ARTHUR RAGUEL STONES

*ARTHUR'S POV*

"Good Morning Uncle" Nathalie greets after bumping her head to my shoulder. I'm amazed that she can tell it's me when she's not even looking up.

"Woah! careful Nathalie. I'm holding two precious gems right now." I took a step back, lifting both of my arms.

"My bad. I'm still sleepy" she reason out.

Her hair looks like a bird's nest but it's refreshing to see how carefree this young lady is compared to most of the teenagers these days.

"Yeah.. okay, go on with your business then." I responded as I slowly walk away.

Glad I can relax today and drink a nice cold beer. When was the last time I requested for an off anyways? I should also visit my buddies in the camp 'cause I did promise them I'll come once I get a leave from work. Let me look up my phone for the weather forecast.

"Heavens really want me to go there huh? - Bright sunny day it is!" I exclaimed after confirming that today is a good day to finally meet some old friends.

I believe it has been 12 years since I left the place and only had the chance to catch up with one of them last month. Though they are a pain in the ass, there was no point in my existence that I wished I was with another group of people. We have been through high and low but they stuck around even after I lost my brother.

Sipping my liquor, I reminisce my younger years. A smirk appears on my lips as I remember laughing hysterically when Louie was caught stealing bread from the pantry after loosing our bet. Teacher Agatha was so furious that she had us five pals punished. It was painful but fun.

"Oh, Im feeling old just visiting these memories" I commented as I lean my back on the single red sofa. I placed both of my arms behind my head and stretched my legs, crossing them on the glass table near me and let out a satisfied grunt.

"Nah..too lazy to stand up and get myself another can of beer" I laugh. Not being on a rush on a Saturday morning is paradise. The peaceful atmosphere and fresh air is something I should enjoy before going back to work. The smell of foot powder and sweat is all I get at the police station.

Enjoying the short moment of bliss, I felt my phone buzz inside my pocket. I took it out and noticed that it's Sophia's number. It was not planned but I know her Dad wanted me to have her number in situations where help is badly needed. I just hope this is not one of those scenarios.

"Hello Sophia?" I answered in a modulated tone. I can feel something is wrong but I want to act calm as possible. Don't want to scare this innocent kid.

"Mr. Stones? Dad needs your help!" Sophia answered with heavy breaths in between her words and so I acted quickly.

"Put me on speaker" I demanded which she gladly followed. It's always best to talk and ask an adult in an emergency.

"Derick, what happened?" I inquired.

"The first sign Arthur!. Elizabeth is in a bad shape. Bring your ass over here!" His composure disappeared. The usual formality facade did not matter at the moment as well.

"Okay. I'm on my way. Just make sure she's biting onto something." was my response and my last statement before hanging up the phone. I guess my Saturday is not boring after all.

"Nathalie, where's your mom?" I shouted from the living room. My niece is still having her breakfast.

"She's probably upstairs folding the laundry... Why?"

"Can you have her come down please?" I requested.

I dialed a number in my phone while I wait for Anne to come down. Pacing back and forth, I finally received a text from the person I just contacted.

"You were looking for me?" Anne asked as she approaches.

"Derick needs our help."

"Why? What happened?"

"I'll tell you on our way there. Please bring the usual stuff" I requested.

I grabbed my car keys and Anne followed a couple of minutes after. She throws in a large brown duffle bag at the passenger's seat then slid inside.

"So, you better tell me now." She reminds me as we drove away from the house.

"Sophia had her first sign already" I replied.

"Really??.. but..she's not 18 yet, how come?"

"I don't know the answer as well but we're going to find out."

The time went by so fast while we discuss the things we needed to do. I also told her about Elizabeth's situation. This is going to be Anne's chance to apply all she have learned in the last five years.

I parked my car across the street from the McMillan's home. A hint of a bright blue light is visible from the clear window.

"Wear the glasses. It might hurt your eye a bit." I say to warn Anne.

We break into the front door and made our way upstairs.

"Derick?" I called out and made sure my voice is loud enough to be heard.

"Last room on the left" He replies almost immediately.

"Dad? What is this?" I heard Sophia ask as soon as we enter the room. Her voice is coming from the bathroom and she sounds frightened.

"I got this Derick" Anne confidently responds.

"Thank you. By the way, please bring her some clothes." Derick says as he points at the cabinet.

"Let me help you." I bent down and assisted Derick in lifting her daughter so we can carefully place her on the bed. The situation is a lot more controlled than I imagined it to be but the after effects is going to be brutal.

After a couple of minutes, Anne came back and chose to stay with Elizabeth while Derick and I are relaxing in the two seat sofa.

"Is she okay?" was Sophia's first question after coming out. She scans her sister on the bed.

"She's okay now Sophia" Derick answers.

She stayed there standing silently, head down. I stood up and walked towards her. Pulled her left arm gently and was left in awe.

"Wow, this is unique!" I exclaim.

"What do you mean?" she asks, confused.

"You are born different Sophia" Anne answers in behalf of me.

"Now Sophia, read what is written there" her Dad commands. By then, I let go of her and backed away a bit.

"Dad, I don't see any writings"

"Look closely honey"

She then brings her arm near her face and another surge of blue light envelopes the room but it didn't affect me and Derick while Anne had to look away.

Sophia reads the scripture, not understanding what it even meant.

"DAUGHTER OF A SINNER AND THE GIFTED?" I declare. That's some bad ass revelation.

"Please explain this to me!" She blurted and I can't help but feel pity towards her.. so I decided to tell the truth.

"Let me start by introducing myself."

"But I know who you are!. You're Nathalie's Uncle and a police officer"

"Trust me this is where we should start" I breathed in and let out a heavy sigh.

"I am ARTHUR RAGUEL STONES. A 7th Generation Descendant of RAGUEL, THE ARCHANGEL OF VENGEANCE AND REDEMPTION."