Chapter 2: Chapter 2: Nightmares

David opened his eyes, staring at the black room. Rubbing his sweat-covered face with his dry hands. Smacking his lips with his tongue, feeling as groggy as usual. Looking down noticing his sword sitting on the carpet next to his hand. Why was his sword drawn? Questioning himself if he had drawn it out before he slept. Now just realizing he had been sitting up against the wall, remembering he had laid on the floor in the middle of his rest. He looked up at the roof; where was his mind? David hated waking up, not understanding the dreams he was having. Feeling as if he had no one to go to about them. They didn’t make any sense to him. How would he even begin to communicate it himself?

Picking himself up from the floor, he walked over to his dresser, placing his hand on the wooden drawer. Pulling it open, he grabbed a fresh pair of clothes not covered in his wrenched sweat. David’s hand shaking uncontrollably. Taking a deep breath to bring his mind at ease. Brushing his long hair with his fingers. The anxiety from his dreams prevented him from easing himself. Looking down at his hands, they were covered in blood, suddenly no more. His vision flashed back and forth; his breathing picked back up. Heart racing, he could hear the blood rushing into his ears. Ringing, everything was becoming unreal. Feeling himself detached from reality. Looking around, feeling himself being watched. Turning around, taking sight of a menacing shadow in the corner. Feeling petrified. A voice broke out, “David.” Liam’s voice shouted from the emptiness. Everything faded away. David was now at perfect calm. Taking a deep breath once more, he grabbed his clothes and headed for the door.

Eve was sitting at the table, mute while the others continued to talk. Gabriel looked up towards the hallway, hearing David’s door open. Immediately following the entrance to the restroom shut. Eve jumped her head up, looking towards the hallway as well. “He’s taking a shower,” Gabe said.

“So, am I supposed to keep quiet about it?” Eve asked. Not sure if she could bring herself to that. “What if he’s going crazy and he’s refusing to ask for help?”

“That’s exactly what he’s doing,” Richard said. “We need to give him a vacation.”

“Little hard for us to do. He’s a workaholic.” Eve said, concerned for her friend.

“I’m sure he’s more concentrated on taking down that human trafficking ring,” Gabriel said, scratching at the table. James walked over, placing a plate of burritos in front of Eve.

“I don’t think I can eat right now.” Eve looked up at him.

“Want to pretend that nothing is wrong?” James asked, “You need to eat.” She shrugged, picking up one of the burritos in her hand. Forcing herself to take a bite, her eyes gleamed, as did her taste buds.

The steaming water crashed onto David’s head. His hand pushed against the wall as the water ran down his body. He stood there, waiting to feel the pain of the scolding shower. His body was still numb. Growing tired of having to face what seemed like to be every morning. Wanting nothing more than to feel his mind at ease. Desiring to feel genuinely happy again.

His skin began to boil in pain; gritting his teeth, David grabbed onto the handle. Swiftly changing it to a cooler temperature. Finally, he could start thinking about what mattered. Discarding his thoughts on his mental condition. On his mind was the next mission in finding the Wolfpack to bring a halt to their operations. He continued to clean himself off, preparing for the day.

Eve and the others continued to eat. “Who was that kid you guys found last night?” Ethan asked Gabe. His mouth was full of food.

“Jason? David thinks he can help him out. As well as finding the Wolfpack.” Gabriel replied, taking a drink of his milk.

“He’s always good at finding outcasts, isn’t he?” Richard asked. Eve peered at him; her eyes filled with annoyance. “It was a joke.” He laughed.

“So are your advances with Sir Janice.” Eve fired back at him. Gabriel shot milk out of his nose onto the floor, covering his mouth laughing. Richard squinted at the both of them as Ethan was fighting his desire to laugh.

“That’s a good one,” David said, walking into the kitchen, his hair still slightly wet. Dressed in a white t-shirt and jeans. Eve almost shot out of her seat, scared. Not noticing he had finished showering.

“You look well-rested,” Eve told him.

“Something like that,” David grabbed a plate before he noticed his father had already prepared him one.

“Good morning Mijo,” James handed him the plate.

“Thank you,” David said, accepting it and smiling at him. “Good morning Dad.” David didn’t feel like sitting down. Setting the plate on the counter and beginning to eat. Gabriel was still trying to control his laughter. Still looking at the ground.

“You’re up earlier than I had thought,” Eve said to him.

“You’re at my house earlier than I thought.” David continued to eat, looking out the window into the neighborhood.

“Allison was driving me crazy.”

David looked at Gabriel, “Reminds me of someone.” His brother awkwardly smiled at him. David smiled back, walking to the fridge to pour himself a glass of milk. “How is it coming along, Ethan, Richard?” He asked.

“Still working out some small kinks, but she’s almost done,” Ethan said as Richard remained quiet, still eating.

“I’ll go take a look at your small kinks here in a bit.”

“What are you guys talking about?” Eve asked.

“It’s more of a need-to-know thing,” David told her.

“So, a nice way of saying, none of my business. Got it.” Eve said, knowing that if she needed to know, he would have told her. However, feeling left out.

“Pretty much,” Gabriel said, standing up to wash his dish. “We calling Virgil to fly us to LA?”

“I was thinking of driving. Just need Allison; anyone who wants to come as well is free to join.” David continued to finish his food.

“I hate the city, so Eve can take my seat.”

“I’ll do the dishes,” James said, eating. Gabriel stared at him in the eyes, using his peripheral vision to continue washing his dishes. “If you guys are going to LA, on your way back, can you pick up some carne asada from that one spot?”

“Of course.” David told him, “Can I take the Beamer?” James just laughed, walking over to sit down where Gabriel was previously. “I’ll take that as a no.”

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David was in the driver’s seat of his truck; Richard was sitting on the passenger side. Trailing behind them was Allison’s car; sitting with her was Eve in the passenger seat, Ethan in the back, and Chris next to him. Eve wanted to ride with David; His music choice was always better than Allison’s. It was for the best that she didn’t. Otherwise, she would’ve ended up telling him about what had happened while he slept. Eve continued to stare out the window, aloof from the conversation in the car. Watching all the cars pass by them, so many people. Living ordinary lives, wondering where they were going or coming from, without worrying in their hearts about the world around them.

“Eve,” Allison said, turning down the radio. Eve ignored her, “Eve!” She yelled.

“Huh?” Eve said, coming back to reality. She looked at Allison as she drove.

“Pretty sure David already told you. The neighborhood we’re going to, it's dangerous, so do your best not to use your powers.”

“Right, if things get dire, we’ll use our guns.” Chris said, “Oh, here.” Chris reached into his backpack, pulling out a subcompact Glock 19. “We were supposed to give this to you a long time ago.” Eve reached out as she grabbed it. Never having to hold a firearm before.

“You know how to use that blue?” Ethan asked.

“Pull the trigger?” Eve asked sarcastically. Looking at it up to her face.

Allison reached her hand out, pulling Eve’s arm down to her waist. “Can you at least be a little more discrete about it?”

“Is this going to fit in my pockets?” Eve asked, wondering where she would put it.

“Put it in your waistband.” Chris said, “Never put your finger on the trigger, only when you intend to shoot.” Eve sat forward so she could comfortably put in her pant line.

“This is uncomfortable,” Eve said, sitting back down.

“You get used to it,” Ethan told her; she just accepted it. Never had liked guns; she preferred her sword. Understanding that she couldn’t go around waving around a sword in a gunfight without her powers.

David was driving, watching both the road and his phone for directions. “Do you ever see things in your dreams?” David asked Richard. Richard reached out and turned down the radio.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

“What kind of things?” Richard asked.

“Things you can’t explain,” David said.

“You’re going to have to elaborate; most dreams are like that.”

“Like, nightmares.”

“Everyone has nightmares, David. Are they realistic?”

“I keep seeing Liam, the fight between us. Almost every night.” David said, his fingers shaking slightly; this was the first time he talked about his nightmares with anyone.

“Does it affect you harshly?”

“I wake up feeling paranoid, I know I’m awake, but it doesn’t feel like the nightmare has ended. Sounds crazy, right.”

“Sounds like post-traumatic stress,” Richard said, growing in concern for David.

“Don’t pin that on me.” David didn’t want to be labeled with a disorder. He felt as if the dreams meant more than just trauma.

“It’s not something to be ashamed of; it’s expected of for people like us. Hell, sometimes I dream about the people I’ve killed.” Richard said, “I think you should take some time off, David.”

“That’s impossible,” David said. “The world is a mess; we can make a difference more than what involves the Order.”

“The world is always going to be a mess.”

“And if we can help out as many people as we can, it will be better than it was.”

“Not if it continues to tear you apart.” Richard looked at him. David knew he was right; Richard always told him that he needed a vacation. “Plus, right now, you should be enjoying whatever freedom you have before you have to go work for the government.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

“Have they even told you your assignment yet?”

David knew the first half, but the rest of his mission still remains undecided. He wouldn’t tell anyone out of fear to worry them. “No, not yet,” David said.

“Just make sure you come back home to us in one piece,” Richard told him, not wanting to press David anymore than he was comfortable to. David veered off to the exit of the highway, Allison following close behind. Driving into the inner city of Eastern Los Angeles.

David reached over to his center console, pulling out a two-way hand radio. “Rubber ducky, this is poop stain. Over.” He smiled.

Allison rolled her eyes as Eve grabbed the radio, turning down the music in the car. “I’m not calling you that,” Eve said into it.

“Sorry, can you repeat your last? Over.” David said.

Eve pressed the antenna to her forehead, slightly annoyed. Trying not to give in and laugh. “I’m not calling you that. Over.” Emphasizing the last word.

“Roger, blueberry pie, I can now hear you loud and clear. Break.” David said, looking around as he drove. “We’re one mile out from our destination. Rubber ducky, and you will come with me inside. Wannabe Viking, teddy bear, and Ethan will stay outside to stand guard. Over.”

“Why don’t I get a nickname?” Ethan asked, sounding hurt.

“Roger ankle breaker, that’s a good copy. Over.” Eve said.

“Ankle breaker?” David looked at Richard, confused.

“Because you can’t ice skate or ride a skateboard,” Richard smirked.

David keyed, “That’s hurtful.” Eve laughed as they continued to follow him into the neighborhood. There were a couple people out walking down the streets and sidewalks. The houses were old and run down, seeming as if they were never taken care of. The yards were overgrown with grass. Eve had never seen streets like this before. Being fortunate enough to never have to grow up in a place like this. The others seemed unphased.

“How do people live like this?” Eve asked.

“Because they have to.” Allison said, “Or they feel like this is the most they can achieve.”

“People should help them,” Eve said, looking around.

“They live off the government's money, all brainwashed to think to think it’s societies fault.” Ethan chimed in.

“I think that’s unfair to blame the government,” Eve said.

“Think about it; if people live off the government, they will continue to vote for the people who promise to give them more money. And in return, the corrupt politicians stay in power.” Chris said.

“Yet you serve the Order the same way,” Eve said to him.

“Glad you understand the irony,” Ethan said as David began to park. Allison parked right behind him on the side of the road.

David stayed inside of his truck, pulling out his phone to call Jason. The phone continued to ring, looking around at the neighborhood, a man’s eyes from across the street locked on him. David starred at him, watching. “This guy keeps looking at me.”

“I mean, we’re a bunch of white people who just pulled up in their neighborhood,” Richard said, looking at the man as well. “He probably thinks you’re cute.”

“Can you blame him?”

“Sure, let's put it that way.” Richard looked away and brought his eyes to the house. David put the phone down without an answer. “Didn’t pick up?”

“Guess not.” David said, “Pass me, my baby.” He pointed at the glove box. Richard reached over, grabbing the handgun from the glovebox passing it to David. A P320 with beautiful etchings along with the slide of random swirls and flowers. The grip had a templar cross on it. David snatched it and slid it into his waistline. Grabbing the hand-mic and pressing the button. “He didn’t answer; I’m going alone.”

“We should go with him.” Chris said, “I don’t like this place.”

“Relax, it’s not Syria. He’ll be okay.” Allison said, turning off her car as David stepped out of his truck, shutting the door behind him. Eve watched as he waved at the man starring at him; David’s kindness was not returned.

David shrugged it off, walking in front of the truck up the house. Passing the chain-linked fence into the walkway. Looking around, it was a small home with only two windows in the front with a security door in front of the old oak door. There were a few toys in the yard, including a bike with its tires deflated. The grass was recently cut, seeming as if it was one of the few yards taken care of. Stepping onto the patio, the wood creaked as he walked past a bench with an ashtray. One of the cigarette buds was freshly placed. Someone had to be awake. David reached for the door, taking a deep breath. Knocking against the screen door. As it rattled open against his fist. Looking down at the doorknob, it had been crushed and pulled free. David closed his eyes, reaching out to the spirits. Feeling nothing but the sense of dread. There was a void inside the house. He knocked again without an answer.

Turning around, David waved at the others to come to his position. Everyone got up out of the vehicles. Rushing over to his call. David opened the door to the house; the stench burned the hairs in his nose. Drawing his handgun, keeping it lowered. “Hello!?” He screamed out. Beginning his search, he found himself inside the living room, Eve close behind him. They moved in pairs. Richard with Ethan moved down the other side of the hall.

“Is anyone here!?” Richard screamed out as Ethan followed close behind him. The rotting stench was heavy, almost unbearable. No response was given, the group began to grow in desperation. Eve could see a hint of energy trails coming from a sliding door. Tapping on David’s shoulder, pointing in the direction of the source.

David whistled sharply as Richard and Ethan returned to him. Standing on the outside of the sliding glass door, guns raised to it. David gestured with his head towards the handle. Chris, with Allison behind him, reached over, grabbing it tightly. Waiting for the signal from the others that they were ready. David and Richard nodded, sliding the door open with heavy strength. David charged in first with Richard behind them. They funneled into the room. Turning his body to the left as Richard turned right, zippering into the den.

Petrified, Eve stopped and looked up at the wall. Three bloodied and grotesque bodies were crucified upside down. Hands and feet drilled into the wall. David lowered his firearm. His heart was heavy in his chest. How could this have happened? Who would do such a thing?

“Oh my God,” Eve muttered as she lowered her handgun as well. Black energy radiated off of the horror scene. David looked at the bodies. Walking up to them. He reached his hand out.

“Don’t touch them,” Allison said as she snatched his hand away.

“Why?” Richard asked, looking at them. “Why would someone do this?”

“Jason had information,” David said under his breath, unsure how to feel. Both despair and anger waged in his mind.

Eve looked closer at the bodies. “They were pumped with corruption until their bodies were destroyed.” David turned around quickly and walked back into the house, out of the front door. Throwing up onto the patio his breakfast. Coughing sporadically never had witnessed such cruel action against someone. He had failed them; they should have taken the family immediately.

“Find the phone we gave him.” Richard said, “Ethan, follow me. There have to be clues here somewhere that we can use to find out who did this.” He walked out of the den and back into the house as they began their search. Eve kept looking on at the bodies; there was nothing left of their spirits other than darkness. A void within the souls. Nothing but shells of their former selves.

“Can you see anything?” Allison asked Eve. They couldn’t take their eyes off of the bodies. “Maybe anything to hint at who might have done this?”

Eve tried, no matter how much it pained her to look. Nothing revealed itself, not even the vaguest of clues revealed themselves to her. “Nothing.”

David looked up from the mess of the floor, wiping his eyes from the tears left from the relief of his bowels. His eyes drew from the floor and into the sky. Saying a silent prayer, wishing for their rest now. Taking a moment to watch as the clouds slowly danced across the veiled blue sky. They began to lower to the house across the street. He looked at the man who had previously been watching him. Still looking on at David, smiling. David bit down on his jaw, eyes glowing green. Clenching his fingers into a fist. Knuckles white.

Screeching tires slid around the corner, two black SUVs came flying down the street. Slamming on their brakes as David ran inside the house. “Get down!” He yelled out as the cracking of gunfire came from the cars. Everyone in the house dropped to cover, drawing their firearms. The bullets weren’t tearing into the house. However, they broke through David’s truck and Allison’s car. Popping the tires and destroying the windows. Bullet holes littered all over the vehicles. David peeked out the doorway as they shifted their fire in his direction.

“David!” Eve yelled out, pulling him back behind the wall. Richard jumped to his feet, summoning a shield in front of the house. The gunfire stopped as soon as they realized their bullets couldn’t pass through his security. Hearing one of the doors slam, immediately after the SUVs sped off back down to the intersection.

David leaped to his feet, running as fast as he could to the center of the street. Reaching into his back pocket, he pulled out a small device. His hand glowing green with hints of white energy. Throwing with all his might, the machine flew the air like a football. Ethan behind him added a push of power from the palm of his hand, launching the device further until it landed on one of the vehicles. Sticking to it with its adhesive bottom. “Is anyone hurt?” He asked, turning to his friends.

“We’re all good here,” Allison said, turning to her car. “My cars not.” She walked over and opened her car door. Reaching inside to gather her things. David pulled out his phone to call his brother.

“I’ll get all your stuff out of the truck,” Eve brushed her hand across the top of his back. It was a shame that both of the vehicles had been destroyed. David just nodded at her as she walked over to his backpack in the trunk. Gathering all his belongings from all the compartments.

Gabriel answered the phone. He had his feet propped up on the table, a bag of chips on his lap. Sunglasses on his face. “What’s the word?” He asked nonchalantly.

“Jason and his family were killed. Need everyone on my position. Bring all of our equipment.” David said. “Tell the Order to send a crew to clean up the scene. And have the mechanic crew pick up our cars.”

Gabriel sat up, “No kidding?” He asked. “I’ll have everyone bring their cars.”

“It’s hunting season,” David said before hanging up and turning on his tracker. Eve handed him his backpack, David accepted it. Putting it on his back and buckled the front clip.

“We’ll get them.” Eve said, “It’ll be okay.”

“Tell that to Jason and his family. Let’s go; cops are on the way.” David could hear the sirens in the distance. The group began to walk down the sidewalk, getting away from the scene.