David and Gabriel were walking down the street looking around at all the faces, the buildings reaching into the sky. “You ever think of how the normal would act if they knew about us?” Gabe asked. The streets were crowded, the sun began to set in the distance. David pulled out his phone checking for messages. Nothing.

  “Sometimes, why?” David asked his younger brother.

  “Either they would treat us like normal or would they treat us like gods?” Gabe wondered, feeling as if they deserved to be treated better for keeping them safe.

  “Or they would be so afraid of us, they would try to kill us all, like the witch hunts,” David said, one foot in front of the other. “People don’t like knowing there is something others have that they can’t control. Ignorance is bliss.”

  “Guess you’re right,” Gabriel replied. “Well, maybe they would act differently. Society has changed a lot.”

  David thought about it for a second, “Maybe, but is it worth the chance of us all dying for a maybe?” He countered.

  “Touché,” Gabriel told him. “Have you checked your phone?”

  “Yeah, no messages.”

  “No, didn’t you say they were gun shopping?” Gabriel watch as his brother stopped in his tracks. David pulled out his phone again, opening the bank account. He raised a hand to his mouth. “What?”

  “I’m going to kill them,” David said. “They managed to spend more money than Allison and Jasmine spent in a year.”

  “Oh,” Gabe said, knowing how dire the situation was based on that assessment.

  Too Many Guns

  “So, you can have this all shipped by when?” Kevin asked Phillip as the group was loading a crate full of firearms, from pistols to heavy machine guns. Richard loaded a case inside.

  “When are we going to need a Berrett?” Richard asked Kevin.

  “Trust me, David knows we need one. Just not yet.” Kevin replied.

  “We can have it at your delivery site tomorrow morning,” Phillip reassured him handing him the paperwork, with an oath of delivery.

  “I really wish we got the grenade launcher.” Ethan pouted, lifting a box, and putting it inside.

  “I can give you a deal,” Phillip told him; Kevin just glared at him. The audacity of this man to still trying to get money out of them after they bought enough weapons to arm a small military force. “Payment plan?”

  A bell ringing could be heard from upstairs. Kevin looked at Phillip, “Thought the doors were locked?” He asked.

  “They are.” He pulled out his sidearm, quickly walking upstairs. The others glanced at each other wide-eyed. Kevin decided to follow Phillip up the stairs from the hidden basement. Phillip was already way ahead of them, walking into his storefront. Kevin felt a strong presence, two people. One of the energies dark in manifestation. He took cover behind the archway, pulling out his firearm and turning the corner.

  Soon bringing his eyes onto David and Gabriel standing waiting for him. “Oh,” Kevin said putting his pistol back. “Hi David, guess you found Gabriel.” Kevin was confused, why did he feel an evil presence? Maybe he was mistaken.

  “Yeah, I did,” David said. “Come out Ethan and Richard.” He called out to the hallway. Gabriel was looking at some of the guns in the showcase. Pointing at one to Phillip. Ethan and Richard came out from the hallway. “What’re you guys doing back there?” David smirked.

  “Oh- “Ethan started. “You know, just- “

  “Just using the range,” Richard said.

  “Just using the range?” David said nodding his head. “You guys don’t mind if I fire something?”

  “No,” Kevin said, David stopped looking at him, raising his eyebrows in concern. “I mean, not right now. We’re putting your Christmas present together.” Kevin saved.

  “Fair enough.” David said, “I won’t take any more of your time.”

  “Can I take a look at that Sig?” Gabriel asked Phillip who pulled it out of the case for him.

  “Yeah, we’ll be quick.” Kevin said heading for the hallway, “C’mon guys.” He said wrapping his arms around Richard and Ethan to get them moving.

  “I don’t know what present is worth a hundred thousand dollars, but it better be good,” David said, his smirk fell to sternness. Kevin pretended not to hear him, heading down the stairs quickly.

  “A hundred thousand?” Gabriel asked, “I can’t wait to hear how they’re going to defend this one.” Gabe handed the pistol back to Phillip. “Thank you.”

  “I’m more upset that they would do this without us discussing it first,” David said.

  “So, you’re agreeing with the purchase?” Gabe asked.

  “Yeah, just don’t tell them that. If I let this go, they’ll just keep buying stuff.” David turned around heading for the door.

  “Understandable.” Gabe followed his older brother outside the door. “Hear anything from Virgil?” David stopped outside the door, looking up and down the alleyway.

  “The tracker says he’s on the Silver Arrow,” David said, looking slightly annoyed. Looking at his phone.

  “Where’s the Silver Arrow?” He asked.

  “Rosamond.” David replied, “I’ll send him a message to be back here by ten.”

  “Seems fair. So, who’s next?” Gabriel put his hands in his hoodie pocket.

  “I’m not too worried about Carlos, Chris, and Stephen, they’re probably just eating.”

  “They’re good at staying out of trouble.” Gabe agreed with his brother. Both started down the alleyways. Going to see how the girls were doing on their own.

  Finish line

  “You’re pretentious,” Connor said to himself, shifting into the next gear. Both cars were neck and neck. A foot or two from touching each other. Connor was getting impatient, they were going for ten laps, and they were on their ninth.

  Virgil stayed ever calm, almost forgetting he was racing at the time. His main focus was on enjoying his drive in a beautiful car. Making a left turn onto the straightaway, he realized how much was on the line. Virgil decided now was the time for him to start trying, he could enjoy the car afterward. Slamming his foot to the frame of the car. Launching forward, shifting perfectly as the transmission spiked. Connor watched as a gap was created between the two, He gritted his teeth in anger, becoming less focused. He must’ve been one of those vehicle adepts. Connor thought to himself, there’s no way I’m losing now.

  Virgil decelerated preparing to make a turn, which he did. The Ferrari was having a hard time keeping up. Mainly to driver error. Virgil allowed himself to relax during the race because he knew his opponent was someone who tried too hard. The McLaren swept around turns and corners naturally, Virgil was in love. It was going to be a pain when he’d have to give it back. If only the Order would let him buy one. He thought to himself.

  The finish line was approaching sooner than expected. Connor threw his foot to the floor, trying to swiftly regain his position. Though Virgil thought the same thing, he wasn’t going to be cocky and risk losing by staying at his slower speed. Shifting into a higher gear and flying forward. Connor was too far behind to hope to catch up.

  Virgil passed the finish line quickly, beating the crimson Ferrari. Though Connor brought his car to a halt, the McLaren dropped to cruise, staying on the track. Frustrated at first, Connor’s friends ran to their cars. Connor got out of the car, waving his hands at them to stop. He was going to honor his bet with the Guardian. They listen to Connor, deciding to walk back to their table. Connor got back into his car, clearing the track for Virgil to enjoy the rest of the time he had there.

  The red dusk sun reflected off the gray and orange paint. The treads of the tires rolled across the asphalt. The sun setting in a seamless car was a perfect ending to his perfect day. Virgil readjusted his sunglasses, smiling at himself in the rearview mirror. He felt like a little kid. Listening to the constant hum of the car, appreciating each sound of the turbo during each shift in the transmission. It was an extension of himself. As David and Gabe were with a sword or Kevin with a firearm. Or Eve with her element. Virgil was with his osprey or a car. He needed to have this in his life. It would be too bittersweet to let it go back without him. Could he fit it inside of the Silver Arrow? His phone dinged, pulling it out of his pocket. He read David’s message. He had more time than he thought. Virgil was going to value every last second of it.

  “We’re not going to kill him?” One of the kids said.

  “No.” Connor said watching the car, “Maybe it’s not about power. It’s about the love of it all.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Let’s call it a day, we’ll talk on the way home.”

  “We’re keeping the cars, right?”

  “Of course,” Connor smirked hopping back into his car.

  Virgil felt like he did something good today, for once. However, he didn’t care too much about what they did. Only that he was finally able to do what he wanted to before he died. Well, at least one of the things. He thought to himself. He sent a message back to David, asking if they can buy some cars.

  David looked down at his phone. Rubbing his eyes in annoyance. “What now?” Gabriel asked him. “More tomfoolery?”

  “One, yeah.” David looked up at his brother. “Two, he makes a good point. And three, don’t ever say that again.” He laughed.

  The Lion’s Mane

  Carlos and Chris had resorted to knocking Stephen out completely. Not taking a risk in trying to get him back to the beach without him hurting someone along the way. Thankfully, the boy was light enough for Chris to throw him over his shoulder, as Carlos opened the door to the Taxi for him.

  “Man, we should’ve done this with everyone else around,” Chris said setting Stephen inside. Scooting him into the middle seat as Carlos got in the yellow vehicle on the other side. “So that way Richard could carry him,”

  “Hell no,” Carlos said to him. “That means Eve would’ve had to do it, and I’ve only heard what happens when she loses control.”

  “I forgot about that.” Chris said, “I guess we can volunteer to guard the Silver Arrow on that day.”

  “I was thinking the same thing.” He laughed as they told the driver to take them back to the beach. Hoping to drop off Stephen with the Silver Arrow, maybe to convince Virgil to babysit for them.

  The car drove through the busy city, bumper to bumper along the main roads. Carlos watched outside the window as the lights passed. Thinking to himself. He no longer wished to feel like the burden his sister made him feel. Maybe she was right about him. Carlos never thought of himself as the greatest guardian, but always knew he could hold his own. Thinking of his family, wishing to never let them down. He was coming up on the trials, he wanted to prove to the council that he was prepared for the next level of guardianship. Carlos couldn’t help to want to run away from what terrifies him the most. Fearing the most wasn’t the enemy but fearing that he would fail and let everyone down.

  Carlos watched all the people passing by, reminding himself of how his family once was before they had gotten older. How his mother and father split from one another. He blamed himself, things would have been better off if he and his sister never discovered their powers. They could have lived a normal life. Thinking of the day they first began training with David, Gabriel, Kaitlyn, Virgil, and Liam.

  “Why are you crying?” Gabe asked him after striking him in the face with a stick. Gabe was nine years old at the time. Hair in a mohawk and arms bruised and scarred. David, Kaitlyn, and Liam had just come back from their time with the Order.

  “You just hit me in the face!” Carlos screamed out. His hair buzzed, small and chubby.

  “And if I was a dark warrior, you’d be dead!” Gabriel yelled back at him. “Get up and fight me.”

  David sat watching him, his father James trying to speak to him. But David remained quiet, it had been almost a year since he even spoke to Carlos. “You need to keep up your guard,” David explained to him. After had watched him spar with his sister.

  “What?” Carlos was a bit older.

  “A perfect guard is more important than attacking,” David told him. “You can guard forever. Takes almost no effort. Stop being afraid of getting hit, every time you clash you flinch.”

  “No, I don’t” Carlos was offended. Hard to learn.

  “Yes, you do,” David argued. “Stop being afraid of your enemy. You’re never going to get stronger being afraid. You are stronger than you know.”

  Carlos kept starring out the window. As they approached the beach, Carlos felt a heaviness in his heart. Not sure if it was a good idea to be there. He was afraid, there was a looming sense of dread in the area. He swallowed the pit in his throat. It must’ve just been the weather. “I can carry him to the ship.”

  “You sure?” Chris replied, “Yeah, you pay the guy and I got Stephen.” Chris scowled at him pulling out his wallet. Carlos grabbed onto Stephen’s arm pulling him over and then over his shoulder. Poor kid, he chuckled as he started walking down the path onto the beach. His breathing was heavy in the cold air, the sun had just set in the distance. Looking at his breath fog in the air. He couldn’t wait to get back inside the ship to be warm. Though something didn’t feel right. It was far too quiet. Well, it was wintertime. Maybe he was just psyching himself out, controlling his breathing.

  “You feel that?” Chris asked catching up to the two.

  “Yeah, something isn’t right. I thought it was just me.” Carlos told him. “Let’s keep going, we’re better off at the Silver Arrow.” Carlos kept carrying Stephen down the path. Lined with bushes and palm trees along the sides.

  “I think Carlos is in trouble,” Gabe said, looking at David as they walked down the street.

  “How much trouble?” David asked. Gabe stared at him, his eyes widening. “Very much trouble.”

  “Where are they?” He asked as he turned around, leaving the line for coffee.

  “Beach, LZ.” Gabe followed behind his brother.

  “Taxi!” David called out. As a car halted near him.

  Carlos and Chris exited the path, finding themselves back on the beach. The Silver Arrow was not there. Not even hidden. “Guess Virgil took it out for a joy ride.” Chris thought to himself. Carlos’ breathing drew heavier. He set Stephen down on the sand, leaning his back against a wall. Chris checked his phone trying to call Virgil to pick them up. Carlos’ spirit drew heavy now. Unsure how to feel. He took off his shoes, hoping the sand could help him feel more grounded to the earth. The feeling of life could make him feel better. His toes are now in the sand. Taking a sigh of relief, then took in a deep breath. Carlos was now focused.

  The shuffle of sand afar from himself. A dark figure drew nearer to the group. Carlos turned around starring at him get ever closer. “Chris?” Carlos called out to him, pulling out his hilt. Chris stayed quiet, “Chris?”

  “What?”

  “You seeing what I’m seeing?” Carlos pointed at the figure who was now a football field away from them.

  “That’s definitely an acolyte,” Chris said.

  “I was thinking the same thing.” Carlos drew his Katana, not yet infusing its blade with energy.

  “I think this guy is tough,” Chris muttered. “I’m going to wake up Stephen, hopefully, he’s done tripping. Should we call David?” He asked.

  “We can take him,” Carlos said gritting his teeth. The figure drew his sword as well. Infusing its katana style with red energy. Taking a deep breath, Carlos’ blade infused with blue energy. “I got this.” He said determinedly. The figure was now less than fifty meters from them. His katana began glowing a crimson red on the bottom of his sword. Revealing a double-edged sword. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” Carlos began being filled with doubt. The figure began charging at him.

  Carlos brought up his defense, preparing for an overwhelming combination of heavy and swift attacks. The acolyte leaped to the air, striking down on Carlos as he blocked his enemy. As the blades interlocked, the sand around them picked up. The two began trading parries and strikes. Carlos only struck when he has seen an opening. But his enemy was a tornado of devastation.

  Stephen woke up with Chris slapping his face. Smacking his lips and looking around. “You awake?” Chris asked him. Stephen drew his sword attacking Chris, who jumped back. Stephen had seen Chris as a demon, his sole purpose in life at the moment was to kill him.

  “Carlos, hold on buddy.”

  “I’m trying!” Carlos kept trading blow for blow. “Come on man, It’s Christmas.” He said to the acolyte. He remained silent, what was it that this man wanted. Why did he go out of his way to attack them? They aren’t even the most dangerous of the Watchers. Maybe he wanted to kill them to get to David and Gabriel.

  David and Gabriel stepped out of the taxi, rushing down the path to get to Carlos. Stopping at the exit, looking at Carlos engaged with the acolyte. Gabriel drew his sword, preparing to fight. David raised his arm to Gabe’s chest, blocking him from walking forward. “What’re you doing?”

  “This is Carlos’ fight,” David told him. Watching from afar. Gabe looked at his brother with confusion. Carlos kept fighting, finding an opening he struck at the leg of the man. Though no blood was drawn, a hellish scream echoed through the openness from his mouth. This wasn’t a normal acolyte. Carlos stepped back, what was this? The feeling of dread filled Carlos’ ears. The acolyte exploded into a fury of attacks, slashing at Carlos’ shoulders and legs. Carlos grunted in pain, gripping his sword tighter, the infused blue light grew dim. His mind was full of doubt.

  “I need help.” He muttered; he was giving it his all. No matter what he did, it didn’t seem like he was getting the upper hand. Gabe tried to get past his brother, David gripped onto his brother’s jacket. Not understanding why his brother is allowing this to go on.

  Carlos’ knees fell to the sand, his open wounds burning. His light faded even further. He looked past his enemy, who chuckled in a darkish heavy tone. “I can’t,” Carlos said in pain. Thinking back to the past.

  “Get up.” A young David told him. “Stop feeling sorry for yourself.” David had drilled Carlos for a week of training one summer, pushing himself past his mental capacity was hard than ever. This reminded him of that week.

  Carlos looked down at his hilt laying in the sand. His other hand, softly touching his crystal necklace. Was this how it was going to end? So quickly? So soon? He looked at the open cut on his hand, blood dripping down to his wrists. This was his own blood? He had never seen it run this quickly, nor this red. Looking off into the distant horizon. A light. A soft blue light echoed of a four-legged animal. Carlos blinked softly. Gritting his teeth, he gripped tighter onto his sword, pulling it from the sand. “I’m not giving up!”

  Carlos stood taller than ever, proud. He yelled out at his enemy. A lion’s presence stood tall behind him, glowing ever blue. His sword was infused with a bright light, enough to blind the strongest of eyes. David and Gabriel covered their eyes, looking away. Carlos wore a deep blue mane, made of energy. Charging at the acolyte as it screamed, bracing himself for a heavy strike. Smashing through his blade and shattering the double-edged katana. Cutting his enemy in half, a flash of light appeared as his enemy disappeared inside of it. Fading away like ash in the wind.

  “What the hell was that thing?” Gabriel asked watching the monster disappear.

  “Fear and hatred can be powerful enough to manifest itself into a demon,” David told him. “I’ve only seen this once,” David said, walking out of the path to Carlos. Tears ran down Carlos’ blue eyes. He felt the energy pass from outside of himself and back within. Was he always stronger than he thought? Or was this something else entirely. He felt someone’s hand on his shoulder, his pain faded away with the energy. “Good job,” David told him.

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  “You were there the whole time and didn’t help me?” Carlos asked.

  “Sometimes, we have to face our demons alone,” David said.

  “What was that?”

  “The demon or the energy?” David said kneeling down next to him. “The demon was a manifestation of all your fear. That energy was you unlocking your spirit. I told you a lion meant bravery. You’re the only person I know living who has unlocked it.”

  “Living?”

  “Yeah, Kaitlyn and Master Eleazar.” He said softly. The Silver Arrow came in for a landing, “Let’s get you guys home and Stephen tied up.” He stood back up walking over to Stephen. Gabe looked at Carlos, annoyed and jealous at first. However, he was proud of his friend for reaching his potential. Maybe one day Gabe would reach his as well.

  “David, we got it from here,” Chris said, Stephen knocked out again on the floor. “You guys go enjoy your night.” He told Gabe and David.

  Carlos sat with his arms around his legs, looking out at the waves run over the sand. Back and forth. He was trying to process everything that had passed. He was no longer afraid of what was out there. He had to be brave for his family and his friends, most of all. He had to be brave for himself. David knelt back next to him. “You alright?” He asked.

  “Yeah.” Carlos said, “I’m just trying to process everything. I’ll be okay.”

  “Well, if you need anything. You can call me.” David put his hand on his shoulder. “We can talk about it when we get back home.”

  “Thanks. I really appreciate it.” Carlos said, “You’ve always pushed me, and I thank you for that.” He said. David just smiled at his friend.

  “I never stopped believing in you.” David said, “Never stop believing in yourself.” David stood up and began to walk away. Leaving Carlos alone to think. He was proud of his friend, for standing up and facing what seemed like the impossible. Gabe was waiting for his brother at the beginning of the path.

  “When do I get to do that?” Gabriel asked smiling wide.

  “When the time for you to learn comes,” David said. His hands in his pockets. “Now let’s go see how the girls are doing.” David started up the path.

  “Then again, what does it matter? How much power could a lizard have anyways?” Gabe laughed.

  The Lizard and the Stag

  Eve stayed looking in the mirror, brushing her hair with her fingers. Contemplating and thinking. Unsure if she should redye it or go back to her natural blonde hair. Allison and Jasmine stood right next to her, looking. “Maybe you’re thinking of the wrong thing. You could go with red.” Jasmine suggested looking at the different colors on the wall. Eve snarled at the thought, red was one of her most hated colors.

  “Well, you can take your time and figure that out. I’m going to get mine cut. Maybe a green stripe while I’m at it.” Allison said grabbing the dye off the shelf, turning around, and heading over to one of the barber’s chairs. Eve felt conflicted. Her hair meant a lot to her. Was she going to stick with blue? It seemed unprofessional compared to the rest of the Order. While she didn’t feel comfortable going back to being blonde. It reminded her too much of the childhood that she was trying to leave behind.

  David walked into the barber with Gabriel trailing behind him. “Finally, a voice of reason!” Jasmine said walking over to David. Gabe looked at Eve, reading her mind and chuckling to himself over how minuscule the situation seemed to him. Walking over to Allison who was smiling at him from across the barber.

  “Me? Voice of reason?” David questioned. “What great mystery or question are we trying to discover here?”

  “Eve doesn’t know if she should dye her hair again or not,” Jasmine said.

  “I know what you’re thinking. It’s a harder decision than you think David.” Eve said, clearly stressing herself out. David rubbed his head, he never understood how a girl's mind worked. Situations never seemed as dire to him. David remained quiet, looking at the different colors on the shelf. “Never mind.” She said. He grabbed a couple different shades of blue and blonde. “What’re you doing?” She asked.

  “What shade is your hair?” David asked. “True blue?” He raised two of the bottles next to her head. “Or are you a sapphire?” He asked her.

  “Neither.” Eve said, “I’m azure.” David looked confused at the rest of the bottles in his hands.

  “They don’t have that.” He explained. She smiled up at him, not expecting him to care enough to try to help her out.

  Gabe stood next to Allison watching her spin around as the barber began snipping at the ends of her hair. “Why do you get your hair cut so much? It’s not like it ever changes.” He laughed.

  “They’re called split ends. You have some and probably should get a haircut yourself.” Gabe looked into the mirror. Split ends? He thought to himself. Not sure what she was talking about. The stylist left for a minute to grab some different scissors. “Going to implant Eve’s thoughts into David?” She asked him.

  “I already did." Gabe said, “That’s why he’s helping her. David told me since she’s personally not ready to accept the past, she should dye her hair again.”

  “He really is starting to act like a human, isn’t he?” Allison said. “You can tell when he’s actually caring or when he’s pretending to just seem normal.”

  “He’s getting there. Can’t imagine what’s going on inside his head. He never lets me in if he could help it.” Gabriel said. “I actually have to talk to him when we need to handle issues.”

  “Maybe that’s a good thing.” Allison told him, “Means you actually have to try to keep your bond.” Gabe watched as Eve scuttled to her chair, David carrying multiple bottles of hair dye. “Did you decide on a color?” Allison shouted out at David.

  “Me?” David laughed. “I’m just here to help, she doesn’t trust me enough to choose.” He smiled as she got into the chair. The stylist began speaking with the two. David seemed very adamant about Sapphire, but Eve wasn’t going to rely on his opinion alone.

  The group remained at the hair salon for a little more than an hour. Gabe and David stayed sitting waiting for all three girls to finish with their makeovers. Gabriel took every chance he could to make eye contact with Allison where she would make a different expression every time and he would just smile. “And you thought you were hiding it from me,” David said reading a page on his phone.

  “What?” Gabe said looking offended. “Look, I’m more obvious about it now because I know that you know.”

  “Yeah, okay,” David said.

  “Says the guy who spent ten minutes learning the difference between midnight blue and Indigo,” Gabriel said to him.

  “Indigo is more of a violet color.” David said, “Only an idiot would confuse indigo and midnight blue.” David scoffed at his younger brother, going back to his phone.

  Gabriel stared at his brother, not even sure how to react to his reply. “Who are you?” He wondered where the brother went that only cared about music and the Order.

  “Not an idiot obviously,” David said.

  “Don’t talk to me for the rest of the night,” Gabriel told him, some time passed as David read and Gabriel was playing a game. Allison walked up with the rest of the girls. Her hair was a centimeter shorter, but now a neon green stripe went down the back of her head.

  “You like it?” She asked. Gabe looked at her hair, smiling and running his hand through her hair. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

  Eve walked up to David, her hair now back to being a full Sapphire color. Barely a noticeable difference. However, her blonde roots completely disappeared. Her smile was wide as she looked at herself in the mirror. “Dude, you picked a good color.”

  “Yeah, I’d say so.” David went to touch her hair, she backed away from his hand swiftly.

  “I don’t want you to mess it up.” Eve looked up at him scowling. He pulled his hands back calmly.

  “I apologize,” David said embarrassed. Jasmine cut her hair down to her shoulders. Having always said that her hair got in the way of fighting, whenever she forgot to tie it back into a ponytail. Everyone told her she should just cut it, but never committed to it till now. “See you finally did it,” David told her.

  “Yeah, it’s bittersweet but takes time out of my fights now.” She grinned at herself in the mirror. “So, what now?”

  “I kind of want to go Ice skating,” Eve muttered. Putting her hoodie back on. Stuffing her beanie in her pocket.

  “They have a place here.” Jasmine said, “If we all want to go, I can grab our idiots off the beach.” Jasmine started for the door. The others followed.

  “I’ve never ice skated before,” David admitted. Eve looked up at him with wide eyes.

  “We’re definitely going now. Just so I can see you fail at something for once and bust your ass.” She laughed at him. He just shook his head.

  “As fun as that would be, we’re going to spend some alone time together,” Gabe said throwing his jacket on. Allison looked at David.

  “We’ll keep in touch.” Allison said, “Back at the Silver at eleven?”

  “Yeah,” David said, Jasmine left to get the others at the Silver arrow before telling David she would meet them there. Gabriel and Allison left his arm in hers. Clutching onto him as they walked through the mall.

  “Guess it’s just us now,” Eve said to him laughing. “We can call this a date I guess.”

  “Don’t even think about it.” David chuckled.

  “Does your oath prevent you to date?” She asked as he nodded. “Well, you can date without loving someone. A friend date?” She offered.

  “A friend date.” David agreed as he walked out of the hair salon. Eve trailed behind him before catching up to his side.

  Gabriel and Allison found themselves walking down the busy sidewalk. Sticking close by each other. He glanced down at her from time to time, watching her eyes glow as they passed the streetlights. Gabriel found himself captivated by her every move and mannerism. Her smile radiated like the sun. She looked at the library as they passed by.

  “Do you think they’re still open?” Allison asked full of hope, shaking slightly.

  “It’s pretty late.” Gabriel said, “The lights are still open, so more than likely.” He said as she started to pull him up the steps. Allison stopped. She turned around looking at him. She was now at his eye level standing on one of the steps. “What is it?”

  “We should do something you want to do for once,” Allison admitted. “We always do what I want to do.” She smiled at him.

  “We always do what I want to do.” Gabriel smiled. “Where can we find a fight?” He joked. “My favorite thing to do is spending time with you.” He gleamed with a deep smile. Which was true, and she knew it.

  “I love you.” She said softly, taking his hands and turning around sharply charging inside of the library pulling him forcefully. Gabriel reluctantly followed her steps. Though not reciprocating those words back to her. He was afraid that if he told her that, he would lose her. Those words were taboo to him.

  Once inside Allison dug through her bag for her library card. They checked in at the front desk and she rushed upstairs to the top floor. There is where one should typically find lost books on the Order, hidden in an unreadable text to the normal human. The library was massive, Gabriel followed her up all the stairs, though the fiction books always caught his eyes. Looking away just for a moment. She had disappeared. Allison now poured her energy into blocking her thoughts so he couldn’t find her. Playing a little game of hide and seek in the isles of books.

  “That’s not fair.” He said aloud, before being hushed by one of the librarians. “Sorry.” He whispered to her. Walking up and down the halls searching for Allison. She would be in an obscure place, knowing that Gabriel was a master at finding people. He was confident in finding her soon. Gabriel soon became lost, not sure where she could be. He was standing amongst dusty old tomes. The lights were even dim. No one ever cared to go back there. Seeming as if not a single soul had been there for decades to him. If they were to find anything relating to the Order, they would find it there.

  Gabriel’s vision turned black, small hands covering his vision. He smiled softly through his lips. “Guess you win this one.”

  “You’d be dead mister Locklear.” Allison smiled at him. “Whatever happened to never let your guard down?” She asked. He turned around slowly.

  “Well misses Barber,” Gabriel said pulling her hands down from his face. “To be fair, I wasn’t expecting to be killed by my girlfriend.”

  “Betrayal can come in many forms.” She smiled at him as she pulled his jacket in close to her. Gabriel’s eyes locked within her green eyes. Lost within, he couldn’t control himself when he was alone with her. She put her back against one of the bookcases, gripping his hair in her hand. Forcing his head closer to hers. Gabe grabbed her small waist, bringing her body closer to his.

  Dolls and Oaths

  David and Eve walked inside the stadium. It was colder inside than it was outside. Guessing it had to be that way to keep the ice from melting in the California sun. Jasmine and the rest of the Watchers were standing at the entrance of the ramp waiting for the two of them. Eve and David had stopped at the music store on the way, David just wanted to look around at all the band merchandise. In reality, he was trying to stall, hoping for something to come up so he didn’t have to attempt ice skating for the first time. Not entirely sure why he was so nervous.

  “About time.” Kevin said, “We already got our skates and stuff, we’ll be inside waiting for you guys.” He said as he started inside, throwing his ice skates over his shoulder.

  Eve walked over to the front counter with David trailing behind. “Can we get some skates?” Eve asked.

  “Every hour is twenty-five dollars for each person.” He said. As he brought out a piece of paper. “Couples get thirty percent off.” He smiled at the two of them.

  David looked at Eve, before he could speak Eve interrupted. “That’s awesome because my boyfriend and I are looking to save some money.” She smiled.

  “Sounds good to me. Now, what size are you two?” He asked as he went to the back wall to get their ice skates.

  “You don’t have to worry about saving me money,” David said after telling the man the size of his shoe.

  “A simple you’re welcome would be nice.” She smiled. “Now you have no excuse not to buy me something to eat.” David smiled back at her. She seemed to take control of the situation; she was stubborn.

  “It’s a stadium, they probably only have garbage food here,” David told her.

  “Says the one with Pizza as one of his major food groups.” Eve grinned. The man returned with their ice skates as David paid for two hours. Both of them walked inside the stadium up the ramp. It wasn’t completely dense, more open than David would have thought. The white ice rink with concrete bleachers surrounding it. Lined with families and couples. David followed Eve as she started for the group sitting in the bleachers near the entrance to the rink. Noticing Carlos had been laughing with Kevin. He made a speedy recovery since he last saw him. He was only glad to know he was alright and back to his normal self, though his back wasn’t hunched over as it used to be.

  “Went back to the full blue?” Richard asked Eve as she walked up.

  “Yeah, I think it’s for the better.” She smiled at him as he put on his skates.

  “David, can’t wait to see you eat the ice.” Kevin joked as he walked up.

  “Guess it’s only fair with how many times I’ve made you eat the sand in the pit,” David replied. Kevin just laughed, knowing he was right.

  “Wow, you must not be good at sports,” Eve said to him taking her seat removing her shoes almost immediately.

  “He’s terrible.” Ethan laughed with a hotdog in his hand.

  “There was a time David was trying to learn how to use a skateboard.” Everyone started laughing.

  “What happened?” Eve wondered grinning. David just stood there taking in all the jokes and embarrassment.

  “Did you think that scar on his chin was from a fight?” Jasmine laughed.

  “Okay. Okay.” David raised his hands, “Let’s not remind everyone how uncoordinated I am.”

  “Uncoordinated?” Eve thought he must have been the most coordinated, with how good he was at dueling.

  “If it doesn’t involve using his spirit, David is hopeless,” Richard said in Eve’s ear as she looked up at him.

  “C’mon guys give him a chance,” Eve said feeling bad for him as his energy was changing to a more defensive turn. He was getting nervous about going to have to try to skate for the first time. David sat down and took a deep breath trying to relax, putting on his skates. Who knew something as simple as this terrified him so much?

  Eventually, everyone stood up and went for the skating rink. Chris stayed sitting in the bleachers. “Can you watch our stuff? Considering you’re not doing anything?” Jasmine asked him. He replied with a thumbs-up as he chowed down on his tray of chili cheese fries.

  David stood up attempting to balance on the blades. Eve looked at him trying to walk, waiting for him at the entrance. She felt bad for him, his energy read a slight panic in him. His breathing control remained steady, only his emotional energy read differently. She felt bad for him. “You don’t have to if you don’t want to. I promise I won’t make fun of you.”

  “Something tells me you won’t keep that promise,” David said holding onto the rain down to the entrance. Eve smiled knowing he was right. She would probably make fun of him forever. It was good to know wasn’t good at everything.

  “You take your time; I’m going to enjoy the ice for a bit,” Eve said as she walked out to the ice. David smiled being generous with her suggestion of taking his time. Kids passed by him. Feeling more embarrassed that kids were more confident than him.

  Eve went in circles, having not ice-skated since she was younger. She felt a sense of freedom being able to move around the rink. Skating and laughed with the rest of the group whenever she passed by them. The cold chill kissed her face as she passed the vents. The wind blew through her hair. She missed this feeling, it reminded her of home. Reminding her of when she was younger before life got too crazy. She watched the family in front of her, a little girl holding onto the hands of her mother and father as they skated. Her eyes watering, David did warn her there was no going back when he did the memory destruction. Reminding herself that the memories of her as a child were not the same as when she grew older.

  David fell to his knees, letting out a light laugh. “They do make this look so easy.” David grabbed onto the wall, attempting to keep himself steady. He started to skate again, shifting his feet one in front of the other as if he were taking large steps. Eve looked ahead, watching him as if she were watching a baby deer attempt to walk for the first time. He thanked God that Gabe wasn’t there to see him struggle that way. Eve pulled up next to him, slowing down to keep pace with him. “When I told you, I wasn’t good at everything I wasn’t lying.”

  “I can see that.” She laughed, “Come here.” She reached out her hand. He hesitated. “It’s not against your oath to hold a hand.” She said.

  “It’s not that.” David said, “Hard to admit when you're scared to let go of a wall.” He smiled, face red, Eve was unsure if that was from his embarrassment or if he had fallen on his face when she wasn’t looking. Eve forced her hand into his, yanking him from the wall.

  “We’re not doing the training wheel thing.” Eve said, “One foot in front of the other, you’re gliding, not stepping.” She explained to him how to properly ice skate. Going from brief moments, David calmed his mind. Soon was able to hold his own turning gently around the edges. He was doing it. His friends cheered him on as they passed by him. He just smiled back and flipped them off with his free hand. Eve kept her hand in his.

  “They really do love you, don’t they?” Eve asked him as they continued, David slowly getting better.

  “I like to think so,” David said watching them pass by. “They’re counting on me.”

  “I don’t think that’s the case. I think that you think all the responsibility is on you.” Eve admitted. “We’re a team, maybe you shouldn’t worry so much.”

  “I wish it were that simple,” David said.

  “It really is.” Eve told him, “You stress too much.” Eve let go of his hand, David instantly became panicked, falling to his knees. He yelped as his knees hit the ice. “If we’re so dependent on you, then you can get up on your own.” David reached for the wall next to him. Eve swatted at his hand.

  “What the hell was that for?” David said, scowling up at her as she circled around him like a shark.

  Eve reached out her hand, “You’re not on your own. We can depend on each other.” David sighed, taking her hand. Now she was teaching him lessons. Everyone minded their business when it came to him. Eve didn’t hesitate to tell him what she thought. He liked it but never would admit it. Eve knew by his actions of taking his hand, that he was right. She pulled David back up to his feet, taking both his hands, pulling him as she skated backward.

  “Showing off?” David smiled at her, his eyes staring into her deep blues. Her hair briskly flowed with the wind.

  “Yes.” She said looking into his green eyes. Smiling at him as he was under her control. It was nice for to her have the upper hand for once. They continued to skate for a while. David soon got the hang of it, until he followed Eve back to the bleachers. The stadium was closed, but Ethan convinced David to use his persuasion to keep the place open for them just a bit longer. He eventually agreed. The Watcher’s continued to skate for the rest of their time.

  David got off the rink, taking a seat next to Eve, both alone. Her knees to her chest, cold from the air. “Thank you,” Eve said softly.

  “This was your idea.” David laughed, rubbing his calves. Both are incredibly sore. “We would probably be home by now. And Virgil wouldn’t be sleeping on the bleacher.” He joked.

  “No not that.” Eve said, “Being here reminded me of how happy I was when I was younger.” She said, David’s smile faded. “Then how it all just fell apart. Then you came along and just.” She stopped. “I don’t know what or how you did it, but you seemed to put all my pieces back together.” She reached into her pocket. Gripping onto the small stringed doll. David scooted closer to her. “I just want you to know and never forget how much I appreciate this.”

  David cleared his throat. “You don’t have to thank me.”

  “I really wish you would stop saying that. Admit it, you went out of your way. Or tell me that helping was just part of the job.”

  David looked into the distance. “Honestly, I definitely went out of my way.” He chuckled slightly. Eve looked over at him.

  “What is your oath?” She asked him softly.

  “My oath?” David’s smile faded. “Word for word is too long. I swore to the Order and the Circle of the Templar. That I would not love. Bare no children. Pledging my heart, mind, and soul to the Order.” He said confidently.

  “Sounds like a death sentence,” Eve said. “How old were you when you swore that?”

  “Fourteen,” David admitted.

  “Sounds like brainwashing.” Eve told him, “But you honor it, still. That’s admirable at the least.”

  “Sounds dumb to you.” David said, “It’s not easy. People think it’s easy to just say no to love. But I’ll admit, I crave it. Seeing Gabriel, I want it. But then I see Liam, realizing how dangerous love can be.”

  Eve stayed quiet, she understood. It wasn’t just honor holding him back, but it was also fear. Fear that love would corrupt him. She pulled out the stringed doll. “I got this for you.” She stuttered, “It’s stupid, but I wanted to show you that I appreciate you.”

  “It’s not stupid,” David said accepting the gift, he touched its head. Smiling. “Thank you,” David said. “Now I feel bad because I didn’t give you anything.”

  “You’ve given me more than enough,” Eve said, looking at him. He wrapped the doll around his zipper, ensuring it was secure. He looked back at her. Their eyes locked again. Staring into each other. Everything seemed to halt in time. David’s heart pounded his chest as he swore, he could see into her soul staring back at him. She rolled her lips back and then forward. This wasn’t fair, Eve was falling in love with someone who couldn’t love her back. David wasn’t supposed to fall in love. Here he was doing exactly that.

  David snapped his head back forward. “I uh- “David brought himself back to reality, “I’ve decided to have all the corruption removed from me.” He said, “I- “

  Eve gently pulled his face back to her, cutting off his words with her lips. Both closing their eyes, David returned his lips against hers. Her hand against the side of his face, hand doing the same. David was intoxicated by the feeling. Eve had craved his touch from the start of the day. David had moved his hand to her chest quickly pushing her away. “I’m sorry.” She said, “I couldn’t help- “David took a deep breath, looking away from her. Kevin had been stopped in his tracks, looking up at David. Feeling sorry for his friend, understanding how conflicted David was. He stood up looking at Kevin. “David I- “

  “You don’t understand how bad I want to,” David said he didn’t seem to want to explain to himself. His only care was escaping the situation. Eve stood up. “You stay there. Please don’t follow me.” He raised his finger at her, turning away walking towards the exit. Eve felt broken, only doing what she felt was right at the moment, now feeling like that she had only done nothing but damage their relationship.

  David quickly left as Kevin walked up the steps to talk to the now estranged Eve. Her head resting in her hands. He sat down in front of her. “Are you okay?” Kevin asked her. She just looked up at him. Her eyes were red.

  “I just screwed everything up.” She said stuff around her began to levitate. Kevin watched as he sensed her beginning to lose control.

  He placed his hand on her shoulder. “Maybe, maybe not.” Kevin said, “But it’s not the end. David has a lot going on, the last thing he needs right now is love. Damned, I say it, but David loves you back.” Items began to lower back to the ground. “Just right now, he needs space. He’ll come around. If he didn’t care, he wouldn’t be talking my ear off about his conflict.”

  Eve looked up at him again. “I didn’t mean to push him.”

  “You crave affection. Hell, we all do. David more than anyone. Like I said, he’ll come around. Exactly right now you need to focus on being a better guardian. And David needs to focus on being a Knight.”

  “I know.” She muttered. Eve felt horrible. Being normal, that would have been right at the moment. She had to constantly remind herself that she wasn’t a normal teenager anymore. She had to set love and herself aside.

  “David knows you didn’t mean it,” Kevin said standing up. “C’mon. We should get home.” He said as everyone walked over to her.

  “Brave.” Richard laughed. Eve couldn’t help but smile back at him.

  At that moment, with David, the universe felt at perfect balance. David felt it too, seeming as if that everything seemed too much to be just a coincidence. Their birthdays, crystals, both hosting winged spirits. Was he to break his oath? He was just as lost and confused as ever. He wished his master were there to offer him guidance at the time. Maybe it was for the best to separate himself from Eve for the time being. He felt himself wanting to be in love with her more than wanting to fulfill his duties as a member of the Order. He had to do what was necessary for his friends, his family, and Eve. Sacrificing his happiness to ensure her safety was more important to him. He refused to forget his Oath.