Evelyn Taylor

  0645 16 DEC 2021

  Guardian level 1, Watcher

  David told me it’s a good idea to make a record of my life, some people in the future might want to study who I am and what I’ve become. Maybe if I were to become a great guardian or knight one day. As if. School had started in August, not even one day I had already been thrown into a secret world of light versus dark. Not even two weeks had gone by that I thought I was going to lose my friend that I cared for faster than anyone I had met before. Now four months have passed, Gabriel had been adamant about teaching me combat techniques. I have gotten a great hang of it. Though I never landed a strike on him. Allison and Jasmine had been helping with my studies for the Order’s books and old tomes. I don’t think I even remember about anything in school. Not doing math in months. Virgil, Carlos, Richard, and Chris did their best to help me with mechanics and other workings. I had not helped much. Things just end up worse when I touch them. Fairly sure they did not have any hope in my understanding of taking apart an engine and putting it back together. Neither did I if I were honest. Kevin had begun helping with teaching me how to control the command center. The Watcher’s war room. This had been the easiest thing so far. Besides combat and studying. After we lost Master Eleazar, Stephen had become my study partner. I like to think I have caught up to him, but he still beats me in duels nine times out of ten. He is like the little brother I never had.

  David had distanced himself for a month. He barely started talking to everyone socially in September, though I have noticed himself becoming less and more impatient, sometimes with random spurts of anger. I have not confronted him about it, I have yet to work up the courage to do so. Even with us sharing our birthday, that must have been the happiest I had seen him. We didn’t do much, Carlos had thrown us a surprise party. I think that was the greatest birthday I had. Though there had been something I have barely discovered. Stephen had let it slip, a dark rumor that had floated around. I tried to press Gabriel about it, but he ignored me. Naturally. I do not know if it is true or not, unsure if I should talk to David about it at all. Maybe rumors should just be left as rumors. The Brotherhood had been quiet, which was strange. The council was still in debate of their activities, seeming to be more bothered of the idea of David becoming a Knight. They did not like the idea of the Watchers, a group which was difficult to control because most of their loyalties seemed to be with each other, not the Order. A philosophy that Master Eleazar left with them, and now with me. Which David was now the leader of.

  David had been teaching me philosophy of the spirits. As well as teaching me how to control my powers more. I think I have a good hold of it. I have the push and pull down. As well as the telekinesis. Well on the size of objects no bigger than a chair. Not like David and Gabe, who can move trees and boulders. I don’t expect to be on their level anytime soon. I try to remain humble, but I couldn’t help but to feel warm whenever I move up another level. David was so proud of me when I was able to move a large rock. He didn’t necessarily tell me. But his smile was proof enough for me. What else has happened recently? I don’t anything very eventful happened, except for my hair starting to turn blonde again. The top of my head is gold, and I don’t know if I like it or not. It feels like me, just strange. Sounds stupid, but maybe it’s a reminder of where I came from. A past I need to face and deal with instead of fighting it. I wonder, don’t know if I should get Jasmine’s and Allison’s help to dye it again. Okay, now I am rambling. I think I am going to talk to David today. He deserves to know that we are concerned for him. Hopefully, these rumors are just rumors.

  Eve closed her laptop, spinning around in her desk chair. Wearing nothing but a sports bra and briefs. She looked over at the window, her face felt the cold chill roll from the window. A grey overcast covered the sky, the peak of the mountain range was cut off. White snow danced gently down her view. Her pale cheeks rosed to the cold. This weather reminded her of her old home back in Seattle. She stood up out of her chair, her bare feet danced across the ground. She took every opportunity to train, moving across the mirror next to her shower. She turned her head. Pinching at her stomach, not a single bit of fat reacted to her touch. Smiling at the progress she had made.

  Her room was now decorated, although she didn’t care too much to work on it. Allison insisted, forcing Virgil to take them shopping. Eve had now put-up posters of bands and some random art pieces she decided to start doing in her off time. Allison gave her an old bookshelf; Eve had few books. The rest of the space remained empty, planning to fill it with CDs and other random stuff she would find. Like her khaki chest rig and her light blue cloak. This was her new home, and she looked to keep it that way.

  Eve desired a shower but knew she had to keep to her workout schedule. Today is what she dreaded the most, cardio. Thinking if she could get away with not doing it today. She walked over to her window, looking outside at the snow-covered trees. Shifting her eyes to the trail that they would run on; it lead around the mountain. Eve has yet to bring herself to run the full trail. Looking down, David was running alone. He brought his eyes up, Eve waved at him to get his attention. He slowly brought himself to a jog and then stopped. Looking up at her. He quickly turned his head away, covering his eyes. Eve realized what she was wearing, jumping back. Blushing, embarrassed. How could she be so foolish? She dove to her drawers, pulling out a t-shirt and track pants. Throwing them on swiftly.

  She ran back to the window. “I’m sorry.” She called out to him.

  “Have you covered up?” He called back.

  “I’m coming down.” Eve said climbing onto the window ceil, “Watch out.” She smiled. David just watched. She focused, dropping down to the snow-covered floor from the sixth floor. She knelt with the impact. Standing up unscathed, “Now I understand why you always do this.”

  “Don’t get too comfortable.” David said, “You still have to lay low. You can’t rely on it all the time.” He said. “Now hurry up and stretch.” He smiled as he started jogging in place.

  “Someone is grumpy.” Eve joked; she began doing dynamic stretches limbering up. “How far are we going today?” She asked hands touching her toes.

  “I was thinking of going to the tree.” David started running down the trail behind the cobblestone wall.

  “Wait for me!” Eve called out to him as she started running. She despised the idea of running vertically. She was sure that her thighs hated it more. She caught up to David, doing her best to stay at his side. The air was thin, the cold air. Stabbed her lungs as she breathed. David had been teaching her to be resistant to the elements. As well as building the willpower to not quit. She hasn’t yet. Eve did not plan on it either.

  Gabriel sensed Eve’s thoughts; she was planning on confronting David about the rumor. He shot out of bed. Throwing on some clothes, not caring if they were warm or not. Gabe ran jumped outside his window. The two were already incredibly further from him. He would never catch up to them in time. Gabe starts walking up the trail in the back. Planning to stand by if he needed to help.

  As time passed, David was the first up the mountain. Breathing heavily. The mountain was never easy, especially in this weather. Eve was a ways behind him. He pulled out a bottle of water from a cooler that they kept on top of the mountain for convenience, grabbing another one out expecting Eve to need one. She had tried to keep up with him but didn’t work out so much for her as she was three-quarters of the way up the mountain, and she was already exhausted. She hunched over, hands on her knees. Breathing with extreme inhales and exhales. David just smiled out at her. “Don’t give up on me now!” He yelled out to her. She looked up at him, waving him off. She started jogging again.

  David found a rock to sit on, crossing his legs. Waiting for what seemed like ages to him. His body began to cool down, closing his eyes. He focused his breathing. Trying to ignore the piercing cold on his face and legs. Eve’s blue head appeared from the horizon line of his view of the top. He smiled, glad that she had finished. “I remember when you couldn’t even reach the top without stopping,” David said.

  She breathed heavily, raising a finger at him to hold his thought. She needed to relax to get control of herself. David offered her a bottle of water. She instantly took it, snatching it from his hands and twisting off the top. Eve took a deep gulp of water, pulling the bottle away from her mouth coughing sporadically. David laughed at her, “Sip the water.” He said as she looked up at him, annoyed.

  “I wasn’t paying attention,” Eve said taking a sip, before coughing again. David hopped down from his rock, rubbing her back with his palm. She shrugged him off, “Don’t try to help me now.” Her voice with sass.

  “Lord knows you constantly need it.” David joked rudely walking away from her, heading down the path to the life tree.

  “You take that back.” She said standing straight back up, following behind him. She coughed one last time, taking another sip of water. David just waved his hand at her. Approaching the tree, Eve could feel the warmth of the spirits grow ever stronger as they drew closer. Eve felt the pit in her heart, not sure if she should ask him or not about the rumors. Why was this so stressful for her? She never held back before. Maybe she was fearful of him saying yes.

  They were in the open field with the tree in the center, the rock formations were still exposed to tell where the meditation circles were. David walked straight up to the tree, placing his hand on the white trunk. Eve’s heart was pounding in her chest, still unsure. She felt like she needed to. Eve was completely nervous as if she were asking someone to marry them. Eve turned around; David looked over at her. “Why are you so quiet all of a sudden?” David asked her.

  “Just taking in the peace,” Eve said softly.

  “I was thinking the same thing, but I sense a disturbance in your mood.” David kept his hand on the tree.

  Eve’s heart was pounding in her chest, David knew something was up. She knew that he knew. If she did not tell him, she was fearful of losing his trust. That she had worked so hard to earn. “David, I Uhm.” She paused thinking there was no going back from here. David looked at her as her back was turned towards him. “I heard a rumor.” David lowered his head. And raised it back to her.

  “Guess I can’t hide it anymore.”

  “Is it true?” Eve asked him.

  “Do you remember when I told you that I was the only guardian to not have a special ability?” David asked. Eve turned around staring at him. She nodded her head.

  “Master Eleazar believed that my power lied within the darkness, I didn’t have a fiber of that inside of me.” David took his hand off the tree. Appearing ashamed, “Then we discovered that was not the case.” David took a step towards Eve, she reacted taking a step back. David stopped in his tracks; he wasn’t going to betray her space.

  “So, it’s true?” Eve asked. “You take corruption from others in the attempt to gain power? What happened to what you said about the darkness not being the way?”

  “I take it because I know my body can handle it.” David said, “Other people, it torments them.”

  “Yet you act differently, you hold so much anger now,” Eve said. “Why do you do that to yourself?”

  “Eventually my body will kill it off,” David said.

  “That’s no excuse, it’s a cancer,” Eve said her voice rising.

  “Why do you care what I do with my body?” David angered; his tone raised. “It doesn’t affect you.”

  “Doesn’t affect me?” Eve scoffed, “It affects me because I care about you.”

  David’s eyes widened and then scowled. “You need to learn to let go of attachments, it will only get you hurt in the end,” David said firmly. His heart hardened and then grew soft. He understood his spirit and his heart were at war with each other. How could he say that? He held nothing but attachments with people.

  “David,” Eve said, taking a step towards him. “Let go of your search for power.” She drew closer. Her arms picked up, in front of her chest. “You might not understand this, but even though you don’t have special abilities, you are the greatest Guardian I have ever met.” David took a step towards her.

  “I am sorry,” David said.

  “Everyone is worried about you. Your brother too.” Eve said to him. “We want to see the good David, the one I met.” It had felt like ages ago. When in reality it was just a few months. “I don’t want to lose you.” She started to tear up.

  “You will understand one day,” David said to her. “I do not plan on dying anytime soon.” He said walking up to her. He attempted to walk past her, feeling his heart pound in his chest. He just wanted to escape the situation. But as he passed, she wrapped her arms around him, loosely. David stopped, looking past her. His eyes widened, he looked down at her. He was just now realizing how much this had been bothering her. David cared for her too but would never tell her that. He returned the hug, only with one arm. A tear rolled down his eye.

  “You’re not breaking an oath by just hugging me,” Eve told him, her cheek against his chest. David chuckled under his breath; he wrapped his arms around her as well.

  “Promise me you’ll stop.”

  “But- “

  “No, you will stop.” Eve demanded, “Or I’m not letting you go.”

  “Since when did you start giving orders?” He asked.

  “Now.” She snarked. David remained silent, wondering to himself if there was any way around this. He knew Eve’s stubbornness was not just her fall but also her greatest asset. He glanced down at her, taking a deep breath.

  “I’ll think about it.” David moaned as he released her. She held on a bit longer. “You can let go now,” David spoke with a sense of temperament enlaced in his words.

  “You’re warm,” Eve said softly, she had been shivering from the cold. Gabe had been standing behind a tree, he shook his head. She was going to be the death of him, Gabriel thought. Smiling to himself, maybe this is what David needed in his life at the moment. He turned around, walking away back down the mountain. Gabe wished his brother would find something to be happy for. Eve let go of him, looking up at him. “Let’s go.” She smiled turning to walk away from him.

  David placed his hand once more on the tree, he closed his eyes, saying a silent prayer. David turned around. Walking to catch up with her.

  David sat in the cavern, on the couch. Thinking if it was worth just throwing away everything, he, and Master Eleazar worked so hard to achieve. All their progress is gone. If they had even made progress, no matter what they did. David felt as if he were never closer to unlocking his ability. His head in his hands. Scratching his scalp through his hair.

  The rest of the Watchers were dueling, trying to teach Eve the concept of open battle. Not every confrontation she would face was going to be a one-on-one duel. She stood side by side with Richard and Carlos, fighting against basic acolyte holograms. David looked up watching her. “Have you decided on a style for her to focus on?” He asked Jasmine sitting right next to her.

  Her arms crossed; she closed her eyes proud of herself. “Eve moves a lot when dueling. She’s very nimble and acrobatic as well. With the addition of her special ability of energy, she could maneuver around the enemy’s energy path.” Jasmine smiled from the corner of her cheek. “I think a heavy offensive acrobatic style?”

  “I was thinking the same thing.” David said, “That’s why she’s been trying to get down the partner back roll.” David watched; Eve held her sparring sword in hand. An enemy charged at Richard’s left, she saw him. Eve jumped, rolling across Richard’s back. Though stumbled to the ground, causing her unable to defend herself, the hologram slashed her in the forehead. Sending a shock into her system and a small bruise to take place.

  “Dammit!” Eve yelled in frustration. Slamming her stick at the ground.

  “Maybe it’s a little early for her to learn a new style,” David said standing up, rubbing his eyes.

  “I’m thinking you might be right,” Jasmine said.

  The simulation halted; Carlos walked over giving her a hand up. “I’m sorry,” Eve picked up her sparring sword, feeling guilty for being angry.

  “For what, it’s natural to be upset. Just learn from it.” David walked over. “That is an advanced maneuver, not many can pull it off. That style takes a lot of practice. Most importantly takes focus.” David reassured her. “Just need to be patient.” Eve looked up at him, nodding.

  “Explain to me the different forms again?” She asked him. “I don’t think I really understand them fully.” David pulled out his hilt. The others cleared the platform. Taking a seat to watch. Eve began to walk away with them, David was going to need room to do the simulation.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  “Not you.” David said, “You have your basic sword?” He asked. Eve stopped in her tracks; eyes widened. She slowly turned around. Never had she trained with David in a simulation before.

  “Yeah, I’m not confident with it yet, though,” Eve admitted, pulling a basic thin broadsword off her hip.

  “It’s how you get confident,” David said.

  “What sim do you want David?” Kevin asked, standing behind the control panel.

  “No sim,” David said pulling holding a ready stance, infusing his bright green blade. It had been months since he’s ignited his blade. He missed its energy.

  Eve looked at him taken estranged. “David, I don’t want you to get hurt.” She said softly. Everyone laughed or smiled. Some even smiled wide, they were waiting for this moment. The David they once knew was back.

  “I’m a master duelist,” David reassured her. “I won’t hurt you. And you can’t hurt me.” Eve shrugged. Taking her defensive stance. “Strike when you’re ready.” Eve ignited her luminous blue blade, careful with it. As if she would die if she were to drop it because she probably would.

  Virgil crossed his arms. “You better be good at dueling after training with David. Lord knows you can’t do anything else.” He laughed thinking about how long the repairs took on the Silver Arrow after she dropped a socket into one of the turbines. Luckily, it only destroyed the fans.

  Eve took in a deep breath; she didn’t want to hurt David but also didn’t want him to think she wasn’t ready for the next step. David swung his blade at her, careful to not get careless. Giving her some easy yet challenging blocks. She was successful. “Good.” David smiled. He continued to strike in different directions. “A duel between two combatants is not just a fight. It’s a dance. Poetic.” David continued. “There are differences between a duel and a battle.”

  Eve did her best to remain relaxed, not to get complacent. “A duel is more emotional?”

  “Can be.” He attacked again, following with a swift sweep at her leg. She kicked her leg out, seeing her opening strike. David dodged. “I see you learned from Gabe.” He smiled. “You have a good hold on basic defense.”

  “Guess you can say I perfected it?” She smirked.

  “No one perfects any forms.” David corrected her. “You are far from mastering any forms. But I’d say you came far in your training.” Eve looked at him offended.

  “Thank you.” She said, not able to think of anything sarcastic on the fly.

  “Form Genesis is the most basic form of combat, though it is basic. This does not mean that you are not powerful. Forms are just a style to combat, it’s the training and focuses you have in combat that makes you powerful.” David explained. “You’re at Allison’s level of Form Genesis, though she only focuses on the mental aspect of the spirits.”

  “Right.”

  “Now strike me,” David said, he took a form Psalms stance, Eve noticed his feet took a squared stance with one hand. His sword side facing towards her. Eve moved slowly into David’s circle, attempting to push his sword away. Since he was holding with one hand, maybe his grip wouldn’t be so strong. She swung at him, he swiftly blocked, parrying her sword out of her hand as her hilt went flying.

  “What the hell?” Eve said, pulling her sword back to her hand. Igniting it again, “That’s the form you prefer right?”

  “Yeah.” David grinned. “Form Psalms, the way of the duelist, almost like fencing with a rapier in a way,” David explained to her. “The perfect form for dueling.” He said.

  “I like that one,” Eve said.

  “It’s dangerous.” Kevin said, “If you’re not paying attention, you can be overrun by targets.”

  David nodded. “I’m the only one who uses this form of the Watchers. Master Eleazar was also a master of it.”

  “I see what you say about for two.” She realized that Eleazar had the same issue with being overrun, and it cost him his life.

  David changed his stance, standing with his front-facing her. “Now is form Iron .” David said, “Attack me again. This time with some more ferocity.” Eve trusted that she couldn’t hurt him. She charged at him, swinging at him multiple times, only to be met with strong blocks. Pushing her away. She picked herself up from the ground.

  “Is that necessary?” Eve asked.

  “Form Iron works on a heavy defense with a mixture of abilities to get your opponent off of you, or for you to wait for an opening,” David instructed. “The more allies, the more impenetrable your defense gets. Tight movement and subtle attacks.”

  “Which is why it’s my favorite,” Virgil called out. “I’m lazy.” He laughed. Chris sat nodding his head in agreement.

  “I see.” Eve said, “That makes sense.” The form didn’t appeal to her, Eve was anything but patient. “I thought you were lazy?” Eve turned her head to Kevin.

  “Ha-ha, very funny.” Kevin snarked, leaning on the control panel.

  “Form Icarus seems like your style,” David told her, pushing his legs out wide. Making short jumps to limber up. “Get ready to defend.” He said taking sharp quick breaths.

  Eve didn’t like the way this seemed, she vaguely remembered Stephen and Gabriel making the same movements before an explosion of attacks came. David charged at her, using flashy jumps and strikes. Eve attempted to block and dodge each movement; David was moving with exceptional speed. David stepped away, taking some breaths. “Tired?” Eve asked smiling, she was panting as well.

  “I’m not hydrated enough for that.” David joked. “Form Icarus works off of sharp and decisive acrobatics. Speed is the key. Which is why Stephen is the only one to use it. Gabriel will use it to end a fight quickly. Which is why I think it’s the form for you.”

  “Because you think I’m impatient?”

  “Yes.” David grinned. “But because you can see holes in energy fields.”

  “How many forms are there?” Eve asked.

  “Many.” Jasmine butted in. “However, those are uncommon. Form Kenjutsu is what most of us use. Gabe, Carlos, Ethan, and I use form Kenjutsu. Though Gabriel and I use a more aggressive version of it. More calculated and heavy strikes. Like a samurai.”

  “And Carlos and Ethan?”

  “Ours is more defensive. Not too different. Most wouldn’t notice.” Carlos shrugged.

  Richard stood up, “Form Fury combines a lot of aspects from all forms, it opens doors for creativity.”

  “And chaos.” David joked. Retracting his blade into his hilt. “Most acolytes will use this because it’s easy.”

  “Easy? I would agree, but mastering it is a different story.” Richard argued. “But what do I know” He shrugged. “I’m just a guardian. Sire.”

  David pointed at him. “I haven’t been knighted yet.”

  “Eleazar already gave his blessing, the council will continue to argue.” Richard sat down, kicking his foot upon his thigh. “You’re a knight to me, sir.” He joked. David just shook his head.

  “And what about seven?” Eve asked.

  “Before you were so rude. Form Enoch is chaotic and erratic, instead of defense like all the other forms. Its purpose attacks, even against an attack.” Kevin said bragging.

  “He likes to think he’s special because he can use that,” David whispered.

  “You’re just mad that it’s the only form you haven’t learned,” Kevin said sarcastically.

  “Yeah, and you couldn’t even master form, Genesis. I’m not impressed.” David smiled at him. Kevin’s snarky grin fell to annoyance. “Still beat you in a duel once.”

  “He beat you in a duel?” Eve asked him, thinking it was funny. David raised his finger to her, marking a one. “Wait isn’t blue the symbol for combat and green is mental. Why are you so good at combat?”

  “It’s the mental aspects of combat. Sword members are more of the justice aspect. The shield is the idea of peace.” David said, “Can’t really spread peace if the enemy thinks you’re weak.” David explained, placing his hilt on his belt. Walking off the platform. Heading to the fridge for a bottle of water.

  “Still learning Eve?” Allison asked.

  “Allison where’s my brother.” David cut her off. “It’s almost five o clock. Is he still sleeping?”

  “I don’t know.” Allison lied. “I think he’s still sleeping. And before I was so rudely interrupted. Eve?” She asked walking over to her. She looked at her. Close to her face. She raised her hand, “Don’t move.”

  “What’re you doing?” Eve asked, Allison carefully brushed Eve’s bangs away from her forehead.

  “Which one of them did this to you?” Allison asked. “When’s the last time you had a day off?”

  “None of them, it was the sim. I’m cool Allison. I don’t need a day off. I need to catch up to you guys.” Allison began healing Eve’s bruise on her forehead.

  “I have an idea,” Allison said out loud. David was watching from behind one of the couches. Water bottle in his hand. It was already half full. She turned around, looking at him. “We should all go out.” David took another drink.

  “Go out? I don’t know if you’ve forgotten, but we’re not regular teenagers. We can’t just go out.” Carlos said. “Even though how much I would love to.”

  “I don’t know if you’ve forgotten, but this might be our last Christmas together.”

  “We’re literally at war,” Virgil said, sitting on the armrest of the couch.

  “David, what do you think?” Allison asked.

  David looked around at his team. They all had been secluded to the Sanctuary for months. Liam and his Legion of acolytes are still busy rebuilding their army. It could be another year for them to get to the size they were. Or even size to make a dent into the Order. Everyone had been training incredibly hard. Especially Eve, she could use the practice of trying to control her powers in public as well now that she had become so dependent on them now. Hell, even David was craving for something to do, he couldn’t stand being in one place for too long. “What do I think?” David said. “I think, Virgil should prep the Silver Arrow, and how long can it take for you guys to get ready? Fifteen minutes?” He smiled.

  “Yes!” Allison said Eve was unsure of going out. As were a few others. Was David being reckless? She thought to herself. Everyone looked at their watches, standing up quickly heading for the elevator.

  “Do not forget about my brother.” David pointed at Allison, she smiled grabbing Eve’s wrist running for the elevator before it shut.

  Kevin walked up to David, talking into his ear. “Do you think we can risk this?” Kevin asked. Looking at David sending a text message.

  “Don’t worry. I told Master Hawkins we’re going out for some R and R,” David said.

  “You think he’s going to approve of it?” Kevin asked.

  David’s phone chimed, raising it to Kevin’s face. “Yes, and my knighthood status has been approved by the Templars.” He said, Kevin’s eyes widened. He grabbed his hand reading it.

  “Guess they were tired of waiting around for a new templar.” His voice squeaked, Kevin cleared his throat. “Think Eleazar did it?”

  “Yeah,” David said, sounding not as excited.

  “Why am I more excited for you?” Kevin asked.

  “That mean’s since I’m the first knight from our commune. I am going to have to leave to serve with the CIA.”

  “Maybe.” Kevin said, “Let’s go celebrate.”

  David grabbed his arm, “Do not tell anyone.” David said, “As long as they do not know I’m a knight. The longer they’ll treat me normally and we don’t run the risk of Liam and his band of merry men of knowing.”

  “Not a word from me.” Kevin said breaking his grip from David’s clutches, “Blue’s clues keeps worrying about your corruption. I suggest you give it up.” Kevin walked away to the elevator. David lowered his shirt, the black markings still there. Pushing his collar back up. David started for the door. Turning off the lights on his way out.

  Whack! A slap across Gabriel’s face instantly woke him up from his deep sleep. He looked up, “Ally why did you?” He asked.

  “Wake up.” She commanded him, “We’re going out to have fun.” She told him, “You have ten minutes.”

  “Why are you so angry?” Gabe said sitting up, rubbing his eyes.

  “You promised me you would tell him.”

  “I will.”

  “It’s been months,” Allison said, walking towards the door.

  “Eventually.” Gabe shrugged. “Do I have time to eat?”

  “Keep it up, you might not even have to worry about telling him anything.” Allison crossed her arms. Walking out of his door.

  “Don’t slam- “The door slammed behind herself. Gabriel just sighed; her empty threats had no effect on him. He knew she was upset but she was nowhere near wanting to break up with him. Guess David was done keeping everyone locked up. Gabe couldn’t blame his brother, although they were all at risk once they stepped off the mountain.

  Gabe stood up out of his bed, his stomach growling. Today was going to be rough if he didn’t get something in his belly in the next couple of minutes. Gabriel put it at the back of his mind, focusing on getting dressed. Throwing on a pair of black skinny jeans and a white t-shirt. Going to the mirror to fix his bed head. He could hear the engines spinning up on the Silver Arrow.

  “Dammit,” Gabe muttered, Swinging open a cabinet. Grabbing a box of protein bars, he prayed there were some left, compared to how light the box was. Tearing it open, his hopes were diminished. The box was empty. Throwing the box against the wall. Grabbing his black and blue flannel off his chair. Snatching his hilt off the wall as well.

  David was standing on the ramp, wearing a black beanie. With his hair poking out from its edges. His favorite black hoodie. His white shirt, blue jeans, and converse on his feet. David was checking his watch for the time. “Is he coming?” David asked Allison.

  “Guess he chose to sleep.” Allison pouted in her chair, wearing her brown leather coat, and light blue jeans. Eve walked up to the ramp, smiling at David. Eve wore a beanie as well, her plaid flannel jacket pulled overhead. Her blue bangs hung out from her head. She had black skinny jeans on, her hi-tops pulled to her shins.

  “I haven’t worn this in forever.” She missed dressing for the cool. The California heat never agreed with her. David tried to control his laughter. “What?” She asked him, squinting her eyes up at him.

  “You really are emo aren’t ya?” David smiled, his teeth wide. Wanting to make fun of her. Eve raised her fist, “Hey, I’m not opposed to it. I’m just saying.”

  “Don’t make fun of me” Eve said, still threatening to hit him. “What’re you saying?”

  David really wasn’t trying to get punched at the moment, the only way to get out of it was to say what was on his mind. Though he didn’t want his friends to hear him. “I’m just saying.” The doors swung open, Gabe looking pissed more than ever. “Oh finally!” David changed the subject, walking into the back of the Silver Arrow. Eve slugged him in the shoulder anyways. “Oh, that wasn’t so bad.” He said grabbing his shoulder, running inside the cockpit. Eve chased him until he slammed the door in her face. Locking it and sitting down in the passenger seat.

  “Open the damned door, David!” Eve shouted.

  David grabbed the intercom, looking at his pilot. Virgil just grinned, “She seems upset.” He said flipping the switch to turn on the intercom.

  “Just a little,” David said putting the hand mic to his mouth. “Welcome to Adams airlines, will all passengers please take their seats.” David gave his best impersonation of a flight attendant. He thought it was fantastic, not so much everyone else.

  “Where are we going?” Virgil asked. “Allison said LA, but I think San Diego is best for us.”

  David opened up the map on the console in the center, Virgil just looked at him. Virgil was always annoyed when people would use his instruments, David knew this. He did not care. Virgil groaned. “Yeah, San Diego. Allison will just have to suffer.” David put the map back. “Don’t groan with me.”

  “You can’t just keep your hands to yourself.” Virgil said, “Like you always have to be touching things, just tell me what to do and I’ll do it for you.”

  “You’d be surprised at my ability to keep my hands to myself,” David said strapping himself into the seat.

  “Yeah, maybe if I were a girl, you’d leave me alone.” Virgil fired back grinning at him. David looked at him, unamused. Turning to a smile.

  Eve was sitting in her chair, watching as everyone strapped themselves into their seat. Gabe was finished searching for food in the compartments. He couldn’t find a single crumb of any food source. “Does anyone have food?” Gabe asked looking around, “Please.” He begged. Everyone just looked at him, shaking their heads no. His heart shattered within himself. The Silver Arrow began lifting off the ground. His head hung, moving to his seat. “Can you move your backpack?” Gabe asked Allison who put her bag in his chair. She remained silent, giving him the silent treatment. He sighed. “You can’t be mad at me forever.” He said to her. Eve was sitting next to her.

  “You’d be surprised how stubborn women could be,” Eve said, not sure if she should feel bad for him finding it all hilarious. Gabe just looked at her.

  “Can you move so I can sit there?” Gabe asked Eve. Allison placed her hand over Eve’s on the armrest, gripping it tightly. Keeping Eve from moving. “Never mind,” Gabriel said walking over to an empty seat next to Kevin.

  “Tough day?” Kevin asked as Gabe sat down strapping himself in the chair.

  “She’s mad because I haven’t told David about me and Allison.”

  “Allison and I.” Kevin corrected him.

  “I’m going to kick you in the head.” Gabe threatened him. Pulling his headphones out of his pocket attempting to sleep his hunger away. Kevin just smiled; the gates lowered.

  “Sounds like Virgil is going for the jump.” Richard laughed.

  “Let me do the countdown,” David said grabbing the intercom before Virgil. Getting a stare full of malice. Pressing the button, David began to speak. “Howdy everyone this is your captain speaking, we are preparing to launch on the countdown.” David looked over at Virgil smiling at him mockingly. “Countdown in, 5-4-3- “Virgil launched the ship, throwing David back into his seat. No one was prepared for the ship to launch so early. Roaring into the sky, breaking the sound barrier. Once everything was settled, an eruption of yelling mixed with laughter broke out from the bay. David looked over at Virgil grinning snobbishly. “If you didn’t want me to touch your stuff you could’ve just asked.” David joked.

  “I’m going to kill you.”