"I thought so. My dad has ruined all of your lives," Mark said miserably as he picked at the ragged cuticle around his thumb.
I rested my hands on his to stop his obsessive habit. "Look, I'm sad I don't remember my parents, and yeah it sucks that your dad is like some crazy Dark Angel freak, but my life hasn’t been terrible. I know I can't speak for the others, but the life course he set me on hasn't been all bad. I couldn't imagine not knowing my adoptive parents and experiencing the love they showered on me."
"But, he kept us away from each other and he killed his fellow band members. How can you even look at me without disgust?" he asked, quietly finally coming to the root of the problem.
"Mark, I've said it before. You are not your father!" I said loudly to emphasize my point. "You're not responsible for his actions, and none of us believe any of this is your fault," I said earnestly, rising from my own chaise lounge to perch on the end of his chair. "Everything happens for a reason, and though our numbers have been devastated, we are going to overcome this. We will stop him and release the grip his actions have on you," I finished passionately, slipping into his arms to give him a hug of reassurance.
He wrapped his strong arms around me, hugging me deeply against his chest before settling comfortably behind me on the chair. I linked my fingers through his. We didn't find the need to speak again, watching in compatible silence as the waves pounded against the shore. Every so often he would place a soft kiss on the back of my head, making my heart flutter each time. Loving him was easy. Fighting our life real demons was the hard part.
***
The next morning, after only a few hours sleep, our band was assembled on the night-cooled sand preparing for our 'demon training,' as Shawn liked to call it. His nickname for it earned a few chuckles from the guys, while Haniel looked like he didn't know whether to reproach him or join in the chuckles. I had learned early on that the words Demons and Devil made Haniel extremely uncomfortable. I wasn't sure if it was some kind of Angel thing or just Haniel's preference. He usually only referred to them as Daemons and The Dark One I couldn't help giggling each time Shawn said them though. Watching the look on Haniel's face was classic. It was like a kid sneaking in a curse word in front of an adult.
During tonight's training, our group sat back to observe while the more qualified Protectors went first. Watching them battle was unlike anything I had ever seen. Each move and maneuver seemed precise and well calculated before it was even executed. Every block and counter move came a split second before the impact could connect.
"The Daemons you will be fighting are best described as puppets being controlled by the Dark Angel, and as such, their emotions cannot be manipulated, as Krista realized in her recent foray." Haniel said.
I shuddered, remembering how it felt when I tried to filter the Daemons soul at the revival.
"They can be hurt and stopped, but it will take more force and tenacity to put them down than it would for a normal man. You will be challenged as never before as you face a great deal more than before," he said, addressing the Protectors of my group. "This is the reason The Light gave you your supernatural strength."
"And here I was, thinking it was to make me more of a stud for my woman," Shawn said jokingly, as he hauled a squealing Sam up in the air, holding her above his head.
"Perhaps when Shawn is done showing off his masculinity we can get back to work," Haniel said drily.
"Aw, give them a break Haniee," Grace said affectionately. "It's nice to be around a younger band. Their exuberant attitude is refreshing to see."
"Yeah Haniee, give us a break," Shawn said playfully, grinning at Haniel. With a glint in his eye, Haniel took a threatening step toward him. Shawn darted away, trying to distance himself, but didn't make it far before Haniel gave him a quick blast of energy from the palm of his hand, sending him sprawling face-first into the sand.
We all burst out laughing when Shawn stood up looking like a clown that had taken a pie in the face.
"Nice job sandman. You can't take on an Archangel. They can totally kick your ass," Robert said chuckling while Shawn dusted off.
Sam skipped to Shawn's side, giggling as she helped brush the rest of the sand off of him.
The rest of the morning passed in a blur as we watched the guys perform one maneuver after another until all of them collapsed in an exhausted heap on the ground. Once the Protectors were done with their training, Haniel turned his attention to the Guides.
Our training wasn't as physically draining, but mentally we were just as exhausted. Haniel set us through trials that showed us how to throw up barriers for not only ourselves, but for our Protectors, as well, using the link we had been given.
I cleared my mind of all else, except for the invisible bridge that I often imagined connected my mind with Mark's. From the bridge, I could feel my thoughts and emotions traveling past his thoughts, journeying to his soul. It amazed me how in sync I was with his mind and soul. As long as he kept the gates open, finding my way was easy. I could feel Haniel trying to persuade Mark's soul, but his attempts were futile. I totally had this exercise nailed. No one would be tampering with what belonged to me, I thought smugly as Haniel finally gave up and retreated.
Mark was smiling at me when I opened my eyes. Little possessive? he thought, using the open link of our minds.
Heck yeah I'm possessive. You're mine. I thought, making him chuckle.
"When Krista and Mark are done with their inner dialogue, perhaps I can congratulate Krista on a job well done," Haniel said.
Flushing slightly, I pulled my gaze from Mark and focused on Haniel.
"Well done Krista. Your talents for a young Guide are quite astonishing," he said. "Alright, let's see how the next pair does," he said, indicating Paul and Kim.
Sinking to the ground by Sam and Shawn, I watched Kim try to shield her Protector from Haniel's onslaught. Her grunt of defeat made it clear she had failed. I didn't want it to go to my head, but I was a little proud that the oldest and wisest band here struggled with a task. Being the newbie's was starting to grate on my nerves slightly.
Kim finally gave up after several minutes, sinking to the ground. "That's tough," she said panting, looking at me appraisingly. "Well done Krista."
Kieran and John went next and nailed it almost immediately. I wasn’t surprised. Their bond was strong. They obviously spent a huge amount of their time communicating through the bridge in their mind. That's what made my successful attempt even more impressive, since Mark had closed our bridge several weeks ago.
Lynn and Robert went after Kieran and John, but had the same outcome as Kim and Paul. By the time each pair had taken a shot at the exercise, only three of us were successful at it; Kieran and John, Michael and Faith, and Mark and me.