Chapter 15

- Becky -

The evening before Baby left, she told us she would be testing me the next day. Based on her previous methods with Micah, I was nervous. I wasn’t sure I was cut out for this. At least Micah and Kaysi already had Waymaker abilities—they stood a chance.

I’d learned a couple of protection chants to help in case we encountered enemies. But so far, there hadn’t been many demons around. Only a few, ever since I found out about Waymakers.

Honestly, I feel more like a burden than anything else—a spectator on the sidelines.

I want to help more. I can't help but feel that my lack of skill makes me a liability. I don't want to be in the way or watch from the sidelines. I want to be a part of the action as well. 

It’s not about attention or praise. I genuinely want to help my friends. Ever since Kaysi saved me, I’ve felt helpless. Baby told me at the hospital, after Kaysi was hurt, that if I didn’t learn to protect myself, I’d endanger not only myself but my friends, too.

The next morning, Kaysi and I met up and headed to Micah’s house like it was a regular school day. We returned to that secret location, passed through the shrine, and reentered the mountain’s hidden entrance once more. 

At first, I didn't see Baby. She jumped out and scared us, trying to prove a point that we should be on our toes and keep up our guard. 

"For today," Baby announced. "I would like to take this opportunity to show you girls what it is to be a waymaker. Beck, I know that you have no official skills, much less a weapon of your own. I want to work on that."

“However, it might be wiser to focus on protection and healing for now.”

“I want to do more than just protect and heal,” I said. “I want to be part of the fight, too. Wasn’t it you who said I’d be a burden if I didn’t find a way to contribute?”

“Certainly. I told you to protect yourself—to contribute, not just to be protected. That alone gives us an advantage others don’t have. Don’t be ashamed of your shortcomings. In time, you’ll have what you need.” In due time, you will have what you need."

"At every step, I can help you gain knowledge. We can start by asking questions, or I can give you a step-by-step. Is there anything you'd like to ask or add?" 

“Actually… Earlier, you mentioned something happening to other Waymakers. What did you mean?”

'Well, as you know, Waymakers are paired with Guardians to help guide them until they have reached a more independent level. Not every Waymaker continues their journey with the guardian by their side forever." 

"As in the case with Micah, some of them are discharged because they could not fulfill their role or position. Not all the time is it the Guardian's fault as well; sometimes it's just not a good partnership." 

“Also, since Waymakers are human, things can happen to them. They can be killed or, in rare cases, possessed like Micah—forcing another Waymaker to make a difficult call for the greater good.”

“Oh, that’s right… You mentioned Micah could’ve been killed if someone else had found her under different circumstances.”

"Yes, unfortunately, there have been times when another waymaker has killed the waymaker, and even their guardian lost. Suppose they were unable to resume control. That is sometimes the circumstance of being human."

“You’re saying Guardians can’t be possessed?”

“No, certainly not. We’re higher beings. We don’t have fleshly vessels that can be manipulated. That’s why I can take many forms as a guardian angel.”

“Okay… So what’s the best role for me to focus on right now?” I asked her.

"You would act more or less in your allies' favor. Every team comprises individuals who individually bring their specific talents to the table and use those talents to support their teammates. Their duties range from guarding humans to slaying demons. That sometimes includes self-defense. 

“Did you notice when Micah created a barrier?" Baby asked. "She shaped it in different ways? She even used it in a weapon-like fashion." 

"Yes, I did see that. I did learn from some of those battles as well as the ability to manifest a barrier to fit the needs of different circumstances of a situation."

“Exactly. That’s part of your training. I want you all to learn from each other and from yourselves. To hopefully evolve and grow for the better." 

“So what exactly is the role of a Waymaker?” I asked.

“You’ve been divinely chosen to protect humanity from the supernatural realm, usually demons. Although sometimes you must defend humankind from others who serve evil.

“Let me tell you a bit of history. Before Earth was fully formed, the heavens were divided into three planes. God and His angels lived in the central Heaven. One angel, Lucifer Morningstar, desired power over the heavens and creation. He wanted to rule it all.”

“When he rebelled, he was cast out—along with the angels who sided with him.”

“After the war, Lucifer and his followers were cast into the Abyss, unable to return to the upper Heaven. He could only reach humans and Nephilim—fallen angels.”

“He promised his followers that if he couldn’t rule Heaven, he’d create something of his own. He told his angels to breed with humans by any means necessary. Willing or not.”

“That created beings with supernatural powers—demigods. The people even worshipped them as idols. Their children, giants, roamed the earth. Their existence brought more demons.”

“These bloodlines became impure. Humanity was nearly wiped out, partly because of our own actions and partly because of the demigods. They created cults, waged wars to prove their superiority—some even sought to overthrow God.”

“So, God sought to save what was left. One pure-blooded man and his family built a vessel by divine guidance.”

“Earth was flooded. The demigods and their offspring were destroyed. Humanity got a fresh start. God vowed never to destroy creation that way again. He placed a veil between angels, demons, and humans—no longer allowing them to interact or procreate.”

Humans got a second chance. Life on Earth became a trial—a test before reaching Heaven. Those found worthy would join God’s eternal peace. No more wars in Heaven. His angels would serve new roles, including becoming guardians to waymakers.”

“Waymakers are divine soldiers, appointed to protect mankind until they’re called home from Earth to the spiritual plane—between Outer Heaven and Hell.”

“What do you mean by ‘Heaven’ and ‘Outer Heaven’?” I asked.

“Central Heaven is where God’s throne is. Middle Heaven—space—is the veil that keeps humans from paradise. That’s why people are so obsessed with space. Outer Heaven is Earth’s atmosphere—the air we breathe. It’s where spiritual beings can exist.”

“I must guide you until you can walk on your own. That’s when my duty ends. I can’t interfere much. You have to grow by learning, making mistakes, and overcoming them.”

“I understand. I just wish I had more tools—like a weapon—to face battles. But in the meantime, I’ll do my best to learn and grow.”

“I want you to train here and on your own. Grow your mind and your body. Start with meditation and endurance training. I’ll teach you how to shape your barriers into temporary weapons.”

“All of you—follow me to the river at the far back corner.”

“Wait—there’s a river in here? This place is bigger than I imagined.”

“Yes, it’s just past the trees. That’s why you can’t see it from here. Most of your training will happen here for safety. Start by focusing your spiritual energy around your feet to create a barrier between you and the water. Once you master that, we’ll move on. First, you must create a strong enough barrier to protect your own body.”

“You saw with Micah—her barrier wasn’t strong enough, and it hurt her. Believe it or not, I held back. She could’ve been seriously injured.”

I practiced that technique at the river until it was time to go home. No matter how many times I tried to walk on water, my barrier collapsed. Every form I tried dissolved the moment I stepped forward.

I went home soaked and defeated. I felt ashamed. I don’t know if I’ll ever get it right. I don’t want to be a burden—oh, how I longed to protect my friends.

I was determined that I wouldn’t give up. I can’t give up. I just don’t know how I’ll figure it out.