Looking into Cindy’s eyes I could see a spark, which led me to believe that one day she would find happiness and come to terms with her ordeal. Max looked a little tired. I tried to hurry things along, it looked like he needed to lie down. Pulling all of these emotions must have some kind of effect on him. It would have to emotionally drain him for a period of time.
Mark looked from Max then to me strangely; the change in Cindy over the last five minutes was noticeable. Most people may have missed it, but not Mark. He was a very intelligent boy and on many occasions had been involved with situations which surrounded me that didn’t make any sense. He wasn’t as curious as Connor and was the kind of person to push things into the back of his mind. I think at this stage I was safe, but if Cindy woke up tomorrow and was a completely different person, he may come asking me questions.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Nate
We had been working at a clean, steady pace all week. Connor would first spar me, then I would take on Indy. Connor learned the basics of each movement in our training session, then by watching Indy and myself put all the combinations into practice, he would practice with the boxing bag. Connor was learning first hand from two highly trained assassins how to fight; if any normal person ever decided to pick on him, that poor soul had better hope he was in a good mood.
Nessa had come to visit again Indy today, so it would only be Connor and myself. We would use this time to sharpen Connor’s knowledge and improve it beyond a beginner’s level. I was hoping to do a brief run through of connective techniques with a follow through of semi-defensive kicks. I was going to insist he only use these specific kicks as a distraction, Connor picked up the combination fast, and borderlined on the intermediate skillset. I was extremely impressed with his progress; most students may have had one to two hour lessons a week and mostly concentrated on Kartas for months on end.
I would love to test my teaching skill and get him to a tournament in a few months’ time, but wishes like those were fruitless with the impending danger lurking behind every corner. As I had instructed, Connor delivered each blow with exact precision and didn't hesitate to follow through with two bone cracking punches to my face after he kicked me. We sweated through our clothes and needed to replenish our fluids. I sat down on the cement and downed large mouthfuls of water. Connor sat next to me.
“So what does it mean when you’re an infinitus?” asked Connor.
He had caught me a little off guard, I have rarely opened up when it came to talking about myself, a lot of the answers I didn't know myself, but I was okay with basic knowledge.
“From what I know, I was meant to die, then some angel healed me against God's wishes. My body took on some super-human type transformation. I don't get sick very easily, my reflexes are stronger, and I’m faster than any human, but I don’t know what it all means. I have questions of my own, like will I live forever, do I grow old, will I develop more special powers?” These questions felt good to get out into the open.
Nessa had gone and I knew Max was standing in the doorway listening to this little conversation. He had to be curious.
“I’d like some more answers about what you are also, but were you created to hunt angels or not?” asked Connor.
Max came to join us, he had his own theories when it came to what I was.
“I truly doubt that, I can’t see how an angel who can heal using the holy spirit can create it’s own enemy. I think that it all comes down to environmental factors, how the individual is influenced will impact on the end result of the individual,” said Max.
When Max explained this theory using proven mental health, it made sense.
“Are you saying that if angels took in Nate and brought him up, he would be a different person?” asked Connor.
“Yes, I am,” said Max.
“So what’s the intended purpose of my creation—to kill or protect?”
Max scratched his head and looked at me. “I think you’re more than that, somehow you’re a new kind if Devine being.”
“Okay.”
Max wasn’t finished with the angel talk, he cleared his throat and spoke again. “I’ve had gotten word back from Ailsa. She’s very aware of Indy’s wings and just wants us to protect her emotionally for the times being.”
“Why?”
“I’m not to sure. I got the impression that they’re busy elsewhere.”
I didn’t know what could be more important than Indy possibly turning into a demon.
I sat in that spot for such a long time, I contemplated my existence and whether I was brainwashed or guided into the hunter’s path. There were other people out there like me who were never discovered by people like my father. I had sensed them, and vice versa, but no exchange of words followed. If only I had been the one to initiate a conversation, I may have gotten more answers. Bernie wasn't here to offer advice, only scold me for my involvement with Indy. Someone had to know what we are. If this mess with Bernie was sorted out, I had to go on my own personal mission. I can’t live the rest of my life with no real answers. I may nor may not like what I’m going to find, but I had to risk it. For every bad deed, there is an equally good one. I have met some bad demons and their equally pure counterparts in the angel world… did I have some part to play to balance these opposing forces or not?
One day I was going to go and find these others like me, and I could make a difference.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Indy
The next day at school, Mark looked at me closely. He watched me for most of the day… I felt extremely self-conscious. Nate had given me the look—the one that suggested Mark may have been thinking about Cindy’s recovery too much. He had asked Nate a few questions, and of course he played dumb. I had to get away from them, it was annoying me.
I left school without my entourage. I understood the importance of having Nate around, but at times it got to be too much. I needed time to myself. Having three males living under the same roof as me twenty-four hours a day was getting intense. When AJ had been with me, he was around but not constantly. He would disappear for a week here or a few months there. The same routine we had been following for the last few days would surely prevail today. I would meet Nate and Connor at home and we would pursue our training until dinner, eat a big meal, watch some TV, then head to bed. BORING, boring, boring. I was lacking excitement.
I was enjoying the walk all by my lonesome. The seasons were now starting to change. The trees were becoming a lovely yellow shade and colored the boring dull streets. Some of the leaves were becoming crispy on the sides, they would soon wilt and fall off the branches. I loved to stomp on them, that was one tradition that never grew old. I was a kid at heart.
I approached a hill. This gave me a beautiful view of the below town and the many different autumn colors. One maple tree far away was standing out, it was surrounded by a range of dark pines, yellowish silver birches and minty gums. The red maple’s leaves looked vibrant in the distance, it was definitely a focus point from here.
Instead of admiring the picturesque views of the Australian countryside, I should have been keeping an eye on my own surroundings. I could now tell that I was being followed. I had grown used to the feeling now and it was one that I disliked immensely. The awareness of eyes on my back wasn’t a great feeling. I turned slowly and discovered no one there, but that didn’t mean anything. She was here somewhere and as Nate had said, she loved to play little games.
She had been following us for days now, picking the right time that suited her. This also suited me, I wasn’t going to run. That’s not who I am, I’ve always hit issues head on and never backed down. This was only a chick who was like Nate, and I could beat Nate hands down.
This was my way of psyching myself up for the fight.
I kept on walking in the direction of my house, using the same route I used every day. I made it known by my body language that I knew she was there; I wasn’t going to go straight home, though. I didn’t want to l
ead her to Max or Connor, both men were defenseless against her. I took a left before reaching my house to a little park, which was never used by kids, or anyone, in fact. There was nothing for kids to do here, the old swings had been condemned and were never replaced. It would be the perfect place for a confrontation.
I entered the park and didn’t have to wait long before this girl came from behind me. I had seen her before when I was with Connor, long before we knew of her existence. She had a menacing demeanor but still strikingly pretty, and if not for her horrible hair-do and boyish clothes, I would have said she could have been beautiful. She had this punk rock look from head to toe, her hair was long and black on one side but shaved and aqua green on the other.
Then there was her clothes, they were insane. I just don’t understand the style choice. She wore ripped white skin tight jeans with black fishnet stockings underneath and these ugly mannish boots. Her shirt was a sheer black material with a tartan red push up bra that made her boobs pop. Then my eyes recognised her jacket. The freak was wearing the one I had lost a few days ago. It was a very unattractive look. Not to mention her bloody makeup. Someone needed to give this girl a packet of makeup removing wipes. It was Halloween every day for this Bernie chick.
“So it’s the infamous Indiana, or should I call you Amie`l?”
“What do you want?” I projected as much dislike into my voice as possible.
“I think it is obvious, I want you dead.”
“Get in line, bitch.” .
She crossed the distance between us in three large strides. “I’m not much of a talker.”
Then that bitch hit me—well, she tried to. Luckily I moved just in time. Her fist lightly grazed my elbow.
The second time she punched me it didn’t miss. Her fist slammed straight into my mouth, causing me to stumble backwards. I didn’t think she would be able to pack a punch that hard. I could feel my teeth loosen. I spat out the mouthful of blood and charged at her. A combination of two left hooks, one right, and one hell of an uppercut and she was still standing… just. I swept her leg from under her and she went down, but didn’t quite hit the ground. She rocked back on her hands, then shot herself up through the air at me. I was slammed into the ground this time. She grabbed my head and attempted to smash my skull against the ground. I moved my head fast, her fingers only managed to grab handfuls of my blonde hair. I thought I was away but I had underestimated her speed. She managed to wrap her hands around a large clump and twisted her hands clockwise, snaking the largest handful out. Bloody bitch. I pulled my shoulders off the ground to get out, Bernie’s right knee cracked into my mouth and forced my head to the ground.
Bernie straddled my body, holding her lower arm across my neck, cutting off my air supply.
“That’s not going to kill me.”
“You just don’t know when to keep your little mouth shut, do you?”
The obscenities that were filling my mind wanted to burst out, but it was a little difficult as I couldn’t even open my mouth to speak now.
“You’re what, 800 years old, and after all these years you still act like a 17 year old?”
She had me pinned now and I couldn’t reach for her face to claw out her eyes in an attempt to free myself. For the first time in years I was afraid for myself. I was starting to see tiny little organisms flying around in the air; she had my throat in a tight hold.
Bernie moved her hands like lightning to my head, pulled it up, and started to smash it over and over on the concrete. The first three times I struggled violently with my legs to kick her in the back, I just wasn’t flexible enough. I thrashed my body aggressively trying to throw her off. By the time my head was cruelly cracked the sixth time, the pain had become unbearable. I was losing vision fast; I welcomed the fading world, at least the agony would disappear.
The last feeling I felt was something sticky in my hair‘ I could only imagine that it was blood. As my eyes slowly closed, I knew now this was my last fight, my last breath. I was very wrong; I really could be killed.
Blackness engulfed my vision and I slipped out of this body.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Nate
I was waiting for Indy out the front of school with Connor; we had sort of became friends since our first run-in with Bernie. I could see that he felt comfortable in my presence now. There was still jealousy, but not as much.
“Man, where is she?” I was getting impatient. I didn’t want to miss the fight on TV. Connor and myself had ordered it last night.
“The girls are probably talking about the graduation again. What are you doing about the flower business? I’m more than happy for you to take her to the dance now,” said Connor.
We both shared a common interest in not wanting to dress up. I loved to wear my skate wear and Connor lives in his sweats.
“I don’t have to worry about it. Nessa is going to organize it for me. That way it will be all matching and stuff.”
I could see a lot of the students leaving now, the girls were walking down the corridor now and Indy wasn’t with them. Connor looked at me and we both realized at the same time that Indy had taken off without us. Connor was shaking his head. We both broke into a comfortable jog.
“She wouldn’t have gotten too far, Nate.” This was more of a question than general conversation.
“Only God knows.”
We were out the school gates in no time. Connor picked up his speed, I matched his pace. He looked terrified, emotions were pouring through his strides now. He was running very erratically, and was all over the place. I needed to make sure he didn’t trip us both. We had passed the end of the road and heading up the big hill, it was hard going keeping this fast pace. My legs were burning with an unreal heat… I could keep this pace up for hours, I wasn’t sure about Connor, though. Her house wasn’t too far now. Grabbing my phone out of my pocket, I rang home to see if she had gone back there.
Max answered the phone very cheerily. I huffed and puffed while trying to communicate through my intense exertion. Max confirmed that my worst fears had come true: she didn’t make it home, and we were nearly there.
“Connor, I need you to go home and wait to see if she turns up. Call me, okay?”
Connor nodded his head and did as I said. He was truly scared now after our encounter with Bernie.
I had to think like Indy. If she knew she was being followed, what would she do? I knew the answer to that better than I knew myself. Apart from being a total smart ass, she would lead the attacker away from those she loved. Indy would never risk the lives of others. I had to think the more secluded, the better. I was going to head out of town. I ran as fast as I could away from the center of town.
A loud voice pounded around me. I looked around hastily while trying to not fall over, it scared the hell out of me. I must have imagined it because there was no one around, only me. I kept on going. Once again it rang out, this time I stumbled. I had to put my head over my ears, the sound was deafening.
“You’re going the wrong way, turn around and head to the old park.” I dropped to the ground from the pain as the voice threatened to burst my ear drums.
“Who are you?”
“It’s not important, she is nearly gone from this world, and she will not be invited back to heaven.” This voice held so much authority; he must really care for Indy to intervene like this.
I forced myself up and ran back in the direction I had come. The park was pretty close but so far away. My heart was racing, my thoughts jumbled, thinking of the possible scenarios. I was unsure what I would be walking into. Would I be strong enough to save Indy’s life or would we both die together? I was glad I sent Connor home.
The park was coming into view. Bernie was standing over Indy, bashing her head into the ground, the blood had soaked the cement a dark deathly color. Indy’s body was still; she lay limp in Bernie’s arms. Every time she hit her head, the spilt became larger. I’m sure I could see brain matter.
The adrenalin I norma
lly used to fight wasn’t building up, my body didn’t interpret Bernie as a threat.
In Bernie’s eyes, Indy was the demon, and this was my mission that she had to complete. Was I now on the wrong side or did my body recognise Bernie and me as the same divine being? Regardless, my muscles became stronger and my mind was kicking over in a different type of fighting mode. The fuel for this was coming from my heart; I cared deeply for this beautiful angel and had to protect the last thing that I felt a loving connection to.
Bernie heard me approach and cracked Indy’s head one last time before she stood up to face me.
“What are you doing here?” asked Bernie.
“Do you seriously have to ask me that? Get away from her.”
“I’m going to finish this mission, Nate. Where you failed, I won’t.”
I was trying so hard to not scream at her. I didn’t consider myself a failure here, I found it to be a new opportunity. The angels needed a protector and I was trying my hardest to do that.
“She’s an angel; she may not be perfect. Obviously she fell for a reason.” I spoke with a clear conviction, advocating for Indy.
Bernie was through talking and advanced on me. Every punch she threw, I deflected, every kick was blocked. My love for Indy fuelled the fire for this fight and it was helping me more than the adrenalin ever did, but it wasn’t enough. Neither Bernie nor myself were winning, we were at a dead tie. We circled each other over and over. Occasionally I took my eyes off Bernie to observe Indy. In that time she landed a punch or two on me, but not enough to sway the fight. I didn’t want to kill this girl who was so much like me. She had a unique story that I was dying to hear.
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