The Guardian

Chapter 8

The Shadow lingered on the windowsill, looking into the brightly lit kitchen, at the laughing trio within. Its gaze fixed on one particular person, then grinned, its sharp teeth glinting in the light. Its ancient Enemy has chosen well, but not well enough. It will destroy the Champion. The insignificant life of one will not be noticed among the thousands that will paint this world red...

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The world tilted slightly, and an insistent hummmm filled my ears. Something was very wrong. The stench of sulphur was almost overwhelming. Around me, they were still laughing at some silly joke Matthew told, oblivious to the wrongness of the world. I stood up and moved to the door, guided by the smell. Something hissed, the smell worse than ever. A darker darkness moved within the night, teeth glinting like knives, ready to cut, to slice , to –Tear this world apart, I want blood , chaos , the streets will litter with my handiwork... Anarchy will reign alongside me, and I...WILL...DESTROY...YOU....

Someone put their hand on my shoulder, and the spell was broken. I stared in shock. My hands were gripping short swords, aiming them at-a very nervous looking-Maggie's throat, while my wings were in full combat mode, sharp edged gold glinting in the light that spilled from the kitchen door. She held her hands up, eyes as wide as dinner plates.

"Easy.... It's just me... You rescued me, remember? Im a friend...Just take it easy."

Her voice, soothing, trembling slightly, penetrated the haze that seemed to surround me, clearing my head. I carefully removed the swords from her neck and folded my wings. The swords vanished as soon as I relaxed my hands, and I relaxed as soon as they were gone.

Behind her, Matthew stood, mouth agape, earlier hilarity forgotten. Taking a deep breath, I apologized, furtively looking around me as I pulled her in for a hug. The darkness was nowhere to be seen, and the world was again filled with the sounds of night time insects.

Later, as I sat on the couch, too restless to try and sleep, I tentatively called to Gabriel. I needed some answers. What was that, why was it here, and who sent it?

I had a sneaking suspicion I already knew the answers to those questions, but some confirmation and clarity would make a refreshing change of pace.

Yes, Sister. It is the Dark One. He has found you. Gabriel was at the window, staring out. His stench is all over the church, and more unholy will come, drawn to that stench. A battle has begun, and more still will follow. He turned to face me.

"How did he find me?"

He used the television. The story on your news. He simply went to that location and tracked your scent. He has access to the air too.

"Hold on... My scent? I took a bath yesterday. I don't smell that bad."

Yours is a ... remarkably odd scent. Not quite Angel, but not fully human. It has nothing to do with baths or hygiene, and everything to do with pheromones. And what kind of person—or creature--you are.

You have the ability to track scents too. Last night, you used it without knowing. You will be able to track his scent too, now.

His face grew serious.

This is only the beginning, Rachel. Do not lose hope. Do not lose faith.

Remember. God is on your side. And He is stronger than anything the unholy one can throw at you.

Have Faith.

And... He was gone. Again. They really had to work on their delivery. I didn't exactly get any answers I didn't already know, and it didn't look as if I would get any anytime soon.