by Mary Ting
Zach went behind me. We were back to back, covering all angles—like we’d been taught—while Father paced around us, looking for an opening. But we stood our ground. Zach and I took slow, small steps, keeping our eyes on Father. His wings alone were intimidating.
“Don’t let anything distract you, Lucia,” Father guided. “Keep your eyes on me…my eyes, my hands, and my feet.” Father’s wings expanded all the way, fanning ever so slowly, trying to distract us.
His wings were so grand, towering over us. Knowing they could be used as a weapon, I kept my eyes on them. Unfortunately, Zach didn’t. Father knocked him back into the water, creating a massive splash. Father’s wings were like a bat to a ball. When he turned to me, I gasped and swallowed a lump of fear. I drove my sword forward to push his wings away, only to be blocked by his sword.
“Good girl, Lucia. Show no fear. Target wisely, but don’t look down.”
Little did I know he had given me a warning. I dipped my head, and that action ended me. I landed flat on my butt by a swipe of Father’s sword. He’d used the flat side of it to knock me down, and brushed me away with his powerful wings as if I were weightless. My wings were powerful, too, but I needed to think to use them more often. Father had been gentle with me. I skidded next to the fountain instead of into it, like the others.
“Davin, they need more work.” Father frowned, sounding upset. “Your team will be sent to New York, where more than half of the Venators fell. I know you’re going with them, but I’m going to have to go, too.”
Uncle Davin ran his hand down his face and puffed out air. “They are ready. They just need more practice. And you’re…you’re a mean giant with oversized wings. Nobody has wings like yours.”
“They’re still in training.” Mother looked worried, locking eyes with Father.
Father stroked her cheek. “Don’t worry, my love. I will go with them. Their team might be the best, but they’re still too young, inexperienced.”
Mother closed her eyes when Father kissed her lips. Love and affection sparked in her eyes when she opened them. “As you once were. They will find their way. We’re being overly protective, but I’m glad you’re going with them.”
Uncle Davin wrapped his arms around Mother’s shoulders. “So, when is this mission supposed to happen?”
“When the sun goes down tonight,” Mother replied.
“Someone is being the third wheel,” Father mumbled under his breath.
Uncle Davin gazed at Mother. “Yeah, Claudia, stop being the third wheel.” He shook his head and snickered. “You can’t come. As much as I know you want to, you are third in command. And since Katherine is visiting Nubilus City, and Michael will be coming with us, you’re going to have to stay put.”
Father and Mother exchanged glances with a smile. From the way he gazed at her, I knew he had communicated with her through her mind. They had something up their sleeves.
“Davin,” Mother purred sweetly. “How would you like to take a dip in the pool?”
Uncle Davin’s eyes grew wider. “We don’t have a pool, we have a lake. And who says I want—?” He shook his head and stuck out his hands. “Oh, no, you don’t.”
It was too late. Mother used her powers and pushed him back with the light which glowed from her hands.
“See you later…. What is it you always say?” Father swatted him with his wings and Uncle Davin landed in the fountain.
“It’s alligator, you big, fat, demon-winged monster.” He sputtered water out of his mouth.
Everyone laughed at seeing the grownups acting like teens. Evidently, Father and Uncle Davin had a love-hate relationship.
“Children,” Mother said after the laughter died down and Uncle Davin had dried himself. “Father and I would like a word with you both.”
Chapter 5
Zach and I sat comfortably on our parents’ sofa, across from the window. Not only did they have a marvelous view of the fountain and the halo ring around the castle, it was triple the size of our bedrooms. Though none of us had pictures on the walls, my mother insisted on having them on hers, especially our baby and family ones. I understood since she had been born and raised on Earth. Humans liked to capture and remember their precious memories through photos.
“Do you know why we’re here?” Zach leaned back, enjoying the view. He was always the one on time and the worrier, but also predictable. I, on the other hand, liked to call myself a free spirit.
“They probably want to spend time with us.” I tapped his bicep. It felt hard as a rock, like Father’s. Sometimes I forgot how strong he was. It was odd to watch him transform into a man, growing taller than me and sprouting muscles like Father’s. We weren’t little anymore; our responsibilities and our expectations had changed. In a way, it saddened me.
I got off the sofa and hugged Mother when she walked into the room.
“Lucia.” Her tone was warm and loving when she called my name. Stroking my hair, she continued, “Are you okay? You’re not hurt, are you?” She caressed my cheek.
I assumed she was talking about the training by the fountain. Sometimes Uncle Davin picked the most unexpected times and places. He had his own agenda—different from other mentors. But my parents trusted him and wouldn’t want anyone else looking after us when they weren’t around.
“I’m fine, Mother.” I smiled and let out a soft laugh. “I’m used to being knocked around.”
Mother shifted her attention to Zachary when he appeared by her side. “Hello, Mother.”
She placed her hands on his shoulders and smiled proudly. “Hello, my son. I can’t believe how much you look like your father in every way. Where has the time gone?”
“It flew too fast,” Father said, walking in to join us. Then he wrapped his arms around the three of us, and with a light sigh, he let go.
It didn’t matter when or where, Father entering the room demanded attention. He had a special kind of aura. Everyone admired him, wanted to be him, and most importantly, they looked up to him for guidance and support.
“We are very proud of you both,” Father continued. “I wish we were a normal, human family and didn’t have to send you off to save the world. Every time you leave us, it feels like a dagger inside my heart, waiting to be taken out. That dagger stays until you return home, safe and sound.”
Mother nodded her agreement, and her smile turned into a somber one. “Let’s sit down and talk. We have much to say.”
When the four of us settled on the sofa, Father spoke. “Please don’t mention this to the others, as they will find out soon enough. I’m going to be honest with you, and you may not like it, but it is what it is. As you already know, the Fallen and demons have been present nearly everywhere, more so on Earth than ever before. Some were harmful and others escaped before they could be questioned. We’re not sure what’s happening, but we need to find out before it gets out of hand.”
“There is one particular state we need to investigate,” Mother chimed in. “We’ve never been there before, only because it has been quiet, but lately, we’ve sensed evil lurking about, and we don’t know why this is happening all of a sudden. We are also concerned because teens have been reported missing. This is a special mission. Only the two of you will go with Uncle Davin. Again, let me remind you, you’re only there to scope the area. If it gets out of control, you are not to proceed. Davin can determine the seriousness of it.”
“Where are we going?” Zachary sat up taller, his frown deepening with concern.
“Hawaii, the main island,” Mother answered. “But there is one more thing.” Her lips formed into a thin line. “You’re going to have to live there.”
“Live there?” My pulse escalated with exhilaration and worry, and my tone rose louder than I had intended. My parents wouldn’t be going with us, and it made me nervous. “Just us and Uncle Davin?” I asked softly to confirm.
“Yes,” Father replied, rubbing the nape of his neck. The decision must have been hard for him. “It’s n
ot what we want, but at the same time, the two of you are the most qualified. Davin made the request to take you with him.”
“But if you don’t feel you’re ready, you can decline. But I need an answer soon. Time is running out,” Mother added.
“It’s an honor to be chosen. I’m ready.” Zach gazed at me, waiting for me to say the same.
Don’t make our parents worry. They already have enough to deal with. I’ll take care of you. We’ll be there together, with Uncle Davin. It’ll be fun to pretend we’re human. Come with me, Zachary said in my mind.
Standing up, I walked to the window and looked toward the light, my second favorite place to be. I could stand there for hours and stare at the glow which never moved or dimmed. It was a reminder of who we were, our purpose in life. None of us had a choice. Then, as if the light had provided some kind of clarity, I turned back to them and said, “I’m ready.”
“Of course you are.” Uncle Davin joined us. “You were trained by the best.” He pointed to himself. “Me.”
“Davin. Were you listening the whole time?” Father raised his brows with a hint of a grin.
Uncle Davin came closer. “Why of course, Michael. You should know me by now. Right, Claudia?”
“We know you very well.” She smiled and gestured for him to sit next to her.
Uncle Davin plopped down, bumping Mother’s shoulder with a dorky grin. “I can’t wait. We’re going to be a human family. I’ll be your…what humans call ‘guardian.’”
Father leaned back, gazing at us. “I have a feeling it will be the other way around.”
“Hey.” Uncle Davin glared. “I can act grown-up. When duty calls, I deliver.”
Mother patted Uncle Davin’s leg. “You sure do. And you have done it many times with me. You would have given up your life for mine, and I know you would do the same for Lucia and Zachary, and for this, I’m very grateful and humbled.”
Uncle Davin nuzzled against Mother’s shoulder. “You say the sweetest things. I like you so much better than Michael.”
Father chuckled. “I’m so hurt.” Then his tone changed. “When you live on Earth, your temptation will grow with every new day. You must keep in mind your Divine Commandments and follow your heart.”
“Follow your heart doesn’t mean do what you like or wish,” Mother added. “It means to do what’s good for the humans. Sometimes sacrifice is needed, and we understand. Regardless, make the decision together.”
Zach’s eyes glistened. “I just realized something…. Are we going to attend high school?”
“Yes.” Father reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a sheet of paper with details. “This is an outline of things you will do and should know. For example....” He pointed to number one. “Uncle Davin will enroll both of you in high school. He’ll have to pick a last name. Angels don’t have a last name, but humans do.” Then he pointed to number two. “A house is in the process of being set up for you to live in. It’s on the Hilo side of Hawaii.” His finger glided to number three. “Unfortunately, children your age already know how to drive, so Davin will train you beforehand.”
Zachary fist-bumped with Uncle Davin, something he’d learned from him. “Fantastic. I can’t wait.”
“It’s better to fly than drive,” Father threw in, glancing down to number four.
“Says you,” Uncle Davin mumbled under his breath. “You’re not good at it, that’s all. You don’t appreciate the fine art of automobiles.”
Mother had told me how much Uncle Davin loved cars.
Father cleared his throat to get our attention. “Number five. Do not use your powers in front of humans. No exceptions. Davin will go down the list with you again before you leave.”
“When will this happen?” I asked hesitantly.
“Very soon. In human time, about a week.” Mother tried to give a reassuring smile, but she couldn’t hide her feelings. It was as hard for her to let go as it was for me, but I wasn’t sure about Zach. It would be the first time we would be apart from our parents for who knew how long.
Uncle Davin placed his hand on Mother’s arm. “Don’t be sad. We’ll be home before you know it. In the meantime, I’m going to have to excuse Lucia and Zachary. I need them to practice with their bows before we leave for New York. New York comes first before Hawaii.”
Mother stood up and gave us a hug and a kiss. “Be careful. I’ll be thinking of you.” Then she turned to Father. “Bring everyone home, my love, and come home soon.”
Father embraced Mother, taking her in his arms. Love poured through their expressions and their soft kiss. Never having been kissed before in such an intimate way, I wondered how it would feel if I ever had an attraction. Will my heart race faster? Will I have butterflies fluttering in my stomach? Will my face flush with heat? Mother had described it to me before, but I would never understand until I felt it. But who was I kidding? It would never happen to me. Angels were forbidden to have romantic love. Though my parents received a special exception, I knew, deep down, if it were to happen to any one of us, the Divine Elders would figure something out. They weren’t so cut and dried. Were they?
Chapter 6
The bow was my favorite weapon; it had a dual purpose. Not only did it shoot long distances and hit the target precisely, it could be used like a sword. Holding it in front of me, I traced the cool surface and examined the long structure. Lights shot out faster than a blink. I didn’t have to pull back much. It was like an automatic paint gun without a trigger.
Standing in a large, circular formation, we held our bows in front of us. Uncle Davin spoke as he paced inside the ring, locking eyes with everyone he passed. “The top ten finishers of the obstacle course will be going to New York with me. I need the best of the best. You need to complete it in a timely manner, if you can survive what I have planned for you.” His eyes gleamed wickedly.
Knowing what a prankster Uncle Davin could be, I assumed he had lots of creative ideas up his sleeve. He narrowed his eyes at me, but it was all for show. “I put this together myself. Let’s just say it won’t be a piece of cake.” Continuing his stride, he said, “Let’s get moving.”
After he dismissed us, the ones who had stayed behind headed outside of the castle. I took my time stretching my wings. It felt good to release them, as if I could let the stress I’d been holding in flow from their tips. From the corner of my eye, I saw Father looking proudly at Zach and me. He didn’t need to say a word; I felt his love to the depth of my core. Zach and I were the lucky ones. We had parents and my parents’ special friends we called uncle and auntie—like Auntie Vivian and Uncle Caleb, who were on a secret mission.
At times I felt guilty because I had loving support from my family, but it wasn’t like I had planned my life. It was my destiny. Mother had once told me we are all born with a purpose. Sometimes we don’t see it, but it would unfold at the right time. Some destinies blow up like fireworks, and some are so subtle, you never know they are there. Regardless, everyone has one. I already knew mine: to protect humanity. Maybe one day I’d fall in love and have a family of my own. But that was the human side of my thoughts. The angel side said I was being ridiculous. Besides, I knew everyone in Crossroads, and no one had ever made me feel the way Father did for Mother.
“Are you coming?” Zach looked at me with a questioning expression. He must have been wondering what I was doing.
I didn’t realize my wings flapped, ready to take flight, as I stood there staring at the ground. “Yeah.”
Zach and I ascended, and the air brushed my face. I hardly had to use my wings; the wind took us where we needed to go. Over my shoulder, I watched the marvelous, grand castle shrink. Never had I ever seen a more beautiful place than the home where we lived—made from clear crystal, the same kind used to make the Divine Elders’ swords. No evil could penetrate the walls, so we were safe there—one of the main reasons our parents had decided to move to Crossroads.
When we landed, we tucked in our wings. The race ha
d just started. Though we stood on solid ground, it felt like we were floating. Thick clouds blanketed the ground, making it difficult to see what was underneath. I have a bad feeling about this.
At the signal, the first group of Venators advanced into the mist of clouds. They held their bows in front, ready to shoot. All seemed fine until I spotted a tiny spark of light. I wanted to tell them to stop, but it was too late. Paint blew up right in front of them, drenching their hair and dripping down to their clothes and wings.
Uncle Davin cackled with the rest of us. “This group is out. Next!”
The second group passed to the end of the trail. They had shot the shiny objects before paint blasted out. Looking triumphant, they marched on to the next, where they had to shoot a moving target inside a flying ring. I bit the inside of my cheek when it knocked them down. That must have hurt. Another group had failed.
“Lucia, Zachary, Isaac, Jude, Victoria.” Uncle Davin read from a list he held. A smirk spreading on his face, he waggled his brows. “You’re up. Good luck. Let’s see how far you can go.”
Our team huddled, keeping our voices down. Zach directed, “Isaac, Jude, and Victoria, stay behind us. Lucia is our best shooter. She’ll get the ones to the left and I’ll stick to the right. The rest of you need to cover the sides. Jude, you watch our backs. We’ve got this. Go!”
After the fist-bump, we proceeded. I had been keeping my eyes on the shiny objects covered by the mist, so I knew their location. Light escaped from my bow, hitting the targets on the left. Zachary successfully blasted them on the right. We had completed the first stage and moved on to the second. But the rings darted faster than before, preventing us from moving further.
“I’ve got this.” Light from Isaac’s bow went straight to the target, splitting it in two.
“Great job,” Zach praised, hitting two at the same time.
“We need to split up,” I suggested. “Duck!” I ordered.
Countless rings dropped lower, one almost nicking Victoria on the head. I spun around and blasted with my light. Dropping to one knee, I focused with one eye closed. My teammates did the same. Streams of five lights—one after the other—beamed from our bows, shattering the rings on impact as they came at us from all different directions. When none were left, we moved on.