Guardian Angel Chronicles: Chapter 8

Chronicle I: Chapter 8

Preparations

It’s been around two weeks now since the demons' last attack and nearly a month since Jeff and Joshua came to Land Alba… Joshua, Maria and Scarlett have been residing in the building where they took Jeff and Ephraim to recover and reestablished their camp there. Despite all the space they could have, their security was relative... They haven't found an opportunity to advance and continue the search of the journal Jeff and Joshua look for. Joshua's anguish increases as he knows that his mother's health is slowly becoming worse, not to mention that they possibly had demons coming after them...

The days keep passing and the ones awake scout the desolated city to watch the demons' steps and search for routes to escape if the moment came. As their pursuers slowly aproach more and more to them each moment, the group starts to get desperate after realizing that they're between the sword and the wall... Until…

     Scarlett: --Going upstairs with some food on a plate in hands, heading to Ephraim’s bed-- Eph? Hey… --Checking if he has woken up yet, but gets no answer-- For the King… It’s been two weeks now… --Sits next to him and checks all his wounds. They seem to have recovered, but for some reason, Ephraim is still unconscious-- … It must have been a tough confrontation… --Sits down next to him and puts the plate on her legs, looking at the window in front of her silently--

     Ephraim: … --Gasp and opens his eyes abruptly then stays frozen for some seconds--

     Scarlett: --Startled, jumps back a bit then reacts-- Ephraim! Ephraim, you’re awake!

     Ephraim: Where… Am I…? --Sits up, slowly. The wounds sting his back and flinches, holding where the bandages are-- D-dammit…! --Growls in pain--

     Scarlett: Hey, take it easy! --Makes him lay down, again-- Don't rush it, ok?

     Ephraim: How much time has passed since…?

     Scarlett: Two weeks and a day…

     Ephraim: Heck… Seriously...? Is the first time I'm put out of commission for that long --Chuckles to himself-- That succubus meant some serious business...

     Scarlett: She used some sort of paralysis poison to weaken you. It had some sort of aphrodisiac effect, just to let you know... --Sighs-- We know what was the intention of that succubus. That aside, your wounds seem to be better... You should have seen your neck.

     Ephraim: I bet it was a whole mess... --Sighs painfully-- It hurts like hell. She wrapped her whip thing around my neck...

     Scarlett: Ohh, right...! I forgot about the other guy... Seiko and Ulrik, right...?

     Ephraim: --Nods-- I managed to hear their names, but... How did you know...?

     Scarlett: I went inside Jeff's soul to check Jaden. I saw his memories while I was healing him... That was a brutal fight...

     Ephraim: ... Scarlett? --Looks at her-- How is Jeff?

     Scarlett: ... Being honest --Moves head no-- I really can't believe how he managed to survive that much, even with Jaden's help...

     Ephraim: ... --Gasp, realizing that Jaden was also hurt-- Jaden! --Sits up but falls on bed, holding his wounds again. Growls once again--

     Scarlett: Ephraim! For the King Yaveh, stop moving like that! The wound might open again!

     Ephraim: Sorry, sorry… --Gasps a bit then sighs, calming down-- … How are they?

     Scarlett: Jeff's walking now, thankfully...

     Ephraim: … What about Jaden…?

     Scarlett: He… He was delicate… When the succubus made the invocation, Jaden served as shield to block the curse to minimize the spell effect on Jeff… So you can imagine how bad he was...

     Ephraim: … --Closes his eyes-- Guess demons won't rest until they see the last angel falling onto their feet, huh...? This endless fight...

     Scarlett: … --Remains silent--

     Ephraim: … I made myself a promise... --Looks at her-- And it's not accomplished just yet. That means that you still have some Ephraim to enjoy for some centuries, so you better put up with me --Chuckles a bit--

     Scarlett: --Smiles a bit-- Yeah... I'm glad everything is coming back to... A relative normality, yes.

     Ephraim: ... Hey, where are the rest? --Looks at her--

     Scarlett: --Nods-- Maria and Joshua have been scouting the surroundings… So far we’ve been in safe spot… But I doubt that our current hideout will keep us safe. Maria tells me that demons come a bit closer each time she sees them, so you can figure out what's happening.

     Ephraim: We still have some time, so that counts --Slowly sits up, making sure not to make any rough movement-- Good thing I'm back...

     Scarlett: --Nods-- Now we just have to find Alex and then we'll be good to go...

     Ephraim: ... --Looks at the ceiling-- Those demons...

     Scarlett: Hm? --Blinks at him--

     Ephraim: I noticed something … --Slowly sits up and looks at the floor, holding his wound-- … They were high-ranked demons from Hellios. I could notice by their skills and the insignia on that Ulrik's outfit... At least we know what we're dealing with now.

     Scarlett: He-Hellians...?--Bites lips-- Are you saying... W-we don't stand a chance against them...?

     Ephraim: They might be quite of a hindrance in the future... But I will think about something. Also...

     Scarlett: Hm? --Looks at him as he stops talking--

     Ephraim: I managed to listen to a name... Ehxas... Do you remember that name?

     Scarlett: --She gets a bit surprised when she hears the name-- The former Hellian Emperor...?

     Ephraim: ... Might be just a coincidence... But we must stay alert if that's the same Ehxas...

     Scarlett: Understood... --She simply nods--

     Ephraim: Talking about Alex... Have you found anything about him? 

     Scarlett: Ah… --Looks down and moves head no-- … Still no signals from him… I don’t want to think the worse, but…

     Ephraim: It’s been two months since he disappeared, hasn’t it? --Looks at his hands as he thinks-- I'm sure things would have been different if we all went with him...

     Scarlett: … I wonder how he’s doing…

     Ephraim: We can’t just sit here and wait for him to appear… We already got our hands busy with some Hellians who want to cut our heads... --Tries to stand up--

     Scarlett: Eph, don't --Irritated-- Stay in bed or I'll get upset...

     Maria: --Comes upstairs and enters in Ephraim’s room, holding a plate with some breakfast-- Huh? --Turns and sees Ephraim already awake-- Eph! --Beams, puts the plate on the floor and runs, ready to jump and glomp--

     Scarlett: --Holds her hoody and stops her, pulling her back-- No!

     Maria: --Kneels on three and holds her throat, coughing a bit-- You didn’t have to do it…! --Gasps a bit--

     Scarlett: He just got up. I don’t want him to do abrupt moves just yet.

     Maria: --Gets up, rubbing her neck-- Heck, Scarlett… You didn’t have to pull that hard…

     Ephraim: --Laughing energically then holds wound again-- oughh!!!

     Scarlett: Ephraim!

     Maria: --Goes and knocks him on the head-- Moron!

     Ephraim: No, no! Stop it already! --Covers his head--

     Maria: It’s the first time I see you that hurt, Eph! Don’t be so careless next time and wait for back up! Not for nothing we are in the same team!

     Scarlett: Hey, don’t do it! --Pulls her away--

     Ephraim: Ouch! I know, you don’t have to remind me… --Rubs his head-- It hurts…

     Maria: --Crosses arms-- You’re our leader, Eph, and you know that we’re putting our hopes on you right now!

     Ephraim: Take it easy, sheesh… Won’t happen again, promise. --Raises hand and puts the other over the chest--

     Maria: --Suspires, then smiles a bit and puts the plate on his legs-- Here... Sorry for hitting you like that. I was just worried...

     Ephraim: You could always find another way to express concern instead of hitting your loved ones... --Starts eating, then all of the sudden his eyes get watery and shiny-- For God's sake, this is delicious! --Eats a bit faster--

     Maria: --Laughs a bit as he sees him all cheery-- I’ll be waiting for instructions, Captain! --Straightens and bows, putting her fist over her heart-- I’ll be outside. --Turns and walks out--

     Ephraim: Huh? --Rather surprised, notices the formality as he eats then swallows again-- Captain? When did you become such a formal soldier?

     Maria: --Stops and looks askance at him-- Yeah… I never had the chance to show my respects to you like that, now that Alex's not here... --Looks back at him-- Take it as my expression of concern... And I've been thinking about a lot of things, lately. I have failed the team a lot of times these past weeks... --Looks back at him-- I must amend them any way I can.

     Ephraim: ... --Looks at Scarlett-- What happened...?

     Scarlett: ... --Nods-- I guess... She's starting to doubt about her role as a Guardian Angel... Since Jeff has gotten in serious struggles with demons two times already, I can assume she feels she haven't done a pretty good work... 

     Ephraim: … --Nods and sips his juice-- Well, I guess it's time to start cleaning up the mess this team is, don't you think?

     Scarlett: What do you mean? --Looks at him questioningly--

     Ephraim: I mean that it's time for me to take the lead --Stands up and walks outside, staggering a bit-- Let's bring our back-up plans.

     Scarlett: Hey… No! Stay there, Eph!

     Ephraim: Come on, how bad could my wounds be right no- --He soon stumbles but regains balance, moving his arm to the wall to get better support-- ...

     Scarlett: You’re still weak, Eph. Please go back to bed, we’ll take care of things…

     Ephraim: Hey, I'm not jumping straight ahead into danger, so chill out!

     Scarlett: --Huffs a bit-- Fine! But don’t come to me if the wounds get open again… --Follows him to make sure he doesn’t fall--

Ephraim goes downstairs, going straight to the living room, heading outside, until he meets Maria, Jeff and Joshua.

     Jeff: --Looks at him coming down-- Eph...? Hey! --Slowly walks toward him and looks up-- You finally got up... I was starting to get worried. --He looks quite better now that he has rested enough--

     Ephraim: Man, you scared me to death back there, you know? --Chuckles-- But you actually look better than me, right now.

     Joshua: I thought you were as good as dead when we found you... --Sitting on a couch they found, cleaning his rifle--

     Ephraim: I won't lie. That was a close one --Sighs deeply-- Good thing you guys managed to come in time.

     Joshua: Worry not. We took care of business while you were recovering... So how you feeling?

     Ephraim: Well if you don't mind that my shoulder stings, my legs are shaking a bit, I am really hungry, tired, I have sore throat, unable to fight at the moment, my friend and superior Alex is gone missing, I almost dragged Jeff into death, and that we are being followed by demons who probably want us dead, i'm totally fine!

     Jeff: …

     Joshua: What the...? --Blinks--

     Jeff: What the hell was that, Ephraim... That's some black humour...

     Ephraim: There won’t be any profit if you worry like that, guys! --Laughs-- Anyways…  For starters, tell me what has happened during the time I have been knocked-out.

     Maria: Ahh, yeah! Well, where to begin with…?

     Joshua: Care if I explain? --To Maria--

     Maria: Ohh… Sure, go ahead. --Nods--

     Joshua: Alright. --Nods-- We've been scouting the surroundings during while you guys were unconscious. I haven't seen any demon around, however, Scarlett gets uneasy sometimes, so I assume that they have been not so far from where we are. Scarlett has also been helping me with the surveillance from the rooftops of the buildings.

     Ephraim: ... --Nods-- Continue.

     Joshua: As four our safety... --Moves head no-- I'm not sure for how long we can stay in here without being noticed. With you and Jeff under recovery, that only leaves Scarlett and me as a long distance support and Maria as our main resistance... So we're in jeopardy --Sighs-- That if you don't consider demon numbers... Or at least what kind of demons they are...

     Scarlett: I must agree with that… We wouldn't have that many problems if they were only Lesser Demons. If it was only them, we could hold them for sure... but If Seiko of Ulrik or anyone like them comes... Joshua has no weapon to counter Seiko or Ulrik’s attacks, so that leaves only me… I can make a clean shot if they keep enough distance, but if they get closer… --Moves head no--

     Ephraim: … How good are you with knives, Joshua? If I know you as much as I think, you must be pretty skilled…

     Joshua: Well… I don’t consider myself an expert, but...

     Ephraim: --Searches below his cape and takes out a white knife with golden details-- Here… Think fast! --Throws it into the air. It’s headed toward Jeff--

     Joshua: --Looks at it and catches-- … Now THAT'S a close one.

     Jeff: --As pale as a paper sheet-- ...

     Joshua: --Takes a look at the knife in his hand-- Hmm…

     Jeff: --Tries to speak, but everything that comes out of his mouth is stuttering--

     Maria: Well, that's settles it. You are pretty skilled, I'll give you that --Raises an eyebrow, quite impressed-- You saved your brother... But Ephraim broke him...

     Jeff: --Shakes head-- I-I'm good, now...! I always trusted Joshua's skill with the knives...

     Ephraim: In order to wipe a demon out, you need a blessed weapon --Points at the knife-- Take good care of it.

     Joshua: … It will do as a bayonet… Thanks. Will come in handy --Examining it carefully--

     Ephraim: Well then! --Claps-- Mind if take the lead, guys?

     Joshua: Don’t mind at all. We're on your hands, sir. --Goes back to the couch to keep cleaning his rifle--

     Maria: You can always count on me, Eph!

     Scarlett: I’ll support the best way I can, don’t doubt it.

     Jeff: Count me in --He looks at him with a very new determination--

     Ephraim: Huh...? --Looks at Jeff and notices how it emanates from him-- Something... Something changed on him...

     Jeff: If I'm going to do something for the team, then there's no better timing than now. I'm up for the trial...   

     Ephraim: ... --Frowns a bit and nods-- Very well. That's how things will go, then.

     Maria: We’re waiting your instructions, Captain! --Salutes--

     Ephraim: --Sits down and holds his shoulder a bit, looking reflexive-- For now it would be the best for us to stay as unnoticeable as we can. I don’t want you guys to go out by day. Switch your patrols to the night.

     Joshua, Maria and Scarlett: Alright.

     Ephraim: Joshua… That weapon of yours can perfectly spot anyone from a very long distance, right?

     Joshua: Up to two kilometers. Just leave me at a high place and the rest will be easy.

     Ephraim: Well then, you’ll serve us as our eyes. Scarlett will support you on that task. Communicate with us with your those phones of yours. It’ll save some strength for us, instead of using someone as a messenger…

     Joshua and Scarlett: Understood.

     Ephraim: Hmmmmm... --Puffs his cheeks as he keeps thinking-- Maria, I want you to resume your previous role as Jeff's Guardian Angel. If you two stick close, you'll get more chances of retreat.

     Maria: Understood! --Looks at Jeff-- I'm going to take my job seriously this time, Jeff... So no more reckless abandonement from me... Ok?

     Jeff: --Looks back at her-- ... --He just nods-- Don't worry about it...

     Ephraim: ... Jeff.

     Jeff: Huh? --Looks at him--

     Ephraim: You'll be staying with me.

     Jeff: W-what...? --He looks at him a bit upset-- But I'm sure I could help with something!

     Ephraim: Well, I guess you could fight the lesser demons along Maria while I recover while handling Jaden and your wounds, then.

     Jeff: Ah... --Irritated face-- Yeah, good point... Are you sure I can’t do anything else for the team?

     Ephraim: --Grins-- Don’t worry, I might or might not have something in mind for you.

     Jeff: Umm... --Slowly nods-- I get it…

     Joshua: What about you?

     Ephraim: Well, for now the only thing I can do is to get better! But if our situation turns dire then I'll serve as a bastion for you to escape.

     Scarlett: Escape... That means... Leave you behind...?

     Ephraim: Don't panic just yet! That only if we really can't fight back. Consider it a last resort tactic. How much time will the recovery get, Scarlett?

     Scarlett: At least other three days from now on... That, of course, if rest and eat properly... --Crosses arms and taps her foot on the floor, looking at him--

     Ephraim: Ok, deal... I'll stay in bed... Let's hope everything works as planned... --Sighs and scratches head, grinning-- That’s all for today, I guess! --Stands up-- Now I would like you guys to leave me alone with Jeff for a bit, ok? I've got matters to discuss with him...

     Joshua: … --Nods-- He’s all yours…

     Ephraim: --Nods back and puts hands on hips-- Go get ready, guys. We start our plan tonight.

Maria, Scarlett and Joshua go to their rooms, leaving Jeff and Ephraim alone in the living room.

     Jeff: … So?--Looks up at him-- What's the big idea? I'm not going to stay here with crossed arms, anymore...

     Ephraim: I noticed something... Something different on you, today. Right when I saw you when I was coming downstairs... I have the feeling... I'm not quite sure, but you give me the impression that you've grown up, and quite a lot...

     Jeff: ... You could say... I finally decided to do so... --Sighs deeply-- I mean, there could have been other moments where I could do it, but... This is the perfect time for me to start building the person I want to become... At first, I only thought about recovering my mother's journal...

     Ephraim: Why is said journal so important, may I ask? --He looks at him in intrigue--

     Jeff: I'm not even sure what it contains... When we first landed in here, I only thought about it as just a last wish for my mother... But now it's different... If a ridiculous thing like a journal will make my mother smile, at least for a last time, then it's worth the risk for me...

     Ephraim: ... Do you remember that talk we had about willpower and beliefs...? --He slowly grins to him and points at his chest-- Now you see what I'm talking about...

     Jeff: ... --Smiles a bit-- I guess you're right...

     Ephraim: There was something else I noticed... I need to check your arms.

     Jeff: My arms? Why?

     Ephraim: You show me your arms, I just want to see.

     Jeff: … --Nods and stretches his arms--

     Ephraim: --Takes his right arm and turns it upside down--

     Jeff: --As he sees, he can see three names written in runes tattooed on his arm. He gets a bit shocked-- Th-these tattoos... How did they get there?

     Ephraim: Dammit... --He frowns, getting a bit disturbed by them-- ... Reads them-- ... “Fear, Desire and Hatred” --Eyes close slightly. He grits his teeth a bit-- That low-life succubus... These tattoos are incantations. Seiko used some sort of spell to create demonic spirits from your hidden treats.

     Jeff: You’re saying that… That woman used my… Most grim emotions to create those three spirits?

     Ephraim: You can consider them your personal demons… They will search you to corrupt your soul to the point where there's no salvation... Your soul will be gone. If that happens, I'll have no option but to thrust you with my spear...

     Jeff: ... Dammit... There must be a way to stop then... --Looks at the tattoos a bit in fear, but now seeming to be more indignated--

     Ephraim: ... --Crosses arms and thinks-- There's actually one thing... --Looks at him-- Each of them controls what they were created from, so in order to defeat them...

     Jeff: ... --Thinks for a bit-- I need to overcome my fears, my hatred and desires…

     Ephraim: --Nods and grins--Did you learn all that reading manga?

     Jeff: … --Nods-- Ehe... You get the idea... --Laughs a bit-- I guess Zipanese are no that crazy, after all...

     Ephraim: --Nods again and rubs his face, sighing loudly-- Ahhh, crap, now you see how wicked those filthy demons can be... I regret you guys getting involved into our fight... The best way I can protect you is to make you fight them. At least for now...

     Jeff: … It was bounded to happen sooner or later, don't you think? I mean, they were the ones coming after the whole human race... So why not starting taking action now?

     Ephraim: It would have been wonderful for you to turn into a stronger person if it didn't involved you in this ridiculous conflict between us Angels and Demons... But now you see that you can give the best of you when you less expect it...

     Jeff: … --Looks at his pendant-- … I know. Now I know... You'll be proud of me soon enough. Really! 

     Ephraim: --Stands up-- I don't doubt it, kiddo --Grins at him and rubs under his nose with his index-- Now go rest. Tomorrow will be a long day --Walks back to his room--

  
     Jeff: Yeah! Wait... --Blinks-- So what's your plan?

     Ephraim: Training! I'm going to train you just like I did with Jaden!

     Jeff: Wait, really!? I mean... Joshua taught me some fancy moves, but-
    
     Ephraim: Forget about them! We are going to make a fine knight of you, kiddo!

 To be continued...