The Warriors of Light

The jet, this time, was a bit crowded with Josie and Serene riding back with us, along with a knocked-out Johnny. Gregory sat next to me this time, eyes closed again as they got ready for takeoff. I suppose he wasn't fully asleep as he hit my shoulder when I was staring too hard at Serene. She just was sitting there, looking out the window and she caught my attention. "Careful with that one." Gregory said to me, eyes still closed. "She isn't the ordinary woman you may be used to, Ray. You'd be better off leaving well enough alone."

"You say that as if you know from experience," I retorted.

Gregory only scoffed as he turned his back to me. "No, not me, but I have heard stories. She's not interested, Ray. Don't even think about it."

I pouted as I laid my seat back, as well, just enjoying the flight back to the city. An hour later, I rose holding on to the seats moving along the aisle to the bathroom. Serene stood in front of me, looking me dead in the eyes. "I'm impressed," she said. "For a rookie like you, you didn't do too badly."

I smirked. "You thought I would cower in front of a demon?" 'In front of you' ran across my mind, but not out loud. She smirked. "I have dealt with my fair share of demons before now. Granted, it was only two before now..." That made her chuckle, looking down, then back up at me.

"You seem...lost," she replied bluntly. "These other Warriors of Light know what they want, know their path, but you, however...you don't."

"I was sort of thrown into this world. Not that I don't agree with what you guys do here, but it's not me at all. After I get my brother's soul back, I'm going back to normalcy."

"That's a shame." She crossed her arms. "It is obvious you don't have what it takes anyway." She brushed past me, leaving me confused. I glanced back trying to understand what just happened, but my bladder was calling me so I walked away to take care of it. Afterward, Serene didn't speak to me again. In fact, she never looked at me. I didn't know what I said to get on her bad side. The plane landed and Gregory was the one to carry Johnny Stan out. Another car waited to take us back to the church. There the Pope waited for us with arms wide open, seeing that we found Johnny Stan. Several others I hadn't seen before, gathered around the Pope dressed in all black like Gregory. I assumed they were part of The Order. After several greetings, Serene bowed slightly and Josie reached out to hug Pope Richardson. They led us all into a huge room with Johnny Stan in the middle tied to a chair.

He awoke at such a bad time. Everyone was staring down at him as he struggled to break free. The room was packed with all colors and shades of people. Each leader came to congregate for Johnny Stan's capture. Once Pope Richardson walked out onto the balcony, everyone bowed low on their knees, leaving me standing. Confused and late, I did the same; hand over my chest to show respect to the Pope who was now talking.

"My brothers and sisters, the moment has come that we bring home what rightfully belongs to us. The Kukulkan will finally be home for all of us to train and learn the way to kill these new monsters. The people of this earth deserve to be protected and saved by all of the brave warriors of our higher entity. We are the chosen."

"We are the light." Everyone responded as they stood.

One of the newcomers, on Gregory's side, grabbed Johnny Stan by his head and lifted him to the Pope. He struggled and tried to speak. "This is kidnapping. All of you can go to hell for this. You can't kill me." Johnny spat, eyes directly at The Pope. "Who are you people anyway?"

"You have something that belongs to us." The newcomer grabbed Johnny forcefully by his cheeks, pressing his lips together hard. "Where is the Kukulkan?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about?" Johnny lied. The newcomer looked up at the Pope waiting for further instructions.

"He knows." Gregory blurted, pulling out the relic. "He met with one of The Forgotten to obtain this." He showed it to the counsel. There were whispers around that caused an eruption of chaos. Gregory handed the relic over to be examined by the Pope. "Johnny Stan came to the church and talked to me briefly a few days ago asking for solace for his soul because he sold it to Agares. Is this correct, Mr. Stan?"

Johnny took a huge breath before he spoke. "I asked for help and you turned me away. Now, look at me, running for my life at every turn from demons, and now you guys..." his eyes glanced at me then. "This all started with him."

"Me? No this all started when you allowed an innocent man, an innocent soul, to take your place you piece of..." I leaned over ready to attack Johnny until Gregory put his hand out to stop me. "Answer Elias's question. Do you know where the Kukulkan is?" Gregory's voice boomed all through the room. Even I was shaken by his demeanor now, super serious, more than usual, and deadly. But, I knew they wouldn't harm him. It was against their rules to do so. Johnny did not

know that.

"I don't know what that is...what are you all talking about?" Johnny began to get frustrated. By the sound of his voice, he was exasperated.

"The Book of Monsters. The one you are after with the relic." I walked over to clarify.

"Oh, that is what you guys call it." Johnny's eyes showed hints of realization. "Why are you guys looking for it?"

"You hold no grounds to ask us anything," Elias replied.

"If you want me to talk, I need to know. The Book of Monsters was a myth proven real by a certain few. Many thought I was crazy for even believing in it. I have my reasons for wanting the power, that knowledge. But why do you all need it? You seem to be well-equipped to handle yourselves right now. You handled those demons rather well even though she knocked me out." He yanked his head over to Serene who only smiled.

"We are The Order," Pope Richardson replied, voice commanding everyone's attention. "We maintain peace and prosperity on Earth from the monsters that roam and wreak havoc. That book holds the knowledge of generations that will help train our warriors to reach their fullest potential."

Johnny scoffed while shaking his head. "You church folk are no better than me. It's power. That's all that is. If you knew any better, you would leave it where it is..."

"That's not what you are doing?" I retorted as I grabbed his shoulder to squeeze.

"I'm a regular low-life human. All I want is the simpler things life has to offer..." the room grew quiet. "Money. I care about money. You know how much people like you will pay for something like that? I would be unbelievably rich."

"You'll be unbelievably dead," I replied. "Do you know what that could do to us humans in the wrong hands? You're scared shitless of Agares, imagine if another demon knew about every monster on earth. You're a fool, Johnny, more than I ever thought you were."

"I say we erase his memories and place him in custody for all time," Elias suggested.

"No." I quickly added, looking to the Pope. "We need either him or the book to free Brad." "Brad's soul is lost, unfortunately. One soul doesn't equate to the entire world." Elias argued with me now, as I looked at him in disbelief. We were all a team until he said that stupid shit. It made sense but, still, that was my brother he was talking about.

"Brad believed in all this...he belongs in heaven. Leaving him to rot in hell, while you all live," I emphasized the word to further get my point across, "lavishly by the hands of God, should have you guilt-ridden because you know saving him is the right thing to do."

"You just got here. You can't go on telling us..."

"Enough!" The Pope boomed over Elias and me as he stepped into my face. "Ray has made a valid point. Brad Segal's soul is being tormented and, if this is a chance to save him, we give him

this chance. Johnny Stan will tell us where the book is. In doing so, you will hand Johnny over to Agares after the book is safely in our possession."

Johnny struggled, again, to break free. "You can't do that!"

"It's already been decided." Pope Richardson replied with finality in his voice.

"No, please. I can take you to the book...please don't give me up to that demon. If you spare me,

I can become a valuable asset to you...I mean, what you guys need? I can get it...I can do it..." Elias walked up to Johnny to shut him up. "You want The Forgotten, I can get them. They paid a lot of money for me to get this book for them." Elias paused and turned to Pope Richardson, awaiting further instructions.

"Spare him. He will lead Gregory and Ray to the Kukulkan. I will need others to accompany them on their journey." No one responded.

"I will go." Everyone's head turned, even mine, as I heard the voice. Serene stepped out into the crowd, as bold as ever. She bowed and stood again. "I will make sure they bring the book back as it should have been in our possession all along."

Pope Richardson bowed with a smirk on his face. "Very well. Gather all your things then. Prepare

to leave tomorrow morning." He handed the relic back down to Gregory as he nodded.