Chapter 3: The Mischief| Explained

Chapter 2

Supper was served promptly at seven. While enjoying the delicious meal they talked about the events of the day. As usual nothing really interesting happened to Angel, of course it was a lie but only Tiger knew that.

For once Tiger’s day was the most fun. He hadn’t even told Angel yet. He wanted to tell everyone at the same time.

“So how was your day? Anything fun happen.” Gina asked with great curiosity.

Angel of course just shook her head and said: “Nope. Nothing I can think of.”

“I had a pretty interesting day.” Tiger responded in excitement. He couldn’t wait to tell them. “Me and my friends were messing with some of the girls; just teasing when one of them comes over to me. She’s like-in all dominant and strong; looking as if she was going to fight us.

The other guys took of in a hurry, I thought to myself ‘she’s just a girl how much damage could she possibly do’ so I stood my ground. I knew if she did try to fight me I’d just grab her hands and tell her that I wasn’t going to fight her. Like I predicted she attacked and I responded as I said I would.

To that she hit back with: ‘what, afraid that you might be beat by a girl.’ Everyone watching thought that I was going to except this very clear challenge and was shocked by my answer to her insulting question: “No. I just wasn’t brought up to ever raise my hand to a girl. Not even if she attacked me first.

That’s where it got interesting. I was still holding her hands tight in my grip so that she couldn’t attack me again – that first hit she gave me still hurts. She pulled free leaned over and kissed me. She said: “You know T if you just grew up a little more you’d be a great man someday. She walked away asking me out on a date for Saturday night.” Tiger seemed to be ‘in love’

“That’s great little brother.” Angel was proud that he acted like a man and not a coward that would hit a girl.

“Angel, why do you keep looking at your watch? Are you in a hurry to go somewhere?” The whole time through supper Jerrod had noticed that she kept checked her watch every five minutes.

“It’s nothing really. Blade and I just have a movie date tonight.” Angel lied. “Speaking of which…” Angel checked her watch again and saw that it was thirty minutes to eight. “May I be excused? I still have to get dressed and I only have thirty minutes left.”

“Before you go…” Jerrod said as she got up from the table. “Are you going alone?”

“Of course we are, daddy. Why?”

“I just thought that this might be a setup so you and that good for nothing Leo could get together for a date.”

“Oh, please, daddy. I haven’t seen Leo in over two years.” Tiger knew that they saw each other every week at the pirates meetings. Of course he made sure that they weren’t ‘seeing’ each other. But of course he had no idea of what went on behind his back.

“You’re not a very good liar, Angel. I saw you with him in the mall not two months ago.” Jerrod said accusingly.

“I ran into him.” she said shortly.

“It was during school hours, Angel.” Jerrod was clearly looking for a way to trap her into confessing that she was still seeing Leo on the side and that she was slipping classes to do so.

“Let me guess. It was close to the time of the last period, right.” Jerrod nodded to confirm. “I was running an errand for Aroco. And if you don’t believe me, tough.” Angel was blunt and defensive.

“Tell me the whole story and I might believe you.” Jerrod insisted.

“Fine, we where writing one of the biggest math tests of the year and as usual I finished first with more than half of the period to spare. Since I have the tendency to piss Aroco off if I was unoccupied, he sent me out of his class, this time asking me to do him a favor. He knew it would keep me busy and out of trouble. He sent me to the mall to get something for his wife.

He was supposed to pick it up after school but keeping me busy meant saving him some time. Oh and I don’t know what it was. It was in a brown paper bag that I picked up at the doctor. Any way, that’s when I crashed into Leo. He asked me out for coffee and since Aroco told me not to come back before the bell rang and I had nothing else to do, I said yes.” Angel explained, for once actually telling the truth. Jerrod, Gina and Tiger accepted her story. Angel got up from the table:

“Now if you’ll excuse me” she said and disappeared upstairs.

There were fifth-teen minutes left before she was to meet the others. She quickly got dressed as if to go to the movies. (Her mission cloves were in the caves.) She went back downstairs. Stopped in front of her father and brother and addressed them with malice flashing in her eyes, “Now if either one of you gets the idea of following me or if I even just sense one of you near me tonight, I promise you. You WILL be sorry, understand.” Tiger knew where she was really going but they had decided that he should stay behind to cover for her.

Father and son nodded as one in agreement. Then Angel was off.

She moved as fast as she could through the forest. The pirates cave was on the other side of the mountain closest to her home. She ran to the cave on this side where she parked her car and got in. Just like earlier that day, she once again put it in overdrive but this time heading for the other side of the mountain.

19:45 hours… Kyle, Blade and Leo were already waiting. Angel was never late or early so when they heard a car parking outside they knew it could be non other than the final member of the team for tonight’s plan. Simon.

“So, she told you after all.” Blade said as Simon entered the cave. It was big and inside fire-lit torches illuminated the darkness. There were puffy cushions lying and old sofas standing around a little to the back in a semi circle facing something that looked almost like a miniature stage on which Angel when she addressed her fellow pirates at their meetings. The four of them sat down on their usual places where they discussed Angel’s craziest plan to date and why she wanted to do the one thing that fell first on the suicide mission list.

“No I don’t know either, in fact, I know just as much as you do. She just said that if I wanted in, I should meet her here at eight. The fact that she didn’t tell me from the start only gave the mission away. So the only remaining question now is: ‘Why? ‘ . We all know that she always has a reason for all her scams even the small ones” Simon replied to Blade’s question-statement.

“You’re absolutely right, Simon. And we all know that Winchester mansion is no small mission.” Kyle said pondering on the subject.

Unknown to them there was one amongst them that knew why Angel had conjured up this idea or at least he thought he did. Leo.

20:00 hours… Angel’s car is heard outside. She entered the cave looking like a bad girl on a mission. Dressed in black leather pants, halter neck top (the same as earlier that day) and this time a black leather jacket that had long sleeves and hung down to her ankles.

“Perfect timing; if I do say so myself.” Simon said sarcastically.

“Always… Blade, are the horses ready.” Angel seemed more determent than ever.

“Why can’t we just go in the cars? “ Simon suggested.

“Cause the cars can’t get to where we’re going. I trust that they filled you in on everything.” Angel wasn’t in the mood for small talk. She had an op to run and was on a tight schedule. “Good, Blade, the horses?”

“They’re as ready as you are, Angel.” Blade answered.

“Then, let’s ride.” Angel said and the others got up. They went outside to where five horses were already saddled and ready to go.

Each of them got on a horse and together they set of into town to an old abandoned warehouse on Dunstin Street. They road in the formation of: Leo in the middle, Blade then Kyle to his right and Angel then Simon to his left. It was close to an hour’s ride to warehouse by horse. So at nine they reached it.

“So why not just go strait to the mansion? Why stop here first? You said it was just going to be us. What’s up? “Kyle was confused.

Angel sighed. “Is this not where the pirates hide their secrets” Now everyone was confused. What did she mean with secrets?

Angel saw what they were thinking.

“I left the gear for our little treasure hunt in the warehouse, that’s all.” Angel explained.

They dismounted the horses and went inside. The warehouse was a pretty big place. It had a ground level and an upper level. To the left was the metal stairs that lead to the upper level where they hid the plans for their missions. And on the ground level was where they kept the gear.

The warehouse was where they held the very first meeting. It had been abandoned for many years when Angel first came across it. It was only when they came close to almost being discovered that she had thought it best to relocate their hideout. She had looked for the perfect spot for around two mouths before she found the cave where they now held their meetings.

“By the way, we’re climbing.” Angel added and went in the opposite direction. Together the others went over to a huge metal trunk. Leo was the one who opened it. They each took a flashlight and a pear of gloves and their climbing gear from the trunk. As they turned to face Angel, they saw that she was on the other side of room on her way back to them. She was carrying a white and light brown goatskin leather bag that fitted over her shoulder. In the middle of the floor, there stood a table. Angel walked over to it and placed the bag on in.

“So, what’s in the bag?” Blade asked. Everyone looked very curios.

“You see my friends; Jerrod was so kind as to tell me where they found me and I took the liberty to go have a look around there, in hopes of finding some sort of clue as to who I am. And well this is what I found a few months ago. When I picked it up the weirdest thing happened. I had a vision.

I saw a young boy handing me this bag. There was chaos all around; people were running, screaming in terror and then falling on the ground as if dead. I wasn’t really sure what to make of what I’d seen, so I found a nice big rock and sat down. When I opened the bag, I found a picture of me and the boy who gave me the bag…” Angel unpacked as she spoke. “…a weird looking crystal that glows in the dark, like a night light.

A little teddy bear with a locket around its neck with a message inside saying: ‘I’ll always be with you. Even if we’re miles apart, I’ll always be within your heart.’ And a map rolled up around a key.” she unfolded the map and placed the key next to it.

“Any idea as to where it goes or what it opens?” Simon asked and as he finished the sentence he thought that it was a stupid thing to ask.

“Why, Simon, where do think we’re going? “ Angel assured.

“How does all this link to the mansion? “ Blade wasn’t so sure.

“Well, when I touched it I had another vision and saw myself using this key to unlock the front door of non other than Winchester mansion.” Angel explained.

“Okay. Say we do this and that key does belong to the mansion. What do you expect to find there and why would you have a key to that creepy place?” Leo asked. He knew about Angel’s quest to find herself and where she belongs but all that he had heard here in the warehouse was all news to him as well as the others.

“I have absolutely no idea.” Angel was very honest about this but it didn’t seem to bother her one single bit.

“Do you even know what we’re looking for.? “ Simon sounded concerned.

“Nope, but that’s what we’re here to find out.” Angel looked at her fellow pirates they weren’t so convinced that this was such a good idea. “Oh come on guys, let’s do this. It’ll be an adventure, it’ll be fun and who knows what we’ll find.” as she said these words she realized that the mystery of what they might find, was the problem here. “Besides, I can’t do this alone.” Angel’s angelic eyes flashed at them. “Please…” she was almost begging.

“All right, all right, we’re in but I sure hope you know what you’re doing.” Blade spoke for all of them.

“Blade, have I ever done anything if I didn’t?” at this remark from Angel, Blade raised an eyebrow. Angel re responded immediately “Know what… Don’t answer that. But yes, for once I do know what I’m doing.”

The night air was cool on their faces. The full moon was hidden by a blanket of clouds but shun through from time to time. Owls were hooting in the distance. Once one hooted right behind them it scared the horses. Luckily they were all pro riders and easily took control again. And from the forest wolves were heard howling at the moon. Every thing about this night was spooky.

On a night like this it was defiantly not the best idea go snooping around in creepy mansions, but they had come too far to turn back now.

It took them thirty minutes to get to the foot of the mountain. They tided the horses to the trees and got ready to climb. The mansion was at the very top of Rocky Mountain. It was properly named. The terrain was rough and mountain side was so steep and tricky that even the most advanced climber would have to watch his step. For the pirates this was even harder for they were climbing in the semi dark and they didn’t exactly have a hand for their flashlights.

Leo was the best climber so he got to the top first and helped the others up over the edge. Angel was the last to reach the top.

When they were all finally at the top of the mountain they stood shoulder to shoulder – Angel in the middle – looking up at the magnificent sight of the most feared place in the entire galaxy. Even from the outside the place looked hunted. It was huge and looked like an abandoned castle from a time long ago.

Angel took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

“Well guys, let’s do this thing.” she sounded sure enough and of course everyone bought it, except for Simon. He was the only one who knew she was terrified. He could sense it a mile away if he had to. He took her right had Leo took the left. Leo didn’t know why but he had felt her hand shaking beside him.

“I have a bad feeling about this.” Kyle muttered.

“I know what you mean. Something doesn’t feel right.” Blade whispered.

“Well it’s too late for having second thoughts now. Let’s go.” Angel let go of the boys’ hands and marched up the steps strait to the front door like a girl on a mission. The others just followed.

Just as Angel was about to take the key out of the bag the doors automatically creaked open and as they stood there, watching the magnificent ancient doors sling open as if an invitation for them to enter, a chill ran down there spines.

“I don’t think we should be doing this.” Blade was scared now.

“I know. But that’s what makes it so much fun. Don’t you think?” Simon said in a thrill of excitement.

One by one they entered the house. Angel was first, then Leo, Simon, Blade and finely Kyle.

The house was cold, a ghostly. It was dark, creepy and the place was creaking all around them. They moved quickly and as quietly as they possibly could, following the long hallway. At the end of the hallway was a narrow corridor to the left. It led down to a room that was lit by candlelight that shun into the corridor.

“Guys, look up ahead, there’s a light. Let’s go check it out.” Angel whispered.

They followed the light to a huge room. There was a fire lit torch in every corner. The rest of the room was completely empty except for a golden chest that was surrounded by candles in the center.

“So, Angel, do you reckon that’s what we’re looking for? “Kyle sounded excited. The rush had shunned his fears completely.

“I have absolutely no idea.” Angel replied on a whisper. “Let’s go see.”

In complete silence they walked over to the chest together, with Angel a few steps ahead of them. As Angel stepped over the candles the others came to a sudden halt, as if a force field were holding them back.

“Well, captain. It looks like the honor is all yours.” Blade said a little sarcastically.

Angel looked back at them and smiled but in her eyes they could clearly see that she was nervous. She took a deep breath and placed her hands on top of the lid of the chest. It stood up to her waist. Just as she was about to open it she noticed an in scripture on the lid. It was a little dusty so she gave a gentle soft blow over it.

The in scripture read:

‘Ercana corniqua esmerelda antisa aniqua azantches moria carniva.”

“He who opens bewares for that which in the darkness in sneers.” Angel translated it to English.

“You can read the ancient language? “ Leo was taken by surprise and so were the others. “Why didn’t you tell us? “

“I never knew. This is really weird.” Angel was as stunned as the rest of them. She had never even seen the ancient language before in her life and now suddenly she could read it. How bizarre. “What the heck. Let’s see what treasure lies hidden inside.” Angel said with new excitement in her voice.

She placed her hands on the side of the lid in front of her. Her hands were shaking and her heart was beating loudly in her throat. She took another deep breath and exhaled slowly while she pressed down, pushed and lifted the lid open.

The chest opened to reveille a beautiful golden sword. Between the handle and the blade was a perfectly carved golden eagle. One eye was a ruby and the other an emerald. And the wings were spread as if the bird was in flight. The sword was lying on a red velvet cushion. Angel took her hands of the lid placing one hand on the rim and with the other she slowly started to trace the outline of the eagle with her forefinger.

“The legendary sword of Osirus.” she whispered to herself.

The others were still waiting for her on the other side of the force field. They were awaiting her orders as to what they were to do next, for her to take the sword so they could get out of there. The place was really starting to get on their nerves.

No one knew how it, or what had happened but in a sudden flash of fury, Leo pushed Angel away from the chest and forced her to the ground (The force field that held them back before had vanished.) and Blade shouted out in distress,

“Angel, LOOK OUT! “

An electric blue energy ball had shot past them and hit the rim just above were Angel was standing not two seconds ago.

“You, okay.” Leo asked in concern as they got to their feet. Everyone one else had taken cover too and was also now getting up.

“Yeah, I’m fine. How ‘bout you guys. Is everyone all right?” Angel was more concerned about her friends than she was about herself.

On seeing that they were all unharmed she turned around in the direction of where the blast came from. She was way past pissed and her eyes showed it very clearly. She had turned toward the exact opposite wall of room but instead of a wall they saw a great marble staircase that wasn’t there when they first arrived.

A man stood at the top of the stairs. He was tall, dark and very hansom. He was looking down at them with an extremely evil look in his eyes. He was wearing blue puff pants and a black mussel hugger with two silver buttons at each shoulder and a white scarf around his neck.

Around his arms he wore wrist guards that looked like fins. On his face were two blue war mark triangles – one big and a smaller one right beneath it – on each cheek. He might have been tall but he didn’t look a day older than nineteen.

“Congratulations. I do believe that you are the first to make it this far in over three centuries… To bad you’re not going to live long enough to celebrate.” he said in a deep superior sounding voice and tossed another energy ball, once more strait at Angel. She was on guard this time and so thanks to her speed Angel was able to move out of the way just in the nick of time.

“Nice try. But you’re really going to have to do better than that it you want to kill me.” Angel said in arrogance with a big smile on her face.

“Well done, you seem to have passed my little test.” the man on the stairs said and his eyes change to reveille his kinder side.

“What the heck are you talking about a test? You just tried to obliterate us.” Angel was starting to calm down but in her eyes her friends could she was planning so slowly took a few steps backwards.

“No. I didn’t try to obliterate you. I was testing you to see whether or not you were worthy to have the sword. And since you are clearly still alive, you may have it but unfortunately leaving here with it, comes at a price.”

“What kind of price are we talking about?” Simon asked very suspicious of the situation that they were in.

“Oh, it’s nothing really. One of you just has to stay behind, that’s all.” the man said it very casually and at same time sounded as if he didn’t want it to be this way.

“But what if we left the sword, can we all leave then?” Blade had stepped forward to stand beside Angel once more. At this moment Blade saw a very strange look in Angel’s eyes. It was a look that they had only seen once before in their lives. It was when Angel took the law into her own hands to avenge the life of one of her pirates not even a year ago.

“It appears that you may have misunderstood me. With or without the sword, it doesn’t matter. One of you is still going to have to stay behind. You see it’s not the sword that comes at a price, it’s leaving here. It’s the rules of this place and there’s nothing any of you can do about it.” he sounded sincere and really sorry; even his eyes played along but you didn’t need to be a sensor to see that he was lying through his teeth. Secrets and lies was the only two words that could make little Angel turn into a monster of rage and all her friends knew that only too well.

“I have a much better idea. First I kill you, with your own sword no less, then I take it and leave with all my friends with me. How’s that for a plan?” Angel’s voice was calm but her eyes were supremely evil but in a good way.

“Ooh, I’m so scared.” he said quivering his hands in front of him. “Well then, give me your best shot, little girl.” he said, making the single biggest mistake of his life. Namely, mocking Angelica Johnson.

She hadn’t even touched the sword but her eyes flashed with rage and somewhere inside her something very strange was happening. Some how she generated an energy ball of such magnitude and power that she not only scared her friends but herself as well. In all the time that they had known her they had never seen her, this angry, or had they ever seen her do what she just did. Not even Leo or Simon knew that she had this kind of power.

“One more thing, I never miss.” Angel said as she launched the energy ball strait at him. He tried to get out of the way but it was too late. The ball hit him on the right shoulder, hurting, bruising, and burning him really badly. He cried out in pain and fell backwards to the ground as the ball hit him.

“Come on. Let’s get out of here.” Angel said as she grabbed the sword and headed for the door.

Just as they were about to leave, another energy ball shot past them. As one they all stopped in their tracks and turned around to see what was going on and where the attack had come from. As they turned they saw that the man had gotten to his feet and was clutching his left shoulder with his right hand.

“I told you. One of you is going to have to stay in order for the rest to leave. Now decide who it’s going to be before I change my mind and decide to destroy all of you.” the man was angry and he made it very clear.

“Guess that leaves us with one of two choices. Either we draw straws or we all stay and die.” Kyle meant it more as a joke than anything else but he was right. Those were their only options, and they knew it. For a few seconds there was silence between them. It was broken by two devastating words.

“I’ll stay.” Angel’s mind was made up and there was nothing they could do to stop her…