Chapter 6: Chapter 6: Ishin-Denshin

Gabriel sat in his room, staring up at the draped American flag. Its red and white stripes interweaved with precision. The blue square filled with stars, carefully placed. Gazing into the stars reminded him of Christmas night. A stabbing sensation in his heart. The trembling fear that he had felt once his brother had become a surreal entity of both aspiration and terror. Gabriel had no recollection of when the trumpet had come to him. Bringing his eyes down to the table, where the small trumpet lay. Seven cracks deep into the polished outer layer. Though it remained sustained, no matter what Gabe had tried, the same earth-shattering sounds would never again be produced.

David had sworn to him that Gabriel had found it in a river, but the memory held no recollection to him. For all that Gabe had known, David could have made the whole story up. Gabriel remained confused; the entire night made his brain hurt. What had bothered him most was that he had no clue where the trumpet had found its way in his pocket. Questioning his sanity.

There was a sudden knock at the door; the handle turned just as his eyes shifted to look at the wooden door. Allison’s green eyes poked out from the other end. “Are you decent?” She asked him.

“Yeah, don’t worry,” Gabriel said, “Is everyone ready to head out?”

“Usually, it’s the captain’s job to make sure everyone is ready for an operation,” she said, wearing a sarcastic smile.

“Well, I’m not the captain, and it’s not an operation. Think of it as if we’re on vacation.”

“Ah, because fighting a dangerous crime ring and trying to keep our friend from being assassinated is considered a vacation to you?” Allison walked up to him.

“I’ve always wanted to visit Japan, you know that as much as I do.”

“You have to remember, babe, this is more important than being a tourist,” Allison began tracing her fingers in his palms. “David trusted you to complete the mission. All of us are depending on you now to lead us. This is completely different than your usual lone wolf activity.”

“I know,” Gabriel answered.

“Promise me, you will stay focused on the mission.”

“What exactly does that mean?” Gabriel joked.

“This is always a joke to you, isn’t it?” Allison asked. “Eve and I could’ve died, and you’re making jokes. So whoever it is we are after, we have to make them pay.”

“I joke because that’s the only way I know how to deal with things.”

“You’re not a lone wolf anymore. You’re the acting captain. Empathize just a little bit, for me?”

“I promise I will stay focused on the mission,” Gabriel said, grabbing onto her wrists.

“Good, now let’s hurry up. We have a flight to catch.”

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The van rolled down the 101 highway, trees passing by with the smell of the salty ocean breeze breaking in through the open driver’s window. The sun prepares to set, kissed David’s cheek as the winds blew through his brown hair. Eve was asleep in the back. Laying on top of the comforters. Wearing her white tank, hair tied into a ponytail. It had been too hot for her in the California summer to keep her blue hair loose with the chance of it suffocating her face. David had done his best to keep his eyes open. Not sleeping for days was becoming apparent not just on his physical body but also on his ability to concentrate. Fighting Californian traffic was just as problematic as fighting the Brotherhood at this point. Meanwhile, attempting to avoid potholes and heavy stops or swerves to let Eve sleep more comfortably.

David brought his hand up to his eyes, rubbing the corners hoping it would help wake him up. Reaching for the cupholder to his right, slightly lifting the energy drink. There was a slight splash within the can. David shook it, hoping for more than just a sip. Though his hope was met with nothing more than disappointment. He sighed, just enough to awaken the sleeping Eve in the back. Opening her eyes, looking out the side window, shivering from the cold beach air. This was the weather she had missed dearly. However, she had not expected to grow used to the California heat enough for her to shiver from the cold.

Eve looked forward to the cab, seeing the back of David’s head. His hair was messy. Clumps of brown hair rose in random. She could tell he had been tired. His energy moved throughout the van with flutters. Falling into rest and jumping sporadically from himself, trying to force himself awake. Eve arose from bed, not wanting to interact with him. She also didn’t feel like getting into a car crash before they had even left the state. Standing up, the forces of the road drove her off balance. Quickly she moved to the front, jumping into the passenger seat before she was thrown to the floor.

“Good afternoon, sleepyhead,” David quickly glanced at her. Long enough for her to notice the black bags under his eyes.

“Right back at you, sleepyhead,” Eve forced a slight smile from the corner of her lips. Unrolling a hair tie from her wrist, Eve tied her blue hair into a ponytail. The wind from the open windows had been throwing her hair around like a tornado. “You should pull over. Let me take the helm.”

“I’m alright,” David refused.

“David, pull over. You need sleep; I’m not going to argue with you.”

“I promise, I’m okay. Just enjoy the view.”

“I can’t wait to enjoy the view from the pavement when we slam into the median,” Eve rolled her eyes. David could taste her disdain from her tongue.

“I couldn’t sleep if I wanted to. Plus, I’ll get there faster if I stay driving. Time will fly,” David admitted.

“I’m not asking you to sleep. I’m telling you to pull over right now,” Eve commanded. David remained silent. Eve sighed, “I once knew a guy who told me never to put myself in danger unless it was a life-or-death situation.” David realized he had told her that, chuckling to himself. “I understand that you can’t die. I still can, so please. Pullover.” Eve’s voice was now a panicked serenity to David’s ears.

“Alright, I’ll pull over.” David drove to the shoulder of the highway.

“Thank you,” Eve said, unbuckling her seat belt. Once parked, David stood up. Releasing a bellowing grunt as he stretched. Standing up, it felt as if the Earth was moving below his feet. Driving for so long, he had grown used to the road. Raising the armrest. David moved out of the driver’s seat. Eve quickly switched to the driver’s seat, feeling how warm it had been on the leather seat. David jumped into the passenger seat, comparatively colder.

“Alright, I’m short. I have to fix everything on this thing,” Eve played with the switches on the side of the seat. Along with the rearview mirrors to fit comfortably for herself. “Okay, are you ready?”

“You have your driver’s license, right?” David asked.

“Of course, I just never driven anything large before.”

“You’ve chopped a soul in half; I’m pretty sure you can handle driving a van.” David grinned.

“How does it feel to put your life in someone else’s hands for once?” Eve laughed.

“Terrifying,” David smiled out of fear towards her, “But I trust you.” Eve felt warm. David was friendly for once in the past months. Maybe being away from everything was leaving him less stressed, or he was so tired. He didn’t care to suppress his emotions. “Plus, if we die in a fiery explosion on the highway, we don’t have to worry about assassins anymore.” Never mind.

“Guess you’re right,” Eve switched from park into drive. Waiting for cars to pass for an opening when she can get back onto the road.

“If you turn on your blinker, cars will be more convinced to get in the other lane.”

“These are Californian drivers; they would rather die than let anyone merge,” Eve found an opening. Jumping into the lane and continuing the trip on the highway. David reclined his seat, throwing his hands to the back of his head. Taking in a deep breath of fresh air. Eyes growing heavier. Eve bore a glance at him. She smiled heavily. Glimpses of the old David still show to her now and then; she hoped she would see him return to whole once again.

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Gabriel stood at security in the airport. Allison stood beside him. Richard, Ethan, Chris, and Jasmine stood behind them, patting themselves down to ensure a weapon didn’t actually slip. Having all thrown their swords in checked bags. “No one has anything, right?” Gabriel asked. Everyone remained silent, looking at each other. “I’ll take that as a no then.” It had been weird for him to be in charge of everyone.

Chris raised his hand. “I have a knife.” He admitted.

“Of course, you do,” Richard said, grabbing the knife from his hand and taking it to the nearest trashcan in the corner.

“Hey, that was worth two hundred dollars!” Chris chased after him.

“Chris, we told you to put all your knives in checked bags.” Allison rubbed the sides of her nose’s bridge.

“But this one is my favorite,” Chris said, snatching it back from Richard’s grasp. “I’ll just persuade the TSA.”

“I’m not associated with you.” Allison took Gabe’s hand as they charged into the security checkpoint. Jasmine followed behind them. Chris put the knife in his pocket.

“You know you’re not good with mind-dominant abilities. You’re just a human taser.” Richard told him.

“Strong enough taser to blow this entire airport,” Chris said.

“You can’t just say that here, man.” Ethan told him, “Dude, just give it to me. I’ll get it past them.” Chris handed it to him.

“Thanks, buddy.” Chris said, “This still doesn’t mean you get the window seat.” Ethan immediately handed Chris the knife and walked away. “Dammit.” Chris put it in his back pocket.

Gabriel walked through the x-ray machine right behind Allison without any issues. Gabriel looked to the left and saw one of the security agents smiling at the monitor. “What in the hell are you laughing at?” Allison swiftly grabbed his arm and pulled him the conveyer belt to grab their things. “Why’d you do that?”

“I can’t believe David put you in charge,” Allison shook her head. “I swear if I have to babysit you this entire time.”

“They were being disrespectful.”

“Who cares? Stop worrying about what other people think about you.”

“Their thoughts were about you,” Gabe said to her.

Allison looked up at the security agents. “Hold this.” She handed Gabriel her backpack. Walking over to the gate.

“Ma’am, please go back over there. You can’t be over here.” The man looked at her briefly before returning his eyes to the monitor.

“I know what you’re doing back there.” She pointed at him. “I just wanna let you know it is purely disrespectful. I hope you’re prepared to answer to God for everything you’re doing.”

“Ma’am, I do not want to have you removed from the airport.”

Gabriel grabbed her from behind and walked back to the common area. “Why did you do that?”

“If I have to babysit you the entire time, this is not going to be a fun trip.” Gabriel reversed her words back on her.

“Touche.”

Chris watched the interaction from afar, smiling. He planned to get back at the agent for Allison. Placing his items on the conveyer belt, Chris swallowed the spit. Walking into the scanner, putting his feet in the yellow footprint outlines. The scanner began to move around him. Flicking his wrist. Sending an electric shock through the system and into the monitor, enough to zap the man slightly. Hitting his spine, shocking his nerves just enough for the man to release his bowels into his black steam-pressed pants. The man nodded at the other agent before springing from his chair and sprinting into the back room. Chris walked through the machine, spreading his arms and legs to be scanned by an agent with a hand metal detector. Bleeping at his back pocket.

“Sir, can you remove what’s in your back pocket.” She commanded. Chris began to sweat slightly.

“Uhm…” He let out.

“He wears metal-lined panties,” Ethan said, flicking his wrist around.

“Metal-lined panties?” The lady asked, confused but persuaded by Ethan’s mind dominance. “You can carry on with your day, sir.” She said as Chris sighed in relief.

“Thank you,” Chris told Ethan.

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

“Of course, can’t wait for that window seat.” Ethan grinned, grabbing the rest of his things.

“Are we done?” Gabriel asked everyone once they got through.

“We’re off to a great start,” Jasmine sneered. “I can’t wait to get there so I can start doing all the work.”

“It’s not going to be like that,” Gabriel said, “Allison will be there to help you.” He laughed before heading to their gate.

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David opened his eyes. It was now night. Having the first restful sleep he had in a year. Turning to his left, Eve was sitting back on her phone. “Good morning, sleepy,” Eve brought her eyes up from her phone, taking a quick glance at his raggedy hair. “Sleep well?”

“I think so,” David’s voice hoarse. “How long was I out?”

“Long enough for me to get to the border of Oregon. Thought it would be good to relax for a while.” Eve put her phone down into the cupholder in the center console.

“I think I’m good to drive now,” David stood up, stretching his arms. Bellowing a groan from his chest. Feeling sore from his constant fighting the past week.

“We could just relax. Enjoy the view, y’know?” Eve pointed out the windshield, David followed her finger. Looking out, he could see the hill running down in front of them and into the beach below. The view captivated him. Luna’s light bounced off of the waves crashing onto the sand of the beach. They sat in silence for a while; the smell of wet salt filled the van. Ever since the night of the battle, David had longed for the beach. Wishing he had stayed, only then would David finally be at peace. Turning his head, to stare at the reflection of Eve in the side view mirror. He changed his mind.

“Let’s go for a walk,” David unbuckled his seat belt. Giving Eve no time to speak, climbing from his seat into the back of the van. Grabbing his hoodie from the ground, sliding it over his body.

“That’s the best idea you’ve had in a while,” She opened her door. Once David had finished dressing, he jumped out of the stationary vehicle. Parked on a small rest stop of dirt and rocks. His shoes crunching the small stones beneath his feet with every step. Eve stood at the front of the van; her eyes saw more than David. The waves gave off a bright neon blue. The trees were a mixture of all the colors of the spirits except for red. There was nothing but serenity here, unlike the Sanctuary. Its walls still held scars of pain in the floor and walls of brick. David stood by her side.

“What do you see?” David asked her.

“This place has not seen a day of pain. Unless it had all been washed away.”

“I wish I could see it.”

“Me too,” Eve empathetically said, knowing the jealousy in his voice. “Come on.” She ambles, treading the rocks towards the sand below. David followed reluctantly by her side. Coming to a closed gate. Eve began to read the sign posted next to it. “No trespassing. Beach closed from 8:30 PM to 6 AM.” David continued anyways, climbing over the gate. “David? Breaking the rules?” She gasped.

“What are you, the fun police?” David smiled, “My taxes pay for this beach; I can do what I want.”

“David, we don’t pay taxes.”

“Are we going to argue over the concept of taxes, or are you coming with me?” David asked. Eve smiled from her cheeks. Following his lead. Raising one leg onto one bar; sitting on the next. David stepped off the other side. Raised his hand to her. Eve hesitated.

“I’m a big girl,” Eve said promptly before stepping down to the floor below. Stumbling, David grabbed her sleeve.

“Yeah, big girl, alright.” David laughed as she caught herself with his help.

“Shut up,” Eve retaliated, “Now let go of me so we can enjoy our walk.”

“I’m already enjoying it,” David smiled before letting go of Eve’s sleeve. She crossed her arms, walking down the trail to the sands.

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The airplane was crowded. Filled with people from the front to the back. Guessing everyone had decided to go on vacation at the same time. Gabriel was just happy he could be seated next to Allison and Richard. Chris, Ethan, and Jasmine were sitting behind them. He would’ve been glad that screaming kids weren’t sitting behind him if they hadn’t acted as kids themselves. Gabriel took his hand to his temples, rubbing them with his index and thumb.

“You alright?” Allison asked him.

“So many people on this plane, and they all thinking about useless nonsense,” Gabriel said.

“Just shut it off,” Allison asked.

“But I’m so bored sitting here. I just want to land already so we can go touring.”

“You mean, working?”

“Yeah, sure.”

“Want me to read to you?” Allison asked, pulling out a book on the fall of the Roman empire.

“Ah yes, the Romans,” Gabriel looked at the book. “A bunch of people who got too comfortable with life to realize they were falling apart.”

“Alright, no reading,” Allison put the book away back into her satchel.

“Sorry, I just have a lot on my mind,” Gabriel sighed.

“I was beginning to wonder if anything happens up there,” Allison joked.

“I know right,” Gabriel chuckled, “It’s just Eve.”

Allison sighed, having had this conversation countless times. “She’s fine.”

“What if-“

“It’s not going to happen; David made the right choice. She’s become our friend. She is what David needs in his life.”

“She’s too loose and fun; David needs stable.”

“David is stable. What he needs is someone to bring him out of his comfort zone. Eve needs stable her life hasn’t been the greatest. Kinda like how you’re dumb, and I’m smart. Opposites attract.”

“If you’re the smart one, then what is David’s real name?” Gabriel sneered.

“What kind of question is that? It’s David Locklear,” A look of confusion draped her face. Gabriel just smiled. “Wait, what?”

“I think they’re finally about to serve food,” Gabriel said.

“Gabe, don’t make me hit you,” Allison smacked him with the back of her hand against his chest.

“That was redundant,” Gabriel covered himself from her volley.

“Are you telling me his name is not really David?” Allison’s voice filled with panic. “I’m so tired of all this secrecy. First everything with Eve and now David?”

“What do you think they’re doing right now? Probably just Eve doing something dumb and careless, while David is trying to keep her from doing something to hurt herself.”

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The foam of the water glided atop the sands. Washing away past footprints David and Eve had left behind. Eve walked at his side, taking a few glances between him and the moon’s light reflecting the dark blue ocean. “Something is bothering you,” David broke the long silence.

“Why are there people trying to kill me?” Eve asked, her voice low. “Is it the same reason the council wanted you to?” David remained silent, not sure how to answer the question without revealing the truth.

“I don’t know how to answer that,” David said. He couldn’t lie to her. However, being sworn to secrecy didn’t help. His loyalty and integrity battled within him. “I don’t believe you understand just how powerful you are.”

“You tell me multiple times,” Eve reflected on the many nights they have spent together on watch. As well as when Gabriel had seen the same vision she had.

“The council wanted me to kill you because of how powerful you were. Not being a part of the Order made you an outlying danger. Me being able to recruit you and train you convinced them to drop the charge.”

“I bet that didn’t make you very comfortable. Anything I would do would make you liable.”

“If I’m honest, no, it didn’t make me comfortable.”

“Then why did you do it?” Eve asked.

“It wasn’t right. If Liam was right about anything, it was they trained us to be assassins, but we aren’t. We choose our own paths. I choose to protect and help the helpless.”

“So you’re calling me helpless?” She dropped to a scowl.

“Maybe that wasn’t the right word for it,” David smiled.

“I’m teasing. I was a wreck before I met you.”

“I’m glad we agree,” David chuckled before she slugged him in the shoulder. Eve giggled, “I don’t think I deserved that.” He rubbed his shoulder, relieving the pain.

“You’ve been through worse.” Eve rubbed his shoulder as well. Grazing his hand. “And the Brotherhood? They want me dead because the Order has me?”

“Yeah,” David said under his breath. Stopping in his tracks to stare at the water. Silence overcame him, clenching his fist. Eve took his side, watching the waves with him. “I hate it,” the ground beneath David’s fist shifted. Eve could see his green energy jumping to a sporadic fire. The sand broke into a slight tremor.

Eve broke his fist with her hand, sliding her fingers between his. “Hey!” She said. “Relax, it’s okay.”

“It’s not okay.” David released himself from her hand, throwing his arms back in a dramatic fashion. “You should hear how they speak about in meetings. They talk about you as if you’re some type of trophy, a weapon!”

“Let them speak about me however they wish!” Eve countered, “I couldn’t give a shit how they speak about me. Living with the parents I’ve grown up with taught me how to not care what people think or speak of me.” Eve’s hands clenched in a fist as well. She brought her hand up to David’s chest, poking at his heart. “But you know what? The only f’ing words I care about are yours, the Watchers. I have not once been spoken to as an equal or a friend by you. Gabriel speaks to me as if I’m beneath him. You are leagues above every single one of the Watchers. And you speak to me with grace, passion, like a damned king who treats everyone with kindness. Hell, I want to be you.”

“Don’t call me a king,” David said to her. “I struggle just as much as you, just as much as anyone else.”

“You have struggled more than anyone I have ever known,” Eve said, stepping away from him. “I see it, don’t think you can’t hide it from me.”

“What am I supposed to do? Show you everything that aggravates me? Everything that tears me apart inside?” David yelled.

“Yes,” Eve argued.

“There are too many people counting on me, counting on me to fulfill some type of destiny that I don’t even believe I am capable of. Every single damned person on this Earth is counting on me. I don’t have time to be worrying about things that hurt me.”

“I don’t count on you, David,” Eve said, lowering her tone. “I love you.”

David stopped looking past her, looking at the stars in the distance. “Then I am so terribly sorry for you. I can’t be that for you.”

“You think I want to go on dates with you? Like a stupid teenager? Have a white picket fence and raise kids with you? That’s not the life that was chosen for us. I want to be by your side every step of the way, every step of the way.”

“Don’t put your dreams for the future to the side just for me,” David commanded her.

“Don’t give me that tone, don’t tell me what to do with my life. My dreams for my future are standing right in front of me,” Eve sneered. “I choose you. We were born on the same day for a reason. Whatever your destiny is. It’s mine too.” Eve began to realize, the colors of his spirit did not change color. He wasn’t being controlled throughout the entire night. Everything he said was from his heart. David’s spirit.

David looked into her eyes. “I love you too.” Eve closed her eyes, lowering her head to him. “What?”

“You are an absolute idiot if you don’t think I didn’t know that,” Eve’s eyes began to well with tears of joy.

“How?”

“You’re kidding me, right?” Eve chuckled, “You have done everything to make me the better person I am today. Let alone died for me.”

“If I admit, I wanted to die.”

“I know.” Eve walked over to him, both taking each other in their warm embrace. “I don’t know what is affecting you or why.” She slides her head under his neck. “I want to help.” David remained silent, closing his eyes. Pulling her tight underneath his arms.

Remaining quiet, enjoying the moment within each other. Time escaped them. “David.”

“Yes?” He asked, unsure what more she had to say.

“I know this is strange to ask right now. The question just came into my head,” Eve laughed, embarrassed, not wanting to ruin the moment. “Where did this power come from?”

“You were born, and the spirits took an interest in you. They decided to join with your spirit.” David said. “Something like that.”

“Not that, like where do they originate?”

“Ah,” David said, “There are many theories on it. No one knows for sure.”

“I see.” Eve craved more than just that. “You’re telling me when the angels took over you. They didn’t give you a lick of knowledge?”

“That’s forbidden,” David said.

“So you’re not going to tell your own girlfriend the answer?” Eve teased. David let go of her, stepping back. “I’m only messing with you. Code and honor forbid it.” Eve laughed.

“Sit down.” David laughed, “I’ll tell you.”

“You’re going to break your oath with the Order to tell me? First, you tell me you love me. Oh my God, I must be dreaming.” She sat down in the sand as he joined her. He wrapped his arms around his legs.

“You can’t tell anyone,” David commanded.

“My lips are sealed.”

He took a deep breath. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the Earth.”

“I read that part.”

“Are you going to let me speak?”

“Sorry,” Eve zipped her lips with her hands.

“In the Garden of Eden. Once Adam and Eve ate the apple. Sin descended upon the Earth. To battle with sin, angels came down to battle with it, to protect humanity. There were few angels who didn’t understand the purpose, seeing themselves better than God’s command. Humanity was weak, and they couldn’t wrap their heads around why they would die fighting for them.” David took in another deep breath, remembering his own terrifying battle with a creature of sin. “The angels began taking into lust with humanity, spawning the Nephilim. Taking lordship of the Earth.”

“So, we are spawns of Angels.”

“Not quite.” David answered, “God saw this, sending a flood to destroy the Nephilim. Giving the Earth a fresh start. The creatures of sin cowered beneath the Earth. The Nephilim were all killed. In a spite of Vengeance, God’s head angel, Lucifer retaliated against Heaven. He and the Archangel battled in a civil war. Lucifer taking the power of light, the gift of dragons. Michael stood no chance. God gifted Michael the sword of Excalibur to destroy the fallen angels. God stripped the Fallen angels of their power, casting them into hell. God stored all the power into crystals to remain dormant.” Eve looked down at her crystal necklace. Things were beginning to make sense to Eve. She felt more potent when she wore it.

“And the crystals give us that power from the angels?”

“Yes, but the crystals remained dead for a time. It wasn’t until Jesus came to the Earth, dying on the cross for humanity. The release of his grace and strength awoke the crystals. The spirits were set free. I’m not sure if that was intended.” Eve, still unsure to believe or not. Though David spoke as if he knew every part of the story without hesitation.

“I think I understand,” Eve said with a lack of belief within her voice.

“You still don’t believe, do you?” David asked her.

“What if whatever brought you back just told you to believe that?” Eve asked.

“Then whatever possessed me is the same thing that possessed Kings Arthur, David, and Alexander, even Charlamagne.”

It finally occurred to Eve, “David… King David? Wait a minute. David, what is your destiny?”

David looked down at the sand, “I don’t know, I hear destiny this, destiny that. I just want to be free to forge my own.”

“I know,” Eve told him. She chose not to question him further. “Whatever happens, I just want you to know. I am glad I get to experience it with you.”