The room was dark, dimly lit by the small flashlights running rampant around the room. Glass cases full of diamonds and godly stones. Footsteps scuttered across the floor, light on toes. As shadows in the darkness bounced around the room. Clingy and clamoring hands across the showcase as jewels were being pulled quickly. Lingering scents of cleanliness filled the air. Their bodies radiated in dark energy. The spirits were obnoxious, as were their minds filled with greed and excitement. Unfortunately, someone could hear them.

  A string doll blew in the soft breeze, attached to a belt loop. Gabriel and David stood on the roof, Gabriel dawning his blue cloak. Five slashes on his pauldron commemorating his accomplishment in finishing his second to the last trial. Both stood confident against the white moon casting onto their skin. David’s eyes fluttered a viridian green as he looked over, smiling at Gabriel as he grinned on the city below. “So, the Brotherhood has resulted in robbery?” Gabe chuckled under his breath. Gaiter necks pulled over their noses. Leaving only their eyes exposed.

  David turned around, heading for the door in the back. Plugging his PDA into a keypad. “I think these are just some outcasts looking for a quick buck,” David said, pressing a button on the screen as it gave a green checkmark. Gabriel turned away from the busy city, hand on the hilt of his sword still holstered on his belt. “What’s with you wanting to switch partners again?” Swinging the door open and heading down the staircase. Neither of them worried about being loud.

  “Oh, yeah,” Gabriel said, following him down the dark stairwell. “So, get this, I have had a great time with Allie on being her partner. However, when I suggested getting some time with you before you had to leave. She gets upset with me.”

  “Were your intentions clear?” David asked Gabe.

  “I’m not following.”

  “You have never been one to speak clearly with what you mean.” David opened a door, searching for an elevator shaft to the bottom floor. A quick route to their targets before they had the chance to escape. “What exactly did you ask her?”

  “Well, I asked if she was interested in spending time with Eve instead of me,” Gabriel explained, following his brother to the elevator shaft. David just turned around, glaring at him, his eyes telling him that he was wrong. David pressed the button to call the elevator with his black-gloved hand. “What?”

  “You’re an idiot,” David said as the elevator ignored his call. “Guess they cut the power in here when they broke inside. Either the door didn’t work, or they must be running off a separate power source.”

  “Does that mean I can take off this mask if the power is out?” David shook his head, disapproving of the idea. “Right, can’t risk being seen inside an expensive jewelry store.”

  “We can either walk down thirty floors, or we can repel down the elevator shaft,” David said, pulling out a bundle of paracord. Gabriel pulled out his sword, prying open the locked elevator doors. David ran the chord from the staircase’s handrail. Setting up the counterweights.

  “Looks good to me.” Gabriel said, “Now, I understand why you told me to bring the rescue eight.” Gabriel took it off his belt loop, securing the carabiner to his chest rig. David did the same, though he was prepared with his climbing harness. “Now, back to the important thing, why am I an idiot?” Gabriel asked his brother.

  “You made it sound like you didn’t want to be her partner numb nuts.” David hooked up the rescue eight to the paracord, dropping it down the elevator shaft. Waiting to hear the thunk on top of the elevator’s roof. Brushing his shaggy hair to the side, raising his ear. There was a quiet sound as the weight hit bottom. “Sounds good to me.” Taking a step backward, one hand as his break and the other as his lead. Leaning back as if he were taking a seat, knees locked, feet planted on the ledge.

  “Who made you an expert on girls?” Gabriel asked. Drawing his eyes to the string doll that Eve had given him. It had all felt like a lifetime ago, but it was only December. The Order had relaxed, undergoing many reworks with the Roundtable to make a better time. Though Master Hawkins was granted the rank of Grandmaster for his efforts in stabilizing the region. Many reformations took place to keep the Brotherhood activity to a standstill. The Watchers’ jobs became easy, dealing with a random dark adept or petty crime. It had felt like a vacation. David wants to push for better use of their time. However, still awaiting approval to combat human trafficking and drug lords. If he couldn’t find evidence of dark adepts, the council wanted to stay out of it. Rightfully so, wishing not to risk the discovery of their secret society. It was barely May of 2022. So much has changed since then. “So, Eve made you an expert on women, is that what you talk about together on shift?”

  “Not really, we honestly don’t talk much. It’s more or less talk about each other's week or training.” David shrugged, “I’m just observant in how she responds to words not chosen wisely. Plus, it doesn’t take a genius to understand that your delivery with that suggestion would make someone upset, let alone your girlfriend.” David repelled down the elevator shaft, decisive and controlled. Looking down below. Gabriel shook his head, waiting for his brother to send the signal for his turn.

  David reached the floor, unlatching himself from the paracord, shaking it rapidly. Gabriel hooked up, charging down the rope the same way. Though less controlled due to his neglectful mind forgetting to bring his repelling harness. David caught him, knowing he was going to need the help touching down. “Thank you,” Gabriel said as his brother let go of him. David nodded, pulling out a tool kit to remove the vent for them to climb through. “Someone came prepared.”

  “Have to when you’re trying to leave this place exactly how you found it,” David said. Ratcheting off the bolts, taking his time. The enemy was as well, collecting their bounties. “How do you plan on apologizing?” David asked his brother. Gabriel looked down in disbelief.

  “Why should I have to be the one apologizing? I didn’t do anything wrong.”

  “What did she say when you asked her, y’know after you finished explaining yourself?”

  “She agreed,” Gabriel said, lifting up the grate and setting it to the side as David jumped inside. His eyes tuned to the darkness as night vision. Gabe followed right behind him, looking for the doors.

  “Now, did she agree? What did she say specifically?” David asked as he found the door, taking his sword to pry it open.

  “She said, fine.” Gabriel looked at his brother, shaking his head. “What did I say? She agreed, and we are supposed to be fine.”

  “You guys are far from fine.” David threw his body against his sword as the doors opened to the dark hallway leading to the jewelry hall.

  “Why would she say fine if it didn’t mean we were fine?” Gabriel asked, “I’m starting to think you’re crazy.” David scowled at him. “Let’s just focus on the mission; we’ll talk about this later.”

  “Sounds good to me,” David said, stepping out of the elevator, holstering his sword. Noticing the flashlights turning off. “Guess our partiers didn’t know they invited guests.”

  “I really hope they don’t surrender.”

  “They think they have the upper hand because there’s six of them.” David and Gabriel walked briskly into the main room. As the men in balaclavas stood around. Bags of their prizes in one hand and their swords were drawn in the other.

  “Who are you?” One of them asked. He stood tall, dressed all in black.

  “I got this,” Gabriel said, patting his brother’s chest as it thudded. “Wow, someone’s been working out,” Gabriel said sarcastically. He walked to the center of the room. “Alright, guys, don’t be alarmed. We’re the Watchers.” Gabriel spread his hands outwards. “You can surrender now.”

  They stood around, looking confused. Not sure the thieves were surprised by Gabriel’s cockiness or to feel bad for his foolishness to walk where he was surrounded. “The what?” One of them asked.

  “Man, I really hate these new guys.” Gabriel looked at David; their reputation on the streets had died along with the Legion. David just shrugged at his brother. “Okay, look, I’m trying out this whole negotiating thing. I’ve grown tired of killing newbies, so, please. Just put your hands up.”

  They all laughed at Gabriel. “You’ve never faced anyone like us before; I suggest you two leave while you can.” He sneered. Preparing to attack the both of them.

  “You’ve never faced anyone like us.” Gabriel mocked, dancing around in a circle with his hands to his head. Waving his fingers around, sticking out his tongue at them. “Do you know how stupid you sound?” The group split up, three attacking David and the other three at Gabriel.

  In an instant, Gabriel drew his katana, slashing one’s legs as he collapsed to the floor. Screaming in pain as his friends picked up the assault. Gabe blocked them both without effort. “You guys make it so hard to be nice!” He yelled at them.

  David drew his sword, not taking the time to infuse his blade. He parried two off as one charged with an undisciplined thrust. David moved around him, spanking his back with the side face of his broadsword. David continued evading and blocking their attacks, almost toying with them to give them the chance to grow tired and give up. The less blood spilled, was less work for the cleanup crew. Stepping back, David was creating space between himself and his opponents. “Look, guys, I’ve perfectly parried every single one of you. Give up now, or I’m going to have to hurt you.” They refused to listen to him. Keeping up their assault.

  “You have to admire their persistence,” Gabriel said, interlocking blades with one and kicking the other to the side. Knocking him off balance, Gabe fell backward, still interlocking edges. “David!” He called out, looking towards his brother.

  “Little busy,” David said, grabbing one, twisting his body around to become a captive to David’s sword.

  “I was wondering.” Gabriel continued, “Maybe I am wrong; Allison might have taken it as me wanting to take a break from her. We have been getting into arguments being around each other so much.”

  “Is that really what you’re thinking about right now?” David asked, knocking out the man in his hold with a bash with his hilt. Casting him to the side to engage his last two opponents.

  “It’s important to me, okay?” Gabriel kicked the man's knee in, breaking it against his black boot. Recovering back to a stand, taking a defensive stance waiting for the inevitable attack. Their patience was just as lousy as their fighting.

  David swung his sword with a heavy swing, knocking a sword out of the other’s hands. Sending it onto the floor. Looking over to see Gabriel quickly stab their buddy in the foot to keep him in place. Turning to look at each other and nodding. Running towards the staircase. “No spells, Gabriel.” He looked at his brother, who began to conjure an element. David pulled out two small knives, throwing them. Flying through the air downwards, flipping to the sides as they tore through both of their Achilles tendons.

  “Man, I’ve been practicing the fire element.”

  “I know; can't risk the fire alarm going off.” David walked over to the two lying on the ground in pain. Kneeling down next to them. “I would’ve let you guys go free. However, you twisted my hand on that one.”

  “Go to hell.” One said to David, trying to get back up. Gabriel walked overstepping on the hand, reaching for the dropped sword. He screamed at the weight of the boot.

  “You’re going to kill us, aren’t you? The other asked, looking up at David’s eyes. His face is still covered by his mask.

  “No, I’m not going to kill you.” David said, “What’s your name, kid?” He could tell he was younger than him. Probably only recently discovering his powers thinking he was invincible. Gabriel released the man’s hand. Kicking the sword away.

  “Jason.” He said, he looked panicked, not even sure what he was or why he was there.

  “I’ll call Virgil to call the police,” Gabriel said, walking away to get all the bodies together in one area. He looked at the one who has still held his sword in his foot. “Thanks for watching my sword for me.” Gabriel pulled it out and punched him swiftly up the nose. Knocking him out cold against the tile floor.

  “Jason, do you know who you are?” David asked, squatting down next to him, pulling off Jason’s balaclava. His hair was black, along with his skin. His eyes were innocent and yellow in color to them. “This sword looks like it was cheaply made, and I can tell you’ve never used one in your life before tonight.”

  “I was just here to make some money to help my family,” Jason said.

  “He’s not lying.” Gabriel said, “The rest of them are part of that gang; what do they call themselves?” He asked his older brother as he applied tourniquets to the thighs of the legs he had previously removed.

  “Wolfpack.” David said, “Jason, have you heard of the Order? The Brotherhood? Anything like that?”

  “No, sir,” Jason said, almost frightened, looking back and forth at Gabriel and David.

  “Tell me about your family life,” David told him, peering down at him.

  “I uh” He hesitated. “I have a mother and sister. My mother has fallen ill, working two jobs to support my sister and me.”

  “Where’s your father?” David asked him.

  “He walked out on us.”

  “I see.” David said, “I can help you. You just need to help me.”

  “What do you mean you can help me?” Jason asked.

  “Obviously, you came here with good intention. I admire that, to say the least. You’re young, and I think you have potential.” David said.

  “And what do you want from me?”

  “You have information in that head of yours, the information I need to help suffering people.” David said, “You’re not going to be rich, but you and your family will be safe and taken care of. Your mother can get the best medical treatment on the planet.” Taking off his glove, David’s hand radiated a green aura. Placing it on his foot as the wound began to close.

  “You sure about this?” Gabriel asked him, finishing with the gathering of bodies against a wall. Wiping his forehead of sweat.

  “You ask me that every time.” David said, “And I prove you wrong every time.”

  “And last time blue has been nothing but trouble.” Gabriel joked. As his phone buzzed in his pocket. “Kid, I suggest you accept the offer; five-o is here.”

  “How did you do that?” Jason asked, looking at his ankle.

  “I can’t tell you unless you accept my offer,” David told him, standing up. David put his glove back on his scarred hands. Jason looked up at them, wondering where he had gotten them. David reached out his hand to him. He accepted, grabbing it as David lifted him up.

  “If you promise my family’s health and safety?” Jason asked.

  “That and more.” David told him, “I must warn you, the old life you once had will be left behind.”

  “Yes, sir,” Jason told him.

  “Don’t call me that; it’s weird.” David still disliked the title, even though Jason didn’t know he was a knight. Or anything at all. He could hear the guardians repelling down the elevator, coming to make their arrests and clean any damage to the building to appear as if nothing had happened.

  They had all entered the room, one armored to the teeth. “Sir David.” Said the man reaching his hand out. David met him halfway. “Sir Jorge.” He looked around.

  “You’re the newest knight, right?” David asked. The Order had begun to promote people faster, needing new knights to run outposts that had been destroyed by the Legion in the war.

  “That I am,” He said smiling, “I always admired the work that the Watchers did. Always hearing stories but never seeing it for myself, you live up to your name.” Jorge was impressed with how many that only two of them were able to defeat without killing any.

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  David looked at his watch on his wrist. “As much as I would love to talk, my shift is almost over, and I have a busy day tomorrow.” David turned around, pointing at the bodies. “Some blood over there, and some injured. Bags full of jewels to go back in their cases.”

  “Six we’re arresting?” Jorge asked.

  “Five.” David said, “This one is coming with me.”

  “Watcher’s taking recruits?”

  “What the Watcher’s do isn’t any of your business.” Gabriel intruded, walking over to him.

  “Watch your tongue, Guardian.” Jorge grew annoyed.

  “This guy serious?” Gabriel asked his brother, smiling. “Come on, Jason, you ever rode on a helicopter? Of course not.” Gabriel started up the staircase, passing by the group of Guardians as they got to work. Jason quickly followed him.

  “Your guardian is undisciplined,” Jorge said.

  David just shrugged, paying him no mind. “That’s why we do all the dirty work.” David bowed his head to the new knight, heading up the stairs. Jorge shook his head, annoyed; he would put this in his report hoping that something would be done about it. It wouldn’t.

  Once at the top of the stairs awaited the Silver Arrow, hovering just on the side of the building waiting for David and Gabriel. Walking onto the roof, Gabriel continued over to the ramp. The hair blew heavy against the wind, looking back. Jason stood petrified, unbelievable at the site. “What’re you afraid of? Let’s go.” Gabe waved his hand as he stepped onto the ramp.

  “I’m afraid of heights.”

  “No, you’re afraid of falling.” Gabriel said, “We have the best pilot; as long as you strap yourself in, I can almost guarantee you won’t fall.”

  “Almost?” He questioned.

  “You want your family to get better?” David asked, appearing behind him; he couldn’t even hear him walk up. “You will get on that ship.” David walked past him. “Or stay here, and you can go back to crime and possibly meet us again. I’m not on shift every night; the other guys aren’t as forgiving as I am.”

  “Oh yeah, the girl with her hair bobbed, eyes looking like she hates the world. She’ll tear you apart because she could.” Gabriel said, smiling. Jason took in a deep breath, running over to catch up to the Silver Arrow, jumping aboard.

  “Sit there.” David pointed at the chair in the corner closest to the cockpit door. “Where do you live?” He asked him, handing him a tablet to enter his address. Jason took it and began typing in his address.

  “How busy is it around this time?” David asked him.

  “It’s the ghetto, probably a little busy. Some drugged up guys on their porches.” Jason said.

  “Good enough for me.” David walked into the cockpit; Virgil sat his hair long brushed back. “You have gorgeous hair,” David told him, handing him the tablet.

  “I’m cutting it now that you said that.” Virgil grabbed it, looking at it. “We pick up a new recruit?” He asked.

  “Yeah,” David told him, “We’re not going to move him today, I have to get approval from the council first.”

  “So, we’re getting approval to do things now?” Virgil joked as he punched in the coordinates into the computer.

  “I like being on their good side until it’s time for us to do something crazy.”

  “Why do I get the feeling we’re planning to do something crazy soon?”

  “Because you’d be right.” David walked back into the Silver Arrow bay as it began to lift off the roof. Jason braced himself, afraid of the shaking in the VTOL in the air.

  “Take this,” Gabriel told him, handing Jason a phone-like device.

  “What is this?” He asked.

  “It’s a phone you can contact us, and we can contact you.”

  “So, I’m not joining you guys today?” Jason asked, shoving the phone into his pocket.

  “We have to handle some business first.” David said, “We’ll have someone by tomorrow to help with your mother.” Jason seemed confused by all of this. “How much money do you need to pay this month's rent and food?” He asked.

  “I have money for this month,” Jason told him. Not wanting him to take any money.

  “That’s not what I asked.” David sat down next to him. “Let us help you out.”

  “Three thousand,” Jason told him. Looking down at his feet, feeling ashamed. David put a hand on his shoulder as he nodded at Gabriel. Grabbing a bag, Gabe opened it pulling out three stacks of hundred-dollar bills. The Silver Arrow began to land on the street.

  “Only call us in an emergency,” David told him yawning, he was tired from the long night. The sun was beginning to take rise in the East. Jason nodded at him, not sure what to say. “We’ll be back around twelve o’clock.” David walked him out.

  “I’ll be here,” Jason said.

  “Yeah, you will,” Gabe said, tossing him the bundle of dollar bills. “Don’t get into trouble till then.” Gabe smiled at the kid. The Silver Arrow quickly lifted off and jumped into the sky. Jason stood around, looking at the broken-down street. Sighing to himself before heading through his chain-linked fence. Yard was overgrown, concrete leading into his old home. He opened the security door, heading back inside.

  “Seems like a good kid,” Gabriel said as he stood in the cockpit as David was sitting with his hands behind his head. Feet kicked up on the dashboard. His eyes closed.

  “Too bad we’re going to have to kill him,” David said. Gabriel and Virgil both looked at him with confusion and concern. Not sure what to make of that statement. David opened one eye to see them both glaring at him. “I was joking.” He grinned.

  “It’s too early for this,” Virgil said as he went back to piloting the Silver Arrow back to their home.

  Eve opened her deep blue eyes, staring at the roof. The sun breaking through in the early morning window. Yawning deeply as she stretched her arms outward. Missing the fresh air of the Sanctuary, though not missing the anxiety of the looming threat she had back then. Everything was calm, peaceful. She sat up, dressed in her oversized t-shirt. Stretching out her legs, wiggling her toes over the bedside. Her room was simple, unlike her room back at the Sanctuary. She had been living there for months but still felt like a stranger in Allison’s house.

  She hopped out of bed, walking over to the window to open it. Letting the stuffy air flood out of the room, Eve looked outside, taking in a deep breath. Inhaling the warm sun. She missed the winter; now California was hot. Eve hated the heat, blowing up at her bangs as they danced up out of her face. Watching the energy lift off the grass in the yard. Everything was alive, never failing to fascinate her eyes. Grabbing her towel from her closet and a pile of clothes from her drawer. Still as unorganized as ever.

  Opening the door, the house was silent. Allison and her mother were still asleep, Eve started getting into the habit of starting her day early. That way, she could have more time to study, train, or meet with everyone else to hang out. Eve walked into the bathroom, looking at herself in the mirror. Smiling at herself, not even a year had passed, and she was happier than she could ever be with herself.

  The smell of bacon tickled Allison’s nose, waking her up instantly. Feeling excited, she rushed out of bed, throwing open her door. She hurried into the kitchen, finding Eve dressed and clean. She had been cooking breakfast. A toaster dinged, shooting up waffles out next to a bowl of steaming scrambled eggs and a plate of bacon waiting to be eaten. Allison’s mouthwatering, “Eve, have I ever told you that I love you?” She asked, walking over to the cabinet to fix herself a plate.

  “Only when I make breakfast,” Eve said, smiling as she turned off the stove to move the last of the cooking bacon onto her own plate. Sitting down at the table, putting her hands together. Allison finished as well, sitting down perpendicular to Eve as she opened her eyes.

  “You know, it’s bizarre to see you pray,” Allison said as she began eating.

  “Some of the guys do; I just think it’s respectful.” Eve said, “Even if there isn’t someone listening.”

  “Seeing David that night, and you still don’t believe that there’s something out there?” Allison questioned her in disbelief. “Okay, sis.”

  “Do you really want to talk about this right now?” Eve asked her, smirking.

  “Not really,” Allison said to busy enjoying her food. “I’m still thinking about Gabe…”

  “You want to talk about this more?” Eve asked; she wanted to enjoy her night off last night. However, spent all night listening to her complain about Gabriel.

  “It’s bothering me, okay?” Allison told her, taking a bite of her bacon and scowling at the wall in front of her.

  “I didn’t want to say this. I think you’re being selfish.” Eve said, taking a drink of her orange juice.

  “I’m selfish?” Allison said, “Says the one who forced herself on David!” Eve stopped drinking, looking at her with annoyance. The glass cracked as her eyes glue brighter. Setting the glass down and taking a deep breath. “I apologize.”

  “Gabriel wants to spend more time with David before the council sends him to work with the CIA,” Eve said, closing her eyes. “After that, you’ll have Gabe all to yourself.” She stood up, throwing the rest of her food away.

  “It’s just the way he said it,” Allison said to her.

  “You know Gabriel sucks at talking.” Eve put her plate in the sink. “He is your boyfriend, after all.” Allison was silent. Eve had listened to her all night. Guessing Eve had gotten tired of hearing the issue. “Maybe you should try talking to him; you’d be surprised what wonders communication can do in a relationship.” Eve grabbed her shoes from the cubby, sitting down to put them on.

  “Where are you going?” Allison asked her.

  “Away from you crazy.” Eve said, “I’ll go talk to Gabe since you’re too scared to do it.” Eve stood up and headed quickly out the door.

  “I’m crazy?” Allison launched out of her seat, charging for the door as she watched Eve walking down the driveway. “Says the one who broke a good cup!” Eve walked away, flipping her off as she started down the sidewalk. Heading to the Locklear home smiling.

  James, Richard, and Ethan were inside the garage in front of the house, working with saws and drills. David and Gabriel were inside sleeping, having to catch up on lost sleep from their long night. Though not sleeping for too long to mess up their sleep schedule for the day. David did his best to only nap for a few hours; that way, he could have the rest of the day to work. Still being able to get a full night’s rest the next day after his shift.

  Ethan turned around, looking down the sidewalk, seeing the sun reflect off the blue-haired Eve walking. “She’s coming.” He said.

  “Dang, we were just starting to make some progress.” James said, “Alright, close it up.” He told Richard as he headed over to controls on the garage door. Eve looked on as the garage quickly shut from afar. Suspicious at their hurried figures moving outside rapidly. James was wiping his grease-stained hands as Eve started up the driveway, noticing David’s truck in the driveway and James BMW next to it. David was simple, not needing anything fancy or beautiful. James, on the other hand, liked to ride in style.

  “Hey blue, what brings you here so early?” Richard asked her, walking up to her giving her a hug as she returned the embrace.

  “Allison was driving me crazy. What’re you guys up to?” Eve asked, looking at them as all three were dirty. Covered in wood shavings and oil. She went to hug Ethan as he hugged her back.

  “Just helping fix up the garage,” James said, walking up to her to hug her as well. He still hasn’t lost his warm fatherly smile.

  “Do you guys need help? I’m not busy.” Eve offered.

  “No.” All three of them said in unison. “I mean, it’s not a big deal. We were actually about to take a break.” James said.

  “It’s no mind to me, I would be more than happy to help.” Eve pressed again, what were they hiding?

  “It’s okay, Mija, did you eat already?” James changed the subject as he led her inside the house.

  She decided it was best not to continue with trying to find out what they were hiding. Though she would remain curious, as she always was. “Yeah, well, I didn’t finish my food.”

  “Thank God, we were waiting for him to make some more chorizo, but he kept telling us to wait for Gabe and David,” Ethan said, smiling.

  “Fine, I can’t keep my customers waiting for too long,” James said, leading her to the front door as the other two followed close behind. Eve had only been inside the house a few times. It was a small three-bedroom home with a den in the back. As she stepped inside, she could see the living room ahead of herself; to the left was the kitchen mixed with a dining room. If she had continued down the hall, to her right would be the hallway that led to the bedrooms.

  James went to the fridge, grabbing a carton of eggs, a gallon of milk, and a stick of chorizo. “Eve, you’ve had some before, right?” He asked.

  She was leaning her shoulder against the wall. “No, I don’t think I have; at least I don’t remember.”

  “Of course, you have; they look like red scrambled eggs,” Ethan said to her as he took a seat in one of the chairs across from Richard.

  “Oh, that’s what that is?” Eve asked, “I have seen them at the Sanctuary, but they looked gross to touch.” She joked.

  “Woah, don’t disrespect James’ cooking like that again. Or we will fight.” Richard said, pointing his finger at her. The burritos had been known as a delicacy to those who had eaten them. James ensured that all of those who ate his food were met with more than satisfaction.

  “Don’t worry, you’ll try them today,” James told her as he turned on the stove. A small flame ignited under the pan. Dancing along the bottom.

  “I guess we will see.” Eve smiled at James as she sat down with the other boys as they began to talk about Allison and Gabe. Along with how bored they had been lately. Strange that Eve had felt the desire of battle again. The adrenaline she had felt back then was intoxicating. Though James ensured them to appreciate the time they had to relax, never knowing when things were going to be dire once more. “I get that we should appreciate the peace; there’s just something about feeling like you’re serving a large purpose. The rush feels good.”

  “Even when it means losing someone close to you?” James asked. Eve lowered her head, thinking about those they had lost that night. Carlos’ smile still burned inside of her mind. And what had happened to him? Both images were polar opposites. She couldn’t help to think about one without the other. “Fights can be fun, I understand, but things are better left to be at peace.”

  “You’re right,” Richard said.

  James turned around, looking at all three of them lowering their heads, faces drenched in grim. “Do you think Carlos would want you guys being sad right now?” He smiled as they looked up at him. “Speaking of, has anyone heard from Jasmine?”

  “Not really. She keeps to herself mostly.” Richard said, “She works with Kevin on shifts, and even he says she’s not talkative.”

  “That says a lot coming from Kevin,” Eve said, scratching at the table with her other hand supporting her head.

  “She’s mourning it can take some time, but she’ll come around,” James said as he kept cooking.

  “That’s what we thought about Liam,” Ethan said, looking at the wall in front of himself.

  “Jasmine isn’t selfish like him,” Richard argued.

  “Alright, that’s enough of that,” James said, “always so damned negative all the time.” Eve just smiled; it was rare when James had cursed. David swore he was like a sailor, but she has never seen it. Thinking David was a liar.

  In walked Gabriel, wearing a loose tank top. The top of his head was unkempt and long, wearing gym shorts and bags under his eyes. Rubbing one eye and yawning with his mouth wide open. “Mijo, did we wake you?” He asked.

  “No, David did.” Gabe walked past Eve, looking down at her. “I didn’t hear your thoughts; why are you here?” He put his hand on her blue head.

  Eve swiftly slapped his hand away. “Some of us take care of our hair here.” Annoyed, she looked up at him, “Maybe you didn’t hear my thoughts because your brother taught me how to block you out.” She grinned from the side of her cheek, fixing her hair.

  “Thank God, because you’re so annoying.” Gabriel walked over to the cabinet, pulling out a bottle of room temperature water. Eve just made a face at him and flipped him off. Gabriel returned the finger, only to be met with James’ hand slapping it. “Hey, what the hell?”

  “What did I tell you about that in my house?” James scolded him.

  “She did it first,” Gabriel argued.

  “Don’t talk back to me. If she jumped off a bridge, would you follow her?”

  “Probably.” Gabriel took a drink of water.

  James sighed, “Where’s your brother?”

  “Sleeping still,” Gabriel said, walking past him to take a seat next to Richard.

  “You said he woke you up,” Eve told him, confused.

  “Yeah, he was having a nightmare, again.”

  “Again?” She hadn’t heard about his nightmares. This was news to her.

  “Yeah, he said not to tell anyone.” Gabriel was tired, staring into the distance. His eyes sagging, then shot open. Eve stood up from her seat and walked away from the table into the hallway. “Eve, wait!” He yelled out, chasing her.

  “I just want to see if he’s okay.” Eve said, “If their repeated nightmares, then it could be something with the spirits.” She continued.

  Gabriel grabbed her wrist to keep her from going to his door. “No, don’t,” he pleaded.

  “Let go of me,” Eve told him; he shook his head at her. “Gabe, I will punch you in the face.”

  “I’ll hit you back,” Gabriel said. As she ripped her wrist from his grip, although it hurt, it didn’t bother her. “Alright, I’m not responsible for anything that happens.” He said, knowing his brother was going to be upset with him. Not that he feared David, he would rather not receive the condescending talk with him.

  Eve knocked on the door, twisting the door nob slightly. Peeking into the darkroom, a black blanket covered the window to keep any light from coming in. A small glimmer of light illuminated the room from the cracked door. Eve could see the green and yellow energy filling the room like a room filled with smoke. It had to be coming from David. She opened the door a bit more to see him lying in bed. He wasn’t there, the blankets and pillows scattered around his mattress. An outline of sweat was left from his body. Only growing more concerned, she opened the door, even more, looking around to see where he was. Looking down at the floor, David laid, his arm tucked under his head acting as a pillow. He was sweating profusely, drenched, and jolting his body slightly. “David?” She said, her voice heavy in concern. As she stepped into the room, she could hear him mumbling in his sleep. “David?” She asked once more. Stepping closer to him lightly, her foot made a noise as it dragged across the carpet.

  David opened his eyes, one green, and the other yellow. Reaching over to his sword. Gripping it tightly and swinging it at Eve. She jumped back in fear, never had seen him act in anger before. He wasn’t himself; she could tell from the look in his eyes. They weren’t David’s. Gabriel jumped between them, blocking David’s swing. Locking his Katana with his. Gabriel pushed him back into the wall. Knocking him out as he hit his head against the wall.

  “What’s wrong with him?” She panicked.

  “I did warn you,” Gabriel said, holstering his sword.

  “How long has he been like this?” Eve was petrified, unsure if she should tend to him or if she was too afraid to get next to him.

  “Awhile,” Gabriel told her, not wanting to tell her it had happened frequently when it was after his shift. Ever since the battle of the Sanctuary. He shoved her out of the room.

  “We need to get him help!” Eve got into Gabriel’s face as he shut the door behind himself.

  “Do you think I haven’t thought of that already?” Gabriel asked her, “He nearly killed me the first time.”

  “Why haven’t you?” Eve asked.

  “He refuses to get help,” Gabriel said. “No matter how much I plead with him about it.”

  Eve looked down; she was going to do her best to talk to him about it. David had helped her many times before; she wasn’t just going to sit back and watch as he keeps having these nightmares. For all she knew, it could be doing more damage to David than he would ever admit.