Chapter 5: Chapter 5: Back Home

Eve was standing on an island, the sun beaming from overhead on her skin. The waters were calm, radiating a blue kiss on her cheeks. The coarse sand between her toes, rubbing together as she wiggled her toes. Wearing her white skater dress, that she had yet had a reason to wear. Her eyes were a deep blue as if they were projecting the ocean in front of her. Looking to the horizon, a figure stood. She called out. Not a single noise came from her throat. There was pure silence, absolute peace. Attempting to call out to the figure once more, the hooded figure turned. His eyes black, the center iris a pure white. David. Reaching her hand out to him, he turned the rest of his body towards her direction. Stepping softly against the surface of the waters.

Noticing that with every step that David had taken, sent out waves of shadow. Turning the water around him an abyssal black, void of any light. The horizon mirrored behind David. Eve’s hand lowered back to her side. Filling her heart with doubt and fear. Attempting to step away, her legs remained petrified. As if the sand beneath her was consuming her feet. Locking her in place, all she could do is watch—a shadow following David, a tidal wave of darkness. Eve attempted to scream at him. Nothing. The shadow was thick, the sun unable to break through the sky. What had seemed to be a paradise was now a place of terror.

“Wake up,” Gabriel’s voice broke out.

Eve opened her eyes, staring at the roof of her room inside the Sanctuary. She was now where she felt like she was home. The IV in her arm, along with her body neatly tucked beneath the blanket. Her hair spread out across the pillow, looking to her side. Gabriel was sitting in her desk chair. “Every time I think I am going to die, I wind up here.”

“I think we need to keep you here. The real world keeps trying to kill you,” Gabriel said, standing up to hand her a bottle of water. She accepted it.

“You’re a lot nicer now,” Eve said, twisting the cap off of the bottle. She sat up, feeling the cool breeze on her body. Looking down, Eve was wearing nothing but a sports bra. Instantly covering herself. “Get out so I can get dressed.”

“I have something important to ask you. Plus, I’m not interested in planks,” Gabriel said rudely, taking a seat back near her desk.

“You insult me and then want something from me?” Eve asked, “Glad I know I’m not dreaming.” Eve pulled the blanket up over her body, hiding it from his eyes.

“They wanted me to let you sleep longer, but I got tired of waiting.”

“What’s so important that you needed to wake me for?”

“It’s been confirmed that you have a large bounty on your head. We know that much.” Gabriel looked at her. Eve looked out the window, confused as to why someone would want her dead. She was just a girl, not even the dangerous one of the Watchers. If anything, she would imagine the price being on the brother’s heads. “Which is why we are planning to send you out of the state to lay low for a while.”

“Right, get rid of the problem so you guys can continue business as usual,” Eve offended.

“For a little while, so we can investigate why they want you dead and put an end to it.”

“Where does that bring in you needing something from me?”

“One of us is going to go with you. As a bodyguard.”

“I choose Jasmine.”

“That’s why I need you to pick David,” Gabriel said, “He needs to get away from all of this.”

Eve looked at Gabriel; he could tell she felt uneasy. The way David had been recently having made her uncomfortable. “Doesn’t David want to do the investigating?”

“He does. I believe if he does, he will continue down the path he is currently going.” Gabriel stood up, walking over to the window. “I know this makes you uneasy, but he’s my brother. I’m worried.”

“If he doesn’t agree?”

“Say he’s the only person you trust to protect you alone,” Gabriel said. “I’ve been studying your ability. I think you could help him with your energy manipulation.”

“I don’t even understand how it works,” Eve admitted, “I just know I can move someone’s spirit from their physical body.”

“Regardless, if you can help him or not. Getting David away from all this can do us all some good,” Gabriel continued, “He loves you, Eve. He won’t admit it. Did you see what he did last night?”

“I did,” Eve was still speechless. She had never thought that David was capable of so much hatred.

“He did that because he had thought you were dead,” Gabriel said. Eve looked down at her hand, biting her tongue. “I was able to hear his thoughts at that time. He was too enraged to block me out. This is what I feared of him. If he continues like this, he could turn into another Liam.”

“What if that happens?”

Gabriel scrunched his hand into a fist, “I would kill him before I let that happen.” Eve remained silent, fearful of a fate similar to Liam to take shape within his destiny.

“I don’t know. I don’t feel safe with him. I still very much love your brother. But that’s not the same David I had fallen in love with.” Eve picked at her nails. “I will think about it, but I can’t promise anything.”

Gabriel turned around and started for the door to the hallway. Opening the door, Eve watched as he prepared to leave. “If you don’t, I can’t promise that I can save David.” Gabriel left the room, shutting the door behind himself. It pained Gabriel to say such things, feeling hopeless in himself. Never would admit anything like this to Eve, but with David’s life at stake, he had to swallow his pride.

Eve stayed in bed, looking at her feet beneath the blanket. She was unsure, confused, and worried. Having relied on David to teach and guide her as a guardian. Now it was he that needed guidance; Eve felt as if she had nothing to offer him. Feeling hopeless due to overwhelming fear of the man he was becoming.

Pulling herself out of bed, removing the IV from her arm. Placing the cotton on her wrist and wrapping with gauze. She sighed, “I hate always being the one that needs help. Lord, if you’re there or whoever is there. Please grant me some courage this one time.” Looking around the room, standing up. Still feeling her anxious mind weigh heavy on her legs. “Guess not.” David had talked to her a few times about religion. Only when she asked. As if he was reluctant to give her answers, not ashamed. Probably sensing that Eve didn’t care. Briskly walking over to the mirror. Looking for her scars, nothing. Allison’s healing ability had always left some sign of wear. Which only meant that David was the one to heal her. The use of his own purity to cure corruption had always left David damaged. As if he was taking the wounds from Eve and bearing them himself.

Scrunching her hand into a fist, knuckles turning white. Punching the wall next to the mirror. Tears streamed from her face, her hair in her face, as she lowered her head to the ground. David knew that she hated when he did that. Why must he always hurt himself to save her along with the others? Turning around, aggressively walked to her closet to throw on some clothes. Wanting to wear her hoodie but knowing the sun was shining brightly through her window. Grabbing a tank top and her favorite pair of light blue shorts.

Fixing her hair in the mirror. Storming back to her door, on the way, grabbing her hilt off of the desk. Gripping the door handle, she needed to relax her nerves. Inhaling deeply through her nose. ‘David, I hate you,’ She thought to herself. Exhaling through her mouth, opening the door, and heading into the hallway. Walking with haste to the elevator. Pressing the button to call for her ride. The light blinked on, her leg shaking. Growing impatient, she pressed the button repeatedly. Restless, she started for the door to the left. Resorting to taking the stairs. Why did the girls have to live on the top floor? Probably because the boys used to wrestle and stomp around. Allison had grown tired of it, forcing them to switch floors.

Eve heard the elevator reach their floor. However, she was too fixated to turn around. Maybe the stairs would give her more time to think of what she would say to David. Why was he always so complicated to her? Never respecting her wishes for him to take care of himself. His unselfishness drove her crazy. How can he be so selfish?

James was walking in the courtyard, Richard and Ethan were sitting in their usual spot near the tree. Waving at them, “Good morning, boys!” They waved back, cigarettes hanging on the tip of their lips. “Those are going to kill you one day.”

“That’s the plan,” Richard smiled. James chuckles and continued on his walk towards the elevator. Eve swung open the door, storming out, not paying attention to where she was heading. Bumping into James.

“Woah there, someone is in a hurry,” James said, grabbing her tiny shoulders and pushing her away.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to hit you,” Eve was full of embarrassment. “I’m looking for your spawn.”

“Which one, the cute one or the smart one?” James asked laughing, his grin was broad.

“I said your spawn, not me,” Eve couldn’t help but smile. His presence was always fatherly. Seeing him as her own.

“Oh right,” James looked around, “The crazy one or the other one.”

“That’s both of them. Where’s David? I’m done playing these games, sir,” Eve said, knowing how much it annoyed him when people called him that.

“David is down in the cavern,” James answered.

“Thanks,” Eve walked over to the elevator.

“Now tell me, why are you so desperate to talk to him?”

“Who said I was desperate?” Eve asked.

“Your hand is shaking, and you’re not wearing shoes.” James looked down at her bare feet.

“Shoes are just prisons for feet,” Eve looked down at her feet. Ignoring that, she had blatantly forgotten them.

“Do you even know what you are going to say to him?” It had occurred to her that she was just going to blow upon him. Not thinking what she was going to say. “Perhaps it is best to think about what you’re going to say to him before you say something unwise that will only further damage your cause.”

Eve sighed deeply, looking at the ground beneath his feet. “David needs help.” She admitted. “I don’t know if there is anything, I can do for him, but for some reason, I feel like I am the only one who can.”

“I believe David and you share a special bond; you have more effect on him than you understand.”

“I never told anyone, but the night he almost died, it felt as if I were dying too.” Eve always felt comfortable speaking with James. It was as if he knew exactly what to say or the best advice possible, regardless of the situation. “What do I say to him?”

James looked away from her, remaining quiet. Fearing for his son, knowing that he could lose his son like he had lost many of his friends in the past. Starring at the trees in the distance. “I wish I had known what it was that was making him act the way he is.”

“So, you don’t know either?”

“Gabe told me everything last night. I think his plan to get him away from all of this, is the best thing to do. Spending alone with him could bring you closer to figuring out what is in his mind.”

“If this were a few weeks ago, I would have jumped on the idea. Now I feel scared.”

“Eve, did you ever feel afraid when joining the Order or the Watchers?”

Eve looked up at James, “of course I was.”

“Sometimes, God allows fear to enter our lives so that way we can prove that we can be brave.” James looked back at her.

“I’ve been trying to pray for courage to him. I still don’t believe, sometimes I hope something is out there that can grant me that courage.”

“Now you blame yourself for this situation,” He chuckled. Eve looked back at him confused. “When you pray for strength, courage, or things like that. God doesn’t give it to you, he sends you a challenge that achieves that goal.”

“I really wish David would have told me that.” Eve said annoyed, “I swear I’m going to strangle your son.”

“David probably thought you could use some challenge.” James laughed. “You’re not supposed to swear either.”

The elevator opened, Richard and Ethan slipped past the two. Putting his hand in front of the sensor, “Eve, you coming?” Richard asked. She hugged James.

“Thank you,” Eve said, releasing him quickly. She headed inside the elevator with the rest of the boys.

“Anytime, Mija.” James watched as the elevator closed. Once he was alone in the hallway, he sat down on the cobblestone wall. Drawing his eyes down from the wall in front of himself, rubbing his hands on the cracks in the rocks. Created from the battle of the Sanctuary, after Gabriel had sounded his horn and awoke David. Tears rolled down his face. Resting his head in his hands. Feeling as if he was a terrible father for bringing them into a world that had brought all three of them relentless pain.

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David was standing over the table in the center of the room, along with Kevin by his side and Gabriel across from him. Leaning his weight against his arms, pressing against the edge. Both were distraught and tired. As if they hadn’t slept through the night. “We narrowed down the information to Japan,” Kevin said, pointing at the freshly printed papers in front of David.

“Sweet, I’ve always wanted to go to Japan.” Gabriel squatted down, resting his jaw on his arms supporting himself on the table.

“It’s outside of our jurisdiction,” David explained, “The Order of Japan wouldn’t take so kindly to us just strolling into their territory without ordinance from our council. Even if they approve of it, it could take weeks.” Gabriel’s excitement turned to disappointment. “Unless we call it a vacation.”

“The minute our cover is blown, we’d be screwed,” Kevin opposed, “Getting away with doing things against our council’s wishes is lucky enough.”

“The second they get a glimpse of David, our cover would be blown.” Gabe stood up, “Which is why I think you should stay here.”

“I’m not staying here while everyone else goes on a mission.” David objected. “My place is-“

“Among your team, I get it.” Gabriel cut him off, “Honorable but maybe it’s for the best.”

“Not this again.”

“It is this again. Don’t act like there’s nothing wrong with you.” Gabriel locked eyes with his brother.

“There’s nothing wrong with me.”

“I watched you bash a man’s face into jelly. Not even I am like that. Let alone the interrogation, we were both bad cops, we never play that game.”

“That’s not true, remember what happened two years ago?”

Gabriel looked up, “Oh yeah, I forgot about that. Weird day.” Locking eyes with his brother once more, “That still doesn’t negate the fact that you’re different.”

“I’m going, and that’s final. I am the knight here, what I say goes. Unless you would like to challenge the mantle again?” David stood up, crossing his arms.

“Never once have I heard you have to remind one of us that you are a higher rank. We’re a team, not some type of hierarchy.” Both glared at each other, annoyance in their eyes.

The elevator door opened; Eve stepped out looking at the two brothers. Kevin stood off to the side, not wanting to be caught in the middle of their argument. Richard and Ethan stepped out behind Eve as all three made their way to the center of the cavern. “You both are acting like children.” Kevin said, “Gabriel, David is our captain. What he believes to be right, we should follow.”

“Thank you.” David turned to his friend.

“David, Gabriel is your brother. He only wants to see you healthy, consider his advice. Gabriel is wiser than he acts most of the time.”

“Thank you?” Gabriel was unsure how he should feel about the insulting compliment.

David turned towards Eve, hoping for her to be on his side on the matter. “Eve, can you tell these two that I’m fine.”

“I should be punching you instead.” Eve let her words fall from her tongue.

“What?” David was confused why she was upset.

Eve’s face turned a bright red. She took a deep breath. “Take off your pants.”

“Okay, now I’m confused as well,” Richard said.

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“Show me your waist,” Eve demanded of David. Standing right in front of him.

“Why?” David asked.

“You transferred my injury to yourself didn’t you?” Eve asked, “Don’t you dare lie to me.”

“No.” David lied. Eve took no hesitation, throwing her hands at David’s shirt. David retaliated, pushing her hands back. It was enough for his shirt to raise slightly, revealing the black scar under his stomach.

“What the hell did I tell you about that?” Eve shoved him, Kevin pushed himself between the two. Her fiery eyes pierced into David’s heart. “I don’t want you hurting yourself to save me!” She shouted. David remained silent. “We already lost you once, do you want to die again?”

“That’s enough Eve,” Richard pulled her back, “David saved you.”

“I don’t need him to save me all the time!” Eve yelled in Richard’s face.

“This is how you thank me?” David asked, feeling as if he wasn’t appreciated.

“David, you are falling apart. And it seems I’m the only one here that cares enough to say something to you.”

“I feel healthier than ever.”

“You don’t look healthy.” Eve said, “I’m not the only person who sees it am I?” Everyone remained quiet. The others had noticed it but had only hoped it was just temporary.

“Your skin is pale, and there are bags under your eyes,” Gabriel said, it was time he had confronted David.

“I haven’t rested in a day.”

“If you tossing, turning, and crying in your sleep. Is what you call to rest, then you are dumber than I know you are.” Gabriel looked at him. “You are not going on this mission.”

“You don’t tell me what to do.” David pointed at Gabriel, his heart racing.

“No, he doesn’t but I can.” Sir Janice appeared from the shadows.

“How long have you been standing there?” David asked as she walked out from the dark path to the underground rail.

“Long enough,” Janice told him, dressed in her armor. Her blue cloak draped over her chest and neck. “You are not going on this mission.”

“Last I checked, you have no jurisdiction over the Watchers.” David defended.

“That’s true, but I don’t think the Templars would act too kindly to your condition.” Janice stepped up to the table. One hand resting on her sheathed sword.

“Don’t threaten me in my home.”

“I have far too much respect for you David. I would never threaten you in your own home. I can make promises, however.”

“You forget yourself.”

“I am Sir Janice, running for head of the Knights of the Roundtable,” Janice smirked. “You can either take your vacation or you can be forced on one. And trust me, you won’t like the forced one.” David remained silent, now backed into a corner. “Get out, have fun. Do some soul searching. I have absolute trust that the Watcher’s can operate well on their own.”

“Why are you here?” David asked resting himself against the table.

“Evelyn has a large price on her head. I’ve been ordered to take her to the council to ensure her protection.”

“I don’t want to go,” Eve said, shaking Richard’s hand who was holding her arm. To keep her from lashing out at David again.

“Which is why I can’t force you to come if you’re not here.” Janice said, “If, for some reason that both you and David could not be here when I came, there’s nothing I can do.”

“But you are here,” Ethan said. Janice rolled her eyes at him. “Never mind, I get what you’re saying.”

“So, I’m just supposed to leave?” Eve asked, “Where am I going to go from here?”

“Anywhere, just out of the eyes of the Order,” Janice said.

“And why do I have to be gone?” David asked.

“The council doesn’t like the stunt you guys did last night at the shipping facility. They want to question you. Look, I’m trying to help you out. I don’t know if you guys have seen the news, but they are wondering why there’s a bunch of dead bodies by swords in a building.”

“That does look bad.” Kevin said, “David, take Eve and both of you can go on a vacation. Not only do you have to face the wrath of the council, but you can also get away and heal.”

David looked down at the table. He didn’t understand why everything was happening so fast. He looked up at Eve, she turned away from his eyes. Not bringing herself to look at him. “What do you think Eve?”

Eve remained quiet, not wanting to speak to him. She looked at Gabriel, he locked eyes with her. As if he was pleading to her like a puppy. Rolling her eyes to look at Janice. “Have you ever slept in the guardian quarters at the Order? The beds are terrible and you share a room with three other people.”

“Fine.” Eve said, “Where do you want to go David?”

David looked at the map, all the places in the world he wish he could visit but never had the chance. The furthest he had been from home was Hawaii the day Katlyn had died. “I don’t know.”

“Can I bring you to Seattle?” Eve asked.

“Seattle?” Gabriel asked, “What’s in Seattle?”

“Home,” Eve muttered. “That way we’re not too far from here. Plus, I think you would like it.”

David looked at her once more, it seemed smart. If they had to return home, they would only be a quick flight away. “Okay.” He hated the idea. “Kevin, pick two others to stay here. Gabriel will take the rest on the mission.”

“So, everyone gets to go on vacations, and I’m stuck here. Seems fair,” Kevin snarked jokingly, “I’ll hold down the fort.”

“I won’t let you down bro,” Gabriel reassured him. Smiling from his teeth.

“You wanted a chance at leadership. Now you have it.” David told Gabe.

“I don’t want to know what the Watchers are up to. And I don’t care to know.” Janice said, “I’ll stay in contact with all of you.”

“Understood,” Kevin said to her.

“Hurry up and get out of here, before I change my mind,” Janice told them all.

David nodded, “I should pack.”

“I guess I should too,” Eve said grabbing her bicep and walking away. Uncomfortable with the situation. What would she do if David has another episode? Maybe getting him away from everything that had reminded him of Liam would help. She hoped so.

“Hurry up, you need to see your late birthday gift.” Richard said to her, “Let’s show her before she leaves.”

“Good idea,” Ethan said as he joined Richard on their way to the elevator.

David looked at Gabriel, “We’ll talk later.” He told his younger brother. Gabriel bowed to him mockingly.

“Yes, sire,” Gabriel said, turning to Janice. Speaking to her through her consciousness. “Thank you.”

“Don’t make me regret lying for you,” Janice told him before she turned around and headed back from where she came. Gabriel watched her from afar, she paced with purpose. David started from the elevator door after everyone had left. Wondering if there was really anything wrong with him. He felt different but felt as if he was normal. Was something taking control of him? Manipulating him into thinking otherwise.

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The group walked into the garage, “You guys bought me a van?!” Eve gasped, bringing her hands to her mouth. Her face turned bright pink, looking on at the sprinter van, outfitted into a camper. She turned to hug Allison quickly. “You guys didn’t need to do this. How did you guys know I wanted a camper van?”

“It was David’s idea. The boys are the ones who put it all together.” Allison said embracing her back. Eve released and began giving side hugs to each one of the boys. She had remembered telling David on one of their watches. He had asked Eve what she would have done without meeting them.

“Thank you boys… so much,” Eve thanked them each.

“It’s the least we could do. Not being able to give you a proper birthday gift last year,” Richard smiled. “Well, are you going to see the inside?”

Eve nodded, grinning. Running to the van, sliding the door open. Revealing an alder wood finish on the floor. Shifting her head to the left was a full-sized bed, pillows lined against the back doors. Like a kid in a candy store, Eve looked around. Although looking plain, “You guys could have decorated it. It’s still awesome though.” Along the wall were a propane camping stove, a sink, and cabinets. A black curtain blocked the front seats for privacy.

“We didn’t want to intrude on your style,” Ethan said.

Eve drew her eyes to the roof on the inside. An American flag was pinned to the top. “But you still put the flag?” She smiled; the group gathered around the door. Needing to witness Eve’s ecstatic behavior.

“No home is a home without an American flag,” Gabriel nodded with his eyes closed. Arms crossed over his chest.

“You think it might be a little sensitive,” Eve said sarcastically. Knowing that if she said that, would get Gabriel riled up. Opening his eyes, he scowled at her. She laughed at him to her success.

“Just leave already,” Gabe waved his hand at her.

“I’m just messing with you. But thank you guys, so much. I love it.” Eve said bringing everyone in for a hug. Gabriel refused, trying to back away from her. “C’mon Gabe, who knows when it’s going to be the next time, we will have a chance to hug each other?” Gabriel had hated Eve from the beginning. Growing from despising her to almost loving her as a sister. Though he would never admit it to her.

“I think I can live with it,” Gabriel laughed. Standing at a distance from the group. Eve was released from the rest of the group. “Just focus on our deal,” Eve remembered that the purpose was to get David out of the house. If an opportunity had arisen, to help him fight his nightmares.

Virgil walked out into the garage, “I did the most work on the stuff that actually matters. And I didn’t even get to see her initial reaction. Go figure.” He said offended.

“Oh, should I reenact my reaction?” Eve asked. Clearing her throat as she brought her hands down, wiping her body clean. Eyes closed, springing back open. “You guys got me a van?!” She screamed out once more, exaggerating her jumps around the open door. She jumped into a run towards Virgil, arms wide open.

“You know I don’t like hugs,” Virgil said. Eve was well aware, stopping in her tracks as he raised his hand. Out of fear of a repulse from his palm.

“You’re no fun,” Eve said turning around. “Let me guess, you worked on the engine and all that boring stuff.”

“I don’t expect a simple mind like yours to appreciate the more important things of a vehicle,” Virgil crossed his arms. “James and I put a lot of hard work into that engine. I would tell you what we did to it but I don’t expect you to understand.”

“I don’t think I will, regardless. Thank you for your hard work,” Eve smiled. Reaching her hand out to him. Virgil met her halfway, shaking her hand firmly.

“You should get back to packing,” Gabriel said breaking the silence. “Knowing David he’ll be done already.”

“David can learn to be patient for once,” Eve argued. She looked down at the ground, “I just have this weird feeling.”

“What are you feeling?” Allison asked her.

Eve felt a pit in her heart, a sharp pain. Digging into the very heart strings themselves. “It’s nothing, I’m just going to miss you guys. A lot.” Her eyes turned pink, welling with a slight tear.

“It’s only going to be a few months, we’ll find that wolfpack and you’ll be home before you know it,” Richard smiled, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. “Enjoy some freedom for a change.”

Eve wrapped her arm around his back, “Promise me you all will come back safe.” She commanded of them.

“Don’t worry little Eve,” Gabe said, “I’ll be in charge.”

“That’s exactly what I’m afraid of,” Eve smiled at him. Lunging at him, forcing a hug out of Gabe. He reluctantly returned the hug.

David walked into the garage. The bags under his eyes weighed more than the duffle bag under his arm. A half-smile cocked to the right cheek. “I see you guys are starting to get along.”

“She’s like a sister at most,” Gabriel let go of her.

“You keep getting more and more nice with me,” Eve smiled warmed by his admittance.

“Like the kind of sister, you wish dad had smothered after birth,” Gabriel laughed. Eve punched him in the shoulder. Getting a slight grunt from Gabe. “Rude.”

“You’re the one to talk,” Eve said. David walked over to the van, placing his duffle bag at the entrance.

“You should go pack; I have to talk with my father before. The sooner we leave, the sooner the Watcher’s can get to work,” David said. Eve felt a welt of sadness in her heart once more. “We’ll still have to say later before we leave.”

“Okay,” Eve said heading to the door. She could already tell that being around David was going to be hard for her. How long until he would lash out at her again?

“Wait for me, I’m going to help you,” Allison ran catching up to Eve. Both left to the courtyard.

“Everyone else,” David said. “You are not to be messing around in Japan. Find the Wolfpack, take off Eve’s bounty, come home. That’s it. Any developments, I want to know about it. Understood?”

“I’m staying here, so that seems like a them problem,” Virgil said pointing at the others. Kevin and Stephen were staying as well. Charged with the protection of the district, with plans to ask Sir Janice for a detachment of guardians.

“Understood.” Richard, Jasmine, Chris, Ethan, and Allison said together. Gabriel remained quiet.

“Gabe?” David looked at his brother in front of him. Gabriel stared at the wall aloof to what David was saying. “Gabe,” David said sternly.

“Yeah, yeah, don’t worry about us. Just enjoy your vacation with the misses,” Gabriel said. “Remember to use protection, shields aren’t just things to block swords y’know.”

“I’m serious.” David scowled.

“So am I. Did you know that teen pregnancy is at an all-time high? You’re both eighteen, but still.” Gabriel said, noticing a slight smile from David. “I promise I’ll keep you updated with anything important. Focus on getting some rest, you look like a zombie.”

“I’ll do my best,” David said. “I have to go talk to dad.”

“Last I saw, he was cleaning the kitchen,” Gabriel said. “Did you tell him?”

“No, did you?”

“No, I didn’t. This is going to be all of a sudden for him.”

“He’s dealt with worse.”

“I don’t think he’s had to be apart from both of us longer than a month,” Gabriel said. “Well you were gone for two years before.”

“Yeah,” David said as he started walking away. “Take the Van to the courtyard. I’m not done saying later to you guys yet.”

“You got it, boss,” Chris said as he jumped into the driver’s seat.

Chuckling to himself, David continued into the halls of the Sanctuary. Chris drove the van of the garage onto the path, heading towards the front gate. The others followed David out.

“I just think I should be with you guys,” Eve said grabbing a shirt out of the dresser. Throwing it into a duffle bag lying on her bed. Allison sat, looking at the crumbled shirt landing. Grabbing it herself, Allison folded the shirt properly.

“David may be acting strange lately, but I think he still has the best intentions to keep you safe.”

“Maybe, maybe not,” Eve continued to take bundles of clothes from her drawers. “I’m tired of him worrying about my safety all the time.”

“You know how many women would give to have someone care for them the way David cares about you,” Allison stood up from the bed, pacing towards Eve. “Maybe I should pack for you, you’re wrinkling all your shirts up.”

“Getting him alone like I’m about to would be a perfect fantasy if it were just a few months ago, now all I feel is terror,” She muttered. Leaning against the top of the dresser. “Now everyone tells me I have to do this. As if I don’t have a choice, or as if no one cares what I think.”

“Blue, of course, I care about what you feel. However, David needs help. I believe you’re the only one who can help him.” Allison put her hand on Eve’s shoulder.

“What if he kills me, then what?”

“Now you’re overreacting. When Liam and Kaitlyn had died, David stayed the same compassionate man that you knew him as. He still is that way, I don’t think he could ever bring himself to hurt you.”

“And if you’re wrong.”

“I’m not.”

“How do you know?”

“Because I’m never wrong,” Allison reassured her friend. Eve stared as if she could see through the wall in front of herself. Perhaps she had been looking at the situation wrong. Eve wasn’t the one in danger, David was. She is the only one who could save David from himself.

----------------------------------------

Gabriel threw the last of David’s bags into the back of the Van, “So, you’re not taking any armor with you? Because those bags were too light compared to what I was expecting.” He turned to David staring at him.

“Don’t look at me like that, it was your idea for me to go on the vacation,” David grinned from the corner of his lip. “Even getting Janice to lie for you.”

Gabe widened his eyes. “Did she tell you?”

“No, you did.”

“When?” Gabriel scrunched his eyebrows. Having no recollection of telling his brother of his own deception.

“Just now,” David said, bringing his voice to a whisper. “I should be thanking you.”

“Why are you whispering, you can literally talk to my brain.”

David continued to whisper aloud, “I haven’t been myself lately, I’ve been impatient and harsh towards you.”

“There has been no difference of harshness towards me, you’re the same ass to me.” Gabriel joked.

“I’m being serious. I don’t know what’s been going on with me, but I plan to figure it out.”

“I hope so, I can’t be the responsible one of us two. It’s tough work keeping both of us on a leash.” Gabriel looked to the side, Eve was walking down the path with Allison. Both carrying a bag each. “I made sure to put your guitar inside, if I come back from Japan and I’m not an uncle, I am going to be upset.” David punched him in the shoulder. “In all seriousness, be safe out there. Something tells me your vacation isn’t going to be all sunshine and rainbows. Come back to us as what you were, not as you are right now.”

“I intend to.”

“Bring my sister back unharmed.”

“Bring back the Watcher’s alive.” David said, “I’m placing more faith in you than I have before.”

“It must be agonizing.” Gabriel embraced David. His older brother returned the love.

“Be safe.”

“I will.”

Eve and Allison walked up to the two of them. David took the bag from Eve, he forced a smile up to him. David knew it was fake, or at least not intentional to cause him offense. “Where is everyone?” Eve asked. David set her bag inside the van, Gabe did the same with the bag Allison was carrying.

“Preparing for their flight,” Gabriel said.

“I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye,” Eve frowned, directing the disapproval towards the walls of the Sanctuary.

“Good, because we don’t say goodbye,” Gabe hugged her with one arm.

“Bring them back alive,” Eve pointed at Gabe.

“Jeez, does no one have faith in me?”

“Gabe is going to go lone wolf on us as soon as we land, I can call it.”

“That’s why I’m sending Richard along with him,” David joked. “No, you got this Gabe, I believe in you.”

“Glad someone does.”

Eve looked around at the trees. She had wished she could speak with everyone one more time before they would be separated. Each of the Watcher’s had become her best friend in their own special way. Though, it was normal. Slowly becoming used to having to do what was for the best before pleasure. Everyone had to focus on their duty before their friendships. One thing was for certain, she knew deep within her heart, she would see each one of them once more.

“Are you okay, Eve?” Allison asked.

“Yeah,” She paused, “I’m just going to miss this place.”

“Kevin and Virgil will keep this place exactly the way you left it,” David said. The wind began to pick up along the mountainside. “We should get going.”

Eve gave one final hug to Allison and Gabriel together. David did the same, hugging them both after Eve had been released. “Memento Mori.” He told Gabriel.

“For death remembers us. God be with you big bro.”

“He always is, as he is with you.”

“For both of our sakes.” Gabriel smiled. “Now hurry up before the winds pick up.”

David nodded, Eve jumped into the passenger seat, closing the door behind her. If she had stayed any longer, she would find herself in tears. David closed the sliding door, before making his way to the driver’s seat. Starting the van, he buckled his seat belt. Eve’s eyes stayed locked on the tree line, following her pupils across the top that lead up to the peak as bristles on a canvas. Where one of her friends rested. David began to pull the van through the front gate. Eve closed her eyes, taking a mental image of her home. The one she had just found and claimed as her own. For once in her life, without a doubt.

“You will be back, I promise Eve.”

“I will hold you to that David.”