Guardian (A Guardians Novella) SLOW UPDATE [Modified]

Chapter 5: Sentenced

The council waited as Ryan stood silently before them. Several moments had passed and no words were spoken. Kendrick and Mateo listened on expectantly.

"Ryan Herrera, we are waiting for your defense. Surely, you must understand the serious nature of your offense." The woman who spoke seemed to stare into Ryan's very core.

Ryan looked over to where Keaira was seated between Ricki and Renaldo. He took a shaky breath.

"Yes, ma'am. I can assure the members of the council that what happened was an honest mistake", Ryan spoke, "I followed my protocol just as with any other assignment. I spent weeks observing Stacy and gaining trust. Everything was going according to plan."

Mateo Herrera spoke up. "But it didn't. What went wrong for you disobey what I wanted for you?"

His grandfather was antagonizing him. He could tell. The old man always resorted to being passive aggressive when he felt slighted.

Ryan sighed. "It was all a matter of chance. Anything can happen when my job is supposed to be done in a place that people frequent. Stacy and I were alone. Under normal circumstances, all corridors in the school building would have been empty. Keaira just so happened to be running late the day that I was performing the bonding rites.

"While running to get to her class on time, she briefly intercepted my eye contact—meant for Stacy—at the moment of completion. Stacy fell from the band's grip and instead I became tethered to Keaira."

Kendrick spoke up this time. "And are you aware of the energy transfer that took place between the two of you? Are you aware of the type of power and threats that both you and Keaira will now be vulnerable to? This does affect her, too, after all. She would have to finish the rites."

Ryan looked over at Keaira again the looked back to Kendrick and nodded. Mateo wore a scowl. Ryan couldn't hide the shame he felt.

"If I may address the council", Ricki spoke up, "perhaps Keaira being bonded with my brother isn't a bad thing."

All those attending the hearing turned to watch as Ricki went to stand beside his brother.

"Do tell", someone said.

Ricki grinned. "As every Guardian knows, you cannot bond with someone who isn't compatible. That person would become delirious almost immediately. The fact that Keaira is still in tact shows us all that she is compatible with the bond. The effects are already beginning to take hold."

Kendrick, Mateo, and the other council members listened on.

"I would like to propose that the council doesn't try going through the process of trying to break the bond. That would cause both physical and psychological pain to them both. Instead, give Ryan the job of making Keaira an asset to our kind-"

"NO!" Mateo declared. "Ryan knows where I stand and so do you, Ricardo!"

"Abuelo", Ricki spoke, "your reasoning is unfounded; based in prejudice and hatred. You have never had a problem with Guardians that are Black women. How is this any different?"

"They are not bonded with my grandson!"

Murmurs began filling the chamber.

Ryan was embarrassed. He could feel how hurt Keaira was. Her emotions echoed around in his head.

He wanted so badly to tell her that everything was going to be okay. She had no idea what happened and now was being treated like an accessory to the crime.

Ryan watched as Ricki ignored their grandfather and continued to make his appeal.

"Being a part of the bond successfully shows that she has more than enough potential. It literally took no work on Ryan's part. The bond makes Guardians." Ricki let his words sink in. "After the events between us and the Crane Heights Beasts, our numbers are depleted. We may have gotten the best possible candidate and by accident."

With that, the members of the council began speaking in hushed tones with each other.

Long minutes passed by as everyone awaited their response. Finally, Kendrick stood before the people of the chamber.

"The council has spoken!" With a backward glance at Mateo, Kendrick continued. "Ryan Alonzo Herrera, you will be sentenced with the responsibility of making a Guardian of Keaira Wilson effective immediately."

On that note, the meeting was adjourned. Ryan was relieved and completely thankful to his brother.

A/N: I hope you all enjoyed this chapter!

Something tells me this is gonna be more than a novella! I guess that's a good thing.

Other than that, Read, Comment, Vote, Follow! Much love!