The Myth and The Guardian Book II: Christopher

Aaron and Archie appeared at the Wilson residence in the blink of an eye, and the portal closed behind them instantly. Archie could tell that Aaron was still a bit shaken up from his last encounter with Christopher, but he was trying to act braver than he was at the moment. The two of them had spent about a week in the chamber which was only about three days in normal time. The first day was the only one that Austin had a chance to train, and the other two were spent healing Aaron from Christopher’s brutal assault. The fact that it took so long to heal Aaron in the chamber made Archie more nervous than he was used to being, but he attempted to remain calm for everyone’s benefit. He had no idea how he was going to keep this calmness while telling Joel what had happened to Austin in the chamber. In fact, he had honestly considered not mentioning the medallions being in Christopher’s possession for the time being. Everything seemed pointless with the medallions missing and Christopher being in control of Austin. It was taking all of Archie’s focus to save what little hope he had left.

Archie kept replaying the moment before Christopher left inside of his mind, and there was something very strange about the scene. Upon receiving the third medallion, The Blood Stone, there was a moment that confused Archie. Christopher did not have a look of victory on his face before jumping into the portal and vanishing. Archie remembered the look in his eyes, and the way Christopher looked at the stone reminded him of Austin. Despite knowing the evil nature that flowed through Christopher, Archie could swear that he saw a bit of relief in the boy’s eyes. This was odd because the current situation gave Christopher no reason to need any relief, but Archie knew the look as well as he knew Austin. Christopher had secretly been worried about something, but he could not figure out the source of the worry. Given the boy’s psychotic way of thinking, Archie had no choice but to be frightened by the mystery.

The day was cool and bright, and the wind was blowing ever so slightly with each passing few minutes. The two of them approached the house, and Aaron rang the doorbell immediately. A few moments later, Amy, Joel’s daughter, answered the door wearing shorts and a tank top.

“Hello, who are you?” She asked casually.

“Wow.” Aaron managed to say as he stared at her. “I have no idea anymore.” He added with his eyes fixed on her.

“What my obvious young friend meant to say is: “We are here to see your father.” Archie said softly.

“Oh, well he’s upstairs and should be down in a moment.” Amy replied politely. “There’s no rush, young lady.” Archie replied.

“Oh, well please come in Mr…?” Amy responded slowly.

“My apologies for our lack of manners, you may call me Archie. This strapping young man here is Aaron.” Archie replied kindly.

“Okay, well I am Amy.” She responded while moving aside and motioning for them to enter.

Archie walked past her and gave her a polite nod.

“Are you coming inside as well or will you be standing outside all night?” Amy said with a smile to Aaron.

“Hello, I’m Aaron.” He blurted out a bit too loudly.

“Yes, I am aware. Would you like to come inside, Aaron?” Amy giggled.

“Nice to meet you too, Amy.” He said in a bit of trance as he slowly walked into the house.

She closed the door and stared at him oddly for a moment with a smile on her face the whole time.

Amy walked into the kitchen to join the rest of the family, and Aaron watched her walk away.

“Aaron, will you stop being so obvious?” Archie asked trying to hide a grin. Aaron was still in a bit of a trance and did not respond to a word Archie was saying. “Aaron!” Archie boomed directly into the boy’s ear to get his attention.

“What?” Aaron responded with a surprised look on his face.

“Snap out of it.” Archie commanded.

“What are you talking about?” Aaron replied trying to play innocent.

“You know very well what I mean. Now is most certainly not the time for your hormones to get the better of you.” Archie said quietly.

“But she’s so pretty.” Aaron said in what he knew was a loud voice that she could hear.

An eruption of giggles came from inside the kitchen, and Aaron gave Archie as boyish smile. Angela, Joel’s wife, entered the living room and insisted they come into the kitchen for a soda while they waited for Joel.

“I’ll go let him know he has visitors.” She said kindly.

“Thank you, Mrs. Wilson.” Aaron replied before Archie could respond.

She gave them both a smile and quickly walked up the stairs to retrieve her husband. Aaron and Archie entered the kitchen to join Amy and Joseph. Aaron quickly took the seat next to Amy, and Archie sat beside Joseph.

“My name is Archie, and this is Aaron.” Archie introduced himself to Joseph. “Nice to meet you guys. I’m Joseph.” Joseph said casually. “

Would you gentleman care for a beverage? We have soda and juice, I think.” Amy said softly.

“If it’s not too much trouble, I would very much like something to drink.” Archie replied politely.

Amy went to the refrigerator and opened the door to look inside.

“We have Coke and Mountain Dew.” Amy spoke loudly.

“Coke will do fine.” Archie replied. Amy nodded at the man and then turned to Aaron who had been staring at her the entire time.

“And which would you prefer?” She asked trying to hide a smile.

“I have no idea.” Aaron spoke in the softest tone Archie had ever heard him use. “Amy loves Mountain Dew”. Joseph said with a grin on his face as he watched Aaron hopelessly drool over his sister.

“Mountain Dew! I would like a Mountain Dew, please! I love Mountain Dew.” Aaron blurted out.

Everyone chuckled at Aaron’s behavior and Amy handed the two of them their drinks.

Aaron noticed the black eye on Joseph’s face as he opened his soda.

“What happened to your eye? Fight?” Aaron asked curiously.

“Yeah, this guy had it coming.” Joseph said with a serious look in his eyes.

“What did he do?” Aaron asked immediately.

“Well, he wouldn’t leave Amy alone. I was raised to be very protective of my little sister.” Joseph replied coldly.

“Oh, really? Yeah, I understand that, man.” Aaron replied nervously.

“I’m just joking. I took an elbow to the eye while playing basketball the other day.” Joseph said with a weak laugh.

“Oh, that’s better than fighting.” Aaron responded.

“So, Aaron do you go to school around here?” Amy asked sweetly.

“Yes.” Aaron lied instantly.

“Aaron.” Archie said quickly.

“I mean, No. I don’t go to school around here.” Aaron corrected.

“Amy, do you believe in magic?” Aaron asked finally able to talk to her without shouting.

“Not really, why do you ask?” Amy responded smoothly.

“Well, I can do magic. I can read people’s minds.” Aaron said in a cool tone.

“Is that so? Like guessing what number someone is thinking?” Amy asked. “Yeah, I can do that if they want. Would you like me to demonstrate?” Aaron replied. “

I would like to see that.” Amy said with a giggle.

“Okay, give me your hand and think of a number between one and a hundred.” Aaron instructed.

Amy grabbed his hand softly and held it, while Joseph and Archie watched.

“Well, what number am I thinking of right now?” Amy asked. Aaron pretended to concentrate for a moment and stared at her smiling face.

“Well, I guess I can’t hear what number you are thinking, but I really can read thoughts.” Aaron said with a grin.

“Okay, so what am I thinking?” she replied.

Aaron bit his bottom lip before a large smile appeared on his face.

“I don’t know, but what I’m thinking is: Phase one. Complete.” Aaron said with a giggle.

“What? What are you talking about?” Amy asked in a confused tone.

Aaron rubbed the top of her hand with his thumb and then held her hand up.

“I just wanted to hold your hand.” He said with a charming smile.

Amy pulled her hand away and gently smacked his shoulder. Joseph and Archie laughed softly at the boy’s plan.

“That was pretty good, Aaron. I think I will have to use it.” Joseph said through his chuckle.

“Yeah, it’s the easiest way to tell if a girl thinks you’re cute.” Aaron replied. “Hey, I never said I thought you were cute.” Amy said immediately.

“You didn’t have to say it. You showed it.” Aaron replied in a seductive voice. “Then what makes you so sure I think you’re cute?” Amy asked curiously.

“The fact that you fell for the trick in the first place.” Aaron responded softly while staring into her eyes.

“Okay, you’re good.” Amy admitted through a nervous laugh.

“Archie, what are you doing here, and who is this young man trying to seduce my only daughter?” Joel asked as he entered the kitchen.

Archie and Aaron stood from their seats and walked over to Joel.

“We need to speak in private.” Archie whispered.

“It’s okay. You can share information with my family. They already know about Austin and Christopher.” Joel said sharply.

“My name’s Aaron by the way.” Aaron said as he extended his hand to be shaken. “Joel Wilson.” Joel introduced him as he shook Aaron’s hand.

The entire family, along with Archie and Aaron, walked into the living room and took seats. Aaron followed Amy over to the loveseat and immediately sat beside her. Joel, Angela, and Joseph sat on the couch, and Archie sat in a comfortable looking chair. The Wilson family gave their full attention to Archie as he prepared himself to deliver the news. Archie took a deep breath and cleared his throat as he prepared to speak.

“I hate to have to inform you all about such horrible events, but I would be remiss if I did not prepare you all for what lies ahead.” Archie began.

The family looked around at one another to determine if anyone had the slightest idea about the event Archie was referring to, but none appeared to know anything.

“What I have to tell you concerns Austin. He…” Archie paused as Joel began to speak.

“Oh, he’s across the street visiting Alex. Should I call over there and ask him to come home?” Joel interrupted.

Aaron and Archie both stood immediately from their seats which made everyone aware of their panic.

“What? He’s here?” Aaron asked nervously.

“Yes, he returned a few days ago and told me everything was fine.” Joel responded with confusion in his voice.

Archie headed for the door as soon as Joel finished his sentence, and Aaron quickly followed.

“Wait, what is going on?” Angela asked with fear in her voice.

“What’s wrong with Austin?” Joseph asked firmly.

Archie was already out the door and walking towards the house.

“Will someone please explain what is going on here?” Amy blurted out of frustration and confusion.

Aaron turned around to reveal a frightened and serious look on his face.

“The person who showed up here a few days ago is not Austin. It’s Christopher.” Aaron yelled as he ran out of the door to catch up with Archie.

“Oh my god.” Angela said as she began to panic.

“Angie, take the kids and leave again. I will call you when it’s safe again.” Joel said as he quickly walked into his study.

Joel entered the room and retrieved a small handgun from the locked bottom drawer of his desk. He grabbed the clip beside the gun, loaded the weapon, and placed it inside of his pants pocket. As he exited the room, he saw his family standing in the living room.

“Angie, there is no time to waste. You and the kids have to get somewhere safe.” Joel said trying to keep his voice from breaking.

“Joel, we agreed after we left the first time that we would not be forced out of our home again. If this Christopher person wanted to hurt us, he has had plenty of chances to do so.” Angie said firmly.

“Angela, please. I do not have time to argue about this, okay? Take my kids and keep them safe!” Joel yelled angrily.

“No! We are not running, Joel. You need to stop pretending that you are in this alone. Family means something to us too!” Angela screamed in a matter of fact voice. Joel looked at his wife, who had never spoken to him in such a way, and he looked at the look on Amy and Joseph’s face. They were all afraid, but they were determined to stand behind their decision.

“Please, all of you have to go. I cannot do this with all of you here. I don’t want you to be around if I have to..” Joel replied in a weak voice.

“If you have to do what, Joel?” Angela asked as she stared into the eyes of her husband.

Joel pulled the gun from his pocket and saw the horrific look on their faces.

“Dad, what are you doing?” Amy asked.

“Before Austin left, he, umm… He asked me to do something important if he was in this exact situation.” Joel said as tears filled up in his eyes.

“He told me that if he ended up like this, if he lost control, then I would have to….” Joel added before letting his sentence fade.

“Joel, no. You can’t. Austin is still in there.” Angela sobbed.

“Daddy, if you do this, it is going to destroy you inside.” Amy added with sorrow in her voice.

“Don’t you understand? I gave him my word. That boy, that special, special little boy came to me and asked me to make sure he could not hurt anyone. I promised him.” Joel sobbed softly. “That’s why I don’t want any of you here right now. To see me kill another living person, to see me kill Austin, to watch him…die is not what I want for any of you.” He added failing to control his emotion.

Angela rushed into his arms and hugged him tightly.

“If you have to do this, then we will be here afterwards for you. We will deal with this as a family, Joel. To go through this by yourself is something we would never want for you.” Angela said while crying and squeezing him harder.

Amy ran to hug him as well, and nodded her agreement with her mother’s statement.

“I love you. I love you all so much.” Joel cried.

He held them for a moment longer before walking towards the door. Joseph was standing there staring at his father with sorrow for what the man had to do. The two of them looked at each other for a second, and Joel hugged his only son firmly.

“Joseph, your grandfather’s old hunting rifle is in the top of my closet. If something happens to me…” He tried to say before his son broke down.

“No! Dad, you can’t think like that. You will be home soon. Say it! Dad, say it! Say that you will be home soon.” Joseph said as he cried into his father’s chest.

“Keep them safe, Joseph.” He said as he kissed Joseph on his forehead.

He looked at his family one last time before walking out of the door to join Aaron and Archie. He walked quickly across the street to the house and could hear the battle going on inside. His heart began to race as he got closer to the door and prepared to enter the home turned battle site. He took a moment to gather himself with a few deep breaths and closed his eyes for a second.

“I’ll be home soon, I promise.” He whispered softly to himself before he rushed into the house ready to keep his promises.

As he entered the house, he immediately saw Alex curled in a ball near the corner. Aaron was fighting with one darkened and obviously injured hand, but Archie appeared to be unharmed for the time being. Christopher was fighting and laughing with ease against Aaron and Archie, and he looked as if he had not been touched. Joel could feel the fear creep up from his stomach as he saw the flashes of bright and dark patterns dancing across the room. It was unlike anything he had ever seen. They were actually fighting by manipulating energy of some kind, and at that point, he realized how little he could actually contribute. Archie was deftly swinging a large sword made from the bright energy, and Aaron had two smaller ones in his hands. They were swinging, thrusting, and slicing away, but nothing they tried seemed to faze Christopher. In fact, Christopher had not formed any type of weapon at all, and he was still winning. He was using his hands and arms to block the blows from the swords, and the slightest touch from the dark smoke like material surrounding his hands would send Archie or Aaron flying across the room every single time. He was playing with them, in Joel’s opinion as he watched them fight. He did not fully understand what he was witnessing, but he could tell by the facial expressions that Christopher was not even trying to fight.

Joel rushed to the corner, placed the gun on the floor, and helped Alex to her feet, and he noticed that she looked more confused than afraid.

“Alex, you have to leave this place right now. Run for the door and go to my house. You have to go now while they have him distracted.” Joel exclaimed.

Alex gave him a look that expressed she was hardly paying attention, but she followed the instructions. As soon as the door opened and Alex was gone, Christopher noticed Joel and realized what he had just done. Joel saw the eyes staring back at him, but he was certain that they did not belong to Austin. He would have to remember this if he was to kill the boy who possessed Austin’s body.

Christopher stared at Joel for another few seconds before he gave him a condescending smile and returned his attention to Archie and Aaron. Aaron was within striking distance by the time Christopher regained his focus. He swung the sword in his right hand with all of his might and felt excitement at the weapon made contact. The excitement turned to horror when he noticed that it was not Christopher’s face that received the blow, but it was his hand that absorbed the impact. Christopher took the sword from Aaron, and it immediately vanished once taken from Aaron’s grasp. He touched Aaron’s wrist the way he had done in the chamber, and Aaron felt panic as he realized what was about to happen again. He prepared himself for the pain as he saw the black mist flow from Christopher’s hand, but instead of pain, Aaron felt absolutely nothing this time. All of his senses acted as if they were placed on pause. He could not move, say, see, or feel anything at all. Aaron was certain that the darkness was the last thing he would ever experience, but nothing happened. He was just frozen there like a hopeless and helpless statue.

Suddenly, calming warmth spread throughout Aaron’s body, and he was immediately freed from the technique Christopher had used on him. His knees wobbled as he was released, and he nearly fell to the floor from weakness.

“Heal yourself quickly. Use everything you have left to heal.” Aaron heard Archie say in a tone that showed the seriousness of the instructions. Aaron knew better than to hesitate when Archie gave a command in battle. He took a deep breath, as Archie kept him from falling, and focused every ounce of energy he had left on healing himself. He could feel the light start to build up inside of him, and his energy began healing the inside of his body. It took nearly all of his strength just to heal the inside of his body. This confused Aaron for a moment, but he quickly understood as he regained his vision and saw his own body. His arms were a mixture of black, purple, and red with spots of decay in random areas. They had lost most of their girth and were now just two skeleton arms covered by rotted skin. The veins were clearly visible through what little skin he had left on his forearms. He stared at his boney hands that matched the rotted description of his arms. His clothes were nearly hanging off of the little amount of body he had left. He looked and felt like a corpse. He placed one hand on his side and could only feel his ribs. His belly did not exist anymore, and his pants had fallen down around his poor excuse for ankles. In fact, he would be completely nude if the bones that used to be his shoulders were not keeping his shirt on him. The shirt had fit perfectly before the battle, but was now the equivalent of a dress. Aaron had all but wasted away by a single touch from Christopher.

Aaron lost awareness of his surroundings as the horror of what nearly happened to him turned inside his mind. He was so petrified that he did not notice Archie had carried him to a different room for Joel to look after him.

“Keep him safe for me.” Archie spoke clearly. Joel was speechless, but he nodded his understanding of what Archie had told him.

“Is it that bad?” Aaron weakly asked as he studied the shocked expression on the man’s face.

“It can’t be. It can’t be possible.” Joel said to himself as he stared at Archie through the large hole in the wall.

“Will I be able to heal from this?” Aaron asked thinking Joel was Archie.

“I think you will be just fine, Aaron. I believe we will all be just fine.” Joel said still unable to turn away from Archie. “He has wings. He actually has wings.” He stammered aloud to himself.

“Well of course he does. We all have wings, Archie. We wouldn’t be proper angels without them, remember?” Aaron said softly before he lost consciousness. “Angels.” Joel repeated the word to himself.

His skin chilled from the shock of what he was witnessing, but he knew that it was actually happening as he stared at Archie with complete fascination.

Archie’s appearance was nothing short of miraculous from top to bottom. His attire had become some type of armor that appeared to be made from silver and gold. His eyes were now two balls of burning brightness that seemed to have no end. He did not look like the man Joel was used to seeing. He appeared to be a little taller and more muscular with an intensity that was only matched by his eyes. It was clear to Joel that a transformation had taken place, and Archie was now more frightening than Christopher by appearance alone. Even his sword had become something more as Joel soon noticed as he continued to glare. The large weapon he had once held was now increased in size and covered in flames that wrapped around the blade.

“That must be how he knocked Christopher away from Aaron.” Joel thought as he admired the flaming sword.

It was a weapon fit for a warrior that knew no hesitation or defeat, and Archie was now that warrior.

“I was wondering when you would finally show yourself, Michael.” Christopher hissed as he stood from a pile of busted wood and rock.

He could not hide his surprise as he felt the wound on his face partially heal. The strike from the sword left a scar on the side of his left cheek that was incapable of being healed. “So this is what pain feels like?” Christopher said as he touched the scar. “It hurts, but I’m sure it’s nothing compared to what your little friend will experience from what I’ve done.” He added with a smirk.

Archie responded to the remark by focusing on the sword which caused the flame to grow larger and hotter. As this happened, Joel noticed a thinness in the air and had to struggle to get a breath. Archie heard him gasp and looked at him through the giant hole in the wall with a look that let him know to leave immediately. Christopher took the distraction as an invitation to strike. He rushed towards Archie, as quickly as he could, hoping to strike him with his fist covered in the black mist that had nearly killed Aaron. Archie swung the sword with more speed than Christopher anticipated and nearly struck him in the head again before Christopher dodged the attack. The blade was less than an inch away from his face when he changed his direction.

Archie kicked him in the stomach with enough force to send him flying back across the room. He did this without taking his eyes off of Joel who was still frozen in the same spot. Joel understood that this was his chance to grab Aaron and leave. He picked Aaron’s unconscious body up with ease as Archie threw a ball of white energy towards the door. The light quickly expanded and covered the doorway and formed a portal. Joel looked back at Archie to receive confirmation about walking through the bright light. Archie nodded slowly, and Joel took a deep breath for courage and continued forward. As he stepped through the portal, he felt a rush of cold fill his body. He walked faster through the portal until he the cold was gone, and he emerged to find himself outside of the house he had just left. The portal quickly closed and vanished before Joel had time to process that Aaron’s body was no longer in his arms. The light had taken Aaron somewhere, and Joel finally lowered his arms once he realized this. He took one look back at the house and quickly returned to his own home to be with his family.

“What is happening? How is he able to harm me?!’ Christopher screamed as he stood up from the floor holding his stomach.

His eyes were burning red with anger which immediately gave him a burst of power. “I’ve never wanted to destroy anything until now.” Archie finally spoke.

His voice had not changed, but it sounded as if every word he said had an echo.

“You can’t kill me, Michael. You know the rules. All you can do is make me stronger. Stronger!” Christopher exclaimed as he enjoyed the power flowing through him from his own pain and anger.

“To destroy and to defeat are two different goals. You can be defeated, just as he was defeated.” Archie replied.

“What do you intend to do? Lock me away like you did him. I will never let that happen, Michael. My rage makes me stronger, but I will make no foolish errors.” Christopher spoke softly as he calmed himself.

“Rage cannot be contained. Sooner or later, it demands a life of its own.” Archie replied as the flame of his sword reduced.

“I’m not going to attack you again. I saw how quickly you created that portal. Was that your plan? You wanted me to be angry enough to strike so you can send me back to that Chamber of yours. This fight is over for now.” Christopher forced himself to say.

Archie took a deep breath and with a bright flash of light was soon back to normal. He took a few moments to think before he spoke.

“You’re already listening to him. I know you wanted to attack me again; you still do.” Archie replied smoothly.

“Yes. We are connected by this medallion.” Christopher said as he touched the sun medallion hanging from his neck.

“It’s a way to make sure I’m okay.” Christopher added.

“You mean a direct link between your thoughts. So, he can save you from yourself when needed.” Archie replied.

“That’s how you knew which way I would swing my sword and how you knew my plan to trap you.” Archie added.

“Yes. He makes sure I will succeed in my task. He breaks through to me and whispers things.” Christopher replied with a cold hiss.

Archie took a moment to stare at Christopher who was remaining calm, but his eyes were desperate for violence.

“Look at yourself, Christopher. You are so angry without the slightest curiosity as to why. You hate without reason and are filled with blind rage that will soon become more than you can handle. You are just like him.” Archie said with sympathy in his voice.

Christopher smiled to show how much he admired the comparison, and Archie developed even more sympathy for the boy.

“Why do you relish your similarities to him? Do you not understand what he is? Do you not fully realize who he is? He “is” a monster, Christopher.” Archie explained to the boy.

There was a sudden chill that claimed the air and a silence that demanded fear. The wind blew hard and seemed to carry bits of air from the room. The coldness reached a moment of complete control before the temperature increased to a level of heat that thinned what little oxygen remained in the room.

“Is that how you speak of family, Michael?” A voice whispered inside of Archie’s mind.

Archie shuddered at the sound and quickly looked around the room.

“Show yourself.” He said immediately.

There was a dark chuckle inside of his brain. He looked around until he noticed the dark corner to the left of him. There appeared to be some type of shadow moving in the darkness. Archie watched as the shadow morphed into the form of a man who looked identical to himself. The only difference was the scar on the left side of his face. Allen F. Lange walked out of the darkness and was standing before his brother.

“Do you really consider me a monster, dear brother?” Allen’s voice spoke softly in Archie’s head.

“Stop that!” Archie demanded as a shiver shot down his spine.

“Michael, it is so easy to get inside your mind. Are you sure you’re not human?” Allen asked finally speaking aloud.

“The scar on your face suggests that I’m not.” Archie replied proudly.

Allen pretended the remark did not anger him, but he could not hide it well.

“I’ve given Christopher a matching one.” Archie added softly.

“So, you can always identify us both now. It will not do you any good in the end.” Allen replied firmly.

Christopher walked slowly towards the two of them and finally stood still beside Allen.

“What do you want?” Archie asked flatly to his brother.

“Well, Mikey, I want what I’ve always wanted. For you and the rest of them, including “him” to admit I was right about these things that walk this planet. Plus, I do believe it’s time I went home.” Allen replied strongly.

“Well, Luci, I am afraid that neither of your demands will ever be a reality.” Archie countered.

“Do not call me that!” Allen boomed as fire surrounded him and quickly disappeared.

“Oh yes, I forget. You call yourself Allen these days. I find it ironic that you would choose a human name.” Archie said sharply.

“Any name is more tolerable than the one he gave me.” Allen replied coldly.

“He misses you. Did you know that?” Archie said sincerely.

“Enough! I’ve given you a message to deliver. Now, run along like a good little pet and make sure he gets it.” Allen exclaimed.

“She misses you too.” Archie said with brief hesitation.

Allen struck Archie in the face and knocked him to the ground immediately after the words left his mouth.

“Mention her again, and I promise to personally make sure that every child on this planet is dead within a week. Do you understand?” Allen said with more pain than anger in his eyes.

Archie slowly stood up from the floor and displayed a look of pity to his brother.

“Yes. I understand.” He finally replied.

“Now you have my demands. If they are not met soon, I swear that the last part of the prophecy will begin soon. The war will start, Michael, and I will not stop until every last one them belong to me.” Allen stated in a tone that Archie knew was serious. “I will watch them all burn.” He added just to watch Archie’s eyes fill with tears. “Brother, it does not have to be this way. They do not deserve this.” Archie pleaded.

“Like I did! Do you think I deserved my punishment? Do you have any idea what it was like to endure it? Do you know what happened to me when it was you of all people to do it?!” Allen screamed as spit slipped from his mouth and sizzled on his skin.

“Please! Just listen to me!” Archie screamed.

Fire appeared on Allen’s hand and he slid the hand quickly through the air which created a portal.

“Come along, Christopher. We are finished here.” Allen hissed before stepping into the portal and vanishing.

Christopher obeyed the order and quickly walked towards the portal after Allen. “Christopher, wait!” Archie begged.

Christopher stopped but did not turn to acknowledge the man.

“Does Austin know yet?” Archie asked in a small voice.

“Why would tell you anything?” Christopher asked harshly.

“Because I saw the ring on Alex’s finger. I know why you were here. You gave her the bloodstone. I know you love her too.” Archie replied softly.

Christopher turned around slowly and stared at Archie for a second.

“She means nothing to me, but she needs to be protected. She’s important for what has to happen.” Christopher said softly.

“I know you are telling a lie Christopher. That ring will keep her alive no matter what. I will make sure she doesn’t take it off. I promise.” Archie assured the boy. Christopher took a moment and turned slowly towards the portal again.

“No. Austin has no idea. The medallion blocks our minds from one another.” He replied before walking quickly through the portal.

Archie watched as the portal vanished, and he turned his thoughts to Aaron. He was nearly wiped from existence because of this battle, but Archie knew that Aaron would jump at the chance to fight alongside him again. He was brave and beyond loyal when it came to their relationship. Archie understood that Aaron thought of him like a father and would do anything asked of him. This truth was becoming a sickness in Archie’s mind, but the guilt was far more painful. He felt responsible for Aaron’s current condition, and he would not allow the feeling to pass. All he had to do was order Aaron to stay out of the battle, and Aaron would follow the command. He hoped that his constant including of Aaron did not reveal the truth about himself when it came to their current predicament.

“I am afraid, Aaron.” Archie whispered to himself with sorrow and shame in both his voice and eyes.

“What are you afraid of?” Aaron’s voice came from inside the room.

Archie turned quickly and saw his friend standing in front of him. He was having no difficulty standing, and his body was nearly completely healed.

“Aaron, how long have you been standing there?” Archie asked unable to hide his surprise.

“I just arrived about a minute ago. I teleported back here in case you needed my help.” Aaron answered proudly.

“Your body in completely healed, Aaron. How is this possible?” Archie asked afraid to know the answer.

“Well, you sent me to the chamber. You know the process doesn’t take long there.” Aaron said looking away from Archie.

“It would not work this quickly, Aaron. You and I both know how badly you were injured.” Archie spoke softly trying to prepare his mind for what he knew would come next.

Aaron paused for a moment and looked around the room.

“I only healed at the chamber until I could stand on my own. I then created a portal to The Healing Post.” Aaron confessed in a slow voice.

Archie expected the answer, but the truth hit him hard no matter his preparedness.

“Why would you do that?!” Archie yelled in a burst of fury.

“I told you. I thought you needed my help.” Aaron said in a small voice.

“That’s twice for you, Aaron. You know the ramifications, and I had already gotten you to safety!” Archie shouted

Aaron’s facial expression showed how ashamed he was to have Archie disappointed and angry with him. His head hung down and revealed how small Archie’s words made him feel.

“I was only trying to help.” Aaron finally responded in a tiny voice.

“I know you were, but you have to take yourself into consideration sometimes.” Archie replied in a more calm speaking voice.

“That would be selfish, Archie. I refuse to be selfish.” Aaron spoke boldly.

“I understand, Aaron. It creates an internal conflict when we put ourselves above others as humans often do, but you must remain rational. You have gotten yourself one step closer to being useless in this task. You would have healed at an acceptable rate inside the chamber, and there was no need to take such extreme measures.” Archie spoke in a comforting tone.

“Closer to being useless? Have you not seen what’s been happening? I have been nothing but useless since I joined you!” Aaron expressed passionately.

“You mustn’t think like that, my young friend. You have been more helpful to me than you realize. You are speaking this way because of the reality of this situation. Everything that is happening is forcing you to come to terms with your mortality.” Archie explained softly.

“But I’m NOT mortal. That’s the problem, Archie! We are not mortal at all and shouldn’t have to worry about dying. That’s supposed to be one of our strengths. “Warriors impervious to death”, remember? Now, he has taken that away from me, and I don’t see the point in trying to hold on to it.” Aaron spoke as his head hung again.

“Is that why you were so quick to go to the healing post?” Archie asked.

“Well, yes. I mean, if I am going to be afraid of dying, I don’t deserve to be more than human. This way, I have a choice about what happens to me.” Aaron answered weakly.

“Aaron, you are a nephilim. If you would rather be made completely human than not exist, you have every right to that decision. I am only afraid of your lack of understanding of what it means to be human. They are a magnificent species, Aaron, if they would only choose to realize it. They fail to see the strength inside of themselves that’s apparent to those of us who know how to look. The constant temptations they face, the perennial inner struggle of good and evil they battle, and the chance at corruption offered to them daily all create a chance to prove my brother right about them, but they have become ignorant to their own power.” Archie spoke with wisdom booming from his voice.

“What are you trying to say?” Aaron asked.

“I am trying to say that to become one of them would be a curse, Aaron. You see, very few of them respect the honor of being given the strength that lies within their ability to choose. They envy their own ideas of what we are because of mere legend. You and I can understand no greater feeling than loyalty, my young friend, but they were given a chance at something much more valuable.” Archie continued.

“And what is that, Archie?” Aaron asked desperately

. “Love.” Archie replied with a smile. “They can love one another, and that is why they have immeasurable potential as a species.” Archie explained tenderly to Aaron. “Then why don’t they? Why don’t they love each other?” Aaron asked quietly. “That is a question I have been struggling to answer since the first of them existed, and I am afraid the answer, along with their will to find it, will soon be gone.” Archie said with a sigh.

“And you believe I would choose to be like the bulk of them. Is that why you don’t want me to be human?” Aaron asked with hesitation.

“No. I believe that what they have become, after all of this time, will give you reason to forget how to believe in them. You will live among them and eventually be forced to understand why they despise each other. Most of them are no better than my brother, and people like that can change the human spirit with time. Rip it asunder and taint it as dark as the evil they claim to fear. So, it is not worry I have for your becoming human, Aaron. It is fear.” Archie said as he placed a hand on Aaron’s shoulder.

“Archie, I am glad I made a promise to fight with you all those years ago. It’s been like having a father.” Aaron said softly.

“And I am happy to have made a promise to keep you safe as best I can. So, shall we fix this home now?” Archie added calmly.

“Sure, it shouldn’t take but a few seconds if we work together.” Aaron replied. “Also, Aaron, if you ever want to talk about what happened to you tonight. My duty implies I will be happy to listen.

Aaron thought for a moment and took a deep breath.

“No. We have wasted enough time already.” He answered.

The two of them closed their eyes and focused on how the home looked before the battle. The light that came from their bodies was fragile but spread quickly over everything around them.

There were only three quick flashes and the house was in perfect condition again.

“We have to check on the Wilson family and Alex. I will have to glean Joel Wilson because he saw me in my natural form, and we may have to glean Alex as well. She looked pretty traumatized by the events that transpired here.” Archie said with authority.

Aaron nodded his understanding, and the two of them walked towards the door. Archie opened the door and spoke before walking through it.

“Are you certain you do not wish to speak about what happened to you?” He asked as he looked at Aaron.

“Yes. I am certain. You’ve fulfilled your duty to the human half of me.” Aaron said in a reassuring voice.

Archie accepted the answer and immediately exited the house. Aaron hesitated for a moment and wondered if Archie would care for him as much if he were not bound by his promise to do so. Aaron had never thought about if Archie would like him without the programming that an angel’s promise provides, but he now noticed how much it bothered him. The thought made him feel a little angry, but the main feeling was sadness. The thought lingered for a few seconds before he disregarded it completely. He turned the emotional thoughts off like a switch inside of his mind, and he exited the house closing the door behind him. Archie was already nearly at the doorstep of the Wilson home because he had not stopped to wait for Aaron or to check if he was alright again, but Aaron did not notice it. He walked across the street feeling like his old self again. He saw Archie as a leader, and he was ready to fight for his leader, without question, as he had promised.