The Blessed

By Allen G. Davison

In a world much like are own, we find a young man lives out a life in a land devoid of life. With a friend and and a very small family his small life is up rooted by a group of soldiers in chrome armor. He fights with his desires for revenge as he meets new and unusual people. However if his life isn't skewed enough a time travelers appears. With a new finds an a manipulative new ally he soon finds himself swept into something much bigger than himself

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jan 27, 2012
• ISBN: 9781469153339

Allen G. Davison

In a world much like are own, we fi nd a young man lives out a life in a land devoid of life. With a friend and and a very small family his small life is up rooted by a group of soldiers in chrome armor. He fi ghts with his desires for revenge as he meets new and unusual people. However if his life isn’t skewed enough a time travelers appears. With a new fi nds an a manipulative new ally he soon fi nds himself swept into something much bigger than himself.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

A war-torn world is all I see through my scarred face, cast aside from a paradise as my body slowly begins to fail me. My child, my love, it is all that I have. However, with the rysoudre, I fear it will be a stillborn as the world around slowly eats at our bodies.

Dear, we will find a way, if not for us but for our only child, said a woman as she patted her belly under the rags wrapped around her. Her long black hair slightly obscured her reddened and crumbling face; she too was slowly losing her body. Each time we are forced farther away from home, it gets worse than pushed again. These lands are near barren, hardly inhabitable, for even the most blessed of people.

Blessed—a word granted to a small group of people. A growing number of people that still look normal. Even rarer, a person with special power or talent would crop up from them. The source of this blessing was called rysoudre. Rysoudre was the name of an energy force that had swallowed the land about a hundred years ago. It was claimed by the teachings of Kami that those who believed in him would become blessed and those gifted with true sight would be given power. The man wrapped in rags spit on the ground in disgust; he believed but that energy source was now draining him and his family of life.

The warm harsh wind gusted into them as his wife tried to keep her hair out of her face. Her sunburned hands went to her hair, using a tie to put her long hair in a ponytail. Do you think our child will pull through? she asked, concerned as her hands went to her swelling stomach.

If the child can withstand the rysoudre, answered the man. He looked out at the barren land; not even sand stayed long. The earth seemed to cry as parts opened up, trying to grasp the air. His bagged eyes squinted in the wind over a very unkempt brown beard, and he quickly buttoned up a ragged brown trench coat around himself as the sky started to cloud.

This all, for one law? the man tightened his coat around his body, shrouding his face as he thought of how to survive. A flake of skin rubbed off with the robe, warm blood hardly kept in check.

He will, he will survive. She smiled a knowing smile as she rubbed circles around her belly.

What about us? asked the man, giving a sad smirk as he looked down.

I don’t know if we will, but promise me you will take care of him. She looked over at his shrouded face. He remained silent, watching her; her body had taken a hard toll from the journey, with graying hair and wrinkles that belonged on a much older woman. He dared not look any longer as he turned to watch the sun glow red, casting a glow over the cracked rock.

I promise, whispered the man. The woman turned away and felt the left-hand side of her face. There was nothing but bone lined with dried blood and a thin sheet of skin.

The world was changed. What once was a living continent became a hell no man could ever imagine. What was once a survivable land was soon cursed by Kami as life was stripped from this part of the world. The people doomed to a life of pain as those cursed with a deformation were cast away from paradise known as Eden. The farther away from Eden you got, the closer to you got to hell, and the normality of people vanished. With the mystical mojo, blessed came from rare times. The man shook his head as he returned to a large wagon; the ox had recently died and without the ability to move anymore, the man started to take the wagon apart and put together a small one-story house. Despite her pregnancy, the two had little choice but to work under the hot sun and cold barren nights, and soon a rather worn-looking house stood. They stood on a small mountain looking not too far away from their home.

When I die, bury me here so I can always look to the sun. She smiled to her husband as she rubbed her swollen belly.

You’ll be fine. You’re in the best health a person can be in. The man frowned as he turned to his wife.

She gave him a small smile. That’s not saying much, my love. She chuckled at her own joke. When she lost her balance, her hand went instinctively to her belly.

Is it time? the father asked, quickly offering a hand for support. She nodded as she started to breathe. The father started the two down the decent as he looked up at the sky; it started to rumble. Both parents looked up in confusion; the dead lands were not known for storms of any kind. The two soon-to-be parents made it half way down when the woman collapsed.

I can’t wait any longer, John… I, she started as her breathing picked up.

Save it, you can tell me after the child is born, John interrupted as the blood from his fingers was being choked off.

Let me speak my peace first, just listen. I don’t blame you. You were just trying to help a friend. It was never your fault, she said smiling. Ah, she cried, please, whatever happens, don’t let that hate eat you up. Your child will live on, I know it. Please take care of him, she pleaded. Promise me.

You’ll be here to help, so stop talking like this is the end, he urged as he held her hand up to his face. She smiled as child birth breathing gave into soft screams. John put the crying infant in the mother’s hand.

He’s a boy, he said smiling, and in one piece. The father gave a weak smile.

My little boy, my blessed little Daean, she cooed as her heart started to slow. Thunder clapped in the distance as the mother’s breathing slowed then stopped.

Honey? he whispered as her hand went limp in his grasp and the baby started to cry. He bowed his head as he took the baby and swaddled him in his wife’s old shirt. He looked up at the dark sky as rain started to fall down. Lightning split the sky, and thunder soon followed. John looked down at his son. The child had stopped crying as he watched the sky flash. John, with child in one hand, soon ran for home and shelter. It was the day the god of thunder and lightning was born.

CHAPTER 1

The man sighed as he scrapped a hardly sharpened knife over his chin. He didn’t wince as he scrapped a little too hard. He looked at his face, cold hard lined with frustration, as he eliminated the salt and pepper covering his chin. He looked at his face; the lower part was covered by scraps of metal drafted into his bone.

Hurt just as bad then as well, he muttered to himself, pushing back a few gray strands. His long, dust-covered hair was a stringy mess. Then he was as well, long and stringing and half dead. He walked through the wooded home he had built; the clang of his right metal leg pounded on the wood as he came to a chair and sat down in a twined-up wooden chair. He looked out a broken window, a small stick lined in a mound of dirt.

Dad? came a voice. He frowned and turned over to look at his boy, her boy. Daean Noncure, his mother’s boy, all the way to his heart! He opened the door cheerful as usual. He sat down and dug into his breakfast; he smiled as he bit into his food and flashed his warm brown eyes up.

Ignorant fool, muttered the man, a small smirk lining his face as he pushed the cracked plate into a rusted sink and went outside to work what little farm he could keep alive.

I was thinking of, you know, working in your workshop if that’s okay? asked Daean. The man turned a moment and frowned.

Fine, stay out of trouble, grunted the man as he shut the rusted door behind him. Daean’s father grunted as he grabbed a brown work vest and took a stained and worn black hat over his head. Straightening out his gray long-sleeved shirt, he stuffed a pair of gloves in his back pocket as he went out to work. He turned back at his house, grabbing a worn and pink-stained black cowboy hat. He looked at it in his hand and gave a small smile. He’s too much like you. He sighed as he put the hat over his head.

Daean watched his father leave. He adjusted his holy black shirt and walked outside to the shop in the backyard. Daean looked around. His father was watering the small area he had planted what few crops he could manage every year. They had one source of water: a small rusted metal pipe connected to the town’s reservoir. Each person was given limited water, and the whole town pooled their food together in a rather successful attempt to keep alive.

Daean gave a small smirk as he looked over at a small workshop where his father kept all the junk he had collected over the years. He opened the small shed as he looked at all the bits of technology he had found over the years. He adjusted his black fingerless gloves and got to work. The boy played with the computer gear slowly as he looked over the metal chip. The small workshop consisted of all sorts of knickknacks to play with. He sat down in a wood chair as he looked over a battery. He tossed it in his hands as he looked over all the little bits of tech.

Having fun? asked a female voice. Daean looked over as he leaned back in the chair Alicia, fancy meeting you here, the young man said smiling as he tossed the battery onto the pile of junk. He pushed his black hair out of his eyes. So you here to see me? he asked, spinning the rusted chair around childishly.

Well, I think that was the point of coming here, Alicia replied as she put her hands on her hips.

Not to see my half dead old man. I swear he gets more and more hollow with each passing season, the boy replied. She gave a sad smirk as she let her hands drop.

True, but what does he have to live for? she asked as she pushed back her long brown hair.

Tomorrow? Daean shrugged as he threw up his tanned hands. Wouldn’t know—he’s been like that as far back as I can remember.

So three seconds ago, she joked as flashing her hazel eyes at him. She looked back as her olive complexion seemed to shine in the blistering heat. She straightened out her brown vest over her white shirt. Daean turned his head a moment as he looked at his brown pants and shoes in a desperate attempt to avert his eyes.

Like what you see? she asked as she swayed her hips a bit.

No, said Daean as he got up and dusted of his black shirt and turned away. She rolled her eyes as she looked at the battery he was playing with. She picked it up, then tapped the positive side.

Ouch! she yelped as she dropped the battery, where it rolled off her chest to settle on the floor.

Stay out that stuff, commented Daean as he turned to see her stumbling over the battery. She tossed the battery back up, back onto the desk of the old shack. She put her hands behind her back and mustered up an innocent smile.

Sorry, replied Alicia as she walked out,

Must you get into everything?

Yes, she answered. He shook his head as he escorted her out, then closed the door behind them.

What am I going to do with you, he asked giving her an amused glance.

Let me know when you figure that one out.

The father was working in the field when he watched the two walk out together. Just like we use to, so blind that boy. My boy, you really are ignorant. This is hell on earth, yet you find a reason to be happy. the older man scratched at his chin, stripping the rust off the metal bits on his face. There’s a moral in that, muttered the man as he watched his son trip and fall on the hard ground. Then again, maybe not. The father shook his head as he dug his shovel into the ground. He watched the pair walk down the dirt road into the town.

Excuse me, sir, asked a female voice. The man whipped around and swung his shovel. The figure was there one moment then gone the next. Relax if I wanted you dead, you would be. Now where is your son? asked the figure, the brown cloak concealing any features. The figure held both hands in a motion of surrender.

You ain’t getting anything out of me, muttered the man as he swung again, but the figure vanished again. Damn it, a blessed, just what I need to deal with, the man muttered I will find him, whispered the brown cloaked figure as she disappeared into the wind. Slam-the figure dropped as the shovel came down on her head. The father picked the figure up, and a picture dropped to the ground. Slowly bending down as the metallic limbs creaked, he picked it up. It was an old and worn picture of his son and his only friend. He took out the same picture taken days ago. He looked at her, then with a quick adjustment, walked back to the house.

He dropped the figure on his bed and inspected the photo. He set it down on the nightstand. He went to the kitchen, and walking over to the counter, he quickly pulled out a safe. The metal was pristine and had a shine to it. He quickly turned the knob, opening the small safe. Wiping his hands, he took out a small file containing the picture he had paid for him as well as for Alicia and his son. He re-entered his room, tossing the picture next to the other—a perfect match.

Alicia and Daean walked together along the dirt road in silence. As they walked closer to town, passing more and more people with all manner of clothing and metallic parts, they saw that most people used metal to help cover wounds that wouldn’t heal. In a cataclysmic event sent by Kami about a hundred years ago, the western half of the world was wiped out, and since then, those closer to the point of origin would lose skin, bones would go soft, and one would feel extremely weak, followed by death. Most people had taken to using technology that Kami had given to the world to replace limbs and cover up wounds that wouldn’t heal.

Dirty looks became apparent. Both friends were unharmed by the environment. Some believed that those who believed in Kami and his ways were blessed and unharmed by whatever was causing the losses. These people were called blessed. Most that were blessed were allowed into Eden, the home of Kami himself and the biggest city in the world. Eden was called a paradise, rumored that the world was served to perfection and misery was an emotion not a state of feeling. As such the opposite was true. The uglier you were, the farther you were pushed away from the great city, thus being forced to live closer to what people called the origin point. As such made it worse Daean heard his father and mother had seen Eden, but they were kicked farther and farther away. Each time they were forced to move, the two got worse and pushed farther away. He had heard that he was the reason for his mother’s death, her coming so close to the origin point in such a weak state and then childbirth. He and his father never spoke on the matter, but he felt that his father blamed him for it.

The town itself was of no name and no origin; it seemly existed and always had been. No names since people were more concerned with living or drowning their sorrow. Made of wood and rusted metal, it was a one-street town with no hope. Everything was either moving or covered with dust. The echo of metal and wood came to life as they started to walk among the porches of the town buildings.

Hey, you okay? she asked, snapping him out of his thinking; he turned to his friend and gave her a smile.

Just fine, he lied, as they passed by the small inn and the bank. The two walked up to the wood planks and walked past the small-town folks. The group got close to the bar at the other side of the town almost finishing their first lap. Daean look ahead to see a small group of his peers. He lowered his head and tried to walk past unhindered. He braced himself when he felt two hands push up against his shoulder. He was pushed against a weak rail and then he collapsed into the main road head over heels. Landing on his back he looked up at the five individuals.

Well, it’s the weak little pretty boy, taunted one as he flexed a large mechanical arm in pride—a replacement limb that was clumsy but strong.

Playing in the dirt again, you little boy? commented a second, wincing from some static from his mechanical arm. The three older men howled with laughter as their attention turned elsewhere.

Come on, what’s a pretty girl like you hanging with a weakling like that? they howled on as he made a come on. Daean’s eyes flashed with electricity as he glared at one of the three idiots.

Sorry, I don’t date immature fools, she growled, and she flashed a quick glare at one. Daean got back up to his feet. The man with the new arm used his finger to push him back in the dirt as the machine hummed.

Whatever, but if you feel like hanging out with real men for a change, you know where to find us. The three men laughed as they walked off. She held out her hand, as Daean took it to get back up, as a jolt of electricity shocked her. Daean fell backwards then stumbled back to his feet. He gave her a questioning look as she sucked on one of her fingers.

You always gave bad jolts when you were mad. With you around, it wouldn’t be hard to find any lost socks, joked Alicia. He gave her a mocking smile. Damn, that one really hurt, you know, she said, shaking her hand to numb the pain.

Sorry, Daean apologized. Alicia smiled as she waved it off. The pair walked on as more people brushed into them. Daean felt the scraps add up as metallic limbs scratched up against him. His arms were scratched all to hell. As it is his legs were almost always bruised. The metallic parts always give an increase of strength; some people got the attachments simply for that reason. Those with a pretty face, especially the boys, were usually the ones teased. Daean wasn’t the only target around here, for a few others were blessed, but Daean was sure the reason he got more attention was because of Alicia. Women left unmarred were usually subjected to being hit on by every single guy in town and hated by every woman, and most usually left for cities closer to Eden.

Now that I think about it why do you stay here, putting up with the constant idiots? asked Daean.

What do you mean? Alicia answered as the two walked on a bit further, passing a barbershop. That’s just something I ignore on a regular basis. Besides, they’re just ticked I hang out with you no matter how ‘manly’ they get. Besides every town has its jerks.

That’s not what I meant. I know what holds me here—its family, but you don’t have any as far as I can remember. Well, I don’t know where you live, come to think of it, Daean mused as Alicia started to slow down. I am a really bad friend if I don’t even know where you live, he growled to himself as he shook his head. Alicia seemed to relax a bit.

That’s because you never asked.

’Cause you always found me before I started looking, and you always seemed to know what I was right about to do.

That would be a woman thing.

Maybe either that or I’m gullible enough to believe any excuse you can come up with, the young adult said, laughing. She chuckled halfheartedly as the two walked on, up one side and down the other, one talking the other listening. The two joked as they walked up and ran into the only law enforcer in the area.

Morning, Sheriff Tom, greeted Daean.

Staying out of trouble I hope, sighed the old man.

Yes, sir, Daean answered, giving a mock salute.

I have heard a band of bandits been causing some trouble in the area, so keep to the town and your home, okay? the sheriff advised, lighting a pipe. They still giving you trouble? asked Tom, as he looked over at a small group laughing and pushing each other around.

Nothing worth throwing them in slammer over, Daean answered.

Wish I could do more than make it worse for you, said the man as he tossed away a dead match.

About those bandits, you sure it’s not just rumors? Sounds odd they usually keep to the nomads, pondered Daean.

Smart, it’s been subtle, but they have been getting bolder. It’s got the few law men out there worried, said the man frowning. With the druids hiding in Europe, and the MRF and Angels keeping to their respected cities, well, never mind. There is no sense in you kids worrying over rumors. Get out of here, and go enjoy yourselves.

The two walked away back down the one-street town.

You know what seems odd? the young man asked his friend. She smiled and shrugged.

There are always rumors about that sort of thing. What I have heard, she looked around a moment and continued, Angels, they say, there is a group in the area. Alicia had a grin on her face.

Now that’s a rumor if I ever heard one. Daean chuckled as he started to walk away.

It’s the truth, she pleaded. It’s true. Hey, look a guest! Alicia said pointing out. A man with a long black trench coat walked past the two, wearing a pair of really dark camo pants and leather boots. The man had long scraggly brown hair, and a short beard covered up most of his face, He had piecing green eyes. A stranger like him got more eyes than the two ever did. He walked past down then crossed over to the other side of the road. What stood out the most was his sheathed katana and his holstered gun. While the gun was a normal .45 caliber, its opposite katana was a work of art, even sheathed. The hilt was gray and styled similar to a broadsword: the grip was grooved into cylinders as well as a grooved area for better grip. The sheath started where the hilt ended; metal started the base but soon met a dark glittering blue. It ended with the metal forming around the very end in two U like shapes bottom to bottom, the blue glittering between the metal shapes.

Hello, Alicia shouted as she waved at the man. The man turned to see her, giving a small wave back, quickly going back to his own thoughts.

The pale and unmarked man met with the sheriff, an unusual combination in an area filled with a burning sun. The two glanced around before turning to go inside. The young man waved his hand let’s go, no sense in staring at him. Want to hang out at the mountains, offered Daean. Alicia nodded and smiled as the two walked on.

The mountains were a structural anomaly. A hundred years ago, the land in the area was greatly twisted, and the small range was perhaps the only thing of beauty in the area. Daean leaped up on a rock, walking along, leaping from one to the next, the sun still high in the sky above.

That stranger was very pale. Wonder why he was so white, said Daean, Kind of like Dad.

You’re white too you know, Alicia reminded.

Really? he asked looking down at his hands. Daean blinked. Well, what do you know? So that means that there are three white people I know now.

Congratulations, Alicia said clapping with a bemused grin on her face.

Thank you. Daean bowed.

The two sat down on the cliff; the sun was just setting as the earth glowed under the sun. Alicia rubbed her forehead as the two looked down at the town below. The rocks gave off a soft green glow as the rocks became warm. The two sat down there, feet dangling of the cliff; a grave was not too far away from the two.

I wonder who he was, said Alicia as she looked over at the cross stabbed into the hard rock.

She was my mom, Daean replied. She died the day I was born, and this was where my father buried her. I think because of the amazing view.

Really? she asked giving him a soft smile.

Yeah, said the boy nodding. The two stood up, and as the boy smiled at her, she leaned in a little closer and hugged him. The two separated when Daean’s attention disappeared. What is that? he asked as a reflection caught his eye.

Looks like armor, very shiny armor, Angels! Alicia shouted.

No way, that’s impossible! What in the world would Angels be doing so far from Eden? Daean said in disbelief.

Come on, they’re heading to town. We may never see Kami’s angels again. Let’s move, Alicia said smiling. She had a big grin on her face; Daean took a deep breath, the town not being his favorite place to hang.

Fine, let’s go, Daean huffed.

The two dashed down the mountain, Daean half sliding as the pair ran down. The two got into the town as a large parade of people appeared, in full military uniform.

Oh boy, what do the men in military want now? asked a random townsmen. The Angels were one half of Kami’s army, the other being the MRF. The Angels usually operated as peace keepers in Eden, leaving the MRF with the majority of the military operations.

Shining in the sunlight, armored figures marched on; the figures were so out of place that most were a bit concerned. The uniforms were made of an unknown material that kept out whatever was eating away at the flesh, each geared with long-range firearms and close-range blades. The steel itself was far more amazing; plates protected each part with no area to clip on or off, seamless as skin. The joints were protected by a scale metal that even when bent didn’t wrinkle. Black visors started at the chin, creating a dome shape around the head and ending where the hairline would normally start.

The man leading was huge or outfitted with mechanical limbs far too big the only explanations for his inhuman size; his weapons were a war hammer that ran the length of the great man, the hammer head bigger than most men’s head, one end a flat the other an ax-like point.

The second to his right appeared male as well; he seemed to slow a bit as if relying on some unseen force to keep him moving. Outside of all the others he had no weapon.

Then to the left was a female only noticeable by her distracting curves the armor gripped to all too closely; her weapon was the most unusual; a thin blade weapon far too thin to be a sword in anything but appearance.

Nothing could be seen through the visor of the first or any man; the group kept walking and the crowd watched in mild curiosity as the group marched shining in the sun.

Daean watched as the group turned and set up camp not a mile outside of the town. Daean pushed past as the group watched them make a large camp surrounded by rock, the area once called the Desert’s Mouth. Daean watched as the group quickly set up small homes and a generator. The boy watched on as the interested men and woman became less and less until the sun had long since gone. A small circle appeared around the encampment as the people became scarce and the area became a small area of small white homes shining in the high moon. Lights lit the place up as the group soon vanished into their homes. Soon, little was seen as small containers were passed out, then the area was barren with the exception of the small homes.

Alicia had to shake her head as the two were now the only ones there. A small group formed up in the center, the most notable from the march and walked down the road. The pair leaped after them staying behind the rocks. Daean hesitated as one with an average height seemed to take interest in them. The man looked at him for a moment before returning forward, clearly uninterested in the darkened figures in the moonlight.

So the rumors are true. Those suckers have a radar built in. I always dreamed of being in the military, Daean smirked. I wonder if they can hear us as well, the young man pondered.

I would prefer to get going, ask them tomorrow. Me, I’d rather leave them to rumors, Alicia answered.

All right, meet me at town tomorrow then, smirked Daean and dashed off; the girl watched the four closely before vanishing into the early moon.

The boy closed in on his one-story home, his thoughts drifting back to the military. The armor itself seemed reason to join; he slipped in under the creak of the house and the snoring of his father. He looked to his bed, slightly disappointed that this was all he truly had. He slipped into the dirty blanket and looked up at the ceiling. An image popped into his head, and he saw himself in that armor, the visor down and a confident grin on his face.

That would be awesome, He smiled as he closed his eyes.

CHAPTER 2

Images of a pub flashed into his mind; a woman put her arms around him as he sat in a big chair. The smell of smoke filled his nose as faces blurred.

Smoke, smoke? shouted Daean as he sat up in his bed, his head spinning as he tried to figure what was burning. Daean leaped out of his torn covers as his head twisted, trying to find the source of the smell. The boy looked out the cracked glass; the sky was filled with black smoke, and a cruel red shaded the earth. He turned on his heels when he heard a shot from a basic rifle. He dashed, out of his room leaving his blanket on the cold ground as he dashed into the main living room. Then he saw his father staring out the window with an uncaring look on his face. Father, what is going on? his voice trailed off as his father dropped to his knees. Charred wounds in his father’s back became visible. Daean leaped to his father’s side, but all he could do was get his hands bloodied. Daean tried to keep his hands steady for his father’s sake, but his hands fumbled and his father fell to the ground. As he tumbled, a small necklace dropped from his father’s hand as Daean pushed his father onto his back.

Dad? Dad? Daean choked a bit. Talk to me, Dad, you’ll be fine. You told me to wrap a wound up, yeah, you’ll be fine. Daean rushed over to his bed and grabbed his blankets. Quickly finding holes, he ripped his blanket up, wrapping his father as tightly as he could.

He looked at it for a moment before clipping it around his own neck, then out of the holes and cracks in the door, he saw lights moving in the distance. The Angels? Daean glared while his hands unknowingly danced with lightning as his mind connected the dots. On instinct, he raised his hand toward an approaching trooper whose armor glowed as his scream filled the darkness. His hands stained with his father’s blood. I want my father back! Daean looked down at his hands. I want them all dead! He shouted and as he forced himself onto his feet, the shaking stopped.

Daean stared as lightning danced between the bodies then to his own hands; he stared for a moment in fear, when the sounds of a screaming woman entered his ears. He dashed back into the house where a woman shot up from her bed and vanished. Daean looked around in confusion, his mind forgetting his rage from a moment ago.

Daean leaped back as a brown cloaked figure appeared before him as another scream ripped through the night. Daean recognized the scream, ready to help. He was faced by the vanishing woman now in the doorway. Get out of my way! shouted Daean, who tried to push past her as he walked back to the door. She grabbed his wrist, twisted it and slammed him into the hard floor. Daean glared hard, his lightning shot out at the attacker, but the woman was already gone. As Daean got to his feet, lightning crackled and his cold anger grew. His eyes narrowed as he shook his hand. She appeared again at his side, delivering a cold punch. He toppled to his left, then she appeared, slamming into him a second time then in front delivering a brutal uppercut. Blood spilled from his jaw as Daean fell on his back his arms flailed out at his side. Daean spit out blood as he dug his hands into the wood and looked up at the hooded figure. His hands surged with electricity as the figure vanished again; Daean got back up slowly to his feet as his eyes darted around. He slowly backed into the wall, then dashed for his father’s room where he grabbed a simple handgun off the dresser. Before he could use it, his wrist was grabbed and twisted, causing him to drop the weapon. The weapon rattled a second on the floor before he dropped for the weapon, but it vanished before he hit the wood floor on recoil. The boy looked up at the figure, the silver weapon aimed at his head. The figure had a long worn cloak. The cloak shadowed everything with the exception of two hazel eyes that looked strikingly familiar. The boy knew enough that the wood wouldn’t conduct electricity, but it could start a fire. He kept his face as his mind worked. The bolt zapped from his hand; the figure dropped the weapon as sparks flew and a fire started.

The house went up like a match, as the figure recoiled to guard and backed off. The boy backed slowly into his own room as the flames burned at him. The boy turned, his only escape the window. Daean leaped out, smashing out a window as the house went up like a giant match.

Daean rolled as he ripped out a bit of glass from his side. He stood up as he crouched, the figure walking out of the flames. Daean glared at the figure when a familiar scream filled the night again. Daean gave up all thought of the figure and ran off. The figure appeared in front of him.

I am not done, said the faceless woman, as she drew a sword. She also produced a rapier and tossed the blade at his feet.

A questioned look adorned the young man’s face. As he picked up the weapon, a surge of electricity charged through the weapon. She held out her own as she charged while lightning coursed through his blade. He gripped the hilt with one hand as the figure charged. Daean guarded as her blade slammed into his. Again and again each time being pushed back, his blade held in a pitiful defense.

Attack! ordered the figure, and after a moment of hesitation, he did so. He batted back. More force, keep your sword high, the figure directed as he soon picked up the basics along with a few cuts up his arms and legs. The lightning ripped along the blade but the figure would dodge just in the nick of time as the boy added his newfound talent to the blade. The figure weaved around the blade with little problems, and the lightning rod never came in contact. The boy fell back as he looked up at the figure, panting. Then the figure vanished, and Daean frowned. He got to his feet then ran off in the direction of the town.

Daean went wide-eyed as he saw the entire town in flames. Even from a distance, he could see the flames reaching farther than the highest building. The entire area was surrounded by shining troops, each with black metal armor instead of the usual inspiring chrome. Daean dashed off toward them, but the troops seemed to just stand in place when shooting echoed in the town. Daean dashed past the line surrounding the men. They didn’t stir, but when he turned around, they shot at him. Daean flinched as an electric barrier formed around him and the town. Daean heard screams and not questioning the luck turned to the closest building.

The wood door gave way as Daean called out into the flames. The night erupted into gunshots as the troops started to move in.

Shit, it’s a suppressing fire, growled a man.

Wait, Sheriff Tom? commented Daean in confusion.

What did you think I would abandon this heap of wood? Even with a good size evacuated, they still got some people round up. Shit, I had hoped we wouldn’t have to worry about these people with such a small population. We need to get out, they plan on blowing this place sky high. Dar, he needs to know there is no one left.

What about you?

I’ll stall for time. Now go, as this place will likely fall down around us if we keep talking. Daean hesitated a moment. Go already! The figure turned and dashed out the front door.

The town was up in flames as a small group of men circled around a group of dead bodies where two men fought one giant; the other was the bearded man from earlier in the day. Alicia was on the ground next to him, nursing a wound on her arm.

The rest of the Angels crouched to the side as the man held a giant Gatling gun aimed at the bearded man. The bullets started off slow. As he aimed at Dar, the bullets went at his own men, but were deflected off by some unseen force. The man danced around the bigger man. Keeping low but keeping his body in the air, twisting with military precision. The giant, feeling frustrated, tossed the gun and pulled a large hammer off his back. The giant charged forward as he swung his hammer around. He moved past the bearded man towards the girl behind him. Daean’s blood boiled as he charged even more electricity through his sword, which started to glow blue as lightning danced to the ground. He charged at the bigger man. The bearded man made a quick motion with his hand and Daean stopped his charge in midstride.

What the heck? asked Daean as he looked down the street.

Keep back. This man is far too dangerous. I’ll deal with him. You handle the followers, just stay away from the hammer, ordered the man as he drew his blade then a .45 caliber handgun in his left. The giant swung his hammer around, the bearded man leaped up onto the pole of the hammer. The bearded man slammed his knee into the giant’s helmet. The giant stumbled back as he growled in frustration, and the bearded man shot at the giant’s head. The iron was even scratched as some unknown force deflected the gun. The bearded man only growled in annoyance as he landed behind the giant.

Daean easily dealt with the brainless fools as each suit of black iron seemed to stand still and shoot, which did little good. Bad aim and brainless, said Daean. Daean quickly grabbed Alicia and half dragged her behind a few barrels not in danger of catching fire. Daean turned his hand around the cover, shooting electricity blindly with the curve of his hand.

Cool sword, said Alicia. The weapon remained at his side as the two hid between bolts and gunfire. The weapon, like all of its kind, was a small bladed one with a guarded hilt to protect the hand; the guard shone brightly as it twisted around in a thin weave, creating an integrated but natural guard that shone even in the dark. The blade was a technological marvel, taking the lightning and harnessing it instead of being destroyed despite its unnatural glow.

Some person gave it to me after kicking me around, muttered Daean as he wiped his face, remembering the blood. He looked over at his friend a quick moment and saw that she was in okay condition despite the cuts and torn clothing. Daean got back to his feet as his lightning was absorbed by some unknown bubble. Daean growled in frustration as he charged up more energy in his hand, not even sure how he was doing it. Alicia looked at his hand in admiration. Daean braced himself as he shot again and again until the bubble seemed to pop as Daean shot one last bolt that made the soldier scream as he was knocked to the ground. The smoke filled Daean’s nose when he saw a rifle aimed at Alicia. He grabbed her by the shoulder, and in one fluid motion shot a fist filled with lightning as the bubble shattered and the unfortunate soldier’s screams joined the others. As Daean’s fifth opponent fell, seven others drew their weapons and started forward as the giant slammed his hammer to the ground, causing everyone to stumble. With the sudden distraction, Daean was able to get in close and attack with his new rapier. Daean was silently impressed as his blade cleaved a soldier’s head clean off.

Bastard! Stand still, shouted the giant under his helmet as the bearded man ducked again.

Above average military armor, below average human intelligence, muttered the man. Just my luck, the bearded man continued as he leaped above a second swing and fired another round as he flew over using the force to get free of the giant’s reach.

Daean held his blade out in front of him as six figures formed around the burning rail area. Daean charged forward and swung at a soldier as his blade danced with lightning. The swing missed, but the lightning caught anyway and the man was fried. Another soldier leaped at Daean who overpowered the soldier’s shield with lightning which sent him sailing through the air and into a burning building. Daean backed away slowly, caught between flames and the four remaining soldiers, while Alicia pressed up against his back to escape the heat. Daean felt the flames lick at him as Alicia pressed closer, almost digging into his skin with her nails. His frustration boiled over as everything covered in metal became one giant lightning rod. All the bodies fried as the giant sparked with electricity as he continued to swing away but was otherwise unharmed. Daean collapsed as Alicia tried to help him away from the dead bodies and burning buildings, dropping in the dirt as the bearded man fought on.

The giant tossed his hammer back over his shoulder as his fist became spiked. The giant charged forward his spiked fists aimed at the bearded man’s head. In one motion, the bearded man grasped the giant’s hands and flung him into the air. The bearded man leaped up after his opponent and unloaded a round of bullets at the giant, who slammed into the earth, creating a small crater. He roared at the bearded man in front of him as he took out two smaller hammers and charged Dar, who dove under them and slammed his fist into the giant’s armored gut.

The giant’s helmet shifted back down into the armor; as he spit up blood while glaring at the smaller man. The giant noticed Daean and Alicia attempting to run past him. The giant dropped his hammers and grabbed Alicia in one hand and Daean in another and proceeded to toss them into the wooden tower of the burning town hall. The burning building started to collapse after a moment as the burning wood gave way. Alicia screamed in fear as the flames started to drop around.

No! yelled the bearded man as he raised his hands in front of him. The burning bits stopped in midair as parts fell down around the two. With a quick motion, the bearded man tossed it at the giant, who growled in rage as he batted some of the debris into the sheriff’s office. The giant looked at what was left of his troops and growled. The giant pointed at the bearded man, and after giving a quick motion with his hand across his own neck, he turned to run as one of the other buildings collapsed, blocking any attempt to follow. The man growled in frustration at the burning rubble; the man frowned when another building started to collapse.

Look out! shouted Daean, as the bearded man turned to the falling building. The man put both hands in front of him as the burning wood suddenly stopped. Holy crap, he’s a blessed! The man’s face twitched as the building was slowly pushed away. The building was released and crashed down, kicking up ash and dust. The man quickly ran over to the pair and motioned for them to follow.

If we stay here, we will suffocate from all the smoke, said Darius. He raised his hand and the man’s pack floated over to him. Daean coughed as the three ran out of the burning town.

Daean looked back as the last of the buildings collapsed and noticed the body of the sheriff not too far out in front of the town. Daean bowed his head a quick moment as an explosion rocked the night. The group disappeared into the darkness as the black troops melted into memory.

Alicia started to stumble, but Daean picked her up bridal style as he continued running after the bearded man. The group continued on without meeting any more troops, and after the fires seemed like embers in the distance, Dar finally stopped.

The bearded man looked tired as he tossed a large blanket at the two as night began to fall. They sat together round a fire, watching the burning town in the distance become a cloud of smoke. Daean and Alicia huddled under the surprisingly warm blanket. Alicia leaned on him as she drifted to sleep. Daean on the other hand, couldn’t as Alicia’s black hair smelled heavy with smoke, so he reached into his pocket and pulled out the small chain with a ring on it that his father had dropped earlier.

Mom, thought Daean as he looked over at the bearded man, who fell asleep as well, but even in sleep seemed respectable. Daean wrapped his arm around Alicia and waited for the sun to rise.

Daean rose first, having fallen asleep sometime in the night. The bearded man gave out a low groan, now awake and facing the sun away from the dying fire, as he twisted on the ground. The figure from last night appeared before them, and Daean fingered his blade as the figure held out her hands in a gesture of surrender. The bearded man suddenly appeared behind her, his blade near her neck.

Hello, Lt. Darius Hennison, she said smiling, and Daean looked at the man in shock.

What the heck is going on here? Dean said in shock as he looked at Darius, surprise evident even on his face.

CHAPTER 3

Darius looked at the coals as he rubbed his beard going over the past events. He opened up a bottle of brandy. The two kids he picked up were resting peacefully near the fire. The sun was starting to rise. He stared at the warm sun slowly coming back up, giving a warm green color. He raised his bottle as his mind returned to yesterday.

Why am I even doing this? Darius grumbled as he strode toward the town. Although only twenty-four, he appeared older due to his full beard and long hair that hung past his neck Darius, continued to grumble as he dreaded his talk with the sheriff. Darius, can you fetch this? Darius, can you take out these bandits? I’ll pay you this time! Honest! Darius mumbled sarcastically as he walked past a couple of buildings. For three years, he had been wandering the wastes, and for three years, he found himself playing the Good Samaritan despite his better judgment.