by Wendy Owens
“Here we are.” Uri said, opening a door for Gabe. Gabe tried to resist the urge to head straight to the stable to meet these magical creatures, trying to focus on his training with Uri at the moment. Inside was what could best be described as a big circular locker room. Instead of lockers though, there were wooden cubbies.
“Over here,” Uri said, walking up to a large built-in wardrobe. “Find your size and suit up.” Uri added as he walked away. Gabe pulled out a drawer filled with uniforms, flipped through the stacks, finding a suitable match.
The fabric was soft and gray. The style reminded him of what a Kung Fu warrior would wear. Gabe dressed as quickly as possible. Once he was completely clothed, he searched and at last located a mirror. Impressed by what he saw, he made a karate kid pose. Rather pleased with himself, he began laughing.
“Are you coming?” Uri shouted from the doorway, rolling his eyes and trying his hardest not to smile or laugh. Gabe quickly stopped his nonsense and ran to Uri’s side, a little embarrassed at being discovered. He followed Uri to a nearby wooden bench that was mounted to the ground. Joining Uri on the bench, Gabe sat and waited eagerly for instructions. He watched Uri as he tightly pulled on the same mesh gloves that he had seen him wearing the night they had met in the subway tunnel.
Uri pulled a boot up and began tightening his laces and retying them one by one as he explained, “Most Guardians come to us when they are around thirteen years old—some even sooner. It’s very rare for a Guardian to come to us after the age of thirteen. That’s why Michael has asked me to guide you through advanced training.” Uri explained.
“Wait, advanced?” Gabe protested. “I have no clue what I am doing; let’s say we start at beginner.” Gabe laughed nervously.
“A Guardian’s skills will develop on their own, even without training. Michael wants us to assess where you are.” Uri insisted. “You’re to get my sole attention. Michael mentioned wanting you to test out of year one and two by the end of summer so you can start on your third year classes next year.” Uri hesitated.
“Well, that is if you decide to stay after this week.”
Gabe was less concerned about if he was staying and more about these tests.
“What do you mean tests?” He asked.
“Oh,” Uri replied. “Well, all Guardians have to receive four years of training to prepare themselves. I am in my third year now. Most of my friends are either second or third year students. Each year you must pass a test of what you learned that year in order to move forward in your training. Michael wants me to work one on one with you so that you can test in as a third year student.”
Uri looked at Gabe and he could tell the idea of the training and testing were overwhelming him.
“Look,” Uri continued. “I wouldn’t think about it. I mean, you may spend the week here and decide you can’t stand us and want to leave.” Uri laughed, patting Gabe on the back heartily.
“I was going to start with some martial arts training, but I have a better idea.” Uri said with a big smile on his face. The grin actually made Gabe a little nervous.
“Follow me,” Uri said, standing up and leading the way to a nearby chamber.
Gabe followed Uri into the room, amazed by what he saw. The room was grand, a huge chamber that was covered in marble. The floors were marble. There were massive marble columns. The emblem that had become a familiar theme covered the entire floor.
“What is this place?” Gabe asked in awe.
“It’s where some of the weapons tests are administered. Those are pretty amazing to watch.You will have to make sure you make it to one.” Uri said greatly excited. “I have a surprise for you.”
Uri walked over to a case on a large Oak table.
Gabe watched with great anticipation as Uri got ready to open it.
“Your family weapon has been waiting for you all these years.”
“Waiting for me?” Gabe asked.
“A Guardian’s sword can only be wielded by a member of that Guardian’s bloodline. This sword has been waiting sixteen years to be united with you.” Uri explained.
Gabe felt it hard to believe this fairytale about swords and bloodlines, but he was still filled with excitement to see the weapon. Gabe’s great excitement quickly faded away as he saw what hid inside the case. Uri opened the box to reveal an old rusty sword with a sizable chip in the blade. The handle was wrapped in worn leather that had tattered strings hanging from it.
Gabe looked at Uri as if this were just another one of his tasteless jokes. Uri’s expression, however, did not reveal such a plot.
“Seriously?” Gabe asked, slightly annoyed.
Uri looked up at Gabe with a puzzled look.
“This is the weapon that will help me fight the most horrifying evil demons Hell has to offer?” Gabe asked sarcastically.
Uri grinned, realizing Gabe’s disappointment.
“Just pick it up.” Uri commanded.
Gabe had no desire to touch the filthy thing, but decided to do as he was told.
“If you say so.” Gabe grasped the sword in his hands. As he took a tight hold of it, he felt it grow warm to his touch. A slight vibration trembled through it into his hand. The dull and rusty sword suddenly transformed into a broad and long silver blade. A bright blue light shone all around it. Gabe watched in astonishment as, from beneath its worn disguise, a weapon of grace and beauty revealed itself. Gabe had to look away from its brilliance for a moment. The crest Gabe had become familiar with was engraved into the blade. The hilt glimmered with what Gabe thought looked like randomly placed diamonds and sapphires.
“The sword is blessed. I told you, a Guardian’s sword can only be activated by a member of the Bloodline it was created for. The enchantment on it only allows it to reveal itself and its powers to its true master’s hands. With what we do, it’s gravely important our weapons can’t be used by the enemy or seen by mankind.” Uri expounded.
“Now, this is a weapon.” Gabe exclaimed, a glimmer in his eye.
Seeing that Gabe was in awe of the sword and not really listening, Uri reiterated his words, trying to relay the importance.
“Gabe, it’s important you understand the necessity of free will.”
Gabe nodded and began swinging his sword through the air as if he were slaying an imaginary army of evil minions.
“I’m serious Gabe. We can never remove free will from mankind’s lives. If they see something magical or super natural, they have trouble making decisions based on what’s in their hearts. Do you understand?” Uri demanded in a more serious tone.
Gabe nodded, acting like he was taking Uri’s words to heart.
“Then let’s fight.” Uri said with a smile, grabbing a sword off a nearby wall. Gabe’s lessons had begun and without warning.
Gabe widened his stance, preparing himself to attack. Uri gave a menacing grin,` then motioned Gabe forward. Gabe swiped the sword through the air a few more times trying to get a feel for the weight of the blade.
Uri stood still, not moving, just watching and waiting. In an instance, Gabe saw Uri drop his sword to his side.He used that opening to lunge at him. Gabe focused all of his force and pushed the sword forward with a mighty scream.
Uri just watched, his face not changing expression. When Gabe was within inches of striking, Uri lifted his blade only six inches. Gabe thought he was about to deliver the first and winning blow, instead he found his sword deflected. The jolt of his sword hitting Uri’s blade caused Gabe to lose his grip. Gabe’s weapon went flying out of his hands, sliding across the floor.
Gabe caught his balance, but as he turned, he felt Uri’s blade pressed firmly against his chest. Gabe froze and looked humbly at his teacher.
“You have to hold onto your sword if you’re going to win a battle.” Uri said with a smirk. “Go on,” Uri continued, lowering his sword and motioning towards Gabe’s lost sword. “Pick it up.”
Gabe slumped over and shuffled across the floor with heavy embarrassed steps to
retrieve his sword as his instructor told him to. As he picked it up and turned to face Uri, he felt a terrible fear well up inside him that he had not felt before. His hands began to sweat and he tossed the blade from hand to hand, trying to dry them as he circled Uri.
This dance went on for a few moments until Uri finally broke the silence. “Well, come on then.”
“I can’t,” Gabe said, unsure of what was holding him back. “My hands are sweating. My heart is racing. I don’t know what to do.”
“It’s fear Gabe.” Uri answered boldly.
“Oh I see, I’m afraid of you, is that it?” Gabe asked sarcastically.
“I’m serious,” Uri firmly. “You’ve seen my strength as a fighter. It makes you doubt yourself. I assure you the demons you will encounter will invoke much more fear than I do.”
Uri began to move in a circle, matching Gabe step for step. He continued, “You must clear your mind. Accept that you can’t change your opponents strengths, but you can watch for his weaknesses.”
“How do I find their weakness?” Gabe asked.
“Test them.” Uri answered.
“What?” Gabe questioned, becoming more and more frustrated.
“Think of it like this, you’re throwing stones at their fences until you find the weak spot.” Uri explained. Gabe pondered the answer as Uri gave a cry and swung the sword inward at Gabe’s legs. Without a thought, Gabe lowered his blade to block and the steel clanged as they ricocheted off one another. “Very Good.” Uri congratulated. “Again.”
The two took a step apart and continued to circle together as if both were predators and neither prey. Gabe held his breath and pushed his fear aside. He cocked his elbow out and with crouched legs came down on one knee, swinging at Uri’s torso. Without pause, Uri blocked the swipe. Within a split second they were engaged in a fast paced sword fight. Each swipe equally matched by the other. As Uri came at Gabe with quickness and strength, Gabe felt himself losing footing.
In a panic, Gabe tried to rectify his position. Uri was too fast and too strong. He searched for a weakness, but was at a loss. After a few more clangs of their swords, Gabe was pressed against the stairs. Gabe tried to use force to push Uri back, his last effort failing him. Uri’s blade came in one last time and as the two swords locked against one another, Gabe fell to the ground, his own sword now pressed against his body.
“I surrender.” Gabe cried out, wiped of strength. Uri released his hold and extended a hand to help him rise. Gabe rose shaking his head. “Weakness. I watched. I couldn’t find one, what am I missing?”
After Gabe was on his feet, Uri turned to walk away. He reached the middle of the room and with a big grin across his face turned back, replying, “Well, that’s because I’m the exception... I have no weakness.” The two laughed and began again.
Chapter Nine
Gabe collapsed onto his bed; every muscle ached from the day long torture his body had experienced. He wondered how on earth these people tolerated the abuse he had just been put through. He was experiencing pains in places he never knew existed. Lying there he had resigned himself to never standing again when there was a knock on the door.
“Go away, Uri!” Gabe managed to yell. The thought of more exertion making him want to crawl into a hole and cover himself.
“Gabe?” The voice behind the door was not Uri’s. Gabe sat up so quickly it made him wince. It was Sophie. Gabe lifted his arm, sniffed, it was not pleasant. He regretted not taking a shower that morning, but Uri had been right, it wouldn’t have mattered after that kind of workout.
“Umm.... Just a second,” Gabe called back pushing himself to his feet. He frantically looked around for something to mask the odor. Searching through the wardrobe he came across a bath Robe. He quickly wrapped it around his body hoping the layers would create a shield for at least the moment. Stumbling to the door Gabe took a second to compose himself, running his fingers through his greasy hair.
“Hey, Sophie,” Gabe said opening the door, trying to act cool and casual. “What’s up?” Gabe stepped out of his room and headed down the hall towards the boy’s shower room, Sophie following behind.
“Well,” Sophie began, “I just came to see how your first day went.”
“Great, I guess. I’m just heading for a quick shower before dinner.” Gabe hoped his pungent smell was not leaving a trail.
“Oh, alright,” Sophie replied, not really sure what else to say. “I guess I will let you get to it then.” Sophie turned to walk away but suddenly spun back around and called after him.
“Gabe?” He turned and looked at her. Quickly rethinking what she was going to say, she mumbled quietly, “Never-mind.”
Gabe sensed there was something Sophie was not sharing. “Is there anything else Sophie?”
“Umm…” Sophie began, “I just wanted to know if you were...” Sophie stopped again, contemplating her words. Gabe could detect that she was unsure of herself.
“Yes?” Gabe asked, pressing on.
“I just wanted to know if you… would like me to save you a seat at dinner?” Sophie asked looking down at the ground, embarrassed by her lack of confidence. In fact she wanted to tell him about the prophecy and what his role in that prophecy would mean for him, but struggled to find the words.
“Yes, that would be great!” Gabe enthusiastically responded, thrilled with the invitation. He was sure Uri’s observation about him not being Sophie’s type must be mistaken. He rushed into the shower room and realized the immense pain he had been in seemed insignificant now that he was going to be having dinner with Sophie. As Gabe stood there, allowing the warm water to pulsate against his bruised and battered body, all he could think about was what other clothes the wardrobe in his room contained. He wanted to make sure he looked nice for his first dinner date with Sophie.
When a clean Gabe made his way back to his room, he was pleasantly surprised to find tucked away in the back of his closet a pair of black slacks and a dark gray button up shirt. Gabe stood in front of the mirror debating the key question ‘tucked or un-tucked?’ At last, he decided he looked much better with the shirt un-tucked. With one last breath check and wiping his sweaty hands on his pant legs, he headed to the dining hall.
Minutes later he walked into the grand room and began to search for Sophie. The room was bustling, he hoped she’d found them a quiet and intimate spot amongst the madness.
“Gabe!” Uri shouted waving his hands in the air. Gabe smiled and continued searching the room.
“Gabe!” Uri shouted again, waving his arms even more wildly. “We’re over here!” Gabe hated to be rude, but the idea of having dinner with Sophie was too much to pass up. Uri would just have to understand. As Gabe looked over to directly acknowledge Uri he caught a glimpse of Sophie seated behind him, looking nervous and anxious about something. They were surrounded by a rambunctious group.
“Hurry, Gabe, I want to introduce you to the gang,” Uri said. Gabe walked over, he had clearly been confused by what Sophie intended by the invitation. He felt his cheeks go hot with embarrassment as he glanced around at everyone’s extremely casual attire, mostly jeans and t-shirts. Even though he was distracted by his embarrassment, he could tell something was bothering Sophie. He wondered what it might be.
Gabe approached the table. Sophie only glanced up for a moment, a weak attempt at a smile on her face. “My, my,” Uri said with Gabe standing before him. “Aren’t we a snappy dresser?” A couple of boys at the table snickered at the joke.
Gabe had thought of an explanation right away so he easily flowed into his cover up story, “Nobody told me how you all dress for meals, so I thought I had better play it safe this evening.” Gabe was extremely satisfied with his quick thinking.
“Here, Gabe,” Uri said grabbing the arm of a tall and slender boy that sat nearby. “This is Haim, as trustworthy as they come. He has had my back more times than I care to count.” Gabe reached out and shook his hand, noticing how large they were and how they nearly swal
lowed his. Gabe also noticed Haim’s nose and thought there were a lot of things large on him. Haim seemed like a simple type of person, nothing flashy about him. He wore dark gray faded denim and his shirt was rather dusty. Gabe could tell he was not one who fussed about his appearance. The firm grasp of his handshake was very telling for Gabe as well. He is strong and confident, Gabe thought.
“And here, this is Raimie.” Uri said, patting a very handsome boy on the back who sat on his opposite side. He was muscular and had a strong jaw line. Raimie’s chestnut hair looked as though he had taken considerable time to arrange the strands in a perfect pattern. Gabe squinted his eyes. He wasn’t sure if they were playing tricks on him, but he could swear Raimie was wearing eye liner. “Raimie here can be the life of the party. He can really get things booming.” Uri added.
Everyone at the table moaned in disgust at Uri’s words. Gabe looked around at everyone’s faces, searching for an explanation.
“What? What’s wrong?” Gabe asked, still confused.
“Raimie can control lightning and thunder.” Sophie explained, quickly looking away. “Uri, that was so not funny.”
“Whatever,” Uri said waving off the disapproval, still clearly pleased with his humor. Gabe noticed that clasped around Raimie’s arm was a little wisp of a girl.
“Down there on the end is Dina.” Uri continued. “She may not look like much, but some of her incantations would blow your mind.” The girl glanced up at Gabe from beneath her thick, dark bangs and gave him a smile of greeting.
“Nice to meet all of you.” Gabe said smiling and lifting his hand.
“They call us the Shadow Hunters.” Uri added.
“You mean you call us that,” Haim chimed in and the group began to laugh. Even Sophie chuckled a little.
“Hey, it’s catching on,” Uri insisted. Gabe took a seat across from Sophie who was still clearly distracted. It wasn’t long before the group was entertaining him with their stories. As Gabe sat and listened to the group spinning tales of their triumphant victories over their demonic foes, he saw glimpses of the care free Sophie he loved being around so much.
