The low, steady hum that often sounded like quiet laughter was suddenly disturbed by a blue flashing sound that was instantly recognizable to those who guarded him. Joe Dawson had awakened and our assistance was needed to help him accept that which he was to hear.
Although we are always hovering near and guarding our people, today was a time when we had permission to actually be by his side. Although he would never see us, Joe would be able to feel our comforting presence. We also had to be near to guide his fate. As Guardians, we are privileged to know what is to happen in the life of those we guard. Our guidelines state that we cannot change destiny, but we are allowed to guide our charge’s fate, so that his/her destiny is fulfilled. We know that Joe was destined to become an important person in another’s life- one that would interconnect with others, changing many lives in a multitude of ways. Now was the time to stand by him and guide him in the right direction.
Standing by Joe, we listened as the doctor told him that the pain he felt was called ‘phantom pain’. Placing our hand on his shoulders, we could feel the disbelief rock him to his soul. After lifting the blanket and seeing that his legs were no longer there, we were then able to feel the blackness that quickly enveloped his soul. Our job was to keep that blackness from overwhelming him and keeping him from his destiny.
One of us remained with Joe for every hour of every day until his salvation appeared. When he was discouraged, we would whisper words of remembrance into his soul, lightening the blackness for brief moments. We all knew the danger of allowing that blackness to remain present at all times. Although we had faith that his salvation would arrive on time, we could not help but worry about the damage that would be done by the blackness.
Our unseen presence was able to allow him sleep undisturbed for short spates of time. Shuddering, we watched as he managed to get his gun. Frustrated that we could not intervene, because it was written that this would occur, we prayed for the quick delivery of his salvation. Every day it seemed harder for our whispers to reach his soul- the blackness was deepening. We could see the darkening as he held the gun and rubbed it. Although we are not privileged to know the thoughts of those we guarded, we were able to know Joe’s thoughts by feeling his soul weeping.
Feeling time was running short, we sent an emissary to the Guardian of Ian, the one who would provide Joe’s salvation. In our message, we pled for speed in his arrival as the blackness was overwhelming Joe and we were finding it increasingly hard to reach him. While we waited, we continued to provide Joe what comfort was allowed- providing glimpses of his past to alleviate the blackness for brief moments.
The day came when the blackness overwhelmed him. Watching him pick up the gun, we knelt by his side, whispering memories of happy times. But the blackness had locked the door to our words. Placing our hands on his shoulders, we felt the keening of his soul. Fearing that his destiny would not be fulfilled, that he would cease existing soon, we increased the pressure of our hands, attempting to force some lightness in, only to have him turn away. At that point, we felt another Guardian’s presence- and Ian arrived.
As Joe listened to Ian, we could feel anger, then doubt and disbelief work through the blackness. With a nod of thanks to Ian’s Guardian, we knew Joe’s moment of crisis was over. For when the blackness begins to crack, hope enters quickly to fill the voids and crowds out the hollowness the blackness creates. Joe was back on the path to his destiny. With a sigh mixed of disappointment and elation, we left Joe’s side and returned to our Guardian duties.
ENTRY 2
The low, steady hum that often sounded like quiet laughter was suddenly disturbed by a blue flashing sound that was instantly recognizable to those who guarded him. Joe Dawson needed our presence.
Joe is always watched by one or more of us, his Guardian Angels. Depending on the events that are to occur in his life, we may take turns or we may all be there for support. This was one of those times.
One of us had been watching Joe during this time of trial. The alarm was sounded when his judgment time was near. As the sun rose on this day, we arrived to be by his side. As he proudly walked out of the building and through the arch into the green field, we went with him. We stood by him as he said goodbye to his longtime friend, the one who had judged him as a betrayer of his Watcher's oath.
We stood by him as he proudly refused to lower himself and kneel at the feet of the executioner. As he crossed himself, we clasped our hands and prayed with him, providing him the comfort he sought. We knew that this was not the end of Joe's purpose in life, but also knew that he needed the comfort of prayer at this time.
We braced ourselves for what was to come. This part was one of the most difficult parts of our jobs. Flinching at the repeated retorts of a firing gun, we watched as Joe crumpled to the ground. Swiftly dropping to the damp grass, we knelt by him, placing our hands over him, assisting nature in slowing his heart beat and his breathing.
This, too, was a difficult time for us. We knew that assistance was coming, yet we were never sure whether it would arrive in time. There have been errors in the history of guardianship when unforeseen delays caused an unexpected end to a promising life. As we watched the life begin to slip from Joe's body and the imperceptible loosening of his muscles, we prayed that this was not one of those times.
As we waited and prayed for Joe's miracle, we watched the other Guardian Angels that were with their assignments. These Angels began completing their job by escorting the souls of those who would not survive. Soon the air was filled with white wraiths, resembling clouds floating in the clear blue sky.
Feeling a new Guardian's presence, we looked up to see Duncan MacLeod stop at the top of the hill and gaze down at the carnage. Reading the dismay on his face, we watched as he ran down the hill to Joe. As he reached Joe, we blew gently, creating a gentle breeze that dried the tears of pain, allowing them to be replaced with the tears of joy at finding Joe still alive.
Watching him lift Joe and cradle him with tenderness, we knew that Joe's miracle had arrived in time. Knowing Joe was in good hands and would survive to continue his journey, one of us remained with him and the rest returned to our area until we were needed again.
ENTRY
The low, steady sound that often sounded like wind on the moors suddenly changed to a multi-hued flashing hum, an instant signal to those who guarded him. Duncan MacLeod was in need of his Guardians.
We arrived just in time to see Duncan make contact with a police car. As if witnessing a stoppage of time, we watched as Duncan made fleeting eye contact with the officer in the vehicle. As time started once again, Duncan continued his flight from the building and the fight within. Following silently, we tracked him as he ran down the street, dodging the other people leisurely strolling the same path.
Veering suddenly toward the wharf, his detour caught us unaware. Turning around to follow him, we smiled at the hats, papers and skirts that went flying with the breeze created by the Guardians turning en masse. We all knew that this was an event that we could not miss.
We quickly caught up with him and remained close as he made a running jump at the tour boat leaving the wharf. Our hands provided a small lift, allowing him to land on the boat safely. As he found a seat among the passengers, we once again smiled as he struck up a conversation with those around him. Watching him converse lightly, no one would know of the heavy heart he carried within his soul.
Duncan stopped speaking in mid-sentence as the tour guide came onto the deck. Even standing a small distance from him, we could feel his soul lighten and his heart blossom open as she stepped into view. Our sighs wafted like wind over the water. Duncan MacLeod had met his mate, Tessa Noel.
As Tessa looked at Duncan, we looked over her shoulder at her Guardian. The smile on the Guardian's face indicated that their paths were now joined, as they were destined to be within his lifetime. We knew that Duncan had waited a long time for his soul mate, and that he recognized her immediately. We were witnesses to one of the most significant events in Duncan's history.
As Duncan and Tessa started their destiny, most of us returned to our Area, knowing Duncan needed only one Guardian right now.
ENTRY
The persistent sound of rock music abruptly veered into classical music. The Guardians raised their heads as one. Richie Ryan was in need of their services.
The Guardians of Richie gathered immediately and appeared instantly by his side. We know that we are invisible to those we watch, unless we receive special permission (which is rarely granted) to become visible. Yet, whenever we arrived, Richie would always look around as if he could feel someone there. To those that knew Richie it might look as if he were sizing something up or casing something, but we knew that deep within himself, he believed in miracles. Tonight was no exception, but there was a slight variance. This time, he didn’t hesitate- he just shook off the feeling and continued on with his plans. Our shock could be felt in the sudden stillness of the night.
Silently shadowing his footsteps, we entered the building with him. Knowing we could not interfere with the events that were to unfold, we watched helplessly as someone quietly walked up behind him and struck a blow that disabled him. As he lay there unconscious, we whispered amongst ourselves, discussing our plans as fate unfolded tonight. Hearing a gasp, we spun around and saw Richie clutching his head and staring as if he could see us. Even knowing the impossibility of it, we froze. Shaking his head, Richie closed his eyes and muttered to himself, "Man, I have got to stop being hit on the head! It's giving me hallucinations. Others see naked dancing girls, but, NO, I have to see angels!" With a soft chuckle to ourselves, we watched as Richie again opened his eyes, this time free of the vision of his Guardians.
We stood quietly by as Richie slowly raised himself from the floor. As he wandered around searching for his friends, we trailed silently after him. As he found and talked to his friends, we stood in a circle around them, observing the happiness. As he and Tessa left, we again trailed silently after him.
Arriving outside, the stillness and quiet was profound. Taking a deep breath, we watched as the night advanced in slow motion. The man's approach, the feel of the anger emanating from him, the echoes of the gunshots, the echo of the retreating footsteps...
As Richie and Tessa crumpled to the pavement, time once again resumed its normal pace. Most of the Guardians kneeled around Richie, but a few hovered over him to help ease the spirit as it first left the body. As we stood guard there, we asked for permission to ease the pain that wracked his body as his mortal life concluded. The permission was denied.
Knowing the outcome of this event made it no easier. As we waited for Richie to revive from this death, we silently watched as Tessa’s spirit left her body. We were silent witnesses to the anguish suffered by Duncan and the anguish also suffered by Tessa’s spirit as she left him kneeling there with a void in his soul. Although it was heartbreaking to watch Duncan cry over Tessa's death, the decision had already been made that Tessa would be a Guardian of Duncan after she had passed over. Who better to watch over a person then their soul mate?
As we continued to wait for Richie to revive, we whispered amongst ourselves, so quietly that it seemed as if the winds were carrying our whispers. All wished that we could erase his memory of the pain of his death and his rebirth, but we knew that he would have to live through it numerous times before he met his destiny.
As Richie drew his first breath as an Immortal, we were able to hear the catch in Duncan's breath as he recognized that Richie once again lived, yet Tessa did not. Cradling Tessa's body in his arms, Duncan quietly acknowledged Richie's new status. We felt Richie's heartbreak and fear as, in a lifeless voice, Duncan told him to leave.
We continued to surround Richie as he slowly walked to his bike, heartbreak and terror dragging his footsteps across the pavement. Jerking to a stop as he came to the T-bird, he heard as Duncan broke his murmurings to Tessa to tell him, "Go to the store. I'll see you there later.
Feeling some of the terror leave his body, we knew that Richie would remember this day for the rest of his life. We accompanied him to the store, providing him silent comfort until Duncan returned at day break. We know that Richie knew we were there, because deep within himself, he believes.
Joe Dawson- a Watcher of Immortals and a guardian of their lives' secrets. In essence, a guardian angel that walks the Earth protecting the tales of Immortals.
Duncan MacLeod
Richard Ryan
