Liam walked into the room, dark halls and the winds blowing across the marble floors. Wearing his robes and mask, concealing his identity before the three leaders of the Brotherhood. Taking a single knee, arm on the elevated leg. Bowing his head below his bandaged arms. “You summoned me?”
“Rise, Abaddon.” The man in the center said. His voice echoed off the walls and hallways of Liam’s mind. “We have a change of events.” Liam stood, hands within the robes. Adjoined together. His face shadowed in the darkness from his hood.
“I have felt something had changed.”
“The Order plans to move to war.”
“This isn’t like the council,” Liam said.
“Eleazar and Hawkins had convinced the council otherwise.” The head said. “David’s guardians move to hunt you down.”
“I will destroy them,” Liam said, his mouth gritting in anger.
“That’s not all.” The head threw down a file. “Find the girl, kill her, or bring her to us.” Liam opened it. The folder swung open, revealing a picture of Eve.
“How can she be so important?” Liam said.
“The young girl is instrumental in keeping the full power of the Order from ever being reached.”
“Yes, my Master,” Liam said, the glowing red cracks in his face leading to the corners of his mouth. Stretching from his eyes. The corruption was taking hold of him, he could feel its power coursing through every fiber of his existence. Liam turned around.
“Continue building the Legion. Prepare for war.”
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Eve opened her deep blue eyes; the sun was barely rising over the crest of the mountains shining through her window. The sun was anew, as was her life. She stared at the ceiling; she did not remember how she had gotten to bed. After the meeting with the council, the team had celebrated by watching movies in the cavern. Her head was pounding as if a hammer had pummeled her skull. The group ate pizza and drank, she saw some of them as far too young. But it would be hypocritical to think that way, considering she was still seventeen. Last she remembered, was sitting next to Allison and Jasmine before her memory faded to dark.
“Eve wakes up,” An intercom came on in her room. “Breakfast will be ready in a half-hour.” It was Allison’s voice.
“Yeah, I’ll be down in thirty.” Eve rubbed her head.
“Don’t take too long lightweight.” Allison joked before the intercom turned off to static.
Eve shifted her body, forcing herself up from the bed. Stretching her arms outward, looking over to see a bottle of water and a few pills sitting on her desk. “Thank God,” Eve said aloud. Standing up slowly walking over to the table. Stopping to see herself in the mirror. Her hair was a mess, dressed still in a hoodie and sweatpants. Opening the collar peeking her nose inside taking a sniff. Almost gagging, why did she sweat in her sleep. Taking off her hoodie, wearing her white tank top, her shoulders and her tank top still stained in David’s blood. “I’m disgusting.” She chuckled. I feel sorry for whatever man marries me. She thought to herself reaching for the bottle and two pills. Popping them in her mouth and taking a gulp of water. Throwing the cap on the table. Looking at herself in the mirror.
“Allison, how do you have Abs,” Eve asked her as they sat on the couch. Allison had been wearing a tank top, taking off her hoodie. Eve had been watching her.
“Working out, it’s easy, you can get there.” Allison laughed. Eve looked at herself in the mirror from the side. Looking at her small undefined belly. Grabbing a little fat with her hand, she sighed to herself. She was not obese but was still out of shape. She never thought of having to work out, but after seeing some of the group's physique she had a desire to improve. Eve shrugged off the thoughts, taking another drink of the water. She walked over to the window; it had been opened. Hearing the chirping of the birds, and the slight brisk of soft cold air on her face. The sun-kissed her pale face. Closing her eyes and took a deep breath of the fresh air flooding into her lungs. She heard footsteps crashing into the mildewed grass. Who could that be? She wondered looking down to the ground. It was David and Kevin running next to each other, were they racing? She wanted to tell them good morning but did not want to interrupt. She decided to stay quiet, watching the two. Running in short shorts, and sweaters.
Eve watched them until they disappeared from her view. Eve laughed, she shook her head and promised herself to ask them later. Eve set her half-filled water bottle down on the table that divided her room. Taking off her clothes to get into the shower. The corruption scars had lowered, the color slowly fading. Eve smiled and stepped inside the shower, “Computer, play something happy, but keep it rock.” She called out.
“How about Paramore or I can play some Bryan Adams.”
“Paramore is fine.” She said smiling, the water running through her dark blue hair. Her blonde roots were beginning to break from the center of her head.
Gabriel walked into Virgil’s room. “Do you ever knock?” Virgil had been laying in darkness. Covering his eyes from the blinding light from the hallway.
“I pay my bills.”
“We live here for free.”
“That’s beside the point.” Gabe walked inside and opened Virgil’s closet.
“What the hell are you doing?” Virgil asked turning over to watch him ruffle through a box of stuff. “So first, you break into my room.”
“Door was unlocked,” Gabe said rummaging.
“And now you go through my stuff.”
“Where are the keys?” Gabe asked.
“You’re not taking the Silver Arrow.” Virgil shot up. “Plus, there are no keys, it’s a push to start.” Gabe peeked up at him, “Why did I say that?” Gabriel stood up and started for the door. Virgil reached out slamming the door shut telekinetically. “Where are you going? You don’t even know how to fly it.”
“Then you better hurry up and get ready before I break something.” Gabe was stronger than Virgil, gripping the door and forcing it open. Gabe headed out into the hallway. Dressed in his chest rig on under his hoodie. Along with blue jeans and his guardian cloak over his shoulder.
“I can never sleep in.” Virgil slammed his fist against his pillow and shot out of bed. Getting dressed in his chest rig, throwing a jacket on and his slightly worn shoes. Virgil grabbed his sword off the table and out the door. Closing it behind him. Coming to the end of the hallway, pressing a button for the elevator to come to grab him.
“Where are you going?” Carlos asked him next to Ethan.
“We on mission?” Ethan said, both still dressed comfortably. Virgil looked up at the roof, he could hear the engines beginning to wind up.
“I don’t know, if you’re coming, I’d hurry up.” Virgil gave up on the elevator, starting for the stairs to his left. Carlos and Ethan took off back to their rooms to get ready. Virgil reached the roof, panting. Virgil looked at Gabriel standing on the ramp to the osprey. Smiling at Virgil who had a face painted in annoyance.
“I need a pilot.” Gabe laughed as he went into the cockpit. Virgil followed right behind him.
“Did it ever occur to you that I wanted a day off? For once.” Virgil said taking the seat next to him, grabbing his headset off the headrest. Both putting them on and buckling themselves in. A monitor appeared in front of him. Pressing buttons start the preflight preparations. Ethan and Carlos came running up the ramp, pressing the button closing it. Both buckled themselves in, putting on headsets.
“Do we have stowaways?” Gabe looked behind himself, “Oh, why can’t we ever get someone useful.” Gabe instantly became annoyed rubbing his head.
“We heard that,” Carlos said offended.
“I know.” Gabe said rubbing his eyes, “Get off.”
“No.”
“Get off now.”
“No,” Ethan said.
“Fine.” Gabe cried in annoyance. “I’m in charge. Or get off.” Gabe heard silence. Waiting for their answer.
“Only if we can stop for some Chinese,” Carlos said smiling. Gabe slammed the door shut. “You think that’s a yes?” Carlos asked, Ethan, replied with just a laugh.
“Flight check complete.” Virgil looked at him. “Where are we going?”
“There’s a police station, David believes the sheriff has information on Liam.” Gabe plugged in the coordinates on the monitor in front of him.
“What makes him think that?” Virgil asked.
“Because the sheriff is Liam’s father,” Gabe said.
“Shouldn’t this be a David thing? Like don’t get me wrong, but David is a talking type of person. You’re more of a swing your sword until everything is dead type.” Virgil said looking at him.
“David is busy with Evelyn's duties; I don’t have to explain myself to you. Fly the damned plane.” Gabe said offended.
“It’s actually a helicopter,” Virgil said as the Silver Arrow lifted off the roof.
“It’s actually a VTOL.” Ethan broke his silence.
“I’m killing him,” Gabe said closing his eyes to unplug Ethan’s headset cable from the communications box.
“Alright, everyone hold on, we’re going somewhere far, and we got to climb,” Virgil said grabbing his control stick. “Thrusters engaging in “Gabe and the others braced themselves. Lowering the metal bars in front of themselves, locking them into their seats. Gripping tightly onto the bar vertical of their bodies. “3-2-1-Mark.” The thrusters shot the Silver Arrow into the blue sky, littered with clouds. Gabe could feel the skin of his face pushed against the back of his head. The clouds rushed behind themselves, the Silver Arrow was no longer a helicopter. But a jet, taking off at incredible speeds. It was not often they would fly at these speeds. The main reason was for Virgil to test out the new turbine engines, powered by the same crystals they had around their necks. Realistically, it was an excuse just for Virgil to feel the blood rush through his veins. Vigil’s only purpose in his life was protecting people and going as fast as possible. Sometimes, his priorities were skewed.
----------------------------------------
Eve had been standing in line, hearing the explosion of the engines, she jumped in fear. Jasmine had been standing behind her, placing her hand on her shoulder, “It’s fine, just the boys going on errands.” She reassured her.
Eve took a deep breath, “Jasmine, I didn’t know you were there.”
“I didn’t know what to say,” Jasmine admitted, they were getting served food on their trays. Everyone got the same food, steaming scrambled eggs, waffles, sausage, and bacon. David’s father James was one of the servers.
“Good morning Mijas.” He smiled putting food on their trays. “If you see David, can you tell him to come to talk to me?”
“Yes, of course.” Eve smiles up at him. “Do you mind if I can talk to you?”
“Yes, I mind.” James’ face was serious and broke into a smile. “Just give me time to finish and I’ll grab my plate, we can talk.”
“I can help if you like.” Eve said, “I can work and eat.”
“No, that’s okay.” James said, “I have a system.” He joked. Eve went behind the counter with her food anyways. “I’ll catch you later Jasmine, this is important.” Jasmine just smiled and nodded her head and walked towards one of the tables. Chris and Richard had been sitting at. Waving at Eve. Eve raised her hand up to them with her fingers spread. Eve started eating waiting for James to finish serving. Thinking about how wholesome their father was, it made sense as to how David had such a big heart. But it made her question how Gabriel turned out to be so selfish. She waved it off, sitting on a bar stool. Eating her eggs. Her stomach needed food after she had spent all night drinking. Though it was only a simple breakfast, it was heaven on her taste buds. James had finished serving the long line of people, David and Kevin were last to get served.
“Son. Just who I was waiting for.” James said as David began serving himself.
“Dad, good morning.” David smiled, “You steal Evelyn to work for you?”
“No, she offered.” James laughed, “Anyways, I know you’ve been busy, but do think you can get one of them cow legs for a barbeque?”
“Ah, I can try dad. But I can’t promise anything.” David said pulling out a pen and writing it on his forearm. Kevin patted David on the back, impatient to hurry and eat. Feeling he was out of place.
James leaned up against the counter to whisper to David. “Anything on Liam?” David looked down at the floor, shaking his head.
“Nothing yet, but the council gave me the kill order.”
“Son…” James’ heart dropped. “You can save that boy.”
“I’m starting to think the window had shut a long time ago.” David admitted, “I should’ve helped him before he even left.”
“You can’t blame yourself my mijo,” James told him. David did blame himself, everything made sense in the world. Just not Liam.
“These people count on me dad,” David said. “I have work to do, I should hurry up and eat. We’ll talk later.”
“Of course, I love you mijo,” James said to him.
“I love you too, Dad,” David said forcing himself to smile. “Evelyn, meet me in the cavern when you’re ready.” Eve smiled and nodded at him. Mouth full of food, she did not dare open her mouth to him. David laughed and walked off to sit with Kevin and the others.
Eve did not hear the interaction but can tell it had been serious. She respected their privacy but worried for David’s mind. After hearing the council and what she had been told about Liam. She can tell it was affecting David. Eve stood up; she had finished eating. Throwing her tray into the trashcan. She pulled a hair tie, bringing her hair into a ponytail. “I’m ready to help.”
James had his head down, facing the countertop. Forcing himself to smile, pushed off the counter and turned around. “Alright, let’s clean and talk.” James smiled grabbed a piece of bacon and threw it into his mouth.
“You eat, I’ll clean.”
“Deal.” He laughed putting a plate together for himself. “Is this an interrogation?” He joked taking a seat where Eve had been sitting.
Eve grabbed a rag from the table next to the stove. “No, well, yes.” Eve smiled. “I just wanted to know a few things.”
“If it’s Order related, I don’t know much I’ll admit. It’s to keep us, family members, safe.”
“I thought so, but I just wanted to ask about your sons.”
“Well, they aren’t ones for sharing women.” James laughed eating his eggs. Eve scowled at him, her face turning red. “Sorry I shouldn’t have said that.”
Eve shook her head at him, wetting the rag under the faucet. Wiping all the excess food that had escaped from the serving trays. “Well let’s start, what the hell does mija mean?” Eve asked laughing. “I’m from Seattle and I only know white people talk.”
James laughed, looking up at her. “It means daughter.” He said.
Eve's face got warm, not sure if she was blushing or not. She didn’t understand why he’d call her that. “Do you call all young girls that?”
“Not exactly.” James looked down at his plate getting another fork full of food. Blinking his eyes.
“Then why do you call me that?” Eve was getting suspicious. Maybe she was getting worked up over just a word.
“I guess I call all young girls that.” He laughed. “You wanted to know about my sons?” James changed the subject.
“Yeah, anyways.” Eve kept cleaning up, moving over to rinse the rag out in the sink. “Why are David and Gabriel so, different?”
James placed his fork down. Rubbing his hands together, hearing the rough Calluses on his palms. Wiping his mouth with a napkin. “After their mother’s death, David and Gabriel began training. I was a wreck; I did my best to continue to help them. David was taken by the Order to undergo special training.” James stood up to throw his tray away. “It was to help him control his powers. Gabe was left behind. When David came back, he was traumatized. That’s where he had met Liam.” James went to wash his hands. “But in that time, Gabriel was young, still dealing with recovering after his mother’s death. I wasn’t any help, all he had was David, and he was gone. I don’t know what happened with David, he refuses to talk about it. Gabriel learned to be alone and closed himself off. David learned that he wasn’t going to leave anyone alone again. It took David almost a year to even talk to anyone.” Eve had looked up at him. She understood their struggles. She could not comprehend what they had been through. She desired to know what David went through, Eve wanted to speak to Gabe but knew he still did not trust her.
“David had never talked to you about what he went through?”
“Not a word. Mija, whatever you do. Be careful, there is a lot of stress on my boys. They protect their hearts and have a responsibility. One day, when the time comes and you fall in love, do your best not to hurt them.”
“What are you talking about?” Eve chuckled, “What makes you think that David and I would fall in love with David?” She laughed.
“Because I only said them, I ever said anything about David.” James said, “I see the way you look at him, just be careful.” Eve blushed finishing with washing the cooking utensils.
“I think you misread me.” Eve laughed. Eve did not find herself romantically attracted to him. She was more intrigued by him as a person, wanting to be his best friend at most. Eve’s mind pondered on the idea.
“I’m only teasing.” He laughed. David and the group had already left. Eve had finished cleaning the kitchen. “You should hurry along; we shouldn’t keep David waiting.”
Eve had completely forgotten that she was supposed to begin training today. She was having a good time with James. It was interesting to enjoy her time with a father-like figure. Eve felt her heart drop and a pit in her throat. Looking at the door it was her mother and father. Eve turned around hoping they wouldn’t see her.
“Evelyn.” Her mother came walking over to the counter. “Where have you been?”
“Helping,” Eve said slowly turning around, everything had felt perfect until now. Eve had not had an outburst for a long time, she was proud of it. But being around her mother made her fear for the worst.
“Well, your mother and I have been sick.” Her father said.
“I’ve been fine. Better than fine actually.” Eve smiled slightly. Still nervous.
“Look we don’t know what’s going on here,” Judith said snarking, taking an upsetting look at James. “But we’re leaving, immediately.” Eve stayed quiet, her fingers trembling around her bicep. She could not leave. She refused.
“It’s her choice. Not yours.” David said standing in the doorway. David felt Eve’s uneasiness growing. He had gotten there immediately to see what the issue was. Eve’s eyes shot up looking at David. Not sure if she was happy, he was there or not. “You can leave whenever.”
“Who are you to tell us what we can do with or without our daughter.” Her father pointed at David angrily.
“Doesn’t matter,” David said looking at Eve and then back at her parents. “She’s her own person.”
“David, I can handle this,” Eve said gathering the courage to say something. She looked at him reassuring herself. “I am not leaving.” She said looking at them.
“Yes, you are.” Judith continued. “You belong to us.”
“I belong to myself.” Eve gritted her teeth. James stood off to the side, preparing himself to intervene if he had to.
“You’re only seventeen. You’re not staying with her to play gypsy. You’re going home, graduating, and going to college.” Judith began to break into a yell. “You’re going to be something successful.”
“You don’t control me, Judith,” Eve said scrunching her hand into a tight fist. Judith’s eyes widened, feeling as if she was just disowned.
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“I should’ve given you away to those people a long time ago.”
“Maybe you should’ve.” Eve’s eyes began to well. “Maybe then I would have had a good life.”
“We gave you everything, you should be thanking me and your father for the life you had.”
“Your right mom, I should have thanked you every time you hit me and bought me a new toy, so I did not kill you,” Eve said as plates began to levitate behind her. Her parents’ eyes filled with panic. Afraid of being hurt again.
“Evelyn!” David yelled at her. “Gravitate yourself back.” He demanded. Walking over from the doorway to in between her parents and herself. “Control.” He said. Eve blinked her eyes, not wanting to hurt anyone. She took a deep breath her eyes welling. David’s calming voice and command of the situation were enough for her to take control.
“I’m sorry,” Eve said. “This is it, thank you for everything you have done for me, but I can’t forgive you.” She admitted looking at the ground. Her parents took a deep breath sighing in relief.
“Thank you. David was it?” Her father said.
“Your daughter is in pain and this is how you react?” David said, his upper cheek, twitching in anger. “Evelyn, I am sorry,” David said walking over to her. Eve began to tear up, trying to fight them from rolling down her cheek.
“I can’t live with them in my life.” Eve said, “Just get it over with, I tried, I really did.” Eve said gritting her teeth, doing her best to fight her anger. The night before, Eve had asked David about her parents. He did his best to recommend to her to amend the divide between them. However, he mentioned what some members do in the Order, to escape from their old lives. The process was to delete memories of Eve from her parents’ minds. They would remember their entire lives, just without Eve. The Order would work to delete any records of herself in society.
“Evelyn, once this happens, there is no going back.” David still tried to dissuade her.
“I refuse to ask for help, and you continue to do so.” Eve said, “The one time I ask, and you can’t?” She cried out. David could sense her pain. He looked at his hands, swallowing the pit in his throat. David never understood why someone could want to go through with this. But unlike Eve, he had a family that loved and cared for him. Also, that David and Gabe were able to keep a secret. David raised his hand at her parents.
“Please don’t kill us.” Judith shrieked. David just shook his head.
“Last chance,” David said softly. He had only done this a few times. This ability was his most hated.
“Just get it over with. Please.” Eve said looking up at her parents for the last time. “I love you both.” She said tears streaming down her cheeks. Her eyes were heavily pink. Neither of them said anything to her, she hoped she would at least hear it once. She couldn’t remember the last time she heard it. David gritted his teeth.
“Evelyn Taylor,” David said as a green light burst from his open palm. Suddenly, David witnessed all the memories made with their only daughter. From birth to that last moment. A cabin. Seeing a young girl with golden hair, light freckles. A wide smile. To a girl whose smile began to fade. Her hair was shaved down to her scalp, a purple bruise on her left eye. Tears rolled down her face. Her hair growing back, a bright blue. Her smile became nonexistent, seeing Eve standing in front of him, fading away into darkness. David became the only person to witness the darkest moments of her life, objects being destroyed around her. Tears rolled down his eyes, all in a flash. He felt so much pain and anguish. How is it, that the parents were so happy with a beautiful baby, only to treat her in a life full of fear of who she was? David was brought back into the kitchen. He reached out his hand in anger, grabbing the two by the throat. James came sprinting towards him, grabbing him from behind.
“It’s okay son,” James said he embraced him tightly. David released his grip on the two. Eve watched, not understanding what happened. She could see David’s energy flowing in anger. The tips shaking in red. However, staying a solid green. David let go of his father. “I got it from here,” James said walking over to the family. David stayed scrunching his fist. He had never broken his bearing since Kristen’s death. James went to greet the two of them, they were lost and confused. David walked away, ashamed of his actions. Leaving out the doorway.
“David!” She screamed out. Eyes full of tears, whipping them away. She chased after him. “David!” she repeated. She looked around, wondering where he had disappeared off too. Eve ran around, checking his room. Empty. Checking the roof, she saw the brown-haired boy sitting on the cobblestone wall. Alone. His energy was now flowing like normal from his body. Eve walked back inside the elevator, going down to talk to him. She was not sure if she should feel happy or not, but either way. Eve felt liberated. She wanted an extraordinary life, and now it felt like she could finally move on from her past. Her family would be happier without her in their lives. And she more than knowing that she was happier without them. Once the elevator doors opened, Eve ran down the pathway, turning left on the side of the building. She continued down the grass slowing down to a walk. After turning the corner till she was behind the building, her eyes came upon David who was sitting on the cobblestone wall.
She walked over to him slowly, the closer she got she could hear his calm light raspy voice singing. This had not been the first time that something like this had happened she had thought to herself. He was peaceful, she was not sure to interrupt him or not. David had stopped singing, his grip tightened on the wall. She could sense his energy was still off. Eve continued walking up to him. “David?” She said softly, her voice cracking.
David turned his head, shaking his head. “I’m sorry you had to see that.” David never said sorry, he was one to always say he apologized. When he said sorry, it came from his heart. David turned his head back to the front. Eve walked up to the wall and climbed on top of it sitting down next to David.
“I made you do it.” She said licking her lip and biting it in guilt.
“You didn’t make me do anything,” David said, he was staring at the sun still sitting low in the sky. “I did it because you wanted it.”
“I guess.” Eve felt guilty. Thinking David was upset with her for causing him to break his bearing. “Why did you get so angry?” She asked picking her head up from looking at the grass littered with rocks and yellow flowers. Now staring at the deep green trees, the sun radiating off the tops.
David chuckled under his breath, “I seen everything you went through, growing up.” He said. “I don’t understand, I don’t get how someone can do that to you. I guess I should have told you. I experience every emotion in memory all at once.”
“I’m sorry you had to see it all.” Eve rubbed her thighs with her hands.
“They didn’t see how special you were Evelyn.” David said, “They let their own fear control them from loving you.”
“I guess you can put it that way.” Eve said, “Thank you.”
“For what?” David squinted his eyes.
“You doing that for me,” Eve muttered. “You really are selfless, aren’t you?” Eve turned her head towards him.
“Yeah,” David said, he could self-reflect. It had only seemed his selflessness only brought him pain.
“You know, it’s like, no matter what I did for them. It always fell apart.” Eve said, “They treated me like they were ashamed of me.”
“You are nothing to be ashamed of Evelyn,” David said. “Ever since I’ve met you, I have nothing but admiration for you.”
“Seriously?” Eve laughed, shrugging it off. “You’re good at lying too, aren’t you?”
“No, I’m a horrible liar.” David laughed, “You joke, but you’re more than what you think you are. I hope I can show you that one day.”
“You know, every moment I’ve spent with you. You’ve been a light in my cloudy life. Thank you for that.” Eve said turning towards him, her eyes becoming welled with tears again. “I want to help you with Liam, the Brotherhood, anything. I want to be by your side through it all.”
David blushed; he could not help to smile. “With all the craziness going on in my life right now.” David swallowed the pit in his throat. This was his first heart-to-heart in a long time. He could feel the suppressed feelings in his heart. “Evelyn, you make it harder, but at the same time, easier. I’m more than okay with that.”
Eve felt the butterflies in her stomach flutter. Her smile could not be disguised. Turning away from him. Her face turned hot red. What were these feelings? “I want you to call me Eve.”
David looked down at his feet. “Eve.”
“I think I’ve been too harsh with you,” Eve said, nervously laughing. “I just don’t want things to be awkward between us.” David looked at her and smiled.
“Yeah, of course.” He said looking back at the sun. “You should probably head back. I’m going to stay here for a bit.”
“Can I stay here with you?” Eve asked looking at the sun’s light bounce off the mountainside. “If you don’t mind.” She asked.
“Suit yourself,” David said placing his arms back leaning backward. Eve did the same, their arms intersecting each other. Eve did not regret anything in her life. If she could do it all differently, she would have wished she met him sooner. But she knew, she was destined to meet David when she did. David felt conflicted, he felt happier with her around, she filled the void that had been left losing Liam and Kaitlyn. Maybe it was time for him to be happy for once in his life.
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“Virgil,” Gabe said. The Silver Arrow was tearing throughout the sky.
“Yeah?” Virgil replied sitting back enjoying the flight.
“Spirit crossing.” Gabe said, “Do you know anything about it?”
“The thing you and David share?” Virgil asked.
“No, we share a bond, it’s a little different because we’re brothers,” Gabe said pulling out a data pad.
“Then no I do not.” Virgil continued.
“Curious.” Gabe said, “I was just wondering.” Both fell in silence as they watched the clouds pass by themselves.
“Are you going to tell me or are you going to stay quiet?” Virgil looked over at Gabriel who was reading off his tablet.
“Yes,” Gabe said and staying quiet.
“Glad I can have these talks with you.” Virgil laughed as they were coming near a squadron of F-35 fighters in the sky. “That’s not good.”
“Get us out of here Virg,” Gabe said.
“Unknown aircraft. Respond.” The intercom said. Virgil reached up and flipped a switch.
“The Knights have taken the round table,” Virgil said into his microphone. Both take a deep breath waiting for their response.
“Unknown aircraft. You are in United States airspace. If you do not respond we will be forced to shoot you down.”
“What the hell is going on?” Carlos said from the back.
“Did you fix the communications?” Gabe scowled at him. Virgil just looked at Gabriel and made a slight smile. “So, you can build prototype engines, but you can’t fix a simple radio?”
“Buckle up.”
“Oh my God, I’m going to kill you,” Gabriel said, putting his tablet away and bringing his metal cage back down as Virgil prepared the engines for another jump to Mach two. “Buckle up boys.”
“Unknown aircraft, we have been ordered to shoot you down. Last chance to respond.”
“Three-two-one-Launch,” Virgil said engaging the thrusters once more. The engines began to stutter. Bringing a slight murmur to their ears. “Uh oh,” Virgil said as he began flipping switches.
“Uh oh?’ Gabriel grumbled. “What do you mean Uh oh?”
“By uh oh, I mean, brace for evasive maneuvers until the engine’s warm-up.” Virgil tightened the helmet strap on his chin. Flipping a switch to disable the auto pilot. The rest of the boys grabbed onto their cages for their lives. Tearing through a cloud and waited, closing his eyes. One of the F-35 pilots flipped the switch activating his guns for an attack. Virgil waiting to sense the spinning of the cannon of the fighter. Virgil immediately banked a hard left as bullets began to fly out of the cannon. Nearly missing the Silver Arrow. Breaking into a flip and dive maneuver. Gabe felt the blood rushing to his head. Virgil began to laugh, dodging and weaving through the clouds, dodging the F-35’s strafing runs. “C’mon baby do not let me down.” Virgil continued flying with extreme tenacity. He could feel the pilot’s impatience with him, hoping to finish the engagement swiftly. Virgil was focused on him, sensing his every move, and perfectly executing the dodge. Gabe closed his eyes; his ears began to ring. He could feel his eyes pushing against his skull.
“Thrusters ready.” The computer said, the green light flashing. Virgil brought the ship flying towards the horizon line ahead. Flipping the switch.
“Hold on.” He yelled as he pressed the button. Sending the engines to fire up. “Come on.” Sensing the pilot prep one of his missiles for launch. The engines spun up, tilting horizontally. Virgil swallowed his throat, before slamming the back of his helmet against the chair. They were jumping to incredible speed. Sending a blast throughout the cabin. Virgil took a sigh of relief, that the fighter had broken off. Looking down seeing a flashing red light on his control panel, a missile right behind them. Gabe’s eyes rolled to the back of his head, soon letting go of his muscles, passing out.
Virgil sat and began to hope the second phase would hurry up. The missile was drawing closer. Virgil began to feel lightheaded, flying on an empty stomach. The missile’s cone drew nearer, the cone barely grazing the back ramp of the osprey. Virgil regained his consciousness, throwing the switch in front of him into overdrive. The missile exploded in the air, just as the Silver Arrow ripped through the sky. Sending a small amount of fragmentation into the bay of the osprey. Nearly missing Ethan and Carlos, who both had passed out from the g-forces. The F-35’s attempted to pursue but the Silver Arrow had already been miles ahead of them.
After ten minutes, Virgil turned off the thrusters. Gabe’s arms and legs loosened up, falling to dead weight. Virgil was above their destination, beginning a scan to land somewhere, so he could repair the osprey but still be hidden from the public. “Gabe, we’re here,” Virgil said, reaching his arm over shaking him lightly. Gabe woke up from his slumber.
Gabe looked up and began to yell out, flailing his arms and legs around. “Virgil!” He yelled until he realized that they were back to a normal flight. “Oh. What happened?” He asked him, looking around.
“You passed out,” Virgil said looking on the map of his control panel. Pressing a section of the map the osprey banked a slight left. “I found a good hiding place.” Virgil said, “I’ll make repairs as I can until your return.
“Sounds good to me.” Gabe said, “I’ll take Ethan and Carlos, something tells me this mission won’t be an easy one.”
“You’re telling me.” Virgil laughed as he brought the VTOL to a stop, bringing it down in between some hills. They were in the middle of a desert. “You said you were going to talk to Liam’s father?” He asked.
“Yeah,” Gabe said looking out the window. “Maybe he knows something about where he is.” Gabe unbuckled his harness and stood up, stretching his arms and legs. Becoming lightheaded again, he sat back down. “It’s still early, let’s eat a bit first.” He laughed. Virgil opened the door sliding the door open. Carlos was stretching out of his chair.
“You guys hungry?” He asked looking at Virgil and Ethan. Carlos opened up the panel above him, grabbing MRE’s for everyone.
Ethan turned his head to the side. A hole that had been made once the air burst missile hit the osprey. It was right next to his head; he had wondered why it felt cold to him as they were landing. “Was that always there?” He wondered.
“The less you know, the better,” Virgil said opening a compartment and pulling out the welding gun, and walking to the back.
“You’re not going to eat?” Carlos asked him. Virgil pressed the button to drop the back ramp. A cold wind came blowing in through the desert.
“Nah, I’ll eat later,” Virgil said as he stepped on the ramp, riding it down to the ground.
“Damn it’s cold,” Ethan said as Carlos tossed him an MRE. “Thanks.” He laughed.
“It is the desert, nice little overcast,” Gabe said stepping out of the cockpit and into the bay. “You guys hurry up.” He said grabbing an MRE from Carlos’ hands. “Something tells me we’re not the only ones who know of our plans.” He tore it open. Grabbing what he wanted from the MRE and threw everything back into the bag.
“Oh no, can we sit down and enjoy our meal?” Carlos whined.
“Did you just not hear what I said,” Gabe said annoyed. “Field strip it and change into something more normal,” Gabe said. Field stripping food was the process of only carrying the essentials of the food. Taking what you needed to live and leaving the rest for when you came back or throwing it away. Gabe took off his chest rig, putting his gear into an overhead panel, with his name on it. The others did the same. Virgil began welding spare metal over the holes of the Silver Arrow. They dressed down until they were all wearing their hoodies or sweaters. Gabe wrapped his hilt in a metal-proof wrap. Tossing it to Carlos so he can wrap his next. Gabriel headed outside, looking at the map on his phone. Getting his bearing. He knew he had to go to the north until they hit the city. “We should’ve brought the buggy.” He laughed, he handed Virgil the emergency communicator. Carlos and Ethan stood waiting for Gabriel at the ramp.
“How far we got to go?” Carlos asked.
“He never tells you,” Ethan said.
“I just have to prepare myself.”
“No, because every time you find out, you just get negative, and then you complain the entire time,” Gabe said walking up to them, taking off his dark blue cloak. Carlos took offense, shrugging it off. He knew he was unathletic, but he tried his best. He rolled it up and tucked it in the waist band of his jeans. “Let’s go for a stroll, shall we?” Gabe chuckled as he began walking. The two of them followed behind Gabe, in a column formation. One behind the other to conceal their numbers.
“Grab some burgers on the way back,” Virgil called out to Gabe before they got too far.
“Only if you pick us up.” He joked. Virgil smiled flipping his welding goggles down over his eyes and getting back to work. The three were looking at walking a good two miles before they reached the city. The cold winds were picking up gradually. Gabe put on his face mask to keep the sand from blowing on his face.
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Eve was sitting in front of David, in the middle of a small field. David was mediating, looking as if he was at peace in life. The trees are high around themselves. The winds slowly blow through the trees. They had walked up the mountain. Eve felt the safest there than she had been anywhere else. Sitting in the center was a white tree, Life flowed into and out of it in perfect harmony. David had called it a tree of life. There were many, this was one of them. Their power grew stronger there, their minds were stronger and insightful. The grass slowly blowing tickled her knees. She continued to stare at David, smiling, she was scared to try meditating again. What would she do if she found herself in the previous hellscape?
“Close your eyes, just relax,” David said. His hands-on the tops of his knees. Sitting in the center of a couple stones.
Eve thought about last time, she was afraid to try to speak to the spirits again. “But what- “
“No buts, just do it,” David said light-heartedly. “Take a deep breath.” David inhaled deeply, his stomach and chest cavities expanding. Eve followed him, placing her hands on her knees closed her eyes. Inhaling through her nose, holding the oxygen in her lungs, and releasing it from her mouth. Mirroring David as they breathed in, synchronized, as their cavities expanded, the air around them closed in around them. Flowing through the trees like a river. The trees bowing towards the two. As they released, the air pushed out from around them, the trees pushing away from the two. The trees around them acted as bronchi for the lungs. As if all life were centered on them. Eve felt the energy flow in and out of the pores on her light skin. The small hairs raising on her arms, her hair slowly sweeping across her face. She could feel all the life and death around her, back into the trance of the world. She was one with nature around herself.
David quietly opened his eyes gazing at her, the stones around them were floating. He was astonished by how in tune she was already. He just smiled. David could feel how at peace she was. Leaves danced around them slowly. “I understand now.” She said softly, “I understand how beautiful everything is. Life and death. There is nothing to fear.” Her lips slowed with each sentence. David remained quiet, lifting himself up to his knees. Pulling the small bag that Eleazar had given to him after the council meeting. Opening it up, he took a small crystal. Clear and perfectly cut in a hexagon. No bigger than the center of his palm.
“Stay focused,” David said as he took her hand gently as if he were grasping fragile glass. He placed the crystal in the palm of her small hands. David grabbed her other hand. Folding her left into a fist to hold the crystal. Eve still unaware of what he was doing, focused on everything around her. Grabbing her right hand to grasp her left as if she was praying. Placing her hands together at her waist. David took his necklace off, as it levitated in front of his face. The crystal glowing a bright green. His crystal came down to his right hand. It continued to glow viridian. “Repeat after me,” David said, Eve, nodded her head slowly.
“I, a woman of the lands, skies, and oceans.
Swear to this day and last days, to protect.
All life and death of the mortal and immortal worlds.
Entrusted in the balance of life and death alike.
Luxuria, Gula, Avaritia, Aceedia, Ira, Invidia and Superbia.
As are the ways of the world, I am not.
Casitas, Moderatio, Caritas, Industria, Patientia, Gratia, and Humilitas.
Are entrusted to me.”
Eve repeated every line as David recited it. “This is the code we live by. Learn it, understand it, live it and everything will come with it.” David said softly, the more he came in tune with the spirits, the brighter his crystal glowed.
“I will,” Eve said. Her crystal began to glow in her palms. A white light glowed brightly through the cracks in her fingers.
“The spirits know your heart and who you are and who you will become.” David said, “pour your heart and spirit into the crystal. Look into yourself.” Eve relaxed her eyes, she saw all the colors of the spectrum. White, red, purple, green, blue, and yellow. White immediately fell from the darkness. However, it formed into stars in front of her eyes. She held no desire for power in her spirit, so red fell from the sky into the dark. She held no scars in her heart, so purple fell from the sky. Her will was strong but was not the core of her spirit. So yellow fell from the sky. Her heart desired wisdom, but her heart and spirit cried for protection and courage. So, blue shined the brightest.
The crystal in her hands began to glow brighter. She could feel the heat from it burning her palm. She held pain and chaos in her mind, spirit, and core. The hexagonal crystal began to break down into a more jagged and natural shape. Her eyes can see blue. Visions of knights and warriors danced in her mind. Fighting heroic battles, charging headfirst into the darkness with swords at their sides. She felt a harmonious world of peace and justice. David watched as Eve opened her soft eyes, her eyes, a new brighter shade of blue than her natural eyes. She looked at David’s eyes, they were glowing a bright green. Looking down at his palm, the green crystal shined bright. Eve looked down at her hands, opening her palms, revealing her crystal. Emitting a deep blue color. She was speechless, it made sense why David had always given off green energy. “What does this mean?” She asked.
David smiled, “It means you’re a sword. Charged with protecting and delivering justice to the darkness. Though it is never black and white. This is just what your best at or desire most. There are three different classes. The sword class like you fight for justice. The shield class like me desires to find a peaceful solution. Those who are yellow are the spear class, willing to go to the even most desolate of places to eliminate darkness at its roots. But it’s more complicated than that.”
“Sword class, like Gabe?” She asked, David, nodded at her. “And you have a green crystal, which is more peaceful?” Eve stood up and walked over to David, finally breaking her captivation with her crystal to only be captivated by his. “I watched you kill people.” Eve joked.
“I never killed a single person.” David chuckled. “But as I said, it’s not always black and white.”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend,” Eve said softly. She watched as the crystals fell from their emitted energy to natural color. “Our crystals are kind of similar except the color.”
David frowned, confused, never seeing two crystals being similar. Looking down at both crystals, comparing the two. “That’s strange.”
“Think it means something?” Eve asked him, stepping closer to him. Her hand next to his.
“Maybe it’s by coincidence,” David said still confused.
“Oh well, it’s probably nothing,” Eve said smiling up at him. “What’s next?” She asked stepping away from him. “When do I get a cool sword?” Swung her hand around imitating him. Making swinging swooshes with her mouth.
David could not help but laugh at her. “When you earn it.” David smiled. “You have a lot more training before you make your own.” David pulled out a chain.
“You’re saying I make my own?” She was ecstatic.
“Yes, one day.” David smiled; took her crystal. Wrapping it in a wire and clipping on the chain. “Make sure you keep this, so you don’t lose it. The crystal helps us stay connected with the spirits at all times.” Eve turned around lifter her hair up for him to put the necklace on for her. David blushed, shaking his head. Wrapping it around her neck and securing it.
“Thank you.” She said looking at the necklace hanging down her neck.
“Of course,” David said, Eve looked back at him; her eyes locked on his. David’s face got red, “You can come here whenever. Just don’t mess with the stones. You can even visit the cemetery in the back if you wish.” David broke the tension, “We should probably head back now.”
“What do we have next?” She asked.
“You’re going to get some books and study.” David laughed.
“What?” Eve got frustrated. “Study what?”
“You think being a guardian is all about waving a magic sword around?” David laughed. “You have to understand the Order and the spirits that it's built on.” David began to walk.
Eve sighed, she thought she just got done with school. “When can we meditate again?” She asked.
“You can meditate whenever.” David said walking away, “I have a mission.”
“When?” Eve asked, chasing after him.
“When we get back,” David said starting down the mountain trail.
“So, who’s going teach me when you are gone?”
“Jasmine and Kevin are still here, but right now you have to focus on studying. Those books are already at your doorstep.”
“When are you going to be back?” Eve asked him, not wanting to feel alone.
“I should be back tonight.” David said, “regardless, I can’t hold your hand through it all.”
“I understand,” Eve said softly.
“Ah, don’t get like that.” David said, “You will be okay.” David said turning around and placing his hand on her shoulder. “You got this.” Eve smiled at him.
“Just be safe,” Eve told him.
“Don’t worry about me.” David said, “Memento mori.”
“What does that mean?” Eve asked.
“Come on.” David turned around smiling. Eve just shook her head following David down the mountain to the commune. She would ask Jasmine for help if she needed it before David was back. Eve felt Kevin would just annoy her with his disregard. She held hope in her heart. Ready for her future with David and the others, praying it would never end.