Dark Guardian: A New Dawn Read online

  Dark Guardian:

  A New Dawn

  Dark Guardian:

  A New Dawn

  Ammar Habib

  DARK GUARDIAN: A NEW DAWN

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used factiously, and any resemblance to any persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations in critical articles or reviews.

  Copyright © 2017 by Ammar Habib

  This book is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Any reproduction or other unauthorized use of the material or artwork herein is prohibited without the express written permission of the author(s).

  Printed in the United States of America

  First Edition: February 2017

  First Printing: February 2017

  ISBN: 978-0-692-83057-4

  For more information, please visit:

  www.ammarahsenhabib.com

  Other works by the author include:

  Dark Guardian

  Dark Guardian: Legends (Releasing November 2017)

  Memories Of My Future

  Crossroads: A Story of Hope and Love

  Dedicated With Love To:

  My beautiful mother, Farah, for always picking me up when I’m down

  My incredible father, Ahsen, for teaching me to never quit

  My fantastic brother, Nabeel, for being my best friend

  My awesome family and friends for their continued support,

  All the aspiring authors in the world,

  &

  The amazing characters that brought this story to life

  Table of Contents

  List of Characters

  A Message For You

  Recap of Dark Guardian

  Chapter 1: From the Darkness

  Chapter 2: Times of Change

  Chapter 3: Shootout

  Chapter 4: Cost of War

  Chapter 5: Broken Dreams

  Chapter 6: Lambs Becoming Lions

  Chapter 7: Wounds

  Chapter 8: Kind-Hearted Men

  Chapter 9: New Threats

  Chapter 10: Growing Threats

  Chapter 11: Ambush

  Chapter 12: Legends of Heroes

  Chapter 13: Realities of War

  Chapter 14: Hunting Dogs

  Chapter 15: True Allegiances

  Chapter 16: Bigger Bite

  Chapter 17: Not a Man of Words

  Chapter 18: Underground’s Last Stand

  Chapter 19: Vixen

  Chapter 20: Deception

  Chapter 21: Prisoner

  Chapter 22: Allies

  Chapter 23: Long Night’s End

  Chapter 24: Leaving

  Chapter 25: New Beginnings

  Chapter 26: Rebirth

  Chapter 27: The Brave

  Chapter 28: Flames of War

  Chapter 29: Final Stand

  Chapter 30: End of the Line

  Chapter 31: Hope

  List of Characters

  Main Characters

  Ethan Daniels (The Guardian)

  William Jones

  Katrina Weaving

  Adam Wise

  Ivan

  Revolution’s Leaders

  Villanueva

  Marcos Alberto

  Tony Hernandez

  Government Officials

  President Gonzalez

  Sergeant Jones

  Ethan’s Family

  Jonathan Daniels (Ethan’s brother)

  Cathy Daniels (Ethan’s sister-in-law)

  David Daniels (Ethan’s grandfather, deceased)

  Brett Daniels (Ethan’s father, deceased)

  Naira (Ethan’s adopted sister, deceased)

  A Message For You

  Dear Friend,

  I’m truly honored to share Dark Guardian: A New Dawn with you. With the great reception Dark Guardian received, I am very excited to share the next chapter of Ethan Daniels’ story.

  I continue to find that the creation of this series is a personal quest that is every bit as transformative as Ethan’s own journey. I was just out of high school when I started writing this series, and the process of writing it and navigating the creative and business side of the literary world continues to be an adventure.

  I view it as a privilege to not only write Ethan’s journey, but to share it with amazing people like you. Even though A New Dawn is the second installment of a series, I wanted it to be its own story that stood on its own feet. I wanted the story to be an organic continuation of Ethan’s adventures and not just a rehash of what happened in Dark Guardian. I wanted A New Dawn to not only cater to fans of the first novel, but also be simple enough for new readers to follow. I truly believe that I was able to accomplish those objectives.

  I’d like to end by thanking you. An author is nothing without his readers, and I truly appreciate your support. I do not take it lightly that readers select my book out of the countless works available. I look forward to the honor of hearing your thoughts someday. If this is your first time reading any of my works, thank you for taking a chance on it. And for those that have read my other works, I truly appreciate your continued support. Enjoy!

  Your friend,

  Ammar

  February 2016

  Recap of Dark Guardian

  Dark Guardian begins with Ethan’s return to Crown City only to find that the city and nation are deteriorating in every aspect while corruption has consumed its entire infrastructure. David, the grandfather who raised Ethan, has died and left his wealth and companies to Ethan.

  Everyone believed Ethan to be dead after his mysterious disappearance four years ago, even his estranged brother and father, Jonathan and Brett. The only person who still believed Ethan was alive is his childhood friend, Katrina.

  Ethan immediately sets in motion his plan to exact revenge on Anthony Griffin, the head of a global drug cartel and one of the nation’s most powerful men.

  Through flashbacks, it is revealed that four years ago, Ethan ran away and cut off contact with everyone. Travelling as a nomad through much of Asia and Africa, he sees the worst aspects of humanity. During his travels, he takes in an orphaned girl, Naira, and treats her as his own sister. They travel together for two years before Ethan decides to take Naira back with him to Crown City. But on a fateful night, Ethan and Naira are killed by a drunken gang headed by the village leader’s son, who was put in power by Anthony Griffin.

  After his death, Ethan is seemingly resurrected by a mystic, Daken. Daken unexplainably gives Ethan slightly superhuman physical attributes. Ethan swears to kill everyone responsible for Naira’s death. He soon leaves Daken’s domain and kills the gang and then the village leader’s family before returning to Crown City.

  Back in the present, Ethan dons the mask of a vigilante and begins to capture and interrogate members of the cartel in his hunt for Anthony. Ethan allies himself with a reporter and former soldier, William. He is hesitant to help Ethan at first, but agrees when Ethan promises to deliver him the name of his late wife’s killer. During his quest, Ethan kills a number of the cartel’s men and some corrupt police officers, causing the police to begin a manhunt for the mysterious vigilante, while many citizens hail him as a hero and dub him as The Guardian.

  However, Ethan’s resolve is shaken by his multiple reencounters with Katrina. Jonathan attempts to reach out and repair their relationship, but Ethan pushes him away every time. The further Ethan goes down the road of vengeance, the further his mental
health deteriorates. Continuing his hunt, Ethan is nearly killed one night after interrogating one of Anthony’s lieutenants. Soon after, multiple bystanders are murdered because of him. Ethan realizes that their deaths have no effect on his blackened heart and finally recognizes what is happening to his soul. Ethan gives up his revenge to have a life with Katrina after she confesses her love for him. He finally understands that his quest will not bring him peace and chooses to let go of his past.

  Ethan makes a vow to give himself a second chance at life and to use his vast resources to make the world a better place. Using his wealth, he successfully upstarts a multimillion-dollar humanitarian organization aimed at improving the lives of orphans, the poor, and battered women. He also uses his law firm to battle corrupt officials and put them behind bars. He eventually reconciles with his family as his relationship with Katrina flourishes. As winter arrives, Ethan plans to finally propose to Katrina. For the first time in his life, Ethan is at peace.

  But fate has a different plan for him.

  Through a twisted turn of events, Anthony learns the identity of The Guardian. Meanwhile, a visit from Daken causes Ethan to learn the truth of his “resurrection”. He discovers that he was not resurrected; rather he is a clone of the real Ethan who died alongside Naira. He also learns that Daken is no man, but a monster.

  Anthony captures Ethan’s father and has a team of mercenaries kidnap Katrina. He has the police arrest William to lure Ethan into a trap. Ethan goes headfirst into the central police station and frees William after a bloody battle. Ethan discovers Anthony’s location and finally confronts him. Anthony reveals that he is also a clone created by Daken, just like Ethan. Ethan learns that Daken is building an army of loyal soldiers for some dark purpose.

  Anthony executes Ethan’s father right in front of him. After a brutal fight, Ethan kills Anthony. Wounded, Ethan saves Katrina from the mercenaries, but passes out in her arms. Katrina realizes Ethan is The Guardian and saves his life.

  Two mornings later, Ethan awakens next to Katrina. Telling Katrina the truth, he advises her to leave him because he won’t allow himself to put her life in danger. He realizes that he has the power to bring about real change in the world and makes the promise that he will use his abilities to battle injustice.

  Ethan begins his plans to bring hope back to the people. A few days later, Katrina finds him and says that she will wait for him. Ethan gives her the engagement ring, and she promises to wear it until they meet again before leaving back to her home country.

  William joins Ethan on his mission and convinces prominent citizens of the nation to ally themselves with The Guardian. They plan to start a civil revolution against the corrupt while The Guardian cleans up the streets. Believing that success is inevitable, Ethan begins his mission. But this time, he is donning the mask of The Guardian and using his abilities for justice.

  Chapter 1

  From The Darkness

  Had he known what would leap out from the darkness and claim his depraved soul on this particular night, President Richardson would have repented for his countless sins before going to bed. Unfortunately, death never forewarns its victims.

  President Richardson was always a deep sleeper. Nothing ever seemed to wake the man. But tonight was different. Tonight, he would face his killer.

  The president’s eyes widened with a gasp as he looked at the intruder towering above him. It was the figure who men like him feared: the infamous Guardian.

  The masked vigilante’s dagger was at Richardson’s throat while his gloved hand roughly seized the president by his sweat drenched hair. Richardson could neither scream nor beg for mercy, helplessly staring into The Guardian’s merciless eyes.

  The room was dark, but the president could make out his assailant’s red and black mask almost perfectly. The mask’s features were a repeat of what he witnessed countless times in his nightmares.

  Bitter air blew in through the open window; the white sheets around the president were drenched in his sweat. The only sound that could be heard was the low whistle of the cold breeze. Covered in a grey cloak over his tactical suit, The Guardian could smell the terror dripping off of Richardson’s body. The intruder yanked Richardson closer by his hair while keeping the sharpened dagger right against his throat. Shrouded in darkness, the intruder sadistically smiled under his mask.

  The captive president tried to say something, but all that came out was a muffled sentence. In a sadistic growl, The Guardian spoke. “You knew one night I would come for you.”

  The president did not reply.

  “If you’re waiting for your guards to show up, then you’ll be disappointed.” The edge of the blade moved closer to Richardson’s throat. “But you’ll be joining them soon enough!”

  Richardson’s heart fell upon hearing those words. His mind frantically searched for a way out, but his heart knew there was no escape from this monster. Already knowing the inevitable, Richardson still let out a cry. “…please…”

  The intruder cackled. “Matthew Richardson, I am the creation of your sins. And they have sent me to claim your soul.”

  A quick scream.

  Then…silence.

  Chapter 2

  Times of Change

  Two years later:

  Villanueva looked up from his desk when he heard his office door open. Recognizing the young businessman and philanthropist, he rose from his seat to greet him. The bodyguard closed the door as the guest walked toward Villanueva’s desk.

  “Mr. Villanueva, thank you for having me,” the studly guest spoke. Wearing a black sports coat on top of a white buttoned-down collared shirt with black slacks, he charmingly smiled at his host.

  Meeting halfway, the two wealthy and renowned businessmen firmly shook hands. “Ethan Daniels, it’s always a pleasure seeing you.”

  “Likewise.”

  “Can I get you anything, Ethan? Water? Coffee?”

  “Just had a cup of coffee before I came here. But thanks.”

  “Working late?”

  “You could say that.”

  The large, high-rise office was decorated with colorful custom-made furniture. To the left was a large window which showed a perfect view of Crown City. The illuminated ceiling lights reflected off of the graceful marble floor. And a chest full of toys, that entertained Villanueva’s granddaughter, was visibly on display in one corner of the room—a testament to Villanueva’s softer side.

  Right behind Villanueva’s desk, a brown shelf held numerous family pictures, china plates, and souvenirs that had been collected from his world travels. Against another wall was a bookshelf that was filled with alphabetically arranged books of all sizes and colors. Hanging from the last wall was a large flat-screened television, which was showing a muted news report.

  The older man retook his armchair, while Ethan sat across the desk. “You look tired, Ethan. Those late nights must be catching up to you.”

  “Business has been keeping a good night’s rest from me recently.”

  “Happens to us all.” Villanueva motioned towards the television. “Crazy to think how one night can throw everything into a frenzy. It’s been two years since Richardson was killed and Vice President Gonzalez became President Gonzalez.”

  “Has it really?” Ethan turned his head to look at the report.

  The television footage showed the two-year-old ceremony. The vice president was in a secluded room surrounded by bodyguards and a few delegates. With his hand raised, the lank man recited the oath before the judge. Of course, every person in that room knew Gonzalez would do everything but honor that oath.

  “Time sure does fly,” Ethan remarked, looking back at his host.

  “Most say that Richardson had it coming.”

  “Maybe he did. But then, who are we to judge who deserves to die.”

  “Some have the right to do so.”

  Ethan silently nodded. “Your assistant was pretty vague when she called my office. She didn’t exactly mention why you wanted to
meet me.”

  “I will get to that. But before I do, Ethan, I need to ask you a few questions to see if you’re the right man to make this arrangement with.”

  “Please do.” Ethan leaned back in the chair a little bit.

  “What are your thoughts about the revolution? Seems that every day more people are rallying behind it.”

  “I assume by revolution, you’re referring to the movement for a new government?”

  Villanueva nodded.

  “My opinion?” Ethan glanced down at his lap for a quick moment. “I’ve learned to follow the principle, not the man. That’s something my grandfather taught me a long time ago. I support what the movement stands for. The nation of Tripton needs a new government. One that’s for the people and has their best interest in mind. One that’s willing to always do what’s right, not what’s easy. But the day that its leaders pull away from these principles, I pull away from them.”

  Villanueva obviously liked what he was hearing. “Well said. And Gonzalez? Any opinion over him?”

  “I think he’s the same as his predecessor.”

  “And what are your thoughts on his predecessor?”

  “I only met him once. Back when I was getting the orphanage and shelter projects off the ground. It was only a few months before his death. After Richardson realized the scope of the projects, he arranged a meeting with me.”

  “And what did you think of him?”

  “He tried to pressure me into changing my plans. Wanted to try and let the government stick their nose into the project and take control of it.”

  “Were you glad when you heard of his death?”

  “Glad? I don’t think I’ve ever celebrated anybody’s death.” Ethan paused for a moment. “But what I do know is that many of the children living in our orphanages are orphans by his doing. In his own country, hundreds of millions have suffered because of him. His death shows that nobody is untouchable. Nobody is invincible. No matter how high they are or how big the fortress around them is, they cannot escape justice. Those who ignore the rights of their fellow man will be punished, in this world…and the next.”