Chapter 7: Chapter 7: Hotels and Threats

Gabriel and Allison departed their plane, stepping onto the catwalk into the terminal. Strolling with the heavy traffic of passengers. Holding Allison's hand tightly. Both were dressed for warm weather. As to give themselves an appearance as tourists. Gabriel wearing a Hawaiian shirt and cargo shorts. Allison wore a lime green collared shirt tucked into her khaki high waters. "Tokyo. Never thought this dream would become a reality," Gabe said excitedly. Having always been a fan of Japanese culture since he first wielded his obsidian katana.

"All it took was for someone to decide to kill us," Allison's sarcastic remark agitated Gabe.

"C'mon, can't you just look at the brightside?" Gabe defended, "We get to go on vacation, no more late nights dealing with the brotherhood."

"The most action we have seen was a petty crime. The Brotherhood is gone. David made sure of that."

"Don't give him all the credit. It was whatever had possessed him that night." Gabriel rolled his eyes. "Look, no one expects us to be here; we can take our time."

"How about we come here to handle what we need to handle. And then we can have our fun," Allison commanded. "I won't be able to relax as long as Eve is still a target."

"For all, we know it was all just a ruse," Gabriel said, "This whole thing was just a plot to scare us into hiding." Allison stopped in her tracks, shaking her head at him. "What?" Allison walked ahead of him.

"I need to go to the bathroom," Allison stormed off by herself. Remembering how terrified she was the night the assassin broke into her home. Eve had been so close to death, Allison was barely strong enough to keep her alive.

"I don't understand," Gabriel said, "I thought this would be a good time for us, and all she is worried about is Eve."

Richard stood at his side, "Wow, David is right about you."

"Right about what?"

"Oblivious," Richard told him, "You’re not focused. We came here for a reason, you know that, right?”

“Everyone just seems grim. Maybe some time relaxing is what we need.” Gabriel continued to defend himself.

Jasmine stepped into the conversation, “I think we can get some time to relax when we finish. Do you think David and Eve are relaxing? What about the rest of our guys at the Sanctuary?”

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Back at the Sanctuary, Virgil was sitting on top of the Silver Arrow. Staring at a file laying upon his lap. “Who’s file is that?” Stephen came from behind him. Taking a seat next to Virgil.

Virgil took a sip from his water. “Miss Evelyn M. Taylor.” Setting the water down. “This thing has more black ink than the Library of Congress.” He flipped through the pages, “Even her birthday is blacked out.”

“Where did you get that?” Stephen asked, “Were you snooping?”

“This was from David’s office. Records are free to be looked at,” Virgil flipped through a few more pages.

“She’s only been with us for almost a year. How are there so many papers? There are fewer documents in my file,” Stephen curiously offended.

“Good question.”

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Allison left the women’s bathroom, stepping towards Gabriel. Hiding her feelings towards him, keeping a straight face. “Ally, I’m sorry. I’m inconsiderate,” Gabe handed her a box of candy he had in his pocket the entire flight. She looked down at it, not saying a word to him. Snatching the box from his hand tearing the box open.

“Now that’s settled, where to now?” Ethan asked, looking around.

“I may have the answer to that question, gentlemen,” A man spoke with a heavy accent from behind a newspaper. Dressed in a tight-fitted black suit.

“Who are you, the man sitting mysteriously from behind a newspaper?” Ethan asked.

“Yeah, who still reads newspapers?” Chris asked.

The man closed the newspaper. His young face ridden in scars and stress looked up at them. Bearing yellow eyes. Standing up from the leather couch. “I am agent Hasegawa. When we got word that the Watchers were on this flight.” He stepped in front of the group. Measuring their stature. “I had to see it for myself. Tell me did the light bringer come to bless our nation with his presence.”

“No. He stayed back.” Gabriel told him.

“I was looking forward to his meeting.” Hasegawa looked at Jasmine and back to Gabriel. “What brings you to our nation?”

“Just vacation.” Gabriel was careful not to raise any hostility.

“How rude of me, I am with the shadow family. Our Order has worked tirelessly to establish peace here,” Hasegawa handed him a card. “If you need to get into contact, you can reach us here.”

“There is no brotherhood here?”

“Not unless you have brought it with you. Please, enjoy your vacation here. Do not cause me to have to meet you again.”

“Was that a threat? I’m not sure if you notice, but we outnumber you here.” Gabriel whispered to him. “We can be friends; I don’t understand the hostility.”

“Gabe,” Allison tried to keep Gabriel in check. They weren’t in their home territory anymore.

Hasegawa raised his hand; the lobby fell to silence. Everyone that the Watcher’s thought was once bystanders now had their hands at their hips. Prepared to draw their weapons. Lowering his hand, the lobby returned to acting as if nothing had happened. Hasegawa bowed to the Watchers. The Watchers gave back their courtesy. “Have a good day, Watchers.” The man walked away.

“I think I need to go change my pants,” Chris said, terrified.

“Let’s get out of here,” Gabriel said quietly, looking around himself paranoid. A single man in the corner cracked a smile at the boy.

“Why haven’t we done something like that?” Richard took the first step to leave. The rest followed.

“Let’s just grab our bags and get to our hotel,” Gabriel scuttled with the group. “We’ll figure it out from there.”

Chris lingered behind, taking a deep stare into the bonsai tree. Carefully cut to careful beauty. Taking lament of his best friend. “You would’ve loved it here,” he said softly. Captivated by its green bushes. Carlos’ face appeared in a vision to him. Smiling before his very eyes. Then nothing.

“Chris, let’s go,” Jasmine called to him. Wiping away his smile before turning swiftly to rejoin with the others.

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The van was parked in a shadow of a tree. A curtain blocking the cab from strangers wanting to take a peek inside. Eve slept with her arms pulled tight around a pillow. David sat on the wood floor, staring at Eve breathing. Unable to find sleep, he debated on if he should drive or not. However, David didn’t want to risk Eve getting hurt from a crash or waking her from a bump in a road.

David pulled his sword out, along with a small whetstone. He had nothing better to do than to keep up on the maintenance of his equipment. Unsheathing his sword, the blade was stained still with the blood from the other night. The black and red splotches riddled down the middle crevice. He shook his head; David was always telling Eve and the others to clean their weapons. Here he was a hypocrite.

“Is that what’s become of you?” A voice said from his side. Liam was kneeling next to him. Nothing but a vision of a memory. David tried to ignore him. “Silent treatment?”

“You’re not real,” David whispered. Taking the cloth to the blade, wiping away at the old blood.

“If I’m not real, then what am I?” Liam asked, squatting and looking around.

“Just an apparition of my own regret,” David continued to whisper. Careful not to wake up Eve from her sleep.

“I only have a little bit of time,” Liam said, “I’m sorry you are this way.”

“Like what?”

Liam grabbed David’s arm, raising it from David’s sword. David was confused. How could a vision feel so natural to him? Liam pulled back David’s sleeve to reveal a glyph made of black. “You have to get rid of that. It’s breaking you down.”

“I’m fine,” David snatched his arm away from Liam.

“I heard those words from myself once. We both know how that turned out. Stop blaming yourself for what happened to me. I shut everyone out; Lord knows you tried to help me.” Liam reconciled. David just looked up at the roof. “She needs you, just as much as you need her. I’m happy for you.”

“How do I get rid of this then?” David asked.

“I don’t know. I embraced it, and it destroyed me. In time I know you will figure it out.” Liam glanced at Eve, “I hope what they say about her is wrong.”

“I know it’s wrong.”

“Just be careful.”

“I plan too,” David said, “How is everyone….” David turned his head to reveal to Liam was no longer next to him. Taking a deep breath, David felt alone. Half of him wanted help; the other half wanted a way out from his own mind. His mind grew more restless with every thought. David continued to clean his sword. If only he could wipe the negative thoughts from within himself like they were his own blade.

“Who are you talking to?” Eve asked. She had awoken from his voice, her deep blue eyes staring at him from the bed.

David locked eyes with her for a second before staring down at his sword. “I was just talking to myself.”

“Anything you want to talk about?” Eve asked, upon taking a view of his aura. Green and red energy were flowing throughout the van.

“I’m alright,” David said, knowing well she was being lied to.

“Okay,” Eve said, “I’m all ready to leave if you are.”

“Yeah, just give me a minute. I’m just cleaning this up.”

“That’s not a bad idea,” Eve grabbed her sword from her bag on the bed next to herself. Hopping out of bed excited. Wearing only a tank and briefs. David had been staring at her, quickly lowering his head to give her privacy. “Sorry, I forgot I was basically naked.” Eve panicked. Grabbing her sweatpants from the floor. Throwing them on. “Alright, you’re safe to look. She turned to David, his face red. His energy was beating like a heartbeat. Taking a seat on the floor across from him, crossing her legs. David kept his eyes on his sword. “I don’t mean to make this awkward for you. It’s embarrassing for me too.”

“What do you have to be embarrassed about?” David asked.

“I’m not used to living with a boy.” She grabbed a whetstone and cloth as well from her bag. “Plus, I don’t know what you’re thinking.” Eve wasn’t sure to be embarrassed having David see her like that or more self-conscious about her body.

“You look nice,” David said, taking the stone to his blade to ensure its sharpness.

“Thank…you?” Eve didn’t know how to take the compliment; it felt half-hearted from him. Deciding not to pursue the subject further. “I think we should play a game.”

“I’m not playing truth or dare,” David laughed.

“No, I don’t think I’ll ever play that again,” Eve laughed too. “This or that.”

“Cats or dogs?”

“That’s a hard one; dogs are loyal. Cats are independent and cool.” Eve answered, “What about you?”

“Dogs, no competition,” David answered.

“I understand your choice.” Eve giggled, “Books or movies.”

“Depends on the book or movie,” David thought. “Like the Star Wars books and movies, both amazing.”

“You’re such a nerd,” Eve laughed, “And both are garbage.”

David dropped his stone on the floor for dramatic effect. “I’ve ended friendships faster. And plus, I bet you haven’t even seen them.”

“How do you know if I haven’t seen them?” Eve offended.

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

“Because the only people who don’t like Star Wars are one, never seen them. Or two, the worst people on this planet.”

“And how do you know I’m not the second one?” Eve asked.

“Because you’re a cool person,” David said.

“Alright, you got me. I haven’t watched them,” Eve said. “Here, I’ll make you a deal. If I watch Star Wars, you have to owe me one.”

“I don’t like being in debt to people, but for you, I’ll make that deal,” David brought out his hand to seal the deal.

“You want me to shake on Star Wars?”

“This is far more serious of a deal than getting you to Washington to me,” David joked. Eve chuckled.

“It’s a deal,” She met him halfway. Shaking his hand with enthusiasm. Eve smiled at David, releasing his hand, “Next question. Sweats or no sweats?” She flirted jokingly.

“Alright, I’m ready to go,” David sheathed his sword and placed it back inside his bag. Jumping to his feet to prep everything to begin driving. Eve smiled at him as she finished cleaning her sword, putting everything back accordingly, and making the bed.

Meanwhile, when all was happening inside the van. Outside the van, David’s eagle and Eve’s owl were chasing each other around the bushes. Attempting to fly, the wingless birds found themselves crashing into the ground. The owl would laugh at the eagle. The eagle would chase the owl in retaliation, biting her tail. The sound of the engine started in the van. The two birds panicked, running towards the closed sliding door. The two-phased in through the door. Eagle climbed up David’s arm as he sat in the driver’s seat. “What were you doing out?” David asked, looking down at him. “You poor little mess, one day we’ll get you some wings, drumstick.”

“Did you just call your spirit a drumstick?” Eve laughed.

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Gabriel and the Watcher’s got out of the large cab. Richard handed money to the driver thanking him. Grabbing their bags from the trunk. “This place is beautiful,” Gabriel commented, gazing at the city of Tokyo. The sun was still high, and their tiresome bodies grew weary. “Can’t wait to see what she looks like at night.”

“The faster you grab your bags, the quicker we can go to bed,” Jasmine snarked at Gabe.

“What makes you so angry all the time,” Ethan asked Jasmine. She glared at him, remembering the words David had spoken. She continued to blame herself for Carlos.

“Sorry,” Jasmine said, “This place makes me think about him more than home.”

“He wouldn’t want you to continue to mourn him.”

“I know,” Jasmine grabbed her bags and started for the hotel.

Gabriel went to the back and grabbed his bag along with a pelican case. “Did you have that when we got on the plane?” Allison asked him.

“Yeah, just in case,” Gabe said, pulling his stuff out of the trunk waiting for Allison to grab her luggage. The streets were jam-packed with people. The towers nearby kissed the white clouds. The city was outclassed by the giant that was Mount Fuji. Gabriel stared at it for a brief moment. As if the mountain was calling his name.

“You alright?” Allison asked him.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Tired, I think.”

“Then let’s get our room so you can get some sleep.” Allison leads the way inside the small dingy hotel.

“Gabriel,” The breeze tickled his ear. He shook it off. Blaming it on his weary mind. He followed Allison inside.

On the outside, the hotel was nothing significant. On the inside, the lobby was only large enough for two people to pass in the hallway. A single desk at the front, along with an old vending machine in the corner. Jasmine rang the bell at the show, waiting. Captivated by a Makeki-Neko statue. Wondering how the arm waved forward and backward. Thinking too hard on it, she looked away from it. An older lady was standing before her. Almost as if she was a ghost.

“How may I help you?” She asked in her heavy West Kanto accent. Her grey hair pulled tight into a ball on the back of her tiny head.

“How did you get there so fast?” Jasmine asked her.

“I am here, I am there,” She smiled from her wrinkled face.

“Uhm, okay,” Jasmine said, “The knight has taken the round table.”

“And at my table is a seat for her,” She said, “I was wondering how much longer it would take for you to arrive.”

“You were expecting us?” Richard asked her.

“Yes, friends of the Watchers I am,” She continued, “Where is Gabriela? James? Montague? Daniel? Isaiah? Maria?”

“They have all passed away, except for Isaiah and James,” Richard said.

“Has it really been that long?” She asked, her face growing in concern. “I see. Which one of you is Gabriel?”

Gabriel looked up from the ground. “That would be me.”

“Welcome home,” She nodded with a smile upon her face. “Now, if you all follow me, I will show you to your rooms.” She went through the side door. The group glanced at Gabriel; confusion drenched his face heavier than the others.

“What did she mean by that?” Allison asked him.

“I don’t know,” Gabriel said. “I was born at the Sanctuary.”

“Are you sure?” Chris asked.

“There are even pictures. I was born in the Sanctuary,” Gabriel defended.

“You should ask her,” Allison said.

“I will when I get a chance,” He continued, “How did she know the last group of Watchers?”

“Sounds like there’s something we haven’t been told,” Chris said.

They followed her up the stairs to an even smaller hallway, just enough room for one person to walk down. She leads each person to their rooms. First, in the hall being Jasmine followed after Richard. Ethan, Chris, Allison, and Gabriel at the last room. “I’m sorry, I never caught your name?”

“I am Mrs. Ogawa,” she said humbly with a smile still on her face.

“Mrs. Ogawa, what did you mean about ‘welcome home?’”

“Oh, it still hasn’t passed, has it?” Ogawa questioned. She remained quiet and walked away.

“What?” Gabriel continued to question her, “What hasn’t passed?”

“In time.”

“Time for what?”

Ogawa continued away to the end of the hall. “In time.” She waved him off before disappearing back down the stairs.

“Crazy lady,” Gabriel shook his head and opened the door to his room. The room was minuscule compared to his room at the Sanctuary. Plopping himself down on the bed, removing his shoes. Throwing his back on the twin-sized mattress. Taking a deep breath while he ran his hands through his long brown hair. Finding himself to ponder on the questions. It seemed like all he did was think ever since he got on the plane. He just needed to relax, until he fell into a deep sleep.

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“Driving in Portland is hell,” David said, being stuck in traffic. Cars jammed on the highway. Selfish drivers would rather die than let someone merge. “You really wanted to see the city didn’t you?”

Eve was sketching on a pad of paper, “You know, we flew into California when I moved there; I didn’t get a chance to experience a road trip. I understand now that road trips through cities are not the best idea.”

“Every city is the same, filled with stupid people and tall buildings,” David became more agitated over time. “I’m starving, and these idiots won’t let me get to my exit!”

“Do you want some of my candy?” Eve set down the pad of paper on the dashboard. Hunching over in between the two seats. Shifting through a paper bag. She smiled; both of them seemed to have a better time at gas stations and beaches.

“No thanks, I want actual food,” David said. The blinker had been clicking for the past ten minutes. Checking his rearview and right-side mirror. “That’s it, I’m pulling a Californian maneuver.”

Eve checked the side view mirror, “Uh, David.” A car was attempting to push bumper to bumper. As if their goal wasn’t to let the van in. Eve’s blood pressure raising. David began merging anyways. “Oh my God.”

Honking picked up; David was now closer in the lane he needed to be. “See, we’re fine.”

“You completely cut that dude off,” Eve began laughing, “You’re lucky he didn’t hit you!” David looked at her and smiled. Her laugh warmed his broken heart.

“Let’s just go eat.” The honking continued behind him, “Yeah, yeah. Cry some more.”

Eve couldn’t take it anymore; she lifted her arm. Smelling her armpit, sticking her tongue out, and gagging. “And can we please find a place to shower?”

“What’s more important to you?” David asked, “I’ve been smelling you for the past couple hours. You’ll get used to it.”

Eve reached over, hitting David with the back of her hand against his shoulder. “Why didn’t you say anything?” Her voice cracked.

“Because I knew you would start acting like this,” David merged onto the off-ramp into the city. “There’s a motel up here, you can wash your stinky self, and I’ll go get us something to eat.”

“A seventy-dollar shower?” Eve asked, “You really don’t care for money, do you?”

“Not really. I think I’m more worried about someone saying something to the Council?”

“They don’t know about this? What about the others in Japan?”

“We are allowed to do whatever we want theoretically. The Council likes to have their dirty noses in things.” David explained, stopping at a red light, “What are you hungry for?”

“I’m thinking pizza.”

“You just read my mind.” David drove down the street, entering into the parking lot of a motel. Parking into one of the many open spots. “You want to get your stuff together, and I’ll get the room.”

“Sounds like a plan, captain,” Eve saluted him.

“Please, stop.” David climbed down from the seat and outside, shutting the door behind himself. Deciding to smell his armpit. Coughing from the attack on his nostrils. Hoping Eve hadn’t noticed his stench. Opening the entrance to the front office to secure a room for the two for a few hours.

Eve looked at her sketch on the pad of paper. Smiling to herself before quickly closing it and placing the notebook under her seat. Climbing into the back of the van, “I won’t need a full duffle bag for a shower,” She said to herself. Unzipping the black bag to grab her shower kit with a set of clean clothes. Shoving it all inside of her backpack. Looking back, David was still inside the office. A vision flashed before her eyes. An explosion inside of a city, destroying everything around herself. A titanic spire, surpassing the clouds above. A figure with enormous white wings standing over herself. Eve sat down on the bed, rubbing the temples of her head. “What the hell?” The door opened behind her, David looking up at her. Eve jumped, looking at him from inside.

“You alright?” David asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just stood up too quickly, I think.” Eve grabbed her backpack, slinging it over her shoulder.

“We’ll get some food in your stomach.” David said, “I was able to get us a room for two hours for a discount.”

“Awesome. What room?”

“The one right behind me,” David said, tossing her the keys. “I’ll be in right behind you. I gotta grab my stuff.”

“What about the pizza?” Eve was now thinking about food. Knowing her need for it more than ever.

“I’m going to order it, duh.” David climbed into the back, lifting his duffle bag onto the bed.

“Don’t duh me,” Eve said, jumping out of the side door. “I’ll try to be quick.”

“I know that’s a lie,” David laughed.

Eve put the key in the door, unlocking it. Opening the door to a standard room. A single bed to her right, with a sink in the back. A T.V. on an old desk to her left. Unzipping her bag, grabbing her shower kit. Opening the door to the shower, not a single towel in sight. Eve pulled out her phone to call David.

David answered, “You know I’m literally right outside the door, right?”

“Can you bring in some towels?” Eve asked.

“Yeah, anything else, princess?” David laughed.

“Ew, that’s what my dad used to call me. That didn’t sound good coming from you,” Eve hung up the phone. Setting it on the back of the toilet.

David walked in, stopping at the door to the shower. “You still have clothes on, right?”

Eve walked out, “No, I’m completely naked with the door open.” Sticking her hand toward him. “Towel.”

“Damn, no, please or thank you?” David asked, handing her the towel.

“Thanks, slave.” Eve laughed before heading inside the room, closing the door. David shook his head, smiling.

Heading back to the van to gather his things. David’s phone vibrated. He looked down at the screen. It was Leonora calling him, thinking to himself. ‘Great, what now?’ He answered the phone, lifting it to his ear.

“Locklear?” She asked. “Where are you?”

“I’m on vacation, master,” David went inside the van. Shifting for clean clothes and his hygiene kit. “There hasn’t been anything of going on with the brotherhood.”

“I know,” Leonora said, changing the bandages on her hand. “You understand you have to be back at the end of the month for your assignment with the CIA?”

“I understand that. I will be back in time.”

“Good,” Leonora continued, “I just wanted to let you know; I apologize for past grievances. I have been looking through pictures.” David sat down on the bed, “I was too forward with my own ambitions to realize how much you and your friends have sacrificed to protect the Order.”

“I’m just doing my job, master,” David said. Not understanding this side of Leonora.

“I was close friends with Eleazar, along with your mother and father. They would be proud of you. I will attempt to push for more funding and recognization towards the Watchers initiative. As well as send you new members.”

“Th-That would be much appreciated.”

“You made the right choice with Ms. Taylor. I look forward to her progress with your training.”

“I do as well, master.”

“How are you doing?” She asked him.

“This vacation has been good for my stress,” David admitted.

“Good, take this time to continue to relax,” Leonora continued, “I’ll let you get back to it. If you need anything, let me or Master Hawkins know.”

“Yes, master. Thank you,”

Leonora hung up and looked up at her door as a knock pounded from behind it. “Come in,” she said as the door swung open. Master Hawkins walked into the room.

“How is David?” Hawkins asked as he entered the room.

“He’s doing well. Have we found the location of the assassins in Japan for the Watchers?”

“Not yet. Our spies are searching.” Hawkins took a seat in front of her desk. The room was beautifully decorated. Banners along the walls between the bookshelves filled to the brim and carefully cataloged. “It’s good to know that the Watchers are doing well with new leadership. Taylor shows promise.”

“As does David. Eleazar knew what he was doing when selecting him.” Leonora said.

“We have lost many heroes these last couple of years. He was right not to choose Keira.” Hawkins looked at the Watchers banner hanging on the wall next to the Council’s flag. “I see you did some moving around with the banners.”

“I must admit, I was jealous of the bias towards them. Since I came from the Swords of the West. After reading through their books, I’ve come to realize just how important they are. I guess you can say I hold a new appreciation for them.”

“I was fortunate enough to come from the Watchers. We put those kids through hell.”

“I know now we don’t do it because we don’t like them. We do it because we know they can do it. I think we should become less reliant on them.”

“I wish we could; they have the most casualties out of the rest of the houses in the Order.” Hawkins sighed, “We can push for less use of them.”

“Or we can send them more members.” Leonora said, “I’ve been looking through some files. There are potential members who can meet their demands in training.”

“That’s if the Grandmasters would meet our requests.” Hawkins looked at the stack of files on her desk.

“I think they will; we can make some trades from our guardian corps.”

“And if the candidates don’t meet the standards of the Watchers?”

“Then we tell David we tried.” Leonora sat back in her chair. Rubbing her bandaged covered hand.

“Climbing accident?” Hawkins asked.

“No, I cut my hand open when I was working on a new sword type,” Leonora said.

“You are never going to replicate that sword,” Hawkins laughed.

“I have to try.” Leonora laughed.

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David hung up the phone with the pizza, his stomach rumbling. Standing up from the bed. Climbing out of the van's side door, grabbing his bag from the floor of the van. From the corner of his eye, a black leather guitar case sat underneath the bed. Raising an eyebrow, he grabbed the case and shut the sliding door. This would give him something to do while Eve showered.