Deviant Fate

44 - Give Them a Show

-Gwen-

"Dad, you must stay inside. If something happens and I lose focus, Arowin could regain consciousness. If he breaks out he will wreak havoc here. I don't want you getting involved. Please, just stay inside and wait for me." I argued relentlessly.

"I may be human, but I'm not helpless. I don't need to cower inside like some frail old man." He retorted, clearly offended by my request.

"You're not some frail old man. You are the father of the high priestess. Which means you must remain safe. You were the partner of a high priestess and they targeted you. That can't happen again. I don't want to argue on this, so can you just do this for me, please." I pleaded.

He sighed and pulled me in for a tight hug. I've slowly been getting over the anxious feelings I used to feel when someone touched me. His embrace felt like everything I had ever wanted. Everything I had longed for since I lost my parents.

"If that is what you ask of me, I will do anything I can to ease your worries." He said.

I sighed in relief and smiled into his chest. It felt like home with him. I didn't ever want to pull away. I needed to go before I broke down. I slowly pulled away and headed towards the door.

"I will change everything for the better." I promised him.

He was hesitant to smile. I knew he wanted to come with me. To protect me like fathers do.

As I closed his front door I felt an uncomfortable wave wash over me. It wasn't goodbye, so why did it feel like it?

I pressed on and made my way to Julian. He looked stressed and worried as he sat in his office chair.

"Julian." I spoke softly, not wanting to startle him.

"Oh. Gwen. Do you need something?" He jumped up and tried to act, put together.

Weird.

I'm sure he just missed Rin and was stressed about the what's to come.

"I'm going tomorrow. Arowin is contained for now, but I don't know how long I can hold it." I said collectedly. "You need to keep your strongest gifted people guarding Arowin."

"I don't want you to do anything too rashly... But, if you're ready, then we should go tomorrow night. It will be best." He suggested, but I heard the worry in his voice.

I preferred sooner, but I assumed he wanted more time to prepare everyone.

I nodded. "Tomorrow night then. It ends tomorrow, but it also begins tomorrow."

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-Keerly-

I don't even know why I've waited this long. It was ridiculous, but Arowin despised people who disobeyed him. An alarm went off just after he left me here, but he can hold his own. However, this was a secret hideout of Celestans. Maybe they had something that could hurt him? Maybe he's just taking his sweet time with Gwen?

I positioned myself in a nook inside of the cave wall to stay out of sight. I must have fallen asleep as I was abruptly awoken by the sound of heavy and quick footsteps. A large group of Celestans flooded out of the cave. I could have sworn I saw Gwen at the very front, but they moved too quickly to be sure. This seemed like the time to go and find Arowin.

Something was wrong. I couldn't see him or see through his eyes. There were at least six Celestans guarding a specific door. I could only assume they were guarding a specific threat.

Stealth was more logical, but I was unsure of Arowin's position and couldn't risk another second. I was able to take down the first four with surprise and speed, the last two put up more of a fight. They were challenging, but still beneath me in combat.

Rushing through the door, I found Arowin on the ground completely unresponsive. Every effort to wake him fell short. I felt uneasy. Arowin had always been the strongest. The fact that he was down sent a strange flow of fear through my body.

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-Gwen-

It was silent the entire way. Surprise was our upper hand so we traveled on foot. The closer we got the more I zeroed in. The determination on everyone's faces only made me want to succeed more. Julian had separated the units to enter each exit of the mansion. I requested him and my unit to find Rin.

Everett pulled me in for a quick hug. "You get it done and you come back to us." He ordered.

I nodded and squeezed him back for assurance. Zaq and Zef swarmed me in a sandwich of a hug. Fran shooed them away so she could speak to me.

"You take care, you." She smiled and wiped a tear from her eye. I smiled and held her hand. She was on the emotional side and I wanted her to know that I appreciated her.

"I'll be back before you know it, roomie." I leaned into her shoulder with a slight nudge.

Deacon hadn't made any moves towards me. Though his eyes stared intensely into mine.

"One hour." Was all he said.

One hour.

A reminder that he would be there for me in one hour.

I entered and made my way to the throne room, as Julian instructed me. The hallways were empty. The units must have done a good job clearing all the guards.

I was stunned to say the least. I was under the impression I would find Gerin here and only Gerin.

Here I stood with what looked to be a ball, and all eyes were on me. Across the room sat Gerin and Ameela. I could see his disgusting smirk from where I stood. My anger rose and clawed to seep out, but I forcefully shut it down.

I was hoping for a clean and swift execution, but it seemed he wanted an audience. Fine by me. I'll give them a show.