Guardians of the Light (Book 3: Retribution)

Chapter 1

Life had changed very much for Nicole over the course of the weeks following the defeat of The Darkness. Once the dust had settled, places rebuilt, the wounded treated and the dead somewhat mourned Nicole had kept her promise to Noah by bringing him to the newly rebuilt Guardian Headquarters in New Haeven. Nicole showed him everything to do with the Guardianship, every text she could get her hands on, that hadn't been damaged by The Darkness. Next they went to visit Elder Tiberius, who had been the newly appointed Head Elder following Elder Theokritos death. Once the new Sanctuary had been rebuilt upon the rumble of the Guardians former Headquarters, Elder Tiberius had been officially sworn in as Head Elder by all the remaining Elders of the Ordership.

A few things had changed for the Elders since Elder Tiberius's appointment, new times brought new traditions, gone away where the ways of Elders only speaking Latin. Many of the older Elders from Elder Theokritos time still spoke it but now Latin was only spoken between Elders, new Elders into the Ordership could speak English with Guardians and others as well. With their numbers low between Guardians and Elders, there simply wasn't enough time to train both new and old Guardians to speak Latin. Elder Tiberius had spoken to Nicole a few days ago about becoming Head Guardian of the Ordership's new recruitment program. The Darkness had reduced their Guardian numbers greatly leaving New Haeven defenseless without more Guardian numbers.

Guardian Headquarters from all over the world had been sending supplies and any Guardians they could spare to help the efforts. Senior Guardian Isadora from the Roman Guardianship would be arriving in three days with two other Guardians. Nicole was sure Sara was going to be happy to see her, Nicole had learned of Sara and Senior Guardian Isadora's relationship from Lillian, and in all honesty Nicole didn't care what other people thought of the nature of Sara and Senior Guardian Isadora's love for one another. Love was love in Nicole's eyes and besides she was very happy for the both of them.

When they arrived at Elder Tiberius study chambers, the Elder greeted them both with a smile rising from the desk filled with scrolls he had been signing. "Hello Elder Tiberius", Nicole spoke first, the Elder nodded his head coming to greet Nicole first, "Guardian Nicole it is great to see you again. This must be Captain Noah Phillips you have spoken about''. Elder Tiberius commented, turning to greet Noah this time. Noah shook the Elder's hand before speaking, "It's actually Deputy Chief Noah Philips now", a proud smile forming across his lips. Nicole knew how much his promotion meant to Noah and she was proud of him too.

The Mayor had awarded him a medal of bravery in his efforts during not only the destruction of New Haeven but during the final battle against The Darkness. "Well then congrats are in order for you Deputy Chief Philips and it's my pleasure to finally meet you in person, Guardian Nicole has told me much about you, all good I assure you". This brought a smile to all three of their faces, Nicole went on to explain the day she had planned out for her and Noah. Once the tour of the new Guardian Headquarters was done, Nicole and Noah would be joining Lieutenant Perez, who had now become Captain Perez following Noah's promotion, she had also been awarded a medal of bravery for her effects during everything to do with The Darkness, which also led to her rise in rank.

They were meeting her at the New Haeven Police Department so that Captain Perez and Noah could change into their dress uniforms in order to attend the funeral for Officer Garcia and Corporal Owens who both had been killed in action during the final battle against The Darkness. Sergeant Reed had been the only other surviving member of the original five police officers stationed in New Haeven after the evacuation. Noah had told her that she didn't have to come but Nicole knew how much this meant to Noah and wanted to support him during this difficult time.

Elder Tiberius gave his condolences before his face turned more serious, "Have you told him yet?", he questioned in Nicole's direction. At first she was confused, she wasn't quite sure what Elder Tiberius was talking about, it could be several things. Did he mean about her taking on the new role as Head Guardian of the Guardian Recruitment because she hadn't told Noah about it because she was afraid that she might have to travel lots with that type of position. The last thing Nicole wanted to do was put any type of strain on her and Noah's new relationship.