Notes

“The faint sound of the wood creaking filled Gabriel’s ears as Constantine tossed around awkwardly on his bed”
Gabriel|what’s wrong Constant, having trouble falling asleep?
Constantine| maybe…just a little
Gabriel| looking down at Constantine’s pillow at the foot of his bed} a little? It’s about our journey back to the school, ain’t it?
Constantine| yeah, I guess for a lack of a better word I’m not too excited about us having to deal with that place again
Gabriel| and here I was starting to think that you were actually coming around to the idea of us staying at the school
Constantine| to be fair I have come around to the thought a bit but… still the idea of us being away from home, away from Dad and especially Mom for several months! That just isn’t sitting right with me
Gabriel| well you aren’t wrong, my time there was indeed a mixed experience between enjoyment and loneliness… at times I felt deprived of my freedom, I couldn’t sleep at all, and every night was just me wondering if they were safe… you know I feel the same way about this, but you gotta remember we’re doing this for our family, for our future... i'm doing this for my Brother
Constantine| I know Gabriel, but that doesn’t make it any easier
Gabriel| I see, you need to try focusing on the positive things that will come of this
Constantine| it’s not that easy
Gabriel| remember Ms.morello?
Constantine| Morello? Can you be a little more specific
Gabriel| the brunette lady that teaches the Darkened World class, you gotta love her class ... hunting down the pigeons in the dark is always fun with the way they chirp and flap around
Constantine| oh yeah I remember her!
Gabriel| she always has me laughing
Constantine| yeah me too
Gabriel| also we’ll get to see our friends again, that’s a plus... right?
Constantine| do you think that they’ll actually remember us? It has been almost a year since we left
Gabriel| I don’t think anyone is forgetting your face
Constantine| I don’t know how to take that exactly!
Gabriel| haha
Constantine| yes yes laugh it up
Gabriel| ha ha, you know that it was a compliment
Constantine| was it really?
Gabriel| your overthinking it constant, but we should probably get some rest we have a full day tomorrow
“Within seconds Gabriel was fast asleep leaving Constantine alone with his thoughts”
Constantine| maybe Gabriel is right, I need to focus more on the good that will come from us going there, maybe we’ll make some new friends this time… yawn, I should get some sleep
Dad| rise and shine boys!!
Constantine|just a few hours
Gabriel| at least a few more minutes?
Dad| we have a busy day today, there isn’t any time for us to be procrastinating
Mom| oh come on dear, I don’t think a few minutes will hurt anyone
Dad| we should get things going as early as possible, we need to be out there before our hunt awakens
Mom| awaken? You acting as if the animals are gonna wake up and instantly relocate
Dad| well anything is possible
Mom| yes but that just isn’t probable
Gabriel| mom got you there
Dad| your up now anyways so it doesn’t matter, wake up Constantine while I go warm y’all a pot of water
Gabriel| okay dad
Dad| darling I need you to get the boy's hunting gear laid out for them
Mom| just make sure that the water isn’t boiling hot, okay dear
Gabriel| constant wake up
Constantine| yawn
Gabriel| come on we have to start getting ready
Constantine| yawn!
gabriel| constant! Get up already
(The petals of fresh cherry blossoms flew through the warm spring breeze
Mom| Constantine! darling look I see some beautiful roses
Constantine| can I have one mommy?
Mom| just try to be gentle with it, you must always remember flowers are very delicate
Constantine| I will mommy
Mom| come on dear, we have to meet with Mr.Sackor before he closes his shop
Constantine| here I come, mommy
Mom| here Constantine, hold onto my hand dear
Constantine| do you think he’ll have some fresh apples like last time?
Mom| would you like that?
Constantine| very much
Mom| looking down at the few coins in her hand} well I hope he does then dear, I’ll get you as many as you want
Constantine| running off ahead with excitement} really!?
Mom| yes Constantine, really
Constantine| then we have to hurry, Mr. Sackor, Mr. Sackor!!
{after hours of roaming through the fields Constantine and his mother finally arrived, the Village was finally in sight… the view was just an unholy one, a thick cloud of smoke hung above the village, and embers bled from the flames that engulfed the homes}
Mom| damn it Josephine your still as ruthless as ever) Constantine come here baby
Constantine| okay Mom, are we still going to meet with Mr. Sackor
Mom| I’ll have to keep my identity secret) yes dear.. just stick to my side
Constantine| there’s dangerous people nearby?
Mom| hold onto me and don’t let go… not even for a second
{ quickly she ran her finger along the ridges in the center of her palm, as blood began flowing she wiped it over her forehead down to her chin, and within seconds she had a new face}
Red Armor knight| where are you two headed?
Mom| we’re only here to visit some family
Red Armor Knight| well I'll watch my step! too many untrustworthy faces
Armor Knight| Lord Alexander! we have the caravan fully loaded, we're awaiting your command
Alexander the Lord| sorry to cut our conversation short
Mom| it's quite fine, I understand how busy the lords can be
Alexander the Lord|looking back at the woman as she and her son walked off} give the command, everyone is to begin making off with the caravan... we must hurry back to the castle
Constantine| mom where are they taking all of the money… the apples! They have all of the apples
Mom| Constantine stay quiet!
Constantine| mom?
Mom| dear don’t look back
Alexander the Lord| be careful with that damn caravan
{ thick smoke shadowed Constantine and his Mother as they Entered into the Disaster that was the Village)
Gabriel|shaking Constantine violently} okay constant your starting to annoy me
Constantine| I'm up, I'm up
Gabriel| finally!
Constantine| did you truly need to shake me like that? my head felt as if it was gonna come off
Gabriel| ha ha ... you weren't getting up any other way, come on dad's already got our bath ready
Constantine| okay I'm coming, I just need a moment to stretch... I'll only be a second
Gabriel| try not to take too long, you know it's not me you'll have to hear from
Constantine| I know
{ as Gabriel walked out of their room, Constantine did a few lunges to get his blood flowing before following his brother out of the room}
Dad| good to see that your finally awake Constantine
Constantine| sorry for taking so long
Dad| it's fine, don't think anything of it... your mother and your brother are waiting for you, don't keep them waiting
Constantine| of course, dad
Dad| I'll be outside waiting for the two of you
mom| good morning dear
Constantine| good morning
mom| something troubling you?
Constantine| no mom it's nothing
mom| slowly walking over to Constantine as she grabbed onto his chin} there's no need to hide it! I know something is causing you pain
Constantine|looking over at Gabriel} ...
mom| looking over at Gabriel}...
Gabriel|splashing some water onto Constantine} he's just having some second thoughts about our trip back to the school
mom| rubbing her hand over Constantine's forehead laying his hair back} is that true dear?
Constantine| yes but... it's OK, me and Gabriel sat down to talk about it last night and I'm feeling much better now
mom| darling are you certain? because you don't have to do this if you don't want to... we were only sending y'all back there so you two could form some new bonds, new friendships that could hopefully last forever as y'all learned about the world we live in, but if the idea of going back there is causing either of you pain then you don't have to go
Constantine| mom I swear everything is OK
mom| and as for you Gabriel?
Gabriel| I can't wait until we go back there
mom| all that matters is that my babies are safe and happy...well we shouldn't keep your father waiting any longer, go ahead and join your brother in the tub so I can finish up bathing you two
Constantine| yes mom
{the boys spent the following thirty minutes splashing and playing around as their mother did her best to clean every fiber of them both}
Dad| you two certainly look well prepared… well then we should be on our way
Mom|y’all stay safe now!! Everyone have fun, I’ll be awaiting your return
Gabriel & Constantine| Bye Mom!!
Gabriel| whispering into Constantine’s ear} so what do you think he’s got planned for us?
Constantine| I’m not entirely sure yet, I pray we aren’t going to be hunting another bear
Gabriel| yeah I scraped my leg pretty bad from the last time
Constantine| you still got the scars?
Gabriel| barely, most of it already healed back to normal
Constantine| that’s good news
Gabriel|those things can definitely get violent when they want
Constantine| hopefully we at least get tasked with cubs this time around
Dad| boys!
Constantine & Gabriel| yes dad?
Dad| we’re headed out to the mountains
Gabriel| another bear hunt?
Dad| no not this time, there’s another animal that lives out there that I’ll like to task you two with
Constantine| with a bit of hesitation} oh something new
Dad| I think it’s about time y’all went up against this beast, I know you two must’ve been dying for a new foe and I’m sorry it’s taken this long for me to introduce it to you
Gabriel| finally something new!!
Constantine| anything important we should know about it?
Dad| um… I guess the best advice I can give you is please don’t underestimate this thing because of its size
Constantine|there’s something he’s not telling us, I guess we have to piece together its capabilities by ourselves again} okay dad
Dad| be certain to stay wary of your surroundings, it can be quite an agile pest to deal with
Gabriel|did you hear all that constant!?
Constantine| yeah I heard everything
Gabriel| your getting pumped too aren’t you!?
Constantine|with even more hesitation} yeah I can’t wait
Dad| don’t worry boys you won’t be disappointed at all
Gabriel| we never are
Constantine| looking at his father’s back}…
Dad| it’s starting to turn dark
Gabriel| we should probably find somewhere to camp for the night
Dad| that’s a good idea we can continue after we’ve gotten a good rest
Gabriel| I’ll grab some firewood and catch up with you two
Dad| certainly you remember your training?
Gabriel| of course dad I remember
Dad| well then let’s go, Constantine
Constantine| yes dad… be safe Gabriel
Gabriel| I’ll be safe
Constantine| staring at his father’s back}…
Gabriel| firewood… firewood!! I need to find something that will burn easily and long enough, these branches should work.. maybe? hopefully!) okay, I got the firewood now to find dad and constant, their footprints shouldddd be around here somewhere… here we go!
Dad| glad to see your training wasn’t wasted, Gabriel
Gabriel|breathing heavily} Nope! I wouldn’t want to disappoint my father
Constantine|walking over to Gabriel as he lights the fire} glad that your safe
Gabriel| what you didn’t think that I’ll make it back?
Constantine| no it’s not that… it’s just a little dangerous out here
Gabriel|come on constant! You can give me a little more credit than that… Ha ha, I think I can handle a little bit of danger
Constantine| staring at Gabriel as he walked off}…
Gabriel| dad the fire is burning
Dad| that’s good, you boys should try and get some rest… we got a full day ahead of us
Constantine| dad did you pack any food?
Gabriel|don’t worry constant I packed some stuff for us
Constantine| damn Gabriel is ready for everything) that’s good… what exactly do you got?
Gabriel| I saved some of my rice bread from dinner last night
Constantine| Gabriel!! You didn’t eat your dinner yesterday? You shouldn’t have done that, mom doesn’t like when we don’t eat enough
Gabriel| I know, but if I didn’t do that… then we wouldn’t have anything to eat tonight so I was forced to make the decision
Constantine| I shouldn’t be the cause of Gabriel doing things like this, I should be the one doing those things…right?) well I understand
Gabriel| how long do you think he’s gonna stand like that?
Constantine| who?
Gabriel| Dad!
Constantine| I’m not sure. He looks like he could keep that pose for hours if unbothered
Dad| try months
Constantine| really?
Dad| I once spent several harsh months on my feet without even the slightest opportunity for a proper rest
Gabriel| wow that’s amazing! What were you doing?
Dad| it was my very first mission, I only recently had gotten approved for the squadron… and to be fair I wasn’t at all prepared for what was coming, it was to be a simple surveillance mission but that quickly turned into an escort mission which soon became a task for our survival
Constantine| squadron?
Dad| yes I was once a knight at The North, and quite frankly a remarkable one if I might add
Gabriel| really dad you were a knight!?
Constantine| at The North?
Dad| and I was one of the best to ever protect the castle in The North, only knight to ever defend that kingdom better than me was my dearest friend
Gabriel| that’s impossible!! It's not true… there was really someone stronger than you dad? That’s just amazeballs, there’s actually a person alive that overshadows even you
Dad| swiftly a tear ran down his face} yes he was just astonishing, I wouldn’t be the man that I am today if it wasn’t for his guidance
Constantine| I never would have thought such a thing was possible
Dad| you’ll be amazed by the knights at The North
Constantine| if they’re all like that man from your story then indeed… hopefully me and Gabriel could become knights, right dad?
Gabriel| yeah that would be awesome!!
Dad| No! I don’t think that’s the right path for you two
Constantine| but why not dad?
Dad| I just don’t think it’s for the…
{before Constantine’s father was given a chance to finish what he was saying, he was abruptly interrupted by the sounds of a massive explosion followed by cries for help}
Gabriel| what was that?
Constantine| it sounded like an explosion or something
Gabriel| what do we do?
Constantine| what can we do?
Dad| y’all could save those people down there
Constantine| what!? You can’t be serious right now
Gabriel| you want us to save those people?
Dad| there are people down there whose lives are at risk, would y’all rather save their lives or continue to question what you can do for them?
{ as Constantine walked up to his father’s side he glared over the hill at a thick fog of smoke that quickly rose above the horizon, all Constantine could do was stare as the smoke blocked out the stars in the sky… with a lack of clarity and darkness to follow his loss of confidence began tearing down his heart into bits and pieces… once the tears began flowing, all Constantine could see were his memories of the day he spent alone with his mother}
Gabriel|picking Constantine off of his knees} constant, constant!! Constant are you okay!? Can you hear me?
Dad| Constantine?
Constantine| I’m sorry, my mind went blank for a minute but I’m fine now
Dad| you feeling okay?
Constantine| I’m fine… I swear I’m fine
Gabriel| are you sure? I won’t let anything happen to you constant
Constantine| Gabriel I promise you, I’m fine
Dad| if that changes make sure you let us know
Constantine| I will dad, but the thing you said about us saving those people
Dad| yes what about that?
Constantine| I think I’m willing to give it a try
Dad| are you certain about that?
Constantine| yes!
Dad| once you leave to assist them… there will be no turning back, also it might be extremely dangerous down there
Constantine| I know
Gabriel| are you certain about this constant? Once the decision is made there will be no going back
Constantine| packing up his gear} this is the best opportunity for me to see the value of all the lectures and training we have been given throughout our life
Dad| purpose can be the difference in how important your life is to you… but with that said, I’ll be awaiting your return
Constantine| yes father, I’ll be back as soon as possible
Gabriel| we’ll make you proud of us
Dad| protect him and protect him well
Gabriel| of course I’m his guardian angel and those are my duties to him
Dad| …



Constantine|thinking of his brother and his Dad} am I really ready for this? Truly can I handle this? I don’t even know what the situation might be like… hopefully I can be their solution
Gabriel| breathing heavily as he chased after constant} hold up constant…wait for me!!
Constantine| Gabriel!? Damn it, you scared the heck out of me
Gabriel| were you planning on just leaving me behind?
Constantine| I’m sorry but I can’t let you follow me on this one, there’s a dangerous mess behind me and I can’t risk your health
Gabriel| must we do this again?
Constantine| Gabriel I’m sorry!
Gabriel|that place could be filled with thugs, murders, and rapists… all different Criminals but still all merciless people
Constantine| that’s exactly why you can’t come! That place is drenched in mystery with pain and agony watching from above… quit being childish for a moment and listen to the thousands of people begging and pleading for help
Gabriel| I get it, your doing this for my sake… all for the protection of your younger brother, but I need you to ask yourself what would our parents say.. what the hell would I say if I gave in to you and just allowed you to walk off alone { you didn’t! You couldn’t!! You shouldn’t!!!}
Constantine| but that’s a double standard, for the same punishment and discipline you’ll receive, I would receive a far greater degree for being Ignorant and naive by allowing you to tag along… such an act would be unforgivable
Gabriel| quit with the damn self-righteous attitude!! We’re brothers for god sake!! so either of the decisions we make will be justifiable while also being unforgivable if god forbid anything were to occur
Constantine| a lone tear ran down his face from his left eye} yea you’ve always been so smart, Gabriel! You are truly amazing as dad always says, always knowing the right things to say and constantly your piecing together a situation far faster than I ever could have anticipated and I really do admire that about you but I hate your stubbornness even more… my mind is made up about this and I don’t plan on letting my emotions sway my decision! Not even the tiniest bit
Gabriel| slowly pulling out his Bowie knife and hunting axe as a lone tear rolled down from his right eye as he stared at Constant with a stern expression painted all over his face} seems your serious about this… alright then
Constantine| wiping the tear off of his cheek} I knew this was coming… but Gabriel please I’m begging you, just let this go!
Gabriel| I’ll say this just once! You aren’t walking into that village without me and to put it simply you can make this easy for the both of us but if I must then we’ll enter that village together with me lifting you with each step that you take
Constantine| unsheathing his cutlass from its holster on his back } my mind is made up
Gabriel| but yet I’m the stubborn one
{ slowly Gabriel began to wrap around his right arm the rope that hung off his hunting axe to the point that the fibers were leaving imprints so deep they looked as if they were beginning to infuse with his flesh… the feeling of warm moist blood dripping from his arm, he stared at it for a second before kicking his axe up in the air before proceeding to throw it at Constantine… one swing after the next Gabriel hurled his hunting axe straight at Constantine’s neck, each swing faster than the one before it, barely leaving Constantine with enough time to evade… his mind left split doing its best to even out his attention to everything within his sight, to his right a gleaming bright light shining in his eye as the sunlight reflected off Gabriel’s axe and to his left? The sight of his younger brother charging at him with knife in hand… even with his best efforts to keep his brother at a distance, it was sadly all for nothing, within a moment’s notice Gabriel had Constantine cornered… leaving him in a very difficult and unfortunate situation, one blade charging right at his chest with his brother’s hand holding onto it and a axe flying right back at his neck… impalement or decapitation such a burden weighed upon him and such little time for him to decide on a course of action, he knew that he had no other option but to hurt Gabriel but even with everything that was going on… the echoes of people begging for mercy amidst the chaos behind him drowning out all other sounds around him and his brother charging at him with an unwavering aggression he still couldn’t bring himself to harm his own brother, his heart nor his body would allow him to see himself do such a horrible thing so he was forced to shut his eyes, and the first thing to follow was a quick thrust as Constantine lunged himself into the blade as he punched Gabriel in the face bringing him down to his knees... he stood over his brother watching as his blood dripped down onto his face masking gabriel underneath a pool of blood, as he stared at the mess his face grew from angry and annoyed to infuriated… he began raining down punches on Gabriel each set came down harder and faster than the one before it, Constantine must had hit him at least sixty times before Gabriel was actually able to take a breath, the punches continued coming each one strong and merciless beating gabriel face into the ground as blood splashed up all over constantine's clothes ... constantine continued on ruthlessly until a loud scream from a young boy begging for help pulled him back to reality, he turned toward the sound as it runged inside of his head like a alarm going off, without hesitation Gabriel took advantage of that moment of silence between him and his brother… attaching himself to Constantine’s arm then flipping his body over then wrapping himself around the entirety of Constantine digging his knee under his arm leaving him without the slightest chance of breaking free, Constantine let out an scream that dwarfed the surrounding terrors in volume, trapped and exhausted barely able to breathe or raise his limbs… he was forced to use every last bit of strength that he had available in his muscles to lift himself and Gabriel off of the ground before racing towards the nearest tree slamming Gabriel against it and as he fell down to the ground Constantine quickly picked him up before pinning him against the tree with his elbow jammed right into his neck... as he prepared himself to punch gabriel again, he paused at the sound of the screams somehow managing to amplify,suddenly he turned and saw far darker flames, and a thick fog of smoke that made the previous one seem like nothing... his grip on gabriel quickly loosened, as he took one last look at his brother he thought about telling him to return to their father but realized that his words would only fall on dead ears as he watched gabriel's grip on his knife slowly tighten,without hesitation he finally made his way into the village, so hard-set on his mission he didn't even notice the sound of his brother falling to the ground, he was far to focus on his thoughts he wasted far too much time, this mission was already a failure.. the pain,the suffering, the deaths he's why they haven't been put to a end already... as constantine slowly faded away gabriel tried his best to get his attention one last time, reaching out for him as he attempted to call his name but sadly nothing came out.. as for his mouth was full of blood so all he could do was watch as his brother walked into the darkness