The Leader

The Leader: Chapter Twenty Seven

Chapter Twenty Seven: Caleb

I'm just about to tell Casey to take me to the mansion where Ian is holding Maya when I hear her plea for help. I hear my name, and I know that it is more urgent than anything I've ever heard or felt in my life. My entire being shifts. I have to be near Maya immediately. And so, it makes perfect sense that I suddenly find myself in her room. Ian is leaning over her, about to give her the worst sort of torture known. I've pictured what this day would look like. I always hoped I would be able to kiss her to greet her, and then storm into Ian's room with her, declaring war on him. I never expected to find this. My whole body is filled with rage, and I manage to speak clearly.

"Get your filthy body away from my girlfriend, you disgusting son of a bitch." Ian freezes as he hears my voice, and I grin wickedly at the fear I cause to stir up inside of him. Maya kicks him away, and I rush him, pushing him against the wall and cutting off his air supply. I speak the ancient challenging words, and with that the war has begun. I grab Maya, and I use the rest of my energy to take us to the battleground. Every one of my soldiers awaits my command. However, I make sure to appear in a hidden place, as all Maya wears is my jacket. She pulls clothes out of a backpack she carries, and I nod in approval. The black t-shirt and leggings are ideal, as they allow movement and will not be stained by blood like the white that I wear. Maya is shaken, though uninjured, and she tells me she's okay to fight. I take her into my arms and kiss her softly, a warmth growing in my chest. My body is wracked with sobs as I hold her for the first time in weeks. Maya pulls back and looks me in the eyes.

"Are you ready to fight?" she asks, grim-faced.

"Absolutely not. But, this is the most ready I'll ever be. Come on. Let's go tell everyone we're ready to go." Together we run to meet the rest of our small army. They are organised into three groups. One group will attack first, bringing down as many soldiers as possible. If it looks like we're losing, the second group will join them. The third group are there to counter any tricks Ian has up his sleeve. We all wait, some sitting, some standing. The wait seems to go on forever. I instruct Maya to get some sleep, and she does. She wakes up with more energy than earlier, and forces me to sleep as well. She wakes me as the first sound of the army is heard. I stand, alert, and I realise Maya has no blade. I hand her my one-handed sword, and she weighs it in her hand. The hilt is silver, and the blade is black, make of the only element able to kill full angels. It makes it easier to kill Halfies like us.

"What about you?" she asks, and I shrug.

"I can kill with a push of my mind. I control death."

"What if you get tired?" she asks with concern.

"Thank you for worrying, mother, but I think I'll be alright." She frowns at my sarcasm. I laugh at the expression on her face, then I sober again. The army looks like a faint smudge on the horizon. Every person hushes as I stand and face them. Maya stands with me, grabbing my hand.

"This is all about working together," I say.

"If one person cannot succeed at something, then try it with two," adds Maya. "You cannot do everything yourself. You must let others join you. Do not be afraid of having them take your burden and carry it with you, as this only strengthens your spirit, and theirs. Whether you know the person you are fighting with or not, just treat them as an equal. Show them your respect, and in turn they will show you theirs. It is absolutely crucial that we stay loyal and faithful to one another, because only the hearts of those around you will give you the strength needed for a battle such as this. Together we fight, not only for the freedom of one couple, but for the freedom of many. For the freedom of all!" A cheer rings through the people, and I gaze at Maya with respect and adoration. I kneel before her, showing just how much I respect and trust her.