The Guardian

Chapter 6

Enzo paced around the study, almost wearing a path in the expensive Persian. His Master won't be pleased by the latest snag in the production line. He hates giving refunds, and usually takes it out of someone's hide.

His anxiety rose with every footfall that came towards the study door, and fell each time they passed. Probably staff. By the time the Master entered the study, he was tightly wound and ready to explode.

The Master made his way to the luxurious chair behind the highly polished ebony desk at a leisurely pace, not in any hurry, ramping Enzo's fear with every footstep.

"So...You have failed me again. You know how it displeases me to give refunds. And yet... You insist on hiring incompetent idiots who fall into the trap of being the typical, clichéd niche of Bad Guy. It gives me a bad name and makes our clients think I do not know how to run the business if I have these... Neanderthals... doing my dirty work. "

He leaned back in the chair.

"We can't have that, now, can we, Enzo? Clients losing faith in us, going somewhere else for business. We lose business, we lose money. We lose money, I get annoyed. "

"P-please, Master... Be merciful towards your obedient servant. I am but a fool, an insignificant speck—"

"Do not grovel to me, you spineless worm!'' The words were whispered, but no less potent in their anger, reverberating through the room as though shouted. "Stand straight, take your punishment like a man, and go fix your mistake before our clients find out. "

The Master sighed and stood up. "Now, before I dole out your punishment, how are we on our pharmaceutical contract? They expect results any day now, and I'd like to deliver on our promises, especially with the money they're doling out." He took the younger man's head in his hands, and surveyed the face. "Yes... Now, hold still. This will hurt. "

When Enzo left the room ten minutes later, he was clutching the left side of his face, his hands slick with blood and tears.

He did not notice the shadow slip into the room behind him.

'We have a problem... It seems as though my Father has decided to fight Fire with Fire. He has chosen a Champion, to combat your actions..."

The words flowed through the room, almost silent, layered with eons of evil and as sinuous as a snake.

'Find this Champion. Draw him out, and then kill him.

The shadow across the leather-bound books that lined the shelves, and loomed over the man they called Master.

I will have this world, and you will not fail me

__________________________________________

Father Matthew jumped up quickly, and barred the door with his body.

"Maggie, please. You cannot meet her. You are not yet well enough, and she is very busy. Besides, it is late. You have a big day tomorrow, and I still have to call your parents. Please. "

His back tense, he looked at her. "We need to get you back to your parents, and your normal life. That will never be possible if you see her before she is ready. I will convey your thanks to her. But I'm afraid that's all I can do. "

I was as tense as he was. It would cause problems if she was to burst in here, and see me in all my angelic glory.

And it was late, the busy day had taken its toll. I was aching from head to toe, even though the bruises and cuts were healed, and I was in peak health physically, my mind needed to recover from everything that happened today.