The sun broke through the horizon to the east, the light passed through the mountains. Luminating the trees with their warmth. The cold blood of the battlefield stained the rubble and dirt. Gabriel walked down the silent halls, cane in hand. Watching as the dead of the guardians were being loaded into the ospreys. Banners of their Order laid over their bodies. Something they had sacrificed everything for, in pained Gabriel to his soul. Watching all of them pass into the afterlife without honor. They deserved more than to die to savages and the selfish. He had only wished he were stronger, so that way not so many of his comrades would have died. He promised himself that he would never let his brothers and sister down again. Gabriel walked down the path to where a late sir Victor had rested. He had only met him a few times but being the head of the round table led him to believe he was untested.

  Gabriel set down his cane. Kneeling down to grab onto the stretcher in which he rested. “We have it from here. Please do not hurt yourself.” One of the medical guardians said to him. Waving him off preparing to lift Victor’s body. Four of them raised his body, Madam Janice had the rear watching Gabriel. They had both shared the same philosophies on the Order. They had all realized that the people they once swore fealty to were now weaker than ever before. They set him down inside the osprey, Gabriel turned around as Janice handed him his cane.

  “He spoke highly of you Gabriel.” She told him as he grabbed his cane, placing it heavily on the ground. “Sir Victor wasn’t a man to resort to violence, but he cared for everyone deeply. He was looking at you to become his squire.”

  “My place is with the Watchers.” Gabriel said, “I only fear that with his death, so will the change in the Order.”

  “This is a time of great distress,” Janice told him. “I plan to carry on his legacy, I would like for the Watcher’s support.”

  “David will not agree to violence,” Gabriel told her. “Which after seeing the death here today, I think I finally agree with him.”

  “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Janice said, “Now isn’t the time for another war. Though there is time for us to still push for peaceful action.”

  Gabriel looked at Sir Victor's body one last time. Saying a silent prayer before walking away. “The Watchers will support you as it is peaceful, a violent shift of power will only cause a civil war within the Order.”

  “I didn’t relieve you, guardian.” She said to him.

  “I know,” Gabriel said walking back into the commune. Janice just shook her head; it was true what they said about them. The Watchers were their own people. Sir Victor was the last to be loaded into the vehicle. As he was always the last to come home of his men. She pressed the button on the wall, the helicopter took off from the ground. Leaving the commune back to how it always was. What was once a waging firestorm of conflict, was back to its peaceful state. Quiet, as it will remain once more.

  Gabriel watched as the helicopters flew away. Leaving behind whatever rubble from the battle. All the swords had been collected to take back to the Order to be melted down and purified for their future wielders. All those that had surrendered were taken into custody, where they would be stripped of their powers and returned to the world. To live their lives as humans, many would find themselves working as soldiers for the military. Not knowing much else in the world to adapt to.

  Richard had been waiting for Gabriel, both still covered in dirt and blood. “She is something else,” Richard said, Gabe just looked up at him chuckling.

  “She’s too old for you,” Gabe said as he sat down on the half wall, grunting as his leg was still healing.

  “Maybe you’re right.” Richard said, “James and I managed to clean most of David’s body. He’s still asleep, however.”

  “I assumed he would’ve been.” Gabe said, “I don’t expect for him to be up for a while.”

  “Think it’s still a good idea not to tell him about what he did with Eve?” Richard asked.

  “That’s if he doesn’t remember. It’s going to be hard on him enough that he had managed not to kill anyone all his life, just to commit genocide on a retreating army.” Gabriel looked at the tree in front of him, watching the deadwood showing hints of green. “Thankfully to him we don’t have as many bodies to clean up anymore.” Gabe chuckled. “I’m in no shape to bury anyone.”

  “I think you’re right.” Richard said, “Regardless, everyone is going to follow your lead on that one.” Richard watched the tree with him. “And what of Eve?”

  “She understands as well.” Gabriel said, “I think she’s more powerful than the both of us if I’m honest.”

  “Does it scare you?”

  “Not really.” Gabriel looked at his hands, “She’s had plenty of times to run or betray us. She didn’t.”

  “How hard for her do you think it is on her?” Richard asked Gabe, “Loving someone and knowing you can’t be with them?”

  “I feel like that’s a question we should’ve asked Liam. Maybe none of this would’ve happened.”

  “Keira was going to attack regardless; I think she manipulated Liam. Needing his power to convince so many to go to war.”

  “I suppose,” Gabriel said as he began to stand back up. “Regardless. I think there is a lot we all can learn from this.” Gabe stood up stretching his arms.

  “Where are you going?” Richard asked.

  “To go see Carlos.” Gabriel said, “Jasmine must feel that way now as well.”

  “Good idea,” Richard said. “I think two people would be overwhelming right now.

  “Yeah.” Gabriel walked away from him. Heading inside the halls, slowly placing the cane in front of him. This is what it must’ve felt like for David after he had gone through his trial of pain. He could learn a thing or two on how to deal with injury. He thought to himself. Gabriel stepped inside the elevator, as the doors closed behind him. It was nice to be at peace for once, he had always craved battle but never learned to deeply appreciate the peace of not having to worry of conflict.

  Eve sat with James outside of David’s room. Both had been sitting in awkward silence. They were hoping David were to wake up soon. She was thinking of the kiss he had given her, wishing it had never happened. Had barely gotten over the kiss she had given him, she knew this one was going to take a long time to get over. Especially if he had regretted it, not knowing if Eve could keep a relationship with him a secret. He was better than that, David wouldn’t sacrifice his honor. Strange this is what she was thinking about after having dealt with him being dead for a night. What was that power he was using? Eve had never seen a white energy source, though it had only made sense after seeing Keira’s and Liam’s black energy. “James?” She asked as he opened his eyes looking at her. “Has David ever, done anything like that before?”

  “Like what?” James asked, “Die or give off a power like that?”

  “I guess both.” Eve crossed her arms, dressed in her hoodie trying to keep warm from the cold.

  James sighed, leaning his back against the white brick wall. “He once told me he had died and come back before. He didn’t go into too much detail. As for the power when we were on the run. Just before his mother had died. David screamed, his eyes shining white. Killing everyone in the house beside us of course. Ash.” James said, “I had never seen anything like it before.”

  “I see,” Eve said, looking out the window, the snow falling softly outside. “How is it that you fell in love with a guardian and have two sons of the same?”

  James smiled, “It wasn’t easy, but it was love at first sight.” James lied, the only person living who knows of James’ secret was the council and David. He intended for it to remain so. “We met at a bar; she was so beautiful. She was wearing jeans and a white shirt. I didn’t know it at first until she explained to me why she couldn’t marry me.”

  “Jeans and a white shirt is where it’s at.” Eve said, “That’s what I was wearing when I first met David.” She laughed. “I was such a jerk to him though.”

  “All women are.” James laughed, “How else are you supposed to show you like someone?”

  “Doesn’t mean it’s right.” Eve smiled, “Why do we do that wise man?”

  “Wise man?” James said, “Don’t make me go sounding old. I don’t know why you do that; I just know you guys do that.” He yawned growing tired.

  “Maybe there is something you can answer for me,” Eve said as she laugh faded to a soft voice. “How do you love someone when you know you can’t do anything in the world to be with them?” She looked at him, her face still having small scratches and bruises.

  “That’s a hard question.” James looked at the ceiling. “Loving someone isn’t physical. It’s all mental and emotional. I will love David’s mother until I die, and I haven’t heard her voice or felt her touch in thirteen years. But I still love her.” James said, “I guess I’m forced too; I have no other choice. I imagine how much harder it is when they are still alive and at an arm’s reach from you.”

  “It’s torture,” Eve said.

  “How hard do you think it is for David?”

  “What?”

  “Think about it, you have the girl of your dreams, head over heels for you. And you have to choose between that or your honor.” James said, “David has such a heavyweight on his shoulders, protecting us, training, and fighting a battle that he’s not just a soldier in. His name is recognized around the world. He’s expected to follow his honor.”

  “I have thought about that.” Eve said, “It’s selfish to say but I wish it weren’t that way. Seeing Gabe and Allison every day kills me because I want that. It’s something I’ve always wanted.”

  “I understand, but eventually there comes a time when you have to mature. You’re still young, and so are they. David appears to mature, but he’s still young as well.”

  “You’re right,” Eve said as they heard a beeping in David’s room. Both hearts spiked as they launched from the bench, running into David’s room. He was awake, pulling the IV and sensors off of his body. His shirtless body was covered in marks left behind from the cracking in his skin. David starred at his legs. “David are you okay?” She asked as James approached him. Eve was afraid to get close to him, she was out of energy. Praying that he was back to normal.

  “Yeah.” He muttered. “I just hate having needles and medical equipment attached to me.”

  “Mijo.” James walked up, wrapping David’s hole in his arm from the IV. “How many times do I have to tell you not to do that.” David raised his arm up as his father finished wrapping it in white gauze.

  “Where am I?” David asked looking around. “Well, how did I get here?” Eve watched him still from afar, unsure what to do. Had he forgotten what had happened? Maybe it was best that he did, though some things he would find out about.

  “How much do you remember?” Eve asked him, he turned his head towards her. Appearing confused, David looked as if he was trying to piece things together. Raising his arms, looking at the marks all over his body.

  “What happened?” David said, “We won, otherwise I wouldn’t be in my room. We’re not hostages, are we?” David asked.

  “No.” James said, “We won. How much do you remember, son?”

  “I was standing in a paradise. I think. Mom was there.”

  “Was she happy?” James asked in desperation.

  “Yes, she was beautiful dad. She was everything I remembered she was.”

  “Good.” James’ eyes began to well with tears. “I hope to see her again.”

  “You will.” David said, “There’s no reason you shouldn’t.” David looked at Eve. Quiet at first, she smiled softly at him, her blue eyes peeking from her messy bangs. David smiled back at her but was interrupted by looking at the bedsheets. “Master Eleazar was there, the old man actually found himself in paradise, surprisingly.” They both chuckled. James knew how Montague was, always a dark man with a questionable lifestyle. I saw Kaitlyn and Liam.” He paused, “Happiest they could ever be. At least I know they can live together without the pain they experienced.” David wiped his face.

  “We’ll be sure to bury Liam appropriately,” James told him, pulling up a chair from David’s desk for Eve to sit down. She thanked him before sitting down as James sat at David’s waist. Looking down at his son. Still trying to piece things together.

  “Good.” David said, “We can do that in private. I don’t want anyone from the Order there.” David said confidently. “They would just disrespect it.”

  “Of course.” James said, “What else did you see?”

  “Where is Carlos?” David asked looking up at both Eve and his father. They both remained silent, “Why did I see Carlos?” His questions turned to the tone of demand. He had to know.

  James put his hand on his son's leg. “Mijo.” He said softly, “Carlos has killed.”

  “Who killed him?” David scrunched his fists, a single tear rolled down his cheek as he gritted his teeth. “Don’t tell me it was some grunt either, he was better than that.”

  “Keira killed him,” James said.

  “Where is she?” David said he had already lost one too many of his friends. He promised he would protect them all. He wasn’t there to save him this time.

  “Gabe killed her. Jasmine put the finishing touches.” Eve said softly.

  “I should’ve been there. I could’ve saved him.” David said, his chest became tight. Nothing showed love other than the love he had for his brothers and sisters.

  “You saved all of us,” Eve muttered; James looked at her. As if his eyes told her not to tell him. “I’m going to tell him. He deserves to know.” She said.

  “Tell me what? I wasn’t awake. How could I do anything to save everyone?” David said.

  “You, came back after you died,” Eve said slowly, unsure how to say it. No one could explain it. “You killed everyone who didn’t surrender. It was a power no one had ever seen before.”

  David stayed looking at his arms, that’s what his scars must have come from. Why couldn’t he remember anything from that? Is that what the horn was? Or the angels that had gone inside of him? Did it have to do with his blood-holding purity? So many questions, that he knew no one could answer for him. Thoughts flying around his head, unsure and worried.

  “Do you remember anything else?” Eve asked, wondering if he had remembered kissing her. Not sure which would be worse for him if he had known or not.

  David shook his head, “nothing. I’m trying to piece things together. I just remember being asleep, my skin was as if someone set me on fire.” He said. Eve just nodded, understanding that he hadn’t remembered. She would struggle to know and not ever tell him. “I do remember in all that, I was so furious. Full of hatred and anger, and then suddenly I wasn’t anymore. Feeling an ache in my heart.”

  “Good.” She said, “It’s probably best you don’t remember. It was something else.” Eve was traumatized by his kiss, and even more so by the slaughter, he committed.

  “What happened?” David asked.

  “Gabriel punched you.” Eve said, “To stop you from going overboard.”

  “I bet it was his dream to see me go overboard.” David was skeptical but he had to be. Everything was unsure, hoping he would remember one day. “Where’s Carlos’ body now?” David threw the blankets off of himself. James pressed his hand against David to keep him down.

  “I think you should rest more,” James said, David looked down at his arm, grabbing it easily before sliding it off.

  “I will not lay here while my friend is dead,” David said annoyed, standing up. He was in his boxers. Uncaring that Eve had seen it. She quickly turned her head away from him. Giving him his privacy.

  “He’s in the cavern.” Eve said, “The council plan on burying him next week.”

  David walked over to his dresser. Sliding open the drawer pulling out some clothes to wear. He slammed his fist against the top of the wooden top, angered.

  “Mijo.” James was concerned for his son, no matter who had died. David had always bore the same reactions. His fits of anger only showed him how caring he was, not just of his duty, but of for those he loved.

  David gritted his teeth as he dressed in his extra pair of robes. The last ones had been tarnished in the battle. “We will bury him today,” David muttered. “I will wait for the council no more.” David was tired of how many the council had failed. Had it not been for them and his failure, so many of his friends would still be alive.

  If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  “Okay.” James said, “We’ll make the preparations.” He stood up. “I love you son. Don’t be too impatient.” He walked over to the door. “Is there something I can get you?” He asked.

  David coughed, his mouth dry. “Water.” He said, “Please.” His father nodded his head, leaving the room as Eve stood up from her chair. “Eve, stay. I want to ask you something.” She was confused, what was it that he had to ask her she hadn’t told him.

  “Yeah, of course.” She asked. Eve walked over to him; he turned his head towards her. “What do you want to ask?”

  “Do you still want to be with us?” David asked.

  “What kind of question is that?” Eve asked.

  “Seeing how dangerous it is. You can go anywhere; they would accept you.” David said.

  “I want to stay right here,” Eve said, she had no doubt in her mind. This was her new family. “Why do you ask that?”

  “Even knowing that we could never be together?” David turned towards her; his eyes were pink. He had been under stress; any normal person would be.

  “That doesn’t change anything,” Eve answered him. “You can’t get rid of me.” She smiled.

  “I mean, I could...” David said jokingly. The was a small part of him glad that she was so willing to be there. It showed how much she cared, not just for him but for the rest of the group.

  Eve offered out her hand, “C’mon, quit stalling we should get downstairs.”

  “The longer I stay here, the longer I don’t have to deal with the rest of the world.”

  “That may be true David, but the longer you stay in here. The less we can move to fix the world.” Eve told him. David smiled at her, that was the wisest thing she had ever said. And it was exactly what he had to hear. He walked past her, accepting her hand. She leads him out the door.

  Jasmine leaned over Carlos’ body covered in a white banner bearing the Watchers sigil. An eye with a sword through it. Her hair was a mess hanging in front of her face. Gabriel stood behind her, staying silent. Not knowing if he should say anything or not. The stone that the body rested on bore marks across the top. Nails stained with blood; Jasmine didn’t understand it all. She was full of regret, wishing had done nothing more than treating him the way he deserved. Of course, they were siblings, they would have their minor playful arguments. She had felt that he had done nothing but try to be good to her. Compared to how she felt she had treated him, forcing him into a shadow beneath her instead of having him at her side. Carlos was the only family she had that she cared about. Now it was too late for her to let him know that.

  “Are you going to say something or are you just going to stand there? Jasmine said, her voice hoarse and tired. She refused to look anywhere but the stone before her.

  Gabriel looked at her, taking a deep breath from his nose. “I’ve been trying to figure out what I’m trying to say. Nothing is coming to mind.”

  “Maybe you should just leave and come back when you figure that out,” Jasmine told him. Her voice stung like poison.

  “Carlos was my friend too; I have every right to be here as much as you do. Some of us actually treated him like a brother.”

  Jasmine remained quiet, her nails dragging across the stone once more. Falling into fists. “What did you just say?” She asked, full of anger and spite.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like…”

  “No, you did mean it.” Jasmine said, “You don’t think how much it pains me with that.” She turned her head towards Gabriel. Her eyes peered like a snake from her bangs.

  “You’re not the only one who lost someone close to you before.” Gabriel said, “I know what it’s like to wish you can say all the things you never had the chance to. We’re all suffering here.”

  “Please, spare me with how tragic your life is Gabe,” Jasmine said, her words were confident. Something she had bottled up for so long. “Yes, you lost your mother. You were at an age that you probably don’t even remember that much of her. Do you even remember her name? I never hear you or David say it. Before today what did you have to suffer from? You and your brother are the poster children of the Order. You have a beautiful girlfriend who would do anything for you. You commit reckless acts, and you go unpunished because you are David’s brother. Your father loves the hell out of you and actually tries to be a part of your life.” Gabriel stayed silent, listening to her as she let out everything, she had bottled up within her. “Yes, your master died, but he taught you everything you needed to become the most powerful guardian on the planet. Yes, David was gone for two years but he suffered so much trauma and came out still an honorable person. You act like you’re the victim all the time. Before today, what in your life was so terrible. Before last night, tell me, Gabe, what in the hell do you have to be so angry about all the time? Because you don’t get your way all the time?” Jasmine’s eyes were pouring with a river at this point. She was so angry with him, more importantly, herself. “Remind me, Gabriel, if I am missing something because I must be forgetting!” She roared at him.

  “That’s enough.” David walked into the room.

  “And here comes his savior. Look, Gabe, it’s someone you could learn a thing or two about suffering. How many friends have you seen die? How many other children died with you during your training? How about when you left Kaitlyn to die? Hell, how about killing your best friend?” Jasmine continued, “Let’s not forget about the times you’ve died. How many times have you sacrificed everything for us.” Eve walked in behind David as he started walking over to Jasmine. “Let’s not forget that you have a girl who loves the hell out of you, that we know you love too. Look, Gabriel, that’s what suffering looks like! I feel sorry for you David! I used to look up to you, but really, I think I just pity you! It’s not fair, how do you still walk when all I want to do is die right now!” David was standing right in front of her, wrapping his arms around her tightly. His touch caused her to break into a deep cry. Screaming out with everything in her heart. Her knees fell weak, dropping her knees against the cold wooden floor. David lowered down with her.

  “I keep going to remember them because if I don’t, who will?” David asked her. She couldn’t answer his question. “Carlos knew you loved him; I can’t tell you how many times he’s told me that he looked up to you. He loved you and understood that you were just trying to push him to be stronger. Carlos did the bravest things, Gabriel, and I both saw it. He may not have seen as much suffering like me, no one has. He is my rock, without him being there. Maybe I wouldn’t have had the drive to keep going.”

  “What do I do now that I lost my rock,” Jasmine asked.

  “I don’t know.” He told her, “I don’t have the answers, but something you need to understand, that you are not alone.” Jasmine looked up at Gabe. Gabriel read her mind, knowing she was sorry. He was unsure if he held it against her.

  Eve walked over to Gabe, standing next to her. “I didn’t hear everything that was said, just know that a woman in mourning doesn’t mean everything they say.” She whispered to him.

  “I know,” Gabe said quietly. “She meant it, all of it. I think what hurts the most, is I think she’s right. I don’t have much to complain about.”

  “Everyone has their own battles. Just because yours aren’t the same or as bad as someone else’s you still fight them and grow on your own.”

  “You’ve been hanging out with my dad too much.” He said, “I do want to change. I know I act recklessly; I need to work on it.”

  “That’s just one of the things you have to learn.” Eve said, “I used to.”

  “That’s because you couldn’t control it.” Gabriel said, “I can control it, yet I still choose to.”

  “You’re not alone in figuring that out,” Eve told him, he realized she was growing on him. David was really right about her.

  David picked Jasmine up from the ground. She wiped her tears away, “I’m sorry.” She said, “I just miss him so much.”

  “I know,” David said. “Let’s not worry about that right now.” Gabriel walked up to David and Jasmine, he smiled at her. Concealing how hurt he was from her words but understanding her. He had felt the same when David had died. She smiled back, they understood each other from how many missions they had been on together.

  Gabriel drew David’s hilts. His sword and his ceremonial blade. “Don’t lose these again.” He told him.

  “I can’t make that promise.” David placed his hilt on its sheath. Looking at his ceremonial blade and then at Carlos’ body.

  “You will lead him into the afterlife.” Jasmine told him, “You were a better brother than I could ever be to him.”

  David looked at his hilt, “It’s my duty.” David said, “But you’re wrong.” David handed the blade to her, laying it in her open palms. “You will lead him.” He told her, not smiling. This wasn’t an offer, but a command.

  “I’m not a knight.” She told him. “That’s against tradition.”

  “This wouldn’t be the first time I’ve broken tradition.” David smiled softly at Jasmine. She looked at the beautiful, handcrafted sword. She refused to cry. She had to be strong, for her brother. “Eve, I need you and Allison to help her look the part. Are you okay with leaving Carlos as we prepare his body?” She looked back at her resting brother. She wasn’t but she knew it had to be, for him. Jasmine nodded her head. Walking over to Carlos, kissing his cold forehead.

  Eve waited for her at the door. Jasmine remained silent, turning around. “Thank you, both of you.” She said as she passed David and Gabe. “Make him look as beautiful as ever.”

  “Of course,” David said to her as she joined Eve. Walking out the door. They stood looking over Carlos, pulling the banner off of him as David rolled his sleeves. “Gabriel, grab the others. I have a tall order. We don’t have a lot of time. The sun is almost at the center of the sky.”

  “I’ll grab them,” Gabriel said walking to the door.

  “One more thing,” David said. Gabe stopped and turned to him, looking at his brother with a blank stare. “Thank you, for everything. I couldn’t ask for a better brother.”

  “I aim to please.” He said sarcastically smiling at him. “Stop being sappy, I’ve had enough of it for a day.” He smiled at David. He felt David’s thoughts pour into his brain. He rubbed his hair as a headache taking form. His brother had finally let him into his brain, feeling how much, he loved his brother. “I hate you.” He said opening the door and leaving the room before his head could explode.

  David smiled as his brother left the room. He looked back at Carlos’ body. “I am sorry old friend.” He told him, “Promise me you’ll keep that smile forever up there.” Pulling out a knife, David began cutting at Carlos’ facial hair and the dirty hair on his head. He would have Kevin and Richard help wash his hair and body. Virgil would take Gabriel and Stephen to grab the flowers and seeds. Ethan and Chris would prepare the white robes.

  Men and women from the Order gathered in the halls of the commune. Standing along with each other, lined all the way up the snow-settled trails up the mountain to the tree. Jasmine and Carlos’ parents stood in all white at the elevator door. Madam Janice stood in her armor, waiting for the doors to open. Cleaned and hair braided, she took the time from the council and the round table to bear witness. Carlos had earned her immediate respect during the battle. She had wished she could see more guardians carry more bravery. To never stop fighting against all odds.

  All were quiet, the doors of the elevator opened. Stepped out, dressed in her black robes. Jasmine stepped out first, holding David’s sword. Hands gripping tightly on the hilt. The eagle’s face pointed to her left. Her pauldron, bearing all the scars from all her battles. Her hair in a bun, a tight braid across the front running to the back. Keeping her eyes forward, though surprised at how many have come for her brother. However, this didn’t break her bearing. It was imperative to hold her will. This was the hardest part. Not showing anyone how she had felt.

  Behind her, David stepped out with Chris at the front, pallbearing the wooden open casket. Wearing white gloves. David wearing his armor, still damaged. Behind them holding the center were Virgil and Ethan. At the back, Richard, and Gabriel. They were the closest to Carlos, it was only right that they were the ones to deliver Carlos into his grave. All dressed and clean, those with longer hair held a single braid. They walked forward, keeping pace with Jasmine’s lead. Slow but deliberate along the trail. Eve, Allison, Kevin, and Stephen walked aligned to one another. Stopping to allow their parents to walk behind Carlos’ casket.

  Carlos laid on top, his head at the front. His katana with a blue ribbon ran along its blade. His hair and beard are clean cut. Looking as if he was a king. His blue cloak was secured to his shoulder by a pauldron strapped across his chest. A silver lion’s crest buckled to the strap, symbolizing his courageous totem. James joined behind as they passed. All was quiet, besides Janice. Who began to sing a soft but deep hymn. Joining alongside James, as they continued down the trail. As everyone bowed as Carlos passed, they stood once he was ahead, joining the crowd.

  Jasmine looked up at the trail that she had hiked thousands of times, though this time. The weight within her heart was heavier than anything she had carried up there before. She stopped. Tears rolled down her face. Her legs began to grow weak in the knees, her jaw shaking. “You can do this.” She heard Gabriel’s thoughts break into her mind. She took a deep breath, placing one foot in front of the other as they treaded slowly behind her.

  Carlos’ casket was filled with flowers, lining along his body placed as carefully as they picked. Seeds littered across his body as well. The flowers chosen by David held special meaning. Amaryllis, the flower of pride and bravery. The Black-eyed Susan, the justice which he preserved within his life. The Crocus, his youthfulness that he had unfortunately passed with. Dill, for his strength against evil in the world. Finally, the oak-leaved Geranium, which he displayed most. The friendship he had shown for everyone, no matter their flaws. This is what everyone will remember most. Carlos’ humility for his friends goes unchallenged by anyone in the world. Eve knew that immediately from the minute she met Carlos on top of the roof. When everyone had yet to accept her, nor when she had been rude to him. Carlos showed her undying approval, as he did for everyone he met.

  Jasmine reached the top, where Master Hawkins had been standing, waiting. Jasmine stood before him with the ceremonial blade. Much to his surprise that it wasn’t David, smiling with his warm acceptance. “I- “Jasmine’s voice cracking with sadness, “I guardian Jasmine, come before you, God, earth, sky, and ocean. To lay guardian Carlos Ramirez to rest.”

  “Sir Carlos Ramirez,” He whispered. She widened her eyes; this must have been the unspoken rule that David had told her before the ceremony. When guardians die, they are granted knighthood in their passing. “Which God did Carlos serve?” He asked.

  “The Christian God.” She replied.

  “Follow me, guardian Jasmine Ramirez.” Master Hawkins turned around leading her to the cemetery, where all previous Watchers and their families rested in the light of the tree. She followed with him; her eyes were welling once more. Never had she wept in silence for so long. There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that she loved him.

  He led her to the front of the cemetery, tombstones lined with each other perfectly. Some with swords stuck into the ground next to them. David couldn’t help but to look at the corner, where Kaitlyn’s tombstone lay, her cutlass still stuck into the grass to this day, untouched by time. He would bury Liam’s body next to hers. No ceremony, only those who wished to be there.

  A tombstone sat behind the hole, Carlos’ name was inscribed along with the sigils of the Watchers, The Order, and the Sword of Light. Jasmine walked behind the tombstone with Hawkins, she gripped onto the sword tighter. Watching as Carlos’ casket was lowered to the ground just over the six-foot hole. Tears rolled down her face, she couldn’t hold it much longer. The sadness hit her like a wave crashing on the rocks on the beach.

  David and the pallbearers stepped away from his body, a line formed. Everyone bearing a deep dark crimson rose. Their parents were the first to pay their respects to the young man. “Son, we are so immensely proud of you. We all are, I wish things would’ve gone better. We may never know how much you sacrificed for us, but we know now, just how proud of you we are. We love you, so very much.”

  David, “You worked harder than anyone here to get to the name you made for yourself. You sacrificed yourself to save your sister. No man can ever show the love they bore for anyone other than one who lay down his own life for those he loved. My only regret was not being there to save you.” He dropped his rose.

  Gabriel, “I’m going to miss late-night pizza runs with you. Or you tagging along with me on my last-minute missions. I really don’t know how much I am going to miss hearing your laugh every day.” He dropped his rose.

  Chris, “You are my best friend, you always will be. I don’t know what I’m going to do without you. I honestly, love you more than anything brother. I wish I were stronger to save you. I hope you’re at least enjoying yourself, wherever you are. I will always remember breaking into stores at night just for snacks on our shift. Or the time we found ourselves in the zoo with those ostriches.” He chuckled through the tears “I wish I had more to say. I don’t know how I’m going to move on without you. I hope to see you again one day.” He dropped his rose.

  Ethan, “I don’t know what to say, I guess I had always hoped that you would be the one speaking at my funeral. I really am never going to forget you. I promise that. Save a spot for me, wherever you are. I will be there one day; I want a good view of the ocean.” He dropped his rose.

  Virgil, “I’m not good at this. I don’t think I will ever be the Silver Arrow will stay working. Don’t tell anyone this, but I really appreciate your help whenever I had issues with her. Even when I say I didn’t need it. Your company will always be missed. I promise I won’t give up your seat, only in emergencies. I miss you man; I can already feel the world missing a chunk. If I could say the L-word, I would.” He dropped his rose.

  Kevin, “You always managed to make me laugh. Even when I needed to be serious, you made my job a little harder than it needed to be. But you always helped me when I didn’t even know I needed it. I will miss you.” He dropped his rose.

  Richard, “I don’t even know where to begin right now. I guess just keep being you, our lives are so insignificant. A large universe and we are nothing but a speck. You were my speck though; I promise to get a lion tattooed on me. Just in case I have a hard time remembering. I love you brother.” He dropped his rose.

  Stephen, “You picked on me, you laughed at me, and you have done so many maniacal things to me. I’m going to miss it. I never had the chance to fight at your side. I promise I will become the strongest guardian, for you. I will keep this world safe, so you just rest easy now. Okay? He dropped his rose.

  Allison, “You were the most annoying person I knew, maybe for the exception of Stephen. I would rather be annoyed than be standing here with this rose. I mean that, deeply. I wish you could be there once we rid this world of corruption. I will keep everyone alive and healthy; I promise you that.” She dropped her rose.

  Lastly, Eve. “I know we only knew each other for a few months, but damned I am going to miss you. You taught me so much just from who you were, you helped me learn to be a nicer person. Among other things, you were there to help me with learning mechanics, which I failed horribly at.” She laughed, “I’m going to keep them safe; I will keep your sister safe. I don’t know where you are now, promise me you’ll keep that smile of yours. I am going to miss it.” She dropped her rose.

  Once the everlasting line had piled their roses on top of Carlos’ body. Jasmine walked up to her brother. She said nothing for she knew he could not hear her. She had said everything she needed to say to him in her hours with his body in the morgue. Jasmine knew, whenever she needed to speak to him. She would pray at that moment. She dropped her rose. Leaning over to take his sword. Handing it to David.

  Gripping it firmly into his hands. “I declare here and today. We swear an oath to fight and defend till our last days. I couldn’t think of a more courageous way for you to pass my friend. You gave up everything just for the chance for us to live. I could not thank you enough.” David walked next to his tombstone. Infusing his green energy into the katana, burning David’s hand. It fought against David’s use. Forcing himself into it. Gritting his teeth. “You will rest for eternity in the halls of heaven, and the hall of guardians.” He drove the sword into the dirt. Where it would stay till the end of time.

  Liam’s body was lowered into a hole David had dug. A single white rose was dropped inside with him. A symbol for his redemption in the last moments of his life. Eve, Gabriel, James, and Richard had joined David in his burial. Lifting his sword, driving it into the ground crossing with Kaitlyn’s. Gabe and Richard began shoveling dirt on top. Once finished, they stood around. David did not shed a single tear, knowing that Liam was happier than he ever could be on Earth. The group was in silence. Eve looked at David.

  “Should we say something?” Eve asked David. Just as he was at Kaitlyn’s burial.

  “There are two times when people die. Once physically, and once when their name is spoken for the last time.” David said, his voice calm.

  “Should we have a tombstone made?” James asked his son. David shook his head; Liam was never one for it all. Liam was a man of action, not symbolism. David swore to himself that he would bring an end to the Brotherhood and all evil in the world. That had corrupted and deceived with false promises of power. David would not let them die in vain.

  David said his final prayer, before walking away. Taking a stand on the mountainside, starring at the sunset at the edge of the Earth. The sky is orange. “It doesn’t seem like he cares,” Eve said.

  “He cares more than you can ever possibly imagine.” Gabriel walked off to join his brother. Eve followed behind as did James and Richard. Gabriel looked at his brother gazing at the sky.

  “So, what now?” Eve asked him. Everything seemed to be coming to an end. They had defeated the threat at the time. Though something had told her that this was just the beginning of her journey. Eve still had much to learn.

  “The juniors will go back to school,” David said. “Unless you want to go back.”

  “Hell no,” Eve said. As Gabriel sighed in annoyance not wanting to return to school. “So, after all that, just back to normal lives? I don’t know if you know but I don’t have a family to go back to.”

  “You can stay with Allison. They have enough rooms in that house.” Gabriel told her. “Last thing we need is you girling up the place at our house.”

  “Yeah, based on your dramatic persona, I bet David and James have enough of it,” Eve said to him as James laughed with Richard. David just smiled.

  “So, we can go back to being, y’know, Watchers?” Richard asked.

  “Business as usual,” David said.

  Eve looked up at him, proud to stand amongst them. A purpose in her life had been fulfilled, she found her own place in the world. It was more than she could ever possibly imagine. All of Eve’s life was full of sadness. Now she could leave that behind her, as she looked on at the setting sun. A close in a chapter in her long book that she had hoped to come. Knowing that no matter where the light graced the earth, there will always be a shadow. A darkness that will never go unwatched. As swords and shields in the darkness, she was that. A Watcher.