Author's Note: Alright this story was started almost two years ago, maybe more than that. It was before a lot of the mythology and back story was revealed so I had to create my own which makes this very, very AU. I got the idea for this story from another story I read, but when I went to find it again I couldn't. If anyone can tell me I will give credit where the inspiration is due, but this story is all mine. I got the idea from the other story but not the plot.


Prologue

Nathan's truck crawled up the foothills of the Caelum Mountains, through the heavy rain and fog. Residents had reported seeing strange lights up near the old Hansen homestead and Audrey and Nathan found themselves following up the reports even though a nor' easterner was blowing in.

As the rain turned to sleet, Audrey tone took on a skeptical note. "Great. Now we get to stumble around in the rain and freeze our butts off while searching for some mysterious lights. Just what I wanted to do on a Friday night." Dropping back against the seat, she crossed her arms, but there was a slight grin on her face.

Although Nathan tried fight it, a grin spread across his face as well. "It's Maine. All you can count on is the rain and cold. You didn't have to come; I could have done this by myself."

"And let you have all the fun? Now why would I do tha-"" She said as she sat forward, staring at the sight in front of her.

He sighed; the truck had crested the hill and he could see the light for the first time. It seemed to sparkle continuously and Nathan wondered what it could be. There was no way this was teenagers.

Audrey grabbed his forearm. "Whoa, Nathan can you see that?"

Nathan's hands tightened on wheel and he forced himself to breath as heat spread over his him at her contact. To her it meant nothing, but to him it was everything and he knew it was past time to tell her that he felt her touch, that she was the only thing he could feel.

"Yep, we'll be there soon enough. Let's just concentrate getting through this rain and then we can spitball about the light once we've taken a look around."

Letting go of his arm, Audrey lay back against the seat. "I'll let you do the driving and I'll watch for anything on the road. We wouldn't want to run over anything."

When the Troubles began to return three years ago, so did Nathan's. Once again, he was trapped in something he didn't understand. He was trapped within his body and no way to escape.

Every time she touched him, he expected it to end - that it would be the same nothing he felt with everyone else - but the sensation returned every time. It started at the point of contact and surged through him, making him feel alive, making him want more for the first time in a long time.

He glanced over at Audrey. Could he really tell her, burden her with this information? She had no ties or roots. The other day, Audrey mentioned her time in Haven was the longest she'd ever stayed anywhere since college.

These last few months, he'd watched Audrey put down roots and make friends, and he wanted her to stay here in Haven because she wanted to, not out of misplaced obligation.

Knowing he needed to take his mind off Audrey's touch, Nathan decided to share a piece of folklore the light brought to mind. "Do you know what this reminds me of?"

Audrey eyed him with mild curiosity. "You know I love the weird stuff?"

"Urban legend about the Guardians. Adults told it when we went out on school camping trips. It used to scare Duke; he used to make me go with him to the outhouse. He was afraid they would come and take him away."

Audrey turned slightly toward him and he knew he had her attention. "So spill. I've never heard this one."

"It goes something like this, every time one of the prominent men in town die, the Guardians come in the night and take some child, who the dead man chooses to be his heir. It always happens a week after the light appears. The child is gone for one night and then in the morning, he is returned safe and sound unable to remember what happened. They say the child is changed, like someone stole his soul."

Shivering Audrey rubbed her arms. "That is creepy, and in Haven it's probably rooted in truth. What about you, have you seen the light before?"

"Nope, according to town lore, the last time it was seen was right around when I was born, the Mayor had just die..." He tightened his hands on the wheel paying closer attention to his surroundings. "I guess this might not be a milk run after all."

A few minutes later they reached the remains of the homestead; Nathan directed the truck into the rutted driveway. His lights illuminated the figure of a woman, bent and stooped with obvious age. Nathan slammed on the brakes to avoid running her over.

Slowly she lifted her hand with one crooked finger extended toward them. "It's time, Nathan. Long ago you were chosen and now, so is she. It's time to accept your fate, Guardian."


There are two more chapters posted on my site if you would like to check them out Google my penname and you will find me. I love to hear from you whether you liked it or loved it. :0P

Also I have published two original pieces of work on Kindle you can find a link to them on my website as well.