers I have sent you for recruitment?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I have,¡± David sat up pulling out a tablet from under his seat. Flipping through the files.

    ¡°What are your thoughts?¡± She asked smiling in hope.

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe any of these members have what it takes,¡± David admitted. ¡°Something that each Watcher has is some type of trauma.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t see why that is of importance,¡± Leonora pulled out her files. Browsing through each individual one.

    ¡°The way Master Eleazar put it. Is that when someone has an easy life, they don¡¯t push themselves harder. They are more prone to giving up easier.¡±

    ¡°Most of the candidates I have chosen have high scores on their trials. With many missions completed.¡±

    ¡°How many mission failures? Or mission¡¯s where they have had comrades die?¡± David refuted. Leonora stayed silent; she was beginning to understand where David was coming from.

    ¡°Do you have any suggestions?¡± Leonora asked.

    ¡°My cousin apart of Pike¡¯s Swords, Lucas Smith,¡± David requested.

    ¡°Done.¡± Leonora began writing it down on a post-it note, ¡°Any other requests?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, one more, Serenity Bates,¡± David asked.

    ¡°The former lieutenant of California¡¯s Brotherhood? We have her locked up for a reason.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± David said.

    ¡°What could you possibly want with her?¡± Leonora asked.

    ¡°War has lasted for too long if she can join me. We can bring this war to an end.¡±

    ¡°I can see, but no promises,¡± Leonora said.

    ¡°I know,¡± David muttered. ¡°Still, continue searching for more recruits for me.¡±

    ¡°I will send you another packet by the end of this week.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± David said. Leonora hung up the phone.

    ¡°What was that about?¡± Eve asked, watching the road.

    ¡°Master Leonora wants to expand the Watcher numbers. Though I would like to keep the numbers minimal. More people, the more the Order would want to use us a frontline force,¡± David admitted, setting the phone down in the center console.

    ¡°I like our little splinter group,¡± Eve said. Slightly in fear of having to meet new people to make friends with. ¡°I was talking about the memento mori thing.¡±

    David sighed, his face turned dark. ¡°When I was seven years old, Master Leonora was in charge of a project that would create the next breed of warriors. That¡¯s where I met Liam and Kaitlyn. The three of us were the only survivors of three hundred kids. The training was intense.¡± David looked out the window.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Eve¡¯s voice cracked. Reaching over to grab the top of David¡¯s hand.

    He let her, ¡°I don¡¯t know if I hate it or not.¡±

    ¡°It was wrong, I didn¡¯t know the Order was capable of something that Evil.¡±

    ¡°The sad part about it, if I never had gone through it. I would¡¯ve never met Liam and Kaitlyn. Or maybe I wouldn¡¯t be as capable of a fighter. Or¡­¡±

    ¡°Or?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s not important,¡± David retracted his hand from hers. ¡°I¡¯m going to try to go back to sleep.¡±

    ¡°Alright then,¡± Eve understood his discomfort, however finding herself annoyed. Wanting to know what he was going to say. Why had the Order constructed a program for kids? Is this why David and Gabriel always butted heads? Or was it the reason David is always serious, being thrown into something like that should force someone to mature quicker. Eve didn¡¯t know or understand what she would¡¯ve done in a situation that young. David was right, he was an extraordinary duelist. Liam was terrifying to witness at the Sanctuary. She had only wished that she was given the opportunity to meet Liam and Kaitlyn. Liam¡¯s true self.

    <hr>

    Virgil and Stephen sat in the library, both holding a bottle of water in their hands. Sitting on top of an ancient wooden table with dust on the top. Eyes glued to a heavy stone door. ¡°Do you ever wonder what¡¯s behind there?¡± Stephen asked.

    ¡°All the time,¡± Virgil answered, ¡°Can be something cool, like an ancient sword. Maybe it¡¯s something boring, like a plant that grants you friendship.¡± Virgil walked up to the door, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t even begin to know how to open it.¡±

    ¡°Think David would know?¡± Stephen asked, taking another drink.

    ¡°I¡¯ve seen him walk in here a few times. It has to be something important; Gabe doesn¡¯t even know what¡¯s in there.¡± Virgil looked around searching for displacement along the wall. ¡°It has to be some type of spell, nothing on this door shows any hint of how to open it.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know any spells that would be used for a seal. It would have to be an artifact.¡± Stephen stood up looking around the room. ¡°Like a key to the Sanctuary in itself.¡±

    Kevin walked into the room, ¡°What are you guy¡¯s doing in here?¡± Staring at the both of them knowing what they are doing. ¡°Has anyone ever told you guys, that room is forbidden? You can¡¯t get in. I¡¯ve tried.¡±

    ¡°David¡¯s not here, we have every chance to find our way inside.¡± Virgil paced towards Kevin.

    ¡°Yeah, we could. But it¡¯s not a spell. I¡¯ve watched David enter the room, no spells. He walked up and it opened for him. I can¡¯t think of anything other than explosives.¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t use explosives, David would know,¡± Virgil said.

    The three of them sat pondering on any ideas that would lead them inside. ¡°Wait a minute,¡± Stephen said breaking the silence. ¡°Was he wearing anything?¡±

    ¡°Just his normal clothes along with his swords¡­¡± Kevin paused, ¡°Wait when David was given his ceremonial blade.¡±

    ¡°He was also given the key to the Sanctuary,¡± Virgil finished Kevin¡¯s sentence. ¡°Is it in his room?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t see him take it,¡± Kevin said, ¡°It¡¯s a horrible sword for dueling. He wouldn¡¯t need it out there.¡±

    ¡°So it¡¯s here somewhere,¡± Stephen said, ¡°Where the hell would he hide it?¡±

    ¡°David¡¯s too smart, it wouldn¡¯t be in his room,¡± Virgil added, ¡°It would be somewhere no one ever goes.¡± Virgil put his hand to his chin, stroking it as if he had a beard.

    ¡°Well, what are we waiting for?¡± Stephen sprinted out of the library. The gust of wind behind him caused some of the books to fall out of their cases. Virgil looked at Kevin, both shaking their heads following him out of the library and into the cavern. Their scavenger hunt would begin, unknowing of what dark secret awaited them behind that stone door.

    <hr>

    The sun shined through the window; dust particles danced in the streaks of light. Gabriel finished packing a single backpack. A spare set of clothes along with the gear he could possibly need for his search. Expecting to find the temple swiftly. Retracting his black blade into its hilt, placing it at the top of everything in his bag. Zipping it shut. Throwing it over his shoulder, Gabriel left the hotel room and down into the hallway. Richard stood waiting for him near the stairs.

    ¡°Coming with?¡± Gabriel asked as he passed by him.

    Picking his bag off of the floor, Richard threw it over his back. ¡°All of us but Jasmine. The others are downstairs grabbing something to eat out of the vending machine.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll stop at a restaurant to eat before we head out,¡± Gabriel said taking the steps down to the ground floor.

    ¡°While you do that, I can go find a car to rent,¡± Richard said, ¡°Paying for a taxi could get expensive.¡±

    ¡°I already got that figured out. There¡¯s a train we can take that could get us most of the way.¡± Gabriel reached the bottom floor. Allison, Ethan, and Chris waiting for the two. Allison was eating a cake, Chris and Ethan were busy stashing their various snakes into their bags.

    ¡°Being responsible for once?¡± Allison sneered. Gabriel passed off the hostility, thinking it was best not to engage in an argument. Especially with the both of them being tired.

    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    ¡°There¡¯s a restaurant nearby that we can eat at before we head to the temple,¡± Gabriel told them. Allison was annoyed that he didn¡¯t reply to her. Not finishing her snack, instead of throwing it into the trashcan next to her. She stood up, putting on her backpack. Gabriel lead the way through the doors, the rest followed him out onto the streets. To their surprise, the streets were already busy. The sun was just cresting over the mountains. Gabriel lead the way down the street, the group walked in a single file.

    Once they had reached the front of the restaurant, each of them ordered their food. Almost immediately their orders were ready in small white boxes. A pair of chopsticks sitting on the top. ¡°Do you guys have forks?¡± Chris asked. The man behind the counter laughed at him, speaking in Japanese. Waving the white boy off. Chris backed away and joined the others on the street. ¡°Does anyone know what he said?¡±

    ¡°He called you a stupid American,¡± Gabriel said shoveling the noodles into his mouth. ¡°Do you not know how to eat with chopsticks?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m American, we use forks,¡± Chris answered. Gabriel smiled and just shook his head. ¡°So no one is going to help me?¡±

    ¡°Here,¡± Allison handed Chris her food to hold. Swinging her bag over her chest, digging through the front pouch. Ripping an MRE out, tearing it open. Finding the spoon, she handed it to Chris. Taking her food back.

    ¡°Always prepared,¡± Chris laughed, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Yup,¡± Allison said continuing to eat. Chris still had a hard time eating the noodles and meat with a spoon,  but it was better than trying chopsticks. The group continued to eat in silence.

    Gabriel watched the people passing by. Always find it interesting to watch those with a normal life. Going to work and coming back to a family without a worry in the world. After David had explained to him in San Diego, that it is normal to feel some jealousy of not having to hide who you are. It was God¡¯s plan for Gabriel to have to sacrifice that for the good of humanity. Most of the world can live happy not knowing that there was more danger in the world than they understood. Gabriel looked at a young kid walking with his father. ¡°Because we keep them safe.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Richard asked, mouth full of food.

    ¡°Something David told me,¡± Gabriel said. ¡°I¡¯m just thinking out loud.¡±

    More time passed; the group finished eating. Heading to the nearest train station. Gabriel could hear the mountain call his name. ¡°Did you tell David that you¡¯re going to go make contact with Aiden?¡± Allison asked.

    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t. I completely forgot.¡± Gabriel answered. He was unsure if he even wanted David to know. This was his mission, he wanted to prove he had what it took to become David¡¯s secondary. To take Kevin¡¯s spot.

    ¡°I figured, I texted him already,¡± Allison said, ¡°He hasn¡¯t replied so he¡¯s probably making out with Eve or something.¡± Gabriel¡¯s skin crawled from the thought. Even though he knew his brother wouldn¡¯t go back on his oath. After passing that off, Gabriel felt annoyed that she went over to him to let David know what was going on.

    ¡°Do you guys not trust me to lead this mission?¡± He asked.

    ¡°I just assumed that David should be in the know. We could get captured, and then he would have to lead a rescue mission,¡± Allison answered, ¡°Just doing the adult thing.¡±

    Gabriel rolled his eyes, he hated she was right. The group jumped in line to buy their tickets. This looked like it could take forever. The station was jam-packed with people. All heading to work in the dense city. Gabriel decided to keep his face glued to his phone, scrolling through social media. Finding a picture of David and Eve what looked like to be a desert. Kevin¡¯s photoshop skills were getting better. If Gabriel didn¡¯t know any better, he would believe that the two were in the middle of the Mojave.

    <hr>

    Eve parked the van on the side of a road. Having veered off the highway for some rest. She could hear a soft hum in her ears. Rubbing her ears multiple times to see if it would go away. She looked around into the night, surrounded by nothing but trees and grass. Steering her eyes towards David who was fast asleep in the reclined chair. Reaching over to shake him awake, ¡°David.¡± He shook himself awake, reaching for the sword at his feet. ¡°No, it¡¯s alright.¡± She told him. David rubbed his face, cleaning off the gunk in his eyes.

    ¡°How long was I out?¡± David asked.

    ¡°A couple hours,¡± Eve answered, she handed him a bottle of water. He thanked her, cracking the bottle open.

    ¡°The forest? Seems romantic.¡± David joked. Rubbing his ears repeatedly. ¡°Is something wrong with the van?¡±

    ¡°So, you hear the hum too,¡± Eve handed him his phone. ¡°Should we check it out?¡±

    ¡°Ever see a horror movie?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s a monster going to do to us?¡± Eve smiled, ¡°But seriously, I think we should check it out.¡±

    David reached down to grab his shoes. ¡°I think so too.¡± Eve opened the door, the hum turned into soft singing. She had never heard anything more beautiful. A woman¡¯s voice was singing a song, none of the words were comprehendible to her knowledge.

    ¡°I¡¯m starting to think we shouldn¡¯t check it out,¡± David said.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s Latin, they¡¯re calling us to come and see.¡± David stepped out of the van, sword in hand.

    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful.¡±

    ¡°So is fire, but you don¡¯t go and touch it do you?¡± David asked.

    ¡°I want to go,¡± Eve said against her better judgment. She reached inside the van, grabbing her sword from underneath her seat. ¡°Come on, I¡¯ll keep you safe.¡± Both arguing from the open doors.

    ¡°I swear if it¡¯s a sin. I¡¯m leaving you behind to get eaten,¡± David joked. Closing the door behind himself. Eve waited for him on her side of the vehicle. Hair tie in her mouth, tying her hair back into a ponytail. After she was finished, David was standing in front of her watching his wrist as if there was a watch he was staring at. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re finished.¡±

    ¡°If there¡¯s a sin, I¡¯m definitely leaving you to get eaten.¡±

    The pine trees above them climbed high into the fresh night sky. Dark streaks of clouds wisped only visible from the crescent moon¡¯s light. The fresh air assaulted their lungs. The smell of wet soil and remedied their senses. An overwhelming harmony of nature surrounded the two. Neither of them has felt the oneness with the spirits since being by the tree atop of the mountain in the sanctuary.

    David took the lead off of the road and into the forest. Eve followed close behind, her mind racing. Unsure of what they would find and how they would react to strangers. David was completely relaxed, placing his hand on its tree. A type of echolocation, pushing his power into the wood. He could tell where the tribe was waiting. There was rumbling received back for them. Were they preparing for a fight? David stopped.

    ¡°Is everything okay?¡± Eve asked him quietly.

    ¡°I think they know we¡¯re here,¡± David said under his breath. ¡°Stay close to me. They could be hostile.¡± David wasn¡¯t afraid of fighting them. Most of the free tribes practiced peace, meaning most of their warriors were nowhere near the training of the Order, let alone the Brotherhood. David pressed on, careful not to make any noise. Focusing on his footing. Eve did the same.

    Eve looked around her, colors of the spirits began to surround them. Captivated by their beauty. David stopped at the wood line. Kneeling down he could see all the tents. Illuminated by the glowing dancing bonfire in the center. Eve rejoined with him. She began watching, her heart sank. Such beauty in all the colors in one place. Even the colors of red, she had attached the color to that of anger and malice. However, it was symbiotic with the rest. Blue, green, and yellow. All dancing together with the music in the distance. She could feel herself having a sensory overload. Something she couldn¡¯t explain to David. She wished only that he could see it.  ¡°God,¡± is all she could muster from her mouth.

    ¡°What does it look like?¡± David asked.

    ¡°Otherworldly,¡± Eve didn¡¯t want to blink. Her eyes wide to take in every second of it. Like a drug.

    David watched her, smiling at her own absolute disconnection with the world around her. ¡°Let¡¯s get closer.¡±

    ¡°They aren¡¯t going to try to fight us, are they?¡± Eve asked. David heard a twig snap behind himself, drawing his sword swiftly to defend himself. Eve did as well.

    ¡°It depends on your intent on being here,¡± A large dark-skinned man appeared from the shadows, along with others. All dressed differently from each other. Most dressed in warm clothes regardless. Eve could see just how different they all were from each other. Like a random mixture of races, men, and women, all looking as if they were from different parts of the world. The large man pulled out a flashlight, shining it on both of their faces. ¡°David, you make it closer every time you visit.¡±

    ¡°I was hoping to make it inside the camp this time,¡± David smiled. Eve¡¯s heart fell from a race into a calming rhythm. They were never in danger, David just pretended to be for his little game with this man. ¡°When did you pick up on me?¡±

    ¡°About halfway, we were in the middle of eating supper,¡± His heavy laughter busted out. Walking up to David to shake his arm. David put his sword away, accepting the gestor. Grasping his forearm as if they were like Vikings.

    ¡°And who is this?¡±

    ¡°This is Evelyn Taylor,¡± David said as the man looked down on her. ¡°Eve this is Malachi, he¡¯s the anointed warrior of this tribe.¡±

    ¡°It is a pleasure to meet you,¡± Malachi said shaking her hand like David. Eve reciprocated, though she didn¡¯t use her strength. He laughed, ¡°We will work on it.¡±

    ¡°Is the shaman here?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s in his tent,¡± Malachai answered, ¡°Is she?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± David answered. ¡°I need to speak with him.¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Malachai waved his hand for the others to follow. Eve put her sword away and followed David at his side.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve been here before,¡± Eve said to David.

    ¡°How else do you think I gave you the GPS location?¡± He smiled. ¡°I don¡¯t come often. I was sure they would still be here.¡±

    ¡°Why is that?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re waiting for someone,¡± David said passing by some tents. The large group walked into the center. Hundreds of chairs and stones surrounded the fire in the center. People dancing around the fire stopped in their tracks upon catching glimpse of Eve and David. Children stopped eating to watch the pair. The musicians stopped playing their various instruments. A single woman covered in tattoos and piercings took an eye on the couple. A warm welcoming smile shined from her face.

    ¡°Who are they waiting for?¡± Eve felt comfortable and welcomed by everyone. Though hesitant towards all the attention.¡±

    ¡°You,¡± David said walking towards the largest tent, built out of hiding and wool. Eve stopped in her tracks, why were they waiting for her? She pondered, she wasn¡¯t anyone special. At least that¡¯s what she knew.

    ¡°Me?¡±

    ¡°I have one question for you Eve, I¡¯m giving you a choice.¡± David turned around to her. ¡°We can head back. We can continue on as if this never happened and you can live on with your life as normal. As soon as you step inside this tent, everything you know will change. And there will be no going back. You will learn the truth of everything that has led you here. Everything could change of what you think of the Order, the world, or me.¡±

    ¡°Why are you asking me this?¡± Eve felt the intensity in his eyes.

    ¡°Because no one ever gave me the choice. You deserve to have the choice.¡± David said.

    ¡°I want to go inside,¡± Eve said without a second thought. All she wanted was the truth in everything. She didn¡¯t care how she was going to learn it.

    ¡°Before we head inside, I will apologize from my end for hiding everything from you. I only did so to protect you.¡± David said. His heart raced, afraid of how she would react to the truth of it all.

    ¡°I know my safety has always been in your best interest. I know I am ready; I forgive you for whatever it is.¡± Eve was in love deeply with David. She felt nothing would change that. Eve hoped. David took in a deep breath. He loved her just the same, though he prepared his mind to lose her. ¡°Maybe tell me the truth you¡¯ve been hiding from me before I have to hear it from someone else.¡± She gave him this chance to redeem himself.

    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t understand unless you were told everything,¡± David explained. ¡°I wanted to tell you since I met you.¡±

    Malachai went ahead of them, opening the draped-down flap. The entrance to the tent was clear. Eve was annoyed with David and wanted to hear nothing more from him. She walked towards the entrance with fear and confidence. Stopping at the door, Eve turned her head towards David, ¡°Are you coming?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s best I didn¡¯t,¡± David knew if he had to hear what she was and what she had done all those years ago. He would only fall again into a fit of pain.

    ¡°Please,¡± Eve begged. David closed his eyes, inhaling the fresh air filling his lungs. He couldn¡¯t resist her pleas. David turned and followed her lead into the tent. Relieving Malachai to hold the flap open himself. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Eve entered the tent; she was expecting to find a room full of treasures and artifacts. However, there was nothing but a round wooden table in the center. No, it wasn¡¯t a table. It was a tree trunk, with smaller ones surrounding the largest one in the center. A blue and green woven cloth lay on top of it. Just behind it was a single bed, no bigger than a twin-sized pad laid across it. Turning her head to the left was an old brown leathery man. Dressed in a long cloth held together by a single clasp on his left shoulder. Her eyes fell on his face. The man appeared to be staring right through her. His eyes were gray, the energy around him was a deep green. Not like the others who held a bright green, or David who held a viridian green.

    ¡°Evelyn Taylor?¡± He asked holding onto a tall walking stick, a sword¡¯s hilt came out of the top of it. Almost touching his eyebrow.

    ¡°Yes?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°I have been waiting for you,¡± The man smiled as if he were prepared to cry with excitement. David entered the tent just behind her. ¡°And David, the last I saw you. You had passed into the after.¡± David prepared to speak but was cut off by him. ¡°I can sense you wish it had stayed that way.¡± David nodded.

    Eve looked at David, deep in concern. David shook his head at her not to pursue the thought. She accepted he didn¡¯t want to talk about it. Maybe he wishes he were dead because now it only means his destiny was still on track. ¡°How long have you been waiting for me?

    The man inhaled and closed his eyes. ¡°A little more than two or so.¡±

    ¡°Years?¡±

    ¡°Two thousand.¡±

    <hr>

    Virgil lifted the sheets under David¡¯s bed. Of course, it wouldn¡¯t be there, was he an idiot? They were running out of places to check. Kevin was in the gym, checking under and behind all the equipment. Still nothing. Stephen had already sprinted up and down the mountain almost a dozen times. Nothing near the tree or the cemetery. All the rooms have been checked, besides the female rooms. None of them dared be caught on the cameras entering there. Kevin had already broken into Liam¡¯s room. Only to find nothing but a sad memory. Kevin walked out of the gym, standing near the elevator to think.

    ¡°Kevin!¡± James called out to him leaving the dining room with a tray with three plates. ¡°I thought you were all busy, so I decided to fix some food for you guys. I made enchilada¡¯s tonight, but they will never be like Gabriella¡¯s.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, James, but we¡¯re trying to find something.¡±

    ¡°What might that be? I could help, I have the eyes of a hawk.¡±

    ¡°David told me that you had the special ability to detect artifacts through the spirits,¡± Kevin said. ¡°Do you think you can help us?¡±

    James set down the tray of food on a table nearby, ¡°I did, but I cut myself off from the spirits. I would be no help to you.¡±

    Kevin stood in shock, not understanding the situation. Never in a million years would Kevin think of doing something like that. He must have had a good reason for it, a damned good reason if he was once a Watcher as well. ¡°Oh, um, well.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± James said, ¡°I¡¯ve lived here longer than you, and this place is full of secrets. Maybe I can help?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re looking for the Sanctuary¡¯s ceremonial sword.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s in my room.¡± James told him, ¡°Why do you need it?¡±

    Kevin felt he could never lie to James. But his desire to enter the forbidden room was stronger than his morals. He decided to regret it later. He could say David needs the inscription on the blade. No that would be dumb, James watched David recite the words a thousand times. Probably even helped him practice. ¡°David asked for me to find some information for him in the forbidden room.¡±

    ¡°What information?¡± James asked. Kevin began to feel his head heat up in a sweat. How could he possibly lie to James?

    ¡°He wants to know about the information on the first Watchers and their relationship with the Native Americans.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not in the library?¡± James asked, ¡°I could have sworn I¡¯ve read that book a dozen times.¡±

    ¡°I guess there¡¯s more about it in the forbidden section?¡± Kevin continued to act, hoping James could see through his deception.

    ¡°Alright,¡± James said. Some time passed, Stephen and Virgil were now standing with Kevin at the elevator waiting for James. Once he returned, James had the sword sheathed in his hands.

    ¡°I can take it from here.¡± Kevin put out his hands to retrieve the sword.

    ¡°I promised David I wouldn¡¯t let anyone else touch it,¡± James said. He was right if Kevin were to touch it. The sword would keep Kevin¡¯s spirit traced on it. The three stood and looked at the elevator.

    ¡°Okay then,¡± Virgil opened the door. No longer wanting to be around James. Not wanting to be an accomplice to being dishonest with James. The four entered the cavern, heading towards the library. James put the sword against the stone door. Symbols ignited across the once plain door, splitting open from the center. The three watched in awe. Kevin entered the room, lit only by glowing crystals. This must be where they have gotten theirs when first joining the Order and being assigned to the Watchers. The room smelled like old paper and dust. He didn¡¯t envy David¡¯s access to the room anymore.

    Stephen tried to enter behind Kevin. Feeling the sword¡¯s hilt against his chest, James was blocking Stephen from entering inside. Virgil stayed perfectly still, not wanting to enter the room to provoke the Locklear father, believing that their swordsmanship was a family gene.

    Kevin looked around at the bookcases, all were old and dusty. Besides one book and a file, he reached for both. Grabbing the file, the title read, ¡®Evelyn Taylor.¡¯ Taking it and placing it in the back of his pant line. The second didn¡¯t have a title, opening the first page it was David¡¯s handwriting. ¡°I can¡¯t think of a good title for this.¡± Taking that one as well. Kevin began searching for a book that talked about the origins of the Sanctuary. Only not to raise suspicion in James. Finding one that read, ¡®John Eleazar and John Locklear, an account of the beginning of the Sanctuary and its Watchers; written by ¡­¡¯ the name was rubbed out and unreadable. Kevin decided this was best. Taking no time to turn around and leave the room.

    ¡°Good?¡± James held out his hand to read the title. ¡°Alright. Let me know when you need me to come back down to open the door for you like a gentleman.¡± He laughed, using the sword to shut the door, sealing it back to its original state. James left with the sword in hand, the three-headed back into the cavern. Watching James walk into the elevator, waiting for the doors to shut.

    Once they did, Stephen began speaking. ¡°Did you- ¡°Kevin raised his finger for silence. Virgil looked up at the elevator. Waiting to hear the gears begin to spin up.

    ¡°I got two books and a file,¡± Kevin said pulling them out of his pant line. Setting them down on the counter near the kitchen¡¯s entrance.

    Virgil reached for the file. ¡°This must be the classified version of Eve¡¯s documents.¡±

    Kevin slapped his hands before he could grab them. ¡°Gloves,¡± He snapped, ¡°If David even notices any fingerprints, he¡¯s going to have us reprimanded,¡± Kevin remembered the last time they all faced punishment for one of their pranks on Eleazar.

    ¡°You¡¯re right, I¡¯m not trying to face a seven-day lockout in the forest again,¡± Stephen said. Once the group found and put on rubber gloves. Virgil picked up the file, eager to begin reading.

    Flipping to the first page, Virgil read aloud in large, printed letters. ¡°Reading or sharing any information within this file without proper authorization can result in the maximum penalty of¡­¡± He stopped.

    ¡°How many years?¡± Kevin asked.

    ¡°Death,¡± Virgil muttered. There weren¡¯t many if any documents that were considered detrimental to the Order. The only other punishment that was grounds for death was exposing your powers to the public. ¡°I don¡¯t know guys; do you think we¡¯re getting too curious?¡±

    ¡°I need to know what makes Eve¡¯s information so important that we could die knowing,¡± Stephen questioned.

    Virgil¡¯s curiosity spiked again, taking a deep breath. Virgil flipped to the next page. His eyes read from left to right, his mouth reading every word carefully. With every sentence, the three pairs of eyes grew wider and wider. Virgil¡¯s heart pounding in his chest. Kevin had to take a seat; his knees felt the weight of the knowledge of who Eve really was. A weight only David, Gabriel, and Liam had. The knowledge that had died with their late master. Everything began to make more sense; the pieces of the puzzle were now complete for them. A puzzle they had only wished they had left on the shelf at the store. One question weighed heavy on Virgil¡¯s mind, how could their best friend ever possibly be in love with a woman who was responsible for the death of his own mother?

 Chapter 10: The Temple

    The trees were blooming with their warm Sakura blossoms, the smell of the pure sweet air. A difference in night and day between nature and the city of Tokyo. Gabriel lead the way into the mountain, searching for the temple Aiden had told him about. Lost and confused, hundreds of acres would have to be covered to even come close to finding it. The others grew more frustrated with every minute wasted.

    ¡°We¡¯ve been at it for a couple hours man,¡± Richard spoke out, ¡°You think the dude was just giving you the run around?¡± Richard did his best to be accepting of Gabriel¡¯s account of speaking with this stranger. However, he was growing concerned with the welfare of the others.

    Gabriel stopped in his tracks, looking around at the trees surrounding themselves. Beginning to doubt himself, ¡°Maybe you¡¯re right.¡± Perhaps he was so tired that he was imagining everything. It wouldn¡¯t have made sense for Eleazar to keep his brother a secret. The sun was beginning to set in the distance. He couldn¡¯t believe they had wasted a whole day searching for an imagination. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, guys.¡± Gabriel lowered his head.

    Allison walked up to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s alright, let¡¯s just head back. Maybe Jasmine had found something by now.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll just continue the mission as normal,¡± Ethan chimed in. They were famished, ready to go back to the motel to eat and sleep.

    Gabriel shrugged off Allison¡¯s hand, ¡°Let¡¯s just go.¡± Allison felt bad for him but understood when he needed time without physical touch. The others turned around and started making their way back down the mountain to the road. Gabriel lingered in the back for some time to think. David was counting on him to finish the mission. Maybe Allison was right, David should be there and not him. Doubt filled his mind. Gabriel felt like he was better than this, but it only showed he wasn¡¯t capable of leading a mission on this scale.

    The sun fell behind the mountain once they had found themselves back on the road. Ethan began stretching his legs out, ¡°Man, maybe I need to use that squat machine more.¡± Sitting down on the side of the road to massage his thighs. Letting out a groan, ¡°Oh yeah, that¡¯s good.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re so dramatic,¡± Allison laughed.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear it. Always freaking out if someone didn¡¯t put a book back in the library the way you want it,¡± Ethan fired back.

    ¡°Well, let¡¯s see how you would feel if I rearranged all the games and movies in the bookcase.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine you¡¯ll just piss off David, Eve, and Kevin.¡±

    ¡°Better yet, I¡¯ll just place all the discs in the wrong cases,¡± She smiled maniacally.

    ¡°You take that back!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯d cause a civil war,¡± Chris laughed.

    Richard looked around, ¡°Guys, where¡¯s Gabe?¡± The others stopped their bickering, looking into the forest. ¡°He came down with us, right?¡±

    Allison looked around, ¡°Gabe!¡± She called out his name, nothing but silence. ¡°He wouldn¡¯t just take off without us.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like you don¡¯t know your own boyfriend.¡± Chris started back into the forest. The rest spread out to cover more ground. All calling out his name repeatedly. Nothing was called back in return. Gabriel was nowhere to be found; the sun had set behind the mountain. He had stumbled into being ever more lost than ever.

    Gabriel lifted himself off of the grass, the sweet mildew rubbed against his face. He looked up, surrounded by members dressed in kimonos. All bearing different katanas at their hip, staring him down. ¡°Where the hell?¡± He wondered. He had tripped on a tree branch and ended up staring up at an old but well-maintained temple. The walls were tan with a hot red roof. So tall the tower touched the clouds above. Dragons etched on the walls like hieroglyphs. The sun was rising behind himself, the strange men and women held their hands on the hilts of their swords.

    Gabriel threw his bag in front of himself, instinctually drew his sword. Extending his blade prepared for a fight. He shuttered to his feet, taking a defensive stance. He was extremely outmatched without a clue of how to get back to where he was. The strange men and women stayed still, watching him in confusion.

    ¡°Gabriel!¡± His head snapped to see who was calling his name. A heavy husky voice matched his size. Aiden was walking down the steps of the entrance. His heart slowed down, dropping his defensive stance. Relaxing, though keeping his sword extended at his side. Still untrusting of his own safety. ¡°I was beginning to fear you wouldn¡¯t show up.¡± Aiden drew closer to the young man.

    ¡°Where am I?¡± He asked.

    ¡°This is the Temple of the Dragon, my boy.¡± Aiden gleamed with joy, excited to see him.

    ¡°How did I get here?¡± He asked, ¡°How do I get back to my friends?¡±

    Aiden sighed, ¡°When the sun sets on your dimension, the portal opens in this one.¡±

    ¡°That explains the sunrise,¡± Gabriel looked behind himself. A tear in the fabric of space stood before him. Like if someone had stabbed a piece of clothing but this was reality. He threw up on the grass in front of him. It was too much for his brain to handle. Trying to regain himself. ¡°When does it close?¡± He wiped his mouth.

    ¡°From this end?¡± Aiden answered every question of his, ¡°Never, but from the outside. When the sun rises again on the mountain¡¯s face.

    ¡°So am I able to just pop my head out to get my friends?¡± Gabriel asked.

    Aiden¡¯s eyes narrowed, shaking it off. Forcing a smile, ¡°Of course.¡±

    Allison was walking near a tree. Bending her knees down to a squat. There was a stumble in the dirt. Leaves kicked around, ¡°He was right here, but he tripped.¡± Looking around herself to see any marks of where his body might have landed. Nothing.

    ¡°Ally,¡± Gabriel¡¯s head popped out of the side of a tree trunk. ¡°I found it.¡±

    Allison screamed in a panic, almost in an instant. The others stopped what they were doing to catch back up with her. Swords in hand. ¡°What¡¯s going¡­¡± Richard looked at Gabriel¡¯s head. Anger boiled in his veins. ¡°Who could have done this?!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not dead you idiots,¡± Gabriel said, ¡°I found a rift. Well, I guess I fell through it on accident but that¡¯s beside the point.¡±

    ¡°A rift?¡± Allison asked, ¡°I thought all of them were destroyed with the Lost Kingdom.¡±

    ¡°I guess someone kept this one open,¡± Gabriel had no clue what she was talking about. ¡°Well, what are you waiting for? Come one.¡± His head disappeared back inside of the tree.

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s a trick,¡± Ethan asked.

    ¡°Maybe I don¡¯t care,¡± Chris went ahead and stepped through the tree. His body disappeared from this dimension.

    ¡°It should be alright,¡± Allison went in after him. Coming into view of the temple, stepping down on the soft green grass. Captivated by the beauty of the world they now were in. Gabriel stood behind the large man. The others stepped through as well, Richard felt a sharp pain in his heart. Then back to normal, rubbing his chest. The group was looking around, feeling the attraction to the land. It was a form of peace none of them could understand.

    ¡°Lady and Gentlemen, this is Aiden Eleazar,¡± Gabriel said smiling.

    The Watchers caught themselves and bowed. ¡°Woah now, skip the formalities.¡± He measured their stature. Almost surprised by the diversity, when had his brother changed?

    ¡°So Gabriel wasn¡¯t lying?¡± Chris asked, taking a measure of Aiden. Something bothered Chris about the man. Maybe it was just how similar but different he was from his brother. ¡°Are you his older or younger brother?¡±

    ¡°Older,¡± Aiden replied.

    ¡°You seem more laid back than him,¡± Ethan laughed. Rubbing the back of his head.

    ¡°Montague had seen much fighting and death. Losing all your friends can do that to you.¡± Aiden answered, ¡°I¡¯m sure you all have a lot of questions. But first, let¡¯s talk about the rules. Then we can get you some food.¡±

    ¡°I like the sound of that,¡± Chris smiled, his stomach had been rumbling for hours.

    ¡°Now, don¡¯t do anything to disturb the people here. We are a peaceful temple, though everyone here is extremely dangerous,¡± Aiden said as he pointed at the people walking around or sitting on the benches. ¡°Next, the rift is a secret and we wish to keep it that way.¡±

    ¡°Is this place part of the Japanese branch of the Order?¡± Allison asked to ensure if she can talk to them about it.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Aiden answered quickly, ¡°Another rule, do not stray too far away from this temple. Especially across the star sea. The Lost Kingdom destroyed all the sin within this dimension, and we wish to keep it that way.¡±

    ¡°What is this Lost Kingdom?¡± Gabriel asked, having to find out. It seemed everyone knew besides him.

    ¡°Just an old legend, nothing but a fable,¡± Aiden answered, ¡°Now please allow me to finish. The last and most important rule. Do not go to the basements of this place, they are forbidden. Just as the door in the Sanctuary.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Gabriel acknowledged.

    ¡°I have been entrusted with the safety of this place, though if you are caught lurking anywhere but here. I have no choice but to uphold the punishment,¡± Aiden smiled, ¡°Now, who¡¯s hungry?¡± He turned around to walk inside the temple.

    Allison grabbed Gabriel¡¯s arm, ¡°Are you sure we can trust him?¡± She whispered to him as everyone followed Aiden.

    ¡°Why are you freaking out? He¡¯s Eleazar¡¯s brother, why wouldn¡¯t we trust him?¡±

    ¡°Something¡¯s not right about this place,¡± Allison looked around, ¡°All the rifts were closed or destroyed. Why is this one still opened?¡±

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s a safe place?¡± Gabriel guessed, ¡°I don¡¯t know, but regardless if he can help us with the Wolves then I don¡¯t see the issue.¡±

    ¡°How did he know exactly what place to be at and when to stop one of the assassins? Gabriel this doesn¡¯t seem fishy to you, at all?¡± Allison asked.

    ¡°A little, but I think you¡¯re just overthinking things. David is counting on us.¡±

    ¡°And Eve.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s what I said,¡± Gabriel argued.

    ¡°You don¡¯t care about her at all. She saved you a couple times and almost sacrificed herself for us multiple times. All she does is try, you can¡¯t even give her a lick of your appreciation. She just wants to be accepted.¡±

    ¡°Woah, where is this coming from?¡±

    Allison wanted to speak more against him but bit her tongue. Putting a hand to his face before walking away. Gabriel stood still with his arms up, not understanding what she was talking about. Instead shook it off to give her space. Following the others quickly before getting lost.

    <hr>

    Jasmine walked the streets of Tokyo, talking to people on the street. Looking for any lead or clue to find the Wolves. She found nothing, how the hell was they supposed to find an assassin group in a place they knew nothing about. She took a deep breath, standing in front of a nightclub. A long day of searching deserved a moment of rest. One drink she told herself.

    The bouncer let her without question, Jasmine accepted the kindness and walked inside. The heavy Japanese pop music filled the club. People packed on the dancefloor. No way. She headed straight for the bar. She stood at the counter, asking for a glass of whatever was the strongest. Jasmine was glad she didn¡¯t have to use her ID. The bartender filled the glass and passed it to her open hand. Leaving a napkin next to the cold glass. Jasmine placed her hand over the rim. Pouring her energy into it.

    ¡°It¡¯s not often I have an American walk in here,¡± a stranger said sitting next to her. ¡°You look tired. Here take my seat.¡± The man stood up and slid the seat under her. Jasmine smiled, accepting the offer, and took a seat on the barstool. He was white, covered in tattoos. A small tribal wolf tattoo sat behind his earlobe. Finally, she found the right place. Thinking of having to go back to that drug dealer and thank him, then apologize for beating him to near death. She stayed quiet, knowing men loved a woman who was hard to get.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Jasmine said and nothing more.

    ¡°Say, what brings you Tokyo?¡± He asked.

    ¡°Seemed like a good idea at the time,¡± Jasmine took a drink. ¡°Starting to regret it.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s to regret?¡± He asked, ¡°This is the most beautiful country on the planet!¡±

    ¡°Everyone is boring,¡± Jasmine did her best to keep short sentences. She drank again.

    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

    The two talked for a few minutes, Jasmine was beginning to appear drunker. He continued to buy her drinks. Jasmine did the same with each one, placing her hand over the rim to pour her energy into it. ¡°I think you¡¯d look great naked.¡±

    Jasmine almost choked, though showed no signs of it. Feeling disgusted in her mind, as well as success. ¡°I bet you would love to know,¡± putting up a front of tease.

    ¡°I actually own this nightclub. We can go upstairs to my room and have us,¡± the man went up to her ear whispering creepily, ¡°some fun.¡±

    ¡°I doubt you can provide me the fun that I am into,¡± Jasmine challenged him.

    ¡°I¡¯m into anything,¡± he laughed.

    Jasmine now had this man convinced, ¡°Lead the way,¡± She stood up from her chair. ¡°Don¡¯t forget to pay.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± He said frantically pulling out his wallet and paying the bartender. ¡°I forgot to ask your name.¡±

    Jasmine stumbled on purpose, giving a heavy appearance of her drunkenness. ¡°My name?¡± She slurred her words, ¡°First prove to me- that you- deserve to know- my name.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll prove it to you, babe, you¡¯ve never met a man like me,¡± He smirked from the end of his cheek. Jasmine¡¯s skin crawled as he pushed his hand into hers, pulling her his way up the stairs.

    ¡°Want me to check her?¡± The bouncer asked at the foot.

    ¡°No, she¡¯s fine,¡± He continued past the bouncer with Jasmine in her hand. She discreetly sighed in relief. They walked past a group of what she assumed were his associates. She took a view of their tattoos. Jasmine¡¯s beliefs were confirmed, all bearing the same tattoo as him. If they hadn¡¯t been in the same room as hundreds of partiers, she would have killed them all.

    Once they entered the room, Jasmine took sight of all the expensive items. A single large window that looked out into the nightclub. The music pulsed on the walls. She can tell it was a one-way window pane. No one will be able to tell what was to happen. A large TV, vases, and more. She wondered how much it would all cost. She wasn¡¯t paying attention as the man¡¯s lips attacked hers. Her blood boiling in her veins, shoving him away. ¡°That¡¯s a punishment.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± He asked confused.

    ¡°I like to play a game,¡± Jasmine said. ¡°Every wrong thing that you do is a punishment. Now take off your clothes.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think you understand who is in charge-¡°

    ¡°Clothes, off. Now.¡± Jasmine was going to enjoy every minute of this. She didn¡¯t understand why David was so forgiving, revenge like this was going to feel good. The man complied, dropping his clothes to the floor. Jasmine climbed on top of a table, pulling the ropes off the curtain. ¡°First question,¡± She continued to slur her words trying not to laugh at the now naked man, ¡°What is the name of the small sword samurai carry with them into battle?¡± She stared at a large painting of the battle of mount Shiroyama.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Wrong again,¡± Jasmine smiled shoving him down on the bed. ¡°Next question, when a samurai sacrifices himself on the battlefield, what is that called?¡±

    ¡°Seppuku,¡± He smiled, ¡°That was easy.¡±

    ¡°Fine, I guess you get a reward,¡± Jasmine dropped the rope on the foot of the bed. Pulling her shirt off. The man¡¯s eyes glowed in desire. ¡°Name one Japanese deity.¡±

    ¡°Is this some kind of quiz on Japanese history?¡± He asked, ¡°No one knows that.¡±

    ¡°Tsukuyomi,¡± Jasmine answered the question. ¡°Typical American.¡± Jasmine took the rope to tie one of his hands down to the bed frame.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Attempting to fight her but found that Jasmine was much stronger than him. Jasmine tied the man¡¯s left hand down. ¡°God, you are strong.¡±

    ¡°Two more questions,¡± Jasmine continued, ¡°What color is arterial bleeding?¡±

    ¡°Red,¡± He answered quickly.

    ¡°Bright or dark?¡±

    ¡°Dark?¡± He asked. Jasmine laughed, tying down the last hand. He was now completely bound with no hope to escape. ¡°Last question.¡± Jasmine dropped down her pants to make him more comfortable. Climbing on top of him.

    ¡°This is better,¡± He smiled up at her. His sexual desire has now peaked.

    ¡°The Wolves have placed a bounty on Evelyn Taylor and David Locklear,¡± Jasmine dropped the drunken act, a hand behind her back. ¡°Where can I find the head of the Wolfpack?¡± The man¡¯s excitement dropped completely. Fear had taken over almost in an instant.

    ¡°I¡¯m not telling you a damned thing,¡± The man felt in a flash the cold steel against his throat. Jasmine had her katana out pressing against his neck. Blood began to run down from a small scratch.

    ¡°Do not make me ask you again,¡± Jasmine grew in anger. Yellow energy ran up the blade from her hand. Having used her energy to kill the alcohol in every drink that he had bought her. It was like drinking water. ¡°Where is the wolfpack hideout?¡±

    ¡°Go to hell.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been living in hell since Christmas last year,¡± Jasmine said.

    ¡°What they will do to me is worse than anything you can do to me,¡± He answered.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure if you understood this game,¡± Jasmine swung the sword behind herself. Completely severing his foot from the ankle. He screamed in pain. ¡°You¡¯re not leaving this room alive. Might as well tell me everything you know how to have some type of leeway in getting into heaven.¡±

    ¡°Please release me,¡± He yelled at her. Gritting his teeth. ¡°Everything is in that computer, just release me!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll release you,¡± Jasmine swung the katana back to his neck. Severing his head from his shoulders. Bright red blood spurted from the top all over Jasmine¡¯s face. She felt proud. Climbing off of the stranger. Cleaning her sword off on the bedsheets. She left to shower in the side room.

    Once she was clean, Jasmine got dressed and walked over to the computer. Finding the password written on a note beside it. She laughed, how was this a dangerous group at all. Plugging a flash drive into the side. Jasmine began to download everything swiftly. When complete, Jasmine walked out of the room. Smiling and waving at the people sitting around the center table. They smiled and waved back. ¡°He won¡¯t be getting up for a while,¡± She smiled. The group began to laugh drunkenly. Now it was time to begin her search for the Wolfpack, maybe she would leave this part out of her report.

    <hr>

    Gabriel and the others sat on their knees around a dining table inside of Aiden¡¯s room. Eating the food, he had made for them. Many of them are ready to pass out. Allison remained silent throughout the night. Aiden spoke to Gabriel, ¡°How did my brother die?¡±

    Gabriel lowered his head, the images flashing again in his head of that night. ¡°My brother was captured by the Brotherhood. Well, more of a Legion than a Brotherhood.¡±

    ¡°I heard rumors of a new Legion; I just didn¡¯t believe them to be true.¡±

    ¡°Neither did I until I saw it. The Order initiated a rescue mission. We got my brother out. When we made it to the top of the mountain, Eleazar. Montague,¡± he corrected himself, ¡°Stood with two other templars. They fought like hell against the horde. But no man is strong enough to fight an army alone. He fought like hell regardless, they stabbed him maybe three or more times before they had the chance to take him down.¡±

    ¡°He protected your escape, didn¡¯t he?¡± Aiden asked, ¡°You should have stood and fought.¡±

    ¡°I wanted to,¡± Gabriel said, ¡°but Montague forced me on the helicopter.¡±

    ¡°And why didn¡¯t David want to stay and fight?¡±

    ¡°David was dying,¡± Gabriel said, ¡°Though he survived yet again.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s three deaths for David?¡±

    ¡°Every time he dies, he loses a part of himself,¡± Gabriel said. ¡°I¡¯m not sure how he keeps dying.¡±

    Aiden took in a deep breath, ¡°David is destined to die seven times.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Gabriel asked, ¡°some kind of prophecy keeps him coming back?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s strange, but he fits the description,¡± Aiden continued.

    ¡°I guess he was destined to be great,¡± Gabriel said a little annoyed. Felt like he would never measure up to his older brother. He felt he would always be just, David¡¯s little brother.

    ¡°Tell me, Gabe,¡± Aiden said, ¡°Where is he now and not here with you?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s heading to Washington with Eve, on their own mission,¡± Gabriel answered, feeling as if he could trust Aiden.

    ¡°So he entrusted you to find the Wolfpack?¡±

    ¡°He did,¡± He answered.

    ¡°You may feel like your brother is the treasured one, but he still trusts you regardless,¡± Aiden tried to lift his spirits, ¡°You achieve greatness your own way. Look at some of our greatest guardians and knights. Not all of them were destined for anything more, but they made their own destiny.¡±

    ¡°I suppose you¡¯re right,¡± Gabriel said, ¡°you really know how to cheer up a guy.¡± Gabriel¡¯s spirit animal appeared in his hand. His little blue lizard missing its arms.

    ¡°Your spirit animal?¡± Aiden asked.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Curious things, still no one has ever learned where they come from. They do mean a whole ordeal.¡± Aiden smiled, ¡°It¡¯s important to never neglect them, still my falcon never leaves my side.¡±

    ¡°I wish I had something cool, David has an eagle, and you have a falcon. I just have this dumb little lizard with no arms,¡± Gabriel said, ¡°I¡¯m going to reach my potential and it¡¯s just going to be a lizard with arms.¡± He laughed, ¡°I love him regardless though.¡±

    Aiden had stopped what he was doing, ¡°A lizard with no arms?¡± He asked laughing. Appearing like he was hiding something, He looked at the clock in the corner of the room. ¡°Well, would you look at the time?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s still midday here.¡± Gabriel said, ¡°You¡¯re going to bed?¡±

    ¡°I still live on normal world time, boy,¡± Aiden laughed, ¡°And it appears your friends are as well.¡± Gabriel turned his head; all of his friends had passed out. All with their heads lying on the table except for Chris who crawled up under the table. In the fetal position. The heavy lunch combined with the long day caused them to fall into a deep sleep.

    ¡°I guess I¡¯ll wake them up,¡± Gabriel said.

    ¡°I have only two spare rooms. The boys can sleep in one room. Allison can sleep in the other. Futons should be in the closets of the rooms,¡± Aiden yawned. ¡°We begin training as soon as the sunsets. Meet me in the courtyard.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Gabriel straightened his back. Training? Montague was never able to help him complete it. Once he was complete, perhaps Aiden could sponsor him for the trials so he can finally become a knight. Getting up from his seat, Gabriel began waking everyone up. Allison flailed off Gabe¡¯s arms. She was still upset with him.

    ¡°Richard, can you tell Allison that she gets the small spare room for herself?¡± Gabriel asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m not playing this game between you two. Act like adults,¡± Richard said rubbing his eyes before walking into the larger room. Ethan and Chris followed.

    ¡°Well?¡± Gabriel looked at Allison.

    ¡°Shut up,¡± She replied.

    ¡°What do you want from me?¡± Gabriel gritted his teeth trying to be quiet.

    ¡°To leave me alone,¡± Allison walked into the small room. Locking the door behind herself, sliding her feet out with her back against the wooden door. Tears streamed down her face, all she wanted was for him to apologize.

    Gabriel stood there, agitated. Clinching his fist, he didn¡¯t feel like he was in the wrong. Dark thoughts flowed into his mind. Everything was fine before Eve had arrived. Feeling like he was harsh on her to make her better. Now he only felt she deserved it. He could feel a divide growing between his love and his brother. Pulling his phone out of his pocket, no signal.

    He put the phone back into his pocket, walking into the spare bedroom. Richard was rubbing his head forehead. ¡°You alright?¡± Ethan asked.

    ¡°Fine and dandy,¡± Gabriel replied, ¡°What¡¯s with you, Richard?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t feel so good, I keep getting migraines in this place,¡± Richard said.

    ¡°I can try to get you some medicine,¡± Gabriel suggested. At that moment, Richard collapsed. The others rushed to him to catch him. They failed, Richard¡¯s head hit the wooden floor. ¡°Get Allison.¡± Chris rushed to the other room. Richard¡¯s body began to shake furiously in a spasm. Gabriel pulled off his belt shoving it between his teeth. ¡°Relax. It¡¯s okay.¡± Gabriel wasn¡¯t sure if he was talking to himself or Richard.

    Ethan removed Richard¡¯s shoes, throwing them to the side. Raising Richard¡¯s legs on his shoulders to allow the blood to flow back to his brain.

    Allison rushed into the room, watching him. Gabriel looked up at her with a blank frowning stare. She sat at Richard¡¯s side beginning to heal him. Green energy fell from her palms into his head. ¡°What happened?¡±

    Gabriel could see the pink bags under her eyes, she had been crying. He decided to remain silent. Ethan decided to speak, ¡°He said he had a migraine and just collapsed.¡±

    ¡°Anything else?¡± She asked.

    ¡°He said it was since he entered this dimension,¡± Ethan said.

    ¡°Portal sickness. His body isn¡¯t accepting the high spirit levels,¡± Allison said. Richard stopped shaking. ¡°We need to get him to the infirmary. This place should have one.¡±

    Aiden walked into the room, ¡°Seems like he¡¯s not having a good time.¡±

    Allison scowled at the man standing behind her. ¡°We need to get him medical attention.¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t have any of that here,¡± Aiden answered, ¡°It will be alright, he just needs rest for his body to adjust. It¡¯s alright, trust me.¡± Aiden handed her a bottle of Tylenol.

    ¡°This is all he needs?¡± Allison asked.

    ¡°It worked wonders for me,¡± Aiden said placing his hand on Richard¡¯s head. ¡°I¡¯ll get you some other medicines. Has he reached his potential?¡±

    ¡°He did just a few weeks ago,¡± Gabriel answered.

    ¡°Yup that will do it. His body was already trying to adjust to the new energy levels,¡± Aiden stood up. ¡°Keep an eye on him and most importantly, let him get his sleep.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Gabriel said. Aiden left the room with no more to say.

    Allison stood up, ¡°If he starts having trouble again, just come get me.¡± She told Gabriel.

    Gabriel set Richard¡¯s head down slowly, catching Allison before she left the door, ¡°How do I fix this?¡±

    Allison looked annoyed, looking at him. ¡°I already told you, dude. You can start by listening. And looking like you care about something for once.¡±

    ¡°I care about you,¡± Gabriel whispered.

    ¡°I think you need to care about something other than me for once,¡± Allison looked back at the others. ¡°I¡¯m going to bed.¡± She rubbed her eyes. ¡°We¡¯ll talk more tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Gabriel felt better that she wasn¡¯t as aggressive with him. ¡°Goodnight, I love you.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, you too Gabe,¡± Allison was tired. Not just of him, but as well as this place. She felt she wasn¡¯t getting anywhere with him. She knew she still loved him. But she needed him to know just how terrible that he made everyone feel. Little did she know, Gabriel felt the same with her. They were both to blame for issues in their relationship.

    Gabriel walked away frustrated, helping Chris and Ethan lift the massive man into his futon. ¡°That man got some meat on him,¡± Chris laughed.

    ¡°Maybe we should hit the gym more,¡± Ethan said laying down in his bed. Gabriel remained silent, lying in his bed. Starring at the roof, his tiredness had fleeted. All that was left on his mind were thoughts. Praying that after his training, he would be more powerful than his older brother.

 Chapter 11: The Inbetween

    The embers danced in front of Eve¡¯s face. The sharp hot stings hit up her cheeks to her forehead. The ever-changing colors pierced through her eyelids. David sat across from her, he stared into the fire in the center of the tent. The smoke rose through a hole in the roof. The shaman, Kanen looked upon David. Standing behind Eve singing his hymn. The attack on Eve¡¯s senses was leaving her feeling numb. Eve stopped, ¡°Somethings not right, it¡¯s like my spirit wants to join with the other spirits. But something keeps pulling me back.¡±

    David looked at her through the flames, ¡°I told you it wasn¡¯t a good idea for me to be here. My spirit isn¡¯t ready.¡± David lowered his head, his hair almost touching the fire.

    Kanen walked over to David, ¡°I understand that you know what will happen afterward, but you need to accept it and allow yourself to move on. If you are to hope for closure.¡±

    ¡°David, I want you to experience it with me,¡± Eve said. She felt like she was ready for anything if she was by her side. ¡°David?¡±

    ¡°Fine, let''s try again for the fiftieth time,¡± David said. His mind was not ready to see it all over again, ¡°Well Mr. Shaman, are we doing this or what?¡± David was going to force himself into the trance, out of fear he would never leave until they did.

    Eve felt discontent in her heart, ¡°I¡¯m ready.¡± She nodded at Kanen as he began his rhythmic chant once more. They had been at this for what seemed like forever. Hours even. Eve felt her body growing numb, her thoughts were now within her palms. An absolute transcendent feeling. The chanting, the fire, the colors, all at once. This time was different, David wasn¡¯t holding back. His amplification surrounded her. His energy tore open the back of her skull and poured into her mind. All at once, she felt his love, his pain, his knowledge, and his ignorance.

    Eve watched as her spirit lifted from her body, looking down on herself. It appeared as if she were asleep with her back upright. Her blue spirit took flight, seeing a green one in the distance. David waved at her to follow. She did, Kanen¡¯s crow followed behind them. Eve took David¡¯s hand, trying to speak but no words fell from her tongue. David shook his head at her. Both their bodies took flight. Spinning towards the West, quicker than the speed of light. She looked down to take a view of what she could at the Earth. She couldn¡¯t make out anything of significance. A bright light exploded in the distance; Eve shielded her eyes. The light disappeared, they floated in nothing but darkness. The color of their spirits faded away.

    ¡°Where are we?¡± Eve asked, standing in the void with David and Kanen¡¯s crow.

    The crow spoke with Kanen¡¯s voice, ¡°The question on your mind is when. It is important and detrimental that throughout this time, you stay focused. If you panic and your mind cannot focus, then you will fall back into your body. Or worse.¡±

    ¡°Worse?¡± Eve asked, ¡°What do you mean worse?¡±

    ¡°Our spirits will be lost in the void until someone pulls us out,¡± David said, ¡°For them to pull us out, they would have to find the exact second of where we are.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s easy, you never panic. You can come and save me if worse comes to worst,¡± Eve smiled from cheek to cheek.

    ¡°Your spirits tethered together before we took flight,¡± Kanen said, ¡°If one of you gets lost, then both of you will.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s awesome,¡± David said, ¡°This looks like just before the beginning of time.¡± He looked deep into the darkness. It was disorienting with the feeling of absolute emptiness.

    ¡°Eve doesn¡¯t need to know the dawn of time,¡± The crow spoke, ¡°If she wishes to know she only needs to listen to you or pick up the book.¡±

    ¡°Wait, you mean God is just gonna appear out of thin air any minute now and you won¡¯t even let me see him?¡± Eve yelled at David.

    ¡°That defeats the purpose of everything,¡± David looked at the crow. Glaring at him to ready for flight again.

    ¡°Purpose of what?¡±

    ¡°Faith,¡± David said before lifting off once more. Eve thought she was going to be sick; everything was happening too quick for her to comprehend. They came to a sudden halt.

    ¡°Can you give me a warning next time?¡± Eve¡¯s mind spun around; her stomach feeling sick. ¡°I think I¡¯m going to throw up.¡± David couldn¡¯t help but laugh at her.

    ¡°How are you going to do that? You¡¯re an astral projection. All that drama is just in your head, you¡¯re not actually dizzy.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m feeling really dizzy right now,¡± Eve said. She thought about it, how could she feel that way if she didn¡¯t have any organs to feel nauseated. Feeling relaxed, ¡°Okay, I think I figured it out.¡± Eve looked around, standing in the middle of a large open green field. The plains folded over each other in small hills. ¡°Where are we?¡±

    ¡°When? Somewhere around five hundred, where? England,¡± Kanen said flying over to land on Eve¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°Why England?¡± She looked into the distance, a man and a woman lied together in the open grass. Staring into each other¡¯s eyes. Eve looked at David, it felt familiar to her. Not the scene in particular, but the feeling in the strange woman¡¯s eyes. She could feel that.

    ¡°Arthur and Guinevere,¡± David said watching from afar.

    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful but why show me this?¡±  Eve asked in confusion, ¡°I thought I was supposed to learn about my past?¡±

    ¡°This is your past,¡± The crow said abruptly, ¡°The same power that ran through her veins now resides within you.¡±

    Eve frown trying to think on it, ¡°What of Arthur? Who shares his power?¡±

    ¡°No one,¡± David said.

    ¡°So, you¡¯re telling me, that I¡¯m special because I¡¯m reincarnated from this woman?¡± Eve chuckled, ¡°I¡¯m sorry but that doesn¡¯t make sense. Arthur was a hero, but he reincarnated into what?¡±

    The crow looked at David and then back to Eve, ¡°That is not important.¡± Kanen said frustrated, ¡°What is important is that you are a descendant from her. Not a reincarnation. She held immense power.¡±

    ¡°What happened to her?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°She died,¡± David said. Time rolled forward, ¡°Arthur cheated on her, betraying her. Manipulated by a love potion.¡±

    ¡°That wasn¡¯t his fault then, right?¡± Eve wondered, watching as Arthur lied in bed with a different woman. ¡°I don¡¯t want to watch this.¡±

    Time moved forward again, ¡°Instead of attempting to rekindle his relationship with Guinevere, King Arthur in all his wisdom gave birth to the beginning of the Order during the quest for the Holy Grail.¡±

    ¡°Well, he formed the Order, so that¡¯s a good thing, right?¡± Eve asked. She watched as the knights rode their horses down a forest path.

    ¡°We gained the Order, but we lost Guinevere,¡± David said. ¡°She held immeasurable power, a power that could¡¯ve brought an end to the creatures of sin forever.¡±

    ¡°How did she die?¡± Eve asked, looking at a scene of Guinevere. Writing a letter, swallowing a strange-looking drink. She climbed into a bed where she would never leave. David closed his eyes refusing to watch. Eve kept her eyes wide, watching her body turn into nothing but ash.

    ¡°What happened after that?¡± Eve asked, a single tear rolling down her face.

    ¡°She failed,¡± Kanen spoke, ¡°The same power residing within you was nothing more than the doom of the women who bore it. Until the power faded. For two thousand years, sin reigned supreme. The Order, The Tribe, and the Brotherhood. Fighting on every front at every corner.¡±

    ¡°The brotherhood?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°Just because their views are different than ours doesn¡¯t make them any less of a target of sin,¡± David said, ¡°They just embrace the darkness rather than deny it.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Eve said. She felt the weight of responsibility rest above herself. They had waited for two thousand years, for what? For her? Eve barely knew how to properly tie her shoes. How was she supposed to succeed where so many have failed before her?

    ¡°Now the day the Earth stopped,¡± Kanen fast-forwarded time. David and Eve watched from the sidelines but can hear everything being said. Eve¡¯s eyes opened; they were in the Sanctuary.

    Eve looked around herself, ¡°When was this?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°December third, ninety-seven,¡± Kanen informed her. Eve was ever more confused.

    ¡°Kinda weird, are we here to watch David¡¯s birth?¡± Eve laughed. David remained silent. ¡°Hey what¡¯s gotten into you?¡± David kept his face into the sky, only then. He didn¡¯t have to witness anything. David had disconnected himself, only listening. Nothing else came from him. ¡°That¡¯s Gabriella, right?¡± Eve asked taking a view of the woman. A large pregnant stomach. ¡°Oh, I feel sorry for her, she had to carry you around.¡± Eve smiled, ¡°She¡¯s so beautiful.¡± Her hair was short, to the bottom of her neck. Her skin was tanned from the California sun. Gabriella sat alone near the elevator.

    Eve thought about it, she had sat in the same place on her first day with the sanctuary. It was the only spot that had felt safe, warm. Another woman walked up, her skin pale, her eyes held a deep blue sea, her hair was as gold as the sun. Eve¡¯s skin trembled. Hearing her speak once, Eve¡¯s heart shattered. Like a baseball through the glass. Eve couldn¡¯t hold her composure any longer.

    ¡°Davi-¡° She couldn¡¯t finish saying his name. ¡°No way- ¡°

    ¡°Gaby, what¡¯s the plan tonight?¡± She asked.

    ¡°Hoping to take more time to relax,¡± Gabriella said, ¡°James has been getting on my nerves lately about the baby.¡±

    ¡°Trust me, I feel you there,¡± She laughed.

    ¡°David, what¡¯s her name?¡± Eve began to shake. David kept quiet, ¡°Kanen?¡±

    ¡°I know nothing of names,¡± Kanen said, ¡°Take this moment to enjoy what once was.¡±

    Gabriella looked around, ¡°Got a name for her yet?¡± She asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s a surprise,¡± She smiled rubbing her stomach. ¡°What about your boy?¡±

    Gabriella smiled, ¡°Daniel, something tells me how loyal he¡¯s going to be.¡± She laughed, ¡°He hasn¡¯t even kicked me once.¡±

    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    Kanen jumped ahead in time. ¡°Wait! Go back!¡± Eve begged.

    ¡°We are short on time as soon as you realize and accept who you are, you can revisit the past whenever you want,¡± Kanen commanded. He landed back on Eve¡¯s shoulder; the crow whispered within her ear. ¡°The longer we are here. The more David begins to panic.¡±

    Eve had forgotten about David, he stood looking away. How hard it must have been for him to see his mother. And having no way of speaking with her. She had just realized the truth of her mother; thoughts ran in a rampage in her mind. How could they have kept this a secret from her? How could David have lied to her after all this time?

    Eve smiled, looking at the positive of knowing that the parent she had thought were hers, were nothing more than a lie. She didn¡¯t have to share that pathetic blood in her veins. She had the blood of watcher¡¯s running through her veins. Her mind halted, she demanded answers. What happened to them?

    ¡°Where are my parents?¡± Eve said sternly. Her fist-shaking at her waist. Fueled only by her desire for more knowledge. Kanen¡¯s crow shook his head forward. Eve turned around taking in view of something she wasn¡¯t expecting to see.

    She was in the Sanctuary¡¯s medical wing. The two women on opposite sides of the room, a young James ran frantically to his wife. Passing right through Eve¡¯s projection. She smiled at James, it was like seeing an older David. What the hell happened to him? Eve smiled wider. Looking to her left, Eve saw who she thought to be her parents.

    Both of the women were screaming. Master Eleazar was pushed out of the room by one of the nurses, it was absolute chaos. ¡°Maria, hold on baby girl.¡±

    ¡°Screw you!¡± She screamed. Maria, that was her name. Eve¡¯s eyes began to well. She remembered that name, it felt nostalgic.

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s not nice,¡± The man replied laughing.

    ¡°Not Nice?¡± Maria paused in her pain, ¡°You¡¯re the one who did this to me, Isaiah, you¡¯re not nice!¡± Maria reached over to choke him. However, he broke her grip quickly.

    ¡°The baby! You¡¯re going to stress out the baby!¡± One nurse yelled rushing over to them. Eve just laughed, long and deeply, until her laughs turned to tears. Streaming down her face, her hands to her mouth. They seemed so cool. Why was she robbed of this? They probably could¡¯ve taught her how to be the best warrior possible from childhood.

    Time passed; Eve enjoyed the entire interaction. David sat down next to her on the floor. ¡°You enjoying watching two women give birth?¡± David asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s more of me just getting to learn them, these were my parents, right?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see for yourself,¡± David stood up as the two women finished giving birth. They held their babies in their arms. Covered in blood, not caring about it. Them being held by their mothers first was more important than a little blood. No one could be a Watcher if they hadn¡¯t seen a bit of blood in their lifetime.

    ¡°What¡¯s her name?¡± The nurse asked Maria. ¡°The Order has requested her to be named Mary.¡±

    ¡°The Order can go screw itself,¡± Maria replied, ¡°Her name is Evelyn.¡± Eve felt her heart fall to her stomach. Looking down on herself as a baby was weird, but the moment was beautiful. She felt her skin craving the touch of her mother. This must have been what David felt. Eve didn¡¯t envy him for a moment.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to see your mother holding you?¡± Eve whispered to him.

    ¡°I¡¯ve seen this plenty of times,¡± David held his hand on her shoulder.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you ever tell me?¡± Eve asked softly.

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t,¡± David said.

    ¡°Why?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°It was easier this way,¡± David told her. Eve shrugged off David¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Who killed them?¡± Eve asked. David remained even more silent than before.

    ¡°Fine, show me more,¡± Eve commanded Kanen. The crow just nodded. Time jumped again.

    They were in the courtyard; David¡¯s heart began to race. Eve watched as she found herself, she couldn¡¯t be more than three years old. Gabriella stood off to the side with another baby in her arms. That had to be Gabriel, Eve wondered what the little jerk looked like as a baby. Probably adorable. At Gabriella¡¯s hip, a little David stood. She smiled. The young Evelyn ran around in circles, wondering what could¡¯ve been going through her little blonde head. The young David ran over from his mother to the young Evelyn. Eve wanted to listen to her conversation.

    ¡°Hi, David!¡± She screamed.

    ¡°Oh, hello,¡± David said shyly, ¡°I was wondering if you wanted to play.¡±

    ¡°Duh!¡± Eve said as they began to play tag it seemed like. Eve began to realize there were no other kids, were they the first of the next generation of Watchers? Everyone else had to be far too young to be playing with them. Liam and Kaitlyn hadn¡¯t been brought into the Order yet. She watched as Eve and David climbed up the tree in the center of the courtyard.

    James walked up to Gabriella, she handed off Gabriel. ¡°Everything will be alright, look at him he¡¯s so cute!¡± James loved his sons, even from the start.

    ¡°I¡¯m just stressed out. We¡¯re bringing all these kids into a world filled with nothing but hate. If what they told us is true, these three kids are going to spend their entire lives fighting. What¡¯s the point?¡±

    ¡°The point is that in between each battle, in between each struggle. There will be love and smiles.¡± James told his wife. She accepted his positivity, but she thought it was much of a stretch. She prayed she would see each one of them happy with each other. Eve smiled. She did have those smiles and love in between each struggle. She wished there was some way she could tell Gabriella that. Some way to tell her that her sons have become heroes.

    ¡°Ow!¡± The little Eve screamed having fallen from the tree.

    ¡°Eve!¡± David jumped out of the tree, falling down hurting himself in the process. David rushed over to the little girl. The older Eve looked at the tree, noticing a dark cloud dissipate into thin air. Who pushed her out of the tree? It couldn¡¯t be David, he looked like he didn¡¯t have an aggressive bone in his body. What was it?

    ¡°David!¡± James yelled, running over. Looking at the young David, his leg had been broken trying to help the younger Eve. Blood was pouring from the little girl¡¯s stomach. She wasn¡¯t pushed, she had been stabbed or bitten!

    Eve turned to look at David who stared at her, tears pouring down his face. Eve didn¡¯t understand, she couldn¡¯t. She was speechless. Everyone in the sanctuary panicked running to her aid. The younger Eve began to scream, the ground below her shook.

    ¡°James, take David and Gabe and run!¡± Gabriella yelled at him. He hesitated. ¡°What¡¯s important is for you to keep them safe. We need to calm her down before¡­¡±

    James kissed his wife; little did he know this was the last time. David¡¯s broken leg bounced around in entire pain. Screaming his heart out, feeling Eve¡¯s pain as well. It was imperative that James got them away from there. Eleazar was the only person not there. The rest of the Watcher¡¯s attempted to pour a healing well on top of the little girl. They succeeded.

    Though Eve¡¯s crying didn¡¯t stop. The influx of energy only worsened her attitude. The vibrations on the floor grew stronger. Maria picked up her daughter, ¡°Shhhh, it''s okay. It¡¯s okay¡­¡± Eve continued to cry. The older Eve began to charge into the group. David grabbed onto her, pulling her in to hug her. Eve began screaming.

    ¡°No, no, no, please. David, I have to save them,¡± Eve screamed out. David kept quiet holding her tight. He let himself face what was going to happen, so Eve didn¡¯t have to. Being too strong for her, she hugged him back tightly.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Maria continued, ¡°It''s... I love you.¡±

    The young Eve released one final scream, with it came to a wave of energy so powerful. Instantly disintegrating everything it touched. Everyone within the Sanctuary walls was caught in the blast. David had been unaffected by it, having held onto his father and brother allowed for their survival. Maria was the first to go, knowing what was coming. They all did, however, they thought they knew how to stop it.

    Gabriella, Maria, Isaiah, Daniel, Natalie, Kole, and William. All Watchers, Guardians, and Knights of the Order. After plenty of battles and sacrifices, their watch had ended. No bodies were buried that day. Only tombstones with empty caskets. The halls of the Sanctuary were left hollow, nothing remained but a memory of those who died. James and Eleazar were left with three kids. Eve had barely met her parents and learned who they were, and she will never have the chance to feel them again. It all had been a lie, for what seemed like forever. All the pain she endured growing up from people who weren¡¯t even her blood. Nothing made sense.

    Eve fell to her knees in David¡¯s arms. Screaming into his chest. David tried to hold it together. This had been the first time he had witnessed his mother¡¯s death firsthand. Eve was back in her body, gasping for oxygen as if she was just dragged from under the sea. Felt like water had filled her lungs. She looked up panting, David had just been staring at her. His face was covered in tears. ¡°David, I am so sorry.¡±

    David looked away, constantly wanting to blame her but had always remembered what he had seen, ¡°It wasn¡¯t your fault.¡± He muttered. ¡°I¡¯m the one who kept this a secret.¡± He could barely speak, ¡°I need a minute.¡± David stood up and walked out of the tent. Leaving Eve behind. It was becoming too much for him. He needed relief.

    ¡°Why did you show me that?!¡± Eve yelled at Kanen who stood leaning on his staff.

    ¡°Because you asked me too,¡± Kanen answered, ¡°You need to understand just how responsible and careful you must be with how much power you host.¡± Eve turned her head away, he was right.

    ¡°Why do I have this power?¡± Eve couldn¡¯t believe it, her head was pounding.

    ¡°You are the key to eliminating all the sin of the planet, and restore balance in the world,¡± Kanen said.

    ¡°I¡¯m just a girl, an eighteen-year-old girl. I have no business or reason to be trying to save the world,¡± Eve said, ¡°Why didn¡¯t David die in that blast?¡±

    ¡°No one knows, but with every woman who bore that power was a knight or warrior to defend her. But every knight had failed.¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying David will fail?¡± Eve asked sweat dripped down her face.

    ¡°I pray not,¡± Kanen said, ¡°You should get some rest. Tomorrow, you will begin your training.¡±

    Eve looked down at the floor, clinching some dirt in a fist, ¡°No,¡± Eve said. ¡°I have learned to control it, I promised I will never use it.¡±

    ¡°You will be denying your destiny. Continuing the cycle. That is if the cycle even continues.¡±

    ¡°I refuse to hurt anyone else again,¡± Eve said, ¡°If that is all from you. I will be leaving.¡±

    ¡°You are making a horrible choice,¡± Kanen countered.

    ¡°At least I have a choice. David was sure to remind me of that,¡± Eve told him, ¡°Thank you for teaching me that time travel stuff. I¡¯ll be sure to use it later on to learn more.¡± Eve bowed to him. Sliding her shoes back on before leaving the tent. Praying she would never have to return.

    Eve ran out into the night, looking for David. He had to be back at the Van. She found herself quickly lost, until stumbling upon a trail of destroyed trees. Chunks of wood are torn from the sides. Reluctantly following the path. Until she found David. Sitting on his knees, staring into the night sky. ¡°David?¡± She could see the lines of corruption running up his face like an infection. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Of course, he wasn¡¯t, his body looked like Liam¡¯s the night of Christmas eve. Her heart pounded in her chest.

    ¡°I wanted to kill you,¡± David said, ¡°they told me to, it wasn¡¯t your fault. There was a sin that stabbed you on top of that tree. I remember his soulless black eyes. Looking into them was like looking into the end of the universe.¡± David laughed. ¡°When I first saw you. I remembered that demonic face. That¡¯s why I didn¡¯t kill you because I knew it wasn¡¯t your fault.¡±

    ¡°David?¡± Eve touched his shoulder, ¡°I¡¯m sorry I dragged you in there. I know how you feel and I understand, I would feel that way too.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t hate you,¡± David¡¯s corruption lines began to recede. ¡°Eve, I¡¯m sorry I lied to you. I didn¡¯t think you were ready for that. You needed to find out who you were first. I needed you to know that you¡¯re loved, I needed you to love yourself.¡±

    ¡°Is this why Gabriel hates me?¡± Eve asked, ¡°Because it makes sense. All this time I thought he was just being an ass.¡± Eve¡¯s eyes released the floods. ¡°It¡¯s because I¡¯m the reason he grew up without knowing his mother.¡± David stayed quiet, still on his knees. Which only confirmed her suspicions. ¡°How do I fix this?¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t. The only thing you can do is continue to control it,¡± David told. ¡°Now that you know how to manipulate the spirits, I think it¡¯s time to teach you manipulation of the energy in the mind.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t even want to think about training right now,¡± Eve wiped her tears from her eyes. ¡°Is it too much to ask of you for something?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± David asked, his voice hoarse from how much he had been crying.

    Eve grabbed David¡¯s hands, lifting him from the dirt. Walking towards the van. David opened up the side door. They both climbed inside. Shutting the door behind them. Eve took off her shoes, David did as well. Once Eve was comfortable, she put her hands in her hair, taking in a deep breath. Still emotional. All the thoughts spiraling in her head, trying to put together the pieces. David didn¡¯t know what to think. He had always refused to see what happened, but this time he accepted it. Almost like closure, but to him it was the most traumatic thing he had to witness.

    Eve pushed David onto the bed. ¡°Eve,¡± David said trying to stop her.

    ¡°I¡¯m not doing what you think I¡¯m trying to do,¡± Eve told him. Climbing next to him and lying down on her side.

    ¡°You just wanted to lie next to me?¡± David asked awkwardly.

    ¡°I thought it would be nice,¡± Eve said. Grabbing straws hoping for any way to make him happier than he needed to be in that moment. She was still trying to make sense of it all. David had already made sense of it all because his mind wasn¡¯t screwed with. Now he was just learning how to live with it. She felt his arm wrap around her stomach. Pulling her in closer.

    If there was one thing to smile this day, was this moment right now. Eve just hoped Gabriella and Maria were looking down on them now, knowing that they were able to find love and happiness between the pain and battles.

 Chapter 12: Connections

    The sun began to set in the west, flashing of images filled Eve¡¯s mind. The face of Gabriella smiling, an explosion, then ash. Liam and Kaitlyn smiling and embracing each other. David¡¯s face screaming into a pillow his wrists bleeding. Almost like a movie reel, Eve could see all these images like trauma. Her heart beating rapidly. The spirits moved in chaos around herself, blood and fire surrounding the world. Eve couldn¡¯t describe it. Why was she seeing all this? She couldn¡¯t put her hand on it. All she wanted was to escape from it. Falling through the darkness, landing on her feet.

    Eve stood in a temple; her hair now blonde. She looked around; she was alone. The temple was divided into hallways. Each hallway held a different color, the same as the spirits. The center hallway was sealed with stone. ¡°Where am I?¡± She asked out loud. It was more real than any other dream she had before. Turning around David stood, dressed in green robes. Eve jumped in shock, ¡°David, you scared me.¡±

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± He asked angered. She never had seen him be so disdainful.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Eve said, ¡°Where am I?¡±

    ¡°Somewhere I don¡¯t want you,¡± David flicked her forehead.

    Eve opened her eyes breathing heavily. She was still in David¡¯s sleeping arms. Eve¡¯s face became a hot red, forgetting everything in her dream. The surprise was more than she could bear. His forehead was resting against the top of her head. He held her so tight, never had she loved something so much before. At least something good had come out of their vision of the past. She could kiss him right now and he wouldn¡¯t know the better. This was the deepest he had slept in a long time. Deciding not to, remembering the last time she had done without his permission.

    Eve remembered one of the images of David¡¯s wrists bleeding. Growing curious she tried to look behind herself to see any scars on his wrists. She couldn¡¯t move her neck enough to see. Was the curiosity that strong that she would risk losing this position with him? Her mind panicked. Looking up at the roof from the corner of her eyes. An energetic nest was made floating near the top of the van. Her owl lying with David¡¯s eagle. Overwhelmed with happiness, she felt obligated not to bother their sleep either.

    Feeling his heartbeat against her chest, she found her answer. She was going to enjoy this as long as she could. Eve was a hopeless romantic, her teenage hormones took over her mind. No matter how much training she will go through, she will continue to be this way with him around. Nothing mattered in the world around her at that moment. If love was a dream Eve didn¡¯t want to wake up. She prayed she never will. She closed her eyes, she began to pray to herself, ¡°God, dude, person. If you¡¯re up there if you¡¯re listening. It¡¯s me, Evelyn. I don¡¯t know how to do this, but please. Let me keep this forever. I don¡¯t want anything else.¡± She thought of what else to say, but nothing else came to mind except more begging, ¡°Amen, I think.¡±

    <hr>

    Gabriel stood in the courtyard, looking up at the clouds. The way they shifted in the sky was incredible. This world lacked the same rules of the atmosphere as Earth. Behind him, Allison was helping Richard into the yard. His arm slung over her shoulder. Taking his attention from the environment, Gabriel turned his head slightly in their direction.

    ¡°You¡¯re too little to be supporting me,¡± Richard said, ¡°Let me just limp over there.¡±

    ¡°Nope, I need to do everything I possibly can to keep you from overexerting yourself,¡± Allison laughed. Setting him down on the bench. He grunted, ¡°Better?¡±

    ¡°Much,¡± Richard replied stretching his arms out. Followed by a heavy grunt. Richard watched Gabriel from afar. ¡°How are you guys doing?¡± Gabriel turned away, doing his best not to feel jealous. She had been spending more time with Richard than she has been trying to fix their relationship.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think we¡¯d properly get to talk until we get home,¡± Allison answered. ¡°Any news with Jasmine?¡±

    ¡°Every time Chris jumps through the rift to call her. She only answers to let him know she¡¯s alive. Then hangs up.¡±

    ¡°I wonder if she¡¯s making better progress than we are,¡± Allison looked at Gabriel. Her heart aching, feeling as if this is what Eleazar had always meant that love in this life will never work.

    Gabriel watched as Aiden appeared from the trees in the distance, his time for meditation was over. If he had hoped to learn the fire aspect, Gabriel would have to focus. Aiden carried a log over his shoulder. ¡°How long have you been meditating?¡± He asked.

    ¡°For about an hour,¡± Gabriel replied, ¡°I¡¯m not sure how this is supposed to help.¡± Still feeling the same as he did when he had awoken. If not worse.

    ¡°How long does David meditate?¡± Aiden asked.

    ¡°Not sure what he has to do with this,¡± Gabriel growing more annoyed. Aiden looked down at him, Gabriel rolled his eyes. ¡°From whenever he shuts his door from bed to when he opens it.¡±

    ¡°Meditation during sleep is dangerous, you don¡¯t allow your mind or spirit to rest.¡±

    ¡°He stays better than me, so I guess it works,¡± Gabriel shrugged.

    ¡°Your brother was trained by the best swordsman in the Order, you will never beat him in hand-to-hand combat.¡±

    ¡°So, I learn how to use fire and then I just set my own brother ablaze. Sounds fair.¡± Gabriel chuckled in annoyance.

    ¡°Not exactly,¡± Aiden pulled out a dagger. A dark flame flowed from his hands to the blade. The dagger began to warm. Sending a crack into the steel. Gabriel watched, ¡°If you¡¯re here to learn how to defeat your brother in a duel, then it¡¯s best you leave.¡± Aiden put the dagger back into its sheath.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to beat David,¡± Gabriel sighed, ¡°I want to be able dependable enough where everyone doesn¡¯t feel like we need him all the time.¡±

    ¡°So, the truth comes out,¡± Aiden said, ¡°hold out your hands.¡± Gabriel nodded and did as he instructed. ¡°Instead of trying to create fire, we must learn how to control it.¡±

    ¡°That way I don¡¯t burn down a forest.¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Aiden pulled out a small candle. Placing it in his open palms, lighting the wick with a small flame. ¡°Put it out.¡± Gabriel looked up at him and back down to the small dancing flame. Pushing his lips together forming a small opening in the middle. ¡°You blow it out, I will punch you in the mouth.¡±

    Gabriel slowly closed his mouth completely. ¡°I¡¯m not really sure how to do it if you don¡¯t tell me.¡±

    ¡°Focus on the flame,¡± Aiden started to explain the method. ¡°Castaway all thought, become the flame. The flame is burning slowly, so keep your mind slow. When a fire is raging, then your mind must rage with it to become one with it. Once you have mastered this element, you will be able to control the wildest of fires without a change of attitude.¡±

    ¡°Guess I¡¯ll become a great asset to California then,¡± Gabriel laughed. He looked up at Aiden, who was not amused. ¡°Sorry, no more jokes.¡± Gabriel closed his eyes. Focusing on the small dancing orange candlelight. Inhaling, filling his lungs with oxygen. Exhaling. Thinking of the serenity of the nights at the sanctuary in the winter. Aiden watched him closely. The small flame stopped dancing, standing as if time had stopped. Thoughts of when the days were quiet. No war, before the Watchers were activated. Before Eve. His focus began to stray. Eve, things were better without her. It was her fault, Kaitlyn dying, Liam leaving, Carlos dying, his brother dealing with trauma. The fire exploded into a spew of flames. Like an oil rig caught on fire.

    Aiden quickly put out the fire. ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Gabriel said in a panic. Waving his hands off from the heat. ¡°I lost my focus.¡±

    ¡°I can tell,¡± Aiden said. He took off his backpack. Opening it and pulling out a box, setting it down on the floor. ¡°As much as I would enjoy watching you explode all day, I am busy. There¡¯s a fire extinguisher near the wall over there. Keep at it, I¡¯ll come to check on you in a few hours.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re doubting me,¡± Gabriel said, ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s good positive reinforcement.¡±

    ¡°It took me two days to get this exercise down,¡± Aiden said, ¡°I have faith you will get this done by tomorrow morning.¡± Gabriel sighed. How long was this going to take? David and Eve would have a baby by the time he had mastered flame. Picking up the next candle to start over again.

    Allison watched him from afar, where she intended to stay until he finished. Watching Aiden walk away, his face shadowed her with content. Something wasn¡¯t right about him, she needed to know what it was.

    <hr>

    David opened his heavy eyelids, looking around the van. Licking his lips followed by slight smacking. Taking in a deep breath, the smell of a mix of dirt and lavender tickled the hairs in his nose. David realized his arms were pulled tightly around Eve. Why was she so close against him? How did they get into this position? The last he had remembered was falling into anger and punching a tree down.

    Releasing his arms from her grip, Eve felt the shift. Causing her to awake as well. Eve opened her eyes feeling like she had done something wrong already. She sat up, covering her clothed body with her arms. David looked at her and then at the roof.

    ¡°Sorry for what?¡± David asked.

    ¡°I just don¡¯t feel,¡± Eve started, ¡°I don¡¯t know, attractive, I guess. I don¡¯t know why I keep making you feel uncomfortable.¡±

    David laid there for a second. This time he wasn¡¯t uncomfortable, in all honesty, he was getting used to this. Starting to enjoy having someone else to be able to share a connection with. A connection that wasn¡¯t just on the battlefield. ¡°Do you remember when you asked me if you could fly the Silver Arrow because Virgil wouldn¡¯t let you?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t see what this has to do with this?¡±

    ¡°You saying that you¡¯re not attractive takes the cake on the dumbest thing that you have ever said.¡± David sat up. Eve didn¡¯t know if that was a compliment or not, making her more confused than insecure. She unwrapped her body. ¡°We should probably go back into the village, so we can eat and shower.¡±

    ¡°Am I attractive or not?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°Why are you searching for my validation? You already have my attention.¡± David slid his shoes on his feet. Eve thought about it, what he was saying made sense. All her life she had been craving for other people¡¯s approval. Even if it had meant searching for it in the wrong places. People who would try to take advantage of her.

    ¡°It would be nice to hear a compliment every once in and awhile I guess,¡± Eve demanded. David blew air out of his nose, smiling. Feeling awkward. ¡°Do you even know how to talk to girls? Or were you one of those guys who was too busy studying the blade?¡±

    David squinted looking away slightly, ¡°Perhaps.¡±

    ¡°Here let me help you out,¡± Eve grabbed David¡¯s face forcing him to look at her. ¡°What on my face do you like?¡±

    David thought about it, more than he really had to. ¡°Your- ¡°He stopped. He started at her hair, a deep blue. Long and parted into a bang over her forehead. He liked the way it looked, but it smelled bad at moment, so he didn¡¯t want to lie to her. Looking at her forehead, a single pimple sat above her eyebrow. He thought it was best not to comment on it. Her eyebrows were thick and regular-sized. David didn¡¯t feel a need to compliment them. Her nose came down almost perfectly straight as if sculpted carefully. Her cheeks sunk in, with the bones sitting high under her eyelids. Her eyes captivated him as if drawn into a trance, a deep blue sea that he had fallen in without a life jacket. Where David was content with drowning in.

    ¡°Well?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°Your eyes,¡± David forced himself to speak. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t let him go.

    ¡°What about them?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°They remind me of the ocean. Not like terrifying, just serene,¡± David swallowed. ¡°They¡¯re really cool.¡±

    Eve smiled, her face becoming a warm pink. ¡°I¡¯ll take it.¡± Eve looked at him, ¡°I like your eyes too.¡± She touched his face, rubbing her thumb across his cheek. ¡°They¡¯re so caring, but they¡¯ve seen so much pain. It makes me sad, why do you carry so much weight in your eyes?¡±

    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

    David reached up and grabbed her hand with his. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± His face fell from a smile to a resting frown. ¡°When I look into yours, I see a reflection of mine. You bear the same eyes. Just more innocent.¡±

    ¡°Maybe this life isn¡¯t for us,¡± Eve muttered. She had felt happier with him, being alone with him at first terrified her. What became was the opposite. Both were at peace with one another, growing comfortable. She noticed without the demand of the Order being around them, they were both happier.

    ¡°Maybe not,¡± David replied, ¡°But it was the life chosen for us. There are people counting on us to make the hard choices.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m glad you said that¡± Eve smiled, ¡°You¡¯re still the same David I met all those years ago. Like a hero in some fantasy novel.¡±

    ¡°When have I ever been someone else?¡± David asked.

    Eve looked down at the floor, ¡°A few weeks ago, you almost killed me.¡± David looked away from her, confused. ¡°I tried to wake you up and you swung your sword at me. You killed a warehouse full of people. Granted they deserved it but that wasn¡¯t who you are. You cut off hands, not heads. You bashed a man¡¯s head into jelly. I watched you do that, all of it. That wasn¡¯t you. But you sitting here right now. This is you. Every time you¡¯re at work, that isn¡¯t you.¡±

    David¡¯s eyes were lost in the ground, hearing, and listening to what she had to say. Maybe she was right, David hadn¡¯t felt as angry as he did a week ago. He was growing in peace as she was growing more comfortable with him. He felt it the same as she did. Her stomach growled. ¡°I think we should get you some food.¡±

    Eve felt as if he disregarded what she had said to him. Though at the same time she understood that he may have felt uneasy. She would hope that something would come from this conversation later. She reached down, putting on her shoes. David slid open the door, his green eagle pounced to his feet. A worm hanging from its beak. ¡°Thanks, but no thanks dude,¡± David said. The eagle replied with a swift swallow of the worm. David reached down, picking up his eagle and setting him on his shoulder.

    ¡°Can you see other people¡¯s spirit animals?¡± Eve asked David.

    ¡°No, but I assume you can see mine,¡± David answered.

    ¡°He¡¯s cute,¡± Eve smiled. ¡°I¡¯m ready to go.¡±

    ¡°Lead the way,¡± David said. She jumped out of the van as David closed the door behind her. She walked ahead of him; the cold morning chill tickled her arms. Wrapping herself in a hug as she walked through the path of David¡¯s destruction. The scent of food tickled her nose in the distance. Vegetables with a hint of egg. Eve¡¯s stomach craved for more. David took her hand and brought lead her towards the center.

    Dozens of people sat around a table. Eating a wide range of breakfast foods. Speaking on events to prepare each other for the day. Eve and David walked up, ¡°Any room for two more?¡± David asked as they all stopped speaking. Looking up at the two. They began laughing.

    ¡°Of course!¡± A husky older man yelled. ¡°Make some room you lazy bums! Our guests are starving!¡± He began to laugh.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Eve nodded, sitting down in the seat closest to him. David took his seat down next to her.

    ¡°I can sense a free spirit in you child,¡± A woman said sitting across from her.

    ¡°Me?¡± Eve asked

    ¡°Both of you,¡± She continued. David nearly choked on the wooden cup of water. ¡°Even you knight. Your heart craves freedom, but your mind is addicted to servitude.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not in the mood for prophecy woman,¡± David waved a carrot at her. Everyone around the table began to laugh as he smiled.

    ¡°Joke all you want but you should follow your heart,¡± She suggested to him.

    ¡°The reason the Earth is at war is that men have followed their hearts for their own selfish desires,¡± David took a bite.

    ¡°Fine, be difficult.¡±

    ¡°I intend to,¡± David smiled, glancing at Eve. She faked a smile in return to hide her emotions. She thought David deserved to live free, he seemed at home with these people. Somewhere he wasn¡¯t bounded by old oaths created by old sad men.

    ¡°What about you girl?¡± The woman asked Eve.

    Eve looked up with her mouth filled with food, grease leaking from her lips. Wiping her mouth with her sleeve, swallowing what remained. ¡°What about me?¡±

    ¡°Do you desire freedom?¡± She asked.

    ¡°I desire freedom as much as anyone else. I think many of us spirit users would be better off being independent. Some of us are young and seen more pain than grown men in war.¡± Eve said.

    ¡°I agree wholeheartedly,¡± A younger teen said. His shoulders were broad, couldn¡¯t be more than one or two years younger than Eve. ¡°I am better off when I found the tribe.¡± David laughed under his own breath. ¡°Do you have something to say, knight?¡±

    ¡°A few things,¡± David set down his food on the table, ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong, I appreciate the tribe. And in a perfect world, this socialist commune would be amazing. This isn¡¯t a perfect world. What¡¯s your name?¡±

    ¡°Cade, Cade Johnson.¡± The teenager said, his eyes were drawn towards Eve. As if it were love at first sight.

    ¡°Cade, you¡¯re a trained warrior for the tribe. Yes?¡± David asked as the teen nodded, ¡°How many battles have you been in?¡±

    Cade looked to the left and back to David, ¡°None.¡±

    ¡°So, you¡¯re not a proven warrior. Don¡¯t feel ashamed, most of the Tribe under the age of thirty have never seen combat. Do you know why that is?¡± David asked, ¡°It¡¯s because men and women of the Order train night and day, preparing for the horrors they may face. Keeping the Legion licking their wounds, and the Brotherhood from trying to maintain dominance over society. Don¡¯t get me started on the Sins.¡±

    ¡°How many battles have you been in?¡± Cade asked David.

    ¡°I¡¯ve stopped counting, there¡¯s no glory in battle. Only pain. That¡¯s the sacrifice the guardians and knights of the Order make to keep the world safe. I envy your freedom, but I understand that it¡¯s the security the Order does in the shadows to keep you, safe kid,¡± David looked at everyone as they turned to a deafening silence.

    ¡°How many Sins have you killed?¡± The woman asked.

    David stopped, looking at the floor, ¡°Four.¡± Eve turned and looked at him.

    ¡°Four?¡± Eve asked. ¡°I thought they were almost impossible to kill.¡±

    ¡°Not impossible, if you know what you¡¯re doing,¡± David said softly, ¡°But every battle isn¡¯t just physical and mental, it¡¯s something deeper.¡±

    ¡°Aye, I¡¯ve killed one before my friend,¡± The large man said, ¡°It revealed something within me, and I have never been more scared. Killed twelve of my friends.¡±

    ¡°That is why the Order exists Cade, there are not many without the training and discipline that can fight a sin and survive. How did you survive sir, if you don¡¯t mind me asking?¡±

    ¡°I survived before your father and mother arrived with the other Watchers,¡± he said.

    Cade looked at David annoyed, ¡°That still doesn¡¯t excuse the Order on how they oppress others for only wanting to be free.¡±

    ¡°Who wants to be free that we subjugate?¡±

    ¡°The brotherhood,¡± Cade said.

    Eve chimed in, ¡°I¡¯ve seen how the Brotherhood works firsthand. They don¡¯t want freedom; the brothers and sisters of that group only want to become dominant over humanity.¡± Eve continued as she began to find herself agreeing with David as he spoke, ¡°The men and women of the Order have fought for centuries to protect the world. Though I may not agree with every action. It is for the best of both spirits and humanity.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve been drinking the Kool-Aid sister,¡± Cade laughed continuing to eat his meal.

    ¡°Who is your father?¡± David asked.

    ¡°My father? He passed away, fighting in the Order¡¯s war against the Legion.¡± Cade said.

    ¡°I am sorry for your loss. He didn¡¯t die in vain.¡±

    ¡°He sacrificed a life with his son to die in a war. Because one faction says the other is bad for practicing different things. Touch grass.¡± Cade refused to speak more. David shook his head, he was angry. And David didn¡¯t blame him. He couldn¡¯t.

    Eve looked up at the woman, ¡°Do you guys travel?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Of course, we never stay in one place longer than a month,¡± She smiled, ¡°We prefer to live off of the land. All of us are experts at something different. Some specialize as warriors, farmers, hunters, and anything that needs a job has a tribesman to work it.¡±

    ¡°Do you accept anyone?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°Absolutely, at any time too. You just need to be able to find us,¡± the woman smiled at Eve.

    Eve elbowed David, whispering to him, ¡°What if-¡°

    ¡°No,¡± David said quickly.

    ¡°At least, consider it?¡± She asked him.

    ¡°I am not abandoning my oaths to live in the forest with a bunch of hippies,¡± David said. Eve looked up at him with a straight face, ¡°What did I say?¡±

    Eve¡¯s straight face widened into a smile. She began to laugh, ¡°You think I would abandon the Order after everything we¡¯ve been through?¡± David joined her in a laugh. ¡°Maybe when I¡¯m older, but I¡¯m lean and ready for some fighting.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m glad you agree,¡± David said in relief.

    ¡°So, you would leave the Order when you got older?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°Maybe. Ask me when I¡¯ve seen too much war and ready to retire.¡± David said.

    ¡°Deal,¡± Eve smiled. She looked around, ¡°Is there anywhere I can wash up?¡± She asked.

    The older man spoke up, ¡°There¡¯s a river a quarter-mile from here.¡±

    ¡°Good enough for me,¡± Eve said, ¡°David?¡±

    ¡°Yup?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to go wash up. I suggest you do as well. Stinky.¡± Eve laughed waving her hand over her nose. David smiled shaking his head.

    Eve walked off to the van to gather her things. David took in a deep breath and released it. Kanen removed his hood at the head of the table. ¡°You cannot keep her from her destiny forever, David.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± David said, ¡°I¡¯m not keeping her from anything. She has the freedom to choose whatever she wants.¡± David kept watching her as she entered the tree line.

    ¡°She is still a child. It is obvious she loves you. Eve will choose you before what she is destined to be,¡± Kanen said, ¡°Dare I ask you a favor? For humanity.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re asking me to convince her to stay or abandon her here I can¡¯t,¡± David sighed, ¡°I made her a promise I won¡¯t ever leave her to be alone.¡±

    ¡°Is your pride in keeping that promise more important than the future of the world?¡± Kanen asked David, ¡°You said it yourself, the Order must sacrifice for the greater good.¡±

    David looked at him, ¡°It will be her choice. And hers alone.¡±

    ¡°She will not stay without you. Both of your destinies are equally important. To achieve those, you must stay with the Order. And she must be with the Tribe, without one destiny achieved. The other is useless. And the world is doomed.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± David said, watching her return at the edge of the field. ¡°We¡¯ll figure it out.¡±

    ¡°If you don¡¯t?¡±

    ¡°Then the world ends, and I can go to heaven. All my pain will disappear, and I can finally be happy.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t care if the world ends do you?¡±

    ¡°If I¡¯m honest, I don¡¯t,¡± David admitted.

    <hr>

    Gabriel sat on the ground, a candle sitting on his open palms. Meditating for half an hour upon the burning wick. Allison continued to watch him. Three hours have passed of training. The candle jumped into an explosion. Gabriel quickly dropped the candle in anger. Allison walked over to him.

    ¡°What?¡± He asked.

    ¡°Show me your palms,¡± Allison commanded him.

    ¡°Why? I¡¯m fine,¡± Gabriel said though Allison took his wrists regardless. Flipping his hands over, Gabriel¡¯s open palms were covered in burns. He snatched his hands back from her grip.

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s time to give it a rest,¡± Allison told him. ¡°Try it again tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°No, I have to keep trying this. I know I¡¯m close, I just. I can¡¯t concentrate.¡± Gabriel admitted, ¡°I keep thinking and it throws me off.¡±

    ¡°Talk to me about it,¡± Allison told him.

    ¡°David and Eve are probably doing unspeakable things as we speak,¡± Gabriel said, ¡°And that simultaneously grosses me out and terrifies me.¡±

    ¡°Are you serious?¡± Allison asked, ¡°Is that what¡¯s bothering you?¡± Allison placed her fists against her hips. Elbows stick outward to the side.

    ¡°No,¡± Gabriel admitted, ¡°I¡¯m worried about us.¡± He shook his head, pounding his palms against his forehead. ¡°Like I¡¯m scared to lose you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re an idiot, you know that?¡± Allison asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if you know this or not, but verbal abuse is not going to help me.¡±

    Allison squatted down near Gabriel, grabbing his face to kiss him. Gabriel¡¯s mind felt at ease, all the distracting negative thoughts were suddenly suppressed. ¡°You¡¯re not going to lose me, you piss me off but I¡¯m still your girl. Now focus, I¡¯m not going anywhere until you get this.¡±

    Gabriel smiled, lighting another candlewick. Held it between his open palms, focusing deeply on his thoughts. Blocking out any and all negative ideas and transmissions from others¡¯ minds in the vicinity. Especially Chris. Gabriel channeled his spirit into the wick. His mind was calm. Serenity fell upon his shoulders. He could see the flame in his mind. Being connected within its core. Gabriel is now one with the flame. Speaking to it. He began to understand the burning. There was no putting out the flame, only moving it somewhere else.

    Gabriel raised his hand slowly. Removing the flame from the candle, bringing it above his palm. Grabbing it slowly, putting out the fire in his very own hand. He now understood. The flame still burned inside of his palm. He could feel it. Traveling into his very own muscle, finding his blood. His soul felt its passion. Connecting with it. Fire, blood, and majesty. Gabriel saw his future in the flames, a prophecy. He collapsed to his knees. Dread and pride filled his heart and mind. Allison rushed over to him, ¡°Are you okay?¡±

 Chapter 13: Duality

    Eve opened her eyes to the afternoon sun beaming into her face. Hard to believe three days have already passed. Gasping for fresh air she rolled out of bed sliding the van door open. The air-filled her lungs with the refreshing smell of wood and grass. Turning around, David was gone. Eve found a piece of paper on the countertop, a note left behind from David. A mixture of symbols and numbers, ¡°He really left a code for me to decipher.¡± She rolled her eyes and grabbed the pen inside one of the drawers, doodling on the paper he had left behind so she can figure out where he went. Eve yawned deeply. Her phone began to ring in her pocket, pulling it out swiftly. It was Jasmine, why was she calling her?

    ¡°Hello?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°Where¡¯s David?¡± Jasmine asked swiftly, sparring the formalities.

    ¡°I¡¯m currently trying to figure that out right now,¡± Eve said still working on the code.

    ¡°He left you unguarded?¡± Jasmine was annoyed by the sound of it.

    ¡°I¡¯m a big girl, I can handle myself.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that,¡± Jasmine paused, sighing to herself. ¡°When you see him can you tell him to call me?¡±

    ¡°You can tell me and I¡¯ll deliver the message to him,¡± Eve told her. Hoping that she can trust her.

    Jasmine hesitated, ¡°Eve, darling,¡± She sighed, ¡°The force that is after you is more than forty strong. Promise me, you and David will run. Do not stop, even with the two of you together can take that many.¡±

    Eve was frozen, ¡°Forty?¡± That is all she could mutter. ¡°Maybe we should bring you guys off the mission, fortify at the sanctuary.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Jasmine said, ¡°You guys need to keep moving. If we can cut the head off the snake here then they¡¯ll stop following. I hope.¡±

    ¡°Be safe,¡± Eve told Jasmine with sincerity in her heart.

    ¡°I should be telling you that,¡± Jasmine said, ¡°Stay low, blue.¡± Jasmine hung up the phone.

    Eve placed the phone down on the counter. Taking in a deep breath. Having finished the cipher without noticing. It read, ¡®Going to River.¡¯ Eve rolled her eyes, why couldn¡¯t he have said that, to begin with? Eve grabbed a water bottle from the case, along with her toothbrush to clean your mouth of the morning dragon¡¯s breath. Sitting down at the side door of the van, she felt at peace. Growing accustomed to the way of life of these people. Feeling accepted, unlike at the Sanctuary where she always felt like she had to prove something to the others. David wouldn¡¯t budge, not wanting to leave the Order.

    She couldn¡¯t blame him, it¡¯s all he knows. It¡¯s all he has ever lived. If only he could see how it tears him apart. David has given everything to the world and has lost more than he has gained. If only there was some way to convince him of it. Starting to believe that he may be addicted to the trauma.

    <hr>

    Gabriel sat in the grass, meditating around a ring of candles. All flames burning high around him. His mind was calm, more so than ever in his life. No longer caring hearing other¡¯s thoughts, falling in love with the quiet. Allison sat on the steps with the other Watchers. Ethan walked over, taking a seat next to Richard. ¡°How are you doing bug guy?¡± He asked Richard who still maintained his sick composure.

    ¡°I want to leave already,¡± Richard said. ¡°Or find out what it is here that¡¯s making me sick.¡±

    ¡°Aiden said it¡¯s warp sickness,¡± Chris chimed in.

    ¡°I don¡¯t trust a thing that man says,¡± Richard coughed. ¡°I haven¡¯t felt this sick since Eleazar had tested a vile of corruption on us.¡±

    ¡°Think it has to do with whatever he said about not going past the forest?¡±

    ¡°We are not going past the forest,¡± Allison said, ¡°Aiden has been nothing but hospitable with us. Maybe if you keep taking your medication like I¡¯ve been telling you, then you would be better by now.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t like that crap,¡± Richard countered, ¡°anyways, how long has Gabriel been at it?¡±

    ¡°Since nine in the morning,¡± Allison answered.

    ¡°That¡¯s not too bad,¡± Richard looked at him.

    ¡°Yesterday,¡± Allison said, ¡°He¡¯s making insane progress.¡± They watched as Gabriel lifted the ring of fire from the candles. The flame spun around him without a source of burn. Concentrating, the flame raised to the sky. Standing up slowly, he raised his hand. Moving it around in figure eight. The flame moved like a kite in the sky. Gabriel smiled, he learned how to control a larger flame. Now all he had to learn was to create it from thin air, rather than rely on a source.

    Allison began to clap and cheer with the others joining her. Gabriel¡¯s heart filled with a glowing warmth. Unknowing if it was from the fire or actually feeling like they were proud of him for once. Moving his palm shut, the fire dissipated into a plume of smoke. Watching the embers flicker into the sky, he came up with an idea. Reaching his palm out to the embers. Concentrating deeply. Taking in a deep breath. The embers exploded into small plumes of fire before extinguishing themselves. Like fireworks.

    ¡°Alright, that was cool,¡± Chris jumped from the stairs. Running over to Gabriel, ¡°Dude, that was awesome.¡± He grabbed Gabe¡¯s opened hand to bring him into a hug.

    ¡°Damn,¡± Gabriel shoved him away.

    ¡°You good?¡± Chris asked.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Gabriel sucked in air from his clenched teeth. Showing Chris his palms, heavy burning, and scarring.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t know,¡± Chris apologized, ¡°That¡¯s why you always see me wearing gloves. I knew you could learn the fire element though.¡± Chris seemed the most excited, probably because he was the only other person who knew an element in the team.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Gabriel waved his hands back, ¡°I was meaning to ask you something. How do you use electricity without a source?¡±

    Chris looked confused, ¡°From what I understood is that you can¡¯t use an element without a source,¡± he reached into his back pocket. It was a portable charger. ¡°I¡¯ve gone through a million of these things.¡±

    Gabriel grabbed it and looked down at it, ¡°So you always use this?¡±

    ¡°Not always, I can use the electrons in the air when there¡¯s a storm or even static electricity,¡± Chris went to poke Gabriel¡¯s shoulder. Zapping him from the tip of his finger. Gabriel¡¯s body jumped.

    ¡°Bruh,¡± Gabriel said annoyed, ¡°Stop.¡±

    ¡°Right, I don¡¯t know. Candles can get heavy, maybe it¡¯s time to invest into a bunch of lighters.¡± Chris suggested.

    ¡°Aiden can turn his shadow weapons into flames, when there is no flame for him to use,¡± Gabriel looked down at his palms. ¡°Even I can summon a plume of smoke from my palms.¡±

    ¡°I would advise against that,¡± Chris told him looking up at the sky, ¡°An explosion that close to you could blow off your arm.¡±

    ¡°I heard an explosion,¡± Aiden said walking up to the two. ¡°I¡¯m assuming you have the technique down?¡±

    ¡°I do,¡± Gabriel answered. ¡°How do you summon the flame from thin air?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± Aiden told him, ¡°My shadow ability was enhanced from this ring.¡± Aiden showed it to the two of them. ¡°It goes by the name of Michael¡¯s Fire. But you my young Gabriel, won¡¯t need any artifacts.¡±

    ¡°How did you get that?¡± Gabriel asked captivated by the ring.

    ¡°I found it,¡± Aiden smiled, ¡°Curious, it just stumbled upon me on a mission.¡±

    ¡°What did you mean I don¡¯t need artifacts?¡± Gabriel asked.

    ¡°You will soon discover in time,¡± Aiden said, ¡°Get some sleep, you have completed this training.¡± Gabriel nodded, ¡°I need some sleep as well.¡± He laughed.

    Aiden walked away past the steps, Allison jumped to her feet. ¡°Aiden?¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡± Aiden asked turning around slowly to the small girl.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been wondering,¡± She continued, ¡°What happened for you to leave the Watchers?¡±

    Aiden lowered his head and chuckled, ¡°My brother was not as good as a man as you all were led to believe.¡±

    ¡°What did he do?¡± Richard asked from the steps.

    ¡°Did he experiment corruption on you all when you were kids?¡± Aiden asked.

    ¡°He gave it to us to help us build an immunity to it, just in case we have ever fought a sin,¡± Allison answered.

    ¡°What about David and Liam?¡± Aiden asked. Eyes peering at Allison, she stayed quiet. ¡°What happened to them?¡±

    ¡°Liam started to rely on it, but he had his own problems,¡± Allison muttered, ¡°But David, he was fine. His body or mind always rejected it.¡±

    ¡°Did it?¡± Aiden asked. They remained in silence. ¡°Maybe one of you should call and check up on him? He¡¯s always busy solving everyone¡¯s problems but has any of you actually checked to make sure the Locklear brothers are, okay?¡±

    <hr>

    Eve walked atop the grass barefooted. Past the camp of the free people towards the river. After just a few days of being there with David. She had grown comfortable, knowing where the rocks that hurt were. And which ones hurt to step on. Comfortable with the people¡¯s culture. Feeling relaxed and at peace. The Sanctuary still felt like her home, but it was rare that she had a moment to breathe. The Watchers weren¡¯t just physically taxing, they were more mentally stressful than anything.

    Stepping past a group of trees, finding herself at the river. Clean and pure, the waters drifted slowly towards the ocean on the coast. Rocks spread out for the water to pass through. Looking around to see if she can find David. Near the crest where the water met the dirt, a pile of folded clothes rested carefully placed. Next to it was David¡¯s backpack. He must still be washing. She noticed a stream of viridian light flowing with the water. Coming from a single spot in the river.

    David¡¯s head rose from the water. He stood up, his back facing in Eve¡¯s direction. She went to turn away for his privacy, she hesitated. Something caught her eyes upon further inspection of his scarred back. Heavy black cracks fractured like a windowpane. The last time she had seen anything like this was when David had dueled with Liam. She frowned; David had promised her that he got the corruption removed. Did he lie?

    Her blood started to boil, thinking that he was honest. Why would he continue to use it if his body was decaying because of it? Eve grew enraged at the thought, crossing her arms. She wanted to scream at him. Turning around she stood looking at the ground. David turned around, wiping the water from his face. Seeing Eve facing away from him at the horizon of the hill. ¡°If you were waiting for your turn. You could¡¯ve just said something,¡± David laughed. Expecting a reply, instead, Eve remained in silence. Stuttering in her steps, Eve walked away until he couldn¡¯t see her anymore.

    Maybe she couldn¡¯t hear him, David thought. Climbing out of the river, he quickly grabbed his clothes and began dressing. He planned to leave today, having spent too much time sitting in one place. He was growing more anxious. Though he had thought of staying there to be safe. Realistically, none of them were trustworthy to keep her safe. David sighed, running his hands through his hair to give it the normal form and shape. He packed up his stuff and started up the hill back to camp. Hoping to catch up with Eve.

    Eve entered Kanen¡¯s tent. Kanen sat meditating in front of the fire in the center of the room. ¡°I have a problem,¡± Eve paced back and forth near the entrance.

    ¡°So, it appears,¡± Kanen said.

    ¡°Actually, I have a question. I don¡¯t know, something happened,¡± Eve hesitated unsure what to say or convey her feelings to a stranger.

    ¡°Sit,¡± Kanen told her. Eve stopped in her tracks, turning a sharp right to the open cushion on the floor. Eve went to speak but he cut her off, ¡°Breathe before you speak, relax.¡±

    Eve did what he said, taking in a deep breath for fifteen seconds and releasing it from her nose. She felt calm and wished to cry at the same time. ¡°I¡¯ve been having visions,¡± Eve said, ¡°I don¡¯t know but every time I lie next to David and he¡¯s still asleep. I¡¯m standing in a building, made of stone. There¡¯s a version of David wearing glasses and dressed in green robes.¡±

    ¡°Is that it?¡± Kanen asked opening his eyes to her. She reeked of distraught and anger.

    ¡°No,¡± Eve continued, ¡°He tells me that he doesn¡¯t want me there and I fall out of my dream or vision thing.¡±

    ¡°Interesting,¡± Kanen said, ¡°Are you two physically touching when you wake up?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Eve said quickly as if she was doing something forbidden.

    ¡°What appears to be happening is that you¡¯re unintentionally hijacking David¡¯s consciousness through his energy aura.¡±

    ¡°I can do that?¡± Eve wasn¡¯t sure if she were too excited or worried. Mostly excited.

    ¡°Some can. Though the reason you are being kicked out is that David is still conscious when he sleeps.¡± Kanen said.

    ¡°How is that even possible?¡±

    ¡°It is a discipline some use to allow themselves to awaken when a disturbance is near,¡± Kanen looked at her, ¡°Have you ever awoken from a dream when you felt you were in danger? Whatever it may be?¡±

    ¡°I think so, nothing I can recall exactly.¡±

    ¡°The only way to hijack a disciplined mind is to knock them out completely,¡± Kanen said.

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    ¡°What will I find inside someone¡¯s conscious?¡±

    ¡°Anything and everything that person knows or have done,¡± Kanen continued, ¡°Now, that¡¯s not why you came to see me is it?¡±

    Eve looked down at her crossed legs, sighing. ¡°No, no it¡¯s not.¡±

    ¡°Speak when you are ready,¡± Kanen told her.

    ¡°You know what corruption is right?¡± Eve asked, Kanen nodded, ¡°I guess Eleazar used it for a study to see the potential in activating David¡¯s special ability or something. David told me he got cured and promised he would never use it again. Just now, his back looked like something out of a horror movie. I just don¡¯t get why he would lie to me.¡±

    ¡°Evelyn, you have the ability to discover what is truth and what is not,¡± He looked at her through the flames in the center.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to,¡± Eve said, ¡°I don¡¯t want to know anymore. I hate it.¡±

    ¡°What you saw the other day was the truth,¡± Kanen tried to reason with her, ¡°You are denying yourself an incredible power. Not just to yourself, but to humanity as well. Everything new is scary, but without a leap, we would still be nothing more than men banging rocks against other rocks.¡± Eve remained silent, looking at her open palms. ¡°How did you feel after you leaped into the Watchers?¡±

    ¡°It was the best thing to happen to me. But this. This is terrifying. What if I can¡¯t control myself and get people hurt again?¡± Eve asked. Her lips mumbling.

    ¡°If you can learn to perfect these abilities, I know you will never hurt another person on accident again,¡± Kanen put his hand out to her. Eve hesitated, shaking her head back and forth.

    ¡°This is your life Eve, you choose what to do with it,¡± Eve remembered when David told her those words. The words that she had waited for her entire life. Someone to give her a choice. To give her purpose. Eve reached out taking Kanen¡¯s hand. Closing her eyes to focus on the spirits around her.

    Eve and Kanen stood in the emptiness of space and time. ¡°Now when did David tell you this?¡± Kanen asked.

    ¡°It was the day before Christmas Eve, last year,¡± Eve had a strong memory. Especially when it came to special moments for her. Eve focused on that date; time flowed in an instant to that moment.

    Now at the sanctuary, early in the morning. The sun had yet kissed the horizon. David stood at the elevator, sword at his hip. Dressed in his formal attire. Cloak over his arm, silver pauldron holding it all together. ¡°Carlos, since you¡¯re the only one I¡¯ve seen awake. Make sure everyone is at the Order for Eve¡¯s trial.¡±

    Carlos came running over to him, ¡°Say that again, sorry I had one head bud in.¡± David repeated himself.

    Eve gasped, ¡°I miss that kid. Other than David, he was the nicest one to me when I arrived.¡±

    ¡°What happened to him?¡± Kanen asked.

    ¡°He had a good heart. He sacrificed himself to save his sister,¡± Eve¡¯s words began to break. ¡°I wish I could speak to him.¡±

    ¡°You can,¡± Kanen said. ¡°There will be no consequences.¡±

    As the elevator doors shut behind David. Eve rushed over to Carlos, grabbing his arm. Carlos jumped away, ¡°Eve! You scared the hell out of me!¡± Carlos panted, ¡°Where¡¯d you get that sword?¡± He asked. Eve said no words and embraced him. ¡°You alright? Fall asleep under the tree again?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve missed you,¡± Eve said.

    ¡°I just saw you like five hours ago,¡± Carlos said, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have a lot of time,¡± Eve explained remembering why she came in the first place. ¡°There¡¯s going to be a battle here, you¡¯re going to sacrifice yourself for Jasmine. You need to do everything you can not get taken hostage with her.¡±

    Carlos looked confused, estranged from her words. He smiled, ¡°Are you a future Eve or something?¡±

    ¡°Yes, exactly. Look,¡± Eve lifted her shirt over her stomach. Revealing the scar, she got from the assassination attempt. ¡°The Eve you know doesn¡¯t have this.¡±

    ¡°How am I supposed to stop us from getting captured?¡± Carlos asked.

    ¡°Stay closer to the main defense forces, promise me,¡± Eve grabbed his big arms. ¡°Please.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll try to not die,¡± Carlos laughed. That smile on his face tore into her heart. He had always been kind. He didn¡¯t deserve to die. ¡°Anything else you want to tell me?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to you afterward,¡± Eve smiled. ¡°Stay strong dude.¡± Carlos nodded; Eve released his arm. Embracing him one last time deeply, he returned the affection. She released him, disappearing from his sight. She watched as he sat down with his back against the wall, tearing up. Eve looked over at Kanen, ¡°I didn¡¯t know I can speak with the past. I can¡¯t wait to see him again.¡±

    ¡°No matter what you do to interact with those from the past, will not change their destiny,¡± Kanen told her.

    ¡°What?¡± Eve asked, looking back at Carlos, ¡°He¡¯s going to die no matter what I do?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Kanen answered, ¡°He will remember what you had told him, regardless he will still save his sister. Carlos has already made his decision on protecting those dear to him no matter the cost.¡±

    ¡°What if I go to the moment he died and save him?¡± Eve was searching for any chance she could to make things perfect for her.

    Kanen shook his head, ¡°Death is owed a debt. Someone will have to die in that exact second for it to matter. It is best not to try to save the dead, you will only destroy yourself. Let him rest, Carlos is at peace.¡± Eve closed her eyes, tightening them. What good was speaking with the past if their destinies were locked in? ¡°Let¡¯s catch up to David.¡± Eve nodded silently and went into the elevator, passing through the walls and going into the cavern. Following David to the unground tram.

    ¡°What¡¯s the point of speaking with the past?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°Every decision you have made with this power has already been done by the future you,¡± Kanen told her, ¡°If you wished to go back in time to duel with whoever to improve your skill, you have already done it.¡±

    ¡°Have I interacted with David in the past?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°That is for you to decide,¡± Kanen walked by her side. Following David inside of the tram and taking a seat in the back.

    ¡°This is getting too confusing for me,¡± Eve said, ¡°I guess I¡¯ll figure it out when I get there.¡±

    ¡°That is for the best,¡± Kanen sat back.

    Eve watched as David threw his phone onto the radio. Sitting back as he put in the commands to start the tram moving. She couldn¡¯t help but feel angry with him. Even if he did put on a good song by Paramore on the speaker. Eve decided to forward time to when they were in the lab with Master Ruiz.

    David sat down on the lab table, removing his shirt. Eve watched; his black veins were exposed. ¡°Looks just like when I saw him at the river.¡± Eve frowned, ¡°I¡¯ve seen enough to prove it.¡±

    ¡°Jumping to conclusions so swiftly?¡± Kanen said as David laid down on his stomach.

    Master Ruiz walked over, ¡°This procedure is going to make your body weaker; you¡¯ll be in constant pain for the next two weeks. Don¡¯t expect to be in any fights?¡±

    David placed his arms crossed under his head as a pillow. ¡°Can¡¯t promise anything. How much weaker?¡± He asked.

    ¡°Hard to say, but you won¡¯t be at your full potential,¡± Ruiz began placing a numbing agent on his back. ¡°But you will be considerably weaker, maybe at your sixty percent at the most.¡±

    ¡°Makes sense, he didn¡¯t accept it because he was able to help forge my sword, beat Gabriel, and kill Liam.¡± Eve crossed her arms, ¡°I don¡¯t knock him for it, I just wish he didn¡¯t lie to me-¡°

    David sighed, ¡°Hit me with it, I made a promise I plan to keep it.¡± Eve¡¯s lips froze. ¡°Guess if anything happens, I¡¯ll just have to rely on willpower.¡±

    ¡°Just try to take it, easy son,¡± Ruiz then took out a pack of needles. Filled with purity water, ¡°Now tell me if you feel this?¡± He dragged his hand across David¡¯s back.

    ¡°Nope,¡± David said in reaction.

    ¡°Then we¡¯ll begin,¡± Master Ruiz took out the needles and began injecting them into different parts of his back where the corruption was visible.

    ¡°Appears he did not lie,¡± Kanen told the confused girl. ¡°You said he fought Liam later on and kill him?¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡±

    ¡°Sounds like David was far better than Liam.¡±

    Eve watched as the corruption was cleansed from his body. His knuckles were white in pain. She couldn¡¯t watch anymore. She quickly forwarded time and headed for David and Liam¡¯s battle in the snow. She remembered this like it were yesterday, sprinting over to watch the duel between the two friends. Now that she was closer, she could tell, Liam was holding back. Almost as if he wanted David to win. Liam charged at David before his sword fell on David¡¯s head. Liam hesitated, dropping his offense against David. He closed his eyes, smiling. David then leaped up stabbing his friend.

    ¡°Liam let him win,¡± Eve said, ¡°Why?¡± She asked Kanen.

    ¡°I spoke with Liam once in my life. That was after he had left the Watchers. I told him that there was no bringing back the dead. Maybe it was at that moment he knew he had no chance to bring back Kaitlyn. David was wounded from Liam, that is probably where he got the corruption that you saw at the river,¡± Kanen told her.

    ¡°I thought David got the better of him,¡± Eve said softly, ¡°But Liam was better than him?¡±

    ¡°I think it was the opposite, David getting cured is what weakened him,¡± Kanen explained, ¡°Perhaps David chose not to get cured already is to protect you. He didn¡¯t want to allow himself to become vulnerable again.¡± Eve looked down at David holding Liam.

    ¡°I think I get it now,¡± Eve thought about it. Thinking of a way to cure him without making him vulnerable once again. ¡°Does the corruption reside inside his consciousness?¡±

    ¡°You can always try,¡± Kanen said, ¡°Good luck trying to get him to drop his guard.¡±

    Eve ended the time travel, returning back to her physical body. She began panting heavily, trying to catch her lungs up with her breathing style. ¡°I¡¯m never going to get used to it.¡±

    ¡°Where did your adventures take you?¡± David asked sitting at the desk in the corner.

    Eve bit her lip, and looked over at him, ¡°How long have you been sitting there?¡± She asked.

    ¡°Probably five minutes,¡± David answered, ¡°Where¡¯d you go?¡±

    ¡°Kanen was teaching me how to speak with people from the past,¡± Eve answered, ¡°And that I can¡¯t change their destinies.¡± She didn¡¯t lie to him but didn¡¯t speak the whole truth.

    ¡°How was Carlos?¡± David asked, staring at the ground. Rubbing his hands together.

    ¡°How did you know I spoke with Carlos?¡±

    ¡°He told me,¡± David said, ¡°He said you were acting crazy after your trial. I spent the next hour with him telling him that whatever was going to happen he couldn¡¯t change. And that he should keep fighting as if he didn¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°So you knew about my power?¡± Eve asked, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡±

    ¡°You weren¡¯t ready to know,¡± David told her, ¡°You met with me before I met you at school.¡±

    ¡°What did I say to you?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to go back to tell me not to kill you,¡± David said.

    ¡°What else are you hiding from me?¡± Eve asked, her voice rising in anger. Walking over to him, grabbed his collar. David¡¯s eyes widened in surprise from her assertiveness. ¡°You have all these secrets that you hide from me. While we¡¯re at it, what more do you want to tell me? What are you hiding from me?!¡± Eve yelled at him.

    David remained silent, grabbing her wrist removing her hand from his collar. Eve snatched her hand back, and down to her side. ¡°I¡¯m not a little girl, you don¡¯t have to protect me from secrets,¡± Eve spoke. ¡°You don¡¯t have to protect me from anything.¡± Eve began to walk away. ¡°Thank you, Kanen. I just want to leave this place; I will be back.¡± Kanen bowed to her.

    He looked at David, ¡°Keep her safe. For all our sakes,¡± Kanen said as he bowed to David. He returned the gesture. David followed her to out the tent, and back to the van.

    Eve was tired of this place, every moment that she knew of the past she grew angrier. Eve turned around to see David following her. ¡°Give me one good reason why I should talk to you right now?¡± David remained silent. ¡°One reason why I shouldn¡¯t just leave you here and I can go be alone. Obviously, I can¡¯t trust you to not hide anything from me!¡± Tears welled up in her eyes, but she refused to allow herself to cry.

    ¡°I¡¯m sick,¡± David told her. ¡°I¡¯m tired and I have thought about dying every moment I wake up in the morning. My dreams are filled with nothing but horrific images of everything I¡¯ve been through.¡± Eve dropped dead in silence; he was telling her everything. All his emotions, she could see his every wall and safeguard drop that he had placed against her. ¡°I can¡¯t get out of my head every battle, every death, life that I have taken.¡± Eve didn¡¯t know what to say. ¡°Is that what you wanted to hear? That I make myself appear strong so I can protect the weak? To lead people that are depending on my leadership? Now I have this corruption growing within me. And the only way to get rid of it is to make myself weak? Too many depend on me. You depend on me.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ ¡°Eve mumbled, ¡°I¡¯m tired of all the secrets, I want you to rely on me. To¡­ to trust me,¡± Eve pleaded, ¡°If you can¡¯t show me how you feel, or or or¡­ or fucking talk to me. Why are you hiding? I want to help you, David, let me help you.¡± She put her back to the van. ¡°If you can¡¯t, I don¡¯t see how we can keep going on like this. ¡°

    ¡°You want me to show you how I feel?¡± David looked away, gnashing his teeth tightly together.

    ¡°Yes! Over and over again, yes! That¡¯s all I ever wanted with y-¡± Eve¡¯s words were cut off from David¡¯s lips pressed against hers. Her eyes widened in shock as soon as his hands touched hers. Eve¡¯s eyes fell shut. Embracing him, putting her hands in the back of his head. Gripping his head tightly. David placed his hands at the small of her back. Pulling her to the point where no atoms could fit between them. Eve¡¯s heart filled with the flames to burn away all the doubt and anger in her body. Every negative thought left in her mind from how her parents have treated her. Gone. David¡¯s pain remained, but the heaviest weight was lifted off of his heart. Someone he knew that he could depend on.

    He pulled his head away from her, releasing her. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± David said.

    ¡°Shut up,¡± Eve said grabbing him and kissing him again. David gave in. ¡°As soon as I figure this out. You aren¡¯t going to fight alone anymore.¡± Eve wrapped her arms around his shoulders. ¡°I¡¯m with you.¡± David remained silent, unsure how to react to any of this. His oath didn¡¯t matter to him anymore.

    ¡°I won¡¯t keep anything hidden from you anymore,¡± David told her.

    ¡°Good,¡± Eve said biting her lip. Kissing him again. ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here. We have a party to get to, plus driving is going to help me think about how I¡¯m going to help you.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be alone anymore,¡± David said. Under his breath, it was difficult to. He never admitted to any of his struggles to anyone before. Not like this.

    ¡°Me neither,¡± Eve wrapped her arms around him tightly. He held her in return, ¡°So let¡¯s not leave each other alone then?¡±

    ¡°Deal,¡± David said softly.

    ¡°Show me your back,¡± Eve said lifting up his shirt. David grabbed her wrists stopping them from raising an inch higher.

    ¡°It¡¯s gross,¡± David said. Insecure about the wounds.

    Eve looked up at his bright green eyes, ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Her words of affirmation were enough for him to turn around to show her. The veins were black, but there stood a more prominent feature. Two large holes sat on top of his shoulder blades. As if they were clipped wings and filled with a void where no light could escape. Eve swallowed. Lowering her shirt.

    ¡°So?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right, it is disgusting,¡± Eve smiled hoping to cheer him up. It didn¡¯t, ¡°We¡¯re going to figure this out. Let¡¯s get out of here.¡± David nodded in agreement.

    ¡°Do you want to come back here when we head back home?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eve said, ¡°When the wars are over, do you think we can come back here. Permanently? Just you and I?¡±

    ¡°Let me think about that one,¡± David said.

    ¡°As long as I¡¯m with you is all that matters,¡± Eve admitted. She just grew comfortable with the life of the free people. Not wanting any responsibility, just to live happily. They both climbed into the van. Securing everything in the cabinets to ensure they didn¡¯t fall out on the trip. Eve looked over at David, smiling. He returned a smirk in her direction. ¡°Where did you learn to kiss like that?¡±

    David shrugged, ¡°History wasn¡¯t the only thing the angels taught me.¡± He joked. In reality, he had no clue what he even did. ¡°I could ask the same for you,¡± David countered.

    ¡°I¡¯ve had plenty of boyfriends before you,¡± Eve said.

    ¡°Right,¡± David felt himself get annoyed. Insecure even. ¡°How far have you gone with a boy?¡±

    ¡°Dude, I¡¯m still a virgin,¡± Eve said, ¡°remember I broke that one dude¡¯s hand? Yeah, trust me when I say this. You are the first person I genuinely loved.¡±

    ¡°I forgot you told me that,¡± David said. ¡°Is that everything?¡±

    ¡°Everything is packed and you have nothing to worry about,¡± Eve smiled. ¡°Since we¡¯re being insecure, am I the first person you ever loved?¡±

    ¡°Dumb question,¡± David said.

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Eve climbed into the driver¡¯s seat. David followed her and sat down in the passenger seat. She started the van and looked over at him, blushing.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Can I get another one?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re an addict, aren¡¯t you?¡± David asked. Leaning towards her before putting on his belt.

    She shook her head furiously before his lips met hers once more. ¡°Yesss!¡± She rapidly stomped against the bottom of her foot well. David shook his head laughing.  Taking in a deep breath and released, calming herself down. ¡°Okay, I¡¯m good. Let¡¯s go.¡± Eve put on her seat belt and drove off from the forest. Kanen smiled, watching the van disappear in the distance. Praying they stay on the right path. David prayed to himself, that he didn¡¯t make a mistake kissing her. Wondering how long he could keep this a secret from the Order and maybe even the Watchers. Thinking of what would happen if he told them in his head.

 Chapter 14: Manners

    Virgil sat alone, a single light overhead in the cavern of the Sanctuary. His eyes brooding on Eve¡¯s file. A glass of water sat next to him, the ice melting to condensation along the outside. Having not moved for hours. Thinking. Contemplating on how to find out more. This was the only file. His curiosity leads to stealing David¡¯s ceremonious sword. Opening the forbidden doors every day as if answers would magically appear. He would read over and over again, ¡°The incident lead to the deaths of Watchers and Guardians: Gabriela Locklear, Wilson Adams¡­¡± The name repeated in his head. He was always told by his mother that his father had died fighting for the Order. A lie. Why?

    How would he even ask his own mother the truth? He could never ask David. Not without risk of David demoting him and whatever punishment would follow. Would David have him executed? Virgil rubbed his temples with his finger and thumb. Blowing air from his nose in a light sigh. The same questions in his head, what tore him apart is he will never be able to get a straight answer without ridicule. Reaching for the glass sitting next to him. Grabbing it, taking a swift sip of water. Launching the glass into the wall across from himself. His eyes glowing a hot green. Lowering his head into his hands.

    ¡°Woah, that was extreme for you,¡± Kevin had been standing in the kitchen. Making food.

    ¡°How long have you been there?¡± Virgil asked, his head still resting in his hands.

    ¡°I came in and said hi to you,¡± Kevin answered, ¡°That file is eating you up isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°We should have never gone in there,¡± Virgil said.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t let it eat you up,¡± Kevin put the food into his bowl. Virgil remained silent, how did he expect Kevin to feel the same as he did? Let alone sympathize. His parents weren¡¯t involved. Kevin had joined them later on. Virgil held a weight on his shoulders. ¡°David and Gabe always said Eve was dangerous. Never would¡¯ve thought she was that dangerous. No wonder Liam wanted to use her though. You want some mac and cheese?¡± If this was any other time, Virgil would¡¯ve accepted the offer.

    ¡°You¡¯re so insensitive,¡± Virgil muttered, ¡°My father died. And Eve is the one who killed him. How the hell am I supposed to accept that? What kind of monster does that?¡±

    Kevin took a bite from his spoon, ¡°She had to be three or four years old.¡±

    ¡°And? David made us befriend her this entire time without telling us the truth.¡±

    ¡°Has Eve ever given you any problems?¡± Kevin asked, then suddenly thinking of her mishap with the Silver Arrow maintenance, ¡°Lemme rephrase, has Eve ever shown you anything other than kindness?¡± Virgil thought about it, not a single moment has caused him to think of her in a negative light until now. ¡°Exactly. David has spent countless hours training her, probably to make sure this never happens again.¡±

    ¡°Still¡­¡±

    ¡°Still what?¡±

    ¡°I want to know the truth, I want to know all the details.¡±

    ¡°What are you going to do? Fight Eve for something she may or may not have done intentionally? The minute you ask David, he¡¯s going to put you on house arrest and demote you down to Guardian level one. And I¡¯m sure he would take away your flight privileges. Is never flying again worth your curiosity? And that¡¯s only if David finds out you¡¯ve been in that room. If the council finds out, what good are you if you''re executed?¡± Kevin asked the hard-hitting questions. Virgil needed to think before he was to make a move.

    Virgil sprung from his seat, ¡°You don¡¯t get it! That was my father she killed!¡±

    ¡°And you now have a little brother, how do you expect to take care of him if you¡¯re dead?¡± Kevin asked. Slamming his bowl on the countertop. Virgil got into his face, Kevin had never seen so much anger in his eyes. ¡°C¡¯mon man, you want to dance?¡± Virgil hesitated, looking away and back at Kevin. ¡°I know you¡¯re not a fighter. You have a better chance of getting anger out on me. Try to take this to Eve or David, hell Gabe knew too. They will eat you up in a fight. Show me what you¡¯re made of.¡±

    Virgil turned around, storming off towards the elevator. The doors couldn¡¯t open quicker, all he wanted was to fly away. Kevin shook his head, he should¡¯ve never had encouraged his curiosity. No one had ever seen Virgil this upset before. There was a fire in his eyes. Once Virgil made it to his osprey, he swiftly climbed inside. Starting the engines. Grabbing the tablet off the console. Checking for David¡¯s and Eve¡¯s trackers. He stopped. Closing his eyes and opened them to the three pictures on his dashboard. His father, mother, and him on the dashboard. A picture of him and his brother at the playground. The final picture of the new Watchers, David had forced them all to be a part of when Eve passed her first trial and David¡¯s knighting. She hadn¡¯t taken a shower in between the events. Covered in dirt and scrapes. Carlos was still there. Maybe he would¡¯ve been able to understand how he was feeling.

    He could always count on Carlos to be there when times were rough. Even when he wished to be alone, Carlos would be there to offer some help. Virgil sat back in his seat. Looking at the countdown. The engines were spinning up and ready to fire at any moment. Just under it was the cancellation option. Five, Why would she do this? Four, she was just a kid. Three, why did one of his best friends hide the truth? Two, was he doing to protect her? One, look at me? Did he do it to protect us? Zero, Virgil slammed his hand on the cancelation. The engines fell back into their cooldown phase.

    A blood hurdling scream fell from his throat, slamming his hands against the flight controls over and over again. The sounds only being deafened by the engines. Ripping the picture of the new Watchers off of his dashboard and onto the floor. Pounding his fists until they busted against the throttle. His knuckles bleeding down his forearm. He kicked the footwells, screaming again. Going to stand up and walk into the bay, Virgil tripped on the seat falling face-first onto the ground. His anger fell to a halt. Blinking slowly, the picture sat in front of his face. They were all smiling in the picture. He was smiling. Virgil understood after looking at himself smiling in the photo. He was smiling that day, Eve was smiling. There wasn¡¯t a hint of pain in anyone¡¯s face except David¡¯s eyes. Virgil knew from that point, David kept it a secret, so no one would have to live with the pain he knew. Just from finding out about it was enough to drive him to insanity.

    He brushed his long hair from in front of his face. He laid there for the next couple of hours. Hoping no one would bother him until David was to come. Virgil didn¡¯t care what would happen to him, he just needed to be patient.

    <hr>

    Gabriel sat around a plethora of melted candles, conducting tricks and maneuvers around the courtyard. The fire danced around him. When Gabriel shut off his mind, closing off thoughts from those around him. Listening to the worms crawl through the soil beneath his legs. The leaves brush against each other on the trees in the calm wind.

    Allison sat alone in the common room, drawing random lines. Hoping to help her fight her boredom. The door slid open, Richard walked into the room slowly, she quickly spoke. ¡°Any word from Jasmine?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Richard answered, ¡°Chris and Ethan haven¡¯t been able to get ahold of her. So they left to find her.¡±

    Allison sighed, setting the pen on the table on top of the paper. ¡°Think she¡¯s alright?¡±

    ¡°Not a doubt in my mind, but you can never be too careful,¡± Richard sat down on the other end of the table. His body was healing though his knees prolonged the action. He let out a grunt.

    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Allison asked.

    ¡°A little better,¡± Richard answered, ¡°You seem like you¡¯re having a blast.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m losing my mind,¡± Allison brought her voice down to a whisper. ¡°I just want to finish this mission and go home already.¡±

    ¡°From how things are going, Gabe probably won¡¯t leave until he learned how to conjure fire from his butt,¡± Richard said. He laughed to himself. Allison peered her eyes up to him. Joining his laughter with a small chuckle. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡±

    Allison tapped her nails on the table, ¡°Something isn¡¯t right here,¡± She hesitated, ¡°I need to know what it is.¡± Thinking to herself, ¡°But Gabriel¡­¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s going to get upset for undermining Aiden?¡± Richard assumed, knowing the answer already.

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡±

    ¡°Ever notice that every time we see Aiden he¡¯s always walking into the forest or from there?¡±

    ¡°I have,¡± Allison whispered, ¡°Do you ever wonder how Aiden found us at the same moment we were attacked?¡± Richard sat back and thought about it.

    ¡°You and me, we¡¯ll go into the forest tonight,¡± Richard offered her.

    ¡°You¡¯re in no condition to be doing any of that,¡± Allison told him.

    ¡°Yeah, but you¡¯re not going alone. Plus, I can suck it up for a fight,¡± Richard smiled.

    ¡°I have a question for you,¡± Allison smiled.

    ¡°And that is?¡±

    ¡°Sir Janice,¡± Allison started.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t even start on that,¡± Richard¡¯s face became red. ¡°It¡¯s never going to happen.¡±

    ¡°Why because she¡¯s four years older than you? Or because she¡¯s a sir and you¡¯re a guardian?¡±

    ¡°Both, plus she hasn¡¯t paid me any attention,¡± Richard looked down at his legs.

    Allison wasn¡¯t sure what to say. She understood the girl''s mind but not the boy''s mind. Not sure what they wanted to hear. It was obvious, Janice hadn¡¯t paid him any mind before. Nor had she paid any mind to any of the Watchers, for the exception of David, Gabriel, and Eve. She sighed.

    ¡°Got nothing smart to say?¡± Richard asked seeking some help.

    ¡°If you want attention from a girl like that, you¡¯re going to have to do something heroic or something,¡± Allison wondered, ¡°I don¡¯t know, buy her flowers.¡±

    ¡°Buy her flowers?¡± Richard laughed, ¡°Ah yes, let¡¯s buy the warrior lady a bundle of roses.¡±

    ¡°Think about it,¡± Allison put a finger to her chin, ¡°People buy her things based on her job; banners, swords, or whatever. Has anyone bought her regular girl things?¡±

    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    ¡°I assume not,¡± Richard thought about it further. ¡°When we get back, you¡¯re going to help me.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like fun. I think I¡¯ll buy Gabe some flowers too,¡± Allison said.

    ¡°Flowers for a boy?¡±

    ¡°The only time a boy gets flowers is at a funeral,¡± Allison told him.

    ¡°I suppose you¡¯re right,¡± Richard laughed. After he was finished, Richard looked at Allison, ¡°So tonight?¡±

    ¡°Tonight,¡± Allison nodded her head.

    <hr>

    David and Eve finally reached Seattle, she slept peacefully in the passenger seat. David reached over and shook her enough for her to wake. First, in defense, she drew her hands up. ¡°Relax, we¡¯re here,¡± He reassured her.

    Eve rubbed her eyes, clearing off the gunk from her eyes. Looking out into the distance, Eve took into view of the city. David looked at her, hoping to see her eyes fill with joy, they weren¡¯t. She had expected to feel excited to see her old home. This wasn¡¯t the case. She didn¡¯t know why she felt the opposite, this wasn¡¯t her home. Living here had all been a lie of a previous life. Like a stranger on the road. This city only filled her head with annoyance.

    ¡°Calm down, your excitement is getting overwhelming,¡± David sarcastically.

    ¡°I just,¡± Eve paused, ¡°It¡¯s only been a year since I¡¯ve been gone. This just doesn¡¯t feel like my life anymore.¡±

    ¡°We can always turn around or go somewhere else,¡± David offered. The idea felt tempting but Eve felt obligated to be here. Especially forcing David into this trip.

    ¡°No, I already told Jessica that we would be there,¡± Eve said. ¡°It¡¯s probably just me being nervous.¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t planning on turning around anyways,¡± David said. ¡°What do you want to do first?¡±

    ¡°Food?¡± Her eyes pleaded as much as her stomach. ¡°The party isn¡¯t until tomorrow night, so we can just relax for the night.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea,¡± David stated, ¡°I didn¡¯t bring anything nice to wear.¡±

    ¡°You never been to a party before, have you?¡±

    ¡°The Order held a Christmas party a couple years ago.¡±

    ¡°Okay, something less formal?¡±

    ¡°Not really,¡± David answered. ¡°I didn¡¯t have time to be a kid.¡±

    ¡°I was wondering,¡± Eve stated, ¡°The day I met you at school. You were annoying, you seemed like an entirely different person. Was that a cover?¡±

    ¡°Our first interaction? English class, right?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t all too different. You just hated me,¡± David chuckled.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t hate you specifically. I hated everyone.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± David said, ¡°I was just trying to get a read on you. Being more forward than normal.¡±

    ¡°The teachers mentioned you were annoying?¡±

    ¡°Because I would leave class to fight bad guys,¡± David said, ¡°But you can¡¯t really say that.¡±

    ¡°You used your real name at school and on the battlefield?¡±

    ¡°If someone was trying to fight us, they would know where to find us. It was easier to hunt if they came to us. Plus that¡¯s not even my real name.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s your real name?¡± Eve looked at him confused, ¡°C¡¯mon you said no more secrets.¡±

    ¡°If I tell you, you have to tell me not to calm me by that name ever.¡±

    ¡°Pinky,¡± Eve pushed her hand in front of him with her pinky finger extended.

    David accepted, taking her pinky with his. Locking their hands together. ¡°It¡¯s¡­¡±

    <hr>

    The sun fell on the mountainside. Gabriel walked up the stairs with Aiden into the room. Both smiling and laughing. Before saying goodnight to each other, they bowed respectfully to one another. Aiden shut the door behind himself, Gabriel gently smiled. Thinking he has finally found a respectable teacher that he could depend on to train him properly.

    Gabriel turned around and slid the door open, Allison was sitting with Richard. ¡°Finally done training for the day?¡± Allison asked him. She stood up to greet him with a hug, ¡°How are you feeling?¡±

    He couldn¡¯t help but feel jealous that the two of them were together alone for so long. Gabriel looked at Allison, ¡°How long have you guys been up here?¡± He asked.

    Allison looked at Richard and back at Gabriel, ¡°Maybe an hour or two, why?¡±

    His suspicion grew, ¡°Weird, what have you guys been doing all that time?¡±

    Allison¡¯s mind filled with confusion, ¡°Just talking really. Are you okay?¡±

    ¡°Weird,¡± Gabriel said. Unsure of what to think or trust. He had been gone for so long what may have happened here.

    ¡°Weird?¡± Allison asked, she looked back at Richard, ¡°You think I? Gabe, I will drop my guards on my mind and you can read it to see if I am lying or not.¡± She grabbed his hand which was covered in bandages and blood. ¡°Are you okay?¡± She began to heal his hands swiftly. Gabriel pulled away from his hands.

    ¡°Drop the guard on your mind first,¡± Gabriel said annoyed. Placing his bloodied hand on the top of her head. Allison instantly felt disgusted that he would do that. Regardless, she gave in. Gabriel learned what he needed to clear his suspicions. He released his hand from her hand. ¡°Okay.¡±

    Allison shoved him with all her might, he fell down onto the floor. Her eyes filled with rage, ¡°How dare you not trust me,¡± She scowled. ¡°Give me your stupid hands!¡± Gabriel held his hands out in fear. Allison snatched them, a green aura poured into his wounds. Closing and clearing the damage from his skin. ¡°You should be good,¡± Allison threw his hands back to him. ¡°Goodnight, dude.¡± Allison stormed out of the room.

    Gabriel watched her walk out and slam the door behind herself. He turned back at Richard who was lost in looking at the wooden wall. ¡°Why was she so mad?¡± Gabe asked.

    Richard started chuckling, ¡°I don¡¯t even know how to talk to you dude. She has been up here for the last two hours telling me how much she appreciates you and you go and do that.¡± Richard stood up from the table in the center. Limping over to his comforter in against the wall.

    ¡°How was I supposed to know?¡± Gabriel stood up and dusted himself off.

    ¡°Nah dude, you don¡¯t trust anyone. You¡¯re learning how to use magic fire, but can¡¯t even learn how to trust your teammates, let alone your own girlfriend,¡± Richard laid down in the bed, ¡°We lost sight on the mission, Eve and David are in danger and we have made no progress being here. We were going to talk about leaving tomorrow and you stay and train while we knock out this mission.¡±

    ¡°So you guys are just going to leave me here alone?¡±

    ¡°Did you miss the part where we said that your brother and Eve are in danger?¡± Richard asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m starting to wonder where that¡¯s my problem. I¡¯ve finally found someone to complete my training, and you guys keep talking about David and Eve.¡±

    Richard rolled over, looking at the kid from afar. ¡°Your life isn¡¯t actively in danger. David and Eve could be attacked at any moment, outnumbered, and killed.¡±

    ¡°David could just rise from the dead again and kill them all. Then they will be safe, that¡¯s why I knew he was perfect to protect her.¡±

    ¡°Ever consider that David might not rise from the dead again or?¡± Richard asked. Gabriel remained silent, never thinking that it was possible for David to die. It was easier to think that way. ¡°Last I checked, Eve can¡¯t rise from the dead.¡±

    ¡°Eve can hold her own,¡± Gabriel muttered, knowing the truth and extent of her powers.

    ¡°Maybe against two to three nobodies, but not against a group of assassins,¡± Richard said, ¡°I¡¯m leaving tomorrow. I¡¯m pretty sure Allison will want to now as well. We¡¯ll come back when our mission is done or come to find us when your training is over. Goodnight bro.¡± Richard shoved headphones into his ears and closed his eyes.

    Gabriel shrugged off the criticism. Walking out of the door to the room Allison was staying in. Attempting to open the door, finding it to be locked. He listened for any noise in the room. ¡°Ally?¡± He asked, but nothing. Shaking the door handle again desperately wishing to speak with her. ¡°Look¡­ I¡¯m sorry, I just.. I¡¯ve been stressed with all this training and I just didn¡¯t know what to think. I¡¯m a fool..¡± He said, waiting for a response. Still nothing. The silence was a deafening reply to the young boy¡¯s ears. ¡°Please just say something.¡± He pleaded to only find the same answer as before. Silence. ¡°Fine be that way I guess.¡± Gabriel¡¯s thoughts were filled with impatience. Walking off back into his room to sleep.

    Although Allison¡¯s room was emptied, her window opened. Left behind was a single rope used to repel down to the ground. Her mind was still furious, but her curiosity raged ever higher. She couldn¡¯t wait for Richard to investigate with her. If this had been any other time, she would¡¯ve asked Gabriel to accompany her. Eve would¡¯ve been a perfect help with her visual ability.

    Allison looked around, unable to see any guards or bystanders this late at night. She sprinted to the tree line past the stone that hosted the rift, taking in a deep breath. Second-guessing herself, if she were to enter past these trees. She would be breaking Aiden¡¯s rules. If she were to get caught, Allison wasn¡¯t sure of the extent of her punishment is. She felt the heavy hand on her shoulder. Richard greeted her. ¡°Gabe fell to sleep almost instantly,¡± He whispered lightly.

    ¡°Alright,¡± She acknowledged.

    ¡°You doing alright?¡±

    ¡°Fine,¡± Allison answered, ¡°Are you ready?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s go.¡± Richard hurried with her into the trees. The forest was dense, both careful not to set off any traps. If they had been caught. Richard wasn¡¯t sure if he could take a fight with anyone in his condition.

    Both continued down a dirt path, they could tell this road was used every day. Aiden¡¯s footprints were the only steps left etched into the dirt. Allison led the way, finding themselves on a hill, overlooking the field below. She fell to her stomach in a prone. ¡°You see anything?¡± She asked.

    ¡°Nothing yet,¡± Richard replied, ¡°Hold on.¡± Richard could see an area of the forest, void of light. Pitch black compared to the rest of the forest. Piercing eyes of red and black looking into Richard¡¯s very soul. ¡°Is that what I think it is?¡± He asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never fought one of these, we should go,¡± Allison said quickly.

    ¡°No wait, it¡¯s not looking at us,¡± Richard said, ¡°There¡¯s some movement I see around it. Figures.¡±

    ¡°You think we can get closer without setting it off?¡± Allison asked.

    ¡°Probably,¡± Richard answered, ¡°I can¡¯t tell the type of sin.¡±

    Allison stood up and walked further down the dirt path. Richard joined her, following Allison until they can see everything clearer. The whole field was apparent. There were dozens of tents, people moving around below. But what caught her eye, was the flag in the center of the field. It bore the brotherhood sigil of a closed fist raised to the sky. A dragon wrapped around the wrist. Next to it was the flag of the Wolves. A dagger and a Sakura blossom. Allison¡¯s eyes widened in pure shock; this is what Aiden had been up to. It all made sense to her now, that was why Aiden knew where they were on the night of the attack. If that¡¯s true, the assassin who Gabriel had told of David and Eve¡¯s whereabouts must have told Aiden.

    She sprung to her feet, ¡°Richard we need to tell Gabe now-¡° She turned around to find Richard being choked out by a group of masked men. Allison drew her sword only for a flame to hit her palm, freeing her sword to the ground behind her. Panicking to retrieve it, Aiden stood behind her like a shadow. His foot was placed firmly on top of her blade. She went to swing her fist at him, but it was too late. Aiden blocked and grabbed her neck. Raising her from the ground.

    ¡°I did tell you not to come here,¡± Aiden said as Allison flailed trying to free herself. Slamming her fists against his wrists did nothing. The vision around her eyes began to fade into darkness. Allison felt her mind grow lighter into the air. She was losing oxygen and fast. She tried to think of a way to be set free. Richard had succumbed to the blood rushing to his head.

    Allison reached out with her open palms; she wasn¡¯t going to die like this. Allison waved her hands pushing Aiden away with a push. Dropping to her knees, gasping, and choking for air. Allison grabbed her sword from the ground. Waving it like a bat out of hell. Aiden blocked her attacks with ease, smashing his fist into her temples and then his knee into her nose. Knocking her out on the floor.

    ¡°What should we do with them, my Lord?¡± One of the assassins asked.

    ¡°Tie them up. If they try to get free, make them submit,¡± Aiden smiled. ¡°I have more important things to attend too.¡± Aiden walked back up the trail as the others began tying up the two Watchers, alone and quickly defeated.

 Chapter 15: The Wallflower

    Gabriel rested laying in the fetal position against the corner. Opening his eyes to the sun breaking through the blinds on the room. Upon further inspection of the room, Richard¡¯s stuff was gone. He scowled; did they leave while he slept? Gabriel gathered his thoughts, standing up from the ground. His feet were on the cold wood floor. Walking over to the door, picking his shoes up from the rack. He slid the doors open, silence.

    Gabriel went over to the women¡¯s door, knocking on the door frame on the side of the wall. Expecting to at least hear Allison get up from her bed. Silence. Grabbing the door, Gabriel shifted the door open. Where he had expected to see his girlfriend resting, was nothing but an empty room. Not even a strand of hair was left behind. His heart pounded in his chest, where would they have gone? Besides the keepers of the temple, Gabriel was alone. Rushing out the door and down the stairs, in hopes of finding Aiden.

    In the courtyard, Gabriel neglected to put on his shoes. Running across the wet grass, he panicked. Looking around himself. Taking a deep breath, he focused his mind to try to find a single thought from Richard or Allison. ¡°Gabriel!¡± Aiden called out to him from the tree line. ¡°I just finished walking the perimeter, all good out there still.¡±

    ¡°Have you seen my friends?¡± Gabriel asked.

    ¡°They didn¡¯t tell you?¡± Aiden asked, ¡°They left early this morning. Said they went to go help find the Wolves.¡± He held his normal smile.

    ¡°They didn¡¯t tell me,¡± Gabriel looked around, ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°I saw them off myself,¡± Aiden continued, ¡°I¡¯m surprised they didn¡¯t say anything to you? Did you guys have a fight?¡±

    ¡°We did,¡± Gabriel thought about the night before. How he hated himself for overreacting.

    ¡°Maybe some time away from each other is for the best,¡± Aiden told him.

    ¡°I guess,¡± Gabriel said. ¡°Do you think I can walk the perimeter with you one of these days?¡±

    Aiden stopped, looking at the tree line. ¡°I think it¡¯s best you focus on your training, tell you what. Master your element and then we can go for a walk on the perimeter.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d appreciate that, I want to know what¡¯s lurking out there,¡± Gabriel looked at the tree line.

    ¡°Danger,¡± Aiden said, ¡°This is the last rift, I intend to keep it open.¡±

    ¡°I understand,¡± Gabriel agreed, ¡°Who will keep it safe after you die?¡±

    ¡°I was hoping that maybe you would,¡± Aiden said, ¡°Let your brother keep the Sanctuary, find your own destiny.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve grown to feel at home here,¡± Gabriel looked at the sky. ¡°There¡¯s no pain or suffering here.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve always hoped to find an apprentice strong enough to rid this lost kingdom of all corruption. To create a place where people like us can live freely without the worry of the normal human.¡± Aiden looked at Gabriel, ¡°And I believe I have found the messiah of this world.¡±

    Gabriel laughed, ¡°I¡¯m no messiah of anything. I¡¯m just someone looking for a good fight.¡±

    ¡°The best leaders are those who don¡¯t want to be one,¡± Aiden put a hand on his shoulder. ¡°If you told the Brotherhood about this place, they would follow you until this world was free.¡±

    Gabriel shook the hand off his shoulder, ¡°The Brotherhood is selfish. They hurt the innocent because they profit from it.¡±

    ¡°From a certain perspective, the Brotherhood just wants to live free. God gave us this power, yes?¡± Gabriel looked up at Aiden, trying to understand what he was being told. ¡°Why should we have to hide who we are?¡±

    ¡°Are you a Brotherhood sympathizer?¡± Gabriel said moving his hand down to his hip, close enough to quickly grab his sword.

    ¡°Any wise man will understand the enemy. The reason we are constantly at war and losing our fellow brothers and sisters is the simple reason that we all deserve to live free. Though the price of that freedom is innocent lives. That¡¯s why we all in the Order fight to ensure the innocents are protected.¡± Aiden looked down at Gabriel, watching him move his hand away from his sword.

    ¡°So, the plan is to gather the Brotherhood here, remove all the creatures of sin, and then we can live happily here without humankind?¡± Gabriel thought about it, initially, it sounds like a good idea. ¡°We¡¯re men too. What makes you think this would be a utopia?¡±

    ¡°If you can get everyone to work against a common enemy, it would be easy. Though to prevent future wars here, it would be inevitable.¡± Aiden looked back at the temple, his eyes lowering. Staring at the basement.

    ¡°I will consider it,¡± Gabriel said, ¡°Well, can you teach me how to form the fire now?¡±

    Aiden smiled, ¡°Of course.¡±

    <hr>

    David grabbed his hoodie off the bed, slipping it over his body. When his eyes popped through the top, Eve was standing right in front of him. ¡°I told you a hoodie and jeans were good enough for a party,¡± she smiled. Straightening out the bottom to sit perfectly. ¡°It¡¯s weird to see you without shorts and a tank top.¡±

    ¡°Sleeves slow me down when I¡¯m trying to cut off someone¡¯s hand,¡± David laughed.

    ¡°Promise me you won¡¯t cut off anyone¡¯s hands tonight?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°You know if I have to, I will,¡± David took his sword, closing the blade down into his hilt. Shoving it on the pouch. Eve went to reach for it. ¡°Woah,¡± David said, ¡°What are you trying to do?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need that,¡± Eve told him. ¡°Seriously, I never seen anyone with energy trails in this town.¡± She held out her hand, ¡°Trust me.¡±

    David handed the sword back to her, ¡°Fine.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Eve replied, she placed it on the driver¡¯s seat. ¡°It¡¯s here if you need it.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± David said, ¡°You think we should¡¯ve parked closer since we¡¯re going in unarmed?¡± Eve sighed. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a normal party with normal teenagers. You¡¯re not going to need a war plan,¡± Eve grabbed onto the door handle. ¡°Are you ready?¡±

    David looked around, grabbing his phone off the counter. ¡°Not yet,¡± He closed into her face. Kissing her, ¡°I¡¯m ready now.¡±

    Eve bit her lip, ¡°I hope I never get tired of that.¡± Eve slid the door opened, a group of teenagers shrieked in fear of being abducted. To take a view of Eve and David getting ready to climb out of the van. ¡°Relax!¡± Eve yelled back at their yelling. They ran off.

    David shut the door behind himself, ¡°I forgot to tell you, but uhm,¡± Eve started, ¡°I kind of told Jessica that you¡¯re my cousin.¡±

    ¡°Why did you do that?¡± He asked.

    ¡°Well, we just kinda started to you know, like dating,¡± Eve whispered, ¡°I couldn¡¯t come up with anything that would be weird or make her think we were dating. I didn¡¯t want you to feel uncomfortable.¡±

    ¡°Great,¡± David said as they walked up the hill to the house.

    ¡°That¡¯s not the worse part,¡± Eve said.

    ¡°What¡¯s worse than being at a party without people thinking we went all sweet home Alabama?¡±

    ¡°To continue playing the part, she asked for pictures of you and she asked for me to set you two up,¡± Eve admitted. David swiftly turned around and started back down the hill. ¡°Dude, get back here.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to a party to just play these games,¡± David said.

    ¡°I¡¯m too far deep to tell her the truth now,¡± Eve said. A lightbulb appeared above her head, ¡°I got it! Just tell her you like men.¡± David turned around again. Eve grabbed him before he could get out of arm¡¯s length.  ¡°What¡¯s your plan?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll just ignore her,¡± David said.

    ¡°You can¡¯t, she¡¯ll think it¡¯s a game. Women love the chase,¡± Eve argued, ¡°Show so much interest that she is sick of you.¡±

    ¡°Suggest that again and I¡¯ll just ruin your reputation with these people and kiss you.¡±

    ¡°Fine, fine, fine,¡± Eve looked around, ¡°Can we hurry? It¡¯s cold.¡±

    ¡°If only I can give you my sweater, but instead I¡¯m tempted to shove you into the puddle on the side of the road,¡± David emphasized, ¡°Cousin.¡±

    Eve rolled her eyes, then laughed as she walked close to him. Walking up the steps and to the door, ¡°Rich family,¡± David said aloud upon seeing the large house.

    ¡°You¡¯re not used to seeing a house like this huh?¡± Eve laughed.

    ¡°My house is ten times the size of this,¡± David said.

    ¡°Not the Sanctuary,¡± Eve smiled.

    ¡°We have the money to live big, just don¡¯t need anything like this,¡± David followed Eve up to the door.

    ¡°Act normal,¡± Eve told him.

    David cocked his eyes, ¡°Says the one who can¡¯t control themselves.¡±

    Eve swiftly socked him in the chest, causing him to cough heavily. ¡°Oh my God, I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°I hate being your cousin,¡± David spits on the floor.

    The door opened, a woman with black hair appeared with light skin. ¡°Eve!¡± She jumped out and into Eve¡¯s arms as they embraced each other. ¡°I¡¯ve missed you so much!¡±

    ¡°So much that you never called me?¡± Eve joked.

    ¡°Come on don¡¯t do that to me, I¡¯ve been so busy I haven¡¯t had time to do anything. Not relaxing and living up that Cali sun,¡± Jessica argued.

    ¡°Yeah, I wish I could take a day off and relax, my boss never gives me a break,¡± Eve laughed.

    David cocked his eyes, knowing well that Eve gets four days off a week. ¡°And you must be Eve¡¯s cousin?¡± She released Eve and walked up to David, ¡°Daniel, right?¡± She asked.

    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    ¡°David,¡± He corrected her, ¡°David, the cousin of Eve. My mother is her aunt, and her father is my uncle.¡± Eve rubbed her eyes annoyed.

    ¡°You¡¯re funny,¡± Jessica told David, ¡°Come inside you both look cold.¡± She waved them to follow her. ¡°Guys! Eve is here!¡±

    The house filled from wall to wall was filled with people. All fell to silence looking at her, ¡°Hey welcome back stranger!¡± One shouted. Eve smiled and waved at them.

    ¡°Someone¡¯s popular,¡± David whispered into her ear as the party jumped back into a collection of different noises.

    ¡°Not popular just noticeable,¡± Eve turned to David, ¡°All these people claimed to be my friend and haven¡¯t called or texted me once except for Jessica.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± David told her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be,¡± she said. Hoping that he understood that she was better off being with the Watchers. ¡°They¡¯re all fake.¡±

    ¡°Eve! Come with me to my room, I want to show you something,¡± Jessica said grabbing her hand.

    Eve mouthed to David, ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± leaving him at the foot of the steps.

    David smiled shaking his head, it was good to see that Allison and Jasmine weren¡¯t the only ones who would manhandle her. David looked around, wondering what to do. He was out of his element, like a baby deer left alone in a forest that it wasn¡¯t born into. ¡°Hey bro, who are you?¡± One guy called out, dressed in a football jersey. David looked over, ¡°Yeah, you!¡±

    ¡°Eve¡¯s cousin,¡± David said.

    ¡°She ever done anything crazy?¡± He asked.

    David smiled, ¡°Nah man, nothing that I¡¯ve seen.¡±

    ¡°Be careful around her, she might break your hand,¡± He laughed with a group of friends.

    ¡°What game are you''ll playing?¡± David asked.

    ¡°Dice,¡± He answered, ¡°You play?¡±

    ¡°Not without money,¡± David smiled.

    ¡°Make a seat for my boy,¡± David walked over. He was going to cheat but first, he was going to let them win a couple.

    Eve sat on Jessica¡¯s bed, ¡°What did you want to show me?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°Nothing really, I got a tattoo but don¡¯t tell my dad,¡± Jessica told her.

    ¡°You better show me that tattoo,¡± Eve commanded.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Jessica lifted her shirt. To reveal a tattoo on her chest.

    ¡°You¡¯re basic,¡± Eve replied.

    ¡°You¡¯re crazy,¡± Jessica said, ¡°Do you think your cousin would like it?¡±

    Hearing David is called her cousin made Eve¡¯s skin crawl, ¡°David is very much into traditional women.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s boring,¡± Jessica said, ¡°Anyways, how¡¯s California?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s something I can¡¯t describe,¡± Eve said.

    ¡°You graduated right? When are you moving back?¡± Jessica asked.

    ¡°I thought about it, but I think I¡¯m better off down there,¡± Eve said.

    ¡°I remember you complaining that you were moving, not just complaining but crying.¡±

    ¡°I misjudged it, I found some really cool people. I think you would like them.¡±

    ¡°All the cool people are downstairs dude, don¡¯t you miss some of them?¡±

    ¡°If you met the people I met, you would be thinking everyone downstairs is a bunch of losers.¡±

    ¡°Ugh, whatever. My best friend doesn¡¯t even want to move in with me,¡± Jessica went into her closet to change clothes.

    ¡°You can definitely come live with me in California, but I don¡¯t think you would be up for that.¡±

    ¡°This is my home,¡± Jessica said, ¡°Some of us haven¡¯t forgotten where we come from.¡±

    ¡°And some of us found places with people that love us unconditionally,¡± Eve fired back.

    ¡°I¡¯ve always loved you; the hell you talking about?¡± Jessica asked.

    ¡°Yeah, you,¡± Eve said, ¡°I¡¯m not getting into this tonight. I¡¯m trying to have a good time.¡±

    Jessica turned around smiling, ¡°Then you can tell me how do I get your cousin to like me?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s not going to go for it,¡± Eve answered looking out the window. Watching the view of the city. Eve finally understood that her home was only an illusion of love. Her friends weren¡¯t great, just people she tolerated more than her parents. Jessica was still a child, while Eve had matured. Something Eve was forced to do after friends die and killed even more enemies. She sighed aloud.

    ¡°Have you been listening to anything I¡¯ve been saying?¡± Jessica asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I spaced out,¡± Eve said, ¡°I guess I¡¯m still tired from the drive.¡±

    ¡°I was asking where you work?¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Eve said, ¡°David¡¯s dad owns a mechanic shop. I just do secretary work. Answer phone¡¯s or whatever.¡±

    ¡°Ah okay,¡± Jessica said, ¡°Should we get back to the party?¡± She could tell her old friend was different. Distant.

    ¡°I should probably check on David, he¡¯s not much of a people person,¡± Eve stood up.

    ¡°I¡¯m glad you can make it,¡± Jessica told her. Eve smiled and embraced Jessica in a hug. Holding her, ready to sever this old life. ¡°Why are you hugging me like you¡¯re never going to see me again?¡±

    ¡°I just missed you is all,¡± Eve told her before they both headed back downstairs. Taking in the view of the party. A crowd gathered around the couch. All cheering.

    ¡°What the hell is going on over there?¡± Jessica rushed over. Eve followed taking to view David rolling a pair of die.

    ¡°Man, you aren¡¯t going to learn are you?¡± The man asked, ¡°I already won one thousand dollars from you.¡±

    ¡°Dude, what!?¡± Eve yelled at David.

    The man looked up, ¡°Ah is that your freak of a cousin?¡±

    David looked at Eve, raising an eyebrow. Eve crossed her arms in embarrassment, after all this time and they still treated her like the dirt beneath their shoes. ¡°You know what?¡± David asked. ¡°I bet you not only a thousand more dollars and my truck against your car.¡±

    The crowd laughed, thinking they were about to watch David lose once more. ¡°What kind of truck you got?¡±

    ¡°Ford F100, red paint,¡± David said. ¡°Has a couple bullet holes in it but it should be fixed by now.¡±

    The man sneered, ¡°Bro, say goodbye to your truck.¡± David knew by this time that the dice were loaded. Still, he was going to beat him at his own game.

    ¡°David you can¡¯t just,¡± Eve stopped speaking upon seeing David¡¯s eyes glow a sharp green. She smiled from the corner of her mouth.

    ¡°I got three, you¡¯re going to need snake eyes to beat that.¡±

    David snatched the dice from the table. Rolling them around in his hands. The crowd fell to silence as the teen was smiling at David. Thinking he had the jump on him. David dropped the pair of die to the table. Knowing well these dice were loaded to fall on twelves. His eyes glowed green again, waving his hand slightly. The dice bounced once more, falling on a pair of snake eyes.

    The crowd cheered, David had won all his money back and more. Especially a car, ¡°There¡¯s no way! You cheated!¡± The kid yelled at him in anger, ¡°Aw man my parents are gonna trip!¡±

    ¡°How did I cheat?¡± David asked, he looked up at Eve. Smiling. ¡°I¡¯m going to take those keys now.¡±

    ¡°What!?¡± The kid yelled, ¡°You¡¯re seriously going to take my car?¡±

    ¡°You can keep your car if you do everything Eve tells you for the night,¡± David stood up.

    ¡°No way!¡± The kid yelled.

    ¡°Alright then give me those keys,¡± David shrugged.

    ¡°Fine,¡± the teenager gave in. ¡°What can I do for you weirdo?¡±

    ¡°First you can stop calling me that,¡± Eve said, ¡°I want you to just leave.¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯s the graduation party.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t remember that being my problem.¡± Eve laughed as the kid grabbed all of his stuff before leaving.

    Jessica walked up to David grabbing him around his arm. ¡°Can you dance?¡±

    David looked at Eve, ¡°Not really, no.¡±

    ¡°Aw, c¡¯mon,¡± Jessica pulled David. David kept his eyes locked on Eve. She appeared disappointed, wishing that she could dance with David. He wished the same. However, she understood this was her fault. If she had only been honest with Jessica, then she wouldn¡¯t be standing alone right now.

    David was forced into a dance with Jessica. Not caring for anything she was saying. Her hands felt cold against his skin. Feeling only but spite in her touch. Not like Eve¡¯s. ¡°You feel very strong, do you work out?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s so cool, do you do it to stay fit or like for your job?¡± Jessica asked.

    ¡°My job.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re very straight to the point. I like that. What do you do for work?¡±

    David kept staring at Eve, ¡°I kill people.¡±

    Jessica started laughing, ¡°You are so funny.¡±

    Eve walked away, on her way to the kitchen to find something to eat. Opening the fridge to look at a stockpile of alcohol and old pizza. Reaching her hand into the box to find nothing but emptiness. ¡°Ugh,¡± She groaned. Closing the door, someone was standing just to her side. ¡°Oh my God, I¡¯m so sorry.¡± Eve jumped, once she realized who it was. Tyler, her ex-boyfriend. ¡°Ew.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s all you have to say to me?¡± Tyler asked, ¡°It¡¯s been a year since you broke my hand.¡± He raised his hand to her. ¡°All fixed now.¡±

    ¡°What do you want?¡± Eve sneered in disgust.

    ¡°Just thought I say hi,¡± Tyler told her, ¡°You left without ever giving me a goodbye kiss.¡±

    Eve rolled her eyes laughing. ¡°Yeah, there was a reason for that,¡± Eve said.

    ¡°I thought we had something,¡± Tyler argued trying to get closer to her.

    ¡°I broke your hand and you called me a freak,¡± Eve said, ¡°Oh yeah, and you left me on the side of the road in the middle of a forest.¡± She shoved him back. ¡°Get any closer to me and I¡¯ll break the other hand.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be like that, I overreacted,¡± Tyler filled his voice, trying to seduce her into his will. His eyes filled with lust.

    ¡°Tyler, I will seriously kill you,¡± Eve said. ¡°Leave me alone.¡± She threatened once more. He was the last person she wanted to see.

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to let you leave,¡± Tyler said. He attempted to hand her a drink. Eve could sense it wasn¡¯t just alcohol. It had been drugged.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you even dare,¡± Eve said. Two other men appeared around her. One pressed a knife to her back. She paused, sending an echo to David.

    ¡°We¡¯re gonna go for a ride, and we are going to have some fun. Like you owed me.¡± Tyler¡¯s eyes filled with revenge. Planning to attempt the unthinkable on her.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to what?¡± David asked standing behind him.

    ¡°Get lost dude, this doesn¡¯t involve you,¡± Tyler said.

    ¡°Eve, let¡¯s go,¡± David said waving his hand.

    Tyler pressed a knife to David¡¯s stomach, ¡°I said get lost.¡±

    David grabbed his wrist, twisting it. Breaking the grip from the knife. One of the men attempted to grab Eve, instead, she dropped to her knees. Snatching the knife from midair that Tyler dropped. Stabbing one in the knee cap. David smashed Tyler¡¯s palm into his nose. Breaking his nose instantly. Eve rolled to the side, stabbing the other in the foot. David twisted Tyler around, putting him in a chokehold. The others collapsed on the floor.

    It all happened so fast, the entire party fell to a halt just as it started. It was over quicker than it started it seemed. ¡°C¡¯mon man let me go,¡± Tyler pleaded, his nose bleeding.

    Eve stood up from the ground, looking at David from behind Tyler. ¡°I should tear you apart where you stand,¡± David said. His voice was malfested. His eyes were black. The veins around his eyelids to his temples were dark. Eve could tell the corruption was taking over.

    ¡°David,¡± Eve said, ¡°Let him go, let¡¯s get out of here.¡±

    ¡°Pigs like him deserve to be sent to the slaughterhouse,¡± David said. A disgusting and heavy growl filled his words. To others, it sounded like a deafening screech.

    ¡°Please man, please let me go,¡± Tyler begged. A mix of snot and blood rolled from his nostrils.

    ¡°David, this isn¡¯t you,¡± Eve said, ¡°Let him go.¡±

    David thought about it, what kind of person deserved to live on this Earth. One who would try to take advantage of someone smaller than him. Not Eve, but eventually someone would fall victim to him. A battle waged in David¡¯s mind.

    ¡°Let him go,¡± The one dressed in green said.

    ¡°Drop him off with the police,¡± The blue one said.

    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be right,¡± Yellow said.

    ¡°Tear off his arms,¡± The demon screamed. Eve didn¡¯t recognize the man she was watching. David shoved Tyler to his knees, grabbing onto his wrists. Pulling with an extreme might. Tyler¡¯s arms gave away, pulling from the sockets in their shoulder.

    Eve ran up to David trying to stop him, ¡°No!¡± She screamed.

    David ripped Tyler¡¯s arms from his torso. Blood spewing all over the ground. Spraying on the walls. The corruption left his eyes, he was now conscious. Standing with Tyler¡¯s arms dangling from his hands. His face was covered in horror.

 Chapter 16: The Spirits Within

    David stood in horror; Eve looked upon the grotesque mess of bright red blood. What the hell just happened? Eve couldn¡¯t comprehend the event. Not knowing David was capable of such brutalism. Time was frozen, David looked up at Eve. His eyes filled with disbelief, why?

    The party irrupted into a burst of panic, ¡°David¡­¡± Eve muttered, ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know¡­¡± That is all David could say. His voice filled with heaviness.

    Eve had to react if there was any chance of saving the Order and their anonymity. She clenched her eyes, ¡°Delete their memory of us,¡± Eve commanded of David.

    ¡°Your friends?¡± David asked.

    ¡°This is more important. I¡¯m ready to leave this life behind,¡± Eve said. ¡°Please hurry.¡± David recollected himself, having to deal with the emotions of this later. The party-goers began to run for the doors in terror. Eve looked at Jessica, wishing her old friend goodbye. Tears welling in the corner of her eyes.

    David¡¯s eye glowed a bright green before he slammed his hands into the ground. A white pulse fired out like a sonar. Deleting all memory of Eve and David from their minds. His mind is filled with images of Eve and David at the party. Images of Jessica and Eve at school. By the lockers, at lunch, the two dancing together at a party. Gone.

    ¡°Is it done?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°Ye-yeah,¡± David stuttered still unbelieving of what just happened.

    ¡°Run,¡± Eve grabbed David¡¯s hand. The two began sprinting from the kitchen towards the doors. Running to the van down the hill. Ripping the doors open as they climbed into the Van. Eve slammed the keys into the ignition. ¡°We need to go.¡± She rushed.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± David said over and over again. Still trying to process everything.

    ¡°David please, we¡¯ll talk about it in a second,¡± Eve said hurriedly as she sped off in the van down the hill. Heading towards the forest outside the city. Needing a place to be quiet.

    David placed his head in his palms, punching himself in the head. ¡°God, please rid me of this.¡± He pleaded out.

    ¡°Hey, hey, hey stop that,¡± Eve reached over grabbing his hands forcing them onto his lap.

    ¡°I screwed this up,¡± David said. ¡°I should¡¯ve fixed this.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, that dude deserved it, but you need to get some help now.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s my fault!¡± He screamed out, his eyes black again.

    ¡°Okay, none of that!¡± Eve grabbed David¡¯s sword that she was sitting on. Slamming the pommel against his head. Knocking him out. Eve stopped the van in the middle of the street. Pushing him over so his head rested against the door frame. Eve sped off quickly into the night.

    <hr>

    Allison opened her eyes, her arms suspended and bounded above her head. Looking around the room, Richard was across from her passed out. Her nose hurt, scrunching her face. A raging migraine filled the crevasses of her brain. Taking in a deep breath, noticing a sharp pain in her back. Releasing the oxygen to gather her energy. Pushing her feet against the wall behind herself.

    Her strength was fleeting. Allison was confused, this should¡¯ve been easy to break out of. What was keeping her from using her abilities to break free? ¡°Give it up,¡± Richard panted from his lips.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± She asked.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Richard said, ¡°They got the jump on us, how could we be so stupid?¡±

    ¡°We need to get to Gabriel and get out of here,¡± she said trying to fight her chains again.

    ¡°It¡¯s no use, they attached a device on our backs. It disables our ability to use the spirits,¡± Richard said. A round object sat on their upper backs, like a spider''s arms stuck out and stabbed into different portions of their backs.

    ¡°It¡¯s pumping something into me,¡± Allison said closing her eyes. Feeling a liquid substance enter her bloodstream. She released her muscles. Dropping her body to a hang.

    ¡°Every time we try to fight it, it pumps us with some type of muscle relaxant.¡± Richard looked around. The heavy steel door opened; Aiden walked in. Richard and Allison looked at him simultaneously, faces drenched in anger.

    ¡°I did warn you not to go past the tree line,¡± Aiden said. Allison spat in his face. Aiden stopped and whipped the spit from his cheek. Clenching a fist punching Allison in her stomach. She coughed in pain, trying to grasp onto oxygen once more.

    ¡°You leave her alone!¡± He yelled out. Aiden did the same to him.

    ¡°Quiet!¡± Aiden demanded of the both of them.

    ¡°As soon as Gabe finds out, he¡¯s going to kill you,¡± Allison¡¯s hair drenched over her face.

    ¡°Gabriel believes you two left, I don¡¯t have the heart to kill you,¡± Aiden told them.

    ¡°So why keep us alive?¡± Richard asked.

    ¡°Gabriel will be given a choice to leave his life behind and kill you himself. Or he can choose to attempt to save both of you and die. Either way, I intend to awaken what is within him. Either I take it, or he joins me,¡± Aiden said.

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Allison asked, ¡°You¡¯re an idiot if you think Gabe will join you.¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be too sure,¡± Aiden said, ¡°From the looks of things, it seems that you two have done nothing but undermined his every move. Gabriel desires glory and I have offered him a chance for it. Not to be a dog to be used by his older brother.¡±

    ¡°Humor me then,¡± Allison said, ¡°Is that why your brother kicked you out of the Watchers?¡±

    ¡°My brother had a very narrow view of life,¡± Aiden continued, ¡°He was afraid of doing what needed to be done for our people to earn their rightful place as the apex predator.¡±

    ¡°Gabriel!¡± Allison cried out.

    ¡°Go ahead, waste your time,¡± Aiden laughed, ¡°These walls allow no spirits in or out. Gabe will not hear your thoughts. And those devices will be happened to remind you not to try anything too crazy.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t wait to watch Gabriel kill you,¡± Richard smiled, ¡°You may think you have him twisted around your finger. But you don¡¯t know him like we do. I never thought I¡¯d say this, but I can¡¯t wait to watch him drive his sword into your stupid face.¡±

    Aiden shook his head, ¡°We shall see.¡±

    Allison and Richard watched as Aiden left the room, slamming the door behind him. ¡°Did you, do it?¡± Richard asked. Allison smiled through the hair in front of her face. Aiden walked down the hall, a string of Allison¡¯s hair, rested on his chest from when she spat at him.

    <hr>

    Ethan and Chris found the Japanese Order hideout, walking down the hallways. ¡°Think Jasmine is here?¡± Ethan asked.

    ¡°No. She texted us to let us know to meet her in the main hall just to not be here,¡± Chris replied sarcastically. The two moved down the corridors. ¡°They should really make these mazes easier for people like us.¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t help that it¡¯s all written in Japanese,¡± Ethan said brushing some of the dust from the different letters. ¡°All that anime and we still have no idea how to read this stuff.¡±

    ¡°I hate to say it,¡± Chris said, ¡°David was right, we were wasting our time watching it subbed.¡±

    Jasmine blinked in front of the two of them. She jumped and hugged both of them. ¡°You idiots set off the alarms,¡± Jasmine smiled. Letting go of them, ¡°If I wasn¡¯t there, they would¡¯ve rushed down here to kill you.¡±

    ¡°Have you found the Wolves?¡± Ethan asked, ¡°We decided to come to help, Gabe is stuck training.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve found a couple hideouts,¡± Jasmine said, ¡°Let¡¯s just say my kill count has been up quite a bit. My report is going to take weeks to write.¡± She laughed. Her eyes were sharp, dilated.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Ethan asked her.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Jasmine hesitated, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡°How many people have you killed?¡± Chris asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s not important right now, I guess you guys found that temple?¡± She changed the subject. Her energy was tainted, Chris could feel it. Though decided not to press it any further.

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s on that big mountain,¡± Chris told her.

    ¡°Alright, follow me,¡± Jasmine said leading the way to the entrance to the Japanese branch of the Order. The further they went, the cleaner it was. What turned from an old stone maze developed into the classic tile and steel walls. It didn¡¯t feel much different than the Order back home. Except for the people and the writing on the walls being a different language.

    Soon they found themselves in a large room, an exact replica of the Order¡¯s main hall on the West coast. Guessing they didn¡¯t leave much to the imagination after the second world war. Jasmine brought them to a desk, a symbol they did recognize. A sword sheathed inside of a shield; the shield had a picture of the Earth etched into it. Jasmine walked up to the man sitting there.

    ¡°These our troublemakers?¡± The man asked sitting behind the desk. ¡°Chris and Ethan, my name is Sir Nicholas from the world investigation corps. Sir David¡¯s report landed on my desk at my office in Brooklyn. No one else wanted to investigate further, so I took up the job. My team has been here for the past month.¡±

    ¡°So, you knew they were here in Japan and refused to tell David sooner?¡± Ethan asked, ¡°They told us not to pursue it.¡±

    ¡°Well technically, I¡¯m not here either,¡± Sir Nicholas said.

    ¡°Right,¡± Chris said.

    ¡°Jasmine told me you two went with Gabriel to investigate some master on the mountain?¡± He asked, ¡°Where is he?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s still training up there, some dude who claims to be Eleazar¡¯s brother.¡±

    ¡°Shame, I must admit I¡¯m a big fan of Gabriel¡¯s work. Makes our jobs easier to just mark people dead than find a prison for them,¡± Sir Nicholas smiled.

    ¡°So, Gabriel is training with him? What is he teaching the kid now?¡± Jasmine asked.

    ¡°This Aiden dude is good with fire,¡± Chris laughed, ¡°So Gabriel is learning how to further element. He thinks he can learn how to start a fire without a source.¡±

    Jasmine smiled, ¡°Well I¡¯m glad he¡¯s learning something for once.¡±

    ¡°Wait,¡± Sir Nicholas interrupted, ¡°Did you say Aiden?¡± Chris nodded with Ethan, ¡°Aiden Eleazar, brother of the templar Montague Eleazar?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, you know him?¡± Ethan asked, ¡°Big guy, kinda weird?¡±

    Nicholas started typing furiously on a computer. ¡°Fast typing, that can¡¯t be good,¡± Chris smiled.

    He spun the computer monitor around for them to look at, an old picture of Aiden Eleazar from the nineties. The three began to read. ¡®Aiden Michael Eleazar, height: 6¡¯3¡±, weight: 195 lbs., class: sword, rank: Knight, age: 25 (Deceased). Most Wanted contract, completed. Threat level: #1 most lethal.¡¯

    ¡°If he¡¯s alive, I need you to tell me right now. I will reopen this contract and we need to take him out immediately,¡± Sir Nicholas said.

    ¡°He¡¯s definitely alive if he¡¯s supposed to be dead. Who was the person who completed that contract?¡± Ethan said. Pulling out his phone trying to call Gabriel, Allison, or Richard. Their service was unconnectable.

    ¡°His brother, with multiple witnesses,¡± Nicholas read, he began to type furiously. Reopening the contracted bounty. ¡°Your friends are in danger; do you still remember where their location was?¡± He asked.

    ¡°I remember where it is,¡± Chris said checking the battery packs in his back pockets. All reading full.

    ¡°How many do you have?¡± Jasmine asked. Trying to call David, getting the same results off a voicemail.

    ¡°I have four,¡± Chris said. ¡°I have a generator in my duffle bag that I left over there.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Jasmine said, ¡°Last time you tried that.¡± Chris looked up at her.

    ¡°If he¡¯s as dangerous as that report said he was, then we¡¯re going to need it.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll gather my team for a strike. I¡¯ll see if we can get support from the Japanese Order. I¡¯m hoping for at least four Samurai,¡± Sir Nicholas stood from his chair. Signaling that he would be right back. His phone began to ring.

    Jasmine, Chris, and Ethan looked at one another. Unsure of what to say, their eyes meeting each other¡¯s. Another impossible battle, hoping their skill sets combined were enough to take down Aiden. There were only two of the Watchers that could face Master Eleazar and win. One of them was dead, and the other wasn¡¯t answering his phone.

    <hr>

    Eve parked the van on the side of the road near a forest. Shutting off the vehicle, the sorrow caught up with her. Tears streaming down her face, looking at David. He was still knocked out. She assumed he preferred it to be that way. She was hopeless, unsure of what to do with him. There was no way she could continue with him this way. David would continue being a danger to everyone, her, and even himself. It occurred to her. Wiping the tears from her face.

    She stood up from her seat, undoing both of their seatbelts. Eve walked over to the sliding door, opening it enough to get some fresh air. Eve walked over to David, attempting to pull him out of his seat. He was heavy, too much for Eve to easily grab. She grunted, wishing she had gone to the gym more instead of eating pizza every other day. Eve started to scream, lifting David from the seat. His dead weight grew ever too much for her. ¡°Come¡­ ON!¡± She lifted him. Pulling him out a few feet before he was too much to bear. Eve dropped him on the carpet. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry,¡± she said just in case he was able to hear her.

    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

    Eve brushed her hands through her long blue hair, ¡°Okay, let¡¯s do this. Please let me in.¡± She pleaded. Lifting his head enough for her to slide her legs crossed under it. Resting his head on her thighs. His head facing up, the face she couldn¡¯t help but admire. Even with the corruption taking over the veins in his cheeks. ¡°Okay, Eve, be brave.¡± She placed her hands on the sides of his face. Her palms resting on his temples. Eve closed her eyes. Breathing in deeply, the spirits around her began to spin. David¡¯s green light flowed from his temples in her hands. Her bright blue energy poured into his brain. She could feel the bond fuse together. She exhaled.

    Eve was standing in what appeared to be a temple made of stone. She could see the corruption break through the brick and mortar. This must¡¯ve been David¡¯s mind. She walked towards the single entrance in the room. Noticing she was dressed in white. Scorched marks were left on the walls and doors. Where did this come from? She wondered. Eve pushed her hands against the doors, forcing them open with all her might. Eve felt powerful here. She was a spirit, not bounded by the physical limitations of Earth.

    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± A child¡¯s voice broke from the other side. Eve quickly came into the presence of a kid dressed in white. ¡°Oh, the oracle.¡± He said after inspecting Eve.

    ¡°I¡¯m Eve, who are you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m David,¡± He replied. He snatched her hand. ¡°Well, I¡¯m David¡¯s innocence or whatever was left from the angels.¡±

    ¡°Are there more of you?¡± Eve asked.

    David¡¯s innocence remained silent. Bringing her to a room with many doors. More than she can comprehend. ¡°All these doors lead to David¡¯s memories,¡± He explained. ¡°Careful not to step in the middle of the room. If you fall inside the lake of corruption, that¡¯s where the demon lives.¡±

    ¡°Has anyone else gone inside?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°David¡¯s wisdom fell in a little while ago. We kept trying to break him free, but once he stepped in. He was stuck and kept sinking in,¡± He continued.

    ¡°Who¡¯s we?¡± Eve asked more questions.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be here,¡± An older David walked out from one of the doors. ¡°I know who you are.¡± He was dressed head to toe in blue.

    ¡°That¡¯s David¡¯s security, he¡¯s the best fighter out of all of us. He doesn¡¯t trust anyone,¡± David¡¯s innocence held tightly onto Eve¡¯s hand. Not wanting her to move.

    ¡°It¡¯s because of you that David has fallen into this madness.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t see how that¡¯s my fault,¡± Eve said.

    ¡°It¡¯s your fault because he abandoned his sense of strength and lowered his defenses for you. Now that demon was able to take his heart,¡± another David appeared from a hallway. Dressed in red.

    ¡°That¡¯s David¡¯s desire,¡± Innocence said.

    ¡°I have to thank you for making me stronger before you, his only desire was food and helping friends,¡± Desire spoke with a meaner tone than the others.

    ¡°How do we get rid of the demon?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°If you think we knew that we wouldn¡¯t have killed it earlier?¡± The last David appeared, dressed in yellow.

    ¡°The final one, David¡¯s skill,¡± Innocence told her. ¡°Besides David¡¯s wisdom, the green one.¡±

    ¡°You all represent the spirits in David,¡± Eve said, ¡°Is this the same for everyone?¡±

    ¡°Duh,¡± Skill told her.

    ¡°David¡¯s energy pattern is green. Why have I never seen any of your colors?¡±

    ¡°You see white when the kid showed up,¡± Desire corrected.

    ¡°It¡¯s because David¡¯s wisdom is stronger than all of us,¡± Security told her.

    Eve looked around, ¡°So these are all of his memories?¡± Eve asked looking around.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t make sense for the Oracle to hijack his memories if you can just time travel and see them yourself anytime you wanted,¡± Security put his foot down. Planning to defend every door with his life.

    ¡°So, we killing this thing or what?¡± Desire yelled.

    Eve walked over to the lake of corruption. Reaching her hand out to it before being snatched away by Innocence. ¡°Man, this girl is dumb,¡± Security said.

    ¡°If you go in, you can get killed too,¡± Innocence yelled at her.

    Eve stepped back from it, shaking her hand free from the child, ¡°Can we cast it out of him?¡± Eve wondered, ¡°There has to be something I can do.¡±

    ¡°I knew I always hated you for killing our mom, but I do love your childish mind to try to screw everything up!¡± Desire yelled laughed, ¡°Sorry, I always wanted to say that.¡±

    Eve scowled, taking in a deep breath. She had to force herself not to get worked up dealing with David¡¯s thoughts unfiltered. Just weird that he would think some things.

    ¡°Don¡¯t listen to him,¡± Skill told Eve, ¡°He¡¯s the source of David¡¯s intrusive thoughts.¡±

    Eve sat down looking at the lake, pondering. How was she supposed to save David? Innocence sat down next to her. Desire walked up and sat down next to Eve, resting his head on her shoulder. ¡°What¡¯re you thinking about darling?¡± He asked.

    Eve shoved him away, not liking how chaotic he was. It explained why those who gave into desire were chaotic and found themselves on the side of evil. Eve placed her hand on the floor below. The others were spitting out ideas aloud.

    ¡°We could like, grab a cup and fill it with corruption a little at a time and just pour it out,¡± Innocence said.

    ¡°Yeah, where the hell are you going to pour it?¡± Security asked, ¡°In his legs.¡±

    Innocence put his knees to his chest, ¡°I¡¯m trying.¡±

    Eve felt a thump under her fingers. Her eyebrows narrowed.

    ¡°We can swing our swords at it until it goes away,¡± Desire said aloud.

    ¡°We tried that already, we lost our swords,¡± Skill reminded him.

    ¡°Oh yeah,¡± Desire said, ¡°Did we try the hammers?¡±

    ¡°Shut up,¡± Security told him.

    ¡°Sheesh, tough crowd.¡±

    ¡°I wish Wisdom was here, he would know what to do,¡± Innocence said aloud, ¡°Sorry, thinking out loud.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s always out loud here,¡± Desire argued.

    Eve felt another thump under her fingers, ¡°I just want to help him,¡± Eve was losing hope.

    ¡°You really love us, don¡¯t you?¡± Security asked.

    Eve nodded, ¡°Yeah,¡± she let escape her lips. The others erupted again into spitballing ideas. Another heavy thump happened under her hands. ¡°Wait,¡± She said, ¡°Is there always a thump in the floor?¡±

    ¡°What? No,¡± Skill said.

    Eve pulled out her sword, ¡°Step back,¡± an idea came to her mind. Hoping it would work. Innocence and Desire ran near Security and Skill. The Davids stood to the sidelines watching as Eve¡¯s sword and hands glowed a bright blue. Slamming a tip into the ground, sending cracks into the ground. Again, she struck.

    ¡°Hey, you know how long it took for me to build those walls around my heart!¡± Security grew furious that Eve was dismantling them.

    ¡°Forgive me later for not respecting your boundaries!¡± Eve sent one more titanic blast into the ground. The floor gave way, Eve dropped with the rubble to the floor. The others jumped in after her. Eve opened her eyes; black flames were spewing out around them. Desire landed on the floor; their swords lay in a pile.

    ¡°My sword!¡± Desire yelled.

    Eve stood up, unscathed from the impact of the ground beneath her feet. Looking around finding a heart sitting high in the room. A deep red glow, covered in black and purple corruption that leaked from above. She couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°Wisdom!¡± Innocence ran over to David dressed in green. Laying on the ground, covered in blood and wounds that bore deep into his skin.

    Eve followed with the others, grabbing onto him. She dropped to one knee to access his injuries. He continued to breathe, which shouldn¡¯t be possible concerning the pool of blood that surrounded him. ¡°Wisdom,¡± she said grabbing onto him.

    ¡°You should¡¯ve killed me at the party,¡± Wisdom spoke with blood still in his mouth, ¡°I¡¯ve lost control. Order regulations say once someone is too far gone in corruption. You have to kill them.¡±

    ¡°Shut up,¡± Eve told him trying to do what she could to heal his wounds.

    ¡°You¡¯re not skilled in that ability,¡± Wisdom said. ¡°You need to leave and kill me on the outside before I become a Sin.¡± He kept speaking, Eve ignored him. Still trying her best to help him.

    ¡°Oracle,¡± Innocence started to pat rapidly on Eve¡¯s back. She looked at him and up to where he was gazing. A Sin crawled out of David¡¯s heart. Eve felt a presence of absolute evil. Fear filled her eyes. The Watchers had warned heavily of them.

    ¡°Can we take it?¡± Eve asked, trying to find her courage.

    ¡°We are only strong when we work together on the outside. Otherwise, we¡¯re just fractions of David¡¯s power.¡± Security took up a defensive stance.

    ¡°You have to kill me,¡± Wisdom kept saying, ¡°I¡¯ve been fighting it for days. It will tear you apart.¡±

    The Sin dropped down from the heart onto the floor, a behemoth stood tall. A four-legged creature, who¡¯s hair moved around its body. It¡¯s a tail spike at the end. Almost like a combination of a dragon and bear. Terror filled Eve¡¯s heart, she had to get it out of here. In hopes, David would awaken once it left his body.

    ¡°The oracle has finally revealed itself!¡± The Sin screeched in a deafening tone. Eve collapsed to her knees trying to cover her ears. She screamed in the presence of fear itself. ¡°I will break the both of you. Then they will have to wait another thousand years.¡±

    Innocence grabbed onto Eve¡¯s hand, ¡°We will hold him off!¡± Security yelled, running after the beast.

    ¡°Your efforts are arbitrary!¡± The behemoth quickly threw Security at the wall.

    Desire charged, ¡°I will kill you!¡± He screamed.

    Innocence took Eve, sprinting for the exit, climbing the rubble back to the brain. ¡°Don¡¯t look back!¡± He yelled at her; Eve was drenched in panic. Never thinking she would face her first Sin with help. But she was alone.

    ¡°We need to lead him out!¡± Eve said.

    The behemoth gave chase onto the pair, quickly defeating Desire and Skill. ¡°My fires will consume this Earth! The brimstone will reign hot!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t look at him!¡± Innocence warned, grabbing onto Eve, and lifting her over the ledge with incredible strength. Eve followed his advice, she kept moving following his lead. ¡°Follow me!¡±

    ¡°I will tear David apart limb from limb and make you watch! You will watch as I feast on the last light of his soul!¡± They continued, gaining distance from the two of them. Innocence shoved Eve away towards the exit.

    ¡°Go!¡± He commanded her. Eve looked at the kid, his eyes glowing a bright white light. ¡°I can¡¯t leave with you!¡±

    Eve looked at the exit and back at Innocence, ¡°Will I ever see you again?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°Maybe,¡± he told her. ¡°Go!¡± Innocence smiled; Eve looked at him. Reminding her of David when he was a child. Memories of her being a kid with him flooded her mind. Innocence turned around and fired a pillar of fire from his hands. Hitting the demon in the jaw. Removing the lower half of its face.

    Eve jumped through the gate. Opening her eyes back to the real world, David still resting his head on her lap. Eve was panting, trying to catch up with her breathing. Her heart pounding in her chest from the terror that she witnessed.

    David¡¯s eyes shot open, looking frantically around the van in a panic. He looked up at Eve, ¡°Where are we?¡± He asked.

    Eve was unsure if he was going to freak out again. She placed her hand on the side of his face, ¡°We¡¯re safe,¡± Eve reassured him. ¡°How do you feel?¡± She asked.

    David reached up to her face, brushing his fingers against her brisk cheeks. ¡°You¡¯re cold.¡± A sudden pit appeared in David¡¯s chest. Feeling it crawl up his esophagus. David rolled to his knees, throwing his head forward out the door. Lowering his head, gagging out loud heavily.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Eve stood up, wrapping herself in her own arms. David reached back pushing his index and middle finger out adjoined. Signaling for his sword. Eve moved to the front to the driver''s seat where she had left it. Grabbing her sword as well. Handing David his sword. David gripped it tightly, the blade came out. He slammed it on the ground still holding tight. ¡°David?¡±

    David began throwing up, black and purple sewage dumped from his mouth. Blood residue rolled down the corners of his lips. His own blood. The demon leaped from David¡¯s mouth. Coughing profusely afterward, beginning to raise his sword. David¡¯s eyes were bright green. ¡°How big was it?¡±

    ¡°I think it was a Sin of wrath,¡± Eve said, ¡°He was huge.¡±

    ¡°Stay close to me,¡± David said sliding the door open. The Sin stood waiting for the two of them to leave the vehicle. David¡¯s legs still felt weak, he had no time to play games with them. They would have to wake up now. Eve watched as a massive energy spike fired from his back. David¡¯s energy was high, more unstable than she had ever seen from him. He narrowed his eyebrows, blood boiling in his veins.

    ¡°David, take it easy,¡± Eve said stepping out of the van with him. ¡°You¡¯re pissed but you need to keep your head straight.¡±

    David ignored her, he wanted to do nothing more but then send this Sin to God. ¡°Tu properas me vigilare rape eam,¡± A malfested voice surrounded them both.

    ¡°What did he say?¡± Eve asked not knowing how to speak or understand Latin.

    ¡°Jezus yahia ethi,¡± David spoke with fire on his tongue. Hearing that name caused the Sin to screech in anguish.

    Eve drew her sword, not understanding Hebrew. Though the behemoth''s reaction was enough to make her realize it was time for battle. David¡¯s sword glowed a bright viridian. The Sin jumped, charging at the two. David charged with a battle cry, swinging at the front leg. Slashing through spewing black blood all over the grass. Eve leaped high, the leaves beneath her vibrated with her feet. Jumping over the beast.

    Its tail flew up, smacking Eve in the stomach. She gasped, reversing her grip on her sword. Driving it down into the beast¡¯s back. It screeched once more. She could feel David¡¯s sword meet the tip of hers inside the deep meat. David pulled the sword out, black blood spilling out on top of him. Having hit an artery, it sprayed all over Eve as well.

    ¡°Eve!¡± David said. She looked to her right; the tail came swinging again. David leaped, severing the tail completely with his sword. Seraph steel was the best material of sword to cut through a Sin¡¯s flesh. David grabbed Eve¡¯s hand, pulling her out of the way of the tail crash.

    ¡°Ignis et sanguis caelum impulebunt!¡± It screamed in agony.

    ¡°Jezus yahia ethi!¡± David yelled back. ¡°Go for the chest, I¡¯ll distract him. Cut out the heart.¡±

    Eve nodded; her eyes wide. Her courage had to outweigh her fear. David helped her keep her heart above the mind. David turned around attacking from above. Eve charged at its chest from the rear. Running beneath it, waiting for the best time to strike. David ran up its spin, his neck turned around. Snapping at David, grabbing ahold of his torso. David spat as he was thrown at the wall of a tree, bleeding. Its teeth had sunk deep. Eve missed the heart, being slapped by a paw in the other direction. Eve bounced off the ground hitting a tree.

    David kept trying to stand as the Sin moved at him, taunting. ¡°Ubi est Jesus, nunc!¡± It screamed at David, watching the boy fight to keep his stance. David dropped his blade into the dirt, trying to keep his feet planted in the ground. David called upon everything in his body to stand but couldn¡¯t. The pain was far too much for him to bear. He coughed blood towards the grass. His eyes were hazy.

    ¡°Jezus yahia ethi,¡± Eve stepped between David and the Sin of Wrath. When those words left Eve¡¯s mouth, she felt the presence of God in her very lungs. David looked up, wishing to tell her to run. No words came out. It was too much for him, he raised his head. He could see Eve¡¯s energy. Not only was it a blinding white and blue mix, but an owl¡¯s wings also loomed around her. Wide eyes looking at the demon.

    Eve¡¯s skin was burning, the amount of energy coming from her body was far more than she could comprehend. She felt invincible, so hot the dye in her hair melted. Her natural white, blonde hair blew in the wind. She had tapped into her potential, the knowledge of every warrior flowed through her mind in an instant. Eve charged forward with a deafening screech from her owl.

    At an incredible speed, Eve reached her off hand to her hilt. Pulling a blade made completely out of energy. She charged with two swords. The behemoth didn¡¯t have time to react, he was being torn apart limb by limb. David smiled. Eve flew off the ground with the wings, diving like a predator from the sky. Driving her swords together through the back of the beast, tumbling out the chest. Her swords buried deep into the heart of the demon. Watching it turn from black and into dust. With her energy still waging.

    She dived over to David who had collapsed, catching him. Searching for the ability to heal from the memories of every warrior. Placing her hands on his chest, his wounds closed. David woke up from his haze, gasping for air. Eve¡¯s energy relaxed, ¡°Oh my God did you see that?¡± She asked.

    David smiled, ¡°Yeah,¡± he groaned, ¡°That was, something else. You surpassed me just like that.¡± David laughed, ¡°I¡¯m proud of you.¡± Eve couldn¡¯t help but cry. He was the only person she cared to receive validation from.

    ¡°I had a great teacher,¡± Eve said, running her hand through his hair. Expecting to feel his soft hair but feeling the demon¡¯s blood in between her fingers. ¡°You smell horrible.¡± She laughed.

    David laughed, ¡°Thank that teacher of yours for me.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Eve smiled down at David. Tears welling in the corners of her eyes, she lowered her face towards him. Kissing him deeply, lifting his chin. Breathing in his exhale, he doing the same.

    David pushed her away slowly, ¡°Slow down.¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Eve said. Unsure of what she did wrong.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t do anything wrong. I just¡­¡± David paused, chuckling slightly. ¡°I want to do more with you and you¡¯re making it really hard not to.¡±

    Eve slapped him on the chest, causing him to cough heavily. The wounds are still tender. ¡°Marry me first before you even think of something like that,¡± Eve laughed.

    ¡°Shut up, I know you think the same things,¡± David regained his breath. ¡°I¡¯m glad we feel the same way.¡±

    Eve shook her head at him, ¡°Let¡¯s go take a shower, you first. You might need it more than I do.¡±

    ¡°Says the one who flew through the body,¡± David wiping some blood from her cheek. Eve stood up to her feet reaching her hand out to him. David accepted the gesture, putting his arm around her shoulder to help keep his balance. Limping back to the van. Eve was more than glad that he was able to trust her enough to allow her to take care of him. Remembering that David continued to push himself for days without anyone¡¯s help after the battle at the Sanctuary.

    The two spent the rest of the night cleaning themselves, burning their tainted clothes, and enjoying the cold night under the stars in each other¡¯s arms. After all the madness of the day, Eve didn¡¯t want this night to end. David enjoyed her romantic company far too much to hope to keep it a secret. Maybe it was for the best that they would leave the Order. Unless he could count on the Watchers to keep a secret. Eve didn¡¯t think it would be an issue. Though they both agreed, the hardest of the group to help would be David¡¯s brother.

 Chapter 17: Awakening

    Gabriel sat in the grass, fingers in the soil. Watching the blue skies as puffy white clouds passed overhead. Biting the inside of his cheeks, thinking about past events. The Order has tried for peace for ages with the Brotherhood, with no luck. Perhaps, Aiden¡¯s ideas would work. This place could be a solitude where everyone could live in peace without worry of hiding their true selves from the public. Never had really understood why he had to live in fear of those inferior to himself. He sighed aloud. Not to mention the Order. Obeying every command from masters who didn¡¯t put themselves on the battlefield. Sending Guardians and Knights to their deaths. For what?

    He lifted his hand, the grass where his palms rested left burnt. Not noticing it, waiting for Aiden to return from his quarterly patrol of the day. This was taking longer than he had anticipated, Gabriel wondered what made this patrol longer than the others. Should he go see if he needs help? Aiden didn¡¯t fire a flare into the air. Maybe Gabriel should stay put. He walked around in circles, kicking the small rocks he would find laying alone.

    ¡°Did your friends leave you too Mr. Rock?¡± Gabriel asked it before kicking it near a tree. ¡°You suck anyways, can¡¯t even do anything right. You¡¯re just a rock.¡± He got angry with himself; David will never agree to help the Brotherhood. Or would he? Thinking his brother would be more than happy to live a normal life with a wife and kids. Eve, Gabriel got mad. How did his brother fall in love with the very woman that murdered his mother? ¡°They should¡¯ve sent me to assassinate her,¡± Gabriel whispered to himself. His voice was raspy from the bottled-up emotions. David is weak, he thought to himself. Can¡¯t even make the hard choices to save the world from near extinction. If she snapped again, David would probably just excuse her again. Weak. The Watchers deserve a leader that isn¡¯t afraid to make the hard choices.

    A ruffle in the bushes, Aiden came out smile wide on his face. ¡°What has you brooding?¡±

    Gabriel jumped, being startled from his deep thoughts. He returned a smile, ¡°Thinking about what you said earlier. I¡¯m going to need time to do so, but I can help you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m glad to hear you say that,¡± Aiden smiled ever wider, ¡°What are you thinking of doing?¡±

    ¡°There''s a commander of the Brotherhood that the Order has captive. David and I have tried everything to recruit her to help secure a peace. If I tell her the idea, I think she would be more than happy to help.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a good plan,¡± Aiden encouraged him. ¡°The more you can keep it a secret, you¡¯ll be able to get more Brotherhood groups to join you. Do you think David would be happy to help you?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Gabriel looked away, ¡°David¡¯s weak, he¡¯s afraid to make the hard choices. He follows the council¡¯s will too much.¡±

    ¡°David sounds a lot like my brother. Far too narrow-minded to allow our people to ascend to a greater living,¡± Aiden said. ¡°What of Eve with your brother?¡±

    Gabriel stopped, looking back at his teacher, ¡°How do you know about Evelyn?¡± He asked.

    ¡°You told me about her,¡± Aiden appeared confused. Trying to save himself.

    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t,¡± Gabriel looked down at the chest plate of Aiden, noticing a single strand of hair. ¡°We have done a good job at keeping her quiet from the world. She still officially doesn¡¯t exist.¡± Gabriel lowered his hand down to his hip.

    ¡°I¡¯m still a part of the Order, Gabriel. I was there during her first trial of Guardianship.¡±

    Gabriel looked at the strand of hair again, long, and brown. A small hint of green. The same green color that Allison had dyed.  ¡°Fair enough, Eve did a number on those kids. Beating all of them pretty quickly don¡¯t you think?¡±

    ¡°I was surprised by her ability to win in a fight against all of them,¡± Aiden chuckled, ¡°You helped train her well.¡±

    The trees began to shake with the wind, a leaf falling gracefully to the floor. ¡°I never trained her, not much anyway. That was David who trained her,¡± Gabriel lowered his hand slightly closer to his sword.

    ¡°Well, perhaps you made a great example for her to follow. And what you have trained her on more than likely helped in the battle,¡± Aiden turned around, ¡°I¡¯m going to take a quick bath, make sure you continue with your lessons.¡± Aiden made it to the steps.

    ¡°The funny thing about it is,¡± Gabriel said. ¡°Eve didn¡¯t beat all the other combatants.¡± Gabriel gripped onto the hilt, ¡°She surrendered after defeating the biggest threat.¡±

    ¡°My memory must be hazy,¡± Aiden said.

    ¡°Where is Allison?¡±

    ¡°I told you, they left.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to ask you the truth one last time, old man.¡± Gabriel pulled the hilt slightly, reading his draw of the blade.

    Aiden sighed, knowing he had been found out. Not attempting to continue the deception, ¡°In the dungeon. I caught them outside the forest the other night.¡±

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± Gabriel asked. The trees around them began to shake violently.

    ¡°I said there will be consequences, did I not, boy?¡±

    ¡°Free them,¡± Gabriel commanded him.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need them, Gabriel,¡± Aiden said, ¡°They are holding you back from fulfilling your destiny.¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t asking,¡± Gabriel¡¯s teeth didn¡¯t lift from one another. His breathing was quick, raising his heart rate.

    ¡°Listen to reason,¡± Aiden pleaded with him.

    ¡°I don¡¯t listen to liars,¡± Gabriel moved quickly, drawing his sword on the man. Driving his sword towards Aiden¡¯s back. A flame weapon appeared, parrying Gabriel¡¯s attack. Jumping back, Gabriel pushed a blast of force from his palm at Aiden, sending him smashing into the wall of the building.

    ¡°Alright, boy.¡± Aiden drew his sword from his hip. Both masters of katana stood before each other. ¡°I¡¯m going to teach you a lesson you will not forget.¡± Aiden removed his cloak, respecting Gabriel¡¯s abilities. The two kept their eyes locked from a distance. Waiting for the perfect moment.

    Gabriel smirked slightly, taunting the man. Having no respect for his adversaries. Snapping his eye back and forth from Aiden¡¯s leg to his eyes. Aiden charged thinking Gabriel had hesitated for a moment. Gabriel brought up his guard, crossing blades with the brother of his former master. The two were equals with the blade, Aiden knew this. Only wanting to draw out the beast inside Gabriel.

    <hr>

    Jasmine walked up the mountain, following both Chris and Ethan. ¡°Are you sure we¡¯re not lost?¡± Jasmine asked. The band of investigators and Japanese Order warriors followed behind her. Coming up the tree where the rift was usually sitting.

    ¡°It should be right here,¡± Chris said. Reaching his hand to the tree, nothing. ¡°This isn¡¯t right.¡±

    A strange voice appeared from above them, ¡°Turn back now, let this not get messy.¡± Jasmine drew her sword; the others followed her lead. Gathering into a loose circular formation.

    ¡°Reveal yourself!¡± Ethan commanded.

    ¡°Shut up kid,¡± The voice appeared once more. Jasmine pinpointed where it was coming from. A tree sitting across from them. ¡°We will kill all of you where you stand.

    ¡°I love it when you all say that,¡± Chris smiled. ¡°Because it never happens.¡± Jasmine blinked to the top of the tree, rustling through the leaves. A walkie-talkie sat undisturbed, an arrow came flying through the bush, attempting to blink away. Jasmine teleported back onto the forest floor with the group. Letting out a swift grunt, ripping the arrow out of her thigh.

    The group took up a tighter defense. A healer rushed over to heal Jasmine¡¯s leg. All looking around them waiting for the ambush. ¡°Come out already!¡± Chris yelled out, ¡°Or are you going to continue being a bunch of cowards?¡± He yelled out, a battery pack in his back pocket ready to be used.

    The trees above them began to shake violently, with no presence of wind. Then a sudden halt, ¡°In the trees!¡± Ethan yelled out to the group.

    ¡°Aw man, I¡¯ve always wanted to say that¡± Chris reached into his back pocket. Snatching the battery pack. His eyes glowing a bright yellow. Electricity flowing from his palms, and up to his arms.

    Jasmine recovered, standing back to her defensive posture. Suddenly a horde of assassins fell from the treetops, charging headfirst with swords extended to fall like rain on the band of heroes. Chris released the energy built up. Shooting a storm of lightning, hitting multiple acolytes. The rest fell into the formation. Battle ensued.

    <hr>

    Gabriel jumped from the grass onto the deck, dodging Aiden¡¯s fire attacks. ¡°The more you keep throwing fire at me. You might burn your precious temple down!¡± Gabriel yelled aloud.

    ¡°The more you dodge, the more potential that your friends burn alive!¡± Aiden thrusted forward, dueling Gabriel relentlessly. Gabriel¡¯s heart filled more with anger, redirecting his hatred into his strikes. Gabriel leaped off of the balcony, causing Aiden to pursue him. ¡°You¡¯re not going to even attempt to redirect the flames I throw at you?¡± Aiden laughed, conjuring a fireball in between his hands.

    Gabriel was confused, why would Aiden be helping him to win? Instead, he took the advice. As soon as the fireball left Aiden¡¯s hands. Gabriel reached out, taking control of the flame. Not focusing to allow the fire to explode in Aiden¡¯s face. ¡°Perhaps me not controlling it is enough to kill you.¡±

    Aiden waved his hands, the flames leaving from his body to form into a spear. Grasping and throwing it at Gabriel. Too slow, the spear cut right through Gabriel¡¯s foot, sticking him in place to the floor. ¡°Dammit,¡± Gabriel grabbed onto the spear trying to release it from his foot. He couldn¡¯t focus to control the flame. Too much spite had been formed to killing Aiden that he couldn¡¯t think of anything else.

    Aiden patted himself off, ¡°You¡¯re still impatient!¡± He yelled out. ¡°No wonder your brother will surpass you every step of the way. A shadow in his eyes.¡± Gabriel¡¯s eyes were blue, but a red color began to bleed through.

    ¡°The difference between your brother and mine. David will help me every step of the way. While you left your brother behind,¡± Gabriel ripped his foot out of the spear. Blood spilled everywhere, despite the pain. Gabriel charged at Aiden, swinging his sword to meet parries and blocks. Committing to a backflip, Gabriel slashed down, managing to leave a deep cut on Aiden¡¯s arm. The temple was almost in flames. ¡°Where are my friends?¡± Gabriel¡¯s eyes have given into a bright red hue. The crimson in his heart burned ever brighter.

    Aiden smiled, ¡°Still worried about your friends? Saving your friends will not help you save the world!¡± Aiden dashed forward engaging Gabriel further. Strikes from burning swords leaving blood and flame all over the courtyard.

    Allison could feel the heat of the temple above burning, ¡°What the hell is happening?¡± She started to panic.

    Richard shook his chains violently, trying to break free. ¡°This device in our backs is keeping me from breaking down this wall!¡± He gave up, body drenching in sweat. His heavy sighs, Allison felt it too. It was becoming more and more difficult to breathe. ¡°If I don¡¯t make it out of here, can you tell Janice-¡°

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear it!¡± Allison yelled at him, ¡°You tell her yourself!¡± Allison began to rotate her body, letting out a deafening scream. Popping her shoulders out of place to look at where the chains met the wall. Tears rolled down her face in agony. Putting her feet against the wall, pushing her body weight and strength in the opposite direction.

    ¡°Allison, what are you doing?¡±

    She couldn¡¯t hear him, Allison screamed with whatever breath remained in her lungs.

    Richard could see the device on her back. He closed his eyes, still listening to her pain. Focusing his breath. The Scorpion appeared around himself; the device began to drill deep into his spinal column. Focusing his mind to ignore the pain of it all. The scorpion¡¯s metasoma struck forward. Stabbing into her device and ripping it from her back. Allison¡¯s strength returned to her, tearing the chains from the walls. Breaking them completely. Richard stopped using his ability, though the device had already dug in deep. Having ground up a portion of his spine.

    Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

    Allison popped her shoulders back into place, screaming in pain. Rushing over to Richard, breaking his chains from the walls. Catching him from slamming his face into the stone floor. She grabbed onto the device, tearing it from his back. A pool of blood ran out of the revealed hole on his flesh. Trying to breathe from the dense smoke that was beginning to build. Placing her hands on his back to attempt to rebuild the large nerve and the flesh around it. ¡°I¡¯m not leaving without you.¡±

    ¡°Here take this one!¡± Jasmine grabbed onto an assassin, blinking him to the air. Dropping him. Ethan took his claymore, raising it high for the body to fall right on top of the blade and sliding down to the hilt. Ethan pulled his sword out blood falling over the boy.

    ¡°Ew,¡± Ethan joked, swinging his massive sword at another combatant.

    ¡°Here I was thinking this vacation was boring!¡± Chris yelled running up a tree to attack archers who nested at the top.

    Allison finished healing Richard, ¡°Alright, get up.¡± She grabbed under his arm. Trying to pick him up but being too heavy for her. ¡°Richard!¡± She yelled out.

    Gabriel and Aiden continued their fight, fire and fury raging all over the temple. Kicking Aiden in the chest, sending him flying through a pilar. Aiden looked up, watching as the floors above himself collapse on top of himself. Aiden activated his wolf ability to escape quickly from his fiery demise. Gabriel could hear Allison¡¯s screams from below the temple as the building was beginning to collapse at the center. ¡°No,¡± He said. Charging up the largest force blast he could. Throwing it at the ground, creating a devastating crater.

    Allison looked up, tears rolling down her face. Not ready to die but becoming hopeless to their freedom. Too much was happening, she couldn¡¯t adapt. Her coughing became heavy, unable to breathe. Watching the roof above herself start to crumble and cave in. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I failed you,¡± Allison muttered. Thinking of her late brother. Richard opened his eyes in his final moments. Life flashed before his eyes.

    Jasmine, Chris, and Ethan finished dispatching the Wolves into the afterlife. ¡°Status?¡± Sir Nicholas asked.

    Jasmine looked at both Chris and Ethan, ¡°Watchers are alive.¡±

    One of the Japanese Samurai looked at him, ¡°I have three in critical. Two dead. I need to send some of my men to escort them back to the road.¡±

    ¡°Take care of your men, Hoshiko,¡± Nicholas told him, ¡°My men will assist as we search for this rift.¡± Hoshiko bowed to the knight. The group of Guardians joined with the Samurai, gathering the injured and calling for medical transportation.

    ¡°What time of day was it when ya''ll found this rift?¡± Nicholas asked.

    ¡°The sun just set,¡± Chris said. ¡°Which is probably the key.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a good thing we showed up during the day. We have time to strategize.¡± Jasmine sat down. ¡°Can you two draw a map of what the place looks like?¡±

    ¡°I can do my best,¡± Ethan said.

    Gabriel searched in the flames for Aiden. Until concluding that he had fled, Gabriel went over to where he last heard Allison¡¯s thoughts. His heart began to race, thinking he may have overdone it. Praying he didn¡¯t crush them beneath the earth. His heart raced, panicking. Moving as much stone as he could. Dropping to his knees and coughed. Blood spat onto the floor, his body was strained. The pain in his foot came to realization with the adrenaline running off. Why had he been in such a hurry? He needed to be more patient, or he would risk running out of energy and dying.

    ¡°C¡¯mon, please be okay,¡± Gabriel pleaded to God.

    Aiden was sitting behind a tree, lifting his chainmail under his shirt. Multiple cuts and stab wounds. This kid was going to tear him apart. Aiden thought to himself, would he have to use his spirit state in hopes of pushing Gabriel to his very limit? How was he going to do so without killing the boy?

    Gabriel removed a stone, seeing a green energy field. Gabriel smiled, brushing the rock and dirt away to get their attention. ¡°Are you two okay down there?¡± He begged.

    Richard looked up, seeing the light from the sky shine through the small hole past Gabriel¡¯s face. ¡°I¡¯m going, to be honest with you Gabe, Allison got hit in the head by a rock pretty bad. I can¡¯t walk. You¡¯re going to have to clear all the rubble and get us out yourself.¡±

    Gabriel swallowed his spit, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°Just hurry,¡± Richard begged, ¡°I don¡¯t know how much oxygen we have left.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll see what I can-¡° Gabriel¡¯s hair was grabbed by Aiden, throwing him back to a tree. Gabriel recovered quickly, drawing his sword once more to battle him. ¡°Don¡¯t you lay another finger on them,¡± Gabriel¡¯s eyes narrowed.

    Aiden looked down into the hole. Sending a spew of fire like a flamethrower into the hole. Richard tapped deeper into his energy to keep the fire from injuring either of them. ¡°No!¡± Gabriel sprinted at Aiden swinging his sword fiercely. His eyes glowing a crimson red once more. He was giving himself into the darkness for power.

    ¡°Cut off everyone from your past,¡± Aiden commanded of him. ¡°Love will only hold you back! They all betray you in the end anyway!¡± Gabriel could tell he was speaking about Master Eleazar, part of him wanting to know more. Though, his current priority was saving his friend and love.

    Jasmine, Chris, and Ethan jumped through the rift. Taking into view a flaming battleground where the temple once sat. Sir Nicholas joined soon after with his guardians. Watching Gabriel and Aiden dueling at an extreme pace. ¡°What the hell is going on?¡± Ethan asked.

    ¡°Brotherhood! To me!¡± Aiden screamed as a company of members and Wolves stepped out of the woods.

    Gabriel leaped away from the engagement, ¡°Jasmine, you need to blink behind Richard¡¯s shield and get them out of there now!¡± He chased back after Aiden, not wanting to give him time to rest. Jasmine did exactly that, pulling Allison and Richard from their burning grave. Bringing them near the rift, ¡°They need medical!¡± She screamed at one of the guardians. He nodded, lifting up Richard and another taking Allison away.

    ¡°No! No! No!¡± Aiden yelled. He kicked Gabriel in the jaw, Jasmine blinked up to the fight. Trying to assist Gabriel as they had at the battle of the Sanctuary. ¡°Let go of the past!¡± He heeded for Gabriel to listen.

    ¡°Chris, why aren¡¯t the brotherhood attacking us?¡± Ethan asked.

    ¡°I think they¡¯re waiting for us,¡± Chris grabbed another battery pack. ¡°I¡¯m ready when they are.¡± Electricity flowing once more around his arms.

    ¡°Hold still,¡± Sir Nicholas commanded, ¡°We are far too outnumbered for a direct fight with the Brotherhood.¡±

    Gabriel attacked left, Jasmine went for the legs, slashing at Aiden¡¯s ankles. Connecting her blade and blinking to the other side. Gabriel smiled, Jasmine being there was a big help to him. He understood why his brother always told him he didn¡¯t need to be an alone fighter.

    ¡°Argh!¡± Aiden yelled. He leaped back on top of a burning pit knowing neither of them would be dumb enough to fight on top of a fire. At the cost of Aiden burning. ¡°Fine! I tried to help you, Gabriel!¡± The fire around Aiden began to blaze. Blue and red energy flowed around him like a tornado.

    Jasmine looked at Gabriel smiling, ¡°Want to try our little maneuver again?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not trying to break my legs again,¡± Gabriel said.

    ¡°I¡¯ll catch you this time,¡± Jasmine reassured him. Gabriel nodded.

    Jasmine grabbed Gabriel, blinking him into the sky. Gabriel prepared his fall, aligning to Aiden¡¯s shoulder. Bringing his sword down, flying quickly down to his adversary. Aiden reached his spirit state, being one with the wolf. Ready for what was coming, Jasmine blinked back to Aiden to distract him. Slashing him multiple times around his body. The next thing Aiden knew, Gabriel¡¯s sword pierced through his shoulder and through his heart. Aiden in a flash, grabbed Gabriel throwing him towards a burning wall. Jasmine blinked once more, catching him.

    Aiden grabbed the sword, pulling it out of his shoulder. His wounds healed instantly. The attack failed. Aiden¡¯s hands burned, not able to wield Gabriel¡¯s sword. Ignoring the pain, coating the blade into a flame. He looked near the rift, taking in view of Allison being healed.

    Chris fired a bolt of lightning at Aiden, he repelled the attack. Locking Chris in a chain, the explosive center was drawing back to Chris. Ethan grabbed onto Chris¡¯ shoulder. Allowing Chris to harness Ethan¡¯s energy as well. Pushing the explosion back at Aiden causing it to explode in the old man¡¯s face. ¡°Thanks,¡± Chris panted. ¡°I¡¯m running out of juice.¡±

    ¡°You are all a nuisance!¡± Aiden took Gabriel¡¯s sword. ¡°Just like my brother did to me! Gabriel, you will see what true power means!¡± Aiden threw the sword, it flew at a supersonic speed at Allison¡¯s unconscious body.

    ¡°Stop!¡± Gabriel screamed but it was too late. Jasmine who was standing with Gabriel now was punctured by the sword. She had reacted to her first instinct, blinking in front of Allison. The sword hit Jasmine¡¯s body with such incredible force, the sword went in between her ribs. Sticking her to the stone wall.

    ¡°Gah!¡± Was all that came from her mouth, with a fountain of blood. She looked down at the sword, grabbing onto the hilt attempting to pull it out. But the blade had driven too deep into the stone. She released the hilt. Chris and Ethan turned around immediately, trying to help her. Gabriel¡¯s sword held too much energy for either of them. Only burning their hands. ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Jasmine said.

    ¡°No, no, no!¡± Chris screamed, ¡°Not you! Not like this!¡±

    Jasmine grabbed onto his wrist, ¡°I can see him again.¡± She pushed Chris away with whatever remained of her strength. ¡°I¡¯m not teleporting out of this one guy. I envy Carlos, at least his was quick.¡± Jasmine chuckled, ¡°Don¡¯t get to the beach too quick.¡± Chris and Ethan were speechless, tears rolling down their face.

    ¡°Say hi to the little dude for me,¡± Chris said.

    Ethan grabbed onto Jasmine¡¯s hand, ¡°I¡¯ve always loved-¡° She began to cough heavily with blood. ¡°You both.¡± Her body slowly released, falling into a dead hang. Jasmine closed her eyes, accepting her death. Her pain fleeted as her heart stopped.

    Aiden smiled, watching Gabriel petrified. ¡°You see! Friends are only going to bring the pain! It¡¯s only good to let go of it all! You will only get them killed!¡±

    Gabriel¡¯s breathing became heavy. His skin burning, the fire from the battlefield surrounding him in a vortex of beauty and awe. Terror filled the minds of all watching. Gabriel fell to his knees, screaming in agony. His lizard appears on the top of his head. Gabriel screamed ever louder, a deep roar shaking the Earth and mountains. The sky shattered into the red with black clouds. His skin was on fire. Gabriel stood back up.

    ¡°Yes! Give into the power!¡± Aiden was proud, all it took was to kill one of his pitiful friends for Gabriel to reach his potential.

    Gabriel hunched his back over, his body convulsing. He turned around, the whites of his eyes had turned red, and the iris¡¯ turning black. The vortex of fire surrounding his body, dumped inside of his mouth. His conscious had fleeted, giving into the beast inside of himself. The one he never knew existed. The lizard jumped off of Gabriel¡¯s hair and to the ground. Once it hit the floor, where everyone had thought his arms would spout from, were wings of shadow and flame. ¡°I¡¯m going to tear you limb from limb.¡± Gabriel¡¯s voice was malfested in pain and anger.

    Aiden looked at the boy, ¡°Show me what you''re made of kid.¡±

    ¡°What is the Brotherhood doing?¡± Chris asked, wiping the tears from his eyes.

    ¡°They¡¯re bowing,¡± Ethan said, ¡°It is said that the Brotherhood has awaited of the dragon¡¯s arrival.¡± Every member of the Brotherhood had their swords out and placed before themselves, blade stuck into the dirt.

    Aiden smiled at the boy, ready for whatever Gabriel was going to throw at him. Gabriel¡¯s lizard expanded into a large Wyvern. Gabriel stepped inside of the spirit animal. Becoming one with the dragon. An avatar of imaginable power. Gabriel watched the man on his hill of pride. Gabriel kept his eyes opened, without blinking or reacting. The dragon the size of a semi-truck, roared ever louder. Aiden¡¯s eyes widened, not expecting to battle a literal dragon. The avatar¡¯s wings opened, Gabriel flew forward. Aiden dodged left but too slow.

    The dragon bit down on his shoulder, swinging his body into the sky. Gabriel flew to catch the man, Aiden swung the sword at the dragon. Causing no damage. ¡°You and I can be the kings of the heavens and hells with your power!¡±

    Gabriel breathed a magnificent flame from his throat. Aiden tried to control the fire but was overwhelmed by its power. This flame was different from a simple fire. Catching himself on fire as he fell back to the ground.

    Chris wanted to get in on the action, wanting to avenge his friend¡¯s death. Ethan grabbed his arm, ¡°We don¡¯t know if Gabriel knows who he is right now. We need to stay away from this.¡±

    Gabriel grabbed onto Aiden before he could recover from the top of the tower of the temple. Smashing him through the roof, plowing him down into the tower¡¯s foundation. His talons tore deep into Aiden''s arms into the stone beneath him. The dragon¡¯s eyes stared deeply into Aiden¡¯s eyes. ¡°I created you!¡± Aiden cried, ¡°Without me, you will never succeed! They will never accept you for who you are!¡± Aiden grasped at any straw to save him from his doom.

    Gabriel looked down at him from inside the avatar of energy, ¡°Aiden Eleazar, I sentence you to die.¡± Aiden looked into the mouth of the dragon. Watching a creeping light appear from the throat of the dragon. He panicked, trying to break free from Gabriel¡¯s grasp. Nothing. ¡°This flame will be quick; the flames of hell are eternal.¡± A lake of fire poured from the dragon¡¯s mouth. Scorching the man into screams of pain, until the fires burned enough of his nerves till he couldn¡¯t feel any longer. Disintegrating Aiden into ash.

    The band of heroes watched as Gabriel¡¯s dragon walked over to the Brotherhood in the tree line that bowed to him. One stood up, ¡°We have awaited your arrival! Our brother! Our leader! Our king!¡± He cried with praise, ¡°We will follow you without question!¡±

    ¡°Which one of you are Wolves?¡± Gabriel asked, his growl would terrify any of the hearts of men.

    ¡°We are my lord!¡± The Wolves dressed in silver and red.

    ¡°Kneel,¡± Gabriel told them. They did what he commanded, ¡°Are you all assassins? The ones responsible for sex trafficking?¡±

    ¡°We are my Lord!¡± Their leader screamed with pride.

    ¡°Brothers. Execute them,¡± Gabriel commanded as they jumped with their swords. Executing the Wolves instantly, some attempted to attack back at the brothers. Some accepted their fates, not wishing to have to die by the dragon. ¡°No more will the Brotherhood antagonize the innocent, partake in any immoral actions for personal gain. Now go, spread, and speak the word of my arrival. Do not mention my name.¡± They all bowed to Gabriel, acknowledging his demands.

    The dragon stood in grace, pride overcoming Gabriel¡¯s heart. Now more powerful than any other spirit on the planet. The avatar receded back into Gabriel¡¯s heart. His eyes returned to normal. Walking over to his friends. ¡°Gabe¡­¡± Ethan said.

    ¡°Speak to no one about this until I learn to control it,¡± Gabriel requested.

    ¡°You have my trust,¡± Sir Nicholas told him. ¡°A thank you for making my life easier.¡± He nodded at Aiden¡¯s ashes in the tower. ¡°Just promise me you won¡¯t lose control,¡± Gabriel nodded back to him.

    Gabriel looked down at his unconscious friends and then at Jasmine¡¯s lifeless body. ¡°Prepare to catch her,¡± Gabriel grabbed his sword. Pulling it from her stomach. Chris and Ethan caught her, lowering her slowly to the ground. ¡°We will bury her next to Carlos,¡± Gabriel lowered his hand to her head. ¡°May you rest in peace, eternally.¡± Gabriel knelt to one knee, saying a prayer out loud. ¡°Lord, guide her and forgive her for her trespasses, please let her live free in your grace alongside her brother. Amen.¡±

    ¡°Amen,¡± Chris and Ethan said in unison. Gabriel had a single tear rolling down his face, ¡°Let¡¯s get her out of here.¡± Gabriel was unsure what to say. The group of Order members took the wounded and dead back through the rift. Gabriel stopped at the entrance, looking back at the now burnt down temple. Knowing he would return one day. To build a world without pain.

 Chapter 18: The Owl and the Eagle

    David and Eve lied together. The van sitting in the same place as before, both too tired to move or wake from the other¡¯s embrace. The floor began to vibrate, David opened one of his eyes, dreading having been awoken so early. ¡°Let it go to voicemail,¡± Eve said, her arms locked around one of his. Her back pushed against his chest, ¡°It¡¯s probably just the council again.

    ¡°Or it¡¯s one of us and they need help,¡± David forced himself out of bed. Sliding off the edge and down onto the ground. His bare feet stinging to the cold of the morning. Snatching his phone from his pants lying on the floor. It was Allison¡¯s contact pinging. Answering the call, ¡°Allison?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s Gabe,¡± His voice was heavy. David could tell from the other side that he was either tired or something went wrong. ¡°Wolves are dead. I guess we can go home now.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good news,¡± David smiled a bit. ¡°Is everything okay?¡±

    ¡°Am I on speaker?¡± Gabriel asked.

    ¡°No, but you can be,¡± David offered. His voice falling from happiness, he can tell his younger brother was bothered.

    ¡°No, I need to talk to you in private,¡± Gabriel said.

    ¡°Let me step outside,¡± David said. Looking at Eve, she sat up. The worry in his eyes was cause enough to get out from her comfort. David turned around and slid the door open. Stepping outside into the cold wind. Closing the door behind himself. ¡°Alright, we¡¯re private.¡±

    ¡°Eleazar¡¯s brother, Aiden was the leader of them all. We killed him. Verified his death and everything. He knew about Eve, I would be careful on your guys¡¯ way back.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m proud of you,¡± David smiled, ¡°I knew I could count on you getting it done.¡±

    ¡°Thanks¡­¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the status of everyone else?¡± David asked. There was silence from Gabriel, ¡°Gabe? What¡¯s the status?¡± David felt a pit in his heart. With heavy concern and attempting to prepare for the worst.

    ¡°Allison is in a coma; Richard¡¯s spine is broken. We¡¯ll transport them back with the Japanese Order, Allison will eventually wake up and the docs over here said Richard will be back in shape in a couple months to a year.¡±

    ¡°Was that it?¡± David asked, still worrying about the others. ¡°What about Jasmine, Chris, and Ethan?¡±

    ¡°Chris and Ethan are fine,¡± Gabriel¡¯s voice began to crack.

    ¡°Gabe, what about Jasmine?¡± David¡¯s arms began to shake.

    He could hear Gabriel swallow, ¡°She didn¡¯t make it¡­. I¡¯m sorry. I failed you.¡±

    David covered his mouth, the whites of his eyes turning pink. Doing his best to hold his tears, ¡°It¡¯s not your fault Gabe. We¡¯ll talk about it more in person,¡± His voice cracking as well. ¡°How did it happen?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you in person,¡± Gabriel said, ¡°It¡¯s a lot to unwrap. Don¡¯t be disappointed in me. Just know she died with a smile on her face.¡±

    A tear rolled down David¡¯s cheek, ¡°I¡¯m not disappointed in you. You did your best, that¡¯s more than I can ever ask of you.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Gabriel said, ¡°I need to make sure everyone gets on the flight. Can you update the file?¡±

    David could tell his brother just wanted to stay detached from the reality of everything. Losing four friends in a year has been taxing on both of them. They just approached dealing with trauma differently. ¡°Yeah.. what was the information?¡±

    Eve watched as David¡¯s body shook, wondering if he was cold out there. She went over to the counter, preparing a cup of hot coffee for him. Gathering the materials and starting the pot. Plugging the coffee maker into the generator. David walked into the van, sliding the door open. Not sure what to say to her or give her the news. Using his phone to call Kevin. ¡°Everything okay?¡± She asked, ¡°Gabe seemed worried.¡±

    David sat down on the bed, waiting for Kevin to answer. ¡°No,¡± David said. Kevin answered the phone, there was gunfire and screaming in the background.

    ¡°How¡¯s the honeymoon?¡± Kevin answered.

    ¡°Are you in the cavern playing games?¡± David asked.

    ¡°Yup,¡± Kevin said, ¡°I¡¯ll turn it down.¡±

    ¡°Do you have your tablet near you?¡±

    ¡°I do,¡± Kevin said snatching it from his side, ¡°Need me to look up a file?¡± Eve finished making the coffee, reaching up into the cabinet for two coffee mugs.

    ¡°I need you to start a death report,¡± David said breathing sharply from his nose. His voice cracked again from the pressure. Kevin turned off the game, opening the document on his tablet. His feeling of joy faded immediately.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Kevin said, ¡°I have it open.¡± Eve stopped what she was doing looking at David, her iris¡¯ shaking. Her anxiety raised. ¡°David?¡±

    David closed his eyes, ¡°Jasmine Ramirez.¡± Kevin¡¯s hands began to shake, a crushing weight on top of his heart. ¡°July 30th, 2022. 9:30 pm Japan Standard Time. Mount Fuji, Japan. Pierced through her abdomen by the sword.¡±

    ¡°Please tell me that¡¯s a joke,¡± Kevin begged. Grasping for a thread of hope that what David was telling him was false.

    David¡¯s forehead scrunched, ¡°She¡¯s dead, Kevin.¡±

    ¡°I.. okay¡­¡± Kevin muttered, ¡°I guess everyone¡¯s on their way home?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you soon bro,¡± David told Kevin before hanging up the phone. Opening his eyes to Eve standing petrified. The mug of coffee in her hand slipped from her fingertips, falling to the floor, and smashed porcelain surrounded her feet. The steaming coffee rolled across the panel on the floor to the tips of her toes. She took a few steps back.

    ¡°I-I,¡± is all Eve could find in her voice. ¡°No way.¡± Jasmine had been one of the essential teachers towards Eve¡¯s success as a duelist. David stood up, walking over to her. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I made a mess,¡± Eve tried to think of something else.

    As soon as David wrapped her in his arms, her body collapsed, only staying suspended by David. ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± David said. Expecting after watching so many of their friends die, he would think that it would get easier. It never did. Eve couldn¡¯t cry, she wouldn¡¯t allow herself to. She had to be strong, knowing Jasmine would not want her to mourn for her.

    ¡°I never got to truly thank her,¡± Eve said. Jasmine had told her multiple times to only thank her for not dying. Eve felt obligated to know that she was gone. She was one of the first people to accept her. Pulling Eve out of her comfort zone multiple times. Just as much of a teacher she was more of a friend to her. Now both of them were gone.

    ¡°She¡¯s now with her brother,¡± David said. ¡°I¡¯m sure of it.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Eve said, ¡°I think that¡¯s what makes it easier. Not that it is easier.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± David said. What felt like rain crashed into Eve¡¯s shoulders. Looking up at him, David¡¯s face was pouring a well of pain from his eyes. ¡°I should¡¯ve been there.¡±

    ¡°We both should¡¯ve been,¡± Eve felt it too. Maybe things would¡¯ve been better, that way no one had to die. ¡°Can we go home?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± David said, ¡°I need some coffee first.¡± His voice had become hoarse. It was starting to become too much for the teenaged boy. He was almost nineteen, and he had lost six friends. How many more?

    ¡°The last of it is on the floor,¡± Eve said. ¡°We can stop somewhere; we have to pass through Seattle anyways.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± David said. Eve looked up at David, regaining her stance. Kissing him on the forehead. ¡°I love you.¡±

    ¡°I love you too,¡± Eve released him and he did the same for her. He changed his clothes putting on jeans, a t-shirt, and a hoodie. Eve changed after cleaning the mess. David made the bed.

    Some time passed, David drove down the road. Eve sat with her knees to her chest, arms wrapped around her legs. Sitting in silence.

    ¡°I think,¡± Eve started, ¡°Never mind.¡±

    ¡°What were you going to say?¡± David asked.

    ¡°I was thinking, maybe we should keep our relationship hidden. At least till after we put Jasmine to rest.¡±

    ¡°I think that¡¯s for the best,¡± David replied. ¡°I hope you know. After we get back, it¡¯s going to go back to being the same. We won¡¯t have a lot of time together.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Eve said, hating it, but understanding. ¡°You work a lot and I still have a lot of training to do. I want to be put through the wringer.¡±

    ¡°You think you¡¯re ready for that?¡± David asked.

    ¡°Yeah, I told Jasmine I would do it. That way I can rank up quicker.¡±

    ¡°I want to,¡± Eve looked out the window, ¡°If we can make this work, I want to marry you. And I can¡¯t do that if I¡¯m not a knight.¡±

    David smiled slightly, being the best thing he heard all morning. ¡°We can start training you for the advancement trials.¡±

    ¡°I want to be with you David,¡± Eve said, ¡°I don¡¯t care what I have to do to get there. I want to protect the innocent. I want to fight the brotherhood. I want to make a name for myself.¡±

    David looked at her, ¡°I¡¯m glad we feel the same,¡± David smiled wider. His eyes were still puffy. ¡°Just promise me you¡¯ll take it slow. I¡¯m not going anywhere.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Eve said. They were silent for a while, ¡°Can I go with you to pick the flowers for Jasmine?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± David was already thinking of what to get for her.

    ¡°Are you going to pick a dress?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°She died a Guadian five,¡± David said, ¡°Sacrifice gets you instantly promoted to a Knight at that rank. I have to have armor made for her.¡±

    ¡°I think she would be beautiful,¡± Eve smiled. ¡°I¡¯m going to miss her.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s your favorite memory with her?¡± David asked.

    ¡°When Allison dragged us both to the mall,¡± Eve said, ¡°Or the battle of the Sanctuary, watching her in action was insane. What about you?¡±

    David had to think about it, ¡°Six years ago, Gabriel and I were told by Master Eleazar to recruit her and Carlos.¡±

    ¡°How was that?¡±

    ¡°Well, we were in middle school. Gabe and I followed them home one day. They were living in poverty, the house was barely a house,¡± David reminisced, ¡°It was late, they went to the park and got ambushed by a pack of sins of greed. Dog-like demons, easiest to kill. The happiness in their eyes when they found out they weren¡¯t alone and we saved them.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know that,¡± Eve said.

    ¡°I only wish I had spent more time with the two of them,¡± David said. ¡°But I know one day I¡¯d have eternity to do so.¡±

    ¡°I think I believe too,¡± Eve said. ¡°I want to go to the same place as you guys. And there¡¯s far too much that had happened for me to be stubborn towards God anymore. Can I join yours and Gabe¡¯s bible study?¡±

    David¡¯s heart became overwhelmed with joy. ¡°Of course.¡±

    ¡°I want to know more without cheating,¡± Eve mentioned thinking about her ability to time travel.

    ¡°Knowledge through faith is more fun anyway,¡± David said.

    David had entered through Seattle, stopping at a gas station. Both jumped out of the vehicle. ¡°I¡¯ll grab stuff for us to eat and that sweet energy stuff you like,¡± Eve smiled at David. The sun bounced off her blonde hair. David was going to have to get used to it. David handed her a couple of dollars. She kissed him before walking inside the gas station alone. He watched her from afar as she entered. David sighed; he had only been awake for two hours but it had felt like a full day. It was hard for him to regret not going to Japan. Maybe Jasmine would have still been alive, can¡¯t help to feel selfish. Eve and he wouldn¡¯t have fallen in love with each other like this.

    David looked around, taking in the view of the skyscrapers above. Thinking of the countless people that would go to work and home every day. None of them knew about the sacrifices that were made every day to allow them to live free. David looked to his right, can¡¯t help but to feel drawn towards a Black SUV. Windows completely tinted, impossible to see inside. He swallowed the pit inside of his throat, making a note on it. The plates that read California. He scowled. He finished filling up the van with gas. Eve returned with two plastic bags full of snacks. Seeing David¡¯s energy radiating.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°Look at that SUV to my right and tell me what you see,¡± David said as she looked over at it. ¡°Don¡¯t be obvious.¡± Eve looked down at her feet, stretching outwards with her arms. Cracking her neck, as soon as she had the SUV in view.

    ¡°There is a lot of red and black energy in there,¡± Eve said.

    ¡°Get in,¡± David said, ¡°Don¡¯t be too quick.¡±

    She did what he said, both climbing back into the van. David started the vehicle, driving away from the gas station. Driving away from the highway just in case they were following. He didn¡¯t want them to know where they were headed. Eve climbed out of her seat, looking out the back window. ¡°Are they following?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re following,¡± Eve told him.

    ¡°Prepare my armor,¡± David said.

    ¡°How am I going to dress you while you¡¯re driving?¡± Eve ripped the duffle bag with all their gear inside.

    ¡°I¡¯ll put it on after you get prepped,¡± David kept driving through the city, trying not to raise suspicion in their followers. ¡°Sword?¡± Eve placed the hilt in his cup holder.

    Eve reached into the bag, laying out his armor perfectly for him to quickly put it on. Once she was finished, Eve grabbed her combat belt and fastened it to her waist. Holstering her pistol and sword in its sheath. Eve looked at her cloak and pauldron. Snatching it and putting the pieces together so she could quickly put it on. Taking off her shirt, switching her bra for a sports bra. Throwing her black dry-fit shirt on tucking it into her pants.

    ¡°Switch,¡± Eve said standing behind David. He stopped at a red light on the street. David climbed into the back as Eve took his seat. David changed his clothes as well. Putting on his armor swiftly. ¡°They won¡¯t attack us in the open will they?¡±

    ¡°Just depends how bad they want to kill you,¡± David sheathed his sword.

    ¡°We can¡¯t jeopardize the Order,¡± Eve countered. Her heart was racing.

    ¡°We might have to,¡± David stayed in the back. The front windows weren¡¯t tinted enough for him to go back to the front. He remained in the back. ¡°How many?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t drive and meditate at the same time,¡± Eve told him.

    ¡°Try,¡± David commanded her. His attitude changed, his melancholy had shifted into a mental preparation to protect Eve at all costs. Eve stopped at a red light. She closed her eyes, breathing in deeply. Her spirit left her body and above the van. Looking around her. Dropping back into herself. She gasped. ¡°How many?¡±

    Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°I counted forty,¡± Eve said quickly.

    ¡°Keep driving,¡± David said, ¡°They know this is us.¡± David walked over to the front, reaching into the glove box. Grabbing the same tracker he had with him when he was captured a year ago.

    ¡°You don¡¯t think we can handle forty of them?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°Those are just the ones in the immediate area, there¡¯s going to be more nearby. I¡¯m expecting there to be at least a hundred.¡±

    ¡°Why do they want me dead so badly?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°Your existence is a threat to everything evil in the world,¡± David pressed the button. The green light flashed repeatedly. ¡°I hope Virgil can fly as fast as he says he can.¡±

    <hr>

    Kevin sat in the cavern, trying to play video games to distract himself from the news. Virgil sat on the couch to the side. Thinking to himself, unbelieving that they had lost another one of their friends. What was the point? Making friends just for them to die. The video game shut off unexpectedly, ¡°What the?¡± Kevin asked as all the lights turned red. A hologram appeared above the simulation pad. Stephen came sprinting from the library.

    Virgil shot up from his comfy place, running over to the hologram. ¡°David and Eve are in trouble, Seattle. How the hell am I going to land in Seattle?¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter, we have to go,¡± Kevin ran to the armory, dressing in his combat gear.

    Virgil shook his head, not mentally prepared to confront David or Eve. Nonetheless, Virgil started for the elevator to prep the Silver Arrow. ¡°I¡¯m taking off in five,¡± Virgil said determinedly. Hoping that the three of them were enough to help the two.

    <hr>

    ¡°They¡¯re on their way,¡± David said. ¡°We¡¯re not going to be able to keep driving around.¡±

    ¡°What? Have a battle in the streets? We can¡¯t expose the Order,¡± Eve looked around. ¡°If we are where I think we are, there should be a parking garage nearby,¡± Eve began heading that way.

    ¡°Go for it,¡± David said, ¡°Do you know how to activate your spirit state again?¡±

    ¡°I get angry?¡± Eve asked.

    David laughed, ¡°Not exactly. The energy that flows around you. Focus all of that energy into your soul.¡±

    ¡°Where is my soul?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°Look at me,¡± David told her. ¡°Do you see an overabundance of energy near my heart?¡±

    ¡°I see it,¡± Eve said.

    ¡°There,¡± David looked out the back window again. There was now a trail of black cars following them. Way to be inconspicuous guys, David thought to himself. ¡°Focus on nothing but that energy. With that spirit state, we have a chance of throwing the odds back in their faces. Just stay behind me, but I won¡¯t be able to protect you for long.¡±

    ¡°Yes sir,¡± Eve joked. She pulled into the parking garage, driving to the roof. Praying the van would fit. It barely did.

    David drew his sword, breathing in and out deeply. ¡°Lord be with us,¡± David whispered in between his breaths. Gripping his hilt tightly, Eve parked at the top of the garage. No other cars were parked there. Eve jumped into the back of the van. Putting on her cloak and pauldron. She looked up at David, batting her eyes to him. ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that, we¡¯re going to get through this.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Eve said. She quickly kissed him once more before they faced the force of enemies. As they slid the door open, they stepped out together. Both watched as the cars surrounded the pair, trying to keep them from escaping. Their doors swung open; men dressed in black stepped out. Drawing swords and other types of weapons, some with axes and spears. ¡°I¡¯ll start doing my thing.¡±

    ¡°Good idea,¡± David said, taking a measure of the enemy combatants. Some appear afraid but most are confident.

    ¡°Perhaps we can negotiate an end where we can all walk out alive,¡± A voice came from David¡¯s left. A man dressed in armor, not too much older than David. ¡°Sir Locklear.¡±

    David¡¯s eyes narrowed, recognizing the man. ¡°Scott.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t even acknowledge my knighthood?¡± He asked, sword still at his hip. David recognized he was attempting to appear friendly.

    ¡°Any knight who betrays their own people doesn¡¯t deserve it,¡± David stood ready to defend against anything thrown at him. Eve closed her eyes trying to focus on bringing her energy inside of herself. She needed to stay undistracted, ignoring everything around her.

    ¡°We can discuss that afterward,¡± Scott told him. ¡°Right now, we want the girl. Good job, by the way, dying her hair blonde threw us off at first.¡±

    ¡°What do you want?¡± If David could entertain him, it would give Eve more time to ready up.

    ¡°Give us the girl and we let you live, that simple.¡±

    ¡°Why do you want her?¡±

    ¡°We both know the answer to that one.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re planning to use her as a weapon, I¡¯m not going to allow it.¡±

    ¡°Then we can kill you and just take her. Imagine for a moment David, if the world knew the destruction, she was capable of. They wouldn¡¯t worry about nuclear weapons anymore; we could secure a peace on Earth.¡±

    ¡°Peace through fear won¡¯t work. There will always be someone who will test the mantle of power,¡± David looked around. Noticing they were stepping in closer to the two, slow and brief movements.

    ¡°What do you plan to do with her? We know about both of you. I don¡¯t like the idea of Revelation in my lifetime.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not for you to decide,¡± David took his defensive stance. ¡°There¡¯s someone way above either of us that has decided that.¡±

    Scott drew his sword, ¡°I won¡¯t allow you to end the world.¡±

    ¡°Try it, one on one, I win. You all leave. If you win, you can take her if she lets you,¡± David was hoping he would take the bite.

    ¡°Do I look dumb? The Memento Mori assassin, trained by the greatest duelist of our time, with the knowledge of the angels with him? You would defeat me before I remembered to breathe.¡±

    ¡°As templar of the Order and sword of God. I, David Locklear, strip you of all titles and sentence you to die,¡± David squared away his stance. His sword glowing a bright green. ¡°I hope you¡¯re ready.¡±

    Eve stood up off her knees, her wings made of energy appearing from her back. Eyes glowing a hot bright blue. ¡°I¡¯m ready.¡± Her skin was burning, the knowledge of every warrior flowing into her mind. Drawing her sword and summoning the second blade of energy into her other hand.

    ¡°Kill him! Capture the girl!¡± Scott yelled. All charged with a battle cry at the two of them.

    David blocked the two swords simultaneously, kicking one in the chest. Bringing his sword back; stabbing the other in the chest. Picking up the now dead enemy''s sword, throwing it into the chest of another. Blocking the next combatant swiftly.

    Eve moved from her position swiftly, sending an energy wave at a group of five attackers. Their souls were pushed from their bodies. Eve threw her energy blade into a circle, slashing the souls in twos. The lovers held their ground, falling into a back-to-back formation. Eve wrapped her wings around David¡¯s flanks. Keeping the attackers from overwhelming him.

    Eve cut down two more charging enemies with ease. David removed the hands of three more attackers. Kicking them over on their faces. Eve had no problem sending them into the afterlife, David did his best to keep them from fighting. However, his main priority was keeping Eve alive. He will kill if he had to. David looked at Scott in the eyes from afar, taunting him with a wide smirk.

    A man with an Axe threw his weapon at David, instead, Eve took the attack with her wing. She screamed in pain; David swung around. Ripping the ax out of her wing, turning swiftly to throw the ax back at him. David realized; he just wasn¡¯t protecting her. She was protecting him as well. His suspicions of their pairing by God were now gone. They were meant for each other. In perfect sync, never expecting for someone to fight with him with such precision and ferocity, not more than his brother. There was no question about it now, as long as he was with her, they would be okay.

    Eve lifted a group of swords off the ground, rotating them around herself overhead. Launching them like spears in different directions. There was a rule when fighting in a duo, never fight more than five to six enemies. They were fighting more than seventy and had eliminated almost half of the combatants.

    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll do it myself,¡± Scott drew his sword, sprinting towards David. David smiled, finally someone worth fighting.

    ¡°Break,¡± David said. Eve nodded, her skin and blood boiling from the constant input and output of energy. Eve flew like lightning around the battlefield, swinging her swords removing limbs, and cutting apart souls with concentration. She almost didn¡¯t feel like herself, unbelieving how powerful she was. Almost as if she could see what was going to happen before it did.

    David blocked Scott¡¯s overhead strike. Rookie move, David kicked him dead in the chest. Knocking him down to his back, David swung his sword. Scott rolled to the side. Reaching up with a knife, stabbing David in his thigh. Piercing through the armor. Grunting in pain, David shook off the thought of it. He would fix it later. David stepped back allowing Scott to get back on his feet. Granting the former knight enough honor to die on his feet. David ripped the dagger from his thigh, throwing it to the ground. ¡°Your narrow mind will get the world destroyed,¡± Scott told him.

    ¡°And your mind of greed will only bring it into slavery,¡± David said. ¡°Give up now, you think you can capture her?¡± David pointed at Eve who was making the battle look like it was a playground. Scott screamed before attacking. Swinging his sword overhead again, David stepped to the side. Severing his hands from their wrists. Blood spurts all over the ground. ¡°At least you were smart enough not to duel with me before.¡±

    Scott dropped to his knees accepting his defeat, David stuck the sword into the ground hilt in front of his chest. ¡°I hope you understand the consequences of your actions. When you watch as the world burns in your precious destiny of Revelations.¡± Scott lowered his head exposing his neck. David took in a deep breath.

    ¡°May God is the one to judge your treachery,¡± David swung his sword removing his head.

    Eve sprinted to David, ¡°They¡¯re dead,¡± she said her voice malfested. ¡°We need to get out of here.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± David grabbed Scott¡¯s sword. ¡°You did that quick.¡± Absolutely terrified and captivated by the dead that lied all over their battlefield.

    ¡°I don¡¯t like it,¡± Eve ran over to the van. Jumping into the driver''s seat. David jumped into the passenger seat. She sped off, heading back down the parking garage. Her spirit state fading away. ¡°Thank you for getting that ax out of my wing.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for protecting me from that,¡± David said, ¡°Watch it!¡± The van came flying out of the exit, racing down the street, ignoring traffic. Eve did her best driving to dodge any incoming cars. David grabbed a tourniquet sinching it around his thigh, cutting off any more blood coming out. SUVs raced up to the side of the van. Their windows rolling down, firearms pointed towards Eve. ¡°Brake!¡±

    Eve slammed on the brakes, bullets raining out of the SUV. ¡°Head down!¡± David yelled. Pulling out his handgun, attempting to fire a round. The gun clicked. ¡°I don¡¯t use this enough,¡± He racked a round into the chamber. Firing multiple shots through the driver¡¯s window at the SUV. One round hitting the driver. Sending the SUV crashing into a power line.

    Eve grabbed her firearm from her hip, ¡°Nice shot. Grab the wheel.¡± David reached over to steer the van. Eve rolled down the window, poking her head and arm out of the door to fire multiple rounds towards the chasing SUVs. People panicking and screaming on the sidewalk. Eve felt horrible but knew what had to be done to keep them safe. Eve climbed back into the driver seat, ¡°Magazine?¡±

    ¡°Yup,¡± David passed her a magazine full of ammo. ¡°Man, it¡¯s going to suck getting all these bullet holes out of your house.¡± He chuckled. ¡°My turn.¡± He rolled down the window, sticking his body out, firing a couple rounds before noticing an assassin on the roof, climbing towards the cab. ¡°Hold tight.¡±

    ¡°Where are you going!¡± Eve screamed out as she watched David climb completely out of the vehicle and on top of the roof.

    David drew his sword, engaging the assassin on the roof. David was slow, the armor didn¡¯t help with his balance. The assassin wielding knives attacked, cutting at the spaces between David¡¯s armor. Clinching his teeth in pain. David grabbed the man, throwing him at the lead vehicle. The SUV immediately stopped, causing the five vehicles to collide with one another.

    David climbed back inside the van with struggle, breathing heavily. His heart racing, his body covered in blood. ¡°We need to get to a hospital!¡± Eve looked at him struggling.

    ¡°No, keep driving.¡± David tightened his eyes in pain. The pain in his body growing stronger than his adrenaline.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Virgil?¡± Eve asked.

    ¡°Still an hour out if he¡¯s flying as quick as he normally does.¡±

    Eve checked her rearview mirror, ¡°I think that was all of them.¡± She looked over at David, his eyes growing hazy. ¡°David.¡± His eyelids struggling to stay open. ¡°David!¡± He kept fighting to keep his eyes open. ¡°Dyami!¡±

    David chuckled, ¡°D-Don¡¯t call me that.¡± He countered. David shuffled through his pouch on his hip. An adrenaline pen. Stabbing it into his heart for a kickstart. David¡¯s eyes widened, dilating immediately. ¡°I told you never to call me that.¡± David grew annoyed. Looking at her, she smiled.

    ¡°Call Virgil, so we can get you to a healer,¡± Eve put her hand on his lap. Channeling some of her energy inside of him. ¡°Don¡¯t use it all, I¡¯m pretty spent.¡±

    ¡°No promises,¡± David smiled at her. Glad to survive the encounter, there was no question about it. Eve was the strongest of the Watchers. To his knowledge. ¡°Watch-!¡± An SUV smashed into the van from the side at the intersection. Time slowed down for David, reaching his arm in front of Eve to keep her from flying out of the vehicle or hitting her head on the roof. The glass shattered, sending shards around the two of them. The van flipped over and  landed on the roof.

    David opened his eyes, the adrenaline kept him from passing out from the concussion. Looking over at Eve, passed out from the impact. David force blasted his door open. Two Wolves exited the SUV with swords. David took no time, pointing his gun at them. No hesitation in the pull of the trigger. Shooting both in the heads. Limping around the van. Tearing the door open on the driver¡¯s side. Getting down onto one knee grabbing Eve¡¯s arms, dragging her out of the wreckage.

    Setting her back against the side of the flipped-over van, brushing her blonde hair from her face. Her eyelids were unable to be fully shut from the shards of glass stuck into her eyes. David¡¯s heart sank into his stomach, ¡°Eve¡­ Eve¡­¡± He shook her. Checking her pulse, she was still alive. Her body shut down from the shock of the pain. ¡°Eve¡­¡±

    Eve attempted to open her eyes, but couldn¡¯t. ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t see¡­ David?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m right here,¡± He grabbed onto her hand to calm her down. ¡°Just don¡¯t touch your eyes. It¡¯ll be okay.¡±

    Three more SUVs appeared. The streets were in a panic, police sirens in the distance. A helicopter overhead, shining a spotlight down on him. David had no choice but to expose the Order. There was no way out of this now. David released her hand. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back,¡± David reassured her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    ¡°David-¡° Eve¡¯s hands began to shake with anxiety. The pain was catching up to her. Fighting the urge to pull the glass from her eyes herself. All she could see were blurred colors, scattered around her vision. Unable to see at least a perfect outline of David.

    David limped a couple feet away from Eve, drawing his firearm again. Going to fire at the incoming enemies. It clicked with no boom. Dropping his gun to the ground, David drew his sword. Breathing in deeply. A Green and blue aura surrounded him. Having borrowed Eve¡¯s energy from earlier. Cutting down two enemies quickly, but being overwhelmed by the other seven. David could feel the blades pierce his armor. Again and again, David could feel his body being torn to shreds. Collapsing to his knees, he screamed with a bloodied roar, his mouth filled with crimson. Though he kept himself disciplined, his eyes refusing to change to red. Swinging his sword, slashing one chest. Lunging a stab into another man. Falling on top of him. The others stepped away as an assassin stepped forward with a shotgun.

    ¡°David!¡± Eve screamed out, ¡°Talk to me! TELL ME YOU¡¯RE OKAY!¡± All she received in reply was grunts and his fits of anguish. Wondering how she could save him, snatching for anything in her area. There was nothing she can do. Eve was helpless and hopeless. ¡°David, I¡¯m sorry.¡± She wept.

    David crawled over towards her, maybe to at least feel the warmth of her skin one last time. His tears poured from his eyes. He could sense an overwhelming collection of spirits near her. ¡°Eve! Don¡¯t!¡± He cried, ¡°Don¡¯t do it!¡±

    Eve felt her blood boiling with rage. The spirits quickly entered her soul at an alarming rate. This was the only way she knew she could save him. She prayed that David would forgive her one day. She could feel her soul-crushing from the weight of power. The spirits were visible to David now: reds, blues, greens, and yellows. Eve¡¯s body radiating like the sun in purple. ¡°No!¡± David felt the blast of a slug entering his back. Killing him instantly.

    ¡°I love you,¡± Eve said. She released a scream that shattered the Earth and sky, purple energy blasting out of her like a nuclear explosion. Undamaging to the city around her. However, the city fell to silence.

    More than 776,555 voices and thoughts fell to silence. Nothing but glimmers of light rained down from the clouds above. Gabriel felt an intense strain on his heart, he collapsed to his knees. There was a void in the world. So much life, gone.

    <hr>

    I opened my eyes, viewing the aftermath of it all. My body was healed, Eve lied collapsed on the floor in front of me. All was quiet, what seemed to be chaos. Fell to ignorant bliss. I laid there for a moment. Where everything and nothing mattered all the same. All the Heavens, Hells, and Earth felt like a distant dream. Everything I had felt was right, battling to keep an innocent girl alive, had now turned into an irreversible mistake. Love, what is love for if it only brought this never-ending agony. What kind of sick God would allow for something like this? What sick God would tell me to protect one I love at the cost of almost a million people?

    Opening my eyes once more, Eve laid in a pool of her own blood. Her skin radiated like a freshly cooled sword from a scorching furnace. Her hair was white like the sun¡¯s reflection on the moon. Previous slashes into her beautiful ocean eyes, now filled with a pool of crimson. Why can¡¯t I hate you? When there are so many reasons I should? Every reason that ran through my mind came another why I loved her. A year ago, I had the chance to kill you. Why didn¡¯t I do it? Why did I sacrifice my best friend for you? I only wish I had met you in another life. A life with no pain, no risk. I am still truly and deeply in love with this woman. Willing to sacrifice everything, for me. Why me? I failed to protect you and now we live with the consequences of my actions in these ashes. I should¡¯ve fought harder. I should¡¯ve done more.

    ¡°David,¡± She whispered, ¡°Please tell me you¡¯re still there.¡±

    I remained silent, not knowing if there was anything to say. What could I say?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to die alone,¡± Eve cried. Wrapping herself tightly in her own arms. She was gritting her teeth, tears rolling down her face. ¡°I promise I won¡¯t hurt you. I¡¯m sorry I am the monster they said I am.¡±

    I stood up, collapsing to my knees next to her. Sliding my hand under her soft wet hair, I raised her head under my thigh. My other arm was at the small of her back. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I said in a shamed panic. ¡°I failed you.¡±

    She reached up, her hand caressing my cheek. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I had to do what I did to save you,¡± Eve wept through her tears. My breathing was sporadic. I couldn¡¯t control these emotions overwhelming my heart. ¡°I hope one day, you will learn to forgive me.¡±

    I shook my head, tears breaking through the walls of my iris. ¡°I understand why you did it,¡± I told her. Hoping that she believed me. She drew her sword from her hip. Handing me the small sword. ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°You have to do it,¡± Eve begged, ¡°There¡¯s no way they¡¯ll let us live when they find out. At least this way, you can still carry on. I couldn¡¯t live with myself.¡±

    I couldn¡¯t believe what I was hearing, ¡°We¡¯ll run,¡± I pleaded. ¡°Just you and I, with the free people. We can be live happily.¡±

    Eve smiled gently, ¡°They will never stop hunting us,¡± Eve muttered. ¡°I won¡¯t allow you to abandon your brother or our family to be with me.¡±

    I couldn¡¯t feel my heart, this choice was harder than I could describe. There was no way I could do this; I gave Eve my heart and soul. In my mind, we were already married. Nothing else mattered. ¡°C¡¯mon let¡¯s get you out of here.¡±

    Eve snatched her sword from my hand, putting it to her own neck, ¡°If you don¡¯t I will.¡± Her voice cracking.

    I placed my hand on top of hers, ¡°Okay.¡± I-I will do it.

    ¡°Thank you for making this past year the happiest I have ever been David. Can you promise me something?¡±

    ¡°Anything.¡±

    ¡°Promise me you will learn to be happy without me,¡± Eve asked. Her tears rolled down her eyes mixed with blood.

    ¡°I¡¯ll try,¡± I said, I couldn¡¯t feel like there was anything that would allow me to feel like I did with her. I felt like I was in space with her. Only to find ourselves in a black hole, spiraling out of control. I have never loved it so much. ¡°Eve¡­.¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡± She asked me.

    ¡°Do you accept Jesus as your Lord and savior?¡±

    She paused; I think she knew her time was coming to an end. ¡°I already have,¡± Eve said to me. ¡°I can feel him now.¡±

    I shook my head furiously, fighting the urge to throw the sword. I had to do this, her being alive will only leave her depressed, unhappy. There wasn¡¯t any this was going to end with both of us alive. I felt overwhelmed with joy with at least I knew she would be on the beach when my time was ready to join her. ¡°I love you.¡±

    Eve looked up to me, her lips falling into her mouth. Her face red, tears flowing like a river, ¡°I have always loved you, from the beginning to now. Forever and always.¡± I closed my eyes pushing the sword against her neck, ¡°You are the strongest person I know. Be strong until the end. Please.¡±

    I shook my head; I couldn¡¯t help it. Her hand was still against my cheek. ¡°It¡¯s okay. Please, let me go. It¡¯s okay.¡±

    ¡°I will see you there.¡±

    ¡°I will wait for you,¡± were the last words from her tongue. I moved the blade across her throat. A heavy torrent of bright red blood poured from her neck and down into my hands. My heart filled with rage and anger. Sorrow left my throat with an echoing scream. Eve¡¯s hand fell from my face to dead weight. Her body collapsed, her soul passing into the afterlife. I screamed over and over again. Her body disappeared into a multitude of ashes. Her spirits of purple visibility left the Earth into the heavens. I couldn¡¯t help but try to snatch at least a piece of her to keep. ¡°I will always love you.¡± Her words echoed in my head. ¡°I will wait for you.¡±

    I put my hands to my face, covered in her blood mixed with mine. With my heart in my throat, I screamed at the top of my lungs until my voice gave out. I wish it would all go away, that I would open my eyes and awaken from this nightmare. There was no hope in me left. I screamed again, collapsing to the floor. Embracing her sword in a hug. Body shaking in a fit, I couldn¡¯t control it. I screamed. I screamed. I screamed. Please forgive me.

 Chapter 19: Welcome Home

    David lied on the floor for what seemed to be hours but was only one. No longer feeling his heart. Not sleeping, his eyes were wide open. A vibration in his pocket. Letting it go to voicemail. It rang again. Reaching into his back pocket, it was Virgil. Answering it, David said nothing.

    ¡°David, where are you guys!¡± He yelled, trying to beat the sound of the wind entering the cabin. David didn¡¯t say anything. ¡°I see some skyscrapers; can you guys get high enough for me to land without getting caught by the norms?¡±

    David contemplated hanging up and running away. Life in solitude and exile seems easier than facing the contempt of his family. He had to be strong, he promised Eve he would be. ¡°Land on the tracker.¡±

    ¡°It says you¡¯re at an intersection are you sure?¡± Virgil asked before David hung up the phone. Virgil sighed, turning on the red light to signal Kevin and Stephen to prepare for a fight. They stood up drawing their swords as Virgil made his approach to David¡¯s position.

    David stood to his feet; his knees weak. Shaking, David walked over to the van. Tearing the sliding door open to retrieve both David¡¯s and Eve¡¯s valuables and personal possessions. Grabbing a device from under the driver¡¯s seat that was now upside down. Everything was a mess. Tossing the duffle bags outside onto the pavement. He set up the device with a countdown of a minute. Looking to his right, Eve¡¯s string doll hanging from the rearview mirror. David grabbed it, rubbing his thumb on the top of its head. Focusing whatever of Eve¡¯s energy David had left inside of it.

    Stepping out of the destroyed van, David grabbed the bags. Moving them far away from the van before it exploded into a fiery monument. Smoke rising into the sky.

    ¡°I see smoke!¡± Virgil yelled, ¡°That has to be them.¡± The Silver Arrow dived down from the sky. David watched as they approached from below. Virgil landed the osprey down in front of the van. Where is everyone? All he could see was David on his camera, bags at his feet. His armor was almost destroyed covered in crimson. His sword sheathed. Eve¡¯s sword is in his hands. Gripping the base of the blade.

    Kevin and Stephen ran out onto the street, up to David. Kevin looked at David, ¡°Where is everyone?¡± He paused, looking at Eve¡¯s sword in his hand. Speechless. David picked up the bags and walked towards the Silver Arrow. Stephen looked at the wreckage, the burning van.

    ¡°Gone,¡± David said aloud.

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± Stephen muttered.

    ¡°What happened to Eve?¡± Kevin wondered. There wasn¡¯t a soul in sight. The two followed David back inside.

    David dropped his bags on the deck, taking a seat. Placing Eve¡¯s sword on his lap before buckling himself in. Laying his head back, eyes closed. All he could see was her face and all the pain that came with it.

    ¡°Virgil,¡± Kevin called out.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Virgil closed the ramp. Taking off back into the air. The skyline leaving behind themselves.

    Kevin threw a penny at David¡¯s chest plate. David opened his eyes. Looking at his friend, Kevin waved at him and signaled his finger towards his ear. David took in a deep breath, reaching above himself. Removing the headset from its spot. Sliding it over his head, turning up the volume. ¡°What?¡± David asked. Hearing his voice from Virgil¡¯s headset, filled him with aggravated sadness.

    ¡°You want to tell us what happened?¡± Kevin asked.

    ¡°No,¡± David said, ¡°But I guess you¡¯re going to keep asking until you do.¡±

    ¡°I think we all deserve to know,¡± Kevin watched David lean his head back on the seat. Closing his eyes.

    ¡°Eve did what we had all feared. She went supernova to save me. In return, she sacrificed the city,¡± David said.

    ¡°Where is she now?¡± Kevin asked.

    David raised her sword, covered in her blood. ¡°What else do you want to know?¡±

    ¡°You killed her?¡±

    ¡°Like I should¡¯ve done a year ago,¡± David said.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, brother,¡± Kevin¡¯s heart sunk. Virgil held a disdain for the both of them, however, he understood. The pain woven in David¡¯s voice; Virgil had never heard him speak like it. Even though he hated Eve for what she had done; he still recognized her as a friend.

    David took off the headset and put it back on the stowage. Stephen looked down at his own hands, rubbing his fingers. Eve was always nice to him, he stayed quiet. Not understanding how to process this. An hour passed, Virgil was cruising. No rush to get home, allowing time for the group to think about everything before dealing with Gabriel.

    Virgil closed his eyes, a weight on his mind. He couldn¡¯t wait to confront David any longer. Regardless of whether David had time for it or not. ¡°Kevin,¡± Virgil said over the headset.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± Kevin opened his eyes.

    ¡°Come take the controls real fast,¡± Virgil said.

    Kevin raised an eyebrow, Virgil never let anyone fly the Silver Arrow if it wasn¡¯t an emergency. ¡°You sure?¡±

    Virgil turned on the autopilot, dust fell onto his finger as he released it. Having never used the button before. Hoping it worked. Unbuckling his harness and stepping out of the cockpit. Kevin watched Virgil stand up and walking out into the bay. Kevin swiftly stood up and jumped into Virgil¡¯s seat. Knowing not to make any adjustments to the seat. He would just have to suffer as the autopilot took control of the ship.

    Virgil stood up in front of David. The first sight of his blood-covered face. ¡°David,¡± Virgil said quickly. David opened his eyes, surprised to see Virgil standing in the bay. ¡°Who was Eve?¡±

    David looked down and back to Virgil¡¯s eyes, ¡°Every thousand years comes three people destined to start what we call the revelation. The end of the world, an end to suffering. One is the king, another being the dragon, and the last being the oracle of man. Eve was that Oracle.¡±

    ¡°The end of the world?¡± Virgil asked.

    ¡°Sounds bad at first,¡± David was going to explain, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter anymore, she¡¯s dead.¡±

    Virgil closed his eyes and took in a deep breath, ¡°Did she kill my father?¡±

    David lowered his eyes, ¡°You were in the forbidden section weren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Tell me the truth,¡± Virgil said.

    ¡°You know the truth,¡± David countered. His voice rising slightly, angered that he broke the rule of it. The forbidden room was filled with answers that could lead to the Order¡¯s destruction.

    ¡°I want to hear you say it and I want to know why you never told me,¡± Virgil yelled at David for the first time.

    Surprised by Virgil¡¯s display of emotion, ¡°She was attacked by sin as a little girl, causing her to fall into a fit. Every member of the Watchers was trained and was ready for the day she lost control. Instead, they failed. Your father did his duty knowing how important it was. The magic they performed on her wasn¡¯t meant to control her. But it was meant to sacrifice and contain the blast from engulfing the world.¡± David said.

    ¡°You told me he died fighting for the Order!¡±

    ¡°He did,¡± David looked him in the eyes. ¡°What was I supposed to tell you? I can¡¯t assassinate someone who didn¡¯t know any better. She¡¯s a Watcher now, I hope you two can be friends and accept her. Oh yeah, by the way, she killed my mom and your dad!¡±

    Virgil swung his fist, connecting to David¡¯s cheek. David took the punch. Knowing he deserved it, ¡°Why did you lie!¡±

    David stood up, still holding Eve¡¯s sword. ¡°There was going to be no way that Eve was going to become an accepted member. If you all knew the truth! Look at Gabriel, he knows the truth. She saved him more times than I can count on my hand. And still, he treated her like dog shit!¡±

    ¡°If I knew the truth I would¡¯ve still tried! For you!¡± Virgil swung his fist again. Hitting David in the same spot. Virgil didn¡¯t understand why he didn¡¯t flinch.

    ¡°You feel better now?¡± David asked. Virgil said nothing. ¡°Hit me again until you have nothing left.¡± David felt the punch again. Standing his ground. ¡°How about now?¡± Virgil couldn¡¯t keep hitting David. Knowing David had been hurting. ¡°C¡¯mon!¡±

    Virgil¡¯s raw emotions were clear for David to see. Virgil got into David¡¯s face screaming, unsure if it was anger or pain. David pressed his forehead against Virgil¡¯s. Both trading screams into one another¡¯s faces. ¡°Why!¡± Virgil shoved David away.

    ¡°Because I failed you as a captain, as a friend, and as a brother,¡± David said.

    ¡°You¡¯re not captain, nor my friend, or my brother,¡± Virgil turned away heading back to the cockpit. David left standing there. A sharp pain in his chest. Maybe he should¡¯ve left.

    <hr>

    It was night on the mountain, the Sanctuary¡¯s black flags hanging at half-mast. James was sure to respect Jasmine¡¯s passing immediately. He stepped down from the flag placement. Looking up at the sky. Hoping for a safe return for the rest of the Watchers. ¡°Mr. Locklear,¡± a woman¡¯s voice behind. Turning around to see Janice standing behind him.

    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

    ¡°Oh, Sir Janice,¡± James said startled, ¡°You scared me. Are you here to pay your respects?¡±

    ¡°No, but yes,¡± Janice¡¯s face was covered in sorrow. Raising a pair of handcuffs. ¡°I need to escort, Sir David and Eve, to the council.¡±

    James looked confused, ¡°I¡¯m sure he would go willingly. Why the handcuffs?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t watch the news do you, Mr. Locklear?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± James¡¯ mind wandered. Trying to figure out what it was that David would have done to be brought an offer for such aggression from the council. He attempted to laugh it off, ¡°That¡¯s funny. Even if you tried, you¡¯re going to need a few more people to help you out with that.¡±

    ¡°Turn around,¡± Janice said. James turned around slowly; one eyebrow raised. Looking down into the courtyard stood countless men and women dressed head to toe in armor. James¡¯ smile fell from his face. He now understood how serious the situation had become. ¡°The entirety of the round table is downstairs. With orders to arrest the two, along with orders to eliminate The Watchers if they wish to battle the council¡¯s orders.¡±

    ¡°What happened?¡± James asked.

    ¡°The population of Seattle is gone,¡± Janice said. ¡°The council needs to know why.¡±

    James¡¯ heart began to race, images of the old Watchers sprinted through his mind. Eve. He had no further words. It was only a matter of time before his worries would come to life.

    Both looked to the sky, as the Silver Arrow broke through the clouds overhead. The moon¡¯s beaming light reflected off the VTOL¡¯s cockpit as it descended towards the Sanctuary. Janice whistled down to the knights. Making their way up the stairs to the landing pad.

    All standing in formation, hands-on their hilts. James along with Janice stood behind the Silver Arrow, awaiting for the ramp to open and lower to the ground. James¡¯ heart raced, desperate to speak with David and Eve. Janice took in a deep breath, never expecting for the day she would need to arrest one of her close friends.

    The ramp descended to the floor. Kevin and Stephen standing at David¡¯s side. The two were surprised by the welcome. Feeling the hostile aura surrounding the knights. Kevin prepared to draw his sword with Stephen ready for a fight. Though David stood calm, his back straight. ¡°Put your swords down,¡± David said to his comrades. Gripping Eve¡¯s blade tightly as if it were her own hand. David stepped down from the ramp.

    ¡°Son!¡± James screamed over the engines. Realizing that Eve wasn¡¯t inside the Silver Arrow. David walked up to the two. The knights all turned their heads towards David, prepared to strike at any moment. Virgil shut off the engines. ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°I failed,¡± was all David spoke. James assessed his son¡¯s body. Armor broke in many places, blood-stained hands.

    ¡°Where is Evelyn?¡± Janice asked.

    ¡°Dead,¡± never getting easier to say. David presented Eve¡¯s sword.

    ¡°You need to speak the truth,¡± James pleaded, ¡°If she is still alive and, on the run, you need to tell us. You could be executed.¡±

    ¡°I killed her myself,¡± David¡¯s words became choppy as he attempted to remain confident. James was unsure what to say, stepping closer to embrace David. ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± David remained cold to his father. Wishing that James had killed Eve when she was a child. So he wouldn¡¯t have to bear this pain alone.

    ¡°Sir David, the council-¡°

    ¡°Wants to speak with me. What are we waiting for?¡±

    ¡°I need to relinquish you of all weapons,¡± Janice asked respectfully. ¡°I have all the respect in the world for you as my friend and all you accomplished. I don¡¯t want to have to take them by force.¡± Asking a knight to relinquish his sword was a dire violation of the code. They all knew this, knowing it could lead to bloodshed. David took a long pause, sighing in anger. Reaching down to his hilt. Pulling it from its sheath. Handing the broadsword to Janice, as she handed it off to another knight. The same with his sidearm. ¡°And Eve¡¯s weapon?¡± She asked.

    ¡°You would have to execute me before I let go of this sword. Evelyn was my duty, so will her sword until she is buried with it,¡± David said. ¡°Do not force me to uphold the oath of my house.¡±

    Janice looked to the other knights, they nodded to her respectfully. ¡°Okay, Sir David. I just ask you come willingly.¡±

    ¡°Keep the handcuffs. I will face my trial on my feet,¡± David said.

    Kevin walked up to the interaction, ¡°Do you want me to go with you?¡± He asked.

    ¡°No,¡± David said, ¡°the three of you violated your oaths of this house. Father,¡± David looked at James. ¡°I charge you with the stead of the Watchers until Gabriel returns. You pass duties onto him.¡± Kevin lowered his head in shame.

    ¡°Son, I can¡¯t. You know I cut myself off from the spirits, I can¡¯t protect the Sanctuary.¡±

    ¡°You can and you will,¡± David commanded of him. Narrowing his eyes at his friends. ¡°After you, Sir Janice.¡±

    Janice nodded as she led the way back to the cavern. The knights followed in formation, standing side by side. ¡°I don¡¯t appreciate the hostility. I planned to go willingly.¡± David told the group in the elevator.

    ¡°That¡¯s what we told the council,¡± Sir Jonathan said. ¡°We didn¡¯t want to be here.¡±

    ¡°Do you want to clean up before you confront them?¡± Sir Janice asked.

    ¡°No,¡± David said.

    There was a silence in the elevator as it made its way to the cavern. David exited as more knights appeared awaiting for them. Dressed in black. David looked around, ¡°You brought the entirety of the round table to fight me?¡±

    ¡°The council¡¯s orders. Just in case you decided to go light-bringer on us again,¡± Janice looked around. David began to walk towards the exit. ¡°Sir David, before you go any further.¡± David stopped in his tracks. Turning around to look at all the knights. ¡°Before Evelyn passed. Did she accept the faith of our Order?¡± David swallowed, a tear forced out of his eye and down to his chin.

    The members of the round table drew their swords. Getting down to one knee, presenting their respective swords before him. All in silence. Janice walked up to David, ¡°We may not approve of what happened. But she was still one of us. Displaying all the qualities that a guardian should. Evelyn would¡¯ve made an honorable knight. We will be sure to write into the Round Tables¡¯ history as such.¡±

    David was speechless, people who never met her. For the exception of a few displayed more honor than the ones she served with. The ones she laid down her life for countless times. His eyes welled with tears. They all spoke in unison, ¡°Casitias, Moderatio, Caritas, Industria, Patientia, Gratia, and Humilitas.¡± The caverns echoed.

    <hr>

    The council sat around David, with no audience except the Round Table. The confidentiality of this meeting was high. The Order wasn¡¯t to know of the preceding¡¯s until all the information was considered. David stood tall, dried blood still covering his hands and face. Grandmaster Hawkins looked upon his former apprentice¡¯s prodigy. Disappointed but empathetic to the boy. Leonora sat to Hawkin¡¯s left. Unsure how to feel.

    Grandmaster Hawkins began to speak, ¡°Sir David Locklear of house Watchers, Seattle¡¯s population of more than half a million diminished. An outpost of the Order wiped off the face of the Earth. You failed to uphold your end of the bargain of protectionism of Evelyn Taylor.¡±

    ¡°Guardian Evelyn Taylor,¡± David corrected.

    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Master Victor questioned David¡¯s correction. ¡°You do not speak like that to a Grandmaster.¡±

    Hawkins raised his hand for silence, ¡°I apologize, David, I meant no disrespect.¡±

    ¡°Neither did I,¡± David replied. ¡°I apologize for speaking out of line, master.¡±

    ¡°Guardian Evelyn Taylor. You were ordered to assassinate her out of fear that she would not be controlled. Though you and Master Eleazar swore a blood oath that you would be responsible for anything that would happen while you trained her. The council respected and accepted the blood oath. However, that blood oath wasn¡¯t fulfilled, you know what this calls for?¡±

    ¡°I made the blood oath knowing I was risking execution. I have accepted that fate a year ago.¡±

    ¡°Though with much debate from Master Leonora. She has convinced me not to uphold the bargain,¡± Hawkins said. David wasn¡¯t sure if he were too relieved or not. Death would be a better alternative than living with the trauma he now bore on his mind. ¡°Only, if what you said was true. That you killed her.¡±

    David displayed Eve¡¯s sword. ¡°Your sight of artifact will allow you to find the truth which you seek.¡±

    Hawkins stepped down from his seat, walking around the round table to confront David face to face. Knowing of the Watchers¡¯ code to wield the sword of a fallen companion until they are put to rest. Hawkins placed his hands on the blade. Closing his eyes. Every person that Eve had killed in defense of the Order flashed before his eyes. Not a single innocent was killed with the blade. It still carried its innocence. Even a sin, Hawkins¡¯ mind filled with desire to read David¡¯s report on everything that happened over the past couple of weeks. And finally, the act of David using the blade to kill Eve. Hawkins quickly retracted his hands. ¡°I am so sorry, Dyami.¡±

    ¡°I am too,¡± David said, ¡°Since her death is true. Does that mean the prophecy cannot be fulfilled?¡±

    ¡°We have heard whispers that the dragon has been confirmed to be alive,¡± Hawkins informed David. Bad news stacked on top of each other. ¡°You expect me to still face the dragon without the Oracle?¡±

    Hawkins confirmed the question with his eyes. ¡°Sir David did kill Guardian Evelyn Taylor.¡±

    ¡°So, what now?¡± David asked.

    ¡°Master Leonora, if you will,¡± Hawkins made his way back to his chair.

    Leonora straightened her posture, ¡°Sir David. First, I want to tell you how sorry I am for the way I have treated her. I can tell by the look in your eyes that over the past couple of weeks that you violated your oath, did you not?¡±

    ¡°We did not commit adultery. Still, I did fall in love with her that much is true, master.¡± David did not lower his head in shame. Knowing what he did was wrong, but that did not matter to him. ¡°I don¡¯t wish to be rude, but I just want to know what bargain you struck with Master Hawkins.¡±

    ¡°I understand since your request for new guardians was approved. The council would like to see these members trained properly under your guidance. You were able to turn Guardian Evelyn into one of your best fighters in a matter of a couple months. You will be put on probation for three months. You will not leave the Sanctuary under any circumstance unless dealing with a class one threat that was approved by the council. Along with the passing of Jasmine, who was to go serve with the CIA. And the only other candidate for Knighthood is Kevin.¡±

    ¡°Kevin¡¯s knighthood will be denied,¡± David said. ¡°I will be suspending his candidacy for violation of the code of our house. Along with possible demotions for him, and two other of my members.¡±

    ¡°Then our only option will be to send you. Who will take charge as the ward of your house?¡±

    Janice stepped forward, ¡°I will, master.¡±

    ¡°Sir Janice, that will cause you to give up your candidacy for head of the Round Table.¡± Master Hawkins said to her.

    ¡°I¡¯m not one for politics anyways,¡± Sir Janice smirked slightly.

    ¡°Then it is settled,¡± Master Hawkins said, ¡°Do you accept this agreement, David?¡±

    ¡°I would cut my hand open to honor the deal, but frankly I don¡¯t know how much blood I have left in my body,¡± David said.

    ¡°Your word is good enough for me,¡± Hawkins told him. ¡°Is there anything you would like to say Sir David before I end this meeting?¡±

    ¡°I want the investigation records from the Order outpost in Seattle,¡± David demanded.

    ¡°For what reason?¡± Hawkins asked.

    ¡°I turned on my distress beacon. No one showed up from that outpost. My pilot made it to Seattle before any showed up. I want to know why.¡±

    ¡°Granted,¡± Hawkins said, ¡°Anything else?¡±

    ¡°I want any writings of Eve¡¯s history approved by me before being published in the libraries.¡±

    Hawkins hesitated, ¡°Granted.¡±

    ¡°I have no other requests, master.¡± David bowed.

 Chapter 20: Leave it all behind

    Two weeks have passed since the Seattle incident. Jasmine was laid to rest next to Carlos. Their family packed their things to leave this life behind them. Seeking to find solace in a new life, a way to go on without their children. Eve¡¯s and Jasmine¡¯s rooms were taped off, never to be touched again until they needed to be used again. David lived like a ghost, only passing, and working from midnight to the mornings. Not bringing himself to deal with the indifferent stares from his former friends. Keeping to himself. James would leave food on a tray at different hours of the day. Sometimes the tray will be taken or left cold at his doorstep. Paperwork for demotion for Kevin, Virgil, and Stephen left unsigned on his desk.

    Allison stood in the cavern with the others, with the exception of Gabriel. Watching the news on TV. It was the same thing every day, reporters trying to find out and report what they could of the disappearances in Seattle. Politicians debated on who was responsible for the tragedy. Tensions have been rising between the United States and Turkey. Politicians blaming the country due to them having issues with each other months prior. Some calling for war and others seeking a peaceful resolution.

    A reporter interviewing a random person on the street, ¡°Sir, what do you think about the tragedy that occurred in Seattle, Washington?¡±

    ¡°Want to know what I think? It¡¯s those damned Nephs! Everyone is worried about Turkey but open your eyes America! There is a secret organization-¡° The camera cut away from the man.

    Ethan looked at Richard, who was sitting in a wheelchair. ¡°Crazy to think that the only ones who are right are treated like insane conspiracy theorists.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t call Eve a Neph,¡± Allison said with her arms crossed. ¡°We don¡¯t know what was going through her mind to do that.¡±

    ¡°Probably nothing,¡± Virgil mumbled.

    ¡°What did you say?¡± Allison asked. She lowered her arms and to her hips.

    ¡°Nothing was going through her mind, what she did was idiotic,¡± Virgil stood up from his seat, ¡°Like, I can¡¯t even fathom how reckless that was.¡±

    ¡°She was saving David,¡± Stephen countered.

    ¡°When does 700,000 people equal one?¡± Virgil argued.

    ¡°We weren¡¯t there Virg, we still don¡¯t even understand what the hell was going on with her!¡± Allison yelled.

    Virgil chuckled, ¡°I honestly can¡¯t believe you¡¯re taking her side right now. Might as well side with Hitler if you''re going to take sides with a genocidal maniac.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s dead,¡± Richard said. ¡°There¡¯s no point in arguing about it.¡±

    ¡°What was she to you Virgil?¡± Allison asked.

    ¡°A mistake,¡± Virgil said. Allison looked at him. She grabbed her hilt from her hip. ¡°You¡¯re going to fight me because I speak the truth?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Allison said, ¡°you may be tall but I¡¯m not going to stoop down to your level.¡± She released her hilt. ¡°Because after I kicked your ass, you would just go fly away in your Silver Arrow and cry about it when you''re finally far enough so no one can see you. Yeah, that¡¯s right, I¡¯ve seen the camera footage from inside the Arrow.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Ethan stood up and grabbed Allison¡¯s arm. ¡°Let¡¯s go outside, you need to go cool down.¡±

    Allison snatched her arm away from Ethan, ¡°I¡¯m not a fucking dog.¡± She stormed out of the cavern and into an elevator. Virgil wanted to fly away but was too stubborn to prove her right. Plopping right back in his seat. Shaking his head in frustration.

    Gabriel sat alone under the tree, playing with a single stream of fire in between his fingertips. Allison came walking down the path, past Gabriel, and at the gate to exit the Sanctuary. Gabriel snapped the fire away, watching it smoke away. ¡°Ally?¡± She stayed looking at the gate. ¡°You alright?¡±

    She turned around tears streaming down her face, ¡°What¡¯s the point?¡± Her words stuttered. Gabriel stood up and rushed over to her. Embracing her in a hug. ¡°My brother. Carlos then Jasmine, and I wake up from a coma to find Eve is gone too.¡± Gabriel was speechless, not sure how to answer her question. He¡¯s secretly been asking the same thing. ¡°I know you hated her and you probably hate her now more than ever. Just pretend, for a few minutes that there was a part of you that loved her too.¡±

    Gabriel looked up at the sky, ¡°I would be lying if I said I didn¡¯t miss her. I haven¡¯t seen my brother in weeks. There was something between them. I just wish he would tell me about her,¡± Gabriel was being sincere.

    Allison turned her head, looking at where Gabriel was sitting. ¡°Eve used to sit there every day. Reading whatever book, I told her to. Sometimes I would catch her in the morning finding her asleep there.¡±

    ¡°Whatever they say. No one can ever discount how passionate she was about this. It was annoying sometimes,¡± Gabriel smiled. He turned his head over to the tree where he was previously sitting. He could see her now, a book in one hand and a small box of pizza at her side. ¡°Virgil would cave every time she would beg for him to fly her to a new pizza place every day till she tried every mom-and-pop shop in California.¡±

    ¡°I remember that¡± Allison let go of Gabriel. ¡°It seems like everyone just forgot how happy she tried to make people.¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s remember that¡± Gabriel smiled down at her. ¡°If someone brings up Seattle, just remember her smile.¡± Gabriel was lying to Allison his hatred for her, and David dug deep. Only telling her what she wanted to hear to make her happy.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Allison said, she knew he was lying. His voice was always a higher pitch when he was lying. Allison was okay with it, he was trying.

    <hr>

    Night came at the Sanctuary, James walking with a tray of food to David¡¯s room. He knocked in the special rhythm he used to let his sons know it was him. The door moved open slightly, it wasn¡¯t shut completely. David was sitting in the shower the water off, fully dressed, and soaking wet. Crimson sitting at the bottom. James dashed inside his room. ¡°Mijo!¡± He shouted.

    ¡°Can you not make a scene, I don¡¯t want anyone else to find me like this,¡± David spoke out. ¡°Shut the door.¡± James stopped, turning around hastily, and shutting the door behind himself. David¡¯s eyes closed.

    ¡°Son, are you okay?¡± James knelt down next to him. David was unshaven, his stumble running rampant on his face. ¡°Let me get you out of there before you get sick.¡± James grabbed David by the wrist, noticing it was wet and thick. James retracted his hand, covered in crimson.

    ¡°Before you freak out, I did this an hour ago,¡± David said. ¡°Jesus revived me again, told me if I do that again he¡¯ll send me to hell. And I¡¯ll never get to see Eve again.¡± His eyes were still closed. David wiped the blood away from his wrists. Showing them completely healed.

    James wasn¡¯t sure what to say to him. ¡°H-How many times have you done this?¡±

    ¡°Just this once, I thought it was a good idea at the time and now I¡¯m realizing how stupid this was. I now only have three deaths left.¡±

    James embraced David in a hug, not caring how wet he was. ¡°Don¡¯t you ever!¡± James hit him multiple times. ¡°I love you, son, I love you, I love you.¡±

    ¡°I love you too dad,¡± David¡¯s closed eyes streaming with tears. James let go of his son, arms still on his shoulders.

    ¡°Open your eyes,¡± James told him.

    ¡°No,¡± David said. Hiding something.

    ¡°Son, please don¡¯t tell me,¡± James pleaded. ¡°Open them right now.¡±

    David didn¡¯t feel ashamed, not wanting to open them. ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to,¡± David cried.

    ¡°Please show me, whatever it is you can show your father. I won¡¯t think of you any different you are my son.¡± David struggled to open them, but his shame weighed heavy on his eyelids. Cracking them open, David opened them completely. ¡°Your eyes,¡± James said, ¡°They¡¯re not green anymore. They¡¯re¡­ brown.¡±

    David looked down at his legs, ¡°Still don¡¯t think differently of me?¡± David asked.

    ¡°You cut yourself off from the spirits?¡± James asked.

    ¡°Like father like son I guess,¡± David forced a slight laugh. ¡°You told me that you did it because it hurt less. Not having to feel mom¡¯s presence with you all the time made it easier.¡± David looked around. ¡°I cut myself off so I didn¡¯t have to feel the energy that Eve-¡° Her name felt bitter on his tongue. Driving the thorn into his heart. ¡°There''s a hole in my soul where she used to be. Now I don¡¯t feel that hole anymore. I couldn¡¯t take it anymore.¡±

    ¡°There are so many people counting on you,¡± James said, ¡°but if this is what makes you happy.¡±

    ¡°Pft,¡± David laughed. ¡°Happy?¡± David stood up from his bloodied mess, ¡°David Locklear, the man of getting to kill all his friends and watch them all die. Just to be hopeless to save them. I can¡¯t be happy,¡± David laughed in sorrow. He grabbed onto the neck of the guitar sitting in the corner. ¡°I¡¯m not allowed to be happy.¡± He slammed the acoustic guitar into the countertop, sending chunks of wood flying around the room. ¡°Why is it, that every time I find something in life that¡¯s good it gets ripped from me!¡± His face was hot red. ¡°My master? Killed because I got captured on his order. My best friend? Stabbed in the heart by me! His girlfriend? BOOM! Volcano! The two people I promised I would teach them and protect and save them from poverty and give them a life of wonder and adventure! Dead because I wasn¡¯t there to save them! The only person I would have trusted with my heart and soul? Dead because she sacrificed herself because I wasn¡¯t strong enough to protect her!¡±

    ¡°You still have your brother and your friends,¡± James tried to convince him of there still being things to be happy about.

    David raised the neck of the guitar at his dad, ¡°Don¡¯t get me started on them.¡± David laughed, slamming the neck on the counter again. ¡°All treating me like I¡¯m a monster because I loved a woman! A woman who treated me like I was normal! Who loved me?¡± He snarked, ¡°It¡¯s because of her that I¡¯m not a monster!¡± He slammed it repeatedly. ¡°My brother? My own God damned flesh and blood who won¡¯t even speak to me!¡± There was nothing left of the guitar when David finished. ¡°Don¡¯t you tell me that I have to be happy! I am not allowed to be happy! So excuse the hell out of me if I don¡¯t feel like living anymore. Because frankly, if this world is dependent on me sacrificing everything to make their lives a little better. They can all go to hell!¡± David looked around the walls around himself and then up at the roof. ¡°I know you can hear me! I did everything in the fiber of my bones to take care of all of you! And now you turn your back on me because I lied, once. I lied once in my life to you people! Want to know how many times I lied to Eve? More than I have ever done anything to you all! And she still loved me! She treated me better than all of you! David, I need, David I want, David can you help me with? Screw you all! I¡¯m done! I tried every single day for all of you. Setting aside my happiness to do whatever you asked of you because that¡¯s what a leader does! And you turned around and gave me the shit on the end of your sticks! Go to hell!¡± David¡¯s words echoed through the halls of the building.

    Gabriel sat with his back against the wall, knees pulled to his chest. Virgil curled up in a ball on the floor next to his door. Richard stared down at his legs. Ethan and Chris punching their walls in anger, realizing their shortcomings. Stephen sitting at the edge of his bed. Kevin standing at his door contemplating if he should go to David.

    ¡°Son?¡± James asked David.

    ¡°I¡¯m not allowed to be happy,¡± David asked. ¡°And you! I didn¡¯t forget about you!¡± David looked up at the roof, screaming to make sure he was listening clearly, ¡°What kind of sick God are you to force me into this prophecy! You can take this destiny and shove it! I¡¯m done! Find a new chosen one, because you allowed the other one to die! You sick bastaaaard!¡±

    ¡°Son!¡± James yelled at David.

    David looked at his father. The whites of his eyes were pink, no more tears were left inside himself. His voice was hoarse, barely able to speak. ¡°I miss her,¡± David said. ¡°Why do we fall in love with people we can¡¯t have?¡± David would do anything to see her again, just to hear her voice once again.

    James walked up embracing his son again. The door pushed open; Allison stood in the doorway. ¡°David?¡± She asked.

    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    David looked at her from afar, ¡°What do you want?¡± His words stung like venom on her skin.

    She walked into the room, ¡°I uh,¡± her voice heavy. ¡°I found these this morning,¡± She sniffled. She handed him an envelope.

    David grabbed it slowly, looking up at her and back at the envelope. ¡°What are these?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re pictures of Eve and you,¡± Allison put her hands to her mouth. Scared of David.

    David opened the envelope, there were a handful of polaroid. As soon as David flipped them over, there was a picture of David and Eve both covered in dirt and mud. Laughing together eating an MRE. He remembered that day like it was yesterday. David had brought the Watchers to the top of the mountain for a team-building exercise. Eve bet she could beat David in an obstacle course. The mud was fresh from the rain the day prior. His eyes welled up again. He couldn¡¯t look at any more pictures. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, David. I wish we were better to both of you. You don¡¯t deserve that pain.¡± David gave her a tight hug.

    ¡°Thank you, Allison,¡± David mumbled.

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± She replied, ¡°I miss her too, you¡¯re not the only one here in pain. You¡¯re not alone.¡± Allison tried to reassure him, but it didn¡¯t help. David just felt it was nice to know he wasn¡¯t the only one other than his father. She whispered, ¡°I can pick you up some green contacts.¡±

    ¡°I-¡°

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to explain anything to me,¡± Allison said, ¡°I would have done the same. Just don¡¯t be afraid to open yourself back up when you¡¯re ready. Even if it¡¯s years from now.¡±

    <hr>

    Two months later

    ¡°Alright!¡± Gabriel shouted, ¡°All of you have been selected to be Watchers, but that doesn¡¯t make you Watchers yet. You have to earn that!¡± Gabriel shouted again at the trainees. Ten people standing shoulder to shoulder in the courtyard, their duffle bags sitting at their feet. ¡°We¡¯re going to train the hell out of you! And all of you are getting the same treatment. Even you Lucas,¡± Gabriel got into his face. ¡°I don¡¯t care if you¡¯re my cousin.¡±

    Lucas just smirked, knowing he had this training in the bag. How hard could it be?

    ¡°Why are you smiling?¡± Chris got into Lucas¡¯ face.

    ¡°Why do you have a beard? You¡¯re like seventeen,¡± Lucas laughed.

    ¡°Zap him,¡± Gabriel said.

    ¡°Zap me?¡± Lucas was met with a quick sharp jolt to his body. Collapsing to the ground as his body as he spasmed. ¡°Elemental? Dude that¡¯s so dope.¡± His body still shaking.

    Sir Janice walked up, dressed in a t-shirt and jeans. ¡°How¡¯s it going?¡±

    Richard stood on his crutches, trying to speak, ¡°It¡¯s uhm, their, yup.¡±

    ¡°Are you okay Guardian?¡± Janice asked.

    Ethan recovered Richard¡¯s words, ¡°Yeah it¡¯s the meds he¡¯s on. I never seen you without Armor sir.¡±

    ¡°If I¡¯m going to be living here and leading you all. You don¡¯t have to call me sir when I¡¯m out of uniform. Janice is fine,¡± She smiled warmly. Richard thought he was going to fall over at first sight of her smile. This was the first time he had seen her smiling.

    ¡°Gabriel, uh,¡± One recruit called off.

    ¡°You will call me Watcher! None of you have earned the right to call us our names!¡± Gabriel was secretly having fun with this. Glad David told him that he could take care of their initial introduction.

    ¡°Watcher!¡± He shouted going to the position of attention.

    ¡°What the hell?¡± Gabriel asked taken aback by his gung-ho attitude. ¡°What do you want?¡±

    ¡°I did some research, isn¡¯t the Watchers the group that had the traitor Evelyn Taylor?¡± He asked aloud.

    Richard¡¯s head snapped, eyebrows frowning. Janice walked up to the guardian, ¡°What did you just call her?¡±

    ¡°A trai-¡° A kid was punched in the nose breaking it against Janice¡¯s fist.

    ¡°If you have a problem with any past members, I suggest you forget about it now,¡± Janice looked at the bunch. ¡°Because there is a man standing on the top of that mountain who will not have a problem with discharging you on your first day. And then we will fight tooth and nail to make sure you will never reach knighthood. Do you all understand me?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Sir!¡± They shouted in unison.

    ¡°What¡¯s your name, guardian?¡±

    ¡°William Thomas, sir.¡±

    ¡°Speak Eve¡¯s name again, and I promise you. You will be going home.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± He held his nose spilling with blood.

    ¡°Follow Ethan, he will take you all to your rooms. For now, you will be living on the second floor. If any of you are caught in the opposite sexes'' rooms, you will be punished severely,¡± Janice said. Pointing at Ethan.

    Ethan waved around a tablet. ¡°Follow me, you do not have the right to use the elevator. Use the stairs.¡± They all grabbed their bags and followed Ethan to the stairwell to the second floor where Kevin was waiting for them.

    Gabriel shook his head at Janice, ¡°They have a long way to go.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll make do, they have promise.¡±

    ¡°Sir Janice, I always wondered,¡± Gabriel asked, ¡°What is your special ability?¡±

    ¡°When I meditate, I can amplify other members¡¯ abilities,¡± Janice informed him. ¡°You¡¯ll see one day.¡±

    <hr>

    One month later, seven hours before David¡¯s flight to D.C.

    David stood at the top of the mountain, dressed in a collared shirt and khaki pants. Looking at the tree of the spirit. ¡°One day, I hope I can see you again.¡± Speaking as if Eve could hear him. It gave him comfort speaking as if she could. ¡°I¡¯ve gotten better. Not really.¡± He lowered his eyes, ¡°I¡¯m sorry I let you down. I just hope you¡¯re happy up there. Every time I close my eyes. I can see you. It¡¯s comforting.¡±

    David sighed, her sword cleaned and restored to its perfect cast. ¡°I cleaned up your sword. Everywhere I go I take it with me,¡± he laughed a bit. ¡°I think I¡¯m learning to live with myself since we¡¯ve said goodbye. It¡¯s hard, but I get through. No one talks to me still unless it¡¯s business-related. I¡¯ll be leaving for a while. I don¡¯t know for how long, but I¡¯ll try to come to see you when I can.¡± David walked up to the tree, putting his hand on the trunk. He couldn¡¯t feel anything. Still severing himself from the spirits. ¡°I¡¯m not ready.¡± He whispered to himself. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure I bring your doll with me everywhere I go.¡±

    David heard the shuffle of leaves behind himself, his head snapped. ¡°Does it hurt, to carry the sword without being connected?¡± Allison walked up to him.

    ¡°Yes,¡± David said. ¡°How long have you been standing there?¡±

    ¡°I just walked up,¡± Allison stepped beside him. ¡°Do you still feel its power?¡±

    ¡°No, I just like to believe Eve can hear me when I speak to it,¡± David looked up to the tree¡¯s top.

    Allison put her hand against the tree trunk, closing her eyes. ¡°Let me see if I can find her.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to,¡± David said. Allison released her hand from the tree, her eyebrows narrowing. ¡°I don¡¯t feel her.¡±

    ¡°Then again I never felt my brother either,¡± Allison shrugged.

    ¡°That¡¯s alright,¡± David said, ¡°I¡¯ll treat it as if she¡¯s still there.¡±

    Allison backed away from the tree with David. ¡°I¡¯m sorry that we expected so much from you.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to apologize.¡±

    ¡°No, you worried about us so much that you weren¡¯t able to live your life. For that I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    David stayed silent for a while, ¡°It¡¯s partly my fault. It wasn¡¯t until I left with Eve that I realized that how I was living was self-destructive.¡±

    ¡°We were that bad huh?¡± Allison smiled.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say you were bad. Just I didn¡¯t get to do all the things I¡¯ve always wanted, I was too busy babysitting and making sure Gabe didn¡¯t get into trouble.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve noticed that you had a great time with her huh?¡± Allison asked, ¡°We had not a single missed call from you. And you only called about two to three times.¡±

    ¡°You can say something like that,¡± David couldn¡¯t help but smile. Allison started shoving his arm.

    ¡°C¡¯mon, tell me about it.¡±

    ¡°About what?¡± David laughed.

    ¡°How was it like being in love with her?¡± Allison looked up at the sky with him.

    ¡°How poetic do you want me to be?¡± David asked.

    ¡°Hit me with your best shot.¡±

    ¡°It was like,¡± David paused, rolling the doll in his fingertips. ¡°Eve was like,¡± he paused again. ¡°Eve was the sun. The radiation she gave off was enough to give life in the darkest of places. She pulled me regardless of the resistance I fronted. When I was near her, it didn¡¯t matter what else was happening in the universe. There are plenty of stars in the sky, but she was my star. When things got too heavy, we collapsed into a black hole. Instead of pulling me in with the rest of the planets, she slung me out of her pull to save me. Now I¡¯m left alone in the emptiness of space without her light.¡±

    ¡°That was beautiful, did you just come up with that?¡± Allison was captivated by his words.

    ¡°Sort of,¡± David lowered her eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t think I will ever experience a love like hers again. And you might think that¡¯s sad, but I think I¡¯m content.¡±

    ¡°One day, you might find someone again. And if that doesn¡¯t happen, I hope you find your own happiness. You deserve it more than any of the other yahoos down there.¡± Allison reassured him.

    ¡°I hope you find it as well,¡± David said. ¡°Watch Gabriel for me?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve already started,¡± Allison smiled wide. David looked down at Eve¡¯s sword. ¡°It¡¯s time to let go.¡±

    Allison was right, though David despised it. He didn¡¯t want to let go, but he knew he wouldn¡¯t be able to bring it with him. David stepped forward once, ¡°It¡¯s okay. Please, let me go. It¡¯s okay.¡± Eve¡¯s voice echoed in his head. He stepped forward once more. ¡°I will wait for you,¡± she said. David drew closer to the tree. ¡°I have always loved you, since the beginning to now.¡± David placed her sword gently against the tree, resting peacefully. David felt a weight lifted from his shoulders. ¡°Please forgive me but this is for the best,¡± Eve¡¯s voice broke into his mind. He had replayed that moment over and over in his head, ever since it happened. Though never remembered her saying those last words.

    ¡°Forever and Always,¡± David whispered. Stepping away from her sword.

    ¡°I will come up to her every day to make sure her sword is resting peacefully,¡± Allison said. ¡°I promise.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± David turned around walking away. Heading back down to the Sanctuary. Allison looked at the sword, it held a luminescent glow harnessing the energy from the tree. Allison followed David down to the Sanctuary.

    David stepped into the courtyard, the Watchers all gathered around near the tree in the center. Everyone was quiet, unsure of what to say to him. David sighed, ¡°I have not always been truthful with all of you when you trusted me to be.¡± David looked at Virgil and back to his brother. Virgil looked away from David¡¯s peering eyes. ¡°I didn¡¯t do it to hurt any of you, I know it¡¯s not an excuse. I hope you all will remember me for the good I¡¯ve done. Despite how big of evil I committed. I hope you all will find it within yourselves to forgive me one day. I tried to be the best leader I could when I should¡¯ve been a better friend.¡± David shook his head and bit the inside of his mouth. ¡°Memento Mori. Sir Janice, you have the Sanctuary.¡± David unsheathed his ceremonial blade handing it to her in confidence that she will lead better than he could.

    ¡°Thank you, Sir David. Give it time, they¡¯ll see how much they miss you.¡±

    ¡°We will see,¡± David said smirking. ¡°I take my leave.¡± David walked up to his father, James.

    ¡°Son, know I will always be proud of you. You have become far better a man and warrior than I could have ever hoped to be,¡± David hugged his dad. Followed by a loud audible smack against each other¡¯s backs.

    ¡°Thank you, dad. I¡¯ll be back when I can to visit. Don¡¯t worry about me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to worry anyway,¡± James smiled. Releasing his son, ¡°Now go show those feds what it means to be a true warrior, huh?¡± His eyes welling with tears. ¡°It never gets easier.¡±

    ¡°I hope it never does,¡± David released him.

    ¡°Be safe,¡± James said, ¡°and I love you.¡±

    ¡°I love you too,¡± David put his own hand to his head. ¡°In the name of the Father, the son, the holy spirit.¡± They said in unison, followed by a kiss on each other¡¯s foreheads. Gabriel did the hand motions of the Hail Mary with them. But to himself.

    David grabbed his duffle bag and started to walk down the cobblestone path to the cavern. Virgil began shaking his head uncontrollably. The feelings on how he treated David without giving him a chance became overwhelming. Virgil stood up from the bench and walked onto the cobblestone path. ¡°David!¡± He yelled.

    David stopped, almost incomplete shook. He turned his head towards Virgil. Raising his eyebrows unsure if he was going to get punched in the face again.

    ¡°If-if it¡¯s too much to ask. If you find any upgrades that I can do to the Arrow, can you send them to me?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± David chuckled. ¡°Yeah, man.¡± To everyone else, it may have felt disrespectful of Virgil. Though David understood. It was the first thing Virgil had said to him in the past couple of months. He was never a man of sentiment. Virgil spoke with riddles. If he didn¡¯t trust David, he wouldn¡¯t have asked for upgrades.

    ¡°Come home,¡± Gabriel shouted away, ¡°With a flag, not under one.¡± David smiled at his brother. Missing him dearly. Hoping he will mature while David is gone.

    Richard, Ethan, Chris, and Allison drew their swords. Taking a knee to David, watching as he returned a bow of respect.  David walked away, stepping into the elevator.

    Making his way through the cavern, David looked up at the walls. Taking in a quick reminiscence of the flags and random assortment of trophies. Smiling wide walking down the dark hall towards the underground tram. Taking Eve¡¯s string doll, sliding it in a safe place inside of his backpack. A member of the Order awaiting for him at the entrance. ¡°Ready?¡± the knight asked of David.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± David stood tall. Ready to leave this life behind, even if it was temporary. He needed to heal away from this. Taking a seat inside the tram. Setting his bags down in front of himself.

    ¡°LAX is a bit away from here. Might as well take a nap when you can.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll sleep on the plane,¡± David told him.

    ¡°Very well,¡± The knight shut the door and started the engine. Inputting the coordinates. ¡°Next stop, Los Angeles.¡±

    David lied his head back on the wall, kicking his legs out to relax. Pulling out his phone, turning it off for the first time in his life. Taking in a deep breath and releasing. This must be what it was like to be normal? He could get used to this. Sliding the phone inside of his backpack. He closed his eyes. Eve¡¯s voice broke in through his mind in a deafening cry, ¡°David!¡±