Evelyn Taylor

  0700 23 DEC 2021

  Guardian Level 1, Watcher

  I woke up this morning feeling shittier than before. Today I’m supposed to be completing the first trial. They have me on some type of fast-track thinking that I’m some type of prodigy. I have been so unfocused lately. Meditating finds to be a struggle in itself. And they expect me to perform some obstacle course without issue? I tried to ask for more time, I guess the Order doesn’t have much time to spare lately. Even David has been making back and forth trips constantly to the headquarters. That’s the only time I’ve seen him lately, either to leave or coming back late from the council meetings. Every day they appear more frequently. Rumor is that the Brotherhood recruitment has lowered. Which sounds like a good thing. When in reality it could mean that they’re preparing to make their move. Our danger status has risen as well. The Order has deployed some of their guardians here. Along with three knights to assist David.

  Speaking of David. We haven’t really talked since the other day. I really screwed up, maybe it’s for the best we keep our distance. I need to focus on myself right now, and he has more than enough on his plate. I feel terrible. I just couldn’t help myself. What makes it worse, is that I can’t even get the time to apologize to him. He’s either gone, or he’s locked away in his room. Sticking with his study of demonology and other evil things. I still don’t understand his fascination with the darkness. No matter how many times Gabriel tries to explain it to me.

  I can’t help to feel miserable. It’s Christmas time and I feel like I have a void that needs to be filled. Is this how they all feel? Maybe for the exception of Gabe and Allison. Seems like they’ve all tried to avoid love and relationships. I guess it’s easier to not have to worry about losing anyone that close.

  Eve closed her computer after ending the recording. One knee up to her chest. Lowering her head onto her knee. Taking a deep breath, closing her heavy eyes. She hated herself for what she did. She moved too fast, quickly trying to find to fill the void she so desired to fill growing up. Eve thought she had found the concrete to fill it in David, a man who didn’t allow himself to love. Life really did have its twisted ways of playing games on people. A knock at her door echoed through her quiet room. “I’m not home,” Eve yelled out into her leg.

  “That seems kind of redundant to say” Gabriel was at the door, “Your thoughts are loud.”

  “Let them be,” Eve said, she reluctantly stood up and walked over to the door, cracking it open. Dressed in sweats and a hoodie. “What?” She asked.

  “Is that how we talk to superiors?” Gabriel smiled sarcastically.

  Eve sighed looking up at him. “What do you want?”

  “I was thinking and maybe I can talk to you,” Gabriel said.

  “We’ve already talked. Nothing you say is really going to help me right now.” Eve said. “I need to focus on the trial.”

  “Exactly,” Gabriel shoved the door open and walked over to the window, opening it. A cold chill filled the room. “You need to pass today.”

  “Yeah, I know that” Eve said still standing at the door, her arms crossed.

  “No like you need to pass,” Gabriel emphasized. “Look my stupid brother can keep following his stupid oath. But he won’t admit that he loves you that will pass. But right now.” Gabriel opened up her drawers throwing clothes around. Till he found a suitable outfit for her trial.

  “What are you doing?” Eve began getting annoyed at his random sense of urgency.

  “David can’t become a knight till you pass,” Gabe said walking over with a handful of clothes.

  “I can dress myself.” She said.

  “Are you listening? David needs to be a knight, or they’ll send someone else here to take control.”

  “I don’t understand what that has to do with me.” She said snatching the clothes from his hands.

  “The Order won’t sign off on his knighthood. Though he’d still be a knight in the eyes of the templar.” He started to look around randomly getting distracted by hearing the random thoughts throughout the building. “But he needs to be recognized as a knight by the Order for him to continue being a knight here with us.”

  “You’re not answering my question, Gabe.”

  “If he can’t prove he’s competent to train. They won’t approve of his knighthood.”

  “That’s kind of unfair considering most guardians typically don’t take their trial in a year.”

  “That’s the point,” Gabriel said. “They want you to fail. Well, Master Leanora does. They want Master Eleazar’s philosophy and teachings to die with David’s chance of becoming a knight.”

  “On one condition,” Eve said walking away.

  “I know what you’re thinking, and I don’t think that’s the best thing right now. Especially too soon right now. Could cloud your mind and make you lose focus.”

  “I want to be able to speak to David before my trial.” She demanded.

  “Well, he’s already at the headquarters and I need to escort you,” Gabe said. “So, get a move on it, and the sooner we get there the more of a chance you have.”

  “Then get out so I can get dressed.” Eve scowled at him.

  “Of course.” Gabriel instant for the door, closing it behind him. Eve watched the door shut, she put her head in her hands, rubbing her eyes.

  “No pressure.” She told herself, looking down at the clothes. They were her robes. Covering with a grey tunic. Made to fit her personality. She never got the chance to wear them. Nor did she have the choice of color. The Watchers were made to wear black. Working in the darkness to serve the light. David had told her when he gave them to her. Though the crest of the watcher had not been inscribed on the back, Gabriel told her that she had to earn it after her first trial. It seemed like everyone depended on her now for once. How the tides have turned.

  David sat on the operation table. Shirtless rubbing his arms to keep himself warm. His body was almost completely clean of the years of corruption he had harnessed in his body. Taking a deep breath as Master Ruiz pushed a needle into his back, connected to an empty bag. It began dripping a black fluid inside. David grunted, felt weird as it was removed from his body. “Corruption is a strange thing.” Master Ruiz said, “After all the years, we still don’t know how it works.”

  “It definitely has its effect,” David said looking at the wall. With all the basic medical pictures. “Master, it wouldn’t make sense for the combination of purity and corruption to be connected to a complete balance?”

  “Many have tried, though only lead to their death. Interestingly, your body has been able to take so much of the corruption without dying. Or turn to a demon yourself.” Master Ruiz continued to explain.

  “Liam had a malfestation in him. Do you think he had begun relying on corruption to give him power?” David wondered.

  “A reliance on corruption can begin destroying the body.” Master Ruiz told him. “That’s why we healers use purity water to heal corruption. You can’t just simply pull the corruption from someone’s body.” David looked down. He must’ve been right. Then something occurred to him.

  “Master, I’ve never used purity water to heal corruption. Or even to take it into my own body.” David told him. Master Ruiz looked up at him confused.

  “Nonsense.” Master Ruiz laughed. “You would be dead right now. You have sure to have used purity in your body at least once compared to how much corruption was hosted within your body.” David continued to stare at him, Master Ruiz’s expression fell to confusion. “You’ve never used purity water, David?”

  “No,” David said. Remaining quiet.

  “Your blood samples show the use of purity.” Master Ruiz grabbed his clipboard, flipping through the pages. “Right here.” He pointed at the graph with some numbers David pretended to understand. “Don’t try to play tricks on me kid.”

  David looked at the clipboard, strange. According to the statistics, it would mean David would be using purity water every day. Master Ruiz took the clipboard back. “Master, what happens when purity and corruption mix?” He asked.

  Master Ruiz pulled out a small vile of both substances. Bringing David’s tray in front of them. He laid down a microscope. Taking two small drops on top of each other. Placing it under the microscope. David just watched him. “The two of them refuse to mix, causing an explosion of energy. Flipping the microscope for David to look inside. What he saw was exactly that, a small explosion of both black and white energy. David had never seen something like it before. Could it be possible that this was the energy Master Eleazar was attempting to produce within himself? Though why did David’s blood read he had been using purity on himself? He wondered. David never touched the stuff.

  “Master,” David said.

  “No, no more experiments on yourself.” Master Ruiz told him. “It’s bad enough I haven’t told the Order about the experiments Master Eleazar had already done on you.”

  “Please,” David begged. “If I promise not to use it on myself. I just think it would help with my studies for demonology.”

  “Why don’t you study something more admirable?” Master Ruiz suggested to him. “You’re a great duelist, study or even develop a new style of combat for heaven’s sake.” He disapproved heavily.

  “You’re going to refuse someone that chance to make a medical breakthrough or a way to combat evil?” David said, “How many lives this could save? I’m appalled arch master.” David knew how to convince him.

  “Just a little bit.” Master Ruiz told him. “Promise me not to use it on yourself or mix way too much that’ll destroy your mountain.” He told him.

  “Thank you, master,” David said still looking at the chaotic mix inside the microscope.

  Eve sat in the seat in the back, wanting to be away from everyone near the front of the train. Fully clothed in her dark robes. Her hair was tied back into a ponytail, leaving her bangs in the front of her face. Concentrating her breathing, meditated on everything she had learned in the past month. There were multiple trials that each guardian had to go through to reach the next rank. Though they never told the individual which trial they would be facing, until the last one just by process of elimination. The trials of control, skill, wisdom, strength, and pain. David’s trial of pain was Master Eleazar’s idea of getting him his knighthood early. Sending him to be tortured or face impossible odds. David still knew this; he knew it the entire time and he went through with it. Eve thought to herself; was it for his attainment of power? No, that wasn’t like him. Eve kept getting distracted, needing to focus on her meditation. To prepare herself for her trial.

  The train came to a halt at the headquarters. David stood outside the terminal, dawning his black robes. The Watchers stood out as a whole whenever they were there. Everyone typically stook to lighter or vibrant colors. It was easier to identify them let alone find each other in the crowd. David’s sleeves together, displaying an abundance of patience.

  Gabriel stepped off the train, everyone else stepped off as well. Walking up to his older brother. David handed his brother the backpack. “Lock this in one of the storage compartments, for me?” He asked as Gabriel took it, immediately passing it to Stephen. He nodded taking the bag back inside. “Is she ready?” David asked, looking through the window as she stayed meditating inside the train.

  “As ready as she can be with how much time they gave her.” Gabriel said, “Any idea which trial she’ll be doing.” Gabriel looked at her and then back to his brother. He shook his head no. “She wants to talk to you.”

  “I bet she does,” David said, he began to turn around to walk away.

  “she said she won’t give it her all without giving her time to talk. I think she’s lying, but regardless, you two need to talk.” Gabriel said. David stopped turning around. He looked at his brother and then down at the floor, shaking his head. “You know I wouldn’t be on her side right now, but too much is relying on this.”

  David looked back at his younger brother, “We don’t have a lot of time.” David looked back down the hall. “Have her meet me in the hall of guardians.”

  “Thank you,” Gabriel said. As his brother walked away, “You look healthy. Your cheeks look fuller.” He told him. David just smiled back at him, quickly saluting him with two fingers. Gabriel chuckled; glad his brother had decided to get rid of the sickness in himself. Now he wondered what was inside the bag. Now wasn’t the time to go snooping. Quickly turning around, Gabriel went back inside the train. “Eve. I helped you, now you have to pass. That was the deal.” He shouted.

  Eve slowly opened her eyes, bags sitting heavily under. “I never said I wasn’t going to try. I just don’t know if I can.”

  “That was not the deal.” Gabe said, “That self-doubt that you have right now. Needs to quit.”

  Eve put her legs on the ground. “Thank you, Gabriel.” She started to head off the train. Gabe stood confused, unsure what to think of how she was. He was the last person to give advice or give words of inspiration. Gabe just expected everyone to do what they were supposed to without issue.

  “Do you even know where to go?” Gabriel scuttled over to her before she was out of hearing range. Eve stopped face red. “Hall of guardians.” He told her. “You don’t even know where that is.”

  “No, I don’t” Eve admitted, embarrassed.

  “I’ll catch up with you guys later, save me a seat,” Gabe said to Allison. She just smiled at him; he knew he didn’t have to say that to her. Knowing she would do it anyways. Gabriel started ahead of Eve, waving at her to follow. She did just that, following him through the hallways, strangely they weren’t as crowded as before when she was there. Made sense considering the bolstering of defenses throughout the communes around the west side territories.

  “Why the hall of guardians?” Eve asked him, attempting to stay as close as possible.

  “Because the amount of people who care about our history is minimal,” Gabe told her.

  “That’s not good,” Eve told him.

  “Definitely not. No one is ever in the great halls of history.” Eve continued to remain silent, trying to stay aloof. Gabriel lead her into the great hall, where everything was connected. “Look, I know things are complicated right now, and you don’t believe in yourself. But we all believe in you.”

  “That’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me,” Eve said. “You only care that you’re brother gets his knighthood.”

  “That’s not true.” She looked at him, her eyes covered in disbelief. Gabriel continued, “Well, you’re not wrong for the fact I want David to receive his knighthood. But I do believe in you. You’re progressing quickly. You have a remarkably high energy level, don’t tell anyone but you might just be higher than most of us. You just have to learn to control it.”

  “Now I know you’re lying.”

  “I wasn’t supposed to tell you how high your potential is. Because it’s taboo.” Gabriel shrugged. “Don’t believe me. How did you surpass Stephen and Chris at the boulder test? In only a few months of training?” He asked her.

  Eve never really thought of it, she had always wondered why Liam made such an effort in taking her. “Luck?” She asked him.

  Gabe lead her into the doorway of the hall of guardians. “Stop questioning yourself. You’re never going to pass if you don’t have faith in yourself. Prove the council wrong that you have what it takes.”

  “Would they take away my status as a guardian?” Eve asked.

  “No, but they will be reluctant to give you another chance. If you can’t pass trails. And not a level five guardian by twenty-one, they call to pull you and make you a librarian or something dumb.” He told her. “That’s why we have you fast-tracked in the first place,” Gabriel told her opening the doors. She looked down, wondering if all of this was worth the effort. Was this worth the effort she was going through? Eve continued to think about it all. Was this selfish?

  She could see David standing at the end of the hall. Walls lined with statues and paintings. Some empty pedestals, open for more sculptures. Gabriel walked inside; Eve followed behind him. Her heart was heavy in her chest. She was so busy thinking about the trail. She didn’t even figure out what she was going to say to David. What could she say to change anything? She was too focused on starring at the back of David’s head, Eve didn’t take the time to look at the different statues and artwork of the warriors. Once at the halfway, Gabriel stopped waving his hand at her to continue without him. She took a deep breath, calming her mind.

  Soon she was at the end, David was staring up at the large statue. A man dressed in a bear’s cloak. A neatly trimmed goatee, and a sword at his side along with a musket. “Do you know who William B. Ide is?” David asked. Eve stopped in her tracks, completely caught off guard from the question.

  “No, I don’t think I do,” Eve admitted.

  “William B. Ide was a guardian of the Order of America. Against the council’s wishes of involvement with the expansion west. Ide saw the corruption in the west. Lawless and dangerous lands where the darkness ran rampant.” David said, standing, still looking at the statue. “He took a group of guardians. Thirty or so to the west. Finding exactly that their suspicions were true. He was ordered to return or wait for reinforcements to eliminate the Brotherhood. Although he could no longer stand by and watch as they oppressed the people there. He led a revolt against all odds. The rest is history.”

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  “Sounds like a powerful man,” Eve told him, fascinated that a guardian was able to accomplish something so great.

  “The opposite actually.” David said, “He was seen as one of the weakest members in the Order. Though his humbleness and leadership abilities proved to the Order that guardians were a pivotal part of the war. Power or your abilities to pass trials didn’t mean anything. It’s your character that the council pays attention to. Are you a leader or a follower?” David said. He turned around. “Are you willing to sacrifice everything for the greater good?” David asked her looking at her.

  “I understand now,” Eve admitted, she didn’t at first. That even the smallest of people, in the smallest of battles can mean everything to the picture. David’s oath had nothing to do with power, his trials had nothing to do with strength. Everything David did was for selflessness.

  “Do you?” David said, “Or are you going to disregard everything I care about for your own desires?” David asked, his voice slowly rising with each word.

  “I’m sorry,” Eve said softly. “You don’t understand how much I regret it all. I hate myself for what I’ve done.” Her eyes welled up, doing her best to keep her eyes on him.

  David took a deep breath. “It’s not all your fault.” David’s voice fell from anger. “I don’t blame you.” He looked away. “I wish I could give in to what I want. Things I see other people have and I know I can’t.”

  “Because you’re afraid that it would distract yourself from your responsibilities.” Eve said, “I know. And I completely disregarded it because I was caught up in my selfish, stupid actions.” She muttered. “I want to be friends with you, you’re the coolest thing to happen to me.” She chuckled. A tear rolled down her eye. “I know you can’t love-”

  David took a deep breath, realizing that he couldn’t stay mad or upset with her. He would rather squash the issue then and there. Wanting to go back to being able to laugh with her. “I can love, just not in the way you wish I could.” David said, “I would like for us to be friends again.”

  Eve smiled, scoffing a bit to get some fresh air. “I honestly wasn’t expecting you to accept my apology.”

  “I forgave you the minute you did it,” David said, he would never tell that he liked it. But she probably knew that already. “Doesn’t mean I wasn’t upset about it. Or still.” David continued.

  “Thank you,” Eve said, rubbing her arm. “I really don’t know if I can do this trial.”

  “Yes, you can.” David put it simply. He knew planting those words in her mind, was enough to fill her mind with positivity. “Just remember to breathe, focus, and follow through,” David muttered.

  “Everyone is pressuring me in something I had barely any time to prepare for,” Eve said.

  “Trials aren’t about passing; you can fail the objective and still pass,” David said. This was the first she heard of it. “Do you think Gabe really passed the trial of wisdom?” He smiled. She laughed back at him. Guessing he was right. He reached his hand out to her, passing her a small patch. Seeming freshly sown, it was black and white with blue lining for her energy color. She took it in her palm, it was the symbol of the Watcher’s symbol. An eye and sword going down through it.

  “Did you make this?” Eve asked.

  “Yeah,” David admitted. “It’s only fair I haven’t given you anything. Plus, if you fail, just don’t bother not burning it.” He joked. “You should hurry along. Remember to focus. The spirits will guide you.”

  Eve smiled up at him, “You’re not coming?” Eve asked him.

  “Gabe will be escorting you; I’m going to be watching with the Templars.”

  “Quite an audience if they’re here.” Eve said, “I got this.” She said confidently.

  “Focus,” David said, patting her on the shoulders. “Trust your instincts.” She smiled at him.

  “Thank you, David.” Eve said, “I’m sorry for everything.”

  “Say you’re sorry again, and I’ll fail you myself.” David teased.

  “You can’t get rid of me.” Eve laughed as she turned around. Walking back to Gabe who was waiting for her at the halfway mark on his phone. Eve wasn’t going to let them down. She was going to do the best she could. She was going to give it her all. Eve walked confidently over to Gabriel.

  “Someone looks happy.” He said putting his phone away. Eve wasn’t happy, but content with life. If this was the best that life offered her, she was going to take it. She wanted to be with David. And if the only way was being by his side and nothing more, she was content with that. Now wasn’t the time to be thinking of that, Eve calmed her mind. Focusing on whatever was to come her way. Considering that Order wasn’t going to torture her, she didn’t have to worry about the trial of pain. That was a relief, to say the least.

  Eve stood in the hall, breathing in and out repeatedly. Her eyes closed, focusing on her core spirit as she had learned. Gabriel leaned up against the wall, his eyes closed. Breathing with her pattern, hoping it helped her stay focused. Her energy field radiated, pulsating around herself. David stood on a balcony, a hooded man. Dressed in white robes, a red cross medallion hanging from a strap across his chest.

  “Your master would be proud of you.” He said with a dark and raspy voice.

  “Thank you, master.” David stood, hood over his head. His eyes shaded from the light above. Master Leonora walked onto the balcony, behind her other council members along with Master Hawkins. David bowed to her, “Master.” He said with respect.

  “You know David, it always pains me to see you without Eleazar by your side.” She told him, “If only it could be him and not you.” She turned away from him. David passed off the insult, he remained quiet.

  “Leonora hated your master. You will fill his boots properly.” Master Hawkins bowed to David; David raised back up once Hawkins did. Relieving him of his courtesy.

  “I only hope to be as useful as he,” David said, he did his best to remember to be more than proper with the council. Especially now, without Eleazar to protect him.

  “As much as I miss him. I am glad he is now resting.” Hawkins said, “His pain grew more as his sleep dwindled.” Hawkins sat down in one of the chairs.

  “How many guardians are we to judge today?” Leonora asked. Watching over the arena-like center.

  “Fifteen.” Master Wilson told her.

  “Fifteen?” Master Leonora said, “The Grandmaster sent his order for these guardians to face the trial of strength.” She gave the order. The center of the arena began to shift, panels raising and lowering. Taking an appearance of a town. Buildings surrounded an open field. The crowd began to cheer, Allison looked at Virgil.

  “Trial of strength?” Allison asked. “For a bunch of level ones?”

  “It appears that way,” Virgil said.

  “The Order we once knew, has lost its mind,” Jasmine muttered. All looking on, praying for Eve’s safety and success.

  “Eve is nowhere near ready for the trial of strength,” David said.

  “Well, hopefully, your training will prove her worth.” Master Leonora said. David scowled.

  “She will prove herself worthy.”

  “For your sakes.” She replied to him.

  Eve opened her eyes. Three cloaked men walked up to the two of them. “Guardian Evelyn Taylor?” The one in the middle asked. She nodded looking up at him. “You will relinquish your beginner sword and all other weapons.”

  “You can’t be serious,” Gabriel spoke out. “Trial of strength?” His jaw dropped. “That’s a trial for threes and higher.” He couldn’t believe it. He had expected for a trial of skill or control.

  Eve didn’t understand either, as she prepared for something as demanding as this? She barely knew her first form of combat along with the fourth. She barely got a grasp on her abilities as is. “It’s okay Gabriel,” Eve said confidently. She took off her holster, handing over her beginner’s sword to Gabriel. “You’ve trained me for this.” She smiled; the three men began dressing her in armor. Gabriel grinned at her; her confidence was enough to know she wouldn’t give up.

  “This armor is made to be resistant to spirit energy to a degree.” The man in the middle said. “It won’t protect you from a normal spirit weapon like a knight’s armor. But enough to counter training weapons.” He said. Eve stood with her arms outwards as they fastened the smooth pauldrons and bracers. They took out the leg protectors.

  Eve shook her head, “No leg protectors.” She told them.

  “What?” Confused, no one resisted parts of the protective gear. “Why?”

  “It’ll weigh me down,” Eve said. The three men looked at each other, acknowledging as they put the leg protection away. “Remove everything from the hip down. Please.” She said. Gabriel looked on smiling, she was going to play to her strength of being nimble. Without it anchoring her down.

  “What weapon will you take?” The man asked this final question. Eve looked at Gabriel for his suggestion, he smiled.

  The crowd was cheering, ready for the trials to begin. Full of bustling and yelling, The Watcher’s however stayed quiet, could Eve do anything to prove against fourteen other guardians who have been training longer than her for this chance?

  Master Wilson stood up from his chair, walking to the edge of the balcony. Raising his hands high, bellowing out an echoing call to the coliseum. “Guardians!” Followed by cheering. “Knights!” No cheer followed after. All knights sitting at the front of the bleachers looked on at the balcony. Some are angered, not sure what to think of the situation. They just put on their hoods, a sign of disrespect and disapproval to the council. Master Wilson swallowed the spit in his mouth. “We are here today, to put fifteen of our new guardians against one another in a trial of strength. They will prove themselves worthy before the council, and Order alike!” He yelled out.

  Eve looked out of the gate, “What was that?”

  “With the knights?” Gabriel asked starring out with her. “A sign of disapproval.”

  “Isn’t it courteous for all members to respect the council?” Eve asked.

  “There is power in the circle of knights. It’s not the first time I’ve seen something like this. Once.”

  “And what happened?” Eve asked.

  “David passed his trial of strength. And Master Eleazar had to prevent a revolt.” Gabriel said softly, “So maybe this is a good sign for you.” Gabriel beamed like a child, he loved whenever people stood up to the council. Showing them that not everything they did was loved.

  “Gabriel, this is a trial of strength. Where I have to combat the rest of the level one guardians right?” She said, Gabe took out her cloak, snapping it to her left pauldron. It unraveled itself draping over her arm. “How old are the people I’m fighting?”

  “Now your catching on.” Gabe said, “Don’t be afraid to fight them. They have been training for this day, do not underestimate them because they are young.”

  “How old Gabe?”

  “Eleven. Maybe twelve.” Gabriel replied. Eve widened her eyes, could she bring herself to fight a child? She had finally worked up the courage to face the trial. Now there was another trial in itself.

  “Let the guardians enter the arena!” Master Wilson announced. Expecting a cheer, though everyone remained quiet, looking on as the gates opened. The guardians dawned their hoods. The Watchers looked around, looking up at David in the balcony. He dawned his hood as well. They followed. The audience began to call a chant, Oh wahooh ah ohoh. Repeatedly they chanted. The Order’s chant of courage and bravery. Only ever called during war or great distress. The council looked at each other with concern. Master Leonora looked at David, he mouthed the chant to himself. She frowned.

  “I’ll see you when you get back here.” Gabriel smiled. Eve smiled back at him, staring forward as the gates opened. Walking out to the arena. Her heart pounding in her chest. Stepping into the center along with the rest of the guardians. She looked around, each one garbed in full protective armor. The chanting continued. All were just children, besides one who seemed to be her age. This must’ve been a repeated failure of the trials, or this was his final trial. Or one of his last. She remembered her breathing. Breathing in deeply and exhaling slowly.

  “This isn’t fair.” One of the younger guardians said looking at her and the older teen. “This isn’t fair at all.” He said.

  Eve looked at him, not sure what to say to him. Maybe there was another way. She could read their energy, all of theirs were minuscule compared to herself. Eve began to doubt not her abilities, but in her confidence to fight such weaker opponents.

  Master Wilson raised his hands, the chanting continued. The halls rumbled with the echo of voices. Shaking the earth like an earthquake. “Silence!” He bellowed out. The chanting soon fell to faintness. “I understand in the disagreement of the Order in this trail! But it is in our Grandmaster's best interest in the training and strength of our Guardian corps.”

  “Remember!” A knight said, the head of the Round Table his hood covering his eyes. He pointed out at the balcony. “The council leads only because we allow it too!” He said in anger. “Do not forget that masters!”

  Master Leonora gritted her teeth. Master Hawkins smiled, more than glad that the round table still held its will of fire. “We will continue with this trial. They will not test me.” Leonora said angered.

  “I suggest you reconsider sister.” Master Hawkins told her. “This will bring nothing but lack of confidence upon the council.”

  “We will continue.” Master Leonora hardened her heart, remaining stubborn on the matter.

  “As you wish.” Master Hawkins said.

  Master Wilson looked upon the circle, starring at Eve. “At the sound of the horns. You will begin!” He said to them.

  Eve looked on at her opponents, remaining calm. Her only threat was the other kid her age. Black hair, yellow eyes. His energy was high, his stance. Reminded her of Kevin’s, he definitely had experience. She could hear David’s voice within her head, never underestimate your opponent. Everyone’s hands-on their hilts, ready to draw their swords. Eve released her hand from her own hilt. The most expected route was falling into open combat with everyone. It would be chaos; her plan was to get herself into one of the buildings as fast as possible. She would hope to gain the advantage on a strategic, lowering her chance of flanks.

  David looked down at her, standing at the edge of the balcony. Hoping she would make the right decision. He would have to let her figure it out on her own. Gabriel watched on, wondering if he was really going to witness an eighteen-year-old girl beat up a bunch of kids at least five years younger than her. The horn sounded.

  Eve immediately charged forward at the older guardian. David scowled, unsure what she was thinking. The kid drew his broadsword, Eve dropped to her knees sliding under his swing, and past his body. Putting everything she could into sprinting towards the building in the corner. David smiled.

  “Oh, thank God. That would’ve been so hard to explain if she beat up a bunch of kids.” Gabe lowered his head taking a breath of relief. The kids however took no time in drawing their swords, attacking each other. While the other half had the same plan as Eve. She ran into the building as the older one continued attacking the smaller ones.

  Eve got inside the building, quickly looking for windows, any direction she could escape or be attacked from. Two windows on either side of the walls. Doors perpendicular at the entrances inside. She looked outside the window. Four of the guardians were already laying on the floor in pain. What the hell was this? Most of them weren’t ready for such a demand. Getting for a count of who she could see and couldn’t see. Her sword holstered in her leather belt. “What to do? What to do?” She muttered. A small hint of energy was above herself. Jumping back immediately dodging an overhead strike. It was one of the younger girls attacking her.

  “I’m not going to fight you!” Eve panicked. Dodging her attacks from her left and right.

  “Then give up!” She yelled out. “I am not failing my master!” She called out.

  “Neither am I,” Eve said quietly. Pushing her back and darting outside the door. The young girl followed reluctantly. Eve ran past the battlefield. Kids were still dueling amongst each other. It had seemed stagnant for a while. Sprinting inside the building, Eve noticed no possible exit, her chase was halted as the girl entered the room.

  “Stop it, I refuse to fight,” Eve said.

  “Then this is where you stop.” The girl said, preparing to leap at Eve. She stopped, falling to her knees. The older one from earlier had hit the girl directly in the back. The girl being electrocuted not intense, but just enough to make her fall. He began laughing, Eve drew her sword. A single wakizashi. “Here I thought the one I wanted to really duel, was going to give up.”

  “Why’d you do that?” Eve said, gritting her teeth. However, reminding herself not to allow her anger to affect her focus.

  “You can’t be weak in this war.” He smiled. “Now you thought you were slick with that little slide earlier.” He infused his blade with his yellow energy.

  Eve looked up at David, he just stared at her. Shaking his head slightly. Eve decided not to infuse her blade. Instead of remaining confident in her ability over brute strength. He took the first swing, she swiftly dodged. Parrying his blade to the right as she struck him in the side. Meeting her strike with the ramming of his shoulder to her face. Eve stumbled to the floor, her cheek now cut open from the pauldron, he took no time recovering from her blow with a strike to her face.

  Eve stumbled to the ground, feeling his next strike. Heavier this time. She rolled forward, as her face met his foot. He laughed, “This is too easy!” He yelled out. David looked out, taking a deep breath trying to remain calm. Eve spat blood onto the gray floor. Rolling over to her back. “Had enough?” Raising his sword for a strike.

  “What’s your name?” Eve asked.

  “What?”

  “What’s your name?” Eve asked. “First you don’t properly introduce yourself. And now you strike a woman, your father was never around. Or you just never learn how to have manners?”

  “My father was around.” He said preparing to strike.

  “Oh, so he was just half a man.” Eve said, “Producing a quarter of a man.” She snarked smiling at him.

  “Shut up!” He yelled out swinging at her with an uncontrolled strike of brute strength. He was furious. Eve rolled out of the way, quickly crawling to her sword on the ground. Reaching out. Pulling herself quickly, not sure how much time she had bought herself. Inches away from her sword, his heavy foot planted on her knuckles. She yelped in pain. Anguished at how close she had been. “Now you’re going to apologize.” His yellow energy poured over hers. He was stronger, knowing exactly how to control and use his spirit to overwhelm others.

  “Get off of my hand!” She yelled out as he chuckled at her squirming in pain. Her face was in deep pain, along with her knuckles. Thinking they were broken at this point.

  “Come on baby girl,” Allison said, standing from her seat. “Figure it out. Don’t go out like this.”

  Master Leonora smiled at David, “Call it. Save her from more pain. Only you can save her.” She said to him. He continued to watch on, ignoring her. “Did you hear me, guardian?” She rubbed more salt into David’s doubt.

  “Just because you train quitters. That doesn’t mean I do.” David fired back. He looked at her, “Master.” He looked back at Eve.

  Eve continued to scream in pain, as he grinded his boot against her knuckles. Her eyes glowing ever bluer. A burning in her eyes that she would feel when she was upset in the past. She tried to regain her focus, fighting to control her breathing. Eve reached up to him with her free hand, grabbing onto his stomach. She could feel his energy within her grip. He began laughing, “What are you even trying to do?” He looked down at her bleeding face, she bit down with her teeth. Bloodstained. Eve gripped tighter, though wasn’t holding onto his stomach. Eve now had a hold of his spirit. Only she could see, yanking her arm back as hard as possible.

  He stood frozen, petrified. Eve looked up as she saw an outline of his body within her hand. She jumped up to her feet. Shocked at what she had done. Everyone watched in confusion. Not understanding what had happened. Not seeing what Eve had. She had pulled his very spirit from his own body, his name was Josh. Coming from a rich family, they prided themselves on being within a high status within the Order. He was a single child, trying to prove himself. Looking at his energy, she could see every ability he held, every flaw. She pushed his spirit back into his body. “What!?” Coming back to reality, paralyzed in his stance. Eve took no time punching him in the face with her broken hand, her energy flowed from her hand into his face. Her blue spirit had rocked his yellow spirit out of his body and snapping back. Knocking him out. Blood spurting from his nose down to the floor.

  Gabriel punched the wall in excitement. “Yes!” The Watcher’s called out. Virgil and Kevin were too distracted by the knights, not moving an inch from starring at the council’s balcony. David smiled, proud of her. He didn’t know what she did, but he knew he would find out. Now all she had to do was finish the battle. Eve turned around, limping out of the building. Her head still bleeding slowly, her vision was getting hazy. There had been five kids left standing, they turned at her. They were planning to attack her at the same time. She was the biggest threat. Eve shook her head at them, she gripped her sword tightly as they surrounded her from all sides. There was no escape. She looked around herself, a bunch of kids were either knocked out on the floor or laid down on their faces groaning.

  They closed in on her even closer. Sweat rolling down her face, they licked their lips. Preparing to attack at once. Tightening their grips on their hilts. Breathing slowed. Everyone stood quiet, the air cold as was the silence in the room. Not being able to see herself out of this. Remembering what she was told when facing more than three enemies in combat without a teammate. Breathing slowly, controlling her steady lungs. Her knuckles bleeding, though holding onto her sword still. She swallowed the blood in her mouth. Eve just smiled, followed by a cough. “I yield.” She said throwing her sword to the ground. Eve got down to her knees. “I yield.” She kept her head raised starring at the crowd. “I refuse to fight children! I refuse to abandon my honor for glory!”

  Master Leonora smiled at David. “Looks like we’ll be seeing each other a lot more now. Say, do you think you’d be a better librarian or a better history teacher?” She snarled. Proud that she had won. David’s smile lingered. “Why do you have that smirk on your face?”

  David just stared at the crowd who stood up from their seats. “As a representative of the knight’s templar.” The man said, “We invoke over the council. Eve has passed her trial. And Sir David will be instated as protector of southern California. Any opposition to this Order will be met with extreme consequences.” The man pulled out a dagger, slashing his hand. “Master Leonora. David will be knighted tonight, under the new moon.”

  “What if I decide not to follow this ruling?” Master Leonora asked. Still sitting, a smug mask covered her face.

  “Do not ask stupid questions.” The man said. “This trial is now over. I suggest you start taking precedence of your Order. The knights don’t seem so happy with your council.” The man walked out, “Follow me, David.”

  Eve stood up, walking to the exit. The rest of the kids left standing, confused. Unsure if they had passed or not. The Watchers stood at the exit with Gabe. Eve smiled softly. “Guess I failed.” Eve said, “Why’re you all smiling?” She asked.

  Allison grabbed her broken hand, doing her best to heal it quickly before she bled too much. “You passed!” Carlos cheered.

  “I clearly just gave up,” Eve argued. “I failed.”

  “Giving up doesn’t automatically mean failing,” Gabriel told her.

  “Can we talk about the terms of winning later,” Virgil said as the crowd began to roar into a wave of anger.

  “Let’s get back home. David will meet us there.” Kevin said putting away his phone. Everyone agreed. Feeling something bad coming, it was best that they got away from the chaos and politics that were to break out. Eve followed the group back down the hall. She was proud of herself but more curious about what she had done to Josh. And if she could do that again.

  A hall is full of darkness and flame. Two cloaks walk down past the masks within the darkness. All wielding their swords, cheering in war cries. Calling for their two leaders. “You will take your Legion Abaddon; you will crush them. Show them our strength!” The masters had told him. Taking steps up a dark brick pedestal. Next to him was the masked man, Abaddon wore a bloodied and torn wolf’s pelt. A skull hanging from his belt next to his swords.

  Removing his mask, Liam’s face was falling apart. Covered in dark veins, the corruption had been swallowing his body hole. He was now a shadow of his former self. “I promised you, my Legion!” The fires burned brighter. “I promised you blood! I promised you glory! I promised an end to the oppression of the Order! No longer will we live in the shadows of the world! We will be kings and queens of the Earth!” The fires burned greater around them. Revealing a Legion of Legions of acolytes. Hundreds of men and women filled the halls. He raised his sword. “They will know our fury and our pride!” He screamed out with a blood curling voice. The Legion yelled out with their war cries. “Kaitlyn. If only you could see the peace I will bring to the world.” Liam said under his breath. “I will make a world, worthy of your memory.” The chants grew ever heavy, an earthquake of power. A rolling thunder of darkness.