Chapter six

"I hope this works." I said examining Helios' appearance. He was shrouded with a simple hoodie and blue jeans.

"I'm sure it will. Just keep the cover up."

I never really appreciated my powers. I always thought they were useless compared to the combat based Guardians. But I never realized how useful they really are. And how much pressure it puts on a person. To think I used to be so jealous of Helios and his remarkable strength.

"Hey, get out of your head. Don't need you spacing out on me." I looked up and saw a small country side home. It was worn and old from years of people living in it.

"Can I help you two?" An older woman asked her voice thick with the countryside.

"We were wondering which way to the next town or city." Helios said keeping his distance from the porch.

"Stay on this dirt road til you hit pavement. The take a left and continue filling it."

"Alright thank you."

"You boys need a ride? The roads are dangerous at night. Been having coyotes other critters crawling the roads. Can be mighty dangerous if you're not familiar with them."

"No we're-"

"We could use a ride." Helios interrupted me. I tapped him on the shoulder and scowled at him.

"Alright. Just hold on one moment." The older lady got up and went inside. The screen door slammed behind her.

"I thought we agreed no human automations." I whispered angrily.

"Unlike you, I like the humans and their machinery. I find them neat."

"If you say so." I mumbled as the lady came back out.

"Now, the old girl doesn't have much space. I hope that won't be an issue."

"We don't mind do we, Erinyes?"

"Not at all." I grumbled forcing a smile.

"Perfect!"

We climbed into the small rusty truck. It wasn't that bad but, it stunk of humans and smoke. It felt like the stench was choking me. The thing sputtered and made a loud crack before it started up. I sunk into my seat and rested my face in my hands.

"Are you alright?" Helios put his hand on my head as the thing started moving.

"I'm getting a head ache."

"Don't worry kiddo, the trip isn't too long. Only an hour and a half drive." I groaned and leaned into Helios' side.

After several minutes of vomit inducing rods we finally hit smooth roads. I looked up and saw Helios sleeping. We were on a long paved road encased by trees. Light speckled the ground as it passed through the canopy.

"So where you boys from? Don't seem like you two are from around here."

"Oh. Um, we're from the town opposite of here."

"So refugees? Heard what happened to that place. Got destroyed by them damn monsters. Not many survived."

"What do you think of the winged people?"

"Seems like they could do more. Aren't they divine beings or whatever? So why have two districts already fallen?"

"I'm sure they're doing the best they can."

"Well, as soon as those damn monsters leave they better leave too. Don't need no angel telling me what to do." She pulled out a small red box and stuck a paper tube between her lips.

"You smoke?" She asked lighting it and offering me the box.

"No."

"Alright. Well your friend there seems exhausted. What have you two been doing to make him that tired?"

"He's my brother. And we've been traveling a lot."

"You two don't look like brothers. You walk or something?"

"Yea we walked." The smoke filled the small space. It felt impossible to breath.

"Don't have a car?" So that's what these things are called.

"Um no."

"Damn shame makes things easier if ya did."

I chuckled and we both fell silent. I looked out the window as the tress passed by. I sighed as I thought of home. High above the clouds. I wonder if Helios was home sick too. I wonder what Helios thinks of all of this. The car jerked forward cause all of us to also jerk forward.

"Damn deers!" She yelled as she honked at the beast in front of us.

"That's not a deer. How are they this far into this district already!" Helios asked wide eyed.

"I don't know." The hell beast slowly lurched forward as it stalked the car. We both got out the car and stood in its way.

"I don't think that's a good idea boys."

"Drop the shroud."

"What? No!"

"I said drop it now! There's a human life at risk here!"

"Fine." The illusion faded away as our armor reappeared.

"Start the prayer." Helios reached for his shield that rested between his wings.

"Your hand!" I yelled as I noticed the black pox seeping through the bandage.

"It's fine start the prayer!" I let out a heavy sword and drew my sword.

"May your soul return to the heavens and be at peace.return from whence you came. Return to the light of the protector. Bless be there, Amare."

The young lady from the field stood behind the beast. She held its head and kissed its snout. Helios used the point of his shield to cut the beast in half. It screeched and fell to the ground. I watched as the poor beasts soul left its body. It returned to its previous self and looked up at the protector. It was just a baby wolf. So young and full of life. I could see the words thank you form from her lips but no sound came out. She took the wolf pup and they began to dissipate into the air.

"Did you see her?" I asked dumbstruck.

"See who?"

"The girl! And the wolf pup that you saved!"

"Um, no? Did you hit your head? Are you okay?" Helios asked looking at my eyes.

"She's the same girl I saw when I was healing dad."

"Okay you've gone crazy."

"What the hell are you two?" The woman yelled slamming the car door behind her.

"We're guardians. We were sent by the Protector to help save these lands."

"So you're just gonna waltz into my yard disguised as  humans then take down a monster right in front of me?"

"We're sorry we didn't tell you sooner. We weren't sure how you would react." I mumbled as I rubbed the back of my neck.

"Just get in the car. I can't believer my eyes right now. I'm too drunk for this." I put the shroud back up and we all piled into the car. I looked at Helios' wrapped hand. Black  and purple liquid stained the white bandaged.

"You're tainted." I whispered as we drove down the road again.

"I know. But I'll be fine. I have you to save me." The pressure I had early came back again. But this time it was so much worse. I needed to find a cure for the taint and quickly.