The doors opened on the elevator, the cavern illuminated the walls and roof. Eve’s eyes glowed in wonder. David walked ahead of her. Eve was fascinated by all the colors in the room, greens, blues, purples, and yellows blanketed the top like an ocean. She couldn’t help but notice the banner hanging on a wall. A single eye, with a sword through it. Must have been the symbol for the Order or the Watchers. David turned around and starred. He smiled, “What is it?” David asked.

“All these colors.” Eve was still in a trance; it was more beautiful than anything she had ever seen before. David just smiled, to him, it appeared to be an empty cavern except for all the physical objects. He could feel the energy, but he could not see it. He thought about it, did she process an ability he had never heard of? The rest of the group was sitting in a room of glass. Watching from afar.

“She’s adorable,” Allison said looking at her.

“She’s being foolish.” Gabe said, “Wholesome, but foolish.”

“You remember when you first saw this place.” Allison fired back at him. “Let her have her moment.”

“Yeah, but I was a child,” Gabe said crossing his arms and kicking his feet on the table. Allison looked at Carlos, both shaking their heads.

“I never knew a place like this existed.” Eve looked at David, smiling from cheek to cheek.

“So, you can feel it?” David asked her.

“Of course,” Eve responded walking closer to him.

“Sensing is the first step,” David said, closing his eyes and inhaling from his nose. Holding it for a second and release. “But it’s more complicated than that.” David offered his hand out to her. She hesitated at first, then consenting. Taking his hand, David led her to the corner where a large carpet with an odd design, almost appearing as a Ying and Yang but was different as if they were wings of a bird. David led her to the center of it. “Sit down,” David said. “The next two steps are controlled and altered. But we’ll start with sense.”

Eve acknowledged. Releasing his hand and bending her knees to sit down. Placing her hands to stabilize herself. She sat with both legs crossed. Her hands-on her knees. “Now what?” She asked. David took a seat down in front of her. Crossing his legs and bringing his hands interlocking his fingers. Looking as if he was praying.

“Focus,” David said. Closing his eyes. Taking another deep breath. Eve copied him and did the same, however not putting her hands together. They sat for a few minutes before Eve said something to him.

“What are we doing?” Eve asked. “I can already feel and see everything.” Her face was covered in annoyance. David opened his eyes and smiled.

“Close your eyes.”

“I already- “

“Close your eyes, Evelyn,” David commanded her, never having trained someone before from the beginning. Let alone she was already mature. She sighed and followed. “Breathe, clear all thoughts from your mind. All questions, feelings. Set them all aside. Reach out to the world around you.” David said looking at her. “Focus on all the life around yourself.” David continued to stare at her. Eve’s face began to relax. “Tell me what you feel.”

Eve could see the colors of life and death. Blues, greens, yellows, purples, whites, blacks, and reds. She can feel the life around her breath. Animals giving birth and growing. Plants producing oxygen in her own lungs. She can feel death, not tragic, but happy. All visions were reminiscent of the dreams she has always had but never understood. She thinks she must have already reached out to the spirits, but only in her sleep was she ever calm. “I can feel, life,” Eve said softly out of her lips. Not believing what she was doing right now. It was out of this world.

“What else?” David asked.

Eve began searching deeper, she found a cave. “A cave,” Eve whispered. David’s ears perked up. “I can see fire.” Eve continued. “I need to know what’s inside.”

“Come back to my voice Evelyn.” David scooted across the floor for her to hear his voice and direction.

“I see men, in robes, black robes. A river of blood beneath them.” A tear began to roll down her face. She was standing in the middle of a land, surrounded by bodies. She could recognize them all. Carlos laid next to Virgil; bodies mangled. Chris was on his knees, held up by a spear. Jasmine lay bleeding from her throat, Ethan with his hands over her neck trying to stop the bleeding. His face was covered in blood. Kevin and Richard are surrounded by robed men, striking them down in a flash. Both fall to their deaths. Allison held Gabriel in her arms, screaming in pain as his eyes faded to emptiness. She brought his forehead to her mouth; she could not hide her pain. David on one knee looking up at the three robed figures. With two swords in his hands, one blue and the other green. David screamed to the top of his lungs as he rushed at the figures. Slashing one down almost immediately. The others quickly struck at him. David’s body fell to the ground, one of the figures grabbing his hair. And the other separating his head from his torso.

David watched as Eve’s tears covered her face. “No, no, no” she repeated. Gabe ran over to, quickly grabbing her hand. Gabe saw the images flashing in his mind. Gabe was standing in the aftermath of the battle. Gabe looked at Allison screaming and then over to David’s severed head. Gabe turned around, standing in complete despair.

“Wake up Evelyn,” Gabe said staring into her eyes. Eve opened her eyes to David with his hand on the side of her head. He released her and backed away to give her space. Gabe backed away from her as well, dropping her hand. Glaring at David before walking away.

“What was that?” Eve asked her face dreaded in panic. Her eyes were wide in terror as she looked around her.

“What did you see?” David asked, face painted with concern.

Eve stumbled around trying to process everything. “Death, so much death.” David stood up to counsel her. She refused the advance. “I can’t do this.” She ran tears rolling down her face. Eve never felt so scared before in her life. Never had she seen such trauma. She felt herself caring way too much for people she did not know. David chased after her. “Get away, please!” She screamed.

“Come back, don’t run from this,” David yelled out to her. Eve quickly threw her hand back, pushing him away with telekinesis. David slung back, as he fell backward. Slamming his head on the ground. Eve paused, wanting to know if he was alright. Her fear came back to her. Eve ran into the elevator closing it behind herself. Gabriel ran over to David. David opened his eyes and gritted his teeth. Eve felt a burning in her heart. She just wanted to be alone. She was as powerful as he was warned.

David took Gabe’s hand and lifted himself back to his feet. “What did you see?” David asked.

“So much death,” Gabe mumbled from his mouth. He shook off his brother in spite. “And you still want her to be with us.”

David was silent looking at the elevator. Turning back to his brother, “We have to go after her.”

“Why?” Gabe was angry, “I don’t understand your obsession with her.”

“Because at one time we were lost, Gabriel.” David’s face was covered in anger. “She needs us!”

“Well, we don’t need her!” Gabe yelled back at him. “You should have killed her when the Order told you and Liam too.”

“What is your problem?”

“She’s going to be the reason we all die!” Gabe screamed at David.

“What if the reason she leaves us is the reason we die. You know as much as I do that the spirits don’t always give a clear vision of the future.” David started to walk towards the elevator. “Since when do we abandon each other?”

“When you abandoned Liam.” Gabe scoffed. The others stopped in their tracks. David did not take the time to look at his brother. Tightening his hand into a tight fist, knuckles turning white.

“Some of us learn from our mistakes Gabriel.” David continued his steps towards the elevator. Gritting his teeth. Taking a deep breath, doing his best to remain patient. The rest of the group followed David to help. They all understood what was at stake, but they also understood they had to do the best they could do for one another. Their kind were few.

“Gabe,” Allison said standing behind him. “This isn’t like you.” Gabe remained silent, feeling as if no one would listen to him. “What happened to your compassion?” She asked taking a slow step behind him.

Eve was standing impatiently in the elevator, scratching her arm furiously. She continued to remind herself of the images she had seen. Maybe she held no place in the world. Eve doubted herself in everything. The elevator doors opened; she ran as fast she could. One-foot stride in front of the other. She charged at the wall, lifting her hands to grab onto the edge, pulling herself up. Throwing herself over the wall. She went to land but was not expecting to fall. Eve began rolling down a hill, hitting rock after stone. Rolling through bushes that cut her skin. Her tears still running down her face picked up dirt and mud. She continued to roll down her side until she suddenly came to a final drop. Crashing down onto a flat surface, in the middle of what appeared to be a more open part of the forest. Eve continued to lay there, breathing softly.

“Why is it like I’m the odd one out?” Gabe muttered quietly, but loud enough for Allison to hear.

“You’re scared,” Allison said. “Hell, we’re always scared when we get someone new. I remember how scared I and my brother were when meeting you and David.”

“That’s different.”

“How?” Allison asked sternly. “David had enough power to tear down a tree. And you? You refused to talk to anyone.” Gabriel never really had thought about it, it took two years for the siblings to even get attention from anyone else. “That girl is lost right now, and David is committing everything to help her. Your brother has never asked for your help, once.” Gabe shook his head.

“Don’t even start with me.”

“When has he ever done anything to put you in a situation that any of us couldn’t handle?” Allison continued to press.

Gabe relaxed his fist. After thinking of all the times, they have been together, David had always put them first, this time David was helping someone else. He needs help and I have done nothing to question his every move and motivation. Gabe thought to himself. Gabriel had to trust his brother; he had no reason to ever not to. “You’re right.”

“And when has he never helped you with something no matter how.”

“You’re right.”

“And- “

“You’re right, Allison.” Gabe turned around, “Just shut up already.”

“Make me.” She said looking up at him. Slowly bringing a smile to her face.

Gabe quickly turned to embarrassment, “Not with David around.” He whispered.

“Whatever you say,” Allison said as she started running after the group, trying to catch up. They had already left in the elevator. Gabe was taken off guard, looking at her, and then starting after her.

Opening her deep blue eyes to the openness around her. Her blue hair is attached to twigs and leaves. Eve struggled to lift herself up but could not bring herself to. Was she really to be outcasted to being alone for the rest of her life? She thought to herself. She wanted to believe David but did not want to be the reason they all would eventually die. Shifting her head, an owl made of blue light sat above her, standing on a branch.

David went running through the halls shouting Evelyn’s name. The others did as well. Allison finally caught up to Jasmine, “Where are we going?” Soon discovered they were going to her room. “Never mind.”

Gabe caught up to David. “Find her yet?” He asked stopping him in the hallway.

“No.” David said, “Don’t worry about it, just go play video games or something.” David took off running to continue his search. David had no time to argue anymore with his little brother. Gabe stood there, perking up his head, he could hear her thoughts faintly in the forest. Gabe checked to see if his hilt was on his belt. It was. The light blue lizard appeared on his shoulder. As it made a noise.

“I should tell the others.” It whined again. “You’re right, I’m going to head to the forest. I’ll prove to David I’m not completely selfish.”

Jasmine and Allison pounded on her door. Allison screamed her name. Jasmine put her ear to the door and closed her eyes. “She’s not here,” Jasmine said walking away.

“Where is she?” Allison asked.

“The last place she could be.”

“The forest?!” Carlos yelled. “You know what’s in the forest. Acolytes. Looking for us.”

“Which is why we have to get to her before they do,” Kevin said. “David, what’s the plan?” He asked. It was not often Kevin had a sense of urgency. They all knew it was important.

David opened the holographic map from his pocket of the surrounding area. “Search formation, we’ll all get two hundred meters apart, in a circle. We will spread out in one hundred and eighty degrees. Report every three hundred meters. Do not engage unless you know you can handle it.” David looked at Virgil, “Take the Silver Arrow and circle around with Allison, we might need a medic anywhere.” Virgil just nodded. Allison acknowledged.

“And to the East?” Kevin asked pointing at the mountain.

“Virgil will have to double on that. But do not focus on that region, Evelyn isn’t dumb enough to try to climb up the mountain,” David closed the holo map. “Master Eleazar is here, Kevin means you’re coming.” Kevin sighed hopping to stay guard.

“Are you going to brief him?” Jasmine asked.

“No.” David said, “He doesn’t need to know.” Jasmine just shook her head in disapproval, “Alright no more stalling, get ready.” Everyone followed his lead. Virgil ran for the roof, not taking time with the elevator. Allison took off to her room to grab her back of medical supplies and change to her attire.

“You better hurry up; David gets dressed fast,” Ethan told Chris as David was already in his room. Picking up his sword and puts on his chest rig. Changing his sweatpants to khaki shorts, and hi-tops to his black boots. David was ready and heading outside his window to the courtyard.

Eve continued to struggle to muster the strength to pick herself up. She heard a crackle in the shadows of the trees. The sun was beginning to set off into the distance, bringing the forest darker. Eve began to panic, lifting herself up off the ground. Her legs were in sharp pain. She grabbed onto the grass behind herself to drag herself behind a rock. However, she was not fast enough as a hooded figure came from behind the tree. A feeling of dread surrounded the person walking towards her. She could see red energy rolling off the body. Eve panicked even more, “W-Who are you?” She asked. Eve felt death surrounding the man.

“Where is the headquarters?” The dark voice broke out. “I know you know where it is.”

Eve would not budge. She was not going to sell them out. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“No matter, I’ll just break it from you.” The man said, reaching out his arm as the dark energy flowed from his hand. Eve began to feel pain. Screaming out, all she could feel was torment. The nightmarish vision ran through her head again. She tried her best to fight it. She screamed louder in pain.

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“I see.” The man said. “Thank you, but unfortunately you must die.” He said drawing his katana.

“Please don’t” Eve begged. Something from behind caught the mysterious man’s attention. Gabriel was standing with his blue blade already ignited. His hair briskly blew in the breeze. Still dressed in sweats and an oil-stained t-shirt. Anger in his eyes.

“Ah, I can feel your hatred.” The man stood up looking at Gabe. “It’s powerful with you. You reek of hating me.”

“I’m not angry at you,” Gabe said softly. “I’m angry at her.” He said staring down at Eve. Eve looked down, she felt hated all her life, but this was different. Being hated by someone she cared about. Gabe sighed at her after reading her mind. “Oh my God, not that I hate you, I’m angry because you’re just so annoying.” Eve was now confused.

“What the hell is happening here.” The hooded man said, revealing his mask.

“We’re going through some family issues,” Gabriel said.

“What are you talking about?” He said pulling off his hood. “You’re both going to die, and you’re worried about drama?” The man started to yell, offended that Gabe was not taking him seriously.

“I don’t know why you care, you’re literally about to die here,” Gabe said pulling out his phone and a small speaker. “Hold on.” Gabe turned it on and connected his phone. Eve stared at Gabe, not knowing if she should laugh or not. She could not help but smile. The way Gabriel didn’t take the situation seriously left her in disbelief.

“What makes you so sure you can kill me?” The acolyte said.

“Because I can tell your power rating is about a three, which is why you’re a scout, and I’ve killed way too many of you to remember.” Gabe chuckled under his breath. “What song do you want to die to?”

“You can’t kill me, I was a guardian like you once, I am strong.” He began to monologue. “I found the Brotherhood and it has made me more powerful than you can ever imagine of hoping to become. I will kill both of you and be a hero!” He yelled out spreading his arms to the sky.

“Blink-182 it is,” Gabe said throwing the speaker and phone down. Eve started to pull herself away faster, hoping to stay out of the way. Music began blaring from the speaker.

David smiled immediately hearing the music, “Virgil, pick up those to the south, Carlos, Ethan, and I are closing on Gabe’s position.” David started running into the forest as the two began following him swiftly through the forest. Virgil banked the osprey to the pickup of the others one by one.

Gabe infused his light blue blade and smiled, holding it in an offensive position. The acolyte did the same, Gabe watched his stance, his suspicions were right. The acolyte was just a novice. This happened often, novice guardians would leave The Order, with the idea they were not strong because they were being held back. When in all actuality, they just were not fit. His footing was off-balance, agitated. Gabe relaxed, knowing this was going to be quick. Unless he wanted to draw out the rest of the acolytes in the forest. Gabe knew he was a good duelist but always followed a rule, never fighting more than two alone. He was going to toy with him, hoping David would come soon.

The acolyte charged at him quickly, Gabe stood his ground. Going for a stab, Gabe briskly moved around him, slashing him on the shoulder, sparking the pauldron. The acolyte yelled out in anger; the man turned around swinging again ferociously. Gabe stepped backward dodging each attack. Gabe smiled standing to the side as the acolyte stumbled past him. Removing the energy from his blade. Placed the straight-edged katana back into its sheath. Placing his hands behind his back, dodging every swing. “Just die.” The acolyte screamed out.

“Then kill me then.” Gabe smirked, “If you hate me so much, why don’t you just simply kill me?” The acolyte let out a roar of anger. “You know, if you just put as much effort into training, instead of yelling, you may be able to actually make me sweat. Unfortunately, it’s too late for training.” The acolyte continued his pressure. As if it even made a difference.

Eve managed to start walking, looking around, she began to see red energy begin to roll from the forest floor. “Gabriel, there’s more coming!” She yelled out to him. Gabe looked at her and smiled, giving her a thumbs up. Dropping his guard as the acolyte swung at him. Gabe dropped to his knees, swinging his left leg, sweeping the acolytes. Causing him to fall to the ground, quickly recovering back to his feet. Eve did not know why Gabriel continued to toy with him, she could feel the danger approaching. Gabe ran towards a tree, running up the thick trunk, jumping backward over the acolyte who was chasing him. Gabe could hear all the voices of the enemy closing in on them. There was no more room for retreat. He could make a run for it and survive, but that still left Eve.

“Evelyn get behind me!” He called to her; he ignited his blade. Reaching his hand out he pulled the speaker and phone behind himself in a safe position at the tree line. Eve limped over to Gabriel, standing a distance away from him. Making sure he had enough room to fight, but not too much where he could not protect her. Gabriel took up a defensive position.

“Now I have you!” The acolyte called out as more men appeared from all around them. Gabriel began to count them. The men all wore black hoodies and masks, each with their own design. All with their crimson red swords ignited like fire. These men have all completed their initiation with the Brotherhood, Gabe thought to himself. There were at least fifteen of them. Gabe sighed under his breath.

“Gabe, leave me!” Eve screamed out; she was terrified. She did not want Gabe to have to sacrifice his life for her. Her hopeless began to wreak from her face. Fear engulfed her eyes, her lips and fingers shaking in terror.

“Relax,” Gabe said, gripping his hilt with both hands. Gabe took another deep breath. Remembering a valuable lesson when he was faced with a long-distance target since his aptitude with the elements was minimal.

“Gabriel, what do you do if David is held with a blade to his neck.” Master Eleazar asked him. Holding his light blue blade to David’s young neck. David gritted his teeth, not knowing how he allowed himself to be captured. David was foolish as everyone is a child.

Gabe stood with his hand gripped on a small training sword. Seven years old, the only thing standing between his brother’s life and death. Gabe opened his eyes to all the men standing around himself and Eve. “Focus.” He muttered under his breath. Loosening his grip and easing his mind.

“What are you going to do now?” The acolyte screamed out at him. The others joined him in laughing. Suddenly Gabe’s blade penetrated his chest. Gasping for air, gargling on his blood. The bright red blood foamed from his mouth down his cheeks. Gabe had thrown his blade, perfectly delivering a killing blow to the man. Reaching out pulling his blade back to himself. Eve in shock picked up a rock. Eve closed her eyes, reaching out to the energy within herself.

“Sense.” She said, seeing all the colors again. Taking a deep breath, she could feel energy pour into the rock in her hand. “Control.” Opening her eyes, taking a step transferring all the energy into the rock. Throwing it as hard as she could at one of the other men as they watched their ally fall to the ground. The rock slammed into the cavity of a man, crushing his ribcage on impact. Gabe looked back, impressed at her ability to manipulate the energy so quickly. Maybe there was hope for her yet.

“Find as many rocks as you can,” Gabe said as Eve nodded and began picking them up. The enemy knew they had to attack before another one of them was killed by a mere stone. Eve repeated her actions, throwing another rock as they began to charge at them. Smashing into the stomach knocking the air out of his lungs. Gabe took a strong defensive stance. Picking up a tight grip with his katana, forming an impenetrable shield around others was worse than his elemental manipulation, but the only one with the ability to protect Eve and himself. The men were almost engulfing them.

Gabe saw a flashing of green appear in front of himself. Eve watched as Ethan and Carlos appeared at their flanks, blocking the oncoming attacks from the sides. David appeared from overhead, slashing down on one of the enemies, a green blade slashing through the arm, disarming him. Carlos’ blue katana blocking two of the attackers. Ethan removed the leg from one of the attackers as he was overhead with his green claymore. Eve could not process the speed at which they all three appeared. Gabe moved his blade out the way of his brother’s descent. Making a quick slashing movement killing the man to his right with a slash to the chest. David dropped down, taking a defensive posture next to Gabe. The acolytes jumped back from their assault to re-access the situation.

“Glad you can finally make it.” Gabe smiled. David looked over at him smiling.

“Guys, I don’t know if you notice but we’re still outnumbered,” Carlos said taking up a defensive posture to the left and Ethan to the right.

“The fat one is right!” One of the acolytes called out. “We still outnumber you three to one!” They began to prepare themselves for another assault.

“From above,” Virgil said as the Osprey flew past quickly, as six figures jumped from the back. Allison landed next to Eve, taking no time to heal her beat-up legs. Virgil and Richard landed next to Carlos. Virgil igniting his green falchion. Richard igniting his blue zweihänder. Chris landed at the back of the circle; his yellow ulfberht already ignited. Kevin and Jasmine took their stance next to Ethan. Taking a strong defense, Jasmine stood prepared to her katana. The same type as Carlos’ but with a yellow wrap around the hilt. Kevin took no time to active his green cutlass.

“Well, this is a first,” Kevin said grinning. It had been a year since they had all fought together at the same time on the same battlefield. They all formed a perfect defensive circle around Eve and Allison.

“Just like the simulations eh?” Virgil said sarcastically. Thinking of the very situation they had always trained for in the cavern.

“I see Gabe had already started killing.” Richard joked. “David, chopping off hands again.” Gabe and David looked at each other smiling. “Hey, even blue got one.” Seeing the rock pile next to her and the man with a rock in the cavity of his chest. Eve raised up two fingers at him. Richard just chuckled.

“We still outnumber you, Guardians!” The acolyte screamed out.

Another broke his silence. “I have a bad feeling about this.” He said scared. “We should call for help.”

The man just looked at him, “No, they are pitiful.” Taking up his stance prepared to assault the group. The others followed his lead.

“Guardians? Nah man, we’re the Watchers.” Ethan laughed at them.

“I don’t think they know what that means,” Jasmine said to him.

“No, they know.” Gabe smiled after reading their minds. The group stood fast, feeling their hatred radiate off them like the sun. Along with fear from hearing the name alone. David looked back at them.

“Eve stay close to Allison and Virgil.” He said knowing they would do their best to protect her as the rest could focus on combat. Eve smiled at him nodding, her heart felt warm. Is this what it was like to be a part of a family that cared about you? She thought to herself.

“Yes, it is,” Gabe said smiling.

“Can you read my thoughts?” Eve asked after keeping quiet on the matter.

“Yes, I can,” Gabe said not moving his mouth, she understood his ability. Can anyone else? She thought to herself. “No. I know everything you think of, even about David. Until you learn to block m out, only David and Virgil dedicated time to learning how. “

Eve blushed, embarrassed, “Stay out of my head!” Eve screamed out.

“Guys, focus,” David said with sternness. He was confident of their ability, but they were fighting a large enemy. “We can joke after,” David said.

“There will be no after for you!” The acolytes screamed out preparing to charge.

“Let’s find out,” David said. The patient was his mind, as were his allies. He was strong, ready for whatever was to come. The acolytes accepted David’s offer, all charging with ferocity, screaming with hatred. They knew who the Watchers were, their mission changed from reconnaissance to an objective of vengeance for their fallen brothers. David realized they would be enveloped by the enemy without anywhere to move.

“Attack!” David screamed out as Gabe followed next to him, charging at the enemy with swords in his hands. The others followed outwards, pushing their defensive circle wider. Allison grabbed Eve with Virgil, pulling her to the rear of the circle. Eve could feel herself being healed, but nowhere near to before. Virgil took his defense next to them. The Guardians collided with their enemy with aggression.

David blocked one of them, swiftly kicking him in the chest. Swinging his broadsword backward, as it was blocked. Spinning his wrist around his opponent’s hilt, taking no time to remove his left hand, and pushing him against a tree. David went back to engage the one he had kicked. Gritting his teeth, remembered to keep his mind clear to anticipate his opponent’s attacks.

Gabe took no time pounding his saber against the acolytes, another jumped over him to engage Allison and Virgil, but Gabe quickly gripped the back of his cloak with the telekinetically. Throwing him down to the ground. Nearly dodging the acolyte behind him, “that was close.” He said aloud. Gabe engaged his stumbling enemy.

“Are we fighting children?” Richard laughed. A blue glowing force field appeared around him. Three acolytes engage the massive monster of a man. Their swords were unable to penetrate the field. Richard swept his massive sword through the legs of one of them. The other two backed off to engage Carlos. But were quickly cut down by Richard and Jasmine who had appeared from thin air. Her yellow sword slashed at the back of another who was about to engage David.

Carlos jumped over Chris as he swung rapidly at the men who tried to gain the flank. Chris grabbed his arm swinging each other to their sides, interlocking with their enemies assaulting from the sides. “That was really cool.” Carlos smiled, both stepping outward slashing quickly at the acolytes dropping their interlock. Chris cut off the entire arm of one of the men, blood spilling on the green grass. Helping Carlos engage the last of their flank. Carlos stabbed the acolyte in the wrist, removing his hand as he brought his sword upward. Chris and Carlos grabbed each other’s forearms “This is why I like you.” He smiled. Chris pushed him to the ground, jumping backward. An acolyte appeared thrusting with all his might at Carlos’ back.

Jasmine appeared again, swiping at the acolyte’s chest, quickly falling to the ground. She stood over his body and looked back at Carlos who was recovering. Her face painted in disappointment in her brother for letting his guard down. She did not have to say anything, Carlos felt her discontent. He looked down, “Pay attention.” She told him before disappearing again. Carlos shook his head and went to join Virgil in his defense. Virgil drew his saber outward and began interlocking with his enemy.

Eve looked to her left, seeing if there is any way she could help him. However, quickly spotted an overhead strike from a female acolyte. “Allison!” She cried, she knew it was too late for any movement, she quickly raised her hand to push Allison out of the way. Kevin quickly stepped in, to take the blow on his blade, sending sparks around them. Allison stood up drawing her saber, taking no time to infuse it, quickly removing the hand of Kevin’s opponent.

Virgil was losing ground against his enemy. Virgil was purely defensive, having an extremely difficult time waiting for an opening. David rushed in with Virgil, grabbing the man from behind and slamming him into the ground. Kevin jumped in and quickly stabbed the man in the chest. “Thanks, guys.” David nodded before returning with Gabe who found himself engaging the last three of the acolytes with Richard.

“Retreat brother!” The female acolyte said looking to her side, as David charged with his acrobatics sliding on his knees, removing her leg and then hand. Gabe grabbed the brother and twisted him into a choke hold. The other looked on dropping his defense. The female fell to the ground screaming in agony.

“Surrender,” Gabe commanded the last acolyte. He stood there looking on as David walked next to Gabe.

“You’re outnumbered.” David said, “Surrender and we’ll see to it that the last of you will be treated fairly.” David’s arms and t-shirt are covered in blood.

“Don’t do it Kilo!” The female cried out.

“Come on Kilo, is the Brotherhood worth it?” David asked him calmly, trying his best to negotiate.

“For the Brotherhood, I will give my life!” The man in the choke hold from Gabe yelled out.

“Keep talking and it will be your life,” Gabe whispered in his ear.

“For the Dark Ones!” Kilo cried out as he pulled his sister’s broadsword to his hand. Dual-wielding both blades as his sister's burned his grip. Preparing to attack.

“So be it,” Gabe said.

“Don’t!” David yelled out at Kilo and then turned to Gabe after feeling his intentions. Gabe took his sword drew it across the neck of his hostage, blood spurting out onto his chest and down to the grass. David ignited his viridian blade engaging Kilo, feeling his lust for vengeance. David stepped to the side as he dodged the attacks. Knowing a block could be the result of death. Kilo blinded by his bloodlust, attacked in the same direction at David’s left. David stepped to the right. Quickly removed both swords from his wrist as they flew into the air. Kilo fell to his knees. David turned around and pointed at Gabe, shaking his head. “He was a hostage!” He yelled at him.

“We are to complete the mission in any way possible,” Gabe said retracing his blade.

“Murderer!” The female acolyte cried out. Eve watched from afar she could feel the two different but same energies of David and Gabe.

“Okay, being called a murderer from you people is ironic,” Gabe called out. Jasmine had collected all the swords with Kevin and dropped them into a pile next to Virgil who was being healed by Allison.

“We’ll handle this later, collect the wounded and call the Order to arrest them,” David said as he walked over to the female acolyte removing her mask. “What’s your name?” He asked as it revealed her young face, she could not have been older than Gabe and him. She wore black lipstick and eyeliner, complimenting her yellow piercing eyes. She spat blood on his face.

“Screw you.” She said in anger. David wiped the blood off his face.

“I am sorry for your loss.” He said keeping his patience. Three ospreys came from ahead. These are cleaner than Virgil’s. Eve could not help but listen to the cries of battle. She looked on at David, wanting to join him more than ever. She could see his energy, typically his green energy was flowing at peace, but now it was sorrowful, like ocean waves running on the sand at night.

The ospreys landed around them; a woman dressed in armor departed from the ship. The sun reflected from her silver steel. Her hair was tied back into a bun. David rushed over to her; David bowed to the woman “Madam Janice.” He said, “Thank you for coming on such short notice.” He stood back upright.

“The council took too long with the orders. I had to come without paperwork” She said shaking her head in annoyance. “I’ll deal with it later. How many survivors?” She asked. David looked around as the survivors were loaded onto the center osprey. Those still with hands were covered with an electronic glove as the LEDs glue. David raised his hand, giving her a count of five. “The Watchers performing with results again.” She said walking away, “Oh and one more thing, Captain. Master Eleazar is tracking, your team needs to be with the council, as soon as possible.”

“What for?” David asked raising his arms, “I need to shower!” He called out, smiling at her.

“Something about the unauthorized training of a nonmember. “She shrugged stepping onto the osprey with the body bags inside. “And Liam. When do I get to see you at the round table?”

“I’m under oath for the templars,” David told her.

“You poor soul.” Madam Janice said one last time before leaving him. “I have a lot of paperwork to do. Good job Watchers.” She commented to the group before leaving. David bowed, as she walked back into the ospreys took off from the ground, and sped off.

David walked over to his group. “You going to live?” He asked Virgil finished with being healed.

“I keep telling you I don’t like close fights.” Virgil laughed as he stood up next to David. David couldn’t help but to laugh, trying to hide his aggravation with the council’s constant pressure.

“Can you walk?” David asked Eve offering his hand out to her.

“I can.” She asked him grabbing his hand and standing, “Are you okay?” She asked tilting her head slightly.

“Yeah, why do you ask?” David asked as he looked at Virgil nodding at him.

“Just wondering.” Eve knew he was lying, but she decided not to pressure him. She could tell he was not in good mind. She kind of wanted to hug him for everything he had done in the past few days, but he was covered in blood.

Gabe looked at her, “What is this? This isn’t a love story, relax Juliet.” He said to her mind. Eve starred back at him.

“Get out of my head.”

“Stop being so loud.” Eve followed behind David.

“I have to see the council. Chris and Carlos are on watch when we get back.” The Silver Arrow landed as the others sighed. “I know, grab a snack and head to the headquarters, I’ll stall as long as possible.” Virgil rushed inside, opening the door, and jumping inside the cockpit. Eve followed the others inside the VTOL. Gabe was the last inside.

“That was fun.” Carlos said, “I haven’t seen action like that in months.”

“You fight like it,” Jasmine muttered taking a seat. Carlos just crossed his arms. “Pout all you want, but instead of playing games all the time you need to train more.”

Carlos sat silently looking out at the forest as the osprey began lifting off. Eve sat down next to David, He closed his eyes, knowing better to think he would get a nap in. Virgil always flew too fast for David to enjoy the ride. Eve was the only person to put on the harness. She was struggling as Allison walked over to her to buckle her in. “You’ll get used to it.” Eve just smiled at her. Could she really make it? She thought to herself, not in a million years she could see herself moving around like the others.

“Thank you.” She replied as the VTOL took off quickly, and banking left back to the commune. Eve watched the sun set into the edge of the town below. She never knew or ever dreamed of what happened in the world around her. She took everything at face value, never looking deeper. Before she knew it, they were back at the building. The ramp lowered as David opened his eyes. He quickly stood up and began walking to the back of the osprey. As the ramp touched the ground. Master Eleazar was standing waiting for them with his hands on his hips. Smiling. David had prepared for his master to be upset; he was the opposite.