Chapter seven

"Well boys here's the city." The woman said as the car came to a stop.

The roads were barren and desolate. There was no life detected anywhere. They must have heard the news about Holland and Farrow and left for Drower.

"Where is everyone?" I asked.

"They all left for Drower. Once they heard what happened in Farrow the people left." She took a long drag of the cigarette as they were called here.

"Why didn't you leave?"

"I guess a part of me knew that I'd be safe. That whatever god is out there would send help."

"Soteria."

"What?" Helios looked at me shocked.

"Her name is Soteria. Shes the Protecter. She protects all things holy and deemed worthy of her love and light. She's the one who makes us, who we are. And in her name I pray and I fight for the humans. Because that's what she wants. What she loves."

"Well then, thank you Soteria for sending two of your angels to protect us."

"There's more than just two of us."

"My name is Nancy by the way."

"Erinyes and that's Helios."

"Well, I best be on my way before it gets dark you boys take care. And when this is over, come visit me why don't you."

"Before you go, do you mind if I bless you?"

"Go on ahead."

"Thank you." I took her hands in mine and rested my forehead against her work worn hands.

"Watcher of the skies, Protecter of the lands. I call upon thee and ask you to watch this blessed soul. Let her travels be safe. May her nights never be cold and her days be long and prosperous. In the name of the protector, bless be thee, Amare." I kissed them before letting go.

"That was very kind of you. You boys take care now." We both got out the care and watched as she drove away.

"How do you know the Protecter's name?"

"She told me. I told you I saw here when I said the prayer."

"I thought you were just joking."

"No I'm not. Now let me see your hand." I grabbed Helios' hurt hand letting the illusion fall away.

"When we're you going to tell me you were hurt?"

"It's not bad." He winced as I inspected the black wound.

"Not bad? You have Taint in you!"

"It's not going to spread. My connection with the Protector is too strong."

"Still. There's a slight chance you could turn. Now stop talking so I can try and heal this." I rested his hand between mine. Glimpses of the field flashed before my eyes. This time, all of the Hellions and Hell beast that I saved mingled among the field. Talking with friends and family. Some were even playing with the animals. An overwhelming happiness filled my chest.

"Why are you crying?"

"I wish you could see what I could see." I whispered not wanting to open my eyes again. But the vision quickly faded.

"You can tell me later. Night time is coming quickly and we don't know how many daemons are in this district." I looked at his hand one more time. The wound was healed but the black ink remained under his skin.

"Please don't let him turn Soteria." I whispered as he began to walk away.

"I need him."

The city was completely empty. Not a soul was present. The wind howled through the towering buildings. A shiver went down my spine as dusk settled in.

"Let's make camp in there." Helios pointed to a small empty building.

"Sounds good." We took off the clunky armor and started a small fire. I watched as Helios stretched his wings.

"Are they sore?"

"Yea. They're cramping up. Do you mind if do a few laps?"

"Just stay where I can see you."

"I will." I sat in the window and watched the powerful muscles flex as he spread his wings.

It didn't take much to get him in the sky. He soared through the clouds so peacefully. I was almost jealous of him. He dove a few times and did several more laps before landing.

"How was it?"

"Nothing beats having the airbrush past you."

"Yea." I sighed as he sat down.

"Oh sorry. I shouldn't-"

"No it's fine. Get some rest. I'll take the first watch."

"Are you sure?"

"Yea. You looked exhausted in the car."

"Alright." He laid down on the couch. It didn't take long before I heard his breathing change.

I always enjoyed night time. Enjoyed the stars that painted the black canvas. It was a comforting sight. It reminded me of my child hood. Things were so much simpler then. All of us together as a family. But things changed when we became the proper age for training. I couldn't remember the last time all of us were together like that. One or all of us were always gone.

With mom being the high priestess of the council and dad being the advocate for the guardians we were always apart. For five years, Helios and I were apart as well. He went into training and I went to prayer. He never told me what he had to endure during training. Every time I asked he would tense up and change the topic. I've always wondered what made him like that. But my training wasn't so bad.

During my training, I was guided away from violence. I was taught many prayers and chants. And I had to make my connection with the Protecter stronger. There were times when we would go into month long periods of meditation and fasting. That was difficult but, it gave me time to reflect on my life.

When we were kids, my parents always said that Helios and I were predestined to take the paths that we took. She always said I was the peace keeper. And when I went into training I surpassed my classmates and even my teachers. But when we were plunged into war I had to break my vow of peace. And every night since that day on I've always felt so guilty. I know these people are evil. But how could I take their life?

But the stars gave me peace. I believed that every soul taken was placed in the sky as a star. And after seeing the protector guiding that pup to the golden fields I knew they were at peace. That what I was doing was right. But I couldn't help but feel bad for them still. Despite how awful I felt I still had to push forward. And bring peace to the lands. That was my goal. That was the whole purpose of my creation.

That night, not a single daemon came out. I'm not sure if the Protector heard our prayers. Or if none came cause no humans or Guardians were around for them to devour. But whatever the case was, the night was peaceful for the first time in a long while.