David winced as he saw all of their attacks simply being knocked away by some unseen force. Even Elli's crucifix was just another bit of metal to be deflected away. David was afraid, but he still stood. He still made himself the obvious target, waving his arms around. He was going to fire again, when blood splashed from the Guardian and he was...

"You lot!"

The Guardian called them over, and David obeyed. He did not question. The reality of what was happening was catching up to him. He had SHOT at someone. He had fired a bullet to kill. And he'd thought he would miss, but at the moment he was hoping to place on directly between the man's eyes. His face was blank, blank of expression, thought or emotion. He felt as if his mind were some great machine powered by steam, yet the fires had gone out and the gears and water were rendered inert, allowing shadows to crawl into his brain. He listened to the Guardian speak, but only dully noted his words.

"I...wanted to kill you," David whispered, quietly enough that it was unlikely anyone else heard.

The Guardian spoke of slaying the other Guardians, and David gasped.

"No! We...we have to try diplomacy, see if they can...if they can be persuaded to..." David paused, "I mean...I know that it's unlikely. So very unlikely...but we have to try! We have to try peace!"

After a moment, David realized no one was fully listening to him. They were all staring at the Guardian. David stared as well.

The Guardian was now dead.

After a moment, David heard Elli speak, and he nodded.

"Yeah. I...think we have to see this through. We...should be careful though. I'll go in first. If it's a trap, and it traps or kills me, then I won't return and we'll all know not to go through the portal."