AN: Story's Shadow and I are back my good friends. Hope this long chapter meets everyone's standards. This chapter builds more character insight and backstory. Hope ya'll enjoy.
-Meanwhile, Jerusalem-
Angela was currently reading one of the books from the castle's library. She'd searched through many, finding many not to be or even translated to English. She often grumbled to herself that how she even failed to grasp French through all her schools years. But she was at least somewhat content to have found some reading material.
She looked through the book, looking over descriptions of supernatural beings from this part of the world. Angela rubbed her chin as she looked over the drawings of the beings called Jinn. She was fascinated at the possibility of a wider world of the supernatural and paranormal.
Tyler sat in another part of the room, polishing his armor and weapons. Angela looked over to him.
"Hey Tyler?"
He turned to her.
"Yeah?"
"Have any of your order encountered a genie?...Jinn, I mean?"
"Our order has always focused on the powers of hell. We know other entities are out there, but we've always focused on the demons of hell. To my knowledge, no one has...or least as far as they know. They're not demons, are they?"
"Some believe they are and some say they aren't, saying that some hurt humans and others help them."
Tyler rubbed the back of his neck.
"Well, we just focus on those we know are evil. Our order has remain unchanged in our purpose and our strength."
"Huh...though your order has changed over time? You said once there were no women originally allowed?"
"Right, apologies. We're now I guess you can say: 'up to date'."
"Then why are there only two women on the council?"
"We've had different women join. Some have set on the council or were just soldiers. Some left the order to be with their families...some...were lost."
"Oh."
"His lordship has welcomed many women into the order. One was one of our greatest warriors and heroes. Thomas saw great potential in her. She was a quick learner in swordsmanship and the arts of protection against the demonic. Her story ended when a small force of demons assaulted one of our strike teams on a mission some years back. She held the line, slaying every demon that came near. While her team retreated, all injured severely, she used her blade and used an Enochian chant to slay the remaining demon while she took her life to power the spell. Normally we are...'hesitant' around magic. But Enochian is the language of the angels and very few of us are able to learn and correctly utilize it. She died gloriously and saved her team. Thomas has honored her with one of the greatest statues in our home. And all knights learn her story and try to live up to what she's done for us and humanity."
Angela shed a tear.
"She sounded like an amazing woman."
"Thomas said we would never see another like her again. And we all say a prayer to be as strong as her when we go to face the demons."
Angela nodded.
She walked back to where she found the book and prepared to put it back where it rested. Her eyes went to the image of the Jinn again.
"Ever since...what happened...I've wondered what and who else is out there."
Tyler sighed.
"Many have when they've been attacked by demons. Regardless, the most dangerous foes are them who we stand against. What else is out there, that's something we may leave to others. As S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Avengers often handle other threats."
"Who would've thought you'd be teaming up with super-heroes?"
Tyler sighed.
"Over a new foe we don't understand. Still, this will be another crusade."
Angela nodded and put the book back. She walked over and sat where she had been reading.
"Like I was saying...what other being do you think are out there? I mean, the Avengers protected the Inhumans and stood up for them, some talks of mutants...what else?"
Tyler rubbed his chin.
"All the lore books that knights read are focused on demons on ways to fight them and angels, to have inspiration from them and to honor the Host. What else? I'm not sure."
"I mean...ghosts? Goblins? Banshees? Oooooh! Dragons! I love dragons!"
Tyler chuckled.
"Dragons from what I know of European lore weren't exactly friendly."
"I know, but they're so cool! Flying! Breathing fire! I love the dragons from China the best! All the stories about them being wise, benevolent, and powerful were so cool! One folktale has it to where four great dragon kings gave their bodies to become the four rivers of China!"
Tyler's eyes widened a little at this.
"Why'd they do that?"
"Oh, the story goes that there were no rivers at the time and there were droughts and famines, the people were suffering. The dragon kings begged the Jade Emperor to send rain, but he wasn't listening. So they ended up sacrificing themselves to save the people."
Tyler was nearly speechless.
"Quite a folktale."
"Yeah, I always thought it was really cool. Now I envision myself as a knight on the back of a dragon fighting demon hordes."
Tyler's gave a sad smile.
"You're still set on being a knight, huh?"
"Yeah, I know you're worried...but what you did for us...it inspired me."
Tyler gave her a warm smile.
"Thanks, Angela. I'm just worried...while there are those who must fight the demons...I just fear for you. You have PTSD from the night."
Angela sighed, nodding.
"I know...I just don't want to live in fear."
Tyler put a hand on her shoulder.
"None of us want that for you. Fear is more than understandable. Even the greatest knights fear what they face."
"But they faced it."
"They had years of training and preparation, often with other knights by their side. Angela, you've been so focused on this you've hardly seen your family."
"I can't go back home...not until I'm ready, not until I'm a knight."
"Your anxiety and fear still eat at you. I have to stay in the same room with you so you can sleep at night."
"I know that's awkward, sorry."
"You've become my responsibility. His lordship tasked me with helping and watching over you since you came to our home."
"I know...but I can't let those things make me miserable."
"Angela...you know what I've told you of what has happened to some of us, yes?"
Angela nodded.
"Even though the demons may all seem the same, they vary in how they torment people. Some will kill you quickly and painfully, others will leave you scarred and disfigured...others...some of the rumors of what happened to some knights...we often not dare to speak of it."
Angela sighed, starting to shed tears.
"But what if they come after me or my family again? What if you or one of your order isn't there? What if I haven't learned to defend myself? I fear what would happen."
Tyler sighed.
"This life isn't for everyone, Angela. There is no shame in wanting to be normal."
"Right...but I don't want to be...can't be normal...not after what I saw..."
Tyler ran one hand down his face.
"The choice is yours...I just hope you reconsider."
Angela sighed.
"I don't know if I can."
Tyler sighed at this. He walked over and put on his armor and sheathed his sword.
"I have to practice with the others...just...think about it. I'll be back in at least an hour."
He exited the room. Angela sighed. She walked over to the books and took a book she with English and began to read again.
-Meanwhile, Unknown Location, Los Angeles-
Cynthia was brought back to reality upon hearing a door open behind her with a mechanical hiss, followed by familiar armored footsteps approaching behind her.
"Had a feeling I'd find you in here." Andrew said as Cynthia turned to face her boyfriend, a small smile was present on Andrews face.
"What gave you that idea?" Cynthia said a tone that indicated she already knew the answer, which was made even more obvious by the sly smirk she had on her face.
"I know you well enough to know that when you want to think deeply on a matter, you go off to where you wont be interrupted." Andrew answered with his own sly smirk. Cynthia continued to smirk before letting out a small laugh.
"Be honest Andy, you had no idea which room I went off to." Cynthia challenged her boyfriend while still sporting a confident smirk.
Andrews response was to raise his left armored gauntlet and display a holographic map that had a red blinking dot showing her current location.
"I hade a feeling." Cynthia said with a small laugh.
"In all seriousness I knew you would go somewhere quite to think... just didn't know which room." Andrew said with an embarrassed look on his face."
Cynthia couldn't help but laugh as she walked up to her boyfriend and gave him a small peck on his lips.
"If you don't mind me asking: what's on your mind?" Andrew asked, in a tone that indicated he already knew the answer.
"I think we both know the answer to that." Cynthia replied bluntly as her expression morphed from lax into serious.
"Doreen?" Andrew asked bluntly.
Cynthia simply nodded her head, silently answering her boyfriends question.
"I knew I'd have to face her eventually, just didn't expect to under these circumstances." Cynthia said in a bitter yet remorseful tone.
"That makes two of us. Is it me or does trouble always seem to find us when we least expect it?" Andrew questioned with an annoyed tone.
"That's not always a bad thing." Cynthia said after a few moments of silently contemplating what Andrew had just said. "We wouldn't have met if things had gone perfect for me that day riding through Florida–"
"I'm still sorry we had to meet for the first time under such circumstances–"
Andrew was cut off by Cynthia clearing her throat.
"Only good thing about that horrible accident is that our paths crossed, and have remained crossed ever since." Cynthia said with a smile.
"Give or take a few months of you creepily trying to track me down." Andrew said with a sly smile.
Cynthia couldn't help but giggle out of embarrassment and turn away to hide her blushing cheeks.
"To get back on topic: I wondered if you wanted to meet with Doreen since we were already in LA on business–"
"That's part of the reason I wanted to stay an extra day or two... as well as seeing the sights. LA is nothing like Florida, or back home in Cincinnati." Cynthia muttered that last part, which Andrew heard clearly.
"I second that." Andrew said with a sly smirk. "When you take the politics out of it, California is still a very beautiful state... but Florida will always be home to me." Andrew said with a small smile on his face. "Once again to get back on topic: I know you and Doreen last left on really bitter terms..." Andrew let that hang as Cynthia's mind reeled back time.
-Several Months Ago, Miami, Florida-
Doreen, Cynthia, and Andrew walked in civilian clothing. Cynthia straightened her blue jeans before the three of them entered and brushed out the wrinkles of her favorite t-shirt. Andrew opened the door for the two young women and walked in after.
"Andrew! Brought some friends with you, huh?"
Andrew grinned.
"Hey Donovan! Yeah! We reunited with a friend of ours in town, thought we'd bring her."
The man turned to Doreen.
"And how old are you, young lady?"
Doreen chuckled, handing the man her civilian ID. He looked it over and nodded, handing it back to her.
"Welcome, Ms. Green. What would you like?"
"Water's fine. I don't feel like getting drunk."
"You're missing out, but fair enough. Donovan Westbrook, owner of this humble little bar."
Doreen smiled as she put her ID and wallet into her jeans. She moved her tail to the side of her leg as she sat down at the bar. She pulled the sleeves up on her jean jacket as Donovan handed her a water. She smiled and nodded before taking a swig.
Andrew chuckled, shaking his head.
"Water? At a bar? Really, Green?"
"I think my head was spinning enough earlier. Rather it be relaxed asap."
Andrew sighed, shaking his head with a smile on his face. He turned to the bar owner.
"My usual, Don. What about you, C?"
"My usual as well."
Donovan nodded. He handed a cold one to Andrew and mixed a Margarita for Cynthia. The two smiled and thanked their friend before drinking their drinks. Cynthia walked over to the karaoke machine on the far side of the room, two dozen paces from the medium sized bar.
Andrew grinned.
"You missed Karaoke that much, C?"
"I love to sing. Get over here."
"Yeah, just a sec."
A little of the beer spilled onto Andrew's leather jacket as he took another swig.
"Crap."
Doreen smiled as she took a few napkins nearby and cleaned up the stain. Cythnia saw this out of the corner of her then she rolled her eyes. Doreen chuckled.
"Don't drink too much, or else you won't be able to sing."
"I'll be able to sing."
"Sure you will."
Andrew walked over to sing with Cynthia. Doreen turned around in her chair, smiling. The two began to sing 'Home Alone Tonight' by Karen Fairchild and Luke Bryan. Doreen raised her glass to them, smiling.
The two continued to sing through the song, both staring into one another's eyes and back to the small crowd that had come into the bar. Doreen whistled as they continued to sing. Eventually they finished the song. Andrew turned to see a man about the same age he was walking into the bar.
"Hey man!"
The two hugged, chuckling and laughing.
"Andrew! Good to see you! You been keeping up with what they taught us?"
"Oh yeah, those lessons will always stick with me."
"I'm still sad you didn't join the force."
"Well I found another calling...it feels right."
"If you say so man."
Andrew turned back to the bar.
"Don! A couple of shots on me!"
Don nodded and started to prepare the drinks as Andrew and his friend approached the bar. Cynthia walked over and pulled Doreen to the side of the bar, close to the bathrooms.
"What the hell are you doing? You can't blatantly hit on Andrew, in front of me!"
Doreen's eyebrows furrowed.
"What? I'm not! He and I are old friends!"
"Yeah, a friend who just happens to clean him up and whistles at him, while smirking."
"Maybe I was. I didn't realize it. But being friendly to a guy doesn't mean hitting on them."
"Don't give me that! Why else would you be doing it?"
"I'm just being friendly."
"Oh please! You being a little frisky is no surprise."
"What's that suppose too mean?"
"You're always so 'chipper'. But I can see under your 'doe-eyed' facade."
"I happen to be kind, Cynthia. Which is more than I can say for you right now."
"You're probably were gonna show how 'grateful' you were by offering him to 'hibernate' with you."
"Maybe if you weren't being so blind you would realize I'm just being a friend."
"That's how you California girls are: so 'friendly' to guys and being so 'open'."
"You're really insulting my state? You're going there?"
"We Ohio girls see right through such blatant bullshit."
"Than why don't you see through how some of the Florida boys think women are less important?"
"That's it!"
Cynthia stormed away to where Andrew took a shot with his buddy. She grabbed his arm.
"We're leaving."
"What? I'm just catching up with-"
"I knew we should've just left her."
"Cynthia?! What are you talking about?!"
Doreen walked over, arms crossed.
"She's spiteful and irritated I was thanking you for what you did."
"Please! You couldn't be anymore clear about your intentions!"
"If you could understand what I was doing, you-"
"Oh, I understand you. I see you're as low as the vermin you call friends!"
Doreen's face turned bright red, her eyes narrowed. She gritted her teeth. Andrew's eyes widened.
"Wait! Cynthia, apol-"
Doreen slapped Cynthia, the sound of her hand hitting the other's face rang out loudly. Those gathered turned, seeing Cynthia grab her face and the bruise Doreen had given her. Her eyes went wide and she screamed as she threw a punch. Her fist hit Doreen square in the jaw. Unlike Cynthia who nearly fell over from the hit she received, only Doreen's head turned with the hit. She turned around, bloodshot eyes on Cynthia's whose eyes widened a little at this as Doreen hissed.
"That's it!"
Doreen threw her own punch, knocking Cynthia onto and threw a table. As Cynthia struggled to get up, Doreen stormed over. Andrew got between them.
"Girls! Stop it! We're all supposed to be friends! Don-"
Cynthia screeched as she launched herself forward. Andrew was stuck between them, the two young women trying to claw the other's eyes out. Andrew's buddy rushed over and struggled to pull Doreen away as Andrew held Cynthia back.
"Enough!"
They all turned, as they heard Donovan shout and as he slammed one fist onto the bar.
"Andrew. You're a buddy, and you're always welcome here. But those two are out until the peace is kept!"
Andrew nodded. He turned around, Cynthia's eyes wide.
"Andy, I-"
Andrew sighed, turning from her to Doreen.
"Let's go, girls."
Several minutes later all three of them were in Andrew's car, driving back to his apartment. The two young women didn't say anything, but Doreen glowered in Cynthia's direction. Andrew didn't look at either of them, he'd already seen the bruises they gave each other. His focus was on the road yet still in the his mind the small piece of their argument replayed in his mind constantly. They pulled up to the building of Andrew's apartment. The three exited the car.
"Girls, what was-"
Doreen held a hand up to him. Her eyes burned at Cynthia's.
"You ever call them that again, Cynthia, I mean EVER: The 'squirrels in your pants' gimmick will be all too real and they'll know what you think of them."
Cynthia's eyes widened, but not out of anger. She didn't know what to say. Doreen turned to Andrew.
"Thanks again for saving me, Andrew. But I want nothing to do with her until she apologizes in front of them and if they forgive her."
Doreen grumbled as she leapt onto one of the buildings and climbed to the top and leapt away. Andrew sighed and turned to Cynthia. Cynthia's mouth quivered slightly.
"Andy, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean for this to get out of hand."
"Cynthia, calm down. Just tell me what happened."
Cynthia explained everything to her boyfriend. Andrew groaned at her explanation, running one hand down his face.
"Cynthia... Doreen and I are friends. Good friends. She's always been very friendly and caring. That's why she's always been like the way she is. She's laughed at all the time for who and what she is. So she treats people they way she wants to be treated. I love her as a friend and vice versa. That's why I admire her so much. Cynthia, you're my girl, I'm loyal to you, and I love you. I just wanted the two of you to be friends."
"A-Andy...I-"
"I know, you have trust issues...a lot of people do. I'm still with you, I swear."
"Thanks, Andy."
Andrew sighed.
"You're gonna have to apologize to her and her squirrels."
Cynthia hung her head.
"I know."
"I just hope squirrels are more forgiving than people."
"She hits like a freight train too."
"For now, you should rest and let the healing do its job. Then I'll try and contact D and get things fixed up. Come on."
Cynthia sighed as Andrew walked her into the building and up to his apartment.
-Present Day-
"I think 'bitter' is an understatement to how we both felt about the other at the point in time." Cynthia said in a blunt, yet still regretful tone.
"I said this after it happened, and I'll say it again now due to having nothing better to say: 'I just wanted the two of you to be friends.'" Andrew said before pausing to take a breath. "Months have passed since we last saw her Cynthia. I've even turned down offers to hang out with her and some friends multiple times." Andrew informed his girlfriend.
"You never told me that." Cynthia said as her eyes were going wide.
"Like I said, I'm loyal to you and our relationship. If I hung out with some friends and Doreen was there, and especially if what you told me is true about her hitting on me, I wouldn't want to be alone near her with alcohol. I'm certain I'd remain loyal, but I didn't want to take any chances." Andrew admitted bluntly.
Cynthia was silent for a few seconds as she formed the right words.
"Thanks for telling me Andy. Honesty is very important to me personally, and I understand why you didn't tell me." Cynthia replied honestly before continuing. "It's honestly going to take a lot of strength for me to apologize to Doreen, and her squirrels. I admittedly still have deep suspicions from the last time all three of us were at the bar... but I'm willing to look past that, swallow my pride and give her a genuine apology... and second chance." Cynthia said firmly.
"You've always been a woman of your word Cynthia." Andrew said simply with a smile on his face. "You admittedly might want to wait until the medicine is fully out of her system before giving her your apology." Andrew said with a sly tone.
Cynthia response was to nod silently.
"Let me know when you want to apologize, and I'll leave the room so you two can have some privacy. Until then though, let's grab some food and prepare for a debrief with Doctor P..."
AN: Please let us hear your thoughts. And should we return to the tournament next chapter, and who would you like to see fight if we return to the tournament?