A young boy at the age of nine was laying on the bottom twin bunkbed. Gazing at the bunk overhead. Thinking of his family. How much he missed them. Hoping they were alright. There were no blankets, no pillows. His bed was nothing more than a pile of hay on a metal table. He had been through bad living conditions in his life. As far as being homeless. He thought he would rather be there again. At least, then he would be with his family.

  The other boy above him jumped down from the bunk, he turned around revealing his yellow eyes. His hair buzzed the same as the other boy. His freckles littered across his nose and cheeks. “Eagle, it’s time to get up.”

  “Already?” Eagle asked. Forcing himself up, still sore from the day before. “When does it ever end?” Eagle asked him. Grabbing his sword and holster from the side of his bed and buckling it around his waist. He passed it to his friend. “Take it, Wolf.”

  “Thanks.” He snatched it from Eagle. The children were given new names, to keep each other from gaining attachments to each other. If they were to ever speak their names, they would be severely punished. The young girl woke up in the corner, rubbing her eyes.

  “Badger, I forgot about you.” Eagle walked over grabbing her hand to help lift her up. All three were tired, almost malnourished. Bags under their eyes, Eagle could feel the pounding in his brain. The door slid open; the light conquered the dark room. They covered their eyes from the piercing light.

  “Zulu squad.” A woman entered with two guards. Her long golden hair and clear face. She crossed her arms. “Unfortunately, you are the last surviving group.” Eagle kept his baring, but inside his mind was panic. They had been training for years, under the intense drill. It was a wonder how anything could kill any of them. “Not all the other squads are dead, but there are some that will be crippled for their lives. Eagle looked forward; his facial movements held still. Like a statue, all three stood side by side. “Get ready. You will conduct your final test.” She left a hologram on the floor. And proceeded out the door, the two guards followed her out, shutting the door. Eagle looked at the hologram and then started into his trunk. Throwing it open, quickly dressed in his training gear. Nothing but a tunic and a black cloak with hexagonal patterns on it. The others did the same. All three appeared the same, their eyes were the only thing a stranger's eye could notice in difference. Eagle’s eyes were green while Badger’s and Wolf’s eyes were yellow.

  The hologram turned on; a blue map of the underground fortress appeared. “This message will play once and destroy itself. Pay attention warriors.” Eagle focused his mind, doing his best to retain everything. “You will make your way through the tunnels below. You have been given the order to get past them all, by any means possible. Reach the end of the maze, and you will find what you are looking for. Remember to be patient and audacious with the Spirit. Memento Mori.” The hologram faded and burned. The room filled with smoke. The three children did their best not to choke.

  “They want us to escape,” Badger said with her young raspy voice. Looking around the room.

  “We can’t leave this room.” Wolf said, “this room is solid shut.”

  “They want us to fight our way out,” Eagle said, “I can feel soldiers about to storm this room.” Eagle drew his sword, it glowed green with his touch. The other two did the same, preparing themselves to fight. Eagle closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. The doors blew open, Eagle ran through the door like a shadow, bouncing off the hallway’s wall, leaping backward as the soldiers flooded into the room. Eagle slashed at one of the chests, the energy infusing his blade had torn through their plated armor with ease. Killing one of the men. Badger and Wolf began engaging the others, gunshots rang in their ears. No matter how painful, they held their composure. Soon they dispatched the squad of soldiers. Private military, Eagle looked down at the dead. Disgusting he thought of himself. He hated being forced to kill.

  “Eagle, we got to move.” Wolf pulled off their helmets, scavenging the bodies for communication equipment. Handing Eagle an earpiece, turning around, and giving one to Badger. Eagle took the lead of the wedge as they charged down the hallways, making their way to the tunnels.

  “Ma’am, they made it past the first test.” A man said next to her.

  “They still have a long night ahead of them.” She smiled, hoping to gain at least one survivor, meaning the experiment would be a success, having a great warrior. She watched the camera feeds as they walked through the tunnel. “Walking? Well, that’s the smartest thing we’ve seen all night.”

  Eagle raised his hand, telling his team to stop at a crossroad in the tunnel. Their only source of light was their dimly lit swords. Eagle leaned forward, rubbing his hand in the dirt. Footsteps in both directions, he rubbed the walls, searching for some type of clue. He pulled his hand back after each inspection. Checking his hand after touching a thick substance on the wall to his left, blood. “Right.” He said as he started down the claustrophobic halls. The others followed.

  “You think they will actually let us leave when we pass?” Wolf asked.

  “They spent two years trying to break our humanity. Why would they let us get our humanity back?”

  “I’d rather die,” Wolf claimed. Eagle stayed quiet, what worth was it if they were not going to be able to see their families again. He held his will strong.

  “Let’s focus,” Eagle said. The team did just that, taking everything slowly, avoiding every trap, and making it past every obstacle. The only thing they seemed to race was their small starving stomachs. Eventually, they came to an open cavern. They decided to rest, all tired and in need of food and water.

  The golden-haired woman watched the cameras. “They still have the last test ma’am.”

  “They are showing promise, but four teams had already fallen to the beast.” She said standing up from her chair. The doors behind her opened. She turned around. “Who is in here without proper clear- “She stopped, dropping to one knee. The dark-skinned man walked in; his head thinned with hair. “Master Hawkins, what are you doing here?”

  “Shutting this down, the council has reviewed the project and is putting it to an end. The Order is not an assassin organization.” He stated.

  “What of our enemies? The Brotherhood? How will we keep the other branches in check, Master?”

  “Knight Leonora. Not all our problems will be handled through violence. A time will come when we will fight, but we must not forget who we are.”

  “It’s too late, the last group have already made it to the cavern,” Leonora said standing up and zooming in on the camera feed of the children making their way down from the rock formations to the pedestal. Master Hawkins looked on at the feed.

  “We must leave immediately. Knight Eleazar, let’s go.” He ordered as the young Eleazar with a less stressed face and thinner beard. Less gray. He followed behind his master, both moving quickly if they were to save the children from what beast lived in the darkness.

  Eagle, Badger, and Wolf were standing on a cliffside, there was a single trail heading to the center. In the center of the sharp rock formations was a light, shining through the roof top. Sat was a pedestal, on top was a cloth, hiding something beneath. Wolf took a step forward but was immediately stopped by Eagle. He gripped tightly.

  “What?” Wolf asked him turning to Eagle, who had been starring harshly into the light.

  “Do you feel that?” He asked.

  “Feel what?” Wolf replied, turning his head around. “I don’t sense anything.”

  “Exactly.” Eagle said, “Remain cautious, something is not right.”

  “You’re being paranoid,” Wolf said shrugging his arm off him. He started down the path. Treading lightly, careful not to make any noise. Badger followed behind him. Eagle stood firm, watching from above. Badger and Wolf walked up to the pedestal, taking each step slowly. Eagle looked down into the foggy abyss, he knew there was something down there. Just not sure as to what. Badger took a step forward, pressing on one of the steps. It sank in. Eagle sensed a slight rumbling, “What is it?” Wolf called out to Eagle.

  “Something is coming.” He called out to them. He pulled his sword from his holster. Preparing himself for battle. Badger and Wolf both began climbing up the staircase quickly, hoping to reach the pedestal in time. The shaking grew stronger. Badger lost her footing, causing her to fall off the side. Screaming, Wolf reacted quickly grabbing onto her wrist. Wolf fell to his chest, rocks crumbling from above onto the cavern. Wolf gripped tightly to Badger, trying to keep her from falling onto the ground below. Eagle began to run, falling to his knee to stabilize himself from the quaking. A massive shadow began crawling up the wall, Eagle was unable to make out any of its features. All he felt was fear. This was the ultimate presence of death to him. He stood back up rushing to the center. He began running up the steps. Catching up to Badger’s position, Wolf’s grip slipped from her wrist. Eagle dived onto the steps, grabbing onto her other arm. The two were able to pull the small girl up.

  The demon jumped into the center, releasing a dark groan before showing its mouth of fire. Eagle and the others filled with fear, turned around, seeing their only hope was at the top of the stairs where the pedestal sat. The shadow rushed up the stairs, attempting to catch up to the children. It screamed with a piercing howl, causing Wolf to scream. He attempted to cover his ears, before stumbling to the ground. The beast reached its shadowy claws, grabbing onto Wolf’s ankle. He screamed for help, begging in agonizing pain. Eagle turned around, pulling out his sword, delivering an overhead stab to the beast’s hand. It shrieked releasing Wolf. “Go!” Eagle yelled at Wolf who began sprinting with a limp, his leg bleeding and turning to black.

  Eagle stood firm, delivering a blood hurtling yell from his stomach, taunting the beast. Preparing for a battle, he picked up Wolf’s sword that he had dropped. Dual wielding swords out from his body. The beast screamed back, resetting its posture. Preparing to attack. Badger reached the top of the stairs, taking no time to catch her breath, she unfolded the cloth. Finding three black broadsword hilts. Each is identical to the other. She grabbed ahold of all of them, looking for an escape. Their only salvation was back from where they came.

  The beast struck out at Eagle, which was dodged, as Eagle slashed at the arm. Quickly turning around to deliver an overpowered attack to the demon’s face. Badger sprinted back down the steps, once reaching Wolf, she handed him a hilt. “We have to go.” He said to her grabbing her arms.

  “Not without Eagle.” She said running. “This is the only way.” She infused both hilts, both iridescent. Wolf gritted his teeth, ashamed of himself that he was going to leave his friend. How could they ever hope to defeat it? Eagle waited for the beast to raise its head to attack him. Not expecting Eagle to charge under it striking up at the neck. It shrieked again. To Eagle’s dismay, the demon swiped under itself, smashing Eagle against the wall. Knocking him unconscious completely. Dropping both swords to his side.

  Badger jumped to the sky, striking the beast from overhead, she yelled out in courage. Delivering repeated blows to the top of the head. Wolf charged in, infusing his sword not giving the beast a chance to attack. The beast was unable to keep up with the two of them. Eventually, the demon leaped from its position. Leaping from the steps back into its cavern, whimpering and screaming in pain.

  “Eagle!” Wolf called out, limping over to him. The corruption already settling in his leg. He grabbed onto his friend. Badger helped him up as well. Revealing a splatter of blood on the wall where his head rested. Putting the one hilt in her holster and the other in Eagle’s, they carried him down the stairs. His arms over their shoulders. “You idiot,” Wolf called him.

  “I was not going to let it kill you,” Eagle muttered slowly. Once they reached the base, they took no time to stop, the beast could not come back for them once they were back into the tunnels.

  “In return you let it kill you, fool,” Wolf said they carried him up the trail.

  Eagle’s vision continued to get blurrier. “They always punished you for helping others,” Badger said to him. “Now you’re dying.” She said pulling him up the trail. Each covered in blood, the corruption continued to spread up Wolf’s leg. Once they reached the archway into the tunnels. Wolf fell to the ground. Causing the chain of the team to break. Each hitting the ground. “Wolf,” Badger said voice full of concern.

  “I’ll be okay,” Wolf said, looking at the hilt and his leg. Thinking of severing the leg before it spread any further.

  “No,” Eagle said, knowing what he would do. Eagle pulled himself up, moving his blood-covered hands over to the source of the corruption.

  “What are you doing?” Wolf said to him. A light emitted from Eagle’s hands, pushing his energy into his leg to fight the corruption. Wolf watched as Eagle’s hands began to turn black. He slapped Eagle’s hands from him. Badger watched, not sure what to do.

  “I’m saving you.” Eagle said, “I feel the world fading. I don’t think I’ll be here much longer.”

  “Don’t say that,” Wolf yelled at him, his eyes welling up with tears. Wolf cried out in pain; the corruption kept spreading. Eagle began to fight the corruption again, his hands emitting light into his leg.

  “My name is not Eagle.” He said softly, he looked up at Badger.

  “They’ll kill you,” Badger said.

  “I’m already dead.” He muttered, Eagle was in so much pain, feeling his life fade away into Wolf’s leg.

  “Eagle don’t.” Wolf gritted his teeth, unable to fight him being in pain.

  “David.” He said smiling, the corruption was almost gone. “My name is David.” His hand’s turning to black.

  “Kaitlyn,” Badger said with a smile. Gripping onto both of their hands. David smiled back at her. The corruption was stopped in Wolf’s leg. David fell backward, looking off into the darkness, his eyes losing their color. Everything turned black and white for himself.

  Wolf shot up, kneeling by the dying boy. “No, No, No.” He leaned over placing his hand on the side of his face. Pulling him close to his chest.

  David was floating in space. There was no perception of time. Just emptiness. In one direction, he could see a white star, warm on his skin. Glimmering in his eyes. His body rotated in the emptiness of space. He could see something, black and round. Was this a black hole? No. It was different. He was not drawn to either side. In perfect balance. He was just a baby, then a child with a full head of hair. He rotated again his head moving forward, his legs drifted back. He was himself, hair buzzed. Rotating again. He was a small teenager. A smile slowly grew. Then a young man, face scarred. Hearing laughs and screams together. His smile eased away. Drifting again. He was a man. Hearing a woman’s voice. Along with a baby’s coos. He smiled again. He was then an old man with a strong smile. Nothing but laughter filled the emptiness around him. David rotated once more. The sun and the dark orb began to collide upon himself. A figure made of both light and darkness appeared before himself.

  Master Hawkins and Eleazar ran forward, catching up to the kids. Kaitlyn sat on her knees, her cheeks running with tears as if they were a river. Wolf continued to rock David’s body back and forth. “He’s dead.” She said softly.

  “It’s okay my dear.” Master Hawkins knelt next to the girl. “It’s over. It’s over now.” Eleazar continued to stand there. Silently praying to himself.

  “Why?” Wolf said to him. “We were just kids.”

  “I am sorry my son.” Hawkins said, “We tried to stop it.” He muttered.

  “Your comrade is with the spirits now,” Eleazar spoke out to him.

  “He’s not my comrade. He’s my friend.” Wolf said. “Come on, get up.” He cried out to him.

  “A guardian must learn to let go,” Eleazar said. “It will do nothing but destroy you.”

  David’s corruption began to fade from his hands. “There we go. He’s getting better.” Wolf began to keep himself in denial.

  David was standing before what appeared to be God himself. “Who are you?” He asked. The entity mouthed the words with him. David raised his hand, the being raised his hand with him. Seeming like he was in the reflection of himself. Not knowing what else to say or do.

  “Today is not the day, David Locklear.” The entity said to him. Raising its hand. He flicked David’s chest where his heart sat. David was shot back, the universe passed him faster than the speed of light. The planets passed him like streetlights in a car. As he passed Mars, he felt his back grow warm as he fell into the Earth, the clouds passing him as if he was a meteorite. He fell past the blue skies and into the blue ocean. David’s body curved up from the impact.

  “Wolf come one son. It’s time to let him rest.” Hawkins said to him, holding Kaitlyn in his arms. Eleazar moved in to pick up David’s body.

  “My name is Liam.” He cried, refusing to let go of the body. David’s body turned from pale back to his fair skin. Liam could feel his warmth coming back into his body.

  “Liam?” David whispered; the blood residue leaked from his teeth. “Who name’s their kid Liam?” David asked. Liam pulled him tight.

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  “God dammit.” He threw him back, punching him in the shoulder. “Don’t ever do that to me again. Promise me.”

  “I don’t control if I die or not,” David said softly. Eleazar picked up David, who was struggling to get up to stand. Eleazar became extremely interested in the boy. He had borne witness to so much death and suffering as a Guardian and a Knight. Why was it that James and Gabriella’s son was able to come back from it?

  “Promise me,” Liam demanded of him.

  “If it’ll shut you up.” David laughed holding onto Eleazar. “I promise you.”

  “Shouldn’t make promises like that boy,” Eleazar said to him.

  “I have a name.” David sneered.

  “You will always be a boy to me,” Eleazar said. As the group began down the tunnel way. Liam followed behind them. Master Hawkins held onto the little girl’s hand.

  “What’s going to happen to us?” Kaitlyn asked them. Worried, not knowing if she should trust them or not. Though they made her feel comfortable. More than any of the others that trained them or kept them away from society.

  “We will take you home,” Hawkins said softly. “There is no more need to keep you in the wretched place. You can stay together as you like.”

  “I would like that,” Kaitlyn said.

  David opened his eyes, beaten and battered. Looking up from his swelled and black eye. Liam was sitting in a chair across from him. He looked away from his old friend, not being able to bring himself to speak to him. “Why do you live?” Liam asked. “I have beaten you, made you bleed more than ever. I electrocute you. Nothing breaks your will does it?” He said, sitting back in his chair. David kept looking away from him. Attempting to lick his chapped lips. But his mouth was bone dry. “Answer me!” Liam screamed at him. His voice echoed off the walls. David remained silent. Liam stood up, picking up his chair. Grabbing it and threw it against the wall as it shattered into splinters. He got into David’s face. Gripping his jaw tightly trying to force him in his face. “I said, answer me!” He screamed in anger again. David succumbed and looked at Liam in the face, realizing that those were no longer the eyes of his old friend. They were a stranger. David scrunched his face, disgusted by his wretched face. “I am going to ask you one more time, Locklear.” He said drawing his sword, putting it to David’s neck, and holding his face. David remained silent. Fearful of his death, but ready. The blade drew closer, he could feel the heat pulsating onto his throat. Liam scrunched his face, full of hatred. He threw his broadsword against the wall. It bounced against the ground clinging. “Why!” He let out a blood-wrenched roar. David took a deep breath. Liam threw his fist at the wall. Smashing a hole in it. “Why do you keep holding one!?” Liam yelled at David.

  David opened his lips; his chapped lips began to bleed. “I made a friend a promise.” He whispered from the back of his throat. Liam turned around, looking at him. Shaking his head slowly drawing his head to his own feet.

  “Between us, what side do you think she would have been one?” Liam muttered from his lips, raising his head looking at the roof. Taking a moment to reminisce his love.

  David looked at him and then closed his eyes. “You two were inseparable. This path would have made it hard for her to choose.” Liam smiled slightly. As long as he felt he was doing right by her memory, nothing else mattered. “But no matter what she did her best for the side of righteousness. And that is not what you have chosen.” David said, feeling his emotions change, falling back into anger. “It’s not too late Liam.”

  “It is too late for me.” Liam said, “Regardless, the seeress has foretold the fall of the Order.” He turned away from David. “You must join me, without you by my side. We can never hope to save the rest of the world from annihilation. Under my reign, the world can fall into a path of peace and prosperity for change.”

  “You expect me to run off the words of a seeress?” David took a moment to think, not to be too arrogant in his thinking. “Even if you are right, the darkness is not the way to saving the world. The people must be free to live their own lives. You cannot just expect to have peace.” David gritted his teeth. He could not recognize his friend in appearance, now he knew his friend was truly gone.

  “I never expected you to understand,” Liam said, he turned back to David. “She did say a Locklear would stand by my side in the last battle. There is another. Hell, maybe I can even convince your precious new Eve to join me.” He smiled; his teeth stained by yellow. David looked at him, smiling. “You do not believe me?”

  “If you think you have a hard time convincing me, Gabe will kill everyone on the Earth before he was forced to control them.” David laughed. “And Eve? She’s far too pure of heart.” David began coughing, blood flying from his mouth.

  “We shall see.” Liam was determined in his thoughts, thinking as if he could convince the Watchers to join him with David’s death. He ignited his blade, taking slow steps towards David. David felt his intent, closing his eyes. He was preparing himself for his end. Liam raised his crimson blade, ready to strike down David. “Goodbye, old friend.” He said, completely drunk on the corruption’s power. David began to think of all the faces of his friends, his family. The only thing that truly mattered to him, was them. He knew they would live on without him. No matter what happened, he was genuinely happy he spent his last days by their sides. His father, Master Eleazar, Ethan, Richard, Chris, Stephen, Allison, Jasmine, Carlos, Virgil, Kevin, Liam, Kaitlyn, Gabriel, and Eve. He trusted Gabe with the survival and preservation of the light. Eve, he was sorry he would never be able to watch her become as powerful as he believed.

  Liam prepared to swing his blade down at David but was stopped. His body, completely frozen. David released his breath, panting. He was back to reality. Why was he not dead already? He looked at Liam who was unable to move. David turned his head to the doorway before it was blown open. Inside walked Gabe, behind him was the flashing of clashing swords in the catacombs. Holding his hand out, gripping Liam’s hilt in suspended air. “Not today pretty boy,” Gabe said. The Gabe swung at him with his blue blade, Liam was quick to regain control of his sword. Crossing blades with Gabe. Liam was a greater duelist, but Gabe held his own. For once it seemed Gabe was on the defensive, and not to toy with his enemy. But because he needed it. David began to shake his hand free from one of the cloth restraints. Richard and Allison ran into the room behind Gabriel who was locked in an intense duel with Liam. Richard cut the straps from David’s wrists as Allison grabbed him by the jaw. David smiled at her.

  “Do not smile at me like you’re about to die,” Allison commanded him. “We’re going to get you out of here.” She told him; Richard finished getting David loose. Grabbing him from under the knees and the upper most of his back.

  “I’ll get him to the Arrow.” Richard said, “Gabe, we are leaving.” He called out to Gabriel fighting.

  “I’m a little busy.” He said, angered by Liam.

  “You are not taking him from me!” Liam screamed out; his voice echoed off the walls. David turned his head, reaching his hand out. Pulling David’s hilt from his belt and into his hand. Chris walked inside, looking at the two dueling, knowing Gabriel was not strong enough yet to defeat Liam on his own. Chris raised his hand, sending a focused burst of yellow lightning from his palm. Connecting with Liam did not keep him from dueling, but it did keep his feet planted to the ground. Gabe took this opportunity to jump outside the room, Liam screamed in pain and anger. Taking step by step to the doorway. Gabe fell to the ground, using his back to break the fall. He watched the ever-persistent Liam moving slowly to them against the electricity.

  “With him on us, he’s not going to let us leave,” Chris said. Gabe looked up at the roof, seeing a weakness in the rock formation holding the roof together. He reached out his hand, gripping onto it telekinetically and pulling the rock from the roof. Rocks began to crumble from the top. Chris dropped his electricity from Liam who began to sprint for them. Chris grabbed Gabe from the floor, helping him to his feet.

  “No!” Liam screamed before the boulders smashed in the doorway of the room. The quaking continued.

  “What the hell did you do?” Chris yelled at Gabriel. Gabe just shrugged his shoulders laughing. The two began sprinting away as the halls began to crumble down behind them. They passed by Carlos and Ethan who were engaged in a fight. Gabe cut them down instantly as he ran past.

  “Oh my god!” Carlos screamed witnessing the crumbling tunnel as he turned and started running with the group. Ethan quickly followed behind, wishing nothing to be crushed by the rock.

  Richard and Allison continued to run up the stairs. Holding David in his arms, “You had the pretty lady worried about you.” He chuckled.

  “Which one?” David laughed slightly, coughing blood up once more. “How many came?” David asked looking up at Richard. “They had an army.”

  “The Order sent seven companies of the Round Table a little more than a hundred.” Richard told him, “Not sure if it’s enough but we think we made enough of a dent in their forces to retreat.” Each squad in the Order was composed of a knight and five guardians. Each company held three squads.

  “This is not over,” David said, Richard remained silent. Carrying David up the stairs was exhausting. David did his best to make himself lighter when he could. Two acolytes came running down the stairs, looking at the three, they did not hesitate to ignite their blades. Attempting to strike. Allison raised her blade, blocking one of the members. The other attempted to stab Richard but was kicked against the wall. Jasmine had appeared from the nothingness, she ignited her blade, stabbing the acolyte locked with Allison in the stomach. Turning around, she slashed at the face of the other acolyte laying on the ground.

  “Thank you,” Richard told Jasmine.

  “Where’s my brother?” She asked.

  “They’re right behind us,” David said, his eyes closed. Today had too many close calls for him. He was getting tired of the teases with his life.

  “Virgil is ready to sweep in and grab us, but if we’re not all together.”

  “It’s okay Jasmine, they’ll be there,” David said. She nodded; she took the lead running up the stairs as the rest followed. The halls were tight and narrow, it was hard for Richard to breathe and continue carrying David.

  The group reached the end of the staircase, it was open. An intense battle laid host to the cavern David once came from. The room was completely dark, except being illuminated by the flashes of blue, green, and yellow swords against the red. The Order clashed with the Brotherhood in open combat. Sabers dueled furiously, members dying from both sides. Kevin was waiting for the group at the doorway, along with a couple guardians from the Order. “You look like garbage,” Kevin said looking at David, all he could do was smile in response. “Where’s the rest?” Kevin asked.

  “On the way, but that does not mean we can secure the landing,” Jasmine said, charging ahead, heading for the exit of the cavern.

  “Right.” Kevin said, “Let’s go.” He said, the group kept moving. David opened his eyes, the roar of the battle waged. So much death on both sides, what was it all worth? He questioned. He could feel the spirits whimpering from the loss of life. These acolytes were once brothers and sisters to the Order, how was it that they could fall into such darkness to want to kill their once friends. His power began to grow again. No longer lost in the spirit. David tugged on Richard’s arm.

  “Let me down. I can walk.” He said, Richard, nodded. Setting David down on his feet. David stumbled at first, quickly regaining his balance from the lack of walking in the last two days of being bound. He held his hilt at his side. The group followed closely behind Kevin who started up a trail alongside the cavern.

  Gabriel and his group made it to the top of the trail through the catacombs. Waiting alongside the catwalk that leads to the outside. “Let’s go!” He called out. Taking a view of his brother running up the trail without help, he smiled. Happy to see him no longer in his useless state. Gabe looked down at the ensuing battle. Taking the flare gun from his holster, he opened it. Grabbing a flare from one of the pouches on his chest rig. Loading it, he fired the flare into the open cavern. The battle was brought to a halt with the light. The Order’s army began cheering, breaking off from the fighting with the Brotherhood. Slowly they flooded back into the entrance, heading back into the tunnel. David caught up to Gabriel.

  “All this for me?” David asked.

  “Not really, more of like the Order delivering a blow to the Brotherhood,” Gabe said, David, bumping his fist against his shoulder. “Did you get the information we were looking for?”

  “They plan on destroying the Order,” David said to him.

  “It’s nice you guys are reunited and all,” Allison said panting pointing down the trail they just came from. “But we have other issues.” The Legion of the Brotherhood had split in two. A large force was fixed on fighting the Order as they retreated. The other half had broken into a horde, hell-bent on killing the Watchers.

  David and Gabe ran over to the top of the trail, grabbing a large pillar together. Pulling it from the wall, they instantly sent it tumbling down the trail. Some Acolytes were crushed by the oncoming debris, while others jumped over it, or retreated trying to escape the path of destruction. Some failed due to the back of the horde not realizing what was barreling down for them. “That definitely killed some.” He said looking up at David, running away using the time they bought. David caught up with the group.

  “No, they lived. Broken, but alive.” David said, his face still bruised and battered. Blood still leaking from his mouth. He could feel the strain on his body taking a toll. Once they crossed the catwalk. Ethan and Carlos cut the lines suspending it. Keeping the enemy from following them to the top of the mountain.

  “We’re almost there,” Kevin said from the front of the group. Doing their best to reach the evacuation point in time. Master Eleazar was there with two other knights. He took a deep breath as his knights did the same. The air surrounding the mountain seemed to revolve around them. He was completely tuned with the spirit.

  “Hurry boy.” He said into his earpiece. Virgil sat in his cockpit, engines prepped and ready to make another high velocity launch. He kept it steady, despite the high winds of the mountain top. “Boy, when it’s time to leave, we are getting out of here. Something tells me this mountain is going to be swarming with spoiled brats before we know it.” Virgil looked behind himself, looking out of the cockpit doors. Looking outside the Silver Arrow’s ramp barely hovering off the ground. Virgil did not want to risk not being able to lift off once he was touched down.

  David stumbled, rolling down the trail before his back hit the side of a rock. Gasping in pain, Gabriel slides down on one leg. Reaching his hand out, grabbing his brothers. “Darkness looms.” He said pulling David back up to his feet. The Horde was drawing close, death followed with it. David could feel Liam’s presence getting closer as well. David began to bear crawling up the trail, Gabriel behind him. “Do not slow down on me now,” Gabe told his brother. Not knowing what he must have gone through for his will to be so slow.

  If there was anything David would ever do, it was not failing his little brother. He kept driving himself up the trail, no matter how much it hurt. He went faster, sooner before later it would be over. The group reached the top before realizing David and Gabriel were not amongst them. Carlos and Ethan looked back, watching them as far back as they were. “Come on!” Carlos yelled out to them. Doing his best to encourage them.

  Eleazar stood between his knights outfitted in silver armor, Acolytes began running over the crest of the mountain, igniting their crimson swords. One jumped high releasing a blood-gushing roar, before spitting out a handful of blood. A spear of black smoke smashed through his stomach sending him down the mountain. Eleazar had used his dark shear ability, to form the spear. His knights drew their swords, one blue broadsword, and the other a yellow claymore, beginning to kill their enemies. The acolytes stood no chance. Eleazar drew both his sword and dagger, a dancing fury of attacks, almost a genocide. They continued to charge the group.

  Kevin came through the archway, Richard and Jasmine followed closely with Allison. “We’re here to help Master.” He called out, all igniting their blades.

  “Get to the ship, protect it with your lives.” Master Eleazar said. “I don’t have time to argue boy.” He said killing another attacker. Kevin acknowledged and took his group behind the ramp, getting into a defensive stance. Carlos, Ethan, and Chris charged out soon after them, they took a defensive stance at the entrance. Soon David and Gabe came running through the archway. David limped with his running. The group formed a defensive escort around them as they went for the ship. David looked at his master, “You survive me yet boy.” He said smashing his fist against the face of one of the masked acolytes, as it crumbled completely against his fist.

  “With your training of course,” David said smugly. Gabe pushed him to the side, David stumbled to his knee. Gabe killed one of the attacking acolytes. Before realizing one was inches from attacking his head. David ensured to remove his hands and sent him flying with a push. Gabe smiled, “One of these days I’ll owe you one.” David smiled up at his younger brother. Grabbing him before he fell. Gabe was not muscular, he struggled to take his brother and dragged him to the Silver Arrow.

  “You boys better get out of here before you get yourselves killed.” Master Eleazar commanded them. David looked at him, regaining his footing, he started for the ramp of the Silver Arrow. Liam’s presence was drawing nearer, and David was in no condition to fight him. They were to leave, Master Eleazar was a strong man, just not enough to bring himself to kill his own student. At least that is what he told David. The circle around the Silver Arrow’s ramp grew tighter as David stumbled up the ramp. Taking the first seat in the bay. The others stood tight by, creating an impenetrable shield. Breathing heavily, Allison ran up the ramp taking off his shirt with a pair of medical shears. David’s chest was littered with bruises and black electric markings. The corruption was poisoning David, killing him. Allison could only fight it. If there was the hope of completely curing the corruption of his body. They were going to have to get home, immediately. David looked at her and smiled.

  “I’ll be okay.” He muttered.

  “Virg!” Allison screamed out. “Send a message to home, tell them we need arch healers waiting for us!”

  “Got it!” Virgil yelled out. “Hang in there David.” David looked towards the cockpit and smiled at Virgil through his blood-stained smile. Virgil just smirked at him, worrying about him. Never seeing David in this condition.

  Master Eleazar realized the attacks were increasing, the full Legion was drawing close. Not the small waves of enemies that had been happening. “Start leaving we will join you in a second!” Eleazar called out. The three began to walk backward, holding their defense as they drew near the Silver Arrow. The Watcher’s began to flood inside the bay. Gabriel, Richard, and Kevin held their defense. Virgil controlled the accent into the higher steadily. Just enough for the rest to jump inside the bay.

  Eleazar turned his head, one of his knights looked him in the eyes. All in slow motion and a red sword appeared from the front of his face. The knight was instantly killed. The masked man from Gabriel’s description. Eleazar engaged the man. Hoping to overcome him. The young man was fast, fresh for the battle. Eleazar grew tired. Dueling and killing more than a dozen of acolytes took a toll on his stamina. Gabriel sprinted to help his master, before being pushed back to the ship. The masked man was not letting anyone interfere with the battle. From on top of the mountain, Liam’s golden hair blew in the wind. Taking a deep breath, focusing all his energy on his palms. A large collection of electricity bellowed from his hands.

  “Virgil!” Kevin screamed out, knowing where the attack was headed. Liam was planning to kill them all. Liam released the energy out in a devastating focus. Appearing like a lightning strike alone. However, Liam was forced to jump his arm sporadically. Dodging a throw of a sword from the last knight. The lightning narrowly missed the engine of the Silver Arrow. Liam growled in anger, the attack took a lot of energy from himself, but the knight was now only armed with his ceremonial sword. Strong, but not ideal in a duel. Liam jumped down from the mountain.

  “We have to leave,” Kevin muttered to himself. “We have to leave!” He yelled out, picking himself off the ground, having dived to avoid Liam’s attack.

  “Not without them!” Gabriel yelled.

  “Gabe!” David said, standing up. “It’s what they want.” He said to himself. “I know you’ve read their minds. They were never planning to come home.” Richard and Kevin grabbed Gabriel. Who was attempting to fight them off?

  “No!” Gabriel screamed. “We need to save them!” He fought and shook his body.

  “It’s okay Boy.” Master Eleazar told him, knowing he was reading his mind. “I have nothing left to teach you. Link my mind with your brother.” He took no time. He was losing his footing; the old man was growing tired. Liam quickly killed the last knight, smashing his broadsword against his lifeless corpse. He turned, seeing his former master. Liam stepped in, knowing he would overwhelm the tired man. “Hurry,” Eleazar said. Gabriel began to grow his eyes in tears. Kevin ran to the cockpit, taking the co-pilot seat. Buckling himself in. David watched as his master was being surrounded, Liam stabbing him in the back of his knee. David was now linked with his mind, feeling his pain reflected on his. “Lead them. It is your destiny now. I am proud of you David.” His voice said. The words echoed within himself. The masked man kicked away Eleazar’s sword. Slashing off his other hand, taking the sword from the ground. Lifting it high beginning to strike down on the templar’s neck “You are no longer the boy I met in the cave. You have earned your name. David.” Eleazar said. Before his words disappeared, all his thoughts and feelings drifted into the wind.

  “No!” Gabriel screamed again, being strapped into his chair. David just looked down. Knowing there was nothing he could do. The others strapped themselves into their seats. The masked man lifted the severed head, displaying it for Master Eleazar’s students to bear witness. Liam began walking towards the Silver Arrow. Conjuring his lightning to strike again.

  “Virgil, it’s now or never!” David screamed out. Virgil wiped his face. Pressing the button to close the ramp. Engaging the thrusters immediately, shooting the Silver Arrow into the night. Liam fired his electricity anyways. Completely misses the Silver Arrow despite his hope to destroy the ship. Everyone’s bodies were rocked with the g-forces. Gabriel continued to scream in anger. Once they were at high altitude, Virgil steadied the flight. Disengaging the thrusters, heading stead on home.

  David gripped his chest; he was not sure whether to smile or cry. He did both. Almost feeling as if he was never really gone. David felt as if he owed everything to his master. Master Eleazar was there when Master Hawkins pulled him and his brother from poverty. Saved him from the cave. Trained him. Turned him into the man he was today. David felt as if he owed everything to him, and all he could do now was repay him by holding true to his master’s memory. Jasmine unbuckled herself from her chair. Everyone was quiet, the bay was a library. Opening one of the latches of the cargo containers, she pulled out her backpack. She pulled out a small box. Walking over to David, she set it gently in his palms. David opened his teary eyes. He looked up at Jasmine. She just smiled at him before taking her seat back.

  David did not find himself ready to open it. He just gripped it tightly. “It’s okay Gabriel.” He said. His brother stopped throwing things, “He’s where he’s always wanted to be.” David told him.

  Gabriel looked at his brother, tears running down his face. “How can you be okay with this? They butchered him!” He cried out.

  “I’m not okay with it, they are going to get what they deserve.” David coughed out blood again. Allison rushed over to him; his wounds must have opened again from the stress he was going through. “For now, we have to prepare. It will be okay brother. The spirits have never failed us.” David leaned his head back, closing his eyes. Gabe linked his mind with his brother. David was in more pain than Gabriel could ever understand. He had to be strong. Gabe calmed himself, sitting back down in his chair. Allison continued to heal his body, but there was nothing she could do for his corruption.

  Liam walked over to the decapitated body of his former master. “I always thought he was so powerful.” He muttered. “To see him so, not alive. Makes you think, how easy we all are to kill.” Liam kicked the armor of the templar. Blood stained Eleazar’s wolf pelt. The acolytes stood around laughing.

  “The old man was dying regardless.” The masked man said. “He was old, his body could not take much more.”

  “He was your former Master correct?” Liam asked looking up at the masked man. “What made you hate him so much again?”

  “Nothing I did was to his standard.” The masked man said. “That was years ago, he refused to send me on my trials. He did not think I was strong enough. Now he’s dead.”

  “As will the Watchers.”

  “And the Order.”