Damian's Immortal

"I'm glad you ask," the Watcher said, his gaze darkening. "I want you to find her and kill her."

"That's it?"

"That's it."

"Give me back my powers, so I can find her," Jule said.

"I'm going to give a select group of Guardians back their power, but you're not among them."

"You want me to find a creature with untold powers with my human self? You really think I'll succeed?"

"You better. She's hiding from us somewhere nearby. We tracked her here and could get no farther. We need her found and distracted until we can enact a better plan," the Watcher said. "If she kills you, nothing is lost. If you kill her, you save us the trouble of Plan B."

"And if I refuse?"

"I'll have you killed."

Jule laughed loudly. "You really think that'll work on me?"

"What mortal doesn't fear death?" the Watcher asked, his brow furrowing.

"This one," Jule said with a broad smile. "If I succeed, I want my powers back. On the spot. You see, Watcher, I'm not stupid enough to think you really want me to fail. You wouldn't ask someone you hated unless you were desperate. Or, unless I'm the only person who can do it."

The Watcher's eyes flashed. Jule studied him, guessing his words to be correct by the anger on the Watcher's face.

"Fine." The Watcher all but spat the words. "If you succeed, you-and everyone else-will have their powers returned." He appeared to sulk for a moment then grew thoughtful. "Of course, there's always another option."

"And that would be?"

"Returning to the immortal realm with me and regaining your powers."

Jule frowned. He wasn't sure how returning to the immortal realm would make a difference. A Watcher was stronger than any Guardian in the mortal realm, except for Damian, and more powerful than any immortal in the immortal realm, except for an Original Being. Whatever this Watcher was planning, it wasn't good.

"No, thanks," Jule said. He turned and started walking down the hill.

"You don't remember the immortal-"

"Nope. We're done."

The Watcher lingered for a moment. Jule felt the creature's presence disappear and dwelled on the odd arrangement. The Watcher had been up front with him about the mission, which meant there was much more than the immortal creature was saying. The little bastards never spoke the absolute truth.