Alex and the Apocalypse

Chapter 10 | Embracing Dual Lives

The Celestial Guardians' Journey to Balance

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Alex's dad, Gab, tried to force the shapeshifter to reveal where he had hidden Nathan. However, the shapeshifter just laughed and continued changing his face to different appearances. At one point, he even took on the form of Anya.

In an attempt to stop the shapeshifter from copying Anya's face again, Gab became furious. He quickly pressed a button, causing smoke to fill a glass tube-like container. The shapeshifter was then placed inside the container. Gab pressed another button, which electrified the shapeshifter, causing him to transform back into his original face.

Desperate to find Nathan, Alex asked the weakened shapeshifter where he had hidden him. With no other choice, the shapeshifter revealed the dimension in which Nathan was hidden.

Alex wasted no time and opened a portal, stepping inside without hesitation. Haney, seeing Alex's determination, offered to accompany him.

Accepting Haney's support, Alex nodded gratefully, and together they entered the portal, emerging in the dimension where Nathan was being held captive.

As they approached the prison, they were met with the sight of a frail and weakened Nathan. It was evident that he had been deprived of food for several days.

With relief and concern in his voice, Alex spoke to Nathan, "We're here now, Nathan. It's me, Alex, and Haney. We've come to rescue you."

Nathan, his voice weak and filled with confusion, responded, "Who are you? I don't recognize you. Where am I?"

Alex and Haney exchanged worried glances. Alex gently approached Nathan, trying to reassure him, "Nathan, it's us, your friends. The shapeshifter had trapped you here, but we're here to bring you back home."

Nathan's eyes widened with a glimmer of recognition. "Alex? Haney? Is it really you?" he asked, his voice filled with a mix of hope and disbelief.

"Yes, Nathan, it's us," Haney confirmed, stepping forward. "We've come to save you. Let's get you out of here."

With renewed hope, Nathan mustered the strength to stand up, leaning on Alex and Haney for support. As they made their way towards the portal, they engaged in a conversation, reassuring Nathan and catching up on the events that had transpired during his captivity.

After rescuing Nathan, Alex and Haney brought him to their headquarters. Upon their arrival, Gab, Alex's dad, questioned their decision.

"Why did you bring him here?" Gab asked, showing concern.

"He's very weak, Dad. He needs our help," Alex replied, pleading for understanding. After a moment of hesitation, Gab agreed.

"Okay, bring him inside," he said, indicating a place for Nathan to rest and recover.

The following morning, Nathan woke up, disoriented and unsure of his surroundings. As he ventured outside the room, he spotted Alex and Haney nearby. To his surprise, they were not in their transformed Celestial Guardian forms.

"Nathan!" Alex and Haney turned their heads towards him, their faces lighting up with relief. They quickly approached him and enveloped him in a warm embrace.

"Thank God, you're okay!" they chorused, their voices filled with genuine joy and gratitude.

"So, this is your secret, huh?" Nathan said, his voice filled with a mix of curiosity and astonishment.

"Yeah, and you must keep it a secret," Haney replied, emphasizing the need for confidentiality.

Nathan's confusion grew as he looked at Haney. "Haney, you're a Celestial Guardian too?" he asked, seeking clarification.

Haney shook her head. "No, Nathan, I'm not a Celestial Guardian," she explained. "But I witnessed last night as Alex and I came to rescue you. I have the ability to transform into a Celestial Guardian if the situation calls for it."

Alex chimed in, wanting to provide further clarity. "That's right, Nathan. I'm the only true Celestial Guardian here. Haney is a trusted ally who assists me when needed."

Nathan turned to Alex, still trying to process the information. His confusion lingered, but he trusted his friends and knew they had his best interests at heart.

"Why don't you just tell him the truth, son?" Gab suggested, urging Alex to be honest with Nathan.

Nathan's curiosity grew as he heard his father's words. "The truth?" he asked, his voice filled with anticipation.

Alex took a deep breath and nodded. "Okay, Dad. I will tell him, but he must promise not to tell anyone else," Alex said, emphasizing the importance of keeping their secret safe.

Nathan reassured Alex, "Okay, I promise. You can trust me."

With a sense of trust and determination, Alex handed Nathan a device. "Here, put this on your wrist," Alex instructed.

Nathan took the device, his hands trembling slightly with anticipation. He carefully placed it on his wrist and activated it. In an instant, he felt a surge of energy coursing through his body. To his astonishment, he transformed into a being he never expected - a Celestial Guardian.

Nathan's eyes widened in shock as he looked at his newfound form. The realization of his new identity began to sink in, and he couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension.

"Wow! This is cool!" Nathan exclaimed, his eyes filled with wonder as he marveled at his transformed state.

Alex nodded, a hint of caution in his voice. "Yes, it is impressive, Nathan. But remember, you should only use this power when it is absolutely necessary," he advised, emphasizing the importance of responsible usage.

Nathan nodded, understanding the gravity of Alex's words. He knew that being a Celestial Guardian came with great responsibility and that their powers should be wielded with care.

"I understand, Alex," Nathan replied, his voice filled with determination. "I won't misuse this power. I'll use it to protect others and uphold the values of the Celestial Guardians."

Alex smiled, proud of Nathan's commitment. "That's the spirit, Nathan. Together, we can make a difference and keep the world safe."

As they stood there, united as Celestial Guardians, a newfound sense of purpose and camaraderie filled the air. They were ready to face the challenges ahead, knowing that they had each other's backs.

"Now, remove that and keep it with you at all times. We need to return to the university and resume our lives as normal students," Alex instructed, gesturing towards the device on Nathan's wrist.

Nathan nodded, understanding the need to maintain a semblance of normalcy despite their newfound abilities. He carefully removed the device from his wrist and secured it in a safe place, fully aware of its significance.

"Absolutely, Alex. We can't let our responsibilities as Celestial Guardians overshadow our studies and the life we had before," Nathan affirmed, determined to strike a balance between his duties and his education.

With the device safely stored away, they prepared to leave the headquarters and return to the university. As they walked side by side, a sense of relief washed over them. They were grateful for the opportunity to lead a normal life, even as they carried the weight of their secret identities.

Together, they embraced the challenges that lay ahead, knowing that they could rely on each other for support and guidance. They were ready to navigate the complexities of being both students and protectors of the world.