The cold steel refracted the beaming glow of the silver moon. A tapestry of stars bowing to the Earth as if the universe had presented a new king. The branches of the spirit tree danced slowly, leaves glowing their spectrum of colors. As was David, head raised. The moon kissed his fair-skinned freckled nose. His green eyes filled with the stars in the night. Eve stood, her hands together, fingers folded. Gabriel’s arms were crossed, his heart heavy in his chest.

  The field surrounding the spirit tree was filled with members of the Order, from Master Hawkins to the smallest trainees who wished to bear witness to David’s inauguration. The Watcher’s standing at the front of the encircled crowd. Each is proud and honored to see their closest friend, fulfilling the will of the spirits against the odds of the world. Though, no one could compare to the amount of pride felt within the mind and heart other than one man. James, David’s father, smiling. Tears welling in the bags of his eyes. Being the only normal human to watch. As was it customary for a man to pledge fealty to a new knight of the Order. Entrusting him with the protection of the world and life. James, only wishing one thing to make this perfect. Although he knew she was watching from above.

  “Locklear.” The hooded man said. Dawning black and brown robes, his pelt of a stag draped over his shoulder. His templar cross amulet hanging from his silver necklace. “How greatly does it pain me that Lord Montague is not here to commemorate your inauguration.” His deep and raspy voice had seen the horrors of loud screams. “Though, has it been with the templars. We are blessed with the gift of long life. Never seek to fulfill it.”

  “I know, master.” David was more nervous than he had been in his life. All eyes were on him, everything he had and will go through in life. He felt right at the center of the universe.

  “You haven’t forgotten our oath, have you?” He asked.

  “No, master,” David said, licking his lips.

  “Speak them with me.” He said. David joined him, both speaking without hesitation. No break-in their words. As if they were born with the oath and have recited it every minute of their lives.

  Blessed to thee.

  God, Spirits, and Stars alike.

  I, a lord of the lands, skies, and oceans.

  Swear to this day and last days, to protect.

  All life and death of the mortal and immortal worlds.

  Entrusted in the balance of life and death alike.

  Luxuria, Gula, Avaritia, Aceedia, Ira, Invidia and Superbia.

  As are the ways of the world, I am not.

  Casitias, Moderatio, Caritas, Industria, Patientia, Gratia, and Humilitas.

  Are entrusted to me.

  The swords against evil, and the shields of prosperity.

  Swearing to abide by the laws of chivalry against all fears.

  I am David Locklear, of the Templar. Till death and rebirth.

  David lowered his head to the man. As did the sword, glowing blue lowering slowly upon David’s shoulders. His blood rushed through his veins. His heart pumping rapidly, focusing his breathing. “I, Lord Adriel. High Templar of the Order recognizes his oath to chivalry. Swearing upon this tree- “Raising and lowering the sword to the other shoulder. “Let he be always merciful and accepting, as he is just and devoted. To the Order and man alike.” He lifted the sword, gently lowering it on the top of his head. “Have I spoken my words true?” He asked David.

  David looked down at the grass, snow gently falling along with the tips. The cool air blew on his face. His blood rushed evermore. He took a deep breath, inhaling every ounce of air with his lungs and outwards. Gabriel shook his head, “Don’t do it.” He told him mentally. “For the love of God just lie this once.” David shook his head in opposition.

  Building up the courage within himself. “I cannot accept these words as honesty, master,” David said, confidently.

  “What words have I spoken untrue?” He asked the boy.

  David took another deep breath. “I have broken the oath. I have loved another; my lips fell upon another’s.” He said. David felt ashamed, everyone unsure of what was to happen. Eve clenched her arm, feeling sorry for having done it. Eve was about to speak before Gabriel raised his hand to her.

  “Young David.” The hooded man spoke humbly. “Though minor do not be mistaken that even the smallest of the cracks can turn into a shattering whole. Let the David, be as forgiven as you are courageous and honest.” He said lifting the sword from David. Placing the tip into the ground. Gabriel took a sigh of relief. Grabbing onto his heart. The man took a grip on the hilt of his sword. “Rise, sir and Lord Locklear of the Order, The Knights Templar, The Watchers, of the commune of Big Bear. Arise an anointed man of light and darkness.” He said grinning. David raised his head, lifting himself from one knee. Back straight and shoulders locked.

  David's heart was heavy in his chest as if it were an anchor. He turned around, watching his brothers and sisters down on one knee. Bowing before him. His father still standing, tears rolling down his face. Taking a knee as well. Representing the man entrusting David’s service to the Earth. Master Hawkins along with two other council members watched smiling. Lowering their hoods, showing their respect and trust in David doing what is within the best interest of the Order without question. David took a deep breath, everything was surreal. Feeling like the impossible had been done. A hooded figure came from the woods. Holding an Eagle’s pelt presented in their arms. She bowed before David.

  “Your ceremonial blade. My lord.” She said in a heavy Scottish accent. David grabbed its handle, his crystal around his neck glowing bright green as he pulled it out of the pelt. A thin and handcrafted saber. Carefully made from silver and etched with runes. “The runes are inscribed with the words of your oath.” She said softly.

  “Thank you,” David said, raising it high. Watching the moon’s light reflected from its beautifully smithed craftsmanship. The man grabbed the Eagle’s pelt from her arms, raising it behind David. And lowering it over his shoulders. It’s beak draping to his chest. David looked at its feathers, feeling proud. Though he had wished his mother and master could see him. Knowing they were at rest filled his heart with warmth. He looked upon his father. He walked over to him, sword in hand. “Father.” He said as James looked up to him.

  “Son?” He asked.

  “You will never bow before me.” David said, “You can entrust me with protection. I ask you never to bow to me. You are still my father and will continue to be.” David said. He had lost Master Eleazar, and no longer would be within the council’s jurisdiction. Master Hawkins and the Templars had no more lessons to teach him. Believing David was no longer needed to be watched or taught. There was only one man left in his life to guide him when he would inevitably be lost.

  James rose to his feet, “Of course, Mijo.” He said, “No matter what responsibilities you bear or how old you get. You will always be my son.” He told him. Smiling at him, eye to eye. His son was now a man. David smiled honorably.

  David looked around at everyone bowing to him. “Rise!” He yelled out. “I will not talk down to you all.” Everyone looked around, unsure what to do. Never had they stood up until the templar had departed. “Arise. Guardians and Knights alike.” He said once more. They stood up, looking at their new Knight, their new leader. “We have lost many brothers and sisters over the years. Faces we will never see again.” David paced his head back and forth. “Laughs our ears will never bear witness to again.” Allison lowered her eyes in remembrance. “I have met many personally, but there are some I will never bear the honor to meet. There are eyes here today that one day will shut one last time. I look into each and every single one. I see your happiness and joy. But most of all, I see your pain. I have let others down before, but I promise by my blood and my honor, that I will do everything in my power to see that pain be lifted from your heart and drained from your eyes. The darkness has stolen far too much light from our sky. Too many stars have fallen into the darkness. I will see to it that their memories are never forgotten, and their sacrifices will not go in vain!” David began amplifying his voice. “I will go to the edges of the earth to see that this treachery is expelled from this land, skies, and oceans. Once and for all!” He yelled out raising his fist as everyone joined him in excitement raising their voices to the night sky. Their cheers echoed off the rocks. “I only ask that you trust in following me there and back home.” He said as they raised their fists with him.

  Eve raised her fist in silence, he had that fire. The fire she so desired to find in the earth, she wouldn’t hesitate to follow him to hell and back again. She smiled at him as the boys of the Watchers charged into David, embracing, and lifting him above themselves. Proud of their friend, Gabriel looked at his older brother. Now he felt a shift, a change in it all. He would do everything in his power to help his brother on their mission of expelling darkness from the Earth. Now without the council out of the way, he believed they could now take the fight to the Brotherhood. David smiled and laughed down; eyes locked on his brother’s. Gabe smiled back. Feeling Eve’s gaze. David looked on at her, smiling from the corner of his cheek. Her eyes were like diamonds to his.

  Eve opened her blue eyes, staring at the roof. The night was filled with celebration, filled with so many moments full of laughter. Many moments were taken of silence at the exact hour. She smiled; everyone had cared so much for each other; even in death. She was now the next rank, progressing quickly. Eve raised her hand to her face. Not sure how she pulled that ability, maybe she would talk to Gabriel or Jasmine about it. David was sure to be busy now. She looked at the clock on the wall, the time was only eight in the morning. She could swear she would sleep longer, ever since she got control of her energy, she hadn’t been able to sleep all day as she would as a teenager.

  Eve closed her eyes, trying to see if her body would allow her to go back to sleep. A pounding at her door. “Five more minutes,” Eve begged.

  “David wants you.” Jasmine’s voice broke from the other side of her door.

  “Yeah, I wish,” Eve said her face shoved into the pillow. “I’ll be there in five minutes.” She slammed her hand against the headboard. Pulling herself up, rolling out of bed. Looking to see what the damage was on her face and hair. “Make that fifteen minutes.” She pleaded.

  “Take your time, it’s just Christmas Eve,” Jasmine said walking away. Continuing to the elevator where her brother was waiting for her. “What are you staring at?” Jasmine asked.

  “Good morning to you too.” Carlos snarked. “You think you would be nicer to me. It’s Christmas. Plus, wouldn’t you like to know how to unlock your spirit?” He asked her.

  “I couldn’t care less.” Jasmine said, “I can still beat you.” The elevator doors shut, along with the crossing of her arms. Carlos looked at his sister, shaking his head.

  “You know, I’ve been nothing but supportive of you. And you always try to put me down.” Carlos said.

  “Because you’re a burden. You can never fight for yourself; someone always has to watch over you. Just pull your own wait for once, cry, baby.” Jasmine told him. Carlos stayed quiet, offended. He would rather keep his words to himself rather than argue with someone who didn’t care.

  The doors opened; David leaned against one of the pillars. “Eve said she’ll be in the cavern in fifteen minutes, sir.” She said to him. David raised his hand to her walking into the elevator.

  “It’s still David.” He said, “I’m not ready for all that sir business.” He laughed as the doors shut behind him.

  “Thank God.” Carlos said, “I was expecting you to turn into an entitled ass.” He laughed as David just smiled shaking his head.

  “Just in front of other people important,” David said. “Is the smith here?” He asked.

  “Yeah, a couple knights are waiting for us in the conference hall.” Jasmine said, “Eve finally getting her weapon?” She asked.

  David nodded. “You guys already have bets on what weapon style she will pick?”

  “My bet is on a Wakizashi,” Carlos said.

  “Of course, you would think that.” Jasmine said, “You only want her to be like you with your katana.”

  “You both literally have the same sword.” David said, “They’re sister swords made from the same material.”

  “I think she’s going to have a rapier.” Jasmine ignored David’s truth.

  “Why do think that?”

  “She’s delicate.” Jasmine said, “It makes sense.”

  “She let her hand get broken so she wouldn’t have to fight kids.” Carlos defended.

  “Yeah, delicate.”

  “You guys are insufferable.” David turned around waiting for the door to open to leave them both. Once the doors opened, David took no time walking into the cavern. Gabriel was sitting on the headrest of the couch, foot propped on the armrest. He had been talking with the knights. Begging to see what was inside the large box. The knights, however, were getting irritated by him. “I apologize for being late. Is my brother keeping you company?”

  “That’s fine my lord. Gabriel here keeps begging to see your armor.” The one in the middle, “I am Sir Jefferson and my apprentice Kenzie.”

  David extended his hand, shaking both of their hands after Kenzie had recovered from her bow. “Armor?” Gabriel’s eyes widened. “David, you have to let me see it.” He said.

  “Not right now.” David told him, “What do you have for my newest guardian?” David asked Jefferson. He pulled out a small box. Tossing it to the open floor. Extending his palm, his green energy shot out to the box causing it to expand into a small shipping container. Kenzie walked over to the doors, pulling them open.

  “I remember when I was a mere apprentice when you guys made your first swords.” Jefferson said, “It’s been years since then.” He chuckled.

  David smiled at him, “I never had my sword made by you.”

  “Yes, but Gabriel.” He pointed at him.

  “Oh, I remember you.” Gabe walked over to the large container, offering to help out Kenzie pull out the table. Carlos assisted as well. Jefferson looked at Jasmine.

  “So, when do you gain your knighthood?” He asked her.

  “This summer. Hopefully.” Jasmine answered. “So, is it possible to make a new sword?” She asked. “Mine is getting worn.”

  “No, we can only do repairs.” He told her. “Which I can do now. And you can have it back by the beginning of the new year. I would have to find the material that your core would have to accept. It’s tricky.”

  “I’ll just wait till our little war is over,” Jasmine said.

  “Of course.” He smiled at her, but she paid him no smile in return. “So, my Lord, where is this guardian of yours?”

  “She should be on her way now. Long night of celebration.” David replied, “And please, just David is fine.”

  “Thank you.” Jefferson said, “I was extremely impressed with her at the trials. Everyone at the round table is glad she decided to surrender rather than follow through with what the council wanted her to.” David nodded his head.

  “What is the round table doing about the council?” Gabriel asked.

  “I’m afraid that’s round table business. But rest assured, we are handling it carefully. We just ask for the Watcher’s support during any action.”

  “No matter what it is, you can count on us to stand by your side,” Gabriel spoke out, David snapped his neck to his brother. Eyeing him down.

  “The Watchers will support you through responsible action. I will not order my people to participate in a revolution.” David told him.

  “Of course. All actions will be in the name of peace.” He said, “I will have our chairman talk more with you about our plans.” Gabriel stood silently, why was his brother always so soft? Never wanting to fight against corruption. Felt as if he would rather accept it than fight it. Clinching his hand in a fist, feeling as if nothing were to happen if there wasn’t hostile retaliation. He walked away to sit back on the couch.

  The elevator doors opened; Eve was with Allison. Both walked out in their robes and chest rigs on. “I apologize for being late,” Eve said out to David, he just smiled and nodded. Allison looked over to Gabriel sitting by himself on the couch.

  “Guess things are on high alert here,” Jefferson said noticing how everyone was dressed as if they were ready to go on a mission.

  Allison walked over to him, putting her hand in his hair. “Are you okay?” Gabriel just shook his head.

  Eve walked up to David and Jefferson. “I’m Evelyn.” She bowed to him. He bowed back to her. “I suppose by the looks of things, I’m getting my spirit weapon now.” She said excitedly. Looking up at David.

  “Yeah, finally.” David laughed.

  “If you would like to follow me.” He said, “Have you been told how spirit weapons work?”

  “Sort of, I tried grabbing one that didn’t belong to me once. It didn’t turn out well for me.” Eve said, following him to the front table in the container. As he went behind the gate closing it behind himself. “I understand that each spirit weapon is special to each individual.”

  “Yes, though there is an exception.” He said as Kenzie began shuffling through a couple drawers. “You can use an individual’s weapon once you defeat them in combat.”

  “So is that’s why I had a bad experience,” Eve said as Kenzie began laying out stones. “I also know that there are legendary weapons out there. Like how Master Hawkins has Washington’s cutlass?”

  “How do you know that?” David asked, “I never told you that.”

  “I read it in a book.” He smiled wide, proud of herself.

  “Exactly, some people can use a legendary weapon. However, they have to be chosen by the sword. You don’t know how many legendary weapons are kept under lock in a vault underneath the Order’s headquarters.”

  “And if someone were to touch a legendary weapon?” Eve asked.

  “You’d simply not be able to.” He answered, “Now let’s get to business.” Jefferson looked at her, “Blue crystal?”

  “Yes.” She replied. “Does that affect anything?”

  “Yes and no.” He walked back into the drawers pulling out some mineral rocks.

  “Sorry sir, I forgot to ask her,” Kenzie said.

  “It’s not a big deal.” He said laughing. “You’re still learning. Now, Evelyn, I want you to grab each mineral and stone.”

  “Okay,” Eve said as she began sampling each one. David watched from behind, his arms crossed.

  “Are the explorers still searching for it?” David asked Jefferson.

  “Yes.” Jefferson told him, “I’m starting to think it doesn’t exist.”

  “What is it?” Eve asked.

  “Excalibur,” Jefferson said. “It was lost in the past, owned by different members of the Order in history. Notably, King Richard, King Arthur, and some even say the crystal was blessed by who the Christians believe to be Jesus himself, or the Jewish people believe to be King David.”

  Eve kept trying minerals, “I thought King Arthur was just a story.” She said, “And crystals for biblical heroes? Guess that would make a lot of sense. For all the craziness in the Bible.”

  “Careful,” David said, smiling. “They could be bedtime stories to you, or that you don’t believe in them. But some people still believe.”

  “I didn’t mean it like that.” She smirked. Setting down the last mineral. “None of these are not cutting it.”

  “Strange.” He said, “Could it be that your energy state is adaptable?” He walked into the back, pulling out a key from around his neck opening the box.

  David scowled. “Could it be that her mineral is Seraph steel?” He walked over to the table.

  “Seraph steel?” Eve asked. “Isn’t that the steel yours is made of?”

  “If that’s true.” He said, “David, can you come to grab this mineral? I don’t feel like using the carrier.” David opened the gate, walking inside. Jefferson opened the box, David looked at it.

  “I recognize this mineral.” He said, before squatting down. Grabbing the mineral as it began to glow a deep green color. “Oh yeah, that’s draining my energy.” He smiled lifting it higher walking over to the table setting it down.

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  “What if this doesn’t work?” Eve asked. “You mentioned a carrier. Am I going to die?” She panicked. David took a deep breath, sweating.

  “No. It’s just going to hurt you.” David said stepping aside. Jefferson walked back to the table.

  “Great.” She said, “Like how it hurt when I grabbed your sword?”

  “Exactly,” David said.

  Eve walked back to the table. “Well, here goes nothing.” She took in a deep breath, closing her eyes and clenching her teeth. Laying her hand on top of the large rock. Nothing happened. She felt no pain. She slowly opened her eyes to radiating blue light.

  “Well, I’ll be damned,” Jefferson said as he and Kenzie began collecting all the faulty rocks off the table.

  David raised his eyebrow, Gabriel leaned forward in his seat. “I have no doubt in my mind anymore.” He said softly. Not loud enough for anyone to hear.

  Eve let go of the rock. “I guess this is my stone?” She asked.

  “It is. Which complicates things.” Jefferson said, “I cannot make your sword, David is the only one who can help.”

  “That’s going to take a lot of energy out of us,” David said.

  “Yes, it is.” Jefferson starred at the rock. “My smithy is yours. Kenzie, we will standby and offer assistance if they need it.” She nodded at him, leaving the container on the couch.

  “Sorry.” Eve laughed awkwardly.

  “It’s fine.” David began to unbuckle his chest rig and take off his robes. To where he was shirtless. “I hope you’re wearing a tank top under there. It’s going to get hot.” Eve began undressing as well. Nodding. David grabbed the rock and moved it over to the cutting table.

  “You get to be naked, and I don’t? That’s sexist.” David just glared at her. “I’m joking. So, I’m guessing we have to cut off a chunk of this?” She asked once she tied her hair back into a ponytail. And dressed in her tank top. “How do we know how to make it into the sword I want?”

  “Spirit weapons will form into the weapon style of your heart. Once you pour your energy into it.” He said. David grabbed the chisel and hammer off the wall.

  “And if you’re helping? Wouldn’t it take your shape?” She wondered.

  “No, because I’m only offering my energy into strikes. You’re going to pick up the energy my body leaves off in the sparks.”

  “Sounds complicated,” Eve said.

  “Shouldn’t be too hard considering what you did to that one at the trials.” He said.

  “I was meaning to ask you about that.” Eve walked over to him.

  “Not now, we have a lot of work to do.” He smiled at her. “Whatever energy I leave off, feel free to pick it up. By striking it with this.” David handed her a hammer. “And I will focus my strikes to push whatever energy you leave off into the sword.” David began cutting the rock with the chisel.

  “Okay.” She said as Jefferson turned on the furnace and fans inside the container. Eve and David quickly got to word, melting the mineral inside the furnace. Eve looked at him, smiling up at him.

  “I still really am sorry.” She said quietly to him.

  “Let it go.”

  “I can’t you almost lost your knighthood because of me.” Eve said, “I’m going to feel terrible about it.”

  David just smiled at her laughing and shaking his head. “Well, luckily for both of us. I’m still here.” He said. “If life had been different then maybe. Our purpose in life is larger than us.”

  “If our lives were different, I probably wouldn’t have paid you any mind.” She laughed. Maybe her parents would’ve loved her. Maybe things would’ve been different. She didn’t want different; she wanted this life. She was proud of it.

  The hammer struck heavily against the steel; the embers sparked heavily as the blue energy residue was left on it. Another hammer strike came down even heavier with David’s strength, pushing the blue residue back inside. Green sparks bounced off, again Eve smashed against the green sparks. Both sweats rolled down their foreheads to their bodies. Eve began feeling drained. David remains resilient, slamming his hammer in rhythm with Eve’s. Both are in perfect synchronization.

  “They really are something,” Allison said, leaning her head against Gabe’s shoulder. He watched on. “What do you think?”

  “I think David, isn’t he? I thought he was,” Gabriel said.

  “What’re you talking about?” Allison lifted her head, looking at him. He was gritting his jaw. His eyes scowled at his brother.

  “Hey.” Allison grabbed his jaw, pulling his face to hers. “What’s gotten into you?”

  Gabriel grabbed her hand gently, taking her hand from his face. “We were talking last night.” Gabriel said, “I asked him how he planned to deal with Liam.”

  “And what did he say?” Allison said.

  “He wants to continue waiting for them to make the first move.” Gabriel said, “I thought he wanted to go on the offensive. Instead, he wants to keep waiting around as they get stronger.”

  Allison looked at him. “David is wiser than us both. Maybe we should follow his lead.”

  “You’re taking his side?” He asked.

  “I’m taking the side of what makes sense.” Allison said, “If we can draw them out and wait for them to make the first move. We can react effectively.” She told him. Gabriel just shook his head, turning away from her. “Don’t do that. Don’t shut down on me.” She pleaded with him.

  “I just don’t want to talk right now.” He said, Gabriel, shrugged her arm off of him. “I just want to be left alone right now.”

  “Okay.” Allison bit her lips. Standing up, taking a deep breath, and walking away. Slight pain in her chest. Focusing her energy on blocking him out of her head. Gabriel didn’t care at the moment. Taking a deep breath in and releasing it.

  David stopped hammering as Eve dropped her hammer, breathing heavily. Wiping the sweat from her face with the bottom of her tank top. David grinned at her and looked at the newly formed sword. “Guess I owe Carlos fifty bucks.” He chuckled.

  “Is it done?” Eve asked. “I’m pooped.” She picked herself back up from her hunching. Looking at the sword. The sword had an iridescent shine as she moved her head. A wakizashi, a medium sized katana. “It’s beautiful.” She muttered.

  “Now you just need a hilt and pommel,” Jefferson said pulling out a case filled with the different hilt styles. And wrappings. “Blue? I’m guessing?”

  “Yes.” Eve laughed as she drank from her bottle of water. Coughing her lungs out as soon as she set the bottle down. David sat down in the chair, grabbing his bottle as well. He felt his energy depleted from the effort.

  “What pommel would you like?” He asked.

  “Just a normal one.” She said. “I know David’s is an Eagle, but I don’t think a pommel would be right on this style of sword.”

  “You’re right.” Jefferson said, “Considering there’s an owl already on the blade. I don’t see a point in displaying your spirit animal.”

  “An owl?” Eve asked. “I always wondered about that.”

  “I thought you would’ve already known about that.” David chuckled taking another drink.

  “Relax. We can learn about that later.” She smiled.

  “Thank you.” David laughed, “You got it from here?” He asked Jefferson placing his hand on his back.

  “Yeah, I do.” He laughed. “Take the rest of the day off.”

  “I plan to.” David laughed walking out of the container and into the rest of the cavern. Eve stayed behind, helping with the wrapping of the hilt. Proud of her sword and thankful for his help. “I’m detecting a weapon ability within this blade.”

  “Weapon ability?” Eve asked.

  “Yes.” He said, “I’m not sure what it is. I’m afraid that’s something you have to discover on your own.” He frowned.

  “I look forward to it.” She sat down helping.

  David sat down on the couch, closing his eyes. Gabriel continued starring at him, his anger continued to muster within him. “Are you going to keep looking at me and say nothing?” David asked, his eyes still closed.

  Gabriel knew his brother felt his gaze, he would be too stupid not to. “What is your plan?”

  “Plan for what?” David asked, he lifted his head off the top of the headrest, looking on at his brother. “This again? I already told you.”

  “So, you plan to just sit here and wait for them?” Gabriel asked.

  “What do you plan to do Gabriel? Charge into them head-on without a plan and kill them all?” He asked. “I don’t know if you noticed, the Order is disorganized. We have guardians who still need training.” He said sternly. “Are we just going to fight the Legions of hell with our Watchers alone? We are a splinter group, not a full-fledged army.”

  “Every minute we wait, they have another to prepare,” Gabriel said, his words filled with anger. “Just because you refused to kill your best friend.”

  “Careful.” David said, “You know I wasn’t able to before.”

  “I still don’t think you’re able to,” Gabriel replied.

  “What?” David said.

  “I doubt your ability to lead.” Gabriel continued. David’s heart weighed heavy in his chest, concentrating on his breathing. Doing everything he could to rebuild his energy stores. How could his own brother speak like this to him? Allison watched from the side. Eve stood up slowly, looking on at the two arguing. Jasmine and Carlos stood nearby with Allison. It hurt her to see Gabriel acting the way she was.

  “You would rather see hundreds of people die who are not ready for an all-out battle,” David said.

  “I would rather end the threat now rather than later,” Gabriel said. “You’re not the leader I thought you were. You talk of wanting to end corruption within the council and talk of wanting to expel the darkness. Yet you cower in the mountains.”

  David looked at his brother, closing his eyes taking in a deep breath. “Just because I would rather see it things are ended peacefully. Not with violence. A revolution is the last thing the Order needs right now.”

  “I’m done arguing about this.” Gabriel took in one last deep breath. Standing from his seat, pulling his hilt out from the back of his belt. “I challenge the mantel of leadership.” His katana infused with his blue energy flowed from the hilt. David looked on at his brother, unbelieving of what he had just said to him. Allison lifted her hands to her mouth. Eve stepped out slowly of the container, looking at Gabriel. His energy gave off a slight purple wavelength. He was serious, not joking. His entire demeanor had changed since last night.

  David rose from his seat, pulling out his hilt as well. His iridescent blade glows a viridian color. Infused with what little energy David had left inside of himself. “Are you sure about this?” David asked.

  “This world needs change. I will stop at nothing to save it from the darkness.” Gabriel gritted his teeth taking his offensive stance. David remained silent, taking his defensive stance. “I’m sorry brother. But this has to be done.” His eyes welling up.

  “No, it doesn’t,” David said. Gabriel shook his head, kicking his foot back. Preparing to charge into his brother. Putting everything he could to break through David’s impenetrable defense. “Don’t do something that you’re going to regret,” David told him. Gabriel thought for a second, was this all worth fighting his own brother for?

  Gabriel launched himself forward. Drawing his sword out in front of himself, attempting to penetrate through David’s defense. David simply jumped to the side. Dodging his brother’s attack. He knew his brother wasn’t this foolish to attack him as such. Eve’s eyes were wide, unbelieving that Gabe would attack over something that could be settled with words. This must have been something serious for him to be acting so rash. “Stop it!” She screamed out.

  Gabe turned his head to her. Raising his sword to her, “The big kids are talking Eve. I suggest you stay out of this.” Gabriel still held some anger towards her. “Don’t think I haven’t forgotten your little vision; you’re going to be our downfall.” She hadn’t forgotten either, still hoping it was nothing but just that. She stayed silent. “Coward.” He muttered. David stayed on the defensive, reading his brother’s stance and eyes.

  “You’re not going to win this Gabriel,” Jasmine spoke out. “You have only beat David a hand count of times.”

  “I never tried those times.” Gabe said, “This time, I’m going to put everything I have. Plus, he’s weaker without any energy reserves.”

  David smiled slightly, “You always underestimate your opponent.” David said, trying not to get too cocky with his fight. His little brother was right, he had expected Gabriel to challenge him eventually. Just not so soon. Gabriel lunged forward at David, striking at David’s center mass. Though being blocked and parried. David stepped back away once more. Trying to maintain his distance to read Gabriel. Waiting for the moment to attack, he knew the longer he delayed, Gabriel would leave himself open. The two continued to engage, Eve tried to keep her distance. Noticing David’s energy slowly build up, layering his fields around his sword, blocking Gabriel’s strikes. Every bock sent waves of blue energy off of Gabriel into the openness.

  The elevator doors opened. Kevin walked into the cavern, Richard, and Ethan behind them. “David we just finished with the…” He looked at Gabriel and David, thinking they were dueling at first. But this was different, they were fighting. “What is happening?” asked Jasmine and Carlos who were standing next to the door.

  “Gabriel wants to go on the offensive with the Brotherhood,” Carlos said.

  “I see,” Kevin said. “Has anyone tried to stop them?” He asked.

  “Gabe is dead set on this. He’s tired of sitting around waiting for something to happen.” Allison said.

  “You’re the only one who can talk him out of this,” Richard told her.

  “You don’t think I’ve tried?” Allison yelled at him, her eyes pink. Fighting her urge to cry.

  David swept Gabriel’s leg, causing him to fall on his back. Taking no time to swing his legs around shooting himself back to his feet. He kept striking. He could feel David get stronger; his energy rebuild was always quicker than most. If he weren’t going to get the upper hand with him being tired, he could lose his chance to win than ever. He had no time to think, every moment he wasn’t striking, David could focus his breathing more. He had to fight and think on the fly, his rapid breathing was only draining him.

  Gabriel focused everything into his wrist, taking a high leap. David looked up at him, bracing himself immediately. Was he really going to use David’s own move against himself? He was. Gabriel had yet to perfect the eagle strike, but he knew it wasn’t the one David wasn’t expecting to counter. Gabe leaped over him, slashing down at him as he flipped around. David blocked it, taking a small cut across his temple.

  Gabriel stuck the landing, rolling. He turned around quickly looking on at his brother who was already riposting himself. His head slowly bleeding. “Got you,” Gabriel said, looking on at his brother. “I guess I win?” He asked, smiling with malicious intent.

  “Challenging the mantle of leadership only ends when one of the party surrenders or dies.” David swept the blood off his head.

  “You can’t be serious?” Gabriel asked. Feeling a slight pain in his arm. His sleeve is covered in his own blood. His forearm had been slashed open. When did this happen? He thought to himself.

  “Is your idea worth this Gabe?” He asked. Taking in a deep breath, his eyes were now a bright green. David had recovered most of his strength. Gabriel could feel it in the floor beneath himself.

  Gabe turned his head over to Eve, who had been standing watching them. Things would never be this way if she had never come there. She was nothing but a divide between David and himself. Her being alive was nothing but dangerous to them. The images in her vision still burned in his brain. Eve looked at him starring at her, his energy had begun burning with red and black flames at his tips. She could sense his hatred towards her. Looking at her sword on the table and then back at him. Gabe quickly sprinted over to her, swinging at her. Eve drew her newly smithed sword off the table. Blocking him.

  “Gabriel!” Allison screamed at him, running over. Kevin immediately grabbed her wrist. “Let go of me!” She screamed.

  “You’ll just get in the way,” Kevin told her.

  David dropped his defense, charging into the two now dueling. Gabriel, parried her attack, knocking Eve’s sword from her hand to the ground. Wrapping around her, grabbing her by the hair. Clinching tightly. “Let go of her.” David said, “She has nothing to do with this.”

  “She has everything to do with this.” Gabriel said, “She’s too dangerous to be left alive. You know more than I do, how dangerous she is.” David just looked at Eve and him. His blood slowly dripped to her chest. “Go on tell her.”

  “David?” She grunted, “What is he talking about?” Eve didn’t know what he meant, gritting her teeth. Gabriel’s hair-pulling was hurting her scalp.

  “Tell her what you told me months ago!” He yelled out. David stayed standing, holding his guard. He closed his eyes sighing.

  “David?” She said, her heart heavy in her chest.

  “This was months ago.” David said, “There’s a reason why Liam was adamant about trying to take you. You’re what the Order calls a high-priority threat. Your ability to see energy fields meant your ability to take them from others.” David said. “Or be used to hunt down other spirits.”

  “Tell her everything,” Gabriel said.

  “We were ordered to kill you,” David muttered. Eve’s eyes widened, she didn’t understand why or what any of It meant. Or why they would have wanted to kill her.

  “How long did you receive that order?” Gabriel asked.

  “The minute she moved into the state,” David muttered. “Liam was the only one to protest. I was supposed to kill you multiple times.”

  “Wait? Did you know me before you even met me? Why didn’t you?” Eve asked, her eyes welling up. Her heart was heavy in her chest.

  “Because I saw someone who was just as broken inside as I was,” David said. He bit down on his teeth, grunting his jaw. “I took the responsibility because I knew I couldn’t do it.” Eve looked at him, her eyes lost.

  “And he did a good job hiding the mission. I only found out because he told me after we had already adopted you.” Gabe said, “He’s been lying to you. The only reason we took you in, was because he wanted to keep an eye on you. Why defeat power when we can turn it into a weapon right?”

  “It’s not like that,” David said.

  “Then why?” Eve asked once more.

  “You know why,” David muttered. “And you know why I can’t say it.” Eve locked eyes with him.

  “For someone who says they speak only in truths. You lie a lot brother.” Gabriel said, all of a sudden, he felt empty. The voices and thoughts he could hear. Were gone. His breathing is no longer a part of himself. He was weightless. Eve had pulled his spirit from his body. His body toppled on top of Eve, falling on her. Bracing herself, Gabe’s spirit went back inside of himself. He gasped as he hit the ground. His eyes widened. Never have felt perfect silent loneliness before. “Damn you,” Gabe said, grabbing her by the hair once more, lifting her head off the ground. She screamed out. Flailing, scratching at his forearm that was still bleeding. He yelled in pain.

  “Let go of her.” Allison had her sword pointed to the back of his head. As did Carlos and Kevin on either side of him. Jasmine grabbed onto Eve; Gabe slowly released her head. She stumbled away with Jasmine. David walked up to Gabriel’s face. Pulling his sword from his hand, disarming him. Tossing it to Richard, as he sheathed it.

  “I’m sorry,” Gabe said softly, he started to paint. “I don’t know what came over me.” He muttered. Eve looked on at him, his energy levels went back to normal. Gabriel never understood why he did the things he did sometimes. He just exploded; he couldn’t control himself. Forgetting all his self-discipline. David starred into his brother’s eyes. Not believing how his brother could act the way he did. He looked away for a second. Gabriel went to hug his brother. David raised his pommel to his brother’s neck. “David?” He asked.

  “Get out,” David said. It killed him to tell him that. David reached over to Gabriel’s shoulder with his other hand. Swiftly stripping his cloak off of him. “You dishonor this.” Gabe hesitated to snatch it back. Only to feel the eagle’s head pressed against his throat.

  “David?” Gabriel said his voice coarse.

  “Leave.” He said, fighting back the tears and roughness on the back of his neck. “I don’t care where you go. Just leave until you have figured yourself out. David turned around, “I strip you of your rank until you return with your senses.” David started to walk away. The tears rolled down his face. Nothing hurt more than having to do that to his own brother.

  Gabe gritted his teeth. He turned around; Allison began healing his arm. “Come with me?” He asked her. She stayed silent. “Please.” He said his voice broken.

  “You know why I can’t do that.” Allison said, “You’re not the same.” She said, tears rolling down her face.

  “If you loved me. Ally.”

  “Don’t say that. Don’t call me that.” Allison said, “Don’t you dare.” Gabe snatched his arm away from her healing.

  “I don’t need you!” He yelled at her, “I don’t need any of you!” He cried out. Gabriel looked at everyone else. His brother refused to look back. Eve stood in the corner. Jasmine with one hand on her hilt. Allison stood there, frozen next to him.

  “It’s time to go, Gabriel,” Richard said. He had passed Gabe’s sword to David. Gabe took one last look at Allison, her eyes a waterfall. Refusing to look at him. Knowing if she did, it would hurt her more. He just sneered, heading to the elevator doors. Opening and closing behind him. Allison watched as the doors slowly shut with his eyes painfully locking with hers. Letting out her pain, choking on her tears. Dropping to her knees, Allison let everything she had bottled up out. She sat down on the floor. Crying out. Everyone stood around. Unsure what to do. Still processing what had just happened.

  David sat down next to Allison, placing Gabe’s perfectly folded cloak on her lap. She sniffled, “He’s your brother, you should hold onto it.” She said. David pulled out two tattered blue cloaks from the back of his waistband.

  “I have too many already.” He said softly. She clutched onto his cloak bringing it to her chest squeezing It to her chest. Crying out ever more so. David raised his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close. David looked up to Eve starring at him. Eyes locked. He shook his head. “I’m sorry I never told you.”

  “I understand why.” She said, “I don’t blame you.” Eve walked over to him. Sitting down next to him. “Honestly, at the time. I don’t think I would have minded if you had killed me. But I am really happy you didn’t. Allison.” She said as she looked up at her.

  “He’s going to come back.” Eve said, “Something I had felt with his spirit. He loves you more than you will ever know. Both of you.” She said.

  “I know,” Allison said. David stayed silent, taking a deep breath. Eve stood up, sitting on the other side of Allison. Grabbing onto her, pulling her close.

  “David.” Eve said, “I got this from here if you want to go. We’ll talk later about everything; I’m still trying to figure out what to feel right now.”

  “Of course.” He said, David stood up. Looking at the rest of the Watchers, “Well, let’s go make sure he doesn’t break anything on the way out.” They nodded their heads at him, following him to the elevator. Once inside, “News of this spreads to no one.”

  “Too easy,” Kevin said as the elevator raised to the outside.

  “Mijo, I can figure this out.” James was pleading with his son outside of the door of his room. Gabe was quickly throwing clothes inside a bag. “Let me talk to David.” There was silence. Gabriel stared at a picture of everyone together he had posted on the wall with a thumbtack. “We will handle this together.” He continued to beg with Gabe. Not letting him in.

  “It’s not David dad.” He said, “It’s me. I just need to be alone for a while. Figure me out.”

  “The Brotherhood has been taking territory out, there, right?” James asked. “It’s too dangerous out there for you alone.” He pounded on the door. “Son!” He yelled. Gabe stayed quiet as he snatched the picture of the wall of the Watchers, along with a lone picture of Allison and him together. “I will come with you.”

  “I’m sorry dad. I love you.” Gabriel said, throwing the bag over his shoulder. Heading over to the window. Opening it wide as he strutted the window ceil.

  “Gabriel!” He yelled, slamming his body against the door repeatedly. Crying his son’s name as he threw his body. He felt his family slowly breaking apart, just like it had before. He had done everything in his power to prevent it to happen again. He gripped onto the door handle, taking a deep breath. Unlocking it and swinging the door open. In an empty room, his youngest son was gone. He panicked, but it had been too late. Gabriel would’ve been a long way gone by them. Faster than he could ever hope to follow. Not with his weak leg. He walked over to his perfectly made bed, that he had fixed for him. Taking a seat on it. James grabbed the small stuffed panda laying against the pillow. It was the last thing his mother had gotten for him. He gripped it tightly, a single tear rolling down his wrinkled brown face. He looked up, David standing in the doorway.

  “I’m sorry dad.” He said, “I gave me no other choice.” He muttered. James looked up at David, unsure if he was mad at him or not. David just looked at him. “He tried to kill Eve.”

  James kept starring at the bear. “I wish I could’ve given you a normal life.” He said.

  “Sometimes things are out of their control.” David said, “He’ll be back. I know he will.” He said.

  “I know,” James muttered. “Can you just leave me alone?” He asked David. David’s heart sunk in his chest, never had his father told him to do so. David just nodded. Turning around slowly. Heading back out the door. David stopped, looked at the small dents in Gabriel’s door. Not big enough to have opened the door, the locking mechanism was still perfectly normal. Not a single thing was damaged. He looked back at his father. Sighing he decided to leave, he wouldn’t bother him with a trivial question. David walked down the hall, his eyes welling with tears. He lifted his hand to stabilize himself from falling over. He walked to the elevator.

  The opened, Eve was standing there waiting for him. “Hey.” She said to him. “I just dropped Allison off in her room.” She said softly. David remained quiet.

  “Okay.” That is all he could muster to say. At the time, everything was crumbling on him. A shadow of dread hung over himself. He walked inside the elevator. Pressing the button behind his back to the cavern. As the door shut, Eve looked at him. His green energy fluttered sporadically, some breaking off of him floating back into the air like embers. Eve pressed the emergency stop and pressed the button to stop the elevator. “What are you doing?”

  She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him tightly. He looked at the wall behind her. His lips trembling along with his eyes. “You don’t need to be strong around me.” She said. David closed his eyes, wrapping his arms around her. As if a dam had just detonated, so did David’s eyes. He cried, succumbing to the pain that he had bottled up for so long. He dropped down to his knees, she eased him down. Holding him tightly as if he were to fall apart without her arms to keep him glued together. David continued to weep, eve did nothing but stay strong for him. Allowing him to get everything out. David had carried so much weight on himself, everything he kept bottled up for so long. The other kids he trained with. Kaitlyn, Liam, His master, and now Gabriel. People he had so close to himself, afraid he would never see again. Afraid that he was making the wrong choices. “I’m such a fool,” David said.

  “Shut up.” Eve told him, “Shut the hell up.” Speaking directly into his ear. “I don’t ever want to hear you say that again. You are the most selfless and wisest person I know.” David listened. How unfair life was, he thought to himself.

  “I’m sorry I never told you the truth.”

  “I know the truth now. I understand it.” Eve said, “It hurts to know to be lied to. But now I’m here with you because you refused to follow. I will be by your side no matter what David. I don’t want to be anywhere else.” She said.

  “I can’t give you what you want,” David said.

  “I’m okay with that.” Eve said, “Being by your side is all that matters.” She put her hands in his hair. Holding him like it was her last day on this Earth.

  “I would be lying if I said I didn’t want that,” David said.

  “I know,” Eve said.