by Andrew Ly
“You need a second opinion. You should talk to Joni,” Matt said. “She’s the best at this kind of stuff. Girl talk, and all that other junk. I told her about Quinn and she didn’t think it was a good idea.”
“You already told her? That was supposed to be a secret!” Nick said.
“Look, Joni and I don’t keep secrets from each other, but you can always trust her to keep one for a friend. If you ask me, she has always given me the best advice. She has that maternal instinct, you know? That certain quality that allows her to empathize with anything,” Matt said.
“I guess I will, but it has to wait. I have to pick up Quinn from school,” Nick said.
“Visiting a civilian school should be interesting,” Matt said.
The two friends parted ways. Nick had never been to a civilian school, and he was quite surprised to see the differences. He parked at the end of a packed loading zone just as the kids were dismissed. It was weird to not see any weapons in clear sight or matching uniforms. They all seemed carefree, talking and laughing in their peer groups. It was a lot different than life at the Garrison.
As he pulled to the front of the line, he saw the looks of the many who longed to be part of the Garrison. Their faces were glowing with a mix of both admiration and envy. It was these moments in which Nick felt the sense of pride for what he did. Then there were the other days when he wished to be part of the normal world, to be one of them just for a day, not have to wake up knowing that they narrowly avoided an apocalypse from completely wiping them from existence.
Just then Quinn came out of a classroom, carrying her books and looking strikingly beautiful as always. She didn’t belong here, not among people so plain and ordinary. Her hair especially made her stick out like a sore thumb. He waited for her eyes to find him. When they did, she smiled her perfect smile and walked towards him. Nick made a note of some boys ogling her from the sides. He chuckled to himself as their brokenhearted faces descended into despair as she stepped into his sports car, courtesy of belonging to an esteemed military academy.
“I’m hungry.” Quinn gave Nick a peck on the cheek. “I was late and haven’t eaten a single thing all day. Can we get some food, Emberson?”
“Where would you like to go, Red?” Nick turned out onto the open road.
She looked at him inquisitively. “Red? That’s a first.” Quinn gave a sly smile. “Where’d you come up with that?”
Nick shrugged. “I like that you gave me a nickname, so I figured why not come up with one for you? And it just popped in my head. Do you like it?”
“I love it! It fits perfectly for me.” She tossed her fiery locks over her shoulder.
“So what would you like to eat, Red?”
“I could really go for a good burger right now. Any recommendations for a girl with an appetite?” Quinn said.
“How about Hank’s Hamburgers? It’s an old joint by The Pier, but I’ve never had a better burger. They’re made fresh every day, I think you’d like them,” Nick said.
“Sure, I’m always up to try something new.”
Aside from Heaven’s Peak, The Pier was the only good site for most of the fun in Glenhaven. It was originally built as a docking harbor for the Garrison’s Justice Unit and was big enough to house a fleet of ships. However, at the last minute they changed their minds and moved the fleet to a different location, leaving their finished work to the city. Glenhaven had no use for it and renovated it into a giant shopping center for fun activities and their leisure lifestyle. There was a Ferris wheel, carnival games, and restaurants selling fast food and desserts. Unlike other recreational centers, every attraction was floated on the water, which added a certain uniqueness that gave way to many tourists.
“This place is amazing,” Quinn said, as they walked hand in hand to the burger stand. He was happy to have impressed her. Outside the restaurant, chubby old Hank himself was handing out heart-shaped coupon flyers to those who passed by. She grabbed one and read it aloud, “Buy a meal for two, get a free romantic ride on the Ferris wheel.”
“What do you think, my friend? Does your lovely companion want a romantic ride for two?” Hank shot them a big goofy grin. He rubbed his greasy beard with his hand. “It’s a limited time offer, so you better grab this while you can.”
“Can we, Nick? Can we?” Quinn used her puppy-dog face to its fullest potential. It had a devastating effect on him.
“Sure, why not?” Nick knew full well that this “limited time” offer was a marketing ploy used by old Hank on unsuspecting tourists.
They ate their cheeseburgers and shared an order of fries in a hurry because Quinn had her eyes on a huge teddy bear at a nearby ring-toss game. After about twenty tries he got the hang of carnival games and began winning at each station they played. Of course, they opted for mostly “couple” games, like knocking down bottles with a rubber ball or throwing darts at balloons, winning prize after prize until they had more stuffed animals than a toy factory. They gave away most of their winnings to sad, empty-handed kids, only keeping the big teddy bear he won at the first game. After they were done and had their fill they went to the Ferris wheel for a ride, where they did a couple of full rotations before the ride conductor decided to mix things up, stopping them at the very top.
Old Hank may have lied about the time availability of his deals, but the promise of romance was real. The view was absolutely gorgeous, much more beautiful than Nick ever cared to notice. The orange setting sun meant the daily fireworks show was soon to come, putting a perfect end to a perfect day.
Quinn tugged on his shirt. “This was the best idea ever. I think it even tops our first date.”
“I don’t know, I think finding rocks pretty much tops any date I’ve ever been on,” Nick said with a smile.
Quinn slapped him gently on the shoulder. “Emberson, you’re so ridiculous. Look at the view. Glenhaven is so pretty in the daylight. It’s much better than from Heaven’s Peak.”
“I was meaning to ask you, what did you do with the Angel’s Feather that we found?” Nick asked.
Quinn winked. “It’s a surprise! I’ll show you tomorrow after you pick me up from school and we go to our spot. I think you’ll like it.” She played with his fingers. Their “spot” was Heaven’s Peak because that was where they first realized their feelings for each other.
“Wow, when you say it like that it makes me even more curious. Can’t you give me a tiny hint?”
“Nope. Live with it,” Quinn smiled playfully. “Patience is a virtue. Besides, don’t you have to get back to your knight friends soon?”
Nick sighed. “Yeah, if I’m out too long people will get suspicious. Matt can only make up so many excuses before they catch on, and if they found out I was seeing a girl outside the walls they’d ship me a thousand miles away.”
“Then I’d never see you again.” She frowned. “Go on then, I don’t want to get you into any more trouble.”
“I’d like to think trouble and you go hand in hand. And I think it’s all worth it.”
They stayed on the Ferris wheel until the spectacular fireworks show was over. Afterwards he took Quinn back home and jetted to the Garrison. He prayed he didn’t miss anything important all the way back.
Battle cries and the clanging of metal echoed through the walls. Nick wandered down the halls and outside to the recently destroyed coliseum to find Gabriel and Bartholomew battling it out in a training bout. Matt and Joni sat among others on the bleachers watching and cheering. Archangels trained on many occasions, but it was always a spectacle that never failed to draw crowds. Members of different troops were chanting and shouting out the names of the commanding officers they supported. It was a common occurrence, and one that always fueled the rivalry over the long contested “strongest archangel” debate.
Between the two currently fighting, Nick believed Bartholomew to be the physically stronger, and Gabriel the more well-rounded and versatile. He had never seen Lucius in a bout, as the archangel preferred
to keep his matches private. This led to many rumors about Lucius discovering a secret technique. But no matter what, any match between archangels promised no one would leave unscathed.
Today appeared to be a weapons test, a tame exercise that forced knights to adapt to different styles of combat. Each of their sides had an arsenal rack with weapons that both catered to, or challenged their style of fighting. Nick walked in just when both sides had exhausted most of their weapon choices. Gabriel’s side was left with long swords, spears, and maces to match his proficiency in swift, quick strikes. On the other side, Bartholomew’s rack consisted of giant axes, broadswords, and poleaxes.
They picked up weapons, striking and parrying each other until their weapons were either broken or unable to be used effectively in that situation. Gabriel was much faster than Bart, delivering a flurry of high frequency jabs with his spear. However, Bart’s endurance and iron fist were equally impressive, as he was able to block them and counter with a swing from his giant axe.
“It’s like watching living art…if art was a badass battle to the death!” Matt exclaimed. He laughed to himself. “I seriously can’t believe you challenged Gabriel. I know you were out of control at the time, but if he actually tried to fight you—you’d be a stain, no doubt in my mind at all.”
“On the bright side, at least it wasn’t against Bart,” Joni said.
In the arena, the hulking giant caught a spear thrown at him, then crumpled it with one hand like a twig. That silver arm of his was deadly. Nick’s throat dried up at the thought of being choked in that armored grip. It would be like squishing a tomato.
“Yeah, if it wasn’t for Peter, Bart wouldn’t hesitate to put you in the infirmary. I can’t wait for the day when he decides to pick as an apprentice—if he ever does. They’re going to have an interesting time together,” Matt said.
“Times like this I’m glad I’m part of the Peace Unit,” Joni said.
Daniel walked up to them. “What are you guys talking about?” He took a seat next to Nick, smiling and cheerful as usual.
“We’re talking about how badly Nick would lose in a fight against an archangel,” Joni said. “I’m sure you’d know about that better than the both of us.”
Matt nodded. “What is it like, getting to train with Lucius? Like, did he teach you any secret tactics? Did he show you how to get wings?”
Daniel shrugged. “Lucius has been a very good mentor. He’s taught me so much already. I’m trying my best, but sometimes I think he expects too much. I don’t even know why he chose me, it’s not like I’m any different from any of the other knights.”
“You can say that again,” Matt muttered. Nick jabbed him in the side with his elbow. “You know it’s unfair! He even admits it!”
“Lucius is one of our most respected knights and an archangel to boot. If he sees some potential in Daniel then it’s probably well deserved. But I’m curious too, what is the trick to getting wings?” Nick said.
Daniel shook his head. “I have no idea. I’m still a long way from learning such a coveted ability.”
That was no surprise. Only four individuals at the Glenhaven Garrison had them. Receiving those beautiful white wings was the symbol of a knight’s full potential. It was granted to only the Supreme Commanders and archangels who would then pass on that knowledge to their disciples. Having wings also gave the ability to touch the sky itself, a feeling Nick knew would never be his as it required a pure soul. Nick was a bit envious, knowing he could never understand that feeling. Seeing the world in that perspective must be breathtaking.
“You are so lucky! To be a descendant of angels means you will actually be able fly someday!” Joni spread her arms and flapped them like a soaring bird.
“I guess so. But Nick is luckier. Everyone says they dream of flying, but who can say they have a role in saving the entire world? After all is said and done Nick’s going down in history as a legend!” Daniel’s eyes brightened and he threw his arms in the air. “The Inferno Bearer! Just hearing that title is way cooler than sprouting wings, don’t you think? I can’t wait to see the looks on those demon faces when we go to Fyria.”
“Fyria. That’s right,” Nick said softly.
“Three months we’re going to be stuck doing cleanup,” Matt said. “At least I get to do it with my girl by my side.” He took her hand into his and kissed it gently and Joni giggled.
“Maybe even longer,” Daniel said. “But I’m so excited to finally experience field work firsthand. What about you, Nick?”
Nick was watching Matt and Joni flirt. The two lovebirds had something he could never have with Quinn—a normal relationship. The looks on their faces could not have spelt it more clearly. Three months in another country without Quinn? By then she would have moved on. Trying to juggle his priorities would be hard, but things were made even more difficult with the fact that he couldn’t tell her he was a demon. Not only that, but he had an obligation to go into war, which meant he didn’t even know if he would return.
This is what Garreth must have felt and what he wanted to tell Matt. There were no more words left to say. Venting his frustration to Joni was just going to be an opportunity for him to validate his relationship. But he was Agrian, Lord of Rage, and he was on the list as one of their most dangerous enemies. If they were hunting him, they would eventually find out about her. What then? He knew what he had to do. He had to end it.
8. A Compromise
“Do you know what it feels like to chase something, but in the end find out it doesn’t even matter?” Quinn asked as they were sitting on the edge of Heaven’s Peak.
They were at a spot overlooking the city and watching all the tiny people intermingle in their daily lives. Nick loved that she always asked deep questions because they always led to learning more about her. He just couldn’t get enough. Whenever he trained he thought of her, whenever he slept he dreamt of her. Everything was Quinn. He ate, drank, and breathed her. There was something about her he couldn’t describe, the type of lightness he felt whenever she was around. It kept him at peace, especially lately when he was at war within himself.
It was the day after his epiphany and he dreaded what was coming next.
They made plans to meet at their special spot today, but now their day to spend freely was brought down by a terrible new circumstance: this would be the final time he saw her before they would be separated. His assignment was in Fyria, a city far in the west. It would take a week to get there then he would spend three months, miles apart and without any communication with the outside world. He knew this was just a prelude of things to come. Eventually he would be shipped to all corners of the world until the demons were eliminated for good. This was his ultimate purpose. He couldn’t ask her to stay with him, knowing full well that they wouldn’t be able spend time together like normal couples. It wasn’t fair to someone as amazing as Quinn. Once everything was said and done, how could they be a normal couple when he was actually a demon?
Breaking up was the only right thing to do, to end things before she felt as deeply for him as he had come to feel for her. Because in the end she deserved the best, she deserved a chance at happiness.
“I’m actually finding that out the hard way,” Nick muttered. His hands were shaking as he spoke. All this thinking had taken a toll on him physically.
“What do you mean?”
“I’m going to cut to the chase right now because I think it’s the only way before any of us gets hurt. Something has happened recently…and I—I can’t afford to be with somebody right now. I can’t go into the details about it, but it’s for the best,” Nick said.
“You’re breaking up with me?” she asked.
Nick heard the hurt in her voice.
“Yes.”
“And you thought telling me meant that I wouldn’t be hurt?” Quinn’s voice was rising. “Well it’s too late for that, and what’s worse is you won’t even tell me why.”
“I wish I could, believe me I wish I could
,” Nick said.
“This is because you’re a knight now, isn’t it?” Quinn said.
Nick only nodded.
“I see,” she said.
Nick sensed the sudden mood shift, and he felt inclined to ease the tension. “Before I met you, I always felt empty. Whatever I did or any type of happiness I was chasing seemed always out of reach. I thought becoming a knight closed that gap, but I now know it was you. And now that I’m right here with you, I can’t see why I ever wanted to be one in the first place.” He gazed into her beautiful green eyes. “It all feels like a big mistake now.”
“I guess you never counted on being happy, did you?” Quinn touched his cheek. Nick shook his head sadly. “That’s the problem with working for a Garrison. Everyone has to play by their rules.”
“Well up until this point, my life had been one train wreck after the other,” Nick said. “I never thought I would feel this way about anybody. I never had anything else to live for. I figured fighting for the world was something I had to do alone. I convinced myself that I could never find a reason to leave this all behind.”
Quinn sighed sadly. “Now look where we are.”
Nick took her hand. “Look, I don’t want to do this, but the truth is it’s the best for the both of us. I’ve taken an oath as a Glenhaven knight, and that means I now have enemies all over the world trying their best to hurt me and those I love. If anything were to happen to you I wouldn’t be able to live with myself knowing I was responsible.”
“I’m a big girl, Emberson. I can take care of myself just fine,” Quinn said.
“No you can’t. You have no training, and you live outside with the rest of the world. If anyone ever found out about me—about us—they would come for you.”
“What exactly makes you so special? What makes you different from the hundreds of other knights watching over us every day?”
Nick wanted to tell her everything right then and there. He wanted to tell her that he was linked by fate to a struggle that was beyond his control. He wanted so desperately to let her know, but he couldn’t.