Broken Light

Chapter 5

Dawn came with a chill in the air. I felt like I had only closed my eyes for a moment. Stretching, I looked around the barracks and saw that, thankfully, it was empty. At least I get to enjoy a few moments of peace and quiet. Where is that David guy? I thought as I looked at the chair he was sitting in last night, it stood now empty as if never disturbed. I got up and was grateful that my muscles obeyed me without much soreness to them. There was suddenly a loud clanking sound from just above me and I made my way upstairs to investigate it. So here is were they congregate, I thought semi-crestfallen. I forgot that I'm new and that not many people know me. I looked around at all the groups of warlocks and titans laughing and enjoying each others company when I felt exceedingly isolated. Making my way towards an open chair I accidently bumped a warlock. "Watch where you're going you insolent delinquent." The warlock spat at me. I looked down, happy my helmet disguised the look of shame on my face. Best welcoming party ever....maybe I was expecting too much. I took my seat and fiddled with my fingers thinking rapidly of something to do.
"Hey, you should eat, today's your day Jean," Davids voice cut through my frantic thoughts, "don't tell me you forgot your apprentice ceremony?" He asked. I looked up at him and accepted the bowl of what looked like edible food. "I didn't realize there was one..." I answered uncertainly, "where's X?" I asked as David took the seat across from me, "he's consulting with the Speaker about what to do with you. You came in at an awful hectic time for us after all." David answered and then proceeded to stuff his face with soup.
"Listen kid, you may not know this but, it is extremely difficult to eat with your helmet on. Not a lot of guardians try it. It's considered impossible and, in extreme cases, forbidden!" David laughed. It was too early for me to take constructive criticism or sarcasm, but he made an excellent point and I was famished. I removed my helmet and took a spoonful of the soup into my mouth. It was good, I took another. "See? Ain't it nice kid?" David was looking at me with a crooked smile, "Jesus how long were you out there for?" He asked, still studying me. I took another bite before answering, "I don't remember, I just woke up and well, existed. I know it sounds dumb but I truly can't give you good answer." I thought for a moment before taking another spoonful of the soup, it was so satisfying to eat. It must have been awhile...I thought. I met his clear blue eyes and was about to ask him something when a crowd of titans and warlocks came over. They were all speaking at once I couldn't make out any words. "Sorry Jean, I'm a bit notorious around here, I'll see you at your ceremony. Don't be late." David set his bowl down and went to placate the growing crowd. I sighed impatiently and got up. My ghost came whizzing over to me in excitement, "come on Jean! Your ceremony is starting soon! I'll take you come on!" With that, it sped off. I followed closely behind it. We raced through the corridor and out into the square, my ghost took me past a beautiful oak tree with pink leaves, and up some stairs into another courtyard. It had a long wide bed of water in the middle with huge slabs of stone that acted as stepping stones. There was quite a crowd gathered. They were all buzzing with excitement. I immediately wanted to turn back but it was too late. I was noticed and ushered forward, forced to stand on the first stepping stone. Down the isle was a man dressed in all white with a serrated white mask covering his face. He had an air of importance to him and I immediately felt submissive. "Let all those who have shared glory in battle and honor rise!" The man said loudly, his voice ricocheted off the walls around us. The crowd shifted as some stood while some that were already standing, came to attention. "Here with us today stands a young-blood. She has shown exceptional promise and has made it safely to us by her own willpower and skill." The crowd murmured in appreciation and assent, I looked down shyly, damnit X what exactly did you tell the Speaker.... I thought frantically. I was jolted out of my thoughts as the Speaker continued, "We gather here now to help her excel in her talents. She will train and contribute to our cause because she also has a singular mission, serve the Traveler! Protect earth! And defend our honor!" I couldn't help but feel empowered...before this I never really knew what to do, I've been given a purpose. A strong foundation would make for an excellent chance to figure out what has happened to me. "She cannot carry the flame of hope alone however, she will find a mentor, someone who will pass on their skills to her and show her the light." The Speakers voiced boomed, "David step forward." I looked up and saw David jump down from a ledge to the right and approach the Speaker. "Sir." He said stoically, the Speaker nodded and continued, "Young-blood Jean step forward." I felt frozen in place, him?! I thought in disbelief, we had only just met....then again no matter who was picked it would have been someone new. I mentally shook myself and began walking forward, masks were strained on me and I felt like I was on fire. I finally made it to the Speaker and he made me face David. "David do you promise to teach this young blood our ways and prepare her for the battles to come? Will you protect and defend her life to the best of your abilities for the sake of the Travelers gift?" The Speaker spoke firmly. David stood straight and faced me, "By the Traveler I swear my blade and bow." He said solemnly. The Speaker nodded and turned to me continuing the oath, "Jean, do you promise to train under Davids wing and fight for the glory of your comrades even on your worst days? Do you swear to fight even if it means putting down your life to save someone else's? Will you fight blade and bow for the sake of the Travelers gift?" My mouth went dry, I have never felt to humbled and determined. I raised my head slowly and looked first at the crowd then at David before saying, "By the Traveler I swear my blade and bow." The Speaker nodded in approval and spoke out, "Then we have it. David is the true mentor of Jean let the Traveler light their path to glory!" The crowd erupted in excited shouts and laughs. David clapped me over the shoulder, "bet you weren't expecting that kid. Don't be too disappointed, I won't make you do fundamentals every day." He then bounded off to go talk to some guardians. X jogged up to me from where I have no idea. "Hey there pretty lady. Like the mentor the Speaker chose for you?" I was about to say something stingy when the Speaker came up and said, "She better, he's the best at what he does and what he does helps us a lot." The Speaker then wandered off presumably to his chambers. X squeezed my arm comfortingly, "well you better sharpen your blade because David and I are taking you out at the first light of dawn... To train of course. Seeya tomorrow Jean!" Then X jogged off leaving me to marinate in shame. I have no idea what to do....isn't a mentor supposed to teach me? And where is he now? Not here. I thought restlessly. I made my way back to the barracks and found the restrooms. I looked at myself in the mirror and gasped. I was not the same girl I remembered....my skin was pale and my eyes a deep green. My hair was golden brown which was different than the ash brown it used to be....I seemed changed. My ghost hovered silently next to me, "what did you do to me?" I asked it quietly....my heart ached at the thought of my past life.
"I....brought you back. I saved you from an aeonian of rest. You were gone Jean, or rather, the old Jean is gone. This is who you are now. A guardian." My ghost answered softly.
I looked at my reflection and she looked back at me with solemn hope. "I have to find out what happened back there....my memory is still fogged...it is absolutely vital that I remember or I may never be able to truly commit myself to this....cause." I said decisively. My ghost remained quiet before it whizzed around me once and flew off. I sighed, why doesn't anyone talk to me? I thought. I rolled my shoulders and walked out of the restroom, it was midday and I was feeling anxious. 
"Ready to go patrol Venus?" Davids voice startled me. I jolted up and accidently bumped him, I caught myself clumsily against the wall and was about to spit profanity at him when I noticed two ghosts whizzing about his head, I dismissed the thoughts and rubbing my shoulder I asked, "Venus? We're going to Venus?" David chuckled and began walking briskly to the hangar, "yep. You coming? You did make an oath after all," before I could reply to him, he disappeared around the corner. I sighed impatiently and proceeded to follow. I felt weird all of a sudden, my blood chilled and I glanced behind me. It almost seemed as if someone was watching me.