Solitude (Discontinued)

Chapter 9 - Black Eyed Angel

Jake woke up from a fitful dream, or at least he hoped desperately that it was a dream. Jake sat up and saw that he was in the study, and there were over two dozen bottles full of strange colored liquids. In that moment Jake realized it wasn't a dream, and Sister Mary really was dead. Jake turned and got off the couch standing up Jake winced and his hand flew to his chest, the moment his hand touched his bare chest Jake's body burned with pain. Jake drew his hand back and it was coated in blood, Jake shook his head to clear his vision.

"Father Matthew," Jake called as loudly as his body would allow. Jake heard what sounded like chairs moving across the floor in the next room, followed by hurried footsteps. "Father, is that you?"

Jake stumbled to the door, realizing how unsteady he had become as blood began flowing down his body. Jake had reached the center of the study and was facing the door when it flew open, and Jake swore he was looking at the face of an angel.

"Jake," Elaine cried out and rushed to him wrapping her arms around him instant tears washing down her face. "Jake, why do you have to do this to yourself? Why are you always running off without telling me, I-"

"Elaine that is quite enough," Rays voice called entering the room his arms folded. "His body cannot support his own weight let alone yours as well."

Elaine looked back at Ray and than turned back to Jake her eyes glistening with tears. Jake felt something twist inside his heart and he drew Elaine back against him, feeling her body against his was a comfort and Jake felt a new strength rise within him. Finally he released her and walked over to Ray his head high.

"Ray," Jake said his vision still cloudy but his voice firm. "I need you, to make me stronger. I've fought against Stark, my strength and skill as they are now aren't enough. I've heard from Father Matthew the training of a witch grants a Saint more strength and skill than most others can ask for-"

"No," Ray said firmly. "I will not put you through that Jacob, if you truly wish to become stronger than your new partner shall help you with that. Matthew has sent word to the Saint Shields that Stark Schneider has returned. They are sending someone I'm sure you've heard of."

"Who," Jake asked feeling a surge of anger rise in him now. "Who could they possibly send that would be a match for Stark-"

"Do not raise your voice to me child," Ray snapped silencing Jake and the room grew dark as Ray unfolded his arms. "I have had enough of your ungratefulness I've healed you as a favor to Matthew, I've kept an eye on you as a favor to Mary. DO NOT TRY MY PATIENCE! Do you think you're the only one who grieves over Mary's death, if you do than you're a fool Jacob. A fool and unworthy of the title Saint-"

Rayne that is enough," Father Matthew's voice boomed behind Ray. "Whether you were Mary's best friend or not, you will not talk to Jacob that way while I'm around."

Ray made a sound of annoyance and waved a hand over Jake's chest, and Jake no longer felt blood trickle down his chest. Ray than turned around and stalked over to Father Matthew and said something to soft for Jake to hear and gestured for Elaine to follow before stalking into the hallway. Jake looked to Elaine who looked back at him with big eyes, before Jake could say anything Elaine stood on her toes and kissed him before running after Ray. Jake stood frozen in the middle of the study, now only Father Matthew and himself were left alone in the room.

"Rayne always was a spitfire," Father Matthew sighed and walked over to his desk, stopping to look at the photo of him, Sister Mary, Lance, and finally Jake. "How odd it is, she's gone and yet. I don't feel the pain of loss, I was overcome with happiness when William told me you and Lance were alive. I went back for her body once I heard you were alright, not to my surprise though it was gone."