Until We Fly: The Guardian Legacy

Chapter 36: The Only Answer

-James-

"Okay...here she comes..."
I muttered, clutching the open locket tightly as Gran held my shoulders, nervously stood behind me.

That familiar floating figure began to appear right before us.

"I just hope she's not half naked this time..."
I mumbled.

"Wait, what?"
Gran frowned.

Static spun around haphazardly, looking confused out of her mind.
It took her a moment to take in her surroundings and notice us.

Gran was silent, staring at her.

I'd almost forgotten how strange Static actually looked, since I'd gotten to used to her.

"Uh...hey, Static..."

"James? What the hell is going on?"

"That's really her? That's Tenebris?"
Gran whispered in total awe.

"Yep..."
I breathed, snapping the locket closed and putting it back around my neck to dangle beside my silver wing from Köleil.

"I...I thought you left?"

So that's what Jake had told everyone?

God, they must think I'm an even bigger asshole than before.

Then again, it wasn't as if I made much of an effort to go back in the first place...

Static's locket had sat there in my drawer since I went home.

"Static, we need your help. This is my Grandma, Jean. She was trained as a potential Warrior so knows all about the Guardians, as well as you and Blank."

"O-oh...really?"
Static stepped back a little, looking nervous.

"Oh my, yes! There's no force in any worlds quite like you! Besides the Eclipse, perhaps. But I heard many 'a tale of you back then, Missy. I just can't believe I'm seeing you in person."
Gran cooed, almost in a fangirling manner.

"James, why did you bring me here? You're not dying are you?"
She frowned, crossing her arms.

"No. But we really need to talk. Gran, can we have a moment?"
I requested, walking over to Static.

"Oh, sure...I'll be in the car if you need me. It's far too cold for lovely lass like me."
She chuckled.

I took Static's hand and began to escort her toward my Willow tree, gesturing for her to sit down.

She looked confused and quite nervous, but I couldn't really blame her.

I slumped back down against the thick stump, closing my eyes and letting the nighttime breeze wrap itself around me.

"...J-James?"

Without opening my eyes, I reached forward and grabbed Static, pulling her down against my chest.

Neither of us said a word for a moment.

Just lay there in the quiet.

Both thinking.

Both living.

Both breathing.

And the world took a breath beside us.

"...why have you been hiding it?"

"Hm?"
I felt her head turn to look up at me.

"I'm sure you had a valid reason to keep us all in shadows, but for this long? When people's lives are at stake, is it really worth it?"