Destiny of the Damned

“Destiny”

One year earlier…..

Agron Family Residence

“Luke! Tommy! Let’s go were going to be late for your sister’s tournament!” Primrose Agron yelled from downstairs. “Were coming down mom!” Luke Agron replied.” “You ready little bro?” he asked. ”I’m all set!” Tommy Agron said jumping up and down. “ are we really going to watch Beth figure skate?” he asked for what seems like the tenth time that evening. “Yup!.” His older brother replied with a smile. “Really?” Tommy asked excitedly. “Yes really, so we better hurry up and go downstairs or else were gonna be late.”

They marched downstairs while playfully shoving each other. “Hey are you guys ready?” asked Jackson Agron with a smile. “Yes Dad.” They replied in unison. “Then go get in the car while I lock everything up your mother is already waiting in there.” Jack said while locking a nearby window latch. They raced toward the garage. “Luke, where’s your father?” Rose asked. “He’s just locking the doors mom.” he said.

Five minutes later their father emerged from the house then got in the driver’s side of the car. It slowly moved down the driveway. “Hey guys put your seatbelts on the road will be slippery.” Jack said. That night the rain is falling down so hard that a windshield barely helps them see through the window.

Thirty minutes later…….

“Dad are we there yet?” Tommy whined impatiently. “We’re halfway there buddy.” Jack said. They are in the middle of a forest road when the accident occurred. Jack is trying to make the car slow down because of a slippery slope but when he tried to slow it down it won’t do as it was motioned. Jack tried to make a second attempt but again failed, Rose noticed almost immediately so she asked, “Jack is something wrong”. “I can’t slow it down Rose”, Jack said in a whisper. “Mom, Dad is there something wrong?” Luke asked. “Oh nothing honey everything’s alright” giving her son a reassuring smile then whispered to her husband, “Did you tried it again?” ”Yes I di---““Jack lookout!!” a car was skidding uncontrollably opposite to their lane and it was heading towards theirs.. Fast. No one was their except for them and the out-of-control car. Jack tried to avoid the car but in doing so made their car swivel and accidentally hits a tree.” Jack! Luke! Tommy! Are you guys alright.” Rose asked a few minutes after getting past the shock. “We’re fine here Mom!” Luke said while thoroughly inspecting his brother for the third time. “Jack are you alright?” she asked looking at her husband. “I’m alright Rose.” “C’mon hurry up. Kids get out of the car. I smell fuel.” “Mom your forehead it’s bleeding.” “I’m okay Tommy.” “Now you go with Lukey and get out of the ca----“The car exploded.

(News Report)

Reporter: We just received breaking news, five dead in a tragic car crash located near the mountain tops of Riverton Valley. Police are still trying to get the details about the accident. But what they discovered was that two drivers lost control of their cars , one hit a tree while the other fell down a cliff. The first car exploded, the police are suspecting gas leak. Among the list of the dead victims is the Agron Family. Jack Agron, age 43; wife Rose Agron, 42; and their two sons Luke and Thomas Agro, ages 18 and 7. The identity of the person behind the wheel of the second car is not yet identified.

**************

Averill’s Perspective

One year later……

A year has already passed and I still can’t grasp the idea that my family are gone. God I miss them. I miss them so much that it rattles my inner core whenever I think of them. It hurts to even hear their names let alone think of them. I always get myself busy always thanking everything that would put my mind off my once happy family, but in a matter of moments my thoughts will still keep drifting back to them. I guess life really is unfair, you can’t always get what you want. But of course I know that the main reason they are gone is because of me. If I hadn’t joined that stupid tournament and begged them to come they would still be here. So I removed myself from the one thing that can ease the pain of their loss, my figure skating.

I’m off to visit them here on Darkmoore Cemetery, I walked swiftly down the pathway four dozen of white peonies in hand. The place was very quiet when I got there, not a soul moved. As I reached my destination, I looked at the big tombstone that covered the allotted space:

I laid a blanket in the grass, sat on it then leaned into a cool marble stone. I put my headphones on, chose music in my iPod then brought out my sketchbook. This last few days of my summer this is what I always do falling into the same old routine. An hour passed and the day is already turning into dusk. I quickly stood up to get my things ready. Preparing them quickly so that I wouldn’t miss the setting of the sun in a nearby beach.

After saying goodbye to them, I rode my bike hurriedly in the beach. After I arrived at the dock and leaned in the railings. I stared at the sun that looks like its halfway through its way. It’s completely serene here…”Isn’t it hard to imagine that that enormous ball of light will someday simply fade and be forever lost to us?” a guy suddenly said breaking the silence, I was startled when I heard his voice. I looked at him for the first time and my breath was caught in my throat. He was sitting there looking at the now dark horizon \when a few moments ago the sun was shining. He is breathtakingly handsome with a short length black hair, prominent cheekbones, a roman nose and a squared-off jaw. He stood up looking at me his blue eyes sparkling. He walked in my direction, his eyes stretched in s grin. He then said, “I’m Gabriel Knight”, he said extending his hands. I took his extended hand and shook it firmly saying, “Averill Bethany Agron but you can call me Averill” “I know” Gabriel said. I find it strange that I was not shocked at his honesty; he interrupted my thoughts by saying.”I’m afraid I have something very important to tell you…… You are a reincarnation of a demon-slayer.”

I felt my mouth gape open; a few minutes have passed before I suddenly remembered my open mouth and closed it hastily. “Well…. Say something”, he said breaking the silence, saying it as if he was asking my opinion on the weather today. I looked up in his eyes and glared at him. “Are you kidding me? Are you freaking kidding me!!? What kind of sick joke is this!!?” He just stared at me, looking like he expected my sudden outburst. I turned around quickly walking back to the shore. ‘Wait Averill!” he yelled following me. “Just leave me alone Mr. Knight I don’t have the patience for your childish games!” I said not turning around. I mounted my bike and went back home leaving the yells of Gabriel Knight. As I was on my way I can’t help but think about the day’s disaster that is Gabriel Knight.”

About ten minutes later after I got home, my phone rings. I looked at the screen before answering and I can’t help the smile that’s creeping into my face. “Hello?” I said. “Hey Ave! What’re you doin’?” my best friend Christian Ivashkov asked.”Nothing, just making dinner” I said.

“So are you already packed for another year in the oh-so-famous RavenNight Boarding School?” he asked.

“Uhhh, no.”

“Oh C’mon Ave! Show me a little enthusiasm here!”

I felt myself sigh. “I’m sorry Christian but earlier this afternoon I met this extremely obnoxious guy.”

“And?”

“And he pulled a prank on me!”

“What did he do?”

“Well after making me believe that he was such a gentleman he told me something. Oh my Gosh, guess.”

“Ummm… he told you, you were pretty?”

“Chris!! Come on be serious!”

“Okay, I don’t know do tell me, what did he say?”

“He told me I’m a demon-slayer or something like that.”

Silence

“Christian? You still there? Hello?”

Then I heard a muffled laughter and the next came uncontrollable laughter.

“Christian!”

“Okay, okay. I’m sorry Ave but that’s just ridiculous. The guy you encountered with earlier today is a whacko I’m sure. How do you feel about it.” He asked turning into the caring side of Christian that I love.

“Well… to tell you the truth it really scared the hell out of me.”

Silence again

“Christian if you are laughing at me again so help m----“I started to warn. When he interrupted me saying,

“Do you mind me coming over tonight?” he asked.

“Of course not you ca---“

“Alright see you in a few!”  he hurriedly said hanging up.

I looked at the telephone confused, then just shrugged and started preparing my dinner. After 15 minutes I heard the doorbell ring. “Coming!” I yelled removing my apron. I opened my door and smiled at the person on the other side of the door, Christian. Christian looked godly as ever with his ash blond hair, eccentric gray eyes, straight nose and lean figure, he absolutely looked heart stoppingly handsome .” Hey Christian! What brings you here?” I asked quizzically.

“Ave…”he said a little out of breath.”What’s wrong Chris?” ”Nothing… just wanted to see you.” “Okay” I said confused, I walked out of the way and herded him in my living room. “Hey Christian you hungry?” I asked. “Starving.”, he replied.

I went into the kitchen and grab two plates and two forks. “Hey what’s for dinner?” he yelled from the living room. “Lasagna and grilled cheese!” I replied. After three minutes I emerged from the kitchen holding our dinner in my hands. Christian stood up and helped me arrange the food in the coffee table.

After watching mindless television and going through half pour meal he said all of a sudden, “So tell me about the guy earlier today.” I stopped mid-chew and looked up at him. “What about him?” I asked. “Well you seemed disturbed about him, you’ve been quiet. Tell me did something happen?” “Nothing happened.” I said with a sigh. “It’s just that….. Did you ever have a feeling that you knew that person before even though your 100% sure that you haven’t met him?” I asked. “Ummm…. No not yet, I think.” He said. “Well if I’m being honest with you that’s what I exactly felt when I met him it’s like… I don’t know déjàvu?” “ and believe me I’ve searched my memories and I don’t remember meeting any Gabriel Knight in my whole life, besides if I’ve already met him I would have remembered trust me.” She continued before Christian could speak.

He was silent for a moment then he motioned for me to sit closer to him. I went right into his welcoming embrace and leaned into him inhaling his familiar scent. He sighed then said. “You know Ave? You are the weirdest girl I’ve ever met.” “It still didn’t stop you from being friends with me, now did it?” I asked. “Well…. I guess it didn’t.” then he was silent for awhile. “You are also the prettiest girl I’ve ever laid my eyes upon.” He continued. I laughed then said jokingly, “That’s why you can’t stay away from me right?” “Right.” He said suddenly serious. I looked up at him and was shocked to find such intensity in his gray eyes. I scooted away from him and punched him playfully in the arm smiling. “Well, Mr. Ivashkov you better go home now before your parents get worried. It’s getting pretty late now, you know?” I said trying to lighten up the mood. His face shifted and he was back once again to his old joking self. “No they won’t my parents are very fond of you that they won’t even mind me being here this late.” He teased. “Yeah I know that your parents love me so much that they are just dying to adopt me.” I teased back. We laughed together and I was secretly relieved that the tension was broken between us. I was a little confused of his sudden seriousness but when I went to sleep after Christian went home I forgot all about my confusion.

A few days passed and nothing out-of-the-ordinary happened. I was starting to relax when I cast my eyes in yet again another appearance of Gabriel Knight. It was a very breezy summer night when I woke up because of a very vivid disturbing nightmare where I think swords and shouts were involved. I looked at my clock seeing that it was just two in the morning, I sighed and lay in my bed for hours waiting for sleep to evade me but sleep won’t come to me. I stood up and went in the front porch intending to get some fresh air when I saw a movement out of the corner of my eyes. I stood up hurriedly opening the front door when I saw the person making all the movements: Gabriel Knight.

I tried opening my door again but he said, “Wait Averill!” I slowly turned around and looked at Gabriel standing on my front lawn. “What are you doing here?” I shouted. “Please I need to tell you something very important just please to listen to me.” He implored when he saw that I started opening the door again. I sighed and walked slowly approaching him. He visibly relaxes when he saw that I was willing to listen to what he was about to say. “Okay, talk.” I said. We walked on the sidewalks quietly. “I’m not lying to you when I said those things to you, you know. The reason why is your powers and memories, they are lying dormant inside of you. There will be a time when you are ready, when that time comes they will be awakened by me your guardian.” he said. “Guardian?” I asked dumbfounded. “Yes Guar---“he stopped talking looking at something behind me. “Gabriel, what’s wrong.” I asked cautiously. “Get behind me Averill” he said in a hushed whisper. “What are you say---““Get behind me now!” he repeated. Then suddenly out-of-nowhere a large beast came running towards us. Gabriel drew his sword out-of-thin-air the attacked the foul beast. I can’t helped but give a stifled yelp, wrong move, because when I that the beast saw me then came after me in a matter of seconds in full speed, I closed my eyes then braced myself  for my surely gruesome death. Several things happened in the last ten seconds first, a sword cutting through flesh then a loud growl coming after; second a touch on my forehead; third a blinding light; then fourth an unexplainable power that seems so familiar yet so foreign. I felt it surging through my body, coursing through my vein and coming full force to my brain that for a millisecond I thought that I would faint. When I’m sure that I wasn’t about to faint I slowly opened my eyes and peered on my surroundings.

I saw Gabriel in front of me with his lips touching my forehead. Ahhh... so that’s what I felt earlier, I thought to myself. I took a sudden step back; breaking the connection Gabriel and I had and again the place succumb in the darkness the bright light vanishing. I looked around only to see no monster or beast trying to grab me. I released my breath in relief not aware that I was holding it. “What the hell happened? Where’s the beast, Gabriel?”

“Your powers are awakened now Averill, all the knowledge and the memories of your past reincarnations will eventually come to you. The demons, they will track you and hunt you only because of the prophecy and because the truce is now broken. The prophecy states that a female warrior will come and destroy all the evil on earth, and every time she dies in every reincarnation, after she is reawakened demon will be slain ten folds. It means that for your death more demons will be killed in your hands.” “What? What happened to the beast? Wha—““Aren’t you listening?! They will hunt you because of truce is broken and that’s the only thing that kept them at bay…until now. You shouldn’t care about that beast because that’s nothing compared to what’s gonna come after you.”

I’m on the verge of being hysterical when he blew a breath on my face then whispered in my ear, “Sleep now, Averill.” Then I was succumbed into total darkness.

I’m in an underground tunnel, adrenaline coursing inside me a katana in hand ready for a fight. I raised it midair when a huge six-legged monster suddenly emerged from one of the passages. I tried to dodge but was still hit by its massive body. I slashed one of its legs removing it in the process. The monster howled in pain then grabbed my ankle throwing me across the tunnel walls. My vision darkened for a moment but the monster was still coming after me. I quickly stood up feeling a trickle of blood running down my forehead.

“No guardian to protect you know, eh warrior?” it said in an almost animal voice. I didn’t answer him but continued attacking again and again but each time it just dodge and dodge. I tried to plan a new strategy when it made a mistake; I took the opportunity to finally defeat the monster. As I was about to behead the creature a something ripped its way through my chest impaling me. I looked down and saw a razor sharp claw protruding through my front body. It was quickly removed and I fell back face down on the filthy brick floor. I turned with the last of my strength and faced my attacker. It was a four-legged creature that has two horns and three big red eyes. The creature broke the neck of my first opponent. I looked up at its evil red eyes as it came towards me. I’m paralyzed the pain seeping in my body. “The reward that can be bestow upon me for slaying you warrior.” “Then finish me now demon or are you just too coward to do it?” it laughed cruelly crouching in front of my unmoving body, it abruptly grabbed my hair then slammed it in the floor countless times, it then finally let go of me when it was satisfied to the damage it had made. I felt like slipping out of consciousness but fought the urge to faint. By the time it stood up my vision were still swimming, it brought its mouth upward and licked the blood that was blotted into its clawed hands...my blood.  All I can do is watch him a stoic expression in my perfectly masked face. I waited for the inevitable to happen silently and secretly praying that the torture would end. “You are a brave little are you? From what I’ve heard you were invincible but if you were, why were you defeated by our kind countless times?” it mocked. “Do you always talk this much? I wonder if that’s the reason why you are despised by your kind not only a coward but also a irritating talker.” it sneered at me then started to crouch down again an evil glint in its demonic eyes. When all of a sudden its face contorts in pain, I noticed a few seconds after that a very sharp looking sword was transfixed to its neck, then with a swift motion the sword was moved from both sides and the monster was beheaded. Its head fell down to the ground followed by its decapitated body. That’s when I saw Gabriel my protector, my guardian. Gabriel looks beaten down because of all the bruises and barely healing wounds in his face and body. My heart squeezed in pain knowing that once again will be forced to leave him behind. “Katherine!” he hurriedly knelt down next to me. He looked at my body and his face shifted in anger and in pain, he impetuously carried me trying to find the easiest way out. “Just hold on Katherine we’ll find Sebastian, he’s the best healer among us. He will tend your wounds, you will survive this.” He said solemnly not looking at me, briskly walking, desperately finding a way out. “Gabriel put me down now. It’s over I can’t survive this blow, I’ll go now.” I managed a croak with my numbered breaths. “No you aren’t! Listen to me Katherine! Don’t go!” he said almost desperately finally looking right into my eyes…..through my soul. “I will come back Gabe, I always do, I will always come back to you. You are my other half my true love. I love you.” My last memory was of Gabriel’s angelic face contorted in undeniable pain and regret. And then I was once again yielded to total darkness.

I woke up, opening my eyes I laid in my bed thinking, Was it a dream? No it isn’t, it cannot be a dream it seems too real… and then I understood it was not a dream it’s my past, it actually happened to me. The memories, it’s slowly returning. Oh my god… Gabriel. My beloved Gabriel how can I forgot about him? Our past? I stopped myself from thinking any further and went into the bathroom. I washed my face and brushed my teeth, feeling strange that I can still do these mundane things even after what I have just experienced. I looked at myself in the mirror searching for things that can tell me if I’m still same old unchanged me or if I became a complete stranger even to myself overnight. I still looked like my old self, my identity still firmly intact in my being. I still have the same curly red hair, pale ivory skin, same high cheekbones and exact soft green eyes with the same brown flecks. I sighed and continued my way downstairs. I saw Gabriel sleeping in the coach his head was fell back in the sofa. I silently approached him, looking at his peaceful face and I felt a tug in my heart. I remembered my love for him, my defender, my guardian. I also felt myself becoming unbroken, my soul complete. I saw his eyes opened and I stared at him. “Averill are you alright?” he asked standing up concern etching his face. “I remember Gabe; I remembered you and what happened the last time….. You loved me.” I can’t stop the tears that came streaming on my face. He wiped my tears with his hands and kissed my forehead. I closed my eyes and breathe feeling the sadness of my tragic past at the same time feeling happiness because once again Gabriel and I are reunited. I felt his hands on my shoulders, and I looked up reluctantly into his face—and he was so handsome his eyes holding mine, the depth of emotion, the strength I saw their nearly took my breath away. “I have always loved you Averill.” He said. “Every time I see you in one of your lives, I always feel my heart squeezing in pain and delight. I always feel an undecipherable completeness in my vitality.” He hugged me when I started to cry again, I can’t stop myself I just yearned for him so much now that I know what have been omitted to me my whole life. “Don’t cry Averill. It’s gonna be alright. I’m gonna protect you. Hush now.” He said kissing the top of my head and I knew right that instant that somehow things will be alright.

We just stood there holding each other when the door burst open. “Averill, you here? You wanna go to the---“Christian stood there stopping when he saw Gabriel and I locked in an embrace. “Averill who is he?’ Christian asked his eyes drawn together. I quickly slipped out of Gabriel’s embrace and approached Christian.”You know what? Never mind. I’ll leave now.”  Christian said hastily exiting the living room. “Christian, wait!” I followed him, Gabriel made a move to follow but I motioned him to stay in the living room.

“Christian!” I said putting my hand on his shoulder as he was about to get in his car.

“What’s the problem Chris?” I asked

He shook his head saying nothing.

“Christian, please tell me.” I pleaded.

“You are so naïve Averill.” He said quietly not looking into my eyes.

“What? What are you talking about?” I asked confused.

He then looked at me intensity burning in his eyes. “I love you, Averill! I loved you since the first time I laid my eyes on you. I tried to wait, to just be there for you, to just be your trusted friend because I know that you’re still coping from the loss of your parents, but this? This I cannot take! How can you do this to me?”

I was taken aback by his words for a moment then finding my voice I quietly said, “Oh my God Chris, I didn’t know”

“You see? That’s the problem you don’t see, wait no--- you never see, you can’t see me practically professing my love for you.”  He turned to leave.

“Wait, Christian…”

“Let’s stop this Ave. Who are we kidding? We can’t be friends anymore.” He said not looking back at me.

“Christian…..”

“I’m sorry Ave… I can’t have you in my life. I’m tired of waiting…. I’m sorry.” He went into his car and drove, he left me and I knew in my heart that he will never come back. I just stood there looking at the now far away car driving away; I felt hot tears on my face and saw Gabriel emerge from the house. He took my hands and led me in. “Averill, I think you should rest.” He said. I nodded and followed him upstairs in my bedroom.  He tucked me in and kissed my cheek softly. “I’ll explain everything when you woke up.” He whispered turning the lights off. I closed my eyes and heard the door closed softly with a click. I didn’t think I could sleep with everything that happened in the last 48 hours but when I opened my eyes again the sun was shining brightly through my window. I guess strong emotions can really drain you, I thought to myself.

“I walked downstairs and I saw Gabriel staring at the window. “Hey.” I said. “Hey” he smiled standing up. “You should eat breakfast” he said. He guided me in the dining room and out food on my plate. “Eat” he said.  “I’ll eat, you explain.” I said. “Deal” he replied.

“Okay, what happened?” I asked. “Your last reincarnations name was Katherine Sophia Lorraine Devoroxe born in 1894 in Florence, Italy.” He stared off into the distance lost in thoughts.”I wasn’t there when you were attacked, Averill. That’s why you died.”I touched his hands and looked into his eyes silently saying that it’s alright. “I was brought to a dungeon; there they tortured me until I don’t have the strength to break free from my restraints. While they’re doing that to me you found out and then you…. Tried to rescue me. You know what happened next….. when I heard you through our connection... I suddenly had the strength to break free from the bonds, I can’t explain it... it was like when I found out that you were in danger I suddenly muster a power that is very incomprehensible, that I still don’t understand it even now. I quickly fled to you but it was already too late, you were already in the brink of death. I waited for you for many decades. I always know where to find you and I always feel it when you are reincarnated back to earth.” I looked at him and then took his face in both of my hands; I said,”Were gonna destroy them Gabriel, we will find a way together.” And I knew then that sacrifices are essential to what we are facing right know, I’ll give everything I’ve got just to stop the evil that lurks around this world even the friendship and the love of Christian Ivashkov.