Chapter 10: Chapter 10: The Temple

The trees were blooming with their warm Sakura blossoms, the smell of the pure sweet air. A difference in night and day between nature and the city of Tokyo. Gabriel lead the way into the mountain, searching for the temple Aiden had told him about. Lost and confused, hundreds of acres would have to be covered to even come close to finding it. The others grew more frustrated with every minute wasted.

“We’ve been at it for a couple hours man,” Richard spoke out, “You think the dude was just giving you the run around?” Richard did his best to be accepting of Gabriel’s account of speaking with this stranger. However, he was growing concerned with the welfare of the others.

Gabriel stopped in his tracks, looking around at the trees surrounding themselves. Beginning to doubt himself, “Maybe you’re right.” Perhaps he was so tired that he was imagining everything. It wouldn’t have made sense for Eleazar to keep his brother a secret. The sun was beginning to set in the distance. He couldn’t believe they had wasted a whole day searching for an imagination. “I’m sorry, guys.” Gabriel lowered his head.

Allison walked up to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. “It’s alright, let’s just head back. Maybe Jasmine had found something by now.”

“We’ll just continue the mission as normal,” Ethan chimed in. They were famished, ready to go back to the motel to eat and sleep.

Gabriel shrugged off Allison’s hand, “Let’s just go.” Allison felt bad for him but understood when he needed time without physical touch. The others turned around and started making their way back down the mountain to the road. Gabriel lingered in the back for some time to think. David was counting on him to finish the mission. Maybe Allison was right, David should be there and not him. Doubt filled his mind. Gabriel felt like he was better than this, but it only showed he wasn’t capable of leading a mission on this scale.

The sun fell behind the mountain once they had found themselves back on the road. Ethan began stretching his legs out, “Man, maybe I need to use that squat machine more.” Sitting down on the side of the road to massage his thighs. Letting out a groan, “Oh yeah, that’s good.”

“You’re so dramatic,” Allison laughed.

“I don’t want to hear it. Always freaking out if someone didn’t put a book back in the library the way you want it,” Ethan fired back.

“Well, let’s see how you would feel if I rearranged all the games and movies in the bookcase.”

“That’s fine you’ll just piss off David, Eve, and Kevin.”

“Better yet, I’ll just place all the discs in the wrong cases,” She smiled maniacally.

“You take that back!”

“That’d cause a civil war,” Chris laughed.

Richard looked around, “Guys, where’s Gabe?” The others stopped their bickering, looking into the forest. “He came down with us, right?”

Allison looked around, “Gabe!” She called out his name, nothing but silence. “He wouldn’t just take off without us.”

“Sounds like you don’t know your own boyfriend.” Chris started back into the forest. The rest spread out to cover more ground. All calling out his name repeatedly. Nothing was called back in return. Gabriel was nowhere to be found; the sun had set behind the mountain. He had stumbled into being ever more lost than ever.

Gabriel lifted himself off of the grass, the sweet mildew rubbed against his face. He looked up, surrounded by members dressed in kimonos. All bearing different katanas at their hip, staring him down. “Where the hell?” He wondered. He had tripped on a tree branch and ended up staring up at an old but well-maintained temple. The walls were tan with a hot red roof. So tall the tower touched the clouds above. Dragons etched on the walls like hieroglyphs. The sun was rising behind himself, the strange men and women held their hands on the hilts of their swords.

Gabriel threw his bag in front of himself, instinctually drew his sword. Extending his blade prepared for a fight. He shuttered to his feet, taking a defensive stance. He was extremely outmatched without a clue of how to get back to where he was. The strange men and women stayed still, watching him in confusion.

“Gabriel!” His head snapped to see who was calling his name. A heavy husky voice matched his size. Aiden was walking down the steps of the entrance. His heart slowed down, dropping his defensive stance. Relaxing, though keeping his sword extended at his side. Still untrusting of his own safety. “I was beginning to fear you wouldn’t show up.” Aiden drew closer to the young man.

“Where am I?” He asked.

“This is the Temple of the Dragon, my boy.” Aiden gleamed with joy, excited to see him.

“How did I get here?” He asked, “How do I get back to my friends?”

Aiden sighed, “When the sun sets on your dimension, the portal opens in this one.”

“That explains the sunrise,” Gabriel looked behind himself. A tear in the fabric of space stood before him. Like if someone had stabbed a piece of clothing but this was reality. He threw up on the grass in front of him. It was too much for his brain to handle. Trying to regain himself. “When does it close?” He wiped his mouth.

“From this end?” Aiden answered every question of his, “Never, but from the outside. When the sun rises again on the mountain’s face.

“So am I able to just pop my head out to get my friends?” Gabriel asked.

Aiden’s eyes narrowed, shaking it off. Forcing a smile, “Of course.”

Allison was walking near a tree. Bending her knees down to a squat. There was a stumble in the dirt. Leaves kicked around, “He was right here, but he tripped.” Looking around herself to see any marks of where his body might have landed. Nothing.

“Ally,” Gabriel’s head popped out of the side of a tree trunk. “I found it.”

Allison screamed in a panic, almost in an instant. The others stopped what they were doing to catch back up with her. Swords in hand. “What’s going…” Richard looked at Gabriel’s head. Anger boiled in his veins. “Who could have done this?!”

“I’m not dead you idiots,” Gabriel said, “I found a rift. Well, I guess I fell through it on accident but that’s beside the point.”

“A rift?” Allison asked, “I thought all of them were destroyed with the Lost Kingdom.”

“I guess someone kept this one open,” Gabriel had no clue what she was talking about. “Well, what are you waiting for? Come one.” His head disappeared back inside of the tree.

“Maybe it’s a trick,” Ethan asked.

“Maybe I don’t care,” Chris went ahead and stepped through the tree. His body disappeared from this dimension.

“It should be alright,” Allison went in after him. Coming into view of the temple, stepping down on the soft green grass. Captivated by the beauty of the world they now were in. Gabriel stood behind the large man. The others stepped through as well, Richard felt a sharp pain in his heart. Then back to normal, rubbing his chest. The group was looking around, feeling the attraction to the land. It was a form of peace none of them could understand.

“Lady and Gentlemen, this is Aiden Eleazar,” Gabriel said smiling.

The Watchers caught themselves and bowed. “Woah now, skip the formalities.” He measured their stature. Almost surprised by the diversity, when had his brother changed?

“So Gabriel wasn’t lying?” Chris asked, taking a measure of Aiden. Something bothered Chris about the man. Maybe it was just how similar but different he was from his brother. “Are you his older or younger brother?”

“Older,” Aiden replied.

“You seem more laid back than him,” Ethan laughed. Rubbing the back of his head.

“Montague had seen much fighting and death. Losing all your friends can do that to you.” Aiden answered, “I’m sure you all have a lot of questions. But first, let’s talk about the rules. Then we can get you some food.”

“I like the sound of that,” Chris smiled, his stomach had been rumbling for hours.

“Now, don’t do anything to disturb the people here. We are a peaceful temple, though everyone here is extremely dangerous,” Aiden said as he pointed at the people walking around or sitting on the benches. “Next, the rift is a secret and we wish to keep it that way.”

“Is this place part of the Japanese branch of the Order?” Allison asked to ensure if she can talk to them about it.

“Yes,” Aiden answered quickly, “Another rule, do not stray too far away from this temple. Especially across the star sea. The Lost Kingdom destroyed all the sin within this dimension, and we wish to keep it that way.”

“What is this Lost Kingdom?” Gabriel asked, having to find out. It seemed everyone knew besides him.

“Just an old legend, nothing but a fable,” Aiden answered, “Now please allow me to finish. The last and most important rule. Do not go to the basements of this place, they are forbidden. Just as the door in the Sanctuary.”

“Understood,” Gabriel acknowledged.

“I have been entrusted with the safety of this place, though if you are caught lurking anywhere but here. I have no choice but to uphold the punishment,” Aiden smiled, “Now, who’s hungry?” He turned around to walk inside the temple.

Allison grabbed Gabriel’s arm, “Are you sure we can trust him?” She whispered to him as everyone followed Aiden.

“Why are you freaking out? He’s Eleazar’s brother, why wouldn’t we trust him?”

“Something’s not right about this place,” Allison looked around, “All the rifts were closed or destroyed. Why is this one still opened?”

“Maybe it’s a safe place?” Gabriel guessed, “I don’t know, but regardless if he can help us with the Wolves then I don’t see the issue.”

“How did he know exactly what place to be at and when to stop one of the assassins? Gabriel this doesn’t seem fishy to you, at all?” Allison asked.

“A little, but I think you’re just overthinking things. David is counting on us.”

“And Eve.”

“Yeah, that’s what I said,” Gabriel argued.

“You don’t care about her at all. She saved you a couple times and almost sacrificed herself for us multiple times. All she does is try, you can’t even give her a lick of your appreciation. She just wants to be accepted.”

“Woah, where is this coming from?”

Allison wanted to speak more against him but bit her tongue. Putting a hand to his face before walking away. Gabriel stood still with his arms up, not understanding what she was talking about. Instead shook it off to give her space. Following the others quickly before getting lost.

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Jasmine walked the streets of Tokyo, talking to people on the street. Looking for any lead or clue to find the Wolves. She found nothing, how the hell was they supposed to find an assassin group in a place they knew nothing about. She took a deep breath, standing in front of a nightclub. A long day of searching deserved a moment of rest. One drink she told herself.

The bouncer let her without question, Jasmine accepted the kindness and walked inside. The heavy Japanese pop music filled the club. People packed on the dancefloor. No way. She headed straight for the bar. She stood at the counter, asking for a glass of whatever was the strongest. Jasmine was glad she didn’t have to use her ID. The bartender filled the glass and passed it to her open hand. Leaving a napkin next to the cold glass. Jasmine placed her hand over the rim. Pouring her energy into it.

“It’s not often I have an American walk in here,” a stranger said sitting next to her. “You look tired. Here take my seat.” The man stood up and slid the seat under her. Jasmine smiled, accepting the offer, and took a seat on the barstool. He was white, covered in tattoos. A small tribal wolf tattoo sat behind his earlobe. Finally, she found the right place. Thinking of having to go back to that drug dealer and thank him, then apologize for beating him to near death. She stayed quiet, knowing men loved a woman who was hard to get.

“Thank you,” Jasmine said and nothing more.

“Say, what brings you Tokyo?” He asked.

“Seemed like a good idea at the time,” Jasmine took a drink. “Starting to regret it.”

“What’s to regret?” He asked, “This is the most beautiful country on the planet!”

“Everyone is boring,” Jasmine did her best to keep short sentences. She drank again.

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The two talked for a few minutes, Jasmine was beginning to appear drunker. He continued to buy her drinks. Jasmine did the same with each one, placing her hand over the rim to pour her energy into it. “I think you’d look great naked.”

Jasmine almost choked, though showed no signs of it. Feeling disgusted in her mind, as well as success. “I bet you would love to know,” putting up a front of tease.

“I actually own this nightclub. We can go upstairs to my room and have us,” the man went up to her ear whispering creepily, “some fun.”

“I doubt you can provide me the fun that I am into,” Jasmine challenged him.

“I’m into anything,” he laughed.

Jasmine now had this man convinced, “Lead the way,” She stood up from her chair. “Don’t forget to pay.”

“Oh?” He said frantically pulling out his wallet and paying the bartender. “I forgot to ask your name.”

Jasmine stumbled on purpose, giving a heavy appearance of her drunkenness. “My name?” She slurred her words, “First prove to me- that you- deserve to know- my name.”

“I’ll prove it to you, babe, you’ve never met a man like me,” He smirked from the end of his cheek. Jasmine’s skin crawled as he pushed his hand into hers, pulling her his way up the stairs.

“Want me to check her?” The bouncer asked at the foot.

“No, she’s fine,” He continued past the bouncer with Jasmine in her hand. She discreetly sighed in relief. They walked past a group of what she assumed were his associates. She took a view of their tattoos. Jasmine’s beliefs were confirmed, all bearing the same tattoo as him. If they hadn’t been in the same room as hundreds of partiers, she would have killed them all.

Once they entered the room, Jasmine took sight of all the expensive items. A single large window that looked out into the nightclub. The music pulsed on the walls. She can tell it was a one-way window pane. No one will be able to tell what was to happen. A large TV, vases, and more. She wondered how much it would all cost. She wasn’t paying attention as the man’s lips attacked hers. Her blood boiling in her veins, shoving him away. “That’s a punishment.”

“What?” He asked confused.

“I like to play a game,” Jasmine said. “Every wrong thing that you do is a punishment. Now take off your clothes.”

“I don’t think you understand who is in charge-“

“Clothes, off. Now.” Jasmine was going to enjoy every minute of this. She didn’t understand why David was so forgiving, revenge like this was going to feel good. The man complied, dropping his clothes to the floor. Jasmine climbed on top of a table, pulling the ropes off the curtain. “First question,” She continued to slur her words trying not to laugh at the now naked man, “What is the name of the small sword samurai carry with them into battle?” She stared at a large painting of the battle of mount Shiroyama.

“What?”

“Wrong again,” Jasmine smiled shoving him down on the bed. “Next question, when a samurai sacrifices himself on the battlefield, what is that called?”

“Seppuku,” He smiled, “That was easy.”

“Fine, I guess you get a reward,” Jasmine dropped the rope on the foot of the bed. Pulling her shirt off. The man’s eyes glowed in desire. “Name one Japanese deity.”

“Is this some kind of quiz on Japanese history?” He asked, “No one knows that.”

“Tsukuyomi,” Jasmine answered the question. “Typical American.” Jasmine took the rope to tie one of his hands down to the bed frame.

“What are you doing?” Attempting to fight her but found that Jasmine was much stronger than him. Jasmine tied the man’s left hand down. “God, you are strong.”

“Two more questions,” Jasmine continued, “What color is arterial bleeding?”

“Red,” He answered quickly.

“Bright or dark?”

“Dark?” He asked. Jasmine laughed, tying down the last hand. He was now completely bound with no hope to escape. “Last question.” Jasmine dropped down her pants to make him more comfortable. Climbing on top of him.

“This is better,” He smiled up at her. His sexual desire has now peaked.

“The Wolves have placed a bounty on Evelyn Taylor and David Locklear,” Jasmine dropped the drunken act, a hand behind her back. “Where can I find the head of the Wolfpack?” The man’s excitement dropped completely. Fear had taken over almost in an instant.

“I’m not telling you a damned thing,” The man felt in a flash the cold steel against his throat. Jasmine had her katana out pressing against his neck. Blood began to run down from a small scratch.

“Do not make me ask you again,” Jasmine grew in anger. Yellow energy ran up the blade from her hand. Having used her energy to kill the alcohol in every drink that he had bought her. It was like drinking water. “Where is the wolfpack hideout?”

“Go to hell.”

“I’ve been living in hell since Christmas last year,” Jasmine said.

“What they will do to me is worse than anything you can do to me,” He answered.

“I’m not sure if you understood this game,” Jasmine swung the sword behind herself. Completely severing his foot from the ankle. He screamed in pain. “You’re not leaving this room alive. Might as well tell me everything you know how to have some type of leeway in getting into heaven.”

“Please release me,” He yelled at her. Gritting his teeth. “Everything is in that computer, just release me!”

“I’ll release you,” Jasmine swung the katana back to his neck. Severing his head from his shoulders. Bright red blood spurted from the top all over Jasmine’s face. She felt proud. Climbing off of the stranger. Cleaning her sword off on the bedsheets. She left to shower in the side room.

Once she was clean, Jasmine got dressed and walked over to the computer. Finding the password written on a note beside it. She laughed, how was this a dangerous group at all. Plugging a flash drive into the side. Jasmine began to download everything swiftly. When complete, Jasmine walked out of the room. Smiling and waving at the people sitting around the center table. They smiled and waved back. “He won’t be getting up for a while,” She smiled. The group began to laugh drunkenly. Now it was time to begin her search for the Wolfpack, maybe she would leave this part out of her report.

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Gabriel and the others sat on their knees around a dining table inside of Aiden’s room. Eating the food, he had made for them. Many of them are ready to pass out. Allison remained silent throughout the night. Aiden spoke to Gabriel, “How did my brother die?”

Gabriel lowered his head, the images flashing again in his head of that night. “My brother was captured by the Brotherhood. Well, more of a Legion than a Brotherhood.”

“I heard rumors of a new Legion; I just didn’t believe them to be true.”

“Neither did I until I saw it. The Order initiated a rescue mission. We got my brother out. When we made it to the top of the mountain, Eleazar. Montague,” he corrected himself, “Stood with two other templars. They fought like hell against the horde. But no man is strong enough to fight an army alone. He fought like hell regardless, they stabbed him maybe three or more times before they had the chance to take him down.”

“He protected your escape, didn’t he?” Aiden asked, “You should have stood and fought.”

“I wanted to,” Gabriel said, “but Montague forced me on the helicopter.”

“And why didn’t David want to stay and fight?”

“David was dying,” Gabriel said, “Though he survived yet again.”

“That’s three deaths for David?”

“Every time he dies, he loses a part of himself,” Gabriel said. “I’m not sure how he keeps dying.”

Aiden took in a deep breath, “David is destined to die seven times.”

“What do you mean?” Gabriel asked, “some kind of prophecy keeps him coming back?”

“It’s strange, but he fits the description,” Aiden continued.

“I guess he was destined to be great,” Gabriel said a little annoyed. Felt like he would never measure up to his older brother. He felt he would always be just, David’s little brother.

“Tell me, Gabe,” Aiden said, “Where is he now and not here with you?”

“He’s heading to Washington with Eve, on their own mission,” Gabriel answered, feeling as if he could trust Aiden.

“So he entrusted you to find the Wolfpack?”

“He did,” He answered.

“You may feel like your brother is the treasured one, but he still trusts you regardless,” Aiden tried to lift his spirits, “You achieve greatness your own way. Look at some of our greatest guardians and knights. Not all of them were destined for anything more, but they made their own destiny.”

“I suppose you’re right,” Gabriel said, “you really know how to cheer up a guy.” Gabriel’s spirit animal appeared in his hand. His little blue lizard missing its arms.

“Your spirit animal?” Aiden asked.

“Yeah.”

“Curious things, still no one has ever learned where they come from. They do mean a whole ordeal.” Aiden smiled, “It’s important to never neglect them, still my falcon never leaves my side.”

“I wish I had something cool, David has an eagle, and you have a falcon. I just have this dumb little lizard with no arms,” Gabriel said, “I’m going to reach my potential and it’s just going to be a lizard with arms.” He laughed, “I love him regardless though.”

Aiden had stopped what he was doing, “A lizard with no arms?” He asked laughing. Appearing like he was hiding something, He looked at the clock in the corner of the room. “Well, would you look at the time?”

“It’s still midday here.” Gabriel said, “You’re going to bed?”

“I still live on normal world time, boy,” Aiden laughed, “And it appears your friends are as well.” Gabriel turned his head; all of his friends had passed out. All with their heads lying on the table except for Chris who crawled up under the table. In the fetal position. The heavy lunch combined with the long day caused them to fall into a deep sleep.

“I guess I’ll wake them up,” Gabriel said.

“I have only two spare rooms. The boys can sleep in one room. Allison can sleep in the other. Futons should be in the closets of the rooms,” Aiden yawned. “We begin training as soon as the sunsets. Meet me in the courtyard.”

“Understood,” Gabriel straightened his back. Training? Montague was never able to help him complete it. Once he was complete, perhaps Aiden could sponsor him for the trials so he can finally become a knight. Getting up from his seat, Gabriel began waking everyone up. Allison flailed off Gabe’s arms. She was still upset with him.

“Richard, can you tell Allison that she gets the small spare room for herself?” Gabriel asked.

“I’m not playing this game between you two. Act like adults,” Richard said rubbing his eyes before walking into the larger room. Ethan and Chris followed.

“Well?” Gabriel looked at Allison.

“Shut up,” She replied.

“What do you want from me?” Gabriel gritted his teeth trying to be quiet.

“To leave me alone,” Allison walked into the small room. Locking the door behind herself, sliding her feet out with her back against the wooden door. Tears streamed down her face, all she wanted was for him to apologize.

Gabriel stood there, agitated. Clinching his fist, he didn’t feel like he was in the wrong. Dark thoughts flowed into his mind. Everything was fine before Eve had arrived. Feeling like he was harsh on her to make her better. Now he only felt she deserved it. He could feel a divide growing between his love and his brother. Pulling his phone out of his pocket, no signal.

He put the phone back into his pocket, walking into the spare bedroom. Richard was rubbing his head forehead. “You alright?” Ethan asked.

“Fine and dandy,” Gabriel replied, “What’s with you, Richard?”

“I don’t feel so good, I keep getting migraines in this place,” Richard said.

“I can try to get you some medicine,” Gabriel suggested. At that moment, Richard collapsed. The others rushed to him to catch him. They failed, Richard’s head hit the wooden floor. “Get Allison.” Chris rushed to the other room. Richard’s body began to shake furiously in a spasm. Gabriel pulled off his belt shoving it between his teeth. “Relax. It’s okay.” Gabriel wasn’t sure if he was talking to himself or Richard.

Ethan removed Richard’s shoes, throwing them to the side. Raising Richard’s legs on his shoulders to allow the blood to flow back to his brain.

Allison rushed into the room, watching him. Gabriel looked up at her with a blank frowning stare. She sat at Richard’s side beginning to heal him. Green energy fell from her palms into his head. “What happened?”

Gabriel could see the pink bags under her eyes, she had been crying. He decided to remain silent. Ethan decided to speak, “He said he had a migraine and just collapsed.”

“Anything else?” She asked.

“He said it was since he entered this dimension,” Ethan said.

“Portal sickness. His body isn’t accepting the high spirit levels,” Allison said. Richard stopped shaking. “We need to get him to the infirmary. This place should have one.”

Aiden walked into the room, “Seems like he’s not having a good time.”

Allison scowled at the man standing behind her. “We need to get him medical attention.”

“We don’t have any of that here,” Aiden answered, “It will be alright, he just needs rest for his body to adjust. It’s alright, trust me.” Aiden handed her a bottle of Tylenol.

“This is all he needs?” Allison asked.

“It worked wonders for me,” Aiden said placing his hand on Richard’s head. “I’ll get you some other medicines. Has he reached his potential?”

“He did just a few weeks ago,” Gabriel answered.

“Yup that will do it. His body was already trying to adjust to the new energy levels,” Aiden stood up. “Keep an eye on him and most importantly, let him get his sleep.”

“Understood,” Gabriel said. Aiden left the room with no more to say.

Allison stood up, “If he starts having trouble again, just come get me.” She told Gabriel.

Gabriel set Richard’s head down slowly, catching Allison before she left the door, “How do I fix this?”

Allison looked annoyed, looking at him. “I already told you, dude. You can start by listening. And looking like you care about something for once.”

“I care about you,” Gabriel whispered.

“I think you need to care about something other than me for once,” Allison looked back at the others. “I’m going to bed.” She rubbed her eyes. “We’ll talk more tomorrow.”

“Alright,” Gabriel felt better that she wasn’t as aggressive with him. “Goodnight, I love you.”

“Yeah, you too Gabe,” Allison was tired. Not just of him, but as well as this place. She felt she wasn’t getting anywhere with him. She knew she still loved him. But she needed him to know just how terrible that he made everyone feel. Little did she know, Gabriel felt the same with her. They were both to blame for issues in their relationship.

Gabriel walked away frustrated, helping Chris and Ethan lift the massive man into his futon. “That man got some meat on him,” Chris laughed.

“Maybe we should hit the gym more,” Ethan said laying down in his bed. Gabriel remained silent, lying in his bed. Starring at the roof, his tiredness had fleeted. All that was left on his mind were thoughts. Praying that after his training, he would be more powerful than his older brother.